Sleepers
Date: 2012-08-17 04:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Horror; Zombies; Apocalyptic; Science Fiction; Fiction; Post Apocalyptic; Dystopia; Science Fiction Fantasy; Fantasy
Description: A normal spring morning cascades into a nightmare world for Mera Stevens as 1.8 billion children simultaneously fall ill and then vanish from the face of the earth. Her son, Jeremy, is one of them. Increased natural disasters, onslaught of disease and other phenomena throws the world into chaos as it balances on the brink of extinction. With communications down, Mera gathers the courage and strength she needs to trek across a dying country in search of a daughter she desperately hopes is still alive. While en route to Seattle, Mera is joined by others on a similar mission. Their travels are no
Publisher: Permuted Press

THE BIG TEN

First Ten Books of the Beginnings Series

Jacqueline Druga

THE BIG TEN

Beginnings Books 1- 10

By Jacqueline Druga

Copyright 2013 by Jacqueline Druga

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any person or persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

So many people have helped replenish this series, so thank you to Cindy, Sonia, Bonnie, Rita and Jhanelle.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Silent Victor

Cain

Beyond the Wall

Circle of Justice

The Ripple

State of Time

Inner Struggle

Blink of an Eye

Freedom Fight

Horse Soldier

BONUS

Characters

Map

Robbie’s Tale

THE SILENT VICTOR

Book One

This book is dedicated to my father and his memory, for without him the character of Joe would have never been born.

THE BEGINNING

No one said life would be easy

No one said life would be fair

No one said life wouldn’t end

With one simple breath of fresh air

MONDAY, MAY 4 - 11:50 a.m.

Reston, VA

His hands were large and strong, and so was his stature which seemed to hide the age behind his fifty-two years. Joe Slagel leaned toward the trunk of a black car, his protective vest barely fitting. His left hand rested on the back of his neck, the other smoothed out across a map. He explained with authority to the six men who stood behind him, “Davis, you take the rear porch and hold up there until you get my signal. Brian, you ... Where in the hell is he?” Joe turned around, his head looking back and forth for his partner. How hard would it be to spot a six foot four, skinny, red haired ‘pup’ as Joe referred to him. “Brian, get over here!” Joe scolded.

“Sorry, Joe.” Brian hunched some as he walked over to join the others at the car. “My uh ...” He held up a paper cup. “ ... coffee.”

Joe continued, “We have all bases covered. We haven’t seen any action or movement from within that house for over fourteen hours.” He indicated two blocks down the street to the small white and blue frame house. The blinds were drawn. “Now we can go in as soon as our immigration guys show up.” He lifted his head to the sound of two cars pulling up. “Which they just did.” Breaking free of the huddled group, Joe hurried his way to the first suited gentleman who stepped forward. “Joe Slagel, CIA.” He extended his hand.

“Daniel Kennedy.” Daniel removed his sunglasses. “We’re ready when you are.’ He called his four guys in. “What’s going on?”

“Basically, we believe there are eight members of a terrorist cell in the house. We’ve been tracking them for years. Unfortunately we have been unable to bring them in on anything, not even a traffic violation. For months threatening faxes have been sent to the CDC; we feel it’s them. Yesterday we got a tip from the Jensen Manufacturing Group that they sent a shipment to the house. A shipment that did not contain anything illegal or anything they were not allowed by law to send. However, the contents if combined correctly could be used to make an explosive device.”

Daniel Kennedy listened as he nodded his head. “That’s where we come in, correct?”

“Correct. Your people confirmed this morning that one of the eight, an Izan ...” Joe cringed as he looked over his notes. “ ...something or other, is not registered with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. There’s our ‘in’ to enter the premises. We surveyed this house for four months. At zero three hundred hours yesterday all eight were in there. However, as of nine-twenty yesterday morning they haven’t so much as turned on their cable television. So, Agent Kennedy, if you lead the way, the CIA and the FBI will be more than happy to escort you in and help with any resistance you should encounter.” Joe spoke with a smile.

Daniel Kennedy opened his suit jacket removing his revolver from his shoulder harness. Checking his weapon, he signaled his men forward.

Joe gave his signal to his brigade. Quickly, quietly, and armed, they all took their positions. Joe stood armed in a ready position with Brian present holding open the screen door for Daniel Kennedy. With a nod, a signal, Daniel raised his free hand.

Three knocks, firm and loud: “This is Immigration. Open up.” He paused. “We know you are in there, Izan, open up!” Daniel took a firmer tone. “Open up or we are coming in.” Still nothing. Daniel stepped back. “All yours, Agent Slagel.”

Looking pleased, Joe reached for the doorknob—locked. He adjusted his headset radio and spoke softly into it, “On my call.” Stepping back he held his weapon high, signaling to Brian with his head. “Now!” Joe gave one powerful kick to the door; it blasted open, sending splinters of wood flying. Barreling forth, Joe extended his revolver as he entered the living room. The sound of the back door smashing was the only other noise in the silent house. When he witnessed the scene, Joe did not flinch nor did he moan loudly in disgust like the others. He covered his nose with the back of his hand and put away his revolver. “Christ.” He exhaled, casting the smell of death from his nostrils.

He moved forward, peering around the living room in angry annoyance at a failed attempt. Eight men lay dead. Their faces blue, eyes wide open, bodies reeking with an odor he was unable to ignore. Seven lay scattered about in no particular order; dried gray and brown vomit was spewed on and around them. Their suicides were evident by the open empty bottles of drain cleaner that laid upon the coffee table.

The eighth man was used to write their suicide note. He sat in a chair, legs extended, head slumped to the right, his long brown hair covering his face. His right arm hung down; the wrist was cut deeply, and below his lifeless hand was the pool of blood that the other seven had used for their ink.

Joe looked to the note written in large letters across the far wall of the living room. Clenching his jaws, he faced his entourage. “Pick it up, gentlemen, we have our work cut out for us. Brian?”

“Yeah, Joe?”

“Let’s get some pictures of this wall, and find me a handwriting analyst. I want to see if this matches the notes that the CDC has been getting. I doubt it, though.” Emotionless, Joe once again read the note on the wall. Their final words, their warning was written in big brown letters, slanted upward. It simply and eerily read: ‘This is the end. Get ready ... Be prepared.’

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6 - 11:15 a.m. EST

30 miles southeast of Hawaii, Carrington Research Island

Doctor Catherine Donovan snapped her fingers and, at the same time, orders to the Center for Disease Control assistant that walked alongside of her. She had exited the large gray research building that could be seen from the shore. Flowers, fresh, alive, lined the path that led to the small grade that took her and Jan to the beach below. A cool ocean breeze swept through her dull, short blonde hair. Her flowered polyester dress was somewhat wrinkled from just dropping it to her bag. But she was glad to have it on in replacement of the biohazard suit she had been wearing. She walked awkwardly in the flat shoes she wore, like a man would. In fact Dr. Catherine Donovan was built much like a man, big, stocky. However, she found herself attractive and that was conveyed to everyone she met.

Catherine paused before heading to the beach. Such an ideal place to work and live, as all of the Carrington employees did. Catherine would have been jealous of all of the doctors there if it had not been for the reason for her visit: A distress signal sent by the research island to Carrington main office, a distress signal that brought the CDC.

A place that was perfect, yet now quiet; not even the sounds of birds were heard. For they, like the inhabitants of Carrington Research Island, had dropped, seventy-two hours earlier, in the midst of their lives. The feathered creatures lay on the beach, walkways, wherever they fell in death. The people of the island--the same. Such horror had struck them quickly, painfully and at the same time. Suddenly and abruptly death hit them, and their bodies lay at desks, fallen from bikes, on the playground and even in the showers. The CDC and Catherine were just getting to that phase of the investigation, the accountability and removal of the bodies.

Whatever caused the deaths remained a mystery. Catherine and her crew determined that it had to be something Carrington was working on. It released itself into the air, the water, and like a time bomb it exploded taking all but two lives. Leaving shells of bodies shriveled, blistered, and drained of all fluids, fluids that had made their escape from the bodies one way or another. A chemical agent, not a trace of it left. Nowhere. Not even in the air. That revelation was what allowed Catherine and her crew to now walk the once beautiful island, free from the restriction of the protective gear they had previously worn.

Catherine took another step toward the beach to wait for her people to bring the bodies. The closer to the sand she drew, the more in focus they became. Or rather he became. Shielding her eyes from the sun, Catherine studied him—the newcomer in an Army uniform. He barely could be seen hunching at the water’s edge. His hair blew in the wind. “Jan?” Catherine called curiously. “I see the Army has arrived.”

“They have.” Jan stood next to Catherine.

“Who’s ... who’s the kid?” She pointed to him at the beach. “I can’t believe they sent a kid to do a man’s job. He’ll screw up all our work.” Perturbed, Catherine headed toward the man, one of ten that had arrived that morning.

“Catherine ...” Jan tried to stop her marching superior.

Catherine ignored her assistant, calling out to him. “Excuse me.” She approached the youthful-looking man. “Excuse me ...”

“I’m Lieutenant Hayes.” He stood, looking up to the woman who towered over him.

“I’m sure you are.” Catherine placed her hands on her hips. “I know why you people are here. I want you to know that my people have worked very hard.”

“I’ve read your research, thank you.” Lt. Hayes placed his water sample in a box. “Now if you’ll excuse me.”

“No, I won’t. Do you know what you’re doing?”

His silent laugh produced a smile, a bright smile across the boyishly handsome face. “I thought you said you knew why we’re here. If you do, then you know the United States government has every right to be here. You’ve done your job, Doctor, thank you.” He started to walk from her, his soft spoken voice suddenly taking on an edge. “Hey!” He called out to two men who carried a body bag. “No, you don’t.” Lt. Hayes ran to them, halting them. “Take that body back. Take that body back now. I don’t want a single body, specimen, culture or sample leaving this island without my viewing it. Understand?”

Catherine approached him. “I’m afraid you don’t understand the importance of our part in this.”

“No.” Lt. Hayes faced her, more serious. “I’m afraid you don’t understand the importance of our part in this. Now you either stop your people or my men will.” Lt. Hayes walked from her to one of his own team. “I need to review everything. Do not let anyone leave this island at all.” Returning to his things on the beach, he saw Catherine still standing there. “Now, Doctor,” he spoke to her. “We can work together on this or apart.”

“I don’t work with children.”

Biting his lip, and closing his eyes tightly, Lt. Hayes twitched his head to the left. Refraining himself from insulting the woman, he grabbed his things and walked away.

Jan, Catherine’s nervous assistant, rushed to her. “Catherine, do you know ...”

“Who was that arrogant little shit?” Catherine pointed as Lt. Hayes barked orders on his route to the research building.

“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. Do you know who that was you were speaking to? That was Lt. Dean Hayes. The Lt. Dean Hayes. The virologist, DNA specialist, top mind in his field Dr. Hayes. Ring a bell?”

“Oh shit.” Catherine turned stunned, her mouth dropped open. “That was Lt. Dean Hayes? You’re kidding?” Her eyes shifted back to Lt. Hayes who was fading from view. “God, he looks twelve.”

Thursday, May 28th - 10:33 p.m.

CIA Headquarters - Washington, DC

The chair squeaked loudly as Joe plopped down. He’d had the same beat-up brown chair for so many years he was beginning to use duct tape to hold it together. But it was his favorite chair and Joe swore that, other than on the commode, he did his best thinking there.

Exhausted mentally, he leaned as far back as he could in that chair rubbing his eyes, possibly trying to rub away the tiredness of a case that was far from over. A case Joe feared wouldn’t be over for a very long time.

Zero progress had been made in figuring out why eight men were dead after leaving an ominous message in blood on the wall, the same message that had been sent over and over to the Centers for Disease Control. He had tips, yes, but they went about as far as a cheap ball point pen.

Snapping from the memory of his eventful day, Joe sprang forward in his chair at the same time a folder dropped upon his desk before him. Raising his tired eyes, Joe glanced at his partner, Brian.

“Christ, what now?” Joe asked when he saw the look on Brian’s face.

“Centers for Disease Control received another fax while we were in Reston.”

Taking a deep breath, Joe hesitated before opening the folder. “Just tell me. Same message?”

“Yep. Little warning like always. Saying the same thing we saw today. Get ready. Be prepared.” Suddenly the corner of Brian’s mouth raised in a sneaky manner. “But he made one mistake. He used the same copy store in New York.”

Joe’s tired eyes opened wide. “Tell me. Tell me we got someone that saw him.”

Brian’s smiled. “We got a lead.”

DAYONE

Friday, May 29th - 8:15 a.m.

Fort Sioux Research Facility - Nebraska

The folder set before General Green was thick. The tall, strong black man in his late forties allowed a smirk to pass across his thick lips as he glanced up at Lt. Dean Hayes.

A sweep of his index finger across his military mustache and General Green, hand on folder, leaned back some in his chair. “Carrington’s done, Lieutenant?”

“Unfortunately. And I, um ...” Dean cleared his throat in nervousness. “I apologize for my error, Sir.”

“Error? The ‘I’m the best at what I do and never make a mistake’ Lt. Hayes admits an error?”

Dean tilted his head while holding up two fingers an inch apart. “A small one. Not a complete error. I dismissed it too soon.”

“Give me what you got.”

Dean pointed to the folder. “May I?”

“Be my guest.”

Turning it to face him, Dean pulled out the top sheet and handed it to General Green. “Carrington Research Island. Isolated, located about 125 miles north of Kauai. The residents of the island are those who work for Carrington and their families. Dedicated solely to the research of biological growth formulas. So ... why do we have this?” Dean opened his laptop, clicked the keys a few times, turned it to General Green’s view then moved behind him.

A video began to play scenes of the island. Documentary-style footage showed dead birds, shriveled bodies, remains fallen on parking lots, beaches, and even playgrounds, all appearing to have lost their lives in the midst of whatever they were doing.

Dean shut down the video. “Everything on that island was wiped out in a matter of seconds. Not a trace of anything was found in the air. Nothing. Chemical agent? Hardly. Try biological agent spewed out into the air when their ventilation system reversed itself during the accidental spill.”

“Biological?”

“Synthesized, souped up, deadlier version of the bubonic plague kind of mixed with H1N1 and a little of H5N1, hence our birds dropping.”

General Green leaned back in his chair. “Any thought to a connection between this and those threatening faxes to the CDC?”

Dean lifted his hands up and dropped them. “Could be. Couldn’t be. Carrington is a private corporation. Why they are recreating the bubonic plague is beyond me. Someone has them doing it. But the ‘why’ is not my job. Anything more than what the germ is would be matter of personal opinion.”

“Then let me hear it.” General Green folded his hands. “Give me your personal opinion.”

“Doesn’t matter,” Dean stated firmly. “Doesn’t matter if there is a connection between Carrington and the faxes to the CDC. I have said it from the get-go. If the Centers for Disease Control are receiving terrorist threats, then, in my opinion, the situation should be taken as seriously as if God himself wrote the same message to the pope. They both could mean the same thing if the warnings are legitimate ... Armageddon.”

May 29th - 10:20 a.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

Happy little cartoon animals and bright red balloons graced the lab coat of Ellen Callaway. Ten years she had worked in the same doctor’s office, and she still managed to remain cheerful and happy. She surfed the radio for a better selection of music in the small examining room. With her fingers adjusting the knob, Ellen head banged to the rock beat; she wanted to find something to soothe the worried and wiry little patient that waited for the doctor. “Better?” Ellen asked turning around.

Mrs. Edith Conrad’s hands gripped tight to her own bony knees. She shook her head and puckered her ninety-year-old face. “No. Oh, Ellen. No.”

“Really? Seems like something you’d go for.” Giggling, Ellen turned around and tried again. “Better?”

“Something softer. Please.”

“Kind of need something to get you into that mode. Huh?” Ellen found an instrumental. “There.”

“Better.”

“I thought so.” Ellen grabbed the chart. “Well, I’ll just go tell Doc Breyer you’re all ready and he’ll be right in.” Ellen winked and while still looking at Mrs. Conrad, opened the examining room door and nearly knocked over Doc Breyer.

“Pardon me, Ellen.” The silvery Doc Breyer laid his hands on Ellen’s shoulders.

“That’s all right. Here’s Mrs. Conrad’s chart.” She moved to leave.

“Ellen.” Doc Breyer called her in a whisper. “She’s still dressed.”

“Let’s just say she believes in that x-ray vision of yours.”

Doc Breyer shook his head, paused then: “Oh, Ellen.” Doc Breyer called her again.

Ellen nearly skidded to a stop in the doorway. “Yes.” She turned around with a smile.

“Pete’s on line two.”

“Pete.” Ellen drew up an odd look. “Pete. Pete.”

“Your husband.”

“Oh, yeah. Pete. Thanks, I’ll take it in your office.”

“I’d really rather you ...” Before Doc Breyer could finish, Ellen was gone and the examining room door closed. “ ... used your cell.” He placed on an old smile, chart in hand and faced Mrs. Conrad. “Edith, you’re looking good.”

“Did ... . did... .” Mrs. Conrad pointed to the door. “Did you ever wonder if Ellen is really all there?”

Tacky, paneled and smelling like cigars was the atmosphere of Doc Breyer’s office. Every other aspect of the building was redone and modernized except for that office. Ellen hated it, but it was private and she needed to use the phone.

Like a warning sign, that blinking red light flashed at her. Cringing then taking a breath, Ellen picked up the phone, and depressed the button. “What!”

“Whoa,” the deep male voice spoke with a hint of a chuckle. “Easy. Why are you yelling?”

“Frank?” Ellen smiled and slowly sat down. “Why are you calling the office phone?”

“Uh, your cell is off.”

“Oh, yeah. Ok, why are you pretending to be Pete?”

“El, please. I wanted to talk to you. The old guy wouldn’t tell you I was calling. What’s he call us? Immoral.”

“That’s because he goes into that lecture on how you’re married to my best friend and ...”

“Hold it. Fifteen years, Babe, retract that last statement.”

“I stand corrected.” Ellen played with the phone cord. “Kelly is married to my best friend.”

“Thank you.”

“So you told him you were Pete?”

“Yeah. I’m not immoral. So I lied.” Frank smiled over the phone. “How are you?”

“Good, now. Seeing how it’s ten-thirty in the morning over this end of the country. And seeing how I’m getting a call. Tell me. You’re not coming home, are you?” There was a long breathy silence from Frank that seeped over the phone. “Frank.”

“El. I can’t. I have detail.”

“Don’t give me the shit, Frank. I’ve known you too long. You are getting worse. It’s getting longer and longer between weekend leaves.”

“I know. But I can’t ...  I can’t stand being in the house with her. I can’t. And I can’t stay at a hotel, money’s short.” Frank huffed. “I obviously can’t stay with you.”

“Frank. I know you and Kelly aren’t each other’s favorite people, but what about your kids? You have four kids that need to see you.”

“I know.” Frank sounded humbled.

“You have to come home for them.”

“I will. Next weekend.”

Ellen closed her eyes. “Promise me, Frank. You’ve never broken a promise to me.”

Frank only hesitated for a moment. “I promise you I’ll be home next weekend.”

“Good.” Ellen let out a slight breath. “Now, serious talk over.” She kicked back in the chair, putting her feet up on Doc Breyer’s desk and swiveled left to right. “Tell me about this new Staff Sergeant that answered the phone yesterday. Is he cute?”

May 29th - 2:10 p.m.

New York City, New York

“Something’s not right.” Joe spoke to Brian, covering his own mouth with his index finger as he did. “Look at him.”

Brian turned his head to the right to peer at Agent Johnson. He stood at the counter of the crowded copy store talking to some manager that looked as if he barely was out of high school. “Nah.”

“Yeah.” Joe placed his hands in the pocket. “Donna Devlin is the name of the woman we are supposed to meet here. Sorry, that doesn’t look like Donna ...” Joe cleared his throat when Agent Johnson headed his way. “Here it comes. Bill.” Joe raised his head. “Donna in the lady’s room?”

“Um ... no.”

“No?”

“No.” Bill shook his head. “She isn’t here.”

“What the hell do you mean she isn’t here?” Joe asked edgily. “You told her we’d be here, right?”

“Right. She was really agreeable because she couldn’t take the time to miss work.” Bill told him. “But, it seems Ms. Devlin is at a uh ... tanning appointment.”

“Tanning appointment.” Joe raised his eyebrows, bouncing from heel to toe. “You mean to tell me two years I have been chasing this guy, trying to get anything even a traffic violation on him. And now, now I have what could be my best lead and I have to wait until some minimum-wage copy store clerk gets her tan?”

“I believe so.” Bill nodded. “Yes.”

Joe had a less-than-subtle snicker to his tone. “Oh, I don’t think so.”

^^^^

The male receptionist at Harold’s Hot Tans wasn’t the least bit amused when a serious Joe walked in, flashed his badge, insisted on Donna Devlin’s booth number, and then laid his gun on the counter in an intimidation tactic. After screaming ‘I know my rights’ The receptionist humbly pointed Joe in the right direction.

The rooms were small and smelled of disinfectant. Deep purple light seeped forth when Joe slid open the bi-fold white door. The lid to the long booth was slightly open and Ms. Devlin’s nude body was partially exposed. Turning off the radio, Joe walked to the booth, hunched down some, knocked on the hood and extended his identification through the bed’s opening. “Ms. Devlin. Joe Slagel, CIA. I have some photos for you to look at.”

May 29th - 2:55 p.m.

Centers for Disease Control - Atlanta, GA

She appeared impatient, pacing, looking at the time on her watch then pacing some more before she sat behind her desk. Catherine Donovan, administrator for The Centers for Disease Control was an intelligent, strong woman. But patience was not her virtue and she firmly believed that anyone that said that to her or used that quote often were people that, by nature, were too slow for her to associate with anyhow.

A tall woman in her forties, Catherine was a contrast of fashion when one viewed her. Make up--subtle but there--always graced her average face. Her hair was plain and simple, and she wore feminine clothes, sometimes expensive ones, to hide her semi-masculine figure.

After about the tenth time of lifting the phone to see if it worked, and after numerous games of intercom tag with her secretary to see if that worked as well, Catherine was throwing in the towel. She opened her top desk drawer and pulled out a white business card. She chuckled in the irony of the card. On the front was printed a pizza shop number and some little guy holding a box; on the back was the number of some little guy that held her answers. With the card in her hand she began to dial.

May 29th - 3:30 p.m.

Fort Sioux Research Facility - Nebraska

Dean wore civilian clothes, baggy Levi jeans that bunched over his high-top tennis shoes. It sounded like a mini basketball game in his lab the way his shoes skidded across the floor when he stopped. He moved quickly, racing about, tossing things not only into a box but an open briefcase as well.

“Why do you do this every single time?” Molly, Dean’s research assistant and a motherly woman, sat at a desk watching him. “You know every time you do a lecture you take too much.”

“I know.” Dean tossed another folder. “But if I don’t take it, what if I need it? Then I’ll look stupid.”

“I doubt it.” Molly turned her chair when the phone rang and she answered.

Dean scratched his head, peering at his things, trying to check off from his mental check list. “Photos, scans ... ah, yes.” He rushed off across the lab.

“Dean.”

“Molly, barring any breakdown of society as we know it I will be back on Monday.” He brought a small box to his briefcase. “Any problems, if you can’t reach my phone, call my dad’s or reach me at the hotel. And don’t forget to fax those Haiti results off to General ...”

“Dean.”

“Yes?”

Molly held up the phone. “Dr. Donovan, CDC.”

Dean’s whole body cringed in a dramatic way. He bobbed his head and tossed the last folder in the briefcase. “Put her on the speaker phone.” Dean ran his fingers through his hair. He waited for the signal from Molly. “This is Lt. Hayes, how can I help you, Dr. Donovan?” Dean continued to gather up his things.

“Since your jetting away on vacation, I guess it’s safe to assume Carrington’s done.” Catherine spoke over the phone.

“Not going on a vacation, I’m doing a lecture. And yes. It’s done.”

“And?”

“And that is highly classified information. You know that.”

“I also know that Carrington was my baby and you stole her from me. And ... And Lt. Hayes, you promised me you’d send me your findings.”

“And I will.” Dean closed his briefcase. “As soon as I get the clearance from General Green. I can’t do any more.”

“Yes, you can. You can ease my mind and tell me Carrington is not the CDC’s domain. This thing scared me, Lieutenant, and not much has in all the years I’ve worked here.”

Dean, his hand on his hip, shook his head and walked to the phone. He picked up the receiver. “This goes no further than this call. All I will say to you is that Carrington is more your jurisdiction than mine.”

“It was viral, wasn’t it?” Catherine asked with a tad of fright to her tone.

“I have to go, Doctor. Have a good day.” Dean hung up and grabbed his things. He pointed to Molly who gave him a disappointed look. “Don’t ...” Dean backed up. “Don’t say it. See you Monday.” With arms full and making a quick spin, Dean hurried from his lab through the double glass doors.

May 29th - 3:30 p.m.

New York City, New York

“Oh, Joe.” Brian cringed, covering his face as he turned away from the window that looked into a small office. “She’s ... she’s pissed.”

“I know.” Joe reached for the door to the office.

“I knew you wanted to rush questioning her, but ...”

“Brian, she made me wait. All she had to do was be there, right?”

“Right.”

“Well, serves her right. Let’s get this over with.” Joe pushed opened the office door. Ms. Devlin sat wearing only a towel, turned when the door opened and she didn’t look very happy. Joe just smiled at her with a carefree attitude, walking around to the desk and dropping his folder. “Sorry it took so long. Let’s get started.” Joe plopped down to the chair, letting out a sigh of exhaustion. He then swiveled toward her.

“Agent Slagel, I ...”

“This is a nice chair.” He hid the snicker he felt creep of over her huff of disgust. “Now ...” he flipped open the folder. “Before we begin, and before you get your bare ass in an uproar, let me explain a little thing to you called ...” Joe winked. “Obstruction of justice.”

^^^^

Barat Ashrad wanted his apartment to be that way. Dirty. Dingy. Dark. All the blinds were pulled as he worked around a small beat-up kitchen table that sat in the corner of his living room. The television played while Ashrad worked. He was a small-framed man with long dark hair and a dark complexion to match. His hands shook as he fiddled with a small metal box. The anchorman spoke the name ‘Centers for Disease Control’ which caught Ashrad’s attention for the first time all afternoon. He picked up the remote control and pointed it at the television with the horrible connection.

“ ... sources close to the investigation say the threatening faxes to the Centers for Disease Control are pretty much an attention grabber in wake of the recent vigilante movement against terrorism. President Hadley, a man not known for mincing words, had this to say about the wave of mysterious attacks against numerous terrorist camps ...”

“Terrorism has pretty much been a pain in my ass from the day I started working for the government.” President George Hadley, rough, raspy, and loud, spoke in the interview. “If it was up to me, I’d forego judge, jury, and conviction, but we have laws. If people want to take it upon themselves to wipe out terrorism, then they can do it... God bless them.”

The barrage of reporter voices annoyed Ashrad and he heard all he needed to hear. He turned the television back down and continued his work on the hand-held object. He raised his eyes from his work only once after that interview. And that was to the other box on the table, a mid-size box labeled with a bright yellow bio-hazard sticker.

^^^^

Visually, Peter Callaway would have been the perfect Ken and Barbie match with Ellen had the two of them ever gotten along. Tall and striking, perfect dark hair and fashion model facial features, Peter approached his very busy secretary outside of his office. “Mare, I think I want to cancel my appointment with Jonathan Quayle; could you find him for me?”

“Where?”

“I don’t know, don’t you have his cell phone?”

“No. Mr. Callaway, Mr. Quayle is from Philadelphia, where do you propose I start, US Air?” Mare responded sarcastically.

“Try his home office; it’s here in New York.” He ran his hands through his always-perfect black hair. It still looked good even after his fingers finished ruffling it.

“I’ll do it.” She returned to her letter.

“Now.”

“All right.” She checked her Rolodex and began to dial. “Are you going to watch me?”

“You were getting ready to blow me off for a letter. Yes, I’m watching you.” Peter stood above her and eavesdropped.

“Hello, yes, could I have the secretary in engineering please, thank you ... yes, I’m looking for one of your Philadelphia-based engineers that is in town, I was wondering if you could direct me to him... Jonathan Quayle... oh really... Will he be checking in? Thank you.” Mare hung up the phone. “She said you missed him by fifteen minutes. He is now sight-seeing before his meeting.”

“Swell. Get my wife on the phone. On second thought, never mind, she’ll just bitch.” He went back into his office, stopped and looked back at his secretary. “If Ellen does call, tell her I’m in that meeting already. I’m supposed to make it to my son’s ball game. Shit ... he’d better be on time.”

^^^^

Jonathan Quayle bounced nervously back and forth from heel to toe as he glanced at his watch every three seconds. He looked around at the herds of people on the subway—standing and sitting. He tried desperately to find a friendly face to help him. In the station he had approached three people. Not one could direct him or rather would direct him to the right train. So Jonathan took pot luck and guessed, taking the lottery approach and jumping on the first arriving transportation vessel. But time was running short. If he remained clueless of his whereabouts, he would surely miss the six-fifteen flight back to Philadelphia unless his meeting was over in a couple of minutes. That was, of course, if Peter Callaway didn’t leave.

Then he spotted her. If instinct served him right, she would be the one. His salvation.

‘What a friend we have in Jesus ...’ was the song her elderly, fragile, quivering voice hummed as she stepped onto crowded subway car 418. Mabel Owens, a petite black woman, carried a purse nearly as big as herself to an empty seat she knew she could squeeze herself into. She smiled, sitting down, ignoring the grunts by the two passengers on both sides of her. She passed off their sounds of irritation as them just having a long day. She reached into her purse and pulled out the only thing that she would eat until she got home from her second job. Mabel had been doing the same thing for forty-eight years. One job to the next. Work was never an option in all of Mabel’s poor life, it was a must. And Mabel worked hard, never once complaining that it was too much.

She slipped the bag of chocolate pieces out and opened the paper bag. Smiling, she offered the treat to the man on her left. He just shook his head at her. She turned to her right and offered some to the man on her right. He too, declined. “Just didn’t want to be rude.” She spoke to them though they didn’t want to be bothered.

Jonathan approached her. “Excuse me, ma’am, can you help me?”

She looked curiously at him for a second, casing him up and down before answering. “What’s wrong?” She spoke soft and slow. “Did you want some candy?”

“Um, no, thank you. But I do need something. I left my directions for a meeting at my office, I left my phone and I’m lost. I need to get to a building called the Barton Building. I thought it was 47th street, but I was wrong. I’m thinking it’s 53rd. How far out of the way does this subway take me?”

“Well, young man, any subway will take you. You just have to get off on the right spot,” she said. “However, you ain’t gonna find the Barton Building on 53rd. It’s on 57th.”

“Are you sure?”

“I oughta be; I’ve been cleaning offices there for eight years. I’m going there now; you can follow me if you like. Who you goin’ to see?”

“Peter Callaway.”

“Oh, Mr. Callaway, he’s on the ninth floor, nice-looking family he has.”

“Oh, you know him?”

“No, no, no, I clean his office. You just stay right by me. We should get there ‘bout ten minutes or so.”

“Thank you, ma’am.” Jonathan smiled.

“Mabel, my name’s Mabel. Best make sure you stand by me and get by the door when I do. Most of these folks gettin’ on aren’t gettin’ off in the city, so they may block you in.”

“I’ll do that.”

Mabel again extended her bag of candy. “Sure you don’t want some?” When he declined with a shake of his head, Mabel settled in, sliding down some as she picked one piece of candy out of the bag, crunching and enjoying it while she rode to her next destination.

May 29th – 4:05 p.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

A single beep and Ellen disconnected the call she had just finished on her phone. She smiled, dropping the phone in between the front two seats. She looked next to her at her ten-year-old son Josh, who just gave her one of those ‘Mom, you’re so weird’ looks. He was a smaller boy who looked like his mom only with curly darker blonde hair that was just about ready for his summer crew cut. “Good, huh?” Ellen nodded. “That ought to do it.”

Ring.

Ellen giggled. “Maybe not.” She picked up the phone. “Watch.” She let it ring again while she peered in her rearview mirror at Taylor, her five-year-old daughter who was the spitting image of Ellen. “Ready.” She beeped the phone on and deepened her voice. “The ... cellular phone customer you are trying to reach has traveled outside of the calling area. Please try your call again later.” With another beep, she hung up the phone, laughing.

“Mom.” Josh shook his head and looked to the phone when it rang again. “Who are you doing that to?”

“Um ... no one. Don’t worry about it. Watch.” She lifted the phone again. “El-lo? El-lo?” She added a high accent to her voice. “Who is it you are trying to call, please.”

“Ellen!” Peter, Ellen’s husband, blasted. “You know goddamn well who I’m trying to call.”

“El-lo? I no understand you. Thank you.” She hung up.

“Mom, why don’t you just shut off the phone?”

“Josh, no way. It’s much more fun. Here.” She handed him the phone. “Call Johnny, tell him we’ll be right there.”

“Mom, we’re at their ...”

“Oh!” Ellen shifted in her seat with excitement. “New gravel. Taylor, make sure you’re buckled up. We’re gonna piss Pap-pap Joe off when he comes up in two weeks. Josh, call Johnny.” Not fast, but at a higher speed than she should be going, Ellen pulled into the gravel driveway of Kelly Slagel’s home. She hit the brakes causing a skid on the nicely-laid stones; dust flew up and Ellen laughed.

Taylor giggled from the back seat. “Mommy, you’re funny.”

“Pap is gonna yell.” Josh dialed the phone. “It’s ringing.”

“There’s Kelly.” Ellen opened her door waving. “Hey.”

Josh listened to the rings. “Johnny, we’re outside. Come on out.”

Kelly Slagel’s arms were folded tightly to her thin body as she walked down the path of her home to the driveway. “Why do you do that every time Joe orders us new gravel?”

“Because I know that means he’s coming.”

“Two weeks,” Kelly said.

“Where’s your son? I want to get them fed before the game.”

“Thanks for taking him.”

“No problem.” Ellen looked up to see Johnny Slagel in his baseball uniform running toward the jeep.

Johnny stopped dead center in front of the vehicle. He looked down at the driveway. “Whoa. Pap is gonna get mad. They just brought this today.”

Ellen rolled her eyes. “Pap doesn’t scare me. Get in the car.” She pointed back and moved to her driver’s door. “See ya at the game, Kel.”

“Ellen, wait.” Kelly moved to the door.

“What’s wrong?”

“Frank ... Frank isn’t coming home again this weekend.”

Quickly and at her best, Ellen drummed up a look of surprise. “Oh, no. You’re kidding. Maybe next weekend.” She leaned to get in the car again.

“I could care less if I see him. But the kids, El. They want to. I was wondering if you talked to him lately.”

“Frank? Oh, God no. I have talked to Frank in ages. I talk to Joe every day. That’s who you should talk to.”

“I was hoping you would.”

“Why me?” Ellen asked.

“El, come on. He’s been like a father to you forever. You can talk to him. He doesn’t respond to me. He’ll give me the speech about what do I want him to do, drag Frank home by his ear.”

Ellen snickered and covered her mouth. “Sorry. I’ve seen Joe do that to him.” Ellen paused to get serious. “But really, Kel ... I’ve known Frank for many years, when he doesn’t want to do something, he doesn’t. No matter how much of a dick move it is.”

“Can you talk to Joe? The kids need to see him, El.”

“I know,” Ellen said solemnly. “I’ll talk to Joe.” She slid in the driver’s seat and hesitated before closing the door. “And, Kel, I have a feeling, just a gut feeling Frank will be home next weekend.”

“Let’s hope you’re right.” Kelly shut the door for Ellen and backed up. Folding her arms again close to her body she turned and slowly walked back toward her house.

Ellen held her hand on the gear shift for the longest time watching Kelly go into her house. Just watching. As Kelly disappeared into the small home, Ellen closed her eyes.

“Mom,” Josh called her. “You all right?”

“Um ... yes.” Ellen snapped back. “Yes.” She threw the Jeep in gear. “Let’s get a pizza.” Slower than she pulled in, Ellen backed out of the driveway, reaching for the phone and turning it off. She had lost her mood for games.

May 29th - 4:20 p.m.

New York City, New York

Barat Ashrad slowly zipped his jacket halfway as he closed the door to his apartment. He failed to make eye contact with the old woman he passed in the hall. He just lowered his head and moved to the elevator. He kept shifting his eyes as if someone were watching him, bouncing nervously, waiting for the elevator to arrive. And it did. Ashrad let out a breath, stepped inside and prayed no one else got in.

Screeching tires and stopping brakes filled the street outside Ashrad’s apartment building as six agency cars pulled up, some even on the walk. People backed up but they didn’t go too far out of their curiosity in what was going on.

Joe jumped from one of the cars wearing a black bulletproof vest. “I want this building surrounded!” He shouted to the other agents who ran about. “Seal off all exits and stairwells, front and back. I don’t want ...”

Boom!

Joe’s words were silenced when the first explosion rang out. Loud and deafening, it rocked the ground they stood on. The top floor of the apartment building bellowed out flames and black smoke. No sooner did Joe look up to what was going on than nearly simultaneous explosions of each sequential floor occurred. One at a time, a split second apart, all the way down from the top to the bottom. Glass and debris shattered out and people ran amuck to try to find cover.

Lifting up from shielding his head, Joe began to run, focused, toward the mayhem. “It’s a diversion!” he cried out, motioning his revolver as he moved. “Keep your eyes peeled. He’s out here.”

Brian, arms moving people as if he were swimming, lifted his tall lanky body onto tiptoes, scanning the abundance of people. Then he spotted Ashrad down the sidewalk and moving away. “There!” Brian pointed his long arm, wedging his way through the people. “I’ll chase him by foot, Joe.” Brian said, peering over his own shoulder as he ran, then he spun and began to chase full speed.

Ashrad must have sensed him because, as he casually walked, he slowly looked back to see Brian pursuing him. Zipping up his coat all the way, Ashrad took off running.

Seeing this, Joe moved to his car, signaled for back-up, jumped in his vehicle, peeled in reverse and decided the best thing he could do was try to get ahead of them by car.

^^^^

“Well.” Mabel crumbled the brown candy wrapper in her hand. “Our stop’s acomin’, Johnny Boy. I think we best go stand by that door so we don’t get stuck in here.” Slowly she stood up, looking to the two gentlemen who had sat on both sides of her. “You boys have a nice day.”

“You too, ma’am.” The one looked up.

Mabel smiled, gripping her large purse, and along with Jonathan, she made her way through the crowded subway car to the door. They had to get off in the city and didn’t want to take a chance, with all those getting on, that they would get stuck and have to ride to the next stop.

^^^^

Ashrad headed towards the main street, darting his way around the crowded streets. Brian, who was much larger, had a hard time as he chased Ashrad for four blocks and lost him to the crowd. Angry at his own inability to catch him, he was relieved when he spotted Joe pulling up on the sidewalk.

Jumping from the car, gun in hand, Joe pointed to the steps in front of him. “Brian, he ran down the subway.”

Against the flow of people coming up the stairs, Joe and Brian ran down the steps. When they reached the bottom they stopped cold. Rush hour. Herds of people jammed the station, waiting, pushing their way through turnstiles.

“You see him?” Joe asked.

Brian stood on tiptoes. “Yeah, there he is.”

Ashrad stood near the edge of the tracks as the number 418 rounded the bend.

“Shit.” Joe took off. “We have to stop him before he gets on that train.”

“Wish me luck.” With a slight twitch of his head, Brian charged forward, veered to the left and leaped the turnstile. He knew he only had a moment as the subway slowed to a complete stop; he was so close to him but was separated by many people. In a desperate move, he drove himself into the crowd and hurtled through the air, aiming his body face forward at Ashrad. Chest first, Brian landed on Ashrad like a wrestler coming off the top rope. Taking him by surprise and from behind, Ashrad fell to the ground just as the subway train screeched to a halt and the doors flew open. Amongst the noise and commotion, no one except Ashrad noticed the small glass container that flew from his zipped up jacket and broke between the platform and train. Nor through the chaos did they notice the small amount of smoke that emerged from the broken container as it lay on the gravel near the tracks.

“Oh, my!” Mabel exclaimed as she stepped from the subway, Ashrad and Brian right at her feet.

“Back on the train, ma’am! “ Brian yelled up to her.

“No sir, we’re already late.” With the attitude she always had, not a care in the world, Mabel stepped over them tugging Jonathan and pushed their way through the growing crowd of onlookers.

“Wow,” Jonathan said. “You’re tough.”

“Been doin’ this a long time, Johnny. Now let’s move so you won’t be too late.”

Joe caught his breath as he stood above Brian who was still on top of Ashrad. “Way to go, Hercules.”

“Joe, get these people back.” Brian felt Ashrad, “I think I knocked him out cold.” He placed his revolver back in his shoulder harness and turned Ashrad’s body over. “Yeah.” He looked at Joe. “He’s out cold.”

“Brian, watch out!” Joe saw Ashrad’s eyes open.

Ashrad quickly grabbed Brian’s gun and scurried to his feet. His whole body trembled and it showed in the gun as he pointed it aimlessly at Brian then at the people surrounding him. He began to back up amid the screams, until he backed in to a wall. With his shaky right hand pointing the gun, he felt his own chest with his left. Ashrad’s face turned pale, his eyes widened and he let out a shriek of horror. Shouting out words in a language no one understood, Ashrad looked at Joe, then at Brian, then at the gun. He placed it to his temple, pulled back the hammer and fired.

May 29th - 5:05 p.m.

The Barton Building, New York

For the first time in years, Mabel’s cleaning cart didn’t squeak as she pushed it down the corridor of the Barton Building. It didn’t squeak because Mabel didn’t push it fast. Slowly she moved, her head pounding with every step she took. She had to pause mid-hall to catch her balance, feeling herself grow a little dizzy. Leaning on the cart, Mabel pulled a tissue from her pocket and dabbed the small beads of sweat that formed on her forehead. She was going to steal a moment’s rest before she started to clean the offices.

^^^^

Peter wrestled with some papers as he sat across from a blankly-staring Jonathan in his office. “Now, Jon, that’s basically what... Jon?”

“Huh?” Jonathan snapped back into reality.

“Now come on, I was fair about understanding why you were so late, the least you can do is pay attention.” Peter continued, rattling at a fast pace. “As I was saying … Mr. Wilson said he would handle things on your end. But your Mr. Wilson stutters. Not a good impression. They barely understand us as it is. I know it’s mean, but it’s the truth.” Peter finally stopped rambling and looked at Jonathan. “Are you ok?”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Jonathan rubbed his bloodshot eyes. “I just got the worst headache; I mean it just hit me.”

“You don’t look so good.” Peter put down the papers.

“I really don’t feel so good; it hit me all at once.”

“Maybe you got some kind of bug or …” He stopped when his phone rang. He pressed the speaker phone button. “Peter Callaway speaking.”

Ellen’s mighty, throaty voice blasted so loud it could have cracked the speaker. “What the hell are you still doing there?! Josh’s game starts in two hours!”

Wide-eyed, Peter quickly grabbed the receiver. “Was that necessary?” He cringed. “El, El. Ellen!” He screamed and turned his back to Jonathan. “Listen ... will you listen to me, goddamn it! Yes! I’ll make it home. No, I’ll make it home!” With a slam, Peter swung down the phone and crashed it into the receiver. “I hate my wife.”

“No, you don’t.” Jonathan said with a sickly chuckle. “How late are you for the game?”

Peter looked at his watch. “I can still make it.” He exhaled, and looked at Jonathan who slumped in the chair. “I’ll tell you what.” Peter handed him the stack of papers. “I want to make that game, you’re sick, so … Put these in your briefcase, I’ll call you on Monday, and we’ll talk on the phone.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.” Peter grabbed own briefcase and jacket from his coat tree. He moved in a rush.

Jonathan placed the papers in his briefcase, shut it, and looked at his watch. “I can still make that flight and be home in bed by eight.”

“Well, let me give you a little advice, take a taxi.”

“I will.” Jonathan tried to smile as he stood up. “Thanks, Peter, I appreciate it.” He extended his hand.

“You’re welcome.” Peter shook his hand and opened the office door. “Shall we?”

As they exited the office, Jonathan paused as Peter pulled his office door closed. “You know what, I’m gonna hit the men’s room. You go on.”

“Then in that case, I’m hustling.” Peter spun as he moved down the corridor, calling out as he walked quickly backwards. “Get well.” Turning blindly around in what he thought would be a mad dash for the elevator, Peter barreled into Mabel who stood at her cart. He caught his balance as his feet entangled with hers and he fell into her sending Mabel forward into her cart. “I’m sorry.” He stood straight up.

Mabel shook her head with a ‘quite all right’ look.

“You ok?” Peter laid his hands on her shoulders helping her up. When he received a dazed nod, he removed his hands, backed up, turned again and sped down the hall. A split second after he pressed the down button, the elevator doors opened and he stepped in. Reaching to choose his floor, Peter felt the moisture on his hand. He raised his head to Mabel then looked back down to his palm that held the residue of her perspiration. Cringing in disgust, Peter wiped his hand on his pant leg, picked his floor and the elevator door closed.

^^^^

Two men with ‘Coroner’ written on the back of their jackets carried a body bag as they passed Joe in the subway station sealed off with yellow police tape. No more subway patrons, only officials buzzed about, taking photographs and cleaning up. Joe made his way to Brian who squatted down near the track’s edge. Brian stared at the chalk outline and blood stain where Ashrad’s body once lay.

“Hey,” Joe called to him. “You know we not only have to finish up here but back at that apartment building as well. I’d like to catch that nine o’clock flight.”

Brian’s head swayed, still engrossed as he stared at the ground. “Where did I go wrong, Joe? Where? It doesn’t make any sense.”

“None of it does. Something smells foul and it isn’t just that dead rat behind you, either.”

With a peep of a shriek, Brian sprang to his feet, spun and kicked the hard rat carcass away. It flew out over the edge and down to the tracks. Just as Brian tried to look at Joe, he swayed to his right.

“Whoa.” Joe caught him. “You all right?”

“Yeah.” Brian shook his head. “Got up too fast.”

Joe took a step closer to the tracks. “Well, you shouldn’t have been playing Babe Ruth footsie with that ...”

Brian waited for the end of Joe’s sentence. It never came. Joe became consumed with looking down on the tracks. “Joe?” Brian neared him. “What’s wrong?”

“Those.” Joe pointed down.

“What?”

“By your buddy. They weren’t here an hour ago.”

Brian peeked down. On the tracks were six dead rats. The one Brian himself obviously kicked lay a foot from the pack. “So.” Brian shrugged. “Why are we concerned with a bunch of dead rats?”

“Brian, rats just don’t come up and die within an hour. Unless they were poisoned and ... shit.”

“What?”

A grunt escaped Joe. “Brian. Why were we chasing Ashrad?”

“For sending threatening faxes to the CDC?”

“And what exactly does the CDC handle?”

“Shit.”

“That boy shot himself out of fear. Fear of what?” Joe motioned his head to the rats.

“Want me to get them or you?”

“I think the younger of us should ...”

A thunderous roar of a train cut off Joe’s sentence as a subway car barreled around the bend and sped by them.

When the silence of the train’s passing was over, Joe, hands in pockets, looked back over the tracks. He whistled. “Well ...” He cleared his throat. “I don’t think we have to worry about who’s getting those rats.”

MAY 29 - 7:15 p.m.

Flight 609, en route to Philadelphia

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is the captain speaking. We are making our approach into the greater Philadelphia airport. At this time we would like you to fasten all seat belts, and place your seats in an upright position. I apologize for any delays, and we hope you had a pleasant flight.”

“Sir, sir.” The stewardess leaned in towards Jonathan Quayle, who was sleeping. “Sir!”

Jonathan jumped up, startled. “Huh?!”

“You have to put your seat up.”

“Thank you.” Jonathan placed his seat upright and stared out the window. “Home, thank God.” He wiped the sweat from his eyes. He then focused in on the air sickness bag perched halfway out of the pocket in the seat in front of him. He grabbed it, opened it, and vomited.

May 29th - 7:33 p.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

A high piercing whistle preceded the spinning lit cigarette that Ellen tossed. She clapped her hands loudly and whistled one more time. “Yeah, way to go, Josh!” She laughed as she looked at Kelly who stood next to her. “Josh got walked.”

Kelly cringed, still holding her ear. “Where did you learn to whistle like that? Joe?”

Ellen laughed again. Just as she watched Josh doing something he rarely did—get on base—her maternal radar kicked in. Through the corner of her eye, a split second before she saw the concession stand, she saw Taylor fall. She took off running in the direction of her daughter, arriving too late to stop the shrill crying. “Hey.” Ellen softened her voice as she crouched down to her. Reaching for Taylor’s skinned knee, Ellen’s focus caught the sight of a pair of faded jeans, legs that soon crouched down to Taylor as well.

“Hey, Sweetie.” Peter smiled his bright smile to Taylor. “Want Daddy to kiss it and make it better?”

Ellen watched Peter bring his lips to just above the cut. “You know that holds no medicinal value whatsoever.”

“Hello to you too, El.” Peter lifted Taylor and at the same time he and Ellen both rose to their feet.

“I see you took time to go home and change your clothes,” Ellen said. “Jeans, Josh’s game. I know where your priorities lie.”

Peter let out a sarcastic little laugh as he balanced Taylor, who clung to him, on his hip. “You’re the one to be talking about priorities.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Ellen folded her arms.

Staring at her, Peter reached behind him to his back pocket and pulled out an envelope. Harshly he shoved it in between Ellen’s folded arms. He stepped to her, leaned close and whispered. “Learn to hide your love letters.”

Ellen swore her heart dropped to her stomach at that second. Slowly she reached to the letter and unwrinkled it, exposing the left hand corner and enough to explain Peter’s comment. Clearly the return address of M.SGT. F. Slagel was seen. Holding the envelope, Ellen raised her eyes. Peter walked off with Taylor.

“Everything all right?” Kelly asked as she approached Ellen from behind.

Instinctively, Ellen’s hand closed folding the letter. As she turned to face Kelly, she reached behind her shoving the letter in her pocket. “Um ...” She blinked several times. “Yeah, everything is fine.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah.” Ellen placed on a nervous smile. “Yeah. Let’s uh ... let’s go watch the game.” Over her shoulder she looked at Peter who was all smiles holding Taylor by the bleachers. Then Ellen slowly walked off with Kelly.

May 29th - 8:50 p.m.

John F. Kennedy Airport - New York City, NY

“Pork rind?” Standing in the boarding line, Joe extended the bag of snacks under Brian’s nose.

“Oh, God no. They stink.” Brian quickly pushed them away.

“What’s wrong with you? Never bothered you before.” Joe handed his ticket to the woman and showed her the bag as well. “Pork rind?”

She smiled with a shake of her head and handed Joe his ticket folder.

Munching and walking, Joe stopped mid-corridor when he noticed Brian at a turtle’s pace behind. “Brian, Christ, Come on. You’re moving like you’re going to a funeral.”

“Sorry, Joe.” Brian’s head swayed. “I have a killer headache.”

“Well, it’s the tension, excitement.” Joe waved his hand to Brian to hurry him along.

“I don’t think that it’s tension and excitement, Joe.” Brian finally caught up. “I mean it’s a killer headache. I can barely see.”

“You look a little flushed.” Joe, in a fatherly manner, reached his hand up to Brian’s forehead.

Brian quickly swiped it away and looked to see if anyone saw. “Joe, knock it off.”

“You’re a little warm.”

“Joe.”

“No, and I know fevers. I nursed my four boys alone through many of them.”

“I’ll ... I’ll be fine.” Brian tried to pick up the pace.

“Well, you’d better be fine. Because this day is far from over, pal. As soon as we land it’s back to work and to a stack of papers three inches high. No Tylenol time-outs here.”

“You’re a real humanitarian, Joe.”

“Never bragged compassion was my forte, now did I?” Joe shoved another pork rind in his mouth, and just to be irritating, stuck the bag under Brian’s nose, watched him wince, then Joe, snickering, stepped on to the plane.

May 29th - 9:10 p.m.

Atlanta, Georgia

Her inhalation of the aroma was so deep that Catherine Donovan risked asphyxiation by French fry via the nostril. “I swear I never thought we’d get out of there. I’m starved.” She smiled over the basket of bar food Dr. Jeff Morrows set before her.

“You were always on to dine in the finest of establishments, Catherine.” Jeff, a tall but thin man with balding hair, set his little basket down and joined her at the table of the small local bar. Cigarette smoke lingered, the television played loudly and the patrons, already inebriated, tried to talk over the news.

Reaching for the ketchup, Catherine shoved a fry in her mouth. “We need you talk, you and I.” She squeezed the ketchup on her fries.

“What about?” Jeff retrieved the squeeze bottle.

“Get this.” Catherine leaned into the table. “Carrington was viral.”

A large blurt of ketchup sprayed out onto Jeff’s food as his hand convulsively squeezed the bottle. “How ... how ...”

“How do I know?” Catherine calmly reached for the salt. “I annoyed the hell out of Lt. Hayes. Too bad my persistence doesn’t pay off on Agent Slagel. My imagination keeps taking off.”

“I fail to see the connection.” Jeff grabbed a napkin to wipe of his hands.

“How can you not?”

“No. How can you?”

“Jeff.” Catherine took on a matter of fact tone. “If you were a terrorist based country and you wanted to build a strong biological weapon, would you risk doing it in your own country with President ‘I’m a lunatic’ Hadley in office. No. You’d contract it out. Whoever is sending the faxes could have contracted Carrington. Did you think of that? I have.”

Jeff had to laugh. “Catherine, please. That theory is like taking the long way around the block.  It’s almost like your mind has these two problems and somehow you just want to find a connection so you only have one thing to worry about.”

“Oh, that’s stupid.”

“So is your theory.” Jeff chuckled at Catherine’s dramatic gasp. “Listen to me. First of all ...”

“... for Disease Control investigation ...” The newsman’s words caught their attention.

Both Catherine and Jeff turned in their seats to view the television when they heard the name.

“ ... has finally come to an end tragically with the destruction of this ninety-six unit apartment building in New York.” On the television, shots of a smoldering building with firefighters and workers were seen. “Authorities believe the explosion originated in the apartment of Barat Ashrad, suspect in the threatening faxes to the ...”

Jeff stopped watching and continued in his eating. “Well. You should be happy. There’s an end to one problem.”

“That still leaves Carrington.” Catherine indulged in her food again. “What if it’s the one?”

Suddenly Jeff stopped eating. He pushed his greasy food basket slightly aside, and folded his hands on the table. His high forehead crinkled with concern. “May I say something without upsetting you?”

“Probably not, but go on.”

“All right. Carrington was viral yes, ... uh-uh-ah.” Jeff held up a finger to silence Catherine when he saw her mouth open. “Listen to me. Viral, yes. But also, you must remember, not only is the incident isolated, so is the location. You’re worrying far too much.”

“May I speak now?” Catherine swiped away Jeff’s finger. “Thank you. It shouldn’t matter how isolated the incident or the location, Jeff, it’s viral. When there’s something that unknown to us, that kills that fast and that viciously then we shouldn’t stop worrying. Because if it could happen on some tiny little island, it could happen anywhere.”

“You aren’t hearing me correctly. Never did I tell you not to worry.”

“Yes, you did.” Catherine argued.

“No, Catherine, I didn’t. I told you that you worry too much. You do. You over-dramatize everything.”

Catherine’s mouth dropped open as it displayed how offended she was. “I do not. I’m a doctor. A scientist. My fears and concerns are always validated.”

“Eighty percent of the time if you don’t dramatize it, which you do. You always have. Since the day we started working together. How long has it been?  Seventeen years?” Jeff raised an eyebrow. “There’s always one person and that one is you. You’re the one who has always waited for that big virus to come. The virus that wipes us all out. Well, Miss Morbid, I have news for you.” Jeff spoke assuredly. “Carrington is not it ...”

“Jeff, you seem to ...”

“No.” Jeff reached across the table laying his finger across Catherine’s mouth to quiet her. “Carrington is over. It’s dead.”

May 29th - 9:33 p.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

‘Once again, President Hadley is under a barrage of criticism following his comment that the explosion at the ninety-six unit apartment building in New York wasn’t an act of terrorism, but an act of another dead beat alien trying to get out of paying their rent ...’

Chuck, probably Ashtonville’s burliest bartender, shook his head as he retrieved two beers from the cooler. He looked back up to the Cable Network News station that always bored his patrons then set the two bottles on the bar. “Four bucks.”

“You rob me.” Ellen laid the bills on the table. “When do I get a free one?”

“Never.”

Ellen snickered and glanced to the television. “Look at Hadley. You have to love him. He’s so crass.”

“He’s an asshole.”

“Having a good ...” Ellen interrupted her own sentence with a loud, shrill, scream as she pointed at the screen.

“What?” Chuck asked annoyed.

“My father, did you see him. There!” Ellen pointed again to the television. A shot of Joe was briefly seen at the destruction of the apartment building. “Wow. I’ll have to call him.” Ellen grabbed her beers, without tipping, and moved away from the bar to the pool table. She handed one of the beers to Connie, an older woman whom everyone in Ashtonville knew as the woman who would be anyone’s friend for a drink. To the men, Connie was that special friend. To the women, she was that listening ear. To Ellen, Connie was the one person that made her feel like a pool shark.

“I heard you scream,” Connie said as she took the beer Ellen handed her.

“My father was on television.” After setting her beer down, Ellen chalked up her cue stick.

“I thought your father was dead.”

“He is. Joe was on TV.” Ellen bent over the table to examine the shots.

“Thanks for the beer.”

“Thanks for listening and hanging.” Ellen took her shot. The cue stick slid across the felt and she cringed. “I screwed up, can I do that again?”

“Sure.” Connie took a drink of her beer. “So, how long are you keeping me out?”

“Not too long.” Ellen took another shot; this time she actually hit the cue ball and it ricocheted nicely across the ball-filled table without hitting anything but banks. “Just until I get drunk enough or nerve enough to go home and face the music.” Ellen walked from the table and grabbed her beer. “Or until Pete gets tired of waiting and goes to sleep.”

“You didn’t mention. What exactly was in that letter?”

Slowly Ellen brought her bottle to her lips, and raised her eyebrows a few times. “Enough.”

“Oh boy.” Connie set down her beer, getting the feeling that it was going to be a long night. Even though she could put them away with the best of them, she knew her alcohol tolerance level wasn’t high enough to handle putting them away until it was safe for Ellen to go home.

May 29th - 9:45 p.m.

The Bronx, New York

Mabel couldn’t recall it ever happening to her. Was her head pounding that bad? Was she feeling that sick that not only did she fall asleep on the subway going home, but she failed to wake up until the conductor, changing evening shifts, found her in the back.

But even after three hours of sleep Mabel still felt tired. Never had she felt as bad as she did as she struggled along the walk to her apartment she shared with her daughter, Diane, and four-year-old granddaughter, Tara.

She thought she would feel a sense of relief when she hit the red brick building, but instead Mabel felt a sense of loss. She stepped into the foyer and started up the steps as if they were a mountain she had to climb. To her, with the way she was feeling, they were.

One at a time, slowly and leaning against the wall, Mabel took the stairs, gripping for dear life to the railing for fear the dizziness she felt would cause her to tumble backwards. With each raise of a foot to the next step, Mabel’s head pounded more. Her throat burned and she could barely swallow. All the ailments that she felt failed in comparison to the sick knot that formed in her stomach with contents that waited to emerge involuntarily.

“Mom?” Diane, Mabel’s daughter, flung open the door. “Oh, my God. Where have you ...”

Mabel walked by her daughter only holding up a hand. She grunted when her rambunctious granddaughter flew into her legs wrapping her arms around her. “No, no sweetie.” Mabel gently and weakly took the little girl’s arms from her. “Grandma’s sick. Don’t want you to catch it.”

“Mom?” Diane shut the door. “What’s wrong? We were worried. Did something happen?”

“I got sick and fell asleep on the subway.” Mabel kept moving toward the hall that led to the bathroom. “I’ll be right out.”

“Are you all right?”

“Fine, baby. Just fine.” Mabel tried to smile as she walked into the bathroom. “Could you ... could you just make me a nice cup of tea.”

“Sure.” Diane blinked in worry as she looked at her mother. “Are you sure you’re ...”

“Fine.” The door closed.

Diane’s hand reached up to knock, but she slowly withdrew it. She turned from the bathroom door and as she walked to the kitchen, she heard a loud ‘thump’. The noise made her heart skip a beat and Diane knew where it had come from. Quickly Diane flew to the bathroom and pounded on the door. “Mom? You ok? Mom?” There wasn’t an answer. “Mom?” Not wanting to wait anymore and feeling a sense of urgency, Diane turned the knob and opened the door. She screamed when she saw her mother on the bathroom floor near the commode. Mabel laid motionless, face down, one arm draped over the toilet with a thick long line of blood smeared from the seat to where a puddle formed and grew at Mabel’s mouth.

MAY 29th - 8:20 p.m.

Philadelphia, PA

Jonathan Quayle awoke on his bed scared and confused. He had no idea how he made it home in one piece or how he even managed to drive home from the airport. He knew he was very ill; he had stopped six times to vomit on the way home, not including the two times he wasn’t able to stop first. Jonathan’s eyes could barely focus through the pain, he needed help, but since his wife was not home, he could only call. Why he didn’t go directly to the hospital, he didn’t know. With every bit of strength his weakened body could muster, he tried to lift himself from the bed. A dampness held him there. He had messed himself while he slept, he thought. Jonathan touched the base of his lamp to turn on the light so he could find the phone. As the light brightened the room, Jonathan’s eye’s focused in horror as he discovered he was lying in a pool of blood—his blood. Weakly, he stretched for the phone, fumbling and knocking it to the floor. Jonathan reached for it, but before he could dial, he, too, fell to the floor. Laying there next to the phone, Jonathon lifted his head in one final attempt for help but died before he could get it.

May 29th - 10:00 p.m.

CIA Headquarters - Washington, D.C.

“Thanks. We’ll take care of it.” In the doorway of the large office, Joe took a thick folder from another agent then turned and headed back to his desk. He could see the back of Brian’s head as he neared. “Christ,” Joe ran his hand down his own face. “I don’t ever recall being this tired. Here.” He dropped the folder on the desk in front of Brian. “Take a look ...”

“Huh.” Brian’s head sprang up in a sort of shock.

“Were you sleeping?”

“No.” His voice was sharp.

Joe walked around the desk and hesitated before sitting down when he saw Brian’s face. Pale, pasty, and the darkness under his eyes seemed to match a bruise-like ring that had formed around his swollen neck. “Brian. Are you all right?” Joe didn’t sit, he walked back to Brian.

Brian twitched his head and blinked his eyes trying to focus. “I can’t ... got ...” He spoke in a delirium.

“Brian?”

Slow, so slow and deep Joe’s words were that Brian panicked. He jumped from his chair. “No.” He held out his hands.

“Brian.” Joe reached out grabbing for Brian’s arm. The second his hand touched upon the skin, Joe retracted his arm. “Christ, you’re on fire.” Spinning, Joe reached for the phone. “We got to get you to a doctor.”

“No!” Brian shouted again, backing up. “I just need to throw up. I just need to ...” As he turned to get out of the office, Brian bumped into a neighboring desk, tried to grip it for balance and in his useless struggle, he swayed and toppled to the floor.

The receiver dropped from Joe’s hand and he rushed to Brian’s side. “Someone!” He called out as he slid to the floor with Brian. The moment Joe hit the floor, Brian’s back arched drastically, his arms flung out in a rigid movement and he began to violently convulse. Holding Brian while reaching for the buzzing receiver became an impossible feat for Joe. “Someone!” Joe screamed out again. He grabbed onto Brain and as soon as he did, Brian’s head jolted back and forth and like a volcanic eruption, bloody projectile vomiting shot out across the room. Grabbing Brian under his arms, Joe lifted him upright. Struggling to hold the big shaking man, Joe braced Brain’s back to his chest and wrapped his arms around him to hold him upright. Red faced he cried out as loud as he could. “Someone call 911!”

May 29th - 10:05 p.m.

County General Hospital - New York City, NY

A loud bang of the double doors from the emergency area to the treatment area announced two rushing paramedics. Moans of pain emerging, eyes rolling, a convulsing Mabel thrashed up and down on the cart. The emergency workers moved her at a rapid pace as vomit still spewed from her mouth. Dr. Thomas Levin, a young resident at the hospital, ran right long aside of them. Two nurses stopped what they were doing to join.

“Jean,” Thomas visually examined the situation as the cart rolled down the corridor. “We’re going to start a Dilantin IV. Fifty milligrams of Valium. Clare, run me a gastrointestinal work up and get a hold of Dr. Morgan, this is right up his alley.”

“Yes, Doctor.” Clare took off running back to the nurses’ station, and Dr. Levin, the paramedics, and Jean continued to move down the hall and into a room.

May 29th - 10:20 p.m.

Memorial Hospital - Washington, D.C.

Brian echoed a gurgling scream as his body violently arched and flung high in the air. Up and down he bounced on the table. A doctor and three nurses frantically worked to help him. The examining table rattled and tipped from each movement of Brian’s body.

The physician’s forearm dug deep into Brian’s chest, but it didn’t help. Even Dr. Everett’s body weight didn’t stop Brian. “Someone help me hold this man down! I can’t tube him!”

Joe felt as if he were watching some sort of television show. He stood in the back near the door; Brian’s blood covered his arms, face and chest. He watched, not knowing what to do, feeling helpless as the doctor tried desperately to insert a tube into Brian’s mouth. Brian was literally choking to death on his body fluids that continued to seep out. Then Joe watched as Brian arched up high again and fell hard to the cart, motionless.

Silence.

“He’s crashed!” Dr. Everett cried out. “Get the cart! Epi! I need Epi! Nurse, bag him.” Dr. Everett hurried, jumped on the side of the table and took a resuscitative position over Brian. He immediately began compressions.

It was happening so fast. One second a nurse flew out of the room past Joe then back in, nearly knocking into him with the crash cart she pushed.

Dr. Everett jumped off the table. “One amp atropine, one amp epinephrine.” He grabbed the paddles to the defibrillator. The nurse injected Brian and Dr. Everett readied the paddles and brought them close to Brian’s exposed chest. “200 ready and ... clear.”

A click, a touch of the paddles to Brian. He jolted up and fell back down.

“Nothing. 300 and ... clear.” Dr. Everett hit him again and raised his eyes to the heart monitor. “Still nothing. 360 and ... clear.”

Joe’s bloody hand ran slowly down his own face as he backed up even more in that room. Nothing helped Brian. Each futile attempt of the valiant medical staff who wouldn’t quit went through Joe with as much pain and shock as if he too were getting hit with the machine that failed to bring Brian back to life as it was designed to do.

Saturday, May 30th - 11:33 p.m.

Chanute Air Force Base - Rantoul, Illinois

Frank swore it felt like he had been waiting an hour. Eyes going from his watch to his nightstand alarm clock, truly thinking that perhaps one of them was wrong. But they were perfectly synchronized and it hadn’t been an hour; it was only a few minutes.

He lay on his bed on top of the covers staring at the reflection the moon made on his ceiling. Pillows behind his shoulders propped him up. He rested one arm behind his head. But Frank didn’t rest. His feet, crossed at the ankles, tapped the air in anxiety. His eyes kept shifting. Clock. Watch. Phone. Clock.

Ring.

It shot through Frank, scaring him even though he waited for it to happen. With a smile, he hurried and picked up before a ring was complete. He roughened his voice. “You’re late.”

There was a long pause that came from the other end. Then Ellen weakly spoke, “He knows.”

“El. I can barely hear you, babe. What are you talking about?”

“He knows,” Ellen said softly.

“About what?” Frank asked then heard the long heavy breath. It went through the earpiece of the phone directly to his chest. Losing his own breath for a second, his relaxed nature left. Frank swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up. “Shit, El. When?”

“Frank, I’m just gonna ...”

“When?”

“I don’t ... I don’t want to talk about it. Right now I’m drunk, I’m tired and I’ve been crying.”

It took all of Frank’s concentration to hear Ellen. “El, listen. Okay, listen to me. I’m glad.”

“What?”

“No. I’m glad this happened. It has been too long. Let’s just get this out. Let it out. I’m so tired of hiding behind a bad marriage. I am. We’ve been doing this for so many years. It’s time that you and I ...”

“End it.” Ellen finished his sentence. “It’s time that you and I just end it.”

“I won’t accept that.”

“You have no choice, Frank. I can’t ... you can’t. Too many people will get hurt. Just let it go.”

“El ... El, wait ... El!” Frank heard the click of the other end of the line. Slowly he pulled the phone from his ear and stared at it. Dead air. Immediately, consequences to be paid or not, he dialed the phone. Busy. In a fit of rage, he spun around slamming down the receiver to the base and at a loss as to what he should do.

May 30th – 11:35 p.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

Ellen sat huddled on the floor in a corner of her dining room, her legs bent up and brought close to her chest. Her arms wrapped tightly around them, holding them closer to her like some type of security blanket. She was grateful that the buzzing of the phone had stopped. She stared at it, receiver off the base, still where she dropped it the second she hung up on Frank.

Slowly, she cringed as a burning pain washed through her. She brought two fingers to the corner of her lips and pulled them away to look at them. Blood smudged her fingertips from her bruised and swollen mouth. Wiping her hand on the side of her jeans, Ellen shed a single tear, rested her cheek against her knees and closed her eyes.

May 30th – 11:45 p.m.

County General Hospital - New York City, NY

Mabel laid upon a tilted table in the intensive care unit of the hospital, her small body swollen beyond recognition, intravenous tubing flowed from her. The respirator clicked with each breath the machine pushed into her lungs.

Like an anxious new father waiting on an impending birth, Dr. Levin stood by the nurses’ station. He watched Dr. Wesley, an older physician at the hospital, a man whose word Dr. Levin wanted to hear, as if he were some sort of priest and his knowledge were gospel. Dr. Levin could have gone in there with him, but he didn’t. He felt it wasn’t his domain; more so, he felt it was his lack of experience and perhaps that lack was the reason that a healthy woman went downhill.

Dr. Wesley closed the chart and carried it from the small cubical-style room. He moved to the nurses’ station and Dr. Levin.

“Dr. Wesley. Tell me you have our answers.”

“I wish. In fact ...” Dr. Wesley turned his body to face Dr. Levin, his arm resting on the counter. “I can tell you right now, it is definitely not her digestive system.”

“What do you think it is?”

Dr. Wesley tossed up his hands. “I haven’t a clue. All I know is that we have a seriously ill woman who won’t make it through the night at the rate she is hemorrhaging.” Dr. Wesley paused with total seriousness. “And I also know something else. I think ... I think it may be time to call the health department in on this one.”

Quickly, Dr. Levin looked up. “The health department?”

“Yes. And not only them, but everyone she’s been in contact with.” Dr. Wesley lowered his voice and leaned closer to Dr. Levin. “We may be looking at a possible quarantine.” With those words and a quick raise of his eyebrows, Dr. Wesley walked away leaving a very quiet and staring Dr. Levin.

May 30th – 11:55 p.m.

Gaithersburg, Maryland

Joe wished that scrubbing away the pain and confusion he felt was as easy as scrubbing away the dried blood on his arms, blood that remained from Brian. Over the basin in the bathroom of his home, water pink, Joe washed up, hands, face, and arms. He shut off the water and reached for a hand towel that hung on the rack next to him. Bringing it to him, not only did Joe dry his face, but he buried it in the towel as well. As he closed his eyes, his mind brought back the vision that he knew he’d not soon forget. Brian, a sheet covering his body. Gone.

How long they had worked on Brian, trying with so much hope and faith to save a man who was only days from his twenty-eighth birthday. Even going as far as to cut open his chest and massage his heart by hand. But to no avail; all attempts were in vain. Brian was not destined to live. He never came back.

There were no answers from the doctors. None. Joe’s persistence afterwards with the doctors didn’t breed the results he wanted. Instead of getting answers that he thought they kept from him, he received lost looks from professionals who just didn’t know what went wrong.

But a part of Joe did. Too quickly and too violently the illness raged through Brian and took him to the point of death. Nothing like Joe had ever seen before. To him, it was almost too frightening.

Tossing the hand towel in the hamper, Joe moved slowly from the bathroom, down the hall and to his living room. He paused to look at the sofa table and the pictures spread out there. His eyes caught a glimpse of his favorite one, a photo taken not long before, of him and his four sons. Standing outside, smiling. All four of Joe’s sons, Frank, Hal, Jimmy and Robbie were in the service. Joe chuckled every time he looked at that picture because he never knew if it was his imagination, but somehow it looked as if Jimmy stood just a little off to the side, pushed there by the other three who never let Jimmy live it down that he chose the Naval branch of the service instead of the Army as they did.

Joe was proud of his boys, a family he raised on his own after his wife died when Robbie, the youngest, was four. How close he kept his family. But it was the first time ever that his boys were at their farthest distance apart from each other. That bothered Joe, especially with the way he was feeling, what he had witnessed and what he began to worry about. His heart and mind screamed that it was time to pull them all together.

Not once during the entire heartbreaking episode with Brian did it leave Joe’s mind that something unnatural and amiss had gone down. He never let it slip far from his consciousness why they were in New York, who they were chasing, the subway, the dead rats, and Barat Ashrad so frightened over something that he took his life without a second thought. Perhaps that was what he was supposed to do. Perhaps not. But Joe also knew where it all began and that was the Centers for Disease Control. Their faxes. The abundance of what he thought was ‘useless information’ Catherine Donovan dumped upon him during the investigation. Information that became puzzle pieces he never knew were missing until he watched what happened to Brian.

Joe didn’t know why he felt the way he did. He wanted to chalk it up to the death of his young partner, but he couldn’t. Joe had always been a man of logic. That logic helped him draw upon the keen foresight that had made him so successful in his career.

Picking up the photograph, Joe walked across the room and picked up the telephone. He knew it was late and he knew he’d get an answering service, but Joe had to call and leave a message anyhow. He just couldn’t with a clear conscious do what he was thinking about without letting someone know. Someone Joe was certain would not doubt him.

“Yes. I need to speak or leave a message for Dr. Catherine Donovan.” Joe rolled his eyes in irritation. “Yes, I realize she isn’t in, that’s why I gave the message option. Thank you. Joe. No last name, just Joe ... now it is important that you write this down exactly as I tell you. Got that? Tell her that Joe called and he believes that Carrington arrived in New York.” Joe paused contemplating the last bit of his message. “And tell her, possibly ... with a vengeance.”

Saying no more, no goodbye, Joe hung up the phone. He carried his photograph not to the table but to his chair. He sat down, picture in hand, staring at it and settling deeper into thoughts he wished he wasn’t having.

THE UNDOING

With one moment’s notice, in one moment’s despair,
a pass in the night and you’re no longer there.

How long will it take until everything’s gone?

One day or two? Does it matter how long?

DAY TWO

May 30th - 8:15 a.m.

Fairfield University, Stamford, Connecticut

His long coal black hair swayed in his happy walk as Henry Kusakari moved at a swift pace with Dean Hayes to the building where the auditorium was located. A tall lanky man, Asian by race, twenty-eight years old, Henry had worked for Fairfield since he mopped floors at sixteen. He made his way through technical school, and his dedication to his work earned him the job as Head of Engineering Services, that and the fact that there wasn’t anything Henry couldn’t fix. If he didn’t know how, he’d never admit it; he would just steal time until he could figure it out. Henry always did.

Henry helped Dean carry his things across the long yard and to the path, claiming it was because he was just that type of helpful guy. But the truth was, Henry hadn’t anything to do yet and he was nosey by nature. Curiosity caused him to carry those boxes, and hopefully idle conversation with the little Lieutenant slash doctor would afford him the opportunity to see what was in them. After all, to Henry it had to be good or why else would Dean Hayes charge a hundred and seventy-five dollars to hear what he had to say.

That was Henry’s theory. Henry had a theory for everything.

Juggling the box he held, Henry unlocked the auditorium door for Dean and hit the light switch, brightening the room.

“I appreciate this,” Dean told him.

“No problem. So, like, do you think you’re gonna pack this place?”

“We’re expecting a full capacity.” Dean set his box on the table next to the podium.

“Are you really a doctor?” Henry asked setting his box next to Dean’s.

“Yes.”

“So why do they call you Lieutenant?”

“In the military your rank comes first.”

“That sucks. I would think there is more prestige to being a doctor rather than a Lieutenant. Unless you’re a General, then I can see saying General Hayes first. Do you think you’ll make General?”

“Um ...” Dean snickered. “Probably not.”

“Not a career choice, huh? I wouldn’t want that either. They have a stigma. Pictorially speaking, Generals get a bad rap. I mean, they usually are bald and heavy and ...” Henry paused to case Dean. “... tall.” Henry watched Dean unpack the boxes. He moved even closer. “It’s funny.”

“What is?” Dean noticed Henry keeping his eyes on what was taken from the boxes.

“You don’t act like a doctor. I mean, you don’t look like one. Of course that uniform throws it off. But you don’t talk like one either. Will you talk like one at your expensive lecture?”

Dean’s head spun some from the fast rambling young maintenance man. “I’ll probably sound like a doctor today, yes. But when I’m not lecturing, I attribute that to my father. He always said if you want to reach people you have to be what they are.”

“Good theory. I like theories. I would think you’d want to talk on people’s level so you don’t bore them. You don’t want to do that. Especially when they are paying so much to hear you speak. Why is that? Never mind, you don’t have to tell me. I heard they don’t pay a lot in the military. That’s probably why.” Henry reached for a photo from the box. An object was on there and Henry tilted his head in wonder. “Weird. What is this?”

“A virus.” Dean took the photo from him. “Henry, if this interests you, you are more than welcome to sit in on the lecture. I won’t even make you pay.”

Henry snickered. “Yeah. Um ...” He backed up. “You know what? I’m sure it’s gonna be a kick-ass lecture, but I’ll wait until you release it on video, then I can watch it in the privacy of my home.”

“The invitation will remain open.”

“Thanks.” Henry walked to the door. “I’d better get back to work, or at least let someone in authority see me doing something.”

“Thanks again for your help.”

“If you need anything, let me know.” Henry walked through the door.

“I will.” Before Dean could get out a second ‘thank you’ Henry was out the door, moving as rapidly as he spoke. Dean shook his head as he finished unpacking his lecture supplies, not only in wonder, but in an attempt to jar his thoughts back together after Henry rambled them off track.

May 30th - 8:33 a.m.

Rock Island Arsenal, Davenport, IL

About the only abuse Frank Slagel ever took was verbal and that was about his choice in music. He had a thing about the band Journey. Their entire collection of music was in his pick-up truck. Without being aware of it, Frank would be heard humming it as he walked about, denying it at all costs, stating that nothing even remotely musical escaped him in the form of a sound. He’d always had to hear snide comments about it for as long as he could remember. Mostly because the type of music Frank listened to and hummed just didn’t seem to go with his personality. In fact, music altogether didn’t go with Frank’s personality. But even people who razzed Frank tended to watch what they said to the towering, intimidating man who considered himself a visually misinterpreted sensitive guy.

Carrying a clipboard and his mug of coffee, Frank made it down the corridor to his duty office. He stopped, tilted his head and huffed out a grunt when he saw the boxes still stacked in front of his door. So Frank, in his ‘sensitive’ way, decided to speak to the two privates who had loaded them there and maneuvered them. “Do you think, it’s even a possibility that you gentlemen can have these boxes moved by say ... sometime before the end of the fuckin’ century?”

“Yes, Sergeant,” the one replied. “We’re trying; Master Sgt. Captain Lewis said to leave these here. He’ll tell us what to do with them in a few minutes.”

“Which brings us to another problem,” Frank stated. “How tall is Captain Lewis, Private?”

The private thought. “Five-eight, Sir.”

“How big am I?”

“Big.”

“Exactly. Now I have two feet to squeeze this body through to get to my door. I will make an attempt because ...” Frank lifted a finger. “I’m a nice guy.” Walking sideways and reaching for the knob first, Frank slid his body in between the boxes to his door, grunting then groaning when his coffee splashed up at him in his attempt. “Now, see what you made me do. Fuck.” Shaking his head in disgust, Frank heard the ringing of his phone. “Saved.” He told the privates. “For now.” With another squeeze he slid into his office and slammed the door, Frank hurried to the phone. “Duty office, Second Battalion, Infantry Division, Sergeant Slagel speaking, how may I help you, sir?”

“Frank.” Joe’s voice came softly over the phone.

“Dad?” Frank was surprised at the call. He walked around his desk, set down his coffee and slowly lowered himself to his seat. “What’s wrong?”

“I need to talk to you.”

“You aren’t calling to bitch at me, are you?”

“No I ...”

“Because I’m really not in the mood to hear a lecture,” Frank said.

“No, Frank, I’m calling ...”

“Boxes are stacked outside of my office and I spilled fuckin’ coffee on my ...”

“Frank.” Joe snapped his name over the phone. “Can you shut up and listen.”

“Dad, God, yell at me.” Frank huffed. “What is it?”

“What do you remember about the contingency plan?” Joe asked.

“Why? Did you forget?”

“No, I didn’t forget.” Joe spoke with irritation. “I’m asking you. What you remember about it?”

“About what?”

“The contingency plan.” Joe said sharper.

“Oh, yeah.” Frank snickered at his lapse of short term memory. “Sorry. Everything. I remember everything. Dad, I mean come on, when most kids were watching television, you were drilling us about what we would do and how we would all meet up if the world ended.”

“Exactly.”

“So I passed?”

“Frank.” Joe took a second. It wasn’t a time to get upset or aggravated with his hardheaded son. “Frank, I need you to listen very carefully to what I am about to tell you. You have to go home. Make the arrangements. Do what you have to do, but get home, to your home ... now.”

Suddenly and finally Frank felt the air of seriousness hit the conversation. With elbows leaning on his desk, phone clenched tight, and head down, Frank listened to every word his father spoke.

May 30th - 9:15 a.m.

Centers for Disease Control - Atlanta, GA

“I can have the usual team assembled in about two hours.” Catherine moved into her office, Jeff behind her. “Packed up and on their way. My guess from what you described is that we’re probably looking at a case of amoebic dysentery.” She picked up the stack of messages on her desk and began to shuffle through them.

“That was my first guess,” Jeff said. “But we’ll move on it now so we can get it out of the way by the beginning of next week.”

“We’re good as long as ...” Catherine paused and drew up a quirky look as she held a message.

“Something wrong?”

“Here.” She handed it to Jeff. “Mr. Carrington called me. Weird.”

Jeff reviewed it. “Were you supposed to meet him or something?”

“Not that I know of.”

“So why is he mad? It says he’s mad.”

“Haven’t clue. I didn’t even think Joe was his first name. Now ...” Catherine folded her arms. “Where are we sending the team?”

“Oddly enough.” Jeff handed the message back. “New York City.”

Catherine’s eyes moved back down to the message as Jeff rambled on; words she didn’t listen to.

“And I spoke to Mel Crimson of the Health Department.” Jeff said. “He has some concerns about it. He’s thinking obscure illness. I’m thinking about the fact that this is a sixty-eight year old woman who never left the country or ... Catherine?” Jeff noticed the far-off look in her eyes. “Are you still with me?”

“Viral.” Catherine stated in a dazed mode.

“Could be viral. Doubtful, I mean ...”

“No, Jeff. Carrington was viral.”

“So you said. I thought we ended this topic last night.”

“Jeff.” Catherine clipped his name.

“What?”

“Listen to me for once. Read this again.” Before handing the message to Jeff, she tapped him on the head with it in annoyance. “New York. Our woman, her illness ... Mr. Carrington didn’t arrive there, his little island virus did.”

Before a scoffing laugh or any words of ridicule could escape him, Jeff was drowned in thoughts of how frightening a situation it could be, if Catherine, with her wild notions, was actually correct.

May 30th - 10:00 a.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

“Here, Mommy.”

Ellen’s wet finger tips grazed against Taylor’s as she took the empty breakfast plate from her. “Thank you.” Ellen stood at the sink, her eyes straight ahead through the window in front of her.

Taylor giggled and skipped as she made her way out of the kitchen. “Bye, Mommy. Hi, Daddy.”

Upon hearing those words from her daughter, the dish slipped from Ellen’s hand into the soapy water. She picked it back up and continued washing it.

The silence was something Peter expected. It was a normal ritual the morning after a fight. And he and Ellen did fight the night before, a fight that paused when he walked out and continued when he returned at two in the morning. “I thought you had that lecture to go to today.” Peter commented as he walked to the coffee pot.

“Let’s just say I’d rather not show my face.”

He stopped as he reached for any morning beverage and moved closer to the sink. Hand extended, Peter grabbed Ellen’s face. He felt her tense, fighting him, but he prevailed. Fingers gripping her chin, Peter turned her face into his sight. “El.” He was speechless. The effect of what he had done was clearly visible in the form of a huge bruise marring the corner of her mouth. “El, I am so sorry.”

“You were wrong.” Ellen roughly pulled away from him. “Dead wrong.” She shut off the sink, grabbed a dish towel and moved away.

“And you weren’t?” Peter reached out and grabbed her arm. “You weren’t the innocent here, El. How many years did you say it was ....”

“Drop it!” Ellen spoke strongly. “Just drop it! What needed to be said was said last night. You made your point. I heeded your warning and I ended it.” Her hands flew about as she spoke and moved backwards. “I ended it. But heed my warning, Peter. If you ever touch me again, I swear I’ll put a fuckin’ gun to your head and kill you.” No more words. Ellen barged out of the room.

“Ellen.” Peter raced after her. “We are not finished yet. Get ....” In the doorway of the kitchen Peter stopped. He had to. An wave of dizziness washed over him and he literally lost his balance. He gripped to the archways so as not to fall. Immediately thickness seemed to fill his head. In the fog, heavy and unable to move, Peter just stood there waiting for the side effect of what he figured was anxiety to subside.

May 30th - 11:22 a.m.

County General Hospital - New York City, NY

Two men on the street stopped what they were doing when Andrea Winters walked by them on her route to the emergency entrance of the hospital. At forty-seven years old, Andrea still had an air of youthfulness and beauty that surrounded her. She smiled; she always did when she walked. She was so slender that she looked tapered in her nurse’s scrubs. She was an African-American woman with natural beauty that needed no makeup with the exception of the occasional lipstick she wore.

She approached the double doors, spotting Lynn, another nurse, out front. Lynn smoked a cigarette while hunching from the chilly air.

“The cavalry arrives.” Lynn smiled. “They pulled you in early, I see.”

“Had to come in.” Andrea swished her head in a motherly, disappointed way. “Girl, I thought you quit smoking.”

“Sort of. But even if I did, I would be smoking again after this morning.”

“Oh, come on.” Andrea waved her hand at her in disbelief.

“You think I’m kidding. Why else do you think they called you in so early? Wait. Wait until you get up there and see. We had seven admissions in the last hour.”

Andrea chuckled. “Sure we did. And I believed you last week when you said the same thing.” Smiling, she moved by Lynn through the double glass doors.

Andrea stopped cold. Her smile left her face as she looked around her. If the noise level alone wasn’t enough to jolt Andrea, the sight of what was before her was. Screaming babies, children crying, adults moaning emanated from the massive number of people. Not only were they standing, sitting, and lying in the waiting room, but they spilled into the hall and well into the entrance. The nurse at the reception desk looked as frazzled as Andrea felt confused. She turned with a questioning look on her face to the double doors and back out to Lynn who was lighting a second cigarette. Figuring she would find out soon enough, Andrea made her way to the elevator, shifting and squeezing through those waiting for help.

May 30th - 12:10 p.m.

Atlanta, GA

Catherine appeared ready to pull out her hair as she moved at a quick pace with Jan Connors, her assistant. They walked away from the private Centers for Disease Control plane that waited on the runway for the sixth time, still being loaded up by eight or so people who stood around more than worked.

“I cannot believe how far behind schedule we are.” Catherine shook her head.

“Setbacks. We had to wait to bring in more supplies and equipment.”

Catherine stopped walking. “What on earth for?”

“He didn’t tell you?” Jan asked.

“Who?”

“Dr. Morrows. He said he’d tell you.”

“He’s an asshole. He didn’t. Tell me what?”

“Take a look.” Jan opened then extended a folder to Catherine.

Catherine’s eyes shifted as she scanned the information. “This can’t be right. I spoke to Dr. Crimson a couple hours ago. He said it was only the one woman.”

“Yes, well, Dr. Crimson faxed this twenty minutes ago. They have one hundred and fifty now and Mercy Hospital is sending more over.”

“How in God’s name did ....” Catherine stopped when she heard her name yelled in the distance. She turned to see Jeff running toward her.

“Catherine.” He caught his breath when he made it to her. “Care to tell me what you’re doing?”

“Leaving.”

“I know that. Why? You cannot go to New York. You have work to do here.”

“No, Jeff.” Catherine shook her head. “I have work there. It doesn’t look good. It’s getting worse. Fast, too. Did you see this? I mean really see this.” She handed him the folder. “The latest developments don’t look good.”

From the distance, another male voice called out to her again. “Catherine!”

Annoyed at being interrupted, Catherine felt better when she saw Hugh, another one of her assistants, running her way. “Hugh. Tell me you found it.”

“I hope,” he said. “You may be in luck. There are six Joe Slagels listed in the phone book under that spelling, one of whom lives about forty minutes from Washington, D.C.” He handed her a sheet of paper.

“Excellent.” Catherine looked down at the number. “Hopefully this is him.”

Jeff was curious. “Why are you calling Agent Slagel?”

“Because I have a feeling, that the Joe who called last night and Agent Joe Slagel are one and the same.” Catherine ignored Jeff who routinely rolled his eyes at her theories and snatched the cell phone that rested on top of Jan’s things. “Thanks.” Holding the number in her hand, Catherine dialed the phone. “Let’s just hope I’m right. If I am, with those figures in New York, we could be in for a rough time. We have to find out what he knows.”

May 30th - 12:15 p.m.

Gaithersburg, Maryland

The hand guns that Joe had stashed in the briefcase on the bed looked as if they should be illegal. After loading just one more, he closed the case, locked it, and lifted it from the bed. His bedroom was empty; no more pictures of family graced his wall or dresser. Picking up the large duffle bag that he’d left on the floor, Joe carried that and his briefcase with him to the living room.

Setting them by the door, he checked the time, let out a sigh and moved to the phone. Thinking ‘just one more time’, Joe dialed, let it ring and winced when he heard the answering machine pick up.

“Hey, this is Robbie.” The machine projected the voice. “You know what to do; leave a message. I’ll get back to you.”

After a click and a beep, Joe broke down and opted for the message. “Robbie, this is Dad. Listen, you’re my last kid to call. I spoke to Frank, Jimmy, and Hal. Things ... things are gonna get busy for you, Robbie. Real soon. I wish I could have spoken to you. But ....” Joe breathed heavily. “Just remember the contingency plan, son. Remember it.” Joe lowered his hand to hang up the phone but stopped. He brought it back up to his ear. “Oh, and Robbie, I love you.” Feeling better about ending the call like that, Joe hung up the phone and walked to the door. He had his keys, his bearings, and a plan to follow. He even had the note he would place on the front door in case any of his sons or anyone he knew, for that matter, came to his house. A note that read: ‘Went to Ashtonville, 5/30, Dad.’ Reaching for the front door knob, the telephone began to ring. Hoping against hope that Robbie had just been screening calls, Joe raced to the phone and picked it up. “Robbie.”

“No.” Catherine spoke. “Is this ... is this Agent Slagel?”

“Who is this?”

“This is Dr. Catherine Donovan from the CDC.”

“Dr. Donovan.” Joe spun in surprise. “Why are you calling?”

“You can say I’m returning your call.”

“Excuse me?”

“I need to know if you’re Agent Slagel. Did you leave a message for me last night?”

Joe paused for a long beat. “Yes, I did.”

A breath of relief escaped Catherine. “Tell me why you mentioned Carrington. What brought that up?”

“You know what happened on Carrington Island. I was using it more figuratively. The people there died quickly and violently from a chemical or biological agent, whatever caused it. Correct?”

“Correct.”

“Well, something is up, or something happened in New York. Your fax boy shoots himself in the subway after we chase him. One hour later we find dead rats on the tracks. Eight hours later my partner dies fast, a death like I have never seen. And let me tell you, I have seen a lot. After witnessing that, I’m convinced that something was released in that subway. The CDC wasn’t getting warnings of a bomb; it doesn’t make sense. They were getting warnings of something they would have to deal with. A virus. And when your fax boy was chased, he had it on him and he released it.”

“You think your partner died of this virus?” Catherine asked.

“I can’t be sure. I do know it wasn’t natural. What happened to him, how fast he went, and also what he looked like.”

“Agent Slagel. If you thought this last night why didn’t you tag the message urgent?” She questioned.

“Because I’m going on nothing but gut feelings.” Joe answered. “I have no hard facts. Just going on instinct.”

“Well, I’m going on something else right now.” Catherine said. “I’m staring at a folder from County General that states we have a hundred and fifty people admitted with flu-like symptoms moderate to severe. More are coming in and many are waiting to be seen. Sounds to me your gut instincts may be right.”

“You would know.” Joe told her. “You hold the facts.”

“No, Agent Slagel.” Catherine spoke softly. “I hold something very frightening.”

May 30th - 1:00 p.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

It was the combination of several things that made Ellen feel as if she jumped a foot in the air. Staring and listening intently to the news while she chopped vegetables on her island counter, the door opened just as the knife slammed down and Kelly Slagel screamed out upon her entrance.

“God! El!”

Ellen quickly looked down to make sure her fingers were all there, figuring she wouldn’t feel anything had she amputated them and did nerve damage.

“I wondered if you were alive,” Kelly said. “Your house phone is busy.”

Ellen turned her back so as not to face Kelly. “It’s probably off the hook somewhere. No one uses it. Why?”

“Well, Joe’s ….” Kelly’s speech slowed when she made it to Ellen. “What happened to your face?”

“Oh.” Ellen brought her hand to her lip. “Connie got me drunk last night. I tripped up the steps.”

“That looks bad.”

“What about Joe?” Ellen changed the subject.

“Well.” Kelly huffed out. “He’s pissed. He’s been trying to reach you. He called and said to tell you he refuses to use any more of his minutes to get a busy signal. He’s on his way up.”

“Here?” Ellen stopped cutting. “Why didn’t he just call my cell phone?”

“I asked him that. He said he knows you’re cheap and have it off right now.”

Ellen giggled. “It’s dead anyhow. So he is on his way?”

“Yeah. Can I borrow your deep fryer?” Kelly pointed to the pantry and Ellen nodded. “I want to grab it and hit the stores ....” She went into the walk-in pantry and emerged with the deep fryer. “I have to run. Are you sure you’re ok?”

“Yeah.” Ellen, confused, faced Kelly. “Why is Joe coming up here all of a sudden? Odd.”

“All Slagels are odd. He said vacation.” Kelly shrugged. “Wanted to get away for a few weeks.”

“A few weeks? Is everything all right?”

“Yep.” Kelly hurried to the door. “But fair is fair, El, you have to keep him half the time. He drives me nuts.” Kelly opened the door. “I’ll talk to you later.”

Ellen nodded as the door shut, lost in thought and wondering why Joe was making a sudden appearance. She only wished she could have gotten the call; then she would have known. Setting down her knife, Ellen wiped off her hands and walked to the dining room. Josh was sitting at the computer, totally engrossed. “Josh.”

“Yeah.”

“Fifteen more minutes, then you ....” Ellen tilted her head when she caught glimpse of Peter on the couch. “Josh, what’s wrong with your father?”

“I don’t know.” Josh shrugged, lost in his own world.

It caught her off guard, because Pete didn’t look like he was napping. He didn’t have his usual arm above his head indicating that he was watching television. Slowly she walked into the living room. Pete lay on his stomach; his arm and part of a leg dangled from the couch. “Pete?” Ellen neared him. “Peter, are you all right?” Hunching down, Ellen reached out for his shoulder. Just as she shook him, she quickly retracted her hand when she felt the heat of his body seeping through his clothes. “Pete?”

Peter moaned and rolled over.

Ellen gasped when she looked at the pastiness of his skin and the darkness of his eyes and neck. She touched his arm. The feel of his skin was unlike anything she had ever experienced in all her years of nursing that she pulled her fingers away to look at them. His skin was extremely dehydrated; Ellen had to visually ascertain that she wasn’t imagining what she felt on her fingers, and she wasn’t. Rubbing her fingers together, she stared in horror at the particles of skin that dusted her fingertips.

May 30th - 2:20 p.m.

County General Hospital - New York City, NY

Mel Crimson recognized Catherine out of the group of Centers for Disease Control workers that marched through the door with authority. She looked strong, her eyes focused, taking everything in. He just knew it had to be her. A distinguished but tired-looking man dressed in casual clothing extended his hand to Catherine upon his approach to her. “I’m Mel Crimson of the Health Department.”

Catherine shook his hand. “Catherine Donovan.” Her eyes shifted about the extremely crowded emergency room. “Has it gotten worse?”

“Unfortunately, yes,” Mel told her as he led her through the waiting area toward the emergency treatment area. “Doubled.”

“What about our people in quarantine?” Catherine asked.

“They have a sharp rise in temperature and they have become symptomatic.” Mel saw the desperate look on Catherine’s face. “Which, as you know, confirms it is contagious. However, we’re at a loss. More are coming in and we haven’t a clue as to which direction to turn.”

“Yes, we do.” Catherine stated. “While we get set up, you get a crew together and I want you to begin questioning each and every admission including those waiting to be seen. See if they were on the subway yesterday.”

This stopped Mel. “The subway?”

“Yes. We believe that is where it started. We’re assembling a special CDC team to comb a specific station. But... until we confirm or deny what we’re dealing with ....” Catherine looked over her shoulder to the waiting room before disappearing into the back. “... We shut down the entire hospital.”

May 30th - 2:45 p.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

The water splashed upon her hand when Peter swiped it away in his delirium. Ellen closed her eyes briefly, switched hands and dried her damp one on her leg as she crouched by the side of the couch. “Peter. Pete.” She tried to get his attention.

Peter tossed to his left and then his right, moaning with each movement.

“Peter, you have to take this.” She extended pills to him. “Doc Breyer said you have to. Come on, Peter.” Ellen kept trying to get him to respond in some sort of way. “Peter, I want to get you up to bed. Pete ....” Another extension of her hand to him when she swore his eyes focused on her. She grunted when, again, he hit her hand away. “You don’t ....” Huffing out, Ellen stood up when the phone rang. She set the glass and pills on the coffee table and walked to the phone, barely taking her eyes off of Peter. “Hello.”

“Ellen.” Frank spoke softly on the other line. “I need to talk to you.”

“Now is not a good time, Bill.”

“What do you mean, Bill? This is Frank. El, I need you to listen to me. There’s a situation and it’s ...”

“I have to go, Bill.” Ellen looked back to a moaning Peter.

“No.” Frank sounded angry. “No, you don’t.”

“I can’t talk.”

“The hell you can’t. And none of this hanging up on me shit!” Frank’s voice squeaked with his emotions. “Listen. I’m coming home tomorrow. Things ... things are gonna happen, babe. But before anything goes down, I’m settling my life. Our life.”

“Bill, this is not ....”

“Ellen! Listen!” Frank blasted out. “This has to be done. Now. We’re getting this out and in the open. We may never ....” Frank’s voice dropped to a near whisper. “We may never get another chance. I love you.” He spoke the words powerfully. “I have loved you forever and ....”

Ellen pulled the phone from her ear, closed her eyes and hung up. Solemnly, she returned to Peter.

May 30th - 2:27 p.m.

Rock Island Arsenal, Davenport, IL

“Fuck.” Frank slammed down the receiver and spun around angrily. His face was red and he breathed heavily in a vain attempt to calm himself. Alone in his office, Frank held up his hand, took one more breath, relaxed, picked up the phone and dialed.

Voice mail.

“Fuck.” He slammed the receiver down for the second time in an immediate switch of emotions. “She did it again.” As he reached for the phone once more, Frank’s eye caught a glimpse of the paper and he brought it up into his sight. His approved request for emergency leave was effective the next day. His eyes went from the phone to the paper as he decided not to aggravate himself or Ellen any further. He would see her and his children in twenty-four hours. Frank folded the request and placed it in his pocket, feeling relieved and taking comfort in the fact that twenty-four hours was not that long, and nothing so drastic could possibly happen that it would inhibit him from making it home.

May 30th - 2:35 p.m.

County General Hospital - New York City, NY

It was like nothing Andrea had ever seen in her twenty-three years of nursing. Patients on carts lined the halls of the seventh floor where she worked. Her five-foot-six height was nearly hidden behind the stacks of folders and charts that laid on the counter. There was a lot of noise, most of which came from the patients. It certainly didn’t come from a full nursing staff, because Andrea didn’t have that.

She kept her cool, closing her eyes briefly to get her bearings after opening up another admissions chart. She called out to Carol, a nurse who was zipping by. “Carol. Here. Can you handle these admissions?”

Carol’s mouth dropped open.

“I know.” Andrea held up her hand. “I don’t know what to tell you to do with them. Just make them comfortable until we figure out what’s next.” As Carol hesitantly agreed,  Andrea looked at Lynn who was on the other side of the counter talking on the phone. Grabbing a stack of folders for her as well, Andrea walked around and waited for Lynn to hang up. “Ready?” Andrea said, engrossed in flipping open and shutting the charts. “I need you to ...” Through the corner of her eye she saw Lynn’s expression. Staring out, holding on to the phone. “What’s wrong? Are the sending more up?”

“We’ve ... we’ve been quarantined.” Lynn spoke dazed.

“Sweet Jesus.” Andrea’s hand slammed on the stack of folders. “Like I need this now. The last time this happened I was here for three days.” With a quick twitch of her head in disgust, Andrea moved to behind Lynn, reaching around her for the phone. “Well, I might as well call home and tell Jake I won’t be there tonight.”

“This doesn’t concern you?”

“Annoys me.” Andrea finished dialing and covered the mouthpiece. “I have been here too long; this is nothing. Trust me. No worries.” Andrea smiled gently. “No worries.” She turned her back to Lynn and began to speak on the phone.

May 30th - 3:15 p.m.

The White House - Washington, D.C.

“What the hell is going on?” President George Hadley minced no words as he moved quickly down the corridor toward the Oval Office. He looked perturbed. Still wearing tan pants and a green golf shirt, his right hand still sportedhis old tattered lucky golf glove as well. From his thinning, slicked-back silver hair, his miserable expression and burly build, everything about the president screamed crass. He moved quickly walking side by side with his aid, Jason Locks. “Why in Christ ...”

“This way, Sir.” Jason took hold of President Hadley’s arm and led him into the Oval Office.

“Answers, Jason. I want answers. So, care to tell me why I was pulled from the seventeenth hole when I was shooting an eighty?” President Hadley asked with aggravation as he was led to the back. “Get airlifted, arrive here. Get screamed at by a bunch of annoying reporters. I can’t understand them. No one tells me anything. I’m the goddamn President for ...” President Hadly stopped cold the second he stepped foot into the meeting room, a room filled with people. Men in suits along with three generals sat around the table. “Did someone forget to tell me about this party?”

Jason handed President Hadley a document. “We have a situation, Sir. We think you should take a look at it.”

President Hadley began to read the document as he blindly made his way to his seat at the head of the table. When he had finished, he dropped it from his hand and looked at the faces in the room who stared at him for answers. Slowly, he lowered himself down to his chair, took a deep, heavy breath, picked up the document, and began to read it again.

May 30th - 4:45 p.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

Doc Breyer had collected what he believed was everything he needed to make it through the weekend. On the reception counter in his clinic, he organized the box, his briefcase and a list of house calls he had to make, all while balancing a phone between his ear and shoulder. An accomplishment of sorts to Doc Breyer; it had been so long since the last time he did that many physical things at once, Doc Breyer would have wagered the coordination portion of his brain was probably in a stupor.

“Ellen.” He spoke to her, tossing things in his box. “I’m telling you. It’s the flu. Yes. I’ve seen seven cases today alone.” Doc Breyer paused and rolled his eyes. “Now, how long have you known me, am I that dumb ... well ... all right, but I did notify the Health Department. I’ll check with you later on this. Yes. Bye.” Grunting and extending his arm, Doc Breyer hung up the phone. He visually checked everything he had. Figuring he could always come back if he missed anything, the doctor closed his briefcase, grabbed hold of it, hit the light switch and grabbed the box off the counter. As he walked across the darkened waiting room, he heard the familiar sound of the fax machine ringing. Opting to ignore it and wait until later, Doc Breyer left his office. Had he waited until that paper emerged just slightly, he would have seen the heading ‘Centers for Disease Control Health Bulletin’ and under that in big, bold letters, the word ‘WARNING’.

May 30th - 7:05 p.m.

Roadside Diner - Connecticut

Country music, Joe’s least favorite type, played as he walked into the small restaurant. It was packed with only one or two waitresses on duty, but Joe wasn’t there to eat. He was there for a simple cup of coffee, large enough to hold him for the rest of the drive. He made his way across the diner to the counter area equipped with stools. He slid himself down to sit on one and pulled a cigarette from the chest pocket of his shirt. He grabbed his lighter and snapped it open, igniting it. He wasn’t thinking and almost lit it. The flame rose up high and wild from his old Zippo, and as he closed it with a clank and placed it in his pocket, the waitress approached and laid a menu down in front of him.

“Nothing.” he told her. “Just a large coffee, cream and sugar, to go.” After a nod and a smile, Joe never saw her take the menu back. He was too engrossed in looking at the lighter and unlit cigarette. He even chuckled some when he used to think the cigarettes would be what killed him. As that thought passed his mind, the words ‘New York’ and ‘illness’ came from the news. It grabbed his attention, and with cupped hands, Joe raised his eyes to the set.

“ ... and while the quarantine has shut down County General, authorities speculate that it should be lifted by morning. There is indication that a local food chain is responsible for the outbreak of ailments caused by tainted food. In other news ...”

Joe shook his head with a smile, turning from the television to see the paper cup being set in front of him.

“Not us,” the waitress said.

“Excuse me?” Joe asked.

“Not us.” She pointed to the television. “Local food chain? Outbreak. Tainted food. Um, joke?”

Joe released a short fake chuckle just to pacify the older woman who thought she was funny, and he picked up his coffee. After leaving a ‘what the hell’ tip of ten dollars on the counter, Joe left the diner.

May 30th - 9:45 a.m.

57th Street subway Station - New York City, NY

“I found something!” A man wearing biohazard garb waved his hand from down on the tracks.

The other two who were combing the area also ran to him.

“What is it?” the one asked.

“It looks like glass, broken glass, I’m gonna bag this and some of the surrounding dirt.”

“Good idea. Watch you don’t slice through the suit,” the third man added. “I think that ...” He stopped and was startled by a tug on his sleeve. He turned to face an elderly woman; her face was dirty, and she was dressed as if she lived on the street.

“Excuse me,” she spoke weakly. “I know those outfits you are wearing.”

“Then you know, ma’am, you should clear the area.”

She shook her head. “I can’t. I need to know if any of you are doctors?”

Tim Clamp, the garbed man collecting the glass on the track, stood up. “I am, why?”

“Can you help us?”

“Who, ma’am?” Tim questioned.

“A group of us, we live about ten feet down there in an opening in the wall.” She pointed down the tunnel. “I’ve been out for hours looking for help, but no one takes me serious.”

Tim looked down the tunnel. “Can you show us?”

She nodded. “You walk down there, these two men can follow me on this ledge.”

The three men reluctantly followed her the ten feet or so to what appeared to be an abandoned storage facility.

“In here,” the old woman said.

Tim jumped up from the tracks to follow her and waited in the opening until his two co-workers joined him. As all three began to enter the wall, they heard the woman scream. Tim grabbed his flashlight from his belt, turned it on, and hurried to where she was. Her bellowing cries echoed in the large room. “Ma’am! Ma’am!” Tim called out to her. The room was dark and damp, and a foul odor engulfed him. “Ma’am!” Tim froze in horror as the thin beam of his flash light lit the end of the room where the old woman stood crying. Quickly he turned his back to face the other two men, away from the sickening sight that lay before him. Tim calmed himself. He waited for his stomach to stop churning with nausea. Slowly, he turned back around. Twelve bodies lay before him. Twelve bodies overlapping, holding on to one another as if in some desperate attempt to cling to life. Across their blood-and vomit-smeared faces was the look of terror.

Trembling, Tim pulled a camera from his gear bag. As he aimed, his emotions gave way, and Tim handed the camera to another man and flew out to the tracks. He couldn’t do it. He couldn’t look through that camera and face what may be their inevitable fate. Tim knew that he would be plagued by this vision. Not so much the vision of the ten adults, but of the two small children, helpless, curled up in the fetal potion, dead in the laps of those who tried to care for them.

May 30th - 10:00 p.m.

Stamford, Connecticut

Dean Hayes contemplated visiting the hotel lounge for a drink before bedtime. But since he didn’t drink alcohol or socialize, that contemplation lasted about ten seconds, and he undressed down to just his boxer shorts, readying himself to get into bed. He never bragged about having an exciting life. To Dean, on some nights, even Saturday, getting to sleep was exciting. He loved to sleep and he loved uninterrupted sleep even more. So when the phone rang just as he swept his legs under the covers, Dean grunted. He had to answer it. “Hello.” Dean huffed when he heard the voice speak his name on the other line. It was a voice he recognized well and heard many times before. It also added to his annoyance because it was a voice he had just heard not one hour earlier. “Dad?”

“Are you watching the news?” William Hayes asked.

“No.”

“Watch the news,” William told him.

“Dad, I don’t watch television.”

“So what. Put it on. You should see this. There’s a quarantine going on at a New York Hospital. A virus of sorts.”

“Don’t tell me you’re worried about this.” Dean rubbed his eyes. “Dad. Please. You’re a doctor. And, really, if it were all that bad, I would know about it. Right?”

“Dino, maybe that high and mighty attitude of yours is why they didn’t call you. Perhaps they picked now to humble you.”

“Dad,” Dean stated his name. “Come on … I’m trying to go to bed here.”

“Bed?” William chuckled. “It’s ten o’clock on a Saturday night.”

“What else am I going to do? Go on a date?”

“You could try. They sell women for men just like you. I heard ...”

“Goodnight, Dad.”

“Dino.” William’s tone changed. “In all seriousness. Watch the news.”

Dean let out a breath. “I’ll tell you what. I’ll watch it, and if I make anything of it, I’ll call you back. Sound good?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

“Night.” Dean, shaking his head, hung up the phone. He looked at the television, then to the remote on the night stand. Somewhere in between looking back to the television, feeling of the soft pillow on his back and reaching for the remote, Dean’s hand went to the light. He shut it off, slipped further into bed and went to sleep.

May 30th - 10:10 p.m.

Country General Hospital - New York City, NY

“Twelve dead bodies.” Catherine tossed a folder with photographs down to the already cluttered meeting table covered with cups and papers. Seated around it were six exhausted health care workers. “Seventy-two rats. A broken vial on the tracks. We have nine-hundred and forty-two of our ill directly connected to the subway. Something was released there. We know it. They are working on that as we speak. Now my guess, it’s still alive. We have a shot at containing this if ...” Catherine paused when she heard the meeting room door open. John, another one of her assistants, nervously slid inside. She made eye contact then continued. “As I was saying. We have a shot of containing this as long as we run into no one who isn’t connected to our victims or the subway. If we do it means it’s airborne. Which means we’re screwed.” She turned her head to the right. “Is there something you wanted, John?”

Clearing his throat John stepped forward and handed Catherine a chart. “We’re screwed. Twenty-three confirmed cases all here at County prior to the outbreak. It’s airborne.”

Catherine’s head dropped at the same time the chart slipped from her hand and onto the meeting table.

May 30th - 10:25 p.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

Had he been a stupid man, Joe would have bought the fact that Ellen was asleep or busy. But he wasn’t a stupid man, and Ellen failed to use any common sense allotted to her in her lifetime. The lights on were a clue she was home. So after the first knock, he thought perhaps she was in the bathroom or shower. The sound of the television blaring said she was awake, and he passed off the second knock as something she just didn’t hear. But the sight of Ellen moving about in the foyer through the windows by the front door confirmed she was avoiding him.

Thinking, ‘What? Does she take me for an idiot?’ Joe slammed his fist against the door. “Ellen!” Finally, a creak and the door opened slightly, exposing only Ellen’s eyes. “Finally.” Joe tossed his hand up. “Are you gonna let me in?”

“Um ... Joe. Geez.” Ellen yawned. “It is really late.”

“Ellen, do you think I care. I just drove all the way up here. I’d like to see and speak to you for five minutes.”

“Oh, I don’t know, Joe. Maybe tomorrow.”

“Ellen.” Joe said calmly.

“Yes.”

“Open the goddamn door!” he screamed.

Ellen cringed then she opened the door slowly, stepping behind it.

“Thank you.” Joe stepped inside and closed the door. “Kelly said you weren’t feeling well. What’s the ...” Joe saw her. His hand reached out and to her chin. “What happened to your face?”

“See.” Ellen fake chuckled. “It is so funny. Last night I was drunk and ...”

“Oh, don’t bullshit me. Who hit you?”

“Joe, see ...”

“Goddamn it.” Joe said with such disgust. “Did Peter do this? He did.” He released her chin and immediately began to stalk about the first floor of the house, looking around. “Where is he? Son of a bitch bastard.”

“Joe.” Ellen raced to him, grabbing his arm. “Look. We fought. He got mad. He found out about me and Frank.”

Joe pulled from her grip so angry. “I don’t give a shit what his reasons were or why he was mad. He doesn’t lay a hand on you. You hear me? I’ll knock his ass through a wall. Now where is he?” Joe demanded.

“He’s upstairs in the guest room. He ...”

Joe bolted to the steps.

“Joe.” Ellen flew to him stopping him. She laid her hand over his on the railing. “It won’t be any fun for you. He’s sick.”

Joe said nothing. He looked once more at Ellen, pulled his hand from hers and barged up the steps. Rage burned through Joe as he faced the closed guest room door. “Pete.” He knocked once on the door. “Pete.” He yelled. “You and I have to talk.” When Joe didn’t receive a response, he waited about as long as his patience would allow and turned the unlocked knob on the door stepping into the room. “Peter.” He saw Peter on the bed. “Get up.” It only took another step into the room and not only did Joe sense something was wrong, he smelled it. There was a scent in the room and it wasn’t pleasant. A mixture of illness and the foul odor of expelled body fluids lingered in the air. Saying no more Joe moved closer to the bed. He could hear the wispy breathing of Peter. “Pete.” He called his name and his voice finally got through. No verbal response came to Joe, only a moan. Joe reached to the lamp on the night stand and flicked on the light. Eyes focused on Peter, Joe heaved in a breath of shock. Peter was sweaty, pale, his eyes partially opened and rolled back; purple splotches like bruises covered him. “Christ.” Joe didn’t touch him, or say anymore. He shut out the light and left the room.

May 30th - 11:20 p.m.

The White House - Washington, DC

“Airborne virus. There’s no doubt.” Catherine’s words came through the speaker phone in the meeting room behind the Oval Office.

President Hadley’s eyes instinctively closed for a moment. He brought his folded hands to this chin then gathered himself to talk. “You are absolutely sure.”

The men and one woman in the room sat quietly staring at the phone, waiting to hear every word Catherine had to say.

“Confirmed,” she said. “And reconfirmed.” Her manner of speaking was matter of fact. It was as if her lifelong fear of this situation actually occurring made her strong enough to handle what she faced. “Airborne. Twenty-four-hour incubation period. Maybe less. This thing moves fast. Deadly.”

“I’ve pulled in FEMA,” President Hadly said. “Preparations are being made as we speak to shut down New York.”

Catherine couldn’t help it. If asked, she would have said she never intended that laugh to seep out. But it did. “In hopes to do what, Sir?”

“Contain it. My advisors believe that if we can shut down the city, we ...”

“Your advisors are full of shit.” Catherine drew up silence. “Pardon me. But listen to what I’m saying and take it all in. It is airborne. This thing will circle the globe and claim its territory. Containing it is no longer a possibility. I know of two cases that left the city ... by air. Both dead. One in Philadelphia, the other right where you are. DC.”

“Well, then what are you suggesting we do?” President Hadley asked with edge.

“Issue a national warning. Go public.” Catherine told him.

“And then what?” President Hadley snapped. “Ma’am? You said yourself it’s airborne. It’s deadly and moves fast. I’m about to tell the American people that a deadly virus is about to wipe them into extinction. Do you realize what kind of panic, what kind of chaos that would cause?”

“Then you instill Martial law, but get the word out. Warn them. Keep people in their homes. Their cities. Keep them out of the way while we try to beat this.”

“Can we?” President Hadley asked. “Can it be beat?”

There was a slight hesitation before Catherine answered. “In my professional opinion there is only one man who has the skills and the knowledge to do it. If it can be done at all.”

“And that is?”

“If you want a shot in hell of beating this, you have to bring in Lt. Dean Hayes. Bring him in now.” Catherine softened her voice. “He could very well be ... our only hope.”

May 30th - 11:45 p.m.

Hotel - Stamford, Connecticut

The steady pounding at his hotel room door not only stirred Dean from his deep sleep but from his bed as well. With a jolt awake and a loud ‘thump’, Dean found himself shaking his head and lying on the floor by his bed, the covers entangling his feet. “Just a minute,” he called out groggily, kicking out his feet to free himself from the entrapment of the blankets. Stumbling to a stand, Dean turned on the light and patted down his hair which stood on ends.

He staggered to the door still trying to blink away sleep, adjusted his boxers and looked through the peephole. Distorted by the scope he saw military men outside his door. With a ‘what’ and a look of confusion, Dean rubbed his eyes and opened the door.

A colonel stepped forward and the other four soldiers, armed, moved in closer behind him. “Lt. Hayes?” the Colonel questioned.

Dean blinked drastically, clearing his vision. “Oh, shit. What did I do?”

^^^^

Dean knew the instant that General Green stepped into his hotel room with a cup of coffee—for him—that he wasn’t going back to bed.

“We have a situation.” Green handed him the coffee.

“What is the situation, Sir?”

“A virus, level four.”

“Where?”

“New York City.”

Dean paused. He didn’t mean to but the words crept out, “Oh my God.” Dean ran his fingers through his hair. “This … this could be a nightmare.”

“It already is.”

Silence.

“I need to sit down.” Dean did. “What do we have?”

“Airborne virus confirmed. Similar to a souped up bubonic plague meets Ebola meets H1N1.”

Dean whispered, “Carrington.”

Green blinked a long ‘I know’, then spoke. “Incubation period is about twenty-four hours. Initial victims died within eight. The first contact victims hospitalized now, at the current rate of acceleration, have a prognosis of 48 hours. The virus in second and third contact victims is showing no signs of weakening.”

“Which would tell me that the initial victims all caught it at the same time from the same source ...”

“Or possibly standing at ground zero,” the general interjected.

“Do you feel it was deliberate?”

“Evidence is pointing that way, yes.”

“What are the CDC and WHO saying about containing this?” Dean asked.

“For the record they’ll tell you yes; off the record, not a shot in hell.”

“That bad? We must be talking one hell of a window.”

“Twenty-eight hours.”

Dean stood up and began to pace. “No wonder they don’t think they can contain it. Do they realize how many people have left the city in twenty-eight hours?”

“We know of three, all by plane, two of them are dead already. Lieutenant Hayes, this virus affects everyone it comes in contact with.”

“Not everyone.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s inevitable that there will be people immune; people who, no matter what, will not get the virus. In what division of this am I working?”

“What else?” Green shrugged. “Cure. A lab is being set up for you as we speak, complete with samples and everything you need. Items from your Nebraska lab can be shipped here once you tell us what you need.”

“I suppose I’m going to New York?”

Green shook his head.

“No. But if that’s where …”

“New York … we feel, may …” Green paused. “No. New York is out of our control.”

“Define ‘out of control’, Sir.”

“Hospitals are not taking patients. Special aid camps are being set up, resources brought in.”

“Holy hell, we’re talking thousands upon thousands ill already. Aren’t we?”

“By eight tomorrow morning, they are projecting tens of thousands. We can’t count those not seeking help.”

“But wouldn’t I best serve being in New York?” Dean asked.

“We can get you in … there’s no guarantee we’ll get you out.”

Dean looked confused.

“Preparations to shut down New York have already begun. Airports, bridges, tunnels, roadways. Any way in or out. They’re going to try to do the impossible, shut in millions of people. By noon today it will be a war zone. You don’t want to be there.” Green stepped back. “I’ll leave you to get ready.” He walked to the door.

“General, you do realize, with that many ill, the window, CDC is right. There will be no containing this.”

“We can try.”

“Try, yes. But it’s airborne. New York a war zone? Wait. With an airborne virus of this magnitude, it’s not going to matter where you are. In forty-eight hours this thing will be the air; it will circle the globe and claim its territory.”

“Then I suppose you and I both have our work cut out for us, don’t we, son?” With those words, General Green walked out.

Dean stood in disbelief staring at the closed door. “What work?” he whispered. “It’s over.” He plopped down on his bed. “God help us.”

DAY THREE

Sunday, May 31st - 4:45 am.

New York City, NY

It had rained and the remnants of the thunderstorm fell in the form of a light drizzle. The slick of water glazed over the George Washington Memorial Bridge, giving the eerie and dramatic effect needed for what was happening.

Military truck after military truck rolled in loudly. Soldiers armed and wearing gas masks walked in front, alongside and behind the barricade. With diligence and determination they moved like soldiers seizing a city, and they were. The United States Armed Forces were taking New York but not with nearly as much vengeance as their unseen foe, the virus.

May 31st - 5:00 a.m.

Interstate 95 - Connecticut

“ ... at four forty-five a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, authorities began what they describe as a protective blockade of New York City. Military posts have been placed on all access roads in and out of the city ...” The newscaster spoke on the radio.

The windshield wipers of the car added a rhythmic serene feel as Joe drove just a little faster than the speed limit on his way to Stamford. He had counted only three other cars he had passed but didn’t think much of it seeing how daylight hadn’t even broken.

“ ... rumors ranging from a viral outbreak to a possible terrorist siege of the city are cited as reasons for the barricade. Thus far, no further information has been given.”

Joe lit his cigarette with the car lighter. He tapped the lighter on the ashtray to rid it of the amber cigarette particles then replaced it. Mid returning his hand to the steering wheel, Joe turned off the radio. He had listened only briefly to the news, but he heard all he needed to. It was just what he expected, another confirmation of his fears.

May 31st - 5:10 a.m.

Rock Island Arsenal, Davenport, IL

The sky had just hit that bluish-black phase of early morning when Frank tossed his duffle bag into the back of his pickup truck. He was readying to leave to go home. His leave was in full effect and in a few minutes time, Frank thought he would be out of there.

Moving to the driver’s door, Frank heard the call of his name through the darkness. It echoed not only in sound but through him as well. He knew something was not right.

“Sergeant Slagel.”

Frank turned from the door to see Specialist Alder racing his way. “Damn it,” he whispered and turned to Alder.

“Sergeant. Glad I caught you before you went AWOL.”

“AWOL?” Frank had a hint of chuckle to his voice. “I’m not going AWOL, I’m on leave. Emergency leave. I’m heading home.”

“Not anymore.” Alder handed Frank a clipboard. “Take a look. C.O. just left these for you. All requests for leave have been revoked. We’re now placed on standby for possible martial law. Our battalion is being deployed to Chicago. Looks like you’re in charge.”

“Shit.” Frank cringed and rubbed his buzzed black hair.

“Shall I start to get things ready for you?”

With a huff Frank nodded and Alder ran off. Frank, disgusted, shook his head and angrily grabbed his duffle bag back out of the truck.

May 31st - 6:15 a.m.

County General Hospital - New York City, NY

“And the best part is.” Catherine rattled off to Mel while stirring her coffee. “Get this.” She smiled. “I have to get congressional approval on what I’m going to say at the press conference. Congressional approval.” She shook her head, looked at Mel without seeing him and sipped her coffee. She winced in disgust at the strong bitter taste. “Anyhow. Vermont says we can detect early exposure of the virus. I’m going to start looking at our workers. Give us some hint as to the manpower we’ll have when things start getting bad.. No exposure. Possibility of immunity.” When Catherine looked up again, Mel slowly stood from the chair. “Mel?”

“Don’t waste your test on me.”

Crash! The coffee mug slipped from Catherine’s hand and fell to the counter. Steam rose from the spill. “Mel.”

Off balance, Mel moved to the door, ignoring Catherine who made no attempt to follow him. She stood in the door frame watching Mel hold the wall for support as he walked away. When did it happen? When did he turn? Catherine had many conversations with him over the last twenty-some hours. Had she been that wrapped up that she failed to see it slip upon him? Or did the virus kick in so fast that no one, even the best in the field, could see it coming. Head lowered with a sunken heart, Catherine whispered a prayer of desperation. “Dear God. Please don’t let us have lost control. Please. Not yet.”

May 31st - 6:30 a.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

There were two things that woke Kelly up from a sound sleep that morning. One was a sinus headache and two was the crinkling sound she heard coming from the basement. Painfully annoyed, she rubbed the eyes that felt as if they were going to explode and made her way to the kitchen and then to the basement.

Opening the basement door she saw that the light was on. That for one told her it wasn’t a prowler. And if it was, he came bearing edible gifts. Thrown across the basement floor were plastic bags from a grocery store whose name Kelly didn’t recognize. She slowly made her way down; the cool outside air that flowed through the basement door hit against her exposed legs. The creak she made on the wooden steps alerted Joe to her presence. “Joe?”

“Kelly,” he said surprised, dropping three bags and closing the door. “What are you doing up?”

“I should be asking the questions. Why ... why are you grocery shopping at six-thirty in the morning? I just went to the store yesterday.”

“I know. I wanted to get there early this morning Things needed to be bought.”

“Things? You don’t like what I got you?” Kelly asked.

“No. That is not it. Kel ...” Joe took a breath, dusted off his hands and walked to the steps. “We need to talk, you and I. Can we sit?” He motioned his hand to the stairs.

“Sure.” Kelly sat down then Joe sat next to her.

“Let me ask you a question. What has Frank told you about the contingency plan?”

“The what?”

“The Slagel Contingency plan.” Joe saw the tilted head, the clueless look on her face. “That’s what I thought.”

“I don’t understand. What’s going on?”

“Let me see if I can explain.” Joe grabbed her hand. “The plan is ... the plan. No. Let me try another way. I’m going to see if I can be tactful about this.” Joe took a moment, stared at his daughter-in-law and breathed out after a long pause of silence. “Ok, I can’t. Tact is out. Kelly ... the world is gonna end.”

Kelly laughed. “You’re joking.” When Joe said nothing the smile fell from Kelly’s face and was replaced with more of a shocked look. Her eyes moved to the grocery bags then back to Joe. She slipped her hand from his. “Oh, my God. You’re not.”

May 31st - 7:00 a.m.

New York City Harbor

Ashley Bennett slept soundly in the sleeping quarters of her boat. Her long, dark hair hid her face. Her legs sprawled out of the blue satin sheets. The room was filled with burnt candles and empty champagne glasses. Her wedding gown was flung over the bench at the side of the bunk. She slowly opened her eyes only to stare at her brand new wedding ring in a daze. Her head hurt; probably all that celebratory drinking. The odd sound of the engines startled her; they weren’t suppose to set sail until after noon. Had she slept that late? Ashley looked at the clock.

“Ash, get dressed, come on.” Rick, her new husband, a burly, bearded man, rushed into the room.

“Rick, what’s going on?”

“Just get dressed, hurry!” Rick reached under the bunk and pulled out his rifle. He opened a drawer and retrieved his bullets.

“Oh, my God, what’s wrong?”

Rick loaded his rifle. “I’m getting us out of New York.”

“Why, what’s wrong?” Ashley started to throw on a pair of pants.

“I just heard on the radio, New York is quarantined, some sort of virus, and we’re booking.”

“Rick, maybe we shouldn’t.” Ashley moved her hair from her eyes and pulled it into a ponytail. “Maybe we should just wait on the boat until it’s over. We’re away from people here.”

“Ash, listen to me, the virus has to be big, or why else would they quarantine an entire city? No, besides the fact that we don’t want to get what’s going around, what if they can’t stop it? If we don’t get the virus we’ll be dead anyway. Because if they can’t stop it, they’ll cancel New York, trust me.”

“My family, what about them? Your family….”

“You’re my family.” With the rifle in one hand and Ashley’s hand in the other, he tugged her up to the deck. Rick placed the rifle down, threw the boat into gear, and proceeded to drive the boat quickly.

“Rick, slow down.”

Rick paid no attention to Ashley or to the two Coast Guard boats ahead of them; he sped in between them.

Within seconds a helicopter appeared over head. “Attention below, you are in a quarantined area, do not attempt to leave.”

Rick kept driving.

“We repeat, this is a quarantined area, if you do not turn your vessel around, we will stop you!”

“Rick, stop the boat.”

“They’re bluffing, Ashley.”

“THIS IS YOUR LAST WARNING. STOP OR WE WILL SHOOT!”

“Rick!”

“They’re bluffing, Ashley.”

The helicopter flew away.

“I told you, Ash, they weren’t going to shoot at us.” Rick put his arm around her and smiled, but the smile quickly left his face when the sound of a jet overhead made him look up.

The Air Force jet streamed by, and with one single missile, fired Rick and Ashley’s boat out of the water.

May 31st - 7:20 a.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

The hot feel of his hand against her bare arm made Ellen immediately spring up from her snug position in bed. She cleared her hair from her eyes to see her son, Josh, standing there. “Josh, what is it?”

“Mom.” His voice cracked. “I’m really sick.”

Ellen swung her legs over the bed and stood up. “What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know.” His glossy eyes looked at her, his face was pale. “I’m just sick.”

Ellen’s hands went to his face and then his neck. “Shit. You’re burning up. Let’s get you some Tylenol. Ok.” Josh nodded in agreement as Ellen, hand on Josh’s back, led him from her room to the bathroom. She filled the cup, handed it to him, then opened the medicine cabinet and pulled out a bottle of pills. “What hurts you? Head, stomach, what?”

“Yeah.”

“They all hurt?”

“Yeah.”

Ellen handed him the pills. She ran her hand through his hair in a motherly fashion as he took them and swallowed with almost a gag. “You ok?”

Josh nodded weakly.

“Let’s get you back to bed.” Arm on Josh, Ellen started walking him to his room. She stopped when she could hear the weakened sound of regurgitation coming from the guest room. She kept moving, taking Josh into his room and helping him into bed. She covered and kissed him. “I’ll check on you later.” Running her hand over his head, Ellen left the room. She paused by Taylor’s open door and giggled at the sight of her daughter. Covers off, legs spread, arms out. Shaking her head, Ellen stepped inside and pulled the covers up. She leaned down to Taylor and placed her lips to her forehead. Ellen’s heart dropped. “No.” She kissed Taylor again. “This is ridiculous. You’re warm too.”

Upset that her family was all coming down with this flu Doc Breyer seemed none too concerned about, Ellen walked to her bedroom to give Doc Breyer a call. If nothing else, she wanted to bitch at him. She picked up the phone and placed the receiver to her ear. Her dialing finger stopped and Ellen pulled the receiver from her and stared at it oddly. Instead of the dial tone that should have greeted her, a busy signal was heard.

She grabbed her cell phone.

No signal.

May 31st - 8:10 a.m.

Fairfield University - Stamford, Connecticut

It was a special two-room lab setup and Dean buzzed about it in his usual mad-scientist fashion. Crates were spread out, some unpacked, some still sealed. He would take something from a box, lay it on the counter then move to his computer, the first piece of equipment he got up and running.

“Hey,” Henry called into the lab, carrying yet another box. “Some army guy just dropped this off.”

“Over there.” Dean pointed, eyes fixed on the computer screen. He shook his head and stood straight, looking at Henry. “I appreciate all your help.”

“Oh, no problem. I’m the helpful guy. That’s why they called me.”

“I’m sure.”

“I can help you even more if you’d like.” Henry followed him. “Oh!” He called out startling Dean. “I know. You should let me be your assistant, Captain Dean.”

“Lieutenant.”

“I can be a lieutenant. Sure.”

“No.” Dean chuckled. “I’m a lieutenant. And yes, I would like to recruit you.”

“Excellent.” Henry peeked in boxes. “This is too cool. I’m gonna be a great help. As long as I don’t get too dirty. Or grossed out. I gag easily, you know. I would have been a scientist had it not been for all the schooling. I hated school.” Henry watched Dean move about. “Maybe I can be a scientist of mechanical things. What do you think. Dr.... Henry.” He stated so proudly.

“Molly.” Dean stopped moving.

“Oh, no, Dr. Dean. I can’t be a Molly.” Henry snickered.

“Molly.” Dean grinned and moved to the door.

Molly stood there. “Ready for some help?”

“God, they pulled you in too?” Dean asked, taking hold of her arm and bringing her further into the lab.

“Dragged me right out of bed.”

Dean smiled. “I’m glad you’re here. Henry.” He waited for Henry to look up. “This is Dr. Molly Walters. My lab assistant.”

“Swell.” Henry shifted his eyes from Molly to Dean. “So like, does this mean I’m out?”

May 31st - 8:42 a.m.

County General Hospital - New York City, NY

“Did you see the news?” Catherine asked as she placed a tourniquet on Andrea’s arm.

“I’ve been avoiding listening and watching. Why?” Andrea asked.

“They said rioting, bad too, is going on near the barricade.”

Andrea shook her head. “Did they think it wouldn’t? Sweet Jesus, you lock two million people in a city with a deadly virus. They are not going to celebrate.”

“Guess not.” Catherine inserted the tube.

“Bet me the rioting causes more deaths than our virus today.”

“You’re probably right,” Catherine spoke with exhaustion.

Andrea watched Catherine pull the tube of blood from her arm. “Why are you doing this?”

“You haven’t been exposed.” Catherine laid a cotton ball on Andrea’s arm. “I want to see if you’re immune.”

“Well, I certainly hope I’m not.” Andrea rolled down her sleeve as she stood up.

“Andrea?” Catherine called as Andrea began to leave. “Why? I don’t understand.”

“Take a look at this floor. This hospital. My nurses. So fast and deadly. There is a wrath of death ravaging our world and I for one do not want to be around when it’s all said and done with. I don’t want to watch all things I love disappear. Do you?”

Catherine hadn’t any idea what to say, how to respond. She stood speechless as Andrea left.

May 31st - 9:00 a.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

Electricity. Filtered water. Food conservation. Sewage. Growth. Protection. Kelly flipped through the pages of the notebook she found on her kitchen table. Her head pounded with each plan, note, or idea written under every category handwritten there. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Why was she reading this? Her hand lifted and the notebook closed when she heard the clearing of a throat. She turned to see Joe standing in the kitchen.

“Kel.” He stated her name, ran his finger over his top lip and returned to the table.

Kelly watched him sit down, open the notebook and grab a pen. “Joe. There is something wrong with you.”

“What are you talking about?”

“That.” Kelly pointed to the notebook. “I looked through it.”

“I’m just taking notes.” Joe lifted his glasses from the table and placed them on.

“Notes on what to do when the world shuts down.”

“It’s called planning ahead.”

“It’s morbid,” Kelly argued. “This is so typical of you. All of you Slagels are morbid. All of you. You’re probably loving this. I think you’re overreacting.”

Joe, having had enough of being calm, slammed the notebook shut. “Overreacting? How in Christ’s name can you say that? They shut down the entire borough of New York. Barricaded it. That is not overreacting, Kelly, that is reality. And the sooner you see that, the sooner you will stop moping around the house and get up the goddamn strength you are gonna need to face this.”

Kelly heaved out an emotional breath. “There will be nothing to face. It will be over soon. You wait.” Not wanting to be witness to Joe’s plans for the apocalypse, Kelly angrily spun and stormed from the kitchen. She could feel herself getting hot, flushed, the skin of her face burning. Near tears and wanting to just calm down, Kelly flew into the hall powder room and slammed the door. She moved to the sink, turning it on full blast as she bent over, splashing her face frantically. Lifting her face, Kelly reached for a towel. Her hand shook out of control, a shaking that vibrated through her entire body, knotting her insides. Just as she grabbed the towel and slid it down her pale face, Kelly’s head ached more, her insides turned in a way she had never before felt, and she dropped to the floor by the commode, lifted the lid and violently vomited.

May 31st  - 9:00 a.m.

George Washington Bridge, New York

Automobiles, trucks, vans and many other vehicles lined up in a barrage to escape the city. Where they thought they were going was incomprehensible. They were told, once there, they were to abandon their vehicles and walk on foot back to where they came from. There was no turning back, there was no going forward. Some people even resorted to bringing food and camping out until the wait was over. These were the smart ones. The thousands of onlookers watched as many thought that they would be the one to cross and get away only to be arrested or shot.

The Bristle family was not from New York, they were from New Jersey. Yet Peg and Harry Bristle and their two teenage children, sightseeing for the weekend, sat in their Lexus amidst the turbulence. Harry Jr. had been sick since last evening and Harry Sr., Peg, and Lucy were just beginning to feel the flu. They wondered, like many others, if this was a deadly virus. Would their last painful hours be spent sitting behind a beat-up Jeep? Or possibly someone would come to their aid.

Their only means of entertainment for the past three hours was watching and counting in terror how many people were killed trying to break the barricade.

Peg jolted a bit as she witnessed the shooting of a motorcyclist.

Harry Sr., munching on Planter’s Peanuts, chewed and commented. “Stupid asshole, how many does that make?”

Lucy checked her note book. “Forty-eight.”

“Forty-eight?” Harry Sr. shoved another peanut in his mouth. “I guess they’ll be moving them out soon.”

“I don’t think so.” Peg shoved her hand in the bag. “They still have lots of room.”

They watched as two military men wearing respirators hoisted the body of the dead biker into the back of a dump truck, brushed off their hands and went back to their post as if nothing had happened.

Harry Jr. moaned from the back seat.

Lucy checked him out and reported to her parents. “He’s getting worse, and he’s waking up.”

Peg opened her purse. “Here” She handed Lucy a yellow pill. “Give him another Valium.”

Harry Sr. looked in her purse. “You have enough for the rest of us when we need them, don’t you?”

“Of course I do; remember I have Xanax and Percs for when things get really bad.” She looked at her watch and pulled a bottle of water from the cooler. “It’s time for me to take another nerve pill, anyone else?”

In order to remain calm, both Harry and Lucy held out their hands.

May 31st - 9:10 a.m.

County General Hospital - New York City, NY

‘ ... It’s difficult at this time, with airspace closed off to our Eyewitness News choppers, to determine if the insurmountable amount of reports are indeed true ...’

Catherine sat in a chair, flipping though the note cards of her upcoming news conference.

‘ ... the shooting of civilians at the barricade points are at this time the most disturbing. Once again authorities are urging those of you who live in the Metropolitan New York area to stay inside. Do not make an attempt to leave the city at this time. The frustration level is high and Bell Atlantic has confirmed that phone service in the New York City area region is disrupted. And so many individuals have made attempts to use their cell phones, it’s like midnight on New Years, no calls can get through. Circuits are jammed. Today at ten, a special informational ...’

Catherine’s eye shifted from the news to the shaking hand in front of her. Jan extended to Catherine a sheet of paper. Catherine’s eyes eased up the trembling arm, and she gripped it as she stood. “Jan.” Catherine’s hand went to Jan’s cheek. “Oh, my God.”

Jan stepped back. Her skin was sickly-white. “I needed you to know ...” Her head twitched. “I need you to know. We have reported cases in... in...” Jan swallowed harshly and as if in pain. “In seven other countries. Please.” Her eyes closed. “Please think about what you’ll say today at the ...” Jan never said anymore, her head went back and forward she toppled with a loud bang to the floor. Catherine flew to her aid, sliding on the floor the moment Jan began to convulse.

May 31st - 9:22 a.m.

The White House - Washington, DC

Dust particles floated in the beams of sunlight that came through the windows of the Oval Office. Dark, quiet and solemn was the feel of the office. Not a light was on. President Hadley sat behind his desk, his chair turned so as to face the window. His feet were planted firmly on the floor. His hands gripped the arms of the chair. No expression, not even anger graced his stone-cold face as he just stared at the window.

Jason Locks inched his way to the President’s side. His voice was soft, matching the feel of the room. “The evidence is mounting, Sir. We’re talking about a massive terrorist retaliation. We have confirmed twelve simultaneous releases of the bug. It’s time ... it’s time that you read that again.”

President Hadley’s hand moved slowly from the arm of the chair. He brought it to his lap and on to the blue-bound manuscript that rested there, unread. He slid his hand across the crispness of it as his eyes read the black, bold title, ‘CLASSIFIED: THE GARFIELD PROJECT’. It was something in his entire presidency he never thought he’d have to read. President Hadley knew how desperate the situation had to be if he was forced to open it. The situation was not something he was ready or wanting to face. Not yet.

May 31st - 9:30 a.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

Ellen thought that Peter was getting better, maybe just a little. His eyes were open, he responded to her, and he’d held in the water she gave him for over a half an hour. That was the longest Ellen could recall he had gone without throwing up. She dipped the washcloth in the basin and brought it over his face again. She looked in the glossy eyes that stared like a child up to her, so helpless, so hurt. She ran the cloth across his cracked lips and down to his neck.

“I don’t know, Peter. I just don’t know what this is.”

“El.” Peter spoke so weakly, and his words trembled as much as his body. “I’m so sick. I think I’m dying. Help me.”

Ellen pulled her hand back clenching the washcloth tight. She dropped it in the basin. “I’ll try to call again.” She stood up, taking the basin into the guest bathroom. She looked back at Peter as she left the room. He lay on his back, shaking, his eyes open and staring out. A look of searching was in his eyes, peering outward as if looking for answers, help, or relief.

She pulled the door closed and moved to her bedroom, pausing to peek in Josh’s room; he was asleep. Taylor was too. Of course, Taylor had not even made the attempt to get out of bed. Too sick, she told Ellen, and her little head hurt so badly, she was in tears. Saying a short begging prayer, Ellen picked up the phone and gasped in relief when she heard the dial tone. It was something she had been unable to get for hours. Quickly she dialed; her lips moving rapidly as she beckoned softly for someone to answer.

The operator came on. “You have reached the Fairfield County Regional ambulance dispatch center ...”

Ellen peeped out a moan of excitement. Finally help. “Yes, I need an ambulance. For Ash ...”

“ ... at this time, all emergency services have been suspended until further notice. Please try your call later.”

The long high pitch beep rang in Ellen’s ear. She slid the phone from her ear across her cheek, dropped her forehead to the ear piece, and closed her eyes. A feeling of desperation and helplessness, so overwhelming, hit Ellen so hard that she just wanted to break down and cry. But like that phone she clenched in her sweaty hand, Ellen held on tight to the strength she needed.

May 31st - 9:47 a.m.

Fairfield University - Stamford, Connecticut

It was a contrast in reality to Dean. On his right, Molly stood suited up behind a glass wall working on something in the lab, smiling and waving to Henry who was adding a sealant around the window frame. Then to his left the speaker phone, Catherine Donovan, shaken but trying to be strong, her voice hard to understand through the static of the phone.

“I’m sorry, Catherine, what was that again, I can barely hear you,” Dean said as he sat at the counter reviewing notes.

“I’m sorry this connection is bad. I’m on my cell phone. I was saying we stopped taking patients. The numbers are through the roof here. Everything we have tried has failed. This thing moves too fast. How did it get out of control so fast?”

“Out of control fast?” Dean questioned. “Catherine, you’re talking a twenty-eight hour window before this thing was discovered to be airborne. The incubation period alone is shorter than that. We lost control the second it was unknowingly released.”

“But all the studies I have done show ...”

“Show what? To circle the globe it would take weeks, months? Highly doubtful when you’re speaking about a killer virus that ends a life in forty-eight hours or less. Also keep in mind the last time this planet faced a plague, we did not have intercontinental air travel.”

“True.” Catherine agreed.

“So lose the tone of blaming yourself.” Dean told her then added a little compassion. “Even if you were Superwoman you wouldn’t have been fast enough.”

“Is there hope?”

“There’s always hope.” Dean answered. “And we are not out of options yet. Even if we take it to the wire, we won’t give up. In fact, I’m waiting for a prototype right now to arrive from my lab. A viral block I’ve been working on. Works with the DNA and RNA.”

“Yes, but working with the DNA and RNA, wouldn’t the patient have to have some sort of genetic immunity link for it to work?” Catherine questioned.

“Don’t know. Different viruses breed different results. My research is not complete, but at this point it is worth a shot. Right? We’ll know in about an hour.”

“An hour.” Catherine sounded disappointed. “My news conference is before that. I was hoping you could have given me something.”

“For?” Dean asked. “For you to say? I thought you knew what you were going to say.”

“I do and I don’t. I know what I have to say and I know what is the right thing to say. The question is what ...”

Dean looked up from his notes. “Catherine?” He called out. There wasn’t a sound coming from the speaker phone. No static. Nothing. Dean stood and lifted the receiver from the base. “Catherine.” He clicked the base several times. No dial tone. No busy signal. The phone was dead.

May 31st - 9:55 a.m.

Interstate 80 - Outskirts, Chicago, IL

It was a small mall complex; the parking lot had been cleared of any vehicles there during the last hour, plowed out of the way as if the cars were snow and then replaced with tents and military trucks. The small outdoor mall was located about a mile off the main interstate and Frank, on his break, ran there. He trudged down the congested highway where traffic crawled and made it there in no time flat. There weren’t many military personnel moving about. A few men and women did the work cut out for multitudes more. Frank believed the reason for the lack of personnel had less to do with the virus and more to do with the fact that so many had left their posts and gone AWOL, just as he himself contemplated doing, but he’d stayed where he had to be.

He had to return to his post before he too was considered absent without leave, but not before trying to call one more time before his phone went dead. That phone call ended up being a waste of Frank’s hopes when a recorded voice came on informing Frank ‘the phone call can not be completed due to the disruption of phone service in the state of Connecticut.’

May 31st - 10:00 a.m. EST

Seattle, WA - City Limits

The large hand slammed down three times on the hood of the minivan that stopped at his barricade. “Move it out!” Sergeant Robert ‘Robbie’ Slagel ordered to the scared woman driving the van with three small children. “Ma’am, move it out now!”

“I’m going through,” she spoke with emotional insistence.

Robbie didn’t raise his weapon; he merely let the pumping of the chamber be heard. “Ma’am, you will back up this vehicle now. Now!” Standing firmly and with intimidation, Robbie stared coldly at her until she gave in and backed the van up only to let another move forward. Robbie signaled for another man to handle it.

It all was making sense to him. His father’s phone call, the mention of the contingency plan. Stepping back to get a drink of water from the canteen set up in the closed fast-food restaurant parking lot, Robbie saw it. A cell phone. His had been long since on one bar.

Taking off his gas mask and scratching his sweaty blonde hair, he brought his glass of water to his lips, keeping his eyes on that phone. Unsuccessfully he had tried to get a hold of his father since the day before. With things being the way they were now, what would it hurt if he attempted it just once more.

After looking around he walked to the lone phone and lifted it, dialing his father’s cell phone number. The line was crackling and filled with static, but it rang. “Come on, Dad, answer. Answer.” He beckoned. “Dad . . .” Robbie stopped speaking when he realized it was voice mail. “Shit!” He rested his head against the phone, eyes closed taking in the frightening reality of what was going on. After a brief moment, he regained his composure and returned to his post. He’d try again later. Robbie needed to speak to his father. However, if he didn’t get through on that attempt, he would leave a message.

May 31st - 10:01 a.m.

The News Conference

Joe covered Kelly with a blanket as she curled up on her side in an easy chair. He moved to the television, turning it up, then walked by little eleven-year-old Johnny Slagel as he lay in front of the television watching.

“Joe,” Kelly called out, a weakness had hit her. “I don’t want to watch this.”

“We have to.” Joe stated matter-of-fact. “If we listen to anything, I believe we’ll listen right now to the truth.” Backing up away from the set, Joe sat on the couch in between his two granddaughters. He pulled them close and watched.

Catherine nervously fiddled with her index cards as she approached the podium in the hospital’s conference auditorium. It was crowded; cameras flashing at her, clicking, a mumbling of voices came from what Catherine believed was every single reporter stuck in New York. They waited impatiently for her to speak. Catherine stared at the many faces and leaned into the abundance of microphones. “Good Morning. I’m Doctor Catherine Donovan of the Centers for Disease Control.”

A hush took over the room and everyone’s attention was grabbed. There was no introduction of her, nothing to forewarn the reporters this unlikely-looking woman was the doctor with important information on whom they had been waiting.

“I’m here today, not to answer questions, but to inform you. Hopefully I will tell you exactly what you need to know.” Catherine stared down at her cards again; her perspiring hands dampened them. “We here in New York are dealing with a virus. A virus deliberately released in a subway two days ago. I know a lot of you have been caring for the ill. I know from what I have been doing here that it’s a big task to handle. So we’re going got try to relieve some of that burden.” She cleared her throat. “Aid stations, relief stations, whatever you would like to call them, are being set up as we speak. You are encouraged to seek medical care if you or a family member is ill. Following this info-conference, do not be alarmed, stations will switch to the Emergency Broadcast System. A list of locations for relief stations will continuously be run.” She paused to take a breath. “This virus is centralized in New York. It is under control, and this crisis will be over shortly.”

President Hadley smiled to Jason Locks, a smile of relief as he watched Catherine deliver her speech on a wall of television sets mounted just outside the Oval Office.

Catherine set down her index cards and gripped the podium seriously. “That is what I’m supposed to tell you. This ... is what I’m not.” Catherine waited for complete silence. No cameras. No voices. “It’s airborne ...”

Immediately upon those words, President Hadley sprang from his chair.

“ ... It’s deadly. And it is hitting us faster than we ever feared in any of our worst nightmares.”

Rage filled President Hadley. His arm swung out hitting the air. “Son of a bitch, she did it!”

Catherine held up her hand to the mumbles of concern. “Right now a list of virus stages and symptoms are being faxed to every health care facility in the country that is capable of receiving them. We will also run the symptoms at intervals of every half hour over the Emergency Broadcast System. What you receive, what you know, is all that we ourselves know. But understand, please ...” Catherine swallowed the lump in her throat. “We are doing everything humanly possible to stop this. To end this. Hopefully, with God’s great intervention, the prayers of the world, and with the brilliancy of our scientific technology, we will overcome this tragedy that has now struck us so strongly. Thank you.” Catherine stepped back, nodded sadly and, ignoring the shouting of questions, walked off.

Every single television monitor that President Hadley watched turned off the second the beep of the EBS began. Slowly President Hadley, Jason at his side, walked to his Oval Office. He moved to his desk and lowered himself down to his chair. After briefly closing his eyes in thought, he folded his hands on his desktop and looked up to Jason. “Ok, it’s out. We know what we have to do now.”

May 31st - 10:25 a.m.

Interstate 80 - Outskirts, Chicago, IL

Both sides of the highway were jammed with cars all going in the same direction. Out. Up the breakdown lane of the road and in the center strip cars all moved at a turtles’ pace. Off to the highway’s side military trucks were lined up. In a tent, amongst all that, Frank stood. He held the army mobile phone to his ear while closing off the noise with his finger. He nodded, handed the phone to the corporal and holding his M-16 he stepped from the tent. All it took was for Frank to lift his arm high in a motioning wave. All eyes were waiting for it. The second after Frank’s signal, soldiers placed on gas masks, grabbed roadblock horses, and marched with them across the highway. The big military trucks made their own room as they followed the soldiers out. All traffic was immediately stopped.

Martial law was officially in effect.

THE CHAOS

Every fear that’s had, every heart that beats,
every corner that we take, leads to another street.

Will we give our hand to a loved one or a friend?

Or fight only for ourselves, until the bitter end.

May 31st - 12:10 p.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

Through her cell phone, finally working, Ellen heard the words she didn’t want to hear. She wished it was the bad connection or maybe the constant clicking that made her hear wrong. But there was no way around the truth and the male voice telling her, ‘We’re sorry, ma’am, Sgt. Slagel has been deployed.’

Ellen turned off the phone, sliding it down to her lips. She closed her eyes and a single tear rolled down her cheek. Quickly she turned when she heard the front door open. Joe walked in. Nearly dropping the phone as she set it on the foyer table, Ellen raced to him and into his arms. “Oh, Joe.”

Joe stepped back from the embrace and placed his hands upon her face. “How you holding up?”

“I feel like I’m falling apart. My whole family is sick. My kids, Joe. My kids.” Ellen started to cry. “And there’s no help to be found. Nothing. Only what I can give them. This isn’t happening. Tell me this isn’t happening.”

Joe leaned into her and gently laid his lips to her forehead. “I wish to God, with all my heart, that I could tell you none of this is real. Unfortunately, sweetheart, it’s happening.”

“That’s why you’re here. That’s why you came up. The contingency plan. You knew, because you were there.”

“You’re right.” Joe moved back, sliding his hand from her face. “I called my boys. But ... they’re all military. My guess, if they planned on coming home, they can’t now. Martial law has gone into effect.”

With a gasp, Ellen stepped back covering her mouth in shock. “What do we do?”

“Right now, we gather up all our strength. We’ll be there for those who need us and ...” Joe walked up to Ellen and took her again in his arms, holding her like the father he had always been to her. “And we hold out hope. We hold out hope.”

May 31st - 12:15 p.m.

Fairfield University - Stamford, Connecticut

It wasn’t like Dean to show emotions or show when anything really affected him. He always chalked it up to the scientist in him. But this was hard for Dean to hide. His jaw twitched and his head lowered when Molly spoke to him.

“I’ll be fine. How can I not be? You’re working on this,” Molly said.

“When ... when did you start feeling it?” Dean asked finally noticing the drawn look Molly had to her.

“A couple hours ago I started to feel bad. I’m not gonna quit. I won’t leave you alone. I will work until I can’t work anymore.”

“Molly,” Dean said her name with such a loss. “My God, that is not my ...”

A knock on the door, a single knock, brought in Henry. “Dean.”

“Not now.” Dean told him.

“No, Dean, I need to speak to you. Just for a minute.” Henry sounded desperate.

Dean looked to Molly who gave a single nod of approval and he looked Henry’s way. “What’s up?”

“Can you come into the hall?” Henry questioned then stepped out.

Reluctantly Dean followed, pulling the door closed. He saw a woman standing there. Tall, slender, young, but everything about her yelled ‘frazzled’. From her pulled up hair that dangled strings, to her dirty and wrinkled business suit.

Henry held out his hand. “Dean, this is Emily Chancellor, she’s the hospital administrator.”

“Lt. Hayes.” Emily extended her hand. “Our Henry tells us that you are a doctor as well as a research scientist.”

“I am,” Dean said. “Why?”

“We’ve run into a bit of a problem.” Emily explained. “Most of our staff left, and the ones who remain, well, they’re getting ill. And ... maybe it’s best if you follow me.” She began walking down the hall and then to the steps that led to the main floor.

“What do you need from me?” Dean asked as the neared the entrance.

“We’ve been designated an aid station,” she replied. “But I’m kind of hoping I can get a medical helping hand from you. At least until help arrives.”

“Why?” Dean asked.

“Our station has been announced.” Emily moved forward to the doors and pushed them open.

Any ability to breathe on his own left Dean the second he looked out into the lawn area. People had gathered in masses in an attempt to make it to the hospital two buildings away. They sat on the grass, they stood in herds, and they fought. But they were there for help, far too many of them, and they spread out as far as the eye could see.

May 31st - 1:40 p.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

Arms crossed, Ellen watched the paper come out of her printer. She turned her head when her cell phone appeared in front of her. “No.” She looked to Joe as he handed it over. “Please don’t tell me we lost that too.”

“No.” Joe shook his head.

“Did you have any luck?”

“None. All I could get was that Frank was somewhere outside of Chicago.”

“It didn’t help telling them Kelly and the baby were sick?”

“Didn’t make a bit of difference,” Joe said. “Ellen, you do realize that Frank may never get here if he ...”

“No,” Ellen interrupted. “Don’t say it. Don’t. Frank getting sick is something I don’t want to think about. Right now, my kids, Kelly, the baby, and even Pete have to be forefront.”

Joe watched her remove the sheets of paper from the printer’s tray. Her address was on there, big and bold. “Ellen, I know you told Doc Breyer you would help him out. But do you understand what you’re doing? Giving medication here is making your home a relief station. People will come. They won’t leave. Do you really want to take that on?”

Collating the papers, Ellen looked at Joe. “No. No I don’t. But what choice do we have? We aren’t sick; if we don’t help them, who will?” On tiptoes she kissed Joe on the cheek. “Thank you for watching my family. I won’t be long; I just have to go to our office here and in Harmer, also the pharmacies.”

“Ellen.” Joe grabbed hold of her. “Wait.” He reached into his shoulder harness, pulled out the revolver, checked the safety, grabbed her hand and laid the gun in her palm. “For your protection. Be careful out there.”

“I will.” Ellen winked, laid the gun on her stack of papers, picked up her keys from the table and walked out.

Joe, his hands in his pockets, moved into the living room. He stood staring out the window, watching until Ellen had pulled out her Jeep and disappeared from his sight.

May 31st - 2:05 p.m.

County General Hospital - New York City, NY

Seven years earlier, Andrea had sported a little patch on her arm. It helped her quit the habit that Jake, her husband, had long since complained about. Smoking. But on the rooftop of County General, Andrea smoked again, if for nothing else than an excuse to take a break that was long overdue. She hadn’t slept for longer than a twenty-minute stretch, yet she didn’t feel the exhaustion. She felt the sadness of the pain she watched people suffer and the hopelessness of her unanswered prayers.

Gunfire, rapid and lone shots, rang out in the city as if a new rhythmic beat that could end up being the last song she would ever hear. Black smoke rose from smoldering buildings nearby and in the distance, and the screams and cries of people carried up as well. There was no solitude as Andrea stood on the rooftop alone. Not like she had hoped for. She realized it didn’t matter whether she was in the hospital, on her floor, hiding in the lounge, or on that rooftop, agony surrounded her. It was everywhere. Every radio, television, hallway and patient’s face. There was absolutely no escaping the bitter truth, that she, Andrea, was witnessing the heartbreak of the world’s end.

May 31st - 2:10 p.m.

Fairfield University - Stamford, Connecticut

Henry bobbed a lot. Back and forth, up and down all in nervous anxiety. In front of a military truck, one lone military truck, he waited. Two or three soldiers wearing gas masks were to his left. They stood, armed and arms crossed, watching out as if they were protecting that truck from all those people. They were.

Relief hit Henry when he finally spotted Dean walking his way through the people. He wasn’t alone; an older gray-haired man, towering over Dean, walked with him. Henry raced from the truck, hoping he wouldn’t get shot for leaving his unofficial post. He ran straight to Dean. “Thank God!” Henry laid his hands on Dean’s shoulders. “Oh, Dean.” Henry twitched his head back. “I don’t think this one truck is going to be enough. And ... Emily booked. I’m alone here. Help.”

“Henry, calm down.” Dean hid his chuckle caused by the frantic man. “More trucks are coming. I promise you this is going to be an aid station. But right now, I have to get back to the lab.”

“But Dean ...”

“Henry.” Dean held up his hand. “I brought help. This is my father, William. He’s a doctor. He’ll be helping you out.”

Henry shook William’s hand but kept his eyes on Dean. “Helping me out? What do you mean? With setting up, right?”

William shook his head. “No, Henry. With the ill.”

“The ill?” Henry stepped back. “Oh, no, I can’t. I can’t help with the ill.’ He rambled. “I can do other stuff. I can. I can guard the one truck. But not help with the ill. These people ...” Henry dropped his voice to a whisper. “These people are sick. They’re vomiting. Violently, too. Not a good ...”

“Henry.” Dean halted him. “Sorry. You’re recruited. I’ll check back in a bit.”

“But, Dean.” Henry called out as Dean hurried away. “Dean. Shit.” Henry watched Dean move through the masses of people, totally ignoring those who grabbed for him. When Dean was gone, Henry placed his hands in his pocket, whistled slightly and started to back away. He didn’t make it far. William snatched him right back.

May 31st - 2:30 p.m.

Interstate 80 – Outskirts of Chicago, IL

Frank Slagel stood in the midst of the barricade blocking an exit out of Chicago. His job was to ensure that he and his men stopped all traffic from leaving the city. It had been difficult so far. People just weren’t taking no for an answer and that irritated Frank. They didn’t understand that he was just doing his job and if up to him personally, he’d let them all through. After hearing what he did on the news conference there really wasn’t any reason to keep them in.

“Sarge.” A fellow soldier also wearing a gas mask grabbed his shoulder. “Major Nelson is on the radio, he needs to speak to you.”

“Thanks.” Frank harnessed his rifle over his shoulder; he needed the break even briefly. Staring at the cars all trying to go somewhere made Frank wish he could do the same thing. But the only way he could get home would be on foot and that could take a while. Even then, if he did just decide to jump ship and go AWOL he stood a chance of getting shot. If protecting his family was what drove Frank to get home, then he had to justify it in his mind that he was doing that by holding the lines. He had to or else he’d drive himself crazy. “Sergeant Slagel speaking, Sir.” Frank grabbed the microphone to the radio. He listened to the Major ramble something about needing a few of Frank’s men. Frank nodded as if the Major saw him, agreeing to give up the men, knowing full well it wouldn’t do any good. Many of the soldiers were already ill. “Yes, Sir.” Frank finally verbally responded and the Major left the airways. Setting down the radio, Frank turned to go back to his post when he saw it: A struggle between a man who stood holding his motorcycle and two soldiers who diligently argued with him. Perturbed that this man was giving his men such a hard time, Frank stormed over to the scene. “What is the problem!?” Frank bellowed to the man who was nearly his height. “Sir, you are to back your ass up or we will back you up.”

The man glared at Frank. “This is bullshit.”

“Well, this is the way it is. Back it up!” Frank ordered.

The man stepped back and mounted his bike. Revving up his engines, he placed his bike in gear. “Fuck you.” With a screech he sped forward.

Without a hesitation, without a second thought, Frank spun forward his M-16, lifted it up, pumped the chamber and fired a single shot that sent the man flying from his bike and the motorcycle crashing in a skid twenty feet further. Lowering his weapon with a stone face, Frank swung it behind his shoulder, walked strongly and without emotion to the man’s dead body. Reaching down he grabbed hold of the man’s shirt and drug his body across the ground ten feet or so to an awaiting truck. With ease, Frank lifted the body and tossed it in with others who had dared to try to make it through. Thinking no more about it, Frank returned to his post.

May 31st - 3:55 p.m.

County General Hospital - New York City, NY

Covered in blood as if she worked in a MASH unit instead of a hospital, Andrea worked on a patient whose place to suffer was found on a cot lined up in the hall. Holding a syringe in her mouth, Andrea checked the intravenous of the man.

“Andrea.” Catherine approached her from behind. “I’m heading down to the lower floor. If Lt. Hayes gets through will you ...”

“Find you?” Andrea leaned her body on the man. “Yes, I will.”

“Thank you.” Worn out, Catherine slid her hand over Andrea’s back as she moved down the hall. Passing the lounge she heard the oddness of it. No rattling of city names. No drab male announcer’s voice coldly stating symptoms, but a hiss. Wondering if they’d lost television communications, Catherine stepped into the doorway of the lounge. On the television, the static sounded but a picture was shown, a picture of a digital timer and it was counting down.

May 31st - 3:58 p.m.

The Speech

The note simply read, ‘Medical relief available at 5567 Elks Drive’ and Ellen hung it on the front office door of Doc Breyer’s Ashtonville Clinic. Many people had gathered there, hoping to find help, some relief in a building that would not open its doors. She made her way, boxes in hand, to Joe’s car, which had become surrounded by people. Ellen blocked them out. She couldn’t let their questions, the begging for help slow her down. She had one more stop to make and then she would be able, to the best of her ability, to administer care to them.

Loading the box in the already packed backseat, Ellen used her shoulder to nudge a man from her way and slid into the car.

Silence.

She leaned back, ran her hand down her face and took a breath. She brought her hand forward to the ignition and started the engine. Fists banged to get her attention. They swung loudly on the door, the hood and trunk. Surrounded by the noise, Ellen only wanted to move on. Tossing the car in gear, she put the radio on.

In Ellen’s home, Joe had carried Taylor to the living room. He thought of Kelly and how Mrs. Peter’s, the next door neighbor, had gone to Kelly’s house to help care for them while Joe stayed with Josh and Taylor. In the center of the living room, sitting in a rocking chair, Joe held Taylor on his lap. He waited and watched while silently counting down with the clock on the television. Lips pressed firmly to Taylor’s forehead, Joe gently rocked the little girl who cried in such a painful whimper, and there was little comfort his strong arms could give her.

The countdown of the timer on the television ended. A camera man, with one finger extended, pointed to President Hadley who sat behind his desk. He fiddled with a pencil and looked up to the camera with saddened red eyes. “Now?” he simply asked, then sat straight up, slowly as if in no hurry to do what he was about to do. His voice stayed strong yet soft. Filled with emotion, President George Hadley addressed his nation ...

“I come to you today with a heavy heart. This great nation of ours, this planet, is faced with a crisis parallel to no other we have ever faced ...”

Frank could have gathered around the table with the other remaining soldiers listening to the President’s speech. But he didn’t need to. Facing the barricade line with a stern expression, Frank heard every word of President Hadley, blaring like a symphony through the multitude of car radios.

‘ ... A great miscarriage of fate has been dealt, and we as brothers are at arms against an unseen foe that dares to test the destiny of humanity. Selfishness is a word we must dismiss. Those of us who can must deliver the care and compassion to those who so desperately seek our help ...’

The syringe came down hard and fast into the thigh of the man who fought to stay alive. Aided by a soldier who held the man down, Andrea retracted the syringe, stepped back into the wall and lowered her head, hearing vividly through the corridors the President’s speech.

‘ ... my heart and prayers go out to you. For I am no different than you in this crisis. I am with you ... I feel every ounce of pain you do. I share your sorrow. Your grief ... But in our darkest hour, heroes shall emerge. Hope stands forefront ...’

It amazed Dean that the second the President spoke those words he was filled with a sense of faith, because at that exact moment, from the machine he watched, came the results he needed to see. He smiled slightly as he read them.

George stared intently into the camera as his fist clenched and pounded with each of his powerful words. “Yet, we have not given up. Every second of this day, every scientist, every dreamer is out there working with their hearts and souls to stop what now strives to conquer us. And if it is God’s will that defeat shall befall us, then when this silent victor has run its course, those of us who emerge from the ashes will emerge with our heads high. Through losses and pain. Through suffering and sorrow. We will right what went wrong. We will forge ahead. We will not give into extinction. We will ultimately prevail. We will ... live. Good luck.” George’s voice dropped. “May God be with you all.”

The sincerity, the hurt, Catherine witnessed it all on the President’s face. But she also witnessed his despair as he so much as said goodbye to the weak who were losing their battle. With the hiss of the Emergency Broadcast System’s return, Catherine folded her arms tight to her body, turned and placed her forehead into the doorframe she leaned against. Having just heard the President’s farewell to all hope, Catherine could do nothing at that moment but cry.

May 31st - 6:05 p.m.

Fairfield University - Stamford, Connecticut

William Hayes treated every patient as personally as he could, not like the other two medics who had long since left their posts. In the four hours since he started helping, William estimated he had seen well over two hundred, and he guessed that number would seem low when it all was said and done.

“Suction, Henry.” William held out his hand, his fingers holding open the mouth of a woman. He felt the instrument hit his palm. “Thank you.” He inserted the tube into the woman’s mouth.

“Two days.” Henry spoke dazed.

“Excuse me?” William adjusted the suction.

“Instead of a couple hours it seems like days.”

William looked over his shoulder at Henry who was assisting him. Henry, for the most part, moved patients for the aid station. That was his job. “Henry, you could say a lifetime of learning can be found in one instance of a heartache.”

“There’s more than an instance here, William.” Henry looked around. The tents were filled to the capacity. “Where did they all come from?”

“Their homes, neighboring towns.” William shrugged.

“Yesterday the world was fine.”

“I highly doubt the world was fine, Henry. There’s talk among the soldiers that it was released in more than this country. The world wasn’t fine yesterday, the world was sick. They just didn’t realize it yet.” He turned off the suction machine. “Next one.”

Henry pushed the machine for William as he moved to the next person. “But how did they get sick so fast?”

“I suppose it wasn’t fast. I suppose all of these people were feeling it sometime last night. But like you or I would think of a common headache, they thought nothing about it until, well, they found out.” William smiled gently to the young woman patient. He lifted her name tag and all he saw was a number. He looked at her. “I’m Dr. Hayes, dear. I’m going to try to help you feel more comfortable.” He watched her cough. A trail of vomit seeped from the corner of her mouth. “Henry, suction please.”

Henry handed him the suction. “I’m sorry for asking all these questions.”

“I don’t mind answering them. But I may not be the one to ask. Have you tried my son?” William opened the young woman’s mouth.

“I tried and he rattled off something I didn’t understand. All I wanted to know was how it got to the finish line before we realized we had even started the race.”

“That was good.” William suctioned the woman.

“I mean, William, I had a virus once. We all have. But like, I was sick for a week. Not like this. William ... I saw eight people die last half hour alone.”

“And that number will grow. Rapidly, too.” William said. “Henry, think of viruses as forms of transportation. Each virus looks different. Acts different. Moves different. The rate of speed in each is different also. Say your body is the United States. The start of the illness is Los Angeles, the end is New York. If a normal virus is a car, then this virus, created to be strong, is the Concord jet.”

“Too fast.” Henry swayed his head.

“Look around, Henry.” William worked on the woman. “Would you rather take a week to watch the world die like this, or have it be over in a blink of an eye?”

Before Henry could say anything else, someone called his name. “Henry!” The man yelled. “We have one more to be moved!”

“I’ll be back, William.” Henry moved from the tent and toward the check-in line. There was a long table with three men wearing gas masks. They took names, gave numbers and moved people into tents. The line of people in front of the men was congested and people shoved to move through.

“Take her to stage three.” The man with a gas mask handed Henry a wrist tag. “Number 4563.”

Henry nodded and looked at the woman who stood before the man at the end of the table. He was surprised. Most stage threes did not stand. “Ma’am, you want to ...”

“No ...” The man interrupted. “Not her.”

“Who?”

“Her.” The man only extended his arm pointing out and down to the other side of the table.

Someone was lying on the ground? Where? Henry thought. He didn’t see her. The people that waited to get help were so concerned with themselves, they couldn’t wait until 4563 was moved; they merely stepped over her and stood around her. “Excuse me.” Henry moved around the table and cut through the far right line making it center the crowd. “Excuse ...” Henry’s heart broke right there. He clenched the number in his hand and dropped to his knees, angrily shoving people out of the way, sick or not. They didn’t care, and at that moment, Henry didn’t care much for them. On the ground on her side was a little girl. No older than six, eyes closed, white as a sheet, shaking and covered with dried blood. “Oh my God.” Henry scooped the little girl up into his arms. Her little body flopped, head flung back. He closed his eyes briefly, breaking though the people and as he emerged, he turned to look back. The gap he had made in the line closed quickly. They never even noticed he’d carried a child out. The ill that waited didn’t even care. Henry cradled the girl closer to his chest and took her to the tent William was in, even though it was not stage three. “William.” Henry called out in a soft voice. “Please.” He laid the child on an empty cart. A whimper of pain escaped her. He slowly unfolded the blanket over the child.

“Well.” William spoke as he approached. He noticed the look on Henry’s face as Henry just stared down to the little girl. William caught eye contact with the girl and spoke tenderly with a smile. “What have we here?”

“A number.” Henry quivered his words in sadness. “Just a number.”

As William looked up from the girl, Henry was running from the tent.

Dean banged the cell phone off the palm of his hand. “Hello?”

“I hear you.” Catherine spoke. “Barely. I was told not to count on the satellite communications much longer.”

“Hopefully we will accomplish something by then. Getting back to business. A freeze. Not long, but I have achieved a forty-five minute viral freeze. And that, Catherine, is fifteen more minutes than we had last batch.”

“Can you give higher doses?” Catherine asked.

“No. No. Anything in higher volume could be as deadly as the virus.”

“What about more frequent doses in the early stages.”

“I thought of that.” Dean said. “But that’s where we’re screwed. No matter what stage given, the virus freezes, but when it returns and breaks the blockade, it’s ten times stronger. So an early stage could fly in the latter stage prematurely. I’m thinking ...” A loud crash of glass and a thump caused Dean to jolt his eyes to where he heard them come from. He saw Molly on the floor. “Shit. Have to go.” He disconnected the call to Catherine without a second thought and raced over to help Molly, never realizing the conversation he’d abruptly ended with Catherine would be the last one. Dean didn’t think of that. He just thought of Molly.

William finished cleaning up the little girl, propping her on pillows and medicating her to make her comfortable. He readied to move on to the next patient but grew tired of hearing the call of Henry’s name. He was being beckoned constantly. It wasn’t that Henry was nowhere to be found that irritated William, it was the fact that the men who called him failed to see that Henry didn’t have to be there. He didn’t have to help. He could have disappeared like many others had done. But Henry stayed. And he wished they would stop calling Henry and treating him as nothing. William had to stop himself from wondering when the annoying little military tyrants would fall victim to the plague as well, ending their incessant order-barking.

William wanted to search out Henry, curious if he was all right or had just had enough and left. There weren’t many people well enough to ask of Henry’s whereabouts, and it amazed William how many people Henry had helped, yet none of them remembered his face.

Walking through the tents, William asked several people if they had seen a tall Asian man in need of a haircut. Some told William he had gone off to the main building. Some said they had never seen him. William knew that when he made it to the main building, finding Henry inside would be an impossible task. The building was taken over. People had sought shelter there so as to be close to medical help. They laid in the lobby, on the furniture, floors and they lined the hallways like sardines in a can. William called out Henry’s name loudly, twice, maybe three times, and received no response. Figuring it was time to return to his patients, William left the building. If it wasn’t for a simple sneeze, William wouldn’t have stopped walking, his head wouldn’t have turned to the left, and he wouldn’t have seen Henry sitting alone on the side of the building.

Against the wall Henry sat, knees bent, his head on his knees, and his long hair dangled in what William believed was Henry’s own personal cover from the pain. Henry needed to get away, even for a few minutes, from everything that was happening. If that was what Henry needed then William wasn’t going to interrupt him. After observing Henry for another moment, William walked away.

May 31st - 6:30 p.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

Ellen had moved both of her children into her room and onto her queen-size bed. There she could see them both at the same time and do what she could to help them. She was taking time from giving medical relief to those who had gathered outside her home, lined up and waiting for help. She needed to take time with her children. She lay in a sitting-up position on the bed, Josh next to her, his head on her legs. Taylor was on the other side of Josh, curled in a fetal position. Ellen, arm draped across the child, lifted and dropped Taylor’s hair in between lightly tickling her forehead.

“Kiddo.” Joe called out quietly after opening the door. “I have to get back to Kelly’s now. Maggie Peters needs to leave. Her husband is sick now; Johnny just ran over to tell me.”

“How’s Maggie?” Ellen asked.

“Not sick. Not yet.”

Ellen lifted Josh’s head from her legs and slipped off the bed, trying not to disturb her children who had just fallen asleep. She covered them both, kissed them then stretched as she walked to Joe. “Have anymore shown up out there?”

“I think ...” Joe hesitated. “I think it’s getting ahead of us now.”

Ellen’s shoulders dropped. She brought her hand to her head and held back her bangs as she walked from the bedroom with Joe. “What are we gonna do. We can’t do this alone, Joe.” Ellen sounded so confused. “I wiped out every pharmacy I could and still that medication is not gonna be enough. And ... and there are four people I don’t think will make it through the night. Three are on my front lawn and one is in my guest room.”

Joe paused before going down the steps. He looked back at the closed guest room door. “Is he that bad now?”

“Oh, Joe.” Ellen gasped. “He’s that bad.”

“I’ll tell you what.” Joe walked with Ellen down the steps. “There’s an aid station in Stamford. Let me talk to Maggie. Let me see if I can get her to check in on Kelly and the girls tonight. You man the fort here and I’ll take Pete and the others to Stamford. It shouldn’t take long. A couple hours maybe.”

“Joe, it’s not gonna help them.” Ellen stopped before the front door.

“No, but it might help us. Maybe if I take them I can get us some help. At the very least, some supplies.”

“No. I can’t let you do that. You go back to Kelly. We’ll manage.” Ellen opened up her front door. “Oh my God.”

“You were saying?”

Ellen quickly looked at Joe then back out at her front lawn. In the hours that passed since she first set up at home the numbers had more than tripled. People were everywhere. The number multiplied like bacteria and they spread onto the neighboring lawns. And not only did the people stand, sit, and lay outside her home, they also formed a line from her front door that extended across her walk and down the street for as far as she could see.

May 31st - 7:15 p.m.

The White House - Washington, DC

One dim light was all that illuminated the oval office. How long had President Hadley sat there? Hours, maybe? In contemplation? Thought? Prayer? Slumped in his chair. His hair was no longer neat and combed; it couldn’t be from as many times as he had run his fingers through it. The news never got better. In fact, it began to only trickle in. He knew for the first time that the old saying ‘no news is good news’ didn’t hold true in a situation such as he faced.

Jason entered the room a bit apprehensively, worried about disturbing President Hadley. He had put it off for an hour and it was something he had to do. “Sir.” Jason walked slowly in front of President Hadley. “Sir, it’s ... it’s time.”

President Hadley’s eyes lifted to Jason, then without any words or questions he slowly stood up.

The steel elevator doors opened onto the sub-basement level of the White House. President Hadley, holding a small briefcase, stepped from it with Jason and one other man. They moved down a long corridor with concrete walls painted bright white. At the end of the corridor was a metal door. On each side of it a guard held a gun. The guards stepped aside as Jason stepped forward. After inserting his security card into the keypad at the door’s right, Jason moved and the door buzzed open. The President, Jason, and the third man walked through the door. The door slid closed and clicked as it locked.

The guards stepped back and resumed their post.

May 31st - 8:10 p.m.

County General Hospital - New York City, NY

Mabel’s family

Andrea charged into the room. The hospital scrubs she wore were completely covered in blood and her mouth grasped a syringe. As she bolted through the door her feet slid across the floor and she landed hands first at four-year-old Tara’s bed.

Tara’s body jerked and trembled, her head convulsed back and forth and blood flowed from her tiny mouth.

“Ok, baby, hold on.” Andrea covered Tara’s body with hers trying to hold her down.

“My baby.” Diane awoke and saw what was happening. “Help her, please.” Diane began to cough and choke, and she spit her own blood with every word she spoke.

Andrea could not maneuver the IV to administer the medication. As Tara’s heart monitor beeped out of control, Tara began to scream.

Quickly, Andrea took the syringe from her mouth and with one swift motion, her body still on top of Tara’s, injected the dying child in the left thigh. She stayed on top of her for a few seconds then stood up.

Tara’s heart monitor slowed down, then flat-lined.

“No!” Diane reached for her. “What did you do to her? My baby, my only baby.” At that moment Diane began to jolt, her body almost flinging itself from the bed. Before Andrea could reach her, Diane fell to the floor and died.

May 31st - 9:00 p.m.

Interstate 80 - Outskirts of Chicago, IL

Screaming, fighting, glass breaking, and gun shots were the sounds that filled the dark night on that jammed highway as multitudes of people tried to break the lines, lines that were held by a few soldiers and a wall made out of military vehicles.

Frank stood in the tent using his phone. He turned toward the gunfire and watched a civilian drop. He tried to speak again when through the corner of his eye, he watched one of his men drop in illness. The security of the lines was minimal as another soldier removed the one that had fallen. Like a game of eenie-meenie-miny-mo, all evening long Frank watched people just drop, heads back, knees buckling, they went down. In the crowd or on his side of the barricade, the virus showed no favoritism.

“No sir!” Frank shouted into the phone over the noise. “I lost twenty-seven more men to his bug not one hour ago. I can’t ...” The sounds of an explosion and shattering glass caused Frank to lower the phone and turn his head, his face lit up by the roaring flames that shot from a truck nearby. “Shit, we have ...” Another blast followed as another truck ignited. The bodies of four soldiers flew into the air from the explosion, and Frank’s eyes widened when he saw the truck door speeding his way. Dropping the phone, Frank dove to his right, feeling the heat of its near miss as the door whizzed by. On the ground, Frank rolled to a stand. Forgetting the phone, Frank swung his M-16 from his shoulder, gripped it, pumped it and bolted in the direction of the screaming, charging mob that violently broke the barricade.

May 31st - 9:15 p.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

It was like Ellen’s street was the Yellowstone Park of the dying. People camped out everywhere. Tents were erected, fires lit, sleeping bags lay scattered about. The noise level was high, filled with moans and cries of all those who gathered there.

Ellen wasn’t alone anymore. Jenny Holmes, a healthy seventeen year old neighbor, showed up with her parents, and Jenny was asked to help. She hadn’t a problem with it; her naivety and innocence kept her filled with hope that somehow, if she just helped Ellen out, all the people would eventually get better.

Joe’s car was parked as close to Ellen’s home as he could get it. Jenny finished loading the three people for Stamford into the back seat. Getting ready to close the door, young red-haired Jenny saw Ellen and Joe approaching with Peter. Peter barely walked. His feet dragged on the ground more than they moved. His face had taken on a grayish-purple look and his head flopped to the side. She opened the passenger’s door for them when they neared.

Joe gave a quick smile of appreciation to Jenny. “Thanks. Are they all situated in the back?”

“Yes, all ready.” Jenny answered him.

Joe took the weight of Peter from Ellen and carried, more than led, Peter onto the front seat. Shutting the back door, Joe then faced Ellen. He laid his hand on her cheek. “I got Maggie to make checks on Kelly all night. I may be a while. I don’t know about traffic, or what that station is gonna be like ...” Joe looked around the street. “If this is any indication of what that relief station is like, I can be in for a long wait. I’m grabbing a short wave radio on the way back. If they don’t help us, we’ll get it one way or another. I promise.” Joe kissed Ellen on the cheek. “Be good.” He slid his hand down to hers and squeezed it. “Stay strong.”

Ellen nodded sadly and looked at Peter, barely sitting up in the front seat.

“Buckle him in.” Joe said as he walked around the car.

Ellen moved to the open door. She knelt down reaching over Peter for the seatbelt. As she brought it over his lap, Peter grabbed her hand.

“El,” he whispered out her name. “I need to talk to you.”

“No. You need to go.” Ellen fastened the seatbelt.

Peter shook his head. So out of control of himself, his head moved drastically. His words were breathy and short. “I have to.”

“Peter.”

“El.” Peter swallowed. “I want to say I’m sorry. I’m ... sorry for all I did wrong.” Peter’s shoulders moved rapidly as he fought to speak. “I’m sorry.”

“Peter.” Ellen gripped his hand. “I’m sorry, too.” She leaned closer to him. “I’m sorry, too.”

Peter rested his head back. “I love you. I have no regrets. I never ... I never regretted marrying you.”

Ellen’s voice cracked, her words started to weaken. “I have no regrets either. How can I?” She whispered. “How can I regret our years? We have Josh and Taylor.”

“El ...” Peter’s other hand lifted sloppily and he pulled at her, bringing Ellen even closer. It took everything he had, but Peter brought her hand to his mouth, his lips grazed her fingers and both his hand and hers dropped. “El, don’t let our kids get this sick. Promise me you won’t let them get this bad.”

Ellen closed her eyes then after a moment opened them. “I promise you.” Lifting Peter’s hand, Ellen softly kissed it, then looked at Joe as she checked Peter’s seatbelt again. “You better go. Get well. I’ll see you in a few days.” Ellen looked into Peter’s eyes and she knew it would be the last time. Her hand ran down his face and in her mind she said goodbye to the man she had been married to for twelve years. She leaned to him, kissed him on the cheek, stood up, and closed the door. She kept eye contact with Peter until Joe pulled too far away for their eyes to connect. Then Ellen, standing with Jenny, pulled the teenage girl closer to her for support as they both stood there and watched Joe drive away.

May 31st - 9:35 p.m.

County General Hospital - New York City, NY

It had been the first time Catherine had stepped outside of the hospital since the day she set foot in it over two days before. She had to stop. Her eyes shifted about trying to determine what had happened to the city she remembered. Barbed wired surrounded the hospital as a means to keep people out, the same people who had quietly camped and now were dying on the other side of that wire. Smoke from fires all around lingered in the air like a bad cloud.

A dump truck with bodies was parked in the distance. Catherine had to determine how many bodies were in it. “This way.” One of few soldiers who remained took Catherine by the arm and led her to a tent.

A sergeant was there, pale and slumping. He raised his glossy eyes to Catherine. “Dr. Donovan.”

“Yes.”

He lifted the mobile phone. “It’s the best connection we can get. We’re having signal difficulty. It’s a Dr. Cheng.”

Catherine didn’t recognize the name at all, but she took the phone. “This is Dr. Donovan.” She heard the voice. It mixed with static and broke up. “Sir, please speak up. I can barely hear you.” Catherine raised the volume of her voice. “Sir, what was that you just ...” Catherine’s expression dropped. “Oh my God.” Quickly she reached out and snatched the clipboard and pencil from the sergeant. “Repeat that ...” Catherine shook her head and started to write. “Which stages?” She wrote down again. “Are you sure?” She smiled. “You are sure. Doctor, what are you ... . Doctor, what are you giving them.” Catherine prepared to write and the pencil dropped from her hand. “What? I never heard of that. What is that ... Say it again slowly and loudly.” Catherine wrote one letter at a time. “Where do I get this?” She nodded. “And how much does it slow it ... sir? Sir?” Catherine grunted and handed the phone back to the sergeant. “We’ve lost him. You have to get him back.”

“I don’t think we can. Even if the connection was strong enough, we don’t know from which aid station he was calling.”

“Well, find him.” From the clipboard, Catherine ripped off the sheet of paper on which she had taken notes. “Find him. You have to. I’ll have to try the phones again.” She moved backwards with enthusiasm and energy. “We may have just gotten our fighting chance.” Clutching the paper in victory, Catherine spun around and raced into the hospital.

May 31st - 9:45 p.m.

Interstate 95 - Connecticut

The hand-painted sign read ‘Aid Station’ as Joe drove by it on a highway that was not as jammed with traffic as he had feared it would be.

“Couple more miles, people, we are almost there.” Joe told his passengers.

Moans were their only form of response.

Joe turned his head to Peter. “How are ya doing there, Pete?” Just as Joe reached his hand to tap Peter on the knee, Pete began to violently convulse. Thrashing and shaking, his hands out, his neck arched, the seatbelt struggled to hold him. Joe extended his arm to hold Peter back, at the same time Peter evacuated from his body what appeared to be his insides. Blood-filled vomit shot from him, splashing out across the window making it impossible for Joe to see.

The car swerved as Joe tried to drive and hold on to Peter. He pulled off to the side of the road, trying to stay collected amongst the loud screams that emitted from the back seat. “Quiet,” he said calmly as he looked at Peter who coughed and choked out one last bit of vomit. Removing his arm from Peter and shaking off the dripping regurgitation, Joe cringed at the screams that made his ears ring and he looked over his shoulder to the back, losing all calm. “I said shut the fuck up!”

A hush took over the car.

“Peter.” Joe breathed heavily.

Peter’s head flopped Joe’s way. “Help me. Please ... help ... me.”

Joe closed his eyes and nodded once to Peter. He shut off the car, opened the door and walked around to Peter’s side, opening that door as well. The second Joe undid Peter’s seatbelt, Peter slid to the side and into Joe. Gripping him under the arms, Joe lifted Peter and pulled him from the car, dragging him away. Fifteen feet from the car, Joe laid Peter in the grass. Peter’s minute of surcease was over and once again he began to convulse and scream. Taking a deep breath, Joe reached into the pocket of his coat, pulled out his revolver, and clicked back the hammer. “God forgive me,” Joe whispered. He blessed himself with the Sign of the Cross, extended his gun and aimed at Peter’s head. Joe fired only one shot. Peter stopped moving. With a single, small outward sigh, Joe’s arm and head dropped at the same time.

May 31st - 9:50 p.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

The hot water felt good on Ellen’s face, soothing her as she stood at the bathroom sink washing up. She was covered with so many different substances; she didn’t want to think about what they were. Turning off the sink and shaking her hands, Ellen reached for a towel. A barking sound caught her attention and it only took a second for her to realize it didn’t come from a dog.

The barking was steady and high as Ellen raced from the bathroom into her bedroom. Her fears were confirmed. Josh was having an asthma attack. The boy struggled with his breath, choking, face purple from the blood vessels he broke by straining to breathe. “Oh my God.” Knowing an inhaler wouldn’t cut it, Ellen flew from the room to the hall closet. Why she’d placed Josh’s breathing machine on the top shelf she didn’t know. Jumping up, Ellen grabbed it by the cord and the machine dropped down to her. She caught it before it hit her and she set it on the floor. She spotted the box of medication on the shelf and she lifted it. Her heart dropped at the lightness of it. She flipped open the lid to see one small vial. Clenching the vial, dropping the empty box and lifting the breathing machine, Ellen raced back into the bedroom, sliding to the floor by the bed’s side. “One second, baby.” Her shaking hands lifted the tub of the machine and unscrewed the cup. Careful not to spill her only vial of medication, Ellen poured it into the cup, tossed the empty vial and reconnected the breathing hose. She rapidly plugged in the machine and started it at the same time she stuck her arm under Josh’s back and raised him up. The steam poured from the nebulizer and into Josh’s nostrils. Ellen caught her breath, praying his coughing would cease.

The medicine cup gurgled and Ellen tapped on it ensuring that every bit of medicine got pulled through and into Josh. He needed it. In the final seconds of treatment to Josh, Ellen leaned toward the open bedroom window and yelled her loudest. “Jenny! Jenny, come up!” Ellen relaxed on the floor; Josh’s coughing had silenced enough for him to breathe normally. Running her fingers through Josh’s hair, Ellen heard the thumping footsteps of the running Jenny.

“Ellen.” Jenny, out of breath, flew into the room. “What’s wrong?”

“Josh’s asthma. It’s bad. I’m out of Albuterol and he needs it and another treatment or his lungs will collapse.” Ellen stood up and lowered her ear to his chest. “He’s still wheezing.” She kissed him. “Josh. Josh, can you hear me?”

Josh opened his eyes a bit and coughed. “Mom?”

“I’m going to get some medicine. I’ll be back. We’ll get you breathing right. Ok?” She kissed him again and stood straight. “Jenny, I need you to watch him. I’ll be right back. I have to get him that medicine.”

“Where ... where are you going?” Jenny asked watching Ellen start to leave.

“To the pharmacy. I won’t be long.”

“But they’re closed.”

Saying nothing, Ellen raced from the room, down the steps, and out the front door. At first she had to catch her bearings, then realizing that getting her jeep out of the driveway was impossible, Ellen started running again. She leaped over the people who lay around as if they were small hurdles, nearly tripping once or twice, but it didn’t stop her. She kept going. Making it though the maze of people, Ellen hit the dark empty street. Alone, footsteps steady and echoing on the pavement, she ran straight towards town, not once losing any speed.

May 31st - 10:02 p.m.

County General Hospital - New York City, NY

“Finally. Here.” Catherine’s index finger came down hard to point to a line in the Yellow Pages phone book. She turned it to Andrea who stood across the counter from her. “Do you know this location? I mean, this street sounds familiar to me.”

Andrea peered down. “It’s about six or seven blocks from here.”

“Yes.” Catherine’s head flung back as she heard the tromping of combat boots. She turned her head and saw Carl White, a big brawny soldier who had aided them since the beginning. “Carl, any luck?”

“No ma’am.” He spoke, his voice deep. “Phone lines are down and radio signals are jammed. We couldn’t reach Lt. Hayes.”

“Damn it,” Catherine said. “All right, I guess I’m going to have to get to this store and try to get it to Lt. Hayes myself.” She gripped hold of the corner of the phone book, ripped out the page, and slammed the book shut.

Andrea grabbed Catherine’s arm. “You cannot do this.” She spoke with passion but with sharp words. “You are chasing down an herb at a nature pharmacy that may or may not slow the virus? That’s ludicrous.”

“But it’s a shot we must take.” Catherine pulled her arm away from Andrea. “Anything right now is better than nothing. Maybe, just maybe this herb combined with what Lt. Hayes has is the combination we are searching for. But we can’t stand here second-guessing while the world dies. We are out of time. I’m going.”

“Out there?” Andrea’s arm went out. “Alone? It’s a war zone.”

Carl stepped forward. “I’ll go with you.”

Catherine exhaled a short sigh of relief. She glanced at Andrea then back to Carl. “Let’s go then. We haven’t much time.” Folding the page from the phone book, Catherine started to walk backwards. “Wish us luck, Andrea.”

“The best of luck only.” Andrea spoke softly. “Be careful. You have my prayers.”

Nodding her head in gratitude, Catherine spun around and with Carl hurried off the floor.

Andrea walked from behind the nurses’ counter, her hand grazing over the closed phone book. She took a deep breath listening to the fading sounds of Catherine and Carl’s running footsteps. Amidst the patient-filled halls, weakened moans and cries from the ill, and gunshots from outside, Andrea stood alone. Completely alone.

May 31st - 10:22 p.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

There wasn’t a part of Ellen’s body that didn’t burn by the time she made it to the center of town. Her face, chest and the tops of her thighs felt the effect of her race in the cool night. Coughing while catching her breath, Ellen bent over holding her knees while standing in the business district of the small town. It was dark, no sounds. She raised her head to the pharmacy on the corner. She took one more breath and hurried to the front door. Knowing it wouldn’t be open, she tried the door anyhow. Locked. The big glass front window called to her, and Ellen turned looking around the street for something to break it with. She spotted an older model car and she ran to it. Lifting her leg, she began to kick the side-view mirror. Over and over she nailed it with her foot with determination, grunting with every hard hit she delivered until the mirror popped off and fell to the ground. She picked it up and raced back to the pharmacy. In her charging run and with all of her strength, Ellen hurled the mirror forward into the large pane of glass. She ducked and covered her head with her arms when the bits of glass flew out from the shattering window. The crashing sound ended; the street was quiet again. Ellen stood up straight, headed to the window, cleared the broken glass with her foot and climbed inside.

May 31st - 10:35 p.m.

Fairfield University - Stamford, Connecticut

If medical attention was needed, then privacy had to be relinquished, especially at the aid station. But Dean did his best to keep Molly near help and within the realm of privacy. A corner of a tent was given to her and draped off from everyone else. It was the best he could do.

Teetering between awareness and a drug-induced state, Molly laid on a cot. She had grown progressively worse over the hours, slipping further and faster into the later stages.

“Mutated,” Dean explained to his father and Henry as they stood by Molly. “We were working on that aspect of it when she fell ill.”

“Mutated?” Henry questioned. “That means it moves faster.”

“Not in all viral cases, but most certainly in this one.” Dean nodded.

“So, someone that was exposed say yesterday could be in the same stage as someone exposed Friday?” Henry asked.

“The virus mutated more with each wave of exposure,” Dean answered. “It’s tricky. I have to get back to the lab ... Dad?”

William, staring at Molly, snapped his eyes up. “Yes?”

“You’ll take care of her.”

“Of course.” William smiled. “Henry and I both will.”

“Thank you.” Dean backed up and left the draped-off area. As he stepped out of the tent itself, he wanted to go back to the lab building but arguing caught his attention. Joe stood at the table with the three check-in men. Dean could see the seriousness on Joe’s face, a man he didn’t know and who didn’t look sick. This made Dean curious and instead of heading back to the lab, Dean made his way to the check-in table, if for nothing else but to see the angry man blast the three men Dean had found so unnerving.

“Medicine?” Joe asked of the three men as his body was jolted by the crowd behind him.

The men ignored him.

“Hello!” Joe called out again. “This is a relief station, correct? Let’s try this more slowly. Can I get medicine?”

“Sir,” the man looked up at him from his paper work. “We have sick people in line ...”

“Yeah, and I have sick people where I’m coming from.” Joe’s body moved forward again, and he spun in anger to the man behind him. “Mister. You shove me one more time and you aren’t gonna have to worry about relief from the goddamn plague, because I’m gonna knock your ass off.” Red-faced, Joe looked back to the men. “Now ...”

“Sorry.” The man shook his head. “We cannot afford to give you help of any kind.”

“I’m not asking for a miracle here. Screw you people!” Joe stepped back, bumping into the man who had pushed him several times. “Move!” he blasted, stopped, spun around and took off his jacket. “Hey,” he called to the check-in man who had turned him away. “You look cold.” When the man finally looked up, Joe tossed the jacket; it smacked the man in the mask, and the man grabbed it. “It’s still damp.” Joe chuckled when he saw the horrified look on the man’s face. “Night.” Joe stormed his way through the crowd.

Two fingers over his top lip, Dean hid his snicker and chased after Joe. “Mister. Mister, wait up.”

Joe turned around. He would have seared Dean vocally, but since he didn’t recognize him, he wasn’t going to blame him for how he was treated at the check-in line. At least not yet. “Yes.”

“I couldn’t hear,” Dean said. “I just heard the jacket part. What is the problem?”

“The problem.” Joe felt the heat hit his face. “I’ll tell you what the problem is.” He began to ramble with outraged emotion. “I got a small town full of people showing up at my daughter’s door for help by the second. We have little medication. She’s the only one who knows how to help them. Her kids, my grandkids, are dying. And those assholes, who should be grateful I’m not dropping off the entire goddamn Ashtonville population at their door, won’t give me a hand.” Joe pointed to the three men, let out a huff, waved his hand in disgust and turned to walk away.

“Sir, wait.”

Joe stopped again.

“Ashtonville isn’t that far right?” Dean asked.

“No. No it isn’t.”

“Well, I can’t make any promises, but I can see what I can do. I may know someone who might be able to go and lend a hand.”

Finally, a swing and not a miss! Joe sighed heavily. “Anything. Any help you can give. Even trying will be appreciated.” He realized he had already used his anger, and this time, if he wanted this stranger to help him, Joe had to use tact. He swallowed. “We’ll fall apart by tomorrow afternoon if we don’t get some relief.” Joe looked around the station. “We’ve got about a third as many as you and we have nothing.”

“I’ll see what I can do. I’ll do my best.”

“Thank you.” Reaching into the chest pocket of his shirt, Joe pulled out a sheet of paper. “Here’s the address. Well, actually, this entire street has become the gathering place.”

Dean looked at the address and folded the paper. “I’ll try.”

“I’ll be grateful.” Joe extended his hand to Dean and stepped back. “Slagel, Joe Slagel.”

“Dean Hayes.” Dean noticed the twitch in Joe’s eye as he retracted his hand. “What’s wrong?”

Joe pointed at Dean as he stepped back. “I just know your name. Where, I can’t think right now. It’ll come to me. But I have to get back.” He kept moving backwards. “Thanks again.”

As Joe left his sight, Dean looked once more at the address, re-folded it, placed it in the back pocket of his jeans and headed to his lab.

May 31st - 11:05 p.m.

New York City, NY

Carl stood like a body guard outside the natural pharmacy on a main street in a cross residential/commercial area, arms folded, standing tall, M-16 draped over his shoulder. He raised one eyebrow as he made eye contact with the stare that came from the dead black man who lay before Carl’s feet. The man had been dead for a while, Carl figured. The blood that surrounded the body that laid facedown didn’t have the shiny look of fresh, flowing blood. The dead man’s hand still clenched the torn grocery bag. Torn and empty. Carl had to wonder, what was the last thing that went through the man’s mind—aside from the bullet—before he died? Was he scared? Was he angry? Was he out there to get food for his family? If he was, what would happen to the people that were counting on his return?

Small fires of burning buildings lit the street. Windows were broken and bodies laid everywhere. Carl also prided himself on being one to want to defend his country. He always said he would go to war for his land. Never did he imagine he would be fighting a deadly war on his very own soil.

The vials were glass. Tiny, maybe an inch tall, they were brown in color. They looked illegal, but they were exactly what Catherine searched for. The herbal name, Eupatorium perfoliatum, was recognized by Catherine and it was printed on the homemade labels that adhered to the vials. There were fifteen in all and Catherine took them. She shoved them all in a small duffle bag, snapped it, tossed it over her shoulder and raced outside. “Carl. Got it.”

“Excellent.” Carl told her. “Now let’s get you back to the hospital and airlifted to Hayes, hopefully without being target practice.”

That thought had crossed Catherine’s mind. But she couldn’t dwell on it. She couldn’t worry about getting shot or having the helicopter blown from the sky. Her main thoughts were of getting to the hospital. She and Carl were doing everything carefully and one step at a time. So stepping over the dead man on the sidewalk, Catherine and Carl moved hastily to the hospital through the ravaged streets.

May 31st - 11:20 p.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

The tray that held the dwindling supply of medication slipped from Ellen’s hand and toppled onto the floor when she walked into her home. She’d pick it up after a few minutes. Closing the door, Ellen, moving with exhaustion, walked over to the steps and just plopped down as if those stairs were an easy chair.

She leaned her back against the wall, closing her eyes and blacking out all that she could. Nearly eight hours had gone by since Ellen started giving medication. Never did she expect to have so many people show up, and never did she think that all those supplies she loaded in the car would be used so quickly. There seemed to be no end to the number of people looking for help, and Ellen was curious as to whether there was a way to take a break. She received her answer in the form of a child’s cry, Taylor’s cry to Ellen for help. Ellen stood up from her seat on the steps and hurried up the stairs. Her short break was over.

May 31st - 11:28 p.m.

Interstate 8 - Outskirts, Chicago, IL

Frank no sooner opened his eyes than he felt the warmth of the liquid dripping across his eyelashes and blurring his vision. He knew the sky was still dark. He didn’t know how long he had been unconscious. Rubbing his eyes only smeared the wetness. He brought his fingers down to see, but it still was far too dark. Even the amber glow of flames coming from the distance didn’t give him light enough. But Frank didn’t need to see to know that his head was cracked open somewhere. His head pounded unbelievably as he tried to lift his body which lay in the thick weeds far from where he remembered being. He rolled himself to his knees then lifted to his feet. As soon as Frank gathered his balance a buzzing hit his ears, the pressure filled his head and everything around him—dark or not—began to swarm. A thick nausea hit his gut, and after teetering to his left then to his right, Frank’s eyes rolled back in his head and he fell face forward back down to the grass.

May 31st - 11:34 p.m.

County General Hospital - New York City, NY

On the roof of the hospital Catherine’s short hair whipped around and into her face from the spinning helicopter blades. Holding her hair back, she stood with Andrea a little distance from the chopper.

Carl hunched as he ran over to Catherine. He tapped her on the shoulder. “We have to go!” He shouted over the noise. “The pilot isn’t well.” Getting a nod from Catherine, Carl took her knapsack and raced back to the chopper.

Catherine inhaled and laid her hands on Andrea’s arm. “We’re off. I’ll be back for you.”

“Please do. And be careful.”

Before Catherine stepped back, she embraced Andrea whole-heartedly. “You’ve done so well. Let’s end this.”

Andrea nodded as she moved back from the embrace, and Catherine in a low run made it to the helicopter.

Carl helped Catherine into the chopper and closed the door. He jumped in the passenger’s seat and turned his head to Len, the pilot. Len looked pale and if his appearance was any indication of how he felt, Len wasn’t doing well at all. “Len,” Carl spoke up. “How are you doing?” He asked to be cordial--and safe. They were lifting up into the air.

“Good.” Len reached up to the controls.

Catherine leaned forward. “Len, if it gets too much for you, just land. We’ll find a way there. Just get us out of this city.”

“I’ll be fine.” Len tried to smile. “Don’t you worry.”

Catherine returned the smile and when she felt the jolt of the helicopter as it lifted, she laid her hand on her chest, let out an anxious breath and sat back. They were on their way.

Andrea folded her arms close to her body, warming herself from the air that was not only cold but chilled even more by the whipping blades. She knew she had more patients down below her, but Andrea couldn’t leave the rooftop until she saw Catherine and Carl lift safely into the air.

May 31st - 11:36 p.m.

Fairfield University - Stamford, Connecticut

Such seriousness covered William’s face as he stared down at his son, Dean. William was on his way into a tent when Dean made a little surprise visit from the lab to make a request of him. There they stood, a few minutes later, still outside that tent. Only now William shook his head slowly.

“You know, Dino,” William said. “This is a repeat of the third grade. You volunteer me for things...”

“Dad ...”

“You want to get rid of ...”

“Dad, come on, that’s not ...”

“But,” William held up a finger. “But just like in the third grade when I ended up being the world’s tallest elf, I’ll be your Florence Nightingale, Dino. I’ll go to Ashtonville for you.”

Dean closed his eyes. “Thank you.” He gripped his father’s arms. “I don’t know why I feel strongly about this ...”

“You want me out of here, that’s why.” William joked. “Jealousy always did that to you.”

“You are absolutely right.” Dean smiled. “I’m jealous. I’m also in the middle of something up at the lab.”

“Of course.”

“I’ll have things ready for you to leave in the morning,” Dean spoke as he backed up. “I have the address.” He patted his tee shirt pocket, stuffed his hands in his front pockets of his jeans then drew up a bright look when he remembered where he put. “Got it.”

“Good.”

Dean turned quickly and darted off.

“What do I get myself into?” William mumbled to himself and walked into the tent he had been trying to get to. For the first time, the terror in that tent actually made him smile. Lying on the cot by the door, as if on display, was one of the check-in guys. Giving a tap to his leg, William grinned at the check-in man, whispered that he’d be back shortly, and moved on to someone else.

May 31st - 11:38 p.m.

New York City, NY

From the air, the reality of it was seen much more easily than what Catherine had picked up from the news. She could see the massive amount of chaos that had occurred in the city below. She knew there had always been traffic, but not like she witnessed below her. Cars were lined up on every street that could be seen trying to make their escape from a city that had no exit.

Seeing New York fade behind her, Catherine, smiling and excited, turned forward in her seat. “We’re out of there. Now how much longer until we get to Stamford?” she asked Len pleasantly. “Will it take ...”

It wasn’t supposed to happen. Not there. Not then. Len grunted loudly and his body fell forward into the helicopter controls. Catherine screamed and dived forward at the same time as Carl, and the helicopter, fast and mindless, headed in a nosedive straight to the ground below.

“Catherine!” Carl tried to free Len’s heavy body. “Grab the stick. He’s on the pedals!” Carl pulled on Len.

“What do I do?” Catherine reached over Len’s sideways body and grabbed the stick.

“Pull back.” Carl tugged trying to free Len and maneuver him out of Catherine’s way in the small space. “Pull back.”

“I’m trying!”

The helicopter began to spin, and pinned for space, Carl kicked his feet to free Len’s heavy boots from the pedal. “Got him. Pull back. Pull ...”

The helicopter lifted but it wasn’t enough. The small wooded area came quickly into their view. Releasing Len, Carl leaped to help Catherine pull on the stick. But despite their valiant efforts, the helicopter kept going forward into the woods. The top of a big, high tree clipped them, causing the helicopter to bounce and spin to its side. The screams that came from the cockpit were short as the helicopter careened down to the tree-filled area and hit with a loud crash. The flight for life ended seconds later with a bellowing explosion.

May 31st - 11:44 p.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

Johnny Slagel may have only been eleven, but he was a lot wiser than most boys his age. He was wise enough to see something was going on with his mother. She was sick all day, then after Mrs. Peters had left for what she said would be a night’s interval, Johnny watched his mother perk up as if she weren’t sick at all. But clearly, even eleven-year-old Johnny could see she was.

“Did you drink your juice?” Kelly had a dazed tone to her voice as she asked Johnny. She wandered into his bedroom as he lay on the bed.

“No,” Johnny answered. His eyes stayed glued to his baby sister, Amanda, cradled in Kelly’s arms. She was so close to his mother’s chest he swore Amanda couldn’t breathe. Amanda was quiet and still, yet an hour before, had screamed in her illness. “What’s wrong with the baby?”

“She’s sleeping.” Kelly peered down. “Drink your juice. You’ll need it to fight this flu. Your sisters drank theirs.”

“I will. I want to play my game first.” Johnny picked up the video game control.

“It’s the last drink before bedtime.” Kelly neared the bed keeping Amanda close to her chest, “Please drink it.” She leaned over and kissed Johnny on the forehead. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Mom. I hope you feel better.”

“I will. Thank you.” Kelly stood up. “I have the water running. I’m getting in the bath now then I’m going to bed.”

“Night.”

“Night.” Kelly slowly moved to the door, looked back at Johnny and watched him put on his headphones. She pulled his bedroom door shut and walked with Amanda down the dark upstairs hall. She turned into the next room. Lindsay and Megan, Kelly’s other two daughters, were tucked in their beds, eye closed, and Kelly carried Amanda to the crib. She laid the still baby, six months old, down in the crib on her side. Pulling the covers up on Amanda, Kelly leaned over the crib. But before she kissed her baby daughter goodnight, she brought her fingers to Amanda’s wide staring eyes and closed them. Kelly kissed Amanda and left the room, pulling that door closed as well.

Kelly started undressing before she hit the bathroom, unbuttoning her pajama top, sliding it from her and dropping it to the floor right outside the bathroom. She went inside the tiny bathroom, shut the door, and turned to her left to turn the water off in the tub. It was close to overflowing, and Kelly tested the water. It was hot. She stepped from her pajama bottoms and underwear and then into the tub. She let her ankles adjust to the hot feel of the water and then she sat down luxuriating in the warm, relaxing feel that surrounded her. She lifted the water in her hand a few times, then Kelly, with her nerve up, lifted the razor blade she had sitting on the edge of the tub. There was no contemplation on Kelly’s part. She had done all the thinking she needed to do. Taking a long blink, Kelly brought the razor to her right wrist first, inhaled deeply and pressed the sharp edge of the blade hard to her skin, pulling it fast in a slicing motion. She cringed and clenched her jaws from the burning pain. She breathed heavily watching the blood pulsate from her wrist. After only a moment, she took the razor blade into her weakened right hand, and without hesitation, slit her other wrist. The razor blade dropped from Kelly’s grip and onto the floor and her bleeding arm dangled over the side of the tub. Then Kelly leaned back in the water and closed her eyes.

May 31st - 11:58 p.m.

Westchester County, New York

The combat boots tromped and crunched the ground of the wooded area as the legs staggered as they ran behind a flashlight beam. The yellow light, smoke, and dust flickering in the beam illuminated a black knapsack. Picking up speed, Carl, his face bloody, ran to the open knapsack and dropped to his knees before it. The knapsack was torn and saturated with blood inside and out. Carl shined his flashlight around seeing only bits of broken glass. Just as his head dropped and the flashlight fell from his hand, Carl raised his eyes. The wayward beam caught, in the distance, one lonely brown vial. Carl leaped out for the flashlight and drove his body onto the ground for the vial as if it were a breath of life. His bloody hand not only picked up the vial but also an abundance of dirt as he clenched the last little bit of hope. He slowly opened his hand, blew away the dirt and smiled when he saw the perfect and unbroken vial. Making sure it was safe, he placed it in his chest pocket, staggered as he stood, and with more energy, he headed out of the woods.

He emerged not long after and moved toward the highway. He stopped at a clearing ten feet away where Catherine laid on her side in the grass, not moving. Blood seeped from her head and stomach. Papers torn, burnt and bloodstained lay in an untidy pile by Catherine’s head. Carl grabbed the stack of papers, shoved them inside his shirt then bent down to Catherine. He extended his strong arms under her and gently lifted her up as he stood. Catherine moaned slightly, her arm dropped and her head fell into Carl’s chest. After adjusting Catherine better in his arms, Carl, himself injured, began to walk down the highway.

THE FINISHING

How quickly does time go when things start to fade away?

Minutes turn to hours, hours into days.

Will we cry, will we anger, when those we love are gone?

Will we close our eyes and pretend it’s a dream and try to carry on?

DAY FOUR

Monday, June 1st - 4:45 a.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

Joe had to park nearly a block from Ellen’s home. He probably could have pulled closer but by doing that he risked driving over one of the many that made the street their home. The small campfires had burned themselves to mere flickering embers of light. Joe, carrying a short wave radio, walked down the street to Ellen’s house.

It was dark with the exception of one light. When Joe walked into the foyer, he could see Ellen in the only lit room, the dining room. She sat in front of booted up computer. He closed the door and set down the radio walking to her. “Hey.”

Ellen looked quickly at him then back to the computer screen. “Hey, Joe. How did it go?”

“Made it to Stamford fine. Got ...” Joe paused before telling her anything yet. “Got everyone checked in.”

“Peter?”

“He’s ... um, he took a turn for the worse. I’m still trying to clear my head.” He stood behind her. “What are you doing?”

“Take an escape break. Yesterday morning I retrieved my email but I never read it. I was hoping to find a letter from Robbie. And ...” Ellen clicked the mouse. “There it is. He wrote this right before being deployed. He was bitching.”

“Son of a bitch.” Joe smiled, reading his sons words on the screen, looking at the time it was sent, 5:30 a.m. Robbie’s time. “Will you look at that?”

“I have.” Ellen looked peacefully at the letter. “Then I found myself reading some of his past mail to me to take my mind off of things.”

“I would like a copy of that.”

“Without a doubt.”

Joe watched her click again and the smile fell from his face. “My God, Ellen.” Joe seemed taken aback by what he read. “That’s pornographic. Why is my son sending you pornographic messages?”

“Because he’s Robbie.” Ellen smiled. “He always has. He’s funny.”

“Yeah, he’s a pip. Well, do you feel like taking a less indecent form of escape with me? I want to go get Kelly and the girls and bring them here.”

“I think that’s a good idea. Let me shut down.”

Joe watched her maneuver the mouse again. “Wait. Before you close that thing down, can I ... . can I see that last letter from my son just one more time?” Joe leaned further over Ellen’s shoulder and closer to the screen as she retrieved Robbie’s last email again for Joe. No matter how much complaining Robbie’s words contained, they were still Robbie’s words. Joe wanted to take them in especially since Robbie was the only one of his sons he never got a chance to speak to personally before this all started.

June 1st - 5:00 a.m.

Interstate 95 - New Rochelle, New York

On the ground outside the standard military Jeep, the bodies of a man and woman soldier, both plague victims, lay on the ground. Catherine was in the front passenger seat. Her body slouched and the seatbelt did little to help hold her up.

Carl, damp with blood-covered clothing, shut the passenger door and walked around to the driver’s seat. After sliding in, he placed his rifle in between the two seats and started the Jeep. “It runs.” He smiled at Catherine. “We’ll get you there yet.”

As the Jeep began to move, Catherine, her head slumped to the side, raised her eyes to Carl. She reached her hand to his but as soon as she gripped it, she lost all strength and her fingers slid across the back of his hand, leaving a bloody trail. Having a direction and a means to get there, Carl forged ahead on the journey that he and Catherine not only wanted to take, but had to take.

June 1st - 5:10 a.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

A hint of daylight was all the brightness there was on Kelly’s street. No porch lights, no street lights. Dark. But it still wasn’t too dark for Joe and Ellen to see Maggie Peters, the elderly next door neighbor, standing outside of Kelly’s home. They could clearly see that something was amiss.

Sending gravel up from the quick jolting stop of the car, Joe tossed it in park and hurried to Maggie. “Something’s wrong. What?”

“I ... I came to check on them. I said I would.” Maggie’s eyes were red. “I ... just wanted to check on them.” She lifted her hand, and in it was a small piece of cream-colored paper.

Joe saw the dazed, confused look on Maggie’s face and he snatched the paper from her hand. It took a split second to read it and for his expression to drop. Note slipping from his fingers and floating to the ground, Joe bolted into the house.

Ellen looked at Maggie then to the note. She picked it up and then she too, raced in. “Joe!” Ellen called out.

“Kelly!” Joe’s voice charged out as he stormed about the first floor of the house. “Kelly!” he moved to the steps.

Ellen stopped him. “Joe. Just wait.”

“Ellen, I have to see what she did.”

Ellen pulled on his arm. “Listen. Her note said she didn’t want to face this. The last thing we need to do is wake those kids and have them find what Maggie saw.”

“I’m sorry. You’re right.” Joe ran his hand down his face to calm himself. Just as his fingers glided over his chin, a tapping noise caught his and Ellen’s attention. Steady, soft, tapping. “Do you hear that.”

“What is it?”

“I don’t ...” Joe turned his head. “Oh, my God.” His eyes saw it and his heart dropped. A red wet circle of blood was on the ceiling in the hallway, saturated so heavily that the blood dripped down onto the carpet in front of the powder room, forming a puddle. “The bathroom.”

Ellen was closest to the steps and she flew up first with Joe close behind her. She rounded the corner upstairs and as soon as she did, both she and Joe saw it. Seeping out from under the bottom edge of the bathroom door was blood. Without stopping and ignoring the call of her name from Joe, Ellen charged to the bathroom door. The momentum of her run did not stop and she turned the knob, barging through. The second her body hit the inside of the bathroom, her feet slipped on the thickened blood that covered the floor as if it were ice. Ellen flew up in the air and landed hard on the red surface. With a quick turn of her body to try to catch her balance and get up, Ellen found herself face to face with Kelly’s pale corpse.

Ellen’s mouth opened to scream, but nothing came out. She tried to get a grip on the slick surface and get out, but her hands and feet slid and Ellen fell back down again. Horrified, she started to quiver and shake, wanting only to get out of there. A fast clasp on her wrist and a tug from Joe brought Ellen out of the bathroom. Hyperventilating, Ellen rolled onto the carpet and Joe helped her to stand. Every part of her was covered in clotted and sour smelling blood.

“Joe,” she stuttered his name out.

“Listen.” Joe closed his eyes painfully before speaking. “I’m getting the kids out of here. But you have to get out of here too. Run home, they can’t see you or any of this.”

Ellen hysterically nodded rapidly.

“Go.” Joe told her as he reached back and closed the bathroom door.

Again Ellen nodded and turned to the steps. She only made it half way down when she stopped. The sound of the single gut-wrenching cry from Joe told her that Kelly had done more than take her own life. Hearing Joe’s repeated ‘no’s’, Ellen went back upstairs, moving slowly and apprehensively into the girls’ room. When she stepped in she immediately saw the reason for Joe’s heartbreak. Lindsay and Megan were tucked in their beds, eyes open, faces blue-gray with a small amount of pink fluid, apparently dried, that had seeped from the corners of their mouths. Her eyes turned to Joe who held Amanda in his arms. The baby looked the same as her sisters.

“Ellen.” Joe’s saddened eyes looked up to her. “What did she do? What did she do?” A sob came from Joe and he dropped his head down to the baby.

It was the first time in all the years she had known Joe that she could recall seeing him cry. A strong virile man who hadn’t shed a tear in her sight now sobbed in his sadness while holding his dead granddaughter.

Joe sniffled long and wiped his eyes, laying his lips to the baby before placing her back in the crib. He raised his eyes to Ellen again. “I have to see Johnny.”

“Should you?” Ellen asked.

“Yeah.” Joe answered sadly and walked from the bedroom. “Can you ... can you cover them?”

Ellen gave her agreement as Joe left the bedroom. She guessed it was the shock of all that had happened, it had to be, because Ellen just didn’t know how to feel at that moment. She glanced at Megan and Lindsay, children she had known and loved since birth, and then she moved to Megan’s bed. Ellen grabbed the blanket, but she had to turn her head and close her eyes as she lifted that blanket. Her throat closed up, she felt herself choking on her emotions, then she felt her heart stop when she heard little Johnny’s voice.

“Pap?” He sounded so curious. “What are you doing here?”

Ellen’s eyes widened, her hands released the blanket, her head sprang up and she raced to the bedroom door slamming it shut. She couldn’t be seen. The girls couldn’t be seen. Not by Johnny. Not at his age. She started to tremble in fear, her heart pounding rapidly. She prayed that Joe would only whisk the boy up without any words, without letting him see anything.

Joe did.

Joe lifted Johnny into his arms. He laid his hand on the back of Johnny’s head, pressed Johnny’s face into his chest and flew to the steps.

“Pap? Pap, what’s going on?” Johnny asked. “What about my mom? Pap? Where you taking me? Pap? Can I say goodbye to my mom?”

Ellen, leaning against the bedroom door, listened to the fading of Johnny’s voice, a voice that picked up confusion and fright with every word he spoke.

Slam.

Ellen’s shoulder’s dropped when she heard the front door close. They were gone. Moments later she heard the closing of the car door as Joe started of the engine. As soon as the relief for Johnny hit her so did something else: the silence of Kelly’s home. Then blasting into Ellen’s heart came the realization that she not only stood in the middle of one of the most heartbreaking and horrific scenes she had ever witnessed, but she stood at the beginning of a hellish nightmare that was far from being over for her.

June 1st - 5:40 a.m.

Aid Station - Outskirts, Chicago, IL

It was the noise level that brought Frank to consciousness. In an aid station, under a tent jammed packed with cots, Frank opened his eyes. He hadn’t clue where he was, and everything was completely out of focus. His head still pounded, throbbing as if with each beat of his heart. Frank discovered he couldn’t breathe through his nose. He brought his fingers to his nostrils, pulled then away and saw the blood. He touched the bridge of his nose and cringed a little at the pain. Surely he had broken it.

He couldn’t recall in his entire life feeling as bad or as weak as he did right then. He didn’t even remember being brought to his current location. His whereabouts were something he needed to learn. With a grunt Frank shifted his body and lifted himself to a sitting position. His head spun as he heard cries, screams, and moans. He could smell sickness. Situating his equilibrium, Frank stood up from his cot. His body started to sway again, and the spinning of the room made his stomach flip. He took control of his body, trying not to fall and hoping not to pass out. Arms extended to his sides, Frank balanced. He tilted forward then back and when he finally felt a firm stance, it was then that Frank felt the reality. Everything came into focus. The tent he was in. The number of cots too many to count. The sick that lay upon them. The dead that lay there, too. Frank may have questioned why he stood post on that barricade, but he knew right then he wouldn’t question why he stayed in that tent. Feeling the lightheadedness hit him, Frank lowered himself back down to sit on that cot before he passed out again. He would take a little time to let his dizziness subside, but after it did, Frank wouldn’t waste any more time. He had to leave that place.

June 1st - 6:00 a.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

Like a zombie, Ellen moved in almost an aimless direction back to her house from Kelly’s, taking the long way back, moving slowly. Heavy thoughts of what Kelly did pressed in on her; she’d learned exactly what happened by just staying a few extra minutes in the house. She clutched a picture frame tight in her arms, close to her chest as she moved slowly down her street. She could hear the sounds of her make-shift aid station floating up to her. It was when she felt the pulling and stretching of her skin that Ellen realized she was still covered in blood. The only problem was, it was dried and Ellen had to do something before getting home.

The Jamieson house on the corner was the biggest and nicest house in Ashtonville. They had money, and they swore they didn’t flaunt it. But they bought anything and everything their money could buy. Ellen remembered seeing them in her lawn trying to get relief for the illness that ravaged them. For the first time, the Jamiesons couldn’t buy what they needed. A cure. There was no price tag on that, because simply there was none.

Knowing, she had to clean up, and knowing where the Jamiesons were, Ellen went into their house to clean away the mess she had become.

While Joe was out making a minimal medication sweep with Jenny, she asked him a question. Jenny asked Joe why they were writing everyone’s name down, keeping track of who came in. Joe didn’t have a good answer at the time. In fact, he left Jenny without even attempting to answer her. He merely told her to just keep doing it.

Perhaps Joe just needed to step away to find that answer. And he did while watching Johnny in Ellen’s kitchen hungrily slurp up a bowl of cereal.

Amber, Lindsay, and Megan. Joe always saw so much of Kelly in them. But Johnny. To Joe, Johnny was all Slagel. He had the brains of his uncle Jimmy, the amiability of Hal, and Frank’s black hair. And Johnny had Robbie’s innocence. Within that one little boy, Joe saw all of his sons. Sons Joe thought about constantly, all four of them in the forefront of his mind. Were they sick? Were they alive? Where were they? Every attempt Joe made to locate even one of them ended up futilely. Even his last attempt a few hours earlier when he stopped at a police station to use the radio was in vain. Joe couldn’t find his sons. Whereabouts unknown. Unless they showed up in Ashtonville, Joe would never know what became of the boys he had dedicated his life to. That hurt. And that was the reason for writing down names. So that somewhere in the world there would be a record of the lives that meant much more than just being plague victim number so-and-so. For that one single person that would eventually wander into Ashtonville looking for their family. One month, six, maybe even a year down the road, they would be able to at least find an answer and find peace. Peace that Joe would never have without answers about his sons.

Joe was a realist. From what he had been witnessing with the virus—even though he wished with his all heart—he knew all of his boys couldn’t be alive and well. And with the four of them scattered about the country, Joe could only hope and pray that maybe out there—even if only for one of his sons—someone was taking time to care enough about them to write down their name.

Ellen shivered a breath as she stepped even closer to her house. It looked worse than when she left, but she knew it wasn’t. It was just the brightening of the day that lit the true number of people that had showed up at her home. Ellen had a hard time understanding why they stayed. They weren’t getting constant relief. The medical attention they received was limited to a teenager, a CIA agent and a nurse. But they gathered around her home like fireflies in a field, lingering en mass.

She spotted Joe as she drew closer. He aided a woman who lay on a cushion from Ellen’s patio furniture. He stopped when he saw her and immediately made his way to Ellen.

“I’m sorry I left you there.” Joe took Ellen in his arms, holding her tight.

“No, that’s ok.” Ellen shook her head. “It was for the best. She overdosed them, Joe. She put sleeping pills in their juice.” Ellen spoke as if in a dream like state.

“The girls must have gotten sick.” Joe’s hand held tight to the back of her wet hair. “She didn’t try to kill ...”

“Yes.” Ellen pulled back from the hold. “Yes, she did. Johnny, too. Sick or not. He just didn’t drink the juice.”

Joe’s eyes closed. He got sick to his stomach at the thought of Johnny waking up and seeing his mother first. When Joe opened his eyes he noticed Ellen holding a frame. “What do you have there?”

“Frank.”

“Excuse me?”

“Frank’s picture. It was on Johnny’s dresser. He’s my best friend, Joe. God, I wish he were here.”

“Me too, Kiddo.” Joe could see the bloody finger prints around the frame. “Can I?” he reached for the picture, turning it around. Joe snickered. “You took this one? Ellen, this is his army graduation picture.”

“I know.” Ellen peeked at the photo. “But I love this one. I think, Joe, no matter how old he and I get, he will always look like this to me.”

Joe blinked staring down at the picture of a thinner and still gawky-looking Frank. “You poor thing.”

“Joe.” Ellen lowered her head not wanting to smile.

Joe pulled her closer and kissed her on the forehead. He handed the photo back to her. “I would think you would have this picture.”

“I do.” Ellen started walking toward her house. “But it’s in a box of stuff I have at Doc Breyer’s office. Pete hated the fact that I had anything in the house that had to do with Frank.”

Joe’s heart dropped when he heard the name Peter. So much had happened in the short time, he had forgotten.

“You know, Joe, I swear if anyone beats this, Peter will...”

“Ellen.”

“He has had the luck of the Irish ...”

“Ellen.” Joe grabbed hold of her arm.

“It used to piss me off.” Ellen turned to Joe. “What’s wrong?”

“Peter ... Peter didn’t make it, Ellen. He passed away right before we got to the aid station.”

Ellen stared at Joe for a moment then continued walking up the path of her home.

“Ellen, are you all right?”

“Yeah. I want to see my children.” Ellen nodded, moved to the door, opened it and stepped in.

Joe watched her. He completely understood Ellen’s reaction. No sadness. No tears. It was hard to feel anything about one thing when so much was going wrong around them.

June 1st - 7:15 a.m.

Fairfield University - Stamford, Connecticut

William whistled as he dropped the tarp to the back of the large military truck packed with supplies. “How did you manage this?” he asked Dean who stood with him.

“It never got unloaded. And Henry packed the medication. I doubt we’ll need it,” Dean said. “Ashtonville’s a small town. I figure they’re a day behind us, at least.”

“I would expect as much also. Well ...” William looked at his watch. “Wish me luck.”

“Good luck.”

“And you come right to Ashtonville, you hear.” William pointed his finger at Dean then moved to the driver’s door. “You’re all I have in this world. I don’t want to lose track of you.”

“I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“You better.” William readied to step in the truck. He stopped, faced Dean with a smile and kissed his son on the cheek. “Be careful.”

“You, too.” Dean held the door for his father, and when William was inside he closed it. He backed away from the truck when William started the engine. And before going back to the lab, Dean stayed until his father had driven completely out of sight.

June 1st - 8:30 a.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

Joe stepped out of the bathroom, drying his hands. He tossed the towel back into the bathroom before going into Ellen’s room. The door was ajar and he pushed it open, slipping quietly inside. Ellen knelt on the floor by the bed, giving Josh a breathing treatment. Josh coughed quite a bit and Taylor grew restless, tossing and whining softly.

Ellen reached over and turned off the nebulizer. She saw Joe. “They’re getting worse, Joe.” Ellen folded the tube, tucking it in the front of the machine. She returned to staring at her children. “Every minute that goes by they get worse.”

Joe was exceptionally silent. He only moved to stand behind Ellen.

“Kelly. Peter. The girls.” Ellen ran her hand over Josh’s face. “If I’ve learned anything from you, Joe, it’s to be realistic. I’m realistic. I know what’s next.” Her voice dropped to a whisper, “I know what’s next.”

Joe rested his hand on her shoulder. “I wish I had the answers. I don’t.”

“There are none. There are no answers to why my children are sick. Why this is happening to this world. And worst of all, there are no more answers to prayers.”

“Why would you say that?”

“I believe right now there is only one prayer being said by every person in this world. A prayer for help. With so many people praying for the same thing, wouldn’t you think that one single prayer would be answered?” Ellen tilted her head to lay it on Joe’s hand. “It’s not happening. Alas ... we’ve been abandoned.”

June 1st - 10:25 a.m.

County General Hospital - New York City, NY

The squeaking wheels of the rolling hospital cart seemed loud on the quiet seventh floor. Andrea, dirty, sweaty, and wearing hospital scrubs, held on to the end of the cart and pushed it, body and all, down the empty corridor. She turned the corner and the cart came to an abrupt halt when it hit another. With the back of her hand she wiped the sweat from her forehead, took a breath then shifted the cart back and forth until it fit. Knowing that was all she could do in that particular wing, Andrea exhaled loudly and stepped back. She raised her head and took one more look. From where she stood at one end of the long corridor, all the way to the other end, sheet covered bodies on carts were crammed together in that hallway. No spaces between them. Carefully fitted like pieces of a puzzle. The west wing of the seventh floor’s own blanket of death.

June 1st - 10:45 a.m.

Outskirts - Chicago, IL

Frank moved at a slow but steady pace and he moved away from the tents of the aid station. He had a small green knapsack filled with food draped over one shoulder. Across the other shoulder was an M-16. He figured one of those cars on the highway had to have a map in the glove compartment, but first he had to reach the highway. He kept moving away across the grass area packed with tents, despite the fact that an officer wearing a gas mask followed him. Frank didn’t know if the officer was male or female; it really didn’t matter. Once Frank heard the word ‘stop’ Frank made up his mind to keep going.

“Sergeant!” the man blasted, keeping up to Frank. “If you are well enough to walk, you are well enough to stand post or help out here.”

Frank silently scoffed at the thought of standing post. He had done that stint and for longer than he should have. Ignoring the officer, Frank kept moving.

“You are still an active member of the United States Armed Forces. This country is under martial law. I am ordering you now to halt.”

Frank didn’t.

“Stop or I will shoot.” The officer pulled out his revolver and pumped the chamber.

This stopped Frank. With an outraged look he spun around to the officer. “Shoot me? The world is dying and you want to shoot me? Take a look around you. It’s over!” Frank shouted, his arm flying out as he spoke. “Right now, I need to be with the people I love most in this world. And let me tell you something, pal. They aren’t here. Now if you’re gonna shoot me, you’re gonna have to shoot me in the back. That’s the only way you’ll stop me. Because I’m walking out of here. I’m going home.” Frank began to move backwards. “I’m going home.” Without missing a beat, Frank spun back around forward and kept on moving.

The officer’s aim was steady on Frank, but not for long. Really hearing Frank’s words, he lowered his gun and returned to the tents.

June 1st - 10:50 a.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

The sound of the truck motor in the distance was assurance to the dying woman that Joe had not been lying to her. Help was going to come.

The squealing breaks carried to Joe, but he really didn’t see the truck until he left the woman’s side and ran closer to the street. He looked up. “Son of a bitch. The kid pulled through. Son of a bitch.” Joe smiled and jogged up the street to the military truck. He saw William step from the truck. “Tell me you’re our help.”

“I’m the cavalry.” William extended his hand. “William Hayes.”

“Joe, Joe Slagel.” Joe shook his hand then pointed. “You’re his father.”

“Yes, I am.”

“Hell of a kid you have. He pulled through.”

William looked about the street. “A lot of people. You’ve started quite a set-up.”

“With what little we have.”

“I have supplies.” William pointed backwards. “Lots of them. Tents, cots, medication. But I need help.”

Joe raised his eyebrow and clapped his hands together once. “I’m it. I’ll give you a hand, but first ...  let me tell me daughter you’re here. It’s her home these people came to. Do you mind?”

“Not at all.” William shook his head. “I’ll just start.”

“Thanks. I won’t be long.” Joe made a quick turn and began to dart with energy toward Ellen’s house. He had to tell her the help they were hoping for did indeed arrive.

With excitement he raced into the home. “Ellen!” He called out as he moved to the stairs. “Ellen!” Leaving her children’s side to go help outside was one worry Ellen didn’t need. Joe wanted to give her the news that she didn’t have to leave them at all. “Ellen.” He raced into the bedroom. “The doctor from Stamford ...” Joe’s feet stopped before his body did and he nearly fell over. A thump hit his chest as his heart beat strongly. Taylor was asleep on the bed, but Josh was not. Josh was in his mother’s arms. In the rocking chair near the bed Ellen held Josh close to her. The chair rocked as she cradled a boy nearly the same size as she. His arms and legs dangled lifelessly as Ellen clutched his head into her chest and buried her lips to his head.

“Ellen, honey.” Joe staggered to her and dropped to his knees before Ellen.

“He’s gone, Joe.”

“No.” Joe’s hand rose slowly and fell to Josh’s hair.

A burst of tears escaped Ellen. They saturated her face, rolling over the lips that kept kissing Josh. “The treatments didn’t work.” Her breath quivered. “His lungs gave up. I picked ... I picked ...” She closed her mouth and stopped speaking. She just couldn’t at that moment.

“It’ll be all right.”

“No.” The word whimpered from her mouth. “It will never be all right. He’s gone, Joe.” Ellen sobbed. “My son is gone.”

“I’m sorry.” Joe’s head dropped against her hand. “I’m so sorry.”

Ellen sniffled hard and deep, running her hand harshly across her wet face. “Could I ... could I just have a moment alone. Then I’ll put him in his bed like I did so many times. Just a few minutes alone with my son.”

Joe said nothing. He ran his hand over Ellen’s face as he stood up. He brought his lips to her forehead then to Josh’s and he backed up and turned from the bedroom. Pulling on the door, Joe’s head dropped when he heard another sob come from Ellen. He looked back in the room to see Ellen rocking and holding Josh. So lost, so hurt and there was nothing Joe could do for Ellen but give her the moment of privacy she sought so she could say goodbye to her only son.

June 1st - 11:43 a.m.

Fairfield University - Stamford, Connecticut

Molly’s eyes were wide open and lifeless. Her struggle had ended quickly, yet not without a lifetime’s worth of pain. Henry solemnly lifted his lowered head and reached out to Molly, closing her eyes. A sense of guilt hit him. He promised Dean he’d take care of her, but Henry couldn’t recall the last time he’d checked on Molly. He checked on Molly as often as he could, but there were so many people dying so fast that Henry couldn’t keep up. He felt bad, really bad for Molly. A woman he knew had three children and six grandchildren. She had a family, a life she loved. Yet with all that she had built in her personal world she didn’t deserve to die alone like she did, alone in a tent, draped off from so many others just like her.

Henry brought the sheet over her head and left the draped-off area. He would have to go tell Dean. He could hear the flies buzzing. There was less movement and noise, Molly was the twelfth person in ten minutes that Henry had found dead. Walking across the darkened tent Henry saw a shadowy figure at the edge. It was a big man and he made it into the tent, looking around at the bodies. “Can I help you?” Henry called as he moved to the man. “Are you looking for someone?”

“Yes.” Carl’s deep voice answered as he looked up.

Henry neared closer and gasped when he saw Carl’s bloody and bruised face. “Do you need help? You’re ...”

“No.” Carl rushed to Henry. “I need to find Lt. Dean Hayes and I need to find him now. Do you know where he is?”

“He’s in the next tent.”

“Thank you.” Carl rushed to the edge of the tent and stopped. “Can you tell me how I’ll recognize him?”

“Um ...” Henry scratched his own head. “He’s the only one standing?” Before Henry knew it, Carl had raced out.

June 1st - 11:44 a.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

A hand-drawn map courtesy of Joe was spread out on Ellen’s kitchen table. William, Joe, and Jenny stood around it.

With a pencil in his hand, William bent down toward the map. “It’ll be easier now, as you can see where my lines are, to separate them. I know it will still be a task. Jenny and I counted close to six hundred.”

Joe whistled and shook his head. “Didn’t think there were that many. You want to put those who need it more all together?”

“Exactly.” William answered. “You’ve been keeping track of people so it will be easier. Treatment-wise, it should go a lot smoother. Joe, I noticed some people camping out about four miles from here. Any chance you can scout there for any healthy survivors?”

“You got it. I’ll help unload a little more then head out.”

Jenny had questions of her own. “What about the dead. It’s bad. We lost close to sixty already. What are we gonna do with them?”

William hesitated before answering because he knew the coldness his answer carried. “Move them together in one place until we can burn them. But we must exercise precaution now. Cholera is a threat and something we aren’t immune to. And my dear Jenny, if you think it’s bad now, wait. Out there, that is only the beginning.” With a deep breath and his pen in hand, William leaned back down to the homemade map and continued the quick design of what would be their aid station.

June 1st - 11:46 a.m.

Fairfield University - Stamford, Connecticut

Carl grew frustrated when Dean wasn’t in the tent that Henry told him. He moved to the next and to the next. Had Dean not been the only one standing—as Henry described—Carl wouldn’t have known it was Dean. Dean not only stood, but he moved quickly away from the tents. “Lt. Hayes!” Carl cried out, running as fast as his injured and exhausted body could move. “Please wait.”

Dean stopped moving and turned around. He could see the bigger man chasing him. Aside from his father and Henry it had been a while since he saw anyone else walking. Dean made his way to Carl.

“You’re Lt. Hayes?” Carl asked.

“Yes.”

“Thank God. Please, come with me.” Carl started moving in another direction.

“What is ...”

“Please.” Carl beckoned as he picked up speed.

Shrugging and confused, Dean followed Carl away from the aid station near the end of the long line of idle traffic. Dean watched Carl stop at a Jeep. Carl stood by the open passenger door, and Dean, figuring there was someone there that needed help, walked a little faster toward the Jeep.

“She’s in too much pain to move.” Carl said then stepped out of the way for Dean.

Confused even more, Dean walked around the Jeep and gasped in shock when he looked inside. He dropped immediately to his knee beside the vehicle. “Catherine.”

A sob, barely heard, escaped Catherine as she exhaled. She closed her eyes and a tear rolled down her face.

Dean saw the oozing stomach wound and his eyes rose up to her head, which bled as well. She was so pale and weak. Just as his hand moved to examine the extent of her injuries, Carl squatted next to Dean.

“I have something.” Carl reached into his pocket, pulled out the vial and handed it to Dean.

It was so tiny that even in Dean’s hands the vial was lost. His eyes looked at it then to Carl. “What is this?”

“I believe Catherine deserves to tell you,” Carl said.

“Catherine?” Dean had questions in his eyes. He saw her throat move in her desperate attempt to swallow.

A heavy breath came from Catherine as her hand, seemingly out of her control, tried to grab for the stack of papers on her lap. Her fingers grasped but she couldn’t lift them, even the papers were too heavy. A painful sob seeped from her as she spoke breathily and shortly. “Our ... chance. Slows ... slows early stages.” Her lips quivered as she fought with everything she had to talk. “Combine ... it. Try.” In her final attempt to lift the notes, Catherine’s fingers crinkled the paper, stopped, and her head flopped to the side, eyes open toward Dean. Catherine stopped moving; she was still and quiet.

Lifting Catherine’s hand, Dean slipped the stack of papers from her lap, looked at the vial in his palm and up to Carl who nodded. Once more he faced Catherine. He reached up and in a slow sweep of his hand down her face, Dean closed her eyes. He swallowed and dropped his voice to a deep whisper. “Thank you, Catherine.” Eyes closed tightly, Dean paused gratefully to honor her. Then clenching the papers and vial tight, Dean stood up with the first sense of hope he’d felt in a while and raced top speed back to the lab building.

June 1st - 12:42 p.m.

St. John, Indiana

It was easier than Frank had thought getting to this location. The toughest trudge was the first mile or so making it to the main highway. To find transportation, it was faster searching out cars easily removed from the jam. Frank did. He cleared the car, pulled it to the breakdown lane of the road and drove there until he hit a clear section of highway. But then the other problem kicked in. Gas. By the time Frank ran out of gas, he was in a section of the country without power. No power. No ability to work the gas pumps. So he had to abandon that vehicle and search for another. That brought him to St. John. He found a little blue car, keys inside, parked sideways, and it had gas. Enough, Frank figured, to at least get him to another city. But first, Frank had to remove the dead occupants from the car.

While doing so, Frank was surprised he was holding up as well as he was, especially considering how awful he felt. But he supposed that box of Ho-Hos he consumed gave him the energy he needed as a quick fix.

After removing the last of the three bodies, Frank closed all the doors, tossed in his knapsack and weapon then started the engine. He was determined and he would keep going until he had to stop. To Frank there were only two reasons to do so. One was if the car broke down or needed fuel. The second reason was if Frank, like the car, just ran out of gas. With the way he felt himself going, Frank was wagering the later.

June 1st - 12:55 p.m.

Fairfield University - Stamford Connecticut.

Dean’s computer ran a sequence on the contents of the vial. The numbers of the sequence ran rapidly while Dean stared down at the counter in the lab, the papers he got from Catherine spread out on the counter. But the paper wasn’t just every-day paper. Notes were on a page from a telephone book, duty rooster, post-its. And all of the notes were burned to an extent and blood covered.

He lifted the vial and peered at it. The vial was half full and the tiny cap was cracked. A huge blood smear stopped him from seeing any name on the label. Without a name Dean couldn’t tell what he was working with. He knew his computer would put out that information shortly, and when it did, Dean would get the opportunity to work on it. Work on what he needed to do, and that work was finding a way to beat the virus. He would use his knowledge and Catherine’s advice, and, in a superstitious way, keep his fingers crossed the entire time.

June 1st - 1:00 p.m.

County General Hospital - New York City, NY

She was the last one who remained, and Andrea felt like she was the first to arrive. But after forty-eight hours straight with a total of two hours sleep, Andrea’s work was finished. She feared going down alone into the streets, but she took comfort in the fact that it had been a while since she’d heard any gunshots. She supposed those who had gone mad and rioted were either sick or dead by that time. The safety factor increased in New York with each passing hour. But Andrea couldn’t hide out in that hospital forever. It was time to go home. Time to get to her husband.

Surprised that there was still power, Andrea, knowing it would be a long walk home, took the elevator down to the main floor. The doors slid open to a view Andrea did not expect to see. Instead of going down, Andrea felt as if she emerged up from some sort of bomb shelter into a war-ridden world. In reality, it was. All of the windows there were shattered. The door was still closed, but that too was missing the glass. Patients, for lack of rooms, were lined up in the lobby. Heath care workers, soldiers, and civilians lay dead everywhere.

Making it across, Andrea had to close her eyes and turn her head. Death by plague was something she had grown accustomed to and Andrea clearly saw that the plague wasn’t what killed most of the people in the lobby, especially those who were set up on the right side. Men, women, and children lay shot on their cots, some of them burned, caught in the crossfire when rioting civilians battled the military in a war in which they fought the same enemy.

The sun was peeking through the dark lobby. That helped give Andrea the courage to go out there, but protection would make her feel even braver. Stopping at the body of a soldier, Andrea retrieved his hand gun, grabbed more ammunition, and moved to the door. She wanted to use the revolver to clear away the broken glass on the door, but since noise would have alerted anyone dangerous still walking around, Andrea reached for the handle instead.

The world had changed a lot since Andrea last saw it. She knew that, but she was still ill-prepared for what her mind told her she would see. Taking one more breath for courage, Andrea opened the main door and stepped outside for the first time in two days.

June 1st - 1:05 p.m.

Interstate 25 - Four miles from Ashtonville, Connecticut

Six hundred and seventy-five people were just too many for three people to handle alone. That was why Joe headed to the highway. The ‘Aid Station ten miles’ sign was not a distance marker to Joe, but a people-finder instead. A military truck was off to the side of the road. The tarp was up as if that truck, on his way to the aid station, had stopped to help someone and everyone else had flocked to that spot like pigeons to bread.

Joe stepped from his car at the end of the long line of traffic. Tents were set up and people camped about. He moved forward stepping on the trunk of a car then jumping to the hood. “Hello!” Joe called out to those who hung around. “Is there anyone here who isn’t sick?” he asked loudly. Some people paid attention, some didn’t. “We have medical help in Ashtonville. But we need hands.” He waited for someone to say something, but no one did. “Anyone?” Joe tried again, giving up shortly afterward.

Joe, disgusted, jumped from the hood and readied to go back to his car when a bigger man, burly with long black hair, approached Joe.

“I can help,” he told Joe. “I’m not sick.”

“Me either.” A thin black man stood beside the man.

Joe looked at them both. “That’s great. Follow me.” He headed back to his car with the two men. He jumped in his car and turned it around to face the direction he need to go in order to return to Ashtonville. When he saw two cars pull out and join him, Joe started to go. But little did he know, not only did those two cars tag behind him, so did a long line of others as well.

June 1st - 1:40 p.m.

Fairfield University - Stamford, Connecticut

It was a quick combination based more on theory rather than knowledge, but time was short. It had reached the point where Dean was trying everything. His scattered notations were the only record of what he tried. Still unknown, the vial had benefits. It definitely slowed the virus but only in the very early stages. The mystery substance in that little bottle would forever go nameless and forgotten because, even if that substance combined with what Dean himself had on hand worked, there still wasn’t enough to save the world.

Dean kept looking from his watch to the computer. He paced back and forth, bit his nails, crossed his arms then uncrossed his arms. The scientist in him knew that, with how he was ‘throwing’ it together, his chances of hitting the mark right away were slim. But positive results had been bred in different experiments under stranger situations.

He was waiting for the analysis, the results. Would his newest combination work? If so, how? Making it three feet or so from the computer in another Dean-pacing-frenzy, the beep of the computer signaled the results were in. Dean spun, leaped back over to the computer slamming his hands on the counter as he did so. He peered at the screen and at the results. Dean’s mouth dropped open and he closed his eyes. Lowering his head, he clenched his fist and gave a single pound on the counter. “Yes.” The word rushed through his clenched teeth. Emotional and shivering with excitement, Dean raised his head to the ceiling, mouthed the words ‘thank you’ then bolted off into the other lab.

June 1st - 2:44 p.m.

New York City, NY

Andrea never thought about how long a walk it was from the hospital to her home. She never thought it was that far, but then of course she never walked home, nor did she ever walk through plague- and riot-ravaged streets. Numerous times she had to dart inside a building when she heard someone, usually the sound of breaking glass or rummaging. She could have spoken to them, tried to talk, but Andrea feared what was left. All she wanted to do was make it home.

She made it to her street, a street that was the epitome of urban life. But Andrea had always loved living there in her apartment with her husband, Jake. Neighbors she could hear arguing, children that played stick ball and jump rope on the street, the fire hydrant that the men of the neighborhood always turned on for the children, Mrs. Davis constantly sweeping her walk. That was Andrea’s life. When she looked upon her street, she knew her life was over.

No children, no screaming, no laughter. Sounds of life were gone. Even her little street wasn’t immune to the war zone the city had become. Barker’s Store had been looted. The big window was busted, items spewed from the store trailing into the street. Bodies were everywhere, many of which were wrapped in sheets, plastic, curtains, whatever. They sprawled about on the curb and doorsteps as if they were put out with the trash. Besides not being immune to the virus, the victims were not immune to the rats. Multitudes, more than Andrea had ever seen in her lifetime combined, ran rampant about the streets, coming up when the scent of the dead rang to them like a dinner bell.

The rats had become bold, not darting away when they saw her but darting toward her. She kicked them away and kept moving. It wasn’t far to her home, a corner building that she always felt had historical charm. Andrea prayed that it was unscathed, that her husband Jake would still be there. She hoped he hadn’t left in an attempt to get to the hospital to find her, because the closer to the hospital, the worse things were.

She arrived at her building, tired, sore and relieved. She walked up the eight steps; a rat sat before the oak doors, and Andrea kicked her foot to clear it from her way; nothing mattered to Andrea but getting inside. She walked in. It was a different world. Had time stopped? There were no sounds of children crying, no sounds of arguing neighbors, just silence.

As she made her way up the stairs to her third floor apartment, she heard a moan coming from the second floor. Listening carefully to pinpoint it, Andrea located its origin and walked into the apartment. It was Mrs. Graham.

“Mrs. Graham.” Andrea called from the doorway. There was no sign of her in the living room. “Mrs. Graham?”

Mrs. Graham’s moans were weak.

Andrea turned the corner to her bedroom and screamed. Mrs. Graham lay on her bed. Three rats sat on top of her nibbling on her hands and face.

“Get off!” Andrea screamed at them swinging her knapsack; two of the rats darted away. One arrogantly sat up staring at Andrea as if to say, ‘this is my dinner’. Andrea swung her knapsack at the rat, sending it flying across the room and smashing into the wall. Mrs. Graham moaned once more, and then she died.

Andrea, fearful of what she would find in her own home, headed to her apartment hoping her husband had not met the same fate as Mrs. Graham. She bolted through the door of her apartment, ready to take on anything. She ran to her bedroom, where Jake, her husband, lay on the bed.

“Jake.” Andrea touched him; he was hot. “You’re still alive.”

“Andrea.” Jake opened his eyes.

Andrea lifted his head and placed it on her lap. She held on to him tightly, grateful she had made it in time.

June 1st - 3:22 p.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

A sweat broke out profusely across Miguel Sanchez’s forehead. He cleared it using the back of his hand, stopping it from dripping in his eyes. He had erected another tent to help shade those who had waded through their illness into the street. He lost count of how many cots he’d set up since Joe brought him and another man named Jonas to their little aid station to help. Of course not long after Miguel and the other new helper, Jonas, arrived, the aid station on a street in the quaint little town could no longer be described as little. More people had come out of their homes for help; some returned to their homes, some stayed. But the numbers nearly doubled when so many cars followed that Jonas had the job of moving the vehicles that the people abandoned. Miguel didn’t mind helping, it was a lot of work, but it kept his mind off of everything. Off the loss of his mother who died in the car on the way to Ashtonville. He just did whatever Joe Slagel told him and when he was finished he went back and asked what was next. There still were too many people for the number of workers they had, and he heard Joe saying that there were many more still in their homes. A problem—when the plague was all said and done with—if they all decided to stay in Ashtonville.

Miguel’s English wasn’t the best at times so he nodded more than he spoke, just like he nodded when Joe asked if he could help move bodies out. Miguel agreed. Everyone that was well helped. Maggie, an older woman Miguel met, kept up her part even though her husband was failing by the second. Jenny, the teenage girl, helped a lot too and her parents were there. But the biggest surprise helper was the little boy, Joe’s grandson, whom Joe tried diligently to get to stay away. But Johnny didn’t. Coming back from taking another body to where they piled them two streets over, Miguel watched Johnny going from patient to patient. He held a bucket of water; Johnny wiped their faces, their lips. Johnny would speak to the patients. But it was clear to Miguel that Johnny just was so young, because Johnny didn’t know. And that fact broke Miguel’s heart.

Making his way closer to the boy, Miguel watched Johnny swat away flies then wipe a woman down. Miguel exhaled harshly; the smell in that particular section was strong. He moved closer to Johnny. “Hey,” he spoke.

Johnny dropped the rag into the bucket. “Hey.”

“Johnny. Right?” Miguel asked.

“Yes.”

“Johnny, I know you’re helping.”

“I want to help.”

“Would you do another job?”

“Like what?” Johnny wrung out the cloth and brought it to the woman’s face.

Miguel shifted his eyes to the woman. “We need someone to help us, so we can help the sick. Do you feel like getting water and maybe make sandwiches for the workers?”

“Am I allowed?” Johnny asked as he wiped off the woman.

“We all would like very much.” Miguel smiled then ran his hand across his own face again.

“Ok.” Johnny handed Miguel the bucket. “I’ll wash my hands first.” He held them up.

“You do that.” Miguel watched Johnny dart off, and when the boy was out of his sight, Miguel lifted the woman Johnny had been cleaning, tossed her limp body over his shoulder and carried her off.

William had just finished examining Taylor. He ran his hand over the little girl’s face as Ellen held her on the bed. He was compassionate and used that manner of speaking. No matter how many years a person is a doctor, a child dying is not something a person gets used to seeing. “Joe has found more help,” William told Ellen. “You ... you stay here now.”

Ellen sniffed and nodded, holding a sleeping Taylor even closer.

William let out a slow breath while keeping his eyes on Ellen. He reached into his lab coat pocket and pulled out a syringe. It was filled and capped. He held it up briefly as he saw the curious look on Ellen’s face, then William gently set the syringe on the night stand. “When ... When it comes to our children, our pain is secondary to theirs. Out of our love, a choice that spares them is never wrong.” He laid a hand on Ellen and slid it off as he turned and walked to the door.

Even though she didn’t want to, Ellen kept looking at that syringe. Her eyes would close in pain after seeing it. She raised her head when she heard William leave, and when she looked up, she saw Joe walking in.

Joe didn’t say anything; there was nothing he could say. He walked to the bed, kissed Ellen then Taylor. As soon as he sat on the edge of the bed, Ellen fell in to him and began to cry.

June 1st - 3:30 p.m.

Fairfield University - Stamford, Connecticut

Dean hadn’t slept in days. He may have looked it, but he didn’t move like it. He trailed behind Henry, upbeat, speaking rapidly, arms going in all directions. Henry carried a body from the tent and went back in for another. Dean followed. “And Henry, I still haven’t a clue what it is. Carl doesn’t either. It’s illegible on the paper and the analysis is coming up nil. But ...” He grabbed the end of the body, lifted it and aided Henry in carrying it out. “But ... combined with what I’ve been working on, whatever it is, it may be the missing link. It weakens the virus, slowing it. During the earliest recorded stage of the virus, the combination is phenomenal.”

“So if we would have had it in the beginning we would have beaten this plague?”

“Sad to say, probably, yes.”

“What about with the later stages?” Henry asked as he dropped the body, dusted off his hands and moved back to the tent.

“The earlier the better.” Dean moved behind him. “What I’m hoping for is to hit the earliest stages we can. Make the virus dormant. Slow. Give the patient time to regain their strength while giving me the time to beat it.” He watched Henry pick up another body, and Dean grabbed the feet.

Henry turned to Dean as he moved from the tent, struggling with the heavy dead man. “Look around, Dean, this is a dead camp. Everyone here is in the last stages. This is a dead camp.”

“But Ashtonville may not be. They’re a small town. Chances are they’re stages behind us. I can’t leave yet. I want you to take it there. The batch is mixing now. I’ll have thirty initial doses and thirty second ...”

“Thirty?” Henry nearly laughed in ridicule. “Only thirty doses? What’s the use?”

Dean, stunned dropped his end of the body. “I can’t believe this is you talking. Is this Mr. Upbeat in front of me? Why would you say that?”

“Because I’m tired of seeing death.”

“Well, so am I Henry.” Dean spoke with an edge and passion. “And thirty people may not have to see it either. I don’t know, maybe it’s selfish. Probably it is. But, Henry, if I can save one ... just one person, then everything I’ve learned, everything I’ve done, will not be in vain. Tell me ... tell me you’ll take the serum.”

Quietly, Henry only looked at Dean.

June 1st – 3:33 p.m.

New York City, NY

Andrea tucked the sheets beneath her husband, Jake, to make him more comfortable. She had moved the bed closer to the window so that his last few hours could be spent enjoying the beautiful day that was just outside the pane of glass.

“It’s awfully warm in here, Jake, isn’t it?” Andrea wiped the sweat from her chest. “This is going to be one of those days I will have wished that we had broken down and gotten an air conditioner.” Andrea reached over him and opened up the window; a gentle breeze blew in a slight coolness along with a slight stench. “Oh.” Andrea covered her nose. “This smell will only get worse.” As she stared out the window, she remembered how many times she and Jake had shut it to close out the noise from the buses and people. Now she longed for them. Forgoing the heat she reached for the window to close it again when she heard what sounded like a baby’s wail.

“Did you hear that, Jake?”

Jake lay still on the bed, sleeping soundly.

The high pitched shrieking continued. “There it is again.” Andrea stuck her head out of the window. She listened. It was a baby, and its crying echoed through the empty streets. “I’ll be back.”

Andrea jumped from the bed. She grabbed a shirt from her dresser drawer and doused it with perfume; she covered her nose and headed out of the apartment. The hallway was scattered with dead rats; the poison she had placed in her doorway and on the steps was working so far. She knew she would have to get more. But first, the baby, she prayed it would not stop crying. “Please keep crying, child.” Andrea hurried to the street, ignoring the rodents which were starting to gather around the deceased. She listened intently for the cries and followed them.

They led her to an apartment building one block down. She looked at the building and raced in. Following the cry up four flights of stairs, she located the door from which they came.

“Hello?” Andrea knocked. “Hello, is anyone there?”

The baby cried louder.

Andrea turned the doorknob, and walked in. She glanced around the apartment and removed the shirt from her nose. She began a search of the apartment. Empty baby bottles covered the kitchen counter. From there the cries flowed down a small hall. Two steps and she found a door that was ajar.

As she opened it she could see a crib, and in front of the crib, a rocking chair where a woman sat.

“Ma’am?” Andrea called out. “Are you all right?”

With no response, she made her way into the room. “Oh, God.” There in the crib a curly blond haired baby sat up wearing a diaper and a pink tee shirt. She stopped crying when she spotted Andrea.

Before Andrea picked up the child, she noticed the woman in the rocking chair, her head slumped over, and the blood that flowed from her mouth was not yet dry. Andrea felt for a pulse; the woman was dead, her body was still warm, she had just died.

Andrea lifted the little girl from her crib which was sopping wet and filled with bottles. The woman must have tried desperately to care for her until the very end.

She held the baby close; she was no more than six months old. “Oh, little one, you’re not even sick.” Andrea spotted a bag of diapers. “Let me change you real fast and I’ll get you out of here.” As Andrea changed the baby, it dawned on her how many other children may have been left alone. She finished and gathered up things she needed. As she did, she noticed the hospital birth certificate on the wall. “Katherine.” How ironic, Andrea thought that this was the second Katherine destined to live. “I’ll call you Katie.” Andrea covered the baby’s mother with a blanket, and she left the apartment with Katie.

As she carried Katie tightly she stopped and looked around the street. So many buildings, so many apartments, could someone else be alive? She opened her mouth to call out but stopped. With all that had gone on, what if someone tried to kill her? What if she didn’t? Would it be a sin on her soul if she did not try?

“Hello! Hello! Is anyone there?” Andrea moved slowly down the street crying out as she walked on. “If you can hear me, or if you need my help, please answer me. Hello!”

Andrea continued home. The rats were beginning to gather more. What would it be like in a day or two? She knew she would have to get Katie not only out of the neighborhood, but out of the city. But she couldn’t until Jake was gone.

“Is anyone there? Can anyone hear me?” Andrea stood in front of her building. “I’m going in my home now. Please, if you can hear me ...” Andrea sighed. “Oh, Katie, it looks like it’s just you and me.” With a diaper bag harnessed over her shoulder, she clutched Katie and turned to her door. A black rat sat as if guarding it. “Get out of my way!” Andrea snarled at it. Frightened, it scurried along.

“Wait!” a tiny voice called out.

Andrea turned.

Across the street there stood a little boy about seven or eight years old. He wore a backwards baseball cap and a pair of cutoffs while holding a bag of chips. “Lady, I’m scared.”

“Come here, I’ll help you.”

He just stood there.

“What’s wrong, are you sick?”

“No.”

“Well, what is it?”

“I’m not allowed to cross the street.”

“I’ll watch you.”

The little boy looked both ways and darted over. He grabbed a hold of Andrea’s legs and hugged them. He looked up at her with his blue eyes. “Will I get in trouble for leaving my mom?”

“Is she ok?” Andrea asked.

“No, she died. She told me my dad went to the hospital to get better, and don’t leave, because he would be back.”

“Come on to my place. I’m sure if he comes back he’ll call out like I did.” Andrea opened her building door.

“I don’t think he’s coming back, do you?”

“Let’s talk about this upstairs.” They walked in and Andrea quickly shut the door behind them, keeping out the three rats she saw speeding their way. They were safe inside, if only for a little while.

June 1st - 4:05 p.m.

Fairfield University - Stamford, Connecticut

With a gun swung around his back like he was Rambo, Henry stood with Dean by a motorcycle at the edge of the university grounds. Dean handed Henry a small cooling sack with a strap. Henry took it and placed it over his shoulder.

“Tell my father the instructions are in there.” Dean pointed to the sack.

“Got it.” Henry nodded.

“I’ll pack up my stuff, finish making more, and be there tomorrow.”

“Got it.”

“And reiterate to my father, give the serum only to the earliest available stages. Or else ...”

“It will be a waste. Yes, I know.” Henry mounted the motorcycle.

“And don’t crash.” Dean waved a finger.

“Crash. Ha!” Henry nodded. “I’m not gonna crash, Dean. I’m gonna get shot. You know that. I’m getting shot.” Henry rattled as he adjusted himself. “I’m riding around like a rebel. “There’s martial law and I have a gun. I’m a dead man. I just know it.”

“Henry.” Dean shook his head as he chuckled. “Get going.”

“I’m going.” Henry started the motorcycle. “But do you know something, Dean? I’m like the cool hero riding in to save the day.”

“Yes, you are.”

“I can hear the theme music playing now. Sing it for me while I ride off.”

“Henry.”

“Kidding.” Henry revved the bike. “Wish me luck.”

“Good luck.”

Henry prepared to move the bike. He stopped and gave a thumbs up to Dean. “You did good.” With another rev of the engine Henry sped off. Excited, hopeful, and nervous, Dean watched him ride off—just as Henry claimed—like the hero into the sunset.

June 1st - 4:17 p.m.

Logan, Indiana

There was plenty of bad Barry Manilow music for Frank to listen to in that little blue car; unfortunately there wasn’t plenty of gas. It sputtered its last bit of fuel and Frank steered until it stopped, dying like everything else on that side farm road. The lack of fuel was forefront on Frank’s mind. He expected it--not so soon considering it was an economy car—but he expected it nonetheless.

Grabbing his rifle, his knapsack, and the rolled sleeping bag that was in the car, Frank stepped out. He knew he had to keep going, at least until he found another means of transportation. Tired, arms full, head pounding and grateful that he ate that large bag of Cheetos or else he’d be starved as well, Frank trudged down the abandoned two-lane road.

June 1st - 4:40 p.m.

Fairfield University - Stamford, Connecticut

“How’s the head?” Dean asked Carl, squatting by the tree where Carl leaned against.

“Getting better.” Carl sipped on water. “That rest did me some good too.”

“You didn’t get much.”

“I’m sleeping against a tree.”

“True.”

“So ...” Carl hesitated before asking. A little scared of what Dean would say. “Did ... did it work?”

“The combination of the two bred positive results. Thank you.”

Carl grinned, clenching his fist in gratitude. “Ok, so, what now. There wasn’t that much in that vial, was there.”

“No, there wasn’t.” Dean answered. “However, right now I’m running a synthesis of it. It won’t be quite as potent as the original, but it will still give us results. I should have a large enough batch for us to bring with us to Ashtonville. Actually, tonight ...” Dean took a breath. “Tonight, you and I should have cases of it to pack up.”

“Cases?” Carl asked. “There aren’t that many people in Ashtonville.”

“No, I mean, I don’t think. The cases are for, well, just in case. If when we get to Ashtonville tomorrow and we see that the serum works, I’d like to get together a few of us and start hitting rural areas as fast as we can.”

Carl understood. “Because like Ashtonville, they would be behind the bigger cities as far as how advanced the virus is.”

“Exactly.” Dean nodded his head toward the tent area. “And I know right now it doesn’t look like it here. But out there somewhere, we still have hope.”

June 1st - 5:15 p.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

The motor and revving of the motorcycle probably could have been heard for miles. At least it sounded that way to Henry. He was able to move freely in between and around the areas where traffic was most congested. In his haste to get to Ashtonville, he nearly wrecked only three times. But once Henry learned how to use the brakes he was fine.

He followed the sign and was surprised that the town just appeared right after the highway exit. He thought for sure he’d have to find some dirt road and look for signs. But after he drove past the McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and a little mall, a mile later down a tree-lined road there he was. He found himself smack dab in the middle of what looked like the town square on an episode of ‘The Andy Griffith Show’, only this small town looked deserted. It was eerily quiet, too. Papers that were thrown across the single stop light main street blew up in the air when Henry brought the bike to a stop. He had to take a second to look around for a direction to go. From what Henry could see, there weren’t many streets off of that main road, and it wouldn’t be difficult to locate where a make-shift aid station was set up. Figuring that Ashtonville wasn’t that big and the noise from the ill should carry loudly, Henry rode off straight ahead in his search.

A long table, medication, Joe’s list of the sick. William stood before them. It was the care table set up directly in front of Ellen’s home. Everyone waited for William to distribute what they had to administer to the ill.

Ellen didn’t feel like waiting. Taylor couldn’t wait. Tired, eyes puffy and red, Ellen squeezed between Miguel and Joe looking up at William. “Excuse me, William,” she spoke, tired and drawn. “Do you have it?”

“Yes.” William nodded as he reached for a box.

“It has to be strong.” Ellen told him. “She needs something ...”

“William!” the voice echoed in the distance. “William!” It was Henry.

Ellen turned, as did everyone, looking for the voice that called out.

William recognized it. “Henry?” William peered over the heads of those who stood before his table. “Henry.”

Henry had left the bike back at the long line of traffic that blocked off the end of the street. “William!” He charged ahead full speed into the area of the ill. He leaped over a man who lay on the ground, tripped a little, spun, apologized to the man and hit the yard. “William.” He raced toward William. His hands slammed hard on the table’s surface as if that were the only way to stop himself from vaulting over it.

“Henry, what the ...”

“Your son.” Henry spoke out of breath. “He sent the first step ...” He took off the cooling sack laying it on the table. “... of the cure.”

A loud eruption of ‘what’ came from the group and they gathered in closer. Their voices mumbled and meshed together with their excitement and curiosity.

Henry handed William an envelope. “It stalls the virus and buys Dean more time to beat it. He’s making more. However ...”

William had opened the envelope and started to read. “It works best on the earliest stages.” William spoke through his reading. He then looked up at the faces that stared back at him and laid his hand on the cooling sack. “He said to give this batch only to our earliest stages otherwise the serum will be wasted. Ok, people.” William pulled the list of ill. “Let’s look at our Joe list and find our thirty least ill. We have to pull them, inject them and isolate them. Then hopefully ... save them.”

Between watching William distribute the sheets, Joe saw Ellen slip her arm through and take the medication William had ready for Taylor. He saw the look on her face; as well as pale, it exuded sadness. With the medication in her hand, she slowly backed up. “Ellen.” Joe took a step to her. “Wait, maybe ...”

“Maybe what?” Ellen spoke holding back any tears. “I know my daughter is not going to be one of the thirty. I know.” Without saying any more, she walked away.

William paused in what he was doing. He couldn’t help but take a moment to look at Ellen who went into her home alone. After she left his sight, he returned to distributing the list of ill to review.

Though Taylor was curled up on Ellen’s lap and sleeping soundly under the heavy medication, she whimpered as she slept. On the bed, Ellen cuddled and held her. Taylor’s little fingers were tightly intertwined in Ellen’s hair as she reached to hold onto her mother. Her eyelids fluttered in a dream that Ellen prayed was a peaceful, good one.

“And Uncle Richie.” Ellen’s fingers tickled lightly over Taylor’s forehead. “He’s coming to visit this summer. Yeah. Cringe, huh? And Pap-pap Joe is going to the beach with us in August. Or at least he says. We have all sorts of ...” Ellen looked up to the knock on the door. “Come in.”

The door opened and William walked in. Quietly he closed it and moved near the bed.

Ellen first kissed Taylor, holding tight to her head, then after a breath, she looked at William. She felt the lump in her throat. “Did you find your thirty?”

“Yes. We’ve separated them and are getting ready to give them the injection.” William sat on the bed by Ellen’s legs. “My dear, I need you to understand. My son gave me strict, very strict orders not to give it to anyone in the later stages.”

Ellen didn’t want to cry, but it happened. A thick and warm tear rolled down her cheek. She pulled Taylor even closer.

“Ellen, chances are so, so, slim that it will even affect the advanced cases. Taylor is very advanced.”

“I know this.” Ellen sniffled.

“Ok, just so you understand the chances. But my view is ...” William leaned into Ellen. “A slim chance is better than no chance. Correct?” He reached into his coat pocket pulling out a syringe. He watched Ellen’s eyes rise to him in shock. “No matter how small, let’s give Taylor that chance.”

Ellen couldn’t speak. Her throat had swollen up so much that words couldn’t emerge. All she could do was cry. And her body bounced even harder as she cried when William uncapped the syringe of hope, grabbed hold of Taylor’s thigh, and injected her with the serum.

June 1st - 8:30 p.m.

New York City, NY

She only packed what she needed and wanted to take. She left so much else behind. Her arms would be full with the children. Andrea swore she packed more pictures and memorabilia than clothing. That was all right, because Andrea knew picking clothes up would never be a problem. She also knew they had to get out of the city. Staying there wasn’t an option. Besides being dangerous, it wouldn’t smell all that great in a few days.

In her bedroom, duffle bag packed, Andrea looked to the bed. She had taken time to wrap Jake in a sheet then cover him. She left the window open then she picked up her bag, walked out of the bedroom and closed the door. She had said her goodbyes to her husband and vowed she wouldn’t go back in there. Setting down her bag, she laid her hand on the closed door for a moment and thought of Jake.

Andrea was tired. The children were sleeping. Denny on the couch, Katie blocked off in a chair. All she wanted to do was sleep. Knowing that rest would have to be gotten if she wanted to have the strength to venture out and leave the city, Andrea took the other end of the sofa. She grabbed the throw pillow and sat down. Bringing her legs up, she cradled that pillow close to her chest. In that corner of the couch, curled up so tight, Andrea tried to sleep.

June 1st - 8:45 p.m.

Interstate 80 - East Indiana

There was a sense of disappointment that Frank felt about himself. He was a man who was fit and strong, yet he’d barely made it twenty miles. He thought for sure finding a vehicle would be easy. It turned out to be a task. And the more Frank looked, the further it seemed that he walked until he just couldn’t go anymore.

He felt the lightheaded feeling accompany that headache. His stomach started to feel sick again. He knew it couldn’t have been those five apples, because he picked them straight from a tree. Even though the creamed beef from the MRE tasted nasty, Frank had eaten enough of those that they would never bother his stomach. Frank knew the reason had to be his head. That and the fact that he really felt bad was how Frank justified to himself stopping for the night.

He found a spot in a thick grassy area off of the highway. A car was parked there and that was where Frank dropped his stuff. He had barely set down the knapsack, unrolled the sleeping bag half way, sat down and leaned against the car, and Frank, M-16 still gripped in his hand across his lap, fell fast asleep.

June 1st - 9:12 p.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

“Thank you for going up there,” Joe told Ellen as they walked slowly down the street toward her house.

“I needed to. I really did. And ... I’m glad I went,” Ellen said.

“We’ll get through this. You know that, don’t you?”

“I know.” The words barely crept from her mouth. She saw Joe slow down as they passed the tent where they had isolated the twenty-nine injected with the serum. “How are they?” she asked.

“Just about the same. They aren’t progressing quite as fast, but they’re still progressing.” Joe turned to face her. “Ellen.” He laid his hand on her face. “I want you to know how grateful I am that I still have you. Very, very grateful.”

The slightest of smiles escaped Ellen because that was all she could give. She reached out, wrapping her arms around Joe and held on to him.

Joe backed up and he peered outward. “There’s Miguel. Did you want to speak to him?”

“Yes. Thanks.” Ellen looked to see Miguel heading toward the isolation tent. “Miguel,” she called out to him, waited for him to stop. She needed to speak to him about what he had done on his own. “Miguel.” She walked up to him. “Joe and I would have done it.”

At first Miguel looked confused then horror struck his face. “No, Ellen. I meant no harm.”

“Harm? No.” Ellen held up her hands. “I’m not scolding or yelling. I’m ... I’m thanking you.”

“Thanking me?”

“Yes. For taking the time and care to bury my son for me. I wouldn’t have been able to. I don’t think Joe would have either.”

“When Mr. Slagel tell me to take your boy up to that hill I could not leave him. I thought it best.”

“I saw the cross,” Ellen spoke softly. “Thank you. You don’t know what that means.”

“I was hoping you weren’t Jewish. I did not think it good time to ask.” Miguel smiled fast then erased it. “I pray for you and your children.”

As Ellen opened her mouth to thank him, a frightening shock went through her when she heard Jenny’s voice, not only calling, but screaming her name.

“Ellen!” Jenny extended far from the upstairs bedroom window of Ellen’s house. “Ellen! Come up here!”

“Oh my God.” Ellen’s hand ran over Miguel’s arm as she fled to the house. “Taylor.”

Joe heard the scream for Ellen also, and watched her fly into the house. He took off running.

Ellen’s heart pounded. It seemed like a long journey making it into her house and up the steps. She even stumbled turning the corner upstairs, but she didn’t miss a beat. She kept going straight into her bedroom. “What happened?” she asked panicked, her eyes moving to Taylor on the bed then to William.

William smiled. “We had a drop in temperature.”

Ellen gasped loudly then raced to the bed. “What is it?” she asked.

“An hour ago she was at 106. Two minutes ago,” William smiled again, “102.”

“Oh my God.” Ellen was frightened, scared to death that William was wrong. But she had to know. She didn’t want to fully believe it until she knew it for herself. She spoke rapidly. “Let’s take it again. Take it again to be sure.” Ellen took the aural thermometer that William handed her. Her hands shook violently as she reached down, tugged on Taylor’s ear and prayed as she inserted it. A few seconds later it beeped. Ellen looked. When she saw the reading she shrieked and dropped the thermometer, “101.” Nearly jumping she lunged for William and tossed her arms around him in her enthusiasm. “Thank you.” She kissed his cheek at least ten times. “Oh, thank you.” She turned, and just because she was there, Ellen hugged Jenny as well. “Thank ...” In her embrace she saw Joe standing in the door. “Joe ...” Ellen flew to him grabbing his hand. She pulled him so fast to the bed. She laid her hands on Taylor. “Her fever dropped, Joe. Feel her. Oh, feel how cool she is now, Joe. Feel how cool.”

Slowly and apprehensively Joe walked to the other side of the bed. He reached out his hand laying it on Taylor. When he felt her skin, he exhaled loudly and his hands moved about frantically taking in the feel of the cooler skin. “Oh my God.” Joe raised his head and laid his hand firmly on Ellen’s cheek. “It’s ... it’s a miracle.” Ellen nodded at him and a tear seeped from the corner of her eye, gliding down her face and over Joe’s fingers. “See, Ellen.” he moved her head as he spoke emotionally. “This shows that you were wrong. We haven’t been abandoned yet.” Joe looked down to Taylor then back to Ellen with a smile. “Not just yet.”

DAY FIVE

Tuesday, June 2nd - 7:00 a.m.

The White House - Washington, DC

A barricade wall of fence and trucks kept safe the occupants of the White House, at least while the soldiers holding post were still alive or on duty. Bodies of the diligent protectors lay right where they once held their posts. Normal city sounds were absent in the country’s Capitol. It wasn’t a typical Tuesday. The world around may have stopped functioning, but the sprinkler system for the front lawn of the White House didn’t. They rose up in their normal routine, spraying and ‘cheeing’, keeping that lawn green and alive while everything else died.

Corporal John Matoose just thought he was lucky. Three soldiers were chosen to protect the shelter where President Hadley was housed, two for outside the door, one for inside monitoring the computer system. John went inside. He really thought that was the reason he was sitting there alive, in that monitoring station sporting a ‘life’s a bitch’ tee shirt over his camouflage pants. He knew the two outside had died. He saw it with his own eyes when he peeked. At twenty-three years old, he had a certain ‘dumb innocence’ about him. He truly believed that he was spared of the plague because he made it into the airtight shelter quickly enough. Of course, he was at a loss as to why everyone else in there wasn’t spared as well, everyone else but the president. It was just he and the President. John was still getting used to calling the President ‘George’ as he requested. Perhaps if ‘George’ spoke to John more often, it would feel comfortable. But George kept his distance from John. Not because George felt John wasn’t worthy of his company, but because the President was consumed with the death of his wife.

John thought it a noble gesture on the part of the President, a move of marital dedication along with twinge of masochism. Because George would not leave his wife’s body’s side no matter how badly she began to smell.

John wouldn’t go into the other room. He was invited, but he declined, having gone in there enough during the past twenty-four hours when all forty-eight people in there had dropped dead, going through the pandemonium of being vaulted in with the plague, helping the ill that wouldn’t get better. When it was all said and done, John resumed his post in the other little room. He had his little supply of food. He could see through the glass window just fine as George sat beside the bed his sheet-covered wife still lay upon. John was just fine.

But he knew the time was nearing that they would leave their airtight shelter. He could tell by the numerous times George had checked on the strength of the life signals they monitored and by the fact that George gave him something described as ‘vital’ reading material.

John could see for himself it was classified. The word was printed right across the front cover. But vital? Ludicrous and boring is what crept through John’s mind as he tortured his way through it. He would have lied and said he finished it, but he feared, knowing the way the president was, there would be a verbal pop quiz following his completion. So between the shifting of his eye watching the life signals dwindle like sand through an hour glass, John slowly read through The Garfield Project.

June 2nd - 8:00 a.m.

New York City, NY

“Andrea, Andrea, wake up.” Denny shook her as she lay on the couch.

Andrea opened her eyes. “What is it, Denny?”

“Listen.”

Andrea tuned in and sprang to her feet at the scratching sound at her front door. “Sit with the baby, Denny.” Andrea walked slowly to the front door; she looked through the peephole and saw nothing. She grabbed the knob and slightly opened the door--not much, but just enough for her eyes to focus in on the carpet of rats that engulfed the hallway. She quickly slammed the door. “Oh, my God.”

“What is it?”

“We have to get out.” Andrea began to gather up the stuff. “Here, Denny, put your backpack on.” She ran over to the window. “Fire escape.” She looked out, the fire escape was clear, but the street below was moving. “They’re everywhere.”

Denny stood beside her. “Rats? Where did they all come from?”

“The sewers. They came up for food.”

“So all we have to do is get out of the neighborhood, huh?”

“Just to my car and that’s a block up the street. I’ll drive over the sons of bitches to get to the police station. Then we can try radioing for help.”

“Are we going down the fire escape?”

“Yes, but I have to figure out what to do when we get to the bottom.” Andrea turned to the front door as the scratching got louder.

“That’s easy; we’ll walk across the top of the cars.”

Andrea smiled at Denny’s idea. “Oh, honey, what would I do without you?” Andrea grabbed the baby carrier and strapped it to her chest. She placed Katie in, put on her backpack, and grabbed her keys. “Wait.” Andrea ran into the kitchen and grabbed a frying pan. “Carry this, Denny.”

“What for?”

“We may have to break the back window to get in the car.”

Andrea and Denny went over to the window with the fire escape. She opened it and they carefully climbed out. She held Denny’s hand as they made the way to the ladder at the bottom. “There’s a car, Denny, but it’s a good four feet from us.” Andrea lowered the ladder and looked around. “I’ve got an idea. How fast do you think you can make it down this ladder to that car?”

“Real fast.”

“Denny, you have to be really fast. When I yell go, you go as fast as you can and try not to fall, ok?”

“Ok, but what about the rats?”

“I hope this works.” Andrea grabbed a planter that was sitting out on the fire escape. “I’m gonna drop this. I need you to climb down as far as you can, ready?”

“Yep.” Denny climbed down to the second rung.

“Watch out!” Andrea pushed the three foot planter over the side, sending it crashing to the ground and sending the rats scurrying. “Run!”

Denny dashed to the car still clutching the frying pan as Andrea awkwardly climbed down and ran to the car barely escaping the thousands of rats racing for her.

“Come on, Denny, quickly.” Andrea ran ahead of him to the next car, reaching to him and helping him across.

They ran across the roofs of ten cars until they reached Andrea’s. As they stood on her car roof, Andrea, with Denny behind her, dropped the frying pan, shattering the rear window.

She climbed down carefully, avoiding glass and moving it with her foot. She held Denny’s hand and with the other clung tightly to baby Katie, who was still strapped to her chest. She climbed though feet first.

Once safely inside the front seat, Andrea handed Katie to Denny. “Hold her tightly.” After starting the car, she pulled from the space and drove down the road slowly. The compact car bounced up and down as the weight of the vehicle crushed the rodents that dared to cross its path.

June 2nd - 8:05 a.m.

Fairfield University - Stanford, Connecticut

Dean realized it was his first ‘real’ shower in days, and he felt better. Hair still wet, wearing clean clothes, he carried a box to the truck that Carl was loading.

“Anything else besides the serum?” Carl asked.

“Just the equipment that’s mixing the last batch. It should be done in an hour. The lab’s empty.”

Carl looked into the back of the truck. “I’d say.”

“Hey.” Dean shrugged. “Trust me; I’ll need that equipment later.” He helped Carl lower the tarp and he looked back to the silent camp. “As for now,” Dean let out a breath. “Our work here is done.”

June 2nd - 8:35 a.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

The smaller bedroom was all girl. Taylor’s room. Ellen had decorated it storybook perfect. The pale pink carpet that matched the ruffled curtains on the window. White walls with print border wallpaper. A canopy bed with the most expensive of spreads. And Taylor had her toys, which were never out of order, and that was Taylor’s doing, not Ellen’s. A big, obnoxious doll house sat next to shelves that lined one wall; Taylor’s dolls sat neatly on the shelf as if they’d never been touched. And her little table was in the corner, completely set with a miniature tea service for four.

It was the perfect bedroom and Taylor loved her room, which was why Ellen put her there in her own room, her own bed, so Taylor could be comfortable while she got well.

In her bed Taylor lay with her covers to her chest, still pale and still fevered. Ellen stopped above her, checking the intravenous tubing that flowed from where the bag hung on the headboard down to Taylor’s wrist. She untangled the twist, lifted a clipboard by Taylor’s bed and made a notation. After kissing her daughter and whispering she loved her, Ellen grabbed the small tube of Taylor’s blood from the night stand and left the bedroom.

^^^^

“My son will be here today.” William stated as he stood at the medication table with Joe and Henry. Joe listened. So did Henry, but Henry stood with one arm crossed over his waist and the other brought to his face, hand covering his nose.

“That’s good.” Joe said. “We’ll need him. Things are progressing fast. They’re getting bad. They way I see it, with Taylor stabilized, we can pull Ellen to help.”

“We can have Maggie sit with her.” William suggested. “She’s wearing down.”

“I can see that. It will be the rest she needs. We can put us three, Ellen and Jenny on patients, and your son of course, when he gets here. Keep Mike and Jonas on moving bodies. If they keep that up it helps us keep up.”

William nodded in agreement.

Henry spoke up, muffled and nasal. “I can move the bodies, Joe.”

Joe looked at Henry, turned away then looked again quickly and crossly. He pulled Henry’s hand down from his face. “Quit that.”

“I can’t help it, Joe. It smells.” Henry complained.

“It’ll smell a lot worse if it gets hot.”

“Or rains.” William added.

“But it shouldn’t get hot,” Joe said.

“Actually.” Henry held up a finger. “For this time of year, I was noticing the barometer pressure is extremely ...”

“Henry.” Joe halted him.

“Yes, Joe?”

Joe didn’t say anything, he just shook his head ‘no’, picked up the medication tray, and handed it to Henry. After grabbing his own tray, Joe moved on with William right behind him.

Ellen pretty much noticed Johnny playing with the short wave radio at the kitchen table, but she didn’t notice Jenny crying until after she placed Taylor’s blood in the refrigerator. Maggie comforted Jenny at the kitchen table. “Jenny?” Ellen called out softly. “What happened?”

Jenny shook her head and buried it in her hands.

Maggie looked up to Ellen. “Her parents just passed away.”

Ellen’s eyes closed at first then she made it to the table standing on Jenny’s side. “Oh, I’m so sorry.” Ellen laid her hand on Jenny’s back. “Do you need ...” Ellen looked up when she heard the static and crackling coming from the radio. “Johnny, please don’t touch that. If you break it Pap will have a fit.”

As Johnny retracted his hand, Andrea’s voice, a little broken up, came over the airwaves. “Hello? Is anyone there? Can anyone hear me? I need help. Hello?”

Ellen slowly stood up, eye transfixed upon that radio. “Johnny, go get Pap-pap.”

Johnny jumped from his chair, raced from the kitchen to the hall and bolted out the door calling as he did. “Pap! Pap!”

Joe turned from his patient as he heard the call and saw Johnny running his way. “What’s wrong?” Joe stooped down to Johnny’s level fearing something had happened.

“Pap.” Johnny caught his breath. “There’s a woman on the radio. She needs help.”

Shock was the first thing that hit Joe. He wasn’t expecting to hear that. Mouth open, he stood up straight, then almost in a daze he moved quickly back to the house with Johnny.

Henry was close behind.

“Here,” Johnny said out of breath and pointed to the radio.

Joe waved out his hand to hush everyone who muttered questions as he picked up the microphone.  “This Joe Slagel, Ashtonville, come in.”

Static.

“Sweet Jesus. Thank God. My name is Andrea Winters. Can you help us?”

“We’ll try,” Joe said. “Where are you radioing from?”

“New York.”

“City?”

“In the heart.”

Joe rubbed his head and turned to Henry. “New York will be impossible to get into.” Joe pressed the button. “Andrea, do you need help getting out of New York?”

“Yes, I have two small children I found. One is a baby, the other a boy, but the problem is rats, big, small, everywhere, the city is overrun.”

Henry snapped his finger. “CO2, the cold will scatter them. Tell her to get a fire extinguisher and make her way out of the city to the Memorial Bridge. You can get them at the bridge.”

“Andrea.” Joe called. “How far are you from the Memorial Bridge?”

“Not very.”

“Listen, I need you to get fire extinguishers, the cold will scatter the rats.”

“Will it really work?”

“Yes, Andrea, then I’ll pick you up on the bridge. It’ll take me a couple hours, I’m in Connecticut. I’ll be there.”

“Promise.”

“I’ll be there. I promise. See you in a few.” Joe laid down the microphone and stood up. “Good job, Johnny, you keep monitoring like you were.” He grabbed his bag from the table and took out his gun, checked the chamber and placed it in his shoulder harness. “Henry, can you guys handle things here while I … um, scratch that. Have William handle things here.”

“Sure, no problem. I don’t do well in authority.” Henry said.

Joe chuckled. “I’ll be back shortly” He kissed Johnny on the head. “Be good, if you hear anyone else, get Hen … Miguel, and then you guys can reach me on Channel 19, in my car, all right?” Joe walked to the kitchen door.

Ellen grabbed his arm. “Joe, wait.”

“What is it, Ellen?”

“Please be careful, please?”

Joe placed his hand on her cheek and kissed the other. “Hey, Ellen, it’s me. You aren’t getting rid of me that easy.” With a wink and a smile, Joe ran out.

June 2nd - 9:00 a.m.

New York City, New York

Andrea held the baby bottle in Katie’s mouth as she watched Denny pretend to hose down rats with his fire extinguisher. “Now, Denny, you remember what I told you, right?”

“Yes, ma’am, and this ain’t even too heavy for me either.”

“I watch your back, you watch mine. Right?”

“Right.”

Andrea placed the bottle back in her pack and adjusted little Katie on her chest. “I think we’ll be able to drive most of the way. We’ll probably have to foot it about ten blocks or so.”

“How long till that man said he’d get here?”

“I don’t know. Not long I guess.” She examined her extinguisher. “Or rather … I hope, because I don’t know how long these will last.” She led them to the glass doors of the precinct and looked out. “It looks clear to the car. Ready?”

Denny nodded, aimed and ready as if he were a member of a SWAT team.

“Let’s go!” Andrea opened the door.

The passenger side of the car awaited them. Andrea bolted for it and flung the door open. She quickly slid across seat. With Katie held close to her chest, she waved out. “Denny come on!” She called from the car.

Denny stepped down the precinct steps. He held the hose of the extinguisher extended in front of him.

“Denny, now!” Andrea grew angry.

Denny snarled as he moved back and forth on the sidewalk. “Wait, I have to see if this works.”

“This is no time for games, boy. Get your little ass in this car!”

A huge grin fell upon Denny’s face, as what looked like a moving fur rug neared him. “Here they come, Andrea, start the car.”

Andrea turned the car over. “I don’t believe this. Dennis, this is no time to play Ghostbusters with rats.”

“Ah ha!” Denny backed up until his rear end hit the passenger’s door. As the conglomerate of rats reached within two feet of him, Denny pressed the release button. WOOSH! A blast of cold white air shot at them, sending the pack fleeing back. All but one rat remained. “Yes!” Denny raised one fist in the air as the rat rolled on its back. Its tail whacked up and down on the sidewalk, and the little legs waved frantically as it spun around and around. Denny jumped in the car. “Did you see that, Andrea? Did you see that? I saved us!” Denny closed his door.

“Don’t you ever, ever do that to me again!” Andrea pulled the car out and began to drive. “You scared me.”

“No, no, I was cool. It’s cool.”

With a ‘hmm’, Andrea began to drive.

They made it within six blocks of the Memorial Bridge. Andrea pulled her car to the edge of traffic. “This must be where people were trying to get out.”

“I heard on the news they were shooting people. They won’t shoot us, will they, Andrea?”

“No, honey.” Andrea looked out the window; something was wrong. It was too quiet, no enormous sound of squeaking rodents scurrying. “Stay here.” Andrea grabbed her extinguisher and stepped from her car, her foot landing on a soft squishy surface. She looked down; she had stepped on a dead rat. Shuddering with disgust she closed the door behind her and aimed her extinguisher.

All around on the ground were rats, but these were all dead. She slowly crept to the station wagon in front of her while trying to breathe only through her mouth so as not to smell the air. She could see as she approached the wagon four heads tilted back. Not wanting to look but having to, Andrea aimed and turned quickly to the driver’s door and screamed as she looked in.

The station wagon held a family all of which had died waiting, Andrea supposed, to get out, to get help. But the sight of the virus-stricken family was not what shocked her. It was the sight of their half-eaten bodies. Their laps contained the carnage of their post-mortem destroyers—the rats. The rodents had obviously crawled through the open window.

Andrea covered her mouth and turned. She peered at the rat that lay dead at her feet on its side, eyes wide open. Its toothy mouth which kissed the concrete was encircled by a pinkish substance.

“Vomit,” Andrea thought out loud. “Good for you, you bastard.” She kicked the dead rat as if it were a stone, hurtling it into the air. Then it dawned on her, the rats had died of the virus too. But they did not catch it from the air; they caught it most deservingly from the food. “Rats aren’t immune.” She whispered in discovery then smiled. “Rats aren’t immune.”

Walking back to the car, she retrieved Denny and Katie.

“Gross!” Denny curled his lip as he peeked into the station wagon.

“Don’t look. Please.”

“Yeah, but I want to.”

“You’re gonna have nightmares.” Andrea used her foot to remove the rats so as to make a clear path for Denny.

“No, I won’t. I play video games scarier than this.”

Andrea glanced at the boy then continued leading the way.

As they walked, every car and every passenger inside looked the same. There were even a few vehicles that were empty. Perhaps their inhabitants gave up the wait and went elsewhere.

Rats, garbage, rubbish and blood lined the streets. Dried vomit coated the sides of every car.

Finally, after much walking they neared the bridge. At the end of the long line of traffic laid a barrage of Army vehicles barricading the entrance to the bridge.

Andrea stopped.

“What’s wrong, Andrea?”

“I just want to make sure there’s no military left.”

“Will they shoot us?”

“I don’t think so.”

Waiting a few moments before continuing, Andrea made sure she saw no visible signs of life. She called out a few times, her voice echoing through the deadness of the air. After no response she moved on.

She walked at a snail’s pace all along keeping Denny behind her. As she reached the end of the traffic she turned horrified, stopping Denny from seeing anything. “Oh, God, Denny. You’re gonna have to keep your eyes closed for the rest of the walk. Just until I get us beyond the Army trucks, ok?”

“Oh, all right.” Denny responded wearily.

“Thank you. Give me your hand and close your eyes. It’s not very far.”

Denny did as instructed as they moved. If she, too, could have closed her eyes she would have. Bloody and bullet-ridden bodies lined the road in front of the trucks already maxed to capacity with bodies. The soldiers who had diligently held their posts now lay dead amongst their victims.

Andrea exhaled when they made it to the other side of the Army barricade. She looked down at Katie who continued to sleep through everything. “Denny, it’s all right now. You can open your eyes.”

Denny opened them. “What now?”

“We’ll walk up a little further,” Andrea said, peering out at the long empty bridge before her. “And we wait.”

June 2nd - 10:55 a.m.

Interstate 25 - One mile from the Ashtonville Exit

“What is this?” Carl spoke soft as he slowed down the truck.

“I don’t know.” Dean peered through the windshield.

“Should we stop, Lieutenant?”

“I told you to quit with the Lieutenant. And yeah, they may need help.”

Carl slowed the truck down to a stop, halting the huge vehicle only a few feet from the four men that stood there blocking the road. “I don’t like the looks of this.”

“They’re just worn out.” Dean commented looking at the filthiness of the men.

“Still.” Carl grabbed his rifle and opened the truck door. “Stay here,” he told Dean then stepped out. “Gentlemen.” He pumped the chamber. “Is there a problem?” Carl’s shifted his eyes trying to keep all of them in view.

One of them stepped forward. “We were stuck on the highway and everyone left. We found this house about a mile down that back road.” He pointed. “We have two people ill. Do you have supplies? You’re military.”

“Yeah.” Carl nodded. “But we can’t stop. There’s a temporary aid station set up in Ashtonville. You can get the relief you need there.”

The man stepped even closer to Carl. “Why can’t you just give us what we need and we won’t have to go to the aid station.”

“Because we can’t.” Carl raised his eyebrows. “There’s some cars here on the road; take one, get your ill and drop them off.” Carl stepped back toward the truck door.

“How about food?” The guy asked. “You got food?”

“Nope.” Carl reached for the truck door and saw the man who had spoke twitch his head to two of the other men. The second Carl saw them was the second he raised his weapon at them. “Don’t think about it. Back away from the truck. Now.” He didn’t get a response and he moved his finger to the trigger of the rifle, tauntingly pressing and releasing it. “Now!” They stepped away from him and Carl, eyes never leaving the men, stepped up and into the truck. He closed the door.

“What was that all about?” Dean asked.

“Don’t worry about it.” Carl held on to the gear shift. “We’ll have to keep a close eye out for trouble when we get to Ashtonville though.”

“Do you think they’ll go there?”

“I doubt it. If they didn’t go a mile before, they aren’t going a mile now. And ...” Carl stared through the windshield at the men still in the road. “They won’t even get off the road. Do they think I won’t hit them?”

“You wouldn’t. Would you?”

Carl looked quickly at Dean, then with intimidation looked out the windshield, revved the engine of the truck and shifted the gear into drive. He hit the gas and the men dove out of the way in the nick of time.

“Shit.” Dean peered into the side view mirror. “I don’t understand this. I mean, we’re all survivors in this mess. Why would people start trouble?”

“For a scientist you are awfully naïve,” Carl told him. “Stress alone will break people. Cause them to go to extremes they normally wouldn’t.” He began to speak as if he read off a paper. “In the conquest to live, those who can’t hack it can turn ugly. It’s thought and believed the good will stick together and so will the bad. Post-apocalyptic world survival training film number M.C. I. T. F. B-27.”

Dean nodded then jolted his eyes back to Carl when what was said finally seeped into his conscious. “Post-apocalyptic world survival training ...”

“Film number M.C. I. T. F. B-27. Yes.”

“They showed you a film on how to survive in a post-apocalyptic world?” Dean seemed shocked.

“Yep,” Carl said as he drove.

“How come I never saw that?”

“Simple. You’re Army.” Carl gave a snide grin to Dean and shifted gears. “I’m a Marine.”

June 2nd - 11:00 a.m.

Interstate 80 - Bryan, Ohio

Frank knew he was wearing down. He felt worse by the hour and the telltale sign of his weakness came in the form of his need to rest frequently. It was the second time since daybreak that he had to stop for a while and sleep. So many car batteries had died from people sitting with heat on in their cars while in traffic that Frank couldn’t find workable vehicle to even take him to the next bigger town.

He pushed himself away from the side of a car and brought himself to a stand. It was time to check the cars that lined the sides of the road. He couldn’t even look at the ones inside the mass of traffic because getting them out into a clear spot wasn’t going to happen.

Grabbing his gear, Frank moved on down the line, peeking in each car. If it didn’t look like the fan for the heater was on, Frank opened the door and tried it. His luck wasn’t with him. He began to think he was going to have to walk all the way to Connecticut until he spotted the green van. Sure that it was going to be another futile attempt, Frank peered in, saw the fan in the ‘off’ position, and opened the door. He had to turn his head from the smell that assaulted him. Holding back any gag or salivation that crept upon him, Frank reached in across the lap of the woman, grabbed the keys and turned the ignition. He grinned in excitement when it started. The grin left his face when he saw not only did he have to remove the dead body of the woman, but the bodies of three small children as well.

June 2nd - 11:05 a.m.

New York City, New York

Andrea looked down at her watch again. She had everything gathered and ready to go. Katie was asleep on a blanket beside her while Denny stood by the railing looking at the river. “Dennis, don’t touch that railing. I won’t jump in after you.”

“I’ll be careful.”

How she started to miss Jake. Now that she had a moment just to sit, Andrea began to feel guilty. Did he realize that she was there at the end? She wished she could go back to all the times they should have sat together and talked, but both wandered their own ways. How very precious and short life is, and how very fast it can go.

“Andrea, did you hear that?”

“No, it was nothing, Denny.”

“No, I heard something.” Denny faced the other end of the bridge. “There!”

Andrea jumped to her feet as she saw the vehicle nearing. She picked up the baby and watched as it stopped. Joe emerged.

Denny pointed. “There’s the guy.”

Andrea smiled and breathed deeply when Joe walked toward them. With excitement she ran to him clutching tightly to Katie and she embraced Joe with her one free arm. “I am so glad to see you.”

Joe returned the embrace. “I’m glad to see you guys, too.”

“Sweet Jesus.” Andrea kissed him on the cheek. “I can’t tell you how glad I am. I’m Andrea, this here’s Katie, and this little guy,” she rubbed Denny’s head as he stood next to her. “This is Denny.”

“Hi, Denny.” Joe extended his hand. “I’m Joe. Are you guys ready?”

Andrea looked back. “More than you know. My things are over there. I’ll go get them. Here.” She handed him Katie. “Hold her.”

Joe looked at little Katie. He cradled the baby tightly to his chest when memories of his own grandchildren came crashing to him.

Andrea huffed back slightly out of breath. “I have everything.” She paused when she noticed Joe holding the baby with his eyes closed. “Joe, are you all right?”

Joe nodded and returned Katie. “Yep. Let’s go.”

“Joe, where are we going?”

“Ashtonville, Connecticut, there are some survivors there. Unless you want to go elsewhere?”

Andrea walked with Joe and Denny. “No, Ashtonville sounds great. We’ll love it there.”

“Good, we can use all the help we can get.”

“I’m a nurse.”

They arrived at the vehicle and Joe opened the door for her. “Even better.” After securing them in, he closed the door, got inside and without hesitating drove off.

Andrea turned around in her seat as they took off. She looked back at New York City. As the city began to shrink from her view, Andrea closed her eyes, and quietly, in her mind, said goodbye. Though the only home she ever knew began to fade, the memories and the pain that left the city with her never would.

June 2nd - 11:11 a.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

Carl and Dean lucked out.

Having given the simple directions Joe wrote down to his father and not remembering what it was, Dean and Carl found Elks Drive with little problem. They made the first right off of Main hoping to just circle around. Before they hit it, four blocks ahead and to the left they could see the abundance of cars. They drove up and looked to their right. The new aid station could clearly be seen. It took up most of the street. They barely turned the corner and had to stop.

“Christ.” Carl explained. “Didn’t we just leave this?”

Dean only looked over to Carl as he tossed the truck in park. “It’s called a recurring nightmare.” He opened the truck door and hopped out.

Carl did the same. “I’m gonna take it that house down there is the one. That’s where they’re centered.” Carl pointed to Ellen’s home about seven houses away.

“I see Henry. Why don’t you start pulling the serum from the back and I’ll go get him.”

“Sounds good.” Carl moved to the back end of the truck as Dean walked toward Henry.

It took all of Jenny’s body weight to hold down the convulsing man while Ellen held a suction tube into his mouth. “He’s hurting me.” Jenny grunted.

“One more second.” Ellen struggled with the man’s jaw as much as Jenny did with the body. She felt the cot tip some and Ellen moved her body more into it. “Almost done. Then we’ll give him fifty milligrams of ...” Pulling back the tube and trying to turn the man’s head to the right, she observed Henry and two men walking toward the special isolation tent. “Jenny, who are they?”

Jenny saw Ellen twitch her head and she looked over her shoulder. “Don’t know.” She shrugged and leaned on the man. “Just please hurry.”

Ellen kept looking until they went into the tent, then slowly, more curious about what was happening in that other tent, Ellen returned to helping the man.

Dean’s soul felt about as heavy as it could. His disappointment was so crushing he could barely breathe. Inside the tent, with a painful expression, his head shook slowly back and forth, and it took everything he had to keep his eyes from closing. The cots were lined up neatly. On them people moaned, cried and even thrashed about in their misery.

Henry spoke very softly, “Their progress slowed down some after the first and second doses, but not a lot. Where they should have moved into the next phase last night, they moved into it this morning.”

Dean let out a sigh. “They’re still sick. No regression. No remission. It should have worked.”

“You said you brought more,” Henry said. “What about hitting them again, and the others outside.”

“If the original serum didn’t do it, I doubt very much the copy will. We can try though. We can try. I really thought ...” Lifting his hand, Dean let it drop and hit against his leg in defeat. “Damn it. I failed.”

“Come with me, Dean.” Henry motioned his head. “Please.”

Dean, feeling lost, watched Henry walk from the tent. He started to follow but stopped to speak to Carl who still stood there gazing about. “Carl, you can ... you can start to inject these people if you want. I’ll be right back.” Letting out another breath of his disappointment, Dean left the tent.

She saw one of them again, this time walking toward her home with Henry. Ellen, pushing the suctioning machine to the next person, spun around watching as they disappeared into her home. “Jenny,” Ellen spoke in a daze. “Take over. I think I know who that is.” Ellen’s hand slid slowly from the machine, and without saying any more, her focus forward, she walked to her house.

Dean didn’t understand why he followed Henry across the lawn of sick people into the quiet house. He just did.

Henry held on to the doorknob of Taylor’s closed door. “What did you say to me in Stamford? Do you remember?”

Dean shook his head, not really in the mood for guessing games. He shrugged.

“I’ll tell you,” Henry said. “You told me if you could save one person, just one person, it would all be worth it. Take a look, Dean, at the one person you saved.” Henry turned the knob and pushed open the door.

Dean was immediately exposed to the sight of Taylor on the bed. Maggie sat beside her with William behind Maggie. The little girl slept peacefully. Dean’s mouth dropped open as he neared the bed. He looked to Taylor, then back to William. As he turned to question Henry, Ellen barreled through the door at full speed.

She nearly knocked over Henry to get into the room. She skid to a complete stop and stared at Dean. Breathing heavily, she stepped slowly to him never taking her eyes off of him. “William, is this him?”

“That’s my son,” William answered.

With a shriek Ellen all but leaped at Dean, taking him by surprise, tossing her arms around him. Her thin arms gripped him and squeezed him as if she wasn’t letting go. Dean’s hands hesitated in his shock then finally he gave up and returned the embrace.

“Thank you,” Ellen spoke in his ear. “Oh, God, thank you.”

“Dean.” William decided to make introductions. “This is Ellen.”

“Nice to ...” Dean grunted through the hold. “Meet you.”

Ellen, realizing she could very well be squeezing the life out of him, pulled back. “Sorry.”

“Dino.” William moved toward him. “This little one here,” he indicated to Taylor, “is Ellen’s daughter.”

Ellen grabbed hold of Dean’s hand and tugged him closer to the bed. “Look what you’ve done,” she told Dean, clenching his hand. “Right now, Dr. Hayes, you’re my hero. Look at my little girl. I lost one child to this plague already. You stopped me from losing another. Twelve hours ago she was in the final stages of the plague.”

“The final ...” Dean quickly looked at William. “Dad.”

William shrugged. “Hey, it worked.”

Dean smiled. “That it did.” Dean felt his hand gain freedom from Ellen’s hold and in total awe, his eyes glued to Taylor, he reached down and laid his hand on Taylor’s face. Cool skin. A short huffing laugh of disbelief escaped him as he raised his eyes to Ellen. Her smile made him smile. After a sway of his head and another short chuckle of amazement, Dean looked back down at Taylor. He hadn’t failed completely after all.

June 2nd - 12:05 p.m.

The White House - Washington, DC

“Well? You didn’t say.” President George Hadley grew tired of waiting on a response from John Matoose. He watched the young corporal, barely over the legal drinking age, flip a page in the Garfield Project manuscript then flip another. “John?”

John shrugged in an undecided way.

“You have to have an opinion.”

“Ok.” John swiveled his chair a little to face George. “Sir, the concept is good, don’t get me wrong. Secured community. Built to be self-sufficient. Secluded. The Garfield Project sounds good on paper but ...”

“It’s a real place, John.”

“Oh.” John nodded and looked back to the manuscript. “But there’s still one problem.”

“What would that be?” George asked.

“Uh, out of the fifty locked down here to start things over with, we’re the only ones left.” John raised his eyebrows a few times figuring he informed the president of something he may not have thought about. “You and I.” He pointed to George then himself. “We can’t do it. We can’t repopulate the world.”

Annoyed, George grabbed the manuscript back. “What is your duty down here?”

John sat straight up. “To monitor and track life signals for diminishing or stabilization and inform you of the results ... Sir.”

“When you find one that isn’t diminishing and has stabilized, you just let me know, ok?” George stood up. “That’s where we’ll find some of our fifty people.”

“Oh.” John nodded.

“Didn’t think of that, did you?”

“No.”

“Now your job makes more sense doesn’t it?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Good. Back to work.” Giving a curl of his lip in disgust at the lack of John’s common sense, and before he said something crass or insulting to the only other person he had left to talk to, George quietly left the room.

June 2nd - 12:20 p.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

“Mommy?” Taylor opened her eyes and shifted them with fright. She looked at Dean, a stranger to her. He sat on her bed examining her. “Mommy?”

“It’s all right, sweetie.” Ellen ran her hand over Taylor’s forehead as she stood on the other side of the bed. “This is Dr. Hayes.” Ellen looked at Dean. “Twenty-four hours ago she was so lethargic and delirious she couldn’t even speak.”

“Amazing.” Dean hung his stethoscope around his neck. “Has anyone charted her progress?”

“Right here.” Ellen lifted the clipboard from the night stand. “Charted every hour, Doctor.”

Dean took it and flipped a page. He raised his eyes to Ellen. “We’ve been physical. You can call me Dean.”

“Dean.” Ellen gave a blushing smile. “I’ve also taken blood samples every two hours. They’re downstairs in the fridge.”

“Excellent.” Dean handed her back the chart and stood up. “Now if you can tell me how to get to that clinic you worked at so I can get set up and start trying to beat this virus.”

“I’ll show you.” Ellen leaned over Taylor, tucking her in more. “I’ll be back in a little bit,” she spoke softly to her daughter then kissed her. She led Dean to the door and stopped. “Do you think you can beat it?”

“You can say ...” Dean looked over his shoulder at Taylor then back to Ellen with a wink. “I’ve been given great incentive.”

“That’s all I needed to hear.” Checking on her daughter with a smile, Ellen then pulled the door closed.

“Sweet Jesus.” Andrea gasped as she stepped from Joe’s car on the edge of Elks Drive. She closed her eyes to the noise, noise that reminded her of all those zombie movies she’d watched. Scary loud moans of pain carried through the air.

“It got ahead of us.” Joe told her, watching Denny dart from behind the car.

“I’ve been there.” Andrea told him. “I just wasn’t expecting to be there again.”

“You don’t have to help if it’s too ...”

“No.” Andrea held up her hand. “It’s our call. The Good Lord spared us.” She shook her head.

“Seems endless.”

“Yes, it does, doesn’t it?” Andrea began to walk with Joe. “Unfortunately Mr. Slagel, from what I see and hear you may be closer to the end than you think ...” Andrea slowed to face Joe. “Or want to be. Trust me.”

June 2nd - 2:25 p.m.

Dairy, Ohio

To make it home.

Frank was a man on a mission. He was also a man with the worst of luck. He dove to the ground behind his open van door when a bullet seared by nearly hitting him when he stepped out. “Hold your fire!” Frank yelled. “Hold your fire!”

The man that called out in the distance had a country drawl to his voice. He spoke slowly and sounded as if he were older. “I suggest ya best get on back in that vehicle and be off with you. Don’t need no sick people here.”

“I’m not sick.” Frank replied loudly, staying behind the van door.

“You look sick.”

“I have a head injury and I’m getting dizzy from all this hiding shit!” Frank blasted in anger. “Now let me stand up and don’t shoot at me!”

“If you’re sick, I’ll drop ya right away.”

“I’m not sick!”

“Just so you know. Stand up. But if you’re ...”

“I am not sick!” Frank stood up. “Ok?”

Three people all toting rifles came into Frank’s sight in center of that small town. They were old; not one of them was younger than seventy. Two men and one woman. A man average in height stepped forward. He was the one calling out. “You don’t look sick.”

“I’m not. Not with the flu anyway. Just a head injury. Which ...” Frank closed his eyes for a second when he felt his head throb again, “which, by the way, really hurts.” He began to rattle on in a complaining manner. “I’m tired. I’m dizzy. I’m hungry. I need food. I need gas for the van. If you can just help me get these things, I’ll be on my way in ...” Before Frank had even finished his sentence, everything got to him. He didn’t sway, he didn’t give a forewarning, he just dropped. For the second time in two days, Frank passed out face forward to the hard ground.

The three elderly farmers stepped out of Frank’s way. Then Dirk, the ring leader who had done all the talking, cautiously inched his way forward and poked Frank’s body with the shotgun to see if he were alive or dead.

June 2nd - 3:47 p.m.

The White House - Washington, DC

“Anything?” George asked John as he slid in the chair next to him in the monitoring room. He watched John stare at the computer then realized why he received no response. The music blared so loudly through John’s headphones that George found it distastefully loud. “John.” George reached out and tapped John on the shoulder.

John jumped in shock. He looked to his right, saw George and took off his headphone. “I’m sorry. Did you say something?”

“Anything new?”

“No. The signal is shrinking but definitely the strongest we’ve gotten in one area.”

“Good, keep me posted.” George stood up. “If it stays pretty strong, that little spot in Connecticut is where we’ll find the Garfield residents.”

“Ok.” John lifted his headphones and placed them back on.

George started to walk away but paused to look at the corporal. How easy it would be for George to just sneak out, find that spot in Connecticut, and leave John. But there was only one problem with that. John wasn’t smart. To George, ninety percent of the fun in leaving John behind would be John’s bitching about it. But George firmly believed John wasn’t bright enough to notice he was left behind.

June 2nd - 4:00 p.m.

Dairy, Ohio

A wet rag draped across Frank’s forehead as he lay on the rose- patterned couch. He opened his eyes with a grunt and had to wonder if he was in Kansas. The three elderly farm people stared at him as if he were an alien.

“I have to get out of here.” Frank grunted as he tried to sit up.

The little old lady, Thelma, was strong. She pushed him right back down. “No, you don’t. You really shouldn’t go anywhere. Not with your head like that. Wait ‘till morning. Better chance you won’t crash when you pass out driving.”

Frank tried to move again. “Why is my body so sore?”

Dirk snickered.

Stan, the third, person back handed. “Stop that.”

“Sorry.” Dirk snorted one more laugh out.

“What?” Frank asked confused.

“Well.” Dirk answered. “Probably you’re sore from us bringing you in here. Had to use a plow pull on you.”

“A plow pull.” Frank’s reddened eyes widened.

“Yep.” Dirk nodded. “Attached one of them carts the mechanics use to slide under cars.” Another snicker escaped him. “You’re a big guy. Dropped you twice.”

“Shit.” Frank wanted to say worse but he was being respectful.

Stan reached out and gave Frank a friendly tap. “Watch the language. There’s a lady present.”

Dirk chuckled. “Where.”

“Aw.” Thelma whined. “Now why ya got ta go and be all nasty and rude with me.”

“I ain’t being nasty and rude.” Dirk replied. “I’s being honest.”

“Oh my God.” Frank’s eyes rolled and he plopped backwards on the couch. It was a dream to him. It had to be a dream. There was no way with all that was happening that he was stuck in this situation. He closed his eyes hoping to wake up to something sane, maybe on a highway somewhere. Frank’s head pounded and anywhere else was better than that living room where the three elderly people bickered loudly right above his aching head.

June 2nd - 4:32 p.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

“Johnny. Back in the house!” Joe barked to his grandson as he held his arm out and bodily blocked the woman who had so violently thrashed and convulsed that she flew off the cot, landed near Johnny’s feet and cracked open her skull. “Now.” Joe ordered. To him it had reached the point that Johnny should no longer watch.

Johnny backed up in horror. His eye stayed glued and peering down to the river of blood that seeped from the woman’s head and flowed around and through Joe’s feet. He shook a little, spun and flew, running right into William. Not looking back, Johnny moved away from William and kept on running.

William knew he was too late to aid Joe with that woman. The syringe he intended on using was still clenched in his hand. He shifted his eyes around the people who all seemed to hit their final stage of the virus at the same time. Raising up his eyes, William looked to Joe. “I’ll get the others. It’s time.”

With pride Andrea stood over Taylor’s bed, her eyes having a hard time moving from the little girl. She gripped Dean’s hand. “Catherine would be so proud to know her efforts were not in vain.”

“They certainly weren’t.”

“I’ll tell you, Dr. Hayes.” Andrea shook her head with a pleased look. “There may be a world of hurt outside of this house. But there is such an abundance of hope in this room it makes you not want to leave it.”

Henry’s voice was not one they expected to hear. With a rush he spoke. “You are going to have to leave. Dean, your dad says he needs you both now. It’s ... it’s falling apart.”

As Henry flew back out of the room, Dean slid his hand from Andrea’s and followed him out. Andrea took a second, closed her eyes, laid her hand on Taylor and prayed. Prayed to have the strength she needed to face what she hoped would be her last round in the battle of the virus.

The first box was emptied, the second, then the third, a mountain of vials formed on the medication table as William dumped yet another box filled with morphine. “Ok, people.” He called out. “Grab it.” He spoke as the hands reached in. “Area four is where we’ll start. That’s where it’s happening worst. Three cc’s. And try to conserve on needles because we still have areas two and three to deal with. They’re next. Quickly now. Let’s go.”

Ellen moved slower than everyone else. They all hustled, she didn’t. Stuffing four vials in her pockets, Ellen lifted another and moved toward area four as she stared at it.

Joe had all he needed. As he rushed past Ellen, he bumped her, spun backwards and grabbed her arm. “You all right?”

Ellen nodded, her eyes wide as she walked. She looked down to the vial then back up to Joe who was far ahead of her. “My God ...” She swallowed. “We’re killing them.”

5:15 p.m.

All they could do was give the medication to the patients and help them find their peace, a peace for which they’d waited far too long. The quaint, quiet street in Ashtonville, once with its perfectly maintained lawns, became a war zone from hell and the workers were the soldiers. The front lines were the ill and their armament was morphine. There was no shield from injury for those who worked with diligence to aid the sick, because nothing could protect the hearts that hurt and broke with each person that passed away.

Happy children’s music played loudly in Taylor’s room. Too loud for Maggie’s liking but she needed something to block out the noise that carried through from the outside, noise Taylor didn’t need to hear, or Johnny as he stayed in that room as well. There were sounds of pain and crying. The yelling for help by the workers. Maggie didn’t have to look out the window to know what was going on. By what she heard and what she knew in her heart, outside, it was without any uncertainty ... the end.

Miguel never stopped blessing himself with the sign of the cross. Nor did he stop fumbling with each person he helped. It didn’t get easier for him, he knew it never would. Grabbing another vial, Miguel turned from a cot where a woman laid to the next one behind him. He briefly closed his eyes and shook as he tried to lift the syringe. He saw the child lying before him, shaking, convulsing and near his death. How much pain the little boy looked in and how much relief from that pain Miguel knew he could give. But he still had a hard time. Syringe filled, he took hold of the boy’s thigh but couldn’t bring himself to inject the needle.

As she moved to another patient, Andrea witnessed Miguel’s struggles. Seeing the child and seeing Miguel, Andrea stepped toward that cot. She laid a gentle hand over Miguel’s trembling one, gave him a look of reassurance then took the syringe from his hand.

Miguel stepped back and turned away. He didn’t have to look to know Andrea had completed the task. The child stopped screaming out.

Another empty vial sailed down and crashed to the concrete, shattering at Ellen’s feet. She shook her head, grabbed another vial, lifted it high and plunged a syringe into it. She slipped the vial into her pocket and leaned her stomach on the cot before her. Syringe clenched tightly in her teeth, she readied to inject the man lying in front of her. He gripped the edges of the cot convulsing. Before Ellen could inject him, he kicked into high gear thrashing violently and out of control. The cot tipped from his body weight and it fell Ellen’s way. The grunting of her efforts to stop the man from falling to the ground was heard by Dean who worked behind her.

Quickly Dean turned around, jumping to her aid, and bringing the cot upright and steady. He stayed there, holding the man for Ellen.

She removed the syringe from her mouth and without hesitation injected the man. She too leaned her weight on him until seconds later he stopped moving. Ellen paused with her eyes closed.

Dean had to move on. There was no hesitation for any of the workers. Backing up to return to the patients, he watched Ellen stand upright. “You ok?” he asked, laying his hand on her back.

Ellen only nodded.

Dean gave one more look to Ellen, and as he moved away, his hand slid across hers.

Emptiness. Total emptiness was what Ellen felt.

Whether it was warranted or not, she had to stop. How many did she inject, give peace to ... kill? She swallowed the lump that formed in her throat as she backed away from the scene with her heart beating strongly. She turned her body away and glanced back to her house which seemed so far in the distance. At least in her home there was a ray of light. She needed to see that before going on.

Turning back to the horror from which she just wanted to run, Ellen slowly slid her hand across her dirty and sweaty face, smearing the evidence of her hard work as she finally took in the view before her. If it was even possible to breathe at that moment, Ellen lost her breath. Everybody worked fast and with desperation on someone. They moved about, trying to stay strong. There were more ill than workers. It was loud. So loud. Chaotic. And in the distance, over the hillside, Ellen saw the destiny of the world she loved and had watched die. The thick black smoke of burning bodies.

Twelve Hours Later …

The music finally stopped playing in Taylor’s room. Maggie may have stayed at Taylor’s bedside, but she’d stayed awake doing her part, wading though the nightmare with everyone else.

So quiet. The only sounds in the bedroom were Taylor and Johnny’s little huffs of sleepy breath. Maggie held off going to that window. She knew what she would witness. Slowly, arms folded close to her she walked to the tiny window that faced the side of the house. She stood tight against the wall to get a full view, parting the curtain as she did. The sun that began to shine with an orange cast lit up the truth.

Maggie’s head dropped.

The last of the moans of sickness had disappeared. No more coughing, gagging, choking, screaming. No more plague in Ashtonville. The small town fought from the silent beginning until the thunderous end four days later.

They ran out of coverings, sheets, body bags and blankets. Whatever they could find they used to cover the bodies. Andrea flapped the last sheet she had over the three cots she had pushed together. She wiped the sweat from her brow, made sure they were covered completely and then, exhausted, she moved away. There would be no more illness for her to face, only the effects of a destructor that swept through civilization so fast that no one had time to think. Not even Andrea and that was fine with her. Because she knew in the aftermath of it all, all she would have time to do was think.

The moment he witnessed the last person die, Joe went into the house to kiss Johnny and Taylor in parental gratefulness. But he returned outside. He passed Andrea on his way to find Ellen. He gave the woman he’d met less than a day before the peaceful look of a lifetime friend. And in a sense all of them, strangers twenty-four hours earlier, had united in a bond that no one could ever break. William looked exhausted, but he trudged on. Preparing for what he described as the worst part ... cleaning up. Henry, Miguel and Jonas helped. Joe saw Carl carrying bodies to a pile and Jenny crying as she made her way back to Ellen’s house. But where was Ellen?

Out from the tent they had set up separately, Ellen emerged with Dean behind her. Joe walked right to her. Silently he placed his arm around her pulling Ellen tight to him. As she held Joe, she rested her head against his chest as they moved toward her home. Ellen lifted her head once and that was to look at Dean who walked quickly by her and Joe. Dean glanced at Ellen as he passed her, making eye contact in a saddened, defeated way before he continued on.

Holding tight to Joe, Ellen stopped with him on the porch of her home. They turned once before going inside to look at all that had happened and how it  formed a carpet that spread out everywhere for as far as they could see.

They knew the sun would rise fully and another day would start. There was no stopping that. They knew that everything they walked away from in the dawn of the first day-after would still be there when they finished resting. To them, walking from the house and facing all that they fought and lost would not be the hardest part. The hardest part was yet to come and that was ... going on.

THE GATHERING

One person or two,

How many will be?

Will they all come together?

Or alone choose to be.

DAY SIX

Wednesday, June 3rd

Washington, DC

George gathered the last of the small pile of belongings he had decided to take with him on his journey. He zipped up the green duffel bag and sat on his bed.

“Sir.” John Matoose opened the bedroom door. “I gave it one more check. The signal is still there. So if you still want to go?”

“I do, and you don’t call me ‘sir,’ I’ll call you ‘John,’ you call me ‘George,’ is that good?”

“Yes, George.”

“Do you have your gear all ready?”

“Yes, I do.” John still stood in the doorway.

“Good, good, come on in, John, have a seat. I’d like to have a word with you.”

Nervously, John pulled up a chair next to the bed and sat down. “What is it?”

“Are you sure you want to join me? I mean, you don’t want to search for your family anymore?”

John shook his head. “No. Both my folks are gone, so unless you don’t want me to come, I’m with you. But if I might ask, what is our plan? Are we just going to stop off at this town and move on, or what?”

“John, you were monitoring the satellites. You watched the signs of life slowly disappear. Now we have in Connecticut what we think is a group of people, and these people are gonna try to go on with their lives. That’s what I want to do, and if they’ll have us, we’ll work with them and help them. I’m not the President anymore, John, I am merely one of the very few survivors. I want to join others.”

“Me, too, my stuff is outside the door. I have a car downstairs. So, whenever you’re ready.”

“I’m ready,” George grabbed his duffel bag and began to leave the bedroom.

“Sir, the Garfield manual?”

George went back to the bed and retrieved it. “This will come in handy. This has a lot of vital information if they want it.”

“You’re not gonna come right out and tell them?”

“Nope, I’m not the President, and I don’t want these people thinking I’m acting like one either.” George stopped and checked himself out at his dressing mirror. He straightened his Buckeye State sweatshirt. “Oops, forgot one more thing.” He reached to the table and grabbed his green baseball cap and placed it on. “My lucky hat, wore it on Election Day.”

“I remember.” John opened the door. “Shall we?”

“We shall.” George, carrying his own bags for the first time in a while, followed John as he led him out of the White House.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

A dump truck was parked half-filled with bodies three doors up from Ellen’s home. A second truck pulled up, brakes squealing loudly, right alongside the first one. Carl stepped out and immediately lifted his Vicks VapoRub-coated mask around his nose. For two hours they had been piling bodies, getting them positioned to place them in the truck and take them to where they would burn them.

Like an assembly line, Henry and Jonas tossed a body in the truck and moved back to the pile. Behind them, Joe and Miguel hoisted one in.

Joe had to take a breather. With his forearm he wiped his sweaty face. “We have to try to get this done, people.” Joe spoke loudly. “It’s gonna be a scorcher today.” He looked at Henry who walked by him. “And no comments about the weather, Henry.”

Henry tossed his hands up clueless as to why Joe had said that. He couldn’t help it he was informed about meteorology.

Joe adjusted his facemask and moved to the pile with Miguel. Just as he bent down to grab hold of the other end of the body, he saw Dean, clean, walking up the street with folders. “Must be nice.” Joe said sarcastically to Dean who was heading toward Ellen’s. “You know, being the brilliant scientist.”

“Uh ...” Dean smiled. “Yeah, it is.”

“So you don’t plan on lending us a hand?”

“Um, not right now.” Dean held up his folders, smiled and kept on walking.

Joe whistled, short and high pitched. “Hey!”

Dean stopped and turned around to face Joe. “Yes?”

“Don’t get too caught up. You said you’d lend a hand. I made an agenda. You’ve been assigned.”

“You told me before we went to sleep,” Dean said.

“Just reminding you. One hour. Got that? Be back. One … hour.”

Dean lifted his hand in a wave and continued to walk.

“Arrogant,” Joe complained as he lifted the body.

Carl on his way to the body pile saw Joe grunt and grumble his comment about Dean. “He was an officer.” Carl motioned his head as he bent down for a body.

Joe paused, bobbed his head in a ‘well, yeah, you have a point’ fashion and then with Miguel carried the body to the truck.

With a raised fist, Dean paused before knocking on the archway to Taylor’s room. He shook his head when Joe barking out a gripe to Henry carried from outside. “Hey,” he called into the room as he knocked once. He smiled at Ellen who was fluffing Taylor’s pillows.

“Hey.” Ellen smiled back.

“Boy, Joe is ...” Dean shook his head. “Joe’s tough out there.”

Ellen smiled. “Joe tends to take control of every situation. He does good.”

“Speaking of good. How’s our girl today?” Dean smiled at Taylor who slept.

“Our girl is doing fine.”

“Excellent. I ran those tests. Let’s sit.” Dean extended his arm with a point to the mini table in the corner. He waited for Ellen to walk there and he joined her, sitting in the tiny chairs. He moved some of the tea party set, laid the folder on the table and scooted his chair closer to Ellen. “Ok, ready?” He waited for Ellen to nod. “The virus is definitely stalled.” Dean felt Ellen’s entire body release her breath of anticipation. She leaned some into him as she let out her relief when she heard that. “It’s no weaker. But ... it’s no stronger.” He made eye contact with her. “It’s idle right now. Which is good. Very good. Because we now have to try to kill it. My focus will be on that and bringing down her fever. We need her strong.”

“I understand that. What’s the plan of action today?”

Dean glanced at his watch. “Fever reduction. I want to head to the clinic before you and I do our town duty.”

Ellen cringed. “Body cleanup. Can’t we get out of it?”

Joe’s “Christ no, you can’t get out of it,” rang in the room.

Ellen jolted. “Joe.”

Dean looked at his watch again. “You said we had an hour. It’s only been seven minutes.”

“I know what I said. But I need one of you, because the rest of us are taking off and I want to explain what you two are doing.”

At the same time, Ellen and Dean both stood from their too small seats.

There was no doubt in Ellen’s mind which would go. She walked toward Joe. “You stay here, Dean. I’ll go. You work on the virus.”

“You sure?” Dean bent down to the table and closed the folder.

“Positive.” She replied.

Joe cleared his throat and pointed down. “I’m heading to the kitchen. Mind if I snatch up that bag of pork rinds you bought me? I’m hungry. I want to get something in my stomach.”

“No, not at all.” Ellen replied. “Go on. I’ll be right there. Oh! There’s also some microwave burgers in the fridge. Might as well eat them up. We’ll pack ’em up for the guys.”

“Sounds good. Thanks.” Joe winked and started to leave.

“Whoa. Wait.” Dean called out. “It’s nine in the morning. Burgers. Pork rinds?”

“And your point?” Joe asked. “That’s nothing compared to some of the stuff I eat.”

Dean shook his head. “Burgers and pork rinds. You smoke. Joe, God … your cholesterol alone …”

“Don’t care. I beat the virus, didn’t I? See you downstairs, Ellen.” Joe walked away.

Ellen chuckled. “Joe. He’s funny. Ok, I’m heading out. Good luck. I’ll …”

“Ellen,” Dean called her as he lifted the folder. “Before you go, there are some things I’d like to try and give to Taylor. Would you like me to explain them so you feel comfortable about me working with her?”

“No.” Ellen shook her head slowly. “No, you do what you need to do to save my daughter.” She glanced at Taylor then back to Dean. “She’s made it this far because of you. Believe me when I say I trust you.”

With a peaceful look, Dean smiled at Ellen as she and Joe left. He turned back around to Taylor, knowing Ellen hadn’t a clue how much of a charge her words gave to him.

Andrew’s Air Force Base - Washington, DC

In the open side door of the helicopter, George, sunglasses perched on top of his head, peered into his briefcase, checking through the papers he had. He stepped over when John loaded another bag in.

“Sir.”

“Yes.” George readied to close the briefcase.

“Are you absolutely sure you know how to fly this thing?”

“You know, comments like that really tell me you weren’t old enough to vote when I first got elected.” George, in a huff, slammed his briefcase. “Finish loading this bird; we have a small town to find.” He started to walk away and he stopped to look back at John. “If I don’t crash and cause us to burn on the way there.” He raised his eyebrow to a panicked-looking John, grunted, then, briefcase in hand, moved to the pilot’s door.

Dairy, Ohio

They had argued all night and seeped into Frank’s dreams, but the three folks from the small farming town did something else. They helped him get his strength back. By insisting he didn’t leave, Frank got the rest he needed--and breakfast.

He sat around Thelma’s table, a huge plate of eggs before him. Frank gobbled them down, shoveling them into his mouth. “Thank you so much, ma’am.” Frank said as he wiped his mouth and prepared to eat more. “I swear I haven’t eaten since Saturday.”

“No wonder you keep passing out,” Thelma replied.

Stan, who was stirring his coffee, pointed his spoon at Frank. “He’s got one of them concussions, that’s why he keeps passing out. Then again, if he don’t slow down that eating, he’ll vomit. Right Dirk?”

“Right.” Dirk replied. “Don’t want to be vomiting. Got yourself a long ways to go. Be an awful shame if you vomited the whole way.” He turned his head to Stan. “Seen enough of that vomiting yesterday.”

Thelma gasped. “Who’d you see vomiting yesterday?”

“Ev-body that died.” Dirk nodded.

“Oh ya did not.” Thelma quipped. “Ya hid like an old fool through the whole plague. Ev-body said, ‘Where’s that ol Dirk Jefferson? Ain’t he gonna help?’ I had to tell em you died too.”

Frank peered up from his marathon eating. He smiled at the three that had seemingly known each other forever. Their arguing started again, but it didn’t bother Frank. His head hurt less, he was eating, he felt better and he actually liked the trio.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

“Careful, Ellen, you’ll drop her.” Dean hollered as they made their way down a narrow stairwell with the body of a woman.

“So what Dean, she’s dead.” Ellen clumsily fumbled. The protective gear she wore was much too big.

“Have a little respect.”

“Please.” Ellen sighed in relief as they reached the outside. “Come on, a little more to the truck.”

“Stop moving so fast. I’m losing my grip on her head; she must weigh two hundred pounds.”

“One-eighty-six, to be exact.” Ellen stopped at the small pick-up truck she and Dean had. “Ready? One, two, three.”

They swung the woman’s body towards the back end of the truck. Dean’s half barely made it to the open gate, while Ellen’s half of the body flopped to the ground.

“Shit.” Dean grabbed the legs. “Help me.”

Ellen helped him lift the rest of the woman’s body into the back of the truck

“How did you know her weight?”

Ellen walked away from the truck and removed her mask. “Mrs. Winefield, she was a patient, always whining about her bill. God, I hated her.”

“Was there anyone you liked in this town?” Dean removed his mask and looked up to the sky quickly.

“What is it?’

“Shh, listen.”

“What?” Ellen looked up.

“Sounds like a helicopter.” Dean scanned the sky. “Look, there it is.”

They had no exact location of where the life signal came from, so George had to rely on John with binoculars to visually see the people moving about. At first they thought it would be difficult, seeing how the life signal wasn’t that strong. There had to be at least ten people in a one-mile area. And how bleak that seemed, considering how many people use to live in the United States of America.

Ten people would have been hard to spot. They may have flown over Ashtonville several times had it not been for the smoke signal. Before they even arrived they saw the smoke rising to them, signifying to them that, in a dead world, someone had to be alive to be burning those bodies.

“There.” John lowered his binoculars as they flew over the small town.

George tilted the helicopter then leaned his body to view. “Looks like they’re cleaning up. I’ll find a place to land.” Straightening up the bird, George veered right.

Joe had taken the dump truck containing tents and cots and drove to where it looked like the chopper was lowering. Just before the main street of town right where the four-lane highway turned to two is where they started to land. They actually arrived nearer to Ellen’s street. He thought he saw the insignia on the chopper door as the bird lowered to the ground, and as soon as Joe stepped from the truck and the helicopter set down on the ground, Joe knew. “I’ll be goddamned.”

Waiting for the engines to stop, Joe slowly made his way to the helicopter as the two men emerged.

“Hello!” George waved.

Joe approached him. “Joe Slagel.” He extended his hand.

George removed his sun glasses, and shook Joe’s hand. “George Hadley, nice to meet you. This is my friend, John Matoose.”

Joe shook John’s hand but never took his eyes off of George. “You’re ...”

“Please.” George cut him off. “We just wanted to join a group of survivors. We’re willing to help out and do whatever you folks are doing. Whatever skills John and I have are at your service. We just want to blend in. Just think of us as two people who happened upon you.”

“Two people who made one helluva entrance.” Joe was stunned.

George grabbed his bag and briefcase which John had set down next to him. “We noticed from the air that you people are cleaning up. If you let us know where we can put our stuff, we’ll be happy to help out.”

Joe began to walk with George and John. “We can take it to my daughter’s house for now, I’m sure everyone’s gonna want to meet you. Might as well get that out of the way.”

George adjusted his bag. “No problem, just show us where we go.”

Joe led them to a yard. “We’re actually over on this street here.”

As they made their way onto Elks Drive, they stopped when Ellen and Dean screeched up in the red pickup truck.

“Joe.” Ellen jumped from the truck, and Dean ran behind her. “We saw a helicopter.” Out of breath she stopped when she saw George and John. “I guess they landed.”

“Ellen, Dean, this is George and John.” Joe introduced them.

Ellen shook their hands. “Nice of you to join us, are you staying on?”

“Yes, we are.” George answered.

Dean extended his hand to them. “Dean Hayes. You know, George, you look awfully familiar. Have we ever met?” With his free hand Dean waved his index finger back and forth.

George shook his head no.

Joe looked over Dean’s shoulder to the truck that sat parked in the middle of the street. “Jesus Christ, did you two bring bodies on this street? You know that there are kids here. Get that out of here, now.”

“Sorry.” Dean backed up slowly. “We’re moving.”

“Come right back.” Joe instructed. “I’m sure everyone is anxious to meet these gentlemen so we’re getting it out of the way.”

“Got it.” Ellen gave a thumbs-up. “Nice to meet you, George and John, see you in a few.” She walked slowly with Dean. “You know, Dean, there is something really familiar about that George guy.”

“Maybe he’s famous.”

“I know. He looks like the President.”

“No he doesn’t.” Dean reached the truck.

Joe heard this as he walked by the pair, he shook his head, whispered ‘idiots’, and took the lead to Ellen’s house.

“I told you he was the President,” Ellen whispered to Dean in her dining room where everyone gathered.

“No,” Dean corrected. “You said he looked like him, you didn’t say he was.” Dean caught a glimpse of the disgruntled look Joe gave them as he passed. He turned to Ellen. “What was that look for that Joe just gave us?”

“Oh,” Ellen said nonchalantly. “That’s the look he gives when he wants to call us a name.”

“Really? Why would he want to call us names?”

Ellen only shrugged.

“Thank you.” George smiled as he looked up at Andrea when she poured another cup of coffee for him. He peered at everyone that had gathered in Ellen’s dining room, waiting and anxious to talk to him. He sipped his coffee and set down the cup. “And the air-safe room worked for just John and myself.”

Dean shook his head. “No. You’re immune. If you weren’t, the virus would have hit you like a bomb the second you breathed in the air. Ask Henry. We saw this baby born at the aid station, and the second the baby took a breath he died instant ...”

William cleared his throat. “Dean.”

“Sorry.” Dean stopped talking.

It really didn’t matter to Joe why George survived; he had another question on his mind. “So why did you drop in on us?”

“Looking for life.” George answered. “We tracked the strongest signal we got. That’s you folks. We saw you cleaning up and we’d be more than happy to lend a hand.”

“We can use the hands.” Joe said. “We’re working on this street first because this is where everyone ended up. Plus we’d like to not have to sleep on my daughter’s floor anymore.” He looked at his watch. “And we don’t want to waste daylight hours. We can all talk later.”

“I’ve no problem with that.” George finished off his coffee and stood up.

Ellen forged her way forward with a smile on her face. “I just wanted to let you know, it’s a great honor to have you here.” She extended her hand to him. “I voted for you both times.”

Henry’s “I didn’t” caused everyone to swing their eyes his way. Henry shrugged. “What? I’m a citizen. I voted.”

Joe only grunted. “Let’s just finish our work.” He looked cross at Henry. “Then we can all talk to or insult President Hadley later.”

Henry was somewhat baffled as everyone filed out of the dining room one by one giving him glares he felt he didn’t deserve. “I didn’t vote for him.” He tossed his hands up after Dean, the final one out, gave him a final look. Henry stood alone. And then Henry shrugged it off and followed the pack out.

Dairy, Ohio

Frank swore he would always remember the town of Dairy, nor would he forget the three people that helped him get together what he needed to try to make it home. A motorcycle, food, and most of all, rest to make the trip. Hating to leave them behind and vowing to return, Frank lifted his hand high to Dirk, Stan and Thelma as he rode onward from that deserted street and headed home.

Harmer, Connecticut

“Now why exactly are we scavenging these?” John Matoose asked as he and Henry together lugged a small generator to the truck. They had it parked on the walk in front of a Sears Roebuck Store.

“Joe said we’ll need them.” Henry carefully helped John lift it into the back of the pickup. There were at least twelve in there already.

“So why is he making us get them?”

“Joe’s a tyrant like that.” Henry said and wiped his hands off on the side of his pants. “He’ll get along good with your President buddy.”

“Joe did seem kind of gruff.”

“Very,” Henry stated. “But I bet he has a plan. He has a plan about these generators. He said we’ll need power soon.” He shrugged. “I’m gonna go along with him. I mean, what else do I have to do.”

“True.” John looked into the back of the truck. “Well, that was the last generator from here. Do we need anything else before we move on?”

“Gas cans.” Henry stated.

“I saw some inside.” John pointed.

“Actually I was thinking we’d pick those up at K-Mart.”

“Why?” John asked as he moved toward Sears.

“They’re cheaper there.” Henry saw John didn’t really appreciate his humor. Snickering first as John headed back to Sears, Henry then followed.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

Never one to notice what didn’t directly affect him, Dean didn’t notice what Andrea, Maggie, and Jenny were doing in Ellen’s kitchen. He merely walked in the back door, smiled a polite hello to the three women and proceeded to get of glass of water. It was when he filled the glass up to take outside with him that he saw the oddness of the situation. On the table before them and on the floor surrounding them were piles and stacks of frozen meat. Dean had to laugh. “What did you guys do? Raid every refrigerator in town.”

“Almost.” Andrea answered never noticing Dean’s sarcasm. “Joe told us to. He’s hooking up a couple extra freezers to the generators and we’re storing it so we can have meat.” She looked at her female companions as she tossed a package of ground chuck into the ground meat pile. “Joe says it won’t be long before the power is gone.”

The corner of Dean’s mouth rose. “Now, really, how does Joe know?” He only received shrugs from the three women, and deciding to take the front way out, Dean left the kitchen with his glass of water.

He had every intention of walking straight down the hall through the foyer and out the front door. He even passed the living room intending on doing so. But he saw Ellen in there, alone, and Dean stopped walking.

Setting down his water on an end table as he entered the living room, Dean kept his eyes on Ellen. She stood before the fireplace, her back to him. Her hands were folded on the mantel, and her chin rested on them as she stared at the long line of photographs there. Quietly and hoping he wasn’t an unwanted intrusion, Dean stood next to her. He spoke softly. “Hey. Is that your son?” He got a sad nod from Ellen as she kept staring at the photograph he pointed to. “This ...” Dean moved his point to another picture, one of a man. “That has to be Josh’s dad. They look alike.”

“No.” Ellen answered. “That’s my brother. There are no pictures of Peter up here. We weren’t exactly ...” Ellen looked at Dean. “The happy couple.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. We ... we made our own problems. I never focused on our marriage or anything else for that matter.” She tilted her head and rested her cheek on her hands. “But working with you to help Taylor is the first time in my life I truly focused on anything. Bet you never had that problem.”

“Focusing?” Dean shook his head. “No.” He inched closer to her and dropped his voice. “But I can honestly say I now have great reason for the focus. Your eyes.” He saw the odd look Ellen gave him and felt the heat of the slight embarrassment hit him. “Let me explain.” He lifted his hand slightly with a nervous smile. “Despite all that I’ve done in my life, you’re the first person to ever look at me with so much faith. No one has ever done that. And that means a lot.”

Ellen’s eyes lowered as she blushed. Instead of ruining a complement she rather enjoyed getting by saying something to downplay Dean’s words, Ellen said nothing. She returned her attention to the pictures.

8:22 p.m. - Ashtonville, Connecticut

In all the years Joe visited Ashtonville, for all the times he was there, he never noticed that hillside east of the small town until that evening as he walked home with Johnny. The darkening sky, still with a hint of dusk, lit up with the flames that roared on top of that hill. The smoke rose up preparing to create the clouds that would darken their next day. But clouds or no clouds, Joe knew no matter what, the next day would be dark. It was another day of the exhausting cleanup.  Elks Drive may have been cleaned up and cleared, but the rest of Ashtonville wasn’t.

Ellen wore a pair of big khaki shorts and a long white tee shirt after her shower, lighter clothing for an evening that seemed too hot for the time of year that it was. She felt fresher, so much of her still damp that her clothing stuck to parts of her body. Combing her wet hair she heard the strange sound of high-pitched voices coming from her home. Setting down her brush on her dresser, she walked out and stopped when she got to Taylor’s room. She leaned in the doorway watching as Henry sat by Taylor. He held two Barbie dolls in her sight and had them bickering while Taylor weakly giggled.

“No.” Henry had the brunette Barbie hit the blonde. “I hate you. No. I hate you. You’re always going after Ken. Ken is mine. No mine. No mine. No ...” The Barbie dolls dropped from his hand when he noticed Ellen standing there. “El, I’m sorry. I was just ...”

“Don’t stop.” Ellen told him. “You go on. She’s smiling. Please.”

“Are you sure?” Henry asked.

“Positive.”

“Thanks.” Henry picked the dolls back up.

Ellen stayed there watching. It wasn’t Henry’s show she didn’t want to miss. It was the glowing look on her daughter’s face. It was a smile and wellness Ellen thought she’d never see again on Taylor, and Ellen swore she would enjoy watching every single second of it.

Joe Slagel had never liked the Jamieson family. He always thought they were pompous, arrogant and flaunted their money too much. They weren’t nice people even though they thought they were and they looked down their nose at Ellen. Joe didn’t like them. But he did like their house. And he confiscated it as his own the second they finished cleaning up the street.

He put Johnny to bed and fixed coffee for his company that evening. Bringing the two mugs into the large oak dining room, Joe set a mug in front of George then sat at the table next to him.

George nodded in acknowledgment, never taking his folded hands from on the top of the bound manuscript.

“Now.” Joe spoke. “I’m a smart man. So now it’s just you and me. You wanna tell me the real reason you sought us out and don’t tell me it was just to clean up bodies.”

“No.” George smiled and pushed the manuscript Joe’s way. “Here.”

“The Garfield project?” Joe read the title.

“Yes.” George said. “In 1972, the United States government planned ahead for an event like our virus, extinction by plague. This is the first step in starting over. I want to go there.” George spoke with passion. “I want to do this. But ...” He sat back. “I can’t do it alone. It needs to be run, stocked and ... it needs people.”

“Hence the strongest life signal you found.”

“Exactly. Read. I think you’ll find it interesting.”

Joe flipped open to the first page of the thick manuscript. He felt like he was sitting with his son, Hal, in that dining room. Flashbacks of when Hal, the writer, used to give Joe something of his to read and sit there while Joe read it. But despite the fact that George watched him and looked for signs of piqued interest, Joe shifted his chair, placed his back to George, and read.

Scranton, Pennsylvania

He knew he wasn’t that far from home, but Frank knew he had to stop. He set up a small fire where he parked his motorcycle. He sat on an unrolled sleeping bag, a box of Twinkies and an MRE beside him. Illuminated by the fire was the photograph Frank held in his hand, a picture of his four children. In the photo, Johnny held the baby Frank barely got to know. He wondered if he would ever know her. Would all, if any, be alive when he arrived home? He could only hope and pray with all his heart that his children were spared. After all, he was. Maybe that was why he stopped for the night. So much enthusiasm and focusing went into going home, so little thought went into what he would find when he got there. Besides using the night to rest for his arrival home, Frank used the night to mentally prepare and brace himself for what he could possibly find out.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

Seven times? William shook his head, rolled his eyes, and glanced back down at the book he read as he sat in the easy chair of the home two doors down and across from Ellen’s. “Dean. Stop it,” he spoke through his reading.

“Stop what?” Dean ran his fingers through his wet hair. “Dad?” He saw what his father read. “Of Mice and Men?”

“What’s wrong with it?” William turned a page.

“Is that the only book you read?”

“It’s the book I love.” William calmly lifted his eyes over his reading glasses, watched Dean move about, then he looked back down to the page. “You’re pacing.”

“I’m bored.”

“You’re anxious.”

“I’m not.”

“You are,” William said. “Go.”

“No.”

“Why?”

“It’s late.”

“Is the light on?” William asked as he turned another page.

Dean peeked out the window.

“You really need to look?”

“Yes.” Dean looked.

“Is it on?”

“Yes.”

“Go.” William spoke in a monotone.

“Are you sure?”

“It’s fine.”

“I’ll go.”

“Go.”

“Thanks. ’Night.” Dean moved quickly from the living room to the foyer.

The second William heard the front door slam he slid more comfortably and relaxed into his chair. “Thank God.” He flipped another page.

Ellen thought about going back down to her living room and turning off the lights. But she figured, what was the use. With the tea party chair at Taylor’s bedside, Ellen set the huge unlit candle and matches on the night stand. She prepared to sit on the chair that kept her face-to-face with Taylor, but before she sat, she turned to the knock on the archway. “Dean.”

“Hi.” He stayed in the doorway. “I, uh, hope you don’t mind me just coming up.”

“No. Not at all. How were the tests?”

“I’m sorry. No change.” He cleared his throat. “I’m trying.”

“I know you are.” Ellen smiled and sat down on the little chair. She noticed Dean still standing there. “Did you want to come in?”

“If you don’t mind.”

“Not at all.”

“I’m not feeling comfortable in that house yet. I don’t know why.”

“Pull up a chair. I’m just sitting.”

“Thanks.” Dean walked over to the table set and grabbed a tea party chair. He pulled it to the other side of Taylor’s bed and sat down. “Taylor’s sleeping pretty soundly.”

“She’s worn out.”

Dean tilted his head in question to Ellen. “Worn out?”

“Henry was playing Barbie dolls with her.”

Dean let out a single chuckle and a shake of his head. “Did he have the Barbie dolls complain about President Hadley?”

“As a matter of fact ...” Ellen smiled. “No. He stuck to bickering about Ken.”

Dean reached up and laid his hand on Taylor’s little one. His fingers lifted and touched hers. “You know, children’s hands amaze me.”

“Why is that?” Ellen asked softly.

“Well, look at them.” Dean lifted Taylor’s index finger. “Tiny. Delicate. So small. Yet ... they use them so well.”

Ellen, listening to Dean, brought her fingers to the same hand of Taylor’s that Dean held.

“Look at these.” Dean shook his head once in wonder. “I know I couldn’t work with hands this small.” There was a smiling moment as both Dean and Ellen leaned into Taylor. Dean’s eyes caught Ellen’s in that smile and connected in a quiet stare. He lifted his index finger and ran it softly over the back of her hand. Catching himself, he retracted his hand and cleared his throat in nervousness as he sat back. “So, um ... what’s with the candle?”

“Oh.” Ellen looked at the large blueberry candle. “Being prepared. Joe says it won’t be long before the power goes out.”

“That is the fourth time I heard that today. Now how does Joe ...” The hum of a power surge interrupted Dean’s sentence. It slowed down to a low tone and then there was total blackness. Dean chuckled once. “ ... know.”

The sizzle of the ignited match announced the flame that lit Ellen’s face. She smiled at Dean then lit the candle.

DAY SEVEN

Thursday, June 4th

Ashtonville, Connecticut

Markings of death, Carl called them. It was the only way they could keep track as they went about cleaning up what they could of Ashtonville. Everyone paired off and checked homes for bodies as Henry did with Miguel. After placing the body of a woman in the back of the truck, Henry stepped away, lowered his face mask, and walked up to the woman’s little blue frame house. He reached into his back pocket, pulled out a small can of spray paint, and across the closed front door he sprayed a huge letter ‘X’. House finished; empty, complete. Solemnly Henry walked back to the truck where Miguel waited to drive on.

For some reason, for the first time he could recall, Dean experienced the cold scientist inside him disappear as he watched Ellen in the makeshift lab at Doc Breyer’s clinic. Dean felt it; he felt the shock of it ricochet through him as he watched Ellen turn to the lab counter. It was like it happened in slow motion. Her arms went down, her head dropped then she buried her face in her hands.

“No.” Her words were muffled and sad through her fingers. “No, Dean. Yesterday she smiled. Today ...”

“Ellen.” Dean rushed from his equipment to her side. “It’s just the fever.”

“Why is it rising again?”

“She’s building an immunity to the fever reducer we’re using. That’s all. We’ll try another.” He moved closer to her trying his best to speak in a reassuring voice. “Listen to me. The virus is still in remission. It hasn’t progressed. That is good. Ok?”

“But ...”

“No buts.” Dean pulled her hands from her face and leaned in close to her as he lowered his voice to a passionate whisper. “You said you trusted me. Trust me, Ellen. We’re not out of options yet. Don’t give up on me.”

Listening to his words and feeling his strong grip on her hand, Ellen slipped her fingers in between his. Closing her eyes, she clenched on to not only his fingers but to his words of hope as well.

Highway 25 - Outskirts, Ashtonville, CT

Frank’s motorcycle sputtered its last bit of gas; he rode it until it stopped on its own. Catching his foot on the uneven ground and nearly tripping as he hopped from the cycle when it fell sideways, Frank stared down the road ahead of him. The surroundings looked familiar. The red brick house with the huge wooden front porch, which sat far off the road to his left, was a welcome sign. He knew where he was. He had seen that house many times. “I know it’s not that far now, I can hoof it.” Frank picked up his backpack, tossed it over his shoulder, and began to walk the road first at a snail’s pace, then with a trot.  He was tired, he was hungry, and he was only five miles from home.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

Joe and William unloaded gas cans on Elks Drive. Joe stopped what he was doing to watch Ellen and Dean slowly walk back toward Ellen’s home. The worry, the concern on Joe’s face; the same expression William too would have on his face if he were in Joe’s shoes. In a way William was in his own worrisome situation. Taylor’s fate rested upon his son. It was a heavy responsibility for Dean but one William was confident he could handle.

“I know my son,” William spoke as he approached Joe from behind, laying a hand on Joe’s back. “This is only a minor setback. He will get this.”

Joe let out a grateful breath. Glad to hear those words from William, he gave an appreciative smile to him then continued in his work.

Frank didn’t stop running. Once he made it to the outskirts of Ashtonville, he picked up speed and headed directly to his street. It was empty, vacant, but Frank didn’t focus on that. He focused on his house not that far down the road. Up the lawn to his porch, dropping his belongings as he charged, he bolted straight through the front door. “Hello!” he called out. “Kelly! Johnny!” Frank didn’t have to go any farther than the entrance hall. The house was not only quiet, it was dark. All the blinds had been drawn and there was a sour smell of death that lingered and seeped into Frank telling him what he didn’t want to know. The door was still open; Frank turned and walked back out. He saw his things right where he left them on the lawn; he had to get them and go back into the house. Moving slowly off his porch Frank picked up his bags. He wasn’t listening for noises of life in Ashtonville. But he heard it and in a form he didn’t expect: Undeniably and very clearly, his father’s voice called out.

“Jesus Christ, Henry!” Joe yelled.

Frank smiled and looked toward the direction from which the voice echoed. Frank sped in that direction through the yards of the houses in between. Frank emerged two streets over; his things dropped from his hands and he couldn’t move. He breathed heavily when he saw his father.

Joe shook his head in disgust, staring at the smashed front end of the pickup truck. Henry stood by the hood, hands in pockets looking around as if nothing was wrong.

“Not a goddamn car on the road.” Joe griped. “How in the hell did you wreck?”

“Very easily, Joe. I was looking through the music and when I looked up, there was a tree.”

Joe stood up straight and scratched his head. He was getting ready to say something rude when he saw Frank trotting toward him. “Oh, my God.” Joe gasped, his heart pounding in his chest. “Frank.” He took off running toward his son.

Henry was lost. “Frank? Who’s Frank?”

“Frank!” Joe shrieked in excitement, grabbing hold of his much bigger son and clinging to him as Frank clung back.

A moan of excitement and enthusiasm rolled from Frank’s chest. “Yes! I knew you were alive. I just knew it.”

After kissing Frank on the cheek, Joe stepped back. “And ... guess who else.”

“Dad! Dad!” Johnny raced up the street.

The muscles in Frank’s neck tensed as he clenched his jaws and fists. He grinned widely, bending his knees then taking off toward Johnny. He swept his son up into his arms. Body against body he held Johnny tight, not wanting to let go of the reality of holding him. He closed his eyes in gratitude.

“Good to have you back.” Joe stepped closer to the two, laying his hand on Frank’s shoulder.

Frank opened his eyes. “Dad, what about my ...”

“I’m … I’m sorry, Frank.” Joe slowly shook his head. “I’m sorry.”

Frank closed his eyes again and held Johnny even tighter.

Dean undid the tourniquet from Taylor’s arm then removed the tube of blood he had filled. “I need a temperature, El.” He set the tube on the night stand and lifted the clipboard.

Ellen inserted the aural thermometer into Taylor’s ear. After the beep, she removed it and spoke with disappointment. “102.”

“It hasn’t risen.” Dean wrote down the results. “That’s good.”

“But it’s still higher than yesterday.” Ellen placed the thermometer on the nightstand at the same time her name was called.

Joe spoke calmly and softly yet seriously. “Ellen.”

Slowly Ellen turned away from the bed to see Joe standing in the doorway. And then … she saw Frank. Every ounce of air escaped her, her insides dropped and her knees buckled the moment she laid eyes on him. She cried out and raced for him. Her hands clenched tightly as Frank gripped Ellen, wrapped his huge arms around her, and lifted her from her feet in an embrace.

“Oh, my God.” Frank spoke deeply, pressing his face to hers.

“Right now, you are the person I needed to see most in this world.” Ellen cried through her words.

Frank set her down on her feet not breaking the contact of their bodies. He pulled back only a little so he could look at her. His large hands ran across her face feeling every inch of her then he softly kissed her. With a smile he kissed her again. His lips moved quickly with excitement and pulled at hers with gratitude. Laughing at how unbelievable it was, he pulled away from the kiss and kept his hands firmly on her face.

Joe didn’t want to do it, but before anything else was said or done, he had to step in. “I hate to steal him, Ellen, but I ... I really need to sit down and talk with Frank.”

Ellen pulled Frank’s hands from her face and held them. Her face dropped and she looked at Joe. “I understand.” She turned back to Frank. “Go with your father.”

Frank stepped back as Joe pulled his arm. He paused, leaned forward and kissed Ellen again. “I love you.” He took a shivering breath. “I’ll be back. Then you are never getting rid of me. Never.” He moved backwards. “I love you.” He didn’t let go of Ellen’s hand until their fingers slipped apart as he moved toward the door.

Ellen smiled. Frank had returned. She exhaled with a quiver and wiped her hand across her face.

Dean had done nothing as he witnessed the reunion. His hands didn’t work. His body didn’t move. He was just speechless. He looked at Ellen who watched the empty door. When Ellen turned around with vastly improved spirits, Dean realized that he was staring at her and nervously returned to his work with Taylor.

Frank was uplifted when they first had a seat in Joe’s dining room, but that soon ended. Joe hated the thought of telling Frank the hardest and most painful news that Joe had to deliver in his life. It wasn’t the news that Frank’s wife and other children had died; Joe somehow knew Frank would have prepared himself for that. But there was no preparing for the news of how they died. After a lot of thought and debate on if he really should, Joe delivered the truth before Frank found it out from someone else.

“Frank,” Joe whispered. “There was no way to stop it. Her mind was made up. I’m very, very sorry.”

Holding the note, Frank spread his fingers wide and closed them around the paper, crumpling Kelly’s suicide note within his palm. “How could she do this? How could she kill my kids?” His head dropped to the table. The horrible reality of what he had never expected to face hit Frank. He buried his head in his arms as a single sob escaped him.

DAY SEVEN - EVENING

Ashtonville, Connecticut

George spread the third map on Joe’s dining room table. “Now let me show you this before you take this over to William. This here ...” His hand smoothed over the map. “This is a closer look at the farming region.”

“This whole section is farming?” Joe whistled.

“Yes. A lot for the groundbreakers to farm at first, but as the community grows, well, it will come in handy.”

“Completely surrounded by mountains?”

“Valley setting. Perfectly secluded and protected setting. Some mountains had to be cut out as you can see.”

Joe listened and nodded. “Question.”

“Shoot.”

“You were here … when?”

“Garfield?” George cleared his throat. “Never.”

“So this could very well be a fairy tale.”

“A very expensive fairy tale. The government paid yearly fees to maintain the land.”

Joe chuckled. “No offense, but you never know. Someone in the government could have set this whole thing up as a way to pull funds into a hefty retirement account for himself. You know how gullible the government is when it comes to funds. Those rumors of the ten thousand dollar hammers started somewhere.”

George tilted his head. “True. That’s why I want a team of us to go out there first. See it as a reality.”

Joe nodded in agreement. “Check it out. See what it needs. Scout the route.”

“Create an exact plan of action.”

“We’re gonna have to form teams to go out for the stockpiles.”

“Can’t do that without seeing what we need.”

“We should set up a trip soon.”

“I agree,” George said. “Let me show you the expansion area.”

“You mean the supposed … expansion area.” Joe chucked, as did George. He reached for cigarette and in doing so, he saw Frank, damp from showering, step into the dining room.

“Dad.” Frank sounded groggy, his face red. “I’m uh ... Johnny’s settled. I uh ... I’m going to El’s. I’ll be back.”

“I think you need to do that. Spend some time with your friend.” Joe walked to Frank, laid a firm hand on his arm and listened to the saddened breath come from his son. “But for Johnny’s sake, you should be back before he wakes up. Explaining to him …” Joe dropped his voice, “why you spent the night with Ellen, now is not a good time. Not with his mother just dying.”

“I know. I understand. I thought of that. The Ellen-me thing …put it this way. The truth can wait. He’s too young, and the situation is too screwed up to explain.”

“Good.”

“I’ll be back.” Frank didn’t say any more. He just turned and sluggishly walked out of the house.

Joe stood there for a moment watching, even after Frank was gone. He took a few seconds to recall his meeting mindset then Joe went back to speaking and viewing maps with George.

Dean hid his smile as he stood across from Ellen in Taylor’s room. “Close your eyes, Ellen.”

Ellen shook her head and reluctantly, without verbally responding, allowed him to cover her eyes with his hand.

“Ready?” From behind his back, Dean pulled out the aural thermometer. He lifted his hand at the same time he held the digital display in Ellen’s view.

Ellen let out a shriek and tightly gripped Dean’s hand. “It went down.”

“Two degrees lower. I told you it was an obstacle we just had to ...” Dean’s speech slowed down. He released Ellen’s hand and stepped back away from the bed when Frank walked into the room.

Curiously Ellen looked at Dean then turned her head to where he stood. “Frank,” she said his name softly. “Hey.” She extended her hand. “How are you?”

“I’m uh ...” Frank grabbed her hand and stepped closer to the bed. “How’s Taylor?”

Dean answered. “We’ve gotten her temperature down again.”

Ellen smiled at Dean then looked to Frank. “I’m sorry. I didn’t introduce you. This is Dr. Dean Hayes.”

Without really looking at Dean, Frank nodded in acknowledgment, sniffed and ran the back of his hand under his nose. He lowered his head and closed his eyes. “El, I really need to talk to you.”

Dean gathered up his things without hesitation. “I’ll leave.” He held them sloppily in his arms as he moved quickly to the door. “You need some time alone. I have tests to run.” He darted back in, grabbed a lone paper off the dresser and went back to the door.

“Dean,” Ellen called to him.

“I’ll be back.” Dean walked out the door.

Ellen took a step toward Dean as he left and Frank pulled her back. He reached into his pocket, pulled out the crinkled note and brought the note into Ellen’s sight. Ellen immediately recognized the stationary. She spun to face Frank. Taking the note from him, she laid her hand on his face. “I’m so sorry.”

Frank turned his head to bring his lips to her palm. Softly he kissed her as he laid his hand over hers. Sadly, with no words, Frank pulled Ellen against him and dropped to his knees. His hands slid around her waist grabbing her tighter as her arms cradled him. And like a lost child, Frank buried his face into her stomach and held on.

William had a pretty decent-sized front porch, big enough for furniture and the two rocking chairs in which he and Joe sat.

“You’re a wise man, William,” Joe stated. “I really would like your thoughts on this.”

“I think surviving and moving on is not an option, it’s a must. If someone wants to hand us the groundwork already laid out, we’d be fools not to take it.”

“If it exists.”

William chuckled. “If it exists. Hey … I’m up for it. I say, just tell everyone about it. If they want to be a part, they’re a part. If not....” William tossed his hands up. “Their loss.”

Joe let out a chuckle. “I appreciate your backup on this one.”

A tiny little knock was heard on the screen door behind them then Henry’s voice followed it. “What about me? Can I give my opinion now?”

Joe shook his head when he looked at Henry then he turned back to William, “Forget what I said about you being a wise man, William. You’re a masochistic man for bringing Henry into your house.”

“Hey.” Henry defended his honor.

“No, Joe.” William stood up. “I am a wise man because I’m working all night in the lab with my son.” With a smile and a wave, William walked to the edge of the porch and down the sidewalk. The smile stayed with him as he walked listening to the arguing that immediately ensued between Henry and Joe.

The generator hummed, the machine buzzed, the centrifuge spun. Dean shuffled around the lab, so hypnotized by the sounds that he never heard Ellen enter.

“Can I help?” she asked.

Her voice startled him. After inadvertently dropping a paper, Dean jolted in surprise to face Ellen. “What are you doing here?”

“I need a break.” She walked farther in. “You didn’t come back.”

Dean lifted his shoulder in a half shrug. “I figured you would want to spend some time with Frank. You seemed ... you seemed happy he came back.”

“Well, I am.” Ellen watched Dean organize papers on the counter. “Frank’s my best friend. I’ve known him forever. Of course, he’s also been the other man in my life for fourteen years and ...” Ellen noticed Dean stopped moving the papers. He looked up at her. “And ... and ... oh boy. Sorry. But ...” She held up her finger. “There is a reason I am here, other than to confess the sins of my past to you.”

Dean snickered as he finished stacking the papers. “Which is?”

“Excuse me?” Ellen stepped to him.

“What’s the other reason?” Dean grabbed a rack of empty tubes.

“I want to help you tonight. You really need my help.”

“No, Ellen, don’t worry about it. See.” Dean pointed at the counter. “I’m setting up. My dad is helping tonight.”

“You can use my help.”

“Really, I’ll be fine.” Dean told her softly. “Don’t worry about it. You should be with Frank.”

“I want to help.” Ellen felt bad; Dean seemed so occupied with getting things set up that he nearly ignored her. “Dean?”

“Yes.”

“Are you listening?”

“Of course I am.” He laid another rack of tubes on the counter. “But Ellen, you go home. Why you would want to spend the evening in a lab is beyond me.”

“You do. You are.”

“It’s my work.”

“It’s my daughter.” That did it. She caught his attention. Softening her voice, Ellen stepped even closer to Dean. “This is my daughter, Dean. Why don’t you want me to work with you?”

“It’s not ...”

“Is it my work?” Ellen asked so innocently. “Tell me what I’m doing wrong. Tell me what I need to do. I’ll learn ...”

“Ellen.” He laid his finger on her lips. “It’s not your work. Just know that.”

“I need to help out here. I need to be a part of this. Every step. Please.” She blinked hard. “Don’t leave me out. I have to be a part of this. I have to fight this with you. For Taylor. She’s all I have.” Ellen leaned into Dean; gazing up innocently, she locked eyes with Dean. He brought two fingers up to her face and ran them down to her chin. Ellen covered his hand with hers. “She’s my only focus. Remember? Your ...”

“Reason.” The word slipped from Dean’s mouth without control as he found himself engrossed in his proximity to Ellen. His fingers on her chin became the hand that moved to her check, slipping behind her neck. Eyes connected, he gently brought Ellen close to him, hesitated then softly he laid his lips against hers. Their eyes closed after a heartbeat, and Dean kissed Ellen again, bringing her closer to him, holding her as his lips moved more fully against hers. A soft moan escaped Dean’s throat as he ended the kiss. He pulled back slightly, still staring at Ellen. “I’m sorry. Maybe ... maybe I shouldn’t have done that.”

The clearing of William’s throat shocked Ellen and Dean into springing apart. “No, you shouldn’t have.” He slowly walked by Dean. “Have you seen the size of Frank? Way to pick ’em, Dino.” After he swatted Dean’s back, William walked to the counter where Dean had set things up. “Look how nice and anal you are about getting things ready.” William raised his glasses to the bridge of his nose. “Now are we working?” He looked over at Dean and Ellen who still faced each other. “We are working, correct?”

Through the tops of his eyes, his head down a bit, Dean stared at Ellen. He nervously ran his fingers through his hair, acting as if he were waiting. And he was. He was waiting for something from Ellen, something that told him she wasn’t angry or upset. When Ellen gave a soft smile of approval to Dean, he exhaled loudly and raised his eyebrows. “Yes.” He spoke up with a crooked smile. “Yes, we are.” Taking hold of Ellen’s arm, Dean led her to the counter. He really did want her help, especially since he felt that they were so close to a breakthrough that he didn’t want Ellen to miss it.

DAY NINE

Saturday, June 6th

Ashtonville, Connecticut

It was a meeting of the minds in the middle of Ellen’s front yard. Tables joined together formed one long line as almost everyone sat around listening to Joe and George who stood at the end of the table. Johnny played with Denny in the grass, the boys in their own world, occupying themselves away from the ‘stupid’ grownup conversation. Jenny had left, happily, to go sit with Taylor. Frank had wanted to sit with Taylor, but Joe emphasized that he was needed at the meeting.

Frank walked out of Ellen’s house, hearing his father’s voice leading the meeting. He stopped by Johnny and Denny to see how they were doing then made his way to the table. He grunted to himself in disgust when he saw Dean sitting next to Ellen; he walked behind them, tapping Dean on the shoulder. “Excuse me.” He waited until Dean got the hint and moved his chair over, then Frank pulled up an empty one and wedged it in.

Joe shook his head. “As I was saying ... Scavenger hunts. We’re going to pair off in trucks, make runs for what we need.”

George continued the discussion. “With our scouting trip out there next week, we should have a pretty good idea of what we’ll need to fully stock the place, especially with food. We can’t expect growth for at least a year or two. We have some ideas on that. And we hope to get a list together so the runs you make will be easier than everyone just going out on a free-for-all search.”

“We plan on dividing people off according to areas of specialty. No one should be sent for things they wouldn’t have a clue about.” Joe said. “Armory, metals, clothing and such. Those are all things we’ll probably need. The place is supposed to be a shell.”

After rolling her eyes in boredom, Ellen looked down at her watch. A slight smile hit her face and she leaned forward to get Dean’s attention; when she did, Frank leaned forward. Ellen leaned back, so did Frank. Huffing in irritation, Ellen stood up.

Frank reached for her hand. “Where you going?”

“Taylor’s new medication should be done mixing; I’m going to the lab to get it.”

Dean turned in his chair. “Want me to go?”

“Yeah.” Frank said.

“No.” Ellen shook her head. “I’ll go. Stay here and uh ... talk about crops and armory runs.” She backed up. “Just tell me what my part is. Taylor and I go wherever Joe does.”

Frank held on to Ellen’s hand until she had moved too far from his reach. Instead of paying attention to the meeting, his eyes stayed focused on Ellen.

Andrea raised her hand as she joggled Katie on her lap. “I have some concerns about these electric fences you talked about. Are they a hazard to the kids?”

“Perimeters, Andrea.” Joe corrected. “And no. The main living section sits in the center of this compound. The perimeter runs along the outside of it. The children should be nowhere near them.”

“Do we need protection like that?” Andrea asked.

Joe nearly laughed. “Andrea, the world isn’t going to get better, it’s gonna get worse. The more time that passes, the more people will lose it.”

“How do you know?” She questioned again.

Dean mumbled. “Probably Post-Apocalyptic World Survival training film M.C. something ...”

“M.C. I T. F. B-27.” Joe finished. “Yes.”

Dean looked up quickly. “You saw that film too?”

“I was CIA, Dean, of course.” Joe said.

George tilted his head in wonder. “Wasn’t it B-22 that told of immediate mental response to all-out catastrophe?”

Frank interjected. “No, immediate response was M.C. I T. F. B-8. That was immediate. M.C. I. T. F. B-22 dealt with homicidal tendencies with those who can’t adjust.”

“But.” Carl held up a finger. “Didn’t M.C. I. T. F. B-22 also deal with the first through second months post-ravage.”

“No.” Frank shook his head. “That was M.C. I. T. F. B-9.”

“That’s right.” Carl nodded. “B-22 dealt with scavengers and wanderers in the post-apocalyptic world.”

“So did M.C. I T. F. B-24.” Frank said.

“You know.” Joe interrupted. “We should really get a hold of those stock films. They could come in handy for everyone. Especially M.C. I. T. F. B-13 though B-15.”

“Building the new life?” George explained. “Good choice. There are some military installations we’ll pass. I’m sure we’ll find them there. What about M.C. I T. F. B-18?”

“Good suggestion.” Joe said. “Law and Order in the Post-Apocalyptic World.”

Dean tossed his hands up listening to the men ramble on letters and numbers about training films he hadn’t seen. “Why am I the only one here who was military who doesn’t know about these films.”

Frank snickered. “They probably didn’t show them to you because they figured why waste their time. You wouldn’t survive anyhow.”

“Thanks.” Dean shook his head.

“You’re welcome.”

“Ok.” Joe breathed out. “Enough about entertainment. We have to finish talking about the Garfield Project.”

A few people, Andrea and Henry especially, had their questions regarding the stock films and how they would be a valuable learning tool. But as soon as Frank realized the conversation wasn’t going to stay on something as interesting as the M.C. I .T. F. training film series, his thoughts went to Ellen and how lucky she was to be at that clinic.

Ellen neatly had the six vials of new medication on the counter in the lab. She only needed two. After picking them up, she reached over the counter to the switch marked ‘generator’. She flicked it down and the lab went dark. The humming of the generator’s motor slowed and the lab was silent. As soon as it did and Ellen moved to the lab door, she heard a crash. She stopped. “Dean?” She called out. “Dean?” Not getting an answer, Ellen shrugged and continued out of the lab, down the hall to the reception area. Stepping in there, she saw the door closing and the coat rack had been toppled. It didn’t faze Ellen much; in fact she didn’t think twice about it. Picking up the coat rack, she stepped outside.

She wasn’t out the door and a foot away when she felt it, scaring her, causing the vials to fall from her hand and crash to the ground. Her hair was yanked abruptly and she was pulled back into the hard chest of someone bigger, someone who smelled foul. Letting out a short shriek, Ellen tried to get away when a hand covered her mouth and an arm wrapped harshly around her waist lifting her feet from the ground.

She fought and struggled in front of the clinic, biting the hand of the man who held her, fighting so hard he spun with her. Through her horror-filled eyes she caught the reflection off the glass doors as he held tightly to her. How big he was, dark. Then her shoulders dropped and her fear left her when suddenly behind him there was another figure; she knew this one and knew it could only be Frank.

She felt herself drop to the ground and she rolled out of the way as she watched Frank grab the man, slam him into the wall, and punch him over and over. Then with fierce anger Frank threw the man outward with a loud grunt, crashing him through the glass doors of the clinic.

Ellen shielded her head from the flying glass. She saw Frank step through and she heard it: One shot and then ... silence.

Lifting herself off the ground, Ellen peered into the clinic to see Frank putting away his gun and stepping out.

“El.” He reached his hand down as she stood up.

Without taking his hand, as soon as she stood firmly on her feet she jumped to him, wrapping her arms around him tightly. “Hold me.”

“El, are you ...”

“Shh.” She gripped tighter to him. “Just hold on to me and take me home.”

Frank did.

Heavy loud discussion and muttering filled Ellen’s dining room where everyone had gathered.

Joe’s voice rose above the rest. “Sorry, it’s no longer a question. These people can wander in from anywhere.”

Henry’s eyes shifted from the arguing to Ellen who sat with her face buried in her hands. “Should  we ... should we hold off on talking about this?”

Andrea slipped in the chair next to Ellen. She laid her hand comfortingly on her back. “Are you all right?”

George stood in agreement with Joe. “You know everyone questioned those perimeters.”

“Exactly.” Joe said. “This is five days, people. What’s it gonna be like in five years. I think our first concern should be the safety of the women here.”

Frank spoke up coldly. “I think we should just shoot anyone that sneaks into town. That’s what I think.”

Dean rolled his eyes. “You would.”

Frank snapped his eyes Dean’s way. “What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”

“It means,” Dean’s hand flew out, “it means you can’t just shoot everyone.”

Again, Henry looked at Ellen and noticed how red her face was from rubbing it over and over. “Hello? Can we ...”

“Dean!” Frank’s voice blasted. “It’s that attitude you have that put El in the situation she was in.”

“What?!” Dean snapped sarcastically. “You can’t possibly blame this one on me.”

“Why not?” Frank asked. “You have her running around alone doing your fuckin’ work for you when ...”

“Frank!” Ellen screamed his name as she stood up. “Leave him alone! It’s no one’s fault. It happened. It’s over and I have better things to do, like take care of my daughter. Excuse me.” Ellen barged her way out of the dining room.

Frank watched her then glared and pointed at Dean. “See.”

Dean tossed his hands up in the air in defeat.

They still argued, and Ellen could hear them as she reached Taylor’s room. And then she heard something else: A gurgling sound coming from Taylor’s open door. With horror, Ellen rushed inside.

“You don’t want to hear the truth!” Frank’s hand came down to point at Dean.

Henry tried to be the peacekeeper. “Can we just stop?”

Dean shook his head “I’m not listening to this.” He stood up and moved toward the door. “I’m going up with Ellen.”

“Sit your little ass down!” Frank blasted. “And stay away from her for five minutes!”

“Knock it off!” Joe blared out in his loudest voice. “Two days, Frank. Two goddamn days you’re back and you have to start a ...”

“Dean!” Ellen’s screams franticly carried to them. “Oh, God, Dean! Please!”

Dean was the first to rush from the room with everyone following behind him. He bolted up the steps and flew into Taylor’s room. His entire being shook when he saw Ellen holding up Taylor. White and pale, Taylor’s little body had swelled and her breathing was so labored that it could be heard.

Ellen, panicked and lost, looked from her daughter to Dean. “What happened, Dean?”

Dean’s head dropped.

^^^^

The solemn atmosphere engulfed Taylor’s bedroom. The child was propped up at an angle. The generator outside the room hummed, and a respirator hissed and clicked with each breath it helped Taylor to take. Ellen felt torn, holding her daughter’s hand, laying her head on Taylor’s arm. Frank stood behind her, silently and giving her strength as Joe stood watch in the corner.

They may have been engrossed in Taylor’s drama, but the second Dean slipped into the room they sensed him and all eyes went to him.

Dean felt he was center on the most horrific stage of his life. “I’m ... I’m sorry. The virus ...” He had to stop and regain his composure. “The virus mutated to overcome the block.”

Frank felt Ellen’s sadness as his hands lay on her shoulders. “Dean,” he spoke with a gravelly voice. “You’ve been working on this. There has to be something.”

“I’ve tried everything I ...”

“Try something else!” Frank blasted.

Calmly, Joe raised his head with warning eyes. “Frank.”

Frank shook his head and lowered it to Ellen’s back.

Dean hesitated then walked to the other side of Taylor’s bed to face Ellen. He knelt down and placed his hand over hers. His eyes were red as he stared at her with all his heart. “Ellen, I’m so sorry.” It was difficult for Dean to even speak. “I am.”

Ellen raised her head to him. “Please don’t tell me we’re out of options.” Ellen’s voice weakened as she grabbed on to Taylor’s hand. “Look at her, Dean. Help her ... please.”

“Ellen, I ...” A click. A hiss. The respirator went silent. Dean’s throat swelled up as his eyes went to Taylor.

Ellen looked in horror at the little hand she held. “No. No, Dean, do something. Oh my God.” She grabbed for her daughter. “No!” She cried out. “Oh God, not my baby!”

Frank saw Ellen grip Taylor and try to lift her. He gave his best attempt to pull her back and Ellen swung out her hand hard hitting him away. “Ellen.”

“No.” Ellen lifted Taylor. Lifelessly she dangled in her mother’s arms. “Joe.” She raised her sad eyes to Joe. “My baby.” Her shoulders bounced and she gripped Taylor to her chest. Burying her face to her daughter, Ellen began to sob. Her cries grew louder, deeper and from her soul. There was nothing no one could do. No way to calm her. Frank wrapped his arms around her from behind, trying to give Ellen some of his strength, but Ellen was hysterical. Louder she cried out, screaming her daughter’s name over and over in her agony. Ellen had battled and she had fought through the virus. But even with all of her prayers, all the hope and faith she’d somehow held in the midst of so much tragedy ... Ellen still lost.

The ticking clock in the quiet bedroom woke Ellen. She lifted her head to the candle-lit room as she lay on the bed. Frank, holding her hand, sat in a chair by the bed. He moved closer to her and pressed his lips to her cheek.

“El, lay back down. You passed out.”

“Where am I?”

“At my Dad’s.”

Immediately Ellen sprang up from the bed. She had to catch her breath. “Taylor. Where’s Taylor?”

“We had to move her down to ...”

Ellen gasped an emotional scream. “You took her from her bed? Her home?”

“We had to, El, she was ...”

“That was her home, Frank.” Ellen emotionally charged him. “Her home!” She spun and bolted from the bedroom so quickly that it took Frank by surprise.

Frank raced out after her, listening to her feet on the stairs. But Ellen ran straight from the house leaving the door open behind her.

From the living room, Joe saw Frank getting ready to go after her. “Frank.” He called out, rushing to the door to stop him. “Let her go.”

“But, Dad ...”

“Let her go.”

From the doorway of their home they watched Ellen as she kept running, straight to her house.

The distance from Joe’s house to hers wasn’t far. Ellen’s breath huffed as she ran. Her emotions and heartache stole her breath away. There was no delaying going into Taylor’s room. It would have been completely dark had the moon not shone so brightly. Ellen let out a single sob as she neared the bed. She just wanted to crumple there, curl up and die. Her hands smoothed over the empty bed and grabbed for the covers and pillow. Crying, Ellen brought them to her nose and inhaled deeply the remaining scent of her daughter.

Cradling them to her body, Ellen saw something she didn’t expect. Dean. He sat in the corner of the bedroom on the floor. His back was against the wall; his knees were pulled up and his head was down on his arms. “Dean?” Ellen laid down the covers and the pillow and walked over to the corner of the room “What are you doing?”

Dean didn’t answer. He raised his head slowly then dropped it down.

Ellen lowered herself to the floor, kneeling in front of him. Her heart ached again when she heard his sob. “Dean,” she whispered.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” He shook his head as he lifted it.

Ellen scooted closer to him, laying her hand on his arm.

“I swear to you.” Dean’s words were heavy with pain. “I swear if I could have given my life to stop this I would have. I tried. I tried.” He felt her fingers slip through his hair. “No one has ever looked at me with as much trust as you did. I swore I wanted to keep that look in your eyes. I gave you false hope. I let you down. I’ll never forgive myself for doing that to you.”

“You didn’t,” Ellen whispered. “You gave me real hope. And you also gave me something else.” Ellen wiped her hand across her face, smearing her tears. She drew closer to Dean. “You, Dean, you gave me time with my daughter that I would have lost otherwise. You gave me one more smile from her, the chance to hear her voice again. You gave me one more, ‘I love you, Mommy.’ I wouldn’t have had any of that if it wasn’t for you.  I didn’t lose my trust in you, Dean. Look in my eyes. It’s still there.”

Slowly Dean’s eyes connected with Ellen’s. He exhaled deeply and grabbed her pulling Ellen against him. Clinging tightly he pressed his lips hard against her cheek and held her. He wanted to thank her, but he couldn’t. He couldn’t even talk.

Ellen pulled back, but only a little. She wiped her hand down his face and they returned to the embrace.

On the floor, Ellen slipped between Dean’s legs, laid her head against his chest, and buried herself within his arms. In the somber room lit only by the moon, for the longest time, Dean and Ellen held on.

THE SURVIVING

If you had the single chance to start it all again.

Would you start it all anew

Or retrace the steps of pain.

Would you reach back desperately to catch your yesterday gone wrong

Or go forward not looking back to find a new way to belong.

Thursday, June 11th

‘Things will only get worse.’

Carl’s words right after he and Frank ran into a suspicious car fire on the highway.

No occupants in the car. No one around.

‘This is fucked up,’ Frank said. “What happened?’

‘Who knows?’ Carl had replied. “Things will only get worse.’

‘That’s why we’re doing what we’re doing, right?’

The close call with Ellen’s attack and the somber feeling left in the town after Taylor’s death compelled Carl and Frank to put their minds elsewhere. All the talk about the apocalyptic training films and the possibility of more intruders invading Ashtonville gave them a reason to leave for the day. Their mission was simple. Hit the closest military base for more weapons, the means to secure Ashtonville, and, hopefully locate a copy of those M.C.I.T.F. Batch training films.

They left at sunup, excited about their pre-Garfield Project salvage hunt. The stop at the electronics store didn’t give them the high quality that they sought, but it afforded them radios until they found better ones on the base. The red radios were cute, little, and Frank and Carl played with them a lot in the truck.

A way to communicate with each other while they went their separate ways on the base.

They didn’t think too much about it.

They should have.

Static.

‘What was that?” Frank shook the radio. “Fuckin’ piece of shit. Come back, Carl?’

Static.

“Three guys. Fuck. They hit …ree.”

“Come again.”

“No. More than that. They must … live … base.”

Static.

Frank shook his head as he blasted from a warehouse on base, pulling forward an M-16. “Carl? Come in. Where are you?”

“I’m taking watch … fuck!”

Shots. Lot of them firing quickly.

Frank stopped for only a second to gather his bearings and home in on where the shots came from. With another shot, Frank pivoted and Frank bolted. The empty base was like a megaphone for noise and his boots slammed loudly on the ground as he ran. Just as he turned the corner, he heard another shot and dove fast to his left as a bullet seared by him. Rolling to a safe stand behind the metal building, Frank raised his weapon and slowly peered round the corner.

Four men stood outside an open door. Frank checked his clip.

“This your guy!” one of the men shouted out.

Frank didn’t answer. He looked around the building and saw it. Metal rungs. He tossed his weapon over his shoulder, grabbed the first rung then quickly and quietly began to climb up.

“Hey! I know you’re there. We heard you. Saw you.”

Frank arrived on the roof. In a squatting run, he made it to the edge then sat and prepped his weapon.

“Take a look at your friend!” the man shouted.

Frank lifted up slightly and the tops of his eyes peered over the lip of the roof. Two more men were dragging Carl’s bloody lifeless body into the open air.

At first he winced in pain then a knot of anger formed in Frank’s gut.

The man shouted again. “Let this be your warning. You’re next when we find you. You’re stealing from us. This is our home now. Our property.”

“Are you United States soldiers?” Frank shouted.

“What?”

“You heard me? Are you United States soldiers?”

The guy laughed. “The military’s dead! No! We aren’t soldiers.”

“Well, I am!” Frank stood with a firm stance and aimed. “So actually, you’re standing on my property, motherfucker!”  Before they could focus on where he was or even had time to raise their guns properly, Frank opened fire.

All six dropped quickly into a blood bath on the ground.

What was it that made Frank sink deeply into the memory of what happened two days earlier? He didn’t know. A comment maybe, made by Johnny. Whatever the cause, Frank slipped deep into thought in the middle of tucking Johnny into bed. By the time he came out of his daze, Johnny was fast asleep. Leaning forward Frank kissed Johnny then stood up. He inhaled heavily and paced across the room, stopping at the window.  He parted the blinds and smiled slightly. Ellen. She sat alone outside at one of the many picnic tables they had set up on Elks Drive. Not only was she just what he needed to see, she was just what he needed.

A lantern afforded Ellen enough light to see the pages of her notebook. Though she didn’t write much, she thought about what she would jot down. It was something Joe asked of everyone. Make a list of items that would they would need to stockpile for the future. Ellen believed the list was a therapy to keep people’s minds focused.

She was just about to write down an item when it caught her attention. Something she hadn’t seen since before the plague. A coffee house paper cup, complete with lid and cardboard insulator sleeve. Her eyes rose as it was set before her. Dean sat down across from her.

“For me?” she asked.

“For you.”

She gave a quirky smile, lowered her nose, and sniffed. “It smells like cappuccino.”

“Actually, latte. I couldn’t get the foam right enough to be a cappuccino.”

She chuckled in an airy way. “Oh, my God. You made me a latte.”

“You struck me as a latte girl.”

“I am.” She grabbed it. “Thank you. This is very sweet.”

“Wait.” He stopped her. “I give the disclaimer on taste. It’s made with one of those mini espresso machines and since all milk is bad, I had to use canned.”

“It’ll be perfect. I can’t believe you did this.” She stared at the cup.

“Well, I was walking through town, saw the coffee shop and thought of you.”

Ellen smiled “Really?” She sipped the beverage. “Oh, Dean. Dean, this is great.” She took another sip. “Can I ask why?”

“Honestly? Peace offering.”

She glanced at him curiously. “I didn’t think we were fighting.”

“Maybe peace offering is a bad word. But … but after Taylor’s funeral, you and I, both of us, kind of…” he stammered for the word.

“Hid?” she asked.

Dean snapped his fingers. “Yes. Hid. Thank you. I stopped working. You stopped working. We both kind of stayed away from each other. I was afraid that you hated me.”

Ellen’s eyes closed. “Oh, my God. No.”

“I know. Joe … Joe set me straight.” Dean winked. “We both have been wrapped up in sadness and, for you, rightfully so. I have been giving it some thought. It isn’t good. Especially not for you.”

“I have … I have the notebook.”

“May I?” Dean reached for it and lifted the book when Ellen nodded her approval. “Just as I thought. You have about as much written in yours as I do.”

Ellen shrugged. “I stare at blank pages. I did …” She blushed. “I did write a poem.”

“You wrote a poem? Really?”

Ellen nodded.

“Can I read it?”

“It’s bad.”

“It can’t be.”

“Really, Dean. It’s bad. I’m not a poet.”

“Poetry consists of thought and emotions. How can it be wrong or bad?”

Ellen smiled peacefully. “Thank you. That’s true. Huh?” She paused. “It’s in there, you have to flip through. You can read it.”

“Thank you.” Dean started to search.

“Thank you for the latte.”

Dean paused in his search. “I also have another reason for bothering you tonight.”

“That is?”

“Like I said, hiding, staying away, it isn’t good. I’d like to … I’d like you and I do to some things. You know, research-related. Work together. We were doing that pretty well. I think that it will help keep your mind occupied. I think that you need that.”

“Hate to agree, I do.” Ellen said.

“Good.” Dean smiled. “Then can I? Can I focus you elsewhere? Can I help you?”

Frank answered that one. “No. That’s what she has me for.”

Dean, surprised, turned around.

“Frank.” Ellen looked up. “I thought you were staying in tonight.”

“I was, but I needed to speak to you …” Frank walked to the picnic table. “Alone …” He paused, tilted his head, and looked at the cup. “Why do you have a takeout coffee?”

“Latté.” Ellen corrected. “Dean made it for me.”

“Dean made you a latte?” Frank asked. “Why?”

“To be sweet.” Ellen replied.

“Actually,” Dean said. “I wanted to warm her up to an idea.”

The corner of Ellen’s mouth raised in a smile. “Warm me up? Hey, double entendre. How witty.”

Before Dean could respond, Frank, being childish, whispered in a mocking whine, “How witty.”

Ellen gasped a scolding. “Frank.”

Dean stood up. “I’m gonna go.”

“No, don’t.” Ellen said.

“Yes, please.” Frank added.

“Frank.” Ellen snapped.

“I’m … going.” Dean closed Ellen’s notebook and slid it to her, focusing only on Ellen. “I’d like to read that. Maybe tomorrow?”

Ellen nodded.

“Goodnight, Ellen.”

“Goodnight, Dean,” she whispered peacefully.

“Bye, Dean.” Frank said with edge.

Dean, hands in pockets, lifted a sloppy wave and walked away.

When Dean was a short distance away, Frank huffed and sat down. “Why are you sharing your notebook?” he reached for it.

Ellen snatched it away. “What is your problem?’

“Him.”

“You have no reason to have a problem with him.” Ellen protected her book.

Sarcastically, Frank responded, “Really?”

“Really.”

“Right.”

“Frank.”

“Sorry.” Frank shook his head. After a moment of silence, his demeanor changed. “I’m having a bad day, you know, with Carl and all. And … I just really miss you.” He reached across the table and grabbed her hand.

“You see me all the time.”

“Yeah, I know but …”

Ellen slipped her hand from him. “We agreed. You and I both. Us? It has to wait. At least some time has to go by; it’s too soon for Johnny. He won’t understand how you can forget his mother so quickly and go straight to me. So for now, you and I, for appearance sake, are friends.”

“For appearances.” Frank said. “What about behind closed doors?”

Ellen laughed. “You can’t be serious, can you?”

“What? You don’t want to fool around.”

Ellen shook her head in disbelief. “I can’t believe that’s even on your mind.”

“You mean sex?”

“Shh.”

“What?” Frank asked. “Like anyone can hear us?”

“The street is dead, everyone can hear.”

Frank scoffed. “No one can hear.”

“I can.” Joe called out from the porch.

“Why is he eavesdropping?” Frank questioned.

Ellen shrugged. “He’s Joe.”

Frank lowered his voice. “Are we still a couple, El?”

“Frank, you and I were never a couple.”

Silence.

“Ok, you have a point,” Frank said. “Then can we still be whatever we were?”

“I love you, Frank. We’ll take this one step at a time. Just like we’re taking life right now.”

Frank nodded. He then titled his head. “Can I see your notebook?”

“What?” Ellen chuckled. “Why do you want to see my notebook?”

“You were showing … Dean your notes.”

“I was showing Dean a poem I wrote.”

Frank looked serious then cracked a smile. “You? You wrote a poem.”

“Yeah.” Ellen snapped.

“It can’t be very good.”

Ellen gasped. “How rude. I’ll have you know, Dean said there is no bad poetry because it comes from emotions and thoughts.”

“Dean said that?” Frank asked. “Pansy.”

“Just for that.” Ellen hugged her book. “No.”

“Come on. I won’t make fun. I’m sure it’s good.” Frank held out his hand. “Please? You were showing Dean.”

After a moment of debate, Ellen opened the notebook found the poem and handed it to Frank.

Pleased, Frank smiled. “Thank you.” He pulled the lantern closer and read. Afterward he set down the notebook and was silent.

“Well?” Ellen asked.

“It … you know what Dean said about poetry?”

“Yes.”

“He … he … he was wrong. That sucked.”

Ellen’s mouth dropped open. She grabbed the notebook and stood up. “You are so rude.”

“El, wait.”

“No, I’m going home.” With a dramatic march, not looking back, she stormed from the table to her house.

Frank watched her, snickered, then after a few seconds he followed her. After all, he still hadn’t gotten the chance to talk to her like he needed.

^^^^

William definitely wasn’t a visual of Betty Crocker. Though he was at home in the kitchen, he appeared to be awkward while mixing items in the candlelight. He mumbled a bit of the recipe, held up the measuring cup to the candle, and nodded.

Dean was watching, or rather, trying to talk to him.

“And this concerns you …” William stirred his mixture. “How?”

“Why do you do that?” Dean asked.

“Do what? Stir Dino, you have to if you want the ingredients to mix properly.”

“That’s not what I mean. You answer me, and talk to me clinically. Always pre-occupied. You never did that to your patients.”

“You aren’t my patient. You’re my son. I never liked you as much as I liked them.”

Dean rolled his eyes. “Ha-ha. Why are you making a salad dressing anyhow?”

“I’m hungry.” William answered “And we’re having a late dinner with Joe. A small meeting and then we’re watching the batch of apocalyptic films. They’re always a treat. Joe has been …” He tried his mixture. “Almost right,” he said, “Joe’s been saving generator gas all day for this.”

“Late is right.” Dean looked at his watch. “You guys are hooking up the television to …”

“Heavens, no.” William shook his head. “Frank brought back the old reel-to-reels as well. We’re hooking up an old projector. Ought to be fun.” He tasted his dressing again. “Ah, perfect. I’ll wait until we’re ready to eat to add it to the salad. Did you want to join us?”

“No. I’m going to bed.”

“That, Dino, is the exact reason you have a problem.”

“Excuse me?”

“With women.”

“I’m not talking to you about a problem with women. I’m talking to you about a problem with Frank.”

“Over a woman. Ellen.” William gathered his things. “Ellen in a sense is his. Sorry. Fact of life. Whether their little relationship was carried on morally right or wrong, it is still a fact that they were together long before you entered the picture. If Ellen is ready to move on, then more power to you. I see no reason for you to fear Frank.”

Dean scoffed. “I don’t fear Frank. I just want to get along with him. That’s all.”

William laughed, “Well, that would be possible if you stopped trying to steal his woman.”

“I’m not trying to steal his woman. I’m trying to be friends with her.”

William hummed out an ‘hmm.’

“Stop that.” Dean said. “I just need advice.”

“Fine.” William took on a fatherly look. “You want to be friends with Ellen. Help her through this difficult situation. Befriend her. I think that is a very good idea. For the both of you. You too, you need friends. Just don’t bore her …”

“Dad.”

“It’s true, Dino. You bore a person, that’s why you never had friends. You and your science mumbo-jumbo stuff. But all that aside.” William said. “What I’m getting from you is that you just want peace. You want this friendship without problems. Frank is going through a difficult time. He’s threatened, that’s all. He’ll be fine. If not, you’ve dealt with bullies your whole life. Do what you always do. Stand up and outsmart them.”

Dean nodded. “Thank you.”

“Hope I helped. But I must be off.” William grabbed the two bowls.

“Dad, just so you know, I don’t think I’ll bore Ellen. I think she and I will connect on a scientific level. In fact, tomorrow …” Dean said, pleased. “I’m taking her out and I’m teaching her how to take air samples. We’re going to hit all over.”

“Air samples.”

“Yes. What do you think?”

“Remember when you were twelve and you got that comprehensive science kit? You took it immediately down the street to impress that young girl you liked.”

“Yes.”

“What did she say to you?”

Dean thought. “She called me a geek and went inside her house.”

William smiled. “Exactly.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You asked what I thought of you and Ellen and the air samples. Think of the outcome of that story. That’s what I think.” William walked away.

Dean stood alone in the kitchen. “I hate talking to him.”

^^^^

George shook his head. “I know we need the hands, but we’re talking about taking all the men from Ashtonville to make this Montana trip.”

“We need Miguel,” Joe said. “He was a truck driver. He’ll assist us in bringing the truck back for the salvage runs. Henry and John are needed as well for the technical side. In all seriousness, George, if this place is as big as you say and we want to get back in one week, we need all the hands we can get to check this place out as quickly as possible, and get our idea of what we need.”

“If I may,” William interjected. “You aren’t taking all the men. I’m here, so is Dean and Frank. Contrary to how my son appears, don’t let his size and brains fool you. He is quite capable of handling situations. As far as keeping the community safe …” he chuckled. “Leaving one more man here is not going to make a difference. We have Frank.”

Joe held out his hand. “There you have it. William’s wisdom. Situation settled. Now … we leave the day after tomorrow, so let’s take a break from all this and have some fun.” He clapped his hands together once. “Hook up that projector for some apocalyptic training films.”

The three of them were already in position facing the only white wall. Joe headed to the projector but stopped when he heard a knock on the door. “Can you handle this, George?” he asked and walked to the door.

Andrea stood there. She was wearing a summer dress and holding a plate.

“Andrea?”

“Evening, Joe,” she said. “I saw a light and thought if you were hungry we could have a snack and chat. I made cookies.”

“They look great. I was just settling to watch the training films. You want to join?”

“Love to.” Andrea stepped in.

“You look very nice,” Joe said.

“This thing?” Andrea smiled as she walked to the living room. “I found it. Tossed it on and …” She paused when she saw George and William. “You have company. I’m sorry. I’m interrupting.”

“No, come in. Join us.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

Andrea inched her way to the sofa that was set up theater-style and sat next to William.

“Cookies?” William asked her.

“Uh-hmm.” Andrea set the plate down.

“Nice dress.” William raised an eyebrow. “Were you also just in the neighborhood?”

Andrea gave a scolding look to William.

“All right.” Joe announced. “We’re ready. I’d say hit the lights but they’re already …”

“Hey.” Frank blasted out when he walked in. “Why’s it so dark?”

“Christ,” Joe mumbled. “If you must know we’re watching training films.”

“Yes!” Frank hurried into the living room and stopped. “Whoa. The community elderly.”

Andrea gasped.

“Is like no one under the age of forty invited?” Frank asked.

“Go!” scolded Joe. “Out.”

“But …”

“Now.”

“There’s cookies,” Frank said.

“I don’t care. Leave.” Joe instructed. “I can’t believe you would say something like that, insulting everyone.”

“Fine.” Quickly Frank extended a hand, grabbed a cookie, and despite the fact that Andrea smacked his hand, he took it anyhow and left.

Sighing, Joe stood by the projector, ready to turn it on. He lowered his voice to a whisper. “See?” he waved a pointing finger at William and George. “You both questioned why I said no one under forty can hang with us tonight. Do I know the younger generation, or what?” he turned on the projector.

Saturday, June 13th

Ashtonville, Connecticut

Joe was feeling the slight effects of a hangover. Perhaps he shouldn’t have drunk that wine the night before. Wine always had that affect on him. However, he was celebrating with George and, tired or not, he’d drive only the first six hours or so, then someone else would take the wheel.

Double-checking the chord, Joe made sure that the generator and pump system were secure on top of the van before they took off. They’d have to use the generator to power gas pumps along the way. Economy van or not, he wasn’t making it to Montana on a single tank of gas.

Joe pulled out the sheet of paper Frank had given him regarding directions to the three eccentric farmers in Ohio. If the Garfield project really existed, farmers were something they needed. They’d make the stop on the way there.

Last bag in the van, passengers almost all inside, Joe gave a quick look over all they were taking. Daylight had broken and the good daytime driving hours were ahead. He was ready to go.

Almost.

“Honestly, Joe.” Henry followed him. “Montana. I’m making one last plea.”

“Shut up, Henry, you’re going,” Joe said.

“But, Joe.”

“No buts.” Joe waved a scolding finger. “Get in the car.”

“All the young men are leaving.”

“There are two of you.”

“Exactly.” Henry argued. “Don’t you think you should leave me behind to protect the women?”

Joe snickered.

“I don’t do well on long trips.”

“No one does.”

“I’ll vomit,” Henry said.

“I’ll get you a bag.”

“Maybe twice, three times.”

“I’ll bring plenty.” Joe paid him no mind.

“I get upset. And I’ll talk; what if I talk too much …”

“I’ll duct tape you.” Joe shut the back of the van. “Get in. Be quiet. Take the pill William gave you.”

“I think he wants me dead.”

“Christ, Henry, do you blame him?” Joe pointed. “Go. Van.”

Sweetly a voice called out, “Joe!”

Joe winced.

Henry chuckled. “You have a girlfriend.”

“Go.” Joe scolded, and then turned around. “Hey, Andrea.”

“I brought you some goodies for the trip.” She handed him a bag. “Share with the others.”

“Andrea, this is very sweet. Just in time too. We’re leaving.”

“I know. You be careful.” She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.

“Thank you,” Joe nodded and stepped back toward the driver’s door.

“I’ll pray for you.”

“Thanks.” Joe opened the door. He gave a scolding glance to Henry who was leaning between the front seats. “Get …”

Andrea called out again, “Make sure you keep touch. Use that radio.”

He flashed an annoyed look into the van, then turned and smiled at Andrea. “Thanks.” Again, he attempted to get inside. Until...

“Dad.” Frank called out.

Joe grumbled. “This is why I wanted t leave before sunup.” He backed up. “Yes, Frank?”

“Glad I caught you. I just wanted to say goodbye and be careful.”

Joe pointed to Andrea. “She took care of that. But thanks.” He patted Frank’s cheek.

“Keep in touch. Use the radio.”

“Yes, Frank, I know. I’m going now.” Joe arched his body into the van. “One week. That’s all we’ll be gone, and …”

“Joe!” Ellen called.

Joe hesitated. He looked to the passenger seat to George.

“I’d go.” George said.

“Christ,” he grunted. “One more second.” With a huff, he stepped from the van. “Yes, Ellen.”

Ellen embraced him. “I wanted to say goodbye. Be careful.”

“I will.” Joe kissed her on the cheek, and stepped back from the hug. “And no causing trouble.”

She shook her head.

“See you in a week.” He reached for the door again.

“Joe, don’t forget to keep in touch,” Ellen said. “Use the …”

“Radio. Yes. I know.” Joe waved, and before anyone could delay his departure any further, he got in the van and started to drive away.

Frank, arms folded, watched with pride as the van pulled down the street. His focus stayed there until he heard a sniffling. Turning his head to the right, he looked down to Ellen. “Are you crying?”

She shook her head. “No.”

He looked past Ellen to Andrea. “Why are you crying?”

“I’m just …. I’m just overwhelmed at this moment.” She fanned herself. “They are taking off to a new world. Like pilgrims. Like the original Mayflower. Like …” She sniffed. “Columbus. Your father is the new Christopher Columbus.”

Frank’s eyebrow raised, and with an odd expression he looked at Ellen. “Oh, she’s fuckin’ whacked.”

Andrea gasped. “And I will tell Joe about that little comment.” Offended, she stormed off.

Ellen snickered. “You sure know how to make friends.”

“Hey, I have you and … and  ... why is Dean walking this way?”

Ellen looked over her shoulder, then to her watch. “Oh, we’re going.”

“We’re?” Frank questioned, “Where are we going?”

“Not you and me.” Ellen answered. “Me and Dean. Yesterday you know how Dean taught me how to do air samples. Today we’re implementing my new skills.”

“Where exactly are you going to collect these air samples?” His eyes shifted to Dean who now stood next to Ellen.

“About twenty miles out, near the coast. First we’re going to get as close to Manhattan as we can for some.”

“What exactly are you hoping to accomplish?” He noticed Dean still standing there and this irked him. “Excuse me!” Frank bellowed. “We’re trying to have a conversation.” He took Ellen by the arm and pulled her aside.

“Was that necessary?” Ellen asked him.

“Yes.”

“Frank, I have to go.”

“El, wait. Why are you doing this? You know, we’re all immune anyhow, and besides, you should work on your list. Which I might add you’re not very good at.”

“Frank.” Ellen placed her hands on her hips. “Everyone is making lists. Yes, we’re all immune, but it’s been two weeks since the outbreak and we’re curious to see if this virus is leaving the air.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Huh?” Ellen asked curiously. “What are you talking about?”

“You said we’re curious about the virus in the air.”

“Ass. Me and Dean. Not you and everyone else. Like I care what everyone else is curious about.” She shook her head and started to walk away.

“Whoa.” Frank grabbed her arm and pulled her back. “What’s with the attitude?”

“Me? You. You’re giving me attitude about going.”

“No, I’m not. I’m questioning why you suddenly have this interest in virus-cology.”

“It’s called virology.”

“Oh, so now you hang out with a scientist and you think you’re all intelligent.”

“You!” Ellen pointed. “Have a problem. You gave me shit yesterday about this.”

“I did not.”

“Yes, you did. I told you what we were doing and you laughed.”

“That’s because I didn’t think he wasn’t teaching you anything. He was lying so he could spend time with you.”

Ellen laughed. “What? Why would you say that?”

“I watched. I didn’t see any samples.”

“Because it was air. God!” Ellen heaved out a sigh. “Frank? I’m going. Ok? Dean brought all the equipment to do this. I want to do this. Never mind that I don’t have prior knowledge or skills. It stops me from seeing death at every corner. My kids. Your kids. It keeps me busy. I need that.”

Silence.

Humbled.

Frank nodded once. “I’m sorry. You’re right.” He exhaled. “Be careful. Ok?”

“I will.” Ellen stepped back.

“El, wait.” Frank looked around, and then kissed Ellen quickly. “Be back before dark. It gets dangerous.”

Ellen nodded, turned, and walked away.

“I mean it.” Frank watched. Ellen had waved, joined Dean, and kept on going. Frustrated, he shook his head and stood there.

Dairy, Ohio

They were still there as Frank predicted, feisty, ornery and still bickering. But Joe and George didn’t mind their little visit to the three farmers in Dairy. In fact they were enjoying it, along with the fresh corn on the cob they served. They felt somewhat guilty for leaving Henry in the van. But they didn’t want to frighten their agricultural prospects.

Joe felt stuffed. He wiped his mouth with a napkin and tossed it on the table. “That was excellent.” He huffed out a breath. “Now back to what we were saying. Right now, we’re gearing up to go check out the place.”

Dirk sucked the corn from his teeth loudly as he spoke. “Are we one of them supply runs you mentioned?”

George tilted his head with a smile. “You could say that.”

“Now see.” Dirk pointed. “Here’s where I’m lost. You were the president. Ya think you’d thought of farmers.”

“I did.” George said. “Well, agricultural experts. But, they died.”

“Killed them did ya?” Dirk snickered.

“Aw, Dirk.” Thelma whined “Why ya have to be like that to the man. Have some respect.”

“Thelma.” Dirk snapped. “He ain’t the president no more. If he is, he got himself a sorry country and no one to vote. Probably win again.”

Stan, the quiet one, finally spoke up. “I don’t think these men are here to listen to you two fight. They need an answer.”

Thelma grumbled. “Got our own crop to worry about. How we gonna go all the way to Montana and run our fields here.”

Dirk’s hand slammed on the table in annoyance. “Aw hush now, Thelma, you ain’t in that much of a stupor now are ya to think they’re gonna make us commute back and forth. Geez, Woman.”

Joe hid back his laugh. “Actually, we want you three to live in our community. We’re trying to rebuild civilization ... eventually.”

Thelma shook her head. “Don’t count on me having no children. I did that.”

“Fifty million years ago,” Dirk insulted. “Can we leave her behind?”

George turned to Joe with a look that all but said, ‘are we doing the right thing?’ But the three knew how to farm, and, eccentric or not, what they knew of farming was more than anyone sitting in Ashtonville.  They needed them. And at very least, the three would be entertaining.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

William was surprised when he opened his front door. “Frank?”

“It’s six-thirty.” Frank said in a not-so-happy manner.

William glanced down to his watch. “That it is. Thank you. I was wondering if my watch was incorrect. Come inside.” William opened the door wider and Frank stepped in.

“No, I’m not here as official time keeper. Where is your son?”

“He’s not here.”

“Did he get back?” Frank asked.

“Not that I know of.”

“Fuck. It’s almost dark. He has Ellen.”

“I believe Ellen went with him.”

“Still it’s …” Frank stopped when Andrea walked in to the living room from another area of the house. She held a plate of food. “Man, you make your rounds.”

“Pardon me?” Andrea questioned, confused.

Frank shook his head.

William decided to clarify. “Frank is a bit concerned about Dean not returning.”

Andrea waved out her hand. “Oh, I’m sure he’ll be here shortly. Why are you worried about Dean? He’s a big boy.”

“Not Dean,” Frank replied. “Ellen.”

“Well, she’s fine, Frank. She’s with Dean.” Andrea smiled.

William cleared his throat. “I believe that’s what concerns Frank.”

“Oh.” Andrea nodded. “I’m sure Dean can take care of her. Plus, Frank, Ellen’s been through …” Andrea sighed, “quite a tragedy. She needs someone right now to take her mind off of things.”

“She has me.” Frank said.

“Yes, but you have Johnny. Ellen needs someone on a different level. From what she has told me, she’s not had a very good life with her husband. Maybe she needs a different type of companionship.”

“She got that from me for years.”

Andrea smiled politely. “But that’s different, Frank.”

“No, it’s not.”

“Yes, it is. You … you were married.” Andrea nodded.

“And … your point is?” Frank asked.

Andrea’s mouth dropped open in her speechless state. She inhaled, looked at William, and then cleared her throat. “I’m going in the other room.” She turned and walked out.

“What’s wrong with her?” Frank asked.

William took Frank by the arm. “Nothing. Just like there is nothing for you to worry about. In fact, they probably returned and just didn’t tell me,” William said as he led Frank to the door.

“You might be right. I’ll check the clinic.”

“You do that.”

“Thanks.” Frank opened the door.

“Oh, and Frank, if they aren’t back, I’m sure they’re close to pulling into Ashtonville now. Ok?” When he received a nod from Frank, William smiled politely and bid him goodnight. He closed the door.

“Is he gone?” Andrea asked.

“Yes, it’s safe.” William said.

“Are you worried about Dean and Ellen, William?”

“Not at this moment.” William replied. “I worry about when they return.” He glanced back at the door in reference to his concerns over Frank.

^^^^

Ellen sat perched upon a large rock. Her knees bent up close to her chest, and her arms folded around them. She stared out into the ocean as a slight breeze came back to her, blowing softly though her hair. The last of the day’s light reflected off the water, giving it a silent, shimmering appearance.

“Hey.” Dean called from behind. “We’re all done, are you hungry?”

“Starved.”

“I’ll be back.” He ran to Joe’s SUV which sat poised above them and returned a few moments later. “Here.” He held wine glasses in front of her. “Hold these.”

Ellen took them. “You brought wine?”

“Well.” Dean sat down next to her, he had a brown bag. “I brought dinner.” He pulled the bottle of wine from the bag, put it between his legs, and opened it. “Hold the glasses.” He began to pour it.

“Dean?”

“Yes?”

“You weren’t like counting on some romantic interlude, were you?” Ellen joked and nudged him.

“No.” Dean began to blush. “Stop. You’re embarrassing me.”

“We did have that moment of weakness in Doc Breyer’s lab.”

Dean inhaled then released the breath in a heavy sigh. “I know.”

“It wasn’t bad.” Ellen whispered.

“I … know.” Dean winked. “But you and I discussed that and …”

“Frank.”

“Frank.” Dean said. “Tonight, though, I knew that the beach would be the last stop we would make, and I thought it would be a nice change of pace to have dinner here, that’s all. Honestly, I’m not trying to …”

“Seduce me?”

“No,” Dean sat the bottle down and took his glass from Ellen. “Get killed while trying to seduce you.”

“Frank.” Ellen shook her head and peeked in the bag. “So … what did you bring?”

Dean smiled. “Here, hold my glass again.” He handed his wine to Ellen then opened the bag and reached in. “We have bread.” He placed the two small loaves between them. “Smoked sausage, processed cheese, that stuff lasts forever. I also have olives, and pudding for desert. Complete with utensils.”

“Mustard?”

“Little packets.” Dean held them up.

“My goodness, Dean. It’s a beach picnic.”

“I tried.”

“This is very nice, thank you.” Ellen spoke softly resting her head against her knees.

“You’re welcome.” Dean stared at her for a second, reached out his hand, and ran the back of his fingers gently down her face. He smiled with a shivering breath and returned to getting their dinner ready. “Anyhow . . . I figure we would need something nice after visiting New York.”

Ellen cringed. “That was awful. Of course, we didn’t get into the heart of it, but we were close enough. It was like something from out of a science fiction movie.”

Dean handed Ellen her sandwich. “I have news for you; life right now is something from out of a science fiction movie. Eat up.”

“Thanks.” Ellen began to eat but suddenly turned to stare at the ocean.

“El?” he snapped his finger before her. “Something wrong.”

“No, uh, why?” She returned from the daze and took a bite.

“I lost you for a moment.”

“Oh, it’s nothing.” Ellen continued to eat. “I was just remembering how many times I used to bring my kids out here, they loved it. I always hated all the sand and the mess. Now what I wouldn’t give to do it just one more time.”

“What I wouldn’t give to have done it once.”

Ellen looked at him. “What do you mean? Haven’t you ever been to the ocean?”

“Oh, sure.” Dean stretched out his legs. “I don’t mean that. I mean, you know, to have a kid, and watch him or her play, to have that child look at you like no other person ever could. Hold your hand, say they love you and really mean it. That’s something I never had and probably never will. I’m sorry, am I being insensitive?”

“No, not at all. Thank you.”

“For what?”

“Making me feel fortunate for having that instead of sorry for losing it.”

“Well, you’re welcome.”

There was a silent moment, and then Ellen turned to him. “Dean? Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Yesterday, I was going through a lot of my kids’ things. Pictures. Poems they wrote. Stuff like that. Just looking and remembering. Getting a smile here and there, instead of sadness.”

“That sounds nice.”

“It was. Anyhow, I started …” Ellen paused. “Never mind. This is gonna sound silly.”

“What? What is?”

After hesitating, Ellen continued, “I was thinking about something. I want your opinion on two things.”

“Shoot. What are they?”

“Be honest with me. I was thinking that I don’t want to spend the rest of my life without a child. Eventually, maybe even soon, I’d like to have a child.”

A peaceful look smoothed Dean’s face. “That unconditional love and the look that only a child can give to his parents.”

“Exactly. I mean nothing will ever replace Taylor and Josh. But to fill emptiness in my life, a child could. So do you think I’m wrong for thinking that, and do you think it’s too soon to think that?”

“No, Ellen.” Dean shook his head. “There’s no normal time frame on anything because there’s no normal anymore. Plus, what better incentive to survive and move on than to have someone depend on you and love you so much.”

Ellen gave a gentle smile. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. So … what does Frank have to say about that?”

After a flutter of her lips, Ellen chuckled. “I didn’t say anything to Frank. Not yet. I wanted to get the opinion of someone who wouldn’t base it on a preconceived notion of who I am.”

“That’s an odd comment.”

“Well, think about it. Frank’s known me forever. He’ll base his opinion of my wanting a child on the woman he knew before the plague.”

“Is the pre-plague Ellen that different from this Ellen?”

“How can she not be?”

Dean stared for a moment. “True. Then I guess I’m getting to know this one.”

“That makes two of us.” The wind blew and Ellen shivered.

Dean saw this. “You’re cold. It is getting chilly. You wanna head home?”

“Am I boring you?”

“No, I love the dinner and conversation. It’s just that it’s …” Dean nodded and shivered.

“Cold.” Ellen chuckled. “Hey, I got an idea. I’m not ready to head back yet. Not just yet. How about …” She looked behind her.

“The truck?” Dean asked.

Ellen nodded.

“Sounds great. We can see the ocean and be warm. Let’s go,” Dean said.

They didn’t waste time. Quickly they gathered up the items and moved them to Joe’s SUV. They stayed at the beach for a long time finishing their meal while watching the ocean, sometimes silent, sometimes talking about their childhoods.

After Dean and Ellen finished, they packed up and headed back, taking it very slow on the dark roads. It took them longer than they would have liked to get home. But with no electricity, there were no road lights. By no means was it entirely late when they returned, just dark. After they unloaded the supplies into the clinic, they returned Joe’s SUV, parking it in front of the house where Joe lived.

Dean turned the key, shutting off the ignition. “I’ll run these up to Frank.” He clutched them in his hand.

“I can do that.” Ellen said and took them. “If he’s up, he’s probably expecting me to stop in.”

“Yeah, probably.” Dean lowered his head. “Um . . .” His hand tapped on the steering wheel. “Good job today.” He looked at her.

“Even though it was work, I had fun.” Ellen gave a half smile. “Dean? I appreciate after the work part was done that we talked about things. I want you to know that. Ok?”

“Ok.” He reached for the door handle.

“And.”

Dean stopped in his reach.

She was silent.

“And?”

“And...” Ellen turned in her seat to face him. “And you didn’t have to be so nice tonight. You took my mind off of things for a little while.”

“I’m glad,” Dean said quietly.

“Yeah, me too. I want you to know.” She took a deep breath. “I’ll uh, I’ll always remember tonight. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

She leaned over to him, kissing him on the cheek. But Ellen didn’t pull back as quickly as she darted in. Slowly, she inched away, then she and Dean locked into a quiet stare.

But that was all that happened. Frank’s hand hit the door causing both of them to jolt. After a chuckle, Ellen quickly opened the car door. “Frank, you scared me.”

“Good.” Frank tried peeking into the car. “What was going on?”

“Oh, we were just saying goodbye.”

Frank stared as Dean stepped from the car.

“In fact,” Ellen said. “I was just bringing...”

“Where have you been?” he asked loudly.

“What?” Ellen laughed some. “Ok, I’ve been out with...”

“This is not a joke, El. Don’t you realize that things are a lot different out there? It’s dark.”

“Frank, I know...”

Dean closed the car door, approaching the two. “What’s up?”

“What’s up?” Frank looked at him. “Let me ask you a question, Dean. While you had her out there running around doing air samples or what have you, did you even think to bring any type of protection? A weapon?”

“Of course I did.” Dean blew off Frank’s attitude. “I brought a revolver.”

“Do you know how to use it?”

Dean chuckled. “I should hope I do. I’ve been in the Army for ten years.”

“Then the Army didn’t teach you jack shit,” Frank blasted him. “Do you not realize we don’t have any idea what’s left out there? Didn’t it occur to you that you shouldn’t be running around all over the place let alone when it’s dark out? You should have ...”

“Hey!” Dean raised his voice at him. “Who in the hell do you think you’re talking to? I’m not some peon of yours. I’m not some idiot who doesn’t know anything. I don’t . . .” Dean raised his hand as he calmed himself. “I don’t appreciate you speaking to me like that. And I don’t appreciate you insinuating I can’t take care of myself or Ellen.” He stepped back. “Goodnight, Ellen. Thanks for all your help today.”

Ellen looked at Frank then followed Dean. “Dean, wait.” She caught up to him. “I’m sorry about Frank.”

“Don’t apologize for him.” Dean shook his head.

“Please understand that he’s going through a bad time right now, all right?” She folded her arms.

“Yes, well, so are you.” Dean raised his eyebrows and stared at her for a moment. “I’m letting it go. Don’t worry about it. I’ll see you in the morning?” His hand rested comfortingly on her folded arms. “Bright and early? We have a lot to start on.”

“Bright and early.” Ellen watched Dean place his hands in his pockets as he turned and walked slowly away. She shifted her eyes to Frank who moved right next to her. Calmly she faced him. “Goodnight, Frank.”

“El, wait.” He took hold of her arm. “I just worry.”

“Worry about what?” Ellen pulled away abruptly.

“Losing you.”

“That’s absurd.”

“You think?”

Ellen paused.

“El, come on.” Frank stepped to her “You spend so much time with him. I know you guys created this bond when he was working on helping Taylor. I know this. That’s what scares me.”

“I’m not going anywhere, Frank.”

“You’re not acting like it.”

“Frank … Where am I supposed to go? Huh? Do you actually think, after all these years, when we finally have a chance to be together the way we’re supposed to be, that I would … I don’t know … up and go to one of the few remaining other males.”

“Yes.”

“Oh, you’re ridiculous.” Ellen spun and walked away.

“El. Wait.” Frank trotted to catch her, and after getting ahead of her, walked backwards. “Wait.”

“What.” Ellen stopped.

“Can we not fight in the middle of the street?”

“We aren’t fighting. I’m just pissed at you.”

“Fine. Can you be pissed at me inside? Let’s go to your house.”

“No,” Ellen tried to get by him.

“El,” Frank blocked her then softened his voice. “Come on. It’s been so long since you and I have been alone.” He leaned closer to her. “So long.” His words whispered as his lips hovered over hers. “Don’t you miss it? Don’t you miss me?”

“Aw, Frank,” Ellen whined.

“El,” He laid his hands on her face. “Be with me. I need you.”

The door to Ellen’s house was barely shut before Frank and Ellen were embraced in a kiss that was intense and passionate. The weight of his body moved her against the wall, edging her to the open area of the living room. Lifting Ellen as he held her tightly, Frank lowered her to the floor. His kisses pounded, one after another, pulling, hard, intense, while his body nestled in between her legs.

“Frank,” Ellen breathed out. “Not on the floor.”

Frank pulled at her clothes. “Why?”

“Not here.”

“Where?” he asked, and then kissed her again.

“Let’s go upstairs.”

His arm scooped under her, ready to hoist her with him as he stood, but he paused. “Do you have … you know? He kissed her.

“What?”

“El.” He tied to convey facially his request.

“What?” Ellen kissed him softly.

“You know …” Almost painfully, and embarrassed, he said, “Condoms.”

Ellen snickered. “Frank, don’t worry about it.” She grabbed him and kissed again.

After lovemaking, it was mid kiss that Frank caught the glow of the wind-up alarm clock. “Shit.” He whispered and reached for it. “I have to go.” He set it down and kissed Ellen quickly.

“Frank, I wanted to talk to you about something.”

Frank began to slip from bed. “Can it wait until tomorrow?”

“It could. But I’d rather not. Right now is best.” Ellen sat up, keeping herself covered.

“What’s wrong?” Frank asked. He reached down to the floor and tossed Ellen her shirt. He then grabbed his clothes.

“Nothing, really, I … I want to talk to you about maybe … having a baby.”

Frank laughed as he put on his pants.

“Frank.”

He faced Ellen. “You’re serious.”

“Yes.”

“Well...” Sitting down, Frank reached for his socks and shoes, and began to pull them on. “Having a baby. In a few years that might not be a bad idea.” He finished and stood, looking for his shirt. “I mean, let’s get things settled and start everything up again.”

“I’m not talking about a few years down the road. I’m talking soon. Very soon. Like trying immediately.”

The shirt slipped over his head, exposing his shocked and slightly angered expression. “Now?”

“Yes.”

“Unbelievable,” He shook his head in disbelief. “Was that what tonight was about?”

“What?” Taken aback, Ellen rose from the bed. “What are you talking about?”

“Tonight. Telling me not to worry about the condoms?”

“No, Frank.”

Frank continued, “The urgency that you made love with.”

Ellen laughed sarcastically. “Me? Urgent? Um, no. You. You, Frank.”

“You wanted to get pregnant.”

“And you just wanted to fuck.”

With his jaw tense and clenched, Frank glared at her. “I’m going home. Next time you wanna pull your little tricks …”

“Tricks!” Ellen leaped his way. “How can you trick someone you’ve been with for fourteen years? I thought you loved me.”

“I do!” Frank shouted. “I thought you loved me! Discuss it first with me, El. I don’t want a baby. Not now.”

“Why are you so angry about this?”

“Because I feel like you just betrayed our kids. Our kids. They died, El. They all just died. And you wanna replace them so quick?”

Huffing Ellen stepped back. “You know what? Go home. You’re so fucked.”

“No, El, you are.” Frank flung open the bedroom door. “For even thinking this.” He stormed out.

In the aftermath of emotions left in the room, Ellen just plopped to the bed.

Sunday,  June 14th

Ashtonville, Connecticut

The pencil rattled as it fell to the clinic counter. Ellen picked it up and dropped it again. Once it lay still, she repeated the pattern. Pick up, drop. Pick up, drop. Until Dean had enough. His hand came down stopping the pencil.

“I told you waiting on results could get boring,” he said to Ellen.

“I know.”

“Did you want to find something else to do?” he asked.

“No, I’m working on my notebook.”

“You’re fussing.”

She shook her head. “No, really, I’m thinking.”

“I see. So … any chance during your thinking phase I can steal that notebook and look at that poem?”

“No.”

“Why? You said the other day that I could.”

“That was before Frank said it sucked.”

“And how much poetry does Frank read?”

“You have a point.” Ellen inhaled. “Ok, here.” She opened the notebook. “Read.”

“Thanks.”

“And please don’t tell me it sucks.”

“I wouldn’t ever do that.”

“Be honest.”

“Let me read.”

“Ok,” Ellen stood up “Is it hot in here?”

“Yes.” Dean started to read.

“I’m gonna go outside for a bit.”

“Go on.”

Ellen moved to the door.

“Oh, Ellen.” Dean called her. “This is very good.”

Ellen smiled. “Thank you. Thanks so much.” She walked out.

After he was sure she was gone, Dean exhaled. “Whew.” He shook his head and put down the notebook. “That was bad.”

Ellen had not been outside the clinic more than a minute when she saw Frank approaching. She tried to hurry back in, but he called her name.

“El, wait.”

She didn’t want to, but Ellen stopped. She wanted to visually convey to Frank that she didn’t want to speak to him, so she turned away from him. “What?”

He walked to her. “Last night didn’t end so good.”

“You think?”

“Stop this. Just … stop. Ok?”

“Frank, you and I have nothing to say to each other. I have air sample results to get back to.” Ellen turned for the door, and walked in.

“El.” Frank followed her.

“Now is not the time and this is not the place.” Ellen told him.

“You think I give a shit?” Frank asked harshly.

“No, not really, that's your whole problem.”

“No, see, El, that’s your problem. You don’t care.”

Ellen chuckled in disbelief. “What are you talking about?”

“If you even cared about me, you would have discussed this decision with me before you took steps to make it happen.”

“For your information, Frank,” Ellen said, “last night I had no hidden agenda.”

Frank looked away.

“You don’t believe me.”

“Would you?”

“I’m done.” Ellen threw her arms out.

“What? What do you mean, ‘done’?” Frank asked. “Us?”

“There is no us, Frank.”

“Why do you say that? Ever since I got back, you have said that.”

“It’s true.” Ellen said.

“Is it because I want us to take it slow in front of Johnny?”

“No,” Ellen shook her head. “It’s because we’re not a couple.”

“Then what do you call us?”

“Not a couple.”

Frank huffed out. “How can you make that statement after fourteen years?”

“And you have to ask?” Ellen said. “Got news for you, Frank. I was married to someone else. So were you. We weren’t a couple. We were friends who slept together. Period.”

“We’re more. I love you.”

“Not the way a man should love a woman.”

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”

“Frank, I really don’t want to talk about this.”

“Too late, El. We are. And I think you’re saying this shit because you’re pissed.”

“Damn right I’m pissed.” Ellen argued back.

“Why? Because I didn’t like a decision you made out of your grief?”

“See? I think your decision is based on your grief.”

“I hate when we do this back and forth shit.” Frank said.

“Then let’s not.” Ellen folded her arms.

Frank shook his head. “This isn’t going anywhere. I came to talk to you to work things out. What do I get? I get that we aren’t ‘an us’.”

“How can we be ‘an us’, Frank; we haven’t a clue how to even do that correctly.”

“Then let’s try.” Frank said. “Let’s just see what happens.”

“I don’t think that’s possible.”

“How do you know?”

“Because I’m not so convinced that the only thing you want out of me is…”

“Don’t.” Frank held up his and. “Don’t even go there. Don’t even suggest that all I want is sex out of you. I could say the same thing.”

Ellen fluttered her lips. “That’s giving yourself a lot of credit, don’t you think.”

“I’m out of here.” Frank moved away. “Maybe once you calm down and change your mind about this baby thing, we can talk rationally.”

“I have changed my mind about the baby thing.”

Frank stopped at the door and turned around. “You did?”

“Oh, yeah. My original decision was to have a baby with you. Don’t get me wrong, Frank, I still want that baby. But if you won’t help me, then I’ll find someone who will.”

Frank bit his bottom lip and glared. “Then I suggest you find yourself a sperm donor.” He slammed his hands into the door and stormed out.

Ellen was holding her breath. She slowly let it out and jumped when she heard the clearing of a throat. She spun around. Dean stood there.

“Without crossing a line …” Dean tilted his head. “That … that was harsh, what you said.”

“I know. Frank brings out the worst in me.”

“Sometimes people …”

“Are the air samples done yet?” Ellen asked, obviously changing the subject.

“You don’t want to talk about this.”

Ellen shook her head.

“Then in that case, some of the samples are done.”

“And?”

Dean twitched his head toward the back. “I’ll show you.”

Ellen started to follow Dean; she took one more glance back to the door, and then she looked back no more.

Dickinson, ND

Joe leaned back on his elbows and stared across the huge field where they had stopped for a rest. He looked behind him as John and George conversed over an open map and then straight ahead to where Henry vomited. The sight of Henry upchucking—though demented—made Joe chuckle, especially after Henry had carried on about his disastrous sixth grade dance.

In a pretty relaxed state, Joe had no desire but to lay there and enjoy the peace and quiet. The trip had been uneventful; they’d not seen a single person.

Though not far from him, as George discussed finding the Garfield Project, Joe just listened. They talked about how it would be hard to find. How the small road was hidden off the main one. Joe wasn’t wagering on there being a hidden survival place, and he wasn’t wagering on there not being one.

One day at a time.

He was pretty relaxed about the whole thing. Though Henry and Miguel stated their apprehensions about Garfield, and how it could have been a government urban legend, Joe didn’t.

Why worry about it; the truth would be evident soon enough. And if worse came to worse and there was no Garfield Project then Joe still got to see the country and had a good idea of what they had to prepare for.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

Even though he appeared busy, it was obvious that William eavesdropped. In his kitchen, cookbook propped up on a stand, two lanterns for illumination, he went from looking at the pages to peering over the rims of his half-square glasses at Ellen and Andrea.

A little of this, a dash of that, cock an ear and listen.

But Ellen and Andrea didn’t seem to notice; in fact, William waited on his chance to intervene, which would come soon enough.

“You don’t have to leave, do you?” Ellen asked.

“No, I was just wondering if I should go check on Jenny and the children.” Andrea said.

“Jenny is fine,” Ellen assured. “She babysat for me numerous times.” Ellen’s thoughts went from assured to sad, but she quickly pulled out of it.

“Well, then I’ll wait until after our meal, which smells …” She inhaled. “Delicious. William, dinner smells divine.”

“Thank you. If my son doesn’t return shortly, we will eat without him.”

“Anyhow …” Andrea retuned to Ellen. “You were saying?”

“I’m not boring you, right?”

“Good heavens, no. Why would you say that?”

William chuckled. “She realizes that she’s been hanging around my son and being boring is contagious.”

Andrea shook her head. “Continue.”

“I was just getting your opinion on what I said to Frank.”

Andrea thought for a moment. “It was a bit insensitive.”

William spoke up, “I disagree.”

Both women faced him.

“Not that I’m eavesdropping or anything; I couldn’t help but hear. But …” William said, “Yes, the words were cutting. However, this is a man you’ve known most of your life, Ellen. He should understand what it is you want. He should be favorable to helping. You, on the other hand, spoke through your frustration.”

“Yes, I did. Andrea, what do you think of my decision?” Ellen asked.

“Which one? The one to have a child or to do it with or without Frank.”

“The child.”

Andrea partially smiled. “Having been a nurse for many years, I’ve seen woman in your position reach the same decision.”

“It’s not like I want to replace them,” Ellen said.

“No,” Andrea shook her head. “You need to be a mother.”

“Exactly. Yes, I have Joe and Frank, and Johnny. But they aren’t really mine.”

“Joe’s like a father,” Andrea said.

Ellen nodded. “But he isn’t mine. My children were mine. I loved them without reason and unconditionally, and they loved me the same. I need that in my life. I need that to go on. Yeah, I’m going on, but not the way I want. If I have that to focus on, I think … no, I know I’ll be better.”

“The there’s nothing wrong with the decision or timing,” Andrea commented. “Have you explained your reasoning to Frank?”

“Ok, well …” Ellen held up her hand. “After I left Doc Breyer’s I ran into Frank again. We were calmer, I told him what I just told you, and things erupted again.”

“He got angry over what you said?” Andrea asked.

“No, I got angry over what he said. He told me I always make decisions without thinking, and this was one of them. When I asked him what he thought I’d do, end up not wanting the child once it was born? He said yes. I’ll not want it and act like it.”

William fluttered his lips. “He’s a boob. Sorry, Ellen. I like the man but … if you want a child, have a child. Plain and simple. Try to conceive; it if happens it is meant to be.”

Andrea whispered an ‘oh’, and swayed her head, humming. “William, you have insight. If the Good Lord wants Ellen to have a child, He’ll deliver.”

William pointed a spoon. “And so will Ellen once she gets pregnant. And, I’m also willing to wager something else. I’m willing to bet that once you get pregnant, more so once this child is born, Frank will want everything to do with it and forget what he said about not wanting another baby now.”

Ellen chuckled. “That would be nice, but … I can’t get pregnant by Frank without Frank’s help.”

“Who said the child had to be Frank’s in order for him to want to raise it?” William asked. “That child will be yours; in return, that is what Frank will want a part of. Your child.” William continued to mix. “Do as he suggested, find a sperm donor. You’ve many around here to choose from. Just …” He set down the bowl, “Don’t choose Henry.”

Andrea gasped. “Is that a racist remark?”

‘No, it’s an annoyance remark.” William replied, “Something tells me Henry’s child will whine as much as he does. Take your pick, Ellen, you needn’t even sleep with the man, my son probably could help out on the medical end. In fact …” William snapped his finger. “What about using my son? Genetically it would be a good move. And I don’t believe he’s ever had sex so supplying without a woman wouldn’t be a problem.”

This made Ellen laugh extremely hard. “William, you’re funny.”

“But in all seriousness, if you truly are willing to move forward without Frank’s help, think of Dean.”

Andrea said, “Are you sure it’s not a trick to get a grandchild?”

‘No,” William answered. “Won’t we all be part of the child’s life? I’m not being biased; Dean is a good choice.”

The back door opened at that second. “What about me?” Dean said.

“Oh, “William answered. “We were just talking about you supplying some of that pent-up sperm for the Ellen baby cause.”

On that remark, Dean turned and walked right back out.

Monday, June 15th

Garfield Country, Montana

The day’s first light began to shine. The wooded area was still dark, and headlights were needed. The six men made it past the first gate and headed down the bumpy dirt road in search of the community.

“It shouldn’t be much further, Joe,” George noted as Joe drove. “Directions say about a half mile.”

Henry leaned between the two front seats. “I think we’re on the wrong road.”

“Ninety-four,” Joe said. “Ninety-four goddamn times you’ve complained or made a derogatory remark. Do you realize that? There’s something wrong with you.”

Henry snickered, “Oh, yeah, well, you’re counting.”

Frustrated, Joe bit his lip. “Where’s the duct tape? Miguel, do your thing to Henry again.”

“No,” Henry called out. “I’m serious. That looks like a mountain up ahead; you can see it, look.”

Joe looked over the steering wheel. “Seems like we’re headed right towards it.”

George looked over his notes. “No, this has to be it.”

Joe hit the brakes, and everyone jerked. “It is.”

In front of them, the road became paved, and it led to the opening of a gated tunnel. Just in front of the gate was an empty guard booth, and on the gate a sign which read, UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PROPERTY. NO TRESPASSING!

Joe stepped from the van, and everyone followed. He walked to the booth with a chuckle. “It’s well-guarded, I can see.” He then walked to the gate which closed off the tunnel. The gate was secured by a padlock and chain. “Oh, this will keep people out.” Joe said sarcastically as he reached for the chain.

“Wait!” John yelled to him. “Don’t touch it.” He ran up to Joe. “Don’t touch the fence.”

“What the hell?” Joe looked strangely at him.

John gently moved Joe with his hand. “Step back.” John looked around and found a stick. He picked it up and hurled it at the fence. The stick clanked against the metal and fell to the ground.

Joe shook his head. “John, that stick is not going to open the gate. We’re gonna have to shoot it off. Throwing twigs is just not going to do it. Unless of course you want to intimidate it into opening, in that case we’ll all just sit here and yell names at it. Or annoy it and have Henry bitch.”

John picked up the twig. “Ha, ha, ha, very funny, Joe.” He pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Joe. “This compound is powered by three solar energy generators, one of which generates the security system, here.” John showed him on the paper. “The system secures all ground entrances. If by some chance the generators were up and running, you would have been electrocuted.”

Joe refolded the paper and handed it back to John. “Don’t you mean ‘solarcuted’?” Joe walked back to the van, opened the back hatch, and retrieved his rifle. He returned to the other men who were standing at the gate. “Watch out.” He aimed at the lock, fired one shot, and the padlock and chain fell to the ground. Joe walked up and opened the huge gate. “Let’s get back in the van and go.”

They drove through the dark tunnel. The only guiding light was the appearance of sunlight at the end.

When they pulled out of the tunnel, they were on a roadway that sat above the huge complex.

The complex, which was recorded to have been built on twenty-five square miles of land, was laid out like a community that was intended to grow. As far as they could see, sporadically encircling the compound were huge, gray, warehouse-type buildings. Those were marked on the plans as to be used for storage. To their left was plain land, laid out for farming. The three long greenhouses could also be seen. To their right were the small rows of houses, all of which were tan in color and diminutive. All of them, five rows of ten, each had scrawny front and back yards. There were several other structures around, and land that looked as if to be used for more buildings if needed.

George stepped out of the van first. He spread the map on the hood of the van.

Henry was astonished. “I can’t believe it actually exists. It’s so big.” He stood next to George and looked down at the map. “George, this looks better than it does on paper.”

George whose back was facing the complex, agreed. “It sure does, doesn’t it?”

Joe looked back at the small tunnel. “Hey, George, how in the hell are we going to get trucks with supplies into this place?”

“We’re gonna have to use the other entrance, here.” George pointed. “But we have no directions on how to get there so we’ll have to figure it out.” George turned and faced the men. “All right. We have all discussed this. Jonas and Miguel, you two will check out the agricultural side. Henry and John, you two check the solar generators. John, I believe you have the papers. Joe and I will check out the structures. Everybody, give a quick check and we’ll meet here in say one hour, just a quick check. After that then we’ll get into everything more thoroughly.”

They all grabbed the paperwork for each of their divisions and headed off.

Henry and John were the first to return to the van. They sat on the ground drinking warm beers until the others arrived.

Joe and George huffed and puffed a bit as they made it back up the small hill. Jonas and Miguel followed a few feet behind them.

Joe reached into the cooler filled with the beer bottles and grabbed one. He opened it, chugged it quickly so he would not taste how warm it was. He wiped his mouth then plopped on the ground next to Henry.

When the men were all finally seated in a circle, Henry was the first to speak:

“John and I checked out the generators, and they are definitely there. We feel that there should be no reason why we can’t get them up and running with little problem. They each have a huge reserve pool, which tells me that there’re one heck of a bunch of generators. Also, from what we could tell, right now we only need two of them, and probably not even much of the second one. The third seems to be a spare for when more buildings are eventually built.”

George nodded. “You’re right, this place was designed to be started with fifty people, but the plan also includes growth. The population will definitely increase. It’s designed for that. Joe and I checked out the structures. All the housing units appear to be the same. Military-style housing with a living room, dining area, nice-size kitchen, one and a half baths and two bedrooms, no carpets. Although none of the rooms are very big, they are adequate.” George pulled out a small notebook and began to read. “They all have a stove, fridge, heating and cooling units. Very, very basic. As far as furnishings, that too is very basic. So it’s not an immediate need. Also there is plumbing. It is not working.”

“Oh my God,” Henry gasped. “How do you know? Did you use a toilet and it not flush?”

Joe glared at Henry. “What the hell is the matter with you? I turned on a goddamn faucet.”

John raised his hand in interruption. “Henry and I read in our instructions that the filtering and pump systems won’t work until we get the generator up and running. The one generator definitely controls that.”

George closed his note pad. “Good, also the warehouses that we got to appear to be empty. And now Joe has something to add.”

“Thanks. We also discovered the small school and library, though furnished, have no books. There is a small clinic-style hospital, no medication or supplies. There are two other smaller buildings; one seems to be set up like a grocer, no food. The other seems to be like the supply stores I remember in the military, but no supplies.”

Miguel stood up. “We have a similar problem.” He pointed to the land to the left of them. “All of that seems to be designated for different areas of farming. The greenhouses are set up. The warehouse is stocked with equipment and what appears to be everything we need to get started.”

Joe was puzzled. “So what’s the problem?”

Miguel sat back down. “None of us, in any of the conversations that we’ve had, has mentioned that we know the first thing about farming. In order for us to determine what we need, we’ll have to bring our trio out here first.”

Joe winced. “We’ll put that on our list. Right now I have to hook up the radio and let the others know we arrived. Then I say let’s rest a bit, then get to work. During this week, gentleman, we have to list everything that we need and more to get this place running.  I have a feeling that will be one helluva list.”

Ashtonville, Connecticut

“There.” Ellen reached across the Scrabble board and placed down the tiles. “That’s ten.”

Frank wrote down her score. “Thanks for waiting with me, Ellen.”

“Yeah, well, it doesn’t mean I like you or I’m not mad at you. I just want to be around when Joe radios. Take your turn.”

Frank smiled arrogantly. “Wait until you see this.” He proudly picked up four tiles and placed them on the board. “Uh huh! Triple-word score. That’s three, and four is seven, plus one, three . . .”

“Wait a second! What is that?”

“My word. I added R, I, S, M, to your word ‘plague’ and hit the triple word.”

“And what exactly are you trying to spell?” she asked annoyingly.

“Plaguerism. You know when you steal someone else’s idea.”

“It’s not ‘plaguerism,’ goof. It’s ‘plagiarism’! Take it off.”

“Are you sure it’s not a word? I mean now it might be, since we’ve been plaguerized. Get it?”

“Take it off.”

At that instant Joe’s voice echoed through the kitchen over the speaker on the radio. “Frank. Frank, are you there? Over.”

Frank sprang to his feet, knocking over the chair as he dove to the radio. “Dad, I’m here.”

“Hey, Frank. We found it, it really exists.”

“What’s it like?” Frank asked.

“It will work, but only with work.”

Ellen grabbed the microphone from Frank’s hand. “Hey, Joe, I miss you.”

“Hey, Kiddo, I miss you too.”

“So it’s really real?”

Joe answered Ellen’s question. “It’s real, very plain, but real. You guys will love it. It needs to be pretty much fully stocked.”

Frank retrieved the microphone from Ellen. “Hey, Dad, how much?”

“Well, basics are here. I mean the big stuff. It’s the little shit that we need. So we’re gonna spend the next couple days finding out exactly what that is, then we’ll head home. Oh, Frank, we sort of come up with a plan on the way out here and would like you to share it with everyone.”

“What is it?”

“We thought that once we knew exactly what we needed, we’d break it down into categories and pair people off sending them out to get the stuff. It was just hypothetical planning on the way out, but unfortunately it looks like that’s what we’re gonna have to do.”

“That much?”

“Yeah. Listen, I’m gonna get some rest. Check in if you have any problems, otherwise, I’ll see you in about a week, as soon as we’re done.”

“All right, Dad, I’ll see you.” Frank turned off the radio. “El, they made it.”

“I’m glad. I’m gonna go now, I didn’t get much sleep last night, and I want to rest up before Dean and I go out and search for that cow.” Ellen started to leave.

“You go on, thanks for whoa. Wait.” Frank called her. “A cow? Did you say cow or did I miss understand you.”

“No, I said cow. When we were doing the air samples, we saw a cow. We want to try to get a blood sample from it to see if it’s immune to the virus, or a carrier.”

“Why?”

“If it’s a carrier, breeding it with another would not assure its offspring is immune. I mean obviously cows get the virus, why else would their carcasses be all over the place? But if it’s immune, chances are there will be others, too.”

“So you guys are going to walk up to this cow, stick a needle in it, and leave.”

“No.” Ellen rolled her eyes. “We’re bringing it back. We saw it about ten miles away.”

“You and Dean are going to bring back a cow? Why? Are we having steaks?”

Ellen shook her head. “I’m leaving.” She headed to the front door.

“I’m serious, El.” Frank gently held her arm. “If you and Dean manage to bring back this cow. What in the world are you going to do with it once you’ve tested it?”

“Uh …. Fresh milk, maybe?”

“Milk. That’s very smart.”

“We’re intelligent people, Frank. Some people actually gain something from their education. Now please may I go? I need my rest; the cow is a big undertaking.”

“You guys need any help?”

“Oh, no. We did real good with the dead bodies. How hard will one live cow be?”

“Dean, she’s not budging!” Ellen pushed the cow’s backside with her own then fluttered her lips and swatted her hand. “God, the flies. Are you pulling on the rope?”

“Yes.” Dean pulled with everything he had, but the cow rested on the hard pavement. He too, swatted away the abundance of flies.

“Dean, maybe we shouldn’t try to take her.”

“Why?”

“She could be sick, I mean …” Ellen flung her hand in her face. “The flies.”

“We just won’t drink the milk, that’s all. Sick or not we can test her.”

“True.” Ellen exhaled and stood behind the cow, hands on her hips. “Well, how did we get her this far?”

“She followed us.” Dean dropped the rope and leaned against the truck out of breath.

“Maybe she decided she doesn’t like us.” She walked to the front of the cow and spoke in a high-pitched upbeat voice. “Come on cow, wanna go?”

“El, she’s not a puppy.”

The cow looked at Ellen, mooed, shook its head to shuck the flies in its eyes, and when it did, a long line of slimy salvia flung out at Ellen.

Shuddering vocally, Ellen stepped back.

Dean glanced over the small pickup truck. “Ellen, how in the world are we going to get her in this truck?”

“Wait, I got an idea.” Ellen picked up the rope and walked over to the passenger door and opened it. “Come on, Dean, just start driving.”

“You want to drag her?”

“No, maybe if you drive real slow I’ll hold onto the rope and she’ll follow us again.”

Dean shrugged his shoulders. “It’s worth a shot.”

They climbed into the truck and very slowly started down the road. The cow lifted herself from her lying position and began to walk by the side of the slow-moving red truck.

“Dean, it’s working.”

“Yes, but at this rate, it’ll take us three hours to get home.”

“True, but we’re coming home with a cow.”

Garfield County, Montana

As the others napped soundly on the hard floor of the small house, Joe sat against the wall, knees pulled up, smoking a cigarette. He watched the others, almost as if he were the watch dog. It wasn’t that he expected anything to jump out and get them. Then again, he was in Bigfoot country. Joe needed his time. He had done his best thinking in the past when he was alone. It was hard for him to comprehend that even in a dead world, he had trouble being alone.

Joe had to work now on his long-term plan. Once they got everything they needed, would they be able to operate as a community? Most of those alive were total strangers. They had already counted on each other without disappointment or letdown. But now it was different. Now each of them had to depend on each other to make their survival work. In a situation such as this, a situation where everyone had to do their part to eat and to live, there had to be no loose links in the chain, whether it be any of the fifteen of them or any survivors they found in the future. Joe pulled out ‘the Joe notebook’ and began to write. ‘No loose links’ was scribbled boldly across the top of a blank page. This was something he felt they had to enforce. This was going to be their community. They were going to finish building as had been intended. They were going to stride to have it flourish with the sweat and pain of their own bodies. And now they would have to be careful, from this moment on, as to who they let in. One wrong person could break the project. Joe vowed to himself that, as long as he was there, he would never allow that to happen.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

The fenced-in yard was large, but not large enough. Ellen stood at the best distance she could from the cow. “All right, girl, you’re not gonna charge at me, are you?”

“She’s not a bull.” Dean walked up to her.

“Oh, you scared me. What took you so long?”

“You wanted me to get the others, didn’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Anyway, she’s clean, no sign of the virus at all.”

“Good. How about anything else? You know, since she has flies.”

Dean shrugged. “We may do better to test the milk.”

“Good idea.” Ellen reached her hand over and touched Dean on his side. “How are your ribs?”

“Getting better, thank you very much for laughing at me when she kicked me.”

“Well I told you she would jerk when I pricked her. Remember I have never done venipuncture on a cow before.”

Andrea’s voice neared as she called out to them. “Are you guys back here? We brought the bucket like Dean …” She stopped in her tracks when she reached the yard. “Sweet Jesus, is that a cow?”

Dean bobbed his head. “Looks that way.”

Denny ran to it. “Neat.”

Ellen stopped him. “Stay back, Den, I don’t think she’s used to people yet.”

Andrea handed Dean the bucket. “Here, Dean, it’s the biggest and the cleanest I could find.”

Johnny also ran into the back yard. “Wow, hey, Daddy, hurry up, there’s a cow here.”

Frank was amazed. “You guys actually got it here. I’m impressed.”

Dean held tightly to the bucket. “Yes, well, it was easy. Now we need to get a sample of her milk.” Dean placed the bucket under the cow while everyone stood around and watched. He wiped his hands off on the back of his jeans and reached under the cow. He paused, reached again then stood. “Ellen, you do it.”

“Me? I’m not touching it. No way.” She looked over at Andrea. “She has flies.”

Andrea waved her hands. “Uh-uh. Nope. I’m a city girl. I’m a cow virgin.”

Ellen turned to Frank. “Frank?”

Frank fluttered his lips. “Yeah, right.”

Dean looked around. “How hard can it be?” He faced the cow. “I’m gonna milk you.” He knelt down at her side and very gently pinched the udders between his fingers and lightly pulled. “Nothing’s happening, maybe she’s dry.”

William stepped forward. “Christ, Dino, you’re not seducing the thing, you’re milking it. Watch out.” He moved Dean aside. “I’ll show you.”

“Dad, you know how to milk a cow?”

“Dino.” William squatted. “Did you forget I worked my way through college on a dairy farm?”

“Oh.” Dean remembered. “That’s right. If you knew how to milk a cow, why didn’t you say so? Why’d you let us go back and forth on it?”

William looked up at his son. “I thought it was pretty funny.” He grabbed hold of the udders. “I’m going show you how to milk first, then what you have to do with the milk so we can drink it.” William then proceeded to milk the cow, while the others watched the good doctor put his well-trained hands to work.

Sunday, June 21st

Ashtonville, Connecticut

The hour of daybreak on the first day of summer brought the intrusive sounds of honking horns and air brakes as four semi-tractor trailers rolled onto the street where everyone resided. Summoning everyone from their beds, Joe and the others waited patiently in the street for everyone to greet their arrival home.

Those who were half awake brought a sense of relief when they walked to the street and saw the others had returned. The trucks that they had brought were a sign that the survival plan was about to move into high gear.

Once everyone was present, Joe grabbed their attention. “We’re sorry for waking you up like this, but we couldn’t wait to see you. Before you ask . . . and Ellen, don’t whine . . . Henry and John stayed behind so they could get things up and running, energywise. It’s up to all of you; we can brief you now or wait until later.”

The choice was given. Even though it was early, impatience won out over sleep, and they voted to listen to what the returning four had to say.

Joe took a deep breath as he opened up his notebook and looked upon the eager faces seated before him. “Now, we have been working all week on this, and we hope we can get your support. We think we have this thing pretty much worked out. First off, let me say I think it’s gonna work. We have a lot of hard work ahead of us, but we can do it. This place, this community in Montana, needs stocking, and here’s how we’re going to do it. We’ve broken the list into four categories, as you can see by the four trucks, and we’ve assigned you to the trucks. If everyone sticks to their assignment, we can stay on track and perhaps be in Montana by August. Now George is going to tell you what we’ve come up with. George.”

George stood. “All right, Ashtonville can’t be left unattended and neither can the kids. Maggie and William will stay back with the children. The first truck to go out will be the cloth and clothing truck. That will take Andrea, Jenny, and Miguel. You three need to spend the next couple days laying out your mapping and planning. You have to come up with clothing to be stockpiled and issued--blankets and any other cloth items that you can think of.”

Andrea raised her hand. “So we are to go about the countryside looking for all of this, sort of a scavenger hunt?”

“Exactly.” George answered. “Basically that’s what all of you must do. But I need to remind all of you, planning is essential. If you know what you are to get and where to get it, the easier it will be to get it all back here in one week. Next is food, we have assigned Frank and Jonas to this. They are to gather food. Realistically, one truckload will not be enough. Hopefully by September we will have the warehouses in Montana stocked to their fullest. Keep in mind, this isn’t food for our long-term survival, it’s food to hold us over until we are self-sufficient. Frank led us to three endearing and experienced farmers. Tomorrow Henry and John will be meeting them halfway. They’ll be in Montana when we get there, and they are confident that they can at least get the greenhouses going, along with livestock if we find any. Yes, Ellen.”

Ellen lowered her hand “We have a cow.”

“That’s nice now …” George paused. “A cow.”

Ellen nodded. “Dean and I found it. Brought it back. But she may have some unknown vet illness. Even though William has a remarkable tug and jug method for the milk, I won’t drink it until we’ve tried to test for everything.”

George noted William’s irritated sigh then looked at Ellen. “Is the cow sick?” he asked.

“That’s what we’re trying to determine, George. Unfortunately neither Dean nor I are vets. So … we’re winging it.”

William sighed.

George shifted eyes to William, then back to Ellen. “What makes you think she might be ill?”

Ellen stated. “She has flies.”

“Flies?”

“Lots of them. Everywhere. They are always on her, around her, in her eyes.” Ellen shuddered. “Horrible. Flies.”

Finally, William sighed even more heavily with a slap to his thigh. “For goodness sakes, Ellen, for two intelligent people you and Dino are idiots. She doesn’t have flies.”

“Yes, she does,” Ellen said. “You’ve seen them.”

“No, flies are attracted to her like every other cow. She doesn’t have flies. You speak like she has lice or …”

“Oh,” Ellen scratched her head. “Thank you for that.”

William huffed. “She doesn’t have flies like it’s a disease.” He peered to George. “The cow is fine. The milk is fine. I’ve been drinking it since we got her.”

Dean blinked. “Dad, I told you not to do that until we tested her. That wasn’t very smart.”

“Well, neither is thinking a cow is diseased because flies buzz about her, but that didn’t stop you.”

George held in his chuckle, cleared his throat, and continued. “We’ll make arrangements for the cow. Thank you, William. And on that …I’m glad, Ellen, you and Dean work well together because you are our medical-supply people. We have a hospital there that needs stocking. Everything is needed. We figure William can help you compile your list. Dean, Miguel is going to spend tomorrow with you teaching you to drive the truck. Yes, Frank.” George called upon him.

“Dean in a semi?” Frank asked. “Driving?”

“Yes,” George responded.

“Dean?” Frank said again, only this time really motioning his head Dean’s way.

Joe aggravated, intervened. “Christ, Frank, that’s what the man said. Dean driving a semi.”

Frank huffed and placed his hand out to indicate short.

“Oh,” Joe nodded. “Yeah.”

George added. “Ok, Dean, you might want to bring a phone book or something to reach the pedals.” Frank’s snicker caused George to pause, but not for long. “Finally, Joe and I are on paper. That includes books and so forth. We have also decided to have a couple computers running other than the ones Dean has for his equipment. And I’ll let Miguel finish this up.”

As George sat down, Miguel stood, he spoke slowly. “I hope to have you driving trucks well. Dean, the pedals might be …”

“A reach,” Dean nodded “Yeah, I know. Continue. I’ll bring a pillow.”

“Thank you,” Miguel said. “By the end of this week, everyone will go out to get what they have to find and return in one week. We will make three trips to Montana. Take a truck out, unload it, set up, and again until we finish. On the very last trip, we will load a cargo plane with our stuff and fly it out. Because of fuel and no place close to land the plane, we cannot make every trip by plane.”

George interjected. “We’ll get more in depth with each of you on an individual basis this week. But there is still one more very important task left, and for that, we have an assignment for Johnny and Denny. This place in Montana has no real name. That is your task. This week you will name our town. And whatever you two decide on, that’s what it will be.”

“Yes!” Denny clenched his fist. “We get to name the town, this is way cool.”

“We have to be serious, Denny.” Johnny calmed him. “We’re starting history with this.”

George smiled and closed his notebook. “All done. Now we have to get some rest before we stop by and see you guys all sometime today.”

Frank rubbed Johnny’s head. “Wow, John, you and Denny name this place.” He smiled at his son, and at Ellen. “Are we talking yet?”

“For purposes of civility,” Ellen replied as she got up from her chair.

“Huh?”

“She meant ….” Dean approached.

“Don’t.” Frank ordered. “Don’t even proceed to tell me what she meant. And what do you want? Aren’t you gonna spend enough time with her on the road?”

Ellen gasped. “Come on, Dean. Let’s go start our list.” It was apparent Dean had more to say to Frank, but Ellen physically persuaded him to move on.

“Keep going. You two suck at lists.” Frank shook his head then noticed his father looking at him. “What?”

“What the hell is the matter with you?” Joe barked.

“Everything. Why are Dean and Ellen going out together for this?”

“Frank, they’re in charge of medical stuff. I had you two paired up, but everyone said ‘no’. Besides, your strength is needed elsewhere. It’s only a week.”

“A lot can happen in a week, Dad.”

“Well, yeah, Frank, it can. Hell, the world ended in a week.”

“And they can go out on this trip and change my life again.”

“Don’t be silly,” Joe said. “You and Ellen have been together, right or wrong, for a long time.”

“We’ve been having issues.”

“Why don’t you put forth an effort to resolve these issues before you two go out?”

Frank chuckled, “They can’t be resolved. Not in a week.”

“Do you really think the issues between you and Ellen are so bad that one week with Dean will change everything with you?”

“Oh, yeah.” Frank said.

“Frank, please.” Joe scoffed. “I highly doubt that. Look, if it will make you feel better, why don’t you tell me the issues.”

“One. One issue.”

“Easy enough.” Joe folded his arms and gazed upon Frank with fatherly assurance. “Tell me about the issue and I will assure you there’s nothing to worry about.”

“Thanks,” Frank proceeded. “Ellen wants a baby. I don’t. Not yet. Not for a while. She asked me. I turned her down. Problem being she doesn’t want to wait. She wants a baby and wants it now.”

“A-ha,” Joe nodded and sighed out. “Well, I’m getting some sleep.” He gave a swinging pat to Frank’s arm. “Night.”

“Whoa. Whoa. Wait. You said you’d assure me that I have nothing to worry about.”

“I did say that, didn’t I?” Joe inhaled. “Well …” He turned. “Night.”

“Dad, wait.”

“Fine, you wanna hear what I have to say?” Joe waited for Frank’s agreement. “Resolve this. Agree to the baby. Something. I know Ellen. So do you. If she’s headstrong … you really do have to worry about the week.” Joe smiled. “See you in a few. Night.”

Before Frank could say anything Joe was gone, and Frank was left standing there alone.

^^^^

Dean, Ellen, and William worked hard on a preliminary list. They spoke of so many different medical supplies and products that Ellen feared her dreams would be filled with rolls of dancing gauze. After departing the Hayes duo, Ellen retired to her porch with a book. She wasn’t a big reader, but Jenny called it one of her escape books, and it wouldn’t hurt to try.

Clear her mind. Read a teen romance. It was better than thinking of bandages.

Lantern at the brightest, Ellen heard the tiny ‘pat’ but ignored it. Again, it happened, ‘pat’, a few seconds break, then ‘pat’. About the forth of fifth time it was really close. Too close; the pat hit her page.

She raised her eyes. “Frank, why are you throwing pebbles at me.”

“To get your attention.” He leaned against the porch railing. “You were ignoring me.”

“I’m reading.”

“I’ve been standing here for ten minutes.”

“It was a good scene.”

“Oh, yeah?” Frank lifted the book. “Love Trap at Whitman High?” He chuckled. “Good book.”

“For your information, Mr. Smarty Pants, I like it. What do you want?”

Frank laid the open book over the railing to hold the place. “This. To talk.”

“Why?”

“Because you and I haven’t really talked all week. We’ve been, how did you put it, civil.”

“We also have been at each other’s throats.”

“Over a single thing. One thing. And this has to affect our lives. Don’t …” He held up his hand. “Our lives.”

“Frank, nothing is the same anymore.”

“Ok, stop.”

“What?”

“Are we gonna really talk, because if we are, I’m coming on the porch with you.”

Ellen sighed out. “Yes, we’ll talk.” She lifted a bottle. “I’m having a beer. Do you want one?”

“Yeah, I’d like that.”

“They’re next door, in the toilet tank of the powder room.”

“Next door.” Frank nodded.

“You want one, go get one.”

“Man, you’re tough. I’ll be back.” Frank darted to the house next door and returned shortly with the beer. A chair was set up for him next to Ellen and that pleased him. He opened the bottle as he joined her. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Frank gasped after his first swig. “Man, that’s cold.”

“The tank method. William taught us that trick.”

“Here’s to William.” He lifted his bottle; he kicked his feet up to the railing. “So, truth out.”

“Truth?”

“I’m not handling you and Dean going out for a week.”

“I see. Well, I’m not keen with you going out with Jonas for a week.”

“What?” Frank looked at her then saw she was joking. “I get it, you’re kidding.”

“Can I ask you why you aren’t handling me and Dean?”

Frank just stared at her.

“Ok, dumb question. Then … what can we do to make you handle this.”

“Let’s talk about what has been tearing us apart.”

“Talk or fight?” Ellen asked.

“Up to you. I want to talk.”

“Then we talk.” She turned her chair to face him. “I want a baby. You don’t.”

“I’m not ready to have one. I don’t want to even try yet.”

Ellen nodded “I understand that. Can’t you understand my need to have a baby?”

“I understand that.”

“Then I don’t understand how you cannot help me?” She said passionately. “I think about it from the time I wake until the time I go to bed. I imagine what it’s gonna be like to hold that child in my arms. To feel that. I want that.”

“And eventually so do I. But not yet.”

“Let me ask you a question,” Ellen said, “What would you do if I said I was pregnant now.”

“You aren’t.”

“But say I was.”

“Are we pretending it’s mine?”

“Yes.”

“Then you aren’t that far along.”

“Frank!” Ellen snapped. “Pretend. What would you do?”

“Deal with it.”

“Then why can’t you just help me get pregnant and then deal with it.”

“It’s more than that, El.”

“How can it be more than that?” she asked. “You get me pregnant, deal with it, I handle the baby. You don’t even need to be a part of its life.”

“Stop.” Frank held up his hand. “Yeah, I do”

“No, if you don’t want a baby, then you don’t have to be …”

“Yes. … I do.” Frank was adamant. “And that is part, no, a huge part of my decision. El …” He grabbed her hand. “Kelly, the girls, they just died. Johnny, he may be too young to understand, but old enough to understand. You know what I mean? He’s gonna feel funny about the fact that his dad and El are having a baby, kissing, sleeping in the same bed, all so soon after his mom died. He’ll start questioning me, didn’t I love his mother? How can I answer that?”

Ellen nodded. “I see your point.”

“If Johnny watches us develop a relationship, take our time, there’ll be no questions.”

“How long?”

“I don’t know.” Frank shrugged.

“Do you want a relationship with me?”

“Of course I do.” Frank declared.

“No, Frank, I mean it. Do you want a relationship with me? A real one. Time every day. Sit down and talk, be together. A couple. A couple the way a couple is supposed to be.”

“Like marriage?”

Ellen rolled her eyes. “Forget the word marriage, but in a sense, every aspect of it.”

“I want us to be close.”

“You want us to still have sex.”

“I hate when you do that.” Frank barked. “You’re more to me than just sex.”

“Then let’s be more than just sex. Be more than sneaking off after Johnny’s asleep, and sneaking back home before he or anyone else can see and open their mouth. All we’ve ever done was sneak around, Frank. If you want to be a couple, let’s do this right.”

“I agree.” Frank nodded. “In time.”

“Johnny time.” Ellen said. “Don’t get me wrong, I do understand that decision, I do understand you giving him time. But I need more.”

“I can’t give you more right now.”

“Well, what can you give me one hundred percent?” She sat up. “Please tell me, because I need one aspect of you in my life a hundred percent.”

“One hundred percent?” Frank asked. “I can be your friend a hundred percent of the time.”

“Then we’ll be that.” She stated matter of fact. “We’ll be friends like we once were, no sneaking off. No hiding anything about it … we’re friends.” She held out her hand.

Frank took it and kissed it. “I love you, you know that?”

“I know that.”

“So how long will this ‘only friends’ be?” Frank asked.

“Until the time is right, if it’s ever right.”

Frank looked dejected. “And the baby?”

Ellen swallowed. “I want a child. Understand, Frank, the decision is now mine.”

“Then I’m confident.” Frank sat back. “Because right now, were moving into the long-term survival plan. And you’ll see; the baby thing will slip from your mind.”

Tilting her head, Ellen peered at him. “You really don’t see the importance of this for me.”

“Yeah, I do.” Frank nodded. “But I also know you. You know what’s really important to you.” He winked.

Ellen leaned back and whispered, “Yeah. I do.”

Saturday, June 27th

Ashtonville, Connecticut

Three tractor trailers were lined up one right after another on Main Street, ready to go, facing the direction that would lead to the highway.

William, clipboard in hand, once more made a visual check of the trucks. Not that he knew what he was doing, but he looked the part. He was in charge of overseeing that everyone headed out for their designated runs. The trucks were ready and waiting. The routes were designated. But the drivers were nowhere to be found.

After looking at his watch one more time, William gave in and took the radio call from Henry. He had hoped that Andrea would get the hint and just tell Henry he was busy. But she didn’t, calling over and over again. “William, speak to Henry. He’s on the radio.”

He supposed that didn’t irk him as much as Andrea continuously stating it was long distance.

“It’s a radio, for crying out loud,” William exclaimed as he walked to the porch where Andrea held the unit. “Yes, Henry.”

“William.” Henry said, relieved. “Do you have a minute?”

“Actually, no.” William said. “We’re running late as it is.”

“But I need to discuss me staying out here in Montana.”

“You should have discussed it with Joe or George.”

“Andrea said they left at dawn.”

“You missed your chance.”

“But ...but ... Miguel can switch places with me.”

“Miguel is making too many runs with the trucks. He can’t.”

Silence.

“William.”

“What, Henry?” William asked, annoyed.

“It’s barren here. I’m not just stuck here with John Matoose, but those farmers ...”

“Tough. Deal with it. You have my condolences.”

“We can’t talk about this?”

“No.” William said. “And I have to go. Quit using battery power.”

Sarcastically, Henry said. “I’m not, we’re using the power me and John got up and running.”

“Ah, then you’re doing your job. Good boy. Bye.” William put down the radio, and gave a scolding look to Andrea. “No more calls  from Henry. Got that?”

“You need to quit picking on the boy.”

“You need to get ready to leave.” William moved off the porch and made his way to Miguel. “Are you ready?”

“Yes.” Miguel nodded. “Got the map and supplies.”

William peered around. “I see Jonas. Now where the hell are Dean and Ellen?”

Miguel pointed backwards. “They said since their truck is last they want to finish a few things up at the clinic.”

“I’m afraid to ask.” William said. “Frank?”

“I just sent him after them.”

The official clipboard dropped and William shook his head. “Starting trouble already, aren’t you?”

Boxes were spread about the lab in Doc Breyer’s clinic, some opened, some sealed. Dean placed a smaller box in one and faced Ellen. “There shouldn’t be too much left for you to do once we get back.”

“What else am I going to do but work? I don’t mind.” She shrugged.

“I don’t know how much time I’ll have to help you. I haven’t a clue when Joe’s shipping me out.”

Ellen looked upset. “I don’t understand why you have to stay out there.”

“Someone has to get that medical facility up and running. I’ll be back before we head out for good. But ...” Dean closed the flap on a box and neared Ellen. “I could use the help.”

Ellen’s head went back. “Dean. No. We talked about this.”

“I know. Why?”

“You know why.”

“Frank?” Dean asked.

“Yes. That’s a pretty big reason.”

“I know.” Dean sounded despondent. “But you said it yourself. You two haven’t been the same. Frank needs some time alone to deal with everything. You could give it to him. Come to Montana with me, El.”

Ellen stared at Dean. “That’s not a good idea and you know it.”

“Yes it is. You need it. I can use the help. There’s no reason why you can’t come out there with me and stay the six weeks.”

“Yeah, there is.” Frank’s voice interrupted when he walked in the room. “Me.” He moved straight to Dean and Ellen, laying his hand on Dean’s chest and inching him back. He handed Dean a sheet of paper. “Your route sheet, Dean. I have your stops all mapped out including rest stops. So follow it.”

Dean took the paper and shoved it in his back pocket. “Yeah.”

“I mean it.” Frank said. “Don’t dally out there. I know when you two should be back.” He took hold of Ellen’s hand. “Come on, El, I’m leaving. Come say goodbye to me.” He pulled her with him to the door and stopped as he pointed at Dean. “And don’t touch her out there, Dean.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Dean nodded. “Frank.” Dean stepped forward. “Can I speak to Ellen one more minute, please?”

“No. You’re gonna spend the entire week with her. Talk to her then.” Frank tried again to pull Ellen to the door.

Ellen stopped walking. “Frank, two minutes. Please. I’ll be right there.”

Frank stared for a second and released her hand. “All right. Two minutes. I’m timing you. Then I’m coming back.” He held up his wrist, tapped on his watch and walked out.

Ellen turned her way back to Dean. “What is it?”

“Why is he acting like that?” Dean asked. “He is really insecure.”

Ellen scoffed. “Uh, hello, Dean, he walked in here when you were asking me to stay in Montana.”

“Still, El. We’re friends. I like being around you.”

“I like being around you. Frank knows that. And ... and ...” Ellen waved out her hand. “I got to go.”

Dean grabbed on to her arm as she tried to make a quick escape. “And what?”

“And, well ...” She saw Dean raise his eyebrows in anticipation of her answer. “Well, you know how I feel about getting pregnant?”

“Yes.” Dean nodded. “You want to have a baby. What does that have to do with me?”

“Frank ... he’s kind of afraid that you’ll be a willing volunteer to help me out.”

Dean was shocked. “What? Where did he get that from?” He didn’t get an answer. “Ellen?”

“Ok, your dad said you might.”

“My Dad said I …” Dean’s eyes widened. “I never said that.”

“I know. But Frank doesn’t know that. And since he doesn’t want to and I ...” Ellen hunched. “I told him ... what William told me.”

Dean nearly screamed. “Ellen. The man is six foot three. If I touch you I’m dead. I already live in fear for kissing you.”

“Oh.” Ellen waved him off. “Frank’s a big teddy bear. He’s harmless.”

“No, he isn’t.”

“Ok, no he isn’t. But don’t worry about him.” The smile from Ellen’s face fell, and she turned solemn. “In all seriousness, Dean, you know how much I need a child in my life. If Frank doesn’t ...”

“Ellen ...”

“No, listen. If Frank won’t, will you think about it?”

Dean went silent. “Only if you think about staying in Montana with me.”

Ellen closed her eyes. “I can’t believe you’re bartering with me.”

“I can’t believe we’re still standing here.” Dean checked out the time. “Frank is timing us.”

Ellen had to laugh. “No, he’s not. He didn’t mean that. What’s he gonna do when time is up? Carry me out?”

Dean just looked at her.

One long blow of a horn was Miguel’s signal that he was ready to pull out. On Main Street Dean and Ellen stood observing the other trucks before they got into their own.

William moved to them and adjusted Ellen’s shirt which was lifted. “You’re not hurt?” he chuckled.

“No.” Ellen shook her head. “I can’t believe Frank just tossed me over his shoulder and carried me out like that.”

Dean looked at his father. “I can.” He watched as the first truck rolled away, then finally the second started moving. As it did, Frank stuck his head out the window with a wave to Ellen and a warning point to Dean. “See.” Dean indicated to Frank’s truck. “It’s a sign of things to come.”

William softly spoke to himself as he watched the trucks pull away. “Possession becomes the law. We keep what is ours, take what is not, and want what we can’t have. We become who we will be within months of our world going bad.”

With a quirky look, Dean turned his head to his father. “What are you talking about?”

William let out breath as he snapped out of his daze. “Oh, I was just thinking out loud.”

“That was pretty profound.” Dean commented. “Did you think of that yourself?”

“Actually, no.” William laid his hand on Dean’s back. “I remembered it from Post-Apocalyptic World Training film M.C. I. T. F. B-3.”

Dean’s mouth dropped open as his father chuckled and walked away. “Ellen, you’ve never seen that film, have you?”

“No. Not me. I only saw the ones Joe brought home. I think only B-14 through B-18.” She shrugged. “We’d better get a move on.”

“I’m the only one who hasn’t seen those films.” Dean threw his hands up. “You know that?” he moved toward the truck. “I’m the only one who doesn’t know what to expect in a world like this.”

Ellen shook her head as she followed Dean, knowing full well, training films or not, no one knew what to expect. It was impossible. How could they? The world had never ended before.

Tuesday, June 30th

Buffalo, NY

Ellen’s body bounced up and down every five minutes as they drove down the highway just outside of Buffalo. “Dean, I think tonight we should find a nice place to camp out. I feel funny sleeping in this truck. That’s why we brought our sleeping bags, you know.”

“I know, I didn’t sleep well either last night. We’ll camp out tonight if it doesn’t make you feel uncomfortable.”

“Me? How would it make me feel uncomfortable?”

“Bugs, outdoors, stuff like that.”

“Oh, yeah.” Ellen shrugged. “Point taken. But I’ll be fine. I thought you were meaning something else.”

“Like what?” Dean asked.

“Like you and I being alone, sleeping close.”

Dean chuckled. “You think I’m afraid to be lying next to you.”

“Um, yeah.” Ellen said.

“Ok, you’re right. I don’t want to hear it from Frank.”

“You worry too much about him.”

“Ellen, please. You have the man believing that I am going to impregnate you.”

“You are the best choice. Even above Frank, at least that’s that Andrea says.”

Dean’s foot immediately moved to the brake, and the truck immediately slowed down. “Me?”

“Keep driving.”

“Sorry.” Dean returned to his normal speed. “You took me by surprise. I know how bad you want this baby.”

“Of course you do.” Ellen said. “Why else would you barter your sperm for me to stay in Montana with you?”

“I’d barter that because I want you to stay in Montana with me. I think it’d be good for you, me, and us. And … really, think about it. If having a baby and me getting you pregnant is important, don’t you think Montana, away from everyone, might be helpful. Hmm? Unless, of course, you’re thinking of taking a scientific route.”

“No.” Ellen shook her head. “I’m going to sleep with the father.”

“And the arrangement with the kid …” Dean questioned.

“I raise the kid. Obviously the father would see him or her.”

“Are you going to have anything emotionally to do with the father?”

“How can I not? But I really want to try to separate the act of getting pregnant from a relationship. Does that make sense?”

“So, you just want to get pregnant, and that’s it. Try to keep emotional attachments out? The father is just a physical sperm donor instead of a test tube?”

“At this point, if it isn’t Frank, then it’d have to be. Are you considering it?”

“If it was anyone else but you, yes, I would.” Dean said. “But I’m not so sure I can separate myself emotionally from you. Sleep with you without getting attached. Do you honestly think you can separate the act from the emotions with me?”

“I do.”

“Then I don’t think you’re being honest.” Dean said, and then lightened his tone. “Besides, right now, you’re having a hard time separating your emotions for me from Frank, add sex...” He fluttered his lips and spoke jokingly. “You’re done.”

Ellen laughed. “You made a joke. How cute. Thanks.”

Dean looked at her. “I wasn’t joking.”

Taking a moment to retrieve seriousness, Ellen saw Dean crack a smile, and she shook her head. “There’s the sign. Bear off here.” Ending the conversation with a chuckle, Ellen forced her thoughts to the plan at hand.

Garfield Project

Henry was tired; there was no doubt about that. The marathon driving episode across country with John was beginning to catch up. And he was hungry. Little did he know that satisfying that hunger would have such a heavy price. Henry just wanted to eat and go to sleep.

John didn’t seem to mind. He gobbled his food. Of course, he wasn’t the one the three Ohio farmers stared at. Yes, they cooked the food, but did they have to stare?

Henry played with his fork, peered up at the three, and then finally stuck his fork into his potatoes.

“Hot dig damn,” Stan shook his head as he rocked back in his chair. “Dirk, you was right.”

“Told ja’,” Dirk said. “Thas’ jus’ the racist in ya’.”

Thelma shook her head. “I still ain’t convinced.”

Dirk huffed. “Whacha mean you ain’t convinced, woman, he picked it up, didn’t he? He used it, didn’t he?”

“But,” Thelma added. “He also watched us fer a while.”

Dirk nodded. “True.”

“Why don’t we ask him?” Stan suggested.

Finally, Henry had enough. “Ask me what? Obviously you’re talking about me.”

“Fine. Attitude,” Dirk leaned forward “That there fork you just stuck in your mouth. Have you used a fork before?”

“Of course I used a fork before,” Henry was defensive.

Thelma said, “But don’t cha use them there sticks to eat.”

John laughed.

Henry was offended. “Not always.”

“I thought Chinese people didn’t know how to use forks,” Thelma said.

“I’m Japanese.” Henry retorted.

Stan questioned. “Ain’t it the same difference?”

“No,” Henry snapped. “It’s not the same difference. Geez. It would be like me calling you Canadian.”

“But I’m not.” Stan said.

“And I’m not Chinese.”

“Look Chinese,” Stan said. “I think we knew a Japanese man one time.”

Thelma nodded. “Did. He was a nice man.”

Dirk huffed. “No. Whacha gonna go and lie like that fer, Thelma. We ain’t known no Japanese man. We knew a man who knew a Japanese man. Back in World War II. When the Japs weren’t very nice.”

Stan smirked. “And judgin’ by him you think they’re nice now?”

Henry grumbled. He knew the time in Montana was going to feel like forever, and John Matoose, with his giggling, wasn’t any help.

Wednesday, June 31

Pittsburgh, PA

Ellen shut the window to the truck as they crossed the Fort Pitt Bridge, leading them into the heart of the city. “Dean, we’re never going to make it all the way to Oakland.”

“Oakland?”

“Yeah, that’s where the university is, and the hospitals.”

“How do you know?”

“I went to school in this town, remember? Oakland is jam-packed with traffic normally. Imagine the chaos around the hospitals, especially there.”

“Then what do you suggest we do?” Dean asked.

“Make a left here. On the north side of town there’s a major teaching hospital. We should be able to get what we need there.”

“One hospital’s the same as the next, right?”

They neared the huge, white hospital building set in the north said of town on a city street, with very little frontal space. Traffic was not as congested as they originally believed it would be, and they were able to pull up to the emergency driveway and park.

Just as Dean opened his door, he stopped, retracted, and slammed it. “This isn’t a good idea. It’s about eighty degrees and humid. It smells really bad out there. We have to lube.”

“Lube?”

“Lube.” Dean reached for the glove compartment, opened it, and pulled out two masks and a jar of menthol chest rub. “Place it all around your nostrils before you put on the mask.”

“Ah, the Joe trick.”

Dean paused as he dipped his fingers into the salve. “Joe trick.”

“Yeah, he said he used to use this when he went to autopsies.” Ellen shrugged and took the jar from Dean.

After they had ‘lubed’, the facial masks strapped to them, they left the truck and approached the hospital. What little lawn there was had became a shrine of dead who never made it into the health care facility.

Maggot-ridden, decomposed bodies spread out across the grass, some on cots, some not. Dean and Ellen made their way through the maze of hopeless victims, along with carcasses of rats and other animals who had come to their remains in desperate search of food.

Ellen opened the main door to an even more horrific scene. What lay ahead in the hospital, visually, was far worse than what had lain across the lawn. What had happened to the world impacted her right then and there. Men, woman, and children, all who came in dire need of help, arrived only to find their final resting place. Reality. Ellen wasn’t alone in her loss. Ashtonville wasn’t the only town hit by the plague.

“Dean, let’s just get what we need and get out as quickly as we can,” she said.

“I’m with you,” Led by the beam of his flashlight, Dean scooted by Ellen. “I’ll go to the desk and see if there’s a directory.”

Ellen stared straight ahead, trying not to look at any one corpse.

“Ellen, I found one.”

Ellen turned, but as she did, she bumped into a cart. Catching herself mid-fall, she looked down, and the wide-open blue eyes of the tiny little girl who laid there stared at her. “Oh, God.” She dropped her flashlight and ran from the hospital.

“Ellen!” Dean chased her until they reached the truck.

Ellen jumped in and shut the door. She took off her mask and folded her arms close to her body.

“Ellen.” Dean boarded the truck, and took off his mask. “Are you all right?”

“I was until I saw her.”

“Who?”

“That little girl, that small girl, she could have been my daughter. Oh God, Dean, I tried so hard to keep that vision from my mind. That vision of my daughter. It all just came storming back.”

“I’m sorry. We’ll get out of here.”

“No, Dean, you go, I’ll just wait here. You need your equipment.”

“Ellen, I’ll make do with what I have. Besides, I’m sure in time I’ll be able to go back out and find it.” He started the truck. “I’m sorry I did this to you. We should have just left this city after we got what we needed from the warehouse.”

“I’m sorry I broke like that.”

Dean reached over and placed his hand upon her knee. “You’re human. We’re all allowed to break sometimes.

She put her hand over his.

Cleveland, OH

The huge department store warehouse sat on the city’s river bank. Miguel had remembered it. He had driven his truck there hundreds of times. It was the perfect place to stockpile the jeans and outer-wear. They had done well already. The truck was nearly a third filled, packed to its capacity. Miguel knew how to pack it.

“Jenny?” Andrea ran a switchblade across a box, and opened the flaps. “We have to find smaller sizes. Or else everyone’s going to be walking around with their pants around their ankles.”

“You’re right. We haven’t had much luck in that.” Jenny chuckled. “Oh well . . . poor Ellen and Dean.”

Andrea laughed a deep chesty laugh. She thought the same thought but had dared not speak it. “If we don’t find any they are gonna have to . . .”

Their laughter ceased when the loud shrill of a man’s scream was heard from the next room.

Jenny turned quickly. “What was that? Was that Miguel?”

“I don’t know. Maybe he tripped or something. Let’s go see.” As they made their way to the door, they froze as three gunshots rang out, followed by a loud “thump”. The flashlight dropped and its beam spun around.

“Andrea?” Jenny backed up

Andrea wrapped her arms around Jenny and led her to a corner while peering around the dark room. “My gun’s over there. Damn it!”

“Should we get it?”

“No.” Andrea tugged Jenny back when the clomping of footsteps echoed in the room.

They cowered more the louder the footsteps drew.

“Andrea? Jenny?” Miguel called out.

Andrea jumped up and raced to him. “Miguel, what happened? Are you ok?”

Miguel dropped his rifle and fell to his knees. Blood poured from his right shoulder. “I had to. I had to.”

“Had to what?” Andrea reached for him. “You’re bleeding. Were you shot?”

Miguel just shook his head. His body trembled. “I was in the other room. This man. This madman lunged for me. I tried to fight him off. He kept trying to stab me. He got me.” Miguel covered his wound. “It knocked me down. When I saw him coming again, I reached for the gun . . .”

Jenny lifted a sweatshirt which they had stacked in the pile. She placed it on Miguel’s wound. “He just came after you?”

“I tried to talk to him, I did. He attacked me. He said he’d kill me.” Miguel’s head hung low. “I didn’t mean to do it. I didn’t want to do. There’s not that many left of us. Why lose one more?”

Andrea covered her mouth as she watched the giant man weakly give in to the trauma that just happened. “This is what Joe was talking about and has been warning us about.” She spoke softly to them both. “No wonder he’s so of afraid picking up other survivors. The plague was not prejudiced. It even let the bad ones live.”

London, KY

It was like many of the small towns Frank and Jonas had gone through during the past few days with little visual confirmation of the plague days, unlike in the big cities, where traffic congestion was heavy. They saw no signs of any aid stations or attempts to make one like they had in Ashtonville.

Jonas spread the map, adjusting it against the windshield. “This food warehouse can’t be too hard to spot.”

“What street’s it on?” Frank asked as he slowed the truck down.

“Birmingham.” Jonas folded the map. “My guess it’s going to be on the outskirts.”

“I’m going to say . . . what’s this?” Frank slowed the truck even more, causing the air brakes to sound off.

“Looks like someone is camping.” Jonas peered out the window at a tent perched all alone in the small park in the center of town. “Wanna check it out?”

“Why not?” Frank threw the truck in park and stepped out. “Hello!” he called out walking around the hood of the rig and waiting for Jonas. They stepped into the park, Frank leading the way. “Hello!” Frank called again, slowing down and looking into the parked car not far from the tent. “Must be wandering around.” He walked closer to the tent and heard an odd sound coming from it. It sounded to Frank as if it were a sick cat, growling some in pain. “What in the . . .” He flung open the flap to the tent and immediately turned his head to the side at the smell. As Frank released the flap, Jonas stopped him. “Wait.” Closing his eyes briefly, he covered his mouth then poked his head in the tent. A man lay on a sleeping bag, an old man, maybe seventy, lying peacefully as if he were sleeping. Early signs of decomposition, as if he just died days earlier. But the man was not what made Jonas go into the tent.

“Hold this.” He handed Frank out his rifle. “God. No.” He stepped further into the tent and emerged holding a baby no older than a year. The child quivered and shook and its pale features showed the signs of his imminent death. “Frank.” Jonas raised his sad eyes to Frank as he cradled the whimpering child.

Frank closed his eyes tighter.

“The old man must have been caring for him. We have to help him, Frank.”

“How?”

“Food.” Holding the baby closer to him, Jonas rushed over to the truck with Frank.

Frank immediately jumped inside coming out with a blanket, a jug of water, and some food. “Let’s take him over here.” Frank pointed to an area of grass and he handed Jonas the blanket, covering the baby.

Both of them rushed and fumbled helplessly as they tried to get the small boy to ingest something. His reflexes would not work, he wouldn’t swallow, and he spit forth anything that came near his mouth. Unresponsive, shivering, dying.

“Frank.” Jonas spoke in a panic as he rocked the child.

“You think we can make it home with him? Maybe William can help him.”

“How long will it take us?” Jonas asked.

“Nine, ten hours. We have to try, it’s our only hope.”

“Then we have to try.”

“Take him to the truck, I’ll be right there.” With haste, Frank gathered the gear, took it to the truck, and dumped it inside. He climbed in the driver’s seat murmuring, “Please let this kid make it.” Frank started the truck and recklessly tossed it in gear.

“Frank .”

“Fuck, Jonas, how many? How many like him are out here?”

“Frank ...”

“He could be my kid, El’s kid. How many survived the plague and can’t live past it.” He shook his head. “We have to get him . . .”

“Frank.” Jonas spoke stronger. “Stop the truck.”

“Jonas, we don’t have . . .”

“Stop the truck, Frank.” Jonas felt the vehicle stop moving. He raised his eyes to Frank and shook his head as he covered the child with the rest of the blanket.

Frank’s heart dropped and so did his head as he laid it against the steering wheel in heartbreak over their vain attempt to help.

It was near a small flower patch, near a park, that Frank and Jonas buried the child, giving him what so many other children who died during the plague may not have gotten and certainly deserved. They named the child Jude after the saint of hope. They symbolized the child in their minds as every other child who may not have had someone to hold them at the end, to want to help them. And like every other child that was not strong enough to survive the world that they were lost to, Frank and Jonas mourned him, shed tears for him, and they prayed for him.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1

Interstate 95

Dean poked the small fire in a camping area they had found somewhere in Virginia. They had made the sixth of the seven warehouse stops just a few hours earlier and decided to put the Fairfax stop ahead of the seventh which was located in Baltimore, a place closer to Ashtonville.

Dean moved back from the heat of the fire and sat on his open sleeping bag. He grabbed a package of peanut butter crackers and began to nibble when he saw Ellen appear just over the crest. “Ellen, I was starting to worry about you, you were gone a while.”

Wearing a long shirt, her hair wet, Ellen put her dirty clothes in a bag, sat, and began to comb her hair. “I wanted to take a shower.”

“It had to be cold.”

“It was, but it was so hot today, it felt good.”

“We’re running out of room in the truck.”

“I know. I’m glad we decided to stop at Fairfax first. That way if we run out of room, we have the homeopathy supplies.”

Dean offered a cracker to Ellen.

She shook her head and placed down the comb. “I think I’ll get some sleep.” She climbed under her sleeping bag and lay on her side facing Dean. “Don’t forget to put out the fire.”

“I won’t.” Dean rested his arms across his knees then rested his chin on top of his arms and stared at Ellen.

“I thought you gave that staring thing up.”

“What?” Dean laughed. “Sorry. I just …. I don’t know, can’t believe you’re going to sleep.”

“I’m tired.”

“Yeah, but … I thought we could talk.”

“About.”

Dean paused. Then, after clearing his throat he said, “The baby.”

Eyes closed, Ellen asked, “What baby are …” she opened her eyes and lifted up some. “The baby.”

Dean nodded.

“Have you been thinking about it?” She asked.

“I want you to go to Montana.”

“You’re bartering your sperm again.”

“It’s not bartering,” Dean said. “I want you to go.”

“I’m not gonna go to Montana to have sex.”

“Well …” Dean leaned forward some, “I don’t think having sex with you is possible in Ashtonville.”

“Why not?” Ellen asked.

Dean only looked.

“Are you worried again about Frank?”

“I worry about Frank’s reaction to the pregnancy. I mean, he’s gonna change his mind.”

Ellen shook her head. “He lost his chance.”

“You have a lifetime with him.”

“I still can. I want a baby.”

“I’m worried.”

Ellen lifted more. “Why?”

“I’m worried about us getting attached. I know what you say, but I know what I feel. What I get from you.”

After a moment of silence and a stare, Ellen nodded slowly. “Then that’s a chance I’ll have to take. And why are we talking so seriously about this. Unless ….”

Dean gave a small smile.

“You’ll do it.”

Dean exhaled.

“Really? Can I ask why?”

“Yep.” Dean nodded once. “The sex.”

Ellen blinked several times. “The sex.”

“No,” he chuckled. “The child. You said the father will be able to be a part of the child’s life. I want that. I really want that, and to be honest, in this world right now, if I don’t take this opportunity I may never get that. Besides,” He inched forward and leaned to her with a whisper. “I think you’re pretty cute.”

“Ditto.”

Dean smiled, Ellen returned it.

“So,” He sighed out. “When do you want to start? Montana?”

“There you go with the Montana thing.” Ellen scooted over and patted the sleeping bag. “We’re alone. And …” she winked. “I’m a sure thing.” She saw the look of debate on his face. “No?”

“Not no. Yes, I mean ….” He cleared his throat. “How?”

Ellen sat up. “How what? You don’t know how?”

Dean grinned at her. “No, that’s not it.” He scratched his head closing one eye. “How should we?”

“What do you mean?”

“Technical or ….”

"Oh," Ellen sang the word. “I know what you mean. Either like we want to or like we’re trying to have a baby.”

“Exactly.”

“Dean?”

“Yeah.”

“Uh … I think if we’re going to do this … we should make it worth our while.” She winked.

“I couldn’t agree more.” With an ornery smile, without hesitation Dean slipped his hand to her neck, drew Ellen toward him, and began to kiss her.

Dean looked back one more time at Ellen who lay sleeping on her side in the bag. He had just finished pulling on his jeans, and he paced slowly, with his hand behind his neck watching her. He wanted so much just to lay with her, sleep next to her. But after they had finished and they slipped into conversation as if nothing transpired between them, Ellen fell fast asleep. She fell asleep without giving permission to Dean to stay close to her. And knowing Ellen as he was beginning to, that was not a boundary he was going to cross without having her tell him it was all right.

Feeling the night air chill against his bare chest and the tiredness from the day behind them, Dean knew it was time to sleep. He doused the remaining fire with the nearby bucket of water and he walked to his sleeping bag, sliding it just a little closer to Ellen’s. Before he lay down, he stood over her watching her for another moment. Squatting down over her quietly, Dean ran his fingers though his hair as he brought his face close to hers. With two fingers he touched so softly her face and he brought his lips to her cheek. His kiss stirred her some, but not enough to wake her. As Ellen rolled onto her other side, Dean half smiled, mouthed the word ‘goodnight’ and serenely walked back over to his sleeping bag.

SATURDAY, JULY 4

Northern Outskirts of Philadelphia

Ellen’s eyes twitched in REM. Her lips moved slightly, reflecting her inner thoughts. She slept, head against the interior window of the truck’s cab, rain pouring down outside.

“All these years,” Frank blasted her in the dream.

“Just let me explain.”

“How can you explain? All these years and you couldn’t wait. You couldn’t give me time so we could have the baby.”

Ellen jolted awake. Swiping her hand across her face, she cleared not only her hair, but the sleepiness from her head. Her heart raced, she breathed heavily. After sitting up, she turned and looked to her left. Dean slept soundly in the other seat.

She could still hear Frank’s words in the dream and fear hit her, perhaps because they were heading home, and she would have to face Frank, face him knowing what had occurred between her and Dean. Surely it was a breach of trust. In thought, Ellen tried; she tried to justify her action of sleeping with Dean. Justify them as wanting to conceive. But it was more. It had to be.

The two times they had been together were more than two people trying to conceive. It was pure. It was good. And in Ellen’s heart, it was now wrong.

Her thoughts traveled to the previous night. After lovemaking they laid there. Dean caressed her while they laughed and spoke, and they kissed. A lot. Before, during, and after they kissed as they had all day, when he stopped to kiss her several times, and she did the same.

What was going on?

Being with Dean held a certain security. Something about being with him made Ellen feel wanted.

“Look what I found.” Dean said the day before.

“A camera?” Ellen asked.

“A digital camera. I’ll use it until the power supply runs out.”

“What are you gonna take pictures of?”

Dean snapped a shot of her.

Ellen squealed in shock.

Dean laughed. He leaned into her and kissed her, running his hand down her face.

Pause.

“God, you’re beautiful.” He smiled, and then kissed her again.

Ellen closed her eyes coming out of that memory, flashing to the slow, tender lovemaking. Dean apologized to her, apologized for enjoying being with her.

“Don’t apologize, I’m enjoying this too,” Ellen said.

“I’m meaning more than a physical level.”

“I know what you mean,” Ellen told him. “I feel the same way. I’m enjoying this too.”

“What’s going on here, El?” Dean asked. “It feels more than us trying to have a baby. Maybe it’s my imagination, but you’re responding emotionally.”

“I know.” She whispered.

“And it’s going beyond the confines of our being intimate at night.”

“I know.”

“Maybe … you know … maybe it’s something that should be more than just us trying to conceive. What do you think?”

Ellen didn’t hesitate. She stared into his eyes and answered, “I think you’re right.”

God! Did she say that? Intimacy before conversation is like a truth serum. Ellen knew it. The fact remained, it didn’t matter how she felt and the closer she drew to home, to Frank, the more she guilt she felt.

She had to face the fact that she couldn’t be any more to Dean than a person with whom she was trying to conceive, and even that would probably have to end. But first she had to face Dean, wake him, and get them moving, so she could eventually face Frank.

Ashtonville, CT

William walked proudly across the yard holding his tin bucket as he headed toward the cow. “This way, boys.”

Johnny and Denny followed closely behind. They knew this was the day that they would receive their first lesson on how to milk a cow.

“Listen up.” William sat on the small stool next to the cow. “Now, when you do this, I don’t expect you to fill the bucket, not yet. You’re just not going to be strong enough. Denny, are you paying attention?’

“Yes, sir.” Denny snickered.

“All right, first.” William reached his hands under the cow. “Watch. With a firm but not too hard grip, grab a hold . . . “ William stopped.

“William.” Johnny moved closer. “Is something wrong?”

“No, I just ….” William released the udder and grabbed his left arm.

“William?” Johnny placed his hand on his shoulder. “What’s wrong?”

William tried to speak but couldn’t. He grabbed tightly to his chest and fell from the stool.

Johnny turned sharply to Denny. “Go get Aunt Maggie, quick! Tell her William is sick.” Johnny knelt down to William, who was still conscious. “Hold on, William, you’ll be all right.”

“Johnny, run to my house.” William gasped for breath. “Up, uh, on the table in the dining room is my black bag, get it.”

“I’m not leaving you.”

“Now, John.” William rolled on to his side holding tightly to his chest.

Johnny stood then dashed across the lawn, nearly bumping into Maggie as he rounded the corner. “William needs his bag.”

Maggie flinched when she saw William on the ground. “Oh, Will.” She raced to his side. “What is it?”

“My heart, can’t breathe.”

“What can I do? Tell me.”

“Nitro in bag.” He gasped. “Won’t make it home, get me inside.”

Maggie looked up; they were only a few feet from the house where the cow grazed. “Do you think we can make it in there?”

William turned his head. “I’ll try.”

“I have the bag.” Johnny ran and slid as he made his approach to them. “Here.”

Maggie opened the bag and scurried for the pills. Once she found them she placed one in William’s mouth under his tongue. After a few moments, they slowly made their way into the house. She laid William’s weakened body on the couch then searched the house for a blanket. When she returned William had slipped into unconsciousness.

***

Andrea jumped from her side of the truck and raced home to see the children. She dropped her bag at the door and called out, “hello?” There was no answer. It was still early, but the kids had to be awake. “Hello?”

“Andrea?” Denny stood at the front door.

“Denny.” Relieved, Andrea turned; she ran to him and embraced him, picking him up from his feet. “I missed you. Where are Maggie and Katie?” She set him down.

“One street over. We heard the truck. Andrea, Maggie needs you, something’s wrong with William, he’s sick.”

Andrea didn’t hesitate. She raced into the street, calling the attention of Miguel and Jenny as they unloaded their belongings. “Miguel, Jenny, come with me, something’s wrong with William.”

The three of them followed Denny. When they arrived, Andrea was the first to enter. She immediately saw William lying on the couch. “William.”

Maggie stood above him crying. “Andrea, I didn’t know what to do. He’s been slipping in and out.”

Andrea knelt on the floor, “When?” she asked. “When did he get like this?”

“Just a few minutes ago.”

“William,” Andrea spoke his name with a stern passion. “Are you in pain, William?” As she spoke, hands feeling his wrist, she noticed William’s black bag on the coffee table. She reached in and retrieved the stethoscope. She placed it on and listened to his chest. “His breathing is shallow, and his heartbeat weak. William? William, can you hear me, it’s me, Andrea. William?”

William’s eyes fluttered as they opened slightly, “Some. Some pain.”

“You’re responding, that’s good.” Andrea said, lowering the stethoscope. Her head then cocked at the sound of a truck and air brakes. “Jenny! Go get whoever that is; hurry! Maybe it’s Dean… William?” she spoke soft. “Dean may be here.”

“Dean?” William coughed. “Not, Dean.” In his weakness, he joked, “He might kill me.” Just as he chuckled, he coughed again, released a whispered, “Dean,” and his head slumped to the side.

“Sweet Jesus,” Andrea whipped the stethoscope from neck, and pulled William to the floor.

“What’s happening?” Maggie asked.

“He’s in cardiac arrest.” Andrea widened the opening of William’s bag and searched quickly.

“Do something,” Maggie beckoned.

“I am.” Andrea pulled out a vial and syringe, immediately filling the syringe. Extending William’s arm, Andrea’s injected the fluid into his vein. She tilted back his head, breathed into him, and then began resuscitation. After four cycles, she checked for a pulse again. Nothing. She continued.

Joe barged into the home after Jenny had summoned him. “Son of a bitch.” He dropped to the floor. “Where we at, Andrea.”

Hand on his chest, Andrea counted out loud. “Fourteen and fifteen and …” a shift of her body, she delivered a breath. Exhaling, she sighed. “Nothing.” Her hand grabbed the syringe, filled it and as she reached for the arm, Joe stopped her.

“Have you gone directly in?”

“No.”

“Try it.”

Andrea found the placement using her fingers, and brought the needle into the area. She injected.

Joe joined her in the cycles. Joe on compressions, Andrea on breathes.

Again they stopped, they checked. Nothing.

“We need a deliberator.” Andrea said exasperated.

“Can we send Miguel to the clinic?

“Not enough time.” Andrea answered.

Joe suggested. “Cardiac thump?”

“Can you?” Andrea asked.

Joe nodded.

Andrea showed the placement, and Joe, fist high above William, delivered a drop of his hand with a powerful thump to William’s chest.

Andrea listed. “Nothing.”

“Let’s keep trying.” Joe cupped his hands over William’s chest.

Fifteen minutes had passed, and still William had not returned to them.

Andrea, with sweat forming on her brow, was the first to stop. “I’m sorry, William.” She placed her head to his forehead, and began to sob.

Joe laid his strong hand on her arched back. “You did all you could.”

“I didn’t do enough.”

“Yeah, yeah, you did. Come here.” He lifted her to her feet. “With what we had, you did the best anyone could have done.”

Andrea buried herself in Joe’s arms. “With so few of us left, why did we have to lose one more?”

“I don’t know.” Joe looked back William. “Andrea, you go with Maggie. I’ll take care of him.”

Maggie took hold of Andrea, and she, Andrea, Jenny, and the children left the house.

***

The conversation didn’t go as well as expected, or rather as well as Ellen hoped. She sprang it on Dean when they stopped for fireworks. Literally, as she picked up ‘snaps’ she fired it at Dean. “We can’t do it anymore. I still want to have the baby, but it won’t work with you. Oh, hey, should we get snakes?”

“What? You’re joking.”

Ellen looked at him and shook her head.

“Why? I don’t understand.” Dean asked her.

“I’m sorry.”

“I thought things were going well.” Dean said.

“Dean …”

“No, El. What? One day we’re close, the next we’re not. What about our little talk?”

“Dean, you agreed …”

“I know what I agreed to. I know what you agreed to. I also know what we’ve been like all week. El, come on.”

“Dean, I’m sorry.” Ellen softened her voice. “Please understand this.”

“I can’t. You gave no indication last night. Actually, I probably would accept this better if you didn’t respond to me the way you do. And you responded, El, boy do you respond. What? You don’t like me.”

“Dean, stop it. You couldn’t have gotten that attached to me after twice.”

Dean chuckled in sarcasm. “You’re right. I got attached to you beforehand. I’m sorry, El, I like you. I really like you. I did from the moment I met you.”

“I like you, too, Dean.”

“Then why are you stopping this? We didn’t even give it a chance. Give me one reason. One good reason and I’ll accept this.”

“Frank.”

That was all it took, that one word. Ellen even tried to explain the reason. How she felt funny, felt as if she were doing wrong, even though she wanted the baby, she by all rights should have waited on Frank.

Dean accepted it, but that didn’t mean he liked it. His attitude the rest of the way home proved it.

Both were quiet. The mid-afternoon sun began to beat brightly down when Ellen and Dean pulled into Ashtonville. Hitting Ellen’s street brought the first conversation between the two for over a hundred miles.

“We’re the last ones back,” Ellen said quietly, box of fireworks on her lap.

“I see that.” Dean put the truck in gear and opened the door.

“Are we still working together?” Ellen asked.

“Yes.”

“Can we wait until tomorrow to do more air samples?”

“Why? So you can spend time with Frank?” Dean stepped out.

Ellen sighed in frustration then she too stepped from the truck. When she did, she saw Andrea approaching, and she waved. “Hey, Andrea. We brought back fireworks.”

Dean mumbled. “Fireworks is right.”

“Shh.” Ellen snapped. “Shut up.”

“You shut up.”

Ellen ignored his comeback and motioned her head at Andrea. “What’s wrong with Andrea?”

Dean looked.

Andrea drew closer, directly towards Dean. “Dean.”

Dean looked into her eyes. “Something’s wrong. What happened?”

Andrea took a deep breath, looked at Ellen then back at Dean. “Dean, your father had a heart attack. I’m sorry, he didn’t make it.”

“No.” Dean looked at his house.

Ellen reached her hand for him, but Dean took off to his home.

“Dad,” Dean apprehensively walked in. Joe and George stood waiting in the living room.

Joe placed his hands on Dean’s arms. “I’m sorry, son, he’s upstairs.”

Dean took the steps two at a time. When he reached the top, he took a deep breath before entering his father’s bedroom. He opened the door, and there lay his father motionless on the bed. A blanket covered him, and he looked as if he were sleeping. With trembling hands, he reached to him. As his fingers touched down upon his cold skin, the reality of his father’s death hit and he dropped to the floor at the bedside.

Joe knocked once before walking in. “Dean?”

“When, Joe?” Dean looked up at him.

“This morning. Dean, I want you to know, we did all we could. Andrea worked . . .”

“I know, I believe that.” He looked at his father. “What do we do now?”

“We have to bury him. I have a spot on the hill ready. He’ll be buried next to Ellen’s children, and my grandchildren. It’s a peaceful, beautiful spot. He’d like it. We’ll say a few words.”

“I would like to do it myself, Joe.”

“That’s fine.” Joe squatted in front of him. “Let me help you move him. Then I’ll leave you alone with him. It’s not far, you can walk back.”

Dean looked up and nodded. He reached his hand out, and as Joe helped him to stand, he noticed Ellen in the doorway.

“Dean?” She stepped in. “I’m so sorry.”

Dean turned his head from her and looked away. “Ellen, Joe and I are going to take my father up to Murphy’s Hill now.”

“Dean.” She approached him, but Joe stopped her with a slight shake of his head. “Dean,” Ellen whispered compassionately, “if you need me.”

“I’ll let you know.” Dean only nodded.

Ellen backed from the room. “You know where I am.”

Dean waited in the silence of the room, staring down at his father. He closed his eyes in a silent, brief prayer, then covered his father with the remaining blanket and looked to Joe for help in moving him.

***

Nightfall did not bring the Fourth of July festivities as planned. Though a table set in the center of the street, it was not to celebrate but to mourn the loss of a man they had come to love, a man they had all looked up to. The only one missing was Dean. It had been several hours since Joe had returned, yet Dean remained on the hill.

They would talk of what they had found then they would talk of William. They would talk of what needed to be done, but they always ended the conversation with William. It was the first post-plague casualty, a death not one of them had expected nor was ready for.

Andrea noticed Ellen staring out. She placed her hand over Ellen’s. “When he gets back, talk to him.” In the corner of her eye she saw Dean walking slowly down the street. “Look, here he comes.”

Ellen and everyone else looked.

Dean saw the group of them then turned and went into his home.

Ellen stared down to her cup. “I think he’d rather be alone.”

“You don’t know that. But you owe it to him to find out if that’s what he wants.”

“You’re right. I’ll wait a little bit and head down there.”

“Good.” Andrea patted Ellen’s hand and rejoined the conversation.

George gulped down the rest of his beverage. “Ok, so are we in agreement? Rest for a few days. Then four of us take two trucks out at the end of the week.”

“Which two trucks, though?” Joe played with a ballpoint pen. “And which four?”

“Definitely me and you,” George answered, “and two more men. Miguel is out since he’s injured. So, we’ll unload, get everything put away, get our farmers situated, then you and I will head back.”

Joe agreed. “That’s really not a bad idea. Leave two men there to organize things, and come back for the last two trucks, that will save on time. It’s July now, let’s see.” Joe thought for a moment. “We’re talking, everyone back here by August to get ready for the final move.”

“It would also add time by leaving two men out there to help John and Henry, time to get another truck full of food. Frank and Jonas brought back two. The more food we have the less chance of running out too soon.”

“Excuse me?” Andrea knocked on the table. “You’re talking men, men, men. What exactly are we women supposed to do? Just sit here and wait six weeks until you get back?”

“Well.” Joe bobbed his head back and forth. “Yes. Andrea, listen, you won’t be alone; there’ll be someone here with you. I would rather have you four women back here instead of traipsing back and forth. The trips are exhausting. Besides, the kids need you guys. They need a woman’s care.”

Andrea folded her arms. “I think it’s sexist. You’re just lucky, Joe Slagel, that my body is too tired and sore to put up a fight with you right now.”

“See.” Joe waved her off. “We’re doing it for you. Andrea, the world died six weeks ago, can we bury the women’s lib thing with it too? Let chivalry reign for a while again.”

“Chivalry, my batoona.” Andrea snapped, “Ellen, has this man always been such a male chauvinist?”

Frank shook his head. “Come on, Johnny, I think this thing may get a little heated for you.” Frank grabbed Johnny’s arm and stood. He laid his hand on Ellen’s back and whispered, “Goodnight.”

Ellen gazed up with a solemn smile then answered Andrea. “As long as I’ve known him.”

Joe laughed at the comment, and others laughed at Andrea’s dismay. But it was short lived. The laughter at the table broke into sudden silence when Dean approached. His hair wet from showering, he walked with one hand in his front pocket of his Levi’s jeans, a white tee shirt hanging over. He said nothing as he walked by the table, not a smile, not a motion. He just walked by, stopping only at the edge of the table where Ellen was seated.

Dean firmly gripped her hand. “I need you,” he spoke softly. And without waiting for a response, still holding her hand, he led her from the table and to his home.

Still silent, Dean shut the door, released Ellen’s hand, and walked to the center of the living room.

“Dean ...”

“Shh. I want to say something to you. I understand what you meant all those weeks ago.”

“What do you mean?”

Dean ran his fingers through his wet hair. “Remember when I tried to talk to you? You told me that, one time, you had no one, no one left. And I insisted that you did. I understand now. I was wrong, you were right. Because now I have no one.”

“No, Dean, I was wrong.” She neared him. “I have everyone in this town. I have you. You got me through a difficult time. We’re friends, Dean; let me be here for you now.”

Dean turned his back to her.

“You said you needed me.” She reached up and rested her hand on his shoulder. “I’m here.”

Dean turned. With his eyes closed, he reached for her waist and pulled her close. He sought comfort in her arms. For a long time he just let her hold him.

MONDAY, JULY 6

“Just a minute.” Andrea finished drying a green pan, placed it on the drainer and walked over to the back door to answer the knock. Joe stood there. “Joe, come in.”

“Am I bothering you?”

“No, no, just cleaning up from breakfast.” She held the door open for him. “Sit down.”

“Thanks.” Joe pulled a chair out from the table and sat down.

“Would you like some coffee?”

“Oh, no, thanks.”

Andrea sat at the table with him. “So, what’s up?”

“I wanted to fill you in on a few things. Ellen isn’t around so maybe you can pass the info on.”

“Sure, what is it?” Andrea reached behind her and grabbed her coffee off of the counter.

“Just a few minor changes. Me and George are only bringing one person out with us on the first trip. It’s a room thing. You know, in case we find someone.”

Andrea snickered, “This is what you came to tell me?”

“No, one more little thing. Since William’s passing, we’re in need of a doctor.”

“You have Dean.”

“Dean’s a scientist, he can do some doctoring, but I doubt very much that he can make an on the spot diagnosis without looking it up. He’ll be a great asset if any of us come down with a virus.”

“So what are we going to do?”

“George and I were talking. We’d like to see you take over that position.”

“Me?” Andrea grabbed her chest. “Oh, Joe, I don’t think … that’s an awful big responsibility. I’m a nurse.”

“And you’ve been one for over twenty years. No amount of schooling can replace that knowledge. You and Dean will work together. I’m saying treat the patients, if any, that we have at the hospital there.”

“Joe.” Andrea was apprehensive. “I don’t know.”

“Everyone will have a job, or else we’ll never get this thing going. Everyone’s job will be vital to the maintenance of the community.”

Andrea stood from the table. “And mine is being a doctor. With reservations, Joe, I’ll do it.”

“Good. You really don’t have a choice. You’re the only one here really qualified enough to do it.” Joe pushed his chair out and stood. “I’ll let you get back to cleaning.” He walked to the back door and grabbed the handle. “Oh, Andrea, about the other night, when we were kind of fighting?”

“Oh, don’t worry about that, Joe.”

“I’m not. Just wanted to say, I kind of liked it.” He winked and walked out.

Andrea shook her head, “Oh, no. No no.” She spoke out loud to herself, walking to the sink. “He is not priming me for wife number seven. No way, sweet Jesus.” And with that comment, she peeked out the kitchen window to watch Joe walk down the street.

***

Ellen opened the door to the lab with her backside, her hands occupied with a brown box. “I’m back. I got some air and soil samples for you.”

“Good, put them down,” Dean said.

Ellen shut the door with her foot then turned to place the box on the counter. “Oh, my God, Dean, you did it.”

“Yep.” He sat staring at a computer screen. “The battery pack for this still worked. I can’t believe I didn’t thinking of running back to Stamford for this stuff sooner.”

“Were you able to find the programs we needed?”

“I just downloaded the last one.” Dean took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes.

“Dean?” Ellen walked over to him. “Were you just wearing glasses?”

“Yeah.”

“Did you always? I never noticed.”

Dean shook his head in disbelief. “No, Ellen, I wore disposable contacts. I just used up my last pair.”

“Put them back on, let me see.”

“No, you’ll see me in them enough.”

Ellen pulled up a chair and sat down. “What happens if you break them?” Ellen picked the glasses up.

“I have another pair. And put those down!” he spoke sharply.

“I’m sorry.” Ellen was taken aback. “Dean?” He ignored her. “Maybe you need another day or two to clear your mind.”

“No, I need to work.”

“This genetics program you have, is it easy to run?”

“Pretty much. But when we connect the computer to the generator, we have to make sure that very little else is on. If by chance the power blows, we’ll lose everything we put in. And we have to remember do backups.”

“I’ll remember that.” Ellen stood up and walked to her box. “I went to the beach to get the one sample, and the soil I got from …” She noticed Dean not paying attention to her. “Dean, are you all right?”

“Yeah.”

“Maybe you need to take a break.”

“No, working keeps my mind off of things.”

“I understand that. So if you’re ready to listen to me now, I ... “

”What happened to you the other night?” Dean turned his stool to face her.

“What?”

“The other night, where did you go?”

“Oh.” Ellen remembered. “I went home.” She began to unpack the box.

“Why?”

“Why? Because you were sleeping. We talked about it before you fell asleep. We agreed that you would spend yesterday alone, and if you needed to talk, you’d find me. If this bothered you so much why didn’t you come to me yesterday?”

“I was mad because you left in the middle of the night.”

“Do you feel better now?” She placed the empty box on the floor.

“I guess.” Dean turned back to the computer. “I have to get back to work.”

“You’re mad at me still, aren’t you? You can’t be mad.”

Dean’s hands slammed down. “And why is that?”

“You don’t have a reason.”

“I think confusing me emotionally is a valid reason.”

Ellen laughed. “How am I confusing you emotionally?”

Dean stared.

“The other night,” Ellen said. “You came to me. You needed me.”

“And no one said you have to sleep with me.” Dean stood up. “I just … I just get something else from you.”

“What do you mean?” Ellen asked.

“I mean, it wasn’t a goal or project that made us connect.” He inched closer, and laid his hand on hers. “It was more.” He paused. “There’s something here. There’s something happening between us, more than a work partner, it’s deeper than that. That’s what I think.”

Ellen’s lips moved, but it wasn’t her voice that emerged.

It was Frank’s.

“Then you’re thinking wrong.” Frank stated as he walked into the lab. He moved directly to the two of them, grabbed Dean’s hand, removed it from Ellen’s, and faced Dean. “If your mind is going somewhere with El, it’s moving in the wrong direction. Cause it isn’t happening.” He pulled Ellen away, “Come on, El.”

It didn’t take much effort to get Ellen away from Dean in that lab. Frank took her away with ease. Dean saw it. It was a sharp slap of reality to Dean; he could now see Frank’s control over Ellen in every aspect.

FRIDAY, JULY 10

Ellen sprang from a dead sleep. She jumped from the couch when she heard the sound of engines. She quickly raced out to her porch, only to see the tractor-trailer pulling away. “Damn it, Joe. You didn’t say goodbye.” Shaking her head, she watched the truck until it was out of sight. Just as she turned to go back in, possibly get some more sleep, she heard someone call her name.

“Ellen.” Andrea trotted her way.

“Oh, hey, Andrea.” Ellen said dejectedly.

“Joe said to tell you goodbye.”

“He could have told me himself.”

“Well,” Andrea had something in her hand; it was hard to see with the way her arms held tight to her body. “You won’t miss Joe too much, we’ll be busy scavenging books and metals, you know.”

“Uh huh.” Ellen nodded watching what appeared to be apprehension on Andrea’s face. “Something is up. What is it?”

“To the best of your knowledge, when was Dean going out to Montana?”

“Next trip, why?’

Andrea stepped closer. “Miguel, even though he thought he’d be stronger, he didn’t go.”

“Oh, ok, that’s good.” Ellen said with sarcasm.

“Here.” Andrea handed Ellen a piece of paper.

“What is it?”

“Dean said to give that to you.”

Ellen opened the folded paper and skimmed it with her eyes; she peered up at Andrea as she sighed heavily. “These are program instructions to the new program. And … a list of things to do. How odd.”

“That’s it?” Andrea asked.

“Yeah.”

Andrea reached the note and quickly read it. “That son of a bitch,” she choked out.

“What?”

“Ellen, I thought this was …” she handed it back to Ellen. “I thought this was a note, not an instruction sheet.”

“Why would he leave me a note?”

Andrea hesitated. “Because he left, Ellen. Dean left for Montana.”

Curiously, Ellen looked at the letter. “He left? He wasn’t supposed to go until next trip. Frank was going …”

“Frank didn’t leave. Plans changed this morning.”

“For how long?” Ellen asked.

“He’ll be coming back with the truck. No worries, two weeks.”

Ellen slowly folded the note. “I can’t believe he didn’t say goodbye, either. But he’ll be back soon.”

THURSDAY, JULY 20

Garfield County, MT

“Goddamn rabbits!” Joe pulled back the homemade slingshot he held in his hand. He aimed, released, and fired a single stone across the field at a brown and white rabbit. The rock beamed him in the backside and the rabbit went scurrying. “Son of a bitch.” Joe searched for another stone. There were still eight more rabbits grazing in the field of grass. He aimed again, pulled back . . .

“Joe.” Dean snuck up behind him

“Shit.” The stone fired shot twenty feet off target.

“Nice aim.”

Perturbed, Joe turned around. “Why don’t you walk over there and we’ll see if your ass can figure out how good my aim is.”

“What are you doing to the rabbits?”

“Trying to kill them. Damn complex is overrun with them. They’re sneaking in the perimeter. We have to get rid of them before they start breeding and then we’ll never get rid of them.”

Dean placed his hands in his pockets. “Why don’t you just shoot them then if you want to kill them?”

“Too easy. The hunter in me won’t allow it. Besides, I don’t want to waste my bullets. What is it that you want anyhow, Dean?”

“I decided I’m not going back. The hospital’s not done and it needs a lot of work. Anyway, Frank can stay in Ashtonville. Johnny needs him. He won’t have to leave him or …” Dean cleared his throat. “Ellen.”

“I’m sure he’ll appreciate that. Now if you don’t mind, may I return to being Elmer Fudd?” Joe began to aim at the little rabbits again.

“Sure.” Dean figured it best to leave Joe to his task, and Joe always seemed to find a task to keep him occupied. Dean walked back down the hill to the little clinic. He returned to his work, the work he’d procrastinated accomplishing so he could avoid going back home.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 26

Andrea tapped lightly on the door to the laboratory before entering. “El, may I come in?”

“Sure, come on.”

Andrea opened the door. “It’s dark in here.”

“Don’t turn on the light.” Ellen’s face was illuminated by the computer screen. “What’s up?”

“I thought you’d like to know.” Andrea smiled. “They’re back.”

Ellen leaped from her chair. “When?”

“Just now. I brought the car over so you could get back faster.”

“Thank you.” Ellen hastily took off her gloves and jacket and followed Andrea out to the car. They drove quickly to the street.

Upon seeing Joe, Ellen, barely waiting for the car to stop, opened her car door and bolted towards him. “Joe!”

“Hey.” He didn’t have to walk far. Ellen ran to him and hugged him.

“Joe, I missed you, you’ve been gone too long.”

“This is quite a welcome. I didn’t get this the last time.” He put his arm around her shoulder. “Listen, Sweetheart, can we catch up in little bit? I’m beat.”

“Sure, sure, you go get rest. I want to talk to Dean. I have a lot to tell him.” She kissed Joe on the cheek and looked around.

“Uh, Ellen.”

“Yes, Joe?”

“Dean stayed in Montana.”

The smile fell from Ellen’s face. “Why?”

“A lot of reasons. There’s a ton to do. He’s barely got the hospital situated.”

“But Miguel, Jonas, and Frank are going out tomorrow morning. They’d . . .”

“Dean stayed so Frank could stay here with Johnny, and I agreed. Besides, he knows where we’re headed with things out there. With George and me being back, that’ll help.”

“What things?”

“Ellen, I’m tired.” He turned towards his house.

“No, Joe.” Ellen stopped. She stopped cold.

“What? What’s wrong?”

“I’m not feeling well.”

“Emotionally or physically?”

Ellen’s hand shot to her mouth.

Joe shook his head in disbelief. “Just like that? All of the sudden, you aren’t feeling well?”

With that question came Ellen’s answer. She stepped a foot back, removed her hand, turned her head, and vomited.

“Christ.” Joe closed his eyes. “I guess I got my answer.”

A slice of homemade bread and a warm cup of tea did the trick. Ellen was a hundred percent better and back in the lab, not thinking too much about her vomiting episode. Actually, she was playing solitaire on the computer when Frank knocked on the archway.

“Oh, hey.” Ellen wiped her mouth and turned around.

“I hear you weren’t really thrilled about me staying.”

“What?” She snickered. “Don’t be silly. Where did you get that idea?”

Frank walked to her. “I spoke with my Dad and …” his hand extended, he grabbed the mouse and played a card on the computer screen.

“Hey, that’s my game.”

Frank shrugged.

Ellen folded her arms. “You seem pissy.”

“I am.” Frank exhaled. “I talked to my Dad. He said you were so… how did he put it. So revolted you puked.”

Ellen laughed. “I did not.”

“He said you threw up. Right on his shoes.”

“I didn’t throw up on his shoes.”

“He showed me.”

Ellen cringed. “That’s gross.”

“So you’re sick?” Frank asked.

“Was. Better now.”

“Uh huh.”

“Must have been something I ate.”

Frank nodded. “That’s what my Dad said. He said we need to watch what you eat; he thinks you’re eating spoiled food.”

“Probably.”

“Right.”

Ellen looked curiously at him. “Did you just say right?”

“Yep. I know you. Cut the shit.”

“I haven’t a clue what you’re talking about.”

“How’s this.” Frank raised his eyebrows. “You’re pregnant.”

Ellen clammed up.

“So you are.”

“Frank …”

“You are.” Frank stepped back and nodded.

“Let me explain …”

“No.” Frank held up his hand. “I expected this.”

“I’m sorry if it hurts you.” Ellen stood up.

“Shocks me,” Frank said. “But … I can deal with it. I knew. The night you told me that you wanted a baby that it was a done deal. We can’t take it back, so I’ll deal with it. I’ll handle Johnny and …”

“Frank. No.”

“El, I don’t have a choice. If I’m gonna be a father again, I might as well …”

“Frank.”

Frank continued, “Handle it. I guess part of me is a little glad that …”

“Frank. Stop.” Ellen held up her hand. “The baby … the baby isn’t …. The baby is not yours.”

Frank blinked several times. “Not mine.”

Ellen shook her head.

Frank exhaled. “I didn’t realize you and Pete were close at all …”

“No. Not Pete’s. Not yours. I got my period the day after the last time we fooled around. I told you about that. Remember.”

“Yeah, but that would mean …” Frank closed his eyes. “Who?”

“Let me explain.”

“Who?”

“Frank,” Ellen cleared her throat. “I wanted a baby. You didn’t want to have one.”

Finally, Frank blasted his loudest. “Who!”

Ellen covered her ears. “I’m not telling you who.”

“Oh, you’ll tell me who the father of the baby is.”

“For what reason?” Ellen asked.

Frank’s voice went high and squeaking as he tried to control his emotions, but they still came out. “For what reason? So I can fuckin’ kill him, that’s the reason!”

“You have no right!”

“What do you mean I have no right!” Frank yelled. “Every man here knows you and I have a history. Every man.”

“And we decided to just be friends.”

“So that means you can just jump into bed with the next available guy?”

“Don’t!” Elle snapped. “I want a child. I want a child now. Not next year. Not two years. Now. I wanted to get pregnant. I was with him to get pregnant.”

“And didn’t you feel anything, El? Not one fuckin’ iota of guilt over me? Yeah we were friends, but we decided to take it one step at a time to be more. Didn’t it bother you?”

“Yes!” Ellen screamed. “Yes, it did! That is why I decided not to anymore. I stopped it just as fast as it started.”

“Before you knew you were pregnant.”

“Yes.” Ellen nodded.

“So you stopped because of me. For what reason?”

“Guilt. Dedication to you. And I figured if I’m going to have a baby, I’ll have it with you.”

With a slow sweep down his face, Frank paced in the lab, calming himself.

“Frank?” Apprehensively, Ellen inched closer to him. “Are you ok?”

“No. I’m not. I’m trying.” Frank faced her. “But I need to know who in order to deal with this.”

“Are you going to kill him?”

“Probably, El.”

“Then I’m not telling you,” Ellen said. “We need him.”

Frank’s hand immediately slapped to his face. “No.”

“What?”

“No.”

“Frank?”

“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.” Frank stopped. “Fuck. Dean?”

“Frank.”

“It is Dean. Of all the fuckin’ men. Dean. Please tell me you really did stop it because of me, and not because sex with Dean was bad.”

“The sex with Dean wasn’t …. It wasn’t meant to be for enjoyment, Frank. God.” Ellen said. “I stopped because of you.”

“How many times?”

“Now why do you have to ask? It’s not important.”

“Oh, I beg to differ. I need to know. I have to get through this, I have to know.”

“Twice. Well, three but the one time doesn’t count.”

Frank’s eyes widened. “Doesn’t count? How does it not count?”

“We didn’t finish.” Ellen waved her hand out.

“I got news for you, El. It counts.” Frank paced again then stopped. “Does he know you’re pregnant?”

“No. In fact, he probably wouldn’t even think I got pregnant.”

Frank nodded. “Good.”

“Good?”

“Because you’re not telling him.” Frank stated.

“What do you mean? I have to tell him.”

“Oh, no you do not. He was with you to get you pregnant. You were with him to get pregnant. You got a fuckin’ bond already. I want that bond broke. We can’t get past this if you keep that bond. Telling him you’re pregnant by him is keeping that bond.”

“But is it right?” Ellen asked.

“Was it right that you went to him before I could change my mind? While you and I were working on being a couple?”

Ellen shook her head.

“Then you don’t tell him. He won’t know.”

“He’ll know when I start to show,” Ellen said.

“Who cares? You tell him it’s mine. In fact, when the time is right, we’ll tell everyone it’s mine.”

Ellen slowly stood and walked across the lab.

“I want a life with you, El. I want to work toward that life.” Frank followed her. “I can’t have a life with you if we have Dean interfering and playing Daddy. This has to be our start. Our child. I’ll raise it. I’ll take responsibility. I’ll be the father. No one has to know but you and me.”

Ellen turned and faced him.

“I love you, El. Let’s do this. What do you say?” Frank asked.

With slight trepidation, Ellen answered, “I say, congratulations. You’re going to be a father.”

SUNDAY, JULY 30

Garfield County, MT

Scattered about the floor, the voices echoed in the large building. Miguel, exhausted from his trip there, lay on the linoleum, his hands folded across his large stomach, his eyes fighting to stay open. Jonas nibbled on an apple, one of a bunch he and Miguel had picked. John Matoose stretched out on his side, using the floor as a desk as he canvassed the building with his eyes. Dean sat next to Jonas, listening quietly, like everyone else, to Henry.

“So what do you suppose this building actually is for, John?” Henry asked as he sat Indian style.

“It’s not in here.” He turned a page. “Storage, maybe.”

“So close to town? And it’s big, but not that big.” Henry commented. “Should we use it for distribution?”

John shook his head. “Joe already picked the building that reminded him of a store.”

Miguel, nearly asleep, grumbled, “None of you paid attention.”

The four of them turned their heads to the man they thought was asleep.

“None of you paid attention. Joe said what he wanted to do with this building, all of you agreed.”

Henry laughed. “You mean make it into the town meeting hall slash bar?”

“Social Hall.” Miguel corrected. “And I have to agree. Once we get this place going, we’ll need it.”

Henry noticed that John was writing. “You’re actually putting that down?”

“Sure, why not?” John asked. “Joe said that. We did agree. I remember. Besides, we have nothing to stock it. We’ve spent all this time getting this place ready with things we need to live and survive. I for one think it’ll be a nice change of pace to go on a run that involves something other than surviving.”

Henry shrugged his shoulders. “I guess you’re right. Hey, Miguel?” He received a grunt and Henry shrugged again. “Jonas, how are things in Ashtonville? Are they getting stuff ready?”

“They have plans to really get into it this week,” Jonas said. “Frank, Joe, and George have a bunch of neighboring places they plan to clean out and pack up. But they are limited in time because they only want to go out sunup to sundown. They don’t want to leave the ladies since the incident with Ellen.”

Not only did that catch John’s and Henry’s attention, but Dean’s as well. Dean’s head sprang up. “What happened? Is she all right?”

“She’s fine.” Jonas told him. “She was working at that doctor’s office doing things in that lab. I don’t know what, none of us do. She needed something from town and decided to walk there” He saw Dean wave him on to hurry him. “Easy.” He held his hands out. “Anyhow, she went there late and another straggler came from the highway.” He paused in is story to let them rumble verbally in worry. “But . . .” Jonas lifted his hand. “Frank happened to be walking to get her and showed up in time. Just in time. And.” Jonas took a bite of is apple wiping the juice from his mouth as he spoke so nonchalantly. “He killed him. What is it about Ellen and attracting trouble?”

Henry agreed. “I think she’s a magnet.”

John added, “Maybe she does it just so Frank can be her hero.”

Jonas snickered, “Frank can be my hero any time.”

Dean, concerned and perturbed, probed Jonas. “Was she hurt, did he hurt her? What did he do?”

“Fine, Dean.” Jonas said. “She’s fine.”

Dean’s head dropped in relief.

Gathering up his papers, John lifted himself from the floor. “Break time over, let’s hit the next few structures then we’ll let Miguel and Jonas rest up completely from their trip.” He stretched out his arms and shook his head about the story Jonas had just told. “And all of you quizzed me about these fences. Now you know why.” Tucking his papers under his arm against his thin body, he moved to the door. “You guys coming?”

Henry stood up. “Yeah.” He saw Dean and Jonas stand, and Miguel still lay on the floor. “Miguel.” Henry called him. “Miguel.” He walked to him and nudged him with his foot. “Miguel.” Seeing that Miguel didn’t move, Henry shrugged and followed John from the building.

“Jonas.” Dean tugged his arm as they walked out the door, holding him up from following Henry and John. “Have you talked to Ellen since I was gone? Has she said anything to you like how she’s been doing?”

“Nah, she doesn’t need to say how she’s doing. Frank has her taken care of.”

“I see.” Dean released him. “I guess that’s what she needs.” With a lowered head Dean staggered behind the group. Hoping that Jonas and Miguel would bring some news about Ellen other than the trouble she had, anything at all, something positive, and he received nothing. Feeling let down, Dean veered off unnoticed from the pack and returned to his work of stocking the hospital.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 6

Ashtonville, CT

It was something different to occupy their time. Ellen really didn’t mind that Joe pulled her from her little lab where she piddled about, telling her to be part of the group for once, work had to be done. Ellen had done her community work but saw no reason to join in on the most recent endeavor that Joe deemed women’s work. For the most part, it would take her mind off of things. The more she drew to the end of the experiments Dean left her to run, the more she thought of Dean and the baby. And the more she thought of him, the more she missed Dean. Missing Dean was the biggest no-no Ellen could do to herself. So to counter it, she constantly remembered their last conversation and how he just up and left. And then there was Frank. Frank would help, too, but not in a supportive way, more in a Frank way. His I-don’t-give-a-shit-about-Dean attitude. His bitching about a man be barely knew yet had already marked as the one person that he would end up killing. His whole Dean-outlook coupled with Ellen’s loyalty to Frank always helped to sway her. Plus the fact that Frank, she, Johnny and the baby would soon be starting a new life together… she believed. Dean was not a part. He couldn’t be.

It was a great day for August, hot, but on this day Ellen joined Andrea, Maggie, and Jenny on the flat grassy front yard of her home. Joe’s task sat center of the four-woman circle. Wooden crates sat nearby them to hold the results of their job.

The conversation flowed as if they were making a quilt instead of separating metals to be brought with them to Montana, metals that would be melted down in the future near or far for when they ran out of the supplies they had gathered and were then forced to make their own. Supplies, as Joe stated, such as needles for the hospital, ammunition, tools, weapons, fillings for teeth, and even something as minuscule as a nail, metal was needed and Joe wanted to stockpile tons of it. Unsorted metals waited for them at Montana, and a monthly metal run would be made until they drained the last drop that they could.

Ellen supposed she’d thank him in the future when she needed a new frying pan, but as she sat in the front yard she wanted to curse him. Her fingers ached, but that wasn’t entirely Joe’s fault.

With a slight grunt and a sigh of relief, Ellen dropped her shoulders. “Ah, got it. Tough one, too.” She held up the small diamond, letting it catch the light of the sun. She then placed it in a velvet sack she had sitting on the ground next to her and tossed the band in the crate designated for gold.

Andrea snickered as she watched Ellen dog through the pile for another piece of jewelry with a stone in it. “Why are you doing that, saving those? They’re worthless now.”

“Not really.” Ellen showed Andrea the red ruby then took her small screwdriver and pried at the stone. “The way I see it is some time in the future someone is going to want to give jewelry. And they’ll be like, ‘hey, I can make a ring but I need a diamond’ and I’ll be there. Figuring money will be obsolete then I probably will get one hell of a trade for what I have.”

Jenny giggled like the teenager she was. “Are you going to stash them in that box you are making?”

Maggie turned to Ellen’s nod. “What box?”

“I’m going to call it my memorabilia box,” Ellen stated. “It’ll be filled with useless things for the future that just will remind me of the things I loved in this world. The world we lost.”

Andrea let out an ‘ah’ as she separated metals faster than the rest of them.

Jenny leaned forward over her folded legs. “Ellen, will you charge the man who wants to make me a ring? Will you charge him for a diamond?”

“Of course not, Jenny.” Ellen said.

“Good.” Jenny sat back in relief. “I plan on getting married someday, and when it gets close I can throw hints that you have the goods.”

Ellen looked up at her a little shocked. “Married.” To Ellen it seemed like such a starry-eyed teenage notion. Hadn’t she noticed that the world had ended? “Jenny, who are you going to marry?”

“One of the men left I suppose.” Jenny fiddled with the ring she held. “I could wait until we get more men to choose from, but according to Joe that may be years. There’re enough men to go around. And the way I look at it is as much as we may find them distasteful now, after spending all this time together we’re all bound to connect and they’ll start looking different. Like the boys in my choir. When I first joined choir I thought . . .” Jenny cringed, frowning. “They were gross. But . . . the more I got to know them, the more their appearance didn’t matter. They were nice boys. That’s why I got to date a lot.”

Ellen snickered. “Sort of on the lines that beggars can’t be choosers.”

Andrea nudged Ellen’s leg. “Be nice.”

“Oh, I didn’t mean to be mean.” Ellen looked at Jenny. “I was thinking how right you are. Maggie, what about you, do you think you’ll get involved with anyone again?”

Maggie shook her head. “No, no. I was married for forty-three years. I’m done. And I’m glad also glad that the men with us are young.” She saw the quick look from Jenny. “To me they’re young.”

Ellen edged on. “Oh, I don’t know, Maggie. What about the farmers that Joe and George found in Indiana? I hear they’re pretty old. You may find yourself in a hot and heavy post-plague-world fling.”

Maggie, embarrassed, raised her hand with a chuckle as she grabbed her chest. “Please. You make me blush.”

Ellen laughed. “What about you, Andrea? You were very much in love with Jake. You think you’ll ever be with anyone again?”

Andrea tilted her head. “If it happens. That was something Jake and I always discussed.” She saw Maggie nod in agreement. “I guess very happy couples do. We always promised each other that we wouldn’t stay alone. That we wouldn’t let the memory of one of us get in the way of allowing ourselves to feel. So . . . if, like Jenny, one of our men looks good to me, sure, I’ll move on.”

“Like Joe?” Ellen asked.

“Joe Slagel?” Andrea shook her head dramatically. “Joe Slagel is a heathen. Our sweet Lord will frown upon me if I get involved with such a man. No, no, no.”

Ellen freed another diamond from its base, smiled at that and at Andrea’s comment. “So, Jenny, have you given any thought to which man here may strike you as The One?” Ellen brought her fingers up as if quoting.

“I was thinking . . .” Jenny smiled. “John Matoose. What do you think, Ellen? Do you think he’s cute?”

“John Matoose?” Ellen looked puzzled. “I don’t think I even remember what he looks like, he’s been gone so long. Andrea, do you?”

Andrea nodded. “Thin man, tall, nice face, blonde hair, kind of sweeps it some to hide his baldness.”

Ellen winced. “I hate when men do that. If you’re gonna go bald, go bald gracefully or shave your head like Frank. Anyhow, I guess he would be cute, Jenny, I don’t remember him striking me as ugly. But I remember what Henry looks like. He’s very nice and …” Ellen winked. “Henry is cute.”

“Henry is old.” Jenny stated,

“Henry’s old?” Ellen was shocked. “Henry is not old. Henry is twenty-nine years old.”

Andrea interjected. “Remember, Ellen, when you’re seventeen years old, twenty-nine is old. Twenty-three is not.”

“Who’s twenty-three?” Ellen asked.

“John Matoose.” Andrea answered. “I remember asking him.”

Ellen’s mouth dropped open. “John Matoose is that young? I thought he was my age.” She shrugged. “It’s the military life that does it to you. Look at Frank. Anyhow, Jenny, why don’t you get to know John when we go to Montana? At least your evenings won’t be boring like the rest of ours.”

“Ok.” Jenny liked that idea. “You know, Ellen, Dean will help you not be bored. He’s cute in an old guy way. Or don’t you remember what he looks like since he’s been gone so long, too.”

Ellen lost the smile on her face and took on a solemn look.  “No, I remember what Dean looks like.” The corner of her mouth twitched some in sadness. “But . . . I kind of think Dean is the type of guy who would rather be bored in his lab by himself. Plus, I have Frank. And . . .” Ellen smiled. “Enough talk about that stuff.” She rummaged through the dwindling pile. “Oh, look.” She held up an old latch key. “I’m keeping this. I’ll put this in my box.”

Andrea shook her head. “I certainly hope in a few years you’ll pull out that box and share it with us all.”

“I will. However, Andrea, I think in a few years I’ll probably be on everyone’s least favorite person list. I had that problem, you know.”

Jenny giggled. “Like with the other mothers I babysat for. They hated you, Ellen.”

Andrea gasped. “Jenny.” She scolded in a motherly fashion. “That isn’t polite.”

Ellen closed her eyes as she snickered. “It’s the truth, Andrea. Don’t worry about it. I was blackballed from the PTA. Well, no one liked me there so I went anyhow just to be annoying.”

“It’s only because they were jealous of her.” Jenny said. “Ellen had money, she’s pretty and skinny. And . . . she had a husband that looked like he should have been in the movies.”

“Really?” Andrea asked with surprise. “You failed to mention, Ellen, in all of your distaste with Peter, that he was a handsome man.”

Ellen rolled her eyes as she bobbed her head. “Oh, yeah, Pete was hot. I guess I have to give him that one. He probably was the best-looking guy I had ever seen . . .” Ellen noticed a shadow, the big shadow of a figure that cast upon their metal collection. He just stood there and Ellen smiled, “Next to Frank.” She laughed when they all yelled, ‘what.’ “Oh sure, in my book, no one is better looking than Frank.”

Frank squatted down with a smile as he happily dropped another bag filled with metals center of their circle. He laughed at their whining. “Thanks for the compliment, El. See, I guess all those years of being friends with me did something to you.”

Andrea snickered in sarcasm. “Yes, it’s called brainwashing.”

“Now see.” Frank pointed as he stood up. “And here I found something that I thought you should have.” He reached into his back pocket. “And, just to show you how nice I am, I’m still giving it to you.” He tossed Andrea a small jewelry box. “I have to run. See ya, El.” He ruffled her hair so harshly that he pulled her over as he walked away.

Ellen picked herself up from the ground, straightening her hair. “What is it?”

“I don’t know.” Andre looked frightened to open it.

Maggie peered in more. “Take a look. It won’t bite. Will it, Ellen?”

“It shouldn’t. Come on, Andrea.” Ellen waved her on.

Andrea lifted the lid and smiled. “It’s a pin.” She pulled out the gold medical insignia pin. “But I shouldn’t have this. I’m not a doctor, Dean should have this.”

Ellen shook her head. “You’re the town doctor now, remember?” She reached out her hand to touch it. “And . . . Dean already has one of those, he showed . . .” She slowly withdrew her hand. “Dean has one.”

“I’ll wear it proudly.” Andrea took it from the case and began to pin it to her shirt. “I must give Frank more credit. I guess he can be nice, thinking of me when he found this.” She finished pinning it. “There. How does it look?” She looked up when she saw Joe join the circle.

Joe smiled and pointed to the pin. “Looks good, Andrea. I’m glad you decided to take that.”

“Yes.” Andrea smiled as she patted it. “I’m actually touched. It was a very sweet gesture.”

“Thanks.” Joe said. “I thought you’d like it. And I thought it would be nice for you to have the minute I saw it.”

“You?” Andrea asked. “I thought Frank . . . Frank said he found it for me.”

Joe laughed loudly as he lit a cigarette. “And you believed him?” He laughed again, so hard he had to walk away.

Andrea gasped as she rolled her eyes in disgust. “Forget what I said about Frank.” Trying to block out the fact that she felt like the fool, Andrea turned with the others in their conversation and in the tedious task of separating the metals.

MONDAY, AUGUST 7

Garfield County, MT

Henry watched Dean for the longest time, trying to think of what to say to him. He watched through the open blinds as Dean sat in what would soon be his laboratory at the clinic in their new home. How many times, especially in the past two weeks, had Henry wandered upon Dean sitting like that, slouched on a stool staring blankly at the green countertop? Papers were spread before him and the pencil in his hand tapped slowly from the point to the eraser over and over again. Dean had not spoken much to Henry or any of them while he readied things for when they would live there.

Taking a long breath, Henry tapped once on the door and walked in. “Hey, Dean, how’s that housing list going?”

“Um . . .” Dean looked up. “It’s going. Almost done.”

“Is this it?” Henry reached down.

“Henry ...”

Henry stared at the paper he picked up. “Everyone seems to have a home. But you forgot someone.” He laid the paper down. “Ellen. Where is she going to live, Dean? Don’t you think she’s coming?”

“I know she’s coming.” Dean smiled. “I just don’t know where to put her. I know where I want her. But ...” Dean dropped his pencil and rubbed his eyes. “I know where she doesn’t want to be.”

“How about . . .” Henry took the pencil. “Number 5. End unit.” He set down the paper. “There you have it. Right next to you. Now let’s go. We’re gonna eat some dinner.” He looked down at Dean, hoping his positive attitude would help. “Wanna get something to eat?”

“Yeah.” Dean started to stand.

“Are you all right? I mean, you seem worse.”

“I just miss her, Henry. And she and I . . . I kind of left right in the middle of something. Now I have this big feeling that things are unresolved.”

“Then why didn’t you go back with Joe,” Henry asked, “and resolve them?”

“Silly, I guess. I know how she feels, basically she doesn’t feel. I thought that if I stayed out here, I’d feel differently about her. But . . . as the old tale goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. It has in my case.”

“Hmm.” Henry folded his arms. “I never felt that to be true with me.” He shrugged and saw he’d made Dean smile. “Listen. I don’t know Ellen very well yet, but I know what she is going through. The same thing we all are going through. And none of us will know for a very long time how we are going to think or feel. We have to just go with it now. Grow with it because things are completely different. In time, all of us will learn to feel again. Some sooner than others, but it will happen in time. We just have to give it that ... time, Dean.”

Dean looked up at the young man who spoke such logical words. “That’s very good advice, Henry. Thank you. I’ll remember that.”

“It’s a Henry theory.”

“A what?” Dean followed him out.

“A Henry theory. Or that’s what my friends used to call anything I explained. Henry theories. You’ll get used to them, and then, like my friends, you’ll get annoyed by them.”

Dean started to laugh. “I don’t see how.”

“Oh, you will.” Henry led him down the long corridor that ended with a set of double glass doors. “Anyhow. Did I make you feel better?”

“As a matter of fact, you did.” Dean patted him on the back. “I still miss her, but I feel a lot better.”

“Good. Cause Dean?” Henry stopped and faced him. “Since you’re feeling better, you think you can work a little faster? We’re going back in a few days.”

Laughing at Henry’s very true implications, Dean spun in his mind what he really had left to do—and do quickly—as he and Henry left the clinic.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 15

Ashtonville, CT

The return trip into Ashtonville was a quiet one. They pulled up to Elks Drive in a minivan, unlike every other entrance where they rolled into town loudly in an eighteen wheeler. There was no need to. Any and all further remaining supplies to be brought to Garfield Project would be taken by plane.

Their return did not go unnoticed. Like a welcoming party, everyone ran to the street from wherever they were that late afternoon to greet Dean, Henry, John, Jonas and Miguel. Their safe arrival told everyone that it was getting close to the time where they would soon leave for good.

Miguel limped as he stepped from the driver’s seat of the van. He stretched some in irritation. He had to do most of the driving while the others slept. He was taken aback when he was pummeled with tightly wrapped arms around his neck. “Whoa.” He looked at Andrea who was the giver of the embrace. “What is this for?”

“All of you boys made it back safely. We’re proud of you.” She moved on to hug Henry in the same manner.

Dean peered around after he shook George’s hand, followed by Joe’s, but he didn’t see her anywhere. His heart raced with anticipation to look at Ellen, to speak to her, to tell her things that he needed to.

“Welcome back.” The voice said to him.

Smiling, Dean turned and the smiled dropped. “Andrea.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “Thanks.”

“Even though you don’t seem happy to see me, I’m happy to see you.” She embraced him. “As I told the others, we are proud of you all.”

“Thank you.” Dean broke from the embrace. “Andrea?” He looked around again. “Where’s Ellen. I’d like to see her.”

“Oh.” Andrea glanced also. “I don’t know. Frank saw her last.” She saw Frank pass. “Frank.” She grabbed his arm pulling him back. “Dean’s looking for Ellen. Where is she?”

Frank lifted his hands and shrugged “Don’t know.”

Andrea’s eyes widened. “Yes, you do. Is she in her house? Where is she? Tell him.”

Frank shook his head with a closed mouth. “Don’t know. Sorry, Dean.” He walked away.

Andrea grunted.

“Andrea, don’t worry about him. I’ll find her.” He stepped back. “I’m sure it won’t be too difficult.” Leaving the celebration of their safe arrival home, Dean quietly searched for Ellen.

Ellen dropped her pencil and rubbed her tired eyes. She stretched outward, then reached up and turned off the computer, rose from her chair, and turned on the light switch next to the door. “That’s enough, I’m done for today.” She went back over to her work space and began to organize her notes. Uncomfortably hot, she had to get out of the lab.

“Ellen.”

Ellen’s heart skipped a beat when she heard the familiar voice coming from the doorway. Closing her eyes briefly with a smile, she turned to see him. “Dean.” Her voice rose in excitement as she dropped her papers and turned excitedly to go to him. She quickly stopped herself mid track. All happiness, all excitement over his return disappeared from her face. She acted as if she’d just seen him only a moment earlier.

“How’ve you been?” He slowly entered the lab.

“Oh, working hard. We have a lot of catching up to do. How was Montana?”

“Good, you’ll love it. We designated a corner house for you. I know how you like your privacy. Joe wants us all together at seven tonight at his house, you know, for final plans.”

“Good, I’ll see you there.” Ellen gathered her papers. “I’m done here for today. I have to get out of here.”

“Ellen.” Dean closed his eyes reaching for her arm, just wanting to touch her.

“Don’t!” Ellen jerked away. “Don’t.” She lifted her hand. “You ran. You hid from me. But worst of all, you left without saying goodbye, and I’m still pissed.” She shook her head and calmed herself. “I have to go.” She grabbed hold of her folders and walked past him, stopping at the door. “Oh, and by the way . . . you need a haircut.”

Dean’s head lowered and he grabbed for the counter in defeat over their disastrous reunion.

Andrea brushed a hair from Dean’s forehead as he sat in his seat at Joe’s house, waiting for the meeting to begin. “It looks good. I did a good job.” She gave him the thumbs up. “Ellen will be pleased. And speaking of which.” She motioned her head to the door as Ellen entered the room. “Last as usual. Excuse me, Dean”

Ellen walked in and looked around. She smiled when she saw Henry talking to Joe. Slowly, she walked over to him tapping him on the shoulder. “Welcome back.”

“Hey.” Henry smiled. “Thanks.” He accepted the kiss on the cheek. “Thanks for that too.”

“Feel honored.” She pointed with a half smile. “You’re the only one I greeted nicely.” She backed up bumping into Andrea as she turned to find her seat.

“Ellen, are you ok?”

“Fine.”

“You look a little pale.”

“I’m fine, thanks.” She tried to smile then made her way to her seat between Frank and Dean. She hesitantly sat down. “Dean, nice hair cut.”

“Thanks, Andrea cut it.”

Frank reached his hand down under Ellen’s chair pulling it closer.

“I think we should move.”

“Frank, please.” Ellen whispered back.

“No, I’m serious, El. I know you, it’s too crowded and ...”

“Frank.” She brought her hand to her temple. “Not right now. All right?” She grunted and slid down in her chair, extending her feet.

“If everyone’s ready?” Joe yelled out, and the room became silent. “This won’t take long at all. First, we want to welcome everyone back. Our Montananites have informed us that everything is ready.”

Ellen sat up and took a deep breath. She grabbed the notebook from Frank’s hands, and began to frantically fan herself.

“Are you all right?” Frank asked.

Ellen nodded, fanning. “You know how I get.”

“I know; that’s why I suggested we move.”

Joe continued. “We also have a name for our town. Johnny and Denny have informed me that it will be called Beginnings, Montana.  I think it’s very fitting. Good job, boys.”

Everyone applauded.

Ellen handed Frank back his notebook and leaned forward. She began to tap her foot and wished the meeting would move on.

Frank laid his hand on her arched back as he leaned toward her. “Go get some air.”

“I’m all right.” She spoke through her hands.

Joe raised his hands to get everyone’s attention. “Also, everyone is to start packing up this week. Three boxes each, that’s it. We’ll load a truck up and drive to the airport where the plane is located in New Haven. George and I will have it gassed up and hopefully by Saturday . . .” Joe stopped when he noticed Ellen was moving restlessly in her seat. “Ellen, is something wrong?”

Ellen looked up at him; her face was pale and her brow glistened with sweat. She shook her head no.

Joe, taken aback by her appearance, walked to her. “Ellen, you don’t look well. Are you feeling all right? Do you still have that flu?”

“No, Joe.”

Scolding, Joe looked at Frank. “Didn’t I tell you to watch her with spoiled food?”

“Excuse me.” Ellen sprang from her seat and ran from the meeting room. Everyone was silent until they heard the front door slam.

Joe began to follow her, but was suddenly stopped by Frank who stood up to follow Ellen. “Let her go, Dad.”

“Frank, something is wrong with her.”

“Dad.” Frank held his hand out. “Just give me a minute with her. She’ll be back.”

“But she’s sick.”

“She’s fine.”

“That was not fine, if something’s wrong with her. . .”

“Dad, just ...” Frank ran his hand across his own face harshly in frustration. “Nothing’s wrong with her. She’s pregnant.”

All faces in the room at that moment turned to Frank as he stood with his father.

Joe smiled. “Frank?”

Mouth closed, Frank nodded. “Yep.”

“Son of a bitch.” Immediately, Joe embraced Frank, lifting his much larger son from his feet.

Dean looked at Frank, put down his notebook, and walked out of the room.

Dean walked out into the street with every intention of heading home. He ventured that way until he saw Ellen sitting on the front lawn. After a moment of debate, he quietly walked over and sat next to her. “Feeling better?”

“Yes, I needed air. It was too hot in there.” She laid back on the grass.

“So. Did you get like this when you were pregnant before?”

Ellen sat up. “You know?”

“Everyone does. Frank made the announcement.”

“Frank? Oh, wait till I get him. Frank has a big mouth.”

“They’d find out sooner or later. Were you sick like this before?”

“Not this bad.” She looked over at Dean.

Dean nodded a few times. “So, you got what you wanted.”

“I … I got what I wanted.”

“Ellen.” Dean paused and drew courage. “I need to know. I just need to know. Is this baby mine?”

Ellen’s lips parted. She stared at him. Preparing to answer, she paused. Frank approached.

“El?” Frank trotted to them. “You ok?”

“I’m fine,” Ellen stood.

Dean rose to his feet. “Frank, if you don’t mind, I am asking Ellen something.”

“Nope, don’t mind. Ask away.” Frank said.

“Without you here.” Dean retorted.

Frank laughed. “Oh, I don’t think so.”

“Frank,” Ellen snapped. “Go away, I’m pissed at you.”

“Why are you pissed at me?”

“Because you opened your mouth.”

“It slipped,” Frank defended.

“Slipped. How does it slip out?” Ellen argued.

“It slipped.”

“Hey!” Dean shouted holding out his hands. “Enough. Fine. Frank. Stay. Ellen.” He aced her. “Answer my question. Is this baby mine?”

Ellen’s eyes shifted from Frank to Dean. She took on a solemn expression. “I’m sorry, Dean. The timing … the … no. The baby is Frank’s.”

“I see.” Dean nodded once. “That’s all I wanted to know.” He turned. “Congratulations, Frank.” He said as he walked away.

Silence.

Only the sound of Dean’s dragging feet were heard.

Frank looked at Ellen. Then they both looked at Dean.

Ellen saw it, the look on Frank’s face, and she knew.

“You’re not.” Ellen said. “What was all that talk about …”

“Make no mistake. I am going to be the father, but he needs to know he fathered the baby. Despite how much I don’t like him, I can’t.”

“You’re right.”

“I know.”

Ellen nodded. “You or me?”

Frank looked back, Dean was slipping further away. “Odds or even.”

“Even.”

“Ready.” Frank held up a fist. “One, two, three, shake …” he tossed out his hand.

Ellen gave him a swat. “Good luck.”

Frank turned with a mumbled ‘Thanks’ and, moving quickly, headed after Dean. “Dean,” he called out. “Wait up.”

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20

As the sun brightly shone on Murphy’s Hill, a cool calming breeze swept by as Joe, Ellen, Frank, Dean, and Johnny stood above the burial sites of those that they had loved and lost.

They said goodbye to the physical beings left there, yet they planned to take with them the spirit that each one of their loved ones had given them. For in their losses they found strength, hope, and a willingness to go on.

Joe raised his head and glanced over at Frank and Johnny who knelt before their family’s grave then at Ellen who tried to be strong. “It’s time, everyone. I think they’ve waited for us long enough.”

Dean reached over and placed his arm around Ellen. “Are you all right?”

Ellen nodded. She bent down to the graves of her children. “Goodbye, my babies. I will always hold you here.” She brought her fist to her heart.

Silence and sadness overcame them as they slowly, without looking back, made their way down the hill.

They were the last to leave Ashtonville, the place that Ellen and Frank had spent most of their adult lives. The only place Johnny knew; a place that brought new hope to Joe and Dean.

When they pulled the car onto the runway, the door to the plane was open, with only George waiting on the steps for them. Everyone else was inside waiting patiently to leave for their new home.

Johnny ran down the aisle of the plane, excitedly taking a seat in the back.

Ellen slid in a row and Dean followed behind her. He wasn’t even comfortable in his seat when he felt it on his head.

“Move,” Frank spoke as he hit Dean on top of his head with an air sickness bag.

“Excuse me?” Dean looked up at Frank standing there in an intimidating stance. “I thought you were sitting with your son.”

“I will.” Frank nodded. “Right now I want to sit with Ellen.” He motioned his head, perturbed. “Move, Dean.”

Ellen lifted her flushed head. “Dean, can you give us just a minute.”

“Only because you asked.” Dean stood up. “Not him.” Brushing by Frank, Dean moved to the row in front.

“Hey, Dean, I’m allowing you time with her. Keep that in mind.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“We’re having a baby.”

“No, Frank, we’re having a baby.”

“Enough.” Ellen mumbled.

Frank curled his lip at Dean, flipping him off then plopping in the seat next to Ellen. “Hey.” He grabbed her hand. “You ready for this?”

“Oh, Frank.” Ellen spoke low as she turned her body into his, leaning down in the seat and grabbing his hand. “I am so scared.”

“I know.” Frank swallowed. He moved his face closer to hers. “I am, too.”

“Really? You?”

“No.” Frank smiled and laid his hand on her face. “But think of what’s ahead. We have a new home. A kid coming.”

Dean leaned between the seats. “We have a kid coming, Frank.”

“Shut the fuck up.” Frank snapped. He shook his head. “I’m telling you, El, I say he can spend time with you and the kid, and this is what I fuckin’ get.”

Dean mumbled from behind, “You’re a saint, Frank.”

Frank snarled at Dean.

“Ignore him.” Ellen pulled Frank’s attention. “You’re supposed to be reassuring me. I mean, this is so hard. I don’t know if I can do this. I don’t know how I’m going to be out there.”

“Shh.” Frank shook his head. “I know this is a big step. But El, we’ll get through this.” He slowly brought his lips to hers kissing her softly. “We’ll get through this together.”

“I am so glad I still have you in my life, Frank.” Ellen slid her arms around his neck, sighing as Frank wrapped his arms tightly around her pulling her into him.

Dean slid down in his seat, listening to the movements of bodies behind him and the cessation of their whispers. He tapped his hand against the arm rest of the seat knowing full well that what was going on behind him was definitely a sign of the way things would be and he’d have to get used to it. He suddenly sat up when George’s voice came over the intercom announcing that they would be taking off. “Thank you.” Dean looked up at the speaker and stood, stepping into the aisle the moment Frank and Ellen broke their embrace.

Frank ignored him, kissing Ellen on the cheek. “I’d better get back with Johnny.” He stood up. “All . . . all yours, Dean.” He motioned his hand to the seat. “For now.”

“Thanks.”

“Oh.” Frank came back. “I almost forgot.” He fiddled with the seat behind him. “This is for you, El.” He snickered as he tossed her an airsickness bag.

Ellen grabbed the bag and tossed it back. “I don’t want that, Frank, I don’t need it.”

“I don’t know about that.” Frank tapped the bag annoyingly on the seat in front of Dean. “You puked twice this morning.”

Dean looked at Ellen. “Take the bag.”

Frank tossed it to her.

“Thanks, Frank.” She rested it on her lap. “Now go sit back with Johnny.”

Frank smiled then winked, moving back to be with his son.

Dean buckled his seatbelt, watching Ellen do the same. She was so silent, and she stared out the window. “Everything all right?”

Ellen nodded as she still peered out. “Just a little scared and . . .” She released a shivering breath. “Nervous.”

“Just let me know if there’s anything I can do.”

Ellen was quiet then sat up when she heard the engines grow louder.

The plane began to taxi down the runway and soon became airborne, bound for their new home. With excitement, sadness, and anticipation, they headed to a place that signified their new start: Beginnings, Montana.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27

Beginnings, MT

The first winter neared its end, striking hard and frequently. No one had imagined the vengeance of the storms, and many days were filled with snow being manually removed to make access from building to building easier. Supplies had held up far better than anticipated, and that, combined with success in the greenhouses, allowed for rations to be increased.

It seemed as if winter was screaming its final hurrah as the late winter snow fiercely blew, piling up high and fast, and blocking any view from farther than two feet.

Dean opened the lid to a pot on his stove; he sniffed the aroma, and replaced the lid. “Finished.” He turned off the heat, and a sudden pounding on the door caught his attention. He went into the living room and opened the door. Ellen leaned in the doorway, snow-covered and without a coat. “Ellen, what are you doing here? Look at you, no coat, you’re gonna get sick.” Dean scoffed when Frank appeared wiggling his fingers in a wave. “What is he doing here?”

“Dean.” Ellen held onto her large protruding stomach. “The baby’s coming.”

“Right.” Dean pulled her inside. “It’s not funny, Ellen.” He shut the door trying to leave out Frank, but he walked right in.

“I’m not joking, Dean, the baby’s coming.”

“Yeah, Dean, she’s not joking.” Frank brushed the flakes off of his head. “We’re having a baby.”

“What do you mean we’re having a baby? We’re having a baby, Frank. And we’re not having it now.”

“Dean, shut the fuck up and get ready to deliver this thing. She’s in labor.”

“Sure she is, Frank.” Dean rolled his eyes. “It’s three weeks early.”

Ellen could barely stand. “Oh, God. Tell it to the baby.” She closed her eyes in pain.

Dean looked at Ellen then Frank. “Are you sure you’re not kidding me? You two pulled this joke on me twice already.”

“Dean!” Ellen screamed. “I’m having this baby, and soon!”

“Oh, shit.” The color fell from Dean’s face. “And you’re sure it’s not false labor? Here, sit down.” Dean led her to the couch.

“Dean, my water broke all over my fucking floor. I’m sure.” She began to sit.

Frank laughed. “Yeah, everywhere.”

“Then don’t sit on my couch.” Dean stopped her. “I’ll get Andrea and we’ll get you to the clinic.”

“There’s no time for the clinic.”

“Oh, shit.” Dean nervously ran his hands through his hair. “What do we do? Frank, can you carry her and run her over there?”

“Sure.” Frank reached for Ellen.

Ellen smacked him away. “Stop it, Frank.” She hunched over her belly. “Dean, get Andrea. She’s right next door.”

“Ok.” Dean ran to the wall and pounded. “Andrea, Andrea.” He shouted loudly. “Ellen’s having the baby. Now!”

“Dean, you better help me upstairs.” Ellen leaned on the arm of the couch for support.

“You want to have it here?”

Frank threw his hands in the air. “See El, screw him. Let’s go back to your place and I’ll deliver the kid.”

“Oh, God, that’s a scary thought.” Ellen grunted and bent over in pain.

The door to Dean’s house burst open as Andrea and snow barreled in. “What’s going on?”

Dean looked panicked. “Ellen’s in labor and Frank wants to steal her to deliver the kid himself.”

Frank shook his head. “That’s only because you’re being a wuss.”

“Shut up, Frank.” Dean snapped.

“No, you shut up, Dean.”

“Go away. You’re intruding on our birth.”

“Your birth?” Frank laughed. “Our birth. My kid.”

“My kid,” Dean argued. “Glory stealer.”

“Sperm donor.”

“Out.”

“I’m not going anywhere. Unless you throw me out. You wanna throw me out, Dean?”

“Boys!” Andrea shouted, walked up to Ellen, and felt her stomach. “It’s a good thing we got everything ready at the clinic for you then.”

“I won’t make it.” Ellen breathed heavily.

“It’s only a few hundred yards. How fast were your other two?”

“Less than two hours each.”

Dean smiled in relief. “Good, we have time.”

Andrea looked sharply at him. “Dean, go upstairs and get things ready, just in case.”

“What should I do?”

“Get a shower curtain and lay it on the bed, cover that with two blankets. Get about four towels, folded, and two sheets to cover her with. Also, a pan of warm water. Do it now. I’m going to check her.”

“I’ll do it.” Dean ran to the kitchen and got a clean pan, then flew up the steps.

“Ellen, are you . . .” Andrea saw Frank still standing over them. “Frank, what are you doing here?”

“Staying. This is the most excitement we’ve had in a while.”

Andrea shook her head. “Find something to do. Ellen, are you sure you won’t make it over there?” Andrea’s hands moved about on Ellen’s stomach.

“Positive.”

“Then we’ll get you upstairs. I’ll run to the clinic.” She could hear Dean’s footsteps going quickly back and forth above her. She took hold of Ellen’s arm and helped her to the steps. “Dean, come down here and get her.”

Dean bolted down, nearly falling halfway. “What do I do?”

Ellen moaned loudly.

“Take her upstairs, get her undressed, get her on the bed.”

Frank interjected, “Oh, hey Dean, look, it’s the closest thing you get to getting laid again, since El took your virginity.”

“You’re an ass, Frank.” Dean snapped.

“Bite me.”

“Blow me.”

“Boys!” Andrea scolded. “Dean, where’s your coat?”

“On the chair, where are you going?”

“I’m making a mad dash to the clinic. Ellen and I prepared a surgical box for this. I’m going to go get it.” Andrea grabbed the coat. “Get her up there, Dean.”

“Andrea.” Ellen stopped her. “You have to get Joe.”

“I don’t think there’s much time.” Andrea tried to escape.

“I will not have this baby without him here. I want Joe.” Ellen squeezed Andrea’s arm tighter.

Frank pulled Ellen’s grip off Andrea’s arm. “I’ll get my Dad, El. I’ll make the announcement.” He bolted to the door. “And don’t have this kid until I get back.”

“Andrea,” Ellen pleaded while waiting for Dean, “if you get back before Frank, lock the door.”

Andrea laughed as she backed away. “I’ll remember that.” She darted out the door.

Dean supported Ellen by the waist. “Please don’t have this baby until she gets back.”

“Dean, you’re a doctor.”

“Ellen, I saw one birth and I hated it.” He walked up the steps slowly with her. “There was way too much blood.”

“I’ll try to hold off.” Ellen squinted in pain.

“You’re being very brave through all this. Doesn’t it hurt that much?”

Ellen stepped to the top step, holding on to Dean who held tightly around her waist. “You’re an asshole.”

“Sorry.” Dean helped her get undressed. He took her to the bed, laid her down, and covered her. He went over to the window and stared out. “I don’t see her.”

“Ellen!” Joe’s voice yelled from downstairs.

“Joe.” Ellen smiled. “Up here.”

Joe came into the bedroom with Frank. He raced to Ellen’s side. “Hey, honey, how are you?” He grabbed her hand and kissed it then kissed her on the cheek. “Thanks for telling me.”

“I didn’t want you to miss this.”

Joe placed his hand on her stomach. “Wow, you’re tight. It’s really close. I’m so happy. You know what this means, don’t you? It’s the first child born.” He looked over at Dean who still stood by the window. “So why is he over there?”

Frank answered for her. “He’s being a baby about this.”

“Joe . . .” Ellen squeezed Joe’s hand tighter. “Get Frank . . .” Her face turned red. “Out of here!”

Just as Joe turned to yell at his son, Henry and George ran into the room.

“We didn’t miss the baby yet, did we?” Henry asked.

George patted Frank on the arm as he walked by. “Yeah, thanks, Frank, for knocking on the door and telling us.”

Ellen grunted loudly. “What the hell is this? Dean . . . Dean . . .”

“El shh.” Dean held up his hand looking out the window for Andrea.

“Dean!” she screamed. “Look ...” She gripped Joe’s hand in pain. “Everyone’s here.”

Dean turned from the window. “Come on, guys.” He spoke annoyed. “You’re dripping snow on my carpet.”

Henry held up his hands. “Sorry. Hey Joe, shouldn’t she be breathing or something.”

Frank rolled his eyes. “I think she knows how to do that, Henry.”

Another second, another intrusion as John Matoose came barreling in. “What is it?”

Jenny followed excitedly. “I heard you had the baby.”

Flinging back her head with an arched neck, Ellen yelled through her pain. “Oh my God! What is going on?” She reached her hand out and hit an empty spot. “Joe?”

Joe stopped his conversation with George. “Oh, sorry Ellen.” He took her hand and he winked to the observers in the room. “Contraction.”

After her contraction had eased and Joe breathed through it with Ellen, he yelled to Dean. “What the hell are you doing? You’re a doctor, get over here.”

Dean nervously shut the curtain. “I am waiting for Andrea. But I don’t see her.”

Ellen grabbed hold of Joe. “Joe, get his ass over here. Now!”

“Dean!” Joe shouted to him.

Dean parted the curtains. “Ellen, she’ll be here.”

Ellen moaned loudly again. “Dean, it’s coming.”

Dean let go of the curtain and ran to her side. “Shit, just hold on.”

“Dean, the pressure, I can’t hold back.” Her face became red.

“Don’t push! Don’t do it.” Dean begged.

Joe looked at Ellen, then at Dean. “What do you mean? Get down there and handle this situation.”

Frank waved his hand. “Fuck him, I’ll do it.” He walked to the edge of the bed and reached for the sheet.

Dean flew over. “Frank! Don’t you dare.”

“What? You aren’t doing your job. I’ve seen enough movies. I’ll handle this.” He reached again.

“I’ll handle this.” Dean moved Frank’s hand.

“Stop!” Ellen yelled throaty and deep and sounding possessed. “Don’t you dare lift that sheet with all these people in the room.”

At that moment Andrea walked in, squeezing through. “What is going on in here? This is not a three-ring circus. Out!” She pointed to the door. “Wait in the hall. Out!” They didn’t budge. “All of you. You too, Frank.”

“Nope. I’m not going. My kid.”

Dean barked, “My kid.”

“Fine. Both stay.” Andrea closed the door.

“No!” Ellen yelled, “I’m irritated …” Ellen’s face winced.

Andrea pulled items from the box, “Sweet Jesus, Dean, check her while I get things ready.”

“Shit.” Dean walked to the bottom of the bed and hesitantly lifted the sheet over Ellen’s bent up knees. With one eye open, he looked down. “Ellen.” He smiled. “Oh, God, Ellen, I see the head. Joe, I can see the head. Look.”

Joe shook his head. “No, thank you. I’ll pass.”

Andrea walked over with the box she retrieved from the clinic. “Do you want to do this, Dean? You can.”

“No. She’s all yours.” Dean released the sheet and inched his way to Ellen, nudging Frank out of the way.

“Oh, I don’t think so.” Frank nudged Dean.

“Fine.” Dean reached for Ellen’s hand, but Frank pulled him from her. He tried again. Within seconds a full-fledged Patty Cake match ensued.

“Enough.” Joe hammered. “Out. Both of you. Out.”

“But …” Frank defended.

“No buts, out.” Joe ordered.

Andrea, in position for delivery, called out. “Wait. Head has emerged.”

Everyone halted.

Reaching for a small blue suction, Andrea cleared the baby’s nose and mouth. She dipped a cloth in the water and wiped the baby’s eyes. “One more push, Ellen.”

Ellen pushed.

“That’s it.” Andrea looked up, the baby wailed. “You have a son.”

“El, we have a son.” Dean kissed her. “You did it.”

Andrea quickly clamped and cut the umbilical cord and wrapped the baby boy in a blanket and handed him up to Ellen.

Ellen reached for the baby.

“Let me see,” Frank said, trying to poke through.

Dean was breathless as he stared at his baby. “He’s beautiful, Ellen.”

“Dean!” Frank blasted. “You’re blocking my view of my son.”

“My son.”

“Her son.” Joe halted their fighting hands for the baby. “Now, neither one of you touch this kid …” Joe instructed, then extended his hands. “Until I do.” He smiled smugly, and Ellen handed him the baby.

Joe’s hand trembled as he touched the tiny face of the newborn. “Hey, you, it’s me, Pap.”

Ellen smiled as she placed her hand over Joe’s. “He looks just like you.”

Joe’s eyes watered. “He does, doesn’t he?”

Dean lifted his hands. “How can that be? Hello?”

Frank grinned. “My kid, that’s how.”

“Shut up, Frank.”

“No, you shut up.”

Suddenly the smile fell from Ellen’s face as she looked over at Dean then at Joe, then Frank. “Something’s wrong.”

Dean’s eyes widened. “What is it?”

“El?” Frank questioned with worry.

Ellen looked down at Andrea. “Something’s wrong. I don’t feel right. Something’s wrong.”

Joe’s heart dropped. “Andrea, what’s wrong?”

“Oh,” Andrea said nonchalantly, almost singing in an upbeat tone. “Nothing much. Just another head.”

Ellen in shock, murmured. “Twins?”

Joe questioned. “Twins?”

Andrea smiled. “Twins.”

“Oh, yeah,” Frank nodded. “Now we can both have one, Dean.”

Dean didn’t verbally answer. He couldn’t. His eyes rolled to the back of his head and his body turned and fell to the floor. He passed out.

“Thank fuckin’ God,” Frank shuffled Dean’s limp boy out of the way and positioned himself by Ellen. “This one’s all mine.”

Andrea opened Dean’s bedroom door with a bright smile to everyone who stood lining the hallway. “It’s a boy.” She heard them clap. “And . . . it’s a girl.”

Soon the bedroom was crowded, filled with the loud chattering of praise as the babies were passed around to each and every one of them. It was a special moment and everyone felt it. They all had to see, to touch and to hold the new life brought to their new community. And just like the name of the place they all now lived, the tiny newborn children were just that . . . A beginning.

THE CONTINUING

With all of us so different, in all of our own ways.

We see the future through our own eyes. Taking it day by day.

We will make it happen, in our own part, each and every one.

The future together will be ours. We’ve only just begun.

FOUR YEARS LATER

THE FUTURE

“Ok, Johnny, glide her on in,” George instructed. “We’ll land her now.”

Little Johnny, now sixteen and a mirror image of his father, shaved head and all, glided the helicopter over the fully growing fields of the complex.

The fields, finally, after four years, had begun to produce the crops they were intended for, a full and flourishing harvest of food that was much needed for the small but growing population.

Johnny had been flying since he was thirteen years old. This was his sixth survivor run, the first one in which he piloted the chopper. Johnny was wise. He had neither the appearance nor the attitude of a sixteen-year-old boy. That was to be expected. He had a lifetime worth of hurt in his young life. Fortunately, he had grown to appreciate life.

George had taught Johnny well. He didn’t even grab the wheel from him, as Joe had done when Joe taught him to drive. This is what Johnny wanted. Helping others. Searching them out. Weeding through them. Bringing them in.

Soon Denny would be joining them. George had it slated that he would begin to fly soon also. He was now thirteen and old enough to start learning. Flying and searching out survivors was not what Denny had planned to do. Denny would rather work for Joe or Frank in security. But it was either flying or the fields. He’d rather fly.

The search for survivors seemed, at times, hopeless. They had only begun to bring them in within the past few months. Those they did choose to bring back were weak, young, or women. Few men were found to be acceptable enough for the complex. Strong bodies were needed, yet scarce.

Johnny and Denny were taught young what their tasks would be. They were the next generation to become adults. They were the ones who would guide Beginnings, Montana ahead. They were the future.

THE DREAMER

In the clinic, Dean walked into an examining room where Andrea was cleaning and examining a boy no older than ten. Dean looked frazzled and tired.

“Andrea, how is he?”

“Infested with lice, dirty, his teeth are bad. Other than that, he seems healthy.”

Dean walked in the room and smiled at him. “I’m Dean.”

“I don’t think he understands, Dean. He doesn’t even speak. I don’t think he remembers how.” She wrote in his chart.

“How did he survive?”

Andrea shook her head. “Maybe he was with someone early on, I don’t know. Poor baby. He was only about five when the plague hit.” She bent down and looked at the boy who didn’t say a word.

“Jenny has her work cut out for her, teaching this one.” He handed Andrea a sheet of paper. “I finished the work-up on the two Joe and Johnny brought in last week.”

Andrea read the results. “Tuberculosis.”

“I went over to the school and told Jenny to keep away, with her being pregnant. I really don’t want her to come to the clinic with what the survivor runs have been picking up. Also, let’s keep John Matoose out of the clinic, too. We don’t want him passing it onto Jenny and their baby.”

“I agree.” Andrea shook her head in disbelief. “Meningitis, tuberculosis, cholera. What are they doing, looking only for the sick ones?”

“And they found three more. Johnny radioed in, they’re on their way.”

“I wish we could have had the capabilities to go and search for survivors earlier. We might not be in this situation now. Some of these people may have been better off if they were found a little bit sooner.” She pressed a button on the wall.

“We couldn’t care for them if we couldn’t care for ourselves, you know that, Andrea. This is the first year the crops and livestock are flourishing and things are looking promising.”

“You buzzed, Doctor?” A thin woman in her forties walked into the examining room.

“Yes, Melissa.” Andrea handed her the chart. “This little one needs his head scrubbed and taken to containment.”

“Yes, Doctor.”

Andrea grabbed Dean’s arm. “Let’s go, I have other patients.”

“Melissa was healthy when they found her.”

Andrea walked side by side with Dean down the hall. “That’s one out of how many, fifty? Besides, she, like many of the others, was so mentally unbalanced and withdrawn, it was frightening.”

“That was from the distress, anger, and malnutrition. They’re getting better. Four of them are working the fields already, which makes Miguel happy because now he’s in charge. And two of them are working in the clothes division.”

“I guess you’re right. It just gets a little discouraging. Every time Johnny, Joe and George make a survivor run, they only bring back the sick. Of course, that’s only after they weed through the adult survivors like bad job applicants. Last week alone they left behind ten. I’ll bet they were all healthy.”

“Yes. But you have to see Joe’s point. As much as we’d like to help everyone, we just can’t. How’s that old saying go? One bad apple . . .”

“I think you’re thinking of a bad seventies song.” Andrea released his arm and looked at him. “Are you ok? You seem down. You don’t look like yourself today. Is it Ellen again?”

Dean waved his hand at her and leaned against the wall. “It’s everything, Andrea. Ellen, the world . . .”

“Wow.” Andrea’s eyes opened wider. “That covers a lot.”

“I’m just discouraged.” Dean looked down. “I just can’t seem to master the antibiotic thing properly. I’m trying. And these people are coming in with previously treatable illnesses. Now it’s frustrating. And Ellen, for example, I love her, I really do. Yet, she argues with me every day. She gets so adamant about the survivors. She hates them being here. She’s fine with the young survivors. The older ones, the sick ones, forget it. She wants to toss them back out.”

“You knew what she was like when you two decided to become partners in raising the twins. She does love you, Dean, in her own way.”

“It’s a funny way. We’ve been trying for how long now to be a true couple. But, there are complications … well.” Dean’s frustration burned through. He stood up straight, tucked his folders under his arm, and started to walk.

Andrea followed. “You didn’t bust her again with  . . . ?”

“No.” Dean answered abruptly. “She says it’s platonic now. I don’t know. At least I can talk to you, Andrea. You’re the only one here that seems to look at these new members of our community the same way I do. With hope.”

“No. There are others. John, Jenny, George.” Andrea pointed up the hallway. “Look, there’s your partner now.”

Dean stopped walking. He watched Ellen, arms full of supplies, running down the other end of the clinic. “She’s probably on her way to processing. And she’ll come home tonight pissed off at me, if they’re sick.”

Andrea laughed. “Maybe, Dean, just maybe, if you and I work a little harder, if we strive to make things better, then maybe we can show people like Ellen that this world can be great again. That we do have hope.”

THE LONER

In the small green building found on the edge of the fields, Frank sat in a small office. He looked up with pride to the sound of the helicopter overhead. He knew Johnny had returned safely.

Frank’s attention was turned from Henry who sat with him in the office. When the sound of the helicopter grew faint, Frank turned back to Henry, looking at him with his stone face. Frank had matured, his face now looking more like its nearly forty years. The lines that had formed upon it were scars of the heartache and anger he held in. The pain had finally let go, but not without a lot of struggle and a lot of support.

“Frank?” Henry snapped. “Are we clear on this? Joe said now it’s against community rules if anyone is found in the storage facilities without permission. But you’re not allowed to shoot at them again.”

“Got it.” Frank rocked back in his chair

“Good. This has to be done because of that last incident in my generator building. At least Joe got rid of that woman.”

“Yeah, they’re all whacked aren’t they? These new ones?”

“Pretty much. That’s why you don’t see me getting too close to them.” Henry stood.

“Why not, Henry? You might find yourself a good woman.” Frank spoke snidely.

“Not me, my friend. Like you, I don’t see myself with anyone. I’m happy being alone.” Henry gathered up his coffee mug, and walkie-talkie. “Cards tonight, Frank?”

“No, not tonight.” Frank rose from his chair and walked to the door with Henry. “I have plans.”

“Plans?” Henry opened the door.

“Yeah. Ellen and I are getting together tonight. You know our talking thing.”

“I see. You two have a regular therapy session going, don’t you? I’ll see you later.” Henry walked through the door.

Frank grabbed hold of the handle, hesitating to close it, his mind elsewhere. “Therapy.” Frank laughed once to himself. In a sense it was therapy. Or at least it started that way. Unable to be a successful couple, they tried going back to being friends. And they did go back to the way they were …. Pre-plague. It was how they wanted it, the way he wanted it and needed it. They were there for each other when they needed to, and sometimes when they didn’t. Once a week or so, going off, being alone, sharing memories, then as always, ending their night sharing intimacy. That was their secret, or so he thought. No commitment. No regards to whether or not he was hurting anyone in the process. Because Frank didn’t care. Life was fine with him. It was just how he wanted to live it. His time with Ellen gave him the companionship he needed. And Johnny gave him the meaning in his life. That was all Frank needed. No more.

THE STRENGTH

Joe stood in the doorway to the small receiving center they had built ten feet from the helicopter landing pad. He watched with pride as Johnny emerged from the pilot’s seat and waved. Joe returned the wave and took his seat behind his long metal desk and waited for Johnny and George to enter.

Johnny jingled the keys as he walked in. “We have three, Pap. Sort of.” He hung them on the rack just above the filing cabinet next to the door.

Immediately behind him walked in a young woman and a teenaged boy, both somewhat thin, and half unkempt.

Joe looked up at him. “What do you mean, sort of?”

“Well, Pap, you know; these things happen.”

“Jesus, Johnny, not again.” Joe looked over at the woman and boy. “Johnny, take them in the other room. And come right back!”

Joe opened his desk drawer and pulled out a syringe. He walked over to the door and laid it on top of the file cabinet. He could see George struggling with a large man, almost dragging him into the receiving center. Joe stepped back and leaned against his desk.

The man pulled away from George and angrily stepped into the small office. “Who’s in charge?”

“I am.” Joe folded his arms.

“I have to speak to you!” The man’s voice was gruff and loud. His breath smelled bad.

“Why?” Joe asked.

“Your guys left three people behind. They just left them.”

“There are reasons for that.”

The man charged toward Joe. “That’s bullshit. Who do you people think you are?”

Joe jumped in his face. “Listen, pal, this is the way it is. You have a problem with that?”

“Yeah, I have a problem with that.”

Joe nodded to George then turned to Johnny, who had walked in the office from the adjoining room. “Get him out of here.”

George grabbed the prepared syringe from the file cabinet, and swiftly injected the man. Before he knew what hit him, he was on the floor.

Joe, face red and angry, pointed his finger at his grandson. “Johnny, the next time this happens, your flights are grounded for two weeks!” He returned to his desk.

George helped Johnny pick up the man. “Joe, honestly, everything was fine until we told him we weren’t returning for his friends.”

Joe leaned back in his chair. “I’m sorry, guys. I’m just sick of these people who fight us.”

“Pap?”

“Yes?”

“Want us to drop him off where we found him?”

Joe shook his head. “No. I didn’t like him too much. Drop him somewhere else. Let him wonder when he wakes up where he’s at.”

George laughed. “I love when we do that. Come on, John.”

Johnny and George pulled the man from the office. Joe watched them leave. He could hear Ellen entering the back door of the receiving center. He would join her in a few minutes. Hearing her bitch was the last thing he needed right now.

Joe sometimes hated when he had to throw people out. It was the way it had to be. They had ejected half of the survivors they brought in for bad behavior. Rules were rules. Joe made the rules. No one ever officially elected Joe as the leader of the complex. It just happened that way; it was assumed. Everyone felt secure in the fact that Joe was there. He’d brought them safely to this point. If it wasn’t for Joe, the determination and courage that everyone had would be less than they needed to achieve this outcome. Joe was the best one to run things, and he ran them with an iron fist. He insured everyone was safe, fed, and happy. That was the way everyone wanted it. That was the way Joe wanted it. Joe was the unsung hero in all of it. Joe was everyone’s strength.

THE SURVIVOR

“Let me ask you a question.” Ellen, with a gloved hand, held the new surviving woman’s arm, extending the arm out to herself, resting it on her hip, and wiping it off. “You seem like a nice woman, with all your faculties.”

The younger woman, maybe thirty, looked puzzled at Ellen, as the needle came closer to her arm. Her face was dull and dark, her hair, long and plain. The woman jolted a little when Ellen pricked her.

“What happened to you? What made you get like this?” Ellen was referring to the woman’s filthy condition. “You had the whole world out there.”

“I don’t know. We weren’t as fortunate as your group. We don’t have this. We merely go from city to city, living off of them. There’s no running water anymore. It’s not the same world. When’s the last time you were out there?”

“It’s been awhile I guess. Yeah, it’s been a long while. But still, I would never let myself go. I always look presentable.”

“It’s funny, how you still care about that.”

Ellen pulled the blood filled tube out of her arm. “Why not?” She placed the tube on the table. “I do it for myself. Andrea does it for her husband. Why for him, I don’t know. Of course, if you saw her husband Miguel . . .” Ellen laughed. “You would ask why too.” Ellen spoke to the woman as if she were an old friend. She did so because the woman was semi-clean, mentally aware, and definitely not sick. “All done. We have a shower over there.” Ellen pointed to the door across the room. “There are clean clothes, soap, and food. Send in that boy that you came here with, when he’s finished.”

“I will.” The woman stood up. “It’s good to be here.”

Ellen smiled at her. “Thank you.”

The woman made her way from the room, still half dressed from her examination with Ellen. It didn’t even faze her when Joe walked in. She didn’t even try to cover her half-naked body. She stood there, breasts exposed.

“Whoops, sorry!” Joe quickly turned his back.

The woman said nothing. She just walked past him into the door marked ‘Clean up area--Please use wisely!’

“Ellen, how’s it going? How are they?”

“She seems fine. She needs to learn a little modesty, but she’s fine. The best one we’ve had yet. I haven’t examined the boy. He seems all right, too. Looks like these two will be moved into the community quickly. I don’t see them living in containment very long. The longest time may be training them. I wish all of them were like these two.”

“Me, too. However, that’s why we have our program. Putting them into containment to see if they’re functional, and training them for skills here before letting them live amongst us. Still, so many come in sick, which in turn adds the hospital to their agenda, making it an even longer process.”

“I don’t want to even talk about that. I say, send me and Andrea out with Johnny. If they’re sick, leave them. Period.” Ellen began to rummage through her box of supplies, her back to Joe.

“Your comment is duly noted. Again.”

“Thank you, again.”

“Ellen.” Joe walked up behind her. He placed his arm around the front of her, pulling her close to him. “You do a very good job here, you know?” Joe tried to be complimentary, but only came across as sneaky.

“No.” Ellen shook her head as she laughed.

“You don’t even know what I’m going to ask you.”

“Yes, I do. You ask me all the time. I help you all the time. This time no. Quit buttering me up.”

Joe removed his arm; his sly sweetness wasn’t working. “Please. I need someone to go to containment tonight, to work with me in the social skills class.”

“I’m always at containment, Joe. And I can’t tonight. Tomorrow maybe. Tonight I have plans with Frank.”

“Christ, Ellen.” Joe turned her around to face him. “Do you have to be so blunt with this? You didn’t tell Dean you’re going to talk to my son again, did you?”

“He knows.”

“He’s not going to be in here tomorrow whining to me again, is he?”

“Nope.” Ellen stepped back and folded her arms. “I’ve assured him. Don’t worry about it.” She reached up and patted Joe on the shoulder.

“I worry about it. You do live with Dean, you know.”

“I know.” Ellen was nonchalant about her special friendship with Frank. She, unlike Frank, knew how people really saw them. But she didn’t care. Her time with Frank was separate from Dean.

“As long as you two stay on top of things. And I don’t mean physically. I don’t want to hear Dean bitch again. You aren’t being fair to him.” Joe never approved of the situation between Ellen and Frank. He always felt that they should be together. But if they were going to be together, then be together. Not like this. Unfortunately, the relationship aspect of everyone’s life was something Joe did not rule.

“I’ve got it in check.” Ellen’s attention drew from Joe when the teenage boy entered. “Look at you.” Ellen approached the boy. “You’re all cleaned-up and handsome.”

Joe smiled. “He looks great, Ellen.”

“A little thin.” Ellen ran her hand across his ribs that seemed to stick out. “What’s your name, honey?”

“Josh.”

Ellen’s hand dropped, along with her heart. “Josh.” She smiled at him. “How old are you?”

Josh placed his hand in the front pocket of his new jeans. “I think I’m fifteen. I lost count.”

Something in Ellen clicked when she saw the boy. “Well, Josh. Joe here is going to leave and I’m gonna check you out.” She led Josh to the examining table and waited for Joe to go.

After she had finished her examination, the boy seemingly healthy, she made her way back into Joe’s office.

“Joe?”

“Come in, Ellen. How’s the kid?” Joe sat with his feet propped up on his desk, smoking a cigarette and drinking a cup of coffee.

“He’s great.” Ellen was smiling. “I like this one, Joe. I don’t want him to go to containment. I want to take him home with Dean and me.”

“Nope.” Joe answered matter-of-factly.

“Why? Please? There’s something about him.”

“I’ll tell you what it is.” Joe put his feet on the floor. “His name and his age.”

“Maybe. But, please?” Ellen pleaded with her blue eyes.

“I’ll think about it. Let me check him out to make sure he’s not a psycho in a small-framed body. I’ll get back to you tomorrow.”

“Thanks, Joe.” Ellen ran to the seated Joe and kissed him. She raced excitedly to the door.

“Ellen. I want you to think about it too. Ok?”

“I will.” She walked from the building to her Jeep that was parked on the side. Ellen got in and began to head to town. She made her way to the main street that ran through the heart of the complex. When she reached the street, she slowed down to a crawl, catching a glance of Jenny as she entertained a group of youngsters in the school yard. So many of the survivors they had found were children, she thought, some born after the plague, some before. She caught her daughter’s attention and waved to her. She began to reflect as she looked at her child’s happy face. This was a child born into a world without hatred, a world without war. How lucky her daughter and all the other children younger than five were to have never known the world that had existed before them, a world that in one split second could be taken from them all on the whim of a madman. Ellen remembered that world, and she remembered when that world brought her the heartache and pain that made her believe her life could never go on. But life did indeed go on. Ellen smiled as she began to drive home. There across the street from her was the proof.

THE SEARCHER

He walked alone, the way he preferred it to be. The April wind began to pick up just a bit, adding even more of a chill to the air. It was time, he knew, as the sky grew darker to stop for the night for the sake of safety. He followed the road, all survivors did, and it was time to pull away from it. The wooded areas now were denser; it was easier to find a spot, a safe spot, to camp out for the night. Not that he feared anything; he actually feared nothing, except for failure in his mission that he for so long now had determined to complete.

Fifty feet or so into the woods he set his gear down. He opened up his sleeping roll and sat his tired body down upon it. His legs ached at the joints; he’d walked more today than he had in a while. Determination led him; his gut instincts told him it couldn’t take much longer.

A small fire was first on his mind then he would hunt down something to fill his stomach that ached with hunger pangs. After building the fire, he took a moment to reflect, staring into the amber flames that blazed only a few feet from him. Reaching into his knapsack, he pulled out a string and twined his long brown hair behind him into a ponytail. His beard itched a bit; he scratched it, trying to muster up the energy to hunt. Not really a difficult task, but a tedious one when you’d rather just sleep.

He began to get that feeling again; it happened to him every time he stopped moving, and it happened now. That feeling of desperation, of knowing what he had to do, must do, and the reasons that drove him. He wondered if he should just give up at times. But he knew, deep in his heart, that would never be an option. It was time to remind himself; he reminded himself nightly. Reaching into the pocket of his shirt, he pulled out that remembrance, the folded sheet of paper, now tattered and turning yellow. Slowly he unfolded it and read it, not once, but several times. The words on that paper handwritten in blue ink were forever scribbled in his heart. The simple note that read ‘Went to Ashtonville 5/30. Love, Dad’. He breathed deeply savoring his feelings. Folding the note, he closed his eyes tightly as he replaced it in his pocket. Tomorrow would be another day for him, his mission would continue. He knew he could never stop because Robbie Slagel would never stop. He just didn’t have it in him.

CAIN

Book 2

CHAPTER ONE

April 28th

Beginnings, Montana

Bringing his deep raspy voice to a whisper’s level was never an easy task for Frank Slagel, nor was keeping his towering body hidden just beneath the small grade in the secured back gate region of his community. But he did both, and not without a look of irritation on a face that had hardened and sculptured a look of ‘mean’ after years of living in a world that had gone bad.

Glad the darkness of the night kept him hidden, he crouched down behind the grade next to Dan, one of his security men. Though dressed in military garb, Dan was a complete contrast to Frank who, with the exception of his goatee, kept up his military appearance from his attire to his buzzed black hair.

“What do ya’ got?” Frank asked, giving a yank to Dan’s long ponytail.

Dan motioned his head to the perimeter fence. “He’s been out there for a while. Been calling out. Now’s he trying to break in.”

“Did you say anything?”

“No.”

“No? Why?”

“I was waiting for you.”

Frank grumbled and pulled his revolver from his shoulder harness. He checked his clip, grabbed the unlit spotlight and stood. The flick of the spotlight beam surprised the thin man who was kneeling before the perimeter, apparently digging. “Back away from the fence!” Frank called out strongly as he stepped toward him.

Straggly, tattered, and clothes too big, the man stood up. “I want in.”

“We have a front gate for that. About four miles east. Go there.”

“I did.” The man responded. “No one’s there.”

“Well, that oughta tell you something. Try in the morning.”

“I want in now. Why can’t I get in . . .”

“Back away from the fence . . . now.” Frank gave what he felt was fair, hard warning. “Now.” He stared for a moment at the man, shut off the spotlight and turned around. A few steps into his walk, a sizzle sound rang out as the man sailed a large stone through the electric perimeter. It made it through the beams, into the Beginnings area and landed with a deadened ‘thump’ at the base of Frank’s neck.

Frank stopped cold. Then, with an angry glare upon his face, he shifted back the chamber on his revolver and spun around shining the spotlight on the man. He lifted an aim. “You were warned.”

The man scoffed, holding a second stone in his hand. “What are ya gonna do? Shoot me?”

Bang.

The man dropped to the ground. Frank calmly returned his gun to his harness, shut off the spotlight, turned and walked away.

***

“Welcome to Beginnings. I’m Joe Slagel.” Wearing his typical white button down shirt, Joe stood behind a table, hands in pockets facing the small group of people that had gathered in the large recreation style room. To look at Joe, one not only saw his wisdom and leadership, one also saw how crass and gruff he could be before he even opened his mouth. It was a standard thing to him, a welcome introduction to the newcomers they had selectively let in. “You are in a place called containment. You’re here because you asked to come in. We don’t open our doors freely, and we don’t open our doors easily.” He looked at the worn faces of the twelve people in the room. One woman, nine men, and two children. All of them looked frightened. “Containment is your first step. Here you prove you remember how to be civilized. In here you learn that skill all over again. We take caution in who we let in. We worked too hard to build this place. In Beginnings, we have plenty of food, houses, a safe environment, medical care. Out there . . . . well, you know what’s out there.” Joe paced some as he spoke. “Our rules . . . they’re pretty simple. If you want it, you have to work for it. Everyone pulls their weight. We have no crime, therefore we have no prisons. Blunt and simple, you screw up . . . you’re out.” Just as Joe prepared to slip into a gentler speech, he saw Dr. Dean Hayes.

Dean’s small, thin frame leaned against the doorway of the skills room. Making eye contact with Joe, Dean lifted his hands some in a silent question mode.

“Christ.” Joe mumbled and shifted his eyes not far from him to where George Hadly sat. He gave a quick twitch of his head to the stout older man, then motioned to the awaiting newcomers. “George, can you take over?”

George looked amused, almost hiding his smile as he stood up slowly. “Sure.” He exchanged spots in the skills room with Joe, hesitating in the continuing introduction as he watched Joe walk to Dean.

Joe knew why Dean was there and his cringing was hard to hide the closer he moved to him. He tried to smile, but even under easy circumstances, that was a chore for Joe. “Dean.” Joe laid a hand on Dean’s shoulder moving him more to the hallway. “What can I do for you?”

“It’s Thursday.”

“That it is.”

“Where’s Ellen?” Dean raised his eyebrows, then in frustration ran his fingers through his dark blond hair in dire need of a cut. “Last I knew, Joe . . .” He said, pointing to George. “Ellen wasn’t sixty with grey hair. I thought you guys were doing this class together.”

“She’s not here.”

Wanting to say ‘no shit’, Dean refrained and just blinked long instead. “O.K.,” he spoke calm. “I have to get to the clinic. I have an emergency. Where is she? I have Denny with the twins, but that can’t be for long. He does stupid things with them.”

“Do you need me to go over?” Joe asked.

“I’d like for Ellen to be there.”

With a slow deep breath through his nostrils, Joe tossed his hands up.

Dean shook his head. “I have to go.” He stepped back. “I . . . I appreciate you going over as soon as you can.”

“You got it.” Joe watched Dean turn and walk away. He hesitated then called out. “Dean, did you check Frank’s?”

His immediate stop caused a high squeak as Dean’s canvass high-tops slid against the linoleum. Slowly, he turned around. “No. And . . . and I’m not. I’m just going to hope she’s somewhere else.”

Dean’s return to a hastened exit made Joe whistle softly at the very focused doctor’s chosen blindness. Figuring he said all that he could, Joe turned and went back into the skills room to help finish class.

***

No sooner did Frank open the front door to his home, the motion blur of a little blond haired woman sped by him. “Whoa.” He extended his long reach halting Ellen just as she made it to the front porch. “Wait. Where are you going?”

“Frank . . .” Ellen seemed agitated. “I have to go.”

“No-no.” He pulled her back in, leading her into the house. “You said tonight . . .”

“You’ve been gone.”

“I had something to take care of.”

“I’m sorry.” Ellen tried to get by him.

“El.” Frank stopped her again. “Come on.” He had a certain amount of pleading to him. “I thought we were going to be together tonight.”

“I thought so, too.” Ellen peered up to him sincere. “But I waited. And I can’t be . . . I have to be home, Frank. And this, this is not my home.” With another attempt to leave through the open door, Ellen was stopped. “Frank.”

“El. Give me an hour.”

“I can’t.”

“Then just . . . just a half an hour. Please.” Like he had always done, he looked right into her. “Please.”

Ellen closed her eyes briefly and exhaled. She said nothing, walked to the door and closed it.

Behind her, Frank grinned.

Ozark Mountains, Missouri

A sharp crack of a twig awakened Robbie Slagel from a not-too-deep sleep. He sat straight up, and in the same motion, grabbed from beneath his sleeping bag a long hunting knife. Holding it with a firm grip, he waved it slowly in front of his tall, thin body. His long blond hair dangled in his face, mixing with his thick beard. He removed his hair from his eyes, peering around his campsite. Nothing. It had to have been an animal. Being careful was something Robbie couldn’t overdo. He had his close calls before. And every single time a sound awakened him, it played vividly the memory of the first time he had to take a life in order to preserve his own.

It was so long before, Robbie couldn’t remember the year. His body, achy and tired, had just settled in for the night. The group of people he happened upon, had set up camp and he joined them. That particular group were what Robbie referred to as Wanderers. They traveled the land, scavenging it for their survival. They were dirty, mean, and nasty. But they were company to him none-the-less, and every so often he needed that. It was a time when Robbie trusted people more. Rather, trusted people at all. Robbie’s trust was something he should not have given them, but he did.

The crack, the cracking of the twig just above his head. It was a sound he’d never forget. With that, all he remembered was his sleeping bag being zippered closed, and the painful blows delivered to his unsuspecting body. Were they feet? Were they branches? Robbie didn’t know. He managed to grab his hunting knife, still strapped to his thigh, and rip it with intense rage straight through his sleeping bag. The rest still remained a blur. Blood rushing to his head, heart racing, fighting with instincts. His knife spearing out, slicing flesh. When it was over, three men lay in a bloody pool. Robbie, frightened and shaken, gathered his belongings and ran. He ran until daybreak.

Once again . . . he was alone. Robbie was used to it. Occasionally he would join up with a band of people. But that never lasted long. He always clashed with someone in the group. And Robbie would move on.

A part of him felt he was meant to live alone. Living in the wilderness suited him fine. He had trained for so long in the Special Forces, that being alone in unscathed lands was second nature to him. The world had become his real life training field. Cities which once stood tall and bright were dark and over grown with weeds. The concrete jungles of the previous world cracked as the wilderness that laid there thousands of years earlier, made its comeback. A newly unchartered world, offered little opportunities to the very few that survived the plague. A plague that ravaged out civilization so fast, it was over before it began. Robbie was grateful for all of the skills he acquired in his younger years. Those skills kept him alive. They kept him warm in the winter, fed when he was hungry and strong when others were weak. The only thing those skills did not teach him was the ability to remain sane throughout the horridness of what had happened. Yet he was not alone in his struggle for sanity. The ever balancing of wits seemed to be a constant with everyone he encountered.

With a deep breath, Robbie rubbed his eyes. He secured in his mind that he was safe. No one was around. He hadn’t seen anyone in two days. He took his knife, along with his paranoia, and tucked them away for the night. He lay back down and tried to go back to sleep.

The next day would be the same as always, he would continue on. His mind and his body would both wander as he traveled on the mission that he had been on for so long. A mission he knew he would never give up. His inner struggles would not let him quit. He had made it too far. Giving up was not an option.

Beginnings, Montana

The smell of cigarette smoke sent warning signals off to Ellen as she quietly slipped into her home. A part of her knew she couldn’t do it, but she gave it her best shot. Thinking that perhaps if she pretended she didn’t see him, nothing would be said, Ellen closed the door with barely a click. She innocently moved across the living room, beyond the back of the sofa where Joe sat reading and toward the freedom of the dining area. She strived for the ‘home free’ feeling she sought in the kitchen.

“Ellen.”

Ellen cringed, stopped and turned around with a fake smile. “Oh, uh, hey, Joe. What are you doing here?”

Joe set down his book as he stood up. “Oh, uh, hey, Ellen. Babysitting.”

“Thanks,” she said brightly. “You can go.” She turned to make her escape.

“Just a second.”

“Shit.”

“Where have you been?” Joe walked to her.

“Um . . .” Again Ellen faced him. “Out.”

“Out? Out. This is Beginnings, where are you gonna go?” Joe asked with edge. “You weren’t at the social hall.”

“Joe, look, don’t start. I’m not in the mood for a lecture.”

“Really?” Joe placed his hands in his pockets. “Ask me if I care.”

Ellen huffed out. “Fine.” She walked over to a chair and plopped down. “Go on. Get it over with. But keep in mind I am not a child.”

“Then grow up.” Joe walked to her. “Ellen, in all these years I have never treated you less than one of my kids. But I swear, if you were one of my sons, I’d be kicking your ass.”

Ellen stared out. A Joe lecture was something she was used to. She raised her eyes when he walked around the chair to in front of her.

“I’ve kept my mouth shut.” Joe saw the glare Ellen gave him. “O.K., all right, I haven’t. But . . . it’s gone on long enough. A lot has happened in our lives. Losses we tried to overcome. So, I understood what happened to you and Frank when we were getting ready to come here. You both had a lot to deal with. I didn’t understand why you went to Dean to help you have a child. But you did, and when you did, you made a lifelong choice.”

“No, Joe, you’re wrong.”

“No, Ellen . . . you’re wrong. You are doing it again. You are doing the same thing to Dean that you did to Pete.”

“It is hardly the same thing.” Ellen scoffed with a small amount of laughter as she stood up. “We are not married.”

“And you think that makes a difference? My God, Ellen, you have children with the man. You live with him. You sleep in the same bed as him.”

“This is really one of your business.” Ellen’s hands flew out as she backed up.

“The hell it isn’t. You have been like my daughter, Frank is my son. This community is way too small for such an explosive situation.” Joe followed her toward the dining area. “Do you know Dean refuses to believe you were with Frank tonight?”

“Then that’s his problem.”

“You told him it was over last year when he busted you and Frank.”

“I lied.”

“Do you know how bad you hurt him?” Joe asked with fatherly anger.

“I don’t care.”

“You don’t care?” He stepped to her speaking with more passion. “You better start caring. The world we knew may have ended, Ellen, but the human race didn’t. For nearly twenty years you and Frank have been doing the same thing. Do you realize that most of the world is gone, and you two are still managing to find people to hurt?”

“What do you want me to do Joe?” Ellen asked with emotions. “Huh?”

“I want you to do things right. If you don’t care about your life in this house, then stop deceiving Dean and do things right with Frank.”

“I can’t.” Ellen’s strong words brought silence. “I can’t. I don’t know how to be with Frank the right way. And Joe, I’m sorry, I don’t want to.” She stared at Joe for a moment following her cold words, then Ellen, saying no more, quietly and calmly walked away.

CHAPTER TWO

April 29th

Miller County, Missouri

How long had it been? Robbie thought to himself as he spread open his worn out map of the United States onto the damp grass. A picture of his Dad and Frank lay on the corner. The sun was starting to warm up everything, causing a dew to form. How long had it been since he first started his search? He had lost track of time, but he hadn’t lost track of hope. He looked at the photographs of his father and Frank. He knew they were alive somewhere. But where?

“Robbie, you’re gonna be getting busy, I can’t say why . . .” His father’s voice spoke on his answering machine.

Robbie played that message over and over. What did his father mean? Robbie recalled trying to telephone his Dad several times, there was never any answer. Little did he know, within ten hours of hearing that message, he would be stationed at a check-point post not far from his base in Seattle Washington.

The virus. Robbie realized his father knew of it, and was trying to warn him. Stating in his last telephone message to remember their contingency plan. Robbie did. He only wished that he had tried to follow the contingency plan sooner. But why would he? He hadn’t spoken to his father. The inability to contact his Dad led him to believe that his father merely fell victim to the plague, as well.

Robbie stayed behind in Washington, he had to. That’s where he met Marissa during the plague. They became friends. She needed him. But he should have known. Marissa didn’t want to live, having lost her two sons, the only thing in the world that mattered to her. She barely spoke, nor ate. For months she’d curl up at night in a ball and cry herself to sleep. He couldn’t help her. As much as he wanted to, he couldn’t. He never knew anyone could die of a broken heart. Marissa did. It was she, that made him believe that he had to search for his family. Search until he had the answers.

“If I had family out there,” she spoke to him that last night. “Even with the slightest possibility that they were alive. I’d find them. I’d look until I had proof they weren’t around.”

Marissa never woke up.

How many years ago was that? Robbie looked down at his map, and at the markings he placed upon it to show everywhere he had gone. He placed the photographs of his father and Frank back into his chest pocket. He knew he would pull them out again, as he always did, anytime he met up with survivors.

Robbie would pull out that picture and show it to anyone who would look. Anyone who was still alive. He’d ask, “Have you seen them? Have you seen these two men? They are my family. I know they’re alive. Have you seen them?”

Never in all the time had he ever heard the answer his heart longed to hear. The hope of waiting for that answer kept him going. One day he would get that answer, and his life would change. He needed it. He needed to hear that one simple word, yes.

Beginnings, Montana

Joe adjusted his small walkie-talkie on his belt as he waltzed into the hanger not far from the fields. He had just finished speaking to Miguel. Miguel who had been working and running the fields was worn out. His brawny body had begun to thin out from the stress and work, and he begged Joe for more help. But what could Joe do? His hands were tied. If he had the help to give him, he would. Miguel’s request was one of the reasons he had to speak to George in the hanger that morning. The other one was Denny.

Denny was having his very first flight lesson. Though only thirteen, he was big, strong and old enough to start pulling some of his weight in the community. Johnny, his grandson did at his age. And as Joe saw it, Denny would too.

An uneasy feeling hit Joe the second he flung open the hanger door and heard the echoing sound of mouth-motor noises. Wondering what kind of odd teaching exercise George had embarked on, Joe walked to the chopper and opened the pilot side door. “What’s going on?”

Denny lifted his shoulders. “Sorry, Mr. Slagel, just having fun.”

“Fun?” Joe looked past Denny to George, who sat holding onto his head while he leaned it against the window, hardly looking like a man who once was president of the United States. “George, what’s going on? You look like you had a stroke.”

George huffed and opened his door. “I’m getting too old for this shit.” He stepped out and walked around to Joe. “Forget it, Joe. He’s not ready for this. It’s all a big game to him. He’s a kid, plain and simple.”

“He’s thirteen. Johnny started at thirteen.”

“He’s not Johnny.” George proceeded to flatten his hair, the same grey hair he pulled upon while trying to show Denny the instruments. “It’s useless.”

“That bad?”

“I wouldn’t trust him to take me for a ride in a Big Wheel, let alone in a chopper thousands of feet above the ground.”

“I have to do something with him.” Joe turned back to look at Denny who had jumped from the chopper. “Look at the size of him. I need that.”

“Yes, Denny may be big, but he’s a little boy in a man’s body. You have to remember that.”

Again Joe peered back at Denny who was screaming softly in his playful simulation of decapitation by chopper blade. “Is he normal?”

George only shrugged.

Rolling his eyes, Joe tried to ignore Denny. “All right. The other reason why I’m here. Men. I need men and I need you to make a survivor run . . . or two this week.”

“You said you were holding off for a while.”

“I know. I know.” Joe rubbed his eyes in frustration. “But we need bodies. If we could pick up five, five healthy strong men, we’d be good.”

George whistled long. “It’s not going to be easy. Finding just men is one thing, hell there are no women. But finding men that meet your criteria. Joe, it’s gonna be like . . .”

“Can you try?”

George released an argumentative grumble and scratched his head. “I’ll try. I’ll get a hold of Johnny and make some sweeps of the south and eastern regions we haven’t hit in a while.”

“Appreciate it.” Joe swatted George’s arm. “I’m heading out.”

“Whoa.” George snatched Joe back and motioned his head to Denny who appeared to be in his own world. “Do something with the kid.”

Placing two fingers in his mouth, Joe whistled loudly to get Denny’s attention. “Den! Let’s go. You have new work. The fields await.”

“No.” Denny whined as he approached Joe. “Can’t I help my mom at the clinic?”

“Andrea doesn’t need your help. Miguel does. Besides, he likes you. Thinks you’re swell.”

“He hates me.” Denny moped. “I live with him remember, I should know. Please, no fields.”

“Tell ya’ what. Because I’m a fair guy.” Joe said. “I’ll make you a deal. If you make it to the field house on foot before I get there in my jeep, you never have to do field work again in your life. But . . .” Joe held up a finger. “If I beat you. You, Denny, have the nickname, Farm Boy.”

“O.K.!” Denny smiled brightly at the ‘sucker’ bet he thought Joe just made with him. “Thanks, Mr. Slagel. See you aren’t as bad as everyone says.” Not wanting to take a chance that Joe would change his mind, Denny took off running from the hanger.

“Joe, that’s terrible.” George contained his snicker. “It’s nearly two miles to the field house. Thought you were fair.”

“I am.” Joe tossed up his hands. “But I need field workers.”

George shook his head. Though he thought Joe’s joke a little mean, he was grateful for it. His headache started to dissipate. Denny was out of his hair.

Miller County, Missouri

Robbie stopped walking on the weed overgrown road. It was time for his daily reminder. The reminder that always made him go on. He placed his backpack down and pulled from the side pocket, the note. The note he took from his father’s front door all those years ago. Went to Ashtonville 5/30, Love, Dad. He remembered the heart pounding relief he felt when he found it. He needed to have that message. And though four months had passed since his father had written it, to him it was a sense of hope.

Hope.

Robbie was filled with the hope of finding his family. It wasn’t the message or even the date. It was the place his father went. Ashtonville. Ashtonville meant Frank. They had to be there, it had only been four months. Robbie couldn’t have been more wrong.

At dawn he had pulled up in Ashtonville all those years earlier. He chalked up the quietness to the early morning. Frank’s house was his first stop and he ran in without knocking. Empty. Dusty. Quiet. Dark. The smell of death lingered along with bloodstains that told him more than he wanted to know. Searching Frank’s house and piecing together what had happened, explained to Robbie why Frank didn’t stay in the house.

Robbie’s next thought went to Ellen. That had to be where Frank or his father were at. Again, carrying an abundance of hope, and caring less if he woke anyone, Robbie darted to Elks street calling out in his charging run. “Frank! Ellen! Dad! Frank!” He made it the two streets over. Picnic tables joined together, sat on Ellen’s lawn. Papers flew about in the early morning breeze. Robbie remembered grinning at the sight. Chairs, tables . . . people. “Frank! Dad!”

Nothing.

No one answered. No one was around. They were all gone.

The pity he felt that day, years before, when he dropped to his knees on Ellen’s lawn and cried was long forgotten. It had been replaced with the knowledge that he had to find his family. Robbie knew they were alive. The scribbled notes and survival lists in his father’s and Frank’s handwriting confirmed that. Robbie just had to find where they went. He would search until he could search no more.

Replacing his father’s note back into his pack, Robbie grabbed his gear and moved on. Though the roads, towns, and places that turned up empty filled him with pain, they kept him going. He vowed always to view his travels not as failures, but as factors he eliminated in his strive to reach his goal.

Beginnings, Montana

Ellen likened Joe’s fatherly lectures to tetanus shots. Initially irritating and easy to take. Yet, like a tetanus shot, Joe’s lectures became abundantly clear the next day to Ellen that she had received one. They sank in and she felt them.

Carrying not only a cup of coffee, Ellen carried some guilt as she stepped into a place that, nearly a year earlier, she vowed never to return. Dean’s laboratory.

“Morning,” she spoke, walking in as if she did it every day.

“Ellen?” Dean nearly spun off his stool in surprise. “What . . . what are you doing in here?”

“I brought you coffee.” She set it down before him.

Dean suspiciously looked at the cup then at her. “You’re either killing me or you want something.”

“Neither.” Ellen leaned across the counter from him. “I’m here to work.”

“You don’t work here. In fact, didn’t you record into my Dictaphone, ‘Dean you suck. I’ll never work with you again’?” Dean started to stand. “I think I still have that tape . . .”

“Dean.” Ellen grabbed his wrist. “Look, I know you’re busy with your new experiments. Andrea told me. I’m also getting survivor whacked out at containment. I know you can use me. And . . . enough time has passed since our blow out over my little incident.”

Dean mouthed the words ‘little incident’ as Ellen rummaged through his notes. “Ellen.”

“What is this, P.C.R.S.?” She held up a sheet of paper.

Dean looked up at her. “Poly-Cardiac-Rhythmic-Synthesis.”

“What is that?”

“Something I’ve been working on for a year.”

Ellen squinted as she tried to read Dean’s handwriting. “It must be important, for you to be working on it for a year.”

“It’s important to me. Unfortunately, it hasn’t had my complete attention. Other things are more important.”

“But now you have me again. What is it?”

“Ellen.” Dean sprang from his seat and took the paper from her. “Why are you doing this? You never come in here anymore, let alone show any interest in my work.”

“Fine.” Ellen lifted her hands and stepped back from him. “Fine. I’m sorry. I’ll leave. But the next time you whine I pay no attention to you, don’t think I won’t bring this day up in my defense.” Ellen turned toward the door, she reached for the handle and opened it.

“It’s a way to jump start the heart, after it stops beating.”

Ellen’s attention was caught. She shut the door and turned to face him. “Almost like an adrenaline?” She walked to him.

“Better. I’m hoping.” He noticed the interest on Ellen’s face. “You really want to hear this?”

“Yes.” She pulled up a stool and sat next to him. “In what way do you mean better?”

“Well, adrenaline, injected directly into the heart will jump start it. In a person with a strong heart, that worked fine. It gave them the boost they needed, and the heart beats on. Then came problem number one. Any supply we had of adrenaline became useless three years ago. Problem two. If we had adrenaline, it wouldn’t work on someone who had a massive coronary, or say someone who had a trauma and lost a lot of blood. Those candidates, their hearts are too weak to pump the blood needed. With my P.C.R.S., one dose to start the heart, and lesser dosages, say at one hour intervals to keep the heart pumping, so the body can recover.”

Ellen smiled at him. “Dean, this is really great. Does it work?”

“I guess, it’s still not perfected. It’s never been tried on a human. At first I had the overkill effect. Man, I was exploding hearts all over this lab. I’d inject the heart. Boom. Blood was everywhere. Then I calculated the dosage with the weight. And it worked. Sort of. The heart stopped in ten minutes. So I administered smaller dosages and was able to keep the subject alive like that. That was, of course, until I stopped the P.C.R.S.. Then they bit it.” Dean was proud of his explanation, but was surprised at the puzzled look upon Ellen’s face. “Did I lose you somewhere?”

“Yes. You mentioned subjects. Who exactly were you trying this on?”

“Rabbits, various other animals. Mostly rabbits. We’re overrun with them.”

Ellen started laughing. “Good thing for you the animal rights movement is dead.”

“Tell me about it.”

“You really killed bunnies, then exploded their hearts?” she asked.

“You’re making it sound rather raw. It’s science. And it’s a science we need.”

“I know that. Better not tell our kids though. Alexandra and Billy would have a fit if they found out your mad scientist tortuous means to furry animals.”

“Alexandra, yes. Billy, no. He’s too much like me.”

“True.” Ellen smiled with pride at him. “I’m so impressed, Dean. No. In fact I’m proud of you.” She leaned to him and kissed him. “You’ll really make a difference. And with this P.S. C.R., ”

“P.C.R.S.” Dean corrected her.

“Whatever. I’m complimenting you here, take it. You said it’s important to you, is it because of your father?”

“A little. Yeah. My Dad probably wouldn’t have lived even if I was there when he took his heart attack. But a young man or woman who just had a bad deal, may get that chance that right now our medical technology won’t allow.”

“Like Carl last year.”

Dean closed his eyes. “Yes. Carl shouldn’t have died. He wouldn’t have in the old world. But he lost so much blood when the survivors killed him. By the time Frank found him . . .”

“There was no turning it back.” Ellen sighed a breath to change the conversation’s demeanor. “But now, with this drug, you will save lives.” She touched his hand. “How did you make it?”

Dean’s other hand covered hers. “It’s complicated. But the basic ingredient was epinephrine taken from the glands of . . .” His eyes raised and he stopped speaking.

Ellen waited. “Of? Dean? Of? Did you forget?”

Frank’s voice gave the answer to the question as he walked in the lab. “He’s mesmerized right now at the magnitude of my presence.”

Dean rolled his eyes in slight irritation. “Keep using big words Frank, people might think you made it past the third grade.” Releasing Ellen’s hand, Dean stood up. “Why are you in my lab?”

“Why is Ellen here?” Frank asked.

“Ellen works here.”

“No, she doesn’t.”

“She does now,” Dean said smug and grinned when he saw the surprised shifting eyes Frank gave to Ellen. “Frank?”

Frank stepped slowly to Ellen. “You’re working with him again? I thought he kicked you out.”

Dean laughed in disbelief. “Is that what you told him?”

Ellen bit her bottom lip. It was time to change the subject. “Frank. Why are you here?”

Frank slowly breathed out. “I’m pissed. And I need you to tell me I’m right.”

Ellen nodded. “You’re right.”

“Thank you.” Frank smiled and stepped back. “I have to go find Jonas.”

Dean looked quickly back and forth. “Wait a second. Just like that? El, you don’t even know what you told him he was right about.”

“Yes, I do. It can only be one thing. Has to be about . . . it.”

Frank nodded. “Exactly.”

“It?” Dean questioned.

“It.” Frank reiterated. “It has been given a new job. It now has access to too much shit. It can’t be . . .”

Dean shot up a hand halting Frank. “You have got to talk to someone about this obsession. It meaning Michelle?” Dean cringed at Frank’s vocal disgust.

“Dean, the bitch took the van.” Frank stated.

Dean had to laugh. “Frank, she was scared. You and Jonas found her on a survival run. You two frightened her, she took off with your van. Get over it.”

Frank waved an arrogant finger in front of Dean. “You’ll see. She cannot be trusted and we let her in. You’ll see.” He gave a single nod and moved to the door. “El, thanks. I’ll see you tonight.”

Dean’s eyes stayed fixed on the door until Frank was gone. He turned to Ellen. “You’re seeing him tonight?”

“Absolutely not,” Ellen said with certainty and grabbed for notes again. “Now back to this. . . S.P.C.R.”

“No, El, it’s P. C. . . .” He closed his eyes with a smile. “Forget it.” He snatched the notes from her hand, and gave a playful smack to the top of her head with them. Grateful they were back to working together, Dean moved easily into his scientist mode.

CHAPTER THREE

Gravois, Missouri

Robbie emerged from the small lake. His nude body, numbed from the coldness of the water, ran quickly to shore to gather his clothes. He hurried and pulled on his pants and the rest of his clothing. He ran his fingers through his wet hair to steer it from hanging in his face.

As Robbie tilted his head to one side to clear the water from his ears, he heard it. That sound. Thinking it was a figment of his imagination, he plunged his ears one more time and listened again. The sound of music. The sound of an acoustic guitar being picked with perfection carried to him from the distance.

Robbie gathered up his belongings and followed the sound. Closer and closer it grew. As he made his way from the wooded area to the clearing, he saw a man. A black man, no more than thirty years old, sat playing his guitar while sitting on a fallen tree in the midst of a well set-up camp site. He was alone, except for a horse tied to a tree twenty or so feet away.

Robbie neared him, slow and mesmerized. The man played so well, his head swayed back and forth, eyes closed as his fingers took each string. He stopped playing when he heard Robbie approach.

Robbie cleared his throat so he could speak, he hadn’t spoken in days. “No. Don’t stop.” Robbie’s voice was soft and deep, unlike his brother Frank’s, whose voice seemed to bellow on every word. “Please.” Robbie sat down across from the man, the small fire separated them.

When he finished his song, the man looked up at Robbie. “You like?”

“I . . . uh, yeah.” Robbie cleared his throat again. “I used to play. But things keep happening to my guitars.”

“I know that.” He smiled. “Paul.” He set his guitar off to his side and rested it on the tree. He then extended his hand to Robbie.

A hand shake? Robbie could not recall the last time he shook someone’s hand. No one he met had ever offered him their hand. “Robbie, Robbie Slagel.” Robbie shook the hand. Paul gripped it firmly, a sign to Robbie, that this man was different. “Play some more.”

“I will. But . . . lunch is done. Why don’t you play?” Paul grabbed the guitar and handed it to Robbie, then lifted the lid from the frying pan which sat upon the metal grate over the fire. An aroma of well-cooked food blew outward. “Want some? I have plenty.”

Why the man was being so civil, Robbie did not know. It was odd, he was different from anyone else he had ever met. Taking the guitar, Robbie held it all right, but it had been so long since he had played he felt awkward. He placed it down. “If you’re sure.”

“I am. Of course it’s rabbit, the meat of choice.”

Robbie smiled at Paul. “The only plentiful meat you mean.”

“Right.” Paul removed the frying pan from the fire and placed it on the ground. He pulled from a bag, which sat next to him, two tin plates, and forks. He served up a helping to Robbie and handed it to him.

Robbie stared at the fork, it had been a long time since he used eating utensils. In fact, he couldn’t remember the last time he saw someone use a fork.

“Something wrong?” Paul asked.

“A fork.” Robbie turned it about. “You’re different from the other wanderers I’ve met.”

“Wanderers?”

“Yeah. People who go from place to place moving around. I’ve met lots of them. Never anyone like you. You have it together.” Robbie stared at his food, then awkwardly took his fork, plunged it into his meat, and shoved it in his mouth. “It’s like you’re on vacation.”

Paul began to laugh. “I’m not a wanderer. I guess you can say I am on vacation. You see, I live in Texas. There’s a small town down there where some survivors have gathered. Anyway, Texas is hot. So every April I head north for awhile.

There was something about Paul that intrigued Robbie. Something likeable and civil. “April? How do you keep track of time?”

Paul lifted his sleeve and showed Robbie a monstrous watch. “I’ll probably be lost when this finally goes. But it lets me know the time, day, month.”

“What day is it?” Robbie asked.

“April 29th.” Paul pulled down his sleeve and began to eat.

“You mentioned that you live in a town, a town that survivors had gathered.” Robbie placed down his plate and pulled the pictures from his pocket. “Have you seen these two men?”

Paul took the photographs and stared at them.

“See they’re my family. I know they are alive. I found proof of that. But they moved on and I don’t know where they went. Have you seen them?”

Paul shook his head. “No man, sorry.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. I’d remember this one.” He indicated to Frank’s photo as he handed it back to Robbie. “He looks like a big guy and mean. I’d remember if I met him.”

“Yeah, you would remember Frank.” Robbie put them back in his pocket. “Thanks. It’s just that I haven’t searched Texas yet, and you mentioned survivors. I just thought, well, you know.”

“Sorry.” Paul noticed the disappointment on Robbie’s face. “Is that what you are doing? Are you searching for them?”

“Since about four months post-plague.”

“Holy shit.” Paul was astonished. “That’s a long time to be looking. And you haven’t given up yet?”

“I’ll never give up. I know they’re alive. I have to keep looking. I have nothing else to do.” Robbie picked up his lunch and continued to eat.

Beginnings, Montana

Soft spoken and meek was how Jonas Lyons talked when he was relaxed and not in the ‘security guy’ mode. And even though it was health related in his visit to the clinic, he still was relaxed. He was quite used to his frequent checkups and blood work done by Andrea Winters, the woman appointed a doctor after William Hayes had passed on. Her years of experience in the nursing field, and compassion, made her the best one to care for the ill in Beginnings.

“Jonas.” Andrea closed the chart as she spoke softly. “You know there is no change.”

Jonas smiled gently. “I know. I didn’t think there would be.” He reached for his shirt.

“This . . . this . . . disease.” Andrea closed her eyes. “Dean is continuously working on it. He’s trying. It bothers him he’s not making progress.”

A chuckle escaped Jonas. “Andrea, tell Dean don’t worry. If the doctors in the old world couldn’t make progress, with what we have, how can he expect to.” Readying to place on his security shirt, Jonas looked up to see Frank approach the open examining room door. “Hey, Frank.”

“You ready?” Frank pointed back with his thumb. “We have rounds in the underdeveloped to do.” He watched Jonas nod, then Frank shifted his eyes to Andrea. “Hey, Andrea.”

Andrea slammed the chart, glared at Frank with such a motherly scold, then turned her back again.

“Ouch,” Frank said sarcastic. “Did I do something?”

Andrea faced him with slightly rolling eyes. “Oh, no Francis Slagel, you never do anything.” She grabbed her things and brushed by Frank out the door. “Excuse me.”

Lifting his hands in question to a snickering Jonas, Frank shook his head and stepped into the hall. “Andrea. Stop.” He took a few steps to her when she halted. If she was upset, he wanted to know. After all, she was like the mother of the community. “What did I do?” he asked.

Andrea turned and looked at him. “We are a close knit community, Frank. Us ‘originals’ we’re a family chain. I hate to think a member has caused a kink.”

“Did . . . did someone else do something?”

“No. You!” she snapped. “You’re up to your shit again. Stop it. Stop it now, Frank. Dean is my friend. Joe all but told me. That affair you and Ellen had last year, he said it didn’t stop.”

Frank stared at Andrea for a moment. He wanted to tell her to mind her own business. But seeing he had too much respect for her he opted for lying and playing dumb. “What affair?”

Andrea growled and even though she was a black woman, the red grew on her face. “You’re causing problems, Mr. Slagel. You are not all that. And if you were, you’d either stop it right now, or you’d be man enough to own up. Make a change and do things right.” With strong final words and not wanting to frustrate herself any further by talking to Frank, Andrea stormed off.

Jonas softly cleared his throat. “She impresses me with her tact.” Giving a pat to Frank’s back, Jonas walked by him. “Let’s go do those rounds.”

The fading vision of Andrea moving away down the hall were where Frank’s focus stayed. He hesitated before following Jonas. Frank was frozen there in thought over the unexpected, scolding words of a woman he really respected.

***

Joe tapped his pencil on his desk in disappointment as he heard the sound of the helicopter fly overhead. He looked across his desk to Henry who sat with him in his office. “They didn’t have any luck, Henry. They radioed in about fifteen minutes ago.”

“Joe what do you expect? You’re only sending them out to get criteria fitting men. Did they stop to talk to anyone?” Henry Kusakari, an Asian man who looked younger than his thirty-three years, always searched for the right answer for everything. He was known amongst Beginnings as the ‘original’ with theoretical rationalization.

“Nope. They said they didn’t see a soul.”

“Maybe they’ll have better luck next time.”

“Yeah, they’re going out Monday, they said they’ll go farther south and see.” Joe pulled one of his homemade cigarettes from his pocket and lit it. “So what brings you in here?”

“I brought back the walkie talkie’s I repaired. Tell Frank I don’t know what he’s doing to his, but I can’t keep fixing them. Also, just wanted to let you know mechanics is making batteries again. It’s always a big task. Do you have any people you think could do this menial work?”

“Sorry.” Joe shook his head as he rocked back and forth in his chair smoking his cigarette. “Maybe one of the new survivors, everyone else is placed already.”

“Speaking of which, that new lady Michelle, she’s brilliant. She really knows electronics. I think she’ll be useful. I’m glad you finally put her with us in mechanics. Michelle’s nice.”

Joe squinted. “Do me a favor Henry, don’t mention those comments in the presence of Frank, will ya’? The reason she worked the greenhouses for so long is because I didn’t want to argue with him.”

“I won’t Joe. I know he’s neurotic about her.”

“Neurotic is putting it nicely. I just thank God we only have one Frank. He’s odd enough” Joe quickly looked up when the door to his office opened. Johnny Slagel, a picture perfect younger version of his father peeked his head in and tossed Joe a set of keys.

“Hey, Pap, just wanted to check in and say sorry about the nil run.” He spoke rather hurried. “It’s really dead out there. See ya.” He laughed and pulled the door closed.

Joe nodded, leaned back at his chair and looked to Henry who was trying not to laugh. “Forget that last ‘Frank’ comment.”

Gravois, Missouri

“Smoke?” With an after meal grunt, Paul reached for his bag, opened it and pulled out a rolled up cigarette, he showed it to Robbie.

“No, thanks.” Robbie had to get his energy going if he was going to move on.

“Don’t mind if I do.” Paul lit up, inhaled deeply, held in the smoke, then slowly blew it out.

Robbie’s eyes widened to the smell. He sniffed once, thought he was imagining things, then sniffed again. He sat up. “You’re gonna think I’m nuts, but, that smells like a joint.”

Paul laughed as he coughed on the smoke. “It is. I grow it outside my cabin back home.” He took another hit. “Are you sure you don’t want any?”

“No, never touched it. Me, I always was a drinker.”

“I can oblige.” Paul dug into his bag again and tossed Robbie a bottle of whisky. “The booze is the easy thing to pick up on my travels. It gets better with age.”

Robbie unscrewed the cap and took a swig. He gasped as it burned his esophagus all the way down until it knotted in his stomach. “It’s really been a long time.” He handed the bottle back to Paul and looked up to the sky. “Day’s moving on. There’s still miles to be got.”

“Yep.” Paul looked up as well, enjoying his smoke. “A little bit longer and I’ll gain momentum to get moving again.”

“Good luck to you.” Robbie stood up. “I want to thank you for your kindness. It was really nice.”

Paul was surprised. “You’re not hanging with me?”

“No. I have to keep moving.”

“I move, I will for a few more days at least. I don’t understand, you said you were heading north, so am I. Why don’t we just travel together until I stop?”

“You trust me enough?” Robbie asked.

“Man, anyone that I encountered that tried to hurt me, needed what I had because they couldn’t hack it on their own. You don’t need anything I have. And you certainly can hack it without my stuff.” Paul held out the bottle. “The choice is yours. I don’t fear you. I think you don’t fear me. All I’m saying is it might be good for both of us to travel together for a little while.”

He did want to stay awhile with Paul. Knowing how long it had been since he actually had a civilized conversation was reason enough for Robbie to want to travel for a few days with him. Sanity was something Robbie often feared he was losing. And it was the first day in a long while Robbie felt sane. “You know what? I will take you up on your offer.”

“Good. Let’s just sit for a little more and then get moving.”

Robbie smiled and dropped back down to sit. He grabbed the bottle back and took another drink. He vowed he’d never travel again with anyone, but Paul was different. Paul was still human.

Beginnings, Montana

“Mommy?” Alexandra, Ellen’s four year old daughter, stood on a chair at the sink with Ellen as she did her dishes.

“Yes, Sweetie.” Ellen tried to hurry, she was ten minutes late for her class at containment.

“Are you going with Pap-Pap tonight?”

“Yes, if your father would hurry up . . . Billy!” she called to her son. “Tell Daddy to hurry.” Ellen washed another dish.

“He’s coming.” Billy ran into the kitchen dragging his words as he ran. “Are you going with Pap-Pap tonight?”

“Yes,” Ellen told him, as well. “Why are you guys asking me so much?” She turned off the water.

Alexandra smiled. “Daddy said he’s gonna show us something fun tonight when you’re gone.”

“Really? What?”

“Cells,” her daughter answered.

Ellen put down the towel. “Cells, as in blood?”

Both of her children nodded.

“Wow,” Ellen spoke sarcastically. “Sounds like a blast.”

Alexandra jumped from the chair. “I’ll tell daddy to hurry so you can get drunk with Pap tonight.”

“What?!” Ellen turned around in surprise from her daughter’s comment and Dean was standing in the kitchen door. “Dean? Did you tell these kids I get drunk with Joe?”

“No.” Dean walked into the kitchen, kissed Ellen on the back of her neck, then opened the fridge. “I told them you drink whiskey with Joe. They’re smart El, they know alcohol makes you drunk.”

“They don’t even know what drunk is. One drink and I come home. That is not drunk.” Ellen grabbed the towel that lay on the counter and hit Dean on the head with it. “Why would you tell these kids this shit?”

Dean shut the refrigerator. “It’s fun. You should hear the stuff I tell them when you’re not around. El, why are you still here? Joe’s gonna be pissed that you’re late.”

“You were napping, Dean, what do you want me to do. Leave them?” Ellen with a slight smile darted by him. “Foods on the stove. See ya later.”

Dean followed her as she made a mad dash to the door. “Will you? Should I wait up?”

Ellen stopped before leaving. She turned back around to see Dean picking up Alexandra, holding her like such a father. She stared for a moment. “You know what? Yeah. Yeah, please wait up.” Surprising Dean, she hurried to him, gave him a quick kiss and left.

***

The evening chill started to hang over Beginnings as it fast approached six pm. Frank, tired, feet dragging, continued on his security rounds. Rounds he began at six in the morning and ended at nine. It was the same routine. Rounds, then his office for those stupid reports Joe wanted, then inter-community rounds. He could break them up, but Frank always preferred to do the far away perimeters first, so he could be available should there be any trouble. John Matoose was also in security, however unlike Frank’s long day, John put in eight in security, then helped in electronics. It was Frank’s responsibility to keep things secure. It was Frank who would pull men from the field whenever they had trouble with a new survivor. Frank ran security.

He sipped his coffee as he checked the structures which lay just on the edge of the fields closer to town. The last of his coffee tasted bitter. He tossed the remainder of the still hot beverage on the ground. Frank sniffled, and rubbed his nose with the back of his hand. He looked oddly ahead when he noticed the double doors to the hanger were wide open. He walked to the building and went inside, calling out as he did. “Hello?”

“Dad.” Johnny came from behind the helicopter. “What’s up?” He wiped his hands with a cloth.

“Johnny, what are you doing in here?”

“Pap has us doing runs again. I just wanted to give the second chopper a look over. But I’m finished. You can check with George. He cleared it.”

“I’ll do that.” Frank walked further into the building, and closer to his son. “You know, I’m glad you’re here. I want to talk to you.”

“About what?” Johnny tossed the greasy cloth onto a box.

“Pap was talking to me. It seems you’ve been messing around with a few of the women in the community.”

“What? I’m allowed to smoke cigarettes. I’m allowed to drink alcohol. But I can’t have sex?”

“That’s not the point.” Frank was trying to be reasonable with his son. He always took the man-to-man approach with Johnny since Johnny showed signs that he was much more mature than his sixteen years. “The point is . . . there aren’t that many women, John. You’re gonna cause resentment. You have to kind of be . . . responsible.”

Johnny laughed and shook his head. “I love you Dad. I do. And you can get pissed at me. But you’ve got room to talk about being responsible. I’m not hurting anyone. I’m having fun and messing around. You . . . you’re screwing with people’s lives.” And after saying what he did, he just walked out.

Frank swallowed hard as his son left. Johnny didn’t just deliver the final word, he delivered the final straw to Frank.

***

His hair was pretty tamed for being a mannequin. The residents of Beginnings kept him clean and tidy. After all, he was the stock bartender at a converted warehouse they deemed their social hall or neighborhood bar. Joe’s arm bumped into ‘Sam’ the mannequin in his reach over the bar for a bottle of moonshine. He poured a drink for himself then for Ellen. “Rough class.”

“I hate them.” Ellen took the drink and sipped it.

“Oh, you do not. It gives you a sick sense of pleasure trying to make the survivors normal again.”

Ellen tilted her head with a smile. “Yeah, I guess it does.”

“How late are you staying? Wanna throw darts?”

“No.” Ellen answered. “I’m going home. Dean’s waiting up.”

Joe choked in the middle of his drink. “For you?”

“Joe.” Ellen softened her voice. “Despite what you think, I heard you last night. I’ve been hearing you since I was a kid. And I thought about it, I really did.” Her hand played with her glass. “Dean, he isn’t Pete. He’s not a shit. He doesn’t deserve what I do. Frank . . .” Ellen lowered her head. “He has this hold on me. He controls me, and I let him. I love him I do, but I . . .”

Joe waited. He thought Ellen was searching for the right words. “But you what?”

Ellen shook her head and gave a shift of her eyes.

Before Joe could see who she was trying to point to, Frank’s big arm separated them as he reached for a drink. Joe watched Frank grab the bottle. “Aren’t you on duty?”

“Nope.” Frank poured. “Jonas is. El.” He put his back to his father. “I have to talk to you. Really talk to you.”

Around Frank’s body, Joe poked his head. “Not here, Frank. People will talk.”

“Dad, you think I care?” Ignoring his father, Frank looked down to Ellen. “I’ve been thinking about our situation.”

“Christ,” Joe complained. “Not here!”

“Dad!” Frank snapped. “Please.” He returned to Ellen. “Andrea said something today that made me think. I’ve been thinking.”

“Me, too,” Ellen said.

“El, us, we . . . it’s not the right way to go about it.”

“I agree.” Ellen grabbed her glass.

“Too long, El. We’ve been doing this for too long. We have to stop.”

Ellen closed her eyes. “I agree.”

“Good. I’m glad we’re thinking on the same lines.” Frank kissed her on the cheek. “Because it will be hard I know . . .” He watched Ellen nod in agreement. “But, with some work, and time, we can do this ‘you and me couple thing’ right, finally.”

Ellen’s whole expression changed to a surprised one. She looked at Joe who was snickering at her dilemma, then she peered to Frank who looked as if waiting for an answer. She picked up her drink, gulped it, set down her glass, flashed a fast grin and flew out.

Frank nodded slowly and looked at his father. “Went well.”

Joe just rolled his eyes and lowered himself down into his drink.

Stover, Missouri

“My father? Let me tell you about my father.” Robbie laughed as he spoke, his head bounced side by side, flopping his long hair all over the place. He walked with Paul on the road going north. “He is a story all in himself.”

“Then let me hear about him. What else to we have to do?” Paul held on to the reigns of the horse that paced along with them. The horse, boggled down with Robbie and Paul’s belongings, gave Robbie and Paul the freedom to move without baggage. They shared the horse for a while, then decided to walk.

Robbie thought in his mind the best way to describe his father. Describing him was definitely not a one sentence job. “I guess to tell you about my father, I should first tell what made him like he is. My Dad married my mother right after high-school. He joined the police force when he was eighteen.”

“Your father was a cop?”

“For about a year and a half. Then he got tired of it, he said it was . . . let me think . . . pansy work. He quit and joined the military, forget that Frank was just born. He stayed in the military a long while. Military intelligence. When he left, he joined the CIA. My dad is the type of guy you want and need to have in any major crisis. He sees things clearly, always. He never lets his emotions get in the way of any decision. Did I tell you my father called me up to warn me about the plague before it all went down?”

“No, you really haven’t said anything about your family, at all.”

“Well, he did. He called and left this really weird message. He said to remember the contingency plan. Now the contingency plan was, in the event of any national emergency, an emergency where the world has met its end, we would go to the designated place. The reason was, so we could see who survived and who didn’t.” Robbie told the story as if he had been waiting to tell it to someone for a very long time.

“You guys actually planned an end-of-the-world strategy?”

“Oh yeah. We waited for it. You have to understand Paul, my mom died when I was four, my dad raised us. It was us four boys and him, we were close. Well, occasionally he got married, but the women never were able to take it. They always packed up and left.”

Paul began to laugh. “You’re searching for this Frank, what about your other brothers? How do you know they aren’t alive?” Paul asked.

“My one brother, Hal, I spoke to the day my father left his message. Hal was really sick, in fact he was on his way to the infirmary. But Jimmy, I never spoke to Jimmy. He was stationed in Norfolk. He’s the only one of us that wasn’t in the Army. He was a sailor boy. We really didn’t hold that against him, we liked to tease him that we did. Anyway, I went to his base. I learned the hard way he died. I found him.” Robbie didn’t want to get into details, it was pretty bad in Norfolk. He made it to the base, found Jimmy’s housing, Jimmy wasn’t there. Robbie then found the nearest med-station. He looked under ever single blanket. He searched every decaying mound of dead. He sifted through the odors. He checked every single body at the med-station, until he found him. Jimmy lay in a ditch with hundreds of other bodies, all of which were at one time set to flames. He wouldn’t have found him if Jimmy hadn’t been placed to the side. His body, Jimmy’s, was completely burned on the left side. His right, had sunk into the deep mud, giving it the protection from the flames. Robbie took his dog-tags and said good-bye to his brother. Thus, closing another chapter in his book.

“You know Robbie, I don’t want to sound like the pessimist, please, I’m not, but it’s been a long time, how do you know that your dad and brother are still alive

“Because I feel it.” Robbie stopped walking. “I really feel it.”

“And when you find them?” Paul questioned. “What then? Do you stay with them, continue on? What if they are so different you no longer fit in?”

“No way. We’re a family. Always will be. Miles, days, years, and heartache can’t break the Slagel family bond. When I find them, I’m certain it will be like we never were apart. And I will find them.”

Robbie continued walking with Paul. It was dark and they would stop before long. The safety in numbers theory kept them moving into the later hours, and needed conversation kept them continuing on their journey with ease.

Beginnings, Montana

“I’ll check it out.” Jonas chuckled as he drove the jeep. He set down his radio and shook his head. It was one of the little quirks about working nights in security. Animals hitting into the perimeter. Though odd, the front gate was not immune. The bigger animals tended to go toward the other perimeters that weren’t so secluded. But the odd signals, off and on, that monitoring received, made Jonas believe one of those large animals finally discovered the front gate.

His suspicions seemed confirmed as he headed into the blackened tunnel. He could see the other end only because the blue sparks of the downed electric fence flew up and out in a steady rhythmic pulse. Stopping the jeep at a safe distance, Jonas grabbed his rifle, and radio. Strapping the weapon over his shoulder he stepped from the jeep. The headlights illuminated the fence which laid half off. He raised the radio to his mouth. “Security, I don’t see an animal. But I’m gonna need mechanics up here ASAP to . . .” Jonas heard the slightest of shuffling behind him. He turned around. The tunnel was so dark. Then he saw them. Moving inward from the walls their figures were caught by the circumference glow of the headlights. Men. Eight of them. The smell of them hit Jonas before he could even see their faces. Lifting the radio again, he brought it to his lips. “Scratch my last request. Send Frank instead.”

***

A quick turn of the wheel at the speed Frank drove would have sent the jeep flipping over and out of control. Frank didn’t care. Focused and fast he drove to the front tunnel gate. He could still hear the call for his help. He could still hear in his memory, gunshots as he tried to get in touch with Jonas. Two minutes. It had only been two minutes since he was summoned and Frank begged in his mind it wasn’t too long.

He peeled left into the narrow front tunnel of Beginnings, and like Jonas, he saw the flickering of the downed perimeter. But Frank saw something else. Lit in the brightness of Jonas’ headlights were the figures of the men. Frank grabbed his radio and spoke coldly as his eye stared ahead in his driving. “Down the front perimeter beam. Secure the drop gate. Lock me in this tunnel.” Just as Frank dropped his radio, the shifting electric click echoed in the tunnel, and the sound of the metal gate lowered on the Beginnings end was heard. Blindly, Frank reached for his M-16 which lay on the seat next to him.

His driving speed had picked up and he screeched the jeep to a sudden sideways stop just behind Jonas’ jeep. He expected the men he saw to charge him, Frank was ready. He pumped the chamber as he jumped from the jeep and aimed.

“You see.” One of the men called out. “You die as easily as us. We’ll be back.”

Frank fired, the bullet seared into the body of a man sending him flying back into the broken fence. The others took off running from the tunnel and so did Frank. He drove his body forward in a charging race after them and paused only a split second when he saw Jonas laying still by the gate. Jumping over Jonas’ body, Frank’s boots made a splash in the puddle of blood that formed wide. He flew unafraid outside of the tunnel, stopped, took a firm stance, raised his weapon and began to fire. The figures of the running men headed down the dirt road and to the wooded area. It was night, and hard to see, but Frank stayed focused. He had downed four more of the men before the remaining three ran too far from him. Wanting to go after them and knowing he couldn’t, Frank twitched his head in an emotional frustration and went back into the tunnel to see what he feared.

Jonas. He laid there, motionless, eyes staring out.

Closing his eyes and shaking his head, Frank breathed heavily and dropped to his knees by his friend.

***

The triple tumbling ‘thumps’ on the steps made Ellen stop right before she sat on the sofa. She turned to the stairs to see what caused the noise and she saw Dean standing up. She laughed. “You all right?”

“Oh, my God. You are home,” he said, straightening himself and walking to her.

“Um . . . yeah.” Ellen set down the glass she held. “I told you I would be.”

“You’ve said that before.”

“I meant it this time.” She tried to sit but Dean hurried over and stopped her.

“El. This is great. I’m really surprised.”

“I don’t know why you would be. I live here.”

“Ellen.” Dean grabbed on to both her arms and gently turned her to face him. “Is it my imagination? Tell me if it is, but . . . is something going on? You came back to the lab. You came home. You kissed me twice today.”

“You kept count?”

“You don’t kiss me often.”

“That’s not all my fault.” She stared seriously at him. “You stopped most of the affection in this relationship awhile ago.” Ellen held her hand to Dean’s mouth to stop him from saying anything. “And rightfully so. But I guess, even when we started to try, it became easier for both of us to still . . . keep a distance.”

“It’s been a long time.”

“It’s been a really long time.”

“You know, you can tell me no.” Nervously Dean reached for the end of her hair and played with it. “But it has been a really, really . . .” He paused to laugh. “Really long time. The kids are asleep.”

“They are, are they?”

“Yep.” Dean stepped closer to her as he bit his bottom lip. He let go of her hair and let his fingers move to her neck and trailed down it slowly. “I can handle the rejection.”

“Good.” Ellen smiled and moved her body more into Dean’s. “So, do you think you’d like to try to make a move or are you wanting to force me into rejecting you.”

“Hardly.” Dean chuckled and lowered his lips down to Ellen’s. Barely did he part them and barely did their lips touch when a loud knocking at the door jolted them into separation. Dean cringed. “Shit.” He walked to the door. “This better not be Henry.”

“Why would it be Henry?” Ellen asked.

“He has this problem with our latest joint venture invention.” Dean reached for the door. “And he’s so anal he won’t leave me alone.” Opening the door, Dean was surprised when a serious looking Joe stood there. “Joe?”

“Dean.” Joe took a breath. “You’re needed now at the clinic. We had a breach of security. It’s . . . It’s Jonas.”

Without hesitation, Dean flew from his home.

The momentum of Dean’s run stayed steady across the community, into the clinic, down the halls and to the operating room. He slammed his small body into the double doors to open them and he charged into the room where Frank had brought Jonas.

In his rush into the room, Dean slid on the blood slicked floor as if he stepped on ice. To stop, he caught his balance and used the table in which Jonas lay. His hands gripped down on the edge of the operating table and his eyes transfixed about a barely recognizable Jonas. “Oh, my God.” Dean whispered as his eyes visually examined the torn open chest of Jonas.

“Dean.” Frank stepped from the corner of the room.

Dean’s eyes lifted in horror. He got a good look of the room. Blood was everywhere. The floor, the table, sheets, and all over Frank.

“You have to help him.” Frank’s voice graveled.

“I can’t.” Dean swallowed. “I . . . can’t help him. I’m sorry, Frank.”

“No. Dean.” Frank spoke stronger as he stepped closer. “You have to.”

“I can’t.” Dean spun from the table. “Did you look? Did you really look at him?”

“Yes.”

“No.” Dean snapped back. “You didn’t.” Heavy breaths began to fill Dean’s words. “They . . . they took his heart, Frank.” Dean heard it. A rumbling from Frank’s throat. An angry sadness that Frank tried to control. “Frank.”

Frank closed his eyes and clenched his jaw. “He . . . he was my friend.” After a quick swipe of his bloody hand down his own face, Frank, so military like, took a steady stride out of the operating room. He charged down the corridor in a move to leave the clinic. Just as he made it to the main front hall, he stopped when his father walked in.

“Frank.” Joe approached him. “How is . . .”

“He’s dead,” Frank said coldly. “And I know they breached the perimeter, but Dad, we have to stop letting survivors in. The longer they’re out there, the worse they get. We take a chance with everyone we let in now.”

“No, Frank.” Joe gave a firm grip to Frank’s arm. “The ones that did this, we know who they are. And we have to believe they all aren’t like that.”

Frank shook his head and pulled away from his father. “No, Dad you’re wrong. They’re all bad.” He moved backwards with his hurt to the door. “If they aren’t in here. They’re nothing.”

The double glass doors to the clinic flung open, and before Joe could say anything else, Frank was gone.

CHAPTER FOUR

May 2nd

Beginnings, Montana

Nasal, whining, annoying. ‘Hello, Mr. Slagel’.

Frank had to wonder if her voice really sounded like that or was it just him. It made him cringe. Made his eyes roll and his body shudder as if he accidently stuck his finger in a socket. Frank froze in his walk with his father when that voice carried across the street to Joe. He could feel that uncontrollable twitch hit his top lip. Hoping that somehow his imagination kicked in and he was only experiencing a grief induced mental gouging episode, he slowly opened one of his closed eyes. Frank saw. Frank groaned.

“And you, too . . .” Joe paused to look at Frank. “Michelle.”

“Thanks.” The perky red head grinned and waved to an ignoring Frank. She backed up with a bubbly walk, tool box in hand and walked across the street.

Joe snapped his finger in front of Frank who had thrown himself into self suspended animation to spare himself from the brief conversation. “Frank.”

“Gone?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” Frank huffed out.

“You need to grow up.”

“You need to wise up.”

Joe stopped walking, glared at his son and continued again toward the clinic. “I’m gonna let that go because you’re pissed about today’s survival run and you’re still having a hard time with Jonas’ death.”

Frank slowly shook his head. “It’s been three days, what’s wrong with me?”

“Well, you just answered that. It’s been three days. That’s not a long time. I know Dean’s been pretty good about you spending time with Ellen lately. Maybe you need more. Can you get it off of her?”

“Dad.” Frank had almost an embarrassed tone to him. “That’s kind of personal, don’t you think?”

Joe’s mouth opened in disgust. “That is not what I meant. Time, you moron.” He opened the clinic door for his son. “I meant time.”

“Oh.” Frank nodded. “That’s why I wanted to stop here. See if we can squeeze in lunch between her working here and containment.”

“I know her working with Dean again doesn’t sit well with you.”

Frank shook his head. “Doesn’t bother me too much. They haven’t been a real couple for a while so I know it’s only work. That makes it . . .” Frank stopped talking and walking the moment he reached the clinic’s lab. The door was open.

Joe saw the ‘lost’ expression on his son’s face as Frank peered into the lab and saw Dean and Ellen. Giggling emanated from the lab as they stood together working on something at the counter. Dean closely behind Ellen, his one hand on her arm, his chin on her shoulder. He playfully darted his lips at Ellen in between his words, “Frank,” Joe spoke softly. “I’m sorry. But this is what you have to accept when you decide to share the person you care most about.”

Frank’s lost expression left him with an inhale. He turned and gave a quick raise of his eyebrows to his father. “Doesn’t bother me.” He stepped back. “Find me if you need me, I’m doing rounds.”

Joe’s hand lifted and fell in his failed attempt to speak to Frank any further. Frank moved quickly from the clinic. Joe stepped inside the lab.

***

“Tower come in.” Johnny kept the microphone portion of his headset radio close to his mouth to block out the helicopter noise. He raised his thin hands up to the controls and he maneuvered the stick tilting the chopper right. “This is Prodigy. We’re heading home. ETA thirty minutes and we’re carrying. I repeat, we are carrying. Prep receiving. Over.” He shifted his eyes to George who sat next to him and lowered the microphone from his lips. “How’d I do?”

George gave proud wink and thumbs up. “You’re a pro.”

Biting his lip and flashing an arrogant Slagel smile, Johnny picked up speed in the chopper, and flying almost too well for the experience he had, headed home.

***

“Containment blood.” Ellen held up the tube as she entered the clinic lab. She laid the tube in front of Dean. “I have to head back over there. That one survivor is really sick.”

“Should he be transferred here?” Dean asked, speaking pre-occupied as he read from a large book.

“Remains to be seen. So, do you mind if I head back over there early to work.”

“Nope. You owe me an hour though.”

“Such a slave driver.” She laid her hand on Dean’s back as a goodbye and started to leave.

“El, wait.” Dean stopped reading and spun to face her.

“What’s up?” Ellen stopped.

“I wanted to talk to you about something.”

“Sure. As long as it’s not about doing CBC’s. I hate doing blood counts. Well, that and urine samples. And while we’re on the subject, I don’t like doing throat cultures, they suck, too. And blood pressures. The patient always seems to talk when you’re trying to hear. So what did you . . . oh!” Ellen continued to ramble on. “Also, irrigations. Irrigations are the worst if the person has this really gross ear infection. All this black stuff comes . . .”

“Ellen. No.” Dean silenced her. “Listen, we’re slowing down in the clinic. Well, the seven patients will be gone soon. Joe said he was halting the survivor runs for a while. I was thinking. I want to get your opinion on this. I want to think about the future, and the future of the community. Andrea and I are not always going to be around. I want to start training someone to take our place. Not just doctoring, but train them in research and the basis of medicine. I have a perfect person in mind.”

“Oh, Dean,” Ellen spoke in awe. “Oh, Dean, I’m honored.”

“Huh?” Dean shook his head confused. “Excuse me?”

“I’m honored. Do you really think I’d be a good doctor?”

“No. El. No. Not you. Not that . . . uh, you aren’t smart enough. But you . . . not you.” Dean cleared his throat at the instant awkwardness.

“Well if it’s not me why are you talking to me?”

“It’s Johnny. I want to start training Johnny Slagel as the next doctor. He’s smart. He’s bright, he wants to and . . .”

“You’re worried about Frank’s reaction. Especially since he sees Johnny as the next big Slagel security guy.”

“Exactly.” Dean answered with a nod.

“Good luck.” Ellen gave him a quick swat to the arm and turned to leave.

“El, wait.” Dean hurried to her, grabbed hold of her arm and gently pulled her from the door and away from it. He literally stood before the door so she couldn’t make a quick escape. “Johnny and I were talking before he left for this run. We want you to break it to Frank.”

“No. Absolutely not. No, Dean. You guys don’t give Frank enough credit. I’m insulted for him. Johnny’s his kid. He wants the best for his kid. And speaking of Frank.”

“I’d rather not.”

“You’ve no choice.” Ellen pointed behind Dean to Frank who walked in.

“Swell.” Dean shook his head. “I’ve been invaded.” He moved back to his work space.

“El.” Frank walked up to her. “Where is your walkie-talkie?”

“Right here.” She patted the instrument clipped to her belt. “Why?”

“Is it working?” Frank asked.

“Sure. Why?”

Frank snapped once holding out his hand to her. “Give it here.”

Ellen unclipped it from her belt and handed it to him. “What’s the problem?”

“We’ve been calling you.” Frank examined the walkie-talkie. “El, the volume is off.”

“Oh, yeah.” Ellen smiled. “I did that. I was getting really bored with that conversation you and your dad were having. You guys kept going back and forth about the birds that were fried to the fence and getting them off.”

“That’s an important problem.” Frank pressed the button in. “I got her Dad, we’re on our way.” He handed her the radio. “El, always leave this on. Always. Let’s go, we’ve been calling you for a half an hour. Johnny and George found survivors and they’ll be here any minute.”

Ellen took off her lab coat. “Sorry. I’m coming.” She moved to the door. “Dean, I’ll let you know what’s happening.”

Dean yelled out as Ellen flew from the room with Frank. “I need two tubes of blood!”

Ellen waved back in acknowledgment and walked faster to keep up with Frank who stayed ahead of her. “Frank, wait up.”

“El, will you hurry?” He opened the main glass doors. “You know my Dad likes you to be there and ready when the survivors arrive.”

“This is for real?” Ellen walked through the doors. “I thought this was all made up so you could see me.”

“It’s for real. Get in the jeep.” Frank got in the jeep and once Ellen was inside he took off. “It was really frustrating calling you over and over again.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t think they’d be back this soon…” Ellen held on to the door handle of the jeep as Frank drove irrationally. “Are you . . . are you mad at me about something else.”

Frank gave a sideways glance at her then continued to drive.

“I guess so.”

“There they are now.” Frank pointed to the sky as the helicopter made its way closer. “Just in time.” He screeched to a halt in front of Joe’s office.

Ellen looked at Frank who stared forward. “O.K. Thanks.” Shaking her head she jumped from the jeep.

“El wait.” Frank called to her, his hand tapping on the steering wheel.

“What?” She turned before entering Joe’s office.

“We . . . we need to talk, can I see you in a little bit when you’re done?”

“Sure.” Ellen answered softly, waved to him and opened the door to the office. Though excited about the survivors, Ellen had things to get ready. Things that sat in a box in the examining room. A little scared Joe was going to yell, she ran in, heading straight to the back. “Sorry, Joe. I didn’t know my radio was off.”

Joe, frustrated, grabbed his keys from his top desk drawer. “Ellen, handle things alone for a minute. I’ll be right back. Henry has a problem.”

“Are you sure I’ll be all right?” she asked, especially since Joe never left her alone with new people.

“Yes. Johnny and George said the two they found are pretty quiet. Calm. Haven’t said a word. You’ll be fine. I’ll be right back. One minute. I promise.” Not wanting to waste any more time, despite how ‘safe’ George and Johnny said the two new ones were, Joe flew from his office.

Feeling somewhat assured, Ellen went into her examining room and immediately to the box on the counter by the sink. She began to pull things out when she heard footsteps from in Joe’s office.

“Pap?” Johnny called out.

“Shit.” Ellen wasn’t ready. “Uh, Johnny,” she yelled back to him. “He stepped out.”

“What should I do with these two?” His voice was closer to her door.

“Um . . .” Ellen looked amongst her supplies. “Um, send one in here, have the other wait in the waiting room.”

“Got it,” Johnny said.

Ellen heard the door to the examining room open then close. There was a shuffling of footsteps that stopped, and that told her someone was in the room. But the extraordinary odorless entrance of the person made her stop and turn around. A man stood quietly by the door staring at her. Wondering if perhaps George and Johnny were wrong, Ellen remained calm and motioned her hand over to the examining table. “Please, if you could have a seat over there. I’ll be right with you.” Ellen walked to the sink and began to wash her hands. “If you could take your shirt off.” She wrung out her hands, dried them on a towel, threw her stethoscope over her neck, then tongue depressor and small flashlight in her pocket. She turned to the shirtless man who sat on top of her table. His head was down a bit and his hair dangled like a mask. Almost frightened, he held on to the edges of the table.

The closer Ellen looked and moved to him, the more she saw there was something odd about his body. His hair covered chest was defined, unlike most male survivors, whose bodies were thin, and chests sunken in. “My name is Ellen,” she told him.

“I know.” He answered.

Nodding with a pleasant smile, Ellen readied herself to speak slow. She always did at first so as to be understood and not to scare new people. “I’m going to examine you to see if you’re healthy.”

“I’m healthy.”

“I’m sure you are.” She placed her hand on his shoulder. It was firm, not flabby or bony. “After I do this, you’ll go to processing. I’ll explain that all later.” Ellen placed the stethoscope in her ears. “This is going to be cold, but I want to listen to your lungs and heart.” She laid the instrument to his back and stared at his skin. It looked too healthy. Curiosity caused her to run her thumb lightly across his skin’s surface. It was odd. No oily or sandy feeling. The survivor had taken care of himself. Ellen finished listening. “Clear as a bell.” She placed the stethoscope to his chest; she tried to smell as she listened. Where was the smell? The smell all survivors came in with. “Your heart is strong.” She took off her stethoscope, laid it on the table, reached in her pocket and pulled out the small flashlight. She placed her hand on his bearded chin. “Open up.” She shined the light in his mouth. “Incredible. Your teeth are in good shape.”

“Thank you,” he spoke. “Oral hygiene is always important.”

Ellen laughed at him. “I think I like you.”

“You ought to.”

“Really. Is this because you’re my new knight in shining armor?” Ellen lifted his long hair from his face.

“Nope. Just an electronic hero.”

It was a strange comment for Ellen to hear, one that made her tilt her head with an uncomfortable smile. “I . . . I just want to get a good look at your eyes.” She flicked on the penlight again.

Flash!

The beam of light crossed against his blue eyes and Ellen filled with a tremble that took over her entire body. “Oh my, God.” The light toppled from her fingers and her empty hand reached to his face. “Oh my, God.” She backed up trailing her fingers down his face as she did. “Oh my, God. Joe!” Ellen ran from the examining room. “Joe!”

“What’s wrong?” Joe, who had just walked in his office, bolted to her.

Ellen’s throat was closed. Her head moved, her lips made a motion, but only hard syllables came out as she waved her shaking hand. “C . . . C . . .” She choked on emotions and coughed to hold them back.

“Ellen?”

Knowing that a sentence formation was useless, she backed into her examining room.

“Ellen, tell me you didn’t kill another . . .” Joe walked in, he saw Ellen just pointing across the room. “What did he do?” Joe looked over at the ‘alive’ male survivor who stood from the table the second Joe faced him. “What about him, Ellen?”

Ellen let out the breath she was holding with a near soft sob. “Joe.” She ran to the survivor, reached up and lifted his hair from his face. “Look.”

Joe took only a step closer and his stomach dropped along with his heart as he looked closely at the man in front of him. “Holy mother of God.” Joe began to shake. “It can’t be.” His trembling hand reached out to the man, extended fingertips closing in on his face. “It can’t be.” Joe’s fingers touched down upon his cheek. He brought his other hand up to the survivor and he grasped his face, clutching it, bringing it within inches of his own. Joe’s stare caught the eyes of the stranger. Then at the moment Joe looked into his eyes, he gasped out and his every emotion spoke from that one breath. “Robbie.”

Robbie spoke no words. The years of searching, the years of heartache, seemed like a nightmare long beginning to fade from his memory. With everything he had, he embraced his father. An embrace he had waited so long for.

“My God, you’re alive.” Joe held his son as if he were only a child. A mere lost little boy who had finally returned home. “Ellen, he’s alive.”

Ellen spun from the reunion and took her radio from her waist. With closed eyes she spoke into it. “Frank, come to the receiving center. Now.”

Joe released his son. “Oh shit . . . Frank. He’s gonna be shocked.” He patted Robbie on the cheek. “I bet you knew as soon as you saw Johnny that you were coming to us.”

“Johnny?” Robbie asked.

“Yeah, Frank’s son. He’s the kid that put you on the chopper. God he’s a spitting image of Frank. You didn’t notice?”

Robbie shook his head. “This is incredible. Talk about having my family back. I didn’t know anything and then . . . I saw Ellen. But she didn’t recognize me at first.” He turned to Ellen. “And still . . . she won’t come near me. El, are you afraid?”

“In a way.” Ellen took a step to him. “I’m afraid if I grab hold of you Robbie, I’m not letting you go.”

“Actually.” Robbie smiled. “I really wouldn’t mind that.”

Ellen shook her head with an emotional laugh and stepped to him. “Electronic hero.” She shrieked as she embraced him and Robbie clung back, lifting her some from her feet.

Joe heard the jeep pull up. “Ellen, you have to tell him first.”

“Why?” She asked as she separated from Robbie.

“It’s too much of a shock. Hurry. Prepare him.”

Nodding, Ellen ran her hand down Robbie’s arm, stepped back, looked one more time at Robbie and hurried from the examining room. Frank was walking in.

“El. What’s up? Did something . . .”

“I have to talk to you.” She grabbed hold of his hand and led him outside.

“What’s going on? Is everything all right?” Frank asked concerned.

Ellen couldn’t speak; she merely hugged Frank tightly and kissed him. “Frank.” She exhaled. “This . . . this is going to be the best day of your life.”

“Unless you tell me Dean left Beginnings, I doubt it.”

“Frank. I’m serious. Listen to what I’m going to tell you. It’s gonna be a shock.” Ellen smiled. “Robbie is alive.”

“Robbie who?”

“Robbie, you big goof. Your brother.”

Frank’s face tensed up. “This isn’t funny, El.”

“This is not a joke.” She squeezed his hand. “He’s alive. He’s inside. They picked him up on the run.”

“He can’t . . .”

“He is.”

Frank looked ahead at the closed door and still holding Ellen’s hand for support, he walked in. Robbie stood with Joe in the doorway of the examining room awaiting Frank’s entrance. In shock Frank stepped closer, releasing Ellen’s hand. At first he said nothing. Then with a sudden wave of enthusiasm, Frank ran to his brother, swept him in his arms and embraced him. He screamed as he did, swinging Robbie around as if he weighed ten pounds. “You . . . You . . .” Frank shrieked loud and long. “You’re alive.” He set down Robbie, grabbed hold of his face and kissed him on the lips with a hard smack.

Robbie laughed and wiped his mouth jokingly. “I missed you, too.”

Frank stumbled and exhaled with a gasp. “I can’t breathe. Oh shit.” Thrilled, Frank ran his hand rapidly down his own face. “Dad. El. Look. Robbie.”

Joe rolled his eyes. “We see Frank.”

“Oh my God.” Frank had to touch him again. “Oh my God.” He stepped back and leaned on his father’s desk in order to get a full view of his baby brother. “You’re alive. Robbie did you forget the contingency plan?”

“No. Are you kidding?” Robbie replied. “The problem was, I got hung up in Seattle too long. By the time I ended up in Ashtonville, you guys were long gone. But that’s another story. We can talk later about it. Right now we’re together again.”

Frank crossed his arms and smiled. “That we are.” He looked at Joe who stood smiling. Frank couldn’t recall how long it had been since he saw so much happiness on his father’s face. And Ellen. Ellen smiled too. A genuine smile that rarely crossed her face. Standing from his lean on the desk, Frank walked over to behind Ellen. He crossed his arms over the front of her and while staring with pride and gratefulness at his brother, embraced her. “Nothing. Nothing could be better than this moment. Robbie’s here. He’s alive.”

CHAPTER FIVE

Ellen was happy as she went into the examining room; she smiled at the excited voices she heard as she shut her door. When she walked in, Paul stood there, wearing only boxer shorts, a towel flung around his shoulder. He looked as surprised as Ellen did.

“I’m sorry,” he spoke. “That young man said no one was in here, and to come in after my shower.”

“No, that’s fine.”

“I’m Paul.” He held out his hand to Ellen. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Ellen shook his hand taken aback by Paul’s politeness. “Nice to meet you too. Have a seat.”

“You know, I just used a toilet. A toilet, imagine that.” He shook his head as he sat. “And it flushed.”

“You’ll have that.” Ellen smiled.

“Not out there you don’t.”

“I guess not.” Ellen pulled up a chair, instead of immediately examining him. “Paul, you’re different,” she spoke bluntly.

“How do you mean? Am I different from you?”

“Not from me. From the others we’ve brought in from out there.”

“I hope so. I know what’s out there. I’m civilized. Or at least I hope I am.” He looked around the examining room. “However, you guys got me beat by a mile.”

***

Joe sat behind his desk staring proud and mesmerized at Robbie. Joe’s notion that miracles ceased to happen was truly put to test because after five years, a son he believed to be dead, was back. He was healthy, still smart, and if it wasn’t for all that hair on his face and head, probably still looked the same.

Joe leaned back in his chair, and prepared to tell Robbie something and he hadn’t a clue on how he would take it. “Robbie, the way we’re set up here is when a survivor is brought to us, there are a series of stages he or she must accomplish before going into the community. I set these rules, I can’t break them. Do you know where I’m going with this?”

Robbie nodded his head.

Frank looked at his father in a questioning manner. “Dad, you can’t sit here and tell us you’re making Robbie go through processing are you?”

“I have to, Frank. How would that look if I immediately let him in?”

“But he’s Robbie.”

“Robbie or not. I’m sure he understands.” Joe looked at Robbie. “Half of the people we pick up don’t make it through containment and processing. They never make it to the work skills level. They seem fine when we bring them in, then they show their true colors.”

“Dad, Frank, I understand. I’ve been out there remember? I’ve been beat-up, almost killed, you name it. People have turned into savages. And I have had them turn on me.”

Joe hung his head low at the hell that his youngest son must have endured over the past five years. “Robbie, listen, you may only be in containment for a day or two. We had one woman, I won’t mention any names.” He looked at Frank. “She was in containment for two days. She moved on to the work skills. She’s doing great, and people actually seem to like Mich . . .”

Frank groaned and shook his head. “It’s bad enough you have to talk about her. Did you have to say her name?”

Robbie laughed, a confused sort of laugh. “Is this an old flame of yours, Frank?”

Frank grunted loudly. “No! Robbie do yourself a favor, when you meet her . . . run. Stay away from her.”

“Frank, drop it. Let it go,” Joe spoke to him. “We’ve been hearing this forever.”

“Fine.” Frank held up his hand and leaned over to Robbie, whispering his loud voice, and truly believing Joe couldn’t hear. “I’ll warn and tell you all about her when he’s not around.”

Robbie nodded his head in a pacifying manner at the same time Joe rolled his eyes.

Their moment was interrupted by Ellen, who knocked on the archway of the examining room. “I hate to break this up, but Joe, there’s someone you should meet.” She pulled on Paul’s arm to bring him into the office. “Paul, I would like you to meet Joe. Joe, this is Paul.”

Paul, being his usual courteous self, showed Joe his hand. “Sir, it is very nice to meet you.”

Joe rose slightly from his chair to shake Paul’s hand. “Likewise.”

Ellen turned Paul to Frank. “And this is . . .”

“Frank?” Paul was stunned. “Robbie, is this your family?”

Robbie smiled, a smile hard to see through his beard. “Yeah, they are.”

“Son of a bitch.” Paul walked over and put his arm around Robbie. “I’m happy for you. I didn’t think they existed anymore.”

Frank scratched his head. “How did you know I was Frank?”

“I recognized you from the picture that Robbie showed me.” He jolted his arm that rested around Robbie, shaking him a bit.

Ellen moved to Joe. “Joe, I thought you’d take Paul over to containment while I finish up with Robbie. I still have blood to get from him and I want to try to convince him to get rid of some of that hair he hides behind.” She waved her hand to Robbie, signaling him to follow her.

Robbie looked at his arm. “You want my blood?”

“Some of it.” Ellen smiled. “We have this eccentric mad scientist that likes to play with people’s body fluids.” Ellen turned to the examining room. “Follow me. He’s gonna love your sample.”

Robbie apprehensively followed Ellen. “Is he a real scientist or did he just designate himself one?”

“Oh he’s real. He’s very good, too.” Ellen closed the door behind them.

***

How long did Frank sit after Joe had taken Paul and left? Longer than he should have. His mind was deep in thought swimming in memories he had placed far in the back of his mind. He thought of his brother’s return and how much of a dream it still seemed to be.

Frank waited. He wanted to see Robbie once more, add just a bit of ‘real’ to his return. He grew antsy sitting behind Joe’s desk and decided to seek out his brother. Slowly, and apprehensively he opened the door to the examining room. “El?”

“Hey, Frank.” She smiled as she zipped up a black pouch.

“Where’s my brother?”

Ellen smiled brightly. “Cleaning up. Doesn’t that feel good? You know, saying ‘your brother’.”

Frank exhaled and stepped to her. “Like you wouldn’t believe. No wait, you would believe. I was just thinking out there about all those little trips my dad used to take us all on. How you used to be so overprotective of Robbie.”

Ellen snickered. “That’s because you guys used to beat him up and pick on him.”

Frank flung out his hand. “He was the baby. And now he’s back.”

“He’s back. We’re so lucky. Joe, Joe is so happy.” Ellen spoke in awe. “And you . . . I’m happy for you. This couldn’t have come at a better time. I know nothing can bring back Jonas, but I hope it helps with the pain.”

“It does. I feel really good. And for the first time in a while, I feel like celebrating.” Frank grinned. “Celebrate with me tonight, El.”

“Tonight? Frank, you and I have been together a lot since Jonas died. Maybe tonight isn’t . . .”

“Come on. El. This isn’t just my good news. This is ours. Our family’s good news. Let’s celebrate.”

Ellen shook her head with a smile. “What do you have in mind? Social hall?”

“No. This.” Laying his hand on Ellen’s cheek, Frank slid it back some reaching behind her neck. He pulled Ellen to him as he lowered his head and began to kiss her.

In the midst of a kiss Frank grew more and more into, Ellen pulled back. “Frank.” She touched her lips.

Shocked, Frank’s hand slowly lifted from her and he stepped back. “Why do I feel like I just crossed a line that was never there in twenty years?”

Ellen swallowed and hesitated before answering. She stared at Frank who looked confused. “You . . . . you didn’t,” she spoke softly. “It’s me, my head is spinning, you know . . . .and uh . . . you took me by surprise. No lines crossed, Frank. Never.”

“You know I stopped by the lab today and . . .” He looked at Ellen. “And . . .” Frank slowed his speech in debate. “ . . . and you weren’t there.” He clapped his hands together once and stepped back changing his demeanor to an upbeat one. “So. Tonight. We’re on?”

“We’re on.”

“Yes.” Stepping to Ellen to kiss her quickly, Frank stopped when Joe cleared his throat upon his entrance.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Joe said walking in. “Where’s Robbie?”

Ellen picked up a small box from the counter and laid her black pouch on top of it. “He’s in the back. And I have to go. Dean’s waiting on the blood.”

“Don’t go,” Frank said, stopping her before she left. “Stay for a couple minutes. Just until Robbie comes back out.”

“No I really have to. I want to, but I can’t. I’ll see him in a bit.” As she turned to leave, Robbie emerged from the clean-up area. When she saw him, she nearly dropped what she was holding. “Robbie?”

He had completely transformed. “Different huh?” Robbie rubbed his head. “I used the scissors.” He had cropped his hair down to about an inch from his scalp. His beard was completely gone. A clean, different looking man stood before them. He looked like the Robbie they had all remembered.

Joe smiled when he saw him. “Looks good.” He gave him the thumbs up.

Ellen, still holding her box, walked closer. “Wow.” Astonished, she stared at him. “I totally forgot how good-looking you really are.”

Frank took hold of her arm and pulled her away. “That’s enough, El. I thought you were leaving.”

“No. I can stay.” She stared in awe.

Frank grabbed hold of her shoulders and led her to the door. “You have to go. Dean is waiting on that blood. I’ll drive you over there.”

With a ‘shush’ and a quick fling of her hand at Frank, Ellen set down the box. “No-no. I’ll wait for Joe.” While Frank drew up a look of irritation, Ellen exhaled a sigh like a schoolgirl. She folded her arms, looked to Joe, then returned, with a grin, to staring at Robbie.

***

Dean wrote down another entry, then closed the cover to the journal he was currently working on. He walked over to the shelves Miguel had built for him, and placed the journal in its proper position on the second shelf. Journals, seventy two of them, perched as monuments of all the experimental medicinal therapies Dean had worked on. Retrieving another, Dean opened it, searched out a page, and began to read. As he blindly made his way back to his seat, he heard the creaking of the opening door. He looked up from his pages, it was Ellen. She smiled broadly as she waltzed in. A vision of happiness. A vision of Ellen seldom seen.

“El?” Dean sat at his work space, still reading as he did so. “You were gone awhile. Everything O.K.?”

“Everything is great.” Ellen leaned on the counter to face him. “I have a surprise for you.”

Dean was fearful of what that could be. Ellen was happy, so the chances of it being something bad were outstanding. “How was the survivor run?”

“It was great.”

There was that word again, Dean thought. Great? Ellen describing something as great was like a Catholic denouncing the Pope, it just didn’t happen. Afraid to ask what was making Ellen so happy, Dean looked up then back to his work.

“Dean? I said I have a surprise.”

“All right.” Dean shut the journal. “Apprehensively . . . I’ll bite.”

Ellen unzipped her black pouch, looked inside, pulled out a tube, and held it up to Dean between her forefinger and thumb with a wide grin.

Dean folded his hands as he looked at the tube. “Wow. Blood. Thanks, El.”

“No. Look at the label.” She placed the tube under his nose.

Dean was startled by the sudden appearance of a tube of blood. He adjusted his glasses, glanced quickly then returned to his reading. “El, you know I can’t read your handwriting. Especially when you write on non-flat surfaces. What does it say?”

“Robbie Slagel.”

Dean stopped reading, jumped up and grabbed the tube. “Holy shit. Another Slagel lived?” He returned to his shelves and grabbed from the bottom, the biggest journal of them all. This three inch journal wasn’t of medicine, this was his research on the virus and the survivors. “You know, I thought it was probable. But in no way did I believe this was possible.” Dean waved the tube around as he carried the book back to his work space and excitedly turned to the section marked ‘Slagel Family’. “I want to get started on this right away. I may be late, but I’ll be home in time for you to get to class.”

“O.K.” Ellen pushed the black pouch to him. “Here’s the other blood.” Ellen waited for a response. “Dean?” Nothing. “Dean.”

So engrossed in his reading, Dean paid no attention.

Shrugging and giving up, Ellen turned, lifting her hands as she walked out. “All right. Bye.”

Dean lifted his eyes from his work. Ellen was gone. He looked baffled over her sudden exit and rudeness in not saying anything when she left. Figuring she was just overwhelmed like he was with Robbie, Dean returned to his reading forgetting about the other things he desperately needed to work on.

***

Through the single black door, the only entrance to the huge rectangular building built on the edge of the living sections, Joe brought Robbie. Containment.

“Looks like an army recruitment center.” Robbie spoke as he walked into the entrance room. One desk sat there greeting them. One man, with a gun, sat behind the desk.

The man behind the desk stood up when Joe walked in. “Mr. Slagel.”

“Hi Greg. Robbie this is Greg, he mans this place during the day, another man named Doug is here at night. Greg, I would like you to meet Robbie, my son.”

Greg exhaled and smiled. “Rumors reached us fast about you. Robbie, welcome.” Greg usually did not shake hands. Most survivors weren’t around that long. But Robbie stood before him, he was a Slagel. He’d be around forever. Greg proudly shook his hand.

“Greg here was on our first survival run.” Joe explained to Robbie about the bulky, balding man behind the desk. “He was the first to test, and successfully make it through the entire processing. We could have used him elsewhere, but Frank snatched him up and put him in security. He does good.” He placed his hand on Greg’s shoulder. “We’re happy to have him. Greg, I’ll take Robbie in for the walk through. Could you buzz us please?”

Greg reached under his desk. A soft buzzing unlocked the door directly behind him.

Joe opened the door, let Robbie through first, then followed. “This is the main hallway. This first door here . . . ” Joe pointed to his right. “This is the women’s quarters. And here . . .” He indicated to the door across the hall on the left, Joe took him inside. “Men’s quarters.” Bunks lined up neatly on both sides of the walls, a foot locker at the foot of each bunk, and a dresser to the right. Joe led Robbie to the bunk at the end, a sleeping bag and back pack lay on top. It was Robbie’s stuff. “This is yours.” Joe laid his hands on Robbie’s gear. “But once you are out of here, and move on to working skills, you get a place in the community to live. We’ll issue you anything you do not have. We have it all. The only uniforms we have here are in security.”

“Do you think that’s where I’ll go?” Robbie sat on his bunk, shoving his stuff to the side.

“Don’t know. You have a lot of skills we can use. ” Joe began to walk. “Come, let’s finish the tour.”

Robbie stood and quietly followed him, like a prisoner following the warden.

Joe led him back into the hallway, explaining procedures and rules as they moved down the hall. He slowed down when they nearly reached the end. He pointed to an open office door. “This room is Ellen’s office. Not very big. But neither is Ellen.” Joe laughed. “Ellen is here every single day. She monitors and works closely with everyone. Very vital in the determination on whether you leave here or not.” He shut her office door and moved onward.

“I thought Ellen was a nurse?”

“She is.”

“Why doesn’t she work at the clinic then?”

“Well, we try to keep Ellen as far away from sick people as we possibly can. She’s not what you would call a very compassionate person. She does work in the mornings at the clinic. Clinical stuff.”

Robbie was a little surprised. “El? Not compassionate? El’s great.”

Joe stopped at the last door. The door that marked the end of the hallway. “Ellen just turned cold after the plague. When her children died. She died. And she never fully came back.” Joe opened the door. “This is the skills area.”

Robbie stepped into the large room, people were off in different sections doing different things. He spotted Paul, who was playing cards with a little boy, he waved. “Looks more like a rec room.”

“Yeah it is. But we call it the skills room because here is where we review your social skills. We also hold the social skills class four or five times a week in here.”

“Social skills?” Robbie laughed. “You teach people social skills. Why? Why not just let the survivors live among you, and if they screw up, then get rid of them.”

“No way. I protect my people. I can’t take a single chance on anyone getting hurt. Violent tendencies tend to turn up in here, trust me. This is where we weed the majority out.”

It was a prison in so many ways. Folding his arms close to his body, Robbie felt out of place. A coldness seeped to him from the inside of his body. He eyed the room and searched out for an empty chair off to the side. Once his father left, that would be where he went. To sit there. Alone. The way he often preferred.

“Don’t get too used to this place.” Joe told him.

“Why’s that?”

“You won’t be here long. You’re different than the others. You’ll be out real soon.”

“However long it takes.”

“Good boy.” Joe put his arm around him. “It’s good to have you with me. I need you here.”

Robbie nodded slowly and smiled politely. It really didn’t feel good to be there, but he couldn’t tell that to his father. It did, however, feel good to be with his family. That was all that mattered. That’s all he wanted. He had gotten what he searched for.

CHAPTER SIX

Andrea Winters paced around her small office at the clinic. Her hands in her lab coat, her shoulders rigid. A stunned look set on her face, she was speechless. She walked a few steps, stopped to look at Dean who was seated in her office, opened her mouth, and nothing would come out.

“Andrea?” Dean spoke. “You’re not saying much.”

Andrea’s mouth opened. “Wow.” She went to her desk and sat down across from Dean. “Wow.”

“Amazing isn’t it?”

“Joe’s son. Alive?” She folded her hands on her desk top.

“Yep. Unbelievable.” Dean sat back.

“What about his other two, could they be?”

“Scientifically, I’d say no. That would be way too obscure. But so are the Slagels.” Dean paused to chuckle. “And this really adds another notch of proof in my theory belt that the immunity gene is male gender hereditary.”

Andrea rubbed her hand across her face. “I bet all of them are ecstatic. Joe, Frank, Ellen.”

“You know it. I haven’t spoken to them. But I’ll bet they’ll be hanging around containment a lot more now.”

“No.” Andrea looked at him as if he were weird for saying that. “Tell me Joe did not put his son in containment.”

“He did.”

Andrea closed her eyes with a cringe. All she could picture was Joe’s screaming, long lost son, banging on the containment door after being shoved and locked in. “Sweet Jesus, that man is odd.”

Dean stood from his chair. “He’s Joe. Mr. Rules. And . . . I have to be going. I want to finish up so Ellen isn’t late for her class tonight.” Dean walked to the door.

“Dean.” Andrea called as she rose and moved his way. “How is working with Ellen after the break?”

Dean turned and faced her. “Great.”

Andrea looked horrified. “Great?”

Waving a finger in front of her face, Dean smiled. “No. Don’t you worry. I am fully cautious. Despite what people think, I don’t run around with blinders on . . . well, all the time. Not this time. Things are going at a good, slow pace, in the right direction, and my eyes are fully open.”

“What about Frank?” Andrea asked the inevitable question.

“Frank . . . Frank is a problem. I know. And I know I tried to pretend he wasn’t. If I would have faced it last year head on, maybe I wouldn’t have looked like such the fool. Maybe we wouldn’t have had that distance between me and El for so long. But now . . . she’s back. In the lab and . . .” Dean drew up a quirky grin. “Let’s just say, things are transpiring that haven’t transpired in way too long. I have to go.” He laid his hand on Andrea’s arm. “Thanks for your concern.” Dean winked as he stepped back.

Andrea reached for Dean’s hand, but he slid it from her and moved away too fast. She considered herself a God-fearing, Christian woman with a strong faith. But at that moment, Andrea wished she had the belief Dean did. She had to wonder with a sense of foreboding if Ellen was really making her choice and moving back toward Dean, or if Ellen had become a great magician. Performing illusions of grandeur and hiding her dilemma a whole lot better.

***

Henry heard the news. Robbie Slagel was alive and well. He had amnesia though, didn’t recognize his family. Of course, Henry found that part of the story hard to believe. News spread fast through the community, never the same news in the last ears to hear it, as it was when it started. But the smart ones in the community had learned to sift through it and find the truth. The truth: Robbie was alive. Henry didn’t know Robbie, nor had he heard much about him. But he was excited none-the-less. The ‘originals’ of the community were like a family. And if Frank’s brother had come home, then so did Henry’s.

Henry headed off to containment to meet Robbie. He excitedly left his training session with Michelle. He found it extremely difficult assuring Michelle that the chances of Robbie being another Frank were slim to none. Certainly God wouldn’t create two dense, mean, and sometimes-ruthless Slagel children. Henry hoped.

Henry checked for Joe at the receiving center, he wasn’t there. It was the beginning of the month, Joe was probably down at storage doing inventory, a task he trusted only to himself and George.

Cheerful, he entered containment and checked in with Greg. What was Robbie like? Henry pictured him in his mind. Robbie wouldn’t be as bulky as Frank, he couldn’t be, he had been outside for five years. He also didn’t expect Robbie to look anything like Frank. That theory was based on the names only. The name Frank was rough and hard. When growing up, it was a name you could threaten the big bully with. ‘Hey, if you don’t leave me alone, I’ll get Frank to kick your ass.’ However, trying to say the same sentence using the name Robbie just didn’t have the same effect. So to Henry, Robbie was quieter, milder, more laid back. Henry was almost right on the nose with his self thought description.

He made his way to the end of the containment hall and spotted Ellen sitting on the floor playing with a little boy. “El! Hey!” He called across the room, holding his hand high.

Ellen looked up and waved. The boy she was playing with scooted behind her back, seemingly afraid of Henry. “Don’t be frightened,” she spoke to the ten year old. “It’s only Mr. Henry. He won’t hurt you. Remember him?”

The little boy spoke no words, he stayed behind Ellen, even as she rose to her feet to speak with her visitor.

“Hi, Henry. How come you’re here?”

“You can’t guess?” Henry looked around the room. He didn’t spot any survivors he didn’t recognize. With the exception of the new black man, and with reasonable deduction Henry knew he wasn’t Robbie. “Where is he?”

“He’s sleeping. Passed out as soon as he ate. Like the food was drugged or something.”

“The Thanksgiving Day syndrome.”

“The what?” Ellen asked.

“Thanksgiving Day syndrome.” Henry explained. “Remember Thanksgiving? Remember how much you would eat and how tired you would get? They have the same thing. They barely ate out there. So when they come here, we give them a full meal, sending their digestive systems into overkill. That in turn wears them down. I would expect that.”

Ellen giggled. “That was a good one.”

“Thanks.” Henry placed his hands in his pockets. “Well, I guess I’ll get lots of time to meet Robbie. Mind if I stop by tonight for class?”

“No, not at all. Mind if I drag you to help? It’s an interactive one.” Ellen spoke enthused.

“Sure. You know me. Mr. Helpful. I’ll see you then.” A little disappointed that he didn’t get to meet Robbie as he planned, Henry left the skills room. He walked down the quiet hall and toward the main door. But something was different. As he passed the men’s quarters he saw through the ajar door, a man sitting on his bunk. The only one in there and it had to be Robbie. Henry smiled and got a twinge of nervousness as if he were getting ready to meet some big celebrity. He cleared his throat trying to get the attention of the stranger who kept his back to him. “Excuse me. Robbie?” Henry’s words sounded off pleasantness.

Robbie turned his head slowly and looked over his shoulder.

“Hi.” Henry lifted his hand in a wave. Then just when he went to take a step in, Robbie stood up, walked over to the door where Henry stood, and closed it on him.

***

Frank watched her. Standing in the archway of the skills room leaning on it, his arm resting above him, his chin on his wrist as his fingers fiddled with his goatee. He watched her. A gaze in his eye, a far off gaze, almost as if he was remembering the past rather than watching the present. Ellen laid on her stomach in the center of the floor, two children next to her watching intently as she read them some huge book. Her hair dangled over her hand which propped up her head. She smiled at the children, a real smile and that in turn, made Frank smile. For all the times she had made him angry through the years he had known her, Frank couldn’t recall a time when she didn’t make him feel better. No matter what the circumstances.

He felt a hand on his back. It startled him but not enough to completely distract him. Barely taking his eyes off of Ellen, Frank looked to see who was next to him. “Dad.”

Joe watched Frank staring out. “Isn’t this about the time you charge in and scare the hell out of the survivors?”

“Not today.”

“Not today?” Joe gave a quick twitch of his head n confusion and again saw Frank’s stare on Ellen. “Frank? What’s going on? Everything O.K.?”

“Yeah.” Frank nodded slowly. “I just . . . Dad? Did you ever, because it made you feel good, just want to stare at someone you care about?”

“No.” Joe answered, gave a pat to Frank and stepped into the skills room. He stopped and looked back. Frank’s demeanor and stare hadn’t changed. He shook his head at the unusual ‘sap’ comment that came from his son and approached Ellen. He kept his voice low so as not to frighten the children with her. “How’s it going?”

“Oh, hey, Joe. Good.” Ellen looked up to him. “We’re just looking at pictures.” She lifted herself from the floor with a grunt. As she did she saw Frank through the corner of her eye. “What’s up with him? Is he mad or something? Shouldn’t he be charging in here about now?”

“He says . . . not today.” Joe didn’t turn around to look at Frank.

“Is he sick?”

“That’s pretty much an open ended question, wouldn’t you say?”

Ellen laughed. “Are you looking for Robbie?”

“Yes and no. See Robbie. See if you need help.” Joe took in the peacefulness of the room. The calm quiet that screamed serenity. “But, it looks like all is under control. I’m gonna use your office, if you don’t mind. Catch up on paperwork before our class tonight.”

“Sure.” Ellen nodded.

“See you later, sweetheart.” Joe kissed her on the cheek as he left.

Ellen mouthed the words ‘sweetheart’ while a confused look perched upon her face. ‘Sweetheart?’ She moved her lips again.

“Oh.” Joe snapped his finger and quickly turned around.

Here it comes. She thought. He wants something.

“Ellen, I’d like for you and I to sit and talk. Have a, you know, father-daughter type chat.”

Chat? Ellen grew concerned.

“It’ll be nice. So, today, while the survivors are having their meal, let’s you and I go into your office, grab a cup of coffee and have a heart to heart. Sound good?” Joe reached over and lightly tapped her on her cheek.

“What did I do?”

Joe didn’t answer, he just smiled.

Ellen shook her head. She never tried to second guess what Joe wanted to talk to her about. She learned that the hard way when she first eloped with Pete. Joe called her to have a serious ‘heart-to-heart’. And Ellen, thinking he was going to give her a nice wedding present check, got the hell shocked  out of her by Joe, when he dragged her to a good attorney to correct her drunken, quickie, Vegas wedding. A kiss to her cheek during her mid-memory chuckle made her jump. She jolted in a turn. “Frank?”

“I’m heading out.” He pointed backwards. “Just wanted to say goodbye.”

“You never said hello.”

“Oh.” He scratched his head. “Sorry.”

“You O.K.?”

“Me?” Frank smiled. “I couldn’t be better. But I wanna finish up so I can have more time with you tonight.” He gave her another kiss on the cheek. “I love you.”

“Frank?” Ellen waited for him to stop in his walk out. “That’s . . . that was odd for you to just blurt out.”

“It was? Yeah, it was. I guess I wanna make sure you know that.”

“I do.”

“Good.” He winked, smiled and turned back around and walked out. He figured on his way out, he’d check just one more time to see if Robbie was awake yet. Passing the men’s quarters, he opened the closed door. Robbie was sitting on his bunk. “Robbie?”

Robbie turned his head. As soon as he saw that it was Frank, his expression changed from solemn to happy. “Frank, come on in.”

“Why aren’t you with the others?” He walked over and sat next to him.

“I don’t know. I’m not comfortable around them. I wasn’t when I was out there. They give me the creeps.”

“Tell me about it.” Frank rested his hand on Robbie’s knee. “It won’t be long. You know that? All you have to do is pass a few of Ellen and Dad’s corny little tests. Show to them you’re not like the others and you’ll be out.”

Robbie looked very seriously. “Will I pass them?”

“Please.” Frank scoffed. “They’re a piece of cake.”

“So you’ve taken them?”

“No, but I seen them.”

“I don’t know, Frank.” Robbie stood and began to pace. “I feel awkward. I’m also afraid that if I screw up, I’ll be out of here. I looked too hard for you guys to have that happen.”

“Robbie, you won’t screw up. How could you? You’re not like the others. You aren’t bad.”

“How about when I do get out of here? Will I fit in? Am I going to sink right into this little sheltered world all of you have created? How about with you and Dad? Am I gonna mesh or clash with you guys . . .”

“Whoa, hold it.” Frank stood, he raised his hands. “You have to stop worrying about this. You’re back. That’s what counts.” He embraced his brother. “I thought you were dead. You’re not. This means we all have a second chance with each other. There’s gonna be some adjustments, granted, but we’re a family, nothing can keep us apart.”

Robbie pulled back. “I’m glad to be here, Frank.”

“I’m glad you’re here, too.”

Momentarily, Robbie felt reassured. His big brother’s words gave him a sense of security, but they didn’t remove all doubt. He knew it had a lot to do with the fact that he had spent so many years out in the wild. Surviving, killing, living. While his family stayed protected, sheltered, and safe. Frank was so confident that Robbie would fit right in. But how could he? Robbie knew without admitting it, he had become a product of a new ravished society. There was worry in his mind if the Slagel bond was strong enough to bridge the differences that the world had created between them. He fought the little bit of resentment that crept in him the second he took a warm shower in Beginnings, and had to keep reminding himself it wasn’t his family’s fault that they had, and he didn’t. For years he searched with his heart and soul. For years he knew he would find his family. But in all his visions of reunion, Robbie never expected to find his family in a world such as Beginnings. And that frightened him.

CHAPTER SEVEN

“Ellen!” Joe’s voice carried out of Ellen’s office into the hall. He didn’t need to yell, Joe’s voice was always stern enough.

Ellen cringed. Busted. She tried with all of her might to sneak into the skills room without notice. Ellen stepped back, tilting her head back into her doorway. She smiled at Joe. “I’m going to get things ready for class tonight, Joe. I’ll be right back.”

Joe, with one eye closed, motioned his head and waved at the same time. “Come on.”

Ellen rubbed her eyes. “Sure.” She walked in. Joe was sitting at her desk. She took a seat across from him. “What’s up?”

Joe slid a cup of coffee across the desk to her. “I told you I wanted to sit and talk with you. I even got you coffee.”

“How nice.”

“Take the coffee, Ellen. We are just going to sit back and talk.” Joe held his cup and leaned back in the chair, giving the appearance that he was relaxed.

Apprehensively, Ellen took the cup.

“Ellen, sit back.”

Ellen sat back. “What are we talking about?”

“Things. How are things going?”

“Joe, everything’s fine. Is that it?”

“You are hurting my feelings, Ellen. I just want to talk about you . . . and possibly Dean and . . . Frank.”

“No.” Ellen stood up with emotions. “No, Joe. I can’t believe you want to talk to me about this again.”

“Ellen, sit.”

“I will not listen to another one of you mind control lectures, Joe.”

“Ellen!” Joe snapped. “Sit down!”

Ellen did.

Joe wiped his hand across his forehead in a calming sweep. “This . . . this is not a lecture. This is my opinion which I would like for you to listen.” He watched Ellen silently lift her hand in a ‘go on’ manner. “Ellen, ever since I’ve known you, you have never done things right.”

Ellen shook her head. “Gee thanks.”

“I know. You don’t want anyone to get hurt. You’re confused. But I don’t think you see where you should be. I think that you should end it . . .”

“Joe, we discussed this.”

“With Dean.”

Ellen’s eyes widened. “We did not discuss that.”

“I just think . . .”

“What are you trying to do, make me insane?” Ellen’s voice rose. “One day end it with Frank, the other end it with Dean.”

“I never said end it with Frank. I said do the right thing.”

“You never said to end it with Dean, either. Joe!” Ellen’s hands flew out as she stood. “This is not like you! You believe in marriage or serious relationships. Look how many you had. And this goes against everything you stand for. Why the sudden change?”

“Because Robbie has come back.” Joe stood up. “Our Robbie. You don’t take that as a sign? I do. Why, when family after family was wiped out, did we all live? I’ll tell you. We’re supposed to be together, all of us.”

“We are together. We are a family.”

“You and Frank are not.”

“We’re together all the time. What are you talking about? We get along great.”

“But it should be etched in stone, if you know what I mean.”

Ellen burst into laughter in moved to the door.

“I watched him Ellen, I watched him stare at you today with the same look he used to have when he was eighteen.”

“I’m not talking about this.” She kept walking, still chuckling.

“How, how can you laugh? I thought you loved Frank.”

Ellen stopped cold. Airy and emotional she turned back around. “What?” She lost her breath for a moment. “I do love Frank. How can I not? We lost our innocence to each other. But he’s the one that chose not to be a couple after the plague. He’s the one that backed off. He is the one that turned me down when I so desperately wanted a baby. If we aren’t together, it was not my doing.”

“What about now? He needs you now.”

“Frank needs sex.” Ellen turned to leave.

Joe grabbed hold of her arm. “Just a minute. You think that’s all you are to my son? Someone to get off on? You don’t think you are his best friend in the world. That he’s not grateful everyday for you.”

Ellen had to laugh. “Listen to you. Have you been reading Andrea’s romance novels? That is not Frank. O.K.? The grass is always greener to Frank. He wants what he can’t have. When confronted with it, he backs off. Trust me. He had his chances and he chose not to take them. For six months Dean backed off from me. Didn’t touch me, barely spoke, slept on the couch. Frank knew this. And all that Frank would say to me was, that I’d better get home before Dean got suspicious.”

“Ellen . . .”

“No, Joe. I’ve been your son’s whore for almost twenty-years. That’s the painful truth.”

“If you felt that used, why did you stay with him?” Joe asked.

“Because I needed him in my life. I still do. And back then, I took him anyway I could. But now, now . . . it’s just the way it has to be. There’s no other choice, whether he wants it or not, it’s the way it has to be.”

Closer Joe stepped to Ellen in their silence and laid his hand upon her cheek and his lips to her forehead. He knew how wrong she was, but decided to end their talk. Pushing it further would force Ellen’s eyes closed tighter instead of opening them like he intended to do.

***

Johnny hunched over holding his long cue stick in his hand, eye-balling what shot he would take as he and Denny worked at their daily game of pool. “Nine ball.” Johnny tapped the stick on the table. “Corner pocket.”

“No way.” Denny bent down to look at the shot. “You’ll never do it. Better call your bank shots.”

“Nine ball corner pocket. No banks.” Johnny positioned himself, angling his stick, he revved it back in preparation for his shot.

“No way.” Denny began to snicker.

“Den.” Johnny stood up, clanking his cue stick on the floor. “I’m trying to concentrate on this shot. Will you shut up?”

“Sorry. Go ahead.”

“Thank you.” Johnny aimed again, he pulled back and shot.

“You missed.” Denny laughed.

“I know I missed. Why do you do that to me all the time? That’s cheating. You psych me out.”

“Do not.” Denny looked for a shot. “Hey, Johnny. It’s pretty cool with your uncle coming back. I heard he didn’t know anyone, and when he saw Joe it all came back to him, and that he was all wild, and he stayed because he’s your uncle.”

“Denny, do you believe everything you hear? God you are so gullible. My uncle was fine when we picked him up. Come to think about it, a little too fine. Too quiet.” Johnny shuddered. “It was eerie. Anyhow, I didn’t even recognize him.” Johnny began to tap his stick, he grew tired of waiting on Denny. “Den, are you gonna take your shot or what. I have to go.”

“Where?” Denny shot and missed.

“I have an early date with Dina.” Johnny smiled. “Come to think about it . . .” Johnny put down his stick. “I better be going.”

“Why do you have to hang out with all those ladies for?”

“I can’t believe you’re asking me that.” Johnny shook his head. “You’ll find out. In another year or so.”

“No way.” Denny curled his lip.

“What do you mean no way?”

“Have you looked at them women?” Denny shook his head. “They’re really old. They’re like, twenty.”

“Look who’s talking about hanging out with old. You hang out with George. Now he’s old.”

“George is great. He was the president you know. Whatever that means. Your Pap said to respect that. Besides, he tells great stories.”

“Den, I have to go.” Johnny hated to interrupt Denny, he really was Denny’s only friend. “We’ll play tomorrow I promise. Three games.”

“O.K., I’ll see if George wants to play me.” Denny was disappointed that Johnny was leaving. “What do you do with these women that is so fun anyway? They never come in here and play pool or darts.”

Johnny knew Denny didn’t understand. “You ask me that all the time.”

“You never answer me.”

“I’m not allowed to answer you. Andrea said she’d kill me. She wants to keep you innocent.”

“Can I come with you?”

“No, Den, not tonight.” Johnny picked up his empty water glass and carried it with him as he walked away. He set it on the bar, waved to ‘Sam’ the mannequin, and walked from the social hall.

Denny watched his friend leave, disappointed, he finished the game himself. He spent most of his time alone, he was used to that. Other than Johnny, there wasn’t anyone he could spend any length of time with. He always seemed to get in the way. Too young for the grown-ups to talk to. Too old for the kids to play with. It didn’t bother him though, not much ever bothered Denny.

***

Paul placed down his pencil, and stared at the off-white sheet of paper called, The Beginnings Questionnaire. He sighed, tapped it some on the table he and Robbie sat at, then looked for Joe. He saw him. Joe was off to the side speaking to two men. Paul recognized the one from the flight in, that was George. The other he didn’t know, but he soon would. Henry.

Nervously Paul stood, taking his questionnaire with him as he made his approach toward Joe. “Excuse me, Mr. Slagel?”

Joe stopped speaking when Paul neared him. “Yes, Paul, what is it?”

Paul handed him the questionnaire. “Here you go.”

“Paul.” Joe didn’t reach for it. “If you’re having difficulties let’s you and I go over and work on it. Some people have trouble with our questionnaire.”

“Oh, no.” Paul insisted he take it. “I’m finished with it.”

“You’re finished?” Joe was shocked. “I just gave it to you.”

“I know, I know. I always took tests fast in school.”

Joe took the paper and quickly reviewed it, it was completed. Paul had finished filling out the questionnaire faster than Joe had seen anyone. “I’ll pass this on to Ellen. Whenever she gets back.” Joe turned back, holding the paper with an astonished look on his face. He walked over to Henry and George.

“Joe?” George spoke up. “What’s wrong?”

Joe handed George the completed questionnaire. “That new guy Paul filled this out in about five minutes. I have never seen that done. Robbie is still working on his.”

George read over it. “You know, Joe, you oughta sit down and talk to that man some time. You may find him quite interesting.”

“Ellen said she sat with him for a good hour. He’s intelligent, bright, mannered. She also said that we should make immediate living arrangements in the community for him.”

“Is she sure?” George asked. “You know how she sometimes jumps the gun, not too often, but she has. Like that one woman she let out and we ousted her for raiding the food.”

“You can’t blame Ellen. The woman seemed fine.” Joe looked around for Ellen. “Where in the hell is she?” All that was there of Ellen, was a wheeled cart with a cover over it.

Henry cleared his throat and pointed. Ellen made a hurried entrance into the skills room. As she passed the survivors, she tried to get the ones who were standing to sit.

“Sorry I’m late. I was playing with the twins.” She walked around them, grabbed her cart and wheeled it up to the front of the room next to the podium. “Henry, can you get me a chair please?”

“Sure.” Henry darted away for one, collected one, and sat it next to Ellen.

“Thanks.” She smiled and positioned the chair. “Wait a minute.” She looked at George who was standing there also. “Why are you here too, George?”

“Thought I’d help.”

Ellen crinkled her nose at him. “You’re never here any other time. Are you another Robbie curiosity seeker?”

George ignored her remark, even though she was, in a sense correct.

Ellen strategically set everything,. Still she was careful not to uncover her big surprise. She raised her voice to get the attention of everyone in the room. “All right guys, we’re gonna start. Joe, is it all right if we start?”

Joe just nodded.

“Great.” Ellen waited for the voices to subside. “Tonight is going to be an interactive social skills class. Tonight’s theme is trust. Trust is something, that no matter who you are, it just isn’t easy. But understandably, out in that world, you can lose so much. We here in Beginnings, especially the ‘originals’ the ones that have been here since the start, have a strong bond and trust. And I want to demonstrate that to you, so you can get it back. People still trust. Now I’d like to ask either Joe, Henry, or George, to help me out. Oh yeah, don’t get too used to seeing Henry and George around here. They only came to gawk tonight.” She turned behind her to look at the three men. She waited for her volunteer.

Henry stepped forward. “I’m game, Ellen.”

“Good. Everyone this is Henry. Henry, have a seat.”

Henry sat down in the chair.

Ellen placed her hands on his shoulders as she stood behind him. “Henry, do you trust me?”

“Yes. Very much.” Henry smiled and spoke loudly. He was enthused about participating in Ellen’s little parlor trick.

“Good.” Ellen removed the cover from the wheeled cart. When she did, Joe and George saw what it was, and immediately tried not to laugh. Ellen picked up an object and showed it to her audience. “Now, what I’m holding in my hand is a straight edge razor.” She moved around the very shiny object. “It’s sharp, as you know.”

Henry’s eyes bulged. He was afraid to look. She couldn’t be serious.

“Henry is going to show all of you how much he trusts me by letting me shave him. As you can see . . .” She lifted his chin and held the object close to his neck. “One false move, one sneeze, and Henry is history.”

Henry’s eyes widened more. The reflection of the light off the razor shone across his face. He was terrified. He trusted Ellen. But did he trust her with a straight edge razor? As soon as Henry knew the answer to that one, he jumped from the chair and booked.

Frank finished with his rounds sooner than he thought. And when John Matoose, arguing with his wife Jenny, showed up early, Frank left without hesitation. He knew Ellen still had a while to go with her class at containment, but Frank really wanted to see how Robbie did on his first test. He stopped in on his way home. The halls were empty and laughter from the skills room carried to Frank making him head straight there. He stopped when he entered. His quest to know what everyone was laughing at ended when he saw Dean in a chair and Ellen behind him, his head rested back on her and Dean was covered with shaving cream.

Frank was not amused.

He stood arms crossed as Ellen finished up on Dean and handed him a towel. That set fine with Frank until Dean playfully grabbed a handful of shaving cream, placed it on Ellen’s face and smeared it around with his lips. Dean stepped back from Ellen and tossed her towel, and while laughing, turned around to walk from the skills room. In his route out, he glanced at Frank in his pass, basking in the glory of Frank’s apparent unhappiness.

Frank didn’t respond, he merely walked into the skills room up to Ellen. She stood talking with Joe and George. “El.” He called to her in a loud whisper.

Ellen jumped. “You scared me.” She turned to him. When she saw him, she seemed surprised. “Frank. What are you doing here?”

Frank took the towel from her hand. He lifted her chin with his forefinger and thumb, and began to wipe her face as if she were a child. “I just stopped by to ask how Robbie did on his test. Then I’m gone.” He continued wiping.

Joe couldn’t take it. He interrupted their conversation briefly by snatching the towel from Frank’s hand. “Frank, you look really silly standing in the middle of the room wiping off her face.”

“But she had . . .”

“No.” Joe shook his head at him. He didn’t need to say more. Giving back the towel, he shook his head and walked away.

Ellen snickered at Joe’s disapproval of his son’s less than manly behavior. She was rather enjoying it. It was so unlike Frank. “I didn’t look at Robbie’s test yet. It’s on my desk. I’m sure he did fine.”

“I’m sure.” Speaking with edge, Frank pulled her off to the side. “I saw your little demonstration. It was kind of a personal. Don’t you think?”

“What? Shaving someone?”

“Yes.”

“How is shaving someone personal?” Ellen asked.

“Come on El. He looked like he was enjoying it. Did you see where he had his head?”

“Where he had his . . .” Ellen started to laugh as she looked down to her chest. “I have news for you Frank, Dean’s head’s been there many times and it wasn’t just to shave him.”

Surprising Ellen, Frank tossed the towel at her, pointed and stepped back. “Then why don’t you just finish up here and go home to Dean.”

“Frank.” Ellen was shocked when he stormed off. She chased him into the hall. “Stop. I mean it.”

Frank slowed down then stopped. He turned around. “What?”

“I was joking around because you were really acting jealous.” She stepped to him.

“I was jealous. All right? It . . .” He slid his hand down his face. “It bothers me. I shouldn’t let it, I’m sorry.” He lowered his head.

“No, I’m sorry.” Ellen spoke soft. “Still not want to see me tonight? I’m mean if you want to me to go home with . . .”

“No.” Frank sprang his head up. “No. If you do, then I’d lay in bed and stew all night because you’re with . . .” Frank grumbled when he saw through the corner of his eye that Dean had approached. “Dean.” Frank huffed. “What!”

Dean shook his head and took hold of Ellen’s arm. “Something is wrong with you. Come on, El, I’ll help a little more before I have to leave.” Leading Ellen to the skills room, Dean laid his hand on Ellen’s back and peered over his shoulder to look once more at Frank.

Frank flipped him off. He decided to leave, then remembered why he was at containment. Robbie’s test. And knowing what the questions and answers were, and knowing that he could see for himself how Robbie did, Frank went to Ellen’s office.

He turned on the light. On top of Ellen’s desk were the first tests. Paul’s and Robbie’s. Frank smiled and lifted up Robbie’s. The smile fell from his face. “No.” He closed his eyes. “Robbie, what is this.” Shaking his head, Frank reached over and shut the door. He took the test, sat at Ellen’s desk, and grabbed a pencil. Test before him, Frank began to erase and change the answers.

***

Ellen was finished, and in what she considered a remarkable early time. She scurried about trying to get her office in order before she left containment for the night. Stacking her things neatly on the desk, she flew to the door and reached for the light. She jumped and shrieked when Robbie was there. “Robbie.” She grabbed her chest laughing.

“I’m sorry. You’re leaving huh?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“Nothing.” He shook his head. “We’ll talk tomorrow.”

“If you need to talk, we’ll talk now.” Ellen grabbed his hand and brought him back in the office. “Have a seat.” She motioned her hand to a chair then sat on the desk before him. “You were quiet all night. Not the um . . . Robbie I remember.”

“I’m a lot different.” Robbie swallowed. “El, I’m worried about a couple things. One, my test.”

“Your questionnaire?” Ellen scoffed. “Robbie, you did fine. Perfect. See.” She leaned back and grabbed the test and handed it to him.

Robbie reviewed it. “Did my Dad see this?”

“Yes. I gave it to him right away. And he knew you’d pull it off.” Ellen winked.

“I don’t know what to say . . .” He handed it back. “Thanks, El.”

Ellen shrugged. “Sure. It’s my job. The other problem?”

“Being in here.”

Ellen nodded slowly. “I understand, Robbie. But please understand my position. I had to earn the Council’s trust in order to be able to make decisions to release people. As much as I love you, I can’t let you out until I’m certain.” Ellen paused. “Please don’t hate me.”

“No El. See.” Robbie grabbed her hand. “I’m worried. No, I’m scared. I don’t want to screw up out there. I don’t want you to let me out early because of who I am. I’ve . . . I’ve been out there a long time. I’ve done . . .”

“Robbie.” Ellen compassionately silenced him. “Please don’t worry. You can stay in here as long as you want. You let me know when you’re ready. I’ll talk to Joe.”

“Telling you I’m not ready, I can do. Telling my father I’m not ready is something I can’t do. I can’t let him know I’m afraid to live in his world.”

“Robbie, do you think Joe wouldn’t understand. He would.” Ellen said. “He wouldn’t think any less of you because there is no reason to think less of you. You were out there a long time.”

“El.” Robbie’s blue eyes pleaded. “Isn’t there anything you can do? Please, I’m begging you to help me. You make the decisions, they listen to you. What if it’s you who says I’m not ready. What if . . .”

Ellen exhaled to silence him. “You want me to be the heavy.”

“I just want your help.” Robbie said sadly as he scooted his chair closer to Ellen and dropped his head to her knees. His hands gripped onto her as if he were so lost. His forehead rubbed back and forth against her legs. “I don’t want to lose what I looked so long for.”

Ellen’s hand went to Robbie hair, her fingers moved through it in a slow comforting sweep. Her voice dropped to a whisper. “I’ll help you. And I promise you, Robbie, I promise you. No matter what, I will not let you fail.”

***

The air was dry and cool typical for late spring in the community. Henry watched from his bedroom window for the containment center lights to go out. When he saw that they did, it was his sign that all was clear, and he could go meet George at the social hall.

Henry and George got together once a week to play darts. George was the dart king, as he called himself. He was unbeatable, but still fun to play. The only time that George was beaten at darts, was a year before when he broke his dart throwing hand, and everyone felt they had to challenge him. Denny was the only one who could beat the crippled ex-president of the United States.

Shoulders hunched up, hands in his pockets, Henry tried to look inconspicuous. He didn’t want to run into Joe or Ellen, he felt sort of foolish for running out. The hall was empty when Henry walked in, all except for ‘Sam’ and George. George stood by the dart machine, a drink for Henry already waiting.

“George, you ready for me?” Henry pulled his darts from his back pocket and showed them to George.

“Yes, been ready.” George opened his black case and pulled out his darts. “Dean survived.”

“Excuse me?” Henry asked. “What did Dean survive?”

“Dean survived. After you ran out, he volunteered to be shaved. Not a nick on his face.”

“I trust Ellen, George. I do. If I had a heart attack, or was sick . . . no, scratch the sick part . . . but if I had an accident, I’d trust her. But to put a straight edge razor within millimeters of my jugular vein. I have to draw the line.”

“I understand. I wouldn’t have done it either. You came to help out. You couldn’t. What do they say? It’s the thought that counts.”

“It won’t work, the guilt trip.” Henry knew it would, he just wanted George to leave him alone about it. “Besides, I really didn’t want to help out with those classes. You know as well as I do Joe and Ellen have the schedule set one way. Make a suggestion, do something out of order, and they’re in your shit. Then they wonder why no one wants to help them. Anyway, I just wanted to talk to Robbie.”

“Did you get a chance too?”

“Yeah.” Henry’s voice was less than enthusiastic. “Let’s start our game.”

“Wait a second.” George reached out to stop Henry, who was pulling his darts from their little pouch. “Now this afternoon you were excited about Robbie. What’s going on? Your attitude stinks.”

“George, I prefer not to say anything. Let’s just play.”

“Bad first impression?” George was not giving up that easily.

“George, he’s Joe’s son.”

“Don’t you think I know that? You should have seen the array of knives we found in his belongings when we checked his stuff. Some of them blood stained.”

Henry, who was not looking at George, suddenly looked up. “What is your impression of Robbie Slagel?”

“I think Robbie is like any other survivor we’ve picked up. He’s scared, he’s maladjusted, and he needs time. The only problem is, we expect him not to be that way because he’s Joe’s son. We have to remember, yes he’s a Slagel, but he’s been out there forever.”

“Maybe that’s what’s bothering me. I expected more. And . . . there’s something about his eyes.” Henry fiddled nervously with his darts. “What do you think Joe’s gonna do?”

“I know Joe, and so do you. Joe wants his son out, yes. But, he’s not gonna let him out of containment until he thinks he’s ready. We are the Council. Joe will think with his head instead of his heart. He always does. Besides, Ellen will have to give her recommendation, and she can be tough.”

“And wrong, and she has been.”

George shrugged. “We can’t lay that on her. We make the final decision. We have Andrea back it up if we’re in doubt. Why are you so worried about this, my friend? You’ve never been this worried about a survivor.”

“Forget it. I’m not going to worry about it anymore. Let’s just you and I play our weekly slaughter game.”

“Never know, tonight you might win.”

Henry smiled. He knew he wouldn’t, but he’d try anyhow. The game would be especially a slaughter. Henry’s mind was not completely on the game, but on Robbie. Henry felt guilty for the feelings he had. He expected to be taken by Robbie straight away, but wasn’t. He expected to like Robbie right off the bat, but didn’t. The thing that ate away at him the most, was that he wasn’t giving Robbie the benefit of doubt that he gave every other survivor that they picked up. Ousted or not, Henry believed in them, and theorized reasons for their behavior. So why wouldn’t he do that for Robbie?

***

The whiskey splashed as Frank pulled the bottle from his mouth and set it on his night stand. Lying on his bed, his nude body covered with a sheet, he tasted the whiskey on his bottom lip as he listened to the shower water running. He smiled at the memory of their evening and he laughed to himself at Ellen’s ridicule of his attempt at tenderness. Growing antsy and really wanting to talk to Ellen, Frank flung the covers to the side and sat up. He reached down to the floor for his boxer shorts and stepped into them in his stride across and out of the bedroom.

He knocked once before entering the bathroom and closing the door behind him. He put the lid down on the commode and sat. “It’s me.”

“I figured as much,” Ellen spoke loudly over the running water.

“You didn’t say how your talk with my Dad went today. What did you do wrong?”

“Nothing. Get this. He wants us to etch our relationship in stone.”

“Marriage? Oh.” Frank tapped his bare feet on the bathroom floor. “O.K., when?”

Ellen stuck her head out of the shower curtain. “That’s not funny, Frank. Don’t let your father hear you joke around like that, he might believe you. Besides, he’ll forget about the marriage thing once Robbie leaves containment.”

“Then that won’t be too long. Robbie’s getting out when? Tomorrow?”

“I don’t know when Robbie’s getting out.”

“What do you mean? You make the recommendations.”

“I know I do. He’s not ready yet. I’ll let you know when I think he will be.”

“When, a day, two days?”

“He just arrived today, Frank, give him a chance.”

Frank grew defensive, it was apparent in his tone of voice. “So what, El, that Paul guy arrived today too. You already recommended he gets out tomorrow.”

“That Paul guy has been living in a civilized community. Robbie has not.” Ellen peeked from the curtain again. “Can we drop this please?”

“What’s wrong with my brother? Tell me.”

“There’s nothing wrong with him.”

“Then he can get out,” Frank argued.

“I’m not discussing this anymore. I’m not.”

Frank grew angrier. “Why?”

“Frank, drop it.”

Frank wasn’t finished with Ellen, but he knew she wouldn’t say another thing about it. She was stubborn. Frank stood up. Pissed-off, he began to leave the bathroom, stopped, flushed the toilet and then stormed out.

Ellen felt the water go from perfect to scalding.  She tried to reach around the stream of water to turn it off, careful not to get burned. She stepped from the tub, dried herself and got dressed.

Figuring Frank had cooled down some, Ellen walked into his bedroom, releasing her hair from the clip as she made her way to the dresser. She grabbed the brush and began to brush out her hair. She looked over at Frank who sat on the bed, knees bent up, and playing with his revolver. “Are we done arguing, Frank?”

Frank didn’t answer.

“You can’t really be mad at me. Are you?”

Frank lifted his eyes to briefly look at her. “I think you’re forgetting who he is.”

“I think you’re assuming because of who he is, that he’s ready.” Ellen placed down the brush and sat on the side of the bed. “You’re really mad about this?” She shook her head and reached down for her shoes. “How long will you be mad at me so I can avoid you?”

“How long will Robbie be in containment unnecessarily?”

Ellen slipped on her shoes. “I guess I won’t be seeing you for awhile then.” She stood from the bed, trying to control her anger. “I refuse to fight with you over this, Frank. If this is your attitude, then stay mad at me, I don’t care. I don’t tell you how to run security, don’t tell me how to do my job.” She stormed from the bedroom without saying goodbye.

The whole way back to her house, her disagreement with Frank stayed on her mind. They had argued in the past, but for only a few minutes. And in all the years they had known each other, they never left one another mad. The Robbie argument bred a first.

Dean was surprised when he saw Ellen walk in. He looked down at his watch. “It’s not even ten. No hanging out at the hall late?”

Ellen shook her head, and walked into the living room.

“I’m glad you’re home.” Dean followed. “The kids are asleep. I’m heading to the lab. I want to do some work. You don’t mind, do you?”

“No, you go ahead.”

“Thanks.” Dean looked around for his jacket, and spotted it thrown over a dining room chair. “I’m glad I’m getting an early jump on it tonight. Maybe I’ll be home by two or three.” He grabbed his jean jacket, as he put it on, his noticed Ellen’s far-off look. “What’s wrong?”

“Oh nothing. I just have something on my mind.”

“Wanna talk about it?” Dean moved closer to her.

“No. Go to the lab.”

Dean adjusted the collar on his coat. “Is that a ‘I want you to go to the lab’ answer? Or is it an ‘I want you to get the truth out of me because I’m a female’ answer?”

Ellen smiled at him. “I want you to go to the lab, Dean. I just have Robbie on my mind. Don’t worry about it.”

“So it was a little of both. What’s going on with Robbie?”

“I don’t think he’s ready to leave containment yet. I know I’m going to get heat on it.”

“Looks like you already have. Are you arguing with Frank about this?”

“Fighting with him about this.”

“You mean arguing. You and Frank don’t fight.”

“We are now.”

Dean tried to hide the smile that was nearing out. “Well, for what it’s worth I don’t blame your decision. Robbie’s going to go through every adjustment and emotional change that any other survivor we bring in goes through. The only difference is, he’s Joe’s son. We have to forget about that. There’s nothing wrong with Robbie, he’s as normal as we can expect from a survivor, but he’s just not where everyone thinks he is.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He kissed her on the cheek. “I won’t be too late.” He walked to the front door. “See you in a little bit.”

Ellen nodded and smiled sadly when Dean left. Finding the living room too quiet, Ellen chalked up  ‘a drink’ as to what she needed. She went to the cabinet to pour herself some of that scotch Johnny brought her back from the last run. As she reached for the bottle, she heard a tapping at the door. Thinking it was Joe, she walked to the door and opened it. Frank stood there, his arm leaning on the doorway, his expression, humbled. “Frank? What are you doing here?”

“I’m sorry.” He held out his hand. “Buddies?”

“No.” Ellen shut the door on him, then quickly re-opened it, to a surprised looking Frank. “Did you believe me?”

“No.” He walked in. “I rescind my apology.”

“No you don’t.”

“No, I don’t.” He leaned down to her and kissed her. “I won’t argue or fight with you about it. It’s not worth it. Even though I don’t agree with you, that’s your job, not mine.”

Ellen heard his words, but she also knew Frank. After a few days, if Robbie was still in containment, then the argument would return. Ellen let Frank believe that she thought he’d keep true to his word. Frank was as stubborn as she was. The one fault that they both had in common, would be a deadly one for them while Robbie stayed in containment. Neither of them ever wanted to be wrong about something, and in the Robbie situation, one of them would be.

CHAPTER NINE

May 8th

“Paul!” Joe called loudly across the tractor noise to Paul who was lifting bundles of hay. He waved his hand in a ‘come here’ motion to the young man who seemed to fit into Beginnings so perfectly. “Need you for a few minutes.”

Paul wiped his forehead with his gloved hand, took the gloves off, and informed Miguel he’d be right back. “Yes Mr. Slagel.” He approached Joe who stood by an idling jeep.

“Feel like taking a ride into town with me?”

“Sure. Why?”

“There’s some things I want to discuss with you. Hop in.” Joe slid into the drivers seat and waited for Paul to join him. He turned the jeep around and sped off. “So how are things going?”

“Good. Real good. These past five days have been smooth. My house is a little quiet, but I guess that will change when Robbie lives with me..”

“That’s one of the things I wanted to talk to you about. Actually, I have a couple favors to ask of you. Now they’re only favors so don’t think you have to do them.”

“What are they?” Paul asked.

“Well, I know I need you out in the fields, but I’d really like to utilize some of those talents you listed. One, at the school, we have a lot of kids in Beginnings. They’re the survivors we never pass up. They could use that musical instruction.”

“No problem, I’d enjoy that. I don’t know how much patience I’d have, but I’ll learn.”

“Good. Second . . .” Joe smiled. “Yeah, there’s more favors.  Interested in providing the hall with some live music once a week? Maybe you and Robbie can get together, he’s played since he was a kid.”

“I’d love it. That’s what I like to do most.”

Joe slowed the jeep down as he pulled up to the main street of town. He pulled over and parked it. “Can you get enough material together for tomorrow night? We’re having a party for Robbie.”

“He’s getting out? That’s great. I couldn’t figure out why he was in there so long.”

Joe huffed. “Me either. None of us could. Ellen insisted he stay. Let me tell, you this past week has been hell. But hey, I gave her the position because I respect her judgment.” He stepped from the jeep.

“So she’s finally giving in?”

Joe slowed down as they approached a small silver building at the end of the block. He looked at Paul and took a deep breath.

“Ellen doesn’t know?”

“Well, let’s just say we got tired of waiting and went over her head. She’ll find out shortly.” Joe paused as he opened the door for Paul. A spine chilling fear struck him when he realized how shortly it really would be before Ellen found out she had lost.

***

Ellen basked in the oddity of the really great day she was having. She moved to containment after stopping to see her children at the school. She was still on a ‘high’ after the fun, fur-less rabbit experiment she did with Dean. Great days were few and far between for Ellen, so she was on-guard. The fact that she was on time for every place she had to be, was a sure sign that things were headed toward an avalanche. And the sight of Frank, confirmed that.

Frank stood as if he was waiting for her outside of containment. Leaning against the wall, blocking the door, arms folded, that snide look on his face. She had to wonder, was it going to be round 751? Another confrontation with Frank was not what she wanted.  Every day it was the same routine. The day started out fine, and then somewhere, somehow, Frank would bring up Robbie. No matter what the topic of conversation, Frank made it fit into a Robbie one. ‘El, I scratched my finger . . . . when is Robbie getting out of containment?’. Robbie was a closed subject to Ellen. He had to be. She had made a promise to Robbie. A promise that would be impossible for Ellen to keep if she kept arguing with Frank. So she decided after four days of fighting, making up, and fighting again, avoidance of Frank would be fundamentally necessary. At least until the Robbie crisis was over.

Ellen paused as she drew closer to the containment center. Frank was blocking the doorway. He was smiling. That pissed her off. He was going to say something, she just knew it. She took a deep breath and headed straight to the door. “Frank. Move.”

Frank smiled at her, and did not say a word. He placed his hands behind her neck and pulled her to him and kissed her. “I miss you.”

“Yeah-yeah, right. Move.”

“El, please. Let’s not do this. You haven’t even sat down and talked with me in the past two days. I’m going through withdrawal here.”

“When the Robbie situation is over, then we can go back to normal. Move.” Ellen tried to get past him. Frank didn’t budge.

“El, I promise you, I promise I will not argue with you over Robbie ever again.” He held up his right hand. “Please stop this.”

Ellen knew Frank never broke a promise. But she also knew Frank hated to lose an argument and he was making a promise that would be impossible to keep. Something was going on. She knew it, but didn’t want to get into it. “I can’t be around you, Frank. Let’s just wait it out. Besides, you have no idea what it’s like to have everyone in town harp on you constantly, everyone. I have had no support this week. The only person who hasn’t judged me is Dean. When I told him you and I . . .”

“You told Dean we’ve been fighting? Oh that’s just great. No wonder he’s being supportive. I would be too if I were in his position. What’s he doing? Being the . . .”

“Frank!” Ellen silenced him. “You promise not to argue about Robbie, so does this mean everything else is fair game?”

“Fine, I won’t argue.” Frank drew closer to her. “I give up, you win. Be nice to me again.” Frank tilted his head with a quirky smile. “El, you’re looking at me really funny.”

Ellen folded her arms. “What’s going on?”

“I don’t know what you mean. I’m just here to make up.”

“No, we’ve made up lots of times this week. You were never like this.”

“Can I see you tonight?”

“You have changed the subject.”

“I did not.”

“You did too.” Ellen tried to get by him. “Can I go to work now please?”

“Now you changed the subject.”

“Frank you’re getting on my nerves. Move!” Ellen waited for him to step off to the side. “Thank you.” Ellen opened the door to go in.

“El are we friend again? El . . . El . . . El . . are we friends again . . . El.”

“Frank!” Ellen took a breath and calmed herself. “I know you better than anyone. I’m not buying it. Either you’re acting like the babbling idiot right now because you truly missed me, or you know something I don’t. I’m opting for you know something I don’t.”

“If I did. What does that mean for us tonight?”

“I knew it!” Ellen stormed into containment.

“El.” Frank followed her in.

Ellen faced him quickly, before Greg buzzed her in. “I will deal with you later. I promise that.” Angry, and annoyed, Ellen knew in her gut what was going on. Frank, all of the sudden giving in, waiting for her, making promises he’d find hard to keep. Her instincts told her she had been crossed, and she knew she was right the moment she spotted Andrea at the far end of the containment hall. With the security door still held open by her, she looked over her shoulder at Frank. Anger, not hurt, lit up her face. “Why couldn’t you be straight with me? Huh Frank?”

Frank’s head hung low, he looked at her through the tops of his eyes. “I’m sorry, El. I wasn’t allowed to tell you.”

“Who all knows about this?”

Frank didn’t answer.

“I’m the only one who didn’t know this? For how long?”

“Just this morning.”

“Well, screw you.” Ellen let the door slam behind her. Trying to keep herself in control, she walked toward Andrea who appeared to be waiting on her. Ellen expected the situation; she knew it would come eventually. She knew she couldn’t hold off the forces from Robbie very long. But that wasn’t what bothered her. It was the fact that it was a big conspiracy. In her storm down the hall she began to feel bad. She didn’t feel bad for herself, she felt bad for Robbie. She let him down. Robbie still wasn’t ready to leave. He was going to have to, and there was nothing she could do about it.

“Ellen, I can see that you’re upset.” Andrea tried to reason with her, but Ellen gathered reading material into stacks on her desk. “I understand why.” Andrea knew she was ignored, but then she became annoyed at Ellen’s banging of the papers she collated. “You cannot be that angry, Ellen. This is not the first time I was brought in here to double check on someone you refused to release or wanted to release.”

“That’s correct.” Ellen dropped what she was holding, letting it fall to the desk. “However, it is the first time you came in here without my knowledge. That’s what pisses me off. That’s why I’m fired-up. That with the fact that everyone knew but me.”

“For that I apologize, I really do. Not telling you was wrong. Joe said he had his reasons and he’ll tell you when he comes in this afternoon.”

“I can’t wait to hear it.”

“Ellen.” Andrea moved closer to her. “I have apologized to you. I am sincere in that. But I have to tell you, I saw nothing, nothing wrong with Robbie. Which brings me to a question that has been popping up on everyone’s mind.” Andrea, somewhat apprehensive, folded her arms tightly to herself. “Now don’t get too upset. This question is not entirely unfounded. But, I’ve seen Robbie. He’s the best looking guy I have ever seen in my life. Are you sure that perhaps there isn’t an attraction there, maybe you kept him here for personal reasons?”

“What?! You can’t be serious about this?” Ellen waited for a response, she didn’t get one. “You are serious.” Almost in a dramatic disgust Ellen snarled her face. “I’m not even going to justify that with an answer.”

“The question was brought up.” Andrea shrugged. “By who, I don’t know. Forget about it, all right? Look, I know you’re mad. If you need to vent, vent on me. I can take it.”

“I’m not going to vent on you, Andrea. There are certain people in this community I don’t lose it on. You are one of them. However . . . there are those who I do vent on. So in order to save a few survivors from an unnecessary Ellen lashing . . .” She sniffed, twitched her head and spoke in a high tone as she turned. “Excuse me.” Nose in the air, and mind full of speeches she was going to give, Ellen left the office.

Andrea could have stopped her, but saw no reason to, since she herself had been spared.

Ellen walked out of containment. As she did she noticed Frank perched out front like he was on detail. She growled as she walked briskly past him, down the sidewalk, and straight to her destination with Frank following her. “Don’t you have a job or something?”

“I’m working.” Frank kept up with her. “I’m in security. My job is to divert any possible dangerous situations from occurring. With the mood you’re in right now, who knows what could happen.”

Ellen stopped cold in her tracks, taking Frank by surprise and causing him to walk right past her.

Frank noticed she was no longer beside him. He looked back, Ellen wasn’t smiling at his joke. “Come on El, lighten up. I’m kidding you.”

“I’m not in the mood.”

“Well, get in the mood.”

Ellen rolled her eyes at him and began to walk again. “Frank, just leave me alone. I told you I’d deal with you later.”

“Fine. Tonight?”

“Yes, Frank, yes.” Ellen approached the door to the clinic.

“Will you be in a better mood later?”

“Probably not.” She opened the door.

Frank wasn’t giving up, he was bound and determined to irritate Ellen until she smiled. “El, just so I’m mentally prepared for you. On a scale of one to ten, how mad are you?”

Ellen turned once again to face him. There was only one way to get her anger across to Frank, and a number just wasn’t going to do it. “Michelle.” Ellen sarcastically smiled. “Michelle, Michelle, Michelle!”

Frank’s body jolted with the words like he had just been hit with rapid gun fire. “Uh!”

“Michelle is wonderful.” Ellen took one step closer. “Michelle is nice.”

“Stop!”

“Michelle didn’t take the van, you gave it to her and forgot about it.”

“Enough, enough, I get the point.” Frank backed up. He scrunched his face in a painful look and pressed his finger tightly to his closed eye. “Now see, you’ve gone and gave me a Michelle-grain. Thank you very much.”

Ellen was not going to smile at him. Even when he peaked out from behind his hand to see if he had her. “Frank!” Ellen snapped. “Go to work.” Saying no more, Ellen went back up to the clinic doorway. She opened the doors and stood there for a second to let her rage return, let her blood pressure rise, and when it did, she stormed into the clinic for her brief, but painful assault on . . .

“Dean!” Ellen growled out as she flung open the laboratory door.

Dean sat across the lab, a rabbit lay in front of him. It laid on its back, its little paws spread eagle. He looked up at her from his mini bunny autopsy. “Hey El.”

“Don’t you hey El me!” Ellen’s voice was, cold, harsh, and deep. “Did you know?” She scolded, putting one hand on her hip.

“Know what?” Dean knew that he blurted out a dumb question. But it was his best response.

“This morning. Did you know about Robbie?”

Dean returned to look at his rabbit. He debated, play dumb, or be honest. He opted for neither. Ignore her, and hope the moment that was just about to transpire, would be over soon.

“You did! You son-of-a-bitch! You sat here with me this morning and you knew. You looked me in the eye, talked to me. You listened to me bitch about how everyone was on me, and you said nothing?”

“El, I couldn’t say anything, I’m sorry. Don’t be mad.”

“Don’t be mad?” Ellen’s height increased along with her voice as her anger brought her to her tipped toes. “Don’t be mad? Fuck you.” She flung her arms with her grunt of frustration, and in one swift turn, she stormed from the lab as quickly as she entered, then raged from the clinic.

Stepping outside, Ellen let a sigh of ‘feel good’ hit her at the same time as the sun. Walking back to containment that feeling left her when she saw Henry and he was smiling at her.

“Hi Ellen.” Henry walked up to her.

“Kiss my ass, Henry!”

“O.K.. What did I do to deserve that?” Henry was calm and logical, as usual.

“Like you don’t know.”

“No, I don’t. Feel like telling me?”

“Robbie.”

“O.K. Robbie . . . Oh.” Henry caught on. “They must have reached a decision.”

“You don’t know about this, Henry? I find that hard to believe.” Ellen wanted to argue, but Henry just wasn’t cooperating.

“Really I don’t. I left the council meeting at four in the morning. I had electronics work to finish.  I just got up. I told them last night, whatever they decide to do.”

“But you knew they were bringing someone in. Why didn’t you tell me?”

Henry scratched his head. “Funny, El. I don’t recall seeing you at all today.”

“Why all the secrecy with the others?” Ellen asked.

“It wasn’t really supposed to be this big secret. Look . . .” Henry led her to the steps of the clinic and made her sit next to him. “You have to understand, you have Joe, he wanted Robbie out, but he didn’t want to make the decision. Everyone had something they wanted Robbie for. Frank, he was on council’s back every day and so, George, he had enough. He brought in Andrea to make the decision.”

“But how come I didn’t find out?”

“People can be a little frightened of you.” Henry leaned back, just in case Ellen lashed out. “It’s true, you scare people. Maybe they were just afraid to tell you they were going over your head. Or, what if you were right, we all know how badly you gloat. Anyway, in their defense. Their hearts were in the right place, and you really couldn’t give a logical reason why Robbie had to stay. Then there was the rumor why he was staying.”

Ellen shook her head. “That is entirely untrue, Henry. I have no interest in Robbie, or lust for him.”

“I didn’t hear that one. That’s a good one. I was talking about the one where you needed him for scientific experiments with Dean.”

Ellen laughed. She had too. Henry was so serious about his explanations. “I’m sorry I yelled at you, Henry.” She stood up.

“Hey, no problem. I’d be the same way.” Henry stood also.

“I better get back to work. Thanks, you’ve calmed me down about this.”

“Anytime.” Henry said his goodbye. He knew he had accomplished the near impossible. But of course he was Henry, he did fix things. He patted himself on the back, pictured himself being called ‘Saint Henry’, then walked proudly in to the clinic knowing he had saved another poor soul from experiencing what he almost received in full force.

***

Even from across the room, Ellen could see Robbie’s hands shaking as he occupied himself with the ‘safe’ survivors, the two children. He sat at a table playing cards with them, trying to look relaxed, but Ellen knew him for too many years. His rapidly blinking eyes told her his mind was elsewhere.

“Hey.” She whispered as she knelt down by his legs. “Robbie.” She laid her hand on his forearm. “I’m sorry.”

His eyes closed briefly as he turned his head and peered down to her. “No.” He gave an innocent smile. “It’s O.K.”

“Feel like talking?”

Robbie nodded, then motioned his head to the kids. “Maybe later though? We have to finish our game.”

Ellen smiled as her agreement, but just as she went to stand she heard the call of her name and her hand gripped Robbie’s arm.

“Ellen,” Joe’s crass call carried across the skills room.

She lifted her eyes to Robbie, gripping his arm. “I’m ignoring him.”

Again, Joe called. “Ellen.”

“My Dad?” Robbie snickered. “Watch.” Robbie softened his voice and imitated his father. “Ellen, goddamn it I’m talking to you.”

“Ellen, goddamn it I’m talking to you.” Joe neared her.

Ellen laughed, stood up then changed her happy expression to a bold one. She marched across the skills room right by Joe. “I am not speaking to you.”

“Oh really?” Joe followed her.

“Really.” Ellen moved to her office.

“Hold it right there, Missy.”

Ellen stopped. “Missy?” She turned around. “Missy? Did you just call me Missy?” She shook her head and went into her office.

“What the hell difference does it make what I call you.”

“How about naive? How about dumb? How about someone that everyone can push around. How about . . .”

“How about I leave.” Joe tossed his hands up. “I can see you and I are not talking about this rationally and I refuse to bow down and kiss your ass like everyone else.” He saw her gasp. “Yeah, open that mouth a little wider in surprise, Ellen. I’m not Frank, I’m not Dean and I’m not everyone else. I’m your father. I’m not gonna beg you to take my apology. You don’t want to talk to me. Don’t. You can’t ignore me forever.”

Ellen couldn’t speak when Joe walked out. Stunned, her mouth moved and she stepped to the door to be greeted by a snickering Robbie. “Do . . . do you . . .” She pointed to a leaving Joe.

“Dad.” Robbie said going into her office with her.

“Game over with the kids?”

“Yep.”

“You know . . .” Ellen leaned on her desk as Robbie stood before her, “I should have you come back and help. They respond to you.”

“I’d like that. I’ll comeback every day.”

“But they don’t have to be your excuse to stop by.” Ellen watched him exhale and sway his head to the side. “Robbie.” She lifted his chin. “You’re going to be just fine.”

“El, you’re the only one who knows about what I was like out there. You know whenever I was with a group of people too long I . . .”

“No.” Ellen laid her fingers on his lips. “No. I’ve been thinking about this. You will do fine. This is different. Wanna know why?” She waited for him to nod and then she held out her hand palms up. “Because when you feel like you’re slipping, when need to reach out. Any time, for any reason, you just grab on. I won’t let go.”

Without saying anything, Robbie grabbed on to her hand then he pulled Ellen into him. And just like she said, she held onto him, and she didn’t let go.

***

The clanking of the dishes and the sound of forks could be heard through the thin walls of Ellen’s office. It was the whistle to her, the end of the day signal that it was time to go home. Dinner was served to the survivors and Ellen would leave. She took time to clean-up her office, straighten it up to look presentable. Ellen leaned over the long end of the desk and blew from it the ashes from Joe’s cigarettes.

Running her hand over her desk, she heard someone approach. By the way they did, Ellen knew they were trying to be sneaky about it. Trying to walk softly, even though the she could hear keys jingling. Ellen knew exactly who it was. What was he up to? Why was he trying to be so quiet? Did he actually think she could not feel him standing so close in the doorway, not three feet from the edge of the desk where she stood. Ellen pretended she didn’t hear him, he’d fall for that. She wasn’t turning around at all. She kept on straightening up her desk.

A wild flower appeared under her nose, it bounced up and down in front of her. The hand holding on to the long stem, not visible. Revenge, sweet revenge, Ellen thought. Such the perfect moment. Ellen smiled, that corner of the mouth smile. “I told you I was still mad.” Ellen tried not to laugh. “But the flower is a very sweet jester. Thank you . . . Dean.” The flower dropped and fell to the desk.

“You should really know which of your men you are speaking to before you call out a name.” Frank spoke angrily.

“Oh Frank, I’m kidding.” Ellen turned quickly around. “I knew it was you.”

“You did?”

“Yes, I did. I heard you coming down the hall. God, you have like a thousand keys. I can hear you a mile away. Especially when you’re trying to be quiet. Sound travels Frank, remember that. Why are you here?”

“I just . . . I just need to know. Are we O.K. El?”

“We’re O.K. Frank.” She finally lifted the flower. “We’re O.K.”

CHAPTER TEN

Robbie slept. It was not a peaceful sleep, nor restful. The night seemed to drag on for him. He was pacing the floor well after everyone else had fallen fast asleep. He tried exercising, nothing helped. Robbie was anxious, frightened, and excited about leaving containment at first light. Like a prisoner being released. Robbie was going to be free.

What next? He had been told what would happen, but he had not been prepared. Would they expect more than he could give? Would they expect less? Was he making much too much over living in the community? He was told he would room with Paul. Paul was good. Paul could help him. Paul helped him on his sleepless night, of course he didn’t know it. Robbie would pace, sit down, get up, and look at the monstrous watch Paul gave him, for the time. Finally, after many hours, Robbie felt like he could sleep. He lay down, stared at the ceiling for awhile, then he slumbered.

Robbie dreamt. Henry was in the dream, and so was George. They stood above him, as he sat on the ground trying to repair something. Henry and George laughed, a slow motion, deep laugh. Why were they laughing? Was he doing it wrong?

Then they began to get angry. When Robbie looked up at them they weren’t smiling anymore. Henry and George began shouting at him, and he couldn’t understand what they were saying. It was gurgled. Robbie was confused, he held up the object to them. They paid no mind. Robbie pleaded, “I don’t understand. Help me with this. Stop yelling, stop yelling.” Robbie dropped the object and covered his ears, rocking back and forth, blocking out their voices. Then without a warning, a cover came down over him. Thump-thump. The pain shot into Robbie’s side as he felt them kick and hit him. “No!” Robbie pulled out his knife. “No!” With surviving instincts, he sliced his way out of the blanket and emerged to confront them. He grabbed hold of Henry, yanked him close and braced his head. Against his chest, he could feel Henry’s beating heart through his back as the tip of his nose breathed heavily on Robbie’s forearm. Suddenly, reaching further around Henry, in a blind fury, he jolted Henry’s head to the left releasing a loud ‘crack.’

George began to back up, his eyes fearful as they stared back at Robbie. Robbie couldn’t let him get away. He took his knife and flung it toward George. Spinning end over end, the knife landed point first, point blank in the center of George’s throat. Robbie dropped Henry’s limp body to the ground. He breathed heavily at all the blood surrounding him. He knew he was dreaming, he had to wake up. He had to.

He struggled and struggled to burst back to reality from the depths of the horrific dream. A horrific dream he had many times before. Different people, same outcome.

Kicking, and huffing, and flinging his blanket across the room, Robbie awakened. He jumped from his bunk. Fearful of what he’d find, he looked around. His heart raced, his head spun as he looked at those who slept close to him. They were fine, they were sleeping, they were still alive. He thanked God.

Robbie couldn’t go back to sleep, he wouldn’t. He huddled onto the floor, brought his knees close to his chest, wrapped himself in his blanket, and prayed.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

May 9th

Robbie stood before the steamed up mirror in the shower room. He slowly wiped his hand across it, removing the steam in a streak. He looked at himself. He took a long hard look. He did not see the strong man before him that everyone else did. He saw a scared man. He was strong when he took the world, searching with his heart for his family. He beat the elements. He devoured those who tried to take him down. But as he stood there, wearing the loosely fitted jeans he was issued, he did not see that man of a week ago. He saw that boy, the same one who was afraid to go to high school, afraid of the military, afraid of living in the shadows of three older brothers who all did their family proud. Was it the same situation ? It was. He was following yet another brothers footsteps. Could he live in them, could he do better? Would he?

Robbie grabbed the tee shirt that Ellen left for him. They had laundered all of his clothes and gave him new ones. A new start, in a new world.

Fixing his hair, Robbie looked one more time in the mirror before leaving the showering room. He exited into the sleeping quarters, the room was empty. His gear, packed for him the night before, sat on top of his bunk. Robbie grabbed it, walked slowly out and turned to his left, to the door that led to his freedom. He saw the button on the wall, the intercom he was told to use. With a trembling hand he pressed in that button and spoke softly. “I’m ready.”

The door buzzed, and Robbie turned the knob and opened it. His father stood with Greg waiting on him.

“Robbie.” Joe reached out his hand, took Robbie’s bag, and with his other arm, placed it around his shoulder. “Welcome out.”

“Thanks.” Robbie looked around. “Where’s Ellen?”

“Probably getting her kids ready for school. I’m sure you’ll see her later. Come on.” Joe opened the door. “Welcome to Beginnings.”

Robbie stepped out into the cool morning. The streets were quiet. He didn’t even remember the community looking like what he was seeing. It reminded him so much of the military bases he lived on. Barrack type buildings. Row houses off in the distance. It wasn’t that bad. It was like he’d been there before, lived there once. A wave of calm came over him.

“I’m gonna walk you to your new home first. Then Paul has the honors of showing you around today. That’s pretty much all you’ll do today. Get to know the place.”

Robbie listened with a half ear. He was more in awe as they walked from what appeared to be the edge of the heart of town. “Then where will I be going?” He asked.

“We’ve given a lot of thought to that. We think you’ll be the new utility man. Mechanics mainly, but put you in the security, especially since you have flight experience.” Joe stopped. They had reached the last house in the second row. “Here we are. Home sweet home.” Joe immediately approached the door and opened it. “You gonna come in?”

“Yes.” Robbie took one more look around. Studying where he was. The last thing he wanted was to get lost his first day or two in the community. What an idiot he’d look like. He was feeling better. Listening to his father speak to him with such trust. He would venture out and learn all about Beginnings. Yet, Robbie was sure that no matter how much he thought he knew about it, there would always be something new he’d learn. He walked with confidence into his new home. He was gonna make it. And if ever he felt unsure of that, he knew he had someone he could turn to. He was not alone anymore in an uncertain world. He’d never be alone again.

CHAPTER TWELVE

They sat in the center of the social hall. Two tables joined together, drinks sprawled out across the table. Food, sat smack dab in the middle, half eaten. They laughed and talked loudly, the ‘originals’, as they gathered to welcome Robbie. Robbie was getting a welcome that no other had received, but of course he was family. It was a relaxed mood, not an unusual one. The ‘originals’ gathered often, like a family for Sunday supper.

Except for Dean, he didn’t attend the gatherings all that much. He preferred to stay home with the kids. He used them as his excuse, so as not to subject himself to Frank’s arrogance, and know-it-all-about-Ellen attitude. But for the Robbie welcoming, he joined them. Giving in to Andrea’s pleas, and letting Denny do babysitting detail so the grown-ups could hang out

Dean was enjoying himself in a quiet sort of way. Leaning in toward the table, sipping his water. Never alcohol, Dean had to be constantly ready for any emergency. He especially didn’t drink the alcohol they made. He tried it once, and couldn’t remember anything he did for three hours. Of course, Ellen and Frank said he was walking around town naked. He didn’t believe them. Or at least he wanted not to believe them.

He listened to everyone ramble on, and laughing. He would get annoyed with them when Paul was playing something nice in the background, and they got too loud. But he didn’t say anything, he just watched. He watched Ellen look pissed-off, her usual appearance, and occasionally crack a half smile. He watched Andrea and Joe break off into their own conversations that had nothing to do with anything. They’d argue briefly, then return to what everyone else was talking about. John Matoose stared at his wife Jenny mostly. It actually got kind of sickening, how in love they were. John would reach over, constantly touching Jenny. Henry and George listened to Frank be the big shot. Like always, Frank rocked back on the hind legs of his chair as he talked. He never could set the chair on the ground. Dean wished often Frank would tip right over.

Then there was Robbie. Robbie was quiet also. He was listening and watching everyone. Dean could tell by looking at him, Robbie’s mind was at work. Studying everyone, watching them, taking it all in. He had that look on his face, as if he didn’t want to miss anything. If that was the case, Dean felt sorry for him. With all the babbling going on, Robbie’s head was probably spinning.

Joe clapped loudly, obnoxiously loud, with that ear piercing whistle he always did. “The boy’s good.” He referred to Paul as Paul finished the Frank Sinatra song Joe had requested early on. “Isn’t he good?” Joe asked of everyone at the table. “The only thing is, the guy could probably use some help up there. He’s gonna wear down doing all that singing. Ellen!”

Ellen snapped to attention. “What?”

Joe motioned his glass. “Go up and sing for us.”

Ellen shook her head. “Yeah right. Besides the fact that I sing badly, I’m terrible with crowds. I couldn’t imagine performing in front of anyone.”

Frank’s loud “Ha!” caught the attention of everyone. “Come on, El. That’s not true.” Frank rocked back, his hand clutching the drink between his legs. “You were great back in college when you were a stripper.”

With a loud gasping, “What?” Everyone turned to Ellen.

Ellen’s eyes widened, she stared harshly at Frank. “Oh my, God, I can’t believe you just said that.”

Frank crinkled his eyes so baffled at her. “What? Did I say something wrong?”

Ellen covered her face.

George laughed the hardest, he couldn’t help it. George never laughed that hard at anything.  “Ellen, did you really strip?”

Frank answered for her. “Oh sure she did.”

“Shut up, Frank!” Ellen yelled from beneath her hands.

Frank ignored her. “Back in college. She’d do bachelor parties . . .”

“Frank!”

Frank continued. “She worked at this hotel in town. I was her body guard, she made really good money. It was fun . . . Oh!” He brought his hand to his head and began to laugh. “You guys have to hear this one. Once, Ellen decided to try tassels. She used the wrong body glue. We were up all night with nail polish remover. It was hysterical.”

With even more embarrassment, Ellen’s head plopped to the table.

Andrea noticed Dean at that moment. “Dean. Is this bothering you?”

Dean wasn’t laughing. He just stared blankly at his water. His thumbs on his cheeks, his fingers sprawled across his forehead.“I’m trying Andrea.” His head moved side by side in disbelief. “I’m really trying to get this mental picture of Ellen dancing around naked in front of a bunch of hooting guys. I can’t do it. I just can’t do it.”

Andrea smiled and ran her hand across his back. She looked at Joe. “Joe, this must be a shock to you.”

“Nah.” Joe said. “I knew about it. I asked Frank where he was getting the money and he told me.”

Robbie had enough, it was time to step in. He stood up from his chair and walked behind Ellen. He held his hand down to her. “El, it’s been a really long time since I danced. Can I have this dance?”

Ellen sighed in relief. “Thank you, Robbie, yes.” She grabbed his hand and stood up.

Robbie led Ellen away from the table, and away from the loud laughter. He placed his arm around her waist and held his left hand up. “It’s been awhile. Be patient.”

Ellen placed her hand in his. “No problem. Thank you for the rescue.”

While everyone still laughed at Ellen’s past, Andrea took notice of Robbie and Ellen on the dance floor. “Uh oh. We may have a problem.”

Everyone stopped laughing and looked.

Frank’s chair slammed down to all four legs when he saw Robbie, not so much dancing but holding Ellen. The huge grin on Frank’s face was gone.

Andrea shook her head. “We may have that problem again, Joe. You know the same one you had? Survivor syndrome.”

Joe remembered, but cringed when he thought about it.

Andrea continued. “It looks like it’s happening again. I remember when Trish latched on to you, thought you were some sort of God. She loved you. It was pretty funny though how she kept showing up naked everywhere for you.” She looked out to the dance floor.

Frank was not amused. His fingers played with the dampness on his glass as his eyes stayed fixed on that dance floor. He saw what the others did. Robbie and Ellen dancing close. But what he didn’t see was Robbie wasn’t dancing with Ellen. It the midst of an overwhelming welcoming party, Robbie was stealing that moment to grip onto the emotional security blanket he found in Ellen.

***

“Oh, yeah.” Frank’s raspy voice whispered in a commentating way. “He’s Frank Slagel. Sensing danger at every corner.”

Joe raised an eyebrow as he peered above his cards to George across the table.

“Ignore him,” George said.

Joe grunted.

Frank continued in his low key speaking. “The hulking master of strategy cannot be spotted . . .”

Joe’s eyes fluttered as he reached for a card.

“Ignore him,” George reiterated.

“But then . . .” Frank’s voice raised with enthusiasm. “Out from the brush, he spots his target. Oh no.”

Joe cringed when he heard the squirting of water then Robbie and Henry’s shrieking from Frank’s playing with the water sprayer of the sink . . . again. “Frank!” Joe slammed his hand on the table. “Grow up and go home.”

“Dad.” Frank put the sprayer down. “I’m just having fun.”

“Yeah, well, go home.” Joe laid down his card.

“All right. Robbie.” Frank tossed his brother a towel. “Walk with me?”

“Yeah.” He wiped off his face and tossed the towel to Henry. “I’m tired. Night Dad.” Robbie walked over to Joe and kissed him on the cheek.

“Night.” Joe smiled and listened to his sons leave. “Your turn, George.”

“Joe.” Henry called out. “Frank got water all over the floor.”

“Clean it up.” Joe laid down a card.

“But, Joe.” Henry gasped. “I didn’t make the . . .”

“You were playing around too, Henry.” Joe scolded as he played cards. “Clean it up.”

“Oh my God, Joe.” Henry whined. “You are such a tyrant. And a typical parent. Your kids never do anything wrong. Huh?”

Joe shook his head as he grabbed onto the two of spades. “Did we put that man on Council on purpose?” He laid the two down. “Gin.”

Their out-of-breath laughter echoed in the silent sleeping living section of the community. Frank and Robbie slowed in their race as they reached the row of houses where Robbie lived. Frank grinned when he came to a stop. “It was great night.”

“Yeah it was.”

“Hey. If I don’t see you beforehand, good luck tomorrow your first day.” Frank gave a swat to Robbie’s arm. “Night.”

Robbie nodded and noticed the direction Frank walked. “Frank? Where you going? I thought you lived that way.” Robbie pointed to the opposite direction. “Of course, I might be wrong.” He scratched his head. “Everything looks alike.”

Frank smiled almost embarrassed. “Nah, I do live that way. I . . . kind of like to walk by El’s. My way of saying goodnight.”

“It has to bother you that she lives with Dean.”

Frank shrugged. “No. I can’t let it. Besides, last year . . . let’s just say they stopped being a real couple. And Dean, he works a lot of nights at the lab. Their living together is just a formality.”

“Do you believe that?”

Frank nodded slowly and tossed up his hands as he walked backwards. “I have to. Or else . . . I’ll drive myself crazy.” Frank waved once more to Robbie and moved on.

***

The tickling on her back awoke Ellen from her deep slumber. She had to wonder if it was some sort of weird seduction that Dean was trying but quickly realized the more she came to, it wasn’t a tickle, but a darting pressure. Lying on her stomach Ellen opened her eyes and saw her bedroom light was on. Turning her head she squinted to look.

Dean gave an innocent smile as he peered over the rims of his round glasses. “Sorry. Did I wake you?”

“What . . . what are you doing?”

“I had a great thought.” Dean lifted up a tablet from her. “And your back was the best hard flat surface.”

“I was your desk?” Ellen plopped her head back down. “Dean, your scientific eccentricities are gonna drive me nuts.”

“Sorry.” He smiled.

“And your immunity to cold. Can you shut the window? I’m freezing.”

“Sure.” Chuckling because Ellen failed to realize he had lowered the blankets for easier writing, Dean kissed the small of her back and covered her. He sat up, crawled over her body and darted to the window. The air was cold as it seeped through the window straight through his boxer shorts. Parting the drapes only momentarily, Dean closed the window then went back to bed, waiting for Ellen to fall back to sleep.

Frank didn’t take the quick glimpse of Dean closing the bedroom window as a shot of reality. He couldn’t. He had to envision in his mind, Ellen elsewhere in the house. As blind as it made him feel, or as dumb, that’s what Frank had to do or else, like he told Robbie, he would drive himself nuts. Things were on their way to changing, Frank knew that. It would just take time. Less the peaceful feeling he thought he would get from a pass by Ellen’s house, he looked once more up to the bedroom window, then Frank walked home.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

May 10th

Robbie woke up early after his first night in his new home. He didn’t sleep well, but it was not due to nightmares. The bed was hard, a strange hardness that was worse than any ground he had ever slept on. Robbie didn’t realize people began working so early in the community. He was shocked to see Henry when he decided to take a walk around. Henry was heading off to work, ‘lots to do’, he had told Robbie. It was Robbie’s first real day, he would see the office then head off to the first area of the compound they felt he should learn. Surprisingly, that was medical at the clinic. He didn’t mind working with Dean and learning all the equipment used. He also knew by being at the clinic, he would see Ellen. Ellen made Robbie feel normal.

Robbie joined Henry in the barely daylight hours, in entering what appeared to be a tool shed, but was actually the main office of the mechanical division.

“Meet Michelle.” Henry introduced the red head to Robbie upon their entrance to the mechanical division.

Michelle turned around in her chair to face Robbie, her mouth dropped open. “Are you sure you’re a Slagel?”

“Born and bred.” Robbie replied.

“That’s what I was afraid of. You know your brother doesn’t like me too much.”

“You don’t say.” Robbie said snide.

“I’m sure you heard his, ‘I borrowed the van’ line. I did. He keeps forgetting how mean he was to me.”

“Frank, mean? No.” Robbie was sarcastic. Perhaps he wasn’t giving her the chance he should due to Frank’s warnings. Or perhaps he was genuinely afraid that Frank would kick his ass if he found out he was sitting with Michelle, and being nice to her.

Michelle felt as if she had struck out, she rolled her eyes and gave up. “Whatever, I see the attitude runs in the family.” She turned her back to him and resumed her work.

“Sorry Michelle, maybe my attitude should be a little better if I’m gonna be working in this division.”

Michelle turned back around at him and smiled. “Thank you for saying that. Maybe I jumped to conclusions about you being a typical Slagel.”

“In some aspects I am, so don’t let your mind wander too far off the Slagel track. I don’t want to catch you off guard.”

Enough idle chat, Henry thought, it was time to continue on. “O.K., come on Robbie, I’ll give you the low down on our little office here.”

Robbie turned from Michelle and gave Henry his complete attention. “Give it to me.”

“This is where we come every morning to check what’s on the schedule to fix. We have over here. . .” Henry walked over to another door. “Manuals, on just about everything. If it’s in the community, chances are we have related material on how to fix it. Usually we can figure it out ourselves. Also in here is where we do the menial work. Like right now, Michelle is making batteries, we go through them like water. Frank kills the batteries in his radio, kills them, but when he asks, he gets first priority. His radio is of most importance, if we need him, it has to be working.”

“So what happens if say, my dad needs help, but his batteries aren’t working because we gave them to Frank?”

“We do a daily check on all the waist radios, it doesn’t happen.” Henry’s voice held a tint of annoyance. He felt like he didn’t even have to answer that question. “Besides, Frank is the only one who leaves his on twenty-four hours a day. Even when he’s sleeping, it’s on just in case. Now . . .” Henry moved from the door. “Come with me, I’ll explain how requisitions work here, and I want to show you the array of tools and equipment we’ve collected. I also want to see what you are familiar with before I head you down to be with Dean for the day.”

“Sounds good.” Robbie followed Henry, saying one more goodbye to Michelle before leaving the office area. Henry didn’t seem as if he wanted to show Robbie any of it. He was much more than serious with Robbie, and had a tone of bitterness to him. Robbie wondered if maybe Henry was just not a morning or a nice person, or at least to Robbie he wasn’t. Robbie chalked up Henry’s attitude to paranoia. Henry didn’t strike him as the type to be mean. He was always pleasant with everyone. Shaking off the bad vibes he was receiving, as newness and nerves, Robbie, tense, followed Henry about.

***

Johnny knocked once on the doorway to Joe’s office, he snuck his head in the door to see if Joe was there. “Hey, Pap.”

Joe lowered his glasses and looked up to Johnny from his paper work. “Hi Johnny, what’s up?”

“Can I come in?”

“Sure.” Joe continued his work.

“What are you doing?” Johnny sat down across from his grandfather.

“Chicken rations. Damn coops are getting over run. We have eggs coming out our asses. We have more chickens than we know what to do with, and something has to be done. At least some living creatures in the community are re-producing.” Joe looked up at him. “And my sarcastic comment is not geared toward you.”

“No, not me Pap. I have no desire for a baby.”

“Good. However, if people in the town don’t start conceiving, we may be in trouble. Of course, that’s not a topic for conversation now, that’s saved for next week’s town meeting.”

“You’re having a town meeting to tell people to have sex?”

“No. To talk about building population . . . Frank junior.” Joe shook his head. “What do you want? Why are you here at nine in the morning, aren’t you supposed to be in the field?”

Johnny took a deep breath, he was nervous and his stomach flipped. “You run things here Pap, so I have to come to you about this. And you know what, you do a great job, a great job. . .”

“What do you want?”

“Well, you have me in the fields, and working with Dad in security.”

“O.K. so? What’s the problem?”

“Pap, do you think I’m smart?”

“I think you’re very smart. Why?” Joe was interested in where the conversation was going.

“Doctor Dean thinks I’m smart too. In fact, he thinks I’m very smart. So smart that . . .that he wants to train me to be the next generation’s doctor.”

“You and Dean have discussed this? Why didn’t Dean come to me with this?”

“At first we thought we should speak to Dad, you know, because he wants me in security really bad. We didn’t see you having a problem with it. But I’ve chickened out telling Dad.”

“We’ve trained you to fly Johnny. We’ve trained you to shoot.”

“I know. But Dean wants to train me to save lives. He wants me in the lab, in the clinic, he has books for me to learn from. He says that he’s more into research and Andrea into doctoring, he wants me to do both. This is something I want Pap.”

Joe rubbed his chin as he stared at Johnny. He was silent for a very long time before he spoke. “A doctor is a very important thing Johnny. So, how can I say no  . . .”

“Yes!” Johnny grabbed the arm of the chair in excitement.

“Wait. Before you get your ass in a tizzy. You’ll be in the learning phase, so . . . I still want you to fly when needed, security when needed and you will give me three morning hours in the field before you study with Dean.”

“No problem.” Johnny agreed.

“And you’ll have to tell your dad you won’t be doing security anymore.”

“That’s a problem.”

“Why?”

“Dad’s gonna be mad, he’ll be disappointed. Can you tell him?”

“Christ Johnny.” Joe grabbed a cigarette from his pocket and lit it. “You can’t be afraid of your father.”

“Pap please. You do it, unless you’re afraid of him.”

“I’m not afraid of Frank. It’s just that he has such a goddamn hard head. And to make matters worse, you’ll be spending time with Dean, your father has never liked him, ever.” Joe saw the sad pleading eyes of his grandson. He huffed. “Fine, I’ll tell him. But you owe me big time.”

“Thanks, Pap.” Johnny jumped up from his chair, ran around the desk and kissed Joe on the cheek. “You’re so fair. That’s why you run this place.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Joe waved him away. “Now get your ass back to work. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Thanks.” Johnny ran from the office. A tremendous burden had been lifted from him. Unfortunately, he placed it on his grandfather’s shoulders.

***

Ellen worked at her desk. She filled out the stupid reports for Joe on what she did, whom she tested and so forth. She signed the letter recommending Chuck, another male survivor, to be released in the morning. She didn’t foresee any problems with that. Miguel was waiting on the six-foot, twenty-five year old. Miguel had plans already to beef him up. Chuck was fine, he was adjusted after the average two week stay.

Ellen placed the letter to the side when she heard a soft tapping on her door. She looked up. She saw those pretty green eyes first, then the bright smile of Denny.

“Hi, El. Mom said you wanted me.”

“Come on in, Den. Sit down.”

“Thanks. Wow this place is cool, I was never in here, you know.” Denny sat down.

“I know. I have something to ask of you. A favor.”

“Sure I’ll do it.”

“Don’t you want to know what it is?” Ellen asked.

“Sure.”

Ellen laughed at him. Denny was so cute and such the perfect kid. “Denny, you know we have two kids in here. Well, the grown up survivors are moving toward getting out, there’s lots I have to do with them and I can’t give the kids my complete attention. They need that to help them adjust as well until we find them homes here. So, I was sort of hoping I could get you to come in here a couple hours a day to help and teach those kids.”

“Oh, wow. Oh cool. Hey, O.K., do we start now?” Denny was excited. Not many people asked for his help.

“This is great.” Ellen grinned. “Come with me, I’ll introduce you.” She walked from behind her desk, Denny followed. “Now, Den, they get quiet and scared. I don’t want that to stop you from talking, or playing with them. Just keep going, no matter if they say a word or not.”

“I’m used to that. People do that to me all the time.”

Smiling, Ellen led him to the two children who scurried back some. “Hey guys.” She knelt before the two boys on the floor. “This is Denny. He’s a big kid like yourselves. He’s gonna be your new pal.”

Denny snorted and hunched his shoulders with an embarrassed wave. “Hi.”

Standing, Ellen ran her hand over Denny’s hair. “Get to know each other. I’ll check back in a few minutes.” As she turned to walk away, she heard it.

“El!” Frank’s voice vavoomed across the room along with his heavy tromps. Any peacefulness in the skills room was immediately lost when the survivors who were still adjusting, went flying for cover.

“God.” Ellen cringed and closed off one ear. “Frank. Go away.”

“El.” He stormed closer to her.

“This is getting ridiculous.” She brushed by him to go back to her office. “Actually it’s getting old you coming in and scaring the survivors.”

“Like I care if they get scared.” He followed her to her office. “This is important.”

“When isn’t it.”

“El.” He snapped, walked in her office behind her and slammed the door. “I’m pissed here. I need to talk to you.”

“O.K.” Ellen tossed her hands up. “You have me trapped and you have my attention. Shoot. No don’t.” She ducked. “Kidding.”

Frank bit his bottom lips and twitched his head. “Johnny . . . . did . . . did you know he’s leaving security to be a doctor?”

Ellen’s eyes widened and she gasped loudly. “And this makes you mad?”

“El, I . . .”

“Oh!” She flung her hand at him. “And to think I gave you more credit. To think I thought you would want this to . . .”

“El, I . . .”

“. . . happen. We want the best for our kids. You want your son risking his life everyday instead of . . .”

“El! Shut up!”

“Don’t tell me to shut up.”

Frank growled. “It has nothing to do with him being a doctor. Of course I want him to be better than me. It has everything to do . . . with Dean.”

Ellen was shocked. “Dean?”

“Yeah.” Frank tossed out his hand. “Dean.” He lowered his head and softened his voice. “I’m really serious here. He’s gonna be spending all kinds of time with him. I know this sounds stupid, but he has you. I don’t want him to have my son, too.” He peered down at her with his dark eyes.

“You’re right. That’s stupid.”

Frank inhaled in shock.

“No, Frank, it’s stupid.” Ellen moved to her door. “Dean’s not taking Johnny from you. If you lose him, it would be because you pushed and pushed until you pushed him away.” Ellen opened the door.

Frank reached out and stopped her. He held gently to her arm. “Is that why I don’t have you. Because I pushed you away.”

From his fingers to his eyes, Ellen’s stare went. She removed his grip. “Yeah. It is.” She swallowed the after effects of her hard words and walked out.

Frank just stared at the empty space in the doorway.

***

“So, Henry tells me you were one of the top scientists in the country, pre-plague.” Robbie walked slowly around Dean’s lab taking everything in, while Dean worked assiduously at his work space.

“So they say.”

“Did you work on the plague? Did you try to cure it?”

“Yes I did and I failed, obviously. It moved too fast. Within three days it was over. Of course you know that.” Dean kept working while he carried on his conversation with Robbie.

“Then maybe one day you could try to figure out why we all survived.”

“I did.”

“And?”

Dean looked up at him. “If you’re looking for a brief, one line answer, forget it.”

“I’m curious, I want to know.” Robbie pulled a stool over toward Dean and sat. “Never mind, you’re probably so tired of explaining this over and over to people.”

“You really want to know?”

“I wouldn’t ask.”

Dean grinned. Finally, someone took interest. His adrenaline pumped as he excitedly spewed into his explanation. “First of all it wasn’t a freakish thing that we survived the plague. All of us were predestined from birth, genetically, to live. We all have DNA, right? O.K., well in order for a virus to break you down and kill you, it settles into your DNA. There’s a strand, the fourth strand, that a lot of viruses settle into. All of us, who survived that is, have a mutated fourth strand of DNA. I’m not boring you am I? Cause this is just about the part that people began dozing off. That was after a few nameless people yelled ‘we’re mutants Dean, thanks a lot’ . . . they didn’t care.”

“I care. I’m finding this interesting. How long did you work on this?”

“Years. I finished it about a year ago. I started right after the plague.”

“This fourth strand, or whatever, you said it was mutated, did we catch something prior to this to cause that?”

“No. It was genetically hereditary.”

“Hereditary? Why didn’t more people survive?” Robbie asked.

“Because it was hereditary, and male gender only. Before you get confused, let me explain to you that a father can carry the gene that causes the mutation, and pass it on to a daughter. He may not be immune, but the daughter is. She in turn can not pass it on to her children. The ability to be immune can be determined only by the male. If a father is immune, then the chances that him having a son or two immune is great.”

“What about children being born now? How do they survive it?”

“Chances are two immune parents will produce an immune child. But it is still conceivable that the child could be born without the mutated gene. Therefore, it wouldn’t have the immunities of its parents, and the child would die once exposed to the virus. But the chances of that happening are slim. The answer is in the sperm. In all of the sperm I tested, there is a mutation within the sperm. All the sperm from the surviving males have the same mutation.”

“You mentioned that if a father survived, he could have more than one surviving son. Did you mention this to my father?”

“Oh yeah.” Dean stood up and walked over to his book shelf. He pulled from it the book that contained all of that information. He took it over to Robbie and opened it up. “This is your family’s section. Now the Slagel DNA mutation was the strongest I had seen in any sample. Also, in the sperm sample from Joe, the mutation was also great. Unfortunately Johnny was too young at the time to ask for one, and Frank flat out refused to give a sample. He said, and his exact words were, ‘science or no science, no way am I jerkin’-off in any fuckin cup’. So I didn’t push it, it was strictly on a volunteer basis. Anyhow, I brought up the possibility to Joe, that perhaps one more of his sons may be alive, this was based on the strong mutation factor. But his response to that was that he had devised a contingency plan for his family, and if any of you had survived, you would have shown up in Ashtonville.”

“I did show up in Ashtonville, a little too late.” Robbie turned away from the book. His voice dropped, and it was apparent he was upset. “He didn’t care Dean, did he? Why didn’t he want to check to see if anyone was alive? I did. I searched out my brother Jimmy until I saw proof of his death. You were with my father, why wasn’t he determined to find us? Why was he so convinced that we had died, that he moved on?”

“You have to understand Robbie. When I approached Joe with this, my information was not conclusive. And, the biggest thing aside from the contingency plan, was the fact that Frank had survived. All of us, including me, believed Joe to have been blessed. What were the odds of him having another son who survived? They were slim. In defense of your Dad, if he believed, even only a tiny bit, that one more of you were alive, he would have found you. Guaranteed.”

“But he didn’t even try.”

“No he didn’t. But we were in Ashtonville for months. He firmly believed that if any of you were alive, you would have followed the plan he beat into your heads.”

“I guess I’m thinking wrong.” Still upset, Robbie stood and resumed pacing around. “I shouldn’t blame my father.”

“I won’t let you blame your father.” Dean closed the book, walked over to the shelf, and replaced it in its position. “I respect your father more than anyone. He took George’s Garfield plan, led us here and got it in motion. None of us would be where we are if it wasn’t for him. And now, you’re here. That’s what’s important. You made it.”

Robbie just nodded, holding back his sarcastic comment of ‘yeah, after five years’. But he said nothing, no one could possible know how he felt. And Dean in one action so much as said it all to Robbie. In the midst of talking about his father, Dean closed that book, therefore signifying the questioning what and whys, was indeed a closed subject. A subject that would never be fully closed in Robbie’s mind.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

May 16th

The social hall was jam-packed with everyone in the community. Children ran about in no particular fashion, screaming, yelling, sliding across the smooth floor. Robbie was the last one to enter. He was on time, yet no one seemed ready to start the meeting. He looked forward to the meeting, the first one he was attending in the two weeks he had been in Beginnings.

Robbie glanced around. Joe stood behind his podium, a drink in his hand and looked to be rambling on and on to George. Then he spotted Ellen. She sat ready in a folded chair for the meeting. Frank was nowhere to be seen. Ellen alone? It was an oddity. Hoping she could fill him in on the way the meetings went, Robbie snuck up behind her and whispered in her ear. “Hey El.”

Ellen jolted, then turned her head around to him. “It’s a family thing, scaring people. Hi Robbie.”

“Can I sit with you?”

“Sure.” She patted the chair to her right.

“Thanks.” Robbie sat next to her. “I take it I didn’t miss much.”

“No, nothing at all.”

“I heard about your new job.”

“Sign up starts tomorrow. The doctor will be in.” Ellen knew that once the survivor runs stopped that she would be assigned somewhere else. Never, did she imagine that they would give her the title they did. Community Counselor. “Won’t I just be great at that job?”

“Yes you will.”

Ellen shook her head. “Look at Joe and George. I know they’re over there talking about me. Look at them laughing.”

“No they’re not.” Robbie did notice them looking over continuously, but he didn’t want to tell Ellen that.

Joe laughed and looked at Ellen again. “She’s gonna know we’re talking about her.”

“Oh so what. How did she take the news of her job?” George asked.

“Fine. Shocked I think. I told her, with very few survivors in containment, and the ones from the clinic getting in and out of there fast, she’ll have nothing to do. But you know what George, none of the ‘originals’ may ever go to her, but the survivors love her. Why, I don’t know. They trust her. So we did make a good choice.”

“Yeah.” George observed Ellen and Robbie. “Robbie’s certainly latched on to her. Survivor syndrome?”

“I don’t see that. Robbie’s always latched on to her. Since he was eleven. I’d be more apt to say ‘Brother envy’ syndrome?”

So impressed, George’s face showed it as he pointed at Joe. “Good one. I like that.”

“Was good, huh?” Joe looked down at his watch. “Shit, look at the time. We better get started. Get their attention and I’ll find Dean.”

Dean wasn’t too hard to find. He walked into the hall, and sat down immediately on the other side of Ellen. He was reviewing his notes on what he was going to say at the meeting, when Joe snatched him up and pulled him away.

Joe took his position before the podium. “Let’s get this thing started.” He waded through the ruffling of papers, shuffling of feet and squealing of chairs until he had the attention of everyone. “First thing before I hand it over to Dean for the delicate portion of the meeting. I just wanted to make the announcement for those of you who haven’t heard, Ellen will now be community counselor.” Joe said trying to hide the smile on his face. “For those of you with problems, any problems, you can see her. This is a new job in Beginnings and it’s her position. So Ellen will be there to help you solve . . .” Joe stopped speaking. He heard laughing. Laughing that was trying to be muffled. He looked up to see who was causing the disturbance. It was Frank. Frank was making his way into the meeting, finding his seat next to Ellen.

“Sorry.” Frank held up his hand as he sat down. “Sorry.”

“Are you finished?” Joe directed his comment to Frank. “Thank you. Now I’m going to hand this meeting over to Dean. He will explain why we are here. And he’s gonna try to do it in laymen terms. Dean.”

Dean stammered his way to the podium to replace Joe. He did an aggravated double take look to Frank who tossed his head back in disgust. “Thanks.” Dean fiddled with his notes. “Joe wanted me to discuss with you today about . . . conception. Meaning having babies.” He winced at the loud sarcastic moans that emanated from the crowd. “O.K., well, this may be directed more to the women we have. We . . . we know there’s only sixteen of you, and it’s a lot to ask. But, the only increase Beginnings has had in population is the bringing in of survivors. We have one baby on the way. This uh, this community was built to grow. We aren’t . . . so . . .” Nervously, Dean ran his hand through his hair. “We want to ask the women think about conceiving. The world died out, but not completely. We can help out . . . in the clinic, if conventional means aren’t wanted to be taken for conception. We, I, we, understand the apprehensiveness some of you women have toward men. I’m boring you aren’t I?”

“Yes.” Frank barked out and looked to Ellen when she smacked him “What? He is.”

Dean cringed. “I think I made my point. I’m just gonna step back now.”

George walked sideways through the awkward dead silence and stood next to the podium. “Thanks Dean.” He cleared his throat then spoke upbeat to wake everyone. “O.K., well! To recap what some of you probably didn’t grasp in Dean’s typical ‘lack of luster’ medicinal speech is . . . We need to repopulate. We have to give this serious thought. You have to. What it boils down to is it’s out of the men’s hands. It’s in the women’s. This is what we have to do if we want the world to continue on. If we don’t, there will be no generations to come. It has to start now.”

With George’s words, Joe concluded the meeting. After informing everyone that if they had concerns or questions, please feel free to ask, Joe walked over to the bar and fixed himself a stiff drink.

Robbie was pleasantly surprised at the length of the meeting. He expected, knowing his father, that he would be subjected to a one or two hour lecture. He wasn’t. “So Ellen, this is it? This is the big monthly meeting?”

“Yep. Very short and sweet. Every once in awhile Joe gets really long winded. But then we start coughing and shuffling around and he gets the message.”

“That’s good.” Robbie took notice of his brother on the other side of Ellen. Frank leaned back in his chair, feet extended, and looked miserable. “Frank, why did you come at all? You were here for like five minutes.”

“To see Ellen and keep her company. But you were here so she didn’t need me.”

Before Robbie could inquire about Frank’s smart remark, Dean walked up and stood before Ellen. That caught Frank’s attention.

“El, I’m rounding up the kids. Are you gonna be long?” Dean asked.

“No. Not at all. I’m right behind you.”

“Good, cause I wanted to talk to you for a little before we started working on our project.”

“No problem. I’ll see you in a bit.”

Dean turned from them. He looked frantic as he tried to gather up the two four year olds who ran in different directions when he approached them.

Ellen brought her hands down to her knees with a slap. “Well, I’m outta’ here. See you guys tomorrow.”

“Wait.” Frank stopped her as she began to rise from her seat. “Tomorrow?”

“Yes Frank, tomorrow. You know the thing that happens after the sun rises?”

“You said you’d stop by tonight.”

“Oh that’s right. All right, I’ll be by after I finish up with Dean.”

“What exactly do you have to do with Dean?” Frank questioned.

Before she answered, Ellen turned her head to Robbie, winked, then faced Frank. “I didn’t want to say anything to you, but, I’ve been giving a lot of thought to what Joe is trying to tell everyone. You know, reproduce. I figured I could pump one more out to help the cause. So, I asked Dean to hook me up.”

Frank abruptly stood and walked away from her.

Robbie watched Frank leave the social hall. “El, I don’t think he knows you were kidding.”

“I don’t think so either. Tell Dean I’ll meet him at home. Excuse me.” Ellen, annoyed and focused to find Frank, made her way across the social hall and outside. Frank was nowhere to be seen and as she walked to the living section, she could hear in the distance, a door slamming. An angry ‘slam’ that told her it had to be Frank. Growing more frustrated with the thought of Frank’s unwarranted reaction, Ellen went to his home.

Without knocking, she walked in. Johnny was seated on the couch reading. “Did your dad just come in here?” She asked as she closed the door.

“Upstairs.”

“Thanks.” Ellen moved to the stairs. “Frank?” she yelled up and received no answer. Figuring, ‘the hell with it’, she stormed up the stairs and into Frank’s room. He sat on the edge of his bed and only stared up at her. “What is your problem?” she asked strongly. “I was kidding about having a baby. Why . . . why did you get so mad?”

“Because that comment pissed me off.” Frank stood up, walked over to the bedroom door and shut it. He extended his arm and leaned against the closed door. A look of disgust on his face.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t think that would bother you,” Ellen said.

“It did.”

“Why?”

Frank waved his finger at her, he opened his mouth to talk, but nothing came out. Frustrated, he looked the other way.

“Frank, what is it?”

Frank took a deep breath. “I don’t want you sleeping with him anymore.” He pointed at her as he walked past her.

“What?” Ellen was taken aback.

Frank stopped in a spin to her. “Can I be anymore clear, El?” He brought his hand to his temple. “Stop it with Dean. And I’m not just talking about sex. I’m talking about sleeping, kissing, hugging. Whatever. Anything intimate, I want it to stop.”

“Excuse me, Frank, but you have no right to . . .”

“I have every right!” Frank blasted.

“I live with him!”

“I don’t care!”

Ellen took a step to Frank. “Listen to me and listen to me good.”

“No. El. You listen to me.” Frank pointed heavily at her. “You say I have no right. Bullshit. I have every right. Where was he a year ago? Where’s he been? Buried in a fuckin lab instead with you.” Frank’s words were emotionally strong. “He pulled back from you when he found out about us. In my mind and in my heart he gave you up. Now all of the sudden he’s ready to be a couple again and you go running back.”

Ellen nearly laughed. “So you think he’s stealing me from you?”

“Yes.”

“Wrong!” Ellen’s hand flew out. “You never had me, Frank. If you wanted me, why didn’t you say so?”

“Why didn’t you?”

“Oh . . . . oh.” Ellen grunted with lack of words. “Don’t put this on me.”

“Why not?” Frank’s face grew red with each word. “I may never said I wanted you in my life, but at least I told you I loved you. I couldn’t even count how many times I’ve told you that in my life. But when, El, when was the last time you told me?” He stared at her silent expression as he softened his voice. “And I’m not talking about the ‘oh you know I love you’ lines. Or even you telling someone. When . . . when’s the last time you told me?”

“I . . . I . . .don’t . . .” Ellen closed her eyes and looked away.

“I’ll tell you.” Frank made her look at him. “Nearly five years ago when you told me how sorry you were. You were pregnant to Dean. The first, last and only time in our entire lives that you ever told me you loved me, was the day you broke my heart.”

Ellen’s eyes slowly met Frank’s in a moment of saddened quiet. Her voice cracked. “Choices . . . choices were made then.”

“And choices can be made now,” Frank spoke deeply and slow. “I want you in my life.”

“You have me in your life.”

“No.” He shook his head. “Without Dean attached.”

“I’m sorry, Frank. This is the way it has to be. Take it or leave it.”

“I think . . .” Frank walked over to the bedroom door. After a moment’s hesitation he opened it and turned to Ellen. “I think . . . I’ll leave it.”

Ellen’s heart pounded with his actions, trying not to show emotions, she walked to the door. She stopped in its openness. “I feel . . .”

“No. No you don’t.” Frank silenced her as he spoke near whisper. “That’s your problem. You don’t feel. You stopped knowing how five years ago.”

Nodding, just nodding one time with a glaze of cold across her eyes, Ellen walked out.

Frank closed the door.

***

Strumming the guitar and picking the notes became easier to Robbie as he knew it would. All it took was getting back into it and picking it up. It was relaxing, and that’s what he did with Paul in the empty social hall after everyone had left.

They played songs both of them vaguely remembered. Old songs. Easy one. Ones that made them laugh when they made errors and sing in harmony when they were on a roll.

Henry paused in his entrance into the hall so as not to be heard. He listened to Robbie’s and Paul’s faster and harder rendition of something from the fifties. They chuckled in synch when they finished and Henry took it as his clue that it was all right to interrupt. Clapping and smiling he approached the only two in the hall. “Robbie.”

Robbie looked at Paul first then over his shoulder to Henry. “Yeah.” Putting the pick in his mouth, he adjusted the tuning on his guitar.

“I’m glad I found you.” Henry pulled out a notebook from his pocket. “I was reviewing the requisitions that are needed to be done tomorrow and I saw that you didn’t finish a few from today. With the work load, what would be the chances of maybe doing some tonight or earlier tomorrow before . . .”

“Henry.” Robbie pulled the pick from his mouth. “What time is it?”

Henry looked at his watch. “It’s ten p.m., why?”

“Do . . . do we not have a start and stop work time in this community?” Robbie asked.

“Oh, sure, but . . .”

“But . . . I’m not working. Not now. I’m playing.”

Henry blinked thinking he was misunderstanding Robbie. “I know that. It’s just that the upkeep on the community is important so I try to stay on top of it always.”

“Good for you.” Robbie stood up and walked around the chair. “But if work is strong on your mind at ten at night . . .” He placed his face close to Henry’s. “Maybe you need to find a life.” With a flick raise of his eyebrows Robbie walked to the bar.

In the midst of Paul’s immediate return to playing, Henry’s nostrils flared and his expression snapped as he watched Robbie walk away. He stared for a moment, waiting. And when he realized he was therefore ignored, Henry, without wanting to get angry, left the social hall.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

May 27th

With a fierce ‘slam’ Henry closed the door and huffed his way from the mechanical divisions building. Trying to shake off the frustration he felt, he had to walk. One more minute was all, and he would have totally lost it on Robbie. Everything Robbie said, irked him. Everything Robbie did, gnawed at his gut. It was like the moment Robbie walked into the room, warning flags went up and Henry could just not articulate why. He was never like that before with anyone. Fair and even tempered were qualities that got him on council.

Henry paced around, first in circles, then toward town. He needed some help on how he could handle himself better and for that, he really wanted to speak to Joe or George.

Joe was the first one Henry saw. He was locking a door as he came out of a storage building. Fair or unfair to burden Joe with gripes about his own son, Henry called out to him. “Joe!”

“Hey, Henry. What’s going on?” Joe jingled the keys and shoved them in his pocket.

“You have a minute? I need to talk.”

“Is it an emergency?”

“No, more of a problem, personal.”

“Oh, then you’re gonna have to go see Ellen, she’s the councilor now, the big problem solver.” Joe smiled, he had been waiting on the moment when he got to say that to one of the ‘originals’.

“Oh no, Joe, I couldn’t, I’d feel funny  . . .  just give me a minute.”

“Henry. I don’t have a minute. Besides, that’s Ellen’s new job. She has six people left in containment now. Go talk to her, if you’re not satisfied, seek me out.”

Henry could not believe Joe was serious. Ellen help him solve a problem? Ellen help anyone for that matter? Joe pointed to the containment center for the benefit of Henry as he walked away from him. Hesitant, Henry gathered his thoughts and walked there. After buzzing himself in, Greg was on his break, he took the hallway slowly, fearful that Ellen would be sitting at her desk just waiting for someone. She was. Henry turned into her office, Ellen sat there. “El? Do you, oh God, do . . . do you have a minute to talk?”

“Oh!” Ellen smiled widely. “Henry do you have a problem? This is so great. Come in, I never expected you to come to me. Sit down.”

“Swell.” Henry walked in slowly. Ellen wasn’t making it any easier on him. She was actually gloating. He sat in the chair and shuffled from side to side trying to get comfortable.

“Henry?”

“I’m having a problem with Robbie. I’ve been yelling at him for things. I did it again today.”

“What kind of yelling?”

“I don’t know. Yelling.” Henry shrugged. “Not exactly Frank type. But certainly near Joe type.”

“That’s not too bad. What are you yelling at him for?”

“He keeps doing things in the wrong order. I tell him how they’re supposed to be done, but he doesn’t do it that way.”

“Is he getting the final results you want?” Ellen asked.

“Yes. But he’s doing it in the wrong sequence.”

“As long as he gets it done right, what difference does it make?”

“None I guess. I don’t know, I just can’t put my finger on it. Do you know I started to really like Michelle and now she won’t even look at me? She only has eyes for Robbie.”

“That’s because he’s so cute.”

Henry rolled his eyes at her and slumped in his chair. “If you’re trying to make me feel better El, you’re not doing it very well. Did you know that since Joe gave his, have-a-baby-talk, Robbie’s been propositioned four times?”

“I heard. But he turned them down. Maybe he’s gay and that will solve your problem with him.”

“What problem? I don’t know what the problem is.”

“Jealousy. You know, the problem you have with Robbie’s effect on women.” Ellen folded her hands before her. Her diagnosis was complete.

“I don’t have a problem with Robbie’s effect on women.”

“Yes you do, Henry, what do you think this whole conversation has been about?”

“I was talking about the way he does things. You brought up the women factor.”

“I did not, you brought it up. You mentioned Michelle.”

Henry stood up in frustration. “I mentioned Michelle, yes. You brought up the other women.”

“No, I said he was cute. You brought up the other women. So you obviously have a problem with it. That’s your problem.”

“I don’t have a problem with Robbie and other women!” Henry yelled.

“Henry, if you were going to get upset when I gave you my advice, you shouldn’t have asked for it.”

“I didn’t ask for your advice, I came in here to talk to you. You changed the subject to fit what you wanted to talk about.”

“No I did not, that’s not what I’m here for. I’m here to listen. Perhaps I’m not the one you should be asking help from.”

“Perhaps not.” Henry felt worse than he did when he walked in. At that moment, he was still trying to determine what had transpired. He rambled and muttered to himself as he stormed from her office.

Ellen looked up when she heard a Henry shriek of frustration from out in the hall. It rumbled and growled. Chalking it up to his not liking her advice, she returned to her work.

“El?” Robbie knocked once on the doorway of her office, then stepped inside. “What’s wrong with Henry?” He pointed back.

“Oh. He asked for my advice and didn’t like it.”

“Henry’s uptight.” Robbie sat down in the chair across from her desk. He noticed Ellen’s locked stared on him. “What’s wrong?”

“Why did you . . .”

“El!” Denny’s screams precluded his slamming footsteps that neared her office. He screeched to a frantic halt in her doorway. “El . . . El . . help.”

Ellen jumped up from her seat. “What’s wrong?”

“Clark, that one guy . . .” Denny caught his breath. “Little Buddy, he took his book and he . . . he threw him . . .”

“Shit.” Robbie jumped up and flew from the office.

Denny looked mortified. “He’s going nuts in there, El.”

Ellen raced around her desk and opened the top drawer, as she did she grabbed her radio. “Frank. Frank come in. Trouble at containment.” She set down the radio, pulled a syringe and vial from her top drawer. Quickly she plunged the syringe in, retracted the fluid, pulled out the needle, set down the vial and tapped out the bubbles as she ran from her office.

Two fleeing survivors, one of which was holding the eight year old boy, knocked into Ellen as she fled to the skills room. She could hear the crash of furniture and the screaming of Buddy, a boy who was ten. Racing in the skills room, the place was in disarray. Furniture sprawled about, Denny huddling with a bleeding Buddy in a corner.

Robbie braced Clark around the neck, trying to hold back the raging thin young man who was out of control. Not halfway in Ellen’s stride, syringe in hand, another survivor charged from across the room and dove onto to Robbie’s back. One arm still holding Clark, Robbie shot back his other elbow high nailing that survivor square in the face. The survivor spun around and dropped to the floor.

Ellen’s uncapped the syringe and raced over to Robbie. “Hold him still!”

“I’m trying.” Robbie grunted, then cringed in a painful silent scream when Clark seared his teeth deep into the flesh of Robbie’s forearm.

“One second.” Ellen drew closer, eyes peeled to where she could land the injection. Two steps to them, needle ready, Clark lifted up his body, and with all his weight, reared out his leg kicking his boot into Ellen’s face and sending her flying to the floor.

Robbie released Clark at the same time that the syringe flew from Ellen’s hand, rolled on the floor and stopped at the boot of Frank who had just stormed in.

With the strength and action only he had, Frank picked up the syringe, bolted to Clark, gripped him by the throat, slammed him into the wall, and injected him. He held him there until Clark’s eyes rolled behind his head, and his body slumped. Just as he dropped, Frank hoisted him up and over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. He grabbed his radio from his belt. “I need medical at containment. We have . . .” Frank took a breath. “Three injured. George, get a bird ready. We’re taking one out.” He began his move across the skills room. “Denny, help them until I get back.”

“Wait!” Robbie stood up from Ellen and raced to Frank. “What are you doing?”

“What do you think I’m doing?” Frank marched down the hall.

“You’re ousting him? Frank.” Robbie hurried to catch him. “Frank.”

“You’re bleeding. El’s bleeding. Take care of that.” Frank began to punch his code in the door.

“Frank, you can’t toss him out. He’s not even nineteen.”

“Doesn’t matter.” The door buzzed and Frank opened it.

“What! He lost it. It’s normal. We all lose it at times.”

Frank turned sternly to his brother. “Not in Beginnings you don’t. There are no second chances.” Saying no more, Clark on his shoulder, Frank left containment.

Robbie was speechless. His heart raced fast and his breath so shallow he didn’t notice the pain in his bleeding arm. He stood in the security doorway shocked and then he saw Ellen walking up the hall.

“Robbie.” She wiped the blood from her nose. “Are you all right?”

“Why, El? Why did you have to call Frank? Huh?”

“What?” Ellen was confused “Robbie. That’s procedure. It’s . . .”

“Wrong.” Robbie stated strongly. “It’s so wrong. One mistake, call Frank and he just charges in and yanks them out. Problem solved?”

“It’s the way we do things. I know it doesn’t seem right.”

“No! It’s not.” Robbie’s strong words physically jolted Ellen. “It’s so easy for you to say that. So easy for him to come in like the big fuckin hero and take them out. Wanna know why. He’s never been out there! And neither have you! You don’t know what it’s like! Maybe if you did, none of this would be so . . . procedure.” After slamming his hand in his anger off the metal door, Robbie stormed out.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Dean didn’t know what to say. He always thought he did, but when he started to speak, what was in his mind never sounded quite as good when it slipped through his lips. Grabbing Andrea to watch the twins, Dean went to where he knew he’d find Ellen. Right where she returned to after he treated her many hours before. Containment. It grew harder for her the longer the survivor was in containment. Dean knew that and he also knew Ellen rarely showed it. In the quiet of the dim containment hall, Dean could hear the squeaking of Ellen’s chair from her office. Just as he suspected, she stared blankly out, rocking back and forth.

“Hey,” he called out softly stepping in her office. “I thought of singing but . . .”

“Thank God,” she whispered and raised her eyes to him.

“How’s the nose?” He walked to her desk and sat on the edge.

“Huge. I feel like Marcia Brady.”

Dean chuckled. “It’s not that bad.”

Ellen looked up to him. “Dean.”

“All right. It’s big, but . . .” He held his index finger up. “Only where I stitched the nostril. That swelling will go down tomorrow.” He leaned his face closer. “I did tiny ‘Dean’ stitches.” He dropped his voice to an airy one. “Only a hint of a scar.” He stole a quick kiss. “Come home. I know you’re down, but come home. I . . . I want to talk to you about something. It’s pretty important.”

“It’s not bad is it?” Ellen asked.

“I hope not.” Dean smiled. “Please?” He held out his hand.

Ellen reached up and touched his fingers. “It’s just a bad time of year.”

“I know.” He brought her hand to his lips. “And I know there are some things you feel you can’t . . . you can’t share with me.” He saw her shake her head ‘no’. “El, come on. With V-Day coming up, maybe, whatever . . . God, I’m gonna kick myself for saying this, but maybe you should put aside whatever little disagreement you and Frank have, and do your V-day prep . . .”

“No.” Ellen gripped his hand and stood up. “I’ve ran to Frank too long and too much. Let’s go home.”

“Can . . .” Robbie interrupted in the office. “Can I just bring her home, Dean? I really need to talk to El.” He stepped inside.

Dean’s eyes moved from Ellen to Robbie. “I’m O.K. with that. El?”

Ellen nodded.

Slipping his hand from Ellen, Dean kissed her on the cheek. “Not too long. O.K.?” Kissing her again, he left.

“So.” Ellen walked back to her desk.

“So.” Robbie followed. “What’s uh . . . V-Day?”

“Virus day. The day the plague began.”

Robbie swallowed his pride and looked humbled. “I’m sorry about today.”

“No, don’t be.”

“No, El. I was wrong for yelling at you. It’s not your fault. I get scared. You know.”

“I don’t like it either, Robbie. I don’t. But I learned that there’s nothing I can do.” Ellen slowly shook her head. “Don’t think this doesn’t bother me. It does. Clark was in here for three weeks almost four. That’s a long time. I didn’t expect this. Just like I didn’t expect Jason.” Ellen sat down.

“Who’s Jason?”

With a slight shrug and a saddened look, Ellen exhaled. “He was a kid. Fifteen maybe. Quiet. So quiet. About four days before you got here, he snapped. He was taken out. I didn’t blame him, there were others involved older men who could have convinced him. But . . .” She tossed her hands up. “Didn’t matter. It bothered me. He was a kid and a kid who looked so much like my son Josh.” Ellen smiled. “I used to call him Josh. I think about Jason all the time. Is he alive. Is he fine? He . . . he’s just a kid.”

“If you only knew.” Robbie grabbed her hand.

“I’ll never know.” Ellen’s head lowered.

Frank knew the routine. Unless Ellen absolutely didn’t like someone in containment she clammed up when they were ousted. She would dismiss it to everyone as frustration over all the work she put into the survivor. Frank always pretended to buy that excuse, and found another way to make her feel better. He felt it his job, a job he loved. Ellen had been in his life for so long he didn’t know how to not to think of her, despite what she believed of his intentions. And his intentions were, fighting or no fighting, together or not, Ellen needed their routine. And with V-Day approaching, Frank wanted to do something for her. Something to make her feel better, anything that would at least get them talking for the day that signified the start to the end of their lives. Walking into containment, Frank rummaged through his mind on what he could say. But stopping in the hall outside of Ellen’s office, hearing her and Robbie’s conversation, enlightened him. It wasn’t words, it was actions he was meant to take. Without seeing Ellen that night, he left. He knew what he had to do.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

May 28th

“Son of a bitch.” Joe slammed his fist on his desk, puffed frantically at his cigarette and stared at the radio. “Come on Frank, check in.”

Robbie noticed the look of concern of his father’s face, also on Henry’s and George’s for that matter. All four in the room watched the radio as if it were going to jump up and dance. “How long now, Dad?”

“Twenty minutes.” Joe began to tap his fingernails on the desk, from forefinger to pinky in a fast arpeggio manner.

“Dad, I don’t understand, you said you guys pull a check on this camp once a week.”

“Usually from the air. Frank wanted to get a closer look.”

“Who are these people?”

Joe looked up at Henry and George almost as if for approval to tell Robbie. “They’re people we ousted. We dropped them off, and somehow some of them banned together and stayed in this small town about forty miles from here.”

“From the look on all of your faces, these people aren’t friendly to you. Doesn’t this concern you with them being so close?”

“They haven’t moved yet. They can’t get here except by foot. And all of them weren’t in the community long enough to find out where we are. If by some chance they found us, you know how secure this area is, they’d never get in.”

Robbie leaned back in his seat. “If they wanted in, you know they’d find a way.”

Joe only glanced up to Robbie a stern look.

“Why did Frank go anyway?”

“To feel better. I don’t know, that’s what he said. When Frank get’s something in his mind, there’s no stopping him.” The static from the radio grew louder, everyone turned to face it.

“Frank here.” Frank’s voice came through, not as loud and clear as hoped for.

“Frank.” Joe grabbed the mike. “What’s going on?”

“I’m heading back now. Too many to sneak in. They picked up a few more it looks like. How, I don’t know, we’re in the middle of fuckin’ Montana.”

“Just get back here. Double time.” Joe commanded.

“Got it. See you in . . .” Three loud gun shots rang through in the background. “I have gun fire here!”

“Frank, don’t worry about firing back. Just head home.”

“That’s what I’m doing . . . fuck, there shooting arrows at me.” The sound of a revving engine reached the level of Frank’s calm but disgusted voice. “Looks like three, maybe four of them to my . . .” The radio became silent.

“Frank!” Joe called to him. “Frank, come in. Frank.” There was no response. “We lost a signal. Henry do something.”

Henry began to examine the radio, he flicked the station to another channel, and looked at the readouts as he did. “Receiver’s fine. It has to be on Frank’s end.”

Joe gripped the microphone. “Frank, do you read me?”

Nothing.

George reached for the keys for the helicopter. “I’ll get some men together, we’ll fly there now.”

“No!” Joe raised his hand stopping him. “If they have him, the noise from the bird will alert them. Let’s give him time.”

Robbie jumped to his feet. “What? Time? I’ll go, let me go. I’ll take a jeep, tell me where this place is at.”

“No!” Joe spoke loudly. “Give him time. I know Frank. He’ll be all right.”

“I know what it’s like out there. I know what they can do to him.”

“And I know my son. Frank is all right.” Joe looked at his watch. “Let’s give him an hour. If he’s not back, we’ll head out.”

Robbie sat back down, he was in total disagreement with his father. How could Joe leave Frank out there like that? He wanted to just leave, but he knew he couldn’t even get out of the community without someone, somewhere pushing a button. “Dad, if you send out for him. I want to go.”

Joe just raised his eyes to his son, and didn’t comment to him.

The hour was moving slow. The silence in the room was near deafening. The tension could be felt, as Joe looked from his watch to the clock on the wall every few minutes. He tried to hide his uneasiness. He tried to hide the fact that he was beginning to worry. Forty-five minutes, and still nothing. They had alerted John Matoose who stood watch on the tower. No word from John. No word from Frank.

Robbie jumped up, he couldn’t take anymore. “That’s it. He’s been gone long enough. He should be back, or at least in scope view. Let’s go, Dad. We’re wasting time.”

Before Joe could say anything, Ellen walked calmly into Joe’s office. “O.K. Joe, I have a break, I really should get to cleaning out that . . .” She hesitated at the door, holding it open while she stood in surprise at the somber faces in the room. “What’s going on?”

Joe walked from behind his desk and approached her. “Ellen, Frank went beyond the wall to go check that nearby survivor camp.”

“Alone?” She asked.

“Alone and by jeep. He wanted to see if . . . Jason was there. Johnny said he thought he spotted him by air.”

Ellen slowly looked around taking in the somber expressions on the faces in the room. “Joe? Is he all right?”

Joe took a deep breath. “At last contact with him, there was gunfire, and some sort of attack on his jeep. We don’t know. We lost contact.”

“Dad, look.” Robbie stepped forward. “We have to move on this. And now.”

Joe looked at the radio again. No sound emerged from it. He paused before waiting to give the order. Doing so was admitting that Frank had been ambushed. “All right. Let’s do it. Henry gather up Dan, and Greg. Robbie will go with them . . .”

A loud crackle, a hiss, and John Matoose’s voice over the radio. “I see him he’s approaching the tunnel gate.”

A sense of relief hit the room. Joe clenched his fist in excitement.

“Security is letting him in. He looks fine. Should be your way in a minute.”

As if someone opened the door and released the enormous pressure, everyone in the room relaxed. A loud sigh emerged from all of them.

Ellen turned to the door and waited. She listened for the jeep. She heard.

Frank’s jeep stopped, the way he always stopped it, fast and noisy. The sound of his clomping footsteps approached and the door opened. “Fuckin’ savages.” Frank walked into the room, and tossed his walkie-talkie on the desk. It was in several pieces. “They arrowed my radio.” In his anger he didn’t notice everyone in the room. He did however, notice Ellen. “Hey, El. What are you doing here?”

“What am I doing here?” Ellen stepped to him. “What the hell were you doing Frank?” She asked with edge.

Frank was stunned by her reaction. “Um . . . something.”

“Something?” Ellen questioned.

“I was trying to do something nice for you. Make you feel better.”

“What? Like dying? You asshole. Yeah. You know what? That would have done it.” Spinning on her heels, Ellen said no more and stormed out.

Frank, confused, scratched his head watching her leave. He turned back to his father. “Did you guys tell her something bad about me?”

Joe rolled his eyes. “Yeah, Frank we had a Frank bashing party while you were gone.”

“Oh.” Frank nodded then noticed Henry checking out his broken radio. “Henry? Can you fix it?”

Henry, with the you-got-to be-kidding-me look upon his face, held up the pieces, a stone arrow head plopped on the desk. “Sure, Frank. I’ll get right on it.”

“Good.” Frank bobbed his head. “All right. I’m finishing rounds.” He clapped his hands together once with an attitude that so much as said he didn’t comprehend the tension he made transpire.

“Frank.” Joe called out as Frank reached for the door. “Um . . . did you spot the kid at all?”

Frank snapped his finger with a grin. “Oh. Yeah. I did.” He opened the door.

“And?” Joe asked.

“And what?”

“And how is he?” Joe’s voice showed a little more irritation.

“Who?”

“Jason!” Joe snapped. “You saw him, is he all right!”

“God, Dad yell at me! Yes. He’s fine. All you had to do was ask.” Opening up the door, shaking his head in disbelief at his father, Frank left.

Joe tossed his hands up and looked to the others in the room. “And we trust our lives to him.”

***

The annoying high tuned music blared loudly after the dart sailed into the bulls-eye. Robbie grinned arrogantly, picking up his drink on the way to the dart board to retrieve his dart. “Game over.” He took a sip as he turned around and raised his eyebrows to Paul.

“Luck. Just luck.” Paul shook his head. “Got time for another?”

“No way.” Robbie downed his drink and set the empty glass on the bar. “I’m pulling a solo at containment tonight. My uh, Dad’s tired.” Robbie smiled.

“Solo?” Paul asked. “Alone.”

“Well. That’s what solo means.” Another chuckle escaped Robbie and he looked at his watch. “I have to go. So you have to take my place and play whose next.” Robbie looked around the semi-crowded hall. “Whoever that is.” He approached Paul and handed him the darts.

“Shall I tell Michelle where you’re at if she asks again?” Paul laughed sarcastically.

Robbie cringed. “You’re so funny aren’t you?”

“Have fun at containment. With . . .”

“Don’t.” Robbie pointed and shook his head with a smile. “That’s not why I’m going.”

“No. He’s right.” Larry, a thin odd looking man interjected as he approached his turn at the dart board. “He’s going to containment because he gets special treatment.”

Robbie stopped cold in his tracks. He turned around and stepped back. “Excuse me?”

“I thought I was clear.” Larry reached over the bar for the bottle and poured a drink. “I mean, I’ve been part of security for a year now. Never worked containment.” He shrugged. “I don’t get special treatment. Look where you’re off to.”

Paul saw the look on Robbie’s face, a slight shade of red building, and with a nervous chuckle, Paul stepped his body in front of Larry. “Take it easy, Larry. Robbie’s helping out his Dad, man. Why you getting in his shit?”

“Because Robbie Slagel struts around here like he’s better than anyone else. When the truth is.” Larry tilted his head back and gulped a shot of whiskey. “When the truth is, he isn’t. What’s funny is. He may be a Slagel but . . . he’s not an original. And we don’t treat him like one of us. So really, he’s neither here nor there.” Larry dropped his voice to a instigating whisper. “He’s a nobody.”

The rustling of Robbie’s charge forth, sent warning signals off to Paul and he jumped in Robbie’s path, bodily holding him back. “He’s not worth it.” He stared Robbie in the eyes. “He’s not . . . worth it. Go. Go to containment. Go.” Paul motioned his head.

Robbie glared once at Larry and reached around Paul’s body. He lifted the bottle of whiskey and slammed it hard on the bar. “Have another drink, Larry. The community needs a drunk walking a beat tonight.”

“Go.” Paul softly spoke. “Go.” Feeling Robbie’s tense body back up, Paul sighed in relief and stood there waiting until Robbie had left. He turned back and gave a cold stare at Larry. Foregoing his dart game, Paul opted for a quiet corner where he could pick out his frustration on his guitar.

***

“Go on, Dean, I’m listening.” Ellen reached across the dinner table for one more small helping. “But make it fast I have to get to containment. Alex, honey, sit in your chair.”

Dean shifted his eyes to his daughter who chose to kneel awkwardly on her chair. “As I was saying. We have this history.”

“Who?”

“Us.” Dean stood from his seat and fixed his daughter. “Stay seated.” He moved over to Ellen. “And I’ve been doing a lot of serious . . .” Dean cringed at Alexandra’s whine. “Billy, leave her alone . . . thinking about us.”

Ellen shook her head. “Is this a bad talk?” She shoved a bite of food in her mouth. “Because I don’t want to . . . Billy.” Ellen scolded. “Eat, don’t play.”

Billy peered up from his noodles that were spread in a line across his plate. “I hate the little ones. Why do you make the little ones?”

“It’s a conspiracy. Dean, grab her. She’s gonna fall.” Ellen instructed.

Again Dean walked over to Alexandra. He lifted her, talking as he did. “This isn’t a bad talk. I hope not. I need to ask you something . . .” He set Alexandra down. “ . . . very important.” A thump and scream caught Dean’s attention when he missed the chair he put his daughter in. “Shit.”

“Way to go, Dean.” Ellen hurried over to help.

“She’s fine.” Dean checked her out as Ellen crouched down across from him on the floor.

“She’s crying. Alex, are you all right?” Ellen helped her up.

“This, El, this is what life is about.”

“A screaming child?” Ellen snickered.

“No. This. Chaos. Family. Us. Marry me.”

“What?” Ellen stood after situating Alexandra back at the table. “I can’t believe you just proposed over noodle casserole. And when I’m late.” She walked from the dining area. “I have to go. Ask me later.”

“Actually.” Dean followed her. “I proposed over a fallen child. But . . .” He jumped around the couch and dove to the door to stop her. “I know I talked about it before. But I never asked. El.” He grabbed her arm and reached in his front pocket of his jeans. “Henry and I made this. We melted down my Dad’s ring.” He grabbed her hand and placed on her finger, the molded gold band with two small diamonds. “Marry me. I know now in my heart, things can be forgiven and forgotten.”

Ellen stared down at the ring. “Life is ironic, isn’t it?” she whispered.

“El? Answer?”

“Dean.” Ellen, near laughter, shook her head. “Could you have least picked a better moment. God, your dad’s ring, this is sentimental and I’m rushing here. You’re a diehard romantic.”

“All right.” Dean held out his hand. “Here, I’ll ask later. Give me the ring back”

Ellen tried to pull the ring from her finger, it wouldn’t budge. “Shit. It’s stuck.”

Dean snickered. “Now, so are you.”

Ellen grunted. “I’m not giving you an answer.”

“Are you saying yes?”

“No.”

“You’re turning me down?” Dean asked.

“No! Dean!” Ellen tried once more to remove the ring. She failed. “Bye.” She kissed him quickly. “We’ll talk later.” Still struggling to remove the ring, Ellen paused to open the door. She looked back at Dean and smiled. “Thanks.”

Believing it really didn’t go all that bad, Dean stared in thought after Ellen had left. Then he heard another ‘thump’ and Alexandra’s scream and Dean was whisked from his slight blissful moment into chaotic family mode again.

***

Clipboard in one hand, flashlight in the other, Larry walked his beat in the area of perimeter thirty. A small hilly area located a mile east of the fields. It was Larry’s division. One he watched for wandering survivors or animals that strayed there. He walked perimeter twenty-three to thirty, six nights a week. It was the same thing for him, checking out each sector of the perimeter fence. Kneeling, examining the beam, make a notation on his security rounds sheet, stand up and move on. He neared sector three, taking it slow on the sloped terrain. As he approached the portion where the beam was located he felt the slight pressure against his shin and then he heard the subtle crack. Looking up and around, Larry barely heard the whipping sound when he felt the tightness wrap around his ankle in a strangling manner. It startled him, causing the flashlight to tumble from his hands. Before he could reach down for it, his leg swept out from under him and Larry stumbled back.  He shrieked short and once and then he shrieked no more. Sizzling in the dark night, sparks emerging intermittently with the flames from his body, Larry fried against the perimeter fence.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

May 29th

Waiting in Dean’s lab, Joe brought his cup of coffee to his lips at the same time his eyes daggered through the steam at Henry. “Make the implication one more time Henry, and I’m kicking your skinny ass.”

“I’m not implying, Joe.” Henry defended.

Joe shifted his eyes to George who sat in a chair arms folded, eyes closed. “George?”

George snapped awake. “Implying.”

Henry waved his hand at George. “You’re sleeping, what do you know. Joe, I just want to make you aware that’s all.”

“I’m aware.” Joe sipped his coffee.

“The talk.” Henry continued. “This is what people are saying.”

“Screw what people are saying,” Joe replied.

“You can’t take that attitude, Joe.” Henry said. “How’s it going to look? Robbie is your son.”

George’s loud yawn interrupted the conversation. With a stretch, he stood up. “Henry. Joe’s son or not, doesn’t matter. Doesn’t matter if you have people in the social hall who saw the confrontation. I have one child and three men in containment who know Robbie was there all night. I also have a guard who never saw him leave until five this morning . . . after Larry’s body was found.”

“Escape hatch.” Henry stated.

Laughing, Georg shook his head “Now you’re reaching.”

Henry rolled his eyes. “It’s not reaching, George. You know the maintenance tunnels run under the entire community. And one of the seven entrances is the hatch in containment.”

“Why are you so hell bent on condemning my son?” Joe asked.

“I’m not, Joe. I just want you to be ready for questions that’s all. We have a man who died at his post for no reason.”

The dropping of a folder caught all of their attention, and Dean stood before the folder by the counter. “Not for no reason Henry. Rephrase that last statement.” Dean said. “You had a very drunk man who died on a rocky perimeter. Drunk.” He flipped open the folder. “Point two six alcohol level. End of story. No visible marks of trauma or struggle. He couldn’t have been tackled; whoever would have tackled him would have gone right into that beam as well.”

Joe tossed up his hands. “End of story. Let’s go George. Thanks, Dean.”

Dean nodded as Joe and George left, then raised his eyes to Henry who still stood there baffled. “Henry?”

“Doesn’t make sense.” Henry swayed his head slowly. “It just doesn’t.”

“What doesn’t make sense Henry, is why you insist on thinking Robbie is so bad. No one else sees it.” Dean tried to reason. “He’s quiet, that’s all. He didn’t start that fight at the social hall, everyone said Larry did. As your friend, well, sort of friend, rather, invention partner. As that, I have to tell you to get over this. All right? You are gonna end up severing ties with people you don’t want to.”

Henry didn’t respond. He shifted his views to Dean, then with the same lost look on his face, walked quietly out of the lab.

***

Undeniably it was one of two things that awoke Ellen from her deep sleep on her sofa. The overwhelming smell of fresh brewed coffee or the cough. But one thing was for sure, the deep cough was the thing that caused her to sit straight up and jump from the couch in total confusion.

“Morning.” Frank spoke, walking from her kitchen.

Ellen blinked and rubbed her eyes. “What . . . what are you . . . doing here?”

“It’s almost nine. I saw Jenny and she was worried because the twins didn’t make it to school and . . .” Frank spun as Ellen ran past him to the kitchen. “Don’t worry I made coffee. I know how you are.” He scratched his head and walked to the kitchen. He heard water running. “El, about yesterday and the past . . .” He stopped in the kitchen doorway when he saw her splashing her face with water as she leaned over the sink. “Are you sick?”

Ellen shook her head. “I got up too fast.” Face wet, eyes closed she reached for a towel. “What were you saying?”

“Well, today’s V-Day. It’s always been . . . our day. I wanted to talk to you . . . about . . .” Frank watched her slide the towel down her face and saw, as she did, the ring on her finger. Frank instinctively reached out and grabbed her left hand. “What’s this?”

Ellen looked. “Oh. Dean gave it to me when he proposed and I can’t . . .”

Frank harshly dropped her hand. “Sorry I even tried to talk to you.” He turned and walked away. “Have a nice fuckin life with Dean.”

Ellen still wasn’t awake. She heard him heavily leave and slam the front door closed. After a moment of trying to figure out what had just transpired, Ellen took advantage of the fresh coffee before she woke her children for school.

***

Henry stood outside the social hall. He could hear the sounds of guitar strumming and singing coming from within. It was the last place he thought to look for Robbie. He had looked everywhere and struck out. Trying to keep himself calm, he walked inside. Robbie and Paul both sat in chairs, holding their guitars while Miguel sat across from them, smiling, nodding and writing things down.

“Robbie.” Henry called to him. “Robbie.”

Robbie didn’t answer, he just sat with his back to Henry.

“Robbie.”

Paul stopped playing his guitar. He looked at Robbie, and motioned his head to Henry who was standing there.

Miguel stood up, his brawny body seemed to tower over the table as he held a hint of embarrassment. “Henry, hey. Mr. Slagel said it would be fine to use the hall. I’m writing a song for Andrea. Would you like to hear?”

Henry shook his head and walked in further. “Some other time. I’m not here because the hall is open. I’m looking for Robbie.”

Robbie turned once to look at Henry, then faced Paul again. “I’m taking a break.”

“You can take a break later.” Henry told him. “Those wires on the generator door need put back. You left them hanging out.” There was a tone to Henry’s voice that conveyed his attempt to stay in control.

Robbie picked his guitar slowly. “I had to walk away from it, John was breathing down my neck. Right now I’m working on Miguel’s song..”

“Work on your work first.” Henry began to walk to him. “You have to work, it’s your job. This is the second time this week you walked away because someone was watching you do something. Tough Robbie, handle it.”

Robbie, taking Henry, Paul and Miguel by surprise, jumped from his chair, tossed it to the side, and stood toe to toe with Henry. “What is your problem with me?”

Henry stared him down, looking into Robbie’s eyes. “I don’t have the problem. You do, with authority. Things run a certain way here. You can’t seem to grasp that.”

“I grasp it. You just won’t cut me a goddamn break.” Robbie stormed past, brushing him in the shoulder only to be grabbed by the arm and snatched back by Henry.

Miguel sprang forward using his body to stop the two men who both squared off at the same time, fists raised to each other with a deadlock stare. “No.” His deep accented voice resonated. “You hear me . . .” He looked at both men and shoved them back. “No.”

Henry released Robbie and stepped back. “You both seen him. Is it me?” He threw his hands up and waited for a response. He received only stares. “Is it?”

Paul’s head lowered as his hands touched upon his strings. Miguel sat back down and Robbie walked out.

Henry dropped his hands.

***

“I’m touched.” Dean said sarcastically as his thumb brushed over the diamond of Ellen’s ring. “You’re still wearing it.”

“Ha-ha-ha.” Ellen pulled on it. “It won’t come off.”

“Quit trying.” Dean laid her hands on the lab counter. “Why are your fingers so swollen anyhow?”

“They aren’t. You made the wrong size ring.”

“No.” Dean shook his head. “I went into your memorabilia box and stole your graduation ring.”

Ellen grunted. “There you have it. That was multitudes of children ago, Dean.” She tried to take it off. “You’re a scientist. Can’t you remove it.”

“What are you kidding me?” Dean scoffed. “Right. What’s your answer?”

“Dean.” Ellen’s demeanor switched to a serious one. “If . . . if . . . I wanted to say yes.” She watched Dean smile as he bit his bottom lip. “I couldn’t.” She shook her head. “Not until we talk about something that could change your . . .”

“Help me.” A voice called out from the hallway of the clinic, followed by a thump. Both Ellen and Dean looked at each other and sprang from their seats. Bolting into the hall, they spotted a woman at the end. She was lying on the floor in a tight fetal position, a small pool of blood forming underneath her.

“Dina.” Ellen said in shock when she saw it was Johnny’s girlfriend.

“Shit.” Dean rushed to Dina first, kneeling down to the whimpering and crying woman. “Ellen help me get her to the examining room.”

Helping Dean lift her to her feet, they noticed the steady trickling of blood coming from between her legs. Too big for them to carry, they practically dragged her to the examining room.

“Get her on the table, Dean. I’ll find Andrea.” Ellen hurried out.

Struggling some, Dean helped Dina to the table and immediately began to undress her.

Ellen came sliding in. “Andrea’s on her way.” She stood at the side of the young woman and brushed the hair from her eyes. “I think she’s miscarrying. I’ve never seen one this bad.”

“Me either.” Dean finished undressing and covering Dina while Ellen calmed her.

“Hey.” Ellen wiped her forehead. “Want me to get Johnny?”

Dina shook her head. “He doesn’t want the . . .”

“What’s going on?” Andrea asked as she bolted in the room, immediately grabbing gloves, and placing them on.

“Miscarrying.” Dean answered.

Andrea pulled the stirrups from the ends of the table. “We’ll try to help you.” She grabbed Dina’s legs and placed them in the stirrups. “There’s so much blood.” She lifted the sheet to examine her. “Ellen, start an IV. Dean get that synthetic hormone you’ve been working on, we’ll need it for the hemorrhaging.” She threw the sheet over Dina’s knees. The adrenaline of the moment disappeared. The urgent care Andrea fought to give, dissipated, when all the years in the medical field, snapped forefront the knowledge that she needed. “Stop!” She dropped the sheet. In the quiet of the room, Andrea angrily took off her gloves and tossed them to the floor. With cold eyes she walked to the head of the examining table. “Did you do this alone?”

Dina’s eyes weld with tears.

“Answer me.” Andrea demanded.

Shocked, Dean and Ellen paused in what they were doing and looked at each other.

“Answer me!” Andrea demanded again.

“Yes.” Dina cried harder.

Andrea stepped back. “You can die for all I care.” With more anger than she had ever shown, Andrea began to leave the room.

“Wait!” Dean stopped her. “What the hell are you doing?”

Andrea shook her head. “I’m walking away from her Doctor, and I suggest you do the same. With the need for life that we have around here, she decided to kill the one that was given to her. I’ve seen it hundreds of times. Butcher jobs, coat hangers or knitting needles. Whatever, however, she gave herself an abortion.”

Ellen dropped the IV, the glass bottle crashed to the floor. “Are you sure?”

“Positive. She just admitted it.” Andrea folded her arms, turned and left the room.

“No.” Dean called out. “Andrea don’t.”

Ellen looked one more time at Dina and began to follow Andrea’s footsteps.

“Ellen, no.” Dean ran to her and grabbed her arm with his bloody hand. “Help me. I can’t do this alone.”

“Sorry, Dean.” Ellen pulled his hand away.

“You’re a nurse. You can’t walk away too.”

“The fight for life in this community is too great.”

“Then why are you walking away from her life?”

“Murder is against the rules here. She’s as good as gone, whether she lives or not. I’m sorry, I can’t.” Ellen turned and left the room also.

Dean panicked. He was alone. Dina laid on the table, legs spread, feet in stirrups, and a pool of blood on the floor. He had wasted enough time arguing for her life. He couldn’t chase down Ellen or Andrea, there was no time. He had to do something. He just didn’t know what. As he stood there center of the room, his shirt and pants covered with blood, and the room looking like it was the scene of a massacre, he wanted to scream. he wanted to cry. Dean pulled himself together and worked within the realms of the best of his knowledge and common sense to help her anyway he could. He had to try, whether she was right or wrong in what she did. It wasn’t for Dean to judge her, it was for Dean to save her.

***

George shook his head as he paced around the hanger office. He’d stop, look at Henry, then pace some more. “Henry, I’m telling you.”

“No George, I’m telling you.” Henry leaned with his arm against the file cabinet. “We were so close to going at it. Have you spoke to Miguel?”

“Yes I did. He confirmed you and Robbie were almost going at it . . .”

“See.”

“No. Not ‘See’, Henry. Miguel also confirmed you searched Robbie out. Robbie was taking a break. The man worked containment all night for us, or did you forget that?”

“I didn’t forget, George. He can always sleep later.”

George grunted loudly through frustration as he sat down behind his desk. “You’re an asshole.” He pointed his finger at him.

“George . . . Henry!” Joe’s voice carried through the hanger. “George, Henry.” His voice came closer, and by the sound of the footsteps he was not alone. “Hey.” He walked into the office with Ellen. “Gentlemen we have a situation on our hands.”

Henry, whose hand rested on his forehead, turned slowly to them. As he did, his eyes widened when he saw the blood all over Ellen. “Oh my God, Ellen. What happened?” He raced to her.

“I’m all right. It’s not me.” She assured him.

George rose from behind his desk slowly. he knew by the look on Joe’s face, something was seriously wrong. “Joe, what’s the situation?”

“A bad one. I need you guys to come with me to take care of it.”

George looked around the office, as if searching. “I’ll get my radio, we’ll get Frank and we’ll head . . .”

“No.” Joe stopped him. “It’s under wraps from Frank for the time being.”

“Under wraps from Frank?” George was surprised. “What kind of situation is this?”

“A new one.” Joe answered. “One we never had. It’s an abortion. A woman here was pregnant and aborted her own baby. She botched it, that’s how we found out.”

Henry slowly lifted the bottom of Ellen’s shirt. “Oh man, that’s why we’re keeping it from Frank. It was his baby, wasn’t it?”

“No!” Ellen smacked his hand off of her clothing. “It wasn’t Frank’s baby.”

Henry looked puzzled. “Whose?”

Joe took a deep breath. “Johnny’s. Now before we go to the clinic there’s some things we need to discuss. A decision needs to be made.”

***

Dean sat quietly in the examining room with Dina. Her heart monitor beeped slowly. He had cleaned himself up, and sat with his arms bent over his knees. He knew as heard the sounds of footsteps that something was up. He peered through the door. Andrea and Joe walked down the hall. Ellen, Henry, and George were behind them. Dean turned from them, he knew what was coming.

Joe stood in the doorway, with his sternest voice he spoke. “How is she?”

“I’ve almost got her stabilized.” Dean answered.

“Well let me knew when she is and she’s gone.” Joe turned and began to walk away.

“What?!” Dean sprang up and chased them into the hall. “You’re not serious are you? If we send her out before she’s well, she will die out there.”

Joe stared at him, his eyes glared. “She should have thought of that before she did this to herself.”

“No.” Dean grabbed a hold of Joe. “I cannot believe you are going to oust her.”

Andrea stepped in, removing Dean’s hand. “I can’t believe you are taking her side on this. Let alone the fact that you saved her.”

“And you, Andrea.” Dean ran his fingers through his hair. “You are supposed to dedicate your life to helping people. You walked away from her. You stand here ready to condemn her for taking a life that hasn’t even been born, when you did that? Why?”

“Because of what I’ve seen.” Andrea showed passion. “Before the plague I would never have walked away from her. But I’ve seen the slaughter of the innocents, so have you. I watched children die. Children who didn’t have a choice in the matter. Dina had a choice and she chose to kill the gift of life. Life Dean. Don’t you remember what that is? Life now should be treated as special. Not disregarded. If we are given the opportunity to bring a new life into this world, then we have to grasp it, we have to cherish it, not kill it.”

“Then by what you’re saying, we have to cherish her life too. By ousting her, by letting her die, that’s not cherishing life. You contradict yourself, Andrea.” Dean argued as she glared right past him. “You talk about what we have seen. She’s seen it too. Let’s try to understand why she did this.”

“Why are you defending her?!” Andrea snapped back. “Don’t you see what she has done? If we forget what she did, we are saying it’s all right for any woman to go ahead and give herself an abortion.”

“You know I remember when I used to live in world that gave a woman a choice on whether or not she wanted to have a child.”

“It’s no longer the same world Dean, you know that and I know that. A baby needs to be born now.” Andrea’s head moved about and her hands waved as she spoke. “We have to give it that chance.”

“I agree. When it’s a baby.”

Andrea stepped close to Dean, she put her face into his. “Would you be taking that attitude if that was your flesh and blood she destroyed? Would you still say it wasn’t a baby?” Andrea stepped back. “I’m finished with you.” She turned sharply and walked away. Everyone seemed to follow.

“Andrea. Joe.” Dean called out. “Joe, you can’t do this.”

“The decision’s been made,” Joe said.

“You are wrong, Joe. Dead wrong!” Dean shouted.

Joe did not respond, he kept walking.

“Joe.” Dean called out with an angry voice. “You better have thought this through. Before you finalize this decision, you better make sure you are basing it on the fact that it’s something you have to do because you lead this community, and not because she aborted a Slagel.”

Joe stopped cold. He quickly turned around, barreled back to Dean, grabbed him by the collar, and slammed him into the wall. “Listen to me you little shit. Don’t you ever imply that I don’t make my decisions fairly. Ever! Don’t ever do that to me again.” Releasing him, Joe stood Dean straight, then walked away. Enough had been said.

Dean turned his head to the side, still trying to comprehend what had just happened. He watched them all slowly disappear from his sight and he turned, went back into the examining room and to an unconscious Dina. “It’s out of our hands now. It’s in God’s hands.”

Dina’s heart monitor flat lined.

Dean slowly closed his eyes and shook his head. He debated on making an attempt to revive her. His heart said yes, his head said, no. Reviving her would be bringing her back just to die again. He reached up and shut off the monitor. He had lost all the way around.

***

She changed her clothes first, the sight of all that blood would send him into a frenzy before she could even begin to tell him. Ellen did not look forward to the task she was about to undertake. Telling Frank what had just transpired was something no one else could do. Nor did she want anyone else to. The situation was a new one and it hit close to home. The botched abortion by Johnny’s girlfriend. Ellen had to wonder if there were possibly any gentle words that could convey what happened.

She knew ahead of time Frank was in his office and that was where she went. As she reached for his office door, she took a deep breath and knocked once. “Frank, can I come in?”

Frank smiled when he heard her voice. Ellen was the last person he expected to see. “El?”

She walked in. “Hi.”

“Wow.” He stood up. “This is a surprise. Wait . . .” He cleared his throat. “We’re fighting.” He started to sit down again.

“Frank.” Ellen’s call made him hesitate especially when she walked up to him and kissed him softly on the cheek. She ran her fingers over the kiss as if to rub it in.

“Now I’m really surprised. What’s up?”

“Frank.” She exhaled his name mixed with sadness and heartache. “We . . . we have to talk.”

Frank knew it by the look on her face and the sound of her voice. Sliding his hand down his face, Frank slowly sat down and braced himself for whatever Ellen was about to tell him.

***

Johnny’s face went immediately to his hands as Frank laid a strong hand on his back.

“You O.K.?” Frank asked, then looked up to Ellen who stood behind the sofa in his home.

Johnny nodded and lifted his head. “I didn’t mean to make her do that.” He said so sad.

“John.” Frank spoke with compassion. “We can’t make anyone do something they don’t want to do. She didn’t want the baby. You getting mad when she told you, had nothing to do with it.”

“But she . . .”

“She was scared.” Frank nodded. “And think about it. Can you blame her? I don’t want to bring a kid into this fucked up world either.”

Ellen’s heavy breath carried in her whisper of offense. “I thought we were doing pretty good with Beginnings.”

Frank looked back at her. “El?”

Ellen snapped from her thoughts. “I’m uh . . . going to the clinic. I have to talk to . . . I have to go. Johnny I’ll see you there.” Quickly and without a goodbye, she left.

“Dad?” Johnny peered at Frank.

“El’s upset. But you’re my concern right now.”

“I feel bad.”

“I know. And now . . .” Frank said. “You have to be a man. You have to go over there and give Dina your support. O.K.?” Getting an agreeing nod from Johnny, Frank gave one soft pat of support to his back. “Come on. I’ll walk with you.”

Slowly, together, they both stood from the couch to go to the clinic to face a painful truth they had yet to learn.

***

“Dean.” Ellen softly called his name as she stepped into the lab.

Dean raised his head from his work in surprise of Ellen’s return. He spun his stool to face her. “What did you do? Come here to gloat.”

“No.” Ellen shook her head. “I’m not feeling right about the . . . me, you, the Dina situation this afternoon.” She stepped to him.

“You . . . you abandoned me. I needed you.” Dean said with emotions.

“She was wrong.”

“Yeah, well . . . she’s dead.” Dean turned away from Ellen and continued to work.

“What?” Ellen gasped. She reached out her hand to Dean’s shoulder. “I’m sorry.” Her hand touched upon his back and she slid it from him. She took a single step back and stopped. “Dean.” She whispered. “Can you . . . can you just give me your honest opinion about something?” She waited for his reaction. He stopped what he was doing and she knew he was listening. “Are we worse off? Has the world gotten so bad that someone would go to extreme measures to stop a child from being born here?”

Dean breathed heavily before answering. He turned around solaced and faced her. “Outside our walls, I believe it’s a jungle. A deadly jungle now. But . . . inside our walls. Life gets better everyday.”

Ellen sighed with a slight chuckle and stepped back to Dean embracing him.

“El.” Frank called soft yet strong into the lab.

Ellen pulled back from Dean and looked to the door. Frank stood there with Johnny.

“Dr. Dean.” Johnny said. “Can I see Dina now? I won’t be long. But I need to talk to her.”

Dean looked at Ellen then back to Johnny as he stood up. He slowly walked across the lab to him. “Johnny. I’m sorry. She . . . . she didn’t make it.”

Johnny felt his knees begin to buckle. His heart sank to his stomach. His head spun. He didn’t know what to do, what to say. He turned around to Frank who stood behind him. He grabbed a hold of him, so confused and fell apart in his arms. “What did I do? What did I do?”

Frank felt Johnny’s pain, every single moment of it. If he could take it away, he would. But he couldn’t. “It’ll be all right Johnny, I promise. I promise you. It’ll be all right.” He grabbed hold of his son, pulled him closer, and pressed his lips tightly to his head. That was all Frank could do. Just be there.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

A sweep of his hand through his hair until it rested on the back of his neck was Dean’s first reaction when he opened his front door and Joe stood there. “El’s not here. She’s sitting with Johnny until Frank comes home.”

Joe, hands in his pockets, bounced slowly from heel to toe in the doorway, “Last I knew, I thought I had grandchildren that lived here.”

Dean nodded and opened the door wider. “They’re upstairs, come in.”

Joe walked in closing the door after he did. “Dean.” He called out as Dean moved to the steps.

Stepping back, Dean turned around. “Yeah?”

“Today.” Joe took a step to him. “Today things happened. Things that were wrong.”

“I know.”

“And . . . though I won’t apologize for my anger, I will apologize for my actions. I should have never gotten physical with you.”

Dean glanced at him with a sudden look of surprise. “I won’t accept your apology, Joe. Because I was the one who was wrong. What I said to you was completely out of line. I have far too much respect for you and should have never have said what I did.”

Joe extended his hand. “Then let’s call the situation forgotten.”

“You bet.” Dean shook his hand. “How about I get the kids?”

“How about I go up and scare them.” Joe walked by him to the steps and stopped on the third one when he saw Dean’s confused expression. “It’s a Slagel thing, you know. We’re all slightly demented.”

***

“A TV Guide? Why in the world would you save a TV Guide?” Robbie looked with a smile on his face to the small magazine he held in his hand before Ellen. The pages were yellowing.

“Why not?” She flipped through the pages. Her back leaned on the arm of the couch, her legs folded Indian-style. She was comfortable in her little corner facing Robbie, who sat next to her. “This was the last one I received. Look, it even has marked what I planned to watch that Saturday night.”

Robbie snickered at her then looked down to the box on the floor sitting next to the couch. “Let’s see what else you have in this box.” He reached his hand down into it. “Oh . . . I remember this key chain.” He dangled the miniature slot machine. “I remember this.”

Ellen tossed the TV Guide back in the box. “How in the world do you remember that?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” Robbie stared at it for a long time. “You had this on your keys when you had that little blue car. Remember, I was seventeen, you used to let me borrow it to run errands.”

“Back in the days when someone in Ashtonville was the object of your affection. I felt sorry for you because I thought Joe made you come every summer. Then you got older and I realized . . . nah, you had a crush on someone.”

“I did.” Robbie’s face turned a shade of red. “I had the world’s biggest crush on you.”

“On me?” Ellen was surprised.

“Yeah.” Robbie fluttered his lips sarcastically. “I was crazy about you. It started when I was about eleven. I used to have these little kid fantasies. The one where you’d choose me to sit with and watch television. It was funny. But then by the time I got fifteen . . .” Robbie cleared his throat and chuckled. “They matured. I can’t believe you never knew. It didn’t dawn on you why I was always hanging around you so much and doing all those chores for free?”

“No. I just chalked it up that you like doing yard work.” A look of flattery crept on her. “Thanks. That makes me feel good. Of course, you should have told me when you got older. Knowing how cute you were, it would have done wonders for my self-esteem.”

“I was going to.” He played with the key chain, pulled the lever, and watched the reels spin. “I had this big plan. I figured when I turned twenty-one, I was going to steal you from Pete.”

“You’re serious, aren’t you?”

“Oh yeah.” Robbie dropped the key chain in the box. “It was a serious crush. I was going to save you, as I thought it was, then I made the mistake of discussing it with Frank. At first he laughed at me. Then he got blunt and told me ‘leave her marriage alone. She doesn’t want you, you’re a kid’, so I dropped it.”

“I feel really bad. He should have never said that to you.”

“Oh.” Robbie waved his hand at her. “Not like he wasn’t right. Right?” He looked at Ellen. “Would you have? I mean, you can be honest. Tell me. Say I would have approached you or, even hit on you during one of our alone times. Would you have?”

“Been with you?” Ellen scratched her head in thought and snickered. “God, Robbie I was having an affair with your brother. But . . .” She laughed. “Yeah, probably, yeah. I would have. I know me. You would have hit on me and I would have went with it. Hell, who would have known. I could have discovered at that moment you were the one I was waiting for all my life.”

The corner of Robbie’s mouth raised. “Thanks. That was nice.” Robbie leaned in to her and quickly kissed her. “Now.” He changed the mood and looked toward the box again. “Let’s see what else you have hidden in this . . .”

Ellen saw the ornery smile creep on his face. “What? What do you see in that box?”

Robbie closed his eyes quickly, then opened them. “I recognize the pouch. You saved condoms?” His hand slowly reached down, but Ellen beat him to the prophylactics. “Let me see, it’s been awhile.” He reached for them.

“No. I’m embarrassed. I forgot about them.” Ellen held them away from him, waving her hand about to keep Robbie from getting them. He playfully leaned close into her to snatch them.

The front door slammed, grasping their attention. Frank walked in. “What’s going on?”

Ellen laughed. “We were just looking at what I had in my memorabilia box.”

“Your memorabilia box?” Frank unfastened his shoulder harness and let it fall over the edge of the couch. “I’ve asked to see that, you refused.”

Ellen stood up and lifted her box as she did. “Sorry. I thought Robbie could use seeing it.”

“O.K..” He rubbed his face. “What are you doing here Robbie?” He asked with edge.

Robbie, still smiling, ignored the cold tone to his brother’s voice. “I stopped by to see how Johnny was, and we started bull shitting. Johnny’s doing well.”

Frank nodded, a smile not crossing his face.

Ellen felt the tension. She exhaled loudly and scooted to the door. “I better go. It’s late. Night.”

Frank turned quickly as she started to leave. “Wait. Why?”

“I have to see my kids. You know the ones I brought into this fucked up world.” She smiled snidely. “Night.”

Frank blinked at her odd response and quick departure.

Robbie stood up from the couch and stretched. “I’ll leave now too.”

“Really?” Frank asked sarcastically. “Right at this moment?”

“Yep. Take it easy Frank.” As quickly as Ellen left, so did Robbie.

Waiting a few seconds, Frank walked back to the door and opened it. He stood, leaning in the archway, and watched as his younger brother trotted up the street to catch up to Ellen and walk with her. Frank watched until they left from his view. Angry, he stepped back inside his home and closed the door.

CHAPTER TWENTY

May 30th

“It’s heading out of hand.” George tossed his hands up as he paced around Andrea’s office. “Henry is usually so fair. Level headed.”

Joe had claimed Andrea’s desk, despite the fact that she was there as well, with Dean. “Yes he is. Maybe Robbie rubs him the wrong way.”

Andrea facially agreed. “They may just always clash. No matter what.”

George shifted his eyes around. “I don’t know. Twice today I got complaints from other survivors about the way he treats Robbie.”

“What are you suggesting?” Joe asked.

George hesitated, he didn’t want to say. “Dean. What’s your opinion?”

“I have none.” Dean stated. “It’s not my place to say because I’m not there when the Robbie and Henry situations transpire.”

Joe looked up at George. “You’re stalling. Say what’s on your mind.”

George nodded a few times in debate. “All right. I think if this continues anymore, we should put it to the community on whether Henry should be replaced on council.”

The screwdriver nearly dropped from Henry’s hand with his heart as he readied to replace the vent in the storage room next to Andrea’s office. A stuck vent trap was all Henry had to free, lift it and leave. But instead of satisfaction that he got an easy job done fast, he received hurting news.

***

Frank knew Ellen saw him. How could she not? He was only two feet from her desk. He waited for an acknowledgment of his presence and when he received none, he stepped closer to her desk. “El.”

Ellen actually looked up in surprise. “Frank? What are you doing here?”

“You didn’t hear me come in.”

“No. I’m busy with these evaluations.” She stood up and walked around her desk. “What’s up?”

“I need to talk to you. Last night you left and . . .”

Ellen, folded her arms and waited for Frank to finish his sentence. He didn’t. “And?” She saw he had focused on the bunch of wildflowers on her desk. “What?”

“First the ring and now the flowers. Isn’t Dean romantic.”

“Dean didn’t bring me the flowers. Robbie did.”

“My brother is bringing you flowers?” Frank asked.

“Yeah, I remember when you used to too.”

“That’s before I realized how stupid I looked picking them. I don’t want him bringing you flowers El. In fact I want it to stop right . . .”

“Frank.” Ellen snapped. “If you came here to bitch, I don’t want to hear it.”

“No. I came here because . . . because I miss my friend. I miss you, El.” Frank neared her. “Yesterday, it was V-day. We vowed that we would always, always spend that day remembering our kids. We didn’t. Look . . .” Frank reached into his back pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. “I even jotted down my memories that I wanted to share.” He handed them to Ellen. “I needed to share.”

Ellen began to open the paper and stopped. She handed it back to Frank and covered his mouth when she saw him getting ready to complain. “No.” she shook her head. “Share them with me tonight.”

“Tonight? Really? I’m gonna be working till ten.”

“That’s fine.” Ellen said softly. “In fact, I have to remove my supplies from the examining room in Joe’s office. I’ll just do that tonight. Meet me there when you’re done and we’ll talk.”

“Thank you.” Frank stepped to her.

Ellen moved away. “Talk Frank. No touching.”

Frank lifted his hand. “No touching. I can handle that. I can’t handle not talking to you.”

A triple light tap on the door announced Henry before his voice did. “Neither can I.”

Frank looked at him oddly. “Neither can you what?”

“Handle not talking to Ellen, especially now because I need to talk to her.”

Ellen shook her head. “Absolutely not. I learned my lesson with you, Henry.”

Frank hid his snicker watching the two staring at each other. “I’ll uh . . .” He stepped back, shifting his body out. “Let you two be. See you tonight, El.” Backwards he walked out.

Henry and Ellen, at the same time noticed Frank’s odd departure. But it was Frank.

“El, I need to talk.”

“Not unless you sign a waiver of anger.” Ellen walked behind her desk. “I knew you’d need me one day again so . . .” As she sat down she opened her drawer and pulled out a sheet of paper. “Here. Sign it and we’ll talk.”

Henry read the short note which implied he wasn’t allowed to yell at Ellen for her advice. He grabbed a pen from the desk. “Fine.’ He signed it and handed it back. “Why do I feel like I’m Charlie Brown and you’re Lucy.”

Ellen giggled and folded her hands. “What’s wrong?”

“Robbie.” Henry leaned back in the chair. “No. I guess . . . I guess it’s me. I’m losing it on him El. I snap at him. I’m short. Everyone but me sees it and I don’t know what to do.”

“I’ll talk to Robbie.”

“Excuse me? You’re supposed to help me.”

“Henry.” Ellen stood up and walked around to him. “I, right now, know Robbie a little more than most people do. And I know you. I’ll speak to Robbie. I know he has a lot of anger and he knows how to instigate.” Ellen winked. “I’ll handle it.”

Henry sighed in relief. “Oh, El.” He stood up. “You don’t think it’s all me.”

Ellen shook her head. “But, I didn’t say that. O.K.?”

“Promise.” Henry kissed her on the cheek. “And next time I won’t even whine about signing a waiver. I better go. Thanks again. Let me know.”

“I will.”

Henry moved to the door and stopped. “Shit.” He flew back in. “Robbie’s coming. If he sees me and you talk to him . . .”

“He’ll know. Stay here. I’ll get him to walk outside and you sneak out.” Getting a nod from Henry, Ellen walked out into the hall and headed of Robbie. “Robbie. Wow. What a surprise.”

Robbie smiled. “I came to see you.”

“I was going for some air. Wanna join me?” She grabbed his arm and turned him to walk back out.

“Sure.” He walked with her to the door and she pressed in her code. “Hey, El. I saw my brother. Why did he have the flowers I gave you?”

Ellen stopped mid-leaving. “Hold this door.” With her feet pattering, she ran down the hall to her office and looked in. “Oh! That dick!”

Robbie shook his head and waited for her to return. They walked outside.

Stepping out, Ellen looked to the bright sun. She let out a moan from the warmth. “So, what are you doing tonight?”

“Tonight?” Robbie shrugged as they continued to move. “Nothing. Why?”

Ellen held closer to Robbie steering him from containment. She looked back to see Henry sneak out and she knew it was safe to stop. “Well. I have to clean out the examining room at your Dad’s office. We’re stopping runs for a while. I can use the help . . . and the company?”

“Sure.” Robbie nodded. “What time. Four? Five?”

“Later. I was thinking nine. I know it’s late, but Joe won’t be there. We can be alone to . . . talk.”

Running his forefinger and thumb over the corner of his mouth, Robbie wiped away his grin. “Talking alone and helping you sounds great.”

Ellen grunted sarcastically. “You may not be saying that when we’re finished.”

“I highly doubt that. I like being with you. Always have. We’ll have fun.”

“I’m sure we will.”

Robbie looked at his watch. “Then I better hurry and finish my work load. I’ll see you later.” He gave a squeeze to her arm. “And El . . .” He stepped back. “Thanks. I mean it. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” Ellen said with confused pleasantries. Shrugging at his gratefulness over being dragged in to help work, and listen to her talk, Ellen returned to containment.

***

Frank looked down at his watch as he walked his check along the line of utility buildings. It wouldn’t be long before he and John Matoose finished the structure and they could go home.

Frank did his check slowly, he had the gnawing feeling that he should be there. He checked all of the structures carefully, as if something was supposed to be found. Everything was turning out fine. But still, something was wrong, something was seriously wrong, Frank could feel it, but he just didn’t know what it was.

Ellen stared at the open cabinet just above the counter in the examining room of the receiving center. She shook her head in disbelief at all the stuff that had gathered there. She knew Andrea would have a bird if she discovered how much Ellen had taken and forgotten to return. Ellen chuckled at her thoughts, Andrea hadn’t a clue.

“Am I too late?”

Ellen stopped reaching and turned to the voice. Robbie was walking in, shutting the door behind him. “No just in time, I’m about to start putting stuff in boxes.”

“El, you know, I had this really strange feeling that you asked me here tonight for another reason besides helping you.”

“Well, yeah, I did.” Ellen folded her arms and leaned on the counter. “How are things going?”

“Good.” Robbie stepped to her.

“How about ... say . . . with Henry?”

“Henry’s a prick.” Robbie snapped back. “He’s in my shit constantly.”

“O.K. honesty’s good.” She turned her back to him and faced the open cupboard. “We can talk about Henry another time. We’ll just talk while I work.” She took a few items from the bottom shelf, then reached to the top. She stood on tip toes, trying to get that box of gauze she had hidden. Her finger tips extended to it, but they kept pushing it back.

“Here let me help you.” Robbie suggested.

“Thanks.” Ellen began to withdraw her arm. Her eyes widened when she felt Robbie press up behind her, right against her. His hand gently grabbed hers, so together they could retrieve the box. A twinge of feeling uncomfortable hit Ellen. “Thanks again. It sucks being so short.”

“No problem. Maybe I can help your self-esteem.”

Ellen paused in wonder on what he meant by that comment. She turned around, Robbie hadn’t stepped back. Grabbing the gauze from her hand, he set it on the counter. He leaned his body against her, reached his hand behind Ellen’s neck, pressed his lips hard to hers and began to kiss her. Ellen, shocked, placed her hand to his chest to push him back. He didn’t budge. His lips moved wide in a search and continued gaining momentum. Trying harder to move him again, she succeeded.

Robbie released his lips from hers and moved back. “El, what’s wrong?”

Ellen touched her lips. “Robbie? I . . . why . . .”

“Alone time. Hit on you.” Robbie tilted his head. “The person you’ve been waiting your whole life for.” Robbie moved into her again.

Ellen, shocked and embarrassed, held her hands up to stop him. “Oh my God. Robbie, I am so, so sorry. I said things to you. Things you may have taken out of context.”

“Right.” Robbie’s lips moved to hers as his hands pressed almost too tight to her face.

“Stop.” Ellen pushed him back becoming more stern. “Now I’m not kidding. O.K.?”

Robbie threw his hands in the air and rubbed his head. “I’m confused. If this isn’t what you want, then why did you ask me here this late, and when no one was around?”

“To talk to me.”

“I don’t think so. I just think you’re chickening out.”

“No, Robbie. I’m not chickening out.” Ellen raised her hands. Calming down, she tried to take control over the situation. “I’m just . . . not. Understand?”

Robbie nodded his head, a disbelieving look in his eyes. “Oh . . .OK . . . Ellen, playing hard to get was something you should have done before you asked me up here.” His hand reached up toward her.

Ellen pushed it away. “Look, if you’re trying to joke around and get me scared . . .”

“I’m not joking. I’ve wanted you. You’re finally giving in.” Robbie leaned into her and reached for her waist.

Ellen, again, shoved him back, this time with more force. “This isn’t funny.” She tried not to show any worry. “Maybe . . . maybe you should leave.”

“Come on, Ellen, it’ll be fun. So just relax. I’m not leaving.”

“Then I will.” Ellen stepped to her right to go past him, Robbie blocked her. Ellen tried her left, he repeated his actions. “Robbie, let me by.” Ellen moved again to the right. His blocking her was a game to him. “Robbie!” Ellen raised her voice in her coldest manner. “This is not good. O.K.? What if Frank walks in here and sees you doing this?”

Robbie laughed loudly. “Do you think I care? Do you think I’m afraid of Frank?.Let him walk in. I don’t give a shit. Better yet, do you think he gives a shit? Do you think he cares about you? Frank doesn’t care about you. All you are to him is his fuckin’ whore.”

Not realizing the Pandora ’s Box she would open, Ellen, with almost an involuntary defense motion, open handedly slapped Robbie hard across the face. Her hand stung upon its connection.

Robbie, without hesitation, whacked her in return. His was not as easy. His had weight behind it. His slap sent her a foot back.

Ellen reached her hand up to her throbbing face. She became engulfed with anger as her fingers felt the warm wet sensation of blood. It was not a situation she wanted to be in. The warning signals had gone off. It was time to run. Ellen, with all of what little weight she had, bolted toward the door. It didn’t take much though, for Robbie to stop her. She had to go past him, as she did, his arms grasped her from behind, holding her by the waist. “Let me go!” Ellen kicked back her foot, jamming it into his shin. She jolted back her elbow into him, taking him somewhat by surprise. His grip released, but only for a moment. As she began to flee once more, he grabbed her by her hair, and tossed her back behind him. Ellen’s back slammed into the counter. She didn’t even have time to catch her balance and Robbie dove on her. The pressure of his body against her gouged the counter into her back as his hands groped and pulled and his lips bit.

Ellen let out a throaty, struggling scream as she slammed her fist into his back and felt her legs part wider. “No. Stop this! Robbie!”

Robbie lifted his head and his hand squeezed her chin. “You said you would have me.”

She saw his mouth approaching, felt his body against hers and Ellen had only one choice. Drop to his level of thought. Her heart beat rapidly. “Not like this.” Ellen spoke softly, hiding the quiver in her voice. “See. Not like this.” Rigidly she kissed him quickly. “I want . . . I want to make love.” She swallowed. “Not here.” She contained her sigh when she felt the pressure ease up on her.

Robbie lifted only slightly. He stared at her as his fingers smeared the blood on her face. Blood that seeped from her ripped open stitches. “Here.” Parting his lips while breathing heavily, he kissed her.

Ellen’s throat tensed up when she felt his lips go to her neck and his hand undo her pants. Tightly she closed her eyes and tried to speak. A squeak escaped with her words when she felt his hands slip into her pants. “Robbie. Not here. Please. Let’s go . . . Let’s go back to your house.” Robbie removed his hand and Ellen slowly let out a breath as he also lifted his body from her. She kept her eyes on him as he stepped back. She had only one thought. And that was to run. Seeing a safe distance form, with everything she had, she charged again. She didn’t make it far. Robbie’s left hand gripped her tight by the shirt.

“What do you think I am!” Loudly he shouted, his face deep red. “Fuckin stupid! Huh! You think I’d buy it! You and your little games.” He snatched her in close. “Guess what, El? Games over.”

Like in slow motion, she saw the fist form on his right hand, his knuckles turning white. He reached back, and with anger, and frustration, he delivered one single powerful blow into the side of Ellen’s face. It spun her around, and landed her hands first on to the counter. With her rolling eyes, the radio, her radio, came into focus. She quickly reached for it, and pressed in the button. “Frank, help Me!” she cried out with everything she had. “Oh, God Frank, help me!”

Frank felt Ellen’s call for help as he heard it rip through his radio. It burned through his soul, and he knew she was in trouble. There was no time to call her back, no time to hesitate. He knew where she was. Frank charged with his every emotion to seek her out. Ellen’s cry was heard . . . everywhere.

Robbie snatched the radio from her hand and hurled it across the room. It smashed against the wall. He grabbed Ellen by the back of the neck and slammed her head onto the counter, bending her over. “What are you doing Ellen?”  He brought his lips to her ear as he slammed himself into her. “Frank can’t help you now.”

“Let me up now!” Ellen screamed out, trying to squirm from his hold. “Look what you’re doing! Stop this. It’s me!”

“Shut up!” He lifted her head slightly and slammed her face down into the counter. “Just shut up.”

“Fuck you!” Ellen felt the cold counter on her cheek.

“No, El. Fuck you.” Robbie pressed himself harder and harder to her, as he laid his chest against her back and used his knees to spread her legs.

A gurgling, grunting scream came from Ellen as she could feel the edge of the counter top cutting into her gut. “I won’t let you do this!” She reached back her hand feeling for his face, her fingernails finding his skin. Robbie knew what was coming, lifted back suddenly, but not without forfeiting some of his flesh to Ellen’s nails.

“It won’t be that easy.” Still pressing her to the counter by her neck, Robbie reached his other hand around her front.

The skin ripped on her abdomen skin when Robbie grabbed for her pants, but it wasn’t as frightening to Ellen as the feel of air when her pants fell to the floor. With everything she could muster up, Ellen screamed out. “No!”

Frank’s heart stopped. His body filled with rage upon running into the examining room and seeing what was happening. Without hesitation, without a single thought, Frank charged over to Robbie, grabbed him, lifted him from Ellen, and threw him across the room as if he were nothing.

Robbie banged into the wall, his body slid down to the floor, he didn’t know what happened, what hit him, or what was going to happen next. Frank stormed over to him, grabbed him by the throat, clenched his fist, and busted Robbie’s nose.

Robbie couldn’t react, he hadn’t the strength. He felt the pain from Frank’s plummeting fist crash into his face, once, twice, three times. The blows did not stop. When would they stop? He felt like he was going to die. He was dying. Robbie’s body sailed through the air again, crashing back first into the counter. He opened his bloodied eyes. The frightful, horrifying sight of Frank raging toward him came into focus. Frank’s hand gripped Robbie’s throat and slammed him back down into the counter. This time it was Robbie who was pinned by the throat. This time it was Robbie on the counter. Only Frank stood above him facing him. The look in Frank’s eyes, the red in his face.

Frank, with a choking grip, held Robbie to the counter. He reached with his free hand into his shoulder harness, pulled out his revolver, shoved it point blank to Robbie’s face, cocked back the hammer, and rested his trembling finger on the trigger. But before he could pull the trigger, he looked into Robbie’s eyes. They were his brother’s eyes.

“Oh God Frank don’t shoot me!” Robbie pleaded.

“What the fuck were you doing?” Frank’s emotional words screamed at him.

“I’m sorry, Frank. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it.” Robbie began to cry.

“You’re my brother. How could you do this to her?!” Frank shouted. His words tearful, his finger pressing harder.

“I’m sorry! I didn’t know what I was doing.”

“No!” Frank placed the gun closer to him. “Do you know what this means? Do you know what you did?” His hand gripped tighter to Robbie’s throat banging his head off the table with every single word he spoke. “How could you do this to her?!”

The tension did not break even when Dean and John Matoose flew in the room, both hearing Ellen’s call.

Dean immediately saw Ellen. “Oh, my God.” He rushed to her as she fastened her pants “El. Oh my God.” He grabbed on to her, she didn’t respond. Looking over his shoulder he saw Frank holding the gun to Robbie. “John!” Dean called out. “Get her out of here. Now! Take her home.”

John Matoose, without hesitation, raced to Ellen, and lifted her up. He fled from the room with her.

Dean raged over to Frank, grabbing hold of him. “Frank. No.”

Frank shoved Dean back, using his shoulder to do so. He said nothing, he just stared at Robbie, gun cocked.

“Frank, no.” Dean closed in again, trying desperately to be the voice of reason. “Don’t shoot him, Frank. Don’t do it.”

Frank bit his lip and shook his head. “Dean, get the fuck out now!”

“I can’t let you kill him. He’s your brother Frank. Your brother. Don’t do this.”

“Did you see what he did to Ellen? Did you look at her!” Frank’s eyes did not move from Robbie.

“I saw, Frank. But, I’m begging you, don’t do this. You did your job. It’s out of our hands now. Frank. Please.”

Frank heard Dean’s words. He saw Robbie. As much as he wanted to just end it right there and then, he couldn’t, he couldn’t pull the trigger on his only brother. Frank placed the gun back into his harness. He released his grip on Robbie’s neck, tossing him to the floor. “You’re as good as dead now anyway.” Frank stepped over Robbie’s body and began to leave the room. He had to walk away, he had to calm himself down. His heart beat so strong that it hurt. As he made it to the doorway between Joe’s office and the examining room, Joe, followed by Henry and Miguel, came rushing in. They too had heard Ellen call out.

Joe knew by the look on his son’s face, something terrible had transpired. “Where’s Ellen? What happened?”

Frank leaned in the archway, head resting on his arm, and he pointed his thumb back. “Ask the piece of shit.”

Joe looked into the examining room, Dean was helping a beaten Robbie to his feet. “Frank, I’m asking you. What happened?”

Frank slowly turned and faced his father. “When I got here, Robbie was trying to rape Ellen.”

“Oh my God.” Joe closed his eyes. “Did he?”

“I . . . I don’t think. I don’t know.” Frank rubbed his eyes, trying to keep his emotions intact.

Joe gripped his son’s shoulder, and squeezed it as he walked past him. “You did good.” He walked into the examining room. “Dean, leave us.”

Dean knew it was not a time to say anything. He walked from Robbie, and from the examining room.

Joe stood near the door. When Dean had left, Joe closed it.

Robbie, whose head rested on the counter, lifted it to his father. “Are you going to shoot me?”

“No.” Joe slowly walked to him. “Do you even comprehend what you have done?” Joe asked calmly of his son. “Do you? That was Ellen. She is family. Family. And what about your brother? You know how he feels about her. I’m surprised you aren’t dead right now.”

“I would have been. Dean walked in.”

“Then you owe your life to Dean.” Joe walked up behind his son. He spoke sternly, yet quietly in his ear. “What you did was wrong.”

“I know that.” Robbie began to cry. “I’m so sorry. Sorrier than anyone knows. I need another chance.”

“You need to be grateful that you are still breathing.” Joe leaned closer to him. “You have no one to blame but yourself for what happens to you. No one. We let you in here, we fed you, we trusted you. We loved you. So listen to what I’m telling you. You are not the son I raised. You are not the son I trusted. You are nothing. Nothing to me, to Frank, to anyone. I don’t even know who you are. If you could do something like this, you are nothing. Do you hear me? Nothing.” Joe backed up. He said all he had to say. His mind was made up. He walked to the examining room door, and opened it. His office was silent. George had joined the group. “We know what has to be done.”

George placed his arm around Joe. “I’m sorry. I know this is hard for you.”

Joe walked to his desk and sat down. “We’ll do it soon.”

Dean approached Joe’s desk. “Joe, this is your son. This can’t be done. He searched for you. You are his family.”

Dean’s words shocked everyone. Henry who stood by the file cabinet looked up. Miguel stepped from the wall he leaned against. Frank turned from his archway and gave an ‘it figures’ look.

Joe looked up only with his eyes. “I won’t argue with you on this, Dean. I’m right this time.”

“He’s your son. We have no one to blame but ourselves. We pushed him from containment. Maybe he really wasn’t ready. Let’s work with him some more. He of all people deserves your second chance. Henry.” Dean turned around to Henry. “You’re reasonable. Tell them we can work with Robbie. No one has to know about this, it’s only the five of us.”

Henry shook his head. “And Ellen. Do you really expect Ellen to walk around this community with him still here?”

“Ask her! Someone ask her. Because I would bet my life she would not want him gone.” Dean waited for someone’s response. He received none.  “Look I have never agreed to the oustings, ever. All of you know that.  This time I am asking you to look who it is. It’s Robbie. When will we stop? Where do we stop? Soon, will we toss someone out for disagreeing with you, Joe?”

Joe dropped the pen he was holding and shook his head with an angry laughter. “Oh, I suggest you drop this conversation now. This is serious. This isn’t an arguable crisis. What happened here was against the law here. A law you, me and all of the ‘originals’ wrote. Drop it, Dean. Now is not the time.”

“Just take a look Joe. He just didn’t know how to handle himself. He’s been out there for five years. He comes here. He depends on and falls for Ellen. All of us know that. She invites him here at nine o’clock at night. No one’s around.”

Frank turned slowly from his archway to Dean, he took one step to him. “Are you saying she asked for it?”

“I’m just saying . . .”

It was the wrong thing for Dean to say to the wrong person. Frank would not stand for it. With one single punch, he sent Dean’s five foot seven body, hurling across the room. Frank stormed to him again, he flung chairs out of his way as he did so. No one except for Miguel, budged. Miguel, knowing what Frank would and could do to Dean, stepped in the path of Frank. Stopping him.

“Frank.” Miguel held his hands to him. “You made your point. Back off.” He reached down, grabbed Dean from the floor and lifted him to his feet.

Frank knew he was wasting his time and energy on Dean. He reclaimed his spot in the archway.

Dean touched his throbbing eye. “I guess some are allowed to be violent. And some people aren’t.”

Joe stood slowly from his chair and leaned against the desk to Dean. He had passed the point of shouting in anger. “Now I’m going to make a suggestion to you. Before I do let me tell you. This is turning out to be one hell of a week. Don’t piss me off anymore. Now my suggestion, is that you turn your little body around and walk out the door. The next time you say something that callous, like you did about Ellen. Whether you mean it or not. I will not stop Frank. And this discussion is over.”

“Fine.” Dean threw his hands in the air. “Fine. I’m leaving. It’s on all of your consciences. Not mine.” He left the receiving center.

Joe sat back down in his chair. “George, I need you to go to Robbie’s house. Get all the stuff he brought with him, not the things we gave him. Pack it up with anything we’re holding that he brought in.”

“Got it Joe.” George patted Joe on the shoulder once, then walked out also.

“Henry, Miguel. I need you two to get Robbie. Take him to holding until George is ready to fly him out.”

Robbie heard it all, he jumped to his feet and ran to Joe’s office. “No. You really can’t be doing this. I looked for you. For five years I searched and this is what I get?”

Joe motioned to Henry and Miguel. They walked over to Robbie and grabbed him.

“No.” Robbie tugged and pulled, he wouldn’t budge. “Frank. Frank.”

Frank wouldn’t look at him.

“Frank, please don’t let them do this to me. Please. Frank, I’m your brother.”

Frank turned to Robbie, his words soft and cold. “I don’t have a brother. My brother died five years ago.”

“No!” Robbie screamed the whole way that Henry and Miguel dragged him out.

Joe took a deep breath. He leaned back in his chair and rubbed his eyes. At that moment in Joe’s life, it would have been impossible for his heart to break anymore.

***

Dean opened the front door. “What is it, Frank?”

“I’m here to see Ellen.”

Dean began to close the door. “She’s upstairs. She needs her rest.”

Frank stuck his foot in the door to stop it from closing. He flung it open with his hand and barged past Dean to the steps, taking them two at a time.

Hurrying behind him, Dean stopped him before he went in the bedroom. “Frank, just let her go for tonight. Please?” he asked.

“I can’t.” Frank opened the bedroom door, shutting it immediately behind him.  He saw Ellen, her back faced him. She stared out the window. “El?”

Ellen turned around. Her cheek swollen, her lip bloody. Her face truly reflecting the wounds of her battle.

“Oh my God.” Frank ran to her. He gently cupped her face in his hands. “I’m so sorry.” He kissed her cheek. “I’m so sorry he hurt you.” More than anything Frank wanted to take it all away from Ellen. His eyes weld with tears of anger and sorrow when he saw what his brother had actually done to her. He released his hands from her face and tried to hold her, but Ellen stepped away. “What’s wrong?”

“Don’t you touch me.”

“O.K.” Frank believed he understood why. He held his hands up. “I won’t touch you. Can we sit?”

With a look of disgust, Ellen’s bruised lips parted and she shook her head at him. “Get out, Frank. I want you to leave. In fact, I don’t I want to see you again. What’s the distance from north to south in Beginnings? Ten miles? Try to stay that distance from me.” She turned from him.

“What?” Frank grabbed hold of her arm. He spoke soft. “El, look, you’ve been through a really bad time.”

Ellen ripped her arm away from his grip then followed with a pummeling arm-down that pushed him back. “Why are you talking to me like that? Am I standing here crying, am I standing here traumatized? No!”

“El, I understand what you are . . .”

“You don’t understand shit!”

“Can you please . . .” Frank closed his eyes. “Can you tell me why you are so mad at me?”

“I’m pissed at what you did to Robbie. Your brother.”

Frank’s body jolted as he tried to speak. Her words had shocked him. “What? What I did to my brother? What about what he did to you. Look at you.”

“Robbie didn’t know what he was . . .”

“Robbie knew exactly what he was doing. Don’t defend him. Don’t.” Frank’s hand cut through the air. “You have always defended him. Well this time, El, he didn’t rip off a drug store. This time, El, he didn’t steal the neighbor’s car. This time . . . he hurt you.”

“You don’t know.”

“Know what!” Frank threw his hands up. “That he tried to rape you?”

Ellen closed her eyes tightly at the ugliness of that word. “It was not his fault. He’s not the blame.”

“How can Robbie not be to blame for attacking you? How! Explain that to me.” Frank lowered his voice to a raspy whisper. “And don’t you let me hear you blame yourself.”

“Why not? Huh? Why not blame us all, Frank. You, me, Dean, the whole lot of you that strived to get him out of containment. The whole bunch that insisted that he was ready when he wasn’t.” Ellen’s strong words streamed together emotionally. “And I knew. I knew he could snap. And I led him on. Intentionally or not, I did. And look what happened. Then, then instead of just stopping it. You went after him, Frank. You beat him like I have never seen you beat a man before! Your brother. A brother that spent five years searching for you. Living in a world so horrible that we avoid it.”

“And you think I give a shit about that?” Frank stepped to her. “Do you he deserves my pity? Let me tell you something El, he doesn’t. And whether we live in a TV fuckin perfect old-style world, or the hell on earth we’re in now, my reaction still would have been the same. I still would have gone after him because he was wrong. Wrong.”

“No, you’re wrong. And you don’t see it because it’s what you do.” With edge and severity, Ellen delivered her words. “You go in and ‘right’ a wrong, without regards to who they are or how you stop them. You’re cold and ruthless and you love it. And somewhere in that sick, demented mind you get off on the fact that you think you’re a hero. I got news for you, Frank, you’re not a hero and you certainly aren’t . . .”

“Ellen.” The door to the bedroom flung open and Dean stormed in. “That’s enough. Stop it. Don’t say another word to this man. He saved your life. If it wasn’t for him you would have been raped. Or worse, dead. Now whether I like him or not, I will not let you degrade what he did for you.”

The sneer on Ellen’s face said it all as she glared at Dean then Frank and backed up to the door. “Both of you can get the hell out of my life. I have to find Joe. We have to deal with Robbie.”

Dean reached out and stopped her. His voice softened. “Robbie’s . . . been dealt with. He’s . . . he’s gone, El.”

Ellen’s eyes grew wide and her aching body trembled. Stumbling some in her turn, Ellen took off from the room, charged down the steps and out the front door. Every pounding footstep to Frank’s jeep hurt, but she had to continue on.

The keys were still in the ignition when she jumped inside. And without a second thought and ignoring the calls from Dean and Frank, Ellen sped off.

There wasn’t a part of Ellen’s body that didn’t hurt with the strong pounding of her heart. Centered on getting to the hanger, she drove despite the fact her left vision was blurred. But her determination proved futile fast. Not even a quarter mile up the hill that led to the hanger Ellen knew that the painful end had come. She heard the noise and saw the lights from the rising helicopter. She stopped the jeep and jumped out, trying to call out, but it was useless. The helicopter kept on lifting. It was over. A very traumatic turn in all of their lives had come to an end. Robbie was gone.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

May 31st

Frank rolled his head to work out the kinks in his neck. The sun shone bright through the closed blinds in Ellen’s bedroom. The chair he had slept in the whole night, seemed soft at first, but grew harder as the night went on. Of course, he did not get much sleep. Whenever he seemed to doze off, the vision of Robbie on top of Ellen crashed into his mind, making him sit straight up. Every time he closed his eyes he saw that, he heard Ellen’s screaming. Frank angered inside, along with hurt.

He rested his elbows on his knees as he stared upon Ellen. His fingertips touching his nose as he rocked back and forth. She looked peaceful as she slept. Lying on her stomach, her nude back barely covered with a sheet. The bruises from the night before were predominant and a painful reminder of what had happened.

Slowly he stood from the chair, walked over to the bed and crouched down by her pillow. Ellen faced the other way, her hair flowed back to him. Just to see if she was all right. Frank lifted his hand to her.

Ellen jolted awake by the light touch of his fingers. She tried to lift suddenly but her sore body stopped her. With a moan, she plopped back down and opened her eyes. “Frank?”

He let out a slight joking breath. “For a second I thought you were gonna call me Dean.”

“Where is he?”

“Working.”

“Why aren’t you?”

“Because I got someone to fill in for me. It was either me or my dad sitting with you. Someone had to be here.”

“I don’t need anyone.” Ellen lifted her eyes catching glimpse of her robe on the headboard. She pulled it down as she struggled and rolled over. Bringing her robe to her, she painfully sat up. “I thought I made that clear last night.”

Frank nodded and stood up. “Yep. You did. Right before we found you passed out in the jeep.”

“I’m fine now.” Ellen put on her robe and rose from the bed closing it. “You can go.”

“Nope. What do you need?”

“For you to go.”

Frank tossed his hands up. “I’m not. You’re hurt. You need someone here. You can talk or ignore me. Don’t matter. I’m staying, So . . . what do you need. Want breakfast, coffee . . .”

“I want to take a shower.” Ellen walked across her bedroom. “Does Dean know you’re here?”

“Dean doesn’t have a choice. He didn’t last night. He doesn’t now.”

Ellen stopped and looked back at him. “How can you say that? Dean lives here. He lives with me. If anyone doesn’t have a choice, it’s you, Frank. You’re the outsider here.”

Frank kept his emotions in check. His jaw twitched slightly as he stepped to her, but he hid it well. “You know, you can lash out at me all you want. Just know that I can take it. If it helps you feel better, do it. Say whatever you want. In fact . . .” He walked to the chair he spent the night in and bent down to the floor, lifting a tablet. “I’ve been writing down things I want to tell you. Here . . .” He ripped the top two sheets and handed the tablet to Ellen. “Why don’t you write down everything you hate about me. Anything. Write it. Feel better.”

Ellen glared at him, tablet in her hand. Then without saying anything else, she slammed the tablet into his chest and walked from the bedroom to the bathroom.

She shut the door, and after immediately starting the shower, she reached for the medicine cabinet. She opened it, retrieved her toothbrush and got it ready. As she opened her mouth to brush, her jaw locked. Pain shot through. It was bad enough she couldn’t open her mouth, but the burning as the toothpaste hit the corner of her lips, made her cringe. Ellen rinsed. The cold water felt good.

As she stood up straight and closed the mirror, she caught glimpse of her reflection. Her face looked much worse than it had the night before. The entire left side of her face looked like something from a horror movie. Her eye slightly closed, a small cut above her eyebrow. Her cheek bone swelled some, but was encircled by a huge, blue bruise. And the corner of her mouth was entirely red. The more she stared, the angrier she became. If her face looked like that how bad was the rest of her? Ellen undid the robe and looked down at her naked body. It was worse. She slid her had across her abdomen, and covered her mouth. Her hand trembled across her bruised lips. Taking a deep breath, she pulled herself together. “I will not let this get to me,” she spoke out loud. “I will not.” She dropped off her robe, turned on the water, and stepped cautiously into the warm shower.

***

Robbie groaned once, a painful soft moan that vibrated his whole body. His face felt the cold and hard ground. Yet as he opened one eye, he did not see the wilderness that he had anticipated. The vision before him, a red speckled linoleum floor, was not what he expected. He lay on his stomach, arms stretched above his head. He lifted his head once, the dried blood that had formed between his nostril and the floor acted as an adhesive.

Robbie sat up, he wiped his nose with the back of his hand, it still trickled blood. The bridge of his nose throbbed in pain and he could not breathe through it. He knew for sure it was broken.

What had happened? Where was he? He looked around the room. It was a large quiet room. Shelves filled with books, and long tables scattered about. An old library. The dust was so thick, it floated through the air and could be seen in the rays of the sun as it peeked through the board covered windows.

He remembered in his mind the night before, or at least he thought it was the night before. The vision of Miguel holding him down as Henry injected him with something in the neck. The night would forever be hard to forget. The overwhelming after-effects of the pulverization he took from Frank started to hit him, and Robbie lifted himself from the floor.

The room nor the building looked familiar. Robbie staggered around, his mouth was dry and he needed something to drink. Then it dawned on him, maybe Beginnings had changed their minds. Maybe they never removed him from the community, but placed him instead in some sort of prison.

Robbie lifted a chair that lay on its side. He plopped his sore body in it, taking deep breaths, because breathing was difficult. As he rested his head back, the door of the room opened. A figure of a man appeared. The sun shined brightly behind him causing the man to look like a shadow. The man was big, very big.

Robbie squinted to the figure as he walked in the room. “Frank?” he called out. “Frank is that you?”

***

Joe was on his way into the lab to speak to Dean when he heard the breaking of glass. He thought he heard some sort of mumbled obscenity following it, but he wasn’t sure. He hesitated in his walk in when he saw Dean trying to clean up a spill, then get so frustrated he had to stop to bury his face in his hands.

Joe continued in, laying a hand on Dean’s back as he stood next to him. “How you holding up?”

Sliding his fingertips down his face, Dean gazed up to Joe. “Not well.”

“I know that.”

“But I bet . . . probably not as well as Ellen.”

“Have you been back home today?” Joe asked.

“Oh, yeah. Several times. And several times she threw me out.” Dean shrugged. “I guess that’s to be expected. Last I was there she was working on some ‘reasons why I hate Frank and Dean’ list.”

“Ah, therapy.” Joe nodded and smiled a forced smile.

“Joe.” Dean leaned on the counter. “I am so sorry about your family. All the way around.”

“I am too. I’ve seen better days. Then again, I’ve seen worse.”

“Amen to that.” Andrea’s comment rang in the room as she walked in. “I just got back from examining Ellen. Curious?”

“Absolutely.” Dean said. “How is she doing?”

“Well.” Andrea nodded. “Hurting, sore. She won’t come in for an x-ray. But she’ll heal.”

“What about emotionally?” Joe asked. “Did she say anything to you? I mean when I was there, she seemed fine.”

“She is,” Andrea said. “Ellen has this unnerving ability to be very . . . cold. She doesn’t love anymore so therefore she doesn’t get hurt. A very distinctive defense mechanism that she has fine tuned through the years. She doesn’t know how to be any other way. So this isn’t bothering her. And if it did, she’s working through it. Compiling some sort of list.”

“Still?” Dean asked surprised. “Swell. I don’t want to see it.”

“I don’t think she plans on showing you.” Andrea smiled. “But my concern doesn’t just lie with Ellen . . .” She turned to Joe. “It lies with you as well, Joe. How are you handling all this?”

“Handling.” Joe nodded. “It’s a good thing I firmly believe obstacles and heartaches that don’t break us . . . make us strong.”

So impressed Andrea looked “Joe, that was very good.”

“Thanks. It’s a Joe quote.” He nodded then turned serious. “But I’ll tell ya, right now with all that’s happened, according to my quote,  I should be Hercules.”

***

Paul looked around his house, he couldn’t believe what had happened. Robbie was gone. It all seemed like a bad dream. George coming to the home the night before to gather Robbie’s things. Calmly, being such the politician, George told Paul the reason. Robbie had attacked Ellen. Paul had a hard time believing that because Robbie was so into Ellen. He thought it was some sort of mistake. The details were skim. Robbie was with Ellen. Ellen called out for help. Frank showed up. Paul’s mind wandered to the defense of his friend. Perhaps Frank misunderstood the situation. Robbie had adjustment problems, and a short fuse, but would he risk what he had searched so long for? Paul kept coming up with the answer ‘no’.

He began to debate in his mind if it was time for him also to leave Beginnings. He had accepted the fact that they ousted people, he knew that. He couldn’t accept the fact that they ousted Robbie. A line had to be drawn somewhere. In Paul’s mind he believed Beginnings crossed that line when they tossed Robbie back into a world that was so harsh.

“Hello?” Michelle called from the front door that was open. “Paul, are you here?”

“Michelle, hi.”

“I had to see it for myself. I had to see if it was true. Robbie’s really gone.” Michelle folded her arms close to her and hung her head down.

“I can’t believe it myself. You were friends with him also. Did you see it coming? I didn’t. I know Robbie was short tempered, but to try to rape Ellen?”

“No. Not with how he felt about Ellen. Something is not right. Robbie wouldn’t jeopardize losing the family he looked for. You know I wouldn’t doubt at all if Frank set this whole thing up. Walked in, busted Robbie and Ellen . . .”

“Toss Robbie out.” Paul finished her sentence. “But . . . who are we to say anything?”

“Certainly not originals.” Michelle said.

“And neither was Robbie,” sadly Paul stated.

“I wish there was some way to help him. I really do.”

“I know what you mean.” Paul said. “Who knows, maybe, maybe someday, somehow we’ll get that chance.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

“So how long were you in the community?” The burly man with long red hair and whiskers asked Robbie as he handed him a cup of water.

“Thanks.” Robbie took the water, he gulped it down, it was bitter, and his face showed it. “About four weeks, maybe five. I don’t know.”

“That long? Never heard of anyone being there that long and being ousted. About thirty who were ousted live here.”

“Here? Where is here?”

“A small town ‘bout forty miles or so from the community.”

“So that’s where they dropped me.” Robbie grunted as he stood up, holding on to his side. His ribs had also been broken. “They dropped off a kid here a little while back. A kid named Jason. Know him?”

“Yes. But the kids not all there. He comes and goes all the time. But they didn’t drop you here. We heard the chopper last night. Figured they were ousting someone. We got on the horses and followed, got you and brought you here.”

“Is this some sort of place the rejects hang?” Robbie was sarcastic but realized it wasn’t warranted. The man was being hospitable. “Sorry, I’m just angry.”

“Understandable, and pretty beat up too. Never seen that before either.”

“Well it’s all a big misunderstanding. I know it is. I just got to get back there.”

“They don’t make mistakes. And going back there won’t make a difference, some of us had tried. They don’t care. They won’t let you back in.”

“They’ll let me back in.”

“And what makes you so special?”

“ My name is Robbie Slagel. I have a right to be in there. And I’m gonna go back there as soon as my body heals. Can I stay here until then?”

“Sure. I’ll even help you get back there, on one condition.”

“What’s that?” Robbie apprehensively asked.

“That you come back here and join us if they turn you away. I need bodies. Bodies to do what I want to do. I call myself Moses, because I plan on leading these people to the promised land. That land is Beginnings.”

“You plan to storm Beginnings one day?”

“I do. When I have enough people. And trust me they will regret it.” Moses held out his hand to Robbie. “Well Mr. Slagel, what is your answer?”

“If they turn me away I will be back. Without a doubt.” Certain that he would not have to return, Robbie sealed his promise with a firm handshake. He needed Moses and his town so he could build up his strength. Strength to go back and reclaim his place in Beginnings, and strength to fight Beginnings if they refused to let him back.

***

Dean expected the house to be quieter when he returned home that evening for what seemed the tenth time. Quiet was not what Dean got, he was immediately pummeled by his screaming children the second he stepped into his home.

“Daddy . . .Daddy.” Alexandra jumped in his arms.

“Where’s Mommy?”

Ellen stepped from the kitchen into the dining area holding plates. “You’re back.”

“What are you doing out of bed?”

Alexandra grabbed Dean’s nose and squeezed. “Mommy fell down a hill.”

“Yes, I know sweetie.” Dean removed her pinching hand and put her down. “Where’s Frank? Tell me he’s not upstairs rearranging my stuff.”

“Frank left awhile ago.” Ellen placed the forks down. “The kids are starving. I’m glad you’re here to do the meal thing.”

Dean ignored her dinner conversation. “He left you alone?”

“No Dean, I haven’t been alone. Everyone and their mother stopped by today. Frankly, I’m sick of people.”

“I’m here now, why don’t you go upstairs and get some rest.”

“No, I don’t want to rest. I’m going out for a walk.” Ellen walked past him to the living room, she bent down and kissed her kids. “Mommy won’t be long. She’ll be right back.” She quickly headed to the door.

Dean ran to her, stopping her. “El, don’t go out. Come on. Stay home. We’ll talk. You can . . .” Dean smiled. “Show me the ‘Dean hate’ list.”

“Dean, I’m sorry. But I need to get out of this house. I have been here all day. I’ve had people in and out asking me how I’m doing. Giving me looks of pity. I had a bad experience, yes. I need to get over it. Now laying around and feeling sorry for myself, isn’t going to do it. I need to put it behind me.”

“El, please.” Dean tried to be soothing. “I understand what you are saying. Fine, get over it, but do it after you’ve rested for a few days. Look at your face.” He ran his hand down her cheek. “You’re hurt. This was not a minor thing that happened to you.”

“You don’t think, Dean? Compared to what has happened in my life time it is.” Ellen began to leave but stopped. “Dean, look, I know what you and everyone else is trying to do. I appreciate it, I do. But I have to get through this my own way.”

“Is forgetting that it happened the way to do it?”

“Trust me, I’ll never forget it happened. But I fought too hard to get where I am in my life now. I can’t, for a second, let this pull me back.” Ellen opened the door. “I won’t be long. I promise. I just want to go off by myself for awhile.”

Ellen knew where to go, the only place in the whole community that she felt peace at. A place she called ‘the hill’. She had to borrow a jeep to get close enough to walk there. But it was worth it. Off by the security training area, it was far enough away, yet high enough to see everything afoot. It was peaceful and quiet and lonely. Standing in the grassy area of ‘the hill’ Ellen paced slightly in thought.

“I kind of figured this is where you would be,” Frank called to her. “I went back to your house, you were gone. Dean said you wanted to be alone.”

Ellen turned her head back to him. “At the risk of sounding sarcastic, why are you here then?”

“Something’s bothering me and it can’t wait.”

Ellen, arms folded tight to her, stared out. She heard the rustling of papers but feared turning around.

“See. I have a problem with number fourteen. What the hell else am I supposed to do with my fingernails after I bite them? You have to spit them out. Number three . . . I laughed, I agree. But number forty-eight. I have to argue on that. No way . . .”

“Frank.” Ellen gasped out his name then turned around. “You can’t argue my ‘things I hate about you’ list.” Ellen walked up to him and snatched it from his hand. “And what are you doing with it anyhow?”

“Dean had his.”

“I don’t care.”

“I thought, you know, we could compare our lists.”

Ellen was surprised. “You made a list of things you hate about me?”

“Well, yeah. I thought that’s what we were doing.” He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. “Wanna see?”

“Yes.” Ellen snapped and took the sheet. “At least it’s not six pages.” She unfolded it and stared. She turned it over. “Frank? It’s . . . blank.”

“That’s because there’s nothing I hate about you.”

Ellen cringed and whined loudly. “Now see. See.” She stomped. “This right here is the exact reason I put that one thing on my list.”

“Number twenty-seven. You hate me because I’m sensitive.”

Ellen laughed. “That is not what it said. I said I hate you because no matter what, you always know what to do and what to say to get to me. Even if it’s all an act.” She shook her head at the blank sheet of paper. “Now I feel really bad about my list.”

“Um El? That’s uh . . . the point.” Frank winked as if he let her in on a punch line she didn’t quite understand.

“I know that.” She handed the paper back to him. “Do you realize how good the blank paper idea was?”

“Hell yeah,” Frank said. “You should have heard Andrea going on about how sweet of an idea it was when Dean told her he was gonna do it. So I said, ‘No fuckin way is he getting one up on me.’”

“You overheard Dean telling Andrea he was giving me a blank hate list.”

“Yeah.”

“And you stole it from him?” Ellen stepped close to Frank. “You stole Dean’s win-me-over idea?”

“Yeah.”

“Oh my God, Frank. That is so wrong.”

“So is making a hate list.”

“You told me to.”

“I didn’t mean it.”

Ellen went silent as she stared up at him. “And I didn’t mean . . . I didn’t mean a lot of what I said last night. I was angry, I was hurt. My body ached . . .”

“El. Don’t worry about it.”

“I have to.” Ellen softened her voice. “Frank, you’ve come to my rescue more times than I can count. And just so you know how I feel. Really feel. Every time you charge in and save the day, you are no less than a hero. My hero. Always.”

Frank raised his eyebrows slowly one time and shifted his weight to one foot. He looked up to the sky then back down to Ellen. “Nice try.”

Ellen mouth dropped open in shock.

Frank closed it. “Nope. You were right. I have to admit. Nothing’s like it.” Frank took on a phony arrogant tone. “Yep. Run in, be the hero. Run home . . .” Frank cleared his throat. “And whack off. I do get off on being the hero, you know.”

Slowly Ellen shook her head with a soft chuckle. She let a moment of silence pass and she looked up to Frank. “I really miss you.”

The heavy breath of relief Frank let out brought him closer to Ellen. His hands hovered over her face and his lips over hers. He waited until he knew Ellen wasn’t pulling back and then he laid his hands to her cheeks and spread his fingers to feel her entire face. He brought his lips to Ellen’s and kissed her as gently as he could without hurting her. But that one barely touching kiss was filled with the intensity of his emotions that seeped through. “I love you.” He stared at her. “This has been a pretty rough month for us. And last night was the end to that. It was painful. I want to get through this with you. I need to. And I swear to God, everything’s that happened with Robbie, my stand, your stand. We have to put it behind us and never . . . look back. Because it’s over.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

June 7th

The fluttering of the horse’s mouth sent a foul stench of air blasting toward Robbie. He quickly turned his head from the odor, holding on to the reigns trying to keep control of the black horse loaned to him by Moses. “Easy.” He pet the head of the horse.

“Got everything?” Moses secured Robbie’s pack behind the saddle of the horse.

“Yes. I think.”

“Now, she’s watered and fed. Keep a good steady pace and you should hit Beginnings in a few hours. The way that I mapped out for you should take you to the southwest section of the perimeter. It’s about two miles south of the back gate. Got it?”

“Got it.” Robbie placed his foot in the stirrup and mounted the horse. The horse jumped back a little.

“It’s gonna be difficult with you leaving at night. But that fancy watch you have has a light on its compass. Stay steady east, don’t wander left or right. About two thirds of your way there, if you are correct, you’ll hit the highway. It’s easy from there on. Are you sure you wouldn’t want to wait until sun up?”

“No. I want to get there at sun up. It’s best.” Robbie was ready to go. “Now what am I gonna do with the horse?”

“If they let you in, there’s a lot of trees there, tie her to a tree. If we don’t hear from you in say ten hours, we’ll fetch her. I hope if you make it in there you’ll remember us.”

“No problem.” Robbie reached down his hand. “If I don’t, I’ll be back.”

Moses shook Robbie’s hand and with a firm whack, smacked the horse on its backside to send it running off.

Robbie was on his way. With all the skills he had acquired in his life, and the instincts he had developed on his search for his family, he knew finding Beginnings would not be a problem. He had given his body time to heal and hopefully, Beginnings time to cool down. He knew the first person he would see would be Frank, so on his journey, in his mind, he searched for the right words to say.

But what could Robbie say? He had made a huge mistake. One he regretted and he wished he hadn’t done. One he would have to talk his way out of. Robbie was certain that he could talk to Frank. Frank was his brother, his flesh and blood.

Robbie held high hopes that he wouldn’t be let down. Things can always be forgiven. He just needed the chance. The entire way back to Beginnings, he kept that in his mind.

***

The horrendous dream Ellen was having about Robbie made her abruptly awake. But the sudden sitting up in bed caused the overwhelming feeling of nausea. Her stomach churned and her mouth salivated. Ellen jumped from bed and bolted to the bathroom, shut the door, slid to the floor, hugged the commode, and threw up.

Dean looked up to the ceiling when he heard the familiar routine. The same thing he had heard every single morning. Just as the coffee was finishing, and Dean was going up to wake Ellen, it happened. The running footsteps, the slamming of the bathroom door, the clank of the toilet seat, and the not-so-subtle sound of Ellen up-heaving. He knew what was causing it. The suppressed emotional after effects of her trauma were spewing their way out somehow. And in a way she bodily couldn’t control. Too much time had passed and Dean knew how wrong it would be for him to let it go on any longer without saying anything. He placed down her coffee mug and walked upstairs. “El?” He knocked on the bathroom door, calling softly to her. “El, are you O.K.?”

“Fine.” Ellen’s voice echoed in the toilet bowl.

“El you are not fine, you’re sick. Maybe you should see Andrea today.” He leaned against the bathroom door.

“Dean!” Ellen held tighter to the rim, her eyes watered as she fought desperately the dry heaves that happened upon her. “Please leave me alone. I’m fine.”

“I’m not so sure.”

Ellen rolled her eyes and she struggled with that knot that formed as her stomach fought to empty contents that were not there. Finally, it subsided. Ellen stood up slowly, flushed the toilet, washed her face, rinsed her mouth with water and brushed her teeth. When she opened the bathroom door, Dean was still standing there. “Dean, go away.”

“No. Look at you. You look terrible.”

“Gee thanks. I knew I could count on you to give a good compliment.” She moved to the bedroom.

“El, I didn’t mean it like that.” Dean followed her. “I’m concerned. O.K., how’s this . . . you look . . . you look really bad.” Dean nodded. “Better?”

Ellen grunted, walked past him to her bedroom and shut the door.

***

Frank found himself trying to remember the names of all of his high school teachers. It was a way to wake up his mind because the coffee wasn’t doing the trick. Not often did he carry his coffee with him when he walked rounds checking on the perimeters. But he did on that morning, mug in hand, clipboard in the other. He was tired and his body moved like it. Not getting much sleep the night before was the reason. A pseudo problem at containment got Ellen out of her home in the middle of the night and Frank the chance to be with her. It was the same thing they had done for so many years and the thing Frank vowed he wanted to stop. But they were at it again, back to sneaking around. But this time they just talked all night.

Taking slow steps, hoping the caffeine from his two cups of coffee would kick in, Frank checked the back gate.

“Frank,” a voice whispered out to him.

Frank heard it. He was surprised. Who was calling his name at six-thirty in the morning?

“Frank.”

It happened again. Frank looked around, he didn’t see anyone. Now he’s had it. Not only was Ellen driving him nuts, she was making him hear voices too.

“Hello, Frank.”

The unmistakable voice. Frank was looking in the wrong direction. He was looking within the perimeter, not outside of it. As he turned to the voice a burning sensation went through him. He could feel his body temperature rise. Robbie was approaching the fence. Frank swallowed once. A shock took over him, he could not move. He couldn’t believe that Robbie was actually standing there. “How did you find your way back?” he asked coldly.

“It wasn’t too difficult.” Robbie neared the fence, but not too near, he knew what would happen if he touched it.

“I suggest you back off and return to where you came from.”

“I can’t. I came here to talk to you, to talk to Dad. I want to explain.”

“Explain what?” Frank grew angrier. “Explain how you beat up and almost raped Ellen? Got news for you Robbie. There is none.”

“Frank, I swear . . .” Robbie stepped closer, when he saw Frank reach for his gun he put his hands up. “It wasn’t what you think. Just please talk to me.”

“No. Leave.”

“Frank, if you won’t listen get Dad. I know he will.”

“If you think for one second anyone is gonna listen to you, you’re crazier than I thought. You’re gone, Robbie. Gone. And you’re not getting back in. I’ll see you dead before I let that happen.”

“Just listen to me.”

“There’s nothing to listen to.” Frank turned and began to walk.

“It wasn’t what you think, Frank.” Robbie talked fast, trying to get all his words in. “It wasn’t supposed to get like that. I admit it got out of hand . . .”

“Got out of hand? Is that what you call it? Walk away now, Robbie. You’re my brother, I let you live once, I promise you, I won’t let you live again.” Frank meant the words he spoke. He was not giving any idle warning. He slowly walked away.

“Frank!” Robbie called out. The further Frank walked, the angrier Robbie grew. His temper took over. “Frank!”

Frank ignored him.

Robbie wanted to slam the fence in frustration, he couldn’t. His rage spewed forth through words. “Frank do you think that was the first time I was with her? I fucked her before. Why do you think she wanted me to stay in containment?”

Frank stopped cold in his tracks. He felt as if every ounce of blood in his body rushed suddenly to his face. It burned in anger. In one movement Frank sprang his revolver from his shoulder harness and rushed the fence. “Back away from the fuckin’ fence! Now!” Frank’s words were strong as he shouted them.

“I’m sorry, Frank!” Robbie held his hands up.

“I will give you three seconds to get your ass out of here. If you are not moving in three seconds, I will blow you away!” Frank steadily held the gun. “One!” He pointed the gun. “Two!” He clicked back the hammer, and took a deep breath. “Three.” As Frank’s finger began to depress the trigger, Robbie took off into the woods. With the sound of a horses ‘nay’ and subsequent trotting, Frank relaxed his arm, and put the revolver back. Regaining his composure, but heart still racing, Frank left to seek out his father.

***

Ellen carried an armful of hospital gowns into the examining room. She smiled at Andrea who leaned against the counter writing in a chart. “Enjoy your break while you can. Five more just showed up.” She turned to leave again. “Happy annual physical week.”

“Ellen.” Andrea called softly as she worked. “Please have a seat.”

“Sure.”

“Shut the door.”

“Why?” Ellen questioned then saw Andrea look up with a smile. “Oh! You need my help as community counselor. No problem.” Ellen shut the door, and walked over to Andrea.

“How are you feeling?” Andrea asked.

“Huh? Oh, fine.” Ellen nodded. “What seems to be on your mind?” Ellen was impressed with how professional she sounded.

“I don’t want to talk about me.” Andrea closed the chart and faced Ellen. “I want to talk about you. Dean says you’ve been throwing up a lot lately.”

“Oh he’s nuts I have not. Today I did, that’s because Henry made these really gross ginger flavored rice cakes. They didn’t agree with me.” Ellen smiled. “Is that all?”

“So, your holding in the trauma hasn’t anything to do with.”

“Absolutely not.” Ellen said assuredly. “How can it. I’m healing. I no longer look like Quasimodo. I’m energetic and I don’t think about it. So . . .” She tossed her hands up. “No worrying.”

“Good.”

“See ya.” Ellen moved to the door.

“Are you pregnant?” Andrea watched Ellen’s hesitation in her exit. “Ellen?” Andrea was taken aback when she saw Ellen turn around with a horrified look on her face. “You are.” She gasped out. “Ellen, why didn’t you tell me? We have to monitor it.”

Ellen swallowed and stepped closer. “I was going to. But I thought I was going to lose the baby after the Robbie thing. I didn’t.”

“So you’ve known for a little while. How long?”

Ellen peered up to the ceiling then back to Andrea. “Well, when I missed my first period, I thought it was stress. Then when the second didn’t come I got suspicious. But as soon as I neared the third I knew I . . .”

“Three missed periods? Sweet Jesus, Ellen, you know what this means. This baby cannot possibly be Dean’s.”

Ellen cringed. “I know. Why else do you think I haven’t said anything?”

“Well you better say something soon. It won’t be long before you can’t. And . . .” Andrea waved a motherly finger. “Don’t even try to pull one over on Dean. Even if that boy lost count and thinks this baby is early, he’s gonna know the second that baby is born weighing ten pounds and covered in black fur.”

Ellen’s eyes closed and she let out an airy chuckle. “Andrea I’m going to tell them both. Soon. O.K.? Just don’t say anything until I do.”

“Oh, no I won’t.” Andrea folded her arms with an ornery smile. “We don’t have much entertainment in Beginnings. And don’t think I’m not gonna enjoy, like a good book or movie, sitting back and watching this one unfold.”

Ellen nodded her head to Andrea in a sarcastic ‘thank you’. She knew she could count on Andrea’s motherly support.

***

“Son of a bitch!” Joe wiped the just splashed coffee from his white shirt as he and George walked to the door of his office. “I can’t make it a single morning without doing this.”

“That’s what you get, for walking and drinking.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Joe reached for his doorknob. “You’d think I’d learn by now.”

“Hey Joe, is that Frank coming this way?”

Joe turned around to look as the door flung open. “Sure is. What’s he doing over here at this time of the morning?” Joe walked into his office.

“Don’t you want to know what he wants?” George followed him.

“He can come in here and tell me. I hope it’s not about the dead squirrels again. It really burns my ass that he bitches about them.” Joe sat down at his desk. “Besides, we have a ton of things to sort out and get to.”

“Dad!” Frank threw open the office door.

“Frank.” Joe looked up at him. “If it’s about the squirrels again. I’m not in the mood.”

“No it’s not. I need you to get Henry over here. I have to talk to all three of you.”

Joe shook his head. “Can’t do that. Henry’s over at school, the air conditioning is out. We don’t want to burn up the kids.” He then noticed the look on his son’s face. “What’s wrong, Frank? I can get him here in a couple hours.”

“Please. Just let me know when.” Frank, frustrated, began to leave the office.

“Why, what’s wrong?”

Frank stopped. “I’ll get more into it later, but we may have a problem. Robbie just came back.”

***

From the stack of routine blood work requisitions, Dean lifted his head to the soft shuffling that began in the lab. Slowly he turned his stool around and chuckled when he saw Ellen standing there. “Why are you sneaking? I’m not that busy.” He turned back to the requisitions.

“I have to take care of something. I’ll be back.”

“Nothing’s wrong right?”

Ellen moved closer. “Nothing. No. Then I’ll help you get through these. I promise.” She laid her hand on the stack.

Dean caught glimpse of her left hand, still wearing the ring. He lifted her fingers. “I was thinking. If you want to, we can cut this off.”

“What? No. No.” Ellen shook her head and pulled her hand back. “I just . . . the answer hinges on a lot. There’s a problem that has to be dealt with.”

“I know.” Dean nodded. “That’s why I haven’t said anything about wanting an answer. But El?” He stood up. “Can I just say something? You know I love you. But I just need for you to know I’m not expecting you to say yes because you have this great love for me. I know how you are. You give emotionally all that you can. And to me . . . that says a lot. I want you to say yes because you want to settle. Build a foundation. Have security again. We have a family. We have a friendship so . . . we have a lot.”

Ellen inhaled and reached her hand up to Dean’s cheek. “You’re making this difficult for me.” She stepped back and walked to the door.

“You’re turning me down.”

Ellen paused and turned around shaking her head. “I don’t deserve the way you are to me. And . . . I have things to resolve. If they resolve correctly, and your offer still stands, then my answer will be yes.”

***

“Here you go, Frank.” John Matoose walked into Frank’s office. He dropped a stack of books on his desk. “Manuals for the Darwin Perimeter beams, reflectors and catches. Also, Henry’s homemade manuals for those retractor beams.”

“Thanks.” Frank moved the stack and spread out a map.

John peered at what Frank was doing. “We re-doing the perimeters?”

“I want to have a grasp, refresher on weak areas and such.”

“Always good.” John backed up.

“Oh, hey John. Question.” Frank sat down behind his desk. “I don’t bother much with how mechanical is run. But, uh . . . how much would say the average mechanical division worker know about the beams and perimeters?”

“Average?” John laughed. “There’s only four of us.”

“O.K., well, then say, Scott. How much does he know?”

John shrugged. “He knows as much as he wants to know. It’s all up there. And speaking of which, I have to head back. Return those.” John pointed and turned to walk out the open office door. He nearly bumped into Ellen. “Hey, El.”

“John.” Ellen stepped in the office and closed the door.

“El?” Frank raised his eyes to her. “What’s up?”

“Oh nothing.” Still leaning, she looked innocent.

“El, come on. I love spending time with you, but I’m busy. What is it?”

“You know what? I’ll come back later.” She turned her back.

“You came up here for something, what is it?” He demanded.

“O.K. I did.” She took a deep breath. “We have a problem.”

‘Slam’ Frank’s hand hit hard on the desk. “Jesus Christ! What is it now?! What the fuck else can go wrong today!” Frank’s loud voice blasted Ellen.

“No, no.” Ellen held up her hands. “This is not a good time. I’ll talk to you later.”

“You have me fired up already, tell me now!”

“Frank forget it.”

“El!”

“I’m pregnant.” Ellen cringed as the words slipped from her mouth.

Frank slowly stood up, he walked around his desk. “Can you repeat that please?”

“I said . . . I’m pregnant. About three months.” She cringed again, leaning further to the door. “I know this isn’t what you want. I know you’re pissed, but I needed you to know before I told Dean. I think, no, I know, after his initial shock, he’ll raise the baby. So don’t worry.”She knew Frank’s eyes were on her and focused. She wanted to run with each taunting step he took to her.

“I’m gonna be a father again?” He laid his hands on her face, pressed his lips hard to her, then released her as hard as he kissed her, sending her a foot back. “This is so fuckin’ great.” He shook his head laughing. “Let’s go.” He grabbed her hand.

“Wait. Where?”

“To get your things. You and the kids can live with me. It’ll be a little crowded with Johnny and . . .”

“No.” Ellen pulled her hand away. “You’re not supposed to want this or be happy. You never wanted a baby.”

“I just said that because I thought you stopped being fertile.”

Ellen gasped. “Obviously not. Look . . “ She grew aggravated when Frank tugged her again. “Stop it. All right. Dean doesn’t even know yet.”

“Then you tell him. Then you leave him.”

“For you?”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“El, you’re pregnant to me. You think Dean’s gonna congratulate you and pat you on the back? No. He’s gonna be pissed. You might as well tell him and get it over with.” Frank laughed in a gloating way. “You know what. Let me tell him.”

“No. I will be the one to tell him. But what makes you so sure he’s going to want to dump me. What if he doesn’t? What if he just gets mad and goes after you?”

Frank scoffed. “And do what. Poke me? Ow, Dean stop.”

“This isn’t a joke.”

“And I’m being very serious. Dean will not raise my kid. He will not live with you while you’re carrying my baby. End of story. Choose to stay with Dean and I will not make it easy.”

“This is blackmail. You want me to just turn everything and everyone’s lives upside down. It isn’t right.”

“Do you think the way we’re being is right? Do you think this will ever stop between us? Do you? It hasn’t yet. We tried. Even recently. This baby is a sign. A sign that it’s time to do things right. Tell Dean, get it out, end it and we can start our lives.”

“It’s not that easy. I need time to ease into it.”

“I’ll give you time.”

“This is going to crush him.”

“Just like it crushed me when I found out he got you pregnant.”

Ellen’s hand waved about . “This is totally different. I asked him to get me pregnant. I’m sneaking around with you.”

“And we won’t have to anymore. Why are you being like this? It’s not like he’s the love of your life.”

“Neither are you, Frank.”

Frank raised a finger and pointed with an angry glare. He moved to the door. “You have two weeks. Either you tell him or I will.” The door slammed.

***

The visibly hand painted sign greeted Robbie as he walked his horse past it. “Egypt” scribbled across the board in red letters. How ironic, that was what Moses would name his town. Then again Moses wasn’t in control of all his faculties. He wanted to lead his people. Robbie’s head hung low, almost as if he was ashamed to be returning to the town.

Moses wasn’t surprised to see him. He had sat there waiting for Robbie, his red beard dripping water from sitting in the rain. He stood up when Robbie handed him back the horse. “Didn’t quite go as you hoped, huh Robbie?”

“No.” Robbie walked past him, then into the library, the place he had grown accustomed to.

“So what now? You are joining us right?”

“I am.” He plopped down to the floor.

Moses sat next to him. “Now the way that I figure it, it will be a while. We need about forty more bodies to take that community. We have to do our own survivor pick-ups to find them.”

“Then what Moses? Are you planning to ravage the community? Burn it down, take control?”

“Yes. Why, what’s wrong with that?”

“Nothing if you want to be right where you are now. If you go in and destroy what they have, you are destroying what you want.”

Moses seemed a little confused. “I’m not getting you. How else are we supposed to get the community if we don’t destroy them first?”

“How are you supposed to survive if you destroy them?”

Moses began to point his finger at Robbie. It trembled as he spoke. “Oh no! You want me to abandon my plan don’t you? You think we’ll get wiped out. I don’t, if we outnumber them . . .”

“Listen to me. I know they won’t just let us in. We are gonna have to force them to open the gate. We can get that by taking something they have, need, and will want back. Once we have it. Then we have bargaining power. That power will get us in. That power will help us overturn them.”

“You have to get in there first before we can take anything out. I’ve seen them perimeters, how in the hell do you expect to break those?”

Robbie smiled brightly at Moses, a cocky, arrogant smile. “Moses my good man, you are lucky you found me. I can get in there without them knowing.  I know that for sure. But I need the support of you and your men. Our best weapon will our ability to not appear as a threat. Because your worst enemy is the one you least fear. Are you in?”

Moses agreed. He didn’t know all what he was agreeing about and to, but it sounded good.

***

Joe remained calm. He leaned far back in his chair, one leg crossed over, and he tapped his pencil on his desk from eraser to tip as he stared at his son. “Frank, did you expect this not to happen?”

“Well, Dad . . . yes.” Frank noticed the unaffected faces of his father, George, and Henry. “We dropped him off seventy-five miles away. I didn’t think he’d find his way back, and if he did, not this fast.”

“He’s not the first to come back.”

Frank ran his hand across the top of his hair. “I’m not understanding this. Please explain to me how you cannot see a problem here. This isn’t any survivor we’re talking about. This is Robbie. We all know of his training. We also know that he knows this community. Doesn’t anyone here find this a little threatening? Am I the only one who sees him retaliating against us?”

Henry saw that Frank was upset, he tried to calm him, using his most logical tone of voice. “Frank, look, he’s only one man. What can he do? Do you honestly feel he can bring us down? Better yet do you honestly feel he can break our perimeters? You helped set them up, design them. To be blunt, people have tried to get in, and people have . . . fried.”

George picked up where Henry left off. “Besides, by what you said, he went running. I don’t see a threat unless he comes back again. Then I might worry. Might. But if he gets in, what’s he going to do? Go after you, me, Henry or Joe? Let him. He’ll be taken down.”

Frank wasn’t buying it. His gut instinct told him differently and his body actions conveyed his feelings to the room.

Joe leaned forward and folded his arms on his desk. “I know that look, Frank. What do you need from us to make you feel at ease? Don’t go overboard now.”

Frank felt it was better than nothing, at least he was getting somewhere. “I’ll go through what I feel are our weak spots in the perimeter, see how we can strengthen them. If Robbie’s gonna break in, it won’t be during daylight. It’ll be at night and it will be there. I want Greg taken off of community day watch and put him on community watch at night. I also now want a tower person day and night, not just at night. I’ll settle for this for, but if he returns, even to the gate, I will demand more. Deal?”

Joe nodded in agreement. “Deal. I’ll give that to you now. And if Robbie does come back, we promise to be more attentive to your suggestions.”

“Thank you.” Frank folded his arms and leaned against the filing cabinet. He saw the look on his father’s face, along with the one on Henry’s and George’s. They thought he was over reacting. But Frank knew way too much about his little brother. After what Robbie went through in his search for his family, Frank was certain Robbie wasn’t going to take his rejection in stride, run away and never return,  Robbie was coming back and with a vengeance.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

June 13th

“We are not going there to attack.” Robbie told the twenty men he and Moses stood before awaiting their departure for Beginnings. “We have to give a peaceful, non-threatening appearance. Hence why we arrive during the day. They will not let us in, don’t for a second believe they will. They don’t trust us. If they see for a second we are less than sincere in our intentions, they will know we are up to something. For sure they will wipe us out. Here’s what’s going to happen. About a mile before we reach the community, we will be spotted by a tower guard. At that point we will dismount our horses and walk to the back gate. The tower guard will then inform Frank. It will take Frank approximately seven minutes to get his men to the gate, in formation, and waiting, guns in tow for us. That’s when I want us to approach.”

“Wait a second.” Moses interrupted. “We’re not armed. You said nothing about walking us up to a firing squad.”

“They won’t shoot us, Moses, trust me. We come to them in peace. We want them to look like the fools for thinking we’re a threat. We mean them no harm. Believe me, this is step one to the master plan. It will work. We will prevail.”

Moses didn’t want to give the go ahead. A part of him still didn’t trust Robbie completely. What if Robbie was a trap, sent by the community to bring them down. That would mean Moses and some of his men were walking right into it. But what if Robbie was actually on the side of Moses? If the master plan worked as Robbie intended, they would be living in Beginnings in one month’s time. The true test of Robbie would come if all went down as he said, when they arrived at the gate. Apprehensively Moses gave the order. “Mount up!”

The fifteen men mounted their horses and began to ascend to Beginnings.

***

“Joe . . . I’m pregnant.” Ellen was ready and she ducked.

Joe kept it in control. The hot coffee that he had just drank made him choke, some even seeped from his lips, but nothing sprayed out. After coughing one more time, he wiped his hand over his mouth and stared across his desk at Ellen. “You did that on purpose. You told me while I was taking a drink. And I suppose this fatherly advice you want has to do with my son?”

“Yes.”

“Forget it.” Joe took another drink. “I’m not dealing with his bad reaction. In fact, you keep having children with Dean, you’ll never be able to leave him.”

“Joe.” Ellen spoke shocked. “I need help dealing with Frank, because this baby is Frank’s.”

Joe nodded. “Have a good day.” He stood up.

“Joe wait.” Ellen followed him. “I need help. Frank’s being impossible. He’s insisting I leave Dean. He says I’m moving in with him. He gave me a time limit on telling Dean before he does. It could get ugly.”

“I see. And you don’t know how to handle him, or how to handle telling Dean.”

“Exactly.”

“Good luck.” Joe walked to his office door.

“Joe.”

“Ellen. If you weren’t screwing around with two goddamn men this wouldn’t be an issue.”

“Joe, please.” Ellen grabbed his arm as he was leaving. “I need Joe advice. Tell me what to do.”

“Fine. Tell Dean, leave Dean, leave Frank, marry Henry. He whines as much as you do and you’ll make a perfect couple.” Joe walked out.

Ellen tensed up in a growl of frustration and fled after him. Joe was going to give her the advice she wanted to hear whether he liked it or not.

***

Andrea had to know. It had been a week since the revelation of Ellen’s pregnancy and she had heard nothing. It was all quiet at the clinic front. Which wasn’t what she expected. Fights, arguments, depression, a little excitement that to Andrea, didn’t involve anyone getting hurt . . . physically. “And . . .” Andrea’s whispering voice sounded sneaky as she spoke with Dean in his lab. “Everything is O.K. on the home front?”

“Yes.” Dean nodded placing a finger to his lips and pointing at Johnny who sat writing in a corner.

“Ellen and you are fine?”

“Quiet. Things have been quiet. Ellen’s been . . . . nice.”

“Nice? Like she’s buttering up perhaps?”

“What?” Dean laughed. “No, she’s working through this problem.”

“What problem?” Andrea dug, she had to find out. Did Dean know?

“Um . . . the Robbie problem? She’s doing . . .” Dean crinkled up his face as he looked around Andrea.

“What’s wrong?”

“Frank.” Dean shook his head.

“Well, Dean, you knew it was bound to happen.”

“What are you talking about?” Dean’s eyes stayed fixed across the room.

“Huh?” Andrea peered over her shoulder to where Dean looked. Frank was looking in the closed lab door, bobbing up and down, waving his arms trying to get Johnny’s attention. “What is wrong with him?”

“He’s mentally unbalanced. Excuse me.” Dean walked across the lab and opened the door, closing it quickly behind him. “What do you want, Frank?”

“I need to speak to Johnny. I need him to pull some security hours tonight.”

“I’ll tell him. He’s taking a test.”

“I’d rather tell him, Dean. I’ll only be a minute.” Frank tried to get to the door.

Dean blocked him. “Frank. He’s taking a test. You can’t go in there.”

“Why? You think I’ll help him cheat?”

“Actually Frank, that would be a concern of mine if we were dealing with the fundamental plot structure of See Spot Run. Unfortunately we’re not. Go.”

“Man.” Frank stepped back.”You have such little-man-attitude. No wonder Ellen’s leaving you.”

Dean nodded slowly as Frank started to walk away. “You know, Frank, I would worry about that last statement if . . . Ellen didn’t tell me she was marrying me.”

It was there, but Frank tried his hardest not to let it be seen. The slowing down of his stride when Dean said that. Frank didn’t turn around, he didn’t give Dean the satisfaction of seeing his reaction. Frank kept walking.

***

Henry’s bare toes wiggled as his foot propped upon Ellen’s desk. “And look at the bruise, El.”

“Oh, my God.” Ellen shook her head at the purple circle under Henry’s big toe. “That’s terrible.”

“I know. Stomped on me. For no good reason. Jenny just walks up to me and says I work John too much and she stomps her foot on mine.”

“Jenny can be so immature. So what did you do?”

“I stomped right back on hers.”

“Good for you.” Ellen nodded.

“El.” Frank strongly called in her office causing both Ellen and Henry to shriek.

“God, Frank.” Ellen grabbed her chest.

“Yeah, Frank.” Henry put on his sock. “You shouldn’t scare her like that. The baby will be born with a shocked expression deformity.”

“You know?” Frank asked. “El, he knows. I thought you weren’t telling anyone yet.”

“Henry doesn’t count.” Ellen answered.

“I don’t count.” Henry said and bent over to put on his shoe.

“Good.” Frank stepped to Ellen’s desk and learned to her. “Then I don’t have to wait until he leaves to say this. I’m telling Dean and I’m telling him right now.” Frank’s hand hit on the desk. The slam caused an ‘ow’ from Henry who was still bent over before him.

“Frank. You promised me. I have another week.” Ellen argued. “If you tell him. I’ll tell him it’s his.”

“You would.” Frank snapped. “Just like you told him you would marry . . . Henry! Why are you staring at my crotch?”

Henry raised his eyes up, still hunched over. “I’m not Frank. I’m staring at your radio. It’s off.”

“Yeah, I know.” Frank placed his hands on his hips. “John’s taking calls for the next fifteen minutes so I can bitch at El in peace.”

Henry brought his finger closer to the radio clipped on Frank’s waist. “Well, they must want you, the pager light is blinking.”

Frank bit his lip and shook his head in disgust. “Shit.” He grabbed the radio and turned it on. “What!”

“Frank . . “ The call of his name came through with static. “This is Dan. Looks like trouble. About a half a mile from the perimeter we have a band of people, men. With horses. Looks like . . fourteen . . . no, twenty. Approaching the back gate.”

“Fuck!” Frank switched the band and spoke loudly into his radio. “Code nine. I repeat code nine. Back gate. On the double.” He hooked his radio to his belt, and backed to the door. “Let’s go Henry. El, stay here. Don’t leave, I mean it. Do not leave this room.”

All argument was gone from Ellen and replaced with concern. She slowly stood up. “Frank.” She waited until he turned around. “Be careful.”

“Always.” Frank smiled and winked then bolted from her office with Henry.

Code Nine. Frank repeated it two more times as he made his way to the back gate. When Code Nine was called from the radio, that was the signal. All twelve men on Frank’s elite security team, on duty or not, were to drop what they were doing, arm themselves, and go to the designated area. There they would take their formation. Code Nine meant trouble.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Twenty feet away from the back gate, Frank had his men. All lined up, straight across, a drill they had practiced numerous times, but that was when it was only a drill. All twelve of them, hunched down on one knee, rifles in hand, awaiting Frank’s signal. Frank knelt off to their left, watching and peering out to the gate. Watching the figures move in close.

“On my call.” Frank yelled to them. As they came closer, he lifted his M-16. “Take aim.” Frank aimed. “Get ‘em ready.” The synchronized sound of pumping chambers went down the line as Robbie, Mosses and their men came within two feet of the gate. “Wait for my call.” Frank locked in on them with his rifle’s scope. He spotted him. Robbie. Frank stood. Aiming solely upon his brother he placed the target mark smack in the middle of his Robbie’s forehead.

Robbie held his hands high and stepped to the side of the men. “We’re not armed! We come in peace.”

Frank, still aiming, instructed his men. “Hold your position!” He walked closer to the gate, his aim tight on Robbie. “Back away from the gate! Back up!”

Moses smiled and waved his hands. “We come in peace man, chill.”

“Back away from the fuckin’ fence! Now!” Frank demanded.

Robbie knew Frank wouldn’t believe for one second anything they said. There was still a chance at that moment, that Frank would get pissed off enough to yell ‘fire’. Robbie wasn’t taking that chance. “Frank, we are not armed. We came to talk.” Then he spotted salvation, he spotted his father and George walking up from behind the lined up security man wall. “Dad.” Robbie called to Joe. “Dad, we aren’t armed. Tell them to put their weapons down.”

Joe approached cautiously. “I want to see hands. All of them now.” The band of men at the gate reached high. “Turn around, slowly.” Joe and George watched. They saw no weapons. Joe walked closer to the gate. “They aren’t armed.” He yelled to Frank’s men. “Weapons down.”

Frank’s men, lowered their weapons. All except for Frank, his aim was steady, on Robbie.

Robbie watched Frank.“Dad. We just came to talk. I can’t do that with a gun pointed at my head. Please.”

Joe never took his eyes off of Robbie, he called out his command once more. “I said weapons down!”

Frank apprehensively lowered his rifle. “What are you doing, Dad?”

Joe ignored Frank, he had Robbie to contend with, that was enough. “Robbie, what do you want. We don’t give hand outs.”

“We’re not here for hand outs. We are here in peace. I met up with these people Dad. They mean no harm. We want you to consider letting us back in.”

“Why would we do that?”

“Because we can be a help. If you let us in, we can prove we can be an asset. Harvest is in a few months. You need men. You need workers . . .”

“We need nothing. We’re fine. You have no right to even ask us to reconsider letting you in. We let you in once. That’s all the chances anyone gets.” Suddenly Joe noticed the giant rubicund man, he recognized Moses. “I know you. I threw you out of this place. Your name is Thomas.”

Moses cleared his throat. “I call myself Moses now.”

“O.K. Moses.” Joe spoke coldly. “Why don’t you lead your people the hell away from our community. You are not wanted or needed. Go.”

Moses thought it was funny the way Joe commented on leading his people. But he couldn’t let laughter or even a smile slip out. He had to be serious and deliver his final speech. “Robbie, I’m sorry I brought you up here. I just thought that, maybe they would consider if they saw we mean no harm.” He faced Joe again. “Sir, we’ll leave. I just hope someday you’ll see that we all are God’s children and hopefully one day, we can live side by side as brothers.” Moses turned his back and began to walk away. He signaled his men, and they followed. All but Robbie, who remained at the gate.

Robbie moved a little closer. “Dad, I’m sorry I let you down. I am. I’m gonna try harder. I’ll show you. I’ll make you proud of me again.” Robbie stepped back, he raised his hand and waved. “I love you Dad.” He quickly turned and chased after Moses and the others who had already mounted their horses. Robbie mounted his, and all of them quickly rode away.

Joe watched. A sense of sadness fell upon him. Watching Robbie ride off, brought along a feeling of loss. But he could not let that cloud his mind. He had to think clearly. Robbie and Moses’ little peaceful act was clearly that, an act. It was definitely a prelude to something, but what?

***

Joe paced around his office, hands in pockets. George and Henry, seated before him. “So, we are in agreement on this. This is what we’ll do? Correct?”

Frank knocked once then opened the door. “I’m here. Now you wanna tell me what’s up with you?” His voice demanding.

Joe turned to Frank and faced him off. “First of all, I will tell you this only one time. Don’t you ever question my actions again, is that clear?”

Frank wondered if he should square off with his father or not. Then he remembered, it was his father. “Clear.”

“Good. Now, what do you have in mind?”

“We know it’s the group from that town. I say let’s take two missiles, attach them to the chopper and wipe them out. Get rid of them.”

“Right Frank, we’ll just blow them away. For what? For walking up to our gate? Christ, I worry about what goes on within the walls, not outside. When they threaten what’s in here, then they’ll be no more. Not any sooner.”

“No.” Frank argued. His emotions strong within his speech. “I strongly disagree. You pride yourself on how everyone here sleeps safely at night. How safe are they gonna feel knowing what is lurking behind the walls? We know how many live in that town.”

“Whether or not you want to believe it, Frank. They are still humans. They are life.”

“They’re the ones who killed Jonas. I feel it.”

“Feelings aren’t proof. And we can’t just go around destroying what life there is left for our own peace of mind. Now, I know you want to beef up security. Do what you have to do. I’ll stand behind you one hundred percent. I’ll also stand behind you, like always, if you shoot anyone that comes within two feet of the perimeter, after sun down. But threat or no threat, our life rules still apply. In broad daylight, no. You know as well as I do they can’t take us.”

Frank couldn’t accept it. He knew his voice, no matter how loud he let it get, was just not going to be heard. He gave it one more shot. “Just tell me, Dad, how are you and the Council going to explain to our people, that we are beefing up security because we let a possible threat walk away?”

“Bingo.” Joe pointed. “A possible threat is no reason to eliminate them.”

Henry, not one to want to get in the middle of a Slagel-tempered argument, did. “Joe, uh, I think he may have a point. Not about blowing them away, but on how everyone is going to react. Perhaps that should be an option tonight?”

Joe walked over to his desk and sat down. “You’re right. We’ll make that an option. Tonight we’re calling an emergency meeting.  For you, Frank, I’ll bring up our options to them, let the community decide what they want. We as the Council will take that in consideration.”

“You can’t ask the community as a whole to voice an opinion. Most of our community won’t buy it. They were once what just walked up to our gate. They won’t for one second want to see anything happen to Robbie and them.”

“You’re driving me nuts!” Joe viciously rubbed his eyes in aggravation.

“Dad.” Frank walked up to his father’s desk and rested his hands on it. He leaned in to his father, his eyes pleading. “Listen to me. Do not make the mistake of waiting. Don’t. We can’t for one second chance losing anyone in this community. We can get rid of them in a heartbeat. If we let them just linger out there, then any blood shed in this community is on our hands.”

“It won’t come to that, Frank. You know our security here. Now you know what you are to do. You know when you allowed to do it. That’s all I’ll give you.”

“Fine.” Frank slammed his hands on the desk. “But make no mistake. My job is to protect this community. I do that. I do that well. But day or night, if I see a threat, I will override council and attack.”

Joe rose up in anger. “You will not!”

“I will!”

“Then I’ll remove you from duty, and that’s not want you want!” Joe leaned further into his son. “Now I suggest you get rid of the attitude, get your ass to work on our extra security, and leave me to my job. I also suggest that you avoid me for the next hour. Is that understood? First you question me in front of everyone, then you get in my face. Right now you have really pissed me off! Don’t you forget, I may be an old man, but I’m the only one in this community who can kick your ass!”

Frank was fed up. Arguing with his father was pointless. Instead of screaming back, Frank, enraged, rushed backwards. As he exploded from the office he slammed his fist with his every frustration into the filing cabinet, causing a loud crash, a huge indentation, and everyone to jolt in their seats.

“Hey!” Joe called to him. “You will come back and pound out this dent . . . again!”

Frank ignored him and kept on walking.

“Son of a bitch!” Joe made his way to the filing cabinet. “He did it again.”

Frank walked off his feelings. The whole situation gnawed at him, he knew he was right on this one. He knew his father, though not wrong about many things, was wrong about this. The only thing was, Frank prayed that his point would not be proven correctly. If that happened, that spelled tragedy. He had work to do and headed back to his office to start on it.

Upon opening his office door and stepping inside, he saw Ellen seated behind his desk. “What’re you doing here?”

Ellen stood up and moved to him. “I was worried. I just said . . .”

“Did I not tell you to stay put?!” He scolded at her like a young child.

“Well, yes but . . .”

“Didn’t I tell you don’t move?!”

“Yes.”

“Then what the fuck are you doing here?!” Frank backed up as he began to shout about. “I told you that for a reason. I wanted you where I knew you were safe! How can I protect you El, if you’re off running around?!”

“Don’t take that tone with me, Frank. I am not your child!”

“No, you are not. But you are carrying mine. And I’d fuckin’ die if anything happened to you guys and I could have prevented it.”

Ellen knew at that moment something far worse was going on in Frank’s mind. It just wasn’t her, it couldn’t be. “Frank, you’re not really mad at me are you? You’re venting.”

“Yes!” Frank stopped, and calmed himself down. “I’m venting.”

“You wanna tell me what’s up?” She followed him over to his desk. He leaned against it, arms folded. “Come on.” She pleaded. “It’s me. What’s going on?” She ran her hands up and down his folded arms.

“Robbie and twenty other men showed up at the back gate.”

Ellen blinked long in surprise. “Robbie showed up?”

“It’s the second time it happened. We didn’t want anyone to know or worry about the first time. But now, he’s got this group. And they’re being bold. Marching right up to us. They have some sort of plan, I know it. I know Robbie. I saw behind his eyes. But my Dad . . .”

“Joe doesn’t see it?”

“Oh, he sees it, but he doesn’t want to do anything about it until we know for sure. I, on the other hand do not think we should wait. It’s a mistake El, a big one. So . . . Do me a favor.” He lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. “When I’m not around you, don’t be alone. Whatever you do, even if it means being around Dean. Don’t be alone.”

“I’ll try,” Ellen said softly. “Will this end soon, this confrontation with Robbie and them?”

“I hate to say it, but it looks like it’s only going to end, when they make their move.”

“And will they?”

Frank hesitated in his fear of overreacting, but he answered Ellen with his gut sincerity. “Without a doubt.”

***

The burnt to a crisp squirrel rolled across Moses’ plate after its short basting on the fire. It actually didn’t smell bad to Moses, of course evening had hit, he hadn’t eaten and he was hungry. Ready to pick it up and sink his teeth into the charred flesh, Moses retracted from his rodent feast and turned his head to the sound of the approaching horse. Dropping the squirrel with a ‘clink’ on the plate, he dusted off his hands and stood up. He smiled the closer the horse drew and he saw it was Robbie. “Thought you weren’t coming back. Got scared we lost ya.”

Robbie dismounted before the horse even stopped. He controlled it by the reigns and lifted the cloth sack attached to the horse. The sack moved.

Moses looked curiously. “What’s that?”

Reaching into the large sack, with a loud and high squawking noise, Robbie pulled out a chicken holding it by its throat. “Dinner. Courtesy of Beginnings.”

“Well I’ll be.” Moses reached to the beak of the vocal bird clenched in Robbie’s grip. “You got in.”

“Nah, not yet. But I will. And without a problem” Robbie stroked the chicken’s head. “I just wanted to give this to you, Moses. My little assurance that I mean what I say. Getting into Beginnings in not a problem.” Robbie winced only once at the loud chicken, then with arrogance, he bit his bottom lip, grinned, squeezed his hand and crushed the chicken’s neck.

***

From the roof of containment Frank could hear the community joining up for the late evening ‘decision’ meeting. A meeting he opted not to attend, he didn’t want to be anywhere nearby when they voted the wrong choice. Frank preferred to be farther away from the social hall than containment. But he had to finish up adding the extra spotlight, then he’d go home. Too much was on his mind, so much that not even the site of Henry walking with, as Frank called her, It, bothered him.

Making the final adjustments on the light, Frank heard the bang and thump. He lifted his head and listened. Again he heard it, a bang against the metal side of the building and then almost a ‘plop’ sound. Tightened the brackets, Frank grabbed his screwdriver, stood up and peered over the roof’s edge. He saw the reason for the noise. Denny.

Jumping for the hanging rope, Denny would grip it, climb a foot against the wall and fall back down.

“Hey,” Frank yelled down to him. “What the hell are you doing?”

Denny scratched his head and peered up to Frank with an embarrassed smile. “Climbing.”

“Why?”

“The rope was there.”

Shaking his head, Frank gathered up his things, hit the rope and climbed down. “You shouldn’t be running around out here. Get to the meeting.”

Denny whined. “I don’t want to. I want to play security guy.”

“You can’t.”

“But I got nothing else to do. There’s no one at containment anymore. Ellen’s at the clinic working on experiments. I don’t want to work in the field. Can I join security, huh, can I?”

“Denny.” Frank laid his hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Maybe when you’re older.”

“But I’m big. I’m bigger than Dean. And he’s old.”

“Everyone is bigger than Dean.” Frank nodded. “But you can’t.”

“I’d be real good. Always there. Always around.” Denny pleaded. “Please.”

“Denny, I wish I could use that quality but . . .” Frank caught glimpse of Dean and Ellen entering the social hall. “But . . . you know what?” He smiled brightly. “Maybe I can. I do have an opening for a special detail. Undercover.”

“O.K.” Deny nodded. “Undercover?”

“Well, sort of a body guard.”

“Oh, I can do that.” Denny said with excitement.

“Good.” Frank patted him on the shoulder. “Start now. Your job is to protect Ellen. Watch her at all times. Watch her with . . . Dean. He’s a . . . uh . . . security risk. Yeah, we’ve been watching him.”

“Dean?” Denny asked surprised. “Is he bad?”

“Could be the worst.” Frank leaned to the boy and whispered. “There’s talk that he’s . . . the anti-Christ.”

“Oh no.” Worried, Denny stepped back. “What’s the anti-Christ?”

“Ask your mom. But you’d better hurry to the hall.”

“O.K.” Denny gave a thumbs up. “I will. Thanks Frank.” Saluting, Denny backed up, spun, almost tripped the flew to the social hall.

Frank grinned watching Denny race away. With all that was on his mind, it felt good to Frank that he was able to take a moment and amuse himself.

***

“Denny. She’s fine. Go.” Dean pleaded at the front door of his home. “Go. Now. Or I’m telling your mom. Home.” Growling in frustration, Dean closed the door, leaned against it and banged his forehead off the surface.

“Situated,” Ellen said as she came down the steps. She slowed down at the bottom when she saw Dean. “What’s wrong?”

Forehead still against the door, Dean slightly turned his head her way. “Denny.”

“My body guard.”

“El.” Dean turned around. “Frank’s an asshole.”

“Why are you blaming Frank? He gave Denny a little job. Denny’s just excited.”

“Ellen.” Dean stepped to her. “The kid called me Satan three times tonight. He didn’t come up with that on his own.”

Ellen snickered. “Sorry.”

“Speaking of Satan. Don’t you have some news to deliver to Frank?”

“I’m going.”

“You’re stalling.”

“I know.” Ellen slowly nodded. “Maybe he’s sleeping.”

“He won’t be. He’s waiting to hear the community decision”

“And I have to figure out the best way to tell him.” She exhaled. “Anyway I do it; he’s not going to take it good.” Ellen drew in thoughts before going over to Frank’s as to the how to handle the news. But knowing Frank the way she did, Ellen knew the best way to tell him was to be straight forward, blunt, and to the point.

“So then Jenny rambled on and on about John’s work load.” Ellen’s hands waved as she sat on the bed talking to Frank. “Henry started whining about distribution policies and did I tell you, Frank, I really like the fact that your hair has grown a little. I don’t think I ever saw you with more than a half an inch of hair on your . . .”

“El. Enough. What’s the decision?”

“It was close, Frank. Very close.” Ellen said assuredly even though she and Miguel were the only ones who voted to side with Frank. “Joe merely stated the situation and told everyone the choices. Wait or take them out. And . . . we wait.”

Frank closed his mouth tightly and nodded as he started to pace. “Close huh??

“Very.”

“You’re lying.”

“Why would I do that?”

“To make me feel better. But that’s all right. I’m fine with this, I am. I have extra men on tonight. My radio is on. I set a few traps outside the perimeters. I think we have enough coverage. I’ll get up every two hours and check on everything.”

“Frank.” Ellen rose slowly. “These men have been out there and gathering for a while. You never worried before about them.”

“They never had Robbie.” Frank told her. “And this peaceful approach is a smoke screen for something else. You know, they have a lot of men, but even if they got in here, I don’t worry about it. We’ll be ready. Wanna know why? We can see a hundred men coming. One man, one very well trained man, we can not.”

“Robbie.”

“Exactly. You know this is what he did. He was trained to break perimeters designed not to be broken. Slip in, do his job, slip out. My concern does not lie in whether we can get him if he breaks in. My concern lies in how much damage he can do while he’s in.”

“What can you do?” Ellen asked.

“Be him. Think like him, see like him. Try to get ahead of him. Be ready.” Frank’s voice dropped. “But he has to have a focus. A goal he’s going after. And that’s my big hold up. Because El, I haven’t a clue what or who that is.”

***

The orange-amber fire lit enough for Moses to see what Robbie stared so intently at. Dropping down next to Robbie by the fire, he took the picture from Robbie’s hand. “Your brother.”

“Frank.”

Moses stared at the picture. A pose probably seldom see of Frank, one where he was smiling. “You look at pictures of your family a lot. I noticed.”

“Yeah, but that’s all I have. That and memories.” Robbie retrieved the picture of Frank.

“This cool down time you wanna have. Is it because you’re having second thoughts of this plan?”

“Nope,” Robbie said with certainty. “Not at all. We need to slip a little from their minds so they can slip into a sloppy confidence. It has nothing to do with my family. Guaranteed. Because they made it abundantly clear to me . . . they aren’t my family anymore.” Staring once more to Frank’s photo, Robbie peacefully tore it in half and tossed it into the fire.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

June 20th

Frank had awoken a little earlier than usual to begin his shift. He wanted to get a head start on the day. He still wasn’t quite secure in the fact that all was fine concerning Robbie and the men he had joined. Even though Frank got up twice each night to get a check from every man who had a post, he still wanted to be sure. Starting the day earlier helped to ease his mind.

It was an important day to him. The day Ellen was supposed to tell Dean. How much had to be on Frank’s mind, how tired did he actually have to be to not even enjoy the thought of the gloating he would get to do.

Grabbing his tee shirt, Frank placed it on, tucking it in his pants. He then took his shoulder harness from the headboard and secured it to himself. Reaching down to the night stand for his revolver, he stopped for his radio to do his morning check. He picked it up. “Frank here. Radio check.” He placed it back on the night stand, retrieved his gun, checked the chamber and placed it in its holster.

The sound of someone blowing then tapping over the radio was the response to Frank. “Hello?” The unknown male voice sang out. “Hello?”

Frank turned his head sharply to the radio, zeroing in on it.

“Hello?” He tapped and blew again. “Frank? It’s about damn time you checked this thing this morning. We’ve been waiting to hit your frequency.”

Frank’s nostrils flared, that unknown voice was not one of his men. He breathed heavily as he snatched up the radio from the night stand. “Who is this?” He demanded.

“Do you care?” He started to laugh. “Oh I can’t be like that. Hey Frank, it’s me Moses. How the hell are you? Long time no talk to. Did ya forget about us?”

“Make your point. I’m changing frequencies in five seconds.” Frank was annoyed. Not only did they come too close to the community, but they had radio capabilities. He began to walk from his bedroom.

“All right, all right I’ll get to the point.” Moses took an agitating tone. “Anyway, we were just wondering if you were missing anything this morning. Seems, besides this radio, we came in last night and borrowed something very important to certain people in your community. Anyone not show up at the breakfast table?”

A frightening rage overcame Frank. His heart pounded as he opened his bedroom door, he had to stop dead in his tracks. “El.”

“I know, I know you’re thinking they didn’t come in. Wanna bet?” Moses taunted.

Frank ignored him, he raced from his bedroom and pounded on Johnny’s door. “John!” He flung it open. “Get up, get dressed, get Pap. We have trouble. Now!” Frank left a bewildered Johnny behind as he charged down his steps.

“Frank are you listening . . .” Moses teased more. “Got a poem for you.”

Frank flew out on to the sidewalk from his home. He caught his bearings. He had to go to Ellen’s. He had to check her. Fearful of what he’d find, he ran as fast as he could, praying all the way.

“Here’s this poem, you’ll like it. Twas the night of the ambush and all through the town. Not a person was stirring, there wasn’t a sound. Mother and children all nestled in bed. Never knowing the danger that lurked over their heads. Pretty good huh? Wrote it myself.”

Frank arrived at Ellen’s house. He could see the first floor lights were on. A good sign. She or Dean were awake. Without knocking, without thinking, Frank burst through the door.

“Frank!” Dean walked from the dining room. “What the hell . . .”

“Where’s El and the twins, are they sleeping?” Frank words were heavy and breathless. He had to get himself under control. He moved to the steps.

“Of course their sleeping.” Dean walked to him, blocking him from his destination. “What is wrong with you? You can’t come in . . .”

“Did you check them?”

“What?”

“Did you fuckin see them this morning!?” Frank shouted.

“No, I was going up . . .”

Moses’ voice needled again. “We have something you want, and you can’t have it. Our rules now, Frank. Figure it out yet?”

Dean’s heart dropped as soon as he heard that. “Frank, what’s going on?”

“Come on, Dean.” Frank ran up the steps. “You check the twins. I’ll check Ellen.”

Dean followed. He should have known by the look on Frank’s face something was wrong. Not knowing why he was checking, he frightfully opened the door.

Frank was scared also. He hesitated for a second, then opened the bedroom door. He flung on the light. Ellen was in bed. “El!”

She sat straight up and blocked the brightness. “What’s going on?”

“Get dressed and come downstairs. Stay close to Dean.” He left the room, Dean was in the hall. “She’s in there, she’s fine.”

“The twins are too. Frank, what’s happening?”

“I don’t know.” Frank ran down the stairs yelling as he was leaving the house. “Don’t let them out of your sight! I mean it.” He slammed the door, and ran out into the street. They did it. Robbie and his men, did something, but what? Frank, though relieved that Ellen and the twins were fine, had a deep sickening feeling in his stomach. Moses was implying he took someone. Who?

The streets were quiet. They wouldn’t be for long. Frank had to know. As frightening as it was, he had to know. He grabbed his radio and called to the tower guard. “This is Frank. Hit the horn. Now. I repeat, hit the ‘all-in’ horn now!” Frank ran down the street toward town. The flag pole which sat dead center of the community was where he had to be. It was where everyone had to be shortly.

Andrea and Miguel sat in a cozy position on their couch. While other people placed their children to bed and settled with each other for the evening, Andrea and Miguel had their mornings. They did the same thing every day. Waking up early to enjoy quality time with each other without the interruption of a six year old and a thirteen year old. Denny fought with Katie as if he too were only six.

They sat back, sipping their warm beverages. It wouldn’t be long before they had to awaken their children, so they savored every single moment alone. Their quiet, peacefulness was soon interrupted by a sound they had only heard one time before, and that was on a drill. The sound of triple blaring sirens, screeching out like a bomb alert, jolted them from their comfort.

“Miguel?” Andrea grabbed her chest. Her heart raced. “Is that for real?”

“Let’s assume it is.” He placed down his mug. “With all that’s been going on we can’t be sure. Let’s get the kids and head to the pole.”

Frank stood alone as the sirens were deafening around him. Where was everyone? What was taking them so long? He could see his father and Johnny making their way to him. Relieved, Frank walked to them

“Frank!” His father, still in disarray from the sudden awakening, charged to him. “What the hell is going on?”

Frank held up his radio, grasping it tightly with his hand. He became distraught with anger and frustration. “They have radios now.”

“Who?”

“Robbie, Moses. They have our radios. They got in here last night.”

“Impossible!” Joe insisted. “We would know.”

“No, they got in.” Frank shouted as he looked over his head at the people gathering. “Help me, Dad. Help me find who is missing.” He tried to get past his father, but Joe stopped him.

“No one is missing, Frank. They’re taunting us. Playing mind games.”

“No! I feel it.” Frank pointed to his own chest hard. “I feel it. I warned you about this. I warned you. I know someone’s gone.” He stormed past his father checking all faces. Trying to put names, and people together. “Are you gonna help me?”

“Fine.” Joe raised his hands to the silent group, as he did, a scream, Andrea’s scream was heard in the distance. It grew closer.

“No!” she cried out hysterically running as fast as she could to the flag pole. “No!” Tears streamed down her face as she raced to town carrying a small piece of wood. She slammed it into Frank’s chest as she ran past him to Joe. She grabbed hold of Joe’s shirt and began to shake him. “They’re gone, they’re gone.” She began to pound her fist against his chest crying. “How did this happen you son of a bitch? How did you let this happen?”

Joe reached for her fists, blocking them. “Andrea, I’m sorry.”

“You said we were safe. You said we were protected.” She screamed with emotion and anger at him. Miguel came up from behind her and wrapped his huge arms around her, dragging her away.

Andrea kicked, screamed and fought him.

“Please.” Miguel held her tighter. “It’s not his fault. It’s no one’s fault. We’ll get them back. I promise. They’re all right.”

Frank wanted to scream. The anger felt from the depth of his soul was out of control. The crying, the screaming. And Andrea wasn’t the only one. Denny was gone, Katie was gone. How many others were too? The noise level and confusion encircling him was a bad dream. It engulfed him. It was a nightmare he could not awaken from. He didn’t know where to turn, he didn’t know what to do first. He clenched tightly to the four inch piece of wood that Andrea slammed him with. He clasped it so tight, a splinter dug into his hand. He lifted it to look at it. The edge of the wood indented into his huge palm. As a trickle of blood ran down his hand, his eyes gazed upon the words burned into its surface. The words that Andrea had read. The words that ignited a hatred and rage within him. The etched-in-wood message that meant more than the mere three words printed there . . . Bye-Bye Mommy!

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

“I can’t figure out where they broke in.” Frank walked with Joe both from the back gate. “My men were at their posts last night. Right now, we’re combing the hard to get into areas. They know we don’t have the manpower to cover those obvious sites, so I think they went to them. Possibly digging in from under. We’re looking right now for maybe a tunnel, or hole or something. I’m baffled.”

“You may be right.” Joe slowed down his pace. “Frank, I’m sorry. I should have listened to you.”

“Dad, look, what’s done is done. We have to think about those kids, and the other kids in this community. I have El preparing containment like you said. We’ll get all the kids in there. Then at least we’ll know they’re safe. The others . . . we’ll get them back. We’ll find a way.” Frank stopped, they had reached the point where he and Joe would go separate ways.

“Yes . . .we will. Right now, we have to wait and hear from them. I’m heading back to my office and man the radio there. I’ll talk to Henry, get him to check the mechanical options. Did they down a perimeter? Did they shut down power somehow?”

“What do you need from me?”

“You work on your job, our security force. Use every man in here if we have to. But let’s make sure that they have shifts. The last thing we need is a bunch of exhausted men. Like you.”

“Nah, I’m fine.” Frank stepped back. “I’ll start the new draft now.”

With a peaceful smile Joe gave a firm squeeze to Frank’s arm. “We’re gonna work on a way to bring these sons of bitches down without losing any of our own men.” Solemn, Joe’s hand slid from Frank and he walked slowly, almost slouched toward his office. He had to come up with a way out of the mess and confusion the community was in. Joe prided himself in the fact that the community was safe. That pride was trampled on. Joe did not take blows very lightly, and the community had suffered a major blow. The safety walls had been violated. The time had come to strike back, the only problem was, they couldn’t. Striking back meant risking the lives if the innocents that Robbie had stolen in the night. That, was a risk, Beginnings could not take.

***

Robbie excitedly stood behind Moses, hands on his shoulders, shaking him. “We did it. Yes.”

“Should I call back now?” Moses grabbed the radio.

“No.” Robbie took it from him. “The kids will wake up soon. I don’t want my dad or anyone to hear them in the back ground. We hit the next phase of the plan before we contact them by radio.”

“What exactly is that phase, Robert? You failed to tell me that.” Moses turned around in his seat.

“We go back and get our guaranteed admittance.”

“That’s what I thought the kids were. I thought by taking them hostage, they’d negotiate, let us in.”

“Nope.” Robbie was proud of himself. “We need more. And tonight . . .”

“Whoa! Dumb, dumb, dumb.” Moses interrupted. “Tonight? They’ll kill us if they see us. Besides, security will be doubled.”

“True. But that aren’t gonna chance hurting us, for fear we’ll hurt the kids. We have to finish this phase of the plan. My person inside knows, and is waiting. Tonight’s the night we take from them, something, or rather someone very vital, our trump card.” Robbie said snide and so sure of himself.

“Who are you taking? Is it your dad? That big guy? Who?”

Robbie shook his head arrogantly. “Nope. Much better. There is only one person in that whole community who is absolutely vital to their survival. He cures them, heals them, invents for them. They would die as quickly as we do without him. And the best part is, he’ll be so easy to get. Tonight their future is ours because we’ll have . . . Dean Hayes.”

***

With the shock of the situation beginning to set in, the hysterical crying ceasing, Andrea sat comforted on the couch between Dean and Ellen in their living room. She rocked back and forth, holding tightly to a handkerchief in one hand, her arms folded tightly to her. She tried to control her breathing but hyperventilation fell upon her every time she tried to speak. “Where’s Miguel, I need him.”

Dean ran his hand across her back. “Soon Andrea, soon. He’s carrying things to containment, and helping secure it.”

“I don’t understand. Why wasn’t this done before?” Andrea asked. “Why did it take the children to be taken for action to be done?”

As Ellen began to answer her, a knock was at their door. “Dean. Can you?”

Dean stood up and walked to his door. When he opened it, Frank stood there and he didn’t look good. “Frank, Ellen’s fine, if that’s what you need.”

“Can I come in? I need to speak to her.”

Dean hesitant, opened the door wider for him to step in. He motioned his hand to the living room.

When Frank entered he saw Andrea and was far from ready to face her. But there she was. She turned around from the couch, and stood upon his entrance.

Andrea moved slowly to Frank, her face cold, Ellen followed closely behind her. She stopped in front of him and stared long and silent. Then without warning, she reached back her hand and slapped him hard across the face. “You are responsible for this! You set up the security. You were supposed to stop them from coming in. I blame you. If anything happens to my children, I will never forgive you. If you would have known what you were doing, none of this would have happened.”

Frank lowered his head and lifted his eyes. “I’m sorry.” He turned and walked from the house.

Ellen’s heart instantly broke for Frank and she raced out of her house after him. “Frank!” She called to him as he kept walking toward town. “Frank wait.”

Frank stopped and turned around. “El, please. I don’t want to hear it.”

“What?” She approached him out of breath, when she did, he turned his back to her. “Frank it’s me. Why would you hear it from me? She’s just letting it out on you. She doesn’t really blame you.”

“But I blame myself. I feel helpless, and useless.”

“You can’t. I’m so proud of you Frank. You have to know that. What you do here makes me proud.”

Frank exhaled quickly. His eyes were glossy as he looked up at the sky. He couldn’t look at Ellen. He knew if he did, his emotions would give way. “I tried, El.”

“I know you did.” She ran her hand across his face. “I’m here for you.”

Frank grabbed her and tightly pulled her to him. He held onto Ellen only briefly and then he stepped back. “I gotta go.” He griped her hand and gave a quick squeeze. “Gotta go.” Getting a grip on the feelings that lashed at him. Frank turned and moved on.

***

Henry opened the door to Joe’s office and walked in. His heart broke for Joe who sat looking so distraught as he stared at a silent radio. “Anything Joe?”

“Nothing.” Joe shook his head. “George is with Andrea and the other care takers trying to reassure them. How can he do that, Henry? We’ve got nothing to tell them.”

“I don’t think they meant to take Denny.” He neared the desk.

“What do you mean? What did you find?”

“I’ve been piecing this thing together. For the past few hours I’ve been to the homes of these children. They all had the same evidence.” Henry threw down four cloths. “Whoever did this knew what they were doing. They knew exactly how much ether to place in the rag so they didn’t overdose these kids. They’re smart, Joe. They knew to go to the town hospital to find the ether, and the vet hospital to find tranquilizers if they ran into trouble.”

“Tranquilizers? How do you know they used them?”

Henry laid down a cartridge on the table. “I found this at Andrea’s house. My guess, their insurance against trouble. That’s why I don’t think they meant to take Denny. I think he woke up while they were snatching up Katie, hit him with a dart, realized he was a kid, and took him.”

“Denny’s a big kid.” Joe sat back in his chair, a part of him relaxed. “In the dark, they wouldn’t know he was so young. Obviously they don’t want to kill anyone at this time.”

“It looks that way.” Henry said. “Right now, I think it’s a kidnapping situation. The kids are the hostages. Beginnings . . . the ransom.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

The screaming, hooting, and chanting heard from the darkness behind the trees, was the most un-nerving factor in it all. Knowing they were out there. Not knowing how many. Hearing the one child, one little girl crying out. “I want my mommy. Please let me go to my mommy. Mommy!” She cried over and over.

Joe stood with George staring out into the darkness, they both tried their hardest to figure out why Robbie’s men were doing what they were doing. Were they taunting them for a reason or were they just being the sick displays of human beings that they were? The tension was so thick in the air but it paled in comparison to the helplessness now by those in Beginnings, or at least those watching the back gate.

Joe paced back and forth in front of George. The three men ordered to stand guard with them waited for a signal they knew would never come. “How long have they been out there now?”

George looked down at his watch. “About forty-five minutes. All I know is I wish they didn’t bring Kimmy with them. There’s nothing more that I would like than to just shoot the hell out of the trees.”

“We’re at a loss here, George. If we kill one of them, what about the others that they have with them back at their camp. To make matters worse, they haven’t even told us what they want.”

“In.” George was very confident in his answer. “I just don’t know why they haven’t said that yet.”

Frank, not Joe, was the one who answered that question as he joined his father and George. “Because they aren’t finished taking what they want, that’s why.”

Joe looked curiously at his son. “What, you really think they’re coming back in?”

“Yes I do. Tonight too. This whole thing. These men out there sounding like a bunch of drunks, this is a diversion.”

Joe moved closer to the fence. “Well if they go after the kids we’ll stop them. At least we know the kids are safe. How’s it look around the perimeter?”

“Good. Very good.” Frank answered. “Instead of doubling men at a point. I singled them there. I figure one man hidden, and watching, can radio if they see anything. We can cover more ground.”

“Excellent idea.” Joe stuck his hands in his pockets and walked back closer to Frank and George. “I just feel so responsible.”

“You and me both, Dad.”

George knew what they felt like. He had been there before, through many a crisis while he was president. One reason he never pushed to run the community, the responsibility was tremendous. “Joe, I know you blame yourself. If I can, I’d like to give a little advice. As a leader, blame goes with the territory. When things are good, fate is responsible. When things are bad, you as a leader, are responsible. But for as angry as they get, and as quickly as they get angry, that’s how fast it fades as soon as you solve things. Trust me.”

“Thanks, George.” Joe looked to his son. Frank had wandered as near to the fence as he could get. He just stood there, arms at his side, staring out looking as if he was trying to focus through the blackness into the trees. Joe walked up to him, speaking softly. “Frank? What is it?”

“Listen. Robbie’s not out there.” Frank kept his stare forward.

“How do you know?”

“There are eight voices out there. Seven men, one child. Not one of them is Robbie.”

“Maybe he is just not saying anything.”

“No. He’s not there.” Frank spoke with assurance. “If he was, I’d feel it.”

“If he’s not out there, then where the hell is he?”

Frank turned and looked seriously at his father. “I’d bet my life I know.” He walked away. “I’m changing this.”

“Changing what?” Joe followed.

“I want to pull some men from the perimeters and put them in town. The perimeter checks are useless.” Frank stopped walking. “My gut is screaming now. He’s gonna get in.”

***

Ellen covered her son with a blanket as he slept on a cot in the skills room of the containment center. The huge room was beginning to quiet down finally. The children thought it was just a big party. Running around, ignoring their care givers, totally oblivious to any tension in the air. “Night Billy, I love you.” Ellen leaned down, gently kissed him on the cheek.

Dean’s hand reached in front of her as she stood, he rubbed it over his son’s head. “Are you going to stay here all night?” he asked her.

“Yeah. I doubt I’ll sleep though.” She walked away from the cots. “Walk with me, Dean.”

“Sure.” He followed. “What’s up?”

“I want to run to the house. I have some things to get together, and I want to get cleaned up.”

“Do you think you should be alone? Frank doesn’t.”

“I know, but I don’t think they’ll come back in two nights in a row. They won’t be that stupid.”

“I think you’re right. Sure go ahead, don’t be long though. I don’t want to leave them to go and find you.”

“I won’t be.” Ellen started to walk away but stopped. “Dean, when I get back, can you and I . . . can we . . . we need to talk. Quietly.”

“About what?” Dean questioned. “It sounds serious.”

“It is. But I’d rather wait until I get back to tell you what it is about. Is that all right?” Ellen kissed him on the cheek and backed up.

“Sure.” Dean was curious. The kiss he received to his cheek seemed to send warning rights through him and he couldn’t figure out why. Shrugging it off as a figment of his tensed up imagination, Dean returned to his children’s side.

***

“Why won’t they just shut up!” Frank pounded his fist on the map which sat on the hood of the jeep.

“Ignore them.” Joe said. “They’re trying to get to you.”

Frank shook his head, and continued to try to explain to his father what the plan was. It was difficult because the men behind the trees grew louder and louder. He slid his hand across the map. “I want to do some concentrating on the vacant rows of houses in the living section. If I were sneaking in. That’s where I’d hide . . .” Frank huffed a breath. The voices in the trees began to repeatedly call his name in a taunting manner. “I can’t concentrate.” Hands on hips Frank spun from the jeep.“Shut the fuck up!” He bellowed out.

“Frank.” Joe cringed and pulled him by the arm off to the side. “Take a break, just an hour or so.”

“I can’t.”

“Yes you can. If you exhaust yourself, what good will you be to me? Besides you’re making me tense. Take a break before I shoot you.”

Frank turned back and looked into the trees. Walking away from it wouldn’t be a bad idea, even for a short time.. “You’re right. I’m gonna find El. Radio if you need me.”

“I’ll do that.” Joe was as relieved to see Frank. As soon as he did, he ran his hand over the bridge of his nose in relief. One more minute next to his totally frustrated son, and he would have snapped.

The containment center was eerily quiet when Frank walked in. He headed back to the skills room after checking Ellen’s office. He immediately spotted Dean. Dean sat on the floor leaning against the wall in the space between his two children. A pen light in his mouth, a book in his hand. “Dean.” Frank whispered. “Where’s Ellen?”

Dean took a deep breath in frustration. He took the pen light from his mouth, closed his book and stood up. “She’ll be right back.” He spoke as he stepped over the sleeping adults.

“Where did she go?”

“Home, Frank. She’ll be right back. She wanted to get some things and shower.”

Frank ran his fingers through his hair. “I told you not to let her out of your sight.”

“That was seventeen hours ago. I don’t think even you can take seventeen hours straight with Ellen.”

“I’m going to check on her. If she comes back. Tell her to stay put, I need to talk to her.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Dean opened his mouth to ask more, possibly how everything was going, but Frank was long gone.

***

Robbie made his way down the small hillside covered with brush. He stayed low, on his stomach, the whole time since he made his way in through the front tunnel gate. He was never seen. They weren’t even looking for him there.

He lifted his head slightly above the weeds. The lights from town were bright and he couldn’t see anyone that looked like they were walking guard. Peering through his binoculars he saw containment was guarded, but by only two men. He moved his view over to check out the living section which sat close by the containment. The huge spotlights did not reflect into that area. So dark and only one man patrolled the street. So easy, he thought, how stupid could they be? Three guards in the whole inside of town. They were giving their enemy an invitation to walk in. Robbie knew his work would be easier than anticipated and he just had to wait until the time was right.

Just as he began to settle into his waiting position, Robbie spotted him walking from containment. The thought of bonus rang through Robbie’s mind. He perked up some and smiled . . . Frank.

***

Frank didn’t want to get angry with Ellen for leaving containment. His break time was limited and he didn’t want to spend it yelling. Ellen was his biggest sense of support. He knew that and he needed that. Seeking what he could only get from her, he walked into her house and straight upstairs. He could hear the shower water turning off when he reached the top of the steps. Positioning himself by the closed bathroom door Frank waited.

Ellen shrieked when she opened the bathroom door and Frank was there. Closing her robe, she grabbed her chest. “You scared me.” She walked by him to her bedroom.

“What are you doing here?”

“Showering.” She smiled at him. “What are you doing here?”

“I told you to stay put in containment.”

Calmly, Ellen stopped in the bedroom. “I’m not responding to that. Because I refuse to believe I’m not safe walking around. Not with you out there. So . . . why are you here.” She turned to her clothes that rested on the bed. Reaching for them, she heard the long emotional breath from Frank. Slowly, she turned back around and he stepped to her. She looked upon his face and the lines that formed there. Though Frank had always been the portrait of strength, she saw behind the eyes of a man who had reached his limits. “Frank.” She whispered out his name.

He took hold of her, grabbing onto Ellen as if he hadn’t done so in a long time. His lips went immediately to hers and he began to kiss her. His actions were his response. They spoke the words he wanted to, and Ellen heard them.

He searched for something to take away all that he felt and feared and he found it in Ellen. Lifting her up, his arms clutched around her, Frank brought Ellen chest to chest. He stepped to the bed, his wide kisses never ceasing. After bringing his knee to the bed first, Frank gently laid Ellen down and brought himself to her. He felt every ounce and inch of her body wrap around him, and Frank got lost, if only for a moment, in the security of that.

Frank wanted to stay on top of that bed with Ellen, nakedness to nakedness, but he couldn’t. He had to get back to the tense horror that still lurked at the back gate. He watched her briefly as she fastened her shorts, sitting on the side of the bed still half nude. Total appreciation of Ellen was in his stare, he knew she just didn’t see it.

“Frank.” Ellen giggled as she placed on her bra. “You’re being weird. You’re staring.”

“You’re beautiful . . . where’d I throw my socks?” Frank scratched his head, laying one hand on his bare chest as he looked around.

“Check under your shirt.” Ellen looked around. “And see if mine’s there, you threw it off the bed.”

How so few articles of clothes could make such a mess was beyond Frank. He shuffled Ellen’s robe from the way and spotted his pants near the bed. Shifting his views around more he saw the whiteness of his tee shirt and lifted it. “Nope. Gun.” He dropped his shirt.

“You’re not getting dressed?”

“El, there’s a fine routine. Boxers . . .” Frank pulled at the elastic of his boxer shorts. “Socks, pants, shirts. Can’t break that routine . . . here’s your shirt.” He tossed it to her.

“Thanks. I want to hurry back to containment before Dean decides to leave.”

“Yes. My socks.” Frank bent down.

“I want to tell him about the baby.”

“El?” Frank dropped his just found socks in surprise. “El.” He stepped to the bed. “I know I’ve been pressuring you. But today, tonight, you don’t have to. Not with all that’s happening.”

Ellen hesitated before placing on her shirt. “It’s time. I’m three months pregnant, or near to that. He has to know. And containment is best. It’ll be too quiet for him to yell.”

A hush took over Frank and he dropped to his knees before her taking the shirt from her hands. “El, listen. I want to ask you something.” He held her hands.

“Frank, I have to go. Ask me later.”

“No, now. I want . . . I want to ask you now. Dean . . . . he’s not going to be happy about this. You know he believes that what happened last year was just an incident. It’s pretty much going to be over anyhow when you tell him. And I never said it, but it doesn’t mean I didn’t think it.”

“Frank.” Ellen had a chuckle to her. “What are you rambling about?”

“I want you to be my wife, El. What do you say?”

“You know you’re only asking me because I’m pregnant.”

“See. Why do you have to be like this? I am very serious. I . . .” Frank lifted his head to the sound of breaking glass downstairs.

“What was that?”

“I don’t know.” Frank stood up. “Dean?”

Ellen shook her head.

He had to check it out. With all that was going on, Frank couldn’t take a chance. He reached down and grabbed his gun. Laying his forefinger to his lips, he moved slowly to the door. He placed his back against the wall, clicked back the hammer on his revolver, and slid his way to the steps. When his back hit the edging of the wall, he peered slightly over to see who was down there. He spotted shoes. Dirty shoes. He knew it wasn’t Dean.

Quickly he went back to the bedroom and walked up to Ellen, he whispered softly so his voice could not be heard. “Stay here. Don’t move. It’s not Dean.” He kissed her quickly and backed out.

Ellen’s eyes widened. She mouthed the words. “Be careful.”

He mouthed his response. “Always.”

Repeating his earlier motions, he made his way back to the steps, looking over again. The person was gone. Holding his gun high in front of him, finger on the trigger, Frank backed his way slowly down the steps, being careful not to make a sound. Taking the steps seemed to take forever. Reaching the bottom step was a triumph.

Frank took a deep breath as he reached the first floor. Ready, he turned the corner sharply, holding his gun out. As he opened himself, he saw his Robbie standing in the living room holding a gun of his own.

Before any words could be said, before there could be any thoughts, a single shot was fired. Only one brother had time to fire his weapon. Only one brother had time to hit his target dead on. That brother was not Frank.

Placing on her shirt, Ellen jolted at the shot, and fear raced through her when she heard the front door slam. Who did Frank hit? Did they get away? Was he chasing him? She couldn’t just stand there and wait. Grabbing Frank’s radio that rested on the dresser, she flew from the bedroom and ran to the stairs. Her heart stopped beating when she saw Frank trying to walk up the steps. He held on to his stomach, blood flowed from between his hands. “Oh God. Frank!”

Frank didn’t have the strength. His brown eyes peered up at her as his body swayed. One more look and he fell backwards, crashing into the wall and dropping to the floor.

“Frank!” Ellen flew down the steps, falling feet first on the last four. She crawled to Frank, who laid, blood pouring from his gunshot wound. Hand still clutching her shirt, Ellen covered his stomach. Pressing hard to stop the bleeding. She lifted him and slid behind him, holding him in her arms. She laid her lips to his cheek as her hand reached for the radio that had fallen by the steps. Shaking, she called into it. “Joe. Oh God, Joe, help. Frank’s been shot. Hurry, my house.” She dropped the radio to the floor and cradled him more. “Hold on, please hold on.”

Frank opened his eyes, he could barely focus, when he looked up to her. “El . . .” His words were weak and hoarse. He coughed as he tried to speak.

“Shh.” She kissed him, brushing her cheek against his, still holding on tightly to her shirt, trying to stop the bleeding. “It’ll be all right. You’ll be all right.” She looked down at him. She looked into his eyes which were trying to stay open. As she saw the blood seeping over her hand and on to the floor, a feeling of desperation hit her. She realized at that moment what she held in her arms. She held her life, and she was losing it. She couldn’t lose Frank. As she stared down at him again, it happened. A reaction that had not happened in five years. A single tear formed first, it welled within her eye, flowed softly down her cheek, and dropped onto Frank.

He reached his hand up to her, placing it on her face. He brushed the tears that now streamed down her cheek away with his thumb. “El . . .” He spoke weakly and struggling through his pain. “I love you so much.” He closed his eyes, his hand dropped, and his head fell back.

“No!” Ellen felt his body slump. “No.” She pulled him closer. “Oh God help him. Don’t take him from me.” Her heart was breaking. Her body shook with emotions as she cried, pressing her face to his. She couldn’t let him go. If she released her embrace for one second, he could slip from her. Slip from her arms, and from her life. She couldn’t bear that.

Joe burst through the door of Ellen’s home, he was followed by Miguel and Henry. The shock of the scene that lay on the floor before his eyes was more then he could handle. He lost his breath, and fell to his knees. “Oh my, God.”

Ellen lifted her eyes. Her face red and tear streaked. “He’s dying Joe. Help him. He’s dying.” Ellen laid her head on Frank and began to sob. “I can’t lose him. I can’t.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

The chaos felt in the clinic was tremendous. Andrea rushed to meet Dean at the main doorway. After hearing Ellen’s call to Joe.  Quickly, first summoning Dean from containment, she began to prep for Frank’s arrival. She only had minutes and just Melissa to help her. If how bad Frank actually was, was determined by Ellen’s call, then Frank wasn’t good. But Andrea didn’t know anything of his condition. She could only guess. The one thing Andrea remained certain of, was her ability to handle the situation. At that moment she was grateful for the twenty years she spent as a nurse in New York City.

Dean peered out the glass doors, awaiting Frank. “How long ago was it that they called?”

“Five minutes maybe.” Her hand gripped the gurney as tightly as Dean’s did.

“Blood. Are we stocked?”

“Melissa has five pints waiting in the O.R. we can always get . . . here they are.”

Both Andrea and Dean held open the glass doors. The jeep screeched to a halt. Joe, Henry, and Miguel jumped out, they lifted Frank, who laid in Ellen’s arms, from the back of the jeep. They carried him to the clinic. Frank’s long body draped motionless over their arms. Ellen held his head from behind as they rushed inside and laid him on the awaiting gurney.

Dean hurried to Ellen as Andrea immediately went to Frank. “El. are you . . .” He noticed her eyes were red, her body, half dressed, covered in blood. “ . . .all right?”

“Help him, Dean.” She rushed past him to Frank’s side. “Andrea?”

Andrea felt for a pulse. “I have a pulse. It’s a good one.” She lifted the unrecognizable blood soaked shirt from his wound. “Shit. Help me to O.R. STAT.”

Ellen grabbed hold of the cart as it began to wheel down the hallway. “I’m coming with you.”

Andrea, focused, kept moving. “No, stay here, it’s best.”

“You need me in there. I am not leaving him. I won’t.” She pleaded. “Please.”

“Fine. But the moment you get out of control, you are out.”

“Thank you.” She looked to Dean, who held his hand on Frank’s stomach. “Thank you, Dean.”

Dean shook his head at her. “Maybe you should get dressed first before you go in there.” He pushed the cart faster, out of Ellen’s hands, leaving her standing there.

Henry, without hesitation, took off his shirt. “Here, El. Now go.”

Ellen kissed him on the cheek. “Pray for him.” She ran down the hallway pulling the shirt over her head as she did. She burst into the operating room. Frank was being covered, while Melissa attached a monitor to him. The beeping sound began immediately. Frank’s heart. She heard it. It was a sign of hope to her. She ran to Frank’s side, and positioned herself by his head, right by the monitor. “Hold on, Frank.” She placed her lips to his forehead. “I’m here.”

Andrea held her just scrubbed hands high, as Melissa placed a gown on her. “Ellen, the bags are ready. Hook Frank up.”

Ellen stood up. She reached for the tubing and placed the ends of it on the table. Near his head, on a tray, lay the needles needed. Her hands shook as she reached for them, she couldn’t even pick them up.

Dean, frustrated at Ellen’s inability, intervened. He grabbed the needles, and Frank’s arm, and inserted them. “If you want to stay in here, you have to better than that.” He resumed his position across from Andrea, placing his mask over his face. “Ready.”

Andrea peered through the tops of her mask at Dean, then at Ellen, who cradled Frank’s head. “Melissa, scalpel.” She held out her hand. “We have a major bleeder here. I just have to find it. Dean . . . suction.” She began to go to work on Frank. “How’s our vitals Ellen?”

“Pulse is fifty, BP is 80 over 60.” Ellen’s voice shook. “How bad is it Andrea?”

“I’ve seen worse. We’re lucky that Frank is such a big guy.” She looked quickly at Ellen. “You have to calm down. We are doing fine here. I just have to find the bullet . . . Suction Dean . . . who shot him Ellen?”

Ellen shook her head. “I don’t know. I was upstairs in the bedroom.” She kept staring at Frank.

“What was going on?” Andrea asked.

Dean breathed heavily in response. “It’s obvious what they were doing. They seemed to be lacking clothes.”

Andrea glared at Dean, her hands pausing just briefly. “This is not the time for that, Doctor.” Her eyes returned to her work. “Found it . . . I got the bullet . . . one more second . . . there.”

Ellen closed her eyes, her lips pressed to Frank when she heard the clank of the bullet hit the tray.

“Dean suction . . . I see the bleeder, it’s not bad. It’s not bad, Ellen. There doesn’t seem to be much damage. I think I can do it.” Andrea nodded her head to Melissa who informed her she was replacing the empty pint of blood, with a fresh one. Andrea’s smile could not be seen through her mask. She was happy, the whole thing could have been worse. It was repair time, crisis over. “Talk to me Ellen. Just talk to me.”

Dean didn’t understand Andrea’s infatuation with calming Ellen. It annoyed him. He tried not to let it interfere, but it did. He didn’t want to hear Ellen’s story. What he witnessed was enough.

Ellen tried her hardest not to cry, every time she spoke her body trembled and shook.

Andrea extended her hand to Melissa for another instrument. “Ellen . . . calm down . . .you don’t want me to kick you out, do you? Now is this you Ellen? Take control girl. Talk to me.”

Ellen sniffled and wiped her hand across her face. “He has to be all right.”

“He will be . . . Sutures. . .  He’s going to be just fine. As soon as I’m done, we’ll hook him up to more blood, replace what he has lost, and he’ll recover. I promise.” Andrea began to suture.

“He has to.” Ellen hovered over Frank. “He has to.” She kissed Frank again. “He said he wanted to marry me. I didn’t even answer him. I didn’t get a chance.”

Dean’s heart dropped along with the scissors onto the tray. He took off his mask and backed away.

Andrea lowered her mask with a deep breath of relief. “You’ll have your chance.” She dropped her gloves, and placed her hand on Ellen’s back. “He’s going to be fine . . . Melissa, get a fresh bag on him, with a stronger anti-infection agent. After you’re done let me know. I’ll get Miguel to roll him in his room.” The operation was over, Andrea walked to the sink to clean her hands.

Across the room, Dean’s back was to Ellen. His fist on the table. Like he hadn’t seen in a long time, Ellen was out of control. It was all about Frank. The realization of Ellen and Frank finally struck him hard.

Andrea shook her hands then dried them on a towel. She was abated at the success of everything. “Joe needs to know his son is fine. I’ll go tell him. Dean?” He didn’t answer her. “Dean? I’ll be back.” As she made her way to the doors, her body froze, her heart stopped. The steady beeping of Frank’s monitor that filled the room, now screamed out in one steady sound. He flat lined.

“No!” Ellen cried.

Dean turned around. The room which he blocked from his mind, zoomed into sudden focus. He ran to Frank.

“Shit!” Andrea raced over. “He’s crashing . . . Dean bag him! Ellen step back!” She grabbed the foot stool under the table, stood on it, cupped her hands and placed them over Frank’s chest. “Ready?”

“One sec . .” He placed the air bag in Frank’s mouth. “Now!”

Andrea began to compress on Frank’s chest, counting her compressions out loud. “One and two and three and four and breath. One and two . . .”

The high pitched beep rang loud in Ellen’s ears, she couldn’t stay away, she moved closer to Frank. “Come on . . . Please, come on.”

One cycle. One minute. Andrea checked for a pulse. “Nothing . . . Again.”

Ellen could hear the counting, she prayed. “Frank please.”

Two cycles. Two minutes. Nothing.

Ellen knew the look on Dean’s face. Andrea worked over top of Frank with such desperation. The seconds were flying by, time was of the essence, and they were running out.

Three cycles. Three minutes. No pulse.

“Dean.” Ellen called to him. “The drug. The P.C.R.S.”

“No, Ellen.” Dean squeezed the bag.

“Please.”

“Shut up!” Dean listened to Andrea count.

Four cycles. Four minutes. Andrea checked again. “Damn it Frank come on. One more Dean.”

“Dean . . .Dean . . .you have to do it.” Ellen pleaded.

Dean shook his head, he squeezed again. He saw Andrea listen for a heartbeat.

Andrea’s eyes lifted, she removed her stethoscope and flung it across the room. “I’m sorry Ellen. Call it Dean.”

Dean looked up to the clock. “Eleven sixteen.” He pulled the bag from Franks mouth.

“What are you doing?!” Ellen reached for Dean, he turned away. “Help him!”

Dean lowered his head. “I can’t!”

“Yes you can!” Ellen stood straight. “You can, Dean. You’re the only one. The drug. Hurry!”

“It’s not ready. We don’t know what it will do.” He walked to the counter across the room.

Ellen charged to him, her heart on the line, she grabbed hold of his jacket. “It’s ready. What good is it if we don’t try? You have try! You can save him. Save him, Dean. Please. I’m begging you.”

Dean tried not to look into Ellen’s eyes, he kept turning away, shaking his head.

“Please. If it doesn’t work, what will it hurt? Don’t do this Dean. Don’t let him die on me. Please I love him. He’s my life. I’ll do anything. I’ll give him up. Just don’t let him die.” She began to sob. “Please.”

Dean pushed her away, backed up quickly and ran from the room. He had to do it. If there was the chance, no matter how slim, he had to take it. It was what he created the drug for. It was the test. Within seconds he flew back into the room holding the syringe. “Back away.” He ran over to the table.  He looked at the clock. It was eleven seventeen. He placed his fingers on Frank’s chest, feeling for the space near the breast bone. He inserted the needle and plunged in the drug. The room was silent. They waited with baited breath, watching the second hand make its way around the face of the clock . . . twice. Nothing. “It didn’t work. I’m sorry Ellen.” Dean threw the syringe on the floor. He had failed.

Ellen slowly moved closer to Frank. It couldn’t be. It was. Frank was gone. Her life was over. “Frank.” She moved to his ear. Her soft voice squeaked.. “Frank, I know you hear me. Listen to me. You can’t do this. You can’t die on me. You never gave up on anything. Never. Fight, Frank. Fight. Don’t leave me.” Her tears flowed faster as she hovered over him. Her body shaking as she kissed him. “I love you. . . so much. Don’t do this. Please.”

Andrea listened to Ellen, her pleading, her crying, her begging. So emotional and it wasn’t good for her. Ellen had to be taken from the room. She made her way to a solace Dean, who was rubbing his head, watching. “We have to get her out of here. It’s not good for her.”

Dean turned sharply to Andrea. “Why do I care what’s good for Ellen right now?”

“You know why.” Andrea scolded. “She’s pregnant Dean. Care about that. Now help me.” Andrea walked over to Ellen and grabbed her arm.

Dean heart sunk to the furthest depths it could. Hesitantly he followed Andrea. “Come on, El. This isn’t good for you.”

“I don’t care.” She pulled her arms away from them. “I can’t leave him.”

Andrea grabbed hold again. “Sweetie, we’ll leave him here, calm down, and then come back.” They began to drag her as she fought them.

“No!” Ellen’s one cry. Her one word screamed from her soul and echoed through the halls of the clinic.

Joe looked up. He heard her, he heard Ellen’s anguish. His heart fell. And he knew. His head lowered, it was over. He had lost his son.

Ellen tried desperately, she fought with everything she had not to be taken. She reached out her hand toward Frank. Grasping out, crying, as in one final attempt to reach him. “Frank! No!” She threw back her head as the doors to the operating room flung open.

Before they could leave, before they could step out. Melissa called out to them. “Dr. Hayes, Dr. Winters.”

Ellen’s pleas were answered . . . by Frank. The sound was loud and clear. His heart was beating once more. Breaking from Dean and Andrea’s grip, Ellen charged forward faster than her body could move. She began to trip, her right knee banging to the floor as she saved her balance and reached for the table. “Oh my God.” She flew to Frank’s side. The beeping was strong and steady. “He came back.” She kissed his lips, holding his face in her hands, whispering. “You came back.”

Andrea’s eye widened as she turned to Dean. “What did you give him?”

“The P.C.R.S.. It worked.” Dean was stunned

Ellen lifted her head when Dean walked back into the room, she stood straight up and moved to him. “Dean.” She threw her arms around him, holding him tightly. “Thank you. You saved him. Thank you.”

Dean reached up and grabbed hold of her arms removing them. He stepped back from Ellen not even looking at her. “Andrea, I have to go to my lab and get his second dosage ready. I . . . I don’t . . .” He couldn’t say anymore. Throat closed, Dean shook his head, held his hands up, and backed away, giving one more look at Ellen before leaving the operating room.

***

Room number ten was quiet. Ellen sat by Frank’s bedside, holding on to his hand. Joe stood behind her, both hands on her shoulders.

Andrea finished administering the medication into the intravenous. “There, that’s the second dose. Just to let you know what’s happening. He has normal sinus rhythm right now. Things look very good. But, we know Frank. If Frank wakes up too soon, he’s gonna want to get out of this bed. Because of that, we want to keep him out for three days, then see if he wakes up on his own.”

Joe’s hands dropped off of Ellen. “What do you mean ‘if’, Andrea?”

“We think everything will be fine. But we still have to remember he was dead for eight minutes. That’s a long time. If he wakes up, he may not be the same man.”

“He will be.” Ellen kissed Frank’s hand. “I feel it. I know him. He’s coming back strong.”

Andrea smiled. “I believe that too. Right now, I’m going to get some rest. My body needs it. It’s been a bad day.”

Joe moved from behind Ellen and walked to Andrea grabbing hold of her hands. “You’re a very special lady Andrea. You saved my son’s life. With everything on your mind, you still saved his life. I am grateful, more than you know.”

“I do know.” She patted his hands. “I also know, you will bring my son back for me. I believe that.” Andrea leaned into Joe and kissed him. “Goodnight Joe.” She waved to Ellen, and walked slowly from the room. She had to rest. Though momentarily, the tragedy that occurred in her life was placed far in her mind, it all came back to her when things slowed down.

Joe returned to Ellen, standing by his son, keeping watch and vigil over him.

***

What a perfect scene. Dean thought as he stood in the doorway of Frank’s room. His mind flourished with the thoughts of what he had to say to Ellen. His heart was heavy. It was broke. He had lost a battle he didn’t realize he hadn’t a chance of winning. He cleared his throat loudly to get their attention. When they both looked to him, he spoke. “I, uh, need to speak to Ellen.”

Ellen stood from her chair, motioning for Joe to sit. She walked to the doorway then into the hall with him. “Dean.” She gasped. “Oh, God, thank you. Frank is doing good. He’s alive because of . . .”

“Shut up, Ellen.” Dean closed his eyes tight. “Just . . . shut up.”

“What?” Ellen was shocked. “Dean, I was just . . .”

“First.” He held up his hand. Face stern he moved closer leaning into Ellen who had backed against the wall. “I want to make something clear. I did not give that drug to Frank because you offered to give him up.”

Ellen nodded slowly. “I know that. You’re a good doctor. That’s why I can’t thank you enough for . . .”

“Ellen!” Dean slammed his hand into the wall just beside her head. “Listen to you! Do you even comprehend what else transpired tonight? Do you? What I saw. What I felt. How about learned?”

“This isn’t about you, Dean.”

“The hell it isn’t. He’s fine.” Dean pointed. “Deal with me now.”

“If you’re worried about me keeping my word about giving him up, I. . .”

“Screw your word. Give him up. Go on. Keep in mind, I don’t want you.”

Ellen folded her arms tight and tried to slip away. “I’m not listening to this.”

“I’m not finished.”

“I don’t care.”

Dean’s arm blocked her from going anywhere. “You owe me this.”

“Fine.” Ellen huffed out with attitude. “Talk.”

“I want you out of my house.”

“I’m gone.”

Dean laughed. “You’re a real piece of work. When were you planning on telling me you were pregnant to him? Would that have been before . . .” Dean lifted and dropped her left hand. “Or after you married me.”

“Dean.” Ellen didn’t expect that.

“No.” He shook his head. “I could take the fact that you two were sleeping together moments before he got shot. And the baby. You got pregnant. That hurts, but still, it’s something in time I’d handle. But do you know what crushed me? I repeat the word crushed. Is when you told him you loved him. Love. I thought that was something you were incapable of. Wasn’t that what you told me all these years? You can never love any man? I told you I loved you. I loved you with my heart and soul. You let me tell you that.”

“Dean, you’re forgetting I was honest with you about the way I felt..”

Dean bit his bottom lip, he wanted to slam the wall again, but he controlled himself. “El, you don’t know the meaning of word honest. To you it means whatever you can get away with without getting caught. You lived with me for almost five years. Five years! Did it never occur to you that you’d hurt me? Why couldn’t you just be honest with me? Why couldn’t you just give me that decency? I deserved to know.”

“Why didn’t you walk away from me last year when you found out about us then.”

“Because you didn’t. You wanted to stay. In fact, if memory serves me right, you said you’d break it off. I just never bothered asking you if you did, because I trusted that you would. Just tell me. I need to know. How long has this been going on? How long have you really been with Frank? The truth.”

Ellen closed her eyes, and put her head back. She had to think of what to tell him. How to tell him. She opened her eyes and looked at him. The pain on his face said it all. It was time to end all of the deceit once and for all. “Dean. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry I did this to you.” She moved to him, but he backed off.

“Oh, this is going to be good, isn’t it?” Dean shook his head. “Give it to me. How long?”

“Since we got to Beginnings.”

Dean’s mouth dropped open, an exhale came from him with almost a laugh it was such a shock. “We’ve been here five years.” Dean swallowed. “Five years?” He had been given all the information he could handle. “Thanks a lot, Ellen. Thanks a lot” With a lump in his throat, Dean left.

***

Composure time. That was what Ellen thought her and Dean needed, and she allotted that. Emotions were high, adrenalin pumped and things were said that shouldn’t have been. It was time to face the man she shared a family and life. With a clear, calm head Ellen wanted to talk to Dean. He deserved better from her than what he got. He deserved something she didn’t say to him in that hall. ‘I’m sorry’.

Containment is where she knew she’d find him. Around their children. And Ellen, leaving Joe with Frank, went there. Greg was behind the desk when she walked in.

“Ellen.” He set down the book he was reading. “How’s Frank?”

“He’s doing well. Thank you. I’ll keep you posted.” She moved to the main door. When the buzzer sounded off, Ellen pulled open the door. “If . . . if you hear any shouting. That’s just me and Dean. Don’t worry about it.”

“Dean’s not in there.”

Ellen stopped in her stride through. “He’s not? When did he leave?”

“A long time ago. When he went to help Frank.”

“And he hasn’t returned?”

“Nope.”

“Odd.” With concern, Ellen continued into containment. She was certain Dean would return. Why would he not? His children were there. And Ellen decided to wait as long as it took.

CHAPTER THIRTY

June 21

The headache. The pounding excessive headache was all Dean could think about. With eyes closed tightly, he buried his face tighter into the pillow. The pain throbbed from the base of his skull clear around to his eyes. Piercing pain, like a dagger.

He moaned softly, he didn’t want to move. His mouth felt like cotton, dry, gross. It couldn’t be a hangover, he didn’t drink that much. With every thought he had, his head ached. Vividly in his mind he pictured Ellen, he heard her voice over and over, ‘I love him, Dean. He’s my life. Don’t let him die.’ Besides having the world’s biggest headache, he felt like the world’s biggest fool. Five years they had been together without him knowing. Was he that blind? Obviously. The whole situation to Dean just sucked.

Dean remembered leaving the clinic and stopping at the empty social hall for one drink. One drink. No one was around, he grabbed a bottle poured a shot and it was lights out. His tolerance could not have been that low. Maybe the moonshine really was that strong. Whatever the reason he was paying for his momentary lapse into self pity.

It had to be morning, his body felt like it was. Dean didn’t want to move, but he knew he had to. Besides having to get to the clinic, he had to piss so bad, he was in pain. That alone was the reason to get out of bed. With eyes still tightly closed, wanting to avoid the brightness of the day, he lifted himself to a sitting position. After grunting out in pain, Dean rested his elbows on his knees and buried his face in his hands. No, he thought, he had to get motivated. He spread open his fingers to peer his eyes through, breaking in the light gently. It was a dream. Dean looked around at the unfamiliar furnishings. He was in a bedroom, but not his. Dean worried. Though out of character for him, he feared in his drunken distraught state what he had done.

Turning his aching head to the side, he looked at the bed. Empty! His head flung back, with all the pain, in relief.

But then it caught his eye. The one thing on that bed, that shouldn’t be there. Blood? Dean reached his hand down to the pillow and felt it. Some of it was dry, some of it wet. Where did it come from? From him? Maybe that was the reason his head pounded. Had he fallen in a drunken rage?

He brought his fingers to his head and slowly felt around. They stopped cold on the large bump on the side of his head. The large, damp, lump. Dean pulled down his fingers and looked at them. Blood!

The door to the room opened with a loud creak. Dean lifted his stare from his fingertips, glared up and focused in on the person that entered the room. In shock, Dean rolled his eyes in disbelief, and blurted out just one word. A word that rarely, if ever, crossed his lips. A word that summed up his emotions at that one moment. “Fuck.”

***

Dean couldn’t avoid her all day. He never returned to containment, at least while she while there, and Ellen had to speak to him. In her mind, she believed fate intervened. Maybe it was best their paths didn’t cross until both had some separation time.

Joe arrived back at the clinic for his shift with Frank, and Ellen began her futile search. After being unsuccessful at the lab or at home, she went to containment again. If anything, Dean didn’t hate her enough to stay away from their kids.

Ellen underestimated Dean’s anger. When she arrived at containment, he was nowhere to be seen. She bit her tongue and ignored the sympathy cringe she got on behalf of Frank, when she saw Michelle helping out there. In the skills room Ellen spotted Paul holding Alexandra who was obviously crying. “Alex.”

Alexandra turned her little head, jumped from Paul’s lap and leaped into Ellen’s arms.

“Sweetie.” She ran her hand down her daughter’s long hair. “What’s wrong?”

Paul stood up. “She’s very upset. She misses her daddy. I’ve been trying to calm her for an hour.”

Ellen pulled her daughter back to look at her. “Honey, Daddy probably didn’t want to leave, he’s just busy that’s all.”

“I was alone.” Alexandra buried her head into her mother.

“I’m sorry. But I thought Daddy would be right back.”

“He didn’t come back.”

“Sure he did.” Ellen stroked her hair again. “You were sleeping. You just missed him that’s all.” She tried her hardest to comfort her daughter.

“No.” Alexandra argued.

“Yes he was. I know he was . . . ” Ellen then noticed Paul shaking his head. “Alex . . . I have to put you down for a second. Please? Mommy just needs to talk to Paul.” Ellen placed her daughter on the cot. “Stay here.” She kissed her daughter then walked to Paul. “What’s going on?” She pulled him aside.

“Dean wasn’t here last night.”

“How do you know that? I mean you just got here.”

“No, I didn’t. I couldn’t sleep last night. I was worried with everything that was going on. So I thought I’d come here and help anyone with the kids.”

“Maybe you just missed him that’s all.”

Paul shook his head once more. “As I was walking to containment, I saw you leave.”

“You’re sure about that? You’re sure he didn’t come in here?” Ellen questioned him some more.

“Positive.”

“Something’s not right. This isn’t Dean.” Ellen took a deep breath. Holding up her bangs, she looked back at her daughter then at Paul. “I hate to do this, but, could you occupy her.”

“Sure, no problem.”

“Thank you.” Ellen waited until Paul approached Alexandra and asked her if she wanted to go with him to see his guitar. Ellen knew that was her clue, her sign, to sneak out and she left containment.

As she stood, looking clueless, she spotted the guard walking from around the building. “Dan.” She approached him. “Were you on last night?”

“Yes, why?”

“Did you see Dean at all walking around?”

“Uh . . .” He scratched his head and thought. “Yeah, I did. He went into the social hall. But I didn’t see him leave. You know, with my rounds and all.”

“Thanks.” Ellen crossed the street and walked down to the end of the block. She walked into the unlocked hall. Empty. She checked under the pool table, behind the bar, Dean wasn’t there. Someone had been though, a bottle of moonshine and an empty shot glass sat on the bar.

If Dean was drinking moonshine, it was no wonder she couldn’t find him. There were a few more places she could check, if she still turned up nothing, then she’d allow herself to worry and move on to the next option . . . telling Joe.

“Joe.” Ellen called from the doorway of Frank’s room. “We have a problem.”

“What now?” Joe rolled his eyes. “Is it bad?”

Ellen walked in. “At first I didn’t think so, now I kind of do.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I can’t find Dean. He didn’t return to containment at all. He’s not in the lab or Andrea’s house. Dan said he saw him go into the social hall last night. But . . . nothing. I checked everywhere. I can’t locate him.”

“Do you think he got drunk, passed out somewhere and is sleeping it off?”

Ellen shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m starting to get concerned. You don’t think anything happened to him do you?

“I doubt it.” Joe stood up and walked to the door. “He probably drank too much and wandered into the woods again. I pull a check myself.” Leaving the room, Joe didn’t want to tell Ellen that he was concerned.  Anything was possible. All Joe wanted to do was locate Dean, find him, see that he was fine, chew his ass out for being unreachable, then be grateful that he was all right.

***

“This isn’t happening to me.” Dean tried to stand up, but weakly fell back onto the bed. “This is just great. Just great. Are you telling me I’ve been kidnapped?”

Robbie squatted down in front of him. “At least we have you in a great room. The best.” He reached to the night stand. “Here, you need your glasses.” He handed them to Dean.

Dean grunted. He grabbed them and put them on. “There. Now I can see my kidnapper in focus.”

“I brought you some water.” Robbie showed him the cup

“I don’t want your water, it’s poison. I hope you aren’t giving that to the kids to drink. It hasn’t even been purified. Don’t give them anymore until I work out something.” Dean stood up slowly. “This is great. What the hell else could happen to me? Do me a favor. Shoot me. Just shoot me. Take me out like a dog and put me out of my misery.”

Robbie laughed and rose to his feet. “I wouldn’t do that. You’re too valuable.”

“Obviously not valuable enough to avoid knocking on the dome.” Dean touched his head. “I probably need stitches. I’m still bleeding.” He wiped the blood on the side of his jeans. “It’s going to be impossible to stitch my own head!” He began to shout and rant about. “Thank you!”

“Calm down. We aren’t going to hurt you anymore.” Robbie thought Dean was funny. “We need you. We planned on taking you. I am not the type of person to harm an innocent man.”

“Really? So it wasn’t you who shot your brother?”

“Yeah, it was. Frank was hardly innocent. You of all people should know that. Besides, I not only did myself a favor, I did you one, too.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Dean sat back down on the bed, he was having trouble balancing.

“Eliminated our biggest threat. Frank was your biggest threat to Ellen. He was my biggest threat to carrying out my plan. Now he’s gone. One obstacle eliminated.”

Dean began to open his mouth. He wanted to say. ‘You stupid idiot, you only wounded him.’ But he stopped himself. Robbie thought Frank was dead. With that on Robbie’s mind, then he underestimated Beginnings’ ability. “What did you do Robbie? Go to my house to get me, saw Frank and shot him just for being in the way?”

“Well . . . yeah. I guess. Sort of, it wasn’t exactly planned. Wanna know what happened?”

“No.” Dean knew enough of what went on in that house. “I’d like you to take me to see the kids now.” Dean began to stand.

“Tough.” Robbie shoved him back down. He pulled up a chair and sat directly across from Dean. “I’m going to tell you. You see, Dean, I had to get rid of the enemy . . . Frank. It was perfect, I see him going into your house. I followed. When I go in, I hear noises upstairs. So I walked up, slowly, right? When I reach the top, I see can see in the bedroom. And I see my brother, giving it to your woman.” Robbie stood up and placed his face close to Dean’s, whispering in his ear. “I mean giving it to her. Fucking her, Dean. In your house . . .” Dean turned his face away, but Robbie snatched it back, making him listen. “In your room. In your bed! I stood there. They didn’t even know I was there. I had the perfect opportunity. I could have gone in and put the gun to Frank’s head. But it wasn’t good enough. He had to see it coming.” Robbie released Dean’s face and backed away. “So, I went back downstairs and waited until I heard them walking around upstairs. Then I made a noise. I knew he’d come down. And when he did . . . Pow! And it was bye-bye- Frank. Oh, in case you’re wondering, I didn’t really hear that final scream of pleasure from Ellen. That should make you feel a little better.”

“Oh, yeah I’m overjoyed.” Dean was annoyed. “Are you done with this story?”

“You’re being rude. Here I am, the perfect host, and you’re acting like this?”

“How the hell else do you expect me to act? Whimpering? I’m too mad. The past twelve hours have been a dozy. First, the woman I love comes in to the clinic with her lover who’s been shot. I have to try to save this man. Then I find out that she’s pregnant to him. And if that’s not enough, she’s been screwing him the entire five years we’ve been together. Then you knock me on my head. Give me the worst headache of my entire life. Kidnap me and make me listen to you describe the perverted enjoyment you got out of watching them moments before you blew away your very own brother. Now is there a point that you are trying to make here? What is it that you want from me?”

“Whoa!” Robbie held up his hands. “I was just . . .”

“I don’t want to hear!” Dean began to shout. “So you killed your brother. So you kidnapped me and a bunch of kids from town. Big deal. That doesn’t make you one up on anything. Now if you’re finished playing these sick-mind games with me, I’d like to see the kids you borrowed from us!” Dean rose from the bed and walked to the door.

If it was anyone else screaming at Robbie, he would have nailed him. But something about Dean intrigued Robbie. He liked him, and watching Dean ramble on in frustration was pure enjoyment. He needed him and in strong mind. Dean didn’t realize that he wasn’t just a pawn in the game, he was the main piece. With him, Robbie was certain, he had his check-mate.

***

“Oh, Frank I don’t know.” Ellen wrung out a wash cloth in a basin of warm water. She opened the rag slightly and began to run it across his neck. “If you could have seen the look on his face. He yelled at me, you know.” Ellen sat down on the edge of the bed. “I guess I had it coming.” She tossed the cloth in the basin and ran her damp fingers down his face. “I miss you. I wish you were awake for all of this.”

“He’d gloat.” Johnny commented as he walked in the room looking both drawn and  sad. Not only was he concerned for his father, but he had volunteered to fill in as much as he could for Frank, as well. “How is he?”

“Same.” Ellen stood up, walked over to Johnny and kissed him. “Stable. He’s gonna pull through. He made it through the night. That was a big step.”

“Do you think he can hear us?”

“No. He’s not in a coma, he’s sleeping. And it’s induced.” Ellen went back over to his side.

“So why the conversation?” Johnny closed in on his father.

“It’s for me more than him.” Ellen folded her arms and looked at Johnny. “I talked to him all the time.”

“Did you want to go take a break or something?” Johnny asked. “I’ll sit with Dad.”

“Nah.” Ellen shook her head and walked back over to the bed. “I’m waiting to hear back from Pap about Dean. Staying here will keep my mind occupied. Funny . . .” Ellen gave a soft sad chuckle. “I’m trying to camouflage one concern by burying it with another.”

***

“Dean!” Denny jumped up from his lying position as the door opened. “Dean!” He shouted excitedly and ran to him, embracing him up and lifting him from the floor.

“Easy.” Dean grabbed his head, then planted his feet firmly. “I’m glad to see you.”

“Oh, gosh. Me, too.” Denny noticed Dean was alone, no one followed him. “Are you here to rescue us? I’ll grab the kids.”

“No, I’m not.” Dean told him.

“We’ve been kidnapped, you know.”

“Yes, I do Denny. So have I.” Dean looked about at the sleeping small children. “How are the kids?”

“I’ve been watching them. They cry a lot.”

“How have they been treating you?”

“They’re O.K., they’re aren’t mean if that’s what you want to know. Except for that guy Moses. He’s not very nice. Robbie is though. He says he didn’t really kidnap us, he just borrowed us for a while because everyone at Beginnings was mean to him, especially Frank.” Denny’s eyes widened. “Frank! Frank’s the cool guy, he’s gonna come and rescue us isn’t he?”

“I don’t know, Den. We may have to think of something else. But right now, I’m here with you. I’ll do my best to protect you.” Dean rested his hand on Denny’s back.

“No offense Doctor Dean, but who’s gonna protect you?”

“Thanks Denny, thanks a lot.” Dean squatted down before Katie. “How’s your sister?”

“She’s fine. She cried yesterday because she peed her pants, and now she has no underwear.”

Dean ran his hand over Katie’s blonde hair. “We’ll see what we can do. If they’re gonna keep us here, they’ll have to be some changes.” Dean stood back up, moaning as he did and walked to the door. “I’ll be right back.”

Robbie stood in the door when it opened and Dean stepped out. “Satisfied, Dean?”

“Not one bit.”

Robbie took hold of Dean’s arm and led him down the hallway. “What’s the problem?”

“Do you want a list?”

“No, not really. They’re fine. We’re not hurting them.” Robbie opened another door, it led to the library. The large room that once was dusty and dark, was now bright and set up like a command headquarters. “But tell me anyway.”

“First, you have five kids in a room no bigger than ten by ten. I want them kids moved with me somewhere with more room, so I can watch them. Second. I’m worried about the food situation.”

“We’re feeding them.”

“I’m sure. But you have to understand. These kids are now used to eating a certain type of food. They drink pure water. Their delicate systems will not handle anything that you pump into them. You are going to end up with a bunch of sick kids on your hands.”

“That’s why you’re here.” Robbie sat down behind a large desk. “You’ll make them well.” With typical Slagel mannerisms, he leaned back in his chair, rested his head in his cupped hands, and gave that I-know-it-all look.

“With what?” Dean looked around. “We wiped out this town long ago. There’s nothing left. Nothing of use that is. How long are you planning to keep us?”

“That remains to be seen.”

“On what?”

“That too remains to be seen.”

“Don’t play games with me, Robbie!” Dean pointed at him. “You took these kids as a bargaining tool. You should’ve been more prepared to handle them.”

“I took the kids as a smoke screen. I took them to cover up the fact that I was going in the very next night to get you.”

Dean’s heart sank to his stomach, a sickening feeling fell upon him. “They mean nothing to you?”

“I wouldn’t exactly say that. They can be useful tools if we need to enforce what we want.”

Dean knew exactly what that meant. The kids were expendable. They were Robbie’s bargaining chips. “You would really hurt them?”

“Dean, I don’t see it coming to that. I really don’t. Beginnings doesn’t want those kids harmed anymore than I do. We will get what we want.” Robbie stood up and walked around his desk. “In fact, in the long run, I think you and I will be friends.”

“I highly doubt that.” Dean spoke sarcastically.

“I really don’t remember you having this much attitude. Is this something new? Why are you being so hostile?”

“You can’t be seriously asking that question? And I thought you were the smarter Slagel brother. I’m being hostile because I have been kidnapped! Or haven’t you noticed you took me against my will?”

Robbie just laughed and folded his arms, leaning against his desk as he did so.

The door to the library flung open, and with a large stomp, Moses made his entrance. “It’s eight o’clock. It’s time.”

Dean looked to the huge man that just entered, then to Robbie. “Time for what?”

“To radio Beginnings and let them know we have you. They’re probably missing you right about now.” Robbie moved toward Moses. “Dean, this is Moses. My partner in all of this.”

Dean just grunted and turned his head away from the introduction.

“Hey!” Moses shouted. “He introduced you to me. For a brilliant scientist you sure rude! That’s wrong.”

“Wrong?” Dean was at his breaking point. “And I suppose taking someone against their will is perfectly all right.”

Moses stepped forward. “Better than what you folks in Beginnings do. Shutting out the rest of the world. Do you not know that the Bible says ‘thou shall not have more than thy fellow man, thou shall share the fruits of thy labor’ Palms, chapter eight verse ten.”

“What?!” Dean turned his head around to him, glaring at Moses without a single ounce of fear. “The Bible does not say that. And it’s psalms, not palms, you big ape.”

Moses charged for him, picked Dean up by the collar and lifted him above him.

Robbie reached for Moses’ arms. “Put him down! We need him. Ignore him.”

Moses set Dean down. “He’s got a mouth on him. How long do we have to put up with that?”

Robbie pulled Moses aside, away from Dean’s earshot and whispered. “As long as it takes. He’s the ace in the hole.”

Dean stared at their brief entanglement and he finally realized his value. And he knew he would have to use that to his full advantage. Dean had a plan to get him and the kids out of the kidnapping situation, he just had to figure out what it was. Ideas were spinning through his mind so fast, Dean just needed to grasp them in order to implicate them.

***

Ellen folded her hands over her nose and mouth, breathing slowly as she paced around Joe’s office. “This isn’t happening.”

Henry put his arm around her, trying to get her to sit. “Come on, El, just sit down, please?”

“I can’t. I can’t relax until I know.” She moved away from him. “Are you sure Joe?”

“Almost positive.” He sat behind his desk, radio in front of him. “I’ve tried every station, if they hear me, they aren’t answering. We’ve looked everywhere. We can’t find him. Robbie having him is the only explanation.”

“But how Joe? Dean is a grown man. How did they sneak him out?”

“We think Robbie hid out in the community until things calmed down. It’s feasible that Dean is who they wanted all along. Dean is the perfect hostage. They know how bad we need him.”

Ellen just shook her head. “You seem so sure.”

Henry approached her. “El, I’m the one who convinced Joe that it happened. I went back to the social hall to check it out. That’s where I think they got him. Behind the bar, there was some broken glass. It looked like it was scooted out of the way. I also found a few drops of blood.”

“Oh, my God.” Ellen had to sit, she reached behind her for a chair. Henry helped her. “What if they killed him? What if that’s why we haven’t heard from them at all?”

Joe shook his head. “I don’t believe that’s the case. There is a bright side. If they have Dean, they surely won’t hurt him. Having him in there is at least some protection for our children. Also, we have to remember, Dean was a scientist for the Army. He was military. If by any chance they let him talk to us, we have to pay close attention to what he says. He may be giving us some sort of information.”

Ellen shifted her eyes from Joe to Henry. “You mean like say something in code? Dean? He’s smart but . . .”

“Anyone would try to do that.” Joe said.

“Dean?” Ellen questioned again.

“Attention Beginnings!” Moses made his announcement over the radio. “We have someone here who you may want to speak with.”

Robbie handed Dean the microphone. “It’s all yours, Dean. Keep it short. Tell them nothing.”

Dean took the microphone and pressed into the button. “It’s me.” His voice was soft.

Ellen leaped from her chair when she heard his voice. “Ask if he’s all right. Ask if he’s all right.”

Joe held up his hand to her, and lifted his microphone. “Dean, are you all right?”

“Aside from being kidnapped, and having a huge gash in my head. I’m fine. The kids are fine too.”

Joe put his head down in relief. “What do they want?”

Moses’ voice interrupted. “That’s a big no-no question. Ask another.”

Dean snatched the microphone away from Moses and gave him an agitated glance. “They won’t let me tell you anything right now. They’ll get back to you. I wanted to talk to you, Joe.” Dean had grasped one of those flying ideas and hoped that Joe would understand what he meant. He wanted to try to convey that Robbie underestimated Beginnings, because Robbie believed Frank, Beginnings best weapon, to be dead. “I didn’t get a chance to tell you I was sorry that I couldn’t save Frank. I’m sorry your son died.”

Joe lowered the microphone and looked up at Henry. “He’s on our wavelength . . . Yes!” Excited about Dean trying to pass on information, Joe forgot to show despair when Dean conveyed his condolences. “Thanks, Dean I appreciate that. Look . . . we’re all concerned about you guys. Ellen is very worried about you.”

“Tell Ellen don’t bother.” He handed back the microphone to Moses. “I’m through talking. When you have something for me to say to them, then I’ll do this.”

Moses depressed the button. “That folks was the world renowned Doctor Hayes, with a bit of hostility to that Helen person.”

“Ellen!” Dean snapped. “Ellen. Not Helen. Don’t you pay attention!”

“Will you shut up!” Moses shouted back. “You’re getting on my nerves!”

Robbie removed Moses’ thumb from the microphone button. “If you two are going to argue, could you not let Beginnings hear you? Please!” Robbie began to speak to his father. “Dad, before you say anything listen to me. We are in control now. I will contact you. Don’t try to call us.” With the last of Robbie’s words, a static came over the radio.

The silence now in Joe’s office was a terrible reminder of whose game Beginnings was playing. Joe became angry. The only peace he had in the whole mess was now, they had Dean, and Dean was driving them nuts.

“I don’t think they’re coming back in.” Henry said.

“We can’t be sure. We underestimated them once.” Joe stated.

“Yeah, but they got exactly what they wanted. Dean.”

“And we have to start working on a plan to get them back. A rescue operation.”

Henry shook his head. “We won’t be able to pull that off without Frank. We need Frank.”

“So we need time. How do we ask for time without taking a chance on them realizing what we are doing?”

“Dean obviously knows.” Henry commented. “He has to. He must realize that in order for us to go in there and help him we need our best man . . . Frank. In order to have our best man, we need time. Ellen?” Henry noticed Ellen standing and walking to the door. “Where are you going?”

“I can’t sit here and listen to you two talk about this so tactically.” Ellen fought her emotions. “I don’t know how much more I can take. You guys are talking about buying time. Please realize they have Dean. It’s Dean. My children need him. How do I explain to them where their father is? How do I buy them more time? I’m sorry.” Ellen ran from Joe’s office. She wanted to escape and wake up from the bad dream that seemed to be happening to her. Every single part of her life was affected. There wasn’t a single soul in Beginnings not feeling the same frustration and anger that she was. The urge to fight back and regain what was theirs, was overshadowed by the inability at the time to do so. Beginnings was in stale-mate with the small band of men they underestimated. The small band of men who believed they could, and eventually did, hold them at bay.

***

Dean shook his head back and forth as he listened to Robbie ramble on. “It’s not a perfect plan, Robbie. You keep repeating the word, perfect.”

“You’re trying to bring me down on this one. I’m smarter than that, you know.” He leaned across his desk to Dean.

“I know. That’s why I find it hard to believe that you actually think that they are just gonna let you in and reside there. When do you think they’ll do this? Tomorrow, the next day?”

“When they realize what they are missing. If they don’t realize it, then we take drastic measures. We send them messages. That’s where the kids will come in handy.”

“If you off any of the kids then you are opening yourself to them coming in here and annihilating you. They will risk it. In order for them to let you in, they are gonna really want back what you took. Then and only then will they bargain with you.”

“How long do you suppose that will take, knowing them as well as you do.”

“Why . . .” Dean paused. He had to hide his grin. Robbie just asked him ‘how long’. It was too perfect, too easy. Dean had to try. “Why would I tell you?”

“Because I’m a nice guy. And you’re stuck here so . . . how long?”

Dean began to run quickly through his mind the healing process. How long until Frank wakes up,  on his feet, has his strength. “A few weeks maybe.”

“Oh, we can’t wait that long.”

“Good.” Dean brought to his face a confident smirk. “Then you’ll fail. But answer me this. Suppose on the slim chance they let you in. Do you really think it will be a peaceful co-existence?”

“Sure. At first.” Robbie sat back. “See, they’re gonna expect us to try to overrun them. We won’t give them that satisfaction right away. No. We will let them start to trust us, then, bam, gone, all of the originals . . . dead. All except you and your family of course.”

“Oh, of course.” Dean shook his head again. “You keep bestowing such honors on me.”

“I do. You know you won’t die. You know your children won’t die. Hell, I even cleared the way for you and Ellen to be Frank-free.”

“Swell. Thank you. But . . .” Dean rested his aching head on his hand as he leaned sideways in the chair. “I don’t want her.”

“Mind if I take her. There are no women, Dean.”

Dean raised his eyes while slightly rolling them. “Sure.”

“Thanks. And because you’re being so generous . . .” Robbie went back and re-sat behind his desk. “I’m gonna be nice. I want you to tell me what you need me to do for the kids.”

There was nothing short of sending them home, that Robbie could do. Dean stared at Robbie a long time before he would rattle off the list of unavailable necessities that could only be brought by Beginnings. Things that could open up vital lines of communications if Dean could convince Robbie to let Beginnings bring the items. Robbie was a personality contrast. Besides an air of smug and evil, Robbie held an air of innocence and naivety Dean could take advantage of. And still basking in the fact that he grasped onto another one of those flying ‘getting out of Egypt’ thoughts, Dean began to give Robbie the list.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Dean snapped his fingers several times in front of the face of Moses, who just stared off. “Hello?” Dean snapped again. “Are you paying attention to me?”

“Does it look like I’m paying attention to you? I’m thinking here.”

“What in the world could you have to be thinking about?”

“Ways to cool you’re attitude, Mr. Scientist.”

Dean waved his hand at him. “Pay attention this is important.” Dean showed him what looked more like a bunch of plastic containers with tubing, instead of the water purifier. “I didn’t spend the last six hours making this to have you screw up using it.”

“You know, just keep it up with the mouth and I won’t care what Robbie says about you. You’ll be history.”

“Do you really think I care? If I did, wouldn’t I be a lot more nicer to you? Now listen up.”

“Let me give you a little proverb here.”

“Don’t! . . . There is nothing more irritating then hearing someone wrongly quote the bible, when chances are, they can’t read. Now ten minutes. Ten minutes minimum you boil the water for. After that, it gets poured through here at the top. Watch yourself boiling water can be hot.”

“Ha, ha, ha.” Moses began to fiddle with the tubes. “This isn’t going to purify anything. All you did was stick a bunch of things together that you found at the hardware store.”

“I quit.” Dean threw his hands up and walked away. “I’m going to my room. I have a headache and you’re making it worse. But let me leave you with this. It does work. Just because tinker toys are advanced for you doesn’t mean I can’t build something that works.” Dean stormed away. As he walked to the hall that led to his room, he passed Robbie, who had been watching.

“Being pissed at the world isn’t going to make this situation any better.” Robbie followed him. “This is war here. Shit happens. You are making this situation a hell of a lot worse than it needs to be. We aren’t hurting you. We aren’t torturing you. You aren’t stuck in some dungeon.”

Dean flung open the door to his room. “You don’t even comprehend anything do you? You took me at the lowest point in my personal life. You snatched me up when I needed to resolve things. So yeah, I’m pissed. I miss my kids. What are they going to think? How’s Ellen going to deal with that? With them?”

“I would have let you talk to her. But no, you just dropped the radio and walked away.”

Dean turned to face Robbie. “O.K., I want to talk to her . . . Now.”

“Nope can’t do that. Not now. I have to be careful you know, I can’t have you passing information back and forth.”

Dean took a deep breath and let it out. “It’s not Joe that we’re talking about, it’s Ellen. Anything I say to her will be on a personal level. Either about us, or our children. O.K.?”

“Nope. Dean, it’s my game. My rules, man. Sorry.”

Dean said nothing, he merely slammed the door sternly in Robbie’s face.

***

Ellen cupped Frank’s hand in hers, tracing small circles on the outside of it. She could feel the roughness of his hand, the strength that he always held in them. Occasionally, while talking she’d bring her lips to them, smelling his skin, tasting him.

Frank had made it through the crucial first twelve hours. His heart remained strong. Andrea was more than confident that a full recovery would be imminent. Still, Ellen needed to speak to him, hear his voice, feel him. Ellen knew, the moment he opened his eyes, she would be relieved. Things would be different between them once he awoke. They had to. Her recent inner revelation of feelings for Frank would forever change the course of their relationship . . . she thought.

“Hey.” Joe called from across the room and walked closer. “How’s things going?” He watched Ellen weakly shake her head and Joe stepped to her, pulled Ellen away from Frank and took her in his arms. “It will be all right.”

Ellen felt that it would. Feeling secure, feeling like a small child wrapped in safety in her father’s arms. She needed him to hold her like that. Ellen for the first time, in a long time, was beginning to fall apart. Her strength lay in the bed next to her.

“Come on.” Joe pulled gently, moved her from his chest. “Get yourself together. The twins are in the waiting room. I’ll help you get them settled into containment.”

Ellen ran the back of her hand across her nose. “Have they asked about Dean?”

“Yes they have. The great thing about kids is, you can change the subject and they never even know.”

“We have to tell them.”

“We do.” Joe put his arms around her shoulder and began to walk toward the door with her. “I will be with you when you do. Let’s go get them.”

Ellen sniffled, looked back one more time at Frank, then walked from the room with Joe.

***

Henry looked oddly at his key that seemed to be somewhat bent. “Shit.” He shook his head and picked up his pace as he made his way to the receiving center to find George who was packing up the radio.

“Hey, Henry.” George looked up as he gathered up the wires. “I was thinking about the radio situation. I was thinking the containment center, in that front little office. We always have security on there and we wouldn’t have to have an extra man on radio watch. Kill two birds with one stone. What do you think?”

“Sounds good.” Henry looked at his key again. “George can I borrow your key?”

“Which one?”

“The master panel key. Mine seems to be bent.”

George unhooked his batch of keys from his belt. “How in the hell did you bend that key? We never use it.”

“I don’t know maybe I sat on it. But you’d think I would have felt it. It’s probably about time we thought about going keypad.”

George snickered and took the security key from the clip and tossed it to Henry. “Here. Don’t bend mine.”

“I won’t.” Henry caught it. “I’ll make another one for myself tomorrow.”

“What are you doing with it?” George asked.

“I want to do a perimeter history, you know see if the system was overridden at all. I need this key to get into the system.”

“What for?”

“It’s just an option we haven’t checked, as far as figuring out how Robbie got in goes.”

George just shook his head as he finished packing up the radio. “We didn’t check it, no. But you and I both know there are only five people that can override that panel. The council, Frank, and John Matoose. We all have keys.”

“Count me out since I never use mine, and I haven’t a clue how long it’s been out of commission. John and Frank are the ones who check that panel twice a day.” Henry gripped the key. “But humor me please. It’s just a corner we haven’t checked. I just want to eliminate it.”

“Considered yourself humored.”

“Thanks.” Henry took the key and left the receiving center. He headed to the security systems building. Though running a history on the perimeters could be a waste of an hour, Henry had to check it. Even if it was just to say he left no stone unturned.

***

Dean lay on his bed, hands behind his head, looking up at the cracked ceiling. His head started to feel a little better. His anger level beginning to leave. Dean didn’t want that. He wanted to stay angry, at Ellen and the world. But so much had happened. All he could think about was Ellen and the kids.

Ellen.

It was over, really over. It didn’t matter how many times in the past they pulled away from each other. When Dean thought of home, he thought of her. She and the kids were his family. His entire life. And what made matters worse for him was, he didn’t even know when and if he’d see his family again.

The door knob to Dean’s room clicked once. A lantern illuminated Robbie as he walked in. “Dean?”

“Yeah?” Dean glanced over, his voice more somber.

Robbie slid a chair over to the bed. “I told you I like you. I have nothing against you. I’ll never forget how you stood up for me when they ousted me.” Robbie brought his hand up and set a radio on the table next to Dean’s bed. “I don’t know exactly what you are feeling. But maybe if you talk to her it will clear your mind enough to make this situation tolerable for you.”

Dean looked at the radio. “You’re just handing me your radio?”

“How did you put it before? It’s not Joe, it’s Ellen.” Robbie relaxed back in the chair. “Go ahead. Channel six, they’ll pick you up.”

Dean swung his legs over the bed and sat up. He picked the radio up from the table, and held it close to his mouth. He thought about what he would say before he called out to her.

***

“So you see . . .” Joe picked up Billy and placed him on his lap. “Daddy’s on a business trip. That’s why you’re sleeping in this big room with all these kids. Most of these kids, their parents are on trips. But your dad, his business trip will keep him away for awhile. He’ll be back.”

Billy tilted his head sideways. “Pap? What’s a business trip?”

Joe laughed and hugged Billy at the same time George stepped into the doorway.

George looked shocked. “Ellen?”

Ellen turned around smiling. “Done already George? Radio working?”

“You could say that. Ellen, someone’s on there wanting to talk to you.”

Ellen quickly looked at Joe, then George. “Who?”

“I’d rather not say in front of the kids. Come on.”

Ellen placed Alex down, as Joe did with Billy, and they followed George out in to the small front office.

George pulled out the chair at the desk for Ellen, and sat her in front of the radio. He handed her the microphone. “Go on.”

Ellen depressed the button. “Hello?”

“Ellen,” Dean spoke softly. Her name rolled off his tongue almost as a sigh of relief.

“Dean,” she called excitedly. “Dean, are you O.K.?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Dean’s attitude was much different than when he had spoken to the community earlier. He was calmer. He sounded more depressed. “How are the kids?”

“They miss you.”

“Tell them . . .” Dean released the button, regained his composure, then spoke again. “Tell them I love them and I miss them.”

“I’ll do that. Dean, I know this may not be a good time. I have to tell you something. I want to tell you I’m sorry. Really sorry.”

Ellen’s words made Dean’s heart beat stronger, so strong he could feel the emotion in his throat. “You’re right, El. It’s not a good time.” He paused. “But . . . the only reason I’m allowed to radio is to talk to you.”

“Then talk to me.” Ellen whispered in a beg. “Tell me anything. Yell at me. Scream. Please.” Ellen beckoned anything other than the demeanor Dean projected.

“I’m angry, El. Really angry. You said . . . you said you’d marry me. You never said you wouldn’t. Was the baby, was that the problem you had to deal with.”

“Yes.”

“Then why didn’t you come to me?” Dean asked with passion. “Huh? We could have worked through it. We could have. I would have tried.”

“I wanted to. But then . . .” Ellen emotionally searched for the right words.

“But then Frank got shot and you realized who you really loved. I have to go.”

“Dean, no.” Desperation laced Ellen’s voice. “Be careful. We need you.”

It was slight, but it was still an emotional chuckle. “You know what would have made tonight bearable. If you would have just . . . just said, instead of ‘we’, said ‘you’ needed me.” Dean turned off the radio and handed it back to Robbie. “Thanks.”

Robbie held his thumb up to Dean. “Way to lay on the guilt.”

Dean ignored him, and lay back down.

“Dean!” Ellen called into the radio. “Dean?”

George took it from her hands. “He’s gone.”

Ellen covered her face with her hands. “Oh, God?”

Joe hovered over Ellen. “Stop.” He helped her from the chair. “This is a good sign. They let Dean call. They trust what he says,. We can use that.”

Ellen stood up slowly. “Let’s just hope our using that doesn’t get him in trouble. I’m gonna go say goodnight to the kids.” Ellen reached for the door to the hallway that was still open. She paused, and her hand tremble as she pulled it back.

“What’s wrong?” Joe put his hand on her back.

“Oh nothing.” Ellen shook her head. “I feel a little dizzy.”

“When’s the last time you ate?” Joe noticed the clueless look on her face. “I thought so. Let’s get the kids down and how about I fix you one of my famous Joe’s egg sandwiches. Huh?”

“Sounds great.” She moved slowly down the hall and spotted Alexandra standing in the doorway of the skills room. Ellen waved and Alex took off running to her. “Hey sweetie.” She bent down and scooped her daughter up in her arms. As she lifted Alex waist high, a intense pulling pain occurred from her stomach up, causing Ellen to immediately put down her daughter, and gasp aloud.

“Ellen?” Joe moved to her.

Ellen lifted herself from the half huddled position. She held up her hand to Joe. “Please get them into bed for me.”

“Ellen what’s wrong?”

“Please Joe.” Ellen turned away and saw her office a few feet from her. With every step she took the pain within her increased. She went into her office and shut her door. “No.” She spoke softly. “Please stop.” She took slow deeps breaths, trying to calm herself, trying to pass off the pain. It was useless. A cramp stronger than the last struck her, and Ellen cringed in pain loudly, grabbing hold of her desk for support. Her legs felt weak as the pain emanated down through them. The cramping grew stronger in her abdomen. She couldn’t stand any longer. She lowered herself to the floor and pulled her knees close to her as she leaned against her desk. She rocked back and forth, trying her hardest to fight off the pain.

“Ellen!” Joe burst into her office. He saw her huddled at the foot of her desk. “Honey.” He knelt down next to her. “What’s wrong?”

“I’ll uh, I’ll be all right.” Ellen reached her arm out to him. “Help me get up.”

Joe helped her to her feet and ran his hand across her pale face. “Something’s wrong.”

“I’m fine. I’m . . .” Ellen began to lose her balance, and she gasped loudly in pain. She fell into Joe.

As he tried to stop her from falling, he noticed it. The blood that lay on the floor where Ellen had been sitting. “Oh no, the baby.” He picked Ellen up into his arms, and carried her out, only stopping long enough to tell George to radio Andrea.

***

The smell of tobacco and the sensation of fingers running across her face, woke Ellen. Her eyes felt heavy as she opened them to the brightness of the clinic room. Joe sat next her. His face close to hers, his hand grasping tightly to her hand. “Joe?”

“Hey.” He ran his fingers over her hair.

The room was so quiet. Looking around, Ellen saw Andrea. She stood at the other side of her, tucking in the white blanket that covered her from the chest down. “Did I pass out?”

Andrea smoothed out the blanket. “You’ve been out for a little while, yes.”

The look. The look on their faces. Something had happened. Ellen knew. “Andrea?”

Andrea lowered her head and rested her hand on Ellen’s knee. “I’m sorry, you’ve lost the baby.”

“No.” Ellen shook her head. “No.”

“Ellen it was too late. There was nothing I could do. You were bleeding very badly. I had to do an extraction to stop the hemorrhaging.”

“No.” Ellen brought her arm over her eyes and fought back the tears. “What did I do?” She bent up her knees and rolled into a fetal position toward Joe. Ellen’s words cried out with her every heartache. “What did I do? I lost Frank’s baby. How can I face him with this? We just heard the heartbeat.”

Joe covered her with his arms. Trying to calm her, holding her tight as her body shook while she wept.

Andrea rubbed her hands down Ellen’s arched back. “There was nothing you could have done to prevent it. With everything you’ve been through, it could have been physically worse on you. I want you to rest here tonight. I’ll give you something to calm you.” Andrea didn’t know what to say to Ellen. Her heart ached for her. Deciding to leave Ellen and Joe alone, Andrea turned from the room. Henry stood in the doorway. She approached him. “What is it Henry?”

“I need to speak to Joe.”

Andrea pulled him to the hall. “It’s not a good time. Ellen lost the baby. Can it wait?”

Henry looked into the room, he saw Ellen breaking down into Joe’s arms. He wanted to leave them to their moment. He knew Ellen needed Joe. But what he had to talk to Joe about was vital. “It really is important, Andrea. I would leave if it wasn’t.”

“I’ll get him.” Andrea slowly walked into the room, she bent into Joe and whispered in his ear. “Joe. Henry needs to speak to you.”

“Tell him not now.”

“He’s says it’s very important.”

Joe lifted his head and looked at Henry who paced back and forth in front of Ellen’s door. “It must be. Can you stay with Ellen?”

“Sure.”

Joe stood up. “I’ll be back.” He kissed Ellen, then walked out into the hall to Henry. “What’s going on?”

“I’m sorry to bother you, Joe.” Henry peeked into the room then pulled Joe further down the hall. “I wouldn’t bother you if this wasn’t extreme.”

“What’s wrong?”

Henry was apprehensive about telling Joe, and Joe sensed it. “I, uh, I figured out how Robbie broke into the community.”

“This is what you call extreme? My daughter is in there and she needs me. You came to tell me you know how Robbie dug himself in?”

“No, Joe. We’ve been looking in the wrong direction. All along we were kicking ourselves for thinking he crawled in under our noses. And while we covered almost every square inch watching for him, he walked right in the front tunnel gate.”

“He what?!”

“Look.” Henry pulled a sheet of paper from his back pocket. “Just on a hunch I pulled a history on the perimeter to see if it was overridden and shut off. It was, four times. Twice to let him in. Twice to let him out.”

“That’s impossible. Only five of us have the key to do that, none of us would have done that.”

“Take a look.” Henry showed him the paper.

Joe read over it carefully. “Henry, it was your key that opened the perimeter.”

“I know, but I didn’t do it. Someone got a hold of my key.”

“How in the hell did someone do that?”

Henry put his head down, shaking it back and forth. “Let’s just say I was vulnerable to this person.”

“You know who it is?”

Henry nodded.

“Take me to them. Now!”

Without knocking. Without thinking. Without even trying the doorknob. Joe, with a fury, kicked in the front door of the second house on the third row. Wood splinters went flying, as a shriek of surprise was heard coming from the dining room.

Joe pulled out his gun and charged in. With his weapon extended in front of him, Joe pointed his revolver at Michelle who sat at her dining room table, a spilled cup of coffee now before her.

“Oh my God.” She tried to stand.

“Sit down!” He pointed the gun at her. “Now!”

Michelle nervously held up her hands. “What’s going on? What . . .”

“Shut up!” Joe motioned his gun to Henry. “Get in here, Henry.”

Henry walked into the room. He stared long and cold at Michelle.

With a frightened look on her face, her eyes pleaded to Henry. “What did I do? Please tell me.”

Henry shook his head at her and walked behind her chair. “I guess you’re the one who’s fucked now.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

Henry just stepped back from her.

“Joe.” Michelle nervously called to him. “Please. I need to know.”

“Don’t you dare sit here and tell me you don’t know what’s going on. We have a witness. This person saw you in the security room.” That’s all Joe needed to say. The expression on Michelle’s face said it all. “That’s what we thought.” Joe spotted a radio sitting on the table. “Is this how you’re communicating with him? Are you?”

“Yes.”

Joe picked it up and placed in front of her. “Get him on whatever channel it is!”

Michelle knew she was busted. There was no lying. She picked up the radio, turned it on, and spoke into it. “Robbie . . . Robbie?”

There was a few moments of silence, then Robbie’s voice emerged. “I told you not to radio us.”

Joe grabbed the radio from Michelle’s hand, never moving his aim from her, as he stood above her. “I guess you’re not getting into this community anymore. Are you?”

“Son of a bitch.” Robbie responded.

“That’s what I thought.”

“Do you think this bothers me Dad? I expected you to find her out sooner or later. She’s a stupid bitch. She’s expendable. Do with her what you want. I’ve no use for her anymore. Because the next time I walk in that community, it will be under your invitation.”

“Never. End this now Robbie. You are warned.”

Robbie made no final comments, no final speeches. He had to disconnect the transmission. He didn’t want to take a chance on his anger being heard or felt by his father.

Joe pointed his gun closer to Michelle. “I want to know everything.”

“Are you gonna shoot me?”

“I’m going to give you a chance to live. You tell me everything. What you know of their plan. And I will oust you to them. Tell me!” His aiming hand remained steady.

Michelle had nothing loose. But she did have her life to gain if she told the truth. “I’ll tell you. It was a few weeks ago. He . . . he came to the gate. Frank turned him away. Robbie didn’t give up. He kept checking the perimeter until he found someone. He found me. He told me he had a plan. He said what was happening here, the oustings and such, weren’t fair. He asked for my help. Saying if I could just get a key to the perimeters, I could turn the gate off long enough for him to get in and out. He only wanted to borrow a few people. He wouldn’t hurt them. He said that you would see the errors of your ways and let them back in. He promised he wouldn’t hurt anyone. He promised”

“Did you tell him Frank is alive?” Joe asked.

“No.”

“The truth!” He shouted.

“No!” She covered her head.

“Why Michelle? Why did you do it?”

“I just wanted things to be fair.”

“Fair?” Joe shook his head. “Five children are gone from their families. Our life line is kidnapped. My son is fighting for his life after taking a bullet. Ellen lost my grandchild she was carrying. This is due on part to you. None of this would have happened if you didn’t let him in. This community is suffering greatly and you sit there and speak to me about fair?”

“I’m sorry Joe. I’m sorry.” Michelle began to cry. “Are you still going to let me go?”

“I will.”

“Thank you.” Michelle breathed in relief. She had been holding her breath since Joe stormed in. Though she knew she was leaving the community, she knew at least she’d be alive. She felt relieved that Joe would keep his word. Her security in that soon vanished when she heard the clicking of a gun’s chamber not far from her ear. Michelle slowly turned her head to Joe, only to face the barrel of a gun, and the vision of a finger firmly on the trigger. She lifted her eyes to him. “No. You said you’d let me go.”

“I am letting you go. Straight to fuckin’ hell.” With all his rage, Joe depressed the trigger. He fired one deadly, close range shot into Michelle’s forehead. Like a burst water balloon, everything above Michelle’s neck sprayed in bits and pieces about the room.

Henry jumped back with the discovery that he was now covered with Michelle from head to toe. “Jesus Christ Joe.” He held his hands away from his blood saturated shirt.

With the back of his gun-holding hand, Joe wiped the blood from his own eyes. “Let’s go, Henry.” He placed his gun away. “We’ll deal with this mess later.”

Without looking back at what he did, Joe left the house with Henry. He had to get back to the clinic. He had to get back to Ellen. He also left Michelle’s house with peace. The peace in knowing that He, Frank, and their men didn’t fail the community. Michelle did. And the community could now sleep in peace knowing that Robbie and his band could not sneak in again. Once again, Beginnings was safe. It was time to move on. Time to reclaim what is theirs, and take it back. Joe would begin that plan, and if it took everything in him, he would see that plan through. In Joe’s mind, he wanted nothing less than to see the fall of Robbie.

It was quiet in the clinic as Joe made his return. Joe was so bitter, bitter that his very own flesh and blood could bring about as much pain and suffering as was happening. Joe tried telling himself, his true son, Robbie, died in the plague five years before. And the Robbie that lingered outside the gate was a different man, a man that Joe no longer knew.

He had been gone longer than expected. And as Joe entered Ellen’s room, he knew the instant he walked in, that it didn’t matter when he returned. As he laid his eyes upon the empty bed, Joe realized that no matter how close to her side he was, he was not what she needed. He knew exactly where Ellen would be.

Turning the corner into Frank’s room, Joe saw that his instincts were correct. Ellen was there. A chair pulled closely to Frank’s bed. Her head tucked deeply between Frank’s chin and shoulder. So still, it was obvious Ellen was sleeping. How desperate for Frank she must have been, Joe thought. How much she probably wanted to share her pain.

Joe moved slowly into the room, Ellen didn’t budge. He gently picked her up into his arms, lifting her from the chair. With his lips lightly pressed to her forehead, he carried her back to her bed and stayed by her side the rest of the night.

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

June 22

The commotion just outside his door, the loud voices shouting back and forth, made Dean jump straight from the bed. What was going on? It was early morning, the sun was beginning to shine, but not too bright. His head was feeling better, and though he had just awakened, he didn’t seem quite as much in the fog as he had been the day before.

Stumbling to the door, and knocking over the wooden chair as he did, he alerted those outside his closed door to the fact he was awake. Dean pulled the door open. Robbie and Moses were facing off. They both turned at the same time, as Dean stood there looking up at them. Dean smiled. He loved the dissension. “Whenever you two are done arguing I’d like to see the children.” He closed the door and headed back to his bed, Not a foot away from the door, he heard Moses yelling.

“Your plan is failing, Robbie. They got your person.”

Springboard action, Dean lept back to the door and flung it open. “Who?” Dean asked. “Who was it?”

Robbie shook his head as if it didn’t even bother him. “Michelle.”

Dean gasped. “Michelle? Frank’s, ‘bitch took the van’ Michelle’?”

“One and only.”

There was a little bit of relief for Dean in his kidnapping situation. A part of him was glad he wouldn’t be around for the gloat feast Frank would throw in town. “Wow.”

“Wow?” Moses shook his head and looked back to Robbie. “They aren’t letting you in. Send a warning, send a drastic warning now.”

“No.” Dean interjected. “You can’t do that. No.”

“You stay out of this.” Moses instructed strongly.

“I will not. Robbie.” Dean pulled Robbie’s views away from Moses. “A drastic warning means the kids. You send one of those kids you open yourself up to total annihilation from Beginnings. I know how you can get in. Don’t use the kids.”

“Why should we listen to you?” Robbie asked. “It could be a trap.”

“It could,” Dean said. “But it could be my sincere way of protecting these kids here. How can I go home and face their care givers if something happens to them. I will trade the way for their safety.”

Moses saw the debate on Robbie’s face. “Robbie, no. Don’t listen to him.”

Robbie still held eye contact with Dean. “Go on.”

“Your word.” Dean insisted. “You’re a Slagel. Give me your word.”

“If I like what you have to say and go with it, I give you my word not one of the kids will be harmed. Talk.” Robbie stepped in the room, and shut the door leaving Moses outside.

Dean did a double take at the just shut door then he readied himself to talk to Robbie. He was in a catch twenty-two. He knew Beginnings needed time. Time for Frank to get strong to pull a rescue operation that only Frank could. But that time meant not only losing contact with Beginnings but risking the health and welfare of the children held captive. So Dean gave it his best shot. “You have to play the waiting game.”

Robbie laughed. “This is not a news flash, Dean. You said something like this before.”

“I know. I know. But I’m very serious. Waiting is the only way. Right now, they’re pissed. They’re not going to budge at all. They may even retaliate and take a chance right now, just to eliminate you. But . . . if you make them wait, they start to lose. Health-wise, I’m not there. I make the meds. What they have won’t last. The care givers, they’ll want their families back. The first survivor who violently tries to get in will do more damage then he would have had Frank been alive. These are all factors that will happen. They will play a role in them getting desperate enough to let you in. They will emotionally be spent and willing to listen.”

“I don’t know.” Robbie said indecisive.

“I do.” Dean kept trying. “But aside from what you hold, you have to show them your final intentions are good, whether they are or not. If they see that maybe they were wrong, and that you can be trusted, they will eventually, in a few weeks, let you in.”

Robbie laughed. “Um, Dean? I took you and the kids. I don’t think I can get their trust.”

“If you show that you don’t want us harmed, you will. Ask Beginnings for the supplies I told you. Set up a meet. Your men meet two of theirs midway somewhere. Peaceful exchange. They won’t risk harming your men. Not with us under your thumb. Keep in contact. Set up an every two or three day update.”

“How are they going to believe I’m not just keeping the supplies? How they gonna know, I’m not actually harming you guys.”

“Let me be the radio contact. Let me be the contact person.”

“No way.”

“Yes.” Dean nodded. “I will give the updates. They’ll hear in my voice if something’s wrong. I’ll give the list. You monitor the transmissions. And . . . I speak to only Ellen. OK? Ellen.”

“I get it.” Robbie grinned. “Dean, I’m impressed.”

“Thank you,” Dean spoke in relief.

“You sold out for purely selfish reasons.” Robbie gave a swat to Dean’s arm. “You told me how to manipulate Beginnings. You made it seem like it was for the sake of the kids, when actually it was so you can talk to Ellen. Very good.” Robbie nodded. “O.K., I’ll give it a shot. I was gonna wait anyhow, but with this little Dean thing. No pun intended to your size. It can work. Thanks.” Brightly, Robbie smiled again and tall he walked from Dean’s room.

Dean was left alone to wonder. Did he do the right thing? He had to keep telling himself ‘yes’. Had he been in Beginnings and someone else was kidnapped, he’d expect the same. He had to keep Beginnings updated, as he hoped they’d find away to update him as well and convey their intentions. And he hoped that one of the messages Beginnings conveyed to him was they had intentions, but none of them were about giving in to Robbie.

***

Ellen finished dressing, and brushing her hair. She sat weakly in a chair next to her hospital bedside and stared down at her folded hands as she clasped the brush tightly. She just wanted to get rid of the sadness. The sadness opened her up to feeling pain she would rather not. So many years she had kept pain and heartache away. In doing that, she was protected from everything. But the moment her walls came down, everything went wrong. She thought of the baby she lost. How much pain that was causing her. It was nothing compared to the heartache she felt every time she remembered that look on Frank’s face when he heard his baby’s heart beat merely five days before. That look, Ellen couldn’t even recall anything ever causing his face to light up like that. His eyes to be happy instead of mean, and that I’m-so-proud-of-you, look he gave her. All of that happening the moment Frank looked up at her when Andrea placed the fetal monitor across her stomach, and the sound of a beating heart was heard loud and clear. . . Now it was gone.

Joe didn’t want to do it, but he had to. Especially when he saw her sitting there, head down, staring. Disturbing Ellen was the last thing she needed. But the community needed her. She was the only one who could help. With Henry, Joe walked into Ellen’s room. “Ellen”

Ellen turned to him. “Hey Joe.”

“I hate to bother you but . . .” He held up a hand radio. “We’ve got a situation on our hands.”

“What is it?”

“This is Robbie” He showed her the radio. “They want some things from Beginnings for the children. He said Dean will tell us what they are. The only thing is, you’re the only one Robbie will allow him to talk to. I need you to do this. I also need you to tell him we need time.” He snapped his finger back to Henry. Henry handed him a notebook and he relayed it to Ellen. “I wrote down what I need you to say.”

Ellen took a deep breath as she read over the words and nodded.

“And . . .” Joe knelt down before her. “Whatever you do, don’t mention the baby. I don’t want Robbie to know we suffered another blow.”

Ellen reluctantly took the radio Joe handed her, she looked down at the words, and called to Dean. “I’m here, Dean.”

“Ellen.” Dean nervously fiddled with his own list. “Before I tell you what we need. How are you?”

“I’m fine,” Ellen said sadly then paused and lifted the note. “No, I’m . . . I’m weak with worry? Worry.” She quickly looked up to Joe and mouthed the words ‘I am not weak’.

Joe nodded and waved his hand to hurry her along.

Ellen continued. “And I need to tell you something. I need you to listen.”

Dean was still stuck on the fact that Ellen called herself weak. It had to be a clue that whatever she said were just words. Dean hoed there was some sort of message in them. “Go on.”

Ellen began to read. “With Frank gone now, I just wished we had the time to work things out. We need time to do that. Start to cry right. . .” Ellen stopped, she quickly realized she wasn’t supposed to read that. She caught herself and covered. “I mean I start to cry right away when I think of what I did. When you get back, can we take that time we need to work this out? Can you understand why I’m asking this?”

“Yes, Yes I do.” Dean spoke soft. “You need time. I’ll give us that. Just so you know I understand, I want you to know that I totally forgive your affair. I don’t blame you. I was never around.”

Robbie heard enough mush to last a lifetime. “Dean, move on with it. Cut out the love talk.”

Dean released the button. “You said I can talk to Ellen. Give me that. I need this to move on.”

“All right, but enough right now, give them the list!”

“Ellen, I have to go. Do you have a pencil to write this down?”

Ellen held out her hand to Joe. She began to write down the items Dean told her. Things ranging from clothes to medicine. All of them to be placed in two days, at noon, at the highway’s intersection not far from the back gate. Dean told Beginnings that they would contact them every three days. And they weren’t to try anything when they dropped off the supplies. Ellen finished with the list and gave Dean Beginning’s agreement to it all. The list told Ellen and the others that at least the children were safe and Dean had some sort of control, even if minor, over the situation. After saying her goodbyes to Dean, Ellen handed the list to Joe, who looked pleased. “Did we do it?”

“I’m certain we did.” He kissed Ellen on the cheek. “Good job.”

“Are we sure though, Joe?” Ellen asked.

“Oh, I’m positive. Besides this list.” Joe smacked the small notebook off his hand. “He said he forgives you. That alone tells me everything.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

June 24

The three days had passed and injections into Frank’s intravenous to keep him unconscious had stopped. Time would awaken him, and Ellen spent that time, right next to him waiting. A part of her wished he would sleep a little longer. Not that she didn’t want to see Frank, she did. But he needed time to heal and Ellen knew what would happen the moment he woke up. Frank would want to push it, get well, get out of bed fast and end the Robbie crisis. Especially when he found out, the more time, how everyone in town anxiously awaited his awakening, as if he were some sort of second coming.

It angered Ellen. The same people who ridiculed Frank in the beginning of the crisis for over reacting were the same ones who talked about him as if he were going to be the big hero. The same people who used to imitate Frank when he cringed and grunted about Michelle, praised him for his keen insight. All of the sudden Frank wasn’t dumb, jumping the gun, or immature. He was the man they awaited on to charge in and save the day. The thing that worked in Ellen’s favor was Andrea’s adamancy to keep Frank calm and in the dark for a few days. And when Andrea complained or ordered, people listened.

She prepared Frank for his resurrection into the land of the non-sleeping. Washing him from head to toe, combing his very short hair and shaving him and it was all while Frank laid totally oblivious to the fact he was like a baby doll to her. Ellen fussed over him, he couldn’t argue. She spoke to him and he couldn’t tell her to shut up. She even griped about things to him that he had done years before, just because he couldn’t argue back.

Ellen sat at his side. The bed railing was down, she held tightly to his hand, staring down at it, as her head rested gently on his thigh. The room was silent and Ellen’s eyes began to feel heavy. She wanted so much to be alert when he woke up. Just a few minutes of rest. She thought. Just a few minutes and then there will be the second wind. Knowing she couldn’t hold herself awake any longer, she let herself relax. She parted her lips and kissed Frank’s hand, laying her cheek against it. “I will see you soon, Frank.” She whispered. “Very soon.” As she drifted, slumber just moments away, into the half dream phase, she felt it. The twitch of the fingers of the hand she held, followed by heavy feeling of a hand pressing against the back of her head, sliding down her slowly. Was she dreaming? Afraid to look for fear of disappointment, Ellen slowly lifted her eyes to see.

Frank looked down at her. His dark eyes slightly parted and groggy. “You know, El.” Frank cleared his throat, and moistened his lips. His voice was hoarse, almost strained as he tried to speak to her. “If you stay down there any longer, you’re gonna excite me.”

He was back. Frank was back. The smile he gave, the perverted sense of humor. All of which made Ellen’s heart jump from within her, as she flung herself from her chair closer to him. “You’re all right.” She ran her fingers across his face, feeling it. She touched his lips with her fingertips before she kissed him. “Say something again, please.”

“My throat hurts.” He tried to clear it again.

“Oh shit, I’m sorry.” Ellen reached to the stand next to the bed. “I have it all ready for you.” She held a glass of water before his mouth. “Sorry about the Mickey Mouse straw. I pulled it from my nostalgia box.” She put the purple straw to his lips. “Slow, drink it slow.”

Frank sipped the water, then lifted his hand to her. Ellen pulled it away. “It’s warm.”

“Sorry, I got it ready for you last night.” She smiled at him. A huge, real smile. She placed her face close to his. “Frank Slagel you don’t know how much I’ve missed you.”

“You did?” Frank’s eyes began to roll, he was still so groggy. He rested back. “I must have been out for awhile.”

“You have. Two years.” She stroked his face.

“Two years?” Frank’s half closed eyes opened wide.

“I’m kidding. A few days. We were worried.”

Frank grunted, the soreness of his body was beginning to hit him. “You had me written off, huh?”

“Not me. Never me.” She kissed him again. “Shit. I have to get your dad and tell him you’re up. And Johnny. They’re waiting.” She ran to the door and stopped. “Andrea too.” She ran back to Frank, kissed him and excitedly darted to the door again. “I’ll be right back.”

“El?” He called out, his voice not too loud. But it was too late. Ellen was gone.

Andrea gave an approving look as she stepped back from Frank. “Well Mr. Slagel, I’d say you are on your way to a full recovery.”

Ellen squeezed his hand tight as she sat in her spot. Joe stood on the other side of the bed.

Andrea moved to the foot of Frank’s bed. “We were all worried that you wouldn’t be all right when you woke up. You did die.”

“No way.” Frank shook his head.

“Yes way.” Andrea stated. “Your heart stopped beating for eight minutes.”

“Fuck.”

Joe held out his hand. “There you have it, he still has his extensive vocabulary. And we all wondered if he’d be the same Frank. Do you remember getting shot?”

“Yeah.” Frank nodded with seriousness. “I remember hearing the noise and running down. Robbie was there. I wanted to shoot, but I couldn’t. I don’t know why. And all I thought was getting El out of the . . .” His eyes widened and he turned his head to Ellen. “Bedroom. Did we get . . .”

“Oh yeah, busted.” Ellen told him. “But that’s another topic for later. Quit gloating.”

Frank swiped his hand down his face to get rid of the grin. “Sorry.”

“Frank.” Ellen softened her voice and moved closer into him. “You had me scared. It was . . . it was the first time in five years that I was  . . . Please.” Ellen closed her eyes tight. “Get that gloating look off your face.”

“Sorry.” Frank fought his smile. “It’s just that, you know, the busted thing and now you’re sapping out. Go on.”

Ellen really debated, but continued. “I was worried. I thought I lost you. And I thought . . . I thought I wasn’t capable of feeling the pain I felt when I watched you die. And I realized . . .”

“You really love me.” Frank grinned and nodded.

“Can I say it. Please?’

“Go on.”

“Frank, I realized that I really . . .”

“Ellen!” Their peaceful quiet moment was interrupted as Henry burst in the room. “Ellen.”

Ellen turned from Frank. “What’s wrong?”

Henry realizing that Frank wasn’t to know anything yet, quickly calmed himself down. “Oh . . uh.”

“Henry!” Joe snapped. “Spit it out.”

Running his fingers through his longer black hair, Henry nervously stepped back. “I just wanted to let you know. Um, Dean would like to speak to you.”

Ellen jumped up from her seat. “Frank I’ll be right back.” She kissed him quickly and took off running from the room. Joe joined her.

Frank was lost. Baffled. He shifted his eyes to Andrea who stepped to the bed, patted his hand and smiled.

The energy began to leave Ellen about half way down the hallway as Joe had long since passed her in their run. An overwhelming feeling of dizziness stopped her cold in her tracks, and she grasped the wall for support. She could see Joe pushing for the front doors. How long would it be until he noticed she was no longer following him closely. “Joe.” She called out to him. She couldn’t go on. “Joe, please.”

Joe stopped, turned around and looked back at her. “Ellen what’s wrong?” He ran to her side.

“I’m gonna pass out.” Ellen slid down to the floor and rested her head on her knees. “I’m sorry.”

“That’s all right. I’m getting Andrea.”

He didn’t have too. Andrea emerged from her office, saw Ellen on the floor and ran over. “You are doing way too much.” Andrea knelt down beside her. “Can you stand up?”

Ellen shook her head. “I’m too dizzy. And . . . I’m bleeding. I can feel it. Bad.” She said weakly.

“This is not good.” Andrea stood up. “Joe get her into the examining room. This talk with Dean is going to have to wait.” She began to walk down the hall.

“Where are you going?” Joe called to her as he lifted Ellen up.

“I need to speak to Dean. He has something that will help her.”

“They won’t let you. He can only talk to Ellen.”

“Wanna bet!” Andrea’s head moved as she talked and she flew from the clinic. It did not take her long to arrive at the containment center. Henry stood from behind the radio the moment she walked in.

“Andrea where’s Ellen?”

“Ellen sick.” She reached her hand out to him. “I want to talk to Dean.”

“They won’t let you.”

“They will. I need to talk to him. He was working on a drug that can help Ellen.” She moved behind the desk and picked up the radio’s microphone. “Do I just press this button?”

Henry nodded. “They won’t . . .”

“Dean.” Andrea called to him. “I have to talk to you.”

“Andrea? Where’s Ellen?” Dean was bewildered. He did not expect to hear her voice.

Robbie took the radio. “Andrea. You are breaking the rules. Either Dean speaks to Ellen or we end this now.”

“Dean can’t speak to Ellen. She’s sick. She’s very sick. He can help her.” Andrea stated strongly. “I need to speak to Dean about this.”

“Nope. No can do.”

Andrea lost it. She didn’t know what caused her to do it, but she went out of control. “Robert Linus Slagel. You will put Dean on this radio and you will put him on this phone right now. I know your father raised you better than this. I thought you cared about Ellen, obviously not. Now, if I do not speak to Dean I swear to God I will get in a jeep, head my ass on over there and slap you myself. And sweet Jesus help you, you don’t want me there. I’ll take down the whole lot of you.”

“Andrea! All right!” Robbie snapped. “Make it short. God!” He nearly dropped the radio and rubbed his temple.

Dean picked it up. “Andrea?”

Andrea’s body totally relaxed as she sat back down in the chair. “I’m still here.”

“Tell me what’s wrong with Ellen.” Dean hung his head low, and his heart dropped as he listened to Andrea tell him in a delicate medical terminology that Robbie couldn’t interpret. Using words such as, ‘spontaneous’ and ‘menorrhagia’ all but told Dean, Ellen had lost her baby. “Second shelf, third med fridge.” Dean informed Andrea. “PHS. It’s marked. Fifty-milligrams every four hours.” Dean set down the radio and rubbed his eyes. As much as it angered him that Ellen was pregnant to Frank, the miscarriage bothered him. It happened again. The cruel hard world had taken from Ellen, yet another child.

***

They had left Frank alone in his medicated healing state to ponder why Ellen rushed from the room. And also what had been happening with the crisis situation. Joe didn’t even want to think where Frank’s demented mind would travel. His son was not the brightest of men. Outside of the brilliant military strategist that Frank occasionally turned into, like some sort of transforming Mr. Hyde, to Joe, Frank was a short-bus candidate. But Frank needed to know. Joe absolutely, without a doubt hated to be the one to tell him. Despite Andrea’s strict, ‘let his body and mind rest’ policy, Joe prepared to inform Frank.

“Dean . . .” Joe cleared his throat as he sat next to Frank’s bed. “Dean . . . Dean is gone.”

“What do you mean Dean’s gone? What is he dead or something?”

“Christ no, he’s not dead. He’s gone.”

“I don’t understand.” Frank began to smile. “Did he run away from the community? Ha! He couldn’t take it and ran away like a teenager. This is funny.”

Joe rolled his eyes at his son. “What the hell is the matter with you? Use the goddamn brains given to you. No, wait, you are. That’s why you said that. Dean didn’t run away, he’s gone. Someone took him. Robbie took him.”

“Wait a second.” Frank tried to lift himself, it pained him, but he managed to sit up. “If Robbie took him that means you didn’t get Robbie after he shot me.”

“No we didn’t.”

“No?” Frank huffed and hit his hand on the bed. “What the fuck, Dad.”

“Frank. Christ.” Joe held up his hand. “I’m not supposed to be getting you excited.”

“I certainly hope not.”

“Get your mind out of the gutter. We didn’t get Robbie, because we didn’t look in the right spot. We were checking for where he would escape back out, but he uh . . . he walked out the front gate.”

“He what!”

Joe cringed. “Someone on the inside was letting him out.”

“Who?”

“Now you can’t say I told you so.”

“I won’t. Who?” Frank questioned again.

Joe had to just blurt it out. No beating around the bush.“Michelle.”

“Ha! I knew she couldn’t be trusted. I told you so.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Joe rubbed his eyes.

“Wait. There are only five keys that can override the panel. How did she do it if she wasn’t working security.”

“Let’s just say she seduced one of the council and stole his key.”

Frank rolled his eyes. “Fuckin George. I knew he was a dirty old . . .”

“Frank. It wasn’t George.”

“Oh, my God, Dad. Don’t . . . Don’t tell me it was you. I don’t wanna have to call you Joe.”

“It wasn’t me.” Joe’s voice raised more with his irritation. “It was Henry.”

“Henry? Henry? Henry!” Frank shouted.

“Hey, Frank.” Henry, bubbly, walked in.

“Henry!” Frank yelled. “You slept with . . . with . . . with . . .it!”

Henry turned and walked back out.

Joe slapped his hand on his own knee as he stood up. “Thank you very much Frank. I was waiting on a radio update. You scared the man away.” Joe moved to the door. “We’ve, we’ve been receiving radio messages from Dean. And he can only speak to Ellen.”

“That’s why she ran out.” Frank said. “Is she coming back?”

“Frank . . . Ellen, she’s been tired.”

Frank nodded. “I understand. Tell her to rest. All this can’t be good for our baby. Our baby, Dad. Hey!” Frank snapped his finger. “Did I tell you we heard the heartbeat? It was so great.”

Joe closed his eyes briefly. “Frank I have to tell . . .” He had to stop himself, Joe just couldn’t do it, he couldn’t tell Frank about the baby. “I have to go. I’ll tell Ellen you said to rest.”

“Oh Dad?”

Joe turned around. “Yeah Frank?”

“Could you tell her I love her. Tell her I love them both.”

Frank’s words struck him hard. It made his heart ache and drop to his stomach. Joe couldn’t say anything, it hurt too much to. Head down, Joe lifted his hand in acknowledgment and continued to leave the room.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

June 25

He was calling it the Ellen fog. A haze that took over Dean’s mind and clouded any focus he should have had on other matters. How was she feeling? Was she physically recovering? Dean couldn’t stop thinking about her. He couldn’t believe how heavily she was on his mind, especially when he should have been concentrating on how, with the limited ‘love talk’ subject matter, he was going to convey to Beginnings that Robbie was preparing. Constant training drills took place on the streets of Egypt. Exercises that were preparing Robbie’s men for a Beginnings sneak attack. Robbie had an unshakable confidence that, combined with the skills Dean watched Robbie display, worried him.

“Hey!” Moses burst through Dean’s door. “That tall skinny kid.”

Dean, who sat at a small table, hands covering his eyes, peered slowly backwards to Moses. “Must you make the huge entrance every time?”

“Yes.”

“Figures. Using brawn to make up for lack of brains are we?”

“I’m not here to trade insults doctor. You know that tall skinny kid?”

“You mean Denny?”

“Yeah, whatever you call him.” Moses walked closer.

“What about Denny?” Then it hit Dean, what had Moses done to him. Dean jumped from his seat. “You didn’t touch him did you?”

“No. Not yet. He tried to escape last night. Climbed through the window. Talk to him doctor, talk to him now. The next time we may not be so nice. Got it?”

Dean’s nerves were rattled. He took a few breaths to calm himself. “I’ll talk to him. Who caught him?”

“I did. Pissed me off too.” Moses lifted his pants, as if to act like a big man. “I was in prayer, reading my bible.”

Dean, shook his head. He wondered what bible Moses was reading. He never got any passages correct. Then it struck him. Passages. “Moses.” Dean turned solemn. “I really miss reading my Bible. I can understand your anger at getting interrupted. As, uh, one religious man to another. Any chance you can find me one to fill my nights? Nothing like it to comfort you.”

Finally Dean had said something to Moses that didn’t perturb him. Though he wasn’t quite the religious man he prided himself on being, it only happened since he adopted the name, he was impressed. “I didn’t know you were religious.”

“Please. Me? I went to services twice a week with my kids. I read to them from the bible.” Dean spoke the truth, all truths. “In fact, Ellen and I would cuddle in bed with the Good Book. So what do you say Moses? God would shine favorably on you for this one. Please?”

“Well, I suppose I can get you one. Only because I’m a Christian man. But you take care of that kid when you see him. Got it?”

“Got it.” Dean watched Moses storm out. He clenched his fist tightly in excitement and pulled them to himself. “Yes. I am so smart sometimes. The Bible.” Dean knew the Bible well. He knew it enough to be able to find the passages that would say what he needed. He could even use dates and such to convey where Ellen could find the readings. “Oh no. Ellen.” He whispered out loud to himself. Ellen could give Moses a running for his money on bad Bible quotes. Dean knew what he had to do. He had to warn her first that he was going to use the Bible. Then Dean would have to pray that Joe or Henry was listening when he radioed. Because, if left up to Ellen figuring out the passages, Beginnings would be kept in the dark, no matter how much information Dean passed to them.

***

Rest was what Ellen needed and rest was what she was given . . . against her will. Heavily sedated and completely knocked out caused her to be irritated when she awoke, but she did feel a lot better. She spent time with her children before they went to school and then she went back to the clinic. It was time to see Frank. It was time to make up an excuse as to where she was. Because she wasn’t ready to give him the truth.

“Look at you.” Ellen called out enthusiastically as she entered Frank’s room. “All sitting up.”

Joe, who stood by Frank’s bedside, immediately pulled a chair next to Frank for Ellen to sit in. “He looks all spiffy doesn’t he?”

“Sure does.” Ellen sat in the chair, and grabbed Frank’s hand. “What’s the deal? I know you don’t feel that much better.”

“Who me?” Frank waved her off. “I feel fine. Look, my Dad shaved me.” Frank lifted his chin. “My goatee isn’t crooked is it?” He watched Ellen shake her head no. “Actually, there’s a reason I’m all . . . spiffy as my Dad said.”

“What’s that?”

“I have to ask you something. Remember, remember before I was shot, I asked you to marry me?”

“Yes. And . . . Frank, don’t worry. It was an emotional time, the kids had just been taken and . . .”

“No.” Frank shook his head. “I was serious. Very. In fact, even more so now, I want you to marry me El. With this baby coming . . .”

“Frank . . .” Ellen tried again to interrupt.

“El please, I have a whole speech.”

Joe wanted to step in. He wanted to stop Frank. Had he known he was shaving his son for a heartache, he would have refused.

“As I was saying. With the baby coming it makes even more sense to get married.” Frank spoke with sincerity to Ellen, even though she kept staring down at his hand. “Now I know you’re probably so worried about me and this baby. Let me tell you, this is a new beginning for me. I want to do this right. I want something to come home to. With you, I’ll have a family. I want to be there. I don’t want to miss anything. I’ll do good El, I will. I promise. I’ll marry you today if you like, tomorrow, it doesn’t matter. I love you. Will you marry me?”

Ellen had to face him, she had to answer him. Her emotions had taken over. When she lifted her head to look at him, she showed what she was feeling. Her face was streaked with tears, and she continued to cry.

Frank was shocked when he looked at her. She didn’t seem to be crying tears of joy. His mouth dropped open. “Oh my, God, El, what is it?”

Ellen shook her head as she cried.

“Did I say something wrong? What?”

“You don’t have to marry me, Frank.” Ellen released his hand. “I’m sorry . . . I lost the baby.” Without waiting for a response from Frank, she flew from the room.

Ellen’s words went straight to Frank’s stomach. He was speechless as he watched her run from the room. “El.” He tried to call out, but she was gone. Without thinking, he flung the covers off of his legs, swung his feet to the floor and slid from the bed. As the soles of his feet touched upon the linoleum, a sharp burning pain emanated up his legs and to his gut. He lost his balance and grabbed for the bed.

“Frank. What the hell are you doing?” Joe reached to him to help.

Frank swung him away. He didn’t need any help. “I have to find her.” He tried to move his feet, the pain worsened.

“Stay put. I’ll get her.” Joe raced after Ellen. Out the door Joe flew and knowing Ellen wasn’t moving fast. He caught up to her. “Stop.”

“I have to calm down.”

“You have to go back in there and talk to him.” Joe pointed back. “The man jumped out of bed to go after you.”

“Joe, I can’t face him.”

“You will face him. This was his baby too. You will talk to him . . . now.” Joe stared sternly at her pointing back at Frank’s room so much like a scolding father. “Now.”

Hyperventilating in her breaths, Ellen slowly returned to Frank. When she stepped back in the room he was seated on the bed. She hurried over to him and reached for his legs. “What are you doing? Lay back down.”

“Stop.” He grabbed her hands. “El. I’m sorry.” He connected his eyes with hers. “I am so . . . sorry.”

Ellen’s head dropped to his legs and she buried her head against his knees. “I’m sorry too, Frank. I didn’t want to lose the baby. I swear. I swear to you.”

Frank ran his hand over her hair to her chin. He lifted her views to him. “Baby or no baby . . . I will not rescind my proposal. Got that? And I will not take ‘no’ for an answer. El, I have loved you since the moment I laid eyes on you. We spent the last twenty years missing our chance. Don’t make me grow old waiting for you, because I will. I just would rather grow old . . . with you.”

Ellen didn’t answer. She wiped her hand across her face removing her tear and she dropped her head back down to his legs. Hands gripping to him in desperation, Ellen just held on to Frank.

***

“You see, Den.” Dean sat chair to chair with the scared teenager. Dean folded his hands in front of him, trying to be a guidance for Denny. “It was not smart, not at all to try that last night.”

“I know that Dean, I do. But earlier on I heard Robbie talking. He said Frank was dead. Frank is our chance, is he dead Dean? Is he?”

“Why would that make you want to escape? It was very dangerous.”

“I have to know. See I’m beginning to know this camp. If Frank is dead and I sneak out I can help our people to break in here. Is he dead Dean?”

“Don’t worry about Frank Denny. You can’t. You have to worry about yourself and the other kids. You know they won’t let me in here more than three times a day. We have to protect these kids. How can we do that if you escape and I’m locked in another room?”

“Why aren’t you answering me about Frank?”

“Did you hear what I just said to you?” Dean’s beating around the bush wasn’t flying with Denny.

“Yeah I heard.” Denny stomped his foot and stood up pouting. “I know exactly what you’re telling me. No more trying to escape, O.K., I won’t do that. But Frank is dead, isn’t he?”

“Some things are meant to be a certain way.” Dean also stood. “I think my time is up in here.”

“Why don’t you care Dean? He was the only one who could help us. Who’s gonna help us now?”

“Joe will figure that out, don’t worry.”

“I liked him Dean. I know you didn’t. But I liked him. What happened to him, can you tell me that?”

Dean hung his head low, hesitated, then answered Denny. “Frank was shot.”

The news of what happened to Frank, pummeled young Denny. He stepped back, reached for the chair and sat. “Frank was shot? Did my mom try to help him?”

“She did everything she could.” Dean wanted to tell the distraught Denny the truth. He knew he couldn’t. Even innocently, Denny could let it slip that Frank was alive, and that could not be chanced. Misleading Denny was better than lying to him.“Look Den, I have to go. If I don’t, they won’t let me back in here later. I’ll be back, I promise.” Dean opened the door and stepped into the hall. “I talked to him, Robbie. He won’t try it again.”

“Good.” Robbie walked with Dean back to his containment space. “There’s something I want to tell you. What happened yesterday. The Andrea reaming me out thing. It can’t fly. How’s Beginnings suppose to know what they lost if they can just ask you, so . . . end of radio transmissions.”

Dean stopped in his tracks. “What! No. You told me I could communicate with Ellen.”

Robbie snickered. “There you go again, Dean. Selfish, selfish, selfish. Man I like that. Anyhow, the list you gave the other day. That can be standard. We’ll have a meet every third day and . . . because I am a caring man.” Robbie laid his hand on his own chest. “I’ll let you communicate with Ellen, but . . . in the old fashion way. Get that penmanship in order Dean, you have to write her letters now.”

Dean didn’t show it, but he liked the idea of writing letters better. He wouldn’t have to verbalize things he really didn’t want to. And , Joe and Henry could write Ellen’s letters for her. Minimizing any chance that Dean would have a hard time translating them. Transferring of massages would be easier. The only problem laid in the three day time lapse between responses. Hopefully any correspondence made, would allow for that time lapse.

***

“No.” Ellen squeezed the corners of her eyes with her thumb and forefinger. Distraught she raised her views to Joe as they stood  in the hall by Frank’s room. “They can’t do this.”

“I’m sorry.” Joe laid his hand on her shoulder.

“I have to be able to talk to him. Besides this message passing thing. I need to hear him.”

“You can’t. Robbie said they won’t answer. He says they call the shots. Every third day a drop off and your note from Dean.”

Ellen closed her eyes and shook her head. “This isn’t good Joe. Not at all. Dean’s going to try to send the messages in his notes.”

“I would hope so. Why don’t you think that’s good?”

“Because it’s one thing for Robbie to eavesdrop on a mushy conversation. It’s another to have it in writing. He’s going to read, and let’s hope, not between the lines.”

Andrea re-covered Frank with the blanket after she finished examining him. “Looks like you’re healing fine. You didn’t cause any problems making that jump from your bed.”

“I’m not worried about me. I’m worried about Ellen.”

“Ellen will be fine. She needs to take it easy. She took it easy yesterday that was a bonus. Just so you know, there shouldn’t be any reason, you two can’t try again down the road.”

“We’ll see. Whatever she wants to do.” Frank took a deep breath. “So I’m doing good, then. Good enough to take a walk down the aisle.”

“I hope you’re gonna wait until Dean gets back.”

“Well, I wasn’t plan . . .”

“You realize how wrong. Wrong that would be. Sweet Jesus, Francis, tell me you aren’t that callous as to marry the woman from under his nose, while he’s been kidnapped.”

“What if it’s uh, El’s idea?”

“Francis.” Andrea folded her arms.

“Andrea, please.” Frank scoffed. “Would I do that?” He watched her raise her eyebrow at him. “I’m a changed man. I died. I’ve seen the light.” Frank winked. “I won’t marry Ellen until Dean is safe and sound.”

“Oh good.” Andrea let out a breath. “She’s still wearing his ring.”

Frank grumbled.

“And it just is the right thing to do. Let him see it coming, don’t you think.”

“Absolutely.” Frank didn’t let Andrea see him roll his eyes. “Now, me, I’m doing good right?”

“I think you’re little demonstration of fortitude tells me, I want to try walking tomorrow.” She moved to the other side of the bed. “A little walking around this room tomorrow. Then the next day more walking. If you show me you can do it, I’ll let you go home and finish healing.”

“Excellent.”

Andrea gripped the bed railing. “But you have to take it slow and do it right Frank. We need you to heal properly. I’m putting my faith in you Francis Slagel.” Andrea dropped her voice to a passionate whisper. “That you personally, will bring my son to me.”

“I promise you, Andrea, I will.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

June 28

Robbie folded up the note Dean had written and handed it back to the awaiting men who stood before his desk. “You can pass it on. It is fine.” The note, the one Dean scurried the town looking for paper for. The note was written on the back of some acknowledgment page of some huge children’s picture book. It was blank, and served its purpose. Robbie read over the note. It struck him odd at first that Dean made no attempt to pass any information at all to Beginnings. None. It was a love note. Plain and simple. Too mushy for Robbie’s taste. Robbie himself would not be writing love notes if he were kidnapped. But what someone once said held true in the Dean account, ‘what some people won’t do for love’. And Dean was doing his best, since Frank was gone.

Frank. Robbie hadn’t thought of him much since he shot him shortly over a week prior. Did he die right away? Did he suffer? None of it mattered. Frank was dead. Beginnings’ best chance of sneaking into Egypt and rescuing their people was gone. Robbie had an edge. In a Joe Slagel tradition, Robbie wrote everything down. Tearing half empty pages from books. Finding index cards from the library, anything he could use. He wrote down every man he could remember from Beginnings. He wrote down their strengths and weaknesses. Know your enemy. Know them well. Robbie’s best advantage was that he spent time in Beginnings. He knew how it worked and everyone there. Robbie was certain his plan would work too. Though he grew tired lately of explaining it over and over to Moses and anyone he brought into Robbie’s office, he remained certain that he would prevail.

Robbie checked over his notes. Notes on Beginnings, and notes on Egypt’s men. One problem person lay within Egypt. That person was Moses. For some reason Moses had the ability to upheaval the men, make them question Robbie. This was beginning irritate him. Moses’ time was running short. Moses truly believed that once Robbie’s time frame was up that he’d take over, and would handle things his way. Robbie knew better. He also knew he wasn’t about to let Moses reclaim his leadership position. It was his and it would be his when he claimed Beginnings. Moses was a threat to Robbie, and Robbie was certain that Moses would be one man who would never see the inside walls of Beginnings again.

***

“Home.” Ellen opened up the front door to Frank’s house. She held onto him by his waist as he made his way through the door. “You all right?”

“El, I can manage.” Frank hobbled in holding tightly to a cane for support.

“A few more steps to the couch.”

“El, please.” He stopped walking. “I can make it over there. Besides, you holding onto me is not going to help. If I fall, you’ll fall right along with me.”

“Sorry, you’re right.” She held her hands up. She didn’t want to take a chance of landing on the floor.

Frank made his way to the couch and slowly lowered himself to it. His stitches pulled a bit, but not as bad as they had two days earlier. He grunted as his rear rested down. He laid the cane next to him and looked around. “What’s up with my house? It looks different.”

“It’s just my stuff in here.”

“So you’re really moved in with me.”

“Yes. The twins are pretty excited about staying with Uncle Frank until their dad gets back. Especially since Joe sees no need for them to sleep in containment anymore.”

“Wait . . . they aren’t staying when Dean gets back? Are they living with him? Why? I thought we talked about being a family.”

Ellen plopped down next to him. “I thought we’d talk about this . . . all later.”

“All right. Later.” Frank blindly felt for her knee, then leaned sideways to her. His glanced up to her as his head rested near her shoulder. So tired, Frank moved his lips to kiss her.

“Oh knock it off you two.” Joe slammed the door as he waltzed right in and stood before them. He plopped the armful of papers he held on the coffee table. “Ellen, move your ass, Frank and I have work to do.”

“Work?” Ellen stood up. “What do you mean work? And what is all this shit that just made a mess of the living room?”

“These are maps.” Joe grew tired of waiting on Ellen to move. He walked to her and gently led her away from the spot where he was going to sit. “Maps of the region.” Joe sat next to Frank and spoke to him. Ignoring Ellen completely. “Aside from setting up our attack mission, we are going to have to make an ammunition run. We have to figure out what we need. Where we are . . .”

“Excuse me!” Ellen shouted to get their attention. “Joe, what are you doing?”

“Ellen.” Joe slammed his hand against his knee. “I have very little time to do this. Its pork rations day you know? Leave us alone for an hour.”

“No. Leave Frank alone. He has to rest.”

“Frank is sitting on the goddamn couch, how is that not resting?”

“Working his mind is the same thing as working his body.”

“Christ, Ellen listen to you. Working Frank’s mind? Leave us alone. This is important.” Joe opened the maps and began to point out things to Frank.

“And his getting better is important too. Frank doesn’t need to be worrying about this right now.”

“Yes Frank does. Don’t you, Frank?” He looked to Frank who just shrugged his shoulders. “Now please, I can’t express to you how important this is. All right?”

Ellen shook her head. “I can’t believe you won’t even let him be home one day and already you are bombarding him with work.”

“This is not bombarding. This is extremely crucial. He is resting. He’s not moving. I refuse to argue any further with you on this. I do. Now . . . “ Joe waved his hand at her. “Go.”

Ellen gasped. “Fine. I will not condone this.” She walked away knowing her efforts were futile. Just as she opened the front door, Henry stood there with a raised hand getting ready to knock. “Henry.”

Henry smiled and held up a folded piece of paper. “For you.”

With a slight shriek, Ellen snatched it up. “I got mail!” She raced back into the living room. “Henry’s back.”

Joe stood from the couch. “All go well at the exchange?”

Henry shrugged. “As expected. Give the supplies. No talking. Dean’s letter.”

Joe peered over to Ellen who was unfolding the note. “Give that to me.” He reached for it, but Ellen snatched it away.

“No. It’s written to me.” She stood from the chair backing up.

“Give it to me now.”

“No.” She kept waving it out of his reach, frustrating Joe even more.

“For crying out loud Ellen, this is not a game.”

“And this is my note. . . I get to read it.”

“Fine.” Joe could have rubbed the skin off his forehead his hand grazed his skin so harsh. “Read the Goddamn note.” He watched her happily unfold it and start to read. “Out loud!”

“You are too mean to me.” Ellen sat down in the chair.

“And you are on my last nerve.” Joe quickly pulled the note from Ellen’s hands.

“That’s mine.”

“And you can have it when we’re done.” Joe’s eyes skimmed the note as he mumbled. “Dear El. Seems like weeks. Kids are fine. Eating. No illness. Treated well. Bible . . . Christ he’s turning religious.” Joe shook his head.

“Dean’s very religious.” Ellen stated. “Christian really. Reads the bible all the time.”

“Now he wants you . . .” Joe said. “To share passages of inspiration.”

Ellen jerked back in her chair with a tilted head look. “That’s a weird request. I only know where the doomsday parts of the bible are.”

Joe slightly rolled his eyes. “That’s real inspiring. I’m not seeing anything.” Joe shook his head. “Maybe Ellen just has me frazzled. But after the kid part, and request to share Christianity with Ellen, The answer has to be in this quote.”

“Quote?” Henry stepped forward. “What quote?”

“It’s the only thing that doesn’t seem to be in a list format.” Joe read it. “And I know we’ll get through this one day. Like my Aunt Esther always said, it’s not the height of a man that measures his courage, it’s the heart.”

Slowly Ellen’s head swayed. “They have to be breaking him Joe. He knows I don’t read the bible and . . . he doesn’t have an Aunt Esther. I don’t think. Not that he ever mentioned her. Weird.”

Henry let out a long frustration breath. “Joe, are we stupid. Esther. Esther.”

“The book of Esther.” Joe said.

“Bible passages.” Henry pointed to the note.

Joe snapped his finger. “Get Reverend Bob.”

The bushy, gray haired Reverend paced about the living room with his easy to read Bible. “It would help if we had numbers.” Rev. Bob flipped a page. “Any numbers at all in the letter.”

Joe lifted his hand up as he read the letter. “Weeks, maybe it means three. No. Wait. One day. He says one day.”

“Esther, one.” Rev. Bob stated.

“Didn’t . . . .” Frank spoke up. “Didn’t he say something about size.”

“Yeah.” Henry smiled brightly. “The height of a man.”

Frank arrogantly sat back. “Must mean me. I’m six three.”

Joe shook his head. “As much as like to think that, the number sequence it wrong. He’s not gonna give a six before a three. Wait, how tall is Dean?”

Frank fluttered his lips. “Four foot two.”

“Frank, Christ. Sorry revered,” Joe looked to Ellen. “How tall is Dean. Five-six?”

“Joe.” Ellen gasped in offense. “He’s taller than that. He’s five seven.”

Reverend Bob held up a finger. “Now that makes sense. Chapter one, verses five through seven Listen.” He began to read them. “‘When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down and show him respect, he was filled with rage. So he decided it was not enough to lay hands on Mordecai alone. Since he learned Mordecai was a Jew, he decided to destroy all the Jews throughout the entire empire of Xerxes’ . . .”

“Stop.” Joe interrupted. “Let’s break that down first. Who’s Mordecai and who is Haman?”

The Reverend began to answer. “Well Biblically speak . . .”

“No.” Joe shook his head. “Barring the story that we’re reading. We have to look at the words as a message. Henry?”

“Simple Joe. Mordecai is you or Frank. Haman is Robbie.”

“And you know this how?” Joe asked.

“Think about it.” Henry began to pace. “Haman was out raged. He wanted to destroy Mordecai and all the Jews. If we were Haman that would make no sense. We had no intention to destroy everyone ousted. Just oust them. Robbie took our children, and Dean. What I think he’s trying to tell us is. Taking out Frank or you is not enough. He wants us all.”

Joe nodded. “I think we know that though. All right Reverend continue. If there’s more.”

“Just a bit . . . ‘So in the month of April, during the twelfth year of King Xerxes reign, lots were cast to determine the best day and month to take action. And the day that was selected was March 7, nearly a year later’.” The Reverend closed the bible. “That’s the last verse he gave.”

Joe rubbed his chin. “Best time to take action. And that passage gives a time frame. But a year? No way.”

“Dean mentioned an amount of time.” Henry said. “His letter stated it seemed like weeks.”

Frank interjected. “So that means they are gonna strike again in weeks, or we’d better do something in a few weeks. Which we can. Simple enough.”

Ellen’s one long word interrupted the tactical thoughts. “Ooh. It’s a word game. I get it.” She tossed her hands up and stood. “I’ll be back.”

Joe’s eyes shifted. “We’re are you going?”

“Back to my house to get Dean’s bible. I have to pick out a return message you know. I wonder what I can tell him.” With a complete look of ponder, Ellen hurried from the house.

With concern, Henry, Reverend Bob and Frank looked to Joe. Very reassuringly Joe closed his eyes and shook his head. “No.” He peaked at the door, opened his mouth to speak, shut it and shook his head again. “No.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

July 2

Dean basked in the warm sun. On his back, arms folded behind his head, he rested flat on the dirty, weed overgrown street. He just lay there, waiting. Robbie sat on a crate to the left of him, Moses walked guard at his feet. Dean had to laugh at them, watching him like he was some sort of huge threat to him. Yeah, big five-foot seven, one hundred thirty pound, Dean was gonna take them all on. But then again Dean knew that he could, he knew very simply that he could. He could wipe out Moses and twelve others of them in about three minutes. Dean smiled at that thought. If he had to do it he would. The sugar cookies. The cookies that Beginnings sent for the children were grabbed suddenly by all of Robbie’s men. They opened the bin full of supplies, found the cookies and ate them right away. If only Dean could convey to Ellen to sprinkle some of the substance they used for rabbit control on top of those cookies, Robbie’s men would experience extreme stomach discomfort almost immediately. Projectile vomiting, convulsions, and then Dean would exclaim, “It’s the plague again!” Who would doubt him? He was the scientist and they knew it.

Dean’s face must have been very visibly expressing his thoughts. Moses stomped his foot close to Dean’s head to snap him out of it.

“Hey Doctor! What’s so humorous?”

Dean opened his eyes, and Moses came into focus. The vision of Moses shaking on the ground, screaming for his pitiful life made Dean smile more. “Nothing Moses. I was just reflecting.”

“Seem awfully happy. Quit it.”

Robbie just shook his head. “Moses leave him alone. He’s waiting for his letter.”

“You see, that’s what I don’t get Robbie. He’s been kidnapped. If I’m not mistaken he has two children at home. Why is he not concerned with them? Why is he only concerned with this woman Helen.”

“Ellen! Please.” Dean called out from his laying position. He wanted Moses to shut up. Moses was making sense and it wouldn’t help any if he started putting any doubts in Robbie’s mind. “Obviously you were never in love. Then again, who could love you?”

Moses cried out, a gut cry of anger. He raised his knee, lifting his boot directly above Dean’s head. “I could squash you in a heartbeat.”

Dead didn’t flinch. “Go ahead. What do I have to lose? Besides, it won’t make you look better Moses. It will make you look dumber. If that’s possible.”

“Uh!” Moses’ boot came pummeling down to Dean’s head, rearing to smash it like it was an unwanted insect.

Robbie, with quick reaction, flew his hand forward, clasped Moses’ ankle, stopped it from its submergence, and sent Moses flying backwards, joining Dean on the ground. “You will never take physical force on this man without my permission. Do you hear me?”

Moses jumped from his feet and lunged over Dean for Robbie. Dean, realizing it was soon to be the Clash of the Titans, rolled his body out of the way of the two men.

As Moses came flying hands first, Robbie, without fear, without moving, stopped Moses with one single, heavily thrown right fist. Moses’ head snapped back and he flew to the ground. Robbie charged to him, lifting him by his collar. “This is my choice right now Moses. I choose not to kill you for attacking me. Next time you won’t be so fortunate. There were many others before you who weren’t as lucky as you are right now.” Robbie dropped him to the ground and reached his hand down to Dean. “And you. You have to stop getting on him. I’m not going to always be able to protect you. How am I supposed to stop him from coming into your room while you sleep and breaking your neck?”

Dean swallowed, perhaps a little in fear. That thought hadn’t crossed his mind. “I’ll give that some thought.”

“Good.” Robbie turned his head to the trotting horses that had entered Egypt. “Now maybe you can stop pouting. Your letter has arrived.” Robbie waltzed with arrogance to the men who dismounted the horses. “The note?” He held out his hand.

The one man slapped the note into his hand as he untied the box from the saddle of his horse. The other man with him did the same.

At the sight of the boxes hitting the ground, other men in the camp began to charge the unopened care packages. They knew what they sought. They were scavengers.

Dean ran to them. “Wait!” He called out. “Robbie, make them stop. Now.”

“Stop!” Robbie caught the attention of the lunging men. “Why did I just stop them?”

“Because. These supplies are for the kids. This is the deal. This is the third box and your men are stealing their food. The cookies, Robbie. Let the kids have the cookies.”

“Get away from the food.” Robbie ordered. “It’s not ours.”

“Thank you.” Dean walked over to the boxes, he picked one up, he glared at a man who tried once again to reach for it. “Go head, steal the cookies. How do you know. . . “ Dean stared at the men who encircled him. “How do any of you know that they aren’t figuring that you men are eating the cookies? What if they know you are? What if they are slowly poisoning you? Maybe I’m just saving you because I know it. Any stomach problems lately?” He began to carry the box away. He stopped one more time to look back. “Ever hear of Flowers in the Attic?”

***

Hurrying about was something Ellen just didn’t want to do. She finished up her last counseling appointment at the containment center, checked on the twins at school, and raced back home.

“Sorry I’m running late.” Ellen called out to Frank as she ran into the house. I’ll get your lunch for you. Frank?” She looked up the steps. “Frank?” He wasn’t on the first floor. “This is weird. Maybe he’s in the shower.” She walked up the steps and continued to call out his name. After checking every room, the big revelation that he wasn’t in the house, hit her. Where was he? Then she heard her answer. “No. He wouldn’t be.” The sound of steady gun fire could be heard coming from a distance. Ellen knew the return of Joe and George with the huge amounts of ammunition would signify shooting practice. But would Frank be there? “I’ll kill him.”

Walking heavily, and at a quick pace, Ellen stormed through town to get to the training area by the tunnel where the shooting dummies were set up. Passing Joe’s newest addition was the only thing that made her chuckle in her anger. A huge board sign sat erected in the center of town. Like a score board, it read ‘hostage crises, day 13'. Joe was making it his point, every morning he changed the numbers. Like Beginnings was the center of some sort of high media incident and Joe wanted to display it.

Closing in on the roadway near the tunnel gate, she spotted him. Frank stood ten feet behind a row of men. He stood there leaning on his cane with one hand. Wearing his usual green military pants, and white tee shirt. She could see him waving his cane in the air at the men, and hear his huge thunderous voice shouting.

“Hey!” Frank shouted. “What the fuck. Yeah, you’ll hit your target if it weighs seven hundred pounds. Son of a bitch! Hold it up. Hold it up! Christ!” Frank slammed the end of his cane on the ground and shook his head in disgust.

“Frank!” Ellen, out of breath called to him.

“Oh. Hey, El.” He hobbled over to her, seemingly more straight than he walked a few hours earlier. “What are you doing here?”

“I came up here to ask you the same thing.”

“Shooting drills. I didn’t want to miss it. I have to teach these guys precision, you know.”

“Hey, El.” Johnny who took his short cut between them on the way to shooting practice, slowed down. “I saw Rev. Bob. He said you two are pestering him to marry you.”

Frank’s mouth dropped open. “Doesn’t he have a vow of silence.”

Miguel who was right behind John, stopped and placed his big body in between Ellen and Frank. “I hope that the Lord will make you see the error you will make if you marry before Dean returns. It is time, now to be honest. Open. No more lies.”

Frank rolled his eyes. “Yeah, go grab a gun or something.”

Ellen was shocked at Frank’s behavior toward Miguel. “I can believe you were that rude.”

“And I can’t believe you’re still wearing Dean’s ring.” Frank grabbed her hand.

“At least it’s not rude.”

“You don’t think?”

“Frank.” Ellen said his name with irritation. “The man is kidnapped. Allow me to have a sentimental attachment.”

“To Dean?” Frank questioned one hand on his hips “I’ll tell you what El, why don’t I just keep you warmed up and when he gets home, you can run back to him.”

“Stop this . . . I don’t want to fight.” Ellen reached up and grabbed his arm. “I want to bitch at you instead.”

“What?”

“Why are you here, Frank?” Ellen’s tone raised. “I hope it’s just to teach your sharp shooter abilities to these men. You aren’t really going to go out on the mission are you.”

“El.” Frank nearly laughed. “Of course I’m doing the mission. What do you think?”

“I think you’re fucked up.” Ellen started to walk away.

Frank in a wobble, followed. “Wait a second.” He reached out and stopped her. “You don’t want me to go?”

“No.” Ellen pulled away and turned around. “I don’t.”

“This is what I do.”

“Then let someone else do it. “ Ellen argued. “Why does it have to be you. Why do you always have to be the one to rush in. Frank, something could happen to you. I watched you die once, I won’t watch you die again.”

“Fine.” Frank nodded slowly. “Fine. And I can’t believe you of all people are saying this. You would think, with precious fuckin Dean’s life at stake you’d want me to. El, I’m sorry.” He stepped to her. “But I have to do this. I want your support here. But to be honest with you. Whether I have it or not, I’m still going in.”

“I understand. Go back to training.” Ellen said softly, turned and started to walk.

“El?” Frank called out. “Your support?”

Ellen kept on walking.

***

Robbie dropped the other box on Dean’s desk. It landed with a loud thump. “Here’s your note. I read it. You can too.”

“Thanks.” Dean took the ripped envelope and smelled it. It smelled like Ellen and that helped. “Could you guys have at least not ripped the envelope? We work very hard on maintaining all of our paper products.” He pulled out the note.

“My stationary apologies.”

Dean didn’t laugh at Robbie’s humor, he unfolded it and began to read. “Dean, you’ve been on my mind so much since I last got your letter. You and the children. You are in all of our prayers. Have courage Dean please. I know we’ll work this out between us. Even if I have three more days to wait, at least your letter will reassure me, during these past thirteen days of terror, that apart, we can use this tim to at least bring out some good in all this. Keep reassuring me Dean. I miss you. Come home. All my Love. Ellen.” Dean kept staring at the note. Finally, after a long glance he laid it on his night stand. His mind raced. Where was it? The bible reference? Did Ellen actually write this letter, not Joe? She had too. Dean knew if it was in there, the reference, it was hidden. He saw numbers. Three and thirteen. Did she forget it? He’d have to wait until Robbie left to break it down. But what if Robbie took it with him? He had to know. “Robbie can I keep the letter?”

“I don’t want it. I had a hard time reading it.”

Dean didn’t want to, but he had to agree with Robbie. “Her handwriting is atrocious. Her spelling has got to be . . .” Dean tried to hide the instant smile when the revelation hit him. He went over to the stand and picked up the letter again, he gazed over it. He knew he saw it and hews right. Ellen misspelled the word ‘time’. She dropped her ‘e’. Leaving the word Tim. “Um, Robbie. Could I be alone please?”

“I’ll be back. I need you to distribute your supplies to the kids. Five minutes.” Robbie left the room. Never giving a second thought to the note.

Dean scurried for the Bible he hid under the mattress. He pulled it out. Tim. She must have meant Timothy. But which book? Timothy 1, or Timothy 2. Dean glanced at the letter. It read ‘use this Tim to.” that had to be two. Dean had to hurry. He grabbed the bible and opened up to the section. ‘But evil people and imposters shall flourish. They will go on deceiving others, and they themselves will be deceived.’. “What?” Dean plopped to the floor, shoving the bible back into the mattress. He grabbed the note again. “Come on El.” Dean read over it. “Imposters? Evil people?” Dean thought, and thought hard. And as his eyes laid close to the note, the final sentence grabbed him. She asked him to keep reassuring her. Of what? Of imposters? Of Evil people? If Dean was in Joe’s position, what would he want to know? “Oh am I stupid.” Dean jumped up and placed the note back down. “But how to find out, is the question.” Dean made the mistake of speaking out loud, he didn’t notice Robbie walking back into the room.

“Find out about what Dean?” He slammed the door.

“Oh about Ellen.” Dean’s racing mind, filled with possible answers, reflected on Dean’s ace.

“What about her? Does it have to do with Frank?”

“You could say that. She is having his baby you know. I forgot about that.”

“Accidents happen. Don’t get any funny ideas about that baby.” Robbie pointed. “Whether or not I hated my brother has little to do with the fact that she carrying my family. In fact, I’m seriously considering claiming that child when it’s born.”

“Oh yeah,” Dean spoke sarcastically. “Let’s dance one more time on Frank’s grave shall we?”

“Go ahead make fun of me. The next time Moses tries to stomp you, I won’t be so quick to stop him.” Robbie grabbed one of the supply boxes from the desk. “Let’s go. I have other things to do besides feed the brats of Beginnings.”

Dean followed him, carrying the other box. If he wanted to get anymore information out of Robbie, he’d surely have to stop pissing him off. Maybe now was the time to try to befriend him. As much as it pained him. He had to. Beginnings asked in their letter, and they needed to know. Were there anymore inside people? Or at least that what’s Dean thought they wanted. If there were, Dean had to find out. Any plan that Beginnings worked on, would not be sacred if another traitor like Michelle was among them.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

July 5

Dean stood above a bleeding Moses. And not very happily. Moses sat in a chair, seemingly impatient while Dean’s left hand rested on Moses’ forehead and his other hand moved a needle slowly through his skin, closing the huge gash. “Want to tell me how you got this wound?”

“Ouch. . . Yes, Robbie did it to me.”

Dean moved very slowly, repairing the open wound. “Why is it that you insist on letting him get the best of you? You’re a big guy, you can take him.”

“I know that . . . ouch . . . but he still has the dedication of most of the men in camp. If I bring down Robbie, I’ll lose their respect, and who’s going to want to help me then. No, I’ll just wait until he breaks.”

“You think he’s breaking? I don’t see it.” Dean stopped for a moment, taking a breather and letting the needle dangle back and forth from Moses’ scalp.

“Oh sure he’s breaking. He doesn’t show you. But with us, his fuse is short. It takes less and less time to fire him up.” Moses jumped in pain. “Jesus Christ Doc. Take it easy. Are you sure they didn’t give you something to numb the skin in the supply pack?”

“Sorry Moses, all they gave was the sutures. You’ll have to grin and bear it.” Dean lied, he knew there was a topical in with the supplies. But why use it? He fully enjoyed torturing Moses. Letting Moses feel every bit of the needle as Dean pulled it slowly and tauntingly through his injured skin. “There you go. Done.” In his final tie of the sutures, Dean gave a strong tug. Moses screamed. “Sorry.”

Moses stood up holding onto his throbbing head. “I’ll be all right?”

“To be honest with you, I don’t know.” Dean gathered up the used supplies and handed them to Moses to take away. “I noticed your pupils. They’re uneven. It’s not a good sign. You could have a severe concussion. I think you do. And with a head injury you could very well die in your sleep.”

Moses did not know how to react as he held on to the garbage Dean handed to him. “What do I do?”

“For starters, rest, rest for about five days. Don’t move too much. Tell Robbie that too if he asks you. Also, for the next three days, someone is going to have to wake you up every single hour, just to make sure you’re not dead, or headed that way.”

“Is it that bad?”

“I’m afraid so. I’m also surprised you’re not feeling dizzy and nauseated.”

“Come to think of it. I am. In fact, I don’t think I’m feeling all that good at all.”

“You look bad.” Dean couldn’t face Moses as he talked, if he did he knew he’d give it away that he was lying. “Now go, take that stuff out of here and lay down. Besides I have my letter to get ready.”

Moses, frightened not to listen to Dean, hurried from Dean’s room. Leaving Dean not only with an utter moment of enjoyment, he left Dean with information that had to be passed on to Beginnings.

***

Elbows on knees, Andrea let out a soft moaning, ‘hmm’ as she rested her chin in the palms of her hands, sitting on the steps to the clinic.

Ellen, did the same. “Glistening?”

“No.” Andrea spoke dazed. “Glimmering.”

“Too God-like of descriptions.”

“Yeah. How about . . . entertaining?” Andrea asked.

“Mind enticing.”

“Better.”

“You know, Andrea” Ellen stared out. “There’s a lot wrong with living in this world now, but there are perks. It’s sort of like being at a buffet, and we’re the select clientele.”

“Good metaphor.” Andrea reached over and patted Ellen on the knee. “Some items are delicacies.”

“Dan.”

“True. Some are liver.”

“Cole.”

Andrea snickered. “Witty come back.”

“What would Frank be?”

“Frank would be that pork dish that requires a special taste.”

Ellen’s head flung back with her laugh. “He’s doing better though.”

“Much.” Andrea said. “I saw him running this morning. His speed is picking up. Won’t be long.” Placing her hands on her legs, Andrea stood up with a groan. “Well, I must get back to work. However I did enjoy this little break. Coming?”

“Nah. I’m gonna stay out here and watch the men train a little more.” After giving a smile to Andrea, Ellen resumed her spectators position on the steps, watching the security men of Beginning, all sweaty, most shirtless, working out in different aspects of training, right in the middle of the street.

***

George shook his head as he stood in the church, reading Dean’s letter. “There is so much I wished I could assure you of, but I can’t. I can’t even count the number of times I thought about where we went wrong. Love can be such a gamble, like a game of black jack. Every turn of the card is a turn of fate. I just hope fate sees me though until the twins’ next birthday.” He walked down to the third pew where Henry stretched out. “Too simple. It’s all plain and clear.”

“How do you figure?” Joe asked. “Unless they actually bust the quote, they won’t know. He’s fine.”

Reverend Bob agreed. “If you don’t know you’re to look for one, it’s not obvious. But I’m not picking up any numbers to reference to.”

Henry released a loud yawn. “Easy. Book of Numbers, chapter twenty-one, verse five.”

“How did you get that?” Rev. Bob asked.

“Black Jack is also called, twenty-One, and the twins will be five. Not to mention I’m very smart.”

George opened the Bible and swiped Henry’s legs from the way so he could sit. “Move over Einstein. Here’s the passage. ‘And they began to murmur against God and Moses. ‘Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die here in the wilderness?’ they complained’ . . .there, the key word,’ complained’. So simple. Dean is telling us that the dissension is building there in Robbie’s camp. The men there are complaining. It must be tense. And as far as the question we asked. He answered that. He can’t assure us of that. Meaning he can’t find out shit . . . sorry Reverend.” George closed the bible. No one looked impressed. “Guys this is good news. Robbie is losing control. His men may desert him.”

Joe shook his head in disagreement. “It could go the other way. They could start to act before they think. Or, before we are ready. We have to just give Frank a bit more time. Speaking of which. Reverend, did he pester you about marrying him.” Joe shifted his eyes to Henry who giggled. “What?”

Like a school girl, Henry face was red. “The reverend and Frank. What a nice couple.”

“Asshole. Sorry reverend.” Joe looked back to Rev. Bob. “Did he?”

“Unfortunately, yes. I keep trying to tell him how morally wrong it would be to perform the nuptials prior to Dean’s return. He doesn’t see it. I can’t not marry them. However, they do argue, so I suggested counseling to make sure they really were compatible. Just because you roll in the hay for twenty years doesn’t mean you can roll through life together.”

Joe held up a finger with a crooked smile. “That is very profound, now let’s see . . .” Joe’s words were interrupted when the church doors slammed. He turned around to see Ellen racing down the aisle. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” She smiled. “I did it.” She stood straight and proud. “I really did it. I’m so excited. Not to mention impressed with myself.” She held up a piece of paper.

Not wanting to, Joe questioned. “What did you do?”

“Well, you wanted to get across to Dean that we’re near ready. And . . . you were searching a passage. I found one, and I found a clever way to hide it in the letter. Can I?” Ellen held up her note and received the apprehensive nods. “Good. Now the quote I used to convey the message was, ‘For the great day of wrath has come, who will be able to survive.’.”

Joe winced. “That’s a little strong. Let’s hear how you hid its location in the letter.”

Ellen cleared her throat. “You’ll love this.” She grinned. “Dear Dean. I had a revelation six days  ago about us. I’ve thought of it at least seventeen times . . . hey.” Ellen lowered her note as everyone stood up and slowly left. “Hey.” She held it up. Shrugging after the door closed behind Henry, the last to leave, Ellen looked back down to her note. “I thought it was good.”

***

The quiet of the late night in Egypt was not enough to ease Robbie. With a trembling hand he opened his desk drawer, fumbled through, and pulled out a bottle of whiskey. With one hand he unscrewed the cap, letting it fall off to the side and lifted the bottle to his lips while holding onto his neck, just under the chin, with his other hand, Robbie took one long swing of the alcohol, placed down the bottle and wiped his mouth. The old whiskey burned all the way to his stomach, it made his glands salivate from the bitterness of it, it did not slow his pounding heart.

Robbie removed the other hand that held with pressure on to his neck. Blood covered his finger tips. The wound would not stop bleeding. He would have to awaken Dean. He picked up the bottle and took another drink. He had to ease himself, calm down.

It was just a drill. Just an attack exercise. They had been practicing them for weeks. Getting ready for any sneak attack that could occur, either on them or on Beginnings. The exercise concentrated on taking someone by surprise. Quietly trying to cut their throat when they did not expect it.

It was Boyle’s turn for the drill. He was having the most trouble with it. Robbie wanted to work with him, he liked Boyle. So he kept him later, after everyone had finished. But, was what happened intentional? Did Boyle actually mean to cut him?

Robbie knew the answer to that one, he knew Boyle was not like the others. He was young, innocent, barely nineteen, and the type of man that Beginnings would love to have on their side. Unfortunately, Moses found him first. Boyle was one of the few men not to have been ousted by Beginnings. Skinny, tall, naive, and quiet. Boyle was not a killer. But for fear of his life, and fear of looking less than a man, he worked the drills Robbie taught him.

Perhaps Boyle got over zealous. Perhaps Robbie should have known that. But how did Boyle get the best of him? The instant Robbie felt that knife dig into his flesh just above the jugular something snapped. Boyle was dead. His limp body lay twisted at Robbie’s feet on the deserted far corner of Egypt. No screams, no noise, just one snap. It was a reaction, an instinct that took over Robbie. Years of struggling to survive, that proved to be Boyle’s brutal and unexpected end. An end that came at Robbie’s hands, while no one watched, no one was there to help, while all the others slept, in the dead calm silence of Egypt.

Robbie’s neck throbbed and burned at the same time. He had felt worse pain. He checked out the color of the blood, it was dark red. That was a good sign. Bright red was arterial blood. This was venous blood, a few stitches would stop it immediately.

With one more swig of whiskey, Robbie compiled the courage to seek out Dean. He grabbed his lantern, already lit, carrying it as his torch to light the way. He opened Dean’s door, the creaking sound awakened Dean.

Dean sat up in bed and rubbed his eyes. “Who’s there?”

“It’s me.” Robbie walked in and set down the lantern.

“Oh, I thought you were Moses again. Thank God you aren’t. He was in here last night again. Just staring at me.” Dean swung his legs over.

“He’s debating on killing you. I’ve asked him not to.”

“Thanks. Can’t I at least lock my door?”

“If he wants to kill you, that door won’t stop him. I may not be able to stop him.” Robbie sat down in a chair, far from Dean.

“I feel much more secure.” Dean picked up his glasses from the night stand, placed them on, and ran his hands through his hair. “Why are you here? Are you debating on killing me too?”

“I need your help, as a doctor. I’ve been cut. It’s deep.”

“Moses get to you this time?” Dean stumbled over to him. “Where’s your cut?” Expecting to see another head wound, or limb injury.

Robbie, removed his hand, the blood still flowed.

“Jesus Robbie. Someone tried to slit your throat?” Dean quickly grabbed for the medical supply bag, and retrieved one of the sterilized cloths from it. He doused the cloth with a numbing solution and pressed it to Robbie’s neck. “Hold it there.” He grabbed a suture kit, opened it. “Want to tell me what happened?” Dean pulled out the already threaded needle, adjusted the light on the lantern and leaned Robbie’s head to the side. “You’re playing with fire. Someone’s actually gonna do it next time.”

“It was a drill. A simple drill. I was training a man, he was supposed to jump me from behind and kill me.”

“For a drill he almost succeeded.” Dean grabbed the cloth and dabbed away the blood. “Another eighth of an inch, you’d be dead. Did you explain to this man it was only a drill, or do you think he really tried to off you?”

Robbie didn’t answer.

“I’d be worried.”

“I’m not worried.” Robbie grew angry and tried to get up, Dean shoved him back down.

“I think . . . I think it’s Moses. I think that Moses is telling his men now to do this.”

Robbie wanted to rip Dean’s hands away. He tried to remain calm, but Dean’s words were getting to him. “Moses had nothing to do with this. This was an accident. I do not appreciate you trying to play mind games with me Doctor. Playing me against Moses. Not a smart move.”

“That’s not what I’m doing.” Dean’s voice was calm as he finished his procedure. “I’m just about done. There. Just let me snip these.” He reached for the scissors. “Does the man who did this to you, realize now how to do a drill correctly? I fear if he would have done this to Moses, Moses would have killed him.” Dean snipped the sutures. “Done. I’ll bandage that for you.”

“No need to.” Robbie stood. “Thanks.”

“I’d give you something for the pain. But you’ve been drinking.” Dean placed his instruments back in the box. “Why were you drinking before you came to me?”

“That’s none of your business.”

“Sorry just asking. What’s the matter Robbie, want to tell me?”

“Why are you acting so concerned all of the sudden?”

“You seem on edge. You’re never on edge. It’s almost like you just killed some . . .” Dean paused.  A look of fear took over him, his voice went shallow. “Never mind.” Dean quickly moved his box to the side, and went back to his bed. He lay down. “If that’s what you did, I don’t want to know. But if it is what you did. Watch your back, Robbie. I won’t be the only one Moses will be debating on killing.”

Robbie grabbed the lantern and walked slowly to the door of Dean’s room. He opened it. “As far as you are concerned. As far as Moses and myself are concerned. Boyle ran. He ran when I yelled at him, deep into the woods. I couldn’t find him. He wasn’t fighter material anyhow.”

Dean took off his glasses and laid them down, he could feel the tension begin to grown at the base of his neck. This wasn’t a good situation. Things were getting bad as they were without this happening. “Suppose they want to look for him?”

“He was useless. He couldn’t pull his weight.” Robbie stopped talking, he walked from the room. “They’ll never find him anyway.” Shutting the door behind him, he moved down the empty corridor with his lantern. Robbie wanted that moment to be the last time he thought about what happened. He promised himself it would be. It had to be.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

July 11

Perhaps it was a combination of everything that gave Ellen her reality awakening when she opened her eyes. Ellen sat up in bed. How long was she sleeping? It couldn’t have been too long, it wasn’t even eight o’clock yet. She had tossed and turned all night. Ellen sat dazed. She tried to determine whether her stomach was knotted from the dream, grogginess, or all the things that she paid no attention to the past almost three weeks.

The dream cinched it. The horrible dream she had just awoke from was a painful reminder that everything was not all right. Dean cried out to her in that dream. His hand bloody, reaching for her. He crawled to her telling her. ‘I thought they wouldn’t hurt me. Don’t let them hurt me.’

Were all the little things that were happening suddenly, signs from fate telling her to not take for granted anything? The twins. Alex’s crying through her sleep two nights ago. Waking up and telling Ellen, ‘Daddy’s dead. Daddy’s dead.’ Andrea’s incestuous hounding. Johnny. Why was Joe having Johnny work on Dean’s computer five or six hours every day? Breaking Dean’s codes. Learning Dean’s medications. Joe knew everything. His getting prepared ‘just in case’, tested Ellen’s faith in what was going to happen to Dean. She did care. Contrary to what everyone thought, how could she not. It was Dean.

She had to know, she had to find out answers. If anything else, she had to speak to Joe. He would at least ease her mind. A father to her, and the only other person besides Frank that she trusted with her whole heart and soul.

Ellen immediately got dressed and headed off to see Joe. She figured he would still be in his office. He always was until eight. This day was almost an exception. As Ellen rounded the bend to the receiving center where Joe’s office was, he was walking out.

“Joe.” She ran up to him. “I really need to talk to you.”

“If it’s about my son. I’m not in the mood to hear any bitching.” Joe looked at his key chain which he held in his hand. He rummaged through the keys, looking up occasionally at the sky as if trying to remember something. “If you don’t mind Ellen, I’m in a hurry.”

“This is important Joe. It really is.” She reached and grabbed his arm, stopping him. “Please.”

Her voice. Something about her voice made him stop. When Joe finally took a second to look at her, he knew. “What’s wrong?”

Ellen folded her arms close to her, rubbing them with her hands. She hesitated to speak, not out of fear, but out of the lack of the knowledge of how to phrase her concerns.

“Ellen . . . If it’s important, spew it. If not, save it. I’m a busy man.” Joe’s concern over Ellen was overshadowed by his little patience.

“I want to talk to you about Dean.”

“What about him?”

“Do we have to stand out here in the middle of everything and talk?” Ellen felt uncomfortable.

Joe looked around, all around, then faced her again. “There’s not a soul around, how much more privacy do you want?”

“Just forget it. I thought I could come to you.” She hung her head down and walked slowly past him.

“All right.” Joe reached out and stopped her. “We’ll go inside.” He opened his office door, and motioned his hand for her to enter first. “Have a seat. Father is now in.”

“Thank you Joe.” She pulled out the chair and sat.

Joe walked around her and leaned on the edge of the desk, hands folded on his one leg. “So talk to me. What about Dean?”

“I need you to tell me something. Anything. I’m afraid, Joe, I’m afraid that something’s going to happen to him. I have this sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. That’s why I came to you. I figured you could either ease my mind, or tell me why all of the sudden you have Johnny practicing to be the next Dr. Hayes.”

Joe stared at Ellen, his one leg that rested on the desk, swung back and forth, a look of being in self debate was upon him. “I need to know something. Is this sudden concern out of guilt, or is it genuine? And be honest with me Ellen. Remember I know you. No bull shit.”

“I’m so concerned. If you know something, tell me. He is the twin’s father, he is my friend. If there’s a chance that I’ll never see him again I have to be honest with him. I have to tell him how truly sorry I am, and I have to let him know he’s not just a nothing to me. He doesn’t know this. I didn’t get to tell him this. Please Joe.”

Ellen was sincere, as sincere as Ellen could be. Joe had his plan, and he had it in his mind what he thought was going to happen. There were several ways it could go. He didn’t want to get into details with Ellen. “First let me start by telling you I’m going to be painfully blunt right now. Can you handle it?”

Ellen nodded. There wasn’t much at this point in her life she couldn’t handle.

“Good. Now as far as Robbie is concerned, and what his plans are with Dean, I can’t be sure. I will tell you, the longer Dean is there, the less Robbie will remember of his importance. Dean will soon become just one of the hostages. Our men will be ready in less than two weeks. Frank will be in Frank condition by then. We have a plan, no one except Frank, me, and Council, knows what that plan is. Not even the men we are training will know what they will be doing until the exact moment. That’s for security purposes. Now barring any attacks from Robbie, or any unforeseen circumstances, we hope to put that plan in motion soon. It’s a good plan. It’s the best one we could come up with to ensure the safety of the children.”

Ellen’s heart began to pound after hearing Joe’s last sentence. “Aren’t you forgetting someone?”

Joe took a deep breath. “Never.”

“But you didn’t mention, ensure Dean’s safety.”

“No, I did not. We were going to tell you when we were ready to make our move. There was no need to tell you any sooner. But . . .” Joe hesitated. “Ellen to be honest, there’s a chance, though it’s slim, there’s a chance Dean may not make it. He has to be our sacrifice if it comes down to it. It sounds cold, but you know as well as I do, if it was put to Dean, he’d agree, the children come first.”

“Yes he would.” Ellen lowered her head and raised her eyes to Joe. “Joe, you’re sending another note today. Can I . . . can I write.”

“You did last night.”

“No, Joe.” Ellen shook her head. “Let me write Dean a letter.”

“Ellen, we don’t have time to figure out how you can put the passage in the . . .”

“Screw the passage, Joe.” Ellen stated strong. “What are you telling him. Be patient. Don’t worry. We’re almost ready. He knows that. He’s not stupid. What Dean doesn’t know is how I feel. If he needs something to hold on to, let me give him a smile. I know of a way. Let me just reach out to him . . . please.”

Joe lifted his hands. “You’re right. You’re right. Go on. I’m sending Henry in three hours, so hurry.”

Ellen sprang from her seat and bolted to the door. “Thank you, Joe.” She stopped retracted her footsteps and ran back to Joe embracing him. “Thank you.”

***

Moses stomped around heavily, searching for Robbie. His red hair drenched with sweat from the hot July day. “Robbie!” He called out in his most boisterous voice. “Robbie!”

“You don’t need to yell.” Robbie sat behind his desk. “You know I’m right here.”

“You have some explaining to do.”

“To who? To you? I doubt that. I take it the search did not go well?”

“Not at all. What did you say to him? He was a kid. Boyle wasn’t even a man yet.”

“I told you I yelled at him when he cut me. I may have been a bit harsh, but no harsher than with any other man.” Robbie never once looked at Moses. He kept staring down to scraps of paper on his desk.

“I just don’t understand where he went. It was late at night. How far could he have gotten in the middle of the night?”

“Pretty far if you can’t find him.”

Moses, frustrated, slammed his hands into Robbie’s desk, sending it a foot into Robbie and almost knocking him over. “You have my word Robbie. My men will not participate in anymore of your exercises until I find Boyle.”

Robbie stood in defense. “Your men will do the exercises. Do you hear? We haven’t the time to be looking for a sniveling boy.”

“I liked that sniveling boy. I don’t want to give up on him.”

Robbie knew if he fought Moses any harder it would be even more obvious that he didn’t want Moses to know any more about Boyle. “Moses, I’ll be nice. I’ll give you till tomorrow morning to find him. If he’s not found by then, we resume our operation.”

Moses took the opportunity. He didn’t verbally agree, he just turned sharply and stormed from the office.

Robbie sat back down, he placed his face in his folded hands. He hoped he hadn’t made a mistake in giving Moses another day. Though he remained certain that Boyle would not be found, there was always the slimmest chance that he would.

***

Joe was right on time, he always was. He told Paul he would meet him at the social hall. Paul had something to discuss with him of extreme importance. A barrage of criticism would be thrown at Joe for trusting Paul and he knew it. But Joe still trusted him, despite the fact others stopped and Paul was Robbie’s best and closest friend.

Joe entered the social hall, waved as usual to ‘Sam’ the mannequin, and spotted Paul sitting off in a chair practicing his guitar. “Hey, Paul.” Joe walked up to him.

“Mr. Slagel, hi.” Paul stood up.

“Practicing for tonight?”

“Nah. No one listens to me play anymore. Heck, no one talks to me anymore.”

Hands in pockets, Joe looked at the floor then back to Paul. “Let me see what I can do about that.”

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” Paul set down his guitar. “I was thinking that maybe I should leave Beginnings. Maybe all of you would feel safer if I did. I didn’t have anything to do with what Robbie did, I promise you that. But if people believe I did. How can they feel safe with me living here?”

“I can’t feel safe without you living here. I need you Paul. You are an asset to the community. Besides, even if you really wanted to leave, I couldn’t let you. I know Robbie has someone lurking out there, watching. If you walk out, they’ll either grab you, or kill you. I won’t let that happen.”

“I appreciate those words.” Paul finished off his drink.

“I’m glad I could help. But . . . I really have rounds to make and have to go. We’ll talk.” Joe winked. As he turned to walk away, he stopped. “You know Paul, speaking of appreciating, since you’re not playing, I would sure appreciate use the extra help on the hill. What do ya’ say?”

Without hesitation, Paul stood up. He should have gone to Joe sooner. Joe was fair, Joe listened. And when people saw him with Joe, then maybe they would believe that he truly was on the side of Beginnings, not Robbie.

***

What was it about the note? Dean wondered as he stood alone in his room staring at the envelope. What made the note so special that Robbie looked guilty handing it to him and telling Dean, ‘this one’s the best’. Noticing that Robbie hadn’t ripped the envelope, Dean carefully pulled out the note. As he unfolded it, the biggest smile, and the first real smile, brightened his face. He had to sit. Blindly he pulled out the chair and sat. The note was great.

The big huge letters, some of them dyslexic looking, some of them normal, caught his attention. Simply put, sincere, and from his son. ‘We miss you Daddy. Love Billy.’ A lump formed in Dean’s throat from the overwhelming missing of his family. He just wanted to stare at Billy’s message forever, then he saw something else that got to him. The slant in the handwriting, the not-so-perfect penmanship, the different tone. Ellen added words that Dean did not expect to see. ‘I just wanted to add something to this simple note. Billy’s words say it all, a child’s honesty. No hidden meanings. I need you to know how truly sorry I am for hurting you. I just need you to know, especially now. You are and always will be more to me than just a father to the kids. I have never felt any other way. Please realize, that not just we, I need you back. Ellen.”

The note could have crumbled, like his heart, in his hand. There was no bible passage and that was all right with Dean. He got more than he would have, in an ‘update’ message from Beginnings. He received a momentary break from an intolerable situation. From his child’s note and Ellen’s words, Dean received . . . hope.

***

The evening drills of Beginnings seemed to be carrying on longer than they anticipated. Along with weary bodies, tempers were flaring also. It was hot and dry and not one breeze blew about. The men who worked out only wanted to go home to their cool houses. Relax, and worry about getting things right the next day.

It was getting to that point that calling it a night would be the best words to speak out loud. Joe knew this, Frank knew this. But they cut the drills short in the afternoon because of the heat, and they had just a bit more to work on. It was a difficult task getting everyone that was not working on drills to stay off the street. Frank and his men took over the center of town. For safety’s sake, everyone else had to get lost.

Joe tossed his head from side to side as he watched his son try to remain calm while working on hand to hand combat. No one wanted to grasp it. At least not on this hot evening. Joe placed two fingers in his mouth and whistled one of those ear piercing shrieks at Frank. “Over here!” He motioned his hand.

“What’s up Dad?” Frank jogged over. He ran his hand, up his sweaty forehead, dragging the moisture across the top of his growing hair.

“Call it a night?”

Frank placed his hand on his hip and rubbed his goatee. “I hate to do it, but I’m gonna have to. They can’t concentrate. They’re uptight, they’re hot.”

“Maybe tomorrow then.”

“Maybe tomorrow.”

“Hey . . .” Joe smiled pleased when he noticed a very rough hand to hand style combat erupting between Paul and another man, Cole. Cole was taller than Paul, but skinnier. Cole worked the fields and was one of town’s mouthier individuals. “Looks like Paul and Cole are finally getting this thing right.”

Frank looked over his shoulder. “Yeah, it’s about time.” He turned back to Joe. “Figures. When it’s time to call it quits. I have to get home anyhow.”

“Now look at that. Why in the world would Henry stop it?”

Frank looked back over. Henry had stepped between the two men, trying to extend his arms to separate them. Henry was failing at his attempt. His small built body was being jolted back and forth. Frank shook his head and huffed. “Fuck.”

“For real?”

“Fuck . . .” Frank charged over in disgust. “Break it up.” He hollered out. No one paid attention. Henry still flew about. “I said break it up!” Frank reached in between the two men, pulled out Henry, stepped into the flinging arms, and roughly extended out his huge reach. Cole and Paul were both knocked backwards, but saved as Frank’s hands gripped both of their shirts. “What’s the problem here?!” He yelled, his voice almost as frightening as he was. “We’re on the same side.” He glared at Paul, then at Cole.

Paul, with the back of his hand, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. “I didn’t start this, Frank. I swear. He struck me. He said I couldn’t be trusted to do these drills. I’m sorry, I was just defending myself.”

Cole stepped out of Frank’s grip and straightened his shirt. “I’m not gonna lie to you Frank. I told him that. This is bull shit. I shouldn’t have to work with him. It’s because of him we’re in this mess.”

Frank finally released Paul and faced Cole. “Look, I know things are tense right now. But lashing out against someone that’s done nothing, is wrong. You hear?”

“Yeah I hear. I hear you defending him. I see Henry defending him. How can you trust him Frank?”

“I trust him. Just like I trust every one of you men. We have to trust one another. We watch each other’s back.” Frank’s arguments were in vain. Cole was just not seeing his point. “Now you’re the only one who has said this to me so far. Don’t you think you might be a little off base?”

“I’m the only one who said something because I’m the only one who’s not afraid to say anything.”

“Well thank you for your honesty, but I’m going to suggest right now you go home, cool down and we’ll talk about this in the morning. All three of us.”

“I will not sit with you Frank, especially with him. I want proof that he’s not one of them. And if you believe he’s not, then you’re a bigger fool than I thought you were.”

Henry saw it. He didn’t believe Cole did. That blue vein just above Frank’s temple. That vein that started to grow and crinkle as his temper began to boil. The warning sign that Cole was not heeding. Henry, being the peacemaker that he was, could not stand by and watch it. He had to do something. “Cole look, it’s hot out here.” Henry very calmly spoke and reached his hand to move Cole away. “Take a walk . . .”

Cole, red faced didn’t want to calm down. Without thinking he abruptly smacked away Henry’s arm. “I don’t need to walk. Stay out of this again.”

“Hey!” Frank yelled as he stepped closer into Cole’s face. “Back off now pal. I’m warning you. Don’t you ever let me see you touch another man in this community again. If you want to be the big guy. If you want to strike out against someone. Strike me. Because I can give a shit. Now I will suggest to you one more time. Go home before I carry your ass home. Is that clear?”

“Clear.” Cole, embarrassed, and not about to let Frank make the fool of him, made his night’s big mistake. He clenched his fist tightly, revved it back, and with all that he had, he sent his fist flying into the side of Frank’s face.

Frank barely flinched. His head barely jolted from the blow. And with the one gasping ‘oh shit’ that emanated from Henry, Frank seized Cole by the front of his shirt and jerked him toward him. Frank smiled at him then with one quick Frank-jab, it was goodnight Cole.

Cole’s knees buckled, his eyes rolled back, and his body went limp. Still holding onto him, Frank saved him from falling completely to the ground. He lifted him up, and tossed Cole over his shoulder. Being the nice guy that he was, Frank figured he might as well make good on his word. He was gonna carry his ass home.

***

What to write. Dean sat at the table in his room. A blank piece of paper lay down in front of him. He sat tapping his pencil from eraser to tip, sitting there thinking. He had to get this letter ready it was to go to Beginnings the next day. But should it go to Beginnings? What Dean wanted to do was write Ellen a letter. A real letter, no Bible references. No secret codes. Just a plain honest letter like she had written him. Dean needed a friend. He needed someone to tell he was getting scared. His fears grew every day. Ellen would be perfect to tell, he always told her everything.

It had been three weeks since he was taken from Beginnings and so much had happened in the past. A strong situation slowly fell apart. When Dean was first kidnapped, he was strong, he was angry, and he was bitter. Robbie held off on him, Dean was protected. He had much more say so and he took care of the children. Being allowed to see them allowed three times a day. But like time passed for Robbie it passed for his men. And it seemed everyone, including Dean grew numb.

But Dean had stopped being angry. There was no more reason to be. It was a wasted emotion. He had to put his energy to better use. He was growing weak. His mind wasn’t as sharp and he hadn’t eaten in two days. The food rationing sent by Beginnings was eaten by Robbie’s men and Dean gave the rest to the children. The medical supplies barely held up the three days. He now was treating more throat wounds and head injuries than he did in the entire five years in Beginnings. And as far as the children went, Dean was lucky that Robbie let him in to check on them at all. He hadn’t seen or felt the sun in six days. That was the last time they let him out of his room.

Moses came in nightly and watched him sleep, if Dean awoke, Moses would stare and tell him how easy it would have been to kill him while he slept. How Beginnings would soon get their warning and Dean should not be so comfortable.

Placing the pencil into the section of the Bible he chose his passage from, Dean stood from his chair and stretched. The yelling and screaming just outside his window was unbearable. Robbie’s exercises were turning into daily tests of strength and anger. Men pitted against each other, seemingly forgetting often why they were there in the first place, and who their target enemy was. It was the one good sign for Beginnings. Robbie’s men were losing focus. Dean prayed that Beginnings wasn’t also.

He had to finish the letter. The fear of never seeing his children again, of never seeing Ellen again, grew stronger by the minute. And through that fear Dean figured out how to kill two birds with one stone. He knew exactly how to write Ellen and get across to Beginnings that they’d better send help.

As he scribbled his thoughts on the blank sheet of paper, he scribbled with the certainty that this would be the last letter that he would write to her. His instincts told him that it would be. His gut spoke to him loud and clear through the nightmare of facing his very own death. The words he wrote had to be his goodbye, and they had to be his thoughts and emotions. His thoughts and emotions, not some poets, not some messenger’s, but his. They had to be . . . Just in case.

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

July 14

Robbie stared down at the completed letter. His eyes barely lifting from the page as he looked to Dean. His face was stern and expressionless, and he resembled so much what his father may have looked like at his age. “You want to tell me the meaning behind this letter. It sounds like you’re saying good bye.”

“In a way I am. Just in case. Please let this one go out.” Dean sounded tired and desperate. “Those things in that letter needed to be said. If I never make it home, we just . . . we just need a little resolution.”

Robbie tapped the letter on his hand in momentary debate. “Maybe it’s a good thing.” He folded the note up. “If they think you’re scared perhaps they’ll see how serious we are. Heighten their consideration on whether they let us in there or not.”

“However you see it Robbie, it has to go to Ellen.”

“I’ll let it.” He opened up the door to Dean’s room. Moses stood outside waiting. “Here give this to our men.”

Moses grunted, he hated feeling like Robbie’s slave. He especially hated how the door slammed straight in his face.

Robbie stared at Dean who slumped in the chair at the table. His thin body, looking thinner. The clothes he wore, were much too big. Dean’s hands trembled. “What’s wrong with you?”

“I haven’t eaten in three days, Robbie. What little food is left from Beginnings after your men get done with it, I give to the kids. I’m scared. I miss my kids. You want a list?”

“I see nothing has stopped you from losing the attitude.”

“How would you know?” Dean turned and faced Robbie, his hand held up his head. “You come in here once every couple days now. If you meant to break me, you are doing a great job.”

“I’ll get you some food.” Robbie saw it, not only through Dean’s words in the letter, but on his face. Dean was weak. Keeping Dean alive was what he had to care about especially with his new plan. If Beginnings didn’t make their move in the next week, Robbie was going to. His men were ready. They were waiting. The first warning signal would soon be sent. Without Dean knowing anything about it.

***

Andrea walked alone in her dream. But was it a dream? Though she slept, it was a flashback to a painful reality that brought about the happier changes in her life. She walked the empty streets of New York City. Katie, just a baby, was tight in her arms. Andrea’s voice calling out, ‘Hello? Is anyone there’ echoed through the deadness. Rats that swarmed the streets creating a blanket, darted and antagonized her, but she trudged on. Calling, hoping. And then she heard him. He asked for help. So small, so innocent. Denny waved from across the street to her. He had followed her voice.

Andrea extend her free hand to the boy who refused to cross the street without his mother’s permission. So much like it actually happened, so much like that day, until that blanket of rats erupted up as Denny crossed. They covered him, swallowed him. Denny was gone.

Andrea jumped out of that dream and saw where she was. She had dozed off while resting her head on a clinic counter. Rubbing her eyes she knew she had to pull herself from the bad feelings of that disturbing dream into the real life bad feeling of what surrounded her. She had so much to get ready. A clinic to prep as if she were preparing a MASH unit. Sutures, syringes, bandages. But that was O.K. for Andrea, because the preparations meant one thing. It would be over soon and she would have her children back.

***

“Can I, Joe?” Henry asked like such a kid as he paced around Joe’s office.

“No.” Joe just looked up to him from behind the desk. “Ellen will be here any second and I promised her she could read it.”

“All right.” Henry whined and plopped in the chair. He didn’t hear the sighs of relief that came from George and Rev. Bob, but he did hear everyone’s moans when he sprang back up. “Oh! I didn’t tell you, Joe. We have a problem.”

Joe’s attention was caught. “A problem. A problem slipped your mind? How bad?”

“Very.”

“Christ Henry . . . Sorry Reverend. Where the hell’s your mind. What’s the problem.”

“Well.” Henry exhaled. “I was going through the generator manuals because that door won’t stay closed and I saw something we’ve never done. We’re supposed to Joe, which we haven’t, pull a power transfer to make sure the other three generators are working.”

“Henry.” Joe stated calmly. “We divide the power usage amongst the generators. Of course they work.”

“But . . .” Henry held up a finger. “We don’t know if each can handle all. So, I transferred all power from the generators. Here’s the problem Joe. Generator one would not release two percent of the power. It held on to two percent. I could not shut this generator down completely. It wouldn’t let me.”

Joe’s hand slammed hard on the desk causing Henry to shriek. “That’s the problem! Christ Henry! Sorry Reverend. We have bigger problems.”

“You may say so now Joe, but what happens if we’re maxed and we need that two percent. I don’t even know where that two percent is going.”

Joe rubbed his eyes. “If this bothers you so much then find out where’s it’s going.”

“Oh, my God Joe.” Henry sat down. “Do you realize how many power lines run underneath the community? My God if I . . .”

“Henry!” Joe shut him up. “If it bothers you, find it. If not, drop it.”

The moment Henry let out his gasp of offense was the moment Joe’s office door opened and Frank and Ellen walked in.

“Hey, Joe.” Ellen, looking tired, stepped inside. “Tell me you have one.”

Without saying anything, Joe lifted the folded piece of paper and handed it to Ellen.

She caught her breath and opened the note. Her lips parted as she started to read, buy she didn’t. She looked at the faces in the room.

“What’s wrong?” Joe asked.

“He starts out, this is for my eyes only.” Ellen said with sadness.

“Then . . . then perhaps only your eyes should read it.” Joe said as he sat  back.

“Or at least first.” Ellen walked across the room to find a private moment. Her heavy breathing was heard in the silence as she read the note. And then, after gaining her composure, she turned around, reading it out loud as she did. ‘El, this is for your eyes only, Ok? This is from me to you. There are just a few things I need to say. I need to talk about the twins. If something should happen to me, please make sure they know who I am. Let them know I love them and will always be watching. Teach them love and compassion, I know you still have these things in you. And El, I’m sorry. I’m sorry for all the times we fought. For all the bad things that were said. I’m sorry for not being the one you could turn to when I should have been. But I’m not sorry for our time together. I do and always will, love you very much. Tell the kids I love and miss them. Goodbye . . .” Ellen lowered the note. “Dean.”

No words, not even a sound was spoken in that room. No one wanted to say what they heard or felt from Dean’s message.

Ellen refolded the note. “That’s it.”

Joe ran his finger over his top lip in thought. “Nothing’s in there. No bible reference, no passage . . .”

“No there is.” Ellen said. “At the bottom. It’s one of Dean’s favorites. Which . . .” She tilted her head to the side. “Makes no sense. It says, Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance But he wrote Joshua and he knows this is from Corinthians.”

Joe jumped quickly and reached for the note. His eyes skimmed it and he handed it to Rev. Bob. “Find the Joshua passage.”

The Reverend lifted his glasses, read the note and opened the bible. “Joshua, 18:3. ‘Then Joshua asked them, ‘how long are you going to wait before you take possession of the remaining land God has given to you?.”

Joe hung his head down. “It all makes sense. He’s asking us to hurry. And things must be getting bad, judging by the sound of his letter, that man is scared. I’m scared now too.” He looked up the those in the room who looked upon him curiously. “I’m scared because he may have slipped up big time with that one. Putting the reference on the bottom was not good. Let’s just hope because we got the letter, it slipped by Robbie. If it didn’t . . . God help Dean.”

***

Robbie sat outside on the street. It was cooler outside since the sun had set. A lantern lit the space next to him where Moses sat reading his bible. It was calm in Egypt. The fights of the night slowed down. Even Robbie and Moses were being civil.

“Moses. I want to ask you something.”

Moses flipped a page. “What? I’m reading.”

“I’m thinking of stopping those letters. Drop off a little communication with Beginnings now. What do you think? I hate to ask your opinion, but I’m torn. On one hand they know everyone is fine. But on the other hand, like today for example, that letter may have scared them into making a decision.”

“I doubt that. That letter made me laugh.”

“The letter made you laugh? How is that? It was very serious.” Robbie bent his knees up and rested his arms across them. “That letter showed how scared Dean was.”

Moses licked his forefinger and turned another page of his thick, huge, hard backed, red Bible. “It showed how stupid he is too. Of course, I may be the only who knew it.”

“What are you talking about Moses? Dean is not stupid. Where in the world did you get that from?”

“The man may know medicine. Though he can’t stitch a wound without killing you. But he doesn’t know his Bible. There he was getting in my shit about bad bible quotes and he did the same thing.” Moses spoke very nonchalantly as he turned another page.

“What bad Bible quote?”

“The one at the end of the letter. I recognized that one. In fact I’m getting pretty good with the Bible now. It’s my companion.”

“Yeah, yeah. Get on with it.” Robbie stood up, Moses peaked his curiosity. Something told Robbie the letter was not quite right.

“Well here.” Moses stood up and showed Robbie the open book. “Here’s the passage he used. But it’s under Corinthians. Anyone would know that’s New Testament stuff. But underneath, it he had it listed as Joshua, I think eighteen. Yeah, eighteen, verse three. And you would think he’d be better at it. I did give him a Bible.”

“You gave him a Bible?” Now things were coming clearer to him. “Find that section for me.” Robbie waited impatiently for Moses to find it. He did. He handed the Bible to Robbie and held up the lantern for him to read. Robbie read the passage and his eyes widened when he finished. It hit him. Dean had sent a clear cut message to Beginnings, and it probably wasn’t the first time. “Son of a bitch!” Robbie slammed the Bible and tucked it under his arm. His blood began to boil, his head throbbed. “No one makes a fool out of me.” He stormed off toward the direction of the library. The place where they kept Dean.

Moses ran behind him, still not sure of what was going on. He carried the lantern for light.

Robbie didn’t make a gentle entrance into Dean’s room. He kicked the door opened, it flung and slammed the wall. “Dean!”

Dean jumped from his chair, knocking it backwards, his heart began to race. He knew something was wrong.

Robbie held up the red Bible. “Recognize this. You do know what this is don’t you?”

The words ‘Holy Bible’ faced Dean. “Yes.” He swallowed.

“It’s the last one you’ll see.” Robbie with every bit of strength he had, he struck down at Dean with the Bible. It slammed him in the side of the head, and Dean went flying back. “Get up!”

Dean laid face first on the floor. His head foggy, he couldn’t even see. He began to lift himself and before he could bring his hands to raise his body, Robbie’s foot landed in his gut and rolled him on his back.

“You made a fool out of me! You will not have that chance ever again.” Robbie pointed down to him angrily. “I put my trust in you. I befriended you!”

Dean could not let Robbie see how much he hurt. He squirmed his way reaching for the bed, and weakly stood. “How could you think I’d be your friend? After what you did to Beginnings? After what you did to your brother? Or how about Ellen? I hope to God you burn in hell. And I hope my people send you there.”

Those were the last words Dean would speak that night. Robbie lunged at him, picking up his frail body, and hurling it across the room so hard, the plaster in the wall cracked loudly as Dean smashed into it. Robbie would not stop. He could not stop. His rage took over. He was going to show Dean through all of his emotions how angry he was. Physically Dean would feel it. Though he knew it was not in the best interest to kill Dean, he would do everything short of it to make him pay.

Robbie jumped over the bed and dove on Dean, picking him up, and banging his head to the wall. Somewhere between the first and second punch thrown by Robbie, Dean lost consciousness. It was a good thing that he did. Dean did not feel the rest of the beating that his fragile body took at the hands of an outraged Robbie Slagel.

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

July 17

Frank made his way down the steps into the living room. The light from the dining room was the only one on. The couch had not been slept on, Johnny was working late rounds. He turned the corner and saw Ellen. She looked frazzled. She sat at the table, head propped up by her hand, holding her hair straight up from her eyes. She held a pencil in her hand and stared down at the paper before her.

“El? You think you may want to consider coming to bed soon?”

Ellen turned her head to look at him, her face was tired. “I’m sorry. What time is it?”

“Late.”

“Late? That tells me a lot.” She tossed down the pencil and rubbed her eyes.

“It’s three-thirty. I go up stairs you said you’d be right up. I fall asleep and wake up four hours later and here you are . . . still. What’s going on? Henry gave you the letter to write. Why aren’t you using it?”

“I want it to be from me. I have a bad feeling, Frank. Something is wrong.”

He reached across and grabbed her hand. “It’ll be over soon. I promise.”

“I’m just scared. And to top it off I hate feeling scared. It makes me vulnerable. That drives me nuts. I’m afraid for Dean, I’m afraid for you, for our home, our land, our children. Everything. What makes it so bad is, I don’t know anything. You won’t tell me anything. All you guys say is, ‘get the clinic ready. When the time comes, we will tell you what you will do’, that doesn’t help any.”

“Do you trust me?” Frank’s hand slid up and down her arm rubbing it.

“Yes, more than anyone.”

“Good. Then listen to what I’m telling you, I give you my word that I will do my best. I can assure you this plan is a good one. If I could tell you to ease your mind I would. But I can’t. A part of me doesn’t think anything will ease your mind. Not even that letter you’re trying to write. Let it go, Ellen.”

“I can’t, Frank.” She rested her head on his hand. “I feel that I have to write to him. Tell him something, anything to make him feel better.”

“There is nothing that will do that. He’s in a bad situation that seems to be getting worse. What will help is the bible passage my Dad and Henry decided on. That will help him. Get that to him and that’s all you can do. That and wait. Now come to bed with me, finish that letter in the morning.”

“I guess I can do that.” Ellen stood up. “I’m sorry I was down here so long.”

“That’s fine, El, but why you were down here dealing with all of this yourself is what I don’t understand. I’m here to help you. Let me in on what’s bugging you. Like tonight. Did I help?”

“No, not really.” She scuffed past him, pulling him along by his hand.

“Thanks. What can I do to make you feel better?”

Ellen stopped and turned around, she took hold of both his hands into hers. “End this thing. End it without you getting hurt or killed. Bring Dean back. I know you can do this. Get us back the old Beginnings. Please.”

Frank wrapped his arms around her. He wished he could promise to do all those things she asked. But he couldn’t. The best he could do was try. Give it all his heart and try hard.

***

The floor. He was still on the floor when he finally opened his eyes. Dean was surprised that after the beating he had taken that he was still alive. He stood up slowly. There wasn’t a spot on his body that didn’t ache. His face hurt, his eyes hurt, his mouth hurt. Dean reached his fingers to his lips, they felt puffy. He rolled his tongue around the inside of his mouth to feel for his teeth. Relieved that they were all still there, he made his way to the bed and sat down. His room was torn apart. The Bible binding lay on the floor and the pages of it scattered about. Robbie must have gotten the letters that Ellen had written. Dean kept them in the Bible.

His glasses. Dean needed his glasses. He could barely see as it was but with his right eye swollen completely shut, it made things worse. He was only too glad that they weren’t on his face when Robbie lost it on him.

Dean knew it was coming. It was a chance he had to take. He knew the moment Robbie caught wind that any deceit was going on, Dean would feel the wrath. And he did. At least his letter made it to Beginnings, or so he hoped.

Reaching over to the night stand for his glasses, he noticed a cup of water, a cloth which wrapped a section of bread and an apple. Like his mouth could handle that apple. They were feeding him, they didn’t want him to die. Dean felt close to death. His body hurt so much he was surprised he wasn’t dead.

His stomach hungered; it was so empty that it hurt. Of course he didn’t know if that was from having it kicked in or not. Shaking, his hands reached over for the water and bread. Gulping the water first so quickly, he could feel it knotting in his stomach. Then the bread. The Beginnings’ bread. He broke off small pieces, shoving them into his mouth, it was stale, but tasted good.

The sun was shining, he had made it through the night. That was always a good sign. But Dean wondered why the streets were so quiet. Were there no drills, or work outs? He was growing accustomed to the constant bickering and scrapping just outside his window.

Dean finished his bread and water. He debated on trying that apple. His teeth were so sore they couldn’t even bite it. He couldn’t even use his fingers to break off a section, even they hurt too bad. But things could have been worse. And he was right. The door to his room opened and Robbie walked in, shutting the door and immediately pulling a chair to Dean’s bedside.

“I see you’re finally awake.”

“How . . .” It was hard for Dean to speak. He could barely move his lips. “How long was I out?”

“Days. You opened your eyes a few times. But that’s it.”

Dean avoided looking at Robbie. Besides not wanting to see his face, he didn’t want Robbie to know how much the beating took from him. Dean wanted to appear strong and not fazed by it all. “What do you want now ,Robbie?”

“Answers. I’ve been reading the letters that Ellen sent. I’m having a hard time finding the messages. You’re gonna help me.”

“There are no messages in there. There just letters.” Dean had the salty taste of blood in his mouth, it must have been dripping back from his nose. He leaned over and spit on the floor. “If there was any. Why would I tell you?”

“Let’s just say it would be in your best interest.” Robbie arrogantly sat back. “You are lucky I’m not still angry.”

“Really? Well, I know nothing. You can do what you want to me. I don’t give a shit. My body is numb now anyhow. You think another beating is gonna faze me? No. It will kill me, then that’s your loss, my salvation.”

“I’m not going to beat you again, Dean. You’re right. It’s not in my best interest. But I have the kids.” Robbie raised his eyebrow. “Think about that.”

“You won’t hurt the kids. As mean as you are, you don’t have that in you.”

“Wanna bet? I don’t want to hurt them, but if I have to I will.” Robbie stood up and moved the chair out of the way. “Today the first of many warnings go off against Beginnings. There’s nothing you can do to stop it. But you may stop the second warning. I’ll give you until tomorrow afternoon to tell me what Beginnings is planning.”

“I don’t know what they are planning. I swear on my kids I don’t.” Dean held on to his side, it began to hurt whenever he took a breath.

“Think about my offer, Dean.” Robbie turned to leave the room. “Oh . . . Just because I’m that type of guy, I left the medications unharmed. Perhaps you have something in that box that can help you.”

Dean rose from the bed the moment Robbie left. He did have something in the box, he had pain medication. That would only help the physical side though. He had nothing in that box that could help his heart. The heart that began to worry about what Robbie was going to do, and whether or not his people would be ready for it.

***

Joe was never one to jump the gun. Everything was always planned down to the very last and minor details. Always priding himself on having a keen foresight, Joe felt odd for feeling strange so fast. He stood before the back gate of the community staring down at his wrist watch. It was twenty-five minutes after one. He had been standing there ever since Henry and Paul were ten minutes late from returning from the supply drop off. Doing a radio check to the tower every few minutes asking, ‘see anything?’ and always getting the same response back, ‘nothing yet’, added to his worries. Never were Henry and Paul more than a few minutes late, let alone the forty-five they were.

Usually he would wait, but it was time to do something. Knowing the tension and problems that Robbie was having at his camp, and remembering the desperation in Dean’s letter, Joe left the gate. He had to find Frank. He had no other choice.

“Frank we have a problem,” Joe said as he walked into Frank’s office where he and Ellen were having lunch.

Frank couldn’t believe his ears. His father sounded desperate. “What’s wrong?”

“Henry and Paul are really late. I want two of your best men armed and sent out to look for them. With all that’s going on, we can’t chance it.”

Frank immediately stood up. “Go find Greg, he’s behind the fields, I’ll get the weapons together.” Frank reached for his keys from his belt. “I’ll meet you guys at the back gate in let’s say ten minutes?”

“Whoa!” Joe halted him. “You said Greg, who’s the other man?”

“You wanted my best two men. Greg is one, I’m the other.”

Ellen was still standing there hearing it all. “Frank, you aren’t going. Joe didn’t mention you.”

“She’s right, Frank. Not you. We can’t take a chance on Robbie’s guys seeing you alive.”

“I’m going.” Frank opened up the office door. “I’m heading to ammunition. I’ll meet you at the back gate.”

Joe stopped him. “Frank, listen to me, I can’t allow this.”

“Yes you can.” Frank scolded back. “Even if it means taking a chance on them seeing me alive, I’d rather do that. I’d rather know that I’d been seen, than know that I could have done something to help Henry and Paul, but chose to be hidden. I’m the one who goes. I have to do this.” He looked over at Ellen. “I have to do this.”

Joe didn’t want to agree but knew he had to. “Fine, I’ll get Greg.”

Frank saw the look on Ellen’s face, her eyes were closed, her head turned from him. He moved to her and lifted her chin. “El . . . I have to, you know this don’t you?”

Ellen opened her eyes. “I understand.”

“I need your support on this. I have to have it.” He kissed her lips. “Please.”

“You have it.”

“Thank you.” He slid his hand from her face and ran from the office. He had so much to get and so little time to get it.

Joe examined Frank and Greg as they stood outside the jeep at the back gate. “You have your rifles, hand guns, six grenades each, and enough ammo?”

Frank checked both he and Greg out. “Got it.”

“Your radio is working?”

Frank turned it on. “Fresh batteries.”

“Good luck. You know what I want, look for them two. Don’t go near Robbie’s camp. If you don’t see them we’ll assume they’ve been taken. Any sign of trouble, get your ass out of there. Got it?”

“We have it.” Frank motioned to Greg to get into the jeep, he had one more thing to do. Frank walked to Ellen who stood off to the side, she looked sad. Her back faced him. “El, I’m going, I won’t be long.”

Ellen’s head nodded.

“El . . . your support?” He turned her to face him. “I will be back. That I promise you.”

Ellen wrapped her arms tightly around him. “Be careful.”

“Always.” He stepped back from the embrace. “I have to go. I’ll be back before dinner.”

“Frank.” She grabbed for his hand. “I love you.”

“I needed that.” He leaned in and kissed her quickly and mouthed the words, ‘I love you.’ Frank had to go, the jeep was running, the perimeter was shut down, and the gate was open. He charged back, shook his father’s hand and jumped in the jeep.

With the sound of gears shifting and wheels screeching, Frank and Greg quickly left the community.

Joe grabbed for his radio, as he watched Frank drive off, he spoke into it. “Perimeter sixteen, back on. Keep this channel clear.” He left the radio on. He didn’t know how long it would be before he heard from Frank. He hoped that only a few minutes would go by and he would see both jeeps returning. But a part of him knew that wasn’t going to happen.

The jeep moved as fast as it could down the empty interstate. Frank kept his eyes straight ahead as he drove, Greg sat next to him. “Keep your eyes peered for anything around.”

“Got it.” He pulled out the binoculars, looking side to side. “How much further?”

“The exit is about ten more miles up . . .What the . . .” Frank shifted gears and pressed his foot harder to the pedal. “Come on move.” He beckoned the jeep.

“What’s wrong?”

“Up ahead. Smoke. See if you can see what it is, and if we should stop here.”

Greg lifted the binoculars to his face. “Shit.”

“What?” Frank held out his hand to him, wiggling his fingers for the binoculars. When he felt them hit his hand he brought them up to his eyes. “Fuck!” He tossed them back to Greg. “No. No. No.” He beat his hand on the steering wheel, leaning forward as if that would make him get there sooner. He reached down his hand for the radio, and handed it to Greg. “Tell them we have a problem. Tell them we can’t chance being heard on the radio. We’ll get back to them.”

Greg, hesitant, pressed in the button. “This is us. Joe, are you there?”

“I’m here.” Joe’s voice crackled through the static. “What’s up?”

“We’re breaking contact. Can’t chance being picked up. We have a problem, we’ll get back to you. Stay close.”

As Joe began to inquire what they found, he got a response he didn’t want to receive. Before the radio went dead he heard the gut wrenching sound of Frank crying out with all of his emotions and the sound of screeching breaks.

“No!” All of Frank’s weight pressed to the break as the jeep skidded sideways before making its complete stop. “No!” He grabbed his rifle and jumped from the jeep. “Cover me!”

Greg got out of the jeep and stood behind the door. He aimed his rifle and kept his look out.

The flames were intense; they engulfed the jeep that once belonged to Beginnings as it sat at the exit of the interstate. It was the jeep Henry and Paul had taken to meet Robbie’s men. It sat at the place they were to meet. The boxes of supplies crushed and their contents scattered about the road way.

The thick black smoke and heat did not hold back Frank from making an attempt to reach the vehicle. With one arm raised protecting his eyes, and the other covering his mouth, Frank choked and coughed as he neared the jeep. His vision was somewhat clouded by the smoke, and a foul stench plowed forth bursting at him with the power of the flames.

He knew that smell, and though the smoke was like a wall of darkness, it did not stop him from seeing the sight that lay before him. The vision that formed a lump so big in his throat he could barely breathe. The horrific site of one body in the jeep, three burning arrows protruding from the chest, the head flung back as if he were screaming for help. The one body burning, burning so bad Frank could not see who it was.

He tried with all he had to reach the man. Was it Henry? Was it Paul? He didn’t know, but it didn’t matter, he still tried, though the attempt was in vain, to reach the man. He tried that was, until he felt a hand pull him back and a voice, Greg’s voice, call to him.

“Frank you’re too close.” Gregg pulled him back.

“I have to try.” Frank reached forth.

“It’s too late. It’s too late.” Greg pulled harder, dragging Frank a little further out.

It killed Frank at that moment. He knew there was nothing he could do. The fire was too intense and it was obvious that the man, Henry or Paul, was already dead. The arrows in him told Frank he was hit before they burned him. But where was the other one? Clearing his way out of the smoke Frank ran to the jeep. Trying to catch his breath, trying to cough out the black guck that gathered in his lungs, Frank leaned against the jeep.

“Sorry, Frank.” Greg pressed his hand on Frank’s arched back. “You could have been killed. Whoever that was is already dead.”

Frank lifted his head and turned around. It was then that he took in the whole scene of what had happened. Blood spewed forth about the ground, one body, burning in a jeep, the scene of an obvious ambush. Beginnings walked right into it. Beginnings sent two men straight into it.

Frank knew he and Greg had to make a run for it, they had to leave before they were spotted, or ambushed themselves. They couldn’t leave without looking into the wooded area quickly just to see if they spotted another body, they didn’t. Viewing the tragedy just one more time, they jumped in the jeep and headed back. They had questions to answer and no answers to give. There was one body. One man. Who was it?

Frank received his answer to that question as he drove frantically back home. He had to hit the brakes again, but this time he did it with relief.

When jeep stopped, Frank gripped the wheel, first dropping his head then lifting it with a wide smile. Henry stood in the road waving his hands.

CHAPTER FORTY

July 18

Joe’s hand fell hard to his desk at the same time he called out. “Henry. Do you know how close I am to just . . . . just putting a muzzle on you.”

“I’m hyper, Joe.” Henry buzzed, not paced about. “I haven’t been to sleep. I had a traumatic experience yesterday.”

“Yes, we know. So you’ve been up for twenty-four hours, how much coffee have you had.”

“Not much Joe, it gives me gas.”

“Swell.”

“But I had lots of tea. Anyhow, I had all night to do this . . .”

“Henry.” Joe stood up. “Is this really important.”

“But you said to find it.”

“Find what?”

“Where the power is going.”

“This . . .” Joe pointed at him. “Is an obsession.”

“Oh, no, Joe. How can you say that?”

“Because you bring it up all the time. You’re looking here. You’re looking there.”

“I think I narrowed it down.”

“Good for you.” Joe walked to the door.

“I’ve pin pointed it to transformer eight. Which covers a three mile area starting at . . .”

“Three mile area?” Joe opened the door. “Pin pointed? When you find it. Tell me.”

Henry reached into his back pocket and pulled out a map. He unrolled it and looked down at it. “Now, I’m, really starting to believe that it could be a source that is . . .” He looked up when the door closed. “Hidden.” Joe was gone. “Shit.” Rolling the map back up, Henry raced from the office. He wanted to make sure Joe heard it all.

***

Robbie walked in circles around Dean’s chair. An interrogating look on his face. “Victory Dean. One small blow against Beginnings. What do you make of that?”

Dean stared forward not answering.

“We will take them. We’ll be ready for them. Tell me what they are planning.”

“Nothing. They aren’t planning anything.”

“Bull shit.” Robbie kicked the legs of Dean’s chair sending Dean to the floor. “Tell me.”

Dean picked himself up, his face emotionless. He sat the chair up. “If I sit again will it be a vain attempt?”

Robbie’s hand reared back to strike him.

“Go ahead. Do it. I don’t care.” Dean began to stare him down. When he realized he won that small battle, he sat down again. “How much longer, Robbie? I’ve been sitting here twenty-four hours. I know nothing. I’ve been thrown to the floor nineteen times. How much longer.”

“When I get my answers.”

“You’re not getting them from me.” Dean folded his arms waiting to be sent to the floor again, it didn’t happen. “I can’t tell you what I don’t know.”

“Then Beginnings will.” Robbie marched to his desk. He turned on the radio, the radio that hadn’t been on in a week. “You will tell them what has happened to you. Tell them that they wouldn’t recognize you if they saw you.”

“You tell them if you want them to know.” Dean’s tone was firm.

Robbie placed the radio close to his mouth. “Come in Beginnings. In five minutes I have someone who wants to speak to you.” Robbie put the radio down. “You have five minutes Dean to think about it. If you don’t tell them, I’ll let them hear. I swear to you.”

Ellen was working in containment when she heard Robbie’s message loud and clear. The main radio was still placed in containment to be centralized. She monitored it while Greg summoned Joe and the others. It wasn’t long before Frank showed up. He picked up Robbie’s message on his own radio. Together with Joe, Henry and George, they waited for Robbie to return.

When Robbie did there wasn’t any introduction, one word opened the lines of communication, it was one word he spoke to Dean. “Talk.”

“No.” Dean argued.

Joe could hear a struggle, then a thump. He looked about at the faces who stood quietly around him listening, hearing what he did. “Robbie, come in.”

Robbie lifted Dean back up to the chair. “I’ll start it for you. There’s some things I want to say first. Then you will tell them the hell you are going through.”

“Never.”

Robbie grew angrier, he began to see red, Dean was being too obstinate, too sure of himself. Not frightened enough. “Listen up Beginnings. Did you like my little warning to you? You Dad, sent your men right into a trap. Trusting the wrong people again I suppose. I heard we got two of your men. That’s what my men reported. We already out number you. I bet now you’re wishing you hadn’t ousted so many good men huh?”

“Make you’re point Robbie. What is it that you want?”

“In. And your head.”

“You’re gonna have to take my head. And I’ll never let you in.”

“We’ll see. Notice how the letter writing stopped. Want to know why? Tell them Dean.”

Dean’s voice was heard in the distance. “Fuck you.”

“Tell them!” Robbie shouted then struck forth at Dean, letting the sound of a hard slap be heard through the airwaves.

Ellen heard, her body jumped at the sound. “Oh, my God. Joe, do something.”

Joe was helpless, there was nothing he could do at that moment but listen. “Dean, tell us what he wants you to tell.”

Robbie grabbed Dean by the hair and lifted him to the seat. “He still won’t talk. But he talked enough in his letters didn’t he? I have to give it to you people that was a clever one. Bible references. Thought I wouldn’t catch on. I did. Your boy screwed up. But he paid. Didn’t you Dean. He paid with his body. Right Dean? . . . Still not talking, try this.” Robbie pulled out his gun and placed it to Dean’s temple. “Tell him to talk. Tell him now. I have a gun to his fuckin’ head . . . listen.” The clicking of the hammer was heard. “Tell him to talk.”

Ellen shrieked out and flung herself toward the radio. “Do something, Joe.” Frank grabbed her and pulled her back, holding her tightly, he could feel her shake.

Joe’s heart raced, the tension was insurmountable. “Dean for God’s sake do what he wants. It’s not worth your life. It’s not.” Joe knew the desperation in Robbie’s voice. Dean was taunting him, pushing him to the edge. Dean didn’t realize that his value would be lost in Robbie’s rage. At the end of Robbie’s gun. “Dean.”

Dean reached for the radio, the cold gun pressed to his skin wasn’t the reason he was giving in. It was Ellen’s scream. But he wasn’t about to give Robbie what he wanted. He wasn’t about to tell Beginnings how badly he had been beaten. He pressed in the button, took a deep breath and spoke softly. “Joe . . . Joe tell Ellen . . . tell her . . . tell her I don’t think I’m making it back. Tell the kids I love them with my heart and soul.” He handed the radio back to Robbie.

Robbie smiled and finished the contact with Beginnings. “We’ll be in touch. I suggest you prepare for our arrival.” He turned off the radio and placed it on his desk. Dean’s message was better than he anticipated. It said more than even the most descriptive details would have given. It showed Dean’s fear, whether Dean realized it or not. Robbie signaled his men to take Dean away. He was done with him and he’d get him again when he needed him.

“Nothing. They’re gone.” Joe threw down the radio’s microphone. “Jesus, I thought Dean was a dead man.”

Ellen broke away from Frank’s hold, her arms swinging. “What are you going to do? All of you?” Her voice was desperate and cracking as she talked. “They’re killing him. They beat him. Help him.”

Joe wasn’t in the mood for it. “Frank handle her.”

“Come on El, let’s go for a walk.” He reached out his hand for her. She moved from it.

“No Frank. You promised me you would try to get him home safely.”

“I will try El.”

“They’re gonna kill him first. You heard it. Didn’t you? Or don’t any of you care? Go get him and those children. Now. What’s with all these drills if you aren’t going to attack them?”

Frank had to get her out of the room. “El, calm yourself. Walk out of here with me now!”

“No. Just let me know when you’re doing it.”

“Soon.” That’s all Frank could say. That’s all he wanted to say.

“Then Dean will be dead. And it’s on your heads.” She pointed around the room at all of them and stormed out.

Frank followed her. He was faster than her and was able to stop her before she walked too far away. “El, come on let’s talk.”

“Just leave me alone.”

Frank pulled on her arm. “You need to talk.”

Ellen ripped from his hold. “And you need to leave me alone! You of all people, you could care less!”

“What do you mean I can care less?”

“It’s perfect for you, isn’t it? Dean gone.”

Frank felt the heat hit his face. He reached out and grabbed hold of Ellen’s arm again. “Let’s go. Not here.”

“No.” Ellen pulled, Frank wasn’t letting go. She kicked her leg hard into his shin.

“That’s it.” Tugging her to him, Frank wrapped one arm around her, lifted her up and carried her nearly under his arm to the social hall. Ellen struggled against him the entire way. He burst open the door, locked it and set her down.

With a growl Ellen flung herself at him, slammed her hands hard into his chest with the entire weight of her body.

“Go ahead.” Frank taunted with anger. “That’s what’s gonna make you feel better. Huh? You wanna take it out. Well take it out in here. But don’t you dare take it out on those who only want to help you.”

“You don’t understand what I’m feeling!” Ellen screamed.

“Try me.”

“Guilt!” She stepped back and her hand flung into a chair sending it flying over. “Anger!” she threw another. “I’m so . . .” She lifted the table tossing it over on its side. “So mad that the last thing he had to hear from me is how bad I hurt him.” Screaming in her outrage again, Ellen spun and grabbed onto another table. She lifted it, then moved to the next.

Though it wasn’t how he preferred it, Frank remained calm watching Ellen take it out on all the furniture in the social hall. The crashing, the banging were only physical noises of the emotional turmoil she felt inside.

From her throat she cried out as she threw the last table. Emotionally exhausted she dropped to the floor, brought her knees up to her chest, clung to them and began to rock.

“El.” Frank moved to the floor with her.

“It wasn’t supposed to happen.” Ellen mumbled as she rocked. “It wasn’t supposed to happen.”

“What wasn’t?”

“I wasn’t supposed to feel again. I lost it. I lost it five years ago and I didn’t want it back.”

“I got news for you El. You never lost it.” Frank placed his arm around her. “You kept it deep, deep inside of you. You didn’t want to feel. You didn’t want to hurt. Well, tough. Tough. We all feel. We all hurt. Welcome to world of being human.” He heard her cry. A soft single sob as Ellen’s head dropped again. And scooting even closer to her. Frank wrapped both arms around her and held her. There was too way to make her feel better out beyond the walls, beyond the sanctity of Beginnings, laid a piece of their lives, a piece of everyone’s lives and hearts. And until those pieces arrived home safely, no one in Beginnings would ever be better.

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

July 19

One of his men said they spotted it, not far from the highway, off deep in the wooded area. Moses was delighted to hear that, he wanted to hear that. The burnt man in the jeep was proof of one death, yet they hadn’t found the other Beginnings’ man. They had been searching for two days and nothing had turned up.

Following the word of the man who said he saw what appeared to be a body, Moses set out to the spot on horseback. It wasn’t far from Egypt, but it was far from Beginnings. And if it was Beginnings’ man, then Moses wanted to keep on riding straight to the back gate. He wanted to return their lost soul, with a huge smile on his face.

Robbie insisted to him that it didn’t need to be done. That Beginnings knew of their loss and it was foolish and dangerous to be wandering off alone. Moses didn’t care, at six foot eight he was bigger than any man he had encountered. He could handle anyone.

He dismounted his horse in the dense wooded area. Look for the tree with the white flag. That is where his men marked where they believed they saw a body. The white cloth called to him, it drew excitement. As he neared it he saw the feet, they stuck out from beneath a brush. It struck Moses as odd, the body appeared to be hidden. Perhaps the Beginnings man ran and hid, only to die before being found. It was definitely a body laying there. Moses covered his mouth, the foul smell of rotting flesh sickened him. It was not a smell he had not been familiar with before. But what got Moses was why the body was so badly decomposed. Two days would not do it.  Moses turned over the body to see who it was. Upon his recognition of the man, Moses filled with rage. He fell to his knees in disbelief. How did it happen? How did it come that one of his very own men lay before him, his neck seemingly broken. Moses cried out loudly, his voice echoing through the woods. He picked up the body to take it back with him. He came to the woods to find an enemy. He never expected to find the body of the young man he became so fond of, Boyle.

“Robbie!” Moses kicked open the door to Dean’s room. He knew that’s where he’d find Robbie. The door flew open, and Moses rushed forward toward Dean, lifting him by the collar and slamming him to the wall. “Your people will pay!”

Robbie grabbed onto Moses’ arm. “Release him.”

Moses didn’t respond.

“I said release him!”

Moses dropped Dean to the floor, he covered his red hair with his clenched fist and bellowed out a loud chesty scream.

The cry went through Dean. What was happening? Was Beginnings striking back? A sense of pride hit him, it was quickly followed by fear.

Robbie knew it had to be bad, he tried to calm Moses, that was the only way he could find out what his enemy had done. “What happened Moses? What?”

Moses huffed rapidly. His exhales carried sounds of heartache. “I want revenge!”

“And you shall have it, but first you tell me why.”

Before explaining his rage to Robbie, Moses took one more look at Dean. “Remember that kid that ran away? Remember Boyle, the one we couldn’t find?”

Robbie’s heart pounded, he swallowed harshly. “Yes.” His voice began to quiver. “What about him.”

“I found him. He’s dead. They killed him.” He pointed his huge hand at Dean. “Your people killed him. They found him wandering around and they took his young life.”

Dean shook his head. “No Moses, they didn’t kill Boyle.”

“Shut up!” Moses held his hand out towards Dean’s neck. What he wouldn’t give at that moment to break his neck the way that he thought Beginnings broke Boyle’s. He stared at Dean, who did not appear scared. “Your people will pay . . . Robbie.” He faced Robbie. “I want my revenge. Let me deliver one of them to their back gate. Let me give the second warning. My men are waiting outside for it. Let it come now!”

Robbie wasn’t about to tell Moses the truth. “Take it.”

Dean knew what those two words meant. It meant his life. He wasn’t going to back down, or hover. His time was coming, he was not going down screaming. With his heart racing, he lifted his head without fear, and waited.

Moses stormed toward the open door. “Thank you.”

“What are you doing? Where are you going?” Robbie asked.

“To get him.” Moses answered then looked to Dean. “Did you think I would kill him? It won’t hurt them as much. I want them to feel the pain I feel. I’m getting the kid.”

“Robbie tell him no.” Dean’s voice cried out. “No Moses. Please. My people didn’t kill him. Ask Robbie. Ask him who killed Boyle.”

Robbie, with his right hand, swung back, back handing Dean to silence him.

It didn’t work, Dean continued in his pleas. “Moses listen to me. That night, the night Boyle disappeared, Robbie told me. He told me that he killed him. Don’t do this, don’t hurt one of the kids. I’m begging you.” He grabbed for Moses, and Moses shoved him away.

“Robbie, beat you.” Moses shouted at him. “Do you think I’d believe your lies? They’ll pay. They’ll pay with that boy’s life.”

“No!” Dean charged for him. “If you have to kill someone. Kill me. Don’t kill one of them. Take my life. Please take my life instead.” Dean begged with everything he had. He pleaded like he had never done before. His attempts were futile. Moses shoved him to the ground and stormed out.

Dean picked himself up and raced to Robbie. “Stop him. Stop him. He’s taking an innocent life because of your mistake.”

Robbie turned his head sideways. “You know I can’t do that.”

“Stop him, Robbie. Stop him now!” Dean stopped begging and reaching for Robbie when he saw Moses stomping down the hall. With him, he dragged Denny.

“What’d I do?” Denny asked trying to pull away from the force of Moses. “What’d I do?” He saw Dean as he went past the room. “Dean, help me.”

Dean charged toward the door only to be stopped by Robbie who flung him back to the bed. But he knew he couldn’t just stay there. If it meant his life he had to try, even if it was just to try to help Denny. With the sound of Denny’s call for help fading down the hallway, Dean, with every bit of strength he had, with all of his will, charged forth toward Robbie, knocking him over and onto the floor.

He raced to the hallway, Denny wasn’t there. With no guards around, he flew out of the library, pausing only to grab the huge metal baseball bat that Robbie had setting by his desk.

Out on the street he saw them. Moses and his men began to encircle a frightened and bewildered Denny. The fear in Denny’s eyes. The confusion on his face. Denny kept calling out. “What’d did I do? No. Dean, help me!”

There was no time to think, nor worry about himself. He wasn’t important, Denny was, and Dean had to try with all of his might to save him. With rage he had never known before, he ran to the group of men and began swinging the metal bat. He hit one, then two, both on the heads, both fell to the ground. He had to get to Moses. “No!” Dean cried out as he crashed the bat down upon his back. “Get away from him!”

Moses flinched as he felt the pain of the bat. The pain didn’t stop his outrage. He grabbed the bat from Dean with one hand, and with the other, he literally threw Dean to the ground. “Someone get him out of here!”

Dean was helpless as two men took hold of him, dragging him back. His eyes connected with Denny’s, hand reaching forth as the young boy called to him once more for help. Denny was so young, so unsuspecting, so unaware that Moses stood behind him like a batter swinging forward with full force down to the back of Denny’s head.

Dean’s knees buckled and he dropped to the ground as he saw Denny sail forth and land on the concrete. “Denny!” The veins in Dean’s neck protruded, his face turned red and he cried with his heart and soul to a boy who so desperately needed the help he could not give. The young boy who was surrounded by every single man in Egypt who wanted their revenge on Beginnings.

Dean’s cries, his tears, his efforts, could not save the thirteen year old boy, an innocent, who would die so violently at the hands of the savage beasts. Their arms swung forth, their legs moved about.

First there was the painful heart wrenching sound of Denny’s cries. Calling out for help, begging for them to stop, like the little boy he so much was. Then the worst part of all came to be. It made Dean want to die, his anguish too much to bear. There were no more sounds, no more cries, there was only silence.

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

Frank was pissed at himself. He held in his hand a metal trap. How brainless he could be at times, he thought. First he wanted to finish up his rounds early, he promised Ellen he would. It sounded easy enough. Finish the rounds, set new traps outside the back gate, go home. He had it all mapped out. After rounds he went to the back gate, he called for them to shut down the perimeter, he unlocked the gate. But he forgot the most important thing. The trap. Figuring he’d be only a few minutes, he had them turn back on the perimeter. The gate would be fine without its lock. A few minutes is all it should have taken. It would have taken. If it wasn’t bad enough that he forgot the trap, things only got worse, while in his haste, he broke the key as he turned the lock on the maintenance door.

As he made his way up the grade to the back gate, Frank grabbed his radio. “This is me again. Shut down sixteen. I’m ready now.” He waited for a sarcastic response and was glad he didn’t get one.

Frank stopped as he neared within fifteen feet of the gate. “No.” It wasn’t there before. He’d only been gone fifteen minutes. His heart dropped to his stomach the closer he drew. Beyond the gate on the dusty road way, he saw a pair of legs extended out from the tall grass. “Oh no . . . Dean.” He began to move, running towards the gate. The closer he got, the more he could see. The thin bare feet were totally covered in blood. “No.” Frank flung open the gate and raced to the body, stopping so fast at the legs, he slid onto the road causing a dust cloud. He reached his hands into the tall grass, grabbing the legs. He could feel the coldness of the flesh, he could smell the death. As he pulled out the body he knew the instant he saw the bloodied blonde hair, his hands were not reaching for Dean.

Frank lifted the limp body out of the grass and onto his legs, he held him in his arms. His heart broke as he stared down at the young face, beaten so brutally he was barely recognizable. “Oh my God.” Frank held Denny close to him, pulling him to his chest. His huge hand strived to find the pulse that just wasn’t there. Frank reached down for his radio, and emotionally called out. “Dad” his voice was weak. “Dad, it’s bad. They brought back one of our people . . . it’s bad.” Frank held Denny tighter. “I need only you at the back gate.” He tossed the radio to the ground, then secured his arms underneath Denny’s body. With Denny in his arms, Frank rose to his feet, the moment he stood Denny’s arms and legs dangled and his head flung back. Slowly, and in pain almost too much for him to grip, Frank headed to the back gate.

“I thought you were dead,” the familiar voice halted Frank dead in his tracks.

Frank turned around, his eyes glazed over when he spotted the huge man walking from the trees.

“Frank Slagel, boy won’t your brother be surprised.”

Frank couldn’t believe it. This man was taunting him? Right then as he held the body of such a young boy? Was he that fuckin’ stupid? Frank slowly, without giving it away, began to lower Denny’s body.

“Like the little package I gave you, Frank? Did it myself.”

Softly to the ground he laid him. As Denny’s body rested to the earth, Frank’s sadness turned. It turned into something he had never felt before, an uncontrollable rage that sent him forth, barreling towards Moses.

Moses stood waiting for him. He wasn’t afraid of Frank.

He should have been.

Shooting out like a cannon, Frank charged ahead. Though Moses outweighed him, he could never out-strength him. Frank was driven by too much hurt, too much anger, and too much sorrow. Frank’s body hit Moses with such a force, both men flew ten feet back, rolling one over top of each other into the woods.

Moses tried to fight back, but he hadn’t a chance. Frank hovered over him, crashing down with violent blows, one right after another.

With a loud scream of emotion, Frank stood and lifted Moses to his feet. He grasped tightly to the huge mound of red hair and rushed the weight of Moses forth into a tree that stood only a few feet away.

Moses whipped into it. As if the tree had an elastic surface, his body bounced back. He would have fallen to the ground had Frank not stopped him. It wasn’t the end. Moses’ pleas for mercy at that moment would not be heard, they could never be heard. For Denny, for his baby, for Dean and the children still in Egypt, Frank hurled Moses back into the tree. He crashed his face into the bark. Smashing it with force over and over again.

Frank felt the warm blood sprawl out over his hands with each devastating blow. Just when he felt that Moses had enough, just when he felt that Moses was seconds from death, Frank dropped him, releasing him to the dirt. Moses was alive, barely. He laid face first on the ground, moaning, trying to lift himself in one more attempt.

Slam!

Frank crashed his boot down onto his back and he dropped to his knees hovering Moses from behind. He wrapped his arm across Moses’ shoulder. Lifting him some, arching his back. Extending his fingers across the bloody forehead and Frank’s huge hand gripped tightly, bracing the entire head.

His nostrils flared as Frank breathed heavily and sweat poured from his brow. He leaned forward into Moses, placing his lips close to his ear. “This is for my people.” Frank gripped tighter. “Die you sick fuck.” With a single cry filled with agony and strength, and one loud crack, he broke Moses’ neck.

It was over. Still huffing and emotional, Frank stood to his feet and ran from the woods. As he hit the road he could see his father racing toward the open gate. He, too, saw Denny, the sadness on his father’s face matched his own.

Joe dropped to his knees at Denny’s body, his eyes weld up as he lifted his eyes to Frank who stood above. “This didn’t happen. Oh, Christ, tell me we didn’t let this happen.”

Frank knelt down, his hand running across Denny’s face. “They have to pay, Dad. Every single one of them. It’s time.” With his eyes filled with hatred, he stared at his father.

“You’re right. It’s time.”

“One of them was still here when I found him.”

Joe looked around. “Where is he? I didn’t hear any gun fire. Did he get away?”

“No . . . I killed him.” Frank looked down at his hands, they were covered with blood. “We have to get Denny in. I’ll carry him to the jeep.”

“Then where Frank?” Joe stood up. “Christ.” He ran his hand across his head.

“I’m taking him to his mother.” Frank reached down to lift him.

“I’ll head to town first. She’s at the clinic. I’ll stop by and get Miguel. Give me a few minutes.” Joe was shaking. He was faced with one of his most difficult tasks. He had to look Andrea in the eye and say her son had come home. But not like they had all hoped and prayed. Joe backed up and ran to his jeep. He quickly jumped in and drove away.

Frank lifted Denny. He slowly carried him to his own jeep, and sat him in the passenger’s seat. He walked back to the gate and locked it, then radioed to security to put the perimeter back on. Before getting in the jeep he took one more look at Denny’s face. Should Andrea see him the way he was? The pain that she was going to feel would be insurmountable. Frank took off his shirt, reached in the jeep for his container of water, and doused his shirt with it. He wrung it out and wiped off Denny’s face, removing the blood and dirt that hid who he was. Cleaning Denny as best as he could. “I’m sorry, Den.” He dropped his shirt and got in the jeep. With his right hand bracing Denny in, Frank drove slowly back into town.

“Andrea,” Joe called softly into Dean’s laboratory where Andrea sat with Ellen. “Andrea?”

Andrea looked up, she was laughing. “Joe, Ellen and I were just laughing at some of Dean’s code names.” She pointed to another one. “Look at this one, Ellen.”

Ellen laughed loudly. “He is such a nerd.”

Joe walked in, he grasped Andrea’s wrist. “I have to talk to you.”

The smile dropped from Andrea’s face. She saw Miguel hovering in the doorway, and she saw something on Joe’s face she had never seen. Tears. “Sweet Jesus what’s happened?” She jumped from her stool. “Tell me, Joe.” She walked past him. “Miguel?”

Joe reached for her arm, pulling her back. “There’s been a tragedy. We . . . I need you to stay here.”

“Something’s happened.” Andrea rushed past Joe, passed her husband and out into the hall. They tried to stop her but it was too late. The glass clinic doors at the end of the hall gave her the answer she so much did not want. The vision of Frank carrying her son across the street. “Oh my God!” She flew down the hallway, flinging the doors open. “No. Not my son.” Her hands reached out to Frank’s arms. She trembled as she touched her son’s cold skin. “Not my baby.” She reached for Denny. “No.”

“I’ll bring him inside for you.” Frank continued carrying him, even as Andrea pulled for her son. Joe opened the doors to let them in.

“Denny.” Andrea took him from Frank’s arms and fell to the floor with him. “What have they done to you?”

Frank couldn’t take anymore. He turned and walked out.

“My baby.” Andrea cradled him close to her breast, pressing her lips to him, rocking him. “What have they done to you?” She resisted and fought off anyone, including her husband, that tried to come near her. She sat in the hallway holding her boy, sobbing from her soul as she held his lifeless body. “I love you.” She lifted her tear streaked eyes to Joe. “Look what they did to him. They beat him. What did he ever do to them? Look what they did to my baby.”

Ellen backed away, her hand covering her mouth, her face streaming with tears. She had been where Andrea was. She had felt that pain that she was feeling. She too had held her own son in her arms wishing it was her. Ellen couldn’t bear to watch, she too had to leave.

Joe reached down to Andrea. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

“He was just a child, Joe. He was my son.” Andrea wiped her face with the back of her hand. “My Denny.” She pressed her lips to him again. “My son.” She held tightly to him for a long while, never wanting to let him go. On the floor of the clinic she cried for her son, for the pain he endured, for the loss of his young life. Andrea’s cries were heard throughout Beginnings.

Ellen opened the door to the dark empty social hall. She saw Frank sitting on a stool, hunched at the bar. “Frank?” She called to him slowly walking to him. She slid on his back. “Frank?”

Frank lifted his head which rested in his hands. His red eyes looked at Ellen. “We lost a kid El, we lost Denny.”

Ellen’s lips quivered, her eyes welled up again. Frank needed her to be strong for him, she fought back her tears with everything she had, a task even too difficult for her. She could only reach to him, hold him in her arms and hope to take even just a little of the pain away.

Frank clung to her as if he were clinging to life itself. He buried himself deep in her chest, taking comfort in her arms.

“Frank!” Henry came running in. “I’m sorry to interrupt. Robbie’s on the radio. Your dad said you might want to be there.”

Frank lifted his head from Ellen. “I didn’t hear it.” He reached to see if his radio was on, and for the first time ever, it wasn’t. “Shit.” He grabbed Ellen’s hand and pulled her with him. They ran, following Henry, to the containment center.

Joe’s hands were red as they held tightly to the microphone; he looked up as Ellen, Frank and Henry, burst in. “It was a low even for you Robbie. He was a kid.”

“This I know.” Robbie was cocky. “I have Dean right here. I’m sure he’ll tell you about it when he gets back. He watched it all.”

Dean’s shouting came loud and clear through the airwaves. “Kill them Joe. Kill them all.”

“Shut up.” Robbie shouted to Dean. “I’m on the radio. You had your chance . . . Dad? You still there?”

“I’m still here. You will pay, Robbie. That man that brought our boy back. He’s not returning. He’s dead. One of our men killed him with their bare hands. Bare hands. End this now, or we will end it.”

Dean felt some sense of justice knowing that Moses was dead. And he knew there was only one man capable enough to kill such a large man with his bare hands, Frank. It was a sign to Dean, a signal. Frank was back in full force. The waiting was over. Beginnings was ready.

Robbie laughed at his father’s warning, it didn’t faze him. Nor did the news of Moses’ death. He enjoyed it. “Look I make the calls here. You don’t threaten me. Yes it will end, and yes you will end it. You will let us in Beginnings.”

“Never!” Joe cried out to him.

“Heed my warning, Father. You have twenty-four hours. Look at your watch. Twenty-four hours I will call back, if I don’t get the answer I want I will send another warning. Another one of your people will be at your door.”

“You’re sick, but I don’t believe you’ll kill one of those small children.”

“You’re right. I don’t want to kill another child. I won’t. If by tomorrow at this time I do not get the answer I want, your Dr. Dean will be our next warning. And this I promise you. I will enjoy taking his life . . . Tomorrow!” Robbie’s words ended with static. He had given his warning. It was now in the hands of Beginnings.

Joe rubbed his face as he stood from his seat, the microphone falling from his hand. “Henry, uh, gather everyone in this community together. It’s time for that talk.”

***

Standing before the crowded room filled with every single person in Beginnings was difficult for Joe. He had to face them with the news. He had so much to tell them. The room was silent. Though filled, there wasn’t a noise to be heard. They waited to hear what he had to tell them, they needed to hear it. As their leader, Joe spoke with his heart. “Today is a day of sadness. We have fought so hard, all of us, to overcome so many tragedies. We’ve built this community and with the sweat of each of us, we’ve made it work. But as all of you know, there are those who wish to bring us down. They’ve taken from us what is precious, and they hold something of value we desperately want back, our people. Now they tell us if we don’t let them in, they will, without a doubt kill another one of us. All of us have worked so hard in a struggle to defeat them. I commend all of you for your unity. I am so proud to live among you. But the time has come. Now, for the safety and lives of our children, for Dean, and all of you . . . we’ve come to a decision.”

Everyone listened to what Joe had to say. They acknowledged and accepted what he was telling them. The end was near.

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

July 20

Frank stood next to Ellen with his finger closing off his one ear.

Ellen held out a gun, aiming at her target. She fired and flew back.

“No. No. No!” Frank stormed up to her. “You shoot like a female!”

“I am a female!” She held out the gun, pointing forward once more.

“You never shot this bad before. Your aim is excellent. But you have to focus.” Frank moved behind her. “Don’t shoot, just hold still. Pretend you’re going to shoot. Ready?”

“Ready.”

Frank popped the palm of his hand upward against her elbow, the gun fumbled in her hands, but she caught it before she lost it. “See El! Lock your elbows! Lock them!” He held them firm. “And your stance sucks! Plant your feet firmly. The weight of that weapon is going to knock you over when it fires. Nothing should be able to knock you over if you have a good stance.” He brushed into her, her body flung forward. “See!”

“Christ, Frank, I can be standing in concrete and your big ass would still knock me over.”

“Let’s try this again.” He stood behind grasping her hands as she held onto the gun. “Hold it tight, El. Stand firm . . .”

“Now that’s what I don’t understand.” She abruptly turned around to face him. The hand that held the gun waved about as she spoke. “If I’m going to shoot someone. It’s not going to be like target practice.”

“Watch the gun, El . . .”

“If I’m in that situation, I’m not going to have time to stand firm.”

“The gun . . .El, the gun.” Frank covered his face, waiting for an accident to happen.

“Nor will I have time to tell my assailant, ‘Excuse me while I lock my elbows’.”

“Enough.” Frank snatched the gun from her hand. Checked the chamber and placed on the safety. “We’ll take a break. We’ve been working all morning.”

“Yes we have. Can you tell me why you are killing me today? First you bring me up here to beat me up.”

“I wasn’t beating you up. I was working on your fighting techniques. It’s been six months since we worked on fighting and shooting. You need work.”

“I don’t understand Frank. It’s not like I’m actually gonna have to shoot someone right? . . . Frank? Frank? I’m not going to shoot anyone am I?”

Frank shoved the gun behind the back of his pants and grabbed hold of her, pulling her close. “You never know. I don’t think anything will happen, but just in case, in case I’m not around, I need to know you will protect yourself. Besides, you and Andrea are the only two women in this whole community that are callous enough to shoot someone in cold blood if needed.”

“Thanks for the compliment.” Ellen pulled away and held out her hand. “Give me back the gun. I’ll work harder for you.”

“Thank you.” He reached behind him, pulled out the gun and laid it in her hands.

“But you can’t yell at me anymore. It’s getting on my nerves, and you tend to forget I’m holding a loaded weapon.”

***

In his designated office in the library building of Egypt, Robbie stood confident, cocky, aside Dean who sat in a chair. “It’s nearly time.”

“They won’t give in. My life is not worth to them as much as their home is. I wouldn’t want it to be.”

“You sound awfully sure.”

“So do you.”

“I am sure.” Robbie walked around the chair. “I am so sure it’s going to happen. My gut tells me so. Ever have that feeling before, Dean? Do you have that feeling now?”

Dean did not answer.

“I thought so.” Robbie walked to his desk and turned on the radio. “In five minutes it’s times up. If they don’t give me the answer I want, it’s times up for you. My gun is ready, they will hear you die.”

Fear of death was far from Dean’s mind. He sat straight up waiting right alongside Robbie for Beginnings’ answer. He had come to terms with the fact that he would never see his children again. It made him strong. It made him see things a whole lot clearer. Dean waited on his death sentence. It was inevitable that it would come. In fact, if given the choice, Dean would choose death. He’d rather die at the hands of Robbie than see Beginnings give in. That was how strongly he felt against his captures. That was how badly he wanted to see them go down.

***

Joe sat in the office of containment. The radio perched in front of him, a bottle of whiskey to his right. He poured one more shot and downed it. Feeling its warmth, gasping as it soothed him. He pulled out a cigarette and lit it. Looking down at his watch, he knew it would be any second and Robbie would call out to him. He was alone as he sat there. It was the way he wanted it to be. He wanted no one around as he gave Robbie his answer. Everyone knew exactly what Joe was going to say. Alone was the best way to do it. No faces staring down at him, no other emotions in the room except for his own. The waiting was nearly over. The hour was at hand.

“Dad.” Robbie’s voice broke through. Right on time. “Have you reached your decision? Is this all going to stop?”

Joe hesitated as he picked up the microphone. “Robbie, there is something I want to say first.”

“Give me your answer!”

“I will say this first! The death has to stop. We held a meeting last night and a decision was made. I am doing this for my people. I am not doing this for you. Tomorrow morning at eight a.m. be at the front gate. We will let you in.”

Dean jumped to his feet. “No! Joe! No!”

Robbie shoved him back down, pointed his finger and smiled. “Dad, it’s a wise decision on your part.”

“Not so fast, Robbie. If I am going to let you and your men in here it will go a certain way. Understand?”

“No, I don’t. It’s my rules . . .”

“And my community. If you don’t follow my rules, deals off.”

“Then Dean will be dead.”

“It’s a chance we have to take. We have to ensure we aren’t letting you in to ambush us.”

Robbie thought about it, staring at Dean who slumped over in disbelief. “How do we know you aren’t going to ambush us?”

“What I’m about to say will guarantee it. At eight in the morning you will meet us at the back gate. Myself and only two other men will meet you there. This is our home, Robbie, and you will not bring in any guns. Second, we will walk you to the edge of town right where the clinic sits. There you will release the children. After that, your men will remain right there and you and I will go off to talk. We have to sit and talk to figure out a way to live and work together, side by side. Alone, just us. That should give you a sense of security. While we talk, Dean will stand with your men. You may hold him at knife point. That is our word that nothing will happen to you or your men while in our community. After you and I have hashed out what we need to talk about, we will return to your men, and go on from there. Deal?”

Robbie had a plan of his own, Joe’s did very little to interrupt it. “Deal. We will be there tomorrow at eight. We come in peace, Dad. This war, this situation was not something we wanted. I hope we can live together.”

“Tomorrow.” Joe shut off the radio and placed his face in his hands and prayed. “Dear God, be with us all tomorrow. I beg of you.”

Dean’s head looked to the floor, his mouth open, he could barely speak. What did Joe just do? Why did it all go down like this? There were only five of them, though four were children, they should not have folded. They should have at least tried to beat Robbie. They didn’t even do that.

Robbie called out the door to his men who waited for the answer. He gathered all of them inside, and they crowded in the small library. “Men . . . they open the gates for us tomorrow.” Robbie raised his hands to stop the loud cheers that began in the room. “All of our weapons, knives, and what guns we do have, must be concealed very well. When we hit center town, I will go off to talk to my father. When you see me return you know he his dead and we will commence our attack. We out number them. We will take them. But remember, do not kill Dean.” Robbie patted him on the shoulder. “I want him to watch his people die. He deserves that honor.” Robbie shot his hand straight in the air in a victory style. “To tomorrow!”

His men began to shout and cheer. They screamed about, working themselves up. Dean let their voices fade to the back of his mind. He didn’t want to hear them. It was over. And unless Beginnings had something spectacular planned, they had just signed their own death warrant.

***

As the night fell upon the community of Beginnings, so many emotions and feelings encircled them. All of them knew, in less than twelve hours, things would be different. Each person handled the waiting in their own way, no one in Beginnings was certain that they would sleep on the eve of the unknown.

Joe went home early that night. Living under the same roof with George was the biggest help to him. George was the one person he could talk to about everything. Only the Council, Frank, and John Matoose really knew what to expect the next morning. The others in the community were merely told that Robbie and his men were being let in. That the safety of the children hostages would be ensured, and after that, there was no guarantees that trouble, or even death, would not commence. That was all they were told. It had to be the way, just on the outside chance that Robbie still had someone else in the camp.

Not being totally open and honest with everyone was a hard decision to make for Joe. The hardest part was keeping some of the originals in the dark. They deserved to know. Yet because of the chance of fear, panic or the slightest foul-up, they could not.

It was the decision Joe had made with the Council. It is something he had to live with for the rest of his life.

Henry paced, as Henry always did. From his house, to the street, around the corner, then back in. A repetitious pattern he did often when things were heavy on his mind. Denny was heavy on his mind, seeing that young boy the day before brought so much pain to him. Denny, Dean’s beating, the hostage situation, Frank being shot. Henry could face the next day, but he had a hard time facing the night.

He stopped himself from going into his home to repeat another pacing cycle. He looked to the house next door, Andrea’s house. The lights were on. He wondered that if in their grief they could make time for him. Knowing Andrea and Miguel as well as he did, he knew they would. The ‘originals’ needed each other, they were a family. And families stuck together.

“El?” Frank’s whispering voice carried through the empty chapel. He spotted her, at the first pew, kneeling before the crucifix. The row of candles illuminated her face. “El?” He kept whispering as he walked softly to the front. He genuflected, blessed himself, then scooted in the pew next her, sharing the same kneeler as Ellen. “I looked all over for you.”

Ellen, with folded hands, turned her head to him. “I told you I wanted to be alone. That was only twenty minutes ago.”

“I know, but I figured we can be alone together. So I did that Frank thing and searched you out. Man, was I surprised to find you here.”

“I know.” Ellen lifted from kneeling and sat next to Frank. “I guess I figured I don’t really bother God all that much. Maybe because of that, he’ll really listen to me this time. Because, Frank . . . I’m scared. I’m scared of tomorrow. What if we have to ‘shoot to kill’ what if us women have to escape. And what if something happens to you and I never see you again.”

“Please don’t think that way. I will see you again. If it’s the last thing I do.” He pulled her closer. “Believe that.”

“I could believe that if you promise me something.”

“Anything.”

“I want you to promise me, that if things get bad, I mean really bad out there, and there is nothing left you can do, I want you to put Johnny, me, and my kids first. If things get out of control, to the point of no return, promise me you won’t die trying to be the hero in a losing battle.”

Frank gently kissed the top of her head. “I’ll make that promise.” Frank felt her body relax in relief. “Because I know tomorrow will not be a losing battle. But El, if it is, and God forbid there’s nothing I can do, I will find you. If it takes following you out of Beginnings I will. But if I have to die to protect you, know that I would do that, too. Your life means more to me than my own.”

Reverend Bob had returned to the chapel that night for one last prayer before turning in. He sat quietly in the back, in the dark last pew of the night’s busiest place. There he remained unnoticed and in the silence of his mediation he heard Frank and Ellen talk. He listened to their words and drew a sort of strength. He realized that he was wrong about Frank and Ellen. They may have been wrong about the way they went about being together, but they, in a sense were blessed. He prayed that the Good Lord would bless Beginnings. That God would stand with the righteous in the struggle that they were about to undertake in the next morning’s light.

Dean lay on his bed in his dark room. He stared up at the ceiling that held a streak of the moons reflection through his window. He had spent the entire evening with the children. It was the first time in weeks he had been allowed to do so. Katie cried, she cried hard for her brother and wanted to know where he was. All Dean could tell her is that they let Denny go. Denny was home.

Home. Dean was finally going home, but not the way he expected to. Beginnings was failing him. They had the power and technology to wipe out Robbie, but they chose not to. There had to be another plan. There had to be. Joe was so stubborn, he wouldn’t let this happen. And Frank, he could not see Frank just sitting back waiting for it to happen. There had to be something else going on, and Dean held on to that hope.

But what if there wasn’t any? What then? Dean wandered his mind of things that could be done. He would take his family and escape. He’d have to. There was that place Paul had come from. Dean could go there. His knowledge would surely be a welcome addition to any community.

But all of the thoughts that suddenly raced through his mind were hinging. They hinged on what happened after they walked through the gates of Beginnings. Dean dreaded that moment. He dreaded the thought that Beginnings was folding. He prayed with his whole heart and soul that it was not the case. If the knife that would be held to his throat began to slice, then Dean would die knowing that his people, his community, did not go down without a fight.

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

July 21

“El . . It’s time now.” Frank walked slowly into his bedroom. Ellen sat on the bed hands folded across her lap. “El?”

“I know, I know. Just give me another minute.” Her face was pale, and she looked more worried than he had ever saw her.

“Everyone is waiting. Johnny took the twins already. Come on.” Frank held out his hand to her.

Ellen reached up and placed her hand in his palm, he gripped her fingers. “I think I’m ready.”

“You don’t have a choice.” He walked with her from the room.

Ellen stopped in the doorway and looked back. “Wait!” She ran back to the bed and grabbed a green knapsack. “I can’t forget this.”

“What is it?”

“If by some chance we have to run, there are some things in here I don’t want to leave behind.” She patted the sack and threw it over her shoulder. “I’m ready.” She took hold of his hand. “Let’s go.”

In silence, hand in hand, they walked to the containment center. No guard stood out front, the streets were empty. Greg was not in his usual post inside the front office. Containment was eerie. The only other male, aside from Frank, was Johnny. He stood at the skills room door waiting for his father and Ellen.

“Dad,” he called to them. “Everyone’s inside.”

“Thanks, Johnny.” Frank moved Ellen into the safety of the room. Just inside the door laid a small crate, inside of it weapons. Frank bent down to it and pulled out the first revolver. He walked to Andrea and handed it to her. “Here. You know how to use this, right?”

Andrea took it. “I don’t think I’ll have to.”

“Good. Let’s hope for that.”

“Francis?” She called to him. “You do good.”

“I will do my best.” Frank reached up and touched her cheek. “Watch my family.”

Andrea nodded to him, tried to smile, then backed away.

Frank reached into the crate again, the second gun went to Ellen. He cupped it in her hands. “El, be careful it’s loaded.”

“I will.”

“And lock your elbows, damn it.” He leaned into her, his lips touching softly to hers. He didn’t want to say goodbye, but he knew he would have to. There was one more thing to take care of first. “Johnny?”

“Yeah, Dad, are we ready? Let’s go.”

“John . . .” Frank reached into the crate and grabbed a rifle. “Johnny, you aren’t coming with me.”

“What? No Dad, I am. It’s not right.”

“I need you to stay here. I need you behind.”

“No, you need me out there. Next to you I am the best shot here. I’ve trained Dad, I’ve trained with all of the men.”

Frank didn’t want to argue, he nodded in agreement with everything Johnny had said. But there still was an argument to be had. “Johnny, I know you’ve trained with the men. But you are not a man. You’re still a kid. And you’re my kid. I love you. I need to know that you will be safe, and the only way I can do that is to leave you behind.”

“Dad No. I’m treated like a man here. I have to do this.”

“I can’t let you.” Frank reached out for his son. “I have to be your father now, and as your father, I say no. Do this for me, please. I can’t go out and do what I have to do if I’m worried about you, and if you’re out there next to me, I’ll worry. Please.”

Johnny snatched the rifle from his father. “Fine, I’ll stay. But under protest.”

“It’s duly noted.” Frank embraced his son and kissed him on the cheek. “I have to go.” He turned once more to say his last goodbye to Ellen. He took her in his arms and held her with all of his heart and he kissed her goodbye as if it were their last kiss. As he pulled from her, his hands ran down the sides of her face, feeling her. “El I have to go.”

Ellen sadly nodded, leaving her hands on his cheek. “Please, please be careful.”

“Always . . .  I love you.” Frank looked one more time at Ellen, before his hand slipped from hers. He stared deep into her eyes, his face strong with emotions, his jaws clenching as he took his one last look. Without saying goodbye he left the room, pulling the skills room door behind him.

Frank ran up the hallway to the little front office, pulling the heavy door closed. He then reached under the desk and ripped from it, the buzzer that opened the door. Frank reached into his front pocket and pulled out a key. It was the only key that could open the huge steel door that separated the office from the containment center. Ellen, Johnny, Andrea and the others were safe. They had their escape hatch and a place to go. If by any chance Robbie and his men would want to get in the containment center, they would have to break down the door between the hall in the office or they would have to unlock it with the only key. Frank had that key. And the only way Robbie was going to get it, was to take it from Frank’s dead body.

He saw them standing at his front gate and not an inch of fear twitched inside of Joe’s body. His heart did not beat faster, his blood pressure did not rise. He was calm, almost too calm.

George stood on one side of him, another man named Herb on the other. Joe’s hand reached for the gate that the perimeters were shut down on. His son Robbie stood first in line. “Are all of your belongings twenty feet away?”

Robbie smiled. “They are. You’ve looked us over too, you know we are unarmed. Let us in.”

“I want to speak to Dean, bring him forth.”

Dean heard his summons and stepped forward, keeping eye contact with Joe. Looking for a sign.

“Dean.” Joe looked upon Dean’s now healing face. “I’m glad you’re all right.”

“I could be better.” Dean reached out his hands for the small children. He brought them to his side. “Things could be better.”

“They will be now.” Joe turned the lock on the gate and opened it. One by one, in a long line, ninety-three men entered the tunnel that led to Beginnings.

Dean, with the children close to his side, led the band of men, who were followed by Joe, though the tunnel. They walked down the hill and the half mile hike to the edge of the center of town. They kept a steady pace. No words were spoken.

Dean wondered the entire walk why nothing had happened yet. Why no one from Beginnings had made a move. He got his answer when they stood by the clinic. Not a soul could be seen. He had not seen the town so empty since the very first day he arrived there. The only man in his view was Ralph, an older gentleman standing by the clinic doors.

Joe’s voice was cold as he spoke to Robbie, hatred lingered in his tone. “Before you and I take off. I want to watch the children walk into the clinic with Ralph.”

Robbie agreed.

Joe bent down to the children, checking each one out. “You’ll be with your parents soon. Right now run really fast to the clinic. Ralph is waiting for you.”

The children did as they were told. They knew of no danger, they only knew that they were home.

Joe stood straight and stood nose to nose with Robbie. “Let’s go.” He waited until Robbie walked ahead of him.

Robbie hesitated until he secured the fact that a knife was placed directly to Dean’s neck. Then and only then did he step before his father.

“Where are we going?” Robbie asked as he walked at a casual pace.

“The inventory building at the other end of the block. I figure we could start there.”

“Whatever you say.” Robbie felt that place was as good as any. Nearly two blocks away from his men. And two blocks from the two Beginnings men. No one would hear his father’s screams. “So Dad where is everyone?”

“Not that I wanted to get into idle conversation with you, but no one wanted to see you arrive.” Joe saw the building straight ahead. It was a sign of relief to him. It was his sign.

Dean watched as Robbie and Joe disappeared around the corner. It was over. What were the chances of Joe returning? Robbie had that hunting knife hidden, and Joe’s throat was Robbie’s target.

As all hope began to seem lost, Dean’s eyes noticed something strange. George and Herb slowly backed up. They were already at twenty feet, then at thirty . . . forty. Dean closed his eyes. The calm quiet eerie feeling that hung in the town of Beginnings was then broken.

A single shot, one shot, rang out loud and clear. It broke the silence grasping everyone’s attention. The bullet that had been fired sailed forth taking Dean by surprise. The bullet was intended for Dean. It hit the spot just above his knee, shattering the bone in his thin leg, breaking his balance and sending him crashing to the pavement.

The one lone gunshot was the signal. It was Beginnings’ signal. The moment Dean’s face felt the concrete, a loud eruption of gunfire broke out above his head. It encircled Dean, it came from every direction. It was the beginning of the end for Robbie’s men.

Robbie jumped when he heard the gun fire. He knew. Reaching for his blade tucked in his shirt, he ripped it out and turned to his father only to find himself facing the barrel of a gun.

Joe clenched tightly to Robbie’s neck, holding the gun steady to his face as he kicked open the inventory room door. He literally carried his son across the room by a choke hold and threw him in a chair never taking his gun off of him. Joe swiped the knife from Robbie’s hand and tossed it far across the room.

“You set us up!” Robbie screamed trying to get out of his chair.

Joe pushed him back. “Did you expect anything less of us? Did you expect us to just let you walk in here and take this from us? You underestimated me, Robbie. You underestimated all of us. Listen Robbie! Listen Good! Do you hear that? The gunfire? The screams? Listen to your people die! Listen to your people pay for what they did!”

Dean covered his head as the noise kept going. Ringing in his ears. He was afraid to look, afraid to move. He didn’t know who was shooting who. As his weakened body tried to crawl to a safer place, he was stopped by the dead weight of someone who fell on top of him. Dean was pinned beneath him. He could feel the blood from the man above him, seeping through his own shirt, dampening his own skin. Dean, though trapped beneath the lifeless body, was somewhat shielded from the death that now surrounded him.

Robbie’s men did not stand a chance. Rapid gun fire, shot forth at them, from men that hid on roof tops, in trees, in windows. Beginnings fired upon them from every corner, but the gunmen were nowhere to be seen. The gunfire held no mercy as it ripped apart Robbie’s men. It cut into their bodies so fiercely, it ripped limb from limb. Blood spewed forth, bathing the ground and turning it deep red. There was nowhere to run, they were completely encircled. Beginnings left no stone un-turned. Nor would they leave one man of Robbie’s breathing. The firing continued until there was not a single soul moving. The shots slowed down, like popping corn, single shots getting further and further apart.

Though not one sound was heard or one moan, it was not over. The men of Beginnings marched down to the street, to the massacre they created. There they stood above Robbie’s men. They approached the bodies one by one, and in execution style, fired a single shot into their skulls, sealing their deaths and ensuring the end to their reign.

Robbie could hardly breathe, he knew he was done. Joe had not removed the gun from his face the whole entire time he sat there and felt as his men went down. He listened with anguish to the silence that was just outside.

“It’s over.” Joe stepped back from him.

“You’ve won.” Robbie refused to look at his father’s face.

“Not completely, no.”

“I suppose now you’re going to kill me?”

Joe shook his head. “No, I couldn’t kill you. You’re my son.” At the sound of a closing door from the back of the room, Joe put his gun away. “Goodbye, Robbie.” He lowered his eyes, stepped back, and walked from the inventory room.

The door closed, and his father was gone. Robbie heard the footsteps. The heavy sound of walking came from behind him. A slow steady walking, it grew louder and louder, then finally stopped. Robbie knew someone was in the room, they stood right behind him.

With the sound of two more steps, that person stood before him, facing him. It was the brother he thought he had killed . . . Frank.

Frank stared down at Robbie, his face cold, emotionless. His eyes, as Robbie had never seen before. With an intense look of calm . . . Frank lifted his gun.

Robbie closed his eyes. “Oh, my God.”

Joe stood directly outside the inventory door waiting. Waiting until he heard it. Within seconds it happened. It made him jolt. One shot followed by a thump, and Joe knew. It was over, it was finally over.

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

Miguel tried to shake what appeared to be brains from the tip of his boot as he shuffled his feet wading through the pool of dead bodies. “I found him!” Then Miguel lifted a corpse and tossed him to the side. “Hey Dr. Dean? You alive down there? Hey Joe, I found him.”

Dean grunted and opened his eyes. Red, all he saw was red. And it wasn’t anger. He was completely encircled in blood. “What the hell?” Dean tried to lift himself up and the pain shot straight from his injured leg. “Shit, I’m dying.”

Joe reached down and helped him up. “You aren’t dying, Christ it’s a leg wound.” Joe checked it out. “Looks like it went clear through too.” He whistled. “May have some trouble walking. Good thing the clinic is right over there.”

Dean smiled at Joe as he was assisted to the clinic. It was good to be home. It was good to be back. “Thank you, Joe.”

“Don’t thank me, I wasn’t around. Let’s just get you to the clinic and cleaned up so Andrea can work on you.”

“Cleaned up sounds great.” Dean hobbled holding on to Joe for support.

Ellen and Andrea held tighter to the guns they were given. It had been a while since they heard the last of the shots. Whose shots were fired they didn’t know. The children in the room had finally stopped crying. They were clueless to what was going on just outside the door. They couldn’t leave. They didn’t know what they would face.

Making the entrance that only he could make. Frank opened the skills room door slowly, then kicked it flinging forth. He held Katie on his hip, and he was smiling as he stepped inside.

A loud burst of relief, followed by screams of joy filled the room.

Andrea rushed forth reaching to her daughter, “My baby.” She took Katie from Frank and clenched her with dear life in her arms. She mouthed the words ‘thank you’ to Frank as she closed her eyes, tears streaming down, and held tightly to her daughter.

Without saying a word Frank swept Ellen up, swung her around as he embraced her.

Ellen took his face in her hands and kissed his face several times. “Tell me.”

A huge grin came upon Frank’s face. “Dean is fine. He really is fine.”

“Where is he?”

“At the clinic. He has a very minor injury.”

“Thank you! I’ll be back!” Ellen’s words carried and faded as she rushed from containment.

Joe meant what he said when he told Dean he would get him cleaned up. Upon getting him in the clinic Joe stripped him down and threw him in the shower, no matter how bad it hurt his leg.

Dean lay on top of a bed, still waiting for Andrea to return. Joe had bandaged up his leg and gave him a fresh pair of boxer shorts to put on.

“So Dean, you mean to tell me you actually thought we were giving in to Robbie?” Joe pulled up a chair to wait with him.

“You have to admit, Joe, you certainly made it out that way.”

“Oh ye of little faith. As if I would fold. You should know me . . .aside from that, are you doing all right?”

“Yes, I am. My leg is killing me.”

“Eh . . .it had to be done.” Joe waved him off and leaned back in the chair.

“What do you mean it had to be done?” Dean began to get excited. “Do you people realize what I’ve been through? Knowing all this, you shoot me?”

“Aren’t we filled with attitude?” Joe stood up. “I’m trying to be nice here Dean. It was a rescue attempt. A shoot the hostage situation.”

“Was it planned?”

Joe him-hawed about. “You can say it was, yes.”

“You planned for me to get shot?”

“We weren’t gonna shoot one of the kids now, were we?”

“Just tell me who . . .” His voice faded as he looked up.

“Who what?” Joe saw Dean had stared past him. He turned to see who it was. Ellen. “I’ll be back. We’ll talk about this after Andrea gives you something to calm you down.”

“Fine,” Dean said, never taking his eyes off of Ellen.

Joe reached down and grabbed Dean’s hand. “Good to have you back.” Releasing it, he slowly left the room, bracing Ellen’s shoulder as he walked past her.

Ellen leaned in the doorway. “Can I come in?”

“Please.”

Ellen began to move to the bed, she moved slowly almost as if she were afraid. “I kind of feel like I don’t know what to say.”

“We said a lot before I was kidnapped.”

Ellen reached down and took his hand. “I missed you.”

Dean squeezed her hand. “I missed you, too.”

“You look different.”

“I’ve been beat up.”

The ice had been broken, Ellen left out a nervous laugh. “That’s not what I mean. You seem different.”

“When you’re locked in a room for a month, you have a lot of time to think.”

Ellen hung her head down. “I’m sorry things went down the way they did.”

“Me too . . . and that’s one of the things I thought about. Now, I come home and I know things are different. You’re with him now, aren’t you?”

Ellen hesitated. “Yes . . . I am.”

Dean closed his mouth tightly and rested his head back. “Did you come in here to see me or did you come in here to get my forgiveness and blessing?”

“I came in here to try to make things right with you.” She released his hand. “Dean, I know you won’t believe me, but I care about you. I am so proud to have you in my life. I’ve gone through changes, too. And Dean, check me out. I can say it.” She leaned closer to him. “I love you.”

Dean hesitated in asking. “But not the same way you love him.”

Ellen didn’t answer.

“I didn’t think so.” He reached down and took her hand in his. His tone changed. “I’m all right with it. Like I said I had a lot of time to think. I can handle it, it’ll be tough at first, but I’ll manage. Especially when there’s not that many women to chose from. But I’d like you to know, that we can start over again, this time as friends. This time with honesty.”

“You got it.” She leaned down and kissed him.

“And speaking of which . . .who in the hell shot me?” Dean’s voice began to raise.

“Excuse me?”

“Who shot me? It was this big plan, I’m sure you knew. Shoot me, get me out of the way then fire about on everyone else. Who shot me? I didn’t see anyone with a gun. Now there’s only one person that I know of that can shoot . . . Oh no.” Dean looked up, Frank stood in the doorway walking in. “Please tell me it wasn’t you.”

Frank stepped closer. “Wasn’t me, what?”

“It was. Shit. This is great. This is just great.”

“El, do you think you can give us a minute?”

“Sure.” Ellen slid off the bed. “Dean, I’ll bring the kids by as soon as they get the street cleaned up out there. It’s kind of gross.” She kissed him one more time, waved, then left the room.

Dean watched her leave, never taking his eyes off the door, never seeing Frank pull up a chair.

“You still love her, huh Dean?”

“Yeah I do. Not that it matters much.” He folded his arms. “What is it that you want, Frank? Are you wanting to rub salt in the wounds. No . . . wait . . . here.” Dean lifted his leg up. “Here’s an open one, it should make it easy for you . . .” Dean was obstinate. “I can’t believe you shot me.”

“You know you’re lucky it was me. Anyone else could have missed such a small target.”

“Why are you sitting here, Frank?” Dean grew perturbed. “You obviously want something.”

“Man, do you have attitude? Can we be civil for just five minutes?” He waited until he had Dean’s attention. “What I have to say is very difficult for me.”

“And you thought I’d make it easy?”

“No . . .” Frank tapped his hand on the bed railing. “I need to thank you for what you gave me.”

Dean exhaled. “I didn’t have a choice in that one Frank. I didn’t give her to you.”

“I’m not talking about, Ellen. I’m talking about my life. You saved it. I’m standing here today because of you. You don’t know what that means to me.”

“I’m a doctor, that’s my job.”

“I know that.” Frank stood up and began to pace. “I feel sort of, you know, bad.”

“Bad? No, you don’t.”

“Yes I do.” Frank took a deep breath. “I wronged you. And after all that I put you through, you still saved my life. That takes a certain type of man. And in my book, that makes you the better man. I owe you a lot. I wish I could repay you somehow. There’s nothing more I’d like to do then tell you, that if you wanted, I’d walk away from Ellen. Maybe give you back some of the life you lost.”

Dean rolled his eyes. For a moment, just a brief moment, Frank had him. He actually sounded human. Dean knew him better. “Would you? Would you really?”

“Well . . .no.”

“That’s what I thought. So why say it?”

“Cause it sounds good?” Frank lifted up his shoulder, he was without a good answer “Look . . . is there any way we can get past this? Try to be friends?”

“That will never happen.”

“You’re right. How about being civil?”

“It’ll be hard seeing you two together. I love her, Frank.”

“And I love her too, Dean, with everything I am.” Frank stopped pacing about and moved closer to Dean’s bed. “So what do we do now?”

“Well since sharing her is out of the question, we just move on.”

“You know Dean, I want you to know everyone is proud of you. I’m proud to know you.” Frank extended his hand.

“What?” Dean looked at it. “What’s that for?”

“Come on, Dean . . . shake. I just realized that in the five years that we’ve have been here, I’ve never shaken your hand.”

“That’s because in the five years that we’ve been here you’ve been sleeping with Ellen.”

“I’d really like to shake your hand.” Frank’s hand extended further out.

Dean took it, without looking at Frank in the eye, shook his hand. “There.”

“Thank you.” Frank backed up to leave. “Thank you for everything. For my life . . .”

“For Ellen?”

“That too.” Frank smiled.

“See I knew you couldn’t go without that gloating thing you do.”

Frank waved, and with that gloating smirk on his face, he began to leave.

“Hey, Frank?”

“With all kidding aside. You did good with me today, even if I do end up limping. And . . . For all that was said, thank you for your honesty. That’s all I ever wanted, you know.”

Frank raised the corner of his mouth, giving a half smile. “You have it now Dean. Nothing less.” Somehow he felt better as he walked from Dean’s room.. As he left the clinic, he saw Ellen waiting outside. He stepped out to join her. “Hey El.”

“All done talking with Dean?”

“Yeah, it went well, too.” He stepped down onto the sidewalk, taking in the view of the massacre that had happened. “Man, is it fucked up out here.”

“Tell me about it. So . . .” Ellen took a breath as they walked. “You said it went well.”

“Very, I feel unburdened. I was honest with him for the first time.”

“Me too.”

“It feels good, El, really good to be honest.”

“Doesn’t it.” Ellen spoke in relief. “And I think that we should have that attitude from here on in.”

“Absolutely.”

Ellen slowed down in her walk. “Um . . . by the way. I didn’t really say anything. You didn’t by chance . . . mention that we got married last night, did you.”

“No way.” Frank took hold of her arm. “I think we should just let him and everyone else discover that little one on their own. Don’t you?”

“Absolutely.”

***

The swish-swish of the echoing push broom paled in comparison to the gags Henry made in the tunnels that ran under Beginnings. “Joe, I’m dying.” Henry lifted his shirt over his nose.

Joe looked at George and shook his head. “Henry. Where would you rather be. Up there with chunks, or down here with streams.”

“That is so gross, Joe. That is so foul.” Henry pushed the broom behind George and Joe who carried the hoses that saturated the tunnels. “All this blood, Joe. We have to seal the street or something. This isn’t right. This should never have . . .”

Joe stopped walking. The pushing broom sound stopped along with Henry’s complaining. He shut off the hose at the same time George shut off his. They both looked back.

The handle of the broom made a loud bang when it slipped from Henry’s hand. “Oh, wow.”

Letting out a huffing sound of irritation, Joe saw Henry standing there. “Henry?”

“Oh wow.” Henry repeated and pulled his flashlight from his belt. He turned it on and shined it on the wall. “Oh, Wow.”

Tossing his hands up, Joe led the way back to Henry. “What in Christ’s name are you doing?”

“I found it. This has to be it.”

“What?”

“The two percent power loss. Look.” Henry shined the light on the wall bringing the beam to the ceiling. He illuminated a grouping of power lines that disappeared into the concrete wall.

“So.”

“So where do you suppose they go?” Henry asked.

“Into that wall.” Joe scoffed at Henry’s glare. “Henry, they probably run through that wall as a short cut.”

“No Joe.” Henry shook his head. “I know the lines. I can’t believe I never saw this. I probably did but didn’t pay attention. I think they’re powering something behind this wall. What do you think, Joe?”

“I think . . .” Joe snatched the flashlight from Henry’s hand and picked up the broom. “I think you’re a goddamn loon, that’s what I think. Let’s go.” Grabbing Henry by the arm, Joe handed him the broom and tugged him along.

The brush against his shoulder by Henry and Joe nearly knocked the flashlight from his hand. Taking a step closer, George, turned on his flashlight and shined it on the power lines.

“George!” Joe called out in the distance. “You coming.”

“Yeah.” George turned off the light. “Right behind you.” Almost in a daze, George side-stepped his way toward Joe and Henry. After looking at the arguing pair, he checked out the lines one more time. Hooking the flashlight back on his belt, George knew, from that moment on, he had a new mission. No matter what it took, he had to do everything in his power to keep Henry from going beyond just looking at that wall.

Beyond the Wall

Book 3

CHAPTER ONE

October 8

Beginnings, Montana

FIVE YEARS POST-PLAGUE

The shill cry of pain echoed through the quiet halls of the clinic, an indication that something had gone awry. In a very pregnant state, Sarah’s tall body went numb and her knees buckled upon her entrance through the double glass doors. A split second before her unconscious body careened face forward to the floor, her arms were grabbed.

It took everything Dr. Dean Hayes and Ellen Slagel had to lift Sarah to the awaiting cart. Both small, they struggled with the heavy woman who still was three weeks from term. Barely laid upon the gurney, Dean and Ellen wheeled her with speed down the corridor.

Hand on Sarah’s neck, Dean peered across the cart to Ellen. His words were breathy through his rushed movement. “Pulse is really weak. Skin’s clammy. Respiration shallow. Everything ready?”

“O.R. Two,” Ellen replied. “Prepped and waiting.”

“When did she radio?”

“Not long before she walked in.”

Dean looked down to Sarah. “Did she say anything else?”

“Just that she was in labor.”

Without losing speed, they turned the bend swinging out the gurney wide and nearly knocking over Dr. Andrea Winters who moved in a quickened pace.

Spinning, Andrea walked backwards as she called out. “Where are you taking her?”

“O.R. Two,” Dean answered.

“Can’t.” Andrea said. “That’s our burn room. Take her to Three.”

“We have two ready.” Dean stated. “She’s in distress.”

“And I have twenty men battling a blaze out at Cole’s house. I need room two.” Andrea turned again and charged off calling as she did. “Take her to three.”

“Shit.” Dean shook his head. “This sucks.” They moved the gurney near the operating rooms. “Sarah can’t spare our prep time.”

Ellen felt Dean slowing the cart down. “What are you going to do?”

“Screw it.” Dean turned the gurney in a rush. And even though they weren’t supposed to, feet-end first, they barreled the gurney through the double doors of operating room two.

“Bring it in closer!” Joe Slagel ordered out in his rough style. He moved with authority through the men who manned the hoses. Attached to a water tanker driven to the living section, and the valves that emerged from the ground, everyone who could, worked to battle the blaze on the corner home. “Keep it going. Keep it steady. They aren’t out yet!” He pivoted to the right tapping his hand on the shoulders of Scott and Dan who held tight a heavy hose. “Take it to Bill’s. Keep watering him down.” Joe indicated to the first house in the next row. “We can’t save this place, let’s protect the others.” He moved back to where the larger grouping of men concentrated on fighting the flames that lit up Beginnings’ evening sky as if it were day. He peered to the team preparing to go in. “Henry!” Joe sought out his cohort in council. “Henry!”

“Here, Joe.” Lanky and tall, Henry sped Joe’s way.

“Shut down all valves. Sectors two through nine.” Joe instructed in a fast manner. “Down them. I want everything diverted here. All water pressure here. Got that?”

“Clinic’s sector four.”

“Shit. Can you bypass?”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

“Good boy.” Joe gave a swat to Henry’s arm in his move back to the fire fighters. “I need that team in there! Now! Christ.” Joe slid his hand down his smoke covered and sweaty face. “Where the hell is Frank?”

No more than a second after Joe asked, a jeep screeched to halt and Frank jumped his towering body from the just stopped vehicle.

“Sorry, it took so long, I was ten miles out. What started it?” Frank began to take off his shoulder harness. “Bet me it was David.”

“He’s twelve, Frank. No.” Joe said.

“He’s a pyro, Dad, he started the fire at the field house last Tuesday.” Frank looked to the burning home. “They didn’t come out?”

“David did.”

“See, what I tell ya.” Shaking his head, Frank carried his shoulder harness to the jeep, set it on the seat and reached in the back for a tarp.

“What are doing?” Joe asked.

“Going in.” Frank carried the tarp and dropped it on the street into a large puddle that formed.

“The hell you are. We have a team for that.”

Frank rolled his eyes and stomped on the tarp saturating it.

“Frank. No. That’s an order.”

In the distance a voice called out. “He’s out. He’s out.”

“Thank God.” Joe stated and turned to see. His eyes closed briefly when he spotted only Cole, coughing and grabbing his chest, emerge from the house. “No. Kimmy must still be in there.”

“Shit.” Frank raced ahead, forgoing the tarp. “Hose me down! Hose me down!” He cried out.

Joe seeing his son walking into the water’s stream, charged to him, grabbing his arm. “No Frank, it’s too bad in there.”

“She’s six years old, Dad. Six.” Wet from head to toe, Frank pulled from his father’s hand and stormed to the house. Holding his arms over his head, shoulder first, he blasted through the front door of the fire enraged house.

“Son of a bitch.” Joe grabbed on to a hose and moved closer to the house. “Keep it on the second floor!”

The beeps of the heart monitor were steady and nearly the only noise in operating room two.

Ellen secured the final patch to Sarah’s chest. “Hooked up. Vitals are stable. Talk about unable to handle labor.”

A crooked grin graced Dean’s face as he looked to Ellen from the caesarean section tray. “Be nice.” He grabbed the anti-bacterial solution and painted it on Sarah’s stomach.

“She passed out. If I were the first person to give birth in, I don’t know, say . . . four years. I’d make a big deal out of it.”

“She did make an entrance.” Dean lifted the scalpel.

“That she . . .” Ellen’s words were cut short by the immediate, rapid, out of control beeping of Sarah’s heart monitor. “Dean?”

The scalpel clanked onto the tray when Dean dropped it. Wide his eyes grew and he stepped a foot back from Sarah. “Oh, my God.” His hands lifted in a hover over the protruding stomach.

“What’s happening?” From the monitor to Dean, Ellen finally looked. “Shit.”

Not only did Sarah’s body shift, but her stomach moved violently as well. Fetal limbs were clearly seen moving about under the skin’s surface as if some sort of monster trying to poke through. “Dean.”

“Tell me this baby is not convulsing in utero.”

“That’s impossible.”

“I’m not chancing it.” Swiping up the scalpel to continue where he left off, he brought the sharp instrument close to the flesh of Sarah’s stomach. Just as he was about to slice, the one long beep of the monitor caused him to stop. He looked up . . . Flat line.

How long? Too long. Joe watched the inferno before him and witnessed no sign of his son’s emergence. He didn’t know whether time had just passed quickly or if it was his father’s worry that made it seem like Frank was in that house forever.

A thunderous crack emanated and he looked to see flames sear through the second floor windows. Joe closed his eyes. His heart raced watching the fire rage, and seeing what was happening, sent a fear through him. A fear he could only convey though a prayer in his mind. “God help you, Frank.”

With another burst of flames that caught everyone’s attention, came a loud crash of glass. Out of the front window of the first floor, Frank burst through. His back arched as he rolled out and on to the grass, cradling in his arms, the body of the little girl. Stumbling to his feet he held Kimmy’s limp body, her lifeless arms and legs dangled over the sides of his huge arms. He dropped to his knees safely from the house.

“Back up.” Joe called out as he barged through those who gathered around. “Back up.” He broke through. “Frank.”

With a hand bigger than her face, Frank felt for a pulse on the still little girl. His dark eyes rose to Joe. He shook his head, and then Frank, laid Kimmy on the ground, hovered over her, pinched her nose and covered her mouth with his.

Joe, like everyone else who wasn’t working on that fire, watched Frank and prayed.

“Nothing.” Ellen kneeled upon the cart, her hands cupped and compressing to Sarah’s chest.

“Stop it.” Dean ordered out. “Stop.”

“But, Dean . . .”

“Don’t. Her body’s moving enough.” Dean tried to hold steady the jolting stomach. “Prep the P.C.R.S. instead.”

“Dean, I . . .”

“Get it ready! I have to go in.” After a deep breath, Dean inserted the scalpel and made a quick clean incision across the distended flesh.

Ellen raced across the operating room. She grabbed the syringe and the vial marked ‘P.C.R.S.’, She plunged the needle into the vial and filled it accordingly as she made her way back to Sarah. “Ready.”

“One minute.”

“Dean.” Ellen looked to the clock on the wall.

“I’m almost there. Find your spot.”

Ellen’s trembling fingers felt about the breastbone, and to the left of it, she stopped. Steady she held her index finger there and the ready syringe above it. “Tell me.”

“One more minute. Not before. On my call.” Dean’s words were strained. “Come on, kid, stop moving. I can’t grab him.”

“Dean, hurry.” Ellen watched the secondhand of the clock go around again.

“I almost . . . now, El.” Dean ordered out.

In a swinging ax motion, Ellen brought down the syringe with all of her strength, rammed it into Sarah’s chest and injected the serum. “It’s in.”

“He’s out.” Dean’s small hands lifted the frail and violently shaking infant who struggled and gurgled in his breaths. He stared at the heart monitor still holding the child. His head nodded slowly as his mind beckoned for the noise of Sarah’s life, and then his eyes closed in relief when he heard the beeping. “Close her up, El.” Dean moved from the operating table. “I have to take care of him.” Not two steps from the table, Dean’s stomach instantly gnawed. The infant in his hands, the small baby boy that shook and gasped for each ounce of air, stopped moving. His tiny arms and legs just dropped over Dean’s fingers. His short life . . . was over.

“Come on.” Frank begged, tilted his head with a intake of air then brought his mouth back down to Kimmy. He shook her gently and breathed into her again.

Andrea slid into the grass in front of him setting down a small oxygen tank and mask. Her trembling hand reached for Kimmy’s neck as Frank continued to try to revive her. She lifted her stethoscope from her bag and brought it to Kimmy’s chest.

Frank noticed no one except for Kimmy. He tried to give her the life that she seemed to so much be resisting. Breathing into her over and over again.

“Wait.” Andrea held her hand up to Frank as she listened. Her smiling eyes lifted to him. “I have a pulse.” She quickly placed the oxygen mask on Kimmy.

Frank’s head went far back in relief and he gasped out the adrenaline that still pumped through his veins. He closed his eyes in gratefulness. Kimmy shook in his arms and coughed uncontrollably. But one thing was for sure, she was alive.

CHAPTER TWO

October 9

Perhaps they were an addiction from his years in the CIA, but Joe loved wearing his short sleeved, white button down shirts. To him they spelled comfort, not to mention the front pocket was a great place to put his cigarettes. He did however, become increasingly annoyed at the fact that they kept getting stained. It wasn’t like he could run out into the apocalyptic world and pick one up at will, and Beginnings’ clothing division just hadn’t grasped the hang of making dress shirts.

Joe thought he walked alone. He didn’t. He should have known the second he walked into his office not to take a sip of his coffee, because it never failed. The passing of the hot beverage through his lips was disrupted when Joe jolted from the sudden intrusion into his office.

“Hey, Joe.” George Hadly called out chipper.

“Goddamn it.” Joe wiped the splashed coffee from his shirt. He walked around to his desk and sat down. “You’re early.”

“I finished my inventory.” George took a seat before Joe’s desk. Though the same age as Joe, George looked older. His hair was gray as opposed to Joe’s barely receding, non-silvered crop. And he had a lot more lines on his face. Perhaps aged scars of the worry he gathered in his years of presidency. “Short meeting with or without our third council?” He asked.

Joe smiled. “Henry can’t make it. Seems he’s a bit preoccupied with situating the wireless radio system.”

“Yes!” George exclaimed, drawing in his clenched fist in a youthful excitement to his chest.

“It worked.” Joe leaned back. “You’re brilliant. I wasn’t sure when you brought the notion up. But you knew Henry.”

“Once he puts his mind to something, he doesn’t finish until he figures it out.”

“Like the wall.” Joe whistled. “Thank God the wireless is taking his mind off of that.”

“I thought we were losing him.” George twirled his index finger around his own temple.

“Thanks for not letting that get out.”

George closed his eyes and shook his head in a ‘not a problem’ manner.

“All right. Agenda.” Snapping forward, Joe pulled a stack of papers before him. “Top priority. A guard at containment. Winter’s coming. Straggling survivors will be nil. We can put some of Frank’s men on shifts in there, instead of the greenhouse.”

“Sounds good. And speaking of Frank.” George watched Joe roll his eyes slightly. “How is he? I thought, and I’m sorry, but I thought his stunt last night was a hidden suicide. You know, go out literally in a blaze of glory.”

“You and me both.” Joe shook his head. “I don’t know where his head is anymore. Frank’s always been mean, but lately.” He whistled. “And he doesn’t care about anything.”

“Ever since the Robbie incident and we became more lenient with the survivors, he’s been tougher on his men and the survivors who screw up.” George stated.

“It’s not that.” Joe said assured. “Not the survivors at all. It’s Frank. And you said it all in the beginning of you statement. Ever since the Robbie incident. Period.” Seemingly so lost, Joe leaned back in his chair. “It been months. He’s not getting better. And I’m afraid if something doesn’t snap him out of it, Frank . . . is going to snap.”

^^^^

“I’m not here.” Ellen announced as she stepped in the clinic lab and shut the door.

“That’s a switch.” Dean said sarcastically. He sat on a stool before the center counter separating papers.

“I mean if Frank comes by.” Ellen walked to him “Maybe I can disguise myself. Change my hair.” She lifted up her dark blonde hair. “What do you think?”

“I think hiding from your spouse is not a sure sign of a lasting marriage. And, you just missed him he was here ten minutes ago looking for you.” Dean finally peered up at her. “Why are you hiding from your . . . husband anyhow?”

“He’s in one of those ‘find anything to yell at El about’ moods.” She shrugged. “And why do you do that? Get all bitter sounding when you say ‘husband’?”

Dean chuckled. “You’re kidding right? You’re not.” He shook his head. “You have the nerve to ask that, when you’re hiding from him. Besides El, I lived with you for five years. I get kidnapped; you two seize the opportunity and get married. When was that? Months ago. I have every right to be bitter, I just found out last week. And . . .” Dean reached out and grabbed her hand, despite the fact she looked away. “You’re still wearing my ring.”

“It’s still stuck.” She pulled her hand away. “You really have to get over this. Really. Especially with us working together. So . . .” She grabbed a stool and pulled it across the counter from Dean. “Results.”

Dean would have rather of been discussing Frank. His head dropped.

“Dean?”

“You don’t want to hear it.” He took a moment, “Sarah’s baby died of . . . of our virus.”

A gasp of defeat came from Ellen. “Dean. The plague was years ago.”

“And I told you it became the air. The baby wasn’t immune. As soon as he was exposed to our air, it was like a time bomb to him.”

So desperate Ellen looked and sounded. “You said two immune parents would produce . . .”

“An immune child. Yes. But there was always a slim chance. This was the slim chance. And I’m so frustrated, El.” Dean stood up with a slam of his hand on the counter. He ran his hand through his blonde hair. “We stopped working on a cure. We stopped. At twenty-five percent effectiveness we stopped and said, ‘why bother’. Sarah’s baby was why you and I should have bothered.”

“What about others?”

“It’s possible.”

Ellen closed her eyes. “Then we have to start again. We have to pick up where we left off and work until we finally beat what wiped out this world. Because we can’t chance losing another child. I . . . I can’t chance losing another child to this plague.”

Dean slowly looked at her then moved across the lab. “You have to get pregnant first.”

“That was cold. You know how hard Frank and I are trying. Maybe since the miscarriage something happened to me.”

Dean laughed. “It’s not you, El. It’s him. You and I didn’t have problem. First shot and we had twins.”

“Frank has a theory on that. He says you were a virgin, and when thirty-five years worth of built up sperm was released, they invaded me like Normandy Beach.”

“There’s something not right about him.” Dean said with a hint of anger. “Frank is full of theories and reasons when it comes to finding excuses for himself.”

“Dean, stop it.”

“No. He’s blaming you. That’s not right. It’s a constant blame. Come on, El, the man was in here last week asking Andrea how to jump start your ovaries.”

Ellen snickered. “You have to admit it was funny.”

“It’s not funny.” Dean said with seriousness. “Frank is looking for something to take away the pain of his brother’s death. There’s a lot more going on in Frank’s mind than you, I, or anyone else knows about.” He moved to her softening his voice. “Frank’s behavior goes way beyond a man mourning. And his focus for having a baby is just a cover up.”

^^^^

There was another way to get to his office from town, and Frank was never one to avoid things just because it stirred up feelings in him he didn’t want to deal with. But he was actually debating on taking a new route, because each day that went by, it grew harder and harder.

It wasn’t just any warehouse in Beginnings. It was the warehouse. And he passed it every single time he went back to his security office. Always ending up being the same routine that he tried, honestly tried not to do. But he did. Mind fixated on something that had to do with the community. Head high. Stare forward. Stride steady. Then the moment he tried to make it by the warehouse it seemed, almost as if it had hands of its own, the warehouse grabbed him. Frank always slowed down, his stomach immediately gnawed and before he took another step forward, he would always say a small prayer. If Frank believed in ghosts, he would believe that Robbie’s was the cause of it. Lingering in that warehouse where he met his death.

The gnawing and emotional pulling would have stayed with him had it not been overwhelmed by the anger. Anger that spawned from his inability to deal with things. And that anger grew worse every day, staying with him longer. It was reaching the point, and Frank knew it, that the anger would fail to leave all together.

Enraged with himself, Frank stormed into his office, hoping to calm down. He unzipped his leather jacket, took it off in his stride, then as if he were trying to toss the feeling out, Frank in a spin whipped his coat across the office.

Smack!

“Ow!”

Frank hunched his shoulders in a slight chuckle when he saw Henry sliding the jacket from his face. “Sorry. I didn’t see you follow me in.”

“Obviously.” Henry held up a small box. “Got a surprise for you.”

“It’s not a piece of that wall is it?” Frank walked behind his desk.

“No. I didn’t tear it down like I said. I’m over it. I think.” Henry sat down in a chair. “Yeah, I am.”

“Am what?”

“Over it.”

“Over what?”

“Frank!” Henry snapped then calmed himself. Frank was on edge as it was, and yelling at a man on edge was never a good idea. Especially when he was a big as Frank. “I . . . am over that cold.”

“Good. I didn’t know you were sick.”

“Um, yeah. Anyway.” Henry slide the small box to Frank. “Your surprise. I picked up the entire stock yesterday on the run. My paper plan is ready to put in motion, and I’m hoping when you see, it you’ll help.”

“I love surprises.” Frank pulled the box closer. “You should have wrapped it.” He lifted the lid and nearly shrieked. “Oh, yeah.” So excited like a kid, Frank lifted the headset radio from the box. “For me?”

“Yours for when we get it working.”

Standing, Frank grinned as placed it on. “Lightweight, easy to move my head.” He shook his head back and forth.

“When you use it watch how loud you talk, though.” Henry instructed.

“Yeah.” Frank spoke in awe. “I look cool, don’t I?” Frank nodded then struck a quick mean pose.

“The coolest.”

“Check me out.” Frank placed both hands on his desk and leaned into it speaking graveled. “There’s a bomb on the bus.”

“Oh, my God Frank, that is so good. You look just like him in an older, worn down apocalyptic sort of way.”

“Yeah.” Frank stood straight. “What did you need me for?”

“Well, I have to get the signal transmitters set up so we can use them at a distance. I wanted you to go beyond the wall with me to see where we can plant them outside.”

“Hell yeah, let’s go.” Frank hurried to the door, picking up his coat. “I want this system set up.”

“It’s still gonna take awhile. I have the whole community to map out. Find spots. Hook up. God.” Henry whined. “What a project. You would think George . . .”

“Henry, quit bitching.” Frank silenced him as he stood by the open door. “Let’s go. I’m up for this.”

Henry took a step and the door closed. He was glad to see a smile on his friend’s face. An expression not seen in a while. Henry even began thinking that maybe Frank’s enthusiasm over the wireless system would be the answer to changing his whole recent awful behavior.

“Henry.” Frank opened the door. “One more thing. After we get the jeep, I wanna stop at containment to yell at El.”

The moment that Frank left again, Henry thought ‘maybe not’.

^^^^

The skills room in containment was the place the survivors gathered. They learned, they amused themselves there. It also was the place where most of the trouble broke out as well. Ellen hesitated in her entrance into the skills room to linger at the door. Miguel was in there. He was seated at a round table with a survivor. Miguel was big and brawny. Rough looking. He was society’s epitome of his real old world job of a truck driver. But Ellen knew him better. He was nothing but a teddy bear. And he showed it as he tried with diligence to explain the passage in the bible he read to the survivor, Max.

“Don’t tell me you’re my guard.” Ellen said as she walked to him.

“For the time being.” Miguel stood up. “Greg had to leave. I wasn’t busy up at the field house. And Max, he’s been problem. I just wanted to try to reach him. Perhaps reach someone.”

Ellen smiled sadly. “Miguel, I know where you’re coming from. Trust me.”

“I believe you do. When our Denny died, Andrea, she won’t share. She pulls away and is quiet.”

Slowly Ellen nodded. “Maybe it just takes more time for some people. We’re in the same boat. Only you get silence and I get . . .”

“El!” Frank’s voice boomed across the skills room.

“That.” Ellen pointed, folded her arms and cringed watching her survivors scurry in fear at the sound of Frank’ heavy boots. “He sets them back when he’s pissed at me.”

“I’ll handle him.”

“El!” Frank called out again, knowing he was very obviously being ignored.

“Frank.” Miguel walked to him. “She is conducting something important. Can this wait?”

“No.”

“I’ll get her if you tell me you won’t start this screaming.” Miguel spoke softly. “Frank, it’s not good for your relationship.”

“Don’t.” Frank stepped back with a heavy point. “Don’t even fuckin' give me marital advice when yours is falling apart.” Turning in a huff, Frank marched away, got a few feet down the hall and stopped. He turned back around with a change in his demeanor. “I’m sorry. That was uncalled for. I’m just . . . I just lashing. I guess that’s why I’m here. El, always makes me feel better.”

Confused by that remark, Miguel pulled the skills room door closed and walked to Frank. “Lashing out at Ellen makes you feel better?”

“Yeah.”

“Don’t you think that is kind of a sadistic approach to therapy?” Miguel questioned keeping his voice low. “Frank, if Ellen makes you feel better, then maybe your subconscious is telling you it’s time to tell her the truth. She can help you through this.”

“If you’re suggesting that so you won’t be the heavy any . . .”

“No.” Miguel shook his head. “I find no shame in being the one everyone believes is the one who removed Robbie. But, inside you need to deal with that. Even if no one else knows, your wife should. She needs to know why you cannot handle Robbie’s death. She needs an explanation to this violent grief. I think she’ll help you.”

“No.” Frank breathed heavy as he stepped back. “No, I can’t tell her I shot my own brother. She loved Robbie. She’ll hate me. She’ll never look at me the same.”

“How do you know that?” Miguel asked.

“Because I know her. Her and I, we think alike. We’re . . . connected. And how can I expect her to ever look at me the same way again, when I . . . I can’t even look at myself.” With only a slight twitch of his jaw, Frank said no more, turned and left containment.

^^^^

“Official History business.” George entered the clinic lab. “Dean?”

Dean turned from his work. “Oh, hey George.”

After rolling his eyes slightly, George held up the clipboard. “Tasks. Now, as duly designated history division coordinator, I think I’m fair. I’m not anal. I don’t ask for long reports. Hell, you can jot it on a piece of scrap paper. Just so I have a record to put in the files and something to read off of when I log it in the system. But . . . we log things, Dean. Everything. Timely. Deaths, births, accidents, attacks. Andrea registered her four burns and eight smoke inhalations by morning. You have one small child. What’s the hold up? Why aren’t you registering this infant’s death?”

Dean took a long blink. “Because I’m afraid for the cause of death to get out.”

George stared at Dean for a long moment. He laid the clipboard down. “Write it down. I’ll log it in the computer as highly classified. I won’t let it out.”

After letting out a sigh of relief, Dean wrote it down and slid the clipboard back.

George looked. “No wonder. I thought . . .”

“So did I.” Dean interrupted. “And I still believe the chance is minimal that it will happen again. But . . . we have we been preaching. Have children. These women are not going to want to have a child if they even think that it can’t stand a chance.”

“What can we do?” George asked.

“I’m kicking myself, George. El and I, we stopped working in the cure. Put it aside. And having a cure is the only thing we can do. Finally beat the plague. And we want to work on it again. Go at it full blast.”

“I think that’s a good idea.” George tucked the clipboard under his arm. “But if I recall, another reason you stopped working on the cure was because you and Ellen were getting a lot of slack for playing with the virus again. People pushed for you to bury it. Ignorance breads panic.”

“I think this time we’ll just have to deal with the panic.”

“Do you really think you can beat it?”

“Yes.” Dean said with certainty. “I think given six solid months of putting our minds into it, we can come up with a serum that will counteract the virus should anyone be born with it.”

“Then here’s what you do.” George suggested. “You take the time. You work. You put your all into it. When, and only when you have a cure that is a hundred percent effective, then you let it be known you were working on it. Not before. That way there’ll be no pressure to inhibit your work.”

“That sound great. But can we pull it off without anyone finding out?”

“I’ll do what I can.”

“Thanks, George.” Dean said.

“Not a problem. I want this thing beat and put to bed finally. No more hanging over our heads.” He moved to the lab door. “You’ll keep me posted. Right?”

“Absolutely.” Dean responded with a slow lift of his hand to say goodbye.

“We’ll talk letter then.” George stepped from the lab and turned into the hall to leave the clinic. He paused to look at his clipboard. He read the information about Sarah and her clinic visit, then he saw where Dean filled in the cause of her son’s death. After reading, and a brief moment of thought, George ripped of the top sheet, crumbled it up, put it in his pocket then walked on.

^^^^

It was getting late and Henry knew it. But what else did he have to do. He wanted to find all of his spots to place the receivers and transmitters or at least get started on the ones inside Beginnings. Frank actually had him hyped to get the wireless radios working. Beginnings was a lot bigger than anyone realized. Especially anyone who didn’t work with the pipes and power lines that ran throughout the tunnels that set beneath the entire community.

Perhaps Henry in his search for destinations went through that tunnel on purpose. His mind justified his being there as the main tunnel under town. But subconsciously Henry knew. And his actions said it all when he stopped before the wall. The wall, that to Henry, had a mystery to it, that he just wanted to solve. It ate at him like nothing else. He found himself staring, wondering, looking at the power lines and pipes that seemed to disappear into a thick wall of concrete. And before Henry also found himself down at that wall for a ridiculous long time, he forced himself to move on. The wall wasn’t why he was there. The radios were. And he had to keep reminding himself of that.

^^^^

With the flashing vision of blue eyes, and the loud sound of four gun shots, Frank abruptly awoke from his dream, sitting straight up in bed with a loud grunt. He pushed the covers off and swung his feet on to the floor. Breathing heavily, he rubbed his eyes. The nightmare was haunting him. It wouldn’t go away. It was a part of him. Realizing he had to shake it off, he stood. His legs were weak, his thoughts were foggy, and his emotions rushed through his blood with every speck of his adrenaline. Frank could barely walk. As he moved closer to the door, he stopped. Taking in what he had just dreamt, he leaned forward to the wall. He lifted his arm above his head and placed it against the smooth surface. He rubbed the sweat from his brow across his wrist, then left his head resting there.

Ellen watched it all. She felt him jolt from his dead sleep, she heard him cry out. Quietly she slipped from the bed, creaking the floor boards as she neared him. “Frank?”

In his lifting of his head, Frank brushed the bridge of his nose against his arm, then turned his head slightly to look at Ellen.

“Frank?” Ellen questioned, peering at the maddening look he seemed to harbor in his eyes.

Frank blinked heavy, shook his head once, slipped by her roughly and walked in silence from their bedroom.

CHAPTER THREE

October 10

‘Talk to me about it.’ In her walk to the clinic Ellen heard her pleas to Frank not a few hours earlier.

‘It was a stupid dream.’ Frank had sounded so angry.

‘They’re happening more frequently. I know they’re about Robbie.’

‘You don’t know anything!’ He blasted her back.

‘Let me help you.’

‘I’ll deal with this on my own.’

With her heart, Ellen tried to get through to him. ‘You can’t. You can’t handle this alone.’

‘Then chalk it up as one more thing I can’t handle. I can’t handle the nightmares. I can’t handle Robbie’s death. And I can’t even handle the simple task of getting my wife pregnant.’

Her body shuddered as if she slipped from a bad dream when she slipped from that memory. She knew, soon, something had to give or Frank was going to break.

First she set down the mug of coffee before Dean, then she leaned on the counter across from him.

From the coffee cup to Ellen, Dean looked. “You’re early?”

“We need to talk.”

Dean pointed to the cup then lifted it. “You want something. Never do you come bearing gifts unless you want something.”

“You’re right. I want you to get me pregnant.”

With everything he was Dean was glad he wasn’t drinking at that moment. Shifting his eyes slightly, he looked at Ellen. “Clarify.”

“Exactly as I said. I want you to get me pregnant. And before you get the idea that I want you to put me on my back. Scientifically I want you to get me pregnant.”

“Oh.” Dean chuckled out a breath. “A baby is good. But really El, you and Frank haven’t been trying long. Sometimes these things takes time.”

“Time is something that man does not have.” Ellen reached over and grabbed Dean’s hand. “He’s breaking, Dean. I’ve never seen him like this. He wants a baby so bad.”

Dean opened his mouth and nodded. “I see. In-vitro or artificial insemination is going to be difficult. We’ll need a sample from Frank, and you know how he feels about . . .”

“I don’t want Frank to know.”

“How in the world to you suppose we do that? He’s going to wonder why all of the sudden you’re asking him to masturbate in a cup.”

“Dean, please.” Ellen slightly cringed.

“El. Getting a sperm sample from Frank is not something we can do without his knowledge. We can’t just go up to him in the middle of the night and take one.”

“I want you to get me pregnant.”

“I’m trying to explain that we need a sample from Frank and we have to get him . . .”

“Dean.” She stopped him. “You. I need to have a baby Dean, and I want you to father it.”

“Oh my God!” Dean exclaimed as his hand came to his head. “You can’t ask me that!”

“No one has to know.” She jumped from the stool and approached him. “You can artificially inseminate me . . .”

“No!”

“Dean we can do this.” She moved closer to him. “Who’s gonna know?”

“I’ll know. You’ll know.”

“And that’s all. Dean . . .” She placed her hands on his chest. “I’m asking you to help me. Look, it’s perfect. I’m ovulating. We’ll close the door. You go in the back . . .”

Dean’s shriek of shock shut her up. “No, Ellen. No.” He backed further away from her. Frazzled, he ran his hand through his hair.

“Why?”

“Well . . .” His words flubbed in nervousness. “Because. Because . . .” He fluttered his lips. “Because. There.” He saw her looking at him. He held up a finger. “And . . . it’s wrong. It’s deception.” He saw Ellen was not getting his point. With a calming breath, he led her to sit back down. “Think about what you are asking me. I can’t.”

“And I can’t believe you won’t help me.”

“El, besides the fact that the kid would never pass for a Slagel. I won’t father a child for you.”

“Fine.” Ellen shook her head. “Will you at least think about it?”

“El, I can’t . . .”After taking a second to get his thoughts together, he sat down next to her, and placed his hand over hers. “With all my heart I understand your mad rationalizing behind this, I do.”

“Dean, I wouldn’t even consider asking this if I didn’t think the time factor played an importance. It does. I don’t have another five years to wait for nature to say whoops. He needs this.”

Dean heard her words, and the desperation behind them. “Even if I slightly considered it, do you know what that means? I’ve wanted another baby myself. And you’re asking me to give up my flesh and blood to another man. Let alone a man I can’t stand. If I even did this, the pay-off for me would have to be huge. Huge.”

“Then you’re thinking about it?”

“El . . .”

“Then think about this. If you don’t help me. I’ll get someone who will. There are no women, it’ll be easy. And I’ll take the natural, not clinical route, if need be.”

Dean sprang up. “Hold that thought.” He backed up.

“But . . .”

“Just hold that thought.”

Ellen tilted her head in confusion as Dean raced from the lab.

^^^^

“I don’t know, Joe.” Andrea sat at her desk. She stared down to her hands that ran gently over her desk’s surface. “Why is it that I can talk to you?”

“You should be able to talk to Miguel. Maybe you’re just not trying.”

“I am, but he’s in as much pain as . . .”

“Joe!” Dean nearly cried out as he flew into Andrea’s office and stopped with a squeak of his tennis shoes. “Whoops. Sorry, you’re busy. I’ll come back.”

“What is it?” Joe turned in his chair. “You look upset.”

“We . . .” Dean took a breath. “I . . . we . . . Oh, boy.”

^^^^

Ellen’s mouth hung open as her eyes shifted angrily from Joe to Dean. “You dick!” She shouted then lunged her body hands first to Dean’s chest shoving him back. “I cannot believe you told my father on me.”

“In Dean’s defense.” Joe held up his hand. “He’s merely diverting trouble. What is going through your mind is wrong. You can’t do that to Frank. I can’t even believe that you’re thinking of it.”

“Don’t you think you guys are overreacting a bit? I just want to give him that baby.”

“That’s fine.” Joe’s hands moved as he talked. “But if it’s meant to be it will happen. If not, then there’s nothing you can do about it.”

“He needs to have the baby, Joe. He needs something good to happen to him.”

“I understand that. But he needs to have his baby. Not Dean’s.” He placed his hands on Ellen’s arm. “Are you understanding yet?”

“My intentions . . .”

“Are bad.” He rested his lips on the top of her head. “Your heart is in the right place. But to be blunt . . . your head was up your ass.” Joe waited for Ellen to finish gasping. “How in the world did you think you could pass off Dean’s kid for Frank’s? They are on opposite ends of the physical spectrum.”

“I guess you’re right.” Ellen said. “I wasn’t all that dumb though. I was considering Henry.”

“Henry?” Joe’s hands dropped from her arms. “Henry?”

“Yes. He has dark hair, he’s tall . . .”

“He’s Japanese. I know my son is not that bright at times, but he’d notice if his kid were Asian.”

“O.K. you have a point, Joe. I’ll drop the idea. But you . . .” She backed up and pointed to Dean. “Have a death wish. You are marked. You’ll regret this, Dr. ‘I should grow up I’m still a tattletale’ Hayes.” She moved to the lab door. “Trust me you will pay.”

Dean watched her leave then he looked to Joe who started to leave as well. “Joe, I’m sorry to drag you into this.”

“No. It’s fine. You came to me. Ellen couldn’t be anymore a daughter than if she were my flesh and blood. I needed to set her straight.” He started to walk again.

“What do you think about me coming to you though?” Dean questioned.

“What does it matter?”

“Well . . . you’re Joe.”

Hands in pockets, Joe stopped at the door. “Personally, I wouldn’t classify you as a tattletale.” He saw Dean smile. “I would of have used the word . . . snitch.” Joe nodded with a closed mouth. “Yeah, that’s more me.”

Dean threw his hands up in defeat when Joe walked from the lab.

^^^^

He was eighteen, but he looked more like a boy of thirteen lying in the hospital bed with a mild case of viral pneumonia. He slept while Andrea checked him. She ran her hand over his pale face which seemed to be in so much of a contrast to her dark complexion.

“You’ve taken an interest in him.” Miguel spoke softly from the boy’s door.

Andrea nodded, adjusted his covers, grabbed her chart and walked from the room. “Excuse me.”

“You’re mad at me.” Miguel spoke in his soft way.

“Yes. I am. Why are you here?”

“To see you. When I am home, you aren’t.”

Andrea raised her eyebrows. “Maybe you should take the hint.”

After closing his eyes briefly, Miguel chased after Andrea who had started to walk again. “I came to speak to you. There are supply runs that need to be made. I should go. But.... if you want me not to I . . .”

“That maybe for the best. Maybe some time apart.” Andrea said coldly.

“Why . . . why are you shutting me out?”

“The truth?” Andrea’s voice softened. “It isn’t because I don’t love you. It’s because when we got to Beginnings we set out to be a family. You, me, Denny and Katie. You were the core. You made us have meals together, read together, all of that. And now, you aren’t the core. You’re just a painful reminder to me of a ‘whole’ family I can’t have anymore. Right now, I’d really rather not have any painful reminders.” After giving a brief, sad, stare, Andrea turned and walked away.

Miguel’s head dropped.

^^^^

The loud metal bang outside of Joe’s office made him, George and Henry pause in their meeting, but not stop.

“Months.” Henry continued in what he was saying. “But that’s because I have other things on my mind.”

“Like?” Joe asked, hindering on the edge of his seat, worried that ‘the wall’ would be Henry’s answer.

Bang.

All three looked up, then shrugged.

“Joe.” Henry huffed out. “Things break down in the community. Always. I’ll do the best I can to get the transmitters and receivers posted but . . . It could take months.”

George didn’t let his sigh of relief seen. “Well, take your time Henry. Winter’s not that far. We don’t have security problems usually until April.”

Bang.

Just as Joe opened his mouth to speak, the banging happened again, only it was continuous. Slamming his hands on his desk, Joe stood up. “What the hell is that?” He walked around to his door, flung it open and stepped outside. “Frank!”

Mid kick, Frank set down his leg. “This thing is sticking out. What is it?”

“It’s aluminum siding you moron, and it’s my goddamn office building. Why are you kicking it!” Joe blasted.

“It was sticking out!” Frank stepped back. “It’s not anymore. I fixed it.”

Joe grunted. “Frank, did you stop by and see Ellen yet?”

“No. I didn’t understand the note you left me.” He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket. “See.” He read it out loud. “Frank, you better go talk to Ellen about this baby situation. She’s trying to find a way to get pregnant. Talk to her. Dad.” Frank tossed his hand up and shook his head so confused.

Joe snatched the note from his hand. “Where are you lost, Frank?”

“Why do I need to talk to her. She should find a way. She has this problem getting . . .”

“No, Frank, you idiot.” Joe smacked him with the note. “You have the problem. Your wife was running around this community looking for ways to give you a baby. And I have news for you, none of them involves, let’s say . . . your sperm.”

Seriously, Frank stared down at his father lost. “O.K.”

Grumbling, Joe stepped back. “Think about it.” He tossed the note to Frank and went into his office. Upon his shutting of the door he heard the snickering of Georg and Henry. “Was it me?”

Henry, holding up his hand, stood. “Joe, if I may. Do you think it was a good idea to tell Frank that?”

“Henry, please.” Joe scoffed. “If he figures it out. It will be more of a reality slap than anything else. How bad will he be about it?”

The screech of the peeling out jeep was all the answer Joe needed. With panicked looks, and zero hesitation, Joe, George and Henry flew from the office.

^^^^

“Ellen!” Frank’s chesty call carried through the hall of the containment into her office.

His strong voice went through her, snapping her attention from what she was doing. Ellen’s heart beat fast from the sudden jump start. “Shit.”

“El!”

It grew closer, Ellen felt as if she were in some sort of horror movie waiting for the inevitable moment. She braced herself.

“El!” Frank blasted as he stood in the doorway. “What the fuck are you up to, run . . . Uh!”

“Huh?” Ellen sprang from her chair confused. Was it her imagination or did Frank just sail sideways at an incredibly high speed away from her door. She heard the loud thump, followed by his grunts. She rushed to the hall.

“Get off me!” Frank yelled, his huge body underneath the ones of Joe, George and Henry.

Ellen giggled seeing council in some sort of football game in the hall. “That’s cute.” She went back in her office.

“Now!” Frank yelled.

Joe, closest to Frank’s ear, spoke. “Are you calm?”

“No.” Frank snapped. “I got a wiry neurotic man and two old guys on my fuckin' back in the hall! How the hell am I suppose to be! Off!”

Slowly with apprehension they lifted.

“Thank you.” Frank stood up. “Wanna tell me what that’s about?”

Joe looked to George and Henry. “Thanks. I can handle it now.” He waited until they started to leave and then he turned back to Frank. “I had to stop you before you got out of control.”

“Did you think to just yell, hey Frank stop?”

“Would you have?”

“No.”

Joe pointed to Ellen’s office. “Let’s go in there and talk.”

Frank raised his arms. “That’s why I’m here!” Shaking his head he walked into Ellen’s office. “And stop!” He scolded at her laughing. “You and I have to talk. Right now. What the . . .”

“Frank!” Joe yelled. “Sit. Ellen. Leave.”

“O.K.” Ellen hurried from behind her desk, flew from the office and shut the door.

“Sit.” Joe instructed again, pulling a chair for Frank.

“I think you guys dislocated my shoulder.” Frank rubbed his arm as he sat. “Now, you wanna tell me what’s up? You send me here and you tackle me. What is this pick on Frank day?”

“No, I sent you hear to talk to your wife. Not scream at her. That shit is wrong, Frank. You can’t be coming in here blasting your emotions out on her.” Joe leaned down talking to him.

“You told me what she did. Did you think I’d let that go?” Frank tried to get up again, but Joe shoved him back in the chair. “And will you quit pushing me around please?”

“No. Because if I have to tie you up, you’ll listen to what I am telling you. Clear?”

“Yes . . . clear.” Frank ran his hand over his head and propped his elbow on the arm of the chair.

“Now let me explain something to you, you big, dumb-ass, hard headed, son of a bitch. I did not tell you about Ellen to have you come in here and blast her. I told you about your wife so you can do something about what you did to cause it.”

“Me?” For some reason Frank was shocked to hear that.

“Yes you.” Calmer, Joe stepped back and sat on the edge of Ellen’s desk.

“She’s the one Dad who’s out asking every guy in the community to knock her up because she doesn’t think I can do it.”

“Bull shit. That’s not why she did it. Somewhere in Ellen’s warped sense of thinking, she was doing it for you. And she wasn’t walking up to every man in the community asking them to knock her up. She went to Dean to get him to impregnate her . . . scientifically or something like that.”

“Dean?!” Frank’s hand clutched to the arm of the chair. “She went to Dean? Of all people. That really pisses me off that she went to him. And she wanted to pass his kid off as mine? Didn’t she think I’d notice? Shit, he’s like four foot.”

“And that’s not the best one.” Joe folded his arms. “If Dean didn’t do it, she wanted to see if Henry would donate the . . . you know.”

“Henry?” Frank blew from his mouth and shook his head. “At least he’s tall and has dark hair, I may not have noticed at first.”

Joe grunted and smacked himself in the forehead. “Getting off that subject.” He brought his hand down to his son’s shoulder. “Look, I have sat back long enough. I have to tell you now. Your behavior is what caused this. You have been obsessed with having another baby since you and Ellen lost yours. And your mood, and rage, is adding to the pressure that you two are feeling. Both of you think this kid is gonna change everything. It may take it away for the moment Frank, but the only thing that’s gonna make it better is you dealing with it.”

“I’m dealing with it.”

“The hell you are.” Joe’s voice rose. “This is dealing with it? This pouting, ranting shit that you’re doing? It’s not dealing with it Frank, it’s making it worse.”

“You can’t sit there and judge the way I act. You don’t know what I’m going though.”

“You don’t think?”

“No I don’t. You didn’t do it.”

“Bull shit.” Joe stood up. “I might as well have done it. I gave the order. We, Frank, you and I did it. We thought because Robbie was our family, that it was our responsibility to take care of it. And we did. But you’re forgetting one thing. Robbie was my son.” Joe brought his thumb to his heart. “My son Frank. Flesh and blood I created. You don’t think with that comes a tremendous amount of guilt? You don’t think I felt what you are feeling, and couple that with the fact that I too was responsible for my own son’s death? It killed me. Killed me.” Joe stepped back and let his blood pressure settle. “But I dealt with it right away. I didn’t try to forget what happened or act like it never did. Every time I thought of Robbie, I saw that little boy playing baseball and it broke my heart. I had to go through a process, the same one you have to. And now I can think of Robbie and not want to kill myself over it. I know what you’re feeling Frank.” Joe’s hand rested on Frank’s. “I felt it. And you will get through it. You have to face it, deal with it, and get over it.”

“I can’t.”

“You can. The first step is your wife. Go to Ellen, tell her is that the baby doesn’t mean as much to you as she does. Get that off her mind. And second, you tell her the truth. Tell her what really happened in the warehouse. Let her help you deal with it, truly understand what you’re going through.”

“I appreciate the fatherly advice, but I have to handle this my own way. Telling my wife what happened is not an option. But . . . I’ll talk to her about the baby issue.”

“Good boy.” Joe gave a pat to Frank’s cheek and followed it up with a kiss. “I’ll get her.” He moved to the door. “No yelling. Or I’ll kick your ass.”

Frank rolled his eyes in sarcasm then stood when his father left. He told himself he would be calm, but the moment Ellen, looking timid, walked in, everything changed.

“Frank.” She spoke innocently. “Look, Joe told me . . .” She stopped speaking when Frank’s finger went to her lips.

Frank moved by her, poked his head through the door, saw his father wasn’t there, then he slammed it. “What the hell were you up to?”

“You promised Joe you wouldn’t yell at me. Don’t.”

“Don’t?” He stepped to her. “How could you do it? You’re killing me El, killing me. Do you not know how that made me feel? I want a baby, yes. And granted, I’ve been pushy about it. But!” His voice crept up but he caught it before it got out of control. “Do you think for one second, you running around having someone else donate is the way to make me feel better.”

“Absolutely not.” Ellen shook her head. “No. It isn’t. And I think you should know Frank, before you get yourself in an uproar about me. You should know the truth.”

“Which is?” Frank waited.

Calmly Ellen let out a breath and walked to her desk. “Joe got his information wrong. It wasn’t my idea. It was all . . . Dean’s.” With her high pitched last word, Ellen plopped pleasingly into her chair and grinned when Frank blasted out of the office. Smiling, she grabbed her radio from her desk, leaned back in her chair and kicked her feet up. She selected a channel, depressed the button and very calmly spoke into it. “Hello, Dean . . . run.”

Dean heard her message. At first he shook his head and laughed. Then with a turn of seriousness, he remembered their last conversation. “Shit.” He raced to the lab door and stepped into the hall. Too late. Frank was running in. “Shit.” He quickly locked the lab door and went back to his work.

“Dean!” Frank knocked on the glass of the door. “Dean, let me in.” He turned the locked knob.

“I can’t, Frank.” Dean sat before a microscope. “I’m very busy.”

“Dean!” Frank’s voice yelled louder, shaking the door handle more. “Let me in!”

Dean shook his head.

“Dean, I’m fuckin' security. Do you think you can lock me out?” With a smile, Frank raised his humongous set of keys and dangled them up.

The look on Frank’s face, almost gloating as he bit his bottom lip and turned the knob, sent more than waning signals off to Dean, it sent immediate survival thoughts racing through his mind. After initially thinking ‘I’m killing Ellen’, Dean realized in the particular ‘Frank versus Dean’ situation at hand, Dean had the size advantage.

The moment the lab door burst open, and Frank stood there in an ape lunging manner, Dean power blasted his small body across the lab. The partial baseball slide he did to make it under Frank’s arms, sent him sailing into the hall. After rolling into a stand, and figuring he’d find Joe somewhere in his mission to live, Dean took off running. But not without Frank . . . chasing right behind.

^^^^

The day before had been the preparatory phase. The set up. The back room of the lab was cleaned out to be utilized to hide the supplies when they were working on the virus. And the far back counter was cleared for work space. A work space that to the laymen would look like any other lab set up.

Across the counter lined up in racks, were test tubes. Sitting there waiting, all of them to be filled with different variations of ingredients, Dean believed in the right combination would be the solution and the new hope. But how many combinations would it take until he and Ellen nailed it, was the question. When he looked at it mathematically, the odds were greater that he would have hit the lottery in the old world than hitting the right combo. But Dean couldn’t think that way. He actually had an advantage. At least he could look at the combination he tried, see what worked, what didn’t work and build from there.

But still, it was a lot of work.

It was pretty late, and Dean knew it, but he wanted to get started. Everything was ready to begin and a part of him just couldn’t shut down for the night without trying something. Settling at the counter, papers before him that told him what they had tried and what they didn’t, he heard the flapping sound. It struck him as odd, but he didn’t pay much attention to it until it became steady. Turning slowly in his stool, his eyes caught glimpse of it. A simple white cloth emerged through the door and waved fanatically about.

Trying not to make a sound, and staying close to the wall so as not to be seen, Dean crept to the white cloth, and quickly he reached out of the door with a loud ‘ha’ as he grabbed the hand of the person surrendering.

Ellen shrieked, then laughed. “Is it safe?”

“Get in here.” He shook his head and gave a tug. “I ran for an hour you know.”

“Great exercise. Sorry about today.” Ellen walked behind him.

“We’ll say we’re even.”

“Oh, look.” Ellen hurried to the lab space. “You have it waiting for me.”

“Not really.” Dean moved to the counter. “How were the kids tonight?”

“Tired.” Ellen began to review the papers on the counter. “So where were you at in the work when I came in?”

“Actually. I was getting ready to shut down. I was in that debate phase. Go home. Stay. You know.”

“Oh.” Ellen’s voice dropped.

“You sound disappointed I’m not working.”

“No. Well. Yeah. I am. I was hoping to work.”

Dean laughed. “You work?”

“Stop that.” She smacked him with the white cloth she still held. “Yeah. I want to work on this virus. This is gonna sound odd, but . . . even with all that we went through, you and me. Working in this lab, with you, I like it. It’s like, tension free.”

“That’s because we have ...” Dean reached around her and lifted a test tube. “Great . . . Chemistry?”

Ellen chuckled and shook her head at the joke. She took the tube and replaced it. “That was bad.” She raised her eyes and when she did, she caught Dean’s. She shifted her views from his eyes to his smile, then let out a breath. “I’m sorry. I’ll leave and let you get home. We’ll work tomorrow.” She stepped away and turned.

Dean reached out, stopping her. He closed one eye and tilted his head. “You know what. How about we work into tomorrow. Go all night.”

The corner of Ellen’s mouth rose sneakily. “I don’t recall you ever going all night.”

“Nice.” He nodded, and grabbed the cloth from her hand as she snickered. “You start on those previous tests, review them and I’ll go in the back and get what we need. Sound good?”

“Sounds great.”

“Good.” He smiled and stepped back. “Because . . .” Rolling the cloth, he snapped it at her. He tossed the cloth back and walked away speaking as he did. “We have a virus to beat.”

CHAPTER FOUR

December 24

George saw the light to Dean’s laboratory was on as he took his pre-dawn walk. It wasn’t unusual for him to get up at five in the morning, he had his entire life. He tried to eat up time before venturing out but he got bored and antsy with that. He felt like Henry. Henry was in a pacing frenzy the night before. George heard his screen door opening and closing all night. It unnerved him. Which was probably why George hid until he saw Henry go into his house. Something was strong on Henry’s mind, and George wasn’t in the mood to listen to his theoretical ramblings. He just wanted to take his walk and start his work for the day, so he could finish--like everyone else--early to start the celebration of Christmas Eve. Christmas was a holiday in Beginnings, that no matter how bad the world outside of their walls got, it was celebrated with the highest of traditions.

It was cold and perhaps Dean’s light invited him in to the warmth, but more likely it was the curiosity of what Beginnings’ superior mind was up to. The clinic was quiet when George walked in. “Burning the midnight oil a little late, or are you getting an early jump on things?” He called out to Dean.

“Oh.” Dean took off his glasses as he lifted his head from a microscope. “The later. The twins stayed at Ellen’s last night and I wanted to work before all hell breaks loose at the clinic. Which will happen with everyone wanting out for Christmas.”

“Am I bothering you?”

“No come in.” Dean sat on a stool and pulled one up for George. “What brings you here?”

“I was out taking my walk. I didn’t sleep very well last night. Henry had me up. I could actually hear him outside my window going in and out of his house.”

“I know, I saw him when I came in this morning.”

“Did you speak to him?” George asked.

“How could I not? You know Henry, when he has something on his mind, he has to tell someone.”

“What did he tell you?”

“Oh he’s excited about it being Christmas. His wireless is done.” Dean shrugged. “He’s calling it his community gift of extra security. And he was going on about getting back to something else. I don’t know, my mind wandered at that point.”

“He didn’t say what it was, did he?”

“Nope. He may have. I didn’t listen. My mind is cluttered with this work.”

“The virus?” George asked. “How’s it going?”

Dean smiled, he had too, he was making progress. “A couple days ago. We hit thirty percent.”

“Thirty percent cured? Wow that is great. How long till you cure it completely.”

“Never. It can’t be cured completely.”

“I don’t understand. You said . . .”

“Let me explain.” Dean said. “We, meaning you and I, are predestined to be immune to the virus in whole. Any way, shape or form of it. It’s in our genes. But if someone is not immune, they don’t have that in them. We can cure them of the present form. However, they can still die from it even after I’ve cured them, so to speak, if let’s say they catch an altered version of our virus. And the chances of that happening are slim to none. I mean, who is going to alter our virus?”

“No one. Thank God.” George stood from his stool. “I know you’re busy, I’ll let you go. Good luck and keep me posted.”

“I will.” Dean waved and placed on his glasses again. He appreciated George’s interest in his work. He enjoyed sharing his work with him especially. Because George had been, at one time, the president of the United States, and there was some prestige in that.

^^^^

He may have been a man of average height and build, but at that moment, Max looked small. The hand that came pummeling down in a grip to his shirt, crashed into his sternum making Max feel like he had a heart attack. But he knew his death was imminent when he was lifted from his feet, and brought face to sneering face with Frank, moments before he sailed backwards across the crowded skills room.

His back smashed into the wall and Max dropped to the ground, rolling in fear of the barging big man.

Joe’s interception of Frank was Max’s saving grace. “Enough!” Joe blasted bodily blocking Frank. “Knock it off.”

“I’m killing him!” Frank glared passed his father.

“You will do no such thing.”

“Then I will personally lift his skinny ass and carry him out of Beginnings myself.”

“That is not your decision.” Joe argued.

“Then council better make it. And make it now.” Frank ordered. “This is the eighth time in two weeks. I want him out. He crossed the final line.”

Max, shook as he backed himself in a corner pleading out. “No-no. I swear I didn’t mean it. I swear. I didn’t start it. I’m changing. I am. I’m learning the bible.”

Frank took a step, and in his stride, bent down and ran his fingers across the floor through the red droplets. “You see this?” He held up his hand to Max. “My wife’s blood. My wife’s! Now whether you hit her on purpose or she got in the way of a fight you were in. Doesn’t matter!” Frank blared. “She got hurt.” He stepped back. “She goes out on a limb for all you fuckin' people and this is what she gets.” He swiped his hand on his pant leg and spun to face Joe. “I want a decision. Oust him.”

Had Joe not stepped out of Frank’s way he probably would have been knocked over when Frank just barged right out.

^^^^

The ointment was cold and soothing to Ellen’s just stitched eyebrow. Dean swabbed it gently, standing before her in the lab.

“Done.” He tossed the swab and lifted the ointment jar. “It’s not bad.”

“Aren’t you gonna blow on it like you do for the kids.”

He blew, causing her bangs to fly up and Ellen to giggle. “El, did you see you have a Christmas gift?” He pointed to the counter across the lab.

“For me? No way.” Ellen flew over to it. “I was caught up with being punched in the head. Oh, look.” Her hands set upon the box covered in a cloth. “From you? You are Mr. Gift.”

“Me?” Dean chuckled and put the ointment away. “I gave you enough. It’s from Henry. He said something about telling you, since it’s wireless day, he doesn’t need the batteries as much.”

Curiously, Ellen pulled the cloth from the box. She opened the flaps. “Oh!” She shrieked. “He fixed my tape player. And look Dean, batteries so it’s mobile.” Moaning in awe, her hand swept across the old player as if it were gold. “Now we can have music when we work. I have a whole box at home.”

“Swell.” Dean shook his head and walked across to the center counter.

“Oh, look. There’s a tape in here.” Another squeak of delight came from Ellen. “Journey! Frank’s favorite.”

Dean saw her hand getting ready to press. “El, no. Don’t play . . .” It was too late, the song started to play. Dean whined. “Journey.”

Elbows on the counter, chin in her hands, eyes closed, Ellen listened to the song as if each word of it were a treasure. And they were, because the song just made her see Frank. Not the Frank she was married to. But the Frank she met on that first day of school nearly twenty-years before. It made her smile. She could still see him walking into anatomy the first day of classes. He was so awkward, so out of place. His black hair in a crew cut. To Ellen he was the tallest, skinniest, gawkiest, guy in that class. So out of place, so quiet. She probably would have never have spoke to him if he hadn’t did what he did that very first day of school. The song that played faded to the back of her mind and her first Frank encounter jumped forefront . . .

The campus bookstore, who would have thought.

Ellen had purchased just one book, she should have gotten more, but she hated the thought of parting with her cash. In her teenage mind she had it all planned out. Tell her parents she got robbed, hold on to the cash and let them buy the books. Ellen made her first mistake walking out of the bookstore with that cash in her hand. As she folded it to place it in her purse, a hand snatched it from her, along with her purse. “Hey!” She screamed at the man wearing black who ran past her. Before she could scream anymore, before she could chase him herself, a fast moving blur passed through her peripheral vision. As quickly as her assailant took her purse, that was how quickly he was on the concrete. That tall skinny kid from anatomy was soon lifting the guy to his feet, grabbing Ellen’s belongings, then decking the man once sending him back down to the side walk. Ellen stood open mouthed as she watched.

“Here.” He handed her stuff back.

With a deep breath, she turned to the voice who shoved her purse gently towards her. “Wow.”

His thin face, still graced with acne, turned a slight shade of red as he smiled and began to walk away.

“Wait.” Ellen called to him and chased him, grabbing his arm to stop him. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome, you’re welcome so much.” He began to walk again.

“Do you always step in, save the day, then bolt?” She kept up to his fast moving stride.

“You’re embarrassing me.”

“I’m sorry. It’s just that I never seen anyone do something like. You don’t mind if I walk with you do you?” Instantly Ellen knew she liked this soft spoken guy. Besides the fact that he just saved her money.

“Not at all.” His pace slowed down.

“My name is Ellen. We’re in anatomy together.”

“I’m Frank, Frank Slagel. Yeah, I know.”

“Are you in nursing too?”

With a loud laugh, Frank stopped. “Hardly. I’m majoring in criminology. Anatomy is one of my courses.”

“So you wanna be a cop?”

“No. I plan on joining the military after graduation. Get into military intelligence.”

Ellen knew at that moment that was the reason for the hair. “Military intelligence. Wow, you must be pretty smart.” Little did she know back then.

Frank shrugged. “I think I am.”

“Are you headed back to the dorms? Wanna go with me to the . . .”

Ellen’s memory came to a halt when the music on the player stopped playing. She looked to the hand that nearly covered the small player. She knew instantly by the abundance of dark hair on the forearm, it was Frank. She slowly followed her vision up to his face. He was staring down at her. “Frank, I was listening to that. That’s your favorite . . .”

“I’m glad one of us can have a relaxing day. Must be nice.”

Ellen blinked in confusion. “Did I . . . Did I do something to you?”

“Why didn’t you call me?” Frank asked strongly.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You know exactly what I’m talking about! When there’s a problem at containment. You call me! Not one of my men! Especially when you get hurt.”

“Oh.” Ellen waved her hand. “I didn’t want to bother you.” She turned to go back to the tape player but the loud ‘Bullshit’ he hit her with made her jump and spin around.

“That’s my job! You’re my wife!” His voice was loud and frightening. “If you ever, ever fuckin' go . . .”

“Frank.” Strong and demanding Dean’s one word halted him. “Don’t you dare talk to her like that again.”

“Don’t even tell me you’re threatening me.” Frank glared at Dean.

“I’ll threaten you Frank. I don’t care. Don’t you ever talk to her like that again. Not in my lab, not in my presence, not ever. I don’t care what the hell you have on your mind, she’s not to bear the brunt. Now get out of my lab.” Dean stared hard at him. “Now.”

Frank looked over to Ellen who just stared forward, eyes wide, biting her bottom lip. “Fine.” Frank’s hand cut through the air and he stepped back. “You were right this time, Dean. But don’t think I won’t pounce on the moment when you’re wrong.”

In the seconds after Frank stormed out, the silence in the lab was so strong that it rang. Then it was broken when Dean’s knees buckled, his hands hit the counter and he groaned in relief at the same time Ellen burst into laughter.

“That . . .” Ellen walked to Dean, laughing. “Took balls.”

“I’m a dead man.”

“Yeah.” She snickered and patted him on the back as she walked by him. “But I’m turned on.” She let out a dramatic ‘whew’ then stopped. “Hey, wait, does that make me a pre-necrophiliac?”

“Ellen.” He shook his head at her school-girl type giggling. “Work.”

“No.” Ellen darted to the tape player and pressed the button. “Journey.”

Dean grunted.

^^^^

The last time Henry was so excited about something new happening in Beginnings was when Josephine reinvented the ‘Chocolate Kiss’. He remembered how he just ate and ate those new candies until he got sick, and eventually aggravated a cavity he didn’t know he had. He didn’t mind the cavity. He did mind getting scolded at by Dean, who like Andrea, was not only a doctor but the dentist as well. Henry still insisted Dean pulled that tooth on purpose just so teach Henry a lesson in gluttony. But that was another subject and Henry couldn’t believe he allowed his mind to travel to it.

The wireless was done. Ready to go. A part of him wished it was survivor straggler season just so Frank could get to use the headset in one of his runs to divert trouble. But that would eventually happen. At that moment, Henry just wanted to test the system, and he did, at the same time for everyone.

Continuously talking was never a problem for Henry. He did so into his own radio headset, from the fields to the underdeveloped living section. Rehashing stories of his youth and the uncle that used to pay Henry to pick his toes. He thought he was entertaining until everyone started telling him to shut up. But Henry had more range testing to do. So Henry began to sing. He was glad he saved the singing for last, because the last place he had to check were the tunnels under Beginnings. Not only did they span such a distance that Henry was able to capture all the top hits of the seventies and eighties, the tunnels also added that echoing effect that made Henry sound--at least he thought--like a singing sensation.

But being in the tunnels did one other thing. They made Henry . . . stop.

^^^^

“It’s Christmas Eve, Dean.” Ellen said as she walked around her desk at containment. “Don’t you want to go home early, too?”

“Yeah, I will, eventually. Josephine is baking with the twins. So no hurry.”

“Doesn’t that give you like a frightening Hansel and Gretel feel? She eighty some and really . . .”

“El, be nice. O.K. listen.” Dean laid a stack of papers before her. “What would you say about . . . now no animal rights comments.”

“Not from me.”

“What would you say about removing the immunity strand of DNA from . . .”

The sound of marching boots made both Dean and Ellen look to the door. It sounded like a military protocol moving in.

“Dean.” Ellen slowly moved from her desk. “They wouldn’t without telling me, would they?” No more than two steps to the door, Ellen saw Frank and three of his security men move steady right down the hall. “They would. Shit.” She raced from the office.

“Ellen.” Dean tried to chase her.

“Frank!” Ellen screamed running to the skills room. “Don’t you . . .”

The frightened scream of Max bellowed out and so did he, straight from the skills room at top speed, knocking into Ellen and sending her flying back in his mad dash of an escape.

Ellen felt the hall spinning as she found herself on the floor looking up to Frank.

“You O.K.?” he extended his hand.

Ellen smacked it way. “Don’t you take Max.”

Waving her off, Frank walked by her up the hall where Max diligently pounded on the steel security door as if someone would open it for him. “Secure that man!” Frank ordered his men. “Let’s get him out of here.”

If Ellen could scream, she would have, but she stayed on the floor, still in a stunned state following her fall.

“El.” Dean bent down to her. “Are you all right.”

“Yeah.” She closed her eyes sadly.

“Come on.” Dean helped her up. “Are you sure you . . .”

“I’m fine.” Ellen walked to her office. “I can’t believe they took him.”

“That’s not important right now. You need to sit.” Dean walked in behind her. “You took a hell of a fall and that’s not good for . . .”

“I’m fine.” Ellen’s hands lay on her desk and she dropped her head.

Moving to behind her, Dean placed his hands on Ellen’s shoulders in a soothing rubbing manner. He spoke soft. “He was given a lot of chances. He’s just . . . he’s wild El. No matter what you do, you can’t change them all. Understand?”

“Dean!” Frank blasted his voice in the office. “Get your hands off my wife.”

Dean lifted his hands and backed up. He swiped up the pile of folders from Ellen’s desk. “I’ll talk to you about this later.” He looked only once at Frank and then he left.

Ellen’s words were barely heard. “I thought you were taking him out.”

“Dan and Greg are.” Frank answered. “It had to be done. Your safety and those here are my concern.”

“I have to wonder about that.” Ellen looked up. “I’m stuck between wondering if you really are looking out for my best interest or if you’re punishing me. If I smile, you take it away. If I talk to you, you yell. It’s almost as if, you want me to hurt as bad as you do.”

“I do.”

“What?” Ellen gasped out.

“It’s not right. I don’t mean to. I just . . . you’re the closest person to me and it kills me to see you smile or be happy. Especially when I feel like this. And maybe El, maybe we were just wrong about it all. We may have been great friends forever.” Frank looked down. “We may have been great bed partners. But as a couple, we’re proving everyone’s point. It’s not meant to be. I can’t handle the trying to be a husband. Not now.” He moved to the door. “So I’m just gonna let you smile, and let you be happy. I’m going to walk away.”

And Frank did.

Ellen huffed out a breath of her pursuant exhaustion when she walked into the bedroom of her home. But Frank did not acknowledge that he heard her. On the bottom of the bed he sat staring down to his hands, and to something he played with between his fingers.

“Frank.” She whispered out stepping into the bedroom. “What are you doing?” She waited and didn’t get an answer. “Tell me . . .” she moved closer to the bed. “Tell me what you implied. Tell me that’s not what you want.”

“It’s not.” His voice was hoarse. “Trust me. There’s nothing more I want than to be with you forever. I even . . .” Rolled between his fingers, he blindly lifted a ring. Small, flat, different stones were pressed around it. “Was giving you my mother’s ring for Christmas. Since I can’t get you anything else.” Before Ellen could take it, he clenched it in his hand “But I’m not going to make you stay with me.”

“You aren’t making me do anything, Frank.” Ellen knelt before him trying to make eye contact that he avoided. “Yeah, sure, we’re gonna have our problems. We did when we lived together in college. But like then, we can’t quit. We spent too many years separate to let it fall apart when we finally have each other. My God, I know you better than I know myself.”

Emotionally Frank chuckled. “I doubt that.”

“Are you arguing the point with me? There is nothing about you I don’t know. Nothing. Try me. Ask me anything.”

A raise of his eyes finally made Frank look at Ellen. “Did you know . . . did you know I, not Miguel, was the one who shot Robbie?” Frank knew she tried to hide it, but he saw the flinch she made. “I killed him, my baby brother. I . . . I didn’t want anyone, no, I didn’t want you to know, because I knew what it would do to you. You wouldn’t see me the same way. I couldn’t live with that. But . . .” He let out a breath. “But I can’t live with this either. I saw what he did to you, to Dean, and I saw what he did to Denny, then I failed to see my brother and I pulled the trigger.”

“Oh, my God.” Ellen closed her eyes.

“See.” Frank twitched his head, his faced tensed up painfully. “But I guess it’s better you know what and who you’re married to. A cold blooded killer.”

“I’m not saying, ‘Oh my God’ over what you did. I’m saying it because you have been carrying this alone. I can’t believe you didn’t come to me. How . . . how could you think I’d judge you? I love you. There is nothing, I repeat nothing that you could do to make me stop loving you. And as far as who you are . . .” Ellen stood up. “We all had to change, Frank. We all became people in this world that we didn’t want to be. Sometimes we won’t realize why, and sometimes it stares us in the face. You’re lucky. It’s obvious why you became the way you are. Lives Frank, many of them, depend on you. And you’re the only one in this entire community with enough guts to face anything. And I know what and who I’m married to. I’m glad you’re like that. Because I swear to God, if these walls crumble or I get lost outside of them, you. You are the only person I trust to keep me safe and bring me home.”

“But I take . . . I take so many lives.”

“You do what you have to do. You protect. And you just don’t take life . . . you give it.” From her back pocket, Ellen pulled a small black square and extended it down to Frank. “I could have told you sooner. But, I wanted it to be my present. Hold it up to the light, it’s the best we can do at the clinic. Merry Christmas.” Ellen waited until he took it, but still he didn’t look as if he cared. Giving up for the time being, she slowly turned and moved to the door. No sooner did she get to it, that she heard a shuffling sound, and Frank’s hand pummeled forward shutting the door and leaving, her facing it.

He moved behind her whispering in her ear. “Tell me this is true. Please.”

“It’s true. And it’s your son, Frank. We’re having that baby. Tell me you’re not giving up on us.”

Frank closed his eyes and gasped out near silently before turning Ellen to face him. Eyes still tightly shut, fingers gripping the bad ultrasound picture, Frank instinctively felt his hands up Ellen’s arms to her face. And the deep heavy breath he released precluded the kiss he delivered at that moment that said more than any words ever could.

^^^^

Joe was in the middle of getting dinner ready, but stopped to answer the door because it was his community obligation as leader, not because he wanted to.

“Joe.” So frazzled, Andrea stepped inside his home.

“Hello to you, too.” Joe closed the door.

“We have a problem.” Andrea stated.

“What’s wrong?”

“Oh.” Emotionally, Andrea wrung her hands. “He never showed up for dinner. I know he’s alone. He said he’d be there. He never showed up. I haven’t heard or seen from him since before noon. Where is he? Oh, Sweet Jesus, what if he’s dead?”

“I know this may sound cold, Andrea.” Joe laid his hands on her arms. “But he’s been in a strange mood.”

“I know.”

“You don’t think he . . . he . . . killed himself, do you?”

Andrea gasped loudly. “Oh, poor Henry, I hadn’t any idea he was so down.”

“Henry?” Joe stepped back shocked. “I thought you were talking about Miguel.”

“Miguel?” Andrea repeated the same shock. “Miguel’s next door, and what would make you think a Christian man like Miguel would take his own life.”

“Um . . .” Joe fluttered his flips. “Maybe the break up?” he shrugged. “You have been pretty cold to him late . . .”

“Joe!” Andrea scolded. “I don’t want to discuss my marital problems. I do, however want to discuss Henry. Where is he?”

Joe’s mouth opened and closed few times before he tossed his hands in the air. He had an idea where Henry was, and Joe would find him . . . after he finished making and eating his dinner.

^^^^

Dean complained about that tape player but he certainly was using it. Ellen could hear the Christmas music playing before she stepped into the lab. “Dean Michael Hayes.” She called out softly and walked in. “What are you doing?”

“Working on our virus.” Dean scurried about.

“It’s Christmas Eve. We’re doing dinner and stuff at Joe’s. I thought you would have stopped by.”

“It’s really not my place. Not this year.” Dean paused, then continued working.

“Must be on a brink or something, I can’t recall you ever, in the whole time in Beginnings, working this late on Christmas Eve.”

“That’s because I was never alone on Christmas Eve.”

Ellen closed her eyes. “Dean.”

“No.” He walked to her. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be a damper, especially with you letting the baby news out. I’m just feeling kind of down.”

“Do you wanna talk about it?”

“Do you want to listen?”

“Of course.” Ellen pulled up a seat at the same time as Dean and they both sat. “Talk.”

“It’s just that . . . this is the first Christmas here I don’t have you or the kids. And, the days.” He shook his head. “I always had you to talk to. Come home to. And I always, always wanted to have another baby with you.”

“I never knew you were serious about that.”

“Oh, yeah.” Dean nodded. “I love having a family. And a baby, my kids, they are things no one can take from me. Or steal away behind my back. Now everything I had or wanted, Frank has. Gees.” He cringed and leaned forward, kissing her on the cheek. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be like this. It’s the Christmas thing.” He breathed out. “Even with the commercialization of it gone, it’s still the one time of year you realize how lonely you really are.”

“Ah, Dean.” Ellen stood up. “You still have me to talk to. I’m here. I won’t let you be alone. And, we get along great finally.”

“I have news for you El, we always got along great. You just were too busy trying to deny it to see it.”

Slowly, Ellen walked behind Dean and wrapped her arm around him. “I did you wrong. I know. Please know I am so sorry for that.” She brought her lips close to his ear. “Shut down the lab for the night. Come on, go to services with us.”

“I will. They still aren’t for a few more hours. You go back to Joe’s. I’m going to work.”

Sliding her arm from him, Ellen moved to the door and stopped. “This . . . this may sound really strange. But I mean it with all sincerity. You helped me out more times than you needed to. After the plague, when I wanted to have a baby, and Frank refused, you fathered the twins. So. . When you Dean, want to have that baby . . . just come to me. I may not be able to help you now, but I’ll give that to you. I promise.”

Dean smiled. “I can’t ask that of you and I won’t.”

“O.K.” Ellen nodded. “But know, the offer will always stand. A repayment, a gesture of friendship. However you want to view it. It’s there.”

Mouthing the words ‘thank you’ Dean stood up. “I better finish up.”

“You’re really going to work some more?”

“Another hour or so.” Dean moved to the back counter. “I just started this batch and I want to . . .” He stopped when he heard the door shut. Thinking, ‘she left?’ Dean turned around to see Ellen grabbing her lab coat. “What are you doing?”

“I said I won’t let you be alone.” She moved to him. “And that means tonight. Besides, I hate having you work on this virus without me.” Ellen picked up a clipboard. “What if you cure it when I’m not here? You’ll take all the credit.”

“Hell yeah.” He laughed when Ellen gave her fake look of being offended. Dean smiled. “Merry Christmas, El.”

Ellen returned the smile. “Merry Christmas Dean.”

^^^^

Whistling? Footsteps?

Sitting on the ground of the tunnels, knees bent, notebook perched on his legs, Henry looked up to the sounds. “Oh, hey, Joe.” He said perky.

“Oh, hey Henry.” Joe walked to him. “I see you’re, uh, back at that wall again.”

“Yes.” Henry stood up excitedly. “I’m done with the wireless and figured, why not?”

“Why not.” Joe lifted his hand.

“So I was looking at it.” Henry held out his pen. “You know, the power lines and pipes. And I was trying to theorize where they went.”

“Of course. That’s just you.” Joe pacified.

“Yeah.” Henry grinned. “So I came up with a list of ideas.”

“I see.”

“I wrote them down.” He handed the notebook to Joe.

Calmly, Joe skimmed the list. “I see.”

“And I was also trying to come up with ways to take this wall down safely. You know, just in case it was a main sense of support I don’t want the community collapsing.”

“How thoughtful of you.”

So pleased, Henry nodded and looked back to the wall.

“I have something to say.” Joe hesitated then raised his voice slightly. “Eleven hours.”

“Huh?” Henry scratched his head.

“Eleven hours, Henry. You have been down here eleven hours staring at that goddamn wall. Eleven hours!”

“But Joe, I wasn’t just sitting down here, I was being productive. And if you just let me get behind that wall . . .”

“You aren’t tearing down the goddamn wall, Henry!” Joe yelled. “Get it out of your mind. It’s a wall. Simple. If you had a logical reason to do it, I would say go on. But you don’t.”

“I beg to differ, Joe. I have that list.”

Joe returned to being calm, but only for a second, after nodding one time, he lifted the notebook and with bodily dramatics, he whacked Henry upside of the head with it.

“Hey!”

“What the hell is the matter with you?”

“You hurt me.” Henry rubbed his head.

“So what!” Joe shoved the notebook to Henry. “Read your list, Henry. There is no Alien nest behind there. There isn’t a travel way to a secret society. It isn’t a time warp to a different dimension. It’s a wall. A simple wall. Leave it be. It is insane. Insane! People are going to move to have you ousted or tossed in containment if they find this shit out. Stop it. I can’t protect this behavior forever. Don’t let me catch you here again!” Shaking his head, and really having to get to church, Joe walked away.

Henry sadly tucked his notebook under his arm and followed Joe like a child. Joe didn’t want to catch him staring at the wall again, and he vowed right there and then, Joe wouldn’t. Because Henry, would just be more careful.

UNDISCOVERED NOTION

CHAPTER FIVE

January 18

“It was a government conspiracy!” The one survivor stood in the skills room. He was older, graying, but stout. His voice yelled as if he were trying to be heard a mile away. “The government released the virus. They had too. I said it from the beginning.”

“Oh, shut up!” Another male survivor stood up. “You say this every time it’s your turn to speak. Mr. Slagel, do we have to listen?”

Joe sat legs crossed, a notebook across his lap as he tried not to smile. “Sorry Bill, everyone gets to say their peace. Continue, Gene.” Joe pointed his pencil at the man who first spoke.

“A conspiracy I tell you. They wanted to wipe out mankind and start all over again.”

“With who left?” Bill stood up arguing again. “Even if it was some big conspiracy like you put it, who cares now?”

“I care!” With his thumb, Gene pointed backwards to himself.

“That’s because you’re crazier than the rest of us. Now sit down, we’re tired of hearing your old man ranting.”

“Old man?” Gene shouted. “I’ll show you old man.” Grabbing Bill with both hands he tossed him across the floor.

Bill stood up. “I took it easy on you last week.” He dove to Gene and they began to brawl.

“El!” Frank stormed into the skills room in his search for his wife. He spotted Bill and Gene in a twisted wrestle style fist fight, and it annoyed him. Walking further into the room toward his father, he grabbed both men and threw them back away from each other. “Knock off the fighting.” Frank pointed, then proceeded to his father. “Dad, have you . . .” He noticed Joe just smiling. “Why didn’t you stop them?”

“I thought it was funny. Unlike Ellen, I let them go a little like I did when you and your brothers were teenagers. I always stopped it before it warranted an emergency room trip.”

“Dad, have you seen . . .” Frank heard the sound of scuffling behind him again. Irritated and angry, he turned. “Hey! Knock it off now! You!” He pointed to Gene. “Sit over there! And Bill! You over there!” Frank continued in a scolding manner. “I’m trying to talk to my father and you’re being fuckin’ rude!” He ran his hand over his face, took a deep calming breath, and refaced his father. “Anyway, have you seen my wife? I checked her Ellen agenda and . . .”

“She made you an agenda?”

“Yeah. With me having to make sure she’s taking it easy. She’s having my baby, you know. She made the agenda so I can find her.”

“Guess what? It’s not working. She’s not here. Go away, I’m conducting class.”

“I need to check her. It’s important.”

“Frank.” Joe slammed his pencil down. “Christ. Let the woman live. She’s just pregnant. She isn’t the Blessed mother.”

Loud was the gasp of offense that came from Frank. “Oh! You blaspheme. And I’m telling.” He turned to leave. “Someone. I don’t know who. But I am. I’ll try at home.”

“Good idea.” Joe shooed him. The moment that Frank walked out the skills room door, Joe led the survivors in a round of applause.

^^^^

“Dean.” Ellen threw her hands in the air. “I have no idea what it is that you want me to look for.” She sat on the floor with Dean in the center of the living room. They had moved the coffee table out of the way to make room for the hordes of paper they had sprawled around them.

“El.” He pointed to the first stack of twenty. “Just go through each sheet, see what we covered in our work that day. See if we missed anything.”

Ellen crossed her legs Indian style. “How am I supposed to know? You tell me what to do.”

“Exactly. I’m checking the formulas we missed. I need you to look over what we did. I think it is something so simple, that I can’t catch it.”

“Is that an insult?”

“No, no.” Dean showed her a sheet of paper. “Look, here’s the formula we’ve been following. Decreasing, increasing. Well, what if somewhere we skipped over the vital one. What if for example, we were supposed to use three drops of water and seven of my Radian mixture? But we didn’t. We moved to the next phase of four and eight. Get it?”

“Shit.” Ellen threw down the paper. “We’ve tried thousands of combinations, Dean. And you’re using nineteen different agents in four steps.”

“Exactly. I think we missed it. I think we missed it early on too.” He showed her another sheet of work. “Notice how since the first of the year our effectiveness has decreased? It’s there. I know it.”

“But that last week of the month, we tried the most combinations. I think you’re wrong. You wouldn’t have skipped something. You’re too thorough.”

“What else could it be?”

“Perhaps you just haven’t found the right combination yet?” She spoke sarcastically.

“Ha-ha-ha.” He looked at his watch. “We still have three hours before the twins get picked up. Let’s use the time . . .”

“El!” With a loud Frank yell, he walked into the house. “El?”

“God, Frank, I’m down here.” She lifted up her free hand, not turning around, just wiggling her fingers.

Frank walked around to her. He stopped in shock when he saw the mess on the floor, but more so Dean. “What is going on?”

Ellen rolled her eyes as she barely lifted her head to him. “What does it look like we’re doing? We’re working. We needed the space. Why are you home?”

“Finding you.” Frank snapped. “El, your agenda said you’d be at the lab. You weren’t. You know how vital these pregnancy check ins with me are.”

From her work Ellen looked at Dean who mouthed in question, ‘agenda?’ Ellen just shook her head. “I’m fine.”

“But you’re on the floor.”

“I can sit on the floor, Frank.” Ellen spoke nonchalantly as she sifted through the pages. “Check the list of things I can’t do, it’s on the fridge. Sitting on the floor is not mentioned.”

“I’ll do that.” Frank turned and walked into the kitchen. His faded voice called back. “O.K. you’re right.”

Dean met his glance with Ellen. “He’s neurotic.” He whispered.

Frank came back in. “All right. Now that I know you’re fine. I’m heading back out. Don’t work too hard.” He leaned down again and kissed Ellen. “I’ll be home early.” He started to leave but slid to a stop. “Oh, hey El. Andrea gave me this really great book. I’ve been reading . . .” He noticed both of their heads turned and they looked upon him in astonishment. “I can read.” He snapped at them. “It’s a book on delivering babies. Remind me to show you something in there.”

A sudden surge of fear entered Ellen. “Frank, why are you reading that book?”

“El.” He walked to the door. “I’m delivering our kid. You think I’m letting him do it.” After pointing to Dean and shaking his head, Frank left.

Ellen turned her attention to a stunned Dean who still stared at the door. “Dean.” She caught his attention, closed her eyes and shook her head. “No.”

Letting out a sigh of relief, Dean relaxed and continued back to work.

^^^^

“Soon enough it’s gonna have to stop being so weird around here.” Joe looked up to the sky as he stepped from his office that afternoon. He spoke to George as they headed from the utility buildings into town--clipboard in hands.

“Talking about your morning in containment?” George asked.

“Nah. That was funny. This damn weather.”

George removed his jacket as they walked. “It is warm isn’t it? Not a trace of snow.”

“And it’s terrible for morale. You know how the men look forward to it. I guess it’ll happen.” He let out a disappointment breath. “All right. Let’s divvy the afternoon. Distribution or stock?”

“Stock.” George answered. “Divisional reports or tour guide and housing?”

Joe slowed in his walking to think as they approached town. “We do have two survivors getting out. I’ll take the reports. But make sure you give housing to Miguel. Make it temporary though. It won’t be long before those two are back.”

“Shit.” George stopped cold, he looked up and cringed. He faced Joe.

“What?”

“I don’t think the Miguel housing will be temporary. It was brought to my attention to mention it to you, that one of them has found they developed deep feelings for someone else.”

“Why the hell do I care?” Joe said crass. “I run the community not the love lives.”

“Well, let’s say I forgot to tell you Andrea has feelings for . . .”

“Hi, Joe.” Sweetly, almost flirtatiously Andrea approached with a wave and a tilted head.

“You.” George continued with a snicker.

Wide eyed, Joe peered around George to Andrea, then back to George. “Christ.” Shaking his head and tucking his clipboard in his arms, Joe walked to the warehouses.

^^^^

The booming sound of the heavy metal lid being secured on the farm tool bin, didn’t make Henry jump, it made him smile. “Impressive.” He said to Miguel. “Such strength.”

Oddly Miguel looked over his shoulder at Henry as he walked from the bin. “You aren’t hitting on me, are you?”

“Me? No.” Henry shook his head. “I have a proposition for you. Since your break up with Andrea, I know you have been trying to stay busy.”

“I have been trying. Yes.” Miguel said and moved to the next bin. “Potato harvest is not much to keep me busy.”

“And the greenhouses are getting situated, right?”

“Yes.”

“So you may need a little extra of something to occupy that lonely, heartbroken mind.”

“Henry . . .”

“You’re a big guy, Miguel. Strong. Tough.” Henry clenched his fist. “You can utilize those natural physical attributes and, may I add, take things off your mind all at the same time.”

Miguel lifted the steel lid to the next bin and held it open. “What do you have in mind?”

“A secret project. No one is to know. What would you say about using that extra time of yours to tear down and move, I don’t know a, uh . . . . Thirty foot concrete wall?”

The lid slammed shut with Miguel’s shock.

^^^^

Round up time, Frank called it. Not that he would necessarily be there when everyone was finished being round up, but he felt a part of it. It was his duty, as a husband, father, and father-to-be. Especially with Ellen in her dangerous, delicate state.

After stopping at the Beginnings equivalent of day care to inform Hap, the older worker, that he’d be by to help Ellen, Frank headed to the clinic. He moved up the steps and to the double doors when Andrea came out. “Hey, Andrea.” He reached for the door.

“Oh, Frank.” Andrea paused on the bottom step. “Do you have a minute?”

Frank looked at his watch. “Yeah. What’s up?”

“I know you and I don’t see eye to eye.”

Frank snickered. “Of course not, Andrea. I’m six-three you’re like, five something. And especially not now.” He said so serious. “You’re down there on that step.”

Andrea just looked at him. Hard too. After blinking several times she stepped up to the top to join him. “Anyway . . .” She smiled. “I was wondering if I could bother you for some insight.”

“Is it something medical you need help on?”

“Um . . .” Containing her laugh, Andrea’s words peeped out. “No.” She cleared her throat. “On a personal level. You see, Frank. I was wondering, personally, what you could tell me about your father.”

“All right. Let’s see. He’s like fifty-eight, I think. Brown hair. Glasses. Close to six feet, but I think he shrank. He used to be in the CIA before the . . .”

“No.” Andrea held up her hand. “I mean personally. With . . . with women.”

“Dog.”

“Excuse me?”

“He’s a dog. Well, was. Still would be if he could. He was married like eight times and engaged six. Or was it engaged eight. I don’t know. Why?”

“Well.” Andrea blushed. “I was hoping you’d put in a good word for me. I’m finding myself attracted to your father and . . .” Frank’s loud laughter made her stop talking. “Frank?”

Laughing again, Frank turned and opened the clinic door.

^^^^

“No!” Dean raced like a madman across the lab to Ellen who held a dropper over a rack of test tubes. “You putting in too much.”

“I am not. I’m putting in the right amount.” She ignored him. “Besides, how can you put in too much? I’m doing drops.”

“Your drops are too big.”

Ellen tried not to laugh. “My drops are too big?”

“Yes, you need to be more gentle.” He moved closer. “Here.” He slid his hand down her arm to her hand holding it. “Relax your fingers.” He cupped his over hers and they took hold of the dropper. “Now don’t squeeze, just feel how much pressure I apply to the dropper.” He brought their joined hands to above the test tube. “Now see, that is a little drop. You do monstrous drops.”

Ellen snickered as she felt him directly against her. “Thanks for the lesson, Dean. I really . . . feel it.”

“Why!” Frank’s questioning voice bellowed into the lab. “Why is it every time I walk in here, you, Dean, are finding a reason to be up behind my wife. Back off! And in front of my kid, too.” Frank pointed to Johnny who sat across the lab.

Johnny looked up from his urine samples. “That’s nothing, Dad. You should see the counter action they get going.”

Ellen giggled. “It would be the only action I’m getting.”

“Dad.” Johnny gasped. “Are you not putting out?”

“I can’t. I don’t want the baby to be deformed. Sex will do that.” He hunched at the loud ‘what’ that came from Ellen. “Yeah, that blood disease you developed. Wait.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a slip of paper. “Prenatal Toxicodendron. Yeah. Look how good I said that.”

“Give me this.” Ellen snatched it from him “Toxicodendron is the name of the poison ivy plant family.”

“No, El. You’re wrong.” Frank insisted. “Dean told me . . .” Frank’s eyes widened. “Dean!”

“You asked.” Dean lifted the beaker. “Now is there something you wanted?”

“Yeah.” Frank answered then stared out. “I . . . shit. I forgot. I’ll come back.” He turned, took a couple steps, stopped and spun around. “Oh!” he blasted out in his remembrance causing a crash when Dean dropped his beaker. “I came to get El.”

“I’m not leaving.” Ellen said. “Johnny’s picking up the twins. We have a lot to finish up on the anti . . . uh, cold strain we’re working on, that’s it.”

Dean interjected. “So walk on over here, Frank. Maybe you’ll catch something,”

“Aren’t you the funny little man..” Frank moved to the door. “Not too late, El. Since I know we can have . . . Sex.” He laughed at Dean’s grunt. “I’m ready to go.”

Dean curled his lip in disgust. “Did I need to hear that?”

“Absolutely.” Arrogantly Frank grinned and walked out.

^^^^

Henry pouted, stomped and mumbled like a five year old walking in the tunnels. “Won’t help me.” He carried his tool box. “Fine.” He set it down and ran his hand over the concrete wall. “I’ll do it myself.” He lifted the lid to the tool box and looked at the wall once more. Maybe it was a bit neurotic of Henry, but he just couldn’t let it rest. The wires, pipes and lines that ran into that wall sent Henry on a thinking frenzy. After reviewing his ‘theory; list Henry finally figured it out. Secured deeply somewhere in the concrete had to be a type of circuit box. A different type. One so advanced that it sent a signal to the computer component of the second solar generator telling that generator ‘do not shut down’. In all his years as a hospital maintenance engineer in the old world, he had never heard of such a box. But then again, Henry wasn’t dealing with a hospital. Beginnings--A.K.A., ‘The Garfield Project’ was designed by the government. And like Area 51, who knew what else they kept secret. Henry was certain the special box was one of them. And he had to see this phenomenal box for himself.

Slowly, Henry lifted the tools he brought with him. The average size hammer in his right hand, the chisel in his left. Tapping, oh-so-lightly on the wall from the top, until he heard for himself where he wanted to start. A bit of it every day, Henry thought, no one would even know he was doing it. Henry placed the chisel to the spot on the wall that he heard through his tapping as hollow. He revved back his hammer.

“Henry!”

Henry jolted, dropping the hammer with an echo. “Oh, hi George.”

“What the hell are you doing?” George walked up to him and snatched the chisel from his hand. “What is going on with you?”

“I uh . . .” He bent down and picked up the hammer. “George. I came up with, like Joe wanted, a logical reason to get into this wall. A box. A special secret circuit box. I really feel it’s buried behind this wall.”

“What are you nuts?” He also snatched the hammer. “The only thing your gonna see if you start breaking up this wall is a big hole.” George waved the hammer in front of Henry’s face. “This is sick Henry, plain and simple. Sick.”

“But George. I feel it George. I feel . . .”

“Psychopathic? Because that is what you are coming off as. Now . . .” With a deep breath George placed the hammer in one of his back pockets and the chisel in the other. "I like you Henry. Because I really like you, I will not mention this little masonry incident to Joe. Because as much as you’d like to think, this is not a logically based reason. And . . . I don’t want to see you jeopardize your position on the council. You do know that Andrea is bidding for it don’t you?”

“Oh, My God. No.”

“Yes. And she can take it Henry. She’s trying to bed Joe.”

“She’s so devious.”

“She has it in her.” George reached over to the slumping Henry and pulled him with him. “It’s late. Let’s you and me just head on up.”

“O.K.” He kicked out his foot once and placed his hands in his pockets. “You go on. I have to clean up my stuff.”

“Henry.” George warned.

“Seriously, George. I’ll be right up. Can I have my hammer and chisel back.”

“No.” George walked away.

Grumbling and complaining in an uninterpretable manner, Henry picked up his stuff and walked slowly from the tunnels.

^^^^

“Uh-oh.” Dean whispered at Ellen. He stopped moving as they entered the living section. “Run.”

“Dean, I really don’t want to race.”

“No.” He chuckled. “Henry.” He pointed to Henry who could be seen pacing in circles in front of his home staring at the ground. “Don’t let him see you, he’ll corner you.”

“Dean, that’s terrible. Something is bothering him. I’ll go talk to him.”

“Yeah.” Dean grinned. “Occupy him while I make the escape. See ya.” He gave a pat to her back. “Good job. Tonight.”

Surprised at Dean’s lack of concern for a fellow Beginnings resident, Ellen vowed she wouldn’t be like that. Slowly, she approached Henry. “Hey, Henry.”

He stopped pacing and looked up. “El.”

“Did you lose something?”

“My mind.”

“Huh?”

Sadly closing his mouth, Henry shook his head. “Nothing. You’ll think I’m as nuts as everyone else.”

“Try me, Henry. I’m used to working with insane people.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.” Ellen nodded and folded her arms.

“This is it.” Henry’s voice echoed in the tunnel.

“So did you tell Joe and George what you told me?” Ellen stared at the wall.

“Of course I did. They think I’ve gone ballistic. They gave me strict orders to leave the wall alone.”

“I don’t understand why that is? So what if you want to see what this box thing is. They should believe you; you are way too rational to go overboard on something without good reason.”

Henry’s shoulders released in relief. “Thank you, Ellen.”

“Of course I don’t know a damn thing about current boxes or such. But . . . I do know you.” Ellen leaned against Henry’s wall. “So what are you gonna do now?”

“I haven’t a clue. They won’t let me pound a hole in it. They said if I keep obsessing over it, it’s going to reflect on my council status.”

“Oh that is such bullshit. Did Joe say this to you?”

“No, George did.”

“George probably knows what’s behind this wall. He was the president you know, and the government did build this place.”

“No, that’s not it.” Henry leaned on the wall next to Ellen. “Andrea’s bidding for my position on Council, and you know her and Joe are close. If she comes off more rational than me . . .”

“Andrea is always in everyone’s business.” Ellen shook her head. “Anyway I don’t see what the harm would be if you put a little hole in this wall. It’s not like you won’t fix it.”

“Exactly.” Henry held out his hand.

“You know what, Henry?” Ellen turned her body, resting her shoulder on the wall as she faced him. “This can’t be the only hidden thing here. Did you check all of the wire connections?”

“No. That could take forever. I lucked out with this one.” Henry noticed the look on Ellen’s face. “What? What are you thinking?”

“Well . . . what if . . . what if you were to start searching. The whole place of Beginnings. See if you find anything weird. That way you have secondary proof about this wall and you can investigate it without them thinking you’re a loon.”

“That would take a lot.”

Ellen snapped her finger. “I can help you.”

“We can look in our spare time. Make it a full fledged thing. Will you really?”

“I’d love to. I always thought I’d make a good detective.” Ellen smiled. “You too, Henry, you have that knack.”

“Thanks. And we may just find something that will give me the answer to this wall without tearing it down.”

“Like some secret plans hidden somewhere.” Ellen raised her eyebrows. “Imagine what you could find. Have any of us really searched this place?”

“No. We just assumed what we saw is what we got.”

“Obviously not.” She knocked on the wall. “This proves it. And . . . we’ll have fun. Kinda break the monotony of this boring place.”

“What if we don’t find anything?”

“Oh, come on Henry, this place was designed and built by the United States Government. You can’t honestly believe they’d only put one really cool invention in this place that we don’t know about. Do you? No way. Beginnings will be calling us, Christopher and Christina Columbus. Because, we, Henry, are gonna make the biggest discovery yet.”

“Yeah.” Henry smiled. Though they sounded like something from a bad detective movie, Ellen was someone that believed in him, and that was all Henry ever wanted.

CHAPTER SIX

February 8

Dean sort of heard the light tapping at the lab window. The steady noise sounding like spraying pebbles against the pane of glass. He heard it yet it stayed deep in his mind as he leaned slumped over the counter holding up the top of his hair with his hand. He was alone in the quiet clinic. In fact he probably was the only one in the entire community of Beginnings that wasn’t tucked safely in their house for the night.

The high pitch of the wind that blew furiously outside was muffled by the cassette player, playing. He did hear the second back-up being completed in his files, after removing the disks, he returned to the huge journal before him. Flipping each page slowly, Dean seemed to move within his own world inside that laboratory. Nothing, absolutely nothing else mattered.

Lifting a section of shell bread to his mouth, he’d bite, read, swallow, read. A pattern he had done for hours. “It has to be somewhere.” Dean flipped the page, speaking to himself, biting his bread. “Where is it? You are on one of these eight pages.” He looked up to the agents awaiting him on the counter then lowered them back to the pages under him. He turned back three and brushed the crumbs from his mouth with the back of his hand. “God, why am I eating such dry bread.” He tried to clear his throat. “I’m out of drinking water . . .” He slowly looked back up to the counter. “No . . . . It can’t be that simple.” He peered down to the page he was on then back to the counter. “No.” Excitedly he jumped from his stool catching his foot in the metal bar on the bottom, and tripping over it crashing the stool to the hard floor. Dean ran to the counter and began to add the formula together in the beaker he had waiting. He grabbed the beaker in his hand and swished the contents around several times. Nervous, and hoping, Dean filled a dropper of his newest mixture and added it to the lined up test tubes. He chose only one, the first one and added a few drops. It wasn’t the number of drops, at that point it had to be the solution.

Tapping his foot, he looked down at his watch. Five minutes he had to wait. How long that would seem. As he waited on the time he finally looked to the window of the lab that faced outside. “Wow, is it snowing?” Thinking about going to see how really bad it was getting out, Dean stopped and walked back over to his counter and waited. The snow would still be there. The moment at hand was one he had waited on for years.

The five minutes was up. Carefully, so he didn’t break it in his excitement, he lifted the test tube. Grabbing a clean dropper, he added a few drops of the thick solution to a prepared slide. The slide with the sticker on it that read--‘Eb-2V’. Covering that slide with another, he slowly lifted it and set it under the microscope connected to his computer. He brought the image to the screen.

Watching it for only thirty seconds, Dean’s head dropped, and his eyes closed. “Thank you.” He lifted up, standing tall, his arms and voice raised up. “Yes! Thank you!”

His body turned back and forth in his joy, but there was no one to turn to. He was alone. “El.” Overcome with emotions he grabbed his coat, put it on as he ran out the lab, down the hall and to the double glass doors of the clinic. As Dean’s small body flung into the doors, he bounced right back when the doors didn’t open. Knowing that they weren’t locked, he picked himself up off the floor. Any pain he should have felt was numb and lost in his enthusiasms. He stared at the doors. They weren’t locked. They just wouldn’t open. The snow had come down so hard while he worked, that a four foot snow drift had blown against the clinic doors, barricading him in. The ice that formed around the edges added to any impossible chance he would have had to push his way out. “Shit.” Dean rubbed his head as he leaned against the cold glass.

He gave himself a moment there, staring out into the barren streets of Beginnings. He knew he had to get out. It was a time in his life that he wanted to share with someone. But how? Dean walked back to the lab to think of a solution. He always did his best thinking there.

^^^^

“Frank.” Ellen walked in to her bedroom. “Will you please get away from that window?”

“El, this is so great.” He peered out, having the curtain pulled all the way out. “That blizzard was bad. There must be three feet of snow out there.”

“Swell.” Ellen moved to the bed and began to turn it down. “The twins are finally asleep.”

“Good.” His attention stayed at the winter wonderland just outside. “Hey El, let me take them out in this tomorrow.”

“Now way, if there’s three feet of snow they’ll get lost. They’re only three feet tall.”

Frank began to laugh. “Yeah, it’ll be funny watching them try to move.”

“You’re sadistic.” Ellen climbed into bed. “Are you coming? It’s late. What time are you doing the snow removal?”

“I told my guys about four a.m.”

“Then come to bed.”

“This is so great out there. I bet I can climb from this window and hang jump without breaking anything.” Frank was like a little kid watching the snow.

“You do that, Frank.” She shook her head. “But right now come to bed. You have to be tired.”

“Nah, I’m full of energy.” Frank walked to bed and fluffed his pillow before laying down with a plop on the bed.

“Well . . .” Ellen said seductively, lying on her side. “If you’re full of energy . . .” She trailed her fingers up his chest. “I have a . . .”

“I was thinking.”

Groaning, Ellen dropped backwards. “God.”

“No, I can think. Check this out. I came up for a name for our baby. Ready.” He nodded with excitement. “Brian. Brian Slagel. What do you think? I can hear it now. Ladies and Gentlemen. Quarterback, Brain Slagel.”

At first Ellen just looked at him. “Who exactly is he going to play football for? And what if this kid hates playing sports, and guns, and macho shit. What if he’s not big . . .”

“El, Please!” Frank stopped her train of thought. “He’s my kid, look at Johnny. Brian will be huge. He’s gonna be just like me.”

“Frank!”

“What? God, yell at me why don’t you.”

“Can we just fool around please? Please.” She reached up pulling him down with her. “Because.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “It won’t be long before you can’t put your body on mine. You won’t be able to feel me under you. Or . . .” Her hands began to roam his body. “Feel my hands slide across your . . .” Her words were halted with Frank’s lips and he began to kiss her.

A hiss of static from the radio, then came a voice. “Frank. Frank come in please.”

Frank slightly lifted his lips from Ellen. His face crinkled in a cringe. “Why am I hearing Dean’s voice in our bedroom?”

“Frank, come in.” Dean called out. “I know you’re listening.”

Frank pulled himself up from Ellen. “This better be important.” He grabbed his radio from the night stand. “What!”

“Frank, I’m stuck. I’m at the clinic.”

“Can’t help you Dean. I know I’m great at everything, but that’s your field.”

“Oh, you’re so funny. Ha, ha, ha.” Dean’s voice was agitated. “No, Frank. I’m stuck. There’s a drift at the doors and I can’t get out. I need you to come and get me right now.”

“Sorry, Dean.” Frank chuckled arrogantly. “Gonna have to wait. We’re digging out the snow at four.”

“No, Frank. I need you to come right now.”

Frank scoffed. “Tough. Right now is out of the question. I’m making love to my wife.”

“I can wait a few minutes.”

“Oh, just for that. Find a bed in the clinic and I’ll see you in about five hours.” Frank put the radio on the night stand.

Dean’s voice continued. “I’m not in the mood for this shit. It’s your job, Frank. You have to now. Quit playing around and come get me out!”

“Dean!” Frank snatched up the radio again. “It’s not my job to get out of bed from a very intimate moment with my wife to save your ass. Didn’t I tell you to leave the clinic early? Didn’t I tell you it was gonna be bad? I told you not to hang around because it looked like a blizzard. But no, you stayed anyway and now you’re stuck. Well guess what? Tough. See you at four.” Frank put the radio down and began to kiss Ellen again.

“Fine, Frank.” Dean spoke calmly. “I have all night. And you know what? You have to leave your radio on. I’ll just keep on talking. You can’t tune me out.”

Frank did. He removed his Ellen’s shirt as he pressed bare chest to bare chest, continuing in his lovemaking.

“Frank . . . Frank . . . Frank . . . I’ll sing.” Dean kept pestering. “Or better yet, maybe I’ll just start talking about some of the moments Ellen and I shared. Let’s see there was our first time. I still remember as if it happened yesterday. Let me share with you the details. First the camp fire . . .”

“Dean!” Frank shouted into the radio. “Shut up. I’m on my way.”

^^^^

Frank loved driving the snow plow and he had it waiting outside his house so he could just jump in it. The plow could have been quieter but Frank did everything in his power to make sure it wasn’t.

Dean was so mesmerized with his results on his computer screen that he didn’t even hear the loud rumbling of Frank’s arrival. What he did hear was the loud thump on the lab window. He turned his head to the noise and saw a smashed snowball run down the glass leaving a wet trail. That vision was immediately followed by Frank who pressed his cheek tight against the window, lifted back, then ‘huffed’ against the glass to fog it. After Frank’s hand wiped the fog away he waved to Dean to come to the window.

“How immature.” Dean stood from his stool. “What?”

“Open up.” Frank mimed opening a window.

Dean did as instructed and opened the window part way. “What?”

Frank lifted it all the way up. “Step back.”

“You aren’t climbing in here, are you?”

“Move.” Frank’s top portion of his body emerged through.

“You can’t climb in here, Frank. You’ll get everything . . .”

Frank slid and crashed to the floor, bringing in a ton of snow.

“ . . . wet.” Dean threw his hands up and shut the window. “Why did you do that? Now we’re both stuck.”

“Hardly.” Frank brushed himself off throwing even more moisture around. He started to walk across the lab, he slowed at the computer. “Weird picture. Grab your coat.” He shook his head and walked out.

“Frank.” Dean followed, snatching up his coat and putting it on as he chased Frank down the clinic hall. “It’s useless, those doors . . . Hey, you cleared away the snow. Good job.”

“Thanks.” Frank stood hands on hips, his back faced Dean.

“But it’s still no good. Those doors are frozen shut.” He watched Frank’s head look up and down at the doors. “I tried but I couldn’t budge them.”

With a quiet ‘ha’. Frank faced Dean. He took off his gloves and handed them to him. “Here, hold these.” Frank clenched his fist and lifted it to the door. He began to pound his hand once in various places on the metal. He rubbed his hands together and pulled on the door, with bits of flying ice, it opened. He held it and looked at Dean. “You are so weak.” He grabbed his gloves from Dean.

“What in the world did your father feed you as a child? Incredible Hulk vitamins?” Dean zippered up his coat. “Thanks Frank. See ya.” He ran out.

“Hey!” Frank yelled out to Dean who was running down the just plowed path. “Where are you going? Your lab stuff is still on.”

“I’ll be back.” He answered from a distance. “I’m going to your house.”

“Oh.” Frank shut the clinic doors. “My house?”

^^^^

“Ellen.” Dean flew through the front door to her home. “Ellen!” His voice was excited as he called out.

“Dean?” Ellen came down the steps. “What are you doing here?”

Dean smiled, probably the biggest smile he could ever have. He ran to Ellen as she stepped down the last step and picked her up and hugged her.

“Hey!” Frank shouted from the open front door, then he slammed it. “Put her down, she’s pregnant!”

“Sorry.” Dean set Ellen gently down. “El.” He placed his cold hands on her cheeks and moved his face close to hers. “I . . . no, we . . . we did it.”

In a whisper, Ellen spoke in shook. “We did it?”

“It’s finally over.”

“Oh, Dean I am so proud of you.” Happy, Ellen threw her arms around his neck and embraced him tightly.

“We did it El. I couldn’t have done it without your help.”

Ellen released a little from the embrace, but her excitement drew her back in, she shrieked with joy as she hugged him again.

“Enough!” Frank stepped closer separating them. “What the hell is going on?”

Ellen looked at Frank then to Dean. “Should we tell him?”

Dean nodded.

“Frank.” Ellen wrung her hands and grabbed Frank’s. “Look at me I’m shaking. Frank, we beat the plague.”

“What are you talking about?” Frank asked.

“We beat it. Tell him Dean. Tell him what this means.”

“It means it’s over.” Dean said. “It can’t hurt us anymore. We beat it, or at least know how to beat it. Any baby born now, not immune, will live.”

“Wow.” Frank ran his hand over his head stunned. “El, this is really great. I didn’t know you were working on that.”

“No one did. We didn’t want anyone’s hopes up. Or anyone mad for working on it.” She kissed Frank on the cheek then faced Dean, lifting her bangs from her eyes. “Where did you find it? How?”

“El.” Dean shook his head speaking fast. “It was so simple I can’t believe we missed it. So simple. We were thinking too hard. Remember solution seventy-three?” He saw Ellen nod. “That was the one. I went over the books. I was reading our results. Remember how it had a really high success rate and we couldn’t figure out why it wouldn’t get any stronger? ”

Frank snickered. “What? Did you guys like, dilute it too much?”

Dean moved his hand to Frank. “There you have it. I told you we were thinking too hard. We added water. The solution in a non-diluted state was fine.”

Ellen laughed in disbelief. “We added too much water?”

Frank snickered even more as he took off his coat. “The big mind of the little man scientist fails. You guys should have called me sooner. Look how fast I thought of that. Just like . . .” Frank snapped. “That.”

Dean didn’t care what Frank said, he was in much too good of a mood. “You’re the genius Frank. El, I’m heading back to the lab. Stop by in the morning. We still have to figure out dosages and create the actual anti-serum before we let everyone know. So, Frank . . .” He turned to Frank who appeared to be gloating. “Please don’t say anything yet.”

“Not a problem.” Frank said as he walked in his living room.

“I’m leaving, El. Thanks again.” Dean grabbed her hand and squeezed it. “The nightmare is finally over. Too bad it’s not six years earlier huh?”

Just as Ellen was about to agree, Frank spoke up. “He wouldn’t have done it six years ago. He couldn’t have.”

Sharply Dean turned to him. “I resent that. Why do you say that?”

“Because. That root shit you send us out for, the stuff they grow for you in the special green house, that’s all stuff you used, right?”

“Right.” Dean nodded.

“Well, would you have been using them six years ago?” Frank asked.

Speechless. Dean didn’t know what to say at first. His mouth dropped open. “He’s right.”

“I am.” Frank agreed arrogantly.

Shaking his head, Dean moved to the door. He stopped in his leaving. “I guess when you actually think about it, it makes sense, an eerie sense. Man used his own chemicals to create the virus that wiped out mankind. But it took God’s nature to beat it.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

March 3

With a whispering sound, Henry poked his head into the skills room to get Ellen’s attention. “Psst.” He had to do it several times.

Finally, Ellen looked up from leaning over Gene’s shoulder. She smiled brightly at Henry, held up one finger then walked over to Frank. Frank sat in a chair, corner of the room, legs spread, hands between them and his head rested back. She kicked his foot.“Frank?”

“Hold on.” He looked up to Ellen. “What’s up?”

“I’m going to talk to Henry. Keep an eye on things in here.”

“No problem.” He return to speaking in his headset softly. “So what was that?”

Shaking her head and laughing Ellen met Henry in the doorway. “What’s up?”

“I brought you a surprise.” He showed her a cloth bag. “Why is Frank sitting in there?”

“Oh, get this. Frank is my new Wednesday guard. Only I can’t get the survivors to do anything they are too afraid of him. So now, Wednesdays are shot.”

Henry looked into Frank, he saw him shaking his head and his mouth moving. “Is he talking to himself?”

“No, I think to Dan. He does that all day checking up on people. The survivors really think he’s whacked. That makes them even more scared.” She took hold of Henry’s arm and walked with him. “Come to my office with me.”

“I brought you rice cakes.” He handed her a small cloth sack as they walked in her office.

“Oh, Henry. I love these.” Immediately Ellen began picking at them as she sat down behind her desk. “So what’s up?”

“Two things.” Henry sat down in a chair before her desk. “Are we still on for tonight. We have the field house to investigate.”

“Without a doubt. I’ll dress warmly.”

“Do that. And the other thing.” Henry showed nervousness. “George saw us coming out of the bakery at ten o’clock last night. So I lied to cover up. I told him I was finding a reason to be alone with you because I liked you.”

“Good one, Henry.”

“But my concern lies with Frank. What happens if he finds out this little . . .”

It wasn’t Ellen’s voice that interrupted Henry. It was too gruff and sandy. “Oh most definitely . . . he will hurt you.” George entered. “Crush you, Henry, like a bug.”

Ellen’s mind raced as her heart beat. “Oh um, hey, George. What’s up?”

“I saw Henry coming here and I have to talk to you both.” George crossed his arms. “You know me. I tend to butt out of everyone’s business. But I see warning flags going up. I’m sorry to do this to you Henry, but, Ellen do you know how he feels?”

“I do.” She smiled flirtatious at Henry. “Isn’t it cute?”

“Cute?” George questioned.

“Who’s cute?” Joe asked as he walked in the office.

“Henry.” Ellen pointed. “He has a crush on me.”

At the point where Henry’s head plopped forward to Ellen’s desk, Joe laughed. “A crush? You have a crush on Ellen?” Joe shook his head. “No wonder you’re hanging around her so much. What better way to stop being attracted to Ellen than to spend time with her.” He laughed harder and smacked Henry on the back.

Ellen gasped. “I can’t believe you said that about me.”

“I’m having fun with you.” Joe walked around the desk and kissed her. “Lighten up, it’s not good for the baby. And Henry, get over it fast before Frank find out and kills you.”

“Who’s Frank going to kill now?” Dean asked as he too waltzed into Ellen’s office.

Ellen’s threw her hands up. “What is this invade Ellen time?”

Joe still laughing, moved from Ellen. “Frank’s gonna kill Henry. Seems he has a crush on Ellen.”

Henry reached the point that not only was his head on Ellen’s desk, but buried beneath his arms as well.

“Henry has a crush on Ellen?” Dean snickered shaking his head. “Henry, I thought you knew her better.”

“Enough.” Ellen’s hands slammed to her desk as she stood. “Now why are all you people here? Is some major event going to happen that I don’t know about?”

“Son of a bitch!” Frank’s voice was heard loud and clear blasting from the skills room. The sound of panicking, screaming survivors, and trampling feet, immediately followed as they ran amuck.

“I spoke too soon.” Ellen scurried from behind her desk. “Oh God, what did he do to them?” She waited for the stampede to pass her in the hall then she darted Frank’s way. As she slid into the skills room, she saw Frank standing center, shaking his head, one hand on his hip.

“You have to be kidding me.” Frank paced angrily in circles talking to the microphone in the headset. “No. No! I’ll take care of this.” He snapped the headset off and looked up. He had an audience. “Where’d everyone go?"

“You frightened them, Frank.” Ellen led the office crew into the skills room. “What’s wrong?”

“Oh, get this.” Frank shook his head in disgust. “There’s a survivor at the front gate.”

“The front gate?” They all asked together.

“Yes.” Frank looked at them like they hadn’t heard him the first time. “Can you believe it? The first nice day we have, the first nice day and one of them find us. We’re in the middle of Montana. Can someone explain this to me?” Frank began to storm from the skills room. “Now I have to go march my ass up there, possibly let the psycho in, and haul his ass back here.” His complaining faded down the hall with his heavy marching boots. “The middle of Montana. Not only does he find us. But he finds the hardest gate. What? Do the survivors have a bulletin board posted?”

^^^^

Frank was in no hurry. Why would he be? This person was invading his front gate without an invitation. He took the jeep up the roadway closer to the tunnel, parking at the end. He could have driven through, but his mood dictated he walk, possibly cool down by the time he reached the tunnel’s end. He had a tendency to scare the survivors and had a hard time figuring out why.

As soon as Frank entered the dark tunnel he could see the figure at the far end. “Hey!” Frank yelled out to him and began to trot when he saw the person reaching out. “Don’t touch that gate! Your ass will get fried, and I’m not in the mood to be scraping you up!”

“I apologize.” The soft male voice called out. “I should have known.”

Frank saw him. He stopped three feet from the gate at the vision of the man. His tall body covered by the long green hooded coat. The yellow trim caught Frank’s eye--A man wearing yellow. The man, slightly balding, wearing round wire rim glasses held a duffel bag in one hand, and strapped across his other shoulder, a sack with cardboard tubes. “Stay back from the fence.” Frank approached him pulling out his revolver.

“Don’t shoot me; I’ve come a long way.”

“You all do. And I’m not gonna shoot you, just step back from the fence.” He held his gun up.

The man stepped back.

Frank checked out the uninvited visitor. He looked harmless enough. Speaking into his headset, he called to security. “Down the front.” After the buzz of the downing fence, Frank reached for his keys.

“I realize this must be a shock.” The man said. “I may be late. I’ve run into some difficulty.”

Frank laughed to himself at the man. Shaking his head as he opened the gate.

“Thank you.” He showed Frank his duffel bag.

“What? Carry you own goddamn bags!” Frank scolded. “What do you think I am, your boy?”

Taken aback, the stranger moved away holding his chest. His face looked shocked. “Before we go any further. I must know . . .” His head tilted. “I must know.”

“Must know what?” Frank grew perturbed.

“Is this the Garfield Project?”

Frank’s mouth dropped. “What did you just say?”

The man looked as if he was catching his breath. His head began to sway and he reached to Frank to catch his balance. “I said . . . is this the Garfield Project?”

^^^^

“God Frank, What the hell did you do to him?” Dean stood over the survivor in the clinic.

“I didn’t do anything to him. I told you the goof passed out.” Frank waved his hand in front of the unconscious man who now lay in the bed. “What’s wrong with him?”

“I don’t know.” Dean shook his head. “Possibly exhaustion, we’re going to have to run some test.” Dean noticed Joe and George standing in the doorway. “You two can come.”

Joe stepped closer to the man. “Looks like he was warned about us. He tried to clean himself up.”

Frank snickered. “You should have seen his coat. It had yellow trim.”

Andrea entered the room, speaking as she did. “I think we may have a strange one on our hands. In fact when he wakes up, he may be too unbalanced to keep.”

Everyone turned to her.

Joe spoke up to question. “Why do you say that?”

“Well.” She held up a black wallet. “Look what he had in his pants. A wallet. Complete with cash, credit cards, drivers license. The works.” She showed it about. “He’s definitely delusional. And his name is Chester Arnold Nelson. Thirty-five years old. From Washington D.C.”

Frank suddenly snapped to attention. “So that explains why he said that. He’s from Washington D.C.”

Joe hated when Frank did that. Said things that made absolutely no sense to anyone that was listening. “Frank, what the hell are you talking about?”

“This Chester guy. When I let him in, he asked if this was the Garfield Project. It took me aback. But then it makes sense. He probably raided the White House and found out about it.”

Joe quickly turned to George. “Did you leave any information behind?”

“I uh . . . yes. Yes I did.” George stuttered. “Who would have thought? I mean all of us in the shelter had a copy of the plan. I merely took mine.”

Joe threw his hands up. “That explains it then. The guy probably is delusional.”

Frank’s loud grunt was heard. “A complete whack job. Get this, I open up the fence and the guy hands me his duffel bag to carry. He’s lucky I didn’t throw him back out for being a moron.”

Dean’s head shifted back and forth as he placed the stethoscope to Chester’s chest. “You can’t throw people out for being a moron Frank. If we could, who would be running security?”

Frank stormed over to him, grabbed the bottom of the stethoscope that was on Chester and brought it to his lips. “Hey!”

“God.” Dean flung off the stethoscope. “There’s something wrong with you.”

Giving a sick sadistic laugh at the thought of irritating Dean, Frank left the room. He wanted to go to containment.

The laughing from Ellen’s office made its way down the containment hall to Frank as he approached. “At least some people are having fun and not working today.” He peeked in Ellen’s doorway.

“Frank.” Ellen looked up from her desk and the bowl there. “How’s the person at the gate?”

“Don’t ask.” Frank walked in. “Henry, don’t you have a job to do?”

“Yes I do. You know that.” Henry rolled his eyes at Ellen. “However, we’re having lunch and I was waiting for you. El and I were curious about this person at the front gate.”

After peeking at the contents of the bowls they ate from, Frank reached to steal a noodle, but his hand was smacked by Ellen. He gave up. “The guy’s a lunatic.” he pulled up a chair and sat down. “I go to the tunnel right? There’s this guy, wearing this green coat, not just green, but check this out, it had yellow trim. The whole country before him and he picks a coat with yellow trim. So I figure . . . Pansy. Harmless. I let him in. And he hands me his bag. I very politely tell him to carry his own bags. And he asks me, is this the Garfield Project. Then he passed out. I had to carry him.”

Ellen’s mouth dropped open. “Oh my God.” She hurried and looked at Henry. “Henry, you don’t think?”

“Could be the real thing, El.” Henry nodded. “Time door.”

“Travel way.”

“He did say the Garfield Project.”

“He knows.” Ellen nodded.

“Let’s go.” Henry jumped up and so did Ellen. Both of them flew from the office.

“Hey!” Frank called out turning in his chair. “Great. They up and leave to see some passed out guy who wears yellow trim. But . . .” Frank smiled. “They left me lunch.” Pulling the two bowls to him, Frank, like Goldie Locks, claimed Ellen and Henry’s food. The noodles were bland and cold, but he was hungry and they were a treat. A small consolation in retrospect of carrying the heavy stranger with a bad coat.

CHAPTER EIGHT

March 4

Ellen checked her list, and was actually grateful to Dean for not giving her too many arms to prick for blood. She was tired, and when Ellen got tired, she lost her focus. Making it somewhat uncomfortable for any patients that have to feel the wrath of her needle setting forth.

She tried to make herself more awake on this morning. She would have had more coffee, but Frank always had it ready to go and he hid the rest of it. ‘Limiting your caffeine intake’ he’d huff at her. So in a zombie-like state she dressed, got the twins off to school and arrived at the clinic. She was sure she fell asleep somewhere in her journeys, but wasn’t certain when.

The easiest was saved for last, Chester. There was nothing Ellen like more than an unconscious patient. Curious about the stranger, and checking her tray of supplies one more time, Ellen walked into Chester’s room. She slowed down in surprise when she saw George sitting there. “George, why are you here? It’s only eight o’clock.”

George stretched and stood from the chair. “I just wanted to speak to the guy about what he knew about the Garfield Project. But, he’s not awake.”

“Maybe he will be after I stick him.” Ellen set the tray on Chester’s legs and rummaged through for her stuff.

“Let me know if he does.” George began to leave the room. “Have a good one.”

“You, too.” Ellen lifted Chester’s arm and applied alcohol. She looked at the cloth that had wiped him off, it was clean. “Weird.” She shrugged and placed a tourniquet on his arm then stuck him with the needle. “So my husband says you wear yellow trim?” She leaned closer to his ear. “Bad choice.” She removed the tube of blood from the hub and added an empty one. “Almost done. Now aren’t I gentle?” Finishing up, she wrote his name across each tube and placed them in the tray. As she lifted it and turned she saw his glasses on the stand next to the bed, she picked them up. They looked odd to her, setting them down it dawned on her--Chester looked odd to her. Placing the tray on the floor, Ellen began to do her own visual observation of the newcomer.

“Molesting patients while they sleep, again, I see.” Joe called out to her as he stepped in the room.

“Joe.” Ellen jumped and released the blanket she was lifting. “You scared me.”

“Ellen why are you looking at that man?”

“Have you Joe?”

“No.” Joe mad a face and shook his head. “I don’t make it a habit to peek under the sheets of sleeping men.”

“Stop it. Have you noticed him? Look at him. Look at his hair.” Ellen pointed. “It’s cut. Very neatly trimmed. And his face, shaven, or at least it was. And do you know when I rubbed the alcohol over his arm, there wasn’t any dirt?”

“So what Ellen, where are you going with this? He cleaned up before he arrived.”

“I’m just saying how odd he is. His glasses.” She picked them up. “Not a scratch on the lenses. They aren’t bent. And his hands, not a callous on them. Everyone here has hands that looked worked. Even Dean.”

“Dean’s hands are not the hands of a worker.”

“Yes, they are. Even mine are and I don’t work that hard.” She showed him. “See. This man is in impeccably good, unscathed condition for living in the wilderness for almost six years.”

“That’s where he’s been.” Joe moved closer. “Where in the hell else do you think he came from? Outer space?” He noticed her mouth opening. “Jesus Christ, he’s not an alien.” He shook his head.

“Well.” Very snooty Ellen picked up her tray. “I can see you aren’t in the mood for anyone else’s opinion.”

“Ellen, you think the man’s an alien?"

“I’ll just leave.” She hugged her tray and began to walk out. “I think I’ll go to the lab and take a nap.”

“Yeah, yeah, you do that.” Joe grumbled as he pulled a chair closer to Chester’s bed. He paused before sitting down. “They're all gone, I tell ya. Every single resident.” He picked up the pair of good condition eye glasses. Scoffing a laugh, Joe set them down. “Looks like you’re gonna fit right in.”

^^^^

They seemed so far away. That simple duffle bag and knapsack with cardboard rolls. But there were a mere few feet from Henry, only the wire of the storage walls separated them. He stared at Chester’s belongings, knowing they held answers about the man who mysteriously showed up asking about the Garfield Project. Answers Henry wanted so desperately to have. He knew he could peek at the things Chester brought, but doing so meant going into storage, and that meant breaking rules.

Moment after moment Henry mind-argued with himself, and just when he justified his examination of the articles. Frank walked in.

“I know there’s a good reason you’re reaching for that padlock.” Frank stated.

“There is.” Henry released the lock. “I was checking it.”

“I see.” Frank stepped closer. “You weren’t by any chance trying to get to that duffle bag and knapsack, were you?”

“Who me?” Henry nervously laughed. “No. No. But . . .” he looked at Frank. “With him asking about the Garfield project, don’t you wonder if he brought anything, I don’t know . . . odd, with him. Something no one else would have.”

“Don’t need to wonder. I know. He did.”

“He did?” Henry questioned. “How do you know?”

“I looked in his bag.” Frank stood proudly. “I’m security. It’s my job to check his stuff.”

“And you found something odd. Something you normally wouldn’t see.”

“Oh yeah, absolutely. I found. Get this. A collection of . . .” Very seriously Frank leaned closer to Henry and whispered as if others were actually around. “A collection of striped golf shirts. How do you like that? Like he’s gonna golf.”

Upon Frank’s words, and after a quick look to the cage that held Chester’s stuff, Henry just left.

^^^^

The smell of coffee was the thing that awakened Ellen from her sleep. The warm fresh aroma, the slight steam causing the moisture on the tip of her nose. With heavy eyes, she lifted up her head.

“Have a good nap?” Dean set the mug down.

Ellen groggily looked at her watched and her head snapped up. “Shit.” She removed her hair from her eyes. “I can’t believe I slept that long. On my arm too.” She reached for the mug, but stopped to feel her face. “I bet I have a red mark.”

Dean stared past the dreaded red mark of sleep on her face. “No, not at all.”

“Liar.”

He laughed. “It’s cute.” He moved closer to her. “Look what I did for you.” He pointed to the counter right above where her head was laying, then reached around her and picked up a slide.

“You did my smears, thank you.” From the slide, Ellen’s views shifted. She noticed his hand in front of her. She took hold of it and began to examine it.

“What are you doing?” Dean asked.

Ellen took the slide from his hand and looked at his palm. “See you do have calluses. I told Joe.”

“You and Joe were discussing my calluses?”

“It’s a long story.” She kept staring at his hand and she ran her fingers over it. “You have really great hands, Dean. I don’t think I’ve never noticed that before.”

Dean opened his hand extending his fingers. “Great hands, huh?” He moved his lips close to her ear. “Great hands, you said once I had great lips. Imagine what I could do for you.”

Both laughing at his flirtatious comment, they stopped, and together, both of them, swayed their heads to the door. Just to make sure.

Ellen relaxed in relief. “I thought for sure Frank would be standing there.”

“He does have an impeccable sense of timing doesn’t he?”

“I think he has radar on me.” Ellen finished her coffee. “I better go. I want to get to containment today early.” As she stood from the stool and began to step away, her foot got caught and she started to lose her balance. She felt Dean quickly snatch her back.

“Whatever you do, don’t fall in here Ellen, or Frank will have the lab off limits too.”

Ellen began to chuckle shaking her head. “This is so weird.” She stopped laughing, and grabbed her small stomach.

“What is?”

“This baby. He started kicking and hasn’t stopped. He totally jumped out of the flutter stage.”

“Is he kicking now?”

Ellen nodded.

“Can I feel? I always thought that was neat.” He waited for her approval and stepped in closer to behind her. He slid his hand down around the front of her to her belly. “There. I felt that.”

“There it is again.” Ellen moved his hand to the kick.

Dean, one hand on Ellen’s shoulder, the other one on her twitching stomach, smiled. “This is neat. I can’t believe Frank gets this.”

Once again, his timing was right on. Frank walked in, vocal as usual. “All right. I can remain calm here. I don’t like what I see. So remaining calm . . . Dean, get your fuckin' hands off my wife.”

Dean’s hand lifted in reaction and he stepped back. “Sorry Frank, I was just feeling the baby.”

“El? Why are you letting him feel my son?” Frank moved to her and hunched to her level. “You look tired.”

Dean shouted from across the room. “She shouldn’t be, she slept on the counter again.”

Ellen dreaded that coming out. She gave a dirty look to Dean. “Thanks, Dean for . . .”

“El.” Frank interrupted. “Why were you sleeping on the counter? Is he working you too hard?”

Dean didn’t let Ellen answer. “Yeah, I’m the regular slave driver around here.”

Franks head swayed back and forth. “Why does he have to butt into our conversation?”

“Because you’re in my lab.” Dean replied.

Frank turned his views to Dean. “I wouldn’t be having conversations with my wife in your lab if you didn’t have to have her in here all the time. Touching her all the time.”

Dean laughed arrogantly at him as he continued his work. “Yeah, that’s why I bring her in here. To grope at your pregnant wife. Live out my fantasies. How many times do I have to tell you, Frank, I don’t need fantasies. I have memories. Besides, someone has to stimulate her intellectually.”

“You know . . .” Frank’s huge handed pointed outward. “I come in here, I remain calm. I try to be civilized. But no, you want to trade insults with me.”

“No, Frank I don’t. It would be inane, not to mention frustrating to me to get into a battle of wits with someone who still enjoys reading, ‘See Spot Run’.”

“That’s it. Calms over.” Frank charged forth. “Let’s See Dean Run.”

As Dean began to back up, Ellen, in a heroic move, grasped tightly to the back of Frank’s pants. She slid along with each step Frank took. “Go, Dean, run. I’ll hold him back.”

“Dean!” Henry bolted in, stopping the tension, being in his own way superman for saving the day. “That guy is waking up.”

Forgetting that there was even an argument starting, Dean stopped running from Frank and took off down the hall towards Chester’s room.

Frank, deciding that Joe would want to be there to find out about the survivor, pressed in his wireless on his belt as he and Ellen walked down the hall. “Dad, this if Frank. Come in.”

“Yeah, Frank?” Joe spoke into his radio, stepping out of Andrea’s office as he did. He spotted Frank a few feet away and put down his radio. “What’s up?”

“That guy.” Frank continued speaking in his headset. “The one with the yellow . . .”

“Frank! I’m right here.”

“Oh.” Frank released the button. “Sorry. Chester’s awake.”

^^^^

Chester groggily reached for his glasses and placed them on. It was an eerie sight at first watching all the people in his room; go from a blur into a focus. He sipped the water Andrea gave him. And placed it back down. “Thank you for your kindness.”

Dean moved closer to the bed. “Chester, you passed out. Do you remember that?”

“Yes I do.” He adjusted his glasses. “I remember being greeted by him.” He pointed to Frank. “I asked him if this is the Garfield Project.”

“How do you know about that?” Dean questioned.

“I was told to come here. I had the plans. How else was I to find this place? You know this.” He spoke assuredly. “Oh I understand, this is a test. I must gain your trust.”

“It’s just that no other survivor knew that. And they weren’t as well maintained as you.”

“I certainly wouldn’t think.” Chester sat up further in bed. “Is that what you call yourselves? Survivors? I can’t say whether I like that name or not. Anyway, no the other survivors shouldn’t be as maintained as I. The skin should be dryer. I was in the better facility.”

Dean’s head shuddered. He stepped back. “Facility?” He turned back to Andrea and Joe. “Either one of you guys want to try him before council makes a decision.”

Joe held his hand up and stepped forth. “Chester. What are you talking about facility?”

“The facility in Cleveland. Of course I have no idea how long I was frozen. I know it was suppose to be for one year, somehow the time system must have gotten . . .” He stopped when he heard the burst of laughter in the room. “Why are you laughing?”

“I’m sorry.” Joe rubbed his nose with the back of his hand and took a breath. He looked to everyone behind him for them to be quiet. “It’s just that you said you were frozen.”

“Cryogenically frozen at the onset of the plague. Me and fifty-three others were frozen in the top facility in Cleveland.”

Joe continued in his questioning. “Why were you and the others frozen Chester? And where are they now?”

“They died, as soon as the air hit them they caught the plague and died. Unfortunately most were the cryogenics personnel. Top fifty minds in different science fields. I am a Bio-physicist.”

“Sure you are.” Joe tried not to laugh. “And why did they freeze you and the other fifty top minds?”

“To start the country over again. You know this. Aren’t you people the top fifty minds in engineering and medical that were frozen here?”

Dean’s laughter came through the loudest. “You are greeted at the gate by Frank, and you have to ask that?”

Chester was confused. “You’re not the top fifty minds?” He slid in his bed. “Then they’re still frozen in this community. I thought it was odd that you were released.”

Andrea was having a hard time controlling herself. To be polite she left the room. George followed behind her. Henry sat in the corner of the room in a chair taking it all in. He didn’t want to take any tone of believing toward Chester, especially since he was the target of everyone’s ridicule.

Joe was enjoying it, the delusion of the newest survivor. “So Chester there are fifty top minds frozen here in the community. Well pal, we’ve lived here for almost six years and we . . .”

“Six years!” Chester sprang forth. “Six years? The plagues been over for that long? My God did the system screw up. I was not supposed to be out that long. How much damage was done in the last six years? We have to get those people and release them.”

Joe noticed the excitement of Chester who began to thrash about. “Calm down. There are no fifty frozen people here. You would think we would have noticed that.”

“You don’t believe me?” Chester became smug. “If there were a scientist amongst you, you would see that I am telling you the truth.”

“I’m a scientist.” Dean spoke up. “I have a hard time believing this. You say they cryogenically froze the top fifty minds in different fields? Well I was considered the top mind in my field and I wasn’t frozen.”

“Then obviously you weren’t.” Chester raised his eyebrows in arrogance to Dean. “Now if you people will show me to my quarters, I can get to work.” He flung off the covers and stepped out of bed.

Joe stuck his hand out. “Hold up a minute. We have rules in the community, pal. We have steps everyone follows, and you, top mind or not.” He turned his head to snicker. “Have to follow them.”

Chester straightened his clothes which had become wrinkled from sleeping in them. He seemed appalled by it. “I hardly think you are going to stop me if I walk right out that door.”

Joe stepped back. “No. I won’t . . . He will.” He pointed to Frank.

With arms crossed, Frank stood toe to toe with Chester. “I carried your ass for a mile.” He voice pushed Chester back. “Don’t think I can’t throw your ass back in that bed.” Frank’s placed his hands on his hips and his face close to the visitor’s.

Chester jumped back and climbed into bed.

“Now stay there!” Frank commanded and moved to Ellen to lead her out.

“We’ll be back. Ellen, I need you to prep room in containment.” Joe spoke sternly and walked to the door.

Chester’s head twitched as he watched his visitors leave. “Containment? What’s containment?”

Joe smiled widely. “You’ll find out.” As Joe began to walk out he noticed Dean standing quiet by the door. “Don’t let that insult get to you, Dean. Consider where it’s coming from.”

Dean shook his head and waved his hand. “No, no, that’s not it. But . . . if they really did freeze the top minds. I would have been one of them . . . right?”

Joe reached over and patted him on the shoulder winking. “Sure, Dean. How could they forget you?” Finished with the pacifying, Joe grew perturbed. “Dean. Think about what you just said.”

“You’re right. That was pretty ‘Frank’ of me. Don’t take him to containment yet. I have tests to finish on him.”

“Not a problem.” Joe said and turned. “Frank.”

“Yeah, Dad.” Frank answered.

“I need you to stay by this door, make sure that Chester boy doesn’t run amok in the community. Just until we get another guard here.” He took three steps forward and stopped. “And if you will, intimidate the guy for us.”

“No problem. I’ll just go in and stare. That usually works.” Frank winked.

“You do that.” Joe gave the thumbs up. “Let’s go, Dean.”

Before he followed, Dean inched his way to Ellen whispering. “Really, El, if they froze the top fifty minds, I . . .”

“Dean!” Joe snapped. “Get over it. Get back to work. Ellen. Containment. Henry . . . um, whatever.” He waved out his hand and walked on.

Behind the three that were led by Joe, Dean, dallied along, feeling--even without good reason--a little dejected.

^^^^

For some odd reason, Joe kept hearing in his mind the Foreigner song, Cold as Ice. It really wasn’t his style of music, so his memory had placed Frank Sinatra singing it in a bubbly, swinging manner and Joe’s rear did a little swish of a jig as he moved around his desk. He stopped in the middle of laying down his paperwork because he wore he heard a giggle. Shrugging, cigarette dangling from his mouth, he knew he wasn’t alone when he smelled the warm aroma of chicken soup.

With a ‘huh’ and removal of his cigarette, Joe turned around. “Andrea.”

Andrea stood by the door, large mug in hand, waving and smiling. “Cute. I brought you lunch.”

“Gotta go.” Joe swiped up his paper work, grabbed his coat and moved to the door.

“Joe.” Andrea sang out. “What’s going on? We were getting so close. Sharing our grief, our sadness, our stories. I was starting to get used to . . .”

“Stop.” Joe held up his hand. “That’s the problem. You were getting used to it. Now, you’re a married woman, Andrea. I know a lot of men in the community are into this ‘share a woman' respecting. . . . .”

“Understandings. They’re called Understandings when two men share a woman.”

“Whatever. That’s not me. So before you want to divulge in an understanding and you find yourself madly in love with me, I . . .”

“Joe Slagel!” She gasped out. “How dare you. Sweet Jesus, do you think you’re some sort of Casanova that a woman won’t be able to resist you?”

“For the integrity of the position I hold, I gonna believe the answer to that question to be yes. And use that as my excuse to . . . run.” With that Joe opened up his office door and bolted.

^^^^

Frozen. Chester. People. Top minds. All whispered words that rose above the others and made their way to Dean as he worked in his lab. He tried to ignore the two cackling, low volume voices outside his door. But the more he thought they would end, they more the voices merged together and kept on going. Having enough, he walked across the lab, grabbing a phlebotomy tray as he went to the door.

“So then I was thinking.” Henry whispered to Ellen. “I was . . . Dean.”

“What about him?” Ellen asked.

“Dean.” Henry motioned his head.

Ellen turned around, looked behind her and shrieked when Dean was right there.

Dean did a flash raise of his eyebrows. “Hey.” Dean closed his eyes when at the same time, in some sort of excuse for what they were doing, Henry and Ellen began to ramble fast. Dean couldn’t decipher their words, nor did he want to. “Stop. I don’t care.” He handed Ellen the tray. “If you want to investigate this delusional man. Go on. But get me some blood. Thanks.” He turned and walked back into the lab.

Grinning, Ellen looked at Henry. “He is so smart.”

“Yeah. And you know he wants to know. He just doesn’t want us to know he does.” He pointed to the phlebotomy tray. “His way.”

“My way.” Ellen hugged the tray. “I’ll meet you at containment.” Happily and almost with a ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ skip, Ellen moved down the hall.

“Afternoon Chester.” Chipper and perky, Ellen walked into his room. She winked at Frank who sat in the chair, then walked to Chester’s bed and placed the tray on the stand. “How are you?”

“Miserable. You people are holding me against my will and I have work.”

“What uh . . . what kind of work” Ellen prepared the things in her tray.

“You are beneath me and I do not divulge information to grunts. And that’s what you people are. The workers. Obviously with this gorilla watching me.”

“Hey.” Ellen turned from the tray. “That gorilla is my husband.”

“Figures.” Chester saw the needle she held. “I certainly hope you have had some sort of professional train . . . ow!” He shrieked. “Aren’t you supposed to . . . ow . . use a . . . ow . . Tourniquet when you . . . ow!”

Frank grinned.

^^^^

“Here, Dean.” Ellen slammed the tray of blood in front of him. “I’m done.”

“What’s wrong? Talk with the new guy not go good.”

Ellen lifted her bangs from her eyes then tossed about her hair. “Let’s just say . . . Wait until I get him in containment.”

Dean laughed. “That bad?”

“Yeah. But I don’t think he’ll be rude with me again. I’m heading back to containment.” She gave a half wave and began to leave the lab.

Dean looked into the tray and pulled out tubes, slowly, almost in shock, he called out her name. “Ellen?”

“Huh?” She stopped in the doorway.

“There are twelve tubes of blood in here. How in the hell did you get twelve tubes of blood from him.”

“Arms, hands, feet, knees, and . . .” She smiled. “One little one from the groin.”

Dean looked astonished at all the tubes on the counter. “Can I ask why?”

“He pissed me off.” She turned and left.

Dean whistled loudly as he glanced over all the blood samples he didn’t need. But he’d find use for them. He did have to wonder, if in all the torturous venipuncture Ellen did, if she questioned him at all about the ‘frozen top mind’ plan.

^^^^

“Nothing.” Ellen plopped in defeat into her desk chair.

“Shit.” Henry stomped.

“He’s a prick.” Ellen stated. “He’s not giving any information. He has attitude. And people aren’t going to believe him. I mean, they don’t even believe you about the . . .” Her eyes grew wide. “Henry.”

“You don’t think.”

“I do.” Ellen stood up.

“But how can we find out?” He asked.

“He said he brought information.”

“But that would be in his stuff.” Henry saw her grin. “That would be so wrong. It’s against the rules.” He watched her step closer.

“Henry, you’re on council. You would have every reason to look. Concern for the community.”

Henry let out a sigh. “But I would get into trouble if I got caught.” He paused then spoke rapidly and excited. “So we’d have to do it after two a.m. when the lazy town guard is on.”

“Tonight?” Ellen asked.

“Yeah.” Henry nodded. “Tonight. Can you sneak out without Frank knowing?”

Ellen waved her hand and nearly scoffed in a nod. “Piece of cake.”

^^^^

Of all nights for Frank to be snuggling up to her. Ellen looked at the clock it was near two. Yet she was trapped. Frank’s heavy arm draped over hers and his fingers intertwined with her own. He spooned behind her, head resting on her shoulder, foot crossed over hers. Ellen thought he must have known what she was planning. Why else would he pin her there like that, making it impossible for her to move.

Slowly she spread her fingers, and pulled her hand from Frank’s. Her hand tingled from the lack of circulation. She grabbed his arm and lifted it slightly. Slowly, without even shaking the bed she slid out and dropped on to the floor, laying his arm back down.

She made it. Tip toeing so not to wake Frank, she began to leave her bedroom.

“Where are you going?” He groggily called out.

“To the bathroom.” She whispered.

“Why are you sneaking?”

“I wasn’t, why would you ask that?”

Frank sat up and turned on the light. “El.” He rubbed his eyes. “I can tell. Where are you going?”

“I’m hungry. I’m just going to go downstairs now.”

“I’ll come with you.” He flung off the covers.

“No!” She held up her hands, screaming dramatically and immediately pulling up that fake crying sound. “Why Frank? Why! Why can’t I be alone to swim in a sweet substance to take away this pitiful pregnancy depression that . . .”

“All right.” Frank shut off the light. “Be alone.”

Smiling with a clenched fist and a thought ‘yes’ Ellen left the bedroom.

Outside Henry paced, hands in his baggy pants, his shoulders hunched, he made miniature circles around and around. He would have heard the front screen door open if Ellen wouldn’t have been so quiet at it. He didn’t notice her coming out.

“Boo.” She whispered loudly then giggled as he jumped.

“What took you so long?” Henry tried to pass off that she startled him.

“Nothing.” Ellen looked up to her bedroom window. “Let’s hurry, before Frank hears us.”

“Oh he’s just gonna kill me if he finds out I had you out at two in the morning.”

“Frank will never know. I’ll be back in bed before he even notices I’m gone.”

Ducking the guard that walked the street, Henry and Ellen quietly made their way to the large silver building which rested in a line with the other storage facilities.

Henry nervously fiddled with the keys for the door of the building without windows. He kept peering behind him to see if anyone was approaching or had seen them. His finger tips were numb from the cold. “I can’t believe we’re doing this.”

“Shut up and open the door.” Ellen stayed close to him.

Henry pulled off the padlock then entered his security code in the alarm. “All they have to do is run a security check and they are gonna know I was in here at this hour.”

Ellen shoved him in, then shut the door. “So what. John Matoose or Frank would be the ones who do it. They’ll go to you first. They won’t snitch.”

“Let me find the light.” Henry felt the wall next to him and turned it on. “Look at this place.” He stared around the warehouse with cage-like storage bins. “This way.” He led her to the cage with all of Chester’s belongings. Once again, he fiddled with his keys and opened that lock. “This isn’t right.”

“Quit being such a sap.” Ellen hurried inside, immediately dropped to the floor and unzipped the duffle bag. “Oh look. He neatly folded his clothes.” She began to pull them out, shaking them, going through the pockets, then tossing them. “Henry, check those tubes.”

Henry apprehensive did.

“Henry, he is a Bio-physicist.” Ellen pulled out a large blue text book. And read the title. “FUN WITH PHYSICS, by Chester Arnold Nelson.” She tossed the book aside. “He has absolutely nothing in here that has to do with the Garfield Project. What about in those tubes?”

“Nothing.” Henry plopped on the floor. “They’re posters of cars. Old ones.” A little angry and disappointed he whipped the poster of the red convertible across the chicken wire cage. As he reached over to pick it up he noticed the back of it. “This isn’t right.”

“What’s wrong?” Ellen crawled over.

“The back of this poster.” Henry picked it up and ran his hand across. “I know this paper.” He brought his finger and thumb to the corner of the poster and fiddled with it, it began to peel apart. “Bingo.” He pulled on the poster as it separated from the paper Henry recognized. “Check the other one.”

Ellen grabbed the second poster. “This is one, too. What is this?”

“Plans to the community.” Henry held the rolling up blue prints. “I need to spread these out somewhere.”

“Let’s take them.”

“Oh, El we can’t do that.” He said, though not convincingly.

“Sure we can.” She waved her hand at him and rolled up the blue prints. “Who’s gonna know? We’ll roll the poster part of these plans back up, stick them in the tubes, and if Chester notices, no one is going to believe him anyway.”

Henry caught a twinkle in his eye. “For the sake of the community he really shouldn’t have these anyhow.”

“That’s right.”

“And if we find the frozen smart people, then the point of us taking these will be moot . . . O.K.” Henry rolled up his plan. “Let me grab the other one, and we’ll get the hell out of here and look at these back at my house.”

“Do you know how to read these?” Ellen asked.

“Oh, sure. Yeah. I think. I’ll try. Let’s go. We don’t have much time. Frank will know you’re gone.” Henry gathered up the stuff as quickly as he could. Not really caring, they just tossed Chester’s clothes back in the bag, figuring they’d blame any wrinkles on Frank. Leaving the things laying like they were, they hurried from the storage facility to Henry’s house so they could view the plans.

^^^^

Ellen didn’t mind having to sneak back into the house, she planned on that anyway. What she did mind was the fact that she was cutting it so close. She was annoyed that she fell asleep during Henry’s anal examination of the blue prints. Spreading them out on his table one by one and going over them with a magnifying glass. Passing out would have been all well and fine for her had Henry just shook her and told her to go home. But he let her sleep until he realized how late, or rather how early it actually was.

Slipping off her shoes before opening her bedroom door, Ellen bent down to check for light through the crease in the bottom. The room was dark. Slowly, without making a sound, she opened the bedroom door to the silent room. Ellen was relieved. Frank was still asleep. Ellen . . . was wrong.

The bedroom light flicked on, brightening the room, and Frank, who laid on the already made bed, fully dressed. He face was stern, his jaws twitched as he glared at her. “Where the hell have you been?”

“Hi Frank. Boy you’re up early.” She fake stretched and unzipped her pants as she made her way to her side of the bed.

“Answer me.” He stood from the bed. “I wake up, I see you’re not in bed. I look downstairs and see the light. I figured, hey, I’ll get dressed first then go down and tell you to go to bed. But what do I hear?” His hand flung out. “I hear the front door opening. It’s six o’clock in the fuckin' morning Ellen! Where were you?”

“Frank. You’re overreacting.” Ellen grabbed the blanket off the foot of the bed. “Can we discuss this later?”

“No! We’ll discuss this now! Overreacting?” He snatched the blanket from her. “My wife is sneaking into the house at six in the morning and I can’t ask her where she was?”

“All right. All right.” She spoke trying to calm him, even though he did look sort of intimidating staring at her with his hands on his hips, gun in his shoulder harness. “I was with Henry.”

Frank took a shocking breath. “Henry. You were with Henry?”

“Yeah, we were out looking . . .”

“That’s all I need to hear.” Frank snatched his radio from the stand. “I’ll speak to you later.”

“Frank stop.” Ellen charged at him. “What are you doing?”

“I’m going to see Henry.” Frank huffed. “Because this shit is going to stop. I let you two run around, chasing God knows what. But the line has been crossed. No more Misfits of Mystery, El. No more.”

“You can’t tell me what I can and cannot do.”

“Watch me.” Frank pointed angrily at her and stormed from the bedroom.

Ellen jolted slightly at the slamming door. She shrugged her shoulders, grabbed her blanket, and laid down for a little before she had to start her shift work.

^^^^

Henry was on the final blue print. The one he had waited to get to. The one with ‘the wall’. Perhaps Henry should have viewed it earlier. But he wanted to wait. It was like he had to build the excitement to reach a certain momentum and he was now there. As he placed his mugs around the edges of the curling paper, three very loud, banging pounds came from his front door. Quickly, he rolled up the blue print and tossed it under his table. He walked slowly to his front door and opened it. Frank stood there leaning in the archway, arms crossed in the usual Frank manner. He looked angry to Henry, but then Frank was wearing his black leather jacket, and that always added so much depth to Frank’s intimidation. “Hi, Frank. Come on in.” He opened the door wider.

“Up really early, Henry? Or were you out all night?” Frank’s words were sharp.

“Actually.” Henry started walking to his living room. “I was working . . . shit.” He turned quickly on his heels to Frank. “It’s not what you think.”

“It is exactly as I think.” Frank slammed his door. “What the hell is the matter with you?” Frank stepped to him. His voice loud but not at its highest level . . . yet. “Huh Henry? Do you realize you had my pregnant wife out running around this town at two in the morning?”

“Frank look, I can explain.” Henry backed up. He knew that look on Frank’s face.

“Then go on Henry explain to me. Explain why you had my wife running around all night.” He moved closer to Henry. “But let me tell you one thing. I like you. You’re my friend. But I am this close.” Frank’s hand made a sharp cutting action downward. “This close to beating the fuck out of you for putting her and my baby at risk.”

“I’m sorry. You’re right..” Henry saw a little of the glare leave Frank’s eyes. “But she wasn’t running around the whole time. In fact she slept most of it. We were working in here.” Henry pointed back to the table. “And she fell asleep. I got caught up in our work and I kind of lost track of the time.” He hunched up his shoulders.

“What are you working on?”

“I can’t tell you yet.” Henry noticed Frank’s vein in his temple. And he had to stop that boiling point from happening. “But listen to me Frank. This is for real, and very important. It’s more important to the community than you or even Ellen and I, expected. And we’re so close to an end.”

Frank began to calm down. “How close?”

“Real close.” Henry looked him in the eye. “We are right there.”

“Twenty-four hours.” Frank zipped up his coat.

“What?” Henry chased him as he began to leave.

“You heard me. Twenty-four hours, Henry. If you’re that close, end it in twenty-four hours. After that, I have to pull the plug.” He opened the front door. “This is my wife, this is my baby.”

“I understand.”

“Good. Cause I mean it Henry, next time I won’t be so nice about it.” He stormed out shutting the door harshly.

“Glad you were being nice, Frank.” Henry spoke to himself sarcastically. Then after shuddering off the air of mean Frank left behind, Henry returned to the blueprints.

CHAPTER NINE

March 5

Joe heard it as he drew closer to Frank’s office door. That steady thumping sound. It was loud and slow. And the closer he came to the door, the louder it was. “What the hell is that?” Joe spoke out loud as he reached for the handle. Hearing one more thump, he turned the knob, opened the door, and stepped inside Frank’s office. “Hey Frank are . .” Whap! Taking him by surprise and beaming him in the head was a red rubber ball that Frank always threw about.

“Shit Dad, I’m sorry.”

“Frank.” Joe picked the ball up and whaled it back across the room at Frank, smacking him in his chest. “What the hell’s the matter with you?”

“I’m sorry.” Frank picked the ball up off the floor and shoved it in a drawer, trying not to laugh.

“Christ Almighty.” Joe rubbed his head and grabbed a chair, pulling it to Frank’s desk.

“So what’s up?” Frank sat back down, rocking a little in his chair.

“It’s one o’clock.”

Frank glanced down at his watch. “That it is. Thanks.”

“Frank! We’re supposed to meet here at one today to discuss security.”

“Oh.” Frank snapped forward. “I knew I had to be back here for something. Can we not get too in-depth? I have a lot on my mind.”

“I’ll try not to inconvenience your thoughts.”

“Thanks.”

After a grunt, Joe read off the papers he held. “I was reviewing your morning reports. Now, what about the back perimeter. Is it all right? You reported a problem with the beam.”

“Fuckin' squirrels. They keep gnawing on it. They keep on thinking they can chew on this silver shiny thing. Stupid.”

“They’re animals, Frank. Is that the problem with it?”

“Yeah.” Frank cupped his hands behind his head.

“Then it’s working all right? Why the hell did you put down that there was a problem?”

“Because there is. The squirrels. I kicked out seventeen dead squirrel bodies yesterday. Seventeen.”

Joe dropped his pencil and rubbed his eyes. “Then it’s not the beam, Frank. It’s the squirrels.”

“That’s what I said.”

“No, Frank. You wrote down the beam . . . All right. I’m not going to let this get to me. I’m just going to figure you had other things on your mind this morning when you wrote this.”

“I did.” Frank slumped down. “My wife was . . .”

“I don’t wanna hear. Get over it. You have a job to do.” Joe grabbed the pencil again. “I’m afraid to ask, but you have written here, a problem with the field fence. What’s wrong there?”

“Birds. They keep getting stuck . . .”

“Frank! Is our equipment working?”

“Yes.”

“Then there isn’t a problem. Clear your mind when you do this shit.” He threw his pencil at him. “I’ll have Dean mix up that poison we use on the rabbits and you can lace that area by the back gates. But as far as the birds go. There’s nothing we can do. Just keep poking them off.” Joe began to gather up his things. “That’s all. I have to get out of here before I get a headache. And Frank . . .”

Frank looked up.

“Take care of that problem.”

“I will. Soon.” After his father left, Frank stood up. “No. I think . . . now.” He moved to leave his office.

^^^^

“Where’s Chester?” Ellen asked peering around her circle of survivors in the skills room.

Gene, one of the survivors stood up. “In the back. Want me to get him?”

“Could you?” Ellen asked. “I mean, this is your big day in the survivor sun. Your idea for an exercise.”

“My pleasure.” Gene turned to leave but stopped. “Looks like I don’t have to.”

“Excuse me!” Chester charged forth holding a blue clothing object in his hand. “Someone has taken my stuff.”

“Chester.” Ellen remained calm. “No one takes anyone’s stuff here.”

“You know exactly what I’m talking about.” He leaned to her. “Look at my shirt.” He dangled it. It is completely unacceptable and I hold you responsible for placing it in the order in which it was when I arrived.” He shoved it into Ellen.

Ellen shoved it right back. “Sit down before you piss me off.”

“I will not. I am not finished with you yet.”

Gene tried to be a peacemaker at that moment, stepping in, placing his hand on Chester’s shoulder. “Now son, just take a seat . . .”

Chester swiped his hand away. “I will not sit with you animals. I am not one of you.”

Ellen stepped in his path, she stood between Chester and Gene. “You won’t come in here and start with these people. We have rules. You want out? Follow them. Sit!”

Chester was not letting the little woman with the big mouth get the best of him. “I refuse.” He moved her aside rather abruptly while pointing to Gene. “And I’ll go through you if I have to.” Chester watched Gene step back. In fact he saw everyone get up from their seats and step back. It amazed him, he was never so threatening in his entire life. Then it dawned on him, he wasn’t the reason they stepped back. It happened so fast, he felt himself being spun around, his shirt was grabbed and he saw Frank. The vision of Frank lasted only a second; it was followed by a tremendous amount of pain and numbness, right smack dab to his jaw.

Frank didn’t let Chester fall backwards like his body tried to. He held him for a second, waited for his eyes to stop rolling, and he tossed Chester back on to the floor. Barreling over to him, he lifted Chester’s head and placed his face close to his. “Touch my wife again and I’ll break your fuckin' neck.” Frank dropped him then turned to Ellen. “I need to talk to you. Now!”

Ellen rolled her eyes as he rushed by her. After informing Gene to handle the class, she went to her office where Frank was waiting. “What is it, Frank?” She shut the door.

“What are you doing? You can’t step in between a confrontation.”

“There wasn’t any confrontation. End of that discussion. Next topic.”

“I came to talk to you about this morning.” He moved to her. “I’m calmer, we can talk.”

“You’re calmer?” Ellen laughed. “O.K, I’m game, discuss.”

Frank opened his mouth, thought about what she said, closed it tightly in frustration, then tried again. “I still think you were wrong for being out all night in your condition.”

“I was wrong for sneaking out. My reasons for going were right.” Ellen set herself in an argument mode. “What else is there to discuss? Oh wait, I know. How about the fact that you called us, the misfits of mystery. I resent that.”

“El, the two of you suck at it. You can’t do anything without looking obvious or getting caught. Now.” He placed his hands on her shoulders. “I have decided not to pull the plug.”

“Thank you, Frank.” Ellen hugged him. “You really surprise me.”

“For twenty-four hours.” As his head rested on hers, he felt her pull back. “What’s wrong?”

“What do you mean twenty-four hours? I really hope you aren’t giving me a time limit.”

“As a matter of fact . . . I am.” Frank nodded. “Twenty-four hours. I haven’t said shit to anyone; I’ve been good about that. But not now. Finish it up, you haven’t much time.”

“Or what?” Ellen crossed her arms.

“Or I tell my Dad.”

“What? You think that scares me? Do you think Joe scares me? Go ahead tell Joe. I’m not stopping in twenty-four hours.”

“O.K.” Frank shrugged and started to walk pass her.

“Stop.” Ellen grabbed the back of his shirt. If she could see the smug look on his face she would have been mad. “Be reasonable. We need more time. Seventy-two hours.”

“El.” Frank turned back to her. “This isn’t a bargaining thing. Twenty-four hours.”

“Come on Frank, some sort of compromise. Please?”

Frank saw the pleading, puppy-dog look in her eye. And being the reasonable man that he was, he knew he could eventually take advantage of that. “How’s this? Forty-eight hours, but no sneaking . . .” He watched Ellen nod. “No leaving walking range.” She nodded to him again. “No field house, the equipment in there is too dangerous. And Henry isn’t allowed to drag you into the tunnels.”

Ellen readied to complain, then stopped and smiled. “He can’t drag me in the tunnels?”

Frank shook his head. “Nope.”

“All right you have a deal. But you can’t forget the rules you just told me.”

“I won’t. See how nice I am?” Frank leaned down to kiss her.

“Ellen!” Henry came flying into her office plans in hand, feet sliding as he came to a halt at the two kissing. “I, uh.” They both turned to him; he stuck the plans behind his back. “I uh . . . I uh.”

Frank let go of Ellen, he was smiling. “It’s O.K. Henry.” He patted him on his back as he walked past him. “Talk away. Plan away. We’ve worked everything out.” Frank waved and winked at his wife as he left her office gloating.

Henry hurried and shut her door. Rushing, he made room on her desk and spread out the blueprints. “El.” He tilted his head. “I found them.”

^^^^

Dean could smell it before he saw it set in front of him on the counter. A new tactic for Ellen, but a tactic none-the-less. Did she think he was stupid? It had to be big if she was parting with that cake. “What do you want?” He didn’t even turn around. He felt her move up closer to behind him. Hearing her warm, whispering words, ‘I need you’ in his ear, gave him a type of twinge he would be too embarrassed to mention. “Ellen.” He turned his stool to her. “What?”

Ellen tilted her head. “I have this small favor to ask you.”

“It’s not small. I can tell. What is it?” Dean was curious now.

“I need you to cover for me with Frank. During tonight’s monthly meeting, when you’re telling everyone about the plague being cured, I’m gonna sneak out with Henry.”

“No. Absolutely not.” Dean shook his head violently. “I will not cover for something like that. Haven’t you learned you lesson? In fact. I’m going to Frank about this.”

Ellen rolled her eyes. “What is it with the men in the community being such snitches? Frank will know I’m with Henry. He’s just not going to know where.”

“Is it dangerous? Cause if it’s dangerous . . .” He saw the ‘yeah, yeah, move on with it’ expression on her face. “I’m serious; I can’t allow you to put yourself in any situation that could be potentially dangerous . . .”

“Dean!” Ellen calmed herself. “It’s not. It’s only damp, and I’ll wear a jacket. Please. It is so important. You know I wouldn’t ask you to do something if it wasn’t important.”

“Yes you would. You always do. All right, what do you need me to do?”

“You are so great.” She kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you. I need you to stop Frank from following us. He won’t leave before you’re done with your speech because he’ll be watching the twins. But afterwards, occupy him, talk to him.”

“You want me to converse with Frank. About what? We have nothing in common.”

“You’ll think of something.” Ellen glanced down at her watch. “Thank you. I have to get the twins. I owe you Dean.”

Dean shook his head as he heard her bolt out. “You always owe me, Ellen.” He returned to his work as he spoke to himself. “Like I’m ever getting paid back.” He slowed before he started working. “Talk to Frank?”

^^^^

What was their reaction going to be? Dean kept thinking to himself as he approached the front of the social hall to speak to everyone in Beginnings that had gathered for the monthly meeting. Joe gave his introduction, saying that he didn’t know what Dean was going to say, but he was sure it was important and Dean would keep it short so as not to bore everyone into an early sleep. The thought of speaking in front of everyone made Dean squirm. He hated it. The information he was about to share with them, he felt, was big. But to everyone in that room, the plague was dead and buried. Had been for six years. So would they care? George did, that was because he knew about it. But even George didn’t know how far Dean had gone with it in the past few weeks.

Nervously, hands in pockets, brow sweating just a tad, Dean cleared his throat and pulled out a wrinkled piece of paper. “I’d really like to have everyone’s full attention when I say this. It’s really important.” He glanced up as the whispers ceased. He stared around at the faces before continuing. They shuffled in their seats. He caught glimpse of Ellen whispering something in Frank’s ear before she moved to Henry. “I have it written down what I want to say, but I think I’ll shoot straight from the hip.” The room was so silent. He wanted to speak, but couldn’t until he saw Ellen and Henry safely sneak out. Just when they did and just wanted to start, he watched George, oddly stand from his seat and followed them out. He stalled long enough, it was time to begin. “We have all come to the realistic approach that this virus, this plague, will be with us forever. Just because you and I can live with this, there are others who don’t stand a chance.” He let his mind drift to Sarah’s baby. “When the plague first started, and I was brought to work on it, no one told me how deadly, or how fast it moved. It took from you and me, everything about this world we loved most. I hated the virus; it was an enemy that frightened me. I didn’t know it. To beat your enemy . . .” Dean took a deep breath. “You have to know it. This virus beat me. And I promised myself that if it took everything I had, everything I was, I would not let this take another life.” He clenched his fist tightly. “But it did. It came back. A lot of you don’t know this.” His eyes sought Sarah out in the crowd. “An innocent child, not born with the immunity gene we took for granted, was taken from his mother. Here in this community. This fall. And when that happened, it drove me. It drove me to where I am now. That’s why I stand here. And yes . . . I can say, I stand proud. Because I can look at you.” He turned to his friends. “I can stand here and I can promise you with everything I am, that it will never happen again. The virus will never take another one of us. Not your child. Not mine, not any of ours. Because Ellen and I . . . we beat it. It is stoppable now. The nightmare is over. We’ve finally won.”

The three or four seconds of silence in the room seemed like an eternity. It seemed to tell Dean they could care less. His heart dropped. All his hard work--did no one care? His thoughts ceased when a loud eruption of cheers filled the room with an energy of which he had never felt before. Pummeled immediately with proud arms around him, Joe embraced Dean. He took Dean’s face in his hands and looked upon him like a proud father.

“You son of a bitch.” Joe embraced him again, tossing Dean’s small body about. “Son of a bitch, I am proud of you.”

Dean was engulfed. Questions, hugs, pride. Smacks to the arm also for not divulging how close he was. The he stood among the congratulating people. He couldn’t enjoy it too long; he had a promise to keep. Frank to contend with. And he noticed through the commotion, George had just returned and was making his way over to Frank.

“Frank, you have a minute?” George touched his hand upon Frank’s folded arms.

Frank still looked at everyone’s excitement. He too was proud. Proud because his wife was part of the reason for everyone’s celebration. “What’s up George? Isn’t this great?”

“Yeah it is.” George tried to stand in front of him. “Frank this is important.” He grew nervous. “I didn’t want to say anything. But I feel now it’s time. This is serious.”

“What’s up?” Frank asked

Dean could hear the conversation beginning as he made his approached. Slowly he crept over listening, ready to interrupt if necessary.

“Frank . . . I know I shouldn’t say anything, but Henry confessed his true feelings to me about Ellen.” George explained.

That caught Frank’s attention. “True feelings. Why is this the first I’m hearing this.”

George lifted his hand in surrender. “I should have said something sooner. But it’s out of control. They just snuck off again, I followed. Henry told me, and his exact words were ‘I need to be close to her’. I didn’t think much of it, but now . . . they took a blanket with them.”

Frank’s nostrils flared, his face turned red. “Where did they go?”

“To the tunnels.” George stepped back. “Sorry.”

“Son of a bitch.” Frank huffed loudly and began to storm out. He stopped on Dean’s call.

“Frank!” Dean chased him. “I need to speak to you.”

“Not now, Dean.” Frank shook his hand.

“Frank, stop.” Dean grabbed his arm then quickly let go when Frank glared at him. “I heard what George said. He’s wrong. There’s nothing going on between Ellen and Henry. Nothing. And they aren’t in the tunnels; I gave her something to do for me.”

“You’re covering for her.” Frank pointed. “You don’t know how to lie.”

“Why would I do that? And think . . .” Dean held his hands up. “She’s pregnant.” He snickered. “I mean who would want to have sex with a woman pregnant with another man’s child.”

Frank raised his one eyebrow at Dean.

“You didn’t?”

Frank smiled gloatingly.

“Oh . . . you slept with Ellen while she was pregnant with my twins? Not when she was big I hope.”

“Let’s just say, I was there when her water broke.”

Dean cringed loudly and audibly in disgust, turning his back. He was so caught up in shuddering over the fact that Frank had invaded his children’s home before they were born, that by the time he returned to look at Frank, he was gone.

^^^^

Henry looked down to the blanket spread out on the floor on the tunnel. Various types of tools lying upon it. He scratched his head while looking from the blanket to the wall. “The plans say they are behind this wall Ellen.”

“I know that Henry.” Ellen taped on the wall with a small hammer. “But I can’t find out how to open it. There has to be a crease or a niche that we’re missing . . .”

“What’s wrong?” Henry looked at her.

“Shh.” Ellen held her finger to her mouth. “Listen . . . do you hear that?”

“Shit, footsteps.” He grabbed the hammer from her hand and cover the tools with the blanket. Shaking, he looked up at Ellen. “What do we do?”

“Can we go out the other way?”

“It’s ten miles to the . . .”

The footsteps drew closer. They were steady, heavy and loud.

“I know.” Without her permission, Henry grabbed hold of Ellen, backed her into the wall, pressed his body against hers and began to kiss her.

“What the hell’s going on here?!” Frank bellowed out. “Henry, I know you’re gonna give me a damn good reason why you’re kissing my wife!”

Henry pulled from Ellen. “Oh Frank it’s only you.” Both his and Ellen’s bodies sighed in relief. “We just thought it was someone else.”

Frank, huffing, pulled Ellen toward him. “Is this something you two do for others?”

“No.” Ellen laughed. “We were covering up. Some people in the community think Henry’s attracted to me. We just didn’t want them to find out what we were working on.”

Frank wanted to scream at them both, but stayed under control. “I don’t care what it is you’re working on. But Ellen you agreed to my terms. You are not to be down here.”

“That’s not what you said. You said Henry couldn’t drag me here. He didn’t. I walked.”

“UH!” Controlled Frank was gone. “I can’t fuckin' believe you’re playing word games with me. Let’s go.”

“No, Frank.” Ellen pulled her arm away. “Please. Look we have these blue prints.”

Frank saw them on the floor. “Henry, where did these come from?”

“El and I sort of borrowed them from Chester.”

“Borrowed? You mean you stole them. I can’t believe you robbed a survivor.” Frank began to pace around. “You broke the rules. What am I suppose to do? Huh?”

Innocently, Ellen looked up to him. “Give us just a little more time. If nothing. We end it. Please.”

A long thinking breath escaped Frank. He hated what he was about to do. “Eleven O’clock. You have two hours or I spill my guts about the blue prints. I’ll meet you in the social hall.”

“Thank you.” She kissed him on the cheek. “You know I love you.”

“Yeah, yeah.” He kissed her apprehensively then stepped back. “Eleven.” He tapped his watch. “Be up by then or I sing.” He pointed at them and started to walk. “And Henry. No more kissing my wife!”

After jumping and shrieking excitedly like kids, Ellen and Henry returned to tapping that wall.

^^^^

Frank stormed into the social hall, he walked around for a little before returning so he could cool down, it didn’t work. The social hall was near empty, except for a few people including Joe and Dean who mingled. Some had gotten themselves a drink. The one thing that Frank needed. He walked up to the bar, grabbed a glass and a bottle of homemade whiskey and took them both to a table and sat down, slamming them both very loudly. He poured himself a shots worth, downed it, then poured another. This one he would savor, nurse it. He did want just a relaxing drink.

^^^^

“Ellen I think I have it.” Henry’s hands moved about forcefully and with a snap, his chisel cracked. “Shit.” He rubbed his head. Within seconds a loud clank occurred followed by a rumble. Henry jumped back pulling Ellen with him. “Oh, shit. What did we do?”

They both watched together as the wall slowly moved.

At first it sounded like thunder in the social hall. Then quickly the glasses began to rattle and the floor shook. The loud deep rumbling noise grew stronger.

Frank jumped from his chair, knocking it over. “What the hell is that?”

Joe looked around. “It sounds like an earth quake. It’s coming from below.”

“Shit! Ellen!” Frank took off, charging out of the social hall, out into the streets to the tunnels.

“El!” Frank called out as he entered the tunnels. He dreaded with his heart that something had happened. “El!” He found them standing, staring, not moving. Frank too stood quietly in amazement as he gazed upon what they saw.

Joe arrived with Dean, moments later. His mouth dropped open. “Holy mother of God.”

The five of them stood, staring at where a long concrete wall used to be. Instead of gray, they looked upon a glass wall. Clear, showing behind it the full sterile looking laboratory. But the most shocking factor of it all, the thing that took away their breath, was what set with in the lab. Set deep, but not too deep that they could not see it for where they stood was another glass wall. Behind that window was not a lab. Hanging suspended, inches apart, spread out in a long line . . . were people. Motionless, eyes closed, with wires protruding from them.

^^^^

Joe rested his hand on Dean’s shoulder as he sat in a chair center lab. “What do you make of it?”

“Joe I’m clueless. I haven’t an inkling about cryogenics.” He flipped through the pages of a black binder. “This is just handwritten stuff, who they are, not what they are. And physical statistics prior to their freezing. It’s funny. The date they were frozen isn’t mentioned.” Dean closed the book and stood up. “They have equipment I have never seen. Six computers.” He wandered around. “And look at this.” He pointed. “Boxes and boxes of backup tapes and disks. It’s gonna take months for me to even grasp a little on what this shit is.”

Joe looked upon the stuff. “You think Chester knows?”

Dean shrugged. “Don’t know. Assuming now he’s telling the truth, the ones that knew this stuff, died of our plague.”

“Why did they do it, Dean? Why did they freeze them?” Joe questioned.

“A safeguard.” Dean guessed. “To have the top minds around to start the world again.”

“How did they get them together so fast?” Joe continued in his asking.

“I guess our answers lay somewhere in all this information, and Chester.” Dean noticed a large white case he moved to it. “What the hell?” He stared at it, then moved his attention to Ellen who was knocking on the glass in front of the frozen people. “El, don’t do that.”

Ellen laugh. “Why, will I wake them?” She ran her hand against the smooth surface. “It doesn’t feel cold. I count fifty-three. It’s really stupid, if these people are suppose to start the world over why are there are only two women. And they’re old and not very attractive I may add . . . Hey Dean, why do all these men seem to have erections?”

Frank quickly covered her eyes. “El!”

“Frank, stop.” She removed his hand. “It’s not like I’ve never seen one before. And think, six years with one.” She continued to stare. “Imagine how stupid they may be with the lack of blood to their brain.”

Joe moved to her and Frank, Henry kind of stood off to the side still shocked. “Ellen, how did you and Henry find these people. How did you open the wall?”

Ellen, proud, answered. “We looked at the blue prints that Chester brought.”

Joe was stunned by her answer. “Blue prints. You two had blue prints that Chester gave you and you failed to tell me?”

“Oh, no.” Ellen waved at him nonchalantly. “Chester didn’t give them to us. We borrowed them.”

“You what!” Joe spoke loudly. “You two not only withheld vital information from this community, but you took it, I mean stole it? What the hell is the matter with you?”

Henry rushed over. “Joe, we’re sorry. It’s just that . . . that.” he spun to Ellen. “It was all her idea.”

“Oh my God!” Ellen shrieked. “How dare you. You got us into this.”

“Me?” Henry argued. “Who was the one who wanted to sneak into storage and go through his things?”

“But there was no way I could have gotten in there, was there? You unlocked storage. You were also the one who made me come down here because you were so obsessed with the wall.”

“Oh that is totally untrue and you know it. Who volunteered to help me out?”

Ellen crossed her arms. “Who kept me out all night making me fight with my husband?”

“You fell asleep on my table.”

“That’s because you were so boring. And . . . then you make me break my promise to my husband by dragging me here.” She faced Frank who looked like his head was spinning. “He dragged me here, Frank. He made me come down here.”

“I did no such thing. I swear to God Ellen, I don’t know why I ever decided to work with you in the first place. You drive me nuts.”

Joe couldn’t take it anymore. Besides the fact he was getting a headache, his neck began to hurt from turning it back and forth so fast. He whistled loudly and shrill to shut them up. “Enough you two! Frank. . A. do something with her.”

Frank put his arm around Ellen moving her. “Let’s go, El.”

“No.” Ellen tried to pull away. “It’s my discovery.”

“My discovery!” Henry yelled.

“Knock it off!” Frank blasted.

From across the lab, with a loud hiss, Dean called out. “Whoa!” He lifted the lid to the six foot case and out emerged a white steam. “What have we here?” Dean whistled as his hands reached in, he shook his head. “I have an answer to that question you asked, Ellen.”

“Which one?” She said. “The one about the erections?”

“El!” Frank cringed. “Enough.”

Dean looked up, he had a half smile on his face. “No, the one about how they were gonna start the world again. Here’s your answer.”

Joe moved in to take a look. “What is it, Dean?”

“Embryos.” Dean’s hand moved about. “And as near as I can count, at least two hundred and fifty frozen embryos. Looks like twenty-five units and each hold ten.”

Ellen’s face dropped. “What would they do with them? Grow them in the lab?”

Dean shut the lid to the case. “I doubt it. My guess is farming.”

They all looked to him with a audible, confusing, ‘what?’

Dean chuckled. “I don’t think they were growing them in a special box. I think they planned on implanting them. Knowing that there were bound to be survivors, and bound to be women, they would find them and implant them.”

“Dean.” Joe spoke as he moved closer to the glass to look at the people. “I need you to work on this as much as you can.”

“Like I said Joe, it may take weeks or months just to sort it out.”

“However long. These people are in no hurry, and neither are we for that matter.” His hand touched the glass. “With all this equipment, all of this shit. It makes you wonder.” He faced everyone in the room. “How long have they been preparing for this?”

A RUDE AWAKENING

CHAPTER TEN

April 4

No matter how many times a week he had done it for the past four, it still was weird to Joe. Walking down to the tunnels to check on the progress that Dean was making in the new lab. The technology of it, its huge clean appearance, reminded Joe of a world that long before had disappeared. A world he and everyone in Beginnings wanted to put far behind them.

The lab’s windows were blackened out. They had to be, the sight of the frozen people, dangling like puppets from invisible strings, was considered frightening. Joe pressed his security code into the keypad just outside the underground lab door. The new security system put in by John Matoose to ensure the safety of the lab, and access to only those who were trusted in there. However, part-time lab worker, Chester hadn’t gained that status yet.

“Morning, Dean.” Joe stepped in holding a cup of coffee and wiping the splash of it from his shirt. “Where is everyone?”

“Chester opted for a day off and . . .” Dean gathered up his papers then pulled up a chair for Joe and one for himself. He sat down. “And the other two, unfortunately, will be here shortly.”

“How’s it going with them?”

“About as good as it’s going with the hundreds of disks. Henry and Ellen still will not speak directly to each other. Can’t you step in?”

“Sorry.” Joe said. “They aren’t annoying me yet.

“You don’t work with them four days a week down here.”

“You mentioned the disks. Still nothing?”

“I can’t figure it out, Joe.” Dean’s hand dropped to his stack of papers. “They leave all this paper, printers, cartridges and other boxes of supplies we didn’t get to. All these disk and tapes, only numbered. I’m thinking, they planned on printing it up. Logical, right?”

“Haven’t found one yet that makes sense.”

“Oh, sure we have a few.”

“Great.” Joe smiled.

“Then about a quarter way through the data, it get’s screwy. Jumbled words Formulas I have never seen. Nothing makes sense. Just like the other disks.”

“Do you think it’s the computer programs?” Joe asked. “Maybe they went bad.”

“Who knows? I do know when we finally figure out how to retrieve the information, if we can. Man is there gonna be a ton to print up.”

“Nothing on the defrosting?”

Dean shook his head. “But I still believe it’s in the disks and tapes. Somewhere. They would have had to have a backup plan for coming out of stasis. I know as a scientist, I personally, even though I wasn’t chosen as a top mind, would have insisted on it, just in case something happened to the Cleveland facility.”

“So, these papers.” Joe reached out and touched the stack. “Really have no vital info.”

“Just the start of a few disks. Oh!” Dean shuffled through the stacks. I want to retrieve the information on the disk numbered, one-ten.” he handed a sheet to Joe. “Look. It’s on our embryos. It starts out saying about ‘enhancement’ of the embryos for different levels.”

“So their genetically enhanced?” Joe reviewed. “Different levels, meaning. High intelligence. Average . . .”

“Grunts.” Dean raised his eyebrows. “Someone has to do hard labor and my guess is they were ensuring the world still had its different classes of people.”

“Now the question is, who is they?”

“Call me Henry. But I have a theory. See if you can figure out where I came up with this from. Back in the eighties, when nuclear threat was biggest, this group began. They were around for as long as I can remember. A private group. They were called the Caceres Society. They all paid dues, they had money. Top minds? I don’t know. But they deemed themselves the ones that would come up with a plan to start the world over, should it end. They put things in motion, had meetings, and hypothetically they built their contingency plan. I think maybe . . . this was the contingency plan. Everything preset, stocked up, and when someone yelled go. They came here or Cleveland.”

“Wait a second. I did my home work. Wasn’t the name of man who designed the Garfield Project . . .”

“Dr. Forrest Caceres. Yes.” Dean nodded. “Totally designed, and planned the conceptual community thing.”

“The Garfield project was a government project, and if it was, then why doesn’t George know about this.”

“He wouldn’t. The Caceres Society actually borrowed the name.” Dean held up two fingers. “Separate issues. I, as a top scientist knew of the Caceres Society. I wasn’t invited to join because I was military, I was government. The Garfield Project was barren for so long. Maybe a scientific part of the government gave these members access to this land to build their lab. Who knows.”

“You think we can get Chester to confirm this?”

“Chester won’t confirm the time of day.” Dean stated. “He’s awful to work with down here.”

Joe stood up. “So what now?”

“Now we figure out how to release them.”

“Do you think they’ll be all right?”

Hem-hawing in his answer, Dean bobbed his head from side to side. “There’s a chance that the freezing slash defrosting process could’ve kill their brains cells, leaving us with fifty-three idiots. But if that’s the case we’ll have ourselves fifty-three field workers.”

“I like that thought.” Joe laughed then when he heard the buzz at the door, he turned his head. The door didn’t open.

“That’ll be Ellen.”

“How do you know?”

“She never makes it in on her first attempt. Listen . . . now she’ll kick the door.” Dean tilted his head to the two thumps. “Now she’ll get it. She thinks that’s the magic touch.”

The buzz of the door brought Ellen in and she quickly shut it. “Morning.”

Dean rose. “Ellen, why did you push that door shut? It’s automatic.”

“What’s his name was behind me.” Smiling she walked to Joe and kissed him on the cheek. “Morning Joe.”

“Morning, Ellen.” Joe glanced oddly over the kiss. “You’re in a good mood.”

Ellen set her mug of coffee she brought with her on the counter. “It’s called sleep.”

“You always sleep.” Shaking his head, Dean faced her. “So Chester decided to come?”

“Not that I know of.”

“But you said ‘what’s his name’.” Dean waited for an answer, then got one.

With another buzz of the door Henry bolted in. “Ellen, why didn’t you just hold this door for me? You saw me coming.”

Ellen turned her back to him. “Dean, could you please tell Henry that I will not be responsible for letting anyone else in here under my security code.”

“Tell him yourself.” Dean replied.

Henry approached Ellen. “This is ridiculous. I can hear you.”

Ellen folded her arms and rolled her eyes. “Dean, could you please tell Henry that I still am not speaking to him. Nor will I ever speak to him again.”

Henry tried Joe. “You’re her dad. Tell her this is ridiculous.”

Joe threw his hands in the air. “Can’t. I’m out of here. Church, you know.” Joe walked to the door, stopped and snapped his finger. “Before I forget. I have six getting out of containment today. Henry, that means you have to have their housing ready by eleven-thirty. Make sure it’s done.” Joe reached out for the door.

“Joe, I can’t.” Henry shook his head. “I have multitudes of repairs scheduled in the morning. I have to work here in the afternoon with Johnny. I haven’t time to do housing too. I’d have to get up at three in the morning. Joe I’m only one man.”

“That you are.” Joe nodded. “But you’re also Henry. And you’re also a thief. You’re still paying for my silence.”

“But Ellen was just as much a part of it as I was . . .”

“Ellen is six months pregnant.” Joe said.

Ellen shook her head and held her hands out to an ignoring Dean. “And that man wonders why I stopped speaking to him. He’s still trying to get me in trouble.”

Joe finally opened the door. “I’ll see you at dinner tonight, Ellen. Dean bring my twins?” Getting agreement, Joe left.

Henry stared upon the closed door. “How come I never get invited to Joe’s house for Sunday dinner? Dean does, he’s not family.”

Ellen gasped at his comment. “Dean, tell Henry that you are the father of my twins. And you’ve always come to Sunday dinner . . .”

“Ellen!” Dean shouted at her. “Will you knock it off? I’m busy!”

Ellen’s mouth dropped open with a loud exclamation. “I can’t believe you just yelled at me like that. Fine.” She snatched the stack of paper from his hand. “I’ll just go sit in a corner somewhere. And work by myself.”

Dean looked up to the ceiling and in his own mind spoke the words, ‘Thank God.’ Perhaps there would be silence in the lab. Silence always worked best for him when he was trying to read.

^^^^

Ellen could hear the sound of children laughing as she approached her front door later that afternoon. How odd it sounded. The last she knew the twins were over Andrea’s until Dean made it home. Expecting to be pummeled with the hugs of her children, Ellen open the door to a different sight. She could see Frank’s back as he sat on the couch. He leaned forward watching a tape that played in the unit set upon the coffee table. The scene he watched was dim, yet happy. She heard familiar voices.

‘Hi Daddy. I miss you. I wish you were here.’

‘Daddy I’m this many years old today.’

‘Frank, don’t worry, I’m filling in for you bro. I hope I don’t get stuck with the bill.’

Then Ellen shuddered when she heard her own. ‘Frank, you’re an asshole.’

Ellen remembered that party, and that day. Frank was in Germany for a whole year back then. It was something Ellen really didn’t want to see. Calmly she shut the door and walked into her house, trying to swallow the lump that formed in her throat. She ran her hand lightly across Frank’s back. “What’s going on? Why the tape today?” She asked quietly.

Frank shrugged. “Amber’s birthday today. She would have been thirteen. Thirteen, El.” He picked up the remote control and fast forwarded over a scene with Kelly.

Kelly. How long had it been since Ellen really thought of her. She understood Frank does not want to see Kelly. With all the years that passed, Frank never got better with the fact that she had killed his daughters, he grew worse. Reaching the point where rationalizing her actions, or forgiving them would never happen.

“Better.” He pressed play when he saw a child’s face. “You want to watch with me?”

“I don’t . . .” Ellen heard her own voice on the tape, her own voice laughing and coughing, saying, ‘Taylor look at your face honey. Robbie, get a shot of this for Frank.’ Before Ellen watched the camera swing to her daughter who would have been three at the time, the daughter who had stuck her entire face in the pizza that day, Ellen jumped back and walked away. “I don’t want to see this.” She covered her ears and held back any emotions.

Frank stopped the tape. Eerily the image of Ellen kissing her daughter freeze framed. He stood from the couch, and tried to speak to her with reason, pulling down her hands. “El, that’s your daughter. You can’t even look at your own daughter?”

“You deal with it your way; I’ll deal with it mine.”

“You can’t avoid their memories and pretend they never existed. You have to be able to look at her.”

Ellen coldly faced him. “I can’t look at her or Josh anymore, Frank. Every day I think of them. It still hurts. I can’t look at that beautiful little face without remembering how I held her in my arms, how I watched her die. I put it behind me, Frank, that’s how I live now. ” She stepped back.

“El, please.” Frank spoke soothingly to her. “Share this with me. Sit with me like we used to. Right after it all happened.” He wrapped his arms tightly around her from behind. “We’d watch for hours and hours. And we’d laugh, cry. Come on.” He pressed his cheek close to hers.

“What’s the point, that was a different Ellen? I don’t want to be like that ever again.”

“But don’t the twins deserve for you to be like that again?”

“What are you saying?”

“Look at the screen, El.” He placed his hand on her face and felt her resistance. “I want you to take a look at yourself.” He led her face to the television. “Open your eyes and look at who you were. Look at you smiling and kissing her. You loved those children more than life itself. You love the twins the same. But because someone took your babies from you, you won’t allow yourself to be with them like you were with Josh and Taylor. I just . . .” He laid his hand on her cheek. “I just want you to be able to think of them and smile. Watch them with me. Life gives and life takes. Let’s watch the gift that life once gave us.”

Softly Ellen’s eyes closed. “Frank.” She whispered out. “I would love to do that. But . . . unfortunately, I can’t. That was a lifetime ago. A lifetime I buried. You may be able to bask in the memories, but I, Frank . . . I drown.” Sadly, Ellen turned and walked up the stairs.

^^^^

Always on time Dean was, and he didn’t know why he did that. No one else ever was. He sat on the couch in Joe’s house, feet tapping, waiting, dreading. He hated when Frank walked in because from that moment on he lost his children to the giant play thing. And as it happened he cringed. The front door opened with a blasting growl from Frank followed by shrieks of enjoyment from his twins. Dean couldn’t comprehend what the point of all the thumping and noise was. But he dreaded one other thing. Ellen’s entrance.

“What is he doing here?” No Hello, just yelling as Ellen entered nodding her head Henry’s way as he sat in the couch.

Henry answered for himself, he stood up in a subconscious gentleman fashion. “Joe invited me, Ellen. He thought . . .”

“Joe!” Ellen called into the kitchen. “Why is he here?”

Joe, busy, just answered without coming out. “I invited him.”

“Ellen.” Henry tailed the pacing around Ellen like a puppy. “You can’t avoid me forever.”

“Frank, tell Henry please, that I’m not avoiding him.” She faced her husband. “I just won’t speak to him.”

Frank looked past her to Henry. “She says to tell you she’s not avoiding . . .”

“I heard her, Frank. Ellen, we have to talk about this. You can’t put all the blame on me. You were in on it too.”

Ellen grew angry at that comment. “Frank, tell him please that he’s not helping matters by trying to pass it off on me.”

“Henry, Ellen says you aren’t . . .”

“Frank!” Henry interrupted. “I heard her.” Deciding at that moment to give the appearance that he could care less, he too turned his back. “Fine Frank, you know what? Tell her I could care less if she ever speaks to me again.”

“El, Henry said to tell you that he could care less. Henry, keep in mind.” Frank looked disturbed. “I won’t yell at my wife for you.”

Dean, having heard just about enough, stood up from the couch with his hands slapping in his thighs. “Joe!” He called for help. “Do something here. The intelligent conversation in this room is way too much for me.”

Joe came from the kitchen drying his hands on the dish towel that hung over his shoulder. “I hope to God that someone isn’t ruining my family dinner . . . Henry?”

Henry defended himself. “Joe, I just want to work things out with her.”

Ellen stepped forward. “Joe, tell Henry that I feel he’s ungrateful. He forgets that I was the only one that didn’t make fun at him over that wall. I stood by him and fought Frank.”

“Joe.” Henry interrupted. “Tell Ellen she’s right. Tell her I’m sorry.”

Dean couldn’t believe it. “No Henry she’s not right. Don’t you do it, too? Don’t you become another Ellen sap. Aren’t Frank and I . . .” Dean slowed his words when he saw Ellen stepping closer to him, glaring at him. “ . . . enough. I think I better shut up.”

Ellen dropped her glare and faced Henry. “Thank you, an apology is all I’ve ever wanted.”

“That’s all?” Henry asked. “Well why didn’t you just say so?”

“I wasn’t speaking to you remember?” She rolled her head as if to say ‘didn’t you pay attention?’

Joe cleared his throat loudly. “Now that this whole things over with, I’ll put dinner on the table and we can sit down civilized.”

Frank, who still held Alexandra in his arms, approached Ellen and kissed her on the cheek. “I’m glad you are speaking to my friend now. I hated being the entire conversation.”

“Uncle Frank?” Alexandra’s spoke in a whisper as she pulled on his short goatee.

“Yes, honey?” He tried playfully to catch her tiny fingers with his mouth.

“I can I sleep at your house tonight?”

“Sure.” He smiled brightly. “You want to be with Mommy?”

“Nope.” She placed her small hands on his face and kissed him. “I want to be with you.”

Frank was stunned, his mouth dropped opened and he looked to Ellen who gasped in offense. With such a clueless look, Frank just shook his head, but when he turned from Ellen, he kissed Alexandra and grinned.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

April 27

What was this formula that he was looking at? Dean pondered as he stared at the computer screen in the cryo-lab. What exactly were they trying to build. They still had over two hundred disks and tapes to go through. This disk obviously contained the formula for some sort of agent, and Dean hadn’t a clue what it was. He didn’t even have the ingredients anymore to make it. But that wasn’t what he was supposed to be looking for. Looking around, almost as if he were sneaking, he waited for the disk to copy to the tape drive. When it had finished, he labeled the disk and stuck it in a box. The box Dean had set aside for things he himself would examine at a later time. Dean grabbed the next one that he had. He was the final one to view the disks. In fact Dean liked when everyone worked together in the lab. Ellen and Johnny would view them, if they knew what they were, they printed it, if they didn’t it went to Chester or Dean. Dean always had the final look. He still didn’t trust Chester, no one did. And Henry, he checked out the equipment, just to figure out the mechanical aspects of it.

“Dean.” Henry’s voice called to him.

Dean lifted his eyes and immediately was startled by the bright, sudden burst of light in his face. He shrieked and rubbed his eyes. “Henry, what the hell did you just do to me?”

“I took your picture. Here.” A smiling Henry handed him an instant photo. “Check this out Dean. A camera, there’s a ton of photo stuff. I found a locked case and broke it open.”

“Henry . . .” Dean tried to rub away the green spots that floated in front of him. “We weren’t supposed to look at their supplies yet.” He checked out his picture. “Oh great, the first picture taken in Beginnings and I look like a idiot.” He tossed it aside.

“Dean.” Henry leaned on the counter holding the camera. “Since this is your domain. Could I be in charge of the camera stuff? Can I be the picture taker?”

“Yes, but I want it to be used sparingly. Pictures of special events. Stuff like that. And no self portraits. Got it?”

“Got it. Thanks.” He turned. “Hey Ellen, smile.” He snapped a picture.

Ellen screamed. “Henry, no. God that was the best part of society being gone. No more pictures. Don’t show me, I don’t want to see.”

Henry shook and blew the picture. “All right. I’ll give it to Frank.” He shoved it in his pocket. “Hey Chester . . .” He saw Chester’s grin and Henry turned away. “Never mind.”

“Sparingly.” Dean called, shaking his head and tapping the keys.

With a crash of his stool, and scuffling of things next to him, Johnny jumped to his feet. “Dean!” He cried out. “I found something. I think.”

Dean rushed over and looked at the screen. “Yes, you did.” He ran his hand over Johnny’s head, messing his hair. “This is the beginning. What disk is this?”

“Two-seventy-two.”

“Yes.” Dean said excited. “The cryogenics process. Good job, Johnny.” He faced everyone that has gathered. “All right. All we have to do is check the later numbers, hopefully find the information about this equipment and reversal process, then . . .” Dean smiled. “We’re on our way.”

^^^^

Frank hated spring. Especially mornings, it always stirred up his allergies. Allergies he never had until he came to Beginnings and started walking perimeters at six in the morning. But usually, around eight, they really acted up. His head would start to pound with pressure, his eyes would water and he’d swear out loud every time he’d sneeze. The thing he hated most about them was the fact that he eventually had to break down and go to Dean for some relief.

Sniffling like the fool he felt like, Frank moved up the small grade to the back fence. He could see three squirrels as he approached, dead, as usual, carcasses half blown apart. He dreaded having to toss them back out, but they couldn’t just lay there.

Frank neared the fence and squatted down to the bodies. “Felt the heat huh?” He spoke to them in a taunting manner. “Didn’t look . . .” A snap took Frank’s attention, followed by an overwhelming stench. From the top of Frank’s eyes he caught the vision of beat up shoes. Very beat up, feat half hanging out. He raised his vision and stood up as he did. Even through his stuffed head, he could smell the young man standing before him. His clothes, Beginnings issued, torn and tattered. He looked a little older, his blonde hair hung past his shoulders. He still had a baby face, not a sign of facial hair. Covering his nose with the back of his hand, Frank moved back from the gate. He didn’t know what to say, he didn’t know how to feel. Complete shock took over him.

“Home.” The distant eyed young man spoke. A young man probably not even sixteen yet. “Home.” Trembling he reached out his hand.

“NO!” Frank shouted. “Don’t touch the fence!”

“Home.” He reached out.

“I said NO!” Frank used his loudest and strongest tone.

The young man’s hand withdrew.

“Fuck.” Frank ran his hand over his face. “What am I suppose to do with you?” He breathed heavily.

“Home.” The voice was soft and sad.

“Yeah wait, give me a second.” Frank brought the mouth piece to his headset up. “Down the back gate, I have one.” He looked to the boy. “Don’t touch the fence.” He held up one finger. “Wait.” Frank waited for the sound that the perimeter was shut down and he reached for his keys. “I’m gonna be a dead man when my dad gets hold of me.” He unlocked the fence. “You hear me? Dead man.” He opened the fence for the skinny boy.

“Home.” He stepped through.

“So you’ve said.” Frank shut and locked the gate. He spoke in his radio. “Turn her on. I’m done.” He reached to grabbed hold of the boy’s arm but stopped. “Just follow me, I’m not touching you.” Frank began to lead him to the receiving center.

^^^^

Joe received Frank’s call about the survivor who wandered to the gate. He questioned why Frank didn’t call Ellen, but Joe figured he had his reason. Knowing George and Henry would be behind shortly, Joe arrived at his office and walked in. “Frank, I hope . . . holy shit! What’s that smell?”

Frank leaned against Joe’s desk. “It stops burning your nose after a while.”

“Open a window or something.” Joe covered his nose.

“I did.” Frank crossed his arms.

“Christ my eyes are watering. What’s up?” Joe apprehensively, trying not to breath, sat.

“This.” Frank reached his arm into the examining room and pulled out the boy.

Joe immediately sprung up. “What is this shit, Frank? You know the rules.”

“I know.” He pulled him in closer. “But our rules have changed in the past year.”

“He was ousted. Take him back out.” Joe didn’t want to hear or see him.

“Yeah but he was ousted for something others are allowed to stay over now.” Frank argued. “Dad, Ellen loved this kid. It broke her heart when we ousted him.”

“Ellen loved him because he reminded her of her son that died. And Christ Frank, she changed his name and started calling him Josh. No, Frank. Get him out.”

“He’s a kid, Dad.” Frank pulled him in the room. “Look at him, look at Josh.”

“Jason.” Joe corrected. “And I don’t give a shit.”

Josh lowered his head, then tilted it to Joe. “Home?”

Frank leaned whispered to the kid. “I told you not to speak.”

The door to the office opened and George and Henry burst through with the universal comment. “What is that smell?”

Henry covered his face then noticed Josh in the room. “Joe, is that?”

Joe nodded. “This is why Frank wants us here. Seems Josh slash Jason, found his way back. Frank wants to keep him here. I told him take him back out.”

Frank held up his hands, he try to hide his frustration. “Look, before you two agree with my Dad. Just listen to me. My wife loved this kid. We all felt bad when we ousted him. He’s what? Sixteen? He’s a kid. I’m asking you to let him stay. I’ll take full responsibility for him. I’ll work with him. He can walk a beat with me from sun up till sun down.”

Henry had to be logical. “Frank, you’re intentions are good, but Josh has been out there almost another year. He’s not going to be better, he’ll be worse. Then what’s Ellen going to say when we oust him again?”

Frank agreed, but still tried his best. “How about this? We won’t tell Ellen he’s here. We’ll keep him by himself in holding when he’s not with me. I’ll work out my rounds so I’ll stay out of the general population with him. Just give me three weeks. If in three weeks he’s not ready to go into containment with Ellen, then I’ll send him out myself.”

Joe saw the determination on Frank’s face. He knew why he son wanted to do this. It wasn’t only for Ellen, it was for himself. And Joe had to think too. If they could just save Josh, it would be one less kid lost to the world again. Turning to Henry and George, Joe knew the looks on their faces, they were in agreement with him. “All right Frank. I’ll give you your three weeks. I want you to bring me this kid every once and a while to let me see your progress. I won’t say anything to Ellen, but if she finds out, it’s your ass, not ours.”

Head back in relief, Frank smiled. “Thank you. And Henry will help me, right Henry, you don’t have a life.”

Henry waved his hand. “Yeah, I’ll help you Frank.”

Glad the issue was settled, Joe immediately ran to his door and opened it, taking in the better smelling air. “Well we’ll leave you, Frank. I suggest you clean him up, give him some clothes and enjoy your new pal.” Not long after Joe darted out for fresh air freedom, George and Henry followed.

Frank stood alone in the office with Josh, he cased him over a few times. “Josh, it’s you and me. Ready to work pal?”

Josh tiled his head.

“First thing is we clean your ass up, shave that head and make you look like a person.” Frank reached to touch him again, but again stopped. “Follow me.”

Josh, silently, and with fright, followed the man that, to him, was big and scary.

^^^^

Her one eye partially closed while her lid fluttered in a cringe and Ellen held her ear shut as she walked to the one printer in the cryo-lab. “God, you have to love dot Matrix.” she said sarcastically. “Tell me you can’t tell they planned this restart the world thing before laser printers went big.”

Chester’s gasp was loud as he sat before a computer. “Can you possibly complain any more?”

Ellen looked over at Johnny who snickered. “Sure.” She shrugged. “Johnny, did I tell you what your father did last . . .”

“Spare us.” Dean interrupted as he rushed to her. “Are these the shorts?” Dean grabbed for the papers that she ripped the edges off.

“No.” Ellen answered. “These are the readouts. These.” She grabbed her clothing. “Are the shorts.”

Dean rolled his eyes. “I’m out of here. Please. Please. Please work to have everything ready for the meeting tonight. I’m taking these short . . . I mean, preliminary readouts to Joe.” He moved across the lab rapidly and grabbed a disk. “These disks have to be overseen when they print out.” He held them up.

“I handle that, Doctor.” Chester said.

“Um . ..” Dean hunched. “Nah.” He hurried to Ellen. “Here. You oversee.”

“Oh, yes. I’m in charge.” Ellen gloated.

“Gotta go.” Dean hurried to the door.

Ellen snickered. “Isn’t he cute the way he darts his little body in and out.” She giggled “Kind of reminds me when we used to sleep together.”

The loud squeak in the tunnel caught all of their attention. Dean popped his head back in the open door. “I heard that.”

Laughing, Ellen tossed her head to the side and when she did, she saw Chester reaching into a disk box. Hurrying over, she snatched his wrist, stopping him. “These are Dean’s.”

“I was just . . .”

“Touch only what you’re allowed to.” Ellen gave a cold stare, took Dean’s box and brought it with her to the printer.

Johnny nodded with a closed mouth. “I’m impressed.”

“What can I say?” Ellen exhaled loudly. “The power of being in charge.”

^^^^

Joe looked with seriousness upon everything that Dean had brought him to the clinic lab to view. He felt the tension from Dean, as Dean must have felt his. “So this is it.”

“All the information we need to revive them. Everything we need to know is there.”

“I didn’t think it would be.” Joe rested his elbow on the counter and his head on his hand.

“I didn’t want it to be. I don’t like it, Joe. I don’t like the dilemma we’re faced with. As long as we didn’t know this, we didn’t have to attempt to revive them. But now that we do. Do we not have a moral obligation to their lives to do so?”

“In a sense we do.” Joe stood up and began to pace. “We’ll decide tonight.”

“Thanks.” Dean glanced down at his watch. “I’d better get my stuff together; I told your son I’d meet him in an hour. Do you know what’s up with this survivor he found today? Why doesn’t he just bring him to containment for me to look at?”

“I think you’d better see that one for yourself.” Joe began to leave. “Oh, by the way. You didn’t mention it to Ellen did you? You know, that you were meeting with Frank about a survivor?”

“No.” Dean shook his head. “I didn’t . . . please don’t tell me we’re keeping something from Ellen. I hate doing that. She blames me every time we get busted.”

Joe laughed. “Dean, this one’s on Frank. Trust me. All Frank. You’ll see.”

Even with Joe’s reassurance, a part of Dean was still afraid to breach the Frank territory.

^^^^

The morning for Frank went a lot faster than usual. Of course an entire hour was spent showering Josh, then showering him again. And leaving no dirty stone unturned, Frank shaved him nearly to the scalp.

As he approached his office, Frank held a clipboard in one hand, keys dangling in the other. Josh kept up behind him, shoulders hunching and knees bending in exhaustion as he walked. Not once on the entire rounds did Frank allow for him to stop. Every time Josh plopped himself on the grass, Frank would drag him right back up to his feet.

“We’ll take a break now, Josh. O.K.?” Frank told him as they stepped into his office. “Come on in, and don’t touch anything.”

Josh stepped in looking around, taking it all in.

Frank shut the door. “I have to fill out the stupid reports for my dad.” He showed Josh the clipboard. “Can you say stupid?”

“Stupid.”

“Hey, very good. Hang around me I’ll teach you to talk. Frank-style.” Frank walked behind his desk and sat. “I’ll just finish . . .” He noticed Josh picking up the football that sat on top of the file cabinet. “You like that?” He smiled and started to write.

“Ball.” Josh held it in his arms.

“Good.” Frank lifted the top sheet of paper from the clipboard. As his pencil touched down, the ball slammed down across his desk. “Not right now, Josh.” He tossed it back. “Sit down.”

Josh didn’t catch the ball, it bounced off of him and on to the floor. He picked it up again and again, tossed it at Frank.

“Josh!” Frank slammed the ball down. “Sit!” He gruffly yelled.

Josh plopped on the ground.

“See, now you look normal. Of course you could have sat in the chair.” Frank continued his paper work, lifting his eyes every so often to see Josh. “Josh, don’t pick things up from the floor.”

Josh ignored him and looked at the scrap of paper he had retrieved. He held it high, opened his mouth and ate it.

“Josh, no. Don’t eat that.” Frank noticed it was too late. “Oh well. Did it taste good?” He looked up to the like tapping on the door. He knew it had to be Dean. “Come in.”

“What did you want?” Dean stuck his head in.

“I need to talk to you, come on in.” Frank waved at him.

“All right.” Dean shut the door, not seeing Josh hidden on the other side of the cabinet. He walked to the desk and sat across from Frank. “What is it? I know sitting there you’re on some power trip.”

“Shut the fuck up Dean. I have a favor to ask.”

“No.”

“I didn’t even ask you yet.” Frank grew angry.

“I don’t care. If it’s not medical I don’t do anything for you.”

“Fine.” Frank held his hands up in surrender as he leaned back in his chair. “I’ll just get someone else to keep my wife busy for the next few weeks.”

Dean leaned his body to one side of the chair and smirked at Frank. “Right. I’m not buying that for one second. You want someone to keep Ellen busy for a few weeks?”

Frank snapped forward resting his elbows on his desk. “You’re the only one that can keep Ellen occupied. You have this frozen people project your working on. And if you call for her help at certain times of the day or night, she won’t notice I’m gone. See, there’s a survivor. He’s not ready for general population or containment. Ellen can’t know about him until I try to break him first. I have to work with this survivor, it’s important.”

“And what is so important about this survivor that makes you feel the need to reach out?”

“See for yourself.” Frank pointed a pencil at Josh.

“What am I looking at?” Dean saw Frank was still pointing and turned his body in the chair to that direction. “Shit!” Dean sprang up. “Is that?”

“Yep. He found us.” Frank stood. “Came to the back gate saying, ‘home’.”

“Frank.” Dean tried to speak rationally. “We couldn’t make this kid right last year, do you really think you can make him right now?”

“I’m gonna try.” Frank stood side by side with Dean. “Josh get up. Stand up.” Frank snapped at him. “Say hello to Dean. Do you remember Dean?”

Josh slid against the wall to his feet. He kept his stare on Dean. “Dean.”

Frank smiled. “Good, Josh. Now don’t hit him again.” He turned to Dean. “See, I thought I’d try a rougher approach to him this time. It can’t hurt and he’s not gonna nail me.”

“What do you need me to do?” Dean apprehensively asked.

“Just keep her busy and don’t let her find out about Josh.”

“Busy won’t be a problem. Because . . .” Dean said looking at Josh. “If after the meeting tonight, we decide to reverse the cryoprocess. Ellen will be busier than ever.”

^^^^

“It’s not a simple push of a button.” Dean explained to those chosen to attend the meeting. Only the longstanding and original residents of Beginnings were privileged to be there to decide. “It’s a process. A long one. It takes thirty-two days. Henry would be needed to set up the panel that is used to record their vital signs. Round the clock monitoring. Plus, like in Cleveland, when the air hits them, they’re gonna feel our plague. We have to manufacture more serum, be ready to administer it and . . . we’re gonna have to have a place to put these people. Because no matter how fast we give them the serum, anyone that gets hit will still have symptoms to deal with.” Dean waited before finishing up. “I know how a lot of you feel. We don’t want, or need the knowledge they have in the minds But . . .there are fifty-three people alive down there, or at least waiting for us to get them to that point. Morally, I believe we have an obligation.”

“Bullshit.” Frank spoke up as he rocked in his chair on the hind legs. “These people went into their deep sleep with an empty community above their heads. They needed this land for something right? They have a plan, we’re not a part of it. Mark my words when they wake up, that’s exactly what their attitude will be. I mean, look at Chester. His attitude should be proof enough.”

Joe agreed in a sense. “Frank has a valid point and I have heard each side of the argument. So, council and I decided to take the apprehensive approach with their awakening. This land is ours. Not theirs. All the data, computers, disks, supplies and such. Property of Beginnings. They will have no access. They brought two freezers. One with embryos. The other with fifty-two vials. We haven’t a clue what’s in those vials. Until we do and until we know what to do with those embryos, both cases will be hidden away. The whereabouts will be known to only Dean and me. If these people awake and prove to be no threat, and prove that they only want to live the life we do. They will be thought of as newcomers and go through the same trust process for privileges everyone else had to go through. If they prove to be a struggle with us. Simply . . . they go. But . . .” Joe lifted his hands as he sat down. “My whole speech on the apprehensive approach may be moot, if you people decide to just let them die. The choice is yours.” Joe took a moment to look amongst the faces in the social hall. “Cast your vote.”

Twenty-nine people were selected to be in the social hall. Twenty-nine people voted. And with the final count of the anonymous vote being twenty-eight to one, Beginnings prepared to reverse the cryogenics process.

^^^^

Taking the back of his left index finger, Dean lightly tapped the three square inch digital display on the fifty-third monitor. “Come on.” He tapped again. “Nothing. How about you?”

“Nothing.” Ellen moved next to him and squatted also. “My other two look just like this. Blank. Do you think it’s a malfunction?”

“I don’t know.” Dean stood up running his hands through his hair. “The information says that on day seven we should start to receive life signals. It’s day seven. These were blank this afternoon. Now only three of them are. We’ll just have to wait and see. I’ll tell you Ellen, I’ve never seen vitals so low. Heartbeat, three beats a minute.” Dean shook his head. “Extremely low blood and body temp. These people are basically dead.” He smiled oddly looking down to her. “El, why are you still squatting on the floor? You can get up now.”

“No, Dean, I can’t. I’m nearly eight months pregnant and basically . . . I squatted down here and now I’m stuck.”

“Sorry.” Dean laughed as he braced her under her arms and helped her to her feet. She lost her balance some and fell back into him. “You all right?” He moved toward the computer.

“Fine.” She pulled herself from him. “I don’t understand, I feel it, but I’m not big.”

“No you’re not. But, the baby’s fine so we’ll leave it at that.”

“Thank you.” Ellen followed him. “I’m really tired of hearing it from everyone. Jenny Matoose included. She’s due three weeks before me, and just because she’s as huge as . . .”

“Ellen.” Dean shook his head at her insensitivity and stopped before his hands set upon the keyboard. “It’s nearly three a.m., let’s run the twelve hour vitals on these people, read them and go home.”

“O.K., go ahead, I’m not stopping you. How come Dean, when we knew we had to run reports every twelve hours after the process began, we didn’t start the process at let’s say, eight or nine? But we began it at three so every night we have to be down here?”

“I don’t know.” His finger’s clicked and the sound of an old squealing printer began. “Go wait by the printer for those.”

“Dean what if this baby comes out with blonde hair and blue eyes.” She walked to the printer subconsciously following his demand. “I mean, Taylor had blonde hair and blue eyes, and my dead husband Pete was very dark like Frank. What if Frank doesn’t think this baby is his.” She just stood next to the paper coming out. “Speaking of Frank.”

“Please don’t.” Dean hurried over to her at the printer. “Pay attention to the paper.” Failing to see Ellen rolling her eyes at him, Dean began to straighten the mess of paper that just landed in a mound on the floor. “Are you sure you want to come down here at three in the morning every day?”

“Oh, sure. I’ve hit that energetic insomnia phase early. I feel good.” She crossed her arms. “Anyway. Frank’s been strange lately. He’s not chasing me around. Checking up on me. He doesn’t even care that I’m with you. Why do you suppose he’s been different lately?”

Dean couldn’t. He paused before ripping the paper from the printer and figured--yeah he could. “Maybe Ellen, you should worry. Maybe there is someone else that has Frank’s attention.”

“Right.” Ellen chased behind him to the counter. “Frank and another woman? Please. There are no other women.”

“Maybe it’s not another woman.” He raised his left eyebrow.

Ellen shrieked in laughter as her hands crashed down upon her stack. “That’s good, Dean. I needed a laugh before I went to sleep.” She started to step from the printer. “Frank and another man. Who?” She laughed again. “Oh wait . . . Henry.” She couldn’t stop laughing. “Night, Dean.”

“El . . .”

“Wait until I tell Frank you said he’s having an affair with Henry.” She moved to the door. “He’ll get a kick out of it. Night.”

“No he won’t . . . El!” Dean raised his hand and let it drop on his stack of just printed papers. “And she leaves.” He shook his head. “I’m a dead man.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

May 7

Frank gave a throaty moan as he leaned to Ellen in bed and pressed his lips to her cheek. “I’m leaving. Be good. I’ll try to stop by and see you today.”

Ellen’s eyes opened--try? Frank never had to try before. “Frank.” She rolled over and turned on the light. “Dean said the strangest thing.”

“What’s that?”

“He said the reason you haven’t been around as much, is because you’re having a love affair with Henry.”

“He said . . .”

“A intense one too. Long standing.”

“El, Dean is . . .”

“Not that I mind. I, too, find Henry attractive. But I just want you to be . . . excuse the pun . . . straight with me.” Ellen giggled and turned off the light.

Frank’s jaws twitched in his bedroom. He debated on telling Ellen the truth, but he left the bedroom at that moment because he opted for killing Dean later in the day.

^^^^

Dean brought his coffee to his lips. He hoped as he took his drink that this would be the sip that did it. The sip that would awaken him from that dead to the world feeling he had. He recalled that not even six hours earlier, he and Ellen were in the lab. He was there again retrieving materials to bring to the clinic lab so he could review them while he did his other work. He just wanted to hurry and get done down there, but the clanking and scuffling noises that Chester caused across the room grew even more disturbing to him. “Chester, finish looking for what you looking for.” Dean set down his mug. “Miguel won’t wait forever for you.”

“I do not understand this field work I have to do. These life signs need monitored . . .”

“That’s why I have Melissa down here now to do that. You are needed in the fields.”

“All right. Enough playing games.” Chester with determination, raced to Dean’s side. “Where are the embryos?”

“Oh.” Dean removed his glasses. “We had a power malfunction last night. Sorry Chester, they went bad.”

“You’re lying.”

“Excuse me?” Dean shook his head and gathered his stuff. “I really don’t have time for this. I have a clinic to work at and you have fields.”

“I know that there was some debate on whether or not to reverse this process. Tell me Dr. Hayes, why do these people frighten you so much. Why aren’t you and your Beginnings people welcoming the knowledge that they bring for you.”

“Because Chester, we don’t want it. We’re fine the way we are. Now if you’ll excuse me.” He walked over to the door and opened it. “Let’s go.”

Chester met him at the door. “You and I are not finished discussing this.”

“Yes we are Chester. And if you insist on giving attitude, I’ll have to insist you do not work around this project anymore.”

“You can’t do that. Are you forgetting this is my project also? And you people seemed to have taken some sort of squatter’s rights over it.”

“Because it just so happens that your project is setting in the middle of our home.” Dean pulled the door closed bringing Chester with it.

“You’re home happens to be the Garfield Project.”

Dean laughed at him. “No, Chester, this place ceased being the Garfield Project the minute we set foot here and began to make it into something.” Dean didn’t want to argue, he was tired and miserable. But there was a bright spot to his morning as he began to walk from the tunnels, Chester pestering behind. Miguel was making his move towards them and he didn’t look to happy to be having to search Chester out.

^^^^

“Now walk straight.” Frank commanded to Josh as they made their way to the line of utility buildings to Joe’s office. “It’s important, it’s a progress day with my dad.”

“Joe.” Josh spoke softly.

“That’s right. And you’ve done real good today. Wait until I tell him how you were up and waiting by the door this morning for me. I didn’t even have to tug on your ear.”

Josh placed his hand to the side of his head. “Ow.”

“That’s right.” Frank stopped before they walked in. “Now stand up straight.” Frank placed his hands on Josh’s shoulders and arched the boy’s back. “Just like that. And remember what I taught you?” Frank didn’t get a response. “Josh? Remember what I taught you?”

“Yes.” Josh slowly brought up his hand and gave Frank a thumbs up.

“Ha, ha. Good boy.” Frank smacked him on the back.

“Ow.” Josh complained.

“Ow.” Frank reached for the door knob and opened the door. He saw his father merely lift his head to them as they walked in. “We’re here for our progress report. And you will be impressed. Temperament is good.” Frank closed the door. “And, no violent tendencies.”

“Good to know.” Joe nodded. “Have you gotten him to speak yet?”

“Oh, yeah. Check this out.” Frank stared close to Josh’s face. “Josh, tell him what I taught you. What did I teach you?”

Josh’s face lit up and a proud grin hit him, he stood taller. “Frank’s cool.”

Frank held out his palm in a showing manner. “There you have it.”

Joe’s head plopped loudly on the desk. “Anything else?”

“Oh sure. Josh, tell my Dad. What’s Joe?”

“Mean.”

“No!” Frank corrected, then whispered. “The other one.”

“Joe’s fair.”

Frank smiled at Josh like a trained seal. “See.”

“Frank.” Joe lifted his head up sliding his hands across the desk. “He hasn’t a clue what he’s saying. Does he say anything involuntarily?”

“Sure. Watch.” Frank gave a slight tug to Josh’s ear, which immediately brought another ‘ow’. “See Dad.”

Joe’s head plopped down again. “Why did I let you do this? Are you teaching him anything valuable besides Frank praising comments?”

“I’ve given him a job, and he’s good at it. He even knows what it is. Josh, tell my Dad what your job is every day.”

Josh moved closer. “Fuckin' squirrels.”

Joe grunted loudly. “That’s it. I’ve seen enough. You’ve made progress. I think he should be ready for containment soon, as long as he has no more violent episodes. You hear?”

“Got it.” Frank stood up and gave Josh a thumbs up. “Good job buddy. What is Frank again?”

“Frank’s cool.”

“Yes.” Biting his bottom lip, Frank nodded to Joe with an arrogant grin. “Who’s the man?”

Joe leaned back in his chair, covered his face with his hands and let out a long, dramatic whine.

^^^^

It wasn’t as hot as the beating sun made it feel. Miguel figured it had to do with the tension he was feeling. He hoped as he stood outside the main field house that George and his unexpected visit would lessen the burden he carried with his new worker. Chester was not only aggravating Miguel, but every other fieldworker out there. The complaints ranged from, Chester moved too slow, to he dug like a girl. Miguel was getting tired of hearing it. He had enough on his mind personally without being cornered by one of his men concerning Chester even while at the social hall.

Miguel watched, intermittently wiping the sweat from his brow, as George stood in the thick of it all. Out in the field with Chester. The conversation between the two men was long, and it ended with a polite smile from George. Miguel waited. He had to know.

“Spoke to him.” George stated as he walked to Miguel.

“And?”

“Hopefully he got my message. Don’t you worry about it?” George gave a friendly pat on the arm to Miguel as he began to leave.

“Mr. Hadly. You did mention to him I was not an illegal alien.”

George gave a thumbs up and moved on.

Sighing and smiling in relief, also holding high hope for a better work day, Miguel turned. When he did he got the scouring glance from Chester. Eyes shifting from Chester to a leaving George, Miguel realized that perhaps, all of the former president’s effort were, like everyone else’s, in vain.

^^^^

Frank stood outside the lab in the hallway of the clinic. He peered in through the windows watching Dean sitting at the counter, microscope in front of him, notes off to the side. He had debated all day on what would be the best approach. Though walking and nailing Dean would be fast, feel good and get across his message, it would be more like a sexual quickie. Something for the moment. Frank wanted more of a fulfilling sensation. So on that, he quietly moved into the lab, then blasted with everything he had . . . vocally. “Dean!”

With a jump start of his heart, Dean nearly knocked over his microscope when Frank shouted his name. “What is it, Frank?” He tried to remain cool and calm.

“So I hear I’m gay.” Frank’s hands slammed down on the counter in which Dean sat down at.

Dean immediately jumped up. He knew right where that was coming from. “Frank look, before you . . . I’m gonna kill Ellen . . . before you say anything.” He could see the flare in Frank’s eyes. “You know, Frank, if you stop to think about it, it’s pretty funny how it all came about.” Dean tried to smile and make light of the situation. Of course he stayed on the other side of the counter as a precaution. Like the counter was actually an invisible force field.

“Funny? Explain to me how it’s funny that my wife accuses me of cheating on her with another man?” Frank saw Dean trying to move away. “Let alone Henry. Henry? I don’t even find him good looking.”

In the midst of his avoidance of Frank, Dean had to control his laugh. “Be . . . be that as it may. You said to distract her.”

“That I did.” Frank said calmly. “And as a fair man. I’m giving you three seconds.”

“Or what?” Dean snapped sarcastically.

Frank pulled out his revolver, then lowered his aim at Dean. “You’re a eunuch. One . . .”

Dean took off.

“Two-three.” Frank sped out of the lab in pursuit,

Thinking, ‘shit he counted fast’. Dean plowed through the double glass doors of the clinic and leaped off the steps.

Dean was a blur to Joe, but Frank wasn’t. Bodily Frank almost plowed him over.

“Excuse me, Dad.” Frank shifted his body and raced after Dean.

“Boys!” Joe shouted, trying half-assed to stop them, then waving out his hand he faced the clinic. Andrea was coming out.

“Joe.” She smiled. “Glad I caught you.”

“Can’t right now, Andrea, have to chase those two idiots.” Joe tried to make his escape, but Andrea grabbed hold of his arm.

“Let them be.” She walked to him then descended the steps with Joe. “Stroll with me.”

“Stroll. But Frank is chasing Dean and . . .”

“Joe, you’re being ridiculous.” Andrea chuckled. “They do this all the time. What’s Frank gonna do when he catches Dean. Kill him.”

Both of them stopped when the firing of a single gunshot was heard in the distance. Looking at each other and shaking their heads at the same time with a ‘nah’, Joe and Andrea continued walking.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

May 12

“There it is.” Ellen spoke excitedly as she watched the monitor in the lab. “The last one, Ralph has reached ten beats a minute.” She imitated a roaring crowd. “Hey, Henry. I’m glad you came down with us tonight. Dean is so dull.”

“Please El, it’s Dean. You know these scientist type.” Henry pulled the paper from the printer.

Dean shook his head. “You know instead of insulting me again, for what? The fiftieth time. Why don’t you finish up the report so we can go home.”

“Someone’s pissy.” Ellen walked over to the counter. “Maybe he’s jealous of your affair with Frank.”

Henry put the reports before them. “You know El, it’s tough being a fantasy.”

“Guys!” Dean shuddered. “Please. Just . . . just no talking. Finish.”

“Miserable.” Ellen divided the stack. “Here Henry do Phoebe through Oscar.”

“Thanks, El.” He began to flip the pages. “Fine . . . fine . . .” Henry shook his head. “Uh oh. Looks like we aren’t getting a response from Springsteen either. Dead.”

“Yeah, so is Harris.” Ellen gave a quick look of sympathy. “Oh, well.” She shrugged. “Hey, Henry check this out. Melvin’s brain activity hasn’t increased. I wonder of this is the beginning to the makings of a field worker.” She continued reading. “And neither has Clint’s for . . .” The papers snatched from her hand. “Dean, what are you doing?”

Dean reviewed them. “I can’t make heads or tails out of what you two are saying. Whose brain activity isn’t normal?”

“Yours . . . no just kidding. Melvin’s and Clint’s.” She felt his daggers. “Oh, that’s right. Numbers twenty-two and twenty-five.” She pointed. “Turning into idiots. With my luck one of them is probably the hairdresser.” She stared to laugh and Henry joined her.

Dean was fed up. “Will you two knock it off. God.” He grabbed his head. “You’re giving me a headache. This is serious. According to this we have three who are probably dead already. And four who lost normal brain functions.”

“Dean.” Ellen snatched the papers from him. “Go back to what you were doing. And what is your problem today?”

“You want to know what my problem is? I haven’t been to bed since the last three in the morning check.” His voice roared at her, if it could blow back her hair it would. “I deal with Chester and his holier than thou attitude. Demanding to know about the embryos. Telling me this is his project. And then I have you two, giving names to fifty-three scientific subjects. They aren’t even good names, they’re stupid names. And I have to listen to you two call them the names while I sit and try to decipher material I am clueless about.” He stormed over to his work space.

Ellen took a step forward, speaking softly. “Dean, I understand your frustration . . .”

“Disks, tons of them with formulas I’ve never seen before.” Dean’s hand slammed down. “Either I forgot what they were or I never learned them and if that’s the case, I’m pretty stupid. I’ve had it! I’m out of my league here. And you Ellen, this is all a big game to you! A big ‘how can I irritate Dean’ Game!”

“Dean, I’m sorry, I just . . .” Ellen couldn’t get a word in edge wise. Dean was busting lose.

“I don’t want to hear it. The worst thing I did was ask you to continue assisting me. Either I have to be the lamest person in the world, or the biggest masochist!”

Ellen blinked slowly, staring at him very serious. “Are we finished taking a temper tantrum?” she waited for his glare. “Good.” she giggled. “You’re so funny, when you’re mad.”

Dean grunted.

Henry, raising his hand like a school boy, tried to get Dean’s attention. “Dean, can I say something without you biting my head off? Did you stop to think that perhaps the reason you are having so much trouble figuring out those disks is because they aren’t real.”

Dean’s head shuddered. “What?”

“O.K., this is just a theory, but . . . you have this idea that these people are up to something. That they have this genius master plan right? Well, if that is true, theoretically speaking, why would they just leave the information of their plan laying around available for anyone to find. I can see them leaving the defrosting process there, but valuable information. Something about this bothers me. Like . . . here.” He walked over to the computer. “On this monstrous system down here, there are four loaded programs, right? Well, I checked their size, they aren’t that big. So where is all the memory to the hard drive going? I think. Hidden files. And . . .”

“Wait!” Dean stopped him. “Why would they go through all the trouble to leave all these disks and tapes if they were bogus?”

“I have a theory on that one too. Perhaps the formulas are backwards or coded. It just doesn’t fit. You’re a smart man, Dean. Do you really think you’d have this much trouble comprehending scientific formulas, if something wasn’t amiss about them?”

“Henry, this is really good..” Dean said amazed. “I didn’t think of that. What’s your theory on how I’m supposed to figure them out?”

Henry shrugged. “I don’t know. I didn’t get that far yet. Let me work on it.”

Dean wanted to scream at him. But he stopped himself. He really couldn’t get mad. Henry had given him something to not only think about, but work on as well.

^^^^

It was a repeated thing. An annoying thump caused a slight pain between his shoulder blades, every few feet that Frank walked that late morning. He ignored it, he was tough. He had dealt with worse. Bending down to check the eye of the perimeters, at the far end of the back gate, it struck him again, only worse. He stood up, brushed himself off and kept moving. Frank glanced at his watch, then noted the time on his stupid report that he had to fill out. All was well--again--at the back gate.

Frank, noticing it was near eleven, wanted to hurry along. He was pushing the time frame of his normal routine rounds, because he wanted to check on Ellen this time. Besides seeing her, it took him back in town. Something he missed doing in his rounds. Something he would go back to doing as soon as he was done with the personal project that he had taken on.

Knowing he was near finished, he had one more thing to check before heading to his father’s office to drop off the reports. Picking up the pace, just a bit, the thumping pain hit him again, this time it had moved. It struck smack at the base of his skull, jolting his head a bit, making him stop, and annoying him more than ever. Frank had taken enough. With his sternest look he spun backwards. “Josh, knock it off. Put the football away!”

Josh picked it up from the ground, waited for Frank to move on then threw it at his back again.

“Josh!” Frank pointed the clipboard at him.

Josh folded his hands and looked up to the sky.

“I can’t play now. Not now. See the utility buildings. That means we’re almost done. After we get there we’ll play.” Frank began to walk again. He could hear Josh run up behind him, and he quickly turned around. “Don’t!” The football sailed into his chest and Frank caught it. Wanting to yell at the teenager, Frank restrained when he realized that Josh had worked hard all morning too. Dropping the clipboard to the ground, Frank smiled and took a quarterback’s stance. “Go long.”

^^^^

“Plain and simple.” Joe stated as if on trial, sitting in Andrea’s office. “A dog. Always have been, probably always will. Ask anyone.” He lifted his hand. “Ask . . . ask Frank.”

“I did.” Andrea said..

“And what did he say?”

“A dog.”

“There you have it.” Joe stared to stand.

“Joe Slagel, sit.” Andrea snapped her finger and pointed to the chair.

Joe tilted his head and looked around the room. He tugged on his ear. “I’m sorry. I could have sworn I heard someone snap at me.”

“You are a dog.”

Closing his eyes with a chuckle, Joe sat down. “You got me. Now, Andrea I would love to sit . . .”

“Joe.” She folded her hands and leaned into the desk. “What is the problem with this. I have been suggesting a relationship for months. Don’t you feel it between us.”

“Quite frankly . . . no.” He held up his and when she gasped. “You want honesty. I’ll give it to you. I won’t let myself feel it. I like Miguel. He’s a good guy Andrea. A good guy who you just dumped.”

“He didn’t help me through my grief. You did.”

“You never gave him a chance.” Joe pointed. “Give him the chance. Try to make it work with him. If you find it doesn’t then maybe . . .” Before Joe could say anymore, his radio crackled and Miguel’s voice came over.

“Mr. Slagel? We have a problem in the field.”

“Speak of the devil.” Joe lifted the radio. “What’s up?”

“I can’t find Chester. He is gone.”

“All right, we’ll locate him. Thanks.” Standing up, Joe switched the radio channel. “George. George come in. George.” He held the radio away and waited. “George.”

“Must have it off.” Andrea suggested.

“Must. Hell, I’ll find Chester myself.” Joe walked to the door.

“Try the bakery. I here he’s been trying to seduce Josephine into making him some of her baked goods.”

“Seducing Josephine. Now there’s a task that’s not too difficult for him.”

“Joe.” Andrea gasped. “She is not the elderly slut everyone makes her out to be.”

“Now did I say that? No. I didn’t say that.” Joe winked. “Talk to you later Andrea.”

Arms folded watching Joe walk down the corridor to the main doors, Andrea saw something that made her dash into her office . . . Frank.

^^^^

Ellen embraced her phlebotomy tray in her arms as if it were a baby as she walked almost backwards into the lab. “Sorry I took . . .” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “ . . . long.” She set the tray down next to Johnny then tipped toed across the room to Dean who had his head on the empty counter space. His cheek flush to the counter, his arms dangled off to his side. His eyes tightly closed. She softly walked back across the lab to Johnny trying to contain her giggle. “Is he sleeping or dead.” She spoke quietly.

“Sleeping.” Johnny turned on his stool from the microscope. “Don’t wake him.”

“I won’t.” She tilted her head. “Do I look that stupid when I fall asleep on the counter?”

“Nah.” Johnny waved. “You at least have your arms up.”

“How long has he been out?”

“Twenty minutes or so, and is he crashed.”

“But . . .” Ellen placed her hand on her hip. “Who’s gonna do my blood counts and urine samples?”

“I will.” Johnny pulled the tray to him. “I’ve been learning this stuff for a year now. Besides, Dean says I’m better than you anyhow.”

“I’d get mad at that comment, however I’m glad I don’t have to do the samples. I was beginning to get scared that I might.”

“El!” Frank yelled to her as he bolted heavily into the lab.

Johnny and Ellen both turned at the same time with a “Shh!”

Frank slowed down, and held his hands up trying to be quiet. “Why am I being shushed?”

They both pointed to Dean.

“Oh, who cares.” He placed his hands on Ellen’s face and kissed her with a moan. “I’ve missed you.” He smiled. “Let’s go.” He began to tug her out.

“Frank wait. Where are we going?”

“Let’s just take a walk or something. Please. I feel like I haven’t seen you.”

“All right.” Ellen clenched Frank’s hand. “Johnny? Do you mind.”

“No, go on.” Johnny turned to his work.

Just before they left the lab, Frank slowed down with a slide. “One second.” He released Ellen’s hand and moved close to Dean. “Pitiful.” With his forefinger and thumb Frank flicked Dean in the side of his head. “Dean.”

Dean didn’t budge.

“Dean.” Frank flicked him again.

No response.

Placing his mouth close to Dean, Frank spoke loud. “DEAN!”

Dean sprang straight up.

“You are so lazy.” Frank, satisfied, reclaimed Ellen’s hand and walked from the lab.

Dean rubbed his eyes, then dropped his arms to his side and his head plopped to the counter. Groggily, he commented to Johnny. “Your father’s an asshole.” He closed his eyes again and went to sleep.

A slight smile escaped Ellen as she raised her face to the warm sky. “I forget how cold it is in the clinic. Between you and Dean liking it . . .”

“El, please. Don’t compare me to Dean.” Frank let go of her hand and faced her at the bottom of the clinic steps. “Let’s just take a . . .hold up.” He lifted an index finger, stepped back and held the ear piece to his headset. “What’s up.”

Ellen saw it, a look of mad. She waited and she knew it was coming.

“Fuck.” Frank stomped. “Tell him to go away. Why?” He shook his head. “Well, if he’s trouble back there shoot him.” He lifted his hand in aggravation. “I’m on my way.” He lowered the microphone. “El . . .”

“Say no more.” Ellen said. “Problem with a survivor at the gate.”

“Man, you’re good.” Frank kissed her quickly. “I have a surprise for you later. Meet you at containment?”

“A surprise. What’s the occasion? Did I . . .” She was silenced by Frank’s hand. Muffled she spoke for her release.

“Later. It’s a surprise.” he kissed her again. “Be good.” Returning to the back gate and being pulled from Ellen was not something Frank wanted to do. So just to ensure he took care of things as quickly as he could, he pulled his revolver out en route.

Alone again and Ellen decided whether to go back to the clinic or hide out. Seeing how hiding out would be more relaxing she began to do that moving from the clinic. Not far into her walk she saw Melissa walking toward her. It baffled her. She hurriedly approached her. “Melissa. Aren’t you supposed to be down in the tunnel watching the Cryo-wall till three?”

“Suppose to be, but then Dean sent Chester down to relieve me.” She spoke nonchalantly running her hands through her red hair.

“Dean did no such thing. Chester’s down in the tunnel lab now?”

“Sure, he said . . .”

“Let’s go. I need you with me.” Walking as fast as her pregnant body would carry her, Ellen headed to the main entrance to the tunnels.

With the buzz of the door, on the first try, Ellen bolted into the lab. “Chester!” She yelled to him as he stood near the edge of the cryo-wall holding a clipboard.

Chester wasn’t the least bit startled or intimidated by her. “Hello Ellen.” He flipped a page.

“What the hell are you doing down here? You know damn well you are not allowed down here without authorization.” She stormed closer to him.

“Really.” He took a deep breath slowly lifting the next page. “I am getting tired of you people telling me what I can or cannot do with my project.”

“Our project, Chester. Now I suggest to you, you leave now on your own before I have security throw you out. And I will make mention of this to Dean.” Ellen reached for the clipboard Chester held and grasped it tightly. “Let go.”

“No you let go.” Chester pulled at it fighting her resistance.

“Chester let go of the information, now!” With all of her might Ellen forcefully pulled the clipboard from his grip. However she did not realize that the edge of the wall was only inches from her, and as her hand sailed back with the board the back of her wrist smacked into the edge. Pain radiated immediately up her arm. She felt a crack upon the connection to the wall, yet her face would not give into showing her pain. “Leave.” Ellen’s face was cold.

“Did you hurt yourself, Ellen?” Chester tried not to laugh.

“Melissa grab the radio, get security down here. Wait, better yet. Call Frank. Tell him his wife needs him.” She raised her eyebrows to Chester.

Hiding behind a wall of laxity, Chester lifted his chin and snobbishly walked away from Ellen. “Don’t bother Melissa. I’m leaving.” He gave one more arrogant look before leaving.

Ellen waited a few seconds then ran to the door and looked out. Certain he was gone, she held on to her wrist and shrieked loudly.

^^^^

“Dean.” Ellen’s voice was calm as she held her wrist and walked into the lab. “Hi Johnny.” She lifted her head to him. “Dean.”

Dean, who was awake, turned his stool from his computer to Ellen. “Why are you here? Isn’t this Ellen nap time?”

“I broke my wrist.” She rested her arm on the counter in front of him.

“You what?” He peered down at the already bruising and swelling wrist. “Shit. This is broke.”

“No kidding.” Her voice began to creep up. “Could you set it for me please?”

“Absolutely. How did this happen? Another survivor incident?” Dean asked.

“You could say so. You see I saw Melissa walking toward the . . .”

“Melissa?” Dean interrupted. “She’s supposed to be in the tunnels.”

“Exactly, so I asked her why she wasn’t. It appears Chester told her he was her relief.”

Dean could feel his temper began to rise. “Chester was in the lab? You told him to leave. Right?”

“Of course. Demanded him to leave, threatened him with security and you. Didn’t work. I got mad, grabbed the clipboard he had. We struggled over it. I won. But . . . I pulled the clipboard too hard and smacked my wrist off the wall.”

Dean stood up immediately. “Where is he?” He asked harshly.

“Oh, he went back to the fields. I finally frightened him. So can you . . .”

“Johnny.” Dean set down his glasses, took off his lab coat and flung it across the room. “Take Ellen, double lead shield her front and back. X-ray that arm, show Andrea, and prep a room. I’ll set it when I get back.”

Johnny moved to Ellen. “Sure Dean, where are you going?”

“To deal with Chester.” Without another word, Dean stormed from the lab.

Johnny stood amazed, he had never seen Dean that angry. Nodding his head approvingly he began to escort Ellen. “Go Dean.”

Dean huffed his way from the clinic. As he stepped on to the street he could see Henry’s maintenance jeep a few feet up. Without saying anything, without asking for its loan, Dean jumped in and started it, driving off with a screech.

He was so unlike his mild mannered self as he drove to the edge of the fields. Chester had over stepped his last boundary. Seeing Chester walking from Miguel sparked an outrage in him he hadn’t felt in a long time. Dean halted the jeep and jumped from it.

He merely lifted his eyes to Miguel who was reading off a clipboard as he stormed by him. Just about three feet or so past Miguel, Dean stopped, backed up and pulled the clipboard from Miguel’s hands. “Thanks.” He muttered, and continued his march toward the field workers. “Chester!” He called out to him.

Chester knew what it was about. He laid back down the tools he was picking up and began to meet Dean. He was armed and ready with his verbal defense for being in the tunnel lab. “Yes, Doctor?” He spoke snidely.

“Were you down in the tunnel lab?” Dean asked with demand.

“I was.” Chester crossed his arms.

“And were you struggling with Ellen over a clipboard?”

“I was.”

“That’s all I wanted to know.” With both hands grasping tightly to the clipboard, Dean revved back with all of his strength and swung forth at Chester crashing and breaking the board off the side of his head. The force of the blow and the pain, sent Chester to the ground. Dean took the half of the clipboard he held in his hand and tossed it onto Chester. No more needed to be said. He immediately left the field, jumped back into the jeep, and headed toward center town.

“Good picture Johnny took.” Dean spoke calmly as he walked directly into the examining room, past Ellen and to the x-ray on the light. He placed on his glasses that he had stopped to retrieve, and let out a silent breath as he looked. “Broke. Clean though.” Dean flicked off the light board.

“Looks like it. Johnny has everything ready for you.” Ellen pampered her wrist and swung her legs back and forth as she sat on the table. “So what happened with Chester?”

“Not much.” Dean moved the prepared tray closer to the table and sat down on the stool before her looking up to her. “I took care of him. He won’t be in the lab anymore.”

“Do you think he’ll listen to you?” She asked as she laid her arm more accessible to Dean.

“I guess.” Dean wrapped the sock like cloth over her arm.

Ellen felt the heavy dampness of the first wet plaster strip. “So what exactly did . . .”

Miguel cleared his throat and tapped on the examining room door. “Dr. Hayes?” He and another field worker held up a very bloody Chester. “What should we do with him?”

“Um . . .” Dean only lifted his eyes while he continued setting Ellen’s arm. “Take him in the other room, then tell Andrea . . . no wait, tell Johnny to stitch him. It’ll be good practice.”

Miguel smiled. “Got it.” He and the other worker dragged Chester away.

Ellen snickered in a sneaky manner. “Wow, Dean.” She lowered her head closer to him. “Did you come to my rescue?”

“Ellen.” Almost embarrassed, Dean paused in his work, lifted his eyes, then smiled with a shake of his head. After a brief moment of eye contact he finished with her arm.

^^^^

Frank straightened up Josh’s appearance as they stood in the hallway just outside of Ellen’s office. He placed his finger to his own lips as a quiet sign to Josh and spoke in his lowest voice. “Stay right here until I pull you in.” He waited for Josh’s nod, then gave him the thumbs up. Excited and nervous he poked his head into Ellen’s office. “Hey.”

Ellen lifted her head from her work with a smile. “Oh! My Surprise.”

“I hope . . . what the hell happened to your arm?” Frank noticed the obvious white cast. Concerned, he walked to her.

“I banged it off a wall. Long story, I’ll tell you at home. My surprise?”

“Did it hurt?” Frank asked as he lifted her cast.

“Yes! Frank! My Surprise.” She snatched her arm back.

“And why is Dean’s name written so big across it?”

“He wanted to be the first to sign it. Another long story. My surprise?”

“All right. All right.” Frank fiddled nervously with his goatee. “Ready?” He stepped to the door.

Ellen dropped her pencil and stood, afraid to ask the question. “It’s not like an animal or something, is it?” Ellen watched him reach to the hall. “I don’t want . . .” Her mouth dropped open when she saw. “Oh my God.” She moved slowly to Josh, breathing in almost with a tremble as she reached her hand to him. “Oh my God.”

Josh smiled brightly at her. “Ellen.”

Frank was proud of the moment. “Tell her Josh.” He smacked Josh’s arm.

“Frank’s cool.”

“No not that.” Frank smacked him again. “Tell her, you know the other thing.” He tilted his head to him.

Josh cleared his throat. “I’m home.”

Ellen gasped loudly with laughter, she turned to Frank. “Where did you? What . . .”

“Go on, El.” Frank motioned his head. “Give him a hug. I told him you were gonna give him a big hug when you saw him.”

“Will he let me?” She asked.

Josh didn’t let Frank answer, he answered for himself by reaching out to Ellen and touching her.

Ellen immediately threw her arms around him, holding him tightly, rocking him. “Look at you.” She stepped back reaching out her hands and cupping his face. “You’re so different. And I know Frank’s had a hold of you. You have no hair.” She rubbed his buzzed head.

“Josh and I have been hanging, huh Josh? We’re pals.”

“Frank’s cool.” Josh commented.

“See El.” Frank nodded.

Ellen smiled widely. “Frank’s cool. Frank is cool.” She stepped back from Josh and turned toward her husband. “How did this come about? I’m speechless.”

“He came to the back gate. Smelled really bad too. I let him in. We didn’t know what he’d be like or I would have told you earlier. My dad said I could work with him and I did. He’s different now. There’s some details that are special from other survivors, but I’ll talk to you about that later.”

“You did this for me? You went against everything you preach about survivors, and worked with him?” Ellen moved closer to him.

“He’s a kid, El. And he was a special kid to you.” He ran his hand down her face.

“Do you know how much I love you Frank?”

“Oh, yeah.” He closed his eyes as he felt her lips on his cheek.

“Well.” Joe spoke upbeat as he walked in the office. “I see Ellen likes her surprise.” He laid his hand on Josh’s shoulder.

Ellen stepped forward kissing Joe on the cheek. “Ellen loves it. Thank you for letting him back in.”

“It was all Frank.” Joe said complimentary. “But before he boggles you with the new details. I wanted to talk to you about this incident with Chester you had.”

Ellen cringed holding up her hands, she knew what was coming.

“What incident?” Frank spoke sternly.

“Ellen’s arm. How it got broke.” Joe saw his son flare up. “She didn’t tell you?”

“He broke my wife’s arm?” Frank took a deep breath and began to bolt from the office. Joe bodily blocked him.

“Frank. Stop.” Joe told him calmly. “It’s already been dealt with. Dean took care of it.”

“Ha!” Frank laughed still trying to get by his father. “What did he do quiz him to death?”

“No.” Joe shook his head. “He smashed him upside the head with a clipboard. Johnny had to put, what was it? Thirty stitches. Dealt with.”

Frank stepped back, his mouth opened. “Dean did that?” He nodded. “I’m impressed.”

Ellen had to interrupt. “But, you and Dean have to keep in mind, he didn’t break my arm. I was struggling with him and I whacked it off a wall.”

Frank didn’t want to hear it. “Same difference.”

“I believe so too.” Joe interjected. “And that’s the reason I’m here. He won’t . . .” Joe motioned his head to Josh. “Say anything, will he? Josh?”

Josh looked up and smiled. “Frank’s cool.”

“Just checking.” Joe nodded and continued. “Now, Dean came to me an hour ago and put in a request to council for Chester’s immediate ousting. As much as we’d like that, we believe Chester is up to something. So we decided not to oust him . . .yet.” He held up his hand. “We’re gonna stick him in holding until cryoprocess is complete. Keep him locked up. We may need information from him and we can’t chance that info being lost in the wilderness. So . . . just until then, he stays.”

Ellen had to voice her concerns. “What if he doesn’t give us any info we before hand?”

“My son.” Joe held out his palm pointing to Frank. “We know Chester knows something. So the last day, we tell Chester, if he doesn’t talk . . . then we lock Frank in a room with him. Hopefully with the fear that Frank can use any and all means to get him to spill his guts, Chester will sing.”

Finally a smile crossed Frank’s face. He liked that plan. To him there was something strangely and dementedly satisfying about being the human equivalent to sodium pentothal.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

May 31

Dean had some cultures he wanted to check on back in the clinic lab. He hated having to do it, especially with needing to be down in the cryo-lab for the final meeting later on that night. He wanted to get rest. That was something he had been getting most of his from laying on the counter.

It struck him odd the sound of music softly seeping from the lab. No one was supposed to be there. But what struck him more was the song that played. It was something he hadn’t heard in years. Since right after the plague in Ashtonville.

Tuning into the lab, Dean stopped. The music played slowly and he saw Ellen moving about the lab lit on by the fluorescent light above the sink. She moved slowly as well, humming lightly as she prepared something at the back counter. He leaned, shoulder on the archway, arms folded, watching her for longer than he should. Listening to the song, the words, drawing up on sensations that the old melody brought forth. He cleared his throat slightly so as not to scare her.

It didn’t work. With a slight peep, Ellen spun around. “Dean.” She grabbed her chest.

“What are you doing here?” He asked walking in. He saw her reaching to turn off the cassette. “No, leave it on.”

“You like it too?” Ellen asked.

“We used to listen to that tape . . .”

“Doc Breyer’s office.” Ellen let out a sad sigh. “When we were working on a cure for Taylor.”

“You used to . . .” Dean stepped to the counter. “You used to have a CD of this. And keep the repeat button on for this song.”

“Yeah.” Ellen finished her supplies. “Can’t do it now. If I want to hear the song I have to rewind. Too much work.”

Dean smiled. “Without sounding corny. I always deemed this song . . .”

“Ours.” Ellen finished the sentence. “Me, too.” She folded her arms and looked at him. “Well.” She stepped back. “I’d better go. We have that meeting in a few hours.”

“What are you doing here?” Dean asked.

“One of my survivors is sick. And I wanted to do a throat culture tonight. You?”

“Me? Checking my petri dishes.” He moved her tray to her. “You better go. Get some rest. Tomorrow’s a big day.”

“Yeah it is.” Ellen grabbed her supplies and took a step away. She looked over her shoulder to Dean who watched her. “Night.”

“Night, El.” He smiled gently. “Oh, gloves. Wear them. Get into the habit.”

Walking backwards, Ellen looked at him curiously. “That’s a weird comment.”

“Let’s just say I’m getting concerned again. New people. Old germs. Germs we got rid of a while ago. Gloves. O.K.? You’re carrying . . . you’re pregnant.”

Ellen hesitated, then she smiled. Quickly she moved to the center counter, opened the drawer and pulled out a pair of gloves. She held them up. “Night.”

“Night.” Dean waited until she left then faced the tape player. His hand reached up to shut off the deck when the slow song ended. But instead of his finger pressing ‘stop’ Dean hit ‘rewind’ and listened to it again.

^^^^

The holding room had become his home for nineteen days. A bed, small bathroom, dresser and a light. The four walls were metal looking and not a window to let the sun shine through. Chester bided his time. He felt it was only a matter of time before his release. Not that Beginnings would release him, but his colleagues. The ones who were less than twenty-four hours away from awakening. They would be as outraged as he at the thought of one of them being held, as if he were a prisoner.

Chester spent most of his time pacing, reading and thinking. He engaged in little conversation, no one wanted to speak to him. They merely opened the door at meal time and slid him in his food. The thinking part drove him crazy. Maybe it was the isolation of it, but his thoughts brought to him guilt. Guilt of what he knew. Guilt over what he could not tell.

He hadn’t a clue what time it was. He assumed it was late evening because it had been awhile since his third meal. That’s why it struck him as odd when he heard the key in the door.

George opened the door, stepped in with hesitation, then closed it behind him. “I need to talk to you Chester.”

Chester swallowed. George made him nervous. Though the others in Beginnings just saw him as one of them, Chester saw him as the president. Because to Chester there were no years that had passed in his mind. He said nothing to George, he just sat on his bed and gave him his attention.

George jingled his keys in his hand as he slowly paced at the foot of the bed. “I’m sure you’ve kept track of days, Chester. And because of that, I’m sure that you’re aware of the fact that in a short time those people will awaken.” George stopped pacing. “And Chester I’m sure you are fully aware of what tomorrow will bring also. You see, because of your attitude, because of your sneaking and lying, Beginnings is led to believe that you know something you don’t want them to know. In fact, it’s totally obvious that you do. Now you can deny it all you want. But actions speak louder than words. Actions always speak louder than words.” George jingled the keys even more. “Tomorrow, before the people awaken, Beginnings expects to find out what you know. Tomorrow Frank will open up this door and come in here to get the truth.” He stormed closer to Chester with a fierce look on his face. “You know what that means don’t you? Frank will get the truth out of you. Let me tell you how it will go. If he can’t scare it out of you.” George lowered his voice to a frightening whisper. “He will beat it out of you. Frank is cold, mean, and heartless.” George stood straight and stepped back with confidence. “The truth will come out. You will fold to the truth whether you intend to or not. So save yourself Chester. Save yourself.” George backed to the door and opened it. “If the truth is going to come out, why go through all that torture. Do the right thing. You know what that is.” Shutting the door, with no more to say, George left. He hoped that his warning to Chester would be heeded. George locked the door once more, placed his keys in his pocket, and faced a waiting Joe. “I talked to him.”

“Do you think it’ll work?” Joe asked.

“Positive.”

“Good.” Joe walked with him. “Whether Frank is looking forward to kicking his ass or not, I’d hate to see him beat the truth out of him.”

“Me too Joe.” George patted him on the back. “Me too.”

^^^^

After the 3:00 a.m. check, like they were his pupils. Ellen, Henry, and Johnny sat on stools, backs leaning against the counter, watching a very serious scientist. Dean paced a little before them, his eyes tired, his body moving in slow motion. “Everything seems to be in order. Melissa is going to double check the make-shift hospital in the morning. Johnny will be on site, down here from eight on. Henry, you’ll stay until then. Now . . . I have a surprise for you. I’ve prepared a little something.” He turned from them and walked across the room.

Ellen squirmed with excitement and leaned to Henry, whispering. “Like a reward. He makes the best sugar cookies.”

An extended hand, Dean’s hand, holding a homemade booklet, reached out to Ellen. “You’re not in kindergarten, Ellen. This is not a treat.” Dean handed one to Henry and Johnny also. “I made an agenda slash pamphlet for all of you.”

Ellen flipped through the spiral bound pages. “Look how anal he is Henry. He bound them with that contraption they had down here.”

Dean shut her pamphlet for her. “Ellen, pay attention. There will be a quiz today following the afternoon check.”

Ellen laughed loudly. “A quiz.” She leaned over to her other side to Johnny, whispering . “He’s not serious is he?”

Johnny rolled his eyes and nodded his head. “He loves giving quizzes. But don’t worry, they’re usually multiple choice.”

Dean held his book up. “I want all of you to go through this book today every chance you get. We’re gonna take a few minutes right now and go over it. Turn to page one.” He waited for the sequential sound of flipping pages. “We know it’s going to happen. My guess, and by the data we have, it’s going to be late afternoon, early evening sometime. We’ve all noticed the changes. Near normal vitals, some of our subjects are experiencing REM, and a few have had body twitches.”

Ellen snickered as she tried to read ahead. “And the men have lost their erections.”

All three males in the room snapped at her in unison. “El!”

Ellen hunched. “Like you didn’t notice.” She lifted her head. “I’m sorry Dean, continue.”

“Thank you. I’m going to go through this fast so keep up. Now we’ve already prepared the anti-dote. Fifty syringes ready to go. You’ve all been assigned numbers. No hesitation, just injections. Through the clothing and as quickly as you can. Listed on page one is our equipment. Page two.” Dean flipped. “The awakening. Henry has installed that new lock on the outside so they can’t get out once they wake. We have to be the ones that go in there. Assuming they awake when we aren’t here, the oxygen feed should allow them to have enough air. Expect pandemonium. Expect these people to be confused, expect . . .” He noticed Ellen’s hand waving about. “Yes, Ellen?”

“What about going to the bathroom?”

“You’ll have time to go to the bathroom.”

“No not me, them. They’ve been asleep for six years. They’re really gonna have to go bad when they get up. I mean after four hours of sleep, I . . .”

“Ellen.” Dean tried to remain calm, even though Henry and Johnny giggled like ten year olds. “They are just gonna have to wait until we get them to the hospital.”

“But that’s a quarter of a mile trudge out of the tunnel to the bus. I know I can barely make it down the steps to brew the coffee first and . . .”

“Ellen.” Dean snapped. “They’ll deal with it. They’ll have to hold it.”

“Fine.” Ellen sat back.

“Continuing. Page three. Transporting.” He raised his eyes to Ellen. “Some of these people will be sick. We’ve all seen the plague. You know what to expect. It’ll be better once we get them to the hospital. I have volunteers lined up. If the ones that are well ask, their belongings, if that’s what’s in the numbered boxes, will be distributed at Joe’s discretion. Frank’s promised us round the clock security out there for our safety in case some of them are insane. The only problem I foresee is that the hospital was placed so far out. Joe is issuing a jeep to our team for the five mile hike.” He noticed Ellen’s hand waving again. “Yes Ellen, what now?”

“Why did Miguel and his men build it so far away? Do you and Joe really think they’re that much of a physical threat?”

“No. That pre-fab structure was intended to be a sort of jail. The location is where it is supposed to be set up. Besides, we don’t trust these people yet. We want them far away from the general population. And let’s remember to thank Miguel and his crew for erecting it so fast.” His eyes lifted and he sighed. “Yes El, again. We’d like to get out of here before dawn.”

“What if I go into labor out there?”

“We’ll drive you back . . . now, page four . . . What Ellen?!” Dean hand began to crinkle his fresh pamphlet.

“What if say, Henry has the jeep and we have to wait until he gets back, then that’s . . .”

“You’ll make it. Don’t worry.” Dean’s patience was wearing thin.

“Fine. You know how fast I deliver. I just don’t want to have to pull off to the side of the road to drop this . . .”

“Ellen!” Dean took the three steps necessary to stand directly in front of her. “Please, please, please.” He leaned his face into her and placed his index finger softly on her lips. “Shh.” He smiled when he saw her agree. “Thank you. Page four. Getting them settled. Now once . . .” He saw Ellen stand up. “Where are you going?”

“Home.” She kissed Johnny on the cheek. “Fill me in.” She told him.

Dean extended his arm blocking her. “Why?”

“Dean, it’s late and you are taking way too long with this. I need my rest. I’m pregnant you know.”

“You can’t go, Ellen. I won’t allow it.”

“Yes I can.” She moved his arm. “What are you going to do? Kick me off the team? I know this stuff, Dean. We’ve been over it a million times. You’re being boring.” Tapping him on the cheek with a smile she moved and stood by the door.

Dean, in frustration slammed his hands against his thighs. “Anyone else bored? Anyone else want to leave. By all means if you are, be my guest, be like Ellen. I’m sure this can wait.” He spoke with sarcasm holding his pamphlet holding hand to the door.

“Thanks, Dean.” Henry stood up and walked by him. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Dean.” Johnny walked by him too.

With a buzz all three walked out. Not only did Dean lose his team in the middle of a very important review session, but Henry who was supposed to monitor the subjects until eight was gone too, and Dean was stuck there even longer.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

June 1

Joe tossed his just finished cigarette to the ground and sipped his coffee before blowing out the last of his smoke. He ignored Dean’s drastic coughs, as they stood side by side outside of the holding center waiting for Frank. Glancing down at his watch, then back up, Joe smiled when he saw his son’s figure making his way over the crest. “Here he comes.”

“It’s about time.” Dean commented. “He looks pissed.”

Frank coughed and sneezed as he made his approach. He rubbed his hand on the back of his nose, sniffed again then spit. “Fuckin' allergies. Morning Dad.”

“Dean can give you something for that, Frank.”

“I’ll live. Ready?” He reached for the door knob. “And why is he here?” Frank asked.

“Two reasons.” Joe answered. “One, to annoy you and keep you mad. And two, if Chester starts spilling his guts, do you really think you’ll understand what he’s saying.” Joe snuck ahead and opened the door to holding. “And Dean did nail him, so there may be some fear of him also.”

Dean decided to use the moment to gloat. “Yep. Someone had to come to Ellen’s rescue.”

Frank snarled at his comment. “You know what you did really wouldn’t bother me if I didn’t have to stare at your name on her cast every day.”

“She wanted my autograph Frank, what can I say. She was very grateful.”

“Right Dean.” Frank headed to the hall leading to Chester’s room.

Joe hurried between the two men halting any further arguments as he did. “All right, you guys know what to do.” Reaching for his keys, Joe unlocked the door, folded his arms and leaned against the wall motioning his hand to the door for Frank. “All yours.”

Frank knocked once on the closed door. “Chet, it’s time.” He waited for Dean, opened the door, and they both walked in.

Joe looked at his watch as he saw them enter, he wondered how long it would take.

“Fuck!” Frank’s deep voice yelled from the room. “Dad!” He poked his head out, startling Joe.

“What is it?” Joe asked.

“He’s dead.” Frank bolted back in the room.

“What?” Joe raced into Chester’s room, his heart pounded in anger at the vision in front of him. “Son of a bitch.”

Frank held tightly to Chester’s legs which swayed two feet above the floor, mid-room. He lifted the heavy body up so as Dean could free Chester from the electrical cord in which he used to hang himself. “Dean, you got it?”

Dean stood on a chair, reaching as high as he could. “One second, Frank. Ready . . .” He loosened the cord from the beam in which it was tied to. “He’s gonna fall . . . Now!”

Chester’s body tumbled down to Frank, the weight of his lifeless body nearly knocked Frank over.

“I can’t believe he hung himself.” Frank laid Chester on the floor and immediately pulled the brown cord from him, which seemed to have embedded itself in Chester’s flesh. He felt for a pulse. “I can’t feel anything. You?” He slid out of the way for Dean.

Dean dropped to his knees and felt. “No. But his color’s still good and his body is warm.”

“Can we save him?”

“Let’s try. You do compressions, I’ll do the breaths . . . Joe.” Dean looked up. “In the examining room at receiving is oxygen. Can you . . .”

“On my way.” Joe hurried from the room.

“Frank, you ready?” Dean positioned himself.

“Ready.” Frank cupped his hands over Chester chest.

Dean placed his fingers on Chester’s nose and tilted back his head. Leaning to his mouth, he stopped.

“Dean, what’s wrong?” Frank was prepared. “Now’s not the time to be timid.”

“It’s useless, Frank.” Dean gently released his hold on Chester. “His neck is broken.”

“Broke?” Frank questioned as he stood.

“The force of the jolt had to do it. Common.” Slowly, Dean rose.

“So what information was so . . .” Frank paused. His eyes widened. “Fuck! No! Why now?” After spinning turn of his body, he drove his fist into the aluminum wall causing a thunderous rumble.

“O.K.” Dean stepped back, weirded out by his reaction. Just as he was about to try to calm Frank he heard Frank say ‘when’ and Dean tossed his hands up. “You’re talking into that stupid headset. I hate when you do that without warning.”

“Get the doomsday team ready.” Frank flung off his headset and faced Dean. “Your sleepyheads are getting up early. The countdown has begun.”

“Shit. No. Now?” Dean looked at his watch. “It’s not supposed to happen yet. No one’s ready.”

“They better get ready.”

“Ellen is . . .”

“Probably still asleep. Time frame?” Frank asked.

“Twenty minutes until full awakening.”

“We’d better move. I’ll get El.”

“Drive me to town?” Dean asked as they stepped over Chester.

“You got it.” Frank moved behind Dean to the door.

Joe sidestepped out of the way of Dean who raced through the door. “Whoa. What’s going . . .”

“They’re awakening.” Dean said as he flew by. “Have to go.”

Joe turned in his questioning. “What about . . .”

“Dead.” Frank answered as he too walked through the door. “Handle it. Thanks.”

“O.K.” Holding the oxygen, Joe was alone in holding. With the exception of Chester’s corpse. Setting down the tank, he walked to the body and squatted down. He looked over the paling body--lifeless, peaceful, staring close to the green eyes that were still open. Joe shook his head slowly. “What was it that you didn’t want to tell us Chester?” He paused and took a deep breath, closing Chester’s eyes. “What did you know?”

^^^^

“Ellen.” Dean rushed over to her as she entered the lab. “What took you so long. One minute left. I know you don’t want to miss this.”

“I had to get a quick shower, Dean.” She hurried to position. Henry and Johnny sat before the glass gawking like they were getting ready to watch a peep show. “I don’t want them to wake up and see me messy.”

“Only you.” Dean smiled as he led her to the glass. “Look . . . It’s happening.”

They watched wide eyed, without moving, barely breathing, as the process began. A low level humming happened followed by a click, and the thin almost see through wires that suspended the fifty-three people began to lower, gently dropping them to the floor. The humming noise turned into a hissing and the area behind the glass wall began to fill with a white steam. The same type of white steam which emerged from the cryo-case with the embryos. No one knew for certain whether it was suppose to happen or if a malfunction had occurred. They had to wait, and they had to watch.

“Dean.” Frank’s voice came over the radio. “We’re in position.”

Dean merely picked up the radio and spoke softly. “Hold on.” His eyes never leaving the chamber.

With a loud vacuuming sound, the smoke began to clear from the room, with it brought this vision of people. They stirred about slowly, not realizing what had happened. As if it was rehearsed they began to remove the white hooded suits they wore, letting them drop off, stepping out of them and wearing only flesh colored body suits underneath.

Within seconds of their undressing, some of them began to tremble, their bodies shook, then two, five, eight, dropped to the ground.

Number forty-three pounded on the glass as he tried to call. His words were muffled. “What’s happening?” His face frantic.

Dean scurried to give everyone their syringes. “They can’t be experiencing the virus. They can’t. The chamber is . . .” He paused as he gave Ellen hers. “Shit, they weren’t in a cryo-chamber.” He ran to the door. “Henry hurry with the keys. It’s the suits. They’re wearing cryo-suits. And breathing our air.”

Henry fumbled between his box of syringes and keys to open the door.

Dean upon hearing the unlocking, flung open the door. “Now, everyone.”

Each of them had lost their bearings as they bolted in. They no longer had the people lined up like they expected, they now had a room filled with dropping bodies, shaking, convulsing.

Number forty-three seemed to be the only one in control. His mind raced with confusion. “What is happening?” He grabbed hold of Henry’s shoulders. “What’s going on?”

“The plague. We have to give them the anti-serum.” Henry dropped to the floor and injected a shaking woman.

Without hesitation, number forty-three grabbed a handful of syringes from the box to help the four people who desperately tried to inject the people who seemed to be fighting them.

A woman’s hand reached up clasping Ellen’s hair, pulling it, her other hand swung freely at her while her body thrashed. “Someone help.” Ellen tried to shield her stomach from the painful tantrum being thrown at her. She was at a loss, Dean, Henry, Johnny, and number forty-three, seemed to be experiencing the same chaos. Feeling the hard cold stinging of a palm across her face, nearly knocking the syringe from which she gripped between her teeth, Ellen in angry reaction, clenched her fist, and struck down at the woman, rendering her unconscious and enabling her to inject her. She scooted to the next person, grabbed a syringe, placed it in her mouth and uncapped it.

“El.” Dean reached out and grabbed it from her mouth. “What the hell are you doing? Precaution.” He immediately injected the man whom Ellen knelt over. “Don’t be stupid again.” He tossed the syringe in box.

The bodies still shook despite the anti-serum, as Dean knew would happen. They would have to experience some of the plague before they got well. The entire chamber room was in total disarray with the suffering, even though the numbers left to inject began to dwindle. Recognizing it was time, Dean grabbed his radio, and called out. “Frank we need your guys in here, these people aren’t walking to the tunnels.”

Ellen had used her last syringe, and it was at the same time as Johnny. Breathing deeply and feeling like she had just been in a wrestling match. She lifted her hand for him to help her to her feet. She stood, staggering, and walked from the cryo-wall. She found a chair and sat down.

Seeing it, Number forty-three ran out after her. “Are you all right?” He knelt down before her immediately grabbing her wrist. “You’re pulse is very rapid right now.” He placed his hand on her shoulder. “Breath slowly through your nose before you hyperventilate.”

“I’ll be all right.” Ellen’s breaths were short as she stared at the man that she’d only seen with his eyes closed. He looked different to her, she didn’t think his hair would be that gray for as young as he looked. “I’ll be all right, Juan.”

“Juan?” He smiled then placed his hand on her stomach. “You aren’t having any pains right? What are you five or six months along?”

“Almost nine.”

Dean stepped from the wall and rushed over to Ellen. “What’s wrong?” He saw the man’s hand on her and abruptly Dean removed it. “If you don’t mind.” He bodily moved number forty-three from her way. “El?” He placed his hands on her flush face. “What’s wrong?”

“Dean, I’m fine. I’m just hyperventilating.” She spoke with huffs. “The excitement.”

“Calm down.” He placed his face close to her. “Breath through your nose.”

Number forty-three stepped closer. “Sir, I am a doctor, if you’d like, I . . .”

“So am I!” Dean snapped still holding Ellen’s face. His eyes lifted when Frank stormed in. “Frank.”

Frank knew when he saw Ellen’s bouncing shoulders, that something was amiss. “El . . . Dean what happened to my wife?”

Ellen began to grow annoyed with the attention. She mustered up enough air to shout. “I’m fine! I . . . just . . . can’t . . . catch . . . my . . . breath.”

“Fuck.” Frank bent closer to Ellen. “I knew something was going to happen. “

Number forty-three tried to inject. “She’ll be all right. But sir, you’re wife should not have been in there in her condition.”

Frank nodded. “Who are you?”

“Sorry, I’m Doctor . . .”

“Juan.” Ellen lifted herself up to stand before Frank. “His name is . . .” With rolling eyes and a wobbly head, Ellen fell forward into Frank, and passed out.

^^^^

“All right Josh.” Joe tossed a box to him. “Help me pull his stuff out.” Joe began to unzip Chester’s duffel bag. “Not like you understand me, but we’re just gonna go through and pull out his viable stuff. You know, shit we can use in circulation in the community.” He turned his head to Josh who was opening the box. “Just take the stuff out.” Joe unloaded the duffel bag. “Good . . . good.” He tossed the underwear to the side and noticed that Josh had something. “What’s that you got?”

Josh held up the thick blue book.

“Let’s see.” Joe took it. “Fun with Bio-physics. By Chester Arnold Nelson.” He noticed Josh’s hand reach to it. “You want this?” He smiled and gave it to him. “All yours. Maybe you’ll get real smart and learn something. Be that Bio-physicist that the community desperately needs.”

Josh hugged the book and scooted off to a corner with it, forgetting about the chore Joe had given him to do. To him he had found a new toy.

Joe continued in his work less his helper. He made the mistake of giving the book to Josh. Now he was stuck finishing the minor detail on his own.

^^^^

She stood in the middle of the fields in her dream. Ellen’s hands spread outward, face feeling the warmth of the sun. It would have been the perfect dream had it of not had been for those pestering rain drops. Trickling on her face as she stared at the bright blue sky. Annoying would be the word. Ellen tried wiping them from her face and as she did she began to awaken. Her first vision standing above her in the well lit clinic was Frank. He held a glass of water in his hands. His huge hand dipping in the glass.

Frank noticed her eyes open before he splashed her again. “Hey Andrea! She’s awake now. El.” He set the water down.

Ellen lifted to a sitting position. “I can’t believe you were throwing water on me.” She ran her hand down her face.

“Andrea said to wake you up. And I figured since you fainted.” He leaned forward and kissed her. She didn’t respond. “What’s wrong?”

Ellen sat up. “How long was I out.”

“Andrea said to give you an hour then wake . . .”

“An hour!?” Ellen swung her legs off of the examining table. “I’m missing everything.”

“Hold it.” Frank stopped it. “You’re just gonna have to miss it. You passed out. You’re pregnant. You’ve been doing too much.”

“So what.” Ellen tried again to get off the table, but again Frank stopped her. “Frank.”

“No. El. Strict orders.” He laid his hands on her knees. “Andrea says no. Dean doesn’t need you there. He said so. You just go home and rest.”

Sideways went Ellen’s mouth in a pout before she let her head drop.

“El?”

She swayed her head slowly from side to side. “I worked so hard for this moment.”

“I know. But you can’t risk it. Home. O.K.?”

She nodded apprehensively, then sighed. “All right. It’s not like I’ll be doing anything. Just vital signs. I just . . . I just wanted to be there. I worked so hard. So . . . so hard.” She seeped forth a sniffle.

Frank whined quietly and tossed his head back. “Andrea will have a fit. All right. Let’s go. I’ll drive you.”

“Yes.” Ellen slid from the table and immediately hugged Frank. “You’re the best.”

“I’m also an asshole for letting you go up there with those people.” Frank laid his hands on her shoulders and brought her to the door. “But who can stop you?”

“You. You can. You can make me do anything.”

“El.” Frank halted in their walking. “I’m driving you. You could have stopped with the sniffle. Right now you’re laying it on too thick.”

“I mean every word, though.” Ellen started to walk again.

“Yeah, I bet.” Frank hooked his arm around her, tugged her to him, kissed her and led Ellen from the clinic.

^^^^

Ellen wasn’t expecting the make-shift hospital to look like it did when she entered. She had seen it empty, beds lined up and down the long building. But the beds were full, and it was eerie. It had been a long time since she saw that many patients at one time. Ellen knew she missed the excitement of bringing them in. The volunteers of the evening were on their way out when she walked in. She felt a little like she had failed, like she didn’t see it through. But she found comfort in the old saying ‘better late than never’. She wanted to walk through and see them all. The room was silent. Johnny and Dean were at bedsides doing blood work, Henry appeared to be trying to do vitals. Ellen supposed she could help there, that wouldn’t be too strenuous.

Three patients down, she made her way to Henry. “Hi.” She folded her hands behind her back looking over his shoulder. “Need help?”

“El.” He smiled. “How do you do this blood pressure thing? I’ve been making up the numbers on the charts, but now that you’re here.” He stepped back. “Hey, how do you feel?”

“I feel fine.” She took the blood pressure cuff and wrapped it around the sleeping patients arm. As she lifted the stethoscope, she noticed the bandages up and down the man’s forearm. “Henry what happened to him?”

“Oh.” Henry blushed. “I was trying to do an IV and every time I got the needle in there, Dean said it was wrong and I had to do it again.”

Ellen counted the sticks. “You poked him nine times?”

“I don’t know what I doing. I can fix almost anything. But this, this takes skill.”

Ellen tilted her head and smiled at him. “It doesn’t take skill Henry, it takes practice. And by the looks of this man’s arm, you’ve earned a degree.” She returned to doing the blood pressure. No sooner did she finish and stand up straight, Ellen felt the tap on her shoulder. She removed the stethoscope from her ears and turned around. “Dean?”

“Someone snuck in.” He laid his hand on her cheek. “You feel cool. How are you?”

“Fine. My feelings are hurt.” She blindly handed the equipment back to Henry. “I heard you didn’t need me.”

“Who me? I was worried about you. But never, never do I not need you.” Dean smiled.

Ellen smiled in return. “O.K., so, explain to me how we’re set up, since I slept through it all.”

“Allow me to give you the grand tour.” He placed his arm around her and walked slowly. “Fifty survived, as you know. Right now they are all zonked. I can’t say whether it’s my anti-serum, or a cryo-sleep. I’m betting it’s the after effects of cryo, because our number forty-three is out like a light. All of our patients as you knew, were in the moderate to severe stages of the plague. They are under control.” Dean stopped and faced her. “It was the first real test of our serum.” He smiled, giving a proud look. “And it worked.”

“So what now?”

“Now, immediately-now. A lot of blood work to do. Then I thought I would let Johnny and Henry leave and I was going to monitor these people for the next few hours before I turn the hospital over to our volunteers again.” He started to walk with her again, speaking softly as he did. “But, you showed up. Now you can hang around and monitor them with me. Henry brought a deck of cards. Wanna get a game of strip poker going while we monitor?”

Ellen paused and started to laugh. “Oh won’t I be the sight with this body if I lose?”

“I’ll tell you what. If you lose . . .” Dean nudged in to her. “You can owe me.”

^^^^

The streets in the living section in town were silent and empty as Dean walked with Ellen to her home. He clutched her bright green knapsack that Ellen used for books and notes, in his hands in front of him, and it bounced against his legs as he walked.

“Dean, you didn’t have to walk me home.”

“I needed to. I just want to unwind before I go to sleep, and walking helps.”

“It was long day.” She kept her pace slow with his. “We all did good didn’t we?”

“Yeah we did.” Dean chuckled. “For a bunch of people who were out of their league, we pulled this one off.”

“We drove you nuts though.”

“That you did. Almost as nuts as Frank does. And speaking of him . . .” Dean motioned his head forward.

Ellen glanced up and stopped walking. Frank was sitting on the step to the house. He stared down at the ground. “I guess this is goodnight.”

Dean handed her over her belongings. “You did good El, thanks for going out on the limb with us.”

“It’s what I had to do.” She clutched her bag. “It’s what I wanted to do.”

“Even though you made me want to pull out my hair during this all, I’m glad you were a part of it.” He stepped closer to her and lightly kissed her on the cheek. “Thanks.” He placed his hand on her face. “Have a good night. He-man awaits.”

“Goodnight Dean.” Ellen moved slowly to her house carrying he not-so-heavy bag. Frank didn’t look up at all, he kept his stare down. Ellen even wondered if perhaps he had fallen asleep like that. Just in case he did, she dropped her bag with a thump in front of him. “I’m home.” She sat down on the step next to him with a grunt. “Happy?” She ran her hand up and down his arched back.

“Extremely.” He turned his head to her smiling.

“So if we’re so happy, why are we moping on the step?”

“I was just giving a lot of thought to these new people . . . and no smart comment.” He felt her hand run down his arm to his hand, he gripped, he gripped it tight. “What’s going to happen, El? They wake up, what are they gonna want? What do they expect? These people, in a way I envy them for not having any memories of a dying world. But I also resent them for the same reason. Does that make any sense?”

“Wow.” Ellen shuddered. “Talk about deep thought. We have to wait and see, that’s all we can do. Actually I’m impressed with you, and I’m cold. Can we go in?”

“Sure.” He stood up first and held his hands out to her, helping Ellen to her feet.

“Frank.” Ellen spoke as she opened the door, she turned to face him as she paused on the steps. “I know you are thinking about this. But, try to let your mind be at ease. The baby’s coming. And we can now put some time aside for ourselves.” She laid her hand on his cheek. “I’m done with this cryogenics stuff. We can go back to being normal.” She smiled and spoke to him with confidence. “It’s over.”

“No, El.” He slid her hand to his lips, cupped it, and kissed it. “You’re wrong. It’s not over. Because I have a sickening feeling . . . It’s only the beginning.”

DIVIDED POSSESSION

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

June 7

Henry was nervous, his hands tapped continuously on his knees as he sat on a chair waiting on Dean who stood talking with Ellen across the lab. He was certain he was dying, or at the very least, he had some sort of cancer that would spread across his face and eventually kill him. He just wanted Dean’s diagnosis to be over with. He wished they would hurry up.

“I wanted to do this when Frank wasn’t around.” Ellen whispered.

“Andrea must have forgotten. I can do the exam.”

“Dean.” Ellen snickered. “It’s not just an exam. It’s . . . an exam.”

Professionally looking Dean nodded. “And I can handle it. Room three. I’ll be there in a moment.”

“And I’ll be . . .” Ellen winked. “Waiting.” She took a step to the door giggling and looked back at Henry. “Oh, Henry, your lip. That cold sore will go away, Frank used to get them all the time. Don’t worry.”

“Thanks, El.” Henry said. “But, no offense. I’ll wait for Dean’s prognosis of this thing. You’re just a nurse.”

Shrugging Ellen walked out.

Henry watched Dean staring at the door. “I’m telling.”

“Telling what?” Dean walked over to him grabbing a glove and placing it on.

“On you and what you’re gonna do to El. And what is on my lip?”

“Calm down Henry, it’s a cold sore.” Dean examined.

“But it’s huge.” His hand reached up to touch it, but quickly removed it. “Where did it come from? I’ve never had one before.”

“I venture to guess our newest members of the community. A cold sore is caused by a virus, and they . . .”

“Oh my God!” He panicked. “I have the plague?”

“Henry no. Just some sort of bug they brought with them. They were bringing with them germs that we thought were long gone. They’re back.” Dean took off his gloves and tossed them, then walked over to the sink and washed his hands.

“But I wasn’t kissing them. I swear.”

“That’s good to know. Now I have some ointment. It’ll help dry it up.” Dean walked to the counter to search for the medicine.

“Fast I hope.” Henry stood up. “So. How are you going to do it.”

“Do what?”

“Examine Ellen like . . . like that.”

“Henry.” Dean laughed and handed him the small jar. “I’m a doctor.”

“Still, Dean. That takes a lot of control to be . . . there. You still love her. I couldn’t have that much control doing that even if I didn’t love the person.”

“That’s what separates us.” Dean moved to the door. Frank stood there. “Frank.”

“Where’s my wife.” Frank asked. “I know she was trying to sneak an appointment in without me knowing.”

“She’s in the exam room. I have to do the exam.”Dean slipped by him. “Give us a couple minutes.”

“O.K.” Frank shrugged and walked in as Dean left. “I hate him touching her. But, it’s only an exam. Right.” He saw Henry turn his back. “Are you mad at me?”

“No.” Henry answered.

“Then look at me. Why am I staring at your back?”

Henry turned around.

Frank screamed. “Oh my God!” he overreacted. “What is on your lip?”

Henry, irritated, and nervy, marched up to Frank, grabbed his cheeks and kissed him on the lips. “The same thing that’s gonna be on your lip tomorrow.”

“Uh!” Frank wiped the back of his hand over his mouth. “Fuck. Fuck. No wonder Dean is telling my wife I’m gay.” He ran to the sink, turned the water on and washed his mouth. “You probably have a crush on me or something.”

^^^^

Joe didn’t look pleased at all as he walked with Andrea to the make-shift hospital. His hands deep in his pockets as he jingled his keys he carried. “How long?”

“About an hour now.” Andrea stepped in perfect stride with him.

“Does Dean know?”

“I just sent word with Melissa. Him and Ellen are scheduled to be here shortly anyhow.”

“Demeanor?” Joe asked as he nodded to the guard and reached for the door.

“Well . . .” Andrea answered. “We really haven’t had a chance to capture their demeanor. They just began stirring. All except for him. He’s been awake for a few hours.”

“All right.” Joe paused before opening the door. “Let’s get them some food, until Dean and Ellen get here. I know they have this system of registration and examination planned for when they awake. Let’s let them get it ready and implement it. Until that process is complete, get the word out to all volunteers. No one is to say anything what so ever to these people about anything.”

“When do you plan on speaking to them.” Andrea asked as Joe opened the door for them. “After Dean and Ellen register them all?”

“Yes. Then I have an idea who I’m dealing with. I’ll read their reports. We’ve waited this long. I can wait another day.”

“Even before speaking to him.” Andrea pointed across the make shift hospital to Number Forty-Three who sat up in bed, reading and alert. “Something strikes me as different about him.”

Joe looked around to the antsy and stirring people in their beds, then to Number Forty-Three. “Yeah. You may be right. I just may make an exception.”

^^^^

“It’s about time.” Frank griped as Dean opened the examining room door. “You look weird.”

“Um . . .” Dean stepped aside. “No, not at all.”

Frank’s eyes shifted from Dean to Ellen who lay on the table. “El?”

“He was very gentle.” Ellen snickered.

“O.K.” Frank stated with lack of comprehension, even when Dean rolled his eyes. “Dean, how is she?”

“Fine.” Dean answered as he put the fetal monitor on Ellen’s stomach. The baby’s heartbeat rang out. “Listen how strong.” Dean smiled. “And she can go any day. I mean any day, Frank. She’s dilated two centimeters and fully effaced.” Dean waited for that mortified look to strike Frank when he realized what sort of check-up he gave Ellen. It didn’t happen, Frank looked pleased. And Dean knew why when Frank opened his mouth.

“Really? Wow, that is amazing Dean how you can tell that just by talking to her.”

Dean set down the instrument. “Right Frank. Ellen, see you at the hospital?”

“You got it.” She smiled and watched him leave. “Get my clothes for me Frank please, they’re on the chair.” She sat up.

“Sure.” He strutted over to the chair and his hand paused as he reached for them. “Why are you completely undressed? You’ve never . . .” He turned to her and gave the look that Dean had waited to see. “Oh my God!”

“Frank just hand me my clothes.”

“Please tell me Ellen, tell me it’s not true. Please tell me he guessed at that stuff right?” He set her clothes on her lap.

“No Frank. He examined me.”

“Oh my God. Oh my God.” Frank paced in small circles then found a chair and plopped into it, he covered his face with his hands. “You let him too? Oh, this is just going to bug me all day.”

“You are overreacting about this, Frank. He examined me. That’s it.” She slid from the table walking to him. “Calm down. He’s a doctor and you shouldn’t let it bother you.”

“All right.” Frank slid his hands from his face. He was going to be man about it. “I’ll try.”

“Good,” Ellen began to dress, but paused. “Unless of course you look at it like, Dean knows me today a little bit better than you do. Then you can let it bother you.”

With a long whine and a grunt, Frank dropped his face into his hands again.

^^^^

“Jason Godrichson. Doctor.” Number Forty three extended his and to Joe.

“Joe Slagel. Leader.” Joe sat in the chair next to the bed. “I run the community here.”

“Nice to meet you. What can I help you with? The nice Asian man said you had to speak to me.”

Joe was a bit apprehensive, and possibly defensive since Chester had set precedence. “What can you tell me about these people?”

“I’m afraid not very much.”

“Is this your attitude?”

“No.” He answered calmly. “It’s my lack of knowledge. You see, I’m not really part of this.”

“But you defrosted with the rest of them.”

“I did. But I’m what you would call a stowaway.” Jason saw the confused look on Joe’s face “Let me explain. You see my father belonged to this organization. I don’t know much about it. But I do know he donated large sums of money to be a part of it. I thought perhaps he had gone eccentrically mad when he said he reserved his spot to be preserved when the world was faced with extinction. Well my father passed away and about six weeks later there’s a knock on my door. It’s these two men looking for Dr. Jason Godrichson. I said I was he, I am he, only I’m junior. They said it was time, checked my identification and I was whizzed off to this lab. I could have spoken up but I figured that I had no wife or children, what did I have to lose right? The world was obviously headed to destruction. No one was the wiser. I slipped right in during the commotion. But I owe you and your people an apology. You’re not getting the great chemist you would have gotten had my father been placed in cryogenics.”

Joe was at a loss. He listened to the man speak, and he felt his honesty. “So there’s nothing you can tell us about these people. Who they are, what their fields were?”

“No. But I can see what I can find out if you’d like.”

“I would like. You said you were a doctor. Can I ask your field?”

“Originally I was a physician, but then I turned my hobby into my life’s work. Quantum physics.”

“Oh brother.” Joe rolled his eyes. “A time guy. Can’t say we have a need for that.”

“Doesn’t look like you have a need for much. Of course, I haven’t seen very much of the place. From what I’ve seen, things are together nicely. How long was I out?”

“Six years.” Joe answered.

Calmly, Jason nodded. “Seems I missed a great deal. Can I ask where I’m at and what happened?”

“Plague. Wiped everything out. A group of us came here. Started things up, got things running. We began opening our doors to the outside not long ago, but only a select get in. It’s a jungle out there. We’re heavily secured because of it. I’m sure you saw the guards. Basically, if you live in Beginnings, you live safe.”

“A pull your weight, or leave society?” Jason asked.

“Without a doubt.” Joe stood up. “I’ll let you rest. And I’d appreciate anything you can find out for us.”

“Certainly.” Jason reached for his book. “Mr. Slagel, if I can, may I ask a favor?”

“Depends.”

“Could I have one of those cigarette in your pocket and . . . Possible, my clothes.” Jason lifted the gown he wore.

“Not a problem.” With a smile, Joe reached into his chest pocket and pulled out a cigarette. The clothes would have to wait just until he trusted Jason a little bit more.

^^^^

Ellen looked at the anally prepared agenda Dean had given her for them. She would start, patient by patient. Vitals, name, and anything else she could get from them. She’d write it down on the chart, drop it on the foot of the bed, and Dean would trail behind her, doing his follow up questioning and checking on Ellen.

Ellen reached the third patient as Dean reached the second. Dean said nothing to the man who just stared. He just picked up his chart and shook his head. “El.” He marched over to her. “El.” He tugged her away as she made her approach to the dark haired older woman lying awake in the bed. “Look what you wrote down.” He showed her the chart.

Ellen looked and shrugged. “O.K., so?”

“So?” Dean read it. “Skipped this one. Patient not viable? Ellen, please, be a bit more sensitive. You didn’t even do vitals on him.”

“Why?” She closed the chart and walked it back over to the bed. “Why Dean. What is our basic rule here? One must contribute. He’s a walking vegetable. So why worry about him?”

“Ellen!” Dean was taken aback. “You can’t. Never mind.” He would have argued with her, but he figured what would be the point. It wasn’t worth going bald over. He returned to the man.

After doing vital statistics, Ellen picked up the chart from the third patient’s bed, and flipped it open as she stood before the woman. She jotted her results. “I need your name.” Ellen held a pen.

The woman lifted herself slightly. “You don’t know it?” She spoke with an English accent.

“Not unless I’m psychic.”

The woman closed her mouth tightly and laid her head back.

“Look.” Ellen tapped at her chart with her pen as she glanced upon the woman she found recognizable from the bruise on her face. “I don’t have time for your games. You either give me your name, or I call you what we did in the lab, Ethel. Which is it?”

The woman slowly turned her head back to Ellen. “Joanna, Dr. Joanna Holmes. And you mentioned the lab. Though you do not know who I am, they permitted you in the lab?”

Becoming a sarcastic Ellen, she rested down the chart. “Oh sure. I am very trusted.”

Joanna did not pick up on her tone. “Who is it that places this trust in you?”

“The astounding Dr. Dean Hayes. How are you feeling? Any nausea, headache, dizziness?”

“None. Dr. Dean Hayes. I’m not familiar with the name.”

“Well he certainly would be pissed. He’s the top, well was, the top in his field.”

“Only the top minds would be part of the original project. From Cleveland?”

“Yes. The man.” Ellen nodded. “Him and um, Dr. Joe Slagel.”

“So you’ve been in the lab?” Joanna spoke with a bit of excitement as she edged in a lean to Ellen. “You’ve seen it?”

“How do you think we got you out of there. Sure I’ve been there a lot. I told you I’m very trusted. You could say I’m Dr. Hayes’ pet around here. He loves me. I often give myself to him as his sex slave just because it’s an honor to work with him.”

“I need to know.” Joanna cleared her throat. “Are the embryos safe?”

Ellen smiled. “I can assure you one of them is.” She ran her hand across her stomach.

Joanna reached her hand out. “He must trust you with this to try an implantation without finalizing the research. How is the pregnancy going?”

“Fast. Should be any day now.”

“Which number was it. Did they tell you?”

“Let me think.” Ellen ran through numbers quickly. She wanted it to sound important so she grasped at one off the top of her head. “Number 169.”

Joanna opened her mouth to comment when she noticed the young doctor waltz up and snatch her nurse away.

“El.” Dean led her far away from the patients. “What are you doing?”

“Talking.”

“You know the rules. You are not to converse on a basis other than medical until Joe has sifted through them. You know that. I agree with that.”

“Oh stop whining, Dean. I’m just having fun with her.” She reached up to him, ignoring his anger and ran her fingers through the top of his hair to remove his bangs. “You need a haircut.”

“What does my hair have to do with anything?”

“You cannot pull off being one of the top minds in the project with hair . . .”

“Wait a second.” Dean stepped back. “Why would I . . . Oh, my God. What did you do?”

“I just told her you and Joe were like the tops in the project. Go along with it.”

“No, Ellen you can’t be telling these people stories.”

“Baby.”

Dean grunted loudly. “What else? What else did you tell her?”

Ellen began to laugh and started walking away.

“Ellen.” He snatched her back. “What?”

“O.K., it’s really funny when you think about it. I told her . . .” Ellen’s laughter interrupted her sentence. “She asked about the safety of the embryos.” She saw Dean’s eyes widen. “I told her that I was carrying one of them.”

“You what?!” His loud voice echoed in the room.

“I’m not going to talk to you if you’re going to yell at me.”

“Ellen.” Dean placed both hands on her face. He try to remain calm. He had too if he wanted her to see his point. But knowing Ellen, he could see in her eyes she wouldn’t.

“You’re gonna kiss me aren’t you?”

“What? No. No.” He released her face and stepped back, laid his hands on her shoulders and turned her. “Patients. And no more stories.” He shook his head at her pacifying thumbs up.

^^^^

The last folder in the stack of twenty-two passed from Joe’s hand to the ‘finished’ pile. “Talk about lack of information.”

George gave an answerless look as he lifted his hands. “Look who was doing the questioning. You make medical people ask first, you get medical answers.”

“Not always.” Joe lifted a folder. “Ellen has ‘arrogant asshole’ written here.”

“But if you think about it, it really does tell us a lot.”

“Besides how much more we need to find out, what does it tell us.”

“Who we’re dealing with. What . . . we are dealing with.”

After rubbing his eyes Joe glanced at his watch. “It’s getting late, Dean and Ellen are back up there. What do you say, you and me head on up, see what we can find out. Stir things up.”

“Sounds good.” George stated. “Then maybe we can figure out what the hell we’re going to do with all these new people. We can’t leave them in the make-shift hospital forever.”

“No we can’t.” Joe stood up. “But by the looks of Ellen’s little comments here and there, I know of one thing I’m going to do with them.”

“What’s that?” George asked.

“Humble them.”

^^^^

The one thing that bothered Dean about the makeshift hospital wasn’t dealing with the obstinacy of the patients, but rather dealing with the distance. Five miles was a long way. Especially when Ellen got hungry at night for something they didn’t stock at the hospital. Every time Dean made the trip he grew more and more aware of the distance and feared how that would come into play when it came time for Ellen to deliver. Knowing how the exam went and seeing her small stomach drop further and further each day, Dean knew that birthing scenario wasn’t that far off.

Returning to the hospital, chocolate cake in hand, wanting to get Ellen fed and just finish up for the evening, Dean was a little surprised at how empty the room looked. He set down the cake on the table by the door when he saw almost the entire population of recently defrosted scientist huddled in the back together. Were they having a meeting? Some sort of rehashing of their master plan. And then it hit him. Where was Ellen? Not really concerned that they killed her, Dean walked over to Jason Godrichson who lay on his bed, writing something and smoking a cigarette.

“Jason.” Dean called his attention. “Have you seen Ellen?” He held his hand to nearly his height as if Jason wouldn’t know who Ellen was.

Jason only lifted his pencil and pointed it to the large huddle group.

Exhaling Dean walked over. He could hear the whispers. Words eluded from them in the form of comments. Small. Exciting. Perfect timing. Amazing. And then Dean heard Ellen’s giggle. He knew she was in there and she could be only one place. Edging his small body blindly in. He extended his hand, reached center, grabbed a limb and yanked out . . . Ellen.

“Hey.” Ellen yelled.

Dean hear the eruption of objectionable moans from the group. He held up his hand and gave a cold stare pulling Ellen from them. “El, what the hell are you doing?”

“They were touching my belly. It was funny.” She laughed. “They think . . .”

“I know what they think El.” Dean kept his voice low. “I can’t believe you’re letting them believe that.”

“Oh.” Ellen waved him off. “It’s fun.”

“It’s weird, El, the attraction to you.”

“They love me.”

“They love this.” Dean poked her belly like the Pillsbury Dough boy and she snickered to imitate him. Dean rolled his eyes. “Please stay away from them. You know how nervous I am already about when this kid is born.”

“You’re really being silly about . . .”

It was a chain reaction. The ‘boom’ of the door opening. The shock gasps of the new people, Henry screaming out Ellen’s name as he ran in, and then the second ‘boom’ that not only brought a growling Frank, but screams from the frightened newcomers as well.

“Ellen.” Henry ran behind her. “Help me..”

Dean was confused. “Ellen, why is your husband chasing Henry?”

Ellen spoke through her giggles. “Seems Henry decided to share his cankerous lip condition with my husband.” Ellen quickly darted in front of Henry as is some sort of body shield. “I’ll protect you Henry. Stay behind me.”

Frank stomped closer. “El. Step aside. Let me at him.”

Ellen still protected Henry. “Frank let it go. It’s not that bad.”

“Seven years El.” Frank pointed. “It’s been at least seven years since I had one. All my life I got plagued with them. But then Henry has to go and kiss me and I end up with Henry disease eight hours later.”

Dean enjoyed the occurring scene immensely. “Let me see, Frank. It’s not that bad.”

“Guaranteed tomorrow my whole lip will be fucked up.”

“Just stop by my lab tomorrow for what I gave Henry.” His head swung back and forth between and outraged Frank and frightened Henry. “And Frank, no kissing Ellen until it dries up. We don’t want it spreading any further, understand.”

“No way.” Frank sternly shook his head. “She needs me to kiss her.”

Dean held his hands up. “I’ll tell you what. Being the generous man that I am. I’ll kiss your wife for you when you feel the need, how that?”

Frank smirked at him. “Right Dean.”

“Really, Frank. Not a problem. Watch.” Turning, Dean grabbed a hold of Ellen’s cheeks and quickly kissed her on the lips. He nonchalantly backed up from her to return to his patients who had calmed down. However, the loud stomp of Frank’s boot in his pre-pursuit, sent them frightened, screaming and running again.

Joe and George immediately walked inside in the midst of the amok.

George viewed the disarray then looked to a perturbed Joe.. “What was that you said about coming here to stir things up?”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

June 12

Joe had hoped that perhaps Jason had found something out. He hadn’t. In fact he was starting to be treated in the make-shift hospital as the outcast he was. Treated no better than any of the community personnel that visited and worked there.

It was time, Joe felt, to move Jason out of there. Telling Jason he would be issued living quarters in one week’s time, and to choose a division to work in. Joe was surprised. He expected Jason to be asked to be placed in the clinic, or containment. Jason chose paper processing. Finding their way of recycling and creating their own paper fascinating to him. And since it was the least stocked job, Joe agreed to it one hundred percent.

The healing process was good for the new people. Their arrogance made Joe want to pull out his hair. His interrogations were going nowhere. But what frustrated Joe the most was the fact that he had forty-nine people sponging off of Beginnings and not doing a damn thing for it. All they did was complain. He had already heard enough from them about getting out of the prison style hospital. And with that in mind, Joe realized what he had to do. He wanted to humble them. And he would. He wanted information and he thought of a way to get it. An exchange. But first, he just had to get everything ready.

^^^^

“I hate these people.” Ellen slammed down a chart on the desk that Dean deemed his own in the corner of the make-shift hospital.

“I know. I hate them, too.” Dean fiddled in his finger tips with a sun flower seed. “Not much longer.”

Ellen looked at him oddly the way he seemed to politely de-shell the seed and toss it aside. “You know they’re actually bitching to me that they . . .” She paused

“What’s wrong?”

“Oh, nothing.” She waved at him and picked up a seed. “You eat these all wrong.”

“How in the world do you eat sunflower seeds wrong?” He picked up another one and continued in his own eating habit of them.

“Please, you eat them like a pansy. You would think all those scars you acquired on your cute baby face would have at least gotten rid of some of those left over manners.”

“All right, I’ll bite. How miss manners, do you eat a sunflower seed?”

“It’s an art.” She noticed him nod at her. “It’s all done within the mouth. It starts with the sucking off of the salt. Just watch me.” She placed it in her mouth and cringed. “Dean.” She spit the seed out like a bullet into the waste can. “These are gross, where’s the salt?”

“You’re pregnant, you don’t need salt.” He looked in the can. “And where did you learn to spit like that.”

“I live with Frank remember?”

“Oh that’s certainly a lady-like skill you picked up.” He grabbed another seed.

“I’ll leave you alone. I wanna finish and . . .” She took a deep breath. “ . . . go home.”

“Not until shift’s over.” He watched her shrug at him and walk away. Dean tilted his head. He wondered why Ellen was walking funny. She removed slower and leaned to her left. “Shit.” He jumped from the chair knocking it over. “Ellen.” He raced over to her.

Ellen jumped. “You scared me. Couldn’t you get out of that chair any quieter.”

Dean said nothing. He immediately placed his hand on her stomach feeling the solidness of it. “How long?”

“How long what?” She started walking again. This time pausing in her stride, then continuing.

“Ellen.” He chased, growing more nervous by the second. “How long have you been getting contractions?”

“Since six this morning. I’m fine, they aren’t that bad . . . yet.” She cringed.

“Shit.” Dean paced around in frantic circles. “It’s nine-thirty. You know how fast you deliver.”

“Calm down Dean, I figure I have at least another two hours, that is unless of course my water breaks, then we’re talking fifteen minutes. Besides Jenny Matoose is in labor and I want to wait until after she has hers.”

“Henry has the jeep. I knew this would happen. Damn it.”

“Dean, you can deliver it here if you want. Oh shit . . .”

“What?” He held back his hair and widened his eyes.

“My water just broke.”

“Oh my God.”

“Just kidding.” She laughed.

“This is not funny Ellen. I’m calling Frank.” He rushed to his desk for the radio.

Ellen tried to run to him to stop him, but couldn’t go fast enough. “Don’t he’ll panic. Just tell Henry to get back here.”

“No.” Dean pulled from her reaching hand for the radio. “Frank. Frank come in. I need you to come here.”

Frank answered his call, but with zero tolerance to him. “Is someone getting killed?”

Dean wanted to scream and call him one of these obscene words Frank always calls everyone else. But he opted for rationality. “No, it’s . . .”

“Tough Dean. Deal with it.”

“Fine.” Dean’s tone changed. “If you don’t want to be around when your baby arrives . . .” The door to the hospital crashed open. Frank stormed in with an entrance. Dean set down the radio with a slam. “You were right outside the door?”

Frank ignored him and charged to his wife. “El. Is our baby coming now?”

Ellen began to answer but Dean interrupted.

“Frank, she’s having contractions. We have to get her to the clinic. Where is your jeep?”

“Right out front.”

“Let’s get her out of here.”

Ellen stepped back as Frank went to lift her. “He can’t drive me, Dean. The way he drives he’ll have to pull over because this baby will fall out.”

“I’ll drive easy.” Frank was ready, he lifted Ellen into his arms and began to carry her out.

Dean grabbed his jacket and chased them. “Wait, I’m coming with you.”

Ellen sat in the back of the very bouncy jeep, Dean next to her holding her in as they flew about. “This is what you call easy driving?”

Frank ignored her and shifted the gears.

Dean tried his best to hold Ellen in. “I think you can slow down a bit.”

Frank kept driving.

Ellen balked in pain, grasping Dean and the jeep’s side. “Frank slow . . . shit. My water just broke.” She reached up and smacked him in the back of the head. “You made my water break you asshole.” She hit him again.

“El.” He swerved the jeep. “Knock it off.”

“Slow down.” She pulled at his ear.

Frank motioned his head away from her chalking her behavior up to extreme pain. “Dean do something with my wife.”

“I am Frank. I’m trying to keep her in this jeep.”

Ellen reached up and forcefully grabbed Dean’s shirt pulling him close to her face. “Dean, when we get to the clinic you have to give me something. You have to knock one of our asses out. Because he is going to drive me nuts through this. Please.”

Wanting with everything he was to be sarcastic and say, ‘you asked to give him a baby’, Dean refrained, smiled and just kept Ellen from flying out of the wayward jeep.

In the clinic, Frank followed Dean’s running lead down the hallway to the birthing rooms. He carried Ellen, she seemed to flop in his arms with his every bouncy step.

Dean opened the third birthing room. “Frank get her in here, get her undressed. I’m getting Andrea.”

“We don’t need her, Dean.” Frank carried Ellen in and plopped her on the birthing bed.

Dean’s feet slid as he stopped mid-run. “You what?”

Frank waved at him. “I got it under control.”

“Right Frank.” Dean shut the door.

Frank rushed back over to Ellen’s bedside and began to reach for her clothes. Her waving hands swung at him. “El, you’re not making this easy for me.”

“Out. Get out of here, Frank.”

“You can’t deliver a baby with your shorts on.” He reached for them.

“Frank! I have no intention of power shooting this baby out through my clothes.” She slid from the bed and a contraction hit, her knees buckled and she almost hit the floor. “I can undress myself thank you.”

“El, let me.” He reached to her.

“Back off!” She stood up and held her hand out stopping his approach. “Back off or you’ll wait in the hall while this baby comes. ”

Frank held his hands up and stepped back. He had plenty of time to play doctor.

^^^^

“Sorry.” Dean bolted into the room and headed to the sink. He glanced over to Ellen who was in the bed, gown on, and covered. “Andrea’s still with Jenny.” He began to wash his hands. “You’re stuck with me.”

Frank’s head swayed from Dean to Ellen. He saw Dean dry his hands and he blocked his path. “Dean, I can do this.”

“Right, Frank.” He walked past him to Ellen’s bedside. “How far apart are they.”

Ellen gave a painful look and waded through the contraction before answering. “Close, one or two minutes. They’re strong too. I feel the pressure.”

“Good.” Dean smiled and sat on the foot of the bed. He began to lift the sheet. Frank’s hand came forth stopping him. “Frank, I . . .”

“What are you doing?”

“I have to examine her to see where we are.” Dean tried to lift again.

“We are here having a baby.”

“Yes I know.” Dean lifted sheet.

“Stop.” Frank halted him again. “You can’t examine her.”

“I have to examine her, Frank. How else are we going to find out how dilated she is. Now Andrea’s not here. You’re stuck with me.” He blocked Frank’s reach again.

“Fine, but don’t look at her.”

“What do you mean don’t look at her? I have to look at her.” Dean began to squat down.

Frank stopped him again. “How about I look and tell you what I see.”

“How about not. I’m the doctor!” Dean yelled in anger.

“And she’s my wife! I don’t want you looking at her.”

“Move away.”

“No!” Frank blocked him. “I’m doing this.”

“No you are not!” Dean argued back.

Ellen had enough. “Joe!” She cried out. “Joe help me, get them out . . .” Frank’s hand covered her mouth. Ellen bit it.

“Ow.” Frank whipped his hand away. “You bit me.”

Sounding possessed, Ellen glared at him breathing heavily. “Let him examine me now. Now!”

“Fine.” Frank covered his eyes with a pouting look as Dean lifted the sheet.

Dean raised his head with a smile. “You’re there. The baby’s crowned.”

Frank marched right over to him grabbing his arm. Leading him out. “Thank you very much. I can handle it from here.”

“There is no way I’m letting you in here alone with her.” Dean resisted his lead.

“Tough. I’m delivering my kid. I’ve read every single book Andrea has given me.” He nearly began to drag Dean. “I’ve learned them. Andrea said I can do it. I passed her fuckin’ test. Now no one is gonna see my kid before me. Got that?”

“All right.” Dean understood his point. “Can I least wash up?” Frank released his arm and Dean went to the sink. He ignored Ellen’s calls out for help, and for him not to leave Frank in there with her. But there was nothing Dean could do. Andrea told Frank he could deliver the baby.

Dean walked with reservation from the birthing room to the hall. He saw an empty chair next to Joe.

Joe stood up. “Is the baby born?”

“No.” Dean sat down. “Frank is delivering it.”

“Frank! Jesus Christ what is wrong with you?”

“You know Frank.” Dean rested his elbows on his knees and placed his face in his hands.

Andrea saw Joe and Dean in the hall. Figuring the exhausted Dean meant Ellen was done, she approached them. “Jenny had a girl. No plague signs. How’s Ellen and baby?” She smiled.

Dean merely lifted his head, dragging the bottom of his eyelids down with his fingers. “I haven’t the foggiest.” He stood up. “And where was your mind when you told hard headed Frank he could deliver his kid.”

“I didn’t mean it, I figured . . .”

“You didn’t mean it?” Dean snapped. “Guess what’s happening right now.”

“No.” Andrea shook her head. “I have to get in there.” She charged for the door and opened it, not even drawing attention to herself. She shut it quietly and sighed in relief when she leaned against the door taking in the vision before her.

Frank stood at the bottom of Ellen. His eyes were bright, a look of total awe was upon his face. He smiled widely and nervously, as he cradled the tiny new born in his arms. He looked down at him with pride. “Our son.” Frank tried to adjust his hold, his huge hands nearly burying the baby. “He’s so tiny.” Frank glanced up. “And slippery too.”

Andrea walked slowly to them. “Good job.” She laid a blanket on Ellen’s stomach. “Frank, I’ll finish up.” She took his spot. “Enjoy this moment with your wife.”

The baby’s soft whimpering cries could be heard as Frank wrapped him in the blanket then held him. He grasped Ellen’s hand with his free hand.

“Frank.” Ellen looked up at the bundled baby. “Can I see?”

Frank’s focus was on the tiny newborn lost in his arms. “Hey Brian.” he spoke softly, placing his face close to his. “I’m Dad.”

Andrea shook her head to Ellen who was trying desperately to see her son. “Frank, why don’t you weigh him for me?”

“Sure.” Frank, excited, took Brian and laid him on the scale. “Andrea, there’s something wrong with the scale. It’s broke.”

“It’s not broke, Frank.” Andrea continued finishing up Ellen.

“Oh there.” Frank nodded. “That’s better. Nine pounds.”

Andrea took a heavy breath and let it out as she watched him. “Take your hand off the scale Frank. How much does he weigh?”

Frank removed his hand. “Five pounds..” He picked Brian up. “That’s O.K., you’re just early.” He spoke softly to the baby and walked around the room. “El, he’s so perfect.”

Ellen looked up to Frank who stood three feet away. Her words were snippy. “I’m sure he is perfect, if I could see him. Could I see our son, Frank?”

“Whoops, sorry.” Frank walked to her bedside and kissed her on the cheek. “Call me Dr. Frank.”

“Dr. Frank? Can I see the baby!”

“Oh, sorry.” Frank leaned little Brian down to her. “See. Isn’t he great?” He lifted him back up for only his view.

Ellen surrendered. She dropped back in exhaustion and held on to the hope, that soon Frank would be a big boy, and share his new toy.

^^^^

The door to Ellen’s room opened and Johnny peeked his head in. “Andrea gave the O.K. signal.” He stepped in, not shutting the door behind him smiling at his father who sat in a chair bedside, in his arms was a blanket and obviously the baby. “Hi El.” He moved to Ellen and kissed her on her cheek, she laid on her side facing Frank. “Is this my brother?” Johnny squatted down to peek. “Can I hold him?” He smiled.

Frank cradled the baby tighter. “No. Just look.” He lifted the blanket more.

“Check him out.” Johnny reached his hand down. Frank moved back. “He’s so tiny. John and Jenny’s girl is an oaf.”

Frank curled his lip at his eldest son. “Brian’s just early that’s all.” He stared down at the baby. “You’re just early.”

Ellen rolled her eyes and plopped back. “Something is wrong with your father Johnny. Where’s Pap?”

“He’s coming.” Johnny stuck his hands in his pockets.

A light tap on the open door brought Henry into the room also. “Hi El, Frank. How’s it going?”

Ellen raised her hand to wave. “Good.”

Henry smiled at them. “I have a surprise for you guys.” He removed his hands from behind his back, showing the camera. “I want to take the first family shot. I’m glad you here John.”

The camera caught Frank’s attention. “Great. I get that picture though.”

Henry moved closer to the bed. “Everyone gather around. But first let me see the baby.” He leaned down trying to get his peek. “Check him out, El. Wow, is he small.”

Frank was insulted, he pulled the baby from his view. “He’s just early that’s all. And don’t ask to hold him.”

Henry raised the camera and got everyone in view. He snapped the picture with the bright flash, causing that immediate eye rubbing reaction in everyone. He flapped the instant picture about and handed it to Ellen.

Ellen looked at the photo. “Swell.” Frank was the only one in the picture who smiled as he held up Brian to face the camera. Disgusted by how bad she looked, she flipped it to Frank. “Here.”

Frank looked at it, and immediately stuck it in his chest pocket.

With a loud clap, Joe walked in the room, rubbing his hands together with a look of pride on his face. “Where’s that grandson of mine?” He spoke upbeat, stopping to kiss Ellen.

“Hey. Joe.” Ellen said tired sounding. “Your grandson is with your neurotic son.”

Joe laughed as he leaned to Frank. “Let me see the baby.”

“See.” Frank showed Brian to him.

“Let me hold him, Frank.” Joe reached out his hands.

“I uh, don’t think that’s a good idea. He was just born, you know.”

Joe breathed heavily with a grunt and looked at Ellen. “Has he been like this for the past hour.”

“Joe, I haven’t even seen the baby for more than fifteen seconds.” Ellen answered.

Shaking his head, Joe reached out again. “Give me my grandson, Frank. Now.”

Pouting, Frank stood up. “All right.” He apprehensively, and slowly handed Brian to Joe. “But don’t drop him.”

“Christ, you act like I never held a baby before. Now sit down.” Joe pulled the baby closer to him to view him. “Look at you. Son of a bitch are you small. What did you do Frank, give him all your runt genes?”

“Quit picking on my kid.” Frank hunched in the chair. “He’s just early.”

Joe removed the covering blanket. His eyes widened. “Holy Christ!” He held up the baby, looked quickly to Ellen then to Frank.

“What!” Frank blasted so offended. “He’s small, so what. He’s early.”

“He also has blonde hair and fair skin. Where the hell did he get that from?”

Frank bit his nails in disgust. “He’s early. He wasn’t done cooking. He’ll get there.”

Joe ran his hand gently over the forehead of the tiny baby. “You know who this kid looks like don’t you?” He looked upon the awaiting faces. “Robbie. Yes.” Joe’s voice softened as he spoke in that talking-like-an-idiot-to-a-baby voice. “Yes you do. You look like your uncle Robbie did when he was born.” Joe shook his head. “Robbie was the runt, you remember Frank? He’ll grow.” The emotional memory of Robbie hit Joe and he began to hand Ellen the baby, Frank intervened snatching him back. Joe gave Ellen an apologetic look.

As if Henry, Joe, and Johnny weren’t enough, Andrea stepped in to the small room. “I hate to interrupt, but mother and child need their rest.” She walked over to the baby. “I need the baby.”

“No.” Frank pulled him away.

“Frank.” She snapped her fingers. “Hand him over. Ellen needs to rest and so does he.”

“No, Andrea. Ellen can sleep, I won’t bother her. And I’ll just hold him while he snoozes.”

“Nope.” Andrea quickly reached down and gently snatched Brian from his arms. “This little one has to go to the nursery, just for two hours. We want to check him out.” She cuddled little Brian peering at him. “Aren’t you just the tiniest thing.”

Frank pouted. “He’s early.”

“Oh he’s not that early. He’s small.” Andrea snapped back. “Get over it.” Changing her demeanor, she drew the baby closer and carried him out.

Frank, looking and feeling like an empty soul, slid into his chair while everyone else gloated in Frank’s misery over Andrea’s baby-snatching moment.

^^^^

Dean noticed them immediately on his return from the make-shift hospital in his passing of the baby nursery. Two babies laying three feet apart in their little hospital cradles. One of the babies, Jenny and John’s. The other, Frank and Ellen’s. He hadn’t had time to see the newest members. He wanted to. But most of all he wanted to see Ellen’s baby. He could have waited around like the others to see, but he had work to do. The small sense of jealousy that pulled at him, also helped in keeping him away. But it was time to go in, and he did. Stepping in to the nursery, Dean glanced for a moment at Jenny’s baby, then moved toward little Brian.

He pulled up a short stool crib side and glanced at the name tag reading it out loud. “Brian Michael Slagel.” He closed his mouth tightly. “Slagel.” Moving closer to the sleeping baby, Dean watched him. The tiny fair skin, so soft. The pouting look on the baby’s face as he slept, his nostrils flaring with every short sleeping breath he took. Dean ran his fingers lightly down the side of Brian’s face. With his other hand, his placed his index finger in the hand of Brian, the reflex of the baby gripped his finger. Dean smiled, resting his chin on the hand that Brian held. His face close to the newborn as he continued to run his fingers gently down him. Fingers that to anyone else looked small, but against Brian, they looked like Frank-hands.

Dean peered at him, thinking how much the small baby boy resembled Billy when he was born. His mind drifted back to when the twins were babies. How much he enjoyed watching them sleep at opposite ends of the crib. Dean could have watched the twins for hours like that, in fact many of nights he did. As Dean rubbed his face and the memory away, the vision of very faded blue jeans on a huge body came into focus through the clear plastic of Brian’s cradle. Dean looked up. “Frank.”

“It’s Brian.” Frank’s hand came down sliding across Brian’s side. “Small huh?”

“Nah.” Dean stood up. “He’s just early that’s all.”

Frank smiled. “Thanks. Can I steal your seat.”

“Be my guest.” Dean slid it to him. “Why aren’t you with Ellen.”

“Andrea won’t let me.” Frank sat down. “And she said I can only watch Brian.”

“Nothing wrong with watching.” Dean stepped back and walked to the door. “I’ll leave you alone.” He headed out, then stopped while opening the door. “Oh, Frank?”

Frank turned his head around. “Yeah?”

“Really appreciate all this, because you’re lucky. You got it all.” He tapped his clenched fist on the archway, and stepped out into the hall speaking softly. “You got it all.”

Dean headed back down toward the lab. He had work that got put on hold while he did his morning routine at the hospital. Taking the route down the hospital room hall, he walked into Ellen’s room wanting to see how she was doing. Stepping inside he slid to a stop, she was lying on her side sleeping. He turned to walk out.

“Dean?” She lifted her head.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“I wasn’t sleeping.” She sat and fiddled with the covers. “Did you need something?”

“No.” Dean stepped back and ran his hand over his mouth. “Yes. I just . . . I just wanted to stop by and tell you . . . Brian’s great.”

“Thanks.” She laid her head back down.

“I’m heading to the lab. I’ll stop by later.” He smiled, turned, and left the room. Dean didn’t know what he was thinking just barging into Ellen’s room like that. His instincts told him why he stopped by. He knew what he wanted to say, and what needed to be said. Perhaps there would be a better time, perhaps never. Shrugging with slight sadness at his thoughts, Dean continued on.

^^^^

The high pitched scratching and screeching of the wooden table legs across the floor, rang out as Joe shoved the table center room of the make-shift hospital. “Listen up!” He slammed down papers and such on the table. “I want all of you to listen and gather around. The time has come for all of you to stop sponging of off Beginnings and treating this like this is your own private hotel. Now some of you have complained to my staff that you feel like prisoners in here, I have your solution.” His hand tapped on the table and the rolls of papers that laid there. “You want to get out of here, you want to walk around. Welcome to Beginnings. I have your work assignment for you.” He noticed almost half of them fold their arms and turn from him. Joe remained calm. “Fine, that’s fine if you don’t want to listen. Mind you, if you don’t work, you do not get issued any food. No food, you starve. Please review what you will do and what needs to be done. Any question the guard will get me.” Joe moved to the door.

“Wait.” Joanna Holmes called out in her snobbish way. “These look like housing plans.”

“They are. You want a place to stay, you’ll build it.”

“Build our own dwellings.” Joanna scoffed. "I am not a carpenter.”

“I don’t believe I have you down as a carpenter. Check the assignments, toots.” Joe winked with a point.

Joanna gasped. “Seamstress. I’ll have you know, I am no seamstress! My skills surpass that.”

“Really? What skills are they? What field of specialty are you?" Joe waited, he received no response from Joanna. “O.K. well, I assume you’re a seamstress. Workday starts bright and early people. Have a good one.” Joe, with arrogance, strutted from the room. He paused in the door to give a quick twitch of his head and a gloating smile to himself, and then he left.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

June 24

The noise was unbearable. Ellen had closed every window in her house and it still didn’t help. The hammering, drilling, sawing, and yelling, drove her crazy. She paced frantically around her house looking for another item she could possible straighten up.

“Hello?” Joe called out as he stepped into her home.

“Joe!” Ellen ran from the dining room to the living room where he stood.

“Hey El, I had a few minutes this afternoon, thought I’d see how you were doing?”

“How long is this construction going to go on for?” She asked demandingly.

Joe was surprised by her question. “Three more weeks about . . .Hey is that the baby crying.”

“Yes it is. He’s always crying.” She snapped.

“Are you gonna pick him up?”

“No!” Ellen yelled with frustration. “I am not picking him up. He’s fed, he’s changed and he’s fine. He’s just crying, he’s always crying. He always wants picked up. I’m sick of it. I refuse to hold him just because he’s crying. He’s just gonna have to learn.”

“Ellen, calm down.” Joe moved closer to her. “He’s just a baby.”

“He’s a Slagel.” She shouted then calmed herself down and grabbed him. “Joe, let me go back to work.”

“No Ellen, one more week.” He shook his head.

“Please Joe, I can’t take it.” She clutched him. “You have to let me go back to work.”

“Ellen, no. Andrea says she doesn’t want Brian in the day care nursery until he’s three weeks old. Now enjoy the break. Jenny is. She wants to take an even longer one.”

“Oh Jenny is fuckin’ super mom.” She spoke with sarcasm.

“Ellen.”

“No Joe, she’s sick. And annoying. Do you know what she did? She came by yesterday and said to me, that since she has an abundance of breast milk, and I don’t, she thought I’d like her to pump some for me so Brian can supplement the stuff Dean mixes for him. Can you believe her?”

“She was trying to be helpful.”

“She was being a bitch.” Ellen ran her hands through her hair. “Like I want my baby drinking her milk. The nerve of her.”

“Ellen, enough.” Joe cringed then looked at the stairs. “Go get the baby. He’s crying.”

“No.”

“Then I will.” Joe marched to the steps. “Frank would have a fit if he knew this baby was wailing like that.”

“Oh, Frank can bite it.” Ellen followed him up the steps.

Joe ignored her and picked up Brian, he immediately stopped crying. “It’s all right Brian, Mommy’s just neurotic.”

“I am not neurotic, I’m just a prisoner. Let me go back to work.”

“No, Ellen. Tough. Stay home and take care of your baby. You’re the mother.”

“That is such a male thing to say.”

Joe had enough, he couldn’t take it anymore. “You know, I came by for a nice father-daughter visit and I get bitched at. Here.” He handed her Brian. “Hold your son. Hold him and don’t put him back down or I’ll send Frank home.” He walked to the door. “Hold him, Ellen.”

“I hold him all the time.”

“Tough, hold him some more.” Joe began to storm out. “What the hell else do you have to do all day?”

Ellen stared at her bright eyed son. He seemed content as she held him. “What is wrong with you Brian?” She waited until she heard the front door shut, and she laid him back down in the crib.

^^^^

“Ellen needs drugs.” Joe said as he walked into Dean’s lab.

“Ellen needs what?” Dean called out, sounding muffled and far away.

Joe looked around, placing his hands on his hips as he did. “Where the hell are you ? I hear you, but I can’t see you.”

“Sorry.” A thump was heard first, then Dean rose up from behind the counter rubbing his head and holding extension cord. “Is Ellen sick?”

“In the head. She has that . . . what ya call it? Post . . . post . . . something.”

“Ellen does not have postpartum psychosis.” Dean began running the cord across the lab.

“How in the hell do you know? When have you talked to her last?”

“Yesterday.” Dean bent down to the floor and lay down with a grunt. He reached under the table with his hand strenuously. “She seemed fine. Here hold this” He pulled out another cord and held it up to Joe. He took the other cord stuck it in and grabbed the one he handed to Joe. “Thanks.” Dean stood up and brushed himself off. “She’s just being Ellen.”

Joe bent down to see what Dean was doing. He followed the cord with his eyes. “How many extension cords do you have plugged into that one extension cord?”

Dean shrugged. “Lots I guess.”

“Well don’t do that, your gonna blow the place up.” Joe shook his head. “I’ll get Henry up here to put in another outlet or something. Anyway, back to Ellen. Dean she’s bad. She’s saying she’s a prisoner. She’s gone.”

Dean laughed as he plugged another electrical device into the power cord. “I’ll go check on her.”

“Thank you.” Joe began to leave. “Oh, and Dean. Remove some of that shit you don’t need from the power supply. You can over load it and start a fire.”

“Fine.” Dean followed the plugs seeing what they were connected to and pulled two out.

“Let me know about Ellen. I’ll be in containment.”

“Fine.” Dean scratched his head at his tangled mess.

“Dean, don’t blow me off. Are you blowing me off?” Joe stood in the doorway.

“No Joe I’m not.” Dean lifted up his mess then dropped it. “Can I borrow a jeep?”

“Mine’s out front. Dean?” Joe smacked his hand lightly on the archway, and pointed. “Ellen.”

“Ellen.” He murmured her name a few times while tapping his finger on the counter. “A reason, a reason.” He tapped more and his eyes caught glimpse of a large stack of papers on the counter. The light bulb came on. “A reason.” He spoke assuredly, grabbed them, tucked them under his arm and took off.

^^^^

The grass was so high and thick, but they managed to find a semi-bald spot out in undeveloped section of the community. It set far off from the edge of the living section, nearly to the edge where the perimeter fence brushed against the deep dark woods. The sounds of construction so faint in the distance it almost wasn’t bothersome.

Dean sat, knees bent up to him, his elbows resting across his baggy Levi jeans. In his long fingers he played with a strand of brown grass. Bending it, staring at Ellen through the tops of his eyes.

Ellen smiled. She sat across from him Indian-style. Across her lap a wide open folder, papers on both sides of its opening. “Dean, what is all this?”

“Work. Double check for initials at the bottom.”

“Dean some of these are dated from four years ago.” She turned another page. “Four years ago? What brought this on?”

“I found them when I was looking for an extension cord.” He raised his eyebrow. “Know anything about them?”

“No, I haven’t . . . oh shit.” Ellen began to laugh. “I’m sorry. I remember I told you I’d clean the lab and I stuck a bunch of papers under the counter. I really had every intention of getting to them later.”

“Guess what El?” He pointed the brown grass at her.

Ellen closed the folder. “This is trivial stuff now.” She set the folder to her side and leaned her face up to the warm sun, she brought it down with a smile. “What are you doing?”

“El.” He scooted closer to her, bringing his one leg nearer to his body. “Whether you’d like to believe it or not, I think I know you pretty well.” He closed one eye to her. “I remember when the twins were born, nothing held you back. You were always one place or another. Setting up the clinic, working in the greenhouse, visiting . . . Frank.” He tossed the brown grass. “Any way.” He took a deep breath. “I know you’ve been cooped up in the house for two weeks. People visiting isn’t gonna do it for you. So I thought that, even if it’s just for a little bit, getting out would help.”

“It is helping.” Ellen breathed in the fresh air. “I feel better.”

“And . . . I know you’re supposed to be on maternity leave for another week, but I started thinking. If Frank could handle the twins and Brian for about two hours in the evening, you and me, and possibly Henry, can start breaking down all that data we put aside for awhile.”

Ellen perked up. “When?”

“We can start tonight, that is if you feel up to it.”

“Tonight would be great. And I know Frank will handle them.”

“Good, I’ll let Henry know.”

“Dean.” The smile half fell from Ellen’s face, she became serious. She laid her hand over his hand that dangled off his bent knee. “Thank you. Thank you very much.”

Dean closed his mouth and softly smiled. “No problem.” He took his other hand and brushed the back of his fingers down her face. “That’s what friends are for right?” With a short deep breath, Dean regained himself and leaned across to her for the folder that set perched in the grass. “Now Mrs. Slagel. What do you plan on doing about these four year old reports.”

Ellen took the folder and playfully smacked Dean on the top of the head. She opened it again and spread it across her lap. “Finish what I started?” She flipped a page and spoke softly to herself. “While you stare at me.”

^^^^

Joanna Holmes stepped tiredly around to her bed in the make-shift hospital. Her hands ached and fingers were stiff for sewing for eight hours. She plopped down on her bed still staring down to her blistering palms. “I have had enough.” She turned to Jeffrey Barnett, a electrical engineer. “We have work to do, another lab that needs attending to.” She exhaled. “And we can’t get there without their help.”

“They won’t do that. We are their work horses now. Slaves.” Jeffrey pulled a sheet of paper from his pocket. “I’ve been giving this thought. We need to claim those tunnels. There are many ways to access the lab. They haven’t a clue how vital the information they have is.”

“And our snooping is the sure fire way to make them aware. No.” Joanna shook her head. “We are going about this all wrong. Instead of being hardheads, be easy going. Head to the other lab first. We know what’s down there, we know how that can help us. Start from there instead of here. And they’ll help us get there.”

Jeffery scoffed in laughter. “How? They just want to take from us. Our lab, land, information. Embryos. My God they implanted one, it was born two weeks ago.”

“Like everything else, we’ll get the embryos back. Born or not.”

“How do you propose we do that? How do you think we’ll get their help. They want to know our plan.”

“We’ll tell them something. They won’t know the difference. We’ll make them think we’re giving them what they want. We’ll be congenial, do their little assignments.” Joanna smiled snidely. “Trust me, Jeffrey. They’ll give us everything we want in return. Everything. And they won’t even be aware that they’re doing it.”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

July 7

“So what you’re telling me is, it isn’t Monday?” Joe poured a drink for Jason as he sat with him at the bar in the social hall.

“Nope. It’s Tuesday.” Jason took a sip of his drink.

“Then tomorrow is Wednesday, and yesterday was Monday?”

“That’s correct. You and your people have missed a leap year.”

“I’m supposed to go around telling everyone that Tuesday isn’t Tuesday, it’s Wednesday. I can’t do that. We have work schedules that we follow, different things for different days. If I go tell people that tomorrow is Wednesday then Tuesday’s work won’t get done.”

“Then just adjust you work schedule, shift everything ahead a day.”

“Can’t do that.” Joe finished his drink and poured another. “Then that would make Monday the non-work day and I can’t have that. Sunday is the non-work day for services.”

“Then give Monday, Saturday’s work.”

“Then they’ll be a day between Friday and Saturday’s work. It can’t work. We’ll just forget about it.”

“But you can’t do that. Fifty years from now this one mistake . . .”

“Fifty years from now? Christ I won’t be around, I don’t give a shit. Mr. Time.”

“I’ll have you know Mr. Slagel, Time has been my main focus for sixteen years. Not including the six I slept. And.” Jason grabbed the bottle and filled his glass. “I’m inches away from breaking the time barrier. Inches.”

“Breaking the time barrier?”

“Oh yeah, my experiment, near completion too. I have every intention of finishing it.”

“How are you going to finish your experiment from here?” Joe took a swig of his drink and grabbed a cigarette, lighting it. “Will you need lab space?”

“I will. Not much though, and it will be a spare time thing for me. I’ll have to go to North Dakota to get my experiment though. Perhaps we can work something out at a later time?”

“Oh sure. In fact Henry will make the trip with you, he loves doing that stuff.” He blew out his smoke. “What is this experiment you’re so close to finishing anyway.”

“A time machine.” Jason said proudly.

Joe began to choke on his own cigarette smoke. “A time machine?” He laughed. “Well if you do time travel, could you pick me up a pack of Camel Filters please. I miss them.”

“Go on laugh. Laugh.” Jason didn’t let Joe bother him in the least. “You’ll see. And when you . . .” The volume level in the room suddenly dropped. “Is everyone listening to me?”

Joe was shocked by the sudden silence. It never was quiet in the social hall during after work hours. He looked around, fearing that perhaps someone suddenly dropped over dead. His attention spun to the reason for the abrupt change in atmosphere. Joanna walked in, and she made her way directly to Joe.

“Mr. Slagel. I was told I could find you in here.” Joanna said.

“What do you want?” Joe took a drink.

“We need to talk.” She folded her arms. “It’s time that we did. Is there someone private we can go?”

Joe set down his drink. “Excuse us Jason.” He slid from his seat and adjusted his pants--knowing that he irked her--and he led Joanna from the social hall.

^^^^

“Sorry I’m late El.” Dean stood in her doorway, his hand in his front pockets. He looked humbled.

“That’s all right, you’re only ten minutes.” She opened the door wider. “Come in . . . Alex, Billy, Daddy’s here.” She called out as Dean stepped inside.

Alexandra ran down the stairs first. “Daddy!” She jumped in his arms and kissed him.

“Uh!” Dean felt the wet dampness of her shirt. “You’re all wet.”

“Uncle Frank was cleaning me. He said I was messy.”

Dean pulled out her shirt, the huge wet spot ran all the way down it. “It looks like Uncle Frank is the messy one. Does Uncle Frank know to remove your shirt before he washes your body.”

The little girl giggled. “He was washing my face, Daddy.” She kicked her legs some. “He likes to drown us when he does that. We laugh.”

“Swell, Go get Billy.” Dean looked to Ellen. “Frank is torturing them now?”

“Oh, Daddy?” Alexandra stopped on the steps. “Guess what we did? We beat Uncle Frank. Me and Billy. We finally beat him in wrestling. Brian didn’t win. Uncle Frank pinned him.” Smiling, Alex ran up the steps as fast as her little legs could carry her, yelling for her brother all the way.

Dean rubbed his face as he looked to a laughing Ellen. “He pinned Brian?” Shaking his head, he saw the cradle. “Can I see him?”

“Sure.” Ellen folded her arms and followed him.

“Can I pick him up?” Dean waited for approval and lifted little Brian up. “He’s great, El.” He cupped him in his arms, close to his chest. “You’re gonna laugh, but I think he looks a lot like Billy, don’t you?”

“You can definitely tell they’re related.” She watched Dean. Little Brian’s head jolted up when Frank’s playful yelling from upstairs came carrying down. Ellen reached her hand out and stroke his nearly bald head. “I guess he knows his father’s voice.”

Dean tried to smile, only part of it showed. “Yeah.” He spoke with solace. “I uh, I guess he does.” He gently laid him back down. “I’d better gather up the kids. You guys are probably busy with moving and all.”

“Yeah, how do you like that? Joe tells us we were selected for bigger housing. Pays to be related to the leader.” She winked. “Anyhow, we haven’t even started. It shouldn’t be too hard. I still have a box in the basement I never unpacked from . . . it should be an easy move.”

“Is Josh moving right in with you?” Dean asked.

“Yep. He’s ready. I think. He is still strange with some people. But around Frank, he’s good. He’s improved quite . . .”

The sound of screaming children and Frank’s loud mouth and heavy steps came barreling down. Frank yelled dramatically as he chased the twins. He immediately shut up, keeping his hands behind his back, when he saw Dean. “Hey, Dean. All cleaned up for you.”

“I see.” Dean cringed at his wet children. “Heck of a technique you have, Frank.”

“You ought a try it. You can get them to say all sorts of great things about you when you have that wash cloth on them. Watch.” Winking to the kids, Frank reached out, grabbed hold of Ellen, snatched her forward and pummeled her with the dripping wet wash cloth.

The twins laughed.

“Frank!” Ellen stepped back, her face and hair soaking wet. “You’re an asshole”

Dean, finger over his top lip, hid his laughter as he opened the door. “Say goodnight to Mommy.”

“Do it again!” Alexandra laughed.

Ellen backed up seeing Frank come to her. “No. Don’t.”

Frank looked over his shoulder at the twins. “Must give her an ‘out’ though. El?” He held the cloth near her face. “Who’s the coolest.”

With a quick shift of her eyes, and a move of her body, Ellen smiled snidely. “Dean.” Releasing a slight shriek, she dodged Frank’s barreling wash-cloth holding hand and bolted up the steps. Frank flew up behind her.

Just as Dean started to leave, Billy and Alexandra followed in happy pursuit up the steps. “Guys!” He called out in vain. “This is not . . .” He heard them all shrieking and jumping above him. “A game. Swell.” Tossing his hands up in defeat, Dean walked back into the living room and to the cradle where he picked up Brian and stole another moment.

^^^^

The library was the best place and the closest that Joe could think of for his talk with Joanna. Normally he wouldn’t have jumped at her invitation, but he had been working her and her colleagues and a part of him thought for sure, she was ready to break. He was in part--correct. Sitting at the reference book table, Joe leaned back, one leg crossed over the other as he waited for something important to come from her mouth. He heard her spew out about who she was, and what she had done in her life before the plague hit. He heard her talk about who the others were. That bored him, he could care less what they did, what they wanted to do is what was foremost in his mind. “I’ve listened to you tell me a good resume, wanna tell me know why you drug me away from my happy hour?”

“You know and I know Mr. Slagel, that a coexistence in the community between your people and mine will be an impossibility. Tension is high, resentments are high. I think that we may be able to help each other.”

“Really?” Joe spoke with apprehension. “How is that?”

“We have another sight. Mountain Springs Colorado. Are you familiar with it?”

“27 stories deep, yes.” Joe nodded. “Another Cryogenics set up?”

“No. It is a facility that has the equipment to help us in our achievements. To rebuild this world again.” Joanna leaned forward toward him and folded her hands in front of her. “That’s what our project was geared for. We didn’t know when we awoke whether ten people would be left or ten million. We chanced it. We have a goal to meet, we have a responsibility Mr. Slagel, and we plan to follow it through. We need your help.”

“In what way?” Joe’s questioning was stern.

“We fully intend to leave, all of us, within the next six weeks. We plan to finish your housing for you. We ask your help in getting a team of mine down to Colorado. Fifteen of us will head down, we hope in a few days, to get things started. The rest will follow. We will not bother you anymore, with the exception of your help getting us started. That’s what the original plans for the Garfield project were. This was the place that would be a supplement for factory and food. Technology will be built in Colorado. We need supplies until we can get things started down there.”

“You know, I’m sitting her listening to what you want, what exactly do we get in return.”

“This place you call Beginnings.”

“It’s ours anyway.”

“You seem to forget Joseph that this place was designed for the common good of the surviving world. Not for selfish use like you and your people have done.”

“Selfish? Lady we planted this food, we grew it, we waded through bad crops, sick livestock, meningitis, tuberculosis. We struggled. We went out and got the basic equipment needed to start civilization here. Don’t talk to me about selfish.”

“I’m not wanting to get into an argument with you Mr. Slagel. I’m asking for your help. You know what we need. And, if it’s possible, a few of your people to help us set up our own survivor runs as you call them. We don’t know what’s out there like your people do.”

“And what do you expect to do with these survivors? Hide them in that installation?”

“No, we plan to teach them to rebuild correctly.”

“There isn’t anyone left.” Joe stated.

“One percent.”

Joe scoffed at her, waving his hand. “What’s one percent? Nothing.”

“One percent of the United States is four million people. Four million is a lot. Enough to begin this race again. Begin it right. It’s time to give this dormant world a wakeup call.”

“Let me tell you what’s out there. We only pick up what we call stragglers. Those who travel in groups of less than ten. There’s bigger out there. Worse. They hunt down those who have rebuilt, they burn what they have, feed off their kills, human or not. Savages. You don’t see them often, but when you do.” Joe whistled. “Watch out. Yeah, four million. But in a country this big, they’re pretty scattered about. Hard to find.”

“We’ll try. All we ask is for your help. We’ll give our complete honesty. But we need to start putting together our data. We have equipment we need to start working on.”

Joe leaned back again. “So you want me to just let you walk around here.”

“To work with our stuff. Possibly learn how you’ve been running this community so we can do the same.”

Joe wanted to just place his face to her, breath out his whiskey breath at her with a loud ‘Bull shit’. But he didn’t. He wanted these people out and he could keep an eye on them while they prepared. “It has to be a joint cooperation. And your people have to follow our rules.”

“Then you are agreeing?”

“Apprehensively. We’ll get things ready to ship some of your people out in the next few days.”

“Thank you.” Joanna stood and extended her hand. “And what of possibly sending a few of your people down to help us out, perhaps for a week or so?”

Joe didn’t want a single person of his to walk from the gate. But knew what better way to see what they were up to then to have watched first hand. “I’ll give some thought to who I can spare.”

“Thank you again. You’re more agreeable than I expected.”

“I just want the peace of my community back.” Joe stood up. “And since your arrival. People have been on edge. So in essence, I want you gone.”

“Trust me when I tell you, we don’t want to live among you anymore than you with us.” Joanna began to leave. “Now that we have that clear. We can get past it and move on. Then we can start first thing in the morning with our preparations?”

“Afternoon. I have to let everyone know.” Joe watched her nod her arrogant head and waltz out. He knew he’d have to brace everyone for his decision. But he also knew what he had to do. He could control them and what they learned. It wouldn’t be as easy getting information from Beginnings as they thought. Joe couldn’t allow them to know everything. Because he knew they weren’t telling him the whole truth either.

CHAPTER TWENTY

July 8

“No Joe.” Dean slammed down his fist onto Joe’s desk, his anger obvious, his voice stern.

“Dean take it easy.” Joe held out his hands, trying to remain calm as he told the news to Dean and his son who sat across from him. “It’s not what you think.”

“What I think?” Dean shook his head shouting. “You want me to let them into the Cryo lab? You want me to tell them about what I do?”

“Look.” Joe leaned forward. “We know what we can tell them and what we can’t.”

“And what about you sending a couple of Beginnings people with them?” Dean asked.

“Exactly what I said. There is no better way, and you know it, to find out what they are up to then to send a welcome spy.”

Dean turned to Frank. “Frank, you’re usually really cautious, what do you think?”

“I have to agree with you. I don’t think they should have carte blanche around here. But like my Dad is saying, they’ll only think they do. I’ll be watching, my men will be watching.” Frank sat with confidence as he rocked back on the hind legs of his chair. “Everyone just has to keep me posted if they suspect anything or see anything strange.”

“I don’t know.” Dean was so unsure. “I’ve cleared the Cryo lab of what they can’t see. But what if, what if they want to just reclaim their land. They stand a fighting chance . . .” He turned sharply to Frank who blew a huff. “I’m not kidding, Frank. We’re talking forty-two men. That’s almost as many as we have. Not even you can take on forty-two men.”

Frank waved him off. “Please, they’re like scientists. It’d be like taking on forty-two of you.” Frank chuckled. “Kinda of like a live video game. Clear each level of Dean-type scientists.”

Dean grew annoyed at Frank’s smugness as he rocked in his chair. “You tend to underestimate people.”

“Like who?” Frank asked.

“Like me.”

“Right.” Frank folded his arms. “You? You’re like . . .” Frank lowered his hand two feet from the ground. “You’re like this big.”

“Frank you are the most arrogant, egotistical . . .”

“Bite me.”

“Blow me.”

“Boys.” Joe warned then in defeat, plopped down to his desk.

“And . . . you don’t threaten me.” Frank re-folded his arms as he rocked. “See, cause I know you could never take me down.”

“You don’t think?”

Frank laughed as he turned his head to him. “I know you couldn’t.”

Without any warning, Dean swung his foot out sideways, kicked into the two chair legs that Frank balanced on, swept forward and sent Frank crashing back. “I just did.” Dean sprung up, possibly considering running at that moment as an option.

Joe lifted his head and stared at Frank and Dean, wondering to himself why in the world he asked those two to come together. Perhaps it was a momentary lapse of stupidity. Perhaps it was just the fact that subconsciously, Joe, was in the mood for a little nerve mutilation.

^^^^

“Excuse me, are you Mr. Kusakari?” Jeffrey spoke peeking his head into back room of the bakery building.

Henry took the red handled screw driver from his mouth. “That’s me.” He replaced it in his mouth and returned to working on opening the cover to the secondary breaker box.

“My name is Jeffrey Barnett, I was told you run the mechanical division here? Mr. Slagel said that, if you allow, I may observe.”

“I allow.”

Jeffrey stepped closer to him. “May I ask what you’re working on?”

“Aren’t you the electrical engineer?” Henry shook his head. “A circuit box, gees.”

Jeffrey laughed at Henry’s implication that he didn’t know a circuit box. “No, no. I know what it is, I was just curious about what exactly you’re doing.”

“O.K. The bakery has increased its demand. We have these ovens called Revens. They circulate, round and round. Anyhow, they demand a lot of power, and it seems whenever we run all three ovens at the same . . . Bam. Lights out.”

“I see.” Jeffrey looked. “You’re running a new line into your secondary power source.”

“Exactly. Like you said. Simple enough. Opening the lid to this box wasn’t. I never thought we have to use it.” Henry pulled from his supply bag, a long rolled up bunching of wires.

“Can I . . . make a suggestion?”

“Sure.” Henry shrugged.

“It’ll save you some time. Here.” He reached down and retrieved the tool from Henry’s box that he needed and began to fiddle with the wiring. “If you just do this.” Jeffrey pointed. “Move this here. Then that should work. There’s no need for a whole new line. That way you can conserve that wiring for later or another project.”

Henry smiled. “That does work, doesn’t it? Hey thanks.”

“No problem.”

“You know.” Henry brought his finger to his mouth and fiddled with his lip. “I have some ceiling lighting that needs worked on in the chapel. No matter how bright a bulb we put in, things are dim. Care to take a look?”

“Lead the way.”

“Excellent.” Henry gathered up his stuff. He’d lead Jeffrey to the chapel. It was a perfect set-up Henry thought, play dumb, act ignorant to everything, and get someone else to do the work.

^^^^

Ellen expected someone to show up to her division, but she didn’t expect the enthusiasm that she received from Dr. William Gafsky, the Psychological behavioral specialist that made the walk through of containment with her. He towered over her as they paced slowly down the hall. He was a big man, a tad on the heavy side, something that she would have thought a frightening sight for a man who worked with mentally unbalanced individuals. But after finding out from him that he had done extensive work with serial killers, and homicidal maniacs, Ellen knew he needed that size. Dr. Gafsky informed her of the several books he had published on the subject. Ellen pretended to be impressed but really wasn’t. Chalking it up, that the books couldn’t have been all that good if she never heard of them.

Dr. Gafsky walked with a notepad in his hands as he listened with interest to everything that Ellen spoke of. “So in an essence, what you do here is what I am supposed to do with survivors. Work with them, make them civilized.”

“Correct. I am the problem solver around here. I also have the title community counselor.”

“It seems that you do quite a bit. I wanted to stop by this morning but they informed me you were working at the clinic?” Dr. Gafsky asked.

“That’s correct. I work at the clinic. I work here. Recently I’ve added more research time. And . . . we have social skills classes here in the evening.”

“Quite the busy lady.”

“Oh they work me like a dog. It’s disgusting. Taking advantage of my good nature.”

“And you just gave birth to that special child also.”

“Yeah he’s special all right.” She said with some sarcasm.

“How is he doing? Is he speaking yet?”

“Oh sure.” Ellen giggled. “It’s amazing. I think he just said da-da, at four weeks.”

“Amazing.” He wrote something on his notebook.

Ellen’s head snapped in surprise, she had to wonder what he wrote stopping. They stopped before the skills room. “Here we are. Observe away.”

Dr. Gafsky peeked in to the crowded room “I have to tell you. I’m impressed very much with this program you have set up.”

“Mine and Joe’s baby.” Ellen folded her arms and stepped back. “That’s why they call me, the survivor queen.” She began to leave. “I’m not joking about that either.” Laughing to herself, she left Dr. Gafsky alone while she tended to her own work load.

^^^^

Andrea was the woman of the hour, or at least she felt that way. She walked tall as she paced with pride from room to room at the clinic, showing it off as if it was her own birth child. “And we have one patient scheduled for surgery tomorrow.”

Dr. Emery, a smaller, meeker gentlemen spoke up. “I’m a surgeon. What was your specialty Dr. Winters.”

“Mine. Mine was nursing. I was a nurse for over twenty years before I came here. They gave me the main doctor title because of that. Now Dr. Hayes, he’s an actual doctor. A scientist. However, his main focus is the lab.”

“Who is it that does your surgeries then?” Dr. Emery asked.

“I handle them mainly.”

“And how is it that you learned to perform such surgeries?”

“Some of them, from what I’ve learned hands on in New York. Others, text books.”

“And you do all types?” Dr. Emery continued in his questioning.

“Oh yes. Knock on wood . . .” Andrea knocked on the plaster wall. “We’ve been pretty successful.”

“I must say, you certainly have earned the right to call yourself Doctor Winters.” Dr. Emery complemented. “You are a remarkable woman.”

“Oh.” Andrea lowered her head and grabbed her chest. “You flatter me.” She lifted her head with a smile. “Shall I show you our lab?”

“Love to see it.” Dr. Emery followed her. “Dr. Winters. You mentioned you are performing surgery tomorrow. May I inquire what kind?”

“Of Course. It’s another first for me. We have a patient who appears to have a tumor on his pancreas. Tests show it’s benign but it’s been causing him great discomfort and it needs removed.”

“If it’s not too much too ask. I’d like to be present, possibly assist. I used to be quite adept in pancreatic surgery.” Dr. Emery said.

Andrea stopped in her pace. “Dr. Emery I would be honored to have you perform the surgery and allow me to assist.”

“It would be my pleasure dear lady.” He took hold of her arm and walked with her. “And please, can you start calling me Preston?”

“Preston.” Andrea smiled touching the hand that held on to her. “Then I must insist you call me Andrea. And here we are. Our Lab. Dr. Hayes’ world.” She knocked on the archway to the open door. “Dr. Hayes?” She called in pleasantly. “May I show our visitors the lab?”

Dean looked up from his computer and turned his head. “No.” He returned his views to his computer.

Andrea was shocked, not to mention embarrassed. “Excuse me for a moment.” She stepped in the lab and closed the door. “What’s going on?”

“I’m working.” Dean answered.

“Dean, don’t you want to show off all that you’ve accomplished here.”

“Not to them I don’t.” He faced her. “I don’t want them in my lab. This is my lab.”

“Are you a little jealous perhaps. The smartest kid on the block has a little competition and now he won’t share his toys?” She asked motherly.

“Andrea . . . no.” Dean turned from her.

Andrea shook her head disapprovingly at him.“ Fine Dean. Be a baby. I’m going to go show our visitors the X-ray facilities instead.” After dramatically tossing her head, Andrea walked to the door. “And you mister, better grow up.” She slammed the door on her exit.

“Grow up?” Dean took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. “I just don’t want them in my lab.” He said to himself. Stopping to take a moment to sulk, Dean’s lab door opened again, this time it was Frank. Frank stuck his hand in and locked the door, then shut it. Dean’s curiosity was peaked. He rotated his stool to watch what Frank was doing.

Frank stood on the other side doing some weird routing. Stand up, hunch down, turn the knob, open the door, closed it, and shove on it with his shoulder. And then he repeated it, never saying anything to Dean. After about six times, Dean had enough.

“Frank!” Dean shouted at him. “What are you doing?”

“Oh.” Frank stepped inside. “I’m checking your doors and windows.”

“I can see that. Why?”

“I’m gonna install a keypad, like the one in the cryo-lab. I was just checking for security and tightness of your doors and windows.”

“You’re securing my lab?” Dean stood up. “I appreciate it. Thanks, Frank.”

“No problem, I . . .” Frank’s head tilted up. “Yeah?” He called into his headset. “El . . . El, calm down. Calm down.” Frank shook his head. “I’ll be there in ten seconds.”

“What’s wrong with Ellen?” Dean asked.

“It’s not Ellen. It’s Josh. She’s says she has a problem with him.” Frank took off.

Dean, curious also, chased after, shutting the door to his lab.

^^^^

“Frank!” An hysterical Ellen flew to him as he entered the containment hall.

“El, calm down.” He placed his headset around his neck and laid his hands on her shoulders. “What happened?”

“It’s happening again, Frank. I went into the skills room and there he was.”

Frank looked past her and dropped his hands. “He’s all right.” He walked by her toward the skills room.

Ellen ran to follow him, Dean next to her. “Wait till you see him Dean. It’s a flashback.”

Frank shook his head as he stopped mid-skills room. He saw Josh huddled in a corner. He clenched tightly to his big blue book, and Josh’s head twitched. He stormed over and stood above Josh. He looked down to the trembling boy with reproachful authority. “Josh.” Frank spoke mildly to him. “Josh.” He called and received no response. Frank rubbed his hand over his mouth and goatee, and deepened his call. “Josh! What the hell are you doing! Get up! Get your ass up now!”

Josh stood to his feet quickly, still cradling his book, looking at Frank.

“Josh! Stand up straight and look at me. Now!” Frank’s hand barreled down pointing at him. “Now what the hell is wrong with you acting like this?” He placed his face close to his, he spoke, soft, gruff and strong. “What is wrong with you? And you better answer me and answer me now!”

Josh stood straight and held up his possession. “Book. My Book. MY BOOK!” Josh grasped it tightly to his chest. “MY BOOK!”

“Did someone try to take it from you? Did someone try this?” Frank pretended to try to take it. Josh nodded. “Want me to handle them for you? Want me to make them stop?”

Josh smiled and nodded.

“Fine.” Frank placed his hands on his hips and turned to the eleven other survivors who seemed to gather in fear together. “None of you people touch his fuckin' stuff. Is that clear? Clear.” They nodded at him. “Good . . . now Josh . . .” He re-faced Josh only to see him pointing. Frank’s eyes followed the direction. They led to Dr. Gafsky standing at the opposite end of the room. Frank moved only his eyes to Josh. “Was he the one who tried to take your book?”

Josh nodded.

Pissed off, Frank stormed over to him. “Don’t touch him or his stuff again, do you hear?”

Dr. Gafsky a man as large as Frank did not back away in fear from him. “I believe that boy has something that belongs to us. That book belongs to our people.”

Dean stepped in. “That book has been part of our collection since we got here. In fact it’s mine. Physics is my pastime.”

Dr. Gafsky rolled his eyes. “I think you might be confused on that point. Now if you won’t get it, I will. A simple request is all I ask.” He tried to get past Frank, but Frank, palm against Gafsky’s chest, pushed him back.

“Look pal. Don’t touch my kid. And don’t touch my kid’s stuff.?”

“Your kid?” Dr. Gafsky gave an arrogant chuckle. “Well then that explains his behavior.”

“What is that suppose to mean?” Frank asked, hand rested in intimidation on his hips.

“It means, it figures he behaves as such, being created from the genes of a sociopathic, inarticulate simian being like yourself.”

Frank with confused eyes, shifted them to Dean.

Dean leaned into Frank and whispered. “He just insulted you Frank.”

Frank tilted his head to Dean. “Was it bad?”

“If I were you, I’d deck him.”

“Thanks, Dean.” With a Frank fisted blow, he nailed Dr. Gafsky and sent him to the floor.

Ellen shrieked. “Oh my God Frank.” She ran to Dr. Gafsky’s side and knelt next to him.

“El he insulted me.”

“Don’t you think you’re over reacting? What the hell is the matter with you?” She looked at a stunned Dr. Gafsky. “I’m so sorry for this. Are you all right?”

Dr. Gafsky held his jaw and slowly nodded his head. With Ellen’s little help, he stood.

Frank couldn’t believe what he was seeing. “El, what are you doing helping this man?”

“Frank!” Ellen, face red peered at him. “Go away. Just go away. I can’t believe you.” She held Dr. Gafsky’s arm and started to walk. Scoffing at Frank and Dean, and swearing under her breath, Ellen helped Dr. Gafsky to the other room for ice.

Frank raised his hands and dropped them with a slap. “Dean, was I wrong?”

“Not in the least, Frank. And you know me, I’m not a violent man.”

“Thank you. And what’s wrong with my wife?”

“The same thing that’s wrong with every other woman in the community. They’re being targeted. They can’t get information out of use, so they butter up the women to get it.”

“Sweet talk them. Make them feel special. Get them to spill their guts?” Frank questioned.

“Exactly.” Dean nodded.

“Will they?” Frank started to walk down the hall with Dean.

“Spill their guts? Oh. Absolutely. But the question should be, can they spill anything valuable.” Closed mouth and assuredly, Dean shook his head.

“They can’t?”

“No way.” Dean said. “The women in this community really aren’t told anything valuable.”

“That’s awfully smart of us.”

“No.” Dean paused in his waling to motion his head in a point to where Ellen took the newcomer. “It was awfully foreseeing of us.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

July 18

To everyone else in Beginnings they were a small number. Eleven men and one woman. But to Dean, the group was large. It a was large sense of burden lifted from his shoulders. They were in Colorado, they had arrived there. And the two Beginnings’ men who had taken them just arrived back safe. The safety of those two men was the number one concern on everyone’s mind. But they brought with them the bus like Joe had requested, to take the rest of the newcomers when their time came. And their time could not come too soon for Dean. Though they had only been roaming around the community for a short time, their presence was known at each and every corner one turned. They spent a magnitude of time in the cryo lab going over their data. Data that Dean had copied before handing it to them. He did this as his own safeguard, just in case.

And with a small group gone, Dean felt confident he could complete his newest project and have it ready to present to Joe. But the radio call from the nursery interrupted that. Dean hoped only briefly.

He didn’t have to ask what child at the nursery was sick. He knew. It was Jenny’s baby. It would be the third trip in one week to the nursery for the Matoose child. Stomach ailments. Breathing problems. And the present Jenny compliant--fever. The trips to the nursery weren’t including all the times Andrea had to check the infant out. Jenny was being overboard and Dean was starting to get annoyed over it. Dean was beginning to feel like Ellen, mind-bitching about Jenny all the way to the nursery.

“Hi Raz.” Dean waved to the older gentleman. “How’s the Matoose baby?”

Raz placed down the book he read. “Fine as usual. It’s the mother that needs examined. Coming in here and checking on us eight times a day. Anyway, the visitors checked her out, said she was fine.”

Dean stopped mid stride. “The visitors? You let them with the babies?”

“Well . . Uh, yeah. Was I wrong?” He stood up. “They’re doctors.”

“Shit.” Dean flew into the next room, the first vision he saw was six of them gathered around one cradle. He could hear them murmur, but couldn’t make out the words through the baby’s cries. “Excuse me.” Dean marched right up to them moving them one at a time. “Away from . . .” He saw which baby they were touching and observing. “Brian.” Dean barreled his way through and scooped up the crying baby, outrage filled his eyes and he held Brian close to his chest. “I want you people out of the nursery. And away from this baby. Now.”

One of the doctors snubbed that suggestion. “We have a right to examine that . . .”

“The hell you do!” Dean shouted, his hand holding the little head. Comforting him. “Leave now or I’ll call security.”

They showed no fear of security being called, but in order to avoid confrontation, they backed up and left.

“It’s all right Brian. Shh.” Dean placed his lips to the now infant. “It’s all right. Why do these scientist want to . . .” Then it hit him why. “Oh God Ellen, what did you do?” Dean knew what had to be done, he had to find Frank. Frank was the one who could ensure this child’s safety. After checking Brian thoroughly to make sure they did nothing to him, Dean raced immediately--baby in his arms--to find Frank.

^^^^

“And finally . . .” Frank held Ellen’s hands as he walked backwards leading her into their new bedroom in their new home. “Our room. What do you think?”

“I hate it. It’s too small.”

“It is not, this bedroom is the same size as our other one, the uh, the bed’s just bigger.”

“No it’s not Frank.” Ellen pulled her hands from his and stood center of her bedroom. “I hate this house. I hate this room. I don’t want to live here.”

“El, all our stuff is here. We have three bedrooms now.” Frank kissed her quickly. “You have to get used to it.”

“I know.” Ellen’s shoulders slumped.

“You know what El?” Frank took her hands again and led her. “It’s a new bed.” He motioned his head to behind him. “We have to break it in. What do you say?” He winked.

“No, Frank. I have that meeting with Joe.”

“Come on El. It’s the marriage law.” He lifted her up and nearly tossed her on the hard bed. Ellen bounced upon her landing. “No kids, a new house, we have to christen it.” Frank slowly climbed on the bed and crept to her.

Dean heard their voices coming from upstairs when he walked into the house, and he followed them. “Frank.” He called out as he stepped in.

Frank stopped in his move toward Ellen. “Am I hearing Dean?”

“Frank.” Dean called out again. “I need to speak to you.”

“He’s in here?” Frank turned his head slowly to see Dean standing in the doorway holding Brian. Frank panicked. “Dean, what’s wrong with my son?” He jumped from the bed and rushed over.

“Nothing, I need to talk to you.” Dean leaned closer and whispered. “Alone.”

Frank took the baby from Dean’s arms, then walked Brian to Ellen. “Hold him El, I’ll be right back.”

Ellen was shocked as the baby was just dropped in her arms, more so the way Frank escorted Dean calmly from the bedroom, with little irritation over Dean walking in.

Frank pulled the bedroom door shut. “What’s going on? Why did you bring Brian here?”

“I went to the nursery to check on the Matoose baby. When I walked in there were a bunch of them huddled around Brian, touching him, looking at him.”

“They what!”

Dean lowered his hands as if to tell Frank to lower his voice. “I don’t think they want to harm him. I just think they want to examine him, check him out. You can thank your wife on that one Frank. You see, I think that little fib Ellen told is snowballing. She told them--joking around--she was carrying one of their embryos.”

“We’ll just tell them she was lying about it. I’ll tell them.” Frank shook his head.

“Won’t work. They are so obsessed with these embryos, they aren’t gonna believe us. They’ll only think we’re lying to keep them from the baby.”

“What is so special about these embryos that they have to poke around my kid?”

“I don’t know. They are genetically enhanced. But I’ll tell you, I’m close finding out for myself. But we have to be even more on our toes. That’s why I came to you. Can you put a guard on the nursery?”

“Consider it done.” Frank shook his head at the thought of what happened. “In fact, consider it done now.” He opened up the bedroom door. “El, I have to go back to work.” He walked over to the bed, kissed Ellen and grabbed the baby.

“Where are you going with Brian?” She sat on the edge of the bed watching him leave.

“I’m uh . . . taking him to the nursery. Dean came to get you for that meeting and brought him by for us to see him. Thanks, Dean.” Frank walked to the doorway.

“No problem.” Dean held up his hand. “Sorry I interrupted your moving.” He looked at Ellen on the bed. “Need me to finish up for you Frank?”

“Sure if you want.” Frank stopped as his foot stepped for the first step, and he realized what Dean meant. “NO!” He left certain that was all that needed to be said.

Snickering Dean walked into the bedroom and extended his hand to Ellen. “Meeting?”

Ellen grabbed it and levered herself up. “Meeting.”

^^^^

Joe listened to Dean and Ellen ramble on and on about their idea. An idea even too weird for Joe. And though the thought of it made him squirm, he sat there in the lab, at their request. “Dean, what is it you want from me?”

“Permission, as the leader to do this.” Dean leaned forward. “It’s for the sake of science. Ellen and I have given this great thought.”

“You want my permission to do something that you could do, without my knowledge?” Joe’s hands rested on the counter as his fingers tapped about. “What will be so special about this kid?”

“He or she will be genetically enhanced.” Dean answered. “These embryos are so important to them, I am curious to see what the child is like. We have a volunteer, no one will get hurt. No one except us three and the volunteer has to know it’s nothing more than a routine pregnancy.”

Joe immediately looked to Ellen. “You aren’t doing this Ellen. You just had Brian.”

“Not me. Melissa. She overheard Dean and I talking and she volunteered. Melissa can’t have children on her own. She told only us that. So what do you say, Joe?”

Joe looked upon both of them. “If Dean feels it’s safe, we really should find out. How will you determine which one gets implanted.”

That was the one thing Dean didn’t have a scientific based answer for. “Since we don’t know which embryos are which. We sort of told Melissa to chose a number. Like an embryo lottery. We are ready to do this in a couple hours. Do we have your go ahead?”

Joe nodded apprehensively. “I guess.”

Excited, Dean grasped hold of Ellen’s hand, squeezing it with enthusiasm. “Ready, El?”

Ellen didn’t even answer, she jumped up at the same time as Dean and raced from the lab with him.

Alone, Joe stood up with a clap of his hands on the counter. “Christ.” He shook his head as he started to leave. “Beginnings’ own, Frankenstein and Igor.”

^^^^

Ellen slipped into the examining room next to the one they had just done the implantation in. Dean waited in there for her to situate Melissa. “Mother is . . .” Ellen slowed when she saw Dean. He lay back on the table, his legs hanging off the end, his arms dangling to the side while his eyes were tightly closed. “Wake up.” She grabbed his knees and banged them together.

“I am up.” He held out his hand for her to help pull him. “I was just resting that’s all.”

“I just want to let you know, the mother or mother-not, is resting. We can clock it for an hour, then I’m going home.”

“How is she doing, you know, about this?”

“Better than you or I. She definitely isn’t as nervous as us. She’s actually excited. Her and Mark wanted to have a child and now they are. Of course, it may not end up being a baby at all.” She joked, and saw Dean’s expression. “Just kidding. But she’s very excited.”

“Rightfully so.” Dean stared down at his legs which swung back and forth. He lifted his eyes. “Ellen shut the door please.”

“Why?” Ellen reached over and pushed it shut. “Are you gonna take advantage of me?”

“Not unless you want me too.”

“You’ll have to make it worth my guilt.”

“Guilt?” Dean had to laugh. “I don’t think guilt is a feeling you come equipped with.”

“Oh that’s not very nice. But . . .” She shrugged. “You’re probably right. So, if you don’t want to have sex with me, why did I shut the door?”

With a smile, Dean finally lifted his head all the way. “You and I are lucky. We work really well together. This afternoon was proof. With our history, we could have ended up with some really bad blood between us. We went past that. We’re better friends for that.”

“That we are. But sometimes, I feel there’s still some things unresolved.”

“Yeah.” Dean spoke whispering as his smile softened. “There are . . . but that’s not why I asked you to close the door. I want to ask you . . .” Dean scratched the nervous itch on the side of his nose. “Do you remember a conversation you and I had on Christmas Eve?”

“Ah.” Ellen nodded her head with closed eyes and mouth. “I do.”

“O.K.” Dean took a breath. “Taking a big chance at total humiliation. And chancing bad timing, I have to know. Ever since Brian was born, I’ve been bad. I want that El, I really do. So, maybe not right now, but in the near future, can I have that? Will you help me.? Are you still willing to have my baby for me?”

“I can’t believe you just asked me that.”

“I knew it.” Dean slid off of the table. “Forget I asked. Please.”

“No, that’s not what I meant.” Ellen reached forward grabbing his arm and pulling him back. “I just never thought you would really ask me. I thought the part of you that hated me would stop . . .”

“Hate you?” Dean’s voice dropped. “You think a part of me . . .” He chuckled in disbelief covering his eyes. “Yeah, El, I hate you.” Sliding his hand from his eyes, he seriously looked at her. “I don’t hate you. Far from it.” He cleared his throat. “So. What do you . . .”

Ellen’s hand quickly covered his mouth. “You don’t even have to ask.” she removed it. “Yes. Without a doubt.”

Arms instinctively going out to Ellen, Dean embraced her and kissed her on the cheek. “Thank you.” He pulled back. “However, you’re gonna have to talk to Frank about this. We can’t do it if we don’t clear it with him first. Maybe if I go with you to talk, he’ll see how important this is.”

“No that’s all right.” Ellen stepped back and flung her hand. “I’ll handle Frank. It’s not like we’re getting together. It’s clinical. I think once he sees that. He’ll be O.K. with it.”

“You think.”

“Oh, sure.” Ellen spoke and looked as if she had so much certainty. And with good reason, she knew Frank better than anyone. And there wasn’t an ounce of doubt in her mind --Frank would be fine with it.

^^^^

“I can’t believe you’re laughing at me.” Ellen handed Frank the settings for the dinner table.

“Because El. It’s, it’s such a ridiculous notion that it’s funny.” Frank placed the stack on the table.

“Frank, I am very serious about helping Dean out.”

“I know you are.” Frank kissed her on the cheek. “But over my dead body will my wife walk around pregnant with another man’s child. Let alone Dean’s. No.”

“Frank, he wants another baby.”

“Tough El. Tough. You aren’t doing it.”

“Can we discuss this rationally?”

“All right.” Frank drew up a semi-serious face. “Discuss rationally.”

“We owe him.”

“I don’t owe Dean anything, and neither do you.”

“Bullshit. I lived with him for almost five years. Think about what I did to him. What we did to him. I really feel I need to do this for Dean.” Ellen reached and grabbed Frank’s hands. “For him and for me.”

“See . . .” Frank moved his hands and began to wave them about. “This is what I don’t get. This sense of obligation you have to the guy. You’re my wife El, why do I feel a part of you still belongs to him. He’s the father of your twins. End of the line.”

“Oh you are so melodramatic. Every part of me belongs to you Frank. I just want to lend Dean my uterus for nine months.”

With laughter Frank walked in the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. “I can’t agree to this. And don’t go doing it behind my back either. I’ll get really pissed off.”

“I won’t do it behind your back.” Ellen leaned in the kitchen doorway. “Dean wouldn’t.”

“Then that’s one thing in his favor. Of course he did ask my wife to get pregnant.”

“It wasn’t Dean’s idea. It’s was mine.”

The refrigerator door slammed. “Why is my wife offering her body . . . never mind. It’s because it’s Dean right? Let me tell you Ellen, I’ll never give my permission for it. So you’ll never have his child. End of discussion. Don’t bring this up to me again.” He stormed past her.

“You’re angry. I thought we were discussing this rationally.” She watched him walk to the living room toward the steps.

“That’s before I realized how much I share my wife with another man.”

“You don’t share me Frank.” Ellen followed him. “We’re friends.”

“Then quit pushing the boundaries of friendship Ellen!” Frank blasted as he started taking the steps. “Before you cross so far you can’t take it back.”

^^^^

Finally, it was lights out. Dean was glad to be going home. It had been a long day, but a good one. Time would tell with Melissa, but Dean’s instincts screamed success at him. Picking up the red pen from his lab counter, Dean slashed out the day on the calendar. And just to make him feel good after all the double up work he did in the wake of the nosey newcomers Dean lifted the calendar to the next month. He gloated for a moment at the smiling face that marked the day the rest would leave then he dropped the pen, took off his coat then grabbed the notes of Melissa’s implantation. His eyes were tired and burning and he rubbed them as he walked out. But as if that momentary eye closing stint was a nap, Dean slipped into a nightmare. Joanna was standing at the door.

“Dr. Hayes.” She spoke rudely to him. “I haven’t the time for these games. We have to get things ready. The embryos are part of our things. Where are they?”

“Gone. Now if you’ll excuse me.”

“They are not gone.” Joanna blocked his exit.

“They are. Sorry. We had a power problem and they died. Plain and simple.”

“We safe guarded against something like that happening. Now . . . We are missing our embryos and our vials.” Joanna stated.

“You wouldn’t get the vials even if I had them. I can’t take any chance on what is in them.”

“It was an universal viral anti-serum. We were to take it just in case the virus was still in the air.”

“Then you really don’t need them.” Dean slid his body between her hips and the door. He grabbed the handle. “I cured the virus. And I disposed of the vials safely.”

“A move like that shows your true ignorance of science. I’m telling you Dr. Hayes, I want our embryos back, and we must have them before we depart. Is that understood?”

“Perfectly.”

“Good. Then you will return them?”

“Nope. They are no longer viable, I’ve told you that. Sorry Joanna.” Egotistically smiling, Dean pulled the door closed and ensured the lock. In his walk down the hall away from Joanna he looked at the notes in his hands. Dean was proud of how well he kept his cool demeanor despite the fact that all Joanna had to do was look down, glance at his notes and she would have discovered his lie.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

July 29

Dean knew that voice when it called his name, the unmistakable English accent. He finished switching power cords in the outlet and stood. He turned on the microscope. “What do you want Joanna. And please knock next time when you come into my lab.”

Joanna knocked her fist three times on the counter with a giggle, them moved closer to him. “It seems Dr. Hayes, you and I have gotten off on the wrong foot.”

“Probably not.” Dean held a slide up.

“Probably so. It seems we can’t agree on these embryos and it has caused a professional rift between us. I would like very much to get past that. The rest of us leave in two weeks. I’d like to use this time to get to know you better.”

“Really, why is that?” Dean adjusted the stand of the microscope.

“I owe you an apology. I have insulted your work without knowing of it.” She moved closer to him. “And if nothing else, it could benefit you.” She spoke softly. “Seeing how the female population seems to be a minority, a little companionship couldn’t be all that bad, would . . .”

A heavy slam on the counter jolted Joanna and Dean. Ellen stood with her hand on a stack of papers, fingers tapping. “I’m back.” She titled her head sounding upset.

Joanna titled her head with a smile. “Oh, hello Ellen.” She lightly placed her hand on Dean’s back. “Think about it Dr. Hayes.” She stepped back. “I’ll leave you two to your work.” Brushing her hand against Ellen as she walked by, Joanna left the lab.

Ellen let out a loud exclamation of shock and disgust. She ran over and shut the door. “I can not believe she just hit on you.”

“Is that what she was doing?”

“Oh don’t play dumb with me.” Ellen lifted herself to sit on the counter. “I hope to God you aren’t considering sleeping with that.”

“It would be sex Ellen. And you know sex to some men in this community is a commodity.”

“You aren’t that shallow. I will lose all respect for you. All respect. I would never . . .”

“El.” Dean turned around, folded his arms and leaned against the counter. “I have no intention of sleeping with her. I know what she’s up to, I’m not that stupid.”

“Oh good.” Ellen let out a sigh of relief.

“But . . .” Dean walked closer to her. “I’m curious.” He rested his hands on her knees. “Why are you so upset about this?” He raised one eyebrow. “Jealous perhaps.”

“No. I just can’t believe that she would do that. And I . . .” She watched Dean in a pacifying manner, nod his head. “All right maybe just a little.”

“Thank you.” Dean smiled. “Now, talk to me about Melissa.” He backed up.

“She’s definitely pregnant.” Ellen spoke with excitement, and handed him the test results. “HCG levels are through the roof. Seems the implantation of, G.A.F.-Number 37 was successful.”

“Yes.” Dean clapped, crinkling the paper.

“Dean, what does G.A.F. stand for?”

“Please Ellen, have you been married to Frank that long? G.A.F., Genetically altered fetus.” Dean shook his head.

“When will we get to view him?” Ellen asked. “Are you gonna do an ultrasound soon?”

“Not for a few weeks. It would be nearly impossible to see much. Give it some time.”

“Oh good. At least I won’t miss anything while I’m gone.” Her feet swung about.

“Gone?” Dean slanted his head with an odd smile. “Where are you going?”

“Uh . . .” Ellen slid off the counter. “To the bathroom.” She tried to make her getaway.

“El.” Dean reached for her. Her sudden willingness to get away told him something. “Where are you going? Does Frank know you’re planning on going somewhere?”

“I’m going to the bathroom.” She pulled her arm away nervously. “And no. I don’t inform Frank every time I have to go.”

Without any more questions, Dean let her leave. She was up to something, he knew her too well. At first he wondered if it had to do with Joanna, and as soon as the thought of Joanna hit him. Dean panicked. Fearful of the timing coincidence of Ellen’s ‘being gone’ comment and the newcomers nearing departure, he took off to find Frank. Dean needed his fears confirmed or put to rest. If Ellen were leaving Beginnings, Frank would surely know.

^^^^

“I’m telling you Dean . . .” Frank marched with a huff along side of Dean to the utility buildings. “It’s a wasted trip to see my Dad. He’s not gonna know something about my wife I don’t.”

“And I’m telling you, Frank, she’s planning on going with them.”

“Never.” Frank pounded a few times on his father’s office door then opened it. “Dad? We need to talk to you.”

Joe stared up from his work and straightened himself. “Come in.”

Frank sat down immediately. “I need you to tell Dean something for me. I need you to inform him that Ellen is not going to Colorado.”

Joe took a deep breath through his nose, he folded his hands, and motioned his head to Dean to sit. “I’m afraid to tell you, she is.”

“See Dean I told . . . she what?!” Frank cried out. “She isn’t fuckin' going with these people. I won’t allow it.”

Joe subtly shook his head. “She is, and you will.”

Both Dean and Frank reacted verbally at the same time. “No!”

“Boys.” Joe held up his hands. “These people asked for Ellen to go. They need her to help set up the survivor program. I didn’t want her to go at first, but then I thought about it. Who would be the most unsuspecting spy to send? Ellen. She’ll find out more than anyone else. And the best part is, she won’t know she’s doing it. We’ll pick her mind when she gets back.” Joe leaned forward. “Now, I believe she will be totally safe . . .”

Frank had to interrupt his father. “No. I won’t let her leave. She can’t go out there.”

“She is Frank. On August 12th. You know Greg and I are heading down to that small town in Texas. We’ll pick her up on our way back. Ten days tops she’ll be gone. ”

Frank dramatically shook his head. “No. But if she goes, then I’m going with her.”

Joe disagreed. “Can’t do that Frank, besides the baby, you’re too important here.”

“Then I’ll go with her.” Dean suggested.

Both Joe and Frank looked at him at the same time.

Joe shook his head at Dean’s suggestion. “Neither of you will go. I already asked someone. I asked Miguel to go and watch over her. He’s the biggest and the strongest man I have next to you Frank. She’ll be fine with Miguel. This is a plan in motion. Don’t screw it up either of you by trying to get her to change her mind. Got that? Now I need to get back to work.”

Frank and Dean reluctantly agreed and they slowly stood up.

Turning just once more to his father, Frank gave it another attempt. “Dad, look, she’s my wife. I should have at least some say so in this right?”

“Oh sure Frank, you can say whatever you like. But it’s Ellen’s call. If she doesn’t want to go, she doesn’t have to. End of this discussion.” Joe returned to the work that he was doing before his son and Dean interrupted him. He paused before he brought his pencil down to the lined paper. He listened to the silence of his office and began to debate in his mind whether or not he was truly making the right decision.

^^^^

Dean walked his separate way from Frank as they left Joe’s office. He saw it on Frank’s face. The shock, the anger, the frustration. And rightfully so. Ellen was his wife, she was planning on leaving the sanctity of her home, and when did she plan on telling her husband? Dean knew this shouldn’t shock Frank. They were dealing with Ellen. Ellen did what she wanted to do. Still, a part of him was worried. He just couldn’t decipher if it was out of pure fear for her, or because of anything he felt for her, and him just not wanting her to leave. Dean told himself over and over as he walked to the lab--just put the fear part to rest--the visitors had done nothing harmful other than touching Brian. As Dean reached the clinic, that final thought crossed his mind. And another worry hit him. Ellen’s little fib about Brian. Could that be why they wanted her?

As he made his approach to the double glass entrance doors, he could see the dark shadow of Ellen emerging forth. Dean stopped on the step. Thinking, ‘don’t say anything, leave it be, just say hi, keep quiet’. Dean slightly turned his head, he was just going to wave that’s all.

“Hey, Dean!” Ellen flung open the doors. “I got tired of waiting on your ass to get back. I’m heading to containment.” She moved closer to him, placing her face close to his. Why was he cowering? She wasn’t that frightening. “Dean?”

“Hi El.” He lifted his shoulder.

“What is up with you? You look really guilty.”

“Oh, nothing, I . . .” Dean stood up and faced her. “What the hell is wrong with you? What are you thinking, up and leaving your kids, the baby, even Frank. When did you plan on saying anything?” Dean spoke fast and with angry enthusiasm. “You don’t even know these people. They tell you they want you to help them. How do you know they don’t want to do some sort of sick experiment on you. You don’t. You just agree. And do you even discuss . . .”

“Whoa!” Ellen stepped back. “Is this what’s up with you? My leaving for a measly week?”

“Yes it is.” Dean placed his hands on hips, ready to fire again.

“O.K. See ya’” Ellen almost with a hop, jumped the step from the clinic building and walked, seemingly happy, to containment, never looking back.

Dean raised his hand, then smacked lightly into his forehead and ran his hand down to his chin. “I quit.”

^^^^

It was on Frank’s mind all day also. He tried to reason his reaction but in his mind he only grew more angrier. Coupling that with the several fights he seemed to pick with his father throughout the day, Frank could have been in a better mood when he arrived home. He forgot Ellen had a social skills class. Therefore another hour of waiting and stewing.

Frank lay on his bed, the hour had come and gone. He knew Ellen was avoiding him. She had to know he knew. Dean approached Frank in the later afternoon telling him his attempts were futile in trying to convince Ellen. Frank was grateful for his try. Perhaps he should have said ‘thanks’ instead of telling Dean that Ellen was his wife and to mind his own business about it. And Frank couldn’t figure out what was up with Joanna. He made a gentleman’s approach to her. He asked her politely, to reconsider her choice of his wife. Frank knew he didn’t come off threatening until Joanna irked him by asking him, ‘why don’t you want her to go? Are you afraid she may not wish to return to Beginnings?’ Maybe it would have been better to laugh her off. Maybe he shouldn’t have told her he’d just run down and snatch her back. And ending the conversation with a ‘fuck off’ wasn’t the bright idea, it merely caused Joanna to edge him on more about the unlikelihood of Ellen’s return.

How many times did he straighten the sheet that covered him? Ten? It was a nervous thing. The product of his all day thinking. Frank realized he should have found Ellen sooner.

“Sorry, I’m so late.” Ellen opened up the bedroom door, smiling. She walked to the bed and kissed the sulking Frank. “Uh oh. What’s wrong?”

Frank slid his one leg up, almost as if subconsciously to knock off her hand. “When were you planning on telling me you were leaving?”

“What are you talking about Frank. Where am I going?” She stood up from the bed and turned her back to him as she began to undress for bed.

“Stop it El. Colorado. You’re going to Colorado.”

“I am not.” Ellen laughed at him. “Now where would . . .”

“Knock it off!” Frank brought his tone down. “Just knock it off. I know. I know all about, so talk to me.”

“Fine.” She walked to the bed and sat. “I am leaving. I wasn’t supposed to tell you for another week. But if you know, you also know I’m not going to be gone for that long.”

“You’re right. You’re not going to be gone for that long. Because you aren’t going.”

“No Frank.” Ellen tried to get up but Frank pulled her back. “I am going. This is the reason Joe didn’t want me to tell you. Listen.” She looked into his eyes. “I have been here in Beginnings for six years. I have a chance to go out and see the world that I seemed to forget was out there. These people feel that I am an asset to our survivor program. Do you know how important that makes me feel? If you did, you would not fight with me over this.”

“I could say the same for you. If you knew how important you are to me, you wouldn’t go. El, I can’t protect you out there. I can’t. You aren’t safe out there.” Frank held on to her wrist. “In here, you’re safe.”

“Miguel will be with me . . .”

“Miguel is not me. Miguel wouldn’t lay his life on the line for you like I would.”

“You’re wrong, Frank. Miguel would. And nothing is going to happen. We’re taking the bus straight there to that installation. Don’t do this to me, Frank. I’m going.”

“No you aren’t, El. You are going to tell my father you changed your mind. They’re gonna have to find someone else to go. I won’t let you.”

“You won’t let me?” Ellen laughed at his remark. “Ten days. That’s all I’ll be gone.”

“I don’t trust these people. I get this bad feeling when I think about it.”

“You just aren’t going to see this clearly are you?” Ellen stood up from the bed. “I’m not gonna sit in here and argue with you. I’m leaving.”

Frank flung off his cover. Racing to the door, he slammed it shut as soon as she opened it. “You aren’t walking away.” His hand rested on the door above her head. “Listen to me.” He ran his hand down the side of her face. “You are what matters to me. I can not keep you safe if you leave. You won’t be safe. How many different ways can I tell you that? Please.” He kissed her softly. “Please don’t go. Don’t go with these people. I am begging you.” He kissed her again. “Please.”

“I’m sorry Frank.”

Frank’s hand whacked against the door. “Fine.” He stepped back. “Fine, this is going to come between us.” He raised his hands. “This is going to be a source of argument between us for the next two weeks, I can see.”

“No it won’t. I won’t argue over it.”

“Know something, El.” Frank climbed into bed. “I will stop you.”

“How?” Ellen spoke through a sort of laugher. “You’d have to take some pretty drastic measures.”

“I’ll do what I have to, to protect my family.” He covered himself and shut out the light. “Goodnight.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

August 12

“Joanna?” Jeffrey Barnett knocked once on her front door and proceeded inside. “Are you here?”

“Yes I am.” She walked down the steps laying small bag at the foot of the stairs. “I was just finishing up.”

“Everything is loaded on the bus. The equipment, everything.”

“No Jeffrey, not everything.” Joanna reached behind him closing the door which he forgot about. “We don’t have the embryos. We don’t have our vials. We don’t have the master program. These are all very vital things.”

“But not detrimental. It’s a step back, not a landslide. As far as the vials go, I really think that Dr. Hayes disposed of them. And the embryos are well hidden. We’ve searched everywhere. We can’t find them.”

“Dr. Hayes and his team again.”

A smile appeared on Jeffrey’s face. “Payback is a real bitch. Huh?”

“You took care of everything?” Joanna asked.

“Everything. Dr. Hayes, if all goes as planned, will experience a minor set back after we’ve left. And as far as the master program goes. They can’t possibly have it. If they did, we wouldn’t be taking Mrs. Slagel with us, would we?”

“No, not at all. Ellen. She’s the first step to getting that child with us. We know what he is capable of. Fortunately, they do not. It is in our favor that she has so many problems with her spouse. She told me just last night that they’ve been on bad terms. It’s perfect. It will make it even more believable that she doesn’t want to come back right away. And if everything goes as scheduled on that hill after we leave, we won’t have to worry about him bolting down to get her either.”

“I’ve taken care of that myself. Electronics is my forte. But what about this Miguel they are sending with us. We didn’t count on him.”

Joanna didn’t seem the least bit concerned. She folded her arms and looked nonchalantly at Jeffrey. “A man of his size, his manual skills. We need him with us. He’ll just have to become a level four. Easy enough.”

“Very good.” Jeffrey looked down at his watch. “I must leave you know. I want to get some rest before I go back out and finish my plants. I’ve got the security rounds pegged so I have only certain times I can be at places.”

“Then I’ll speak to you later?”

“If I get a chance.” Jeffrey opened the door. “If not. Noon at the front gate.” He stepped outside with a hesitation. “A part of me is going to miss this place.”

“Yes I know.” She stepped to him. “But we’ll be back.”

^^^^

Ellen had spent the entire last hour in the community making her rounds, saying her goodbyes. She said her farewell to her baby and Dean promised he’d have the twins at the front gate to say goodbye to her. There was one more person she wanted to see before she left, Henry. He was busy and couldn’t make it to the gate. Henry didn’t want Ellen to go either. But he didn’t pester her quite as much as everyone else. She couldn’t figure out why they just couldn’t let her go. Let her have her ten days without feeling like she was breaking a law. All they way on her journey to Henry, Frank stayed on her mind. Would he be at the gate too? She only hoped. Ellen saw him earlier, he wasn’t happy. She thought he would have been at the nursery when she kissed Brian and held him, but he wasn’t. She was beginning to think she would wave from her seat on the bus, but she wouldn’t be waving to Frank.

Storage number two--clothing. That’s where Henry was. An odd place to be fixing something, but why question him. Henry stood outside pacing around nervously. “Henry?” Ellen smiled. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“I guess this is goodbye huh? My bus leaves in ten minutes. Have you seen Frank?”

“Um, no.” Henry shook his head then reached out his arms and pulled Ellen into them. “I’ll miss you. Be careful.”

“Thank you.” Her cheek pressed close to his. “I will.” She stepped backed, grabbed hold of his face and kissed him. “Watch my family while I’m gone.”

“I’ll do that. Oh . . .” Henry reached in his pocket. “I almost forgot. Here.” He handed her a small two inch square box. In the center of it was a brown button. It had a loop on top of it, almost as if it was suppose to be worn.

Ellen looked down at it curiously. “What is this?”

“Don’t tell anyone I gave that to you. It’s a transmitter. They used to give those to old people to press if they need assistance. Keep it with you. If you need help. Press that.”

“It won’t work Henry, I’ll be in Colorado.” She showed it to him.

“It’ll work . . . I think. But it’s worth a shot.” He rolled her hand around it. “I’ll feel better if you have the pendant.”

“Then I’ll take it.” She slightly unzipped the bag she had over her shoulder and dropped it in. “I have to go. If you see Frank, tell him I said goodbye.” Ellen backed up and turned around. She started walking away and didn’t make it far. A hand came from behind, covered her mouth, and she felt the air beneath her feet as an arm grasped her waist and lifted her. Kicking and fighting whoever it was, Ellen was not making it easy. Her fingernails ripped into the skin of the hand that cut off her air supply. In a backwards pull, Ellen saw the vision of the street leave her view and Henry as he covered his face. Trying to scream was a futile attempt. Before she knew it, she was in storage two, the door shut and she was placed in a chair.

It all happened so fast. Her hands pulled behind her, and rope tying them up quickly. She saw her attacker as he knelt to her side, tying her feet to the legs of the chair.

“Frank, you son of a bitch.” She tried to kick him with her free leg.

“It’s for your own good, El.” He blocked her attempts and moved to the other foot. He stood when he was finished.

“Let me go. I can’t believe you just did this.”

“I can.” Frank shook his head. “Listen to me. Don’t go. I’ll untie you if you don’t go.”

“No. And I’m divorcing your ass after this one. You can’t drag your wife across the street and tie her to . . .” A large piece of tape covered her mouth.

“Sorry. It’s for the best.”

Ellen flipped out in that chair. She squirmed and shook her head, shooting eye daggers at Frank.

Henry burst into the storage room. “Frank you didn’t say anything about tying her up. You said you needed a few minutes alone to try to stop her.”

“I did need a few minutes. And look, I stopped her.”

“Frank this isn’t right. Let her go.” Henry stated.

“Nope.” Frank walked over to Ellen and kissed her shaking head. “I’m going up to the front gate to tell them she changed her mind. Watch her.” He waved his fingers to Ellen and trotted out of the door.

^^^^

The bus was ready to go when Frank arrived at the end of the tunnel at the front gate. Joe stood with Joanna and Miguel when he arrived. Dean was there with the twins waiting on Ellen.

“Frank?” Joe saw him. “What’s going on? Where’s your wife?”

“Got some bad news.” Frank placed his hands on his hips. “Ellen changed her mind. She isn’t going. She couldn’t face you guys with it. Sorry.”

Dean didn’t buy it. Especially as he glanced at Frank’s right hand, and the fresh bleeding scratches on it. He walked closer to him, pulled him back, and whispered. “Where is she?”

“She’s not coming. Trust me, she’s not coming.” Frank kept his voice low.

“What did you do to her?” Dean asked. “Is she conscious?”

“What, do you think I’d knock out my wife?”

Dean shook his head and stepped away. “Big mistake if you didn’t.”

Joe faced Joanna. “I don’t understand what happened. Ellen was set on it.”

“I think Frank was just trying to get us to depart with out her.” Joanna pointed to the jeep that was emerging from the tunnel. “Here she is now.”

Ellen rested her hand on Henry’s before she jumped from the jeep. “Thanks Henry.”

“No problem. I’m just gonna back out of here now and hide. Frank’s gonna kill me.”

Ellen winked, grabbed her bag and closed the jeep door. “See you in ten days.” With a huge grin on her face he waltzed up behind Frank and smacked him in the back of the head. “Prick.” She moved to her children and knelt down before them. “Alex, Billy.” She took their hands. “I have to go. I won’t be gone long. Be good for Daddy and Uncle Frank.”

They both nodded and hugged her tightly.

Ellen kissed them and felt the warmth of their hugs. She stood up to Dean. “Watch Frank for me.”

“I will.” He grabbed her hand, squeezing it. “Can I at least say goodbye properly?”

“Sure.” She smiled.

Dean reached out his hands and placed them on her face, softly he pressed his lips to hers, holding them there briefly. With a loud Frank ‘Hey!’ he pulled back. “Come back.”

“I will.” She moved to Joe and embraced him tightly. “Bye.”

“Sweetheart, be good, and be careful.” With a father’s pat and kiss to her cheek Joe turned her to Frank.

Ellen stepped one step to her husband, then changed her mind. “I’m ready.” She walked to Miguel.

“Wait.” Frank grabbed her arm and pulled her back. “Don’t go without saying goodbye to me.”

“Goodbye Frank.” She turned away and walked to the gate.

“El.” He chased her. “El.” He took hold of her face. “I love you.” He pressed his lips hard to hers. “I love you. Don’t leave hating me.”

“I won’t. I’ll save it for when I get back.” She walked backwards though the gate, but stopped. Rushing forward she ran into Frank’s arms and embraced him with everything she could.

“Be careful.” He released her.

Ellen, clutching her bag, stepped back slowly releasing her hand from his. “Always.”

Frank’s heart dropped as he watched her step on to the bus. No matter how many times she looked back, waved or mouthed the words ‘I love you’ to him and the twins. It still hurt to watch. Seeing Miguel getting ready to board the bus, Frank charged to him. “Miguel.”

Miguel paused as he stepped up.

“Watch her.” Frank requested passionately. “Watch her with everything you are. Promise me.”

“I promise you.” Miguel reached out his hand and shook Frank’s. “I’ll watch her with my life.”

“Thanks.” Frank moved from the bus and out of its way, watching the doors close, hearing it shift into gear and seeing it move. He stood, looking like his world had come to an end. Trying his hardest to ignore the fears that built in his heart, and praying to God to bring his wife back. He didn’t want what was happening. His gut told him it was wrong. But it was out of his control.

Ellen watched through her window the vision of Frank and her children get smaller and smaller. They didn’t move as they watched the bus. Pressing her hand tightly to the tinted window, Ellen saw the Beginnings’ gate soon disappear.

The bus jolted and jumped on the dirt road they took that would soon lead to a main one. A roadway Henry and other men from Beginnings kept clear for when they made their runs.

Ellen wasn’t expecting to see what she saw as the bus finally drove onto what once was a major interstate. The last time she was out there, it still was a road. Now the branches of trees that had overgrown and reached outward toward the road, scratched against the sides of the bus as Miguel rolled it down the new growing jungle. The world looked different then what she remembered it. Perhaps a part of her thought it would not have changed at all. Perhaps that part didn’t want to believe it could. As the bus moved along seemingly picking up speed, a feeling hit Ellen. An emptiness. A fear. She didn’t expect to feel it, nor wanted to. But she had left her safe haven and felt lost. Besides the security of the walls, Beginnings gave her a sense of security she didn’t know she needed until that point. Frightened a bit, she lifted herself from her fourth row seat on the silent bus and moved to the front. She rested her hand on Miguel’s shoulder as she sat in the seat directly behind him. She would stare out then look into the mirror above Miguel’s head for a reassuring smile from him. She sat quietly with him on the journey watching ahead. The visions, new ones to Ellen. The bright green leaves of trees, sandy colored grass and multitudes of wild flowers bellowed out along the road and on it. It was God’s green earth, flourishing with life. How ironic that they blossomed in a dead world.

BEYOND THE WALL

I envision God’s hand touching down again.

Giving back a gift that we’ve long took advantage of.

A gift we ourselves, helped to destroy.

No one can ever tell me that if it happens, destiny, pre-destiny played no part.

For those of us who are left, those of us who remain, we are the chosen ones.

Not chosen by God’s will, but by life’s will. And God’s intervention.

Some who remain will see it as a blessing. Others will see it as a curse.

Either way, we who remain are amenable for what is then left.

We must embrace it. We must use what’s in us--our instincts, our abilities--to survive.

We must pray for the wisdom to use our chance wisely.

The new world, and the continuance of mankind is now our responsibility.

Without selfishness we must rebuild.

And use with gratitude, the resources that will flourish with abundance at our feet.

By the grace of God, the sins of the past, will remain just that--the past.

Any mistakes made here on in, are our own.

--Excerpts from the novel, THE WORLD’S LAST STAND.

By Dr. Forest Caceres, creator of The Garfield Project.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Perimeter seven lay at the northeast sector of Beginnings. A one mile trudge up a small grade to the twenty foot fence that was part of keeping the community safe. It was Frank’s least favorite spot to check. Not that it wasn’t accessible--it was--but because of the wide open area that lay behind it. An open invitation to the larger animals to try their luck at the gate. They always failed. And their botched attempts were made known by there carcasses that stuck like velcro to the metal fence.

Frank saved that perimeter so that Josh could be there with him. That was Josh’s last stop of the day before going home. Make sure the dead animals were clear from perimeter seven. A dirty job, Frank knew, but someone had to do it. And Josh didn’t mind. He actually seemed to like it at times.

It looked clear from where Frank could see as he walked with Josh up the grade. Maybe the only thing Frank would have to check it the--as Frank called it--the fryer beam, and make sure that some large animal didn’t knock it off its track.

Frank glanced down at his watch, it was one minute after three. Just on time. Frank made his check there every day at that time. Everyone knew that. Unfortunately for Frank, so did the visitors that had just left.

^^^^

Dean didn’t feel much like working the rest of the day. Heavy would be a mild word to describe how Ellen was on his mind. But knowing he had things to do, Dean returned the twins to school and headed back to his clinic lab. Walking in, he headed straight to his work area. The vision of Johnny reminded him of those slides he had to do. Slides meant using the microscope and that entailed a new routine in the lab since Joe took away his power strips. Bend down, unplug his dialysis machine pug in the power scope. All because Joe promised Henry would get to the new outlets right away. Henry did get to it right away, finishing the task was still up in the air. With aching knees Dean lowered himself to the floor and reached to the plug. As he did, he heard John Matoose stroll in. Dean stayed hidden, he knew it was about Jenny or the baby.

“Dean?” John Matoose called out. “Andrea said for you to give me this medication. Dean?”

Dean rolled his eyes, he knew it. “What’s it for?” Very well finished switching plugs, Dean stayed under the counter.

“Jenny has a breast infection. Tenderness, swelling, discharge, you know the stuff.”

Dean winced, what a horrifying thought. “Johnny, give John what Andrea says please. I’m busy.”

Johnny snickered and hit his large hand on the counter above Dean’s head. “Let’s see Mr. Matoose.” Johnny grabbed the small sheet of paper that Andrea had written on. “Oh I’ll get this. It’s already mixed.” He went to the large cooler where Dean kept all of the medications, he opened it. “Uh Dean. Where are the meds?”

“The pre-mixed ones are in the case.” Dean knew if Johnny took any longer he’d eventually have to emerge from his safe haven.

“I’m in the case Dean. They aren’t.”

“They are, Johnny.” Dean, annoyed, stood up with his usual bang to the top of his head. He flicked the switch to the microscope as he moved to Johnny. Not one step did he take before he heard the hissing and cracking. He looked back, sparks shot from the microscope and smoke from the outlet. He ran back over to it but John Matoose intercepted.

With the back of his hand, John gave a fierce sweep at the microscope sailing it across the room and enabling the cord to be ripped from the exploding outlet. Grabbing Dean’s lab jacket that lay on the counter, John put out the flames that started.

Dean stood shocked, and looking upon what could have been worse. “What happened?”

“Bad over load I guess.” John remained calm like this was an everyday occurrence. “I’ll tell Henry to get over here. But . . . my wife is in pain, may I have her medication.”

Stunned by his sudden change of subject, Dean stepped back. “Sure. I’ll just get them . . .” He peered into the empty case that Johnny stood waiting to show him. “Johnny, where in the hell are my medications?”

“Not here. Did you use them all?” Johnny asked.

“No.” Dean pulled out his set of keys. “I don’t know what happened to them.”

John Matoose grew a little impatient. “Can I have Jenny’s medication please.”

With the end of his request, Henry walked into the lab, holding a box. “Dean we have a problem . . . man what’s burning?”

John Matoose held his hand to Henry to stop him. “I’m first Henry. You’ll have to wait.”

Henry tried to make it past. “But John this is a problem.”

Dean turned sharply around. He almost exploded, he just had a fire, his pre-mixed meds were gone, and John Matoose wanted a prescription for Jenny. He unlocked his ingredient cabinet and sighed in relief to see it filled. Without saying anything, he ignored Henry and John who were going back and forth with ‘my problem’s more important . . . no my problem’s more important’ and went to the computer. “John, I’ll just mix you another one up.”

Henry set the box down to Dean. “We really have a problem.”

John Matoose again extended his hand and pulled Henry back. “Henry, wait your turn.”

Dean pulled up a stool and entered his program. He went into his file on anti-infection agents. “What?” His mouth dropped open. “No . . .” He tried again. “This isn’t right.” Pulling up another file, his expression didn’t change. “No . . .no.” He quickly ran from his stool and grabbed his supplies of disks. He looked for the one he needed and popped it in. Empty. “Where are all my formulas?”

Henry lowered his box forward. “Probably with all the cryo-data--gone.”

John Matoose took a brief moment before his said anything. He saw the confused looks on both Henry and Dean’s face. But he didn’t have much time. “Does uh, this mean Jenny’s not getting her medication?”

^^^^

“Yeah I miss her too Josh.” Frank spoke softly as they walked near perimeter seven. “Gone three hours and . . . hey.” Frank snatched the ball from Josh and dropped his clipboard. “Wanna play Josh? It’ll take my mind off of things.”

Josh nodded.

Frank clutched the ball and pulled back his arm. “Go long.” He waited until Josh began to trot backwards and Frank sailed the football far from Josh. On purpose, as a self pleasure tactic, just to see Josh chase a ball he’d never get. Laughing as he watched his perfectly thrown pass to nowhere, Frank picked up his pace to chase Josh when he stopped cold. He watched the football suddenly burst into flames mid-air. “Whoa. . . . Josh hold up.”

Josh stopped walking and watched the flaming and smoking ball lay on the ground twenty feet from him. He pointed to it. “Trick.” He began to get it.

“What the . . .” In an instant, and with a quick shift of his eyes, Frank knew what caused that football to explode. The frying beam pointed on an angle inward to the community, and Josh was running straight for it. “Josh No!” Frank took off after the teenager. “Josh no!” Frank screamed with his whole heart and soul and ran on the uneven terrain as fast as he could. His heart raced, Josh was feet from him, still not stopping. Switching his running angle, Frank leaped for the smaller teenager barreling him to the ground, seconds before he crossed the line. The force of Frank’s landing to the hard dirt with Josh caused his shoulder blade to bang on the ground, his right arm to shoot outward in a reflex straight into the fryer beam. With the loud sound of singeing, Frank quickly retracted his arm back before the beam had its chance to sever the limb from his body. He grunted loudly in pain, with a cringing face at his nearly blackened forearm. Lying on his side, trying to hold back an hysterical Josh, Frank depressed his receiver on his belt and called out. “Security. Down seven.” He spoke harshly and in pain. “Down seven, now.”

^^^^

Dean sat in his lab baffled, wondering what all had transpired. The old saying, when it rains it pours, sure held true in Dean’s case. One good thing, John Matoose was gone. Dean quickly mixed up a placebo to get rid of him figuring he’d drop off the real stuff when he got his things together. “Henry, you can’t possibly have a logical explanation for all this.”

“But I do.” Henry said. “I’m not saying it’s true. But everything has a logical explanation.”

“Yeah it does.” Dean stood up, hand on head. “Sabotage.”

“No way Dean. I know it smells like it. But this place and the cryo-lab are way too secure. They couldn’t have gotten in here.”

“Then explain my meds. Explain my microscope, files, the disk.”

“All right.” Henry was the calm explainer. “The meds, you used them, you got busy and used them all. Dean if they wanted to sabotage your medical supply, why wouldn’t they take all of your supplies too. The microscope. Easy. You’ve been over working that circuit. And your programs, didn’t you have a power surge just last night?”

“Well . . . yeah.”

“Didn’t it cause the computer to go out? Wasn’t your disk in there. It’s feasible that a part of your hard drive fried and you lost your data.”

Dean rolled his eyes. “All of it?”

“Yeah. But keep in mind, I am not giving you answers, merely theories.”

Dean took his seat again. He snapped his finger. “Our missing disks with the cryo-data . . .”

“I think they took them by accident. When they were packing up, someone grabbed ours not knowing that theirs were already packed.”

“Your theories suck, Henry.” Dean pouted, then slid forward resting his elbows on his knees. “Completely suck.”

“I resent that. You asked me.” Henry stepped to him.

“Maybe we should . . .” Dean’s words slowed as he lifted his head to Frank who stood in the doorway. Frank had a look on his face, Dean rarely saw--pain. “What’s wrong?” He jumped up.

“I burned my arm. I don’t think it’s too bad.” Frank walked in holding it. He showed Dean.

“Holy shit!” Dean exclaimed at the burnt line from his wrist to the bend in his elbow. “What happened? Did you walk into a perimeter beam?” Dean reached for his glasses and put them on.

“More like the beam walked into us.” He turned his head to Josh who stood at the door. “Huh Josh? Almost fried us. Good thing it wasn’t the current beam.”

“You’re really lucky Frank.” Dean finished his initial examination. “We know what those beams do. A few seconds more the arm would have been off.”

“At least I wouldn’t feel any pain.” Frank joked.

“It’s not funny.” Dean handed him back his arm. “Go down to room four.”

Henry was curious, even if Dean didn’t appear to be. “Frank.” He called to him as he walked out. “How did the beam walk into you?”

“Fuckin' animal knocked it off track. Instead of it hitting its partner beam, it was shooting straight in towards Beginnings.” Frank, holding his arm walked from the room.

Henry scratched his head, and looked at Dean.

“What’s wrong?” Dean asked as Henry stood up. “What are you thinking.”

“Uh . . . nothing.” Henry moved to the door. “Take care of Frank. I’ll talk to you later.” Henry left knowing what he had to do. He had to get to the hill to check on that beam. Something just didn’t seem right.

^^^^

Dean looked up to Frank as he almost finished his arm. “Frank you’re doing very well with this. Can I ask you something?”

“Depends. Is it about Ellen?”

“No.” Dean shook his head. “It’s about the beam. Do you think someone could have done that on purpose? I mean, don’t you check that perimeter at the same time every day. Couldn’t someone have set you up?”

“Oh, sure, anyone could have. But who would?”

Dean returned to finishing his arm. “What if it was . . .”

Joe interrupted their conversation with a simple knock on the door. “You know it warms my heart to see you two like this . . . hey Frank what happened to your arm?”

Frank looked up. “Burned it.”

“Too bad.” Joe shrugged. “Anyway, did you guys see Henry? I heard he was here because you blew up your lab Dean?”

Dean turned to Joe. “He went up to perimeter seven. He should be back.”

“Good. Cause all hell seems to be breaking loose around here. Tell him I need him. All those keypads that he and John put in. None of them will take a passcode. I can’t get in to any of the storage facilities.” Speaking like it was nothing out of the ordinary. Joe waved the hand that held the clipboard, said his goodbye and left as quick as he entered.

Dean was done. He pushed his stool back. “I’ll give you something so it doesn’t get infected.”

“Sure.” Frank slid off the table. “Your lab blew up?”

“My microscope.” Dean went to the sink and washed his hands. “And get this. All my meds. Gone. My data for my formulas to make them. Erased.” He started to dry his hands.

“No shit. That’s not good. That’s a lot of work.”

“Yeah well I’m not stupid. I learned a hard lesson a long time ago to make a double back-up. And I did. Whoever meant to stall me didn’t. I have all that information at my house.”

With the shock of his injury disappearing, Frank began to think clearer and his mind raced. He didn’t like where his thoughts were going. “I’m heading out Dean. Thanks for the arm.” He walked to the door. “One more thing. I know what you’re thinking. But if they did . . . why? What’s the gain?”

“I don’t know.” Dean shrugged. “But stalling me and taking out you isn’t going to get them Beginnings. So why us?”

“We’ll figure it out. But just on the minor chance someone was trying to take me out, I’m downing every single perimeter in this place and checking the beams.” With a tap to the archway, Frank left the examining room. He had to find Josh and he wanted to get a team together to do the perimeters. In a way Frank felt lucky that it was him at perimeter seven. Had it been anyone else, they may not have had Josh. They wouldn’t have thrown a football into the beam. Anyone else would have walked right into it.

^^^^

Ellen’s head rose slowly from the arm her chin rested on. Through the windshield of the bus, she could see the bright spotlights illuminating the long fence ahead. The setting sun behind the mountain that the fence protected, told her how long she had been journeying. “We’re here?” She spoke softly to Miguel.

“Looks that way.” He leaned into his steering wheel, trying to adjust his uncomfortableness he felt in his seat. “What do you think?”

“I think I want to go home.”

Miguel looked at her in his mirror. “If you want to go home Ellen, we will. We’ll park the bus for the night, then turn around in the morning.”

“No, I have to do this. It’s only for a little bit right?”

“It’s O.K. to be scared, Ellen.”

Ellen reached her hand up and placed it on his shoulder. “Not scared, nervous. I’m out of my element and I feel strange. How about you?”

“I’m all right.” Miguel slowed down the bus. He wasn’t truthful with Ellen. He wasn’t all right. He sensed her fear and he didn’t want to couple that with his own. But as he stopped at the gate, things grew worse in his mind. Something wasn’t right. An armed guard posted at the fence as if they just stepped back in time. And Miguel quickly had to wonder, where did they get him from?

^^^^

“Sleeping quarters.” Joanna opened the steel door for Ellen, Miguel followed closely behind. “This room will be yours Ellen. My people have worked quite hard while they waited on us. They’ve told me they’ve still a long way to go. So what do you think?”

Ellen nodded as she looked around the room that so much resembled a dorm. Two beds, a stand between them. A mirrored closet, and tiny bathroom. All of which crammed into a ten by ten area. “Great. Miguel what do you think?”

Miguel wasn’t paying attention. He was too busy counting in his mind how many armed guards he had seen in the hallways. Four, five maybe. And there was something wrong with them. They looked so stone, staring forward. No eye contact as they passed them in the hall, despite the fact that Miguel tried. “Um. Yes.”

Joanna moved back to the door. “Now please rest. We’ll be busy with setting up tomorrow.” Joanna answered as she looked back to Miguel. “Unfortunately Miguel, your quarters are down the hall. Follow me I’ll show you.”

“Wait.” Ellen called out. “I’d like Miguel to stay here with me.”

Joanna was surprised. “Why Ellen? You aren’t frightened are you?”

“No, no, no. It’s just that.” Ellen smiled to Miguel. “He and I have been lovers for so long. I just thought it would be nice to be alone.”

Joanna smiled at the news. Another excuse to Beginnings for Ellen’s long stay in Colorado. “Ellen, I had no idea. Of course you may stay together. I’ll leave you two to get your rest.” Joanna backed from the room.

As soon as Ellen knew she had gone far enough away. She rushed to the door and shut it. “Thank God.” She leaned against it. “There was no way Miguel you were sleeping down the hall.”

“You’re right.” Miguel opened his duffel bag.

“Not to mention this can be great bonding time for . . .” Ellen saw him take out his revolver and check it for ammunition. “Why . . . why are you pulling that out?”

“I’d like to sleep, it is my security blanket you can say.” He set it on the night stand and plopped down on the bed. His thoughts stayed on the guards and a growing sickening feeling formed in his gut. All Miguel wanted to do was close his eyes and go to sleep. But he couldn’t stop thinking of a reason to get them out of there . . . soon.

^^^^

The double zeros flipped over. Three o’clock in the morning. Frank must have checked the time every minute. He could remember watching every single number turn and hear the slight click as it did. He lay on his back, injured arm above his head. Just staring up. Sleep was not imminent.

At the sound of the slight whimper, Frank rolled on to his side to face Ellen’s half of the bed. Little Brian lay on his stomach next to him. His wide open eyes were catching the light that Frank kept lit in the hallway. “Hey little man.” Frank softly ran his hand down Brian’s bare back. “Are you up too? Can’t you sleep?” Frank pressed his lips to Brian’s head. “Me neither. Where’s Mommy?” His hand reached to Ellen’s pillow and touched the empty spot. “Mommy.” He pulled the sheet up to cover them, then nudged closer to Brian to hold him.. “Why am I here Bri? Why am I here, while Mommy’s out there?”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

August 13

Ellen walked sandwiched between Joanna and Miguel. Miguel kept his face stern, walking as if he were Ellen’s body guard. In fact, in his mind he was. He studied and recorded in his mind, every detail he could as they made their way from the commissary to the elevator.

Ellen looked up to the silver number, floor sixteen. It was the floor, she learned that they lived on. The Josephine breakfast bar wasn’t sitting well with her. Her stomach knotted some, but it was the only thing they had rationed for that meal. She was grateful for those rice cakes that Henry made. She packed some along for her midnight snacks. The doors to the elevators opened and all three of them stepped on. “This is amazing Joanna. How are you getting all the power for this?”

“My dear Ellen, we are scientists.” Joanna pressed eight. “We sent our power expert early. He generated the power plant nearby.”

“What’s on eight?” Ellen asked.

“Agriculture.” The elevator stopped. “I want to leave Miguel here with my two men. They want some of his advice on the fields they are designing and man power needed.”

Ellen quickly turned her head to Miguel. “I thought . . .”

“You and I have other work to complete Ellen.” Joanna held the door open. “Ah, there’s Dr. Majors.”

Dr. Majors approached with a smile. “You must be Miguel. We’re ready for you. If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you what we’ve done.”

Nodding his head, Miguel gave an assuring look to Ellen, trying to ease her mind. However, Ellen looked less apprehensive about him leaving, then he did.

Joanna pulled her back as the elevator doors closed. “I’m taking you to floor twelve. That’s where we’ve designated for survivors. Dr. Gafsky is waiting on you.”

“You won’t be working with us?”

“No, not I. I’m in medicine. Genetics. I’ll be on floor seven.”

Off the elevator Ellen apprehensively walked with Joanna. “There are twenty-seven floors. Are all of them designated for something?”

“Not all. Not even most I suppose.” Joanna spoke in a nonchalant manner. “The first five are storage and office. Seventeen through twenty-seven are useless right now. Old military set ups and such. I guess we’ll get to them eventually. But, the others are utilized. Living, agriculture, medical, power, communications. We hope to have the phones back up and running in six months.” She spotted Dr. Gafsky. “Then you and I Ellen, can call each other up and chat.” She smiled a phony smile at her. “And here’s our man of the hour.”

Dr. Gafsky, instead of a hand shake, gave a quick friendly embrace to Ellen. “So nice to see you again.”

“Same here.” Ellen stepped back, feeling sort of funny being touched by him.

“Joanna, I want to show Ellen our set up.” Dr. Gafsky stated.

“Good.” Joanna stepped back with a smile. “I’ll leave you two.”

Dr. Gafsky led Ellen to a single glass door. “This is open now, but as soon as we start doing survivor runs, this door will be secured like in Beginnings.” He opened it for her. “I want to show you our computer set-up. I have this splendid program I think that you’ll enjoy. Perhaps you may want it for Beginnings. It may make all that paper work you do obsolete.”

Interest perked. Anything that would get rid of those stupid reports she would love, and give her complete attention to.

^^^^

Henry replaced the cover to the keypad outside of Dean’s clinic lab. He tightened the screws and stuck his head in the doorway. “Dean?” He watched Dean jolt from his thought. “Dean, I’m done. It’ll work now. I’m just gonna test some codes.”

“Thanks Henry.” Dean stared at his half completed work. “Henry? Have you seen Frank. He was supposed to stop by and let me see his arm.”

“Unfortunately, yes. Joe gave him a special assignment, because no one can say two words to him.”

“What kind of special assignment?” Dean asked.

“We need some wood. And since Miguel is gone, Joe told Frank to hit a tree or two, he’s only up by the back gate.”

“I didn’t hear any chain saws. Usually you can hear them.”

“He’s not using a chainsaw. Joe thought it better frustration therapy if he used an ax.”

“An ax? Frank’s up by the back gate playing Johnny Appleseed? He can’t do that. If he starts to sweat and that arm gets dirty, he’s gonna get an infection. Then how good will he be, if he’s laid up.” Dean stood up, hurried across the lab and kept going.

“Where you going?” Henry shouted to Dean as he moved down the hall.

“To bitch at him.” Dean stormed through the double glass doors.

Henry whistled as he punched in the code. “Bad move.” The lab door buzzed, and Henry opened it. “Yes. Problem solved.”

^^^^

Ellen wasn’t sitting there that long listening to Dr. Gafsky ramble on and on about his program. Fifteen minutes maybe, but it seemed so much longer. Her elbow rested on the table and her head plopped in her hand. Lower and lower she seemed to hang. Time dragged on, not from lack of interest but from the breakfast bar that was failing to digest in her stomach. Her slight nausea and dull pain in her stomach grew, and coupled with the fact the Dr. Gafsky’s breath didn’t smell all that sweet, Ellen started to feel worse. She began to look it also.

“Ellen?” Dr. Gafsky noticed her face growing paler. “Are you all right?”

“You know what? No.” She lifted her head. “I feel like shit. Those breakfast protein bars that Josephine makes. I never could eat them” She stood up from her stool. “Would you mind if I left you for a few minutes. Dean gave me some stomach stuff. It’s in my bag in my room.” She pointed her thumb back.

“Do you need me to go with you. You don’t look well.”

“No, that’s all right. I can find my way.” Ellen walked to the door. The short walk to the elevator seemed like a mile to her. Dizziness started to happen, and she knew it would only be a matter of time before she’d have to do it--vomit. She stepped into the elevator hoping the movement of it wouldn’t set her off right there and then. With a trembling hand she reached for her floor button, without looking she pressed. Without knowing she pressed seventeen.

Mistake . . .

Ellen stepped out. It only took a second for her to know she had stepped onto the wrong floor, and possibly stepped into something she wasn’t supposed to see. Realizing that it didn’t appear to be the useless floor Joanna mentioned, Ellen let the elevator go.

“No.” Ellen whispered in disbelief as she walked down the long hall whose walls were made of glass. The dangling wires as far as the eye could see, the massive amounts of cryo suits laying about, computers, monitor panels, all horrifically told her the truth. By the amount of digital life signal displays, the number surpassed three hundred. Just as Ellen wondered how they cured all those people from the plague when they awoke, she spotted it. That recognizable small blue bottle. She picked it up from the edge of the table it sat on. She read the label, written in Dean’s handwriting ‘Hope’. That was the name they had given to the virus anti-serum. But one bottle wouldn’t have done it. All she had to do was look through the glass. And she did.

Blue bottles and syringes sprawled out across the floor. Her and Dean had made such a huge amount of anti-serum that they had filled at least a hundred bottles. And it appeared to Ellen that fifty were laying on the floor of the huge cryo-lab.

Knowing they had stolen from Beginnings, Ellen grabbed an empty blue bottle of and placed it in her pocket . As she started to leave the floor. She stared around looking for anything, papers, computer print outs, something that would tell her who the newly unfrozen masses were. Nothing but the bottles remained. It had to be on another floor.

Not wanting to take a chance on someone noticing the elevator bouncing from floor to floor, Ellen took the stairwell. She raced quietly down one flight to the next floor. Opening the door only a crack, she peeked in the hall--empty. Slipping by, like some sort of spy, she set foot on a floor that contained a bright lab. Through the glass window she saw only one man working, Dr. Rice. Her heart dropped and so did she, when the lab door opened. Dr. Rice walked out, reading off a clipboard, straight to the elevator. He blindly pressed a button and waited.

Ellen shot her foot out sideways to stop his door from closing. Her leg cramped waiting for Dr. Rice to step aboard his elevator. When he did, Ellen quickly got up, and raced inside. Keeping as low as she could, she ran to his computer to view his screen. The blinking curser at the end of the line highlighted the word ‘Yes’. The question before it read ‘Begin embryonic sequencing program?’

“Shit.” Ellen turned away. “They’re making more.” As her back bumped into the computer she saw eight cases. She recognized the type. Hanging from each one was a clipboard. Knowing she had a chance before Dr. Rice returned, and knowing she had evidence to get, Ellen made a fast sweep around the room. With each pass of a case she swiped the last sheet from the clipboard, tucked them in her shirt then bolted from the lab straight to the stairwell. Back to the floor she was supposed to be on was not an option, Ellen raced down.

On the next level she cracked the door slightly, peeked out, saw empty and dashed to that level.

Ellen froze. Multitudes of people, men and women, all straggly, roamed the halls, up and down as if they were zombies. Blankly staring, continuously moving. Before she could determine that she had seen enough, Ellen heard the click and felt the cold hard metal press to her temple. She didn’t need to turn around to know what was touching her.

“Seen enough?” The deep male voice asked. His fingers painfully pinched her skin as he gripped her arm. “We think you have.”

^^^^

Frank stood shirtless before the tree he was victimizing. Swinging down the ax with great force, like a batter going after a low pitch. He grunted loudly and throaty with his every hard hit connection to the unsuspecting bark. Steady and strong wore his strikes, determination across his hard face. A mission to complete. With a final crack, the tree tilted and began to fall. Frank stepped backwards, placed one hand on his hip and leaned on the ax handle. He spoke softly out loud.“ Fuckin' timber.” He watched his conquest fall to the ground.

“Poor tree.” Dean pointed. “However, I don’t think, as your doctor, cutting down trees is good for your arm. There’s too much of a risk for infection.”

Wiping the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand, Frank reached to the ground for his water. He took a large drink, swished the fluid in his mouth, spit it forcefully to the ground then wiped his mouth. “Well I have to be up here. I’ve been banished so I don’t kill anyone.”

“Frank, you know, if this Ellen situation has you feeling like this . . .”

“How am I supposed to feel Dean?” Frank asked harshly in anger. He breathed heavily as he peered at Dean. “My wife is hundreds of miles away with strangers. What am I suppose to do? I can’t help if everyone thinks I’m wrong for . . .”

“I’m not saying you’re wrong Frank. Not at all.” Dean tried to reason with Frank. “I want to talk to you about this.”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Frank grabbed his stuff from the ground.

“Fine Frank, but listen to me.” Dean continued in his argument. “If you’re feeling this strong maybe you should stop and figure out what it is your feeling, and why?”

“I said . . .” Frank stopped directly in front of Dean as he walked through the gate. “I don’t want to talk about it.” Frank roughly put his tee shirt back on. “Especially with you.” He walked away never stopping, never looking back at Dean who remained.

^^^^

Miguel knew it was going to be a short trip to Colorado. Of course the fact that three armed guards came and escorted him back to his room told him quite a bit. The door to his and Ellen’s room opened and they shoved him inside, shutting the door.

The moment he stepped inside, Ellen stood from the bed. “Miguel.” She spoke his name like a relief.

“What is going on?”

“Oh God.” She seemed frazzled. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I got us into such a mess.”

“What’s happening Ellen? They took my gun.” He placed his hands on her shoulders.

“Here.” She slipped her hand inside her shirt, then quickly pulled it out and stepped back when their door opened.

Joanna walked with arrogance in the room. “It appears Mrs. Slagel, that you’ve taken a little tour of your own.”

“So what?” Ellen rushed to her with attitude. “I didn’t see anything.”

Joanna laughed at her. “Right Ellen. You do know now that you and your lover are now permanent guests, don’t you?”

“You can’t keep us here. I really think we’ll be missed. My father is coming . . .”

“I will handle your father when he gets here.” She leaned closer to Ellen. “If you want to save yourself, you may want to consider telling us where the embryos are in Beginnings.”

“Are you threatening me? Fuck you.”

With a hard slap, Joanna’s hand connected with Ellen’s face. She however, did not expect what she got in return, Ellen, immediately struck her back. But Ellen didn’t slap, Ellen punched. And Ellen’s hard thrown hit was followed by her little body barreling into Joanna and knocking her to the ground.

Before Ellen could strike her a third time, a guard, easily lifted Ellen, and another held a gun to Miguel to keep him back.

Joanna picked herself up, and straightened her clothes, trying not to look shaken. “The embryos, Ellen.” She and the guards left, locking the door behind them.

Ellen raced to the closed door, banging herself into it in frustration and anger. “Shit.” She hit the door with her hand. “Can you believe she slapped me? I hate her.”

“Ellen, calm down.” Miguel pulled her away from the door. “We’ll get out of this mess. I promise. What happened?”

Ellen grunted loudly. “Wait until you see what I saw. Here.” She reached her hand into her shirt and pulled out a bunch of paper. She started to unfold them, reading them as she did. “Oh, shit.” She handed the first one to Miguel. “Check it out. Baby farming. Looks to me like their building up a new world.” She handed the rest of the papers to Miguel. “And they ripped off Dean. They stole all the anti-serum.” She reached in her pocket and tossed him the blue bottle.

Miguel held it in his hand. “Why did they need this?”

“For all the new people they defrosted. My guess . . . get this . . . over three hundred.”

“The guards.” Miguel spoke in awe and placed the bottle and the paper aside. “This could be bad for Beginnings. The guards, Ellen. Have you noticed. They’re cold. They stare forward. They don’t speak. Trained, well trained military.”

“So.” Ellen wasn’t fazed. “A few guards so what?”

“So what?” Miguel rushed to her. “What if all those people they defrosted were trained military. Used for protection, a safe guard just in case they need them. Good thinking in a world gone bad. We have to get home. We have to find a way out of here. Maybe hide out somewhere near the highway until we spot Joe and George. Warn them. If they have three hundred soldiers . . .”

“Maybe they aren’t all soldiers, Miguel. They have cases of sperm. Ovum. Embryos. Maybe some of them are women to bear these children. Somebody has to.”

“Does it really matter? These scientists are well on their way to executing their little master plan. And Ellen. It can’t be good.” He walked to the door and turned the locked handle. “They’ve got us.”

^^^^

It was warm in his dream. The sun was bright as Dean stood on top of a high hill. He was in Colorado. He knew that hill, having been to Colorado Springs many times when he was in the military. It was a tall hillside, looking over the outskirts of a bigger city. The trees that surrounded him shaded the sun, and gave a comforting cool breeze. The town below him was green. Almost too green. A city disappearing within the wilderness. “Ellen!” He called out from the hillside. “Ellen!”

“Right here.” She tapped him on the shoulder almost startling him to the point of falling off the hill. “Boo.” She smiled and was perky. “Are you looking for me?”

“Ellen.” Dean looked at her face. The wind whipping her hair about. He brought his hand to her cheek, his lips to hers. “You have to come home now.”

Ellen giggled as she stepped away from him. “I can’t Dean.” She brought her fingers to touch her just kissed lips.

“But you have to Ellen. You have to come home before they do something to you.”

“I can’t Dean.” The smile fell from her face.

“But . . . why?” Dean asked.

“Because.” Ellen’s face grew sad. “I’m already dead.”

“No!” Dean no longer stood on that hillside but center of a lab. Ellen lay on a table before him, her bluish body dangled half off the table it appeared to have been just thrown on. Her wide open eyes, held the look of death as they stared right at him. “No!”

Dean awoke, flinging the sheet off of him. He could feel his heart beating in his throat as his feet touched down upon the floor. He rubbed his eyes as his elbows rested on his knees. Sitting there, Dean tried to sort through what was racing through his emotions. Was the fear he felt purely from the dream? As he stood in need of a drink of water, a God awful feeling hit him. One he tried to shrug. One he tried to pass off. But it burned in him and he didn’t know why. Why was he standing there, in his bedroom, in the middle of the night, feeling so strongly that Ellen was never coming back.

^^^^

“Miguel?” Ellen cracked open a sunflower seed between her teeth. The handful she munched on was her dinner. They hadn’t eaten since the breakfast bar in the morning. “What do you suppose they’re gonna do with us. I mean, they aren’t gonna kill us are they?”

“I don’t think.” Miguel savored each seed. He chewed them with appreciation. He was also glad that Ellen brought them and the rice cakes. “If they do anything, they’re gonna have to wait until Joe leaves, even George. They aren’t that stupid.”

“But it’s scary.” She chomped on another seed. “Miguel suppose they do have all these soldiers somewhere. And suppose they get weapons. We’ve only got a hundred people in Beginnings. And these people know Beginnings well.”

“I know. That’s why we have to make a run for it. Hopefully they’ll open up that door sometime and when they do, we seize the chance. There aren’t that many guards here. We can take them, then we head for the elevator, go to one and get out. Hide out, like I said, until George and Joe arrive. It’s only a few days or so. You think you can?”

“I know I can.” She finished her last seed. “When?”

“We’ll try tomorrow.”

“And what about everything they have in their lab. All those embryos they’re making?”

“We can’t worry about them. We have to get home. We have a warning to deliver.” Miguel dusted the excess salt from his hands. “Let’s just try right now to get some rest.”

^^^^

Frank knew she stashed it somewhere. The only booze in the house. He searched every kitchen cabinet for it. He needed a drink. Something, anything, that might calm him down enough to sleep. Frank hadn’t slept more than an hour the night before, and it didn’t look as if he was going to surpass that on this night.

Found it. It sat nearly filled, at the bottom of the cabinet that she used to separate the living room from the dining room. Frank had his glass already in tow. Carrying it for when he found the bottle. He poured some in the glass and replaced the bottle. He took a drink. It tasted old and he cringed as it passed into him. Frank swished the brownish beverage around the glass, debating on whether or not to finish it. He chose not.

What was wrong with him, he wondered. Two days, that’s all she was gone. What was making him feel so nuts that he couldn’t even close his eyes at night for fear he was going to miss something. That inner feeling telling him something--but what? Did he just miss her that much, like everyone said, and his hideous mood was the result? Frank didn’t buy it. He wasn’t feeling depressed, he was feeling anger, he was feeling something much worse. He was feeling something he didn’t tell to anyone because they would think he’d lost it. He was feeling . . . genuine fear.

^^^^

Friday night at the social hall was getting almost as bad as Saturday’s. The hall patrons staying later and later, even when they had work to do the next day. No one ever drank excessively. They came to socialize, drink a little, talk. But in the late hours, it was quiet in the hall. Everyone but Joe and Henry had gone. Even though it wasn’t Joe’s turn to clean up, he wanted to stay anyhow. Henry decided to help also, told Joe, he couldn’t sleep and didn’t know why.

Joe washed, while Henry wiped up tables. Keeping busy, that’s what Joe needed.

“All done Joe.” Henry tossed the rag at him. “Want me to wait for you?”

“If you want.” Joe released the water from the sink. “I just have to dry. But I’ll tell you Henry, I’m not tired.”

“Me neither. Hey, wanna throw some darts? George isn’t around to kick our butts.”

“I can do that.” Joe quickly dried glasses. He stared looking far off as he did.

“Something wrong? The thought of challenging me frighten you?”

“Nah.” Joe waved the towel at him. “Henry . . .” Joe’s hands rested on the bar. “Did you ever get that feeling that something was wrong, really wrong, and you just couldn’t put your finger on it?”

“Oh sure, lots of times.” Henry sat down on a bar stool. “Why, is that what you’re feeling?”

“Yeah.” Joe began drying his glasses again, his demeanor turning somber. “Yeah I am.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

August 14

Ellen stood with her ear to the door, listening for footsteps. “Slowing down . . . they’re jingling keys.”

“You know the plan.” Miguel moved her to the side and stood next to the door. “The guard will walk in first. I’ll take him out, then head straight to the elevator.” He leaned his head to her whispering. “Run fast.”

“No problem.” She poised herself ready.

Flush against the wall, Miguel waited. He watched with a fast beating heart for the door knob to turn. With the click-click, as expected, the guard stepped in. Not one foot inside, Miguel grabbed the unsuspecting guard by the collar. “Run Ellen.” With a crashing head butt to the guard, followed by a single blow to his face, Miguel tossed the man of the same height to the ground, lifted his revolver and took off after Ellen.

Ellen looked back as she ran, relieved to see Miguel, he waved the gun at her to hurry. Her eyes lit and she slowed almost to a stop in her backwards run when she saw what Miguel did not. From a side room, two guards emerged, blind siding Miguel to the ground.

“Go!” Miguel called out in his struggle, giving the two men the best he had. They didn’t strike him, they merely held him back. Miguel managed, but briefly to escape from their hold. “Go!” He slid the revolver on the floor as hard as he could to Ellen, it spun around and around as it slid quickly across the speckled floor to her.

Ellen did want to leave him, but had to chance it. She swiped up the gun and reached for the elevator button. Seconds seemed like an eternity for the doors to open. It was all happening in slow motion, looking at the doors, glancing down the hall, waiting for the elevator, watching a guard run to her.

The doors open. As Ellen went to step inside, a doctor was stepping out. Shoving him harshly, she held the gun pointed to him as she pressed the number one. Just as the guard reached the doors, they shut. Ellen breathed heavily watching the digital numbers decrease. Praying as the elevator moved, that they wouldn’t down the power. As the numbers counted down to one, she lifted the gun high and calked back the hammer, ready and waiting to fire at anyone who stood there.

The elevator stopped, and the door opened upon the halt. No one was there. Cautiously she stepped forward, holding up her guard. That was as far as she got. The last thing Ellen saw through the corner of her eye was the green of a uniform and the butt of a rifle crashing to her. The searing pain to her head, didn’t last. It was lights out.

^^^^

‘Stay clear of Frank’ was the word around Beginnings. Frank too would have like to stay clear of himself, however that would be impossible. He didn’t like the mood he was in either. Snapping at everyone. Getting pissed off at the slightest thing. But he was handling himself well, he thought. When he felt that sensation start to happen, that burning under the collar, gonna scream like an idiot mood, Frank backed off. Saving the poor soul from any unnecessary verbal lashing.

But as Frank neared the helicopter hanger, he felt that sensation begin to happen. He didn’t walk away. The poor soul he viewed walking into the hanger was going to get it full fledged. Johnny. Frank had been looking for him all morning. Finding him wasn’t a relief, but rather another reason for his temple to throb. “John!” Frank bellowed into the hanger, the loud hard sound echoing.

“Hey Dad.” Johnny wasn’t even seeing what was coming, as he grabbed a box and walked to the helicopter.

“What are you doing?” Frank asked demandingly. “Cole tells me you didn’t show up for field work this morning.”

“I slept in. So I figured I’d just work on the bird for an hour before my classes.”

“You slept in? You were late yesterday, too. This is your job. You do your job. Take it serious Johnny! I hope to God you aren’t taking advantage of the fact that Miguel is gone to act like this.”

“Why not.” Johnny threw his hands in the air. “You’re taking advantage of the fact that Ellen’s gone to act like you are.”

Frank’s arm came down pointing out to him. He opened his mouth with a deep breath, then paused. “You’re right. Forget it. I’m sorry.” He turned. “Go back to your bird.”

Johnny watched his father walk away, his big body swaying with his every step. “Dad! Wait.” Johnny ran to catch him. “I’ll walk with you.”

“I thought you wanted to work on the bird?” Frank asked.

“Nah.” Johnny pulled the hanger door closed. “Since I blew off work this morning, I’ll head down there now, pull an hour or two.”

“Good.” Frank looked up to the sky and to the sun. “Sorry I came down so hard on you.”

“I expected it. You’re tired Dad, you miss Ellen. And since she’s not around, who else are you gonna take your bad mood out on? Pap? Pap wouldn’t take it, he’d kick your ass.”

Frank laughed. “Pap could not kick my ass.”

“You don’t think? Pap’s the only man in this community that can do it. For now that is. In a couple years. I’ll be able to take you too.”

Frank slowed down on the edge of the field where he and Johnny would go their separate ways. “John, it won’t matter how big you get, or how old I get. You’ll never be able to take me, just like I’ll never be able to take my Dad.”

“Oh yeah? Why’s that?”

“Respect.” Frank said matter-of-fact. “I’d never take a swing at my father.”

“And I’d never take a swing at mine.” Johnny saw the look on his father’s face and he knew he had said the right thing. “I’m gonna head to the fields and apologize to Cole for blowing him off. Are you gonna be O.K.?”

“Yep.” Frank nodded. “I just want her home, John.”

“Me too.”

Frank pulled his son to him, and kissed the top of his head as he rubbed it. “Go to work. And uh, thanks for the talk.”

Johnny backed up, fixing his hair. “And thank for the kiss.” He smiled at his father then trotted off to the field house.

Frank felt somewhat better, even if it was momentarily, Johnny helped. His slide of bad mood didn’t last that long. As soon as he hit the edge of the fields, he began to think of Ellen and his emotions returned.

^^^^

The voices sounded so far away, almost faded to Ellen. But she soon realized they were so very near to her as she returned to consciousness. Lifting her head slowly and feeling the knot in her neck and the pain from the side of her head. Finally opening her eyes, Ellen saw her hands bound to the chair she sat in, along with her feet. In focus, came Joanna and Jeffery Barnett.

Joanna noticed her awakening. “You’re up.” She neared her. “Good. In case you’re worried about Miguel, he’s alive. Better shape than you.” She picked up a vial and a syringe. “We need him in good shape for when your father arrives.” She inserted the needle into the vial. “Can’t have a bruised up Miguel telling your Father that you’ve decided to stay, can we?”

“He’ll never believe you.” Ellen watched her fill the needle. She tried her best to move, but failed.

“Of course he will. Now hold still or you’ll make it worse.” Joanna injected her. She plunged the fluid into her, emptying the contents of the syringe. “Done.” Joanna removed it, tossed the needle and checked out her watch. “Just about a minute.”

Ellen looked down to the tiny blood bubble that formed at the vein that was just injected. “What did you give me?”

“It’s our equivalent to Sodium Pentothal. Don’t worry, Ellen, we’re not going to kill you. You hold valuable information in that tiny mind of yours, and you are a female who is capable of reproducing. A very valuable commodity.” Joanna looked again at her watch. “Ten more seconds.”

“It won’t work on me. My mind’s too strong.” Ellen felt the drug take effect. Her pain in her head was gone, a sleepy feeling began to hit her as she fought to keep her eyes open.

“It’ll work.” Joanna grabbed a clipboard. “We’ll start with some easy questions. Ready?”

“Won’t work . . . yes.” Ellen felt out of control. She fought with everything she had, but the drug felt too strong.

“All right. What is your name?”

Don’t say it. Fight it. “Ellen.” Her words were slow.

“And what is your last name?”

“When?” Ellen asked. “Last name now? Last name before or last name awhile ago?”

“Now.”

“Slagel. Ellen Slagel. I married Frank Slagel. I used to be Ellen Calaway when I was married to Peter. Before that I was Ellen Martin. That was the time before Calaway, way before Slagel.”

“Ellen tell us . . .”

“But . . .” Ellen couldn’t stop from rambling. They wanted the truth about her name. “I could have had the last name Hayes. But who wants to walk around being called Ellen Hayes. Ellen Hayes, not Helen Hayes. Imagine what people would say. They’d make fun of your name. But that’s not why I didn’t marry Dean. I could have married Dean. I don’t think Frank would have let me. Of course I was living with Dean for so long everyone thought we were married. We acted . . .”

“Ellen!” Joanna grabbed her forehead. “Answer my questions.”

“I did.”

“Next question. What do you know about the embryos.”

“Embryos are what a baby is called before they become a baby. Embryos are the product of conception. When during intercourse the sperm meets the . . .”

“No. Our embryos. The frozen ones. What do you know about them?”

“They were in a case.” Shut up Ellen, just shut up. She kept telling herself.

“Where are the embryos now, Ellen?” Joanna questioned with little patience.

“In Beginnings.” Ellen answered.

“Where in Beginnings.”

“In a case.”

Grunting loudly Joanna slapped her clipboard down on the counter. “Where is the case?”

“Hidden.”

“Where is it hidden?”

“Away.”

Joanna turned away from Ellen to Jeffrey. “This isn’t working. You try.”

“Ellen.” Jeffrey spoke softer, more calmer. “Have one of the embryos been implanted at all?”

“Yes. Mother and child are fine.”

“We know that.” Confirmed to Jeffrey that Ellen’s baby was one of theirs. “Now Ellen listen carefully to me. We need to know where in Beginnings the embryos are.”

“In a case.” Ellen answered.

“Yes but where is the case?”

“Hidden.”

“Joanna, her mind is too strong.” Jeffrey pulled Joanna out of ear shot. “We’re going to have to try something else. Something drastic.”

“I agree. I’d like to know where they are. I’d rather not march into Beginnings and have to tear apart a place we need. We need the original batch.”

“I’m well aware.” Jeffrey signaled to the guard to get Ellen. “We’ll try again tomorrow.” He watched the guard untie Ellen and proceed to drag, not carry the rambling little woman back to her room.

^^^^

The dream from the night before truly stayed on Dean’s mind all day. He carried with him that feeling as if he just woke up. He could still see Ellen’s dead body lying on that table, as if it were real, like it hadn’t been a dream. Paranoia was what he thought was happening. Ellen had been gone for three days. And with each passing hour Dean felt more and more helpless. The longer she was away, the more wrong he felt Beginnings was for letting her go. The worse that fear in his gut grew.

His work wasn’t getting done. Things were piling up and he still hadn’t replenished the medical supplies. He hadn’t even worked on the cryo-data since before Ellen had left. He found himself spending his time staring blankly into a microscope or at a computer screen. Horrible visions in his mind.

After wasting the day stewing, Dean knew it was time. It was time to stop the madness that went through his head and heart. And though he and Frank were borderline mortal enemies, Dean felt strongly that they shared a common ground. However unsuccessful his attempts to talk to Frank over the past few days were, it was time to try again. And no matter what, no matter what it took, Dean was going to make Frank listen. Dean hoped with everything he had as he sought Frank out, that what he had to say would not be anything new to him, but merely a confirmation of the fears that Frank already had. Dean needed an ally in the battle of what he feared. Little did he know, so did Frank.

^^^^

Not a soul would go near him as he sat at that table in the social hall. Frank sat alone. A drink perched in front of him, one he nursed. One he barely sipped. It wasn’t quite midnight. Though the noise level in the hall was high, Frank heard none of it. His stare was forward as he slouched downward, arms reaching outward across the table, holding onto his drink.

Frank saw the bottle set down on the table, followed by a glass. He didn’t look up to see who it was. The small frame person standing before him could only be one man.

Dean pulled out a chair and poured a drink. “You once said to me, that if I wanted to talk to you, I had to have a drink with you. I need to talk to you, Frank. I really do.” Dean brought the glass to his lips, he hated alcohol, and he sipped it hesitantly , trying not to show the distaste as he swished in his mouth.

“I’m sitting here alone. I’m not in the mood for talking.”

“I need to talk to you about Ellen.”

The drink he had nursed slipped in its entirety into his mouth, Frank slammed his empty glass down. “I don’t talk to you about Ellen.” Frank began to stand.

“Tough.” Dean stood also, he was determined, his face showed it as he leaned quickly into Frank, facing him off. “This is important damn it. I need you of all people to listen to me. Listen to me Frank. Please.” Dean’s voice softened. “Please.”

Without saying anything Frank sat back down, he poured another drink. “Talk.”

“Thank you.” Dean grabbed his own glass and held it in his hands. “Just hear me out, and don’t get mad about what I say.” Dean knew exactly what had to come out. “I’m having a hard time with this. With Ellen being gone. I . . . I can’t eat right. I can’t work. I’m not sleeping right. She is on my mind constantly. And I’ve kicked myself trying to figure out why. I know why now. I had this dream about her, and it scared me. It really scared me.” Dean knew he had Frank’s attention, and that somewhere in that far off look, Frank was listening. “I have a bad feeling, Frank. A really bad feeling.” Dean leaned inward. “No one is going to tell me that they didn’t sabotage my lab. Or they didn’t try to get you out of the way. They need you out of the way, because they are scared that you’re going to go get Ellen. And what makes matters worse . . . they have her now. She hundreds of miles away from us, no way to talk to her, no way to find out how she is. I can’t shake this fear. Now this is coming from me. I need to know, aren’t you feeling it too? I can’t be the only one. My God, you’ve known her over half your life. You know her better than anyone. Am I crazy, am I overreacting? Tell me what you think. What is your gut telling you?”

Frank’s eyes lowered and he breathed heavily through his flaring nostrils. His long fingers tapped on his half empty glass. “My gut is telling me . . .” He leaned to Dean. “Something is wrong, something is really wrong. And she needs me.”

Dean’s body dropped in relief. “Then why are we just sitting here then. Why are you just sitting here?”

“You know what?” Frank released his glass. “You’re right. Thanks Dean.” He jumped up.

“Wait.” Dean blocked his way. “I didn’t mean for you to jump right now. Where are you going? I still need to talk to you.”

“I’m going to get her.”

“Great. Fine.” Dean tried to reason. “But it has to be thought out. It has to be done right. Let’s you and I put our heads together now and figure it out right.”

Frank listened to Dean. His inner-soul told him that now was not the time for petty differences between them. Frank pulled out a chair and joined Dean. For as much as they’ve always been against each other it was time to pull together. It was time for both ends of the spectrum to meet.. As they sat talking, preparing for what they would say to Joe, they never stopped to realize how powerful a force they were actually going to be for Ellen.

^^^^

The guard was not gentle. He tossed Ellen into the room like a newspaper. It was fortunate for her sluggish body that Miguel was there to stop her hard fall to the not-too-soft floor. So drugged she was. So talkative. But it wasn’t long after that she passed right out. Miguel had used his time wisely. Both before they had brought Ellen back and after. He did a lot of thinking. He had to try to make what they were going to be doing first thing in the morning, perfect.

Making him and Ellen hand weapons was foremost. Not much, but a way to break out, or at least go down swinging. Turning over his bed, and removing support bars from the bottom, took a lot out of his hands. He had no tools, and turning the screws caused his fingers to start to bleed. Miguel was strong and that worked in his favor. Four bars, two each tied together with the top sheet of his bed he ripped. Miguel had shown his bars to Ellen, telling her what to do, to use it as a club. She giggled at them, of course at the time she was still under the influence of the serum. He was still trying to figure out who they were trying to torture giving Ellen that drug. Him or Ellen. He had known her for six years and now he knew her differently. Of course Miguel was certain now he knew things about her both Frank and Dean didn’t know.

Miguel sat on the floor in between the beds. His club under his pillow, Ellen’s under her pillow. He watched Ellen mostly. As the night progressed she began to toss in her sleep. He knew it had to be the pain, because not long before she had cried out. He felt helpless. How many times would he fail her. He broke his promise to Frank even inadvertently. And Miguel swore at that moment it wouldn’t happen again, even if it meant his life.

^^^^

Joe groggily stumbled into his office half dressed. As he made it to his desk, he saw Frank and Dean shut the door. Frank turned the latch. “You’re locking me in my office at four in the morning? This better be important.”

“Dad, it is.” Frank moved with Dean toward the desk. “We’ve been working on something all night.”

“Together.” Dean added. “And we think you should listen.”

“With an open mind.” Frank continued. “We . . . we have a bad feeling. A real bad feeling.”

Joe sat down. “You want to get Ellen now, instead of waiting a few more days.” He saw he impressed them with his Houdini style guess. “Can’t say I haven’t been boggled with bad feelings myself. But we have no proof. We’ll look like fools if we rush down there like a Rambo squad and storm in.”

Frank shook his head as he pulled p a chair and sat. “We’re not pulling a siege. We actually have a plan.”

Dean took over. “Leave a few days early. You, Greg, George and . . . Frank.” He saw Joe getting ready to object and Dean held up his hand. “Listen. This will work. I know the installation and area well. About a mile from the compound, on the road you take there, is a picnic area. Frank and I are going to get supplies ready, survival supplies. You drop off the supplies at the area then you and Greg drop George and Frank off at the compound.”

“What are you nuts?” Joe blasted. “Those two can’t take them on alone. Especially if there is trouble.”

“Which, there may not be.” Dean stated. “But if there is, Frank and George will know. Come on, it’s not like its heavily guarded anymore. All they have to do is get Ellen and Miguel out of there, head to the picnic area and wait for your return. A day or two maybe. They have supplies.”

Frank interjected. “In those supplies will be four sleeping rolls. My main concern is getting Ellen out. Miguel and George can fend for themselves. If you return to the picnic area and we aren’t there. That means we ran into trouble and had to book. I’ll head north and stay as close to the highway as I can. But if we all don’t get out, I’ll leave something behind as a message.”

“A sleeping roll or two?” Joe guessed and received his confirmation from Frank. “And, say everything is peachy. What then?”

“I stay with my wife.” Frank lifted his hand. “A little honeymoon camping trip. That’s the story we’re giving everyone for why I’m leaving and the supplies. We don’t want this going any further than the three of us.”

“Who’s gonna run security Frank?” Joe asked.

“John Matoose. I already gave him the honeymoon scenario.”

Joe nodded. “And what about Josh. Brian?”

Frank took a breath. “Johnny can hang with Josh. And Brian, I really didn’t . . .”

“I’ll watch Brian. I’ll take him.” Dean said. “Josh too. Doesn’t matter.”

Joe’s head immediately swung toward Dean. “You’re gonna watch Frank’s baby.”

“Why not.” Dean moved in to the desk. “This isn’t about me and Frank. This is about Ellen. We want her back. We both feel that something is wrong. And Joe, if there is, let’s face it. Frank’s the only one who can get her out of there. Give the O.K.”

Joe’s hands slammed down to the desk as he stood. “Let’s do it. I’ll keep it between the three of us. We’ll leave in twenty-four hours.”

“Wait.” Frank called out. “No, now. Dean and I can get the supplies together in a few hours. “Leave then.”

“And what about rest?” Joe questioned. “Look at you.” He reached out and grabbed Frank’s face. “You haven’t slept. You’re pale. What good are you going to be to Ellen if you have to run with her? Use today to pack up. Use the night to sleep. I’ll use the time to get the trucks ready and come up with a reason to tell George and Greg why we’re leaving early. We’ll leave first light, twenty four hours from now. O.K.?” He looked at his watch. “O.K., Right now I’m gonna try to go back to sleep. So, I’ll meet up with you in a few hours.” Giving a firm squeeze to Frank’s shoulder as he passed him, Joe walked to the door and left.

Frank ran his hand down his goatee and looked at Dean. “All right. Let’s get out of here. I’ll check with you a couple times during the day to see how things are going.” He moved to the door and opened it.

“I’m glad we’re working together on this Frank.” Dean walked through the open door. “Instead of ripping apart each other.”

“Yeah.” Frank shut off the light and pulled the door closed. “Me too.”

^^^^

Miguel had always known himself to be a light sleeper. He had trained himself that way. Even before the plague, he had to be. Being a truck driver and pulling off the side of the road at times to snooze made him jump at every noise. Just as he jumped when he heard the clicking of the door handle. Miguel glanced quickly at his watch, it wasn’t quiet morning. He sprang to his feet but not before the door opened and two armed guards, along with Jeffrey Barnett stepped in. The guards held their rifles at Miguel.

Jeffrey stepped closer when he knew it was safe. “A little assurance, Mr. Sanchez.” He walked behind him and immediately, without warning injected Miguel with a needle into the back of his neck. “That you won’t try anything again tomorrow when we come to get Ellen.”

Miguel felt the warmth of the fluid that entered. He could feel it move through his bloodstream almost painfully. With a paralyzing feeling, Miguel’s knees buckled and he fell to the ground. He couldn’t move, and his eyes closed.

Jeffrey dropped the syringe to the ground and stepped over him. “This should last for about eight hours. Throw him in bed. Mrs. Slagel will never know.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

August 15

The shower did help some, but not much. Ellen’s head still hurt and she still felt sluggish. Of course she had to take the shower it quickly. She didn’t have any idea what time they would come back. And last she recalled her and Miguel had a plan.

Miguel was still sleeping when she walked back in the room. She reached in her open duffle bag and pulled out a rice cake. She broke it in two laying one half on the night stand. “Miguel.” She took a bite and called louder. “Miguel get up. Miguel?” Fear struck her. He wasn’t moving. With a trembling hand she reached for his pulse. She felt it beating strong. “Come on.” She started to shake him, as she did, she noticed the back of his neck. A small bruise was there, the size of a quarter. A tiny dot of dried blood center of it. Ellen was all too familiar with a bad injection site. “What did they give you . . .” Her head turned to the sound of heavy footsteps. The slow walking grew louder. Remembering the club Miguel had made for her, she reached under her pillow for it. “I have to try Miguel.” Ellen gripped it tightly and moved to the side of the door.

She was more nervous than she had ever been in her life. The turning of the knob made her heart jump. She watched the thin guard step slowly inside. In that brief moment when he searched. Ellen slipped from the room, pulled the door close, and grabbed the keys that still dangled from the knob.

As she ran down the hall as fast she could to the elevator, she realized alone, she couldn’t make it out. They would get her. So she wasn’t going down silently. She was going to take down with her as much as she could.

Passing the elevator, she ran to the steps and charged down two flights to the embryo lab. She saw Dr. Rice in his lab as soon as she stepped on the floor. Again, he was alone. Quietly she opened his lab door, holding the club behind her. “Dr. Rice!”

Startled, he faced her. As his body turned, he was greeted with a blow to the side of his face. Dr. Rice crashed into his computer and onto the floor.

Ellen swung forth with her anger sending the monitor crashing down. She raced over to the first case and lifted the lid. With her weapon, she smashed down into the objects below her, crushing the test tubes. She did all the damage she could, and quickly moved to the next case. She paid no attention, nor looked up when the lab door burst open.

They two guards grabbed Ellen. But she fought them, swinging about hitting blindly. One of them clutched her arm, stole her club, tossed it to the floor, then threw a hysterical Ellen as well.

Ellen caught her fall as her knees slid across the linoleum, burning them. She lifted herself from the floor and bolted to the door. Jeffrey stood in her way. As she reached back to strike him, her fist was grasped. She felt a hand grasp the back of her head and slam her into the wall. Face pressed against the surface, Ellen’s eyes peered with anger at Jeffrey.

“Take her across the hall to the empty room.” Jeffrey ordered.

With her arms bent drastically behind her, the guard banged Ellen into the wall one more time before talking her out.

Jeffrey stayed a moment in the lab, assessing the damage and becoming worse with it by the second. Ellen had destroyed so much of their work. Outraged at her, he charged across the hall to the room in which the two guards held on to her. He stood close to Ellen, reaching his hand out and wiping the blood from her temple. He showed it to her. “Does it need to go this far? Do you realize what you have done?”

“Fuck you.” Her head jolted so hard with his hit, it smacked into the chest of the one guard who held her. “You don’t frighten me.”

“You should be little lady.” He squeezed her face then pushed her back as he released her. “And you’ll pay for what you did. Trust me. When we finish with you. You’ll wish you were dead.”

Ellen tired not to flinch. “When my father gets here. You will be dead. You don’t think when he gets here, he’s not gonna want to see me?” Ellen shouted as Jeffrey walked slowly away. “You’re one stupid asshole, Jeffrey! I pity you.”

“No.” Jeffrey stopped at the door. He looked at the two guards that held tightly to the fighting, strong willed woman. She was so determined. So lacking of any fear in her eyes. “No Ellen. I pity you.” He opened the door and faced the guards. “Rape her.”

^^^^

Frank didn’t know what caused him to drop what he was carrying. As he stepped to the long table in storage, to lay everything on. A chill, a deadly chill shot through him and everything he held in his arms crashed to the table. Frank’s hands started to shake. It was a warning, an inner warning and he was receiving it loud and clear. The sense of urgency to go and get Ellen grew by the second. Even though it was against his better judgment to wait, it wouldn’t be much longer and he knew she would be safe.

^^^^

Joanna saw Jeffrey standing in front of the room. He looked frazzled, then again, she knew he was dealing with Ellen. “Jeffrey, what’s going on?”

Jeffrey straightened his hair. “Ellen destroyed two cases. One sperm, one ovum. She destroyed a lab Joanna. Our guards are taking care of her now.” He took a few deep breaths and composed himself.

“Explain taking care of.”

“Extreme measures. Like you and I discussed.”

“I run this project, Jeffrey. Not you. I had plans for Mrs. Slagel today. We were going to try the serum again.”

“It didn’t work Joanna and . . .” He stopped when a loud Ellen ‘no’ emerged from the other room. “ . . . and it was time to take those measures.”

“We will take my measures.” Joanna opened up the door, as she did she watched a guard strike Ellen so fiercely it sent her across the room. The other guard grabbed a hold of her, pulling at what clothes she had on left, as Ellen fought with everything she had against them. “Stop!”

The one guard released Ellen and she dropped to the floor.

“What is going on?” She stepped inside. She looked down to a beaten Ellen. “Jeffrey?” She returned to Jeffrey’s side. “Did you tell these men to do this, or are they doing this on their own?”

“You agreed to extreme measures.”

“I agreed to extreme measures yes. My extreme measures.” Joanna faced the guards. “Pick her up, grab her clothes and take her to her room.” She stormed past Jeffrey stopping to scold at him just once more. “Thank you very much Jeffrey. Now she’s no use at all to us today.”

Ellen had fought her last bit of energy from her. She felt her clothes toss down to her face and her body being picked up, not dragged this time, and carried away.

^^^^

“Frank?” Dean called out as he stepped into the storage building where he was to meet Frank.

“Back here.”

Dean could hear the banging around as he approached. “How’s it going?”

“Good. I did the rolls. Two together. Yeah, nice and tight. And I twined them.” Frank tossed one to him.

Dean caught it, the heaviness of it nearly knocked him over. “Thanks. O.K. What else do you got together?”

“I have . . .” Frank lifted a knapsack. “Ammo, grenades, three revolvers, flares, two hunting knives, trip wire and all that shit. I figured I’ll bring a rifle, but I’ll hide it at the hill site. Um . . . I have my gun.” He patted his shoulder harness. “You don’t think it’s too much do you?”

“No.” Dean laughed then laid down a black pouch. “Here. This is an emergency care kit. Just in case Ellen forgets, I labeled the bottles in laymen terms and what they can be used for.”

“Thanks.” Frank took it and placed it in the duffel bag which had its awaited contents next to it. “Take a look at what I have. See anything I’m missing?”

Dean looked over it. “I see you brought Ellen stuff.”

“You know it.” Frank lifted a pair of pants and a shirt and placed it in the bag. “No matter what the situation is, you know she’s going to get trivial. We could be running for our lives and she’ll complain if I don’t have toiletries.”

“Oh . . .” Dean indicated to a small plastic jar on the table. “I left that. Water will boggle you down. Two or three canteens worth tops. So I made that. It’s a filtering system. Trust me it will work.”

Frank held it up. “Good job.”

“And what about food? Did you give any thought to that. Or are you gonna try to hunt.”

With a huge smile Frank lifted two seven inch long, brown pouches, he held them in each hand. “Remember these?”

“Oh no. M.R.E.’s .” Dean cringed at the memory of the highly concentrated, military food packs. “But . . . Good thinking.”

“I’m the man. I figure I’ll take out the useless shit and pack up only what we need from them.”

“Like we had to do for field maneuvers.”

Frank smiled. “Exactly.” He rested his hand on one of the packs. “Let’s hope I don’t need any of this stuff.”

“Let’s hope.” Dean turned very serious. “Bring her home safe, Frank. You can do that.”

“I will do that.” Frank stood in silence with Dean. “You know I want to tell you something. I uh . . . I appreciate all your help. I do.”

“I wish I could do more. I wish I could go too. But you’re the one.”

“You’re doing a lot. See, I guess we really can pull together if we need to huh?” Frank asked.

“More than I ever thought. We have a lot of bad history you and I. But we have a common interest right now. We know what’s important.”

“Yeah.” Frank’s head dropped.

“What?” Dean began to get a panicky feeling. “What’s wrong?”

“As close as we are to going down there. I’m not feeling better.” Frank’s head swayed slowly. “I’m feeling worse. Something’s happened to her. I know it. I feel it.” Frank lifted his head. “And I can honestly say . . .” His eyes shifted to Dean. They were saddened and Frank spoke softly and with more sincerity than Dean has ever heard from him. “I can honestly say . . . I’m scared.”

^^^^

The heaviness of her eyes seemed to bother her the most, because they weren’t allowing her to open them. Ellen tried to lift her head from the pillow that it laid upon. But with each slow movement, brought an aching shooting pain. She laid half on her stomach, her arm dangling from the left side of the bed. She felt the blood flow there, pulsating in her injuries. She tried to clench her fist, her knuckles cracking as she did. She slowly lifted her hand to blindly feel her face. As her fingers touched down she could feel the ruggedness of her cheek bones, the moisture there, the blood.

Ellen heard the slow footsteps. Fighting desperately she lifted her eyelids only a crease. The blurred vision of him walking to her was all she could make out. She felt his hand stroke away her hair gently, that had fallen on her cheek and stuck there. She moistened her lips with her tongue. They felt bigger and sore. “Frank?” She called weakly.

“No. It’s me.” Miguel reached under Ellen and lifted her up into his arms to carry her.

“Where are we going?” Ellen’s voice was soft.

“I want to get you cleaned up.” Miguel carried her into the bathroom where he had the bath tub already filled with warm water. He set her gently down to the commode to use it as a chair. He looked with sadness upon Ellen, her body slumping back, barely keeping its balance. He had to keep reaching for her to hold her up. It literally broke his heart. “I’m just going to help you undress. We need to get you into the tub so these cuts don’t get infected.” He knelt down before her and slipped off her shoes.

Ellen used the toilet and Miguel’s shoulder to help stand. She let her shorts drop. They were still undone from being placed back on after her confrontation. There was no shirt to take off only her bra. “Not much clothing huh?”

Miguel looked at her. “What did they do to you?”

“Ask what I did to them instead. O.K.?” Ellen’s eyes rolled and her legs weakened. Her stand began to drop.

Miguel caught her and scooped her up. “What did you do to them.” He placed her in the tub.

“I destroyed up their lab.” She went rigid as she felt the water hit her body. It burned her abrasions. She would have jumped ten feet from the water but she could barely move. “How’s my face. Frank will have a fit if they messed it up.”

“Not like your body.” Miguel dipped the wash cloth into the water and wrung it out. “It’s dirty though.” He began to wipe gently across her face.

“They had me on the ground.”

Miguel handed her the wash cloth. His body dropped and he sat to the floor leaning against the commode. “I’m so sorry about this.” He brought his hand to his head.

“It’s not your fault. It isn’t.” She reached her hand out to touch him.

Miguel only moved his eyes to her. “We’ll get through this. Joe will be here soon.”

“I know.” Ellen took a deep breath and slumped further into the tub. She brought the wash cloth to her eyes and the thought of her children, Frank, Beginnings, rushed to her mind. Her eyes grew heavier as they welled with tears. She fought them, she fought them with all that she had.

“What is it?” Miguel asked.

Ellen shook her head and brought her knees close to her. She buried her face against them. “I just want to go home. I want to go home.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

August 16

Frank cradled little Brian tightly in his arms as he paced slowly around Dean’s living room. The sleeping infant never awoke, despite all the kisses that Frank plastered him with. “I won’t be gone long Bri.” Frank kissed him again. “Be good. I love you.” Frank lifted his eyes to Dean. “He’s crashed. I fed him about a half hour ago, so he should be good for a while.”

“I can handle it.” Dean reached for the baby.

“Thanks, Dean.” He placed him gently in Dean’s arms. “Take care of my kids. All of them.”

“I will.”

“I have to go.” Frank glanced down at his watch.

“Good luck.” Dean extended his hand. “Be careful.”

Frank, without hesitation, shook it, then stepped back.

“Do your thing, Frank. I’m counting on you. Your family is counting on you.”

“I will . . . oh . . . one more thing. Look down at your watch. Because at noon, you can breathe a sigh of relief. I’ll have her.”

“I’ll do that.” Dean knew as he watched Frank walk out his door. That Frank would do everything in his power, do whatever it took, to ensure at noon, he did have Ellen.

They began their journey to Colorado earlier than they had wanted. It wasn’t even five a.m. and already they were trudging the extremely dark roadways. Frank sat in the back of the truck for the trip. The pick-up truck had the larger cab, he could have sat inside with the others. But Frank wanted to sit in the back. He wanted to be alone, gather his thoughts, clear his mind. It was a long enough trip as it was. But the anxiety of getting there made it longer.

^^^^

“You’re awake.” Miguel handed Ellen a glass of water as he watched her sit up. “How are you feeling?”

“Sore. But better. My fingers hurt the most.” She looked at her open hand, closed it, then opened it again. “And I’m weak, I definitely don’t have the energy I had yesterday. Of course I have more than last night. Last night I thought I was dying.” She slowly sipped her water. “Can I add one more complaint?” she tried to smile as she grabbed her stomach. “I’m hungry.”

“Rice cake?” Miguel chuckled. “I hated them when Henry made them in Beginnings.”

“Yeah, but they taste gourmet now.” She pointed to her bag. “Want to get our rations.”

“Sure.” Miguel stood up. “It was a good thing you brought them, and those sunflower seeds.” He opened the bag. “Let’s just hope that Joe can get . . .”

“What’s wrong?” Ellen asked as she saw him just stare into the bag. “Please don’t tell me they took them.”

“No.” Miguel faced her. “What’s this?” He held up the pendant Henry had given her.

Ellen sighed heavily. “Oh my God, I can’t believe I forgot about that.” She stood up and grabbed it. “He gave this to me to press if I’m in trouble. He said it would work.” Her finger went to press it, but Miguel stopped her. “What?”

“Wait. You have to do a pattern or else they may think it was set off by accident. We want them to know we need help.” Miguel took it back. “You eat your rice cake. I’ll send the message.”

^^^^

Henry chuckled a bit as he walked with John Matoose along the line of utility buildings. He read the list of things to do, left for him by Joe. “Do you really think Joe would be mad if I didn’t go to the social hall every day after work?”

“Nah. When will you have the time, Henry? You’ll always be working. Same here too.” John checked out his clip board. “Frank’s duties, my duties. Jenny’s starting to bitch and they just left.”

“Let’s just hope they aren’t gone . . .”

“Henry!” Jeff, a security personnel who worked in the monitoring room, came out of the security building. “Henry!” He looked confused and somewhat frazzled.

“What’s wrong?” Henry asked.

Jeff looked at him, then at John. “There is this beeping coming from somewhere. Hal and I thought it was a malfunction, but now we think it’s a perimeter and we can’t locate which one.”

John and Henry raced behind Jeff to the monitoring room, as soon as they walked in, the high pitch beeping was heard.

Henry knew exactly what it was as soon as he set foot in the door. “When did this start?”

“Ten minutes ago. Why?” Jeff said.

Henry gulped and turned to John. “I gave Ellen a transmitter to press if she’s in trouble. She’s pressing it. That’s what the signal is.”

John’s heart dropped to his stomach, then he tried to muster up a rational thought. “Before we go and get upset with this. Maybe something is pressed against it. Maybe she’s . . .”

Hal, the other security monitor, shook his head. “I would agree but it’s a pattern.” He turned up the volume which he had previously lowered. “Listen to it. I have.” He held up the small note book with slashes on it. “Steady. The same. Repeating. Almost as if she’s sending a message.”

John threw his head back. “She is. She’s sending an SOS”

“Shit.” Henry rubbed his face. “Joe and them are on their way down. What if there’s trouble. They aren’t ready for that.”

“We have to warn them.” John set down his clipboard. “Find Johnny. Tell him to get to the hanger. Him and I will fly out.. They have a . . .” He looked at his watch. “Two hour head start. We’ll have to hurry.”

“I’ll go get him now. Give me your jeep keys.” He caught the keys that were tossed to him. “We’ll meet you at the hanger.” He raced out and to the jeep. He knew where to find Johnny.

^^^^

“You sure you don’t want any breakfast, John?” Dean called as he walked from the kitchen. “Puffed rice, Beginning’s cereal of the month.”

“Nah.” Johnny stood from the couch with Brian. “I just came to check on my little brother. But he won’t wake up. Man is he crashed.” Johnny took him over to the cradle and laid him down.

“I’m beginning to wonder what your dad fed him before he brought him over.”

With a single knock, Henry flew open Dean’s door and barged in with a frenzy. “Johnny, thank God you’re here. I need you over at the hanger. Now. You have to fly out with John and find your dad.”

Johnny was shocked. “Why, what’s wrong?”

“Ellen and Miguel are in trouble. I gave her a transmitter to press just in case.” He looked at Dean. “She’s been pressing it for twenty minutes now. A steady pattern.”

Johnny, without hesitation bolted from the living room. “I’m on my way.”

In the instance that the door slammed Dean knew. All of his fears at that moment were now confirmed. He sat down on the couch next to Henry who looked as if he were diligently trying to make heads or tails out of this situation.

They weren’t sitting on the couch for more than ten minutes when the call from John Matoose came over the radio to Henry. John was calm, he usually was. Even though the situation dictated total pandemonium, he very calmly called to Henry telling him he was needed at the hanger. Henry left Dean wondering why Johnny and John weren’t in the air. It couldn’t be a fuel situation. The helicopters hadn’t been flown in a while. Trying to figure out all the way there what the holdup was, he commenced to building a theory list in his mind. Nowhere on that mind list was the true reason for their lack of departure. Though the will was with John and Johnny, the way to do it certainly wasn’t. They couldn’t take the choppers. Someone, and everyone knew who, had taken it upon themselves to sabotage the engines of the helicopters.

Henry, always known as the fix-it man, wasn’t quite sure he could fix it. He stared at what had been done. He stared at the wired and disassembled mess that once were helicopter engines, and he just didn’t know where to begin.

^^^^

The journey seemed as if it took forever. And as they fast approached the last mile, the rocky terrain they took seemed to make the trip slow down. They had found the spot that Dean had mentioned. The balding area, used as a car turnaround or rest area on the narrow road, was heavily overgrown. Frank took his supplies and placed them under the once green picnic table that set off toward the edge of the thicker woods. While there, he hooked a hunting knife to his belt along with an extra clip of ammunition. He left everything else and walked quickly back to the truck. He watched the area disappear as they made it down the hill. He watched the road way before him, studying the area surrounding it, photographing it in his mind.

So as not to arouse suspicion, Joe dropped Frank and George off just on the edge of the road that led to the installation. Wanting to appear as if they were expecting nothing out of the ordinary, Joe said a heart strained, worry-filled, goodbye to his son and left with Greg.

After watching the dust from the truck wheels settle, Frank moved to George and they began to walk the quarter of a mile hike to the gate that set before the entrance of the mountain tunnel. Frank took every detail of the area in as he walked. He kept his mind going the whole time.

It was as if someone yelled ‘halt’. The steady stride of Frank and George both slowed to an almost stop when the vision of the gate came into focus. Frank saw him. The guard. He looked at George and without any words, he knew George was thinking the same thing. Why was there a guard? Where did he come from? Was he armed? . . . He was.

Standing stern and blanking staring forward, the guard asked their names when they approached. He let them in when Frank and George told him who they were. The guard returned to staring outward, never watching Frank or George as they walked to the tunnel that led to the installation.

The feeling that something was amiss grew stronger in Frank as they entered the first floor of the installation. They were stopped, by yet another guard. Two? Frank thought, then assessed the situation. Two guards, each with one single fire arm. What were they protecting and where did the guards come from? The guard informed George and Frank to wait there. He stood with them. They stood in silence.

Frank kept his stare down the long hallway before him. He checked his watch and began to keep time. If in five minutes he didn’t see his wife, guard or no guard he was going to find her.

^^^^

Joanna was the first to enter Ellen and Miguel’s room, she brought with her an armed soldier. Jeffrey Barnett stood in the hall. Joanna was not smiling, she had a certain look of nervousness as she spoke. “Miguel, come with me.” She motioned her head to the guard to step in the room.

Miguel stood up. “I’m not leaving Ellen.”

Another motion of her head to the guard and he lifted his weapon and pointed it at Ellen. “Now Miguel, you will come with me, and you will do exactly as I say. It appears your people are here early.”

Ellen stood up suddenly with a burst of energy and relief, the guard shoved her back down.

Miguel turned away from Joanna. “I’m staying here.”

“No you won’t.” Joanna insisted. “You will come with me. You will tell them that you and Ellen have decided to stay here longer. You will do this, Miguel. Or she . . .” Joanna pointed to Ellen. “Will die. We’ve had enough of her. What will it be?”

Miguel took a deep breath and stared to Ellen. He gave her a look that told her he was going to take care of it. With his head high, he walked with Joanna. She shut the door, leaving the guard inside, alone with Ellen.

Miguel’s heart beat faster in the elevator with every floor they passed. How was he going to relay to Joe that things were wrong. The moment he stepped from the elevator and turned the bend, Miguel knew it was over. The instant he saw Frank standing tall, arms folded, and expression stern, Miguel knew not much would need to be said. Frank came down for a reason.

Where was Ellen? Frank’s eyes shifted. Miguel, Joanna, Barnett . . . another Guard? He breathed heavier, and checked out the guard once more that stood two feet angled from him to his right. He watched Miguel walk between Joanna and Jeffrey Barnett. Then the guard with them, off to their right. A single fire arm, not drawn.

“Mr. Slagel.” Joanna smiled. “President Hadly. Imagine our surprise that you are early.”

Frank kept his arms tightly folded to him. He stared only at Miguel. “Where’s Ellen?”

Miguel didn’t answer, he didn’t smile, if Frank had any mind reading powers in him, Miguel was wishing them forward.

Joanna answered for him. “It seems your wife is very busy. In fact.” She tighten her lips before she spoke. “I hate to be the one to tell you this. But Ellen has decided to stay on with us a bit longer. She said you two were having some problems and she’d rather not go home. So, hating to be the rude hostess. We’ve only made arrangements for President Hadly. I’m afraid Mr. Slagel, you’ll have to leave.”

Frank expected to hear something like that. He still stared into Miguel’s eyes. “Sure I’ll leave.” He inched his way closer. “But I have to ask Miguel something. This Ellen wanting to stay thing. Is it the same situation as when Dean took a break from her and went with . . . Robbie?”

Miguel released his shoulders. “Yes, yes it is. It’s the same situation.”

“Thanks, Miguel. That’s all I needed to know.” It happened so fast, no one even expected it was coming. In one swift single motion, Frank pulled his revolver with his right hand, extended his left and grabbed hold of Joanna by her hair. As he jerked her into him, he aimed his gun, clicked back the hammer and fired one single shot directly into the forehead of the armed guard who stood by Jeffrey. The force of the bullet shattered his skull instantly, blood flew everywhere. “Back off!” Frank heard the clicking of a gun. He pinned Joanna to him with his arm. His fingers clasped tightly to her head, tilting it away from him. “Back off now!” He pointed his gun at the other guard. “I break her fuckin neck or I shoot her. Your choice.”

The guard stepped back but still held aim at Frank.

“I’m not kidding!” Frank’s face was red as he dug the gun deep into Joanna’s temple. He could feel his anger growing in his throat, tightening, roughening his bellowing voice. “Put down your gun! To the floor!” He waited for the guard to become unarmed, placing his gun down, holding his hands up. As the guard stood straight up, Frank removed the gun from Joanna and aimed it at him. “Never drop your weapon.” Frank fired once, one deadly shot. Another guard down. “Miguel grab his weapon. Grab Barnett. George watch my back.”

George who had his own weapon pulled it and stood behind Frank.

Frank placed his lips close to Joanna’s ear. “I should break your fuckin' neck right now, but I need you to get out of here. Where is my wife?”

Joanna struggled. “You’re choking me.”

“Good.” Frank tugged her head again, then put the gun back to it. “Miguel, how many guards are we looking at?”

“There’s another one down with Ellen. Maybe one or two.” He held Jeffrey at gun point.

“Take me to Ellen.” Frank, with George backed up behind him, held tightly to Joanna, her feet slid more than moved on their own, as he raced after Miguel to the elevator. He plotted his escape the whole way down. In his mind he thought Ellen was fine. Miguel was, why wouldn’t she be. They’d be able to use Joanna to get to the front gate. They would off the guard and flee to the hill.

“She’s in here, Frank.” Miguel spoke softly outside the door so as not to alert the guard inside. “But it’s locked.”

Frank gave a hard pull to Joanna’s neck. “The key.”

“I don’t have it.” She choked as her face grew red. “The guard you shot upstairs does.”

“Fuck.” Frustrated, Frank threw her into George. “Hold the gun on her.” He instructed, as he stepped back, raised his gun, cocked back the hammer and barreled forth.

Like a blast of electricity through her body, Ellen felt the charge of life surge into her as the door to her room burst open and she saw Frank. The guard that held her at gun point stood not one chance. Frank fired a single shot, eliminating him as a threat.

Lifting herself from the bed and ignoring the pain, Ellen used the exhilaration of hope that Frank had just given her, to charge forth to her husband.

Frank reached her before she reached him. He took her tightly it his strong arms, clutching her against his chest. He could feel her gasp-of-emotions the moment he held her. “We have to hurry. Can you make it out?”

Ellen nodded to him with a sad smile.

Frank saw her face, the bruises. “My God, what did they do to you?” He placed her behind his back and held out his gun. “Hold on to me.” He walked from the room filled with outrage. “George, Miguel come on.”

George, his hand trembling just a bit as he placed the gun tight to Joanna’s temple, shook his head. “No Frank, take her and go. We’ll meet you there. If we hold these two here. You’ll be able to get her out. Now go! Get her out of here!” George motioned his head.

Frank clutched Ellen’s hand. “Miguel?”

“Go Frank. We’ll meet you. If not. Send for us.”

Frank hadn’t the time, he pulled Ellen to run. “Come on.”

Ellen reached her hand out to Miguel as Frank pulled at her, it slid down his arm across his fingers. She gave a thank you smile, yet her face showed so much worry. “Hurry to us, Miguel.” Ellen moved slow, her legs too sore, too injured to keep up with Frank, even a little.

Realizing that Ellen, physically couldn’t do it. Frank swept her up and carried her the rest of the way. In his arms, she collapsed, her head fell to his chest.

Once safely inside the elevator, Frank dropped to one knee. He placed his hand on her face, gently shaking it. “El, Come on. Wake up. I need you up just a little more. Come on. I need you awake enough to hold on to me. Can you do that?”

Ellen opened her eyes. “I can walk.”

“Right.” Frank looked up, they were reaching their floor. He kissed her softly. “I love you.” He stood up and helped Ellen to stand. “Don’t move until I check this floor.” When the doors opened he stood ready, gun held high, and positioned. No one was around. “It’s clear.” He took hold of Ellen again and raced from the installation with her. At the edge of the tunnel he saw his last obstacle. Frank smiled, it was easy enough. The not-too-bright, unsuspecting watch guard at the front gate. He still stood, rifle in arms staring forward. Setting down Ellen to lean against the wall of the tunnel, Frank got down on one knee. The guard was twenty-five feet away. Frank had one shot, that’s all he could take before the guard fired back. Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Frank aimed with a steady hand, and fired.

“Better.” Frank smiled when the guard dropped. He put his gun away and turned to Ellen. Though it was a long trudge, Frank would have to carry her out of the compound and up the road. Ellen was passed out.

^^^^

Down on the sixteenth floor, George kept staring at his watch, a gun still held to Joanna. He hadn’t heard anything, and no one had charged down.

Miguel, holding Jeffrey, kept his stare down the hall, waiting. “Should we head up now?”

“No.” George answered then slowly removed the gun from Joanna’s temple, extended his reach and placed it on Miguel’s. “Let him go, Miguel.”

Miguel’s eye widened as he felt the gun pressed to him. He released Jeffrey. “George what . . .”

“Shut up.” He held the gun tight to Miguel’s head, his arm steady. “Joanna, how many guards do you have left in this place?”

“Four.” She rubbed her throat.

“We’re dealing with Frank. Give them a few more minutes then send two of them after them. Bring Ellen back alive. Kill Frank.”

Joanna, still shaken, motioned her head to Miguel. “What about him?”

“He knows too much already.” George clicked back the hammer. “A real shame. I liked you Miguel.”

Miguel breathed deeply as he slowly shifted his eyes. “No, George.” With a single second of pain, pressure and a loud ringing of the firing gun . . . Miguel . . . fell to the floor.

^^^^

Something tickled her nose, she groggily brought her hand up to rub it, the pain as she did awaken her. Ellen opened her eyes, tall grass surrounded her. She lay amongst two knapsack, and two rolls of sleeping bags. The one sack lay open at her feet. No one was around. She was alone. Where was Frank? As she opened her mouth to call him, the eerie silence was broken by the loud cracking of gunfire. Ellen’s heart began to pound and beat out of control, she was afraid to get up. Who was shooting. Bringing herself to her hands and knees she was nearly barreled over by Frank’s legs as he slid down into the grassy area with her.

“Shh. Stay down.” Frank reached to the side of her and grabbed the rifle she didn’t see and checked it. “I’ll be right back.” Hunching low to the ground, he moved ten feet in front of her to the picnic table totally engrossed with weeds. Kneeling low behind it, he lifted up the rifle and aimed. “Go to it.” Frank spoke softly. “Come on . . . go to it.” Slowly he spoke as if he was actually beckoning someone to do something. “That’s it, one more step . . . Yes.”

The two guards that had followed him up the hill, firing at him, chasing him, stopped cold when they heard the soft snap. Both looking at each other in their last free second. Their faces showed the fact that they realized their error.

The loud explosion sent dirt, sticks and flesh spraying like rain, Frank ducked under the picnic table until the pattering stopped. “Yes.” He crawled out. “You can get up, El.” Excited and full of energy, he ran to get a closer look. He didn’t need to get too close, the mess that lay around told him that conquest was complete. “Oh, yeah.” He clenched his fist and ran back to Ellen. “I always wanted to do that for real.”

^^^^

George walked in silence alongside of Joanna to a quiet room where he could speak with her. His rage could be felt even though he spoke no words. Waiting for Joanna to follow him in, he slammed the door fiercely and pointed at her. “What in Christ’s name has been happening here? What happened to Ellen?”

“We were working diligently to get things ready. But, she destroyed two cases in the embryo lab. A major setback. We estimate we’ve lost . . .”

“How did she get to the lab . . . never mind. I don’t want to know. Obviously, trusting you Joanna, to run things here until I could join you was a mistake. A big mistake.”

“Our guards will bring her back. Don’t . . .”

“They will not.” George crossed his arms. “Those guards aren’t coming back. Two of them.” He shook his head as he laughed. “Against Frank? The man will take them down. But . . .” George shrugged. “We had to give it a try, didn’t we?”

“Shall I get the other two left, to go out?”

“What? And leave us alone with the survivors you’ve picked up? No. When the next squad comes in we’ll send them out after them. Divide them into groups. Eight in a group, Frank will have a bit of trouble. Besides. They’re gonna stay close to the highway, so it shouldn’t be too hard to spot them.”

“Do you think they suspect you at all?”

“No.” George answered her quickly. “And it will stay that way too. If something goes wrong with this, I want to be able to walk back into Beginnings and bring them down my own way. As one of them. As far as they’ll be concerned, I’m one of your prisoners now.” George moved to the door. “Now . . . I had a long trip. I come down here and everything is screwed up. You want to show me to my room so I can rest.” He waited for Joanna to agree and he followed her. “There will be no more mistakes.” George began to walk down the hall. “I’m here. And I’m running things now.”

^^^^

Frank wasted no time pulling their supplies back from the clearing. He immediately opened the knapsack with food, pulled out a brown pouch of applesauce and a spoon. Eat.” He told Ellen. “You look like you haven’t eaten in days.”

“I haven’t. But we can’t stop. We have to . . .” A large spoon of food pummeled into her mouth shutting her up. The bitterness of it sent a shiver through her. Not to mention the shock of being suddenly fed.

“You gonna eat or do I feed you?” He tilted his head. “You can talk to me while you eat.”

Ellen took the package and looked inside. “It looks red. I never saw red applesauce.”

“You’re being pretty picky for someone who hasn’t eaten.” Frank grabbed the spoon again and lifted it. “Eat El . . . look an airplane.” He made motor noises. “Open up.”

“Stop it.” Laughing, she grabbed the spoon and stuck it in her mouth. “There.” She swallowed. Whether it tasted good or not, it was food. “Listen to me Frank. You seem to think they can’t get us here.”

“Who’s going to get us here, El?” Frank asked.

“There are more of them. They aren’t in the compound, they couldn’t have hidden that many. But they’re somewhere out here.”

“That many?” Frank scoffed. “Really. How many can there be?”

“Maybe more than three hundred.” Ellen placed another spoon of food in her mouth.

“El?” Frank snapped his finger in front of her. “Are you all right? Three hundred, El please. I haven’t seen three hundred people in more than one area since before the plague. Where are they getting three hundred?” He questioned her so non-believing.

“They didn’t get them, Frank. They had them. Frozen in that compound. I saw it, with my own eyes. The biggest Cryo-lab ever.”

“You’re serious.”

“Very.”

“Fuck.” Frank ran his hand over his face. “This isn’t good. I can’t take on three hundred men. Or at least I don’t think I can.”

“And they aren’t stupid security guard like they used to have at the bank, the ones that worked for minimum wage. These men are trained soldiers like you.”

“Not like me. I wouldn’t have run into a obvious trip wire, I can tell you.” Frank took a moment to think. “If what you’re saying is true, then this changes everything. We had it planned out. If there was trouble, I brought you here. If we had to run, we’d stay close to the highway. But . . . if there are three hundred or even a hundred running around out here, then they’ll get word they we are here. We’re gonna have to stay away from the obvious clearings and further from the highway. Which means we have to constantly move, and it may mean my Dad might not spot us on his way back up.”

“What about Miguel and George.”

“I don’t think they’re coming.” Frank looked sadly. “They should have been here.”

“Could we be stuck out here?” Ellen asked.

“At least until my dad gets home, then he’ll send the choppers out. We’ll still head north. They will find us. But how long it’ll take, I don’t know.”

“Are you worried.”

“For you I am.” Frank lifted his head and smiled. “Seriously El. It could be bad out here.”

“I’m not scared.” Ellen inched closer. “How can I be. Look what you did. No one could have come in there and did what you did. I knew as soon as I saw you, it was over. I was going home.”

“Home.” Frank laughed a nervous laugh. “We aren’t exactly home. But . . . if we want to get there alive. We’d better start moving.” He stood and began to gather their things. “Just for a little while and we’ll take it slow. You up for it?”

“Absolutely.” Ellen stood. “I’m with you.”

Frank stopped for a moment and faced Ellen. He looked down at her face, so pale, so much thinner than before she had left Beginnings. The cut on her cheek, the bruises, showed what she had been through. Frank could tell by her eyes, that she was trying her hardest to hide it all from him. It didn’t matter, he felt it all the same. “If you start to get tired, you let me know. I’ll carry you all the way if I have to.” Grabbing their gear, he kissed her softly then began to walk, staying so close to her.

“I’ll let you know. But I think I’ll be fine.” Ellen truly believed that. The fearful reality of the journey they were about to embark on never crossed her mind. The world that they wandered upon, one that she heard of, but never faced, sparked not one ounce of fear in her. Why would it? She was with Frank.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

The Cryo-lab. Dean hadn’t been there in quite some time. But it was time now, even more so, to work on that data. Mid-afternoon, his clinic work complete and Dean went directly to there. Henry had been to the clinic to give a progress report on the helicopters--still nothing. The only thing that Henry seemed to be producing in that hanger was blood. He had gashed his hand twice, and with the progress reports he sought out stitches. Henry was trying to repair the choppers as fast as he could, but still nothing. How Henry described the situation to Dean told him everything. He explained that the engines were like the world’s biggest jigsaw puzzles. All the pieces there, but no picture to follow.

“Dr. Dean?” Johnny poked his head in the lab. “I know you’re busy, but can Josh hang with you? I want to get up to the hanger to see if I can help.”

“Sure, John.” Dean reached for a box..

Johnny led Josh in. “Josh, Dr. Dean is gonna pal with you, O.K.? Thanks, Dr. Dean.”

Josh waved to Johnny and hugged his book and walked slowly to the counter.

“Thanks Dean.” Johnny waved then left.

“Got your book there Josh?” Dean peeked. “Physics. Wow. Let me let you in on a little secret Josh.” He leaned closer to the still standing teenage boy. “I’m a scientist. Physics is not fun. But go ahead.”

Josh watched Dean walk over to the counter with a small box. Dean set it down, and slid his body on a stool. Josh, imitated him almost to a tee.

Dean snickered when he noticed that. “You miss Frank, Josh?”

“Frank’s cool.”

Dean shook his head. “He’s brainwashed all the young, hasn’t he?” Dean pulled out a red disk and showed it to Josh. “I have work .” He reached down and booted up the computer. He saw through the corner of his eyes, Josh mimicking him. “You gonna work, Josh?” Dean pulled out a disk and slipped it in. Typing a few taps, he pulled up what he wanted. He heard tapping come from Josh. “What are you doing?”

“Work.”

“Work?” Dean glanced over, Josh had pulled something up. “No, Josh.” He stood from the stool and ran over. “I don’t know how you did it. But you pulled something . . .” Dean looked at the screen. ‘D’ prompt was up. “Josh, did you see what I typed?” He peeked down, the light in the disk drive was lit. “You put a disk in there? Where did you get a disk from.” Dean pointed.

“Book.” Josh opened up his physics book.

As the cover flipped open Dean stepped back in surprise, there were no pages, it was completely shelled out. “This was Chester’s book. Was it in here?” Dean began to get excited.

“Work.”

“Yeah, I heard.” Dean placed his hand on the keyboard and pulled up the contents of the disk. He read the menu and chose set-up. The screen turned bright purple, and the words ‘Select drive to load de-sequencing program on:’ Read loud and clear. “No, I’m not that lucky.” Dean began to load the program. “Please, please.” Fingers crossed, he waited. Once the program was complete, Dean ran to grab a new disk. He followed the instructions, placing the new disk inside. The data came up, it still made no sense. Then suddenly before his eyes it changed, all of it. “Yes! It’s a de-scrambling program.” Dean screamed and jumped up and down. “Josh, Josh.” He excitedly grabbed the unsuspecting teenager and kissed him. “You’re the man. Holy shit!” Dean had to sit. His heart raced. He breathed heavier. “Josh . . .” He shook his head. “What can I say?”

“Frank’s cool.”

“No. Josh is cool.” Dean sat back. “This is what we need.” He began to read the opening paragraph. “The Caceres Society.” Again he smiled as he read. “This is it.”

^^^^

How many miles had they walked? They hadn’t seen a soul. Frank told her they probably wouldn’t. Most survivors stayed away from the big cities. They had wiped them out long ago. Ellen supposed it was for other reasons. Bad memories was the reason that come to her mind first. And rightfully so. Though her and Frank stayed on the outskirts of Colorado Springs, visions of the world’s last dying days were still so predominant.

Through the weeds that became small trees and poked through the parking lots and sidewalks, final chaos was so evident. Burnt cars. People hanging out of them. People who were mere skeletons of the beings they once were. From a distance the actual city of Colorado Springs looked normal. Ellen wanted to go into center town, curiosity beckoned her. But they couldn’t do that. They had to make their way out of the city to Pike National Forest. They’d use Highway Twenty-Five--the route that Joe would take--staying deep enough in the wooded area, but close enough to the road.

Ellen took the hike well. Trying not to let the sight of the dead cities and suburbs be frightening. The only thing that rattled her, that brought back the painful reality of the plague, was the med station they had passed as they neared the edge of Colorado Springs. On a football field. Army trucks still posted, long tables, tents, and cots. The long over grown grass peeking up and almost covering the scattered about cots that held the now blanket covered, skeletal remains of the once civilized world. That sight was not that long ago, distance wise, and it was still fresh on her mind. She wanted to keep going, but was glad they stopped.

Ellen enjoyed the moment as she sat on the bus stop bench outside of sporting goods store. She looked at the store front, glass busted, naked male dummies in the window. The word eunuch coming to her mind and making her smile while she sat alone. She was tired, but couldn’t tell Frank. He’d end up picking her up, and she couldn’t have him do that. She sat there waiting for him and eating her supposed lunch from its brown foil package.

^^^^

Joe leaned back in the driver’s seat. He stretched his head, rolling his neck. The trip was quiet, Greg and he spoke very little except to tell him what was really going on with Frank.

“Joe, there’s the exit.” Greg indicted. “Delhart. This is it right?”

“That’s what Paul had told us.” Joe slowed up. “Yeah, this is it.” He smiled at the exit sign as they turned off. The green sign over painted with white spray paint, and words that read ‘all are welcome’.

“Where is everyone?”

“Probably more centered in town. Paul said it wasn’t a big gathering place. One mile . . . see.” Joe pointed to the town square mileage sign. He smiled and followed it with a chuckle. Both soon disappeared. “What is this?”

“This can’t be the place.”

Joe brought the truck to a stop, he had to, blocking the road were two over turned vehicles, blackened from being burned. They seemed to have barricaded the road. And it seemed as if for a reason. Joe opened the truck door and stepped out, grabbing his gun and bringing it with him.

Greg moved closer to the wreckage. “Joe, come here.”

Running over, Joe slowed down as he neared. A freshly decomposing hand, holding a gun stuck out the side of the car. “Shit.” He began to take in the sight. It wasn’t the welcome he and Greg expected. The two vehicles were indeed a barricade of protection. And the body laying off to the side, and the two burnt ones, still holding their weapons on top, were the proof. With a click of the cartridge into his revolver, Joe slowly moved behind the car toward the heart of the town of Delhart.“Follow me.” As he stepped cautiously beyond the barricade, he lowered his gun, and put it away. “Son of a bitch.”

“Christ.” Greg lowered his gun also. “What the hell happened at this town?”

Shaking his head, Joe took in the vision before him. The town, the small town, which had appeared to have been cleaned-up looked like the scene of a massacre. Bodies laid shot, sprawled on the street, hanging from doorways. All over. Thirty? Forty? Joe tried to estimate a count in his head as he stepped over them. He knew the scene well. The rotting smell of flesh was fresh in the hot August air. Flies buzzed about, and birds swept down to enjoy the blanket of food set out for them. “This just happened, Joe.” Joe bent down to one of the bodies. He looked at the decomposition of an arm. “Four, five days ago.” He brushed off his hands.

A loud charging scream was heard in the distance, it grew louder and louder toward Joe and Greg. The running male figure barreled to them, then past them. His tall thin body a mere blur as he shot out of town.

Joe pulled his gun and chased after him. He picked up speed when he heard the truck door shut and the engine turn over. As Joe arrived to his transportation, the young dark haired boy inside tried diligently to drive, but only jerked the vehicle about. Putting his gun away, Joe marched to the truck. “Get the hell out of there, your gonna drop my transmission.”

The young man, no older than nineteen, slid in fear of Joe across the bench seat to the passenger’s door. He stopped, petrified when he saw Greg blocking the way. He huffed in fright, sweat poured down his dirty face.

Joe opened up the truck door. “Calm down. We aren’t gonna hurt you. What happened here?”

The young man’s head dropped to the dashboard and he started to cry.

^^^^

Fingers slightly dusty from the crumbs of the preserved crackers, Ellen brushed them off and looked up when Frank finally emerged from the store.

“Got them.” Frank immediately knelt before her.

“I’m sorry about this, Frank.” She felt him place on her, socks then tennis shoes.

“No, it’s all right. I wished I would have thought about having to do all this walking. I forgot you didn’t have good shoes with you.” He began to tie them on. “And I grabbed some clothes for you. I . . Uh . . kinda forgot about your clothes.” He cringed, waiting for the yell.

“That’s all right. We should still be able to find something here and there for me.” She smiled at him, then her smile dropped when she looked at what he got. “Green? I hate green.”

“You need green. It’s either that or the military pants and shirt.” Frank set her foot down. “There, all tied, stand up, what do you think?”

Ellen stood up in the black high tops, her feet sunk in comfort. “Whoa. These are nice.”

“Too big?” Frank asked then watched Ellen indicate to him only a little. “You know these had a price tag of two-hundred bucks. They ought to be comfortable.” He lifted the gear over his shoulder. “You ready?”

“Yep.” She really wanted to sit on that bench a bit longer, but realized they had to move on. At least Frank kept the pace slow, only occasionally she did have to tell him to slow down. But Ellen knew his mind was elsewhere. He barely spoke as they walked, keeping his eyes peered straight ahead. Frank treated it like they were on a mission, a detail. He knew where they had to be and when, and he didn’t want to stop until he got there.

^^^^

His name was Michael and he was barely nineteen. He had stopped shaking and finally felt safe sitting with Joe and Greg, smoking their cigarettes, one after another. “And I just . .. I just hid.” Michael stated.

Joe whistled. “Smart move. You guys tried to defend yourselves. You were outnumbered.” He laid a fatherly hand on the boy’s back. “How many were in your town.”

“Two hundred. Give or take a few.”

Greg quickly looked at Joe then to Michael. “There aren’t two hundred bodies out there. Did some of your people run.”

“No.” Michael shook his head. “The ones that fought got killed. Everyone else they loaded in the trucks and took.”

“Took?” Joe questioned in shock. “They took over a hundred people. Who took them?”

“Military.”

Joe thought it was the trauma talking. “Son, there is no more military.”

Again Michael shook his head adamantly. “No, sir. They were military. Came in with their military trucks, guns, uniforms with a ‘CS’ on the shoulder. Soldiers all the way.”

Joe didn’t know how to react or what to say. The Beginnings men had never run into something like what had happened in the small town. It was new. There was a new band of survivors out there. Dressing like soldiers, acting like soldiers, and wiping out towns like the savages. Michael couldn’t give a good count as to how many. But Joe knew by the number of residents taken and killed, the number of soldiers had to be frighteningly high.

^^^^

The noise level in Dean’s living room was astronomical, but he didn’t seem to mind. More like, he really didn’t seem to care. Rambunctious twins jumping from the couch to Josh, to the stairs. Katie, Andrea’s seven year daughter, joining in the screaming frenzy contest, pummeling herself in wrestling moves onto Josh’s back trying desperately with Alexandra to bring Josh and Billy down. It was a major tag-team competition and Dean failed to notice.

Little Brian slept comfortably on his chest as Dean sprawled out on the couch. His head on a pillow, one knee up, the other leg stretched forward. Massive amounts of computer paper all around, nearly burying himself and Brian.. He read from a sheet and the long line of papers still connected, dangled about on the floor.

“Daddy.” Alexandra ran up to him, red faced and out of breath.

“Yes.” Dean adjusted his glasses, never taking his eyes off the papers he was engrossed in.

“Billy and Josh are cheating. Can I cheat too?

“Sure whatever.” Dean flipped to the next page, then rested his hand on Brian’s back.

Alex ran off full speed to Billy. “Daddy said I can cheat.” Before she knew it she was on the floor being pinned again. Her tiny meek voice bellowing out like Ellen’s. “Assholes!”

“Daddy, Alex swore.” Billy told.

“Alex, don’t swear.” Dean shook his head as he read. He never heard the children call out loudly and with excitement ‘Aunt Andrea!’ when Andrea walked in.

“Dean!” Andrea shouted, standing over him. “I know you aren’t dead. I can hear the noise a block away.”

“What noise?” Dean peered up at her.

“This noise.” She held her hand back and showed Dean. The level was unbearable. Andrea took charge. “All of you shut up right now. Go up stairs.” She rubbed her forehead. “You said you were watching my daughter for me.”

“I was watching her.” Dean sat up with the papers, still clutching Brian. “Andrea you have to hear . . .”

“Look at this house Dean. You are usually so meticulous.”

“I’ll clean up later. I’m reading this. You have to hear this.”

“What?” Andrea sat next to him, she reached over and touched the sleeping baby. “Is he being good for you?”

“The best.” Dean pressed his lips to Brian’s head. “He’s such a good baby . . . huh Brian?”

“Dean.” Andrea gave that Andrea-mother-look. “Don’t get too used to him. He isn’t yours.” She paused then looked at him. “He isn’t yours, is he?”

“Hmm.” Dean stood up and walked Brian to the cradle and set him down. “You know how I was having so much trouble figuring out what the formulas were on those disks?”

“Yes. And what is all this?” She reached for the long line of papers.

“That’s what I’m trying to tell you. Those formulas, weren’t formulas. It was information coded. That blue book Josh carries, isn’t a book, it held the program that decoded at all. And this . . . this is all the information from one disk only.”

Andrea gasped as she lifted it. “No wonder you’re so engrossed.”

“I want to read as much as I can. Learn as much as I can. This basically is info about the Garfield Project and how it came to be part of the Caceres Society. It’s says basically, Beginnings is a center point. I don’t know what that means. I’ll get to it. It mentioned about it also being the basis. Farming, industry. And according to what I can gather from their game plan. We’ve done that part of their plan for them.” Dean placed down his stack. “The rest of it is pretty useless information.” Standing up Dean stretched as he looked upon his living room. “Oh my God, what happened to my house?”

^^^^

It felt good to finally stop. Ellen was wondering when Frank would. She could hear him walking about in the deep wooded area surrounding them. He had set up the camp for them. The two sleeping bags rolled out side by side. A very small fire lit at her feet.. Ellen poked a stick into it, playing with it, just like Frank told her not to. Her head jolted to the sound of footsteps.

“It’s me.” Frank sat down next to her, kissing her on the cheek as he did. He took the twig, made sure the end wasn’t smoldering and tossed it. “I don’t want this fire spotted. And don’t get up in the middle of the night to run around. I have traps set up all over the place so . . .”

“Frank.” Ellen brought her hand to his mouth. “Can we just sit here together. Please. I haven’t seen you in days and when I do, I feel like I’m in a platoon with you.”

Frank grabbed her hand. “I’m sorry. I just want to make sure you’re protected.”

“You’re doing a good job.” Ellen brought her knees close to her and tucked her hair behind her ears. “So . . . you have to tell me what made you come and get me. And early too.”

“It wasn’t exactly just me. I mean I had this bad feeling, and I wanted to get down here, but the other man in your life gave me that final push.”

“The other man?”

“Dean. He helped me get all this shit together. He helped me plan this whole escape. Not that I couldn’t have done it on my own mind you. But he was a big help.” Frank picked up a stone and tossed it. “He was worried. He, uh, still cares about you.” Frank looked at her. “And wipe that gloating smile off your face.”

“I’m not smiling because of Dean. I’m smiling because people care. Miguel for example. I always thought Miguel only tolerated me. But when they did the things they did to me. He helped me out. He was really . . .”

“What did they do to you, El?” Frank asked.

“I’d rather not talk about it right now. Not tonight.” Ellen took a deep breath and let it out. “I’m not bringing any of this up. Can you help me get undressed please. My shoulder is still bad.”

Frank grasped the bottom of her tee shirt, helping her out of it. His eyes widened when he set his vision upon her bra. Her shirt dropped from his hand.

“What’s wrong?” Ellen asked.

“This is blood.” He touched her bra. The brown color of dried blood made a patch on the left side of her white bra. “Is this your blood?”

Ellen’s head dropped, she lifted her eyes to him, then grabbed her shirt pulling it to her. “Let’s just get to sleep.

“El, don’t do this. What happened to your breast?” He slowly reached his hand to the edge of her bra to pull it out.

“Stop.” Ellen smacked his hand away.

“What did they do to you? That’s a lot of blood.”

“Nothing, Frank.”

“That’s not nothing. What happened to . . .”

“Two guards . . . tried . . . to rape me.” Ellen stood up and walked away a few feet. “And one of them bit me pretty bad.” She tried to control herself, looking out.

Frank felt a singeing, a tingling knot form in his gut, it burned from his stomach to his throat. With a deep breath, trying so hard to be in control, he lifted himself to stand, and slowly walked over to her. He bit his bottom lip, and with half closed eyes, and clenching jaw, he slipped the shoulder strap from her, letting the garment fall from her beast and showing her injury. With a loud emotional exhale he gently brought his finger tips to just above the bruising and still slightly bleeding open wound that surrounded her nipple. “Oh my God.” He pulled her close to him, holding back his rage. “I am so sorry. I’m sorry.” He buried his lips on her head.

“I just want to forget about this.” Ellen stepped from him, pulling her strap back.

“How could they do this to you?” Frank’s words cracked with his anger and sadness for her. “Where was Miguel?”

“They had him drugged. There was nothing he could do. He didn’t even know what happened until they brought me back.” She walked near him. “He felt bad, really bad. He took care of me. Washed me, carried me.”

Frank cringed in pain listening to her, his head tilted, as he kept his eyes closed. “I let this happen.”

“No. No one did.” Ellen grabbed his clenching fist. “Just know . . . I fought with everything I had.” She brought her body against his. “Please let’s just not talk about this. Please.”

Slowly he opened his eyes. It hurt him more than anything to see her and the battle scars she had. “I love you. More than life. You know that?”

Ellen nodded, then took the shirt she had in her hand and lifted it over her head.

Frank watched her place the shirt back on. He knew it would cover her body, but it would never be able to cover the truth of everything Ellen had gone through.

^^^^

After knocking once in fear, Joanna entered George’s sleeping quarters following his gruff ‘yeah.’ Nervously she shut the door. “I can’t wait until communications are in full swing.” She let out a breath. “Lots of static but there. Radio transmission went through. Three more regiments are on their way from New Mexico.”

“Good.” George nodded as he sat at a table. “How are things down there?”

“Moving along.” Joanna stated. “Survivors sweeps are, well, troublesome, but we’ll get the hang of it. We’re almost ready to branch out. Begin moving onward with everything at the other sites. I just wish we had Beginnings. We need the food supply.”

“Don’t worry about it.” George stated. “Besides the stockpile down here, I should be back there shortly. No more dropping excess off at the savage camps. My bird will drop it off to you guys.”

“When do you think they’ll come for you?” Joanna asked.

“Probably soon. That’s why I want things to start getting packed up now, ready to move. I don’t want them coming here while we still are. If they don’t show back up, I’ll go to them. Use the ‘I made my escape’ story.”

“Are you sure it will be safe to do that?” With concern Joanna questioned.

“I have to. I have to maintain control of Beginnings, you know how vital a center point that is. And I have to go back to take out Joe.”

“We’ll have that already for you whenever you leave. The doses are strong, but if you don’t re-inject him every week, he’ll come out of it and you’ll be busted.”

“I’d like to just kill the know-it-all-Hitler-son-of-a-bitch.” George slammed his hand down and stood up. “But I can’t give myself away.” He ran his hand over his hair. “You’re sure it’ll work?”

“Yes. It’ll look like he had a stroke. Of course Beginnings still has the vials, and the anti-serum to it is in the vials. But . . . why would they suspect he was even given the drug?” Joanna stared up at George as he walked around. “They don’t even know what they have.”

“And that’s better for us. All right . . . Let me know when out troops arrive. I went to send them right back out for Frank and Ellen. I have a plan.” George went to the desk and spread out a map. His finger moved about it. “Keeping in groups of eight, we’ll send each group out in three or four hour intervals. Use the highway route, even though I’ll bet Frank and Ellen take this secluded route here, near the interstate..”

“They won’t stay on the highway? Why? It makes perfect sense.” Joanna stated. “Mr. Slagel will take that route.”

“Yeah, but I know Frank. If he senses trouble he’s gonna wander far off the path and hope for the Beginning choppers to pick them up. Which you and I both know, they won’t. At least not for awhile. We should get them first.” George refolded the map. He was confident in his plan that Frank and Ellen wouldn’t get that far. He had something in his favor. He got to know his enemy.

CHAPTER THIRTY

August 17

“Frank?” Ellen walked behind him, keeping up the rear. “I’ve been looking at this map.” She took another bite of the cracker she munched on.

“Don’t look at the map, El.” Frank stopped reached back and snatched it up. “Please.”

“But it appears to me, that if we followed the basic principles of Geometry--the shortest distance between two points is . . .”

“El. Just walk.” Frank kept his stare ahead.

“Are we stopping soon?”

Frank opened the map as he walked. “Uh . . . about four more miles than we’ll stop for an hour. We’ll clear the woods and hit the highway by then. If my guess is right.” Frank looked down at his watch. “My dad should be hitting the highway just about that time. I hope.”

Ellen’s legs stepped high to go over the large clumps of grass that seemed to patch up. “Are we going to stop and get me more clothes at the next town. These are too big.” She lifted the shorts and rolled them. “I keep losing my pants. No clothes, no running water. I hope you find me a large enough area of water so I can purge my body in it. I feel gross. And I hope to God I don’t get my period out here.”

“You and me both.” Frank stopped walking and held his hand out.

“What’s wrong? Hey we . . .” Her mouth was covered by his hand and he pulled her back, almost dragging her back into the depths of the trees. “What?”

“Shh.” Frank held her back and placed his mouth to her ear. “Be quiet. Look.”

Ellen slowly turned her head, a hundred feet away, through the trees she saw them. They walked in a line across the road way. Soldiers, peering out to their left and right.

“They’re looking for us.” Frank said. “We’ll stay deep and try to get a head of them, so we can take them out. Can you run?”

“As fast as you need me to.”

Frank pulled her back another fifteen feet into the wooded area. He ran with her, fast and forward to get ahead of the small squad of men. They found their spot. A small rocky hillside off to the side of the road. Frank pulled their gear close and grabbed his ammunition sac. He pulled from it two grenades and then set up his rifle, keeping an extra clip handy. He perched his rifle and picked up a grenade, holding it in his hand. The soldiers grew closer, fifty feet, forty. Frank pulled out the pin and held it . . . thirty, twenty. Standing up enough to get his throw he tossed the first grenade.

It clanked on the road way, rolling across the cracked pavement into the tip of a boot. Looking up to see where it came from, the soldier tried to run. With an explosion, he and the man next to him flew off ten feet from the ground, leaving their feet still behind.

Frank pulled the pin on the second grenade, tossing it, and taking out two more. Rifle carefully aimed through the smoke, catching the scurrying men in the scope of his rifle, Frank very nonchalantly picked them off, one by one as if they were sitting ducks in an easy child’s game. He put down his rifle, grabbed his revolver, then stood up.

“Frank get down.” She pulled at his leg.

“El, they’re all hit.” Holding his revolver out and aimed, Frank walked to the highway. He extended his gun to each of the four men he hit. And one at a time, Frank nudged them with his boot, then fired into their heads. Placing his revolver back in his shoulder harness he went back to Ellen. “We have to go now.” He began to lug the gear over his shoulders.

“What about your dad? You said that he’d be here.”

“El, we don’t know how long that’ll be. That was eight men. Eight. If there’s more, we have to get out now.”

Ellen stood up and followed, Frank was walking toward the just killed men. “Where are we going?”

“To cross the highway. We’re going east for a little bit.”

“East? Home is north.”

“We’ll shift north after we get far enough out.” Frank led her. “And whatever you do, do not step in any blood. The only trail I want to leave them is a fake one.”

Ellen watched her every step. Being careful not to touch her foot down upon anything that once used to be alive was difficult, Frank had made quite the mess.

^^^^

Henry whistled long and drawn out as he lifted the stack of papers. “This is one disk?”

“Seven hundred and fifty sheets.” Dean stated.

“And how many of these trained assassins does the plan call for?” Henry asked.

“Twenty-five hundred.”

Another whistle came from Henry as he stood up. “What in the world do they need all those assassins for and where are they?”

“According to their theory, in order to rebuild a perfect civilization non viable life forms will either be eliminated or restructured, whatever that means.” Dean shrugged. “Where? I don’t know. The first disk is merely the preparation phase. I have the other disks printing out now. Or at least some. Some of them the decoder won’t touch. They’re password protected.”

“Bet me like the hidden files that we didn’t find yet.” Henry tapped his hand on the counter and backed up ready to leave, he paused as he reached the door. “Find me when you know more. I’ll be at the hanger.”

“Will do.” Dean returned to his stack of reading.

“Dean?” The woman’s voice called softly to him from the lab door.

“Melissa.” Dean turned. “What’s up?”

“Are you busy?” She stepped in. “I’m having a problem with this pregnancy.”

“What kind?” Dean asked.

“I didn’t want to mention it yesterday. I started noticing it the day before. Dean . . . I’m starting to swell. I mean really swell.”

“You hands, ankles? What? You’re not even a month along.”

“Tell me about it.” Melissa moved closer. “So if that’s the case. Why do I look like this?” She opened up the big lab coat she wore that covered her. Protruding forth was her stomach, it’s roundness looked as if it belonged to a woman in her fourth or fifth month, rather than her first.

“Holy shit!” Dean literally fell from his stool, knocking it over and sending it crashing to the ground. “Shit.” He reached his hand out but didn’t touch her. “Cover back up.” He closed her coat, grabbed his stool and nervously sat back down.

“What are we going to do? This isn’t normal.”

“Um . . .um.” Dean shook his head. “No it’s not. I’ll tell you what.” Dean ran his hands through his hair. “Give me an hour. Meet me back in the room with the ultra sound. O.K.?” He jumped up and ran to the door.

“Where are you going?”

“To find out what we implanted.” Dean bolted to the hall then stuck his head back in. “What number was that. Thirty-seven?” Snapping his finger he took off for the Cryo-lab. Trying to look cool and calm, Dean knew he was failing at that task. He was fearful of what he did. Fearful of going down into the lab and finding out for sure, what number thirty-seven really was.

^^^^

Crouched down, Joe looked at what appeared to be a finger ten or so feet from what looked like a blast site. “Yep, Frank’s work.” He stood up and brushed off his hands, and moved up closer to the site. “Sloppy trip wire. Frank you’ll have to be better.” Joe spoke to himself as he examined everything. Michael stayed in the truck, while Greg made his way over to the green picnic table. “What else.” Joe placed his hands on his hips looking about, catching glimpse of the arm waving to him from the tree. “Damn grenades are good.”

“Did you say something, Joe?” Greg moved closer, holding a sleeping roll.

“I said our homemade grenades are good..” He pointed up to the tree.

“Oh yeah.” Greg spoke with sarcasm. “Real good. Got that ‘blast it a mile away effect’ going. Anyway, two rolls left behind.” He tossed them to Joe. “Frank is running. But with who?”

“It’s definitely Ellen.” Joe took in the site around him. “My son would die trying to get her if he had too. My guess, Miguel and George are still in there.” Joe began to walk back to the truck. “And by the looks of things, Frank’s going on with the plan, move forward if there’s trouble.”

“So we’re gonna try to find them?” Greg opened his side of the truck.

“Yep.” Joe climbed in. “Barring any more trouble Frank knows we’re heading up here. He’ll be close to the highway if not there.” Joe turned over the ignition and placed the truck in gear. After the subtle bumps of going over the two torsos, they drove on.

^^^^

Andrea’s looked at the ultrasound picture of Melissa’s baby. She brought it to her lips, taping it several times as she stared at a very frazzled Dean. “He looks normal.”

“On the outside, yes.” Dean’s stated. “We have to abort it.”

“Do you hear yourself, Dr. Hayes?” Andrea asked sternly. “This is life.”

“Not the way it’s meant to be.”

“You knew there was a chance of that when you proceeded, you knew it. Now you want to turn it all back? Take it back? You’re a scientist. Do you always abort your experiments?”

“We’re talking about Melissa’s life here, Andrea.” Dean snatched up the photo. “Yes, this baby looks normal. Looks. He’s approximately four week’s gestation and is measuring a very large twenty-two weeks. All characteristics appear to be normal, but he is not. G.A.F. number thirty seven.” Dean pulled out a sheet of paper. “Genetically enhanced male. Intelligence level seven. I looked up their level-seven. Level-seven intelligence are designed for manual labor, physically created to withstand the elements.” Dean held up the paper. “That’s exactly what it says, withstand the elements without any detrimental effects to mental or physical state. Therefore lessening the chance of the worker becoming non-viable.” Dean slapped the paper down. “Not to mention, less-than-intelligent.”

“You want to destroy this life because he’ll be less than intelligent?”

“No.” Dean drastically shook his head, passion consumed his tone of argument. “By this little black and white picture he looks normal. But designed to withstand elements. What the hell is that? And you are forgetting the most important thing. G.A.F., doesn’t stand for genetically altered fetus. It stands for growth accelerated fetus. Designed to achieve complete gestation not in forty weeks, but in eight weeks. The human body is not designed to give birth that quickly, you know that and I know that. We have to abort to eliminate any risk to Melissa . . .” A very strong and stern ‘no’ came into the room. Dean and Andrea both looked to the door, Melissa stood there.

“No, Dean.” Melissa shut the door. “I’ve been listening, I’m sorry. But I can’t sit in the hall and let you determine the fate of my baby.” She rubbed her hand over her stomach.

Dean was rattled in shock by her statement. “Melissa look . . .”

“No, Dean.” Melissa spoke softly. “You look. I feel this child move . . . move.” She sat down in a chair next to him, speaking from her heart. “Since I was fifteen years old I was told I would never have a child. I want this. Isn’t it life, no matter what it is?” She looked to Andrea. “Isn’t it life?”

Andrea leaned into her desk. “Dean’s concerned about you. You have approximately four more weeks to go, the shock of going into such a sudden labor could be deadly.”

“Then take the baby out before he’s due.” Melissa leaned in.

Andrea the woman heard her, but Andrea the doctor had to think. She leaned back, resembling Joe just a bit as she sank into thought. “We could do that. Maybe in three weeks.”

Dean’s hand slammed down on the table. “No. Don’t risk it.”

Andrea, whose hands were in a prayer motion at her lips, turned to Melissa. “I will have it be your call.”

Melissa smiled slightly. “I’m risking it. I have faith in you two.”

Dean stood to his feet. “It’s your life we’re talking about here, Melissa. I want my objection known.” Bewildered, beaten, with an outstanding argument given, but not heard, Dean picked up his report, giving into the recent defeat, and moved on. He had more work to do, and more to learn.

^^^^

“Son of a bitch.” Joe exclaimed in disgust as he screeched the fast moving wheels of the truck to a halt. The flock of birds that had gathered on the highway like something from a Hitchcock film, scattered like a black cloud into the air at the approaching vehicle. “What in God’s name is going on?”

Michael, nervous in the back seat, tapped Joe on the shoulder. “The military.”

Slamming his hand hard against the steering wheel, Joe looked to the rear view mirror. “There is no military!” He opened the truck door. “At least I didn’t think there was.”

Greg joined him looking at the scattered bodies. “Six?”

Joe shaded his eyes from the bright sun, looking about. “Nope. Eight.” His hand extended out. “One over there, and another, sort of, over there.” Joe moved closer to the bodies. “Frank. Two shots, chest and head.” Hands on hips, Joe looked upon the bodies, studying the scene, speaking his thoughts low and out loud. “Tell me something, Frank. Anything.” Joe reached his hand up rubbing his head. And he took in the angle of the fallen bodies. He spun his body to face the wooded area to his left. “They shot from somewhere over there. There’s a grade. Let’s check it out.”

Greg ran over first. Joe hem-hawed along at a slower pace. “Hey, Joe! They went back into the woods.” He was staring down into the grass.

“How do you know?” Joe ran back over and saw what Greg did. A trail of bloody footprints leading from the road, and fading into the woods. “I’ll be damned, he’s heading east.”

“No Joe, these woods are west.”

“My son is not that stupid. This is a fake trail. He’s trying to throw them off.” Joe turned back around, heading up to the truck. Once there he reached inside, giving a smile to Michael, grabbed the map from the visor, then spread it out on the hood of the truck. “All right.” Joe took a pen. “Here’s where we found the first bodies.” He circled the area and mumbled to himself in thought about what Frank would assume and wouldn’t. Joe folded the map. “Let’s go.”

“Whoa-whoa Wait.” Greg stated panicked. “We aren’t looking for them?”

“Not right now we aren’t. He’s heading east for a while before going north. We have to head home, then at dawn send out the choppers to look for them.”

“How will we know where they are?” Greg asked as he and Joe got back in the truck.

“Estimate.” Joe slammed the truck door. “He’s only going to hike it about thirty miles a day with her. We can get a pretty good guess where he’ll be.”

“What if he just heads east?”

“He won’t.” Joe started the truck. “He’ll go far enough out to throw them off. But he is going to count on those choppers.” He placed the truck in drive. “Let’s head home.”

“Can we not drive over the bodies . . .” Greg bounced up and down a few times. “You had to drive over them?”

“What the hell do they care? And be a man for Christ’s sake.” Joe pulled out a cigarette from his pocket as he drove home. He had to make it back to Beginnings quickly. Planning had to be done. Not only were Frank and Ellen wandering around in the unscathed world, but George and Miguel were still at the installation. Getting them out had to be a priority. Not only were George and Miguel Beginnings’ people, they were originals, and to Joe, they were family.

Joe began his phase of planning almost immediately, in his mind, in the cab of that truck. He wanted to have it straight and nearly lay out, so he could set it in motion the moment he walked through those gates of home.

^^^^

George kept his stride slow, walking the hall of floor nineteen alongside Dr. Theodore Peltzer. He stood the same height as George, the same built, yet much younger. Dr. Peltzer, a cyborg-physicist, handled the questions that George tossed at him with accuracy.

“They will follow their instructions?” George asked, his hands behind his back as he walked.

“To the specifications. The second group of soldiers should be back by morning, are they to be given the same instructions?”

“No.” George shook his head. “ I want the second group to march straight to Greeley, go that extra fifty miles, and then fan back toward us. Southeast and southwest. Knowing Frank, he’s going to stay off the highway. Doing about twenty miles a day with Ellen. It’s my hopes that our men will pass them, But . . . coming back, intercept them” George paused and looked into the large window before him. The room was filled with people, all wearing hospital gowns, all staring blankly outward. He tapped on the glass. “They don’t respond.”

“Not yet they won’t. They’re only in step one. They’ve had the laser lobotomy, we just need to implant them with the chip also. Then they’ll be easy to train. Just like our soldiers. We’ll ship them out in another week.”

“Good, we have to get them out and down there. On the outside chance Beginnings tries to pull some rescue operation, I don’t want them here.” George reached out bracing the arm of Dr. Peltzer. “I’ll leave you to your work. Just keep in mind Doctor, time is of a grave importance.”

“I do not understand why. If we work at our own pace, we’ll be much more able to complete everything with precision.”

“True.” George nodded. “But remember. It’s only been a month or so for you, since the world was normal. It’s been six years for me. Six years was a lot longer than we planned. And in six years, how much further do you suppose everyone else has gotten?” George raised his eyebrows, released the doctor’s arm and walked down the hall.

^^^^

“Goods?” Ellen stopped abruptly, the dust below her feet clouding up. Her mouth dropped open as she stared at the wood framed building, tall brown bushes meeting the window, the single gas pump in front over turned. “You think you’re going to find me something to wear in a place called, Bob’s Goods?”

“Sit!” Frank pointed to the wooden step that led to the long porch. “I’ll be right out.”

“Can’t I go in with . . .”

“No.” Frank rolled his eyes and tried the door knob, it was locked. It only took one shove with his shoulder and the door opened with a creek.

Ellen kicked her feet on the dirt below her, she could hear Frank’s coughing coming from inside. She mumbled out loud to herself. “Choking on the dust, huh Frank?” She kicked her feet. She listen to Frank as he shuffled about in the store. She’d hear things crash, he’d cough, then say ‘fuck’. Ellen giggled. Then she caught whiff of it, that oh-too-familiar survivor smell. She heard a creak then the board she sat on bounced up . . . she was no longer alone. Shifting her eyes only, she looked to see who or what just sat down next to her.

He smiled at her, the man did. No more than thirty years old, his longer brown hair, cut into a page boy hair cut, blew a little in the wind. He wasn’t dirty, not at all. He looked more like a farm hand then a survivor. “Hi.” He spoke nervously. His nose twitched as he smiled. A look of excitement on his face.

“Hi.” Ellen spoke with a smile, no fear of the man at all. In fact she wanted to laugh at the nervous, skinny guy, especially with bad hair like he had. Ellen figured it was a poor taste practical joke one of his fellow survivors played on him.

“We-we saw-saw you com-coming up the road, the roadway.” His head twitched as he spoke quickly. “We live on a far-farm. Twelve-twelve of us. Gosh your pret-pretty.” He touched her hair lifting it.

“Thanks-thanks.” Ellen pulled his hand away.

“We were won-wondering, if-if, you may-maybe.” He sniffled and rubbed his nose. “Would like to-to com-come with us to have food. We have a-a deer. Gosh your pret-pretty.”

“El, I found some . . .” Frank stepped out with a thump on the wooden porch. “ . . .thing.” He reached his hand down to Ellen. “Let’s go.” He didn’t take his eyes of the stranger.

“Look Frank, I made a new friend.” Ellen ignored his hand. “What’s your name?”

“Os-Oscar.”

“Frank, this is Os-Oscar.”

Frank grunted and grabbed Ellen’s hand. “El, we have to move.”

“Frank, Os-Oscar invited me to a picnic. Him and his friends are having a deer roast.” She smiled at Oscar. He still hadn’t picked up on her sarcasm. “He wants me to come.”

Oscar nodded his head very fast. “She’s pret-pretty. We have fo-food. Wanna trade?”

Frank adjusted the gear he had. “You wanna me to trade my wife for food?” Frank rubbed his goatee. “Hmm. I don’t know El, I’m pretty hungry, feel like hooking him up?”

Oscar nodded at her.

“Nah.” Ellen shook her head.

“Sorry, pal.” Frank took Ellen’s hand. “Thanks for the offer though.” Tightly he gripped Ellen’s hand and began to walk with her.

Oscar ran to catch them, walking backwards in front of them. “Two-two deer.”

“My wife is not for sale.” Frank began to get perturbed.. “Beat it.” The little man didn’t. “I said . . .” In his loudest meanest voice Frank shouted at him. “Beat it!”

Oscar, though not extremely bright, was smart enough to see it was time to run, and run he did. He took off in the opposite direction, running all the way.

Frank shook his head. “Why didn’t you call me when he showed up?”

“He was harmless. I work with enough survivors to know that. So, what did you get me?”

“Jeans. We’ll knife them off, so please don’t start bitching.”

“You’re gonna find me a place to get cleaned up won’t you.”

Frank tried to shun the irritation he felt. “El . . . If I’m right, by this map, we should hit a river, or rather stream that heads north. We’ll follow that.”

“Hurrah, we’re going north.” She started moving faster, because Frank seemed to be.

“Maybe I should have sold you for a deer.”

“Fine.” Ellen stopped and turned around. “I’ll give myself to the group of guys.”

“Get back here.” Frank reached out pulling her back, he wrapped his arm around her neck and pulled Ellen to him to give her a hard kiss to her cheek. He smiled and kept walking.

“Oh, yeah now be nice to me.” Ellen rubbed her cheek. “A little insecure over Os-Oscar, huh?”

Frank shook his head with a chuckle. There was a sense of relief that was evident as they started heading north. It was apparent in the way they talked, and joked some. They felt safer--and they were--being so far from the main road. They headed forward, though still boggled down with all of their supplies, they had a little less weight to carry on their shoulders.

^^^^

“So what am I reading?” Jason Godrichson asked Dean as they sat reviewing printouts in the lab.

“I want to have a sort of cliff-notes version for when Joe gets back. However, I need you to read about cyborg-physics. I can’t make heads or tails out of it. I’m going to read over the correspondence. See if there’s anything in the letters that helps.” Dean began to flip through the pages. “And . . . if there is anything you can remember on your own, it’ll be helpful.”

“I’ve told everything I could remember to Joe.” Jason flipped a page with a ‘hmm’.

“Your father didn’t say anything to you about the master plan of the society?”

“Nope, just that he was part of it. And about being frozen.” Jason continued to read as he spoke.

“Didn’t the thought of being cryogenically frozen frighten you?” Dean made a face at a letter he read and placed a big red ‘x’ over it.

“No, not really. The plane ride frightened me more. With all that snow I thought for sure we’d crash. I truly feared the landing.”

Dean laughed and shook his head. “Where in the world were you that it was snowing at the end of May?”

“May?” Jason dropped the page he held up. “I wasn’t cryogenically frozen in May.”

“Yeah, you were.” Dean quite enjoyed the sudden lapse of memory of the doctor. “Maybe you just lost track of time.”

“I’m a quantum-physicist! I highly doubt that. And I remember the snow vividly. A blizzard to be exact.”

“In May?” Dean asked doubtfully and sarcastically.

“Why do you keep insisting on May. I ought to know.” Jason argued.

“And I ought to know too. The Plague started on May 29th.”

“The plague started in May?” Jason rubbed his face in bewilderment. “If that’s the case. Then why was I frozen in January?”

^^^^

“See El, isn’t this nice.” Frank motioned his hand outward to the stream that ran behind him. A wide one, clear waters, running over the rocks. “Big enough to purge in.”

Ellen peeked at it. “Sure if I lay on my back.”

“Then lay on your back.” Frank set down the gear. “We’re stopping here for the night. We’ve hit about thirty-two miles today . . . good job. Right now, let’s just both sit down and stop.” He plopped to the ground. “And, we should eat. It’s been awhile.” Frank handed her the food.

“I don’t feel like eating. Not this stuff.” Ellen handed it back. “It’s gross. And what was the meaning of feeding me that brown thing today, you called a brownie. You didn’t eat it.”

“It’s because I don’t weigh fifty fuckin' pounds.” He tossed it to her. “Eat.”

“No.” She shook her head and tossed it back.

“Ellen.” Frank grabbed the brown bag and crawled to her. He knelt, his arms extended to both sides of her, and his face close to hers. “El, listen to me. You will survive this trip. And not only will you survive it, you’ll be healthy too. I will see to it. Now, if I have to pin your skinny ass down, hold your mouth open and feed you like a two year old, I will. But you will eat!” He handed her meal back to her, less than gentle, then scooted back.

“Fine.” Ellen opened up the bag and looked into it. “Gross. And you don’t understand. My legs hurt, my feet hurt . . .”

“El . . .” Frank tilted his head with closed eyes, trying to block her out, but not succeeding.

“No Frank, you’re used to this walking shit. It’s hot Frank. I feel gross. Everything around us is spooky. And you yell and snap at me, barking orders. So why do you yell at me so much?”

“Why do you bitch so much!?” Frank asked in a yell.

“Because I don’t wanna be here! I want to be home!”

“I’m doing the best I can, El!” Frank slammed his hand to the ground then brought it to his face. “Fuck. I’m trying! Can’t you see that!?” From over his knuckles cupped just beneath his nose, he watched Ellen turn her back to him, bring her knees up, and place her head down on them. Her shoulders bounced. “Don’t.” Frank shook his head. “Don’t pull that fake crying shit on me.”

Ellen held up one hand, her head moving from side to side.

“Quit it. I know you better. So stop it before I get even more pissed.” Frank stood up and walked over to right before her. “Talk to me. Talk to me . . . El!” Frank grew annoyed. “Quit with the games and look at me.” He saw her lift her head, and Frank saw her face. He knew at that moment she had to feel really bad. For Ellen to be actually crying, something was wrong. “El.” Frank spoke his words as his heart sunk. He knelt down. “Hon.”

“I’m sorry Frank. You are trying.” She tried to hide her face. “I just . . . I just miss my family. And I’m scared out here . . . I just want to go home.”

Frank sat down with her and took her in his arms. “I’ll get you there.” He held her tight. “I promise. I’ll get you home.”

^^^^

It was all Dean waited to hear. The truck was on its way back. Right on schedule, a definite good sign--no problems to hold Joe up. Henry came to Dean to tell him personally that Joe had reached radio range. The news made him smile, he wanted to be at that front gate to watch them all pull up safely. He had so much to tell them, so much they probably didn’t want to hear.

When they saw them it was like a breath of fresh air. The truck moved fast and stopped at the end directly in front of Dean and Henry, almost hitting them. Dean ran to the side of the truck with Henry, the huge smile he had, dropped from his face when he looked in the truck.

Leaning out the open driver’s window, Joe’s serious face said it all. “Henry, get John Matoose, and Johnny. All of you meet me at my office stat, you hear?”

Dean nodded. “Joe, where’s Ellen?”

Joe didn’t answer, he sped off almost taking Dean unwillingly with him.

“Henry, something’s happened.” Dean turned to Henry who was still watching the truck. “Something went wrong . . . Henry? . . . Henry?”

Henry turned his head, but his eyes still focused on the truck. “Who do you suppose the new guy is?”

Dean opened his mouth to speak, but words failed to emerge. Henry left him dumbfounded. Giving up, Dean went ahead to follow Joe’s orders. The sooner he did that, the sooner he could find out what had happened.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

With a slam of his office door, Joe strolled in. The look on his face told everyone what they had guessed. He took the rolled map he had, and tacked it up to the cork board he had hanging. “All right.” Joe took a deep breath and ran his hand over his face. “I guess you can all tell by now that Greg and I came back without our people. We’ve got trouble and that’s why I want you all here.” Joe pointed to the map as he spoke to the requested ones in the room, along with Jason Godrichson. “We believe that George and Miguel are still in the compound. Frank got Ellen out of there and they now are on the run. I estimate by now they are somewhere past Castle Rock. There’s a new breed of survivors out there. Coincidently they appeared with our scientists. So, first plan of action, get the choppers up in the . . .”

“Can’t, Pap.” Johnny stood up. “Maybe not for another day. There’s something you should know.”

Dean lifted a large and heavy stack of papers from the floor and set them on Joe’s desk. “No, Joe. There’s a lot you should know.”

Joe looked at the stack, then at Dean. “This gonna be worse than I’m imagining.” He didn’t need a response from everyone, their silence and expressions confirmed his fear. Joe sat down.

^^^^

Frank had to admit he did feel better after getting cleaned up. The water in the stream was cool, but even though it was shallow, he managed to make the best of it. He watched Ellen, as he bent down to pick up his clothes. She combed her wet hair, staring kind of blankly off. She looked better after the surprise of the century Ellen outburst. Of course she fell asleep for an hour right afterwards. Frank figured exhaustion added some to her mood. “Hey El.” He smiled, rushing to the ground with her, leaning in. “Feeling better?” He kissed her.

“Yeah . . . I am.” She smiled at him. “Just missing the kids. How were they?”

“Oh they’re great.” Frank began to pull at the grass next to him. “Dean . . . Dean has Brian.” He hunched because he knew it was coming.

“Dean! Why in the world would you do that?” Ellen saw him try to speak in his defense, but she just wouldn’t let him. “You know bad he wants a baby. Talk about being cruel, rubbing it in, gloating . . .”

“Whoa.” Frank held his hands up. “Dean offered to take Brian. I didn’t see a problem with it. Things are a bit different with Dean and me now. Just a bit. And you’re forgetting. Dean doesn’t just want to have a baby. He wants to have a baby with my wife.”

“He wants to have a baby with the same woman who gave him his last children. You just aren’t seeing the point. You are so immature about this whole situation.”

“Immature?” Frank brought his knees up to him. “I don’t want you walking around knocked up by some other man.”

“Try this. Let’s say for arguments sake, that . . . Henry was never going to find a woman. And let’s say Henry really wanted to have a child and he came to us. Would you let me have Henry’s baby?”

“That’s different. Yes.” Frank said.

“Why could I have Henry’s baby and not Dean’s?”

“Because Henry is not Dean.”

“Henry . . . Dean. No Difference, Frank. I wouldn’t be sleeping with them.”

“Dean is different, El. I don’t want to have another reason to share you with him.”

“Why do you insist you share me with Dean?” Ellen asked. “Dean and I have become very good friends. Yes we have children, and because of that there will always be a connection between us. But I’m married to you. I’m your wife. And I just wish you could see that your wife would like to do something for her friend. A friend that she feels she owes a lot to.”

Frank lowered his head. “This is a big thing. You want to carry his child. I can’t give a part of you up, even if it’s just for a little while. No matter how you look at it, that’s what I’ll be doing. I can’t share you.”

“I love you, Frank.” Ellen spoke softly and lifted his chin. “I don’t need your permission to do this. But I want it. So would please, please just think about it.”

Frank closed his eyes. He could at least give her that.

^^^^

Amidst the complete silence in the room following Dean’s explanation, Joe shocked, looked up. “So much sabotage.” he shook his head once. “Altered fetuses. Large amounts of trained assassins. Mock Caceres societies. Elimination of the weak. Cyborg enhancements? Who do they plan to do that to?”

Dean lifted his hand. “From what we can figure, those they want to train to be killers, workers, but most of all . . . the women. Any woman born of the old world or pre-society, will be used for farming. Or if they’re older, they’ll be enhanced to be a worker. But that’s not the worst part.” When Dean saw Joe raise his eyes, he motioned his hand to Jason. “Dr. Godrichson, tell us when you were frozen.”

“Same year as the plague, but . . .” Jason added that dramatic effect. “January fourth.”

It caused a loud eruption of questions, especially from Joe. “Hold it. Why were you frozen so far before . . .” Then it hit Joe. “No.”

Dean nodded. “Oh, yeah. It was planned. They didn’t expect it to be so devastating though. They planned on a fifty percent population decrease and diminishing of society. They awake, they’re heroes, they start the world over to their specifications. But it gets better.” Dean hid his snicker at Joe’s mumbling stock ‘Christ’. “Ready. The plague was planned to be released on June 1st. But here’s what happened. An underground group called the Mohemians discovered this little ‘end the world’ plot and set out to stop it at all cost. The Society, found out who the Mohemians were, set them up as the bad guys and led . . . the CIA directly to their main US guy . . . Barat Ashrad. Barat’s warnings to the CDC were real. He did have the virus. But he wasn’t trying to start it, he was trying to stop it. And you Joe, did your job. You chased him, you got him, but you also inadvertently started the early release of the plague. You, Joe, started the world’s end.”

With a tilted head Joe looked at Dean with a hint of irritation. “Could you have any less tact, Dean? I started the end of the world?”

Dean snickered then stopped “Sorry. Yeah. It’s kind of ironic since you and your boys had this big end of the world contingency . . .”

“Dean!” Joe’s hand hit on the desk. “It’s not funny.”

“No, Joe.” Dean looked serious. “Not at all.” He cleared his throat. “And you really didn’t start the end. It would have happened in two days anyhow. But when word got out of the early release, the suicide droppers released it at the other designated sites.”

“These sons of bitches deserve everything we give.” Joe stood back up with a rush and moved to his map. “And we’re gonna give it to them. First thing first, fix those choppers, get them in the air, I’ll figure coordinates, find Frank and Ellen, and get them home. Doesn’t matter how many if those soldiers there are, we can take them out by chopper.. John . . .” Joe turned to John Matoose. “I want top shooters on each bird, enough ammo, you guys fire at anything in a uniform, except Frank.” He got agreement from John. “ Second, George and Miguel, we have to get them out of here. When we infiltrate the compound we’ll take out our little brainiacs. I’ve been given this a lot of thought. I think it may work. Dean, are our scientist immune to our plague?”

Dean’s head bounced in thought. “Somewhat. However, a mutated form, or stronger form would definitely have an effect on them, probably fatal. That is not a guarantee though.”

“Then I need you to work on it, Dean.” Joe smiled widely. “Immediately. We’re bringing them down that way.” Joe turned to Jason, ignoring Dean’s open mouth. “Jason I’m taking you out of plastics and putting you in the clinic to work Dean’s patients. Dean, you’ll need an assistant. When Ellen gets back, I’ll put her with you. Is Ellen all right? You two worked on the virus before. I’ll pull her from containment to work on this with you. Day and night, got that, until you come up with it. Greg . . .” Joe’s attention turned to him. “You’re in containment, you and I will split that . . .”

“Wait!” Dean spoke loudly holding up his hand in a halt manner. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but did you just ask me to create a biological weapon to take these people out with?”

Joe and everyone else in the room grunted. “Yes Dean I did. That’s how we’re going to do it. We can’t just go bursting in there and chance them killing our two men. You and I are immune to this virus. You create something that we can dump into their air filtering system. They die, George and Miguel and any other survivors there, will walk out. But don’t create anything that you can’t have an antidote.”

“It’s wrong.” Dean spoke up interrupting him. “It’s morally wrong and I won’t do it.”

The enthusiastic smile wiped from Joe’s face, immediate tension daggers were thrown at Dean as he peered at him. Only raising his eyes, Joe looked to everyone else in the room. “That will be all everyone. I’ll check on everyone’s progress in the morning.”

One by one, almost immediately, everyone left the room. Waving to Joe, feeling sorry for Dean as they passed him. Dean hadn’t been told directly to stay. He stood up, the last one, but didn’t make it very far. With a firm hand pressed down on his shoulder Joe shoved him back in the chair.

“Dean, you want to repeat what you said to me just a minute ago?” Joe folded his hands waiting for a different answer.

Dean’s fingers nervously tapped on the arms of his seat. Feeling like a child awaiting a scolding. But he had to speak his mind. “I said, it’s wrong. Morally wrong and I won’t do it Joe.”

“That’s what thought you said.” Joe put his finger to his ear rubbing it. “I thought perhaps I heard you wrong.” Giving Dean the benefit of the doubt, Joe continued on calmly. “Now let me understand correctly. Is it that you can’t do it. Or you just won’t do it.”

“Oh, I can do it. I won’t do it, it’s wrong.” Dean argued adamantly.

“Dean, this so wrong, but what you did for the military wasn’t?”

“It’s different, Joe.” Dean began to ramble on, not realizing that his every excuse would make Joe’s blood boil and anger rise. “This is a different situation, this is real. What I did for the military was different from what you are asking . . .”

“BULLSHIT!” Joe, red faced leaned into Dean closer. “Bullshit. Don’t you play Mr. High and mighty, morally wrong with me, son. Don’t you do it. I know exactly what you did for the U.S. Army, and so do you.”

“What are you talking about Joe?” Dean kept his stare straight ahead. Fussing in his chair, feeling the heat of Joe’s breath smack against his neck.

Joe stood behind Dean, in a one word whisper, he said it all. “Riacon.”

Dean swallowed dramatically and closed his eyes.

“Riacon.” Joe stood upright and walked in front of him. “Fifteen years ago, some whiz kid they enlisted straight from medical school invented it. The Army’s bright boy. The army’s newest chemical weapon, Riacon. It burned you from the inside out. Liquefying all internal organs, boiling the blood, singeing out the lungs, slowly . . .” Joe looked closer at Dean. “Painfully all the way out to the skins surface. It was so deadly that it even scared the U.S. Army. They buried the Nevada desert two hundred feet below the surface. Remember that? Remember . . . your invention?”

With a face full of sadness, Dean lowered his head. “How did you know about Riacon?”

“I was in the CIA for over twenty-years. We saw the demo videos on it. I knew as soon as you told me your name at that med station, that you weren’t some pissy young doctor playing God. Your name, was forever imbedded in my brain as some sort of monster.” Joe leaned back on his desk.

“That’s why I don’t want you to make me do this. I worked so hard to put that part of my life behind me. What I do now is good work, I don’t plan to kill people anymore.”

“Make an exception this time, Dean. You did it for the United States because it was your country. You did it as a means of protection. Well low and behold.” Joe held out his hands. “Beginnings is your country. Beginnings is your home. It’s time to protect it, and you’re the only one who can do it right. So get off your high horse.”

Dean slumped far down into his chair. He brought his hand up to his head to lean against. Staring at Joe like a small child, not wanting to do his chores. “I’ll do this. I’ll come up with something for you. Just please make sure I don’t lose the respect I worked so hard for.”

“Won’t happen. How can people lose respect for a man who’d fight for them.” Joe stood up. “They won’t. Because, they like me, know this is something we have to do.”

^^^^

The black plastic case George peered into look like the case he carried his darts in. The hard black cover perched open as George stared at the contents inside the red pseudo-velvet interior. Four small vials all containing a clear substance. Two syringes. The vials were unmarked, yet George knew exactly what was in them. The drug he was going to use on Joe.

Joe was home in Beginnings, of that George was certain. Perhaps already making the plans to rescue Frank and Ellen, come and get he and Miguel. George knew that impending rescue wouldn’t be far away, so he planned on it. Everything of vital importance would be moved near immediately, to the lowest floors of the compound. They were secure. When Beginnings made their rush in, and they would, barreling forth weapons high. The scientist would go down there too. George would make his escape out, telling Beginnings that most of the scientists had left the compound. A few guards held them captive there, but Miguel was such the tragic victim in it all. Beginnings would believe him. Why would they doubt him. According to them, George was one of their own.

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

August 18

“It’s time to get up!”

“Ow.” Ellen felt the rude awakening, hard stinging slap to her backside as she slept on her stomach. “You are such an asshole Frank.”

“Daylight’s breaking, we have to move. Let’s go.” Frank continued to gather up the gear.

“I can’t move. My legs hurt.” Ellen pulled the sleeping bag over her head.

“Yeah, but that’ll stop as soon as you move.”

“You’re being mean.” Her words were muffled. “Are we being Frank the Sergeant again?”

“Let’s go El.” Frank pulled the sleeping bag off of her. “We don’t have time to waste. We have to move. We’ve been pretty lucky not running into any of those stupid soldiers. I’d like to keep it that way.”

“All right, all right.” Ellen sat up grabbing to her back. “I can’t wait to get home and get in my bed.” Achy, she lifted herself up. “Let me go down to the stream to wash my face.” Ellen picked up what she needed, taking one more look at perky Frank. He was rearing to go, and she could barely move. The walking from the previous two days was beginning to catch up to her. As she slowly walked the twenty feet to the stream, she dreaded with every painful step, the mileage she would have to put in on this day.

^^^^

Johnny opened the door to the cryo-lab with his backside. His arms full of equipment, he could carry more than just about anyone. “This is the last of it.”

“Just set it down on the counter, John. Thanks.” Dean tried to make heads or tails out of his newest working quarters. It would be difficult, he was so used to working on most things above.

He stood staring at everything they had brought down, everything that would play a vital role in the project he had to undertake. In a sense, Dean felt guilty. Guilty because it took very little thought, and he already knew what direction he was going to go with it. In a way it made him wonder if he was truly the monster that Joe had once depicted him as being. What kind of person did that make him to be able to think of something so deadly in such a short amount of time. That programmed part of his brain, that section he turned off so many years ago, kicked back, almost automatically in full gear.

But Dean knew, he wouldn’t be able to go fully ahead with it--no matter how much he thought of it--until his mind was clearer. And right now, his mind was still too clouded up with Ellen.

^^^^

“Please, Frank.” Ellen spoke in a begging manner. “Please.”

“Nope.” Frank kept walking, trying not to hear her.

“Please. I saw it when we were at that hilltop. It should be coming into view any moment.”

“No, El, No. It’s stupid. I’m not doing it.”

“What is it going to hurt?” She asked.

“Ellen, I’m not going to stop at K-Mart.”

“Frank, fifteen minutes, I won’t be any longer than fifteen minutes. You haven’t let me stop and see one thing on this whole road trip.”

“This is not a vacation. We aren’t sightseeing.” Frank shook his head over and over as she pleaded.

“You are such a dick.” Ellen trotted to be in front of him, she walked backwards as she spoke. “Please. This is like a really special gift, that right now, only you can give to me. Please.”

Frank stopped walking.“ All right . . . but . . . one small bag and you can’t bitch about anything for ten miles.”

“Deal.” She sealed it with a kiss then turned to walk next to him. “Whoa.” She slowed down, just ahead of them on the roadway lay a long line of cars.

“The ones that didn’t quite make it.” Frank peeked in a car that contained the skeletal remains of four people. He looked above the tops of the vehicles. “Just like I thought. A med station.”

“Where?” Ellen stood on tip toes, still unable to see what Frank did. She moved a little further and Ellen finally saw it. The med station. Army trucks made a wall, dead soldiers still holding their posts. Just beyond it, the tops of tents could be seen, cots sprawled out everywhere. And the victims that never acquired a bed, sprawled out on the roadway as if a new blanket of grass. The med station covered the road and extended into the parking lot of the K-Mart Department store.

It was hard to walk, so many things, people blocked their way. Frank had a harder time than Ellen, she was more agile. Of course Frank really didn’t care if he stepped on anyone. And he did. It was hard to avoid. The bones crunched and crumbled into dust as his heavy boat set down on it.

“Oh man, Frank.” Ellen commented as she stepped around. “How pitiful.”

“What is El, all these people?”

“No.” Ellen took a moment to giggle. “All these people dying in a K-Mart parking lot. It must say a lot about their care. Was the K-mart parking lot the generic section of medical attention?”

“El, it’s not funny.”

“Yes it is. Can you hear it?” Ellen cupped her hand over her mouth. “Attention K-mart Plague victims. Now in house wares we have a flashing blue light special on Morphine . . .”

“El!” Frank really wanted to tell her have a little compassion. “Listen, don’t expect there to be a lot of stuff in this store. The fronts all busted. It probably was looted by survivors already.”

“What I want to get, the survivors didn’t take.” Ellen ran past Frank. “I’m getting what we don’t have in Beginnings.” After carefully stepping over the broken glass, she darted into the department store, without waiting on her husband.

Frank followed right in after her, but she was long gone from his view. “El!” He called out. “El where are you?” After hearing her faint voice, he followed it to the back.

“Oh, this is so great. Look, Frank. Underwear in plastic bags.” She held up three of them speaking with child-like enthusiasm. “And a bra. Oh this is great.” She shoved it in the knapsack she apparently snatched from a nearby rack. “Real underwear too, Frank.”

Frank stared down at his watch. “I’m timing this.” As his eyes rose he caught glimpse of the redness of it. The dusty, yet shiny little red outfit. “Hey, El. What about this little number.” He raised one eyebrow as he showed it to her.

“Put it down Frank. I am not wasting room in my bag for a red ‘G’ string. ”

Frank shrugged, then went to put it back down. He stopped, saw she wasn’t looking, then shoved it in his own duffle bag. She’d appreciate it later.

“Oh, Frank check this out!” Ellen called out excited from another section of the store.

“What is she doing, running? . . . EL, there isn’t much stuff left, what are you finding?”

“Lipstick.” She jumped out in front of him. “What do you think?” She smacked her lips together. “I’m just going to take some. A whole bunch. I got this for Andrea. What do you think?”

“I think you have eight minutes left.”

“Oh, I haven’t been here that long. Liar. Jenny Matoose is going to eat her heart out when I come back with lipstick. Ha! And I’m just gonna . . . shampoo!” She saw the health and beauty aids. “Frank, it’s been so long since I had real shampoo.” Ellen stood before the shelf of dusty shampoo bottles. She smiled in awe at them. “Look at them Frank.” She snatched up a bottle and proceed to the next aisle. “Real dental floss. Real.” She tossed one in her sack, then reached for another. “I’m getting one for Dean, he’s so fussy about his teeth.”

“Don’t be getting Dean a souvenir.” Frank reached in her bag to take it out.

“Hey!” Ellen smacked his hand. “My shopping trip . . . my trip.” She smacked his hand again. “Back off. I’m carrying this bag, I can stick in it what I want.”

“Then unless you want to wear those big clothes again, I suggest you throw something in that bag to wear. I’m not stopping again.”

“O.K.” Ellen didn’t even care that he spoke with attitude. It didn’t faze her one bit. Though the store was dirty, half torn apart and dismal, it was still a place that she hadn’t seen in so long. She appreciated every minute. It was part of her old world that she missed. The part that allowed her to go and get what she needed without having to have it issued to her. Without having to have it rationed. Ellen ran madly through the store, grabbing things, little thing for all of the originals. But most of all she filled her sack with stuff for herself. She forgot about everything, all her fears, her worries, in that brief fifteen minutes in the store. Ellen was in her glory.

^^^^

The progress in the hanger was encouraging. Things were looking better, Henry told Joe, and it wouldn’t be long. But still, the news that in less than twenty-four hours they would be out searching for Frank and Ellen, did not make Joe feel better.

He sat in Ellen’s small office, sitting in her chair, running his hands over the smoothness of her desk. Containment was quiet, almost too quiet. All the survivors felt for Ellen, fearful of what she would run into out there. Joe stared at the badly drawn pictures Ellen had hanging on the wall. Most of them from Alexandra and Billy, one was drawn by Frank on behalf of Brian. Her desktop was neat. Joe chuckled as he looked what Ellen tried to hide underneath her pencil holder. Etched in the wooden desktop was a heart, inside of it, Frank loves Ellen. Only his son would do something so juvenile, and ruin a good piece of furniture in the process. What Joe wouldn’t give at that moment to bitch at Frank for carving up Ellen’s desk. And at Ellen for letting him do it. What Joe wouldn’t give at that moment to have his family together.

Trying to remain strong was a tedious task for Joe. When it came to his kids, no matter how old, Joe worried. No matter how confident Joe felt in Frank’s ability to keep him and Ellen safe, there was still that chance that something could go wrong. That something could happen in the wasted time Beginnings spent repairing engines that should have never been torn apart had he’d not given the visitors cart blanc.

“Joseph?” Andrea called softly as she walked into the office. She saw Joe staring out, his face covered by his hands. She felt his sadness the moment she moved closer to the room. “Need a friend right now? I know I can use one.”

“I am sorry, Andrea.” Joe turned himself to face her as she stood above him. “I’m sorry Miguel didn’t come back with us.”

“I expected that.”Andrea reached her hand down, running it across the side of his face. “We knew before you, that there was trouble. As soon as we got Ellen’s distress signal, I knew that my husband, not matter what, would ensure Ellen got out of there with Frank. Even if it meant him staying behind. And that’s probably exactly what happened.”

Joe grabbed her hand. “We’ll try our best to bring him home.”

“I know you will. I’m hoping for the best, and expecting the worst.”

“I know that rationing.” He gripped tighter. “I’m having a hard time here Andrea. A real hard time. I sent her out there.” Joe closed his eyes. “I willingly let her go. My spy.” Joe gave a short exhale as he opened his eyes to a caring Andrea. “Now, she’s out there. Her and Frank are running from crazed militants. I pray to God Frank brings her back safe. But, if something happens to her I’ll never, never forgive myself. What kind of father sends his kid into a potentially dangerous situation?”

“You’re a great father, Joe Slagel. You didn’t know it was dangerous, I certainly didn’t suspect it.” Andrea rubbed her hands gently over his. “It’s going to be fine, it really is.”

“Thank you.” He stood up, lifting Andrea to her feet, tightly he embraced her, his friend. “I just want them home right now.”

“You’ll get them here.” She kissed his cheek. “You’ll get them all here.”

^^^^

“El, are you done playing yet? It’s getting late. We have to get some sleep.” Frank sat on a rock, his rifle between his legs, watching Ellen.

“Right Frank.” Ellen looked to the sky. “It’s not even dark yet.” A single sleeping bag was opened all the way--their camping equivalent to a double bed--Ellen, sat upon it. The entire contents of her K-Mart knapsack flowered before her. She sat Indian style center of it. She wore a pair of her new underwear complete with the price tag still sticking out. “Look how great my stuff is. I can’t wait to wear my new bra.”

“Speaking of which. How is your breast? You haven’t let me see if it’s getting better.”

“And I won’t. It’s healing, badly, but healing.”

“What do you mean, you won’t.” Frank up and walked over to her.

“Frank your stepping on my stuff. Move your feet.” Ellen sighed and began to move the contents back in her bag. “I can see. I can’t do this when your around.”

“Why are you changing the subject.” Frank knelt down. “Is the wound infected?”

“No.” Ellen closed her knapsack. “It’s healing.”

“I’d feel better if you just let me take a look.” He reached for her shirt, fearful that she was hiding something. It dawned on him she said hadn’t taken off her shirt in front of him since the first night after he rescued her. His hand touched the bottom of her clothing.

“Frank don’t!” She snapped and removed his hand. “Don’t.” She stood up and carried her knapsack with her, she set it with the other packed gear.

“El, this isn’t like you. Are you going to hide your body from me? Your husband. How long? Till it heals? Till it looks right?”

“It’ll never look right. I’m not just hiding it from you. I’m hiding it from me. It turns my stomach to see it.” Ellen closed her eyes and took in a silent moment. “Can we change the subject?”

“Yes we can. What do you want to change it too?”

“My stuff. Let me show you the great souvenir I got Jenny Matoose.” Ellen scooted quickly to the knapsack and pulled out a book, tossing it to Frank.

“This is really nice . . .” Frank flipped it over and looked at it. “You can’t give her this. It’s mean.”

“Oh, look at you being Mr. Sensitive.” Ellen took it back. “Like you care.”

“El, John is my friend. My wife can’t go running around insulting his wife by giving her a book called, Ten Steps to Losing that Baby Weight.”

“I’m not insulting her, I’m deeply concerned about her. Perhaps I should just write my own diet book. I’ll call it, Torture, the ultimate diet.”

“It’s not funny.”

“No, it’s not. But this book is. And . . . once again, my shopping trip. I think I’ll bask in the old world feel of it.” Dramatically sighing, Ellen returned to her knapsack and dumped out the contents. She shook her head at the red ‘G’ string.

Frank gave up. He went back to sitting on the rock. “El, if you’re gonna make me watch you do this. Can you at least lose the price tag.” He watched her rip it off and toss it. “Thank you.”

^^^^

The pitiful evening meal that George consumed made his stomach gnaw. It made him wish for the food that he’d come to take advantage of in Beginnings. It made him want, even so much more, to just go home. It would be so easy, leaving the installation, go home, say that he’d escaped, take out Joe and proceed from there. But he just couldn’t. The project was getting a struggle it didn’t expect.

George never thought that would happen. He always figured that once the top minds awoke that the plan would proceed smoothly. But as the years wore on, and George waited for the plague’s cure, he watched Joe gain more and more control over the routine of Beginnings. He watched the people grow to trust and place their every faith in whatever he chose to do as if he were some sort of God. Had George even slightly perceived it going in that direction, he himself would have bid for the leadership role in the community. It was too late. No one in Beginnings even looked to George as a leader as they did Joe. But George knew they would soon, they’d have to. Someone, someone they trusted would have to step in and take control once Joe took a fall. That someone would be he.

With the probability of the choppers being able to fly, fast approaching, George had to move his plan in a quicker motion. The entire new brigade of forty men would go fifty miles past Denver to Greeley as planned. They would leave at first light, driving straight there. Once in Greeley, they would fan back towards Colorado Springs. There was no way that Frank and Ellen had made it to Greeley. And the possibility of catching them was great. He hoped the new troop and the one already out there would somehow merge in their search going north and south. Finding in between them, Frank and Ellen.

His orders were simple enough. Find Frank and Ellen, waste no time on anyone else. Ensure themselves that they had the correct couple. Take Ellen, bring her back. And when, and only when they had Ellen safely from Frank’s way. Take Frank out.

George knew as he made it back to his office that evening, that his plan was not fool proof. George knew who he was dealing with. It was a race against time, a race against the Beginnings’ choppers. And even though Frank was only one man, he was going to give one hell of a fight to anyone, no matter how many, that tried to take Ellen.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

August 19

Like an expectant father awaiting the impending birth of his child, Joe stood outside that hanger doorway. The hours since Joe’s early morning progress check had slipped by so quickly, that without hesitation, it suddenly was approaching late morning.

Every time he stopped by the hanger, Joe was told the same thing. ‘Soon, we’re close.’

Then, it was if the powers that be, reached inside of Joe and pulled out from him all of his tension. Joe’s body nearly dropped in relief when from inside the hanger the sound of fluttering engines were heard. The full blow gunning engines were almost muffled by the loud cheers that followed.

“Pap!” Johnny flung open the hanger door. “They’re ready.” A huge grin fell upon his face.

“Yes.” Joe clapped his hands. “Load ‘em John and get ‘em out.”

“You got it, Pap!”

^^^^

With a deep swallow and a heavily embedded vision of his grandson walking tall, toward the helicopter, Joe stood on the landing pad watching the two choppers lift slowly from the ground. A sense of pride bestowed him, pride in his community, pride in his family. The wind from the propellers tossed dirt about violently into his eyes that he desperately tried to shield as he stood there. With every foot that they raised to the clear blue sky above, Joe prayed. He prayed to God with his soul and with his heavy heart, that the mission he observed happening, would be a successful one.

Slowly the helicopters faded from his eyesight. And soon the sound of the choppers that began to soften in distance, would disappear completely leaving a strong silence. Leaving Joe to wait until that moment, the moment he prayed for, when he’d hear his grandson’s voice over the radio saying ‘Pap, we got ‘em. We’re on our way.’

^^^^

Though they had a lifetimes worth of moments, the one that had just transpired between her and Frank would forever stay with her, perhaps as one of her favorites. Ellen thought about that moment as she sat on the rocky beach not ten feet from Frank, watching him dress so close to the water’s edge. A cooling shade came from the trees that over powered in height and thickness, just behind her. The lake, so big, so blue, was their afternoon stop. The August sun had beaten them down, the heat was almost intolerable.

The lake was warm, yet it cooled them, refreshed them for the aching journey and long hot walk they had before them. Ellen could honestly tell herself, she loved what they just experienced. The feeling of freedom, alone in the wide openness. A non-sexual, intimate moment that was filled with an innocence her and Frank had never shared. The lake experience was time that--as long as they couldn’t leave the sanctity of Beginnings--she’d have to etch in her mind. It saddened Ellen that it took such a life’s tragedy for her to finally appreciate the beauty of something that always had been available to her before the plague. A moment in the sun, in a world she somehow forgot existed.

Frank looked tired as she watched him finish dressing. Strapping his shoulder harness tightly to him, checking his revolver, looking like he was going off to battle. Frank knew she was watching him dress, and he basked in that. Doing those little Frank poses that made her laugh. But all good things had to come to an end. Ellen knew that when she saw Frank moved to gather up their stuff. She stood to her feet, her entire body felt stiff.

Frank stared at the gear, and to the K-Mart knapsack that now sat with the stuff he had to carry. He shook his head, figuring he’d be nice and at least hand it to her. Just as he began to grasp their belongings, his heart sank and his fingers released them in fear, when he heard Ellen shriek. The split second it took for him to turn around, seemed like a lifetime. And his ultimate fear had happened when he took in the vision before him, and Ellen was gone. “El!”

“Frank, help!” Her cries came from the distance, echoing through the trees.

“Oh God!” Reaching for his revolver, he charged forth to the woods. “Keep calling . . .” On his fourth step forward it hit him. He saw the brownness of it striking down, and he felt the burning stinging crack of it to his face. Frank’s head jerked back, it took all that he had to keep his balance and his focus. The pain was strong, the blood that poured in his eyes did not block the vision of the soldier holding the log in front of him. Another attempt for his revolver again went futile when he saw the soldier swing again. Frank reached out his hand stopping it, grabbing it. With his strength in his favor, Frank snatched the log from the soldier’s grip, reared it back and pummeled it into the target face. The blood from his breaking nose sprayed forth to Frank.

He knew he didn’t have time to waste. He could still hear Ellen screaming. Another step brought an accosting from behind. An arm, tightly choke holding around his neck. Frank, still trying to run, gripped the body that the arm belonged to, flipped him over his shoulder, clasped his hair, grabbed the knife that he had strapped to his thigh and quickly slit his assailant’s throat.

Returning his knife, he rushed forward, over the body, to the trees, emotional to Ellen’s cries. Frank readied his weapon tightly in his hand, and barely slowed down when two more soldiers, aiming at him appeared. Frank clicked back, fired once, then twice, taking them out. And in a backwards run, just to be safe, he fired a third time at his very first assailant who lay bleeding and motionless on the ground. “Ellen!” He called out his loudest, his heart beating strong.

“Frank, help me. Help me!” Ellen sounded so far.

“Keeping calling me! Keep calling me!” Frank followed her voice.

“Frank!” Ellen could hear him too, as they dragged her, knees running across the rough brush, through the woods. “Frank!”

Then suddenly she heard a crack, one soldier suddenly released her, she used it to her advantage, and took off running. What happened she didn’t know. She just ran. “Frank!” Before she could cry out again, a hand grabbed her mouth and pulled her off into the other direction, bringing her down to the ground.

“Shh!” Oscar held his finger to her lips. “Hi-hide.”

Ellen’s lips quivered in bewilderment and her head shook as she held herself by her hands and knees. “What?” She spoke softly as Oscar knocked her to the ground, covering her with himself as the soldiers ran past them. The Oscar grabbed her hand and ran the other way with her.

“Ellen!” The dead silence of the woods frightened Frank like nothing had ever done before. Frank breathed heavier, trying so hard to hear something. Anything. He had lost her call, and lost the direction she was in. With bent knees he brought his hands to his head, screaming out with his every emotion from the depths of his soul. “Oh, God answer me! Ellen!” As he started to move again, he heard the footsteps. They grew louder, and louder and headed in his direction. He could see the branches move about, and darting figures rustling the leaves. Wiping the blood from his eyes to see clearer, he held up his gun pointing. With a long breath, his trigger finger relaxed. Ellen barreled from the trees. Leaping right behind her, Oscar.

“Frank. They’re coming.” She charged to him, and he quickly shoved her behind his back.

Frank wiped his eyes again and aimed at the four soldiers who ran after them. It took only four shoots and it was over. He waited to see if he saw any more, and he let his arm drop in relief. Frank could hear his heart beating in his ears as he turned around to Ellen. “I thought I lost you.” He placed his hands, still holding the gun, to her face and kissed her. “I’m so sorry.” He embraced her.

“It’s not your fault.” She had never felt him shake, but Frank trembled as he held her. “It’s all right Frank, I’m fine. I’m fine.” For him, Ellen wanted to seem so unaffected.

Releasing her slightly from his firm embrace, Frank swallowed and stared at her, assuring himself she was all right. “We have to get our stuff and go.” He grabbed her hand and led her.

“Frank, it’s unreal. Os-Oscar got me away from them. I don’t . . .”

“Thanks.” Frank lifted his chin to Oscar. Still pulling Ellen to the beach, Frank didn’t say another word. When they reached their gear, he began to pick it up. “We have to move, there may be more.”

“Frank, stop.” Ellen grabbed his hand. “You’re bleeding really bad. Let me close that.”

“Fine.” Frank dropped the gear and sat down. He needed a moment anyhow to catch his bearings. “I’m glad you’re all right.”

“Thanks to you and Os-Oscar.” She opened the duffle bag for the medical supplies. She pulled out a cloth from the pouch and showed it to Oscar. “Could you wet this for me?”

“Sure-sure.” Oscar took it and ran to the lake.

“Oh, Frank.” Ellen looked at the depth of his gash next to his eye. “This is bad. I’ll clean this and put a topical on it.”

“Just stitch it El. No topical. We have to move.”

“O.K.” Ellen shrugged and pulled out the sutures. She saw Oscar rush back and hand her the cloth. “Thanks.” She wiped the blood from Frank. “I’m still in shock. I don’t know where Os-Oscar came from.”

“He’s been following us since Bob’s Good’s.” Frank shifted his eyes to Oscar. “Good job back there, pal.” Frank held a thumbs up. “I owe you.”

“You knew?” Ellen started to stitch. “When?”

“El, Please. I knew all along. He was following us.”

Oscar edged his way in. “Frank gave-gave me a j-j, a job.”

“He did, did he. Frank?” Ellen asked.

Frank shrugged. “I told him to hold up the rear. I fed him. He just had to keep his distance. Man, I thought for sure you saw him in K-Mart.”

“Wait a second. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because, you’d want him to hang with us El. And you know how I feel about survivors and . . OW!” He felt her tug on the stitches--hard.

“All done.” She glared at him. “You are so mean.”

“Me?” Frank grunted and touched his throbbing injury. “You fuckin' killed me with those stitches. And . . .” He pointed as he walked to the gear. “You got that diet book for Jenny Matoose, don’t talk to me about mean.” He complained, picked up the stuff and headed toward the woods. “Let’s go!”

Oscar moved with Ellen. “J-Jenny?”

“Matoose, yes. You’ll love her. She’s gonna be your new girlfriend in Beginnings.” She saw Frank hit the edge of the woods. “Frank! Wait.” Legs injured, Ellen sped to catch up.

^^^^

The woods always seemed before to hold a sense of safe-haven for Frank and Ellen whenever they trudged through them. They didn’t really have a choice. It was either walking through the woods, trying to stay hidden within the towering trees, or walk the open field that lay parallel fifty yards away.

Frank stayed armed through the journey. He walked forwards, backwards, taking in everything his peripheral vision inhibited. His eye was feeling better as they moved on. He tried not to let the occasional conversation between Ellen and Oscar bother him. He did however, have to remind them to keep it below a whisper.

“B-blood.” Oscar pointed to Ellen. “Does-does, it hurt?”

“It’s getting there. I’m trying to ignore it.”

Frank glanced at Ellen’s legs. All the brush burns, and cuts from the rocks and branches began to bleed from her movement. Her legs from the knees down were covered in her seeping blood. He felt like a heel for not even noticing it sooner. “Did they drag you?”

“Did you think I’d go freely.”

“We’re gonna have to stop and clean you up before they get infected.”

“They’ll be fine. They’ll hurt like hell tomorrow. Os-Oscar did you ever . . .”

“Shh . . .” Frank needed complete silence. “Listen.” Faint in the distance he heard it, the flutter of helicopters and growing louder. With a smile he turned to Ellen. “Beginnings.”

“Are you sure? Maybe it’s the other side?” She watched him reach into the ammo bag.

“No, if they had chopper they would have used them sooner. I have to signal them or they’ll never find us. As soon as this goes up we make a run for it to the clearing.” Frank aimed the flare gun up and east toward the open area just beyond the woods. Knowing, along with Beginnings, he may have been alerting the other side as well, he fired. The bang and whistle meant the signal was sent.

Cowering, with her ears covered from the noise, she felt Frank’s tug to move. Rising up, and feeling as if in slow motion, she caught the horror of what appeared to be a wall of soldiers racing toward them, weapons high. “Frank!”

Frank running, looked back at her, as his eyes caught what she had seen. “Run!”

They raced, the three of them, as fast as they could. Leaping fallen trees, making it though the branches to the brightness of the open field. Frank held tightly to Ellen’s arm, pulling her every step of the way. She kept up well. As they neared the edge of the forest the bright sun, the unshaded, unprotected area was their guiding light.

They were vulnerable and they knew it as they darted into the field with the high waving grass. Grass burnt brown from the sun, weeded grass standing tall, blanketed the hillside they now so diligently chartered. The grass whipped at them, stung them as they ran through it, inhibiting them to reach their full speed.

Their followers drew nearer.

“Frank, there’s so many.” Ellen cried out as they ran.

“Don’t look back just run.” Frank tugged her harder. “Oscar drop the rolls.” Frank not letting go of his ammo bag, dropped everything else, and so did Oscar.

The soldiers George had sent grew closer, they were joined by another squad that George had not given direct orders to. This other squad . . . proceeded to fire.

The cracking of the guns far away coming at Ellen, Frank and Oscar raised their adrenaline. Yet they couldn’t move any faster through nature’s foliage. The noise level in the field rose--firing guns, the rustling of dried grass, heavy breathing, and helicopter engines.

Nearing the top, a fierce wind caught them whipping dust and leaves at them. And slowly, emerging up from over the crest of a further hill, seemingly from the horizon, came Beginnings. They rose up loudly and with rapid machine gun fire.

Johnny veered the helicopter sideways to the right. “John, more militants following them to the left.”

“Got em in my view.” John Matoose answered. “You lead Frank off in your direction, we’ll hold steady and fire.” John gunned from his seat as Greg, perched through the open side door of the helicopter fired away picking them off, mutilating his targets with each fierce bullet.

Johnny hovered his chopper off fifty yards from Frank and Ellen. He and Dan noticed they were spotted. “You see ‘em?”

“They’re coming.” Dan shouted through his occasional gun fire. He aimed off to the left to the soldiers that raced toward Frank and Ellen and the third he didn’t recognize.

From his pilot seat Johnny saw his father and Ellen. Ellen dragged behind. “Come on.” He beckoned, controlling the chopper the best he could in the ready to take off mode it sat in.

“El.” Frank, knowing she was wearing down, ran back, scooped up Ellen and raced to the chopper with her. As he hit the open doors, he very proudly smiled when he saw his son. “Johnny!”

“Dad, come on.”

Frank lifted Ellen inside, then turned back. Where was Oscar? He saw him hopping through the grass trying to run to the safety of the helicopter. “Oscar, hurry!”

Oscar lifted his hand, his mouth yelled something back but he couldn’t be heard through the loud cross fire of Beginnings and the soldiers. Then Oscar fell.

“Frank!” Ellen panicked. “He’s been hit.”

“Dad come on!” Johnny yelled. “They’re coming!" Frank looked at Johnny and Ellen then at Oscar.

“Dad now!”

With slamming hands on the floor of the helicopter, Frank tossed in his ammo pack, turned around and charged like a bull out to the field for Oscar. He spotted him, holding his leg. Throwing the small thin man over his shoulder, Frank raced back to the chopper, realizing every step he ran, that mere yards from him, the soldiers came. “Lift her John.” Frank tossed Oscar in, then climbed in the raising bird.

Ellen scurried near Oscar, whose leg was bleeding.

Frank dropped to his knees next to Dan. He perched his rifle across his lap as he reached in his ammo bag. “Ellen stay back, we’re still not out of safety range.” He loaded his rifle and looked below. “Fuck. Where’d they come all from?” Frank lifted up near the open side door to shoot.

Johnny adjusted his headset microphone. “I’m lifting to . . .” A shattering of glass, the sound of a ricocheting bullet, and Johnny grunted loudly--he was hit. The moment of the bullet’s impact to Johnny’s arm, sent his hands off the controls and the chopper turned sharply on its side.

With the sudden turn, Ellen flipped from the leg of Oscar that she cared for, rolled across the floor of the helicopter and straight out the open side door. Hundreds of feet from the ground, she felt her body leave the safety of the helicopter and knew it was over. Her fall came to a stop, seconds as she slipped over the edge when a hand reached forth down locking tight to her forearm. Feet dangling in the air below her, her K-mart knapsack hung around her neck, she looked up to her saving grace . . .Frank. She brought her hands up and held on to his strong grip--he wasn’t letting go.

Frank lifted her inside, pulling her safely in.

In shock and speaking quickly, Ellen grabbed a hold of Frank. “Oh-my-God. Oh-my-God.”

“You’re all right.” Frank took a deep breath. “You’re gonna make me have a heart attack yet, before I get you home aren’t you.” Kissing her quickly, he moved her back to the rear then he returned to the side door. Helicopter in control, Johnny all right, Frank raised his rifle. He watched through his scope as he fired, the soldiers who raged war with diligence, fall to the ground and disappear into the grass.

Johnny, after getting word from John Matoose that he’d finish off the few remaining, turned the bird and headed home.

Frank watched the land that he and Ellen had roamed for days grew distant below him. Setting down his rifle he went to the back of the helicopter where Ellen still remained the same. “Hey.” He spoke softly as he sat next to her. “We’re going home.” He smiled when she only scurried to him, huddling against him. “Whoa. A frightened Ellen?”

Ellen took a deep breath. She started to calm down. “I thought I was dead.”

“Nah. I wouldn’t have let that happen.”

“I’ll say it again. You amaze me. I’ll never forget what you just did.” She lifted her head to look at him. “Frank Slagel you defy the meaning of the word hero.”

Frank laughed loudly in embarrassment. “El.” He shook his head and pulled her to him. “You’re just emotional right now. Trust me, as soon as we’re home, you’ll hate me again.” Ellen tight against him, Frank relaxed back against the wall of the chopper. Relaxing was something he could do. They’d be in Beginnings before long and he’d know for sure they were really safe . . . they would be home.

^^^^

Everyone in Beginnings waited with baited breath on the return of the two helicopters. Joe’s orders were for everyone to hang tight until they safely landed. A huge welcome greeting at the landing pad was not what Joe wanted, if on the outside chance something was not right when they returned.

Joe waded in his office through hours of pestering ‘anything yet’ and knocks to see if he needed company.

Dean was the worst of them all. Joe counted twelve times he had been to the office. Not only did Joe keep throwing him out, he also gave Dean strict orders to stay away from the pad until Ellen was in her home. It was a tough order to give, but a realistic one. Dean wanted Ellen home as much as Joe. And if Dean stood there, while the helicopters landed, what would happen if Ellen failed to step from the chopper. And painful enough as it was to Joe to think about, it was a reality he had to think about.

The frequency was breaking up from a storm that was nearing when the radio call came. It was almost like Joe was in a dream, and that he had dozed off and dreamt Johnny sounding so bad. But Johnny did sound bad.

Joe waited on the landing pad, three cigarettes had burned themselves into his lungs. Waiting on the arrival that would hopefully bring his family to safety.

It was after the fourth cigarette--flicked from his fingers and onto the ground, smashed to bits with his shoe--that he saw it. The two small black dots in the grey overcast sky. Tiny objects, that would be unrecognizable if not for the sound they carried. Larger and larger into his focus the drew. Returning home, and lowering themselves to the landing field. The gust of wind that whipped around Joe went unnoticed as he waited impatiently for them to touch down and shut down.

Be there, please be there. Joe begged in his thoughts, though the loud pressure the wind from the helicopter shot in his ear. Please, dear God, let them be there. Joe’s heart skipped a beat when he watched John Matoose step from his pilot’s door, smile and give a thumbs up.

From the second chopper, Dan emerged first. He lowered a stranger and tossed him over his shoulder. Who? Joe wondered, then he saw Frank. Frank jumped out, waved to his father then reached his hand into the helicopter, helping out Ellen. Pride. An immediate sense of pride and joy filled Joe when he saw Ellen’s feet touchdown. Joe raced to her wanting to grab her, hold her, know for sure when he felt her in his arms, that she was fine. Before he even made it a third of a way there, Ellen charged for him running and moving faster than he’d ever seen. She threw herself into his arms. She beat him to the punch.

Joe swung her back and forth, lifting her from the ground. “Thank God you’re home.”

Ellen didn’t speak, she just held on.

“Honey let me see you.” Joe set her down, he cupped her face in his hands. He viewed her pain, her injuries. How different she looked, how worn. “What did they do to you?” Seeing her, broke his heart.

Ellen shook her head. “I’m all right. I’m all right now. I’m home.”

“That you are.” Joe pulled her into him again and smiled at his son who walked to him.

“Dad, we made it.” Frank looked at his watch. “And all before dinner.”

“Son of a bitch.” Joe released Ellen and grabbed his son. “You did it. You were stuck out there and you brought her home.”

“You doubted me?” Frank smiled, then felt the smack of his father’s lips on his. “Uh!”

“Frank Slagel, you make me proud.” Joe gave a slap to Frank’s cheek. “Goddamn it you make me proud of you.” He laid his hands on both of their backs and walked across the landing field with them. “I have a jeep for you. You, little lady should get home. And after you cleaned up you have some kids that want to see you.”

“I don’t look that bad do I?” She asked to Joe.

“A little, but that’s not it.” Joe whispered in her ear. “You have that survivor smell.”

Ellen freaked. “No. No I don’t, please don’t tell me that.”

Joe only raised his eyebrows. He could tell her he was joking, but he decided against it. He enjoyed the panic on her face. Joe enjoyed the moment. They were home. And Beginnings could take a little time to forget in the excitement of their return, and in the celebration event Andrea planned. But the next day they would have to remember the cold reality. Ellen and Frank’s return did not signify the end to a bad situation. It signified the beginning to something even more challenging and hurdling . . . the battle they had to face.

DO UNTO OTHERS

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

The couch in Frank and Ellen’s house always seemed so hard to her. But Ellen sat upon it, it felt soothing. Just like the warm shower she had taken. She sat against the arm, legs bent up, Brian cuddled close to her, while she slowly devoured an orange. The house was so quiet. The twins were in their room playing. They seemed somewhat happy to see her, but then they ran with enthusiasm to Frank. She would have let that bother her, but she figured they’d really get to know him one day and he would eventually sink to the bottom of their favorite person list. Ellen heard the thumping of Frank’s footsteps as he came down the stairs, quickly she grabbed a blanket, brought it up to her chest, covering the baby completely.

“O.K. El, times up. Hand over the baby.” He snapped his fingers and held out his hand.

“I don’t have the baby.”

“El. You’ve had him long enough.” He pulled the blanket off of her, exposing Brian.

“I had him while you were in the shower. Come on Frank.” She struggled with her husband over the sleeping infant, but lost. “He’s the only one who’s glad to see me.”

“That’s because he’s sleeping.” Frank cuddled him close to his chest. “Way to go El, you bored the kid to sleep . . Hey Brian get up.”

“Baby hog.” Ellen moaned as she stood from the couch. “I have to wash my hands.” She moved a little to the kitchen and stopped. “I want to yell at you, but I won’t. I wouldn’t be here at all if you hadn’t been with me.”

“Oh El, stop with the mushy complements. It’s not like you. You’re scaring me. Insult me . . .” He looked to the knock on his door. “ . . . please. I’ll get that. Turtle your way to the kitchen to wash your hands.” Frank adjust the baby and walked to the front door. “Let’s see . . . Hey, Dean.”

“Frank.” Dean placed his hands in his pockets. “Can I come in?” When the door opened wider, Dean stepped inside. “Johnny’s doing well. We got the bullet. Sorry I didn’t bring the kids myself, but duty calls.”

“That’s all right.” Frank shut the door. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Glad? Glad I’m here?”

“Well . . . glad someone’s here. Ellen’s being weird. Excuse me.” He walked to the kitchen. “Hey El, I’m taking off, my Dad needs to see me. I’ll be back before Andrea’s dinner. Brian’s coming with me.” Frank left the kitchen doorway.

“You can’t take the baby, Frank.” She followed him. “I need . . .” Ellen paused when she saw Dean. “It’s about time you came to see me.”

Dean lowered his head and raised his eyes.

Ellen hobbled past Dean. “Frank, I can’t believe your leaving. We just got back.”

“El.” Frank stopped reaching for the door knob, a few more steps and he would have gotten away. “I just spent four solid days straight with you. Straight. I love you with my whole heart, but . . . please El, please, let me have just a brief break. Uh . . . uh . . . Dean will keep you company. Yeah.” Frank smiled and darted out.

Ellen turned from the just slammed door to Dean who kept his distance. “You’re not happy to see me are you? I knew it. No one is. Not my kids, no one. No one has even stopped by to say hi.”

“Oh, I’m very happy to see you.”

“Then why are you . . . I smell don’t I?” Ellen lifted her shirt and sniffed. “I took a shower and used lots of soap. I smell like a survivor.”

“You don’t smell, Ellen. At least I don’t think you do.” He leaned into her and whiffed. “No, you smell like you.”

“Then why are you acting like a stranger to me?”

“Because if I showed you how happy I am to see you. I probably would knock you over.” He reached his hand out to her. “I missed you.” He touched her cheek.

“Thanks for the warm welcome.”

With a shy smile Dean stepped closer and did what he had waited to do, he took Ellen into his arms and held her. “I am so glad you are back. I was so worried. No . . .” He took a deep breath and broke the embrace. “Worried is an understatement. I was nuts.” He ran his hand through his hair. “No one bitched at me or drove me crazy. Joe tried, but it just didn’t have the same effect.”

Ellen laughed and grabbed his hand. “Sit with me on the couch. I’m tired of moving.”

“I bet.” Dean followed her and sat down, he noticed her legs. “What happened?” He touched her injuries. “And to your face too? Was this the outside world or the installation.”

“Both. I’ll tell you about it another time. Right now . . . how’s Johnny and Os-Oscar?”

“Johnny’s great. And who is Os . . . Oh, El, don’t tell me you’re making fun of him because he has a stutter.”

“No, that’s really his name.”

“It is not.” Dean smiled and ran his hand over her leg. As his finger tips grazed the top of her thigh, he noticed them. They nearly made him breathless. The bruises on the inside of her thigh, bruises that extended up past the edge of her shorts. The smile fell from his face. “Ellen?”

Ellen shook her head and grabbed his hand. “No. Just . . . just sit with me, talk to me and make me feel normal again. Make me feel . . . at home.”

Dean slipped his fingers in between hers and relaxed, he would do just what she asked.

^^^^

“Frank!” Joe snapped his finger to his son who sat at his dining room table with him. Frank kept his attention on Brian. “Are you with me? What do you think?”

“About?” Frank tapped his finger on Brian’s folded arms that snuggled close to his chest. “Wake up.”

“About the plan! Christ this is a debriefing, I can’t believe you brought the baby. Let him sleep.”

“I missed him. I needed to see him.”

“Don’t you think his mother would like to see him also.”

Frank fluttered his lips at his father. “We’re talking about Ellen.”

“Anyhow . . . stay with me on this one. I need you to pull a group together for it. You pick the men, you decide how many we need, and you get them ready.”

“We’re not attacking with guns right?” Frank lifted Brian’s hand. “Wave to Pap . . . basically I need a tactical group to see this plan through. How long until Dean gets the shit ready?"

“He said about a month.”

“Plenty of time. I don’t think that those soldiers will be up here, but on some outside chance I’ll get a few men ready to look out for them. Question. I’m not gonna want to be talking about this tonight at Andrea’s dinner. Do we know . . . what is it Brian?” Frank’s attention was on his son. “You getting hungry? You starting to fuss?”

“Frank!” Joe rubbed his hand over his face. “Finish what you were saying.”

“Oh . . . Do we know the layout good enough to know how to infiltrate their air supply?”

“We don’t . . . Dean does. He spent two years down there.”

“Then I’ll speak to him. I’ll work tomorrow on who will be in my group. I’ll approach them and work with them . . . look at Brian, he’s smiling. God, he got big.”

Joe knew they were at the end of their strategic conversation, perhaps Frank would be less enthralled with his son by the next day. “Yeah, he’s getting big all right. About time. We’ll make him into a Slagel yet.”

“And what is that supposed to . . . No, no. Don’t even go there.” Frank pointed. “I know what everyone in this community thinks, since Ellen pulled her sperm search. This is my kid. Not Dean’s. Right Brian? You’re my son.” Frank looked up at his father. “Besides, Dean will probably have his own baby before long, then everyone can shut up.”

“Who in the hell is Dean going to get pregnant. All the women are taken. Especially . . .” Joe shut up and immediately stood from his seat. He walked across the room and grabbed his cigarettes. “Christ Frank, don’t tell me you’re considering that.”

“What am I suppose to do . . . and don’t smoke around my kid.”

“Oh shut up.” Joe lit his cigarette anyhow. “Frank, anyone else I can see doing this, but you?”

“Dad. I don’t want her to. But how in the hell do you suppose I stop her if she decides to anyhow. At least if I give the approval she seeks, I can have some control over it.” Frank stood up, adjusting a fussy Brian.

“So your mind is made up?”

“Not completely. Like I said I’m beating myself up about it. What do you think?”

Joe stuttered at first, then murmured before giving him his true thoughts. “I think a baby being born is good. We need them. And we have to remember, it’s a different world now Frank. People are doing things different now because it’s just the way things have to be. It won’t be a bad thing if you do.”

“Thanks. I mean that. I’m uh, heading home.” Frank moved to the door. “I appreciate you letting me talk about this with you.”

“Keep in mind, it doesn’t have to be such an earth shaking decision. This is a dead world that needs life.” Joe followed him and opened the door. “Sometimes you just have to look at the whole picture and not just a certain portion. And the whole picture is . . . going on.”

“You’re absolutely right. And, if we want to go on in peace. I better get my ass to work on everything tomorrow.” Frank stepped back in, kissed his father on the cheek, then stepped back out. “Thanks Dad.”

Joe smiled as he watched his son leave. He smiled because it wasn’t very often that he got to give his son advice, and his son actually wanted to hear it. Joe closed his front door, and stepped into his living room. He paused, looked back at the door and scratched his head. “Did we actually accomplish anything?”

^^^^

Ellen’s face was close to Andrea’s as they hunched over in the kitchen staring into their reflection on the side of the toaster. “Andrea, what do you think?”

Andrea, smacked her lips together. “Definitely this one.” She stood up and lowered the lipstick into the tube. “Is it really for me?”

“Yeah. I picked that shade out for you special. I have more too. I took like twenty-tubes. It got heavy after awhile. I got all the originals and the pseudo originals something.”

“Even Jenny?”

“Well, Frank won’t let me give her the diet book.” Ellen giggled with Andrea. “So I stopped by her house and gave her this really awful shade of pink lipstick. I didn’t want it anyhow. I’ll pass the rest of my gifts out tomorrow. You got yours because I wanted us to look good tonight.” She nodded and stuck her tube in her pocket.

“We do, too.” Andrea bent back to the toaster, running her finger on the corner of her mouth to fix it. “Miguel loves lipstick.”

“And he’ll be home to see it.” Ellen rested her hand on Andrea’s arched back. “Andrea, I want to tell you something. Your husband watched out for me, he did. You’d be really proud of him. I was. He stayed behind so Frank could get me out. I’ll never forget that, ever.”

Andrea stared at Ellen, her eyes welling with tears. “I am proud of him Ellen. I miss him.”

“I do too. He’ll be home soon. Our men will get him home.”

“Hey!” Frank’s abrupt entrance into the kitchen caused both women in their emotional moment to jump. “Are we eating yet? I’m starved . . . Oh, El.” He marched over to her, still holding Brian like the baby was a body extension of his. “Quit wearing that shit. It makes your lips look bigger than they are.”

“What do you want, Frank?” Ellen snapped at him, tightening her lips so they looked smaller.

“Food. Soon?”

Andrea answered him. “Yes, now go.”

“I’m leaving” He kissed Ellen on the cheek, tried to wipe off her lipstick but failed when Ellen ducked.

Ellen rolled her eyes and turned to Andrea. “The nerve. Do they look big?”

“No, he just doesn’t want you looking good.”

Ellen and Andrea couldn’t seem to find a moment to be alone, not ten seconds later, Ellen’s favorite person, Jenny came into the kitchen. “Ellen?” Jenny smiled brightly and tucked her red hair behind her ear. “I want to thank you for the gift. I see you’re wearing some too. Would that be the right shade for your lip size?”

Ellen folded her arms. “Probably not. But I have to say to you, Jenny, what a lovely shade that pink looks on you. It make your face look . . . thinner.”

Jenny smiled snidely. “John and Frank are comparing babies again. You may want to stop them, you know how upset Frank gets when he sees how much bigger Caroline is.”

“Having a big girl isn’t always a blessing, you should know that Jenny.” Ellen acted pleasant enough.

“Did I tell you Ellen, Caroline is rolling over. Imagine that, already.”

“Really? Well Brian’s reciting fuckin' Shakespeare." Ellen grabbed hold of her shorts and drastically pulled at them. “I want to go sit down before I lose my pants. Gosh, if I wasn’t skinny enough before I went away.” She grinned, her colored lips at Jenny and walked around the bend into the dining room. Still glancing back at Jenny cursing, she walked right into Dean.

“Ellen.” Dean caught his balance. “Hey, you’re wearing lipstick?”

“Are you gonna tell me my lips are big too.”

“No, I think they look . . . pouty, sexy.”

“Thanks, Dean.” She kissed him on the cheek leaving a lipstick mark. “Don’t go pester Andrea, she has her hands full right now trying to keep Jenny out of the food.”

“Actually, I was finding you. Frank left. He handed the baby to Joe and said he needed some air. That alone told me something was up.”

“Do you know why?” Ellen asked.

“I think it has something to do with Dan rambling on about how Frank saved you.”

“Thanks, Dean. I’ll find him. Tell everyone we’ll be right back.” She kissed him on the cheek leaving another mark--on purpose--then left the house. As she stepped down the single step she saw Frank. He stood in the street. One hand behind his head, the other on this hip. “Frank?”

He jumped. “Oh hey, El.”

“What’s going on?”

“I needed some air.” Frank took a deep breath. “Fresh.”

Ellen smiled and neared him, she kept her arms close to her, as she kicked her feet about on the ground. “Not real happy with Dan’s story?”

Frank closed his eyes and slowly shook his head. “No.”

“Why?” She reached her hand to his face. “You should be proud of what you did.”

Frank grabbed her hand. “What did I do? I brought you home. But look at you.” His hand ran from her face to her thigh. “You don’t even look the same. What did I save you from? Something I let you walk into? They beat you babe, they nearly raped you. I let soldiers drag you through the woods.”

“Frank, just stop.” She pulled down his hand. “You have to let this go. I went down there on my own. What happened to me was out of your control. We’re home now. Can we just, please, put this behind us.”

“I can’t. Because every time I look at you, I’m reminded of it.”

“Thanks, Frank. Thanks a lot.” Ellen started to walk away.

“No, El.” Frank moved to in front of her to stop her. “Stop.” He reached for her.

“No, you stop.” She pushed his hand away. “I have scars on my body now that will never go away. Are you telling me that for the rest of our lives every time you see them you’ll be reminded?”

“That’s not what I’m saying.”

“It’s not?” Ellen lowered her head. “Well that’s what I’m hearing. I want to forget this.” She brought her hand to her chest and pointed. “I want to let it go. You brought me home. End of it.” Ellen stood silent for a minute. “I won’t let what they did to me, lessen what you did for me. And don’t you ever . . .” Ellen closed her eyes with anger. “Ever, view what happened to me as your failure. Don’t. I’m not anyone’s failure. I’m a success story. I’m home alive.” Saying no more, Ellen went back into the party.

Frank’s head lowered. He took a few moments before going back in. He hated the feeling he got when he thought about what happened to Ellen; an anger brought on by a situation that was out of his control. He knew he could never take away what happened, just like he knew he could never take away how badly he had just made her feel.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

August 20

With the first buzz attempt, the door didn’t open. Ellen kicked the door, buzzed it again and made her entrance into the cryo-lab. “O.K. I’m here!”

Dean looked at his watch, he had a counter full of supplies waiting. “A little late.” He reached over and grabbed her hand leading her to his counter of supplies. “I need you to sit down.”

Ellen sat and continued rattling on. “First . . .” She didn’t notice Dean grabbing her arm and extending it. “I go to containment to see my survivors, you know, say hello. Then I go to put my lunch in the fridge . . .”

Dean wiped the space between her forearm and upper arm clean. Ellen paid no mind.

“ . . . and what does Greg of all people tell me? He tells me that I’m not eating lunch in containment. He and Henry are working there, I’m to work the clinic..”

Dean looked at Ellen through the tops of her eyes as he adjusted the tourniquet and cleaned her arm again. He waited for her to acknowledge what he was doing---she didn’t.

Ellen continued. “So, O.K., I go to the clinic thinking it’s some special arrangement. I find Andrea. She tells me, everyday for a while, and that I have to work in the lab with you.”

Dean punctured her skin with a needle--still no reaction. He placed in the first tube.

“Then I go to the lab, and who do I see? Jason. Sitting in your spot.” She nodded as Dean looked up to her, making eye contact. “I told him I’m supposed to be there with you. And he says that I am supposed to be on a long term project with you . . . but . . . you’re now down in the sub levels of hell. The cryo-lab. What a descriptive guy he is.” She stopped talking long enough to take a deep breath. “Guess who else I saw this morning. Care to comment on Melissa to me?”

“Oh, shit.” Dean beckoned the tube to fill faster releasing her tourniquet.

“Oh shit is right. Either I figured I stepped through one of those imaginary time machines Jason says he invents, Or . . G.A.F. actually stands for growth accelerated fetus like the sheets I found in their embryonic lab, not genetically altered fetus like some people insisted.”

“You know?” Dean placed in the third and final tube.

“Yep. I snatched up all kinds of sheets from their lab.”

“My first reaction was to abort.” Dean shook his head. “We don’t know how her body will react. But Melissa wouldn’t.” Dean laid that final tube to the side and placed a piece of cotton on her injection site. He bended her arm. “We’re going to do a ‘C’ section early.”

“Kind of go by the ultrasound and keep your fingers crossed?” Ellen slid from the stool. “I guess everyone knows she’s not pregnant to Mark now.” Ellen took off the cotton and tossed it in the trash. “Oh, I almost forgot.” She began to reach in her pocket and hesitated. “Dean? Why did you just take three tubes of blood out of me?”

“I didn’t think you noticed.” Dean spoke with sarcasm. “It’s for our work.”

“Anyway I almost forgot . . .”

“Don’t you want to know what we’re working on? You’re here with me for awhile.”

“What are we working on?” Ellen sat back down.

“Now don’t get upset. I’m sure you know that they were the ones responsible for doing this to the world right? Well, in a taste of their own medicine, we’re creating a biological weapon to use on them. They have too many soldiers and it’ll be easy to just drop it in their air supply. I’m going to use your blood and mine to create the antibodies for it, and as a basis for the weapon.”

“So in a sense you and I will definitely be immune should you create a monster?” Ellen asked. “This isn’t some sick warped plan you have to eliminate everyone so you can have me all to yourself, is it?” She joked. “You aren’t going to screw up and we’ll have to be trapped in here dying some horrible death, banging on the windows while everyone watches will you?”

“El, this is no joke.”

“I’m sorry.” She stopped her laughter. “In all seriousness Dean, you doing this is gonna let out your ‘I was a killer in the army’ secret.”

“Seems Joe knew and blackmailed me with it to get me to make the weapon.”

Ellen snickered. “Joe’s so cool. Anyhow . . .” She stood up. “I got something for you. When Frank and I were out, he gave me fifteen minutes in K-Mart. I got everyone something.”

Dean stood also. “What is it?” He smiled.

“It’s not much.” She placed the small white box in his hand and cupped it. “For you.”

Dean slowly opened his hand, his eyes widened and a huge smile fell on him. “Ellen, real dental floss?” He asked excited. “Wow.” Dean opened the cap and closed it. “Wow. This is so great, I’ll use it tonight. I love it. Thank you.” He placed his hand on the side of her face and leaned in to kiss her, he paused before her lips, then moved in slowly, touching his to hers softly. Pulling away slowly. “Thank you.” He clutched the floss.

“Whoa.” Ellen touched her lips. “Nice thank you.”

“It wasn’t just for the floss.” Dean kept flipping the lid. “It’s for never judging me.”

“I’ve judged you. Maybe not as a doctor, but definitely in bed . . .” Ellen lowered her head. “Can I be serious with you?”

“Something’s up.” Dean looked in her eyes. “What is it?”

Ellen walked over and closed and locked the lab doors. She made sure all the blinds were closed. “You have to promise me something. You have to promise me that what I’m going to tell you stays in this room. Promise me. And you have to be Dean the doctor.”

“I promise. Ellen, what’s wrong.”

Ellen walked back to him and lifted herself in the counter. She pulled her tee shirt from her shorts, then lifted it over her head, holding it against her chest. “I need your help. I need you to fix something for me.” With a deep breath, Ellen laid her shirt next to her. She undid the front clasp to her bra and slowly pulled away the cup to expose her left breast. “This.”

Dean swallowed deeply then blinked with a pause. “Oh, Ellen.”

“Dean the doctor remember?”

With a breath, Dean reached his hand out slowly to examine her. “Who did this to you?” His fingers touched the still unhealed wound.

“It’s not important. Can you fix it?”

“You mean plastic surgery?” Dean shook his head as he examined. “I don’t know. I’d have to read. Why don’t you go to Jason or Andrea they may . . .”

“No. I don’t want anyone to know this. I want you to fix this. Please.”

“I could screw it up.”

“How much more can it be screwed up.”

Shaking his head, Dean lifted his eyes. “I don’t feel any hard masses.” His closed her bra and handed her the tee shirt. “It will heal and you may not see that much of it.” Dean stepped back running his hand on his forehead.

“I want as much of it gone as possible. It’s a bad memory I don’t want.”

Dean slowly swung his head to her. “What kind of bad memory Ellen? What happened?”

“Nothing Dean.”

“Nothing?”

Ellen noticed his emotions. “Dean, you’re supposed to be rational. To be a doctor right now.”

“I’m finding it very difficult to do. As your friend it is killing me to see this. As a doctor I see bruises on the inside of your thighs, a bite mark on your breast. These are signs and evidence of a very violent rape. Ellen, my God. I’m not blind, I’m not stupid.”

“I know you’re not.” Ellen stayed on the counter putting on her shirt. “That’s why I think I came to you. I guess I need to let someone know what happened.”

Dean could feel his blood pressure begin to rise, his fears begin to generate. “Ellen, did someone rape you?” Dean moved to her. “Tell me. Did someone rape you?”

“Not exactly.”

“Not exactly?” Dean’s heart sunk, he could feel the lump in his throat. “What is, not exactly. Was there penetration?”

Ellen lifted her eyes. “Dean please. Don’t tell anyone.”

“There was.” The blood rushed to his ears, his heart beat faster and he could barely breathe. He ran his hand violently across the top of his head. He laid his hands next to her on the counter. “My God. You should have told someone, what if you got pregnant, what if . . .”

“They didn’t get that far. I got away quickly.”

“They?” Another emotional blow to Dean. His lowered head swayed back and forth. “I’m sorry.” He lifted it. “I’m sorry this happened to you.” He looked into her eyes. “Frank doesn’t know, does he?”

“I can’t tell him. He won’t handle it. There’s no way he can get justice. So he can’t know. I know he’s going to wonder soon why I won’t let him touch me.” She slowly slid from the counter.

“He has the right to know this. He has to know. You can’t keep this inside of you.”

“I’m not, I’m telling you. And I told him I got away.”

“El.” Dean took hold of her arm and stepped closer. “I can’t believe how strong you’re being.”

“Strong?” Her words squeaked out. “Look at me, Dean. Look what they did to me. I’m trying to be strong. That’s what everyone wants right?” She raised her fist as he held on to her arm. “I can’t be.” Her eyes began to well up. “As much as I’m trying. I can’t.” She shook her head trying to hide her emotions from him.

“Ellen, you don’t have to.”

“Tell me it’s all right.”

“It all right.” He pulled her into him and the moment they touched he felt her body let go in an emotional exasperation. His arms held tighter as she buried herself into him, her sobs muffled with in his chest. Her knees buckled, but Dean held her up, bracing her, allowing Ellen--who was always so strong-- let go in his arms.

^^^^

“You gotta be shitting me!” George blasted causing Joanna to step a foot back. “Beginnings wiped out that many of our men? These are supposed to be our protection. What the hell is wrong with them.”

“What’s wrong with them is they are not ready. You can’t expect them to go into battle and know how to handle themselves. You just can’t.” Joanna defended.

“You should have trained them prior to the freezing.” George scolded.

“We didn’t have the time.”

“Then train them now.”

“We can’t. Our strategist is working the field in Beginnings. The best we can do is send them with the fifty survivors we have for implantation to New Mexico. We have Dr. Gafsky. He was in the military for ten years. I want to send him to New Mexico to train them. He’s the best we have. Aside from you.”

“I can’t go, not on the outside chance they come down here.” George rubbed his eyes. “All right. That’s what we’ll do, but leave twenty here. I’ll work with them. Anything else?”

“We have four women ready for implantation. We’d like to send them also to New Mexico to begin as a trial.”

George waved his hand at her. “Go on. Do what you have to. Just get this goddamn plan going.”

Joanna stared at George before she got up from her chair. She understood why he wanted things to move fast, but she need him to understand why they couldn’t. To do things right takes time. The faster they move, the more the odds stay with Beginnings. That was something she could not tell George. Because that was something he didn’t want to hear.

^^^^

It was fortunate for Dean there was nothing deadly flying about the cryo-lab or it would have been sucked into his open mouth with his gasp.

“Dean.” Frank snapped his finger before him. “What’s wrong with you?”

“Shock.” Dean answered. “Let . . . let me get this straight. Elite group going to Colorado to drop the weapon, fight the soldier, and rescue Miguel and George. Dan, Greg, Cole, Pete, Hodges, you and . . . me?”

“Yeah, now what I . . .”

“Frank.” Dean held up his hand. “I am not even in the same league as far as fighting goes with these guys. I’m not a fighter, I’m a . . .”

“Don’t say lover.” Frank interrupted.

“Scientist.” Dean stated. “I was in the military, yes, but that was years ago. Sorry, I have to pass.”

“No, I’m sorry. You’re picked. Now back to what . . .”

“Have you seen the size of you guys. Of course you have.” Dean argued. “You guys all get extra rations. Look at me. I’m small.”

“Exactly.” Frank’s hand slammed on the counter with his heavy word. “Now if you’ll shut up I can explain. God, you’re giving me a headache.”

“You’re doing this to get rid of me, aren’t you. Eliminate me. Kill me off. It’s an excuse. It’s because of the baby isn’t . . .”

“Dean!” Frank snapped. “Shut up! We’ll talk about the baby thing at another time. Right now. I need you to tell me when you can train. We’ll adhere to your schedule. As far as why you’re going. One, most important, you’ll know your weapon. Two, you know that installation better than anyone. And three, you’re the only man in this community, other than Os-Oscar, that is small enough to crawl through a ventilation system. So Dean.” Frank stood up and smacked him on the arm. “You’re in.”

“But I’m needed here, Frank. I’m a doctor.”

“Oh quit making excuses. Jason is here now.” Frank looked down at his watch. “And I want to go prep for my meeting with my dad, so I’ll be in touch.”

Dean rose up to plead one more time but Frank had made his quick departure. Still stunned by the direct, non-rejection invitation Frank just gave him, he sat back down. “He’s gonna kill me out there, I know it.”

^^^^

Ellen stared down to the bottom of her shirt. The small stain that was the result of her clumsiness at dinner. The same stain that was worse because she rubbed it and rubbed it. It bothered her as she stood in her bedroom. Probably more than it should have. As she grabbed the edge of her shirt, she paused, wondering if Frank saw her hands shaking at dinner. Did he notice that her trembling caused her fork to fall from her hand? Did he buy her outburst over the shirt as being caused by her lack of clothing? It was something so innocent Frank said at the dinner table. Joking around with the twins, and Josh, saying how they’ll all have the huge wrestling match before Pap got there. Then saying how they wanted to drag Mommy into it. The word ‘drag’ sent her muscles into involuntary release. The blood rushed to her ears, she heard her own scream and then pulling herself from the memory, Ellen found herself a mess.

She wished that she hadn’t said anything to Dean. Before she opened her mouth it was all a bad dream. Talking about it made it a reality. The reality made her feel something she just wanted to punish herself over . . . weakness. And being a Slagel in a Slagel World, Ellen knew weakness was something she just couldn’t show. Especially to Frank.

^^^^

Frank handed the ‘Joe clipboard’ that he carried all afternoon with him to his father, then unrolled and smoothed out the map on the dining room table. He used glasses to hold down the edges, and pulled out the red marker that was always saved for special occasion. “Take a look Dad, that’s the plan. What do you think?”

Joe lifted the sheet, Brian perched against him. “I think that . . . What!?” Joe peered up at his son. “Dean? You chose Dean to go? Dean? Christ Almighty Frank, what are you up to? Are you putting him on this so you can eliminate him? Don’t do it Frank, just don’t . . .”

“Dad!” Frank banged his fist. “I asked him to go because that is what the plan called for. Read. Just read.” Frank pointed his marker. “And don’t question my judgment again.”

“Don’t you take that tone with me, I am your father.”

“Sorry.” Frank, shaking his head returned to his map. “Well?”

“O.K.” Joe set it down. “I see your point. At first I . . .” Joe looked at Frank as he bent over, the ceiling light in the dining room reflecting on his hair.

Frank felt his hairs being gently moved around. With glaring eyes, he lifted them to his father. “Why are you playing with my hair?”

“I just can’t believe that you’re getting gray hair. No one in the Slagel family history has ever had any . . .”

“I’m not getting gray hair!” Frank hit his father’s hand away, stood straight and ran his fingers through his hair. “And if I’m the first Slagel getting them, then it’s only because no other Slagel had to deal with the end of the world shit that I have to.”

“I do.” Joe leaned his head forward. “Not one gray hair.” he snickered at how perturbed Frank was. “All right, show me the route.” Stepping forward to the table, he felt the rush of someone darting in the dining area, and felt the touch of lips to his cheek. “Hi Kiddo. How ya feeling.”

“Better now.” Ellen reached out for the baby. “Let me take Brian.” She took Brian. “I’ll lay him down before social skills class. Frank, are you going to be all right with all the kids tonight.”

Frank’s head swayed over to Ellen as he diligently tried to work.. “I’ll be fine. Dad and Josh are here to help.”

“O.K.” Ellen laid the baby down. “Just don’t let Josh change his diaper again, he forgot to put a pin in it.” She walked back into the dining room. “And . . I’ll finish cleaning up later.”

Frank dropped his pen and rubbed his eyes. “El, I’ll do it. Don’t worry about it.” Shaking his head he looked to his father. “Between you and her I’m not going to get this done, am I?”

Ellen looked sharply at him. “Sorry I bothered you. You dropped this.” She grabbed his pen and threw it at him. “Asshole.”

Frank fumbled with the pen as it rolled down his chest. “What’d I say?” He leaned back over laying his navigator ruler on the map and lifting his pen to the edge of it.

Ellen folded her arms. “It’s not what you said.” She bumped, on purpose her hip into the table. “It’s how you said it.”

“El!” Frank stood up. “You made me fuck up my nice little line.”

“Good. I ask for ten seconds of your time and I get attitude off of you.”

“What attitude, I didn’t give you attitude.” Frank was trying to stay under control. He thought he was, his tone showed he wasn’t. “You’re the one with the sudden Sybil attitude . . .”

The loud clearing of a throat caught the attention of the three of them. Dean stood in the opening of the dining area. “Sorry to interrupt. Josh was outside, he said to come in.” Dean pointed backwards as he stood with one hand in his pocket, his eyes focused on Ellen the whole time. “But I was uh . . . I was wondering if I can steal Ellen before her social skills.”

Pen between his hands folded in a praying manner, Frank looked up. “Yes. Please. Take her.”

With a gasp from Ellen, she stormed out. Dean followed.

Letting out a heavy attention catching breath, Joe placed on his glasses, and peered across the table to the map, mumbling. “Nothing like passing off your responsibilities.”

“Excuse me?” Frank asked.

“Oh, nothing.” Joe tapped his hand on the table. “Map. Route.”

“Thank you.” Frank shook his head and turned his focus back on the mission.

^^^^

“Talk to him.” Dean pleaded almost to Ellen’s back as she paced in small circles. They seemingly hid between the containment and social hall buildings.

“I can’t.” Ellen faced him. “I can’t.”

“Then you’re going to let him think you’re just being a bitch.”

“No.” Ellen shook her head. “That is where Frank is wrong. Whether he knew the extend of what happened to me or not, he should know I went through a lot. That alone should award me some compassion from him.”

Dean chuckled. “I’m sorry. But we’re talking about Frank. Frank isn’t being insensitive. He’s being Frank. He doesn’t know how to be any other way unless you tell him the way he should be.” Dean looked around and finally realized where in their walk they ended up. “Why are we between these buildings.”

“Oh.” Ellen tossed out her hand in frustration. “Nosey old lady Josephine. Always in everyone’s business. You saw her peering her beady old eyes bet her and Jenny . . .”

“Ellen.” Dean stopped her.

“I’m sorry. I just feel so pent up. Angry.” She moved to him. “Guilty. Guilty because not only am I losing it on my husband, I won’t let him touch me in anyway further than a quick kiss or hug.”

“That is understandable.” Dean spoke with compassion. “Listen, you may not want to hear this. But maybe you need to talk to someone who’s gone through what you went though. You know and I know over half of these survivor women were violated more than once. Melissa for example. You get along with her, talk to her, she knows . . .”

“No.” Ellen shook her head. “I don’t want anyone but you to know.”

“But I’m at such a loss. I want to help, but I don’t know if I will help you out the right way.”

“You will.” Ellen’s voice softened. “Just be there for me, Listen when I need an ear. Try to make me feel . . . normal.”

Exhaling loudly, Dean reached out and pulled Ellen into him. “You got it.” He laid his lips to her forehead.

“Hey!” The elderly female voice yelled into the alley way causing the abrupt separation of Dean and Ellen’s embrace. “What’s going on here?” Josephine asked. Her fragile frame barely seen. “Does your husband know you’re doing some hanky panky in the alley. And do you know all hell is breaking loose in your containment. Henry ran out screaming.”

“Shit.”Ellen bolted past Dean. She skid to a stop turning around when she realize in her run she blasted into Josephine knocking her down. “Sorry.” Turning again, she ran into containment.

No guard. Silence. Ellen buzzed her way in, raced down the hall and with worry, opened up the skills room door.

“Surprise!” Was shouted in unison by the residents of containment.

Henry who was standing center walked over to Ellen. “Hey.”

“Oh, my God.” Ellen grabbed her chest. “For me?”

“For you.” Henry kissed her on the cheek. “We wanted to welcome you home. We missed you.”

Smiling and blushing Ellen basked in the moment. “And here I thought you were going to teach children’s songs again.” She giggled in happiness over her surprise and turned when she felt a hand on her back. Dean was standing there. “Dean, did you know?”

“Of course.” He smiled. “Henry asked for my help.”

“Thank you.” Ellen looked at Henry then Dean. “Thank you.”

Henry tugged on Ellen’s hand. “Come on over, we have cake. Josephine baked one. They all want to talk to you.”

Ellen nodded and faced Dean when Henry moved into the small crowd. “Dean.”

“Go enjoy your party.” Dean grabbed her hand. “See, El, a lot of people missed you. And Josephine baked you a cake. What did you call her.”

“Nosey. And she is. I’m gonna go . . .” Ellen pointed to the survivors.

“Go on.” Dean winked. His hand slipped from hers as she moved toward the group of survivors. Talking with them, it seemed, a lot differently. And Dean realized at he watched her that somehow, Ellen knew and understood them all, just a little bit better.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

August 27

Dean dreaded it as he made is way up the hill. Frank’s training field. His home territory, given to him, that huge area of land, as a training area for his security people. Frank trained them all the time. Snow, rain, heat, all on a regular basis. The other six men designated to go, were used to it, Dean wasn’t. He wouldn’t have even had known where to find them in their secluded spot if it wasn’t for the gun fire that regularly bellowed from the area. Frank worked the guys to go on the mission and he was in his glory. Dean knew it. He could hear Frank shouting over the grunts, as he drew closer up the hill.

“Get down!” Frank yelled. “You can’t dodge a hit like that. Son of a bitch!”

Dean watched Frank hammer into Dale. Then fear struck Dean. Frank saw him.

“You’re late!” Frank marched over to him.

“I was busy. So . . . what are we . . .”

“Dean!” Frank placed his hands on his hips. “I am working these drills around your schedule. Not ours. All of us would rather do this at six in the fuckin' morning rather than two in the afternoon! Now would you rather us do these at six!”

“God, Frank.” Dean put his finger to his ear and squinted. “Don’t yell. I’m sorry.”

Frank brought his hand to his own face with a slap. “All right. You ready to work?”

“What are we doing today.”

“Lines.”

“Lines?” Dean laughed. “Like drugs?”

“Dean!” Frank glared at him. “Grab a gun, make sure it’s not loaded, and go stand between Cole and Dan.”

“When do we get to shoot?” Dean asked.

“An hour ago! Go by Dan!” Frank looked at his watch. He knew he’d be pulling his hair out when they got closer to the time to leave. He saw Dean walk over grab a gun, and walk up to Dan, standing next to him and Cole. Dean looked at the rifle then Dean turned to Dan, then to Cole, who just shook their heads at him. Frank readied himself when he saw Dean walk back. “What Dean?”

“They won’t tell me, they’re acting like I should know. What are we doing?”

“If you would have been on time you would know.”

Dean was annoyed for having to be there as it was, his tone showed it. “But I wasn’t, so quit acting the drill Sergeant with me and tell me what we’re doing.”

“O.K.” Frank nodded his head and spoke slowly like he was talking to a child. “You Dean, will go and stand between Cole and Dan. You are the front line. You are the bad guys, the new soldiers. Greg is going to pretend he has to make it through them. Them, meaning you. Then he’s going to try to get through Dale, Hodges and Pete. Are you following me Dean?”

“Sort of. What am I, supposed to try to block Greg, like a linebacker.”

“Sure. But he’s gonna to try to get through. Got it?”

“This is really dumb. What’s the point, Frank? If these soldiers see an unarmed Greg running they are going to shoot him. End of story.”

Still remaining an imitated calm, Frank continued nodding his head. “Yes Dean, I know that. It’s to help build your physical stamina. All right?”

“All right.” Dean headed back to the line. “Should I hold my gun up or not.”

“However you’re comfortable. Oh and Dean, after Greg.” Frank smiled. “You’re next.”

“Swell.” Dean took his position and stood there. He held his gun up, just because no one else did. Greg hadn’t even made it to the second line and Dean knew, by Frank’s yell, he did something wrong.

“Dean!” Frank marched up to him. “What are you doing? You’re supposed to block Greg. Not move out of his way.”

“What, and let him knock me over?” Dean laughed. “Right. He weighs two hundred and sixty pounds Frank. Realistically, out there, if I see a man who weighs nearly three hundred pounds heading my way like a bull. I’m moving.”

“Fine.” Frank turned his back to Dean and yelled to the field. “Hey Greg. Stand where Dean was.” Frank, smiling turned back to Dean. “You’re up.”

“What am I suppose to do?” Dean asked. “Run through those guys?”

“Yep.” Frank took Dean’s rifle, set it down, then marched to the field.

“Wait!” Dean called. “Where are you going? Aren’t you supposed to stand here and yell?”

“Supposed to.” Frank walked backwards. “But just on the outside chance your skinny ass whizzes by these guys. You have to get through me.”

“Shit.” Dean knew he was in trouble when he saw Frank take his place, like a football player way in the back.

“Whenever you’re ready, Dean.” Frank yelled to him, grinning from ear to ear.

Speaking in a whisper, Dean shook his head. “Yeah, right.” He waved his hand up and took a starting runner’s position. He looked at the six big men before him, and Frank holding up the rear. “I’m a dead man.”

^^^^

Ellen kept peering at her watch, waiting impatiently in the lab for Dean’s return so she could go over the experiments and go home. What she saw walk into the lab, was not what she expected. “What happened to you?”

“Your husband.” Dean’s clothes were filthy, his hair totally messed up, and his face hard to see through the sweat and the dirt. “Don’t ask.”

“What did he do to you?”

“I said don’t ask.” He hobbled to the sink and turned it on full blast, instead of splashing his face, he let the sink fill. “I won’t be able to walk tomorrow.” As the water rose in the basin, he emerged his head in. He felt Ellen hand him the towel. “Thanks.” With his eyes partly closed he grabbed it, ran it over his face then his head. “How did the experiment go?”

Ellen shrugged. “It’s waiting for you.”

“What do you mean ‘waiting’?” Dean walked over to the counter. “Didn’t you do it?”

“Nope.” She stopped his reaching hand for the container. “And don’t touch anything I just cleaned in here.”

“Ellen, you weren’t supposed to be cleaning. You were supposed to be placing the tissue samples inside the sealed container with the compound.”

“I wasn’t opening that container. What if something went wrong and I’m not really immune. I would die in here. Alone. No way, I was waiting for you.”

“Ellen.” He tried to stay calm. “You stood not two feet from me when I placed a drop of it in there. You didn’t die then.”

“I wasn’t taking any chances.” She began to leave. “I’m going home.”

“We have to do these samples.”

Ellen stopped at the door. “We’ll do them at seven. See ya.” She stepped from the lab, rounding the corner in her own little world, not seeing Frank standing right there. His soft, ‘hi El’ startled her, making her scream in surprise. “Frank!” She yelled at him. “Don’t do that!” She smacked his chest. “Don’t you ever to that to me again! Ever!” She brushed by him harshly and ran off through the tunnels.

“What happened?” Dean ran from the lab. “I heard Ellen scream.”

“I don’t know. All I did was say hi to her and she lost it on me.” Frank was baffled. “Did something happen in the lab?”

“No. Maybe you should go after her.” Dean suggested. “She said she was going home.”

“Yeah, I think I will.” Frank still stunned by Ellen’s behavior, went down the tunnel the same direction she did.

^^^^

“El!” Frank walked into his house. “El.” It was empty. “Where in the hell did she go?”

His answer came when the front door opened. Ellen, Brian in her arms, Josh and the twins walked in. “Hi.” She said like nothing was wrong.

“What’s going on?” Frank bent down to greet the twins and took Brian.

“I don’t know what you mean.” She walked to the kitchen.

“You beat me up in the tunnel.”

“I didn’t beat you up.” She laughed. “God you’re so dramatic.”

“El, this isn’t a joke.” He followed her. “You lost it on me and all I did was greet you. What’s going on? Are you all right?”

Still laughing, Ellen shook her head as she opened the refrigerator. “I haven’t the foggiest idea what you are. . .”

“El.” Frank barked. “You screamed. You beat me up. You freaked out.”

The refrigerator door slammed as Ellen spun around. “You scared me all right! You scared me!” She brushed by him out of the kitchen.

“All I did was say hello!” He jolted when the front door slammed. So helpless, Frank looked down to the faces of the twins and Josh standing in the kitchen doorway looking for answers, then he peered to Brian. “All I did was say hello.”

^^^^

Dean knew he shouldn’t have. The long hot shower, washing away all the dirt that gathered on his body after being pummeled several hundred times by Frank and his band of merry men. His knee, the one the Frank shot none-the-less, aching even worse. He hobbled out of the shower, putting on his jeans. The bed looked so inviting as he stepped into his bedroom. He still had an hour before he had to get back to the lab to meet Ellen. What would it hurt if he just sat there, fifteen minutes, and he’d feel a hundred percent better. Dean didn’t even lay down completely, he let his head rest against the headboard as he semi-sat up. And that’s exactly how he woke up--two hours later.

“No!” Dean glanced at his clock. “No.” He jumped from the bed, slipped in his shoes and ran to the lab, finishing dressing all the way there. If he could feel any worse, he’d allow himself to. Ellen counted on those talks, she was starting to make progress, and Dean had to go and stand her up.

He could see as he ran down the tunnel, the light from the cryo lab shining into the dismal tunnels. The door was open. He flew in. Ellen was drying her hands over the sink. “El, I am so sorry.” He ran his fingers through his hair that was dry, in what frame it dried itself into, Dean was clueless.

“What did you do, fall asleep?” She walked over to him. She fiddled with his hair. “God, Dean, what happens to your hair when you sleep.” She tried to straighten it.

“I thought I’d wake up. I’m sorry. I feel really bad. Really bad.”

“Don’t worry about it. However if I come knocking on your door at three in the morning you’re not allowed to get mad at me.” She fussed at his hair like it was a mission. “This is awful.”

“You really aren’t mad?” Dean grabbed her hand. “I let you down.”

“No you did not. You’ve been more of a help to me than you know. It’s all right. Really it is . . . you know, you should stick your head under the sink again.”

Dean smiled in relief. “Thank you.”

“Oh.” Ellen snapped her finger. “I did the tissue samples for you.”

“You did? Did you record the results?”

“They’re right next to the glass container. I opened the container like you said. Boy, let me tell you my heart was beating, and I placed the tissues in. I believe they were Clint’s buttock tissue samples. How gross. Recording the results were simple enough. Take a look.”

Dean walked over and picked up the glass container. “Did you take the tissue out?”

“Nope.” Ellen answered.

“But I don’t see anything.” Dean picked up the jar.

“You won’t.” Ellen took the jar and set in down, then handed him her report. “The tissue sample, and it was a big one, disintegrated before I could even pick up my clipboard.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

September 7

George patted his stomach, a gut that once protruded over his belt, now was flat. “This, Joanna, is one more reason to get back to Beginnings.”

“We’ve all suffered weight loss. But we are surviving and we do have food.”

“Terrible food.” George sat down. “I did bring you here for something other than a culinary complaint. Beginnings hasn’t tried anything yet. This tells me that they are planning something big. I want to get back to Beginnings try to divert whatever it is they’re planning. I have Joe to take care of. I’m giving them two more weeks. If they don’t make a move, I want two of our men to take me on the back roads up to Montana. Drop me off just past Miles City, I’ll walk the rest of the way, and tell them I made my escape weeks ago.”

“And Miguel?”

George folded his hands across the desk. “Miguel was killed by savages on our way back.”

“How can you be so sure they’ll believe you?” Joanna asked.

“Because . . .” George leaned back. “It’s me. I’m George. The trusted Original.”

^^^^

Dean had a sort of gloating look on his face as he watched Frank walk up toward him. Dean would look at his watch, then at Frank, and he’d keep doing it until Frank noticed. “Now look who’s late. I could yell, like some people, but . . .” He took a deep breath. “I’m a nice guy.”

“I know, I know. I had things to get ready for our war games shortly.”

“Oh, those. So . . . what are we doing?”

“You can’t tell?” Frank indicated to the equipment on the ground. “I realized yesterday that you are the only one who isn’t versed in this. At least I don’t think you are.”

Dean glanced down. “Archery? Are we playing cowboys and Indians today Frank?”

“No Dean. Now take this serious. This is how we’re going to take out anyone who is around the installation when we arrive. We don’t want to alert anyone inside. Besides, I dragged Brian all the way up with me to get this shit laid out for you.”

“You brought Brian up here?”

“Yep. Might as well get him used to seeing it now. When he can, all this shit, is what he learns first.” Frank picked up the bow and two arrows.

“What about reading, Frank?”

“That’ll come.” He handed the bow to Dean. “Have you ever shot?”

“No, but I’ve wanted to.”

“Then let me show you first. It’s pretty simple.” Frank raised the bow. “Pulling back will be difficult for you at first. See your target and adjust your level.” He pulled back and released the arrow. It hit dead center of the target. He placed in another arrow. “The trick is . . .” Frank released the second one. “To see if you can hit the same spot twice.” He watched the arrow land directly on the other one and split it. “Here, you try.”

Dean stood amazed. “You want me to follow that.” He held the heavy bow.

Frank walked to the target. “Don’t shoot until I’m back.” He grabbed the arrows and ran back to Dean.” He handed him the one that wasn’t split.

“Is there anything you don’t do well, Frank?”

“Uh . . .no.” Frank helped Dean. “Raise up. You see your target?”

“Yep.” Dean pulled back. “This is hard.”

“You’re O.K.” Frank stood behind him checking. “Try.”

Dean’s released the tension and sent the arrow to sail. Not only did it hit it’s mark, it hit dead center. “Yes.”

“Good job.” Frank handed him another arrow. “Try it again.”

Dean tried again, he didn’t split the first arrow, but it landed right next to it.

“Dean.” Frank smacked him on the back in good gesture, sending him a foot forward. “I think we’ve found your niche.” He handed another arrow to him. “Here, try again.” Frank was impressed, he really was. And not very often did Dean do something to impress him.

^^^^

There wasn’t a soul to be seen in Beginnings, the war game on the hill left it a ghost town. All but the women. Women didn’t get to participate in the games. That didn’t bother Ellen much, but she always thought, if the feminist movement would still be alive they would have a fit to see how far Beginnings had set it back.

The streets were empty, and that was better than perfect for Ellen. No one saw her go into the clinic. Walking with her hands behind her back, head held high--whistling as she checked each room in the hall.

Seeing no one around Ellen walked into the lab. Hurriedly she made her way to the specimen fridge. “It’s here, somewhere.” She checked every labeled specimen tube. “Yes.” She found what she wanted and stuck it in her pocket.

“Ellen?” Questionably, the voice called to her.

Her hands shook a little as she turned around, keeping her hands in her pockets. “Jason. You aren’t playing the big war game?”

“No I’m not.” He walked to Ellen suspiciously. “Someone has to watch the clinic.”

“Oh that’s too bad . . . see ya.” Ellen tried to dart past him, Jason held out his arm.

“You took it. Didn’t you?”

“Took what?” Ellen looked to the ceiling.

“You know what I’m talking about. You and Dean have been asking for days for it.” Jason held out his hand. “Give it back, it’s ours.”

“I don’t have anything. I was um, putting something in the fridge. Ours is full.”

“Ellen, give me Melissa’s amniotic fluid. We need that.”

Ellen slowly pulled it from her pocket and stuck it back in. “Come on Jason, we’re all on the same side here. We need this. It’s the only baby who isn’t immune.”

“We need it.” Jason stayed calm, hand held out. “I can’t believe you and Dean have resorted to this. My sample please.”

Ellen, moping placed it in his hand.

Jason laughed, and took the sample to the refrigerator, “We’re finishing testing it tomorrow. You can have what we don’t use.”

“Ellen!” Melissa cried out painfully from the doorway, her hand sliding across the counter causing a huge crash. “Help me.” She held to her stomach.

“Shit.” Ellen ran over to her. “What’s wrong?”

Melissa’s knees began to bend. “The baby. I’m in labor.”

“No, you can’t be. We’re doing the ‘C’ section in two days.” Ellen placed her hands on her stomach, it moved violently. “Shit.” She lifted Melissa’s shirt and flew back. Watching the roundness of it distort and noticeable limbs moved about. “It looks like Alien.”

Jason took hold of Melissa’s arm. “I’ll take her to the back, and send Patrick out for Andrea. Go to the field and get Dean.”

“I’m on it.” Ellen looked one more time at the obvious agony on Melissa’s face. She gave a reassuring smile to Melissa, turned and panicked as she ran down the hall thinking the entire way how screwed they were.

^^^^

Frank wasn’t happy at all during the games. Standing next to his father in what they called the ‘free space.’ He shuffled his feet, holding a clipboard, watching the games, and John Matoose referee.

“Quit being a baby, Frank.” Joe scolded.

“I was looking forward to this.”

“I know, but you take all of the fun out of it for everyone. No one gets to shoot or get shot when you’re in the game.” Joe snickered as he talked. “As for now, you’ll just have to play strategist with me, and watch your men come in.” Joe checked out the statistics. “We’re winning.”

“You wouldn’t be if I was in the game.”

“No we wouldn’t, but now we’re having fun. You’re not, but every . . .” Joe looked past Frank to the jeep pulling up. “Why is your wife up here? And Christ, she can’t even put the thing in park.”

Ellen finally succeed in her parking task, and jumped from the jeep, nearly tripping as she did. “Frank.” She ran fast.

“El, why are you here?” Frank kissed her on the cheek. “You could get shot.”

“Where’s Dean?”

“Dead.” Frank pointed to him. “He’s with the casualties, why?”

“Melissa is in labor.” Ellen ran over to Dean who was seated on the ground. “Dean. Melissa’s in violent labor.” Ellen looked concerned. “Repeat of Sarah. Only worse.”

“Shit.” Dean jumped to his feet. “Did you bring a jeep?”

“Yeah, this way.” Ellen followed Dean, they jumped in the jeep with Dean driving, and sped off to the clinic.

^^^^

As they scrubbed quickly, they could hear Melissa’s cries from the operating room. Informing Patrick to keep Mark as far from the O.R. as possible, Dean and Ellen flew inside.

Melissa’s body convulsed on the table, it lifted and fell rapidly, side to side. Jason and Andrea tried to hold her down, they were failing.

Dean could not believe his eyes as he set them upon her even larger stomach. A stomach that had grown since he had seen her just the day before. The baby moved under the skin, like some kind of animal kicking its way through a plastic bag. “Andrea.” Dean neared the table. “Why haven’t you started yet?”

Andrea shook her head. “We can’t knock her out. We can’t even numb the sight. She has rejected everything we’ve given her. Dean, her cervix is tight. It’s closed tight.”

Melissa threw her head back, arching her neck and tensing her jaws. “Cut it out of me! Cut it out!” Her legs kicked abruptly and blood filled the table beneath her. “Oh God Help Me!”

Dean grabbed the surgical tray and took it to her side. “Ellen, you and Andrea hold down her chest. Jason. Hold down her legs. Use your body if you have to.” Wiping her exposed and moving stomach with an anti-bacterial, he lifted the scalpel.

Andrea looked in horror. “Sweet Jesus, Dean, she’ll feel it.”

“She’ll die, Andrea! We have to get this baby out.” Dean cringed as Melissa’s anguish filled screams engulfed the room.

Jason held tightly to the kicking legs. “A natural anesthetic will take over.”

Dean lowered the scalpel and stopped.

Ellen, held all of her weight against, Melissa. She saw the hesitation in Dean’s eyes. “Do it Dean. Just do it.”

With heavy breathing and a steady hand, Dean reached his arm around the stomach to hold down some of the motion that emanated from the infant inside who tried to be free. Dean found his spot, then quickly, inserted the sharp edge of the instrument into Melissa sending a searing, burning pain into the woman. She screamed with painful tears as Dean cut straight through and across. Dropping the scalpel on the tray he began to separate her skin. “I’ll worry about the sac after we cut open her . . .Oh my God.” Dean looked up. “It’s ripped the uterus.”

“Get it out of me! Please.” With one more cry out, Melissa stopped convulsing, yet her stomach did not.

Dean was horrified. “Is she alive? Someone tell me, is she alive?”

Andrea felt for a pulse. “She passed out.” She closed her eyes and said a prayer.

Dean reached his trembling hands into Melissa’s open flesh toward the violently moving sac covered infant. Before he could secure the sac, a small hand struck forth, and the infant shook itself in an emerging roll from its mother’s body. “Ellen, help.”

Ellen flew from Melissa’s chest, and in just enough time, her hands, with Dean’s grabbed the infant. “I got him. I got him. We need the anti-serum.”

“I’ll get it.” Dean bumped into the surgical tray. “Jason, you and Andrea work on Melissa. We’ll deal with the baby.”

Ellen flew with the heavy infant, still rolled up in a ball and shaking, to the table with Dean. “Inject him.”

Dean tried gently to insert the syringe. He lifted his eyes to Ellen, “It won’t go in.”

“Nail him, he’s dying.”

With all he had Dean pounded the needle through the skin, and injected the serum they called Hope. “Put him on this table.”

“He’s huge.” Ellen lay the slowing infant down. As she did, she got her first real glance at him. She didn’t say anything, she looked at Dean.

A sickening look was on Dean’s face as his hand touched down on the child who was actually bigger than Brian. Its skin was not the normal pinkish blue it should have been, but a brown, looking as if the skin had scales. It felt like leather to the touch. His huge body, almost sculptured, gave the appearance of muscles. “Look at his face, El.”

Closing her eyes first and taking a breath, Ellen looked to the face. Pug in nature, its features pressed beneath the weight of the extra skin that engulfed it. “He’s breathing, Dean.”

“And that’s good?” Dean banged his hand on the table. “We should have let this die.”

Ellen wrapped the infant in a blanket. “What should I do with him?”

“I don’t know right now.” Dean raised his hand and shook his head to leave the operating room. He glanced at Andrea and Jason who worked diligently on Melissa. The moment Dean reached the double doors he paused, as did Andrea and Jason, to the deep chesty rumbling moans they heard. For when Ellen lifted the baby into her arms, he released his first cries into his new world, and they weren’t an infant’s cries. They were the sound that made everyone stop.

^^^^

If it wasn’t for the hallway light reflecting off of his high top white tennis shoes, Ellen would never have seen Dean in that hospital room. She had looked all over for him and he was nowhere to be found. But, she had him in her scope. He sat on the floor at the foot of the bed. His knees brought close to him. “Dean.” She called out softly stepping into the room, being a shadow figure in the door. “I have to tell you this is the last place I looked.”

“I really want to be alone.”

“Really?” She walked in. “Tough. Melissa is doing good.” She took a seat on the floor next to him. “Andrea and Jason had to remove her uterus. She’s awake.”

“What have I done?” He rested his head on his arms again. “I was so wrapped up in the science of it. I failed to think of the human side of it.”

“That’s not true. You didn’t know. Melissa knew what she was getting into. You tried to stop this.” Ellen wrapped her arm around his back and placed her chin on his hunched shoulder. “Besides, Melissa is in her room now holding the baby. Not rejecting him.”

“Did you look at him, Ellen? Really look at him.”

“Yes I did. So he’s not the most attractive child in Beginnings. I’ve seen worse. Look at Jenny Matoose’s baby.”

That made Dean smile, he rubbed his forehead against his arm and lifted his head, resting it on the bed behind him. “What kind of life is that child going to have?”

“The same kind of life every other child in this community has. He’ll be loved. The children in this community will not see him any different. Our society won’t allow that. And another thing, we don’t know what will happen to the baby. He may grow to look normal. We just can’t make those judgments now.” Ellen reached for his hand. “Come on, why don’t you get out of this room. Walk me home.”

Dean shook his head. “I’d like to stay here just a few minutes more.”

“All right.” Ellen smiled at him. “I’ll leave you alone. But Dean, if you need me, just find me. I owe you.” She started to get up and his hand reached out to her.

“I need you, El.” He felt her sit back down again. “Can I . . . just . . .” Dean fiddled with his fingers as he stared at them. “Can I just sit with you for awhile?”

Ellen quietly smiled. Slowly she ran her hand down his arm to his hands. His fingers slipped in between hers and he gripped them tight.

“Thanks.” Dean lowered his head, bringing his lips down, and softly pressing them to the back of her hand. He rested his face against his knee as they sat, in silence.

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

September 15

It was a nod of approval from Frank that lasted most of the walk back to town from the living section. “Not bad. Small. But not bad. But I can’t believe you’re moving out on me.”

“You’ll love it.” Johnny smiled, walking with his father. “All those names in the hat and I won the drawing for the one bedroom house. Cool huh?”

“Cool.” Frank grinned. “Well, I’m gonna leave ya. I wanna stop to see Brian before El. I got that big meeting this after . . .”

“Can I talk to you for a second. Please?” Johnny asked.

Frank saw the seriousness in his son’s face. “What’s wrong?”

“Not really wrong, probably a good thing. I wanted to tell you first. Brace yourself.” Johnny took a deep breath.

“Christ.” Frank griped sounding so much like Joe. “Who’d you get pregnant?”

“Wow.” Johnny smiled. “That’s good. How did you know.”

“Oh, my God. It’s true. John. I’m too young to be a grandfather. You’re too young to be a father.”

“I’m eighteen.”

“Too young. Who?”

“Denice.”

Frank had to think. “Denice? Isn’t she involved with Curt?”

“Yes.” Johnny answered.

“Is she leaving him.”

“No.” Johnny shook his head. “She’s staying with him.”

“So he doesn’t know.”

“He knows.”

“Who gets the baby.”

“We share.”

So confused Frank looked. “Wait. She’s having your baby, but staying with Curt. And you’re sharing the baby. Doesn’t any of this bother you?”

“No. We have an understanding, Dad. We understand that we both are involved with Denice.” He chuckled at his father’s cringe. “It’s a great situation. I’m happy with it. We’re all happy with it. With men outnumbering the women by four to one, it’s the way things are now. And in a community this small, we do what we have to do so that we’re all happy and get along.” Johnny peered to his watch. “I’ll let you go. Tell me you’re happy for me.”

There was no hesitation on Frank’s part. “I’m happy. Not that I’m going to be a pap, but I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks Dad.” Johnny smiled and pointed backwards. “I’d better go.”

“Me, too.” Frank said. “I’ll talk to you later.” After giving Johnny a proud father’s swat to the arm, they parted ways. He knew where he was off to next, to the nursery to see the baby he didn’t share with anyone. His child. As he walked in and went to the back. He slowed down when he saw Dean holding Brian. “Dean?” He stepped closer. “What’s going on?”

“Hey, Frank.” Dean handed Brian to Frank. “Raz sent word to the clinic that Brian was sick. But he’s fine. I checked him out. And you have perfect timing, because he’s up. He's usually sleeping this time in the afternoon.”

“How do you know?” Frank took his son.

“I stop in and see him too. I’m sorry, maybe I’m overstepping boundaries. I got kind of used to him.” Dean reached out grabbing Brian’s hand.

“Nah.” Frank cradled Brian’s head. “That’s all right. He’s a great kid.”

“Yeah.” He’s a . . . he’s a really great kid.” Dean’s demeanor slipped as he slipped his fingers from Brian’s. “I’m heading back to the lab. It was uh . . . it was nice talking to you, Frank. It was.” Dean waved and backed up. “See you at the meeting.”

“Hey Dean.” Frank called to him. “Thanks for checking on Brian.”

“No problem.”

Frank had a few more minutes he could spend with Brian. He paced around the nursery talking to him, playing with him. But for some reason, his eyes just kept peering up to the door, the door that Dean had left through. He kept seeing Dean’s face. The look he had, sadness, maybe some jealousy, as he held on to Brian’s finger. Frank didn’t know why, but it made him feel bad.

^^^^

It made Joe’s ears ring the snap that Henry did under his nose. Joe merely raised his eyes.

“Joe. Pay attention to me.” Henry stood before Joe’s desk with a clipboard.

“Henry. Do you see me reading this stack of papers. The Caceres plan?”

“Yes. But do you see me trying to rehearse what I’m going to say at the meeting?”

“I could care less about your rehearsing. I feel like I have to find something in here and I haven’t a clue what it is.” Joe lifted a sheet.

“And I feel like I have to be effective.” Henry stated. “You really don’t seem to care how I sound, do you?”

“No.”

“I wish George was here.” Henry pouted. “He always listened to what I said. Well, with the exception of the wall. But I then again, I was right.”

“Yes, you were.” Joe tried pacifying him. “Now, if you’ll . . .”

“He should have listened instead of trying to stop me all the time.”

“He was trying to be . . .”

“Following me around. Yelling at me. Always sneaking behind to see where I was going. It was a complete lack of trust. He was . . .”

“Stop.” Joe held up his hand. “He followed you?”

“Yes.” Henry said. “Why do you think me and Ellen came up with that story. He was always there. No matter what time.”

“Why didn’t you tell me this?”

Henry gasped in irritation, nearly stomping his foot. “Joe.” he heaved a breath again. “Why would I tell you if you’re the one that told him to do it.”

“I never told him to follow you.” Joe said.

“Yes, you did. Ask him when he gets home.”

“I will, but I never . . .” Joe shut up. His mind immediately took off and he didn’t feel like explaining his mind’s destination to Henry. “I . . . remember now. I did tell him.” Joe lied.

“Joe.” Henry shook his head. “You better get in the mind set for this meeting or you’ll be no good. Here, listen to my tactical plan.” He held up his clipboard.

Pen to mouth, eyes on Henry, Joe looked like he was paying attention, but his mind was elsewhere.

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

“May I, Joe?” Henry stood well rehearsed and ready, waiting for everyone to settle into their prospective seats in Joe’s office. He spread out a hand drawn blue print. “Infiltrating the installation. This is the compound.” Henry showed. “Now Frank, you need to know how you and Dean are going to get into the air filter system. I have it mapped out for you. You will enter through the main air duct. That runs parallel to the elevator shaft. That’s you in. Open the elevator, make sure that it is lowered, and climb up approximately two stories.” Henry’s hand glided across the map.

“Wait a second!” Dean interrupted. “Are you telling me we have to climb up two stories in a shaft, with twenty-seven, below us. I’ll fall.”

Henry, very serious ignored Frank’s rolling eyes and spoke to Dean. “No you won’t Dean just don’t look down. That’s your easiest part. Now once you get to the vent.” Henry showed them. “You climb through. Frank, this vent is big enough you shouldn’t have a problem. Crawl fifteen feet and you will see a floor vent. That is where the main fan is. Lift that grate. Lower Dean down to approximately ten feet before the fan and wait. Simple enough. The blower should come on every fourteen minutes. That’s when you release it. When you have him by the rope, hold tight, Frank, so Dean doesn’t fall. Because if he does, he fall right onto that main blower fan and that weapon he made won’t be the only thing spraying through their ventilation.”

Dean cringed. “Oh that’s gross. And Thanks Henry, you just gave Frank a better way to off me.”

“Sorry.” Henry shrugged.

Shaking his head, and see Henry sit down, Joe couldn’t believe the lame bland instructions were what he pretended to listen to. “Dean. You’re up.”

Dean slowly stood before the room. With a gulp Dean pulled out his notes. “I hate going last. I have to follow Henry, and Joe, and loud Frank. And everyone wonders why they think I’m boring.” He heard everybody moan and shuffle, and mutter ‘come on with it’. “All right, all right.” Dean cleared his throat. “The weapon is done. After many successful tests, Ellen and I feel we have our potency and all we have left to do with it is mix the final batch. Which we will do tomorrow and fill the gas can grenades, and attachments for the 203's. We increased its strength and rapidness to three and one half minutes. So just to prepare you for the visual, I want to let what are to expect . . .” For the first time ever, Dean saw he had Frank’s complete attention. Frank leaned forward seemingly enjoying and waiting on the weapon news. “Immediately they will develop a massive headache. They will start to sweat, blisters and lesions will appear as the blood burns them. They will convulse, vomit, and probably excrete blood from every known body cavity. Their internal organs will turn to mush, and they will die after only a short three minutes of hell.” The room went dead quiet, except for Frank who had that gloating laugh.

Frank loved it. “Oh excellent. We get to use grenades with that stuff in there. That’s better than blowing them up. And it won’t hurt us?”

“No.” Dean answered. “I built it around a mutated form of our virus, so we’re immune and they aren’t. Also, it isn’t airborne in case anyone is wondering.”

Joe was. “How can you be sure?”

“Tests. Ellen and I worked with tissue samples, and figured out the lasting exposure to be forty five minutes. And just to double check, we brought those three field workers into the lab for a tour. You know to see if it was airborne.” That was the one thing that brought moans from everyone. “Please, like you gentleman care about them. That’s all.” As Dean folded his notes he noticed Henry raising his hand. “Yes Henry?”

“What did you call it?”

“Call it?”

“Yeah.” Henry said. “What did you name it. It has to have a name.”

“No it doesn’t.”

Joe stood from behind his desk. “I disagree. It should. What do you want to call it.”

Dean shrugged, really not knowing because he hadn’t given that any thought. However, before he could say anything when his mouth opened, a conversation erupted among the men about what it should be called. Dean threw his hands in the air and retook his seat, allowing them to have their fun.

^^^^

“Phase out.” Dean stated in such a complaining manner. “Do you believe that.” Ahead of Ellen he led them into exam room three. “God!” He stopped cold.

“Dean.” She shut the door. “It could have been worse, they could have voted to name it melt down.”

“Ha. Ha. Ha.” He set the clipboard on the counter. “Next time I will name my weapon. Name it. Who thought to name it. Frank. You know, when I finish the carbo bomb, it’s gonna be called Dean-ami.”

Ellen snickered. “And you don’t like the name phase-out?”

Dean only looked at her through the corner of his eyes. “All right. Let’s do this inventory. Inventory.” He huffed. “Why are we doing inventory? Aren’t we busy enough. Don’t we . . .”

“Dean.” Ellen stopped him. “You have everyone believing we aren’t done with . . . Phase-out. We haven’t done anything but sit around for three days pretending to work. Inventory is not that bad.”

“My last days on this earth.” Dean opened a cabinet and bent down. “My last days and I have to count supplies.”

Ellen lifted herself to sit on the examining table. “What are you talking about?”

“Frank’s killing me.” Dean proceeded to count. “Killing me out there. Eight bags of sutures.” He looked over his shoulder at her. “Why are you sitting down?”

“Actually, I’m preparing to release your tension.” She giggled. “It’s all making sense to me now. At first I thought it was a ridiculous notion that Frank would kill you. But after what he said.”

“Twenty-seven syringes. Are you writing this down? What did Frank say?”

“No, I’m not and he said, that since everyone is doing this share thing, I should hook you up one last time. I guess by saying ‘last time’, he was all but admitting he’s killing you.”

“Thanks a lot.” Shaking his head, Dean returned to his counting. He had to wonder if she really thought he believed her.

“So are you ready? Let’s go. Hop on . . . up.” Ellen laughed as she patted the table.

“Seeing how I value the meaning of my life, I’m just gonna have to pass on the opportunity. But thanks anyhow.”

“That’s what I figured. But I just want you to know, I was more than willing to do it. I knew you couldn’t though. It’s all right if you’re not up to it. Excuse the pun.”

“Ellen . . .” Dean turned back around and looked at her. That smug look on her face. That know-it-all smile. “O.K.”

The smile left Ellen’s face. “O.K.?” It was replaced suddenly by shock. “O.K.?”

“O.K.” Dean walked over to the examining room door and locked it.

Ellen knew at that instant he was calling her bluff, and knowing Dean as well as she did, she could more than easily, call his.

Over to the examining table Dean walked and stood before her. He undid her belt, slipping it from the loops and hanging it over her neck.

“Dean, these are Josh’s shorts, they’ll just fall right off of me if I stand up now.”

“Exactly.” Dean raised his eyebrow and lifted her shirt to hang outside her shorts. Any second, he thought, and she would stop him.

Like two cars playing chicken on a highway, she knew she wouldn’t be the one to veer off first in the game of who could make who fold. “Kind of makes it easier for you?”

“Kind of.” Dean grabbed the belt. “How do you want to do this? You want to go straight into it. After all, it is my last romp, right?”

“I’m leaving that up to you.” Ellen said smug. Feeling, for sure he’d back up.

“All right.” Dean took off his shirt and tossed it to the floor. “We’ll at least warm up some.” Thinking, how to get her to break, Dean, still holding the belt, pulled her neck to him. He released the belt and gripped the edges of the table. Jokingly he pecked lightly at her neck. He could feel Ellen giggle, and her trying not to be audible and give it away. He could feel her squirm and Dean laughed to himself knowing it was enough.

Just as he was about to quit, just as he was about to tell her he was kidding, the sides of his hands brushed against the nakedness of her thighs. Almost like a warm shock, the touch of her skin went through him, and his once tight lips parted to her neck. Ellen stopped laughing.

He slid his lips softly across her neck, as his hands moved to her legs. Fingers spread wide, his grip extending as far as it could across the tops of her thighs . . . clenching. The heaviness built in his chest as his heart beat faster. His lips moved more sensual, his head told him to stop. But he couldn’t. And Ellen wasn’t stopping him either. He knew they had crossed the line from a joke into a reality when he felt her finger tips move slowly up his back and to his hair, pulling him closer.

Gliding his hands behind her, he edged her to him, just a little. He felt her legs part as they brushed against his hips. He pulled his mouth from her neck, cupped her face with his hands and brought his lips to hers. Pressing them to hers, he parted them, wider and harder, kissing her deeper, and breathing in the every moment. All he could think of was kissing Ellen, feeling her, his hands roaming more about as did hers. Soon the space between them, the edge of the table, had disappeared as their bodies pressed together.

The point of no return.

Ellen’s hands moved to his jeans, undoing them, loosening them, allowing her hands to slip in the back. He slid her from the table, bringing his lips from her face, to her neck. Grazing them downward, his mouth touched and tasted every inch of her exposed body as he brought himself to his knees, slipping off what she wore to the floor. Bringing himself up, Dean began kissing Ellen as he lifted her, and he entered her with intensity as he backed her down to the table.

Not a single sound was heard from that room. Moving bodies, pressed together so tightly nothing could slip between them. Fingers gripping, intertwined. And then the only noise, were the sounds of breathing. Slow, shallow. Building, deeper, heavier, and finally growing in synch. All leading to that one final moment, the one breath holding moment, when they stopped moving.

Dean’s hand pressed tightly to her back from under her, his fingers dug, as their bodies froze in that single, tense instance.

Releasing the breath he held, but not Ellen, Dean lifted his head and laid his lips to hers. As he kissed her in that just-after time, his mouth hesitated at the same time as hers when the reality of what just happened, hit them.

With a sinking heart he raised his head and looked into her eyes. He saw it there. She felt what he felt. “Oh God, Ellen, what have we done?”

Ellen’s hand trembled as she brought it from his back to her face. She closed her eyes tightly. An unthinkable situation transpired without any thought.

Filled with anxiety, Dean lifted himself from Ellen and hurriedly, and nervously, began to dress. “I’m sorry. I am so sorry.”

Ellen, slowly, got from the table and picked up her clothes. Shaking her head in disbelief she too began to dress.

“I’m sorry, Ellen.” Dean, whose back had been turned, faced her.

“I was here too, Dean.” She took the belt that still hung from her neck and looped it through the baggy shorts. Ellen’s whole body shook and a knot formed in her stomach. She rubbed her eyes. “Please tell me this didn’t happen. Please tell me I didn’t just cheat on Frank.”

“It did. You did . . . we did.” Dean frantically ran his fingers through his hair laying it down. “This was the last thing I meant to happen. I swore I’d never make this mistake. God!” Dean’s hands moved up and down. “How could I have been so irresponsible?”

“Thanks a lot.” Ellen’s head lowered. She turned to the table, gripping it.

Dean swallowed, the lump in his throat made it difficult. “El.” He walked over and stood behind her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel bad.” His hand rested on her shoulder. “I just, I just always told myself, if you and I ever had the opportunity, I would never . . . while you were with Frank. No matter how I felt about him. I wouldn’t put him through that.”

“Frank.” Ellen’s eyes closed. “This would crush him.”

“We have to tell him.”

“What!?” She spun and faced him. “He’ll kill you. Physically kill you. And I can’t deal with this right now.” She brushed by him and moved to the door.

“Wait.” Dean reached out and grabbed her arm as she opened the door. “We have to talk about this. Where are you going?”

“Home. We’ll talk when I can think straight. I can’t do that right now. All I keep thinking is I haven’t let my husband touch me since before Colorado. I didn’t think I’d ever let a man touch me again. But I let you.” She breathed heavily. “And you know why.”

Dean released her and turned his back to her. He knew, he didn’t want to verbalize it.

“You were there. I started to depend on you to make me feel normal. But I should have listened to you. After the rape, I should have just gone to Frank.”

The heart dropping effect hit both Ellen and Dean when Frank’s voice, deep and saddened seeped into the room. “Yeah, you should have.”

Ellen spun around, all of her air escaped her when Frank was standing in the doorway. White as a ghost she looked to a shocked Dean, then Ellen, saying nothing, blasted past Frank, out of the examining room and she raced down the corridor never stopping.

Frank, after a brief glance at Dean, chased her.

Dean raced to the door to follow, but he stopped. Holding back his hair he turned into the room and it all came in clear, the vision, and all the sensations and feelings that transpired. Breathing slowly through his nose, he ran his hand harshly down his face. The locked door, the innocent joke that took them by surprise. The table. He closed his eyes and swallowed. “What have I done?”

^^^^

The shower’s warm water didn't wash it away. It hit against Ellen’s chest beating everything from her to the surface. Standing there, just standing there, she leaned into the tiled wall. Forearm resting above her. Her head resting on the arm. Her other palm flush against the light brown squares, helping to hold her up. The water went unnoticed as it hit against her, her mind deep in thought. It was her body cleansing. Her soul cleansing would come when she stepped from the shower to face Frank.

He was there in the bedroom waiting when she walked in. Sitting on the edge of the bed, hands folded. Ellen’s heart ricocheted through her body, beating loudly in her ears, taking away her breath.

“Frank.” It was the only thing she could say.

“I’m sorry.” He looked up. “I am really sorry.”

“What?” Shocked laced her one word. “Not you. Me. Why would you apologize to me? I was so wrong. So wrong . . .”

“And I knew. It hurt me to know what they did to you. I knew when I saw the bruises on your thighs. I could have told you. But I didn’t. I was afraid to hear it. If I heard it, it would make it true. And a part of me just couldn’t handle that. And by the time I could handle it enough to help you, it was too late.”

Ellen blinked several times, waiting for him to say more. Frank didn’t, she had to. “Frank, whether you knew or not isn’t the issue. I betrayed you. I went to Dean. That is why . . .”

“You’re smiling and getting better.” Frank nodded. “He helped you. I owe him my gratitude.”

“Gratitude?” Ellen questioned. “You feel you owe him that? Is that why you didn’t say anything or hit him when you overheard?”

“Hit him?” Frank chuckled emotionally. “What did the man do wrong? He helped my wife when I didn’t. No.” Frank held up his hand. “He helped her when I couldn’t. I just hope you aren’t mad at me for not being there. I’m not mad that you went to him.”

“No. I’m not mad.” Ellen whispered out. “Never.” She stared at him and realized Frank had no idea what had transpired in that examining room. And she stood there with a choice. Tell him the whole truth or say nothing. Debating only briefly, right or wrong, Ellen chose to say nothing.

CHAPTER FORTY

September 16

It was a semi-day off as Frank called it. Finish the stocking for the trip and then spend the rest of the day with his family. Even though it wasn’t even eight in the morning, it was Frank’s last stop. The cryo-lab, to see Dean. Frank needed it to be the final place he went.

He looked inside the open lab door held open with a brick. The sounds of explosions and gunfire rang out, as Dean sat before the computer playing a game. Frank knocked once on the archway before walking in. “So this is what you call hard work?”

“Breaks the monotony.” Dean engrossed, paused his game and turned around. “Frank.” If the coffee didn’t work as a jump start, seeing Frank did. “What’s up?”

“A couple things. I need the rest of those grenades. You didn’t give them to me.”

“Uh . . They’re right . . . I’ll get them.” Dean trying to stay calm, breathed slow to hide his nervousness. He hurried over, grabbed the sack and handed it to Frank. “Here you go.”

“Thanks.” Frank threw it over his shoulder. “Be at the garage five a.m. sharp tomorrow.”

“I’ll be there.” Dean was antsy, it was starting to show.

“And the other thing, I want to talk to you about you and my wife.”

“What . . . uh, what about us?” Dean reached for a stool and sat down.

“Ellen and I talked last night.” Frank too pulled up a seat. “A lot came out. I know what happened.”

Dean’s heart pounded. He was facing the firing squad. “Frank, please let me explain.”

“No. There’s no need to explain.” Frank held his hand out. “I’ve accepted the fact. And the fact is, I denied it. I couldn’t handle her being . . . see I can’t even say it. You could. You faced it with her.”

Dean let out a long breath. “We should have let you know. You had the right to know.”

“It doesn’t matter. I want to tell you I appreciate you helping her, I do.”

“Don’t thank me, Frank.” Dean stood up and moved away. “Don’t. I don’t deserve that. We went behind your back with this. We were wrong. In fact, I owe you an apology. A big apology for everything. The whole situation. I took that opportunity away from you.”

“I would have liked to have been the one to help her. But I wasn’t, you were. And even though you don’t want to hear it . . . thank you.” He stood. “One more thing.” Frank paused before leaving. “I gave it a lot of thought. We’ve bridged a riff between us. And with all you did, not now, but in a little while, if you still want that baby, I won’t stand in the way of Ellen carrying it for you.”

Dean’s eyes closed painfully. He turned to tell Frank he couldn’t accept that, but no words emerged from his mouth. He could only lift his hand in a wave goodbye when Frank walked out. He felt lower than he ever thought he could. It would have been easier if Frank would have nailed him. Flattening him would have bothered him less than treating him with the respect Dean knew he didn’t deserve.

^^^^

As a friend and confidant, Andrea felt it her duty to investigate. She knew exactly where to find Joe. Right where the last person saw him three hours earlier. She went to the near vacant warehouse and walked inside without announcement. The rumors were true. Something was wrong with Joe. He sat on the hard floor amongst a pile of cloths, books, posters and other personal belongings. “Joseph Slagel.”

“Andrea.” Joe calmly said her name taking the cigarette from his mouth. “What are you doing here?”

“I would like to ask you the same thing. I thought it was a rumor.” she stepped closer. “People, people have been saying since five this morning you were running around this community collecting all of the Chester items back.”

“I did.”

“Why?” she asked with worry.

“Because I missed something. Maybe. I don’t know.”

“What did you miss?”

“I don’t know.”

“Can I ask what you think you missed something on?”

“Yeah you can ask.” Joe stated examining the items. “I don’t know. But I know I did. I think.”

“You sound like Frank.”

“I feel like Frank.” Joe shook his head. “But I’m right.”

“In missing something you know you missed, but don’t know what it is?” Andrea nodded when Joe did. “Are you stressed, Joe?”

“Very.”

“Is this helping?”

“I think.”

Nodding once more, Andrea stepped back. She would leave Joe alone with his items. His own personal therapy, no matter how much sense it didn’t make.

^^^^

How many times did Dean have to tap his fingers on the counter loudly to let Ellen know he was antsy. He listened to her ramble about blood work, pap smears, urine samples, and finishing up requisitions so she could head home early. She acted as if it was a normal day at the clinic. That nothing out of the ordinary had even transpired between them.

“And I’m out of here.” Ellen said chipper. “See ya.”

Snapping out of his daze, Dean jumped from his stool, bolted in front of Ellen and bodily closed the lab door. “You aren’t going anywhere.”

“Why are you trapping me in the lab?”

“Because we have to talk about what happened last night.”

“What uh, happened last night.”

Dean grunted and stepped away from the door. “Oh, don’t play dumb. You know exactly what happened. And you and I have to talk about this. Right now.”

“What is there to talk about. It happened.”

“Ellen.” Dean gasped out her name. “We crossed a line you and I. I’m emotionally a mess here. Frank’s being nice. He’s allowing you to carry that baby. I can’t face him. I can’t. We have to tell him.”

“And I will.” Ellen’s voice raised a little. “But not yet. In time. But I won’t tell him yet.”

“Waiting will only make it worse.”

“Sorry. That’s the way it has to be.” Ellen tried for the door again.

“You can’t ignore this.” Dean charged for her.

“I’m not!” Ellen yelled.

“You are. You’re ignoring it and trust me, El, we can’t take it back.” Dean pointed.

“I don’t want to take it back!”

“What?” Dean stepped back, his words breathy.

Ellen softened her words slowing them down. “I don’t want to take it back. I feel so bad for cheating. And I feel horrible for lying to a man I have never lied to. But I don’t want to take it back.”

Dean stuttered in his words before he got only one out. “Why?”

“Because I still love you, Dean. More than I realized and last night . . . last night was one more moment with you I so desperately needed.”

In the midst of Dean being barreled over by her words, stunned to the point he couldn’t move, Ellen had left. Her final words etched not only in his head but in his heart.

^^^^

The calm before the storm. The quiet darkness of the September night, along with the brisk coolness of the air brought a serene feeling to Beginnings. The dawn of the next day would bring a lot of worry and hope. A rescue mission thought out well enough, deadly enough, it was without certainty in Beginnings’ mind, going to be a success.

But Joe couldn’t sleep, not only were his men going out into the world, but also his son. Settling on a walk to his office, Joe heard it as he approached the edge of the main part of town. A clinking, it came from the garage. A light shone through to the street, a crease of a light through a partly open door. Joe followed its lead and walked into the garage. “Frank?” His son leaned under the open hood of the truck. “Something wrong with the truck?”

“Hey Dad.” Frank grabbed a cloth and wiped his hands. “Nah, I’m just giving everything a once over.”

“Again?”

“Yep. Almost done.” Frank tossed the cloth. “What’s up, it’s almost midnight.”

“I should be asking you the same thing.” Joe pulled out a cigarette. “I thought you would be home with your family.”

“My family is sleeping.” Frank waved away the smoke and walked to the side of the truck to check the harness on the extra gas tank. “Except for Ellen. She’ll be up for a while. So what’s your answer. Why are you here?”

“Couldn’t sleep. My mind is all over the place. I don’t know if I’m just reaching or if it’s my gut speaking to me.”

Frank gave a puzzled smile as he moved from the side of the truck. “Should I ask about what?”

“Nope.” Joe shook his head. “I sound nuts. I’m in a thinking phase.”

“Yeah. Me too.” Frank stated. “I was thinking, you know we aren’t getting them all tomorrow.”

“I know.” Joe said.

“Should we search out that other site mentioned in those Caceres plans.”

“Not right away, no. Wait until you guys do a body count in there, come home and we’ll decide if enough of them are left alive to start trouble.”

“One of them left is enough to start trouble.” Frank closed the side door to the truck. “Just one is all that it would take.” Frank grabbed his cloth again and wiped his hands. He shut the hood to the truck. “Now I will go back home to my wife.”

“Why did you leave in the first place? This couldn’t have waited until morning?” Joe asked.

“I wasn’t taking any chances. No repeat of the helicopter story I’ve been told. If something was going to be wrong, I’d rather know with enough time to do something about it.”

“Why would you say that, Frank? Who in the world would do something to sabotage this mission?”

“If I learned anything, I’ve learned you just don’t know. You never know. Like I said all it takes is one of them. And you never know where that one person is. Or who for that matter.”

All the walking, thinking, reading or searching in the world didn’t give Joe the confirmation Frank did at that moment. Joe knew all along inside of him what he missed, or rather who he missed. He guessed he need justification for his thoughts. Frank gave him that. All that was left was finding the proof to back it up.

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

September 17 - The Mission

Pulling over just past Denver, signified it was time to change drivers. Frank needed the break and wanted to rest and clear his mind for the rest of the trip that wasn’t that far from over. It was smooth driving down, no militant groups canvassing the roads like zombies from a ‘B’ horror flick. Just the overgrown wilderness and the animals that sometimes, curiously peeked from the camouflage of the trees to see what the strange noise was.

Jumping into the back of the truck, Frank knew it had been a while since he pestered and made Dean nervous. He took a seat right next to Dean and perched his rifle between his legs.

Dean looked oddly at Frank who smiled at him, his stomach twitched.

“Hey Dean. You’ve been pretty quiet most of the trip.”

“I’ve been sleeping.” Dean patted down his hair. “Why?”

“I’m just being concerned.” Frank hid the smile that crept up from Dean’s nervousness. “I thought something was bothering you. Would you like to talk about it?”

Dean peered at Frank through the hand that covered his eyes. “Oh you have this all planned don’t you?” He scooted further from Frank. “I know Frank. Others do too.”

Frank shook his head and laughed. He smiled a huge smile watching Dean edge more away, and he knew he could relax. He laid his head against the back of the truck and closed his eyes.

^^^^

George knew the end to his time in that installation was near. Lowered belongings and equipment to the twenty-seventh floor would soon be raised back up on the next day’s light when George left the installation. He was packed already. His small bag containing the few items he brought, plus the one he didn’t, the case containing the drug he fully planned on giving Joe. In a sense George, couldn’t wait to get back home. Plan or no plan there were actually people in Beginnings he missed. Henry for one, Andrea, he had the best story to tell her, and a couple of the survivors. That was it. The rest he really didn’t care much for.

George made it back to his room, the late breakfast, or whatever it was he ingested, not setting right with him. He had a meeting with Jeffrey and Joanna in the early afternoon, and he wanted to be in top shape for it. He didn’t want to sound like a sick old bird barking out orders on how not to screw things up while he was gone. He would be much less than threatening if he began gagging in the middle of his speech. An after meal nap would help. And that was where George headed.

^^^^

Frank hustled up the grade not far from the installation to the secluded area where the others worked diligently to conceal the truck. “Gather round.” Frank called to them, as he sat on the ground waiting. As soon as the other seven encircled him, Frank began to talk. “All right. There are two at the front gate. One at the guard station and two at the tunnel entrance. Now Dean and I are going to make it down the brush near the front. We’ll hold ground there. Wait until you see us down by the gate. Once you do, I want them taken out. Try to get them in one shot. Arrows only. After we see the coast clear, Dean and I will head on in, and take it from there. I want all of you to stay put until we give you an all clear signal. Got that?” He saw the agreement of everyone. “Now let’s do one more weapons check and head on out.” Frank stood up. “It’s show time, ladies.”

^^^^

Ellen walked into the calm quiet of the chapel. It would have been a perfect place had it not been for Henry standing on the ladder fixing that ceiling light he never could get right. And there was Andrea perched in a pew directly under him. She was who Ellen sought. Avoiding walking under the ladder--not a good time to do that--she slid in the pew next to Andrea. “Joe said I could find you here.”

“I’ve been here all morning.” Andrea’s eyes were closed, a bible on her lap. “It’s very comforting.” A pattering sound and plaster fell on her bible, Andrea wiped it away.

“Under Henry?” Ellen brushed off her arms.

“I was here first. I wasn’t moving. Besides I don’t even notice him.”

“How could you not.” Ellen looked up to the clanking fix it guy, her face greeted with white stuff. Ellen ran her hand across her mouth. “What’s going on?”

“I was thinking and talking to the Lord.”

“Concerned about Miguel?” Ellen rested her hand on Andrea’s knees. She felt the plaster again, she bit her lip and disgustingly looked up and shook her head at Henry.

“No I know he’s in good hands.”

“That’s right.” Ellen patted her knee. “Our men will bring him home.”

“That’s not the hands he’s in.” Andrea rested her hand on her bible.

“No Andrea, you’re wrong.”

“I don’t believe so. I’ve feared it for a while, and now I feel it.” Andrea spoke somberly. “I truly feel it. Ellen, do you think that, if God forbid, something happened to Frank, do you think you would sense that?”

Ellen lowered her head. “Yes, I would.”

“Then why don’t you believe me when I tell you what I sense.”

“Because I don’t want it to be true.”

“Neither do I.” Andrea placed her hand over Ellen’s. “Stay with me Ellen. Stay and pray with me.”

“I’ll stay Andrea, but I’m not going to pray. I think I annoy Him.” Ellen looked up. “And none of us need to have Him annoyed right now. We need Him on our side.”

Andrea smiled and leaned closer to Ellen, she sat there with her, taking comfort and hope with her friend.

^^^^

Frank and Dean hid down in the brush not fifteen feet from where the front gate guards stood. They lay on their stomachs, crossbows aimed, and they waited.

“Dean.” Frank whispered. “See that box on the corner of the fence on the left? Set your aim there, tried to hit that, that’s a current box. Take that out and I’ll head for the lock box control. When you hear the arrows, shoot.”

“Got it.” Dean found his target.

Frank, though aiming, kept his sight toward the hill. He waited for his men to shoot. He knew it was coming when he saw the thin flash of light, like a shooting star in the woods, as the sun caught the silver tipped arrow head. With a whistling sound, the arrows sailed downward, like the rain of an Indian attack, two sets from above, and Dean and Frank fired their own. Sparks flew from the current and lock boxes as the guards, all five of them fell to the ground.

Rushing forward on Frank’s ‘Now!’ Dean and Frank hit the fence.

Using the butt of his cross bow, Frank knocked against the metal fencing to open it. And they ran toward the tunnel opening. “Gas cans, three Dean.”

Dean as he ran, handed them one by one to Frank. “You should only need one.”

“Have to be sure.” Stopping at the opening, Frank pulled the tab on the first can and threw it as hard as he could inward. He did the same with the next two. When they heard the safety sound of the three popping cans they knew the gas was released.

Dean watched his watch. “Thirty seconds to take effect. Twenty . . . ten . . . time.” Following Frank who ran fast through the semi dark tunnel, Dean could hear the cries, painful cries emanating toward him the closer he drew. As he reached the end of the tunnel he saw the source of those cries. Four uniformed men lay on the ground, pools of blood engulfed their shaking bodies. “Whoa.” Dean slowed down.

“Come on Dean.”

“It works Frank. Let me just stay and watch the effects.”

“Come on!” Frank grabbed and tugged his arm. “Elevator’s this way.” He slowed up at the silver doors. He saw the digital display above the elevator. “It’s on its way up. Flush against the wall.” Frank pressed the button and pulled Dean to his side. Pulling out his knife he waited.

The doors opened and the first unsuspecting guard darted off, he never made it far, Frank grabbed him by the hair, yanked him back, and slit his throat. The second guard saw Frank, but fumbled in his attempt to grab him weapon. Frank clenched his fist, connected with the guard and grabbed him before he could fall backwards. In one motion, Frank swung the guard’s back to him, braced his forehead, and in one quick jolt, snapped his neck. “Let’s go.” Frank snuck his hand in the elevator and pressed twenty-seven. He let the doors start to close and he stuck the thin metal bar down to stop it. Using his strength, he pried the doors back open and held them that way. He leaned against the doors watching the elevator lower. “A long way down.” He whistled. “So don’t slip.”

“You’re an asshole.” Dean grabbed another bar from Frank’s backpack and secured the doors.

Frank smiled and held his hand out in a point to the shaft. All yours. Ladder going up is to your right.”

“Where are you going to be?”

“Right behind you.”

Dean began to step through, he made one mistake, he looked down. “Shit, I’m dead if I fall. Frank, you’re not gonna shove me are you?” He stepped through grabbing the rungs.

“I’ll just wait until after you released the weapon.”

“Funny Frank, really funny.” Dean climbed up all the way up. Adjusting his projection gun behind him, Dean lifted himself into the vent, he crawled down some and waited on Frank. “Here it is.” He spotted the main air shaft and pulled on the grate. “It’s stuck.”

“Watch out.” Frank pulled out the thin metal bar again and jarred it open. He dropped the rope from his shoulder, unraveling the end. “Let’s get this around your waist.”

Dean felt the rope. “This will hold me, right?”

“No. I’ll hold you. Ready?”

Dean peaked down the vent he was to crawl down into. “I just know I’m going to be claustrophobic in there.”

“Will you please quit whining? Now get down there. I have the end so if you slip, I got you.”

“Are you sure?” Dean lowered his legs in.

“I’m sure. Now yell up when your about ten feet from that fan. Brace yourself against the wall like I told you. Got that?”

Dean nodded nervously. “Back against one side, feet on the other.”

“Aim between your legs.”

Dean began to use the robe to climb down, he muttered softly as he did. “Aim between my legs. I can’t breathe. It’s too cramped.” He saw where he was. “I’m there, Frank.” Using his feet Dean pushed himself back. He thought, easy enough, as he tried to crouch in a suspended squat, the slickness of the walls took him by surprise and he slipped. The tension of the rope saved him.

“Dean, what are you doing?”

“I’m bracing myself. It’s slippery.” Dean finally found his position. He aimed the projection weapon between his legs. “Come on fan turn on so I can get out of here. Are you sure you’re all right holding me up. I’m not too heavy right?”

“No Dean you’re not. God it’s like holding up my wife, and trust me, I’ve suspended her for longer than fourteen minutes.

“Spare me Frank.” Dean rolled his eyes.

Sounding about as frantic as he could, Frank called down to Dean. “Oh shit Dean, the ropes breaking.”

“Pull me up! Hurry!"

“Just kidding.” Frank laughed.

“God, are you an asshole.” Dean tried to slow his heart beat that raced within him. He could hear Frank laughing above him, that big-shot laugh. “You’re real cute, Frank.” Dean’s finger held tight to the gun.

“What’s the matter, Dean?” Frank teased him as he leaned with his back against the vent wall, the shaft Dean was in, between his legs. The rope wrapped securely around his wrist. “Don’t you trust me?”

“No I don’t.” Dean glared up. “I cannot believe I’m allowing my life to dangle in your hands. Your will.”

Frank took an offense. “I’ll have you know other men would feel trusted with me holding this rope. Other men would not be this much of a pansy.”

“Pansy!” Dean grew annoyed and his voice raised higher. “Frank, other men have not had sex with your wife!”

“What!?” Frank looked down. “What did you say?”

“I mean, you know what I mean.” Dean breathed heavily.

“Hey Dean!” Frank called down. “Tell me right now, are you having an affair with my wife?”

“Frank, what are you stupid? If I was or wasn’t, do you really think I’d tell you right here while you have me dangling above the killer fan.” Getting ready for more Frank backlash, he heard it, the humming. “Frank, I think it’s time.”

Changing his tone, Frank gripped tighter, just on the outside chance the fan had more suction then they anticipated. “Brace yourself and get ready. I have you, don’t worry about it.”

Dean wiped the sweat that formed from his eyes and laid his finger on the trigger. With the whoosh of the fan, the sound of a slow motor started and grew faster and louder. The spinning blades not ten feet below him were his sign. It was time to begin. No turning back. Dean aimed his weapon.

^^^^

Jeffrey Barnett handed George the small wrapped up package. “Now secure this in your bag. You’ll need this data. I left instructions on how to download this onto the main cryo-lab computers.”

George took it and placed it in his small bag. “It will work?”

“Oh sure.” Jeffrey spoke. “Just in case they access the hidden files in the computer. They have to get past the password, but if they do, this ensures that what they see, they won’t see very long.”

Joanna added to it. “Make sure you access the networking between the systems down there. When one goes, the others will go at hour intervals.”

George zipped up his bag. “How much damage will be done? I can’t take a chance of the underneath of Beginnings being wiped out.”

“Not much.” Jeffrey answered. “That’s why you have to network the software. The first will be a subtle explosion. If there’s such a thing. Now the cryo lab section, sits on a shaft about ten feet deep. It should be enough to knock the floor out, then the second explosion will just ensure the entombment of anyone there.”

George liked what her heard. “Of course the likely hood of them even breaking the password to that info is slim. But just on that chance . . .” He patted his duffel bag. “They won’t know about me for very long.”

“That’s correct.” Joanna’s nose crinkled. “What is that smell?”

Jeffrey looked around. “I don’t smell . . .” With a loud cry out, Jeffrey grabbed his head. He pressed his palms tightly to his temples.

Joanna did the same. Within seconds, sweat formed on both of their brows and they started to tremble.

George’s eyes shifted, he was confused. “Are you two . . .” He cut his words short. Joanna and Jeffery both began to shake where they stood as if they were being electrocuted. The sweat beads that were forming on their brows, turned into bubbling blisters on their red flushed skin.

Jeffrey fell to the floor screaming cries of agony. Joanna held firm to her stand a bit longer.

“Holy Christ!” George in a panic looked at them. “Were you working on something in one of the . . . I’m getting out of here.” As he stepped over Jeffrey, Joanna buckled to her knees.

She gripped with dear life to George’s leg. “Help . . . Help me.” Her head twitched violently. Blood flowed from her eyes, her ears, her nose and her mouth. The blisters that formed grew bigger, oozing, exploding with blood and pus. A substance that acted as an acid burned the skin more as it flowed from the wound that expelled it. “Help . . . please.”

George felt her grip weaken, but still holding him back. Without pity, without remorse, he looked down to her. “Get off of me.” He could have shaken her free, but he choose not to. He pulled back his foot blasting a fierce blow to her face to remove her. Instead of kicking her off like he intended, his foot sailed right through her head as if she were Jell-O. After cringing and pulling back, he shook off his shoe, opened his door with fury and ran out. Up and down the halls were the same vision. The same horrifying vision. Anyone who could still move, tried desperately for the elevator as if it was an escape from the death they seemed to face. Anyone who lay on the ground, their bodies seemingly disintegrated before George’s eyes.

^^^^

“Time!” Dean yelled up to Frank. “Lift me.”

Frank pulled on the rope, quickly, as Dean used his feet and hands to help with Frank’s efforts. Once Dean had made it up, Frank allowed him to crawl ahead first. “As soon as we get up there, let’s go signal our guys. You think it worked?”

“I know it worked.” Dean reached the end of the vent and looking less than agile, he reached over to his right for the ladder down. He could see the doors to the elevator still open. They were his guiding light. When he reached the bottom he looked up. Frank still sat in the vent. “You coming?”

“I’m adjusting, I’ll be right there.” Frank tightened and secured his belongs against him.

Standing solid on the first floor, Dean stuck his head in the shaft to watch Frank take the first rung. As Frank’s foot extended to the second, a loud buzzing echoed through the hollow shaft followed by a clank, with it brought a sizzling crack, a zapping and sparks. Frank flew backwards. His hand releasing the ladder for a brief second before he caught himself again but only with a loud cry out in pain.

“Frank?” Dean hollered in panic. “The elevator’s coming!”

“I’m caught up!” Frank held on with one hand, his face scrunched up as he reached desperately behind him.

“Frank you have . . .” Dean peered down to the slow moving elevator. If it made it to Frank before Frank freed himself into the vent right next to him, it would kill him. “I’m coming up.”

“No!” Frank’s words were painful, he tried hard to loosen what had not only caught his clothes, but a portion of his back as well. “Too dangerous.”

“Tough.” Dean, without fear of falling, leaped out to the ladder in the shaft and quickly, in a race against time, crawled up.

“Get out of this shaft!” Frank looked down. “Now!”

“No!” Dean, his body pressed nearly to Frank, held on with one hand as he maneuvered his to see where Frank was stuck. “I can get this.”

“No. Dean. We’ll both get killed, get out!” The top of the elevator came into clear focus.

“Hold still.” Dean’s hands moved about in the blood that flowed from Frank’s wound, and the metal object that injected itself into his skin.. The elevator drew closer. “You think I’m leaving you here? If you go . . .” Dean looked him in the eyes as his hands worked. “I go with you.” Pulling Frank, the feeling of relief hit as the elevator approached ten feet from them. “Got it!”

Frank felt his mobility and he shoved Dean to the ladder. Up the two rungs they flew. Dean into the vent first, Frank second. The huge carriage screeched to a crunching halt a split second after Frank shot himself into the vent for safety.

Grabbing his back, Frank leaned against the vent wall, he huffed, out of breath, the excitement still with him. “You . . . you saved my life.”

“You’re cut.” Dean tried to see his injury. “Let me take . . .”

“Dean!” Frank stared at him. “You saved my life.” Frank looked over to the elevator that blocked their way out. “I’ll never forget that. I owe you.” He closed his eyes. “I owe you.” His head turned sharply as he heard the elevator move again. “Wanna jump on it?” Frank smiled.

“Why not?” Dean crawled past Frank and to the ladder. Frank lowered him down to on top of the carriage. Then jumped down himself.

They lifted the escape hatch on the roof, and climbed in. Frank first. As his body emerged into the car, he gasped a loud gagging sound. “Oh, man bad idea.” He reached up for Dean’s swinging legs and helped him down. “Watch your step.”

Dean touched down into the steaming, reddish mounds that lay in the elevator. “Worked better than I thought.”

“You can be really cold in the name of science.”

“You can be really cold in the name of war.”

Frank reached out and pressed sixteen. “In this case, it’s all the same difference.”

“Why sixteen?” Dean asked.

“Because that’s where they had Ellen. I hoping Miguel and George are there.” Frank waited impatiently for the doors to open, when they did he stepped out. “Man, Dean.” He shook his head at the mess that sprawled about the floor. “How we gonna count these?”

“They’re piles, Frank. Count the piles.” Dean followed Frank in a maze walk down the hall. He saw Frank stop. “What’s wrong?”

“Ellen’s room.” Frank stood in the open door way of the empty room, a huge blood stain on the floor from where he had shot the guard. “Empty. Where are they?”

George pounded his hand in frustration on his bed, when he heard Frank and Dean’s voices. He thought it when he saw the elevator descending, he hoped it wasn’t true. What did Beginnings do? As a safe guard in his plan, he locked the door and stayed behind it. Waiting for his anger to subside some, he opened up his bag, ruffled up some of his clothes, then reached with total disgust to the door. He clenched his fist and took a deep breath. “Is someone there? Anyone. Help!”

Frank looked quickly to Dean. “George.” He raced to follow the cries. He found the locked door. “George, that you?”

George rolled his eyes. “Frank, thank God. Get me out.”

Frank tried the knob, it was locked. “Stay back.” He backed up and barricaded down the door.

George, hair tossed, looking in total disarray, flew out. “What . . . what happened? I heard screams.”

Dean smiled when he saw him. He braced his hands on the arms of the older gentleman who looked so frail, so thin, so shaken. “We’ve come to take you home.”

Frank stepped out of George’s room. “We brought them down, George. But . . . Where’s Miguel?”

George closed his eyes and lowered his head. The moment he did that, he sent a sinking heart feeling through Dean and Frank. And they both knew.

^^^^

Frank finished looking through Ellen’s duffel bag, it was still open. Almost as if once she had left, they only removed the guard and left everything else the way it was. Broken bits of rice cakes, an open bag of medication, a few sunflower seeds laid on top of her clothing still folded so neatly. He zipped up the bag, along with Miguel’s. With sadness he held Miguel’s bag across his lap. He felt the canvass of the bag, his heart near breaking. Frank wanted to go through Miguel’s bag also, but that wasn’t his place. That was for his wife. He would have liked to have been the one to hand it to Andrea, and tell her, but George insisted he wanted to do it. Frank agreed. George felt bad enough of about being there, telling Frank it happened moments after he rescued Ellen. How Miguel placed his life on the line for George and lost.

With closed eyes and tilted head, Frank stayed there. They were there for hours, sifting through what was left of the people there, destroying valuable equipment. Frank’s back pulled a bit as he sat there. Dean took a few moments to stitch him before they undertook the grueling mission. Pushing four o’clock, Frank wanted to just leave, head home, get as close as he could before they stopped for the night.

“Frank?” Greg stepped into the room. “Pile counting done.”

“How many did you get?”

Greg blew quickly shaking his head. “It’s hard to say. We think we counted eight.”

“We counted fifteen. That’s eighteen unaccounted for.”

“Maybe they disintegrated completely.”

“I don’t think so.” Frank took hold of both bags and stood. “I think they’re elsewhere.”

“We leaving now?” Greg asked.

“Yep.” Frank took one more look around. “Let’s, uh . . . let’s go home.” Slowly he walked from the room. A mission completed with success and they were heading home. But they were heading home without one very important thing . . . Miguel.

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

She didn’t do it well, but Ellen gave it her best shot. Even though she knew Frank would complain about, Ellen did the laundry. And she felt she did it well . . . for once. She worked hard at it. It kept her mind occupied. A mind that started to take off with thoughts the moment they had taken off for the mission. The simple knock on the door as she folded a tee shirt made her drop the garment from her hands. She turned around. “Joe.”

Joe stepped in the bedroom. “Josh said you were doing laundry. I rushed up. What’s wrong?”

Ellen shrugged.

Moving to her, Joe laid his hand on her shoulder. “You worried?”

“Do you think they did it.”

“Oh, yeah.” Joe sat on the bed. “I know they did.”

“Andrea . . . Andrea doesn’t think Miguel is coming back.”

“I know how she feels.”

“You too? What about George, what are you’re feeling about George?”

Joe tilted his head and gave a thinking face. “George is fine. I’m sure of it.” He answered he with one eye closed. “Am I easing your mind?”

“Not really.” Ellen halted her reach for another shirt. “Joe, can I ask you something. I need you to swear to secrecy, because I need some fatherly advice. You can lecture me after you hear.” she took a deep breath. “I did something. At first I thought about just not saying anything to Frank. Now I think . . .”

“Don’t.” Joe stopped her. “If you’re thinking about telling my son you had an affair with Dean. Don’t you do it.”

“Oh, my God. How . . . how . . .”

“First.” Joe held up his hand. “The lecturing you clued me in. Second, I saw it coming a mile away. What you and Dean had was unresolved. And the amount of time you spent together . . .” Joe shrugged. “I just think you shouldn’t say anything. Let it go. Frank loves you Ellen. Don’t hurt him like this. Put it behind you and move on.”

“I swear, Joe, I never meant for it to happen.”

“I believe that.” Joe reached up and grabbed her hand. “But it did. I think you were spending so much time atoning for your sins of the past with Dean, you didn’t see the creation of sins of the present. You’ll get through this.” Joe released her hand. “Now finish your laundry and . . .” he looked oddly at the bed.

“What?” Ellen panicked. “What’s wrong?”

“You worry about telling Frank about Dean? You have more immediate concerns he’s gonna kill you over.”

“What’s the matter?” Ellen was confused.

“Ellen, Christ.” Joe stood up lifting a sock and a tee shirt. “Everything is pink.”

^^^^

The slips of paper with work details on them were passed around the site where Frank and his men stopped a third inside of Wyoming. Work details, used as bets in a wager that some had lost when they saw Dean was still alive at the end of the mission.

Frank thought the bets were funny. Laughing as he drank his water, he saw Dean sitting by the small campfire. Frank approached him. “Hey.” He sat down next to him.

“Why are you being so nice to me?” Dean scooted over. “You make me nervous.”

“That is not my intention.” Frank picked up a stick and poked the fire. “George seems all right, doesn’t he?”

Dean looked over, George sat alone. “Not as traumatized as I thought he’d be. Frank, why are you sitting with me?”

“What? I’m trying to be civil to you. I’m trying to be nice.”

“Please don’t.” Dean stood up. “I liked it better when we fought.”

Frank laughed as he lifted himself to his feet. “Yeah I did too. But you saved my life out there, big time. Not as a doctor . . .”

“Stop Frank. Not right now all right.” Dean turned and faced him. “I’m sorry. I’m just tired, and after today there’s nothing more that I would love than to see my family and hold them. Or does that sound like a wuss idea to you?”

“No. That sounds like a great idea.” Frank walked away from the fire and gathered the attention of the men. “Listen up! We have about three more hours driving ahead of us, I know it’s pushing midnight, but anyone else besides me and Dean want to chance driving in the dark and just go home now?” He looked at Dean. “See our families. I think we need to. We can unpack the truck tomorrow. Anyone?”

Frank didn’t get a verbal answer, he got reaction. Immediately, without hesitation, the men began to gather the gear they had set out for the night. They were going to chance it, they all just wanted to head home.

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

September 17

Andrea cried as she stood in George’s living room. Expected tears. She knew they would come, yet she kept them under control and wiping them away with her handkerchief. Joe and George had awoken her in the middle of the night to tell her they were back, to bring her the tragic news. She held Miguel’s belongings, crying herself to sleep. But with the new day brought questions and she sought George for the answers.

George brushed his hand down her face, staring at her puffy eyes. “You would have been so proud of him, Andrea.”

“Did he suffer George?”

George shook his head. “He died instantly. They had me Andrea, at gun point. Ready to shoot me and Miguel stepped in. A hero. My hero from now on.”

“Thank you, George, for saying that.” She kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you for being there. At least I know he didn’t die alone.”

“He didn’t. I was with him.”

Andrea shivered, rubbing her arms as she took a deep breath. “I’m going home now. You need your rest. You’ve had quite the ordeal too.”

“I could use it.” George patted his stomach. “After I’ve eaten.”

“I’ll leave you.” Slowly and sad Andrea opened George’s front door. “Thank you again.” With a semi-lowered head, she closed the door and stepped out. She saw Joe. “Going to see George?”

Joe nodded. “How are you?”

Andrea shook her head. “I’m not good.” She leaned into him and rested her head against his chest for comfort. “I’m not good.”

Joe looked to George’s house, then wrapped his arms around Andrea. His talk with his fellow council member could wait a few more minutes.

^^^^

Frank hollered a lot at the garage as they unpacked. But it was good to be back. It was worth lugging that bag, when he saw the smile on Ellen’s face when he returned it to her. She had her clothes back. She sat on the ground, like opening a present, checking all the contents.

Dean staggered in, his hair wet, rearing to go. “I’m here.” He snickered and touched the pinkish shirt Frank wore. “Nice. Ellen doing laundry?”

Frank snarled, then regained his composure. “I’ll let that go.” He cleared his throat. ‘You saved my life.”

“Frank, stop.” Dean raised his hands. “Please stop. It’s making me nauseous.”

“I owe you. I owe you big time. I won’t forget what you did.”

“You don’t owe me.” Dean started walking away.

“I do. I just wish there was some way I could repay you.”

“Well, there . . .” Dean spotted Ellen sitting on the ground with her bag. He turned back to Frank. “You know there may be some way to repay me.” He smiled snidely. “If you really want to.”

“I’d like that.” Frank placed his hands on his hips. “What is it?”

Dean took one more look at Ellen and thought, ‘the perfect payback’ for all the joking around Frank did on the mission. “O.K., Frank, I would like for you and I.” Dean pointed. “I’d like for us to have an . . . understanding.” He looked for Frank’s anger.

“An understanding?” Frank was clueless.

“Yeah an . . . understanding.” Dean waited, still no anger.

“O.K., yeah, sure, we can have an understanding. Maybe that’s what we need to put everything behind us.”

“Great.” Dean smiled. “We’ll start our understanding, say . . . now?”

Frank agreed. “Sure, what exactly are we understanding?”

“El.” Dean called to her. “Come here.” He motioned, and waited for her.

As clueless as Frank, Ellen approached the pair. “What’s up?” she asked.

Dean looked smug. “Frank says it’s all right if he and I have an understanding.”

Ellen looked confused. “About what?”

Dean smiled, placed his hands on Ellen’s face. “This. Thanks Frank.” Dean placed his lips to hers and began to kiss her.

Frank’s eyes lit up, he stepped closer. Dean wasn’t kissing his wife, he had to be faking. He placed his face closer to the two who were interlocked. He studied for a second. Dean’s moving lips locked to Ellen, that indenting in his cheeks. Frank stopped peering and stood straight up. He understood . . . understanding. “Hey!” His yell shot though Dean like a knife. “I don’t give a shit if you saved my life or not. You have a three second head start pal.” Frank glared at him. “And then I’m killing you.”

Dean stepped back and smiled. “Frank, I was kidding.”

Frank held up his hand. “One . . . two . . .”

Dean wasn’t waiting for three, he took off running.

^^^^

It was kind of ominous that George was peering in the black case when Joe arrived at his home. The same black case the held the vials that he would use to eventually bring Joe down. He held it in his hand when he opened the door and laid the closed case on the table in plain view. It was his own little demented tease to Joe. “I’m really tired.” George said as Joe stepped inside.

“I realize that. I do.” Acting very upbeat, Joe moved to the living room. “I’ll only keep you a minute.”

“Sure.” George placed his hands in his pockets. “What’s up?”

“Gosh.” Joe snapped his finger. “You look good. Son of a bitch. You lucked out.”

“I guess I did.”

“Yep.” Joe jingled his hands in his pockets with keys. “I was speaking to Andrea, she told me how you said Miguel laid his life out for you. When did it exactly happen?” Joe asked, reaching in his pocket for a cigarette.

“It happen as soon as Frank got Ellen out of there.”

“How soon?”

“I don’t even think Frank had left the compound yet.”

Joe took a deep breath and let it out slow, he lit his cigarette. “Who did it?”

“Why does this sound like an interrogation.”

“It does?” Joe shook his head and laughed. “I’m sorry. I just think it amazing that my son wipes out a few guards, leaves you two alone on that floor and Miguel ends up getting shot by two guards that come out of nowhere. It was two guards wasn’t it, or was it three?”

“Joe, it happened fast.” George walked to the living room. “And I’m beat.”

“And hungry too.” Joe followed. “You know you have to be one lucky son of a bitch.”

Growing even more angry, George just wanted Joe to leave. “Why is that, Joe?”

“Well.” Joe scratched his nose as he sort of bounced back and forth from heal to toe. “Miguel was shot, what, almost immediately? My daughter, well, my daughter, she was there four days, and in the course of that time, she was starved, beaten, tortured, drugged and, and let’s just say, worse. But you. Look at you. You were there a month. Not a scratch on you. And you look good, thinner but good. Why do you suppose that is? Do you think it’s because you were president. And they still saw you like that?”

George shrugged. “Don’t know.” He felt the heat began to grow beneath his collar, but he controlled himself. “I don’t know why.”

“Did they say?”

“They never spoke to me. I never saw them. A guard opened my door for food.”

“And they just locked you in a room? Son of a bitch.” Joe shook his head, then looked at his watch. “I have to go.” He smiled and walked to the door reaching for it. “Oh and one more thing.”

“What is it Joe, I’m tired.” George’s irritation finally showed through.

“Nothing much. I’m just finding it odd. You were the president. The land was leased to the Caceres society. They worked here and you didn’t know anything about it?”

“No I didn’t.”

“Now see, I find that really odd.” Joe shook his head. “Probably could have stopped the whole thing if you knew?”

“I would have. But they had a master plan. They were releasing the virus. Nothing could have stopped them.”

Joe nodded again. “That’s what I thought.” He smiled once more than finished opening the door. “Thanks George you’ve answered a lot.” He spun his heels before he walked out, still smiling arrogantly. “But . . . Just one thing. I thought you said the scientists didn’t speak to you at all.”

“They didn’t. I never saw one.”

“Just needed to know that. Thanks, George.” With a deep breath Joe walked from George’s home. His mind was heavy with thoughts as he stepped into the street. He walked slowly, occasionally looking back at the house he had just left. Preparations were made for Joe’s talk with George. Preparations that included instructions to anyone who had contact with George, not to mention the society or their plan. Joe told them he wanted to be the one to inform the former president. And Joe’s preparations worked.

George had confirmed his every suspicion, his fear, when he spoke of the master plan. Something he couldn’t possibly had known unless the scientists had told him. And according to George, they didn’t speak to him at all. He was locked away in a room. Joe had the inner proof he needed, he just had to find the physical proof for everyone else. He would have to have that. To think that about George being the traitor that lived amongst them was one thing. To prove it to the community, that looked to him as a trusted council member, was another.

Joe was in his own world. Deep thought, a sense of loss, an overwhelming anger growing caused him not to be paying attention. If he had, he would not have been nearly knocked over by Dean who ran at a high speed past him. “Dean, what the hell?”

“Help me, Joe.” Dean kept running. “Help.”

As Joe turned his view from Dean he was nearly knocked over by Frank he was picking up the distance between them. “Christ Almighty . . . Frank! Leave him alone!” Joe tossed his still burning cigarette and took off running after them. “I’m getting too old for this shit.”

^^^^

CIRCLE OF JUSTICE

Book 4

CIRCLE OF JUSTICE

A dedication . . .

Imagine a place you love to be, a place you want to visit again. And the memories you have of this place are all good. If this place was a story it would be called, BEYOND THE WALL. Now imagine another place, a place where you really need to go. A place by the end of this book, I hope you want to be. A better place, hopefully far exceeding any other I have taken you to. This place, this next place, lies across the other side of a river. If this better place was a story, it would be called, THE RIPPLE.

To cross this river you need a bridge. The name of this bridge is CIRCLE OF JUSTICE.

You are about to cross that bridge. By no means is it a straight bridge, nor is your journey across going to be smooth. But it is a route you need to take.

I really loved writing CIRCLE OF JUSTICE. Every moment I wrote, I truly put my heart into. I hope you enjoy the directions I have chosen.

So for all those who enjoy the journeys the people of Beginnings take you on . . . this story is dedicated to you.

CHAPTER ONE

BEGINNINGS, MONTANA

The leaves that fell victim to the autumn air, crushed between the spaces of Frank Slagel’s fingers as he crawled belly-down through the thick brush west of the back perimeter region. It was difficult for a man of his size to stay hidden in foliage that grew barer by the day. He had a hard time finding the intruder that he was told was ‘right there’. His head cold coupled with the small animals that scurried about, threw his sound perception off. And inexperienced, fill-in tower guard, Henry Kusakari, was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Frank had to stay close to the ground, deep in the brush. And if he wanted to keep his head--literally--he had to depend on Henry’s directions to find the invader and take him out. It just was overly annoying to Frank that Henry had no sense of real direction. Not even an inkling.

“Where?” Frank graveled his voice, hovering his mouth over the microphone of his headset, wishing he could scream.

“There.” Henry replied. “Right there.”

“Where is there, Henry?”

“Frank . . . oh. Frank . . . there. Right there.” Henry’s voice grew louder with excitement. “Frank, he’s right there.”

“Well, shut up so I can hear him.” No sooner did he get the words from his mouth, Frank heard the familiar pumping sound. The pumping of a shotgun’s chamber. “Shit.” With quick shifting eyes to the left, he saw a black boot. With just enough time to spare, Frank rolled his body to the right, seconds before the blast of the weapon caused dirt and dried leaves to spray outward like rain. Before his assailant had another opportunity, Frank swiped his left hand forward, grasping the gunman’s ankle and knocking him on his back to the ground. With his revolver already clasped in his hand, Frank fired one shot, one deadly shot, and it was over. “I got him.” He stood up brushing off the dirt that had stuck to him. He bent down to the uniformed man. “Check it out Henry, we got another shotgun.” Frank picked it up. “Nice one too. I’m taking this one on as my own.” Tossing it over his shoulder, Frank, using his boot, rolled the man from his back onto his stomach. “See any more? Henry? Henry?”

The sound of Henry breathing heavily out could be heard. “I thought you were dead, Frank.”

“I almost was.” Frank moved to the back gate. “Did anyone ever tell you there’s a difference between right there and right behind you?”

“Well, Frank I was a little excited,” Henry defended. “But I don’t see any more. I don’t think. No. Yes. No. It’s O.K., go on in.”

Frank grunted. “Are you sure?’

“Yes. Wait. No. It’s a deer.” Henry stated. “I don’t like doing this, Frank. It’s too stressful. Find someone else.”

“Tough. You’re doing it.” Frank marched in. “You will play tower guard every day for an hour. Think of it as my punishment to you because you started it.”

“How do you figure that?”

“You opened that wall.” Frank secured the gate. “This is Frank.” He spoke to into his radio as he kept walking. “Fire up the back perimeter, I’m in. And no one touch my dead body. Dean’s claimed it.”

^^^^

Questioning in his mind, ‘Dean’s claimed it?’ Joe Slagel could only shake his head and turn down the volume on his radio to spare himself from anything his son said that he didn’t understand. Of course, to Joe, ninety percent of what Frank said he didn’t understand. But dealing with Frank’s demented point of view was the furthest thing from Joe’s mind. Other things took precedence.

Heading to his office to prep for the council meeting that would take place that early afternoon, Joe also braced for a meeting with Frank. After activity at the back gate the unscheduled gripe session Frank called a briefing was always imminent.

Joe wanted to lock the door along with locking the world out for a short period of time. But he couldn’t. Pounding stress headache, eyes burning from reading, Joe laid the huge stack of computer paper on his desk before he sank his stocky body into his beat-up chair.

The papers had become his new daily routine. They had nothing to do with the issues that had to be discussed at the meeting, but everything to do with George. At least Joe thought so. The information he held before him was printed from some of the disks in the cryogenics lab they discovered underneath Beginnings. Though a lot was missing and answers still remained lost, there was valuable information in those printouts. The entire plan was to wipe out the world and start all over using death squads, the genetically enhanced embryos, and the reconditioning of humans to make them fit the mold. The entire thing was so big. How could George, as the former president, not know of the Caceres society or their plan? He had to. But nothing in the papers Joe held confirmed George’s connection. Joe needed confirmation; a gut instinct wouldn’t be good enough. He knew the people of Beginnings, whether they trusted Joe explicitly or not, would not believe George had anything to do with the Society. The answers and the proof, Joe was certain, still laid in Beginnings somewhere. He was determined to uncover it, even if it ended up being the last thing he ever did. He owed it to the people of Beginnings. He owed it to the billions who had lost their lives in the senseless plague that was released as a mere way to control the population.

Sitting back in his chair, Joe mentally prepared himself. George was third council, and would be at the meeting. Facing George, knowing what his insides told him, was one of the hardest things Joe had to do. But it paled in comparison to the pleasantries and fake trust Joe had to front to George. Front to a man he had truly grown contempt for since he arrived back in Beginnings, ten days earlier, completely unscathed from being held hostage for a month.

^^^^

A look of confusion perched upon Melissa’s naturally pretty face. She tucked her red hair behind her ears, folded her arms tightly and jolted--again--to the loud sound of crashing glass that flowed from the cryo-lab. She turned around, looked at the closed door, and then tapped on the glass of the blackened out window. “Dr. Hayes?” She called out. “Everything all right?”

Another crash, a thump, and a squeal were the sounds that precluded the buzz of the lab door. Dean pop only his head out. His dark blonde hair in total disarray. “Um, yeah, sure. We’re uh, testing his strength.” He gave a nervous smile.

“He’s very strong.” Melissa commented.

“Yeah. One more, maybe five minutes.” Dean slammed the door.

Melissa tossed her hands up.

In the lab Dean leaned against the metal door. “El, did you get him?”

Up from behind the counter, Ellen Slagel stood. She ran her fingers through her hair, which not only matched Dean’s in color, but in being messed up as well. Only Ellen’s was long enough to be knotted. “What are you nuts? Catch him? I can’t even think that fast. We really should do his checkup right before his nap time. That way he’s not so hyper.”

Dean hunched down, stepping slowly in a search around the lab. “Marcus,” He called in a whisper to Melissa’s son, a child born as the result of the experimental implantation of one of the enhanced embryos. “Marcus.”

“Here, Marcus.” Ellen sung out almost as if she fetched a dog. “Dean, all the rabbits are secure, right?”

“Shit.” Just as Dean spoke a rattling of cages was heard coming from one of the back rooms. “El.” Dean raced toward the back. “Get the bunny Thorazine ready just in case. I’ll lock him in the back.”

“Got it.” Ellen took off to the counter.

Dean hurried in the back room, bodily slamming the door as he entered. “Marcus’” he called in a parental scold. “Put that down.”

Marcus didn’t have a normal laugh but he tried. A gurgling hiccup is what it sounded like. He smiled widely but most of it was hidden beneath the thick brownish flesh that folded all over his face. The child was four weeks old but looked six or seven months. His body was pug, almost muscular looking. Sitting on a counter, he held on to the rabbit cage, lifting it high and shaking it as if it were his own live rattle. The furry inhabitants rolled and bounced helplessly around as he did.

“Marcus.” Dean stepped to him. “Down. Mommy will feed you later.” He cringed when Marcus slammed the cage and playfully lifted it again.

“Have it,” Ellen announced as she raced back in the room, shutting the door. “Oh, look Dean, he’s playing.”

“Swell.” Dean shook his head. “I think you’re right. I think a closed in area is needed for an exam. We’ll have to try again tomorrow.”

“Maybe have Melissa there?” Ellen asked.

“Yes. But . . .” Dean took a step closer to Marcus. “We have to return him first.”

“No, we have to catch him. He’s there, Dean. Get him.” Ellen giggled. “Go on, get him.”

With a grunt, Dean smiled to the baby. “Marcus. Come on. Put down the cage.”

Marcus did.

“Good boy.” Dean raised his voice to a high, upbeat one as he held out his arms. “Come here. Let’s play. Come here, Marcus. Come . . .” Before Dean could say another beckoning word, a high pitched delightful squeal came from Marcus and he shot forth happily into the arms of Dean, barreling the small doctor’s five foot seven frame up a foot in the air and back five. Dean smashed into the wall before falling onto the floor. “El.” With Marcus perched upon his chest, he groaned trying to avoid the very wet kisses Marcus plastered him with at that moment. “Help.”

Ellen just laughed, shook her head and stepped over Dean. “Hold on to him. I’ll get his mother.” She laughed once more before opening the door and leaving.

^^^^

Even though Joe received the radio call from Frank stating he was stopping by before meeting Dean, the ‘boom’ of the office door as it flung open and hit the file cabinet, still made Joe jump. Frank was never without an entrance and he didn’t make an exception.

“Hey Dad.” Frank walked in carrying a poster size piece of wood. He closed the door with his foot. “Thanks for taking the time. Check out what I made.” He stepped closer to the desk. “After my tower watch episode with mentally deficient Henry.”

“Mentally deficient Henry?” Joe questioned. “Who’s calling the kettle black, Frank?”

“Who?”

“Never mind.”

“Who?!” Frank questioned louder.

“Frank!” Joe snapped. “Never mind. What do you have?”

“Oh.” Frank set it upright facing Joe. “After today, I went back and finished it. What do you think of my chart?”

Joe stared at it and at the red painted heading. “What in the world, is ‘S’, ‘U’, ‘T’?”

“Huh?” Frank looked. “Oh. O.K. Not ‘S’, ‘U’, ‘T’. You say it like ‘butt’, only SUT. It’s the name of the death squad guys that the frozen people created.”

“Who in the world gave them a stupid name like . . . never mind, I don’t need to ask. Frank, why did you name them?”

Frank rolled his eyes, shaking his head and running his hand over his dark complicated face. “It would be a little long winded, don’t you think, if tower had to yell over the radio, “Frank, I see a death squad guy that the frozen people made.”

“I’ve heard enough. What is this . . . SUT-Buster Chart?”

“My way to keep track and estimate when this little game will be over.” Frank closed one eye and pointed to his own temple. “See, the plan says twenty-five hundred. I’m marking numbers we took out, when and where.”

Joe nodded impressed--sort of. “I see. Keep track of what’s left. And what is this projected end date at the bottom?”

“The way I figure their little chip in the brain has them programmed to come and attack us like zombies going to flesh. And the way they flock, steady at four per day, gives them the benefit of a few big hits which I look forward to. I figure they should run out of SUTs in three years.”

“If they didn’t make more. Which they probably did.”

“Yeah.” Frank grinned. “So? What do you think?”

“I think I need an aspirin before my council meeting.” Joe stood up and walked around his desk to the door.

“Oh. Hey, if you see Dean, can you tell him his dead SUT is waiting. Hurry before the birds get him.”

Joe only mumbled something inaudible and left.

Frank looked down and gloated at his nice looking accomplishment. Then figuring his father was really impressed with it, Frank proceeded to hang that chart behind the file cabinet that Joe faced when he sat in his desk.

^^^^

Andrea took in the cool fall air in a long deep inhale through her nostrils. Her arm looped through George’s as they walked slowly. “This was nice. Thank you.” She complimented.

“You need to get out more.” George said.

“I know. I just . . . two big parts of my life have left me in a year’s time, George. I’m just not that strong.”

“Ah, but you are.” George patted her hand. “And you going back to work is the way to do it. Get your mind off of things. The clinic needs you. Dean and Ellen . . . they need you. I don’t know what’s up with those two.”

Andrea had a slight chuckle. “I believe those two haven’t decided their field of calling. Medicine or mad scientists.”

“Tell me about it. They treat Marcus not like a child but like . . .”

“A lab experiment.” Andrea nodded. “That’s our Dean and Ellen.”

“See why we need you back?” George slowed in his walking. “This is where I have to depart. Thank you for taking the walk with me, Andrea. I needed a little friendly face before the meeting.” George started to leave and when he felt the tug to his arm, he smiled, but didn’t let Andrea see it.

“Whatever do you mean?” She asked.

Pretending to be so down, George swayed his head slowly. “Oh, it’s Joe. He’s . . . He’s not been the same with me. I can’t figure out what I did.”

“It’s not you, George. Joe’s just stressed. These little attacks here and there by those soldiers are wearing at him. Even though the society episode is over with, I believe the whole ordeal is still so fresh. I’m sure Joe will get better. He’s just dealing with leftovers right now.”

“Good to hear that,” George said. “I thought it was me. I couldn’t figure out what I did. I don’t want to cause Joe any unnecessary stress.”

“Who you?” Andrea giggled. “Only Frank and Ellen can do that. And they’re doing good, together and individually. Knock on wood.”

“Knock on wood. Thanks again.” George smiled and walked away. He felt better. He hated the thought of being in the same room as Joe. He carried the little black case that contained the drug he would use on him. It was a small mental consolation for times, such as council meetings, where he had to deal with Joe’s arrogance. He couldn’t wait for the day that it became a reality. But that couldn’t happen until Joe had achieved the mental and physical levels that wouldn’t warrant any suspicion over his sudden health deterioration. And after his little chat with Andrea, George was hopeful. She had given him some food for thought on how to start pushing Joe to those optimum, prescribed levels.

^^^^

“Where is he, Frank?” Dean hurried to the back gate where Frank waited for him. He toted a jar in his hand.

“He’s this way. And . . . it’s about time you showed up.” Frank led the way.

“Sorry. I had to at least help Ellen start to get the lab in order after we tried to exam Marcus this morning.”

“Out of your control again?” Frank shook his head as he walked deeper into the woods. “You need bigger people with you guys. Killer baby Marcus is almost as tall as you both.”

“Frank, that’s terrible. He’s not a killer baby,” Dean defended. “Just sort of mutated.”

“Dean,” Frank stated his name. “I saw what he did to that chicken the last time he got loose.”

“And no one is supposed to know about that,” Dean instructed. “How much further?”

“I dropped the SUT somewhere around here.” Frank peered around.

Mouthing the word ‘SUT?’ Dean followed Frank.

“Oh!” He rushed to the right. “Here.” Frank stood above the body and rolled him over with his foot. “All yours.”

Dean stopped as soon as he saw the man. “Aw, Frank. What did you do?” He asked almost whining as he knelt before the body and set down his specimen jar.

“I killed him.”

“I’d say.” Dean threw his hands up in the air. “I can’t use him.”

“Why not? You said you needed to examine his brain for that chip.”

“Yes I do. But you shot him in the head. He has no brains left.” Dean moved to the top of the body and to the gunshot wound that seemed to take a two inch section of his forehead out. Pulling out gloves, Dean put them on and pulled out a penlight from his pocket. He shined it through the entrance wound of the forehead while probing his fingers inside. “Nothing. Frontal lobe is completely shot . . . so to speak.” Dean took off his gloves. “I need a viable sample, Frank.” He stood up. “You think there will be more?”

“Inevitable.”

“What are the chances of you getting me one with the head still in one piece?”

“I can do that.” Frank nodded and began to walk.

“Any chance . . . you bringing me one alive?”

“I can do that, too. But I thought you wanted to get a brain sample.”

“Well . . .” Dean cleared his throat and picked up his jar and followed Frank back to the gate. “It would be a lot easier, and scientifically, it would breed a better sample if the subject was alive during the expulsion process.”

“You’re gonna take out the man’s brain while he’s still alive?” Frank asked.

“A fresher sample. That would tell me what part of the brain exactly was removed. I could even watch it function for a while . . .”

“Dean that’s cold. And people talk about me.” Frank waited until they passed through the gate and he gave security the call to arm it again.

“It’s science. And uh . . . thanks for trying today.”

“No problem. And Dean?” He called to Dean as walked further from him. “I’ll bring you a live one. If not, I’ll bring you his head. Will that work?”

“Uh . . .” Dean walked backwards. “Yeah, that’ll work. Don’t wait too long though.”

Frank shook his head in a ‘no problem’ manner, and gave a thumbs up. He watched Dean leave down the small grade of the hill. “The man is sick.”

^^^^

Henry’s long coal black hair dangled over his face when his head dropped forward and he let out a long dramatic fake cry. “No, Joe.”

“Henry.” Joe slammed his hand on the desk. “It’s decided, you have to make the run anyhow.”

Henry lifted his head. He looked at George pleadingly then at Joe. “A run, I’ll make. But, Joe, you guys are sending me to North Dakota.”

“To pick up Jason Godrichson’s work.” Joe said.

“A time machine.” Henry corrected. “Call it what he thinks it is. A time machine.” He grunted. “You have me going to North Dakota for a time machine. Think about it.”

“I did.” Joe stated. “And whether he believes he is H.G. Wells or not has no bearing. It’s his life’s work and he’s been very helpful here. You’ll do the run to North Dakota.”

“Fine.” Henry slumped in the chair. “Go to North Dakota. Run mechanics. Do containment while El is in the lab. Be a tower hero. I’m only one man. Well . . . at least I helped get one today.”

George looked confused. “Get one what?”

Henry was happy and proud to answer. “One of those . . .”

“Elks.” Joe interrupted. “Damn things keep knocking the perimeter off. Henry spotted him. Good job.”

“But, Joe.” Henry spoke up. “I . . .”

“Henry!” Joe snapped. “No need to be modest. Frank told me the whole thing.”

Henry threw his hands up then let them fall. “Fine.” He stared puzzled and forward at Joe.

“That should be it.” Joe gathered up the papers. “I’m heading off to plastics. George, you’ll do a shift fill-in at the bakery.”

“I thought we needed me in the security bay?” George asked.

“Um, no,” Joe said. “Greg’s training a new man. We’re good there. Bakery.”

“All right.” George shrugged and stood up. He noticed Henry wasn’t moving. He sat in the chair biting his nails. “Something wrong, Henry? We’re done.”

“Sort of,” Henry said. “I’m just having a bit of a personal problem with Frank. I’d like to talk to Joe about it.”

“Oh.” George walked to the door. “I’ll just leave you two to air it out.”

Joe, with raised eyes, collected his papers as he waited for George to leave. “What’s going on? And be forewarned I’m not in the mood to hear you bitch about my son.”

“I don’t have a problem with Frank. It’s you.”

Joe stopped what he was doing. “You have a problem with me? Then I suggest you spill it son. I have to get to plastics.”

“Not you personally. Wanna tell me what’s going on? Why you hid the fact that we got a SUT from George?”

“No particular reason. I just wanted to keep that between me and security.” Joe walked from behind his desk.

“It’s me Joe, come on.” Henry stood up. “George is council.”

“Yes, I know.” Joe moved to the door.

“What’s going on?”

“Nothing, Henry.” Joe grasped his shoulder as he walked by Henry. “Just do me a favor and keep it under wraps for a little while. Thanks.”

Henry didn’t care much for the answer that Joe had given him. And Joe didn’t elaborate any further. He just left. Treating it like anything else that bothered him, Henry would not let it leave his mind until he figured out what Joe was up to.

CHAPTER TWO

Wiping up the last of the cleaning solution and seeing a smudge free cloth was Ellen’s signal that she was done. Remnants of a bad day with Marcus were gone. She tossed the rag in the cryo-lab sink like a basketball. “Done.” She smiled and turned to Dean who sat before a computer. “Dean?” She walked to him. “I’m going home.”

Snapping out of his work daze, Dean raised his eyes and turned his stool. “So early?”

“Early?” Ellen snickered. “It’s after four. What are you engrossed in?”

“Just reading over the ingredients of our identified seven vials.”

“Dean? If we identified them, why are you concentrating on them? We have forty-five others to work on.”

“I know.” Dean rubbed his eyes. “Trying to find a connection.”

“You look tired. Find one later. Go home, rest. Frank and I have the kids. Come back tonight.”

Dean nodded. “Maybe I will. You wanna work with me tonight?”

“Oh, no, Dr. Hayes.” Ellen waved a finger. “I learned a lesson working at night with you.”

“There you go joking about it again.” Dean lifted his hand as she laughed. “I’m serious El, you keep ignoring it happened, pretty soon you’ll deny it all together.”

“Deny what?” Ellen asked. “Are we talking about the same thing?”

“Our little . . . incident.”

“Oh, my God. Did we have an incident?” She shook her head when Dean gave up. “Night, Dean. See ya tomorrow.” She moved to the open door, only to find herself not walking out into the hall, but into Joe. “Oh, hi Joe. Bye Joe.”

Before Joe could respond, Ellen was happily moving down the tunnels. Shrugging he stepped in the lab. “Hey, Dean.” He made his announcement.

“Hey, Joe.” Dean turned around. “What brings you here?”

“Kind of hoping you had a progress report for me.”

“Oh, I could give you one. But if you want actual progress, that I can’t do.”

“Still at seven with the vials?” Joe asked.

“Yeah. I’m trying a different route though.” Dean saw he had Joe’s interest and waited until he moved closer. “I’m breaking them down, finding a common connection, and possibly coming up with guesses as to what they are so I can eliminate them that way.”

“Sort of like if you guessed one of those vials were chicken pox. You’d test them all for chicken pox.”

“Exactly.” Dean said. “And chicken pox we got. Vial forty-three.” He smiled. “Sorry I can’t help with anything else. We’re still theorizing that the hidden files in the computer system contain information we don’t know. Which I’m led to believe, or why else would they be hidden.”

“You haven’t found those files yet?” Joe questioned.

“Oh sure, Henry did, all three hundred of them. But it’s useless, they’re all password protected.”

“And you can’t break them?”

“To be honest, Ellen and I tried a few times, but we gave up. After three tries the system shuts down and you have to boot up all over again. It becomes tedious.”

“Thanks, Dean.” Joe gave a smile and a swift pat to his shoulder. “I’ll check back with you later.”

“Joe?” Dean called to him. “You’re acting like I just told you something you needed to hear.”

“Actually . . .” Joe opened the door. “You did.” He paused. “Oh, and one more thing you told me. But it was something I didn’t want to hear.”

Oddly, Dean looked at him. “What was that?”

Joe gave a knock on the door. “Let’s just say, if you and Ellen are going to discuss your little . . . incident, check the hall or at least make sure the door’s closed. Night Dean.” With a smile and a wink, Joe left.

Dean’s heart dropped and immediately he thought, ‘oh, shit’. After he calmed himself, grateful it was Joe and not anyone else, Dean returned to working on the vials.

^^^^

It was Frank’s version of a Walkman. Having Mark in the security bay place the radio microphone to the speaker of that small cassette player of Ellen’s, Frank could enjoy all his favorite songs. Of course what Frank listened to, everyone who had a radio listened to as well. Frank justified it as his right as head of security and he only asked for ‘Frank Radio’ one hour a day.

Frank stood before the fourth warehouse, screwdriver in hand, the security keypad to the building, dangling. He sang unknowingly louder than he thought to some obscure Journey song. In his own world, he just wanted to finish up and go home. The unexpected tap to his shoulder caused the last note Frank sang to squeal out. He spun around taking off his headset. “Oh, hey, George.”

“Thought you’d be home by now. It’s been a long day for you.” George tapped on his own watch.

“I was, but . . .” Frank lifted the cover to the keypad. “I remembered this. My father has been bitching at me for days to fix the keypad. And . . .” He screwed it in. “I did. I’m tired of hearing about it. This and those reports I’m behind on.”

“Was it the elk today that put you behind?”

Frank was a bit puzzled. “Elk?”

“Yeah, your father said you got one at the back gate.”

“Oh. Yeah.” Frank nodded then shook his head. “Elk.” Frank snickered at the thought of how his father was trying to outdo him on a better name for the SUTs. And Frank knew his name was better. He couldn’t even figure out what Elk stood for. But to save his father any embarrassment over coming up with a dumb name, Frank just pretended that was what they were called . . . for the time being.

“And not like you don’t have enough on your mind as it is,” George spoke understandingly.

“Exactly.” Frank shoved the screwdriver in his back pocket. “The keypad, reports, Elks. But . . . I’m going home now. I’m all caught up on everything and I won’t have to hear about it. My Dad should be happy. At least for a little bit. Night.” Frank gave a nod of his head and started to walk away.

“Night.” George took a step back and pretended to leave as well. As soon as he knew Frank was far enough out of sight, he returned to warehouse four and lifted a screwdriver from his own back pocket. He brought it to the keypad that Frank had just fixed. “Sorry about this Frank. But can’t have Joe happy, yet.” He unscrewed the pad. “Not yet.”

^^^^

A simple ‘hmm’ every once and a while from Jason Godrichson, was all the response he gave Henry. In the social hall, Jason nursed a drink. He occasionally ran his hands through his salt and pepper hair, but never looked at Henry. His eyes stayed transfixed on ‘Sam’ the mannequin as if the phony bartender would somehow get him out of the verbal lashing.

“And no dallying.” Henry instructed.

Jason sipped his drink.

“I hope this . . . thing doesn’t waste my gas. A heavy object will do that.”

Jason did his stock ‘hmm’. He knew all he had to do was abide through the complaints and Henry style-bitching and soon enough he would have his life’s work right in Beginnings with him. Of course, that would be after a four hour torturous trip each way. But it would be worth it in the long run.

“No excess baggage. I have a late meeting tonight so you’ll have to do some driving. But you can’t drive too fast. Or out of control.”

“Hmm.” Jason added a nod with his groan.

“I’ll be tired and a little irritable so be ready. O.K.” Henry gave a swat to Jason’s back. “I feel better about this. See you at five in the morning.”

Jason listened, sipped, and then turned his head to make sure Henry was gone. He breathed out in relief when he saw that he was. Being the newcomer in Beginnings, Jason had a lot to learn. He didn’t have much exposure to many people and he preferred it that way. He also had to admit he paid no attention to the community complaints about how annoying Henry could get. He doubted the truth behind them. But as Jason finished off his drink, he realized the merit in those complaints. And, oddly enough, he was grateful for Henry’s unnerving abilities. Because even just the fantasy of sticking Henry in the time machine and zapping him fifty years or so into the future was incentive enough for Jason to complete his life’s work.

^^^^

With an open mouth smile, saying the word ‘what’ in a high pitch voice, Johnny Slagel held Brian as he sat in a chair at the dining room table with Ellen. He talked to Brian, lifting him up to his eye level like Brian was a puppy dog. “He is getting so cute.”

“Yeah.” Ellen’s hand brushed against the table, she enjoyed her evening talk with Johnny.

“I can’t believe I’m gonna have one of these soon.”

“Johnny, please, you’re making me a very young grandmother. Don’t remind me.” She watched Johnny--so much like his father, in looks and actions--hold Brian to his nose pretending that Brian was attacking. Johnny would scream in fake pain. Ellen would shake her head and laugh. “I’m glad you came by tonight.” She saw Johnny lift him higher.

“Me too. He’s getting so big,” Johnny lowered the baby back down. “So has Jenny still been throwing digs about how far behind Brian is.”

“When isn’t she?” Ellen slumped on her hand, and then immediately jolted up and cringed when her daughter, Alexandra, let out a loud shrill happy scream. It was followed by Frank’s big mouth mumbling something. “God, Frank!” Ellen yelled into the living room. “Knock it off!” She shook her head. “He drives me nuts with them.”

“It makes me a little jealous.” Johnny cradled Brian.

“You want your Dad to wrestle with you? Johnny, don’t you think you’re a bit old?”

“No.” Johnny laughed. “Not that. Just, just the way he is with the twins, and Brian. I don’t know. Part of me wishes I had memories of him being like that with me when I was a kid.”

“Your Dad is a good father, Johnny.” Ellen’s hand rested on his arm.

“Now he is. El, come on. You know as well as I do, he was never around when I was a kid. He was always stationed away. I never saw him. And when he did come home, usually he and mom fought and he’d storm off somewhere.” Johnny looked down at Brian. “Hey, he’s asleep. I’ll lay him in the cradle and I have to take off.”

“So soon?”

“Dad has me on the tower at five a.m. then it’s the clinic.” Johnny stood up. “Long day.” He carried Brian over to the cradle which rested just inside the living room. He laid him down. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“O.K.” Ellen kissed him and started walking him to the door. “Frank, say goodnight to Johnny.”

“Night, John.” Frank tilted his head back on the couch.

“Night, Dad.” Johnny leaned down and kissed him on the cheek. “Night, El.”

Ellen watched Johnny walk away. There was an air of sadness about him that bothered her. Stepping back into the house she realized that the whole time Johnny was there, Frank barely spoke to him. In a sense, Frank had lost a part of Johnny as a son years earlier. As Ellen watched Frank with the twins, happily playing, she wondered if subconsciously he knew that and was making up for that part of Johnny he could never win back.

^^^^

George scuffled around Joe’s dark office. He knew he was there late and couldn’t put the light on. He only hoped that the dim beam of his flashlight wasn’t noticed, but if it was, he had answer. Not the truth. Never. His desire to be in Joe’s office for a brief period of time was fulfilled. It didn’t take long for George to find what he searched for. The beam of the light hit the nice neat stack that sat center of Joe’s desk. Frank’s reports. Perched there so Joe could see them when he arrived in the morning. George’s fingers flipped over the tops of the reports, smiling as his eyes skimmed the dates. Weeks behind they were. So much work Frank did to catch up. But the awaited on reports were all there. After a smile, George turned off the flashlight, snatched up the stack, and using the moon’s illumination as his only light, George left Joe’s office.

^^^^

Dean didn’t mind taking Ellen’s little advice on going home, resting and then returning. He did mind the fact that he slept to nearly midnight. It did have advantages. He felt rearing to go and doubted he would return back home for the night.

Heading down into the cryo lab, Dean thought it was his grogginess or possibly he was losing it. He could see the goldenness of the cryo-lab light as it peered its way through the open lab door. But Dean knew shortly that it wasn’t his grogginess when he heard voices, and then saw Joe and Henry as he walked into his lab. His pace slowed down. “What’s going on?”

“Dean.” Joe looked up to him as he walked in. “I didn’t think you’d be down here.”

“Obviously not.” Dean moved across the lab to the counter. “Mind if I ask why you two are down in my lab when you know I wouldn’t be here? Because I’m finding this an awfully big invasion of my privacy. It’s almost like you guys are checking up on me.”

Joe shook his head. “No. It’s not you.”

“O.K.” Dean walked to them as they stood before a computer. “Who or what?” He didn’t get an answer. “Henry?”

“It’s council business, Dean,” Henry told him.

“Council business.” Slowly Dean nodded. “If it’s council business then where is . . .” He noticed the expression on both of their faces. “Oh, I get it. Well, I highly doubt that either of you are going to find the proof you need down here. I already looked.”

Joe wasn’t giving anything away. “Proof about what Dean?”

“About George. Look I’m not stupid. You’re having a council meeting down here without the other council member.”

After a moment’s hesitation and a glance from Henry, Joe spoke up. “You said you looked for proof. What made you suspicious?”

“Besides the fact that George came back untouched after spending a month in Colorado with the same people that killed Miguel and hurt Ellen?” Dean pulled a stool up and sat down to join them. “It scarily makes sense. Just . . . Just put George in the plan and it all falls into place. As President, if he knew about the plan, he would have known to get people, to get it ready for the scientists awakening. Hence, he finds us. We do all his work.”

Joe interjected. “Including the cure. He knew the virus was worse than anticipated. All those air samples he asked you about, Dean. Think about it. Knowing the virus became the air, he would have had to of known the scientists in Cleveland would die when they awoke.”

Henry snapped his finger in thought then added his own theories. “Which would explain why he was so adamant about me getting away from that wall. He was biding his time until Dean cured the virus.”

“Actually . . .” Dean said. “He edged me on to cure the virus.”

“And when you announced your perfected cure . . .” Joe stated. “Henry conveniently opened that wall.”

“Yes, that’s right.” Henry nodded excitedly. “No.” He let out a whine. “That night he sent Frank down. If he was waiting for the cure, why did he still try to stop me?”

Joe stood up and began to pace. He stopped with a spin. “Chester. Chester was in Beginnings still. He may have been waiting for Chester to spill his guts about the lab. But if George was in it from the beginning, then Chester knew about George.”

“Oh!” Henry excitedly jumped up. “What if Chester didn’t commit suicide after all. What if George killed him to prevent him from talking?” He waved his hand. “Never mind, we could theorize all night and couldn’t get the proof. Chester is four feet under.”

Dean’s face lit up with an idea. “We could exhume the body. Do a sort of autopsy to see what the cause of death was.”

“Excellent idea.” Joe snapped his fingers. “Would you have a problem with that?” He saw Dean shake his head. “Good, then we can do that. Pile up the evidence so to speak.”

Henry shook his head. “I’m not digging up a dead body. I’m not.”

“You won’t have to, Henry.” Joe said. “I’ll need you in the security bay to shut down the front gate. We’ll have to time it perfectly. We can’t speak over the radio. Frank will hear us.”

Dean seemed puzzled. “Under wraps from Frank?”

“Most definitely,” Joe answered. “If Frank even gets wind of what we suspect, proof or no proof, he’ll kill George for what happened to Ellen. Kill him. I can’t take that chance. We need undisputable evidence for the people of this community to accept it, and you two know it.”

Standing from his seat, head shaking, Henry held back his hair. “When do you want to go after Chester?”

Joe thought about it. “We’ll have to wait until the ground isn’t so wet. Maybe next week. Until then we should start working on the passwords to those hidden files. Maybe something is in there about George. Dean, any chance I can get you to do that? I know you’re busy.”

“Sure. I could get Ellen to help.”

“No, no, no.” Joe argued. “I don’t want her involved.”

“Joe, it’s perfect.” Dean said. “She’ll do it. She’s nosey. I’ll tell her it’s our next project and she has to do it. In fact . . .” He sat back looking smug. “She’ll never even ask why.”

CHAPTER THREE

“Why?” Ellen asked as she propped herself on the counter in the clinic lab to sit.

“Because,” Dean answered as he sat reviewing Melissa’s baby chart. “I feel it’s time to get into the files, that’s why.”

“But we’re working on the vials.” Ellen’s legs swung back and forth, her feet hitting with a bang on each swing.

“Well, maybe the information for those vials are in the hidden files.”

“Yes, but you never mentioned that before.”

“I didn’t think of it before.” Dean finally turned to face her

“I find that hard to believe. What are you up to, Dean? Why are you being so secretive?”

“I’m not being secretive. I told you why.”

“Yes, but it’s a lame excuse. I really think that if . . .”

“Ellen.” Dean stood up. “Shh.” He walked to her. “And stop this.” He grabbed her knees holding her legs still, stopping her from making any more childish bangs. “Yes or no. Will you?”

“Dean, it’s gonna be a pain in the ass. You want me to start alphabetically and keep trying. You know as well as I do, that the system shuts down after three failed attempts. It’s gonna be annoying.” Ellen looked down noticing he still held on to her legs. “Are you sure you’re not just making excuses to spend more time with me.”

“Don’t flatter yourself.”

“O.K.” Ellen nodded. “Then why are you holding on to my legs like that?”

“Because you’ll start kicking them again like a two year old. Answer my question. Will you help me?”

“Um . . .” Ellen titled her head back, bobbing it side by side in thought. “Yes.”

“Thank you.” Dean leaned in to her and kissed her quickly. “Now was that so difficult?”

It was a feminine clearing of the throat, but a halting notion none-the-less. Andrea stood in the doorway grasping their attention. “Dr. Hayes, Mrs. Slagel.”

Dean’s instincts caused him to immediately move. “Andrea.” He backed up. “What . . . what are you, um doing here?”

Andrea smiled widely. “Just wanted to let you know. I’m back.” She started to leave but stopped. “And thank you guys for filling in and handling patients. I know it was a bother for you.”

Dean shook his head. “Oh, no. No bother. Especially for you.”

Ellen shook her head as well. “We didn’t mind one bit.”

“Good.” Andrea grinned. “I’ll see you in a little while.”

Stepping slowly toward the door, Ellen waited to make sure Andrea was gone. She clenched her fist and threw back her head. “Yes!”

“God.” Dean’s knees buckled. “I thought she’d never get back. I hated patient work.”

“Could she have taken any longer of a grieving break?”

“Tell me about it.” Dean’s hand tapped on the counter. “Hey, wanna go down to the lab for a while before the Marcus checkup? After all, we can.”

“Andrea is back.” Ellen headed to the door.

“Wait. Do you think it’s fair? I mean, she just got back. She has lots to catch up on.”

“Dean, please, she’s been doing nothing for weeks. We have our own work. Let’s go.” Ellen hurried from the lab.

Dean, really agreeing with Ellen’s point, wasted no time following her out.

^^^^

“Whoa.” Henry leaned so far over the steering wheel it almost became an extension of his body. He looked out the windshield as they drove up the long drive way to the house that set way back. It was a huge house, barely seen through the large trees, and the ivy seemed to have grown like a carpet over it. “Is this really your house?”

Tired and a bit irritable, Jason Godrichson leaned his salt and paper hair against the window. “It’s my house.”

“Whoa. It looks like stately Wayne Mansion. Hey Jason, is there a bat cave?”

“As a matter of fact, Henry, my lab.” Jason rolled his dark eyes and then shot daggers from them to Henry in anticipation of what his attitude would bring. “Only I don’t have a pole you slide down.”

“Great house. Yard work leaves a lot to be desired. Jason, you know what you can do? You can jump in your time machine, go back, tell yourself to hire landscapers . . .”

“Laugh and make jokes about my work. Go on. I’ll remember that. And don’t think I don’t hear everyone and their smart comments either.”

“We’re only having fun.” Henry prepared to pull up directly in front of the house. “In a world with very little entertainment, what else is there to do?”

“Dream.” Jason opened his truck door and stepped out.

^^^^

George knew there was a meeting to attend and he made his way there. The one with Joe would be like the others . . . disturbing. George would listen, pass Joe as he spoke of things that gnawed at his insides, ideas that seemed like a waste, like a detriment to the master plan that George was far from giving up. He had to nod his head and smile a lot. Fake pleasantries. He supposed Joe was doing the same. He sensed it in his words. Words that were no longer warm when he spoke to George. Words that used to be.

George was not a stupid man. He wanted nothing more than to stand up to the arrogant leader of Beginnings and take him down like his gut wanted. But he couldn’t. Not yet. The desire to end the Joe-era stayed constantly with him. And having the drugs in his possession, drugs that could do it, made that desire like a bad food inside of him, ingesting slowly, painfully, needing to be released.

He kept telling himself it would have to be done soon. The militant soldiers were starting to trail up to Beginnings. It wouldn’t be long before the rest would start making it up in their brigades. With the amount of soldiers that didn’t die from Beginnings’ attack, combined with the ones that were being created by the scientist that were spared, the numbers of his forces would soon be insurmountable..

But in order to bring about a successful blow to Beginnings--not that George actually thought the first one or two waves of fifty would do it--Joe had to be at least semi out of the picture. Expecting that first wave in three weeks or so, gave George enough time to plot his fall of Joe. And it would have to be done perfectly. The minor things George had planned, combined with the little attacks, would have Joe’s stress level so high, that a diagnosis of a major stroke would be not only plausible, but expected. But there was one thing that really was the icing on the cake George was certain and played on the fact that Joe knew. His confirmation of that came when he passed Joe earlier in the day. Joe was fixing something at the school in Henry’s absence. A mere lift of his head in acknowledgment was all Joe gave to George. And as their eyes connected in that brief moment in time, George could see it. Joe suspected. Joe wanted to know. George knew if Joe asked him about his involvement, he wouldn’t lie. He couldn’t lie to Joe.

Of course, that would be the last thing in authority Joe would do for the community. Of that George was sure.

^^^^

Boot tapping fast as he sat in the chair, forefinger pressed tightly to his eye socket, it took everything Frank had to remain in control. He felt like a child as he received the lashing of his father’s words. So strong. So hard. He just wanted to jump and yell ‘enough’. But respect kept Frank in that chair, and he endured every painful verbal bash Joe delivered. Life had made him adverse at that. But if asked, Frank wouldn’t even begin to know what Joe yelled about; practice and singing Journey’s songs in his head gave him the ability to block his father out.

“Do you?” Joe yelled. “Frank?”

Frank lifted his head “Yes.”

“So we’re clear?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” Joe saw his son stand. “So I should expect those back reports today and that keypad fixed by night.”

Frank stopped walking. “Is that what you were yelling about?” He saw his father’s face turn red.

“You weren’t listening.”

“Yeah, I um, yeah. But I wasn’t clear on it.”

“I asked you if you were.”

“I know. I misunderstood.”

“Misunderstood?” Joe’s voice rose as he stepped to Frank. “How in God’s name can you misunderstand me yelling at you about two week old reports and a goddamn keypad that leaves the warehouse open to everyone? I said it six times. You nodded.”

“I did it.”

“Did what?”

“I did the reports and the keypad. All yesterday.”

“Bullshit, Frank.” Joe yelled.

“No. Not Bullshit. I put them on your desk and I fixed the pad.”

“Well the reports aren’t here and the keypad is still dangling!”

“No.” Frank shook his head. “I know . . .” He looked around. “I think I did. I thought I did.”

“You didn’t.”

“But, Dad, I swear I did.” Frank scratched his head. “Maybe I was only thinking about doing it and thought I did, but didn’t.”

Joe grumbled and headed back to his desk. “You didn’t and I want them done by . . .” Before Joe could finish, over his radio on the desk, and Frank’s headset, the call from Dan came.

“Frank. This is tower come in.”

“Yeah.” Frank spoke into his headset.

“Greg and I spot what we believe to be SUTs at the back gate.”

Frank quickly looked up. “Repeat that Dan, my uh, father is listening.”

“Oh.” Dan said. “Sorry. We have Elks at the back gate.”

“On my way.” Frank charged to the door and stopped. “We’ll finish later about the reports Dad, and see how nice I am. Did you hear Dan? We have . . . Elks at the back gate.”

“Let me know.” Joe called out as the door closed. Proud that Frank was quick on picking up the ‘under wraps about the SUTS’, Joe sat down and relaxed a minute before his tedious meeting with George.

Frank raced top speed from the office building. Turning the bend to head to the back gate, he nearly plowed over George. “Sorry.” Frank called out.

“Everything all right?” George asked.

Still running, Frank replied. “Yeah, Elks at the back gate. We think. Gonna take them out.”

George scratched his head and watched Frank so excited, fly toward the back gate. “Elks?” He questioned to himself. He always suspected something was mentally deranged about Frank, and the fact that Frank took great pleasure in taking out helpless deer-like animals only confirmed that to George.

^^^^

“So how long will it take us to move this machine of yours into the truck?” Henry asked as he followed Jason to the front door of his home.

“Few minutes maybe.” Jason placed the key in the knob. “I had packed up everything before my cryogenics processing. It’s ready.”

“Hey.” Henry spoke as Jason turned the knob. “You think anyone’s home?”

“Do I think . . . Henry…let’s just grab my lab so we can get home by dusk.”

“Sure.” Henry shrugged walking into the house. “Great house. This is huge.”

“I was rich.” Jason led Henry to the back of the house.

“Really? Then we have a lot in common.”

Realizing that Henry was just being facetious, Jason brought him to the lab. “Here we are.”

“What? No steps, no dungeons . . .wow!” Henry walked into the lab. “Dean would be so jealous of this.”

“I’ll take it that’s a compliment. O.K. Henry, grab one of those three monitors and I’ll begin on the drives. I have a box of cords on the floor.”

Henry placed his hands on his hips and really took in the view. The large lab was so comparable to the cryo-lab in Beginnings. It seemed to be, at one time, so state of the art. It had to have been air tight, barely any dust formed on the counters. But Henry didn’t see it. For as big as the lab was, it wasn’t quite that big that it could be hidden. “Where is it?”

“Where is what?”

“The thing we came all the way over here for.”

“Oh, the Quantum-Regressionator. Yes, it’s right here.” He picked up a box no large than a shoe box.

“That’s it? That brown leather box. Right.”

“Part of it Henry. Here, I’ll show you.” He lifted the lid.

“It looks like wires and contacts.”

“Yeah, it does. And in an essence, that’s what they are. But in actuality, they are electro-probes.” Godrichson spoke in a mature, explaining manner.

“O.K. Somehow I thought it would be bigger.”

“Like a car? A huge box like contraption. Or better yet Henry, how about a telephone booth? Hmm?” Jason started to grow sarcastic along with being annoyed. “That is such a lame, Hollywood, civilian view of what quantum physics really is. You probably think you can travel to the future too, a time sequence yet created. You would think you’d sit in an H.G. Wells invention and turn a switch. You would.”

“Then how does it work?” Henry asked, ignoring Jason’s tone.

“You want me to explain years and years of research in a paragraph?”

“If you can, I’d like to hear it.” Henry leaned against the counter.

“Quickly, these electro-probes are placed strategically, in an area no wider than three feet, and no taller than seventy-seven inches.”

“A doorway.” Henry folded his arms. “Like in an archway?”

“Yes. You have three computer components. One breaks down the codes for the regressionist to set his or her destination. The second sends a signal to the computerized power source, and the third sends the desired amount of power needed to cause the correct magnetic field desired for quantum movement.”

“Power source?”

“Yes. This.” Jason laid his hand on a box marked ‘radioactive materials’ “Uranium.”

“Uranium?” Henry’s eyes widened.

“Small amounts that are never exposed to the regressionist. Uranium is needed for power in any regression that breaks the barriers completely. This is my theory that I am very close to proving. Barrier breaking regressions are those over, say, one hour. I have enough Uranium for eight trips. Of course, Uranium is only good for a destination of no further than twenty-five years. After that I’d need a power supply of radioactive materials that would be large enough to generate a forty megaton nuclear explosion. So you can see that any of those movies you have ever witnessed in your life, where the time traveler went hundreds of years either way, is completely far-fetched. It would be explosively dangerous to the regressionist as well as anyone in a fifty mile radius.”

“O.K. sounds good. Let’s go.” Henry turned to pick up the first computer monitor.

“You aren’t buying any of this, are you?”

“Jason it’s a great explanation. However, I am very much a realist. But . . . if it gives you pleasure in your life believing that you can actually accomplish, what is it you called it? Quantum-regression?” Henry reached over patting Jason on the shoulder in a pacifying manner. “You go right ahead.” He picked up the computer monitor and walked out the door.

“Laymen.” Jason spoke with a grunt and began to grab equipment also.

^^^^

Frank ran hard through the wooded area just outside the back gate. A look of determination was on his face with his revolver held tight. “Where Greg?” He asked into his headset, still running.

“Keep going. He’s darting, trying to lose . . . bear left fifteen degrees.” Greg instructed via radio from the watch tower.

“Is he close?” Frank kept his eyes peeled ahead.

“You’re closing in. He should be . . . oh shit! Behind you! Now!”

Holding out his revolver, Frank spun himself around, firing blindly once into a man no further than ten feet from him. “Yes, I got him. Shit…” He turned forward to run again.

“What’s wrong?”

“That one’s useless too, Dean. I don’t see the other.”

“Pick up speed, Frank, ten more degrees left.”

Frank veered his body. As he passed a large bush area he could see the SUT running with full speed. “He’s in my focus.” Frank slowed down holding out his revolver steady with both hands. Closing one eye, breathing heavy from running, Frank talked to himself. “Hold still. And . . .” He fired. The SUT dropped down. “I got him!” Frank, still not taking a chance, ran to where the body fell.

“Is he dead?” Greg asked.

Frank happened upon him. He kicked him with his boot, rolling him over. “Yep, he is.” He placed his revolver back in the harness. “Hey, Greg?”

“Yeah.”

“Didn’t you work for a coroner?” Frank knelt down to the body.

“Yeah, Frank, why?”

“Leave Dan in the tower alone for a few minutes. Come on down here.” Frank reached feeling for a pulse. “I need your help.”

^^^^

Frank saw Dean and Ellen as soon as he hit the lab door. They leaned against the counter, back to him, appearing to be reading something. He knocked once and stepped in. “Dean.”

Dean turned from his paper work. “What’s going on, Frank?”

“I brought you something.” He held up a large silver bucket.

Ellen walked to Frank and kissed him. “What do you have?”

“Wanna see?” Frank asked with a smile, showing Ellen the contents.

Ellen screamed. Loudly. Her voice vibrating, her hands shaking as she stepped back frantically from the bucket that merely showed the bloodied brown hair.

Startled by Ellen’s screams, and confused by Frank’s laughing, Dean moved to see what Frank had. “Oh, excellent.” He reached his hand into the bucket. “And it’s still warm.”

“Fresh.” Frank handed it to him. “Thought you’d be happy. Do something with this.”

“I’ll put him in the fridge. We have a patient to see.” Dean took hold of the handle and carried the pail, like Little Red Riding Hood, to the fridge.

Frank, still laughing, saw Ellen, horrified, leaning against the counter. “What’s wrong?” He kissed her on the cheek.

“Please Frank. Please don’t tell me my husband did that to someone.” She pointed to where Dean was.

“Who me?” Frank shook his head. “No way. I couldn’t cut off some SUTs head. Greg did. Dean needed it to try to get a hold of that microchip.”

Ellen looked at Frank then at Dean. “There is something wrong with both of you.” She walked by the counter and swiped up a stack of folders. “I have a room to get ready for our patient.”

Dean’s head shook, confused, as Ellen walked out. “She’s rattled over a head in a bucket when she thrives on Bunny Autopsies?”

“Go figure.” Frank said.

“I should go too. Thanks for the specimen.” As he went to leave, Dean stopped. “I’m curious.” He scratched his head. “Why do you call them SUTs?”

“Oh . . . Stupid, Uniformed, Target.”

Dean nodded. “A Frank acronym.”

“Uh . . . yeah.” Frank ran his hand down his goatee. “Of course my father has another name for them. Maybe you could help figure out what it stands for. You’re a scientist. I haven’t had a chance to ask him.”

“Sure.” Dean looked at his watch. “I’ll spare the minute. What is it?”

“Get this . . . Elk.”

“As in a larger version of a deer?”

“Yeah. Henry told me he specifically called it that when he was telling George about what I shot.”

Dean opened his mouth, a smile crept upon his face, and sarcastically he spoke to him. “Wow, Frank, I’m baffled.”

“Me too.”

“Ask Joe. I’m sure he’ll fill you in.” Turning around and rolling his eyes as he did so, Dean left the room.

^^^^

Jason leaned close to Henry, checking with doubt over his shoulder, as Henry worked under the hood of the truck. “Can you fix it?”

Slowly Henry turned his head to Jason, the look on his face all but said, ‘don’t be so stupid’.

“What’s wrong with it?”

“I blew a rad hose.” Henry wiped his hands on his pants and moved to the open driver’s door.

“How are you going to improvise on that one?” Jason followed him.

Henry reached behind the driver’s seat. “With a new rad hose.” He pulled one out. “You don’t actually think I’d drive in a plague ridden world without replacement parts?”

“I didn’t give it much thought.”

“That is why you work in theory, and I work in reality.” He felt the closer presence and breathing of Jason over his shoulder. “Can you . . .” Henry shooed him back. “Please.” Henry adjusted the rifle that hung over his shoulder and reached the new hose into the truck. As he worked under that hood, the thumping of metal, the moving of the truck and the slight groan caught his attention. “What the hell is he doing?” Henry shifted his head to the right to peer from under the hood. He saw Jason’s legs extended on the ground. “Jason . . . shit.” Stepping back and around the truck, a man, a man he did not see, jumped, maddening for Henry. His large stature seemed frightening. A long reach, holding a knife, swung forth. Henry ducked, stood up, clenched his fist and delivered a punch to a man who seemed to barely feel it. Realizing that, Henry, using the butt of the riffle, pummeled the man in the face. Once, twice, and three times until blood shot forward, and the man fell to the ground. Ensuring his and Jason’s safety from the man who had attacked them, Henry placed his one foot on the man’s chest, the other to his cheek, and with a quick step and a snap, he broke the man’s neck. Adrenaline pumping, Henry turned to Jason. “You all right?”

Wiping his bloodied eye with the back of his hand, Jason looked up to Henry with a squint. “I’ll be . . . Henry! Watch out!”

He felt the arm go around his throat. The strength of the hold lifted Henry from his feet. It was strangling to him. Henry reared his head forward, snapping it back into his attacker. He turned abruptly around, reaming the assailant with the rifle’s butt. Then in one motion, Henry spun the rifle barrel forward, clicked back the hammer and fired once. Back flew the man.

Out of breath, Henry stood there, searching to see if there were more. He saw no one but Jason. He reached his hand down to him, helping him to his feet. “You O.K.?”

“Fine. That was very impressive.”

“Yeah, well, I guess training with Frank has its advantages.”

“It does.” Jason brought the palm of his hand to his eye to catch the blood. “But somehow, I was expecting Karate moves from you.”

“Why? Because I’m Asian? Oh that is such a typical, clouded, Caucasian way of thinking.” Annoyed, Henry went back to the hood of the truck to finish fixing the problem.

Snickering, Jason reached into the vehicle for a cloth. He stopped dabbing his blood when he heard something in the bushes not far from the over grown road. “Did you hear that?”

“Yeah.” Henry lifted his rifle and positioned it. He brought it to his focus, aiming as he searched through the scope.

“Don’t shoot!” A woman’s voice called out as she stumbled through the trees. She slowed down, looking oddly at the truck, running her hand across it as if she had never seen one. Her long black hair was mangled, and she was dirty. A bloody abrasion took up most of her cheek. “Can you help us?” She sighed when she saw the two bodies. “Please. They came after us.”

Without hesitation, Jason stepped to the woman to follow. He saw Henry did not. “Henry? They’re hurt.”

“O.K.”

“You’re not helping?”

With a slight shake of his head in irritation, Henry finally moved. “All right. God, if they all are injured, El is gonna have a fit.” He walked with Jason behind the woman. “Because you know we’ll have to take them. This better not be an ambush. And, I don’t even think we have room in containment. Is there even room in the truck?” Henry stopped when they reached the clearing. He whined when he saw what was left after the attack on the camp. “Great.”

“Henry?” Jason said. “I’m curious. How many friends do you have in Beginnings?”

“Really one. Just Frank.”

“Did you ever ask yourself why?” Jason, leaving Henry behind, went to aid the injured.

CHAPTER FOUR

For as eloquently and precisely as Dean handled his scientific experiments and mixtures, that was how badly he fumbled with the infant tape measure. “Useless. We won’t pull it off, El.” He laid the roll on the examining table in room two.

“Sure we will.” Ellen pulled the tape and let it snap back into the roll. “Just pretend you know what you’re doing. You remembered how I told you the examination went.”

“Yes. I am not a pediatrician.”

“You examine Brian.”

“That’s different. Brian is . . . is . . . Brian is different.” Dean ran his fingers through his hair. “Why do we have to do this?”

“Because we want Melissa to trust us as good caretakers for Marcus. If she doesn’t, she’ll never allow us to do some of the testing we want. So today we do a normal infant exam.”

“On Marcus?”

“On . . . Marcus!” Ellen smiled when mother and son stepped into the exam room. “Look Dean, Melissa and . . . Marcus are here.” Holding her hands out, Ellen reached for the baby. “Oh look how cute he is, Melissa.” She took the baby into her arms.

Melissa gave an agreeing nod. “And growing fast.”

Ellen ran her hand over the roundish baby’s hair. Hair that was so animal like in color and texture. “You’re a cute guy.” Ellen smiled at him. “He’s smiling.”

“Yes, he is.” Melissa proudly set her hand on Marcus’ back. “He’s a good baby.”

“Are you a good boy?” Ellen asked, in such an unlike Ellen way. “I just love this kid. And trust me, I don’t like kids.”

“I got him all undressed for you. Are you ready?” Melissa asked.

Dean picked up Marcus’ chart. “Ready. El? Wanna weight him?”

“Absolutely.” Ellen carried him to the scale, setting him down and humming as she did. “Twenty-three pounds. Pretty big for a few weeks.”

Melissa helped Ellen lay the baby on the table. “He’s not going to stay a baby for long, is he Dean?”

“I don’t know.” Dean placed his stethoscope in his ears and began listening to Marcus’ breathing. “I’d like to do a complete scan on Marcus, not yet, but soon.”

Melissa agreed. “Sure. Hey Dean?”

Dean lifted his head, lowering his stethoscope. “What’s up?”

“He makes this noise.”

“What kind of noise?” Dean asked.

“Well, this grunting type noise, sort of a soft . . . growl. Is that normal?”

“Uh . . .” Dean dragged his words out. “Yeah, it’s normal. El . . . Didn’t um, Billy, grunt?”

Ellen raised her eyes from the chart she looked at. “Yep. Grunts and groans, just like his father.”

Dean widened his eyes to her then faced Melissa. “Normal.” Dean checked the baby’s reflexes. As he flicked his finger on the bottom of Marcus’ foot, Marcus heaved back his leg and snapped it forward at Dean’s fingers with a smack. Dean pulled back his hand shaking his finger. “Fussy?”

“No. You just tickled him.” Melissa ran her hand over Marcus’ head.

Dean opened the baby’s mouth. “Oh, wow.” He shined the light in there. “His gums are swelling. I think I see a . . .” Dean began to reach in to feel the gums, but thought twice about it. “…tooth.” He cleared his throat. “Anyway . . . Melissa get Marcus dressed. I’d like to speak to you about some tests I want to run.”

Melissa nodded. “Nothing too painful.”

“Nah.” Dean shook his head as he walked behind Ellen, peering to double check her notes. “Can I speak to you in the hall for a sec, El?” he whispered. When he saw Ellen nod, he took her by the arm to the door. “Melissa, we’ll be right back.” Stepping into the hall, Dean closed the exam room door. “Well?”

“You did great.” Ellen complimented.

“Too soon to get permission to remove some of Marcus’ skin for reaction purposes?” Dean asked.

“Um, no. She trusts you. Go on.” Ellen stopped him before he went in. “But, Dean, as a mother myself, I suggest phrasing it as . . . skin surface, allergy testing.”

“Got it. Thanks.” Dean winked, and returned back into the room with Ellen, smiling as he did.

^^^^

To Henry, Joe didn’t look very happy after escorting the eight new people into the clinic for Ellen, Dean, and Andrea to tend to. Henry supposed, as suspected, Ellen complained badly. It showed on Joe’s face as he emerged from the clinic building. Even though he hated to burden Joe more, there was one other thing to be settled in order to put the whole North Dakota mission to bed. “Joe?” Henry darted up to him. “You didn’t say where you wanted Jason set up.”

“I didn’t?” Joe scratched his head leaning toward Henry, peering at the truck parked across the street. “He really has a time machine in that truck?”

“That’s what he thinks.” Henry looked backwards to Jason. “Joe.” Henry dropped his voice to a whisper. “He has uranium.”

“Uranium?” Joe peered to Jason. “Jason, what the hell do you have uranium for?”

“For my Regressionator. Minuscule amounts, safely sealed in separate containers. Eight of them.” He moved closer to Joe and Henry.

“And what would happen, damage wise, if one of these eight containers would happen to explode?” Joe asked.

“Not much.” Jason shrugged. “It would cause an explosion yes, only really wiping out a quarter of a mile maybe.”

Joe raised his eyes brows. “Oh boy. O.K. Henry, take him to the empty building five miles out. You know, the one we housed the scientists in. Let him have that as his personal lab.”

“Gotcha.” Henry walked over to the truck. “Come on, Jason.” Opening the truck door, Henry paused and returned to Joe. “Hey, Joe, I have a question on a personal level. Maybe you can help.”

“What’s that?” Joe asked.

“Jason… he implied that I may have a . . .” Henry dropped his voice to a whisper. “…a personality problem which effects my making friends. Do you think that’s true?”

Joe stared hard at Henry, but only for a second. “Yes.” With a quick smile and a pat to Henry’s arm, Joe walked away.

Henry’s mouth hung open even as he reached for the truck door.

“See, Henry.” Jason stated. “What did I tell you?”

Stunned, Henry slid in the truck. He hesitated before starting it. “I can’t believe this. I thought I was so nice. What should I do?”

“Since I foresaw the possibility of you eventually coming to me, a newcomer with an intelligent objective opinion, I took the liberty last bathroom break to . . .” Jason reached into his pocket. He pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to Henry. “…make you a list. Like everything else you do, work on it until you get it right.”

^^^^

Warehouse four. Screwdriver in hand--again--Frank stared at the keypad, but this time he scratched his head. The keypad was fixed. His lips parted slightly, his head tilted and he spoke out loud to himself. “I thought . . . no. Yeah. Maybe this morning.” Finally it hit Frank. He stood upright. “George.” Placing the tool in his pocket, he moved from the building and turned the bend. As luck would have it, he saw George walking with Andrea. “George!” Frank called out, trotting to him.

George placed on a pleasant smile. “Hey, Frank. Something wrong?”

“Yeah.” Frank replied then nodded in acknowledgment to Andrea. “Yesterday, do you remember me fixing that keypad on warehouse four?”

“Absolutely.” George stated. “I was there when you finished up. Why?”

“Well . . .” Frank tossed his hands in the air. “My dad came down on me pretty hard today about it not being fixed. I knew I did, he insisted I didn’t, and when I believed I didn’t, I did.”

Andrea blinked slowly. “Frank, maybe your dad was confused and thought it was another warehouse. He’s been stressed. Heaven knows we get a little odd when we’re stressed.”

“Tell me about it.” Frank said. “He changed my name for the soldiers that are hitting us. I had a pretty good name, and he changed it to ELK.”

George looked up.

Frank shook his head. “I like SUT better. And don’t think I won’t use it. Right now, I’m appeasing him. But I won’t appease him about those reports.”

“What reports?” Andrea asked.

“I did two weeks’ worth of old reports. I put them on his desk. I know I did them cause look . . .” He held his middle finger to Andrea. “I still have the pencil dent.”

Andrea cleared her throat. “Well. Thank you for sharing. Maybe the reports got lost in the shuffle. He was busy today.”

Frank scoffed. “Awaiting a time machine," he said sarcastically.

Pretending to stand in Joe’s defense, George spoke up. “Some of us need those little outlets Frank.”

“Yeah. We do. I do. Bye.” He smiled and walked by George and Andrea without saying another word.

Andrea turned at the same time as George when Frank abruptly departed. Puzzled, she shrugged. “I guess we helped.”

George smiled. Andrea helped more than she realized, because so innocently, she was helping with his plan.

^^^^

How late was it? Ellen had been at containment situating the new survivors for so long, she actually felt like it had to be heading into morning. But she knew it wasn’t. The new survivors and the old survivors were wound up with tension between them and there still was a social skills class to go. Her legs hurt, her back hurt, and she felt like Henry, complaining so much in her mind. Standing in the skills room doorway, she leaned against the arch. She just wanted to go home.

And then she felt it, the air beneath her feet as her body was swept up. Only a minor shriek of surprise came from her before she was kissed quickly, saw Frank’s huge smile, and realized she was in his arms.

“Hey, El.” Frank turned her. “Look who’s here? Break time.”

Greg lifted his hand in a wave. “Sounds loud.” He pointed to the skills room then walked his brawny body into the area. Silence hit the moment he did.

Ellen, shocked, tried to look, but Frank carried her down the hall. “Frank? Where are we going?”

“To your office for an hour.”

“You aren’t trying something kinky in there? Are you?”

“Nope.” Frank pushed open the door with his foot. “How about romantic?” He set her down and saw the look. It was the one simple look that every husband loved to see. A glow of slight happiness on the wife’s face that confirmed their small gesture actually worked instead of pissing them off.

Ellen stepped into her office. A few candles were lit. Dinner was on her desk.

Frank pulled up a chair for her. “I knew you’d be hungry.”

“Frank. I don’t know what to say. What brought this on?” She sat down.

Walking around, Frank knelt before her. “In one instant today I realized something. You take a lot of my shit, but you never doubt me. Ever.” He grabbed her hands. “I just want you to know how much I appreciate having you in my life. I don’t tell you enough, I know. But know how grateful I am.” Frank brought his lips to her hand. “I waited a life time for us to be like this and I don’t want to let you go.”

A simple knock at the door broke the mood, along with the moment. George stepped in. “Oh, I’m sorry.”

Ellen looked around Frank. “Something wrong, George?”

“This can wait.” George, hands full, stepped back.

“Wait!” Frank called out and stood. “My reports!” He grabbed the stack of papers George had. “Where did you get these?”

“Your Dad’s office.” George sounded saddened. “When you told me and Andrea, I got to thinking. When I met with your dad, he did that subconscious thing. You know, talking, moving things, and I watched him move the stack to behind his desk. I had a hunch.” George lifted his shoulders in a shrug. “I don’t want you to think I was snooping. God knows your dad is tense enough as it is. And he has something on his mind.”

Ellen stood up. “George, we know it’s only concern. Thank you. Frank won’t mention you finding them. Will you Frank?”

From his reports, Frank looked up. “No. I won’t. And you’re right, George. He has something on his mind.” He set the reports down. “And he better get it off his mind because it’s affecting the way he runs things.”

At that second, it took everything George had to look full of empathy instead of happiness.

^^^^

The stack of reports were loud when Frank dropped them onto Joe’s coffee table.

Joe looked from them to Frank. “What’s this?”

“These are those reports.” Frank said strongly. “Reports I said I did.”

“Where did you find them?” Joe asked innocently.

“In your office. Behind your desk. Know anything about it?” Frank asked with edge.

“No, I haven’t . . .”

“Dad!” Frank engrossed in getting his thoughts out, didn’t see the glare upon his father’s face. “I put them on your desk! You moved them! Just like you didn’t check that keypad, because it was done!”

“I have had a lot of things on my mind. Maybe I messed up.” Joe said calmly.

“That’s it? You messed up?” Frank’s voice grew. “I sat there today and fuckin listened to you ream my ass out over something that was your fault, not mine!”

With a heavy hand, Joe pointed. “Don’t you dare take that tone with me. I am your father!”

“That’s right.” Frank snapped. “And I never forget that. Ever. My entire life I have sat back and listened to you read me the riot act. And ninety-nine percent of the time I fucked up. But not this time, father or not . . . this time you’re wrong.” With one more angry glare, Frank spun on his heels and in a march, stormed from Joe’s home.

His hand moved to the stack and Joe, slowly and confused about it all, lifted the reports.

CHAPTER FIVE

Joe cringed when he heard the ‘whoa’ come from Henry just outside his office door, a result of Henry probably being barreled over by Frank who had stormed out. Behind his desk, Joe braced himself. He wasn’t in the mood for a Henry-style episode in the middle of morning bustle; he just had a ‘Frank’ one. Rubbing his eyes which were not only tired, but sporting dark circles as well, Joe looked up when his office door opened.

“Morning, Joe.” Henry closed the door. “What’s wrong with Frank?”

“Same thing that has been wrong with him for three days. He’s pissed at me. He comes in here explaining things like I’m senile and . . . and he took back his SUT-buster chart.”

Henry looked to the bare spot behind the file cabinet. “That wasn’t very nice.”

“No. So . . .” Joe leaned back. “…what’s up?”

“Oh.” Henry stood straight. “Before we begin.” He cleared his throat. “My, you look well today.”

“Huh?”

“How are you doing today, Joe?” Henry asked.

“Fine and yourself?” Joe asked with suspicion.

“Fine, thank you. I am not going to complain about you today.” Henry spoke almost forced. “I’m doing something nice. I am working in containment so you don’t have to.”

“Henry. What the hell . . .”

“Hey, Joe.” Dean walked in. “I wanted to give you the requisitions before I disappear into the cryo-lab today.” He set them on Joe’s desk and shivered off the chill from just coming in. He turned. “Hey, Henry.”

“Hi, Dean. My, you’re looking well today.”

The corner of Dean’s mouth rose. “Um, thanks.”

“How are you? I’m fine, you know. I am not going to complain about you today. I am doing something nice. I’m working containment so El doesn’t have to.”

Dean chuckled. “Good to hear. See ya.” With a wave to Joe and Henry, Dean took off.

Dean’s exit brought Greg’s entrance. It was a typical morning, and no surprise to Joe. Everyone always went in and out before the day got underway. “Morning, Joe.” Greg stated. “I have last night’s round reports.” He walked to the desk. “Hey, Henry.”

Joe looked up to Henry. He waited. He dreaded.

“Morning, Greg.” Henry responded. “My, you’re looking well today. How are you? I am . . .”

“Henry!” Joe yelled. He had enough. “Why the hell are you acting like a drone?”

“Excuse me?” Henry was so confused.

“The sudden niceties. You never act like that and you never ask Greg how he’s doing," Joe said.

“I’m trying a personality change” Henry said. “A couple days ago Jason gave me this informative list.” He pulled it from his pocket.

Joe reached across the desk and snatched it from Henry’s hand. He read it. “Always compliment. Ask people how they are. Respond nicely. Show you care. Do not insult or complain. Do something nice for people.” Joe dropped the list. “These are suggestions, not explicit instructions.”

“Oh.” Henry seemed surprised. “But still, Joe, don’t you think if I apply myself, follow those suggestions, people will like me and I’ll make friends?” Henry waited and didn’t get an answer. “Joe?” he waved his hand. “You have a lot on your mind.” He turned to Greg. “Greg, what do you think?”

Greg gave Henry the answer. With a loud burst of laughter, Greg walked from Joe’s office.

^^^^

The day was going well for George. It was a warm day for the end of September and Frank was treating Joe like a two-year old when he dropped things off. Joe hated it. George loved it. And, though sick, he came up with another way to stress out Joe. Knowing there was no way to get Ellen to fight with Joe, George came up with another way. Stress Ellen out. Make her paranoid. And he found it time to implement, when he saw Ellen walking from the living section.

Ellen was in awe. It was a simple note. After years of marriage to Pete, years of living with Dean, and how long with Frank, it was the first ‘thanks for taking time for me last night’ note she ever received. The act of lovemaking was so commonplace in marriage and relationships that Ellen couldn’t recall ever being thanked for it. It made her smile.

“Ellen.” George called her name so close.

Ellen looked up from the note. “Hey, George.”

“You look happy,” he complimented.

“I do? I guess I am.” Ellen said.

“Glowing,” George stated. “In fact, you’ve even put on a little weight. Looks good on you.” He hid his snicker. “You sure you aren’t hiding a pregnancy from us?”

Weight gain? Glow? Ellen’s eyes widened. They were things that didn’t transpire right way in a pregnancy. “Shit. I mean thanks. No. I’m not. See ya.” Hurrying and placing the note away, Ellen moved quickly to the clinic.

George watched her and gloated. However, had George realized the chain of events he had started, he would have gloated even more.

^^^^

Frank sat in his office, looking over the list of men he had on his security team. He was trying with diligence to come up with a work schedule for the upcoming Beginnings Day. Every other year it wasn’t so difficult, but with the SUTs seemingly making a daily appearance, Frank had to figure out how to keep the community safe. Plus, he had to give all of the men a chance to enjoy the day they celebrate as their sort of Thanksgiving. It was giving Frank a headache. He just wanted to say screw it. Frank lifted his head from his work when he felt the coldness of the air from his office door opened. John Matoose walked in. “John? What are you doing here?”

“Working.” John hung up his jacket and shook his arms to shake the slight chill he felt.

Frank looked at his watch. “It’s only four o’clock.”

“I know.” John sat down across from Frank. “But, Jenny is menstrual.” John noticed the agreeing cringe of Frank’s face. “I had to get out of there. So, I thought maybe you’d like to see your wife. Hopefully you’ll have better luck.”

“As a matter of fact.” Frank tossed down the pencil. “I would.” He handed John the schedule. “Can you give this a look over? It’s a special schedule for Beginnings Day. I’m trying to make sure everyone gets to be there, but I need full staff.”

John sniffed and wiped his nose with the back of his hand. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thank you.” Frank walked to the door. “And uh, John. Thanks a lot. This is perfect. I’ve been trying lately to really make things special.”

John stood up walking to Frank’s side of the desk. “Have fun.”

“I will. Thanks again.” Frank opened the door, and like a kid, took off running.

The noise level in containment was astronomical as Frank buzzed himself in. Wondering if Ellen had lost control, he quickly headed to the skills room where the noise was coming from. When he stepped in, Henry lingered in the corner, while the large group of survivors seemed to be in an intense game of Win, Lose, or Draw. “Henry?”

“Hey, Frank.” Slumping and drained of enthusiasm, Henry looked up. My, you’re looking well today.”

“Thank you. I’m feeling well today. Where’s my wife?”

“She and Dean are in the cryo-lab today. Did you forget?”

“Shit. Yeah. Thanks Henry. I’ll head down there.”

Henry returned his view to the sad game that happened in the room. “No, no, no. No dirty pictures.”

He was going to surprise her. Though Ellen probably wouldn’t see it as that, Frank did. He could hear their whispering voices as he approached the lab door. It was open and he didn’t need to knock. A few feet before the doors, he heard what they were saying. It caused Frank to stop.

“Ellen, there is no way you are pregnant to those guards. If you were the HCG levels would be there,” Dean explained.

Frank didn’t go in. He felt bad, truly bad that she would even have to be concerned with that.

“And you’re sure, Dean?” Ellen asked. “What if I just got pregnant?”

“It’s too early to tell.”

Frank chuckled out in the hall. He had no medical knowledge and even he knew it was too early to detect a pregnancy in Ellen. He and she had only just started being intimate again.

“Dean, what if I am pregnant?” Ellen came off worried. “George says I’m glowing.”

“Not to insult you, but you look the same to me, El. But . . . if you are, you are,” Dean replied.

“Dean . . . you know the time frame we’re talking about. Oh my God, what if it’s yours?”

No! She didn’t just say that. No! Frank knew there had to be a mistake. He had to have heard wrong.

“Ellen to be honest I highly doubt you’re pregnant. But if you are, then chances are it’s mine. I won’t let it go.”

Confirmation given. Frank closed his eyes. His chest felt heavy from the breath he held so deeply, so intensely. As he released it, his heart literarily dropped. He felt as if the firm concrete he stood on suddenly weakened and he began to sink both physically and emotionally. Tilting his head with his eyes closed, Frank clenched his fist, and walked away.

^^^^

Frank could feel the pounding of his heart strongly at the base of his neck. It grew with each step he took towards his home. His face felt hot, and the heat grew the closer to his door he got. No, this can’t be happening. His breath was short and heavy as he walked into his house. He slammed the door, looking around a place so familiar, yet Frank felt lost. He was helpless and his hands shook. He kept closing his eyes, pulling his fist closely to the sides of his shaking head. Wishing it wasn’t true, wishing it was a nightmare. Knowing in his gut it wasn’t.

He went directly upstairs. The bedroom. Their room. A place he could think. His jaw started to clench. He bit down hard trying to block out the conversation he just heard. But he couldn’t. It played over and over in his mind like a repeated song. No! She didn’t do this to me, not Ellen. The more he thought about it, the more the lump grew in his throat. There was no mistaking what he heard--none. With building outrage, Frank turned to her dresser. Staring at him, amongst the knickknacks, was a picture of him and Ellen. Frank picked the frame up, bringing it close to his eyes. He stared at it for a moment, then in a rage, clenched his fist and drove it into the glass of the frame, shattering it. He threw the frame across the room, smashing it into the wall. Huffing and unable to catch his breath, he cried out an angry emotional grunt. With one sweep of his arm, he swung his arm across her dresser, clearing it of everything. Sending all of Ellen’s personal things searing across the room.

Wanting to destroy everything, wanting to just scream, Frank spun around in total confusion, and sought out the bed. He sat down abruptly, and covered his face deeply with his hands as he leaned forward onto his knees, rocking back and forth. Feeling like the bottom had just dropped out. Feeling like he just lost his world.

CHAPTER SIX

It was odd, as Ellen reached for the front door and tried to turn the handle. The door was locked. “Weird.” She tried it again, this time the door opened, and all she saw was Frank’s back as he walked away from it. “Hi Hon. What’s going on? You’re home early.”

Frank stopped walking. He didn’t want to face her.

“Frank?”

Frank spun to her and as soon as his eyes lay upon her, he felt it in his stomach. That twitch, that gnaw.

“What’s wrong? Are you sick?” She saw the redness of his eyes, but received no answer. “Anyway.” She walked up to him, kissing him on the cheek. “We’re by ourselves.” Starting to move past him she noticed two empty boxes on the floor. Next to them, a duffle bag. “What’s this?”

“It’s for you.” Frank finally spoke. His worlds soft, yet they graveled.

“For me?” Ellen smiled. “What, are we going away?” She joked.

“You are.” Frank glared at her.

“I am?” Ellen picked them up. “Frank, where in the world am I going?”

Frank closed his eyes, still speaking calmly. “I don’t give a shit.” His eyebrows raised, he grabbed her arm pulling her to in front of him. “I want you out. It’s over. You no longer live here. Pack up Ellen. Pack up and leave.” He released her arm and stepped back.

“Frank . . .” Ellen started to breath heavy. “You’re joking. This is a joke. If you’re . . .”

“This is not a joke!” Frank’s voice bellowed through her heart and soul. “Get out of my house Ellen. Get out before I kill you.”

“No, talk to me. What did I do?”

“Oh, you would ask. It figures. You don’t know?” He raged to her. “Did you think I’d never find out that you’ve been having an affair with Dean?”

She felt it. Her heart as it hit her stomach. “Oh my God . . . you know.”

Frank gave an emotional quick laugh. “Unbelievable.” He shook his head. “That’s the reaction I get?”

“No, Frank.” Ellen followed as he backed away from her. “Please let me explain . . .”

“Explain what? That you slept with him? There is no explaining that. You’re my wife. You were with him. You are not my wife anymore. Get out!” He grabbed the duffle bag and handed it to her harshly. “Now!” Frank moved her out of his way, trying to control his rage.

“No!” Ellen threw down the bag. “Listen to me, Frank. Listen to me. I was wrong. It was a mistake. It won’t happen again. Please, Frank,” Ellen pleaded. “Please, talk to me.”

“No!” He faced her. “How could you do this? I love you with everything I am. I’d die for you, Ellen. Die for you!” His words were emotional, almost tearful. “I would never think of hurting you like this. Never! I would never do this to you.” He walked away again. “Get out. It’s over.”

“No.” Ellen followed him and jumped to in front of him. “Frank, look at me.” She reached up to his face, he pushed her hand away. “Don’t do this. Please don’t do this. I’m sorry with everything I am. I’m begging you, Frank. Begging you.” Ellen pleaded with her every emotion. “Don’t throw away twenty years.”

“You already have!” He pointed at her. “You destroyed everything we had. You hurt me Ellen, in the worst possible way you could. You cheated on me. I trusted you. I trusted you with my soul. That was the biggest mistake I ever made. Trusting you.”

“No, Frank . . .”

“I should have known. I should have known you’d do this.” Frank’s tone deepened. “How long have you been doing this? Huh? To Pete. To Dean. To me? I should have never fallen in love with you because the whole time I loved you, you were nothing, nothing but a fuckin whore.”

“Hey!” Joe walked in. Walked in just in time to hear what Frank had said. “What the hell is that about?!”

Frank’s grip snatched Ellen by her wrist to halt the slap that she instinctively began to deliver. He stared at her open hand. “Don’t.” Frank growled his words. “Don’t even think about it.”

“Frank!” Joe stormed to him. “You better let go of your wife! Get your hands off of her, Frank. Now!”

Frank let go off Ellen forcefully, almost sending her over with the release of her hand. “Get her out my house.”

Joe followed him. “Frank! What the hell is going on? You don’t call . . .”

With everything he had, his heart and soul, Frank turned from the door and screamed to his father, “Get her out of my house now!” He flung open the door and raged out.

“Ellen?” Confused, Joe turned to face her. “What happened?”

“Oh, God Joe.” Her whole entire body shook. Her face was pale. “He knows.”

Joe closed his eyes and took Ellen into his arms. He tilted his head back to look at the open door. Joe knew where Frank was off to. And all Joe kept thinking was, God help Dean.

^^^^

Dean held up the beaker before him, concentrating on the substance inside. He swished it around and around. “Nice shade of blue. But will you work as a cough suppressant?” he spoke to his tincture. He set the beaker down and placed in his little finger, tasting it. Dean cringed as the horrible substance was so sour it nearly burned his tongue. Making the worst face, Dean turned to the sink, still carrying the beaker with him. He spit, trying to rid his mouth of the flavor. He turned on the sink and brought a handful of water to his mouth, then spit again. As he turned off the water he heard the door shut. Wondering who it could be, Dean turned back to his counter. “Hey, Frank.”

Frank just walked in.

“Something wrong?” Dean lifted the beaker looking at it, admiring the shade.

Frank swallowed. “I just wanted to let you know. I’m tired of this fighting over Ellen shit. She’s yours now.”

Dean chuckled. “Thank you very much for the gift, but no thanks, Frank. You can keep her.” He swished his liquid.

“I’m serious, Dean. If you have enough nerve to sleep with my wife, take her. I don’t want her.”

The beaker in Dean’s hand crashed to the counter, shattering glass everywhere. Blue liquid seeped about. Dean was speechless, and Frank was just standing there. Dean didn’t know what to say. In fact, Dean was waiting, waiting for it to come. The physical part. “Frank.” Dean cleared his throat. “Look, I know you want to hit me, I know . . .”

“I’d like to pound the fuck out of you right now. But I’m not. This is what you wanted, Dean. She should be out of my house by now. I just wanted to let you know that.” Frank turned to walk away.

“Frank!” Dean moved from behind the counter. “You think you can just hand her over to me? I’ll be honest with you, I’d love to have her, but the truth is . . . she loves you. Things happened, Frank. We can’t take it back. I am sorry for that. I really am.”

“Are you?”

“Yes!” Dean answered loudly. “But it was one time. It shouldn’t have happened. It won’t happen again. Let it go. Just let it go.”

“What?” Frank stormed up to him. “You act like it was nothing.”

“No, that’s not what I’m saying.” Dean tried to remain rational. “I’m saying that you stand giving up a woman that you have loved most of your life. I know you’re angry . . .”

“You don’t know!” Frank’s abrupt words cut him off.

“I don’t know? What? Are you joking? Is your memory that short?”

“This is totally different, Dean. We’re married.”

“You’re right Frank.” Dean held up his hands. “It is different, but not because she’s your wife. Different, because when you would sneak with her you never cared if I got hurt. I made one mistake and I felt so guilty over it.”

“And you should have.” Frank pointed. “Back then, you and I never got along. I thought we became friends. How could you look me in the eye, knowing you slept with my wife?” Frank slammed his hand on the counter and turned back around.

“Don’t Frank!” Dean shouted back at him. “Don’t you dare pass judgment on me! I was with her. I lived with her. I was building a life with her. You!” Dean pointed. “You took her from my home, our children. You took her from me. And you didn’t care! You have a chance right now with her to put this behind you. Do it! I didn’t have that chance. You never gave me that chance. Maybe, if you wouldn’t have married her when I couldn’t do anything about it, she and I would have resolved what we felt and what happened would never have occurred.”

“Don’t put this on me, Dean!” Frank’s words shot so harshly his face grew red. “I didn’t tell her to sleep with you!”

“I’m not putting the blame on you. I’m just trying to make you see.” He saw Frank was getting angrier, but Dean didn’t care. “She loves you. Don’t do it. Don’t walk away from twenty years for one mistake that she’d give her life to take back.”

“Too late.” Frank’s voice graveled as he once again turned away. “She blew it.”

“You’re being an asshole.” Dean saw Frank snap back around and angrily charge toward him, but at that moment, Dean didn’t care. “You want to put this all on her, but she wasn’t the only one. I betrayed you too. If you want to blame anyone, you blame me. She was going through a bad time when it happened. I saw it coming. I knew it was coming. I let it happen because I wanted it to happen!” With his final words to Frank, Dean saw the room go out of focus, he felt the sharp pain, and he heard the loud ‘crack’. Before he knew it, he had been spun backwards, face forward to the counter behind him. He watched the droplets of his red blood fall to the green surface as he heard the door behind him violently slam. Dean closed his eyes, breathing heavy. He brought the back of his hand to the corner of his mouth, and wiped. He looked at the blood smear. He didn’t notice the pain so much. It was a pain he felt was long overdue. Using his hands, he lifted himself to stand firm on his feet. He shook the dizziness from his head. And then it hit him. He turned to the door. Ellen.

^^^^

Ellen’s heart beat faster when she heard him coming up the steps. She carried with her to the duffle bag, the last of her clothes. She set them inside the bag slowly and looked at her hand, the hand that bled when she cut it on the glass she was picking up from the floor. Glass from the frame, the picture of her and Frank. The picture, though torn, lay packed in her bag.

“What are you still doing here?” Frank walked in the bedroom. “You’re stalling.”

“You’re right.” Ellen zipped up the bag, and turned to him. “I want to talk to you.”

“I really don’t think you’re getting this. You’ve done something I can’t forgive. I won’t forgive. I won’t forget.”

“Just listen to me.” She kept stepping ahead of him, stopping him from leaving. “I made a mistake. A huge mistake. If I could take it back, I swear to God I would. There’s nothing I can say to justify it. I hurt you. For that I am so sorry. I’m just asking you, please, please, think about what’s happening now.”

“I have.” Frank moved her bag from the bed, dropping it to the floor. “Go.”

“I know you’re angry. I expect that.” She saw him scoff at her. “Maybe if we give it some time, then we can sit down and talk about us.”

“There is no more us, Ellen!” Frank yelled and picked up her bag. “It’s over. Now leave. Get out of this house. You no longer live here. This is no longer your home.”

“Fine.” Ellen swallowed. “I’ll go. I just have to finish getting Brian’s things . . .”

“Whoa.” Frank stopped her as she walked to the door. “You go. And you go alone.”

“Frank, Brian is my son . . .”

“He’s my son too, El. And he stays with me. You haven’t earned the right to be called his mother. You don’t hold him all the time. You don’t feed him. You don’t care. You forgot how to be a mother Ellen and my son will stay with me.”

His words could have been a knife through her, they hurt so badly. Ellen closed her eyes briefly, clutching her bag. “I’m going to forget you said that because I know when you’re angry you say things.”

“I know exactly what I’m saying. I just never had the guts to say it to you before.”

Ellen closed her mouth tightly trying to contain her emotions. “I’m gonna walk away before anything else is said that can’t be taken back.” She turned and faced him again. “Because I know you still love me.”

“Love?” Frank moved closer to her. He placed his hand firmly on her chin. “Right now El, when I look at you, I don’t see love. I see nothing but hate and contempt for you.”

Swiping his hand off of her, Ellen tossed the bag over her shoulder. With her eyes closed, she turned from him and slowly walked away.

^^^^

Where could she have gone? Dean checked everywhere and couldn’t find Ellen. He had to see if she was all right. Not that he thought Frank would actually physically hurt her, but knowing the state Frank was in, anything was possible. Dean had checked every structure in town, including his very own home. Ellen wasn’t there. Heading to the last place he’d thought he would find her, Dean spotted her. Ellen walked from her house, closing the door behind her, a duffle bag flung over her shoulders.

She saw him standing there, twenty feet or so away. Ellen lifted her sad eyes, and went in the opposite direction.

“Ellen.” Dean raced up to her. “Please wait.”

“Dean.” Ellen fought the lump in her throat as she stopped walking. “I, I want to be alone.”

“Are you O.K.?” He stepped in front of her, grabbing her arm.

Ellen saw his mouth, the corner of it bleeding, swollen. “Did Frank hit you?”

“It doesn’t matter.” Dean looked into her eyes. “I need to know. Are you all right?”

“It’s bad, Dean.” Ellen started walking again. “It’s really bad.”

“Where are you going?” Dean kept walking backwards. “I’m worried about you.”

“Don’t be. I’ll be fine. Right now, I really just need to be alone.”

“I can respect that. Here . . .” He reached his hand out. “Let me just take your bag. Let me take it home and you won’t have to carry it around with you.” Dean reached for the strap. “It’ll be there when you get there.”

“Dean . . .” Ellen took a deep breath. “I’m not going to your house, if that’s what you think.”

“But you always come there when you and Frank fight.”

Ellen shook her head, speaking so soft, so sad. “It’s different this time. I can’t go to your house. I can’t. Excuse me.” She moved past him walking slowly.

“El . . .” Dean lifted his lowered head to her. “I am sorry. I’m really sorry.”

Ellen closed her mouth tightly, giving a fake smile. “Not half as much as I am.” Adjusting her heavy bag, Ellen kept on walking.

CHAPTER SEVEN

As if the nights weren’t long and cold enough, the reality of what happened hit Ellen every first morning light. She stood in front of Henry’s bathroom mirror, brushing her just showered hair. She reached for the back of her neck, rubbing the kink out of it. She had barely slept the night before, and if Greg hadn’t awakened her from her desk, she would have been much stiffer.

Ellen leaned closer into the mirror, looking at her eyes, so dark and so tired. She returned her brush to the duffel bag on the floor, picked the bag up and took it to the spare bedroom closet, hiding it way in the back so Henry wouldn’t see it.

Taking one more look around Henry’s house--making sure nothing was out of place--Ellen left. She was grateful that Henry left his home so early. She was even more grateful that Greg promised to wake her in the morning when he saw Henry walk down the street. It had been her routine for three days, sleep a few hours in containment each night then hit Henry’s to catch another hour and get cleaned up. With some playing of words, no one questioned where she was staying. She didn’t want to be anywhere else but home. And she had it in her mind, that before long, she would be.

The light was on when she approached her front door. Like she had done every day, she gave it a try and knocked.

Frank opened the door. “What?”

“I came to get Brian.”

“Like I’ve been telling you, I’ll take care of it.” No more was said, Frank slammed the door.

It was earlier than she usually had shown up at Frank’s. She did it on purpose, perhaps allotting more time to try again. But as she lifted her hand to knock, Ellen chickened out and walked away.

^^^^

“Alex, sweetie, come on.” Dean shook his daughter than kissed her. He took the clothes he already had laid out and placed them by her pillow. “Get dressed.”

Alexandra merely grunted in response.

Dean smiled. “Billy.” He shook his son once, and he sat up. “Get dressed. You guys can sleep downstairs after breakfast.” His own tee shirt in hand, he left the room putting in on and then ran his hands through his hair to straighten it.

His normal routine of nearly running down the steps was interrupted. He slowed in the middle of the staircase when he saw Ellen standing by the door. “El.” He came down the rest of the way. “It’s six in the morning. What are you doing here?”

“I came to get the twins for school.”

“You’re an hour and a half early.” Dean looked at his watch.

“Sorry.” Ellen fake smiled. “I’ll come back.”

“No.” Dean reached out and stopped her. “Why would you go? You’re here. Stay.”

“No, that’s O.K., I’ll come back.”

“El.” Dean grabbed her hand. “Why don’t you stay? Come on. Have breakfast with me and the twins. They’d love it.”

“I can’t do that Dean. It wouldn’t be right.”

“What? What wouldn’t be right? Having breakfast with your children?”

“No Dean.” Ellen pulled her hand from his. “Spending time with you.” She stepped back and left the house.

^^^^

With fierce rage, Frank whipped his jacket into his office before he even stepped completely in.

“Whoa.” John Matoose ducked. “Quite the entrance.”

“Sorry.” Frank slammed the door. “What are you doing in here anyway?”

“Nice mood.” John held up a ammunition clip. “Stupid me left my extra clip in here yesterday. So, the bad moo?. You didn’t get it?”

“What the SUT? I got him. Driving me fuckin nuts those stupid idiots.”

“Frank, you all right? You seem a bit more pissed than usual.”

“Yeah.” Frank waved his hand and then brought it to his face, running it down harshly. “No, I’m not. I’m surprised you don’t know. Every bit of news flies like wildfire in the community.”

“Know what?” John asked, zipping up his jacket.

“Ellen was with Dean. With Dean.”

“O.K. . . . So?” John didn’t seem fazed.

“What do you mean so? She slept with him. There’s no so in that.”

“Sorry Frank, I just thought you had an understanding with Dean.” John shrugged.

“I don’t have an understanding with Dean!” Frank snapped at him.

“Frank, chill.” John held up his hands. “It’s me remember. The quiet guy? I’m sorry this happened. I am. So, what’s Henry make of it?”

“Henry?” Frank’s head was spinning. “What the hell does Henry have to do with it?”

“Well Ellen going to Dean. Is it Henry you have an understanding with?”

“I don’t have an understanding with Henry.”

“Whoa, I’m batting a thousand here. Well who do you have the understanding with?” John asked so as to figure out whom else to avoid this day.

“I don’t have an understanding with anyone. I don’t believe in them.”

John realized at that moment, asking ‘why?’ would not be in his best interest, opening the door, he looked once more to a frightening Frank. “Sorry Frank. I am.” He left before anymore could be said.

^^^^

“El.” Johnny’s voice nearly cracked. “Come on.”

“No, Johnny.” Ellen showed him the chart. “Pay attention. I want to get out of here before Dean comes back. We were in the middle of a lot of experiments”

“This is really stupid.” Johnny stated. “I won’t take over your lab work for you just so you won’t be around Dean.”

“Then the community will be at a loss.” Ellen said. “Because I won’t work with him.”

“He’s gonna figure out that you’re not just taking an emotional break from work.”

“Good. That way it will be easier than telling him. I have to go.” Ellen tried to leave the lab.

“El.” Johnny stopped her. “Can I ask why?”

“I have to show your father I’ll take whatever steps needed to get him back.”

“Even if it means giving up everything you love?” Johnny asked.

“Without a second thought. Especially if that’s what he wants.”

“Then that’s wrong, El. You give up things too easily for him,” Johnny called out to her as she walked from the lab. But his words were not heard. He sank back into his seat. “That’s why you’re in the position you’re in.”

^^^^

“We have time.” Joe looked at his watch then closed his office door. He walked around to his desk for his secret meeting with Dean and Henry. “So, where were we?”

Henry sat up. “When are we digging up Chester?”

Joe folded his hands. “Rained pretty hard last night . Let’s give it a few days to dry up. Dean and I will have a hard enough time, let alone adding the burden of digging up mud.”

“Joe.” Henry leaned forward. “I was thinking. What about John Matoose. He came to Ashtonville with George.”

“I thought of that, also Henry,” Joe spoke. “We’ll have to keep him under check. Dean, what are your thoughts on ... ” He turned his views to Dean who was slumping sideways in the chair. “Dean?” Joe snapped his finger. “Dean, are you with us?”

Dean sat up straight. “Sorry, Joe. My mind’s just elsewhere.”

“On Ellen?” Joe asked.

“Yeah. I’m really worried about her. Have you seen her?”

Joe nodded. “Last night. She’s pretty bad.”

“I saw her this morning.” Dean stared down. “She’s not herself.”

“She won’t be. I know my son. And knowing my son as well as I do . . .” Joe pointed to Dean’s mouth. “I really have to say, I expected you to look a lot worse.”

Dean touched his healing injury. “So did I. It’s odd Joe. He wants to blame it all on Ellen. That frightens me.”

“Me too.” Leaning back, Joe rocked slowly in his chair. “Frank’s not taking the hurt approach, he’s taking the hostile . . .” Joe paused. He didn’t know what caused his eyes to shift to the window, but they did. “Shit.” He rose up.

Henry looked back. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s Ellen. I hope to God she’s not going to see Frank. I told her stay away from him for a few more days.”

Henry was confused. “Why? You would think you’d want them to work it out.”

“I do. But Frank is so explosive right now. So on the edge. It . . . it scares me the way he is. I don’t trust him.”

At that instant, with the sound of squeaking chairs, both Dean and Henry rushed to their feet.

“No.” Joe held up his hands. “Stay put. I’ll take care of this.”

^^^^

“Frank.” Ellen called to him softly as he stepped from his office.

“Ellen, you are the last person who should be talking to me.”

“Just listen to me.” She stood in front of him. “I just wanted to tell you, though you think it, I’m not staying or working with Dean. I won’t. I’m going to do whatever it takes to put us back together.”

“Don’t waste your time.” He tried to get past her.

“Frank. Stop it.” Ellen latched on to his wrist.

“Get your hand off of me.”

“No.” She held on tighter.

“El.” Frank pulled slightly, she didn’t budge. “Get off of me.”

“You have to talk to me.”

“Get off!” He jerked his arm from her, and as he did, he pulled so harshly it sent Ellen turning and nearly falling to the ground. Shaking his arm Frank stepped forward only to be stopped by his father. Stopped by him, grabbed by him, and thrown so fiercely by him that Frank flew backwards, crashing with a loud bang into the side of his office building.

Joe charged forth, snatching Frank by the shirt. “Don’t you ever touch your wife again!” He reared back his fisted hand.

“Joe, no!” Ellen leaped forward stopping him.

“Ellen.” Joe turned to her. “Go away.”

“I won’t let you do this, Joe. I won’t. Don’t hit him.”

“Ellen . . .”

“No, I won’t let what’s happening between him and me tear you two apart. He’s your son Joe, your blood. I’m nothing to you. Don’t do this.”

“How can you say you’re nothing to me?” Joe lowered his hand. “Don’t talk like that. He should not be laying a hand on you. I raised him better.”

“He didn’t mean to.” Ellen looked at Joe, then at Frank who stared coldly at his father. “Just please don’t do this.” Ellen stepped back. “Don’t. I’d sooner leave this community then watch your family be torn apart.” Slowly, with her head down, she walked away.

“You wanna let go of me now, Dad?” Frank requested.

Joe released him less than gently.

“Thank you.” Frank rubbed the back of his head. “Made me crack my skull.”

“I should crack your goddamn head open to see what’s wrong with it. What was that shit, you shoving her like that?”

“I don’t mean to. You heard her.”

“Right.” Joe rubbed his eyes. “You have to draw a line somewhere Frank. You really do. Learn some control. By what I heard and what I’ve seen, you may be burning bridges.”

“If you mean getting back with Ellen, no.”

“You say that now. You say it because you’re hurt and you’re angry. But that anger will subside, I guarantee that. And when it does, you are going to look at that woman and see all those years that you loved her. You’ll want her back.”

“No, I won’t. We’re through.”

“Then you’ll be a lonely man and if you decide you still want her, then you still may be lonely. You can’t take back shit that you say or do. You just can’t. Calling your wife a whore, that can never be taken back.”

“It’s the truth.” Frank began to walk away.

“I ought to slap you.” Joe pushed him back. “Listen to you. Don’t speak through your rage Frank. Take my advice.”

“Take my advice, Dad. Stay out of this.”

“I can’t do that Frank. You’re my kid and I love you. You need time. I’ll make sure she gives that to you. I just want you to think about it. It’s a lonely world now. I know she truly regrets what she did. Think about that too.”

“If she regrets it so bad, then why didn’t she come to me earlier? Maybe if she did, maybe, I could have tried to work it out.”

“Then don’t blame her, blame me. I told her not to.” Joe was ready for his repercussion on that statement.

“You knew? You knew and you didn’t tell me?” Frank’s words were sharp.

“Yes. She told me and I told her not to say a word to you.”

Frank shook his head at his father as he stepped back. “I can’t believe you. I’m beginning to wonder which one of us is actually your kid because I don’t think it’s me. I see where your loyalty lies.” Frank stormed away leaving a thick air of tension that would linger as a separation riff between him and his father.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Joe slouched down some on the couch. He popped the medication Ellen gave him in his mouth then downed it with water. “Thanks.” He handed her the glass.

“That migraine must be bad for you to stay home an extra few hours.”

“I’ve had it for days.”

“Joe, that’s not good.” She sat down next to him.

“Andrea says my blood pressure is up. I’m seeing her today. I wanna be in top shape for the game.”

“Are you telling Andrea of these headaches?” Ellen asked with concern.

“No. And don’t you either. I’m fine.”

“Joe, why don’t you just take the whole day off? I’ll tell George and . . .”

“No. I’ll be at distribution by ten. Just make those changes for me, please?”

“Will do.” Ellen opened the folded piece of paper and put it in her pocket.

“And if Frank sees you to bitch . . .”

“He won’t say anything to me. Frank just doesn’t speak to me anymore.”

“Join the club.” Joe put his head back.

“Frank still isn’t speaking to you?”

“Not nicely.” Joe waved his hand. “He’ll get over it.”

“I’ll let you rest.” Ellen kissed his forehead. “Get better.” With a look of concern, Ellen stared at Joe. He was so stressed out. She would speak to Dean at the clinic and see about something for him. But first, relieving his stress was best. She would take care of that immediately.

“Ellen.” Joe called out as she left. “Remember, I . . . I don’t won’t to impose on anyone. So don’t mention this. Especially to . . . to George.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” Ellen smiled. “Get well. See you at the game.”

^^^^

George removed his glasses after reviewing the changes Joe had made. He gave a reassuring smile to Ellen along with a squeeze to her arm. “Thank you for coming to me. I’ll make these changes right away.” He leaned against Joe’s desk.

“You know my father, George.” Ellen said. “He is so stubborn. He didn’t want me to bother you.”

“Of course not.”

“So you won’t tell him, right?”

“No.” George closed his mouth and shook his head. “And I’ll do what I can to relieve Joe’s burden without him knowing.”

Ellen grabbed her chest and sighed in relief. “Thank you. Thank you so much.” She kissed him on the cheek. “Joe’s lucky to have a friend like you.”

George winked as Ellen backed up to leave.

No sooner did Ellen walk from Joe’s office, she walked right into Frank. He glared at her. Briefly she made eye contact and tried to get away.

“What were you doing in my Dad’s office?” Frank asked coldly.

Ellen stopped walking and turned to face him. “Your father asked me to make changes for him on the work schedule. He’s not feeling well, and is gonna be late.”

“Are you still hanging around my father? He’s my father El, not yours.”

“Yes, Frank, I know. And I’ll stay away from him when you start speaking to him.”

“I don’t make deals with you,” Frank snapped.

“Fine, then I won’t stay away from Joe. He needs someone in his life that looks up to him.” She started to leave again.

“El. I want to tell you something.”

“What is it?” Ellen stopped; she didn’t want to look at him.

“I was thinking last night. I think maybe after Beginnings Day, that you and I should set up a time to go see Reverend Bob and talk to him.”

She lifted her eyes to Frank. It was the first true feeling of hope she had in nearly a week. “You mean to work this out? You want to see if he can help us?”

“Help us? No, why would you think that?” Frank nearly laughed at her. “I want to end this. End it so I can know you aren’t walking around this community with my name.”

“Fine, Frank. Do what you feel you need to do.” With partially closed eyes, Ellen walked away and didn’t look back.

^^^^

“Sweet Jesus,” Andrea gasped as she removed the blood pressure cuff from Joe’s arm. “This . . . this is way too high, Joe Slagel. I have never seen your blood pressure so high!”

Joe rubbed his arm as he sat on the exam table. “I’m under a little stress. I’m fine.”

“I can’t allow you to go umpire the game in the heat. October or not, it is way too warm out there for . . .”

“Andrea. I’m fine,” Joe stated.

“Then no work for the rest of the day.”

Joe grumbled. “I took the morning off and I have some paper work to review after the game. That’s it. Not much.”

“Can we at least take some time to do some stress testing this afternoon?” Andrea asked.

“No. I’ll fail them.” He shook his head.

“Can I help at all?” She showed concern.

“No one can.” His voice dropped. “This shit with Frank and Ellen. Frank is being . . . he’s being bad. I have the scientists that I know are still out there. The SUTs are moving at our back gate daily.”

“Oh, you gave in.” Andrea spoke pleasantly. “That helps.” She grabbed his chart.

Joe shifted his eyes around wondering if she was talking to him. “What?”

“You gave in on the name. Frank said you were insisting you call the SUTs, Elks.”

“Frank told you . . .”

“About your liking the name Elks. He told George and I.” She heard him moan. “Joe, you have to admit his name was better. We can’t figure out what Elk stands for.”

“Enormously Lame Kid. That’s what it stands for.” Joe slid from the table. “Son of a bitch bastard. What the hell is . . .”

“Joe!” Andrea scolded. “Stress.”

“Andrea, I just realized it can’t be helped. I have Frank for a son!” Joe rattled off irritated as he moved to the door. “I’m beginning to believe that stress isn’t a repercussion of a situation. It’s a goddamn payback via Frank for something I did wrong early in my life!” He flung the door open.

“Joseph Slagel!” Andrea called out. “If you don’t modify how you allow things to get to you, you will be placing a coronary on your wish list this Christmas!”

“Good! It’ll be right under killing Frank! Better yet!” Joe stopped in his exit. “Give me the goddamn heart attack and spare me the shit I have to deal with!” On his final screaming word, Joe slammed the door.

Almost with a tone of offense, Andrea let out a breath and grabbed his chart. “Well.” With an arrogant sniff, she calmed herself and left the exam room.

^^^^

The wind had picked up some, but not enough to add a drop in temperature to the air. Ellen held back her bangs as she walked, using her hand to block out the sun. She could hear the children giggling, lots of children, as she walked to the field that Saturday afternoon. Almost everyone was there as it was something to do. Frank and his sports. Everyone always laughed at him running around, getting teams together. But yet everyone always showed up at the games. No matter how hot or cold, people showed up. A taste of the old life, Ellen supposed. Maybe that’s why she was there too.

A welcoming feeling didn’t strike her the closer she drew to the field, but Josh made her smile. Ellen could see him rolling in the grass, five or six children including her own jumping on him. The smile left Ellen the more the children came into focus. Why was Jenny Matoose holding her son? Didn’t she have her own baby to worry about? John was next to her holding their daughter. Ellen needed to hold Brian, she needed to see him. Her time with him was so limited, courtesy of Frank.

“Jenny.” Ellen approached her, standing so threatening over her. “I’ll take Brian.”

“I’m sorry, Ellen.” The smile left Jenny. “Frank told me not to let you have him if you show up.”

“Give me my son.”

Jenny didn’t budge.

“John,” Ellen scolded. “Tell your wife to hand over my son now. He’s my son.”

John turned to Jenny. “I’ll handle Frank, give Ellen her baby.”

“Thank you.” Ellen snatched Brian up. As soon as his body met her chest, her heart sunk. Ellen’s arms wrapped tightly around the baby and her lips planted firmly on his puffy cheeks. She didn’t want to let him go. She closed her eyes. Holding him tightly, she walked to the area where everyone sat and watched the game. “Let’s watch Daddy play.”

Frank’s team was playing Henry’s, and Ellen knew what that meant. She was just in time. Frank stepped up to the batter’s box. A long white tee shirt hung over his baggy cut-off sweat shorts. She smiled as she watched him--backwards baseball cap and all--warm up as he moved to the plate.

She looked to the score board. It was a tie game. Two men were on base and Henry was pitching. Ellen cringed. She knew what was coming. It always happened.

Henry wound up his pitch and sailed the ball forward. The speed wasn’t there but the aim was. Even though Frank moved, the ball hit its destination. It reamed Frank in the side of the head.

“Take your base,” Joe told Frank who shook off the stinging of his head.

“Nope.” Frank moved to the batter’s box.

“Frank, take your base. You got hit with the ball.”

“No,” Frank argued, lifting his bat. “Count it as a strike, I don’t care. I’m not taking a base.”

“Frank! Take your goddamn base! Now!”

“No!” Frank yelled back.

“Frank. Rules are rules. Take the goddamn base now or you are out of the game!” Joe’s voice reached the level of Frank’s.

“No! Then throw me out.”

“You’re out of here.” Joe pointed his thumb back.

“Dad no . . .”

“Out!” Joe pointed and got behind Greg who was catching. “Next batter.”

“Fuck!” Frank banged the bat once against the plate and stormed past, sitting on the bench on the outside of the field.

Ellen ran her hand over Brian’s head. “Wanna go cheer up Daddy? Let’s go.” She moved toward the field.

Dean hadn’t any idea why he looked for Ellen at that moment. Kneeling down with Billy, his eyes rose to see her, Ellen carried Brian and walked toward a very irate Frank. Dean saw what was coming and headed that way.

“Frank.” Ellen spoke almost happily, sliding on the empty spot next to him. “Look who’s here to make you feel better.”

Frank’s eyes did not light up when he saw Brian. He couldn’t get past Ellen. “What are you doing?”

“We came down to . . .”

“Don’t!” Frank snatched Brian from her arms. “And don’t you ever use my son to get to me.” He harshly stood up and carried Brian away.

Witnessing from the field, Joe marched toward the bench before Frank could get too far. “Frank!” he blasted. “What the hell are you . . .”

“Stop!” Frank swung around with a heavy voice and point to his father. “You made it perfectly clear where your priorities lie! Stay out of this!” Continuing in his stride with Brian, Frank stormed off.

Holding a bag of tiny cookie snacks, George hid his snicker as he offered a treat to Josephine. “Seems there’s a little trouble in the Slagel Family paradise, wouldn’t you say?”

“Yeah.” Josephine reached her fragile elderly hand into the snack bag. “I hate that Frank.”

Wanting to say ‘me too’, George refrained and opted for enjoying his snack and the show.

Ellen watched Joe pretend to blow off the whole argument, and Frank just walk away holding her son. Her head instinctively dropped. She took a second to regain herself and sadly she stood up. She just wanted to leave. She didn’t want to be there. She just wanted to run and hide. Hide from the scene that everyone witnessed. Quickly she made it through the staring faces.

“El.” Dean called to her.

Ellen kept walking.

“Ellen, please stop.” Dean caught up to her. “Please.” He grabbed her arm.

“Dean. Frank is going to see you . . .”

“Screw Frank.” Dean turned her to face him. “I want to talk to you. I need to talk to you.”

“I can’t talk to you, Dean.” She started walking again, this time faster. “Ever again.”

Dean ran behind her, it didn’t take long for her to be far from the field. “El. Don’t do this. Come on.” He stopped trying to catch her. “I miss you.”

Something nice. Ellen heard something nice. She stopped cold in her tracks.

“I miss you.” Dean walked up behind her placing his hands on her shoulders. “Don’t do this.” He whispered in her ear. “Don’t shut me out anymore.”

Ellen turned to face him. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to shut you out.”

“Then don’t. If you’re worried about Frank, don’t. I don’t care. I need my friend. I think my friend needs me.”

Ellen finally let her eyes meet his. “She does.”

“Then let me help you.” Dean reached out to her pulling Ellen closer. “Please.”

“I’ll get upset. I don’t want to get upset.”

“Then let’s just walk.” His hand slid down and it gripped hers. “Thank you for this.” He held up his hand that held hers.

“I need it.”

“And I think you need to stop running and hiding from everyone. Actually, I think you need to work with me again.”

Ellen slowed down in her walking. “Dean, I can’t.”

“You have to. I’m going crazy without your mouth running in the lab constantly. I’m beside myself.”

“You just miss all that bullshit work I do for you,” Ellen spoke sarcastically.

“No, El.” Dean turned serious. “I just miss seeing you.”

^^^^

George watched Andrea for a moment before interrupting. She scurried about the lab seemingly trying to clean it up. He tapped on the archway to get her attention. “I’m gonna guess you aren’t ready?” he asked.

Andrea stopped cold, released the papers she held, and turned around with a smile. “Would you be angry if I said I wasn’t?”

“Andrea.” He stepped inside. “You promised me you and Katie would be my guests for dinner.”

“And we will,” Andrea said. “I’m trying to catch up. I knew I shouldn’t have stopped at the game.”

“You weren’t there very long. In fact, you missed it. Frank, Ellen, Joe, big confrontation.”

Andrea closed her eyes. “Sweet Jesus, like the man needs this now.”

“What are you talking about?” George asked.

“Joe. His blood pressure is through the roof. In fact . . .” She hurried across the lab. “He never stopped by for his medication.” She lifted a blue bottle.

“He went back to his office,” George told her.

“It figures. He needs this.”

“Tell you what.” George walked over to her and took the bottle from her hand. “You finish here. I’ll take this on up to Joe.”

“Would you? I don’t want to make you go out of your way.”

“Nonsense. It’s for Joe.”

“You are too sweet.” Andrea smiled.

“And hungry.” George walked to the door. “See you at dinner.” Leaving that lab, George looked down to the medication in his hand and . . . smiled.

^^^^

The Indian summer humidity didn’t help the headache that pounded from Joe’s temples to the back of his head. The headache felt like fingers, gripping into his skull and pulling at his neck muscles. He dug the palm of his hand tightly into his eye socket wishing his could make a suction that could remove all the pain. He dropped the pencil on his paperwork, concentrating becoming a task. He was barely able to think of anything, but the pain and his recent confrontation with Frank.

“Joe?”

An angry jolt shot through Joe when he heard the voice call to him. Joe raised his eyes from the hands that covered them. “George?”

“Are you all right?” George stepped further into the office, closing the door behind him. “You look bad.”

“Killer headache.” Joe put his hands on the desk. “We don’t have a meeting or something, do we?”

“No-no. Just here as a favor.” With a soft thump, George set the medication in front of Joe. “Andrea sent that for you. It’s for your blood pressure.”

“Thanks.” Joe took the bottle.

“I’ll let you be.” With a wave, George left the office.

Joe’s hand gripped tighter the bottle in his hand. It was medication he needed. But it was medication George had handled. Opening his desk drawer, Joe threw the bottle inside. It had became medication he was never going to touch.

CHAPTER NINE

The two a.m. October moon illuminated everything so brightly that it caused Joe to have to bribe Frank’s front gate tower guard. “Ignore what you see,” Joe told him. “Dean’s playing doctor Frankenstein with a dead body."

Animal sounds, howling and chirping, covered up the grunts and groans that came from Joe and Dean as they tugged on the rope that dangled down into the hole they had just dug.

“Joe.” Dean pulled. “I don’t remember him being this big.”

“Dead weight, so to speak. Hold the rope.”

“Hold the rope? You aren’t letting go, are you?”

“Yeah. Plant your feet.” Joe released his end and walked to the hole. He watched as the weight of Chester’s body--slipping back down into his grave--pulled Dean right along with him.

“Joe.” Dean struggled. “I can’t hold him.”

“Christ.” Joe jumped down in the grave. “Pull.” He began to lift Chester’s body as Dean pulled on the rope that was secured around the black sack. Once Joe knew the body was safely above, he jumped out of the hole.

“Let’s make sure this is him before we lug him to the truck.” Dean took out his pen flashlight. He undid the top buttons of the homemade black bag and turned down the flap. Immediately, at the same time, he and Joe gasped and turned their heads from the smell. Dean blew out of his mouth and wiped the back of his nose with his hand. He shined the flashlight on the face. “Yeah, it’s him.” He looked at the corpse. Its decomposing face was seemingly a feast for anything that could crawl. “Let’s take him to the lab.” He dropped the flap over the head.

“Now you’re sure you’ll allow us enough time to get him back here before sun up?”

“Yes. Positive. The exam shouldn’t take longer than a few minutes,” Dean replied.

Both men stood to their feet, each grabbing an opposite end of Chester’s body and carried him to the awaiting jeep just a few feet from the graves site.

^^^^

“Henry!” Joe’s scold echoed in the tunnels. “Will you please quit holding your nose and use two hands to help us.”

“I can’t,” Henry answered nasally. “He smells really bad.”

“He’s dead for crying out loud. What did you think? He’d smell like roses? Now help us.”

“All right.” Henry lifted his shirt over his nose and used two hands to help carry Chester the rest of the to the cryo-lab. “I’m dying here.”

“Ignore it.” Dean struggled with the weight of the man, backing with him into the lab. “We’ll take him into the old cryo room. I have a table there.”

Slowly they moved the body through the lab. Once into the back, with a loud one, two, three and grunt, they lifted Chester with a thump on the table.

Joe wiped the sweat from his forehead smearing the dirt into mud. “I do not look forward to carrying his ass back.”

Bending over and grasping his knees, Dean caught his breath. “Me either. God that killed me. You wanna take five minutes and grabbed something to drink?”

Joe sniffed. “Sounds good. Social hall is right above. It’ll be empty, let’s go.”

Henry watched as they just started to leave. “Wait. You mean we’re just going to stop, leave this smelly body here and go have an alcoholic beverage?”

Joe rolled his eyes. “Ten minutes tops Henry. We need a break. We, not you, dug him up. Now, come on.” He walked behind Dean. “And shut the door.”

“But, Joe.” Henry followed. “What if someone comes?”

“Henry.” Joe said his name annoyed. “Who the hell is gonna be down here at this hour?”

^^^^

Ellen walked, almost in a skip down the tunnel to the lab. She carried in her left hand the little cassette player, in her other, a jam sandwich wrapped in a towel.

As soon as she stepped into the lab, it hit her. “Oh.” She placed her hand to her nose. “What is that smell?” She laid the cassette player and her sandwich on the counter and powered up the computer. Crinkling her face, she walked over to the sink, opened the cabinet, and pulled out a bottle of perfume. Spraying it around, she grew irked wondering how she would eat her dinner with that smell. She walked over to the computer. As she watched it run through its boot-up sequence, the overbearing perfume disappeared and the smell came pummeling back. “Dean.” She spoke his name as a curse out loud. “Where is it coming from?” Sniffing like a dog, arms folded, Ellen searched, nose first. Following the scent from weak spot to strong, it led her to the old cryo room door. She turned the handle and the smell belted her more. She saw the black cloth covered body on the table. “No.” Was it a body? Had Dean finally snapped? Holding her nose she walked to center of the table and lifted the loosened cover from the mid-section of the corpse. Immediately a grey arm plopped out and a worm crawled from a hole in the skin.

Bellowing a blood curdling scream, Ellen backed up, hands shaking and ran from the room. She ran right into Dean.

“El.” Dean held her face. “What happened?”

Joe shut the door to the back room, motioning his head to Dean that Ellen was in there.

“El . . .” Dean tried to soothe her. “What did you see?”

Overly dramatic her body shuddered, intermittently letting out sounds of disgust. “The world’s biggest worm.” She shuddered again, the snapped quickly out of it and tilted head. “Dean, why do you have a dead body?”

“It’s a SUT, El. We wanted to take a private look at one.”

Joe moved to in front of Ellen. “And what the hell are you doing down here? It’s two-thirty in the morning?”

Ellen, still holding her nose, answered. “I come down here every day at this time to work.”

Joe immediately turned to Dean. “You knew this and you didn’t tell me?”

“How would I know, Joe?” Dean asked.

“She lives with you,” Joe stated.

“No she doesn’t. She lives with Henry.”

Henry shook his head. “No, she lives with Joe.”

Joe’s attention snapped to Henry. “She doesn’t live with me.”

At that instant all three of them turned their views to Ellen.

“O.K. All right.” Ellen sat down before her computer. “I’m homeless. I didn’t want to bother anyone. I thought Frank would take me back in a day. I was wrong.” She pulled out a book. “So, after I leave Joe’s house, I take the kids to Dean’s. I sleep at containment for a few hours and then work here until Henry leaves his house. Then I go there.”

“That was you leaving things around?” Henry backed up to the counter and leaned, almost in relief. “Oh thank God. I thought I had a ghost.”

Dean laughed at Henry, then switched to concern for Ellen. “Where are your things? At containment.”

“No, actually in Henry’s spare bedroom closet.” She gave a sorry look to Henry.

“El.” Dean walked to her. “Stop this. I want you to get your things and take them to my house.”

“I can’t do that.”

“Yes you can. This isn’t for romantic purposes. Your kids live there. Stay with us.”

Henry moved into the conversation, but not before spraying the perfume. “If you don’t want to stay with Dean, stay with me. I have the extra bedroom.

“No.” Ellen shook her head. “I couldn’t do that Henry. I’d end up sleeping with you.” She saw his mouth drop open. “I’m kidding.” She saw Joe getting ready to make a suggestion. “And no Joe, tension between you and Frank is high enough. I can’t stay with you.”

“Then it’s settled.” Joe lifted his hands. “You stay with Dean. No argument. Like he said your kids are there. It’s for the best. And don’t worry about what my son thinks. He’ll deal with it. He kicked you out.”

After a moment’s debate, Ellen smiled. “You’re right. I’ll take my stuff over when I’m done.” Ellen didn’t notice the expressions on the three men’s faces that screamed they wanted her out. “I’m getting quite good at this password stuff, though. I broke two already.” She opened her dictionary.

All three yelled. “What?”

Ellen raised her eyebrows. “That’s what Dean wanted. God, get excited why don’t you.”

“El.” Dean turned her to face him. “You really broke two of them?” He smiled. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because we’re looking for the files with the vial info, remember?” She shook her head. “Those forty files only contain info about the embryos and ovum harnessing.” She shrugged. “Who would of thought? Amniotic, and copulating were passwords.”

Dean could barely breathe. “Forty files? You opened forty files.”

“Yes, Dean.” She looked up to the stunned faces. “Very boring stuff. Not important.”

“El.” Dean grabbed her face and kissed her. “You are so great.”

Ellen was taken aback. “Dean, did you hear me? It isn’t the vial information. Maybe you’re just tired. And that smell . . .” She sprayed the perfume and flipped through her dictionary. “Where was I? ‘C-R’. That’s it.” She noticed she was being watched. “Do you guys mind? I want to get started on this. It’s very time consuming since the system does shut down on me a lot. Go play with your SUT or something.” She waved her hand at them. “And shut the blinds in there. I don’t want to see.”

Joe nodded his head backwards to Dean and Henry. “Let’s go. You heard the lady.”

Dean stared at Ellen. “One second, Joe. I’ll be right there.” He waited until they left. “El.” He put his hand on her back. “Though I hate that you were down here all night, good job.”

“Thanks.” Ellen keyed in an incorrect password. “Shit.” She typed again. “Shit. Wrong.”

“And . . . I’m glad you’re coming home with me.”

Ellen paused and tilted her head to him. “Thanks.” She smiled softly. “It’ll feel nice.”

“I promise it will be.” He kissed her on the cheek again. “I gotta go. Good luck.” The whole time he walked to the back room, he kept staring back at Ellen. As he reached for the door handle he heard the loudest ‘shit’ yet and he knew she had to boot up again. But Ellen was trying, and Ellen was making progress.

^^^^

“So, Dean.” Joe stood back some from Dean’s way. He occasionally had to bring his hand to his nose, but for the most part, Joe was getting used to the smell. “What do you make of it?”

Dean stood over Chester’s body which lay prone on the table. He examined the open skin on the back of Chester’s neck with his fingers. “In the cervical region, we have on the left side of the neck a subdural hematoma.” Dean breathed heavily. “C-3, 4, and 5, are crushed, more so to the right. The hematoma extends upward.” He paused when he heard Henry gagging. “What is wrong with you?”

“I can’t, Dean.” Henry’s muffled words through his hand were heard. “This is really impossible.” He turned his back and peeked out the blinds. “Hey, Ellen’s leaving, can I walk her home?”

Joe rolled his eyes. “Yeah, but you get your ass back here so you can help us carry this thing.”

“Body, Joe.” Henry opened the door. “And thanks.” Quickly he shut it.

“Go on, Dean.”

“All right. In the lumber region,” Dean indicated, “there is sufficient blood collection, a bruising around L-1 and L-2. So . . .” Dean lifted his head and stepped back. “This tells me the rope didn’t do this. The bruise on his back, the upward bruising of the neck, and the way that the cervical vertebrae are broken tell me Chester was lying on his stomach when his neck was broken.”

“Like whoever did this had his knee into his back when he broke his neck.”

“Yes,” Dean said. “Arching. And there was a struggle.” He began to cover up Chester’s body. “Damn it. Why didn’t I check this before?”

“We didn’t suspect before. It looked like a suicide. We didn’t know George would do this.”

“Did he?” Dean asked securing the black cloth over Chester.

“Are you saying you doubt George’s participation?”

“No not at all. I’m just doubting that George did this. Chester is a big man. It would take a big man to do this. Or strong. Someone, in essence, younger. George is in his sixties. Yes he is in great shape, but in this good of enough shape?”

“Then who?” Joe asked.

“Anyone that trains with Frank knows how to break a neck. That’s like Frank’s trademark.” Dean raised his eyebrows. “I just don’t want us to rule out the possibility that maybe someone else is involved.”

Joe rubbed his head. The pain was starting to come back. “John Matoose?”

“He’s young, he’s big. He came to Ashtonville with George.”

“No, Dean. No.” Joe shook his head. “I follow my gut. John was just a soldier. I believe George did this alone. Age has nothing to do with it. George is a strong man.”

“All right.” Dean raised his hands. “Promise me you won’t rule him out.” He saw Joe agree then press to his temples. “Headache again?”

“Tension.” Joe shook his head.

“Why don’t we go up to the clinic so I can give you something.”

“What about Henry? He’ll be back.”

“Yeah.” Dean laughed. “And he’ll be alone with Chester. It’ll be fun.”

To Joe, aside from Ellen breaking two passwords, that was the happiest thought he had all night.

CHAPTER TEN

He hated Beginnings Day. Walking around, smiling that George smile. Having a third of the host duties to an event that he thought was the stupidest thing the people of Beginnings ever came up with. It was something they planned for all year. Making one pig extremely fat and roasting it and chickens on an open fire pit that they built especially for the day. The food was about the only thing that George liked. It was a big picnic and George, even as a kid, hated picnics. He thought they were useless before the plague, and he thought worse of them afterward.

George’s face was starting to hurt from the fake laughing he put on. The tension muscles didn’t want to relieve themselves. There was just so much that irritated him, especially the asinine free games that gave people a chance to win homemade rag dolls, wooden cars, and other things Henry picked up on runs. George knew as soon as he gained control of Beginnings activities like Beginnings Day would be things of the past.

So close to obtaining the position he believed and felt he was due, he was certain it wouldn’t be long before Joe was history. Walking around, he made himself feel better by figuring out who would be on council. Who would stay, go or die. His mind-list was not complete, but he knew one person aside from Joe wouldn’t be on it… Frank. If Beginnings Day wasn’t bad enough, Frank especially irritated George. Laughing, smiling, playing the ‘big’ father with some other man’s children. Why Dean didn’t just put a stop to that, George never knew. Perhaps it was Dean’s fear of Frank. Everyone feared Frank. And that was a fear that Beginnings would be rid of soon.

Filling his glass with more apple cider, George sought out Andrea, one of the few people in Beginnings he never minded speaking to.

^^^^

God, what is in this cookie? Ellen wondered as she looked oddly at the orange round thing, bringing it to her nose and smelling it. The aroma of it made her face cringe more. Having to find out what Josephine was trying to accomplish, Ellen snapped apart the cookie. A piece of the hardness flew from her fingers and down to the ground. “Shit.” She crouched down to get it, smiling when she heard her daughter.

“Mommy!” Alexandra sounded so excited. “Mommy!”

“What, sweetie?” Ellen stood up turning around. The smile left her when she saw Frank.

“Look, Mommy.” Alexandra held up a rag doll. “Uncle Frank won me a doll.”

“Look at that.” Ellen lowered her view from Frank to the doll. She bent down kissing her daughter. “Did you see Daddy? It’s time to go with him.”

“Can I stay with you and eat cookies?”

“Yes. Yes you can.” She planted her lips firmly to her cheek. “Say goodbye to Frank.” Ellen tried to ignore Frank and his glares. He just stood there staring and Ellen knew what was coming, despite the fact she didn’t want to hear it.

With his hand reaching over Alexandra’s head Frank leaned closer to Ellen. “Alex told me she woke up and you were sleeping there.”

Ellen didn’t answer him, she handed her daughter a cookie that didn’t look too bad.

“El.” Frank’s voice crept above a whisper. “Is that true?”

Ellen shifted her eyes to him. “Yes.”

“So you moved back in with Dean?” Another increase in his level.

“No, Frank.” Ellen remained calm. “I moved in with my children.”

“Same difference.”

“No, it isn’t.” Ellen spoke softly, watching Alexandra cringe the same face she made at the cookie.

“Bullshit. When did you move in with him?”

“Come on, Alex.” Ellen grabbed the tiny hand.

“El.” Frank reached out and stopped her. His face, his angry face, said it all.

Dean saw it as he made his way to Ellen. He saw the way Frank spun Ellen, staring at her. “Frank!” Dean stepped closer, taking Alexandra’s hand from Ellen. “I would appreciate if you didn’t speak to Ellen like that, especially in front of my daughter. Let’s go, Alex.” He pulled her with him.

“Daddy, wait.” Alexandra pulled from his hand and ran to Frank. “Bye Uncle Frank.”

Frank put his arms around the little girl, closing his eyes as he held her. “Bye, Alex.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too, sweetie.” He kissed her and then released her.

Alexandra giggled and returned to Dean showing him her doll. “Look what Uncle Frank got me.”

“Yeah.” Dean barely looked at it. “Uncle Frank’s a real gem.” He walked away with her.

Seeing Dean leave with her daughter was Ellen’s clue. She too began to step away.

“El, you’re taking her from me, aren’t you?” Frank asked, his words not as harsh as most that came from his mouth. “You’re going to take her and Billy from my life. Aren’t you?”

“No, Frank. I wouldn’t do that to my children.”

“I see it.” He tilted his head. “You’re back with him.”

“I’m with my children.” Ellen tried to speak with reason.

“And Dean.”

“I will not discuss this with you.” Ellen began to walk away.

“Are you back in his bed too, El?” Frank continued. Even though she didn’t respond, he knew she listened. “You told me that you won’t do it. You said you’d do whatever it took to get us back.” He saw her stop. “You think you’re doing that?”

Ellen rushed back to him, placing her face close to his. Her words lost their sadness and gained edge. “You said you wanted to end us. Is that still true, Frank?” Her eyes widened at him.

Frank swallowed as he stared at her, his jaws twitching. “Yes.” He moved even closer, almost growling his whisper to her. “I want you out of my life.”

“Then stay out of mine!” Ellen pointed at him, stepped back and stormed away.

Frank watched her walk away, down the street and away from the festivities. He breathed heavily, slamming his hand on the table.

“It’s terrible how she is with you, Frank.” Jenny Matoose ran her hand down his back.

Frank spoke no words. He just stared outward to where Ellen used to be, a heavy stare.

“Um Frank . . .” Jenny’s voice perked. “Do you think since you don’t have the twins you can go relieve John now so he can enjoy the festivities with me?”

Frank turned harshly and walked away.

“Thank you!” Jenny yelled to him, and then smiled.

^^^^

She had calmed down some. Letting her anger subside, Ellen emerged from the clinic where she went to cool down. It was as if George was waiting for her when she stepped through the double doors. He was smiling sympathetically, so fatherly.

“Ellen.” He stepped up the steps to meet her. “I saw what happened. Are you all right?”

“I’m fine George. Thank you for asking.”

“Here, let’s sit.” He led her down to the steps. “Get away from everyone for a moment.”

“I guess everyone saw.” Ellen held back her hair.

“Nah.” George waved his hands. “I saw because I was headed to that table for one of those terrible cookies.”

Ellen smiled. “They were bad, weren’t they? But I guess you should stay away from them. You don’t need to get sicker, huh?”

“What do you mean?”

“Your ulcer. Henry said it was acting up last night and that’s why you weren’t with them.”

“With them?” George asked.

“The goof troop. They had that dead body in the cryo-lab in the middle of the night last night. Oh ,George.” Ellen waved her hand. “It smelled.”

“That body.” George nodded. “I was sick. I didn’t feel up to it. So, you filled in?”

“Me?” Ellen placed her hand to her chest. “No, I was in the lab digging up the passwords to the hidden files. Dean asked me to work on it, so I’ve been down there. Broke two of them already.”

“Two?” George raised his eyebrows. “Like a puzzle for you. You know that could be good therapy. Take your mind off of things with Frank.”

“It’s gonna get worse. I moved into the house with Dean and the kids.”

“That is understandable.” His hand rubbed her knee. “You two are very close.”

“Our closeness was what started this mess.” Ellen took a deep breath. “I had a bad experience and I went to him instead of Frank, that played a big role.”

“Oh . . . yes.” George lowered his head. “When you were raped.”

Ellen’s head slowly turned to him. “How . . . how did you know? No one knows.”

George was caught. He tried not to let it show. “Sorry, Ellen. I just found out this past week.”

“Can you excuse me, George?” Ellen stood up. “Thanks for the talk. I appreciate your concern.” As she reached down and touched his hand, she felt her heart beat strong, her blood boil, and then Ellen marched off.

^^^^

“You think that will work?” Joe took one more hit from his cigarette than flicked it away and rubbed his eyes. “Henry really is a terrible liar.” He spoke with Dean as they sat on the single step in front of Dean’s house.

“Henry’s our only choice. He’s the only one of us that can get away with asking John Matoose any . . .” Dean could see Ellen from the tops of his eyes. “I think we better be quiet.” He pointed.

“Wow, does she look pissed,” Joe commented.

“Frank got her at the festivities.”

Ellen stopped before them and dramatically crossed her arms. “Just the two I’m looking for. What the hell is wrong with you? I just want to say thanks. Thanks a lot. I would love to know which one of you it was.”

Joe squinted his eyes from the sun that shone behind her. “What are you talking about?”

“George.” Ellen spoke in a scolding manner. “Which one of you told George about what happened to me in Colorado? You two and Frank were the only ones that knew.”

Joe looked at Dean. George had made a mistake. Not wanting to let George know he was aware of the slip up, Joe decided to cover. “Ellen, I am really sorry . . .”

“Joe.” Dean stopped him. He couldn’t let Joe take the fall, especially with Frank already not talking to him. With the thought of Frank, Dean smiled, and quickly removed it. “No Joe, don’t cover for him. Ellen.” Dean stood up. “It wasn’t Joe or I that said anything. Perhaps it was . . . Frank.”

Ellen swallowed drastically. She started to say something, but opted to save it. “Thank you . That’s all I needed to know.” Angry, she stormed off.

Joe lifted himself from the step and smacked a smiling Dean in the arm. “What the hell did you go and do that for? Like they need any help.”

^^^^

She didn’t even bother knocking on his office door when she heard he was in there. An entrance is what he needed to feel, and an entrance is what Ellen gave him. With a loud ‘boom’ she flung open his office door. “Frank!” She slammed the door shut and marched straight to his desk. “You told him.”

“What are talking about?” Sitting behind his desk, Frank’s focus was on his papers.

“George. You told George, didn’t you? You told him about me.”

Frank lifted his eyes. “Yeah, so what.”

“So what?!” Ellen’s heart started to beat, an almost hyperventilation crept upon her breathing. “So what? Don’t you care? Are you that cold that you could tell him that?”

“Yes I am.” Frank stood up. “I told everyone. And why not? Huh El?” He stepped closer. “It’s not like it’s a secret.”

“It was!”

“Well not anymore!”

Ellen half closed her eyes. “I didn’t want anyone to know.” Her words were so emotional.

“And you think I did?” He shouted to her. “You don’t think I’m embarrassed by the whole thing? I am. And you should be too! So I told people. So what!”

“How could you?” Ellen fought back every single emotion. “I know you’re angry. I know the man in you is hurt. But I thought the friend . . . how could you do that to me?”

“Because you deserve it!” He struck his words at her with a powerful deliverance.

A gasp of shock by his emotions took her breath away. For a moment she froze. “That says it all.” She reached for the door. “I guess that’s how you would feel about it now.” She stopped in the open door and looked at the man who wouldn’t even look at her. “You know what Frank? I never thought I’d see the day when you would tell me that I deserved to be raped.” She dropped her head and walked out.

The slamming of the door brought Frank’s heart to his stomach. “El, no.” He reached for the door. Through all the angry words, all the bitterness, Frank never stopped for one moment to realize that they were screaming at each other about two completely different things. As he stepped outside he saw her. Ellen nearly ran. “El!” He called out to her. No matter how outraged he still was at her, he had to stop her. The thought that he had implied Ellen deserved one of the most horrible things that had happened to her, sickened him. Frank couldn’t believe he did that, whether unintentional or not. He couldn’t let her believe he meant it. Chasing after Ellen, he got the call. Tower spotted two SUTs near the back gate. Frank had to get them. He debated on what he should do. With few men working, Frank knew the safety of the community had to take precedence over a marriage he felt no longer existed. Saving his talk to Ellen for later, Frank ran to the back gate to check out the SUTs.

^^^^

George knew he was taking a big risk going into the cryo-lab while everything was so hectic above him. But it was a big risk he had to take. He could feel in his gut suspicion was rising. Joe, Henry, and Dean with their hidden investigation. The body that they had in the lab. To bring it in during the middle of the night, with Henry lying that it was a council thing, meant it had to do with George.

And Ellen with the passwords. He wondered how she figured out two already. George didn’t even realize they were going after those files yet. But with two uncovered he had to make his move.

First things first--the password. The main password to the four files that would give Beginnings every bit of information they needed to kick George out, or worse, kill him. That password had to be changed. With the instructions that Jeffrey had written laid out in front of him, George went into the computer. He entered the correct password then began to change it. To what? He saw the dictionary sitting next to the computer. No, she’s not. He thought, and then he saw the bookmark. Ellen was going through page by page. Flipping the pages to just about center, George blindly pointed to a word. How fitting that his index finger would land on that one. The fatal word that would unlock the file and trigger the destruction program George was getting ready to load. The word that would make them smile when they realized the information it unlocked. Information that their eyes would only lay upon for three minutes. Three minutes before the information disappeared along with anyone who was still reading it when the time was up.

How long would it take Ellen to get to the ‘M’s’, George wondered. Weeks, a month, but not long. George knew as soon as Ellen got there, as soon as Ellen typed in the word ‘murder,’ it was over. George would never be found out. His secret would lay buried along with Ellen and whoever else was in the cryo-lab with her.

George thought as he changed the password about just erasing the file. Erasing his secret. But what fun would there be in that? Letting them find him out, meant letting them die. Ellen was one of the people in Beginnings he just didn’t want around when he took over everything. Ellen was one . . . Joe was another.

Tapping his fingers, George watched the indicator on the computer tell him the destruction program was nearly loaded. A few more moments and it would be complete. Then it would be time to set his other plan in motion. It was time, George knew, for Joe.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

“Son of a bitch, he’s right,” Joe spoke to himself as he sat alone in his office. He read the actually detailed note Frank left him on what they needed to do. Joe lifted his coffee mug to his lips, remembering vividly his and Frank’s argument the night before. Frank had taken down two more SUTs all while Beginnings celebrated their day. That totaled twenty-nine so far, and it was too many.

Beginnings relaxed for a little since Colorado, and it was time to move on. Time to hit New Mexico. Time to erase the rest of the problem that originally started in the tunnels of Beginnings.

He’d call a meeting with Frank. If anything, Frank could set it up, get together the men, and plan their attack. Joe felt bad for blowing Frank off, making him feel like he was over reacting. The truth was, Joe just wasn’t in the mood for Frank’s rambling. He wasn’t feeling up to it. Perhaps it was the fact that New Mexico was all Frank talked about. There weren’t any niceties at all. Frank treated his father like a co-worker rather than his father .Not listening to a word he said just added more fuel to Joe’s fire.

But Joe heard it, and it sunk in. It was time to tell Frank he was right. Maybe by doing that, they could start to mend some fences.

As he lifted the radio from his desk, Joe heard the creak behind him. He thought it odd, so early in the morning. He knew he was alone. Chuckling to himself, thinking it one of Henry’s ghosts, Joe picked up the radio.

No words came from his mouth. It happened before he knew it. A sharp pinch in the back of his neck, and a burning heaviness flowed through his blood stream--Joe could not move. The radio dropped from his hand.

He fought it. He fought with everything he had. Trying to turn his head was a chore. It felt as if it weighed a hundred pounds. Grasping the desk as much as his fingers could, Joe tried to lift himself up. Barely a foot above his chair, he felt whatever it was, move within his body. It felt like his whole being had just been injected with Novocain.

Dear God! Joe lifted his hand, fingers numb, head pounding, thoughts racing. My blood pressure. Dear God, am I having a stroke? No!

He reached for the radio again, but couldn’t grasp it. Arms that had lost control plowed down to his side. His balance was lost, his legs gave way, and Joe fell without control down to the floor. He tried to call out. His mouth wouldn’t open and he saw a view he had never thought he’d see in his life. A view of helplessness, fallen, unable to move, unable to call out, with the side of his face pressed hard to the linoleum floor of his office.

As he lay there, fear raced through his mind. It was a terrible fear that fate had dealt him such a cruel hand as to strike him down to such a helpless state. Then he heard it…whispering voice deep in his ear. A voice so close to a body so numb, Joe couldn’t feel the breath as he spoke.

“It’s the end of your era, Joe Slagel.”

George!

“I brought you down, Joe. Down in a way better than killing you.” George taunted. “You’d rather be dead than watch your community, this piece of weak shit you run, fall apart. Or watch your people, family, fall. You’d rather be dead, than do that, wouldn’t you, Joe?”

‘No! He didn’t do this to me. Son of a bitch, I let him do this’. Joe could only think the words he wanted to say.

“Guess what? You’ll watch it all and you won’t be able to do anything about it. I could kill you right now. But I’d rather let you see it happen. Who knows, I might need your advice.” George laughed. “Right now, and anytime I first inject you, I control you.”

Joe’s left eye, the only one that could see above the floor, watched as George’s shoes moved to right in front of him.

“And I control you now. I even control when you open and close your eyes. Bye Joe.” George reached down his hand.

Joe lay silent, unable to fight, to scream. Without feeling the hand he saw, he watched the room turn black.

^^^^

Ellen clutched the stronger pain medication in her hand as she made it to the door of Joe’s office. It was a pain medication that would help with the headaches, plus a relaxant for his nerves. Ellen felt so strongly it couldn’t be Joe’s blood pressure. It had to be stress causing his not feeling well. Joe was too healthy and strong. Aside from the smoking, he took good of care of his body.

As Ellen knocked on Joe’s door, she knew he was in there. Henry told her Joe would be there all morning. “Joe? I have something for you.” She opened the door to his office. An empty desk gave her a bad feeling. Her eyes caught a glimpse and the moment she saw Joe, her hand gripped so tight to the bottle of medication, it shattered in the palm of her hand. “Oh my God! Joe!” Racing to him, she dropped to the floor

Joe heard her. ‘Thank God. Ellen. Ellen. Get help.’

“Please be all right. Please be all right.” She felt his pulse then rolled him over and laid her hand on his face. “Joe.” Immediately her chest felt heavy. She saw the blood on the right side of his forehead. “Did you fall? I have to get help.” Trying to hold up his head, Ellen reached for the radio, stretching as far as she could so as not to leave Joe. She gripped it with relief. “Frank.” No response. “Frank please.”

“El, don’t fuckin’ call me on the . . .”

“Frank, it’s Joe. Hurry to his office. Something’s happened to him. Hurry!” She switched the channel on the radio, her hand stinging from the cuts she had on it, the cuts from Joe’s medication bottle. Then it hit her. Medication. Joe had been sick. His blood pressure high. She immediately elevated his head more. “Dean, come in.”

Dean heard the desperation in her voice. “What’s wrong?”

“Dean, something’s happened to Joe. I found him on his office floor.”

“Is he hurt?” Dean worried. The first thought that come to his mind was George.

“No.” She tapped her fingers harshly on the back of his wrist, no response, no movement. “Dean, I think he’s had a stroke.”

Dean’s heavy breath could be heard. “We’ll be ready for him. Keep his head up.”

“I got . . .” She heard the door open. “We’ll be right there.”

“El.” Frank saw her holding his father. “El . . .” He dropped down to the floor and looked at her. He saw the fear in her eyes. “What happened? What happened to my Dad?”

“We have to get him to the clinic, Frank.” Her hand ran down the side of Joe’s face. “I think he had a stroke.”

“No.” Feelings surfaced in Frank he didn’t know how to control. Panic. Worry.

“I’ll help you take him out to the jeep.” Hurrying, Ellen grabbed Joe’s arm, and crossed it over his stomach. She reached across and laid her hand on Frank’s. “He’ll be fine.”

Frank moved his hand, grabbed hers and turned it over. It was bleeding. He rolled his fingers over hers and held her hand for a second. “Get the door. I’ll carry . . .” His head dropped as he tried to gain control of his emotions. “I’ll carry my father.” He reached his arms under Joe, and with all that he had, he lifted his father--a man nearly his size--into his arms as he stood to his feet.

Racing to the door, Ellen flung it open all the way and joined Frank. She saw the struggle, not just physical, but emotional, as he carried Joe. She braced her one arm under Joe’s head, the other giving reinforcement to Frank’s arm that held Joe’s legs. Backwards she walked, guiding the way to the jeep. She climbed in first and Frank laid his father by her. She adjusted his head.

“Hold him tight. Watch him,” Frank instructed.

“I will. Just get us there.”

Frank nodded and jumped in the jeep.

“I have you, Joe.” Ellen laid her lips on his cheek. “I have you. Please fight. I need you. Fight this.”

I am fighting, Ellen. I am. There’s nothing I can do.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Andrea didn’t want to face any of them when she walked into the waiting room of the clinic. All she could focus on were Frank, Ellen and Johnny as she and Dean stepped inside. That’s all she saw. Frank stood up immediately. Ellen walked closer with Johnny right behind her, his hands resting on her shoulders. “We believe . . .” Andrea took a breath through her nostrils. “We believe that Joe has had a stroke.”

Ellen knew it, it hurt to hear it. Her body slumped. She felt Johnny grip her tighter, she saw Frank, just fall back to a sitting position on the couch. “How bad?” Ellen asked, afraid.

“We don’t know. We did a scan, but as of now we don’t see a clot, which is not unusual. We do see a clouding at the base of the brain. Whatever it is, it’s affecting both sides.” She listened to the unison gasps in the room. “Right now though, we’re fortunate his breathing is not compromised.”

Johnny’s hands held tighter to Ellen. “So, Andrea, what you’re saying is my grandfather’s had a massive stroke.”

Andrea nodded. “The next forty-eight hours are crucial. Very crucial. We have to watch and see what mobility or functions return in that time frame. That will tell us a lot. But Joe is strong.” She clenched her fist. “Joe is very strong. Right now, we are sedating him. Stroke victims tend to get agitated. Since Joe has been under a tremendous amount of stress . . .” She saw Frank’s face drop. “ . . . lately. We want to avoid anymore. I’d like for any visitors tonight to be only family.”

Ellen stepped forward away from Johnny. “When can we see him?”

Frank stood up. “She said only family, Ellen. You aren’t family.”

“Dad!” Johnny stormed over to him, sternly lowering his voice “This isn’t the place for this shit.”

“This isn’t the place for her,” Frank snapped.

Ellen didn’t want to hear it. “Don’t.” She shook her head stepping between the two. “Don’t argue. Not now.”

As Dean watched Ellen reach up to Johnny, he saw it. Her arm covered with blood. Some of it still fresh. “El.” He walked over and grabbed her arm. “What happened?”

“It’s nothing,” Ellen said.

Pulling her aside, Dean opened and examined her hand. “I have to take care of this. Come with me.”

Ellen shifted her eyes to Frank who watched. She whispered to Dean. “I want to see Joe.”

Dean leaned closer to her ear. “You will.” Holding her injured hand, Dean put his arm around Ellen and led her from the waiting room.

Everything swarmed around Frank at that moment. Andrea stating she’d return when Joe was ready and Ellen leaving with Dean. Frank’s chest thumped and his head spun. He swallowed harshly, stunned by everything that was happening, and while he waited, Frank buried his face in his hands.

^^^^

Opening and closing the palm of her right hand, Ellen looked down at the wounds Dean had cleaned up earlier, then back into Joe’s room. From the archway, she watched Joe lying motionless on the bed. His heart monitor beeping steady, and strong. Such a good sign to Ellen plus the fact he didn’t need a respirator gave her hope too. She knew, as a nurse, most massive stroke patients didn’t breath on their own.

Johnny had stayed for a while in the room with Frank before heading out. Both of them were a sense of support for Joe. Could Joe feel her support too even though she wasn’t holding his hand? Her heart was there wanting too, imagining she was. Ellen felt horrible. All she kept thinking was, how long did he lay on the floor? How long after Henry spoke to him did it happen? Her heart broke to think like that. Little did Ellen know, Joe lay there two hours, waiting for someone, anyone to show up.

“El.” Dean spoke softly behind her. “How’s it going?”

“Still the same. He’s still the same.”

“Not Joe, you?” He placed his hand on her shoulder. “Have you gone in yet?”

She shook her head. “Frank’s still in there. I don’t want to do anything that will make him leave. You know as well as I do patients sense the tension. I don’t want that for Joe.”

“El, he’s a father to you. You can’t linger in the hallway.”

“I’m in there Dean, really I am.”

“O.K., I’m going home again. Try to come home later for some rest and food. Please?” He kissed her on the cheek. “Night.”

Ellen only nodded then watched Dean as he walked down the hall. She returned her view to the room. How long had she been standing there? She could see through the small window in Joe’s room, it was dark. It didn’t matter.

She watched Frank move. He extended his hand up, running it down his father’s blanket covered leg. He grasped his father’s ankle, looking to Joe, waiting for something. Then Frank brought his hand away. He leaned on his elbows, and his face dropped to the palms of his hands.

Standing upright from her lean on the doorway, Ellen took a small step in. Her heart started to beat when she took another step and Frank sat straight up in the chair. Begging in her mind for him not to yell at her, she closed her eyes and let out her breath with quiet exasperation when Frank spoke to her.

“It’s all my fault, El.” He didn’t face her. “All my fault. I’ve been so rotten to him.”

So sacred and afraid to speak , Ellen reached out her trembling hand, resting it on his shoulder, gripping him with a firm gentleness.

Frank reached his hand up, taking hers. He brought it to his face and then slowly, with his eyes closed, he rubbed his cheek against it, feeling the softness of her. He glided it to his mouth but stopped and let her go. “I have to get out of here.” Frank stood up, rushing from the room.

“Frank.” Ellen followed him out of the room and then out of the clinic. “Frank.” She called to him as he took off running down the street. Against what her insides told her, she followed him in the direction of his home. “Frank, please.” Ellen knew she was taking a chance calling to him. A big chance. She watched him stop at the front door. “I’m here. Let me help you though this.”

Frank turned around and faced her. He breathed heavily, so heavily.

With his eyes hardly opened, there was something almost frightening about him but Ellen took a step closer. “Let me help.” He looked as if he were going to lash out at her. Ellen’s heart dropped in fear, as he raged to her. Just as she was about to step back, his arm swung out and he grabbed her. His huge hand gripped the back of her head. His lips pressed hard to hers, pulling her with such force to him that she was nearly lifted from the ground. His other hand went up her back, ensuring she didn’t step away. His lips moved on Ellen’s with almost a biting anger.

Ellen could barely breathe. She brought her hands to his face, pushing him, separating him from her. “Frank.”

With tight closed eyes, a scared expression on his face, Frank shook his head ‘no’ and he pulled her back to him.

^^^^

The heaviness of his body lifted from Ellen’s as Frank rolled over onto his back, bringing to her the coldness of the room. Ellen laid on to her side to face him, watching him as his hand ran from the top of his head down his face. Frank stared at the ceiling, speaking no words, his one arm raised above his head.

He slowly blinked, almost as if he needed to close his eyes only briefly for thought. Without saying anything, he flung the covers off of him and swung his legs over to the floor. He sat on the edge of the bed, hands gripping to the sheets.

As Ellen reached her hand to his back, he stood up. His nude body, walking with a seldom seen slump, moved across the room slowly, searching for his clothes. “Frank, are you going back to the clinic?”

“Yeah.” He pulled on his pants and grabbed his shirt.

“I’ll get dressed.” Ellen slid from the bed, her clothes laid on the floor by her, right where he had taken them off. She started to get dressed, listening to him fasten his shoulder harness on. She stood up, bringing her shirt over her jeans, flipping out her hair, bending down to pick up her shoes. “I’ll go with you to the clinic.”

“No.” He answered her soft yet gruff.

“Then I’ll wait here for you.”

“No, you can go.”

“I can go?” She walked around the bed to him. “What do you mean I can go?” Moving closer she saw he wouldn’t turn around. “I thought you needed me, I thought . . .”

“You thought wrong.” Frank’s whole body faced her. He raised his hand to his forehead and stared off to the side away from Ellen.

Ellen’s mouth dropped open letting out the sound of her shock. She blinked her eyes several times, tilting her head, rewinding the night. “The way you were with me . . . boy, did I get it wrong. I assumed you were just sad, hurt . . . but . . . it was bitterness and anger. Wasn’t it Frank?” He didn’t answer her. “You took your anger and bitterness out on me when you made love to me.”

Frank’s face turned red, his top lip quivered as his voice bellowed. “Don’t call it making love, El! I did not make love to you tonight!” He softened his tone. “You did what you were supposed to. You can leave.” Maybe at that moment if he hadn’t closed his eyes, he would have seen it coming. Ellen’s cold hard slap stung not only his cheek, but his whole body as well. Frank never did open his eyes. He couldn’t… not until he heard her leave.

^^^^

Working was not something Henry wanted to do, especially with Joe so heavy on his mind. But with Joe ill, he had to. The thought alone of getting out of his warm bed in the middle of the night was disturbing enough, let alone to go out and chase after the paranormal activities reported by an obviously inebriated eighty-six year old Josephine. But Josephine pounded on his door and insisted she would do so until Henry answered or she passed out. Henry actually debated on covering his ears and letting her just fall into a drunken stupor on his front step, but for peace in the neighborhood, he emerged.

After paying a social visit to one of the lonely men in the community who needed the comfort of an attractive older woman, Josephine said she saw it. She was a little lost on her way home when she spotted the flicker of a light in one of the vacant homes in the last row of houses. Drunk and brave, Josephine started to investigate until she heard the ghostly noises and then she staggered in a screaming run all the way to Henry’s.

When Henry arrived at the house, he didn’t see a light, but he did hear the noises seeping from the home. They weren’t ghostly, they were more heart wrenching. Sobs.

Flashlight in hand already illuminated, Henry opened the front door. The sobbing stopped. The beam of the light sought out where the sniffle came from and it lit upon Ellen huddled in the corner of the empty living room. “El?” Henry hurried over to her.

“Can . . . Can I be alone?” Ellen asked, her head buried to her arms.

“Sure. But just tell me you’re not hurt.” Henry’s answer came in the form of another sob. “El?” He sat down on the floor next to her. “What is it? Are you concerned about Joe?”

“Yes. But that’s not the reason I want to be alone. Please leave me alone, Henry. Please.”

“Something has happened.” Henry moved closer. “Did Frank . . .” Henry’s eyes closed, her cry answered his question before he asked it. “What did he do?”

“I did it. It was me.” Ellen spoke through her tears. “I . . . I was with him, Henry. With him tonight.”

“El.” Henry laid a hand on her back. “It’s all right. He’s your husband. He needed you.”

“He didn’t need me.” Ellen lifted her head. Her face was so red it could be seen in the dark. “He really hates me.”

“That’s not true. He was with you.”

“He said I could go, Henry.” Ellen broke down and cried again, only this time she fell into Henry’s chest. “He said . . . I could go.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

“Feeling better Joe?”

Joe heard that question, that distinctive voice. It laughed as the question was asked. George. As Joe opened his eyes, the realistic sight of the clinic room came into focus. George stood at the foot of the bed, directly in Joe’s view. He tried to move, but he couldn’t. He felt like a soul trapped in a shell, a shell that was dead and lifeless.

“Oh, I see you can open your eyes now. Perfect, now you can see everything as well. Just thought I’d let you know.” George moved closer to the bed. “They’re voting tonight on who will run the community while you’re down.” George laughed.

Go ahead George, taunt. I will get out of this bed. And when I do, you’re a dead man.

“Strange thing though. Henry said this morning that he’s going to ask the people if they’ll accept him to fill in. I told him to try, but you and I both know who will be voted.”

You think you have it all wrapped up. People will object, Dean will . . . Joe saw Dean enter the room, slow down and smile. Dean! Dean get him out of here!

Dean smiled at Joe. “Your eyes are open.” Then the smiled dropped as he saw George. “We really want only family in here George. You’re gonna have to leave.”

“My apologies. I was just concerned. Andrea confirmed it was a stroke, I hear.”

“Andrea can be wrong.” Dean wrote in the chart. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m checking on Joe.”

George stepped back. “I’m sorry for intruding. I’ll leave.” He moved to the door. “But I have to say, I’m sensing a bit of hostility coming from you to me.”

“George, I’m worried about Joe. I just don’t know what this community is going to do.” Dean turned back to Joe. “Bye.” He mustered up a look of disgust waiting for George to leave. “Joe, your pupillary response is great.” He flipped a page to the chart. “It just isn’t normal.”

Of course it’s not normal Dean, what the hell do you think. Come on! Don’t be so stupid, Joe mind-argued.

“Something’s up.” Dean set the chart down. “And the lab results aren’t here. Shit.” Dean walked to the foot of the bed. “I’ll be right back, Joe.”

Joe saw him leave and closed his eyes again. He just wanted to pretend it was a nightmare. Maybe if he fell asleep, he’d wake up and it would all be over with. But that wasn’t going to happen. He heard footsteps. They moved slowly. No, not George again. He opened his eyes. Ellen.

“You opened your eyes!” Ellen smiled excitedly, running to him. She grabbed his face and kissed him. “Oh, Joe this is great, this is so great!” She pulled up a chair and sat next to him. “You look pissed though.”

I am pissed. Wait. Let me try to look worse.

Ellen noticed the shift in his eyes. “Are you looking around?” She saw him blink slowly. “Joe? Are you understanding me?”

Joe blinked slowly again.

Ellen looked to the door and then back at Joe. She whispered, “I’ll tell you, Andrea and Dean will think I’m nuts, but . . . One blink for yes, two for no.” Ellen edged closer. “Your communicating means so much for your recovery.” She grabbed his hand, and began to bend the fingers. “I’m exercising you, in case you’re wondering. O.K., question. Do you like cats?”

Joe blinked twice.

“Oh, right answer.”

Joe rolled his eyes slightly. Ellen this is dumb, ask me something important.

Ellen began move his hand in a circle. “Now that we established you understand me . . . I have to talk to you.” After a few bends she rested his arm down and stood up. “It’s important, and I know you are sick. But . . . you are my father.” She kissed him. “This is gonna make you angry and if you could, I know you’d scream at me. Things are bad, Joe, really bad with Frank. And I have decided to leave Beginnings. I took some of my things out to the tunnel. You know, where there aren’t any beams. And I’m just gonna leave. For a while. Give Frank space.”

Son of a bitch bastard, what the hell did my son do. You can’t leave this place, you’ll get killed.

“I know it’s dangerous,” Ellen continued. “But, it’s what I want to do. I’ll be back. I hope. The twins will be fine. Not like they care much for me anyhow,” Ellen spoke sadly. “And Brian. I thought I’d have a chance with him. But I’m not allowed around him.”

“Since when aren’t you allowed around Brian?” Dean asked sternly as he walked in the room.

“Dean.” Ellen spoke startled. “I was just . . .”

“Answer me.” He stepped closer.

Joe felt relieved. Talk to her Dean. Talk to her now

“I haven’t been allowed around Brian since Frank and I split up.”

“What! That’s two weeks? He won’t let you see him?” Dean’s face turned red and he grabbed Ellen by the arm. “Excuse us, Joe.” He pulled her from the room. “That is bullshit, El.”

“Dean, lower your voice.”

“Fine.” He led her into the next room. It was empty. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because Frank was angry and I thought he’d let me, eventually.”

“Let’s go get Brian.” Dean insisted.

“No, Dean, he won’t give him to me.” Ellen pulled away.

“Then we’ll take him,” he scolded, “because he has no right to do that to you. None. That is not his kid, El. He’s ours. Ours.”

Ellen went silent in the painful reality of another way she hurt Frank. “No, Dean. He’s Frank’s, no matter who supplied the genetics. You know what we decided. The baby was made to be Frank’s. And, I’ll see him. Eventually. Then Frank will just find another way to hurt me.”

“Like he did last night? What happened last night El? Why were you so upset when you came home?”

“Please don’t get mad at me.” Ellen turned away.

“Why would I get mad at you?” Dean turned her to face him. “What happened?”

“I was with Frank. I thought he needed me. I thought he wanted comfort. It meant nothing to him and that’s why I was upset.”

“He told you that?” Dean asked almost shocked.

“No, he was blunter than that. He said I did what I was supposed to do, and I could leave.” Ellen recognized the error in telling him. Dean’s face became so outraged, his eyes actually glared. “Dean.”

“That’s it.” He flew for the door.

“Dean stop it. Don’t go after Frank.” Ellen grabbed his arm. “He’ll kill you.”

Dean pulled his arm away from her. “Then he’s going to get one hell of a fight. I can’t let him do this to you. I can’t. What kind of a man does that make me if I just stand around and let him hurt you.”

Before Ellen could stop him and grab him, Dean was gone. After a moment, Ellen seized the opportunity and went her own way.

^^^^

. The simple ‘hi’ Ellen gave him as he passed her on the street really bothered Henry as he made it back to his office. She wouldn’t look at him. The more Henry wandered from where he saw her, the more he regretted not going back to ask if she was all right.

“Henry?” Mark ran up to Henry just as he passed the security building.

“What’s up?” Henry stopped in his walking. “I’m heading to my office. Is it important?”

“It’s weird. Come in here.” Mark led the way.

“What is that beeping?”

“That’s why I brought you in here. It’s a motion detector. A motion in the tunnel.”

“Holy shit!” Henry snapped upright in a panic. “Someone’s getting in. Seal the tunnel, turn on the perimeter, I’ll go get . . .”

“No.” Mark stopped him. “I would have done that. Look at which detector it is.”

Henry looked. “The second one?”

“Yep. Henry, someone’s not coming in. They’re going out.”

“Someone’s going out? But . . .” Before the word ‘who’ could leave his mouth, Henry knew the answer. “Shit.”

^^^^

The hour it took Dean to find Frank did not help him to calm down, it made matters worse. The more he searched, the worse he grew. Dean thought a person of Frank’s size would be easy to spot. But Frank was outside the perimeter, and even Dean couldn’t go and find him there. So he waited by his office, because that’s where he was told Frank was going.

Rationality and calmness were not the emotions Dean conveyed when he saw Frank approach. He stormed up to him, calling out his name in complete and utter anger. “Frank!” He moved closer. “You and I have to talk.”

“Move out of my way.”

“No.” Dean placed his hand on Frank’s chest pushing him back. “You’ll listen to me.”

“Don’t touch me again, Dean!” He scowled at him.

“Frank, first off, you will give Brian to Ellen. You will let her see her baby.”

“No, she has no right, she lost her right.”

“Bullshit! She has every right. I will be by to get him tonight. You hear me?”

“Dean!” Frank snapped at him then brushed by him. “You will not. He is not your kid, Dean. Stay away from him.”

“Then stay away from mine!” Dean came back, stepping with rage to him. “You wanna play these games, Frank. We’ll play them. You don’t want Ellen to see Brian, then don’t you ever go near my kids again.”

“I don’t make deals with you.”

“This is not a deal. This is a threat.” Dean marched closer, his face red, near Frank’s. “Don’t piss around with me! I’m sick of your shit!”

Frank’s hand came down pushing him away. “Who the hell do you think you are, walking up to me, getting in my shit, and defending her? Yeah, you can forget what she did because you were part of it. She was wrong!”

“And so are you, Frank. So are you. You can’t sleep with your wife then treat her like she’s your whore.”

“No I can’t. I treat her like she’s your whore.”

Though Dean knew it could very easily mean his life, his gut took over. With a closed fisted hand, he gave Frank everything he had. The hit was loud and it seemed to echo as Frank’s head flung to the side.

Blood? Frank, still looking away, could feel it. He moved his tongue to the corner of his mouth and felt the taste of it. He brought his hand up and looked. The sight of the red smear drove through him. He turned with abrasiveness and snatched up Dean, rearing back his fist to hit him. He saw Dean wasn’t backing down. He saw no fear in Dean’s eyes. “I’m warning you right now. The last time I hit you, I took it easy on you. Don’t make me hit you, Dean, ‘cause I swear to God, I’ll kill you. I will kill you!”

“It won’t be as easy as you think, Frank. I will give you everything I got.”

Frank released Dean harshly shoving him back. “Walk away!” Frank backed up. “Do you realize how close you are? You took part in destroying my life! I’m not with my wife anymore because of you.”

“No, Frank, you aren’t with Ellen because of you! If you weren’t such a fuckin’ asshole you would see that.” Dean only had a second to think, the frightening sight of Frank raging to him was a warning. With all of his weight he raced to Frank, slamming his body into him and crashing with Frank to the ground. Frank rolled from where he fell, stood in a charge, reached down with a grunt, and lifted Dean by shirt. As his hand reached back to deliver a blow, he stopped when he heard Henry shouting.

“Knock the shit off! Knock it off!” He separated the two men abruptly. “Knock it off.”

Frank’s head spun to Henry. “Stay out of it. This is between him and me.”

“I will not stay out if this!” Henry stepped further between them. “I’m not going to let you guys fight. Not now!” He looked at Frank. “Calm down. And Dean . . . you too. Listen . . .” He stepped back to face both of them. “Ellen’s gone.”

Frank shrugged, and started walking away. “Then tell her lover to seek her out. I’m not searching the town for her.”

“I telling you, Frank!” Henry shouted. “I’m telling you because you’re her husband. She’s gone. She left Beginnings.”

Frank stopped and turned around. “She didn’t leave. She can’t get out.”

“The hell she can’t. The tunnels?” Henry knew at that moment he had Frank’s attention. Frank came running back.

“When?” Frank stepped to Henry just as Dean opened his mouth.

“At right now, we’re looking over an hour.” Henry looked at his watch. “I looked for her to be sure. And I am. She left.”

Dean started taking off. “Henry, tell Andrea to watch my kids. I’ll be back.”

Frank’s head turned. “Dean, you won’t go find her.” He extended his arm out stopping him. “I will. And she’s going to fuckin’ hear about . . .”

“Frank!” Henry scolded. “What is wrong with you?” He stood toe to toe. “I will go after her. I will! Dean . . .” He looked at him. “You can’t. Stay here. I’ll find her.”

Frank halted Henry. “I can’t let you do that. I have to go . . .”

“And what Frank?” Henry asked sharply. “Make her never want to return.”

“It’s dangerous out there, she can get killed.”

“I know this.” Henry stepped back. “And if anything happens to her it’s on your head.” He pointed. “Because you’re the one that caused this!”

Frank closed his eyes and placed his hands on his hips. “Wait.” He ran after Henry. “Let me at least arm you and give you the proper supplies.”

“I know what to bring.” He kept walking. “Dean?”

“Yeah?” Dean caught up to him.

“Make a small medical supply bag . . . just to be safe.”

“I’m on it.” Dean took off running.

Ignoring Frank, Henry moved ahead. He wanted to get ammunition, get some supplies for himself, and then hit the tunnels. Enough time was wasted.

“Henry, stop,” Frank called out.

“What Frank!” He turned but kept on moving.

“Bring her back. Don’t keep her out there longer than necessary. I’m worried.”

“Save it, Frank.” Henry spoke with sarcasm. “Save your concern for her. Don’t insult Ellen like that.” Spinning forward, Henry walked on.

^^^^

As he lay in that bed, Joe could hear the commotion coming from down the hallway. He knew they were Dean and Henry’s voices, but what they were saying he couldn’t make out. He only wished that Andrea hadn’t decided to play that gospel music on the tape recorder next to his bed. Just when Joe reached the end of his rope trying to decipher what was being said, he found out the answer. George, so happy, popped his head in the room.

“Hey,” George spoke upbeat. “I just wanted to let you know.” He winked. “Ellen left Beginnings. The futile search is on.”

Joe grunted and swore in his mind. If determination alone were enough to pull Joe out of it, he would have been out of that bed in an instant. He himself wanted to find Ellen and bring her home. And he would have . . . if he were able. But there was nothing Joe could do. Nothing.

^^^^

Dean lifted his head from his work at the sound of his name being called. He didn’t turn to the voice but returned to his work.

“Dean. Dean. I know you fuckin hear me.”

“What is it, Frank?” Dean turned around on his stool to face him. “If this doesn’t have anything to do with medicine, leave. I don’t want you in my lab.” He stood up and walked around the counter.

“This is a civil visit.” Frank walked further into the lab. “I wanted to let you know as soon as they get the signal that they’re heading in, I’ll tell you.”

Dean continued working.

“And . . . you were right. When they get back, tell Ellen to come over to the house. She can get Brian.”

“I’ll tell her Frank, but I’ll come and get him. I don’t want Ellen anywhere near you.”

“It’s not your place to decide that.”

“I’m making it my place.” Dean sat back down. “Now, I’m busy, Frank . . . leave.”

“See I don’t get this. I come in here, telling you you’re right, giving you what you want, and you go and give me your Dean-little-man attitude. Why is that?”

“Because you push, Frank. You push and you push until you’re past the point of no return. That’s why I don’t want her near you.” Dean shook his head, waiting for Frank to leave.

“It just works out perfect for you doesn’t it?” Frank asked sarcastically. “We have problems and you slip . . .”

“Problems?” Dean nearly laughed at him. “You don’t have problems, Frank. You have nothing. Nothing.” No longer was Dean able to hide his irritation. “Anything you had with Ellen is over. It’s a sealed tomb. Do you even comprehend what you did? Do you? You’re so worried about what she did to you, you failed to see what you did.”

“I know what I did.”

“Bullshit!” Dean screamed. “It wasn’t that long ago that she was brutally violated! And what did you do? The same thing! Only you didn’t just take advantage of her body, you took advantage of her mind, her heart. In some sort of sick, demented Frank-way you made her pay. And that is a crime worse than what they did, because you love her! You are her husband. And don’t think I won’t do everything in my power to change that.”

Frank had no line of defense, no words. “I . . . I didn’t come here to argue. If you want to keep her from me, do it. It doesn’t matter.” Frank lifted his hands and walked out. “It just doesn’t matter.”

Dean took a relaxing breath after Frank left and the tension no longer filled his lab. He knew, as he took a double take at the door, that it did matter to Frank. It mattered more than he wanted to admit.

^^^^

Henry almost had to laugh as he stepped from the tunnel out into the wooded area that lay four miles beyond Beginnings. His search for Ellen was complete. She sat not ten yards from the tunnel. He smiled and moved to her. “Ellen.”

Startled, Ellen jolted a bit. “Henry? What are you doing here?”

“I should ask you the same.” He unloaded the things he carried on his back and sat down next to her. “Running away from home, El?” Henry took his rifle off of his shoulder and laid it next to him. “Everyone is worried. Including Frank.”

“Frank is an asshole.”

“Yes he is.” Henry looked around. “So where were you going?”

“Just about right here.” She noticed the surprised look on his face. “You didn’t really think I’d wander all that far from Beginnings did you? Heck, I don’t even have a gun.”

“I expected to have to find you. You know, really look for a while.” Henry checked out her stuff. “Sleeping bag, food, some clothes. How long were you leaving us for?”

Ellen shrugged. “Until I thought it was safe to go back.”

“Safe? You think it’s safe out here?”

“Physically no. Emotionally, yes.” Ellen played with the edge of her sleeping bag. “Frank’s making my life a miserable hell.”

“So why do you take it?”

“What do you mean? What else am I supposed to do?”

“Fight back.” Henry raised his eyebrows. “You know Ellen, I have to tell you that you are really pissing me off.”

“Sorry, Henry.”

“No. Don’t do that. Don’t.” Henry waved his hand about. “Yell at me. Fight with me. Fight with Frank. You act so afraid of him that it’s making you cower from everyone else.”

“I am not afraid of Frank.”

“Then quit acting like it. When he crosses the line, speak up. Be Ellen damn it. Don’t take his shit anymore. I didn’t want to tell you this, Ellen, but . . . Jenny . . . Jenny Matoose is calling you a loser.”

Ellen gasped. “No!”

“Yes. Wait…a big loser. She laughs at you. Makes fun of you at the social hall. Remember in the old world, ‘dumb blonde’ jokes?” Henry asked her. “Well, she and Josephine have made up ‘dumb Ellen’ jokes.”

“No.”

“Yes.” He saw he finally got her charged. “So, what are you going to do about it?”

“Show them.” Ellen started to get up, but stopped. “Henry? Do you suppose the return of the old Ellen will have the same effect if I wait until later? I don’t feeling like going back, at least not yet.”

“Sure it will. You can use this time to practice. But I can’t let you stay out here by yourself. I’ll stay with you. We’ll have our own power building party.”

Ellen laughed. She swore it was the first laugh in weeks. “Thank you Henry. I’d like you to stay with me.”

“Then I will.” Henry nudged her back

Ellen smiled at Henry, brought her knees up and looked around the area. Though she could see the tunnel, Beginnings was not in sight. They were only a few miles from home, but the quietness, the seclusion, made it seem so far away. And that was exactly what Ellen needed.

^^^^

Frank got the call on his radio. Motion detector one had gone off and then two. It had to be Henry and Ellen, but it was nearly three-thirty in the morning. He must have had a hard time finding her.

Frank made his way down to the tunnel to wait. He was angry and he was worried. Ellen had left the community and the security walls. He only hoped that the signal was both of them, not just Henry failing to bring her back. Frank couldn’t live with that. He was why she left, plain and simple. He crossed the line with her, and he was wrong. Frank actually felt wrong.

He saw them walking at a quick pace to through the tunnel. Instead of relief, he began to get hot. Ellen didn’t look like someone who had left the community distressed. She looked happy.

“Henry!” Frank called out, his huge mouth echoing down the tunnel. “How far out did she go? Fuck! You been gone all day and night.”

“I found her right away. We just stayed out there.” Henry walked past him.

“You should have brought her back” Frank spoke as if Ellen wasn’t there.

“Ellen needed the time. I didn’t see a problem with it. I was there.”

“I do.” Frank saw he was getting nowhere. “El, what the fuck were you thinking?” He didn’t get an answer. “I hope to God this wasn’t just some sort of sympathy tactic to get . . .”

“Frank!” Henry held his hand out, pushing back a charging and heated Frank. “Back off! Just back off of her.”

Frank harshly ran his hand over his face, calming down. “El . . . El, are you O.K.?”

Ellen didn’t answer she kept on walking.

Henry stopped Frank’s hand that reached for her. “Back off.” He led Ellen down the tunnel. “Remember the promise you made me out there,” he whispered in her ear.

“I won’t forget it. You’re going to see a new . . . no wait, the old Ellen back.”

“Good.”

Ellen stopped walking right before they climbed up the ladder. She faced him. “Henry, about everything that happened outside the tunnel, I . . . I wanted to say thanks. I think it’s what I needed to really give me a push and move on.”

“Good. And everything else . . .” Henry leaned to her. “…is our little secret.” He lightly touched his lips to hers. They weren’t on Ellen’s long before he felt this strange presence, like another person. Then Henry heard the clearing of a throat. He turned his head separating his lips from Ellen’s. “Frank.”

“Why are you kissing her?” Frank asked.

Henry started to answer, flubbed his words then laughed. “Just a friendly kiss.” He faced Ellen helping her climb up.

“Henry, what’s the secret?”

Henry smiled. “El, I’ll meet you up top.”

“Henry.” Frank was insistent. “Come on.” He closed his eyes and tilted his head. “You didn’t do that to me, did you? You weren’t with my . . . you didn’t sleep . . .”

“Frank, Ellen left Beginnings because of you. I went to get her. I brought her back. What happened outside that tunnel last night is really none . . .” He saw Frank’s head drop back. “No, Frank, if you’re thinking I did, I didn’t sleep with Ellen.” Henry smiled and adjusted his belongings. He grabbed to the rungs to climb up. “Of course if I did, would I be insane enough to tell you?”

The expression dropped from Frank’s face as he watched Henry climb up. He ran his hand harshly across his goatee speaking softly. “I don’t care. I don’t care.” He waited until Henry was all the way up. “Who am I kidding?” He grabbed a hold of the ladder and climbed to above. “I care.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Frank dropped his shoulder harness and his tension when he walked into his office. “Thank God, it’s you here.” He spoke when he saw John Matoose. “I thought for sure it was another Ellen seeker.”

“Getting pretty bad I suppose? Well, you’ll have that when there aren’t any women. Hell, I have that because word gets out that I share . . .” He saw the look Frank gave him. “Enough of that.” He handed him the clipboard. “I fixed your receiver for your spare headset. It’s working fine now. It’s in your drawer.”

“Thanks.” Frank walked to his desk.

“No rounds now? No SUTs?” John asked moving to leave the office.

“No. I needed to come up here before I stop and see my Dad.” Frank plopped down in his chair. “I put Dan on my rounds for an hour.”

“Things seem calm. Like the calm before the storm. It’s almost scary,” John commented.

“Yep.” Frank leaned forward to his desk, propping his elbows up, then running his hand over his head.

“Something happen, Frank? Another run in with Ellen?”

“I wish. I tried again to talk to her. It’s been a week since her little disappearance act with Henry. I can’t get near her. All I want to do is apologize.”

“Apologize? Why are you apologizing to her?”

“I did something to her and it was wrong. Let’s just leave it at that. And . . . I miss her, John. I’m really starting to miss her. Why is that?”

“You still love her. Why can’t she see that? Forgive me Frank but that angers me. Jenny and I have watched you fall apart for these past few weeks and it bothers us. She acts like she is the innocent when she was wrong. I event heard that Henry and Dean are going to have an understanding. That Henry will be her new primary relationship.”

“Henry wouldn’t do that to me. He’s my friend,” Frank defended.

“Sorry Frank, face reality. Henry has done it to you. Seems that wife of yours talks a lot. The truth is out in the community about what happened outside the tunnel.” John raised his eyebrows. “Just remember, you were more than understanding and she’s still sticking it to you. Look how low she has you? Sorry for going off, but I believe I’m your friend.”

Frank brought his finger up to his eye, squeezing the corners of them, fighting the headache that crept upon him.

“And as your friend . . .” John opened the door. “Know that Jenny and I will get you through this.”

Frank slammed his hand on the desk at the same time that the door shut. “Why do I just feel like he made me worse?” He looked at his clipboard.

“Hey, Frank.” Henry walked into his office. “What’s up? You looked pissed.”

“Henry!” The clipboard hit the desk harshly. “Did you sleep with my wife?”

Henry turned around and walked back to the door.

“Henry! I asked you a question.”

“No, you yelled at me. And . . .” He opened the door. “I answered that question once. I will not answer it again. Bye, Frank.”

“Henry wait, why did you come here?”

“I forgot. You just frustrated it out of my mind.” He walked through the door and shut it.

“Man.” Frank shook his head. “I got the weirdest fuckin’ friends. They sure know how to make a guy feel better.”

^^^^

“Muffin?” George placed the golden brown pastry close in Joe’s eye sight. “Oh I forgot, you can’t eat can you?” He reached up and played with the intravenous tubing. “Well, not real food. Amazing how Salicain works isn’t it?” George pulled up a chair sliding right across from the one Joe sat in. “You looked surprised Joe. Well actually, you look pitiful.”

Joe’s eyes were stone cold.

“Gosh, we have some catching up to do. Did you miss me?” George patted Joe on the knee. “Asshole Dean would not let me in here. Said only family. But thank God for Andrea, she said, and get this . . .” George stopped to laugh. “That you think of me as family. Anyway, I was telling you about Salicain. It’s this amazing drug that was developed to replace anesthesia for surgeries. One half a CC and the patient is numb from head to toe for eight hours. However . . .” George sat back, picked a section off his muffin, and stuck it in his mouth. “The patient can’t open his mouth, but you can swallow liquids. How long did it take for Dean and Andrea to figure out you were actually swallowing?” George shook his head. “Idiots.”

If Joe could block George out, he would. Joe felt regrettable at that moment his ability to hear wasn’t paralyzed as well.

“So, one half a CC does it. But . . . if given in high or frequent doses, Salicain can cause the appearance and symptoms of a stroke. Depending on the dosage, the patient should come out of it in two weeks’ time. Anyway to keep up the . . . stroke appearance, or paralysis. I only need to inject you once every two weeks with minimal amounts.”

No, he’s gonna do it to me again.

“One more week, but don’t you worry.” George nodded his head. “That unable to open and shut your eye thing, that will only last about an hour. Then you can pop them eyes right back open to see your punishment.”

Joe just wanted him to leave. But he could George, staring at his muffin and picking it apart, was going nowhere.

“All I can say is I’m glad I’m allowed in this room. You need some excitement.” Again he patted Joe’s knee and ate another piece of his muffin. “Do you know?” George perked with enthusiasm. “Community asked me to fill in for you. Seems Henry didn’t get the chance to ask for the position. Guess why?” George paused. “Come on, Joe, guess. Never mind, I’ll tell you. Henry kept Ellen company on her running away from home expedition. He was gone during the vote. And… have you heard the newest rumor? It’s been flying around that Ellen and Henry had a little tryst out there.” George mustered up a look of surprise. “No kidding, that’s what’s going on.” George smiled. “Got to hand it to your daughter. Dean, Frank, and now Henry. Quite the little slut.”

The rage began to build in Joe.

“Of course she’s been my little helper. You didn’t know that? Sure, she spilled her guts about a body in the cryo-lab. That prompted me to move ahead with my plan. Did you know she trusts me impeccably and tells me everything?”

Swearing he could hear himself whine, Joe wished it wasn’t his imagination. It was torture enough being unable to move or to speak, but George added to that by telling little stories to Joe that confirmed to him how dumb the people he loved really were. Joe swore at that moment he would find some comparable means of torment to hand to George prior to delivering him to his death. Thinking of torturous ways helped Joe wade through George’s visit. The thought of tying George to a chair and plucking out his nose hairs Joe was subject to always seeing, made him inwardly smile.

^^^^

It seemed as though all of Andrea’s facial muscles were pulled to one side of her face. Her lips puckered to the left in some sort of fish face as she stared stone cold at Dean. “I can not believe you are saying this!”

“Andrea.” Dean tried not to laugh at her. “All I’m saying is that it has been one week.”

“So?”

“So? Where’s the clot? Where is the swelling?” Dean moved about his lab, almost rushing. He slid to a stop, bent down to the tiny fridge, and opened it. “Yes. Sorry. As I was saying, it just isn’t right. Something should have shown by now.”

“What else could it be?”

“I don’t know. I want to run more test. Bet me top cupboard.” Dean moved--again--across the lab.

“What the hell are you doing?” Andrea asked in scold, watching Dean race around.

“Um, nothing, searching for clues. Don’t worry about. I have a test that Jason and I . . .”

“Oh no. No, no!” Andrea waved her hands and shook her head. “Do not tell me that you and Mr. Quantum leap man have been consulting on my patient when I am not around!”

“It’s suspicious that’s all.”

“Suspicious?” Andrea laughed. “You think someone did this to him?”

“Don’t laugh at me.”

“Why shouldn’t I? You, Dr. Hayes, were once some top government doctor. You are our town’s bright boy and you can stand here and tell me Joe’s condition is suspicious? On what basis?”

“It shouldn’t have happened. It wasn’t predictable.”

“You think not?” Andrea pointed her finger at him. “Don’t question my judgment on treatment when you make a statement like that.” Her fingertip pounded down on the counter with her words. “Joe had been stressed out. His blood pressure was through the roof. He had dizzy spells, extreme headaches. What does that sound like a prelude to? I think you better hit those books again if you can’t see it.”

“Why are you getting so pissed off at me?” Dean continued searching the cupboard.

“Because you are questioning something that is plain and simple.”

“But look at his previous health history. Joe is fit, very fit and . . . oh! Yes! Ha!” The argumentativeness left his face and Dean smiled. “El, did it.” He showed the note to Andrea. “Whoops, you can’t see it.”

“Oh!” Andrea said in a disgusted manner, rolling her eyes at Dean. “I’ll just leave. We’ll finish this later.” She moved closer to Dean. “You make me sick.”

“I make you sick? Why do I make you sick?”

“Look at you chasing Ellen’s note.” She looked behind him, checking out his rear. “If there was a tail back there it would be wagging.” Andrea moved to the door.

“Andrea, wait,” Dean called out in vain. She had left. He looked at the note that told him the password to another file. He smiled, forgot what he had been working on previously, and headed to the cryo lab.

^^^^

Frank really didn’t want to carry so much wrath with him when he went into his father’s room. But John Matoose got him going, then Henry, and then little-man Dean nearly knocked him over as he walked through the clinic doors. Knowing he had to present a meeker demeanor, Frank took some calming breaths and turned the corner into his father’s room. “George?”

“Hi, Frank.” George stood up.

Joe felt a sense of relief. Frank, I see that look on your face. You heard him. You heard him didn’t you?

“Hey, my Dad is sitting in a chair now.” Frank pointed and smiled.

“Yes he is.” George gave Frank his chair. “Did that this morning and Andrea told me they are going to try feeding him liquids through his mouth.”

“Oh, that is great.”

Great? I’m an invalid for Christ’s sake. Great would be used to describe me walking, not eating broth.

“Frank, I’ll just leave you with your father. Talk to him. I have a feeling he can hear you. I did. We had a nice conversation.” He reached down, resting his hand on Joe’s. “Didn’t we Joe?”

“George, thanks a lot. You’re a good friend.”

“No problem.”

No, Frank, no. You are not this dumb. Can’t anyone see through him?

Frank slid the chair closer to his father. He leaned over and kissed his dad on the forehead. “George isn’t telling me any news. I know you can hear me. That’s why I come here and talk to you.”

What’s it gonna be about today, Frank? Ellen? Or how about Ellen? Or better yet. Ellen.

“I guess because you’re the only one who can listen to me talk about . . . Ellen.”

^^^^

“Hey George.” Ellen approached him as she made her way to the clinic. “Just the man I wanted to see.”

“What’s going on, Ellen?”

“Not that I think you’re blowing me off since I realize you’ve been busy adjusting, but I have things that have to be taken care of in containment.”

“You go on.” George patted her on the shoulder and began to walk.

“Gee thanks but I can’t. That is the community leader’s responsibility.”

“Well, what is it?” He asked hastily.

“Agitated about something, George?”

“Ellen, I have things to do.”

“Fine. I have two that need released from containment. And I can’t . . .”

“Bring me the papers and I’ll sign them.” George, again, tried to make his escape.

“Just like that? Don’t you want to see them? Or verify where I want to put them so you can give their work orders.”

“You take care of the work orders. I trust you.”

“Me?” She placed her hand to her chest. “Joe would never let . . .”

“Ellen, take care of it.”

Ellen shrugged “O.K. Whatever. Hey George, did you just come from seeing my father?”

“Yes.” George forcefully smiled. “He’s doing well.”

“Good. I want to do his hair. By any chance, Frank wasn’t there, was he?”

“No Ellen, Frank isn’t there. I just left. I didn’t see him.”

“Thanks, George.” Ellen finally walked on.

“No problem.” The thought of Joe being subject to Frank and Ellen bickering when he could nothing about it, made George smile as he walked on.

^^^^

Ellen walked, cradling the box tightly in her arms. She thought of stories to tell Joe on her visits, hopefully amusing ones. She was going to gripe about George giving her power. She thought that should stir him. She hoped--as she closed in on the room--that she wasn’t going to bore Joe.

All of her attempts to build a wall of strength were futile. Ellen’s stomach twitched as she stepped into the room and saw Frank. He lifted his eyes to her as she stopped mid doorway. She paused, frozen, surprised to see him. She was also afraid. Her mouth opened slightly, her lip quivered in nervousness as she quietly spoke. “Sorry.” She swallowed. “I didn’t know you’d be here.” Clutching the box tightly, she turned and left the room.

“El.” Frank’s call to her carried down the hall. “El . . . stop.” Frank watched her turn the corner, debating with every step he took whether he should follow her. He saw Ellen go into the lab and heard the door close.

Ellen let out the breath she held once she was safely inside the lab.

“El.”

Ellen screamed in surprise and spun to Frank who walked in. He closed the door and latched it. “I’d really feel much more comfortable if you opened that door.”

“When I’m done.” He stepped closer to her. “I’ve wanted to talk to you all week, but somehow no one will tell me where you are. Dean or Henry always stop me right before I find you.”

“I want it that way.” Ellen tried not to look at him.

Frank took another step closer. Taking a breath, he placed his one hand on his hip and ran the other over the corner of his mouth, pausing before anything was said. “El . . . the night after my dad . . . after he had his stroke…what happened that night after we made love . . .”

“Don’t.” Ellen held up her hand. “Don’t you dare call it that. You made it perfectly clear Frank that was not what it was. You made it painfully clear what happened between us.”

“I know, I . . .”

“Do you have any idea how that felt? Do you? Do you have any idea what it was like to have the man you love tell you that he didn’t make love to you, it meant nothing, and just to leave? You don’t.” She turned her back to him, gripping the counter.

“No, El.” Frank stepped even closer. “It was wrong. I shouldn’t . . .”

“You’re right it was wrong. I was such a fool to be with you that night. Such a fool to let you touch me. To touch you.”

“No.” Frank raised his hands reaching them out to her hair, stopping before he touched her. He leaned closer to her ear. “I needed you that night and I need you now to listen to me.” He saw her head drop. “I was wrong for making you feel that way. I crossed a line I shouldn’t have. I shouldn’t have said those things to you. And I am so . . . so sorry I . . .”

“Don’t apologize to me. I don’t want it.” She moved away from him. “You lost all respect for me and I was too blind that night to see that you were punishing me. I see it now.” She walked to the door. “Please leave.”

Frank’s head lowered and he swayed it side to side.

“Just so you know. In case your mind is thinking of ways.” She opened the door. “I don’t think there’s anything left that you can do to me that would bring me down any further.”

“I don’t want to do that anymore. I’m done with that shit.”

“Good I’m glad. Maybe now we can sit rationally with Reverend Bob. If you think that’s possible, I’ll speak to him today and set up a time.”

Frank moved to the door. “I can . . . I can do that. I’m ready to do that. Are you making the suggestion to see him, to get him to help us work it out?”

“No Frank, I’m not. I’m giving you what you want. I’m going to ask him to let you have your name back. It’s over. Let’s just end it officially now.”

Frank closed his mouth, swallowing drastically, trying to think of what to say in that awkward silence. Before he could counteract, or speak up, Ellen was gone.

^^^^

Giggling was never something Dean prided himself on doing. But in the cryo-lab, Ellen’s note in hand, he booted up the computer. At first he thought her game of clues was stupid. Following one note that led him to another and so forth, but when he finally found the last note, he was glad for the search.

Excited like a kid, he pulled up the program, entered the password ‘Dragonfly’ and sat back with his fingers crossed. He waited and anticipated hoping it was information he needed. When the file popped up, Dean’s head dropped. “No.” He whined, crumbling the note. He lifted his head back up and read the heading of the file that indicated it was about insect control. Dean shook his head, but he wasn’t giving up. Ellen may have unlocked a moot file, but she was making progress. She was almost through all the words under the letter ‘D’.

^^^^

‘I am proud of you’ was the last line of the little note Henry wrote Ellen and planned to put it in her inner office mailbox. He knew he probably told her so when he saw her at containment and she filled him in on the Frank confrontation, but he wanted to tell her again. She wasn’t giving in. She was staying strong. And telling Henry she was sure Frank could not bring her down again was only a reiteration of the promise she made to him outside the tunnels.

Sitting behind Joe’s desk, Henry folded the note and placed it in his back pocket. His hand tapped on the folder before him as he waited.

Humming a show tune from Bye-bye Birdie, George slid his walk into the office when he saw Henry. “What’s going on?” He asked.

“I wanted to talk to you.” Henry held up the folder.

“What are you doing sitting in my desk?”

“Joe’s desk.” Henry gave a crooked smile. “Anyway, I wanted to . . .”

“Get the hell out from behind my desk!” George blasted. “Now!”

Henry remained calm. “Fine.” He stood up slowly and allowed George to sit. He raised his eyebrow with almost a snicker as George sank in the chair with an ‘ah’. “Now can I . . .” He shut up when George held his hand up to him. “George.”

Taking a breath, George leaned back. “What?”

“In that folder are the releases from containment. Ellen assigned these people to different areas. She said you gave her the authority to do it.”

“I did.”

“Ellen can’t have that authority. She bases her decisions on personal choice instead of necessity and skill. We need to . . .”

“Give Ellen the decision.” George cut him off.

“No.” Henry snickered. “I like El and all, but she . . .”

“Has to learn.”

“George, may I finish a sentence please?” Henry almost snipped.

“Are you going to argue with me on this Ellen authority situation?”

“Yes.”

“Then no,” George firmly stated. “I gave her the job. She’ll do what she sees fit. If she screws up, that’s how she learns.” George saw Henry’s mouth open to argue. “No.. . End of discussion.”

“But Joe wouldn’t like this.”

“Joe isn’t capable of using the potty, let alone capable of not liking my decision.”

“Oh,.” Henry gasped. “That is such a wrong thing to say.”

“It’s the truth and another truth is . . . I am the leader now. Bye.” He wiggled his fingers in a wave.

After a near silent grunt, Henry reached forward, snatched up the file and headed to the door.

“Henry, have a good evening.” George said snidely.

Henry turned after opening the door. He wanted so badly to blast back at George, but that was what George waited for. Not giving him the satisfaction, Henry just smiled widely and left.

^^^^

More so than ever before, the emptiness of his house hit Frank the moment he walked in the door. He turned on the light and took off his shoulder harness, dropping it to the couch. No kids so no locking away the gun. He just got back from meeting Dean to give him Brian. Frank shook his head over that thought. He tried to get past the clinic with Brian. Wanting to take him to containment as a sort of mental slip, pretending he didn’t know Ellen had a social skills class. But Dean saw him, and stopped him. It was like no one had noticed that he just wasn’t going to fight with Ellen anymore.

Frank moved slowly through the quiet living room to his kitchen to get a drink of water. He grabbed a glass then paused before opening the refrigerator. He stared at the drawing Billy had made. It was a picture of a family with all of the kids, Frank, and . . . Ellen. Frank ran his rough finger over the stick person painting, closing his eyes for brief thought.

He would have thought the knock at the door would be a welcome break from the quiet house, but to Frank it wasn’t. Walking with his full glass of water he went to the door and opened it. Jenny Matoose stood there. “Jenny?”

“May I come in Frank?”

Frank shrugged and stepped back, bringing his water to his lips. He shut the door and moved past her to the living room. “What’s up?”

“John sent me.” Jenny spoke softly. “He sent me because he thought you might be alone.”

“I am.”

Jenny paused to close her eyes, avoiding the frustration she was feeling by trying to get through to him. “No, Frank. He said that you were down. Maybe needing some comfort. He thought you might like company.”

“Tell John that’s nice but . . . Hey . . .” Frank’s hand was empty as Jenny took his water. “My water.” Frank’s hand followed the glass that she set on the table next to the couch.

Jenny moved his hand away and stepped into his full view. Slowly, almost seductively, she lifted her shirt over her head, dropping it to the floor. She gathered her long strawberry blonde hair to fall on one side of her full body, allowing the wispiness of its ends to brush over, just slightly, one of her very large breasts.

Sometimes he was slow, but Frank got the picture. “Jenny I . . .”

“No.” She moved closer to him. “Shh.” She placed her finger to his lips then slowly moved her hands down his chest, across his waist and to his back. Her fingers pressed and rubbed. Her hands found a home following the journey of sliding them down the back of his thighs, then bringing them up just a little. “Relax. You’re so tense.”

“Jenny.” Frank closed his eyes as her lips moved on his neck. He swallowed so harshly her lips had to feel it as they parted there. A knot formed in his stomach. His mind immediately crashed to Ellen. “Jenny.” He reached down grabbing her arms and removing them. “Stop. Tell John thanks for the offer, but. I can’t.”

“Yes you can.” She edged back in. “You need the company, the comfort, to take your mind off of things.”

“No.” Frank removed her again. “Besides the fact I have no desire to be with anyone else, I want my mind where it should be . . . on Ellen.”

Jenny ran her hands through her hair, stepping back from him in aggravation. “You aren’t with her anymore.”

“Yeah I am.” Frank spoke softly. “I’ll always be with her. I love her. No one can even attempt to fill that with me, because no one ever can.” He reached down and picked her shirt from the floor, handing it to her. “Here.”

She hurriedly threw on her shirt. “John is going to be very insulted by this. He was being generous.”

“John’s gonna have to get over it.” Frank walked to the door and opened it. “Night.” He felt her abruptness as she stormed out the door. Without a second thought about what happened, Frank closed it. He paused in his stride to retrieve his water, water that Jenny took from him. He started remembering, remembering tenderness, touching, and lips on his neck. But they were Ellen’s lips and Ellen’s touch. He shut his eye breathing in frustration at himself for missing that and wanting that so badly again that it was starting to hurt.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Dean had just about all he could take of the ‘give it backs’ and ‘no, El, my turn’. The bickering caused a pain in his temple and his hand slammed to the counter where he worked with a rabbit.. “Knock it off!” he blasted at Ellen and Henry.

“Dean.” Ellen sounded like a child. “Tell him the password thing is my project and he’s wasting time. I used the words he’s trying. I did all the ‘G’s’”

“No, El.” Henry argued. “You didn’t mark them.”

“Henry. I’m telling you I did. I must have been tired. You tried two, they didn’t work. Don’t try that . . .” She looked at Dean. “Hey, Dean. What are you doing to that helpless rabbit?”

“I gave him tetanus so I can see if that vial actually does contain the tetanus vaccine. That is something that can be . . .” Dean and Ellen turned their heads to Henry’s loud exclamation of vulgarity.

Ellen’s shoulders dropped when she heard the system shut down. “Damn it, Henry, I told you.” She marched up to him, grabbed the dictionary and proceeded to hit him with the paper back. “I told you.” She tossed the book at him. “I’m leaving. I refuse to stay here while you are here aggravating me and wasting my Friday.” She stormed to the door. “Dean, I’ll pick up the slides and bring them back down here. Jason said something about you finding them interesting?”

Dean nodded as he injected a squealing rabbit. “Yeah, I know what he’s talking about. Thanks Ellen.”

“I’ll be back.” She shrugged and opened the door.

“Wait, El.” Henry jumped from the stool. “I’ll come with you.”

“Oh you are just determined to work my last nerve today, aren’t you?”

Henry laughed. Ellen didn’t. In the lab, Dean continued his work, grateful for every sound of the fading and arguing voices.

^^^^

Really not in the mood for something trivial, and angry that it was George’s job to handle non-security problems at the field, Frank made his way to the field house. Cole seemed anxiously waiting for him. “Hey.” Frank lifted his chin in acknowledgment. “What’s up?”

“Ready?” Cole asked, bracing Frank. “Follow me.” He walked to the right of the field house. “Saw one of those wild bores that always slip through.”

“Oh, yeah?” Frank smiled. “You gonna cook it.”

“No, I didn’t get it,” Cole stated as he stopped. “I wanted to use a scope rifle. I came to the armory hatch to get one. And . . .” He bent down and lifted the metal hatch.

“Fuck.” Frank’s one world echoed in the empty hollow container. “Where are the weapons?”

“George removed them. I called him and he stated since survivors are running around left and right, per Ellen’s instructions, he thought safety first.”

“And he removed them?” Frank asked strong.

“Yep.”

“Let’s go. Grab a jeep and we’ll stock it back up.” Frank marched off toward his own jeep.

“But George specifically said . . .”

“George is wrong. It was a mistake.” Frank kept his stride steady. “Or at least if better be.”

^^^^

“Are you listening to me, Dean?” Jenny badgered following Dean around the cryo-lab. “Are you? Dean?”

“Jenny. No.” Dean said. “I’m not. I’m working. And why are you down here? This is off limits.”

“But this is important.”

Giving up, Dean set down the rack of blood. “Go on. Make it fast. I have plans for tonight.”

“With Ellen?” Jenny questioned.

“That’s none of your business.” Dean said with a chuckle.

“I’m making it my business.”

“What? Why are you making me and Ellen your business?”

“That’s what I’d like to know.” Ellen, arms folded, stepped into the lab with Henry. She moved toward Jenny. “Why?”

Taking a deep nostril breath, Jenny flung out her hand. “Fine. You want to know. I’ll tell you. Someone has to stop you from wreaking havoc around here.”

Ellen laughed. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“What you did to Frank.”

“What I did to Frank? Where is this coming from?” Ellen argued.

“If you must know. Last night I went to him, to comfort him and. . .”

“Hold it.” Ellen stepped to her. “Comfort him as in sex?”

Snidely, Jenny tossed her head back. “Please don’t tell me, you of all people have a problem with that. The way you run around here, failing to do things right. Next thing you know, you’ll have a problem with me coming down to Dean.”

Ellen raised one eyebrow. “I do. Are you? Is this some sort of revenge on Ellen for Frank by going after the men in my life?”

Jenny laughed. “Please. Not even I could keep up with the amount of men you handle, Ellen.”

Not much thought went into it. In fact there was no thought at all. Years of frustration went into her fist. Years of dealing with Jenny Matoose went into the hit. Ellen nailed Jenny with all of her weight, sending the heavier woman back and tumbling to the floor. Then Ellen dove on her, fist swinging violently, while Jenny screamed out. Both women began to roll about in a brawl, crashing about on the linoleum.

Dean jumped up and pulled at Ellen who was giving him more of a struggle than he thought a woman of her size would. Grunting he turned to Henry. “Can you help?”

“Sorry,” Henry snickered. He wiped the smile from his face then went over to help Dean..

“Calm down!” Dean scolded at Ellen as he lifted her and Henry grabbed Jenny. “El, she just wants to get to you.”

Breathing heavily, Ellen stepped back. “And she did.” She wiped her mouth. “She got me.” Ellen backed up. “She got me to see what I have to do.” Without saying anymore, Ellen bolted from the lab.

Speechless and frazzled, Dean stood in the center of his lab. He looked at Jenny who pulled herself together. “What just happened here?”

Henry shrugged. “Don’t know. But here . . .” He handed Dean a box. “We brought your slides.”

^^^^

With a long shuddering breath, Ellen looked at her left hand one more time before knocking on Frank’s office door. She tapped lightly as her walk to his office had cooled her down. After his stock, ‘yeah’, Ellen opened the door, peeking her head inside. “Are you alone? Can I come in?”

“El . . . yeah.” Frank stood up, trying to hide a smile.

“Thanks.” As she stepped inside, her hands shook. For the first time ever, she couldn’t look at Frank. She really couldn’t look at him. “I have something that belongs to you.”

“What is it?”

Breathing in, Ellen walked to his desk, brought her hand down to its surface and dropped before him her wedding ring. “It belonged to your mother, so put that away.” She started to leave.

“What is this?” Frank didn’t want to touch it. “I gave it to you.”

“I don’t want it. I can’t keep it. That was your mother’s.”

“El.” Frank picked up the ring. “I don’t want it back. I gave you my mother’s ring because . . .”

“I don’t want it!” She shouted, throwing her hand his way. “Just . . . just keep it.”

“This is wrong. Giving me back the ring I gave you. It’s wrong.”

“What am I gonna do Frank? Keep it? Wear it? I’m not your wife. You made that perfectly clear before and you certainly made that perfectly clear last night.” She started to leave again but stopped. “You know, I thought you couldn’t possibly do anything that could hurt me anymore. If it were anyone else, anyone, I’d understand why you went to them. But you did it on purpose didn’t you?”

“What are you talking about?” Frank held his hands out totally confused.

“I know you’re dumb, but you aren’t that dumb. You racked that brain of yours trying to come up with a way. Saying to yourself, what else can I do to really kill Ellen? Well you did. You did it. You evened the score card . . . no wait. You’ve won.” She raced to the door.

“El, I guess I am that dumb, ‘cause I haven’t a clue why you are . . .”

“Two words.” Ellen stepped through the door. “Jenny Matoose.”

Frank jumped with the slam of the door. “Jenny Matoose? Oh great, she has a fight with Jenny so she gives me back my ring.” Frank opened his hand and looked down at the ring and the indentation it caused. He picked it from his hand as he walked to his desk, placing it on his little finger and feeling the ring as he blindly sat in his chair. He felt the roundness and the semi-smoothness of the design. As his body sunk down, so did his heart. At his low point, mind playing what just happened . . . it hit him. “Shit!” He sprang up. “Shit.” He ran to the door, Ellen was gone. “Shit, she thinks I slept with Jenny.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

From Ellen’s point of view she really wasn’t doing any good at the social skills class anyway. She hung more so in the back, allowing Henry to explain to them the proper procedures when visiting any of the distribution areas. Ellen knew Henry was trying to make her smile when he diligently tried to do the class but he couldn’t. Nothing would. She just wanted to go home. Henry offering to stay and finish up, was her invitation to leave.

It was surprisingly odd how dark Dean’s house looked when she approached. He and the twins couldn’t be in bed already. It wasn’t even nine. Ellen stopped, totally, as she opened the door to Dean’s house. At that particular moment she didn’t know to leave or stay. She could see from the small hallway that Dean heard her. He looked up at her, smiling a blushing smile as he bent over lighting a candle. “What’s going on?” She asked.

“El. You’re a little early.”

“Oh shit, I’m interrupting something. I’ll leave.”

“No.” He shook the stick he used to light the candle. “You aren’t.” He walked up to her and shut the door she still held open. “Besides, interrupting what?”

Ellen shrugged.

“El.” Dean seemed nervous. “You’re probably going to kill me. Don’t. I wanted to do something nice for you.”

“You do enough for me. You shouldn’t have done anything.”

“Yeah, I should have.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “It dawned on me today. After all these years you and I never had an evening together. A couple’s evening.”

“You mean like a date?” Ellen looked to the steps. “Where are the twins? Sleeping?”

“Um . . .” Dean briefly closed his eyes, hoping she wouldn’t get upset. “Andrea has them tonight. It’s just us.”

“Us?” Ellen peeked around to the living room.

“So will you El? Will you have this evening with me?”

Ellen felt his hand reach down to hers. “I’d love to have this evening with you.”

Dean gripped her hand. “Great.” He led her through the living room to the dining area.

Ellen took in the rooms as she walked through them, with the candles, the table and two glasses setting there. “So, since Andrea has the off spring, I take it she knows about this date.”

Dean sat down at the same time as Ellen and grabbed a bottle of wine. “Andrea is the one who suggested taking the kids. She said . . .” Dean held the bottle over Ellen’s glass. “ . . . you and I needed it.” He poured for both of them.

A hint of sneakiness hit Ellen. “Are you trying to seduce me tonight?”

“Nope.” Dean moved his chair closer. “But, if you decide somewhere in the course of this night, that you want me too . . . just let me know.”

“Dean. I’m really sorry. I am. You’re such a great guy, and I never saw that.”

“Yeah, you did. In your own way.” He watched her sip the wine “A part of me believes that I hold a special place in your heart no matter what happened.”

“You do.” Ellen took another drink then softened her voice. “Dean. Just know, all the times that I hurt you . . .”

“El.” He lifted her chin. “Forget about everything that happened in the past. Tonight’s not about that..” He reached for his own glass and stood up. “Now I have a question to ask you. Will you dance with me? I have never danced with you. I would love to.”

Ellen stood up. “As long as you’re not going to sing for us.”

“No.” Holding his glass in one hand, he led Ellen to the living room. He set his glass on the coffee table and took Ellen’s , and placed it next to his. Bending over to the floor to their little lab cassette recorder, Dean pressed play and the slow music began. “May I?” His hand held out to her.

Ellen placed her hand in his and stepped to him. His arm went slowly around her waist and Dean pulled her to him. His cheek pressed to hers and their bodies moved slowly, slower than the music played. There was something just a little awkward about the moment. The tension was there and it stayed as the first song slipped past them.

As Ellen felt Dean start to release her, she shook her head, pulled him back, and waited for the next song to play. Slowly she pulled her head back to look at him. “Dean. I want you to know, I’m not letting you hold me like this, out of spite to Frank. I’m with you right now . . . I’m here because I want to be.”

Dean pulled her back into him. “I’m glad.”

“Dean.” She whispered in his ear. “I’m not afraid of where this could lead. Are you?”

Her whispering words sent a shiver through him, making his eyes roll slightly. He let go of her hand, sliding his hand up her arm to her neck, bringing his lips to her ear. “Not anymore.” As if a lever was released, the tension, anxiousness, and fears left him. Dean moved his body more freely, holding Ellen against him as he did. He felt her breath. He pulled back some, looked at Ellen, brought his lips to hers and stopped. It wasn’t time. Not yet. The rush wasn’t going to consume him. Every reason was there to take in the moment. He wasn’t going to let something he waited for slip by him so fast that he hadn’t any time to realize it was happening.

Faces so close. Eyes staring into eyes. Lips brushing in a teasing kissing manner to each other without ever touching. The emotion of the song began to build as did they. Dean brought his hands up to Ellen’s face, placing them against her, feeling the contours of her gently with his fingertips. He stared so intensely into her eyes it was if he were looking into her soul. Grazing down his thumbs to her lips, he parted them for her. The music stopped.

“Dean . . .” Ellen moved her lips to his.

“El, If it starts, I’m not gonna be able to stop. I’m not going to want to stop. Are you sure?”

Her answer to him was simple and strong. Pressing her lips to Dean’s, she separated his mouth with hers, bringing her hands to his hair, letting her fingers slip through it, and holding him to her.

Henry didn’t understand the meaning of filling out after social skills class reports. About half way through the paperwork, he decided he didn’t want to understand. Leaving containment, he headed to Dean’s. He would drop of the paperwork to Ellen. Hopefully she still would be up.

Was Dean’s house on fire? Henry wondered as he approached almost in a panic. The glowing amber and orange color emanating from Dean’s homemade Henry think of flames. He ran to the house but stopped ten feet from it. He saw them. Through the window, the slightly opened blinds, he watched Dean kissing Ellen in tight embrace and hands that did not stay in one place. By the kisses, by the scene, Henry knew what was happening.

He thought it too much of an irony that Ellen would be with Dean on the same day Jenny implied that she slept with Frank. Though it wasn’t his place, Henry felt it was a mistake. In this midst of his thoughts, Henry had stopped watching them. When he resumed his view, he saw them slip from the window’s scope. “Shit.” He took off running.

Ellen lay on the couch watching Dean above her. Watching as he brought his knee to the cushion, his hand clung tightly to the back of the sofa as he leaned down. A look of apprehension to join her was on him.

An invitation without words was given. She reached up to the belt loops of his jeans and pulled him down to her. They continued kissing, pausing only as Ellen lifted his shirt from his jeans and brought it over his head, laying it on the back of the couch.

“Frank!” Henry burst through Frank’s front door.

“Shut up, Henry. I just got my baby to sleep.” Frank stood up from the couch.

Henry took a moment to catch his breath. “Get Josh to stay with the baby. You have to stop them.”

“Stop who?”

“Ellen, Dean. You have to stop Ellen.” Henry, whose breathing began to normalize, grabbed Frank’s arms. “I went to Dean’s house. I saw them through the window. They were kissing. They were . . .”

“I don’t want to hear this.” Frank backed up.

“No you have to hear it. You pushed her to this. You pushed her because of everything you’ve said but mostly because she thinks you slept with Jenny. Frank . . .” Henry walked up to him. “If that’s why she’s doing this you owe her the truth. You owe it to yourself. It’s a mistake Frank. She deserves to know the truth before she does this. You have to tell her.”

“It’s too late.” Frank’s shoulders fell and he closed his eyes.

“No, not yet. But it will be if you don’t get over there and talk to her. Talk to your wife.”

Frank’s head sprung up. “Tell Josh to watch Brian.” Through the door that Henry left open, Frank ran. He ran with everything he had to Ellen.

Dean closed the bedroom door slightly and turned to Ellen who stood before him. Her shirt was off, dropped somewhere in the journey upstairs. He moved to her, biting his bottom lip as he did. Waist first he pressed to her, immediately laying his mouth at the top of her neck. His fingers gripped the straps of her bra sliding them off her shoulders, then removing the garment and tossing it backwards out the door. His lips brushed downward to the center of her chest. She held his head tight to her as he pulled the belt from her loosely fitted tan pants and undid the button. Slipping his hand slightly into them, feeling the touch of her bare skin, sent Dean completely over the edge.

Raising his head, kissing her on the lips, he backed her to the bed.

Frank told himself he was going to stay calm. He had too. He stood at Dean’s door, knocking was out of the question. There was a chance they wouldn’t answer.

With a sweaty palm Frank turned the knob. He opened the door wide, stepping in and calling her name somberly as he did. “El.”

Frank stepped inside to an empty room with candles still burning . He saw the coffee table, two glasses perched there, Dean’s shirt lying on the back of the couch. Lowering his head he turned to the door, and stopped. Thinking he still had time and believing that, his head shifted to the stairs and he took the first one. Not much in life scared Frank, but he was scared of what he’d find, and scared he was just going too far. As he reached the middle, he saw Ellen’s shirt. His heart beat stronger as he lifted it up, bringing it to his face, smelling it.

He moved faster up the staircase. When he reached the top, he felt as if he were looking through tunnel vision. He saw the bedroom door, he heard nothing but silence. Then his eyes caught the whiteness of it as it lay near the semi-closed door, half in the hall. Ellen’s bra. He stepped to it, picking it up and as he did his eyes caught a glimpse through the small openness of the door. He saw legs.

Standing up, placing his huge hand palm flush against the door, Frank slowly opened it, exposing the room, exposing the bed. His breath literally left him and he let out a silent emotional gasp when he saw them.

Dean lay on top of Ellen, his half-dressed body moving slowly. His head buried to her neck. Ellen’s eyes closed. Frank was frozen. They didn’t even hear him. They were so engrossed they didn’t know he was there. He watched Dean slide his hand up Ellen’s bent leg pressed so tightly to the side of Dean’s body. His hand ran from her calf, to her thigh. It paused to grip her hip then his fingers extended to the top of the pants she still wore. Lifting his body slightly, he began to pull them off.

Frank swallowed. He had two choices. Leave or stop them. In a soft hurt voice, a voice that would resonate through them, Frank called out. “Stop.”

In a startling instinct Dean’s hand released Ellen’s pants. He lifted his head from her neck. “No, he’s not in here.”

Frank waited. The second since he called to them seemed like an eternity. Calmly, he spoke again. “Dean, get off of my wife.” He turned his back to them. “Please.”

Ellen closed her eyes as Dean lifted off her. “Frank, you have to leave.”

“I’m not leaving. I can’t let this happen.” Frank head flung back. His one hand stayed on his hip, the other clutched her clothes that he held.

“You don’t have a choice.” She argued calmly.

“Unless you plan on finishing while I stand here, then you don’t have a choice.” He still didn’t face her. “Get out of the bed.”

“No.” She stated firmly.

“Get out of the bed and get dressed!” He turned around tossing the clothes to her. “Now!”

Dean ran his hand through his hair and down his face. “Frank.” He stepped around the bed. “You can’t come into our house like this.”

“The hell I can’t! She’s still my wife, Dean! She’s still my wife!”

Ellen placed on her shirt. “Frank, you have no right . . .”

“I have every right to stop you from doing this.” His finger pointed to the bed. “I need to talk to you. Get out of the bed and come with me. Now El!”

“No.” Ellen shook her head.

“Don’t make me come over there and carry your ass out, because I will.” Frank yelled.

The situation was beginning to heat up and Dean could feel it. The awkwardness was over shadowed by anger. Nervous over being stopped in such a compromising position, Dean tried again to reason with Frank. He felt he could. If Frank was going to do anything violent he would have done so. “Frank. Just leave O.K.? Just leave and I’ll talk to her and see if . . .” Dean’s eyes widened. “Frank! Frank! You can’t just grab her . . . Frank!” He charged forth.

“Back off, Dean!” Frank’s hand came pummeling down in a pointing motion. “Back off.” With Ellen over his shoulder, kicking, and screaming, Frank carried her out.

^^^^

And Henry thought that juicy ripe apple he munched on was good. It paled in comparison to the entertainment he received in his living room when Frank carried Ellen in and set the wiry woman down. He waved to the couple, but didn’t say anything. It really wasn’t his place.

Frank let out a breath, standing face to face with Ellen. “Calm?”

“Absolutely not.” She turned to the door to make a mad-dash escape.

“No!” Frank pulled her back.

“Quit touching me.” She whacked him hard. “Don’t put your hands on me again!”

“Fine.” Frank raised them in surrender. “But you will listen to me.”

“I will not. Who the hell do you think you are coming into Dean’s house, picking me up and dragging me out of there?”

“Your husband.”

“You are not my husband anymore. Learn that and the situation that just happened . . .won’t.” Ellen opened the door.

“You aren’t going back there!” He slammed it shut with such determination, not paying one bit of attention to Henry who stood there like he was watching a movie. “And look at you. You’re not even dressed.” He buttoned her pants and zipped them, ignoring her hits.

“Frank, you are really pissing me off!” Ellen yelled, face red.

“You’re pissing me off! What the hell are you doing El? Huh? What!” He started to scream. “You think I slept with Jenny, so I go find my wife, in some bed, with some guy humping on . . .”

“Aw, gees Frank.” Henry cringed. “Tact. Tact.”

Ellen’s hands slapped down to her thighs. “I’m not going to listen to this. I know you think so low of me that I would sleep with someone to get back at you” She opened the door. “Let me tell you something Frank, that’s not what I was going to do with Dean.”

“Let me tell you something Ellen, I did not sleep with Jenny Matoose.” He got her. He had her. She stopped. “I didn’t touch her.” His hand reached out as he watched her head drop. He shut the door. “I couldn’t.” He turned Ellen to face him. “I had no desire to be with her. None.” Frank lifted Ellen’s chin. “So do you see now why I had to stop you? I didn’t want you doing this with Dean thinking I slept with Jenny.”

“Thank you for telling me.” She removed his hand from her face. “I have to go.”

“No!” After a brief outburst of panic, Frank pulled her back in the house and led her further in. “No El, don’t go back there.”

Ellen took a deep breath, turning to face him, holding her arms tightly to herself.

“I didn’t sleep with Jenny. Not just because I didn’t want to, but because I would never do that to you. I know how you feel about her. You know how I feel about Dean. It’s the same thing. Don’t do this.” His voice and words pleaded. “Please don’t go back and be with him.”

“I have to go back there, Frank. I’m sorry.” She turned and grabbed the door.

“If you love me, El!” He watched her stop and drop her head. “If you ever loved me in your life . . .” His hand reached out and laid on the back of her head. “You won’t do this to me. You won’t do this while you are still my wife.”

Ellen slowly faced him. “Frank . . .”

His hand slid to her face he pulled her closer. “Please.”

Ellen pressed her hand to his, closing her eyes briefly, then sliding his hand from her face. She held it. “I’m going back there . . .” She watched his head lower. “I owe Dean an explanation.”

Frank’s let out a breath of relief.

“As long as I’m your wife Frank, I won’t. But know this . . .” Ellen opened up the door, this time without resistance. “It’s only for as long as I’m your wife.”

When the door shut, Henry watched his friend’s head and arms just drop. Frank stood in his living room looking weary from a battle he lost as well as won. Chomping on his apple, Henry stepped closer to Frank and laid his hand on his back. “You did good.”

Frank nodded and lifted his head with a breath. “She may have left, but . . . I stopped her, Henry. That’s one good thing.”

“Yeah.” Henry said softly. He brought his apple to his mouth and took a slurping bite. “But . . .” He spoke through his loud chewing. “What do you think the chances are she just told you she wouldn’t be with Dean, so she could get out of the house?”

Wide eyed, Frank spun around to face Henry.

Henry, still chewing, held up his hands. “Just curious. She meant what she told you . . . I think. Yeah. She did. Probably.”

Grunting in frustration, Frank snatched the apple from Henry’s hand, shoved it in his own mouth to keep from saying anything, and stormed out.

^^^^

“And then he . . .” George paused in his taunting laughter to catch his breath. “Joe, he carried her over his shoulder down the street.” With a hard swat he slapped into Joe’s leg. “Yeah. Quite the show for the community. That Ellen . . .now back to what we were talking about.” George exhaled the remaining laughter out. “I’m making what I would call low profile changes. Well, at least until my troops arrive for the first hit, which should be soon. It’s gonna be exciting! I’m sure you’ll hear all about it afterwards. It’s not like I expect this to be the final raid. More will be on the way. I spoke to the scientists . . . Hey, you’ll get a kick out of this . . . the fiber optics thing we talked Henry into getting up and running is working for me. I have phone communication with New Mexico. Our secret Joe.”

God, we played right into his hands. Every advance we made was right into his hands. Joe cringed inside.

“They are programming them to wait for my call. Enough of them” George crossed his legs. “Let’s get back to Ellen. She’s always a fun topic and a soft spot for you. Did I tell you, I think I did, she has been in that cryo-lab working on those passwords? Guess what?” George leaned into him. “I have this program . . . I loaded it in the computer already. It causes a pre-wired explosion to go off as soon as the key password is unlocked. Pre-wired, separate explosions, the first mild, the second as insurance. And the key password? I changed it before I loaded the program. Yep. Adding a bit of Hitchcock to our reality. Ellen’s going through the dictionary word by word, so guess what I did? Come on Joe… guess? Gosh you’re not in the mood for this guessing stuff are you?”

You didn’t. Please dear God, he didn’t set up my daughter.

“I picked a word I know she’ll type in. Key password, she’ll get excited about the information then . . . BOOM!” George laughed as he brought his voice to a startling level. “Shh. I have to be quiet. Bye-bye Ellen.”

Joe’s whole body filled with fear, with anger. And at that moment--with his will to jump from that chair to get George--it went unnoticed by his tormentor that Joe’s little finger moved.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Ah, the feeling of power. George smoothed his hand across Joe’s desk. He sat back enjoying doing nothing. He actually hadn’t done anything for the community’s well-being that was. He did what he thought Joe always did--hid. He shuffled the names around the work orders, saying he was one place when he actually wasn’t anywhere important.

George’s private gloating party of one was interrupted by a loud slam at the office door. He raised his head to the intruder. “Frank.”

“What the fuck’s going on!?” Frank stormed his words at him.

“What are you talking about?”

“This!” He threw the clipboard at George and it slammed on the desk.

“Oh.” George pushed it back.

“You’re blowing me off.”

“Frank, I am not.”

“George!” Frank’s hand came pummeling down on the desk. “Two days ago you changed my scheduling for training. Taking three of my crew off to put them in useless places. Yesterday you blew me off . . . again about setting up a raid on the New Mexico lab. And today, today Herb refused to release the fuel for the chopper. I need that fuel! I need Johnny or John Matoose to make that flight!”

“It’s an unnecessary flight.”

“Bullshit!” Frank argued--loudly. “We haven’t seen a SUT in five days. Five days? They’re gathering somewhere. I can’t afford to send my men out to see. I have to fly reconnaissance of the region to look for them.”

“Instead of being so pessimistic Frank, why don’t you just be grateful that their little attacks have stopped?”

“Pessimistic?” A frustrated laugh emanated from him. “How about realistic, George? We know how many there are. You really want to take a chance with this community that they are gathering?”

“They aren’t gathering.” George opened the desk drawer and began to pull out papers. “You’re emotional. Things are happening in your personal life. When you get emotional you don’t think straight. Everyone knows that.”

Reaching downward, Frank snatched the papers that had George so engrossed. “Listen to me George. I have to get to New Mexico to take out the SUT factory. I can’t chance taking one of the few men I have from this community to do that. So I have to make sure the area is free and clear of those things. You will sign the fuel release. I will have Johnny make a flight. And you will never change another one of my training schedules again. Clear?”

Still remaining an annoying calm, George reached back for his papers, grabbing them from the strong wrinkling grip Frank held them with. “You are just overreacting.”

“And you are being way too lax with this.”

“Are you forgetting I’m the leader of this community now?”

“You are not the leader of this community! You are filling in for the leader of this community and you are doing a piss poor job. If my father were sitting there, this conversation would not be happening. My father trusts the way I protect this community and I have never let this community down.”

Taking a tone of offense George began to rise up. “Well you’re father isn’t sitting here right now. I am!”

“Then be a goddamn leader and sign the order!” Frank shouted, yet his loudest.

“Don’t you scream at me. Don’t you take that tone with me!” George stood straight up.

“And don’t you dick around with me!” Frank screamed back at him. “My wife, my children, my family, live in this community. It is my job to protect them. And if you screw around once with their lives because of your pansy outlook on things, then you’ll have to answer to me.” Frank charged forth. “Let one thing happen George, one thing, and this . . .” Frank picked up the clipboard. “Will be the last order you rescind.” He slammed it back down. “Sign it. Sign it now!” He stepped back and raged to the door.

“Frank!” George called to him with such anger, that it actually made Frank stop. “Threaten me again and I’ll move to have you ousted.”

“Try it.” Frank glared at him, opening the door. “You won’t get past the first laugh.”

George sat back down with the slamming of the door. He ran his fingers through his grey hair. “God . . . I hate that man.”

^^^^

To Joe, it was a normal Frank entrance. The huffing into the room. The stopping directly before Joe. The hand . . . the hand that Frank waved about as his mouth opened and words failed to come out. Mind searching for the right words to tell Joe. Contemplating everyday if he should. Starting out every bitch session to Joe with the same line. ‘Dad, I hope you don’t think I’m silly talking to you like this . . .’ Every day it was the same thing. He saw the look on Frank’s face. Red, angry, and why hadn’t his son shaved?

Joe prepared himself to hear it. A long repetitive talk about Ellen. The Frank and Ellen soap opera saga. Wasn’t there anything else of importance in the community to discuss? At least when Frank talked about Ellen he wasn’t reading. Frank reading was more of a nerve bending event than a stimulating one. It was especially bad when Frank opted for Hemingway. Joe, who was a great reader, had a hard time reading Hemingway himself. But Frank? Frank made the famous author sound like a basement wanna be writer who could barely finish writing a business letter. Joe did enjoy Frank’s explanation of why he chose Hemingway. Telling Joe moments before he blundered through the opening paragraph, that he was going to read a book by some old guy, and since Joe was old he probably would like that.

On Frank’s third pacing cycle his hand was over his head scratching it then slapping his hand downward on to his leg. Then . . . the squat in front of Joe. It was the beginning to the Frank daily routine. O.K. Frank, fire away. Joe was ready.

“Dad, I hope you don’t think I’m silly talking to you like this. I have a major problem. God I wish you could talk to me.”

All right Frank, tell me about Ellen.

“Fuckin’ George Dad.”

George? Frank, what did you find out? What happened? Joe perked with interest.

“You have to get better or that man is going to drive this community into the ground! He’s pissing around with the safety of the community. He won’t release the fuel I need to go to New Mexico to take out those scientist.”

This is really good. If Joe could show Frank his smile, he would.

“I threatened him today. And he threatened to oust me. Can he do that?” Frank stood up and started to pace again. “He probably can’t. Am I wrong? I just have a bad feeling. Like, why is he always hiding? Why won’t he sign anything? Distribution closes at three. Three? Eighty percent of the people in this community don’t walk off their shifts until six.”

You have to think about this one Frank. Why? What does he have to gain? If you think, you’ll get your answers.

“You know I realized now why I didn’t vote for him in the first place, aside from the fact he’s a Democrat. Hey Dad, you don’t think that has anything to do with it, do you? You know how them Democrats hate confrontations.”

No, Christ, his political party has nothing to do with it. I’m done. I’m stuck. I’m never getting out of this shell. Lord knows Dean and Henry aren’t doing anything about it.

“Dad, look.” Frank squatted again before his father. “I know George is your friend and all but he just isn’t doing the job and I have to find out why. Maybe he’s just holding things tight until you get better. It seems to me . . .” Frank ran his hand across his head, staring at his father who’s only contact with him was his eyes. “It seems to me that he’s doing it on purpose. Like he wants everything to go wrong so he can pick it back up and be the big hero. But he’s taking a chance on the safety of this community and most importantly, my family.” Frank stood up. “I’ll tell you, Dad. I’ll kill him if something happens, something that could have been avoided if he would have acted the leader.”

It will Frank. Something is going to happen.

“Sorry if I sound so bad.” He looked down at his watch. “I have to go. I’ll stop back later. I have to go see Reverend Bob with Ellen today. Seems . . .” Franks hand touched his father’s. “Seems it’s all going to be over soon. I’ll stop back.” He leaned down and kissed his father. “And um, I’m sorry I came in here rambling off about George. It’s just that, who else is going to listen to me. Everyone likes him.”

Not everyone Frank. Not everyone. Joe’s eyes shifted as his son, sad and angry, left the room.

^^^^

Like a little girl shrieking at the sight if a bug, Ellen laughed and squealed as she struggled with the rabbits. “Dean, this isn’t going to work. Every time I open the cage to put one in, another jumps out.”

“Here, let me help you.” Laughing, he walked up behind Ellen. “You’re lifting the lid too much.” He placed his one hand over hers that clutched the rabbit, then the other to her hand that held the lid to the cage. “First of all, you aren’t gripping the rabbit firm enough.” He squeezed his hand over hers. “Second, just lift the cage a little.” His hand helped her lift the lid.

“Dean . . .” She felt him move closer behind her. “What are . . .”

“Then you let it slip right in.”

Ellen giggled. She felt his hand go around her waist. He moved her hair from her neck and kissed her. She tilted her head from him and away from the tickling feeling. “Dean, stop that.”

“Yes Dean . . . stop that.” Frank spoke into the room, monotone.

Dean rolled his eyes and moved back from Ellen. “Don’t you believe in knocking, Frank?”

“Don’t you believe in keeping your hands to yourself?” He stepped into the room. His face was very serious, yet giving the appearance of trying to remain calm. “I would think you had enough of touching my wife last night.”

“As a matter of fact, Frank, I didn’t. Seems someone barged into my room.”

“Aw, too bad.”

“Why are you here?” Dean asked, a hint of annoyance in his question.

“I’m here to get Ellen. We have an appointment with Reverend Bob. Or didn’t she tell you. Keeping things from you already, Dean?”

“Frank.” Dean said his name with annoyance. “Go.”

“El?” Frank looked at her. “Walk with me.”

“I don’t think so, Frank. I’ll see you there.” Ellen returned to her rabbits.

Frank just stood there, waiting as if she had joked with him. When he saw she didn’t, he flung out his hand, turned and left the lab.

“Gone.” Dean whispered.

Ellen let out breath. “Thank, God. I really didn’t want to walk with him there. It’s hard enough.”

“Are you sure you guys will adhere to Rev. Bob’s rules. He said he won’t discuss this annulment thing if you aren’t calm and rational.”

“Dean.” Ellen spoke, trying to be convincing. “I have every intention of being calm and rational.”

“You do. But . . . what about Frank?”

^^^^

The large blue vase crashed loudly across Rev. Bob’s living room.

Standing up, Rev. Bob looked to the water smear on the wall then to Frank. “And do you want to tell me what my vase did to you?”

“Not the vase. You!” Frank pointed and swung his arm. “And her. Both of you. This isn’t a fuckin tea party. What she did was wrong and it’s being mowed over. Why aren’t we discussing this?”

“Frank.” Ellen stood up. “We aren’t here to save this marriage. We aren’t here to discuss how to get through this. We’re here to end this. You tried. I tried. It’s not worth it. We will never get passed what I did or you did.”

“I did?” Frank stepped to her. “You’re the one who cheated.”

“And you’re the one who destroyed this marriage! You keep talking about what I did.” Ellen spoke up. “What about what you did? Telling your wife she isn’t a fit mother, you hate her, you feel contempt for her, and that she is nothing to you. Or how about calling your wife a whore? Better yet, how about sleeping with her then telling her to leave.” She ran her hands through her hair. “But the worst thing you did to me, the worst, was when you told me I deserved to be raped.”

“No!” Frank cried out. “No. I thought we were fighting about something else. I would never imply that El, never. You know me, I wouldn’t do that.”

“I thought I knew you. And now it’s worse because you let me walk away believing that. You could have said something. But you let me go. You let me go because you thought as long as you didn’t mean it, it wasn’t wrong. It was.” Ellen faced Reverend Bob, who sat in his chair, only this time he looked shocked. “Reverend, please listen to me. I have done so many things wrong in this life. I’m going to have to answer for them when I leave this earth. Please, please don’t make me live my hell now. End this for me. For him. Just . . .” She walked past Frank to the door. “Just end this.” With a quick exit, she left.

Reverend Bob slowly stood from his chair as Frank slammed his fist against the closed door. “Frank. I’ll um, I’ll sign the papers. I’ll need you and Ellen to come over and sign . . .”

“No!” Frank charged to him. “Don’t sign them. If you sign them, that’s saying it’s over. I’m not ready for it to be over.”

“Have you told her this?”

Frank closed his mouth tight and dropped his head swaying it. “I tried. But every time I open my mouth to tell her she interrupts me. She doesn’t want to hear it.” Frank walked slowly to the door. “Don’t sign them yet. Not yet.” Taking a deep breath of sadness, Frank walked from Reverend Bob’s home.

^^^^

Ellen maneuvered the comb through Joe’s hair. “There. All done.” She set down the comb and brushed her hand down his white button shirt. She made Joe look like Joe to her, shirt, hair done, cigarettes in pocket. “You look very handsome, Joe. I always wondered why you continued to wear these white shirts. But you look strong in them.” She straightened the collar. “Getting back to Frank.”

No, not back to Frank.

“Frank loved to write letters. He and I both. Robbie too. I wrote a lot to Robbie.” Ellen picked the comb back up and fixed the sides of Joe’s hair. “And knowing how I ramble, imagine how long my letters were. Would you like some coffee now?” She replaced the comb with the cup. “I think it should be cool.” She stuck the straw in the coffee letting a little go into the bottom, she held in there by placing her finger to the end. “Here” She separated his lips, tilted his head back slightly and gave him the coffee. “Is it good?” She watched his neck muscles swallow.

UH! Christ Ellen, how much sugar did you put into it?

“Is there enough sugar?” She reached to the cloth and grabbed another small piece of cane. “There, that should be enough.” She stirred it with the straw and brought it to Joe’s mouth.

No, no. Joe nearly gagged when she dumped more in his mouth.

“I bet you needed that. Hey . . .” Ellen snapped her finger. “I know what you would like.” She ran to the door, peeked into the hall and ran back. “Would you like a cigarette?”

What is she going to do? Ellen, go to work.

Ellen reached into his pocket grabbed a cigarette and his lighter. She placed it in her mouth, lighting it. She started to cough. “Joe.” She hacked again. “Make a filter or something.” She looked to the door then placed the cigarette in Joe’s mouth.

Joe breathed it in, and tried, really tried to blow the smoke out.

“Shit.” Ellen took the cigarette from his mouth and waved her hand in front of him to clear the cloud of smoke that lingered thick around him. “Shit.”

“Ellen.” Dean stood in the doorway. “What are you doing?”

“Um . . .” Ellen placed the cigarette in her mouth. “Smoking.” She held in her cough. “God, it’s been forever since I had one.” She exhaled loudly.

“Put it out, and you shouldn’t be smoking in here with Joe.”

“O.K.” Ellen shrugged to Joe and put it out.

“And El. You really shouldn’t start smoking again, O.K.?”

“O.K.” She smiled then waved.

Joe saw Dean leave. Take her with you. Take her with you. Shit.

“Joe.” Ellen spoke softly and knelt before him. “You know what’s going to be really sad about all this break up stuff with me and Frank. You won’t be my Dad officially.” So sad, she rested her head on Joe’s hand. Her fingers touched his. “That makes me sad. I wish you were better Joe. I wish you were.” She kissed his hand.

A tingle. A tingle in his right hand. No, I didn’t feel that. Joe’s eyes looked down as he watched Ellen rub her cheek on his hand. I did, Ellen, Ellen, I felt you!

Suddenly Ellen’s head sprang up. Her eyes widened to Joe. “Did you just move your hand?” She grasped it. “Joe, try. Try to squeeze my hand.” She not only felt his fingers wrap around hers, but she felt them grip her tightly. With a loud gasp, Ellen smiled. “Oh, my God.”

I feel you. I feel my daughter. Joe grabbed her hand tighter. He didn’t want to let go. He had control, control over his right hand.

“Joe.” Ellen stood up and kissed him. “I’ll be back. I have to tell Frank.”

Don’t leave. Don’t leave. Let me hold your hand. I can hold your hand.

“I’ll be right back.” She lifted his fingers from hers. “I promise you I’ll be right back.” She ran excitedly to the door, stopped and ran back, placing her hands on his face. “I love you Joe, thank you for this.” Out of the room she flew. At high speed, she never stopped. Crashing through the double doors, she nearly knocked over George.

“Whoa, young lady, what’s the rush?” He placed his hands on her shoulders.

“I have to get, Frank.” Ellen flew away from him. “Joe moved his hand.” She jumped the four steps, pausing in the street, looking up and down. She saw Frank, coming out of the library. “Frank!” She chased him. “Frank!”

“El.” He turned and saw her running. “What’s wrong?” His heart beat faster as he met her halfway. “What’s wrong?”

Smiling brightly at him, she grabbed his hand. “Come on.” Leading him, holding his hand she ran to the clinic.

“El, is it my father?” He stopped at the doors.

“You have to see this.” Still gripping tightly she raced with Frank to Joe’s room.

“You did his hair.” Frank stopped when they walked in. “He looks good.”

“Not that. Get down.” She reached up to his shoulder leading him down to a kneel at his father’s right hand side. She stepped back and knelt next to him. Picking up Joe’s hand, she smiled at Frank as she laid his father’s hand on his. “Do it, Joe. Do it.”

It came out of Frank with such excitement, an enthusiastic exhale followed by something that he hadn’t done in weeks. He smiled. An open mouth smile lit up his face when he felt his father take hold of him. “El.” He was nearly breathless. “He grabbed my hand.”

Ellen, her face close to Frank’s, nodded with a huge smile that matched his.

“He moved his hand,” Frank spoke in awe. “He moved.” Reaching his other hand to behind Ellen’s neck, he clenched her with excitement, pulling her close, leaned and kissed her quickly. “He’s coming back to us.”

“Yes he is. And it’s good, Frank. Very good.”

Enough of the mushy shit. Someone get me a pencil, Joe mind bitched.

Dean, seeing from the hall, stepped in. “What’s going on?”

Frank stood up. “My father moved. Look.” Frank lifted the hand that Joe still gripped.

Dean smiled. “I see that. Can I?” He stepped forward. “It’s his right hand.” He spoke softly taking Joe’s hand from Frank.

Frank gave Dean room. “Right hand, left hand. Doesn’t matter, he moved it.”

Dean pulled from his pocket a lance. Raising it, he turned Joe’s hand over. “I want to see if you feel this, Joe.” He pricked down lightly, Joe’s fingers flinched. “You felt that. You felt that.” Stunned Dean began to examine his hand. “So why is this hand coming back?” He looked up to Joe.

Joe’s eyes met Dean’s. You know. You know something is up. Son of a bitch you know.

Frank moved over to Ellen, leaning down to her. “What’s up with the right hand thing?”

Ellen moved back with him. “If any movement was going to come back after a stroke, it would most likely be the left side of his body not the right.”

“Maybe he didn’t have a stroke.” Frank asked.

“That’s what I’ve been arguing with Andrea about.” Dean stood up, staring into Joe’s eyes. He rubbed his chin and pulled out a pencil from his pocket. “El, get me a piece of paper. I want to try something.”

If Joe’s shoulders could have dropped in relief they would have. Thank you, Dean. Thank you. I can tell you how to help me.

Before Ellen could leave for the paper, Frank grabbed hold of her. “Thanks, El.” He smiled at her. “You did something.”

“I didn’t do anything Frank. All I did was give him a cigarette.” She ran to the door.

“You had my father smoking?” Frank watched as Ellen smiled, but stopped in the door way when a frantic looking Melissa showed up.

With tears in her eyes, Melissa ran to Dean. “Marcus is gone. I feel like a terrible mother. I went to get him a snack. When I came back, he was gone. Took off. He started crawling.” Melissa was sacred. “You know how fast he moves.”

“Shit.” Dean ran his fingers through his hair. “Joe, we’ll be right back. El, help me.”

Ellen turned to Frank. “Can you help?”

“I’ll get some men. Melissa which way did he . . . uh run?”

“Sped.” Melissa answered. “I’m scared Frank. He went out to the fields. They have the tractors out there. What if they don’t see him?”

“All right.” Frank took a second to think. “Melissa head back home, start looking in the living section. Dean, you and Ellen search center town. I’ll have some men head to the field and I’ll case toward the front gate.”

With nods, all three of them left the room.

“Dad.” Frank laid his hand on Joe’s. “I’ll be back.” Placing his headset microphone to his mouth, Frank barked out instructions as he left his father’s room.

^^^^

Pulling a reluctant Dean, Ellen brought him into the clinic. “I’m telling you I saw him come in here.”

“El come on, he’s like six weeks old. What did he do, open the double doors.”

“Yes.” Ellen waited for him in the open door.

“This is silly. Really silly.” Dean walked past her. “No way he’s in here. We’re wasting valuable time looking . . .” Dean halted the moment he stepped by his lab. “Shit.” He walked inside, grabbing the radio immediately. “Frank, we have him. He’s at the clinic.” Dean set the radio down.

“Oh, no.” Ellen looked about the scene. “Marcus?” She crept up to him, speaking in a high pitch. “What have you been up to?”

“I think it’s pretty obvious, El.” Dean ran to the sink and turned on the water. “Hurry and bring him over.”

Ellen lifted the baby holding him at arm’s length from her. “Look at the mess you made in Dr. Dean’s lab.” She moved to the sink. “Dean this baby is heavy.”

“Is it any wonder with his appetite?” Dean faced the scene in the room. The long counter with the open rabbit cage had blood and rabbit parts sprawled upon it. “Let’s hurry and clean him up before Melissa sees him. I really hope Jason will give us more of his quantum rabbits.”

“Oh this fur is going to be impossible to get out of his mouth.” Ellen grabbed a towel dipping it in water. “Dean, put your fingers in his mouth and get it out.”

“Are you nuts? I’m not sticking my fingers in his mouth.”

“Fine. I will.” Ellen pulled down the square chin of the child. “Can I see?” She opened her mouth for Marcus and stuck her finger inside. “OW!” She screamed loudly.

“El, are you all right?” Dean panicked.

“Just kidding.” She tossed a fur ball at him. “Good thing these weren’t the rabid rabbits, huh?”

“Funny.” Dean shook his head.

Frank’s heavy walking was his entrance announcement into the lab. “You guys have him? Melissa is on . . . Holy Shit! What the hell are you guys working on now?” Frank noticed the disrupted counter.

Ellen finished cleaning the baby. “Let’s just say Marcus has been busy.” She noticed Dean glare at her.

Frank held his hands up. “I don’t wanna know.” He backed up. “I’m going to see my father.” As he stepped to the hall he stepped right back in, snapping, “Melissa’s coming.”

Quickly grabbing Marcus, Ellen ran to the door. “Thanks.” She waited for Dean, who came out and shut the door. “Frank, we’ll be right down.”

Melissa smiled as she saw Dean and Ellen standing in the hall with her baby. “Thank you, thank you. You found him.” Her arms reached out.

Ellen handed him to her. “He’s been very busy.”

Melissa bounced her son. “Have you been bad? Dean is he all right?”

“Um . . .” Dean ran his hand across the top of his head. “Sure. A little hungry though.” He grunted when Ellen smacked him in the gut. “He’s fine.”

“Thank you again.” Melissa lifted the baby’s hand to give a wave. “Say goodbye.” She smiled again and walked happily down the hall very with her child.

Ellen let out a breath. “That was close. Good thing mothers never see the bad in their child.”

“Nothing’s bad about Marcus El. He’s just . . . just . . .he’s . . .”

“Very carnivorous?”

“Excellent word.” Dean nodded. “Hey. Go down to Joe’s. I’ll meet you there. I want to grab that paper. I want to see Joe’s hand control.”

“Why are you making Joe write? In all my years of nursing, never have I seen a doctor give a piece of paper and a pencil to a stroke victim the first time they move.”

“El.” Dean pointed.

“I’m going. But don’t be long.” Ellen placed her hands behind her back and walked to Joe’s room. The moment she stepped inside, the smile fell from her face. “Frank? Oh God, what happened?”

Frank was lifting his father in bed. “I came in here and he was slumping in the chair.”

“Oh no.” She moved to Joe. “His eyes are still open.” She grabbed his hand. “Joe. Joe, come on. Joe, squeeze me hand Joe.” She placed her face close to his. “Joe, please squeeze my hand.”

“El.” Frank grabbed her hand and took it from his father. “I tried that. I did.”

Dean wondered what was going on as he stepped into the room. “El? Frank?”

With growing sad eyes, Ellen faced Dean. “He’s relapsed.”

“No way.” Dean moved to the bed. “He couldn’t have.” He looked down at Joe. “Frank what happened?”

“I came in here and found him.” Frank said.

Dean, shaking his head, pulled out his penlight, and shined it in Joe’s eyes. “Pupillary response is good.” He clicked it off placing it back in his pocket. “Can I have a minute to examine him?”

Frank nodded and stepped back, as he did he grabbed Ellen’s hand, pulling her with him, so naturally to the hall. Not speaking, he looked down at his hand that held Ellen’s. He was holding her hand, she wasn’t holding his.

“I’d better . . .” She stepped back. “I’d better see if Dean needs me in there.” She pointed back with her thumb, pulling from his hold.

“But I need you out here.” He pulled on her arm, stepping closer to her, slowly, just wanting to hold her.

Ellen saw him drawing closer to her. She felt his hand slip up her back and to her head. Before he stepped any closer, Ellen pulled away. “I’m sorry, Frank.”

Painfully, he closed his eyes. “El, in our entire lives you have never once walked away when I needed you. Don’t . . . don’t let this be the first time.” He opened his eyes, she was still there. He could see the look of debate on her face. “I know things are really, really bad between us. But I need you right now. Could you at least just stand here with me?”

Ellen stopped walking backward. She stepped closer to him and leaned against the wall outside of Joe’s room.

“Thanks.” Frank leaned against the wall next to her. It was good enough. It was a start. Without any more needing to be said, Frank rested his head back while he and Ellen waited.

^^^^

His examination of Joe brought nothing but frustration. It was so unexplained. So wrong. It confused Dean why his mind kept going to George. But how could George cause Joe to have a stroke or at least make it look like that. Dean was a doctor and the doctor in him, the scientist in him, told him ‘no’. It was medical and Dean’s reason for thinking such was his mistrust of George and his inability to find the missing piece to what Joe’s true medical condition was.

He sat in a chair next to Joe. He held the hand that not one hour earlier was gripping so tightly to Frank. Dean stared at Joe’s face, and at Joe’s eyes that looked straight ahead, looking far off. “This isn’t right, Joe. This just isn’t right.” He spoke out loud. “Something is not right.” Dean watched Joe’s eyes move from his straight ahead stare. They shifted to Dean, making deep contact on Dean’s final word and his heart skipped a beat. “What is it? What is it that you’re trying to tell me? What am I missing?”

It was a start, a small one, but a start. Dean knew at that instant, Joe’s response was not one of someone who had a stroke. But of someone who was telling him, ‘yes, you missed something. Yes, if you try harder you can find it’. And Dean would try harder. He had to figure out what was happening. And Dean knew, if it was the last thing he ever did, he would get Joe back. He would get the man so strong, out of the world he looked so trapped inside.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

It could have been just about anything that could set Frank off, causing him to yell that loud ear cringing ‘hey!’. But at that particular moment, it was the song that played on the jukebox in the social hall. Frank yelled and whoever made that selection would quickly get off their chair and change it. Frank would be satisfied, maybe only a little while, until someone else made the same fatal mistake. Sipping his moonshine slowly--he didn’t want to get drunk--he poured Henry another.

“Frank, no.” Henry held up his hand.

“Henry, drink with me.”

“But you aren’t drinking, you’re sipping. I’m the one drinking.” Henry brought his drink to his lips.

“What do you suppose they’re doing Henry?” Frank rolled his glass in his hands.

“Right now they are frantically searching for a song that won’t piss you off.”

“Not them.” Frank waved his hand. “Ellen and Dean. What do you suppose they’re doing right now? Right now at . . .” Frank looked at his watch. “Nine-forty-seven p.m.?”

“I couldn’t tell you, Frank. But if you wait until nine-forty-eight, I may have a better idea.”

“I’m not joking.”

“What do you want me to tell you Frank?” Henry stated rather annoyed. “I can’t tell you what I don’t know, and I won’t tell you what you want to hear.”

Frank breathed out deeply. “Drink up.” He watched Henry finish his drink and he poured him another. “Probably being one big happy family, and now they have my baby over there. My kid.”

“Stop that.” Henry took the drink, not even paying attention that Frank kept adding the more he sipped. “You’ll drive yourself crazy.”

“Go over there, Henry.”

“Why?”

“Just go over and visit. Hang out until one of them goes to sleep. Please?”

“No, I won’t go over there and be your spy.”

“He stole my wife.”

“He didn’t steal your wife.” Henry began to get pissed. “You were the one that made it perfectly clear to everyone that it was over. And then you dogged her. Face it.” He looked down to his drink. He paused before taking a drink swearing the full glass was nearly empty last time he checked. Shrugging he sipped it.

“I want her back, Henry, I want her back bad. I love her.” Frank replenished his glass.

“Have you told her?” Henry asked.

“No. Not yet. I am tomorrow. I’m telling her whether she wants to hear it or not. And she and I will work this out, damn it.”

“O.K.” Henry leaned back. “Has it occurred to you that maybe she doesn’t want to?”

“Fuck that, she will.” Frank grabbed the bottle. “She better. If she’s says no. Tough. She’s coming home.”

“See you’re doing this all wrong.” Henry rubbed his eyes. They were starting to feel heavy. “You can’t just barge in, say El, I want you back and then take her.”

“Yes I can. She’s my wife.”

“You keep saying she’s your wife. Well she can’t be all that much your wife if she’s living with another man. She’s moving on Frank. And she’s well on her way to doing it . . . with Dean.”

“I know this.” Frank’s expression showed how painfully he knew it. “I’m dealing with that. But I don’t want her there anymore. What do I do?”

“Work to get back with her. Work Frank.”

“You’re a good friend. You’d be a better friend if you went over there and paid them a visit.” Frank filled Henry’s glass.

“No. I’m not doing that. Don’t mention it again.”

“I won’t.” Frank wallowed. “She’d never buy you stopping by out of the blue, drunk.” Just as he sank into his drink, his eyes shifted and Frank lifted his head with a big smile. “Never buy you stopping by all drunk.”

^^^^

“El.” Dean ran his hand on her legs that extended across his lap as she lay on the couch. He used her legs as a desk, placing his notepad down on them, writing, lifting it back up. “Would you classify yellow fever as a modern day threat?” He lowered his glasses as he asked her.

“No.” She paid little attention to him as she sat reading a magazine, its edges yellowing and tattered.

“What are you reading?” Dean smiled.

“Soap Opera magazine.” She giggled and turned the page. “I have a bunch in my memorabilia box. You’ve seen them.”

“Yeah I did.” He laid the tablet on her shins. “Why wouldn’t you?”

“Why wouldn’t I what?” She flipped a page. “Cute.” She smiled. “Dean?” She turned the magazine to face him. “Do you think men will ever look like this again? So . . . so beautiful.”

“Ellen.” He lifted the magazine from her hand. “I’m trying to talk to you.”

“Sorry.” Ellen sat up, moving closer, keeping her legs over his. “I’m all yours.”

Dean grinned. “Here.” He shared his notes. “I’m trying to come up with a list of things that could possibly be in those vials. Things that I can look for specifically.”

“It wouldn’t be yellow fever. Yellow fever is not a North American threat, or at least wasn’t. What if there’s something in those vials you haven’t seen or can’t identify. Like our plague.”

“I’ve thought of that . . . and.” Dean took off his glasses, setting them down. “That’s where you come in. You have to work harder on those passwords.”

“I’m working like a damn dog.”

“And I appreciate it.” He brought Ellen closer. “I do.” He rested his arm behind her head. “Even though you stare at a dead man’s picture wishing the men of Beginnings looked like that.”

“Dean, if it makes you feel any better, I’ll stare at your picture too when you die.”

“Thanks El.” He brought his hand to her face, speaking sarcastically. “That makes me feel a lot better.” Slowly her brought his lips to hers, touching them only briefly before a knocking happened at the door. A steady knocking. “Frank?”

“Too soft.” Ellen swung her legs off of Dean’s and jumped from the couch. She opened the door. At first peering out, Ellen thought perhaps someone brought back the old world annoying habit of knocking at someone’s door and running. But then she smelled the alcohol blast and she looked down.

Josephine hiccupped and swayed in the door. “Hey. I . . .” Another hiccup. “We got a problem with your tunnel boy.”

“Who?” Ellen asked confused.

“Henry goddamn it! Now come on.”

After a wave of her hand to bat away the bad alcohol, Ellen snickered, shrugged and followed old lady Josephine.

^^^^

When Ellen heard the singing, she laughed, but of course that was coupled with the fact that she got a kick out of watching Josephine run off. Smiling as she reached the end of her row of house, ready to turn toward town, the smile dropped. Frank was escorting Henry toward his home. Ellen turned to leave.

“El, wait.” Frank called out.

“El! Wait.” Henry mocked.

Ellen stopped. She closed her eyes and shook her head when she heard the whispering between the two men. Turning around, she jumped back and they were right before her. “What?”

Sloppily and sluggish, Henry reached forward. “El. God.” his head swayed. “God . . . God.”

Frank grunted. “He’s pathetic. Speaking this religious shit all night. Shut up, Henry.” Frank escorted Henry toward the house. “Can you help me with him, El?”

“El.” Henry looked at her. “He won’t let me go . . .”

“To the social hall.” Frank interrupted. “No more. I told you.”

Henry gasped loudly as Frank walked him up the steps to his house. “You lie!” Henry spun around, losing his balance. “He lies, El. I wanted to go home. But he had to keep me out, telling me love stories and making me feel lonelier. Do you know how lonely I feel?”

Ellen raised an eyebrow. “I can only imagine.”

“No. You can’t.” Henry shook his head. “Frank can. Cause he’s lonely now.” He didn’t see the cringe on Frank’s face. “And . . . and . . . I think I’m gonna pass out.” Without another word Henry just fell forward into Frank.

Frank hoisted him up. “Can you help me now, El?”

Lifting her arms in a shrug, Ellen walked around Frank and opened the door, When Frank and Henry passed through, she let go of the door and left. She wasn’t five steps away when she heard the loud ‘thump’ followed by a groan. Ellen turned around, Frank was running to her. “You didn’t just drop him in there, did you?”

“Um . ..” Frank looked back. “No. I laid him on the couch.”

“Right.” Ellen shook her head and started to walk.

“Hey, El.” Frank reached out, grabbed her hand and stopped her. “Uh, I was gonna stop and see my Dad. You wanna go?”

“I was there all night. Probably while you were . . .” She tip toed up and sniffed. “…drinking. I’m going home.”

“Wait.” Frank darted the three houses and halted her right as she stepped to Dean’s house. “I really . . . do you wanna take a walk, maybe for a little. And just . . . just talk with me.”

“No. No I don’t, Frank. Night.” She opened the door and walked in the house.

^^^^

Jason Godrichson had a hard time rationalizing the reasoning behind Beginnings’ inner office mail system. He was given a slot at the clinic and the only thing of importance that ever made it in there was the weekly memo from Joe. Since Joe had fallen ill, those memos stopped. Jason rarely read what was placed in his slot, especially the junk mail as he called it. Why Jenny Matoose insisted on giving him a reminder for the weekly women’s meeting, was beyond him. Jason did admit he chuckled at the frequent, ‘attractive woman available for comfort time’ advertisements he got from Josephine.

Enjoying one of his five rationed apples, Jason’s fingers tapped on the keyboard of his computer in his quantum lab as he sifted through the stuff from his mail slot. Had there not been a bloody thumb print on the note, Jason wouldn’t have read it. A note from Dean needing Jason to meet him for his vital expert opinion. Figuring it was Dean’s way of buttering up Jason for more rabbits, Jason placed the note aside. He’d see Dean in the morning.

Smiling and ready to top off his night by throwing himself full force into his ‘true’ work, Jason hit the keyboard with a final dramatic strike. When he did, he heard the sizzle then coughed at the minuscule puff of smoke that blew at him. Shaking his head with a chuckle, Jason put down his apple, stood up and grabbed the fire extinguisher and broom. He wasn’t letting the failure of the moment bring him down. He’d just clean up and try again.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

“So you understand, Jason?” Dean asked, near a whisper in the clinic lab.

“I believe so. But is it right? Joe is Andrea’s patient,” Jason said.

“I think it’s more wrong to ignore it. After all . . .” Dean looked up when Andrea waltzed in. “The quantum experiment is so vital to the community.”

Jason caught on to the sudden change of subject. “And interesting. I think a lecture is just what we . . .” He saw Andrea leave. He dropped his voice to a whisper again. “Do you know what you’re doing?”

“I was hoping you would.” Dean said. “I mentioned in my note about expert opinion.”

“Perhaps the blood smudge blocked that out.” Jason said sarcastically. “I never did the procedure. I would feel better . . .” Through the corner of his eye he saw Melissa walk in she smiled to them. Jason smiled back. “If . . . if my experiment was more welcomed.”

“Oh, please.” Dean’s acting left a lot to be desired. “Everyone is thrilled with your work.” When Melissa jotted out, Dean lowered his voice. “We could read up on it.”

“We’d need an assistant.” Jason suggested.

“I could talk to Henry. He’d keep it secret.”

“I still would feel better if we had permission. Even if Frank would say it’s O.K. I’d be able to justify . . .” Another intruder, another quick change of topic. Jason cleared his throat. “Justify speaking so long on the subject of space time continuum.”

“Gone.” Dean stated when Scott left. “All right, this is grand central station right now. I’ll get Frank’s permission. Will you do the procedure on Joe with me?”

“Get the permission. Get Henry. I’ll get the books.”

“Deal.” With relief, Dean shook his hand and smiled

^^^^

In the back of the chapel, while the slight organ music played, and Reverend Bob spoke, Henry and Frank sat in the last pew, the one very few people in Beginnings occupied.

“Henry, sit up.” Frank leaned over to him, whispering.

“My head hurts too badly.” He leaned forward holding his palms to his temples. “Why am I in church with you?”

“I don’t know. I wanted you to come.”

“Why are you in church, Frank?”

A ‘shh’ came from the pew in front of them.

Frank waved his hand at them. “Reverend Bob said he wouldn’t talk to me unless I came.”

“You going to talk to him about Ellen?”

“Well I’m not talking to him about becoming a priest. I want you to help me talk to him.”

Another ‘shh’, another Frank wave.

“Frank, people are gonna start talking. First you and I are out drinking then we’re in church. I know they’re gonna start looking at us like those two guys in fabrics.”

“Christ, Henry. Don’t talk that shit in church.” Frank widened his eyes to the person in front of him that yelled ‘shh’. “Besides, you told me you would help me get my wife back.”

“Oh, I did not,” Henry snapped. “I never agreed to that. At least I don’t think I did.”

With a snarl, Marv turned to Frank and Henry. “Will you two shut up? We’re in church.”

Frank flung his hand at Marv. “Like I care. Mind your own goddamn business and turn around. We’re talking here. And Henry, you did agree to help. You were just too drunk to remember. It was right after you were hitting on Josephine.”

“I was not.”

“I’ll tell people you were.” In a cross between embarrassed and humbled, Frank tapped his fingers on his knee. “Come on, Henry, please. You can help me understand what he tells me to do.”

“Fine. I’ll go with you to talk to Rev. Bob.” Henry plopped his head further in his hands. He cringed in pain. “Ow. Gees, Frank, what did you do to me last night?” He raised his eyes when he noticed the people seated before them turned around. “See?” Henry pointed. “See what I mean?”

^^^^

Though he left a message that he needed to speak to him, Frank was the last person Dean expected to see when he opened up his front door that afternoon. “Frank.”

Frank held up the crinkled note. “John said you were looking for me.”

“Yeah, but I said I’d find you when I brought Brian back.”

“I’m here now.” Frank said.

“Brian’s not.”

“Well, I’m here now. May I come in?”

Dean stepped back opening the door wider, motioning his hand. He saw Frank looking around. “Ellen’s not here.”

Frank nodded sadly as he took in the view of the living room, complete with pictures that used to be in his home. “I feel like I stepped back in time. The place looks like it did when she lived here before.”

“Yeah, it does.” Dean shut the door. “Things kind of went that way.”

“Are they the same, Dean?”

“I’m not discussing Ellen with you,” Dean said sharply.

“Why are you being such a dick?” Frank asked.

“Look who I’m dealing with.”

“Fine,” Frank snapped. “We won’t discuss Ellen. But know I have every intention of getting her back.”

“That’s not the surprise of the century Frank. Now do you want to know what I wanted or do you want to stand in my living room arguing with me.”

“Tell me.”

Dean took a second to calm down. “I need to talk to you about your father.”

“Is it about the relapse of his stroke?”

“In a way. I’m really doubting that it’s a stroke. Something is bothering me about it. It just isn’t typical. So, I want to do a procedure on your father, extract spinal fluid. It can tell us a lot. The problem is, Andrea is his doctor. Andrea won’t let me do it because she said he had a stroke.”

“So you want my permission to do this behind Andrea’s back?”

“Bluntly . . . yes. And I’m hoping it will tell us what happened and then we’ll be able to help him.”

“Then do it and let me know.” Frank received a nod from Dean and moved to the door. “Is that all?”

“Yep.” Dean said. “No.” He called out as Frank began to leave. “I need . . . I need your complete secrecy on this. It’s vital.”

“I won’t tell Andrea.”

“I mean no one. No one is to know. Secrecy,” Dean reiterated.

Frank was silent and then he agreed. But it sent warning signals off to him. The secrecy told him Dean was covering up something more than just doing a simple medical procedure. For the first time in a long time, as Frank left, he wished he were on better terms with Dean so he could be trusted with the information Dean was hiding.

^^^^

George had to make it appear like he cared. That he was doing the leader thing by seeing how Jason’s progress was going. But the truth was, he had ulterior motives. With a simple knock to the metal door, George called out. “Jason?” He opened the door. “I uh . . . brought you that gasoline.” He handed out to him the small can. As he did he sniffed. “What’s that smell? It smells like a barbeque.”

Jason looked up with a slight chuckle. “Let’s just say victims of bad timing. The energy level is there, but it’s not connecting with the time contingency sequence, which in turn when they pass through the door way, they aren’t passing through to a different realm . . . so to speak.”

George ran his hand over his hair. “You have totally lost me. What the hell are you talking about?”

“The smell, you asked what the smell was. It’s the after effects of my Regressionist.”

“Regressionist?”

“Time travelers.” Jason took the can from George and walked over to his rabbit cages. “Can’t test my machine properly if I don’t have subjects.”

“Subjects?”

“Yes.” Jason reached in the cage. “Meet my next two travelers. I call them Bill and Ted.”

“That’s terrible. You’re putting those animals through a machine that doesn’t work.”

“Oh, it works.” Jason held the rabbit up. “It just doesn’t make them travel time yet.”

“Well, what does it do to them?”

“Remember when you were a kid, George and you used to go see the magician? And in a puff of smoke the rabbit would disappear?”

“Yes.” George just wanted to make his escape.

“Well, I give new meaning to that.”

“Where do they go?”

“They disintegrate,” Jason spoke so matter of fact. “Not much is left at all. Leaves a little bit of smoke and a burning smell but at least the smell isn’t unpleasant.” Jason sniffed. “Kind of makes you think of Fourth of July.”

“I’m leaving.” George walked to the door. In his mind, this was a man unstable. The only wise thing Joe ever did was stick him and his machine five miles from the community. “Oh Jason. I need to ask you something. In your . . .” George swallowed harshly. “…fine medical opinion how is Joe?”

“Don’t know. I’m not really involved too much in the clinic.”

“They haven’t consulted you on him at all?”

“No. Why would they?”

“You’re a scientist, a doctor.”

“Yes well, so is Dean but Andrea is quite fussy about her patients. Of course most of Beginnings are her patients.” Jason shrugged holding up the rabbit, peering into its pink eyes. “Ready to go see yesterday?”

Widening his eyes, George walked to the door. “Have a good day.”

“I’m hoping.” Jason, holding his fussy short lived friend, moved to his table. He turned back and looked at the door. In a way, a part of him felt bad for lying to George. But he had too. He made a promise to Dean that he wouldn’t tell a soul how much he actually was working with him on Joe.

^^^^

It probably would have been easier for Ellen to take the straight route to returning Brian. It would be easier on her arms and easier on her fingertips that were beginning to catch the chill of the fall air that seemed so cold when the wind blew. But she took the long one that would avoid everything, knocking on that door that would open, exposing her to Frank.

The door to a house she used to call hers was right there before she knew it. It had been so long since she had walked into what would be called a friendly element with Frank. The prospect of that frightened her beyond belief. And she stood there, so unable to knock.

“El.” The front door opened. “Come in.” Frank opened the door wider for her.

“I just came to drop off Brian.” She handed out the baby to him, Frank did not take him.

“I would like you to come in.” He stepped back.

“I’d rather not Frank. I’d really rather not.”

“Please.”

Awkwardly and with a deep breath, Ellen stepped inside. She looked around the home she had not set foot into in so long. Again, she held out Brian.

“Sorry.” Frank took him. “I know he’s getting heavy.” He grabbed his son’s hands and brought them to his lips. “Your hands are cold. Did Mommy have you out too long?”

“Yeah, unfit mothers tend to freeze their kids.” Ellen turned and began to walk out.

“El, stop that. I didn’t mean it like that.”

“I have to go.”

“Don’t please. I have to talk to you.”

Holding off from turning the knob, Ellen turned back. “What is it? I have to get back. Dean has to go to the clinic.”

“Then why don’t you go get the twins and bring them over.” Frank suggested.

“Whether you want to believe this or not, I want to spend time with them today.”

“Not just drop them off. Why don’t you and the twins come over, have dinner . . .”

“No.”

“O.K. just a suggestion. Why don’t you take your coat off, and we can . . .”

“No.” She nervously fiddled with something in her jean jacket pocket.

Frank noticed how much she looked as if she just wanted to run out the door. So tense, so nervous. “Can we talk? I’d really . . .”

“El!” Excited and running, Josh thumped down the steps. “El.” He ran up to her embracing her and kissing her.

“Hey, sweetie.” Ellen brought her cold hand to his face. He shivered drastically and she laughed at him.

Frank was getting nervous, and Josh wasn’t making it easy. “Josh, can you go . . .”

“El.” Josh put his hands on her shoulders. “Home? Coming home?”

Frank’s eyes lit up. “No, Josh she’s not. But . . .” Frank looking shy, lowered his head and raised his eyes. “I’m hoping very much that she will.”

Ellen looked at Frank, then Josh. “Josh honey, can you take Brian upstairs for a few minutes. I have to talk to Frank.”

“O.K.” Josh took Brian and trotted up the stairs with him.

Ellen, shaking her head, waited until Josh was gone. “Frank, what are you doing?”

Frank ran his hand over his head. “I just . . . all right.” He let out a breath. “I want you back.”

“You want me back,” Ellen stated rather than questioned.

“Yes. So, you know, get your things and come back. I’m O.K. now. I forgive you.”

“You forgive me,” Ellen spoke slowly. “And you want me back.”

“Yes.”

At first her eyes raised. It was her prelude to her anger. “Fuck you Frank. You can’t have me back.”

“Excuse me?” Frank seemed a bit shocked. “Didn’t you hear what I said? I said . . .”

“I heard you!” Ellen grunted. “You forgave me, and you want me back. No working at it, you just want it to happen. Well it won’t happen like that. It can’t. No asking what I want. Did it ever occur to you that maybe I don’t want to come back? Did it ever occur to you that maybe so much has happened, so much has been said, that it doesn’t matter what you or I want. Or that it’s so far gone now, that it can’t be worked out.” She turned her back to him and reached for the door.

“Do you still love me?” Frank asked, his voice raspy.

Ellen stopped reaching. She stared at the white door.

“Do you . . .” Frank walked over to her. “ . . . still love me?”

Ellen leaned her head forward placing her forehead against the door. “I’ll always love you.”

A shiver of relief hit Frank. “Then there’s nothing . . .” He moved closer to her, standing directly behind her. “ . . . nothing that you and I can’t work through.” He leaned into her back, placing both his hand flush upon the door above her head. “I love you.” He brought his lips close to her ear. “I want you back. I want my family back.” He spoke softly and with intensity into her ear. “I’ll do whatever it takes to do that and so should you.” He kept his body, his mouth, so close to her. He brushed his lips close to her face without touching as he spoke to her. “Work with me El. Let’s do this. Let’s make it right again.” He felt, as his cheek ran against hers, a wetness, a tear. Frank’s heart dropped. She was crying and he didn’t know why. A slight trembling began in his gut. “Can’t you see how bad I want you back? Stay and talk to me about this. Please.” How long would he wait for an answer? No matter if it were one second or one hour it would be too long. Her silence was like a poison and it was killing him. Suddenly there was an emptiness as Ellen slipped out from under his arms. Frank’s body fell slowly into the door, and he pounded his hand against it. He had lost. His pleas, his attempts were in vain. Ellen had left.

^^^^

The darkening of the room told Joe that he had done it. Though he still couldn’t perform any of the basic functions given to a human being, he had made it through an entire day without being mentally tormented. He had visitors, his family but none of them stayed long or said much that drove at his emotional nerves. And George, he failed to stop by at all. Aside from the salty broth that Melissa forced into him, Joe had a good day. Preparing to close his eyes and sleep, he realized his aspirations for a frustration free day were futile.

“Hey, Joe.” Henry, bubbly, walked in the room. He squealed a chair across the linoleum as he brought it to Joe’s bedside. “Thought I’d keep you company and read you a little bedtime story.” Henry smiled. “Frank said you like old stuff so . . .” He spoke in a high pitched tone as if Joe were two. “…look what I got.” He lifted the book into view. “Nancy Drew Mysteries.”

^^^^

Ellen heard the ceramic cup hit the night stand and then she smelled it. “Coffee?” She smiled as she read her notes on the bed.

“Thought you’d like some,” Dean said.

“Thanks.” As Ellen turned to her cup she saw he was wearing his jean jacket “Where are you going? It’s after midnight.”

“Clinic. I have something to take care of.” Dean pointed backwards then leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. “Night.”

“Dean.” Ellen called out as he started to leave. “Everything all right?”

“Yeah.” He stopped and turned back around. “No.” He moved back to the bed. “I have something clinical on my mind plus Frank all of the sudden wanting you back . . . it’s bothering me.”

“We knew it would happen.” Ellen said calmly.

“I know. It’s just that he’s in full gear and we know the control he gets over you.”

“Dean.” Ellen spoke softly as his hand lay on the tablet across her lap. “Frank and I . . .”

Dean interrupted. “Are not over yet. Whether you get back as husband and wife, lovers or friends, twenty years is too long to just kick in the ass. It’s not over. Not by a long shot.” He took a deep breath. “I know I said I would do everything in my power to stop you guys from working things out but that was wrong. Everybody needs that one more chance. Without it there’s no resolution.”

Ellen nodded slowly. “Like us?”

“Exactly. And even though I hate what he did to you, hate the way he treated you, just know, as a friend who loves you very much, I will stand behind what you decide to do, one hundred percent. I want you to be happy.”

Ellen smiled slightly. “I am happy Dean. I am.” She patted the bad. “Look how comfortable I’m getting.”

“I see and that scares me.”

Curiously she tilted her head. “Why?”

“Because I’m getting comfortable, too.” Almost sadly, Dean smiled at her. “Good night, El.” He turned and walked from the bedroom.

^^^^

It was a procedure that Dean was not that versed at. Yet, it was a procedure that he had to do. Like criminals in the night, doctors performing illegal procedures, Dean, and Jason hovered over Joe’s prone body in the deafening quiet of the small operating room. Breathing could be heard, whose it was, was hard to distinguish. Tension was high in the surgical procedure that was near completion. Dean raised his eyes over his mask to Dr. Godrichson whose fingers pressed down on the lower portion of Joe’s back.

Jason watched the hesitant movements of Dean’s hand which guided the needle. “Looks good Dean, just do it.” He spoke assuredly.

Dean took another deep breath. In the back of his mind he wished that Jason was the one performing the procedure. But he knew he had to be the one to take the fall if something went wrong or Andrea found out. Shifting his eyes one more time before inserting the needle, Dean looked to Henry who stood facing the heart monitor. The monitor beeped in silence so not to be an alarming witness to something that could be considered amiss. “Henry, you watch those numbers. Let me know if his heart rate drops.”

“Gotcha’” Henry said. “Holding at seventy-eight.” Henry was grateful that he didn’t have to see the needle go in. He heard Dean say to Jason, ‘I’m in’ and in those two words an overwhelming feeling of fear hit Henry as he watched the digits drop. “Oh no, Dean his heart rate is dropping.”

“What is it Henry?” Dean asked in a calm yet panic ridden voice.

“Seventy four. What do we . . .”

“Henry, Shh.” Dean closed his eyes briefly and shaking his head. “It’s all right.” He filled the needle, watching the color as it entered the tube. “Jason, does this look right to you?”

“Not at all.” Jason observed. “Possible hemorrhaging?”

“Looks it. This may be our problem after all.” In a way Dean was disappointed. If foul play was involved, there was some hope that he could do something about it. “Done.” He laid the needle on the tray.

Jason peered again at the substance. “This could explain why we saw that clouding.”

“Yeah.” Dean removed his gloves and stepped back. “I’ll check it out tomorrow… late morning. Doesn’t seem to be a rush now, does it?”

“Was there before?” Jason asked.

Dean moved his focus to Henry who turned at Jason’s remark. “No. I uh, guess not.”

CHAPTER TWENTY

Frank waited and listened for his return. During the later portion of his early morning rounds, he heard the sound of the helicopter engines and he saw it over head as the bird rose up and flew off It irritated him that he was not informed of the flight. He knew John Matoose must have had good reason. Perhaps John saw that the fuel order was signed and like Frank, mistrusted George’s intention and hurried to take out the chopper before George could change his mind.

But it was all irrelevant as Frank trotted toward the hanger. He’d given John time to land and he just wanted to get the report. Where and how many SUTs were gathering? It was not a question of maybe. Frank was certain they were there. Like a bad odor that lingered, Frank could smell the trouble in his gut.

And then Frank saw him, walking so calmly from the hanger, clipboard in hand. “George?” Frank ran up to him. “George, where’s John?”

George looked at his watch. “My guess is working. Like maybe you should be.”

“I am working. Who flew the bird? Johnny?”

“Nope.” George walked passed him.

“Who . . . You?” Frank spun around his eyes staring with concern.

“Yes me, Frank. I flew. I flew your little reconnaissance.”

“And?” Frank followed.

“Nothing.” George kept up his pace.

“No there has to be a mistake. George you had to miss . . . did you really look?”

George stopped, curled his lip and turned around. “What the hell did you think I was doing up there Frank? Sightseeing?” George turned again and began to walk.

“Wait . . .” Frank took off after him. “Something’s not right George. George?” Frank wasn’t getting any acknowledgment. So he did a typical Frank thing, he yelled. “George, listen to me!”

“No!” George, finger pointing and with words as loud and as angry as Frank, faced him. “You listen to me! You wasted my time, community time, flight time and you wasted fuel with this half-baked idea of yours. Now get your head out of your ass and start thinking clear. There are no SUTs and those men that you have pulled are needed back full time at their jobs. There’s no reason anymore for extra security.”

“No.” Frank took a step forward. “You are wrong. You aren’t seeing clearly.”

“Back away Frank. I told you. You are over stepping your boundaries. I am not your father!”

“No you aren’t,” Frank’s voice rasped at him. “And I’d be insulted if anyone insinuated you were like him. If you pull my men, you are making a big mistake for this community and you.”

“And you have been warned Frank.” George turned around. “Not one is above ousting. No one.” George stormed away.

Frank could have followed but chose not to. He knew right there and then there was no getting through to George and there had to be a reason why.

^^^^

A lot of things were running through Dean’s mind as he prepared to really view the spinal fluid he took from Joe. He had the microscope hooked up to the computer and he loaded the first sample. Coffee in hand he waited, looking at the screen, wanting to view it. When it popped up, Dean jumped back. “O.K. too close.” Chuckling at himself for hitting the wrong magnification, Dean’s hand retracted. Perhaps the things on his mind were clouding his focus. He didn’t know but he did know when he looked at the sample, something just wasn’t right.

^^^^

At the point where his blood would near boil, Frank headed back to his office. Paper work had to be finished, paperwork George ignored, but Joe would want when he got well. All the way there Frank kept telling himself not to get angry. It was not a day for that. He had to see Reverend Bob in a hour and whether the anger was George provoked or not, he would not carry it with him to the first meeting that was meant to help him get back Ellen. “What the hell are you doing in here?!” Frank asked with annoyance when he stepped into his office.

“El-Ellen said you may-may ne-need me.” Oscar sat behind Frank’s desk.

“She what? And get the fuck out of my chair.” Frank walked over to his desk where Oscar’s work orders were on top. A release from containment and work assignment given, all by Ellen. “No, she didn’t.”

“F-F-file Clerk.” Oscar smiled. “El-Ellen said m-make your life e-easier.” He nodded.

Frank looked for a date but she hadn’t put one in. “She said this, did she?”

“El-Ellen said you l-like me-me.”

“Uh huh.”

Oscar was acting so pleased with Frank. “El-Ellen said you-you’d be pl-pleased.”

“Well El-Ellen . . .” Frank stood up, order in his hand. “Is n-n-nuts.” He stormed to his door. “And she’s d-dicking around at the wrong time.”

The loud slam only made Oscar shrug and he re-took his seat at Frank’s desk.

Frank took only a few steps from his office, mumbling to himself how Ellen was doing it to him on purpose. It was a total payback for having Oscar follow them when they were out beyond the wall. “She said I’d pay,” Frank spoke out loud. “Well, I’ll show her. Just because she never knew . . .” Frank stopped and did an immediate zoom of focus back to his office. “She didn’t know, did she?” A bright smile hit Frank and the bad mood left. He barreled back into his office calling out as he entered. “Oscar!”

Oscar screamed as he jumped up.

“El-Ellen’s is right.” Frank shut the door. “I got a job for you.”

^^^^

Jason Godrichson knew as soon as he walked into Dean’s lab. He stood back for a few minutes watching his post-apocalyptic world colleague idle in perplexity. Dean slumped off to one side, holding up the bangs of his growing hair, lifting himself to look in the microscope then return to slumping again.

Rubbing his chin which was starting to sport what Jason liked to refer to as the Frank and Johnny facial fashion statement, he moved closer to Dean. “I know that look well.”

“You do, do you? What is that look?” Dean turned to him.

“You have stumbled across something that you are finding hard to believe. You keep checking it, second guessing yourself.” Jason pointed to the microscope. “Joe’s sample?”

“Yep. Wanna look?” He reached his hand over to the computer bringing the microscopic image to the screen. “What do you think?”

“Looks normal, however this is not my field.”

“Yes, but.” Dean stood up and pulled out a scan. “Take a look.” He held it up to the light for Jason. “Joe’s CT Scan when he was first brought in. Notice the clouding.” His finger ran over it. “Next one, one week post trauma. Clouding is . . .”

“Nearly gone.” Jason noted as he looked.

“Third. Taken an hour after relapse. Our clouding again.”

“Hence our theory of blood in the cerebral fluid. However . . .” Jason indicated to the screen. “It looks normal.”

“At that magnification it does. Watch.” Dean brought it closer and closer until the image changed. “What do you think?”

“What is it? It isn’t a virus, is it? Or a new form of infection?”

“Nope. I’ve seen this type of structure one too many times.” Dean’s thin finger moved slowly over the object they watched.

“A synthetic?”

“Precisely.”

“Is it in his blood stream?” Jason asked.

“I have to obtain some cultures to be sure.”

“Which brings us to a very viable question, what is Mr. Joseph Slagel doing with synthetic microbes infesting his cerebral fluid?”

“I have a guess on that one.”

“Let’s go look.” Jason waited for Dean to lead the way.

They went into the room. Joe’s bed was propped up and he sat staring forward with his eyes open.

Dean walked in first, shutting the door after Jason had entered. “Hi Joe.” He walked over to the bed. “Sorry we have to disrupt you for a minute.”

“Let’s lean him forward,” Jason suggested.

Dean sat on the bed, holding Joe’s forward falling body as Jason checked his head.

“I’m not seeing anything.” Jason moved small sections of Joe’s hair at the base of his skull. “I just . . . wait. I got them. Two of them. Look.”

Dean, still holding Joe with the help of Jason, grabbed his glasses from his pocket and looked to where Jason pointed. Two small injection sites. One healed. “This was done on purpose.”

“Knowing that, you at least know what to do. One, it’s a synthetic. We can wait for it to wear off, which it will do eventually barring a repeat injection. A guard on the door perhaps?”

Dean shook his head. “Trust me, that won’t work. I could isolate it.”

“You could do that. Try then to figure out how to beat it. Counteract it. That could take weeks, maybe months. Do we have that much time? Obviously whoever has done this wants Joe down for the count.”

“For many reasons.” Dean sat back down looking at Joe. “I can help you now Joe. I really can help you now. It’s just gonna take time.”

“Dean.” Jason interrupted. “You have an idea who this is, don’t you?”

Dean nodded.

“Then may I give you some advice Doctor. For safety reasons for Joe, you have to not approach this person. And, if you know who it is, you better have enough proof to prove it before you say anything. For Joe and you.”

“Why me?” Dean asked, sounding so surprised.

“As a very objective observer, someone that hasn’t been around Beginnings very long, if I were to sit back watching this thing unfold . . . objectively. And if I were to hear someone did this on purpose if I didn’t know better, my first guess would be you.”

“Me?” Dean didn’t notice, Joe’s eyes shifted. “Why would you say that?”

“From my point of view and from any other community member, the only person in this community capable of making something like this, would be you.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

“An hour.” Frank griped walking from the living section with Henry. “I take an hour out of my time. Go to his smelly house. Sit there. Pour out my soul. The man tells me he can help me get my wife back. And what do I get? Rev. Bob’s pre-plague world non-best seller, Twelve Steps to Rebuilding a Heavenly Marriage.”

Henry chuckled. “No, Frank you got two copies.”

“Which I had to pay for. With my blood. Church for a month, plus eight hours of his field work. Fuck. And you . . .” Frank looked at Henry. “You said nothing.”

“I was too busy laughing.”

“Yeah, probably because since you did whatever secret you did with my wife, you don’t want me to work it out. Do you?”

“Honestly?” Henry asked.

“Don’t answer that.” Frank stopped in his walking. “What the fuck?”

“What’s wrong?”

Frank pointed. There was a commotion at distribution. Twelve angry people stood screaming at what should have been the door. But Frank didn’t see the door. As he drew closer, he saw it was Greg.

“What’s going on!?” Frank shouted pulling people back from a very frazzled Greg. “Greg, why you pissing everyone off?”

“I’m not pissing everyone off. They’re bitching to me, not at me. Now give me the keys to distribution.”

“Why do you need the keys?”

“Well Frank, it’s locked.”

Frank was shocked to hear that. He looked at Henry then back to Greg. “No way! It’s not even two o’clock.” He reached out his hand to the knob. “Shit.” He pulled out the long key chain and sought out the correct key. “Why is this locked?”

Cole stepped forward. “I was working Frank and George said he wanted to conserve so he shut us down. I asked him about our three o’clock show ups and he said they’ll have to wait until next week.”

“That’s just bullshit.” Frank unlocked the door. “We have plenty of food.” He opened it wide and turned to the small crowd. “Cole is going back to work in there. Go on, there just was some mistake.” Frank stepped away from the door to let them in. “What’s George up . . .”

“Frank!” George stormed forward screaming his name like an out of control parent. “What the hell are you doing!?”

Frank shook his head at Henry. “No, he is not yelling at me like that.” Stern, fearless and annoyed, Frank faced a reddened George. “You made a mistake.” He spoke strongly. “You shut down distribution too early.”

“I shut down distribution on time. We have to conserve. Winter is coming.”

“So none of these people who are scheduled for their pickups can have their food? That’s bullshit.” Frank argued. “They work here, live here, and they earned it. Not to mention we have plenty. We throw out more than we use. You know that.”

“What I do know is that they are now considered thieves. And since you let them in there, I am holding you responsible, Frank. You have to answer for that. You know the rules on stealing.”

Frank stepped closer to him. “Why do you want me out of this community so bad?”

George moved in also. “You’re a pain in the ass. You run your mouth, think you own the place, and make everyone’s life a miserable hell including your wife’s. Why don’t you just move on out of this community? Save us all, Frank, the trouble of throwing you out.”

Henry saw the curling of Frank’s lip. His eyes went to Frank’s hand that seemed to be clenching. Henry knew the reason behind George’s behavior. It was threat. “George.” Henry stepped in between them. “I told Frank to open the door. It was my decision to do so. Not his.”

George stepped back. “You went against the rules, Henry.”

“No George, you did.” Henry said. “You have to clear shit like this with council. You didn’t. I wouldn’t have approved it and neither would Andrea. As a matter of fact I believe you should bring the decision to close distribution early all the time to us. I think you’ll see we want it to stay open till seven again.” Henry took hold of Frank’s arm pulling him away. “Have a good day, George.”

As Frank walked with Henry, his eyes kept going back to George who stood by distribution looking as if he wanted to lash out.

“Let it go, Frank.” Henry pulled him further away. “It won’t be long before Joe is back. I trust Dean is gonna help him.”

“He better.” Frank spoke soft. “That’s the third time this week he threatened to kick me out. And each time he does it . . .” He let out a heavy breath. “I get more and more afraid he’ll find a way to do it.”

^^^^

Somehow it made it easier for Joe. Easier to live like he was, knowing that it wouldn’t be much longer. Dean knew and so did Jason for that matter. Jason still was excluded from any further knowledge of the situation and Joe figured that was good.

He had sat and listened to Dean and Henry talk about what they were going to do. They talked in front of Joe, and to Joe, knowing now that he definitely heard and understood every word they said. It also was frightening for him, frightening because he couldn’t say or warn them about anything he knew. His daily visits from George brought the mental torture, the suspenseful agony of what lay ahead for those who tried to bring George down. Not to mention what else George--in his demented world--was up to.

The worse thing was listening to Dean and Henry speak of how they had pushed Ellen to work on the passwords. The ability to move, to speak, to get out of this lifeless shell Joe was in, was nowhere near as important as it was to stop Ellen from finding out the truth. For finding out the truth not only meant Joe’s freedom but it also meant tragedy to whoever uncovered it.

The most painful experience Joe had ever encountered yet in Beginnings was happening. He had to sit back and watch, full of knowledge that could be helpful. Dangerous knowledge they just needed to know. But there just wasn’t anything he could do about it. For the first time ever, Joe couldn’t help.

^^^^

Ellen caught her breath when Frank opened the door. “I got your message I rushed over as soon as I could.” She stepped inside and shook the chill. “Where’s Brian?”

Frank didn’t say anything as he just shut the door and locked it.

“Frank?”

“Brian is at Andrea’s. I didn’t really need you to get him. I wanted to get you here to talk to you?”

“You lied?” Ellen asked.

“Yeah. We have to talk about our marriage.”

“You lied to get me here. Yeah, Frank that’s a good way to show we are building trust again.” Shaking her head Ellen moved to the door.

“No, El. Please. I . . .I . . .” Frank reached to the couch. “I got you a gift.” He handed the book to her. “And I paid for it. You don’t pay for much in Beginnings. Trust me I paid for that.”

Ellen looked at the title. “Frank.”

“No, it’s good. I have one too.” Frank spoke upbeat. “The twelve steps are pretty cool. First step is talking. And it’s vital to build the absence makes the heart grows fonder. He says avoid touching and . . .”

“No.” Ellen handed the book back. “No.”

“El, please.” Frank stopped her from leaving. “What do I need to do? I’ll do it? Do I have to beg? I’ll beg you.”

“You don’t have to do anything, Frank. I destroyed this marriage too,” Ellen said. “I don’t want to be married anymore. I don’t want to be your wife.”

“Why?”

“Why? Ellen repeated in disbelief. “Being your wife means touching you and I don’t want your body anywhere near mine.”

“Oh, my God.” Frank stepped back speaking softly. “That night. El, I swear to you. I swear I am so sorry. I was angry and upset about my Dad. I was hurt and . . .”

“You were punishing me!” Ellen blasted. “You knew exactly what you were doing. Don’t kid yourself and don’t try to kid me! I felt you, Frank. I felt your body move on me. Rigid. Cold. I felt your hand grip my hip so hard it left a bruise.”

A slight gasp of air escaped Frank’s parted lips as he closed his eyes and stepped back.

“Do you understand me now?” Ellen asked.

Frank only nodded slowly.

“Good.” Ellen turned to leave again, when she did she noticed she still held the book he gave her. Handing it back, she looked at the title. The word ‘rebuilding’ caught her eye. “Are you . . . are you really reading this?”

“Yeah.” Frank said sad. “I was . . . I was really reading it.”

“Too bad it says marriage instead of friendship. That would something I would rebuild with you.” She handed the book to him and turned reaching for the door.

“El! Wait! Wait.”

Ellen halted in her grip of the knob. Behind her she heard shuffling. Then Frank’s cursing. “Frank?”

“Shit.” Frank shook a pen as he held the book. “It doesn’t want to write on this slick shit.”

“What the hell are you doing?” Ellen asked.

“You said if it said friendship instead of marriage. I’ll make it friendship. I’ll go through every fuckin page of this book. All . . .” Frank flipped through to the end. “All two hundred and seventy five pages. I’ll change every marriage word to friendship. I’ll do it. I will.” He sounded desperate. “I don’t need you to be my wife, El. I don’t need you in my bed. I just . . . I just need you in my life.” Frank extended the book back out to her.

Ellen looked at it. She saw the shininess of the cover and the indentation of Frank’s valiant efforts to change the title. Slowly shaking her head, Ellen took the book.

^^^^

Alexandra was a picture of Ellen, Dean thought. He sat on the couch, his daughter before him, and towel dried her wet hair. “Feeling better?”

“I wasn’t feeling bad, Daddy.”

Smiling, Dean reached for his shirt on the couch and placed it on his daughter, helping her tiny arms through. He grabbed the comb and started combing her hair.

“Daddy? Where’s Mommy?”

“Uncle Frank had to talk to her. I told you that.” Dean set down the comb.

“Does that make you sad when you think about her leaving?”

“Just between you and me . . .” Dean leaned forward kissing his daughter gently on the nose. “It makes me very sad.” He felt the hand slide across his back and through the corner of his eye, he saw Ellen standing there. Dean leaned closer to Alexandra. “Busted?”

Alexandra giggled and ran off.

“Dean, what’s going on?” Ellen asked.

Dean stood up and walked around the couch. “I bathed the kids.” He grabbed his jacket. “I have to get to the clinic.”

“Am I going somewhere?” Ellen followed him. “You made it sound like I was leaving.”

“Yeah. You’re moving out.” Dean adjusted the collar of his jean jacket.

“Really when?” Ellen asked with a chuckle.

“Whenever . . . whenever you can, El.”

“Dean?” Ellen reached out, grabbed the sleeve to his jacket sand pulled him back. “Did I . . . Did I do something? Why are you kicking me out?”

“I’m not kicking you out. I would just like for you to not depend on staying here.”

Almost saddened, Ellen let go of his sleeve and stepped back. “I don’t understand. I thought . . . I thought things were working out.”

“Yep.” Dean nodded. “They are. And trust me, however you thought it was here, my wishful thinking mind quadrupled it. I like you being here. I am getting used to you being with me and the kids. I can’t be like that, not when Frank wants you back so bad. I’ve given this a lot of thought.”

“Not much.” Ellen defended. “I am not getting back with Frank. I told him I’m moving on.”

“Really?” Dean reached down and lifted her hand that had the book. “Thought I recognized this from the library.”

“No. See.” Ellen held it up. “We’re working on rebuilding our friendship.”

With a chuckle Dean shook his head. “Same difference, El. Friendship between the two of you always breeds a relationship. Whether you are apart a week, a month or ten years, you will get back together. And when you do, that person you moved on to is gonna be at a loss.”

“Dean, if you’re worried about getting hurt, don’t. I won’t let you be alone. I won’t stop being close to you.”

“Who are you kidding?” Dean asked. “El, it’s Frank. I have been hurt so much by you. I love you but I don’t want to get wrapped up in a fantasy of something that may or may not happen. I’d rather not want it at all.”

“I’m not getting back with him. I’m going to move on. I mean it.” Ellen said strong.

“Good.” Dean nodded “Good.” He opened the door. “But I can’t be the one you move on to. I can’t.” He stepped through the door. “I won’t be long.”

“Dean.” Ellen spoke up. “Contrary to what you want, I’m not leaving. My children are here. You . . . are here. You’ll have to throw me out.”

“I won’t do that.”

“Oh, well.” Ellen exhaled and changed her demeanor, trying to bring the mood up. “You’re stuck with me.” She backed away from the door. “Go to work. Shall I make a late dinner for us?”

“El . . .”

“Dean.” Ellen tilted her head.

Dean hesitated for a moment. “Make dinner. I’ll be two hours.” He started to leave again, but stopped. “Oh, and, El? Tell Frank if he wants to rebuild that friendship with you, learn how to spell the word.”

Ellen looked down at the book still in hand, when Dean left. “Oh, my God. I didn’t even notice that.” She chuckled as she noticed he forgot to put the ‘I’ in friendship. Setting down the book, Ellen went to the kitchen.

^^^^

Dean heard the double-clomp of the boots enter his lab and he knew exactly who it was. Results lying by him, he turned on the stool to see Frank. “Trying to be quiet.”

“You looked busy.” Frank walked in further.

A snicker escaped Dean. “Since when do you care?”

“Since you’re working on something about my father. Is that them?” Frank questioned pointing to the folder Dean held.

“Yep.” Dean stood up and handed the folder to Frank.

Frank opened it, looked down, nodded and handed back. “Like I understand that shit. What does it say?”

“First through that procedure we did, we think that we found a . . . a virus that has stricken your father.”

“Did you tell Andrea it isn’t a stroke?”

“No.” Dean shook his head. “I still want this kept under wraps. With it being a virus, I don’t want word to get around. People may panic, think it’s airborne, and who knows where they’ll want to put your father.”

“I get it.” Frank nodded. “Do me a favor. Don’t mention any of this to George.”

“Why would you say that?” Dean was very curious.

“I really think he doesn’t want my Dad to get better. He wants to run this community. Only he’s running it into the ground. He’s screwing around with so much, it’s like he’s doing it on purpose. I’ll tell you Dean, he causes anyone I know any harm with his lame actions, he’s done. And . . . three times this week he threatened to have me ousted .”

“You’re kidding me? He threatened you?” Dean ran his hand through his hair. It shocked him to hear that. In fact, it made George look even guiltier. “Look, Frank, don’t do anything rash with him. He can’t oust you, but on the outside chance he figures a way to, we’re all screwed. I really don’t think he’s stable, and your father will handle him when he gets well.”

“Are you saying you think he’ll make a full recovery?”

“I’m saying I know he’ll make a full recovery. Just give me time to beat this thing. Four or five weeks tops.”

“All right. I’ll try to hold off killing George until then,” Frank said as if he were actually holding off on a plan in motion. “In the meantime, I’ll speak to Henry since he’s on council. Maybe he can stop George from cutting all my security.”

“Why is he cutting security?” Dean asked.

“He doesn’t think we’re in any threat. I think that he’s just pissing me off to get me out and he’s screwing around with the safety of the community to do so.”

“Do you think there’s a threat of something?”

“I think there’s a big threat.” With confidence Frank spoke. “Every day we had SUTS coming to the gate, now, nothing. I don’t think that the SUTs are gone. I think they’re gathering somewhere waiting to attack us. But . . . I’m ready. My men are ready, despite the fact that George cut my drills.”

There was that name again, George. And right there, Dean wanted to tell Frank everything about George that he and Henry suspected. But he knew if he did, Frank would go ballistic. And if Frank did that, without any viable proof, he would be gone. Disliking Frank or not, Dean knew there wasn’t a soul who could protect Beginnings like Frank. “Just bide time, Frank. Please. I’ll get you father well.”

“Thanks.” Frank backed up. “I’ll let you get back to work.”

“Yeah, Jason is supposed to stop by, and I want to get home. El’s making us . . .” Dean paused and turned his back. He cleared his throat. “I just wanna get ...”

“Dean.” Frank interrupted. “That’s O.K. I want you to know I’m not running interference. El, she needs you in her life and I won’t get between that friendship. If I force her to stay away, it’ll cause more problems when she doesn’t.”

Dean had to laugh. He hid it well. Over his shoulder he looked at Frank. “I’m not buying that.”

“You should. We working to rebuild our friendship.” There was a hesitation before Frank continued. “But you and I know . . .”

“You’ll get back fully.” Dean finished the sentiment. “I know. But they were nice words, Frank.”

“I mean them. Hey.” Frank spoke upbeat. “I read them in Chapter Two of Rev. Bob’s book. There’s a whole section on making sure you let your spouse keep their friends.”

Another snicker came from Dean. “Speaking of friendship. When you wrote the word on the cover you didn’t put an ‘I’ in friendship.”

“I know. Because Dean, there is no ‘I’ in friendship. Really, when you think about it, should there be?”

Dean’s chin dropped and his mouth stayed open “God!” he boasted loud with a dramatic cringing flare of his body. “I cannot believe something that good came from you!”

“Yeah. Thought of it myself.” Frank grinned arrogantly. “El will love it.” Still looking at Dean’s gasping mouth, Frank walked out. He paused in the hall to take a gloating moment. He took from the inside of the jacket of Rev. Bob’s book. Biting his bottom lip, Frank nodded. “Oh, yeah. He bought it. Thank you, Chapter Three. Show the other person you are the better man. Rev. Bob can’t say I’m not following his advice.” After tapping the paperback on his palm, Frank put the book back and walked away.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Dean tapped Joe’s chart against his leg as he walked to Joe’s room. An odd rhythm he tapped, perhaps to the song he had playing in his head. He slowed down the quick pace when he reached the door way. Joe was sitting in a chair with Frank across from him. With a huge grin, and seemingly perky stride, Dean walked in. “Morning, Joe. Hey, Frank.” Dean set the chart down. “So, Frank, how’s your Dad today?”

“He’s sitting in a fuckin’ chair staring out, what the hell do you think?”

“O.K., the same.” Dean widened his eyes and faced Joe. He placed his hands on the arms of Joe’s chair. “Hey Joe guess what? I think I’ve finally isolated that . . . virus you have. This is good. I did it fast. Just give me a few weeks and I’ll get you out of this. I know it seems like a long time, but that’s nothing compared to how long it would be if we continued to believe you had a stroke.”

It was good news to Joe. ‘A few weeks is fine Dean. Just get me out of this without opening those files.’

“Good news, too. It’s all through your blood stream. All through.” Dean’s hands flew about. “Jason and I are trying an experiment this morning. Ellen’s coming to get more blood.” Dean turned his head. “Speaking of Ellen.”

Ellen smiled widely carrying with her the phlebotomy tray. She walked to Joe. “Morning, Joe.” She kissed him on the cheek. “Morning, Dean. Frank.”

Setting his chair down to all fours on her entrance, Frank smiled “Hey El.”

Ellen placed down her tray, and began to get her things ready. “Hon, why am I taking so much blood from Joe? It’s an abnormally large amount?”

Frank leaned forward. “I don’t know. Ask Dean, he’s the doctor.”

Ellen laughed and turned her head to him. “I was asking Dean. Dean? Why?”

“Um . . . well,” Dean stammered for an answer. “El, to be honest he really isn’t needing it, so, I thought I’d use it for some experiments.”

“Andrea is wondering what you are doing with it,” Ellen stated as she placed the tourniquet on Joe’s arm.

Dean cringed, covering his eyes. “Gees, El.” He lowered his hand grabbing hers that reached for her tubes. “Please, don’t tell Andrea anything. Please.”

“O.K.” Ellen shrugged and grabbed the needle. “But you know how she is about Joe.” She prepared to insert it. “And when I mentioned her questioning me about taking all this blood to George he...”

Joe thought it while Frank and Dean screamed it at the same time. A blasting ‘uh!’

Ellen screamed. “God.” After a moment, she grabbed for a towel. “Shit.” She laid it on Joe’s arm which pulsated blood from her jamming too much with the needle. “See what you made me do to him. I hit an artery. God, scream at me.” She cringed. “Sorry Joe.”

“El.” Dean walked up to her. “No one. No one is to know about the unethical taking of Joe’s blood.”

“I’d say.” Frank interjected peering at the wound Ellen caused. “Especially with the method you take it.” He whistled then winked at his father. “Good thing you can’t feel it, huh Dad?”

Morons, Joe thought.

Ellen gasped. “I’m good at what I do when you aren’t screaming at me. If no one is to know why does Frank know?” Ellen began to try to take blood from Joe again.

“He’s my Dad. Dean needed my permission.” Frank stated.

“So why are you giving permission to Dean to take all this blood from you father.” Ellen question while performing the procedure correctly.

“Payback. He was so mean to me as a child.” Frank leaned down and kissed his father. “Got to go. Bye, Dad. See ya, El. Dean.”

Dean nodded and moved to the door after Frank left. “I’m leaving too. Drop that off when you’re done.”

“Yep.” Ellen agreed then shook her head. “Sick people in this community, Joe. Almost done.”

Joe just stared at her. The woman was always looked happy to take his blood and she had the nerve to call others sick. He was just glad he wasn’t going to be her live, grown up, dress up doll.

“Done.” Ellen stated. “I’ll drop this off then I’ll be back.” She removed the last tube of blood and tossed it in her tray. “Because I have a really great shirt for you to wear today and . . . I want to try parting your hair in the middle. See ya.” She kissed Joe quickly and left.

Deep inside his soul Joe grunted at Ellen’s words. He spoke, or rather thought, too soon.

^^^^

George, in a crouch before the back perimeter, peered over the tops of glasses. “Fine.” He stood up brushing his hands.

Greg looked curiously at him. “Fine?” He watched George trot off. “Sir.” He hurried to catch him. “It’s falling off. Something happened to the switch box.”

George stopped walking. “Does it work?”

“Yes. I think. But . . .”

“Then it doesn’t take priority. No Requisition. Mechanics is busy enough.” George began to walk away.

Again Greg followed George. “But, George. Look, it’s a vulnerable spot. The back gate is so accessible to anyone. Maybe I should mention to Frank . . .”

“Frank is not in charge!” George blasted sending Greg a foot back. “I run the community. I say what is deemed important and what is not. That box is not important yet. It’s not important enough to warrant wasting mechanics time or mine. Drop it. Now do your job, Greg while I do mine.” Huffing, George stormed off.

Greg scratched his head. “O.K.” He tossed his hands up. “I thought I was doing my job.” He took the pencil from behind his ear and placed the eraser toward the paper. Just when he was about to erase the report on the broken perimeter switch box, he stopped. George didn’t see a need for it to be mentioned however Frank would want to know any changes in the fence no matter how small. Thinking of who frightened him more, George or Frank, Greg placed his pencil back and left the information about the broken box right on the report.

^^^^

“It truly is amazing, Jason.” Dean spoke with excitement as he stood before the long line of rabbit cages in the cryo-lab. “It is all through the blood. I spun it down and it definitely spilled into the serum.”

“That’s what we needed to hear. So what are we doing?” Jason asked.

Dean handed him a clip board. “I want to try something. I want to see if what’s in Joe’s blood can cause the effects on a subject smaller than he. And if it does, I may be able to create an antidote with it.” Dean took a syringe and filled it with the clear serum he had extracted from Joe’s blood. He opened up the first rabbit cage and pulled out the spotted one. “Easy.” The rabbit squirmed in his hand. “Where should I inject him?”

“Might as well hit the skull area.”

“Might as well.” Dean, fighting the rabbit, injected a partial amount of what was in the syringe. Within seconds the rabbits back arched and its paws flopped to its sides. “Shit.”

“Is he dead?”

Dean laid down the needle and placed his palm on the stomach of the rabbit. “Nope.” He turned it right side up, then upside down. Each time the rabbit just flopped, its eyes still open. “Looks it, but he’s not.”

“Wow Dean, how much did you inject him with?”

“One CC. So, mark that down and note the time. We’ll see how long it takes for him to come back. Let’s try a smaller dose, cut it in half.” Dean opened the next cage and pulled out its occupant. He grabbed the needle and injected it. Again, the rabbit went lifelessly still. “Mark that down, one half a CC. Smaller does?”

“Sure why not.”

Dean moved to the next cage, taking his dosage down again by a tenth. “Same. Smaller amount?”

“Hell we’re on a roll.” Jason wrote down and opened a cage.

“This is so amazing.” Dean held up the fourth motionless rabbit speaking to it. He tossed it in the cage and went to the next one.

They made their way down the line, each surprisingly breeding the same results no matter how little a dosage was given. Dean and Jason stood afterwards staring at their quiet subjects.

“Dean keep observing them for signs of revival, mark down when they start.” Jason handed Dean the clipboard. “I want to get up to my lab to finish up. And don’t get too caught up down here. Remember what today is.”

“Sure no problem.” Dean stared at the notes. “What’s today?”

Jason shook his head. “Pediatric check-up? One-thirty.”

“Oh yeah.” Dean nodded. “I’ll be there. Two of them are my patients.”

“Good, see you then.” Jason, with a swift pat to Dean’s back, walked to the lab door, nearly bumping into Ellen as she walked in. “Bye, Ellen.”

“Bye.” Shaking her head at the odd man, Ellen walked up behind a perplexed looking Dean. “Boo.”

“Hey.” He read over his notes. “What are you doing here? No containment?”

“I hate when you’re preoccupied. You forget everything.”

“What did I forget now?” He flipped a page.

“Tissue samples. We’re playing with Marcus’ tissue samples today?”

“Yeah that’s right. They’re over on the counter.”

“Thanks.” Ellen moved to the counter. “Dean?” She stepped closer. “What’s with all the dead bunnies?”

“They aren’t dead, Ellen.” Dean set down the clipboard.

“Really?” Ellen opened the first cage, looking into the staring blank eyes of the rabbit. She lifted its paw and let it fall with a thump. “They look dead. Maybe you forgot you killed them. You seem to be forgetting everything today.”

“I didn’t forget I killed them.” Dean removed her hand from the cage. “Because I didn’t. They are . . . in a deep sleep.”

“All right. So why do you have a bunch of snoozing rabbits in here?”

“Why are you being so nosey? So just to shut you up, it’s a new sleep medication.” Dean pulled her away from the cage area.

“Just to shut me . . .” Ellen gasped. “Fine.” She retrieved the tissue sample and moved to another counter. “First you want to move me out of the house and then you want to move me out of your life.” She slammed the sample. “Now out of your new medications. Fine. Fine.” Her voice crept up. “What’s next? The lab? Huh?” She glared at Dean who seemed to ignore. “That’s all right. I’ll have you know my opinion and skills are very valued. Wait until my meeting with George. Don’t think when I give him my little password progress report I won’t mention this kicking me out of the lab thing.”

“El!” Dean screamed at her. “Don’t mention this sleep medication thing to him! Don’t! And don’t mention progress on the passwords.”

Ellen’s eyes moved slowly in curiosity to Dean. “Why? He’s the leader until Joe gets better.”

Stumped. Dean hoped his searching for a cover up wasn’t obvious. “Be . . . because. Damn it.” His hand hit on the counter. “You’re jinxing us.”

“I never knew you were superstitious.”

“Very. Why do you think I work with rabbits? Their . . . their feet are uh, lucky.”

“What.” Ellen snickered. “Like you cut them off when you’re done.”

“Yes. Always.” Dean’s eyes widened. “I just was embarrassed to let you know.”

“I’ve never seen them. We work with a lot of rabbits.”

“I share them with . . . Frank and his men. That’s why they’re so good.”

“Cute.” Ellen smiled. “O.K. I won’t jinx you anymore. Can I help in the sleeping bunny experiment?”

Hating to do it, Dean agreed. He would just give Ellen false information on everything. Ellen running around with information that wasn’t true was better than her inadvertently passing along vital information that could give George even more of an upper hand.

^^^^

Hitting the back gate last on his afternoon rounds, Frank squatted downward, holding his cup of coffee he stopped at his office to get. He looked one more time at the new switch box that Henry had replaced. One that wouldn’t have been replaced had Greg followed George’s orders. He was assured it worked before it was replaced, but Frank still had to wonder. Had there been times since that box was loose that the perimeter actually failed to protect the community?

The thought had stayed with him. It stayed with him all day, especially as he placed the men in their positions to dig. Knowing he had to find out, Frank decided that after he finished his reports, checked on how the digging of his new hatches were going, he would go the security room. Answers about the perimeter would lie there.

^^^^

He did it as such a repeated pattern. Leaning over the counter, head to head with Ellen, Dean would peer into the large magnifying glass hanging over the sample, he’d touch the sample with the tweezers, reach across and adjust Ellen’s shirt. He’d then return to his sample. “This looks totally unscathed from the extreme cold we exposed it to.” He spoke so preoccupied as he turned over the sample.

“I see that. Dean? Why do you keep lifting my shirt like that?”

“Because when you lean over the counter, I can see your breasts. I find it distracting.” He fussed with the sample again. “What was the temperature we exposed this to?”

“Minus forty degrees Fahrenheit. But you’ve seen my breasts before. Lots of times.”

“Let’s try another sample at minus fifty.”

“They aren’t even attractive. Did I tell you Jenny Matoose exposed her breasts to Frank?”

“That’s not a mental picture I’d like to have.” He reached over and fixed her shirt again, returning his view to the magnifying glass. “Besides, I find your breasts attractive. In fact there isn’t a square inch on your body I don’t.” He moved the petri dish and reached for another “Ellen?” He grabbed her wrist. “Why does your watch still say one o’clock?”

“Oh.” Ellen twisted the band. “It’s broken. I was thinking of asking Jason if he can fix it. He is a time guy.”

“Don’t do that.” Dean shook his head. “What time is it?”

“How would I know when my watch is broken? Where’s yours?”

“On the other counter.” He walked across the room to it, and picked it up. “Shit! It’s four o’clock. I missed pediatrics. Brian’s appointment.”

“So what, there two other doctors up there.”

“Ellen!” Dean stopped in the door, changed his mind about yelling at her for not thinking, and ran quickly, all the way to the clinic.

Dean’s high top tennis shoes squeaked loudly as he slid to a stop in front of examining room two. Andrea and Jason stood inside laughing. “I missed it?”

Andrea smiled, her arms folded. “No problem Dean, we know you’re busy down there. We took care of it.”

Dean held back his hair. “Brian?”

Andrea waved her hand. “Jason examined him. He’s doing . . .”

“Shit. Shit. Shit.” Dean moved frantically in circles then noticed the odd looks. “It’s just that I never missed a check up with him. Is he fine?”

“Sure.” Jason answered. “Oh . . . where is that chart?” He snapped his finger. “Johnny must have it. Anyway. Dean, were you aware that Brian is the only child in this community without a DNA work up or blood type family match up? I took care of that for you.”

“You what!” Dean yelled, his shoulders dropped. “Where are his results?”

Jason lifted his hands. “Probably still in the lab with Johnny, he’s . . .” Jason turned his head to Andrea. “Where did he go?”

The squeakiness of Dean’s tennis shoes could be heard fading in the hall.

“Johnny!” Dean flew into the lab.

“Hey Dr. Dean, I’m glad you’re here.” He walked over and handed him a folder. “I have a problem. I think I screwed up on Brian’s match up.” Johnny opened the folder. “Here I’ll show . . . Is something wrong Dean? You look pale.”

“No.” Dean answered short. His eyes looked down at the results and they closed. “Johnny you screwed this up.”

“That’s what I thought. How?”

“Very, very easily.” Dean shut the folder and led Johnny far from it. “Inexperience. Happens all the time. I’ll rerun it. Take a break.”

“But I just got here. I have other tests to . . .”

“Now, Johnny. One should always take a break after they screw up.”

Johnny lifted his shoulders. “All right. I’ll be back.”

Dean plopped his head on the counter, letting out a breath after Johnny left. His head rose again when he heard the lab door shut. He didn’t need to turn around, the soft, slow clicking of hard shoes on the linoleum said exactly who it was. Pulling the folder closer to him, Dean stood up straight.

“Dean.” Andrea spoke his name soft and stern.

Dean rolled his eyes. Then faced her. “What’s up?”

“Is that Brian’s chart?” Andrea pointed.

“Um . . . sure.”

“Give it to me.” She snapped her finger and pointed.

“Andrea he is my . . .”

“NOW!” She held her palm out and felt the smack of hit when Dean handed it to her. Afraid, Andrea opened it slowly, closed her eyes and let out a loud shriek. “You did!” She hit Dean with the folder. “You stupid son of a bitch!” She hit him again. “What the hell were you thinking?” A hit to Dean’s head. “Do you not realize this is your death sentence? A death sentence.”

“Andrea.” Dean snatched the folder from her swinging hands. “Calm down and lower your voice.”

“Don’t you even give me orders. Don’t.” Andrea waved her hand in front of her face trying to wave off her hot flashes. “Sweet Jesus, Sweet Jesus, Sweet Jesus.” She caught her breath. “I cannot believe you did this. And to Frank! Frank! Of all people on the face of the earth you . . .” Her words immediately became muffled with Dean’s hand over her mouth.

“Lower your voice please. I will talk to you about this.” Dean removed his hand.

“What were you thinking?” Andrea whispered loudly.

“I was thinking about helping out my friend.”

“I knew it. I knew it. You know I had the feeling every time I saw you with that boy. I kept thinking to myself, this is so unnatural the way this man has latched on to another man’s baby.”

“O.K., so I have a hard time detaching myself completely from him, But I do. It was a clinical experience.” Dean nodded.

“Thank the Good Lord for that.”

“In fact, we were both surprised it took. You aren’t telling him are you?”

“Me?” Andrea held her chest. “No way.” She shook her head drastically moving her hands about. “I want no part of this. No part. I don’t know anything. Let me tell you though. It is a good thing, a good thing that one, Frank is a stupid man. And two, Robbie Slagel and you have similar features, ‘cause I always thought that baby looked just like you.”

“Yes I know. Ellen and I discussed that.”

“You and Ellen discuss too much. Never, Dr. Hayes, bring to my attention again how Frank slept with Ellen while you two were together. Never. Let me tell you something, you two . . .” She shook her head. “You two . . . are bad.” Andrea ran her hand across her forehead leaving out a loud ‘whew’. She grabbed Brian’s chart. “Do something with these results.”

“I will.” Dean took the folder. “And thanks for not saying anything.”

“Well . . .” Andrea opened the lab door. “You owe me. You owe me big.”

^^^^

Frank’s forefinger flicked forward tapping on the computer monitor in the security room. “Seven times?” Frank commented. “It went down seven times in two weeks, Mark?”

“That what it’s showing.” Mark replied.

“Why wouldn’t I be told of this?”

“See for yourself, Frank. It was down three times for less than forty-seconds, once for three minutes. Nothing major, we figured it was a malfunction in the switch box.”

“Don’t figure anything anymore. I want told even if it goes out for five seconds.”

“Really?” Mark asked surprised.

“What do you mean, really? Of course really.”

“Well it’s just that . . . O.K., I’m not supposed to say anything out of concern for your personal stress. We’re not supposed to bother you on the little shit.”

“Under whose suggestion.”

“George.”

“George! Fuck!”

Mark, recognizing the profanity and the essence in which it was delivered, lifted his coffee mug up. It was right in time and very foreseeing of him. Frank’s fisted hand came pummeling down, slamming into the counter. “Sorry Frank.” Mark backed his chair up some. “With your Dad, and Ellen, all the stress you been . . .”

“Do I look stressed?” Frank bellowed out, his face burning red, the vein in his neck protruding. “Do I!?”

“Well . . .”

“No! You tell me everything! Everything. Fuckin George! Everything!”

“Frank, I know to tell you . . .”

“Everything!” He barreled to the door. “Even if a fuckin mouse fries in the fence, you tell me everything!” He blasted from the room.

Mark jumped at the rattling slam of the door. He shook his head in sarcasm. “Yeah, you’re not stressed.”

^^^^

“Andrea knows.” Dean announced in his return appearance in the cryo-lab.

“Andrea knows what?” Ellen still stood by the tissue samples. “Hey Dean, minus sixty and still standing.”

“No kidding?” Dean ran over still clutching Brian’s chart. “This is amazing. Really . . .”

“Andrea knows what?”

Dean swallowed and lifted his head. “Andrea knows about Brian.”

“What about Brian?” Ellen asked.

“About . . . About his parentage.”

“Oh.” Ellen spoke nonchalantly. “Oh you worry too much. Andrea’s not going to say anything. It’s fine.” Ellen waved her hand. “Besides. He is Frank’s baby. You and I decided that. Brian would not be viewed as anything other than a Slagel.”

“Yes, but . . .”

“Not buts, Dean. Frank desperately needed to have a baby. We gave him a baby. It was not out of spite. It was for Frank and Brian was conceived very medically and very clinically. That was made perfectly clear when you went into the back room and . . .”

“El!” Dean ran his hand over his face. “Stop, all right. No reminders. You made that day very difficult for me. You and your ‘oh Dean, it’s still warm’ comments.”

Ellen giggled and walked over to him, kissing him on the cheek. “Don’t worry about it. Whoops, I kissed you. I know you don’t want that. Sorry. I’ll take it back.” She kissed him again. “You helped out a friend who needed you. You didn’t do anything wrong. I believe that.” She moved the sample to him. “Work?”

“Work.” He took a breath. “Now. Where were we with the freezing tissue sample?” Dean peered through the magnifying glass.

“Minus sixty.” Ellen leaned over toward him to look at it with him

“Excellent.” Dean commented then adjusted her shirt again.

^^^^

Frank had passed George only once and a sickening feeling hit him. There was something about his eyes that Frank noticed as the oldness of George’s and the darkness of Frank’s met. There had been no words between the two. Frank felt like the hardened criminal and George was the prosecutor waiting to send him away. Though everyone seemed so assuring to Frank that an ousting was impossible, Frank knew better.

Frank had just come from seeing Greg with Dan and John Matoose previously. They were informed of a new strategy. Frank wanted all bases covered just in case something would happen to him. If by some chance he no longer ran security, Frank wanted to have everything taken care of. Especially with the bad feeling he had been having. A bad feeling not only about George, but of the SUTs which have made their presence less and less known. To Frank this wasn’t a good sign like everyone else was taking it. It was a warning of something bigger to come.

“Cole.” Frank knocked once on the open door of the field house. “Got a few minutes?”

“Sure. Come on in.” Cole finished writing something on his clipboard and set it down. “How come you’re still working?” He sat on the edge of his small desk.

“Two of my men are down, ill. I’m on all night.” Frank handed him a sheet of paper. “Here. Since our drills are prohibited and security cut, I had to rethink our strategy on the chance that the SUTs break a perimeter.”

“And what’s this? It’s a list of names?” Cole read over it.

“Yeah. Kind of handed out secondary command for disbursement of weapons and such. It’s all there. Read it.” Frank pointed to the sheet. “Plus, we dug a few extra hatches for weapons. It will be easier than having them run into town. That’s a chance of wasting time I don’t want to take. I’ve worked out the details and sometime this week I’ll get together with you on it.”

“We still want to get that scouting party out?”

“Most definitely. I know how many of those things there are. I know more can come. And we all know they’ve had enough time to get here and build up forces.”

“Seems us men in security are the only ones that think George wasn’t looking in the right area.”

“Or looking at all.” Frank backed up.

“Frank. Can I ask you something? Why all of the sudden are you distributing secondary power? You run things.”

“Well to be honest . . .” Frank ran his hand over his head to the back of his neck. “George and I haven’t been seeing eye to eye. He doesn’t want me running security. He wants me out.”

“You aren’t stepping down are you?”

“Fuck no. But let’s just not rule out the possibility that he’ll request that of me. I want to be prepared. Have all bases covered. The protection of this community is vital. No matter what George thinks.”

“You really think something is going to happen, don’t you?”

“Let’s put it this way.” Frank said. “I know something is going to happen.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Tight lipped wasn’t just a figure of speech, it was an expression predominantly on Ellen’s face. She sat in Joe’s room, posture perfect. Her hands tapping on her knees as she stared at Joe in bed.

Joe was proud. He knew she gave it her best effort, even though she was obvious.

“Something wrong with your lip.” George pointed at it.

Ellen shook her head.

“You aren’t talking to me. I asked you three times about the progress of the passwords.”

Ellen shook her head.

“What?”

“I can’t. I’ve been asked not to.”

“By who?” George questioned with a chuckle. “Frank?” He watched her shake her head. “Dean.” He received a wide eyed look. “Why doesn’t Dean want you to tell me?”

“I want to tell you why, George. I can’t tell you why. It’s too good to keep inside. Order me as leader.”

Joe grunted, unheard, but he did. Christ Ellen. Don’t say anything.

“I order you.”

Ellen exhaled. “Thanks. O.K., I’m not allowed to tell you because Dean is a big superstitious freak.” She rattled fast. “He yelled at me. Yelled at me. Seems he thinks I’ll jinx us. He doesn’t want me to tell you that I am on the letter ‘I’ in the passwords. Haven’t uncovered anything yet, but I’m trying. Really how can I jinx us? You want us to open them. He should have bases covered. After all, he has stored somewhere about a thousand rabbit feet. I bet those rabbits he has zonked, that looked dead but aren’t, are only there for him to mutilate for Frank and his men. Whoops, wasn’t supposed to tell you about that either. Not the superstitious kill the bunnies for the feet thing. The sleep medication that he’s working on.”

Joe wanted to kill her.

George walked behind her. “You, Ellen, are a remarkable woman.” He laid his hands on her shoulders. “But tense,” He started to rub them keeping his eyes in a taunting manner on Joe.

“I’m tense because with the exception of my father, the men in my life treat me like I’m nothing.. He can’t treat me like that because eye can’t talk. Dean’s working on that though, I think.” Ellen squirmed when she felt George’s massage intensify. “Oh, that felt good.”

“You know, Ellen. I always thought you to be not just the most attractive woman in Beginnings but also the most intelligent.”

Ellen giggled. “Thanks.”

Joe wanted to scream. He listened to Ellen ramble. He watched George so obviously hit on her while she was ignorant to the fact. Ellen, wise up, come on.

“Ellen. Why don’t you and I just spend the evening together? Let’s have dinner, maybe get a drink at the hall. Let me show you true appreciation and you can ramble all you want to me.”

“O.K.” Ellen shrugged. “I’m hungry and in the mood for talking.” She stood up and walked to Joe. “I’ll stop back.” She kissed him. “Let’s go, George.” Bubbly, Ellen moved to the door.

George began to step put, but stop, seeing Ellen move a ways down the hall, he poked his head back in the room. He winked with a snide whisper. “I’ll take good care of her for you, Joe.”

^^^^

Dean paced in his living room then looked at his watch. It was a Henry routine he called it, but one none-the-less he couldn’t help but doing. The knock shot him to the door like a cannon. He flung it open. “Hap, thank you so much for coming over.”

Hap, an elderly man, tall and fit stepped into the house. “Never mind watching the kids for . . .” Before Hap could finish his sentence, Dean was out the door.

The first place Dean looked was the cryo-lab, hoping and praying he would find Ellen down there consumed with the puzzle of breaking the codes. But nothing. It was dark. He moved fast, never slowing in his pace. He ran to containment then to the clinic. Hoping she was still visiting Joe, Dean flew into his room. He heaved a relief breath when he saw Frank sitting in the chair. “Thank God you’re here.”

Frank shifted his eyes around the room. “Are you talking to me?”

“Yes. Tell me you know where Ellen is.”

“No. You don’t?”

“No.” Dean paced into the room. “She should have been home. She never showed up.”

Joe closed his eyes. He couldn’t believe Ellen still wasn’t around. How long had it been?

Frank stood up from his chair. “Should we worry? I mean, really, it’s Ellen. She probably is off talking to someone.”

Melissa’s soft voice sang into the room as she walked in. “She is. She and George are having a date.” She giggled.

At the same time, with the same expression, Dean and Frank swung their views to Melissa. “A what?”

“Jealous?” Melissa walked to the bed. “I saw her going into George’s house. We spoke. They were having dinner, maybe a drink at the hall. She didn’t call it a date.” Melissa made a notation in Joe’s chart. “But sounds like one to me. And, in my opinion, she needed it.”

Dean looked to Frank. “We have to find them.”

“Yeah.” Frank nodded. “I don’t want El messing with him. I fuckin hate him. And . . . he’s old, Dean.”

“How about we both go look?” Dean suggested.

“Sounds good.”

At that instant they both left the room. Together they ran down the hall and separated as they emerged from the clinic. Dean headed straight to the living section, Frank in another direction.

Even though Dean knew he and Frank were both searching out Ellen for different fears, he was at glad they were both searching her out.

^^^^

George’s house was empty when Dean got there. And being so close to his home, Dean headed back there, hoping against hope, that he and Ellen just crossed paths. And he was right.

He couldn’t have looked anymore grateful if he tried. The moment Dean stepped into the living room and saw Ellen, his arms dropped and he stepped exhaustedly towards her. “El.” His hands went to her face. “God, I was worried.” He kissed her.

“Why?” Ellen asked. “I was just . . .” Her words were cut by another kiss. “Hanging out . . .” She was kissed again. She snickered and pulled away. “Dean. Stop. You hate me. Well, maybe not hate, but you definitely don’t want me.”

“El, I was so worried. Please don’t do that again. Let me know where you’re gonna be.”

Ellen laughed. “Dean, you are really acting strange. I was with George. And really, what could happen to me while I’m with him?”

Dean stared at Ellen as she walked away toward the kitchen. He wanted to tell her all that could happen to her, but he didn’t. He just couldn’t. Not yet. He could only be glad that she was home and she was all right.

^^^^

An arrogant sniff came from George as he leaned into the bar. He brought his drink to his lips and looked at his right to John Matoose. “I know he’s your friend and all.” George stated.

John just lifted his hand. “Frank and Ellen aren’t together. So . . .” He left out a breath. “Possibilities?”

“Very much. We had . . . we had a wonderful romantic time.” George winked. He caught an ear shot of a clearing throat and he looked over John to Len, another security man. “What.”

Len motioned his head to behind George.

Turning back to John and Len, George was face to almost face with Frank.

Frank raised one eyebrow. “Where’s my wife?” He asked strong.

“Home.” George said innocently. “Probably . . . tired, Frank.”

“Stay away from her.”

“She’s not your wife, Frank. She’s moving on.” George stated calmly sounding so sincere. “We had a great evening. Maybe that’s what she needed. I know it’s what I needed.” knowing he wasn’t seen by anyone but Frank, George mouthed the word ‘gulp.’

Frank glared. Eye daggers first then he leaped forth for George and hands grabbed his shirt.

“Frank!” John Matoose, still behind George reached around. “You have to get a grip. All right?” He pulled Frank’s hand from George. “I know Ellen’s your wife, but you guys aren’t together anymore. You can’t be getting mad because someone else is with her.”

George let out a breath and moved back from Frank despite the stare Frank kept on him. “Thank you, John.” George straightened his shirt. “But I’m not worried. Frank doesn’t really care. Ellen said so. He just likes to look the part. Obviously, I mean Dean is still standing.”

John saw it and it warranted another interception from him. “Frank.” He warned. “Go back to work.”

“Fine.” Frank stepped back. “Stay away from her George. Go near her again, I’ll kill you.”

“Frank.” George spoke pacifying. “Stop. I don’t want any more hostility between us all right.” Drink straw in mouth, George faced him, “It’s innocent. And there’s nothing wrong with two people getting together. Ellen came to me. I enjoyed her . . . company.” He winked.

Though Frank was the only one to see George’s fast, oral sex insinuation with that straw, it was enough to drive Frank over the edge. Bodily he dove onto George, blasting the older man back into the bar. John Matoose, Len, Mark, and three other security guys dove up right away, breaking up the confrontation before it got too far.

John blocked Frank from George. “Go, Go back to work.”

George caught his breath and stood upright. He laid his hand on John’s back. “Let it go. A man’s jealousy is always his downfall. But don’t go after me again.”

“Don’t fuckin threaten me.” Frank told him.

“This is not a threat. Go.” George stated as strong, yet as low volume as he could.

Frank gave up. In disgust he shook his head and walked from the social hall. He would deal with Ellen as soon as he saw her in the morning.

George got it together at the bar, instructed everyone to go back to having a good time, and he himself indulged in his drink again. It tasted better to him, sweeter. Perhaps it was the sympathy he got and questions about how he was after the confrontation with Frank. There was something about looking the victim that George just loved. Especially when he was far from being that part.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

It was something Ellen hated to do, pack the school lunch thing. She just couldn’t wake up enough in the morning to deal with who wanted what in their lunches. So she was grateful Dean did. But more so than making the lunches, Ellen hated when the twins forgot them. That meant taking it to them at the school. That meant seeing Jenny Matoose.

Jenny sat behind her teacher’s desk. She knew first thing in the morning Ellen would be by moments after the lunch bell to bring the twins their food. Jam sandwich spread open, eyes peeled to the door, Jenny waited on Ellen. She could still hear John and George’s morning conversation in her living room and how frightened George sounded of Frank. Even though George refused Jenny’s offer of speaking to Ellen about doing something with Frank, Jenny, out of concern wanted to talk to Ellen anyhow. It was the least she could do. George, as leader, didn’t need the stress of Frank.

Jenny watched Ellen walk in, give Billy and Alexandra their weak lunches, then try to make a quick escape.

“Not so fast.” Jenny followed her to the door. “I need to speak to you.”

“No, Jenny you cannot steal my children’s lunches. You have enough.”

Jenny gasped at her. “How dare you insult me? This is serious.”

“And I’m in a rush.” Ellen tried to leave.

“Like always. Darting here and there. This has nothing to do about you. This has to do with Frank.”

Ellen stopped cold and turned around. “I do not discuss Frank with you.”

“Fine.” Jenny snipped. “But either you will convince him to modify his behavior or I will.”

Ellen snickered. “How Frank acts is his business. And go on. You wanna try to get him to modify his behavior, you try. Better yet,” Ellen smiled. “Why don’t you try to convince him by exposing yourself to him again? Fire out one of those big floppy breasts at him.”

Jenny looked so offended when Ellen walked away. She then turned back into the school room and the snickering of the children silenced. All except Alexandra who continued to giggle.

Billy leaned over the lunch table. “Alex. Stop.”

A snorting snicker came from the little girl and she wiped her jam covered mouth to erase the smile. “Sorry. Mommy’s funny.”

^^^^

People could be so predictable, George thought as he stepped into Melissa’s living room. He’d talked to her the past couple days, watching her as she walked from her house, hair still wet from showering, for her noon start at the clinic. Such a pleasant woman, but such a pattern person. He listened, as he moved to the steps, holding on to the railing, and peering upward. He listened until he heard it. The bathroom door shut and the water turning on. Giving her a minute, he began to ascend the steps. She and her shower would help him out more than she knew. Knowing the houses as well as he did, George walked to the smaller bedroom. Just as he anticipated, Marcus was there. His growing little body was asleep in the caged crib. “Hello.” George spoke in a gruff whisper. The child did not respond. His raspy, growling breaths were still so loud and rhythmic. “You, little guy, are going to help out your Uncle George.” With his forefinger and thumb, he flicked forward into the babies ear, causing the sleeping child to awaken with a startled lifting of the head. “Hello.” George wiggled his fingers in a wave and stood up straight. He reached forward turning the latch on the door to the caged crib, opened it slightly, and stepped back. “Bye now. Have fun.”

Knowing what the child would do and knowing what he had to do while that was happening, George snuck back out of Melissa’s house and prepared.

^^^^

Almost as a hover, Ellen leaned over her paperwork as she sat at her desk. Her pencil move frantically. Her knuckles were white from the tight grip she held as she wrote. Every few words she would do it. She’d look up through the tops of her eyes only to Frank who sat in a chair across from her. He did that Frank-thing. Balancing on the hind legs of his chair, legs spread outward, head resting in the cupped hands he held behind him. He watched Ellen quietly… he watched.

“Frank.” She shook her head slightly, looking at him again. “You’ve been sitting here twenty minutes.”

“I know.” He spoke monotone. “I’m still in that wake up phase. I’ll talk in a second.”

“Well, here’s something that will wake you up.” Ellen set down her pencil. “Get ready because Jenny is gonna show you her breasts again.”

“Uh!” Frank shrieked then laughed as he settled his chair to all four legs. “Why is she seducing me again? Aside from the fact that I’m hot.”

Ellen laughed. “Don’t know. She’s says it’s your behavior.”

“Probably fuckin George has her brainwashed. And . . .” Frank leaned forward. “Speaking of George. What exactly did you two do last night?”

“Ate dinner. Had a drink? Why.”

“No, El. What exactly did you two do last night?”

“Ate dinner. Had a drink. Again, why?” Ellen asked calmly.

“El!” Frank raised his voice. “What exactly did you to do last night!”

“God!” Ellen slammed her hand on the desk. “Ate dinner and had a drink? What do you want me to tell you Frank? I blew him?”

Frank screamed and jumped up. “No! Oh! You did!”

“What!” Ellen could barely stand up to follow him she was laughing so hard. “Where are you going? You know I didn’t do that.”

Frank stopped and stared at the door. He let out a loud exhale, probably more dramatic than he should have. Then he acted the emotionally injured part. “I don’t know . . . if I . . . I should believe you. George is… he is highly attractive.”

Again Ellen laughed and grabbed his hand. “Sit back down and pester me. There is something wrong with you.”

The moment Frank felt her hand on his, his heart dropped. He became silent and his head lowered and eyes peeled to her touch of him.

“Frank?” Ellen asked.

“Oh, my God.” The whispering words slipped out with emotions. “This is the first time you’ve touched me in a really long time.” He saw her fingers begin to slip. “Don’t. Please.” He laid his hand over her and his eyes closed as his fingers clenched tightly over hers.

“Frank.” Ellen tugged at her hand. “Can you let go?”

“No, El.” He seemed so consumed.

“Well, how do you propose you’re gonna hug me, if you keep squeezing the hell out of my fingers. Hold me, Frank.”

Frank huffed a small breath. “I don’t think I can let go of your hand.”

“I’d rather you not let go of me.”

Frank knew as soon as their bodies would touch, that wouldn’t even be a question. Not wanting to, he released her hands and stepped into her. As soon as his chest touched her, his hands slid up her arms to her back and he brought Ellen to him, wrapping his arms tightly around her. He held her with his body and soul, closing his eyes, letting his senses feels every area of their met bodies.

He breathed heavily and slowly, swaying his body slightly in the embrace. Legs against legs, chest against chest. His face against her face. His hands extended, reaching upward under her hair and letting it fall on his hand. He slid the palm of his hand to her face. Blindly with his eyes closed, his cheek brushed against hers, his mouth parted, and in almost starvation, he brought his mouth to hers and stopped before they touched.

“Frank?”

He closed his eyes and shook his head, stepping back from her. He placed his index finger to her lips as he bit his bottom lip. “Fuck.” He lifted his headset from his neck to his head and adjusted the microphone. “What?”

Ellen let out a sigh of relief when she knew it wasn’t her.

Frank pressed to the earphone. “What did you say? You’re breaking up.” His eyes widened and he looked at her. “Where? Shit. I’m on my way.”

“Frank what’s wrong?”

“Tower spotted five SUTs crawling their way to the back gate. I have to go.” Frank reached his hand out and touched her face. “Thank you for that.” Hating to leave, Frank backed up and ran from her office. Bolting through the front door of containment he nearly barreled over a frantic looking Melissa.

“Frank!” She cried to him. “Frank, Marcus is gone. He took off again.”

Frank stopped running. “When?”

“While I was in the shower. He got out.”

“O.K.” Frank took a deep breath. “Go in containment. Greg’s in there. Tell him I said to get a crew from town to look!” He yelled as he moved. Frank knew he had to haul his body fast to the back gate. Running as quick as he could, he was barely to the edge of town when he got another call.

“Frank it’s Cole. We have a problem.”

“Shit! What?”

“That kid of Melissa’s is up here. I stopped everything.”

“Catch him.” Frank instructed.

“Catch him? Do you know how fast that thing moves?”

“Um . . . Cole, arm four men now, include a loaded M-203 and send them to the back gate, and tell them stay low in back formation. We have five SUTs at the back gate. But hold off on the gas until my call. I’m almost at the field.” Frank could see it in the distance.

“What about this baby we’re chasing.”

“Get a net or something I don’t care. But whatever you do, contain him to the fields.”

Another minute or two running and Frank would hit the field. He had two situations out of control, and which one would climax first was the question on Frank’s mind.

In the quiet clinic hospital room of Joe’s, George held up a syringe. “You have to love that baby Joe. You really do.” Pushing the plunger, allowing for a drop or two to spill out over the needle, George walked slowly behind Joe. “Of course my forces are helping out immensely in the distraction also.” With a smile, a huge smile, he injected the needle into the back of Joe’s neck.

Frank checked his revolver in his running stride to the field. He would see how the Marcus situation was going and then he’d hit the back gate with his men. As he approached the field house he could see in the distance, the moving corn stocks and heads going in and out. Marcus’ name was being called repeatedly.

Frank spotted the blondeness of his hair. “Cole!”

Cole raised his head. “We can’t find him.”

“Fuck.” Frank ran out to them. “Where did you last see him?”

“Scurrying somewhere in this area.”

“Are the men at the . . .” Frank’s head lifted to the sound of gun fire. “Son of a bitch.”

“I’ll take care of this, go up there.” Cole said.

“I have to.” Frank turned and as he did, he heard one of the men shouting ‘I see him’. Searching to where they indicated, Frank saw in horror as the speeding, moving blur headed straight in the direction he was going--the back gate.

Through the commotion and hustling in the search for Marcus and the attack, Dean did his normal clinic routine. He began prepping to move patients to the safety of containment or the tunnels. Heading into his lab for the patient evacuation sheet, he stopped cold when he heard Henry’s frantic call.

“Dean! Dean, something’s wrong with Joe.” Henry ran to him.

Flying past Henry, Dean raced into Joe’s room. In the chair, Joe was slumped over. “Shit!” Dean tried to lift Joe, as he did he noticed the newest injection site on his neck.

“Dean?” Henry came into the room. “What happened to him?”

“He got him, Henry, he got him again. He used the distraction with Marcus and the SUTs and he came in here.”

“No.” Henry helped Dean move Joe to bed. “He has to be stopped, Dean.”

“We will. We just have to prove it’s him doing this.” Dean covered Joe’s body with a blanket. “I’m sorry about this, Joe. I really am.”

“Dean, what about Frank? It’s gonna kill him to come in here and see this.”

“Yeah, I know. But Frank thinks it’s a virus. That works in our favor. If he gets wind it’s George, Frank will just kill him. And then we’re screwed, because Frank will be gone.” Dean looked one more time to Joe, really feeling bad that he was allowing this to happen.

^^^^

Frank raced. The thoughts of the SUTs, the firing between them and his men, and Marcus headed straight into it, cluttered his mind. Then it hit him as he neared the back gate area. The perimeter. Seeing the baby make his less than a straight line run, Frank’s heart raced. Straight to the fence he crawled, straight in between the line of flying bullets. He had no choice. “Down the back gate.” Frank called to security as he watched a child that moved faster than he. “Hold your fire!” Frank shouted to the men as he ran up behind them. The eight second delay on the fence would take too long for the child that neared it. “Hold your fire!” Frank leaped over their heads holding out his revolver as he did so. Aiming forward to the switch box, he fired twice downing the perimeter with sparks and smoke just as Marcus’ hands touched forward gripping the fence. He rolled on to the ground. “Cover me.”

He crawled on his stomach to the child who sat up and looked out the fence like he was peering through his crib. The gunfire raged above his head, coming from in front of him and behind him. He could see the eyes of one of the SUTs as he closed in on Marcus. Just as his hand reached forward for the little foot, he saw the boots emerge from the trees and a rifle pointed at him. Without hesitation, Frank fired once, hitting the SUT in the head and dropping him.

His fingers grabbed hold of the foot and he dragged the child to him. Scooping him up, Frank rolled with Marcus cradled to his chest away from the fence and into a standing position. He charged forward out of the way of his firing men and away from the fence. As he jumped towards to the safety of the small grade, he felt the searing, burning pain hit his left thigh. He dropped to the ground behind his men. “I’m hit.” He looked at his bleeding thigh. “Here.” He handed the baby to a shooting Doug. “Take him and run. Get him out of here now.”

Doug took Marcus--who seemed to be having fun--and rolled down the grade running back toward the fields.

Frank grabbed the M-203 and loaded it with the chemical can, waiting and watching for Doug to be far enough away. Once he was, Frank turned, “Save you’re ammo.” He told his men, and he raised his weapon, aiming out. Finger to the trigger, he peered through the scope. With the depressing of the trigger and a loud popping sound, Frank released the chemical. The canister could not be seen as it left the gun, but the whistling of it could be heard as it fell into the trees. No more than ten seconds passed and the firing on the other side of the back gate stopped.

Taking a moment to catch his breath and let his heart rate slow from the rush of excitement, Frank laid on his back.

“You O.K.?” One of his men asked.

Frank looked to his thigh. A huge circle of blood formed on the pant leg. “Yeah, flesh wound.” He checked out the seeping of his injury. It didn’t look too bad. “But they fuckin’ ruined my pants.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

The heaviness, the lack of control over his eyelids started to fade. Joe, who had been struggling for some time to open them, did. When his vision came into focus, he wished it hadn’t. George stood there. Joe watched the view of the ceiling lower as his bed was raised to an upright position.

“Right on time, Joe.” George stepped back folding his arms. “Got to hand it to you, my goodness do you look like shit.” He lifted his pant leg and sat on the edge of the bed. “Created quite the diversion today. It almost was better than anticipated. Frank got shot. No, no, don’t concern yourself he’s fine. But not for long. My plan is coming along nicely. I have my forces building and no one knows. I’ve been keeping them fed and again, no one knows.” George stood up walking to the foot of the bed leaning in. “Frank is an obstacle. I am very close to having him gone. Once he’s gone, the rest falls into place. Dean and Ellen are working on the password. BOOM! Then all that’s left will be Henry.” George shook his head. “Poor Henry, I liked him at first. Now he’s on my nerves. Gone.” His hand flew about. “But Frank.” George looked down at his watch. “He has a short fuse. That’s works in my favor. Pretty soon he should be igniting that fuse again. If this doesn’t do it, next week’s attack will. ‘Cause you know he’ll blame me. Blame me, come after me, and then he’s out. He really doesn’t have the proof to back his words or actions.” George tapped him on the foot. “Maybe I’ll get lucky and my men will actually win their attack. Not that I think they will, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed.” George showed Joe his two twisted together fingers. They matched his mind. “Maybe I can distract Frank enough to let them get ahead of Beginnings. Heck, maybe I’ll even get really lucky and Frank will get killed next week . . .” George’s expression dropped when he saw Joe’s eyes shift almost in a panic. Shifting his own eyes to the door, he saw what Joe was trying to do. Trying to warn the innocent that just walked in. “Josh.” George spoke softly and calm.

Josh stared wide eyed at George and backed up.

“Not so fast.” George stood up, placing a firm hold on the boy’s shoulder. “Coming to see Pap?”

Josh tried to move. George’s grip was tight and fear of the leader filled him.

“Take a walk with me, Josh. You and I have to talk.” George holding tightly to Josh’s shoulder clenched his fingers into Josh’s skinny arm. He stopped at the door looking back at Joe. “God, is my luck with me.”

Joe could only see so far and George was gone. Filled with total agony and frustration, Joe closed his eyes and prayed. There was nothing else he could do but pray to God that Frank caught up to George before Josh paid the price for so innocently walking in a room at the wrong time.

^^^^

“All fixed.” Henry spoke as he walked into Frank’s office. “How’s that leg?”

“Better.” Frank rocked back and forth in the chair. “Will it hold?”

“I’m hoping. It’s not the right switch box but maybe if you put an extra tower guard on tonight and a back gate guard on, we’ll be fine until I make a new one.”

“Good thing you can do that shit.” Frank stood up.

“Hey, I’m Henry. What can I say?” Just as Henry was going to sit, Cole walked in. “Hi Cole.”

“Frank.” Cole looked desperate. “We have a couple of problems.”

“A couple?” Frank raised his eyebrows. “What are they?”

“I was discussing with Dan about the scouting party. He told me that George told him that it was canceled.”

“Mistake.” Frank waved his hand. “No way. I wouldn’t cancel it, and neither would George, especially after today. No, don’t worry about it. If asshole George did, he’ll change his mind. He better. What’s the other problem?”

“George again. I can’t get into distribution. The locks were changed.”

Frank quickly shifted his view to Henry. “Did you do that?’

Henry shook his head. “I don’t know anything about it.”

Frank looked back to Cole. “Are you sure?”

“Positive. I got that straight from the horse’s mouth. Take a look.” He handed Frank his clipboard. “Yesterday I was told by George to cut rations. I told him there was no reason to. He said cut them or don’t distribute. I refused. Guess what?”

Frank reviewed the distribution order while trying to remaining calm. He reached into his desk, grabbed his huge key chain and hooked it on his belt. “We’ll see about this. Let’s go.” He walked ahead of Cole and out his door.

As a safeguard, Henry though busy, followed behind.

^^^^

It wasn’t how cute Dean looked in those baggy jeans he wore, that raced through Ellen’s mind as she walked into the cryo-lab. Though it did cross it, the way he had to keep them on him with a belt the same as she did. And she did snicker at him reaching up like a little kid to things placed too high above his head. But what took over her thoughts was why in the world was Dean so engrossed over a bunch of motionless rabbits. “Hey Dean.” Ellen snuck up behind him.

“Hi El.” He opened the second cage checking out its occupants.

“Boy, I have to tell you.” Ellen peered over his shoulder. “Whatever you gave these rabbits sure did the trick. The last one is starting to quiver. After effects or is he coming to?”

“I think.” Dean looked into the last cage. “Coming to. He had the least amount.”

“This stuff is really cool. You know what we should do?”

“I’m afraid to ask.” Dean kept busy, examining his friends.

“We should give a dose to Henry and put him somewhere really weird. Or better yet. We should give a dose to Jenny Matoose, undress her and put her in bed with Os-Oscar. Let her wake up next to him.”

Dean started to laugh. “That’s funny, El. But the attack put us behind.” He pointed to the computer. “Work.”

“Mr. Serious, I see.” Ellen headed over to the computers. “Hey, Dean? Do you think Frank got aroused when Jenny Matoose exposed herself to him? She said he did and plans to do it again. Do you?”

“Do I what?”

“You aren’t paying attention to me.” She opened the dictionary and began to type. “Think Frank got aroused?”

“No.” Dean shook his head then pulled a rabbit from the fourth cage. “I think Frank was probably overwhelmed at the moment by the abundance of flesh that was standing before him.” He heard Ellen swear. “Wrong word?”

“Wrong word, strike one. Back to Jenny. She tells me that she truly expected Billy to be a lot more . . . son of a bitch.”

“Strike two?”

“Yep.”

Dean knew if there was a third strike, he’d hear the worse language yet. But he was getting used to it. He waited for it. Momentarily, it would happen.

“Oh yes, I’m in.”

“No way?” Dean ran back. “What did you type in?”

“Indonesia. Go figure. Hey want to guess what it’s about?”

“Um . . .” Dean took a moment. “Food?”

“Let’s see.” Ellen waited for the file to appear. “Dean. Oh, my God. You’re right.”

“They really are too easy with these. Print that up.”

“Easy for you. You aren’t pounding in the words. I’m getting good at spelling though.” Ellen started the printing sequence, cringing at the loud printer. “God, these take forever to print up.”

“You’re right.” Dean walked to the printer, adjusting the paper so it came out correctly. “Hey, while this is printing, you want to take a ride with me?”

“Gees Dean where? The store?” Ellen giggled.

“No. Jason has more rabbits. You up to it? We can check out that time machine.” He raised his eyebrow.

“Sure why not. I’ll see if he can find time to fix my watch, too.”

“El . . . never mind. Let’s go.” Letting the rest of the report print up. Dean walked with Ellen from the lab.

^^^^

Frank banged the padlock on the door in frustration. “Son of a bitch, he did change the lock.”

“Problem?” George poked his head between Frank and Cole.

Henry stepped in, reaching out. “George you can’t change the locks on the doors without council approval.”

“Yeah I can.” George pulled from Henry’s grip. “Cole. Did you see my changes on the food distribution?”

Cole shook his head. “George I have to disagree. We have plenty, more than we need. There isn’t any reason to cut rations. I won’t do it.”

“Then you don’t get in.” George stepped back.

Cole turned to Frank who seemed to be turning red. “Frank. What am I supposed to do? I have twenty-two people showing up in an hour for their rations. I can’t get in here.”

“Step back.” Frank moved Cole from the way, pulled out his revolver and fired once at the padlock. “Now you can.” He dropped it to the ground, opening the door to distribution. “George, next time, you seek council approval first. Locks are my division, not yours.” Frank’s angry words spoke to him.

“Then the next time you want supplies to take a group of men out on a goose chase, you get my approval.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Frank stepped to him.

“Your scouting party. It’s a waste.”

“Excuse me!” Frank shouted to a walking away George. “Asshole!”

Henry cringed. “Frank, please.” He held his hand out.

Frank moved Henry’s hand from his way, marching to George. “Asshole. I’m talking to you. Did you miss what happened today? Five SUTs. Five showed up.”

“Then you probably took out the rest of them. No scouting party.” George stated.

“Bullshit. That party will go out!”

“Then it will go out without supplies!” George’s voice was rough and raspy as he held his hand out firm in a point. “Back away, Frank. I run the community, which means I run you! And if you don’t watch your step . . .”

“Yeah, yeah.” Frank’s head bobbed back and forth. “You’re gonna kick me out. Old story. Get your shit together.”

“Get your shit together, Frank. I make final decisions.”

“Decisions you’re not capable of!” Frank argued loudly. “Something tells me you aren’t in the right frame of mind.”

“No.” George spun to him. “I’ll tell you who’s not in the right frame of mind. Joe. And if it wasn’t for you and your loud mouth, this community would see how much better it would be without his tyrant ass running things!”

Dean saw it as soon as they emerged. The smile from his face fell when he saw Frank. “Shit.” He took off running when he saw Frank drop his shoulder harness and charge full force to George who was reaching for his own revolver. “Frank no!”

Frank caught sight of a running Dean as his hands reached forward, and George drew his revolver in defense.

“Frank, no!” Dean leaped forward giving it all he had, charging into the wall of strength that nearly grabbed George. “Don’t.”

“Back off, Dean, you don’t know what he said.” Frank pressed ahead.

“Frank.” Dean put his face close to Frank’s speaking lowly. “Don’t, don’t go after him.” He tried with all of his small body’s weight to keep Frank back. “Don’t.”

“Dean . . .”

“No, Frank, listen.” Another inch, Dean managed to get him back another inch. “Don’t give him what he wants. He wants you out. We need you. He’ll shoot you or oust you. You have no solid reason to take him down.” He saw Frank kept staring at George. “If you make this mistake, this will be the last time you see the inside of these walls. Trust me.”

Frank stepped back a foot and took the shoulder harness handed to him by Henry. He closed his eyes and shook his head. “Is it me? Why do I feel like I’m going overboard.”

“No Frank, it’s not you. But this won’t be for long. I promise you, not for long.” Dean finally dropped the hand that pressed against Frank’s chest. “Walk away. It’ll be over soon.”

Frank clenched his jaws and adjusted his harness. His hand swung outward past Dean, pointing to George. “You’re lucky. But let one person in this community get hurt because of your lack of judgment and you’re done.” Frank stepped further back. “You’re done.” With his warning, Frank turned and walked away.

Along with the breath he held, Dean let his shoulders drop in relief. The tension of the moment had ceased. Silence engulfed. The calm before the storm. Dean braced himself. The rising conflict between Frank and George wasn’t over, it was merely on pause.

^^^^

It was an outburst of laughter during their walk on the semi-empty streets of Beginnings. Frank walked behind Ellen, staying almost close enough to touch. His hands were folded behind his back, as he spoke to her and leaned down to her. His face reflected the happiness he felt as he took an evening walk with her.

“Frank, I can’t believe you remembered that.” Ellen shook her head, still laughing.

“Please, that was our first vacation. We had what? Sixty dollars between us, so we hopped in the car and drove, and when we were halfway out of money we came back home.”

“Where did we end up?”

Frank scratched the bridge of his nose thinking. “Wasn’t it Barnesville Ohio or something?” He shrugged. “I don’t know. It was fun.” He noticed they approached Dean’s house. “This was fun.”

“We just talked.” Ellen stopped walking.

“No. You talked me through a bad time. It took hours, but you did it.” Frank leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I just wished you would have told me sooner how hard George was coming down on you. Maybe I wouldn’t have performed sexually favors on him.” She snickered.

With a breath, Frank shook his head. “Can you believe he insinuated that to me? He’ll deny it, you know that.”

“Yeah, but I believe you.” Ellen’s voice softened. “I always believe you.”

“You’re the only one. And . . .” Frank tapped his hand on the iron railing. “Go in. I have to get home. Josh should be back from his little perimeter shift.”

“Tell him I said hello.” Ellen stepped up the first step. “Goodnight, Frank.”

Reaching out, Frank slid two fingers across her cheek as he stepped back with a slight smile and a wink. “Night.”

Ellen stood on the step watching Frank until he disappeared from her view.

Two words came to Dean’s mind as he lay on his bed, pillows propped up behind him, reading a book--She’s back?. He lowered the book to the sound of footsteps walking up his stairs. He peered at the clock. “No way.” His eyes shifted to the bedroom door. “El?”

“Dean?” Ellen smiled, mocking him.

“Everything O.K.? I mean, with Frank. You’re back awfully early.”

“He wanted to get home. But . . . he’s doing better.” She sat on the bed and took off her shoes. “What are you reading?” She scooted up on the bed sitting next to him.

“A book on DNA.” He saw the less than impressed look on her face.

Ellen grabbed the book from his hand and began to flip pages. “Dean, this is not light reading.”

“Why are you back? You’ve never come home early when you were with him before.”

“It’s a new me.” She gave him back his book then rolled on her side to face him. “And what did you think? I’d calm him down with sex?” She saw he didn’t answer. “Dean. We’re building. Remember?”

“Ah, yes.” Dean nodded, rolled his body some and opened the night stand. He pulled out Rev. Bob’s book. “Your instruction manual. On . . . friendship.”

Ellen took the book. “And isn’t Frank witty with that, no ‘I’ in friendship.”

“Yeah. A pip. I thought of that you know.”

“You did not.” Ellen laughed hitting Dean with the paperback. “Look at us, Dean. Reading in bed like the old married couple. Aren’t we cute?” Ellen propped the pillow behind her.

“Which one of us sleeps on the couch tonight?” Dean asked.

“You don’t have to. You can sleep right next to me. As long as you don’t try to cuddle and surprise me.” She raised one eyebrow.

Dean started to laugh, but stopped when he heard Frank’s voice.

“El!” he yelled from downstairs.

Ellen faced the door. “Up here.”

Dean sat up. “No, don’t tell him up here. We’re on the bed. He’s gonna get . . . Hey Frank.”

“Dean.” Frank approached Ellen, his face looked different. He looked worried. “Is Josh here?”

“No.” Ellen asked as she slid off the bed walking around to him. “Frank what’s wrong?”

“I had him scheduled to work until ten. I went home. He’s not there. I called John Matoose. He said Josh never showed for his shift.”

“Frank, calm down.” Ellen placed her hands on his arms. “What could have happened to him? This is Beginnings.”

“No. How could I do this?” Frank shook his head. “How could I not check on him all day?”

Ellen closed her eyes. “A lot has happened. When is the last time you saw him?”

“Um.” Frank tried to think. “I saw him right before two. He was stopping to see my dad. I have to find him.” Saying no more, Frank turned and left the bedroom.

Ellen and Dean followed him.

As Ellen reached the last step, she ran forward stopping Frank from going out the door. “Frank, is there any chance he could have left like I did?”

“No El. Especially not today. Things are tightly watched. I have to find him.” Frank looked panicked. “I have a bad feeling El. A really bad feeling. This isn’t like Josh. God!” Frank ran his hand harshly across his face. “I feel like the worst parent. What if he’s hurt, El? What if he’s fallen and he’s laying somewhere hurt? What if he’s been laying there for hours, hoping someone can help him?” He saw Dean through the corner of his eyes, grabbing his coat. “What are you doing?”

“I’m going to help you look for him” Dean straightened his jacket collar. “If by some slim chance he is hurt, you’ll need me. Get some flashlights, Frank. We’ll search for him until we find him. All night if we have to. And I’m not letting you refuse my help.”

“I’m not.” Frank held his hand out to Ellen, placing it on her cheek. “I’ll be back.”

Ellen grabbed his hand holding it to her face. “You guys will find him. He’ll be fine.”

“He has to be El, or I’ll never forgive myself.” He kissed her quickly and headed to the door. “Ready, Dean?”

“Yep.” Dean looked back one more time at Ellen then followed Frank out. He saw it, though she hid it well from Frank. Dean saw the look in Ellen’s eyes. She too was worried.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Frank squinted his tired eyes to the eastern sky. The sky was just starting to grow light as he and Dean finished their climb to the top of the eastern section. “Josh!” Frank called out. His voice was losing its enthusiasm and gaining raspiness from calling out all night.

“You think he’s up here?” Dean asked. A slip of the rocks and his foot slid to his right.

“I don’t know.” Frank looked around. “Josh! . . . Where else can he be? We’ve checked everywhere. We’ve been searching for almost seven hours. This is the last place.”

“But what would he be doing up here?”

Frank shrugged. “Maybe hiding. He does that once in a while, but he always comes when I call. Josh!”

“I can’t believe no one has seen him since yesterday afternoon. He has to be somewhere for crying out loud, this is . . . ” With the sound of shuffling feet, Dean cried out as the rocky hillside began to give away and he slipped right along with the rocks that let loose. It all happened so fast. Feeling the terrifying helplessness of air beneath his feet, Dean, in a desperate attempt to stop his fall, reached up. His fingers clenched immediately to the ground above him gripping with a hold he did not have completely.

“I have you.” Frank’s strong hand wrapped immediately around his wrist. “I told you it was dangerous.”

“You aren’t kidding. I could have been killed.”

“Nah, it’s only fifteen feet. Just crippled.” Frank began to pull him up.

“That’s good to know.” Feeling brave enough, Dean looked down see how far he was from the ground. “Oh my God. Stop.”

“Stop?”

“Lower me Frank.” Dean’s spoke with a drop to his voice.

“Why would I . . .”

“Lower me down there.”

No. No! Frank’s heart raced. It pounded so loudly in his ears that every other sound around him became lost in a distance. It couldn’t be. As he slid his stomach forward on the ground to lower Dean, his eyes peered over the small cliff and he saw what Dean saw. There close to the edge, at the bottom of the rocky hillside, buried partially under dust and small rocks, was Josh. Josh lay on his side, one arm above his head, his eyes closed. “No!” Frank released Dean. “No.” Lifting himself to a kneel, Frank pounded his fist to the ground. He dropped his head in sadness, his forehead pressing against the cold hard earth.

Dean stumbled as he picked himself up running over to Josh. A sickening feeling hit him as he knelt, brushing away the rocks and dirt from Josh’s bruised and bloodied face. “Frank!”

“Don’t tell me. Please don’t tell me.”

“Frank, I need you down here. He’s alive!”

Frank peered over the cliff. Dean looked back up at him, a smile on his face as he lifted Josh’s head. Frank immediately slid his body over and dropped down. In a tripping, yet excited manner, he raced over to Dean. His trembling hand reached down and touched Josh’s face.

“He’s alive, Frank. He’s alive!”

^^^^

It was so loud in the early morning silence of Beginnings. Henry could hear her. He knew it was Ellen. The thumping sound. Soles of her shoes hitting against the pavement. Steady, moving fast, growing louder, and then he saw her. Ellen was running, running faster than he had ever seen her. He moved from the front of the clinic to meet her in the street. “El . . .”

“Henry, where is he?” She asked in a panic.

“They’re on their way with him.”

“Oh, my God.” She held up her bangs looking out into the empty street. “What happened?”

“El.” Henry pulled her into him. “Let’s go inside.”

“I can’t.” She moved tighter into him, trying to stop her body from shaking. “I knew when they didn’t come back something was wrong. Henry, what did they tell you?”

“The same thing I told you. They found him and were bringing him to the clinic.” He pulled her back slightly. “Let’s go in and wait.” He slid his hand down to hers, grabbing it.

Ellen knew as soon as they stepped into the clinic doors and saw Andrea and Jason waiting, wearing scrubs, that it was bad. “Andrea.” She released Henry’s hand. “What did they tell you? Please tell me.”

“Ellen, Dean said he’s been hurt bad. He’s unconscious and they were bringing him in.”

“Oh no.” Ellen covered her face.

“Calm down we don’t . . .” The crashing of the clinic doors drew both of their attention. Frank came pummeling in, Josh in his arms.

Ellen ran up to him, panic hit her as she saw Josh’s arms dangling over Frank’s. “Frank, Frank is he . . .”

Frank shook his head, laying Josh on the cart.

Andrea immediately, penlight in hand began to examine Josh. “Dean, what do we have?”

“Pulse and respiration are weak. Major fall, Andrea.” Dean took off his coat and stood next to her. “Three, maybe four broken ribs. Left lung punctured. Head injury and definite sign of internal bleeding.”

Andrea placed her stethoscope to his chest. “You’re right about the lung. Left one is gone. Let’s get him down to O.R. Stat. Get cleaned up, Doctor. Jason and I will begin.”

“Right away.” Dean began to follow, but was stopped by Frank.

“Dean. Thank you.”

“No problem, Frank.”

“Dean, take care of my kid. Please.”

With a closed mouth, Dean nodded and backed up.

Ellen could barely breathe as she watched Dean run down toward the operating rooms. There wasn’t a part of her body that didn’t shake, inside or out. Seeing Josh, so helpless, so motionless, broke Ellen’s heart. As her head dropped, she felt Frank’s hand lay firm on her shoulder. Silently, she turned to him, and fell into his arms.

With so much worry, Frank and Ellen did the only thing they could do . . . wait.

^^^^

“Here’s where we stand.” Dean, still wearing his operating room garb, approached an anxious and waiting Ellen and Frank. “Josh is stable but he’s far from out of the woods. We controlled the internal bleeding. But our main concern right now is the head injury. He has a fractured skull and now there is some swelling around the brain. We’ve relieved some of the pressure, but right now it’s just a wait and pray situation. I’m sorry.”

Frank raised his eyes. “Will he die, Dean?”

Dean didn’t answer.

Ellen did. “No Frank. They did everything they could. He’s gonna be fine. I believe that. I really believe that.” She clung tightly to his arm.

“Right now . . .” Dean continued. “They’re bringing him to a room. You can see him, but I think you, Frank, should go home and get some sleep.” He saw Frank shake his head. “Don’t argue with me. While everything is stable, you rest. You still have this community to protect and you aren’t going to be any good walking around like a zombie.”

Frank took a deep breath. “Maybe you’re right. But how could this much happen to him? It wasn’t that far of a drop.”

“I was hoping you could answer that.” Dean said. “You know the area. Is there anywhere up there he could have gotten hurt, then when he was trying to make it back to us, he fell down the hill?”

“Possibly.” Frank answered. “I uh, I can’t think now. But why do you ask that?”

“The fractured skull, broken ribs, hip injury, they all are on the left side. Indicating he fell on that side. I mean, that’s the side he was laying on. So . . .” Dean paused with question in his eyes. “Where did the injuries from the right come from? He has a lot of them. We think he fell up there somewhere and stumbled over that hillside.”

Frank raised his hands. He didn’t have an answer or a comment for Dean. At that moment he couldn’t think. His mind was too filled up with how Josh was right there and then.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Finding Josh the day before. Joe’s lack of recovery. Frank’s lack of sleep and inability to concentrate on his work. All things that made George smile. He held his loaded revolver as he took his position. He peered at the second hand of his watch as it moved in a clicking motion to the twelve. George was ready. It was perfect. It was time.

^^^^

Dean stopped in his stride as he walked into Josh’s room. Frank stood at the foot of the bed, holding on to the edge, watching the young boy. “Frank, you look like shit.”

Frank shifted his eyes, eyes that were usually dark, were even darker. “Thanks.”

“Have you been sleeping at all?”

“Yeah.” Frank reached forward grabbing Josh’s foot. “No change?”

“I wouldn’t say that. The swelling on the brain has gone down. It’s a good sign.” Dean closed one eye and nodded. “I really think he’ll come to in another day or so.”

Frank’s face finally smiled. “Really?”

Dean held up two crossed fingers. “Let’s hope.” He stepped back. “I’ll leave you alone . . . oh.” He snapped his finger. “I apologize. I do have good news. I think, no, I know, Joe is starting to get feeling in his right little finger. I was touching him with the lance and it twitched.”

“You think he’s coming back?”

“Yes I do. I’ve been checking his blood levels. That . . . virus seems to be decreasing in strength.”

“You aren’t giving up on that, are you? I mean, even if my dad beats it, someone else may not be strong enough to.”

That thought had never occurred to Dean. The thought that George could possibly do it to someone else. “No Frank. I’m not giving up on it. I think you need a pick me up. Why don’t you come with me and I’ll show you Joe’s progress.”

“Yeah. I’d like that.” He squeezed Josh’s foot one more time and followed Dean. He stopped dead in his tracks when his he got the call.

Breaking up a bit, they called to him and Frank knew by the tone of their voices something had happened. “Frank. Frank this is tower one!”

Frank held his hand out, telling Dean to wait. “Yeah. I take it you see a SUT?”

“No Frank, not just a SUT, many. Frank. God, Frank, there has to be thirty, or forty. They just broke through the front tunnel gate.”

“Fuck!” Frank spun in a circle. “How . . . how did . . .”

“Somehow they downed the perimeter. They came from nowhere.”

“Lower the hatch.” Frank ordered.

“Can’t. It’s somehow . . . jammed. ETA three minutes.”

“Son of a bitch!” Frank switched to all call. “Squad four, Squad four. Take your positions at the front and STAT. Greg, Greg, come in.”

“Yeah, Frank. I’m on my way.” Greg called out.

“Greg. We have them coming through the tunnel. Fire at will. I repeat, Fire at will.” Frank took off running down the hall.

“Frank.” Dean followed him. “What can we do?”

“We have . . .” Frank stopped walking again holding tight to the earphone. “Yes Tower two.”

“Frank.” Steve called out. “They’ve taken out the back gate. Fifteen maybe twenty and they have a truck. They just rolled right in.”

Shaking his head in disgust, he had to stop and think. “Cole did you hear.”

“I already have my men arming up. They’ll be ready.”

“Excellent. But if the gas does not work, pull out. We’ll take them out in town. And move the field workers not immune to the stuff out of there.” With heart racing, Frank thought of the next move. “Squad five. Head to center town on the double. Meet me and John at the armory. Now!” Frank looked down at his watch. “Dean.” He faced him. “Anyone in the front of this building, move them to the back now. Get ready on the outside chance we have casualties.”

“I’ll do that. What about the people working in town?”

“I’ll send a man out to tell them to stay put. That gas of yours should stop them from going any further. Shit! How did they break the perimeter?” With the glass doors to the clinic not far from them, Frank switched the channel on the radio to the monitor room.

“Oh Henry let me see.” Ellen walked with him from the containment building.

“No, El.” He slipped a small cloth wrapped item in his front pocket. “I worked really hard on that transmitter. You’re gonna have to wait until we get to the clinic and see.”

“Will it work? Will we be able to locate Marcus if he speeds away again?”

“That’s what I’m hoping. Although I don’t . . .” Henry’s expression dropped when he heard the sound of gunfire and it didn’t seem to be in the distance. It seemed close. “What the hell?”

Frank heard the gunfire too. He looked with oddity as his hands reached for the double glass doors. “That sounded close.”

“Real close.” Dean commented.

“Status, someone get me a status,” Frank called out. There was a pause of silence. “There shouldn’t be gunfire. They’re using the gas. . . . Status!”

A hiss in his ear, then a panicked voice. “This is Dan. Frank . . . Frank . . . ten of them just came up from the tunnels. They’re shooting like mad.”

With a fling of the clinic doors Frank barreled out, revolver held high.

“Henry?” Ellen saw the look on his face, then saw something else. “Oh shit.”

Henry looked to where she pointed. A SUT, aiming high, pointed their way. Reaching for his own revolver from his waist, Henry stepped in front of Ellen when it happened. A shot fired out. Before Henry could even draw his weapon, it nailed into him with such force it was like a blast of red water sprang out from the right side of his chest. His hand began to topple the weapon and it finally dropped from his grip when his body took another hit. Blood sprayed outward from the close range impact. Jolting, Henry began to fall as another bullet seared into his right thigh. As he fell to his knees, he heard Ellen scream. He looked up to see the SUT aiming for his final blow. And in one sight, one blurry sight, he watched the head of the SUT explode as he hit the pavement and felt Ellen cover her body over his.

“Henry.” She covered him, running her hand over his head. “Henry. Oh God. Answer me.”

Frank saw another heading toward them like the SUT he just dropped, Frank swung to his right, aiming like only Frank could do and taking him too, out with one shot. “El!” That was where he had to be. Gun fire rang out all around. He raced over to her as she lay protectively over Henry.

“Frank.” Her words tearful. “Help him.”

Her slowly raising eyes held warning to Frank. The horror, the fear. He spun around, weapon ready just in time. Firing once, he took out the ensuing soldier. Relieved, he spotted Dan. “Dan! Henry’s down!” Frank checked in every direction. Where was the firing coming from?

“We couldn’t get into armory.” Dan raced to them. “John Matoose got held up in the field. Our men are at a loss without weapons. So I sent them to the field and front gate to help.”

“Good thinking.” Frank reached to Ellen and she swiped him away.

“I took out two,” Dan stated bending down for Henry.

“I got three . . .” Frank fired. “Make that four.” He reached his hand down to Ellen. “El, get up. And run back to containment. Now!”

“No.” She argued. She rose up so Dan could lift a motionless Henry. “I’m going to the clinic.”

“El, go back. Now!” Frank ordered her. “Now!”

“No.” She charged past him following Dan.

“Son of a bitch.” Frank reached out to her, swept her up into his arms and spun to containment. “I told you to go to where it was . . .” On his fourth step with her he felt it, the painful shot to his shoulder. “Fuck, now I’m hit again.” He raced toward containment. “If you would have just . . .” His eyes opened in horror as Ellen’s head slumped. The bullet passed through him and hit her. Blood poured from her head “No!” Feeling her arm drop, Frank raced with his heart back to the clinic. As he reached for the doors, the force of another shot to his arm knocked him forward, nearly causing him to drop her. Adjusting Ellen, he fled inside. “Dean!”

Dean heard the panicked call of Frank as he was examining Henry. “Andrea take over.” He raced to the hall and saw. He felt as if every bit of his insides hit the floor. “No! No!”

“Dean.” Frank’s breathing was so heavy, so rattled. “She’s hit.”

“No.” Dean reached out and all he saw was her hair…her blonde hair turned red. He saw the blood on Frank. “Please tell me this is your blood, not hers.”

Frank raised his sad eyes to meet Dean’s. “Both.”

“This way.” Scared, Dean led him to an examining room. “Lay her down.”

“Dean is she?”

Dean’s hands went immediately to her head, moving frantically her wet bloodied hair that stuck to her. Finding her wound sent a message to Frank. Dean’s shoulders dropped, he let out a breath of alleviation as he clutched her face and dropped his head to hers. “It grazed her.”

Frank’s eyes closed. “Thank God.”

“She’ll be all right.” Dean stood up then looked to Frank’s wounds. “You’ve been hit.”

“Twice.” Frank began to reload his weapon. “Stay with her. I have to take them out.” His back slammed open the door as he charged through it. Racing loudly, boots stomping, Frank was ready when he stepped out of the clinic. “The gas.” He called into his radio. “The gas. Have we used it yet? Someone answer me.”

Cole’s voice began breaking up. “We got them at the back. All secure, Frank. They just dropped like flies.”

“Yes.” Frank moved out into the street, turning in circles looking around. “Front gate?”

“Dead. They’re all dead.”

Through the gun fire still rang out in town, Frank dodged shots, covered his head, and ran down to the armory. Unlocking the steel door as he fumbled to the keys, Frank opened it just as a high pitched impact dented the steel frame not inches from his head. Inside he found them quickly, an M-203 and a box of Dean’s chemical. Loading up the weapon and taking extra cans, Frank ,with animalistic rage, burst into the street holding the weapon high. Aiming up, he depressed the trigger to his weapon. With a pop of the gas can, Frank, like a second hand to a watch, spun quickly to his right, loaded another can, fired, and spun again. He turned full circle until he used them all. The silence of the shooting bullets, the silence of Beginnings told him they had won. At least this time they had. Lowering the gun, and trying to comprehend the rush that just happened, Frank headed back to the clinic. Crossing the street he finally saw what had transpired in the sanctity of his home. Two men lay shot in the street, numerous SUTs lay disintegrating on the ground. He could see, the closer he made it to the clinic, the dripping remains from one of their enemy slide from the roof down the side of the library building. Sickened in his heart and soul, he reached for the clinic doors. As he did, a jeep pulled up, John Matoose drove, Cole in the seat next to him.

“Frank.” John jumped out. “I need help. I have three shot here.”

Frank stepped back down, walking emotionless, still in a state of shock, he lifted one of the injured men from the jeep. Carrying him inside, Frank’s head dropped. He wasn’t even feeling the pain from his arm. He had to take a moment to figure out how it happened. How did they break the perimeter? A perimeter many have tried to conquer before. How did they gather without notice and make their approach without ever being seen. Everything was done with ease. Too much ease. Beginnings was ready. Too ready. Moving down the hall, his chest heavy with each footstep he took to find Ellen, Frank searched for the answers. His gut called to him what those answers were. His instincts finally told him the cause of it all. Or rather . . . who was the cause.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

“Hold still.” Jason hit Frank on the side of the head with the tweezers. “I’m almost done.”

“Just hurry.”

“I’m moving as fast as I can. If you wouldn’t have taken so long to come in here, these would come out easier.”

“I had things to handle.”

“Got it.” Jason paused, holding up the casing to his eye level. He stared at it briefly then dropped it into the basin. It clinked loudly.

“How’s my wife?”

“Ellen is fine. She’s come to.” Jason reached for the sutures. “Dean just went back to her to get her cleaned up.”

“How’s Henry?”

“Surprisingly well. He handled the surgery remarkably.” Jason dabbed some blood away from Frank’s wound. “He should be out of the anesthetic soon.” He began to stitch. “He’s a very lucky man. It could have been worse. The one to the upper chest area left minimal damage. His leg will give him some trouble for years to come.” He finished up. “May I ask you something Frank, without setting you off?”

“You can try.”

“O.K.” Jason stepped before him folding his arms. “Being that we have known these scientist want Beginnings to rebuild their own population. And knowing that they had the capabilities to make more SUTs as you call them, why, when we took out the Colorado site, did we not take out New Mexico?”

“We were going to then my Dad got sick. George canceled our raid. He said it wasn’t necessary. And I warned him. I warned him this was coming. He canceled every defense idea I had. Shot them down. He was so sure they weren’t attacking that he refused to let us do anything that could stop them. Seems George was so determined to bring me down, he was allowing Beginnings to be set up in the . . .” Frank slid from the table. “Fuck. Fuck.”

“What’s wrong?”

Frank began to pace. “I can’t believe how stupid I have been.”

“Frank, what . . .”

“I have to take care of something.” Frank grabbed his shirt and walked to the door. “Thanks, Jason. Thanks for the voice of reason.”

“The voice of . . .” Jason jumped when the door slammed. “ . . . reason? I don’t think I made you reasonable. I think I worked you up.” He grabbed the basin that held Frank’s bullet. “Just like Dean said.” He held it up with the tweezers. “Better let him know I got another one.”

^^^^

Frank headed to the regular rooms of the clinic. He had made a pass to see Ellen but she was still being worked on. Wanting to put the waiting time to good use, Frank walked into Henry’s room. He had to see him. “Hey.” Frank spoke softly as he neared the bed. Henry was sleeping. “Just wanted to check on you. I’ll be back.”

“Frank?” Henry spoke sounding groggy and raspy. He opened his eyes slightly. “What’s up?”

“Henry.” With a smile Frank moved closer. “How are you feeling?”

Henry grunted and his eyes barely opened. “I’ve been better. Did we get them?”

“Yep. All of them. Not without injuries though. Henry, I want to tell you something. I want to tell you how proud I am of you. I saw what you did. I saw how you stood in front of my wife. You saved her life. And I will never forget that. Ever.” Frank reached down and grabbed his hand. “I wouldn’t have her if it wasn’t for you. However . . . she still got shot in the head when I was carrying her.”

“Oh my God.” Henry’s eyes opened.

“She’s fine. Figures though, she has such a hard head the bullet reflected right off of it.” Frank smiled. “I’ll let you rest.”

“Thanks.” Henry closed his eyes.

“One more thing, if I can talk to you about it . . . Henry? Henry? Henry, I’m talking to you. Quit falling asleep.”

“Frank please, I’ve been shot.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right. I’ll stop by later. I’ll run it by Dean and see . . .” Frank saw that Henry had passed out again. Shrugging, he left the room, to go back to Ellen.

^^^^

John Matoose reviewed the status reports of the men as he reached for the door knob of Joe’s office. “George.” He called out, eyes still peered to the sheet as he walked in. “I have those . . .” His head lifted. “Holy mother of God.” The office was in total disarray. “George?”

A moan came from the floor.

“George!” John ran over to him, he saw his bleeding head. “What happened?” He helped George to his feet.

“Frank.” George grabbed his head. “I must have passed out. He came in here raging. He blamed me for the attack. John, he went crazy. He tore up the office and threw me around.”

“No.” John’s shoulder’s dropped. “How could he do this?”

“He’s lost it. I want him gone now. You know the rules. You go get him. You are now head of security. You get him so we can throw his ass out of here.”

“George are you . . .”

“Now!” George struggled. “Get six or seven men together. Frank will be hard to bring down. Now . . . Could I get you to help me to the clinic?”

“Yeah.” John took hold of his arm and began to lead him away.

^^^^

Holding the silver basin in his hand, Dean stood in the room with Ellen. He stared down at that basin, rolling its contents back and forth which were making an annoying clinking sound.

“Dean!” Ellen yelled at him. “I have a headache. Stop playing with the toy Jason just gave you.”

“Sorry.” He rolled it one more time then sat it on the counter. He walked over to the bed with her. “As I was telling you, you can leave as soon as we see you’re fine.”

“I’m fine. Just bitchy.”

“Hence the reason I got you cleaned up before you woke.” He grabbed a comb. “I figured, knowing you, if you saw yourself . . .” He began to run the comb through her wet hair. “ . . . you would bitch.”

“Why are you combing my hair like I’m your daughter?” She snatched up the comb.

“Sorry. Habit.”

Ellen took over combing her hair. “But I appreciate you cleaning me up. You didn’t touch my body in some perverted way while I was passed out did you?”

Dean smiled and raised his eyebrows.

“Oh, you are sick.” She flicked the comb at him. “Either way. It was nice of you. And you even washed my hair.”

“I didn’t mind.”

“I didn’t think you would have.” She tucked her hair behind her ears. “I used to think when we lived together you had a secret desire to be a hairdresser. You used to like washing my hair.”

“No, Ellen.” Dean stepped closer placing his hands on her knees. “I just used to love taking baths with you.”

With a loud exhaling breath, Frank entered the room in his usual bad timing manner. “You know . . .” His loud voice made his announcement. “It is amazing the things you find out when you just walk in a room unexpected.”

Dean turned his head to him. “It’s amazing what you don’t find out if you would just knock.”

“Get your hands off my wife, Dean.” Frank walked up to Ellen and kissed her. “How’s your head.”

“Good.” Ellen touched her temple. “How’s your arm?”

“Good.” Frank lifted her hair. “Do you realize we created a new bond? We shared a bullet. Pretty impressive. Huh?” Frank nodded his head, his hands on his hips. “What do you think, Dean?”

“I think you guys needed another bond.” Dean said sarcastically. “Cement things back together.” He rolled his eyes.

“I agree.” Frank clapped his hands once. “However, not to change the subject, but, I need to speak to you Dean.”

“Uh oh, about what?” Dean asked.

Frank looked at Ellen and took a deep breath. “You’re level headed, and you’re an original. I’m gonna run something by you and you give me your best and most honest opinion.”

“Wow, sounds serious.” Dean folded his arms. “Shoot.”

“Now, don’t laugh until you hear me out.” Frank held up his hands. “I was thinking perhaps George had a lot to do with the attack today on Beginnings. Think about it. The way he just took right over when my dad got sick. The way he let everything just go to shit and he stopped every . . .”

“I absolutely agree.” Dean stated in his interruption.

“You do?” Frank asked surprised.

“You do?” Ellen asked also.

“I do. And . . . I think that has a lot to do with why he wants you out of the way. You’re a threat to his plan. That’s why I kept telling you to bide your time. Don’t give him what he wants.”

Frank breathed outward in relief. “So it’s been crossing your mind also.”

“For a while.”

Ellen’s loud ‘Hey’ grabbed both of their attention. “Why didn’t you tell me this, Dean?”

“Because you have a big mouth.” Dean answered. “And you, Ellen, keep telling George shit.”

Frank held his hand up. “Wait a second. You have suspected George for a while and you haven’t said anything to me? Why?”

“Because Frank, without proof, you would go after him and you’d be thrown out. We need you. And . . . I have to show you something.” He walked to the table and grabbed the basin. He handed it to Frank. “Take a look. Recognize these?”

Frank reached into the basin. His forefinger and thumb gripped a shell casing. “E.G., Initials, yeah these are Edward’s shells he makes. Beginnings shells. Where did you get them, from a SUT?”

“Nope.” Dean shook his head. “Two of them came from Henry. One came from you. You were hit with friendly fire, Frank. Any chance you guys got caught in a cross fire?”

“No way.” Frank looked at the casing. “These are revolver shells. There are eight issued revolvers. My dad, Henry, myself, Greg, Dan, Cole and . . . Fuck.”

“George?”

Frank clanked the shell in the basin. “Son of a bitch. Fuckin George is a dead man. I’m gonna kill him.”

The stern, monotone sound of John Matoose in the room startled everyone. “Haven’t you done enough already Frank?”

Frank turned around. “Excuse me?”

“Haven’t you done enough already?” John walked into the room. “I just brought George into the clinic. He’s been beat up. Says you did it? Any idea why he’d say that?”

“He’s fuckin over the edge. That’s why he’d say that.”

“No, Frank.” John walked closer to him, speaking gruffer. “You . . .” He pointed to him. “Are over the edge. Why would you do it?”

“I didn’t do it.” Frank gave a blow off attitude.

“Then where have you been? I’ve asked around. You just got here a half hour ago. Where were you? Account.”

“No. I will not account for my whereabouts to you. You work for me, remember?”

“Not anymore.” John stated. “Give me your gun. I need your gun, keys and headset.”

“John, this is ridiculous . . .”

“No! I’ll tell you what’s ridiculous!” He shouted at Frank. “You went after an old man. An old man, Frank. And you stand here and deny it. Everyone heard you do nothing but threaten him lately. I just heard you now! Now hand over you equipment because you’re coming with me.” John held out his hand. “Now Frank. Don’t make me call the men to have you dragged from here.”

With a frustration breath, Frank took off his head set. He handed that, his keys and his revolver to John. “I’ll go with you. But you tell me where.”

“Where do you think?” John spoke coldly. “We have rules in Beginnings Frank. Rules. And breaking those rules means one thing.” He grabbed for Frank’s arm. “George has moved for your immediate ousting.”

“No!” Ellen, knees buckling, reached and in a desperate pull for Frank. “John there’s a mistake!”

John stuck his face forward to her. “Let him go, Ellen!” He shouted.

“John!” Frank snapped back. “Don’t. Leave her alone. I’m going with you. . . El. It’ll be all right.” He started to walk with John.

Dean moved forward. “Wait. John, can I have one minute with Frank? One minute?”

John hesitated, seemingly aggravated. “One minute.” He stepped from the room.

Dean immediately closed the door. “Frank . . .”

“I didn’t do this, Dean. I did not do this.” Frank grabbed hold of Ellen who clung to him.

“I know it. You don’t have to tell me that.” Dean assured. “Look, they won’t be able to oust you, not yet. Henry’s down. No way will Andrea vote for it. Rules say three days until it can be put to community vote.”

“I know.” Frank rubbed his own eyes. “But what do we do?”

“Put your faith in me and Ellen. We’ll get you out of this. We’ll get the proof. I promise.”

Frank swallowed harshly. “I’ll hold you to that.”

The door opened up. “Time.” John immediately pulled Frank from Ellen.

“Frank.” Ellen ran to him. “Frank.”

“El.” His hand slid across her face as he was pulled further and further away. “I love you. It’ll be all right.”

Ellen’s body shook and her breathing went out of synch. She shuffled around in total confusion, watching Frank disappear down the hall. “What’s happening? Oh, God they took him.”

“Shh.” Dean walked up behind her and wrapped his arms tightly around her, holding her still, trying to calm her down. “We’ll help him. We’ll get him out of this.”

^^^^

Andrea placed the final bandage to George’s forehead. “Nothing major, just a scratch.”

“I thought I was a dead man the way he raged after me.”

Andrea shook her head. “I’m going to apologize right here and now. But, I’m having a hard time believing this.”

“Are you saying I’m lying?” George asked.

“No.” Andrea shook her head. “Perhaps you’re upset and things seem worse than they actually were.”

“I do not exaggerate. Take a look at my office . . .”

“Joe’s office.” Andrea corrected him. “And, I know Frank. I just don’t think he’d do this without reason. Maybe you should just sit back and think of why.”

“Why are you defending him? He nearly killed me.”

“I thought you don’t exaggerate?” Andrea tilted her head. “O.K., tension is high. We sustained an attack. His wife was shot. Henry was shot. And didn’t you, George, hold off a lot of his strategies?”

“Well, yes . . .”

“Then let this go.” Andrea took her tray of supplies and walked it over to the counter.

“I will not.” George slid off the table. “He is a time bomb. A threat and I want him gone.”

“He is an original and you will not get my support!” Andrea shouted.

“I won’t need it.” George, in a huff, walked from the room.

Slamming her hand on the counter, Andrea flipped over her supply tray and its contents spilled to the floor. “Damn it!” She bent down to pick them up. “Damn it, Frank. What did you do?”

^^^^

John Matoose unlocked the thick metal door and opened it wide. “In here.”

Frank shook his head in disgust. “You’re putting me in holding like some sort of survivor gone bad?”

“No, like an original gone bad.”

“I didn’t do this, John. Come on, it’s me. If I did it I’d own up to it.”

“I heard you just say George is a dead man and that you were going to kill him.”

“Because George is the cause of all this. All of this. He let the SUTs in.”

“Listen to you, Frank. Do you know how stupid that sounds?”

“No.” Frank shook his head. “Just think about it, John. The scientists want this land. We weren’t allowed to take out the rest of the scientists. We haven’t been allowed to do anything tactical when it comes to dealing with the SUTs. George wouldn’t allow it.”

“I’m not going to listen.” John pushed him back and shut the door.

“John!” Frank called from the other side. “He used us to start his project until the scientists awoke. Now he wants to put his plan in motion and we’re making it hard.”

“Stop it. What proof do you have? How can you say this?” John locked the door.

“It makes perfect sense. He had to know the whole time. Come on John, he was the president. He sought out people to work this. You know this, you were . . .” Frank stopped talking. He slid his hands down the steel door. He turned his back and leaned against it, speaking softly to himself. “You were there. You were with him.” Frank closed his eyes. “Son of a bitch.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Ellen’s eyes were starting to cross from sitting at the computer, continuously striking out. She even went backwards into the dictionary, picking up the little words--words she skipped because they seemed too simple--and she tried them.

Needing to get air, Ellen made her way to the line of utility buildings. Her foot tapped a few times as she stood before Frank’s office door. She was a bit nervous, anxious was more like it. She needed to see Frank. She needed to know how he was. If only just to ease her mind so she could go back to work.

Hating to knock on an office door that at that moment no longer belonged to her husband, Ellen swallowed her pride and banged.

“Come in.” John yelled from the other side.

Ellen rolled her eyes in disgust, opened the door, and smiled. “Hi John.”

“Ellen.” He lifted his eyes from his paper work. “What can I do for you?”

In a breath-type whisper, Ellen spoke. “I would like to see Frank.”

“Nope.” John kept writing.

“He didn’t do anything, John.”

“Right, Ellen. Have you seen George?”

“George banged his own self on the head. Just like he told everyone I blew . . .”

“Listen to you. You sound as crazy as your husband. Leave.” John tried to work.

Ellen nodded her head. She told herself she wouldn’t get anywhere if she got upset. “I want to see him. Take me to holding and let me speak to him.”

“No.” John spoke firm. “Rules are rules.”

“Break the goddamn rules.”

“Ellen!” John rose up from his seat. “Breaking rules is what got Frank into this mess. Now leave.”

“I need to see my husband.”

“You need to leave.” John glared at her with full eyes.

“Why are you being such a dick? Are you enjoying taking my husband’s job?” Ellen marched to the desk. “The desperate flunky finally has a shot at the big time and he doesn’t want to give it up?”

“Leave before I throw you out.”

She thought of a different approach. “Come on John!” Ellen pleaded. “Please. Please let me see him. This is Frank.” Ellen’s hand came down, but she bit her lip. “I got angry. I insulted you. Be human and let me see him.”

“I won’t.” John sat back down. “Maybe Ellen, maybe if you didn’t carry yourself with such a bad attitude, I may have let you see him. Now see . . .” John shook his head. “Frank can’t see his wife, because his wife is an aggressive, obnoxious, loud mouth, who doesn’t know when to quit.”

“And you know what John? Your wife is a fuckin nosey, conceited, whale of a bitch, but if that was you in there, Frank would let her in.” Ellen moved to the door. “That’s because my husband is a much better man than you.” She opened the door. “Enjoy sitting in that chair John. It won’t be for long.” She slammed the door loudly, pausing in her walk to look to the entrance of the holding center. A guard stood out front. She took a deep breath knowing asking him would be in vain, and she headed back to town. She pulled her jean jacket closer to her, walking backwards, continuously watching the holding center. She knew as she walked, she may have swung and missed, but she hadn’t struck out--not yet.

^^^^

Joe knew as soon as he saw Ellen walk into the room something was wrong. It could have been the square bandage on her head, but more so it was her expression.

“Hey, Joe.” Ellen knelt down next to him. “It’s been a bad day.” She grabbed his hand. “I’ve been walking around for over an hour trying to figure out how to tell you this.” She pressed her lips to his hand. “The SUTs attacked Beginnings this morning. They came from everywhere. We beat them, but not without problems.” She shrugged while tracing tiny circles with her finger on the back of his hand. “Henry got shot up pretty bad. Frank got shot in the arm. And look.” Ellen pointed to her bandage. “I got shot in the head. Do you believe that?”

Joe wanted to smile for her. He wanted to make her feel better. But he knew by the tone of her voice she was saving the worst for last.

“Joe. Frank and Dean think George is behind this all. I believe them. George said Frank beat him up. They’ve . . . they’ve put him in holding, Joe. They want to oust him.”

They can’t do that Ellen, Joe told her through his mind, wishing she could hear. They can’t. But if they do, I’ll be out of this soon. My arm moves now. It moves. I just can’t take a chance of anyone finding out. I have to let it come back. And when it does, if my son is gone, we will bring him back.

“I have to help him, Joe. I have to help him.”

“We will, El.” Dean stepped in the room. “Don’t worry. We’ll break that password soon and we’ll have the proof we need.”

“Yeah.” Ellen nodded slowly and stood up. “In fact, I want to get back to that. Go with me?”

“Sure.” Dean gave a nod and laid his hand on Ellen’s back. “How far are you?”

“Halfway through the letter ‘L’.”

“Then let’s get cracking.” Dean told her.

Joe listened to them with fear. No Dean, forget the password. I’ll be better soon. I will. Don’t do that. Joe felt as if he would die when he watched them leave the room. Please dear God Stop them.

^^^^

George had to admit to himself, that he was starting to get really good thoughts when Ellen failed to emerge from the tunnel at a decent interval. But she failed him. She came top side. He stood far back, lurking like a stalker in the shadows, watching Ellen move toward the clinic. Her head hung low, an air of sadness about her. How much time she had spent in the cryo-lab? How much further could she be? Though the thought of her not finding the truth and dying right away annoyed George, he took stock in the fact that it wouldn’t be much longer. And that made George smile.

^^^^

The sound of walking awakened Henry. He heard the faint footsteps drawing nearer. His sleep wasn’t that heavy, anything usually would wake him, but this evening it was worse. Henry hated the fact that he kept dozing off. Sleep was not something he preferred to waste his time on. He opened his eyes and turned his head to the door when he heard the feet stop so close to his room. Henry looked up and saw the figure which was a shadow from the hall light that cast behind it “El?”

“You’re awake.” Ellen stepped into the room. “I’ve been trying to see you.” She pulled up a chair. “But every time I peek in the room you’re sleeping.” She grabbed his hand. “How are you, Henry? How are you feeling?”

“Sore, but fine. I heard you got shot too.”

“Look.” Ellen pointed. “I got shot in the head. Quite the accomplishment. Not many people who are walking around can say they got shot in the head. But . . .” She lifted his hand. “ . . . I came to talk to you. Did they tell you? Did they tell you about Frank?”

“What about Frank?”

“He’s in holding. They want to oust him.”

Henry closed his eyes. “El, they can’t do that. I’ll vote against it, Andrea will too. And if it goes to the community, it will never pass. The men are too dedicated to him.”

Ellen shook her head. “I don’t believe that. I don’t think it will make a difference what everyone decides. If George can set him up to be ousted. George can have him ousted.”

“What do you know about George?”

“That you and Dean have been trying to prove his part in the whole plague thing.”

“We haven’t had any luck.”

“Not for long. In fact . . .” Ellen stood up. “I have to go down to the lab and work some more. Get well, Henry.” Ellen leaned over to him and kissed him. “I need you. Frank needs you.”

“I’ll be better soon, I promise.” Henry closed his mouth and smiled a reassuring smile at her. He watched her leave and rested his head back. Then against what he wanted and strived for, he fell back asleep.

^^^^

Ellen was surprised as she opened the door and the light was still on, more so surprised at the fact that Dean was reading something on the couch. “You’re still up?”

Dean turned his head back to her. “Yeah. I was waiting for you.” He set his book on the coffee table.

“Kids asleep?” Ellen took off her jacket, sluggishly moved to the couch. and sat down next to Dean.

“Yep. Tucked in. No luck?”

She shook her head and sat back. “They still won’t let me see Frank.”

“El? You didn’t try again after they sent me to come and get you?”

“Twice.”

“Oh, El.” Dean covered his face. “Did you get out of control again?”

“No . . . not really.”

“You’re not helping your cause. You’ve screwed it with John. Besides, what did I tell you about him? There is a very good chance he’s in on it all.”

“That would be par for the course.” Ellen leaned into Dean. “Do you think it’s possible that if John’s a part of it, so is Jenny? Then we can oust them both if and when we get the proof.”

“You would love that.” Dean smiled. “I’ll let you think that way too because it makes you happy. Listen . . . go to bed. We have another long day ahead of us. We have to help Frank out.”

“I know. And I will go to bed. But . . . can I just sit with you. Just a little?”

“Sure.”

Ellen slid her head down and rested it on his lap. Like a child, she curled up in a ball, clinging to his leg. “I’m so scared for him, Dean.”

“Me too.” Dean closed his eyes and swallowed as he ran his hand down her hair. “Me too.”

^^^^

One-fifteen A.M. was the time when Frank looked at his watch for the umpteenth time. He had paced so much around the small holding room that he could have sworn he wore a hole in the floor. It was cold in holding and there wasn’t anything Frank could do. No blanket on the bed, no coat. He still wore the bloody tee shirt he had on when he was shot.

He rubbed his arms with a chill as he leaned against the steel door. Almost in defeat, Frank slid to the floor. He sat, legs bent up, arms crossed over his knees, and he rested his head on his arms. He raised his tired eyes to look once more around the room. As the reality hit him, so did the fear. His chest filled with the heaviness of it. It was real. It was really happening. And suddenly it dawned on him. If he had reached this point, how far out of the question would it be for him to be completely taken out.

Frank closed his eyes tightly. He didn’t want to look anymore. He didn’t want to think that the holding room could very easily be the last vision he would ever see if his home . . . Beginnings.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THIRTY

“Damn it,” Ellen cursed with aggravation as she fought desperately to remove her blood samples from the phlebotomy tray. There weren’t that many of them, but she could barely hold them in her trembling hands. As she reached for the next one, a hand came down gripping hers. A hand so familiar, she could have sworn it was Frank’s. She peered upward, her eyes following his forearm. “Johnny.”

“You O.K.?” He took the sample from her hand.

“Just trying to get out of here to go back down in the lab. Did you take your father his clothes? I need him to change that shirt. I don’t want him getting an infection.”

“Yes, Ellen. I gave it to the guard. Why didn’t you take it up?”

“Because I’d want to see him. They won’t let me. John Matoose refuses to let me.”

“He what?!” Johnny yelled, sounding so much like Frank. “We’ll just see about that. Come on.” He grabbed her hand, and in a pull, led her hurriedly from the lab.

With a loud bang of his fist to his dad’s office door, Johnny flung the door open. “John!” He stepped inside. “Give me the keys to holding!”

“First off young man, you don’t come in here barging like . . .”

“I’m not fucking around John!” Johnny glared down to him, his hand pointing downward. “Give me the keys!”

John hesitated in his answer, staring at Johnny. At his dark face and mean eyes that matched that snarl upon his face. He had the frightening makings of Frank. “No.” John shook his head.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Johnny shook his head, his finger tapping hard to the desk. “Maybe you didn’t hear me correctly. This is not a request. If I have to beat the fuck out of you I will. Now you will let my mother see my father!”

“Don’t threaten me, you punk. She can’t see Frank and that is final.”

It was a shock hearing her voice in the office at that time. It carried, though she didn’t yell. It carried right into the room and definitely through John. “You are wrong!” Jenny stepped further into the office. “You hear me John? Wrong.”

John peered up to his wife. “This is none of your concern, Jenny.”

“The hell it isn’t.” Jenny was adamant. “These aren’t strangers. This is family. This is a very serious situation. Let Ellen see Frank.”

John was shocked. “I can’t believe you are siding with her over me.”

“It’s not about me and Ellen. This is different. That is your friend in there. And standing here is your friend’s wife. You will let him see his wife or, at the very least, let him speak to her.”

“I’ll be breaking rules.”

“Then you break them.” Jenny flung her hair over to her side. “You break them or I will not speak to you. John. If I were in Ellen’s shoes and there was a threat of you being ousted, I would hope to God someone would at least let me see how you were doing. Do this John. Let them speak to each other. It isn’t right if you don’t.”

John rose slightly from his chair, shaking his head in disgust. He pulled a key from the chain and handed it to Johnny. “This will open the building but . . . She can’t see him. She can speak to him through the door. That’s it.”

Johnny gripped the key and grabbed Ellen. “Let’s go.”

In the middle of being pulled, Ellen stopped. “Thank you Jenny. Thank you very much.” With a rush she ran from the building with Johnny.

^^^^

Frank slipped his clean tee shirt over his head, smelling it as he did. He ran his hand over his wet hair that he had just washed in the water they brought him. And he paced some more.

“Frank.”

The call of his name sent shivers through him. It made his heart drop to his stomach. “El.” He spoke her name in such relief, spinning to a stop and racing to the door. “El.” He placed his hands on it. “I needed to hear your voice. Oh God, did I need to hear your voice.”

“I needed to hear yours, too. How are you Frank? How are you holding up?”

“I’m fine.”

“They won’t let me see you.” She placed her palms flush on the door. “I need so badly to see you.”

Frank shook his head, placing his cheek against the coldness of the steel. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

“They’re voting tomorrow to oust me.”

“It won’t happen. It won’t. I’m gonna get the truth, Frank. I promise you.”

“But what if George finds a way to get rid of me anyhow?”

Ellen could hear the desperation in his voice. The fear. She knew he was scared and he had all night alone to think about it. “Frank . . .”

“I’ll die out there, El. I’ll die out there. Without you and my kids I’ll become nothing but one of those animals.”

“I won’t let that happen. I will work every second to get you out. Please know that.”

“I do.” He closed his eyes tightly.

“Just don’t give up on me. Don’t give up.”

Frank swallowed hard as he pressed his face firmer against the door. He couldn’t speak right then. He had to be quiet. He physically couldn’t speak. He stayed by that door trying to feel Ellen’s presence because that was all he could do.

^^^^

“They let me speak to Frank.”

Dean turned slowly around to Ellen’s soft voice that carried into the cryo-lab. “When?”

“Just now.” Ellen walked in further. “And he’s scared. He won’t admit it, but I can tell.”

“And he has every right. They want to take him from his home. And that is so wrong.”

“I have to ask your opinion. We need proof to stop this...” She moved to him. “Do you think the proof will be found before tomorrow night?”

Dean lowered his head. “Probably not.”

“Next question. Do you think they’ll oust him?”

“I think . . .” Dean raised his eyes. “I think the community will vote to let him stay. But . . . I think George is going to find a way to get rid of him.”

“O.K.” Ellen took a breath. “Now that you’ve reconfirmed what I’ve been thinking. I need to talk to you.” She lifted his hands into hers. “I need to ask a short term favor.”

“Yes.” Dean answered her, his hand trembling as he did.

“I didn’t ask you yet.” Ellen said.

“I know what you are asking. You want to leave with Frank. And yes, I will take the children if you do so. I’ll take care of them all.”

“It won’t be for long. And I can’t let him go alone, Dean. I can’t. He needs to know we believe in him and he’s not alone in the world.”

“El.” Dean raised her hands to his mouth and kissed them. “You don’t have to explain anything to me. I understand.”

“I don’t get it.” Ellen tilted her head. “How did you know I was going to . . .”

“I know you. And if it were you faced with getting ousted, I would do the same thing. And so would Frank.”

“Am I being a terrible mother for doing this?”

“No.” He shook his head. “You’re not giving them up for Frank. You’re just making sure when he comes back to them, he’s the same man that left.” Dean released her hands. “But . . . we won’t have to worry about it. I have a gut feeling El that we’re breaking it soon. Real soon.”

Ellen smiled. “I feel that, too.” She walked over to the computer Dean already had turned on. “Thanks again, Dean.”

Dean smiled and went back to his work. He couldn’t tell Ellen, but he hated the thought that she wanted to leave. But he stood behind her reasons for doing so. He himself even thought of going with Frank on the same premises that the proof wouldn’t be far behind. But Dean knew he couldn’t do that. He wasn’t the one Frank needed to make living beyond the walls of Beginnings tolerable. There was only one person who could--Ellen.

^^^^

The loneliness of the night, the silence of holding, was far worse than the night before. Frank sat on the sheetless bed, rubbing his arms to warm up. The heels of his boots dug into the mattress as he sat there. He didn’t want to sleep though he had caught himself dozing off. He wanted to be awake every last second that he was in Beginnings.

There was so much on his mind. His father, how was his. And Josh. Was Josh better? Surely if he wasn’t, someone would let him know. He thought of his family, the family that had grown so big since they got to Beginnings. A part of him felt they were fine. How much he would just miss them all if he had to leave. Frank’s eyes rose as he rested his chin on his arms. The lock on the door had turned. The door slowly opened.

George walked in followed by John Matoose and Greg. “Frank.” George looked sternly at him.

“What’s going on?” Frank shifted his eyes about as Greg and John Matoose grabbed hold of both of his arms and took him from the bed. “What’s going on!”

George stood toe to toe with him. “We moved the vote up. It was cast tonight. You’ve been ousted.”

“No!” Frank felt himself being pulled. “Let me say good bye to my kids, to my wife.”

“No.” George stormed up to him. “You are out of here now. Right now! Get him out of here.”

“No!” Frank struggled but couldn’t struggle enough. They nearly carried him from holding. “No, John, Greg. I’ll go. Just let me say goodbye to my family. Let me see my kids and wife one more time. I have to see them.” He tried with desperation to reason with them. But before he knew it, the back gate was opened and Frank was on the other side looking in. “No!” He cried out stepping to the fence. “El! Ellen!”

Frank’s head sprang up from his arm where he had fallen asleep. He rubbed his eyes and stood from the bed. His heart pounding. It was all a dream. A bad dream. Or was it? Maybe it was a premonition of a reality not that far away.

^^^^

“Enough.” Dean snatched the dictionary from Ellen’s hand as she sat before the computer in the cryo-lab.

“Dean.” She typed in another wrong word. “Give it back.”

“Nope.” He turned her to face him. “It’s three in the morning. Time to come home and get some sleep.”

“I can’t.” Ellen tried to return to the computer. “In sixteen hours they vote to oust Frank. I have to do this.”

“Then do it first thing in the morning.” Dean ran his hand through his messy hair. “Johnny came and got me and said he couldn’t get you to leave.”

“And neither will you. I’m staying here until I break this thing.”

“El.” Dean fought with her as she reached for the dictionary. “Look. Let’s go home. We’ll get up early, take the kids to the nursery, and be down here by seven. You need to sleep. If you don’t sleep you won’t do this right. And I will stay with you down here the whole time.”

“You don’t have to.”

“No I don’t. But I want to. O.K.?” He tilted his head in a pleading way. “Please?”

“All right. One second.” She tried one more word and the computer shut down. She placed her book mark in the dictionary and underlined her last word with the date. She set it down next to the computer. “Done.”

“Good. Tomorrow is another day.” Dean told her as he waited for her to stand. “Tomorrow is our day.” Letting her lead the way out first, Dean shut out the lights and followed her down the tunnel.

George watched. He had been waiting for a while, really thinking Ellen would hit it. He waited until they were completely far from the lab, then he went in and turned on the light. “Sorry Ellen, the suspense is killing me.” He walked over to the computer and picked up the dictionary. “Now how close are you to the word ‘murder’?” He flipped open to her mark and gazed his eyes down to her date. George smiled. “Very good, very good.” He closed the book setting it right where she laid it. Satisfied and knowing it wouldn’t be long, George left the cryo-lab. Yes Ellen was close. The last word she typed in was mundane.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

It was surprising to Ellen, so surprising that it took away her concentration from her password hunt. Dean was slamming the rabbit cage, not once but six or seven times and following that through with swearing. Swearing? She flinched in her stool when she heard the crashing sound of breaking glass. “Dean?”

“Sorry.” He began to put things back.

“What’s going on?” She slid off her stool and walked over to him. “I’m the one supposed to be frustrated here.”

“I’m sorry.” He reached for a cloth and began to wipe up the clear substance he spilled on the counter. “I thought I had it. This would have just been so easy if it just would have . . .”

“Dean?”

“Nothing Ellen. I just thought that if I could pull Joe through this then he could get Frank out of this mess. George would be history and that password search obsolete.”

“You were coming up with a wonder cure for stroke patients?”

Dean just tilted his head to her.

Ellen saw the look on his face “My father didn’t have a stroke did he? The lifeless bunnies. Your obsession with them. How long have you known?”

“A while.”

“That’s why the vial information is so important. George gave my father something in those vials.”

Knowing that it meant his head, Dean answered her anyway. “Yes.”

“You know . . .” Ellen backed up. “I should be really pissed at you right now. Really pissed for not telling me. But I’m going to save it. You work on what you were doing and I’ll work on the password.” She went back to the computer and grabbed the dictionary. “Back to work. Murals.”

“What did you say?”

“Nothing, just the word I’m on.” Her fingers clicked fast. “Shit.” As soon as her eyes peered upon the word, something stirred in Ellen. The book dropped from her hands and she closed her eyes. Her hands immediately folded before her face.

“What’s wrong?” Dean noticed her from across the room.

“I’m praying.” Ellen’s mouth moved and her eyes stayed closed.

What an odd sight, Dean thought as he watched her finish, open her eyes, and look at him. “Done?”

Ellen smiled at him. “I’m going to do this. And I’m going to do this right now.”

“Why do you say that?”

“It’s perfect. The next word.”

“You’ve said that before.” Dean commented.

“I’ve never felt so strongly about it before.”

“You’ve said that before.”

“Have you ever seen me stop to pray?”

“No, that was a first.”

“I’m going to do this.” Ellen sat up straight and hesitantly began to type, speaking the letters out as she did. “M--u--r--d--e--r . . . enter.” Her eyes lit up. “Yes, it opened one.”

“Oh, it did not, you don’t even sound excited.”

“Dean, yeah it . . .” The loudest scream Ellen ever made, came from her mouth and she jumped up from the stool, squealing her voice with excitement. “Dean! Dean! It’s the vial information.”

Her sound, her face, she found it. “Print it up.”

“Thank you, God.” She hit the print button and raised her eyes to watch Dean excitedly run to the computer. “We did it, Dean. We have, one, two, three, four . . . shit, pages and pages of it. Complete break downs, what they are. Oh, this is so . . .Yes!”

“What?” Dean stood by the printer. Fingers tapping waiting for the slow printer.

“Page six. Population control conference proposal by Senator George Hadly. And it . . . Dean, this must be very important, I think this file is going to disappear.”

“Why would you say that?” Dean asked, the fourth page beginning to print.

“There’s two little timers on here. One says, two hours forty-two minutes. The other says . . .”

Dean quickly made it to the computer. “One minute three . . .” His eyes saw both timers and the name on the box that headed them. “Guardian Fulmination Program . . . oh shit, Ellen! It’s gonna blow up!”

“Oh, quit being so melodramatic.”

Forty-five seconds

“Ellen!” He grabbed her and began to drag her out. “Fulmination, explosion, same difference, get the hell out.”

“You’re serious?”

Thirty seconds

“Leave.” Dean ran to the printer.

“No.” She followed him. “You’re waiting for this, I’m waiting, too.”

“Ellen, please.”

Seventeen seconds.

“No, Dean, we have enough time, it’s almost done, we just need to see George’s name.”

The sixth page was half way finished. Eight seconds.

Dean’s hand held onto the paper.

“There’s his name.” Ellen yelled. “Rip it!”

Three seconds.

With a dramatic running rip, Dean tore the paper, grabbed Ellen’s hand and ran toward the door.

Time’s up.

A rumble, not very loud, then sudden vibration turned violent and the quiet chain of events began. As if an earthquake, the linoleum floor beneath them began to rock, so intense was it, that they couldn’t make it half way across the room. With diligence they stumbled as they tried to make it across the floor that swayed them as if they were on an amusement park ride.

“Dean!” Ellen grabbed for the table, trying to pull herself up. “I can’t walk.”

“Keep trying.” Dean shoved all the papers he had into his shirt and reached for her with both hands. Half standing himself, he grabbed hold of her tightly, hoping together they could make it the fifteen feet out.

They tried to move, unbalanced so much as they did, bits of the roof falling like snow upon their heads. Computers slid from the tables they sat on, crashing to the floor.

Dean turned his head to the loud crack he heard behind him. In horror he saw as the floor, in some sort of running motion, began to disappear and drop to some unknown origin below. Like a carpet of destruction it rolled right to them. “Jump!”

There wasn’t time. On his order, the quaking, yet solid ground they stood on--was gone. Smoke and air was all that laid under them. Dean dropped first. With desperate reaching hands and instinct, he reached out to anything that fell around him. In his favor the caving of the floor stopped. Dean’s hand slipped in the open space, clinging to the concrete. The moment his fall halted, over his head tumbled Ellen. Rolling down with her into the cavern below was a table and a computer.

Dean tried to reach her with his free hand but she slipped right from him. He wasn’t fast enough. He watched her fall in a roll to the ground below, tucking her body into a ball and moving quickly out of the way of a large piece of floor that came pummeling down.

With a loud metal bending sound, Dean’s safety, his sanctuary, gave way, and he too fell right along with it.

^^^^

“By now . . .” George looked down at his watch. “It should all be over with.” He stood before a sitting Joe in his usual taunting manner. “Last count, Ellen had twelve more words to get to it. I’m assuming she hit it as we speak.” George raised his eyebrows. “Then of course if the fall doesn’t get them, the second explosion will. Unless of course someone happens to go down there. But who would do that? Henry’s shot,” George tisked. “Frank, well, Frank is locked safely away. And no one really cares enough about those two to check on them. Two hours is nothing. However, when they don’t emerge for a while, I’ll suggest we look for them and then I’ll have to do that fake concern shit.” George rested his hand on Joe’s knee.

I felt that you son of a bitch, I felt that. It took everything in Joe’s power not to move his leg in disgust, giving himself away and setting himself up for another fall.

“Anyway, Frank will be gone tonight. And Henry, Henry will just have to suffer a really bad infection. We have that in those vials you know. Hey . . .” George snapped. “That would mean pretty much all of the originals will be biting it. Do you realize Miguel was the first original I took care of? I liked Miguel. It was a shame what had to . . .”

“We all liked Miguel.” Andrea walked in the room. “And what brought up my husband’s name?”

George tilted his head to Andrea, curious about what she heard. She couldn’t have heard anything, not her. She would have not even walked in the room if she did. “Am I sensing attitude, Andrea?”

“Absolutely.” Andrea answered without hesitation. “Release Frank Slagel.”

“No can do.” George turned and began to leave. “Sorry.”

“No George, you’ll be sorry. It’s a mistake. Frank is the steel wall that protects us. No one can do what he can do.”

George shrugged his shoulders. “It’s time they learn. Besides, we have a mini Frank in the community already. Have you seen Johnny?” George pointed as he walked out the door. “Another Frank.”

Whispering and shaking her head Andrea knelt before Joe. “I’ll do everything I can Joe. I’m fighting him on this one. I do have good news.” Her hand grabbed Joe’s. “Josh is starting to stir.”

George stopped in his stride outside the door. Josh? To George that wasn’t good and a problem he had to take care of immediately.

^^^^

Their coughing from the smoke and dirt echoed in the empty room. It was dark, but their eyes soon adjusted.

Ellen heard Dean shuffle his feet near her. “Anything?”

“Nothing.” He dusted himself off. “Are you sure you’re all right.”

“I’m fine. You?”

“Fine. Let me see that hand.” He reached for it.

“It’s O.K., just a bad scratch.” Ellen held back her hair from her forehead. “There isn’t any way out?”

“None. I checked. It’s just another room. A tunnel with no way out.”

“A tomb.”

Dean took a deep breath. “To put it bluntly.”

“So it was rigged for this all along?”

“Appears so.” Dean looked around and then up the open hole of the floor that hung a good fourteen feet above their heads. “Shit.” He placed his hands on his hips and turned to her. “We have to get out. And fast.”

“Why? Someone will come down and find us. It’s just a matter of . . .”

“Ellen.” He put his hands on her shoulders. “That second timer, it means there another explosion. Here . . .” He took her hand and led her to the corner. “See these wires, they lead to that box. The explosion will take place down here. Right down here. In . . . well it was two hours and forty some minutes.”

“Can’t you pull the wires out?”

“No I can’t pull the wires out. I could cause it to explode prematurely.”

“But you’re a scientist.”

“A genetic scientist, not a rocket scientist. God.” Dean released her hand and looked at his watch. “Shit.”

“What’s wrong?”

“My watch is broke. It must have cracked in the fall.” He tapped the face of it and brought it to his ear. “Gone. What time do you have?”

Ellen looked at her watch. “One o’clock.”

“It can’t be one o’clock. We came down here at seven.”

“My watch has been broken, Dean. It always says one o’clock.”

Trying to remain calm and not quite frustrated, Dean decided one more time to try to convey the serious of the situation. “El, this is bad. This situation is bad. We have to try to get out or this proof…” Dean pulled it from his tee shirt. “…will mean nothing. We have to try to climb out. Help me gather all this stuff lying around. Maybe we can stack it enough to get one of us up there for help.”

“Good idea.” Ellen began to look, nothing lay around big enough to make a difference. “Dean?” She held up a piece of the counter no bigger than a foot.

“I know.” He shook his head. “Let’s just try.” He moved over to her. “We have to try.”

^^^^

George opened the little black case he pulled from his dresser. He stared at the bottles of Salicain and the syringes with it. “Josh, just a small injection will put you out of it until you too can get an infection.” George closed the lid and placed the pouch--though it protruded--in his back pocket.

^^^^

Through the rubble, Ellen made her way to Dean and sat next to him on the ground. “Dean how long do you suppose we’ve been down here?”

“I don’t know.” Taking a deep breath, Dean read from the sheets they printed. “Salicain.”

“What?”

“Salicain. Listen to this.” He waited until Ellen scooted closer. “Used to replace anesthetic in surgeries, it will cause complete paralysis if given in correct doses. Will also give the effects of a stroke in larger amounts.”

“Joe.”

“Exactly.” Dean continued reading. “Aberal, in small doses will counteract Salicain. If patient has had prolonged exposure or numerous injections of Salicain, two CC’s of Aberal will cause an immediate recovery.”

“We have to find Aberal.” Ellen stated.

“Hopefully, it’s . . .” Dean slipped to the next page and breathed loudly in relief. “Vial seventeen.”

“We can help Joe?”

Dean smiled. “Yeah, we can and believe me, Joe can prove everything about George. Then Frank will be able to . . .”

“What’s wrong?”

The smile left Dean’s face and he looked up.

“Oh.” Ellen’s head dropped. “We have to get out first.” Ellen reached her arm through Dean’s and held on. She rested her head on his arm. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

Dean brought his hand up and rested it on her cheek, he heard her softly giggle. “What? Why are you laughing?”

“I was thinking. Remember we went through that little phase of time and I was so mean to you.”

“Ellen, when exactly do you think you started to get nice to me?”

“Always.”

“Would this be before or after your continuous affair with Frank?”

Ellen gasped. “Moments from death and you’re rubbing it in.” She tried to lift her head but Dean held it there.

“No. A part of me always knew you guys were . . . well.” He cleared his throat. “And I knew I wasn’t that special person in your life.”

“You have that wrong, Dean. I was the one who didn’t know how special you were in my life.”

Dean lowered his head, turning her face to him. “I want to tell you something. I want to thank you for being a part of my life. You gave me a lot, Ellen. You gave me something I never thought I’d have in my life. A family.”

Ellen closed her eyes tightly. “The twins and Brian.” She swallowed. “What if . . .”

“No.” Dean pulled her head closer to his. “We can’t think like that.”

“Who’s gonna raise them? They won’t have anyone. No one Dean.”

“If something happens to us down here, they’ll be taken care of.” He softly kissed her cheek. “Someone will watch them. They’ll be fine.”

“It hurts to think they’ll be without us. Especially you. They are so much your life.”

“Yes, they are.” Dean pulled her closer. “Yours too.”

“Yeah.” Ellen smiled. “God, what I put you through. And making you help with Brian.”

“No making me.” Dean stated. “I’d do anything for you.”

“I know.”

Closing his eyes, Dean ran his hand down to her knee. He gripped it firmly then opened his eyes to look at her. He raised her head from his arm that she leaned on. “If something should happen, know that I’m glad that you were in my life.”

“Me too. And I know this is going to sound really morbid, but . . . I’m glad I’m not alone right now. I’m a little scared.” She raised her eyebrow giving a fake smile.

“So am I. It’s all right though.” Dean looked at her really hard. “I love you, El. I always have and I always will.”

Ellen felt it, that trembling in her throat, the emotions coming from within her. “I love you, too.”

After a brief, awe, stare, Dean leaned forward and kissed her. “Thank you for that.”

“Oh God.” Ellen closed her eyes. “This can’t be happening. We can’t talk like this. We’re gonna get out.”

“And when we do we’ll laugh about how silly we acted when we thought we were dying.”

“We can’t give up. There’s too much at stake.” Ellen said with hope.

“You’re right.” Dean stood up, helping Ellen to her feet. “I know we’ve tried. But let’s try again.”

“Let’s do it.” Ellen, with sad enthusiasm made her way with Dean to the small minuscule mountain they built.

^^^^

George heard the call of his name and it perturbed him that he was being interrupted in his walk to the clinic. George stopped as he reached the main street of town. “What John? I’m busy..”

“I’ve been looking for you. I need to talk to you.” John caught his breath. “Things are getting tense. The men, the men are angry. In fact they are downright outraged about Frank. You should know the vote is not going to go the way you want it to. Frank won’t be ousted.”

“Yes he will. And don’t try to ruin my day.”

“George, if the community votes to let him . . .”

“John! I’m busy. Go to your office or something. It’s yours no. Be happy.” George waved him off and headed back in his route to the clinic.

^^^^

Ellen tried, she really tried, as Dean clung to her legs lifting her, her tiny fingers tried to grip to the slippery surface of the floor above her. There was nothing. Nothing to grab on to. The tips of her fingers barely grazed across. “Just . . . Just a little more.” She grunted and with another futile reach, the pile that Dean stood on gave away and they both fell into a roll on the floor. “No.”

Dean tightly shut his eyes, lifting himself to one elbow as he lay next to Ellen. “You all right?”

Ellen crossed her arm over her eyes and nodded. “I’m fine.” Her words cracked.

“El?” He reached for her arm.

She shook her head.

Dean could hear the heavy breathing, the muffled sniffling. Soon the soft whimpers that emanated from Ellen became full blown sobs. “Ellen?”

“I can’t believe this. I can’t.”

“Come on.” He grabbed for her arm again.

“No. I’m never going to see my children again. They’re never going to see me or you. It’s over. It’s really over.”

“El, please don’t cry.” He pulled down her arm. “Please.”

Her eyes were closed so tight and tears ran down her dirty face. Her body shook as she let out her every emotions.

“Stop.” He wiped his hand over her face. “This is not you. This is not the Ellen I love. The Ellen I love is strong. Be strong with me.” He caressed her face. “We’re together.”

“I’m so scared, Dean. I’m so scared.”

“I know.” He moved closer to her, brushing his lips against hers. “I’m here.”

“I always thought I’d never mind dying.” She ran her hand over her eyes and took a shivering breath. “I don’t want to die.”

Dean didn’t know what to tell her. He himself didn’t know what to feel.

“I just wished it would happen, just get it over with. We don’t know when or how much time is left. This is worse than death. Worse, this waiting. Why won’t it happen?” Ellen shook her head trying to control herself. She opened her eyes and stared at Dean. “I’m so scared.”

“I wish there was something I could do. Just know I’m right here with you.”

Ellen brought her hand up slowly to his face, touching it. “You aren’t scared?”

“Not anymore.”

Her hand slipped behind his head. She brought him closer to her, and her lips up to his, she brushed them against his then parted them more. She could feel the hesitation on his mouth as their lips met. She arched her back up to meet him, needing to feel him, needing to feel safe.

Dean didn’t want to give in. He was afraid of that moment…an emotional one. Feeling her move more toward him, he couldn’t hold back any more. Releasing the tension that held his head back from hers, he grabbed her face and began to kiss her.

Ellen felt the security of his chest when it met hers. His heart beat so strong she could feel it. The thickness grew in her throat as her tearful emotions tried to come through in their kiss. Her eyes felt the heaviness and another single tear made its escape as she pulled at Dean. She pulled at him with all her emotions.

He slipped his arm under her back, clutching her so tightly into him, moving with her and kissing her with much more intensity than he had ever done in his life. Dean didn’t just kiss her with his lips. His kissed Ellen with his heart and he kissed her as if it was the last time he would ever do that. Because Dean felt for sure . . . it was.

^^^^

“Hello, young man.” George spoke softly in Josh’s room opening the black case that sat on the bed. “Uncle George has a surprise for you.” He held up a filled syringe. “Now this won’t hurt. It’s the same thing I gave Joe. Sort of gonna be like Pap for a while. It has to be done, Josh. You know too much.” He reached for the boy’s head. “And with Dean and Ellen dead in the lab, you are much too much of a threat.” He lowered the needle.

“NO!” His loud voice called into the room and before George knew it, the tiny body of Oscar came pummeling in. He knocked George over into the heating unit and sent the needle to the floor. Oscar, ignoring the grip that George had placed on his hair, snatched up the needle. With a swift elbow back into George, Oscar lifted himself from the floor, grabbed the case and flew out. He ran as fast as he could from the clinic.

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Dean cleared his throat as he walked up behind Ellen who just sat on the floor. Her knees bent up, her chin resting on her arm. He slipped behind her sitting down, pulling her in between his legs, letting her rest back on his chest. “I guess you and I have proved that we can’t be put alone in extreme situations.”

Ellen chuckled through her emotions. “We’ve already proven that.”

Dean put his arms around her tight, closing his eyes as her head pressed back harder against him. “Please don’t tell me you’re regretting it.”

“Aside from the fact that there isn’t any time for regrets . . . no.”

Dean swallowed. “I’m glad. I didn’t want to hear that right now.”

“I wouldn’t want to hear you say it either.” She ran her hand back and forth over his forearm. “How much longer, Dean?”

“Not much. We’ve been down here a while.” He pressed his lips firmly to her cheek and held tighter.

“Talk about closure for us.”

“Yeah, well, I want to tell you. I am so grateful that the last moments of my life are with you. And I am glad that I got to be with you, make love to you, just one more time.”

“I am too.” She tried to move closer into him, but couldn’t, she was already wrapped so tight with him. “I am too.”

^^^^

“Oscar calm down!” John Matoose stood up holding his hand out to the rambling little man. “I can’t understand you. Take a breath.”

Oscar did. “G-George is b-bad.”

“No he isn’t.”

“Yes. El-Ellen and Dean dead. K-killed them in th-the tunnels. M-must get-get Frank.”

“Why are you saying this?” John asked.

“Heard h-him. He-he hurt J-Joe. Try to-to hurt J-Josh.”

“How do you know?”

“Here.” Oscar handed John the black case. “Was give-giving shot to J-Josh. S-says he will b-be like J-Joe.”

John slowly lifted the lid to the black case. He peered at the bottles and single syringe. “You got this from George?”

“And th-this.” Oscar handed the other syringe. “M-must get-get F-Frank.”

John angrily snapped the lid shut. Without saying a word he moved from behind the desk.

^^^^

Frank heard the jingling of the keys as he paced around his room. Fearful when the door opened, he turned around. “John.”

John opened the door wider. “You got your proof. Get out of here.”

Frank sprang to the door. “Should I get George?”

“Frank.” John took a deep breath. “Have you had Oscar spying on George?”

“Yes.” Frank smacked himself in the forehead then saw Oscar. “You helped me again. Thanks pal.”

John moved closer. “You better not get George. You better find your wife.”

Frank’s eyes peered back to John. He finally saw the expression on his face. “What?” He saw John point to Oscar. “What Oscar?”

“El-Ellen’s dead. D-Dean and El-Ellen dead in l-lab.”

Without waiting for anything, Frank took off running. He had to get to the tunnels. He prayed the whole way there that Oscar was wrong.

^^^^

“Ellen! Ellen!” Frank’s voice blasted out.

“Oh, my God!” Ellen and Dean both sprang up. She excitedly looked to Dean. “Frank.”

“Ellen!” His voice drew nearer.

Dean closed his eyes in relief. “I never thought I’d be so happy to hear that big mouth.”

“Frank!” Ellen shouted as loud as she could. “Frank, help us!”

“El!” He was right there.

Ellen looked up and saw him looking down. “Frank, you have to get us out of here, there’s gonna be another explosion. Hurry.”

Frank lay on the ground and extended his hand down. “Dean, lift her to me.”

Dean grabbed hold of Ellen.

Ellen stepped forward. “No Dean, you go, you’re much more important. You have to help, Joe.”

“Ellen.” Dean pulled from his back pocket the papers and shoved them at her. “You go help Joe. I’ll be fine. Frank is here.” He placed his hands on her hips. “Ready.”

“Yeah.” Ellen held her hand up and felt herself being lifted. Her heart dropped as her fingers touched Frank’s and in a second, he had gripped her.

Frank clenched tightly to her. “I have her, Dean.” Using both hands his raised Ellen to safety. “El.” He touched her face.

“Thank you.” She began to run from the room. “Sorry to rush. I have to help, Joe. Get Dean out of there.”

Frank spinning from his less than warm welcome lay back on his stomach and looked down at Dean. “Give me your hand.”

Dean shook his head. “How do you propose you’re going to reach me?”

“Don’t doubt me.” Frank extended his hand down. “Back up and get a running start.”

“If you say so.” Dean stepped back. “Hey Frank, if you do get me you’ll be my new hero.”

“Shut up and go for it.”

Dean took a breath and ran forward, leaping up and feeling the security of Frank’s huge grip around his wrist.

“I have you.” Frank said with certainty.

“I never thought I be so glad to see you, Frank.” Dean brought his other hand up to Frank’s.

Frank as double security, brought his other arm down and clenched Dean. “I have you.”

^^^^

“Got to save Joe.” Ellen sped into the clinic lab, nearly knocking over Jason.

“Ellen what happened to you.” Jason asked.

“Got to save Joe. Vial seventeen.” She rattled out of breath as she lifted the lid to the vial case. “Have you. Syringe.” She fumbled around knocking things over. “Two CC’s.”

“Is that the antidote?” He questioned.

“Got to help Joe.” Running her hand over her face Ellen, sliding as she ran, hurried to Joe’s room.

Joe saw her walk in, his heart beat in relief.

“Joe.” Ellen knelt before him, grabbing his arm. “I am so sorry. I am so sorry you’ve been like this.” She pulled out the syringe and injected it into his arm.

Joe felt it. He felt the warm sensation as the antidote made its way into his blood. Suddenly, as if he was awakening from a dream, he began to feel the cool air around him. He felt it hit his skin as if it were a blast from an open door. He started to shiver.

“Joe?”

Joe’s mouth dropped open and suddenly he gasped.

“Joe!” Ellen hugged him. She felt his arm move and his hand on her back. “I’m sorry.” She backed up. “Can you talk?”

“Ellen.” He said her name with such ease, his voice cracking from non-use. “I thought you were dead.” He brought his hands up to her face feeling it over and over again. He lowered his head to her and kissed her. “I thought you were dead.” He couldn’t touch her enough.

“Hell no. We beat his damn explosion. Frank is getting Dean out now. Lift your arm.”

It shook as he lifted it, but it moved. He clenched his fist, open and close.

“Joe, look.” She held up the paper. “We got it. All the info to get rid of George.”

“Thank God.” Joe closed his eyes.

“It’s gonna be hard but I’m gonna get you dressed and you are going to walk out of here. You, Joe are going to be the one to bring that son of a bitch down.”

“I am. Thank you, Ellen.” He gripped her hand. “Help me to do it.”

^^^^

John Matoose grabbed hold of Greg as he made his way from the utility buildings. “Greg have you seen George?”

“No why?” Greg answered.

“Find him. Get your men together and find him. Bring him in.”

“Why?”

“Just do it! Arrest him and take him into holding like the criminal he is.” John stormed past him. “I’m heading into town to look.”

^^^^

Joe moved slowly but he moved. Ellen held one arm, Jason the other. The looks he got as he walked down the streets of Beginnings said it all.

“See Joe.” Ellen held tight. “They all missed you.”

Jason held tight to Joe also. “Joe, this will be minimal. You’ll be walking on your own in about two hours, slow but walking.”

Ellen nodded. “And he’s gonna walk right up to . . .” Ellen filled with rage the minute she saw him. “George.” She released Joe’s arm. “George!”

The surprised look on his face said it all when he saw the little woman barrel forth. “Ellen what . . .” His words never came out of his mouth. Clenched fist ready, Ellen nailed him with all of her weight, sending him back a foot.

“You bastard.” She beat on his chest. “You did it all! You did it all. All of it was you!”

“What are you talking about?”

“We have the proof. You ended this world. You destroyed every single person on this earth. Even the ones still alive. You did it. And you still want more, well . . .” Ellen’s eyes shifted. “No.” Her fury to George was lost as she shoved passed him “No!” Her legs moved but they couldn’t move fast enough. Her heart came through her chest. “No!” Her emotional cries echoed across Beginnings as she charged for Frank who held Dean in his arms. “No, Frank. Tell me he’s all right. Tell me he’s all right.”

Frank lifted his eyes. “El, the second explosion . . .”

“No.” Ellen started to tremble, her whole body shook as she desperately tried to see Dean. “No, he’s not dead. Tell me he’s not dead.”

“I’m . . . Ellen, I’m sorry.” Frank knelt, laying Dean down gently to the ground. “I’m so sorry.”

As her arms swept under his head, Ellen’s back arched, her head flung back and her heart cried out. It cried out long and hard from her soul. She pulled Dean’s head to her chest.

“El.” Frank reached for her.

She didn’t speak. She cried, screaming her anguish as she clung Dean closer to her. Holding him, wishing with everything she had it wasn’t true Wishing that she wasn’t holding Dean, so still, so lifeless in her arms.

“El, please. Someone!” Frank called out in desperation.

She rocked him in her arms, pressing her lips to his face. “No, no, no.” She kissed him again. “No, not you . . . Dean!”

Frank’s head spun with his wife’s anguish. His father ordered John to take a fighting George away. Every ounce of what was happening around him seemed to be in the distance. It was spinning around his head as if some sort of horrible nightmare.

Andrea flew by Frank. She stopped cold as she watched Ellen embrace Dean, crying out so loudly that Andrea had to cover her ears to block out the hurt. “Ellen.” Andrea reached down and Ellen hysterically swung back. “Ellen!”

Frank moved behind Ellen trying to hold her, trying to get her to let go of Dean. He had never seen Ellen like that and it frightened him. “El, please.” He felt her body against his chest shake. Shake violently in her tears. “Andrea, help her.”

Andrea stepped back and ran to the clinic.

“El.” Frank clenched her. “I’m so sorry.” He pressed his head to her bent back. He too gave way in his emotions as his hand ran up and down her. “I am so sorry.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

Ellen’s cries, the pandemonium--though hours gone by--still rang loudly in Frank’s ears. His bedroom was quiet as he sat in a chair watching Ellen, rolled into a fetal position, asleep on the bed. He rocked back and forth watching her, just watching her.

I never thought I be so glad to see you, Frank. He heard Dean’s voice in his head. Dean grabbing onto his hand, a hand he thought had him. Frank opened his fist and stared at his palm. He could still feel it as he held on to Dean. Frank closed his eyes tightly, seeing the memory that was just still so vivid. What went wrong?

‘Frank, something’s happening!’

‘I have you Dean, I have you.’ Frank pulled on him, seeing Dean’s eyes as they lifted to right before the edge of the floor. Then it happened. A massive sound of pressure exploding sent up thick black smoke and massive amounts of debris through the hole. It was as if the floor below Dean exploded upward. Everything shook violently.

Dean’s hand. He felt the fingers from Dean’s hand slip from his own and then there was silence.

Frank tried. Tearing the long counter top from the far wall and using it as a ladder down. Seeing Dean laying there. Trying to figure out what had got him, what had killed him. Hoping against all hope as he lowered himself down to Dean, that he was still alive. He remembered when he felt for a pulse, a pulse that wasn’t there. Then trying with such desperation to revive him, to bring him back. But he knew, he knew as he grabbed Dean’s head, cupping it to tilt it back, that it was over. The blood that poured outward into Frank’s palm, Dean’s blood, said it all.

Frank leaned further into his hands as he thought of that. As he brought his forefinger and thumb to the corner of his eyes to stop the emotion that came forward, he heard Ellen softly speak.

“Please tell me it was all a dream.” She whispered.

Frank lifted his head, standing up as he did. “El.”

Ellen swung her legs over the bed. “Please tell me Frank, I had a bad dream. Tell me . . .” Ellen burst into tears. “Tell me ‘cause the last thing I remember is seeing you hold Dean.”

Frank reached out his hand to her. “It’s not a dream.”

“No it has to be.” Ellen stepped back. “See . . . because it’s all a blur. I don’t remember it. It has to be a dream. Or why else would I wake up in your bed?”

“We uh . . . we had to sedate you. You were pretty bad.” He took another step forward.

“Dean’s gone?”

Frank lowered his head.

“Please tell me you didn’t bury him already.”

“No, he’s . . .” Frank didn’t want to say it. “He’s at the clinic in the . . .” Frank couldn’t bring himself to say morgue. “He’s at the clinic.”

Shaking her head and wiping her tears, Ellen moved by Frank.

“Where are you going?”

“I have to see him.”

“No El, don’t.”

“I have to see him.” Ellen opened the door. “Because I can’t remember . . .” Her shoulders raised and another emotional burst brought more tears. “I can’t remember if I said goodbye.”

“El.” Frank followed her, but she ignored him, but he kept trying. “El.”

She stopped on the steps and looked up. “I’ll be back.” She walked down the rest of the way. As she stepped into the small entranceway she saw Joe.

“Sweetheart.” He stood slowly from the couch and walked over to her. “How are you?”

“I have to find my coat.” Ellen looked around. “Frank, where is my coat?”

Joe immediately looked at Frank when he saw Ellen frantically searching.

Frank held out his hand to his father as if to tell him he’d explain later. “El, please.”

“I have to find my coat!” So frazzled was she as she searched, her words conveyed it.

“It’s not here. Maybe it’s still in the cryo-lab.”

“I have to find it Frank! That was Dean’s coat!” Ellen paced around hysterically. “He gave that to me when we left Ashtonville. That was his jean jacket! Dean’s, Frank. I have to find it.”

“We’ll find it, I promise.” He put his hands on her shoulders. “I’ll find it.” He walked over to the banister and handed her his leather jacket. “Wear mine.” He extended it for her to place on.

“Thank you.” She slipped her arms through. “I’ll be back.”

“El, let me go with you. Don’t go alone.”

“I have to Frank. I have to say some things to him. I have to say them alone.”

“I understand.” Frank lowered his head.

With a trembling hand, Ellen reached for the door.

Joe reached out, stopping her. “Let me go with you. I’ll wait outside. Let me go.”

Ellen grabbed Joe’s hand and held on for dear life. “I am so glad you’re back with us, Joe.”

“I wouldn’t be right now if it wasn’t for you.” He laid his hand on her cheek feeling the wetness of her tears.

“Or Dean. He wouldn’t leave that lab until he had the information.” Clinging to his hand she slid it from her face. “But I have to do this alone. I have to.” Slowly she opened the door, pulling her arms into Frank’s huge coat and stepped outside. It was dark.

Ellen knew where he was. She didn’t need anyone to tell her. Slowly, barely making a walking sound, she moved down the furthest hallway to that room. The silver door screamed at her. Her heart pounded with every step closer to it she took.

She laid her hands flat upon it, bracing herself before she stepped inside. She felt the coldness of it, the cold air that seeped through the seams of the heavy door.

Closing her eyes, feeling as if she had no strength, she opened the door and immediately turned away when she saw him. Center of the room was a long table, a blue cloth covered who she knew was Dean. Pounding her fist once against the door, Ellen took a deep breath and faced it. Faced the truth.

Her sliding steps were the only sound there. If her heart beat any faster that too would have been heard. She stood before the table awhile before she could bring herself to pull down the sheet. When she did, she did it slowly. And when she saw Dean, the reality hit her, causing her to gasp and her heart to immediately break right there and then. “Dean.” She ran her hand over his face, her fingers feeling the shape of it, touching his closed eyes, running over his lips. She reached down under the sheet and grabbed his hand, bringing it to her face, rubbing the back of it across her cheek. Wishing so much that his fingers would just grip hers one more time.

“Dean.” She whispered bringing her face so close to his. “I know . . . I know you can hear me. I have to talk to you.” Her lips quivered as she spoke to him. “I can’t believe that this has happened. I can’t believe you left me like this. You weren’t supposed to. You were supposed to be around forever, confusing me every time I’m near you.” She bit her lip in, removing the tears that fell on them, tasting their saltiness, sniffling loudly. “I just need to tell you how much I will miss you. My heart is broken. It is really broken right now. You are so important to me. I wish I would have told you more, how important you really are. You were such a big part of my life. Now I feel like a part of me has died. What am I gonna do? Huh?” She ran her hand across her face. “What am I gonna do not seeing you every day.” She leaned down even closer to him. “Thank you, thank you so much for our one final memory. I have never regretted being with you. And our last time together will be a special gift to me, something I will always treasure. I think you know that.” Sadly she laid his hand back under the sheet. “I just had to see you one more time. I’ll miss you so . . . so much.” Leaning to him, Ellen wiped away the tear that fell from her onto his mouth. Slowly she laid her lips on his, kissing him softly. “I love you.” She told him, her voice raspy. “Goodbye, Dean.” With one more kiss, Ellen stood up. She touched her hand on his face and turned from him. She couldn’t bring herself to cover him back up. She just had to go, she had to walk out. Dropping her head, feeling guilty for walking away, Ellen took a deep breath and opened the door.

At the far end of the hall stood Joe. Pulling the door closed, Ellen ran to him. She ran straight into his father arms and buried herself in his chest. “He’s gone, Joe. He’s really gone.”

Joe didn’t need to speak any words, he held her tightly, holding her head close to him. Just holding her.

^^^^

Ellen didn’t want to speak to anyone but it seemed everyone, though not many, tried to talk to her as she went back to Frank’s. Couldn’t they tell? Couldn’t they tell she just didn’t want to be bothered?

Her neck hurt and her head pounded as she walked into the house. There wasn’t a soul in the living room. “Frank?”

“Up here.”

Ellen took off his coat and laid it back on the banister. Like it was a mountain to climb, she walked up the steps. Reaching the top she saw Frank coming out of the second bedroom.

“Hey.” He looked nervously at her. “The kids are all asleep.”

“Do the twins know?”

Frank shook his head. “I figured you’d want to tell them.”

“How do I do that? How do I tell them that they will never see their father again?”

Frank didn’t have an answer.

“Will you help me tell them?”

“God, Ellen, yes.” His hand reached across and touched her cheek. “I’ll stay with you every step of the way.”

Ellen leaned into his hand. “We’ll tell them tomorrow. I can’t handle it right now. Can I stay here tonight? I don’t want to go home to that house.”

“El, I want you to stay here all the time. I want you home. This is your home. You need to be here.”

“I can’t do that Frank.” Ellen walked to the bedroom.

“Why?” He followed her. “This is your home, El. Stay home with me. We’ll get through this. You need me right now.”

Ellen faced him. “I do.”

“Then it’s time.” He moved closer to her. “It’s time that we put everything behind us and be together right now. We have to be together right now.”

“We shouldn’t even be together right now.”

“Why would you say that?”

“It should have been me that died in that hole. You should have pulled him out first. This community needs him more than me.”

“Yeah, but I need you. And don’t ever let me hear you talk like that. Ever. You think Dean would have wanted you left behind? Do you think Dean would have ever forgiven me or himself if you died down there instead of him? No.” Frank’s argument conveyed his angry emotions. “Dean loved you way too much. He would have wanted it this way.”

“It’s not fair, Frank.”

“No El, it’s not fair. It was wrong that this happened. He was a huge part of your life and everyone’s life in Beginnings. This was a loss. A loss I can’t even comprehend yet.” Frank raised his eyes up, swallowing to catch his emotions. “In my mind and in my heart, this is the worst loss Beginnings has ever suffered.”

“Thank you for saying that. And thank you for all you’ve done today. Please don’t think I forgot about you.” She moved closer into him.

“I know you haven’t. We’ll get through this. Let me help you get through this.” As he lifted her lowered head to look at him, he reached with his other hand to the dresser a foot away. “Here.” He handed her the jean jacket. “I got you his coat.” He watched Ellen take it, her eyes watering up as she did. She cradled it immediately into her chest. With no more words, Frank took hold of her and held her tightly. He felt her sob within his arms, her body quivering in her silent tears. He held her strongly. Even when he felt her legs begin to give way, Frank held her up. He had to be for Ellen . . . her strength.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

Brushing her hand over Henry’s white shirt and black tie, Ellen looked up to him with sadness, trying to smile. “You look so handsome.”

Henry grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips. “Thank you for coming and helping me get dressed for this.”

“I needed to see you. I needed to be around you.” Ellen fixed his tie. “Are you sure you’re feeling up to this?”

“I have to be there El. I have to say goodbye to Dean.”

“We all do.”

“Don’t feel you have to help me there. I know you have a lot on your mind.”

“I need to help you there, Henry.” She reached to his hospital bed and handed him his cane. “I think we should stand together today.”

“It’s a bad day.”

“I know.” Ellen shivered as she breathed. “Everyone is so sad. Frank is even wearing a tie today.”

“I wish we could do more for Dean instead of dressing up.”

“We’ll all be there. That’s what counts.” She held on to his arm as he began to hobble slowly with his cane. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

“Yeah.” Henry moved on. “Are you?”

“No.” Ellen shook her head. “All I do is cry. I try not to but it’s just so hard.”

“I know. And if you just need me, know I’m here for you.”

“Thank you, Henry.” Ellen leaned against his arm as they walked, trying to fight the tears as they crept up on her again.

^^^^

Joe was walking like he used to. It had been three days since Dean’s passing and his awakening from the hell that George had placed him in. Staring at the revolver one more time, Joe opened the door to holding. “This is the day.”

George sat on the edge of the bed. He only turned his head to Joe.

“We couldn’t deal with you until we’ve dealt with Dean. We bury him today you son of a bitch. Any regrets?”

“None.”

Joe held the revolver up then laid it on the bed next to him. “You’re out of Beginnings today. In that gun is one bullet. One single bullet. You can use it to take your own life if you want.”

“What happens if I use it to take yours?”

“Then you’ve signed your death warrant.” Joe moved to the door stepping into the archway. “I’ll be back after we’ve buried Dean. By then, you’ll either be dead or waiting to leave. I have to tell you George, the community is outraged that I just don’t shoot you myself. But you know what I say? I say what a perfect circle of justice it will be to know that you will die in a world you made into such a monstrosity.” Joe walked through the door. “What a perfect circle of justice.”

^^^^

It was all so foggy to Ellen as she made her way back home after Dean’s services. Everyone in the entire community gathered around the one small grave site set in the undeveloped section of town. A place she and Dean often went to talk. He deserved to be the only one buried in Beginnings itself. It was only fitting that he be laid to rest within the walls he helped to build. All Ellen remembered of the funeral, as she walked through her front door, was the feeling of Frank’s strong hand on her shoulder while he held a crying Alexandra. She leaned to Henry while gripping Billy tight to her. Even Brian sensed the sadness as he whimpered in Joe’s arms.

Reverend Bob’s words ‘we gather in heartache to mourn the loss of our brother, Dean Michael Hayes’ were the last thing Ellen remembered. The rest of the service was a blur.

Ellen sat on her bed watching Frank undress and he undressed like he was in a hurry. “Are you going somewhere, Frank?”

“I . . .” He faced her. “I have to take care of something.”

“Please don’t leave. Not now.”

“El. I’ll be back.” He threw a tee shirt on, ran to the bedroom door and opened it. “Come on in.” He opened it wider for Henry. “Henry is staying with you.” He raced to the bed and kissed her on the cheek. “I have to take care of something. I love you.” He backed up, looked at Henry and ran from the room.

Ellen watched Henry sluggishly make his way to the bed. “Sorry you have to babysit me.”

“No problem.” He sat next to her. “You have to babysit me. Frank’s offered for me to stay here until I’m well. Josh and I are gonna bunk. You are gonna be our nurse.”

“I am, am I?”

“You are.”

“Where’d he go in such a rush, Henry?”

“I’ll let him tell you.” Henry reached down and grabbed her hand. “You’ll have to hear it from him.”

“Does it have to do with Dean?” Ellen asked.

“Yeah, yeah it does.”

^^^^

Joe opened the back gate slowly sneering at George who stood with a single bag. “I have to say I’m surprised you chose to do this.”

“I’ll be back, Joe. I’ll be back to take you all down.”

“No you won’t.” Joe shut the gate and locked it. “You won’t survive out there. You just don’t have the makings to beat the elements ahead of you.”

“Wanna bet.” George was adamant.

“Sure I’ll bet you. How’s this? If in one year you return to this back gate. I’ll let you in. Heck, I’ll even give you the run of things again.”

“You really believe I won’t survive, you cocky son of a bitch.”

Joe tossed his keys up and caught them. “Yep.” He stepped back and lifted his radio to his mouth. “Back gate. Perimeter up.” Smiling, Joe turned around, placed his radio on his belt and walked away.

George stood there watching him, feeling angry at Joe’s lack of confidence in him. George would make it back and on his return he’d bring Joe painfully down. He still had forces out there, forces that Beginnings knew nothing about. He knew where to meet them and that’s where he would head.

Saying in his head his goodbye to Beginnings, George turned to the dirt road he would have to take. The first step in his long journey. But that thought was short lived. Out of the brush, making his presence known, Frank emerged. “Frank.”

“Where you going, George?” Frank spoke coldly as he stepped to him.

“I’m leaving Beginnings.”

“Really? Did you actually think I’d let you walk away with all that you’ve done?”

“What are you gonna do? Kill me Frank? Ask your father. I’m as good as dead out here anyway.”

“Even knowing how measly of a threat your fuckin ass is, we the people of Beginnings cannot take that chance.” Another step closer and the reality of what Frank was feeling showed on his face. “I can’t take that chance.”

“You can’t do this Frank. If you kill me that makes you a cold blooded killer.”

“You know what George? I am a cold blooded killer. I accepted that. I am that. This world that you helped create did that to me. You did that to me.”

George stepped back, dropping his bag and stumbling over it. He didn’t fall because Frank grabbed him fiercely and snatched him close.

“You caused so much suffering. I’m not talking about what you and your people did to our world. I’m talking about what you did to the people of this community. You made us suffer. We’re still suffering. I think you should to.” There was an eerie calmness about Frank. a frightening aspect of things to come.

“No. Frank. Just let me . . .”

“This . . .” Frank, closed fisted, hurled George with his punch to the ground. “ . . . is for trying to oust me!” He dove forward picking George up and nailing him again. “That was for what your people did to my wife!” Watching George try to crawl, Frank picked him up. “Miguel . . .” Another hit and blood shot forth from George’s mouth. “Josh . . .” Frank moved him back a little with every hit. “My father.” A harder strike. “And Dean . . .” The pain Frank felt when he said his name was evident in his final blow to George. Holding George’s shirt he brought him close to his face, breathing the heat of his outrage on him. “What you did was a crime punishable by death.”

George could barely see through his bloody eyes. He felt Frank’s grip and felt his feet lift from the ground as he was brought to Frank’s eye level. “If you kill me, you’ll burn in hell for this.”

“Then I’ll burn in hell with you.” Clutching tightly, Frank took one more step. “You know George . . .” He graveled in bitterness as he spoke. “I think my dad spoke to you about justice. Well, since you wanted the land of Beginnings so much, I think it’s only fitting that you should die in Beginnings.” With his final words of wrath, Frank with a loud grunt and all his strength, lifted George higher and hurled him backwards into the live perimeter fence.

George let out a long scream as his body shook, and convulsed as it stuck to the metal protector. A foul smelling smoke emerged as his body began to fry. It took longer than it should, George fought every last second of his life. But he did not win.

Frank watched. He had too. He watched the final seconds of George’s life. Feeling nothing while he watched George’s head slump, then his body drop, leaving behind, still stuck to the fence, pieces of his head and back.

Frank ran his hand over his mouth as he breathed heavily. Without a second thought to what had happened, Frank lifted his radio to his mouth. “It’s over. Down the back gate.”

^^^^

Joe waited for his son on the front step of his house. He watched Frank walk closer. He stood straight, head held high, shoulders back. Not an emotion on his stone face. He stared straight ahead as if he were looking past his father. Straight through him to see where he so much wanted to be . . . back home.

“Frank. I waited out here for you.” Joe said.

“I appreciate it.” Frank stopped before the step. “How will she react?”

“She doesn’t have to. It’s up to you if you want to tell her. But you know your wife. She stands behind you no matter what.”

“Yeah, I know.” Frank’s jaws clenched back and forth, he still felt so much rage. “Where are the kids?”

“Billy’s already over Andrea’s and . . .” Joe’s head jolted when the door opened.

Jenny Matoose emerged. She held Brian in her arms and Alexandra’s little hand.

Like Frank was her magnet, Alexandra jumped to him and he swept her up into his arms. Her little legs wrapped as much as they could around his big body, her arms clung so tightly to his neck she could have strangled him. Frank felt the softness of her cheek against his. He closed his eyes and gripped her head holding her closely to him. He got a shiver of heartache when he heard her tiny voice whispering in his hear. A voice that spoke so soft, a young voice that held ages worth of sadness.

“Mommy said you went to get the bad guy who took my daddy. Did you get the bad guy, Uncle Frank?”

So hard to speak one simple word. Frank thought it would never emanate from his throat. “Yes.” He pressed his cheek tighter to her.

Alexandra felt it against her. She touched her delicate lips to his rough face, whispering again. “Please don’t cry.”

He shook his head and embraced her one more time. Pulling slightly away, he ran the back of his hand across the corner of his eye, then over Alexandra’s face where his single tear fell. He took a deep breath and a long sniffle through his nose. He reached out and touched little Brian’s head.

Jenny Matoose held her hand out to Alexandra. “I thought I’d take the children with me for a little while. I think you and Ellen need some time right now.”

Frank nodded and tried to pull Alexandra away. She held tighter shaking her head. “Sweetie.” He ran his hand down her long brown hair. “It will be just for a little bit then I’ll be right over to get you.”

“You promise you’ll be there?”

“I promise you, I’ll be there.”

With an agreeing nod of her head, Alexandra let Frank set her down.

Jenny grabbed her hand and walked with her. “Take all the time you need.”

Frank closed his mouth tightly, thanking her only with an expression.

“You all right?” Joe asked as he reached and opened the door.

“Yeah, I’ll be fine.” Frank stepped in, Henry stood in the living, waiting.

“Frank is it done?” Henry asked.

“Yep.” Frank took off his coat and merely tossed it across the room. “Where’s Ellen?”

“She’s upstairs. I just left her.”

“Thanks Henry.” Frank patted him on the back as he walked by him. Taking another breath, Frank slowly headed up the stairs.

“Let’s go, Henry.” Joe gripped his arm. “If you’re going to be staying here, I’ll help you get some things.”

“Thanks, Joe.”

“Sure.” Joe reached for the door. “And I want to talk to you. In fact, you and I, my boy, really need to have a talk.”

“About what?” Henry asked as he was guided out.

“Let’s just say . . . while I was under the Salicain, the simple fact that I could possibly hear and comprehend what was being said to me, seemed to elude everyone in this community. Especially you.”

“Oh shit.”

“Exactly.”

^^^^

Before he opened the closed bedroom door, Frank paused. He took off the tee shirt he wore. A shirt that was splattered with George’s blood. He wanted to tell Ellen first, not have her see. Of course by what Alexandra said, Ellen somehow already knew. Slipping it over his head, he opened up the hall closet, and set it in the hamper. Reaching out, he opened the door. Ellen was straightening up his dresser. “Hey El.”

Ellen looked at him curiously with her sad eyes. “Where’s your shirt?”

“I threw it in the hamper. I had . . .” He stepped to the dresser.

“Blood?”

“Excuse me?” Frank, nervous, reached his hand out for the drawer.

“You didn’t want me to see. I know you didn’t want me to know what happened.”

“But you know.”

“I know you.” Ellen said.

“I was going to tell you. I just didn’t know how you’d react.” He opened his drawer and pulled out a shirt.

“You take care of things Frank. It was only right that you took care of this for me and Beginnings.” She stopped him before he placed on a fresh tee shirt. She took it from his hand. “Hold me.”

Doing what he was asked, doing what he wanted, he put his arms around her. “I wish I could have taken care of it sooner.”

Ellen rubbed her face against his chest, feeling the security as he held her. “You did all you could do.”

A part of Frank knew that to be true. Things happened that could not have been changed. But even doing everything within his power, even taking out George, it would never be enough. Dean was gone. There was no replacing that.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

In her dream she desperately and without emotions worked on the woman who so much suffered with the third stage of the virus. Ellen was frustrated, not knowing what to do, suctioning the body fluids that projected from the woman’s mouth, and easing her suffering against her better judgment.

“Ellen.” She heard Joe’s voice but continued working on the woman. “Dean’s gonna work this section with you.”

“Good.” Ellen looked up at him. The very first thing she saw was his eyes, his translucent green eyes. She never noticed his face at that moment during the plague, but in her dream she did. Dean. “I’m done with this one.” While Ellen began to wheel the cart away, she heard Joe ramble off something, but she paid no mind. At that time in the plague, Ellen had reached her wits end. When she looked up again, Dean stood there staring at her.

“Can I help?” He asked.

“Next one. You can start to prep . . .” She felt him staring. Why? Back then she didn’t want to deal with it but in her dream she wanted to feel that more. “Is there something wrong?” No. Ellen, don’t, do it right this time, even if it is only a dream Remember this time, he was the one that helped Taylor. “Am I doing something wrong?”

“No, why?”

“You’re staring.”

He blushed and lifted his eyes at her. “I’m sorry, I was just thinking, with all that is going on, you’re the first beautiful sight I’ve seen in days.”

Do this right. Do this right. “Thank you Dr. Hayes. I needed to hear something nice.”

“No, no, no.” Dean shook his head drastically, starting to laugh at her.

Ellen, holding the suction hose, tilted her head. “What?”

“Ellen, stop.” Dean held up his hand. “You’re supposed to tell me that it is a little inappropriate to be flirting. Don’t you remember?”

“Yeah, but Dean . . .”

“No, Ellen, do it right.”

“I don’t want to do it right. I was mean to you that day.” Ellen pushed the cart to the next patient.

“Yeah but that was you. And then you and I argued about the pillow thing . . .” Dean’s hand waved back and forth. “This is so like you to change it like this.”

“Christ, Dean, this is my dream.” Ellen shut off the suctioning. “I can change it to do it right.”

“If you want to do it right, do it correctly.”

“Why are you arguing with me?”

Dean walked around the patient and touched her face. “I loved chasing you. You were such a challenge. Come on El, fight with me.”

“No Dean, I want to be nice to you.”

“Then I’m not hanging around.” He backed up. “Forget it. If you aren’t going to dream things right, then I’m not going to be in your dreams anymore.”

“Hey!” Ellen yelled at him watching him walk through the maze of dying people. “This is my dream Dean! You can’t dictate my dream. Dean? Dean?” He was gone. “Dean?” With a shudder, Ellen jumped to a sitting position in her bed. The room was still dark, her breathing heavy. She held her hair. Running her hand over her face, Ellen had to stop and place herself in reality. She had to do that quite often after waking. So many nights since Dean died, she had dreamt of him. A part of her hoped and wished they would never stop.

“Look, Alex.” Frank walked into the bedroom holding her on his hip. “Looks like you aren’t the only one having a bad dream. Hey, Mommy, can she sleep in here with you?”

“Um . . .” A bit confused Ellen pulled back the other side of the covers. “Sure.” She looked up at Frank who was dressed. “Where are you going?”

“I have to go to work.” He laid Alexandra in bed and covered and kissed her. He walked around to Ellen. “I’ll stop by containment and see you in a little while.”

“Don’t go.” She grabbed his hand. “Look Frank it’s not even six. It’s too early for you to leave. Why are you leaving?”

“El.” He looked down as she grabbed so tightly to his fingers. “We have to make another gas sweep.” He knelt down. “Johnny spotted ten of them yesterday living in Miles City. We have to take them out.”

“But you have to wait until daylight.”

“I have to get things ready.” He leaned down and kissed her. “I have to go.”

“Frank.” She pulled at his hand.

“El.” He spoke firmly. “I have to go.” Again he kissed her. “I’ll see you in a little bit.” He pulled his hand from her and moved to the door. Frank stopped and failed to open it. He returned to her bedside. “El, look. I know mornings are the worst for you. If I didn’t have to do this now, I’d stay right here with you. But I can’t. O.K.?”

Ellen nodded. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry I’m like this.”

“I understand.” He touched her cheek and walked to the door.

“Frank . . . Be careful today. Please?”

Frank looked back one more time at her. “Always.”

Closing her eyes, Ellen listened to him leave. She lay down on her side, next to her daughter.

“Mommy, I’m here.” Alexandra whispered.

“I know you are, honey.” Ellen pulled her daughter closer to her chest, cradling her with her body. “I know you are.”

^^^^

Everyone and anyone who dealt with the clinic gave their try at Ellen. It was a daily task for her trying to avoid their pestering. Containment stayed her safe haven. But she knew it wouldn’t be for long. One of the very few people she allowed to visit her there would eventually corner her. She just never expected it to be Henry. “I can’t believe you’re doing this to me.” She spoke softly, her head barely raised from her folded hands.

“Sorry, El.” Henry shook his head. “It’s time to face the clinic. They need your help.”

“Who?” Ellen asked sarcastically. “I was the peon over there. I stuck people with needles, remember?”

“You did more than that and you know it. You worked with Dean.”

“I pestered the hell out of Dean. I talked his ear off.” She watched Henry shake his head. “No? Come on Henry, I assisted him.”

“Then if you didn’t do all that much there, then why won’t you go back there and help.”

“Help what?” Ellen became annoyed.

“Help them figure out all those years of research Dean did.”

“There are two doctors and an almost doctor over there, let them figure it out. I can’t go there. I can’t.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s too much of Dean. Too much.” Ellen leaned forward placing her elbows on her desk.

“I would think you would like that, Ellen. Don’t you miss him?”

“Fuck you, Henry. I miss him with all my heart.” She leaned on her hand.

“Then be where he was. It’ll bring back good memories.”

“I don’t want memories. I want Dean. And as long as I don’t go to that clinic, it isn’t quite real what happened.”

“El.” Henry reached his hand out. “It is real what happened and you know it. It is time, El, to do it. If you don’t want to work at the clinic that’s fine. But help them. You two did so much work, there’s so much just lying around that needs to be put together. Help them to do it.”

Breathing slowly through her nose, Ellen sat back. “Will you go with me?”

“Where? To the clinic?”

“No.” Ellen stood up and reached out her hand to him. “You said it was time. It is . . . to face this.”

^^^^

Jason, like a turtle peeking his head from a shell, looked over Johnny’s shoulder as he sat at the computer in the clinic lab. “Nothing?”

“Nothing.” Johnny rubbed his buzzed head. “I’m telling you Jason, he didn’t write things down correctly.”

“Oh you’re mistaken. He had to. He was a brilliant scientist.”

“Yeah well . . .” Johnny stood up from the stool. “A brilliant scientist that thought he was infallible. Basics. Basic medication is all he listed the ingredients for. Other things like the complicated anti-infection agents . . . zilch. No wait, I’m lying. Watch . . .” Johnny tapped on the computer. “This agent, look, he started but never finished.”

“You’re joking. I saw him pull that one up before. If he didn’t finish, how did he know what he did or didn’t do?”

“Simple. Just like he told me millions of times and I never took him seriously. He’d point to his temple.” Johnny pointed to his own head. “And he’d say, ‘up here Johnny, all up here’.”

“This is ridiculous.” Jason through his hands in the air. “Andrea, anything in those journals?”

Andrea shook her head. “Nothing I understand. I’m clueless. He has little made up names for things. I know what they make, but ‘how to’ is the question.”

Johnny interjected. “His little ‘Dean’ acronyms are what are screwing us, not the formulas.”

Jason, in total frustration, ran his hand over his hair. “This man suffered from an intense case of paranoia when it came to his medication. He wanted to be the only one who knew. That is the only thing I can come up with.”

“Nah.” Johnny disagreed. “He was just lazy when it came to marking things down right. He just would get too excited and move on to the next thing.”

Andrea agreed. “That was our Dean. What about Ellen? She worked with him.”

Jason shook his head. “Ellen is useless. She won’t even talk to me about it. Never in all my years of science has anyone refused to keep track of their research completely. Never. I can’t have this. Beginnings can’t have this. Excuse me. I’m rattled.” Spinning in his heels from yet another vain attempting day at figuring out Dean’s work, Jason went back to his own lab where he understood the work. His own work.

^^^^

“El.” Henry’s voice echoed in the darkness. “This isn’t exactly what I mean by facing it. This is over the edge facing it. Are you ready for this?”

“This is how it has to be done.” Ellen stared at the ajar door to the cryo-lab. “Could you go in first and light that emergency light you have.”

“Yeah.” Henry walked past her.

Ellen waited, holding on to her boxes until she saw the dim light. She took a deep breath and stepped inside. It didn’t matter how big of a breath she took, when she walked into the nearly destroyed cryo-lab, she couldn’t breathe. Her chest felt heavy.

“You all right?” Henry grabbed her arm.

Ellen started to shake. She looked to her right, to the large hole in the floor. “So much happened down here. So much happened.”

“Maybe this wasn’t a good idea.”

“No.” She shook her head. “It isn’t. But it has to be done. You said you think I should help with his work right? Well there was a lot of work done down here that wasn’t brought up.”

“Really? I didn’t know that.”

“No one did.” Ellen handed him the larger of the boxes. “Over in the actual cryo-room is a metal box. It’s heavy and nailed to the floor. In there are files, about seventy. Put them in here. And we’ll need to see if we can salvage at least one of these hard drives from one of these computers.”

“I can do that.” He watched her take her own box across the room being careful not to fall through the missing floor that took up half of the huge lab. “What are you doing?”

“I’m grabbing all his disks he hid down here. And he had a bunch of different experimental agents we were trying out.” She opened the cabinet. “Plus things that he used to make them.”

“He had all this down here?”

“What we did down here was future things for Beginnings. Upstairs was immediate. I also, at my house have his backup tapes. Dean did that you know, backed up everything twice.”

“Yeah I know.” Henry smiled and moved to her. “You’re going to do this aren’t you? You are going to make sure that all his years of work aren’t for nothing.”

“I’m going to try my best. But I don’t think I can do any better than Jason, Andrea or Johnny. I’m a nurse and not a very good one. Dean was a scientist.”

“Yes he was, but you have an advantage no one else has. You worked closely with him. You, Ellen, know how his mind worked. All his secrets, the way he did things, are all right here.” He touched her head. “Up here.”

“Dean used to say that. But I don’t think so Henry. I don’t feel like I know anything about this stuff.”

“Yes you do.” Henry spoke with so much pride and assuredness. “And the moment you start working on it, it will all unlock itself.”

^^^^

Back to his office, back to his normal disgusting shaking of his head as he read things over, was Joe. “Aw, Ellen.” He tossed a paper to the side.

“I heard my wife’s name.” Frank opened his father’s office door, bringing in a blast of cold air.

“Your wife released three people while I was out of it. Two of which should have been put elsewhere. One seemed like it was a practical joke.” Joe raised his eyes to Frank. “Is it snowing or is your hair getting that grey.”

“I do not have grey hair.” Frank touched the top of his head. “Not much, that is.” He pulled up a chair and sat across from his father.

“How did the gas run go?”

“Good, got them all. Scouted the hillside, found some remains. Same old, same old.” Frank sniffled.

“When do you think you can go to New Mexico?”

“I told you I’d get a team together for you whenever you want.”

“I need you to go, Frank.”

“I can’t leave my wife. Not now, not the way she is.”

“Yeah.” Joe dropped his pencil and leaned back in the chair. “She’s not getting any better. How are you with that?”

“Surprisingly fine. I know that Ellen and Dean were close. It would shock me more if she wasn’t depressed about it. Hell, she spent every day with the guy. They have kids.” Frank shrugged. “El has been my friend forever. Besides being her husband, I have to be that friend right now.”

“Sometimes you shock me by what you say. So any idea when you think you can leave her for a few days? I know we’re dealing with the SUT problem, but we also have to take care of the factory if you get my drift.”

“Dad, I have a hard time leaving her in the morning. She grabs my hand.” Frank held it up. “And her little fingers wrap so tightly around it, it’s like she’s so afraid I’m not coming back. I have to tell you, I do not know what to do anymore. Never in all the years with Ellen has she ever let me hold her so much. She clings to me. Clings. It breaks my heart because I can’t make her feel better.”

“You will Frank, you will.” Joe reached into his pocket, pulled out a cigarette, and lit it. “I’ll give it a few more days. After that, you’ll have to get that team together. All right, tell me about Miles City.”

“Dumped a shit load of Dean’s chemical on them. Which by the way, we are running low. We’ll need more for our raid. Jason have any luck?”

“None. You know who knows how to make it, don’t you?”

“Ellen.” Frank ran his hand over his face. “I can’t even get her to put a band-aid on a cut. I’m not going to get her to make a biological weapon.”

“She knows the recipe. I wouldn’t give up hope. Henry radioed in. He and Ellen went down to the cryo-lab to pick up some research.” He saw Frank get antsy. “Before you get upset, yes it is dangerous there. But she went and filled three boxes. She’s going to go to the clinic and work again. But only at night. Hey, that’s a start.”

“I guess.” Frank lowered his head.

“Miles City?” Joe asked.

“Oh yeah. Walked through it, everything is good. They’re all dead. And . . .” He reached in his pocket and laid a bunch of folded papers and three photographs before his father. “Take a look.”

Joe saw the photo. It was of him and his sons. “Where did you . . .”

“Robbie’s stuff. He must have left it there. Notes he wrote, too. I read them. You should, too. It kind of makes you remember the old Robbie. The Robbie that we all knew, not the one that came to Beginnings.” Frank stood up.

“Thanks, Frank.” Joe laid his hand over the articles then slid them closer to his body. “Oh, by the way. How was flying?”

“Greg puked all over the place because I couldn’t keep it steady.” Frank reached for the door and opened it laughing. “It was pretty funny though.”

“I’m sure it was. And I’m sure you’ll get good.”

“Oh, sure I will. What don’t I do good.” He smiled and closed the door.

“What an arrogant son of a bitch.” Joe shook his head then looked at the second photograph and sadly the name escaped him. “Robbie.”

^^^^

Jason brought his cup of coffee to his lips, sipped and grabbed the lit cigarette that burned before the ashtray. How he truly didn’t want to start smoking again. He hadn’t for five years, but being around Joe didn’t help matters.

He puffed a long drag then laid it back down, flipping the pages to his notes. “Now see Dr. Hayes, this is how you’re supposed to write . . .” A loud power surge sound frightened him from his seat. At the far wall he faced, he saw the reflection of a flashing light. “One weird snow storm must be brewing out there.” He looked behind him to his window. The darkening sky looked clear, and then he saw it. A rabbit. It sat alone on his floor. “How did you get out of your cage?” Jason slid off his stool reaching down to the rabbit. “Are you another Houdini?” He raised the rabbit to his eye level and noticed he wore a rope necklace. Hanging off of it, strung though the thin rope was a thick folded piece of paper. “What’s this?” He set the rabbit on the counter and took the rope from his neck. Untying it, he slid the note free and unfolded it. His eyes widened as he read the long message. “Son of a gun.” He rubbed the bunny’s head then in his excitement kissed him. “Son of a gun.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

“Yes Jason?” Joe opened his front door. “It’s kind of late.”

“I know. I really need to speak to you.” Jason spoke upbeat.

“Sure, come in. If it’s about Dean’s work. I’m not in the mood to hear bitching. Ellen is trying her hand at it.”

“Oh, good.” Jason stepped inside. “But she’s not what we need. She can help but she’s not what we need.”

“What’s up? You look kind of nervous.”

“Excited is more like it. Can we sit?” He motioned his hand to Joe’s couch.

“Sure.” Joe walked over and sat down.

Jason wiped his sweaty hands and sat down next to Joe. “I’ve been giving a lot of thought to this Dean situation. Now I’ve been working hard to find out where he was going. So has Andrea and so has Johnny. But the truth is Beginnings suffered a major setback when it lost Dr. Hayes.”

“You’re not telling me anything I don’t know.”

“To be blunt Joe. If something happens, medically big, we’re screwed. I don’t have the knowledge to do anything about it. That’s not my field. Ellen, she knows a lot more than she realizes, but she’s not going to be ready to do anything about it completely for a while. She has to train herself and that could take years. We don’t have years.”

Joe huffed loudly. “Are you here to make me miserable because you are doing one heck of a job.” He reached to the table for a cigarette. “I know how badly we need Dean. I know how bad things will get without him around.”

“It was a shame, Joe, what happened.”

Joe raised his eyebrows. He noticed that perhaps Jason looked happy. “Are you well?”

“Very much so thank you. As I was saying, I’ve been working. You know, fate sometimes deals a cruel hand. There’s nothing we can do about it but take the slap in the face and move on.”

“You’re right.” Joe glanced down to the picture of Robbie that sat on his table.

“And sometimes someone cheats fate. And that isn’t fair. It just isn’t fair.” Jason rattled on. “But don’t you think Joe, in instances where someone cheated, that if you could redo it all, take it all back, you should be able to?”

“Jason.” Joe slapped his hand on his knee. “Take it back? Sure we all wish we could take it back, but we can’t. Now where in the hell are you going with this conversation? You’re bringing up things right now I don’t want to deal with.”

“You have to.” Jason smiled. “I came here for a reason tonight. A very good reason.” He handed Joe a folded sheet of paper, the letter the rabbit brought. “Take a guess, Joe. I don’t know a . . .” Jason bobbed his head side by side. “Psychic, clairvoyant, uh, futuristic guess, on where that note came.”

After a brief glance down to the note, Joe raised his eyes to Jason.

^^^^

“Hand me that blue journal, Frank.” Ellen continuously stared at the computer screen.

“This one?” Frank held it up.

“Yeah.” She glanced at it and opened it. “I appreciate you coming here with me. I know this is boring for you.”

“Nah, boring would be sitting with Henry. I enjoy watching you.”

Ellen turned a page in the journal then clicked on a key. “Hand me the red pen.”

Frank moved it to her reach then kissed her on the cheek. He slid his stool over. “You know what you’re working on?”

“I know what I’m looking at. Right now I’m going through every single remedy he did. Thanks for asking Henry to sit with the kids.”

“Sure.” Frank slid his elbow on the counter, leaning his head on it. “He was there anyhow. Always. Watching old soap opera tapes none-the-less.”

Ellen tilted her head and smiled.

“El?” Frank touched her lips. “Was that a smile?”

“A brief one, yes.” She returned to the computer. “Aw, Dean. Damn it. We did this one, where are the notes? No.” She scribbled on the journal then tapped on the keyboard. “Dean, you wrote this backwards. Shit.”

Frank was happy, very happy, Ellen was working and complaining.

“Excuse me.” Joe called out, knocking on the doorway. “Frank. Can I have a moment with your wife?”

“Sure.” Frank folded his arms.

“Alone.” Joe motioned his head backwards.

“All right.” He whined, kissed Ellen and walked away. “I’ll be back.”

Ellen reached her hand back missing Frank’s as he left. Within seconds she felt Joe sit next to her.

“So, Ellen, how’s it going?” Joe asked.

“It’s going.” She turned her body to face him.

“I’m glad to see you doing this.”

“It’s tough, Joe. I’m taking it one step at a time. If I can help make sure everything Dean did was not in vain, then I’m doing my part to keep him alive.”

“How are you doing?” Joe questioned with heart.

“I’m doing. I’m taking that one step at a time also.” She reached forward grabbing his hand. “It’s so hard. Coming in here like this. Wishing and needing to see him. I can’t believe he’s gone, Joe. I can’t believe it.”

“I know.” Joe’s hand reached to her face. “It’ll get easier.”

“I don’t see how. I loved him, Joe. Truly loved him. I never realized until he was gone, how big of a part of my life he was. I guess that goes that way with everything.”

“It does.”

“So did you come here to check up on me?”

“Nah.” Joe shook his head. “I didn’t come to check up on you. I came, in fact, to make you a very happy woman.”

“Joe.” Ellen closed her eyes. “I love you very much. And as my father, I know you want to just help me through this.”

“I do. I want to take it all away for you.” Very assuredly Joe spoke. “I’m going to.”

Almost wanting to cry, Ellen laughed emotionally. “I wish you could. I wish to God you could. But the truth is, Joe, you came here to make me very happy. You can’t, no one can. Nothing . . . can. The only thing that will take it all away, the only thing that will stop my heart from breaking, is if Dean walked through that door. And you and I both know that will never happen.”

Joe’s hand, the hand she found comfort in, slid in a father’s grip to her face. He let his forefinger wipe the tear that ran slowly down her cheek. Scooting closer to her, he brushed his lips against her nose, then moved back an inch. “Sweetheart.” He smiled at her, he smiled widely. “That’s not necessarily so.”

^^^^

THE RIPPLE

BOOK FIVE

Stories are told in many ways

From beginnings to end as with most

But in order to know THE RIPPLE

I give you the epilogue first

EPILOGUE

January 29

BEGINNINGS, MONTANA

Joe Slagel’s hands were covered in sores, sores that tried to heal but had their difficulty. Soon, he prayed, they would be well on their way to doing so. His hands reached into a basin, dipping the stained cloth into the warm water, he wrung out the excess moisture and began to lift it. Above the water’s rim he raised it, stopping before his cloth’s destination to wipe his forehead with the back of his hand. His forehead ached and still carried a body temperature well above normal. The water from the cloth dripped down his face that never once before began to show its fifty-nine years, but was beginning to now. Taking a deep breath he laid the cloth, warm and soothing, on the cheek of Dr. Andrea Winters. Her trembling fevered body did not even feel the cloth. Her brown eyes rolled slightly back into her head, never knowing Joe was standing over her trying to break her fever, trying to clean the blisters that formed upon her dark-completed skin.

Joe sniffed through his nose.  It was hard to do. The congestion was still there. The too deep of a breath tickled his throat and Joe turned his head away from Andrea, coughing loudly, deep, chesty and rumbling.

“Pap.” Johnny Slagel who headed with a quickness into the clinic room filled with moaning patients, stopped and slowed his towering thin body. “You’re not supposed to be out of bed yet.” Wearing his bloodied and stained blue hospital scrubs, Johnny walked to his grandfather reaching for the basin of water.

“John.” Joe tried to scold in his weakened voice. He merely caused himself to cough again. “I’ll be fine. I’m getting better. You four need my help.”

“Three.” Johnny’s hand released the tin basin. “I can’t find Godrichson. If he can move and he’s not sick, he should be here.” Johnny, sounding so frustrated, ran his hand across the top of his short black hair.

“Jason is taking care of something.” Joe finished wiping off Andrea. “He’ll be back.”

“What can be more important than now?”

“Trust me, John.” Joe lifted the blanket slowly over Andrea, picked up the basin and moved to the next patient. “Besides . . . he’s feeling it now.”

Johnny swallowed harshly. “I . . . I didn’t know.” Swinging his head slowly, he merely lifted his sad eyes to his grandfather. “You were one of the lucky ones, You made it through.”

“Am I lucky, John? Are any of us who are watching this again, lucky?”

“No.” Clenching his fist, Johnny pressed it down onto the blanket of the bed he stood next to. “I uh, I have to go, Pap. I have people to help.”

“It’s almost over, Johnny. Almost.”

“Again.” Turning away from his grandfather, Johnny felt it go through him. He heard a single scream. A short cry out, deep and heart filled.

“No!” Ellen’s voice was heard coming from down the hall.

Johnny flung his head back, eyes tightly closed. He opened them slowly to look at his grandfather whose head had dropped. Holding back his every emotion, his stare met Joe’s, and they both knew the cause of Ellen’s scream. “Dad.” Johnny’s heart sunk and he raced from the room.

Four doors down, as he entered the room, his fears were confirmed. Ellen’s arched body hovered over a bed, her arms clinging and her body shaking.

“El.” Johnny called to her his voice cracking.

“No.” She shook her head. “Not Frank.” Hard she pressed her lips to those of her husband, who lay still; his final battle of heroism had come to an end.

“El.” Johnny’s hand reached out.

Ellen lifted her head, running her hand down Frank Slagel’s face. A face she had stared into for over half her life. “I’m done.” She took a deep breath. “I can’t take it anymore. I’m done.”

“We need you.” Johnny moved to her with passion.

“I’m finished, John.” Ellen spoke in monotone, walking past Johnny and stopping at Henry Kusakari as he too bolted in the room.

Henry’s expression said it all when he saw Frank. Holding back the bangs of his longish, coal black hair, he watched Ellen move slowly by him. “El.”

Ellen kept walking.

“Johnny?” Henry questioned.

Johnny lifted a sheet over his father’s body. “He thought he could beat this, Henry.”

“So did I.” Looking once at the door, Henry spun to Johnny. “I have to go after her.” As Henry stepped into the hall, he saw her. Ellen was opening the double glass doors to the clinic, somberly walking out. Rushing down the corridor that was lined up with beds, Henry followed her out. “Ellen,” He called to her. She kept on walking. “El, wait.”

Ellen turned around, her face was streaked with tears.

“Where are you going?” Henry, out of breath moved to her. “We need you in there and you know it.”

“I can’t do it Henry. The last person I love that could die just did.” She shook her head. “I did this before. So did you. I won’t do it again.”

“But everyone in there is your family. This isn’t like the old world. This is Beginnings. You know every single person in there suffering. You have to help too, El. They need us.”

“There’s nothing we can do Henry and you know it. Nothing. The ones that will die will just go. And the ones that are coming out of it, the very few, will make it on their own.” Ellen stepped back from him, her hand, shaking so badly reached up and covered her eyes. “I just want to . . . I just . . .” She began to cry. “Want to quit.”

“I won’t let you.” Henry took hold of her pulling Ellen tightly to him. “I won’t let you give up, El.” His hand cradled her head against his chest. “I promised Frank. I promised him I’d take care of you and Billy, and I will.”

“Billy,” Ellen cried her son’s name as she buried herself in Henry’s chest. “At least I still have Billy.”

“Yeah, and a few more.” Henry pulled back some placing his hands firmly on her saddened face. “We’ll get through this and we will go on. We will.” He hunched down some to be at her eye level. “Just work with me through this just a little bit more. Help me El, don’t quit on me now.” Gently he laid his lips on hers. “I need you. Johnny needs you.”

“What went wrong, Henry? What?”

“I wish I knew.” He pulled her back into him, into his arms. He had to hide his hurt and desperation. Henry had to be strong. But it was hard for him. Especially as he stood there, holding his friend in his arms, staring at the now silent and near dead streets of Beginnings.

Ellen shivered long and loudly, releasing a final exasperation of her tears as she pulled back from Henry. “Come on.”

“You’re sure?” Henry asked and grabbed her hand.

Ellen nodded and she began to walk back to the clinic with him. “Yeah, let’s do this.”

Moving slowly with Ellen, Henry stopped when he saw Jason making his clinic approach. He moved more sluggishly than when Henry last seen him. “Jason.” Henry called out to him as he seemed to be in his own daze. “Jason, we’ve been looking for you.”

Jason Godrichson’s even thinner body swerved some as he reached for the handle of the clinic doors. So weakened, he faced Henry and Ellen who approached him.

“Jason.” Henry saw his face, the blisters that were starting to form, blisters that weren’t there three hours ago when he saw him last. The scolding voice Henry was going to use disappeared when he knew Jason was sick. “We needed you here. Things were bad. You shouldn’t have been out. Where have you been?”

Opening his mouth to speak, Jason coughed loudly, and his body shook as he did. Grabbing his chest and catching his breath, Jason, with wobbling eyes looked to Henry. “Stopping this.”

NOT WITHOUT LOSS

CHAPTER ONE

Fourteen Months Earlier - November 15

PRESENT DAY BEGINNINGS

The noise of disgust was loud when it emanated from Joe Slagel after he sipped his first taste of coffee. There was something about the coffee beans in Beginnings they couldn’t get right. A quick shiver of his head and a shrug, Joe prepared himself and took another sip. It was better. It always was after the first step of torture. Carrying the cup carefully he moved to his dining room table and pulled out his chair. His morning routine, coffee and whatever he could grab to read. Lifting his half square glasses and placing them on, Joe grabbed what he believed to be the most interesting piece of literature ever to cross his eyes.

A letter.

Bringing his coffee to his lips again, he spread out the white sheet of paper, smoothing the folds with his hands. It was a letter that should have frightened him beyond belief. It didn’t. The inspiration the information gave Joe filled him with a spark of energy he had lost. Though it was a foreshadowing of bad, it was an invitation to good.

At first he skimmed the letter with disbelief when Jason Godrichson handed it to him the night before. Then Joe looked at it every chance he had. Reading it, thinking and planning. With his coffee, and a clearer mind, Joe read the letter again. It was a letter Dr. Jason Godrichson had sent to himself.

--As I sit here writing this, I go against everything I have ever told myself I wouldn’t do. On the bottom of this letter, you will find the missing formula you need to complete the Regressionator time travel process, the missing pieces that probably seems so far away. I am using the last of my power supply to send this to you. I do this because I sit here in a weakened and dying state. My body is failing me, just like so many others in Beginnings. A virus has struck us. One that is not only strong but fatal as well. It kills eighty-percent of those it strikes. It has taken most of the lives in Beginnings. I’ve not much time left, and I send this letter back to myself in hopes that what I am facing can be stopped. We believe that the virus may have somehow begun through the vials in the cryo-lab case. And because all of the printed information about these vials was alien to me, we were ill-prepared. Whatever it was, seeped forth causing this destruction when a malfunction in the cooling unit of the case went unnoticed. The antidote, the answer to it all, was definitely in the case because Henry, Johnny, and Ellen, the ones who worked with the vials, are the only ones who show immunity. But now everything in that case has gone bad. There is only one way to stop this, one man that can stop this. You must take the formula and complete the Regressionator. You must go against all of your time beliefs and bring back Doctor Dean Hayes. If he can’t stop this from happening, he can beat it once it starts. He is our, your, the future of Beginnings, only hope. It can be done. Herein in the arrival of this note, is your proof--

Joe glanced over the formula scribbled at the bottom. A short one line formula he didn’t understand, nor cared to. That wasn’t his concern. That was Jason’s. Folding the note back up, Joe placed it in a crisp envelope. He’d put it away until it was time to pull it back out. Until then, it couldn’t be seen. The pummeling news that the note warned of paled in comparison to what the note actually meant. It meant change. Change for the better to divert the worst.

^^^^

The ‘boom’ of the main field house door opening, ricocheted like a cannon through the quietness of Beginnings. Lunging into the doorway, arms out some, Henry looked as if he were in attack mode. His nose crinkled, his head went frantically from side to side causing his hair to whip about. Left to right he looked, and then smiled.  With the leverage of slightly bent knees Henry dove forward. He landed hard, face first on the cold autumn ground. Slamming his hands in frustration to the dirt he stood, and as if faster than his thirty-four year old body allowed, he took off running.

The brush of Henry’s wiry speeding body into him sent Cole in a spin. He gained his footing and watched Henry, zigzagging as if making a new path. Henry would run, stop, dive and after a grunt, get back up again.

Scratching his head, Cole lifted his hand “Henry! What are . . .”

“Can’t talk now.” Henry faded vocally and bodily. “I’m on a mission.”

Cole closed his eyes. “Oh, no. Not again.”

^^^^

The feeling of the cloth on the sleeve of his shirt felt so real to Ellen Slagel in her dream. The coarseness of its denim as it slipped through her fingers when he pulled his arm harshly from her as she reached for him. “Dean, wait.” She chased him, running her fingers through her dark blond hair that flew about in her run. “I need to explain.”

“Explain?” Dean spoke in an almost laugh. “Explain what? That you lied to me?”

Ellen stared at Dean’s mad yet, hurt face, the expression of pain that was there. Was it magnified in her dream, or was it there when it all happened two years earlier? So many of her dreams, like the one she was having, were filled with the times she was mean, or deceitful to him. It was almost as if--even if it was just her subconscious dream state--that she was trying to change it, to make it all right. And this dream was no exception. “Dean, I want to talk to you about this.”

“Then we won’t talk on the street.” Dean stormed faster to their home, bolting open the door and walking in first.

Ellen followed and halted when she saw Joe on the couch. Mid-dream confusion set in. “Joe? Wait. Hold up. Joe you weren’t here when this happened. What are you doing here?”

Joe stood up from the couch, he laughed loudly, running his hand down his face trying to catch his breath. “Give her hell, Dean.” He walked to the doors, wiggling his fingers and smiling

Ellen’s mouth dropped open. “This isn’t right.” She couldn’t figure out why Joe was not only being intrusive in her ‘make-it-better-with-Dean’ dream, but he was being so immature as well. “O.K. Dean, time out.” Her raised hands formed the letter ‘T’.

“Ellen, what now?” Dean ran his hand over his face.

“Joe wasn’t here when this happened for real. He ruined it. Can we just back . . .”

“El.” Dean moved forward and grabbed her hand. “All these dreams, you have to let it go.” He clenched her hand tighter.

Ellen felt it in her dream, the feel of his skin, and the touch of his hand. “I can’t. It’s my way to try.”

“Try to do what? Change the past. You can’t.” Dean shook his head. “Let it go. I have to leave now.” His hand pulled from hers.

“But, Dean.” Suddenly Ellen’s hand felt empty. “Dean?” No longer was she standing in her living room but the morgue of the clinic. Standing there facing Dean as he lay on that table. Horrifying the solemn dream she was having. “Dean!” Not wanting to be there, wrestling with herself to awaken, Ellen jumped up in bed calling out. “Dean.”

His heavy, loud sigh outward filled the silent bedroom, as Frank stopped in the checking of his revolver to turn his head slowly to his wife who sat up in bed.

“Frank.” Ellen saw the expression on his face. She looked up to his tall body and to his dark eyes that took a moment to stare at her, just stare.

Subtly Frank shook his head, placed his revolver in his shoulder harness and grabbed his black leather jacket off the foot of the bed. He opened his mouth to speak, but said nothing and just walked from the bedroom.

Gripping his coat with his frustration, Frank stopped in the hall. He looked back over his shoulder and peeked through the ajar door to Ellen who sat on the bed, her legs brought up, a pillow cradled to her chest. After a moment of debate, Frank decided the best thing was for his bitterness and her grief not to merge. And with that decision, Frank left.

^^^^

With a slight moaning hum, Andrea folded her hands in a prayer fashion. A small smile was on her face as she sat at her dining room table. “Hungry?”

Joe finished up his scrambled eggs. “Very. Thanks.” He stood up, grabbed his plate and took it into the kitchen. When he came out, he reached for his cup and downed his coffee.

“In a hurry as well.” Andrea stood up.

“Big day, Andrea.” Joe grinned. “Big . . . big day.” he began to leave.

“My.” She followed. “You are in good spirits. Big day meaning, you’re finally telling Frank about us?”

Joe stopped, cringed and faced her. “No. That’s not it.”

“Then what?” Andrea nearly chased Joe to the door. “You are so upbeat.”

“And with good reason.” Joe grabbed his coat. “We’ll talk later.”

“Can I have a hint?” Andrea asked with a manipulation look.

“Well. O.K.” Joe placed on his jacket. “A little one. It has to do with Dean.”

The smile went to a forced one on Andrea’s face. “Dean? You’re . . . you’re smiling about Dean?”

“Yes.” Joe gave a pat to Andrea’s cheek. “Let’s just say, and this is telling you a little more than you should know, let’s say I can’t wait until he returns.”

The air from her gasp preluded any words as she reached for his arm and halted his leaving. “Joseph, Dean . . . Dean isn’t returning.”

“Yes, he is. Soon.”

“Joe.” Andrea added a pacifying tone as she stepped into him. Something was not right. She knew Joe wasn’t acting himself, and his words about Dean confirmed it. “Joe. Um, Dean isn’t on vacation dear. He . . . he died.”

“I know this. Christ Andrea, why do you think I’m so excited about his rebirth?” Joe opened the door and drew up a thinking look. “Was that what it’s called? Yeah. Rebirth. And I told you too much. See ya.”

Mouth hanging, Andrea raised her hand and readied to speak but the door closed. She folded her arms close and lowered her head. The doctor in Andrea immediately began thinking. The drug Salicain, the one used on Joe, popped in her mind. She hoped what she had witnessed with Joe was just a temporary mental repercussion of the drug, temporary, because Beginnings would be in trouble if it was permanent. Henry would be in charge.

^^^^

Frank saw them as he made his approach to the back gate to do his rounds, the feet that stuck out from the bushes. Feet that moved some, covered in a pair of tennis shoes, connected to the wiggling lanky legs that Frank knew well. Staring down, with his hands on hips, he watched at what appeared to be a struggle somewhere within the big helpless bush. “Henry. What the hell are you doing in that bush?”

“Nothing now, Frank, thank you very much.” With the crinkling of leaves, Henry scooted himself out. “You scared him away.” Henry brushed himself off.

“Scared him away? Who? Marcus? Was Melissa’s killer baby running around up here again?”

“No, not Marcus. She keeps him pretty much chained up most of the time. No, a mouse.”

Frank tried not to laugh. “A mouse? You saw a mouse?”

“Yeah, down near the field house. I was fixing a hatch, and I started to chase him.”

“Uh!” Frank’s shriek shut him up. “The field house is a mile away. Why were you chasing a mouse for a mile?”

“To catch him.,” Henry stated with fact.

“Why? Were you hungry? I heard that the Japanese put . . .”

“Ha, ha, ha. You’re just the funny guy today aren’t you? No Frank, I wasn’t going to eat him. I hate rodents.”

“Then why in the world were you chasing a fuckin mouse for a mile? Don’t you think that’s just a little neurotic?”

“Neurotic? Don’t you think it’s a little stupid, to be asking me why I’m chasing a mouse?” Henry leaned forward with his every accent on his words.

“Don’t even be treating me like I’m the dumb one here. I wasn’t the one buried in the bush.”

“You’re not the dumb one? Well when’s the last time you saw a mouse?”

Frank didn’t answer.

“Then I’ll tell you--Mr. Big shot, Mr. Make-fun-of-my-heritage, Mr. Funny guy--since before the plague. I know I haven’t seen any mice, rats or any types of rodents since then.”

“O.K., so there was a mouse, so what? I think the point should be why you were chasing the thing for a mile at six-thirty in the morning.”

“No, Frank, the point should be where did he come from?”

“The field house.”

Grunting loudly, Henry smacked himself in the face. “Forget it.” Henry had reached that point. He had enough of Frank to jump start his morning in the wrong direction. Frank just wasn’t understanding what Henry was getting at. There was something in Beginnings that no one had seen for quite a long time. It made an unexplained entrance and pretty much anything unexplained burns through Henry until it got explained, at least to himself. “I’m going Frank.” He began to walk away, defeated in his trapping of the furry white creature.

“Henry, wait.” Frank trotted up to him with a look of seriousness. “I want to talk to you.”

Seeing how Frank had switched his demeanor, mood and mode--not an uncommon occurrence for schizophrenic Frank--Henry saw no harm in it. No mental harm in it. Apprehensively he faced him. “Sure, what’s up?”

“It’s about Ellen.” Frank saw he had Henry’s attention. “Last night, she was doing good and today . . . today another dream set her off. I want to know if you can check on her for me. See how’s she’s doing.”

“Yeah sure, Frank, I will. But why don’t you?”

“Come on, Henry.” Frank shook his head and swung his hand about in a cutting motion. “I wanna help her. I do. I just, I have a hard time being so understanding when she gets like this over him. And I end up not helping her at all.”

“You’re helping. You really are. Trust me. And you’re gonna have a hard time dealing with her grief. You’re human.”

“I am.”

“Yeah and . . . just remember it’s a long process, it takes time. She lost her friend, a good friend.” Henry explained.

“I know. But I’m having a hard time, Henry, living up to that friend’s memory.”

“I have a theory on that.” With a raise to the corner of his mouth, Henry lifted his finger, taking on ‘The Theory-man’ look. “When someone dies, people tend to forget all the bad things that they ever did in their lives. Remember in the old world when some postal worker would knock off his branch, and then kill himself? And all the neighbors would talk about how nice he was. It’s the canonization theory. All dead people become saints in the eyes of their loved ones.” Henry noticed the far-off, clueless look on Frank’s face. “I lost you somewhere didn’t I?”

“Um . . . go back to the part about the postal worker.”

“Never mind, I’ll talk to you later.” Henry began to walk away.

“Henry.” Frank saw him stop and turn back around. “Thanks. I appreciate what you’re doing for her. You make her smile.”

“No Frank, I make her talk. You make her smile. When you see Ellen laughing or smiling when we’re together she’s talking about you.”

Frank’s head lowered in appreciation of Henry’s words. “Thanks for telling me that. I thought she was talking about Dean when she was laughing.”

Henry shook his head sadly. “When she talks about Dean . . . she cries.” He closed his mouth tightly. “I have to go.” He moved, pointing backwards with his thumb. “I’ll talk to you later.”

“Yeah,” Frank nodded, placed himself in the security mode again, and turned back to do his perimeter checks. As he started walking to the back gate, he saw him. Sitting there, playing in the dry leaves as if he owned the place was that mouse. Quickly, Frank stepped forward, bringing down his heavy and large boot upon the mouse’s tail. Watching it squirm to get out of its foot-trap, Frank bent down and picked it up, holding it by the tail he nearly squashed. “Look at you.” He laughed, shaking his head, watching the mouse squirm. “A big guy too. Won’t Henry be happy?” With his forefinger and thumb, Frank flicked the mouse in the head, rendering the squeaking rodent motionless. “Whoops.” Shrugging, Frank shoved the mouse in his jacket pocket and returned to doing his rounds.

^^^^

Jason Godrichson’s hands trembled so fiercely as he clenched the homemade cigarette between his two fingers. He brought the butt to his lips as he worked slowly and with excitement on the formula that he copied from the bottom of his letter. The letter Jason supposed, he’d never see again. But that didn’t matter. The formula would work. It had too.

As he coughed that tickle from his throat from too large of an inhale, Jason heard that familiar sound, the flash of light in his lab, the sound of a power surge. Not as predominant as the one the night before, but the same none-the-less.

Jason turned his stool slowly to see the hopping rabbit. He would say the rabbit looked confused, if rabbit’s could look that way. Smiling, Jason walked to the rabbit, bending down, and picking it up under its front paws. Around its neck was a rope, attached to it--a note.

Laughing with a ‘hee-hee’, Jason excitedly set the rabbit down on the counter and quickly undid the note. He read the note out loud. “You are ten minutes away from completing the formula and making it work. Hurry and look at your watch.” Jason did, and he started to laugh. “Oh I just amuse myself sometimes.” Shaking his head he replaced the note back on the rabbit, the rabbit would need that for when Jason sent him back again.  He moved to his work and took another puff of his cigarette before glancing at the furry friend who sat by him, awaiting his repeat travel.

CHAPTER TWO

Henry listened to Joe as he spoke, really listened to Joe. But somehow Joe saw it written all over Henry’s face as they sat across from each other in Joe’s office. Henry’s mouth hung open.

“Henry.” Joe snapped his finger. “It’s true. What do you think?” Joe smiled.

“I think . . . I think you’re searching.”

“Searching? What the hell do you mean searching? I’m being very serious here.” Joe leaned back in his chair. “You don’t think it can be done, do you?”

“No, Joe I don’t. Time travel is not possible. It isn’t.”

“Regressionating.”

“Whatever. And I can’t believe you believe him.”

“And I can’t believe you don’t,” Joe stated. He wasn’t getting ruffled by Henry’s lack of an open mind at the moment. “Who was the one staring at a goddamn wall for months?”

“But this is different, Joe. You’re talking time travel here. I’m the one who always listens before making my judgment. You, you on the other hand scoff at anything that sounds like its coming from a science fiction movie.” Henry tapped his fingers on the arm of his chair. “Maybe the Salicain impaired your judgment.”

“Don’t!” Joe snapped forward. “Don’t you dare throw that one at me, young man. I was totally aware when I was under the Salicain. Tell me why you don’t believe this.”

“Can you tell me why you do?” Henry asked. “Why are you so convinced?”

“I told you. I read the letter.”

“Then let me read the letter.” Henry suggested so perhaps his eyes could see what Joe’s did.

“Can’t do that Henry. Council or not, the next person that reads that letter will be Dean.”

“Dean is dead.”

“He’s coming back,” Joe insisted.

“No Joe, he’s not. He’s dead.”

“Oh, why am I even arguing with you about this?” Joe waved him off. “This whole conversation will be moot and you won’t know anyhow. Only the person traveling through time will know that Dean had originally died.” Joe folded his hands, his serious look on his face told Henry that he thought Jason was telling the truth. “Trust me when I tell you, the letter was the truth.”

“Joe, now just let me be rational for a second please.”

“When aren’t you?” Hands out to Henry, Joe leaned far back in his chair. “Shoot.”

“He’s living out his delusion.” He heard Joe laugh. “No hear me out. He’s living it out and pulling you in. Anyone can write themselves a letter and say it’s from the future. Anyone. That is really stupid . . .”

“Yeah.” The intrusion of Frank’s comment interrupted their little meeting when he just waltzed in. He handed his father a clipboard. “What’s stupid?”

“Oh . . .” Henry shook his head. “Jason sent himself a letter.”

“Hey, that is stupid.” Frank crossed his arms. “And speaking of letters, can you repeat your theory on the postal workers again?”

“It wasn’t a theory on postal workers, Frank, it was a theory on grief.” Sighing loudly, Henry gripped the arms of the chair to stand.

“Wait a second.” Frank held his hand out. “I have something for you.”

Joe saw it. He knew Henry did not. That certain gleam in Frank’s eye. That slight raising of his left eyebrow and the smile that tried to hide. His son was up to something, and Joe waited with baited breath.

“What is it, Frank?” Henry plopped back down into the chair.

“This.” With a subtle ‘thump’ on the desk, Frank lifted his huge hand exposing the dead mouse. “Your friend.”

Henry jumped back, his chair squeaked as it nearly fell over. “Frank!” He saw Joe turn around in laughter. “This is not funny. Joe, your son is an asshole.”

“Oh, my God,” Frank shouted. “Here I was being nice, giving you your pal that you searched for and you call me names.”

“You’re right. Sort of.” Henry adjusted himself in his chair, pulling further from the desk. “Where did you find him?”

“Right where you saw him. In fact right after you left I picked him up.”

Henry looked up to Frank who so arrogantly and proudly ran his hand down his goatee. “Frank? That was six hours ago. You’ve been carrying around a dead mouse for six hours?”

“I didn’t think he was dead . . . not at first. But, if you want him to be alive we can pretend.” Frank grabbed the rodent and moved it to Henry, speaking in a high pitch voice. “Hi Henry.”

“I’m out of here.” Henry jumped up, shook his head at Frank then at Joe who still had his back turned laughing. “Frank, there is something wrong with you.”

“Me?” Frank dropped the mouse to Joe’s desk. “You were the one chasing the mouse around. A mouse.”

“You still don’t get it, do you?” Disgusted and perturbed Henry walked to the door. “Joe we’ll finish later.”

“Henry.” Frank called to him.

“What?” He hesitated as he opened the door.

“Don’t you want your friend?” Frank’s response from Henry came in the form of a loud slamming door. He laughed and turned back to his father who was tossing the dead mouse in the trash. Frank sat down. “I hope he doesn’t forget to talk to Ellen.”

“Why is Henry talking to Ellen?”

With a slight shrug, Frank leaned in his chair. “He helps. A lot more than I do. I think she tells him things that she feels she can’t tell me.”

“About Dean?”

“What else. Everything now in her life revolves around him.”

“Do you think it’s a good idea to have Henry helping her so much?” Joe asked. “Do you worry?”

“Nah.” Frank shook his head. “Henry’s my friend. And . . . he’s El’s friend. She really needs that now and I’m just letting her have it.”

“You’ve seemed to have mellowed since Dean died. You’re doing really good with this, Frank.”

“Thanks. It’s tough. And I’m trying. Especially since me and El are back together.”

“Let me ask you a question.” Joe folded his hands and leaned on the desk. “Would you and Ellen be back together, if say Dean wasn’t dead?”

“Dean is dead.”

“Answer my question.” Joe beckoned harshly.

“I don’t know . . . no.” Frank answered. “When we buried Dean, it seemed like we buried all of the problems.”

“If Dean were alive today . . .”

“Dad, can we not talk about Dean. It depresses me.”

“We have to talk about Dean, Frank.” Joe smiled widely. “He’s coming back.”

“Dean’s coming back? What? You mean we’re having a séance or something?”

“No, you idiot. We’re bringing him back.”

“From the dead?”

“No he’s never going to have died.” Joe raised his eyebrows.

“Dad?” Frank looked at him oddly. “Dean did die. I watched him die.”

“You’ll forget about it.” Joe chuckled.

“Are you all right?”

“Never been better.” Joe reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigarette.

Frank, whose mouth was open, shut it. He whistled some Beatles tune while tapping his fingers together as they were folded on his lap. “So,” he cleared his throat, “when is your next appointment with Andrea? You know, to see if the effects of that drug . . .”

“Frank! There’s nothing wrong with me. What I’m . . .”

Joe’s office door opened and Johnny peeked his head in. “I’m off, Pap.”

Joe looked up to him. “Be careful out there and try to bring back as many as you can. We are really over stocked from harvest, plus the greenhouses are filled. And anyone who’s seems sane. Anyone.”

“Got it.” Johnny gave a thumbs up. “See ya, Dad. Pap.”

Frank spun in his chair to question the run, but the door shut. He turned back to this father. “Dad? Anyone who seems sane? What’s up with that?”

“Well Frank, a little excitement never hurt anyone. It’s been quiet around here for the past couple of weeks . . .”

“Quiet? Oh yeah you would think. You were the drone for a while. We’ve had excitement. Didn’t we just finish off the lasts of the SUTs? Aren’t we planning on a run and hit to New Mexico?”

“Uh . . .maybe.”

“Maybe? Maybe?”

Joe rolled his eyes at his son’s dramatics.

“What is this maybe about running to New Mexico?” Frank huffed. “You know by the stats there are more of those SUTs. Don’t tell me I have to start calling you George.”

A grunting moan escaped Joe. “Christ. We’ll go to New Mexico, Frank. There’s just something important that has to be done first.”

“Like what?”

“Like bringing Dean back.”

Frank immediately stood up. “I’m getting Andrea or Jason. I really think . . .”

“Sit!” Joe ordered and waited for Frank to do so. “Now, I’m not off my rocker on this one Frank. I am not. If I didn’t believe it to be true, I wouldn’t have this attitude. Jason Godrichson gave me the proof I need and it convinced me that his time machine . . .” He saw Frank laugh. “His Regressionator really works. What?”

“A time machine? Dad, please.”

“Yeah well we had fifty frozen people in our tunnels and no one thought that was possible, did they?” He saw the smile drop from Frank’s face. “Exactly. Now the run to New Mexico will only have to wait until we do this.”

“It can’t wait, Dad. It really can’t. You just said so yesterday.”

“I know. But this is important, Frank. Can you trust me on this?”

“I will if you trust me on the New Mexico situation. Give me a scout troop to go down there and I’ll go . . . I’ll go with you on this bringing Dean back from the dead thing.”

“I’ll give you the scout troop. Get them together.”

“Thank you. Now . . .” Almost afraid, Frank returned to the conversation about Dean. “I’ve watched movies. How are we gonna . . . um, bring Dean back without screwing up.”

“Very carefully. We have to examine what will change and what won’t. In fact, I was gonna ask for your thoughts on the George situation and would it have been different if Dean didn’t die.” Joe saw Frank open his mouth. “Don’t answer right away. Give it thought. It’s important. But what’s more important is bringing Dean back. It’s more important than you know.”

“Why?” Frank asked.

“I can’t tell you that.”

“Give me a hint.”

“No I’m not giving you a hint. Just trust me. And go back to work.”

“All right. And I’ll work on those thoughts for you.” Frank stood up and moved to the door. “I hope this works. I really do. This community needs Dean.”

“More than you know,” Joe said solemnly.

“I’ll talk to you later.” Frank opened the door.

“Oh Frank?”

“Yeah?” Frank slid as he stopped in his exit.

“Here.” Joe reached into the trash can. “Take your friend.” He tossed the mouse to him.

It bounced off of Frank’s chest and he caught it. “You know what? I’ll get Henry again with it.” Frank shoved it in his pocket. “Make him think there’s more than one.” Laughing, he left.

Joe laughed too, thinking how squirmy Henry was about the mouse then he stopped laughing. “Wait a second . . .” He stood up. “Where in the hell did a mouse come from?”

^^^^

“El, please don’t cry. Please.”

Ellen remembered hearing Dean say that. She remembered how tight her eyes were as she laid on the floor in the hole and  Dean with her, nearly on her, trying to calm her down. She trembled so badly as she cried. Memories seeped through her mind of the last hours, seconds with Dean.

Ellen opened her eyes and looked at the bright sun that warmed her through the chilly wind. Unprotected by buildings or trees, she sat in the underdeveloped section where they had buried Dean. She closed her jean jacket tighter around her bent up knees, Dean’s jean jacket. An article of clothing Ellen seemed to not take off or have far from her. It still smelled like him and Ellen prayed it never lost that. She had already lost Dean himself.

Trying so hard not to, Ellen kept remembering their last moment. She closed her eyes and saw his face, the lips that brushed against hers trying to calm her. Dean’s face that held not one bit of fright, even though they knew they could die. She just wanted to feel what he felt. She just didn’t want to be alone or face the fact that she would never see him again. A part of her knew it. That moment, as they lay amongst the dirt, her heart was telling her that it would be the last time she would ever touch Dean again. And Dean knew it also. She could feel it when he gave into her. His lips and his body said it all.

That last moment with Dean was one she should have regretted happening. But it wasn’t, it was one she cherished. Feelings that she never knew existed came out in that time when she faced her death. And even though she always knew how strongly Dean felt about her, in that tunnel, in his arms, she felt it more than ever before.

Her numbing cold fingertips picked at the long grass, pulling some out and tossing it. Never would Ellen have imagined that when Dean Hayes died, he took with him such a part of her, that she felt lost.

“This should have been the first place I looked.” Henry spoke softly behind her, bending down and laying his hand on her shoulder with comfort.

“Why . . .” Ellen wiped her eyes. “Why are you looking for me?”

“To see if you’re all right.”

“I’m not.”

“I know.”

Ellen reached up to her shoulder, grabbing Henry’s hand. Her other hand ran down the mound of dirt that was still so fresh it failed to grow grass. “I miss him.” She started to rock back and forth. “I miss him so much.”

“El.” Henry’s knees fell to the ground; he put his arm around the front of her pulling her into him. “It takes time.”

Ellen dug the back of her head into Henry’s chest, holding onto his arm so tightly. “I’m trying to be strong I am. It’s just so hard.”

“And it will be.”

“And now Joe wants me to meet him and Jason tomorrow so I can relive that whole entire day all over again, to tell them about that day. I can’t, Henry.”

“Why does Joe want . . .” Henry closed his eyes tight. “El, did he tell you they can bring Dean back?”

She nodded.

“El, please don’t get your hopes up. Please.” He took his hand from hers and wrapped his other arm around her.

“I’m not. But they said they need my help. How can I talk about it, Henry? I can’t talk about him. I can barely make it through the day without him.”

“Then you shouldn’t get involved. Put out of your mind what they’re saying they can do. Ignore it.”

“I can’t. I want it to work. I want them to be able to bring him back.” Ellen began to cry. “With my whole heart I want it to work.”

“So do I, El.” He lightly kissed her.

“Tell me it will work.” Ellen painfully listened to Henry’s answer. His silence. “Henry?”

Henry couldn’t say anything though he wanted to. He didn’t want to add to the sadness he already felt seeping from her. But besides feeling Ellen’s sadness, he felt something else. Anger. Anger toward those who were leading Ellen down a path of misrepresentation. And he had to try to do something to stop that before they led her too far that she wouldn’t come back.

^^^^

With a loud shivering vocal chill of excitement. Joe brushed off his arms as he stood in Jason’s lab. “Son of a bitch. It works.”

“Awesome isn’t it?” Jason asked, taking notes as he spoke. “Did you feel anything weird? Any burning?”

“None.” Joe shook his head. “But that was a five minute trip. What about when you use the uranium?”

“Same. The energy needed to expel your physical being is the same. It’s just the power supply to do it that’s different. And that was very brave of you to go through.”

“What the hell.” Joe waved his hand. “Hell, I was a vegetable for a few weeks. What else could be worse.?

“Barbequed.”

The smile fell from Joe’s face. “Valid point.” He rubbed his hands together. “All right. Now that we know it works, when do we start?”

“Tomorrow we interview Ellen so we can find an opportunity doorway. Is Frank thinking about what you told him?”

“Yes.”  Pulling out a stool, Joe waved to a caged rabbit and sat down. “Now when will we go?”

“Tomorrow night should be good. That way, if it works, no one will see you return from the time trip. Not even me, I should be at the social hall.”

“Sounds good.” Joe spotted Jason’s cigarettes. “Can I?”

“Sure.” He set his clipboard down. “You know Joe, this goes against everything I thought I’d do. You just can’t change history that much.”

“True.” Joe lit up. “But we’re not only changing history. We’re changing the future and that has to be done. It has to be. Besides, not much can happen just by bringing Dean back. At least I don’t think. But a lot can happen if we don’t.”

Jason made his way across the lab to the coffee pot he had set up. He pulled two cups forward but stopped mid pour to the sound of screeching tires outside of his lab. He gave a curious look to Joe. “Is that Frank?”

“Shouldn’t be,” Joe answered.

A double hard knock was the warning for his entrance. Henry walked in bringing with him a very strong presence. He closed the door.

“Henry.” Joe smiled. “What brings you here?”

Henry shifted his eyes from Joe to Jason.

Joe saw that. “What’s wrong?”

“It has to stop Joe. Stop it right now,” Henry stated. “I mean it.”

“What are you talking about?” Joe asked.

“This.” Henry’s hand motioned around the lab. “Dismantle this illusion.”

Jason took offense. “Henry, this is my life’s work. I don’t appreciate you speaking about it like that.”

“And I don’t appreciate what you two are doing to my friend.” Henry snapped. “It’s bad enough that almost every single person has gone through a personality metamorphosis since Dean died, but to mislead the person who is taking it the worst is wrong. Dead wrong. She hasn’t even begun to make that much progress, don’t throw her back.”

Joe slowly stood up. “Throw her back? Henry. I’m trying to help Ellen.”

“Is that what you call it?” Henry asked. “Help? No, Joe. Helping Ellen is walking her through what she is feeling. Telling her it’s OK to cry. Giving her ways to get beyond this. That’s help. Giving her false hope is not.”

“Henry, we’re not doing that,” Joe said. “And we certainly aren’t stopping with this plan. Aside from Ellen needing this, more so the community needs it.”

“The community just needs to move on Joe.” Henry spoke with passion. “You can’t stall things on one man’s H.G. Wells infatuation.”

Jason gasped a grunt that seemed a prelude to a vocally blasting statement.

Joe held up his hand. “Does insulating this man make you feel better? It works, Henry. I know. I just went through it.”

Henry laughed in a ridiculing way. “Listen to you.” He shook his head. “You of all people, Joe, shouldn’t buy into this. Things happen for a reason. People, they leave us. It’s God’s will and there is nothing we can do about it. We can’t change that. We certainly can’t reverse time and we can’t bring Dean back. So quit telling everyone that.” Henry, with an angry spin and exhausted of argument, flung open the door and left.

Jason raised his eyebrows a split second after the door slammed. “Well.”

“Well.” Joe cleared his throat. “Won’t he feel like the fool tomorrow?”

“Absolutely,” Jason agreed and held up the pot. “Coffee?”

“Sure, why not.” Joe looked back to the recently closed door and shook his head with a chuckle. He looked forward to his relaxing coffee after the closed minded ignorance filled riot act he was read from hyper Henry.

CHAPTER THREE

The broken windows were blackened out by the trees that overgrew like a forest. At one time it was well maintained, but in the oval office where Steward Lange stood, the dead world was painfully evident.

His smaller frame body stood behind the desk. His eyes glued to the thick dust covered surface of it. He watched the answer to a question posed two weeks early, drop before his eyes. The question . . . what happened to George Hadley?

It had been two weeks since Steward had his last communication with the former president who was assuring him that Beginnings was on its way down. Two weeks of waiting and doing nothing. It could have been considered a waste of valuable time. In fact, many who worked with Steward insisted it was. But loyalty made Steward hold out.

It rattled and spun before settling on the dust covered surface of the desk. Steward reached down and picked up the thick gold ring. His eyes raised to Sgt. Timothy Doyle, complete in a Caceres Society uniform.

“Where?” Steward asked.

“Two miles north of Beginnings,” Sgt. Doyle answered, “and it was tricky. We tried to get into Miles City, thinking the president was held up there with some of our Enhanced soldiers. But Beginnings has wiped that out.”

“So you started a search?”

“Actually, no.” Sgt. Doyle shook his head. “In avoidance we took the longer route back with some hope of possibly seeing the president at the meeting place. That’s where we found the ring.”

“Maybe he left this behind as a message,” suggested Steward.

“No.”

“How can you be so sure?” Steward asked.

“Because we located that ring amongst the human remains we found, evidentially tossed and left for the animals to feed upon. But enough was left to determine it was President Hadley.”

“So they found him out.” Steward turned and moved to the window. “Just as we suspected.” He peered out, wishing he could see more of the city that George Hadley vowed to return to.

“Preparations have been in limbo for two weeks. Things were put on hold. What now?”

“Now,” Steward spoke softly, “we make sure all efforts were not in vain.”

“Sir?” Sgt. Doyle questioned, not really understanding.

“We continue on. We follow through.” Steward turned from the window and faced Sgt. Doyle. “We finish what the president started. Rebuilding the society.”

^^^^

The note left on Henry’s door that read, ‘Henry, plan to arrive a little earlier at the quantum lab tomorrow--Joe’ filled him with bitterness. Wasn’t Joe listening to anything he said? He hoped that the so-called meeting of events would turn out to be a reality check for Jason and Joe. And instead of them finding the perfect time frame for when they could save Dean, they would discover truth and see that both of them swam in such a deep vat of wishful thinking, they were drowning in delusions.

He crumbled the note within his fist and tossed it on his dining room table. Taking off his coat Henry saw his journal, pencil inside, still sitting where he had his morning tea. Henry really wanted to place an entry in that journal, a routine he had done nightly since he arrived in Beginnings. A routine that stopped the moment Dean died. It seemed from that point, all the things Henry like to jot down seemed so minuscule in the scope of things. And almost embarrassed to write those trivial matters, Henry stopped. But it was time again as it was a sense of therapy. And Henry did have the mouse story to share even if only to the pages of his journal.

In the midst of the thought, Henry remembered. Ellen. She had asked a week before to see the earlier journals, as if she wanted more memories, even if they were Henry’s, of Dean. Henry turned her down. They were his secret thoughts, but the more the dwelled on it, the more he realized it wasn’t a bad idea.

Running the happier years through his mind, Henry opened the cabinet in the dining room and searched out which of the four journals had that time frame. Finding it, Henry tucked the book under his arm and started to leave. He stopped when he remembered something else. The noodles he made that Ellen loved. Thinking, along with the memories, good food would help, Henry went to the kitchen and opened the fridge. Every good intention thought left Henry and they were replaced with vile ones, ones of Frank. There, perched on the top shelf of his refrigerator, complete with a note that read ‘thought you might be hungry’, was that dead mouse. Biting his lip in disgust, Henry grabbed a towel, tossed it over the mouse before handling it, and stormed from his house.

^^^^

The big oversized sweatshirt that used to be Johnny’s hung long on Alexandra’s tiny five-year old frame. Placed on over her pajamas, it not only was warm after her bath, but it played into the story Frank told her. Alexandra believed that it was a new rule in Beginnings, if it was winter you wore either more clothes or a coat in the house. Though it was wrong to tell Alexandra why she was wearing extra clothing, it was better than answering why Ellen wore that jean jacket in the house all the time.

“All done.” Frank smiled then kissed Alexandra’s tiny nose. “Can I comb your hair?”

“Henry will,” Alexandra replied.

“Sweetie, Henry’s not here. You won’t see him until tomorrow.”

“That’s OK, I’ll wait. “ Alexandra giggled and took off.

Frank set the comb down on the bathroom sink and shut off the water he ran into the tub for round two. He really wasn’t wanting to deal with the child arguments of getting a bath, but as soon as he walked down stairs, he knew no argument would be had from Billy.

It was obvious that Billy didn’t want to be there, but to appease Ellen he was. Like he was sort of forced to do every night, Billy sat on the couch next to Ellen, staring out as if waiting for escape. Sitting patiently while Ellen just gazed down to him, a lost look on her face as her fingers touched his hair. Frank knew why Ellen did that, she didn’t have to tell him. Billy looked so much like Dean it was scary. And Ellen needed him around her.

“Bill,” Frank called out as he moved to the couch. “Bath’s ready.”

Billy smiled. “Thanks.” He jumped from the couch and darted up the steps.

Ellen looked up to Frank. “He must really want to take a bath.”

“I’ve been bribing them.” Frank sat down next to her. “You know, giving them extra play time before . . .” Frank’s speech slowed down as Ellen just fell in a lean into him. “…before bedtime.” He put his arm around her and laid his lips to her head. She snuggled more against him as if wanting to crawl inside of him. Frank held her tighter. Just as they settled into the hold, a knock at the door caused them both to jolt.

Frank looked over his shoulder. “Come in.”

Henry stepped inside. “Hey. Am I interrupting?”

“No,” Frank answered.

Ellen sat up. “What are you doing here?” She asked.

“I came bearing gifts.” Henry held back his huff of irritation at Frank. “You may like it.” With one arm still behind his back he handed Ellen the journal. “Second-year here.”

Ellen gasped out a quiet ‘oh’ as her hand moved across the hard book. “Henry, thank you.”

“You’re welcome. That was the time frame that I fought with Dean the least.”

Ellen smiled. “I’ll read it all.”

Frank was ready. “Seeing how you’re still hiding something behind your back, I’m taking it that’s for me.”

Henry grinned with a tilted head. “Yep. Something special for you. Because you, Frank, are the special guy.”

“I am,” Frank said proudly. “So . . . what is it?”

Standing before Frank, Henry took on a smug look. “Before I give you your gift, I would like to say . . .” Henry flung out the cloth tossing the carcass of the mouse upon Frank’s lap. “You’re an asshole.”

Ignoring Ellen’s loud ‘Oh my God!’ Frank laughed and tossed it back to Henry. “He’s your friend.”

“Well you . . .” Henry threw it back in his lap, “killed him.”

“You . . .” Frank stood up and tossed it back still laughing, “wanted him.”

“Not in my fridge.” Henry tossed it back harder.

“Hold it!” Ellen called out stepping to them. “Why are you two playing with a dead mouse in my living room?”

“El, your sick husband has been playing with that dead mouse since six-thirty this morning,” Henry whined.

Ellen turned to Frank who threw the mouse to Henry. “Why?”

“I was saving it for Henry,” Frank defended.

“He put it in my fridge, El.” Henry slammed it in Frank’s gut and it rolled to the floor.

“Out!” Ellen ordered. “Right now!”

“Oh!” Frank held out his hand. “Way to go, Henry. Pissing her off.”

“Me?” Henry nearly shrieked. “I brought her a gift.”

“But you had to go and ruin it.” Frank pointed to the door. “Go on. Get out, you heard her.”

Henry laughed. “I don’t think she was talking to me, Frank.”

“She wasn’t talking to me.” Frank ridiculed. “El? Who did you kick out?”

Ellen only glared. She shook her head with a slight roll to her eyes. “Both. I’m going in the kitchen and when I come back, I want you both out.”

So shocked, Frank watched her. “I can’t believe it.”

Henry slightly shook his head. “She threw us out. It really is unlike her.”

“True.” Frank nodded. “But, she’s having a hard time.”

“We should leave her alone to read my journal.”

“She probably needs that.” Frank took a thinking breath. “Social hall?”

“Why not,” Henry shrugged.

“Let’s go.” Frank led Henry to the door. He grabbed his coat and both of them left.

Ellen heard the shutting of the door. Letting out a breath of relief, she lifted her glass of water to her lips and took a drink. Wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, she thought about the ‘hot potato’ game that happened in her living room and shuttered more. It was safe to go back. They were just fooling around. Ellen knew it, but it still irritated her. Feeling herself calm down, Ellen placed her glass in the sink and went back to the living room. She wanted to read that journal. Moving to the couch, Ellen stopped cold. Her inner anger began to rise. Henry and Frank did indeed leave, but they forgot to take the dead mouse. It still lay right where they dropped it, on the floor.

CHAPTER FOUR

November 16

Standing almost in intimidation but not meaning to, Frank reviewed the single sheet of paper. His eyes moved from what seemed to be a list, to Ellen.

“Do you think it’s O.K.?” Ellen asked frazzled. “I mean this is what they wanted me to say today. I can be there.  I just can’t speak it.”

“You don’t have to go,” Frank said. “I’ll tell my dad and Jason when I drop this off that you won’t be coming.”

Ellen shook her head. “No. I need to be there. I’ll answer any questions they have. It’s just . . . letting the words come from my mouth. I’ll get upset. It was our last day together.”

“I understand.” Frank leaned in and kissed her on the forehead. “And I have to go.”

“Will you be there?” Ellen asked following him across the living room.

“Yes. I will.”

“Good.” Ellen folded her arms. “Frank?”

Frank stopped just before opening the door.

“Frank?” Ellen stepped to him whispering. “Do you think it will work?” Her heart wanted to drop when she saw the same expression Henry had given her. “Frank?”

“El.” He let out a breath. “I don’t want to answer that.”

“Why? Because you don’t think it will work?”

“No. Because I want it to work so badly, my judgment is clouded.” Frank lowered his voice. “I really want it to work.”

His words made Ellen’s mouth tense up as she fought the emotions of hearing Frank talk about someone he had fought tooth and nail with since the day they first met. “Be careful.” She told him as he started to leave.

“Always.” Frank gave a sad smile and left.

Ellen stood there for a while, and then it was time, she knew, to pull herself together. It was the day they finalized the plans to bring Dean back.

^^^^

“Henry!” Joe yelled with depth as he clapped his hands loudly together. “Wake up and listen to what we’re saying.”

Henry rubbed his eyes and sprang up from his lean on the counter in Jason’s laboratory. “Sorry, Joe. Go on.”

“What the hell’s the matter with you anyhow?” Joe shook his head. “I never saw you fall asleep like that.”

“Your son, Joe. At three o’clock this morning your son is sticking a dead mouse in my pants.”

“Christ are you two still playing with that thing?” Joe asked.

“Not me, Joe. Frank. You know what they say,” Henry stated. “Simple things amuse simple minds.”

“Be that as it may, you need to start working on rodent control.”

“Aw,” Henry whined, “I haven’t any idea how to kill them.”

A bright look hit Joe. “Never mind. We’ll get Dean to do it.”

Henry grumbled and dropped his head back down to the counter.

Joe reached out and lifted Henry’s head up by the hair. “Stand up.”

“Why?” Henry asked with suspicion.

“Just stand up.” Joe repeated then looked at his watch. “Jason, it’s been seven minutes.”

“That it has.” Grinning, Jason walked over to his computer. He began typing. With a hard accented hit, he struck his final key. “There.” He turned and faced Henry. “Now, this is your transfer.” He handed Henry a silver two inch box and set in the middle, a small black keypad. “This has to go through with you. When you’re ready to return, punch in the code, which is your birthday, and it re-powers the Regressionator. To me and Joe it will be a matter of three seconds that you are gone. But for you, it will be however long you are there. Got that? Now . . .”

“Whoa.” Henry’s feet slid as he felt himself being pulled by Joe and Jason. “Where am I going?”

Joe pulled him along. “Behind that wooden archway.”

“For what?” Henry asked, nearing it.

“To walk through,” Joe explained, leading Henry to the other side of the archway facing the lab. “You have to go this way, so you can see the lab when you walk through.”

“Actually you can go through either way.” Jason explained, not paying attention to the confused look on Henry’s face. “But it won’t have the same effect if you go through the front of the archway and come out facing the wall.” Jason began to walk back to his computer.

“What . . .” Henry felt himself being shoved closer to the archway by Joe. “Wait.”

Joe didn’t pay any attention to Henry’s apprehension. “He’s almost there Jason let me know when.”

“Wait!” Henry pulled away. “What is going on?”

“Think of it as a trip, my boy.” Joe slapped him on the back. “A trip back in time six or seven minutes.”

“What?!” Henry shook his head, his hair flinging about. “No. I’ve seen what he does to those rabbits, Joe. I’ll be charcoal. No.” He felt himself being pushed.

“It’s the only way, Henry.” Joe grabbed him again. “I did it. Jason, fire away.”

Henry’s eyes widened in horror as the sound of powering was heard and suddenly the entire archway was filled with a bright white light. “No, Joe.” He felt pushed.

“Don’t forget the code or you won’t get back.” Joe shoved him. “Have a nice trip.”

“No!” With a warm shock through his body, Henry was pushed through the whiteness. His long, loud scream ceased as soon as he emerged on the other side. Standing there was Jason and Joe, they faced his entrance. And sleeping on the counter was himself. Henry’s mouth dropped open.

“Son of a bitch!” Joe exclaimed as he saw a shocked Henry. “Jason, I guess you did prove it to him.”

Jason quickly looked at his watch. “I’ll mark the time. Henry, walk around so you can go back through. We have to wake you up now.”

“Huh?” Trembling and not wanting to believe what he was seeing, Henry punched his birthday into the small keypad. He watched Joe and Jason wave to him as he stepped slowly backwards through the archway.

He didn’t face the bright white light this time, his back did, but Henry felt the warm sensation as he went through again. Landing on the other side, his face still holding the expression of shock, he was greeted with another surprise. Three bright flashes of light hit him in the face. “UH!” He screamed covering his face. “I’m blind. I’m blind. Your machine blinded me!”

“Oh for crying out loud,” Joe said with disgust. “I took your picture.” Bending down, Joe picked up the three instant pictures that fell to the floor. He began flapping to dry them.

Henry rubbed his eyes. He grew annoyed at the floating green spots that dangled in his view.

Jason, proudly pulled Henry back into the lab. “So, what did you think?”

“I think you’re both nuts.” Henry swung his hand out as if waving about the residue of the flash in his face. “Parlor trick. I don’t know what you guys did to me when I was sleeping but you two . . .”

“Henry!” Joe yelled. “You went back in time. Now believe it for Christ sake.” Joe looked down at the developing pictures and laughed. He quickly showed them to Jason then Henry. “You really looked funny when you came through.”

Henry’s heart still raced. “Don’t you think you should have asked for my permission before you shoved me through something that uses extreme heat?”

Joe and Jason answered at the same time, “No.”

Though in a way, Jason proved his machine to Henry, it still irked him. Before he could yell at the two older gentlemen anymore, Ellen walked in.

“Hey, everyone.” She spoke softly, shutting the door then shivering. “God it’s getting cold out there. Sorry I’m late. It’s really going to . . .” She saw the expression that still hung on Henry’s face. “Henry?” She walked up to him. “Are you all right? You look weird. And were you sleeping? You have a red mark on your cheek.”

“Check out the shots of Henry.” Joe showed her the photos. “Funny, huh?”

Ellen smiled and reached for the second one. “Could I have this one Joe, he looks so cute with that expression on his face.”

“Sure, go ahead.” Joe shrugged and shoved the other two in his pocket.

Ellen giggled and looked at the picture. “I’ll put this on my dresser mirror at . . . Henry why are you posing for pictures for Joe?”

“El.”  Henry firmly grasped the tops of her arms, placing his face close to hers. “I went through the time machine. I saw myself sleeping on the counter. Ellen . . . it works. It really works.”

It was if Ellen was shot with an arrow of hope. All the air escaped her warmly. “Henry?” Her eyes questioned him.

Henry nodded to her slowly. “You know what this means don’t you?”

“We can . . .” Without another word Ellen quickly embraced him. “Oh, Henry! Thank you.”

Joe was annoyed by this. Especially watching as Henry held Ellen tight, lifting her from the ground. “Why are you thanking Henry? It’s Jason’s machine.”

“Sorry.” Ellen, for the first time in a long time smiled genuinely and walked to Jason. “Jason. Thank you. I’m so sorry I doubted you.”

“Ellen.” There was a tone of reason in Jason voice. “There’s still a chance it may not work.”

Tilting her head with a quirky look, Ellen glanced up to Jason as if he were silly. “Joe’s going, right? If so how can it not work?”

Jason grabbed her hands then motioned his head to the semi-circle of set up chairs in the center of his lab. “Why don’t you have a seat? We’re expecting Frank and . . .”

“I’m here.” Frank walked in leaving the door ajar. As he always did his view went to Ellen. He saw a different look on her face. “El?”

“Oh, Frank.” She rushed to him. “Henry went through the time machine.” She reached out grabbing his arms. “It works. It really works.”

A quick shift of Frank’s eyes went to Henry.

Henry nodded.

Frank’s eyes closed. “We stand a chance of doing this.”

Biting her bottom lip with a smile, Ellen nodded. She turned around to face Jason and Joe. “I can’t wait any longer. Can we get started?”

Jason agreed with that. “Absolutely.” He grabbed homemade notebooks and handed Joe one. “There are enough seats for everyone. Just be seated and as soon as Andrea gets here, we’ll begin.”

Joe looked quickly to Frank. “You were supposed to drive her here with you.”

“I did.” Frank said as he sat next to Ellen.

Another glare from Joe went to Frank. “Did she suddenly turn invisible?”

“Frances Slagel!” Andrea entered with a bluster. “Sweet Jesus, what is the matter with you?” She walked up to him and slapped him in the arm. “I told you I was stuck in that seatbelt and to help me. But no, you had to up and leave me there.”

“That’s because I was tired of hearing your bitching all the way up,” Frank argued.

“I wouldn’t bitch all the way up if you didn’t drive so insane,” Andrea snapped.

“I wouldn’t drive so insane if you didn’t make me that way.”

“Can I help it if you are immature?” Andrea folded her arms. “Handle it.”

“Handle it?” Frank looked at Joe. “Dad, are you dating this woman?”

“Hold it!” Joe held up his hands as he sat down. “My personal life is not why we’re here. Jason would like to . . .”

“You are!” Frank snapped. “Did you stop to think that she isn’t all . . .”

“Frank.” Joe tried not to yell anymore. “Enough. Jason. Start this.”

“Thanks, Joe.” Jason pulled his chair up first. “Now before I explain what’s going to happen, I want to tell all of you something, especially you Ellen. We are going to try to bring Dean back. Try. Yes the time machine works, yes we may divert Dean from dying in that explosion, but there is something else that may stand in our way--destiny. Some people believe that when it is your time, it is your time. Dean died on November 1st. There is still a possibility that if he was meant to die on that day and when the Regressionator returns, Dean may still be dead. I just wanted to clarify that ahead of time.” He saw Ellen’s happy expression drop. “I’m sorry Ellen, but that is a fact we may have to face. With that in mind, let’s move ahead.” Holding his pencil, he pointed to Andrea. “Medical.  Andrea.”

“I checked the records.” Andrea said. “And I think it is safe to say that nothing medically happened in the past two weeks that would be changed by Dean’s coming back.”

“Good.” Jason noted, and watched Joe do the same. “Frank, did you think about what your dad asked you to?”

“I did.” Frank nodded. “As far as the SUTs go, we would have wiped them out in Miles City anyhow. But as far as the George thing goes, I can’t see how that would be affected. He was cocky. He thought my dad was down. Ellen and Dean were both dead. He walked around. He got caught.”

Henry interjected. “So as long as the time table of events aren’t disrupted, it should be fine.”

Jason answered. “Yes. It’s vital that we try to disrupt it as little as possible.”

“But no one will know,” Henry stated. “Right? Only Joe.”

“And . . . you.” Jason pointed to him. “Joe will have interaction. Joe can be a time culprit. So there has to be a constant, someone other than Joe who can verify all and any changes. We decided on you.”

“Me?” Henry was shocked. “Why me?”

“You’re logical. You will carry in your possession that letter that Joe wants Dean to have. You will also carry in your pocket the computer disks to Beginnings history. You carry this because you will never leave the doorway of the time machine. You will never interact with anyone in a different time. And because you are traveling through, anything you have on you will not change like everything else.”

Henry understood. “I get it. The history I carry in my pocket will state that Dean died. And when we get back and I go to History, what I pull up will be totally different because it would have all changed. And . . . I can see what rippled and what didn’t.”

“Exactly. Hopefully with minimal contact from the Regressionator to anything in the past, not much major should ripple. Any questions? Frank?” When he didn’t get any responses, Jason turned his focus to Ellen. “Ellen, you did a great job of mapping out that last morning. The events that led up to the explosion have to be accurate. I have to set my time machine accordingly. Now . . .” Jason pulled forward the sheet. “You mentioned you left Dean at the tunnel entrance about six-thirty in the morning. You said you returned right after. You didn’t mention a time. How long was it until you returned?”

“Not long.” Ellen answered. “I wasn’t able to see Frank. I went right back. Ten minutes to walk to holding, ten back to the lab.”

“So twenty minutes he was alone.” Jason noted when she agreed. “At any time did you look at your watch?”

“Yes,” Ellen answered.

“What time did it say?”

“One o’clock.”

A unison ‘huh?” erupted from the room.

Joe held up his hand to bring silence. “How could it be one o’clock?”

“My watch is broken,” Ellen said. “It always says one o’clock.”

Jason closed his eyes briefly so as not to get upset. “So it’s safe to say Dean was alone in the lab from quarter till until seven o’clock.”

“Yes.”

Joe let out a breath. “That’s our time frame.”

“Tight.” Jason added. “Ellen, how long after you got to the lab was the explosion?”

“Not long after,” Ellen described. “I got there. Third word and literally boom it . . .” Her eyes widened. “Oh, am I dumb.” She reached into her coat and pulled out paper. “This is the print out. I brought it in case you needed it. Right there is the time the detonation was triggered.”

Jason grinned when he looked at the printing start time. He gave the sheets to Joe. “Ten after. Frank, are you sure, if Ellen’s not there, there would have been enough time for you to save Dean?”

“Without a doubt because I had him.” Frank’s hand instinctively went out and he stared at his open palm. “I had him in my grip when the second bomb went off. I . . . had him.” There was so much silence in the room that it was loud enough to snap Frank out of it. He blinked a few times, rolled his hand into a fist and looked to Jason. “How are you going to assure Ellen gets out of there?”

Joe decided to answer. “The site of me alone walking and talking to Dean should be enough to convince him to get Ellen the hell out of there. He gets her out, she gets you, and you get him with plenty of time to spare.”

Henry raised his hand slightly. “Time is important. You don’t have much, Joe. You have to get in the lab and get out before Ellen sees you.”

Joe nodded. “I can do that. Ellen took the tunnel from holding. As long as I hit the east tunnel before she hits the main one, we’ll be fine.”

Henry had so much debate on his face. “I don’t know Joe. You still stand a chance. You’d have to walk those miles through the tunnels. Anyone can see you. And the window is what, fifteen minutes maybe?”

“Well what do you expect we do?” Joe asked. “Do you have another idea?”

“I do.” Ellen said in a daze like voice. “Would an hour be enough time?”

Jason snapped a look at Ellen. “An hour? When was Dean alone for an hour.”

“That morning,” Ellen answered. “I remember him in the bedroom around five am. Then I fell back to sleep. He didn’t wake me up until just before six then I woke up the kids.”

“Where did he go?” Jason asked. “This is important.”

“He was having coffee and reviewing notes in the dining room,” Ellen explained.

“There were no night guards.” Frank spoke up. “This is even better. Fuckin George took them off schedule. I was walking a beat. But that night I was in holding.”

Henry snapped a finger. “And Joe, you could walk to the garage, grab a jeep, and drive. No one is up and about that time of the morning.”

“Especially me,” Jason said. “Before we were taking a big chance of me coming into the lab and seeing you. Now, this . . . this could work.”

“It will.” Joe gave an assuring look to Ellen. “And I’ll do the best I can.”

Ellen peacefully smiled at him. “I know you will.”

“So,” Jason spoke up, “it’s settled. We have our window. We know nothing major will change. Now all that’s left is to do it. Tonight at ten . . .” Jason smiled. “We bring back Dean.”

REWINDING THE CLOCK

CHAPTER FIVE

A part of Henry felt as if his stomach were going to explode, it fluttered out of control in nervousness. Henry was being titled by Jason, ‘The Logisticalizer’. A responsibility, bigger than he wanted, was given to him. A responsibility he would be sure to brag about. Finally Henry felt justified in writing in his journal again. But in his excitement to prepare, he didn’t. So he promised himself he would make it a point to do so right after the time trip.

Walking the excess nervousness off seemed like a good idea at first, but the five miles were a lot more than Henry expected especially with the temperature dropping. He only wished he would have taken that offer for a ride from Joe, otherwise, Joe wouldn’t have waved arrogantly to Henry when he zoomed right by him.

Lungs froze, legs tired, Henry arrived. Everyone was there. Of course Henry knew that. They all passed him in his route.

“Henry.” Ellen gasped his name out in a near whisper when she saw him walk in. She hurried to him.

“Hey, El,” Henry replied. “Everyone ready?”

“Just about. Jason’s making the final adjustment. Or something like that.” Ellen’s eyes shifted down. She saw he carried in his fist rolled up paper. “What’s that?”

“Check this out.” Henry stepped closer. “I copied my recent journal. I don’t want to lose the thoughts I had before Dean died.”

“Why didn’t you just bring the journal?” Ellen asked.

“I thought of that. But, I’m curious as to what my thoughts were if Dean had never died. I’ll get an idea of what went on in my personal life. Not that I have one.”

“Oh how clever,” Ellen smiled, “because you know your journal will change. And speaking of change, Henry.” Ellen reached into the jean jacket and pulled out an envelope. She folded it, hiding it some. After shifting her eyes to Frank who stood by Joe, Ellen handed the envelope to Henry.

“What is this?” Henry asked quietly.

“I need you to hold that. And I want you to give that to Dean after you walk though that time door and he’s still alive.”

“I don’t understand.”

“That letter is my thoughts and feelings to Dean. Thoughts and feeling I would have never had if he didn’t die. He deserves to know them.”

Henry folded the letter and placed it in his back pocket. “And he will.”

Somewhere in Jason’s review with Joe, Frank’s mind wandered. Not to any thought that pertained to what was going on, but to the keys that dangled from Joe’s back pocket and the little round blue key chain attached to it.

Frank remembered that key chain. He remembered it well. No older than ten, Robbie had given that key chain to Joe. Robbie was so proud of it. It was the grand prize in the gum ball machine and Robbie got it on the third try. He believed it was priceless and the soft plastic object ended up being just that. Priceless. It was a token of Robbie’s innocence back then, a token Joe carried on him always even though the white lettering had disappeared.

The zipper of the pouch brought Frank from his reminding stage.

“History of the past three weeks,” Joe said, “we really don’t need to go back any further.”

“Why don’t we?” Frank interjected. “Why don’t we just go back, knock off George early enough so he can’t come up with the plague idea and that’s that.”

“Knock him off early enough?” Joe asked. “You mean as a child?”

Closed mouth, Frank bobbed his head from side to side. “That would work. I mean, if you think you can do it.”

“Frank,” Joe snapped, “I’m not killing George as a child. Besides, that would cause one of those ripples Jason wants to avoid.”

“But a good one.” Frank held up a finger. “There won’t be a plague.”

“How do you know?” Jason presented the question, “We don’t. We don’t know if someone else will develop one that none of us are immune to or . . . someone else would become president and do something else to destroy the world. We just don’t know. Ripples can be bad.”

“Speaking of ripples,” Henry interrupted, “I have a question. What happens if say, we warn Dean. Dean gets Ellen out. She gets help. You Jason overhear Dean is in trouble and run to aid Frank . . .” Henry paused when Frank snickered. “Anyhow . . . let’s say you die back then. The second explosion gets you. What happens to me and Joe? Will we be stuck?”

“No.” Jason shook his head. “The return trip door will always be open. Don’t worry. Now if we can just get started . . .”

“Wait.” Frank held up a hand. “Does this mean you could be dead right now?”

“In a sense,” Jason answered. “If, let’s say, I died in that time frame. Yes.”

“Whoa.” Frank scratched his head. “So who brought you back?”

Jason who readied to position his hands, stopped. “What do you mean?”

“If you died then you wouldn’t be here, but you are, so that means, someone else got the letter, fixed the time machine, went back, saved you so you could come back and save Dean. Right?” Frank asked.

Slow was the blink Jason took amongst the gasps. So seriously he looked at Frank.

“Right?” Frank repeated.

“Right,” Jason answered just hoping to silence him. “Now, let’s . . .”

“Who?” Frank spoke up. “Who did it?”

With a slight breath of irritation, Jason replied, “You. Now if we . . .”

“When?” Frank asked.

Growling was the sound in Jason’s tone, “Yesterday. Only you don’t remember because time changed.”

Frank gave a thumbs up. “Got it.” He saw the stare his father had locked on him. “What?”

“You’re a moron,” Joe told him then handed Henry the history disks and the pendant to return. “Let’s do this.”

Jason tapped a few times on the keyboard of the one computer. He looked up to check the position of Joe and Henry. “Remember the code.” He tapped again. “Everyone else step back.”

Frank, Ellen and Andrea moved a few feet back. They were nervous and filled with anxiety.

Joe took one second to glance back at everyone. “Let’s hope none of you are here when we return.”

“Ready,” Jason called out. “Good luck.”

Joe and Henry stood waiting. With the humming sound of power, the archway brightly illuminated and with a ‘go’ from Jason they stepped through.

Gone. Silence.

“What now?” Ellen asked as Andrea placed her arm around her.

Jason looked up from the computer. “In about five seconds this moment may all be . . .”

The loud power surge humming interrupted Jason and the archway lit up again.

The expressions on Joe and Henry’s faces matched when they stepped through the light. Slightly parted lips, eyes wide, faces pale.

Joe’s heart sunk. Everyone was right where he had left them, still standing the same. His eyes shifted to Henry.

“Joe?” Henry whispered. “No.” He closed his eyes.

So much silence filled the room along with somberness. To Jason, Frank then Andrea, Joe looked. Finally and most painfully his stare met Ellen’s. “Ellen, listen . . .”

Ellen smiled. “Boy, Jason, were you wrong.”

Jason was drowning in his disappointment. He barely could get the words out. “Ellen, what do you mean?”

She had an emotional chuckle to her. “You said . . . you said we wouldn’t even remember this moment. I have to go.” She backed up. “Oh, God, I can’t wait to see him.”

His lowered head lifted and Frank spun to Ellen. “El, wait.”

Ellen stopped as she opened the door. “Come on, Frank. I can’t wait.” She lifted her hand. “Look I’m shaking. Bet me he’s in bed.”

So helpless, Frank looked to Joe. “Dad?”

After a hard swallow, Joe stepped forward. “Ellen, listen. Sweetie there’s no point in it. If you guys remember us going through then . . . then it, it didn’t work.”

Strained was her smile, but it was still there. “Joe. Really. You went back right?”

“Yes.”

“You warned Dean right?”

Joe just nodded.

“It’s you Joe. It’s you. How could you have failed?” Saying no more and not wanting to wait for Frank, Ellen flew out.

Every ounce of Joe’s insides wrenched with his emotions. It took everything he had to stay in control when he heard the jeep start. “Dear God.” he closed his eyes.

Frank slipped from his own disappointing sadness and raced to the door. “Dad, I have to go after her. I have to take you jeep.”

Joe just lifted his hand. “Go.”

With a brief closing of his eyes, Frank paused, tilted his head, gained control of what he was feeling and raced out.

Another shutting of the quantum door, another pounding of Joe’s heart as he ran his hand slowly across the bridge of his nose. “What have I done?”

Compassionately, Andrea stepped to him. She gently laid her hand on his cheek. “Joe. You did all that you could. You tried.”

“Yeah, Joe.” Henry laid a hand on Joe’s shoulder. “You tried.”

“Joe, you knew this was a possibility,” Jason added.

“Tell me.” Joe lifted his head. “Just tell me. Our history, our memory is that Dean and Ellen were both trapped in the cryo explosion. Frank got Ellen out, but Dean was caught right after, in the second explosion. Is that . . . is that how it went down?”

Jason hesitated before answering. There was a nervous twitch to his jaw. “Exactly like that.”

“Then I failed,” Joe said.

“No,” Jason corrected, “we all failed. This was a group effort.”

“But this was also a father’s effort,” Joe said sadly. Slow he walked across the lab, needing the air, needing to get out of the time lab. “And trust me, there’s nothing worse than failing your kid.” He stepped and looked back to everyone. “Nothing.”

^^^^

How quickly had Ellen driven to town, faster than safety dictated. Frank, expecting to find Ellen at home or at Dean’s house, screeched the jeep to a stop when he saw her racing toward the clinic.

“El,” He called out as he jumped from the jeep.

“Hey, Frank.” Ellen paused on the steps. “He wasn’t home. Bet he’s still working.”

“El.”

“I have to check.” Turning and opening the double glass doors, Ellen ran down the silent halls of the clinic and straight into the dark lab. She took a few steps in, slowing down with each one. “Dean?” She whispered out. She heard the footsteps and her heart pounded. Wide grinned Ellen spun to the door. Her smile fell.

“El.” Frank walked in. “Let’s go home.”

“I have to find Dean,” Ellen said. “I wonder where he . . .”

“El, knock it off.”

“What?” Ellen snickered.

“Stop this.” Frank walked to her. “No one knows you better than I do. And you know . . .” Frank’s voice softened. “You know it didn’t work.”

“No. It had to work. It had to.” Ellen barged forward.

Frank sprang out his arm stopping Ellen and pulling her to him. He felt her fighting, trying to break free. “It didn’t work.”

“Frank. No . . .”

“El.” His deep whisper carried to her and with heavy truth. “For as much . . . for as much as I wanted it to work. He’s not coming back. He’s not.”

Ellen shivered a breath and pulled away from Frank, stepping deeper in the lab. “Why? Why didn’t it work? What went wrong?”

“Fate,” Frank answered. “The best person that could went down there and he tried. Nothing was probably more convincing than my Dad.” Frank closed his eyes at Ellen’s whimper. “But fate wouldn’t allow it. Things are meant to be.”

“No. For the first time, in all the tragedies that we had, we had a chance to take one back. Change it. And we blew it.”

“We didn’t blow it. No way. We gave it the best shot we could.” He spoke passionately. “If we were meant to be able to change time, you would be sitting right now at Dean’s house, never feeling the pain of this moment. And I wish to God, El, I wish with all my heart, you weren’t feeling this.”

“I wanted him back.”

“I did too, for this community, for me, but especially for you and the kids. But now we have to put it behind us and go on. We have to. For as empty as we feel, we have to face the fact. Dean’s . . . .Dean’s not coming back.”

Ellen felt the ringing of her sadness in her ears first, helpless her hands reached blindly out. She gripped Frank’s forearm only briefly before sliding it off and turning toward the counter. Hands grasping the edging, Ellen’s head dropped and she began to cry.

Right there, and all over again, Frank’s heart broke for her.

^^^^

Never one that held his alcohol well, Henry stopped at the social hall to have a few drinks. And not one gave its desired effect. No numbing of the disappointment and pain he felt. Heading home, Henry planned on writing in his journal. But he stopped right before his front door when through the corner of his eye he saw it. Two doors down, in the house where Dean and Ellen once lived, the light in the bedroom was on.

It was stupid, but a twinge of hope hit Henry and he bolted over. He spent the last hour at the social hall, only hearing from Frank--when he came in to snatch up a bottle--that Ellen was bad. Into Dean’s house Henry ran and straight up the steps. He closed his eyes when he hit the doorway and Ellen was sitting on the bed.

“I’m sorry, El.” Henry started to leave. “I saw the light and wondered who . . .”

“That’s all right.” Ellen had a box before her, and she held up a sweatshirt.

“Are you O.K.?” Henry asked.

Ellen’s hands gripped the grey shirt that Dean wore around the house. “No. What happened, Henry? How did it not work?” Ellen didn’t even look up.

As Henry went to answer, Joe did. “Can I . . .” Joe stepped inside the bedroom. “Can I be the one to tell her?”

“Sure, Joe.” Henry moved out of the way. “I’ll let you two be.” He paused in his leaving taking a second to look back into the bedroom one more time.

Joe made his way closer to the bed and to Ellen who sat there. “I stopped by the house. Johnny was watching the kids. I thought Frank would be here.”

Ellen shook her head. “I don’t know where Frank is. I think . . . I think he’s mad at me.”

Joe sat down on the bed. Ellen’s back was facing him. “Why would Frank be mad?”

“Because of the way I’m being about Dean. I guess I’d be the same way. I don’t know.”

“He’s not mad at you. Worried. Not mad. Are you mad at me?” Joe asked.

With an emotional release of her breath, Ellen turned around and faced Joe. “Why . . . Why would you even think that?”

“I let you down.”

“No. It didn’t work, and I let myself down. I let myself believe so much . . . so much that it would work.” Ellen tossed the sweatshirt she held. “What happened Joe? I thought, you know, that I’d suddenly get these memories about Dean telling me he saw you. I thought that.”

“I think Dean thought he was dreaming. And I couldn’t stay long. Alex was coming down the steps.”

“But you warned him.” Ellen said. “Right?”

“Yes. I told him that the password would be uncovered and with everything he was, get you out immediately. He nodded. He understood.” Joe explained.

“He tried. He did. He begged me to go, but I refused.”

“I’m sorry, Ellen.” Joe laid a hand on her cheek. “I am so, so sorry I got your hopes up. I’m sorry I let you down.”

“You did all you could. And I have to face it. Dean is not . . . he’s not coming back.” She swallowed hard and reached for the sweatshirt again. “And facing it is what I’m doing.”

Around her Joe’s hand reached for the box. He tilted it in and saw the emptiness.

Ellen emotionally chuckled. “O.K., I’m trying. But I can’t take anything from his drawers except this stupid sweatshirt that I hated when he wore. When we would argue, or fight, he’d put this on just to piss me off.” She smiled. “Now what I wouldn’t give to see him in it.”

“Do you think packing up his clothes is the way to face this and move on?”

“You would think, right. I mean, everything in this house is the same. As if I’ve been waiting for him to return. And the community probably needs the clothing. Everyone looks at me like I’m nuts. This grief is more than I can handle and I don’t understand why that is. So I have to face it, move on. But Joe . . .” Ellen looked up at him. “I reach in the drawer. I touch his clothes. I feel so guilty.”

“I know that feeling.” Joe saw the curiosity in her eyes. “When Frank’s mother died, it happened just like with Dean. So fast, unexpected. I never saw it coming. I wasn’t ready. It was supposed to be a happy time for us. She went into have the baby and never came back out.” Joe’s voice dropped. “Complications.” He cleared his emotions from his throat. “I had to walk back into that waiting room and face my four boys. They were so young and excited, waiting to hear if they finally had a baby sister. I was useless. I never thought I’d feel pain like that. I couldn’t eat, sleep, I couldn’t even breath. And packing up her things . . .” Joe shook his head. “Two years. It took me two years to take the first item from the closet. And then slowly I removed them all.”

“Two years?” Ellen asked. “But it’s different. The community needs the house and the clothes.”

“No,” Joe told her. “As your father I am telling you to take all the time you need. As the leader, we don’t need it. Not yet. Forcing yourself to face it will not make it easier. You have to find the comfort in his work, things he loved, and his children’s faces. It’s there. All of that is Dean, alive in his own way.” Joe closed one eye and dropped his voice. “You just have to wait until the pain subsides a little until you can recognize it.”

“Like the coat.” Ellen ran her hand down it. “I guess people think I’m nuts about wearing this huh?”

“I’m not gonna lie to you . . . yes,” Joe said. “But . . .” He held up a finger. “Between you and me, my God, am I envious. That article of clothing touched his body every single day almost. What I wouldn’t have given to be able to wear something of Mare’s. But if I did that . . .” A crooked smiled crossed his face. “Imagine the way people would have viewed me. So you wear that coat. You wear it.”

“Joe.” Ellen whimpered slightly, her head falling forward into him. “I miss him so much.”

“I do, too, Kiddo.”

“We went through so much him and me. I hurt him at times more than I should have. I just wished when he died, that he knew how strong I felt about him.”

“He did,” Joe said.

“No, Joe. I may have told him I loved him. But he didn’t know the extent of it. I didn’t know the extent of it until he was gone.”

“No, Ellen.” Joe pulled her back and looked at her, “He knew because I told him.”

Ellen’s eyes grew wide. “What?”

“He may have thought he dreamt it, but I told him. I let him know how much you loved him.”

Closing her eyes, Ellen reached out and grabbed hold of Joe. “Thank you.”

“I promise you, you will get through this. I promise you.” Joe held her tighter. “It just takes time. Not changed or rippled time. But time.”

In that bedroom, on the bed, Ellen not only took comfort in Joe’s arms, but in his father’s words as well.

^^^^

The heels of his combat boots dug deep into the cold hard dirt. The half empty bottle of whiskey dangled from Frank’s hand as he sat before Dean’s grave. He’d lift the bottle, take a drink, and then rest the curve of the bottom against the ground. “Do you know how pissed off I am at you.” Frank tilted his head with closed eyes. “So mad, Dean. Why? Why didn’t you just fuckin pick her up, carry her out of the lab, and lock the door. Why?” Frank took another drink. “You loved her. I know you did. So why did you hurt her like this?” Staring down to the bottle, Frank turned it like a drill into the dirt as he spoke. “You should see her. She’s a mess. For all the fighting we did over her, do you know you won? I lost her. Everyone’s lost her. Including the kids. I want . . . I want to help her, you know.” Frank lifted the bottle and took another drink. “But I don’t know how, or what to do.” Frank’s voice dropped to a passionate whisper. “You knew her, Dean . . . you knew her. Tell me what to do. Give me a sign, something. Tell me what to do.”

Silence, nothing. A complete emptiness engulfed Frank. He waited with bated breath. Anxious as if Dean would actually give him the answer from beyond. And Frank waited a long time, but nothing. There were no ghostly apparitions, no voices from beyond or little angels delivering the answer he needed. Only quiet and once again the cold reality that Dean Hayes was really, truly gone.

HENRY’S JOURNAL

November 16

I thought tonight, when I sat down to write, that I would be writing about the success in bringing Dean back. The whole trip was finely tuned. Go back. Do as stated. Run into no one. Ripple only Dean’s death. I checked the history disks, not even a period or comma was different. Nothing. Like everything,  Joe did his job well, too well. He rippled nothing. And, Dean is not here. The small group of us, the ones who started this place with Dean Hayes, the ones who held out hope and faith in the stupid time machine, now have snap out of the time machine fantasy. Come back to the real world again. A world without Dean.

CHAPTER SIX

November 17

“Not good.” Joe lit his cigarette, dropped his lighter then leaned back in his desk chair. “Better though, a little.” He told Jason.

“I heard she dropped a box off at distribution with some things of Dean’s.” Jason said.

Joe chuckled, “One sweatshirt.” He shrugged. “I don’t know Jason. Ellen’s tough. When Taylor and Josh died, she was bad but she handled their deaths better.”

“That’s because those deaths were unavoidable. The entire surviving population was going through the same thing. Everyone lost,” Jason explained. “Everyone. Comfort in numbers. But now, she’s singled out. This is mainly her loss. It’s different.”

“So what now?” Joe asked, “round the clock monitoring checks of the case? Of course, you and I are the only ones that know about this virus.”

“You know . . .” Jason leaned into the desk. “I’m very curious as to what led my future self to believe that it was the case. Yeah, the cooling unit malfunctioned. And I realize why I wouldn’t say destroy the vials, there may be something there we need or used. But why didn’t I just say, watch the case. I mean I went to the extreme with telling myself to stop Dean’s death.”

“Delirium,” Joe factually stated. “You were sick, dying, and you were reaching for help.”

“No.” A shake of his head brought Jason’s facial disagreement. “I agree with the delirium to an extent. I just think I left things out. Because, this Jason, isn’t convinced that it’s in that case.”

“I have to disagree. You’re too smart. Which brings us back to the question. What now?”

“I see a few options.” Jason stated. “Like you say monitor the case. Though risky, I can start trying to examine the vials. We could . . .” He shrugged. “I don’t know. Go into the future and learn about the virus that . . .”

“Whoa,” Joe held up a halting hand. “I thought you said we can’t go into the future.”

“Well, I . . .” Jason stuttered. “Well, Joe, we got a letter from the future, obviously it come from somewhere. If it came from there, we can go there. Learn and investigate that way or . . . use the power supply left and go back…”

“Another time trip.” Joe rubbed his eyes.

“Yes. Go back to investigate who possibly did it to us.”

“You mean hit us with the new plague?” Joe asked with a chuckle. “Jason, again, you’re going back to the fact that it’s not in the case.”

“We should look at that as a possibility. All angles.”

“Who?” Joe asked.

“The Society.”

Joe laughed. “Jason, George is dead.”

“True, but he had a plan. We know he has people left to keep it going.”

“But will they?” Joe held a tone of disbelief. “Really? He was the leader.”

“But he was only one man. And trust me the society is bigger than just George Hadley.”

With Jason’s words and a new seriousness, Joe slipped into thought.

^^^^

The noisy vacuum cleaner that vibrated a painful irritation to Frank’s wrist, silenced at the same time the fragile little hand tugged on his leg.

“Hey, Alex.” Frank whipped the chord from the wall and started to wind it up. “What do you need?”

“Who are these people?” Alexandra’s little hand extended up a small stack of photographs to Frank.

With such awe, and a slight chuckle, Frank looked down. “Oh, my God,” he shook his head and snickered. “This kid here.” Frank crouched down to be at Alexandra’s level. “This is Uncle Robbie. Remember him? He had to be about twelve here. So small, like you.” Frank poked her nose. “And this kid.” Frank pointed to another picture. “This kid with the long girl like hair. My brother Hal. He was the trouble maker. Man . . .” He smiled again. “Pap-Pap used to throw us all in a car and drive us somewhere, Mommy too. A family trip. This is a picture from one of those.”

“You look like you’re having fun.” Alexandra commented. “I bet you wish Uncle Robbie liked it here so he would have stayed, huh? Do you think he’ll come back?”

Frank jolted a quick look to Alexandra. So easily the children of Beginnings were sheltered from painful truths, but too bad not from all. “Um, no. Uncle Robbie’s not coming back.”

“Like my Dad?”

A slightly open mouth brought no words. Frank cleared his throat. “Alex, where did you get theses from? I haven’t seen these in years.”

“Mommy’s box in the basement.”

“Mommy’s memorabilia box?” Frank asked. “Alex, Mommy’s not been in the best mood lately. She’s really fussy about the box. I haven’t been allowed to see it at all. She’s gonna get mad if she knows you were in there.”

Alexandra’s finger went to her mouth in a nervous manner.

“Tell you what.” Frank stood up. “I’ll put these back and won’t mention it.” He winked then bent down and kissed her. “I’ll be back.”

Though they shouldn’t have been out of that box, Frank was glad Alexandra pulled them.  He kept staring at them all the way down to the basement. When he reached the bottom of the steps he saw Ellen’s box in front of the shelf by the washing machine. Frank shook his head with a chuckle, walked to the box, and tossed the pictures in. He looked to the top shelf where Ellen kept it. “Man, Alex. How did you get this down?” Frank bent down to retrieve the box. Just as his hands grabbed it to put it away, he felt a not-too hard whap to his head then heard the thump to the floor. Wondering what and how something fell down and hit him, Frank turned his glance. A shoe box on its side, lid off laid there. Pieces of paper from Beginnings scratch pads scattered out. And there had to a hundred of those four inch slips of paper. “Swell.” Frank spoke to himself, grabbed the shoe box and began to collect the papers. “Just what I need, a ghost in this . . .” Frank’s eyes widened when he inadvertently read the words on one of the notes. “Oh, my God.” His eyes lit up. “Oh, my God.” His hands shuffled through the notes, some of the dates the same, but all of them Ellen’s handwriting. And all of them . . . to Dean. Frank immediately found the one that first caught his eyes, dated not three days before hand. The simple two sentences that read, ‘And I promised myself I wouldn’t get annoyed with Josephine because she’s old. It’s a good thing, Dean that I’m the only one I listen to, or else we would have fought.’ Those two sentences immediately snapped a thought to Frank’s mind and he stood up. “Thank you, Dean.” Frank clenched that note tight in his grip. Though delayed, a response to a question was given. Racing from that basement, note in hand, Frank ran all the way to the second floor.

He didn’t wait for permission, Frank knocked once on the bedroom door and walked in. “El.”

Sitting on the bed reading, Ellen looked up. “Frank?” She set the book down. “Are you all right?”

“No. Yes. El.” Frank walked to her. “Last night, I asked . . . I asked for answers.”

“About?”

“Dean,” Frank said.

“Who did you ask?”

“Dean.”

“Frank.” Ellen closed her eyes and shook her head. She reached for the book, but Frank stopped her. He stuck the note in front of her. Anger immediately engulfed her. “Where did you get this?”

“Dean.”

“Frank, what . . .”

“Doesn’t matter. El.” He grabbed her hand. There was a certain amount of excitement to him. “Babe, I was wrong.”

“Yeah, you were. Going through my things when . . .”

“No.” Frank laid his and over her mouth. “Wrong. Everything I said to comfort you last night. I was wrong. I said fate caused Dean not to come back. No, we screwed up. We screwed up big time. We didn’t send the best person to change time, because the best person to bring back Dean is sitting right here waiting . . . you. It should have worked. It will work.” Frank grabbed her hand and pulled her. “Come on.”

“Frank, wait.” Ellen tugged her hand back. “Where are we going.”

“Josh will be fine with the kids until Johnny gets here.” Frank pulled her toward the door.

“Where are we going?”

Frank only smiled.

^^^^

“I can’t believe you have me doing this,” Henry griped in an irritating manner. A flashlight was under his arm, shining down to the notebook he flipped through in the quantum lab. “I can’t believe you dragged me here in the dark.”

“Shut up, Henry,” Frank blasted in a loud whisper. Ellen stood quietly behind him.

“Who’s gonna hear me Frank?” Henry snapped. “Huh? Who? Way up here in the dark lab. Did I mention dark?” Henry turned to looking at the notebook,. “I’m breaking rules Frank. First, breaking into history to make copies of the disks, then breaking in here.”

“No,” Frank corrected. “I used my security keys.”

“Oh, that makes it better.” Henry flipped a page then quickly looked at Frank, following a tap sound. “And will you quit biting your nails. That is foul Frank. So foul.”

“I can’t help it. I’m nervous. And quit bitching.”

“I will bitch. And you ought to be nervous. I’m doing this in the dark, Frank. The dark. I have to set up the program, which I don’t know if I’m gonna do right. It’s dark.”

“Henry, shut up,” Frank told him again.

“No. You could zap me and Ellen into 1882. Right smack dab in the cowboy and Indian time frame. It’s dark . . .” Henry looked up to the light that went on. “Thank you.”

“For what?” Frank asked.

“For the light.”

“I didn’t turn it on.” Frank looked at Ellen. “Thanks El.”

“For what?” She asked.

“The light,” Frank responded.

“I didn’t turn it on,” Ellen said.

A clearing of the throat made all three of them turn around.

Jason walked across the lab. “I guess you guys forgot I live up here most of the time.”

Henry smacked Frank with the notebook. “Way to go Frank, you asshole.”

“What?” Frank lifted his hands.

Jason stepped closer. “I would ask right now for an explanation. But, I think Joe deserves to hear it as well, so to save myself further irritation. I’ll just get him up here.”

Like little children in big trouble, all three of them just looked at each other.

^^^^

Joe would have sworn that a tiny little bug flew into his inner ear that was how badly the buzz annoyed him. Frank, Ellen and Henry spewed out words he didn’t comprehend completely, because he couldn’t understand them. “Stop,” Joe called out from beneath his hand. He stood up. “No.”

“But Dad.” Frank sprang to his feet. “It will work.”

“No,” Joe repeated. “We tried once. No.”

“We did it all wrong. We sent the wrong person. Ellen should go,” Frank argued.

“And what?” Joe laughed. “Warn Dean?”

“No,” Frank said, “warn herself. Tell her own self to get the hell out of the lab.”

This caught Jason’s attention. “This holds possibilities.”

“Are you being pulled in?” Joe asked. “They tried to break into your lab. Run the machine. Change time.”

“Dad,” Frank tried again. “Ellen can cut herself off coming back from holding. Believe me, she is the only person she’ll listen to. With the right warning, she’ll get out of that lab and Dean will be saved. That’s why it didn’t work the first time. That and the fact that we’re not meant to rob Ellen of this.”

“What?” Joe asked in disbelief. “Rob Ellen?”

“Not intentionally,” Frank explained, “but that’s what we were doing.”

“How were we robbing her?” Joe questioned.

“Because I’ll never know.” Ellen stood, bringing her fist to her chest in a passionate argument. “If someone else goes back and saves him. I’ll never know. I have mourned my friend so deeply that I can’t sleep. If he comes back, let me know he has come back. Don’t take the feeling of seeing his face again, touching him. Don’t take that moment away from me. I deserve that. Please don’t take that away from me. Let me go, Joe. Give the O.K., we can do this.”

Joe looked at Jason for answers.

Jason lifted his hand. “Ellen, you would have to talk to no one but yourself.”

Ellen nodded.

“And you only warn yourself. Tell yourself uncover the password, get the hell out and get help. That’s it.”

“I understand. That’s all I’ll do.” Folding her arms, Ellen looked at Jason then Joe. “Then I can go?”

Joe nodded. “You can go. We’ll try it again.”

“Yes!” Ellen shrieked and jumped. “When?”

“Contrary to what you three believed,” Jason answered, “the time machine is a lot more complicated than just pushing the button. The whole process takes steps. I have to reprogram, re-power. Joe has history disks to get ready.”

“Not to mention briefing,” Joe added. “You and Henry will have to go through a briefing. What you will do, say, and so forth.”

“O.K., O.K.” Ellen nodded rapidly. Being boggled down with details bored her. “When?”

“Tomorrow morning,” Jason said. “Early.”

“Got it.” Ellen hurried and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you.” She moved to Joe and embraced him tight. “Thank you. I’d better go.” She ran her hands through her hair. “I want to get rest tonight. I don’t want to be tired looking tomorrow. Come on, Frank.” She grabbed his hand.

Frank slowed down in his stride out. He was smiling. “Dad. Jason. Thanks.”

They both gave Frank a nod as he and Ellen left.

“Wait.” Henry called out jumping from his seat. “I need a ride.” He flew out the door.

After the door closed, Jason looked at Joe. “We’re doing this again. What do you think?”

“It may work.” Joe pulled a cigarette from his pocket. “It just may work.”

“Yeah.” Jason stared at the door. “But . . . can you believe those three tried to steal my time machine.”

“What can I say?” Joe lit up, took a hit, and blew out the smoke.

“Morons.”

^^^^

Because it was the sensible thing to do, Joe and Jason stopped by the social hall for ‘just one more’ before heading home.

“Thanks, Sam,” Joe told the mannequin bartender and pushed the bottle forward. “What a night.”

“What a night.” Jason sipped his drink. “Well, bright and early, we try this again.”

“You know I thought of something. We brought it up before but now . . . you mentioned that you got to the lab at your usual time that morning.”

“I did.”

“So . . .if Ellen is meeting . . .” Joe paused to cringe and swallow about the scary thought. “If Ellen is meeting Ellen between ten til and seven O’clock, then aren’t you going be a bit surprised when you come into the lab and Henry is standing here?”

“Uh huh,” Jason nodded.

“More so,” Joe continued. “Dean’s alive, no plague. No plague, no message to yourself. What happens tomorrow in the ‘Dean’s alive Beginnings’ when you are working diligently in your lab and Henry and Ellen come sailing through?”

“A scenario we didn’t discuss fully.”

“Exactly. Any ideas?”

“In fact I do. Henry is carrying the letter to Dean, right? Might as well work on a little note for myself. I’ll believe that, you know.”

Joe smiled. “I’m sure you will. What exactly will you put in that little message to yourself?”

“I can’t give too much away.” Jason took a moment to think. “I know . . . I’ll write down the date and time I figured it out and I’ll tell myself to use the formula on that day . . .”

“Will you?”

“Of course, I’m a scientist. I’ll know if I don’t, it could ripple things. And I’ll tell myself to plan a little time machine test for the exact moment we send Henry and Ellen back. I’ll tell myself to use Henry and Ellen.”

“So that Henry and Ellen will have an excuse for walking through the time machine when they return on November eighteenth?”

“Exactly.” Jason lifted his drink. “Looks like we’re all set.”

“That we are,” Joe agreed, “and good thing we came to the social hall, or else I don’t think we would have discussed such important matters.”

“It’s the alcohol.” Finishing off his drink, Jason gasped, “Breeds deep thought.”

“And bad mornings that make you think of nights you want to forget.” With a laugh, Joe grabbed the bottle and poured himself and Jason ‘just one more.’

^^^^

It was only after Ellen took one more look at Alexandra that she released the light lock her fingers had on her brown hair. One more look, Ellen thought, to the face that always carried a halo of hurt. A sadness that Ellen hoped and prayed that, with the trip back in time, she could erase from her tiny daughter’s face.

She pulled the covers up over the sleeping girl’s shoulder and backed out of the bedroom. She could hear Frank shuffling about in their own room, making a little more noise than needed in the quiet hours of their home.

“Frank?” She whispered out as she stepped in.

“Hey.” He looked up from the dresser, closing the drawer with his thigh. “Everyone all right?”

“Why aren’t you sleeping?”

“Laundry.” Frank shrugged. “All these kids, it gets . . . it gets ahead of you.”

“I would say ‘tell me about it’. However . . .” Ellen smiled a sneaky smile. “I don’t do laundry.”

“Tell me about it.” Frank gave a quick laugh then lost his smile.

“What’s wrong?” Ellen asked. She walked over and sat on the bed. “Your mood. You came down.”

“So did you.”

“Reality will do that to you.”

“So will fear.” Frank walked over to the bed and sat next to her.

“Fear? You?”

“Yeah,” Frank replied. “Most of all for you. What happens . . . what happens if again it doesn’t work?”

“I can face it,” Ellen said with certainty. “I can. I’ll know everything was done to try to stop it.”

“And that’s another thing that bothers me.” Frank stood up. “Why? Why are we trying so hard to stop Dean’s death? No.” He closed his eyes and held up his hand. “Aside from the emotional  aspect, why, El?” Frank added concern to his voice. “What’s in that letter that my Dad has? What do my Dad and Jason know?”

Ellen shook her head. “I haven’t a clue.”

“It has to be bad. If this doesn’t work, we are facing something bad.”

“What do you think it is?” Ellen asked. “Does someone die that only Dean can save?”

“That was my first thought.” Frank held out his hand. “Someone dies. No, actually my first thought was you.”

“Me?”

“Yeah. I thought. My God, Ellen loses it and kills herself.”

Ellen looked up to him with wide eyes. “Me?”

“Yes. But then after thinking that you wouldn’t, I thought even if you did, what did it matter.”

“What!” Ellen jumped up.

“No. Not like that. I mean, not that you aren’t important and all. You are.”

“Gee, thanks Frank.” Ellen dropped back down to the bed.

“You know what I mean. I mean. You are. But this community has lost, we have lost people that we truly loved. Denny. Miguel. Rob . . . Robbie.” Frank cleared his throat. “But we’re bringing Dean back. Dean’s the brains for this place. What do they need him for? What happens in the future that we need him for? It’s bad, El. Whatever it is, is bad.”

“I guess we’ll know when Dean opens that letter.”

“Yet another scary thought.” Frank took a deep breath and sat down next to her. “If we change time, Dean comes back. He’ll never have died.” Frank stopped when he heard Ellen groan. “What?”

“You’re not going into one of those confusing Frank time theories again are you?”

“No, how about a realistic time theory? Dean never died. No emotional impact or urgency to the letter.” Frank raised his eyes slowly. “How seriously will it be taken?”

CHAPTER SEVEN

November 18

Ellen could hear the nervous breath emanate from Frank despite the fact that he tried to hide it. He stood before her, by the jeep, outside of the quantum lab. Frank leaned down to her, staring as if for one last moment, breathing heavily through his slightly parted lips. Ellen could see his breath, smell the coffee, and she swore, if she didn’t know better, Frank had been smoking. But through her nervousness herself, everything was weird and magnified. Her heart thumped, and a part of her brain seemed as if it left her. Dazed, foggy, seemingly like she never awoke from the mere two hours of sleep she had.

“Well.” Frank took another breath as he grasped the edges of the jean jacket. “It’s time.”

“I know.”

“What I wouldn’t give, El. What I wouldn’t give to see your face when you step back through and see that Dean’s alive.”

“And I hope to God if it works, I’m in control of myself enough to enjoy it.” Ellen chuckled. “You know. You said you want to see my face. Well, I can’t wait to see yours.”

“Mine?” Frank snickered. “You won’t see a happy look on this face, hon. When you get back I’ll probably be . . .”

“Annoyed,” Ellen nodded. “And I can’t wait until that happens. I miss the way you were. I can’t wait until that arrogant, not-so serious, Frank is fighting with Dean again. Calling him little man.  Yelling at me.”

“Since Dean died I have mellowed a little. I guess I just don’t feel like fooling around.”

“None of us do.”

With a ‘whew’ Frank shook his head. “Think about it, El. It’s gonna be a different Beginnings.”

“The old Beginnings.” Ellen smiled.

“You’re lucky.” Frank kissed her quickly. “We’d better go. They’re waiting.” He grabbed Ellen’s hand.

“Frank.” Ellen stopped him. “One more thing.”

“What’s that?”

“I know you didn’t bring this up, but I know you’re thinking about it. You and me, we . . .”

“El,” Frank tried to interrupt her.

“No, listen. You and me, when Dean died, we were building the friendship thing again. We had some really tough times that were swept aside.”

“I know.” Frank looked down.

“O.K., knowing that, and knowing what I know now, I want you to understand something,” Ellen said softly. “If we aren’t together when I step back through, I promise you, no matter what, I will work things out with you. If this works, that means your snooping in my Dean letters ended up giving me a second chance with my friend. So I’m gonna make sure I give our marriage the second chance we’re giving it now.”

“El,” Frank’s voice cracked some and he kissed her softly. “That . . . that is a great thing to say to me.” He closed his eyes briefly and took a breath. “But.” He grabbed her hand again to walk and his voice perked up. “You and I both know, you go back, you change time, you see Dean, I’m history. Or at least the promise is for a while.”

“You think?”

“Fuck yeah. You’re gonna be overwhelmed. And for at least a week it’ll be ‘Frank who’ while you’re basking in Dean . . .” Frank paused to snicker. “Dean, little man la-la land.”

Ellen smiled with a shrug. “You’re probably right. You know me so well.”

“True.” Frank reached for the quantum door.

“It was a nice thought on my part, don’t you think?” Ellen asked.

“Absolutely.” With a smile, Frank opened the door and they walked in.

^^^^

“Why now?” Joe asked with annoyance as he bounced from heel to toe in the quantum lab.

Frank shrugged. “She’s female.”

Joe shook his head. “Might as well do the check list and all. Henry?”

So pale, Henry jolted his views from the doorway to Joe. “Huh?”

“Are you all right?” Joe asked.

“We’re playing with odds here Joe. Two out of three and third times a charm.”

“You mean about bringing Dean back?”

“No, about me getting fried.”

“Henry,” Joe quipped. “Check list. Ready? History disk?”

Henry held up the pouch.

“Jason’s letter to himself?”

Henry patted his backside.

“Pendant?”

Henry lifted it from around his neck.

“You know the code, right?” Joe waited for a nodding response. “Now, most importantly.” Crisp, white, and sealed was the envelope Joe handed Henry. “This goes to Dean, for his eyes only. Tell him when you give it to him, after you show him the history that he has to figure out what needs to be done.”

“Got it.” Henry stuck the envelope in his back pocket.

Joe held up a finger. “Don’t confuse that and give it to Jason.”

“Joe,” Henry gasped, “that isn’t very nice. I wouldn’t do that. Oh, and Joe, I brought my journal copies.”

“Who cares?” Joe stepped back. “All right, now all we need is Tina Time and we’re . . .”

“Here I am.” Ellen stepped forward.

“Feel better?” Joe asked her.

“Yes. Much. I could just see me getting excited and wiggling because I had to go to the bathroom. So . . . I’m ready.” She stepped to Frank and kissed him. “Wish me luck.”

Frank mouthed the words, ‘good luck’ to her.

“Positions,” Jason called out. “We’re ready.”

“Wait,” Frank spoke up.

“What, Frank?” Joe questioned with a snap.

“This.” Frank stepped to Ellen. “Give me the coat.”

Pale. Ellen’s face went pale. “No.”

“El.” Frank grabbed the edges. “Give me the coat. When you bring Dean back, the last thing we need is for two of these tattered old things in Beginnings.” He began to slide the jacket off of her.

Not only cold, but Ellen felt empty when the jean jacket left her body.

Frank clenched it in his hand as he stepped away. “You won’t need this.” He winked.

Jason typed a few strokes on his keyboard. “To us they won’t be gone long at all. Trust me. Henry and Ellen?” He waited until he knew he had their attention. “I’m putting you back at six-thirty-five in the morning on November first. That should give you time, Ellen, to catch yourself in the tunnel and not run into anyone else. Understand. Don’t waste time. And tell yourself nothing else but to get out of the lab when the password is uncovered.”

“I understand,” Ellen answered.

“I mean it,” Jason said sternly. “Nothing else.”

Ellen nodded and looked to Henry. “I’m a little scared.”

Henry leaned to Ellen whispering. “So am I.” He showed her his hand, Ellen took it, holding it tight, very tight.

Watching Jason type, Ellen peeked to Frank wiggling her fingers in a goodbye wave. Trying to smile she heard the noise. The machine was running, before her, the archway illuminated. “Henry?”

“We can do this El.” He gripped her. “Now.”

Taking a deep breath and clinging to Henry with her eyes closed, Ellen and he stepped through, stepped through to an empty, dark lab.

Feeling her hands about, Ellen shivered. “Oh, that felt good.” She looked more around. “Are we dead?”

“I don’t think.” Henry checked out the lab, he saw the clock on the wall. “We’re on time. You’d better hurry.”

“Wish me luck.”

“Good luck.” Henry kissed her on the cheek. “And remember, only tell yourself to leave after the password is typed in. That’s all.”

“I know.” Ellen walked to the door. “Look at my hands, they’re shaking.”

“I see that. I’ll be here.”

“Henry?” Ellen opened the door. “We’re gonna do this, right?”

“We’re gonna do this.” Henry smiled.

Taking a nervous breath Ellen left the lab.

She ran. She ran with everything she had. Ellen knew she didn’t have much time. And she didn’t know how long it would take her to reach the long distance destination to where she figured she could cut herself off. The worrying that her calculations were off and that she perhaps would be too late stayed on her mind. It helped her to ignore any tiredness that happened upon her.

Ellen was grateful in the tunnel and hoped that no one would see or hear her. Finding her spot, the bend at the ‘Y’ where her past-self would walk down, Ellen waited against the wall, keeping her fingers crossed that she hadn’t taken too long. She used the moment to catch her breath. It burned when she did. The excitement, the adrenaline, the fright--not to mention the running--caused it.

And then she heard it, her own voice humming some song from the eighties. Leaning against the wall listening, Ellen rolled her eyes. She heard with open ears how really bad she sounded.

The humming grew closer. What would she do? Should she jump out and scare herself. Knowing herself as well as she did she ran the risk of answering the question; ‘can two of the same masses occupy the same space’, when the past Ellen hit her. Deep in thought she never dreamt she’d get so nervous about seeing her own body but Ellen did. When she saw her past-self walk right by her, Ellen knew it was time. “Ellen.” She stepped out calling.

Past-Ellen stopped, pulled her ear, and walked some more.

“Ellen.”

Past-Ellen stopped again. Slowly she turned around shrieking loudly when she saw herself. “You-you, look like-like me.”

“And you sound like Os-Oscar. I am you.”

“Am I dead?” Past-Ellen asked. “I died didn’t I? Oh my God.”

“Shut up and listen to me.” Ellen grew annoyed with her past-self, how pitiful she looked when she was scared. “You have to listen and listen to every word I say. O.K.?” She waited for a frightened nod. “Jason’s time machine works. It really works. I’m from your future.”

Gasping, Past-Ellen grabbed her chest. “That explains it. How far from the future?” She peered closer.

“Not too close. We don’t know if two of the same masses can occupy the same space.”

“I understand.” Past-Ellen waved. “Is it very far in the future? Because I’m aging well.”

“Two weeks.”

“Why two weeks.”

“Stop with the questions and just listen. Please, it is so important,” Ellen told Past-Ellen nearly begging. “You do it today. You unlock the password.”

“Yes.” Past-Ellen clenched her fist. “Is this why? Are you here to tell me what it is?”

“No. You’re there, you’re right there.”

“What is it? Tell me.”

“I can’t.”

“Come on tell me,” Past-Ellen beckoned.

“All right.” Ellen paused before saying anything to her past-self. “Murder.”

“Oh, I’m close.” Past-Ellen smiled. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. But listen. You cannot tell anyone, not Frank, not Dean, not Joe, that you saw your future self. Not anyone. Swear on our kids you will not tell a soul.”

Past-Ellen raised her hand. “I swear. This is serious isn’t it? Frank dies doesn’t he?”

“No. Dean does.” Ellen watched her past-self look horrified. “That password you unlock opens the file to the vial information. It also names George as the main person. But . . . it is connected to a destruct program that goes off in three minutes. A second explosion happens after two hours. Frank gets out of holding and makes it in enough time to save you. Dean dies. By the time you give Joe the antidote that brings him out . . .”

“Give Joe an antidote?” Past-Ellen asked.

“Yes. God,” Ellen cringed. She had already said more than she should have. But thinking, the more information she gave, the more chance she had of making it work, Ellen began to spew to her past-self. “George has been giving him something called Salicain. Joe didn’t have a stroke. He was drugged. The antidote is in the vials. Frank pulls you out; you run and help Joe, by the time you get back . . .”

“Dean’s gone.” Past-Ellen lowered her head. “What can I do to stop it? Don’t type in the password? I have to stop it. Dean can’t die.”

“I know that. Believe you me, and you do. I know that. Type in the password, hit print, and get the hell out of there. Leave.”

“Leave Dean?” Past-Ellen questioned.

“Leave. Then go get help. He’ll get caught in the first explosion. He’ll have the information, but someone will be able to help him.”

“Hold on.” Past-Ellen held up her hands. “If Joe is being drugged by George, does Joe know?”

“Yes Joe knows.”

“Then why don’t you tell me which vial contains the antidote. I’ll go get it, give it to Joe and then there won’t be an explosion.” Past-Ellen nodded with a ‘so-there’.

“No!” Ellen held up her hand. “Just type in the password and let history happen. We can’t change it that much.”

“But the cryo-lab gets destroyed, all the work we did. And it is still taking a chance that Dean can die. Tell me the vial.”

“No.”

“Come on. I won’t tell. Tell me the vial. I’ll still type in the password,” Past-Ellen said so convincingly to herself.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

“O.K. Vial seventeen. But don’t use it. You have to at least let the explosion happen.”

“I will.” Past-Ellen gave a thumbs up.

“And you’d better go. You’re already late.” Ellen told herself.

“I’m going.” Past-Ellen backed up.

Final shot, reassurance, whatever, Ellen called to her past-self, “Please don’t screw this up. Please. The pain you go through is unbearable.”

“Trust me.” Past-Ellen paused in her leaving. “I won’t let anything, anything happen to Dean.”

Confident, Ellen watched her past-self pick up speed and move down the tunnels. After taking a moment to think and enjoy the tingle of hope that ran through her, Ellen headed back to Jason’s lab.

What was taking Ellen so long, Henry wondered as he kept peering at his watch. Did she run into trouble? He started getting antsy noticing the time had surpassed seven-ten. Hearing the laboratory door open, Henry looked up.

“Henry?” Jason walked in, a look of surprise on his face. “What are you doing here?”

“Uh . . .waiting,” Henry nervously answered.

“Waiting?” Jason stepped in.

“Uh . . . yeah. Oh, Jason I have something for you.”

“What is it?”

Henry reached in his back pocket, made sure it was the correct envelope and handed it to Jason. “For you.”

“What is it?” Jason looked at it.

“A letter from you, but you can’t open it yet.”

“A letter from me?”

“Yeah,” Henry said, “but don’t open it until I’m gone.”

Jason scratched his head with the hand that held the envelope. “When are you leaving?”

“After I’m done waiting.”

“What are you waiting for?” Jason asked.

“Um . . .” The laboratory down opened and Henry smiled when he saw Ellen. “Her.”

Jason turned around. “Ellen what are you doing here?”

“Meeting Henry.” She walked over to him and grabbed his hand. “Ready.”

Henry nodded. “All go well?”

“I hope.” Ellen held up crossed fingers.

Jason’s head spun in bewilderment. “What are you . . .” He saw them walk to the other side if the archway. “Where are you . . .”

Henry lifted the transfer. “Bye Jason.” Punching in his birthday he restarted the machine, took tightly hold of Ellen’s hand, and stepped through.

Ellen knew. Henry noticed it as soon as they returned. How could he not? Slowly she looked at him stunned. No longer were just Joe, Jason and Frank there, but also Andrea, John, Jenny, Johnny, and, not to mention, six or seven other people as well. “Henry?” She whispered as they all applauded the two. Ellen released Henry’s hand and looked. Where was he? If everyone was there, where was Dean?

“El.” Frank approached her. “Is everything all right?”

Ellen said nothing. She looked one more time at Henry and brushed past Frank. “Excuse me.” As fast as she could she bolted out the door and jumped in Henry’s jeep.

Frank threw his hands in the air and looked at Henry who still had the same expression. “Henry, what did you do to my wife?”

Just as dazed, Henry kept his focus forward. “Excuse me Frank.” Ignoring his welcome from the crowded room, Henry chased after Ellen. Joyfully or painfully, either way, the big question on whether the trip back in time worked would soon be answered.

CHAPTER EIGHT

How long did five miles take to drive? Ellen pounded the steering wheel as she pushed the vehicle to its top speed, beckoning it in her mind to hurry. It wasn’t going fast enough. Something went wrong. She sensed it. But Ellen didn’t know if it was her gut telling her that or her fear.

Though it only took a short amount of time, it seemed like an eternity for the center of town to come into view. With her heart racing, she sped forth, screeching the jeep to a stop at the clinic.

She tripped as she jumped from the jeep, her knees skinning against the concrete as she did. The burning, the blood that started to happen was nothing compared to what she had to find out. Leaping up the steps to the clinic, she nearly tripped again. Catching her balance, she flung open the double doors with such force she banged them as if she were Frank.

‘Please, please, let him be here. Please.’ She prayed in her head as she slowed in her run down the hall. The blood rushed to her ears, burning them and her heart pounded even more. She knew if anyone was close enough to her, the strong beating would have been seen though her chest.

Afraid, she approached the lab door. It was open. She closed her eyes and stood silent before turning the bend and going in. ‘Please dear God. Please. Don’t let me have failed.’ Opening her eyes, and readying herself, Ellen charged full speed into the lab. Her feet slid to a stop when she faced the back wall and she didn’t see him. ‘No.’ She looked to her left and to her right. Her heart, her beating heart, broke right there and then as it sunk to the depths of her soul and crumbled. Ellen’s arms and head dropped at the same time. Heavily her shoulders began to bounce as her eyes welled up. The first tear, huge, formed and fell so fast, she could have sworn she heard its landing when it smacked against the linoleum.

“Back from the big time test already?”

The voice. Like the shocking feeling of someone shouting ‘boo’ it ricocheted through her body. Ellen slowly lifted her head. It went through her stomach first, creeping up with such intensity it formed a lump in her throat. Swaying her head in a slow apprehension, the corner of her eye caught him first then her body spun around as if he were a magnet.

“Are you all right?” He asked.

She had to catch her breath. Her head filled with blood and the room started to spin. The tears that fell, fell even faster.

“Ellen?”

Throwing out her arms, she clenched her fist and threw her head back. “Oh God! Dean!” Raising her head forward, from her heart and her soul, she screamed the loudest and most emotional shriek ever to come from her small body. Her tearful cry out carried with her as she charged forth at him, leaping up unexpectedly and wrapping not only her arms around his neck, but her legs around his waist as well. “Dean!”

“El.” Dean started to laugh, having to catch his balance on the counter behind him.

“Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God.” She spoke rapidly, her words never stopping her lips from kissing him. “Oh my God. Oh, Dean.” She ran her fingers through his blonde hair, messing it up over and over. “Hold me. Just hold me.”

“I’m holding you. I take it you’re not mad about our argument this morning?”

“What argument?”

“Thanks, El.” He chuckled as she pecked kisses to his cheek like a chicken. “El? What is going on?”

“Oh, God.” She grasped out her hands, feeling his face, his arms, his back, and reaching down to feel his legs. “Don’t let me go,” She spoke quickly, taking his face in her hands. “Dean, listen to me. I’m sorry. I am so sorry for anytime that I have ever hurt you.”

“El . . .” Dean really tried to free himself from the crushing grip her hands held on his face.

“No listen. I will never again, ever, take you for granted.”

“So you say now. And what’s with the happy attitude?” Dean tried not to laugh.

“Don’t let me go, hold me.”

“El, I could release my arms and you’d still be on me. Did something scare you? Did something go wrong with the test?”

“No, Dean. Everything went great.” She started in her kisses again then pulled back. “Did I tell you I was sorry?”

“Yes Ellen.”

“I missed you. I missed you so much. My life, my life was nothing. I never realized how important you are to me. Dean.” Words breathless and with enthusiasm, she squeezed his cheeks so tightly as she forced him to face her, his lips puckered. “You are so important to me.”

“Thanks, El. Now . . .  not that I’m not enjoying this happy, and uh, weird moment.” He turned his head and reached back. “But I have . . .”

“Dean.” She made him face her again. “I love you.”

“What?” He laughed.

“I love you.”

Dean turned serious, his arms loosening in their hold. “Come on El, cut it out.”

“No Dean, listen to me. I do. I really, truly, from the depths of my being . . .  love you.”

Upon her words, as if instinct, Dean’s hands returned to her back. Holding her tightly, he spun her around, reached out to the right and shut the door. Bringing his hands up to her face, he set Ellen on the counter, pulled her even closer to him, and began to kiss her. With his fingers feeling her face, his lips separating hers, he felt Ellen respond like she had never done before. She clung to him. With every part of her body she could, she clung to him.

Just as Dean’s hand reached down to make counter space--he definitely was taking full advantage of the moment--the door next to him opened.

Ellen separated her lips from Dean’s turning only her face to the person that entered. That person couldn’t stop staring at Dean. “Henry. Henry, look.”

Dean let go of Ellen. Embarrassed and a little upset at Henry’s bad timing, he stepped back some, running his hand through his hair. “Henry, why are you staring?”

Ellen slid off the counter. “Look, Henry, it’s Dean. It’s Dean.” She spoke with a huge smile then embracing Henry. “We did it. We did it, Henry.”

Henry couldn’t take his eyes off of Dean. Slowly his hand reached out.

Ellen excitedly grabbed Dean again. “Touch him, he’s real.” Her hand ran up and down his chest.

Henry’s fingertips touched Dean’s face and he let out a loud gasp.

Dean stepped back. “This is some trick you two are playing isn’t it? You knew you were going through that time machine and you said, let’s play a trick on Dean. O.K. what’s the deal here? Get it over with I have work.”

Nodding her head to Henry, almost as if they were speaking to each other through their minds, Ellen clung to Dean. “Say something Henry. You’re in shock.”

Henry’s mouth dropped open. He touched Dean’s face again. “I . . . I . . .”

“What’s going on?” Frank stomped into the lab. “You two come through that test, act all . . .” Seeing a dazed Henry, Frank snapped his finger in front of him. “Hey!” After shrugging at a blank response, Frank returned to looking at Ellen. “El, what happened in that test? You got all weirded out. Taking Henry’s jeep, Henry takes mine . . .”

“Frank.” Ellen smiled. “Look, it’s Dean. It’s Dean.”

“Yeah I know, El. Answer my question.”

“But it’s really Dean.” She spoke so excitedly.

“El!” Frank calmed himself. “I see him.”

“Touch him, Frank.” Ellen spoke with excitement. “He’s real. He’s really real. Touch him”

“I’m not fuckin touching Dean. What is going on?”

“It’s Dean!”

“I know!” Frank shouted, his words not as enthusiastic as Ellen’s.

“Oh!” Ellen nearly shrieked. “You yelled. Henry, Frank yelled. Oh, Frank. Pick on Dean. Come on. Call him . . .”

“El!” Frank shuddered the irritation off. “What is wrong with you? I have you rambling, Henry a zombie . . .” Frank grunted and moved to the door. “Dean, watch them. I’m getting Jason. Something happened to these two when they went through that thing of his.”

Dean watched Frank storm out. He turned to see the bright grin of Ellen so close it was almost frightening. “Pick on Dean?” He asked. “Gee, El, thanks.”

Ellen giggled. “I missed it.” She started to follow Dean across the lab, stopped in front of Henry and pulled his hair.

Henry snapped out of it. “Wow.”

Ellen folded her arms and looked across the lab. “It’s Dean.”

“Dean.” The name slipped in awe from Henry.

Dean slid to a stop and turned around. “All right.” He nodded, resting his one hand on the counter. “Games up. Quit it. Nice little time trick. Ha, ha, ha. I laughed. Now I have work.”

“Dean?” Ellen stepped closer. “This isn’t a trick.”

“Then a payback,” Dean said. “This has something to do with our argument this morning about you going through, doesn’t it?”

“What argument?” Ellen asked.

Dean grunted and turned to Henry. “This is your idea, this joke. What did you say to me yesterday?”

“What?” Henry asked. “I wasn’t here yesterday. I was, but wasn’t. Did I say something?”

“Yes!” Dean snapped. “To me about what I heard you say to Ellen. You know, about playing a . . .” Another grunt came from Dean. “Forget it. I guess now you have memory loss?”

Henry looked quickly to Ellen. “I don’t think I do.”

“No.” Ellen shook her head. “It’s just because we did it. Dean.” She grinned again at him. “We did it.”

Dean threw his hands in the air in surrender. “Did what?”

Henry reached behind him and shut the door. “We have to tell you, Dean. Strict instructions from the other Joe.” Henry pulled up a stool and motioned to Dean to sit. Standing side by side with Ellen, he took a moment to stare.

Dean looked up to the two who seemingly gloated over him. “What!”

Ellen faced Henry. “Go on Henry. You have all the proof anyhow.” She said.

“All right.” Henry breathed deeply and smiled. “Dean . . . the time machine test was a success.”

“Good.” Dean started to get up. “Now can I go back to my work?”

Henry, laying his hands on Dean’s shoulders, pushed him back down. “But it wasn’t the test you think.” He hunched down. “I know you aren’t going to believe us, but I have proof. I do. Dean . . . Ellen and I went through the time machine this afternoon. It wasn’t just a test. When we went through, Beginnings was different.” He watched Dean laugh. “No, hear me out. Dean, You had died in an accident on November first. Ellen and I went back to stop that accident. And guess what?” He stood up straight. “We did.”

If it was anyone else besides Henry telling him, Dean would have lost it in laughter. “I didn’t die, Henry.” He saw Ellen smiling and nodding her head. “Ellen?”

“Dean.” She kissed him on the cheek. “You did. We changed time.”

“Right.” Dean shook his head. “No way. You say you have proof?”

Henry nodded. “We do. What I bring through the machine with me, doesn’t change. So what I’m going to show you should prove it to you. Hopefully.”

Spinning in confusion, Dean stood up. “I died?” Looking to Ellen he knew the reason she acted like that. “A part of me believes and a part of me doesn’t. Why . . . why if I died, did you change time?”

Henry shrugged. “There’s a reason. We don’t know what it is. It’s in the letter I have to you from Joe. Well, the Joe that knew you died. The Joe that doesn’t know you died, doesn’t know about the letter.”

Dean shook his head with a twitch. “You’re confusing me. Just stop.” Dean paced a couple steps. “How can you prove this?”

“Aside from the letter?” Henry asked. “Dean, how hard is it to change the history insertions?”

“It’s impossible,” Dean replied.

Henry held up the black pouch. “Copied yesterday. Disks of Beginnings History. I carried them through the time machine.”

Dean zoomed his focus to the black pouch, and without saying a word reached out, snatched it from Henry’s hand and took off from the lab.

CHAPTER NINE

It was the building sandwiched between the bakery and library. History, a building that very few people entered. If they did, it usually was only to drop off events that needed to be logged in history, births, deaths, accidents, marriages, and so forth. Henry led the way ahead of Ellen inside the small, quiet structure. The ding-a-ling of the bell made Trish, or the warden of history, as Joe called her, perk up from behind her desk.

“Afternoon!” Trish smiled brightly.

“Hey, Trish,” Henry spoke, “did Dean dart in here?”

Trish exhaled a loud breath of disgust. “Yes.” Her hands slammed to the large appointment book before her. “And he isn’t scheduled to be here. He just said, ‘oh who cares’ and ran right in the back.”

“How rude,” Henry commented. “I’ll speak to him.”

“Please,” Trish stated, “or I’ll have to file a formal complaint to Joe. I have rules you know. I can’t have people just running amuck in here.”

“Of course,” Henry smiled. “Can we?” He pointed to the back room.

“Just a second . . .” Trish held up her finger and flipped open her book. “Yes, you and Ellen are scheduled to review the disks. Go on.”

Henry peered in toward the desk to the white page with only his and Ellen’s named penciled. “Busy day huh?”

“Gets that way,” Trish responded.

“O.K.” Taking hold of Ellen’s arm, Henry led her to the back.

Ellen leaned into Henry whispering. “Joe really needs to let her out of here.”

With more than an agreeing look, Henry reached for the back room door.

Many of times Dean had done it, filled out those history forms. Took it to Trish, stated his password--which changed weekly per Trish--and left. Changing history or the entries already made was impossible. Trish or Joe were the only ones permitted to log in. If someone ever wanted to read the history, Trish made sure they got the ‘read only’ version. No chances were taken. Dean was certain if the history disks Henry gave him stated he died, he pretty much died. And he would find that out if he could ever move forward from the early years.

“Damn it,” Dean cursed out loud.

“Dean. Dean. Dean,” Henry said as he walked in. “Not only are you rude to our Trish, but vulgar as well.”

“Help me, Henry.” Dean kept his eyes peered on the screen. “I’m stuck back three years ago.”

Henry leaned over his shoulder and hit a key a few times. “There. Scroll down.”

“Thanks,” Dean said.

Henry walked over to Ellen. “Any second,” He whispered.

“What do you think his reaction will be?” Ellen asked.

“Even though Dean’s a scientist, he’s gonna lose it.”

“Please,” Dean scoffed, “if any of this is . . . oh my God!” Dean stood up, knocking over his chair. “Oh my God!”

Widening her eyes, Ellen turned to Henry. “You were right.”

“This . . . this . . .” Dean pointed at the screen. “This is a . . . I died?”

“Dean?” Ellen moved to him. “You really should print this. Appointments are hard to get here.” Ellen reached to the computer and hit ‘print’

Gloating in his prediction of Dean’s reaction, Henry walked over, peered at the paper coming out of the printer, and then he himself . . . screamed.  “Oh my God! This . . . this . . .”

Ellen hurried to Henry. “You aren’t going to say you died are you?”

“No!” Henry grabbed his hair. “There was never an explosion in the cryo-lab.”

Ellen waved her hand at Henry. “Oh big deal. I thought something else happened.”

“El!” Henry grasped the paper. “You were supposed to tell yourself to get out of the lab after you hit the password. Obviously you never hit the password because there wasn’t an explosion.”

“So what, Henry.”

“So what? You weren’t supposed to change history that much.”

“I didn’t, the other Ellen did.” She walked over to Dean. “Are you all right?”

“I died?” Dean let out a small moan. “This says . . . oh God they buried me.” With a look of horror on his face he turned to Ellen. “I really did die?”

Ellen nodded. “It was horrible. Would you like to hear about it?”

“Yeah. But not now.” He placed his hands on her shoulder and walked by her. “Henry, you said there was a reason you two had to change time. What is it?”

Henry looked up from the printing sheets of history. “Dean? If the explosion never happened how did you guys ever . . .”

“Henry.” Ellen snatched the sheets from his hand. “Forget about the explosion. It doesn’t have that big of effect on history anyhow. Give Dean the letter.”

“Fine.” After a grunt, Henry reached into his back pocket and pulled out the envelope. “Here.” He gave a quick glare to Ellen.

Dean read the outside of the envelope. “You can tell they know you two well. Look.” He showed them. “Joe put, if opened, Henry and Ellen peeked.” He began to rip open the letter. “There has to be a reason for them to have changed time.” Reaching backwards for a chair, blocking out the annoying printer sound, Dean read the first letter from Joe. ‘Dean, I only pray to God that your eyes are actually reading this letter’. Joe’s words were written. ‘If you are, then we have succeeded in diverting the tragedy that took you from us. Dean, the reason we changed time, took fate into our own hands, will be evident when you read the following letter that Jason sent back from the future to himself. Look at the date on the letter Dean. I am leaving the information to your discretion. Do with it what you must do. And Dean, good to have you back!’

Swallowing, Dean moved that sheet of paper to the one placed behind it. His eyes shifted across the page as he bit his fingernail on his index finger, his leg tapping in a nervous rhythm. Then, almost as if instinct, his eyes widened and he jumped from his seat. Horrified he looked at an unsuspecting Ellen and Henry, and ran with speed out of the history building.

Ellen was puzzled. “Must be bad.” She ejected the history disks from the computer and ripped the paper from the printer. “I told you we should have read it first.”

“Johnny!” Dean cried out sliding forth as he charged into the clinic lab. “Don’t touch that case!”

“Dr. Dean?” Johnny Slagel lifted his hands quickly from the silver cooling unit. “But you told me to pull out a vial and work on it for you.”

“Don’t!” Dean walked to him, holding his right hand up, his left hand holding back his long bangs. “Don’t.” Dean moved closer.

“Are you all right?” Johnny looked oddly at him. “You tell me one thing and then you . . .”

“Johnny.” Dean laid his hand on the case and looked behind it to the plug. “Um . . . you know what? I really don’t have anything for you to do right now. Why don’t you take the rest of the day off?”

“Are you sure? What about meds?”

“I’ll do them. Go.” Dean held onto the case as if it were a buried treasure.

“I’ll go.” Looking back curiously one more time at Dean, Johnny moved to the door. “Hey El, Henry.” He slipped by them.

“Look, Henry,” Ellen moved into whisper. “What is he doing?”

“I don’t know. But he moves pretty fast for a dead guy. Dean?”

“Huh?” Dean looked quickly up at them. “El is that the old history?” He stepped closer to her.

“The Dean is dead history, yes.”

“Thanks. I’m going to see Joe.” Like he was dazed, Dean snatched it from her hand and walked to the door. He stopped, backed up, kissed Ellen quickly and ran out of the lab.

^^^^

Frank’s fingers traced over the already drawn circle on that map that lay on Joe’s desk.  “Canvas the entire region in case they spread out.”

“Or left the area.” Joe looked into the map. “What’s left to get ready?”

“I have my team picked. Two trucks. Just need to pack up the supplies.”

“You sure you want to do this?” Joe asked.

“Yeah. I have to,” Frank said.

“What about Ellen?”

“It helps us. Chapter five in Rev. Bob’s book, Absence Works. The only thing is, she was a little odd after the test.” Frank shrugged. “I’m still waiting for Jason to talk to me about that.”

“He will. He’s busy. All right . . .” Joe let out a breath. “Security.”

“John Matoose should be fine running things. Three days we’ll be gone. It’s just a recognizance. Aside from the camera, I need to see for my own eyes what they have or had down in New Mexico and which way to head next.”

“You think there’s more?”

“Cryo-labs?” Frank scoffed a laugh. “Without a doubt. The society is probably bigger than we think. I have to review my calculations. But . . . they have a plan and destinations. I want to find out what and where they are.”

With the bursting open of the office door, the filling of the room with cold air, Dean ran in. “Joe!” His panicked voice carried in. “Joe . . . I died!”

“What?” Joe laughed.

“I died, Joe. I died.” Dean held up the wrinkling history papers.

“Well.” Frank cleared his throat. “Thanks for the happy thought Dean. However I’m not in the mood for a tease. I’m out of here.”

Dean ignored him and moved to Joe’s desk. “The time test, Joe.” He laid the history in front of him. “It wasn’t a test. Those history disks you gave Henry to take through with him, just to check, read them.” Dean pointed at the sheets. “Those are a print up of the past two weeks. Ellen and Henry didn’t test the machine. They went through for a purpose, to save me. I died.”

Frank, who was headed to the door, stopped. “First of all Dean, why would they save you? Second, why would I let my wife go through and ruin my happiness? I wouldn’t. You flatter yourself.”

Dean’s mouth dropped open as he spun back to Frank. “And I’m not even speaking to you.” He turned back to Joe. “Do you see?”

Running his hand down his face as he read, Joe peered through his finger tips and sat down. “If I didn’t know the measures we took to prohibit changes, I wouldn’t believe this.”

“Dad?” Frank shut the door. “The history was changed?”

Joe nodded. “I can’t believe this.”

Frank moved in more. “Why would we mess with time so bad? Mostly, why would we bring him back?”

Dean pulled the letters from his back pocket. “Henry brought these through the machine. This is the reason.” He moved his hand from Frank who tried to take them. “One is from you Joe, explaining the second letter.” He stopped handing them to Joe when Frank laughed. “What?”

“I can’t believe we had a reason to bring you back,” Frank said.

“If you must know Frank,” He said as he gave the sheets to Joe to read, “the first letter is from Joe, and the second letter is from . . . is from . . . is from you.”

“Me?” Frank asked.

“You, Frank. Yep, seems you begged Jason to change time back because of Ellen. She couldn’t live without me, Frank.”

“Get the fuck out of here. Dad, can you please explain . . .”

“Frank.” Joe looked up, a terrified look on his face. “Go get the scouting things ready. It is vital now. Please.”

“Is he telling the truth?” Frank asked.

“Yeah, Frank,” Joe nodded.

“I wrote the second letter?”

“Christ, no Frank. Go. I’ll explain it to you later.”

“All right.” Frank reached for the door. “Tell me this, please tell me we had a good reason to bring him back.”

Without verbally answering, Joe nodded with a closed mouth.

“Thanks.” Frank opened the door.

After getting the relief feeling of an office without Frank, Dean sat down across from Joe. “What do you think?”

Joe laid the papers down and peered up. “I think move that case and monitor it constantly is foremost. But I also think . . .” He took another second to check out all the information given to him. “I think we have a couple of time travelers to question.”

^^^^

Ellen thought she had to be somewhere other than the greenhouses. How she ended up there, she wasn’t quite sure. But she was glad Hector bought the excuse that she was checking on the progress of tomatoes when he questioned her aimless walking. Grateful that the greenhouse weren’t too far from the clinic--at least she thought--Ellen headed back, foregoing the thing she was trying to remember that she had to do.

Holding the ripe tomato in her hand and contemplating taking a bite, she glanced up in her walk and saw John Matoose. She smiled, “Hi, John. How’s Caroline?”

John skid to a stop and looked cross at her. “What is this?” he ridiculed, “some sort of new Ellen tactic.”

“Um, no. I don’t think. Is it?” Ellen asked.

John laughed. “Now, we’re playing innocent. I’m not buying it.”

Ellen shifted her eyes in confusion. Was John being unusually mean to her? With all the help Jenny gave after Dean’s death, she thought she and John had put the bickering aside. Then it hit Ellen. No Dean’s death. “Um, John?” Ellen held up the tomato while questions laced her face. “Did I uh, I don’t know, offend you at all in let’s say the last sixteen days.”

“Unbelievable.” John shook his head. “So now you don’t think constantly accusing me of working for George is offending?”

“I did that?”

John grunted. “Ellen,” He huffed, “blow it out your ass.”

Ellen’s mouth dropped open as John stormed away. “Blow it out my ass?” Wondering if Frank knew the way he spoke to her, Ellen shrugged it off and started to walk.

^^^^

“Dean?” Ellen tried to call his attention. “Are you listening?”

Mumbling an ‘uh-huh,’ Dean kept his focus on the bright red tomato that sat on the lab counter.

“So,” Ellen continued. “Midway back here, it hit me. Right? How brilliantly keen my non-grief stricken other self was. I forgot about it, Dean?”

“El.” Confused, Dean pointed to the tomato. “Why exactly do you have this?”

“Dean,” She huffed his name, “none of this matters to you?”

“El. I’m tired of hearing your ‘John Matoose is involved with George’ theory.”

“I never said it. Well, not me, the other me.”

Dean closed his eyes.

“And how easily everyone dismissed John just because he was the one who arrested George.”

Dean quickly looked up. “What are you talking about?”

Just as Ellen was about to answer, Joe strutted into the lab with Henry. “I found him. And I uh, see you found Ellen.” Joe nodded.

“Yes.” Dean stood straight. “She was at the greenhouse.”

“So I heard.” Joe raised his eyebrow.

“Look Joe.” Dean lifted the tomato. “Ellen brought us a tomato. Where did you find Henry?”

With a pacifying tone, Joe spoke, “Looking for his Phillips Head screwdriver.”

Dean shifted his views from Henry to Joe. “He carries that in his back pocket. Always.”

Joe tossed his hands up. “I told him that.”

“Joe.” Dean stepped to him. “Maybe this isn’t a good time to have that time traveler talk.”

“I heard that,” Henry said. “And that isn’t nice. El and I are fine. It’s the ripple thing that has us.”

“Yeah,” Ellen agreed. “None of this time machine memory loss boloney Jason is saying. So what’s with the meeting?”

Dean moved to the pair. “Henry, this letter you gave me? The reason for you two bringing me back? This goes no further than this room. Is that understood? Ellen?”

Ellen nodded, moving closer to Henry and reading the note. “Oh Dean.” Her happy face turned somber. “Oh, Dean.”

Henry gulped and handed it back to Dean. “What do we do?”

Dean took the letter. “I’m telling you two because one, Ellen, you have to work with me on this. You saw the date on that letter. It’s fourteen months away. And Henry, you have to help me with that case. We have to have it checked on constantly.”

“Dean?” Henry questioned. “It said in that letter the antidote is in the vials. If that’s true, then everything is all right, right? I mean, you have the antidote in there somewhere. Copy it.”

Dean exhaled. “I wished it were that simple, Henry. The antidote will most likely be synthetic, and if that’s the case, I don’t have the resources to copy it. What we have to do is first identify the vial with the virus in it, and then we will be able to easily see which vial has the antidote. But finding the virus will be tricky.”

Ellen snapped her finger and breathed out in a revelation manner. “Half the problem solved. Dean, you’re smart. You can eliminate a lot of those vials by just reading the list and identifying which vials are not a virus.”

“Uh yeah, Ellen.” Dean scratched his head. “Unfortunately, a list like that doesn’t exist.”

“Sure it does.” Ellen stood up and walked over to the file cabinet. “I keep it locked right in here.” She proceeded to open the drawer. “Hey that’s funny. It’s not here. I wonder what I did with it.”

Henry, nearly tripping as he went over to her in haste, shut the file cabinet. “Ellen. There is no list.”

“Henry there is. You’ve seen it.”

“Yeah, I have El.”

“I wonder where it could be?” She brought her finger to her lip and looked around.

“El.” He grabbed her shoulders turning her. “There is no list. Wanna know why? The only way there was to get a list was to unlock the password. Unlocking the password meant explosion. And since there was no explosion, there was no unlocking of the password. No unlocking of the password, no list!”

Ellen closed her one ear to Henry’s yelling. “Don’t take that tone with me.”

“I’m taking that tone with you because you screwed up.”

“I did not screw up. I couldn’t have screwed up.”

“El, you did,” Henry snapped. “You screwed up.  See, see, you said the explosion didn’t matter. It did.”

Joe’s neck started to hurt from watching a round of Ellen and Henry bickering. Loudly he whistled, halting the two who seemed to forget anyone else was in the room. “Hey! What is going on?”

Henry turned from Ellen. “Joe.” Almost sounding like a tattle tale he moved to him. “She was supposed to just tell herself to run after she typed in the password. Obviously she didn’t. There’s no list.”

Ellen’s mouth dropped open. “I told myself that. And there has to be a list. How else did they get Joe out of the Salicain like the history said?”

“You must have told yourself which vial contained the antidote,” Henry said.

“Yeah.” Ellen nodded. “But I promised myself I wouldn’t use it, so there.”

Screaming loudly, Henry stormed away from her. “I can’t believe you. How stupid can you be? You believed yourself? You know how manipulative you are.”

“That’s it.” Ellen waved her hands about. “I’m out of here. Pick my brain later.” She stormed to the door. “I refuse to stand here and take anymore verbal abuse. I’m going to containment.” Folding her arms, and throwing her head back, Ellen turned right as she made the dramatic, overacted exit from the lab.

Joe calmly watched the door. He heard the stomping footsteps stop. Then a few seconds later he saw Ellen walk by.

She paused with an embarrassed snicker. “Containment is uh, that way.” She pointed and headed in the correct direction.

After a whistle, Joe turned to face Dean. “Now, I’m curious. I just thought you tested. How exactly did you find the antidote?”

Dean pointed to the door Ellen walked out. “She told me.”

“She told you?” Joe questioned, “about being warned?”

“No.” Dean snickered. “She told me which vial had the antidote. And when I tested it, she was right. We gave it to you.”

“What made you believe she was right?” Joe asked.

“She said it came to her in a psychic dream.” Dean saw Joe’s mouth open. “No, Joe. Stranger things had happened. I myself had a dream that you were standing in my living room warning me to get her out of the lab.” Dean looked at a laughing Henry. “What?”

“That wasn’t a dream,” Henry explained. “Joe was there.”

“No, I wasn’t,” Joe said.

“Yeah. From the future,” Henry stated. “You went to warn Dean. But it didn’t work. So Ellen went. Her warning was two hours later so it didn’t change your waning. It only erased your knowledge of it.”

“Christ.” Joe rubbed his eyes. “I’m confused.”

“Imagine how me and El feel.” Henry nodded then sat down.

“No,” Joe interjected, “image how we all feel. Now . . . back to business. The vials.”

“Move on them ASAP,” Dean said. “I was thinking. I have to go through the unidentified ones and test them. Look for virus structures. But . . . I don’t have the safe resources here.”

“Here meaning you have an idea,” Joe said.

“Yes.” Dean nodded. “And that’s just half the problem. I was hoping, with your O.K., Joe, you could allow me and Ellen to go to my old lab in Nebraska. I have the equipment. Take Henry with us to help get the second power source up and running. There aren’t that many vials. Two days tops.”

Slowly Joe bobbed his head, agreement on his face. “Henry?”

“I’m up for it.” Henry lifted his hands. “Whenever you want.”

“Dean?” Joe questioned.

“As soon as possible,” Dean stated. “I would even like it to be tomorrow if we can get it together. Eliminate the vials or find the virus in there.”

“I’ll speak to Frank.” Joe paced some. “He’s supposed to go on the surveillance. I’ll need him to stay back with the kids. Besides, I think he should. He did just get back from that long search for George. And I . . .” The rattle, bang and thump, made Joe spin to where the noise came from. Henry was on the floor. “Henry.”

Henry stumbled to a stand. “Please. Please don’t tell me George is still alive.”

After looking at Dean, Joe looked at Henry. “Yeah, he is.”

Henry whined a little then growled. “How? How is he alive? How did he get away? Never mind.” Henry tossed out his hand. “No explosion. No cockiness. No hanging around. George booked.”

“Yes,” Joe said then let out a breath. “O.K. back to what we were talking about.”

“Joe.” Henry seemed so offended. “Aren’t you mad Ellen made George be alive again?”

“What do you want me to do? Go back in the time machine and yell? No.” Joe returned to Dean. “Now, you mentioned another problem. You said identifying it is half.”

“Yes.” Dean nodded. “If we find it, if we identify it, I have to work on a cure. I need an isolated area far from everyone.”

Joe rubbed his chin. “Let me work on that. Let’s get it out of the case first.”

“If . . .” Dean’s voice went soft, “if it’s in the case. Joe, I really think we should approach this problem at all angles. Let’s not put all our eggs in the basket with the vials.”

Joe was a bit lost. “But the letter said the vials. And about the antidote.”

“Oh I truly believe that antidote is in the case but the chances that Johnny, Ellen, and Henry being naturally immune are too slim,” Dean spoke with seriousness. “Finding the virus in the vials would be a godsend. However, we have to remember there are other ways to hit us with it. We have a pretty big enemy out there.” He took a deep breath. “We cannot . . . cannot, rule them out.”

CHAPTER TEN

Frank knew he had that same dopey expression on his face that he used to get when he was seventeen and listened to Mr. Wetzel instruct on the confusing parts of basic math. He felt it, the opening of his mouth, the wide eyed puppy dog look. But he couldn’t help it. Just like Mr. Wetzel, Jason Godrichson confused him.

Jason blinked a few times after his explanation as he stood next to Frank at the social hall. “I lost you.”

“No.” Frank shook his head as he leaned against the bar.

“Then you understand?” Jason asked.

“No.” Frank shook his head again.

Joe grunted then slammed his hands. “Forget it, Jason.” Joe just wanted to sit there and enjoy his drink.

“No.” Frank held up his hand. “Just tell me, was that in laymen terms?”

“Frank!” Joe snapped. “The man said they would experience temporary subconscious memory loss from time traveling. How much more laymen do you want it?”

“More than that,” Frank said turning his body from his father. “O.K., clarify. Memory loss, meaning?”

Slowly and calm Jason explained. “They won’t remember.”

“Subconscious meaning?”

After a nostril breath, Jason took a small drink then answered. “They may not remember things they take for granted.”

“Like going to the bathroom?” Frank asked slowly. “Should we be prepared for . . .”

“Frank!” Joe yelled.

“Dad!” Frank snapped back. “I’m trying to understand why my wife and best friend are acting so weird.”

“Well it isn’t from the time machine, “quipped Joe. “They’re always weird.”

“Your father has a small point,” Jason interjected. “The time machine wouldn’t make them act weird.”

Frank huffed. “But you just said it would make them not remember.”

“Yes.” Jason nodded. “Memory loss. Not act weird. Then again the memory loss could make then act weird but I doubt it. They were acting weird right away. Time machine memory loss takes a few hours. Or at least it did with the rabbits.”

“Oh, now, see.” Frank rubbed his eyes and stood up straight. “Now you’re confusing me. Rabbits act weird but people lose their memory?”

“Frank.” Joe blasted. “Stop. Go home. I’ll meet you there.”

“But I’m confused,” Frank defended.

“You’re always confused. Go!” Joe pointed. “Let me have my drink.”

“Fine.” Frank moved to the door mumbling. “Town drunks.”

“Oh, Frank?” Jason called out. “One more thing. You may want to be aware of initiating any sexual behavior for the next two weeks. It may cause schizophrenic violent behavior.”

Frank nodded slowly. “Thanks.” He shrugged. “But I should be fine. I’m in control, just confused.”

Jason watched him leave then swayed his head to a snickering Joe. “I thought it would work.”

“It was worth a shot.”

“Speaking of shots.” Jason lifted a bottle. “You may need one more before your meeting tonight with him.”

“Absolutely.” Joe pushed his glass forward.

^^^^

Three hours wasn’t really all that long to be walking around the living section. Ellen did enjoy the peaceful feeling without sadness. The fresh air revitalized her even though it was cold, and she knew it wouldn’t be long before she made it home.

Turning the bend from the third row of houses in the living section, Ellen stopped. Henry turned the other bend as well.

“Hey, El.” He lifted his hand then returned it to his pocket. “Still mad?”

Ellen let out a breath. “Nope. The uh, walk and air removes it from you.”

“Sure does.”

“Walking too?” Ellen asked with seemingly fake pleasantries.

“Oh, yes,” Henry sighed out. “Love to. Did Dean tell you about Nebraska?”

“Yes.” Ellen nodded. “I hate leaving the walls but it has to be done. When do we go?”

“Tomorrow or the next day. We’ll have fun. We’ll drive Dean nuts.” Henry grinned. “It will feel good to do that after crying about him for so long.”

“Yeah.” Ellen released a peaceful smile then a breath. “Well, I have to go.”

“Me too.”

Ellen turned, took a step, and then spun back around. “Henry.” She said with worry. “I can’t go home, because I don’t know where my house is.”

Henry exhaled his relief. “You either? I’ve been wandering around for hours.”

“Oh, me too.” Ellen grabbed her chest. “I thought I found Frank’s house. I went in, and it was Hector’s.”

“I remember where Frank lives,” Henry smiled.

“Oh, Henry. I remember where you live. Second row, second house.”

“Thanks El. You and Frank live last row, third house.”

“Thanks, Henry.” Ellen grinned then kissed him on the cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She darted back a couple steps, then turned and walked quickly in the correct direction.

Henry stood there a second watching Ellen leave. He was grateful he was given direction. The absent mindedness was driving him insane. He’d say he wasn’t as bad the last trip but he couldn’t remember. Vowing right there and then never to step through the Quantum Regressionator again, Henry did what he had been trying to do for two hours. He headed home.

^^^^

“So you’re all right with this?” Joe asked Frank.

“Without a doubt.” Frank sat next to his father on the sofa. “I’ll put Cole or Dan in charge. They’ll have to be my eyes. I’ll work with what they get.”

“Good.” Joe nodded. “This is too big. I need Dean and Ellen on this case of vials.”

“And keep them on the virus part. I’ll work on the other part. Tactical. Just in case it’s not in the case and they hit us with it.”

Joe exhaled. “And there’s a lot of ways to do that.”

“Air drop. Sabotage. Infected survivors.” Frank listed. “I’ll use the time while the surveillance crew is out and Dean and Ellen are with that case. Start working on ways to divert any invasion with the virus.”

“Hopefully, it will be in the case.”

“Hopefully.” Frank said. “But should we still rule out the possibility that we’re hit with it?” He raised his eyebrow. “After all. The case belonged to the society. If we have the virus, chances are, so do they.”

Joe whistled. “Valid point.”

The door opened bringing in a loud sigh along with Ellen. “Sorry I’m late.” She shut the door and took off her coat. “I was taking a walk. Got caught up in thoughts.” she walked over to the sofa, kissed Frank on the cheek and sat down. “Am I interrupting?”

“Yes.” Joe answered.

“El?” Frank looked curiously at her. “What are you doing here?”

“I live here.”

Frank shook his head. “No, you don’t.”

“I don’t? Oh . . .no, I don’t.” She smacked herself on the forehead with an awkward laugh and sat there.

Joe tossed the pencil he held. “If you don’t live here, why are you still here?”

“Visiting?” Ellen asked. “Frank and I get together every night of the . . .” She saw Frank shake his head. “We don’t? Since when?”

“Since we seriously started Rev. Bob’s twelve step plan.”

“Oh, that’s dumb.” Ellen flung out her hand. “We aren’t doing that.”

Frank nodded.

“We are? Oh, yeah. We are. O.K., Can I visit? I’m here any . . .” She watched both men shake their heads. “You guys are busy. I see the maps.” She stood, backed up, grabbed her coat and moved to the door. “I’ll uh, just head on home. Night.” She opened the door and stepped out. “Wherever that is.”

Joe saw his son still staring at the closed door. “Not much longer. Jason assured me.”

Frank shook his head with a loud breath, “In the meantime, I’m going nuts.”

“You and me both. Henry is just as bad.”

“I know. He was supposed to redo the hinges on my office door. He put them on backwards. I hit myself when I left this evening.” Frank reached down and grabbed his coffee. “At least I don’t feel guilty now, though I thought I would.”

“Frank? What are you talking about?” Joe asked.

“My plan. A little insightful payback,” Frank winked. “Just let me know when it’s ten thirty. I don’t want to miss it.”

Joe looked down at his watch. His curiosity was piqued. It had to be good. And if Frank was using the word ‘insightful’ then Frank had a momentary lapse of literary intelligence, or he incorporated the help of someone that knew how to label the payback plan.

^^^^

Usually around ten o’clock at night, Dean was ready for his bedtime ritual. Kids tucked away, Dean would grab his work or a good book and relax in bed until he crashed. But instead of doing that, Dean worked on his fourth cup of coffee while pacing his living room, trying to make the caffeine kick in. He was tired, but he also had to wait up. The caffeine must have worked on his cardiovascular system more than he realized because he jumped a foot in the air when his front door opened.

“Hey.” Ellen walked in. “Tell me, Dean; please tell me I live here.”

“Why would you think . . .” Dean smiled. “Why would you think you didn’t? Of course you live here.”

With a loud ‘whew’, Ellen closed the door. “O.K. I’ll admit, not remembering where Frank’s house was had to do with the time machine. But…thinking I lived there had to do with the ripple. When you died, I moved back with him.”

Dean’s mouth opened. “My grave couldn’t have even been cold yet.”

“Dean, please.” Ellen took off her coat and let it drop. “I couldn’t even walk in this . . .” She looked around and grinned. “Oh, I really feel it. I’m home. I’m really home. The comfortableness is just swimming around me.” She walked over and plopped on the sofa. “Dean, why are you drinking coffee?”

“Um waiting uh…up for you to get back from your class at containment.”

“I had a class at containment?”

“Didn’t you go?” Dean asked. “Where were you? Were you home?”

“Why, weren’t you?”

“Huh?” Dean asked confused.

“Dean. If I live here and you asked if I was here, then you weren’t.”

“I wasn’t,” Dean fibbed.

“Neither was I. I was walking.” Ellen looked up to the knock on the door. “Are we expecting company?”

Dean quickly looked at his watch. “Not yet, I mean, stay here.” He got up and hurried to the door. When he opened it, Greg from security stood there. “Greg?”

“Dean,” He sounded frazzled. “I can’t find her. She never showed for the . . .Ellen?” He peeked in the living room. “Has she been here?”

“No. Walking,” Dean whispered.

“Did she go . . .”

“No,” Dean spoke through clenched jaws. “Thanks.” He picked his voice up. “We’re good.” He closed the door and headed back to the living room. “Boy, El. You had everyone concerned.”

“Myself as well.” She patted the cushion on the couch. “At least I’m home.” She waited for Dean to sit next to her. “So . . . we still live together?”

Dean’s sneaky grin precluded his answer. “Oh, yeah.”

“Wow.” Ellen shook her head. “That’s odd. Especially since Frank and I are working on the twelve step thing.”

“He told you that?” Dean asked. “Oh, he’s lying. You two are not.”

“Really?” Ellen said shocked. “Be honest Dean, remember things are different.”

“Honest. He’s lying. You two are over with…completely.” He nodded at Ellen’s shocked gasp. “In fact, I’m a little hurt.” He lowered his head. “You and I we uh . . . we reconciled, dedicated our love out in the undeveloped section.”

“We did?” Ellen asked. “That’s so unlike us.”

“Yep.” Dean stood up. “We are changed people. Too bad you missed it.” He picked up his cup. “Coffee?”

A little dazed, Ellen nodded. She was grateful to be home and the shocking day of changes and surprises was nearly over.

^^^^

After getting the home directions from Ellen, Henry should have gone right there. But he didn’t. Since he knew for certain where he was supposed to live, he went to the social hall for a quick drink and game of darts. Anything that would take his frazzled mind off of the day he had. He had to wonder if it was the alcohol or the time machine memory loss, but Henry couldn’t recall ever having that decorative flower arrangement on his coffee table before. Shrugging it off as a bad after effect of Jason’s stupid machine, Henry went to the kitchen for some food before settling into his journal. His mind raced and he feared he’d fill pages of it. He was just glad they only rippled two weeks. Any longer than that and Henry would be suicidal over the confusion.

Opening his refrigerator, Henry wondered if he was on a diet. He had so much food. Wasn’t he eating in the new time frame? Really not feeling hungry yet, he closed the door and saw the note. He smiled at his organized life when he read the reminder about the load of laundry in the washer. Hating that sour smell, Henry hurried to the basement to toss the load in the dryer.

Reaching in and pulling out three articles, Henry paused when his hand touched upon the silkiness of it. The whistling he did stopped and from the washer he lifted a blue pair of underwear. They weren’t his and they definitely weren’t male.

Henry panicked. He looked through the load and saw more female articles of clothing. There were three reasons for them. One, he was in the wrong house. Two, he lived with someone, or three, he forgot he was a cross dresser. Seeing how Henry knew his house and couldn’t ever recall liking the feel of women’s undergarments, he bolted up the steps calling out as he did. “Hello? Does someone live here? Hello!”

Hitting the living room, he heard the creak of the floorboards above his head. He paused by the steps wondering who he suddenly got involved with. A little frightened, but excited because it could actually end up being a time ripple gift, Henry hurried up stairs. His stride didn’t stop until he raced into the bedroom and stopped cold with a shriek.

On top of his bed, in a very sexy night gown was eighty-eight year old Josephine.

After a hiccup from her night of boozing, Josephine winked. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

With another scream, Henry raced from the room.

^^^^

The laughter that bellowed from Frank, Dean, and Joe was not only loud but painfully annoying to Henry.

“Funny, really funny. That wasn’t very nice you know.” Henry kept shaking his head.

Frank wiped a laughter tear from his eye. “We’re sorry. We couldn’t resist. When Jason said you two would experience memory loss, we figured . . .” He held out his hand to Dean.

Dean finished, “We figured it was payback for all the annoying things you guys did to us. But, El, you played into our hands. Greg was supposed to keep you from going home.”

“Yeah, El.” Henry opened up his journal to a speechless Ellen. “See. Good thing I doubted my sexual involvement with Josephine and checked my journal right away. I live with someone, but that someone is you. After I got shot, you moved in to help. My journal said Rev. Bob suggested you stay because it’s a neutral territory. It’s away from Dean while you work it out with . . .” Like a child, Henry gave a grin to Dean. “Frank. Ha.”

Ellen just raised her eyes to Dean. “You lied to me.” She gasped in offence. “And I mourned you.”

“They aren’t nice. And they think they’re funny.” Henry shut his journal and grabbed Ellen’s hand. “Little do they know it works out perfectly for us. Let’s go home, El.” Snippy and tossing his head back with a fling of his long hair, Henry walked to the door with Ellen. Moments after he stormed out with her, he opened the door and stuck his head back in. “And just so you three know. In mine and Ellen’s time frame, we’re . . . we’re lovers. So there.” he pulled the door shut.

Ellen silently clapped with a smile. “Good one. You think they’ll buy it.”

“Oh, yeah,” Henry nodded and walked with her. “And they deserve it. Frank and Dean right now are probably burning with jealousy.”

There was silence in Dean’s living room after Henry’s exit speech. After a quick glance at the door, then a shuddering look to each other, Frank and Dean broke into laughter again.

HENRY’S JOURNAL

November 18

I am so grateful that I left behind the original journals of mine. My thoughts and rambling tell me more than any history print up could. A lot has changed in a mere sixteen days to the negative. Frank is back to being an asshole.  The cryo-lab wasn’t destroyed. We have no vial information. A plague is coming.  But, the bright side, even though he thinks he’s funny, is that we have Dean back. Dean’s alive again. However, with the light, comes the dark. Just like Dean had never died, neither did George. And that leaves me to wonder what he has been up to since his escape from Beginnings over two weeks ago. And knowing the power of George . . . it can’t be good.

PREPARATIONS AND STEPS

CHAPTER ELEVEN

November 20

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

The heavy rumbling of the four military trucks packed with people, followed by the squealing of breaks, was loud in the pre-dawn morning. George Hadley watched as a brigade of armed Society soldiers encircled the truck that stopped center of the small town set up.

“President Hadley.” Steward Lange jogged his approached. “Morning, sir. Didn’t expect to see you waiting.”

“Still on the vampire schedule I got on making my way here,” George stated. “I haven’t been to sleep yet. So . . .” George motioned his head to the trucks. “Any stats?”

“Yes, sir.” Steward looked down to the clipboard. “Eastern Ohio, Northern Tennessee sweep. Four hundred eighty-two.”

“How many willing?” George asked.

Steward gave a flick raise of his eyebrow. “Impressively high this time, sir. Three-ninety.”

“Well, the enhancement team will be glad to hear that. They already have more lobotomized and waiting, than chips to implant. How about women? I know their scarce in this world. I see a few.”

“Twenty-one. Three are over sixty years old.”

George gave a twitch of his head in disappointment. “Have to do. Move them up and out ASAP. We have to keep them separate until our new team is ready and we get back what is ours from Beginnings. Speaking of Beginnings . . .”

“Nothing yet,” Steward interrupted. “I’ll let you know. And, I have to head back. I think we have a dozen or so in this new batch we can ship out to help with agriculture. I just want to screen them.”

“Good. Good.” George gave a swat to Steward’s arm. “Get back to me.” After watching Steward dart away toward the trucks, George turned around. He smiled as the cleanup crews had already begun their day. It wouldn’t be long, George thought, until Quantico looked good again. And even though it wasn’t where he wanted to run his operation, his operation was still running . . . and strong.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Beginnings, Montana

A tall thin Rambo with a tool box was how Henry looked. Frank gave him the visual once over before the open chopper door. “You watch her, Henry.”

“You got it, Frank. She’ll never leave my side.”

“Perfect.” Frank shook his hand then peeked in the chopper to Johnny who sat in the pilot’s seat. “John!” Frank gave a thumbs up. “Check in with me as soon as you get back.”

Johnny smiled and returned the thumbs up.

Frank let out a breath, then looked over to Ellen who stood not far away. “O.K., Henry, I’m gonna say goodbye to El. Have a safe trip.”

“We’re not leaving yet, Frank. We’re still shy one person.”

With an arrogant roll of his eyes, Frank walked over to Ellen. “Hey.”

“Hey.” She smiled. “Nebraska awaits, huh?”

“You be careful.” By her jacket, Frank pulled her closer. “And you have the Rev. Bob book?”

“In my bag.”

“Good. Cause we’re close.” Frank held his fingers an inch apart. “Close to moving to the next step.”

Ellen chuckled. “You are so serious about this.”

“Hey, it works. Look how many times Rev. Bob was married.”

“True.” Ellen tip toed up close to Frank. “I know we aren’t really allowed any open mouth kissing . . .”

“Not until step six.”

“Can we make an exception?”

Frank closed one eye. “El, this is a religious thing. I could burn in hell.” After a smile, he lowered his head. Lips just about touching, Frank felt the whap against his leg and his body jolted. He looked up. “Dean.”

“Sorry,” Dean snickered as he lifted the large duffle bag. “It got away from me.”

“Yeah, right.” Frank watched Dean move to the chopper door. “Hey, Dean? Do you need help getting in? I can lift you up.”

After shoving his duffle in the helicopter, cordially and with a smile, Dean flipped Frank off.

Frank’s eyes lifted to the sound of starting engines. “It’s time. You’d better go.”

“See you day after tomorrow.” Ellen leaned up and kissed him. “Wish me luck.” She stepped back.

“Good luck,” Frank called out over the noise as Ellen ran to the chopper. “And bring back that virus!” He charged. Then after spewing out the words, and watching Ellen get in, he tilted his head and scratched it. “Wait.” He spoke to himself. “Was that the right thing to say?”

^^^^

“Here, El.” Henry reached into his bag and handed her a rice cake. “It’s plain. It should settle your stomach if you start to get ill.”

“Thank you, Henry,” Ellen smiled. “That’s sweet that you know I get airsick.”

Dean spoke up from his seat on the floor with them on the helicopter. “Put the rice cake away. I mixed you something.” He handed her a bottle. “I don’t want a repeat of the last time I flew with you. I remember when we left Ashtonville.”

“I used the airsickness bag.” Ellen took the medication.

“Yeah El, I know. But I also remember how bad Frank laughed on the flight. And for some reason I don’t want a repeat of that with Henry.”

“I won’t laugh at her, Dean,” Henry said seriously. “I’ll just throw up right along with her.” He saw Ellen take the medication and watch as Dean leaned back and closed his eyes. “Are you going to sleep, Dean?”

Dean opened one eye. “I’m going to try. Why?”

“I wouldn’t do that. Not the way Johnny flies. Your body will just relax and he’ll make one of those Johnny turns and you’ll just roll all over the place.” He started to laugh and so did Ellen.

“I’ll keep that in mind, Henry.” Dean closed his eyes again.

“O.K.” Henry pulled out his journal and flipped it open. “Now, El, that we’re completely out of the ‘Dean is dead’ fog, I made some notes on what was different. For example, I tried to speak to Jenny about you and she just went off.”

“What got into those two since Dean isn’t dead?” Ellen stated. “And here I was so forgiving of any and all things. But you know, the first time I saw John, he told me, get this, to blow it out my ass.”

Henry gasped, “How rude.”

“Yes.” Ellen nodded. “And I’m glad I’m accusing him, or the other me was.”

“Will you continue to do what the other you did?” Henry asked.

“Absolutely.” Ellen took time to yawn. “In fact we can discuss that in detail after we talk about the differences. I mean, we have a long flight to talk. And we can talk the entire way.” Ellen looked up when she heard Dean snicker. “Was that funny?”

Dean opened his eyes, looked at his watch then nodded. “As a matter of fact, yes.”

“He’s odd.” Ellen pointed to Dean. “He thinks me talking is funny.”

“Maybe he thinks you’re a funny person,” Henry suggested. “Do you Dean? Do you think Ellen is funny?”

Dean grunted.

“Anyway getting back to the . . .” Henry stopped talking when he saw Ellen yawn widely. “What’s the matter El? You tired?”

“Yeah.” She rubbed her eyes. “All of the sudden it just hit me like . . .” She tried to snap, but her fingers were too tired. “Henry, it really just hit . . .” Slowly she turned her head to Dean. He leaned against the wall of the helicopter laughing. “Dean? Why are you laughing.”

Dean smiled. “Night, El.”

“Dean why do you look like you know something?” She asked.

“I do.” He opened his eyes. “Ellen, did you honestly think I wanted to deal with this old lady type chattering you two do the whole flight down?”

“Dean!” Ellen exclaimed and yawned. She grabbed her head. “Whoa, I’m getting woozy. What did you put in that medication?”

“Night, El.” Dean closed his eyes again.

“You drugged me? Henry he drugged me.”

“Dean,” Henry scolded, “that wasn’t . . .”

“Very nice. I know. Night.” Dean adjusted himself more comfortable.

Henry watched Ellen’s eyes start to get heavy. Her head swayed. “El? Maybe you should lay . . .” Before he finished his sentence Ellen had plopped sideways on a duffle bag. “El?”

Dean peeked through one eye as Ellen groggily made herself comfortable. She snuggled to the duffle bag, like their daughter, Alexandra, to her pillow. Dean knew Ellen was out the moment her head went down. Relaxing, he closed his eyes and breathed easier. There was silence. Though it may not have been all that ethical to do that to Ellen, to Dean it was sort of funny, and at least it was finally quiet.

^^^^

There was a twinkle in Joe’s eye when he peered up to Andrea. A burning desire took over him to take her in his arms and really go at it right there and then in her office. A desire brought on not by his need for affection, but by her brilliant thinking. But he had to put aside his physical wants. He didn’t think John Matoose--who was present--would appreciate the show.

“Andrea.” Joe stood up from behind her desk. “This is excellent thinking.” He looked at the sheet. “And the details.”

“You asked,” Andrea stated, “and when you said isolated yet practical, the first thing I thought was erect another structure like Jason’s lab. But then it hit me, why not roll one in.”

John interjected, “And when Andrea mentioned if I had seen one of those Center for Disease control mobile labs, I laughed. Hell, I see them all the time in any major city.”

“What about power and water?” Joe asked.

“Easy,” John responded. “That whole area where Jason is set up is built for growth. Just like Miguel hooked up power and water there, we’ll place the mobile lab in a position where we can link to the lines underground.”

Joe looked to Andrea. “Are these things big enough to accommodate living space if needed?”

“No.” Andrea shook her head. “But, speaking to John, there’s no reason, since there’s room out there, that we can’t attach one of those small trailers to it.”

Joe’s view went back to John. “Will there be any problem bringing a CDC lab in, let’s say, ASAP.”

“Frank probably won’t authorize any of his men to go, especially with the surveillance group out,” John answered. “But we can go as soon as they’re back. They only problem I see is finding one viable. Those mobile labs are near the major cities. And we pretty much know what the savages have done to the major cities.”

“Unfortunately,” Joe said. “All right. Good work. Let’s get working on this.”

John nodded, stepped to the door, and stopped. “Joe, can I ask what we need the isolation lab for? Does it have anything to do with Dean and Ellen’s mystery trip to Nebraska?”

“As a matter of fact it does,” Joe answered, “but it’s under wraps from community knowledge what they’re doing. But I’ll let you know, John, it’s this new experimental weapon they’re creating.”

“For the society?” Joe questioned.

“Yeah. But uh, keep it quiet,” Joe told him.

“Got it.” With another nod, John left.

After John’s exit, Andrea let out a breath. “I thought for sure you were telling him.”

Joe chuckled. “No. The ones that are supposed to know, know. That’s it. I want the virus information kept as secret as possible until we don’t have a choice but to let the knowledge out. The last thing we need is a fourteen month panic spree.” He walked slowly around the desk, pausing to kiss Andrea softly before leaving.

Andrea smiled and touched her lips. “My, goodness Joe Slagel. Affection? If I didn’t know better I’d swear that little spontaneous peck was you pining for some romance.”

Joe smiled and raised his eyebrows.

Andrea giggled like a school girl. “Feel like taking a break to relief some of that stress?”

“If that’s an offer, can I have a rain check?” Joe asked.

“Not in the mood?”

“Oh, yeah. Definitely, but I have a meeting with Frank in a couple hours and I’d really rather wait until I get that stressful event over with.” With a wink, an ornery grin, and a quick smack to Andrea’s backside, Joe left the office.

^^^^

Ellen was like a limp sack of potatoes lumped over Henry’s shoulder as he carried her in the small building no bigger than eight by ten. His one arm held tight to her legs, the other hand braced her backside. “Where should I put her, Dean?”

Using the light from the open door and a flashlight, Dean looked around. “Just put her on the floor.”

“She is really out,” Henry commented.

“It was a measure that had to be taken,” Dean said, and saw Johnny walking in with some gear. “Johnny, before you head out, lay a bag down for Ellen. I’m sure she’s getting heavy for Henry.”

“Sure, Dean. Is she heavy Henry?” Johnny asked.

“No. But I’m sure she’s gonna have a headache if the blood keeps rushing to her head like this.” Henry balanced Ellen as he waited on Johnny to prepare a spot.

Johnny laughed at that and untied a sleeping bag. “Why did you have to knock her out for so long, Dean?”

“Because I know Ellen. Besides the flight down with Henry, she’d complain the entire time Henry was getting the power up and running and you were checking out the place.” Dean set down the small metal case that contained the forty-four unidentified vials, a small case that was never far from his body.

Henry laid Ellen down. “But that still wasn’t very nice. You put my friend to sleep. I had no one to talk to.”

Dean gave a fake whine, “Too bad. Henry, this is the elevator control.” He shined the flashlight on it. “Let’s go back outside and I’ll show you where you can get the secondary power source going.”

Henry picked up his tool bag. “Lead the way.”

Johnny followed them out, checking his rifle. “I’m gonna go canvass the area to make sure it’s secure. I didn’t see any movement from above. Then again this place is like a jungle now. Thank God my dad did the coordinates or we would have been flying lost for a while. This place is hidden.”

Henry adjusted his rifle over his arm as he walked. “Isn’t that funny that Frank was stationed here the first month Dean arrived? They didn’t see each other. Dean you could have known Frank years ago.”

“See. I always knew there was a reason my life felt so empty,” Dean said sarcastically as he led Henry to the power hatch. “Here you go Henry.”

Johnny peered in. “Need help before I take off?”

“No, but thanks.” Henry became engrossed in the hatch. “Oh and Johnny, check out that clearing we saw one more time.”

“Will do. I’ll hover for a while. But I think it’s fine. If so, I’ll lift off. But keep in mind…” Johnny explained. “. . . even with an all clear now, that doesn’t mean you’re safe. The chopper can be a calling for people to find you.  So secure up,” he instructed as he started to walk. He stopped with a snap of his finger. “Almost forgot. Pap says if you find anyone normal, bring them back. If they’re not . . . shoot them.” Johnny lifted his hand in a wave as he walked off.

Dean took a long blink. “Shot them? Do we in Beginnings value life or what?”

“Of course we do, Dean.” Henry replied as he checked out his power source mission. “Or why else are we here?”

^^^^

Slow, drawn out and articulate were how Josh spoke his words. “Diane .. . teacher.”

With a proud swat to Josh’s back, Frank grinned and nodded to Diane “See? He’s doing good.”

A pleased smile crossed the face of the fifty-some year old woman, small and petite, looking like the teacher she was in the old world. “Excellent Josh.” She looked to Frank. “At least he isn’t calling me ‘her’.

“Yep.” Frank nodded. “We worked for a good half hour during rounds.”

“You keep doing that,” Diane said, “together, we’ll get him back to normal speech patterns.”

“Good . . . O.K. Josh.” Frank nudged the fifteen year old boy. “You go with her. I mean . . . Diane. She’s gonna work on your talking some more.”

Josh nodded and stepped to Diane.

“I’ll walk him home,” Diane said.  She took the arm of the boy as if they were taking a leisurely stroll.

Frank waited until they moved on some and then he headed to one of his remaining tasks for the day. Containment. His father was pulling a later day shift there, and by default it ended up being the meeting place of choice.

It was like the buzzing and the opening of the door was an alarm to that new survivor they picked up nearly three weeks earlier. As Frank took his first step into the hall, he not only saw Joe, but the new guy as well. Frank barely caught glimpse as the shaved head, very skinny man scurried away. “Dad?” Frank pointed back with his thumb. “Was it my imagination or was the new guy Mike on his hands and knees.”

“Not your imagination. He does that, you know, sniffs around. Come in.” Joe motioned to him. “And shut the door or he’ll come in here again. Pesters me.” Joe looked over some paper work.

“He sniffs around?” Frank asked.

“Yeah. He thinks he’s a dog.”

“Dad, that’s not normal.”

“No shit, Frank.”

Frank lowered himself into the chair. “Why is he still here if he thinks he’s a dog?”

“Ellen says he’s harmless. He hasn’t bitten anyone yet.” Joe shifted his papers. “According to Ellen, it’s like having a pet.”

“Still.” Frank shook his head. “Don’t you think it’s time to get rid of him? I mean, the whole premise is you have to pull your weight around here. How can a man who thinks he’s a dog pull his weight?”

“Ellen says he’s useful and he doesn’t eat much.” Joe rubbed his aching head. “Enough of the questions.”

“Dad . . . I’m security. Don’t you think I have the right to know why a man who thinks he’s a dog is still in the community?”

“All right.” Joe shook his head in disgust. “Ellen says that he barks whenever trouble starts with the survivors. Like a watch dog. And she thinks she can bring him around. We’re giving her a few more weeks. And she has made progress training him. At least now he’s no longer lifting his leg to take a leak everywhere.”

Frank scoffed, “Have we established what kind of dog he thinks he is?”

Joe raised his eyes up to Frank.

“I mean, what if he thinks he’s a Pitbull? They’re real nice at first but then they can snap and before . . .”

“Frank! Enough about Mike thinking he’s a dog. We have other things to discuss.”

“You’re right. But I can’t. Josh is having speech lessons and Hap says I’d better pick up the kids because he’s not watching them. So . . .” Frank stood partially and pulled out sheets from his back pocket. He handed them to his father. “My reports and some thoughts. Stop by later and we can talk about them.”

“Sounds good.” Joe wasn’t really in the mood for a Frank style meeting. He supposed reading his thoughts would be less stroke provoking. He took the papers from Frank and shook his head at the crinkled mess. “Frank, could these be anymore wrinkled?”

“Yes.” Frank stepped back. “Talk to you later.”

“Whoa!” Joe called out causing Frank to halt in his reach for the door. “Perimeter seven. Again? What’s going on up there? Did you learn anything?”

“I narrowed it as happening between the three a.m. rounds and when I do my seven. So the animal or whatever is hitting it is doing it then.”

“Raccoon?” Joe asked. “They’re smart. They may be playing with the beam. Any bodies?”

“None.” Frank shook his head. “I want to put a watch on, just an extra shift, hiding out and watching.”

“Why?” Joe asked. “To catch the raccoon?”

“No.” Frank shook his head. “If I didn’t know about that beam being knocked off track three times a week, I’d been fried by now. I want to watch to see if it’s possible that’s someone is doing it.”

“In the community?”

“I’d say more outside. Perhaps we have another band of survivors thinking that they’re real smart. Perimeter seven is a mile off from the back gate. It’s possible they’re moving in the deep woods without being seen. You know, being brave about trying to break in. Remember Moses had that band of men together. So nothing is impossible.”

“You think they’re smart enough to move that beam?”

“Anyone is,” Frank said. “All they have to do is watch for a while, reach in from the outside with a stick, and shove it. And when one of us walks by . . . Zap!  I have my men toss something that way before they go near it just in case. But, I still want to canvas the area.”

“Good idea. This started when?” Joe reviewed. “Two weeks ago. It was after the SUT raid. Any chance it could be them?”

“Nah, they’re too stupid or at least the ones with the microchips are. They’re trained for one thing only.”

“How about the savages?”

“Possible. If they’re aware of the beam, they can do it.”

“All right, how about we do a watch of the area first. Then if nothing turns up when Cole and the men get back, we pull a search of the area.”

“Sounds good to me.” Frank stepped to the door again. “And let me know what you think about my Society thoughts.”

After hiding the slight roll of his eyes, Joe nodded.

“Then I’ll see . . .” Frank turned his head to the door. “What is that scratching?”

“Oh that’d be Mike. Could you let him in the men’s quarters for me on your way out?”

“Let him in?” Frank asked in surprise. “Why? The door’s unlocked.”

“He can’t reach the knob and he has to go. Now, hurry before he has an accident..”

“Dad!” Frank snapped in shock. “You’re joking right?”

“No Frank, I’m not.”

“This is ridiculous,” loud, deep and grumpily, Frank grunted as he opened the door. “My wife and father think a scrawny man is a fuckin dog and people talk about me.” He pulled the door closed shouting as he did. “Hey! Get off of me.”

Joe shook his head at the loud Mike yelp, then prepared himself for a mental endurance test, reading Frank’s thoughts on paper.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

A four hour nap on a cold hard floor was not something Ellen wanted or planned on. She was upset with Dean at first, but ended up being a bit grateful because she slept through all the tedious waiting for them to get the power supply up. She was also spared the frightful first trip of the elevator. Not that she doubted Henry’s mechanical ability, but Ellen knew had she been conscious, she would have annoyingly expressed her fear before and during the entire ten story decent.

The research facility was a sealed tomb, shut off from the world mid-plague. It was so air tight that the bodies of the diligent working infection fighters looked more dehydrated that decomposed. They spewed forth across the halls and in the labs where they worked. Most likely they dropped to their deaths from the cessation of oxygen rather than from the plague they were fighting to beat.

Dean’s work zone was the most impressive to Ellen. Upon entrance there was small reception area where Ellen envisioned a cute little secretary once screened Dean’s visitors. Then there was the lab itself. A huge glass wall separated the highly contagious working area from the general working space. Computers and lab equipment were set up neatly everywhere. And even after years of nonattendance, Dean’s lab was more dust and clutter free than Ellen’s bedroom dresser would ever be.

Watching Dean get ready to run a test of his equipment was like the anxiety of waiting for launching space mission.   Ellen moved to behind a desk, sat down, and took the break that she knew she would never get once they started on the vials.

“Computer’s on,” Dean announced. “Just let me check for the programs.”

“Then I think I’ll eat,” Ellen said. “Hungry?” she asked as she opened her knapsack and pulled out a smaller sack. “I brought jam sandwiches. Henry?”

“Sure.” Henry held out his hand as Ellen handed him half. “Dean, you want some?”

“No. Thank you. Maybe later.” Dean looked up as he sat down at the computer. He took a nervous breath then began.

“O.K.” Ellen shrugged and took a bite of her sandwich. She blew on the slightly dusty desk. “Dean? Was this your desk?”

Dean peered up. “No, Molly’s.”

Ellen snickered. “Molly’s? Was she some twenty-year old?”

“No, Molly was in her fifties. She was my lab assistant.”

“Was she a good lab assistant?” Ellen asked. “How long did she work with you?”

“Um . . .” Dean thought. “Three years. And yes she was a very good lab assistant.”

“Better than me?” Ellen probed. “Did she know your work better than me?”

Dean hesitated while he worked, then glanced at Ellen with smiling eyes. “No, Ellen. No one knows my work better than you.”

Henry let out a sigh of relief. “Good thing he said that or I’d be mad. Especially after you had to pull it together after he died.

Ellen returned the smile--jam laced--to Dean. “Thanks, Dean. That means a lot.” She reached to a photograph and held it up. “This Molly person had a nice looking family. Were these her children, Dean?”

“Yes,” Dean answered without looking.

“Nice.” Ellen smiled and put it back. “She had three sons. I had three brothers. Henry? Did you talk to any of your family when the plague hit?”

Henry grabbed a chair and sat down. “My parents and my brother. I was fortunate enough to speak to them right before the phones went down. But I was pretty busy at the med station. Somehow, some doctor,” he looked at Dean, “recruited me into helping.”

“You were healthy.” Dean tapped away. “Good, the program is here,” he mumbled, “in case either of you care.”

“We do . . . anyway,” Henry continued on, “that was the last I heard of them. You?”

“I spoke to my mom. I think it was Sunday. She was sick. But my brothers? No, I got so wrapped up in Taylor and Josh. And then people just stumbled onto my property. I never got around to calling. I feel bad now.” Ellen lifted up from the desk a chain of paper clips, it hung four feet long. She snickered. “Dean must have kept Molly very busy.”

“What about your husband?” Henry turned his head to Dean’s laughing. “What’s wrong?”

“I thought you knew Henry. Ellen hated Pete.” Dean said.

“I know that,” Henry said. “Everyone knows that. But she never mentioned him or his family.”

“I never thought to call Pete’s family,” Ellen said as she began to rummage through the desk drawers. “But Pete was one of the first to get sick and die in Ashtonville. Not really Ashtonville but on the way to the med-station where Dean was found.” Ellen grabbed a handful of pencils and stuck them in her knapsack. “Henry, did I tell you Joe shot Pete?”

“Joe shot Pete?” Henry was shocked.

“Joe shot Pete?” Dean’s attention was grabbed. “El, you never told me that.”

“I just found out a little bit ago.” Ellen stuck the last of the office supplies she was stealing into her knapsack. She spoke very nonchalantly. “Yeah, Joe shot him. Shot him in the head.” She closed the last drawer. “Very boring stuff in here.” She moved her chair over to the next desk. “And then Joe just rolled him over into the grass and left him.” She noticed before opening the top drawer of the desk Henry and Dean just staring in silence at her. “What’s the matter?”

Dean shuddered his head quickly. “This doesn’t bother you?”

“No. Why would it? I mean, Joe wouldn’t just shoot him in the head for no reason. He said Pete was suffering.” Ellen shrugged. “Hey Dean, is this your desk?”

“Uh, yeah.” Remembering that he had just listened to Ellen, Dean forewent waiting to hear remorse, and returned to his work.

“Henry, come here. This is Dean’s desk.” She waited until Henry rolled over to her. “Ready?” Ellen opened the top drawer. “Oh, look, Dean. You forgot to mail your bills.”

Henry took the envelopes. “It’s going to affect your credit, Dean.”

“Let’s open them, Henry. Dean, can we open them and see what your bills were?” Taking Dean’s ignoring of her as a ‘yes’, Ellen handed Henry an envelope. “You first.”

“Thanks.” Henry ripped it open. “Check out his phone bill, Ellen. It’s only twenty-two dollars.”

“Oh, that’s disgusting. I never had a phone bill under a hundred.” Ellen lifted the next envelope. “You know, with all my calling of the Slagel clan.” She opened the bill. “It’s a car payment? Dean, I didn’t know you had a car.”

“How did you think I got around Ellen?” Dean asked.

“Didn’t think about it. Where’s your car now, Dean?”

“Ellen,” Dean huffed. “It’s . . . it’s at the airport. Now can I just finish . . .”

“Mine’s still in my driveway. How about yours Henry?”

“At the hospital parking lot. Wow, the things we just didn’t think about. Parked cars.” Henry smiled. “All right, next one.” He took pleasure in the envelope. “Now see, now this surprises me about Dean. Look El, a cable bill. Basic cable. Dean, Dean, Dean.”

“What?” Dean gazed up from the second computer to Henry shaking his head. “What is wrong now?”

“Basic cable,” Henry said, disappointed. “What a waste of money.”

“I never watched television except occasionally for the news.” Dean said.

“Then why have cable?” Henry tossed the bill in the trash. “Last one, El. You do the honors.”

“His VISA bill.” Excitedly she held it up then tore into it and then she shrieked. “Oh, this is horrible. Look at this balance. Seventy-three dollars and twenty-two cents. Dean why was your balance that low? And look Henry a check for the entire amount.”

Rolling his eyes again–a habit he was getting used to around them–Dean looked from his work. “I never used it except when I visited my Dad once a month.”

“Oh this is obscene Henry, this is really obscene. One credit card, no balance.” Ellen was just shocked by that. “Me, personally, I was such the shopping queen. I don’t think I would even know what a zero balance was. One time my husband got me this credit card, a platinum one. The credit limit was forty-five thousand dollars.

Henry whistled, “Forty-five thousand? Your husband must have been rich. Why did you work.?

“I liked to work. And yeah, Pete made the bucks. That’s probably why I never got together with Frank. The shopper in me knew he couldn’t afford my habits. Dean, you probably could have afforded my habits.

“Unfortunately.” Dean worked on

“Anyhow . . .” Ellen tossed the bill aside. “Guess what my balance was when the world died? Twenty-eight thousand dollars. Talk about one hell of a way to get out of paying your debts.” She snapped to attention at Dean who had clicked so loudly on a key.

“How in the world did you charge that much?” Dean asked.

“Don’t know,” Ellen shrugged. “It was an addiction. Most of it was gifts. A large chunk was the motorcycle I bought Robbie.”

“What?” Dean chuckled in disbelief as he stood up. “Why would you buy Robbie Slagel a bike?”

“Yeah. Why?” Henry asked in a complaining manner. “Robbie was a dog. Nasty. I hated him.”

“Now, see.” Ellen kicked back. “You two didn’t know the Robbie I did. He was funny. He just always had this way of making you feel good. I would have done anything for him because Robbie would have done anything for anyone.” In remembrance awe, she picked at her sandwich then looked up to their scoffing. “I’m serious. The Robbie that walked through our gates a year ago was a product of the world gone bad.”

Dean shook his head. “You believe what you want. I know people. Robbie was just a bad seed. He played you and you bought it. No, wait, you bought him whatever he wanted.”

Ellen ignored him.

“Now,” Dean continued, “I hate to break up this little old world celebration of memories, but it’s time to start doing what we came here for. Let’s find that virus.”

Henry stood from his seat and started to follow Dean. “Speaking of memories, do you remember how to use all this stuff?”

Dean only paused in his head to do a reaction he had done repeatedly all day--roll his eyes and shake his head.

^^^^

For as many times as Joe shuddered and wanted to pretend Frank wasn’t really his son, times like the one he was having overshadowed those moments. Frank’s thoughts. Written down in that straight, no slant handwriting of Frank’s. Always squared off and neat. Joe dreaded the thought of reading what Frank wrote. But after he did, Joe was genuinely impressed.

Fact was fact. There were some things that Frank was just not meant to be good at. Basic math. Reading books without skipping the parts that had no dialogue or pictures. Or fitting into small places. That was some of them. But when it came to war and the military strategy, Frank turned into some sort of Einstein. Blunt, precise with every angle viewed. And Frank was viewing into the Society at full force. With the information pulled from the cryo-lab computers, Frank deducted how many Society soldiers remained and how many more may have been made. Frank’s number was frighteningly high and depicted a budding army. An army that Beginnings was powerless against as far as manpower went. He even went as far as to list areas of the country that George and the society could be using as a base set up. All Frank wanted to do was somehow try to come up with a way to be prepared.

And even though he drove Joe all but crazy with the numerous times he misspelled the name ‘Dean’. Frank made up for it with his letter’s final observation and question.

--If the society are the ones that cause the virus of our future, then it’s even more clear. They don’t want destruction. They just want Beginnings. But why? Why do they want us? Food, land, industry? No. There’s a whole country out there to be planted and run again. Why want something that is no more than a speck of dust on a map? Because there is something here so valuable they cannot replace. And that something is our answer. If we can determine what it is and find it, then we, as small as we are, will have the means to defeat the Society. Because we will have the upper hand.--

To Joe it was a very good point taken. And Frank’s thoughts on paper started the wheels in Joe’s mind turning just a little bit stronger.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

The wax from the candle rolled down the side and over Ellen’s finger tips. She played with it as she stared into the flickering flame. Remnants of a jar brought dinner were spread out on the table set up in the reception are of Dean’s old lab.

“Many,” Ellen said softly, leaning into the table where the three of them sat. “Pete was really good about being romantic. I had to give it to him on that. But not as romantic as Dean.” Ellen shifted her eyes to him. “Even if it was only sitting together on a couch, doing nothing, it was special.”

Dean smiled a thank you to her.

“Not Frank?” Henry asked.

Ellen snickered. “Frank? I guess he could be. He never wants to be. And you have to remember, Frank and I never really were an honest couple until we got married here. So it’s hard to compare him. What about you Henry? Romantic?”

“I wanted to be.” Henry ran his fork across his empty plate, playing with the remaining food particles. “I thought I was with my fiancée.”

Dean immediately sat up. “I didn’t know you were engaged?”

“Oh, yeah. For three years,” Henry said.

So sad, Ellen peered at him. “She died in the plague, huh?”

Henry shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know. She probably did.” Henry’s speech slowed down. “Her . . . her husband, probably kids.”

Ellen sat straight up. “She married someone else?”

“Oh, yeah. I think it was…” Henry looked up to the ceiling in thought. “…three weeks after we broke up.” He noticed the surprised looks he got. “I hate talking about it. She left me at the altar. Literally.”

Dean cringed, “She never showed for the wedding?”

“Oh, no Dean. She showed. Weren’t you listening?” Henry asked. “She left me at the altar. Left. Middle of the vows, Amy gets this awkward look like this . . .” Henry crinkled his face. “I thought it was gas. And then she says, ‘you know what, I changed my mind’. Off she went.”

Dean’s gasp met Ellen’s. “Oh, my God.” He was so shocked. “Now I don’t feel so bad for not having anyone in the old world. Of course . . .” Dean chuckled, “no one really wanted me. I was a little high and mighty. Arrogant.”

“No,” Henry said sounding so convincing.

“Yeah,” Dean nodded. “I didn’t mean to but I tended to put people…” He closed his eyes. “I still am, huh?”

Henry shook his head, “Nah. You’re a pretty nice guy when you want to be.”

“Correction,” Ellen held up a finger. “Dean’s a nice guy to people he wants to be. But if he doesn’t like you,” Ellen whistled, “Dean’s a dick.” She laughed. “I remember how your dad used to just humble you so much.”

Henry laughed too. “William was a funny guy. He had such a big heart. Do you . . . do you take after your mother, Dean?”

Dean rolled his eyes. Just when he was about to say something, he heard the buzzer sound from the lab. “First batch is done.”

“Yeah.” Ellen stood up when Dean did. “I guess it’s time to get back to work. Henry?”

“You know what.” Henry stretched. “I’m gonna catch some sleep instead of annoying Dean. Do you mind? I haven’t slept in over twenty-four hours.”

Dean closed his eyes in gratefulness. “You rest Henry.” He headed to the lab.

“See you later,” Ellen said following Dean. She looked back to Henry who gathered the plates into a pile, and then he plopped on the couch.

“We’ll just read this batch of results,” Dean said as he walked to his computer.

“Hopefully we’ll . . .” Ellen slowed down when she passed Dean’s desk. They weren’t there before. “Dean?” She lifted up the set of keys. “Did you pull these out?’

Almost embarrassed, Dean lowered his head. “Um, yeah. My house keys. I found them in my desk. I just, I just pulled them out.”

“Any particular reason?” Ellen asked.

“No. Reminiscing.” Dean sat before the computer. “Let’s work.”

“Work.” Ellen set down the keys and joined him.

^^^^

Frank’s whistle was short and sharp. Not loud, but loud enough to be the call-in as he stood outside of the east entrance tunnel. He listened for the tromping boots of his three men as they made it back.

John Matoose was the first to approach. “Nothing. Clear.”

“Me either,” Steve, another of Frank’s security guys, said.

Frank looked about the blackened and wooded area. “I didn’t see anything either. Not even footprints.”

“Frank,” Greg spoke up, “I’m not nuts. When I came down on my rounds, I heard movement.”

“I’m sure you did.” Frank nodded. “SUT, savage, even an animal.  I’m not gonna take any chances. John, let’s set a man back a little inside the entrance in this tunnel tonight. Added security.”

“Leo?” John asked.

“That’ll work,” Frank said. “Even if we have wildlife out there, if it sets off the motions we’ll be running amuck though these tunnels trying to see what broke in.”

“Sounds good,” John agreed.

“Keep me posted if he’s sees anything. I’m heading home. Greg, good job.” After getting a nod from Greg, Frank started to leave. The east entrance was hidden in a brush. Frank likened it to the Bat Cave. Though nature protected it and motion detectors watched it, it lacked something every other entrance into Beginnings had. Perimeter beams. It couldn’t.  If ever for a reason Beginnings was locked down and under siege, the east tunnel was a quick escape. But just like it was an easy out, it was also an easy in. And because of that, if movement was even suspected in that area, Frank took no chances.

^^^^

The beams from the two flashlights barely made an illuminating dent in the dense overgrown brush of the housing plan on the base. Dean led the way, using memory, and looking up, counting the houses he could barely see.

Ellen adjusted her knapsack, tapping Dean on the shoulder. “Are you sure Henry is not going to be mad at us?”

“Positive El. You heard him. He had been up over twenty-four hours. He’ll still be sleeping when we get back. I just . . . I just need to come here. Especially after striking out with that first batch of tests. Also, you know, when I left, I never dreamt I wouldn’t be back.” After letting out a discovery breath, Dean grabbed Ellen’s hand. “Through here.” He slipped through the brush with her. A door laid three feet ahead. The concrete porch was what stopped the trees from growing any further. “This is it.”

Ellen peeked at the door. “Oh look, Dean, you have mail. Can I?”

“Be my guest.” He dangled keys, holding his flashlight under his arm and aiming it on the knob.

“Good thing you kept those keys in your desk.” Ellen pulled the three pieces from his mail box. “This looks like a wedding invitation. Bet you missed the blessed event.”

“You think?” Dean smiled, turned the door knob, and shoved on the door some. “We’re in.” Coughing at the dust, Dean stepped in first, shining his flashlight around. A twitching feeling hit his stomach, almost eerie when he stepped into his cob web spewed living room. Dust had built up everywhere and a moss had started to form on the far wall, creeping across as if a new green design. Clearing his throat Dean looked back to Ellen,  who stepped inside. A part of Dean felt bad, really bad. It was his home and a painful reminder of his world that had gone. “This is it. Sorry about the condition.”

“Oh, Dean.” Ellen stepped in shining the flashlight around. “I envy you. I really envy you.”

“Sarcasm Ellen?” Dean asked.

“No. Sincerity.” She peered all around stepping further in. “I wish I could be close enough to go home. I really do.”

“Ellen.” Dean handed her an empty sack. “Could you hold this? I know I have candles around here.”

“Were you the big romantic guy?” Ellen tossed the sack over her shoulder with hers.

“No, the power outage conscious guy.” Dean stood center living room trying to think where he had them. “End table.” Speaking his candle thought out loud, Dean walked to the sofa bending down at the end table. “Yes. A bunch here.”

“Oh, Dean,” Ellen spoke softly, “look.”

Dean stood up holding the candles. “What?”

Ellen held on to a photograph, a barely seen picture in a wooden frame. She blew on it, coughed, and then wiped her hand across it, shining the flashlight on it. “It’s your Mom and Dad.”

Dean shuffled over to her. “Yeah.” He ran his hands through his hair in nervousness.

“Were they dancing when they posed?”

“Yeah they were.”

“This is a great picture. I liked William. Your Dad would have been proud of our children, Dean.”

“Thanks Ellen. He would have. Actually . . .” His thin finger ran across the picture. “This was taken at their fiftieth wedding anniversary.”

Ellen tilted her head to Dean with an odd look. “How can that be? William was only sixty-five when he died, wasn’t he?”

“True. This was taken about six months before my mom died. She knew she was dying and she always wanted to say she celebrated a fiftieth anniversary with my Dad, so my Dad and I had a party.”

“A mock golden anniversary. That was sweet. Dean, this . . .” She held up the picture. “This alone was reason enough to come here.” She opened up her knapsack, not his, and placed it in. “Our children deserve to see that picture and hear that story. I’ll make sure they do.”

“El . . .” He gave a soft smile. “Thanks.” Reaching, candles still in his hand, he embraced her. “O.K. Now, let’s see.” He gave her a candle to hold, then he lifted the box of matches. “Will they work or not?” A strike, an ignition of flame, and Dean lit the candle. “We have light. Let’s hit the bedroom. That’s where my stuff is at.” He took the candle back.

Ellen snickered, “Candles, the bedroom.” She followed him. “Do you know what you’re getting or are you just gonna peek around and grab.”

“No.” Dean walked into the small back bedroom of the single story house. He set the candle on the dresser. “Just like you have your memorabilia box, I have mine.”

Ellen watched him move to the closet. “Dean, this bedroom. It’s so . . . boring.”

“El?” He smiled as he reached to the top shelf. “It’s me.” He pulled the box down and started to close the closet.

“True,” Ellen sat on the bed. She immediately began rummaging through his nights stand. Books, paper. Her hand paused and she snickered when she saw the condom pouch. She lifted it. “I thought you weren’t the Casanova guy?”

Dean snickered as he carried the box over to the bed. “Trust me El, the effectiveness of that condom probably expired long before the world ended. It’s been in there a while.”

“Oh!” Ellen said excitedly. “Your VISA. Dean, you shouldn’t leave this just laying around. Can I have it?”

“Sure.” Dean began to go through the box, more checking than for reminiscing.

After placing the credit card in her knapsack, Ellen scooted closer to the box to peek. “Harvard.” She lifted the yearbook. “Oh, and pictures. Look at all the pictures.” Her hand guided through. “The kids will love these.”

“I hope.”

“This was such a good idea. It really was.”

“Yeah.” Dean closed the flaps on the box. “For me and . . . for us.” He saw her looking oddly at him. “I needed some alone time with you. You’ve, you’ve been different with me since that little time trip. Not to mention you’ve been hiding.”

“I’m sorry. I’ve been trying. Really trying to act the way this time frame dictates. I guess I’m failing at that.” Ellen’s head lowered. “Am I making you feel uncomfortable?”

“A little. No. Wait. No.” Dean shook his head. “I’m O.K. with it. Really. I honestly understand that in your mind set, the time frame you were in, I died. And you got back with Frank. That’s where your heart is and . . .”

“Wait.” Ellen stood up. “Are we on the same wave length here? Why do I get the feeling that you aren’t going to tell me to back off.”

“Back off?” Dean laughed. “El, if you back away anymore, I won’t see you.”

“But I thought that’s the way this time-Ellen was supposed to act. I come through and I find out I’m working it out with Frank.”

“And you two have a long way to go. You and I. We’ve been . . .” Dean closed one eye and gave a simple nod. “We’ve been close.”

A gasp came from Ellen and she stepped to him. “Oh, Dean. I have been trying so hard to suppress what I was feeling about the whole trip.” She spoke with emotional enthusiasm. “Henry and I discussed it. We thought if I showed my gratefulness and my feedings, it would be too obvious. But I missed you.” The words seeped out. “I missed you so much.” She clenched her fist. “I have done nothing but want to spend every second of the day with you since we changed time. Dean . . .” She softened her voice. “When you died on me, my life ended. I never thought I’d feel that much pain again. You were all I thought about.”

A slight snicker of sarcasm came from Dean. “I bet Frank loved that.”

“You wouldn’t have believed Frank. No, Dean. He was really good with the way I was because he mourned you too. Your death changed him completely.”

“Frank mourned me?”

“Oh, yeah, more than you would believe. The whole community was lost. There were no more smiles. Our children, Dean. Our little girl. The sadness on her face was heartbreaking.”

A lump crept up into Dean’s throat and he closed his eyes. “God, this feels so real.”

“It was real. To me.” Ellen stepped closer. “I’ll never forget how badly I hurt especially when I realized how much I loved you.”

Dean opened his eyes and looked up. “Was it just the loss or do you still feel that even though I’m back?”

“I still feel that.”

“Then why, El? Why are you working it out with Frank? Huh?” Dean asked passionately. “Can’t you see, some things are meant to be, some aren’t. Even in my time frame you and I . . .” He stopped. “Forget it. I’m harping again. I promised you I wouldn’t bother you about you two working thought this.”

“Dean? What’s been happening between us?”

“I told you. We’ve been close.”

“How close?” Ellen asked. “Have we’ve been together since the clinic?”

Dean hesitated. “Yeah. Once.” He saw the expression drop on Ellen’s face. “Please don’t get upset. It was the day Joe came out of the Salicain. There was a party, you and I had a few drinks, and one thing led to another after the kids went to sleep.  I have to tell you El, it was great. Not the sex, but that week. Frank was off on his George goose chase. And I thought, my God, we’re working things out. Then he came back. Rev. Bob made his suggestion and you moved out.”

“Did I regret it?” Ellen asked. “Be honest.”

“No.” Dean shook his head. “At least you didn’t tell me. It wasn’t like in the clinic. We weren’t kicking ourselves. But don’t kick yourself now, because it never really happened for you.”

“Yeah it did,” Ellen said. “I guess you’re right. Some things are meant to be. You and I, Dean, we made love right before you died. And I had no regrets then either. Well . . .” The corner of Ellen’s mouth rose. “Maybe I regretted that we weren’t in a bed. Tell me we made love in a bed in this time frame.”

Dean eyes shifted about. He didn’t answer.

“Damn it,” Ellen faked an anger outburst, “can we not have our moments when a bed is accessible.”

“Well.” With a slight chuckle, Dean, hands in pockets, tilted to the side, and pointed his head to the bed behind Ellen.

Ellen looked.

“I’m kidding.” Dean reached for the box on the bed. But stopped when Ellen’s hand laid over his and she stepped into him. “El.”

“Let’s have a moment, Dean. Right now.” Ellen moved her lips closer. “Away from it all. Let’s be together away from Beginnings.”

There was zero hesitation after Dean’s shoulders lifted with his heavy breath. Eyes locked, his chest met Ellen’s as his hand first lay on her cheek then swept into her hair with a passionate firmness. Clenching, he pulled Ellen into him. Only in a moment’s hover were Dean’s lips before he touched then joined them with Ellen’s.

Every inch of Ellen’s face ached with the emotions of that kiss. She could feel herself breathing in the moment as well as flashing back to their last time together. So similar, both so full of feelings. But for as fast as the moment swept into them that was how fast they separated when the ‘bang’ of the opening front door startled them.

“Dean?”

Dean stepped away, reaching to the back waist of his pants for the revolver he brought.  “Stay here.” He approached the door.

“Dean.” Ellen grabbed his arm. “Don’t go out there.”

“Well, where do you expect me to go?” Dean pulled away. “Stay here” he ordered as he walked out of the bedroom. Gun raised, chamber shifted, Dean moved down the small hallway. Ready, and able to hear the footsteps, along with hoping it wasn’t Henry fooling around, Dean turned the corner, aiming out.

A pumping of a chamber not only brought Dean face to face with the barrel of a M-16, but to the lower chest of the huge brawny black man who stood before him.

In an Army uniform, the man kept his eyes on Dean. “Put down that weapon!” he blasted loud and deep. “You are trespassing on my base!”

Dean wanted to keep aim, but after a shift up of his views to the man, Dean lowered his gun. “Sgt. Baily. Sgt. Luther Baily?” Dean asked then smiled, “Oh, my God. It’s me . . .”

“Lt. Hayes, sir!” After snapping to attention, Sgt. Baily, swung around his M-16, then extended his hand to Dean. “Sir, I didn’t recognize you with the longer hair.”

“Apocalypse will do that to you.” Dean shook hands with enthusiasm. “This is wild!” Dean peered over his shoulder. “El! Come on out. It’s all right.”

“Lt. Hayes? Is the government rebuilding.”

“Not that I know of,” Dean said.

“Then are you moving back on base? Coming home?” Sgt. Baily asked.

“No,” Dean shook his head with a chuckle. “I’m doing some important work in my old lab for my community.  Actually we have a home in that community, complete with kids.”

“You have children now?”

“Three,” Dean answered then saw where Sgt. Baily was staring. Dean looked. “El.” He reached out his hand. “This is Sgt. Baily, well, we called him Sarge. He used to be in charge of the men who would guard the entrance to the labs.”

Ellen stepped closer and peered up. Sgt. Luther Baily was the tallest, biggest man, she had ever seen.

Cordially Sarge extended his hand to Ellen, staring in awe. “Pardon me, Lt. Hayes, but you have a woman? In this world?”

Ellen snickered, “That’s because Dean had the keen foresight to snatch me up before everyone realized women were extinct.”

“Mrs. Hayes. It’s a pleasure.”

“Likewise.” Ellen saw the amazed look on Dean’s face from seeing someone he obviously knew well.  A smile accompanied it. Ellen smiled as well, but for a different reason than Dean. Looking at Sarge, Ellen knew, of all the souvenirs she was packing to bring home, the giant man before her would be the best one. Frank was going to love him.

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

George was wide awake as he faced Steward who looked like he was ready to pass out. “Is that it?” George asked.

“Yes,” Steward answered. “It’s the best we can do until communications lines are working here.” He extended a sheet of paper to George.

“Did Sgt. Doyle decipher the Morse code?”

“Yes. Why?”

“Then you read it. I can’t interpret his handwriting.” George sat back on the couch.

“Not much here,” Steward shrugged. “I’m sure more details will be given when information is easier to pass. All right . . .” He began to read. “Scouting party to New Mexico. No return yet.”

George nodded, “I suspected they would hit that. I didn’t think they’d wait so long.”

“Well, they did look for you. And they had a lot of clean up in Miles City, plus what we’ve sent to keep them busy.”

“True. O.K., no response for that one. We know what they’ll find in New Mexico. Go on.”

Steward continued to read. “Um, Dr. Hayes, Ellen, and Henry are in Nebraska.”

“Nebraska?” George asked. “What for?”

“It says, ‘Details not released. Suspected new weapon’.”

George whistled, “Could be bad. Nebraska is where Dean’s main bio lab was. Send a response to keep us posted on their return.”

“We could pack up a brigade and send them out.”

‘No,” George shook his head. “I know Beginnings. Those three won’t be beyond the wall for long. We’ll worry about them when we worry about Beginnings as a whole. Right now we need all our men for the sweeps. Anything else?”

“One more thing,” Steward chuckled. “This is funny and I’m questioning Sgt. Doyle’s decipher.”

Annoyed, George rolled his eyes. “Are you going to share the quaint little passage or keep it all to yourself?”

“Seems like a waste. But . . .” Steward read. “Time machine works?”

George sprang up. “Holy shit. It works?”

“Sir, they said ‘Time Machine’. A time machine. Really, now.” Steward saw the seriousness on George’s face. “You believe this.”

“I’ve seen it.” George started to pace. “I never thought it could work. Get to our person and make sure they are positive it’s not a fluke. That whacked out Godrichson isn’t blowing smoke up everyone’s ass. If it’s true, we need to know what they plan on using it for.”

“Do you think they will?”

George fluttered his lips in sarcasm. “If you had a working time machine, wouldn’t you?”

“No,” Steward shook his head. “Well, yeah. But sir, couldn’t this be bad for us.”

“Absolutely. If they use it against us, chances are we won’t know. So why worry. But . . .” George held up a finger with a smile. “This could be even better for us. As if what’s already in Beginnings isn’t important enough to us . . . that time machine . . .”George nodded arrogantly, “just raised the property value.”

^^^^

Women. If Henry dreamt, Henry dreamt of women. Lots of them, swarming around him, begging him to have an understanding with them. Never a serious relationship. Henry was a ‘play the field’ type of guy in his dream. But that was in his dreams. In the real world, what Henry wouldn’t give to have just the companionship of a woman one day a week. But women were few and the men who shared their women, never shared with Henry. Frank told him it was because he was such a whiney anal asshole. But Henry chalked it up to the fact that men were too afraid that he was such the nice guy, they could lose their woman to him.

Perhaps it was the visit to Nebraska that brought about old world thoughts. Dreams of being in Miami, lying on the beach, and pestered by women even if it was the GOLDEN GIRLS. But what Henry couldn’t figure out in the dream was why they all spoke so deep and rough. Nudging him harshly, poking him. Then Henry realized that barreling voice wasn’t coming from Betty White, it was coming from outside his dream. Henry opens his eyes.

“What is your problem, boy!” Sarge blasted to Henry his rifle aimed on him.

Henry froze. He couldn’t move. Lying on that couch, staring up to a man who was probably mutated somehow, he had to have been zapped with something,. Henry had never seen a man so big.

“Did you not hear me?” In a drill sergeant mode, Sarge bellowed out. “I have asked you a question. What is your problem? Are you sleeping on the job? You, boy, were given a directive. What was that prime directive?”

It was a nightmare, Henry thought as he still stared, dazed. Yes. It wasn’t happening. He knew he had to still be dreaming when he heard the distant giggling. Those damn Golden Girls.

“You were given orders to protect this lab and the working occupants. Have you not! You have failed in that task! You were asleep on the job! General Slagel will not be pleased. I am moving for immediate court martial. Do you hear me boy!”

The giggle grew closer then Ellen’s face peered around the blustering body of Sarge. “Hey, Henry.” Hands holding two cups, she gave a nudge to Sarge’s back. “You’ve done well. I don’t think he’ll do it again.”

“Are you sure Mrs. Hayes, ma’am?” Sarge kept his aim on Henry.

“Positive. Go back to post. Gen. Slagel will handle it when we return.”

“Yes Ma’am.” After another glare to Henry, Sarge, backed up, pivoted, and left the reception area.

Still somewhat shaken, Henry sat up. “Who . . . who?”

“I’ll give all the details of our find later. But . . . check this out, Henry. That’s one of Dean’s old friends from this base. Imagine that. Dean had a friend. Go back to sleep. Sarge is on detail. No one’s getting in here, that’s for sure.” She nodded. “Dean and I are in the thick of things.” She started to walk to the hall.

“El?” Henry stood up. “What’s with Mrs. Hayes? General Slagel?”

“Oh.” Ellen giggled. “That’s what I told him. He’s delusional, you know. Had to play along with it and build on it in order for him to agree to go.”

“El, wait,” Henry called out as she tried to slip away. “Go where?”

“Beginnings. Isn’t Frank gonna love him?” With one more smile, Ellen headed toward the lab.

“Paperclips, staplers, notebooks, I understand,” Henry spoke to himself as he plopped on the couch, “but I wanna see her shove him into that damn knapsack.”

Disappointment, loss, and anger were not the expressions on Dean’s face, but rather contemplation of what his next step would be. Before the one computer he sat, reading the results of the initial vial testing.

“Tea?” Ellen said as she walked in the lab. “Henry was so funny with Sarge yelling at him. You should have seen his face.” She set down the mugs by Dean.

“Tea?” Dean questioned and looked. “Hey, it’s brown, not green like the stuff Henry makes.”

“I found a box.” Ellen said and lifted the mug and sipped. “Oh, Dean, wait until you taste this.”

“Did you put the box of tea bags in that Ellen-sack?”

“Without a doubt.” Ellen smiled then noticed Dean’s demeanor. “What’s happened?” She looked at the screen. “Are they all finished?”

“Yep.” Dean took a deep breath. “Out of the forty-four unidentified vials, we identified seventeen.”

“Oh, that’s excellent. Anything deadly?” Ellen asked.

“Small pox,” Dean stated, “but we still have twenty-seven left. Of course, that’s less than we had before. And, actually, anything created I shouldn’t have expected the programs to recognize.”

“What now?”

“Now? Now, we run them again. Only this time we do breakdowns. I’ll have to see if I can recognize them by the ingredients or by looking at what they could be.”

“Do we have the time?” Ellen asked.

“Sure. Even if we don’t finish reviewing the breakdowns here, we can take the readouts home.”

“What are your feelings about this?”

“Honestly?” Dean’s head bobbed slowly from side to side as his hand played with the warm mug of tea. “I’m encouraged. But we have to remember, even if we find a virus, we can’t be certain that the case is the culprit for its release or . . .” He held up a finger and nodded.

“It’s even our virus,” Ellen finished the sentiments. “Hopefully the antidote is in there. That would be a step.”

“Yeah, it would be. Actually, El, having the virus of our future in our possession would be a favorable step.” He saw the questioning look in her eyes. “Having it means having a chance to get a jump on it. Fourteen months isn’t that long, but it’s fourteen months longer than we had last plague. And if I get that virus in my hands, I’m gonna beat it.” Dean paused. He softened his voice and gazed at Ellen with determination. “If it’s the last thing I do, I won’t fail again.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

November 21

In a way it was what Frank expected, an early return of his scouting party. Deep inside of him he wished they were gone the projected three days. Being gone that long meant surveillance time they spent. The early return spelled either trouble on the road, or Frank’s fears . . . there was nothing to look at.

The New Mexico site was mentioned in the Caceres Society reports. Frank knew they would have to take the validity of that information at face value. It was information that could have been misrepresented or fed to mislead them. Not that he would have dismissed the possibility, but Frank wouldn’t have put much stock into the New Mexico site had George not slipped up about it in his numerous taunts to Joe when Joe was under the Salicain. But if George spoke of it, its existence was real. And on that, more than anything else, Frank sent his scouting party.

They had returned.

Frank was working on what he was beginning to call ‘mystery reports’. Reports from his men from their rounds that listed sounds, sites, and other strange occurrences at perimeters and entrances that couldn’t be explained. Usually one guard saw them, and when a team went out to check the alleged sightings or sounds out, nothing was there. Frank had good men and they weren’t imagining things. There was an explanation. Frank’s gut told him it wasn’t one that was good, despite the dismal attitude Joe gave, or the ‘poltergeist in Beginnings’ theory Henry kept going back to.

But puzzling and strange as the phenomenon reports were, Frank had to get to the front gate. Tower spotted the scouting party truck making its approach and Frank wanted to be the greeter.

And he was. First one there. Frank didn’t have to hear the words. He saw the look on Cole’s face when the truck stopped.

Frank leaned into the window. “Confirm or deny. Society site?”

“Confirmed,” Cole said with little enthusiasm.

“Give it to me.”

After a blink and a slight hesitation, Cole shifted his eyes to Frank. “Empty.”

Frank swallowed, nodded, and then tapped the door to the truck. “See ya in my office.” He stepped back to allow for Cole and the party to move on. He didn’t need to hear the report right then and there. He got the main answer he needed.

^^^^

The unusual slamming of Dean’s hand, wrinkling of the papers he took from the printer, and the violent tossing of them into the trash, caused the ‘bang-crash-rattle’ that made Ellen jump from her skin and release the clipboard she held. A once silent lab, filled with frustrated noises. “Dean?” She turned to him.

He leaned elbow forward on the counter, his hands holding up his hair. “Not now, El.” He took a long deep breath through his nostrils. “Not now.” He stared down at a sheet of paper, reading as if he was hoping it would be something different.

“Dean.” She pulled at him to stand up. “Take a break. There aren’t that many vials left to do.”

“I know. But by the time I test them then re-test them . . .”

“And retest them and retest them? Come on Dean. You don’t make mistakes. Do your programs here make mistakes? No.”

“No.” He answered solemnly then stood up, hip against the counter, facing Ellen. “But I have to be sure.”

“And you are. Dean . . .” She lifted his chin with her finger. “We still have twelve vials left. Twelve. It still can be in there.”

“But El, we’ve come across only five vials that were of unknown origin. One of them was an antagonist, our Salicain. The others were synthetic, no threatening agents. Where is it?”

“It’s in there. And staring at these,” She lifted the sheets of results, are not helping you any, are they? Take a break.”

“And do what? No matter what I do, my mind will be seeing the formulas and going over the breakdowns. I won’t be able to step mentally away, so why step physically.”

“Well can you let me try?” Ellen leaned into him. “I have an idea. It’s something Henry and I were talking about.”

Shifting his eyes, Dean looked at her. “I’m afraid to ask.”

“Don’t be.” She stepped back and showed him her hand. “Take a walk with me.” She waited. “Dean? Hold my hand.” She wiggled her fingers.

“All right.”

With a smile, Ellen felt his hand meet hers. She slipped her fingers in between his and began to lead him from the lab.

“El, where are you taking me?”

“To take your mind off this work.” She moved quickly. “We’re gonna have some fun.”

Dean stopped walking, a smile finally hit him.

“Keep moving, Dr. Hayes.” She tugged at him. “And get your mind out of the gutter.”

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

“Hate to lose you.” George said in a semi-pleasant manner to Steward.

Steward, wearing a leather jacket, slowed down as they approached a truck. “Douglass is ill. It’s only a few days.”

“You’re heading north, correct?” George said. “Scouts estimate that least hostile.”

“My territory. Reading Pennsylvania. Small town. At the very least they have a spectacular greenhouse set up. That’s what the scouts reported.”

George laughed, “They used the word spectacular.”

Corner of his mouth raising, Steward shook his head. “No, my added touch.”

“Well, good luck on this one.”

“I’m optimistic.” Steward nodded. “Ambassador Lyons is expected back. He can handle any link to our person in Beginnings.”

“Excellent.” George watched Steward reach for the truck door. “Oh, one more thing. Briefly, what happened last night? I heard we lost a few.”

“First mutiny. Have to say we didn’t see it coming,” Steward answered. “Short, sweet., and went down quietly.”

“Who was it?” George asked.

“Disappointingly, it was a group of men we picked up last week. Twenty-four of them. They were together for a while before we gathered them. Willing joiners.” Steward shrugged. “Actually some of them were quite promising. Strong military backgrounds. Pre-screening showed possibilities of advancement within the society without cyborg enhancement.”

“Did they willingly join to infiltrate and get information?” George asked.

“Highly unlikely. Remember, I’ve been part of the sweeps. I know survivor reaction. I know what’s going on in this country. Or what’s left of it. No, these men were good. They were just beginning training and now . . . gone.” Steward raised and lifted his hands. “No one heard them planning. No one expected them to book. They took nothing with them but the clothes they brought and, well, the life of one of our guards when they left. But we expect defectors. And . . .” Steward opened his door. “I must be heading off if I want to make Reading for a strong afternoon entrance.”

“Good luck.” George moved back from the truck. It dejected George some because he was still ignorant to the goings on in the ‘gathering and building’ phase of the plan. That phase had begun while he was tucked away in Beginnings. He felt isolated, removed a bit as well. George hated the fact that he had to ask questions. But he supposed before long, he would be given the answers. And like Steward, he too would carry a nonchalant attitude about defectors instead of the worrisome feeling he carried about the group that had left them the night before.

^^^^

“Empty.” Frank dropped a folder before Joe then sat down in a chair opposite his father’s desk.

Joe opened the folder. “So they were there.”

“Absolutely,” Frank nodded, long enough to defrost more of their buddies and move on. Like I had said before, body count in Colorado was too low. Some of our batch probably went to the New Mexico site right away.”

Joe sifted through the papers. He whistled and leaned back.

“Looking at counts?” Frank asked. “My reaction was ‘fuck’.”

“Well I’m a bit more reserved.” Joe shook his head, still reading. “Big facility. Five hundred?”

“That’s what the evidence points to and . . . you know they had to recreate Dean’s antiserum. Him and El didn’t make enough for that many. What concerns me is, if we believe those Society reports, they state twenty-five hundred soldiers cryogenically frozen to help implement the rebuilding phase.”

“So with these five hundred and the three from Colorado that’s eight down.” Joe saw Frank shake his head. “Five plus three equals eight.”

“Yeah. I know that. I am the basic math king. But . . . are they all soldiers?” Frank stated his question of the situation. “We don’t know that. How many are scientists, workers, and stuff. And trust me there are more than eight now. My opinion, they hit each site, did their work, branched off, and moved on. They’ve had months. They’re done. Cryogenics phase is over with. We’re behind the game.”

“They’ve moved on with the plan,” Joe said.

“And I’d say they’re on the thick of their building phase now.”

“Why do you say that?”

“No hits.” Frank tossed up his hand. “They’re too busy to bother with us now. But they’ll be back. George worked too hard to keep control of this place for there not to be something of value here.”

“Have we any idea what that is?”

“Nope, or where.” Frank tossed his hands up.

“O.K.  Assuming that your theory is righ, and they’re coming back . . .” Joe leaned back in the chair. “And knowing the virus date on that letter, our time is minimal. We have to hit it both ways. Eliminate the threat of the virus and the threat of the Society.”

“Correct. Me and my men work on a search and hunt for the society camps . . .” Frank nodded. “…Dean and Ellen on the virus angle. Virus in the vials or not, I believe them two can beat it. I’m confident in that half of the battle. However, my job, finding and taking the society out is going to be more difficult because we have to find them first. And looking for their camps without any technology, in a country this big will be . . .”

“ . . . Like searching for a needle in a haystack,” Joe finished Frank’s thoughts.

With an outward breath of thought, both Slagel men became silent.

^^^^

With the clicking of her tongue, Ellen imitated the sound of a clock. “Come on Dean, time is running out.”

“El, I’m thinking. Shh.” He held his hand over his eyebrows in thought, looking down. “How am I doing?”

“You’re five for seven, better than me and Henry thought you’d do.” She smiled at him. “You’re stalling.”

“No I’m not.” He looked at her. “Thanks. You know in a demented way, this is sort of fun and it is taking my mind off of things.”

“Sure, I knew it would. It’s the big Dean test of memory. And it can’t be easy for you, especially with the way they look. Now come on, guess.”

“Um . . .” Dean snapped his finger after looking down once more. “Thomas Morrow.”

Ellen bent down and looked at the name tag on the decomposed body. She made a loud buzzing sound. “Wrong. Daniel Thomas. You had one of the names right.”

Dean peered at the man who lay on his side in the hall, a man who would have been a mere skeleton if not for the elements of the outside world being kept locked away. “I remember him now.”

“Next one.” Ellen pulled on his hand. “Oh, hint. I think, no I know, this is a female.”

“Not that she looks like herself, but by guessing where she is laying, I’m saying Caroline Smith.”

Ellen looked at her name tag. “My goodness Dean, you are right.”

“I went out with her once,” Dean pointed out.

Ellen giggled. “And you’re admitting to this. She isn’t very attractive. Did you date her long?” Ellen asked.

“Once.”

“Once as in you dated for a while? Or once as in one date?”

“One date,” Dean answered.

“Did you sleep with her?”

“No Ellen, it was one date. One very bad date. And what’s with the twenty-questions?” Dean stopped walking. “No. I was the one who was the bad date. Not that I really think she liked me all that much, but back then, my mind was continuously on my work.”

“Really?” Ellen spoke sarcastically. “I can’t believe that.”

“It’s true. I really did think about . . .” Dean saw her smile. “You’re being facetious. But I’ll let that go because you took my mind off of things. However . . .”

“I know, back to work.” Ellen said and they began to walk again.

“El.” Dean stopped moving. “Before we head back, we didn’t talk or bring up what happened last night. What . . . what happened, El?”

Ellen took a breath. “What happened was the beginning of the realization that Frank and I really have to talk.”

Nodding calmly and hiding any gloating, hopeful smile that crossed his face, Dean kissed Ellen on the cheek and headed back to the lab to work.

^^^^

“Joe?” Jason had knocked only once on Joe’s office door before stepping in. “I was wondering if I could talk to you.”

“Sure. Come on in.” Joe pointed to the stock visitor chair. “What’s on your mind?”

“Frank.”

“Heavy subject,” Joe smiled.

Jason sort of chuckled. “He’s a big individual, but it’s not Frank in general. John Matoose was fixing that window on my lab and I overheard Frank telling him about what happened with the scouting party.”

“We were gonna have a community meeting about that when Dean and Ellen get back. But if you’re concerned . . .”

“I am.” Jason held up his hand. “But not in the way you think. I’m concerned that we aren’t using our most valuable weapon.”

“The hidden asset Frank has been talking about?”

“No, the one that isn’t hidden. That one that clued us in already about our pending virus, and as history disks proved, diverting Dr. Hayes’ death.”

Joe leaned back far. “I’m listening.”

“What about Joe . . . what about using it now. Right now with the society.” Jason asked.

“It can’t help us now, Jason. We can’t take out the scientists by going back in time. Eliminating them too early could cause one of those ripple things.”

“No Joe, listen to me. You still have to eliminate them now in this time.”

“We have to find them first,” Joe said.

“And that’s what I’m talking about,” Jason stated. “You were in the CIA, right? Well, when you were looking for someone, how did you do it?”

“Collect evidence.”

“Exactly,” Jason smiled. “Collect your evidence now. Obviously the information we have isn’t enough to locate them. For this to have been such the central location, the information needed to help you has to be here.”

“I agree,” Joe nodded. “But where? Frank’s theory? Or if it’s in those hidden files, we can’t access them. They’re explosively protected.”

“They weren’t always and I’m willing to bet those files weren’t always hidden either.”

Joe’s eyebrows raised and he sat up straight. “But we don’t know when they were here. None of the information regarding when the Caceres Society first started in Beginnings is documented. We know when they were frozen. That’s it.”

“And there has to be a point . . . in time . . . when all that information is vulnerable to us.”

“But when?” Joe asked in a thinking manner. “When was that? This is a lot of years we’re talking. Too early and we risk not getting it, too late, the same risk.”

“Now I don’t know the time frame either. We can guess all we want. But Joe, if you were back in the CIA, where would you start?”

“Easy. Square one.”

“Which is?” Jason asked.

“Get to know them, find out about them, who they are, where they come from. Look for someone that knows something.”

“And someone knows something,” Jason said. “A set up like they had isn’t planned in a year, or two for that matter.”

“I know where you’re going with this.” Joe tapped his fingers on his desk, taking a few seconds to think. “Go back far enough that we don’t land smack dab in the middle of something here. But close enough that they started making a trail.”

“Exactly. And if we’re only collecting information, we shouldn’t ripple any time sequences.”

Joe sprang up from his chair, a happy look smearing across his face. “Let me review what we have. I’ll work on it today and tonight. Meet me here first thing in the morning. I’ll let you know what I come up with.”

“Sounds good.” Jason stood up extending his hand to Joe. “My machine was built for the good of man, Joe. We can use it for the good of man.”

“And hopefully tomorrow, you and I can come up with a plan that will help fill in some of the missing pieces to this screwed up puzzle.” Joe gripped Jason’s hand firmly and with a confident smile. Immediately it was replaced with a lost look.

“Something wrong?”

“This whole conversation had it, but Christ, am I overwhelmed with that annoying  feeling… déjà vu, like we had this talk before.”   “We probably did.” Jason said.

“No, we didn’t.”

“Probably did,” Jason reiterated. “In the ‘Dean is dead’ time frame. We probably discussed alternate ways in case we couldn’t bring Dean back to life. Which gives merit to my Ripple Bits theory. You’re not having déjà vu. You have ripple bits.”

“Ripple bits?” Joe asked.

“Yes. The time frame that occurred actually did happen, but most people aren’t strong minded enough to remember, but the ‘tough at mind’ will. And when they think they’re having déjà vu, they’re actually having memory remnants from a time period that was rippled. Ripple bits.”

“Is that possible?” Joe asked.

“Joe,” Jason snickered. “Ask Henry. In theory . . . everything is possible.”

^^^^

Ellen couldn’t find Dean. He wasn’t taking a nap like she and Henry were. She peeked out into the halls to see if, perhaps, Dean was searching out a tea bag. He wasn’t seen. Ellen thought he could have gone topside to sit and talk to Sarge about old Army days. No matter where he was, one thing was for sure, Dean wasn’t in the lab.

Ellen had sat on the safe following her middle of the night nap. She waited for Dean to come back into the reception area, but she couldn’t wait any longer. Things had to be prepared to go, whether Dean had finished his final reviews of the breakdowns or not. And Ellen thought she’d give a look-over one more time for Dean in case he found a more comfortable spot in the lab to sleep.

“Dean?” Ellen called out his name walking in the lab. She could see through the pane of glass that he wasn’t in the special lab either. All the equipment was off and the soft buzzing of mechanics in that lab was no longer heard. Looking under each desk, Ellen gave up and tossed her arms up. “Where is . . .” As she turned she saw the light seeping out from under the crease of the door where the bio-suits were. Walking over to it, she opened it. Her heart sank. Dean sat on the floor, his knees bent up, his arms draped over them. “Dean?” She walked in and closed the door. “Dean, what is it?” She slid down next to him, laying her hand on his arched back.

“I finished the breakdown reviews. For the . . . for the tenth time.” Dean lifted his head. His face was drawn with sadness. “Hoping I missed an ingredient, a structure. It’s not there.” He lightly banged his head against the wall as he leaned back against it. “It’s just not there. All those vials and not a single deadly virus unknown in there. I looked and looked, but it’s just not there.”

“What about the antidote? Anything that might resemble that?”

“Several vials contain possible viral antidotes. But a lot of good it’s going to do us without the virus.”

“Dean, you tried.” Moving closer, Ellen reached her arm further around him.

“How am I supposed to beat something I don’t even have or know what it is.”

“You will. I have faith in you. You will.” She placed her face assuredly close to his.

“I’m scared El.” His eyes said it all. “I am so scared. What if . . .” His hand lifted and fell on hers, grabbing it. “What if by the time we have the virus in our possession, it ends up being a repeat of history all over again.”

“It won’t be.”

“It could be. I’m afraid when it hits us, it will move so fast, and there just won’t be enough time.”

Lacking any words she could give to comfort him at that moment, Ellen laid her head against Dean’s shoulder pulling him closer. But in Dean’s moment of drowning and worrying about enough time, he failed to see his one worry was the key to their answer . . . time. Perhaps it was the heaviness of not finding the future’s demise, but little did he see they had all the time in the world waiting on them back in Beginnings.

^^^^

How long had Joe sat and thought about the plan? The wee hours of the morning were creeping up and in not too long, Joe would have to be out and about in the community. But all the time since his brief meeting with Jason,  the hours were not wasted. Joe used that time wisely. During his work at containment, any idea jogging in his mind immediately went as a scribble in his notebook. By the time he had gotten through the shift in containment, walked around Beginnings, and made it home after dinner with Frank, Joe had his notebook twenty pages filled, all with single line ideas.

Planning was always something Joe did well. And planning for the future was something Joe had to do. But for the first time ever, Joe had to use the past in order to look ahead. Using his scribbled one line ideas, and the printed data from the cryo-lab, Joe worked diligently for hours on what he thought would be the first step in the whole evidence collecting process. Scratching off the bad ideas and using the good ones, Joe closed his notebook for the night. He had a plan in motion. And just like Joe, he looked at every angle in his head before completing that plan. He felt strongly as he removed his glasses and stretched out his cramping fingers that he had begun to pave the road that would lead them to the knowledge they needed. It would be a different road than he had ever taken. The next day would begin the preparations. And after that, it would be time. Time to face the yesterday that would be the key to saving Beginning’s tomorrow.

STEPPING BACK . . . AGAIN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

November 22

Letting out a loud tasting gasp of enjoyment, Joe twitched his head and looked down his coffee mug that he carried. “Good cup of coffee for once. It’s the bean lottery. I won.”

Jason chuckled at Joe’s finding so much pleasure in his cup of java. “So you think we’ve perfected it?”

“Yes. Now . . .” Joe smiled when he reached the door to the social hall. “Let’s hope everyone is here. You have them?”

Jason lifted a stack of papers. “Ready and waiting.”

“Let’s do this.” On a caffeine buzz brought on from lack of sleep, and shaking off those ripple bits he felt coming on, Joe opened the door and stepped into the social hall. “Morning,” He said.

The buzzing of conversation stopped. Andrea and Trish were outnumbered by Frank, some of his security men, and a few other trusted males in Beginnings that made up the small group of fourteen waiting on Joe.

Closing the door, Joe stepped forward. “I’m sorry to pull all of you from your workday. But this is important.” Joe waited until Jason stepped closer to the table. “After careful consideration, all of you, no matter what the outcome of this first step, all of you will be involved, some way, in the final project.” Midway Joe’s ‘prelude to continuing’ breathe, he saw Frank’s hand raise. “Yes, Frank?”

“What’s the final project?”

Joe winced. “I’m getting to that now.” After seeing Frank’s ‘got it’ thumbs up. Joe continued. “Now. What is said here today goes no further than these walls. The society as you know is a threat. However, it is a bigger threat than you realize. And with that knowledge, we have we must assume deadly. But . . . they are an enemy we do not know much about. We believe they have the means to wipe us out. And because of that, we are going to use Jason’s time machine to . . .”

“Yes!” Frank excitedly cheered out. “We’re going back to wipe them out. Yes! Are we just stopping Henry from opening the wall or are we just gonna eliminate the plague all together?”

“Christ. Frank!” Joe snapped. “We aren’t changing time. Now if you’d let me finish my goddamn speech you’ll know what we’re planning.” Joe looked at Jason, “Why did we include him?” Shaking his head Joe returned his views to the meeting. “Finalization of the plan is pending the outcome of this meeting. But, in a nutshell, we believe the means to finding the society and beating the society is buried, or hidden deep in Beginnings. Like our scientists once were.”

Jason interjected. “But there has to be a point in time when it was open and not tucked away. We figure that vulnerable point is when they were setting it all up here. That is the point in time that we go.”

“But,” Joe continued, “We have to find that point in time. We don’t want to guess and come here to early or too late. So we go back, back even further to start an information gathering. Use resources the old world had. Computers. Internet. Books. Magazines. Any and all information we can get . . . key society members. The population control conference. Cryogenics. We’re going to build a time line that we hope will give us the moving-in dates of the society.” Again, Joe saw Frank’s raised hand. “Yes, Frank?”

“Can I go?”

“No,” Joe answered. “Now we . ..”

“Then why did you ask us here?”

“To tell about the plan and determine who will go,” Joe tried to explain.

“But it won’t be me,” Frank said.

“I didn’t say that.” Joe shook his head.

“Yes, you did. You said . . .”

“Frank!” Joe lost it, ignored Jason’s snicker, and calmed himself down. “One of you people will go,” Joe explained. “It’s just a hard . . .” Eyes rolling slightly, knowing he’d kick himself for doing it, Joe called upon Frank who had his hand raised like a school boy. “What!”

“Let me go,” Frank beckoned. “I’d do real good.”

“I’m sure,” Joe said sarcastically. “But . . . like everyone else, you have to fill out Jason’s form, sort of like a time traveler application. The form will be filled out, placing your name on the back. Jason will review your answers and determine who goes by what you wrote down. Then when he makes the decision, he will see whose name is on the back.”

“What if he cheats?” Frank asked so seriously.

Almost wanting to cry and sounding like it, Joe dropped his head. “Why . . . why would you ask that? Why would he cheat Frank?”

“Because he has favorites.”

“And you certainly aren’t one of them that’s for sure,” Joe snapped back.

“See,” Frank pointed out.

The final grunt came from Joe, “Frank, just fill out the goddamn form like everyone else and shut up.”

“Fine,” Frank slouched.

“Jason.” Joe gave a motioned of his head.

Jason began to pass out the forms. “If you don’t want to make the time trip, you don’t have to fill it out. I’ll review them all carefully and I assure you I will be fair. I know exactly what answers I’m looking for.” After he finished the handing out, he stepped to Joe. “Shouldn’t take them long,” He whispered.

“Some.” Joe watched Frank take his questionnaire and sit at the farthest table alone, hovering his paper as if someone would peek. “Look at him,” Joe said with a hint of disgust. “Some people have personality conflicts. My son has an intelligence conflict going on right within his own self.” He let out a breath. “Thank God we won’t be sending him.”

“I’ll read all answers. I’ll judge fairly,” Jason said. “So why do you say that?”

“You just answered your own question. You’ll read all answers. And since most of them are common sense questions, think about it. Need I say more?” Joe pointed to his diligently working son. “It’s Frank.”

^^^^

Quiet, all except for the helicopter noise that was so steady it was barely noticed. Solemn accompanied the silence to Beginnings. No one said much. The enthusiasm they carried with them to Nebraska failed to make the return trip.

“About fifteen more minutes, guys,” Johnny said, adjusting the controls. He gave a quick smile to Sarge who sat next to him.

“Impressive job of flying for such a youngster,” Sarge said loudly. “Did General Frank Slagel teach you the skill?”

“No,” Johnny chuckled, “former President George Hadley used to be with us. He taught me.”

“Begging everyone’s pardon!” Sarge spoke in his boisterous manner, “but the man was an asshole. I never voted for him.”

Henry, trying to lighten the feel in the back of the chopper, raised his hand, and dropped it with a slap to his leg. “There you have it. Another person who didn’t vote for George. How did he become President?”

A slight smile cracked upon Dean’s face. He sat next to Ellen, staring at their joined hands. His head was down, hair dangling.

“Almost home,” Ellen whispered. “It’ll be all right. Joe . . . he’s going to be fine with this. I think he expects us to come back empty. Trust me, I know him. He plans for the worst.” Ellen swallowed following her words, discovering perhaps a reminder of their failure at that moment wasn’t a good idea.

Dean’s free hand went to his face and he rubbed his eyes. “It’s not Joe I worry about facing. Not even the community. It’s my kids.” He spoke softly. “I know they have nothing to do with this. But how can I look into their faces without feeling some kind of pain that I may fail them.”

Ellen’s eyes closed. She knew exactly what he meant. “It’s, um, too bad, huh, we can’t just take that letter and find the virus on it.”

A scary silence came from Dean. Slowly with wide eyes, he looked up at her.

“Stupid huh?” Ellen asked.

Dean grinned widely.

“Not stupid?”

“El.” He grabbed her face and kissed her. “You’re so brilliant. You are the most brilliant person I know.” He kissed her again.

“Wow, we really can get the virus off the letter?”

“No. But . . . yes. But not in that way.” Grabbing her face, he kissed her hard with a smack. “Excellent thinking. Thank you.” Instead of slouching with a frown, Dean sat up with a happy look on his face.

After shifting her eyes around. Ellen looked over to Henry for answers of Dean’s suddenly changed demeanor but Henry was just as confused.

^^^^

Surprisingly, all fourteen people were enthused and filled out the time traveler application. Aside from needing privacy to review them, Jason needed space to separate them into piles yet give him enough room to enjoy his coffee and cigarettes.

All the applications had one thing in common. Everyone wrote in plain basic printing. Jason supposed that was probably because they feared not be chosen because of who they were. No one was really sure who Jason liked or didn’t. Jason didn’t like or mingle much with people.

In his lab, at the far counter, Jason reviewed. His eyes would gaze upon the answers while his mind dove into the meaning behind them. He was on his seventh application. Jason read the answers and like he promised, he was being fair. He didn’t even try to guess who filled it out. After reading the seventh application he set it in the ‘maybe’ pile. He picked up the next application and immediately grinned with a gasp of shock. “Brilliant.” He spoke out loud. “Absolutely . . .” Another gasp as he went to the next answer. “My God. Brilliant.” Chuckling so impressed, he looked at what he thought was the hardest question. ‘Who is the Godfather of Time travel and why?’ and when Jason read the answer he was pleasantly shocked.

He finished his review and placed that application not in the rejection or maybe piles, but off to the side by itself. It had too much merit to place into a measly maybe pile. Reaching for the next one, Jason paused. He had to do it. He had to read it again. It was too good. Reaching up, he looked at that fine application and basked in the brilliancy of the answers that impressed him so much.

^^^^

The minute Frank got the radio call from Joe that Johnny was approaching, he made his way to the landing field. He wanted to be there waiting and watching as the helicopter touched down. The message from his father was clear, they would be there in a few minutes and Ellen had a surprise for him.

Leaving his father at the hanger, Frank stood proudly, hands on hips, his eyes smiling as he watched the chopper touch down. Waiting for the propellers to slow, Frank made his approach near to the bird. He watched the side door open and Henry stepped out waving. Frank knew as soon as he reached inside, Henry was helping out Ellen, and he was.

Ellen waved to him as she trotted quickly his way. Grinning, Frank stepped to her. “El.” He placed his hands firmly to her face and kissed her. He felt her pull away. “What . . .”

“We brought something for you, Frank.”

“Oh, yeah. I love surprises. What is it?” He asked as she stepped from him, letting his hand slide from her cheek, and she grabbed it.

“A big black man,” Ellen giggled and slipped her fingers from his, backing up. “Is Joe in the hanger with a jeep?”

“Seriously, El, what did you get for . . .” Frank’s words slowed when from the corner of his eye he saw Sarge step with ease from the helicopter. He listened to Ellen chuckle. Sounds that formed words failed to emerge from Frank’s mouth as he stared at the giant who stepped just a few feet closer.

“Hey, Frank.” Henry walked by him. “We got you a new friend.”

Opening his mouth to speak, a stuttering gasp came out as he ran his hand harshly down his goatee. He said nothing to Dean who walked by him. He just watched Sarge make his way over, slumping some with his arms swinging back and forth as he walked and stood in front of Frank. Frank looked up to the man who had him by a good five inches.

Dean’s snicker was heard from behind. “Let’s go El. Hey Frank? God, you look small.”

Henry decided to be the polite one, and introduce them, “Sarge, this is the man I was telling you about. This is Frank Slagel.”

“General Slagel Sir!” Sarge saluted and stood tall. “Sergeant Luther Baily at your service sir. Mrs. Hayes told me you were in need of some men in your battle.”

“Mrs. Hayes?” Frank’s head spun to watch Ellen and Dean walk to the hanger. “Mrs. Hayes?” Frank looked stunned to Henry. “Henry? Mrs. Hayes?”

Henry didn’t know what to say. He lifted his shoulders and hands. “Talk to Ellen. I’m heading down to the hanger.” Henry started walking.

Frank closed his mouth and faced Sarge. “So they call you Sarge.”

“Yes sir!” Sarge answered loud. “I am at your service, sir. Implement my skills as you see fit, sir!”

Frank stepped back squinting his eyes and wondering if he sounded that loud when he barked. “O.K., well. Let’s start now.” Frank cleared his throat then shifted his eyes to Johnny who carried a box to the truck. He whistled to him. “John!” Waving his hand, he signaled Johnny over.

“What’s up Dad? I see you met Sarge.” Johnny approached.

“Yeah I did. Sarge is gonna give you a hand unloading the bird. Bring him to receiving when you’re done.”

“Got it, come on Sarge.” Johnny turned to walk away.

“Sir!” Sarge snapped to attention, gave a salute, waited for Frank’s nod, and then Sarge followed Johnny.

Releasing a silent whistle of relief, Frank looked once more to the newest addition. After twitching his head in amazement at the size of Sarge, he headed to the hanger.

^^^^

“Why am I the houseboy?” Henry asked as he loaded the duffle bags in the back of the jeep.

“You’re the everything guy,” Ellen answered with a smile then looked to Dean who was huddled with Alexandra and Billy outside the jeep.

“I missed you guys.” Dean kissed the twins, not wanting to let them go. “I really missed you.” He shifted his eyes to Ellen. “El . . .” He slowly stood up. “I know you have things to do at containment, but can I get you to go home with the kids? I have to talk to Joe for a little bit.”

“Sure,” Ellen answered. “It’ll give me time to bask in my souvenir bag. Henry? Will you drive us? ”

Henry shrugged. “Why not? I might as well add chauffeur to the list.”

Joe had waded through the little reunion long enough. “Dean.” He took hold of Dean’s arm and pulled him aside as Henry, Ellen, and the kids loaded in the jeep. “Does this little meeting have to do about the trip?”

“Yeah,” Dean said less than enthused. “It wasn’t . . . “He dropped his voice even lower. “It wasn’t in the vials. But we’re not out of options. I have an idea.”

Joe nodded. “Head up to my office now?”

“Yeah, let me say goodbye.” Dean walked back to the jeep.

“All right!” Frank’s voice blasted as he stepped into the hanger. His focus was on Ellen and that was where he headed.

“Oh, hi Frank,” Ellen said chipperly.

“Oh, hi Ellen,” Frank mocked. “No. Wait.” He added fake pleasantries. “Hi. Mrs. Hayes.”

Ellen giggled, “Wasn’t that funny? But we have to go. See you in a bit.”

“El.” Frank lifted his hand as the jeep pulled out. “You have to process my . . .” he lowered his hand. “…gift.” He grunted then turned to Joe. “That Sarge guy should be in your office by now waiting for processing.”

“Shit.” Joe cringed. “Could you take him to containment for processing instead?”

“Sure.” Frank shrugged.

“Good.” Joe gave a swat to Frank’s arm. “Dean and I will be using my office. Let me know how it goes.” With a leading hand to Dean’s back, Joe started to leave the hanger.

“But it’s not my job,” Frank called out as they left. “Fuck.” After stalling in a stewing moment, Frank, in a huff, walked from the hanger as well.

^^^^

A human bark and growl came right before Frank’s loud ‘get off me!’ as he walked into Ellen’s office at containment with a slam of the door. “I hate this fuckin place,” he said to Sarge who sat in a chair. “Found her paper work.” He held up a clipboard. “Welcome to containment.” Frank walked behind the desk and plopped in the chair.

“Strange individuals,” Sarge commented. “I won’t be running into that Japanese man much, will I?”

Frank hid his snicker as he rocked back and forth in his chair. “Don’t like Henry?”

“No. Whines and complains too much for my liking. Something should be done with him. He’s not fit to be in this man’s army especially with that long hair. Would it be much of a loss for the community if he was executed?”

“No. Not at all,” Frank said calmly, “but unfortunately we can’t do that. As much as we want to, Henry’s the only Asian population we have. The Hitler law comes into effect with him. Don’t want to wipe out a race. We’ve been trying to rebuild the Asian community. Unfortunately none of the few women we have want to reproduce with him.”

Sarge found humor in that. “What exactly is this place?”

“Containment. A sort of holding center for new residents until we know they’re mentally sound.”

“Begging your pardon, sir, but I was told my skills would be of use. Lt. Hayes can vouch for them. We were stationed on the same base.”

“Let me let you in on a little secret.” Frank leaned into the desk. “Dean is no longer a lieutenant. He was court martialed years ago.” With a finger to his own temple, Frank sat back again. “Whacked out he is. His word sucks around here. But . . . I can use the men, especially one of your size.”

“But sir,. if you give me a place to bunk and a meal to eat, I’ll earn it. You give me your weakest perimeter and I will sit watch outside of it from sun up to sun down, or sun down to sun up. You name it. But let me do what I do best. And sitting all day in a holding center to prove myself is not helping you.”

“You have a point.” Frank’s mind began chuckling. “I think I have a perimeter in mind. Let me see if I can talk to my Dad about special arrangements for you.  Were you really in the United States Army?”

“Fourteen years, sir, infantry training.”

“Did they tell you what we’re up against, aside from the usual bad survivors and savages?”

“Militant style soldiers heavily armed with weapons approximately three to five years pre-plague.”

“Have you seen them or is this what my people told you?”

“Took three out when they were snooping around my base looking for supplies.”

“How?” Frank quickly asked.

“Shot them.”

“How many bullets?”

“Five sir.”

“Why did you waste two shots?”

“Sir?” Sarge shuffled in nervousness in his chair. “One of them took off. I picked him off.”

“Do you remember how to read and write?” After getting a confusing nod from Sarge, Frank handed him the clipboard and pen. “Fill this out. Oh, and by the way, we call those soldiers, SUTs.”

“I know.” Sarge began to fill out the paper. “Mrs. Hayes told me that.”

“Why do you call her that?” Frank asked with agitation.

“That’s her name.”

“No it’s not,” Frank snapped.

“But Lt. Hayes told me . . .”

“Lt. Hayes is an asshole who wants my wife. Ellen is my wife. So stop calling her Mrs. Hayes.”

“Yes.” Sarge fiddled with the pen and started to look at the questions. “One more thing,”  He looked up to Frank. “Hating to sound impatient, but it’s been a while. When should I expect my physical welcome from Jenny Matoose?”

With a grunt and a shake of his head, Frank merely mumbled under his breath. “Ellen.”

^^^^

Dean couldn’t take the long hard stare from Joe any longer along with the silence, the heavy thinking breaths. “Come on, Joe. Look …” He leaned from his chair into Joe’s desk. “I listened to your plan for a time trip. I agreed to go because, yes, I have the knowledge to look for the stuff. But on the same premises, give me this.”

“Dean.” Joe sounded at a loss. “I’m not turning you down. Aside from the risk, I don’t know if it can be done. We’d have to talk to Jason . . .” Joe looked up when his office door opened. “Speak of the devil.”

Excitedly, Jason walked in holding up a folder. “Found the third. And Joe, you won’t believe the answers. Oh, hello Dean.”

Dean waved. “Tell him Joe.”

“Tell me what?” Jason asked.

“Who?” Joe questioned. “Who is the third?”

“Don’t know,” Jason pulled up a chair, “thought I’d save the dramatic unveiling for us both. So . . . tell me what?”

Dean turned in his chair to face Jason. “Joe told me about the trips to the past to get information. Well, I want you to squeeze in another trip. A vital one. The virus is in the future. Send me there. We have the date. Send me there to get the virus so I can beat it before it ever arrives.”

Joe, with question in his eyes, peered to Jason. “Can it be done?”

Jason blinked several times. “In theory no, but since the letter came from the future obviously . . .”

“Holy shit.” Joe rubbed his eyes then blinked rapidly.

“Ripple bits again?” Jason asked. “I have to mark this down. Anyhow, yes, it can be done. But Dean . . . the future I send you to will not be the same future that I sent that letter from. In that future you were dead and had been for some time. The future I send you to, you will never have died, and therefore, there may not be a virus when you get there.”

“Good,” Dean said. “Then you’ll be waiting for my arrival and you’ll tell me that.”

Jason continued. “On the other hand, you have to understand something. If we send you to the future, the virus can still be present. You may walk into a dead world. You, yourself may be dead. Can you prepare yourself for that?”

“I can,” Dean said, “and facing that will give me the determination I need to beat it. We can work out the details of it once we get the CDC mobile. But what I’m thinking is, if the virus is in the future and I go, and I’m alive or was, I would have been working on it. I go get a sample, copy my research, and take off from there. We can do this. We can beat this and this is the only way. Now there will have to be quarantine and I’ll get a detailed plan together. But we have to do this.”

Joe turned to Jason, looking for his response. “I think that we should do. This trip in time will take as much planning as the others. But I’ll want the first trip to go as scheduled in three days. I may sound bleak by saying this, but if something should happen to Dean when he goes to the future, catches the virus, what have you, I want to have the other part of the plan well in motion.”

Jason was in total agreement. “Plus, the future is too unpredictable to waste the energy supply on over the past that has already happened. Let’s slate the future trip for three weeks. We should have the CDC Mobile up and running and ready by then. Set up your crew.”

Dean clenched his fist and hit it on the desk. “Yes. Thank you.” He jumped up from his seat. “I wanna tell Ellen it’s a go. Of course she doesn’t know.” He bolted to the door. “Can I fill her in?”

“Sure,” Joe said with a half wave, “go on. But be available. I want to have that time meeting tonight. Get the three of you together.”

“Got it. Thanks.” With a grin, Dean left.

“O.K.” Joe laid his hands on the desk. “Speaking of the time trio, reveal. Who?”

“First, I eliminated six applications alone by the answer to the last question. ‘If you were given permission to change time, what would you go back and do?’ If they said ‘nothing’, they were out.”

“Because they lied to go,” Joe said.

“Correct. But this application,” Jason opened the folder and spoke with enthusiasm, “I can’t stress enough how brilliant. The godfather of time question, this person was the only one that said me. And that’s the right answer. I am the only person with a working time machine and this applicant gave that exact reason.”

“Really?” Joe said impressed, “would have said H.G. Wells myself.”

“Though he is the fiction master, no.”

“What was this person’s response to the change time question?’

“Wait until you hear.” Jason read. “What would you go back and do? Answer. Make myself read THE STAND. It holds apocalyptic merit.”

“Good. So, who is this masked wonder?”

“Ready?” Jason took a deep suspenseful breath, flipped over the sheet and looked. His eyes widened.

“What?” Joe asked. “Who?”

Jason handed Joe the form.

Joe’s reaction was simple. He looked at the name, looked at Jason, let out a whine, and plopped his head down to the desk.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Joe just wanted to get it over with, the first meeting of the trio of time travelers. Jason suggested it could wait until the next morning, but Joe wanted to finish up not only the first meeting, but all aggravation that would immediate ensue the second the time travelers discovered who their cohorts in quantum barrier breaking were.

As if it were going to be a game show, Joe wanted the unveiling of partners to be timed perfectly. All parties knowing everything first, then they meet. Since Dean was the party that knew the most, Joe wanted to stop by his house and let him know what time to be at the office.

The sound of children told Joe that all was amuck and normal in the Hayes home. He heard the all too familiar sound of his screaming granddaughter and when he opened the door, sure enough she was jumping around,. Only Alexandra wiggled as she did an irritating dance she learned from Ellen as a means of bladder control.

“Pap!” Alexandra ran to him, hugged his legs and wiggled some more.

“Hey little one.” He picked her up. “Where’s Mommy?”

“With Daddy.” She kicked her legs, her sign for Joe to put her down. With a running scream she chased Andrea’s daughter, Katie.

“And take time out to go to the bathroom,” Joe ordered in vain.

“Joe?” Andrea came down the steps holding Brian. “What are you doing here?”

“I should ask you the same.”

“I’m watching them. Of course Billy is sleeping.”

“Why are you watching them?” He leaned forward and kissed Brian. “Is it me, or does he look like Dean?”

Andrea shook her head and placed her hand over Brian’s face. “Ellen and Dean had something very important they said they had to work on in the cryo-lab. Urgent they said.”

“Swell.” Joe turned back to the door. “He knows we have that meeting. I’ll find them. Thanks.” He opened the door and Melissa stood there. “Melissa?”

“Hi, Joe.” She ran her fingers through her dark red hair. “Where’s your daughter? She and Dean came to get Marcus so he could play with the children and they aren’t home.”

Thinking the words, ‘No, they wouldn’t’, Joe hurriedly closed Andrea’s door. “They uh . . . they took Marcus for a walk with Billy. They went over to Cole’s to see Kimmy. Yeah. So I’m on my way there.” He grabbed Melissa’s arm leading her from Andrea’s house. “How about I just bring Marcus home to you?”

“Could you?” She asked. “It’s his meal time and I just don’t trust him when he gets hungry.”

“Christ.” Joe took a deep breath. “All right, I’ll bring him right home.”

“Thanks Joe,” Melissa smiled.

Shaking his head at his thoughts, Joe went his separate way from Melissa and headed in the direction of the cryo-lab.

^^^^

“O.K. Dean, I’m ready!” Ellen’s voice so far from his, echoed in the tunnel.

“I’m releasing him El. Ready?” Dean set Marcus down. “And . . .” Dean undid the leash. “Now.” He immediately pressed the stop watch.

“Got him!” Ellen yelled back giggling.

“Damn.” Dean looked at the watch. “Damn.”

“He’s so cute.” Ellen laughed as Marcus snuggled up to her grunting. “Dean?” She came closer. “How fast?”

“Wait.” Looking up, Dean did his fastest math in his head. “Shit. Fifty-nine miles per hour give or take one.”

“Wow. Fifty-nine?” Ellen struggled with the child and handed him to Dean.

“Heavy.” Dean grunted as he took Marcus in his arms. “Let’s take him back in the lab.”

“Yeah, his clothes should be dry by now.” Ellen followed them in. “It was amazing how he never even noticed he got wet or cold.” She reached out her hand, running it down Marcus’ square face. “Let’s not forget to tell Melissa we fed him.”

“We didn’t have a choice.” Dean, with his free hand, grabbed Marcus’ clothes. “He got into my rabbits again.”

“Let me help you get him dressed.” Ellen grabbed his clothes and stood next to Dean, who sat the three month old baby down, the baby who looked as if he were a year. “He’s so cute Dean. I want one of these.”

“I’m glad you said that, El.” Dean pulled Marcus’ arm out of the sleeve.

“Why? You aren’t thinking of sticking an embryo in me are you?”

“No.” Dean shook his head struggling to put on Marcus’ pants. “I’m going to try to grow one.”

“Can I help? It’ll be fun.”

“Will you?”

“Dean.” Ellen smiled. “He can be our child.”

“O.K.” Dean shrugged. “After this virus stuff is over with, we’ll start.”

Joe Slagel’s loud clearing throat caught their attention. “I cannot believe I am seeing what I am seeing. Give that child to me.” He snapped his finger and held out his hand.

Ellen lifted Marcus up. “That snapping fingers is a Slagel trademark, isn’t it? What did we do Joe?  You look pissed?”

Joe grabbed Marcus into his arms. “What in the world would possess you two to lie to Melissa and bring this baby down here? That is so wrong.”

Dean ran his hands through his hair in nervousness. “We didn’t hurt him Joe. We just wanted to run a few tests on him.”

“He has a mother,” Joe scolded. “You can’t do this shit.”

Ellen tried to defend them. “Joe, really she did give her permission to grow one of our embryos in her and by doing that she . . .”

“Ellen!” Joe shut her up with a stern yell. “You don’t experiment on someone’s kid without them knowing! Now I’m taking him home and I hope to God I never catch you two doing this again or I swear I’ll stick you two in Fabrics making socks. And Dean, be in my office in thirty minutes.”

“Got it.” Dean waved. “And I’m sorry.”

“Me, too.” Ellen tried not to snicker as she watched Joe walk out. “Joe? If Melissa asks why his clothes are damp, can you tell her he was playing in water.?”

Joe grunted.

“And Joe?” Ellen called out again. “Tell her he ate.”

Afraid of yelling anymore, Joe carried the wiry big baby out.

Ellen turned to Dean. “So what’s this late night meeting with Joe?

“Oh check this out,” Dean said leaning into Ellen. “I’m meeting the mystery time traveler tonight.”

“Any guesses on who it is?”

“Haven’t a clue. All I know is this person had to pass a Jason time exam. So knowing that . . .” Dean gave a flash raised of his eyebrows. “This person has to be exceptional.”

^^^^

“Oh, yeah,” Frank graveled in voice in Joe’s office, “call me Mr. Time.”

“Oh, my God.” Joe closed his eyes.

The moan from Jason and whine from Henry as they both slumped in their chairs reflected Joe’s sentiments.

“Or better, yet.” Frank held up a finger. “The chosen. I am the chosen time man, or . . .”

“Frank! Enough!” Joe slammed his hand on the desk. “First off, let’s get something straight. You are not, I repeat, not, the head honcho on this time trip.”

“But I’m Frank.”

“And you also are at times one dumb son of a bitch.” Ignoring Frank’s gasp, Joe calmed himself down. “The only reason you have any responsibility other than picking up items we need is because you are my son and it works in our favor.”

Jason decided to explain. “See. We were trying to figure out how the third person could get through to Joe. The day we send you back is a day we know that Joe is working in the CIA office. We will want you to call him, Frank, and ask for simple background checks on some of the Society members.”

“I may question you,” Joe stated, “but you tell me it is for something top secret that you’re working on. Got it?”

“Yes,” Frank nodded, “then what?”

“Then you’ll give me the time to do it and I’ll fax it to you,” Joe said.

“I don’t have a fax machine,” Frank replied, “Trish does. But how are you going to fax something to the future. Isn’t that . . .”

“Frank.” Joe halted him. “Just another aspect of your job as the time guy. Miles City is the closest major town around here. That is where you’ll go when you go back in time. There’s a library there, a big one, and a copy store. During a test run before the actual time trip, part of your job is to find the copy store and get the fax number.”

Henry raised his hand. “Joe, once again I want to state this is not a good idea to send Frank back in time. You can’t do that to old world civilization.”

“Hey,” Frank snapped. “I resent that. Did I not pass Jason’s test with flying colors? And I’m not gonna screw anything up. I know what I’m supposed to do. I’m the call guy, shopping guy, and fax guy. But I’m not the head honcho guy. Who is?”

“The person who is responsible for retrieving the library information,” Joe answered.

“Which is?” Frank asked.

The opening of the office door brought the answer. Dean walked in. “I know I’m early. But I wanted to…” He stopped cold when he saw Frank. “No.”

“No!” Frank stood up. “Dad.”

“Joe.” Dean looked at Joe.

Henry buried his face in his hands. “Oh, my God.”

“I am not going back in time with him.” Frank pointed at Dean. “He thinks he knows everything.”

“And he knows nothing,” Dean argued.

“Enough.” Joe yelled. “It’s settled. You will do this together. You three. Henry stays by the time machine watching the history disks and you two . . .” Joe paused to cringe. “interact with the past.”

Frank dropped down to his chair.

“Joe. Jason.” Dean spoke argumentatively walking to Joe’s desk. “What are you thinking? You cannot send this man back in time. You can’t. It’s Frank. Frank.”

“What?” Frank looked up.

“See.” Dean said pointing back to Frank.. “Joe, you cannot be serious? Do you realize the trouble he can cause?”

“Oh!” Frank yelled out. “Look at you making little man remarks when you’re just jealous.”

“Of what? You?”

“Yeah,” Frank said arrogantly, “because I’m just as much a science savvy guy as you.”

Dean tried not to laugh. “How do you figure?”

“I aced the time test and . . .” Frank nodded, “who finally cured the plague?”

“Me,” Dean snapped.

“But was I not the one who suggested you diluted the antidote too much?”

“Yeah, only after I told you we added too much water.” Dean’s voice began to rise. “I cannot believe that you would even sit there and suggest you cured . . .”

“Dean,” Joe called out in a calm manner, “why are you even wasting your breath? Do you realize how ridiculous the whole argument is? We all know who cured the plague. Sit down.”

Frank smirked as Dean sat, “Me. I cured the plague.”

Dean snapped a glare at Frank.

Henry whined again, “Joe, Jason. Please. Change this.”

“No,” Joe said strongly. “No. The discussion is final. Sitting before me is the winning combination. I believe that. Right, Jason? I have every faith in these three.”

Legs crossed in a European manner, Jason slowly shook his head. “No, you don’t.”

After taking a good long look at Frank Henry, and Dean, a  fake cry and grunt came from Joe as he covered his face in his hands. “Oh God. What are we doing?”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

November 23

It was a school-girl like giggle that came from Andrea. In Dean’s lab she tapped her hand on Dean’s in a motherly manner. “Don’t be silly. Frank isn’t going to kill you when you go back in time.”

“I’m concerned about it. He could push me you into the flow of traffic and nothing would change in time.”

“But he has no reason to kill you.”

“After today he may. Ellen, she’s having a talk with him.”

“About you and her?” Andrea asked.

“Somewhat.”

Andrea let out an aggravated breath. “Lord, Dean. I know some men in this community share their women. You and Frank are not in that category. You cannot share Ellen.”

“I don’t want to share her, Andrea. I just . . . want her.”

“Well you can’t have her. She’s married. So drop it.” Andrea’s hand cut through the air. “Drop it.”

Joe’s long whistle sang into the lab. “Andrea Winters-Sanchez, are we mad at Dean?”

“No.” Andrea shook her head “We were just discussing medications and that . . . future trip.”

“Speaking of future trips,” Joe walked further into the lab, “Dean, I need those specifications for that mobile lab. As soon as we get those motorcycles in shape, John’s leaving to look for one. The time trip meeting is in a couple hours.”.

“Shit.” Dean snapped his finger. “That was today I was supposed to give that to you.” He saw Joe nod. “I have it ready. It’s in the computer down in the cryo-lab. Wait here?”

“I’ll wait.” Joe pulled up a stool and sat down.

“I’ll be back.” Dean darted from the lab.

After watching Dean leave, Joe looked to Andrea. “Everything all right with Dean?”

“Oh, yes,” Andrea smiled. “We weren’t arguing. I was just giving a mother’s scold. That’s all.”

“Do you think it worked?”

“Absolutely not,” Andrea shook her head. “He’s just a little concerned about this time trip.”

“I’m not worried about the time trip as much as the mock runs they have to make to Miles City. I just fear it may be a little too much Frank and Dean quality time,” Joe chuckled. “And speaking of Miles City, things have been so busy . . .” He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a picture. He set it before Andrea. “Check this out. Some of Robbie’s things were left behind there. Frank found them.”

Andrea smiled sweetly at the photograph of the four Slagel Boys. “Look at Robbie, so innocent looking.”

“He was innocent Andrea, all the way around.” Joe took the picture back when Andrea handed it to him. “One of the best kids. That’s why I totally disagree with those who say the world didn’t make him bad. The world had to. And Frank finding this picture and the other things is my reiteration.” Joe placed the picture back in his pocket.

“I agree with you.” Andrea laid her hand over Joe’s. “We have to cherish those memories of our children when that’s all we have of them. But . . . let’s not forget the ones that we still have. Katie, Frank, Ellen. They are precious gifts.”

In the midst of his solemn moment, Joe jolted at the crass calling of his name.

“Joe,” Sharply and angrily, Jenny Matoose spoke as she stepped into the lab. She stopped cold, folding her arms in an intimating manner as she leaned to one side, red hair over her shoulder, tapping her foot. “You have to do something.”

“What’s wrong? “Joe asked.

“Well, John tells me the new man, Sarge, is going to be in security. So I go over, do my normal greeting and the man asks when I am giving him sex as part of his welcome to Beginnings.”

“He didn’t go after you did he?” Joe asked with concern.

“Oh, no. He was very polite. But he still asked,” Jenny said with irritation.

“I’ll speak to him,” Joe said.

“No, not him. Frank and Ellen. Because they were the ones who told him I would.” Still hostile, Jenny spun with dramatics and stormed from the lab.

After bobbing his head in thought following Jenny’s exit, Joe turned back to Andrea. “What was that again you were saying about our children being precious gifts?”

^^^^

‘Frank, we need to talk. ‘Frank, we need to step back.’ ‘I need some time.’ The words of how to convey what Ellen needed to speak about ran through her mind as she made an intentionally early arrival at Frank’s house before the meeting.

A deep breath and a sequester of fear accompanied her raised fist to the front door. She wasn’t going to back down. After all, Frank had been her best friend for over half her life. What was there to worry about? Of everyone, she had to be the most honest with him.

“El,” Frank said with surprise as he opened the door. “You’re early.”

“I know and there’s a reason for it.” Ellen stepped in. “Where’s Brian?”

“Josh is bathing him.” Frank saw the panic hit Ellen. “No, no. He won’t leave him alone again.”

“Good.” She let out a breath. “Anyhow, we need to talk.”

“Really?” Frank smiled.

Just as Ellen was about to say ‘yes’, she saw Frank dart with some excitement across the room. “Frank?” She called out curiously. “What are you doing?”

“I didn’t think and I’ve been up on it.”

“What are you talking about?”

Frank held up Rev. Bob’s better marriage book and headed back into the living room. “I’ve been following carefully. I didn’t think it was time to have spontaneous talks.” Frank began to flip through the pages. “But I’ll tell you, El, I can’t wait until we hit that step of this plan. I have tons, tons of memories I want to bring up out of the blue.”

Ellen blinked slowly, “They won’t be spontaneous then.”

“Yeah they will.” Frank shook his head. “It’s not here, hon. Step six is where we’re at,” Frank smiled, “Starting tomorrow. Where did you read it was time?”

“I didn’t. I just . . .”

“El,” Frank snickered. “Do you think it’s wise to insert your own marriage suggestions?”

“Frank, I’m not here to talk about this step thing.” She reached her hand up and lowered the book from him. “I have to talk about something else. Let’s sit down.” She grabbed his arm and led him to the couch. As they sat, Ellen noticed Frank’s stare still on the book. “Why are you so into this?”

Frank let out a breath, “Because I want this marriage to work. I want prove that we can be a couple instead of two friends that sleep together. Being your husband is something I always wanted, something I have dreamed of since I was an eighteen year old kid staring at you while you brushed your hair. Truly believing every day that I watched you walk in the door, that you would fall in love with me.  This is not something I want to give up. This is something I’ve waited my whole life for. We have missed the ace in every hand fate has dealt us. And last year when we got married . . .” Frank gripped the book. “I felt like I had been given all four of them.”  With a quick breath and a shake of his head, Frank caught himself being entirely too mushy. “Sorry.” He put the book down. “So . . . what did you wanna talk about?”

Ellen stared at him. Like a magnet he was pulling at her, a tugging she wanted to just kill him over. “Um . . . I was thinking maybe Josh could watch all the kids over Dean’s instead of here. Billy’s been sleeping early. I’d hate to drag him out.”

“Oh.” Frank shrugged. “Sure. Is that it?”

“Yeah,” Ellen nodded slowly, “that’s it.”

Frank chuckled as he stood up. “That didn’t take long. You want some coffee while we wait?” He pointed to the kitchen.

“Yes. Thanks.” Rubbing her hands together, Ellen kept her eyes on Frank as he walked from the room. Then she shifted her views to the book on the coffee table. Cover bent, pages dirty, all evidence, along with his words, that he had been reading the book. Picking up the book and flipping through the pages made Ellen feel even worse. How differently they were looking at it. Frank had gone as far as to circle sections in the book, when she herself had yet to read a single sentence.

^^^^

It was a peaceful quiet moment in Dean’s house, broken only by the knock at the door. He should have smiled at the twins who painting quietly on the floor instead of fighting. But in his step over them to the door, Dean grew annoyed by the wiggling Alexandra did. “Alex, please go to the bathroom.”

“I don’t have to.” She added some paint to the picture and wiggled some more “I’m  just singing in my head.”

Grunting, Dean opened the door. He smiled when he immediately saw Brian in Ellen’s arms. “El? What’s going on?” He raised his eyes to see Josh. “Hey, Josh.”

“Job,” Josh said. “Watch kids.”

Ellen smiled. “I thought we’d bring the sitter and the baby here.”

The smack of the hand against the door brought Frank. “Yeah.” He pushed the door open. “Mess up your house instead of mine.”

Surprised, Dean shifted his eyes to Frank who walked in after Ellen and Josh. “El, what’s he doing here?”

Frank answered, “Saying hi to the twins before the meeting.” He walked into the living room. “Hey, guys. Alex, go to the bathroom.”

Ellen giggled watching Frank kiss the kids and talk for a moment with them. She ignored Dean’s whispering of her name.

Frank stood up. “Ready?” he asked, walking to Ellen.

Dean grabbed hold of Ellen’s arm as she started to follow Frank. “Frank, could I bring her to the meeting? I have to talk to El about something really fast.”

“All right. But don’t dally.” Frank kissed Ellen. “See you there.” He moved to the door. “Josh. Do a good job.”

Josh gave a thumbs up to Frank.

Ellen waited until the door shut and looked at Dean. “What’s up?”

“I need to . . .”

“Dad!” Billy called out, “Alex is really getting bad.”

Dean looked to a frantically wiggling Alexandra. “Alex, go to the bathroom now.”

“No,” Alexandra answered hard, “I don’t have to.”

“Yes, you do,” Dean argued. “Go.”

“No.” She shook her head.

“Alex,” Dean scolded.

“Dean,” Ellen snapped, “why are you yelling at her? She said she doesn’t have to go.”

“Yes, she does El,” He pointed. “Why else is she dancing around for no reason?”

“Maybe she has Tarantism.”

“She doesn’t have Tarantism,” Dean’s voice raised in volume with every word. “She has the same stupid problem you do where she waits until the last minute!”

“Why are you yelling!”

“Because you didn’t talk to Frank!”

“I couldn’t. I tried.” Ellen lowered her tone. “I just . . . he said some things and I felt bad.” She saw the glare in Dean’s eyes. “No, Dean. He’s my husband. What do you expect me to do? Just up and leave him? I can’t. I can’t do that to Frank.”

Dean had a sarcastic chuckle to him. “Yeah, but you did it to me.”

“Fuck you.” Ellen spun and walked to the door. “I refuse to play these stupid get even with Frank games of yours.”

“I’m not the one playing games,” Dean charged, “you are. You can’t have us both, El.” He grabbed the door as she opened it. “You can’t. You have to choose. And if you don’t choose soon, I won’t be a choice.”

“I have news for you, Dean. You really aren’t a choice. When it boils down to it, Frank’s my husband. What are you?” With her hard words she stormed out with a slam of the door.

“Damn it.” Dean’s fist went to the door and the second he leaned into it he knew fromhe laughter from Josh, the complaining moan from Billy, and the wail if a whine from Alexandra. Releasing a moan of his own, Dean turned around to see what he expected. Alexandra standing soaking wet. “Aw, Alex.”

“It’s all your fault.” Alexandra marched in an awkward strained manner to the steps. “You yelled at my mother!”

“I can’t win with the women in my life.” Dean reached for the door. “I can’t win. Josh, I’m going to the meeting.”

“Spot!” Josh pointed to the carpet. “Spot.”

Dean took a deep breath. “I’ll get it when I get back. I won’t be long. Just mark it so I knew where it is.” He walked out.

Nodding his understanding of the request, Josh bent down, grabbed the paint set, and with the red paint, proudly marked a big ‘X’ on the wet portion of the carpet.

^^^^

Joe paused in his meeting comments to the crowed room when Ellen stormed into the social hall. “Ellen, we just started talking about . . .”

“Sorry.” She walked to the three tables joined together and pulled out a seat between Frank and Henry.

Twitching his head, Joe started to continue again, but stopped--again, when Dean walked in.

“Sorry,” he spoke in the same pissed of manner and sat across from Ellen.

Frank, priding himself on being not only the ‘Chosen’ but perceptive as well, couldn’t help but notice they seemed mad. “Dean, what did you do to my wife?”

“Shut up Frank,” Dean snapped.

“Don’t,” Joe warned. “We’re here for a meeting. A short one.  No off the subject stuff. Now, back to what we were talking about. CDC Mobile lab search is slated for the 27th. John, you’re set for that. What about our motorcycles? They’ll be ready for tomorrow’s mock run?”

“Barring . . .” John Matoose gave a stare to Ellen, “barring any inane interruptions to be interrogated.” He looked back to Joe. “Yeah. First thing. Then we’ll look them over again after the run.”

“Good,” Joe said. “We’ll do the mock run, having Dean and Frank ride them.”

Frank snickered at that, “Dean on a bike? I’m not gonna have to teach him like a five year old, am I?”

Dean shook his head, a sarcastic look on his face. “No Frank, I think I can ride. But if you do have to teach me anything, I’m sure it will pale in comparison to my library experience with you.”

Joe wanted to end it before anymore could be said. “Boys. We aren’t here to bicker. Work together, end of discussion. Now the motorcycle issue is settled. Onto tomorrow’s mock run.” He saw Ellen raising her hand. “This isn’t a classroom Ellen, what is it?”

“I was just thinking when they go to the library they should pick up some books on paranormal activity.”

After a fluttered of his eyes, Joe had to ask., “Why do we need books on that subject?”

“We have a ghost in Beginnings,” Ellen stated matter-of-fact.

“Ellen, we don’t have a ghost in Beginnings.” Joe had a bark to him.

“But what about . . .”

“No.” Joe held up his hand. “No going off the subject. There is no ghost. Quit listening to Henry.” With a huff, Joe continued, “The mock run. Tomorrow, Frank, Dean, is very important. We’re going to send you with a team. But use the time and trip wisely.  I want the two of you to find where you are supposed to go, so you don’t look like idiot tourists when you arrive back in time. Find a place that we can fax to and get the number. Try to stay around the library. Practice being not separated. All we need is you two running amuck in Miles City, four years pre-plague. Now just so everyone knows exactly what we are doing, Jason will go over their agenda.”

Jason gathered his notes, sitting up in his chair. “I will send the three of them back four years, three weeks pre-plague. When they get to Miles City, Dean will go straight to the library and Frank will go to the designated pay phone, call Joe and give him the information. The background checks will take about an hour and a half. That’s all the time Dean has to get the info. So, after the call, Frank will go to the library and help out Dean.” Jason shook his head ‘no’ to Dean who started to laugh. “There’s a lot of copies to be made and information to be found. After giving Joe enough time, Frank will call him again to make sure the information is ready. Joe will fax it. Dean and Frank will get the fax, pick up mine and Joe’s request, and head back. They should be in that time frame three and a half hours tops. Henry, bring a good book.”

Ellen waved her hands about. “Wait a second. What little request are they getting? Why do you two get a little request and not us?”

“Because El,” Dean barked at her. “We aren’t shopping for all of you. We’re getting them cigarettes and that’s it. Easy enough.”

Ellen still felt like arguing on that. “Well what if we decide on one item is we all want. Can you get it then?”

Before Dean could snap at her again, Joe intervened. “What is it that you want Ellen? Hair spray, fingernail polish, what, what trivial thing is so important that you have to have?”

“Well.” Ellen smiled. “What about McDonald’s French fries. I miss them.”

“McDonald’s Fries?” Joe started to laugh and expected others to make fun at them too, but that didn’t happen. Instead, exciting conversation broke out about it.

Andrea was just as thrilled at the notion. “Ellen, you are so right. There is nothing like those fries.”

Reverend Bob, who was there as a spiritual guide, guided in his thoughts, “And they can’t forget the little packs of ketchup. Ketchup . . . I miss that. But, Dr. Hayes, how will our systems handle that?”

Dean had to think about it. “Considering the fat content that some of you Beginnings people consume with our butter . . .” He looked at Ellen. “I don’t see where it would be harmful if consumed in moderation.”

The response at the table was as if Dean’s word was the O.K.. Everyone began discussing how many orders of super-size would be needed to accommodate those in on the project.

Joe whistled loudly. “All right! We’ll get fries. Christ! Jason and I will figure out how many orders. Now! The meeting. Trish!”

Trish screamed, “I didn’t say anything.”

“History disks,” Joe grumbled. “You said you had something very important to add tonight.”

“Oh.” Perky as usual, Trish stood up. “Since Henry has to be the protector of the history disks and carry them around. I . . .” She giggled and reached under the table. “I worked with Ben from fabrics on making you this lovely purple panda carrying case.”

Henry smiled as he took it. “Thanks Trish. This is nice. And big! I can carry my journal in here.”

Joe rubbed his temples as he watched Trish sit down. “That was it? That was the big thing about the disk?” Joe had edge to him. “You couldn’t wait until you gave him the final disks to give him the case.”

“No, Joe.” Trish shook her head. “I worked hard on that. I wanted everyone to see.”

“Christ,” Joe grumbled, “All right. Final problem.” He stood up. “I need suggestions. We need money, not a lot, but enough for this trip. Let’s face it people, things just weren’t free in the past. We need money for the phone calls, parking meters, copy machines, gasoline, faxes, magazines, cigarettes and even those fries. We need money and it has to be at least ten years old. So any suggestions?” Noticing at that moment Dean, looking so much like Ellen with his hand waving about in a school boy fashion, Joe looked to Dean.  Joe was relieved. Dean was the bright boy of Beginnings. If he had a solution it had to be good. “Yes, Dean, you have a solution about money?”

“Yeah, Joe.” Dean looked proud. “Ellen has money.”

Joe, ignoring Ellen’s loud gasp, and everyone’s ‘what?’, he spun his head in confusion. “Ellen has money?”

“Sure,” Dean nodded, “and lots of it.”

Standing up and holding his hand out to everyone, Joe walked down the table. “How does Ellen have lots of money, Dean?”

“Before we left Ashtonville, she robbed the first savings and loan. Then she hit up the drug store, grocery store, video store . . .” He felt the slight pain to his head when the pencil Ellen held came flying at him. “But she has money. A whole box full, don’t you Ellen?”

“No!” She answered quickly, “he’s lying Joe. I don’t have any money.” Her hand slammed to the table as she shot eye daggers at Dean. “And I cannot believe I mourned you!”

Dean laughed. “And I cannot believe you won’t own up to the money. Joe she has it.”

Joe looked at Henry. “Henry, she lives with you. Does she have a box of money at your house.”

Henry shrugged, lost. “She has boxes, I don’t know if they have money.”

“No.” Dean shook his head. “The money is in one of the boxes at my house.”

Frank was curious, but not about the money. “What boxes does Ellen still have at your house, Dean? She still has boxes at mine.”

“That’s what I want to know!” Joe interjected. “She has boxes at Dean’s house and at Henry’s. Does she have boxes at your house Frank?” Getting Frank’s nod, Joe took on an interrogation tone “How can that be? We were only allotted three boxes each when we moved here. Ellen?”

“Dean gave me two of his,” she said, “and Henry gave me one of his.”

John Matoose felt a little like adding fuel to the fire. “Uh Joe? I gave her a box and so did George.”

“And me,” Andrea added. “I gave her one of mine because I really didn’t have anything.”

Joe walked closer to Ellen. “Nine boxes? You brought nine boxes?”

“Joe, I had a whole house to pack up. You people wandered into Ashtonville. I had a house of memories.” She began to account for the boxes on her fingers. “I had knickknacks, and not to mention my videos, pictures, my china, wine glasses, clothes . . .”

“Ellen!” Joe halted her. “And don’t lie to me. Did you use one of those boxes for money!?”

After a short mind debate, Ellen came clean. “Yes.”

“So you lied to me!” Joe scolded. “Now how much money do you have?”

“Not much.”

Stopping Dean before he tattled any further, Joe stepped as close as he could to her. “How much is not much?”

Ellen slid down in her seat mumbling.

“Excuse me?” Joe cupped his ear. “I can’t hear you.”

“I said twelve thousands, seven-hundred, and fifty-six dollars, in small and large denominations. Mostly small.”

“What!” His booming voice shook Ellen and caused her to scoot to Frank. “Why in the world do you have almost thirteen thousand dollars?”

“I thought that we may need it someday.”

“Guess what Ellen, we do.” Joe placed his hands on his hips. “And we need bills that are ten years old or older. With that much money it will be a tedious task of sifting through. Now, since you were so gifted as to be given the keen insight into our monetary problems of the future, we’re going to place that tedious task . . .” With a grin, Joe leaned down to Ellen and pinched her cheek, “in your capable hands.” Joe stood up straight. “Wow, that problem was solved fast.” He clapped his hands together then reached down and closed Ellen’s open mouth, “Meeting’s over everyone. Who wants to join me in a drink?”

The invitation extended was welcomed by those in attendance. The meeting was short and things were in motion. Everyone stood and headed over to the bar, everyone but Ellen. She was still in a state of shock over the task she had ahead of her. But she knew one thing for sure, she may have been the one that had to go through all of the money, but Dean was the one who was going to pay, in one time frame or another.

^^^^

Reading, PA

The cup of wilderness bred tea was hot but bitter. It did the trick of warming Steward as he sat before a fireplace of a small house in a sector of Reading.

Grant Collins was no more than fifty, but the hard years, and work of building and leading his community, made him look as if he were well beyond his years. His facial lines showed wisdom as he spoke with Steward. “So you understand?”

“Yes.” Steward nodded then took a sip of his tea again.

“I mean, it’s a fine offer. A fine offer,” Grant said, “but as you can see, we built this place back up. We’ve plenty of food. Other survivors aren’t a problem. We haven’t come across any of those . . . savages.” He shrugged. “We’re fine. I spoke to my town. No one is interested in joining up.”

“Understandable.” Steward set down his cup. “We’ll leave in the morning then.”

“No hard feelings?” Grant asked.

“None,” Steward smiled as he stood up, “just remember. No matter what, you are still protected by the Untied States Government. We’re rebuilding. We’ll drop off a radio in a week or two if you run into any trouble or change your mind.”

“We appreciate that,” Grant smiled.

“We know.” Steward gave a nod of his head before walking away. “Good night.”

Grant felt a little bad turning down the offer from the peace ambassador. But he had the town to think about. And even though he declined to invitation to join the forming army of the United States, Grant took comfort in knowing his town would still be protected and they wouldn’t be forgotten about.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

November 24

Reading, PA

Before the sun had even crossed the horizon, while only the two guards walked the pitiful fenced off perimeter of Reading, the Society trucks rolled out. The rumbling engines in a departure were the only sound in the sleeping town. Unnoticed, unescorted they left.

But the trucks stopped just a mile away. Insides the back of the trucks, the armed society soldiers stood.

Steward paced slowly behind a line of four soldiers who were perched on the ground behind a small grade. Each soldier was positioned before a mortar gun.

After looking the battalion leader, Sgt. Hemsley, Steward checked out the time then nodded his head.

“Load.” Sgt. Hemsley called out. He listened for the shifting sounds. “On my call . . . fire.”

Holding off his one ear, Steward cringed some at the loud cracking of the firing mortars. The mortars sailed with a whistle. They could be heard exploding in the distance, not with a bellowing ‘boom’, but with four simple pops.

A short lived wakeup call in the form of gas was delivered to the small population of the town. Moments after, the Society trucks restarted their engines and headed back to Reading to finish the job.

Beginnings, Montana

The reason for the gift was guilt. Dean felt bad for arguing with Ellen, and that was made worse when Andrea told him she treated Ellen for severe paper cuts brought on by sifting through old money. Old world germs could have resurfaced, and though chances were slim, Ellen still was a candidate for gangrene. If she got it, it would be all Dean’s fault. So he did something out of character. He became a thief in the night, actually the day. He took something he wouldn’t get in trouble within the community. But trouble would be had when it was found out Dean took one. But he had to do it. He wanted his ‘forgive me’ speech to be special and he also wanted Ellen to be the first person in Beginnings--with the exception of Andrea--to get a rose.

So from the greenhouses where Miguel’s special Andrea rose bushes were planted, Dean ran all the way to town and into containment.

Ellen was in her office, Dean saw her when he walked in. And he walked in quietly, definitely not wanting to disturb her from what she was doing. Stepping in without a peep, Dean reached behind him and shut the door. He smiled watching Ellen.  Her backside peeking out from under the desk as she semi-hid under there on her hands and knees, head pressed almost to the floor. Moving to the desk, Dean rose behind his back, and squatted behind her. “El? Why are you on your hands and knees hiding under this desk?” Dean grinned when she peered over her shoulder.

“I lost the back to an earring. See.” She showed him the small gold loop. “Fell right out.”

“Why are you wearing earrings? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wear them.”

“Alex.” Ellen looked around. “She asked me this morning why Jenny Matoose wears earlobe decorations and I don’t. She said Jenny told her you have to be feminine to wear them and maybe her mother wasn’t feminine.” Ellen tossed her hands up and plopped to her backside. “I can’t find it. I’ve been under here for ten minutes. I know it’s these tiny speckles on the floor that’s confusing me.” She watched Dean sit on the floor as well. “Why are you here? I thought we were fighting.”

“I don’t want to fight. I come in peace.” He brought from behind his back, the rose. “For you.”

Ellen’s eyes lit up when she took it. “Oh, my God. Did you . . . did you steal this.”

“Kind of, so don’t let Andrea see it. You know how she is about those bushes.”

Ellen sniffed the flower. “What a turn on, you being bad.”

Dean smiled. “Even though I like that notion,” He reached out and took the flower from her, ‘that’s not why I brought it. I was wrong last night. Wrong for getting mad because you didn’t talk to Frank. Wrong for opening my mouth about the money. I was bitter. I’m sorry.”

“Oh, Dean.” Ellen leaned into him and kissed him softly. “It’s all right. I said some things too that weren’t real . . . they weren’t right. I’m sorry too.”

“I just love you, El.” Dean tickled the rose lightly down her cheek. “I want you in my life more than we are. But . . . I have to understand that right now you’re confused on . . . El? Look.” He pulled a strand of her hair to show her the back of the earring twisted within it.

“Dean you found it. Is it stuck in there?”

“I think. I’ll get it.” After reaching back and placing the rose on the desk, Dean began to maneuver her hair. He laughed on how such a tiny object could be interwoven in her hair.

“Dean, ow. Quit.” She laughed with him. “Quit playing around with it. Either leave it in or take it out.”

“I’m getting it out. One more minute.”

“Just pull it out quickly.”

“It’ll hurt if I do that.”

“Just pull it . . .” An ear piercing bang on Ellen’s desk, rattled all of Ellen’s objects on there. “What was that?

Squatting down to their level was Frank and he did not look happy. “Isn’t this the cozy fuckin picture?”

Dean turned his head back to look. “Frank.”

“Dean . . . El?”

“Hi, Frank,” Ellen said quite chipper. “Dean was helping me with the back to my earring.”

“Really? That’s what I thought I heard.” Frank stood up.

Ellen crawled out from under the desk. “How come you’re here Frank?”

“Well it isn’t to see the floor show you two were putting on,” Frank snapped. “It’s to get him.” He pointed to Dean. “It’s time. Bikes are done. Let’s go. Mock run. I’m gathering everyone.”

“Now?” Dean asked. “I have things to finish up at the clinic.”

“Yeah, it looked like you were doing that.” Frank looked quickly at Ellen who giggled. “Go finish them up, Dean. This run is taking almost three hours.”

“O.K. El, if I don’t get to them can you do Hap’s sugar levels” Getting an agreement, Dean headed to the door and stopped. “Frank, I do have a helmet, don’t I?”

“Yes, Dean.” Frank rolled his eyes. “I know you’re a wimp. I got you a helmet.”

“It’s not being a wimp. It’s being safe,” Dean said. “Not all of us have the hard head you have Frank. We all can’t be secure in the fact that if we crash head first at fifty miles an hour and wake up an idiot, no one will notice.”

“Real fuckin funny, Dean. See how funny you think it is when I leave your ass back in time ten years ago.”

“How do you know I won’t leave you, Frank?”

“Because I’ll hunt your past self down and take you out. What the hell do I have to lose, the other me will still be around.”

Ellen looked to both of them “Joe and Jason actually trust you two?”

“Both of you are just the funny people, aren’t you.” Frank shook his head.

Ellen gasped, “What the hell is with the bad mood?”

“I’m chasing his skinny ass around, looking for . . .” In the midst of his complaining Frank saw it. Around Ellen his arm, he reached and  lifted the rose from the desk. “Who ripped off Andrea’s roses bush?”

“Dean.” Ellen pointed to him.

Frank smiled.

“Aw, look Dean,” Ellen said, “Frank thinks that was sweet.”

“Oh, yeah,” Frank said in awe, “real sweet.” He held up the rose. “It’s even gonna be sweeter watching Andrea go off on him.” Holding the rose, Frank walked to the door. He grinned widely at Dean. “And I’m telling.” He winked and took off.

“Shit.” Dean flew out after him.

“Hey!” Ellen called out as she stood alone in her office. “Great. They took my flower.” Tossing up her hands in defeat she went back to sit at her desk.

^^^^

So serious, as if the beginning to an interrogation, Joe approached Cole who stood before the doors to the field house. “He still in there?”

Arms folded, Cole nodded. “Thirty-five minutes now.”

Joe took a deep nostril breath. “No wonder we couldn’t find him for this meeting.”

“I’m frightened Joe,” Cole stated. “If you need a new logisticalizer for the time trip, I’ll go.”

Joe gave a swat to Cole’s arm. “Thanks for the offer but I’m sure it’s not a repeat of the wall. He probably lost something.” Confident, Joe walked into the field house. But he soon started to get sacred when he only saw Henry’s lanky legs extended from behind a storage hatch. “Cole said you’ve been crawling around in here for a while. We need you for that mock run.”

The clank of Henry hitting his head on the metal, sounded off first before emerged. “Oh, hi. Joe.” He dusted his hands off. “Just doing the rodent check.”

“Rodent check?” Joe asked. “Why?”

“To make sure they aren’t a problem.” Henry smiled. “Don’t want that.”

“No.” Joe shook his head. “And why are we suddenly concerned with rodents being a problem.”

“Since the mystery mouse.”

“What mouse?”

“You remember?” Henry chuckled. “The one I chased, but Frank found, stepped on then carried for fourteen hours dead in his pocket only to put it in my fridge before finally sticking it in my . . . Joe? Why do you look as if you haven’t a clue what I’m talking about?”

“Because I don’t Henry. There haven’t been any mice before the plague.”

“Sure there has Joe. Oh!” Henry snapped his finger. “Forget it. The Dean is dead history. And I guess my theory is right. Oh good. They’re still trapped.”

“Trapped where?”

“Underneath the cryo-lab. I thought that’s where he came from, you know with the explosion, but since there was no explosion, no mice. Great.” Henry grinned. “I feel so much better. We better get to that mock run.” Upbeat and looking as if the weight was lifted off his shoulders, Henry walked out.

Joe just scratched his head.

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

“Quite impressive,” Sgt. Doyle told George. “Ten percent causality. Ambassador Lange was the last to report in.”

“So Reading, Pennsylvania went well?” George asked sitting behind the desk that used to be the Commanding Officer’s of Quantico.

“Very. He requested another truck to bring the greenhouse supplies down. We need those. Population is growing.”

“So what are our totals from this sweep?”

Sgt. Doyle looked down to his paper. “The four ambassadors report no society injuries and a survivor sweep total of twelve hundred and sixty-three. We expect better next week when we move more southwest.” He handed the sheet to George. “We’re making preparations now for those sweeps.”

“Thank you. We’ll have that army yet for you.”

Sgt. Doyle smiled a little. “Oh, I have plenty for a small army. However, I haven’t anyone to help me train them.”

“Cyborg enhancement says not long.”

“Good to hear.” Sgt. Doyle stepped back. “If you need me…”

“Sgt. Doyle,” George called out before Sgt. Doyle left, “just curious. How many of these people can we expect to be defectors?”

“We’ve been doing these sweeps at full force for two months and by what we’ve seen, less than one percent, if that. They’ll trail out here and there.”

“But that’s not the case lately.” George lifted his glasses and put them on. He pulled a stack of papers to before him and thumbed through them. “Four days ago, twenty-four. Two days ago, six. Last night, twelve?”

“That’s what the camp master counted.”

“Any connection between the first twenty-four and the last eighteen? Could they have all come from the same sweep?”

Sgt. Doyle took a moment to think. “Off hand, I couldn’t give a good answer. There are twenty-seven hundred men living in that sector of base. In order to pinpoint an answer, we’d have to check records.”

“Do that for me,” George ordered, “and get back as soon as you can.”

“Yes, sir.” Sgt. Doyle started to leave but stopped. “Sir, in comparison to what we have built in numbers here, those forty-two are minimal. They’re nothing to be concerned about.” With an assuring smile, Sgt. Doyle nodded and walked out.

“Nothing to be concerned about huh?” Georg spoke to himself. “So why am I worried?” George lifted the defector statistic sheet and just shook his head.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

“Why am I the only one here?” Frank asked looking at his father and Jason in the quantum lab. “Here’s the bikes. Here’s the time machine. Where are Henry and Dean?”

Joe looked down at his watch. “Just give them a few more minutes.”

“Sorry.” Henry opened up the door. “I had to find a book.” He held it up as he walked in. “You know . . . if I’m going to waste three hours of my day.”

Frank grabbed the book. “You are gonna read for three hours?”

“Yeah Frank.” Henry took it back.

“God, how can you do that?” He shook his head and he saw the lab door open. “Oh look, it’s Dean. Dean, don’t you ever show up on time for anything?”

Dean closed the door. “Don’t you come equipped with a volume level or something? And I wouldn’t have been late had Andrea not been yelling at me and pelting surgical supplies at my head.”

Frank laughed, “She wouldn’t have done that if you didn’t steal her flowers to give to my wife.”

“I had to give your wife flowers, Frank,” Dean smiled arrogantly. “We have that special bond on a higher mentality level that you could never reach.”

“Bite me, Dean.”

“Boys!” Joe stopped them. “Please. It’s already eleven o’clock, can we do this?”

Henry held up his hand. “May I say something Joe? This is a mistake. A big mistake. Don’t send these two. You go.”

“No Henry, they worked fine together before. They’ll do fine,” Joe insisted.

“Sure Joe, but that was before Frank found out that Dean and Ellen slept together.” Henry felt the hard nudge to his back. “Ow, Frank. What was that for?”

“For reminding me. Thanks Henry,” Frank barked.

Jason shook his head as he took his pseudo stance at the time machine. “I think I saw this episode on the three stooges once. Can we begin?”

Henry shaking his head opened his book and sat in the designated chair by the time machine. With one more audible ‘mistake’ he sat down and watched Dean and Frank go outside to their motorcycles. The mock run was underway.

CHAPTER TWENTY

Stepping into Miles City was a lot harder than Dean thought it would be. That street he walked down brought back painful memories he so much wanted to forget. Standing before the library door, just about to go in, Dean vividly remembered that day when he saw Andrea’s son die brutally at the hands of Robbie Slagel’s men. A thirteen year old boy Dean was powerless to save. It was a heartache Dean had buried so deep that he wasn’t ready for when it resurfaced. And it did, the moment he walked back into Miles City, the place where Robbie held him and some of the children of Beginnings against their will.

Knowing that his time trip to Miles City would be better, it wouldn’t look like it did now, Dean walked into the library and flicked on the flashlight. “Man, is this weird.”

“What did you say?” Frank stormed in.

“I was talking to myself.”

“I hear people do that when they have no one that will listen to them. Boring yourself yet Dean?”

“I was actually waiting to bore you. Look Frank, this is a library.” He walked in further. “These tall things are shelves. They used to contain things called books. Books Frank. Can you say . . .”

“Shut the fuck up Dean.” Frank looked around. “All right, I’m done out there. I just needed to see how long it would take me from that pay phone I found to get here.”

“Did you find the store and a fax number?” Dean asked.

“The store, yeah. The fax was the hard part. But . . . I did find one. I found a place about a block from the parking lot where we’re leaving the bikes. I think it was a copy place.” Frank shrugged. “I’m pretty sure. Anyway, I got the fax number from the machine.”

“Good.” Dean moved to the door. “Because I’d like right now to get out of this place.” Quickly, he stepped outside and stopped, staring up the street.

“Dean.” Frank snapped his finger in front of him. “What’s wrong with you? You seem weirder than usual.”

“I can still see it Frank.” Dean held his hand out. “I can still see them beating Denny. I tried. I tried with everything I had to help him. But there were just so many of them.”

Frank lowered his head. “Denny.” He let out a long breath. “I forgot this is where it all went down.”

“Unfortunately I didn’t. And it happened right here on this street.” Solemnly, Dean began to walk. “Let’s just get back to Beginnings.”

^^^^

It didn’t take much convincing to Joe that it was time. His futile attempts at a half decent conversation with Ellen, while waiting for the end of the mock run, pushed him over the edge. So during the time frame where he waited for Dean’s and Frank’s arrival back, Joe read through the ‘Marcus baby’ research and the three hours flew by for Joe.

Hearing the motorcycles as he pulled up to Jason’s lab, Joe stepped from the jeep and went into the lab to join Jason and Henry. “Henry how’s that book?”

“Boring, Joe. I had other things I could have done.”

“Sure you did. Like looking for rodents we don’t have?” Joe laughed. “Think of it this way, now you’re well practiced for sitting for three hours and doing nothing. Jason, did the small tests of the machine go well?”

“Yep,” Jason answered. “Did you get the history disks?”

“I spoke to Trish,” Joe said.” She is putting in today’s mock run,  tomorrow’s time trip, and two other things. I’ll pick them up from her tonight. She’s gonna run a complete print out in the morning so they can check it out if need be when they get back.”

Jason crossed his fingers. “Hopefully Henry will pick up the history and merely turn it over to the school as scrap paper.”

“We’re back!” Frank opened the lab door and made his loud announcement. “An hour and a half in town alone with Dean was an hour and a half too long.”

“I enjoyed it too, Frank.” Dean followed and closed the door. “Especially your little motorcycle tricks you were doing.”

Joe checked out the time. “Timing is good. Now tomorrow, remember when you pull out onto that interstate, there will be a flow of traffic. Trees and weeds won’t be the only thing you see, so be careful.”

Frank nodded. “I know, I know. Is there anything we need to discuss now? I want to take my bike to the garage.”

Joe looked to Jason. “Anything you want to add?”

“Um, let’s see.” Jason ran down a list in his mind. “Just make sure tomorrow, you two clean up really well and try to look presentable.”

Frank scoffed at that. “What for? I always look good.”

“Oh but of course,” Jason chuckled, “but Frank, if you don’t clean up and wear normal clothes, when you two post-apocalyptic time Regressionists step into Miles City, you’ll look like Mad Max meets the Brady Bunch.”

Dean looked oddly. “I understand the Frank comment to look presentable. But I don’t think I look quite like Mad Max.” He snickered but saw Jason didn’t. “I do?”

“Don’t get me wrong Dean, you look almost normal.” He saw Dean comment silently ‘almost?’ “But you people have to remember I was frozen for six years. I am far the best judge on if you look like you fit into society. When I saw you Dean, I suspected something was up by the scars on your face and a sort of roughness to it. But the second I saw Frank, the second he walked in the room, I knew the world had been over for quite some time. Quite honestly Frank, you scared the hell out of me.”

Dean raised his hand. “There you have it, Frank. Proof that you are not an attractive individual.”

Though Jason did think Dean’s comment was funny, he had to elaborate for the sake of not being rude. Covering his mouth to wipe the smile that crept on him, Jason continued as he looked at a stunned Frank, “What Dean said isn’t the direction I was going. Frank, people just don’t look like you and they didn’t ten years ago. I remember that more than any of you. You have a look of mean on you Frank that can only be brought on by hardship and hard work. Your face, your scars, your body, everything about you was made in this world we live in now. And it was evident to me. So for the sake of Miles City, and to just eliminate the risk that the local police aren’t going to see you and think your some criminal wandering into town, you have to try to look normal. Just clean up, wear jeans and shave as close as you can.”

“Got it.” Not insulted Frank gave a thumbs up and moved to the door. “Just like in the first Rambo movie.” Frank opened the door. “Let’s go Dean. I may be great, but I can’t ride your bike for you too.”

Dean couldn’t help but chuckle. “Does it not figure that Frank just analogized himself like Rambo?” He stood up. “It would be amusing to see the Miles City Sheriff chase him out of town.” Still chuckling, Dean walked out.

Henry soon followed to the door. “I’m not a religious man, but I’m gonna pray they don’t screw things up.”

“Henry,” Joe scoffed with a laugh, “it’s a simple information gathering.”

“Yeah, but you’re sending Frank.” Henry walked out.

With the close of the door, both Joe and Jason nodded at Henry’s valid point. Sending Frank was a risk but both Joe and Jason were intelligent enough to know there was a bright side. If Frank did do something to mess things up, Henry would be really annoyed.

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

Sector 48B was an area the Society administrators liked to call the ‘dock and go’. A mere wait station for those deemed highly viable, men who needed little training and would be an asset to one of many different aspects of the Caceres Society. The area could house three thousand and it was pushing the limits. Tents sprawled out with cots lined up inside. Men hung about biding their time in the one to two week wait until they were placed. It was crowded and a lot like a homeless camp where even the Camp master hadn’t a clue on the names. They were only given numbers.

Each sector had a records man and he was the only individual who semi knew who lived in the sector. Sgt. Doyle headed to Harv, Sector 48B’s records man to check on the groups of men who defected in the night.

Sgt. Doyle knew Harv was probably trying to organize the personal data of the thousands of men out there before more were brought in. He hated to bother Harv, but he had too. The president had requested information on the defectors, and Sgt. Doyle only hoped Harv had the information organized enough to find it with little problem.

After knocking twice on the door of the small blue frame house where Harv deemed his place, Sgt. Doyle walked in. “Harv. It’s Tim. You here?” A step further into the home brought a stench that burned Sgt. Doyle’s nostrils. “Harv?”

The creak of the floorboards was the only sound as Sgt. Doyle made his way to the dining room. He stopped in the doorway. Back facing, Harv was in a chair at the dining room table. Stacks upon stacks of papers were everywhere. But Sgt. Doyle didn’t call out. He knew something was amiss. Not just the smell, but the dried blood that painted the table and the floor by Harv’s feet confirmed that suspicion.

He stepped closer, hand out to the salt and pepper hair of Harv. Sgt. Doyle reached down to the head on the table and lifted it just to look. Harv was dead. His throat had been sliced. And Sgt. Doyle knew by the dryness of the blood, the peeling sound made when he raised the head, that Harv had been dead for days.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Frank turned off the motorcycle, stepped off of it and walked it into the garage. “John., he called to John Matoose who was kneeling before another bike. “Oh, wow. You picked up more. And this one’s way nicer than mine.”

“You like it huh?” John stood up. “It’s a shame we didn’t think about them sooner. They barely use any fuel.” He wiped his hands off. “Now security is stocked.”

“So these bikes were in good shape?” Frank walked over to him.

“Dusty, but excellent.” John knelt back down. “Good thing Dan used to be a biker. Speaking of Dan, Janet’s in labor. Another baby will soon born in Beginnings.” John made an adjustment. “I bet him and Bill are ecstatic. I remember Patrick and me last year when Caroline was born. I think he was more nervous than me. How’s Denice doing with that future grandchild of yours?” John looked up at Frank, rubbing in the grandfather fact.

“Good.” Frank folded his arms. “Johnny’s not real excited about this baby. But then again, Denice lives with Curt. Fuckin share shit confuses me.”

“They’re called understandings. And they’re a way of life.” John grunted as he worked on the bike. “Well, for some of us. They work. Johnny’s just young. I don’t think sharing Denice has anything to do with being happy about the baby.” John stood up and moved to a work bench and grabbed a set of keys. He tossed them to Frank. “Try her out.”

Like an excited kid, Frank hopped on the bike. He tried to start it but it choked up and died. “John?” Stepping off and making room for John to check it out, Frank heard the call in his radio headset. “Yeah Chris?”

In the east entrance tunnel, Chris, a shorter stocky man peered into the thick overgrown brush. “Frank. I have movement of sorts out here. Tower spot anything?”

“Not in that region. You need a team?” Frank asked.

“I don’t know. I don’t see anything. But I can hear . . . whoa!” Chris called out and flew backwards when he felt the brush against his chest.

“Chris. Come on. What’s going on?” Frank asked.

Chris laughed. He looked to see the frantic deer racing down the tunnel. “Ignore motions Frank. And for a while. We were just invaded by a deer.”

Frank’s laughter seeped through the airwaves. “Let me know if you need help catching him.”

“I will. Thanks.” Still laughing at his unfounded fear, Chris lowered the radio and saw him. The mangled hair, glaring eyes and dirty face. A savage. But he only saw him for a second. A gurgling sound and choke emanated from Chris when the savage lunged a spear into his throat.

Chris dropped down to the ground, and the savage followed by seven others rose like the deer, down the tunnels of Beginnings.

^^^^

Yes, he was head of mechanics, but Henry also hated deer. Eavesdropping over Frank’s channel told him that one was rampant in the tunnels. But Henry had promised Dean he’d find that water leak in the pipes that ran under the community. The last thing they needed was another line breaking. So flashlight in hand, Henry followed the stream.

Like a person floating into heaven, the stream led Henry to a light, but not a divine one. Henry found the cause of the water problem. The light seeped into the tunnels from the skills room in containment above. And Henry knew Ellen wasn’t paying attention to her survivors, because they once again opened the escape hatch, and in some sort of demented water basketball game, had urinated through it. Pure disgust came from Henry in the form of a grunt. And not wanting to chance being caught in a bodily shower or feasted on by a blood thirsty Bambi gone mad, Henry, figuring plumbing problem was solved, hurried to get out of that tunnel.

^^^^

Holding up her radio, Ellen walked into the small office that sat in the front of the containment building. She held the steel door that separated the office from the hall open with her backside. “News from the clinic on Janet.” She smiled to Dan.

“How is she?” Dan swiveled his chair to face her.

“Progressing. Andrea says not much longer.” Ellen hooked the radio on her belt.

Dan laughed a breath of relief. “Thanks for checking on her. I’m so nervous, I sound stupid when I check.”

“You’re a guy and this is your first kid.” Ellen moved to go back into containment, but stopped. “You know what, Dan. This is dumb. Bill’s gonna be here in a half hour. Go to the clinic.”

“Frank will have a fit.” Dan said.

“No, he won’t. What’s gonna happen? My people are secured and they are ones who aren’t dangerous. They’re just playing pee ball in the skills room.”

“El, I don’t know,” Dan said in false debate. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. Go. Mike the Dog is here if there’s trouble. And Diane too. I’ll even tell Frank.”

“Thanks, El.” Taking full advantage of the opportunity, Dan bolted from his chair with excitement.

After a smile, Ellen shut and secured the metal door. She paused in the hall and lifted her radio. “Hello, Frank. Hey, I let Dan go to the clinic. I don’t have a guard for a half hour, thanks.” Quickly, she shut off the volume so as not to hear Frank’s bitching response.

As she walked to her office, she spotted Mike the Dog hurrying to her on his hands and knees. “Hey Mike. I can’t take you out.” She walked into her office and sat behind her desk. She felt Mike nudge her leg. “Not now Mike. I have stupid reports.”

He nudged her again and barked.

“O.K.” She reached down blindly and patted him on the head. “Good boy.” Lifting up papers from the clipboard on her desk, she heard the human growl of Mike and felt him pulling her pant leg. “Mike!” She scolded, but he didn’t stop. “You want me to come with you?” She saw him not giving up. “All right.” She stood up and followed him. “I hope to God you didn’t pee on my skills room floor again. Not like it matters” Carrying her clipboard, Ellen followed Mike. He darted to the skills room doorway and backed up. “In here?” Shrugging, Ellen stepped to the door and stopped cold. The clipboard dropped from her hands when she saw the total bloodbath her skills room was.

Almost as if they were devouring prey, the savages dug into the bodies of the six survivors.

Ellen’s scream caused them to look up. One of them opened his mouth, released a shrill war cry type shriek, raised his arm and hurled a spear. Quickly, Ellen reached out and pulled the door shut at the same time she heard the spear hit the metal of it.

“Shit.” She held the handle. “Help!” She called out. “Shit.” Feet planted she felt the door moving. “Help!”

Diane flew from the dining area into the hall. She saw Ellen’s body jolting as she held back the door. She raced down the hall to her. “Ellen?”

“Get my radio. Call for help,” Ellen instructed. “Hurry.”

Diane lifted the radio from Ellen’s belt. “Frank. Frank.” She called into it. “It’s dead.”

“No it’s off,” Ellen told her. “Hurry,” she called out, panicked.

Fumbling, Diane turned the radio back on. “Frank. Joe. Someone. Help.”

“Hold it to my mouth,” Ellen said. “Frank, hurry. Come to containment.”

“El,” Frank blasted. “If this is a joke because you let Dan . . .”

“Frank!” Ellen screamed. “We have Indians in the skills room! Help!”

Frank, who had taken the motorcycle on a spin to proudly show his father his new transportation, looked up to Joe oddly. “They have what?”

“Who the hell knows?” Joe shrugged. His and smoothed over the black bike so impressed. “This is a beauty.” Suddenly Joe looked up. “Indians?”

“Fuck.” Frank took off. “Savages.”

Containment was close, a few buildings away, and Joe sped after his racing son.

“El!” Frank cried out her name as he raced through the security door. He could see Ellen vibrating from the door struggle.

“Frank,” Ellen said in relief.

“El. Step away from that . . .”

It appeared as if Ellen flew when the savages won control of the door, flinging it open violently and bodily bringing a screaming Ellen with it.

“Door. Fuck!” Frank barged ahead moving top speed to the skills room. His boots skid on the slick, blood lined floor into the vision of the savages encircling Ellen.

On her back, violently flipped over, Ellen peered up to the group of men holding their primitive weapons high. It was over. She knew it. The arrow tipped heads lunged down. And then . . . whoosh!

A grip to her ankle, a tug to her leg, and Ellen sailed in a fast slide out of that deadly circle a split second before the arrow heads clanked to the empty floor. The release of her leg sent Ellen on a childhood flashback ride on the ‘Slip and Slide’. Quickly she slid. The momentum across the skills room floor was broken only when she slammed into the wall. Out of her roll, she looked up to see Frank in a battle with the savages.

Hand to hand Frank fought the ensuing eight human beasts from outside the walls using the spear he fenced off the savages. Swinging, hitting, stabbing, and trying to seize an opportunity to grab hold of his gun. But they came at him all at the same time, trying to bring the big man down.

Ellen stumbled to a stand. She had to help. Just as her foot moved forward to do something--she didn’t know what--she knew she didn’t have to. Joe, with a gun, barreled into the room, weapon raised.

He stopped, he peered, and Joe looked as calm as if he were standing on a firing range. He picked off the second savage. The instant he dropped, Frank had the freedom to step back, retrieve his revolver, and join Joe in ending the bloody attack, loudly and quickly.

^^^^

“Did we at least get the deer?” Frank asked into his headset. He held one ear closed to block out the noise from the cleanup crew in the skills room. “O.K., good. Get back to me.”

Joe looked to Frank. “And?”

“And I’m definitely gonna post Sarge at that entrance. He’s psycho enough to handle any more sneak attacks. Rotate shifts there. Two men. That should work.”

“I agree. So, did they find anything?” Joe asked.

“You mean with the deer?”

“No.” Joe snapped. “The savages. Anymore?”

“No. Johnny’s doing another air surveillance. He didn’t spot any movement. Greg took a team out. They found evidence about two miles away of a camp. They probably watched us for a while seeing how we shut down and such and pulled this little stunt.”

“I didn’t think savages were that smart.”

“Give them more credit than that, Dad,” Frank stated with certainty. “After all . . .we all were intelligent men at one time. Were we not?”

Joe just stared at his son for the longest time following his comment. He wanted to remark, but he couldn’t. In Joe’s mind, Frank was doing good, sounding so credible up until that very moment. Then all Joe could do . . . was walk away.

^^^^

Like an anally detailed oriented secretary, Henry sat at his dining room table, small piles of paper spread neatly in front of him. He grabbed a few sheets, stapled them and set them to the side. Then in between his task he looked up to Dean who paced. “Don’t wear out my carpeting.”

“I’m not pacing that much,” Dean said, hands in his pockets. His attention was grabbed by the opening of the front door.

“Boys,” Joe said as he stepped in. He lifted his hand which held disks as he walked by Dean. “History. I don’t figure much will occur between now and tomorrow morning. But if it does we can copy another batch.” He haded straight to the dining room. “Put these in that purple panda pouch.”

“Thanks, Joe.” Henry took them and set them off to the side.

“What the hell are you doing, Henry?” Joe asked.

“Oh, I made copies of my journal just in case Frank screws something up. I don’t want to lose my original thoughts.”

“Yeah, but you’re gonna lose your position on council you waste our paper like that.”

“Joe,” Henry gasped, “these are four years of my inner feelings and views.”

“Swell,” Joe grumbled. “Where’s Frank? I want to get this short meeting over with.”

“Upstairs with Ellen.”

Dean looked up to the ceiling. “What exactly are they doing up there.?”

“Trying to squeeze a Reverend Bob lesson in.” Henry stapled some papers. “Not that it should concern you, Dean. She’s Frank’s wife.” So pompous, Henry stapled another pile.

Joe shook his head. “So, my son and Ellen are having sex.”

Dean stopped cold. “I knew it. Frank saved her life. That hero stuff always gets her. You said they were working on the marriage plan.”

“Why do you care?” Joe snapped. “Sit down. We’ll wait.”

“Not . . .” Henry paused to squeeze the stapler, “that it’s any of your business, Dean, but hero aphrodisiac or not, Frank is following the plan. And they can’t have sex for three more steps. So quit pacing Dean. They’re discussing childhood fears.”

The moan was raspy, deep and aching as it seemingly rolled from Frank’s gut as his hands touched upon her bare chest. His large hands smothered with an edge up her sides as Ellen straddled his lap while he knelt on the bed.

Her lips followed and slid up his chest, following directly behind his tee shirt that she lifted from him and tossed across the room. “Tell me,” She whispered bringing her mouth to his neck, “how fast?”

“Real fast,” Frank spoke through his heavy breaths as his eyes rolled slightly. “I never ran faster.”

“Were you scared?” Ellen brought her lips to his mouth.

“No. Not at all.”

“God, I love when you save my life.” She moaned and kissed him. Her arms wrapped as tight around his neck as her legs to his waist. The hand pressing hard to her back, Frank brought Ellen down to the bed. His mouth met hers widely, teasing the kisses that he hadn’t had in so long. And his body moved against Ellen’s in a reflection of the act that he needed, wanted, and missed so badly.

They were an instant and a few articles of clothing away. Hands moved, body shifted, minds fogged. But then Frank . . . stopped. He not only lifted his mouth from hers, but his chest as well.

“What?” Ellen asked. “What’s wrong?” She tried to pull him down. She felt his resistance. “Frank?”

“Trust me I want to. God, do I want to but . . .” He exhaled his frustration. “I want to make this marriage work and I really want to try to do that by following the steps.”

“Frank.” There was a certain amount of sarcastic laughter in her word.

“No. The last time we . . . we were together it wasn’t picture perfect.” Frank swallowed. “It wasn’t the way it should be. I want the next time we make love to be perfect.”

“Yeah, well, now is.” Ellen pulled at him. Frank still didn’t budge. “Frank? Now isn’t?”

“No. Now isn’t. Let’s make the whole night special. The whole thing. Let me do that. I feel I have to do that.”

“But I feel it now. Right now.” Ellen beckoned some.

“And you’ll feel it tomorrow too,” Frank said softly. “If we’re gonna do this, jump up the steps, can we not do this when I have to hurry, pull up my pants, and go to a meeting downstairs with my Dad?”

Ellen nodded, “You’re right.”

“How about this?” Frank kissed her quickly and pulled back. “How about tomorrow night after we finish with this time trip? You and I, we’ll have an evening. We’ll have dinner, hang out, and we’ll make love the right way.”

Peacefully Ellen looked at Frank realizing how badly ‘doing it right’ meant to him. “All right then.” She smiled. “Tomorrow.”

Frank returned the smile. “Tomorrow.”

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

The information George reviewed was sketchy, of course it was delivered in Morse code.  From Beginnings, the information came, a message short and to the point.

Trip back in time tomorrow. Information Gathering. Society Search.

Basic knowledge was all George needed and thinking like Joe, he knew what Joe was trying to do, finding out what he could about the society. But what George didn’t know was how far back in time they were going. And that frightened him. Too many times in history, they left things wide open and themselves vulnerable. There were people that could be found. Data uncovered. And vital ‘organs’ as George called them, revealed.

Staring at the simple Morse code message, and wondering when communications would be up in Quantico, George heard the light knock on the door. He was certain when the door opened and Sgt. Doyle walked in, what was going to be told was not good.

“Finished,” Sgt. Doyle said.

“Don’t tell me.” George leaned back in his chair.

“Any single listing that ever existed in this camp containing the names from sector 48B is gone.” Sgt. Doyle stepped closer. “It’s taken all day, but we pulled the remaining men. Got every single one of their names and the crew and I went to Harv’s.”

“Cross check the names with the files there.” George nodded with a smile.

“Our thinking exactly,” Sgt. Doyle explained. “But no such luck. All names given had an information folder at Harv’s. And just as suspected, when they killed Harv, they took any and all information about themselves. It’s as if any participation they had with the society never occurred.”

Though the numbers were small, George worried. It wasn’t their defecting, but how they did it. They planned it down to a fine detail. He didn’t like that idea much and as soon as he could figure where they were, he’d get rid of them. George already had one small community that was a pain in the ass to him. He didn’t need the small handful of defector growing into another.

HENRY’S JOURNAL

November 24

Mentally preparing myself for this next time trip  is harder than the last. I have to deal with Frank and Dean  and their constant threat to use the time machine against  each other. I am grateful that we shouldn’t run into anything that could cause mishap. Hopefully when I return, the information from the history disk should be the same as the one Trish will have printed and waiting. (Fingers crossed)

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

November 25 - The Trip

“So then . . .” Frank took a second to shift gears in the jeep then peer into the rearview mirror to Dean who sat in the back. “Dean, are you listening?” After getting a grunt from Dean and a snicker from Henry in the front seat, Frank continued, “So then, there I was, hand on Ellen’s breast and I, Frank Slagel, stayed in control.” He looked back in the mirror. “Did you hear that, Dean?”

“Yeah.” Dean rolled his eyes. “You’re the man, Frank.”

“Oh, yeah.” Bringing his eyes back to the road, Frank stopped to look in the mirror. “Whoa. Look how good I look Henry.” Frank rubbed his goatee. “My beard’s all defined.”

“You’re the handsome guy, Frank.”

Frank laughed. “And the chosen time guy.” He lifted his head to the quantum lab. “We’re here.”

“Thank God,” Dean said from the back.

“Yeah.” Frank stopped the jeep. “El and I are gonna work this all out. I know we’re supposed to follow the twelve step plan and all, but . . .” He stepped from the jeep rambling as he walked with Dean and Henry. “But, tonight, tonight we get back... I don’t know if I can handle all that sex. Ellen will be yelling . . .” stopping to open the quantum, lab door, Frank added a female sound to his voice. “Frank, oh, Frank. Dean who?”

“Yeah, yeah, Frank. You’re the champ.” Dean nudged him inside. “Let’s do this so we can end this working relationship.”

Frank, laughing in a taunting manner stepped in. “Sorry we’re late, Dean had to get his hair cut.” Frank’s eyes smiled when he saw Ellen standing with Joe and Jason. “Hey, El. What are you doing here?”

Joe answered for her. “Leaving.” He gave a slight push to Ellen. “She thinks she’s getting some of those fries first.”

Frank whispered to Ellen as she passed him. “I’ll hook you up with your own order.” He winked.

“Thanks Frank.” Ellen kissed him. “Good luck.” She stepped back. “Dean. Henry.” She gave a thumbs up. “Good luck. Enjoy it. I envy you.” Giving a nervous smile to them, Ellen turned and left the lab.

After seeing Ellen leave, Joe gave a single loud clap. “All right. Let’s do this.” Motorcycles behind him by the archway, Joe stepped aside and stood by Jason who was waiting and ready to charge up the machine. “Henry, disks?”

Henry held up the purple panda pouch. “Got them.”

“Good.” Joe faced Jason. “Wanna take it now?’

“Don’t I always?” Jason smiled and put out his cigarette. “I just need you three to take your positions. Frank and Dean holding the bikes, single form line.” He watched them get into position. “Both going and returning, when the archway illuminates, quickly go through. It’s only open for seven seconds. Organization is everything in timing. Also, when you step through, nothing should be there. Not even the archway. So if you go to take a leak Henry, mark the spot. Any questions?”

Frank raised his hand. “What if Dean gets hit by a car back then?”

Joe kept his cool. “You’ll make sure he won’t Frank. Now be ready.”

Jason began to punch his sequence. “Dean, you have the sack to carry the information, and the money you need?”

Dean raised it up. “Right here.”

“I’m ready.” Jason held off on pressing the final key. “I am sending you back ten years ago to April 14th. I know we said four years, three weeks. But Joe remembered what he was doing this date because. Why was that Joe?”

Joe, almost embarrassed rubbed his head. “I got married that day and I remember hiding out at the office until three, debating on what to do.” He heard Frank’s annoying laughing. “Enough. Can we do this?”

Jason checked one more time at Dean, Frank, and Henry. All three looked just a little nervous. “April 14th, 9:00 a.m.. Ready?” He watched them nod, and with the final stroke of the key, the doorway lit up and instantaneously Dean, Frank, and then Henry disappeared. “Five seconds and they’ll be back, Joe.”

“Whoa.” Frank’s comment was the sentiment of all three as they walked from the middle of a laboratory into a high weeded, wide open field. “Shit.”

Henry looked up at the sky and coughed. He felt a heaviness in his chest. “Is it me?” He coughed again.

Dean began to choke. “No.” A tickle hit his throat. “Look at the sky.”

Frank looked up too. “It looks . . . God, it’s been a while since I saw haze.”

Dean shook his head and sniffled. “The air is different. Frank your allergies will kick in big time.”

“Swell.” Frank took one more look around. “It’s so silent.” He felt the tingle in his nose. “Man, why is it hazy when it’s April?”

Henry answered. “Pollution.” He placed his hands on his hips then stomped. “Damn.”

Dean faced him. “What’s wrong?”

“I forgot my book.” Henry shook his head.

Securing his helmet on his head, Frank began to push the bike. “Take a nap or something. Let’s go Dean, I got the keys, we’ll push these to perimeter eight and shoot around the back. I hope there’s a back trail. It was here when we got here.”

Dean followed Frank. “Good luck, Henry. Frank . . . I’ll give you the money when we get to town. And Frank? You’ll look real cute in that helmet.”

Before he could come back with a Frank comment, Frank sneezed loudly. “Shit.”

They grew smaller and smaller as they disappeared into the high weeds. Nervous, Henry watched them. He knew it was going to be a long three hour wait. And though upset with himself for forgetting his book, Henry was glad he brought along a copy of his journals. He could kick back and read them. One thing was for sure, at least by reading his own thoughts, Henry wouldn’t be bored.

^^^^

Frank looked at the guy, really looked at the guy as he took off his helmet in the entrance of the parking lot. He was a clean shaven pudgy man with the bald head who chewed . . . gum. Something Frank hadn’t seen in so long.

The man tilted his head to Frank. “Did you hear me pal? Park the bikes in the back.”

“Pal?” Frank mocked him. “Pal?”

“Frank.” Dean called to him. “Just move the bike.”

“Fuckin called me pal.” Frank, shaking his head in disgust followed the pointing finger of the man. He waited for Dean to pull aside him, and Frank got off the bike. “Was it me or was the whole ride in weird?”

“There was traffic Frank. It was weird. I thought I was dreaming.”

“It seemed like it, didn’t it? Give me twenty dollars.”

“For what?” Dean reached in his pocket and handed Frank the bill.

“I’m not carrying these helmets.” Frank, walking in his rough way, headed to the parking attendant’s booth. “Hey pal. You wanna make twenty bucks?”

Chomping his gum, the man leaned against his dirty stool. “Doing what?”

“Watch our helmets.”

“Twenty bucks?” The man grinned. “Sure.”

Frank took Dean’s helmet and handed it to the man, causing him to grunt as it hit him, and then Frank handed him his helmet causing the same sound effect. “Here’s the twenty.” He gave the man the money. Frank turned and saw Dean had moved away from him. “What?”

“Frank, remember, try to be civilized.”

“I am. Look at all these people. And all the . . .” Frank’s eye caught her, the tall brunette whose sweet smell of perfume carried by as she past them. Frank’s head turned at the same time as Dean’s. “Women.”

“Yeah.” Dean watched her then shook his head. “We have work. Any questions before you go make that phone call.”

“Yeah,” Frank said seriously. “How should I handle it if I get hit on?”

Dean grunted. “Frank. Here.” He handed him more money. “Go get change and call your father. I’ll meet you at the library.”

“All right, I’ll be at the library in fifteen minutes.” Frank began to walk in a different direction than Dean but he stopped. “Dean.” Frank reached into his pocket. “Check out what Ellen gave me.”

“What it is?” Dean moved closer. His eyes grew wide. “No, No Frank.”

“Ha.” Frank wiggled Dean’s VISA. “Says right here you were a card member in this year.”

“Don’t use it, Frank. I was debt conscious back then,” Dean warned him. “Don’t.”

“Now would I do that to you?” With an arrogant smile, Frank stuck the VISA in his pocket and moved down the street. The payphone wasn’t far. Stopping at the newspaper stand ten feet from it, Frank got change and a pack of gum, just because. The ten dollars’ worth of quarters he paid the man twenty dollars for, barely fit in his palm. He moved to the empty booth and stepped inside slamming the quarters down. Pulling out the tiny sheet of paper, Frank dialed, and then inserted the astronomical amount of money the recorded voice asked for. “Yeah, Joe Slagel, please.” Frank pulled the phone from his ear. “This is weird.” He commented to himself when he heard the guy again. “Tell him Frank.”

“Frank? What’s up?” Joe answered sounding so much younger.

“Dad?” Frank started to laugh. The phone for some reason seemed fun. “Hey.”

“Frank, are you drunk?” Joe asked.

“No, I’m not drunk. Hey, I’m uh, working on something very important and I need . . .”

“Are you coming down with something, your voice sounds awfully gruff.”

“I am gruff. Dad I’m in a pay phone and this babe’s gonna come on and ask for more money. I need your help.”

“What’s up?”

“I need . . .” Frank fumbled with the awkward phone. “Hold on. I need some information on a few people. I have birth dates and one social security number. Also I need information on an organization. It’s highly confidential. It’s important, I need it immediately and only you can access it for me.”

“Thorough or standard.”

“Whatever is fastest. I actually need it pretty fast. Can you help me now?”

“Why not. I’m trying to waste time here. Am I faxing this to your base?”

“No,” Frank answered, “I’m on a…uh… detail, yeah. I’ll give you the number.”

“Go on. What do you need?” Joe sounded annoyed.

Pleasantly surprised that his father’s crass demeanor hadn’t changed in all the years, Frank began to spew out the information to his father. After getting instruction to call back in an hour, Frank said goodbye and headed straight to the library. He wanted little interaction with people, not just because he didn’t like them, but because he didn’t want to cause one of those ripples.

Dean was really enjoying the feel of the library. It looked so much differently from when he was held prisoner there. It didn’t cause as many bad feelings. Slip of paper in hands, Dean searched out the books he needed in the quiet institution. It was a good feeling and so unlike Beginnings, until Frank walked in. Dean didn’t see him. He didn’t have to. Frank’s blasting ‘Dean! Where are you!’ Not only caused the startling screams from the people in the library, but it caused Dean to hide in embarrassment.

^^^^

It was fine with Frank that the librarian kicked him out.  He was getting bored waiting on Dean to make copies of all the books and magazines he found. Of course, before he left, Frank--in order to help Dean’s copy task move faster--did shove a few of those books and magazines unknowingly into Dean’s knapsack. And then Frank left the library, peacefully too. He did flinch a little, fearing a Rambo episode when the librarian yelled at him for viewing pornography on the library’s Internet computer. But he knew all would be fine if he just walked out after the fourth warning. No problems, no disruption, no mark in the old time frame. The last thing Frank wanted to do was cause one of those ripples.

Unlike any of the broken and robbed out stores he had been into since the plague, the large national chain drugstore was huge to Frank. He grabbed a couple of those little red riding hood baskets and trotted through the store. He had some time to waste se he’d thought he’d use that time to figure out what else Beginnings needed aside from those French fires and the cartons of Camel Filter cigarettes.

Careful not to talk to anyone--with the exception of the security guard who asked Frank if he needed any help--Frank took his items to the counter. He was proud of his shopping trip and had to admit he liked it. Not only did he get lots of stuff, he didn’t make one of those ripples and he even got to get revenge of Ellen’s behalf when he used Dean’s credit card for that two-hundred dollar purchase.

Time flew by. He had to call his father, make sure the information was faxed, and then head to the library to get Dean so they could retrieve those background checks. Change in hand, he went back to that telephone booth.

“What?” Frank whined miserably as he adjusted the two knapsacks on his shoulder. Someone was on the phone. Almost stomping like a child, he walked to the booth and stood next to it. He could hear the woman cackling on and on.  Figuring intimidating stares worked with the survivors, he might as well try it on the forty-some woman wearing a fast food restaurant uniform. Frank placed his hands on his hips, tilted his head and stared into the open door. The woman turned to him and shut it. “Fuck.” Frank knocked on the door. She ignored him. He knocked harder. “Lady, come on!”

She slid open the door. “I am on the phone.”

“No shit. I need to use it.”

“Wait your turn.”

“Get off the phone,” Frank snapped at her.

Giving him a dirty look, she spoke into the receiver. “Hold on.” She looked at Frank and started to bitch. “You know, if you would be a little nicer, you could get a lot further in this world.”

“Why the fuck should I care, everyone is gonna be dead in four years anyhow.”

Her eyes shifted quickly. “Let me call you back. I’m a little scared of this man by me. Don’t forget, you have to show up. Be early too. No, just be there, Robbie.”

Frank’s eyes hit with a zoom when he heard the name. He knew she wasn’t talking to his brother, but something about just hearing the conversation made his heart race.

“All yours.” Snippily the woman brushed by Frank. “Oh yeah, I have a cold. I hope you catch it.”

Frank scoffed at her. “You have a cold? That’s nothing compared to what you’re gonna get.” Laughing, Frank stepped into the both pulling out his wad of change. Picking up the receiver, Frank called Joe. “Dad, did you do it?”

“Yes Frank. Seven pages. I’ll fax it now. Is that all?”

“Yeah. And Dad . . . What uh, what’s Robbie’s number at base. I don’t have it with me.”

“I think I have it . . .” Joe had a stretching sound to him. “Here. Got a pen?”

Knowing he had many, Frank retrieved a pen from one of the five new bags he bought and took down the number. “Thanks. Oh, and Dad . . .” Just to make sure that no time disturbances were made, Frank decided to add a little insurance of his own. Jason would be proud. “Dad, you, uh, you never got this phone call. Thanks.” He hung up the phone and debated for a minute, but only a minute. Then after quickly adding more change, he dialed. “Yeah, this is Sergeant Frank Slagel. I need to speak to Robert Slagel. It’s urgent.” Turning his head to sneeze, Frank swore under his breath as he waited and added more change.

“Frank?”

Frank lost his breath and his body pummeled into the wall of the phone booth when he heard Robbie--sounding so innocent, so young--speak.

“Frank?” Robbie called again.

With a fast beating heart Frank closed his eyes. “Robbie.”

“What’s up? Is everything all right? Why you calling?”

“Robbie I don’t have much time, listen to what I’m telling you, it’s important.” Trying to think of how to say it, Frank just rattled on as best as he could without sounding stupid. “Soon you need to be in Ashtonville. You’ll have to go there, all right? It’s, it’s very important that you go there when the time is right.”

“What are you talking about? Are Kelly and the kids O.K.?”

“Fine.” Frank swallowed. “You will make a difference, Robbie. You can.  Ellen . . . Ellen is gonna really need you.”

“Ellen? I’ll do it, Frank.”

From the corner of his eye, Frank saw Dean. “I uh have to go. Do that for me.” Frank closed his eyes again. “And little brother, it was good to hear your voice. I love you.” Frank smiled and slowly hung up.

“Ready?” Dean tapped on the booth. “Oh, yeah, you’re an asshole.”

“What?” Frank stepped out.

“I beeped when I left the library, thank you very much. Thank God they believed me when I told them you stole them. So, I checked them out.”

“You checked them out!” Frank nearly barked, “Oh way to cause one of those ripples. Now who’s the asshole?”

“Sorry.” Dean cringed. “I wasn’t thinking. My past-self will deal with it. I take it you talked to Joe?”

“Yep.” Frank began to walk. “That copy place is right down there.”

“Let’s go.” As Dean began to walk with Frank, he saw the knapsacks. “Hell Frank, what did you buy?”

“Stuff.”

“I hope you bought Ellen something.”

“Please, she’s my wife. Check them out.” Frank opened the sack and showed Dean. “She will have a virtually vat of health and beauty aids.”

“Just what we need in our atmosphere.”

“Who cares?” Frank zipped the bag up and stopped. “Here we are. This is . . . wait a second. This isn’t a copy place.”

“Are you sure this is the place?” Dean asked.

“Positive. Twenty-two fifteen.”

“Frank!” Dean scolded as he looked at the door. “How could you even confuse this place with a copy place?”

“They had a copy machine.”

“Everyone has copy machines. It’s a doctor’s office, you moron!”

“Shut the fuck up Dean and act responsible for once this trip.” Frank opened the doctor’s office door. “We have to get our fax. So go ask them.”

^^^^

It was an eventful day. And Frank and Dean were ready to head back to their own civilization. One that was peaceful, quiet, and safe. But they had one final stop to make..

“Man.” Frank took off his helmet as he stepped from his bike in the McDonald’s parking lot just off the interstate. “I forgot how crowded these places get. Smell how good.”

Dean sniffed. “It doesn’t even smell right.”

“Yeah it does. But . . . aw! Look!” Frank pointed across the road. “Taco Bell. We should go there. Screw the French fries and get everyone tacos. Come on, I love Taco Bell.”

“Figures.” Dean shook his head. “And no, just French fries.”

Frank grabbed for the doors and opened them, being polite and letting Dean go first. A little perturbed at the amount of people, Frank and Dean got in line.

It was bad enough that not only did Frank have  to wait, but he had to listened to the woman in front of him ask about each items. He looked to Dean. “Can you believe this?” He pointed to her and listened some more as she debated. “Lady, today some time. This is a McDonald’s.” Hearing the very chipper ‘I can help you sir’ coming from his right was music to Frank’s ears. He moved over one line to the blonde hair girl who smiled widely at him flashing her braces. “See Dean,” Frank said and pointed to the girl, “service with a smile.”

“Welcome to McDonald’s sir, may I take your order?” She was almost too happy to be working there.

“Yes . . .” Frank peered at her name tag. “Tracy.” Frank smiled and ran his hand down his goatee and looked up to the menu. “Oh wow, O.K. I’ll have a quarter pounder with cheese . . .”

“Frank.” Dean tugged on him. “Don’t get a quarter pounder. Don’t. You won’t be able to handle it.”

“Yeah right.” Frank scoffed and gave a smirk to Tracy and they both giggled as if Dean were being silly.

“Frank, as your doctor I am telling you, if you want a sandwich get a fish sandwich.”

“What are you nuts? No one eats fish at McDonald’s. Tracy . . .” Frank looked to the smiling girl. “Make that two quarter pounders, a large chocolate shake and . . um, forty-eight orders of Super Size fries, please.”

The smile fell from Tracy’s face.

^^^^

After shoveling down his two burgers, a taco--just because he had to get one--and sucking the milkshake so quickly that it made his cheeks hurt, Frank and Dean headed back to Beginnings.

They were a sight for sore eyes when Henry saw them pull up. “Guys!” He jumped to his feet from the spot he hadn’t left. “What . . . what in the world did you get Frank?”

“Stuff.” Frank patted his bags as he got off his bike. “And fries. Henry it was so cool.”

“I bet. Did you get the information? Anything valuable?” Henry asked.

Dean shrugged. “We didn’t really review it. We will when we get back. Of course, Frank will be sick tonight. He ate, get this, old world meat.”

Henry cringed. “Ouch.”

“What?” Frank asked dumbfounded.

“Just say you’ve been warned,” Dean said. “So don’t come to me tonight.”

“Tonight?” Frank laughed. “Tonight I’ll be too busy making love to my wife.” Fixing his knapsacks, Frank nodded to Henry. “Let’s do this.”

“Let’s go home.” Henry waited for them to form their single line. “Ready?”He held up the pendant and punched in his birthday, opening the doorway for them all.

Pushing in their bikes, Dean stepped in followed by Frank then Henry. Joe and Jason stood in the exact same spot they were when they had left.

Joe clapped his hands together. “How was it?” He immediately grabbed the McDonald’s bags from Dean. “And what the hell did you get Frank?”

“Stuff. I think we did good. Henry forgot his book and . . .” Frank saw the door open. “El!”

“Frank,” she semi smiled. “I heard the second power surge. Oh I see you got the fries. Great.”

“El, it was so cool. I bought you some stuff.” He rested his motorcycle against the counter.

“Frank?” She smiled at him. “Really? That was nice of you to think of me.”

Biting his bottom lip, Frank stepped closer to Ellen and cupped her face in his hands. “I always think of you.” Pulling her closer, Frank began to kiss Ellen. His lips separated from hers when he heard Dean’s loud ‘Holy Shit!’ ringing annoyingly in his ear. With his face still close to Ellen’s, Frank’s eyes lifted and his heart dropped. He swallowed harshly and caught his breath when he saw Robbie standing in the open doorway.

Robbie closed his eyes briefly and tilted his head. “Frank. Why are you kissing my wife like that?”

Henry, hit with a trembling effect like he never felt, blocked out Dean’s laughter. Panicked, he turned to Frank with a glare that could kill. “Frank! What the hell did you do?”

THE ALTERNATE BEGINNINGS

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Henry raised his hand tapping on the closed bathroom door in his house. He leaned against the wall next to it, a look of utter disgust and frustration on his face, as he folded his arms. “Frank? You all right?”

“What did I do?” Frank’s voice echoed in the porcelain of the toilet bowl in which his head was nearly buried into. “Oh God, what did I do?” His emotional words stopped to release a loud sound of regurgitation.

“You ate two quarter pounders with cheese and a taco. That’s what you did.”

“No. Not that. My life.”

Henry rolled his eyes and turned his head to the sound of Dean running up the steps.

“How is he?” Dean asked.

“Sick. But who cares,” Henry answered.

“Frank?” Dean knocked on the door. “I have something for you. It should stop the throwing up. Let me give you a shot.”

“Dean.” Frank hollered out from the toilet bowl. “What did I do?”

“You ate two quarter pounders with cheese.”

“No!” Frank argued. If being sick wasn’t enough, why weren’t they getting his point. “What did I do to my life?”

Henry was about as mad as he could get and with zero compassion in his voice, he blasted, “To your life, Frank? What about what your stupid phone call did to our lives? I am pissed at you Frank, really pissed. I hope to God you throw up all your insides.”

“Shut the fuck . . .” The flushing of the toilet was heard. “. . .up, Henry.”

Dean prepared the syringe as he listened to the water running in the bathroom. He held it up ready when the bathroom door opened. “Give me your arm.”

Frank leaned against the archway, his face was pale. “I screwed up.”

Henry shook his head. “Stick him hard, Dean.”

Dean couldn’t help but snicker. “Henry, calm down.”

“No. I hate Robbie. I really hated him while he was here. He attacked Ellen, amongst other things. And you . . .” He poked Frank in the chest. “You brought him back. Serves you right he’s married to Ellen now.”

“Oh God.” Frank covered his face. “How did it happen? When?”

Dean stopped chuckling. “Maybe they got married sometime in Beginnings. We keep record of that.” He saw Henry walking away. “Henry? Where are you going?”

“Downstairs. Beginnings keeps record, but so do I. My journals.”

For the first time, hearing Henry journal entries didn’t sound quite bad. Frank and Dean followed Henry down the steps.

Dean grabbed hold of Frank’s arm and led him to the couch. “Just sit until the meds kick in.” He saw Henry grabbed a stack of journals.

Frank plopped on the couch. “Why are you being nice to me, Dean?”

“One,” Dean answered, “I think it’s really funny that Robbie is married to Ellen. And two, we’re gonna fix this anyhow.” He saw Henry stop pacing and give a cold stare. “We are going to fix this aren’t we? Henry?”

“How, Dean?” Henry threw his hands in the air. “What’s done is done and we are all stuck with it now. Stuck because of Frank.” Henry cut his hand through the air. “Shit.” He stomped like a child. “All right.” Henry took a deep breath. “We don’t know. That’s the problem. We don’t. None of us even hung around anyone long enough to find anything out. Maybe Robbie and Ellen just got married. Maybe things really aren’t so different, with exception of Robbie Slagel, whom I don’t like. Did I mention that Frank? I don’t like Robbie.”

“Yes, Henry.” Frank grabbed his head.

Dean took a seat in the chair. “The wheels are turning Henry. What do you have in mind?”

“We have to find out,” Henry said. “Dean, you go to your lab check into the medical aspect. See if we’re still dealing with the pending virus. I have my journals, the history disks, and Trish has the printout. Let me go there and do a quick review.”

Frank peered up. “Why are we bothering to learn all this? We’re changing it back.”

“If . . . if we can change it back., Henry stated. “And if we can, we still have to live here until we do. So we have to know what’s going on. Or we’re gonna look like idiots. Frank . . . Frank you stay put. Do not move from this couch. You understand? Do not interact with anyone.”

Frank raised his eyes from the tips of his fingers. “I’ll stay here.”

“Good.” Henry took a breath. “All right, let’s do this. Let’s meet in an hour at the school. It’s empty. I may need the board. And if we run into anyone, act as normal as possible. One hour. Got that Frank? And don’t leave.” Shaking his head like a disappointed parent, Henry, holding his journals, stormed out.

Dean stood then walked slowly around the couch. He snickered some and patted Frank on the back. “Look at the bright side, Frank. At least now you don’t have to worry about messing up the twelve step plan by sleeping with Ellen tonight.” Laughing once more, Dean left the house as well.

^^^^

Dean felt fortunate that his walk, or rather trot, to the clinic went uninterrupted. Running into no one was a bonus. Of course when Dean moved quickly through the community, rarely did anyone ever stop him. Things looked the same in Beginnings, which to Dean was a good sign.

Holding his breath as he grabbed his personal notebook, Dean slid down onto a stool and opened it. Like waiting for a surprise, he opened his eyes. “Excellent.” He saw an entry. “Excellent.”

“Someone is excited,” the mellow voice called in. “Care to share?” It was Ellen and she walked into the lab.

“El.” Dean felt a twinge of nervousness. He looked back at her. “What are you doing?”

“I was coming to find you. And I saw you run in here.” She stood next to him. “I brought you your fries.” She laid them down in front of him. “Seems Frank ruined the celebration for you guys.”

“Thanks El. No, he didn’t ruin it.” Dean took a French fry. “He just ate the wrong thing and we couldn’t leave him alone.”

Ellen leaned her elbows on the counter as she stood close next to him. She slowly reached her hand and flipped a page in his journal. “Checking?”

“What um . . . do you mean?”

“Checking to see if there’s anything you don’t remember?”

“Yeah.” Dean breathed outward. “I remember how frantic you and Henry were when you discovered after your time trip there were things . . . shit.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Did I say something that may not be true?” Dean looked at her.

“No why? I remember how frantic we were too. Of course that was coupled with the excitement of bringing you back.” She ran her fingers through the side of his hair. “I like the hair cut Andrea gave you.” She fixed it. “It looks really nice. You always look so handsome when she cuts your hair.”

“El?” Dean grabbed her hand. “Are you all right? You seem kind of quiet.”

“No, I’m fine.” She went back to propping her face on her hand. “Anyhow, I understand why you three didn’t come to the social hall. When you do the time thing, you feel like you are in a fog. Like everything is a dream. Kind of frazzled.” Ellen smiled slightly. “Trust me, you’ll be better, you’ll feel less disoriented tomorrow. Henry should have told you all this.” She played with his hair again. “You really look handsome.”

“Thanks.” Dean shifted his eyes awkwardly to her. “Are you sure you are O.K.?”

“Yep,” Ellen nodded. “So how was it? How was ten years ago and being around people?”

“Strange. El, I have to tell you. Frank, he was funny.”

“Frank was funny?” Ellen tilted her head. “Now that’s odd.”

“He was funny. He was so out of place.” Dean snickered. “And you know how . . .” He saw the peaceful and somber look on her face. “I’m sorry. It’s just that you seem, you seem so down.”

“I’m not down. But . . .” She looked at her watch. “I’m late.”

“How can you tell?” Dean laughed. “You’re cute when you look at your broken watch.”

“My watch isn’t broken.” She showed him. “It broke a while ago, but Robbie fixed it right away. Don’t you remember? Sorry, maybe you don’t. I have to go. Are you sure about tonight?”

Dean’s eyes widened. “Um . . . yeah, tonight is fine.” He was clueless.

“Are you sure? I mean with tomorrow and all.”

Be more specific Ellen. “Yeah, it’s fine.” What he agreed to, he didn’t know.

“Thanks. My husband is being so compulsive about this new exercise for the survivors.”

“Frank working with survivors? Now there’s something I’d like to see.”

“Frank? I said my husband. Not Frank.” She patted Dean on the cheek. “If you need to talk, I’m here.” She leaned forward and kissed him on the forehead. “See you in an hour at your house.”

Using the time machine memory loss theory in his favor, Dean stopped Ellen before she left. “El.” He mustered up an embarrassed look. “Don’t tell anyone but where do I live?”

Ellen smiled. “Second row, last unit on the right.”

Dean breathed out in relief. “Thanks. And remember . . .”

“You didn’t ask.” She winked and smiled at him before she walked out.

Grabbing another French fry, Dean continued to look through his journal.

^^^^

Joe thought it was amusing as he stepped into history. The vision immediately took away the curiosity of why Trish was still there after five. He chuckled at her as she sat with a packet of ketchup, squeezing the last drop onto her index finger and tasting it with a smile. “Like that, huh?”

Trish nodded. “Joe, it’s been so long for ketchup.”

“Why are you still here?”

“Waiting on Henry. He asked if he could review the history for an hour.” She shrugged. “He’s been in there close to that now.”

“He’s not taking it with him?”

“He said he was but Frank was gacking or something at his house. Henry said that makes him sick, so he’s here.”

“Thanks, Trish.” As Joe stepped to the back office door he heard the oddity of it, Henry swearing. And it wasn’t Henry swearing that was odd. It was the fact that Henry kept saying the word ‘fuck’ over and over and that was just not Henry. He knocked once to get his attention.

Henry looked once then looked again, nervously closing the printed history papers. “Hey Joe.”

“Something wrong?”

“No not at all. In fact . . .” Henry stood up. “I’m going to go check on Frank.” He spoke rapidly.

“You’re reviewing the history. Is it the same?”

“Um . . . yeah, Joe. Same boring stuff you know.” He tried to get past him. “What’s wrong?”

“You tell me. You run from the social hall. You’re in here saying fuck. Let me see the disks.” Joe held out his hand.

“What disks?”

“The history disks. Let me see them.”

“Why?” Henry asked.

“You seem nervous, Henry.”

“It’s the time travel thing. It made me jittery when El and I traveled. It’s just the time thing, that’s all. The history is the same Joe. Take my word. I am the logisticalizer.”

“All right.” Joe put his hand in his pocket. “Sorry to come off so interrogating. Look, we’re going to go over the stuff, Jason and I, that you guys brought back. Can you make a meeting with me tomorrow morning, say ten?”

“Sure Joe. But I have to go now. I want to check on Frank.”

“You go on.” Joe stepped aside. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Thanks Joe.” Clenching tightly to the history print out, Henry headed to the school.

^^^^

“Same.” Dean stated as he, Frank and Henry sat in the school. “Medically we still the same. We’re still facing the virus. We still went to Nebraska. So in that aspect we’re good. How about you, Henry? What did you find out.”

“We’re screwed. But first . . .” Henry stood, took the chalk and wrote on the board. As he did, loud moaning shrieks came from Frank and Dean who sat in the too-small-for-their-butt chairs. He set down the chalk only after writing in really big letters, ‘Frank is an asshole’.

“Hey.” Frank pointed. “That’s not right.”

Henry scoffed at him. “You are the last person right now to complain about anything. Do you even know how much is different? I reviewed not only my journals but also history.  I only went through major events. First . . .” Henry flipped a page in history. “Big party last week. Guess why? Ellen and Robbie’s . . . tenth wedding anniversary.”

“Ten years!” Frank barked. “They’ve been married for ten years? How the hell did that happen?”

“I’ll tell you, Frank.” Irritated, Henry spoke, “You told Robbie to go to Ashtonville ten years ago and he went.”

“But he wasn’t supposed to just up and go,” Frank defended. “And how did he end up with her that year? I distinctly remember I was stationed in Tennessee. That was the year Ellen found out about that woman Peter was involved with. They had too many problems for her to . . . oh!” Frank smacked himself on the forehead in a discovery way. “Oh.”

“Answered your own question?” Henry asked. “Timing, Frank. Robbie probably showed up at the right time. Robbie himself always admitted he had a thing for her since he was a kid. He slipped right in there and . . .” Henry raised his eyebrows. “Just to add salt to your wounds, they have children.”

“Wait a second.” Frank held up his hand. “I did not cause that. Robbie can’t have children. He had rheumatic fever as a kid. He’s sterile.”

Puzzled, Henry looked through the history, flipping pages. “Oh.” His eyes shifted to Dean. “Oh.”

Dean smiled when he saw the look. “They’re mine aren’t they?” He nodded with a gloat to Frank. “They’re all mine, aren’t they Henry?”

Henry saw Frank cover his face. “Yeah, Dean they are. I just looked at the birth name.  Alexandra and William Slagel. Mother, Ellen. Father, Robert Slagel slash Dean Hayes.”

“Yes.” Dean clenched his fist, “I still have my kids. But I wonder if I share in raising them. I bet I do.” He started to ramble. “I bet that’s what Ellen was talking about. She probably . . .”

“Dean!” Frank scolded. “Shut up! Aside from fucking up my personal life, Henry, what effect did Robbie have being here?”

“Ready?” Henry asked as he sat back down. “Unfortunately it’s more positive than negative.” He waded through the moans from Frank. “From my quick review, Robbie’s been an asset. He works in Mechanics and security. He flies the choppers. But most importantly, he works our survivor program with his . . .” Snidely, Henry looked at Frank, “wife. Our population in Beginnings is about forty people higher. We’ve had less oustings. From what I gathered, a lot of survivors were eliminated in some extensive screening program . . . Robbie started. Never make it past his screening, never make it in. Once in, most stay. Remember your gal pal Michele?”

Frank cringed.

“Never made it in,” Henry said. “But, before you smile with the good comes the bad. Four men are here that we deemed dangerous and kicked out. One of which . . .” with a shifting of the eyes, Henry took on a very serious tone. “Reverend Thomas Barnhard. That’s what the people in this time know him as. We know him as . . . Moses.”

Frank jumped up, knocking the little chair to the ground. “I killed him.”

“No Frank you didn’t. He is Reverend Thomas here. He is the Baptist minister of Beginnings. He and Reverend Bob do it all.”

“Wait,” Dean interrupted, “if Moses is here, what about those men he led outside the gate.?

“My mind went there too.” Henry said, “and they’re still outside of Miles City. We surveillance them once a week. See, we . . .”

“Hold up.” Dean halted Henry. He closed his eyes with a thinking look. “Robbie was never kicked out. Robbie never joined them.”

“That’s correct,” Henry nodded, “and you were never kidnapped. So we never had that big standoff between Beginnings and . .” Henry’s hand released the history papers. His eyes lit up. “That means.” He smiled widely. And as if he was a psychic messenger, the lights above Dean and Frank’s head went on at the same time. They both, at the same time jumped to their feet and smiles hit their faces.

Dean looked at Henry. “Do you think?”

“It has to be. Frank?”

Frank took off like a bullet. “I’m first.” He burst through the door of the school.

Like it was a race, the three of them, trying desperately to get ahead of one another, bolted like teenagers down the streets of Beginnings to the living section.

They all arrived at the second row of houses at the same time. Frank ran to the first unit, and Henry pulled him from the door to knock. Dean pulled Henry out of the way then Frank took control, opening the front door to Andrea’s house without knocking.

The three of them stumbled over each other in their power struggle into the empty living room. With hearts beating with excitement they looked around.

“Hey guys!” The young voice came from the bottom step. “What’s going . . .” Denny looked at the three men who suddenly turned to him. “. . .on?” His young blue eyes widened when suddenly--and loudly--the shrieks of the grown men filled the room and their bodies flung forward to him with reaching and excited arms. “Mom!” Denny screamed. “Mom! Help!”

Frank grabbed Denny’s head rubbing his blonde hair and trying to hold the teenager as did Henry and Dean. “Denny.” Frank kissed him.

“Mom! Frank’s kissing me! Help!” He was trapped. Trapped in an enthusiasm that confused the fourteen year old. “Mom!”

“Hey!” Andrea yelled out. “What in the world are you three doing to my boy? Get . . .” She waved her dish towel hitting them. “Get.” She reached to her son. “Come here, honey.” She pulled him out. “Why are you attacking him?”

Frank’s hand reached to Denny again. “Denny. We are so glad to see you. So glad. Man.” He shook his head once. “Man, are we glad to see you. We . . .” Frank pointed to Dean and Henry. “We missed you.”

“Out!” Andrea pointed to the door. “Out! I remember Henry and Ellen when they made that trip. I don’t want you three projecting that weird time machine after effect stuff on my baby. Out! And Dean, you best get home.” Her head went back and forth as her hands waved. “Ellen is waiting with those kids and you know how Robbie gets when she’s late.”

“O.K.” Dean stepped quickly to Denny and kissed him on the cheek. “Good to have you here Denny.”

“Mom.” Denny wiped his cheek. “They’re kissing me.”

Before Andrea could scold at them again, the three of them, breathing heavily, stepped outside.

Henry gave a happy hit to Frank’s arm. “That is one good thing that came out of it. This is great! Denny’s alive.”

“Yeah.” Frank looked proudly to Andrea’s house. “But I still lost my wife.”

Dean began to back up. “I’m going to go find her now Frank, at my house.” He snickered. “I’ll see you guys.”

After flipping Dean off, Frank turned back to Henry. “Let’s go back in and see Denny.”

“Andrea will have a fit.”

“Screw Andrea.” Frank reached for the door. “He’s alive.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

“Sorry I’m late,” Dean spoke to Ellen who looked as if she was waiting on him when he opened the door to his house, a house that looked the same.

“That’s all right, I’ll make something up,” Ellen said.

Dean smiled as Alexandra ran to hug him, he kissed her, then Billy. “Am I keeping them all night?”

“No. We’ll pick them up later. Here take the baby.” Ellen handed him the child.

“Look at this.” Dean held him up with a smile. “I still have you. Hey Brian.” He laid his lips on the baby’s cheek.

“Dean?” Ellen snickered. “What did you just call him?”

“I uh . . . Brian?”

“Brian? His name is RJ, Robbie junior?” She shook her head.

“Sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking.” He cuddled the baby. “This is really great.”

“Thanks, Dean. I have to run.” Ellen reached for her coat.

Dean, adjusting the baby, moved to the dining room where he saw yet another child. One he didn’t know. Was it one he should? The stocky child, about the size of Alexandra, hurried from the kitchen eating a cookie. Crumbs were scattered about his face. His short black hair was not of the sandy blonde of Alexandra, Billy or Brian--rather RJ. “El, who’s that? He looks just like Frank. Wow that’s scary.”

“Dean!” Ellen scolded. “That’s your son.”

“My son?” Dean started to laugh. “You’re joking. You aren’t joking?”

“I’m leaving.” She placed on her coat. “Time machine memory loss or not, could you not talk like that in front of him? He’s only three.”

“Three?” Dean gasped. “Look at the size of him. Holy shit.”

“Dean!” Ellen walked to the door.

“Sorry.” Dean bent down to him. “Hi.”

The deepest voice Dean had ever heard emerged from the child. “Hey, Dad.”

“El?” Dean tried not to laugh. “Do they all call me, Dad?”

“You’d better talk to Jason. This is worse than what I had. Yes, Dean. They call you and Robbie, Dad.” She brushed the crumbs from the boy’s face. “Be good all right? Dean? Watch his sugar intake, he’s in one of those wild moods.” Shaking her head, Ellen made her way back to the front door. It opened and in walked Frank and Henry. “Don’t you two knock?”

Frank stepped in first. “Nope. Hey El.” He walked right up to her.

“Don’t kiss me, Frank.” Ellen moved back. “I’m still shuddering from this afternoon. Speaking of kisses, almost forgot.” She walked over to Dean and laid her hands on his face. She kissed him then kissed him again. “See you later.” Running her hand down his face, she headed back to the door, pausing when she saw the look Frank gave her. “What Frank?”

“Why are you kissing Dean?” Frank asked.

“Why wouldn’t I kiss Dean?”

“For starters, you are married to my brother.”

“So what, he has an understanding with Dean. Is this the monthly gripe about it from you?” She headed faster to the door.

“Hold up!” Frank shouted to her as she opened the door. “My brother has an understanding with him? Why does he have an understanding with Dean?” Frank asked.

“How else would we have the children?” Ellen answered.

“In a lab,” Frank stated.

“Now that’s silly.” Ellen began to walk. “And stop Frank, all right. Robbie will get pissed if he hears you starting again. You do this all the time and it gets me in trouble. Bye guys.” Ellen left the house.

Dean’s laughter was heard from across the room. “Frank, I really owe you. I have four kids to Ellen and an understanding. This is good. This is really good.”

“Shut up, Dean.” Frank headed to him, but stopped when he felt the bump into his legs. He looked down to the child and it took Frank aback. “Whoa.” He lifted up the dark haired boy. “Whose kid is this?” Frank held him at eye level. “This is scary. He looks just like me.”

“Mine.” Dean held up his hand.

“No way,” Frank smiled. “He looks too much like me to be yours.”

“Tell me about it.” Dean watched him put the kid down. “Hey, Frank look.”

“Brian?” Frank held out his arms and took the baby. “Brian?” He began to kiss him. “Hey baby. It’s me.”

“His name is Robbie junior, Frank. And, he’s mine too.” Dean gloated.

Henry’s eyes grew wide. He shifted them from Frank, to the baby, then to Dean. “It’s the same baby. Oh shit.” He looked quickly at Dean. “It’s the exact same baby, Dean.” Henry moved closer, speaking with such intimidation. “Why is that? Why is it the same baby?”

Frank knew the answer. “I’ll tell you why.”

Henry hunched. Reality check.

“I had an affair with Ellen, that’s why.” Frank kissed the baby again. “I had to. Look at him. He’s the same. He’s my kid. And that other one, I’ll bet money that he’s mine too.”

Dean looked at the dark haired boy who suddenly ran into a wall and bounced back rubbing his head and laughing. “Looking at his size and mentality, you’re probably right, Frank. Wait . . . what’s his name?”

Henry took a thinking look. “I know this. I can see it on the paper. Shit, what is his name?”

Frank rolled his eyes at both of them, still holding Brian, he bent down to Alexandra. “Alex, what’s your brother’s name?”

“Robbie.” She answered.

“Not this brother, the other one.”

“Billy.”

“Not him, the other one.” Frank pointed to the boy who proceeded to jump from the fourth step.

“You’re silly.” She took off running.

Frank waved his hand at her. “She’s too much like her mother. Billy? What’s your brother’s name?”

After cringing at the loud thump of the boys landing, Dean decided, he would take control. “I’ll handle this.” He walked to the stairs where the boy was racing up to the sixth step. “Hey, don’t even try to jump from that one. It’s too high. Get down here. Now.” The kid stomped to him. “What is your name?”

“Huh?”

“Your name?” Dean asked him. After getting a clueless look from the boy, Dean stood. “I give up.” He walked back to the living room. “Henry, what’s wrong? You’re quiet.”

“Just frustrated,” Henry said. “I’m going home. I have six years’ worth of screwed up history to read. Thanks Frank.” Henry walked to the door. “And are you coming? Let’s leave Dean alone with his kids that you gave him, along with Ellen. Sure Dean’s the happy guy. And me? I’m stuck in Beginnings with Robbie Slagel again. I don’t like him, Frank.”

“Henry!” Frank shouted at him. “Shut your skinny ass up. Quit bitching. I’m going to fix this. If we have to break into Jason’s lab and figure out that time machine ourselves, things are going back. And Dean?” Frank pointed to him. “Understanding or not, to the three of us, she is still my wife. Don’t touch her.”

“But Frank, we have to act normal,” Dean defended. “How will it seem to Ellen if I don’t . . .”

“Dean, don’t do it,” Frank warned. “Tell him, Henry.”

“It wouldn’t be right Dean,” Henry insisted.

“All right, all right.” Dean held his hands up in surrender. “I’ll be good.”

Grabbing a blanket from the couch, Frank followed Henry to the door. “We’ll see you tomorrow. We have to discuss this.”

“Wait.” Dean hurried to him. “The baby. Give me Brian, I mean Robbie.”

“No fuckin way, he’s my kid.” Frank threw the blanket over the baby. “I’ll bring him back in an hour.”

Dean heard the loud thump to his right and he looked to see the dark haired child excitedly pick himself up from the bottom of the steps. “Wanna take this one too?”

^^^^

“Empty.” Henry closed the closet door in his spare bedroom later that night. “Completely empty Frank. None of her things. She doesn’t even live here. Never has. The best and only roommate I ever had is gone.” Storming to the bed Frank sat on, Henry grabbed a pillow and hit Frank with it.

“I would like Ellen to be here too.” Frank stood up. “And why am I staying at your house? I have my own . . . I think.” He scratched his head.

“Because I don’t trust you, that’s why. And this is your punishment for screwing around with time. You have to listen to me bitch.”

“Well quit it. This won’t be for long.” Frank walked to the door. “I’ll be back.”

“Where are you going? Stay put.”

“I have to see her, Henry. You go on, start working on that history.”

“Frank, she lives with Robbie. And you don’t even know . . .” He shut his eyes tight when the door closed loudly. “. . . where that is.”

^^^^

Tossing his shirt over the side of the couch, Robbie placed his hands on Ellen’s face bringing her closer to his body. “Try to be a bit more responsive. Please?”

“I’m sorry.” She laid her chest close to his. “We should have gotten the kids by now.”

“Tough, Dean can handle them for a little while more. I would like to be with you.” Robbie slid his hand up her bare thigh, positioning her closer across his lap. His fingers slipped under her shirt--the only item of clothing he left remaining on her. “Responsive, El.” He tilted his head.

“Sorry. More responsive.”

Getting the reaction he wanted, Robbie moved his lips more intensely on hers, sliding down just a bit in the position he had on the sofa. Moaning slightly, Robbie paused and lifted his head to what he thought was a loud ‘Ellen!’ coming from a distance. Shaking his head, Robbie returned to kissing Ellen. Again, he stopped. “No.”

“What’s wrong? Now who’s not being responsive?”

“You can’t hear that?” Robbie rested his head against the arm of the couch. It grew louder.

“Ellen!” Frank’s voice blasted in the distance.

“No.” He shook his head. “Tell me my brother is not calling your name in the middle of the street.”

Ellen closed her eyes tightly. “Shit.”

“Fuck would be a better word.” He heard Frank’s voice grow louder. “I’ll handle it this time.” He waited for Ellen to slide back from him and he stood up. “Put some clothes on in case he barges in here again.” Robbie walked to the front door. “Frank.” He whispered loudly at his brother who was walking down the street. “Knock it off.”

“Robbie.” Frank spun to the house. “So this is where you live.” He walked to the door. “I need to talk to Ellen.”

“No you don’t, Frank.” Robbie held his arms close to his body. The fall air was chilling against his bare chest. “We are busy, Frank. We are really, really busy at this moment.”

“Tough. I’m coming in.” He stepped inside.

“You’re drunk, aren’t you?” Robbie closed the door.

“I don’t get drunk,” Frank stated.

“Yes you do,” Robbie said.

“I do? When?”

“All the time,” Robbie spoke with disgust, “just like you are now.”

“I’m not drunk. El, do I get . . .” He stopped when he saw her half-dressed. “No, No. Please don’t tell me you just slept with him.” He moved to the couch. “Why would you do that?”

“Why?” Ellen stood up and fastened her pants. “He’s my husband Frank, that’s why.”

“No, El, see.. That’s wrong.” Frank stepped closer. “I’m your husband, not Robbie.”

Robbie threw his hands in the air. “That’s it. He’s loaded again. Where’s my shirt?”

“Frank.” Ellen stepped to him. “Listen to you. Can’t you see when you drink, how you get?”

“Ellen, I never, never, get drunk ever,” Frank argued.

Tossing his shirt on, Robbie ran his fingers through his hair to straighten it. “You always, always get drunk, Frank. El, I’m getting Johnny so he can straighten him out before I kill him. Watch him.” Robbie grabbed his coat. “And don’t let him touch you.”

Frank scoffed at the slamming of the door. “He’s nuts. I’m not drunk.” Frank grabbed a hold of Ellen. “El, listen to me.” He tried to kiss her.

“Frank, stop that.” She stepped back.

“No listen to me.” He kissed her again, despite the fact that she fought him.“El, listen.” Frank dropped to his knees and grabbed her hands. “This isn’t the way it’s supposed to be. You are supposed to be with me. Me, El. Not him.”

“I’m married to Robbie, Frank. I think that says who I’m supposed to be with.”

“See, but you aren’t married to Robbie.” Frank kissed her hands. “Actually you aren’t. Just don’t mess around with him until I can straighten this mess out. Then you’ll see.”

“See what?”

“That you’re my wife.”

“I’m not your wife. I’m Robbie’s.” Ellen pulled back. “And get up. Get up before he comes back. You are really bad tonight, Frank. This is getting out of hand.”

Frank stood up. “I’m not out of hand. I am very rational right now.”

The reopening of the front door brought a comment from Robbie. “And drunk,” he said as he stepped in with Johnny. “Take care of him John.”

“Come on Dad.” Johnny walked to him. “We’ll walk this off.”

“I’m not drunk,” Frank said pulling from Johnny’s reach and walking to the door.

Robbie approached him. “Then why are you here?”

“I just wanted . . .I just wanted to see Ellen. That’s all. I’ll leave.” Trying for that guilt effect, Frank dropped his head, slowly opened the door, and walked out. He stopped when he reached the sidewalk. “Hold up. Drunk?” He turned back and walked into the house again. They stopped talking when he walked in. “Um . . .” Frank closed his eyes and tried to think of how to phrase his question. “You guys insisted I was drunk. Now I can’t remember, the time machine thing. Do I have a drinking problem?”

Robbie laughed in disbelief. “If it’s true and that time machine lapsed your memory, let me put it this way Frank. You could be the sole cause for the reorganization of Alcoholics Anonymous.”

“Shit.” His eyes shifted around the room. “Thanks.” He stepped back out, closing the door. “I’m a drunk? Nah . . .It’s the ripple thing.” He started to walk and stopped again. “Maybe it’s not. Shit! Maybe I am and I just forgot.” He took off running. He had to ask Henry.

HENRY’S JOURNAL

November 25

Frank is an asshole! Why he would even think that calling Robbie was a good idea. I don’t like Robbie. Now we’re stuck and everything is screwed up. He’s such an asshole. I’m too pissed to write.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

November 26

Robbie Slagel looked totally drawn. He slumped in the chair across from his father in his office, finishing the last of his cigarette, and slamming it out in the ashtray. “Dad, he’s worse. I was dealing with it, I think, pretty good. But it’s been worse with him since he rescued her from Colorado.”

“And he was drunk again last night when he showed up?”

“He said he wasn’t.” Robbie sat up some. “He was talking crazy shit. Dad, he said he was married to Ellen.”

“Oh dear God.” Joe rubbed his eyes, leaning forward on the desk. “This is a new one. What in God’s name is next?”

“Ousting him. That’s what should be next. I actually thought of sticking him in containment, as a form of rehab, but then he’d love that.”

“We can’t get rid of your brother. You know and I know he runs the security and runs it well. He’s the meanest man we have and we need that.”

Robbie closed his eyes and shook his head. “He’s also the craziest man we have.” He threw his hands in the air. “I give up. But mark my words, this time machine memory shit . . . he’ll use it.” Robbie stood up from his seat. “He’ll use it like he’s doing now, pretending he didn’t remember he had a drinking problem.” He blew from his mouth in frustration. “He’s doing the Frank-pattern shit again. He does the crazy shit, runs to Ellen, plays on her sympathy for him. And then you know what happens? I can’t deal with that again.”

“I know.” Joe held up his hand. “I’ll talk to him. He’s coming in for a meeting anyhow about the Cleveland run. I’ll try to knock some sense into him.”

“I appreciate it.” Robbie looked at his watch. “And I want to get to containment so I’d better finish my morning mechanics work, before the little prick . . .” He heard the door open and turning around, Robbie snickered. “Speak of the devil.”

Henry’s shock to see Robbie hit him the second he stepped in the door. It was only the second time he had been face to face with the returning Slagel. Henry, one of the most logical men in Beginnings, stood there staring and having a hard time with his feelings. Distinguishing Robbie from the one he remembered and the one that stood before him would be one of his most difficult tasks.

“Dad, I’m gone.” Robbie slowly walked to the door, stopping in front of Henry. “Why are you staring at me?”

“You . . . I um . . . no reason.” Henry stepped in further.

Robbie, ignoring the constant stares, walked out.

With a twitch of his head in confusion, Henry pulled out the chair near Joe’s desk and sat down.

“Problem with my son, Henry?”

“I just don’t like . . . I just don’t . . .” Knowing that he may not have any reason for disliking Robbie, Henry thought quickly. “No.”

“Good.” Joe slid a stack of papers before him. “The information you guys brought back. It gives us two places to check. That’s all. I’ll pass this around to see if I missed anything, maybe I did. But right now, we have two more shots than we did yesterday morning.”

“What are they?” Henry asked, reaching for the information.

“We have the address to the Cleveland site. That’s step one. Now, we have the group going for that CDC mobile tomorrow. Jason says as soon as you get that ready, there shouldn’t be a problem doing that future trip.”

“That’s good to know we aren’t waiting the three weeks,” Henry said. “The sooner we get a sample of that virus, the more time Dean has to work on it.”

“My thoughts exactly. Now . . . I wanna plan a week long run to Cleveland. An info run.” Joe leaned back in his chair. “The men will be prepared to scout the area. I don’t expect to find a SUT camp. Cleveland is too obvious of a place. I’m hoping when Chester booked out of there, he left a lot behind. Four men. Frank and the usual crew.”

“Frank?” Henry questioned with concern. “Why would you send, Frank?”

“I always do.”

“But it’s dangerous. Joe, you should send someone without small children.”

“Frank doesn’t have any small children.”

“Yes he . . .” He paused embarrassingly. “Doesn’t. He doesn’t. That’s right. Sorry.”

“Henry? Should you be working today?” Joe twirled his finger in a circle around his temple.

“I’m fine.” Henry nervously pushed the paper back to Joe. “How will the Cleveland run affect the future time trip? Won’t they coincide?”

“If they do, they do. I don’t see a problem with it, neither does Jason. After all, you guys are only going to the future then into quarantine. We can do two things at once around here.”

“You’re right. I hope the quarantine isn’t too long. That’ll only leave two people to run mechanics and the work will be . . .”

“Three,” Joe interrupted. “Three people in mechanics, Henry. John, Scott, and Robbie.”

“Sorry I forgot.” Running his hand over his face, Henry thought it was just about that time to go. “Anything else Joe?” He stood up.

“No that’s it.”

“All right, see ya.” Henry darted to the door.

“Henry,” Joe called out.

With a squeak of his shoes, Henry stopped. “Yes, Joe?”

“Is everything fine? Are you doing all right?” Joe asked with concern.

“Couldn’t be better Joe, bye.” Like a jackrabbit, Henry sped off.

^^^^

“I have to find out.” Dean spoke to himself, laying his mug of coffee on top of the file cabinet in the records room of the clinic. “I’ll just pull you and take you back to the lab. First, what is your name?” Bending down to the last drawer where the ‘S’ names were, Dean adjusted his glasses and opened the file drawer between his legs. “Slagel, Slagel. God!” He gasped out. “Look at all the Slagels. It’s an invasion of them. Alexandra, Ellen, Frank, Joseph, Joseph . . . two?” He pulled both folders out and opened the first one. “Well you aren’t fifty-nine. You must be . . .” Dean flipped just the corner exposing the birth date. “Three. You are three.” He shut the folder and laid it on the floor. He pushed in the file drawer, nearly falling over to his side as his foot was stepping on his lab coat.

Grabbing the folder, standing up then collecting his coffee, Dean left the records room and headed back down to the clinic lab.

His curiosity could have waited until he was well inside, but it didn’t. Dean set down his coffee on the counter to his right as soon as his first foot stepped inside. Peering down he opened the folder and kept walking. “O.K. What can I find out about . . . Holy Shit!” Dean banged right into a stool causing it to crash to the floor with a rattle. He leaned down blindly picking it up while reading. “Ten pounds, eleven ounces.” Feeling for the flat surface of his stool, he began to sit then realized he wanted his coffee. He looked back to how far away it was, and still reading, he went to retrieve it. Coffee in hand, folder open, Dean sat down before the counter. “Oh my God. Four weeks early?” Dean lifted the sheet. “Where is it?  It has to be somewhere. We always . . . no.” Dean folded the third sheet over. “This can’t be right.” He took off his glasses and ran his hand over his face several times. “How can that be? He’s my kid? Where in the world did I get the genes to create him?”

“Dean?” Ellen’s voice softly called in the lab.

Dean was startled to the point his hand slid down to the table, flinging the chart and its contents across the room. “El?” He spun to face her then quickly got up.

“I was just . . .” She giggled at his nervousness, “leaving for containment.” Her words slowed. “What are you doing?” She walked over to help.

“I got it.” Dean bent down.

“Let me help.” She began to gather papers with him. “Dean?” She stood up reading. “Why do you have his chart out?”

“Why?” Dean took the paper from her. “I uh . . . couldn’t for the life of me . . .” He grabbed all of the papers sticking them in the folder. “Remember if we tested . . . um . . . um . . . geez,” He peeked at the chart, “Joseph for hyperactivity. Yes, that’s it.”

“Joseph?”

“Don’t you remember now, El?” Dean gave a fake laugh. “You know my son, that dark haired kid.”

“Joseph?” She tilted her head.

“His name’s not Joseph?” Dean panicked.

“Yeah, but since when did you start calling him Joseph?”

“Joe?”

“Joey,” She corrected.

Dean thought quick. “Well, I uh . . .” He fluttered his lips. “I thought maybe if I started calling him Joseph, maybe he would be . . .”

“Smarter?” Ellen asked. “Won’t work. One of the children was bound to lack your intelligence.”

Dean’s mouth opened. “That is so wrong.”

“And I have to go.  You know how Robbie gets.” She leaned forward and kissed him.

“How does Robbie get, El?” Dean asked.

“You know.” She kissed him again, sliding her hand down his arm. “Dean? Are you mad at me? You seem different. It’s just that . . . I’m kissing you, you’re not kissing me.”

Without saying anything, Dean slid his hand to her and kissed her. “I’m not mad at you.” He kissed her again.

Ellen let out a sigh of relief--a long one. “Good. Right now is not a good time for it either. Frank’s doing his thing again, and you know how Robbie gets with me when that happens. I need you.”

“El.” He felt her hand slip from his. “El.” He watched her wave and leave. Turning and leaning, gut first against the counter, Dean spoke softly out loud. “How does Robbie get?” He felt frustrated. How many times had he heard her use that phrase in a short period of time. He needed an answer. Ellen wasn’t giving one. And aside from Joe, there had to be a person in Beginnings, nosey enough and close enough to give Dean the answers to Robbie he sought.

“Dean.” The woman’s voice called out.

Bright eyed, Dean looked up before turning around. He never thought he’d be so happy as to hear Jenny Matoose’s voice.

“Dean,” Slightly crass she spoke. “I need some more of that nipple cream. My areola are cracking from breast feeding.”

After taking a moment to cringe, Dean turned around to face Jenny with a bright, but forced smile.

^^^^

Ellen slowly brought a piece of bread to her mouth as she sat during her lunch break in her office. She turned the page in the book she read, laughing softly at what was on the pages, then she heard it, the shuffling of feet from her quiet visitor. Raising her eyes, she smiled softly and tilted her head at the oddness of the visit. “Henry?”

“Hi El.” Henry slowly took another step in. “Can I sit?” He showed his hand at the chair then sat. “Boy, I’ve been wanting to just sit and talk to you.”

Ellen closed her book. “Henry, right now we shouldn’t be talking.”

“Why?”

“Robbie is coming to containment. He’ll be here soon. He hates when we’re together, especially since the wall. He’ll think we’re up to something.”

“Since when do you care what anyone thinks?” Henry asked.

“I always care, Henry. There’s less tension that way. And you being here right now will cause tension.”

“Why?” Henry wanted to understand.

“Frank came by last night in one of his drunken binges. You being here will only make Robbie think you’re helping Frank again. And we shouldn’t be talking here. Maybe at the social . . .”

“El, I want to talk to you. Can we just talk? Talking, that’s it.” He saw the nervousness as her eyes shifted around. He wanted to change the subject. “El.” Henry tilted his head and raised an eyebrow with a sneaky smile. “I saw Jenny Matoose. Jenny Matoose?”

“I did too,” Ellen smiled. “She is so excited about being in charge with Josephine for the Christmas cookies this year. She and I were discussing the new ones we were going to try since we got the cocoa thing down good.”

Henry froze. Ellen and Jenny baking cookies? He thought for sure he was inside a bad remake of IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE. Change the subject. With a snicker he reached to her desk. “El? Are you reading?”

“I was when you walked in.” She lifted the book. “Did you read this? Jenny lent it to me. John picked it up the last time he was out getting . . .”

“Since when do you read books?” Henry asked.

“I always read. It’s my form of escape.”

“Escape from what?”

“Escape. Everyone needs an escape.”

“But reading El? You find . . .” Mid thought he stopped. This was a different Ellen and he was discovering that. “El, can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“How are things with you and Robbie? Really? How are they?”

Almost in a slow whine, Ellen stood up saying his name, “Henry.” She walked over and shut her door. “You know how things are.” She slid to the edge of her desk sitting before him. “Did Frank send you?”

“No El. I sent me.” Henry reached up and grabbed for her hand But before he could touch her, Ellen’s office door opened and in walked Robbie.

Ellen quickly pulled her hand from Henry. “Robbie.” She spoke his name with surprise.

Robbie’s eyes shifted. No smile was on his face. “What’s he doing here?”

Henry stood up. “He . . . came to talk to Ellen.”

“He . . .” Robbie pointed, “is not allowed. Especially since last night and especially behind closed doors. Let’s go, El.” Robbie held out his hand. “Now.” He snapped his fingers. “I have the people waiting.

Ellen grabbed his hand.

“El?” Henry called out. “He just snapped at you. You hate when people do that to you.”

Ellen’s head quickly turned to Henry in a ‘shut up’ manner.

Robbie moved Ellen to behind him. “Go on to the skills room, El.” Ellen did and he stepped closer to Henry. “Why would you even say that?” Robbie asked him with snide arrogance.

“Because she does.”

“What do you know Henry? You don’t know anything except how to start trouble.”

“It’s not trouble Robbie. I know.” Holding his head high, Henry walked to the door. “And I also know about that small little birthmark on the upper inside of her thigh. So there.” Henry nodded and walked out.

Closing his eyes tightly and shaking his head in disgust, Robbie blew it off. “Fuckin Frank.” Tapping his hand against the archway, he walked out. He headed to the skills room, looking once more at Henry who was leaving.

^^^^

It was perfect timing and it aided in a better explanation. Henry’s interruption into the lab when Dean was asking Jenny about Robbie and Henry concerns over Robbie’s behavior deepened Dean’s. After all, Henry had spoken to Robbie.  Dean had avoided him.

“Nothing,” Jenny said softly. “And does Jason know both of you are forgetting the same things. Weird.”

Dean was confused. “How can there be nothing wrong with Robbie. You heard Henry. Robbie was downright nasty plus demanding. Ellen’s frightened of him. Isn’t she?”

“Yes,” Jenny replied. “I would be, too.”

“Then,” Dean stated, “He’d doing something to her.”

“No, he’s not.” Jenny shook her head. “There is nothing wrong with Robbie. Yes Robbie gets bitter and angry. He even gets violent. But never does he direct it toward Ellen. He loves her too much. And . . . Ellen should be afraid. She knows what she does to him. Afraid that he will say enough is enough.” Jenny softened her voice. “You know about it Dean. He raised Josh and Taylor with her then watched them die. He put aside his personal convictions since he knew he couldn’t give Ellen a child, and allowed you and her to be together for that. And what does she do? Sleep with his brother? The best thing he did was make that understanding official. At least she and Frank don’t sneak around anymore. And you . . .” She pointed to Henry. “If he acts that way toward you, you deserve it.”

“Me!” Henry nearly shrieked. “What did I do?”

Jenny laughed. “Run interference all the time for Frank. You wanna know what’s wrong with Robbie, try finding out what’s wrong with Frank. In my personal opinion, we should just toss Frank out. No one likes him or cares about him. He’s nothing but a troublemaker and a drunk. And I’m going to leave.” Jenny backed up. “The last thing I want is for Robbie to think I was involved in a negative conversation about him. He doesn’t deserve it.”

So in shock, Dean and Henry watched Jenny leave, then they just turned to each other dumbfounded.

^^^^

Frank stared down at the palm of his hand. He mumbled some, closed his eyes, and then walked more towards his Dad’s office. A few more steps, a stare at his hand, and Frank continued on. Nearing the line of utility buildings, Frank looked up to make sure he wasn’t heading straight into anything and he saw Josh. Josh walked with a sack, picking up anything that might look like litter. Frank knew this was an odd job for the teenager, maybe it was punishment of some sort. After all it was late afternoon. Josh should have been down or starting with his shift. “Hey Josh.” Frank walked by him.

“Hey Uncle Frank, what’s up.”

Like he smacked into a wall, Frank stopped walking. His head spun back with wide eyes to the blonde teenager. “Josh? You’re talking?” Frank moved closer. “Say something.”

“What do you want me to say?” He laughed at Frank. “How are you doing . . .”

“Stop.” Frank held up his hand and ran his it over his goatee. “Wow, amazing. Diane worked wonders with you. And fast.” Frank hit Josh on the back. “Good job.”

“Thanks.” Josh shrugged, bending down and picking a cigarette butt from the ground.

“Amazing.” Frank headed to his Dad’s office. He knocked once then walked in. “Hey Dad.”

“Frank.” Joe held out his hand. “Sit down.”

“Did I do something?” Frank asked.

“What the hell happened last night? I thought you told me you were going to control that drinking of yours.”

“Dad, I wasn’t drunk. In fact, check this out. I really don’t have a drinking problem. I thought I did and I just forgot, but Henry told I don’t have one, so there. I wasn’t drunk.”

“Yeah, Frank sure. Just stay away from Ellen. And for crying out loud, quit calling her name out so loud in the middle of the street.”

“But you want me with Ellen,” Frank commented.

“Since when? And why in God’s name would I want you with your brother’s wife.”

“She’s not his wife. She’s my wife.”

“No Frank, she isn’t your wife.”

“Dad, I’m telling you.”

Angry and frustrated, Joe slammed his hand down. “And I’m telling you! Knock the shit off!”

“Fine.” Frank gripped the arms of the chair. “But you’ll see.”

“We have work to talk about, Frank. Let’s try that. All right? First, as I mentioned this morning, we’re going to Cleveland. You and three other guys will be there for about a week.”

“I can’t go to Cleveland for a week. Why would you send me? I can’t be away from my family that long.”

“What the hell are you talking about Frank?”

“Uh . . .” Frank brought his hand up to his eyes. “Um . . . sorry. Nothing. When do I go?”

“About a week. I need you to square together the travel route. It’s the usual. Next, Sarge.” Joe reviewed his checklist. “Robbie says that Sarge is getting frustrated hanging out in containment. He wants to know if you can have another man posted in there instead of Sarge. Ellen reported Sarge snapped at a few survivors for talking too loud.”

“I had Sarge in containment because of the savages. Did we have a savage attack?”

“Frank?” Joe pulled his chair into his desk closer. “Of course we did. Lost six lives.”

“How the hell did that happen?! Didn’t Robbie divert it, he works there.”

“Robbie doesn’t work in containment all the time, Frank. He works with . . .” He saw Frank bring his hand to his face and squint his eyes. “What are you doing?”

“Thinking. O.K. You’re right. Robbie works at mechanics. Time machine memory loss thing. I’ll put someone else in there.”

“Good.” Joe checked that item off. “Next. Tower watch. Andrea says that your guy Steve will be out for three days with that knee surgery.”

“Josh. We can put Josh in Steve’s position until . . .”

“Josh? Josh? Are you out of your goddamn mind? Josh is fifteen years old! You can’t put a kid on watch for Christ sake. What the hell is the matter with you?”

“Josh is good, I trained him to . . . sorry.”

“Time machine memory loss?” Joe asked.

“Yep. I’ll find another replacement. Don’t worry.” Frank breathed slowly out of his mouth. Perhaps he should have listened to Henry and brought Henry along for the meeting. “Anything else?”

Joe’s head spun. It really did. Why he was getting a feeling of lack of accomplishment from this meeting he didn’t know. “Frank, have you been drinking?”

“No I haven’t been drinking. Why would I drink at three in the afternoon? Wanna smell my breath?”

“Christ no.” Joe rubbed his head. “Just, just plan the Cleveland trip and run it by me in two days, all right?” It was clear he was frustrated.

“Yep.” Frank stood up. “Dad, I’m really sorry I’m like this. I feel like I’m in the fog a bit. I’ll be better tomorrow. It’s just that . . .”

“Time machine memory loss?”

“Yeah,” Frank pointed. “That’s it.”

“Frank, memory loss or not, no screaming Ellen’s name up and down the street tonight.”

“Dad.” Frank held his hand up. “I am under control. I have everything under . . .” He saw Joe hunching some, peering as he crept to him. “What are you doing?”

“Give me that hand.”

“Nope.” Frank pulled it back. “See ya.”

“Frank!” Joe reached up and snatched his son back by his shirt. “The hand.” He grabbed Frank’s hand and looked at his palm. “List of things to avoid . . . Why is Henry’s handwriting on the palm of your hand?” Joe squinted and held tight to the hand Frank started pulling away. “Avoid talking about . . .” The hand was abruptly pulled from his eye view.

“Bye.” Frank opened the door.

“Frank!” The door shut before Joe knew it. “I have to find Jason.”

^^^^

It must have been a Robbie suggestion, but somehow Dean liked it, an alarm clock in his lab. It buzzed like a school bell, and that was Dean’s signal that it was time to go home. Mid review of notes, his hand extended blindly to the right to shut off the annoying sound. When it did and silence hit, the lights went out. Dean looked up. “Weird. An automatic shut down?” Thinking it even more of a great addition, Dean heard the door to the lab shut, and then lock. A bit of fear crept up into him. He could hear the soft footsteps as if someone were deliberately sneaking into the lab. Just as he went to move his hand, another hand laid on his. He felt the body press behind his and the warm breath from the mouth so close to his ear.

“Thursday, Four-fifteen,” Ellen spoke softly, “Ellen and Dean time.” Her hands crept around the front smoothing their way up his chest. “We missed our time last week.” She kissed his neck softly. “Jenny has the kids a little longer. I missed you. You make me sane. Make love to me.”

Her words not only made his heart drop, but they made Dean spin around. When he did, Ellen’s body pressed hard to him and her lips to his.

The kiss was so deep, intense, that the separation made a noise when Dean moved her away. “El, we can’t.”

“Yes, we can.” Her hands moved to his pants. “Dean.” She whispered his name. “Come on.” She smiled ornery at him. “You know you love doing it in here.”

“Here? Right here?” Dean’s eyes rolled when her hands roamed about him and her mouth slowly teased his neck. “We can’t.” He reached to stop her hands but maybe not as diligently or forceful as he could have.

Ellen took control. “We can.” From his undone jeans, Ellen brought her hands to the collar of his lab coat. Seductively she moved into him, hovering her mouth over his. “Dean.”

Dean swallowed. “Here? Right here?”

“No,” Ellen said “right here.” With a hard tug, Ellen dropped down pulling Dean with her to the floor.

He fought that final body to body connection with the linoleum. His hand gripped the edge of the counter for leverage in his fight. But not for very long. In a sexual defeat, Dean’s hand slid from the counter and he joined Ellen on the floor.

^^^^

“I’m telling you he’s here.” Frank said as he walked with Henry down the hall of the clinic.

“No, Frank. It’s after five. He’s home. We should go there first.”

“No, Jenny said it’s Thursday. They’re at the lab late on Thursday.”

Henry stopped before the door. “Why Thursdays?”

Frank shrugged and reached for the handle. “Locked.”

“And the lights are out, Frank,” Henry observed. “They aren’t . . .”

The door opened and Ellen stood there. “Hey, Frank. Henry. Bye.” Tucking in her shirt, she hurried by them and down the hall.

Frank looked at Henry and walked into the lab. He flicked on the lights. “Dean!”

With a surprised, ‘huh?’ Dean popped up from behind the far counter.

“What the fuck were you doing with Ellen?” Frank asked.

“Looking for something.” Dean cleared his throat and ran his fingers through his hair.

“In the dark?” Frank questioned.

“Had to.” Dean gathered up folders, a twinge of nervousness showed. “We were searching for our light sensitive baby rabbit we created in the lab.”

“Oh,” Frank nodded. “Makes sense.”

Henry gasped. “Frank! You believe him!”

“Henry,” Frank snapped. “He’s a scientist! He should know if he should look in the dark for a rabbit.”

“But you…he . . .” Henry grunted. “You know what? You’re so dumb you deserve it.”

“Deserve what?” Frank asked.

“Forget it.” Henry slammed his hand on the counter.

“O.K.” Frank shrugged. “Then we’ll just talk about the history later. I’ll just go see the kids. See ya.” Like he didn’t have a care in the world, Frank turned and walked from the lab.

A growl came from Henry. “Frank!” he yelled, “We have work now!” He marched to the door and turned around. “You.” He pointed to Dean.

“I didn’t do anything,” Dean acted clueless.

“Right,” Henry shook his head. “That was like so not right. You’re such a dog.” He stormed out.

The second Henry left, Dean’s elbows plopped first to the counter then his face dropped into his hands. He could only moan and mind mumble his agreement with Henry’s statement.

^^^^

“I don’t know, Joe.” Jason walked slowly side by side with Joe down center town of Beginnings. His hands were in his pockets as he and Joe headed to the social hall. “We didn’t have these types of problems with Henry and Ellen. They were a little confused with some minor, minor memory loss. Nothing as major as you are telling me.”

“Could it be . . .” Joe paused to think. “Could it be because of the distance in time you sent them that it may have fried something in their brains?”

“Medically, I’d have to say no. If I fried something that would cause the behavior you are describing to me, I would have fried enough to cease them from walking or talking.”

“Right now with the way Henry and Frank are acting, that may not be a bad idea.” Joe chuckled. “He wrote on his hand Jason. On his hand. No, wait . . . Henry wrote on his hand. Now what’s up with that shit?”

“How about Dean? Have you spoken to him? How has he been?”

“Haven’t seen Dean today at . . .” Joe stopped as he reached for the door of the social hall. “But Ellen has.” He saw Ellen walking from containment. “Let’s talk to her.” Joe, with Jason behind, hurried to her before she made her way home. “Ellen, can you stop for a second. I’d like to ask you about Dean.”

Pulling her coat closer, Ellen faced him. “Sure. What about him?”

“Has he been strange at all since this time trip?” Joe asked.

“Dean?” Ellen thought for a second. “A little nervous, jittery, but not strange. He seems to be . . .” She halted mid-sentence.

“What is it?” Joe asked. “Did you think of something?”

“Well . . . Dean said something odd yesterday. He didn’t know who Joey was. He knew the other kids. But he drew a complete blank on Joey. In fact, he actually thought he was Frank’s. I thought here we go again. But he really didn’t know him.” Ellen shrugged. “Time machine memory loss I guess. But that’s it.”

“That’s it?” Joe asked sarcastically. “Don’t you think that is an awfully big ‘it’?”

“Joe, it was the time travel thing. I’m sure he’s all right now.” Ellen shivered. “I’m really cold. Do you want to go inside and talk?”

“No.” Joe waved his hand. “You go on.” He kissed her on the cheek.

“Bye Joe.” Ellen backed up and waved. “Jason.” She walked casually off.

“Joe?” Jason stepped in front of Joe to see the look on his face. “What are you thinking?”

Joe shook his head and reached into his pocket for a smoke. “Something is up. I think we can get to the bottom of this and pretty easy.”

“How is that?” Jason asked.

“A little game of Beginnings trivia with our three time travelers. Can you meet me in my office tomorrow afternoon?”

“Sure, but Joe, how is asking them Beginnings trivia questions going to help them?”

“Not help them, help us. Help us figure out what the hell happened and Jason, something did. We have Frank, who is usually downright nasty and mean, walking around even tempered and sober. Sober mind you. He has cheat sheets written on his hands. And he thinks Ellen is his wife. I have Henry who is usually reserved, so damn nervous he can jump from his skin and saying ‘fuck’ while reviewing history. And Dean, Mr. Father of the Year, he can’t remember his own goddamn son. I’ll tell you Jason, they did something and we just have to get them to admit it.” Joe began to walk to the social hall again. “I need a drink.” He opened the door. “Time machine memory loss my ass.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

November 27

The puddle spewed out in a large circle on the floor behind the bar in the social hall. Apparently it seeped from somewhere, but for the life of Henry he couldn’t figure out where. Mopping it up and giving it a minute to dry--Henry didn’t want wet knees--he pulled out his flashlight and, with open cabinets, searched out and felt every single pipe or line under there-nothing. On the emergency work order in his pocket from Joe, there also mentioned something about sparks coming from the bar outlet. Henry didn’t want to dare check for that until he cleared up the dampness problem. Of course, Henry chuckled to himself on he thought of sending Robbie Slagel to fix the water and electric problem. Zap the arrogance right out of him so to speak. But, because Henry was that type of guy, he tried to be nice. And, because Joe insisted that the job get fixed before Beginnings so called happy hour, Henry sent himself--like Joe wanted--directly after his brief lunch.

Dean sounded so frantic when he flew into the social hall. “Henry!”

Henry startled, lifted his head under the bar hitting it with a thump and a loud ‘ow!”

Flying behind the bar, Dean slid on the still damp floor grabbing the counter top before he did a legs in the air flip to his backside. “Henry, don’t move!”

“Why?” Henry asked.

“Because something could be broken and you could cause more damage. Just stay still.” Dean squatted down.

“I only hit my head.” Henry tried to pull out. “Damn it. I’m caught up. Now, see this is why I don’t usually wear long sleeves.” Henry tugged his arm, trying to free his sleeve from the small piece of metal that snagged his shirt. “Why are you here, Dean?”

“Joe told me something heavy fell on you and you couldn’t move.”

“Joe said that? Why?”

“I don’t know. Let me see if I can help you.” Dean reached under the bar for his arm. “It’s kind of twisted in there.”

“Ow Dean, it’s scratching me.”

“If you would just stop.” Dean almost had it.

“Ow, I’m bleeding.”

With a loud voice that could have blasted them through the floor, Frank hollered out. “All right! Knock off the fighting shit!” Frank barged to behind the bar and he stared down with intimidation at the two. “Get up! And Henry I can’t believe you let Dean get the best of you.”

Henry’s arm was finally released. He shook off the tiny bit of pain and crawled out, standing. “What the hell are you talking about, Frank?”

“You two fighting,” Frank answered and watched Dean stand up laughing. “You weren’t fighting? I got a call from my Dad saying you two were tearing each other up in here.”

Dean scratched his head. “I got a call from Joe saying that Henry was hurt.”

Henry added too. “I got a call from Joe saying mechanically the social hall fell apart. What is going on?”

The social hall door shut, and oddly enough, was locked by Joe who walked in with Jason. “I’ll tell you what’s going on,” Joe said. “I wanted all three of you together at the same time, without any of you knowing you’d be here at the same time.” Joe walked over to a table and pulled out three chairs, lining them up. “Have a seat, boys.”

Henry, who didn’t know whether to shake his arm or rub his head, led the pack over to the chairs. “How come you didn’t want us to know we were all going to be together here?”

“I didn’t want you to cheat, Henry.”

Dean sat down first. “Cheat?”

“Cheat,” Joe said. “Jason and I have come up with a form of entertainment for the people of Beginnings. A game show, so to speak, and you three are the first three contestants.”

Jason hid his snicker well, standing there in the normal, tall, thin man fashion. Looking so much like he was up to something the way one arm was crossed across his waist while the other rubbed his chin. “We worked very hard on this . . . sit, Henry. It’s a trivia game. Beginnings history.” He saw the hesitation in Frank to join the others. “Frank, a problem?”

“Fuck.” Frank moved slowly to the chair. He stood above Henry who sat in the middle chair. Bending down, Frank whispered, “Let me sit in the middle. I’m screwed.” As Henry moved a seat over, Frank sat. “I hope at least we get prizes for doing this stupid shit in the middle of the work day.”

Joe opened his notebook. “Oh, you get a prize if you win Frank, a big prize.”

Henry raised his hand. “Why . . . uh, why us?”

“Simple,” Joe answered. “You three are originals. There should be nothing you don’t know about the history. We even made it easy, true or false and multiple choice.” Joe watched all three of them look to each other and try with diligence to look prepared. “We have questions that pertain to each of you. Ten points for each question answer correctly.” He saw Frank raise his hand. “Yes, Frank?”

“What’s the prize?”

“Don’t worry about it. First question.” Joe turned to Jason. “Ready to chalk up their scores?” Jason held up the pencil. “Dean . . . your question is easy. When we made the survival runs out of Ashtonville, which of the following were not a team? Frank and Jonas. Andrea, Jenny and Miguel. Me and George. You and Ellen. Which one is not a correct?”

Screwed! Dean tried not to look like he hesitated while he deducted which one was not true. Rewinding that list that sounded so right in his mind, he leaned forward with his hands folded and fingers tapping before him. Then it hit him. Ellen was married to Robbie. “Ellen and I did not make the run together.”

Joe smiled, “Very good.” He saw Dean sit back in relief. “But wrong. Ellen was the only woman to make the survival run . . . with you.” He shook his head. “Minus ten on that one, Jason. Frank . . .” His son sat up. “Easy one. Who headed security and put it together when we first came to Beginnings?”

Frank opened his mouth to answer but stopped when he heard Henry whisper ‘think about it ’. Frank closed his eyes. “Um . . .” It was too easy. Surely the answer he wanted to give was wrong. Remembering Robbie was in Beginnings and Robbie skills, Frank would not have stuck out like he did. Someone else would have put it together. “John Matoose.” Frank held his hand out.

Joe snickered then left out a loud buzzing sound. “Since when haven’t you ran security?”

“Fuck, Henry.” Frank hit Henry’s leg. “I was going to say that.”

Joe pointed to his son. “Jason, give him minus ten also. Henry . . . multiple choice. Which of the following was the very first major repair you had to handle in Beginnings? The back gate perimeter, Generator one, or the greenhouse three humidifier.”

“Oh that’s easy, Joe. The Generator one. I was so frantic, it was solar and I hadn’t a clue on how I was going to go about . . .” He saw Joe shake his head. “It wasn’t? Yes it was.”

“No it wasn’t. The back gate was, Henry. It happened before we even moved here. Robbie was arguing with Frank in the cab of that truck and he drove right into the fence remember?”

“Uh . . . yeah. But you said major, Joe,” Henry argued. “That wasn’t major.”

“Wasn’t major? They caused a short that took you three hours to shut down the power. They were stuck in that truck the whole time. We had to make a run to get new supplies to rebuild that entire perimeter.”

“But . . .” Henry held up his hand. “It didn’t frazzle me as much as that generator.”

“You’re so full of shit, Henry.” Joe shook his head. “Minus ten. Next round, these should be easy. Personal issues. Dean . . .”

“I don’t want to play anymore, Joe.” Dean stood up. “I really have a lot of . . .”

“Sit!” Joe scolded then, calming himself and ran his hand over his head. “What is Joey’s birthday?”

“Who?” Dean asked.

“Minus ten. Frank . . .”

“Joe, wait.” Dean tried to stop him.

Joe ignored him. “Frank, true or false. A month after we arrived in Beginnings you took off and didn’t return for a week.”

Frank knew that didn’t happen, but because Joe said it, it had to have. “True.”

“Very good, give him ten points, Jason.”

“Yes!” Frank clenched his fist. “I’m winning the game. I have zero.”

Joe, seeing Frank’s happiness, decided to damper it. “Why was that Frank. Why did you take off?”

“Is this a bonus question?” Frank asked.

“Never mind. Henry . . . your turn.” Joe smiled. “For six months, you and Frank did not speak; Robbie busted your nose, all because you had a one-time affair with Ellen. When did this happen?”

Henry thought he had it. He had it covered. “Joe.” He spoke somberly. “It was such a bad time in my life, I’ve tried to forget about it.”

“Knock the shit off, Henry,” Joe came back. “When?”

Frank turned completely around in his chair. “Yeah Henry when? When did you sleep with my wife?”

“Frank I . . .” Henry stuttered.

“And I’m just finding out about this?” Frank scolded.

Henry gritted his teeth to Frank, speaking through them softly. “Shut up Frank.”

“No, and since we’re revealing bedroom secrets,” Frank poked him, “What the hell happened outside of Beginnings that one night?” Frank titled his head and then he felt the annoying pain of Dean laughing. “And you!” Frank faced him. “You think this is real fuckin funny don’t . . .”

“Hey!” Joe shouted as loud as he could. “Knock it off! Forget answering me, Henry. There is no answer, it didn’t happen. You know why? Because you’ve never been allowed to be alone long enough with my daughter to get an erection!” Joe was red faced.

Henry widened his eyes. He huffed and grunted then pointed. “See Frank, you asshole. I told you.” He folded his arms and sat back. “That was a trick question, Joe.”

“Trick question?” Joe asked calmly then raised his voice to the highest of levels. “Trick question!?” He handed his notebook to an uncontrollably laughing Jason as he walked up to the sitting three. He peered closely at all of them. “How in Christ’s name can I give you a trick question about your own damn lives? I’ll tell you how. They’re trick questions if you don’t know what the hell is going on. And the only way I can come up with why you three are so goddamn clueless is because you three morons messed with time.” He reached his hand out to Jason. “Give it to me, Jason.”

Turning his head from the amusing verbal punishment he was watching Joe hand the three, Jason reached into his coat and pulled out Henry’s purple panda pouch. He gave it to Joe.

Joe held it up. “Recognize this?” He showed Henry.

Henry reached for it, but Joe pulled it away. “You went into my home, Joe. That is an invasion of my privacy.”

“Oh yeah?!” Joe raged. “You messed with time. That is an invasion of my privacy. Now, before I go to history and find out for myself what the hell you three did, let me know now, right now.” Mistake. At that second the fingers started pointing at each other and Frank, Dean, and Henry argued like teenagers back and forth on whose fault it was, and who did what. The voices had meshed together with such speed, it gave Joe and instant headache. “Hold it!” He got the silence he wanted. “Henry, you tell me and tell me simply what happened?”

“Your son, Joe!” Henry spoke with blame. “He’s an asshole. He made a phone call and not to just you. To Robbie. Telling him that Ellen would need him in Ashtonville. But what the big goof didn’t realize is that it was four years before the plague.”

Joe closed his eyes and took a breath. “The phone call that put the two together. All these years you insisted you never told Robbie to go to Ashtonville. We thought you were nuts. Here, in that past, you never made that phone call. In the future, you did. I have to see.” Joe smacked the pouch off his hand and turned around, storming out. Jason followed.

Henry, Dean, and Frank all jolted with Joe’s slam of the door. They sat quietly and waited.

In silence, in the social hall five minutes had passed, Henry grew antsy. “Should we face it with him or hide?”

Dean stood up and walked to the door. “Let’s go. Frank? Frank?”

Frank waved his hands in the air. “No way! My Father will kill me! No!”

Henry tugged on his arm. “Tough Frank. Because Joe hasn’t a clue how much things are different, and he’s about to find out what you did.”

^^^^

“Dear God.” Joe gasped as he reviewed the disks in the computer. “Dear God.”

Joe sitting on a chair with Jason next to him was what Henry, Frank, and Dean saw when they walked in the back room of history. Joe rubbed his eyes, staring at the screen. His face was so drawn.  It said it all.

Hearing them walk in, Joe faced them. “This . . . this is like a dream. Do you realize how hard it is for me to believe what I am reading? But I have to, because these are the disks that Henry came through with. If this is the way it was, what in the world have you three done?” He shook his head. “Frank, all these years you and Robbie were called, by people, Cain and Abel. You were Cain Frank, trying to steal your brother’s wife. But the truth to you, to you three is, Robbie was Cain. Robbie attacked Ellen? Robbie kidnapped you, Dean? He shot Frank?” Both of Joe’s hands went to his face. “And Denny? Denny died during all this?” Breathing slowly Joe stood up. “Frank, I can understand why you made that call. I can. But the truth is . . . the truth is . . .” Joe’s head dropped. “Jason you tell him.”

“You can’t ripple time like that,” Jason began to explain. “To me, it is easier to believe what I am reading. I haven’t been here all that long. Now being that you made the phone call and that was the event that changed time, it would be easy to change it back.” He looked to Joe who just stood stunned. “But should we? Should we mess with time anymore? It’s risky sending them back. They could stop Frank from making that call or miss him. We also have to consider, things are better in this history, yet . . . that doesn’t give us the right to change fate that much. It’s a hard call to make. I’ll send them back, Joe. You call it.”

Joe looked at the three silent faces of Frank, Dean and Henry. “No. It’s their conscience. Let them decide what we do.” He handed Henry his pouch. “It takes Jason two hours to prepare that machine. While he’s preparing it, you three discuss this. Really discuss this.” Joe walked to the door with Jason. “If you decide to do this, have Trish make you another set of History disks, mark them and be at the lab in two hours.” Saying no more, Joe left with Jason, pulling the door closed behind him.

^^^^

“No Dean,” Henry spoke sternly in argument. “No.”

“Yes Henry. Leave it be. Just let things be. We messed up enough we shouldn’t chance messing it up anymore.” Dean came back to him in their discussion on what to do. And those two seemed to be the only ones discussing. They paid no attention to Frank who sat off way in the back holding a notebook. “Look at things. Good things have happened and we can’t take them back, we shouldn’t.”

“We should!” Henry shouted. “And this is bull shit, this worrying about anyone else. This is personal for you and you know it. This has to do with Ellen.”

“It has some to do with Ellen.”

“No, Dean it has everything to do with Ellen and that is selfish.”

“And it’s not selfish why Frank wants to switch it back? It has everything to do with Ellen also.”

Henry laughed. “Have you spoken to anyone in this town about Frank? Come on Dean, we know Frank with respect. These people don’t respect him, they hate him. In this Beginnings, he’s a mean nasty drunk. That’s not right, because the Frank I know deserves more than that. Anything that Frank has done in this history has been overshadowed by his behavior. And let me honestly ask you this?” Henry stepped closer to Dean. “Have you spoken to Ellen? She’s different Dean, really different. Is that the same Ellen you fell in love with?”

Dean’s head rose up. “No she’s not. The Ellen I love drives me nuts. She makes me scream and rambles on and on about the stupidest shit.”

“You know why she does that, Dean? Because that is her way of escaping things that bother her. If something is bothering her she bothers other people. The Ellen we love doesn’t sit back and read a book. She doesn’t jump when a man snaps his finger. She snaps back. Ellen doesn’t just fit in a room when she walks in, she takes over a room. And she certainly wouldn’t be caught dead baking cookies with Jenny Matoose.” He saw Dean smile. “Jenny Matoose? Come on Dean. Would you like to know why she is so different? I’ll tell you my theory . . .” He saw Dean slump and moan, and even Frank gave a sigh from the back of the room. “She has no spark. She hasn’t any life in her. Why? Because the winning combination that pulled Ellen from her tragedy and made her live again is not in this Beginnings, it’s in our Beginnings. Frank and you Dean. You two. Not Robbie. And we can’t get Ellen back without having you two in her life constantly fighting over her like two high school kids.”

“And the only way to do that is to stop Frank from making that call,” Dean said.

“Exactly.” Henry dropped his head. Dean had seen his point.

“That’s . . .” Frank stood up, holding the note book. “Not necessarily true.” He looked at the two of them. “I have another plan. I can get our Ellen back and keep Robbie in Beginnings along with all the good he’s done.”

“Frank!” Henry scolded. “Listen to you. We have to change things back period. Haven’t you ever seen Star Trek? They have this thing called the prime directive. What that means is . . .”

“Fuck the Star Trek shit. Henry, listen to me.” Frank held up the notebook. “If we can get Robbie to Ashtonville at the onset of the plague or at least before we take off for Beginnings, we can have the same Beginnings history as now, less, the Robbie, Dean, and Ellen thing.”

Dean had to disagree some. “You can’t be sure of that Frank. What effect will Robbie have on our lives if he never married Ellen? He certainly wouldn’t be the same man. There would have to be some differences.”

“Sure there would be,” Frank stated, “but I’m willing to chance it. I’m certain my plan will work. We stop me from making that phone call and mail this letter.” He handed it to Dean despite Henry’s snickering at him. “I place this letter in an envelope saying do not open until May 29th the year of the plague then mail that envelope to him. Here’s what I figure will happen. The phone call is stopped. Robbie gets the letter and one of two things will occur. He will either hold it until that year or, he will open it right away and think I’m nuts and blow me off. But if he blows me off, somewhere in the back of his mind . . .”

Dean smiled. “He’ll remember the letter that made him think you lost it.” He handed the notebook to Henry. “The letter really makes you sound nuts Frank if he reads it too early.” He saw Frank nod. “And if it never makes it to the back of his mind, he’ll never show up in Ashtonville and we will be back to square one when we return.”

Henry slammed the notebook back to Frank. “Listen to you two. You can’t do this. Doing this is trying to actually conform things to the way we want them to be. That just can’t be done. How do you know that he’s not going to open the letter and see the name Ashtonville and run there anyhow?”

“The same way I can’t guarantee that when I stop myself from making that phone call and walk away, that my past-self won’t just wait until I leave and pick that phone right back up.” Frank had caught Henry’s and Dean’s attention on something they hadn’t thought of. “I know me. I’m a hard head. At least this letter is a backup, a weird one, but a backup. Yes we still stand a chance that Robbie will go to Ashtonville early. If that happens and we return and Robbie is still married to Ellen, then we are no worse off than we are now.”

Henry closed his eyes in thought. “If that happen, Frank, then what do we do?”

“We fight, Henry.” Frank clenched his notebook with passion. “We fight to make our lives what we want them to be. I’ll do it. I’ll get the respect I deserve. Maybe when I do that, I can get Ellen in my life. And Dean, Dean can work on her. And you, Henry, you have to just say screw my brother and make her that friend that you need. If he has her when we get back, then together, the three of us will take her and make her who she supposed to be. Not to mention one very important thing . . . Denny. Let’s make Beginnings the way it should be.” Frank held his hand out, palms down to the center of the three. “Who is in on this with me?”

Dean raised his hand and laid it down with a smack of assurance over Frank’s. “I’m in.”

Henry saw them looking at him, waiting. With a sighing, whining stature, Henry lifted his hand. “Aw Frank.” He laid it down over both of theirs. “If things don’t work out the way you want them to be, no whining like a baby and gacking in my toilet . . . I’m in.”

^^^^

Joe noticed the uneasiness of Henry as he stood last in line behind Frank and Dean to make their second tome trip. “Henry? I thought you of all people would be happy about changing things back.”

“Sorry Joe.” Henry shook his head. “I’m just a little upset that this happened in the first place. Wait until I tell my past self what he may or may not see when he comes through the machine with the past Frank and Dean.”

Dean, who stood in front, looked back at hm. “What do you mean, Henry?”

“My past self. If you two are gonna find Frank, who do you think is going to be sitting at the time machine archway when we go through there. Me. And I brought myself a book to read while I write in my journal, if that makes any sense.” He took the pedant that Jason handed him. “However, I know me. I’ll know something is up when I see me coming back though the . . .”

Jason just held his hand up to Henry halting him. He spoke soothingly to him. “You’re confusing even me. Now, knowing the time of day it is, you three are in luck. I won’t be in this lab when you return so make sure you pull the door closed tightly.” He began to punch the sequence in. “Ready gentlemen, do this right.” With a loud humming, power surging sound, the archway lit up.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

The fix it trip

Henry expected it, and there it was, the look of utter shock and surprise on his past-self’s face when the three of them came through the archway. Holding his hand up to his past-being, Henry faced Frank and Dean. “Go on. And don’t screw up again.”

Frank nodded in agreement, pushing his bike alongside of Dean. He stopped midfield, looked back, and smiled. “Bye ,Henry. Bye Henry. Have fun talking to yourself.” He snickered and faced Dean. “I didn’t want to hang around two Henrys. One drives me nuts enough.”

Henry stood close, but not too close to his stunned past-self whose mouth hung open. “You don’t want to know. But I’m going to tell you.” He handed over a book to him. “I forgot this, rather you forgot this.”

Past-Henry looked down at the book. “Thanks. Why . . . why are you three here?”

Henry fluttered his lips. “Let me tell you. Sit down.” They both sat at the same time, pulling their legs up the same fashion to their chests as they sat in the high weeds. “Frank screwed up time, big time. You are going to be so pissed off when you get back there and see what he did if him and Dean don’t fix this. I will tell you what that is. But first.” Henry nodded with a smile. “I’m pissed at Frank and you are going to help me pay him back. When you go through the time machine today, you have to find Ellen. She will play a big role in this.”

“Ellen? How’s that?”

Henry smiled at his past self assuredly. Then, with pleasure, began to tell the plan he himself had come up with, and after that was all said and done, Henry informed his past self of what exactly happened, what he may or may not see, and what things were like., just to save himself the shock he felt that first time. Henry did however, elude from telling his past-self the plan that was presently in motion. He didn’t want to hear himself bitch.

^^^^

Frank motioned his head to Dean as they rode side by side slowly down the street of Miles City. Frank spotted her, that unpleasant and annoying woman in the fast food restaurant uniform. She walked, rather waddled down the street away from where the phone was. Frank knew at that moment he had to be on the phone. Hopefully with Joe.

Pulling off to the side walk, Frank stumbled from the bike, running to the payphone, pulling off his helmet as he did. He saw his past-self on the phone as he stepped to it. The door was open and that allowed Frank’s heart to sink when he heard his past-self spew forth with exasperation one single word. ‘Robbie’. Frank knew what that meant. He saw his past-self’s expression, the way he leaned against the booth. With a heavy fist, Frank slammed the glass on the payphone. “Hang up the fuckin phone!”

The phone fumbled from the past-Frank’s hand it dangled down. “What the fuck.”

“Don’t say it. Don’t say shit to him.” Frank spoke harshly to himself, then lowered his voice to a whisper. He could hear from the dangling receiver, Robbie calling out. “Pick up the phone and just tell him you wanted to say ‘hi’ and say no more.” He watched himself hesitate. “Do it.”

Past-Frank picked up the phone and placed it to his ear. “Robbie.” He closed his eyes. “Hey, I just wanted to say hello. It’s . . . It’s been awhile.” There was silence. “Yeah, good.” Past-Frank heard the sound of snapping fingers to hurry him along. “Robbie, I have to go. I’ll call you soon. Be good.” He hung up the phone and turned around. “What?”

Frank curled his lip at his past-self. “I cannot believe I was that stupid. Do you know what that call you were gonna make did? You went back to Beginnings, yeah, Robbie was there and guess what? He was married to Ellen. You . . . me . . . whatever. We’re the town drunk.”

“No way. I don’t get drunk,” Past-Frank said.

“In the new and improved Beginnings we do.” Frank turned his head to the pair of old ladies who had slowed down to gawk at what they probably thought were the meanest looking twins. “What!?” Frank snapped at them. “Beat it!”

“So you’re here to stop me. Will it work?” Past-Frank asked.

“I hope.” Frank crossed his fingers to his past-self. “Dean is waiting. Do not call Robbie. Got that?!” He saw himself nod. “Good. Because if you do, not only when you get back will Robbie be married to Ellen. But Dean, him and Robbie share her.” He saw the look of disgust and anger on his past-self’s face. “That’s right.” Frank backed up. “And don’t eat them quarter pounders with cheese either.”  Turning and running, Frank made it back to his bike and Dean. “Done.”

“You think it’ll work?”

Frank looked up as he straddled the motorcycle and placed on his helmet. “Now I do. Look, there you come.”

Dean peered forward. “Wow, am I that short?”

“What the fuck have I been telling you for years, Dean? You thought I was lying?” Frank prepared to start his bike. “But, I have to say, for a little man, you throw a hell of a punch.”

Dean grinned. “Thanks, Frank. That’s a big compliment coming from you.”

“You’re welcome.” With a jump up, Frank started the bike and waited for Dean.

Frank sat on his bike biting his nails. He watched the glass doors of the post-office waiting for Dean to come out. His eyes shifted from the doors to the block up the street where the meter maid was walking with her ticket pad. Not that Frank cared if they got a ticket for parking in a yellow zone, but he worried more so about the fact that the registration on the bikes weren’t due to expire for another five years. Somewhere between his watching the blond police woman-wanna-be and the doors, Dean came out. Frank’s shoulders dropped when he saw him. “Did you do it?”

“Yep.” Dean hopped on the bike. “Mailed.”

“Are you sure? You were awfully insistent that you go in there.”

“Frank, I insisted I go in there because I didn’t want them to mistake you for any of the pictures they had on the wall.” He placed on the helmet with a smirk.

“Oh.” Frank placed on his. “We’d better move before that meter maid gets here. She’s getting close.”

“Yeah, let’s head back and save Henry from himself.” Dean reached for the key to the bike.

“Dean?” Frank looked with seriousness to him. “What do you think will happen?”

“I don’t know Frank.” Dean looked back to the post office and thought of the letter he had mailed. “Only time will tell.”

^^^^^^

STATE OF TIME

BOOK SIX

CHANGE

HENRY’S JOURNAL

November 27

Sitting here ten years in the past, writing this, waiting, I know this can’t continue. The power supply for the Quantum Regressionator is limited. It can’t be wasted on fixing any more time ripples. Frank’s phone call. He just wanted to get Robbie to Ashtonville at the onset of the plague so he could come to Beginnings and the world wouldn’t make him bad. Robbie went Ashtonville early all right, so early that he and Ellen got married. But Robbie . . . was still bad. Now I wait for Dean and Frank’s return. They are trying to stop the phone call. Instead they plan to mail a letter and try again. Get Robbie to Ashtonville at the right time. Conform Beginnings. I’m afraid to step back through the time machine door and see what Frank and Dean have done to my world. But this is it. No matter what, we must accept the changes and go on. We have a virus in our future to beat. And we have a trail to find that hopefully will lead us to the Caceres Society. Find out what we have in Beginnings that they want so badly they would destroy us for it. No more changing the past., only the future.

CHAPTER ONE

November 27 - Present Day

Beginnings, Montana

Jason Godrichson worked diligently with Joe on the future time trip. A trip planned, nearing launch, and one with a lot of details, both mechanical and strategically left to hash out. In the quantum lab they worked, Jason by his computer, Joe by the counter. One of Jason aspects of the team were to make sure that when they went into the future, Dean, Ellen, and Henry wouldn’t be unleashed into some black hole that would suck them up and cause their inability to return. Chuckling at that thought, Jason crossed his arms over his tall thin body and peered out his window again. He waited with anticipation and excitement for the arrival of the Centers for Disease Control Mobile.

Clearing his throat with a slight laugh, Joe Slagel looked up from his notebook. “What did I tell you? Watching for it won’t make it arrive. John said if they can’t get it moving by dark . . .”

“I know. I’m just anxious for my new neighbor. I’ve been lonely way out here.”

“And you’re so full of shit,” Joe said in his usual gruff way. “You just want to see it before Dean does. Little scientist rivalry.”

“Exactly.” Jason smiled.

Joe stood up with his notes and headed Jason’s way. “O.K. With the stuff the time trio . . .”

“You mean Frankie, Spanky, and Cranky?” Jason snickered. “Sorry, go on.”

“With the stuff that the three stooges of time . . .” Joe added his own dig. “…brought back from their past trip, I would say the Cleveland Run is our best option. See if we find anything there that will take us on our next trip to the past.”

“And the future trip will either give us the virus to work on or tell us of no virus. Therefore we will know if our concentration must be divided between the two or just on the Society itself. Coinciding the two is a time saver.”

With the sound of a power surge, a bright light, and a slight warm breeze, Jason and Joe turned in oddity to the Regressionator archway. It lit up and walking through were Frank and Dean, pushing the motorcycles with Henry behind them.

Jason nearly flew back in surprise into Joe. “Holy shit.”

“Fuck.” Frank’s towering body stopped cold. His mouth dropped open. “It didn’t work.”

With his small framed body looking buried behind the huge motorcycle, Dean peered clueless to Henry. “What’s going on?”

Henry shrugged and tried to hide that he was laying a pendant on the counter.

Joe took a step forward. “That’s what I’d like to know. What is going on?”

“And . . .” Jason added. “Why are you three walking through my time machine? Right now. At this time?”

“You don’t know?” Frank asked. “Wait . . .” Lost and confused he looked at Jason. “Did you lie?”

“About what?” Jason questioned..

“You said you weren’t going to be here.” Frank said.

“When?” Jason tossed his hands up.

“When you sent us through,” Frank explained. “You said, ‘I won’t be here to pull the door ‘. . .” Frank grunted loudly when he felt the backhand into his gut by Henry. “Hey.”

“Shut up, Frank.” Henry spoke through his forced smile he gave Jason and Joe. “Let’s just go. Dean?” Henry came from behind the duo and hurried to the door.

Dean followed the lead. “Bye, Joe. Jason.” Pushing the bike, he stopped with Henry by the door. “Frank. Come on.”

“Frank?” Joe looked to him.

“Shh.” Frank held a finger to his lips. “Just pretend you didn’t see us.” He looked up at the moans from Dean and Henry. “What? If they don’t, they shouldn’t know. Right?”

Again Dean and Henry moaned only they added a cringe of their bodies.

“What?” Frank shook his head, walked a little and stopped. “Oh, Dad? Is Robbie here?”

Busted. As a warning, both Dean and Henry moaned their loudest yet.

Frank jolted a little, groaned perturbed at them then looked back to Joe. “Is he?”

“Is Robbie here?” Joe repeated the question then shifted his eyes around. “What the hell is the matter with you Frank? Of course he’s not here. Why would your brother be here?”

“No . . . no reason.” A sadness took over Frank and he walked out of the quantum lab behind Dean and Henry. He pulled the door closed.

Henry grumbled a complaining whine, “I can’t believe you were in there spewing your mouth, Frank. It’s bad enough walking through the time machine. We could have made something up. But no, you have to . . .”

Dean’s shifting eyes caught what Henry did not, Frank’s demeanor. “Henry.” Dean said calmly. “Enough. It’s all right. No matter how we reacted or what we said, we still came through that machine. There’s gonna be questions.” Dean looked to Frank who was mounting his bike. “I’m sorry. I really am sorry this didn’t work for you.”

Frank only nodded. Solemn exuded from him. “Well, at least things are probably back to normal.” He looked at his watch. “And since it’s a normal workday, we should slip back to work.” With a slight lift of his body, Frank started the bike and took off.

Dean got on his motorcycle. “I better head back to work, too. See you later Henry to review history?”

“Yeah.” Henry nodded. When he heard Dean start the bike, Henry prepared to hop on for a ride, but Dean took off. “Hey!” He called out. “Shit. Now I have to walk.” In a wincing manner he started walking off. “As if my life isn’t hard enough...”

Joe and Jason didn’t know how long but they stared at the closed Quantum door in shock and speechlessness.

Slowly Joe faced Jason. “You sent them through? Returning or arriving?”

“My guess . . . returning.” Jason picked up the pendant Henry had laid on the counter.

“Did they have to divert something? Make things different? Like with Dean?”

“Highly doubtful.” Jason said. “If it was a planned trip I would have had the foresight to send a note for myself. No, Joe.” Jason exhaled. “I think our three stooges of time did something and I sent them back to fix it. And if I sent them back.” A long whistle came from Jason. “It must have been bad.”

“Next question,” Joe said. “If our little time travelers just floated into this lab, what the hell happened to the Frankie, Cranky and Spanky that were be-bopping about Beginnings a few minutes ago?”

The doors to the chapel in town banged loudly but they paled in comparison to the loud, deep screams that came from Dr. Andrea Winters. Hysterical and shrill shrieks came from her as she ran around frantically, hands waving in the air, zigzagging through the town.

From her hover over her microscope, Ellen Slagel lifted her dark blonde hair from her eyes when she raised her head to the sounds of Andrea’s scream. “Dean?” She turned her head to the right. Oddly enough, Dean wasn’t there. To her left she turned her view to Johnny Slagel who sat across the lab. “Johnny, where did Dean go?”

“Don’t know.” Johnny continued in his work. “Hey, is that Andrea screaming out there?”

“Yeah.” Looking once more to where Dean was a moment before hand, Ellen shrugged and went back to viewing her microscope.

Pulling Frank’s office door closed, Greg, a bigger and stocky security guy stopped before walking any further. He gave an irritated shake of his body, turned and knocked on the door. “Frank, “he called out as he opened it. “Sorry, I forgot my . . .” Greg froze. “Frank?” The small security office was empty. “Um, Frank. I forgot my clipboard.” He walked to the desk and grabbed the clipboard he had left behind. “Where the hell did he go?” After wondering if maybe Frank had hurried and slipped into the closet to take a nap, Greg turned around to leave. As he did, Frank walked in through the office door. Greg, again, froze in his tracks.

“What’s wrong?” Frank asked.

Greg said nothing. He looked at Frank, looked back to the empty desk, and took off from the office.

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

It seemed like massive pandemonium the way military truck after military truck packed with people, were lined up just inside the main front gates. Caceres Society soldiers formed a blockade around the trucks. But it was far from pandemonium. It was the return of the highly successful and highly organized survivor sweeps that the society did. Sweeps that would build the population needed to work the armies and industries the Caceres Society planned to rebuild.

Even though he was the former president of the United States, George Hadley felt like the uniformed flunky leader of the society. He knew what was going on, yet he was far from in total control. Everyone else performed the task. And sequential leaders in the society handed out most orders. George expected that much. After all, the lower ladder leaders were in charge and running things when George himself was inside trying, but failing, to take over Beginnings.

George watched whom he considered his top men, Sgt. Timothy Doyle, who ran the military portion and training, and Steward Lange. Steward was not only the best ‘Peace Ambassador’ as they called them for the sweeps, but also George’s right hand man. Trusted by George because George had known him long before the plague had wiped out the world.

Update time. And George knew the news was good when he saw a smiling Steward head his way.

“Moving them in?” George asked. “Big crew. Are we setting up new sectors?”

“Won’t need to,” Steward answered. “Camp masters in sectors twenty-four through thirty report they have enough to ship out. Agriculture further west needs hands. Also, we are moving people to industries, both north and south.”

“Excellent. What about soldiers?”

Steward smiled again. “Sgt. Doyle is proud to report that he has capable men he can send out to the Minnesota and Alabama installations.”

“Who will be in charge out there?”

“Sergeants Mason and Greene.”

George nodded. “Any news on our perpetrators last night?”

Steward shook his head. “Definitely they are not coming in packs but individually. It’s easy to slip through our perimeters. How much information is missing?”

“Nothing we don’t have back up on but it’s still information we don’t want in their hands.”

“Do you think it’s Beginnings?” Steward asked.

“How?” George tossed his hands up. “Our inside person says they haven’t a clue where we are. Then again it’s hard to get good information when we’re dealing with Morse code.”

“We’re working on that.” Steward said. “Phone line computers aren’t coming back up. Hey, at least we have power.”

George grumbled. “We have to find out who came in here last night. They obviously came in for a reason and got what they sought. Where they are, is the next question.”

Sgt. Doyle interrupted. “I may have an answer.”

George turned to him. “What do you have?”

“With some concerns we had over the past couple days, concerns myself and Mr. Lange hadn’t taken serious,” Sgt. Doyle explained. “When I received this information, it made sense.” He read off a clipboard. “Our moving teams reported what they believe is a small camp of civilization about ten miles northwest from here near a town called Bethel. They weren’t there last week.” Sgt. Doyle raised his eyes. “Whoever broke in here last night was close enough to get here by foot. And check out the numbers. Our people said between forty and fifty . . . all men.”

George’s attention was caught. “Possibly our recently defected?”

Sgt. Doyle grinned. “My thoughts exactly.”

“Ha!” George snatched the clipboard from Sgt. Doyle’s hand and looked at it only after smacking Steward with the object. “And you two said they were nothing to worry about.”

Steward interjected, “The camp could be the perpetrators, but we can’t be sure they’re our defectors.”

Refraining from hitting Steward again, George shook his head. “The numbers match up. We had forty-two slip out last week.” He handed the clipboard back to Sgt. Doyle. “Send a two man team to scout out this camp. Watch for a few hours and get back to us.” He received a nod from Sgt. Doyle. “And make sure they know Morse code. I don’t feel like waiting a goddamn half hour for a four word message.”

With a chuckle, Sgt. Doyle stepped back. “Yes sir.”

Pleased and proud, George watched Sgt. Doyle walk off. He then noticed the looks he was getting from Steward. “What!” He barked.

Steward took a deep breath. “I have to get back to work. Just . . . just let me leave you with this.” He took a courage filled pause. “You are worried about forty-two men when we have what? Over six thousand right here?”

George didn’t flinch at the blast of reality Steward gave him. He was so used to living in Beginnings, forty men sounded like a massive take over. And even though George could have been viewed by others as an overreacting, ranting fool, he kept up the ‘concerned and threatened’ exterior. He had to. Even if he himself secretively had to pull some of the more stupid society recruits aside, tell them it was a drill, and set up a violent raid on Quantico, he would. George wasn’t about to be proven wrong. Ever.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Hands in pockets making a jingling sound with his keys, Joe walked down the main corridor of the clinic. He could see Dean standing outside the lab door, looking frazzled. Pacing a little, probably a habit picked up from hanging around Henry. “Dean.”

Dean let out a breath. “Joe.” He tossed his head back. “Thank God.”

“Is she in there?” Joe twitched his head to the door.

Dean nodded. “Hysterical too. I can’t calm her. Andrea says she won’t leave or step outside until she speaks to you.”

“Is Ellen in there now with her?” Joe asked.

“Yeah, but Ellen’s working so Andrea’s just sitting there . . . crying.”

Joe moaned. “What am I supposed to do?”

Dean just shrugged. “She wants you.”

Another moan and Joe reached for the door.

“Joe.” Dean grabbed his wrist. “She’s really upset, so . . . be compassionate.”

Joe nodded and stepped into the lab. He looked at Andrea sitting on a chair, her arms folded close to her. Sounds of her shivering sobs carried out intermittently with her hysterical, ‘Sweet Jesus, Sweet Jesus’.

“Compassion, Joe.” Dean whispered then moved to Ellen who was giggling. He nudged her to get her to quit.

Another step, another cry, another wince from Joe. “Andrea.” Joe spoke up. “What in Christ’s name is wrong with you?”

Frightened was how her cry was when Andrea sprang from her chair and leaped at Joe. “Henry’s gone.”

“Henry’s not gone.” Joe said a bit annoyed, removing Andrea’s tight grip. “Sit down.”

“He’s gone, gone. Gone.” She sat down and let out a hyperventilating breath. “It’s the . . .” Her voice graveled with deepened fear. “It’s the rapture.”

“The what?” Joe asked.

“The rapture. When the Lord calls us, he calls us and takes us.” She snapped her finger. “Took Henry right before my eyes. Sweet Jesus. Sweet Jesus.” She rocked back and forth shaking her head. “I knew he was a good boy. I knew it. And the Lord called him home. Right before my eyes he turned into blue and silver sparkles, faded then disappeared.”

“He did, did he?” Joe asked looking at Dean.

Andrea nodded and seeped another sob. “The apocalypse is upon us.”

“Andrea, Christ.” Joe snapped. “The apocalypse was upon us six years ago.”

“No!” Andrea stood up. “The Lord’s apocalypse. It’s judgment day, Joe.” She grabbed his arms. “Judgment day. He’s calling his chosen home.”

“Well, he doesn’t have that many to choose from so I guess we’re all in luck.” Joe said.

“Joseph!” Andrea gasped out. “This is not a joke. When you stand before the doors of salvation wondering why you can’t get in then you’ll know.”

“Andrea, calm down.” Joe tried to sooth her in his own way, of course. “There’s a logical explanation for all this.”

“How?” She asked. “How can you explain Henry Kusakari disappearing before my eyes?”

Dean calmly had the answer as he stepped to her “Menopause.”

“What?” Andrea looked at him.

“Christ.” Joe rolled his eyes and stepped back.

“Yes.” Dean nodded rational. “Some woman experience hot flashes, some mood swings. A lot, more than you know of, experience seeing people disappear before their eyes. It’s the lower estrogen level causing a chemical imbalance in the brain.”

With a hidden, but still heard laughter, Ellen held up her hand. “Excuse me.” She covered her mouth and raced from the room.

“Dr. Hayes.” Andrea sounded offended. “Are you making a mockery of my mature woman stature because you can’t accept the Lord’s judgment?”

“I’m not.” Dean held up his hand. “Henry is not . . .” He raised his eyes and smiled. “He’s not gone. See?” He pointed to Henry in the door.

Andrea turned to look and then she screamed jumping back.

Henry screamed. “What!” He spun looking quickly behind him fearful that Andrea saw a mouse. When he turned back around, Andrea had pelted herself at him and embraced him.

“See, Andrea.” Dean walked up to behind her and patted her on the back. “Menopause. Just be prepared the next time it happens.” He smiled and brushed by her and Henry as he walked out.

“Dean.” Henry jolted his head. “Excuse me, Andrea.” He pulled her arms from him. “Dean, wait. I have to talk to you about history.”

Slowly Joe approached Andrea.

“I feel so silly.” Andrea said. “Acting like that over a menopause side effect…running amuck like a fool.”

“Don’t you worry your little menopausal head about it.” Joe laid his hand on her back. “It could be worse. You could act like Frank, Dean and Henry. Then people would really think you’re strange.”

Andrea nodded her agreement.

^^^^

Attempts at trying to work were futile. Frank sat behind his desk staring at the stack of reports at least two inches high. But he couldn’t lift one of them. His mind was cluttered, far off. His brain wrestled about wondering where he went wrong. What did he do? What could he have done? Perhaps the failure in wanting to see his brother in the ‘perfect’ light had a lot to do with the fact that they shouldn’t have been messing around with time. If disappointment was his payback, Frank was drowning in debt.

One thing was for sure, he couldn’t work. He had to find Ellen. Surely if things were back to normal, so were they. Walking instead of taking his bike, Frank headed home. His heart nearly skipped a beat when he saw Ellen heading toward the living section. “El.” He called out.

Ellen stopped. Pulling her coat closed, she turned around with a smile and waved.

“Hey.” Frank trotted up to her. “Where you off to?”

“Home. Josh picked up the kids. What are you doing?”

Frank shrugged. “Not much. I wanted to work. I have a little headache. El, this is gonna sound dumb. Are we . . . are we O.K.?”

Ellen hesitated in curiosity before answering. “Yeah, why? Did I forget a fight or something?”

“No.” Frank smiled. “Another silly question. What step are we on in the twelve step plan?” Frank cringed, just in case he was wrong.

Ellen laughed a single syllable laugh and pointed. “Now see who’s lacking in the marriage enthusiasm. Ha!” Ellen tossed her head back. “Six.”

“Six.” Frank nodded. “Just checking.”

“I’ve been reading while you were running around with time machine memory loss.” Ellen gave a ‘so there’ look.

“Can we get together and work on it tonight? I know step six is memories. Can we?”

“Sure.” Ellen nodded. “But I must warn you. If you’re gonna pull the chivalrous act and not put out, I’m not doing open mouth kissing. If you keep getting me worked up, I’m gonna have to go home and take it out on poor Henry.” Ellen giggled. “Do you suppose he likes women? I often wonder.” She noticed his far off look as he stared at her. “Frank?”

“I love you.” He laid his hand on her cheek. “I really love you.”

“Are you all right?” Ellen asked with concern. “You seem down.”

“I am. A little.” Frank let out a breath and tried to change the subject. “God, the town’s empty. Where is every . . .” Frank hunched in surprise when the loud rattle, clank, and bangs filled the air. “What the hell?”

“Silly.” Ellen giggled. “Did you forget it’s Friday afternoon? Hence the answer to your question, where everyone is, they are hiding from that.”

Frank winced. “Is that . . . drums?”

“I often ask the same question when Denny warms up.”

Frank’s head lifted in surprise. “Denny? Andrea’s Denny is playing drums?”

“Yeah, Frank.” Ellen said. “He plays with the band? Remember?”

“What band?” Frank asked his enthusiasm rising.

“The Starters. Beginnings band.”

“Who . . .” Frank stepped backward to where the noise supposedly came from. “Who started it?”

“Paul did when . . . hey!” Ellen yelled when she saw Frank take off. She chased him.

Into the social hall Frank flew banging the door open on his entrance. The drums stopped. “Denny.” He gasped out. “Oh, my God.” And when he saw Paul turn around with the bass, he laughed like an excited kid. “Paul!” Frank shrieked in enthusiasm. “Shit! Good to see you!”

Eyes going from guitar to Frank, Paul gave an odd look. “Yeah, you too, Frank.”

But Frank still searched. His eyes shifted. Paul was there. Denny was there. And as soon as he went to ask himself the final question, he felt the grip to his arm and heard the whisper in his ear.

“I knew you wouldn’t let me down. Glad you came. We did learn the song for you.”

Frank felt the flutter of his stomach. And the swat to his back dropped his heart to the pit of his soul. He couldn’t breathe, especially when from behind, with a wide grin, stepped . . . Robbie.

“No dancing, Frank. We know how you are.” Robbie gave a chuckle and took a step to the stage.

“Robbie.” The words ached as they came from Frank and he reached out and grabbed his brother’s arm. He pulled him back. And when Robbie turned to face Frank, Frank locked a stare onto him, eyes to eyes, deeply. Releasing Robbie’s arm, Frank took a step and laid both of his huge hands on Robbie’s cheeks. He pulled him closer, looking into Robbie’s blue eyes as if he were reaching and looking into Robbie’s soul. “It’s there.” Frank whispered out.

“Uh . . . Frank?” Robbie said with a slight smile. “You aren’t gonna kiss me, are you? I feel a romantic incestuous entanglement creeping up.”

Frank laughed, hard and filled with emotions. “You bet.” Yanking Robbie forward, Frank kissed him on the forehead and released his little brother at the same time his kiss ended with a loud smack.

“Thanks.” Robbie rubbed his forehead. “I have to play now.” He spoke pacifying to Frank as he walked backwards toward the stage area set up in the corner.

“Robbie,” Frank called out. “I’m not drunk.”

Robbie snickered with a shake of his head. “When do you get drunk?”

With a quiet, excited, ‘yes’, Frank clenched his fist. “I’m not the town drunk.” He looked down to the tap on his arm. “El?”

“Are you all right?” She asked.

“Oh yeah.” He watched Robbie place on his guitar. “Couldn’t be better.”

^^^^

“I want to go home!” Trish’s complaining voice seeped into the back history room. “It’s four-forty-two and we know what’s gonna happen!”

Over the print up of history, Henry looked at Dean. “What is she talking about?”

“Beats me.” Dean said. “We’re lucky to get in here without an appointment. Now, go on. What is it?”

“Ready?” Henry asked. He took a deep breath and lifted a page. “Take a look.”

Before Dean could look down, his attention was drawn to the music, loud, upbeat, and almost a happy older rock. “What is that?”

“Our band.” Henry said. “Courtesy of . . .” His finger pointed to the paper.

Dean looked. “Shit.” He took off from the room.

Sweeping up the print-out, Henry followed.

Trish watched them dart out past her. “Thank God! As if I’m not busy enough.”

Henry and Dean ran top speed out of History, almost to the beat of the music, following it to where it came from. Quickly through the social hall door they blasted, both skidding to a stop beside Frank.

“Oh, my God.” Dean looked up to Robbie singing and playing on the stage. “It worked. We did it.”

Frank grinned. “We did it.” Arms folded Frank watched with pride to his brother play.

“Frank?” Henry stepped closer. “Is it me or does Robbie look different.”

“Yeah.” Dean agreed. “There’s something different about him.”

“You’re right.” Frank said. “Look at his eyes.”

Watching Robbie, so happy, play his guitar, Frank saw it and so did Dean and Henry. No matter how rugged the edges were on his young handsome face, no matter how many scars of war Robbie had, the gleam of his bright blue eyes showed the ageless innocence of Robbie. It was an innocence that wasn’t there when Robbie showed up in Beginnings a year before in the history when Robbie was married to Ellen. It was back. Or rather, never lost. And Frank knew he didn’t just have Robbie back in his life, he had his little brother.

CHAPTER TWO

“Frank.” Joe snapped to get his attention in the crowded and loud social hall. “Are you listening?”

“Yeah.” Frank nodded, took a drink, and gave a motion of his head to the playing band. “Pretty good.”

“Not to Robbie’s band. To me. And thank God they’re almost done.” Joe sipped his whiskey. “I couldn’t take any more than two hours of this shit.”

“Dad!” Frank gasped out. “Such lack of support.”

“And you.” Joe pointed. “You’re acting like you never heard them.”

“I haven’t.” Frank saw Joe gaze up. “I mean. I have. But, what I’m trying to say is . . . have any of us really listened to the band. I mean really . . .”

“Frank. Enough.” Joe rubbed his temple. “Do you have a problem with it?”

“The band? No. I like them.”

“Not the band.” Joe slammed his hand on the bar. “Robbie going to Cleveland to check out the cryo-lab at the same time Ellen will be in quarantine following the future trip.”

“Yeah, a little. I’d like to spend some time reminiscing with Robbie.”

“What the hell is the matter with you?” Joe asked. “I could care less what you and your brother have to talk about. I’m talking about running security and your family.”

“What about it?”

“Will you have a problem with it? Will it be too much?”

“Dad, please.” Frank scoffed. “I’m Frank.”

“Unfortunately,” Joe grumbled. He then sighed in relief when the silence of the finishing band hit. “Thank God. Frank, let me ask you something now that I don’t have to shout over the band.” He waited until he not only had Frank’s attention but comprehension that he was about to be asked a question. “You guys came through the machine today.” Joe spoke in a low voice. “Why? You obviously had to change something back. I can steal the history disks, but tell me.”

“You can’t yell,” Frank said. When he saw Joe lift his hand in a promise, Frank leaned down toward the bar. “When we came back from the past trip . . . everything was gone. Beginnings was gone.”

“Gone?” Joe stated in such disbelief.

“Nuclear war.” Frank made a mouth blast sound. “There was even this odd purple cloud. We figured it had to do with the call Dean made to himself concerning the plague. So we had to come back and stop Dean.”

“And how exactly did you get back to stop Dean?” Joe asked.

“Jason sent us.”

“Uh-huh.” Joe nodded. “A nuclear war. A purple cloud. No more Beginnings yet Jason was here.”

“Dad, it was the oddest thing.” Frank looked up when Robbie approached. “I guess, you know, some things are meant to be.”

Robbie reached between his father and Frank and grabbed Frank’s half empty glass. He downed it. “Hey, Frank. Ready?”

“Yep.” Frank stood straight. “See ya Dad.”

“Frank,” Joe called to him. “Just tell me this. It was screwed up. Did you fix it?”

“No.” Frank shook his head. “We made it better.” With a smile he walked from the social hall with Robbie.

Robbie snickered. “Man, what has gotten into you? I swear you’ve been hanging around Dean too much. All calm.”

“A lot has happened.” Frank stopped walking.

“Frank?” Robbie looked at him. “Is something bothering you? Everything’s all right. Right?”

“Yeah. But . . . aside from no longer being the town drunk, some things changed. Feel like talking for a while?”

“Sounds serious.”

“It is.” Frank nodded. “I need you to have an open mind.”

“You got it.” Robbie gave a twitch to his head and started to walk. “Let’s go.”

Frank was ready for the laughter, ready for the ridicule because he was ready to talk. There was a lot Frank needed to find out, to know, and he had to hear it, especially from his brother’s mouth.

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

“It’s a grab and go.” Steward explained as he took a seat across from George in the office. “Whoever is sneaking in here hasn’t a clue what they want. They hit one of our buildings, grab what they can and go.” Steward shrugged. “Last night’s little invasion and tonight’s don’t match up. I mean the information they got on both nights isn’t even vaguely similar.”

George nodded his comprehension. “I realize that. But just running in and grabbing can be detrimental to us as well.”

“How?” Steward asked. “You are talking forty-two men. Forty-two.”

“I know that doesn’t seem like a lot. And in comparison to us, it isn’t. But just as we build, they could too. And they knowing what we have isn’t favorable to us.”

“I understand your concerns about that,” Steward said and prepared to say more when a knock was at the door.

George looked up. “Must be Doyle. Come in,” He called out.

Sgt. Doyle stepped in. “Sirs.” He greeted George and Steward. “Scout report.” He held up a small sheet of paper.

“And? George asked.

“All indications are there that these men are our defectors. Whether or not they are the ones that came in and stole information remains to be seen.” Sgt. Doyle explained. “Scouts report forty-four men all of prime age and in good shape. They apparently have a makeshift camp set up. No long term signs. They are definitely temporary there.”

George leaned back in his chair. “They could have picked up two more men out there. Seeing that they’re so close, let’s not take a chance.”

Sgt. Doyle nodded. “I agree. I’d like a dawn hit. Four eight man squads led by Sgt. Hemsley. I’ll notify the scouts to stay put and do nothing.”

George nodded.

Steward stood up slowly. “I’ll notify the surgical crew to prepare for immediate removal with this batch. They can be in limbo until implantation.”

“No,” George said, causing Steward to stop. “No.”

Steward looked in surprise. “No? You worry about these men. Through your concerns, do we want to lose another scout master or records man at their hands when they try to escape again?”

“Absolutely not,” George said. “And I made mention to take no chances. And we won’t. No gas, Sgt. Doyle. No cyborg enhancement. At dawn, sneak attack, heavy fire. As Steward keeps reiterating, they’re only forty-some men.” George gave a nonchalant attitude. “So just wipe them out.”

^^^^

Lee-Curtis Mansion

Arlington National Cemetery

The hand sharpened pencil tapped upon the tattered scrap paper he wrote upon. At the oak kitchen table in the former historical tourist attraction, Elliott Ryder sat by a dimly lit lantern. The small flame flickered a dance in his dark Hispanic eyes that shifted to the battery powered radio. He stared for a moment at what he had written, then reached over and shut off the hissing transmission. Fingertips cold, Elliott huffed on his hands before he grabbed his paper and the lantern. A man in his thirties, thin and fit, began his journey to deliver the news.

A few specks of illumination were in the house. Most came from the fireplaces with small burning fires to keep the men warm while they slept. Most of the men rested but a few engaged in conversation.

From the basement level he walked up, shivering from the cold and shuddering from the eerie feeling of being in the icon of the civil war. He didn’t like it there. It was damp and ghostly. Of course, being set in the middle of a cemetery aided in that. To Elliott, it was spookier than the entire dead country. Not to mention there was just something weird about it. But he understood why they went there just that morning. Elliott himself preferred the ‘wait and stay’ in the White house. Gathering up information there was easy, plus Washington D.C., for some reason, had power so the White house was warm. But everyone was together again with all information that could be retrieved and the society solders moved frequently through the overgrown capitol preparing it for something. Moving about for supplies had to be done through the sewer system or former subway. It was a tedious task, not to mention dangerous, with the society growing everywhere. It was time to move to safer, higher ground. And they did . . . literally... on top of a hill in the most famous cemetery.

There wasn’t a part of his body that didn’t grow colder as Elliott made his way through the extremely drafty halls of the home. He was grateful for the red bandana he wore. In fact most of the men wore bandanas. Not as a statement, but as a sense of warmth. Elliott didn’t mind forfeiting his black locks when he was recruited into what he thought was the ‘New United States Army’. He didn’t mind until his one cohort did what he always seemed to do, charmed his way into keeping his long dark blonde hair. Elliott supposed that was why his cohort was the undeniable leader of the crew. He could convince anyone to do anything. In fact he was the one that had convinced Elliott to join the army twelve years earlier when all Elliott ever wanted to do was work in his father’s shoe factory outside of Cleveland.

The Captain. For so many years before the plague, Elliott had called him the Captain--or Lieutenant pre-promotion--that Elliott swore he had forgotten his real name. Everyone called him ‘The Captain’ and that was who Elliott journeyed through the spooky house to see.

In the sitting room doorway, Elliott stopped. He took a moment to chuckle at the Captain who sat alone in a chair by a small fireplace, a chair that probably had been graced by the rear of Robert E. Lee many times. The Captain sat reading, his tall, brawny body looking small in the piece of old furniture. Piles of papers spewed around him.

“More productive night?” Elliott questioned as he stepped in.

Looking up, the man, not much older than Elliott, grinned. “Very productive. I got a lot more than I expected but still not enough.”

“You’re not going back into Quantico again, are you?” Elliott asked.

“I have to.” The Captain shifted a piece of paper. “I need to get all I can before we move on. I knew something was up when I saw Hadley arrive. And this documentation, though not much, confirms it.”

“You do know they’ll kill you if they catch you.”

“Elliott,” The Captain chuckled. “They probably are looking for someone sneaking in. Hell, I walked right through the front gate in a society uniform. Besides, if something happens to me, you’ll lead the men.”

“Me?” Elliott laughed. “Me? No. I’m no leader.”

“Nonsense. Look how you organized the stylish movement of bandanas.”

“Oh, really funny.” Elliott shook his head. “We’re all bald.” He gave a sneer to the Captains long ponytail. “Well, all but one of us.”

The Captain smiled. “How’s the demeanor of the men?”

“Fine.” Elliott said. “Waiting patiently on your move.” He smiled. “Captain, I have to tell you. This house . . . this house . . .”

“Is great?”

“No, it sucks.”

“Now is that a general consensus or an Elliott opinion only.”

“O.K., well.” Elliott shrugged. “It’s mine. But . . .”

“Elliott.” The Captain stood. “Don’t you find the house filled with spirit? Don’t you feel the irony of the past and current situations when staying here?”

“No.” Elliott said. “I get the creeps. Speaking of irony, I do have a reason for disturbing you in your ‘wanna be Robert E. Lee’ moment.” Elliott handed him the paper. “Definitely Morse code. That’s their means of communication now.”

The Captain read his notes. “Where’s this Bethel.”

“Not far. Fifteen miles. Small camp. Dawn hit. A wipe out. And . . . here’s the deal. They think they’re us. So knowing this ...”

The Captain’s eyes lifted. “We have a moral obligation.”

“My thoughts exactly.”

“Run a little pre-dawn interference?”

“Sure, why not.” Elliott shrugged.

“Excellent. Let’s go tell everyone.” With a clench to the note, a swat to Elliott’s back, an upbeat Captain walked from the sitting room with Elliott.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

The envelope, a bit crinkled and yellowed, sat on Henry’s coffee table. Just sitting there it gathered the most awestruck stares of Frank, Dean, and Henry.

“This is so weird.” Frank reached down and touched it. “Dean, you mailed this not that long ago.”

Henry sat with his personal journals open. “At least we know that letter was the reason it worked. Was it, Robbie? Did that letter prompt you to go to Ashtonville?”

“Absolutely.” Robbie’s eyes went to the letter. “It was simple. Frank told Dad would call.and say it was imperative I go to Ashtonville. When I read that, I thought how psychic Frank was.”

“Wow.” Frank was amazed. “So you waited until the year of the plague to open it?”

“No way.” Robbie laughed. “I opened it right away.”

“And you still believed it?” Frank asked.

“Why not.” Robbie answered. “You’re my big brother. Why would I doubt you? Of course now, years later, I’m a little wiser.” He winked.

Henry took notes as he listened. “So you went there on the onset.”

“Yep.” Robbie nodded. “As soon as I got the call, I grabbed that letter. I called Hal, but there was no way he’d get there. He was stationed in Hawaii. And Jimmy… Jimmy said he’d try. But I went immediately. I went AWOL.”

Henry handed Robbie a sheet of paper. “Here’s a list of people we remember being in Ashtonville. Anyone different that wasn’t or was there that could have made an effect we don’t know about?”

Robbie reviewed the list. “Just me.” He handed it back to Henry.

“Good.” Henry breathed out. “We don’t want to not remember someone we should. I have some other events that happened. Can you fill us in?

“I’ll try.” Robbie tossed his hands up. “Fire away.”

“Colorado.” Henry said. “Obviously the scientists were defrosted. What went down with Colorado?”

“El and Miguel went. They tried to keep El. Frank went after her,” Robbie stated.

“Wait.” Frank interrupted. “Why would I trust Miguel over you? Why didn’t I send you to Colorado?”

“I was supposed to go.” Robbie answered. “But I broke my leg in a trap the night before. It’s finally feeling really good.”

Henry flipped a page in his journal. “Now I have written, El and I went back to save Dean.”

“Yep.” Robbie nodded. “Well, that’s what we’re told. I never knew the Dean is dead history. What I recall is being locked in holding with Frank awaiting our ousting. My Dad shows up walking. George escaped.”

Dean decided to interject. “So Joe was still hit with the Salicain? I saw by my notes we’re still working on the virus. What about the time machine to find the society.”

Robbie nodded. “Find them or, as Frank believes, find what we have that’s so important. Personally, I think it’s me.” Robbie grinned.

“Strategically where do we stand with the society?” Frank asked.

“Haven’t had any hits by them lately so we definitely think they’re taking time to build. Right now our pain in the ass problem is our budding savages.” Robbie saw that the three of them knew exactly what he talked about. “In and out of Beginnings, we think, but not sure. They keep messing with perimeter seven.”

Frank understood. “What about our personal lives? El and I are married, I know that. And we’re obviously having problems since she’s bunking here with Henry. But tell me, tell me she and I have always been together.”

Robbie shook his head and pointed to Dean. “She was with Dean for a really long time, Frank. You kept interfering and Dean finally said enough is enough. But you and her are working through this. It kind of went full circle and Ellen ended up cheating on you with Dean.”

It was a relief to Dean. Even though their personal lives were still the same scrambled mess, they were a familiar ground they could stand on. “So you played no interference in the relationship aspects?”

“No.” Robbie shook his head. “Oh.”

“What?” Frank asked.

“Well, you may find out. You may not. You know what?” Robbie waved his hand. “I’m not saying anything.”

Dean’s eyes lifted to Robbie in slow revelation. “You slept with Ellen.”

Frank scoffed. “Oh he did not, Dean. See where your warped perverted mind is at? Robbie said nothing about him . . .” Frank saw Robbie’s eyes lift in an innocent manner to the ceiling. “No.”

“Well.” Robbie stood up slowly. He saw the glare in Frank’s eyes. “No, wait,” He defended. “It was a short time after the plague. She shut everyone out but me. And I believe that’s because I stayed by El’s side the whole entire time. The whole time, just like your letter said.”

Frank’s nostrils flared as he tried to control the hard hit of the news. “I’m not happy about this.”

“Yeah, well. You weren’t back then either,” Robbie said.

Henry decided to divert the subject. “What about you and me, Robbie. Do we get along?”

“No.” Robbie replied as he sat back down. “We clash, our tempers flare, and occasionally we square off. Actually I’d go as far as to day we hate each other.”

Henry whistled a breath in relief. “Oh good, because I just needed to feel justified for not liking you very much right now.”

“You know we wouldn’t have these problems right now,” Robbie said with a slightly raised top lip, “if you didn’t take advantage of my emotional vulnerability and convince me to have that affair with you.”

“Oh my God!” Henry nearly flew back. “I’m gay in this Beginnings?”

“Flaming.” Robbie winked.

“See.” Frank pointed. “What did I always say, Henry. You bitch too much like a woman to not be gay. And you broke my brother’s heart. Shame on you.”

“Now, see.” Henry shook his head. “Now I know you’re lying. You probably put him up to this.” Henry cringed at Frank’s laughter. “Yeah, laugh. Assholes.”  He saw Dean stand up. “See, you offended Dean.”

“No,” Dean snickered. “I’m just gonna go home. Josh will want to bring the kids back from Frank’s. Thanks, Robbie you told us a lot.”

“Yeah.” Frank stood up too. “We’ll talk tomorrow Robbie. I’ll go get the kids, Dean. Bring them right . . .”

“Wait.” Robbie stood up. “I answered questions for you guys, answer me this. Not that it matters now, but I’m curious. Frank said I didn’t arrive in Ashtonville. It took years for me to get here. What happened to me?”

Frank hesitated, but took a deep breath to start his explanation. “See Robbie, you searched for us. For five years you looked. You lived out there and when you got here you were . . .”

“Sick.” Dean interrupted in a fast speaking manner. “Very, very sick. A major infection had taken over your body and . . .” Dean slowed down his talking. “By the time you got here, it was too late. We couldn’t help you. You died not long after.”

“Well at least I found my family right?” Robbie smiled. “I succeeded. Thanks for telling me. I’ll walk out with you guys.” He moved to the door. “Hey, night Henry,” Robbie said snidely.

Henry, looking at his journals and history, lifted his head in a snubbing manner pretending not to see Robbie flip him off.

Frank laughed as he was the last to walk out. But he slowed down in pulling the door closed to grab Dean’s attention. Behind Robbie’s back, silently, and mostly with his eyes, Frank delivered a ‘thank you’ to Dean for interfering in the painful ‘Robbie’ truth.

HENRY’S JOURNAL

November 27

Oddly enough I am on the last page of this particular journal. And as I close it, I also close another book on the ripple we all caused. A lot of answers were given to me, but I guess I do not know the whole truth. That would be impossible. Too many years have passed. I suppose, there will be times when I am confused when my mind will wonder how bringing Robbie back caused this or that. I must remind myself to not drudge over it…to move on and not worry. There’s nothing that can be done. The changes have been made. Our lives before this now have been sculptured a little differently than we know. A new history is set in stone. And even if ill-informed, I have to accept it. Because this is the way it will be from here on in.

CHASING TOMORROW

CHAPTER THREE

November 28

Bethel, Virginia

It looked more like a manual to better football plays, rather than the military manual it was. But Society troop leader, Sgt. Hemsley found the ‘Caceres Society strategic handbook’ quite the asset especially when picking out which maneuver he wanted to use in the dawn raid of that defector camp.

He liked under sneak attacks, maneuvering CS-422. Especially because it stated that he himself had to stay back while his men went into the opposing camp. And that was what Sgt. Hemsley did. Stayed back by the trucks, a mile or so away, and waited.

Corporal Warren gave a simple single chirping sound, his signal to the society soldiers that it was time to move in on the sleeping camp. So quiet the camp was, but on his call, the soldiers barged in. Weapons raised, they opened fire across the tents, ripping them to shreds. They followed through with the tossing of grenades. The small fire arms rained upon the camp causing the finishing off explosions that sent dirt and debris into the air.

And then silence.

“Hold your fire,” Corporal Warren called out. “Hold your fire.”

A shot here and there trailed off.

Corporal Warren assessed the camp. There were no sounds. Only the dead quiet that they anticipated following the slaughter of fire that the society lay upon them. “Move in!” he ordered out.

Weapons lifted still ready to engage, the society patrol moved in slowly.

Corporal Warren reached the center camp along with his men. “Anyone you find alive, shoot. And . . .” He stopped talking when he heard the whistle, just a single one. He turned his head thinking it was one of his men. Before he could find who signaled him, it rang around them in a frightening thunder, the shifting and pumping of weapon chambers. “What the hell?” Corporal Warren looked about. He saw nothing. No one.

“Fire at will!”  The Captain’s voice rang out across the silent camp. And on his charge, the gunfire began.

Perched in trees and hidden in the brush, the forty-four men who would have died in that raid, along with the defectors, unleashed a bloody death upon the thirty-two unsuspecting society soldiers. The bodies were ripped apart by bullets that came from gunmen they never saw. The tables had been turned.

The first symphony of gunfire and explosions were expected but the second sent Sgt. Hemsley into a tailspin. Something was wrong. He could hear the distance screams of pain echoing through the dead world distance. Immediately he jumped in his jeep, tossed it in gear, and sped off down the overgrown road toward the raid.

The gunfire slowed down and instead of steady shots, occasional pops rang out. The closer he drove, the more he knew something was not right. Knowing this, and knowing someone had to report the trouble, Sgt. Hemsley decided to turn around. Releasing his foot from the gas and gripping the wheel, Sgt. Hemsley slowed down enough to turn. But as soon as he jerked the wheel to the right, out from the trees, darting across the road was Elliott Ryder.

Instinctively Sgt. Hemsley hit the brakes. The jeep screeched and slid to a stop at the same time Elliott’s hands slammed onto the hood when the vehicle nearly hit him.

Both men locked eyes. The stare wasn’t as long as it seemed. Breathing heavily, Elliott, stepped back, and reached for his weapon.

Sgt. Hemsley did the same and realized he had left his behind. Jeep still running, he hit the gas, jolted the wheel, and just drove off. Even if it wasn’t on the road, he was making his escape.

Elliott fired at the jeep. But the thick trees that Sgt. Hemsley disappeared into were a shield of nature’s protection. Elliott lowered his weapon in defeat, then turned and headed back toward the Captain to alert him of what happened.

CHAPTER FOUR

Beginnings, Montana

“Morning, Dean,” Ellen said semi chipper as she entered the clinic lab. She turned to her right and stopped cold. She looked at the empty coffee pot. “Dean, if you’re gonna drag my ass to work on a Saturday, you have to make coffee.”

“Sorry.” Dean looked up from the computer. “I got busy. And, El, thanks for coming by this morning to watch the kids until Hap got there. I really needed to start prepping things for this future trip.”

“Which by the way . . .” Ellen walked to the counter. “…was there a problem last night?”

Confused, Dean peered from his work. “No, why?”

“Frank didn’t bring all the kids home.”

“Sure he did.” Dean snickered.

“No, he didn’t. You’re missing one.”

“Oh.” Dean nodded. “Brian stays with Frank, El.”

“Not Brian.” Ellen said. “Dean, where’s your son?”

“Isn’t he home?”

“No. When I went up to check, he wasn’t in bed.”

“Oh, my God.” Dean sprang up. “Billy’s missing?”

“Not Billy.”

Dean tilted his head with an even more confused look. “El, Frank brought the kids home last night. Who else could it . . .” His eyes widened trying to hide his confusion on how that odd child still existed. “Frank.” He said the same in a complaining manner.

“What?” Frank answered as he walked into the lab. “I heard the call of greatness.”

“Asshole.” Dean walked from behind the counter. “Where’s my kid?”

“Which one?”

“You know exactly which one.” Dean said. “You were supposed to bring them all home last night. Where is he?”

“Who?” Frank asked.

“You know. Um .. .” Dean closed his eyes. “What’s his name.”

Ellen tapped Dean on the shoulder then folded her arms in an angry stance. “Joey.”

Dean snapped his finger. “That’s it. Thanks, El. Joey. Where is he, Frank? What did you think? I wouldn’t notice you didn’t return my kid.”

Frank laughed. “You didn’t.”

“And you knew I wouldn’t, so you did it on purpose.” Dean turned his head to Ellen’s gasp. “What?”

“You wouldn’t notice your own son not coming home?” Ellen asked.

“No he wouldn’t.” Frank interjected. “Shameless father, which brings me to the reason for my visit. I have a proposition for you, Dean.”

Dean rolled his eyes. “This ought to be good. Go on.”

“Let me have Joey.”

“What!” Dean blasted.

“No, hear me out.” Frank held up his hand. “Let me have him. He and I, we have a bond. He looks just like me. Let me have your kid, Dean.”

“No!” Dean yelled.

“Come on, Dean. I can dress him up in baby cammies, make him a miniature Frank. No one will know.”

“Frank.” Dean barked. “Everyone will know if I just give you my kid. And no.”

“Come on Dean, let me have him.” Frank followed Dean around the lab. “Dean. The kid can successfully hang jump from the second floor window without injury. Do you know what that means?”

“Yeah, there’s something wrong with him.”

“Exactly.” Frank failed to hear the numerous sounds of shock come from Ellen. “So I should raise him. Give him up. He’s not your type of kid.”

“No, Frank, this is absurd. I can’t believe you just want me to give you my kid.” Dean said. “And you raising my kid isn’t even an option. I would like him to know how to read.”

“Dean,” Frank spoke with seriousness. “Have you talked to Joey? I don’t think he has that in him. I’m gonna have to go another route of skills.”

Dean bobbed his head. “You may have a point.”

“Oh my God! Enough!” Ellen exclaimed. “I can’t believe I’m standing here listening to this. Dean. Do you have a problem with Joey?”

“No,” Dean said in a defensive manner.

“Then why are you implying he’s not smart?” Ellen asked.

“Well . . .El.” Dean tilted his head.

Another gasp came from Ellen. “I have blood work.” She turned with a jolt. In her storm from the clinic she nearly barreled over Joe. “Excuse me, Joe.”

After watching Ellen whiz by, Joe stepped into the lab. “Is there a problem?”

Both Frank and Dean turned around.

“I thought maybe there was.” Joe walked in further. “We had a meeting in my office a half hour ago. So knowing this, Frank, why’s your jeep parked outside?”

Frank slowly shifted his eyes from Dean to Joe. “Um, because I can’t park inside?”

“Frank!” Joe yelled. “The question should be why are you here?”

“No, Dad.” Frank held up a finger. “The question should be, why are you here questioning me on why I’m here when both you and I should be there.” He nodded. “See?”

Dean raised his hand slightly. “Joe, as odd as this is, in Frank’s defense, why didn’t you just radio him?”

“I did.” Joe snapped. “I kept saying. ‘Frank, where are you?’”

“And I answered you,” Frank said, “every time you asked. I told you. Bakery. My office. Here.”

“Frank,” Joe stated his name with an eerie calm. “Get your ass up to my office for that meeting. We have the society and the Cleveland run to discuss. And Dean, since you’re supposed to stop by, you might as well hop a ride.” Joe started to leave.

“Joe? What for?” Dean asked.

Frank breathed out in irritation. “The meeting, Dean.”

“Not that.” After a quick glare to Frank, Dean looked back to Joe. “Why, uh, am I meeting with you guys? I’m not remembering. We did come through that machine yesterday. Time machine memory loss.” He tossed his hands up.

“That’s right.” Joe nodded. “When you returned from the nuclear holocaust.” Joe spoke as if he were talking to a three year old. “Dean. You’re supposed to give us a Marcus report.” After a pacifying smile, Joe gave one more nod and walked out.

“Oh, yeah.” Frank grinned. “We’re talking about killer babies. My favorite topic. And speaking of innocent children...”

“No.” Dean shook his head. “You’re not getting Joey.” He moved to the door. “Wait for me Frank. I just have to run down to the cryo-lab and get my Marcus notes. I won’t be long. Thanks.”

“O.K.” Frank nodded. And after Dean walked out so did Frank. He left the clinic and watched Dean head to the entrance of the tunnels, then Frank got in the jeep and drove off.

^^^^

“In excess of fifty-five miles per hour.” Dean laid down his notes as he sat in Joe’s office for the meeting. “And this is just a baby. Weather?” Dean fluttered his lips. “Not effected at all. We saw some deterioration in Marcus’ skin sample at three hundred and seventy-five degree, so in a sense you probably could burn them.”

Frank reached for the notes. “Or shoot them. But . . . we’d have to catch them first. Any guess on how fast they’ll move as adults?”

Dean shook his head. “I don’t want to think about it.”

Henry’s whispering words caught their attention. “An indestructible army.”

Joe, Frank, and Dean, all looked to him.

Henry continued, “Not just workers, but a force indestructible that could march through anything, quickly too. The SUTS, that’s their first line of defense, having them around until these Marcus type people are ready. Remember they can only know one thing.”

Frank rubbed his eyes. “So basically our next generation is looking at a hell of a war.”

Dean chuckled emotionally. “Next generation? No Frank, this generation. These things grow fast. Right now Marcus has grown at six times the normal rate. At that rate, within three years they can have an army going. And how many embryos they created is not known either. We have one other problem. We have one hell of a generation gap here in Beginnings or hasn’t anyone noticed. Leaving out babies, we have a small group of children between the ages of four and ten, and three teenagers. Our median age for men here is thirty-five. Thirty-five is young to you and me, but we aren’t youthful men Frank. In five, six years, our young won’t be old enough to fight and our men may be losing their edge.”

Frank scoffed, “Speak for yourself, Dean.”

Joe, who had been silent, spoke up. “Though Dean has a point there’s nothing we can do about that. We just have to keep trying to find men for an army. Do you have any suggestions?”

“I do.” Frank spoke up. “We have about a hundred of those killer baby embryos. Grow our own army just like them.”

Joe winced. “They explode uteruses, Frank. Who’s gonna volunteer for that?”

Dean interjected. “I was actually thinking, after the virus stuff was over, of creating an artificial womb. If I’m successful, go that route.”

“Or use animals. How about a cow?” Frank added.

Dean gave a thinking look.

Joe cringed. “No. Even if we do that, who’s gonna raise these wild children?

Frank gave a wave out of his hand. “Hell with raising them. Pen them up, make them animals, then train them using shock therapy.”

“Frank,” Joe barked. “They’re humans for Christ sake.”

“Killer babies,” Frank corrected.

“Humans,” Joe reiterated. “Whether they eat live flesh or not, they are humans. Creating a lab army has to be out.”

Frank’s finger snapped as he stared blankly out. “What about using one already made?” He saw they didn’t understand what he meant. “Come on, you don’t know? Our SUTs? Henry what do you think?”

“Frank, they’re programmed already for the society.” Henry replied.

“So.” Frank said. “We reprogram them. Set up a SUT camp where we work with them. Robbie and I can train them. We have smart people here. Isn’t there anyone that can figure out how to reprogram these things? This is perfect. They’re all different ages. They don’t know any better . . .”

Joe held up his hand. “Frank you’re getting ahead of yourself. I like the way you’re thinking. Make them our first line of defense. But I really don’t think that can be done either.”

Henry smiled. “Maybe it can, Joe. We have that microchip from the SUT Frank shot. Dean, could you give it to me? Let me work on it. See what I can do. I’m great with computers.”

Dean tossed his hands up. “Sure. But then what, Henry? Who are we going to implant it in to see if it works?”

Frank answered. “Another SUT. We’re bound to run into one especially with that Cleveland trip next week. We pick one up, drug him. Can you keep him alive Dean without that thing in his brain? That way if we remove his, Henry has two chips in case he screws up.”

Dean’s finger lifted in a thinking manner. “This could work. And it’s pretty good coming from you.”

“I’m the man,” Frank said. “We’ll build our own army yet even if we have to cheat to do . . .”

Robbie knocked once and stuck his head in the door. “Dean, your Barbie camper is parked.”

“My what?” Dean stood up puzzled then it hit him. “Oh my Mobile. Did you guys get it up there?”

“Yep.” Robbie nodded. “Let’s go, I brought the jeep. I know you’ve been waiting for it.”

“Thanks, Robbie.” Dean moved to the door. “I’ll uh . . . see you guys later.” Excited, he followed Robbie out.

Henry soon stood also. “I have some things to take care of too. Frank, make sure Dean gets that to me?”

“What?” Frank asked.

“Never mind. I’ll talk to Dean.” Henry left.

“About . . .” The door shut. “What?” Frank stood up and then snapped his finger. “Oh.” He closed his eyes. “I remember now. O.K.”

“He’s gone Frank.” Joe spoke.

“I know, I was thinking out loud. I understand myself better that way. I’m heading out too. I want to finish the Cleveland Run notes.” Frank started to leave.

Joe just nodded slowly watching his son walk to the door. He was grateful the meeting was over.

“Oh Dad? One more thing.”

“What’s that, Frank?” Joe asked.

“Isn’t it good to have Robbie here? Especially the Robbie we remember.” With a smile, Frank walked out.

“What?” Joe threw his hands in the air then saw his door open again and Frank poked his head in.

“Dad? Forget I said that. Thanks.” The door shut again.

^^^^

Dean was filled with excitement when he jumped from the jeep to see the huge CDC mobile parked nearby Jason’s lab. John Matoose was walking away from it when Dean approached. “Hey John, all secure?”

“Yep.” John took off his baseball cap, ran his hands through his balding, thin blonde hair and put the hat back on. “All situated. I’ll tell Henry he can start running the power lines through in the morning.”

Dean smoothed his hand on the outside of the silver tube-like building. “Any equipment in there?”

“We took it out. It’s up in storage with that other stuff you brought from Nebraska. You’ll have to hook it up when you’re powered up. Otherwise she’s clean. We even did like you said. We sent the one brain damaged field worker inside. He cleaned out all the specimens that could be dangerous.”

“Excellent.” Dean reached for the door.

“Dean? It’s kind of small in there.” John said leaning into him. “How are you three going to be quarantined in there for any length of time? There’s not even a real bathroom.”

Seeing Dean’s mouth open, Robbie filled the air with words. “Where you been. John?” He stepped closer to the mobile. “We’re bringing in one of the small security campers from the field. Hook it up to the side door. It should make it easy for Henry to power that up also. Gonna build a small protection tunnel.”

John nodded. “Good idea. Get with me later and we’ll work on moving it before you head out to Cleveland.”

“Will do.” Robbie watched John leave. “So Dean, you gonna check it out?”

“Um yeah.” He grabbed for the door. “You coming?”

“Nah, I’ll check out the outside of it.”

Dean, leaving Robbie be, opened up the door finally. The smell of old and dirt hit him immediately. It was tubular inside and out. There were two small labs. A normal set up. A working lab and an infectious special lab were separated by a glass wall. The closet size decontamination room was adjacent to the lab behind the glass. Rubbing the coldness from his hands, Dean stepped further in. He stood in the bigger lab he supposed they’d do a lot of their paper work in. It was dark. The main window that took up the whole one end of the building was so dirty it blocked out any sunlight. When John said it was clean, what he really meant was empty. The mobile would have to be scrubbed down completely. Dirt so thick gathered everywhere around the blue and white interior. Thinking how much nicer the military special units were, Dean ran his freezing hand down the blackened counter-top. Bringing his fingers to his view, he heard the loud metal thump above his head. The thump turned into several, spanning across the length of the mobile. Looking up to the ceiling, Dean’s ears rang with the steady heavy hits. “What the hell?” He stepped back out and looked up. “Robbie! What are you doing?”

Robbie slammed his foot against the roof of the mobile. “Making sure this thing is air tight. If you’re going to be bringing back some killer virus from the future, it better be.”

“It won’t be if you keep banging your feet up there. Get down!” Dean scolded.

“All right.” With a four step run, Robbie leaped from the top of the mobile landing on the grass by Dean.

“Geez, Robbie, you’re gonna break your leg again.”

“Nah. I’m too cool. Hey I’m heading back to do my test. Want me to drive you to town?”

Dean closed the door to the mobile lab. “I’ll take a lift.” As he walked to the jeep he looked back at the distance that Robbie had leaped, a distance had anyone else done they would have shattered their ankles. Chalking it up to it being a Slagel thing, Dean got in the jeep. He watched Robbie through the corner of his eye as they drove back. Robbie popped a cassette into the jeep’s player, turned up the volume, bobbed his head with a grin, and sang as he peeled out. An air of arrogance surrounded Robbie but it was coupled with something else, a childlike enthusiasm lost to most men in the world gone bad. It was so hard to believe to Dean that this Robbie was the same one who beat him to a pulp and shot Frank. In actuality, he wasn’t. And even though Dean was still in a game of mind ping-pong about trusting Robbie, he knew before long he would stay steady at one side of the table, the side with Ellen and everyone else in Beginnings. There was something innocently genuine about this Robbie Slagel. And Dean liked him. He really liked him.

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

The large auditorium was crowded, packed with every man that could attend what George was calling the ‘town meeting’. Every seat was taken and the men who stood were crammed in the back to listen to the president. All of them held onto a newsletter of sorts given to them.

George wore blue jeans and a simple tee shirt. His work boots were dirty and his hair not as neatly combed. He sat in a lean against a long table before the room. Relaxed and honest was what George wanted to portray. And he looked the part.

“That friend.” George pointed then brought his hands back to a fold. “I want to be that friend. I want . . . I want to be the father you can come to in the middle of the night. Any time. I am here.” He slowly stood up. “That was the way I ran my presidency. This is the way I want to be with you. Many of you have questions. Hell, so would I. I don’t cringe when Mr. Lange brings me the contents of the suggestion box. No.” George shook his head. “I welcome the feedback. Welcome it. And I read every single one. Now . . .” George stopped pacing again. “I may not be able to address every concern but that is what the weekly meetings are for. To try. You men are here by choice and by God, we are grateful. What we plan to do cannot be done without you. The number one question is why we are not calling ourselves the United States. Think about it. Take the word apart. United. United. Are we united?” George shook his head. “No. The Caceres society was an organization who planned and stockpiled for such a situation as we faced. For years they planned and set in motion where and when to be. What took so long to get you? It has taken years to get to the point where we are even able to offer you anything. I myself was taken prisoner for a while. But . . .” George sighed heavily. “That is not your concern. You’re here. Food... well, we must ration. But that is only until we get things running. We are a country ravished by plague. We have groups of survivors who are selfish, who want no part of the new order. We have survivors I call savages who run around in loin cloths defiling the memory of our great American Indian ancestors. These are obstacles. You ask, some of you, where the women are. Need I answer that with the savages running around? They are safe and secure, placed in what we like to call . . .” George smiled. “…a spoiling community, pampered and treasured like the valuable assets they are.” He reached behind him for a clipboard. “Some of you have asked why survivors are taken against their will. Well, under the laws of this nation the government may seize any land they see fit. If it is farmed and fertile, we must take it. We must feed those who are here to rebuild. You are our future.” George set the clipboard down. “We have to rebuild technology, strength, agriculture and most of all we must build an army great enough to defend this land. Why?” Stopping, George took a relaxing seat on the table. “This country fed seventy-five percent of the world. This country is ours. If we do not build to defend it, if we do not unify in the name of the Caceres Society, then where do we stand? How long will it be before other countries build and gather the technology to come over here and take what is ours? We cannot let that happen. Our greatest defense will be readiness.” George caught the subtle clearing of the throat. Then with the shifting of his eyes, he saw Steward standing to his right in the exit door. And behind Steward was a very dirty Sgt. Hemsley. George stood up. “Excuse me. I’ll be right back.” With a nod, he walked around the table and toward Steward at the exit.

The moment George left, The Captain in society uniform--camouflaged within the crowd of soldiers in the back--held tight to his information sheet and left the auditorium as well.

CHAPTER FIVE

Beginnings, Montana

“In my personal opinion,” Robbie spoke in an upbeat explanation mode to Sgt. Luther Baily, or ‘Sarge’, as they headed toward perimeter nine. “This is the best and most viable way, not to mention high tech, to test the perimeter beams.”

“Will I be trying this?” Sarge asked.

“Not right now. You’re in training. Just watch. It takes skill.” Robbie nodded. “Trust me; it’s not as easy as it looks.” Setting down his clipboard, Robbie brought himself to a squatting position. He had a gleam in his eye, his bright white smile flashed as he looked into a metal cage. “Hey guys.” He tapped his finger on the cage. “Today is an important day.” The four squirrels inside the cage scurried about. “You now have achieved a purpose in life. This moment can be yours. Which one?”  Robbie spoke to them like they were children. “Don’t be shy, which one? Tell you what. I’ll choose.”

Sarge chuckled as he watched. “Is speaking to them part of the testing ritual.”

“Oh, yeah. And now the good part. Watch carefully.” Next to Robbie was a long metal stick. A wired loop wrapped around the end. Poking the loop through the small opening of the cage, Robbie moved it around until one of the squirrels had the unfortunate timing of running through it. Quickly, Robbie pulled the lever on the handle tightening the loop around the squirmy creature’s neck. “Thank you for volunteering.” Opening the cage, Robbie pulled out the squirrel which dangled from his stick-trap. He shut the cage and stood up. A wave of the metal rod in the air caused the squirrel to swing around in a circular motion. With a count of three, Robbie released the lever hurling the rodent twenty feet ahead of him. A high animal squeal emerged followed by a sizzling sound as the squirrel, spinning full speed, whammed into the perimeter beam. “Yes. Perimeter nine working properly.” He picked up his clipboard and checked it off.

“And when will my training be complete so I can try that high tech means?” Sarge smiled.

“Now. Congrats. All trained. This is your new job for now.” Robbie bent down and picked up the cage. He handed it to Sarge. “Go on check perimeters five through eight and I’ll meet you down at Frank’s.”

“Got it.” Sarge looked at the rodents in the cage. “I have to say I’m gonna miss my night shift watching perimeter seven.”

“You did good though. Whatever it was messing with that beam, you scared it away.”

“Thank you. But if I’m needed to pull more watches ...”

“I’m sure my brother will put you on. See you in a bit.” With a swat to Sarge’s arm, Robbie tucked his clipboard under his arm then headed to Frank’s office to hand over his findings.

^^^^

“Yeah?” Frank called out in his usual manner as he sat behind his desk rocking back and forth in his chair.

“It’s me.” Robbie walked in and tossed the clipboard at Frank.

Frank caught it with a grunt to his chest. He stared at the clipboard. “You do these tests?”

“Uh . . . no Frank. You do them. You left that clipboard hanging around. I thought you may want it.” Robbie tapped his temple. “Time machine memory loss?”

“Um, yeah.” Frank looked at the clipboard then set it down.

Laughing, Robbie headed to the door. “See ya. I have to get cleaned up before I start working at containment.”

“Speaking of which . . .” He waited for Robbie to turn around. “I want to ask you something about one of the survivors, someone that’s been here for a while. The guy called Mo . . . I mean, Reverend Thomas.”

“What about him?” Robbie stepped closer to the desk.

“I haven’t seen him.”

“He’s on one of his fanatical retreats. You know that. He goes on them once a month for a few days. He’ll probably be back tonight.”

“Do you trust him?” Frank asked Robbie.

“Since when do I trust too many survivors? Trust him as in what? Is he dangerous? I don’t think. Whacked out? Yes. He’s the eccentric bible thumper. Why? Are you having a bad feeling about him?”

“You could say that. My gut says we should watch him.”

“Then we’ll watch him,” Robbie agreed. “I’ll check up on him more often.”

“Where does he go for these retreats?” Frank asked.

“The mountains. Why all the questions about him?”

“Well in my memory…you know.” Frank shrugged. “He was bad, Robbie. He was really bad. He banded together a group of men that were nothing but trouble. I actually killed him myself.”

Robbie whistled. “No wonder you’re worried about him. Any chance that the change in time changed Rev. Thomas.”

“Like I said, I haven’t seen him since things changed. But . . . I’m going to say no. Even if it seems like it, I have to keep in mind what he did in my time frame. Even as a precaution, I can’t forget. I don’t want a repeat of history.”

“I understand. Sort of like sticking with the theory that those who can’t remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

“Whoa.” Frank looked up impressed. “That is pretty good. Where did you hear that?”

“You’re kidding right?” Robbie smiled. “You’re not?”

Frank shook his head. “Who said it? Dad?”

“No, way. I wrote it myself.” Robbie rubbed his temple. “Here’s another to leave you with. Those who live by the sword, die by the sword.”

“You should write those down.”

“I might.” Robbie grinned and walked to the door. “But, I’m off. And I’m on that Rev. Thomas issue.”

“Thanks.” Frank replied. When the door to his office closed and Robbie was gone, Frank lifted the clipboard to review the perimeter tests. But before he did, he wanted to write down Robbie’s quotes. He was proud that his little brother was creatively philosophical and Frank wanted to eventually share that wisdom with others.

^^^^

Pictures? Dean couldn’t believe it. Who would have ever thought that having Robbie Slagel around from the beginning would signify a history made up of not only paper and words, but of photographs as well? And there were lots of them. They were a dropped off as surprise gift from Robbie. He was passing them on to him, Fran, and Henry. Extras that were not put in the history books. Dean would have to make an appointment to see those. But Robbie left enough. Many different ones including the ground breaking days and early days of Beginnings. For the generations to come, for those who would never know them, a glimpse of what the founding fathers of their land looked like. Robbie’s idea. Dean couldn’t comprehend how not one of them thought to do that at all in his remembrance of the early days of Beginnings.

Dean took another moment to stare at the photograph of him and Ellen. He had no idea when the picture was actually taken. Early on, not only did he and Ellen look younger, Ellen was very pregnant. They embraced in a semi kiss. Smiles from both of them seemingly stopped their lips from touching. How happy they looked. And Dean didn’t even know what caused that moment. It was a memory Dean would only have through the eyes of a camera’s lens.

Running his index finger over it once more, Dean set it up on his desk. He checked over his notes and blood work, clinic work he had let slide over the past few days during the rippling of time. He thought he was finally catching up, but Dean knew once they went full swing into the virus he would fall behind again. “O.K., let’s see.” Dean spoke out loud looking at his notes. “Let’s play psychic. Which one of you is going to give me the most trouble while I’m stuck in the mobile?”

“Talking to yourself again?” Andrea called out from the door of his lab.

“Andrea.” Dean stood straight up. “What are you doing here? It’s Saturday.”

“I’m welcoming another addition to the land of Beginnings.” Her eyes caught it as she moved to his desk. “What’s this?” She walked over and lifted the picture. “Now here’s something that hasn’t been on this desk for quite some time.” She smiled at it and set it back down. “The anniversary is coming up. Is that the reason for the picture?”

Dean’s eyes widened. “Excuse me?”

Andrea chuckled. “Let me let you in on a little secret Dean. If you want to pretend it didn’t happen, pulling out a wedding picture is not . . .” Andrea felt the whoosh of air as Dean snatched up the picture and flew out of the lab. “My.” She gasped out. “Don’t want my opinion ... Fine.” She threw her hands up in the air in her march from the lab. “Fine.”

^^^^

“O.K. boys . . .” Ellen handed a bucket and rag to Denny and Josh. They stood in the hallway of containment. “Baseboards need done today, especially in the skills room. We have that session in there this afternoon and the people will be on the floor. Survivors or not, I don’t want them thinking we live like pigs. Got it?”

Denny made a wincing face. “Why?”

“You blew me off two weeks ago. You both disappeared with Johnny to shoot pool. I didn’t say anything to Joe, but next time you’ll go back to school with . . . Jenny Matoose.”

Josh whined loudly, “We look really dumb.”

“Yeah,” Denny added. “Can’t we just play with Mike the dog?”

“You can play with Mike after you clean my baseboards, now hurry. It’s not that much.” Hearing the buzzing of the containment door, Ellen looked up to see Dean. She smiled. “Hi.”

“Hi, El.” He hurried to her a little out of breath and kissed her on the cheek. “Do you have a minute?”

“Dean? You have this weird look on your face. Are you all right?”

“I think. I’m not sure. We’ll find out. Come here.” Grabbing her arm, Dean pulled Ellen to the office.

On his hands and knees, fingers barely wanting to touch the soap, Josh shook his head. “And they say we’re the weird ones. He can’t even speak a whole sentence.”

“Yeah,” Denny agreed. “Some doctor he is…and we’re the ones scrubbing the floors.”

Inside her office, Ellen watched Dean close the door. “What is going on?”

Dean just handed her the picture.

Ellen shrieked. “Oh my God, look how huge I was.”

“El, when . . . when was that taken?” Dean asked as he ran his hand through his hair.

From the picture, to Dean with seriousness, Ellen looked. Then she handed the picture to Dean. “I’m busy.” She moved toward the door.

“Ellen, wait.” Dean grabbed her arm. “When?”

“I told you I’m busy.”

“Why won’t you answer me?” Dean asked.

“Because that has to be the most dick question you have ever asked me.” Ellen, with attitude, tried to open the door.

After thinking, ‘dick question?’ Dean hurriedly reached out and shut the door. “I’m very serious.”

“And so am I.” Ellen’s eyes were wide as she talked to him. “You should know.”

“I don’t know.”

“Dick.” Ellen grabbed for the door.

“El. Please.” Dean dove in front of her. “Why are you making this into a game? Just tell me.”

“If you don’t know, I’m not telling you,” Ellen said sharply. “And there is no reason on the face of this earth that you shouldn’t know when that picture was taken.”

“Oh yeah? Try this. Frank screwed up time, El. He screwed it up big time.” Dean tossed his hands in the air. “So much is different that I feel like an idiot hanging around people. I thought, I thought my life was pretty much untouched. My personal life. Well, with the exception of that one kid. Um . . .”

“Joey.”

“Yes.” Dean snapped his finger. “Thanks. But I’m finding out it may not be all the same.” He slowed down his words. “I need to know. Were we married?”

With a bit of irritation and disbelief, Ellen answered him. “Yes.”

“Oh my God.” Dean stepped back.

“Why are you acting like this is a shock?”

“Because it is.” Dean looked up, so lost. “In my memory, in my non-Frank fucked up time frame, you never loved me enough to marry me. And that was all I ever wanted…to have a life with you. And now . . . now I found out I had it and this . . .” Dean held up the picture. “…is all the memory I’ll ever have. Do you know how bad that sucks?”

Ellen slowly took a step to him. “You’re serious.” She watched him nod. “We knew it.” She said. “We knew it by how odd you were when you came back three days ago.”

“Well, the Dean that you remember three days ago, I don’t know. See, we came back yesterday trying to fix the first screw up Frank did.” He saw how confused Ellen looked. “Never mind. Long story. How did it happen? Did Robbie convince you to marry me?”

“What?” Ellen asked with a laugh. “Why would Robbie have anything to do with it?” She waited and only received a silent look. “Another long story?”

“Yep.”

“O.K., tell you what. How about tonight we exchange long stories? I may never be able to give you the actual memory, but I sure can fill in the blanks.”

“Thank you.” Dean placed his hands on her arms and kissed her. “Oh, wait. It’s Saturday. Don’t you do that twelve step thing with Frank?”

“Screw Frank. He blew me off last night. He wanted to have an emergency step six session and he never showed up. He was at the social hall watching Robbie sing. Not like he hasn’t done that before.”

“You’ll find out through the long stories . . . he hasn’t.” Dean, knowing he was leaving Ellen puzzled, walked do the door. “The lab?”

“You got it. Oh, and Dean?” Ellen waited until he turned around. “December 12th. That was when the picture was taken.”

Giving a peaceful smile and a thank you nod, Dean walked out.

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

George ran his hand across the bridge of his nose so hard that he could have wiped away the top layer of skin. “All of them?” He gazed angry eyes at Sgt. Hemsley.

“All of them. I . . . I don’t know how I dodged their bullets. Grace of God I guess.” He tried to follow George who was leaving. “I stayed in the woods after the radio and watched to see . . .”

“I don’t care!” George blasted spinning with an angry point to the frightened sergeant. “I could care less how many bullets missed you. Thirty two of my men were wiped out by a camp of goddamn low life, living in tent survivors turned defectors?”

“The ones living in the camp, from what I observed, weren’t our defectors.”

“Great.” George threw out his hand as he barged again to this door. “Get this man from my office and out of . . .”

“The ones who aided them were.” Sgt. Hemsley cried out in a last ditch attempt.

“What?” George stopped cold. “How do you know?”

“I recognized the one.” Sgt. Hemsley caught his scared breath. “I recognized him.”

“How?” George asked. “How in God’s name can you remember a defector when not even the camp master does?”

“Because his ethnicity never matched his name. It always struck me as odd. He’s Latino and his name is Elliott Ryder. And he is leading this pack. I can tell you. They all are wearing bandanas as a statement. His was the only one that was red.”

“It’s probably not a goddamn statement. It’s probably because they’re bald.” George’s attention was however caught. Calmer he stepped back into his office. “Aside from being a visual racist, how do you remember him?”

“I was part of the sweep that happened upon their town. It was a very friendly sweep of a small town on the border of Texas and Mexico. I recall because I thought they had picked up Elliott from Mexico. When in fact . . .”

“Oh my God.” Steward’s words seeped discovery. “They were all remarkably together pre-plague. Hold on.” He raced to the door. “Ambassador Lyons did that sweep, but none of us have gotten to question him because he’s been ill this past week.”

George tossed his hands in the air as he returned to behind his desk. He sat down with a sarcastic tone. “Oh, yes, now everyone remembers. A week ago no one knew anything. Now I have a name.” Tapping his fingers on the desk surface in an impatient manner, George looked up when Jeremy Lyons walked in. He looked pale from his bout with tuberculosis, but George didn’t care. He wanted answers. “Sit.” George pointed to the chair and waited. “Did Steward tell you?”

“Not much. He just said you needed to speak to me about a sweep I did.”

“Two weeks ago, I’m guessing. You did a friendly sweep of a small town bordering Mexico and Texas. What can you tell me about these survivors you picked up?”

Proudly, Jeremy smiled. “Excellent grouping. Friendly, smart. Fantastic backgrounds. They’re shining quickly for us, aren’t they?”

“Oh, yeah, they’re shining.” George stated. “They defected last week and have been nothing but a pain in the ass. Death toll now, thirty five.”

“Oh.” The smiled dropped from Jeremy’s face. “I expected great things from them.”

“Let’s just hope you’re wrong,” George said. “Tell me about this fantastic background.”

“They were all together pre-plague, all servicemen stationed in Hawaii together. They survived because some doctor tried an experimental vaccine on them. Not everyone who was given it lived. From what they told me, about ten percent of the ones given the vaccine in the early stages lived.”

“Hawaii.” George leaned back. “The almost cure.” He noticed the questioning looks. “During the plague, Dr. Hayes got a half ass recipe for a vaccine some doctor had success with. Dean always said that the vaccine could have worked if given early enough and the person was not only strong, but had some sort of genetic link to the immunity. Taylor.”

“Taylor? Who’s he?” Jeremy asked.

“Taylor was the most precious thing. How she came from that annoying little Beginnings woman I’ll never know. Anyhow, she was five years old. The vaccine worked some, but ended up failing on her. She had the genetic link to her immune mother, but she was given it in a later stage and . . . she was just a child.”

“These men were servicemen,” Jeremy said. “They all left Hawaii together. They all separated in groups for an agreed length of time to search for families and get this . . . they all returned back to the meeting place, the town in Mexico.”

“Loyalty,” George said. “They stick together well.”

“Many years. When we came upon them they had picked up four women and two older men. Those six were moved to special sectors.”

“But we did take all the servicemen.”

“No.” Jeremy shook his head. “Six stayed behind.”

“What!” George barked. “You left six behind? Why!”

“They were not aggressors. And the six that stayed behind planned to stay for four weeks and then head out to us.”

George grumbled. “Probably a backup if something went wrong. Which means,” George smiled, “our defectors will head home.” He stood up. “We have to get a crew out to that town to wait.” He saw Jeremy shake his head. “No? Why?”

“The six were finishing up the move. See, they were moving to a better resource location, one they had been working on. That is where the six are waiting.”

George sat back down. “I guess asking you where this new location is would be in vain.”

“We haven’t a clue where that is.”

“Figures.” George dropped his face into his hands. After a moment, he laid his hands on the desk. “So now our defectors that no one worried about diverted our attack, wiped out our men, and stole our weapons.” George saw Steward’s mouth open. “Don’t. Don’t give me that stock line, ‘there are only forty-two men’. Because our forty-two renegades are probably now . . . eighty-six.”

CHAPTER SIX

Beginnings, Montana

It was a pretty large stack of folders that set before Ellen on the counter. She looked at the stack then to the clipboard. “Dean,” she spoke, “I know they’ll be some wait time on results in quarantine but do we really need all this side work?” Ellen shook her head looking at the list of items she had to prepare to have at the mobile lab within a few days. “Dean?”

Dean sort of heard her, but he was too engrossed at the other counter, a counter filled with items Ellen had brought of their life. His fingers kept flipping the cover of the hotel matchbook he held. Flipping it open, he saw his name written inside. “We had an affair.” Dean stated quietly then looked to his empty hand when the matches were snatched away.

“A hotel incident.” Ellen leaned on the counter next to him. “An afternoon.” She smiled.

“I’m sitting here racking my brains how Robbie got you to my lecture before the plague.”

“Robbie didn’t.” Ellen said. “I had planned to go anyhow. Why, didn’t I go in the time frame you remember?”

“Pete.” Dean stated. “He found a letter that confirmed your affair with Frank. You said things were ugly and you never went.”

“There you have it.” Ellen smiled. “Pete never found a letter from Frank. He found . . .” she started giggling, “one of Robbie’s dirty emails he sent me. Why I printed that up I don’t know.” She shrugged. “Anyhow, Robbie’s correspondence to me grew heavier and heavier before the plague. He called it his countdown to me needing him. Now that makes sense. Frank told him that in the letter.”

“And you ended up at the lecture.”

“And in bed with you,” Ellen explained. “It was nice. Of course you always said you fell in love with me the second you laid eyes on me at the lecture. When in your memory did you fall in love with me Dean?”

Dean chuckled in embarrassment. “The second I first laid eyes on you.” He turned back around to his items. “All this stuff is great. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Even though you looked at all that while I did the work.”

“And I appreciate it. We . . . we have a good history.” Dean gazed at the items.

“Yes, we did. Didn’t we have a good history in your memory?”

“Yeah.” Dean smiled. “Only right before Frank screwed everything up, you may have been working it out with Frank, but we had another incident and you were confused about your feelings.”

“Well then see.” Ellen smiled and tapped Dean’s cheek. “Nothing’s changed. And I have to go.” She hurried and kissed him. “I want to stop and see how Henry’s doing with that microchip in the cryo-lab.”

“You’re just leaving me hanging,” Dean said.

“Yep.” Ellen backed up. “And I’ll get those things tomorrow.”

Dean nodded and returned to the items Ellen brought. No sooner did he look upon them then he heard Ellen’s distant voice saying, ‘Hey, Rev. Thomas’.

Dean lifted his head. The sound of that name sent a sickening feeling straight to his gut, causing Dean to spin around, losing his balance some, and slamming back first into the counter.

“The Lord has sent me to deliver a warning to you.” The deep voice resonated from the towering big man, his red hair long and vibrant. He carried a large red bible.

“Moses . . . I mean . . .” Dean swallowed, anger filled his chest. “Thomas.”

“Listen to his word Dr. Hayes!” Thomas held up the bible. “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, they are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope. These are the Lord’s words as spoke through Jeremiah.”

“I don’t have time for this or you,” Dean pointed. “And I would appreciate you not coming into my lab quoting the Lord’s word. Not you. Not ever.” He turned back around and began collecting the Ellen memorabilia items.

“You take this tone with me when you vow to change the future that our Lord has laid out. Vow to change it by bringing the beast of the future to our Beginnings now? Rev. Bob has informed me of these endeavors.”

Though religiously it wasn’t the correct thing to do, Dean damned Reverend Bob for opening his mouth. “You really don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“The metal deliverance of evil you brought to our fields.”

“The lab?” Dean laughed. “See what you know. It’s science.” He walked over and shut down his computer.

“It is death. And you, Dr. Hayes  . . .” His heavy hand pointed down. “Are the anti-Christ who delivers it.”

With a fluttering of his lips, Dean broke down in laughter. “All right, I’ve heard it all. I’ve been called a little-man with an attitude. A wife stealer. Even gay. But never have I been called the anti-Christ. Thanks, that’s a new one.” Chuckling Dean grabbed his belongings and moved across the lab.

“You plan to bring this virus before its time. Deliver it on the people of Beginnings.”

“Really? Thanks for the prophecy. Now, leave.” Dean shut off the light and shoved Moses as he walked. “Out. Out.” He led him to the hall and pulled the door closed. Then doing something Dean hadn’t done in a long while, he locked the lab door. “Goodnight.” Hearing Moses still mumbling bible quotes, Dean, not showing his agitation, walked down the hall. How Moses was permitted to live in Beginnings was beyond him. And the confrontation would warrant--no matter how painful it was--a mentioning of it to Frank.

^^^^

It was so quiet with only the sound of turning pages and an occasional click of the keyboard emanated into the tunnel from the cryo-lab. Silently Ellen stood in the door, watching Henry. He sat on a stool in front of the only computer that was on. Three or four text books spread out before him. With a thermos tucked under her arm and a cloth covered plate, Ellen walked softly into the lab. She cleared her throat so as not to startle him too much. Standing right behind him, she leaned over, resting her chin on his shoulder. “How’s it going?”

Henry sighed. “It’s sort of like the first date syndrome in that getting to know it phase.” He lifted the chip with tweezers. “My date.” He smiled. “My companion in quarantine while you and Dean are playing with germs.”

“You aren’t going to sleep with it are you?”

“Oh, yeah. I’m bringing back cybersex.”

Ellen snickered. “Good one. Anyhow, I was just gonna stop by and see how things were. But knowing you and how you put your mind to things, I went home first to stock you up.” She laid the thermos and plate before him. “Sandwiches and tea. See how special you are Henry. That is made with the tea I brought back from Nebraska.”

“Thanks, El.” Henry looked up with a smile. “But I really don’t plan on being here all night. Honest.”

With a smirk, Ellen nodded. “Sure you don’t.” She ran her hand down his back then folded her arms. “I’ll let you be. Don’t work too hard. And eat something.”

Spinning on the stool, Henry faced Ellen. “El, thanks a lot. It really means something to have someone just care where you’re at and that you ate. I haven’t had that at all in a long time. I’m really, really glad you’re my roommate.”

“And I’m insulted, Henry. I’m more than that. I’m your friend.” Ellen waited until she received Henry’s embarrassed look. “Besides,” she sighed out and moved to the door, living with you is safe. It keeps me from prematurely choosing the wrong side of the fence.”

“El.” Henry’s voice was soft. “You can get mad at me for saying this but . . . Frank’s your husband. There isn’t a choice.”

Ellen nodded. “I know. I just have no one who understands. I can’t go to the women. They’re all into this two men, understanding thing. And even if Frank and Dean would agree to that.” She shook her head. “I wouldn’t let it happen. No understanding. It’s an easy way out for a problem I’ve had long before understandings happened. I just hope you never to choose between two people you love. It’s bad.”

Slowly Henry looked up. “It can’t possibly be as bad as having no one to love.”

Ellen’s eyes closed and she folded her arms tighter. “Humbled. I’m sorry.” She started to leave, but stopped. “Henry? I know it’s not the same thing. But . . . I love you.”

Though it had a hint of sadness, Henry smiled.

“Night.” After one more flash of a smile, Ellen walked out. As she stepped into the tunnel she saw the odd sight of John Matoose walking down the tunnel. Following him at the same quick pace, Ellen wanted to call out but opted for a loud dramatic gasp instead, a gasp that caught his attention as he tried to climb the ladder.

John released the rung. “Ellen.” He spoke her name with annoyance.

“John?” She folded her arms walking to him. “Are you . . . are you spying on Henry?”

“Why would you even ask such a stupid question?”

“Because you’re a stupid man.”

“And you’re an annoying woman.” He reached for the rung again. “And just so your Harriet the Spy mind doesn’t take off somewhere, I was finishing my rounds.”

“Oh sure you are. I believe that. Since when does security make rounds in these tunnels? Frank never makes rounds in these tunnels.”

“Then Frank doesn’t do his job.”

“Obviously if you’re still walking the streets of Beginnings. You know what I think?” Ellen moved even closer trying, though not succeeding, at looking intimidating. “I think you’re worried about what Henry is doing in the cryo-lab.”

“I could care less about Henry in the cryo-lab.”

“Then why were you spying on him?”

“I was walking my rounds! And I’m not arguing over it with you. You don’t know anything.” He began to climb.

“I know that you were in on it with George.”

“Ellen . . .” John paused in his climbing. “Fuck off.”

Giggling and thinking how much fun her confrontations were with John, Ellen waited until he was up and far away and then she climbed to the top also.

^^^^

Lee-Curtis Mansion

Arlington National Cemetery

A grumble and a shiver accompanied Elliott’s entrance into the mansion. He pulled the front door closed, stepped over the three sleeping men in the entrance hall and turned left to the sitting room. He cleared his throat.

The Captain turned from his stand by the fire. “Hey, Elliott.”

Elliott stepped inside. “Night watchmen are all secure.”

“Good. I’m going to be up all night if you want to go to sleep.”

“Sleep sounds good. I’m sure I’ll squeeze in somewhere.” Elliott walked closer. “Reading the Caceres Society newsletter?”

“Yes.” The Captain grinned. “Talk about luck. I go to get more info and there’s a town meeting.” He laughed. “Of course, Hadley is an asshole and the men are stupid if they believed what he said. A lot is bullshit, some is truth. He made valid points. But you’ll be glad to hear we don’t need to go in for any more information.”

“Why?” Elliott asked. “You said the meeting wasn’t that informative and what you have isn’t that much.”

“What I had. Look what I have now.” The Captain reached down and pulled up what looked like a log book. “Steward Lange’s person entry diary.”

Elliott’s eyes widened. “I can’t believe you took that risk.”

“Yeah, it kind of was. But it was worth it. I was thinking.” The Captain paced some. “I’m not really wanting us to leave a trail of bodies anymore. Not for a while. I’m not wanting the society to get pissed and go after us full force before we’re ready.”

“Ready? Ready for what?”

“I’m working on a plan.” The Captain held up a finger. “But for now, any infiltration or diversion we make, we should use gas.”

“Gas would work, but where are we . . .” Elliott saw the Captain’s point to a small green knapsack. “Let me take a wild guess. Gas courtesy of the society? As a child did you find yourself getting into a lot of trouble?”

The Captain smiled. “Never. You do know we have to go into Quantico at least one more time.”

“For?” Elliott asked.

“Hating to do it…food. Right now they’re our only resource until we make it back home and we have a lot of mouths to feed.”

“And keep warm,” Elliott said. “Not that this charming haunted house won’t do, but it’s not safe. Too much movement in DC.”

“You’re right. And I have thought of that. In fact I’d like to make plans to move by dusk tomorrow.”

“You’ve thought of a place already?” Elliott said pleased.

“Absolutely.”

Worry hit Elliott at that moment when he saw the look on the Captain’s face. “I’m gonna hate it, aren’t I?”

The Captain grinned wide. “Absolutely.”

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

From the small bathroom adjacent to his bedroom, Steward Lange stumbled in his insomniac frustration. Hair tossed about from fanatic finger rampaging, he made his way to his small personal desk in the corner of the room.

He sat down in the chair that squeaked and turned on his desk light. He needed something boring to do or at least something that worked his mind. Placing on his glasses, Steward opened his left hand drawer and while grabbing a pen, he reached blindly into the drawer. He expected it to be there. It was big enough that his hand wouldn’t miss it. Steward would have thought he left it in the office had he not pulled out the small slip of paper that was in the empty drawer instead of his personal log diary. A note that simply read ‘Thanks for the log!’.

He didn’t have to think too hard to know who took it. Steward knew exactly the culprits. And knowing that, along with wanting to save face and any extreme verbal lashing from the president, Steward ripped up the note. As far as Steward was concerned, he never had a log diary and he wasn’t about to let George know he had one that was stolen, especially one with such vital information in it.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Ellen checked her hair to see if it was still damp from her shower. Laying in her bed waiting for it to be dry enough for her to go to sleep without risking total pandemonium bed head, Ellen sifted through the pile of old tabloids she had saved. During the past hour she had looked at the pictures in every one of them. Thinking maybe she might break down and read an article, she blindly reached for one from the middle. Mid grab, she decided she didn’t want to be literary. A little uncomfortable, bored and not to mention chilly, she walked to her dresser for her sweat pants. Stepping into them and pulling them on, she heard the sound of the front door opening slowly. Henry. She thought with a smile. Though she didn’t expect him home, Ellen was glad he arrived. She was going out of her mind being alone. Hearing a rummaging, and the sound of him bumping into the lamp table, Ellen snickered and stepped from her room. “Henry?” She called out. “Henry.”

She didn’t get an answer.

“Henry?” She moved closer to the stairs and she heard the footsteps, the floorboards of the stairs creaking slowly as they were ascended. “Henry, answer me.” Still no response, the footsteps continued. Thinking quickly, Ellen stepped back speaking loudly. “Frank, I think someone is downstairs, can you get up and check?” Suddenly the footsteps stopped and the sound of running back down was heard, followed by the slamming of the front door. “Shit.” Ellen grabbed her chest. “Oh shit.” She breathed heavily and her heart raced. “Shit.” Frantic, she searched for her shoes and placed them on. “I have to find Frank.” Walking in a quick stride into the hall, Ellen took a deep breath. She counted to three then with everything she had, she charged down the steps, ran out the door, closed it and took off, top speed all the way to Frank’s house.

With the burst of the front door and a flick on of the light, Ellen called out in a whisper as she raced into Frank’s house. “Frank! Frank!”

Robbie grumbled and sounded muffled as he lay on the sofa, half on his side, wearing only his boxer shorts with his blanket across his feet. “Aw El.” He covered his face with the pillow.

Ignoring him, Ellen called up the steps. “Frank.”

“El, shut the light out. I’m trying to sleep.”

Ellen waved her hand at him. “Frank!” She called out in that whisper again. “Robbie, is he here?” She walked to the back of the couch. “I need to . . . and cover up or something. I can see right through the front opening of your boxer shorts.”

Robbie dropped the pillow to the floor. “Who cares, Ellen? Why are you looking at my crotch anyhow?”

“It’s right there.”

“Can I help it impresses you?”

“Ha.” Ellen laughed and turned back to the steps. “Please. You’re a Slagel remember? Big men plus large egos equals the Slagel curse.”

“Thank you for that,” Robbie said with sarcasm, rubbing his eyes. “Why are you here?”

“Not to see your crotch.” Ellen saw Frank come down the steps. “Frank.”

“El.” Frank stepped to her. “What’s wrong?”

“Frank.” Ellen sounded frantic. “Henry is working all night. I heard this noise.”

“A noise?” Frank asked. “What kind of noise, like an animal?”

“No, a person.” Ellen stated. “Whoever it was, was sneaking up the steps.”

“Like a prowler?” Frank laughed. “El, we’re in Beginnings, there are no prowlers.”

Ellen shook her head at him. “Fine, laugh at me but it scared me.”

“You’re serious, aren’t you?” Frank asked.

“Yes, Frank very,” Ellen told him. “I heard the door open. I heard whoever it was walk into the table lamp and then they walked up the steps. They wouldn’t answer me when I called. And when I pretended you were with me, they heard that and ran out.”

Frank looked to Robbie who was pulling on his pants. “Robbie?”

“I know. I’m on it.” Robbie tossed on his shirt then slipped his feet in his boots. He began to lace them. “I’ll check it out.” Stomping to adjust his foot, Robbie stood up.

“Get back to me,” Frank told him.

“You got it.” Robbie grabbed his coat from the chair. “I’ll let you know what I find.”

Ellen smiled in relief at Robbie. “Thank you.”

“Yep.” Opening the door, Robbie looked back before he walked out. “I want you to take note of how nice I’m being. And you insulted my penis too.”

^^^^

Joe’s heavy thinking breath seeped from his hand that slid down his face. Still wearing his night clothes, he kept looking back to Robbie as he paced about Henry’s living room. “No mistake?”

“None.” Robbie shook his head. “Someone was in here. Dirt tracks on the stairs, lamp knocked over.”

“Do you . . .” Joe looked up to the loud thumps as Frank came down the stairs. “Anything Frank?”

Frank laughed.

“What?” Joe asked annoyed.

“I can’t believe you still have those pajamas. Didn’t you have them when we were . . .”

“Frank,” Joe snapped. “Anything upstairs?”

Frank cleared his throat. “No. Of course Ellen said she heard the door close.”

“Doesn’t mean they didn’t come back when she left.” Joe said. “Was it Henry or was it Ellen they wanted?”

Frank decided to answer. “Seeing that Henry was in the cryo-lab and that Ellen called out and they still came up the steps, we’re thinking it’s Ellen.”

Joe looked to Robbie. “A survivor from containment?”

Robbie shook his head. “Greg’s on watch. I talked to him. Everyone’s locked down.”

“Escape hatch?” Joe questioned.

“Secured and padlocked.”

Joe snapped his finger. “Maybe it was Mike the Dog. We do let him out.”

“Nope again. We now put paper down in the men’s room.”

“Oh my God,” Frank gasped. “Get rid of that animal. If he’s not house broken by now he shouldn’t . . .”

“Frank.” Joe held up his hand with a wince. “What about taking a look at the people Ellen may have had confrontations . . . Never mind, we’ll be talking to the whole community. All right. This may have something to do with sex as well. Robbie, get together with Jenny Matoose. Ask her what men in the community haven’t been with a woman in a while. She keeps records of which of her women service who. And let’s watch Ellen, but keep this under wraps, especially from her. She’ll be running around accusing everyone. Got that?” He got an agreement from his sons. “And keep an eye out for anything strange.” Joe stopped before leaving. “And yes, Frank, I have had these pajamas since you were teenagers.”

When the door closed, Frank looked at Robbie. “I knew it. He loved those pajamas.”

“You know what, Frank? We should hide them like we used to.”

“Oh. Excellent idea.” Frank smiled and gave a swat to Robbie’s arm. “And you know what the best part is. Hal’s not around to blame it on us, so we won’t get in trouble for doing it.” With a nod, Frank walked out, leaving his little brother laughing.

CHAPTER SEVEN

November 29

The dining room was loud, extremely loud, however, Ellen did her best to block out the noise while running in her mind what she had to do that morning. “Here.” She gave Brian a bottle, lifted the spoon from his bowl of cereal on the table, and shoved it in his mouth. “Good boy.” She patted him on the head. “Your turn, Josh.” She raced back in the kitchen and laid two bowls of cereal down for Billy and Joey.

Billy whined. “I hate corn flakes.”

“Tough.” Ellen poured the milk in his bowl, then Joey’s. “Alex, what are you doing?”

Alexandra sat with a rice cake breaking it into tiny pieces and sticking it in a bowl. “Making cereal, Uncle Robbie taught me this.”

“Remind me to thank your Uncle Robbie for the mess.” She brushed the crumbs off the table. “I saw that, Billy. Joey, eat your own food. And Josh, the food goes in Brian’s mouth.”  Letting out a loud grunt of disgust, Ellen turned to the door when she heard the knock. “Who is that?” She raced to the door and opened it. Denny and his little sister Katie stood there. “Denny.”

“My mom said to feed us. She didn’t have time.” Denny, holding Katie’s hand walked in.

“Sure go on.” Ellen held her hand out. “I need my coffee.” Moving faster than the two young people in her living room, Ellen brushed by them.

“Hey, Josh.” Denny, leaning in his walk, walked into the dining room. “Did you hear?” He sat down.

“Hear what?” Josh asked.

“What they’re making us do. We have to help Dean and them clean out that lab. Hanging out with old people again,” Denny complained.

“Aw. That thing is probably really dirty,” Josh complained. “Why do they make us do that?”

“My mom said Dean rec . . rec . . .” Denny tried to remember the words. “Ellen?”

“Requisitioned you.” She walked into the dining room with her coffee. “That means since you really aren’t people yet, Joe can do with you what he wants.” She started to feed Brian.

Denny’s mouth dropped open. “That’s not fair… I don’t think.”

“Welcome to Beginnings.” Ellen told them. “In the old world we had laws pertaining to stuff like that. Rules. And when people like Joe broke the rules, people like you guys just wouldn’t do their work.”

Denny was surprised to hear that. “How did they get away with that?”

Ellen, between feeding a reluctant Brian and trying to get her morning dose of caffeine in, proceeded to explain to the two awestruck teenage boys about labor rules in the old world.

^^^^

Joe put out his cigarette and stretched some in his chair. Barely eight-thirty in the morning and he felt like he put in a day’s work. In actuality, he did. He never went back to sleep after the ‘prowler’ episode. He wanted to but hands were needed in the greenhouses to get ready for their harvest. Readying himself to make a walk through in town, Joe grabbed his coffee and stood from his desk chair. He took a clipboard and opened his door. Enjoying the welcome warmer weather of the fall season, he stepped outside, whistling as he stared up to the blue sky. About ten or so feet in his stroll, Joe paused, stopped whistling, and turned around. His hand went harshly down his face when he saw Denny and Josh. Sternly and fatherly he walked up to them. His one word sent shivers of fright through them, but they didn’t show it. Or at least they didn’t think they did. “Boys.” With a pointing index finger, Joe walked back into his office. He wanted to get to the bottom of how the two most ill-informed people in the community learned how to sit in a protest holding a sign that said, ‘Unfair child labor practice’.

^^^^

Ellen just wanted to gripe. Take this. Do that. Bring this. Move that. But since she was running around the community so much, she had no one to complain to. And she ran around without a jacket too, which irritated her. Since the whole reason for the rush was Henry’s secret tell-tale signs that the weather was getting bad. And Joe, swearing by Henry’s system, moved both the Cleveland run and future trip . . . up.

She got the files from down in the cryo-lab that would be needed for the mobile. With the files gathered in a box, Ellen moved through the tunnels. She hummed something as she walked, using her footsteps as a metronome. It made her laugh that she hummed a melody from some old sitcom. In her indulgence of laughter at her subconscious memory of useless tunes, Ellen wheezed in some of the dust from the box. Stopping to sneeze, the box tilted from the violent shaking of her body. “Damn it.” She bent down to pick the three files that had fallen to the ground. Grateful that they hadn’t sprayed out everywhere, Ellen picked them up and stood. As she did, she heard the footsteps behind her. They moved at the same pace she had previously done. Not knowing who it was, Ellen began to walk again. She stopped when she heard whistling of the same song she had just hummed. It was eerie, too eerie, but it had to be someone messing around with her. “Robbie?” She called out. “Frank?” The footsteps continued. “Joe?” The failure to receive a response told her it was time to run. And she did. Holding the box that jingled as her small body ran, she could hear the footsteps behind her meshing with the sound of her own. Before Ellen was aware, she had passed up the ladder to the top. Running faster, she knew where she had to head. Not much further was the escape hatch into containment. She arrived at that ladder and, box in arm, she climbed using one hand. Bracing herself and hearing the approaching person louder, she pushed up the hatch. Locked. “Shit.”

Louder and louder the footsteps grew, steady and taunting.

Ellen struggled with the hatch, pushing it, making it shake, grunting in her efforts. More violently she fought to get it open when she heard not only the footsteps stop, but the shifting of a gun’s chamber as well. Neck muscles protruding, frightened emotional sounds seeping from her throat, Ellen banged fanatically on the wooden hatch. “Help me!”

With the ‘crack’ of the hatch being lifted from its hinges and the ray of light from the skills room, Ellen tossed up the box. Her arms were grabbed, and her body was lifted with such a force, it seemed to eject upward out of the tunnel at the exact same time the sound of a bullet ricocheted against the ladder.

Out of breath, Ellen felt the gentle release of her body by Sarge. The other survivors gathered around.

“Watch her! And someone call Frank!” Sarge ordered out, tossed his weapon behind his back, and then leaped feet first into the escape hatch. His large feet landed with a thunderous crash against the echoing floor of the tunnel. He looked from left to right, zoomed in on the fading running footsteps, and raced in that direction top speed. He knew his efforts were growing futile when he could hear the clanking of shoes against the metal ladder. By the time Sarge reached the other ladder, he saw no one. He climbed topside with haste only to see the normal hustle and bustle of Beginnings. Whoever he had chased, whoever shot at Ellen, clearly used their residency in Beginnings as the perfect camouflage to their recent emergence from the tunnel.

^^^^

As if Henry wasn’t busy enough. He couldn’t even put his mini notepad away. He had to keep checking off things that he did. And the way he ran around, he figured his legs should have been cut like a marathon runner. And Henry had to hurry if he didn’t want to miss it. Not that he had to be there but as head of mechanics he wanted to be there. The metal tubing that would be made into a makeshift airtight walkway between the CDC mobile and trailer was being attached and welded. Rush testing had to be done and just to double check it was done properly, Henry wanted to oversee.

He supposed stopping to see Frank was actually on his route to the garage to pick up a jeep. Frank wanted to see him and Henry did need to tell him, though half ass, he attached hinges back on the escape hatch in containment. So he’d stop. Proudly Henry was midway through his list for the day and it wasn’t even noon. He hoped Frank didn’t hold him up too much.

“You wanted to see me?” He approached Frank who stood by a keypad outside of warehouse three.

“Yeah.” Frank placed the screwdriver in his back pocket and pulled a piece of paper from his chest pocket. “Here.” He handed it to Henry. “List of new keypad codes I’m reprogramming. Memorize them, destroy that.”

“Got it.” Henry looked at the list. “I fixed the hatch. Anything from Robbie yet?”

“Still looking for the casing.” Frank said. “It seared off that ladder. So it’s down there. That should tell us if someone snuck in and is living down there or . . . it’s one of us.”

“Keep me posted.” Henry shoved the list in his back pocket. “I’m heading up to the mobile. Anything else?”

“Yes. I’m thinking . . . I’m thinking about moving Ellen back with me.”

Henry’s eyes slowly lifted to Frank. “Can I ask why?”

“Isn’t it obvious? For protection.”

“She’s safe with me.” Henry said.

“Someone broke into your home last night, Henry.”

“That is unfair, Frank. I wasn’t there,” Henry snapped. “And I won’t let her be alone again. I promise.”

“Why are you arguing with me on this? She’s my wife and besides keeping her safe, I would like to get on with my marriage.”

“And you two are doing really well working it out slowly. Moving her back in and using protecting her as the excuse is going to just toss aside all your work. It won’t fix things. It’ll force things. And trust me, Frank. Please don’t force Ellen’s hand.”

Frank’s eyes cased about the look on Henry’s face. “You know something. What is it?”

“All I know is that if you feel strongly about moving Ellen back for the right reasons, then talk to Rev. Bob. See what he tells you. As far as keeping her safe, I can do that. And besides, in a few days we’ll be locked in quarantine anyhow. Safe and secure.”

“True. All right.” Frank reached for his screwdriver. “Oh, Henry, before you dart off.” He pulled Henry back when he was trying to make an escape. “Moses said some whacked out things to Dean last night. Could you, without letting on, see if he has said anything to Ellen?”

“Sure Frank.” Henry said. “But even if he didn’t. I would bet he’s the one. We should just throw him out.”

“As much as I’d like, to my gut is saying he didn’t chase her. He’s too big. He wouldn’t move that fast.”

Henry laughed. “Please. I don’t remember Moses being . . .” Henry’s words slowed down when he noticed him. “Shit. Speak of the devil.”

“Literally.”

It was the first time for both of them since they had rippled time that they had seen Moses, or Rev. Thomas as the community knew him by. They watched as Reverend Thomas moved across the street their way, his long gorilla type arms swinging back and forth, his red hair bouncing with his every step.

Henry blinked long then swallowed the lump in his throat. “O.K. you’re right. He’s big.”

“He’s looking at you.” Frank said. “Want me to handle him?”

“Nah. I can. I’m not afraid of him. Watch.”

“You!” Reverend Thomas pointed in a heavy hand to Henry. “You are a messenger of death. Down shall thee fall by God’s hands, you and the other two.”

With a tilt of his head, Henry smiled. “Blow me.” He turned. “See ya.”

Frank watched Henry be-bop away as Rev. Thomas grumbled in anger before he stormed off the other direction. Nodding with a slight look of impressed, Frank lifted his screwdriver. “That worked.” With a shrug, he returned to the keypad.

^^^^

Fresh was the aroma of the CDC mobile when Ellen and Greg, both carrying boxes, walked in. So clean, crisp and chilly, it gave her excitement shivers. “Put that down over there,” Ellen instructed Greg then smiled at Denny and Josh who were on their hands and knees scrubbing. “Look at you boys go.”

Denny looked up at her with a pouting face. “You got us in trouble. Big trouble.”

“Yeah.” Josh added. “Joe pulled our ears.”

Denny grabbed his lobe. “Mine still hurts.”

Ellen shrugged and placed down her box. “Oh well, that’s a normal thing guys. People will pull your ears until you’re twenty. Where’s Dean?” She saw him come from the back room. “Never mind. Ask and you shall receive.”

“Hey, El.” Dean smiled then looked oddly to Greg. “Greg, this is a surprise.”

“Oh, I’m here to try to help move things faster along.” Greg said. “And watch out for Ellen.”

“Yeah.” Ellen nodded. “I was almost shot today.”

Dean’s expression dropped. “You’re joking?”

A ‘bang’ against the counter brought a moan from Henry as he stood and rubbed his head. “Nope. She almost was. First last night, then today. What’s next?”

“Death,” Ellen whispered in a joke.

“El.” Dean shook his head. “That’s not even funny.”

She waved him off. “I’m fine. This is Beginnings. And look, Greg’s my body guard until he leaves tomorrow. Huh, Greg? I trust you.”

“Thanks, Ellen.” Greg smiled. “It’s nice to be trusted and part of this.”

“You should be part of everything,” Ellen said. “Shouldn’t he Henry?”

“Yep.” Henry agreed as he untangled wires.

“And be a top dog in security,” Ellen added. “I am still so shocked you aren’t attached. Such a handsome fellow. Isn’t he handsome, Henry.”

“Very,” Henry replied.

Dean laughed. “El, why are you obviously buttering him up?”

Greg answered. “She wants something from Cleveland. A souvenir. All the women are being nice to me. Jenny Matoose showed me her breasts.” Greg’s head spun to the ghastly ‘UH!’ that came from Josh. “What Josh?”

“She’s not going to show us is she?” Josh asked.

“Oh my God.” Denny sounded panicked. “What if she does? What do we do?”

Ellen answered in a giggle, “Run. Really run.”

Denny curled his lip in disgust. “Greg, was it scary?”

“I’m afraid so, yes,” Greg spoke. “And I must get back to the trailer, you know. I have to get that vision out of my mind.” He gave a wink to the boys as he opened the door and walked out.

Denny shook his head. “How do women live with those things? Especially Mrs. Matoose, hers are so big. Hey, Josh, at least your mom’s don’t hang. I don’t think, do they hang or do you get them bound up Ellen?”

Ellen would have been insulted, especially with Dean and Henry laughing, but she considered the source. “No, Denny, I’m a free breasted woman. Mine don’t hang. That’s because God loves me.”

Dean snickered with a shaking head. “What does God have to do with your breasts?”

“Simple.” She saw she had the boys’ attention. “See, breasts are a curse given to women by God because the very first woman on this earth gave him attitude. So he gave her breasts to annoy her and a menstrual cycle but that’s another story. Anyhow, the more annoying you are, the bigger your breasts are. So there. That’s why Mrs. Matoose’s breasts are so huge.”

Denny opened his mouth with a nod. “Oh, I see. Ellen? Is this menstrual cycle like the motorcycle Frank rides around on?”

“Um . . . yeah sort of,” Ellen answered. “Only instead of looking cool when you’re on it, you look mean. Huh Dean?”

Dean raised his eyebrows. “Oh yeah.” He pulled Ellen away from ear shot, whispering. “Why are you misleading the only teenage boys in Beginnings?”

“Oh, it’s fun.” Ellen laughed and took a change of subject breath. “Dean? How long are we going to be in quarantine?”

“I don’t know. It all depends what the length of incubation is. Hopefully I’ll have had figured that out in the future and that part of our work will be done for us. With any luck, which I usually don’t have, we won’t be stuck together too long.”

“I don’t mind,” Ellen said. “Henry, do you mind being stuck with me?”

“No El. We’ll have fun,” Henry answered.

Dean turned and faced them. “Why is that? Why is that always the response? Why does everything always have to be fun?”

Henry shrugged. “I don’t know. Would you prefer a different mood?” He faced Ellen. “El, why don’t we be mean in quarantine?”

“Or, Henry. Bitter. How’s that?”

“We could be sad, El.”

“Or premenstrual.” Ellen laughed.

“Oh, I hate when I get like that,” Henry winced.

“Guys . . .” Dean wanted to shout they were not even in quarantine and they were starting. But Robbie walked in and became the saving grace.

Robbie raised the corner of his mouth in a half smile when he saw the expression on Dean’s face. “Getting on your nerves already, Dean? Henry, we’re about to attach that walkway.” He waited for Henry’s nod. “Hey El. You’re new house is all set up out there. See, one day from my long trip to Cleveland and I’m working hard to make sure things are done right for you.”

“You’re sweet, Robbie.” She tapped him on the cheek. Crossing her arms, Ellen moved to the window, peering out at the mobile home. She just wanted to get a good look. The smile quickly vanished when she saw John Matoose walk around the mobile home and into her view. “What’s John doing out there?”

Robbie answered. “Checking out the propane tank for leaks.”

“Excuse me.” Ellen, still holding her arms close to her chest, walked to the door and outside. She marched up to John. “Thinking of ways to blow us up?”

“What?” John turned and faced her. “What in the world are you talking about now?”

“Don’t play dumb. You know this is a way for us to beat George. Curing the . . .” Ellen stopped when her quick wit kicked in and she remembered only a privileged few knew about the virus. “Cure the itch, yeah, that we have to be quarantined together to create a deadly biological weapon.” Ellen nodded with a ‘so there’. She was proud of her explanation, especially since a weapon was what everyone thought they were going into quarantine to work on.

John shook his head and squatted down to the tank. “You talk shit Ellen.”

“I talk the truth. And I’m on to you. I know you’re trying to kill me.”

John laughed at her. “Yeah right. Why would I do that?”

“Why not? I threaten you.”

“You irk me.” John tried to work on the tank.

“I know that was you in Henry’s house the other night. I know that was you following me in the tunnel, taking a close shot at me. Bet the reason they can’t find the casing is because you have it. Huh, John. You were helping Robbie search for it. You found it and . . .”

“Ellen! Go the fuck away.”

“Own up, John. The truth will set you free. George.” She whispered. “George.”

“Ellen!” John stood up storming and breathing heavy at her. “Keep it up with your big fuckin mouth and someone is going to shut . . .”

“John!” Robbie’s deep voice was so close, so unexpected. “Get out of her face . . . Now.”

John only shifted his eyes to Robbie. “Back off, Robbie. It’s between me and this bitch.”

“You were warned.” Eerily calm, Robbie reached out, the fingers on his left hand gripped tightly in a squeeze to John’s neck. Quickly he jerked John to him, then with a hard fast jab, Robbie landed his fist center on John’s face. He shoved John back. “Come on El.” Robbie grabbed Ellen’s hand and led her away from a bleeding and complaining John, who screamed, ‘ow you broke my fuckin nose’.

Ellen hesitantly followed with a light snicker to her. “You didn’t need to do that.”

“Why was he talking to you like that?” Robbie asked.

“John? John always talks to me like that. I’m used to it.”

“He what?!” Robbie began to charge back to John, but Ellen halted him.

“No, don’t. It’s all right. He’ll trip up one of these days. I’m waiting for it. You know. ..about him working with George.”

“Ellen.” Robbie covered his eyes. “I have told you, he wasn’t in on it with George. Didn’t Frank and I lock him in a room with us for three hours? Don’t you think we would have broken him?”

“Nope. Cause he cried. I bet he cried.” She saw Robbie look away. “He did. See, it was his way out. And won’t you and Frank look like the big fools when the truth is finally known. I won’t hold it against you though. Why do you think he’s so mean to me?” Ellen rambled. “He’s threatened.”

“I’m going to my Dad about this, if John is . . .”

“No. Don’t. I don’t want John to think anyone else but me knows. And it will only make me look stupid. Please?” She tipped toed up and kissed him on the cheek. “I have to get back in there. Thank you for breaking John’s nose. That was great.”

“Ellen . . .” Before Robbie could say anymore she had quickly made her escape. What he saw of John’s reaction and heard of John’s comments, sent the warning signals blaring. Though Ellen didn’t want him to, Robbie knew he had to look into it and speak to Joe. For his own peace of mind, before he left for Cleveland, he wanted to make sure that if this was the way John always was to her then it would be the last time it happened.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Ellen paced about in excited little circles in front of Joe’s office door. “What do you suppose it is, Henry?”

Henry tossed his hands up. “Haven’t a clue. But it’s big.”

“Yeah.” Ellen looked at the door; the same one Frank had stuck his head out to give the minute warning. “Oh. I know. Maybe it’s a surprise.”

“Could be. Your birthday is coming up.”

“And Robbie’s gonna be in Cleveland. Bet me they’re having a private party for me.” Growing more impatient waiting on the surprise, Ellen smiled when she saw Dean approach.

“What’s going on?” Dean asked. “Joe said he wanted me here for you.”

Ellen pointed to Henry. “He told Henry the same thing. They’re having a surprise party for my birthday. Only they don’t know I figured it out. Oh, Henry. How’s this look of surprise.” Ellen mustered up a shocked expression.

“You have me fooled.” Henry nodded.

“Oh, what’s taking so long?” Ellen returned to staring at the door.

After tapping the folder on the edge of the desk, Joe walked around and extended a handkerchief to a seated John Matoose. “Here.”

“Thank you.” John dabbed the blood then whined loudly. “The pain is awful, Joe.”

Joe rolled his eyes. After looking at Robbie who stood in the office as well, Joe leaned against his desk and gave a motion of his head to Frank.

Frank opened the door. “You can come in.” He stepped back opening the door wider.

Ellen, all smiles, walked inside. The smile dropped.

With a heavy breath, Dean ran his hand down his face, mumbling into his palm. “Surprise all right.”

Ellen’s eyes angrily shifted from John Matoose to Robbie. “You son of a bitch! You went to Joe!”

“El.” Robbie tried to defend. “Listen, I was worried and I . . .”

“You had no right!” Ellen blasted. “Especially going to him.”

With a slightly tilted head and an irritated look, Joe stood up from his lean on his desk. “Him? Why is that, Ellen? Why shouldn’t my son have come to me?”

“Well.” Ellen let out a breath. “You’re a busy man Joe. Very busy. And these petty personal differences shouldn’t cloud up your day.”

“Petty personal differences?” Joe asked. “Ellen. You’re beyond petty. Frank and I were very disturbed when we found out how he spoke to you.”

“As well as you should be.” Ellen nodded.

“And then . . .” Joe reached to his desk. “We find out after talking to John that what you’ve been doing to him would have been considered a crime in the old world.”

Ellen scoffed a laugh. “And you believed him.”

“No!” Joe shouted. “I believe this!” He whipped the folder causing papers and pictures to fly about.

Henry, from the back, raised his hand up. “Uh, Joe. Is there a reason why I’m here? Because this sounds like a family matter and . . .”

“Sit, Henry. You’re on council.” Joe ordered. “You and Dean have your work cut out watching her from now on. Keeping her in line.” His voice was directed to Ellen. “Not only, Ellen, do you verbally accuse this man of working for George, but you wrote notes accusing him too. That, Ellen, was stupid. You nailed your own coffin on that . . .” Joe lifted a handful of papers. “And if that’s not bad enough on the literary side, how many letters did you write forging George’s name?”

Ellen folded her arms. “A couple.”

“Try again. Fifteen,” Joe snapped. “All requesting John to be at the meeting place.”

“I was trying to trip him up,” Ellen tried to defend herself.

“Oh, yeah? Well how was it tripping him up by cutting George’s head out of a picture and pasting it over Jenny’s face!” Joe held up a photo that should have been John and Jenny embracing, instead it was John and George. Glaring, Joe’s eyes stabbed at Dean who laughed. “You think this is funny?”

“Well, yeah,” Dean said. “I can’t believe you guys are just finding out about this. I thought everyone . . .”

“You knew? You knew!” Joe yelled.

“Joe, come on.” Dean held in his snicker. “Don’t you think you’re overreacting? I mean, John’s a grown man. If he can’t handle this then that’s his problem.”

Ellen smiled. “Oh, my God. Thank you, Dean.”

“You’re welcome.” Dean smiled back.

Henry nudged his hand into Frank’s back. “See Frank. Unresolved. Brownie points for Dean.”

Joe rubbed his eyes fiercely. “Ellen, I want you to stop this nonsense and apologize to this man.”

“I will not!” Ellen stomped. “He broke into Henry’s house to get me and he chased me in the tunnel. He shot at me Joe!”

“He did not!” Joe blasted.

“Did to,” Ellen said snidely. “Why can’t we find the casing, huh? And . . . where was he? Where? I asked. He wasn’t in Mechanics or moving that trailer. Where, John?” Ellen peered at him. “Where?  Calling George to tell him you failed?”

“Ellen.” Joe had reached the boiling point. “John was with Rev. Bob all morning. Rev. Bob confirmed this.”

Ellen’s jaw moved from side to side. “Well, maybe Rev. Bob is lying.”

“Jesus Christ!” Joe brought his hand up to his own face.

John stood up catching the blood from his nose. “I want an apology from her, Joe, and your son!”

Frank reached out, laid a hand on John’s shoulder and shoved him back in the chair. “You won’t get an apology from my brother. From what he heard you deserved the punch. You’re lucky it wasn’t me.”

Arrogantly, Robbie interjected with a laugh, “As opposed to what, Frank? Me?”

“Yeah.” Frank nodded.

“Fuck you. Are you saying I can’t throw a punch?”

“I’m saying you’re not me,” Frank argued.

“I broke his nose!”

Frank tossed his head back with a laugh. “Pansy hit.”

Dean nodded and held out his hand. “There, Joe. This is proof of misdirected mentality. It’s all right to get angry at Ellen for a few tricks, but these two can stand in a testosterone argument over who would have hurt John more?” He reached out and took Ellen’s arm. “Come on, El”

“Dean,” Joe warned. “Don’t you take her from this office. We’re not done.”

“Yeah, you are.” Dean, still holding Ellen’s arm, opened the door, wiggled his fingers in a wave, and they both walked out.

Not only was Frank filled with a burning outrage that Dean just took Ellen from the office but he was angry that his mind had to interject ‘hero’ theme music to the act. He grew even more irritated when he realized that Henry was humming the tune in his ear. With a spin, Frank turned around and vocally blasted. “Knock it off!”

Henry backed up.

John Matoose stood. “I’m leaving, Joe. Obviously nothing will be done about this and I need to lay down.” He grabbed the bridge of his nose. “I am in so much pain.”

Hiding his grumble, Joe nodded to John. “I’ll get back to you on this.” When the door closed, Joe looked to Henry. “Henry, can you get Dean and bring him back here. I need to have a word or two with him.”

“Um, Joe.” Henry scooted out from his shadow of Frank. “Look. I’m not defending what Ellen did. I’m not. But I’m gonna defend what Dean did.”

“What did he do, Henry?” Frank barked. “He took advantage of the situation to smell like a rose to my wife.”

“No, Frank,” Henry corrected. “He acted like not only her friend but her family. And he really is. I’ll tell you three, family sticks together. Instead of coming down on Ellen, try sifting through her logic. She has valid points. And Dean at this moment deserves to smell like a rose. Because he did what you three should have done all along. Stood by Ellen.” Almost apologetic for speaking his mind, Henry gave a closed mouth look and walked from the office.

Joe’s long slow breath through his nostrils filled the silent office. He stepped backwards to his desk, his hand being a guide across it as he moved to his chair. Sitting down, his elbows rested on the desktop and his fingers did a slide down his face. “I think we all just ate a big old slice of humble pie.”

Frank scratched his head. “Come to think of it Dad, I don’t think I’ve eaten anything today.”

Robbie hearing and seeing his father’s head fall to the desk barged to the door, flinging it open. “Is he fuckin adopted or what?”

“No!” Frank screamed at the empty door. “You should know better!” Shaking his head, Frank followed Robbie out. “And people call me dumb.”

When the door banged, so did Joe’s head--again--to his desk.

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

“Sit down.” Steward said with a bit of enthusiasm, and pointed out his hand to George’s chair. “Please.”

The lines on George’s face wiggled annoyance as he did as requested, getting more irritated by Steward’s smile. Behind his desk, in his chair, George laid his hands on the desk surface. “I’m sitting. Now what?”

From the corner of the desk, Steward lifted the phone and laid it before George.

“O.K.” George looked at it.

“Wait.” Steward said. “Any second.”

George tapped his fingers on the desk. “I’m waiting.”

“Just any second.”

“You said that a second ago. How many more . . .”

The long ring of the phone caused both men to jump.

“Holy shit!” George looked at it.

“I knew you’d be pleased.”

“You couldn’t have told me the phone lines were up,” George said as the phone kept ringing. “You had to be all dramatic about it.” He picked up the receiver. “Yes.” He fell back into his chair and looked up to Steward. “It’s Beginnings.”

“Yes.” Steward nodded. “We have to be careful of you calling there. They have no phones. But our person can call here. Until, well, you know.”

George returned his attention to the phone. “How are you?” He asked the Beginnings person then nodded. “Good. I understand. Not everything will go as planned. Just keep trying. Yes.” He listened. “Oh, while I have you on the . . .” George paused to smile. “…phone. I don’t know if it’s your Morse code or our deciphering but what the hell is this cedic thing they moved into the community. Cedic.” George repeated. “You said ‘cedic is in place’. Work will start on bio . . .” George nodded again. “CDC… those morons. So that’s where they’re working on it. Anything else?”  Immediately George snapped forward and his elbows slammed on the desk. “Repeat that . . . They’re going where? Why?” He let out heavy breath. “Well let me know if you find out.” George, without saying goodbye, hung up the phone.

“Problem?” Steward asked.

“It makes no sense,” George nearly mumbled. “None of this. I understand them using the time machine to go to the past for information about us. I understand this trip to Cleveland. What I don’t understand is why. …“He stared at his hands. “…Why they’re going to the future. What is there that is so important?”

After a breath and a thinking shrug, Steward apprehensively gave his guess. “Us?”

George immediately looked up.

^^^^

The Plains, VA

It was a small town encircled with trees that trickled from Manassas Battlefield National park. While some men opted to take over a home, tents were erected for those who wanted to stay outdoors. All the small burning campfires were hidden within the overgrown thickness of nature. The Captain preferred the outdoors until it was time to get some sleep. He had a lot of men to talk to and wanted to speak to each individually.

Elliott spotted the Captain standing from his recent talk with a group of three men. Rubbing his hands together to keep them warm, he approached the Captain. “I’m heading in for the night.”

“I have a few more to speak to then I’ll do the same.” The Captain walked with Steward’s log book under his arm.

“Are you explaining things?”

“Wha’st there is to explain?” The Captain stopped. “This isn’t just a restructuring of the United States that the Society is doing. It’s a totalitarian society where if you don’t fit the bill . . .” He lifted the log. “…they make you fit the bill. More are taken against their will than agree to join. There’s still so much to learn.”

“But in the meantime,” Elliott asked, “do we stay put or head home?”

“Oh, we definitely head home,” The Captain said. “God willing, our men have kept things up. We have fresh water, food, shelter. That’s the place to be. In fact, I’ve picked out two teams of four to send back. First team leaves at first light, the second that evening.”

“Want me to map safe passage around the Indian wanna be regions?” Elliott asked.

“Could you?”

“Not a problem.” Elliott assured. “What about the rest of us? When will we leave?”

“When we have things ready. We need vehicles. There are some remaining in this town. You and I can get them up and running.”

“Power up a small generator? Hook it to a pump and drain what we can from the old gas station reserves?” Elliott suggested.

“Like we did before.” The Captain smiled. “How long do you think?”

“No more than a week.”

“We’ll try to lay low while we get ready.” The Captain nodded. “Our supplies will hold up and that also gives me some time to find this . . . ‘spoiling camp’ where they have our women. Get them, our other two men, and head west.”

“Captain, can I ask you something?” Elliott waited for a nod of approval. “Are we sure heading west is the best choice.”

“I’m positive.” The Captain said with certainty. “See I’m learning from the society’s past in order to know their future. And the way I see it what they hit, plan to hit, it all tells me they want to secure the Eastern portion of the United States first. Staying west is where we have to be.”

“And then what?” Elliott asked.

“Then as a whole community we decide, do we just ignore what the Society is doing, or . . .” The Captain took a deep breath and started to move on. “Or do we try to stop them?”

Elliott watched the Captain walk away knowing full well what the Captain’s personal choice was. And though there was no question in Elliott’s mind that he himself felt the same way, he did however have to question . . . how they would go about doing it.

^^^^

How many times did Frank look out that window? There was nothing to see, but a part of Frank felt it helped. Looking out into the peaceful night of Beginnings that was such a contrast to what he felt inside. The wee hours of the morning were approaching the time he himself usually got up. But since Robbie was leaving for Cleveland and Frank wouldn’t have the extra help while he was gone, Robbie decided to do the morning checks for Frank. But the extra sleep was not to be had.

From the window, back to pacing, and to his little list. Dean and Ellen were the cause of that list and surely Frank would add them to it. He had thought about speaking to Rev. Bob after talking to Henry. And when Dean stood up for Ellen, the urge to see the good Reverend hit him again. But the second Ellen dropped off the kids so she and Dean could work, said thank you and nothing more, was the second Frank knew the proverbial talk was warranted. Perhaps Rev. Bob didn’t appreciate Frank’s late night interruption but it took Frank that long to get the nerve and words together. Rev. Bob listened to Frank and told him he would consider speaking to Ellen about possibly moving back in if Frank could compile a list, simple, short, and no more than ten things. Ten reasons why the twelve step plan would be more detrimental than good. Frank thought it was easy until he had to start the list. A part of him prayed for interruption, that one of the kids would get up. He had five in the house. Surely one was having a nightmare or something. But nothing. Silence. Until . . . The boom of his front door being burst open made Frank immediately drop his list, dive for the night stand and retrieve his revolver. After he checked it, he flew from the bedroom into the hall.

“Dad?” Josh stepped from his bedroom.

“Josh, get with the kids. Stay put.” Back against the wall of the staircase, Frank rushed down in a gun readying position. He lowered his weapon when he reached the bottom. “Sarge.” Frank closed his eyes, shaking his head. He looked at the tied up, gagged, and squirming man on his living room floor. “Why is John Matoose tied up?” Frank walked over to John.

Sarge spoke loudly, “Sir! I was . . .”

“Shh!” Frank cringed holding his hands up. “My kids are sleeping. Now quietly explain to me why John is tied up.” Frank bent down to John and began to untie him.

“Sir, this man was at perimeter seven. He was touching the beam, sir, at zero two hundred-forty-five hours.”

Frank removed the gag from John’s mouth. “What happened, John?”

John gasped loudly for breath. “The man is a lunatic, Frank. I was suffocating. I have a broken nose. He almost murdered me. I was just checking the beam.”

“Sir,” Sarge interrupted. “I memorized the roster, sir. He was not on detail for rounds tonight.”

“What were you doing up at seven, John?” Frank asked.

John shook off his wrists as he stood up. “Checking Frank. I knew you didn’t have a guard at seven anymore. Jenny and I got into a spat and I went to the social hall until it closed and I figured I would check it. And I shouldn’t have to justify my whereabouts.”

Frank tried to remain rational. “Now . . . Sarge. John was just checking the beam.”

“But sir, he was . . .”

“Good job though. John, you have to admit it was a good job on his part,” Frank said. “But tell me why you went up there, Sarge?  You weren’t working either.”

“To check, Sarge answered. “You said there were problems and I thought since it was known around the community that I wasn’t on watch that the perpetrator would return. He did.”

“Oh, this is such bullshit!” John in a huff stormed to the door. “I am a trusted original. First my nose gets broke then I get tied up and gagged. Do something about him, Frank. And don’t think I won’t go to Joe about this.” John stormed out.

From the slammed door to Frank, Sarge looked. “Sir, you aren’t removing me from security are you? I feel strong about this, Sir. What if that beam would have gotten moved? With the Cleveland run on his mind, your brother could have easily not thought about that beam and walked right into it.”

Slowly Frank looked up. “Robbie.” He whispered out then looked to the door. The John and Robbie confrontation immediately ran though his mind.

“The perpetrator may know I’m no longer up there.” Sarge still carried out his defense. “And whoever it is may . . .”

“I think . . . “ Frank held up a hand. “I think you have a point. Ignore what you see on the schedule and keep quiet about where I put you.”

“Perimeter seven?” Sarge asked.

“Yep. And you and I will be the only ones who know you’re there.”

“Are you beginning to believe that the problem lies within the community sir?”

“As a matter of fact . . .” Frank ran his hand down his face as he looked once more to the door. “I am.”

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

It stayed with him like a bad scent. George couldn’t shake what was bothering him until he figured it out. He tried to put it aside, thinking perhaps the answer would come to him while he wasn’t thinking about it, like when trying to remember someone’s name. In the middle of the night, he would jump up and say, ‘oh, I got it.’ But it was far past the middle of the night. And just like in the old world when something wasn’t right with his checkbook, George nit-picked the problem apart until he solved it.

None of it made sense. First, with the time machine trips, Joe was using his head. Actually with the advantage of the time machine, Joe was playing rather fair, gathering information about the society. The information from the first past trip bred the address of the Cleveland lab. Even that didn’t bother George. He knew nothing really vital could have been left behind. Or at least nothing Beginnings didn’t already know about. The future trip was what George couldn’t figure out. And vampire hours or not, it was time to call in part of his brain.

Steward did think even though he looked far too groggy to comprehend anything.

“But you made a valid point,” George said. “When I asked what is in the future, you said, ‘us’. Remember?”

“Yes. But what would Beginnings have to gain by eliminating us in the future. Nothing.”

“Could be they go to help themselves out,” George guessed with a shrug. “After all they are creating a biological weapon in that lab.”

“Maybe that’s the reason for the quarantine they scheduled.” Steward said. “But didn’t our person say the weapon is not created yet?”

“True. So they couldn’t bring it to the future.”

“Maybe . . .” Steward shook his head. “Nah.”

“What!” George barked.

“Don’t laugh. I was just going to say maybe they plan to bring the weapon back from the future. But if that’s the case, why did they take the vials from our freezer to Nebraska?”

Like the time it took him two days to remember the purple girl’s name in Willy Wonka, George snapped too brightly. “That’s it!”

“What?” Steward had a slight chuckle. “They’re bringing back the weapon from the future?” He snickered. “Again, why take our vials to Nebraska to work on them.”

“Because it’s not their goddamn weapon . . . it’s ours.” George nodded. “Bet me we nailed them with it. They thought we had it in the case. Obviously we didn’t. Hence the future trip to try to get it and get a jump on things.”

“Sir?” Steward stepped closer to him. “We have no plans to hit them with a biological weapon.”

Snide and arrogant was the deep chuckle that came from George when he looked at Steward. “We do now.”

CHAPTER NINE

December 3

Beginnings, Montana

It was the day before. Perhaps that was what drove Dean to nearly skip a night’s sleep. But he was filled with the excitement and fear of the future trip. There were a few things that still needed to be brought to the lab. Plus things needed set up. Dean swore before the sun set, he would have them done. So before the sun rose, Dean grabbed a jeep and headed up to the mobile lab.

Dean was actually in a good mood, lack of sleep or not. Even Frank pulling him over for speeding didn’t bother Dean. He did get a little perturbed when Frank asked for the license and registration then proceeded to laugh at his own bad humor. But Dean ignored Frank’s immaturity along with the twelve work hour fine Frank imposed just to be funny.

It would have been too dark up at the mobile had it not been for the spotlight on the side of Jason’s lab building. It lit things up enough for Dean to shut the headlights off and making it to the CDC lab without tripping. He paused before going in to take a look at what would be his home for at least a week. The lab and the trailer connected together in some sort of ‘T’. The end of the trailer home was seemingly glued to the side of the CDC mobile.

Box in one arm, coffee in his other hand, the keys to the lab dangled from his mouth as he made it to the lab door. He set down the box and reached for the door. Barely did Dean touch it and the door opened. It creaked as it opened and Dean reached in and turned on the light. He was a bit apprehensive, first wondering if maybe Rev. Thomas was waiting to lunge at him. But when Dean looked in, there was nothing. Everything appeared fine, smelled clean, and was undisturbed. Chalking up the unlocked door to his own mistake of being absentminded when he left a few hours earlier, Dean picked up the box and went into the lab.

^^^^

A sip of his coffee, a pause in his walk, then Joe grumbled and shook his head at Henry. “Feel that?” He looked up to the sky that was becoming light. “Warmth. Total warmth. It’s December.”

“Not for long, Joe.” Henry walked briskly with him.

“Are you sure about this?”

“Oh, positive. Last radio contact from Robbie, where was he?”

“Chicago.” Joe answered.

“And?”

“He couldn’t go anywhere. Too much snow.”

“Exactly,” Henry said as they hit town. “We’re getting it Joe. And we’re getting it big time.” He shivered. “Burr. I get cold thinking about it and why is the light to the social hall on?”

“Huh?” Joe’s head spun from Henry’s sudden switch of subject. He looked over to the social hall. The interior light peeked through the small window on the door. “Let’s go see.” He led the way over to the social hall and pushed open the unlocked door. Joe was surprised to see Frank sitting at the bar. “Frank?”

“Oh, hey, Dad. Henry.” Frank lifted a glass to his mouth, a bottle of whiskey before him.

“Frank?” Joe asked. “Why are you drinking at six thirty in the morning.”

“Night cap.” Frank showed the glass. “Winding down for bed.”

“So everything is all right?” Joe asked. “Nothing’s wrong?”

“Aside from Ellen still being too nice to me.” Frank shook his head with some sadness.

“Well, Frank.” Joe shrugged. “I told you she was pissed about our John interrogation. You should have apologized right away with me and Robbie. It loses its effect two days later.”

“I know.” Frank ran his hand down his goatee. “It’s just that she’s going on this future thing. How do I know she’ll be fine? What if something happens to her?”

Henry stepped forward. “I’ll talk to her, Frank. I’ll tell her now is not the time to be mad. Maybe I can get her to go over your house tonight.”

Frank looked up to Henry with a tired smile. “I would really appreciate that.”

“Sure.” Henry nodded.

Joe shook his head. “Fix your own goddamn problems, Frank. That’s the only way.”

“I know.” Frank finished off his drink and poured another. “I even tried. I went to Rev. Bob. He blew me off. He said I’m just overbearing and annoying.”

“The religious have a keen sense about them.” Joe gave a pat to Frank’s back. “And we’d better get going. Let’s go Henry.” Joe gave a motioning point of his head to the door. When he turned to leave, Sarge walked in. “Morning,” Joe told him as he left with Henry.

Sarge barely waved or got to respond before Joe and Henry were gone. “Hey, Frank,” Sarge greeted as he pulled up a stool next to Frank.

“Sarge.” Frank lifted up some, leaned over the bar, and grabbed a glass. “How was last night?”

“Calm. Boring.” Sarge shrugged. “Perimeter seven secure. For now.” Sarge folded his hands. “But I have a hunch something is gonna happen soon up there.”

“Oh, yeah?” Frank lifted the bottle, poured a drink in the glass and slid it to Sarge. “You and me both.”

^^^^

Reverend Bob was hungry. The short, rotund man with fluffy white hair ignored his growling stomach and made his way to the clinic. But community service or not, he was going to eat a hearty portion of eggs as soon as his blood tests were over with. He was glad that Dean was good about doing the test bright and early.

Not more than a few steps into the clinic was Rev. Bob when he heard the oddity of it. Laughter. Two voices, meshed together in a conversation that consisted of laughing as much as words. Wearing the smile it brought on, Rev. Bob stopped as he raised his hand to knock on the open lab door. He watched for a second as Dean stood with Ellen, in Rev. Bob’s opinion just a little too close, nudging her, smiling as they worked in more of a flirtatious manner than a work ethical one.

“Rev. Bob?” Ellen called out.

Out of his thoughts, Rev. Bob snapped. “Morning. Both of you are uh, working early I see.”

Dean nodded as he walked away from the counter. “Actually we worked really late last night.”

“You mean into this morning?” Ellen corrected.

“Do that a lot?” Rev. Bob asked.

“Lately,” Ellen answered, “And I suppose with quarantine we need the practice.”

Rev. Bob caught it. He guessed he wasn’t supposed to but he saw the wink Dean had given Ellen. “I’m here for my test.”

Dean held up a folder. “Just gathering your things. You can head to room three.”

Rev. Bob nodded, lifted his hand in a wave, and headed to the examining rooms. Dean and Ellen stayed on his mind during the walk. Perhaps he was putting more into what he saw but all Rev. Bob kept thinking about was how he kept dismissing Frank. He vowed as soon as he was done eating his eggs, he would dig up the list Frank had made him a few days earlier. The one Rev Bob laughed at, ridiculed, and made him call Frank an incurable paranoid possessor. But if his memory served him correctly, that list wasn’t compiled of jealous rantings. Instead it was compiled of valid points Rev. Bob never heard Frank trying to make.

^^^^

Cleveland, Ohio

The bitter cold brought in from the lake did not bother Robbie as much as the ice that formed on just about everything in Cleveland. The interstate was bad enough to travel without the ice that lay inches above the overgrown road. On foot was how they had to get to the lab that lay on the outskirts of the major metropolis. They were making their way through the frigid city whose layer of thin white made it look deader than any place Robbie and his crew had ever gone.

It was worse than any jungle Robbie had navigated himself through. The map of Cleveland was a mere joke. Instinct and gut feeling led Robbie to the research center. The giant ‘B’ of the Bowen name was tilted and its blue coloring cracked and faded. They found the cryo-lab. It lay in the third sub-basement level. Open doors were a path to it. Doors that were probably left open by Chester not that long before.

“Check out every single piece of paper. Read it, save it,” Robbie ordered out, stepping over the still decomposing bodies that had defrosted months earlier. Dried blood and vomit and part of the floor showed evidence of the plague they suffered--late--but by their own hands. A circle of justice, Robbie thought as he looked at those who suffered and died faster than they should have. “Let’s do this quickly, gentlemen. Scavenge this place. We have Chester’s house to find. And I have sight-seeing I want to get in.”

Throwing his rifle behind him as it hung over his shoulder, Robbie found a seat at a desk that sat just outside the cryo-glass wall. A notebook, dusty and covered with bloodied finger prints set on top of it. Finding his home there, Robbie began to read and search out the desk.

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

They weren’t one hundred percent readable but the information conveyed was clear enough. Behind his desk, George slowly sifted through the pile of papers. The words on some were sideways and George had to tilt his head as he read over every piece.

Steward’s hand pointed down to a letter as he stood behind George. “This is the best that can be done. Dean and Ellen were in the mobile all night.”

George adjusted his glasses. “Where did the fax machine come from?”

“A . . . Cole brought back a case of them from a run.”

George nodded. “I remember that. I was just afraid the fax in history was being used.”

“Sir? They have no phones. Why would History have a fax?”

“Oh, that annoying anal woman.” George grumbled. “These are just notes.” George shuffled through the next one. “Aside from the fact, I can’t make heads or tail out of . . . whoa.” he lifted a page high.

“That was the particular one that caught my attention.”

“Steward?” George shifted his eyes to look at his right hand man. “You’re not gonna tell me you were reading my faxes before me, are you?”

“No.” Steward stood up straight. “Wouldn’t dream of it. Just caught the letter’s first line, that’s it. No more.”

“Right.” George read some more. “Oh my God.” He moved to the next page. “Oh my God. How was this found?”

“Seems our Dr. Hayes, in all his hastiness of getting ready for the future trip, failed to lock anything up in the mobile lab including his personal file box. That was in with his . . .” Steward snickered. “Birth certificate, marriage license, and such. I thought it was brilliant of our person to think of looking in there.”

“Any idiot would know if Dr. Hayes brought his personal file box to the mobile lab, there’s something in it. The original copy of these letters was returned?”

“Yes. And I’m sure unmissed,” Steward responded.

George read some of the letter out loud. “Bring back Dr. Dean Hayes. He could very well be your, the future of Beginnings, only hope.” He peered up. “Dean had died. They used the machine to bring him back to try to stop this virus. The antidote is in the case which definitely confirms we started it.”

“Is the virus in the case?”

“Can’t be. Not if they’re going into the future to get it. And look . . .” George showed Steward the letter. “They blackened out the Quantum Regressionator sequence. Godrichson’s an asshole.” He gathered up the faxes. “Get Davidson down from D.C. today. He’s our theorist. I want to talk to him.”

“I’ll take care of that.” Steward nodded and walked to the door. He stopped with a snap of his finger and turned around. “Just wanted to tell you, I sent a truck up to Vermont for our bio man, Dr. Radovich. Weather permitting, he should be here late tomorrow.”

“Good,” George said. “I need him to work on this virus. Whatever we get Beginnings with obviously does the trick.” He leaned back in the chair. “The thing is, they know it’s coming. We have to figure a way to hit them in a manner they won’t see until it arrives and since we have a date . . .” George tapped his hand on the pile of faxes. “We have to hit them long before they expect.”

CHAPTER TEN

Beginnings, Montana

“No, no, no.” Dean waved his hand in the air as he stood in explanation mode before Ellen and Henry in the mobile lab. “Henry won’t have to be the logisticalizer. We’re going to the future. He can actually assist in getting what we need.”

Ellen finally understood. “So he’ll do the air samples by the lab and the samples nearer to town?”

“Exactly,” Dean said. “That way you and I can collect what notes and blood and tissue samples we need. But enough of it. Since we’re setting our destination for night and one day after Jason’s letter, things should be quiet in town and allot us the time to get what we need.”

“Hopefully the samples we get aren’t of a mutated strain that the antidote doesn’t touch.” Ellen pointed out.

“We’ll keep our fingers crossed.” Dean reviewed his list. “Next, I want to run a test of the radio and headsets through the bio suits. Check to see if we can communicate with each other because that is so vital.”

Seriously, but like she was still in school, Ellen raised her hand, “When we return is our first plan of action to see if the antidote is present in the vials?”

“Most definitely. It’ll make it easier for us to work with the virus if there isn’t a threat of catching it.” Dean replied. “Henry. You’re being quiet. Do you have any questions?”

Henry looked up. “Um . . . no.” He shook his head. “Yes. But I feel really dumb since it has nothing to do with all this medical stuff. O.K., yeah it does, but . . .”

“Henry,” Dean snickered. “What’s your question?”

“O.K. I feel stupid. But . . . you, me, Ellen. Right? Did we just already change the history because in Jason’s letter, Johnny is immune or rather got a hold of the antidote as well?”

Closing his eyes, Dean gave a slow nod of his head. “Yes. But we aren’t exempting Johnny from his destiny.” He saw another look of confusion on Henry’s face. “Those vials are not small. They are by my guess, more than three inoculations of the serum. So, we will give one to Johnny if it’s in there.”

Ellen had to question that. “Why Johnny?  We already changed the future by bringing you back. So why stick to the guns of it? I’m not meaning to sound cold but we have other options.” She gave a flick of her eyebrows.

Henry interjected, “The future is not etched in stone, Dean. This is very vital. Hey, wait if it’s so vital, why waste it on me? Why not get Johnny to go and give him the serum along with someone else.”

Ellen whined. “No, Henry. I want you to go.”

“What value am I?” Henry asked. “I don’t know anything medical and . . .”

“You heard Jason. He wants you on every time trip regardless. You will always be the constant, the one who knows the truth. And secondly . . . why Johnny? Who else? Jason? Andrea? Do those two know any more than Johnny about the physics of viruses? No. I taught Johnny myself and though a novice, he knows. Besides, personally . . .” Dean smiled, “Andrea and her praying? Do you really want to be quarantined with Andrea?”

Henry pointed to Dean. “He’s got a point, El.” After getting a ‘thank you’ look from Dean. Henry had another question. “Dean? What’s it gonna be like when we go. Will there be a virus?”

“Hopefully not,” Dean exhaled. “We’re going to the future from this point in time. Jason’s letter was written from a future without me. So knowing the way I am, if we go and there still is a virus, I would have done a hell of a lot of work, notes, samples and such. We’ll bring supplies to copy and possibly steal what I did. My work in the future will be our ground work of today. So knowing that . . .” Dean paused when he saw Henry writing. “What are you doing?”

“Jotting that quote down.” Henry gave a thumbs up. “Good job.”

Dean grumbled. “I think . . . I think we’ve gone through this enough.” He started to gather up his notes. “Why don’t we go over to the trailer and get our things situated there.”

Henry stood up with a stretch. “Good idea.”

Ellen stood as well. Turning she stopped and drew up a quirky look as she glanced at the huge picture-type window and walked to it. “Dean.” She peered out seeing just a hint of the center of town in the distance. “I feel like we’re going to be the people in the plastic bubble, with this window.”

“Yeah, we will feel that way. We’ll be the entertainment for anyone who wants to come up and watch.” Dean shut off the computer.

Henry hesitated in his leaving the lab. “They won’t come up and watch if the weather gets as bad as I expect it.”

“Henry?” Dean had question to his voice. “I’m curious. How do you know so much about the weather?”

“My secret tell-tale signs,” Henry answered.

“Which are?” Dean asked.

Ellen shook her head with a chuckle. “Dean, they wouldn’t be a secret if he told.”

“Do you know them?” Dean asked Ellen.

“Oh, sure.”

“Then it’s not a secret.” Dean looked back at Henry who still stood by the door that led to the trailer. “Tell me.”

“All right,” Henry said. “You’re a doctor so you may appreciate this. It’s a combination of theory, common sense, and body signs.”

Dean laughed. “What?”

“Yes. See, when my monthly cycle symptoms intensify, it signals a change in weather. More sever means a worsening of weather conditions, possibly drastic. Decreasing or none for a month means reversed weather patterns. But…” Henry held up a explaining finger. “If my symptoms arrive early and are severe . . .” He whistled. “Watch out. There’s trouble.” He opened the mobile’s side door. “You guys coming.”

Ellen smiled and hurried to catch up. “Right behind you. Dean?”

“Wait.” Dean held up his hand then hurried to catch up to the pair.

“Dean, that’s all there is to explain. Geez. And you call yourself a scientist.” Henry stepped through first into the newly attached three foot corridor and across to the other trailer.

They entered the small trailer home through its back door. A narrow hallway greeted them.

“Henry?” Dean trailed behind as they took the hallway passed the two bedrooms and bathroom to the living room. “Your monthly cycle?”

“Yes, Dean. That’s what I said.” Henry spoke as if Dean should have known better. He moved to where a grouping of boxes set in the center of the living room.

“What cycle Henry?” Dean asked. “You don’t get a period. You aren’t a woman.”

“I know that. But I do get a cycle.” Henry handed him a box. “All men do. They have times of the month.”

Dean laughed. “No they do not.”

“They do too,” Henry argued.

“Henry.” Dean paused so as not to laugh at him. “They do not. I’m a doctor, I know.”

“Dean,” Henry spoke with insistence, “I go through mood swings just like Ellen.”

“That’s because her mood swings are so severe they affect you. She did the same thing to me when I lived with her. I never said I had a period though.”

“I’m not saying I get a period,” Henry argued, “Just PMS.” He listened to Dean laugh. “Tell him, El.”

“It’s true Dean, he does.” Ellen nodded. “Last month, he went through that wanting sweets, got irritable very easily, and Henry even got bloated. Huh Henry?”

“My pants were tight.” Henry shook his head.

“Oh my God.” Dean nearly toppled his box. “Henry you . . .”

“Dean.” Stepping to Dean, Henry tilted his head and smiled. “Why are you arguing with me? I know my own body. And I’m taking this box to the bedroom.”

Turning and watching Henry walk by him, Dean shook his head. “A monthly cycle…and I’m being quarantined with him.”

“Let’s hope not too long.” Ellen tapped Dean’s cheek. “He can get vicious.”

Just as Dean closed his eyes, he opened them when there was a knock at the door.

“Oh,” Ellen said excitedly. “Company. I’ll get it.”

“You do that.” Dean reached down and grabbed another box. “I’ll take these to the back.”

Almost in a skip, Ellen headed to the trailer door. She turned the unlocked handle and pulled. Nothing. “Damn it.” She swore. “Robbie, you were supposed to fix . . .” With the emphasis of her word she kicked the door. “…this.” The door clicked then popped open. “Oh.” Ellen blushed. “Rev. Bob. Wow. What are you doing here?”

“How are you Ellen?  May I come in?”

“Sure.” She opened the door wider. “And I’m fine. We’re just putting away some of our personal belongings we brought up.” She closed the door. “Is this official business?”

“Yes,” Rev. Bob nodded.

“That is really sweet. You’re gonna bless our trailer. Hold on. I’ll get Dean and Henry.” She took a step but Rev. Bob held out his arm.

“My business deals with you,” He spoke softly. “Frank came to me a few days back. He said he wants to stop the twelve step plan.”

Ellen snickered. “Frank is tired of that? I thought he was into it. O.K. Sure. No problem.”

“No.” Again Rev. Bob shook his head. “He came to me to ask for my help in getting you to try another route, a route that deals with you moving back into the house. Here.” He reached into his pocket and handed her Frank’s list. “I told him if he could convince me with ten reasons, I would speak to you.”

Ellen scoffed in a slight laugh as she reviewed the list. She gave it back. “This is fifty percent a Dean lashing list. I didn’t think you’d buy into it.”

“I didn’t. But you have to read between the lines and look at the situation with your eyes open. He made valid points.” When Rev. Bob heard Ellen’s sneering laugh, he filled with a little bitterness. “Listen. You’re married to Frank. You made vows to him. But for over a month you have been in annulment limbo. A decision has to be made now.”

“I thought you believed in your twelve step plan.”

“I most certainly do,” Rev. Bob said proudly, “but only when outside influences are minimal. Ellen, you are drowning in a vat of outside influence . . . Dean. Frank made valid points.”

“Frank made jealous points,” Ellen argued.

“Again, I say no. The cold hard truth is that conventional relationships in this community are nonexistent. Men have reached agreement with each other, even set forth new domestic laws regarding the sharing of a woman. Men in this community are able to do that without jealousy, rage, or greed. Frank and Dean are not classified with those men. They cannot. You cannot. And a decision must be made.”

“It’s not that easy.”

“Make it that easy. Do the right thing. You have a husband who loves you and wants to make this marriage work. If you choose to end the marriage, I will sign the annulment. No questions asked. But if you choose to make it work.” After a deep breath, Rev. Bob moved to the door. “Then you, Ellen have to throw yourself into it, fully. Move back in with Frank. Even for half the week at first. I know Dean is the father of your children. But for the sake of your marriage, you must limit not just your professional, but your personal contact as well. Deal with him only when it comes to the children. It was done in the old world; it can be done in this one. As with all other aspects if your life, friendship, companionship, whatever . . . you must cut Dean out completely. It’s the only way, at least for a little while.” Giving Ellen a gentle smile and advice to mull over, Rev. Bob opened the door with ease. “Think about it.”

Ellen’s eyes closed when the door did. She brushed the chill from her arms that was brought on by the chilly air along with the blast of cold reality. Turning around, she stopped when she saw Dean. He was staring from his standstill just at the living room’s entrance. “Dean . . .”

“Who was here?” Dean said walking into the living room and grabbing a box.

“Um . . .” Ellen’s nervous breaths seeped into her words. “Cole. He stopped by to see if we needed anything.”

“Oh. Good. And you better grab your things and claim the small bedroom. Henry’s insisting you should have the couch.” Flashing a smile, Dean turned, carrying his box. He gripped it in his arms tightly and walked back out of the living room.

Breathing slowly and quietly outward, Ellen fell back into a lean on the door of the trailer. She was so grateful Dean didn’t her what Rev. Bob had said. But the truth was, though he hid it well, Dean did. He heard every word.

^^^^

The Plains, VA

For hours things were just about to the point of being packed up. The men, who stayed behind waiting for the transportation to be secured, worked to aid in the stockpiling of the home out west they soon would head to. Items that would be of use, and if not needed, could be placed in storage. It was something to do while they waited.

Carrying what had become his bible, The Captain read from the open log book of Steward Lange’s when he approached the school bus that Elliott had worked on. “My God, you do amaze me.” The Captain spoke with sarcasm as he walked up to behind Elliott. “A man of many talents. A school bus none the less. I was thinking before we get it going, perhaps we should paint it a patchwork of psychedelic colors. What do you say?”

Slowly Elliott lifted from under the hood. “I say . . .” He wiped off his hands. “As long as you promise to play guitar and sing, ‘Come on get happy’, I’m game.”

The Captain laughed. “How’s it going?”

“Going. You?”

“I’ve read every page.” The Captain held up the log book. “No mention of where this spoiling camp for women is. I am a little scared that our two men may have been, well, disposed of for non-viability.”

“You’re kidding?”

The Captain shook his head. “Both of those men were over the age of sixty. According to this log book, without specifics, I’m gathering they are pretty much stuck in jars for . . . parts.”

Elliott looked horrified. “Is there anything more inhumane?”

The Captain shrugged. “Performing a lobotomy and getting implanted with a microchip pretty much is up there with that. They have a camp where they keep the men scheduled for lobotomies.”

Elliott’s shoulders dropped. “You’re thinking of helping them aren’t you?’

“I didn’t say that.” The Captain held up a finger, “I mean, we have to find our women, right? If we so happen to figure out the location of this lobotomy camp then . . .”

“No.” Elliott shook his head. “I’ll argue you on that. You said yourself no more raids. No more trails to us. Captain, if you want to build in any way to have a defense against the society, we can’t go blasting in another camp. It’s going to throw the society up our ass.”

“Up our ass?” The Captain chuckled. “Elliott, I’m not thinking of going in there blasting like idiots. First we need to conserve our fire power, secondly, my god, we wouldn’t want the society to be . . . up our ass.”

Elliott rolled his eyes. “Ha, ha. Funny. What do you have in mind?”

“Quietly. A very, very small group of us will just . . . unlock the gate for those men.”

“All right.” Elliott nodded. “That’ll work.”

“You’re too easy,” The Captain said. “But, thanks for agreeing. Anyhow. We’ll unlock the gate after we get our women. And of course, after the Partridge Family bus is rolling. Which will be when?”

“Well, I’m just about done cleaning everything up and repairing what I can. But we still have one problem. We can gas her up but can’t make her go. The battery. I can’t find one not dead.”

The Captain grinned. “Elliott, you worry too much. That’s not a problem. I’ll take care of it.” He gave a swat to Elliott’s back and stepped away. “Keep up the good work.”

“But, Captain. How are you going to get a battery that . . .” Elliott watched the Captain move further away. “No.” Elliott shook his head, talking to himself. “I won’t ask again. Because I know I’m going to look like the fool when he pulls through.” Shaking his head again, Elliott returned under the hood.

^^^^

Cleveland, Ohio

“Listen to this.” Robbie nudged his leg against Greg, who tried to get some sleep despite the extreme cold. “Greg, are you listening.”

“Um, yeah.” Greg lifted his head from the wall he leaned against. He rubbed his eyes and tightened his arms.

“These two entries in Chester’s journal were three days apart. They were written a good many years before the plague. Entry one reads, July 17th: Sometimes I wish that I was only a worker in this game. I look around my lab, at my assistant, and envy these people with mere bachelor degrees. Their lack of knowledge, their lack of scientific endeavor will breed a certain air of ignorance that at this moment, I wished I had. The memo is gone now. It has to be. A simple memo that had few words, yet spoke so many. Words that I, as one of the fifty ground breakers, needed to know. Was my one vote not counted, or was I the only one? This shall remain a mystery until all of us meet again.” Robbie turned the page. “Now what the hell was that supposed to mean? He just rambled on and on. Right? I’m sitting here reading this saying to myself, this Chester guy has lost it. I’m thinking this, Greg, until . . .” Robbie turned another page. “I read this. July 20th: It has been done. The main team can now proceed.” Robbie smiled.

“And?” Greg sat up. “There’s more, right?”

“No that’s it.”

“But you just acted like that told you a lot.”

“It did. Something happened. The depressed, not whacked out tone to the entry. The memo having to be gone. His vote not counted. The society decided on something. Bet me, the main team is the Beginnings team. Something was holding them up. It was an obstacle that Chester didn’t want to see eliminated.”

Greg snatched the journal from Robbie’s grip. “Where did you read this?”

“Between the lines.” Robbie took it back. “I’ve read Chester’s tone through all of these entries. It changes on the 17th, drastically. Something happened between the seventeenth and the twentieth, something that held up the Garfield end of the project. If we can find out what that was. We may be closer to finding out when they arrived in Garfield.”

“You read all that between the lines?” Greg leaned his head back. “You’re searching Robbie. You want to find answers so badly that your Slagel mind is searching. I didn’t get that. For all we know they could have just decided on which virus to use. Or which cryo suits to wear.”

“Greg.”

“Searching.” Greg closed his eyes again.

Seeing that Greg wasn’t really on the same lines as him, Robbie just continued reading in Chester’s journal.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

In a heated huff through the cold evening streets of Beginnings, Dean made his way to Frank’s. No more. Dean wasn’t going to take it. With a hard pound to Frank’s door, Dean shouted out his dismay. “Frank! You asshole! Give me back my kid!” The door opened just as Dean was about to knock again. Ellen stood there. “El?” He withdrew his hand.

“Come on in.” Ellen opened the door wider.

“Frank took Joey again and I . . .” Dean stopped cold. If the four boxes weren’t enough, the photographs of Taylor and Josh set up again on a table said it all. “El? What’s going on?”

Frank’s voice emerged. “That’s what I’d like to know. Why are you screaming your little man mouth outside?”

Dean turned to Frank. “Give me, Joey, Frank. Now.”

“I don’t have him. Did you . . . loose him again?” Frank raised one eyebrow.

“Frank, you ass. This is the third time this week. Give him back. Now! I’m going into quarantine so you’ll have him then. Get him.”

“Fine.” Frank pouted and went back to the stairs. “But I still say you should just give him to me.”

“No,” Dean said. “And he better not be dressed like baby Rambo again.” Shaking his head as Frank disappeared up the steps, Dean returned to Ellen. “What is going on?”

“What do you mean?” Ellen asked.

“You know what I mean. The boxes. The pictures. Those pictures were at Henry’s.”

“Well if they were at Henry’s and now they’re here, then you really know.” Ellen cleared her throat and the nervousness. “I had a long talk with Reverend Bob. Actually two long talks. He came to the trailer and I went to see him. I’m . . . I’m moving back with Frank.”

“El, no.”

“Dean. Yes. Officially after the quarantine. Another process. Three days at first and every week I’ll increase it a day. Until eventually, he and I are back together . .. fully.”

“Why are you doing this?” Dean asked. “You said you were confused.”

“About my feelings, yes.” Ellen kept her voice low. “But not about whom I am married to. Rev. Bob made a lot of sense.”

“Rev. Bob talked shit and played on something you rarely have . . . guilt,.” Dean snapped.

“You heard him?”

“I heard everything he said. And it’s bullshit, El. Are you following his advice?” Dean saw Ellen look away. “You are.” He said with shock. “So what does this mean for me? Are you only going to work with me eight hours a day and keep it business? No more coffee talks? Just hellos when we switch kids? What? What does this mean for me?”

Frank, coming down the steps, answered. “It means . . . It means you’re out.” He set down Joey. “Dean, we’re gonna work out our problems. You can’t be a part of that process.”

Dean nearly gasped. “Why are you being so cold to me again, Frank. Last week, things happened. We went through a lot. I thought we were getting past this dick attitude we gave each other.”

“Yeah,” Frank nodded. “I did too. But you’re moving in on my wife, every chance you get. I can’t have that.”

“We’re friends,” Dean defended.

“I can’t have that either.” Frank stayed firm.

“El?” Dean looked to her. “You can’t tell me you’re just letting him do this, are you?”

Ellen took a deep breath. “Dean, maybe you should just take Joey home.”

Dean nodded. “I see.” He took Joey’s hand and moved to the door. He stopped before leaving. “You’re wrong, Frank. Wrong. When El, and I were together I never stopped you two from being friends. And you’re wrong too, El. If a professional and medical relationship is what you want, then you got it.” With Joey, Dean stormed out.

Ellen jolted at the slamming door, and crossed her arms tight to her.

“El,” Frank whispered, “believe it or not, it bothers me to do this. But we have to work on this free and clear.”

After a single nod, Ellen turned and walked out of the room.

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

Gerard Davidson was a thin man, a thinker and a theorist. He always took a moment to write down every thought before he spoke them. Looking a fool or sounding it was never what he wanted to do.

George tapped his fingers impatiently on this desk. “Well?”

Davidson looked up from his paper. “Yes.”

“All that goddamn time to tell me, my guess for the future trip was theoretically plausible?” George grumbled.

“I had to think about it,” Davidson said. “It does make sense. Theoretically I’d say you’re correct.”

Steward interjected, “What about if we hit them with another virus? One they aren’t getting prepared for.”

Davidson shook his head, jotted down something, then looked up. “Seeing how they hadn’t gone to the future yet, any thoughts you have of doing anything to change that future, will change it. Sort of like with the marshmallow man in the movie Ghostbusters. If you think it, you’ll create it.”

With a side swipe of his hand, George hit Steward. “Idiot. Keep your thoughts to yourself.”

After another shake of his head and another writing down of information, Davidson spoke, “Doesn’t matter. The fact that you’re thinking of ways to change it, whether you determine what it is, will change it. In theory. Of course time travel is not my forte. I could be wrong.”

George rubbed his eyes. “This is too confusing.”

Davidson smiled. “Try this one.” He lifted his notepad. “I was reviewing the notes and such your person sent. I have a theory. Beginnings created the plague.”

“What?” George laughed. “You’re nuts.”

“No. By the notes. Not only Dr. Hayes, but you, Mr. President, died. They changed that time, hence bringing you both back. The future that sent the note was a future without Dr. Hayes, and a society, I’m guessing, run by Mr. Lange. You are a strong leader, Mr. President. You would have taken Beginnings another way. Mr. Lange, a power hungry wanna be . . .”

Steward rolled his eyes in a ‘gee thanks’ manner.

Davidson continued. “Mr. Lange, seeing a struggle with Beginnings that he feared he’d lose, sent the virus. Had Dr. Godrichson just said ‘Bring back Dr. Hayes, it’s vital’ and made no mention of the virus, it wouldn’t have happened. The people of Beginnings may have gone into a future with no virus, but since Godrichson mentioned all the virus details and you got a hold of it, he in fact gave you the idea.”

George leaned back in his chair. “So in essence, this time machine is Beginnings’ ace in the hole. This wonder machine that warned of the virus . . . actually started it all.”

Davidson smiled. “Exactly. By trying to save themselves, they began their own doom.”

HENRY’S JOURNAL

December 3

I just got home from Frank’s house, bringing some more of Ellen’s things over. It’s pretty tense there. Forced conversation and smiles. I suppose that’s to be expected, especially with tomorrow. In only a few hours, we will be leaving for a time trip that I don’t think any of us are ready for, a trip to an uncertain future. All of us are almost more frightened of what we will see than the virus itself. It’s a place we can’t change by going to, but a place we have to change when we get back.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

December 4

Beginnings, Montana

The long covered computer lines ran from the back of the CDC mobile across the small distance into Jason’s lab. On the step of the mobile, Jason visually checked the contacts he had attached to make that back door the Quantum Regressionator archway.

“Good?” Joe asked as he approached.

“Yep.” Jason stepped back. “When they re-enter our realm from the future, this is the least infectious way. It will take them pretty much into that decontamination room.”

“But basically we’re gonna have to wait until they emerge into the other lab to see if they’re all right?”

“We’ll know they made it back when we see the door illuminate.” Jason nodded in approval after glancing once more at the moved time machine. “O.K., you wait here. I’ll go power everything up, and when the three of them are suited and ready, you give me the signal.” Jason took a step back to his lab, but stopped. He saw Dean at the jeep, Frank standing with Ellen by the mobile lab door, and Henry near the couple as if waiting impatiently. “And speaking of giving signals. Do you want to…”

“No problem,” Joe said, and when Jason started walking again, he gave one of his high ear piercing whistles that caught the attention of the crew. “Move it. Let’s do this!”

Ellen could feel the tremble slipping out of Frank’s fingertips as they lay on her cheek. “Frank.”

“I know. Just be careful. Please. Promise me,” Frank whispered softly.

“I promise you. We have to do this,” Ellen told him. “And I’m ready. Trust me, I’m . . .” Her eyes shifted to Henry. “We’re all ready.”

As Frank nodded, and prepared to give Ellen one more embrace before she slipped into the mobile and far from his reach for an unknown amount of time, he felt the brush of Dean as he walked briskly by them.

“Excuse me,” Dean said and walked to the mobile door. “Henry. Ellen. It’s time.” Box under his arm, he opened the lab door.

Frank looked down to Ellen. “Has he said anything to you at all?”

“Just that,” Ellen answered. “Maybe it’s for the best.” She took a breath. “Give me a hug goodbye.”

Frank stepped into Ellen, wrapping his huge arms all the way around her and holding her tight, bringing her feet nearly from the ground.

Henry hated to break up the embrace, but it really was time. “El, we have to do this. Frank, you are going to have to let her go.”

Frank stepped back, placing his hands firmly on Ellen’s cheeks. “Be good in quarantine.”

“Henry is with me.”

“That’s what I mean, be good in quarantine.” He kissed her. “I love you and I’ll come and see you every day.”

“Talk to me through the glass with the radio, like I’m in jail.” She took a step back with Henry. “Oh, Frank. Just like that movie . . .” Ellen winked. “I’ll show you my breast.”

Frank smiled, he needed to do that. “Be careful.”

“I . . .” Ellen raised the corner of her mouth. “Always.” Feeling Henry take hold of her arm, Ellen after one more wave to Frank, moved into the CDC mobile.

The lab door closed. The latch of the lock seemed to ring out and Frank’s head dropped. He raised only his eyes catching glimpse of the huge window that would be his only communication with Ellen. Then only after a hesitation, he walked over to stand before that window and wait. To him, after they stepped through the time machine, they wouldn’t be gone all that long.

The loud ‘rip’ of the duct tape nearly drowned out Henry’s calm. Frustrated, Dean tried to tear the tape.

“Dean,” Henry said again as they stood in the decontamination room, the three of them wearing their bio suits with the exception of the hoods. “Want me to . . .”

“No,” Dean snapped. “Shit.” He ripped the tape off and placed the one end on Ellen’s waist then brought the long piece all the way around.

“Why are you doing this?” Ellen asked.

“Because.” Dean tugged on the tape causing Ellen to grunt. “The suit’s too big and you don’t want it caught up on anything.” He grabbed the end of the duct tape and almost too loud, ripped off another piece of tape. “God.” With irritation he wrapped that piece around Ellen nearer to her chest. “If you weren’t so small, I wouldn’t have to be wasting my time doing this.”

“Me?” Ellen asked annoyed. “Oh, yeah, like you’re the fuckin jolly green Giant.”

“At least my suit fits.” Dean looked at her.

“Only because you’re wearing extra clothes,” Ellen said. “And does the tape need to be so tight. You did it on purpose like this.”

“Guys.” Henry stepped in between them. His eyes held warning when he saw Dean’s mouth ready to open in further argument. “No. Now is not the time. It’s not . . . the time. I won’t be the referee this whole trip. Put it behind. And . . .” He handed the almost helmet to Ellen. “Put it on. They’re waiting on us.”

Holding her headgear Ellen watched Dean bend down for his. Dean merely glanced at her before placing it on. Then Ellen did the same.

Suited up, they looked like space aliens. Dean reached to his waist, turning on his radio. “El, respond. Can you hear me?”

“Unfortunately,” She answered with a quiver in her voice.

“Check your lights,” Dean instructed. “Henry, you too.”

They both did, their faces brightening from the interior suit light, and the small light attached to the head was their guiding light.

“Shut off the interior suit lights, leave on the outer one. It’s gonna be dark when we step outside.” Dean said. “Let’s do this.” First lifting two cases, Dean adjusted them in his arms then did one more quick visual of Ellen and Henry’s suits and the equipment they carried. “Ready?” He received their nods then stepped before the two of them to the back door. As soon as Dean opened it, he saw Joe. He gave the thumbs up to them both, their signal that they were ready. He watched Joe do a wind up of his arm, looking back at the lab. And with that all too familiar powering noise, Joe was no longer visible through the illuminated archway. “Let’s go.”

They were prepared for the one step out of the door from the CDC. What they weren’t prepared for was no step at all.

With surprise, a thump and loss of balance, Dean dropped first from the two foot fall, followed by Ellen, and Henry who landed right next to him. Dean turned his head when he heard Ellen’s slight groan. “Ellen?”

“My fingers twisted in the case.” She grunted more. “I think two of them are broken.”

Henry saw them starting to get up. “Stop. No one move, stay put.” Standing, he turned around. “Where the hell is the mobile?” He saw Jason’s lab to the right and an empty space before them. “We have to mark the archway or we’ll never get back through. We’ll never find it here in the dark. Stay put. I’ll find something.” Using his foot to draw a line, Henry stepped away. Thinking maybe Jason’s lab had something, he noticed the jeep and raced over. “Guys,” he spoke through the radio. “We can steal the jeep to get back into town.” From the back end, Henry found a tire iron. With it in hand, he ran back over to Dean and Ellen who still lay on the cold ground. “Found something.” Kneeling down to his line, he raised the tire iron above his head and with all of his strength, jammed it into the ground. “Target. You can get up.” He extended his hand to Ellen.

Rolling to her side, Ellen reached up with her uninjured hand and used Henry as leverage.

Clearly Dean could see that Ellen was babying her hand. He knew she had been hurt worse than she was letting on. “El, can you do this? Or do you want to hang back and wait. We have the jeep, an hour tops.”

Ellen shook her hand that started to thump and throb. “I’ll do it. We’re gonna have to get something to splint my fingers, Dean. We have nothing at the mobile.”

“We will.” Dean said. “Henry, do an air sample and a soil sample out here.” Dean saw the light in the lab. “Maybe not. Hold up.” He held his hand up walking closer. “Maybe there isn’t a plague after all. Everyone turn off the headgear lights.” Slowly and barely seen, Dean walked to the lab window to peer in. One look and Dean spun around, his back hitting against the outside quantum lab wall. “Take the samples, Henry.”

Henry hid his terrified expression within the darkness. His heavy swallow was heard before his words through the radio. “I’ll start them. See if the keys are in the jeep.”

Dean ran to it and checked. “No, they must be inside. Ellen stay put. Jason’s in there.”

“I’m coming with you.” She followed him. “I can handle this.”

Not wanting to waste any more time, Dean opened up the quantum lab door. Immediately the sight of Jason slumped over his work counter, was seen. His arms extended above his head, as if he decided at that moment to lie down and nap. “Keys.” Dean turned back at Ellen who stood stunned in the doorway. “Ellen are you . . .”

“I’m fine.” Not wanting to look at Jason, Ellen moved about searching for the keys in the quiet, dead lab.

A foot from Jason’s head, Dean spotted them. Hurriedly he snatched them up. “Found them.” They jingled as he moved with haste to Ellen, grabbed hold of her arm and led her from the lab.

Henry stood by the jeep waiting. He had loaded their supplies in. “Was it our virus?” He asked as he helped Ellen in the back.

Dean answered as he jumped in the passenger’s seat. “I’m sure of it. Let’s just get this over with.”

In silence, they drove the jeep to just outside the utility building, opting to quietly walk the last quarter mile into town. Not a single light was on, not even the spotlights. The abandoned appearance of the area left them to wonder if anyone at all was left at Beginnings.

Leaving Henry there to do his samples, Ellen and Dean, with their gear, walked without light into center Beginnings.

From a distance it looked so normal, a few spot lights on in the streets, quiet with no movement. Dean and Ellen stayed close to the buildings just in case the guard who walked the street at night was still doing that. They didn’t want to be seen.

Dean spotted it first as they closed in to the clinic. The answer to the first question Henry posed. The CDC Mobile set in the street, directly outside the clinic. “We must have worked on the virus in there, El.”

“But if everyone had it, Dean, why wouldn’t we just work on it in the clinic?”

“I don’t know. We’ll check the lab out first. Maybe we won’t have to go into the clinic at all.” Dean stopped suddenly, grabbing Ellen and pulling her back when he saw a man he didn’t recognize walk from the clinic and past the mobile. Figuring it was some survivor or fearing it was a society soldier, Dean waited for the brawny man with a long blonde ponytail to move from sight, then he took another step. Another foot forward, another jump back. “Shit. Look.” He pointed.

Ellen peeked out. She watched as Joe walked from the clinic. He moved slowly, slanting in his walk. His shirt was dirty. “Dean. Joe lived through it. Maybe it’s not that bad.”

But his hopeful observation lasted only a moment as they watched Joe do something they didn’t expect him to do, something that frightened them, something so simple. He stopped in his stride, turned back, and went into the clinic. A few seconds later, the clinic, for the first time ever in the history of Beginnings . . . went dark.

Dean waited until he saw Joe disappear and he moved again. “Let’s try it again.”

Slowly and quietly they made it to the mobile, they saw no other people on the streets at all. In fact, the streets were darker since the brightness of the clinic wasn’t seen.

Dean approached the side door to the mobile. “Wait until I check it out.” He reached for the door. When he opened it, what was inside could not be hidden from Ellen who stood directly behind him. The mobile was no longer a lab, but a shell of a vehicle, filled now with bodies, covered with blankets, piled in one mass grave. With his eyes closed tightly, a knot in his stomach, Dean shut the door. “El . . .” He faced her and turned on his interior suit light. “This is going to be bad.” He reached down to her waist and turned on her face light. When he did, he saw her horrified look. “Can you do this?” He waited for her nod. “The fingers? How are they.”

“Hurting but let’s go in there, get what we need, and get the hell out.”

Dean’s turn from her and leading walk to the clinic was his non-verbal agreement.

The lights on the outside of their headgear was their guide when they walked in. It was over, and Dean knew it when they walked slowly down the dark corridor. Beds lined up the hallway and filled the waiting room, all of them empty. All of them exhibiting the signs and remnants of the struggle those who had lain upon them went through. “El, they’ve cleaned it out.”

“I hope they left the information in the lab.” She led the way, her head moving, to shine the light on the dirty beds and cots. “What happened here, Dean?”

“We’ll find out.” He walked first into the clinic lab, immediately pulling the blinds closed and turning on only his desk light. He booted up the computer for Ellen. “Start as soon as it’s ready. Copy my notes and don’t read. Just copy my work.”

“What will you have it listed under?” Ellen pulled out the blank disks.

“Just go into the hard drive and look at the dates. See what the last thing it was I worked on.” Dean set his bio-box on the counter and opened up the refrigerator. The top shelf was filled with tubes of blood. Dates on the racks that held the tubes told Dean they were virus strained samples. Quickly, without looking at any names he loaded them in his box, taking enough samples to work on. When he spotted a smaller bio box on the bottom shelf, he knew. “Let this be it.” Dean whispered as pulled out the box and opened it. His eyes closed after he read the label on the vial. “Yes.”

“You isolated it?” Ellen asked. “Please tell me you isolated it.”

Dean lifted the vial. “I isolated it.” He saw Ellen’s head lower with relief. “Which means, we can beat this,” Dean spoke with a little confidence. “We’re now ahead of the game.” He stuck one of each strain into his bio-box. “I have enough. How’s the copying going.”

“It’s going. I’m only copying the files that were worked on during these dates.”

“Let’s double check when it started.” He searched for his journal. “Just to be certain we don’t miss anything.” The journal lay on his desk as it always did; Dean flipped open to the end. “Shit, I stopped writing two days ago in this time.” He read back. “Oh God.”

“What? What is it?” Ellen asked.

“I . . . I gave up.” Dean’s head dropped. “Go back only . . .only one week.” Dean swallowed. “That’s when it started.”

Emotions carried in Ellen’s voice. “No. Not that fast. Not again.”

With a shake of his head, Dean began flipping through his journal. He knew everything written in there would be on the disks that Ellen was copying, but he wanted to read while he waited. So much he had noted. Symptoms. A suspected, but not proved incubation period. Air tests. Another turn of the page brought a heavy breath that was heard.

“Dean?” Ellen looked from the computer. “What is it? What did you find?”

“Listen to this,” Dean began to read. “The air exposure tests with the rabbits have proven that the virus is not airborne. One question answered leaves another at bay. How did so many come down with it so fast?”  Dean stopped reading.

“We know the answer to that.” Ellen placed in the final disk. “They hit us and hit us big. Anything about the antidote?”

“Um . . . yeah, here. Shit.” Dean slammed his hand.

“What’s wrong now?”

“God I annoy myself. Four days ago, I wrote I found it and put it on the disk. Why did I do that? Why didn’t I just write it in here?”

“That’s you. In the Dean is dead history, we went crazy trying to figure out your meds. And this is done.” Ellen lifted the last disk from the computer.

“Good, then let’s get . . .” Dean saw Henry walk in. “Henry, good. Stay here with Ellen and gather the things. I’m heading down to an examining room to get supplies so I can splint her fingers when we get back.” He watched Henry only nod with a petrified look. Dean walked up to him, grabbing Henry’s arm. “Are you all right?”

“No Dean, I’m not. I saw the mobile. I thought you were in there. I opened it up. Everyone, everyone is dead.” Henry grabbed on to the counter for support.

“Help, Ellen.” Dean started to leave but stopped. “And Henry? This scene you see here. You won’t see it again. I’ll bet my life on it. I won’t let this happen, I won’t.” Backing up, Dean raced down the empty hallway to the first examining room. He just wanted to get the supplies and head out. They had the information and samples they needed to begin their work.

When Dean walked into the examining room, what he saw was not what he expected. Eight tables were lined up in the room. Two to his left, six to his right. It was obvious they were bodies. Covered so neatly with blankets. Probably the last of them needing to be removed, Dean figured. Not wanting to see and keeping his focus forward, Dean walked to the supply cabinet. He bent down opening the door, but it wouldn’t open all the way. He had to move the gurney that was blocking it. Reaching up and using his foot, with a grunt, Dean moved the heavy table away six inches. He grabbed cloth bandages and splints then shut the cabinet door. When he stood up, the bandages fell from his hand. The blanket had edged its way from the table exposing the person that lay under it. “Oh God.” Dean felt his stomach churn and his balance leave. It was too real, it was real. He found himself staring at someone he least expected to see. They grey pale face, the death so evident, the sores that never healed. The hero who lost his final battle . . . Frank. Sickened, Dean reached to re-cover him but froze. Through the speaker of his bio suit ricocheted Ellen’s scream. His view jolted as she and Henry walked in. “Get her out!” Dean blasted emotionally.

“Frank?” Ellen began to hyperventilate as she neared the table, reaching. “Frank? No Dean, this isn’t Frank.”

Dean pushed her hands away. “Henry, get her out of here.” He finished covering Frank, feeling his heart race as he did. “Now.” He bent down for the bandages.

“El, come on.” Henry pulled at her.

“No.” She swung out trying to get back to see Frank, but in her spin of a turn she bumped into a table to her right. Losing some of her balance, she fell hands first, face first into the worst, most horrific scene of it all. Her baby . . . Brian. “No!”

Seeing what she saw, Henry reached forward pulling her away, dragging a hysterical Ellen. “Dean, come on!” He knew they both had to get out of there.

Dean couldn’t move, his eyes fixed with pain on the baby that lay on the table. Brian lay on his stomach the way he always had. Never had Dean felt what he was feeling. He had seen the world end, but nothing he saw was as painful as that moment. Right then and there he understood everything Ellen had gone through, Frank had gone through. There was nothing worse, no pain greater than to stare at his own flesh and blood, laying there so helpless and without the life he helped give him. Dean felt that. His heart ached as if it were crushing. His eyes grew heavy and his blood boiled with determination, more determined than ever to conquer something that obviously had beaten him in that future.

“Dean.” Henry, like he had to do with Ellen, pulled Dean from that room into the hall. “Come on. Let’s get out of here.”

What they witnessed was a magnet, drawing them to take it in, forcing them to believe that this was their fate if they didn’t do anything about it.

Dean walked slowly. He had a hard time moving. He didn’t know what to say to Ellen when he looked at her sitting on the hallway floor, her back against the wall.

Henry strapped the gear onto a stunned Dean. “You carry this. Dean . . . Dean.” Giving a slight awakening shake to Dean, Henry grabbed his attention. “I know this is bad. I know it is, but we have to get out. And what did you tell me? This is the last time I’ll see this? You bet your life on that Dean and I’m taking that bet.” Almost pushing him to move, Henry squatted down to Ellen. “El, please.” He held out his hand. “El? Let me get you out of here.”

Ellen raised her head and reached out her hand, she gripped Henry’s and stood to her feet. “I’m sorry Henry. I’m sorry I lost control. I thought I was prepared.”

“None of us were prepared for this.” Henry turned his head to see Dean, zombie-like move down the dark hall. “None of us.”

“This isn’t real, tell me this isn’t real.” She walked with him.

“It is right now,” Henry spoke the painful truth. “But it won’t be in a year. We won’t let it.”

^^^^

Frank’s eyes dropped in relief and so did his heart when he heard the doorway power up. The longest five seconds of his life were standing there waiting. All he saw of them were their backs as they closed the door quickly behind them.

Racing to the other end of the mobile, along with Joe and Jason, Frank stood at the large window with bated breath. He could see into the lab and the doorway from which they would come out. “What’s taking so long?”

In the small decontamination room, the three of them not only moved in silence, but in emotional haste. Hurrying from the suits they wore taking them from their bodies as if slipping them off would slip the vision of what they saw from their minds. They were back. But the truth came back with them.

Frank felt it when he saw Ellen come from the decontamination room first. His heart pounded when he saw the desperate and lost look on her reddened face as she emerged from the room, as if the secondary lab was a salvation she strived for. “El?” With widened eyes and confusion, Frank watched her nearly trip as she raced to the window. Her body shook as she cried. “El?”

“Frank.” She picked up the radio. “Oh God.” She lowered her head and started to cry, her hand reaching to the glass just to try to touch him, to feel him.

“El, El, what happened. Ellen . . .” Then Frank caught a glimpse of Dean coming out. He, too, looked just as bad.

With such helplessness, Dean walked up to Ellen. He searched for something to say, anything. But he couldn’t. Reaching out his hand, he pulled her away from the window.

Frank watched as Ellen stood up, looked at Dean and then so emotionally, she fell into Dean’s arms. Frank had seen enough. He charged away from the window and to the door. “I’m going in there.”

“No.” Joe followed him, pulling him back. “Stay put. You can’t go in there.”

“What am I supposed to do?” Frank asked his words cracking. “Just watch her through the window? Just watch and know there is nothing I can do?”

“That’s all you can do right now.”

With a close of his eyes, Frank swung his hand in the air as he turned his body and headed back to the window. As soon as his eyes looked in again, his feelings of helplessness increased when he saw the three of them.

Henry sat on the floor, knees bent up, his head down, buried in his folded arms. Dean was holding Ellen with his whole body. His face looking so hurt, finally raised enough to make eye contact with Frank. Then Dean conveyed it all with a somber, slow shake of his head.

Standing between Frank and Jason, Joe took in the vision. “Dear God.” He spoke in a gasp. “What did they see?”

CHAPTER TWELVE

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

It hadn’t been all that long since he heard from his person in Beginnings, but to George it seemed like an eternity. Davidson, after several sentences of writing, assured George it could take a day or two to find out what they recovered from the future trip Beginnings made. Theorizing that it probably was kept under wraps from general population, George would have to wait to hear the remnants of gossip to get any lead at all.

George accepted that explanation, though he didn’t like it. Things were going pretty smoothly. At first he thought he was just so wrapped up in the future trip that he didn’t notice, but Sgt. Doyle confirmed it for him. Nothing had been seen or heard from their defectors. None of the sweeps were interrupted. But George knew they hadn’t encountered the last of the bold rebellious men. His gut sang to him. What Sgt. Doyle had to say about it sounded so plausible, that George actually felt secure in counting on it. Basically, what Sgt. Doyle explained, was anymore interference would be few and far between until they were no longer heard from. History shows man’s traits. What starts as a chivalrous blast will end in a fizzle when the momentum is replaced with the reality that they have other things to do. Like survive.

Sgt. Doyle had a point.

George walked. Trucks from the sweeps weren’t expected in. Survivors had been moved out and the afternoon was clear. Even though George had walked through that small town of Quantico, he hadn’t really looked at it. Remains of the old world were still present. The shops that sold relics and military souvenirs still held merchandise. He wanted to take in and enjoy his recent achievement, watch for a while the hustle and bustle of his hardworking men as they refurbished the small town.

He found a seat on a bench. The peripheral view was good, especially the word ‘Java’ that still remained hand painted on the front window of one of the shops. George smiled because the little coffee shop made him think of someone he hadn’t thought of in a long time…his wife.

How Margaret loved her thick espresso. George used to call her a junkie over the way her moods would swing if she didn’t get it and sneaking out at all hours trying to find an open coffee shop, like a crack addict trying to find a dealer. It got to the point that the secret service men grew tired of the aggravation that entailed in taking the first lady out. George decided to put a miniature espresso store, complete with a java artist, in the White House.

Margaret. What would have become of himself had Margaret survived the plague. Margaret was good. She would have put a stop to any and all of George’s society connections. Surely George would have still been living in Beginnings. Still second in control, drinking the bad coffee, and probably sharing Margaret with Joe in some sort of warped ‘understanding’ Beginnings ritual. He surely wouldn’t be sitting in Quantico. He wouldn’t be building giant forces that would secure the Untied States the way he wanted. He wouldn’t be a man of power. Exhaling in those long thoughts while watching one of his men work on a truck across from him, George realized how much he loved his wife. How much he missed her. And even though he was deeply saddened by her death, there were some positive points to Margaret’s passing.

It was almost time to move on, perhaps head to that area George wanted to designate as a golf course. Standing up, he took one more glance to the soldier across the way. The brawny man who worked with so much diligence, he never stopped to notice anyone watching him. The soldier lifted a battery from the truck and placed it in a green sack. He then tossed the green sack over his shoulder, grabbed another from the ground, and shut the hood.

George knew it was men like that soldier--the ones who insured that the smaller things ran--who never received any of the society’s appreciation. So because he was in that rare type of mood, and just to show the soldier he could be a cordial leader, George lifted his hand in a wave to the man.

And just so not to be pegged, or suspected, the Captain returned the wave, and added a smile before toting his two batteries and walking off.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

The pain medication not only seemed to soothe the pain of Ellen’s injury, but her nerves as well. The warm water of the shower helped her too. Ellen knew she took longer than needed. But Dean was working on the reviewing the disks and virus, so there was really nothing else to do but wait. Struggling through the splinted finger to fasten her pants, Ellen turned to the knock on her bedroom door. “Come in.”

It creaked slowly, and Dean popped his head in. “Got a minute?”

“Yes,” Ellen answered.

Taking a breath, hands in pockets, Dean stepped inside. “Look. What we saw today . . . it shook us. And I . . . I kind of, without thinking, really turned to you.”

Ellen nodded in understanding. “I did the same thing. Habit, huh?”

“Yeah. I just wanted to let you know. I’m sorry.”

“Dean . . .”

“No.” He held up his hand. “I crossed a line. I promise it won’t happen again.” Dean stepped back to the door. “I’m ready to review the data with you. So, whenever you are...” He walked out.

Ellen stood stunned. She didn’t know what to say. In fact, she was so engrossed in thought, she never saw Henry walk in.

“El?” He snapped his finger in front of her bringing her from the daze. “Are you all right?”

“Um . . .” Ellen blinked a few times. “Yes. Fine.”

“How’s the fingers.”

“Finger,” Ellen corrected. “Dean said only one is broken. Look which one, Henry.” She held up her left hand exposing her splinted middle finger. “Now Dean can’t say anything to me if I flip him off accidentally.” She smiled slightly.

Henry reached out his index finger and touched her top lip. “Keep the grin. I have a surprise to make you feel better.”

“Really? What?”

“Come with me.”

Ellen followed Henry back into the CDC mobile. As soon as she stepped in she saw what he brought her to see. It did made Ellen smile, in fact it made her laugh. At first she heard it. Frank’s voice, made to sound so high pitch, saying ‘hi mommy, hi mommy’ and then she saw him. Brian, and Brian only at the window, dancing about like a puppet--Frank probably underneath him being the strings. She laughed hard as she stepped closer to the seven month old baby suspending himself magically in the air. “Oh, my God.” She hurried to the window, and picked up the radio. “Frank, you are such a goof.”

From his work, Dean turned around on the computer to see. He too, smiled. The sight of Brian was needed more than Frank realized.

From his hidden stature, Frank emerged standing up with a grin. He held Brian speaking in that parent tone, “Look Bri, who is that? Is that Mommy? Do you see Mommy?” Brian smiled and Frank held him closer to the window. “El,” Frank spoke into his headset, “Talk to him.” He put his earpiece near Brian.

“Hey Brian,” Ellen spoke wanting to just cry at the vision of Frank and her son. “What are you doing?” She watched Brian smile so wide then throw himself to the glass pressing his mouth against it as if he was trying to eat it. “Look Henry, he’s excited to see me. What’s he . . .” Ellen looked behind her, Dean was there. “O.K. so he’s happy to see Dean.”

Dean tapped his index finger to Brian on the window and he waved.

Henry pulled up a chair by the window for Ellen. “Take a moment.” He laid his hand on her shoulder, standing with her.

Ellen grabbed the radio. “Frank. Thank you so much for doing this.”

“Henry said you needed to see us both. Look how happy he is to see you, El.” Frank adjusted Brian. “So how are you?”

“I’ve been better. But look . . .” Ellen held up her injured, splinted finger. “I broke it.”

Frank dramatically gasped and dropped open his mouth with a wide smile and looked at Brian. “Look Bri.” He spoke to the baby. “Mommy’s flipping Dean off for us. How nice of her.”

Dean rolled his eyes slightly. Even though he wouldn’t admit it, Frank’s corny sense of humor was so needed. He took in just another moment of it then stood up. “I’ll get everything ready,” He told Ellen then returned to the computer.

Ellen scooted as close to the window as she could. “Frank, you know the baby can’t be out here too long. It’s too cold.”

“I know.” Frank adjusted Brian. “But he’s tough, huh, Bri. You’re tough. You won’t get sick.”

Immediately Ellen’s mind flashed to what she saw. She didn’t realize how much her face conveyed it.

“El?” Frank called her. “It was bad, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah,” She answered softly. “But I don’t want to talk about it. I really don’t.”

“Then we won’t. But I should get him back. I’ll stop by later?” Frank asked. He smiled at Ellen’s nod. “Good. See ya then.” He lifted Brian’s hand for a wave, then before he stepped away. He laid his fingers on the glass. “Be good. I love you.”

Ellen’s fingers lay upon her side of glass. In a silent move of her lips, she mouthed the words, “I love you.’ and then sadly smiled. She stayed at that window until she saw them leave completely, watching Frank and Brian get into the jeep and drive further away until they were mere specks. Regaining her composure she turned around. “We would have the perfect marriage wouldn’t we, if there was a constant glass wall between us.” She sighed out then stood. “O.K., I’m ready. Give it to us Dean.”

Dean faced them and waited for Ellen and Henry to sit down. Reaching semi behind him, he swept a small pile of papers up and read from them. “In case you’re wondering, no.” Dean shook his head. “None of my notes indicate that the three of us took a future trip. I spoke to Jason, because I thought theoretically there would be indications.”

“And what did Jason say?” Henry asked.

“My theories suck.” Dean nodded. “Let me see if I can say it word for word. He said, in order for us to go to a future where we have gone to the future, we have to go to the future first.”

Ellen’s mouth dropped open. “What the hell was that? Frank pretended he was Jason, didn’t he?”

Dean chuckled. “No. What it means is, we made the future trip, right? Well, if we go to the future tomorrow then everything we find will indicate the future trip of today.” Dean scratched his head. “Confusing. All right . . . my first order of business was to find mention of the antidote in the notes. I did. Anything else I can tell you is just from my quick review and from that . . . groundwork.” He lifted the papers. “We got a lot of groundwork done. Because that was all we had time to do. From first symptom to finish . . . one week.”

Henry’s eyes briefly closed and his heart sunk. “Oh my God. History repeats.”

“Hopefully not,” Dean said. “I believe the time we so desperately needed in the future, we are giving ourselves now. We have a base to start from. Like I said, I still have to really read. We brought back four vials. Blindly, I injected some rabbits. I want to see if what we get coincides from what the notes say about the incubation periods.”

Ellen quickly looked up. “Periods?”

“Yep.” Dean replied. “From what I gathered, we couldn’t pinpoint it. From one day until at least five, because when I stopped writing we had rabbits still asymptomatic. Which means . . .”

“Multiple mutated strains,” Ellen interjected. “Did the ‘future you’ find the host.”

“Don’t know.” Dean shrugged. “I have a lot of data to read. As far as the antidote goes I read what I wrote on that. Here’s an interesting tidbit. Guess how we found the antidote.”

“We blew up the cryo-lab.” Ellen said.

After a quick confused shift of his eyes, Dean looked at Ellen. “How . .. how did you know?”

“Wild guess,” Ellen answered. “I can see us running blind. Everyone sick, so fast. It isn’t airborne. It came from somewhere. Somewhere meaning, the enemy. The society. The case.”

“You’re right,” Dean spoke in awe. “That’s what we thought. So we opened the password protected files. Printed the vial information and let the cryo-lab blow up. Only check this out. Four and one half doses are in that vial. I have noted that we had used so much of the antiserum testing it, that it only left us with two doses.”

Ellen looked oddly. “Two? Who didn’t get the antiserum?”

Dean swallowed then looked at her then Henry. “You two.”

“Oh my God.” Henry fell back. “We died. You let us die?”

“No.” Dean shook his head. “You didn’t need it. You two, were naturally immune to it.”

Ellen was filled with surprise. “How can that be, Dean? O.K., were we immune really, or were we exposed to the virus at some point and built up immunities?”

“Immune,” Dean read. “One percent will be immune. You two were the one percent. And that was a scary thought. But I’m going to double check anyhow. So I need some blood. If you are immune, then I’ll give myself the antidote and we’ll go from there.” Dean collected his things and stood. “I’m going to suit up. Ellen, could you draw some blood from Henry?”

“Sure. Then . . .” Ellen waited. “Dean? Then what?”

“Just draw his blood,” Dean said with a snap to his tone.

“Well how about while you test it I review some of this data we brought . . .”

“Ellen.” It was so sharp, Dean’s call of her name could have cut her. “They are my notes. You said yourself, you can’t decipher my notes. So my notes. My project and you are my assistant. I’ll tell you when and what I need you to do. O.K.?”

An offended loud, nostril breath exuded from Ellen. She waited until Dean was just about to slip from sight. “Dean?”

Dean turned around.

“My finger feels better.” Holding up her splinted finger, Ellen smiled.

Before he could hear the childish snickers he knew would come from Ellen and Henry, Dean went into the back.

^^^^

The Plains, VA

The band of pain around Elliott’s head tightened as if someone where pulling on his bandana. He worked outside, and the frigid air hit his bones. It was bad enough his migraine was aggravated by the dim light while he worked on the map, but the nasty stench that carried in the form of hot steam from the nearby horse’s mouth, made him gag.

From the map Elliott raised his eyes slightly when he felt the nudge to his temple.

“Hello.” The deep voice spoke. “I’m Mr. Ed. How are you, Elliott?”

Slowly Elliott lifted his head all the way. He turned to his right to see the Captain grinning as he held the reigns of the horse, petting the animal’s head. “Captain.”

“Had you fooled, huh?” The Captain winked.

“No, you didn’t have me . . .” It was a chain reaction, the flutter sound from the horse, the blast of steam outward, and the undeniable, throaty gag that came from Elliott. He turned his head and tried to stop himself from up-heaving.

The Captain laughed, “Not feeling well.”

Elliott turned his back to the animal. “Can we please finish this?”

“Sure.” The Captain looked over Elliott’s shoulder. “Go on.”

“If you’re right about this zombie soldier camp,” Elliott lifted a map.

“I am.” The Captain nodded.

“Good. Then you should have no problem doing surveillance. From the maps, this region was originally a wooded area, so imagine it still is now. I marked what I thought would be good spots.” He handed the Captain the map.

“You’re swell, Elliott.” The Captain rolled up the map. “You and John will be back by dawn?”

“Hopefully before,” Elliott responded. “We just want to check out this building that you say is the spoiling camp. See what they have as guards.” Elliott turned back around fearing another blast of bad horse breath. “Be careful out there Captain.

“You, too.” The Captain reached out and extended his hand to Elliott.

“And remember what Lange’s log book said. They are watching for us ‘defectors’. Low profile.”

“Don’t I always.” Grinning, the Captain stepped back. “Lewis!” he called out. “Let’s go!” He mounted his horse.

The sound of galloping brought Danny Lewis on horse. A thinner man, who wore a black bandana, bounced slightly in his trot forward on the animal. “Ready.” He struggled just a little to keep his horse steady.

“See you in the morning, Elliott.”

Elliott folded his arms with a smile as he watched the Captain give a half wave before yanking on the reigns of the horse, causing the animal to lift its front legs. And it finally dawned on Elliott that the horses were tame, unlike the others they had encountered. And just as he was about to question where the Captain found the mammal means of transportation, Elliott got his answer and he laughed. Watching the Captain and Lewis ride away, even in the darkening sky, Elliott could see, the branded ‘CS’ on the backside of the animal.

^^^^

Cleveland, Ohio

Robbie always hated cats. It was one species rendered extinct by the plague that never truly bothered him. He was reminded of his detest for the feline creatures as he stepped into Chester’s home. The small modest, single floor home was a distance from the research facility. Skeletal remains of the once furry pets scattered about the home, an abundance of them. Probably they had made their way through the pet entrance of the back door. Robbie smiled as he and the men walked through the house that had the roots from the tree out front growing into the living room. He assigned rooms to each of his men, deciding on the bedroom as his own choice for the search.

It was the right choice, in Robbie’s mind, even if he didn’t find any information. He did find a great stack of pornographic magazines. That in itself was a treasure worth keeping. But his attempts were futile and his search yielded nothing. Having checked every drawer, every inch of the closet and even under the bed and mattress, Robbie found nothing that could even remotely connect Chester to the Caceres Society. Chester had kept his work just there--at work.

Blowing the thick dust from the top magazine, Robbie took a brief break, lifting the heavy reading material into his hands. He flipped a couple pages into it. “Chester, Chester, Chester. You dog.” Robbie commented as he looked at the picture of two woman, together, enjoying the pleasure of each other’s company. It made Robbie chuckle as he looked at it. Lesbians, once considered in the old world--to the average male--to be erotic and arousing, would be considered to the men of Beginnings, a waste of good female flesh and companionship. Closing the magazine, Robbie laid it down. He picked up another figuring he’d might as well decide which ones he was going to steal. Flipping it open to allow the centerfold to be in his view, a slip of paper flew out at him and floated to the floor. Gazing down at it, he could make out that it was a cut out from another magazine. Part of a advertisement was showing on the back of it. “Chester, cutting out favorite poses now?” Robbie bent down to pick it up. As he turned it over to look at it, the magazine dropped from his hand and he clenched the small cut out article. “No way.” He smiled. “Greg!” He called out. “Greg!”

“Yeah.” Greg came barreling in. “Did you find something?”

With arrogance Robbie held up the article. “Remember last night I was telling you the society had an obstacle to eliminate?”

“Yes.” Greg really didn’t want to hear Robbie ramble about that one again.

“Guess what. This . . .” He held up the article. “…is that obstacle.” His eyes ran over it. “And my Dad was right.”

“About what?” Greg asked.

“He said, ‘somewhere, somehow, someone knows something’. Greg . . .” Robbie gave him the article. “We just found that someone.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

The sound of Dean’s choking cough that carried loudly from the bathroom made Ellen close her eyes. It went right through her and her hands gripped the bed sheet tighter. She paused for a moment listening, waiting for the sounds that seemed to repeat since they stopped working for the evening, the cough, the choke, the flush of the toilet. Upon hearing the water running, Ellen proceeded to turn down the covers on the single bed.

Dean in a stagger, lifted off his shirt during his walk into the bedroom. As it lifted from his head, he noticed Ellen. “El, what are you doing?”

“I know you’re sick.” She walked to him. “I left water on the night stand and some crackers for your stomach.” She watched Dean sit on the bed and she crouched before him as he frantically rubbed his eyes. “Your head too?”

Dean nodded. “I’ll be all right. Don’t worry about me.” He kicked of his shoes.

“Yeah, well, despite the Dean professional dick attitude, I do.” She grabbed his arm, “Dean? You’re really warm.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Maybe I should . . .”

“I’ll be fine El.” Dean snapped then closed his eyes and calmed himself. “I’ll be fine.”

“Do you . . . do you have the virus, Dean?” Ellen asked, even though she feared the response.

“No.” Dean shook his head. “After effects of the serum. I had it noted that they were sever. I’ll be fine tomorrow. I just need to sleep.”

“Then I’ll let you be.” Ellen moved to the door. “Dean, is there anything I can do in the lab?”

“No,” He answered sharply.

“Dean . . .”

“What Ellen?” He huffed and looked up to her.

Ellen swallowed. “It’s gonna be an even longer quarantine if we keep being like this.”

“Call it practice for when we get out.”

“Why?” She stepped back into the room. “Why does it have to be like this right now?”

Dean stood up. “Because you’re cutting me out of your goddamn life, that’s why.” He took a long breath, “And I’m sick. I just want to be alone. It’s been a long day.”

“And a really . . . . really bad one.” Ellen’s voice was sad. “I saw things I never wanted to see again. I still see them.” She closed her eyes. “I need to get through that, and I wanted to get through that . . . with you. I thought you wanted, needed the same thing.” Ellen turned.

With a rush forward, Dean reached and closed the door before Ellen could walk out. His chest pressed to her back and his hand hovered over her shoulder. “I do.” he whispered.

Inhaling, Ellen spun around. So close she was to Dean. Reaching up she laid her hand upon his cheek.

Dean took hold of her hand, removed it, then held it. “There’s something I need to tell you.” He swallowed. “I’ve been thinking about it all day. I owe you an apology.”

“Dean,” Near whimper she spoke, “please don’t do this. Can we just not think about what happens after quarantine and think about now?”

“This isn’t about now, or today, or even tomorrow. It’s about yesterday.” Dean saw the confusion on Ellen’s face. “Yesterday meaning a while ago. It’s . . . It’s an apology long overdue.”

“For what?”

With some hesitation, eyes still locked, Dean spoke soft. “For any time I never understood what you were going through six years ago. For not understanding why you got like you got.” He squeezed her hand. “For all that you went through, and for what you are today, I admire you, Ellen.”

Ellen was taken aback. “Whoa. You’ve never said anything like that to me.”

“I’m sorry for that, because I’ve always felt that way.” Slowly Dean released her hand, stepped as far as he could into Ellen, and embraced her. “I want you to know, I’m going to do everything I can to make sure nothing pulls you down again. Tell me . . .” Dean closed his eyes and whispered with intensity. “Tell me El, that you think I can do this. Please.”

Right then and there Ellen knew it wasn’t just the side effects of the antidote. All of what was going on was troubling Dean. Everything they viewed, everything that scared them, hinged on Dean. He was the key to letting that future happen, or stopping that, and Dean knew it. And for anyone, even Dean, that was an awfully big load to carry alone. Ellen wouldn’t let him do that. “No Dean, I don’t think you can do this. I know you can do this. I believe in you.” She felt him hold her tighter. “I really believe in you.”

HENRY’S JOURNAL

December 4

If anyone were to asked me again if I wanted to look into the future, from this moment on, that answer would be ‘no’. What we saw, where we were, was not a place I ever want to be again. It was a vision, a trip I want to forget--a nightmare. With the grace of God, it will remain always a nightmare that I can awaken from. Hopefully Dean, Ellen, and myself can ensure that what we witnessed will never be a reality to us in our lifetime or our children’s.

LEAST EXPECTED TURNS

CHAPTER TWELVE

December 6

Beginnings, Montana

The escape hatch in the skills room floor slammed loudly, causing the nine survivors in the room to jump. Joe, toting a clipboard, pointed fatherly around the group. “While Ellen’s in quarantine, I am in charge. And when I am in charge,. no more pissing in the hatch.” Grumbling he moved across the room. “I’ll lock it back up, I mean it.” Almost out, Joe spotted Mike. He sat on the floor on his hands in knees. “Mike, you’re in charge. Watch them.”

Mike barked.

“Good boy.” Joe patted the bald head of the man and walked out. He stopped in the hallway when he heard the buzzing of the main door.

“Joseph Slagel.” Andrea marched to him with her arms folded. “Joseph! I know you hear me you are not that far away.”

“What Andrea?  I’m a busy man.” Joe walked to Ellen’s office He saw Andrea follow him. “What is it? And don’t slam that . . .” He cringed. “…door.”

“You know exactly why I am here.” Her finger pointed and her head bobbed. “What in the Lord’s name are you doing to Denny and Josh? And what is it that you have them doing now?”

“Working. They have to work. What else are they going to do?”

“Get an education.”

Joe scoffed. “They get an education a couple hours a day. The rest of the time they work.”

“They should be in school full time.”

“For what Andrea? I can see if they were headed to be the town doctor, but let’s face it, neither of them two boys are a budding Einstein.”

Andrea gasped.

“Andrea, what do I have them doing now that is so bad? They aren’t doing anything but unloading and separating the Christmas stuff.”

“Exactly.” Andrea raised her head. “Denny is seeing the gifts.”

“So what? It’s not like he’s nine and he still believes in Santa Clause.”

Andrea brought in her bottom lip and raised her eyes while tapping her fingers on her arm.

“Andrea! He’s fourteen years old for crying out loud. I understand you want to shelter the boy, but come on, you’re going overboard don’t you think.”

Don’t you take that tone!” Andrea yelled back.

“Jesus Christ, you still have the kid believing in Santa?”

“Joe Slagel, I will raise that boy the way I see fit. This is a new world and . . .” She took a breath of disgust when she watched him nod his head and wave his hand to hurry her. “Sweet Jesus, what is with the attitude!”

“I’ll ask you the same thing. I haven’t been paying enough attention to you. Is that it? It’s starvation.”

“Oh, you arrogant son of a bitch, I am insulted. Starved for you?”

“Please, Andrea. You need me.”

Andrea gasped. “Need you!? If I’m gonna be needing anyone it certainly would be someone who was still viable. You, Joe Slagel are too old.”

“Old.” Joe laughed with a loud ‘Ha!’. “I’ll show you old.” Tossing his papers back to the desk, Joe grabbed firmly with both hands to Andrea’s face, pulling her to him and kissing her.

Andrea struggled but only for a moment, her tense arms relaxed and she threw them tightly around Joe’s neck, running her hands fanatically through his always perfect hair.

Cling to each other, they became swept away in their kiss, clumsily bumping into Ellen’s desk, and knocking things off. Without thought, Joe turned Andrea around, clutching her leg, and lowering her down to the surface behind them.

The moment they touched down was the moment they stopped when a loud, shrieking, Frank bellowed into the room. “Uh!” Frank shielded his eyes with his forearm. “There’s something just not right, seeing your father like that.”

Joe lifted himself up, shaking his head. “Frank.”

“Dad, you assured me you weren’t seeing this woman.”

Andrea straightened her clothes. “Frank, grow up.”

“Grow up?” Frank scoffed. “I’m merely doing my job. My Dad calls for me. I get here, I hear screaming, and then I hear silence. I think you’re killing my Dad. Instead you’re molesting him.”

“Frank!” Joe yelled.

“On my wife’s desk,” Frank instigated.

“Frank!” Again, Joe yelled.

“What!” Frank blasted in return. “Don’t yell. You called for me. What’s wrong? Why are you guys yelling?”

“Andrea!” Joe pointed with a heavy hand then sat down. “Get ready for this, Frank. She has Denny still believing in Santa.”

“O.K.” Frank nodded. “Dad? Robbie believed in Santa until he was fifteen.”

A shriek flew from Andrea. She gurgled her voice in disgust. “And you ridicule me.”

“Andrea,” Joe barked. “There’s a big difference. I told Robbie the truth. I even took him to the goddamn mall at thirteen and pulled off Santa’s beard. But he still wouldn’t believe me.”

Frank snickered, “That was so funny. Man, were those little kids fuckin traumatized.” With a shake of his head and a laugh, Frank walked to the door. “All right. Glad I could help.”

“Frank.” Joe slammed his hand on the desk as he called his son. “I didn’t ask you here to solve our Santa dilemma. Robbie’s on his way back. Can you be my office when he arrives? He wants to have a meeting.”

“What for?” Frank asked.

“He says he brings good fortune.” Joe said.

“You mean, like a horseshoe?”

Joe’s top lip curled. “Frank, you dumb son of a bitch. He didn’t bring a horseshoe.”

“How do you know? He said good fortune and that…”

“Frank! Can you be there!”

“Yes!” Frank screamed in returned. “God, yell at me. Make my ass come all the way down here when you could have radioed.” He stormed out. “I know you do that shit on purpose.” His voice faded in his complaint.

After Frank left, Andrea looked at Joe. “He is not right, Joe. Not right. And here I would have thought Frank was the one who believed in Santa for a long time.”

“Frank. Frank used to set traps for Santa. Damn near cut off my toe the one year.” Joe shook his head with a laugh at that memory. He drew up an ornery look. “Hey, Andrea. Why don’t you shut and lock that door.” He winked.

“You are bad.” Andrea said seriously, then giggled and did as asked.

^^^^

The Plains, VA

Elliott flashed a bright smile after listening carefully to the Captain. He leaned over the map spread upon the table. He tapped his finger quickly on the paper then released a sarcastic laugh. “What are you? Nuts?”

“Elliott, Elliott, Elliott.” The Captain shook his head. “It’s four women. Four measly little women.”

“I understand that.” Elliott said. “But, I did surveillance that spoiling camp. You did not. I understand your plan with this . . . . pre brain surgery concentration camp. It works. We can go in there with fifty men, hide out, and not be seen. That area is dense. But this spoiling camp,” Elliott argued to him. “It’s not a camp. No. It’s a big red building in the middle of everywhere. We don’t know how many guards are in there, because we only saw the changeover. We can’t move in with a large group of men.”

The Captain smiled. “You really need to calm down. I didn’t say go in with a large group. I’m thinking small. Very small. Go in, get our women, get out.”

“I suppose you just want to walk right in.”

“Yes,” The Captain said with excitement.

“No,” Elliott argued adamantly. “It’s a huge place. The only way we’re gonna walk right through those doors is if one of us is a woman.”

^^^^

Washington, D.C.

“I hate you.” Elliott grumbled from beneath the long, dirty, purple shawl that covered his head and shoulders. “I can’t believe this,” He said to the Captain who sported a Society uniform.

“Elliott, Shh.”  The Captain brought him to the reception window inside the empty entrance hall. “And hunch down. You’re too tall.”

Elliott did. “I don’t know why you aren’t the woman. You have the long hair.”

“You’re prettier.” The Captain winked, grinned, then knocked on the glass of the window. “Now don’t say anything and keep your head . . .” The Captain grinned, when a balding man in a lab coat approached the window. “Afternoon. I’m dropping off.”

Irritation laced the doctor’s heavy exhale. “Paperwork.”

“You don’t have it?” The Captain asked.

“No. You’re supposed to.”

“No, you are. That big guy, um . . .” The Captain snapped his fingers several times. “What’s his name . . .”

“Burke?” The Doctor asked.

“Burke, that’s it.” The Captain said. “Burke was to drop off the papers earlier. This one was a bit frisky. She keeps . . .” The Captain dropped his voice to a whisper. “…grabbing me.”

“Burke didn’t leave them. Then again, he’s an asshole. O.K., go on. Take her up to processing.”

“That would be floor . . .”

“Three.” The doctor told him. “And by the way. have you seen my guard?”

“Yeah. He’s out front.”

“He’s supposed to be right here. All right. Take her up, thanks.” The doctor grumbled and walked from the window.

Taking hold of Elliott’s arm, with a jerk, the Captain tugged him. “Careful. No footprints.”

After another grumble, Elliott looked down to the dead guard that lay right beneath the window, then carefully stepped over the body and the blood that flowed freely from his neck.

The elevator wasn’t that far, a mere ten feet. The Captain pressed the button and the doors immediately opened. He hurried inside and pressed three.

Once inside and once the doors had closed, Elliott dropped the shawl. “You owe me.” He swung around his rifle that was on his back, then reached behind him to the gas masks that were also hidden under that shawl. He handed one to the Captain.

“Thanks.” The Captain took the mask. “Stay back,” He instructed when the door opened. Placing his foot out first, the Captain stayed behind the doors and peered. “Clear.” With a motion of his head, he and Elliott stepped from the elevator. “Look, Elliott. Look how proficient.” The Captain pointed to a sign that greeted them immediately. The word ‘processing’ had an arrow indicating left. ‘Preparation and spoiling’ were to the right.

“They’ve been here too long to be in processing,” Elliott said.

“You’re right.” The Captain moved to the right. A single door with a small window was before them. Peering through the window but keeping out of sight, The Captain spotted guards in the long corridor. “Masks.” He placed his on.

“You or me?” Elliott adjusted his mask.

“You take this one. Ready?”

Elliott lifted the small gas canister. “Ready.”

The Captain grabbed the door handle. Slowly he nodded his head. On the third nod, he flung open the door and Elliott tossed in the can. The canister rolled down the hallway and stopped at the tip of the boot of a soldier. The soldier peered down and reached for it just as it exploded.

The Captain stood back against the closed door. He peered through the window, watching the soldiers drop. “Now.” Another grab of the door, rifle high, the Captain and Elliott barreled through. “Christ.” The Captain turned to walk backwards. Through the steam, only three doors were seen. “Elliott, I’ll take the far end. You take this one.”

“Got it,” Elliott said, watching the Captain race to the end of the corridor, and then he himself prepared to go in the room. He tried the knob first. Surprisingly, it was unlocked. He looked through the small window only to see a doctor walk by with a clipboard. Not seeing a guard, but not taking a chance, Elliott lifted a gas canister from his belt, placed his back against the wall, turned the knob, pushed the door open with his foot, and tossed in the gas. He counted. He waited and then rushed in. The moment he did, Elliott not only lost his weapon, he nearly lost his heart when the steam of the gas moved enough to expose the longest glass wall he had ever seen. But it wasn’t the glass wall that took Elliott aback. It was what was behind it.

“Elliott.” The Captain barreled in. “That was only ...” His speed and words slowed down. “…an office. Dear God,” He gasped.

Elliott could barely speak. His hand lifted in a point to the wall, then closing his eyes, he turned around. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think, I think numbers 72 through 75 are ours.”

Those numbers were near the end. Though struck with the painful vision, unlike Elliott, the Captain had to take a closer look. He stepped nearer to the glass wall. Reaching up, his fingers pressed against the pane of glass, the Captain looked inside. A large room, a lab. It was dark with the exception of the glow brought on by the digital displays and power lights that graced the bottom of each vat. Vats, thin, tubular and tall, filled the room. They were too numerous to count, too many to see them all. The only identification was a posted number near the bottom. Some of the vats stood upright, some vertical, and some on a slant. But every single one of them was not only filled with a clear effervescence fluid, but the bodies of women suspended by wires. Their bodies were nude, their heads shaven. The life signal display at the bottom of the vat indicated their vital signs, while the rapid blinking eyes and twitching body parts reiterated they were still alive.

“Are they?” Elliott asked with a crack to his voice flinging off his mask.

“I . . . I believe one is Rosemary, yes.” The Captain turned around, taking off his mask.

“What are they doing to them?”

“I don’t . . .” Before the Captain completed his answer he saw the clipboard still clenched in the hand of the scientist who lay upon the floor. He walked to it and lifted it. The first sheet told him nothing, but the second sheet made the Captain’s eyes grow wide.

“Captain? What are they doing with them?”

“Breeding.” The Captain swallowed and dropped the clipboard. “They’re all pregnant.”

“We can’t leave them. Is there any way we can save them?” Elliott asked.

Slowly the Captain looked back into the lab. Clearly he could see the small scar that graced above the left temple of every woman. “I don’t think there . . . yes. Yes there is. Stay here.”

“We don’t have much time. The gas will wear off. What are you doing?” Elliott asked, watching the Captain move to the door that led into the lab chamber.

“You’re right. I don’t have time to help them all. But I can at least save our women from this. I’ll be back.”

Elliott didn’t have to look to know what the Captain was doing. He listened to the Captain’s boots move slowly across the linoleum of the echoing lab.

The Captain approached the vats of numbers 72 through 75. He confirmed visually that they were indeed the women that had joined Elliott and him. And when he knew they were, the Captain took a deep breath, blinked long, blessed himself then raised his rifle.

Elliott’s eyes closed at the four sequences of sound, a single shot, a shattering of glass, and the ‘splash’ of rushing water. His head lowered and he prayed.

“Let’s go,” The Captain said with solace as he emerged from the lab.

Elliott followed. A few moans were heard in the hall along with something else, female screams and a pounding on a door. Immediately Elliott looked up. “The other door.”

The Captain rushed forward, his damp boots squeaking with every fast stride. His ears followed the pounding to the last door. After discovering the door was locked, Shoulder first the Captain backed up, and raced full speed into that door crashing it open.

A deep raspy scream shot out. “He’s one of them. Get him!” The woman blasted.

Before the Captain knew it, like a nightmare, a bald headed extremely husky woman in her forties, wearing only a hospital gown, barreled forth at him pummeling her body the Captain’s way. Her fist swung in a maddening way as she proceeded to beat upon the Captain.

“Run, ladies!” She ordered out.

Elliott flew in, only to find himself accosted by the six baldheaded women trying to make an escape.

Blocking the blows, The Captain managed to pump the chamber on his rifle, hopefully as a warning. But it didn’t do the trick as much as his loud yell. “Knock it off!” He screamed out. “We aren’t the bad guys here!” He grunted when one more fist careened into his back. He stood up enraged. “Leave my man alone!” He barked to the women who fought Elliott. “Christ Almighty!” He snapped. “Use some goddamn common sense. Would I break open the door if I was one of them!” He took a moment to gain his composure, and sweep back the long blonde strand of hair that fell in his face. He stood up. “Elliott, are you all right.”

“Um, yeah.” Elliott adjusted his bandana.

“Let’s go.” The Captain gave a wink that wasn’t seen by the women.

“O.K.” Elliott started to follow the Captain out.

“Wait!” The heavy woman screamed. “You cannot tell me you are leaving us here!”

“I am!” The Captain shouted back.

“Don’t you dare!” She growled at him stepping closer in an authority manner. “Our men would have not even thought about leaving us!”

There was something frightening about the woman. It wasn’t her size or the fact that she was shaved bald, it was the look of ‘mean’ written across her. The Captain, stern faced, engaged in a stare down with the scary bald woman whose name of ‘Grace’ far from fit her demeanor.

“Captain,” Elliott whispered. “We don’t have time. We have to go. Our men are waiting.”

“We stand firm.” Grace crossed her arms like a warden. “You will take us out of here. And take us right now!”

After taking a look at Grace and all of the women who tried to take on an intimidating stance in their hospital gowns, the Captain grinned. “O.K., you win.”

Out of the elevator onto the first floor, The Captain emerged first. “Clear.”

“Mister.” Mean, Grace tapped on The Captain’s shoulder. “It will be cold. Could you have at least found us clothes?”

“Quiet.” The Captain whispered then hid his snicker at her flapping hospital gown. “You look fine. Stay put.” Hurrying before the group, The Captain walked up to the reception window again. He tapped on the glass and the same doctor approached the window. The Captain made a signal of his hand for the doctor to slide the window open. When the doctor did, The Captain tossed in a gas canister, shut the window and held it. “Take them out, Elliott. Hurry.”

Elliott led the pack of women who seemed to pull a squeamish tip-toe escape dance as they made it down the hall. Waiting for Elliott and the seven women to pass him, The Captain, secure in knowing the doctor was passed out, left the reception window and brought up the rear of the group.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Beginnings, Montana

Ellen held the brown and white rabbit up to her eye level. “Nothing Dean. He still isn’t sick.” She handed him to Henry. “Play with him Henry, that’s our job now.”

Dean moved to his microscope. “It’s called research, Ellen. You have to have contact with all the rabbits or how else are we going to see if we’re carriers.”

Henry looked curiously at the rabbit. “But why do we have to touch them?”

“To see if we can spread the virus,” Dean explained.

“It’s very silly. Dean?” He lifted up the bunny less than gently then making motor sounds, Henry flew it around like an airplane. “They are so useless if they aren’t being used for research.”

“No, Henry. That . . .” Dean reached his hand out stopping him. “…is silly.”

Arms folded, Ellen walked up behind Dean. “Why am I in quarantine?”

“Ellen.” Dean took on disbelieving tone. “You know why.”

“In case we’re contagious. I know,” Ellen said. “But why am I here? I mean for all you use me for, playing with rabbits and typing your notes, anyone could have done that. I want to do more, Dean. But serious stuff,” Ellen explained. “Not just blood removal.”

“You’re right.” Dean took off his glasses. “I’ll tell you what. Here’s what you can start on for . . .”

“Robbie!” Ellen shrieked out with a smile when she noticed the faint knocking at the window. “Look, Robbie’s back!” she said excitedly and hurried out of the lab into the other room to see him. “Robbie.” She picked up the radio and stood close to the glass. “How was Cleveland?”

“Productive. How is quarantine?” He asked.

“Productive. We aren’t sick.” Ellen smiled at him.

“I don’t have much time. I have a meeting with my Dad. I can stop and see you later. But I just wanted to tell you, I brought you something.” He raised his eyebrow. “Actually, you are going to love it so much, you’ll drop my loser brother and be with me over it.”

“That good? You’re awfully sure of yourself.”

“I’m sure of you. So will you drop him?”

“If it’s that good, sure.” Ellen shrugged. “What is it?”

Robbie grinned. “Say goodbye to Frankie boy.” With a smack of his hand, he pressed to the window an open soap opera magazine. “Look what I got you, El.”

Ellen snickered. “Not enough to leave Frank for, but a nice gift. Thanks, Robbie. You know what?” She peered closer. “I think I have that issue. But I can use another.”

“No, El. Not the magazine. Him.” Robbie showed her the picture of the tall typically looking soap actor with dark hair, dimples, and a bright smile. “I got you him. I found him outside of Chicago.”

“You brought me Blake?” She snickered. “Nice tease, Robbie. In the savaged world you find a soap opera star?”

“Yep.” Robbie looked so pleased. “Bet me. Bet me, aside from you leaving Frank, bet me I got him for you.”

“I’ll bet you. If you didn’t get me Blake, you have to walk Mike the dog for a week.”

“You’re on, and if I did bring you Blake, as soon as you get out of quarantine, you have to sleep with me. And I don’t mean slumber party. I mean sleep with me. Sex, all night long.”

“You’re on.”

With a wide eyed, open mouth grin, Robbie held up one finger and stepped to the side. “I can feel the erection growing. Are you ready?” Looking--if it was possible--even more arrogant, Robbie pulled him into the window’s view. Blake. “Say hello Ellen.” Robbie handed the radio to Blake.

Hearing his soft ‘hello’ Ellen let out a loud scream, held up a hand to Robbie, and ran from the window’s view. She darted into the trailer next door, and into the bathroom to check her reflection. “Shit.” She raced back out into the mobile and straight to the special lab where Henry and Dean stood stunned at her running around. “How do I look?”

Thinking she was losing it, Dean answered. “Fine, Why?”

“Look at my present Robbie brought me. Look Henry.” She pointed out.

Henry peered out the lab to the window. “Oh my God is that . . .”

“Yes.” Ellen said excitedly. “Robbie brought him for me.”

Dean snickered at Robbie who stood with the new survivor. “Your brother in law brought you a person as a gift.”

“Not just a person, Dean.” Ellen laid her hands on his arms. “A soap opera god. Blake is in Beginnings. And he’s mine!” She raced back into the other lab and grabbed the radio. “Robbie this is the best present you ever brought me back. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. But I have to go. He’ll be in containment waiting for you, El.”

“You’re the best. And don’t let Jenny Matoose near him. You know how she is.”

Giving a thumbs up to Ellen and a shot of his center finger to Henry who watched from the special lab, Robbie laughed, and with Blake, left Ellen a happy woman--quarantined--but happy.

^^^^

“Frank!” Joe tossed a pencil harshly across his desk, hitting Frank in the head. “Will you stop biting your nails?”

“Sorry. I get edgy. I have things to do and I’m just sitting here.” Frank slumped shifting his eyes over to Jason who looked as if he was hiding a smile. “What? What’s so funny?”

Jason crossed his legs and tapped his fingers together. “You are such an uptight individual, Frank. You really are.”

“Dad, why is this man here?”

“You brother requested him.” Joe answered that question. “Not that I have to answer to you, mind you.”

Frank arrogantly scoffed his face. “But you are gonna have to answer to my wife on why you were fooling around on her desk. And where is Robbie?   I have things to do.”

A breeze of soon-to-be-winter air came in through the opening door. “Right here,” Robbie said. “Hey bright boy.” He smacked Frank on the back of the head. “Sorry I’m late Dad. I brought Ellen her surprise to see.”

Frank curled his lip, looking up at Robbie. “Did she like him?” He asked in a sulk.

“Loved him. She was hysterical. She didn’t believe me at first because I had the guy hidden.” Robbie snapped his finger. “Say, uh, Frank. While I’m thinking about it, she made a bet with me that I didn’t have him. Can you make sure she pays up? I mean, she would have made me walk Mike the dog for a week. Can you?”

“I’ll make sure she doesn’t welsh. And speaking of that Mike guy, why do you allow that. You run containment with her. Why do we have a man who thinks he’s a dog still in Beginnings?”

Robbie snickered. “Frank, it’s funny. Besides, he’s Ellen’s pet. I can’t take her dog from her.” He began to search for a chair, gave up, and sat on the edge of Joe’s desk. “Let’s start.” He clapped his hands together.

Joe, hand on chin, leaned back staring perturbed at his very upbeat son. “Robert. This better be good for all the Frank dramatics you’re pulling.”

“What?” Frank looked up.

Joe waved his hand at Frank. “Go on, Robbie.”

“O.K.” Robbie smoothed out his hands on the air. “I had a great trip. A very successful trip. I brought Ellen back her personal soap star. I brought back a SUT.”

Joe rolled his eyes. “In a dress. Now what was the meaning behind that?”

Robbie snickered. “It was funny. Frank, wasn’t it funny?”

“I have to admit, he looked funny. Dad?” Frank turned to Joe. “I have that SUT locked in holding. Are we keeping him drugged or let him bang against that wall like he’s been doing for an hour?”

Joe didn’t know. “Jason, you’re a doctor. What do you think?”

Jason thought about it. “Is he banging his head, Frank, or just his body?”

Frank shrugged. “Body I think.”

“Then let him go.” Jason waved his hand.

Joe shook his head. “Robbie. Not impressive. A SUT in a dress. A man with no skills, except to probably get the women in an uproar, and a very large collection of obscene pornography.”

“Yeah,” Frank said. “Where’s the horseshoe?”

“Frank!” Joe yelled with a bang of his hand. “Your brother didn’t bring back a goddamn horseshoe. He said he brought good fortune.”

“And I did,” Robbie said.

“Ha!” Frank pointed. “See. See. Told you.”

Joe grumbled. Jason laughed. Frank gloated until he saw Robbie reach into his pocket and pull out that small article.

Robbie handed it to Joe. “Our next trip, our next step,” He grinned widely, Is searching for answers on when the scientist got here. I think this may be our biggest lead yet. At the very least, it will tell us what we have that the scientist want. Check it out.”

“What is it?” Frank asked.

“Son of a bitch.” Joe smiled. “This really could be it.”

“What?” Frank asked again.

“It is.” Robbie said. “Look at the date. The coincidences. A tiny article hidden in Chester’s things. It has to mean something.”

“It does.” Joe nodded.

“What!” Frank yelled.

“Very smart,” Joe commented and handed the article to Jason. “What do you think?”

Frank grumbled trying to see. “What?”

Jason smiled as he read. “We have the time, we have the date, and we have the place.”

Frank, totally frustrated, growled and snatched the article from Jason. Suddenly his eyes lit up as he peered to Joe. “I never knew this.” He gave it back to his father. “A car explosion?”

“Neither did I,” Joe said, pleased. “And it makes sense. No one dies like this unless they know something. Only the government could pull off the cover-up. The government meaning the Society.” Joe held up the article. “Let’s put this together so it can be done perfectly. Let the car explode. Stop the death. No ripple.” Joe smiled. “Because we not only found the person with the answers, we found . . . the man.”

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

“Next,” George said as he moved a paper from a pile. He sat at the end of a long table before a group of men including his ambassadors and Sgt. Doyle. “Our virus.” He exhaled and sat back. “Nothing yet. No rumor from the mobile. Our so-called top virologist bio man, Dr. Radovich, has informed me that, yes, we do have other viruses and chemical weapons and such, but only one . . . one  has a completed antidote sequence. We have the recipe and Beginnings has the sample. He says we need an antiserum slash antidote in order to make sure that whatever we work on does not get out of control. I agree. In order for us to use something other than what Beginnings has a potential cure to, we, in fact, would have to create a cure. Which could take as long as creating a whole new strain. Could be a month, could be years. So . . .” George tossed up his hands. “Any suggestions?”

Steward lifted his hand slightly. “What about possibly taking the time? Make a new one or use an existing one. If it takes longer not only will Beginnings not be ready for it, they would think the risk has passed.”

George shook his head. “Sort of on the opposite lines of what I said. I want to hit them early so they don’t expect it. You want to hit them late. Can’t be done. We can’t wait. We need Beginnings. Time is just as important to us. Any time we use now will be for recreating the antidote, testing it, and perfecting it before we even use that virus. My wife and a lot of people we needed died because of a bad vaccine we thought we perfected. The world ended once. We can’t let that happen again.” Moving into the table in a mode for next discussion, George peered to Sgt. Doyle. “Any word yet about what went down at the ‘Spoiling camp’.”

“Just what Dr. Lynch said,” Sgt. Doyle answered. “One of our men went mad. We’re sure it’s one of our men because a few of the guards recognized him from base. Right now we’re trying to locate what he did with the seven women waiting in preparations.”

“I’m sure if you look hard enough, you’ll find those women,” George said. “Seven bald women running around D.C. shouldn’t be hard to spot. All right moving . . .” George looked up when the phone rang. “Maybe not, Steward could you?”

“Yes, sir.” Steward lifted from his chair at the table and walked across the room to the desk where the phone was.

George continued, “Moving on. Down in Norfolk, Ambassador Lyons selected . . .”

“Sir,” Steward interrupted as he held out the phone. “It’s your Beginnings person.”

George stood up slowly and walked over to the phone. With his back to the meeting group, George placed the receiver to his ear. “Yes.” His head lifted. “You’re sure? Well how do you . . .” A long silence only bred the rubbing of his eyes. “Thank you.” George hung up the phone. His fingers tapped on the receiver before he turned around. Breathing out, he walked to his chair. “Seems Beginnings is suddenly thrown into an excited frenzy.”

Steward was confused. “They found no virus in the future.”

George winced. “No. Don’t jinx us. Geez. That was nothing about the virus. It was however about another past time trip.” He laid his hand on the table. “They’re calling it another information gathering so this one’s not a secret. This one is one the whole community is thrilled about and is preparing for . . . immediately.”

Steward snickered. “They’re excited about just an information gathering?”

“This is a little bit more than just an information gathering.” George grew serious. “And we have to determine how much information they actually can get from it. It seems gentleman, Beginnings is not only trying to figure out how to stop the death, but also how to bring from the past, into the present, our very own . . .” George looked around the room. “Dr. Forrest Caceres.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Flat Run, VA

The feel and the sound of the cheering prisoners that had been freed were still fresh on Elliott’s mind. So was the silence that immediately followed the attack on the concentration style camp where they held over one hundred men awaiting their mind execution. Silence. How confused they had to be about the death and fighting that happened right outside the fence. The fast fierce attack started with a mimic of a savage scream by the Captain. An attack that ended with the society soldiers, though not many, defeated. And then the Captain, along with the small group of men selected, merely walked up to the gate, shot down the locks, and opened it.

The Captain said nothing. Elliott knew he didn’t have to. After the brief hesitation and dismissal of a trap, the men held prisoner cheered.

Through the late hours that crept up, Elliott and the Captain made their final sweep through the prison camp taking weapons, food, and such like scavengers. It was nothing they prided themselves on doing, but it was something that would hold them over until they headed west and to the new home. The mouths to feed and bodies to protect had multiplied in numbers. Fast provisions were needed.

Everything that could be taken was. Those who chose to go moved onward toward the buses and the two society trucks they had acquired from the raid. Elliott and The Captain were the last to remain. From inside the camp, through the fence, they walked.

Elliott stopped at the body of the lone guard just outside the entrance booth. His body was in a sitting position, back against the wall of the booth. Elliot stared at the wound that killed him. A single penetration wound, clean, three inches wide. So neatly done, the blood failed to flow forward, it drained through the rear of the tilted back neck, causing a thick puddle behind the soldier. With a deep breath, Elliott looked at the Captain. “I knew the second you swiped that sword from the mansion, you would find a way to use it.”

“Jealous?” The Captain smiled.

“Very. Marked kill. Thumbs up.” Elliott nodded but spoke with a little resentment.

“Cheer up, Elliott.” The Captain gave a swat to Elliott’s back. “I couldn’t have made that precision slice had you not taught me to fence all those years ago. You were so good.”

“Yes, well some people have parents who push baseball. I had a father who pushed fencing. But I loved it.” The tone of Elliott’s words slipped into almost a daze as he spoke and stared at the body. “Every competition. Every match. Every win. And the kids who fenced, the ones who were diehards, like me always had that dream of the day when it would be for real.”

“Um, Elliott?”

“Yes,” Elliott snapped out.

“Never speak of my dementia when you as a kid fantasized of puncturing human flesh with a sword.”

Elliott laughed. “You’re right. And we’d better get going. We want to get far enough west before sun up.”

“Some good night driving hours. Hoping,  Elliott, that the women will sleep?”

With a grumbling, ‘hmm’. Elliott began to walk with the Captain.

“Oh.” The Captain stopped. “I can’t believe I almost forgot.” He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a small rolled up piece of paper no longer than four inches. A string tied around it kept it closed.

“What’s that?”

“I wrote a little note to the society, just our thoughts or rather my thoughts. Excuse me.” The Captain darted back to the gate, put the note on the body and hurried back to Elliott. “Something for them to read. A tease.”

“Were you always so dramatic?” Elliott asked.

“I was never without flare.” The Captain winked.

“You do know they may not spot that little note.”

Again the Captain stopped walking. “You’re right. They may never see it. Thank you Elliott. Your idea is much better.”

“What idea?” Elliott asked. But before he received an answer, he received a blast of cold air against his bald head when the Captain swiped off his red bandana.

Running back to the body, the Captain placed the note in the knot of the bandana and laid it on the soldier’s chest. He went back to Elliott. “Now they’ll see it.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Ellen had to yawn first before she spoke. If she didn’t let the long sign of her tiredness out, her words would be hard to understand. “Dean.” She yawned again. “It’s two in the morning.”

“Thanks for letting me know. We’re just doing quick reviews. Hand me the next slide.” He held his hand out.

“Can I quit now?” She handed it to him. “Hey . . .” A slight smile crept on Ellen’s face. “Jenny Matoose’s sample.”

“Knock it off.” Dean took the slide. “Mark her name down. We’ll need blood from her when we get out of quarantine.” Pencil in hand, Dean put the slide under the microscope, looked quickly, took it out, and started to write. Mid word, Dean stopped and put the slide back in. “This can’t be right?”

“What’s wrong?”

“El? What did the ‘future me’ have marked down as Jenny’s strain?”

Ellen lifted the clipboard. “Strain two.”

Dean shook his head. “This is mutated differently. In fact it looks nothing like strain two. Why did I mark this strain two?” He spoke more to himself than Ellen as he stood up.

“Dean, what are you doing?”

“I’m getting the virus mutations we have. I want to do a comparison.”

“Right now? At two in the morning? Maybe, Dean, you’ve been staring so long at the different mutations that everything is looking weird. You may be tired. Stop for the night. Refresh and do it in the morning with a clearer mind and less tired eyes.”

Dean lifted his glasses and rubbed his eyes. “Maybe stopping for the night isn’t a bad . . .” He saw Ellen had moved across the lab. “What are you doing?”

“Shutting down, you said to stop for the night.”

“Barely. But, we might as well.” He placed Jenny’s slide in the slide rack and lifted it. “I’ll put these in the fridge.”

“O.K.” Ellen stepped to the sink and began to wash her hands and arms. She shook them dry and grabbed a towel. Leaving the water running for Dean who approached the sink, Ellen left the special lab.

After he had finished washing up also, Dean too left the lab expecting Ellen to be in the trailer. He didn’t expect her to be leaning against the wall by the big window, staring out into the darkness. “El?” He walked up behind her and rested his chin on her shoulder. “What are you doing?”

“Watching Reverend Thomas. Look, isn’t he nice praying for us like that out there.”

Dean’s eyes lifted and he swallowed when he saw the tall Reverend lingering in the shadow. “How . . . how do you know he’s praying?”

“What else would he be doing out there? He was there last night too.”

“Ellen.” Dean raised his head. “Could you tell Henry, I need to speak to him?”

“About Reverend Thomas?”

“No, no. About that power strip he was supposed to fix. It made a noise when I turned it off.”

“Oh.” Ellen stepped away. “I’ll get him.” She spoke apprehensively walking to the side door while watching Dean just stare out. As she stepped into the trailer, she saw Henry. He came from the bathroom, still wet from a late shower. A towel wrapped around his waist.

Henry jumped in surprise. “El, I thought you guys were still working.”

“Obviously if you’re running around half naked. Dean needs to speak to you.” She pointed back with her thumb. “I asked him if it had anything to do with Reverend Thomas praying outside but he said it didn’t. It had to do with . .” She saw Henry take off, still wearing the towel, to the mobile. “Henry, he’s gonna make you play with wires. Should you be wet?” Henry was gone. “Oh well.” Shrugging and feeling hungry, Ellen headed to the kitchen.

“Dean.” Henry raced into the mobile. “What’s going on?”

“Look.” Dean pointed outside. “He’s just standing there watching. Ellen said he was there last night too.”

“He is such trouble. He’s up to something.”

“No shit, Henry. What do we do? Should we radio Frank?”

“It’s too late. We’ll let him know in the morning.” Henry, holding his towel, walked over to the cabinet which set in the corner. He opened it up and pulled out a revolver.

“Do you think we need that?” Dean asked.

“Do you want to chance we don’t? Let’s shut the lights out in here. Everything is locked.” Henry began to head to the side door. “Dean, you know we can really solve the whole Moses problem. All we have to do is invite him in here and serve him some . . . rabbit stew?” He gave a pointing twitch of his head to the lab, before smiling and walking out.

Dean chuckled at Henry’s suggestion. It gave him certain pleasant thoughts as he stared out to the big rubicund man who looked more like a stalker in the night rather than a preacher. And even though Dean put stock in the fact they were locked up, safe and secure, his mind still worried, not about Rev. Thomas getting in, but rather what he was doing and what he was planning. It couldn’t be good if it warranted the reverend running about at such late hours.

^^^^

As quiet as he tried to be, Sarge’s heavy boots made a crunching sound against the hard ground and the semi-frozen leaves up by perimeter seven. He didn’t carry a flashlight to light the way around the dark area. He let his eyes adjust and used the moon as the slight illumination for his vision.

It wasn’t his shift, not a scheduled one that was. It was his every other day, two hour watch, something Frank had asked him to do. Keep hidden, and keep an eye on that perimeter between the hours of two and four a.m.. The security team would down the beams between those hours just in case Sarge saw someone outside of the perimeter. He could chase them, grab them and find out if anyone was touching that beam without having to waste time radioing in for the perimeter to be downed. No radio contact was ever needed unless the watch was to yield something. Automatically, the monitor team downed it at two and put it back at four.

Sarge didn’t expect to see anything so that’s why it surprised him…a shadow up by the beam. It was hard for Sarge to determine in the darkness which side of the invisible wall the figure stood behind. But, even though it was a shadow, it was definitely a figure. Someone was bending down, using an object, without a doubt, moving that beam. Sarge was fast and he knew it. Charging up from beneath his bushy hiding space, he ran full speed ahead tackling the figure to the ground. Sarge hit him with such blunt force of his body that he and the figure rolled outside of the sanctity of Beginnings. Feeling the weight of the person beneath him, Sarge raised up some, fully planning to render this person unconscious. As soon as Sarge’s back arched up and his knees dug firmly into the hard ground, he heard the slight whistle. It was soft, high pitch and it grew louder. Before he could turn to the sound, before he could turn his head, a searing burning pain shot through his throat, from the back to the front, shaking Sarge’s huge body, choking him, inhibiting any air to get into his system. Gasping, Sarge wobbled to his feet. He could feel the warm blood seep from his neck and down his chest. He could see the steam of its body temperature as it mixed in with the cold air. Feeling his legs grew weak, Sarge shifted his eyes down to see what had got him. Looking down, his view could not get past the arrow head that protruded so far out from his throat. Reaching for it, trying to break it, to free it, Sarge’s arms fell. He watched the darkness around him grow even darker. His pain stopped and Sarge fell, without his life, to the ground by perimeter seven.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

December 7

Beginnings, Montana

Ellen not only amazed herself on how good her coffee ended up tasting, but also amazed herself on how wide awake she was after only a few hours’ sleep. Proud of her brew and anxious to get started for the day, Ellen savored her energy because she knew in a few hours she would be dying for a nap.

Carrying, not only her mug of coffee but also one for Dean, Ellen stopped at the bedroom where he and Henry slept. She knew Dean was up. She had heard the shower running. Though she didn’t see specifically who it was, Dean or Henry, she figured it was Dean. No one showered as fast as he did. She supposed it was because his body was so small.

Hands full--despite her injury--Ellen used her foot to knock on the closed door. It opened slightly, and she stepped inside. “Morning,” She said to the two men. Dean sat on the edge of the bed putting on his shoes. Henry, staggering about in grogginess, was putting on a shirt.

“Morning, El,” Henry said as he walked by her.

Dean, hair wet, looked up surprised. “Why are you up?”

“Ready to work. And I must tell you, if I didn’t know better, things would look pretty suspicious right now between the two of you.” She winked. “Here Dean, I brought you coffee. And no, I’m not flipping you off.”

Dean shook his head with a smile then glanced at her splinted finger. “You’ve been up for a while, haven’t you?”

“Yep. And I feel good. So let’s take advantage of it before I want to go back to sleep.” She stepped into the hall, nearly bumping into Henry who was returning. “Coming to the lab?”

“Actually I’m working on the chip.”

“Oh, because you’ll miss it.” Ellen still chipper started to walk down the hall toward the lab. “It is day four. Do or die. Or rather, do the rabbits die? It’s time to see if our fluffy friends have the virus and if they do, we’re good. And if that’s the case, four more days and we should be out of here.” With a smile she continued walking. She wasn’t out of the trailer very long before Dean and Henry heard her shouting with so much disgust. “Oh my God!”

Henry jumped then raced with worry, Dean right behind him on his heels. “El . . .” Henry slid to a stop as he plowed into the mobile. “What’s wrong?”

“Who did this?” She pointed to the window. A picture of two lesbians was pinned on the outside. “Look at this.” Ellen grunted. “And we can’t do anything about it either. It’s on the other side.”

Dean looked, snickered ornery and walked back to the trailer to retrieve his coffee.

“I’m gonna have to make paper clothes.” Ellen said.

“That’ll work.” Henry commented. “And you know it was Robbie or Frank. Only those two are sick enough to think it was funny.”

Dean with his coffee pulled Ellen from her stare of the picture. “If we can stop admiring the artwork, we’ll get started. Henry, you’re working on that microchip today. Correct?”

“Yes.” Henry followed Dean and Ellen to the back lab. “Unless you need help with the rabbits.”

“No, we need you on the chip. Robbie did bring that SUT back.” Dean flipped on the light switch and opened the special lab door. As soon as he did, an overwhelming sour, bad stench hit them. “Aw man.” He shook his head.

Ellen held her nose and peered at the cages. “Gross, rabbit vomit.” She looked at the four rabbits, the ones who were fine the day before, were lying so helpless, their bodies quivering in their own regurgitation.

Dean closed his eyes and shook his head. “Let’s get them out of this mess.” He looked at the other cages of rabbits. “These guys look fine.” He returned to the sick ones. “These ones definitely have the virus. Henry, why don’t you . . . Henry?” He saw Henry huddled in the corner, his shirt above his nose. “What is wrong with you?”

“I can’t, Dean?” Henry’s eyes watered. “I’m really bad with smells. And . . . and animal puke.”

Ellen giggled as she placed on her lab jacket then a single glove. “He isn’t lying, Dean. Henry is really good about some things, but stuff like this . . . no way.” Ellen opened the cage and lifted a rabbit. Gently, she set it back down, smirked, and walked to Henry. “Look Henry.” She held up her gloved hand. “Bunny throw up.” With her index finger, slightly moist with the animal’s vomit, she touched it down upon Henry’s arm. She laughed even harder when Henry just suddenly bolted out.

“That’s really sick.” Dean removed a rabbit from a cage. “But funny. Now get over here and help me clean up these cages. Let’s see what you and I can do to save these rabbits.”

^^^^

It was a chain reaction, a domino effect that Frank hated. With the oncoming winter, the cold air, the dampness of the morning caused the sniffle in his nose. The sniffle in his nose that caused a tickle in his throat which made him start to cough. Which then in turn, made Frank miserable. “Fuck.” He grunted as he made his rounds. He’d walk, spit, and then walk again.

Before he made his final approach to perimeter seven, Frank did what he did every morning there. He bent down, searched out a heavy stick, stood back up and aimed toward the beam. A sizzling sound usually told him it was off track. So like he always did, Frank hurled the stick and waited for the sizzle or the sound of it hitting the ground. Frank got neither. Striking him as odd, Frank repeated his action, again, nothing. Was someone catching it before it hit the ground? Clenching his clipboard and pulling out his revolver, Frank made his way closer. The clipboard dropped from his hands and Frank dropped to his knees. “No.” He stared down to a face first Sarge. “No.” Rolling him over, the arrow that protruded from Sarge, broke. Hands still upon the cold skin, Frank found himself looking into a wide eyed dead stare. Adjusting the headset with a dropped heart, Frank called out. “Robbie. Dad.” He cleared his throat. “Bring a jeep to seven. Hurry.” Removing the remaining arrow from Sarge’s throat, Frank stood up, glaring out into the area beyond the perimeter, outside of Beginnings. “How did this happen?” He spoke out loud. “How?” Biting his lip in blame on himself, Frank bent back down, waiting with Sarge.

Joe flicked his cigarette, blowing out the smoke loudly as he paced around the scene at perimeter seven. “All right. The arrow hit him from behind, so seeing the way his body fell; the attack definitely came from beyond the perimeter. Out there.” Joe pointed.

Robbie’s foot moved about the leaves. “There was a struggle, check this out,” He indicated. “Sarge ran from there. Whoever he got, he tackled and they rolled. See the shifting of the leaves?”

Joe nodded his head. “So there was more than one. A group maybe like we thought.” He bent down picking up an arrow. “Savages? Who else uses arrows?”

Robbie threw his hands up. “They’re the only ones I’ve seen but I don’t think it was.”

“It had to be. Do a sweep of the region to check.” Joe stared, shaking his head at the arrow. “How in Christ’s name did it happen though? How did the arrow sail through the beam? That’s a pretty lucky shot if you ask me.”

Frank raised his head. “The beam wasn’t on.”

“What?!” Joe marched closer to him. “Why was this beam not on?”

“We . . .” Frank closed his eyes. “We were trying to catch whoever it was doing this. The beam was down when Sarge was up here. It went back on at four, like clockwork. It gave him access to run out if he saw someone. No one knew I had him up here. I’m to blame, it was my idea. If the beam would have been on, the arrow wouldn’t have made it through. It was my fault.”

“You’re goddamn right this is your fault, Frank.” Joe threw the arrow down. “That was a stupid move. Stupid. Do you have any idea what kind of danger you put this community in? Do you!” Joe’s voice raised in such a scolding manner. “Sarge went down, and so was that perimeter. They could have come in here. They could have done damage. You’re lucky, Frank. Goddamn lucky that did not happen. Savages? You know what they are capable of! Your job is to protect not play undercover agent. And the worst part is, we had to lose a life in order for you to see that.”

Robbie stepped in. “Dad, come on. Frank was just thinking . . .”

“No Robbie!” Joe held up his hand. “Frank wasn’t thinking. That was the problem. He never thinks. Now a good man lies dead because of that.” Joe began to storm off. “We’re just lucky a whole lot more didn’t join him.”

Robbie approached his silent brother. “Come on Frank. I’ll help you load up Sarge.”

“Thanks.” Frank moved to Sarge’s legs. “And thanks for trying with dad.”

“You were thinking right.” Robbie grunted as he lifted Sarge’s upper body. He helped carry the body to the jeep. “And Dad’s wrong.” With a thump, they placed Sarge’s huge body in the jeep. “It wasn’t savages. If it was, they would have come in. No, Frank. I think you and I ought to closely examine what happened here last night. Really examine it. Because I believe the whole truth isn’t laying in that broken arrow. There’s more to it. We just have to find it.”

With a closed mouth, and not feeling like saying more, Frank climbed into the jeep with Robbie.

^^^^

Ellen stopped to shake the pain in her only useful hand then returned to picking up the needle. “I didn’t learn to do this Dean to be a Vet.” She tried to insert the intravenous into the rabbit.

Dean walked over to her. “Want me to do it?”

“Yeah.” Ellen handed it to him. “It’s hard enough without being crippled.” She stood above Dean, watching him,  when she saw Henry return. “Hey Henry? Feeling better?”

“I’m mad at you El.” Henry poked her lightly in the arm.

“No you aren’t.” She waved her hand at him. “It was funny.”

“I threw up.”

“Henry, you always throw up.” Ellen smiled and watched Dean. “Really, how in the world would you ever handle having to take care of a child?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Henry neared her.

Ellen fixed the tubing on the bunny IV. “Good job Dean, do the next one.” She handed him a needle. She glanced to Henry. “I mean, tell him Dean. Kids do gross things.”

“Unfortunately.” Dean maneuvered the needle.

“Terrible things,” Ellen continued. “The older they get, the worse the diapers get. Not to mention newborn baby boys. They pee on you. And gack, you think you’re bad, Henry. Babies throw up all the time. Ask Frank. He was playing with Brian, doing that lifting thing in the air, and his mouth found out the hard way that even when excited, babies gack with great aim.”

Henry cringed, he cringed loudly and with a turn of his body. “Aw that’s . . .” He paused when he saw Frank’s head peeping in slightly through the other window. He made eye contact. “That’s sick.” Henry then saw Frank motion to the radio and point to the trailer. Henry nodded to him. “I’ll be right back, El.”

Ellen looked up. “You aren’t throwing up again, are you?”

“No, I have to um . . . I want to get a drink. My stomach feels funny.”

Ellen saw him dart out, she returned to watching Dean as he moved to the next rabbit. “He’s puking again. Bet me. The Frank story threw him over the edge. Hey, Dean? Do you think any of this will work on the rabbits?”

“Doubtful.” Dean said. “I’m trying variations of what I tried in the future. All trial and error.” Dean set down the needle he was attempting to insert in a rabbit. “This can really get impossible.” Through the corner of his eye, he saw Henry return. Dean’s voice conveyed the shock of Henry’s pale appearance. “Henry?”

Ellen turned around. “Henry, you’re white as a ghost. You threw up again.”

“No.” Henry said with a slight crack to his voice. “El . . . El, Frank needs to speak to you. He’s over at the bedroom window of the trailer.”

“Something’s happened.” Ellen said. “What?”

“Just go talk to him,” Henry instructed and handed her the radio.

Ellen took it and after looking concerned at Henry, walked from the special lab.

“Henry? What’s happened?” Dean asked.

Waiting until he knew Ellen was out of ear shot, Henry let out a long breath, faced Dean with solace, and began break the news that Frank had just handed to him.

The window in Ellen’s bedroom of the trailer was no bigger than two feet, and the little blind pulled all the way up, limited more of the window’s view, but there was enough there for Ellen to see Frank. Hands gripping the metal edges of the window, Ellen’s head was down.

“El,” Frank spoke, his voice coming through the radio she had dropped on the floor. “I’m sorry.”

She shook her head then bent down to pick up the radio. “How . . . how bad . . . how bad did he suffer Frank?”

“The arrow went right through the neck. Jason said the brain stem was severed. He probably died within a minute.”

“Oh, God.” Ellen’s eyes closed and she put one hand on the glass. “This isn’t fair. We didn’t bring him to Beginnings to die.”

“I know.”

Eyes still shut; Ellen shook her head slowly back and forth. “For six years, Frank. Six years he lived alone out there, surviving. This isn’t right, this just isn’t right. I really liked him.”

“I know you did. And I’m sorry.” Saddened Frank spoke. “I’m really sorry. Are you all right?”

“No!” Ellen’s answer emotionally burst out then her voice softened. “No.”

“I wish I could come in there with you.” Frank reached up to the window. He laid his hand over where Ellen’s was, wishing he could touch her. “El, I wish I could be in there to help you with this. I know you’re hurt. If I could . . .” Frank’s eyes moved from his view of Ellen. “Dean,” he said when he saw Dean walk into the bedroom.

Hands in the front pockets of his pants, shoulder hunched, Dean apprehensively walked further in the room. His eyes connected with Frank’s and then he moved directly behind Ellen. His hand lifted and hesitated before he laid it on her shoulder at the same time he laid his lips to the back of Ellen’s head. “I’m sorry,” he whispered to her.

Ellen’s shoulder’s bounced first, then her head dropped further and she began to cry. Her body turned without thinking and she moved into Dean.

Frank watched. His heart dropped. It was innocent and without malice, the comfort Dean gave Ellen. Frank knew that. But it still bothered him. Slowly he removed his hand that lay upon the glass pane. He looked at the empty spot at the window that moments before showed him Ellen’s hand. Then after rolling his fingers in a painful, frustrating clench of a fist, Frank looked once more at an embracing Dean and Ellen, then turned and walked away.

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

“No.” George spoke calmly as he paced a little while on the phone in his office. “No. If you even think he saw you, that was the thing to do . . .” He paused to listen. “I know but sometimes we have to kill people we like. That’s life.” George smiled and was proud at his comforting advice. “Now. Our plan of action has to be to stall or destroy any progress they make without bringing suspicion, so incorporate some help, especially that lunatic. He’ll work.” George nodded. “Good. And what’s going on with this Forrest Caceres thing . . . you’re shitting me? Why is everyone so hyped? Never mind, don’t answer that. We’re talking about the people of Beginnings. The same ones that have a goddamn picnic every October just get back to me. Thanks.” George hung up the phone. Not a second after the receiver met the base, George heard a pair of combat boots hitting against the floor. The stride was audible and it carried a heaviness as it drew closer.

A hard double knock was struck against his door.

“Come in,” George called out.

“Sir.” Sgt. Doyle walked inside and immediately closed the door. “Sorry to bother you. We have a problem.”

“When don’t we?” George sat down behind his desk. “What’s wrong?”

“The holding camp down near Frederickson was raided. Twenty-two guards down and not a single prisoner waiting on enhancement remains.”

George sprang up. “What the hell happened? Savages?”

Sgt. Doyle’s heavy hand came pummeling to George’s desk with a ‘slam’. He lifted, released his fingers, and dropped from his huge hand a red bandana. The tube note rolled out. “Remember Hemsley said he thought it was a trade mark. He was right. We think they’re headed south. Without waiting, sir, I put the order out to find them. I sent out what scout troops I could to canvass the entire southern region. They aren’t a large group. They won’t be easy to find. But we’ll find them. We at least believe this was the last hit.”

“And why do we believe that?” George asked.

“Along with arrogance, there is a sense of sincerity in that note.” Sgt. Doyle pointed to it. “You may want to read it.”

Unrolling the message, George rested his right hand on the bandana as he read the words on the paper that the Captain had written . . .

We could not leave without saying goodbye. Without taking full blame for what we have done. The Society’s plan to rebuild this country, start it again and protect it from foreign influence are insightful and not without valor. However, the means in which you wish to incorporate this plan is most definitely without heart. Of that we cannot be a part. We are few in your world of many. Because of that we must disappear for a time. But we’ll return somewhere around the period where you’ve reached ‘out of sight, out of mind’. Until then . . . we bid farewell.

Sgt. Doyle watched George stare at the note. “Sir? What do you make of it?”

George swiped up the bandana in an angry grip. “What do I make of it? With everything else that’s going on . . .” He crumbled the note and tossed it. “Nothing. Absolutely nothing.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Beginnings, Montana

Robbie struggled, but his laughing didn’t help. Bending down, he braced Mike the dog under the arms and lifted him to his feet. Feeling that he had him in an upright position, Robbie would start to release. “Now Mike, stand.” As soon as Robbie stepped away, Mike fell down to his hands and knees again. “No.” Robbie grabbed him again. Reaching down for him, Mike snarled and barked, not at Robbie, but at Frank who was walking into the skills room. “Mike, no! Shit . . . Frank put away the gun.” Shaking his head, Robbie pulled Mike from the grip he had on Frank’s pant legs.

“Do something with him Robbie,” Frank said. “I can’t be coming in here getting attacked by that mutt.”

“Sorry.” Robbie looked around. He saw Diane. “Diane.” Pulling Mike by the collar, he brought him to her. “See what you can do with the speech thing today. Any luck yesterday?”

“No. But he did give me his paw to shake.” Diane smiled and took the leash that was attached Mike’s collar. “You know, Ellen is going to have a fit if she finds out you’re doing this. She worked really hard on teaching him new tricks.”

“Yeah,” Robbie sulked. “But my dad told me yesterday, after Mike snapped at him, that enough was enough. He becomes a viable person or he goes. See what you can do with him, I have to talk to my brother.” Robbie, running his hand over his head, moved to Frank. “What’s up?”

“I talked to John Matoose. He said he was in bed last night between those hours.”

“Confirmed. I spoke to Jenny. She said John was sick in bed.”

“Shit. All right. We still have another option at hand. Walk with me.” Frank began to leave the skills room.

“What’s the other option?” Robbie asked.

“Mo . . . I mean Reverend Thomas. Check this out. Henry said he was up by the mobile last night watching them. Just watching them for two nights in a row.”

“And I’m guessing you’re gonna see if he’s gonna make it a third.”

“You better believe it,” Frank nodded. “So, I’ll need you to stay with the kids tonight so I can sneak up.”

“You got it.” The buzzing of the containment door caught Robbie’s attention. The site of his father made him throw an ornery grin at Frank. “Wanna run?  There’s Dad. You’re not on his favorite person list today.”

“Fuck you Robbie,” Frank said disgustedly. “I’m taking off.” Frank slowed his stride as he got to his father. “Dad.”

“Where are you heading off to so fast?” Joe asked.

“Home.”

“Give me a minute.” Joe, laying his hand on Frank’s back, turned him around to speak to him and Robbie. “Robert.” Joe called him with a whistle.

Thinking, ‘Shit, what did I do, he called me Robert’, Robbie trotted up the hall. “Yeah Dad?”

Joe pointed backwards with his thumb. “Get some crowd control going outside. We have over half the female population standing out front wanting to see Ellen’s new gift.”

Drastically, Robbie facially winced. “Aw man. All right. I’ll let them see him.” He turned his head to whistle in a call for the newcomer.

Joe stopped him. “Before you give the women of Beginnings their little peep show, I just wanted to get both of you boys together. I want to have a meeting with you two, and Jason, concerning this Forrest Caceres trip. I need you two, ASAP to work on something. You’re demented enough. We have to figure out how to stop his death, or at least, let it look like it happened. And we need to decide who is going to go. So tomorrow, early morning, my office. I wanted to take the lot of us up to quarantine and involve Henry in this. He’ll be the logisticalizer again. But, I just spoke to Dean. He says it’s only going to be another four days. We can wait.”

A moment of silence was a chance at escape. Still feeling tension, Frank just wanted to leave, “Are we done?” He looked at his father then Robbie. “I’m heading home. I have a family to take care of. Dad, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Frank . . .” Joe called out to him. “I was thinking of stopping by tonight. Give you and Robbie a hand with them kids. Is that all right?”

Frank lifted his hands. “Sure.” He pressed in his security code, the door buzzed, and he left. A few seconds later, even through the steel door, Frank’s loud mouth could be heard. “Shut up. Do I look like Blake?”

Shaking his head, Joe turned back to Robbie. “I take it he’s still pissed at me for coming down on him?”

“Um . . .” Robbie looked up to the ceiling in thought. “Yes.”

“What else is new?” Joe looked at his watch. “Let me take off too. Go get that new guy and flash him for the women so they can disperse, please.”

“Flash him?” Robbie smiled brightly. “Sure Dad, I’ll flash him.”

“Good boy.” Joe reached for the security keypad, paused, turned back to see Robbie walking to the skills room. “Nah.” He shook his head. “He wouldn’t.”

^^^^

Logan, Ohio

The words ‘what now?’ were what raced through the Captain’s mind seconds before he stopped the bus and allowed his head to bang into the steering wheel. He was grateful it was Elliott’s turn. They had alternated at each stop. After waiting what he believed to be an absurdly long time, the Captain stood, apologized to his bus load and then stepped off to the old highway.

Elliott looked frazzled when he walked off the other bus and to the Captain.

“Well?” The Captain asked.

“You’re not going to believe it.”

“Try me.” The Captain tossed his hands up. “Though I can’t imagine what it is. Did I not stop for, not just clothes, but better clothes. They can’t possibly have to go to the bathroom again. I limited their fluid intake. And we already stopped to allow their stomachs to settle. Oh, wait, let’s not forget, we cleared the row on the bus to separate them from the men because they were getting stared at. Stared at.” His voice raised. “They’re bald for crying out loud!  I can’t stop staring at them either.”

Elliott laughed.

“I’m glad you find humor in this, Elliott. Now, why are we stopping this time?”

“Ready?” Elliott cleared his throat. “To find . . . feminine protection of sorts. One of them has begun menstruating.”

It was a gasp, but more so a sound of shocking disgust that came in the form of a grunt from the wincing Captain. “Were our women this bad?”

“Well . . . kind of sort of.”

“Kind of sort of?” The Captain asked. “I don’t think they were. In fact, I don’t ever recall a single one of our women . . . menstruating.”

“Captain,” Elliott said with a snicker.

“Maybe they’re just a bad batch.” After making that observation, the Captain shook his head at his own thoughts and calmed down, “No. They’re women. And they’re women in a world where there are few. Just like we did, whoever they lived among, spoiled them, did everything for them.” He took a thinking breath, “The way I see it is, we either break them of that being spoiled habit or we continue in it.”

“Which do you suppose we do?” Elliott asked.

“Whatever brings us the most peace,” the Captain said as he headed back to his bus.

“Which one would that be?”

“Which one do you think?” Before stepping aboard, the Captain turned back to Elliott. “Put it this way. It’s going to be a long, long, ride home.” With a nod of his head, a flash of smile, the Captain stepped on the bus leaving Elliott standing there. A moment later he popped his head back out. “And you’d better hurry Elliott; you have feminine protection to locate.”

With a disgruntled, ‘swell’, Elliott walked back to the women’s bus.

^^^^

Beginnings. Montana

Tomorrow. That was the answer Dean gave himself. The day started out positively, facing rabbit vomit and possibly the answer to incubation periods. But with each passing hour the day grew worse. The news of Sarge’s death took over anything and everything. Dean couldn’t even remember what he had worked on the night before, his mind was so cluttered. The three of them tried to work, but it was useless. No one said much, and conversation was needed. Dean supposed the next day things would be clearer. Sarge was too much on their minds, a man that came into their lives with a blast, and left too quickly…an asset Beginnings would never know.

The quiet moment of the evening reminded Dean of his college days. He peered up from his notes that he tried to review. Notes that seemed to fade to the back of his mind when other thoughts took over. He looked over to Henry who sat up on the bed across form his. Sitting up, sleeping, head fallen forward, papers sprawled all over Henry’s bed and lap. Dean debated on waking Henry, but opted not do. Henry would argue that he wasn’t asleep and Dean didn’t feel like getting into that with him. So Dean let Henry go, figuring Henry would either wake up and go back to work, fall over and continue sleeping, or stay like he was and get up with a hell of a stiff neck.

So quiet it was in the mobile with the exception of Ellen’s muffled voice seeping through the wall from the next bedroom and Frank’s loud mouth as he spoke to her over the radio outside. They argued about something. Dean didn’t really try to hone in on the whole conversation. He heard the mentioning of John Matoose’s name and that’s all he needed to hear. Frank’s occasional ‘shut up’ made Dean shake his head with a snicker. Wasn’t Ellen realizing that if she were trying to tell Frank some sort of secret, she wasn’t exactly being confidential by saying it over the airwaves?

Not tired, but not feeling like notes he’d rather save for the next day, Dean set his folders and such aside. When he did, he spotted it on the night stand. A gift of sorts. A box of memories Ellen brought for Dean to look at if he got bored. It was perfect to take his mind off of things and Dean reached for it.

Hand gliding through the box that used to contain size thirteen shoes, Dean looked at the objects inside, pictures, notes and such. All stuff to help jar a memory he didn’t have. And every picture, every word written might as well have been in a different language, because to Dean they were foreign and he didn’t understand any of them.

‘Keep it that way. Lab lights on. Blinds down. Stay out of sight.’ Frank’s handwriting was on the note he slapped against Ellen’s bedroom window.

Ellen read it. “Why?”

“Don’t ask. Just do it. O.K.?” Frank said.

“But Frank . . .”

“El, I have to go. I have another reason to be here. In.” He pointed. “Blind down. Now. Good night.”

Ellen took a deep breath. “Night.” Almost in a huff she tugged on the pull string letting the blind smack hard against the window sill. Folding her arms, still clenching the radio, she turned around and almost jumped when Dean was standing in her open doorway. “Dean?”

“Busy?” He asked.

“No. Come on in.”

Holding the shoe box, Dean closed the bedroom door. “I couldn’t work. I heard you arguing.”

“I’m sorry,” Ellen walked forward. “I didn’t mean to disturb you. I just . . . I was trying to get through to Frank. He doesn’t want to hear it.”

“About John Matoose?” Dean asked.

“You heard.”

“El?” He smiled in a quirky way. “Anyone with a radio heard you suspect John Matoose. If Frank does, do you think he’d tell you over the radio.”

Ellen slightly chuckled. “I guess you’re right.” She turned back to the window, separated the blinds, and peered out. “But now he’s out there. Lurking in the dark. Waiting.”

“Who? John?”

“No. Frank.” The simple pat against the window made Ellen shriek and release the blind.

The radio hissed. “El.” Frank spoke. “Stay away from the window.”

“God.” She winced and shut off the radio. “So. What’s up.” she walked over and sat on the bed.

Dean held up the shoe box. “I just figured since we’re on borrowed time here, I was hoping to borrow some of your time.” He sat down on the bed next to her. “I want to know about this stuff, some of these pictures. I know after quarantine, I won’t get the chance to ask.”

“Dean,” Ellen whispered. “It’s not forever. It’s just until Frank and I work it out.”

“But how long will that take?” Dean questioned. “I mean. You two don’t have an easy time working things out. And now, you’re just gonna move right back in with him.” He heard her snicker. “What’s so funny?”

“You sound like Henry. He . . . he doesn’t think we should follow Rev. Bob’s advice. He thinks I should continue to build the friendship back with Frank. He says living apart keeps our relationship platonic enough to do that clearly.”

“Henry doesn’t think you should sleep with your husband?” Dean asked.

“Nope. He says sex has a way of burying things. And if I move back with Frank we’ll . . . you know.” Ellen swallowed a little feeling uncomfortable. “But I think he made a wise point.”

“And odd. Henry’s Frank’s best . . . never mind.” Dean raised an eyebrow. “Weird.” He let out a breath. “Anyhow. Yes? No?” he lifted the box again.

“Yes.” Ellen snatched up the box, plopped down sideways onto her side on the bed. “I really think this is what I need.” She patted the spot across from her.

“Are you sure you’re up for this?” Dean asked as he lay on his side facing her.

“Absolutely. Especially after today. I need to not think of Sarge.”

Dean’s fingers fiddled with the items in the box. “I just, I just want to know this stuff. You know. And when I look at it, sometimes I feel like I stepped into someone else’s life. I’m living it. I want to know it.” His eyes gazed up to her. “Does that make sense?”

“Yes it does. And I’ll do my best, Dean.”

“As long as it doesn’t bother you to talk about it.”

“Are you kidding me?” Ellen smiled. “Dean. I loved my life with you.”

Quietly and without warning, Dean leaned over the box of memories and softly kissed Ellen. “I would give it back to you . . . in a heartbeat.” his fingers reached out and gently brushed over her lips. After a second of a stare, Dean took in a breath and changed his demeanor. “But . . .” He pulled back. “Choices are made and after quarantine. I’m . . .” He winked. “Little man history.”

“Are you laying on the guilt?”

“Yes.” Dean just smiled then reached into the box. “Memories?” He lifted a picture.

“Memories.” Ellen looked at the photo. The smile fell from her face. “Ouch, bad choice.”

“Really?” Dean peered at the picture of him, Ellen, and Robbie.

“Nah. Kidding.” Ellen giggled. And really appreciating the ‘feel good’ she was getting from getting ready to share the memories, Ellen scooted closer to Dean in a more of an intimate hovering share of that box.

^^^^

For as cold as Frank felt standing outside, hiding out near the mobiles waiting in the early morning hours, that was how hot he became when he saw him. It was hard at first. The dim porch-type light barely lit him up. But Frank saw that red hair. That long red hair, and like its color, red’s what Frank saw.

Moses--Reverend Thomas walked slowly up, standing ten or so feet from the trailer. He peered in the mobile window first, backed up, and then faced the trailer again. Standing there not doing anything, just standing. He didn’t hear anyone out there with him, nor did he expect it. When he felt it, when he heard him, it made his insides fall, and Moses tried not to show his emotions. He felt the shifting slightly of his hair then he felt the cold hard metal surface of it pressing to the base of his skull. He knew it was a gun, and he knew it was Frank.

Speaking in the deepest softest voice he had, Frank pressed his revolver harder into Moses. “I hope you have a really good reason for fuckin standing out here at three in the morning.” Frank saw Moses move some. “Don’t! Don’t move. Answer me. Why are you here?”

“My brother, I am praying for their work. That is all. Just praying. The Lord will watch over them if they are guided by prayer.”

“Listen to me.” Frank moved his mouth closer to Moses’ ear. “You stay away from my wife, from Henry, and from Dean. You don’t speak to them, look at them, or pray for them. If you do, you answer to me. And from this moment on, from sun up to sun down, this area is off limits to anyone without authorization from me. If I catch you up here again, you will be breaking the rules. Break the rules, you either go or get shot.” Frank clicked the hammer on the revolver. “And trust me when I tell you I’d rather put a bullet in your head now then wait until after you’ve done something. I’m on to you. Remember that. Now go.”

“Frank, I’m sure Joe . . .”

“Go!”

Moses raised his hand slowly in surrender. He backed up and made eye contact with Frank. Without showing any emotions, any fear, he slowly--in a taunt walk--left the area.

Waiting for him to be gone, Frank replaced his revolver. He looked once more at the mobile before moving on. His gut told him it wouldn’t be the last time Rev. Thomas made a late night appearance at the mobile, and Frank only prayed, that the next time, he wouldn’t be too late.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

December 8

Beginnings, Montana

After a night of barely dreaming, waking up and tossing about, Ellen would have rather of not slept at all. When she did sleep, little dreams, memories or occurrences magnified were what barricaded her dreams. And every time, mid mini dream, Ellen would end up getting the urgency to awaken, as if she over slept. And she would. She gathered that the news and emotions over Sarge’s death, coupled with the stroll down memory lane with Dean the night before, just seeped deep into her subconscious.

She drew the final straw when somewhere in the middle of dreaming about William chastising Dean over his choice in baggy clothes, Ellen swore she heard Brian screaming. Fearful that Joey had taken Brian from the crib and dropped him again, Ellen in a rush, sat up, swung her legs--twisted in the sheet--over the bed and in her dash, fell face forward to the floor with a loud thump.

It took that ‘bang’ onto the old carpet to realize she wasn’t home, but still in quarantine. Staring at the night stand that was inches from her face, Ellen chuckled and shook her head. She gave a good kick of her legs to free them from the sheet she brought with her and straighten the long tee shirt she wore over her mostly nude body. Wanting to eliminate any extra steps in her grogginess to get to the bathroom, Ellen reached for the door so close as she brought herself to stand. The gripping of the knob was her leverage to pull herself into an upright position. The moment she opened the door was the moment she saw Henry.

Henry stopped mid walk down the hall. “Hey, El, morning,” he smiled. “What did you do, fall out of bed?”

“Yeah.” Ellen ran her fingers through her hair. “Going to the mobile?” she asked half asleep.

“Yep. Dean must have gone over early because he’s not in . . .” Henry stopped talking. He looked at Ellen, then beyond her.

“Henry?” Ellen asked then noticed Henry’s stare was no longer on her. After her eyes took a second to widen, Ellen took a second to blink long. Slowly she peered over her shoulder to Dean in bed, pulling the covers Ellen snatched from him, over his naked body.

He looked at Dean for a long few seconds then Henry, after giving a single piercing glance to Ellen, walked off.

Ellen pulled the door open. “Henry.” But no sooner did she open it wider, Dean scurried from the bed, reached out and shut the bedroom door.

“This isn’t any of his business,” Dean whispered to her as he stood behind Ellen. “It isn’t. O.K.?”

Ellen only nodded as she still stared at the door.

“O.K.” To the back of her head, Dean placed a kiss, stepped back, and reached to the floor for his clothes.

Ellen stayed at the door, just standing there, for a little bit longer.

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

“Joe Slagel had a little meeting bright and early this morning,” George said. He closed his office door then walked toward his desk past Steward who sat in a chair. “Fortunately, in a way, we were able to be present.”

“Our person attended.”

“Yep.” George moved to behind his desk and sat down. “Confirmed. They are working on a virus, a virus that strikes the future.” He raised an eyebrow and folded his hands. “As of yet, no progress. The antidote, which is actually an antiserum, in the vials, cannot be copied. Basically, Dr. Hayes is at square one.”

Steward smiled. “We’re ahead of the game.”

“Absolutely,” George said. “We have the recipe for the antiserum. We just have to make it.”

“Anything about the Caceres time trip?”

“All our person knows is Beginnings wants to bring him to Beginnings. What does he know Stew? You were there. You were the one who was accredited with getting the order to kill him.”

“That was so many years ago,” Steward said, “too many. I was a young, eager aid at the time. But, the president liked me. Dr. Caceres’ death was what land marked me into the society. You were there too.”

“Yes. But I wasn’t as forefront. That was when Timmins ran things.” George took a second to rub his jaw. “All I recall is that the little man with a big mouth threatened to go public with the ‘behind the scenes’ plans of the society. That year was the first public year of the conference.”

“That was all I know. Joanna Holmes was a top notch back then as well. She placed the call to me. What exactly he knows . . .” Steward shrugged. “…remains to be seen.”

George let out a deep sighing breath. “He can’t possibly have the knowledge of everything, can he?”

“We’re in trouble if he does,” Steward said.

George tossed a pencil in frustration. “Or at the very least, no matter how big we are, we’ll be at a disadvantage.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

The steam from Ellen’s coffee made a small circle of condensation against the large window in the lab. She lifted her hand in a wave to Denny and Josh who sat in the grass not ten feet away. “I see we have our daily audience.” Ellen smiled then saw the piece of paper on the window. “And I’m guessing by the covering, we have our daily dose of pornography as well.” She lifted the sheet of paper to expose the picture underneath. “Why is it that I had to stare at a lesbian picture yesterday, but today, get two men and one of you two covers it up?” Ellen looked over her shoulder to Dean who worked at a computer and Henry who sat at the counter with the microchip. She shrugged and returned to peering at the picture. “This looks like it hurts. Would this hurt, Dean?” She pointed.

“Ask Henry,” Dean answered.

Henry bitterly slammed his hand. “Why would you even say that?”

Above his glasses Dean peered. “A joke.”

“It’s not funny,” Henry snapped and returned to work.

“Dean?” Ellen walked over. “They don’t look like they’re in pain.”

“Ellen.” Dean shook his head. “Enough. And no, don’t ask again because I haven’t a clue.”

“You would assume if it’s painful they’re wouldn’t be so much of it going on in . . .”

“El,” Dean interrupted her. “Enough. Work.”

“Demanding.” Ellen moved to him. “What are you engrossed in?”

“The Jenny Matoose sample and get the smile off your face.”

Ellen swiped her hand over her mouth. “Sorry. What about it?”

“Remember the other night I noticed it was different from strain two. Well, it is. Yet, the ‘Future me’ has it marked as strain two. Why is that?”

“It’s strain two,” Ellen answered.

“No.” Dean shook his head. “It’s different, different from the other samples.”

Ellen looked over Dean’s shoulder at the computer screen and to Jenny’s sample. “Dean the difference isn’t that much in the comparison slides. If you were stressed, I can see you missing it.”

“Miss it?” Dean chuckled. “I would have had to been blind not to…” He nearly jumped from his stool when Ellen dropped her mug of coffee. “El?”

Ellen stared in a daze, hot coffee encircled by her feet.

Henry jumped up, ran to the sink and grabbed towels. “El? What is it?”

“Nothing.” She shook her head, gave a nervous snicker, and grabbed the towel “Just something I read in Dean’s notes that struck me as odd and then Dean said . . . nothing.” She shook her head and bent down to the floor. “God, what a klutz.”

Henry shook his head and returned to his work space.

Dean bent down to help Ellen. “What did you read?”

“Nothing.” She forced a smile. “I’m embarrassed. I can’t believe my mind even went there.”

“What?” Dean asked again this time with concern.

“I said it was . . .” Ellen looked over her shoulder when she heard a tapping on the window. She saw Joe standing there. “Look. Company. He’s pointing to you Dean.”

After looking at Ellen once more, Dean stood up. He walked to the window and grabbed the radio. “Hey, Joe, what’s up?”

“How’s it going?” Joe asked.

“Going.”

“Have a minute? I want to tell you what we discussed in the meeting this morning before I head up to see a little demonstration given by my boys.”

“Sure.” Dean pulled up a chair and sat down.

Tossing the last of the broken mug into the garbage, Ellen rinsed off her hands and dried them. She listened a little, or rather eavesdropped to Dean and Joe’s conversation then she walked over to Henry. “How’s the chip coming?”

Henry only shrugged.

“Henry.” Ellen’s soft word seeped out. “Please don’t be mad at me.”

“I’m not mad. I’m disappointed in you.” He watched Ellen’s head lower. “Are you not getting back with Frank?”

“I am.”

“Then why, El? Huh? How could you do this to him?”

“I don’t know.”

“It was wrong. So wrong,” Henry told her. “You let me down. You let Frank down. It shouldn’t have . . .”

SLAM!

The bang of Dean’s hand on the counter not only brought a silence to their conversation but it conveyed his anger. Back to Ellen, Dean leaned forward into Henry. “Don’t make her feel guilty over what happened. You hear me?”

“I wasn’t talking to you.” Henry tried to ignore him.

“Well I’m talking to you, Henry. Don’t.” Dean gave a point with his finger and stepped back to his work space. “It’s none of your business. Keep it that way.”

“It is my business, Dean.” Henry stood up.

“How do you figure!” Dean yelled.

“Frank’s my best friend. You slept with his wife. Do you realize what kind of awkward position that puts me in? I talk to him daily. I have to face him and lie? Protect you from getting killed?”

Dean’s fist hit against the counter again. “Then tell him! I don’t care! I can face my own consequences. You think I wouldn’t tell him? The only reason I don’t is because of Ellen.” Trying to calm himself, Dean sat down. “And I won’t argue with you on this. It’s none of your business. So let’s drop it.”

Angry, Henry’s jaw shifted as his eyes did from Dean to Ellen. Not wanting to argue further either, Henry swiped up his stuff and stormed across the lab.

Ellen watched Henry breeze by her. “Hen . . .” She jumped at the slam of the door when he walked into the trailer. “Dean I . . .” A jolt hit her when Dean struck the key loudly on the computer. “I . . . I think I’ll just . . .” she moved to the special lab. “…check our dying bunnies.” With a whistle, Ellen went off to the special lab. She closed the door, took a breath and prepared to work. Two steps into the lab, she stopped when she saw them. In a box, tossed to the side and deemed ‘useless’, were two disks marked, ‘future notes, one month pre plague.’ After looking through the glass to an occupied Dean, Ellen slipped those disks into her lab coat pocket.

^^^^

“Andrea, can you move a little faster?” Joe kept tugging on her jacket as they moved to the open area near the back gate. “Today some time.”

“Joe Slagel, kiss my ass.” Andrea kept her own pace. “I will not tire myself out for you.”

“Tire yourself, Andrea. This turtles pace is getting on my nerves.” Giving up on waiting, Joe walked faster and moved further ahead.

Waiting in the area with Frank, Robbie smiled as he saw his father. “Where’s Andrea? I thought . . .” He saw her appear over the small grade. “Never mind. Our always missing council member. Glad you could join us.”

Andrea just rolled her eyes. She wanted to flip him off, but Andrea was too Christian.

Joe folded his arms and looked at the excited looks on his son’s faces. “Why are you two so happy about this?”

Frank decided to tell him. “We worked real hard, Dad. Robbie worked all night building and designing it.”

“I’m cool.” Robbie smiled.

“Yeah.” Frank nodded. “And we got this demonstration down to a science. We just need to try it out. And you need to see it.”

“I do, do I?” Joe snickered at their enthusiasm. “I knew this was up your alley, but I didn’t expect it to happen so fast.”

“Well.” Robbie cleared his throat. “We’re hoping you’ll let us go. We want to go and do this.”

“No,” Joe said. “Absolutely not. You two?” He almost laughed.

Frank looked offended. “Yeah. Dad. We have to go. It was 1990. 1990? We want to see it. We want to feel like that Dean little man guy in the ‘Back to the Future’ movie.”

Robbie grinned. “Yeah. Back to the days of left over big hair.”

“I liked big hair.” Frank nodded. “But on women.”

“But of course.” Robbie came back. “And let’s not forget . . .” He held his hand out to Frank.

Frank finished the sentiment. “It was the year that Donny Osmond made his big come back with Soldier of Fortune.”

“And nobody cared.” Sadly, Robbie lowered his head.

“Sigh.” Frank added and lowered his.

“Enough,” Joe shouted. “The demo. Christ.”

“Cool.” Robbie, excited like a kid, handed Joe what was a controller to a remote car. “Here. This is yours. Man, I am so proud of my mechanical inclinations. This too.” Robbie then handed Joe the base and wheels of a remote control car. “This is your explosive. You control it with that hand held controller.”

Joe threw his one hand up. “What? Do I look stupid? Go on.”

Clapping his hands together, Robbie moved ten feet back. “Let’s say for visual purposes this Barbie camper is Dr. Caceres’ car. And the Ken doll is Forest himself.” Robbie picked up the Ken doll, lifted its arm. “Hi Joe.” He set Ken back in the camper. “Now we’ll assume the explosive device is probably connected to the alternator in Caceres’ car. Anyhow . . .” He took an after-rambling breath. “Telling Forrest to get in the driver’s side, and slide out the passenger side is tricky, so the explosion has to be timed right. That’s why you will use the remote. As soon as Forrest gets in, you drive the explosive device directly under his car. When Forrest slides out, you press the red button on that control. Boom. Simple. Now Frank and I worked real hard on the explosives. Using the Barbie camper, we calculated a less explosive to scale to demonstrate what would happen. So go on Dad. Roll that little car near the camper.”

Hesitantly, Joe made the toy vehicle go. He drove it to the Barbie camper with a smile on his face. Seeing it near the pink car, Joe pressed the red button on the control. Not only did the Barbie camper explode into a thousand pieces, but the sound of the explosion actually shook the ground, rang a deafening sound, and blasted dirt and grass out and about like it was rain. Listening for the final sound of the falling debris, Joe lifted himself from the shielded position he had over Andrea and himself.

Robbie quickly looked at Frank. “Whoops.”

Joe marched up to Robbie, peering at the now four foot hole in the ground where the Barbie camper was. “Jesus Christ Robbie. We want to explode a car, not a city block. And this was calculated to be a lesser explosion?”

“Sorry.” Then Robbie pointed. “Frank did the math. You suck Frank.”

“Bite me. You could have calculated it yourself. But no, you were too busy stealing the Ken doll from my daughter. And now look.” Frank bent down and picked something up. “All that’s left of him is his fuckin head.”

Robbie took the Ken head and tossed it aside. “You added instead of subtracted didn’t you?”

“No, I’m not that dumb,” Frank argued back.

“Please. You make Denny look brilliant.”

“Fuck you.”

“Fuck you. You almost blew up Beginnings. That was your fault.”

“My fault? No, your fault. A little hole in the . . .”

Joe whistled loudly before his sons went any further. “I don’t give a rat’s ass whose fault it was. Recalculate and fix the damn formula. Christ, bring that explosion to scale or people will think it’s a terrorist threat. And fix the goddamn four foot hole!” Joe scolded as he stormed away.

Andrea began to follow, but stopped. “My son is not dumb.” She threw her head back and marched away.

After a subtle, whining, mocking, ‘my son is not dumb’, snickering, Robbie walked over to the hole in the ground. “The explosives did work though.” Robbie whistled, pointing to the ground so impressed. “That is a cool hole.”

“Yeah.” Frank peered down as well. “Too bad Dean’s in quarantine or we could bury him in there. Make it a search game for the community. Instead of Where’s Waldo we’ll have Where’s Dean?”

Aft first Robbie gave a look of seriousness to Frank. Then both brothers proceeded to laugh in demented ‘hide and go seek Dean’ thoughts.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Bowman, North Dakota

A nearby fresh water lake played one part in the decision to settle there. The dam played another. The startup crew did their groundwork. They harnessed enough hydro power to run the water filtering system, and enough was left over for minimal lights in the small town. On conservation they were and would be until they knew what they were doing, or someone happened upon them with the skills.

There was nothing about the progress done that didn’t please the Captain. Even things that hadn’t been done didn’t bother him. Why would it? They had the time to accomplish things. The most important steps were taken, and anything else that needed finished would be done with ease. They had a hundred and thirty-three more people than when they had left.

“Greenhouses?” the Captain asked Elliott as they walked down the one stop light street in the town.

“I’m gonna say it was a good thing we moved them early,” Elliott replied. “Minimal, minimal loss to crops. Our biggest problem is that seven of them are in full blown harvest. Scottsdale says we have to pick and can ASAP.”

“I’ll get a crew together,” the Captain said. “And the . . . coffee beans?”

“Excellent. We lucked out with mature plants in Mexico.”

“Now.” The Captain slowed his pace. “Most importantly. The . . . the . . .”

“Women?” Elliott snickered. “Housed down. Safe and secure. And away.”

“Yes,” the Captain said with excitement. “I want their home finished as first priority, before anyone else.” He got an agreeing nod from Elliott. “They get full power. No conservation for them. Also food. And get two men who can play guard at their door. We have to do that or else we won’t be able to pull off the story we told them.”

“Is that wise?” Elliott asked. “I mean making them think they aren’t safe running around.”

“Yes. Yes it’s wise. At least until we’re settled. Or would you rather have them running around. It won’t be twenty-four hours on a bus, Elliott. It will be always complaining about this, yelling about that. Needing . . . feminine protection.”

Elliott swallowed. “I’ll find two guards.”

“Good.” The Captain smiled and saw where they stopped. Center of the little community, like something out of a story book was a red brick corner building. The marble sign had the words ‘town hall’ etched in it. “See.” The Captain pointed to the sign. “I love this. Is this where you’re bringing me?”

“Yes.” Elliott opened the recently cleaned doors. “Everyone’s inside.”

Wondering who everyone could be, because the Captain knew most of the men were settling down from the trip, he followed Elliott past the large oak staircase and down a hall to another set of double doors.

They walked inside. It looked like a small gymnasium with a stage, tattered curtain, and piano in the corner next to a flag. One long table sat center, around it eight men.

Elliott motioned his hand to the empty seat at the head of the table. “For you, Captain.”

An ornery grin graced the Captain’s face as he sat down. “Elliott, a meeting? I have to say I’m impressed at your authority measures.” He snickered. “Wait. This isn’t one of those damn drinking games you used to get us in before, is it? I’m too tired to kick your ass.”

“No.” Elliott chuckled. “No drinking game. And trust me, I learned my lesson drinking with you. Not all of us were bottle fed whiskey as an infant. This is a meeting of sorts.” Elliott didn’t sit. He paced some as he spoke. “I picked . . . I picked this particular group as a start. You Captain, because though never officially named, it’s always understood that you lead us. I don’t think there’s a person who would argue or want you out of that position. The forty-eight of us would not be organized or together if it wasn’t for you. Now . . .” Elliott breathed. “Us nine, well . . . from years of watching and also the past twenty-four hours, people tend to come to us for answers. We are the ones that are always sent to ask you things and give the answers. So I thought it would be us that has this meeting before we bring in the rest of our men.”

“Our men?” the Captain asked. “Meaning our Hawaii crew?”

“Yes.” Elliott nodded. “Those people we picked up. Including the . . .” Elliott swallowed harshly. “Women. They want answers. Need organization. Want structure. We have that yes. But, it is not official. We have a lot of people now. Hating to say it but delegation of power and rules are now necessary.”

Joshua Owens, a younger man who sat near the Captain, lifted his hand to speak. “I agree.. Some of us have talked about this. We know you have a plan, Captain. You’re never without one. Maybe while you are perfecting that plan you can incorporate into it, the structure of authority.”

The Captain leaned back into his chair. “My focus was primarily on getting to the Society, but I guess I could do that. Elliott, knowing you as I do, I’m guessing this little non drinking get together is basically a meeting of the minds to establish a temporary means?”

“Yes.” Elliott nodded. “Work assignments and such. Just until we know exactly what we’re gonna do.”

“Good.” The Captain grinned widely and stood up. “I’m glad you’re thinking that way. Have a seat Elliott.” He moved from the way to let Elliott sit and spoke upbeat. “Because it just so happens that I’ve been thinking about it too. I . . .” He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. “Made a list of ideas. May I . . . share?”

Elliott sat down at the same time, laughing ‘it figures’ mumbles erupted from around the table.

The Captain laughed also as he stood before the men. “But in all seriousness gentlemen,” He paused with a breath and a change in his upbeat demeanor. “I believe, all of us, discovered a cause we did not know we were going to face. And . . no longer are we a group of service men who just want to survive.” The Captain raised his eyebrow as he lifted his list. “We are now a full blown community with a purpose.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

How long had Frank stood outside that mobile lab in the dark, not seen, staring at the lab and at the window, watching Dean? His insides turned, gnawed some. And he tried with everything he had to control his anger.

With a twitching jaw and his father’s words of advice to ‘let it go’, Frank adjusted his headset radio and moved to right before the huge picture window.

Dean wanted to shut down for the night, at least for a little while. Having just wrapped up two more dead rabbits, Dean needed a break. The ‘bang’ against the glass sounded too close. Turning his head, he could see Frank outside. The look on Frank’s face said more than anything. The slow curl of Frank’s finger in a ‘come here’ signal to Dean, confirmed he wasn’t there to see Ellen.

After taking the time to wash up, Dean walked from the special lab and straight to the window. He picked up the radio that sat on the small table. “El’s in the shower.”

“I’m here to see you.” Frank’s words were deep and hard.

“What is it?”

“It’s the perfect little fuckin scenario for you in there isn’t it? Alone with my wife. Or so you think. It ends, Dean. It ends the second she steps out,” Frank paused to swallow. “Whatever happened between the two of you last night, better not happen again. Impending doom or not, you’re a dead man.” After one more hard glare, Frank turned and walked away.

Dean could have been shaken. But he wasn’t. Instead he became engulfed. Engulfed with an outrage he hadn’t felt in a long time. Setting down the radio, Dean turned and with a fast stride, went to the trailer.

Down the hall he moved with determination, not even seeing Ellen come from the bedroom. He stepped into the living room and to the table where Henry sat and worked on the microchip. “Stand up.” Dean told Henry in a near calm fashion.

Henry ignored him.

“I said . . . stand up.” Dean increased the strength of his words.

“Dean, I am really busy right . . .”

“Stand up!” Dean’s whole body shouted.

As if it was the most annoying thing he had to do in a while, Henry set down the microchip and sluggishly stood. Henry’s six foot lanky frame stood with attitude. The moment his head slowly swung Dean’s way in an ‘you bother me fashion’ was the moment Dean nailed him.

The crack of the hit rang out and Henry spun fast, knocking into the chair and falling face first to the floor by the kitchen doorway.

Dean shook his hand then pointed it in an angry motion. “The next time you want to open your mouth, think about the people involved!”

Sneering, Henry wiped the blood from his nose as he quickly picked himself up. After wiping the blood again, he turned, tossed the chair from his way and dove toward Dean.

Ellen’s loud shriek out ‘No!’ followed by the leap of her body in an interception, sent Dean back and away from Henry. “Stop this!” She shouted out, her face close to Dean. “Stop.” She tried to calm her breathing. “What is going on?” She asked Dean.

“Him.” Dean pointed.

Henry again wiped his dribbling blood as he glared at Dean. “I thought you could face your own consequences.”

“I can!” Dean shouted. “But it wasn’t just my consequences! Asshole!”

Henry charged. Dean charged. Ellen rushed into Dean. “Knock it off.” She laid her hands on Dean’s face, pulling him to look at her. She could feel the heat from his face, his heart and breathing so strong. “What happened?”

“He told Frank. He . . . told Frank.”

With a release of Dean, Ellen in shock, slowly turned and looked at Henry. “You told Frank?” She asked emotionally. “Why?”

“I didn’t tell him you slept together.” Henry defended. “I told him you guys were getting close.”

Dean spoke before Ellen did, “You shouldn’t have told him anything. It’s none of your business! None!”

“Bullshit.” Henry stormed forward. “It’s my business when you’re using quarantine to get that last round in!”

“I’m using quarantine yes! But as my last chance to get Ellen back!”

“You can’t have her back, Dean,” Henry stated strongly. “She is Frank’s wife. Don’t forget that!”

“And who the hell cared when she was my wife! When she was with me! Who stepped in on my defense when he was stealing her behind my back!” Dean argued. “Not you! No one. And I’m supposed to just back off of what I feel because it’s wrong to do that to Frank. Well Frank never cared!”

“And that makes it right?” Henry asked. “Does it? Because Frank dogged you, it’s all right to dog Frank? This isn’t about pay back, Dean. It’s about Ellen.”

“That’s right,” Dean snapped. “And if you remembered, if you weren’t such a little bitch, you wouldn’t have gone to him about last night, no matter what you told him.”

“Frank’s my best friend! I had to tell him something.”

Dean laughed. “Best friend? Oh, some best friend you are. Thank God!” Dean tossed his hand up. “You aren’t even my pal, Henry. Because I wouldn’t want you to do me the favors you’re doing Frank.”

Henry scoffed, “What the hell are you talking about, Dean?”

“It’s really swell of you Henry to tell your best friend his wife may be cheating. Way to hurt him. Or better yet. Try to convince his wife not to move back in with him. You are either the lamest friend or you want Ellen for your . . .” Dean’s eyes widened. He shifted them to Ellen then to Henry. “. . . self. That’s it.”

Henry took a long breath and in an ignoring mode, moved back to the table and began to gather his things.

“That is it. Isn’t it?” Dean stepped closer to the table.

Ellen tried to stop him. “Dean. Just let it go.”

Dean pulled away from her reach. “She lives with you Henry. Talks to you. She’s always there for you.”

Henry glared up. “You know nothing.”

“I’m right,” Dean nodded. “Does your best friend know this?” Nearly in a taunt, Dean spoke. “No. He’s too dumb to see it. Make him mad. Break them up. Stop Ellen from moving away.” Dean stepped aside when Henry picked up his belongings and started to leave the room. “Because you know . . .”

“Dean.” Ellen’s voice, soft and firm, silenced him as she stepped directly before him. “Let him go. Drop it. Please?”

Dean watched Henry leave then he looked at Ellen. “Did you know this? Did you know how he felt?”

“Yes.” Ellen halted Dean from saying anymore. “Despite what Henry says, it’s not me. It’s . . . it’s just what I am. He’s just caught up. Just let it go. He doesn’t mean any harm.”

“Why are you defending him? Do you know what he did tonight?”

“Yes. And I’m defending him because he doesn’t want to lose, even if it’s just a fantasy, what he has.”

“What’s he have El?” Dean asked.

“Something so basic and simple, that you and Frank take it for granted. A rarity. A woman, even innocently, that pays attention to him. When you think about how many men in this community who don’t have that, think about Henry. He’s one of them.” Ellen stepped back. “Excuse me. I’m just gonna talk to him.”

Dean took a long breath as Ellen left. He looked at the room in disarray. He knew if they weren’t so lucky, their lives--because of Henry’s innocent protective manipulation of Ellen--could have ended up looking just as messed up as that room.

^^^^

What was it? The third or the fourth shots worth of whiskey Robbie watched Frank down, he didn’t know why, but he knew Frank had enough. Seeing his big brother pour another, Robbie reached for the bottle. “Easy.” He pulled it from Frank’s hand and set it on the coffee table. “You have kids here and you have to work in the morning.”

Frank gave a single sharp look at Robbie. “I think I’m a big enough guy to handle my whiskey.”

“Yeah. You are Frank. And you’re also a big enough guy to handle your problems without it.”

“You’re right.” Frank brought his hands to his face, took in a heavy breath and leaned back on the sofa. “Did El say how Henry was?”

“She said he’s fine.” Robbie capped the whiskey. “Dean just clocked him. And in my opinion, Henry deserved it.”

“How can you say that?”

“How can you not?” Robbie came back. “He’s starting trouble for you and for them. Look at the situation. They are stuck together. You’re out here. What can you do about what he told you? Nothing but get drunk, angry, and frustrated.”

“She’s my wife.” Frank reached for the bottle.

Robbie pulled it away. “And she’ll be back to being your full time wife the second she steps from quarantine. You have that. Let this go.”

“What am I letting go?” Frank tossed his hand up. “Huh? Did something happen last night?”

“I don’t know.”

“What do you think?”

“What do I think?” Robbie scratched his head. “All that went down with the future trip, Sarge’s death, I think . . . I think it’s a strong possibility that they turned to each other.” Robbie saw his brother’s anger begin to rise. “But Frank. Stop and think about it. Even if it did, even if something occurred, in the scheme of things, with all that’s happening with this pending virus, isn’t this . . .” Robbie let out a fake snicker. “…isn’t this Dean and Ellen thing really trivial?”

A curl of his lip in disgust along with a sneer was what Frank gave Robbie. “No.”

“Just thought I’d ask.” Robbie plopped back on the couch in defeat. He knew his calming and reasoning with Frank was over with, especially when Frank stood back up and grabbed the bottle of whiskey again.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

The sign ‘buy one get one free tampons’ faded and torn, screamed at Elliott as it hung in the corner drugstore window. Elliott thought it was a destiny conspiracy, a painful reminder of the days at home with his sisters when they all would be on the ‘cycle’ at the same time. He glared at sign as he reached for the door next to the drugstore entrance.

There was a stairwell that immediately greeted him. It was dark and Elliott had to use his flashlight his entire journey up the wooden steps. He could feel the dust with each step he took. He could smell the dirt of the building which still needed to be cleaned. Remnants of a chaotic town still lingered.

Pushing aside the sprawled papers with his foot, Elliott reached the top of the stairs. He entered into a small hall. A door was to his left and right. Thinking how ridiculous it was, Elliott turned to his right and knocked.

The smell of cleaning solution, along with a bright smile from the Captain greeted Elliott when the door opened.

“Captain,” Elliott had complaint to his voice. “Do you realize how absurd this is?”

“You’re so rude, Elliott. Come into my home.” The Captain opened the door wider.

“Apartment.” Elliott stepped inside. “There are multitudes of houses to choose from. Why the apartment?”

“I love it. I love living in apartments. Always have.”

Elliott looked around the place. He was in a large living room that could have been two rooms. The small kitchen could be seen along with the bedroom. “This is small.”

“It’s perfect. I’m one man.” The Captain stepped back. “Want to have a seat on my . . .” The Captain pointed. “…couch?”

“This is insane.” Elliott said. “Everyone else is blocks away. All settled in little homes while you perch yourself above a drugstore like some . . .” Elliott grinned. “Oh, I get it.”

“Get what.”

“It’s symbolic. You’re above us all, so you place yourself physically above us as well.”

“That has got to be the most retarded statement ever to come from your mouth.”

Elliott turned his head away mouthing the word ‘retarded.’

“Elliott?”

“Retarded?” Elliott shook his head. “Anyhow. Do you have them?”

“Such haste.” The Captain walked to his two seater dining room table. “And yes, I do.” He handed him a few sheets of paper. “I did a little job lottery. Just until I figure out who can do what and where to assign.”

“This will work. I’ll pass it out tomorrow.” Elliott looked at the papers. “Night.”

“Elliott?” The Captain followed him. “No, hanging out and talking.”

“No. Not tonight. You’re scaring me. You have that gleam in your eyes and that mind is churning. I hate when you get like this because I remember that look well. A mere private I was. I was so excited you were the new Ex-O. You call me in the office, you tell me, ‘Elliott, missile specialist isn’t for you. I believe your calling lies in maintenance engineering’ I didn’t know what the hell that was. I was thrilled until I found out I was going to be a janitor.”

“I pledged to fill positions.”

“I believed you.”

“You still do.” The Captain grinned.

“Unfortunately. And I also believe you are taking far too long with this . . . master plan.” Elliott ignored the Captain’s chuckle. “Too long for it to be simple.” Elliott raised an eyebrow. “It’s big and you want to have every minuscule detailed ironed out before you tell us. Right?”

“Well . . .”

“Oh, my God.” Elliott shook his head and moved to the door.

“Elliott quit being so melodramatic,” The Captain pulled him back. “Yes. It’s big. And I have to say good. But you shouldn’t fear I’ve gone overboard . . . O.K., maybe just a little.” The Captain leaped to get Elliott when he tried to leave again. “But it’s good. Trust me. A few more days, Elliott . . .” The Captain closed the door all the way. “Look what I got.” He stepped back and ran to the kitchen. He came out with a bottle of whiskey. “Come on. Sit with me. Let’s have a drink. Enjoy my new home.”

“Apartment.” Elliott snatched up the bottle.

“I’ll get glasses.” The Captain walked from the room.

“All right.” Elliott dropped down to the couch. The second he did, he sprang back up when the hardness surprised his backside. Lifting the thick old book he had sat on, Elliott looked at it and reviewed the title. ‘The Horse Soldiers; Skills of the Calvary.’ Shaking his head and thinking, ‘The Captain even reads weird’, Elliott tossed the book, and stole a swig of the whiskey before the Caption returned with the glasses.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

The tremble wasn’t just confined to Ellen’s index finger. It traveled like a bad infection, through her hand, up her wrist and straight to her heart, bringing with it a pain that could kill her. In the main lab, only a corner light on, Ellen’s finger hovered over the ‘down’ arrow of the computer keyboard. Her face, somber and drawn peered at the screen. Her eyes barely left the words as her finger scrolled down. And every once and a while, Ellen stopped, closed her eyes, and swallowed before reading some more.

The creak of the trailer door startled Ellen a little, and told her someone, Dean or Henry was coming. Hearing the door to the lab open, Ellen quickly reached up, time limited, and shut off the monitor only.

“Hey.” Dean spoke softly as he walked into the lab. He wore only his jeans, no shirt and his hair looking as if he crawled from bed. “What . . . what are you doing?”

Nervously, Ellen turned on the stool. “Nothing. Just, you know, working.”

“On?” Dean walked closer.

“Old stuff.” Ellen shrugged. Her hand stayed on the counter, flat to avoid allowing Dean to see her shake. “But I’m done. All booted down.”

“Are you mad at me?” Dean asked, stepping to her. “You got out of bed in the middle of the night and didn’t say anything.”

“I was in one of those, antsy moods.” Ellen took a deep breath. “Can’t sleep.”

“Oh.” Dean smiled. “Good.” Hands on her legs, Dean stepped to her. His fingers slid up her thighs pushing forward her long shirt as he leaned down to her, placing his lips on her neck. “Come back to bed.” He whispered, widening his mouth with each sweep to her skin.

“Dean, stop it.” Ellen fought him off. “Not here. Not in front of the window. Someone can see.”

“I don’t care,” he continued his pursuit.

“I do.” Ellen moved his hand. “I do.” She looked at him seriously. “I told you last night I would give you this time. But you have to give me what I want.”

“It’s bullshit.” Dean whispered. “This . . . this between you and me. It’s right. And what am I supposed to do, huh? Give up on it. If you were giving me this out of being nice, first of all I wouldn’t want it. Secondly, it wouldn’t be so hard to know that in a few days, you are going to be out of my life, back with Frank, in his house, and in . . . in his bed.” Dean backed up.

“I have to try with Frank. He’s my husband. We have too many years. And despite what you think Dean, I do love Frank. I have to give it that shot. I owe it to myself and him.”

“And then I’m out. It’s gonna be ‘morning Dr. Hayes’. And ‘when will we exchange kids’. No more special talks, laughing, nothing.” Still not facing her, Dean shook his head. “I don’t need a lover in my life. I just . . . . I just need you. Why can’t you see that?”

“And why can’t you see it won’t be for long. Just until things settle. And I promise you, with everything I am, everything, you will not be alone. I won’t leave your side.”

There was a certain curl to Ellen’s voice that sent out emotional signals Dean caught. Over his shoulder, slowly he turned his head to face her. “That was too serious. Un-Ellen. What’s up?” He watched her shake her head and then he watched Ellen do something he wasn’t supposed to. She caught a single tear that rolled down her cheek. “El.” He moved back to her. “What’s going on? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“You don’t cry over nothing.” Dean laid his hand on her arm to stop her from getting up. His eyes grew wide when he felt the vibration of her trembling through her skin. “Something is up. What is it? You just aren’t . . .” In the midst of speaking, hands moving, head turned, Dean saw it, the power light on the computer terminal. “I thought you said you booted down.”

“I did,”

“You’re lying.”

“I’m not lying. Is the computer on?”

“Yes.” Dean pointed to it. “Why would you lie about something as simple as booting . . .” Quickly, before Ellen could stop him, Dean reached up and turned on the monitor. “What is this?” He looked at the notes.

Ellen turned the monitor. “I . . . I wanted to tell you, but I had to figure out if I was right. I am. And now, and now I just don’t know how to explain it.”

“What are you reading?” Dean asked.

Ellen took a deep breath. “The reason I can promise I will never leave your side.” She saw how confused Dean was. “Dean, we brought these disks back from the future. But they were so far pre-plague, we didn’t need them. I started to read, but you said to stop. I read this . . .” Ellen clicked a few times on the keyboard then read the entry, “Seems Hap’s psoriasis is spreading. I wish I could see how badly, I guess I’ll have to take Ellen’s word for it.’

“O.K,” Dean said, “We disagreed. What’s the big deal?”

“That’s what I thought then I read this. This was the last one I read before tonight.” She clicked again. “Three days later. At least my typing has improved. Less errors. My old typing teacher would be proud. A lot accomplished when forced to not look at keys.” Ellen peered up to Dean. “Odd entries. Unlike you. But you said something today that made me read more. And I did. I found out why you missed the Jenny Matoose sample, Dean.” Ellen’s voice dropped to a cracking whisper as she clicked on the keyboard. “Read.”

In a ‘what the heck’ manner, Dean leaned over Ellen’s shoulder and looked. His heart dropped along with his expression, “Oh, my God. This can’t be right.”

“It is.” Sadness laced Ellen’s words. “I read and read and read, every single entry. It’s right.” She swallowed and faced Dean. “It something we should be glad to know now. We can prepare. It may have so much to do with why we didn’t beat the plague. At least we know it’s the reason why Jenny’s sample was wrong. You didn’t look at it. I did. I’m not you. I make errors. These notes only go back one month before the virus. By what I read, the problem’s been there a lot longer. Do you understand, Dean? Do you? I can’t leave your side. I won’t.”

Dean’s eyes stayed transfixed on the screen. His face was pale with horror. “What are we gonna do, El? Huh?” Dean asked with so much emotion. “How am I supposed to beat this? If in the future . . .” He looked back to the screen, then to Ellen. “If in the future . . . I’m blind.”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

December 12

Beginnings, Montana

The small note that said, ‘happy anniversary’ laid upon Ellen’s packed bag. She lifted it, read it, and smiled. But still a hint of sadness was on her face.

“The irony,” Dean said, standing in her open bedroom doorway.

“What?” Ellen turned around. She held up the note. “Thanks.”

“That note is what I mean. The irony. It’s our anniversary and today is the day we leave quarantine and you go back to Frank.” Dean walked into the bedroom.

“I know.” Ellen nodded slowly. “And I won’t forget about you. We have this new problem to conquer. I’ll be there every step of the way. We’ll get ahead of it. We already are. We didn’t know about the blindness in the future. Now, we can look for signs and symptoms of it coming.”

“And I can start teaching you,” Dean said, “just in case I still lose my sight. But explain to me something. How are you going to do this? Work with me on the virus. Learn from me. Help me with the newest problem. All of that means time spent with me.”

“And we’ll be able to have that. I promise you,” Ellen said with sincerity.

“How’s that?” Dean asked. “Isn’t part of Rev. Bob’s plan for you to cut me out?”

“Yes. And I spoke to Frank already. We . . . we worked something out.”

“You told him?”

“No.” Ellen shook her head. “I didn’t and I won’t tell anyone. Rev. Bob’s plan to cut you out was only to cut out the threat of us. Frank isn’t threatened. He’ll be O.K. with our time together.”

“Frank O.K. with our time? What did he agree to do, share you with me?” Dean snickered. “Oh, I don’t believe that. You’re lying. You’re gonna sneak the time in with me.”

“No, Dean. He’ll know. And in a sense he is sharing.” Ellen blinked rapidly as her eyes drifted away. “Not physically, but emotionally. That’s why he’s not threatened.”

Dean laughed even harder. “Even if it’s nonphysical, Frank wouldn’t have an emotional understanding with me.”

“No,” Henry’s voice seeped into the room, “maybe not with you.”

The moment Dean saw Ellen’s head lower, his heart sunk and he slowly looked behind him to Henry. “No.” He looked back to Ellen. “No. Tell me Frank is not having an understanding with Henry.” When Dean’s eyes connected with Ellen’s, his insides gnawed. “When?”

“Last night Frank and Henry decided . . .”

“Whoa!” Dean halted her. “You weren’t even part of this decision? What the hell? Now he can pimp you out?”

“Dean,” Ellen gasped.

“No, Dean,” Henry interjected. “He’s not pimping her out. This isn’t about sex. I’m not after sex. I don’t want the physical part. I want the emotional. And If I can help fill the gap that Frank can’t then . . .”

“There’s no room for me,” Dean stated in shock. “And I bet, Henry, you just fed this right into his mind,” Dean grumbled loudly in almost a scream,. “This is bullshit! He can’t share you El. He can’t. It’s bad enough I have to face you being with Frank, but with Henry too.”

“I won’t be sleeping with Henry,” Ellen defended and dropped her voice to a whisper. “And you and I need the time together. This is the only way Frank will trust us.”

“If Henry’s always around?” Dean laughed emotionally when Ellen nodded. “And Frank trusts Henry? You know what? I refuse to take this seriously. Refuse.”

“Dean,” Henry spoke up, “it’s a reality you are going to have to face.”

“Right,” Dean scoffed then turned his head to the sound of a buzzer. “The only thing I have to face right now is the virus. Excuse me.” In a harsh brushing manner, Dean moved by Henry and out of the bedroom.

Ellen let out the nervous breath she was holding and looked up to Henry. “Well,” She sighed again, “he took that much better than I thought.”

“Me too. El, you know, if you don’t want to do this with me  . . .”

“I do.” Ellen forced a closed mouth smile. “We get along great. It’s the best way.” One more time, Ellen looked back to the door.

^^^^

“What do you suppose Dean wants you to stay for?” Robbie asked Frank as they neared the mobile lab.

“I know exactly what he wants. Henry probably told him, him and me are having an understanding.”

Robbie stopped cold. “You what!” A turn of his body and toss of his hand showed Robbie’s disapproval. “Why in the world would you, you of all people have an understanding? And with Henry!”

“Shut up Robbie. Every other man who has a woman shares her. I hear about it all the time. I don’t want her running to Dean. I don’t. But she has to work with him. If she’s too busy with Henry, then she won’t have time to do her Dean-thing. Plus, Henry is the only man I trust with this. It’s not about sex. He’s not allowed to touch her. I’m just giving him time with her.”

“I can do the same thing Frank. I would like to have El in my life to talk to. Hang with.”

“Yeah, but you’d try to sleep with her.”

“So will Henry,” Robbie said, “only I’m honest enough to admit it.” With a shake of his head in disgust, Robbie started to walk again. “I can’t believe you’re giving an understanding to Henry. Henry sucks, Frank. He’s an asshole.” With a snap of his finger as they approached the mobile, Robbie slowed down. “Oh, yeah. Before I forget, Ellen has that bet over Blake to pay up. While you’re with Dean, can I snatch her up?”

“Yeah sure. Go ahead take her.” Frank stood before the window.

Again, Robbie grinned. “Thanks, Frank. You’re a cool big brother.”

“I am,” Frank said proudly, then peered through the window of the lab anxiously, waiting for Ellen’s release.

Ellen looked at her watch then shrugged. She walked from the window to Dean.. “Sometime today, Dean. You said ten minutes. It’s been thirty.”

“El.” Dean clicked on the keyboard. “Just . . . be patient. My result should be done soon.”

Henry entered the lab setting down the bags. He stopped, folded his arms and whined when he looked out the window. “Great. Just great. Why is Robbie here?”

Ellen turned her head and waved to them. “Any minute Henry. Just ignore him.”

“I hate him, El. Look he’s giving me the finger.”

Ellen looked again and Robbie was waving to Henry.

“Asshole,” Henry shouted at the window.

Frank knocked on the glass, then spoke through his headset. “I would like to see my wife. Henry, what is taking so long?”

It was the wrong thing to ask Henry. “How should I know, Frank,” He snapped. “You think we’re staying in here on purpose? You think we want to be in there? There are dead rabbits all over the place. And it stinks, Frank. Really stinks. El says it doesn’t. And now Robbie’s out there. Why is Robbie out there? Does he need to be . . .”

Frank nodded his head slightly.

Robbie nudged him. “I didn’t bring my radio, Frank. What’s he saying?”

Frank still nodding looked to Robbie. “I haven’t a clue. After his first few words I shut off mine.”

Dean tapped his fingers on the counter. He smiled, turned slowly to Ellen and Henry and spoke. “Done. Let’s get out of here.”

Before he could even finish what he was saying, Ellen and Henry, fought like kids to see who was getting to the door first. Ellen prevailed, rushing out, and taking a second to breathe in the fresh air. “Henry, we’re free.” She threw her arms up. “I’m free . . .” Her long trailed out word ended in an ‘ugh’ when she felt the thump to her stomach and her body lifted up and tossed over a shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Mind spinning, she thought Frank was sweeping her off her feet literally, until she saw Frank. Ellen screamed. “Help!”

“Robbie!” Frank yelled out to his running brother.

“Sorry Frank.” Robbie backed up, and smacked Ellen’s backside to silence her. “A deal is a deal. A bet is a bet. You’ll get her back.”

“But . . .” Before Frank knew it, Robbie had tossed Ellen into a jeep and sped off.

“Frank!” Henry hit Frank with a back hand to his gut, causing a grunt. “What is wrong with you? You’re letting her pay off that bet?”

“He’s my brother Henry. I don’t want my wife to welsh.”

“Asshole.” Henry stormed off.

“What!” Frank threw his hands up. Disgusted, he stomped then turned around to the tiny annoying tapping on his shoulder.

“Let’s go.” Dean curled his finger and walked back to the mobile.

“O.K.” Frank followed with attitude. “But I must warn you, Dean. I don’t want to hear whining from you about my understanding with Henry.

Dean paused before stepping into the mobile. “Not whining at all, Frank,” Dean smiled. “I plan on being very civil to you. Actually I think the understanding is a smart move. Henry’s a good choice. Ellen likes him . . . a lot.” Continuing, Dean walked in. “More than you realize.”

“Right. And you can’t play mind games. My mind is too strong.” Frank pointed to his own temple. “I know what you’re doing. And, despite that, I too will be civil.” He stopped before walking through the door. “Is it safe in here?”

“Um yeah, sure, absolutely. So . . . How were the kids?” Dean asked in idle conversation as he moved to a small fridge.

Apprehensively, Frank moved into the lab. “Good. I didn’t kill them if that’s where you’re getting at.”

“No.” Dean chuckled and carried a syringe over to the counter. “Did you at least read to them?”

“Why?”

“It’s important Frank. Those kids need to be literary. Even . . . um.”

Frank grinned. “Bobby.”

“Yeah. Thanks. Bobby.” Dean snapped his finger. “No, that’s not his name. Joey. Asshole.”

“For a scientist, you aren’t bright. And for your information, you don’t need to read to be literary.”

Dean only looked up. “Only people who aren’t literary can make a statement like that.”

“Hey, now, I’m the literary guy,” Frank gasped dramatically at Dean’s scoff. “You don’t think? Bet me. Bet me I can be literary.”

“In whose eyes?” Dean laughed with sarcasm.

“The whole community.”

“Oh, this is too beautiful. Fine, you’re on. I’ll bet you. What do you want to bet?”

“If the community says I’m literary by the end of the year, you Dean, have to type up my security rosters for a whole month.”

“Fine. But if by the year’s end the community doesn’t acknowledge the literary you, you have to stop the understanding with Henry.”

“Ha! I knew it bothered you! Fine.” Frank shook Dean’s hand. “I have to go. This was worth coming up here for this. See ya.” He turned and walked to the door.

“Frank! That’s not why you’re here.” Dean hid his laugh when Frank stopped. “Sit.” Dean pointed to a stool. “And take off your jacket and shirt.”

“Dean, I am not that type of guy. But . . . just to give you the thrill.” Frank tossed off his leather jacket then lifted his sweatshirt over his head. “Yep.” He rubbed his hairy chest and sat down. “Take a look. A real man’s chest.”

“There is something mentally unbalanced about you.” Dean uncapped a syringe.

Frank’s eyes shifted with some horror. “You’re giving me the virus.”

“No. Close.” Dean said. “I’m . . . I’m giving you the antiserum.”

With such shock, Frank looked up. “Me? Why? No. If there’s extra, give it to the kids Dean. Give it to them. Not me.”

“We need certain people Frank through this whole ordeal. Because of your strength and the threat of the society invasion while we deal with the virus, we, hating to say this, will need you. So you get the antiserum.” Dean pushed up the sleeve on Frank’s tee shirt.

“This couldn’t wait until tomorrow?”

“Absolutely not,” Dean answered as he injected Frank. “Done. Now . . . You may experience some side effects. But they subside in a day or two.”

“No problem.” Frank placed on his jacket. “Dean, explain to me this. Why? Why would you give me the antiserum? I’m pretty tough. I’ll beat this thing. It won’t get me down if it happens. You should have . . .” Frank saw Dean turn away. “I don’t beat this thing? How do you know?”

“Let’s just say, I know.”

“How do you . . .” The slow zippering of Frank’s jacket coincided with the realization of what Dean meant. “Shit. Does Ellen know this?”

With a closed mouth, Dean looked up at him. “And more. Don’t mention any of this to her please.” Dean began his clean up. “Whatever you do, do not remind her of what we saw.”

Frank swallowed, he swallowed hard. The truth sometimes was too hard to take. And aside from the antidote Dean just delivered to Frank, a painful truth of a future that very well may still happen.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

Elliott could have sworn it was a scene from a movie he had seen in the past, standing by the fence watching the Captain on horseback trot his way. The speed of the horse was steady, the stride was gentle. The Captain looked happy as he rode. Elliott would have thought the scene was cast with a misty fog, but he knew that inability to focus was more so from his blackened and swollen eye then any imaginary special effect he gave the vision.

It was ornery. It was arrogant. It was so much the Captain. “Elliott.” He grinned, then suavely dismounted the horse and grabbed the reigns. “She’s ready for you.”

Elliott chuckled. “No.”

“Frightened?”

“Um, yeah,” Elliott said. “Not to mention totally beat up. No. Seven horses. Seven times bucked, tossed, and dragged. No.”

“But this is the one.”

“You said that last time. And why are you so insistent we ride horses.”

“Um . . .” Cocky, the Captain scratched his head. “Seeing how we have to move about once in a while. I don’t know. Transportation?”

Ellen let out one fake ‘ha’ of a laugh. “You’re funny. What about motorcycles. They use little fuel.”

“Motorcycles? It’s been done.”

“What do you mean it’s been done?  By who?” Elliott asked.

“Ever see Mad Max?”

“That doesn’t count.” Elliott had a snap to him. “It was a movie.”

“Still.” The Captain extended the reign to Elliott. “Take her. Get on. She’s yours.”

“I can barely see.”

“She will be your eyes. She’ll take you.” The Captain ignored Elliott’s laughter. “The others didn’t mix with your chemistry. You need one who mixes. Feels you.” The Captain spoke with passion. “One who can understand you. That’s the way it works. And . . . I strongly believe your distaste for animal life is being conveyed in a negative energy to the creatures, therefore triggering the defense mechanisms of these animals to strike out against you as a foe.”

Elliott’s mouth dropped open. “You are so full of shit. This has nothing to do with negative energy or chemistry. They’re wild.”

“Did I just ride her in?” The Captain asked. “Yes. I did. Perfectly. Gentle she is. This Elliott is your horse.” The Captain leaned into Elliott. “Do you trust me?”

“Unfortunately.”

“Then do this.” The Captain smiled when Elliott grabbed the reigns. “You’ll ride like a champ.”

Preparing to get on the horse, Elliott snickered and shook his head. “If this horse throws me.”

“She won’t.” The Captain winked and stepped back. “I know.”

Grinning, the Captain watched as Elliott awkwardly mounted the animal. Then the realization hit him that perhaps he really didn’t know. The Captain cringed when he watched the animal buck up, toss a yelling Elliott, and drag him a good twenty feet before Elliott was released.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Henry wasn’t in the best of moods. And things hadn’t gotten any better. He thought he would have felt a million more times at ease after leaving quarantine. But then again, he had to spend an hour chasing Robbie around. To Henry, Robbie wasn’t funny and he of all people added to Henry’s hideous mood. Every time he felt that bad mood start to leave him, something else would happen to set him off again. He still had work to do at mechanics and taking time to stop for Joe’s meeting was irritating him also. And he felt that irritation grow when he saw Joe working outside the bakery building. “Joe? The meeting Joe.” Henry told him as he stopped behind him.

“Oh, Henry sorry.” Joe switched the tool he was using on the outside breaker box. “I’ll only be a few minutes. Josh and Denny were throwing a football in the street and knocked the cover loose. Could you inform everyone?”

“Yeah Joe, I’ll tell them.” He said less than enthusiastic then stopped walking. “Why are you doing mechanical work? We have a division. Joe, your son won’t stop being lazy until we stop doing things for him.”

Joe stared seriously at Henry. “You done? Good. Go tell everyone I’ll be a few minutes late. “Thanks.” Joe returned to the box.

Huffing, Henry shook his head and turned. When he did he saw Dean and Ellen just standing there looking at him “What!”

Dean with a snicker held up his hands. “Easy.” He took hold of Ellen’s arms and moved toward the social hall. “Let’s go, El.”

“Dean.” Sharp toned, Henry raced up. “I hope she isn’t coming to the meeting. She’s not allowed. Joe said she only interrupts. It’s a brief meeting, Dean I want . . .”

“Henry.” Dean stopped him. “What is your problem? You’re out of containment. No longer cooped up and . . . and mind you, you’ve done the impossible. You’ve proceeded to convince the most selfish man in Beginnings to share. Quit complaining Henry. Life us pretty good to you.” Again, Dean took Ellen’s arm.

“You would think,” Henry griped. “You’re not chasing Robbie Slagel around and Dean, you keep interfering as well.” Henry grew even more frustrated when Dean just slipped into the social hall with Ellen.

Still hearing Henry’s outside complaining, Dean smiled when he walked into the hall. Frank stood at the bar. Robbie, in his usual arrogant manner, sat at the long table next to Jason, awaiting whoever else would arrive for the meeting. Immediately, Dean walked up to Frank, snatching the glass of whiskey from his hand as Frank brought it to his lips. “No booze, not tonight.”

“Fuck you, Dean.” Frank snatched it back. “It’s the first time in a long while I don’t have the kids. I can drink. Besides, I want to be relaxed for my reunion with my . . .” He raised his eyebrows. “…wife.”

“Frank, you are going to experience side effects really soon. Alcohol will magnify it.” Dean reached for the glass again.

Frank argued, “Maybe for someone like you. Beat off.” He finished his drink quickly.

“Fine.” Dean threw his hands up. “Suffer.” He stormed off taking a seat at the table.

The ‘boom’ of the social hall door opening caught everyone’s attention, but they paid it no mind when Henry burst in. He shifted his eyes to the bar, then hurried to the table, grabbing Ellen’s arm before she sat down by Robbie. “I prefer you didn’t sit by him. He had you enough today.”

Arrogantly Robbie laughed, “Man, Henry, a bit possessive? It was a joke.”

“It wasn’t a joke, Robbie,” Henry came back. “And Frank, you have to tell your brother he can’t steal Ellen like that.”

Carrying his bottle of whiskey, Frank moved to the table. “Robbie don’t snatch Ellen up again. Henry doesn’t like it.” Laughing he sat down.

“Oh, funny. Real funny,” Henry snapped. “You won’t be laughing when . . .”

“Henry. Please.” Ellen tugged on Henry’s arm, pulling him to sit. “Robbie. Frank. You know he’s in a bad mood.”

“Like we care, El. This is fun.” Robbie rocked some in his chair. “Where’s my Dad?”

Henry answered, “He’s going to be late. He’s fixing something.” His eyes lifted to Robbie. “And why is that? Why is Joe fixing something? We have a mechanical division. Of course nothing was done in mechanical division while I was in quarantine. We’re weeks behind. Why is that Robbie?”

“Gee, Henry. I don’t know.” Robbie tapped his temple with his middle finger. “Let me think about it though.”

“See!” Henry pointed. “Why do you do that?”

“Do what?” Robbie asked hiding his laugh.

“Flip me off.”

“I was flipping you off?” Robbie raised his hands. “Did anyone see me flip you off? I wasn’t flipping you off. Fuck Henry, go back to quarantine. We’ll make that the equivalent of the loony bin, because you’ve lost it.”

“Is it any wonder when I have to deal with you?” Henry argued back.

“Dealing with me?” Robbie snidely spoke. “What is so hard about dealing with me? I am the easiest going person in the community. Not you. You’re too much like a woman.”

“At least I do my work Robbie.” Henry’s words were sharp. “You, you start and never finish anything.”

“Like what?” Robbie leaned back with a smirk, lighting a cigarette.

“The ceiling fixture in the chapel.”

“Your job.”

“The generator door on three.”

“Your job.”

“Inspecting the tunnel pipes.”

“Your job.”

Henry grew angrier. “Well what exactly is your job Robbie?”

“Pissing you off and I do a very good job at that.”

Henry immediately stood up, his chair sliding loudly across the floor. “I’m leaving. I’m not about to stay another minute in this room with that . . .” Henry pointed at Robbie. “…arrogant asshole.”

Dean saw it coming, so did Jason who still snickered, and Ellen looked worried as she stood facing Henry. Frank, he was too engrossed with playing with his drink.

Robbie stood up with rage. “What did you call me?!” he stormed even closer. “You Henry, have your fuckin nerve calling me arrogant, you little prick!”

“It’s not nerve.” Henry moved Ellen away as he stepped to Robbie. “You’re so full of yourself you make me sick.” Henry’s body leaned to him with each sharp word.

“You’d better be prepared to back up that mouth!” Robbie’s hand came down palm first into Henry’s chest, shoving him back.

“And you’d better be prepared to back up that shove.” Henry’s hand covered Robbie’s face and with an angry grunt, Henry pushed Robbie back.

Catching his step, Robbie flung himself forward to Henry.

Ellen shrieked as Robbie and Henry grabbed on to each other. “Frank! Do something!”

With the slamming of his drink, Frank stood up. “All right.” He spun around, reaching in between the two and separating them both harshly and stepping in the middle. “Stop the shit!” Frank saw both of their fists raise. “And lower them hands gentlemen. I have no intention of stepping from between you two and I’m in no mood to be hit. Got that!” Frank looked at Robbie. “Now sit down!” He turned his head to Henry. “And you! Fuckin chill or something. God!” Frank grabbed his own head. “Making my head spin. What is wrong with you, Henry?”

“Frank, your brother just . . .”

“No!” Frank spoke strongly. “You came in here bitching. You know the way people are. They’re gonna ride you when you get like that. Just . . . just calm down. Take a walk, get some air.”

“No. I’m fine.” Huffing, Henry placed the chair back at the table and sat down. “I just want this over with. I’m busy.”

Everyone’s heads turned to the mocking and nasal ‘nah-nah-nah-nah-nah.’

Dean laughed along with Jason, but quickly stopped when Frank slammed down his hand.

“Robbie,” Frank yelled. “Enough. All right? Quit picking on him.”

“Sorry,” Robbie snickered.

Henry rolled his eyes. “You know, it was a much better Beginnings without you.”

“Yeah, well,” Robbie said snidely. “Probably not as good as a Beginnings without you.”

“Ah.” Joe’s voice entered into the room. “Conversation pleasantries.” He walked to the table. “Ellen, get out. You’re not allowed to be here.”

“But, Joe, I want to stay,” Ellen said.

“No. It’s a brief meeting. I purposely didn’t invite those who would make it longer than brief. And see, you already have. I’m arguing with you. Go.” Joe pointed to the door.

“Fine.” Ellen stood up. “Dean instigates. Jason laughs. Frank gets drunk, Robbie and Henry fight and I say nothing. They act like third graders and I get kicked out.” In a storming mode, she left the social hall.

Joe was ready to engage in the meeting until he saw Frank’s puzzled look. “What’s wrong, Frank?”

“I’m confused.” Frank scratched his head. “How is my getting drunk acting like a third grader? I don’t ever recall a third grader drinking whiskey . . .”

“Frank.” Joe tried to stop him

“Unless he has a problem,” Frank winked. “I don’t recall ever drinking when I was in third grade.”

“Frank,” Joe spoke stronger.

“No, wait that’s a lie.” Frank shook his head. “You let me sip your beer. Wait. Is that why Ellen said I acted like I was in third grade. Did she mean that?”

“Frank!” Joe yelled. “Enough about the third grade comment.”

“Joe?” Dean raised his hand some. “You let your son in third grade drink beer?”

“No, no.” Joe shook his head. “Don’t even go there Mr. Scientist. Not when your prescription for teething infants is moonshine. All right.” Joe let out a breath. “If we can get to this meeting. First order is we will go tomorrow. And . . .” Joe noticed Dean waving his hand. “Yes Dean.”

“Why do I have to go Joe? I don’t know anything about this car bomb stuff.”

“Because I said you go,” Joe told him. “Aside from administering the antidote to the virus, you were the only one anal enough to keep every single drivers license you ever had. Hence, you have a valid license for back then. We need that to rent the car.” Not really in the mood for any more interruptions, Joe continued on. “Now, there is something I’d like to say so I don’t forget. Tomorrow, if we succeed, which I’m certain we will, we will be bringing back to Beginnings one scared, little older gentleman. So please, during this few days’ or weeks’ time that he’s adjusting, don’t scare the hell out him. Because I believe he holds answers to questions we haven’t even begun to ask.”

Joe noticed it all during the meeting, and even more so as it died down and ended. Frank. He said not two words; his face drew paler and paler as the hour passed. As he stood from his seat he saw Frank leaning over the bar. “Frank? What’s wrong?”

“I’m really sick. I can’t remember being this sick.” He only moved his eyes to Joe. “My head. It’s killing me and I just feel bad.”

With a deep breath and fatherly concern, Joe used his instincts and laid his hand on the back of Frank’s neck. “You’re warm.”

“Dad.” Frank shook his head and reached for the bottle.

“Maybe it’s that antiserum Dean gave you. Let’s see.” With a short, ear piercing whistle, Joe not only caused Frank to wince, he caught Dean’s attention before he left. “Dean! Come here!” Joe shouted.

“Dad, please,” Frank winced in pain.

“What’s wrong?” Dean asked when he approached the bar.

“Frank’s sick. Headache. Not feeling well. Fever.”

“God, Dad.” Frank poured a drink. “I’m not a child.”

“You’re my child,” Joe corrected. “Is he all right, Dean? You mentioned mild side effects.”

“I’d say that’s what it is,” Dean stated, shifting his eyes and seeing Frank lift a filled glass to his mouth. He reached out and pulled it down.

“Anything you can do?” Joe asked.

“Nope. He’s been drinking. Everything’s worse. He just needs to sleep. Wait it out. Best I can tell you.”

“Thanks.” Joe gave a pat to Frank’s back and a look of concern. “I’ll head to the house and give Ellen a hand. See ya in the morning.” Joe walked off.

Frank stopped Dean before he too could leave. “You gave me this antidote tonight, on purpose, didn’t you?”

“Frank,” Dean gasped. “You mean give you the antiserum that I know would cause drastic side effects on the same night that not only happens to be my former anniversary, but the same night you have a physical reunion with Ellen? I wouldn’t do that. I’m insulted you’d think that way.”

“Sorry. But I’m just checking. Thanks.”

“No problem. And no more drinking.”

Grumbling in pain, Frank waited until Dean walked off and he grabbed the bottle again. If he was gonna feel badly, he figured he’d be so drunk that maybe he wouldn’t notice.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

There were a few things that alerted Elliott to the Captain’s return to Bowman, the horse gallop, slow and echoing, the muffled voice of the Captain saying something, and the sound of drunken singing. Elliott thought he recognized the song as Nearer my God to Thee, that the male voice sang. but he couldn’t be sure. For all Elliott knew, his memory was just bad, not the gentleman’s singing voice.

Elliott heard these things, and confirmation came from the secondary night shift guard who knocked on Elliott’s door to summon him.

Leather jacket, red bandana, and perturbed attitude was what Elliott wore as he made it from his house to the main street of the small town. As warned from the guard who saw them coming and the sounds that were their alarm, Elliott watched the Captain walk alongside his horse. With the Captain were four men. Three walked with him and the drunken man rode the horse. At least Elliott assumed he was drunk, not just by his singing, but by the way his body failed to stay upright with every easy move the horse made.

“Elliott,” the Captain said with a smile as he stopped. He reached his hand up to help the older man from the horse.

With a sloppy ‘thank you’ the older man missed the Captain’s hand and in a slide, fell from the animal’s body.

Quickly, the Captain helped him to his feet. “There you go. Are you all right?” He asked then returned with a smile to Elliott.

Elliott had a parental scold on his face. His eyes canvassed the horse that toted a cart, a cart that wasn’t attached to it earlier. It was full of supplies, bags and boxes.

“Elliott?” The Captain snapped his finger. “Hello?”

“Theirs?” Elliott asked pointing to the full cart.

“Some.” The Captain looked back. “What’s wrong?”

A deep breath came from Elliot first. “I’ll wait,” He gave a motion of his head to the newcomers.

“Oh.” The Captain snapped his finger. “Brock, Kyle and John,.” the Captain introduced. “Kyle spent six years in the Air Force. Isn’t that wonderful?.”

“Yes. And what about . . .” A point of Elliott’s head indicated to the drunken man.

“Get this.” The Captain grinned from ear to ear. “I am so excited.” He tugged the drunken man forward. “Elliott. Meet . . . ready?  Father O’Brien. Fr. O’Brien, Elliott Ryder.” High pitched like an excited child, the Captain spoke, “He’s a priest, an honest to goodness Catholic Priest. I thought since you played piano, you can be our church organist, Elliott. What do you think?”

“He’s drunk.” Elliott said when he tried to shake the hand of the man of the cloth and caused him to nearly fall forward.

“Minor problem.” The Captain waved his hand. “He’s a priest. Father, we have a church. It’s yours. And Elliott . . . he has kept his vow of celibacy all this time.”

“Um . . . so have I, Captain.” Elliott nodded his head.

Fr. O’Brien drunkenly chuckled. “If . . . if he’s the Captain. What are you?” He asked Elliott.

The Captain intervened. “He was a sergeant.”

“Sgt. Ryder.” Fr. O’Brien lifted his hand to salute and missed.

Elliott rolled his eyes.

The Captain smiled, pleased. “Look Elliott, he’s christened you a name. Sgt. Ryder.” About that point the Captain noticed Elliott’s demeanor wasn’t lightening up. “Someone’s a bit testy. OK, I know what you get like when you get groggy.” The Captain turned to Kyle. “Kyle, could you lead the others and our Catholic Priest to that building over there?” The Captain pointed to the ‘town hall’. “Doors open, I’ll be right there.”

Kyle agreed, took the reins of the horse, Fr. O’Brien by the arm, and led the men across the way.

Out of ear shot, Elliott faced the Captain. “Do you know what time it is?”

“No. Haven’t checked recently, why?”

“I thought you died!” Elliott’s whispering voice screamed out. “Dead. You have been gone since morning. You said you had a few things to get for the grand plan.”

“I did and I got them.” With a swat to Elliott’s arm, the Captain nodded. “Anything else?”

With a heavy breath and a shake of his head, Elliott tossed his hand in the air. “No. When . . . when do we hear the unveiling of this plan?”

“Tomorrow,” the Captain said with excitement. “And it is so good I’ve thought a lot about it. It has merit. I’ll tell you before everyone though.”

“Tell me now.”

“Can’t. Much too in-depth. But . . . I’ll give you a hint.” The Captain chuckled at Elliott’s whine. “You don’t want your hint?”

“Yes, “Less than enthused Elliott answered. “Give me my hint.”

“When we were in the service, our branch of the service had a theme. What was it?”

The corner of Elliott’s mouth lifted in a sarcastic smile. “The few, the proud.”

The Captain gasped. “How dare you blaspheme by calling us Marines. Try again.”

“Um . . .” Elliott shook his head so annoyed. “Be all that you can be?”

“Nope. Not that one.”

“What one!” Elliott grew impatient.

“Elliott. Please. This one . . .” Dramatically the Captain held his hand up. “It’s not just a job it’s a . . . It’s a what, Elliott?”

Elliott closed his eyes. “Oh, God. Adventure.”

“Good boy.” The Captain gave a slight shake to Elliott’s body. “That should give you a hint. See you in the morning.” The Captain began to walk away. “And get some sleep. You’re cranky,”

The plan. The grand plan. Elliott knew it had to be ‘out there’ for the Captain to work it out for so long before presenting it. And with the Captain coming up with it, surely it wasn’t without flare and dramatics. Watching the Captain walk away and listening to him sing his own rendition of Nearer my God to thee, Elliott put the guess work of the plan out of his mind. Knowing the Captain as well as he did, Elliott knew he could guess all night long and still not come even close to what the imaginative Captain came up with.

CHAPTER TWENTY

December 13

Bethesda Biological Research Center, Maryland

The wide dull grey eyes, the pasty pale skin with fresh blisters, the bloody regurgitation dripping from the mouth, the thick mucus that oozed from the nostrils...that was the look on all four bodies behind the glass wall.

George turned away. “When?” He asked Steward.

“Lab aid discovered them this morning,” Steward replied. “Couldn’t have happened very long ago. Everything appears pretty fresh.”

“Any idea what they were working on?” George asked. “Is it the virus we hit Beginnings with?”

“Don’t know. We’re still waiting for Burke,” Steward shrugged. “Obviously we can’t ask our top biologist and virologist.” He pointed to the window.

George groaned at the site of Dr. Radovich’s dead body. “Well, this proves my theory that Radovich didn’t know what the hell he was doing. As soon as . . .” George looked up. “Burke.”

Dr. Burke, thin and lanky, seemed to move in a side to side manner as he came down the hall. “Mr. President.” He looked into the window and cringed.

George rolled his eyes. “You were on this project, a flunky, but on this. What the hell happened?”

“As top dog now.” He held up his finger. “I can tell you they were working on viral strain ISP-327. Variation number twenty-six.”

“What the hell is that?”

“An experimental virus strain that combines a mutated bubonic plague along with cholera. Fast acting, blood borne pathogen highly contagious and deadly.” He peeked in the window again. “Obviously.”

“Is this the Beginnings virus?” Georg asked.

“No. ISP-327 variation number Twenty-six is not the Beginnings virus. ISP-214 variation number five is.”

“Why were they working on a virus other than one they knew they had a recipe for an antiserum.”

“They haven’t perfected the antiserum to ISP-214 variation Number five, A.K.A. Beginnings virus.” Dr. Burke said. “They wanted to surprise and impress you sir.”

George nearly scoffed. “Oh, they surprised me all right.”

“They thought this one was more potent, which it is. And…they also believed that they had perfected the antiserum to this one.” Burke pointed into the room.

“Did they forget to give it to themselves?”

“Oh they did,” Dr. Burke stated. “They thought it would work.”

“They thought wrong,” George huffed. “Did they not think to test it first?”

“On what?” Dr. Burke asked.

“I don’t know, let’s say . . . animals.”

So offended Dr. Burke seemed. “Animals. That would be inhumane.”

“And that isn’t.” George pointed into the room. “Get a clean-up crew in there when it’s safe. And no more working on anything but that ISP whatever the hell it is, A.K.A. beginnings virus. That is top priority. Get the antiserum perfected . . .” George began to walk away. “And get some goddamn animals to perfect it on,” he ordered as he moved down the hall with Steward.

Dr. Burke took another moment to reflect upon the scene behind the glass wall. Seeing that there was no clean-up crew and himself and the lab aid were it, Dr. Burke was glad he heard for himself that the Beginnings virus was top priority. Using that as an excuse, he shut out the light, darkened the lab and walked away to work on the Beginnings’ virus.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Ellen spoke so softly, so motherly, as she did her invasive procedure. “Good job.” She rubbed Johnny’s head as she removed the needle from his arm. “And you didn’t even flinch.”

“El.” Johnny reached for his shirt. “I’m a big boy now.”

“Now, you’re going to feel pretty bad in a couple hours. So I suggest you do what you need to do now. It kicked your father’s ass last night.” She tossed away the needle. “But Dean wanted you to have your dose so we can start working on the virus in two days.”

“Where is Dr. Dean now?”

“Up at Jason’s with Joe. They’re leaving to get Forrest in . . .” She looked at her watch. “…an hour. Tell me.” Ellen leaned back against the counter. “How is Denice feeling? How’s the pregnancy?”

“Good. Hey El, when will I feel it kick? She’s four months.”

“Let me think.” Ellen crossed her arms. “Soon, it should be soon. You’re father loved that when I was pregnant with Brian.” Moving from Johnny, Ellen began to gather her supplies.

“Are you done? Having kids?” Johnny rattled some at the sound of Ellen dropping her tray. “El? What’s wrong?”

Ellen turned to look at him. “Is just an odd thing to say to me right now. It’s . . . “ She smiled. “Henry.”

Henry looked shocked when he walked in; his hands immediately went behind his back. “Uh, hey El. How come Johnny is still here?”

Johnny stood up from his seat. “We were just talking about Ellen being pregnant.”

“El?” Henry smiled widely. “You’re pregnant. Oh that’s great.” He moved to her embracing her. “This is great. Especially since I’m the understanding, I get to be a part of . . .”

Ellen tried not to laugh. “Henry I’m not pregnant.”

“Oh.” Henry nodded. “Anyhow . . .” He reached behind him. “I found it.” He handed her a folded paper. “I hope it works.”

Ellen unfolded it, smiled then walked over to the counter laying it down. “I hope so too, because she is going to be here any minute. This spot should work.”

“I think so too,” Henry commented. “I wish I could stay and see, but . . .”

“I’ll fill you in. And you go.” Ellen waved him away. “Good luck with Forrest.”

Henry smiled with a nod and moved toward the door. “See ya guys.”

Shifting his eyes to Ellen with a sneaky smile, and to the paper Ellen lay on the counter, Johnny was about to ask what was up, but opted not to when Jenny Matoose walked in. The big smile on Ellen’s face answered his question.

Jenny swallowed harshly as she stepped into the clinic lab. “I’m here. Where do I sit?”

Ellen broadly smiled. “Hi Jenny.” She patted a stool. “Over here. And we really appreciate you lending us your blood. We really need it.”

“I hate needles.”

“I’ll be gentle.” Ellen unfolded Jenny’s arm laying it on the counter. “I’m the best at this you know.” Keeping up the fake pleasantries, Ellen uncapped a needle, placed it in Jenny’s arm and inserted it. “There.” She watched the tube fill up. ‘Come on Jenny see it. See it.’ Ellen beckoned in her mind, but nothing. Removing the tube of blood, and tourniquet, Ellen placed a small piece of cloth on Jenny and turned to the counter to write on the tube. Leaning and knowing Jenny hadn’t seen it, Ellen brushed the paper from the counter and it landed on Jenny’s lap.

“What is this?” Jenny asked with such disgust as she held it up with two fingers.

“Dean,” Ellen tsked. “That’s his new fetish. Go figure. Lesbians.”

“Oh my God, this is awful.” Jenny laid the picture down.

Controlling her laughter, Ellen moved closer to Jenny, picking up the picture. “Not really.” Ellen flashed the picture to Jenny and softened her voice as she leaned closer to her. “Actually Jenny, I was hoping you would find it as interesting as I do.”

“What . . . what are you doing Ellen?” Horrified, Jenny jumped off the stool and walked backwards.

“Gosh you have great eyes,” Ellen complimented. “Jenny, would you, would you be interested in trying this with me? I find you . . . dangerously attractive.”

“Oh my God. There’s something wrong with you.”

Ellen had to turn away from her. She didn’t want Jenny to see her smile.

“Frank?” She spun around and Frank leaned in the doorway, his arms folded. “Frank I . . .”

“Man El.” He walked in. “Talk about finding out something about someone after all these years. Hey John.”

“Hey Dad.” Johnny stood up. “I’m taking off. Got lots of blood to get from kids.”

“Have fun.” Frank stepped closer to Ellen as Johnny left.

Ellen watched as Frank moved snidely to her. “It was a joke Frank. And what are you doing here?” She noticed the way he dressed, a black sweatshirt and faded pair of jeans. “And look at you. I can’t remember the last time I say you dressed out of uniform.”

“I’m very handsome, aren’t I?” Frank laid his hand on his chest. “But . . .” He cleared his throat. “To show off my physique is not why I’m here. Since I’m off sick today, I thought we could head up to the quantum lab and spy on the Forrest trip. You know since it’s off limits to spectators.”

“Oh, that sounds fun. Let me clean up.” She moved to the sink. “How are you feeling?”

“Good. A little off. I did take time to work on my novel.”

Ellen froze. Suddenly she looked up. “Your novel? You’re reading?”

“El, please. Do I read? No.” Frank shook his head. “I’m writing one. I am the literary guy now. I wrote three pages.”

Ellen dried off her hands with a smile. “Oh, my God! I am so impressed. Can I read it?”

“When it’s done.” Frank held up his hand. “Not that I worry about you stealing my idea. But you know, writing . . .” Frank sniffed. “It’s a personal thing.”

“I understand. This is great.” Ellen walked with him from the lab. “Will you work on it tonight?”

“Oh, yeah. Absolutely.” Frank kissed Ellen on the cheek. “Only after we have that long awaited reunion.”

There was a slight hesitation in Ellen’s stride that she didn’t understand and hoped Frank didn’t see. She just smiled. “Our reunion. So . . . I’m married to an author.”

“Yeah.” Frank grinned and stopped walking. “Book cover pose.” seriously Frank crossed one arm over his waist and brought his fist to his chin. “How’s this?”

Ellen gave a chuckle and a thumbs up, then they continued their walk from the lab.

^^^^

Slamming the door to Jason’s quantum lab, Joe walked in, shaking the chill along with the coat he wore. “Done.” He spoke as he walked up to Henry, taking the motorcycle he was holding before the archway.

Jason fiddled with his computer. “Did you handle them?”

“Yes.” Joe answered, “like two damn kids hiding in the bushes laughing.”

Dean gripped his motorcycle, readying to go through. “Did they make fun of you Joe about riding a motorcycle? They were talking about doing that.” He watched Joe nod. “Did you tell Ellen to get back to work? She’s on her . . .”

“Dean!” Joe yelled with annoyance. “Yes. They are dealt with.” Joe motioned his head to Jason. “We’re ready when you are.” He turned back to Henry. “Henry are you . . . what’s wrong?”

Henry wasn’t smiling, he looked so serious. “I hate this Joe. I really hate this. Don’t screw around with anything, either of you. I’ll get really mad. Really mad. Especially if I come back and things are different. I’ll go over the edge Joe, I know I will. Who knows what I’ll be capable of . . .”

Joe’s hand quickly covered Henry’s mouth, silencing him. “A simple question. A simple goddamn question is all I asked.” He looked to Jason. “Start this thing will ya, before I strangle him.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

The Forrest Caceres Time Trip

July 18, 1990 - Billings Montana

Leaning into the steering wheel, Joe peered out the windshield, through the raindrops and the wipers that moved at a steady delayed pace. “Read those directions again.”

“I can’t read the directions, Joe.” Dean slumped in the passenger seat, his foot pressing against the glove box. “I’m very car sick. If I read anything I’ll throw up.”

“All right. Hand them over.” Joe held out his hand to Dean, waiting to feel the small slip of paper where directions by a gas station attendant were written on.

“And must you smoke?” Dean scooted over to the window. “This is a very closed in space, the air conditioner is running.”

“Yes I must smoke, and . . .” Joe reached for the large cup in the holder between the seat. “And sip my convenience store coffee, too.” He placed the cup back down and glanced at the directions. “Two more streets on the right is the turn.”

Dean coughed dramatically. “And you aren’t wearing a seatbelt.”

“Dean.” Joe jerked the car to a stop at the light. “This is why you and I never spend any time together. You get on my nerves.” Finishing his cigarette, Joe made the right turn. “There, I can see the sign for the hotel. Shit, look at all these cars.”

Dean sat up from his slump. “Which one is his?”

Only shifting his eyes, Joe looked at Dean. “How should I know? We are going to have to find Forrest then watch him go to his car.”

The lobby of the hotel was not as large as it would have seemed to be from the outside of the building. Joe sat on the lobby couch, staring across the grey and green interior, watching for the elevator doors. He thought of Dean in the car, baking in the hot July sun. He thought of Henry doing the same. Joe chuckled, wiped the pleasant and funny thoughts from his mind, and kept his focus ahead at the elevator.

Then Joe spotted him. Forrest Caceres. He looked very little like the picture of himself in the dust cover of his book. Forrest was shorter than Joe thought--he made Dean look tall. Rounder too. But the unmistakable mad scientist grey hair, sticking out at the temples, and the nervous way he waddled holding tightly to his briefcase, made Joe know he was the one.

Standing from his seat, fixing his tie, Joe approached the jittery old man. “Excuse me, Dr. Caceres?” Joe pulled out his identification as he stepped in front of Forrest, halting him. “I’m Joe Slagel, CIA.” He showed his identification. “I need a moment of your time.”

In his French, thick broken English accent, Forrest spoke. “I coon newt stoop.”  He waddled by Joe.

“Dr. Caceres.” Joe became anxious. He grabbed the short man’s arm. “Listen very carefully to what I am saying. We have reason to believe . . . no, we know . . . someone is going to try to take your life.” He watched the expression drop from the little man’s face. “I need to know which one is your car out there and I need you to follow my instructions to the tee. Understand?”

“How do I know, dat you are note un of dem?” He tried to get by Joe.

“I have come so far to ensure that you do not die today. I cannot take the chance that you don’t listen to me. It is important. If you walk away from me, if you get into that car, that will be the last you see of this earth, pal. Understand? Now walk with me outside, show me where your car is, and then I will explain it all.”

Forrest felt Joe’s tight grip on his arm. He clenched his suitcase tightly. Frightened, he listened to Joe while they walked.

Like a toy, it’s high pitch motor sound scrambled its small ‘used to be a toy car’ body the thirty or so feet to directly under Forrest’s car. Joe squatted some, his back against his car door, watching. Watching as Forrest slid in to his driver’s side. The nervous little doctor tapped the steering wheel, his eyes peering to Joe, then ahead, then back to Joe. “What the hell are you doing? Don’t start that car.” Joe knew it. His gut told him Forrest was in debate. “Shit.” Turning his body, Joe opened the car door. “Dean, you are gonna have to do this. I have to get his ass.”  Joe handed him the remote. “When you see us a good twenty feet from the car, you hit that red button. You hear?”

“But Joe . . .”

“Do it.” In a lowered stance, Joe crawled his way to Forrest’s car keeping an eye on his as he did. Forrest held the same apprehensive position. Reaching up as he reached the car, Joe opened the passenger’s door. “What the hell are you doing? Come on. You don’t think they’re watching?”

Forrest only turned and looked to Joe with a scared expression, still holding on to the steering wheel.

“Forrest! Don’t make me drag your ass out of there. Now get the hell out of the car. Get down low, or I swear I will shoot you myself. Now!”

“All rut, all rut, all-ruddy” Forrest slid down, pushing out his briefcase and sliding from the car.

“Stay low.” Joe held on to him. “Now, when you hear the explosion run, to our car. Got that?” Getting a nod, Joe placed a leading hand on Forrest back as they made their way back to Dean. As anticipated, at the right distance, Dean did not fail Joe. A swift hot wind smacked Joe and Forrest in their backs, knocking them to the trembling ground and causing them to cover their heads from the flying glass. “Run now!” Waiting for Forrest to get up some and dart in a wobbling way to the open back door of Joe’s car waiting for him, Joe turned back to check out the explosion. A huge flame shot straight in the air, forty or fifty feet from where the grey car was once parked. “Good job boys.” With a proud nod, Joe sped forward to his own car. He reached for the driver’s side door, peering to the back to see a sweaty and frantic Forrest. “Let’s go.”

“Joe!” Dean’s eyes widened. “Watch . . .”

Joe felt it. Dean’s words didn’t need to speak .He felt the hard cold metal pressing to the back of his head.

“Give me the doctor.” The deep male voice spoke. “And you and your buddy here can just go. Otherwise, I kill you, old man.”

Mouthing the words, ‘old man’ Joe closed the driver’s side door a little, clenched his weapon and assessed his assailant in the refection of the tinted glass.

“Did you hear me!”

Scoffing, Joe responded, “Yeah I hear you pal.” Using his revolver to heavy his fist, Joe clenched tight and spun around, nailing the man of his own height, center jaw. The hit sailed the man’s face to right and surprised him off his balance. With a grunt, all his strength, and an angry face that matched, Joe grabbed the man by the shirt and quickly charged him forth careening him face first down onto the hood of the car. Like a ball the man bounced up. He swayed some and fell backwards. Tossing his revolver in first, Joe slid in his car. And in one action motion, he shut the door and turned over the engine. “Let’s get out of here.” Pulling away quickly--but without a peel--Joe fled the parking lot of the hotel.

^^^^

After paying cash for the rental car, Joe and Dean took Forrest on the motorcycle from Miles City. Forrest didn’t say much, not at all in the trip from Billings. Joe preferred it that way. A scholarly man like Forest surprised Joe with the heavy accent.

Riding with Forrest on his motorcycle, Joe pulled on the dirt road off the highway, the dirt road that would take them to the back gate of Beginnings. It was then that Forrest began to scream. It was barely audible through the motorcycle noise, yet it was ringing in Joe’s ear as they rode through the tunnel and across the land of what was then the empty Garfield project. Picking up speed, so as to return in a haste, Joe was relieved to see Henry standing in the field. They stopped the bikes and turned off the engine. “You got it, Henry?” Joe said as he stepped from his motorcycle.

Standing without moving, Henry reached a pouch to Joe. He was stumbling in his words and demeanor. “Is that him?”

“Yep,” Joe answered, taking off his helmet and laying it on the motorcycle. “Henry, you’re all wet.”

“I’ve been sitting in the rain Joe.” Henry complained still staring at Dr. Caceres. “Sir, I’m Henry, I’m very . . .”

“New, new! Woot have I dune? You huff brit me here to dis plus! New!” He shuddered and sputtered as Henry reached for him.

“Shut up!” Joe pulled off the helmet from Forrest, jerking the little man’s head around as he did. “What, are you stupid? Christ, you are going to fit right in at Beginnings. Cause that’s where we’re taking you. . . . Dean.” Joe handed out the pouch to him. “Hit him.”

Dean looked horrified. “Oh no Joe, I can’t hit him. He’s old. Why would I . . .”

“Dean!” Joe’s hands shook as he brought himself to a calmer level. “The anti-virus, hit him with that you moron, it’s in the pouch. Christ. No wonder I feel a migraine coming.” Joe took an annoyance breath as he saw Forrest back up from Dean. He grabbed the good doctor, bracing him while Dean injected him. “Hold still pal, this is for your own good.” He felt Forrest shake some in fear then hold on to his newly injected arm. “You cry now, but in about ten seconds you’re gonna see that book of yours be a reality.” He led Forrest to Henry. “You hold him Henry when we go through, I have my bike. Ready?”

Henry grabbed hold of Forrest, and lifted the pendant. “Ready.” He looked back to make sure Dean was close enough. “Joe, I really hope you guys didn’t mess around with anything.”

“Just open the goddamn archway.” Joe had reached his end.

Punching in his birthday of January ninth, the archway illuminated and Henry pulled a reluctant Forrest through. The moment they stepped through, all of them, the moment they were greeted with a smiling and cigarette smoking Jason, Forrest, with a spinning head, swayed and fell face first to the floor.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Beginnings, Montana

“Back.” Dean exhaled and dropped his shoulders in a dramatic exhaustion.

Ellen turned from the counter with a smile. “Hey, how was the past.”

“El.” Dean walked in. “Weird. The woman at the car rental. Ready? She had a perm.”

Ellen gasped. “Oh, my God. Big hair?”

Dean shrugged. “It was in that ‘I wanna be big but fashion is saying no’ phase.”

Johnny snickered. “Big hair? Too funny. How’s the time machine memory loss?”

“Hasn’t hit me yet. In fact we’ve been back a couple hours. I feel fine. Henry too, for that matter he’s bitching about Robbie not fixing something,”

Johnny nodded his understanding. “The bakery circuit box. Geez, Henry’s complained to everyone about it. Oh . . . I take it by the mob sneak in, you guys got Forrest. How is he?”

“Exhibiting signs of the virus,” Dean said. “Good thing we hit him with the antidote before he breathed in our air. Other than that…scared really scared.”

“Talk about scared,” Johnny stated, “I had kid-blood duty. Man was that tough except for Joey. He’s so much like my Dad. Didn’t flinch.”

Dean stopped in his tracks. “You don’t say.” he said more in a daze, then continued to walk. “I’ll start separating it tonight. El, want to help?”

“Sure I can . . .” Ellen saw the look Johnny gave her. “Dean.” She softened her voice. “I can’t tonight. I . . . I promised Frank we’d spend the evening at . . . at home.”

Dean swallowed. “Oh, I forgot.” He shook his head as he walked to the counter with the racks of blood. “How is Frank? Still sick?”

“No.” Ellen answered. “He feels a little off today. But . . . Dean, check this out. Frank, he’s writing a novel.”

Dean was grateful his grip on the blood was so good or else when it toppled the tubes would have rolled out of control. “Frank is writing a novel?”

Johnny burst into laughter. “My dad’s writing a novel? Oh, my God.”

“Hey,” Ellen said defensively, “I am so proud of him. He wrote three pages already. And that’s a lot. Can you write three pages of fiction off the top of your head, Dean? No. He’s quite the literary guy.”

Dean exhaled with a roll of his eyes. “That’s it. That’s the reason. All right. I get it.”

Oddly Ellen looked a Dean. “What? You don’t think Frank’s literary? He is. He even used big words today.” She saw the disbelieving looks she got. “He did.” She paused. “OK, maybe to you and me they weren’t big words, but to Frank they were.”

Dean chuckled as he fixed the blood. “Just what the world needed a new version of ‘see spot run’.” After shaking his head once more at the thought of Frank writing a book, Dean returned to work.

^^^^

Henry slammed down his tool box with a thunderous force. It rattled as he dropped it less than gently to the ground in utter annoyance. He stood before the main circuit box of the bakery building, shaking his head in disbelief. “Not like I don’t have other things to do today.” Henry pulled out his list from his back pocket, looked it over and placed it in his mouth. “Asshole.” He popped open the cover to the circuit box peering in. Pulling the list from his mouth, he replaced it in his back pocket. His index finger fanned about in a circular motion as he looked over the inside of the circuit box. “If you want things done right . . . or in Robbie’s case, at all . . .” Henry bent down, flipping the lid to his tool box open with a vengeance. He retrieved what he needed and stood back up.

“Hey!” Robbie’s voice yelled.

Henry closed his eyes. “Now he shows up.” Lowering the tool he had just started to raise, Henry turned to Robbie. “What?”

“I’ll do that.” Robbie set his stuff down. “That’s why I’m here.”

“Well it’s been on your list of things to do for three days, Robbie.” Henry scolded. “Three days. I told you this morning it absolutely cannot be blown off again. It’s a simple task. Tie in a spare breaker. And you couldn’t find the few minutes to do it?”

“Henry I was busy. I have things to take care of.” Robbie remained calm. “Now step away and I’ll handle it.”

“I’ll handle it. Go do your other things. This is just another prime example of how you don’t do things and it makes me look like the prick for getting in your shit.” Clenching his jaws, Henry merely stared at him. “You seem to forget I have other things to do.”

“You seem to forget the same. I work in three other divisions, Hank. You aren’t the only one who is busy around here.”

“No I’m not Robbie,” Henry spoke resentfully, “but when I have a list of things to do, I do them and I don’t quit until I complete my tasks for the day. Maybe you should learn that.”

“What? And kill myself. Fuck that. A spare breaker isn’t important. Now move.”

“I’ll do it,” Henry insisted.

“Fine Henry. Be female.” Robbie leaned downward to retrieve his stuff. As he did he saw it, his eyes widened and like a lightning bolt, a surge of fear hit him, especially when he peered up to see Henry bringing his screw driver into the box. “Henry!” Quickly, Robbie raised his hand, clasping Henry by the wrist and pulling his arm back. Three deep breaths came from him as he stared at Henry, still holding onto his arm. Robbie swallowed. “Look.” He shifted his eyes down then led Henry with him as he drew close to the ground. “Look.” Robbie pointed and released Henry.

“Shit.” Henry dropped his tool and nearly lost his balance. He looked closely to the grounding. The copper had been severed so slightly that from a top view it would not have been seen. “It’s not grounded.”

“Nope.” Robbie let out another breath, standing and running his hand through his hand. “I thought you were a dead man.”

“I would have been. Thanks Robbie.” Henry shocked, stood to his feet.

Robbie looked down at it again. “You know, it’s possible it was accidental, weather worn. But, someone did this on purpose. It’s too neat and clean.”

“Who?” Henry asked.

“I don’t know. But think about this. My task, my reputation. You anal tendencies, your reputation. Seeing how everyone knows how we are . . . seeing how this needed done, it leaves me to question.” Robbie lifted his list from his chest pocket and held it up to Henry, pointing to breaker box task. “Which one of us two, was this meant for?”

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

Many books were stacked before Elliott on top of the long table. But none caught his attention visually and physically as did the huge oversized hard book the Captain dropped before him.

A cloud of dust caused Elliott to cough. When the smoke cleared, he was faced with a grinning Captain. “No.” Elliott shook his head as he swept the dust from the title. “I knew it. I knew this was where you were going.”

“Isn’t it brilliant?” The Captain asked.

“No.” Elliott was adamant. “This is not right. Why?”

“We have to stand out.”

“And fighting the society won’t do that?” Elliott stated. “If you need a gimmick, what about riding motorcycles instead of horses?”

“There you go with the bikers from hell again. Elliott, get out of that teenage fantasy of yours.”

“Why? You haven’t,” Elliott said. “What is to gain by doing this? How . . . how will dressing like this make us any better fighters?”

“Don’t you think the whole persona of it all will enforce a sense of patriotic pride?”

“This is crazy.” Elliott pushed the book forward. “You want to transform everyone. Not only by the way they dress, but act as well. You, Captain, will never be able to get these men to agree. For as good as you are, you won’t. They’ll fight. But this…” Elliott pointed to the books. “…is pushing it.”

A little dejected, the Captain swiped up the large dusty book. “We’ll see. We’ll let the men determine. What they decide, we do.”

Elliott nodded his agreement to that. The meeting would be the final determination.

^^^^

His combat boots clunked with a deadened sound on the gymnasium floor. Crowded and packed with everyone but the women, the Captain found his spot before them. He allowed enough room to encircle himself so he could pace. And he did, hands behind his back, walking as he talked. Elliott was a mere couple feet from his side as he approached the men of the town.

“One meal,” the Captain said. “One meal. I can promise you fresh water, and I can promise you at least one meal a day that you do not have to scavenge, fight, or search for. Rations will dictate any more. There is a lot of growth this little town can make,” the Captain spoke deeply, “but is this the place where I want to grow old? Though I’d like that, I also would like to be able to grow old and move about this land of ours. Move about without fear of running into militant soldiers, or people turned animal. Move about without fear for my life. I know each one of you would like that as well. The forty-eight of us who envisioned this town, never once envisioned the horror that builds on the eastern side of this country. Realistically, what is happening in the east will eventually make it to the west, and with that, to us in this town. I know we as a group are far from strong enough to hit the head base of Quantico. So we have to defend and eliminate this threat, not by might, but by strategy, skill, and heart. This is why I asked you here.” A few more paces and the Captain stopped. “We, the forty-eight who founded this town would like to invite you all to officially be a part of us. But I must tell you, we are structuring. We all were in the United States Service. And we decided that regiment of living is what we want to reinstate amongst us. It breeds a sense of organization along with strength and camaraderie. Yes, yes,” The Captain nodded his head. “I’m slipping back into that mode I was in years before the plague, the recruiter. And I wish to recruit you. But this is different. In the old world I recruited for numbers. Yes I recruited men who wanted nothing but to earn a paycheck in their lives . . . Like Elliott Ryder.” The Captain pointed to Elliott.

Elliott cringed.

“Men who wanted to work for their father and spend the rest of their life in Cleveland . . . . like Elliott Ryder. Men who dreamed of being rock stars, like . . . Elliott Ryder. However these same young men, who joined the ranks of the United States service, became through the service, the type of man who could stand proud and the type of man who would, in a heartbeat, give up his life for you . . . like . . . Elliott Ryder.”

Elliott lowered his head with a slight shake to it.

“But we want to do it differently,” The Captain stated. “I would like to take it one step further. I have a plan in this structuring of a new military power. I would like us to stick out. Be different than society soldiers or anything else out there. Different in the way we dress, walk, act, think, talk, and mostly, the way we fight. The skill I want us to acquire will be of skills that the society will not know how to defend, skills long forgotten. Why do I want this difference?  Knowing why goes hand in hand with the purpose for doing so. History. History continues. It will be documented somewhere, somehow. I want when a page is turned in the history books, immediately upon sight and without hesitation, I want that reader of history to look at our picture and know exactly who we were. Who I want us to be is not a band of survivors, not the great defectors, but rather the great defenders, the Freedom Fighters.” Soft went the Captain’s voice. “We gentlemen may not be fortunate enough to have a child in our lifetime. But does that mean we cannot fight for the child of the future? Children should be born free, born of parents who loved and planned for them. Not of shelled out women whose wombs are the value. I want these children to be able to open the history books, able to walk in the sun, across this great nation of ours, do all this because we were the ones who fought for that. When we joined the service, we pledged to fight for three things. Our God, our families, and our country. I know there is a God. We’re alive. We no longer have our families . . . all that is left to fight for is our country, and by God, it is time to defend it, protect it, and take it back.”

Elliott realized before hearing any crowd response what the general consensus, undisputed, and unanimous vote would be on the Captain’s plan. And right then and there, Elliott knew the Captain could have told the group of men they would be fighting in pink tutus and they would wear them, and wear them with pride. The Captain did what he always did. He motivated and moved. And the Captain didn’t just get them, he had them.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Deep breaths buried themselves within the palms of Joe’s hands, folded and brought to his face. His hand covered his nose as he sat on the couch only wanting to go to bed.

“And you know he’s doing this avoidance on purpose,” Robbie griped as he paced fast back and forth before Joe. “I told him to come here, but no. He has to wait until you’re all ready for bed.” Robbie stopped. “So he radioed he’s on his way. Where is he?”

“This can’t wait until morning?” Joe asked.

Before Robbie could answer, the double knock on the door was Henry’s announcement.

“You wanted to see . . .” Henry stopped and shut the door. “Oh. Oh, I get it. Tattle tale.”

“It’s not being a tattle tale, Asshole,” Robbie said with edge. “I’m going to the leader of the community.”

“I was willing to wait with my judgment call.” Henry waved his hand about. “But no, you had to get a jump . . . nice jammies, Joe . . . on your stupid circuit breaker box theory.”

“My stupid theory. No, Henry. Yours.”

“You cut in front of me to tell him.”

“I live with him,” Robbie yelled. “Why shouldn’t I tell him you were trying to kill me?”

‘Me?! No, Robbie you were trying to kill me.”

Joe whistled shrilly and stood up. “Hold it. This is over the breaker box?” Joe looked at both of them. “I thought you two were going to work on this together to figure out if it was rigged, and if so, who.”

“We did,” Henry nodded. “And I figured out. Robbie was trying to kill me.”

Robbie laughed in a scoff. “That was my job. Why would I rig it for myself.”

“Boys,” Joe grumbled an intrusion.

“Because you knew if you didn’t do it, I would.”

“Oh, bullshit, Robbie stated strongly. “You were the one who rigged that grounding.”

“Boys,” Joe tried again.

“Right,” Arrogantly Henry defended. “If I was trying to kill you, why would I be the one touching the box!”

“Because you have time machine memory loss! You forgot you were trying to kill me!”

“If I was trying to kill you,” Henry snapped. “Trust me, that pleasant thing, I wouldn’t forget. And . . . I wouldn’t have failed.”

“Oh listen to you trying . . .”

“Boys!” Joe screamed nearly popping a vein. “Enough! This has got to be the lamest goddamn argument I have ever heard.”

“But, Dad,” Robbie intervened, “you have to listen to me. Henry did it. He . . .”

“Robbie enough. I don’t want to hear it.”

“No.” Robbie shook his head. “At the meeting he threatened me. And it’s bullshit you won’t even consider what I’m saying.”

“Robert,” Joe said sternly, “go to your room.”

“What?” Robbie yelled with a laugh. “I’m thirty-two years old. You can’t send me to my room, what do you think . . .”

“Robert! My house, my rules!” Joe screamed his loudest. “Go to your goddamn room.”

“Fine.” Robbie stomped over to the steps. “Thirty-two years old. I don’t want to live at home. I asked to have my own place,” He complained marching up the steps loudly, “but no. What’s next Dad?  Are you grounding me? Go to my room.” Robbie’s voice faded along with his heavy footsteps. “Fuck!”

Joe heard the all too familiar sound of the childish slamming of the door. He looked with irritation to a snickering Henry. “You think that’s funny?”

Henry wiped the smile from his face. “Um, no Joe. Not at all. Now . . . can we discuss the fact that your son tried to kill me.”

“Out.” Joe pointed to the door. “Get out of my house.”

“But Joe . . .”

“Out!” In a frightening manner, Joe demanded. “Out! Out! Out!”

Henry ran.

When the door slammed, Joe shook his head. “Act like children and they wonder why I treat them like children. Morons.” Trying not to think too much more about it, Joe shut off the light, adjusted his favorite checkered pajama bottoms and went to bed.

^^^^

Ellen had just turned down the first fold of the bed when she lifted her head to the odd darkness that suddenly happened upon the room. The lights had gone out. No sooner did that happen and she heard the strike of a flame. The slight orange color filled the room and she turned around.

“Tucked in and all asleep.” Frank lit another candle setting them both on the dresser. “Doors locked.” From under his arm he pulled a bottle of wine and showed Ellen. “Welcome home.”

“Frank,” She whispered. “Do you think that this is a good idea?” She walked over to him.

“No.” He poured her some wine and handed her the glass. “I think it’s a great idea. Drink up. But not too much, it’s Henry’s wine. You know how you get.”

Ellen giggled, sipped then set down the glass. She watched Frank down his. “Frank, I mean with you just getting better.”

“I’m fine.” After putting down his glass, Frank stepped to Ellen. “I’m so nervous about tonight. I know we’ve been together more times than we could ever count. But . . . I’m nervous. This is our reunion.”

Ellen swallowed. “Frank . . .”

Frank saw something in her eyes. “What?” He whispered. “El? What is it? Please don’t tell me our last time ruined it forever. I swear I’m sorry for that. I swear.” There was a certain amount of hurt in Frank’s voice. “I love you. I just want this to be right. I want us to be right. But if you don’t want to . . .”

“No.” Ellen shook her head and moved against. “No. I’m just . . . I’m just nervous too.” Wrapping her arms around Frank’s neck, Ellen kissed him. “But this is the last time I’ll be nervous about being with you because I don’t think there’s anything that can break us up now. Nothing.” Forgoing anything and everything in her that was taking away her moment with Frank, in her mind Ellen rekindle the promise she made to make her marriage work. And with that, she began the intimate steps with Frank in their prelude to their physical reunion.

^^^^

They were visions and thoughts Dean had to put out of his mind. Ellen and Frank. But he knew everything he was feeling, he had to put aside. Dean had to resign himself to the fact that things were different. And work was the only thing that would help. Dean wanted to put his mind somewhere else.

Racks of blood needed to be separated and readied for testing. Getting a jump on that would be just the prescription he would order himself. Turning on the light in the dark lab, Dean made his way to the fridge to retrieve the first rack of blood. He pulled out the clipboard to keep track that way. But he wanted to have his tape recorder handy as well.

Walking to his desk, Dean opened the top drawer, the recorder laid on top. Two steps from the desk Dean stopped. “Shit. This tape is full.” He ejected that tape, tossed it in the box that held other dictation tapes needing to be logged in the computer, and went back to his desk. The extra tapes weren’t in the third drawer so he had to rummage. And rummaging brought him to the last drawer of his desk. Bending down and opening it, Dean saw the file. Curiously he lifted it and read the name ‘Joseph Anthony Slagel’. He remembered having Joey’s chart out, but couldn’t believe he never returned it to the files. Vowing to do so first thing in the morning, Dean set the folder on top of the desk so as not to forget. But just as Dean dropped the file, his memory kicked in. He remembered exactly the reason he had retrieved that chart. He had questioned in his mind so adamantly about the accuracy of Joey’s paternity test, that he kept pulling it out and reviewing those results. Short of running the tests all over again, Dean knew there was nothing he could do but accept the results documented.

Mid return to the blood on the counter, Dean stopped. His eyes shifted from the folder to the rack of blood. He stayed there in thought, shaking his head at what he contemplated. How wrong it would be. What would be the point? Were the original results really wrong? And Joey’s blood sample was to be used for virus work.

After debating, really debating on what to do, Dean made his decision. A tiny bit of blood would be worth a whole lifetime’s peace of mind. And with that, Dean went to the rack and sought out Joey’s blood.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

It had been so long since the Captain had seen Elliott, he began to grow concerned. Not long after the meeting, Elliott stated his task of tuning the piano for Fr. O’Brien and took off. Hours and hours had passed; no clinks and clanks of ivories were heard. Where was Elliott?

Following the myth of Elvis path of ‘I saw him there’, The Captain investigated. And, though drunk, Fr. O’Brien was correct. Elliott was in the church.

It was dark with the exception of the few lit candles, but the Captain saw Elliott sitting in the first pew. Walking quietly, the Captain made his way up the aisle. Then in old world, Catholic practice that felt so good to him to have back, the Captain genuflected, blessed himself, and slid into the pew.

He took the same sitting position as Elliott, hands folded, leaning forward. “You know,” the Captain whispered, “if I didn’t know you better, I’d swear you were avoiding me.”

The swallow was so hard, the ‘gulp’ of it was heard. Turning to look at the Captain, Elliott’s facial muscles twitched. “I . . . I am.”

At first the Captain thought Elliott was joking then he saw by his eyes, he wasn’t. “Why?”

“Because for the first time . . .” Elliott stared down to his own folded hands. “For the first time ever I feel really bad about disagreeing with you.”

“Disagreeing?” The Captain shook his head, so lost. “Disagreeing about what?”

“Everything. Every little thing.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Your new army.” Elliott looked up. “Reestablishing of rank, saluting, military codes we gave up so many years ago. You don’t want to just regiment their lives, you want to instill a whole new way of life.”

The Captain still wasn’t picking up the seriousness in Elliott’s argument. “Elliott, please. I explained to you. It is needed. They all agreed. A change in them. A pride in what they become will in turn play a big role in what and why they fight. If they feel the part, live the part, they will be the part.” The Captain lingered in Elliott’s tense silence. “Elliott?

Elliott shook his head.

“Elliott, if you have something to say. Say it. Speak your mind.”

“Fine,” Elliott paused heavily. “You have nearly two hundred men out there willing to run around in uniforms that may be enhanced some, but still are something from the civil war or cavalry. You want them to carry themselves a certain way. Even speak a certain way. My God, Captain, do you realize how ludicrous it sounded when they applauded the concept of attending class for that? Walk, talk, act the part. The part? You don’t just want them to wear the uniforms, you want them to be the men who used to wear those uniforms, to fight the same fight. Well it isn’t the same fight,” Elliott argued with passion. “It isn’t. These men are going up against savage armies. These men will go up against armies well equipped with modern weapons, weapons that will demolish them. And how do you want them to fight? Minimal firing power, the raise of the mighty sword and with the charge of the bugle, sail in like heroes on horseback? It’s insane.” Exhaling an emotional chuckle Elliott sat back.

“My God,” the Captain gasped, “disagreeing with me is an understatement. You’ve been swimming in these thoughts all day.”

Elliott nodded. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize for what you feel. Don’t. Tell me what can I do?”

Nervously Elliott looked at the Captain. “Just know, you have been my best friend for a really long time. I have stood beside you through every good and half-baked idea you had. I was there. I would like very much to lend a hand in any way I can but . . . but, Captain.” Elliott’s voice dropped to a whisper. “If you were merely wanting to secure a section of land, protect it, keep it safe, and make it free, then I would fight your fight. But you want to free and protect the entire United States of America. To me that isn’t just an impossible fight, it is . . . it is impossible. And I can’t . . . I can’t with a clear heart and mind, fight that fight with you.”

The Captain’s heart sunk so hard he swore he felt it hit the pits of his being. With a tightly closed mouth and a nod, the Captain stood. “I . . . I understand.” Laying a hand to Elliott’s shoulder, and without looking at him, he gave a simple squeeze. “I understand.” Eyes ahead, the Captain slipped from the pew, genuflected before the alter, turned in a pivot, and silently walked from the church.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

December 14

Beginnings, Montana

“Ow. Ow. Easy, Andrea,” Joe griped while feeling the strong tug of his arm as Andrea moved swiftly. “What. Ouch. You’re pinching me.” He pulled his arm away stopping in front of distribution. “Now do you care to tell me what is wrong?”

“Joe,” Andrea sadly gasped out. Then she said no more.

From Andrea to his watch, Joe looked. He waited but not for long. “For crying out loud. Get it over with.”

“Fine,” the word peeped from her. “Your son.”

“Why do people do that?” Joe tossed his hands up. “Which son? I have two.”

Through her nostrils Andrea breathed, then closing her eyes she dramatically reached behind her and pulled from her back pocket a rolled up magazine and slapped it into Joe’s chest.

Joe looked at it. “Robbie.” He shook his head at the pornography. “What he reads I can’t help. Sorry.”

“No.” Andrea shook his head. “You’re right there. But my boy found that when he was emptying trash in containment.”

“Oh, Boy.” Joe rubbed his eyes.

“And Joe,” Andrea’s voice deepened, “he was traumatized. Denny told me he asked Robbie if he could look. Robbie said sure and now . . . my boy is having nightmares.”

“Andrea, he isn’t having nightmares.”

“He is Joe. He is,” She argued. “I need . . . I need you to have . . . the talk,” she whispered. “I can’t do it. You had four boys.”

Joe looked again to the magazine then back up to Andrea. “I’ll have the talk with Denny. Tell him to be at my office in an hour, and Josh too, Might as well only get one headache out of it.”

“Thank you Joe.” Andrea kissed him on the cheek. “And that?”

“I’ll handle this.” Joe held the up magazine then smiled. “As a matter of fact, excuse me, Andrea.” With a whap to his hand, focused in a different direction, Joe began to walk. “Robert.” He called out sternly.

Robbie stopped cold. “Shit.” He debated on running but he didn’t know why. But from years of experience, being called Robert usually didn’t foretell of something good with his father.

^^^^

“Oh, he returns,” Henry said with sarcasm as he saw Robbie round the end of the utility building.

“Shut up, Henry,” Robbie snapped. “Do you have the new box and grounding?”

“Yes. I’m not letting you touch it though. You’ll try to kill me again.”

“I didn’t try to kill you, prick.”

“Oh, that’s right.” Henry held up a finger. “I tried to kill you. But, because of my time machine memory loss I forgot I rigged the box.”

“Thank you,” Robbie said, “thank you for the confession.”

“Gentlemen,” Frank intruded, “we aren’t arguing about this again, are we?” He looked at both of them. “Instead of wasting so much time on each other, how about trying to find out who really did it.” Feeling like a peacekeeper, but knowing it wouldn’t last, Frank took a step and stopped. “Oh, yeah. Robbie. Wanna grab a drink tonight at the hall?”

“Can’t Frank. Get this. I’m grounded.” Robbie gave a crossed look to Henry who laughed.

Frank had a slight chuckle to him. “You’re grounded. As in punished to the house.”

“Yeah.” Robbie nodded. “Dad grounded me. Can you believe that?”

“Oh, my god,” Frank gasped. “What did you do?”

“That’s not the point Frank,” Robbie said.

“Of?” Frank asked.

“Forget it.”

“All right. I’ll be in Dad’s office.” Frank pointed backwards, took a few steps then turned and headed to Joe’s office.

“Man.” Robbie shook his head. “I love my brother, but can he be dumb or what at times.”

“Uh, Robbie,” Henry said snidely, “you’re talking about Frank being dumb. You’re in your thirties and still allowing your father to ground you.”

“Ha-ha-ha, asshole.” Robbie grabbed some gear from Henry. “Tell me if my father was your father, you’d argue with him?”

After Robbie walked off, taking a second to think about Joe, Henry slowly nodded. “He has a point.”

^^^^

There was something about Joe’s desk that Frank just loved. Sitting back in the worn out chair Joe had searched the ravished world for, a chair that rocked back with ease, a feeling of power Frank would enjoy until he heard the door open. Then he’d jump up and pretend he never sat behind that desk especially since he suspected his father was on a war path of sorts. He himself didn’t want to end up grounded like Robbie.

Frank heard it, the turn of the doorknob. He sprang up and stopped when he saw Denny and Josh walk in. Wanting to appear powerful to the teenagers, Frank sat back down. “Hey, guys. What’s up?”

“Nothing,” Denny spoke as he pulled up a chair.

“Nothing,” Josh repeated as he sat down next to Denny. Both boys sat up straight, tapping their hands on their knees.

Frank stared at them for a while, they just stared back. “Why are you here?”

Denny looked at Josh, then Frank. “To see Joe. My mom sent us up. This is really dumb. My mom said Joe is going to talk to us about insects and birds. Something like that. Right Josh?”

“Right,” Josh nodded. “She said the birds and the bees. She said we need to know.”

“Oh.” Frank leaned back with a grin. “You guys don’t want my Dad to talk to you about that stuff. He has the old guy point of view. I can talk to you. I’m literary, you know. I’m writing a novel.”

“Oh, wow.” Denny looked amazed. “An honest to goodness book? You must be smart.”

A little bashful look crossed Frank’s face as he winked and tilted his head. “Well. You know. So . . .” He leaned back. “The talk. How about I give it to you in a nut shell.” Frank pulled his chair closer. “Plain, simple, and to the point. Let’s see.” Thinking, he ran his hand over his goatee. “All right, listen carefully. Things are gonna start to happen to you. Maybe they already did, I don’t know.”

“Things?” Denny asked. “Like bad things? You mean like when we broke the cover to the box on the bakery building.”

“No!” Frank waved his hand about. “Your body. Things will happen to your body. Changes.” He saw they weren’t getting his point. “Um . . . big changes. Uh . . .” Frank snapped his fingers. “You’ll grow. There will be times when parts of your body will grow and change. Get it?” He motioned his eyes downward.

Both at the same time, Denny and Josh looked at the floor under Joe’s desk.

Denny lifted his head up. “I don’t get it.”

“All right.” Frank took a breath. “Have you noticed that your body is different now than it was, say three years ago?”

Denny’s mouth widened. “Oh yeah. Mine is. Is yours Josh?”

“Oh yeah. Go on Dad, we know what you mean now.”

“Good, good. We’re on the same wave length. O.K. Now because of these changes, you are going to start to get these feelings, these . . . symptoms so to speak of those changes.”

Denny looked petrified. “Are we going to get sick? I don’t want to get sick.”

“No.” Frank stopped him, trying not to laugh. “These feeling aren’t all that bad. You just won’t know why you get them. They happen at your age because you’re getting older. And . . . you might have them when you’re growing,” Frank winked.

Josh raised his hand. “What do these feelings feel like?”

“Um . . .give me a minute. They can be warm and tingling. Yeah, good word. Tingling.”

Denny’s eyes half closed and he nodded to Josh. “Tingling. I had that feeling once.”

“Me too, Josh said, “when I slept on my arm wrong. Dad, what do we do about these feelings, will they bother us?”

“Oh yeah. And in this society, gentlemen, there’s not a whole lot you can do. Tough break but that’s the way it is. It’s tough to be a guy.” Frank leaned further into them. “But I’ll give you some old fashion advice. Don’t touch yourself too much or you’ll go blind. Look at Dean, that’s why he has to wear glasses.” Frank sat back in his chair.

Denny looked amazed. “Wow Frank, thanks.”

“Sure no problem,” Frank nodded. “That’s about all there is to tell you guys. Anymore would be sort of ridiculous.”

Josh stood up first. “We don’t need to know anymore. That helped.”

Denny stood also. “But what did it have to do with insects and such?”

Frank shrugged. “I never could figure that one out myself. Someone told me once it has to do with the pollen on the flowers.”

Denny opened his mouth with a nod, “I get it. Let’s go Josh. We’ll tell my mom we are more educated.”

“Yeah, and let’s tell her about the pollen on the flowers thing.” Josh opened the door. “She’ll be impressed with us.”

“Good idea.” Denny pulled the door closed and saw Joe approaching. “Hey Mr. Slagel.”

“Boys.” Joe tossed his cigarette. “I thought we were having a little talk.”

Josh looked back at the door. “We don’t need to. My Dad just told us about it. Come on Denny.”

Stunned, Joe watched the darting of teenagers then looked at his office door. “Frank?” He opened it up and saw Frank seated at the desk. “Christ, what did you tell them?”

^^^^

Ellen walked slowly in the clinic lab, holding her clipboard, and announcing her results to an uninterested audience of one . . .Dean. “Definitely signs of the virus in the blood injected rabbit. Yeah definitely. Dean, I’m being Rain Man.” No reaction. Ellen moved on. “The intimate rabbits are exhibiting signs too, along with the two that shared water and food. But they both came in at three days. Now the ones . . .”

“Amazing.” Dean spoke softly reading from a folder.

“He speaks!” Ellen faced him. “What? These results?”

“No.” His voice was monotone. “Johnny didn’t get sick.”

“Dean?” Ellen set down the clipboard. “Were you listening to a word I said? I was reading the results form up at the mobile.”

“Yes,” Dean answered, stood, and walked to a microscope.

“Yes, what? You were listening.”

“Yes, Ellen,” Dean said as if he were busy.

“Then what did I say? Dean . . . Dean . . .” Ellen paced behind him. “What did I say? Dean? If you were listening tell me . . .”

“Ellen!” He snapped. “I’m not paying these stupid games. All right. No. No I wasn’t listening. All right.”

Hostile, Ellen slammed her hand on the counter. “I don’t know what your problem is . . . yes, I do. No, I think do. I won’t say just in case it’s not it. I don’t want…”

“Ellen.” Again Dean interrupted with a jolting voice. “Quit talking in circles.”

It was with glaring eyes that Ellen stared at Dean then, without saying anything further, she stormed from the lab. Her quick pace kept up taking her straight out of the clinic. She didn’t want to go far, she only wanted to calm, down. Pacing instead of talking in circles, Ellen was surprised when she heard the voice from behind.

“Ellen.” He stepped to in front of her, his eyes peering forth.

“Reverend Thomas, hi.” She folded her arms.

“Just the person I hoped to see.”

“Oh that is nice, thank you. But I’m getting back to work. I just wanted to get some air.”

“Bad air,” Moses said coldly.

“Bad air, good air. It depends what kind of weather you like, don’t you think? But I must get back.”

“Ellen.” He stopped her from walking and held her arm. “I will pray for you on my retreat. When I get back, we will meet.”

Ellen giggled. “You made a rhyme. Did you do that on purpose?”

After a slam of his hand in frustration and a grab of his jacket, Dean walked out into the hall to follow Ellen. Through the glass doors he could see Ellen talking to Rev. Thomas, or Moses as Dean knew him by. Running full speed, Dean flew out side and grabbed Ellen. “Stay away from her!” He demanded.

Ellen spun her head to Dean. “My God, are you being rude. Reverend Thomas came to say goodbye and tell me he was going to pray for me. Dean, apologize.”

“No.” Dean stared at Moses.

Moses smiled with arrogance and stepped back. He faced Ellen. “We will meet when I get back. I’ll let you know what the Lord says about you.”

“Thanks.” Ellen smiled.

Dean pulled Ellen away. “You . . .” He pointed to Moses. “…will stay away from her. Let’s go El.” He began to tug her, against her will, inside.

“Dean.” Ellen gasped. “What is wrong with…”  She felt the push of her body into the clinic. “Dean.” She stopped and refused to go anymore. “Something is up with you. What? You have been quiet all morning. What is it? Is it me and Frank?”

Dean’s eyes closed painfully. “No.”

“Then what?” She stepped closer whispering. “What?”

“I guess now is as good a time as any. Come on.” Leading the way, Dean went back into the clinic lab. Once Ellen was inside, Dean took a deep breath and shut the door. “Before I tell you, I have to say something to you.” He laid his hands on her shoulders. “El, El I love you. I would never in a million years intentionally hurt you.”

“Dean.” Ellen gave a nervous laugh. “You act like you did something terrible to me. What did you do? It can’t be that bad.”

“Oh it is.” Blowing slowly, Dean leaned against his desk. “El, the other night I was thinking about Joey. When I . . . I look at him, really looked at him, touched his tiny face, all I see is Frank.” Dean clenched his fist. “I couldn’t help it. It was eating at me. So I took some blood from his virus sample and I ran a blood test. Joey, Joey is a great kid El. He really is a great kid. But . . . he’s not my kid. He’s Frank’s.”

Ellen’s head dropped forward. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Neither do I.” Dean crossed his arms tightly. “I’m sorry might work. I am, I am really sorry. I’ve been kicking myself over this. I can’t believe it. Because of the time screw up, there are some things we are not aware of. Joey is one of them. But still, it’s no excuse. I was wrong, really wrong. I can’t believe I hurt you like that and I can’t tell you how sorry I am for . . .”

“Oh my God.” Ellen lifted her head to look at him. “You’re blaming yourself.”

“Yes, I’m blaming myself. I’m the only one who could have done this.”

“No Dean you aren’t.”

Dean tilted his head with a confused look. “Andrea did this?”

“No, Andrea was an innocent pawn.” Ellen sadly shook her head. “I am someone who could have done this. I am the one who did this.”

Dean nearly fell backwards into the desk. “El, how did you do it?”

Ellen took a deep breath and swallowed. “You and Frank were at each other’s throats over Joey’s paternity. I was so worried. The day that Andrea took the blood from him, the moment she took it, Robbie . . . Robbie distracted her and I switched it with a sample of Billy’s blood.”

“Robbie? Robbie was in on this too? How could he do that to his brother? Oh my God.” Dean covered his face. “How could you do this El? How could you and he do something like this? Frank has to know.”

“No.”

“El.” Dean moved to the door. “Frank needs to know Joey is his kid. I am not holding off another second telling him that. It’s wrong.”

“No Dean, don’t tell him.” Ellen grabbed on to him. “Let it go. Just let it go. It’s been going on for three years now, forget about it. You’ve been raising him, you’ve been loving him.”

“And I still will. But Frank will know he is his kid.” Dean reached for the door.

“Then are you prepared to tell him Brian is yours?”

“What?” Dean faced her. “He doesn’t need to know that.”

“Double standards Dean? If you tell Frank that Joey is his kid and make me deal with those consequences, then you will deal with them as well. I will tell him Brian is yours.”

“Don’t!” Dean held his hand outward, his face and voice outraged. “Don’t you dare blackmail me on this one. Don’t you dare do that to cover your own ass! What you did was wrong! Are you afraid that he’ll find out that you’ve been lying?!”

“Not half as afraid as I am that he will hate me forever. Don’t Dean.” Ellen’s breathing became heavier. She fought the emotional tears that crept up on her.

“He deserves to know Ellen.” Again Dean tried for the door.

“You preach to me on what I did was wrong. You were wrong too with Brian. Just as wrong.”

Worse than before, Dean faced her. “What happened with Brian, what we did was not out of malice. It wasn’t out of any deception. Brain was conceived for good reasons. He was conceived for Frank, to call Frank Daddy, to grown up as Frank’s son. He is Frank’s son! Joey, what you did to Joey was intentionally, and morally wrong! Unlike with Brian, you covered his paternity for all the wrong reasons.”

“No Dean! For all the right reasons.” Ellen’s hand shook as she reached out. Her voice quivered. “I did what I did out of love for you. I didn’t want to hurt you anymore. I swear to you on my life that’s why I did it. Please Dean. Please don’t tell him. Don’t. Please.”

Dean removed her grip from him. “I’m sorry Ellen, he has to know. I’ll handle how. But he has to know.” In a final attempt he reached for the door and walked out.

“Dean!” Ellen stood in the archway watching him walk away. She flung her head back and let out a silent emotional gasp. She just wanted out of the lab, go somewhere. Going out of the clinic was not an option. Not with Dean looking for Frank.

Slowly Ellen walked from the lab, arms folded tight to her while her head hung low. Her footsteps scuffed against the floor in her stride. Not a moment after she turned the first bend it blasted her back as if someone had shoved. Her movements stopped and Ellen backed into the wall when she heard Frank’s voice in the clinic.

“This better be good, Dean. I wanted to sneak in my house and work on my novel.”

Ellen closed her eyes tight. Her insides trembled with such a vibration she thought they would crumble inside. She stayed silently hid against that wall until she heard Frank’s voice fade and a door close. She peeked around the bend and then Ellen ran as fast as she could from the clinic. She had to find Robbie.

^^^^

With a closed mouth and hands on his hips, Frank looked upon Dean. “You know, if you didn’t have such a serious look on your face, I wouldn’t be standing here waiting for you to talk to me. What is it?”

“Frank.” Dean leaned to the counter, gripping the edges firmly. “First let me start by saying that you and I agree on one thing. We agree that all four kids, they’re the best. All of them. We both love them. I love Brian, Frank. I love him like he’s, like he’s my own. I’ve . . . I’ve been part of his life since he was born.” Dean tilted his head with his eyes closed. “I want to keep it that way. Even though you and Ellen are back, I’d still like to see Brian just as much.”

“Dean, don’t you think that’s asking a . . .”

“It’s important, Frank. It really is. I just wanted to let you know that.” Dean stood up straight and looked at Frank. “The other day I ran a test on Joey. A blood test.” Dean pushed Joey’s folder to Frank. “Take a look, third page.”

Frank opened the folder than shut it. “I don’t know what this says. You tell me.”

“It says . . . It says, Joey is not my kid Frank. He’s yours.”

Frank flung open the folder. “It says that?”

Dean nodded.

With a wide grin, Frank nodded. “Oh, yeah. Who was right? Ha!” he pointed to Dean then hit him with the folder. “I told you! Ha! He’s too demented not to be my kid. The question is, did Andrea do this on purpose.”

“I don’t think she did it at all. See . . .” Dean cleared his throat. “Keep in mind we changed time. You and I, weren’t in that time frame. The one I think did it . . . was me.”

“Fuckin figures, don’t it?” Frank shook his head with a grin. “And that little man probably thought he could fool me.”

“Frank?” Dean snickered. “That Dean did. For three years.”

“Yeah, but what happened as soon as I stepped into this time frame. I knew. See. I’m literary.”

“I’m glad you’re not mad at me,” Dean said.

“If you hadn’t changed time with me . . .yeah. I would be, because that meant you knew and you’ve been lying. But you don’t.” Frank tossed his hands up. “If it were Andrea, I’d be pissed. But what do we do, Dean? Joey’s three. He calls you Dad. He’s my kid.”

“I know. And I thought about that.” Dean took a breath. “I say we wait until he’s old enough to understand, then we tell him. But in the meantime, there’s no reason he can’t call you ‘Dad’ too. I mean, I think we should approach the raising of all four kids as an understanding. They could all, all of them, call us both Dad.”

“I would like Alex and Billy to call me that. I really would.” Frank grinned. “Yeah, this can work. We can do this Dean.”

“We have been doing it Frank. For a really long time, we just failed to see it.” Dean caught through the corner of his eye, Ellen and Robbie standing in the door. He fumbled some in his turn to look at them. They both looked worried. “El, Robbie.”

Frank stepped forward. “El, check this out. Dean, he did blood tests. He just told me that Joey . . .”

“Frank.” Robbie swallowed, holding his hand up. “Before you say anything, let me explain . . .”

Dean’s eyes widened. “Robbie, no I . . .”

Robbie ignored him. “I’m to blame. I convinced Ellen to switch the blood. They were married Frank. You were breaking up their marriage. If you’re going to get mad, you get mad at me.”

Dean closed his eyes and turned away, the look, the surprised look on Frank’s face told him it was too late to do anything else.

Ellen moved to him. “I’m sorry Frank, I am really sorry.”

Frank’s breathing took on huffs, his face grew red. After a fast look at Dean he daggered his glaring eyes at Robbie and Ellen. “You two . . . you two did this to me?”

Ellen immediately knew he didn’t know. She looked to Dean who just shook his head, “Frank, I . . .”

“No! Robbie, you’re my brother, my brother.” Frank tilted his head. “How could you . . . both of you. You did this to me?” Frank brought his hand up trying so hard to comprehend what he was hearing.

Ellen had to try. “Frank, just let me explain.”

“No!” He moved from her reaching hand. “No! There is no explanation for what you did. None! I have to get out of here.”

Robbie reached out to stop him as Frank brushed by them. “Frank, just listen to . . .”

Grabbing Robbie harshly by the shirt, Frank with all his anger slammed Robbie back into the counter. “Stay away from me.” He walked out, spun and pointed to Ellen. “And you!” Frank closed his eyes and swallowed. “You should have told me. I asked you and asked you to tell me. You . . .” Frank swung his hand down in hurt. “You should have told me.” Shaking his head Frank stormed out.

There was so much silence in the room after Frank’s entrance.

Ellen breathed heavily, trying to calm her racing heart. Burning was how it felt every breath she took. She watched Dean quietly move across the lab. “Dean.”

Dean held up his hand. “A lot . . . a lot of people are affected by this and were used. Maybe . . . maybe before words get out about this in a hostile way, it should come out in an apologetic way. In other words, it’s time to cut off the piper before he starts to play.” With a nod of his head to Ellen and Robbie, Dean left the lab.

Turning to face each other, Ellen and Robbie knew Dean was right. It was time to face others as well.

^^^^

Everything that Joe had lifted into his arms from Ellen’s desk to carry to the skills room, dropped. It dropped the moment Robbie told him. “Dear God.” He gasped.

“I just . . . . I just wanted you to know what was going on.” Robbie spoke somberly.

“How could you do this Robbie, how? To your own brother how could you?”

“Dad, please.”

“No!” Joe walked over and slammed the door shut. “Don’t you ‘Dad please’ me. Don’t you do it. This is family. My family. Now what in Christ’s name would possess you to do that to your brother?”

“I don’t know. I wasn’t thinking. I just wanted peace around here, that’s all. Frank wasn’t letting there be peace.”

“So you took it upon yourself, you and Ellen to make things the way you wanted them to be? It was wrong.”

“Yeah I know it was wrong!” Robbie spoke defensively. “And I’m facing that now, Ellen and me both. I didn’t come here for a lecture. I don’t need a lecture. I came here, so you’d know.” Robbie walked to the door. “Dad, I really am sorry. I am. I’m sorry for doing this to our family.”

“Did you tell that to your brother?”

“I tried and I will. Right now he doesn’t want to hear it.”

“Where are you going?”

Robbie took a deep breath. “Right now, I have someone else to apologize to. There’s a list of people affected by this and I fully intend to face them all.” Robbie lowered his head and with a tightly closed mouth, lifted only his eyes to his father with a nod and walked from Ellen’s office in containment.

^^^^

The open palm slap stung her cheek. It was the hardest hit Ellen had ever felt. But it wasn’t the burning skin on her face that hurt. It wasn’t the force behind the hit that caused her pain. It was the pain behind the hit that did it. Keeping her eyes closed and head titled, Ellen took a breath. She turned her head slowly and faced Andrea. “I’m sorry I put you in that position.”

“Sorry does not cut it. Not at all!” Andrea scolded. “You have done one too many things around here that I questioned. And this, Ellen, is by far the worse.” She stormed to the door. “I’m going to speak to Joe right now. I want you out of my clinic. You ethically and morally have no place in here and I want you out!” She flung open the lab door. “The sooner the better!”

Ellen laid her trembling hand to her cheek, leaning into the counter, trying to catch the emotional breaths that escaped her. Her hands shook violently as she tried to put behind her the confrontation--short and hard--with Andrea. She returned to getting her intravenous supplies ready. The same task she was performing when Andrea came in to say hi, and when Ellen decided she should know before she heard from someone else. Sniffling and closing her burning eyes, Ellen took a moment then grabbed a pair of gloves and her tray, and turned to go to work. Her heart dropped when she saw Dean.

He said nothing, just walked in.

“Dean, I . . . I need to talk to you. I really need to talk to you.” She approached him, his back stayed to her. “I know you think what I did was wrong, but . . .”

“What!?” Dean stormed in a spin to face her. “I think? No Ellen, what you did was wrong!”

“I know that Dean. I hurt you, I hurt Frank . . .”

“That’s not the worst of it.” Dean’s jaws twitched as he clenched them in a vain attempt to be in control. “This is bad El, really bad. Far worse than you ever thought. And what pisses me off isn’t what you did to me or Frank. You robbed your son! You robbed him of knowing his father’s love and that is unforgivable!”

“He had your love Dean, he knew . . .”

“He is not my son!” He reamed outward at her. “And no matter how much I love him or loved him, it doesn’t take away from the fact he deserved to know that from Frank. How did you face yourself with this for three years?”

“Don’t do this!” Ellen charged at him as he walked to the other side of the lab. “You did the same thing with Brian. Don’t judge me.”

“Brian is not my son. Quit using that as a defense. Quit it. You keep forgetting that one was your idea too. You know what El, I’ll tell you a little something about yourself. You manipulate. You manipulate situations to make them what pleases you. You manipulate people’s lives. You can give a shit who it affects as long as you are happy. Well that is wrong! Maybe if you gave a shit once, things wouldn’t get out of hand like they are now. Maybe if you would have done what was right years ago, I wouldn’t have had to waste my time on you!”

Ellen’s mouth opened in a quiver, her eyes shut defensively against the hurt. “I’m sorry. I really am sorry.” Reaching passed him, she grabbed her tray and walked from the clinic lab.

“El.” Dean clenched his fist bringing it down to the counter hard as she walked out. Harshly he ran his fingers through his hair as he stood there getting himself back in control.

Ellen had barged into the first empty room. It was her escape. She needed to get away, and though it wasn’t the room she was supposed to go into to get blood, it was the first one she hit. Wanting to take a moment so as not to lose control, Ellen reached to set the tray on the bed. Mid extension the tray it toppled from her hand and crashed onto the floor, its contents spilled everywhere. “Shit,” Ellen whispered as she bent down to retrieve them. The moment she lowered herself, she gave in to her emotions and broke down and cried. She held on to the bed for support as her other hand covered her mouth.

“Shh.” The close presence moved to behind her body and a hand reached down and grabbed hers. “Come here,” Dean said softly.

Ellen shook her head.

“El.” Dean hovered as he bent down to her; he wrapped his arm around her and placed his mouth close to her ear. “I never wasted a second of my life on you. Never. I was angry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

Ellen’s head dropped and her body began to shake. She pulled from him, throwing the contents back in the tray.

“Come here.” He lifted her to her feet. “We’ll get through this. O.K.”

Ellen turned her body to face him. As she lifted her head to look at Dean, feeling his hand rest upon her face, she saw Joe, with Andrea walk into the room. Ellen stepped back.

Andrea wouldn’t look at her. She folded her arms leaning against the archway. “Do it Joe or I will. And I won’t be nice.”

Joe swallowed. “Ellen, I have to ask you to leave the clinic.”

It took Ellen’s breath away and she shook her head slowly. “Joe?”

The lump in Joe’s throat grew larger. “I have to ask you to get your things and leave the clinic. You aren’t to return here for any reason unless it is medical.”

Dean spun to face him. “What are you doing?”

“Joe.” Ellen rushed to him. “This is my job. My job.”

“You can work at containment full time now.” Joe stated. “It has to be done. You can’t work here anymore Ellen, at least until council reviews Andrea’s request. This is her division. I have to respect that and agree to pull you for right now. You aren’t to work with patients anymore.”

Ellen stood shocked. “But Joe, I have to work on lab stuff it’s so important . . .”

“Unless it has to do with the virus, you aren’t to be working on it. Anything that relates to the clinic, relates to Andrea and she has requested that you be removed.” Joe said what he didn’t want to say.

Andrea reached forward taking the tray from Ellen. “And that means now.” She waited for Ellen to move. “Now, Ellen.”

Ellen, looking at Dean once more, then at Joe, ran from the clinic room.

Dean started to follow her but stopped to face off Andrea and Joe. “What is the matter with you? Both of you?”

Andrea moved to him. “What is the matter with me? What is the matter with you? If this was the old world, she not only would lose her license to nurse but she would go to jail as well. She used her knowledge and her skills to make a situation what she wanted it to be without regards to the costs. We can’t have that. If we let her go this time, what will be next?”

“All this may be your domain, but the lab work is mine Andrea.” Dean hands and body moved as he talked. “I need her to work with me. She’s the only one who knows my work.”

“Then you will work with her somewhere else.” Andrea was cold. “I don’t want her in my clinic. She’s unfit Dean, unfit to call herself a nurse.” Andrea moved with vengeance to the door and spun back. “And sometimes I have to wonder if she’s even fit to call herself a human being.”

Joe held his hand up to Dean to stop him from saying anything further then he himself followed Andrea down the hall. “Andrea, stop!” He waited until Andrea faced him. “Don’t you think you’re going a little overboard on this one? I’m not saying what she did was all right.” Andrea started to move again and Joe followed her. “I’m just saying does it truly warrant this behavior from you?”

“Is this her father talking or the leader of the community?”

“This is a person talking,” Joe spoke with agitation.

“Then I will tell this person this. This isn’t just one incident. It is a mere section in a long line of Ellen-deceit events. Think about that.” Andrea walked faster away. She stormed into her office and sent a clear message to Joe that she wanted to discuss it no more. She slammed and locked her door.

^^^^

Dean heard the slamming and the banging before he even reached Frank’s office door. Someone had to speak to Frank, and since Dean was in the same boat--sort of--he needed to talk to Frank. He knocked and then he waited.

“What?!” The door flung open Frank stood red faced, huffing.

“Can I talk to you?”

“You !” Frank backed up. “You tried to cover for her.”

“And you wouldn’t do the same thing?” Dean shut the door, hoping against hope that his calm manner would carry over to Frank. “You would Frank, don’t deny it.” He sat down.

Frank plopped down hard at his desk. He tossed his face in his hands grunting loudly. “God what has happened? Never, never did I expect this. And it wasn’t just to me, Dean, she did this to you too.”

“I know. That’s why I’m here. I thought you and I could talk about this.”

Frank slid his hands down. “What’s there to talk about? Joey is my kid. Ellen knew that and Ellen hid that from me. Ellen stole that from me.”

“But you didn’t even know Joey until a little bit ago. We have to consider that. We weren’t here.”

“Come on Dean.” Frank’s hand slammed on his desk. “Does it make it right? No. And what she did three years ago isn’t what bothers me the most. I asked her. You asked her since time was changed. She had the chance to come clean to tell us. She chose not to. She chose to lie.”

“That’s Ellen Frank. You’ve known her long enough to know her.”

“I’ve known her long enough not to expect this from her. Never this. This is far worse than anything she has done. It shows me more than I wanted to know about her. And I don’t know if it’s something I can get past.”

“Frank.” Dean shuffled in his chair and spoke soft. “What are you going to do?” Dean carried a disbelieving chuckle. “Break up?”

Frank shook his head. “I don’t know. I just need time to think. I’ll talk to her later. I just can’t face her right now, or my brother for that matter.”

Dean stood up. “I’ll leave you alone. But can I give you something to think about? In this world now we don’t have much of a choice. Women Frank, they have us. We either deal with what they do, or we deal with life alone. Alone.” Dean walked to the door. “If you really want to, you can get through this with her.”

“Yeah, but should I?”

“Hating to say it.” He opened the door. “Yeah. Let it go. If you need to talk . . .” He saw Frank look away not wanting to respond. “I’ll leave.”

Frank stared at the closed door. He leaned into his desk, once again placing his face to his hands. And Frank stayed in his office, in silence, alone, and in thought.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Washington, DC

The dust was so thick and caked not even a good blow caused it to move. Sgt. Doyle used his index finger to clear a clean spot on the small picture frame. He looked with a slight smile to the young woman with long dark hair. “Your wife?” He asked Steward Lange.

“No.” Steward shook his head as he rummaged through the drawers of what used to be his office. “My daughter. I was divorced.” He shook his head and looked in the drawer again. “I know I wrote that combination down as a phone number.”

“You don’t remember it?” Sgt. Doyle asked.

“It’s been six years.” After an exhale, Steward closed the drawer and scratched his head. “All right. I’ll try, if not, you can shoot the lock off.” He walked across the office to his filing cabinet. Dirt settled everywhere forming little clouds as he moved. “You know this only proves my discontent with post plague movies.” Steward wave his hand about in a point to his office. “No disarray, no destruction, just dirt of an unused world.” He walked to a filing cabinet. “I wished I would have taken those photographs though.”

“Now’s your chance.” Sgt. Doyle lifted another of a girl much younger than the first. “Another daughter?”

“Same one,” Steward said. “Only had one child. All those pictures are of her.” With a grunt Steward moved out the file cabinet.

“You loved her very much. Can I ask why you opted to be cryogenically frozen in the plague then? I know I had no family.”

“Neither do I,” Steward replied. “Jessica, she um, she died in a car accident.”

“I’m sorry.”

“So am I.” He bent down. “Ah, the safe. Amazing that I kept the information thinking one day I might need it.”

“And now you do.”

“Odd. I’m a man of limited education. No leadership skills. Just a White House aid.” Steward tried unsuccessfully to open the combination. “Yet, I am chosen for the society based on the fact that I obtained the order to kill one little old man.” He tossed his hands up after another attempt. “Useless.” Dusting off his palms, Steward stood. “How did you get chosen?”

“Me?” Sgt. Doyle pulled out the revolver. “I was a Sergeant Major in the Marine Corps. Highest ranking enlisted man. Infantry Division, assault weapon training.” He walked to Steward.

“So you must have been highly decorated.” Steward saw him shake his head. “How did you get chosen for the Military train operations position?”

Sgt. Doyle did something he rarely did. Smiled. “Remember the saying it’s not what you know it’s who you know.” He checked the loaded weapon, moved Steward aside and aimed. “Dr. Joanna Holmes was my aunt. The moment I made Sgt. Maj. I was inducted.” Sgt. Doyle fired his weapon. The door to the safe popped open. “Not very secure, sir.”

“No.” Steward shook his head. “But then, nothing in here wasn’t that confidential. Actually it would have been considered obsolete. How wrong we were.” Opening the door wider, Steward reached inside. An accordion folder, thick and dust free was in there. He pulled it out, opened it and peeked inside. “Looks like everything’s here.” He stood up straight. “Let’s go see the president with this.”

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

The thin white streams of smoke that flowed through the refurbished chimney were masked by the grey overcast sky of Bowman. The heat generated on the insides of the structures paled in comparison to the energy generated outside.

It snowed, light and constant. The weather grew bitter, but no one noticed. There was too much buzz, too much movement, and too much experimenting over the launching day of the Captain’s grand plan.

It was something the Captain hoped for but never dreamed would happen, the abundance of enthusiasm that followed in the initial preparations.

The Captain chuckled when the swaying head of the slow wayward horse hit into him. “Whoa.” He grinned then looked up to the younger man riding him.

“Sorry, Captain.” The man no older than nineteen spoke innocently. “I’m still learning.”

“You’ll get it.” The Captain grinned, stepping back and giving the horse a gentle push if guidance. “Keep trying.” In his turn that included a slight slide on the snow covered street, the Captain nearly bumped into Joshua Owens.

“Got those sites picked out and routed that you wanted.” Joshua showed the Captain a clipboard.

He stopped in his stride to read. “Good. Men?”

“Like you suggested. Four teams. Four men. Rationed two meals a day for a three day trip.”

“Good. But let’s send scouting parties to the regions. Though I would say it’s safe to assume with the weather that the Indian wanna-be’s and the society soldiers are tucked away. Let’s take no chances. Send them out, scout, get back to us then we’ll send out for the supplies.”

“Got it.” Joshua nodded and kept moving.

The Captain moved on through the men that moved about the street in what seemed to be a rush of revitalization the town. He had things to do, and he wanted to head to the house where the women lived. It had been a while since he checked in and his mood was up enough that even Grace couldn’t bring him down.

“Captain.” Danny Lewis called out and trotted his way.

“Lewis,” the Captain said, “you’ve returned. Everything went safe?”

“Perfect,” Lewis said. “We were fortunate that it was untouched. No attacks. Actually it was barren.”

“Make sure you tell that to Owens. He’s getting scouting parties picked out.”

Lewis nodded. “Sir, the supplies are here and the would be seamstresses are ready for orders.”

“Tell them I will be with them in about two hours. But start organizing their area. Get them the supplies.” The Captain started to move again. “Tell them I want them to set up for measuring every single man.” Snapping his finger in revelation, the Captain stopped and headed back to Lewis. “I’m heading over to the house of women then I have a meeting with the men I chose for instructors. Can you handle the reigns?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good.” The Captain moved on.

Elliott watched.

Bustle. That was the best word Elliott could think of to describe the activity on the street. A bustle similar to the last minute holiday rush. All of the sudden the remaining work on the town needed done, and not by Captain’s order, but by the wishes of the men themselves. They just wanted to do it. The old stores were being cleaned out, set up for being used as something else. Search parties that went out at dawn for supplies were returning. Fabric, shoes, clothing. An old garbage bin was being dictated for metal storage. Metal that would be melted down. Though they hadn’t a clue how to begin making swords, they were ready to embark on the production of them.

It seemed to Elliott that with the snap of a finger, the rise of the sun, suddenly everything changed. Elliott knew the sudden motivation the men were experiencing couldn’t have been caused by the Captain’s speech. Yes, it was good. Yes the speech had some impact, but it wasn’t a mind blowing experience. It had to be the Captain himself. To Elliott, the Captain could be compared to the plague that wiped out the world. Everything about him was highly contagious, spreading fast, and before the men knew it, they had been completely taken by him and too far gone.

Watching the Captain try to make it in his journey down a simple street block without being stopped, filled Elliott with a feeling he hadn’t has since he was young . . . jealousy. Elliott couldn’t recall in the whole entire time since the plague, even in a world so dead, ever feeling so isolated and alone.

The Captain made a strange face to a man called Craig. Not wanting to show disapproval with a ‘put on’ fake impressed look, the Captain held up his index finger to the civil war style cap Craig wore. “Personally . ..” The Captain nodded. “I like it. But . . . it won’t work for when we fight. Perhaps we can instill that as a work look if you want.” He gave a swat to Craig’s arm. “Keep up the good work.” The Captain turned, stopped and froze. The smiled dropped from his face only briefly when Elliott stood there. “Elliott.” He said his name with a smile. “How are you?”

“Good. Do you have a minute?” Elliott asked.

“Can you walk?” The Captain asked as he started to move.

“Sure.” Elliott placed his hands in his pockets. “Captain, I . . . I was looking at the postings. I wasn’t given an assignment. Was there a mistake?”

His pace halted, and The Captain turned to face Elliott. “No. No mistake.”

“Why? I told you I would help.”

“I know,” the Captain said.

“You’re doing this on purpose. You’re not giving me anything to do because you’re pissed off at me, Elliott stated. “You’re doing it to be a dick.”

The corner of the Captain’s mouth raised in a snicker, “No, my friend. I am not doing it to be . . . a dick,.” he chuckled, “not at all.”

“Then why are you leaving me out.”

“If I recall…” The Captain pointed to his own temple. “…you said you didn’t want to do this.”

“Yes. But I said I would help.”

“We don’t need it.” The Captain saw Elliott look away. “No, listen to me. Take a look around Elliott. Look at these men. Do you see the motivation they have? It isn’t because they believe one hundred percent that we will achieve this, how did you put it, impossible dream. They are doing it because for the first time in six years they have direction. They aren’t wandering aimlessly, living day to day, no future in sight. They know if we faced the society today, we would face defeat. But they also know if we do this right. Take our time, learn, live and build it correctly, then we stand a hell of a chance of making this whole thing work. For these men, finally they have a goal. And finally they will be fighting for something else other than their day to day survival. Their fight Elliot. And as you so painfully put it . . . not yours.” The Captain turned and began to walk.

“So what am I supposed to do?” Elliott called out tossing up his hands. “Stand around all day and watch.”

“No.” the Captain spoke as he walked backwards. “You have a job Elliott. You’re the church organist. “

Elliot shook his head when the Captain again, turned with nothing more said. “Church organist.” Elliott began to mumble sarcastically as he moved along. “Oh, no. He’s not doing this on purpose.”

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

“As you can see . . .” Steward said in explain mode, leaning over George’s shoulder. “…from everything I kept, it’s impossible.”

Documents piled up on George’s desk as he reviewed them. He smiled when he lifted a tattered copy of a thick document entitled, The Caceres Project. “Where in the world did you get this from?”

“That is so interesting,” Steward said. “It’s the original planned detailed by Dr. Forrest Caceres in 1970 for the presidential committee on post apocalypse survival. Actually, remember all those marine films on apocalyptic survival. Dr. Caceres was the co-creator.”

“This is amazing.” George flipped through it.

“And you can tell, we’ve enhanced the original plan. His plan structured around the Garfield land with eventual panning out in, he theorized, ten years.”

In awe George read it. “How many times was he at the original Garfield Project?”

“Um . . .” Steward leaned into the desk and grabbed the correct document. “…constantly during construction in 1972. Then biannually with the committee until 1984 when the original Garfield projected was aborted due to the seemingly end of the cold war.”

“What made you keep all this?”

“Fascination. I don’t know. It helps now. I picked up all this information when a group that named themselves the Caceres Society approached the government in 1985 to purchase or lease the Garfield Project land. I was finishing my internship back then, and the documentation came across my desk. They were a underground group that had been pretty much in operation under a different name since 1949. They happened upon the Caceres plan, which was what? Surviving the apocalypse. So they adopted his name.”

“Even I didn’t know the extent of the history. Some of it, yeah.” George read as he spoke. “I was a young eager senator heading up the subcommittee on population control when they approached me. I joined and not much later they invited Dr. Caceres to join. Then . . . he died. It was years before I found out the reason.”

“And the reason was . . . they trusted him,” Steward stated. “They invited him to the conference, trusted him, told him everything, and he freaked. At least that’s what I remembered. He threatened to go public with the information, despite the fact that it could be decades before implemented.”

George looked up. “Then he couldn’t possible know the extent of the project’s worth.”

“I would say highly unlikely.” Steward said. “But, he could very well know when all that information would be accessible and available to Beginnings.”

“What do you mean?” George asked.

“Time, dates. When it was initialized, set up.”

“So what. Who cares if . . .” George leaned back in his chair. “Shit. That goddamn time machine.”

“Our person says they can only make three more trips.”

“All it takes is one.” George swiped his hand across his face in thought. “As delightful as it would be, we can’t have Caceres killed. But . . . we can kill something else.”

“What would that be?” Steward asked.

“Any chance Beginnings has of…traveling to that information.” George leaned back in his chair. “Get a hold of our Beginnings person.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

It was time to face the music again. Evening had fallen and Ellen couldn’t recall putting in such a long day at containment. Not that she had much work to do there, but it was the only place for her to be. She waded through the ‘not yets’ given to her by Joe. But after so many subtle warnings not to venture there, Ellen had bite the bullet and to go home.

It felt quiet before she even opened the door, yet, Ellen heard voices, male voices conversing in sorts. Glad someone was there, she opened the door and apprehensively walked in.

Frank stood up from the couch.

“Hey, Frank I . . .” Ellen’s eyes shifted to Rev. Bob who sat on the sofa. “What’s going on?”

Frank said nothing, drink in his hand, he turned and walked to the corner of the living room.

Rev. Bob stood slowly. “Ellen. A lot has transpired today. Revelations. Decisions have been made.”

Eyes still glued to Frank, Ellen spoke to Rev. Bob. “Decisions? Such as?”

“You and Frank have been great friends for over half your life. Sometimes things happen that can hinder that friendship. You’ve taken steps to right a wrong. But today’s there’s been a stumble in those steps. Frank . . . he wants to just go ahead and finish the annulment process.”

Sunk.

Ellen felt it hit her. “Finish the annulment? Frank? I just moved back in to work on this marriage. I just moved in to give it my all with you.”

Frank said nothing.

“Frank.” Ellen stepped to him. “Look at me,” she laughed emotionally. “You can’t be serious. What is it? You have Rev. Bob do you dirty work.”

“No. He’s here to make sure I keep my cool.”

“Right. You’re too much of a coward to admit you’re ending this marriage for a stupid reason.”

“Stupid?” Frank glared at her. “You juggled the paternity tests of my son. You . . .”

“You didn’t even know that son!” Ellen screamed. “How can you end this marriage based on that!”

“I’m not!” Frank stepped close. “I am ending this marriage because I know where you’re priorities lie. You’d rather deny me a child than hurt Dean by our affair. It’s not the act El.” Frank dropped his voice. “It’s not the act at all. It was the reasoning behind it. I believe with all of my heart you and I will always remain friends. Always. But we failed as a couple. We kept hurting each other and hurting each other. And despite the fact that we lived apart here recently, we were still a couple. That hung over our heads. That . . . allowed us to hurt each other. Without that, without the marriage, we can just . . .just stop the hurt. Just be what we used to be.”

“You don’t want this,” Ellen whispered in a mean way. “You’re striking out. You’re getting defensive. You’re making threats Frank. Don’t threaten me.”

Rev. Bob intervened. “Ellen, listen. Frank is not . . .”

“Stay out of this!” Ellen blasted, “Is this what you want Frank? Is it?”

“No.” Frank shook his head. “It’s what has to be done.”

“Fine.” Ellen stormed back to the door. “But keep this in mind. There will come a time that you will change your mind. I know you Frank better than anyone. You’ll want me back, and if it is the last thing I do, whether it hurts you or not, friend or not, you will never ever get me back.” After flinging open the door, Ellen stormed out.

Frank barged toward the still swinging door.

Rev. Bob stopped him. “Let her go. Let her calm down. While she does that, you better think one more time about this.”

Frank moved to the door to close it. He could see Ellen walking away, at a slow pace. And Frank just stood there watching.

^^^^

Dean didn’t have a clue what exactly it was that led him to jump from his relaxing state in bed, get dress, run next for Denny to watch the kids while he found an adult who could stay longer. Maybe it was the virus notes he was reading, or the fact he kept thinking about his impending blindness. Either of those thoughts involved Ellen in some way, they could have spring boarded him to do it. But Dean wanted it to believe that it was concern.

Dean knew it would be particularly hard to find Ellen. He knew exactly where she was. A search for her wasn’t out of concerned that she had wandered off, but out of concern for her mental state. The last he had spoken to her at containment she was down and dreading going home, and with every right. The last time Frank and Ellen had a blowout was when Frank found out about the affair. And remembering Frank’s reaction, made Dean want to find Ellen. Even if it was for a minute, he just needed to see if she was all right. He needed to.

^^^^

The social hall was half filled when Ellen walked in. She looked at her watch then around for Robbie. She hoped he would be there. Wishful thinking under the premises that misery loves company, Ellen knew that news traveled fast. How fast it did, did not sink in until the moment the door closed behind her. She wasn’t standing there long when John Matoose approached her.

“How can you even show your face?” John snarled the question.

Ellen closed her eyes. She was not in the mood to argue.

“Ellen? Aren’t you embarrassed to show your face around here? No one will ever trust you again. I know I won’t.” He began to encircle her speaking so soft, so cold, so bitter. “If anyone else pulled the shit you did, they’d be out of here. Maybe that’s what you should do. Maybe you should leave Beginnings Ellen. Do us all a favor. What a better place this would be, without a little bitch like you running around and starting trouble.”

He flew, John did, as if he had wings, three feet up and six feet through the air crashing back first into two joining tables. Robbie dove forward, leaping on him, lifting him by his collar, and slamming him to the bar. But that wasn’t enough. Catching John as he spun around in confusion, Robbie grabbed him by the throat, and punched him in the face. He punched him once, then again, and as his fist reared back again he heard Ellen scream.

“Robbie no! He’s not worth it.” She grabbed his arm. “He isn’t worth it.” She pulled at Robbie.

Robbie dropped John to the floor. “You’re right.” Grabbing a bottle from the bar Robbie grabbed Ellen’s hand. “Let’s get out of here.”

Ellen brought her knees to her chest, leaning on them as she faced Robbie sitting on the floor of the garage. “It’s cold.”

“I know.” Robbie showed her the bottle, but Ellen shook her head. “I lost it on him.” He took a drink.

“I hate him Robbie,” she spoke with sadness. “But is there truth in what he’s saying? Maybe we should leave for a while. Maybe I should leave.”

“If you go, I go.” He ran his hand down his face. “California. Let’s go to California. When’s the last time you saw the ocean El?”

“Six and a half years ago, with Dean.” She rested her chin on her knees.

“God. And we talked about this. What would happen if anyone found out?” Robbie took another drink. “I just never thought they would.”

“Me either. We knew it would be bad.”

“I’m sorry this is happening, El. Everything about it.”

“Me too, Robbie.” Ellen lowered her head further, this time placing her forehead on her knees. “Me, too.” She drew silent

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

The cigarette was rolled with old cigarette paper that was pretty much beat. But even though it barely stayed rolled, and the tobacco wasn’t the best, it still tasted good to the Captain.

The smoke form the cigarette flowed out the partially open window of his home. In a chair, by the window, the Captain sat. The cool winter air mixed with occasional flakes, seeped in, moving the curtains slightly along with flapping the papers in his hand.

But the Captain didn’t sit before the open window out of some ludicrous desire to be cold. He sat there for the music. As if the huge hollowness of the church were a PA system of its own, it channeled out Elliott’s piano playing into the night. The air of Bowman was the speaker that allowed for the songs to carry though the town.

It was just music but it was a part of Elliott. The Captain couldn’t recall an evening in the entire six years since the plague and even a while before hand that he and Elliott didn’t sit and talk. It became a routine. Talk, drink, talk. It bothered the Captain that even though in the same town, there was distance between them.

The Captain couldn’t say what song was playing, but he certainly knew when the music stopped. Deadness took over the night and that was the Captain’s clue to get away from the window and sink into his notes as well as into his warm sofa.

Setting the papers and such aside, the Captain stood up. His hand rested upon the window preparing to lower it. Just as he went to shut it, he heard the bang of the church doors. From where he lived, the Captain could see the church, and he also saw Elliott step from it.

Elliott zipped up his jacket and looked the Captain’s way.

The Captain, not known if he were spotted, lifted his hand in a wave anyhow. Elliott’s must not have seen him because he just started walking.

Seeing Elliott walk away made the Captain see what he had to do. Even though Elliott said things that hurt him, the Captain would have to understand that was Elliott’s opinion. And after a few days wait, if Elliott hadn’t changed his mind and come around, the Captain would just swallow his pride. Though he may not agree, he would accept Elliott decision and even listen to the reasoning. He had too. Elliott was too good of a man, too good of a friend, for the Captain--like he just watched him do--to allow Elliott to keep walking away.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

“I can’t believe I was so wrapped up in that microchip,” Henry stated almost frantically as he walked with Dean. “When did all this go down?”

“This afternoon, “Dean answered. “Thanks for helping me look for her.”

“It’s not gonna be hard, Dean,” Henry said. “She should just be . . .” Henry slowed his speech down when he saw Frank walking. “Home.” He walked up to Frank. “Hey, Frank. Where’s El?”

“Don’t know.” Frank tossed his hands up. “I’m going to the hall. I need a drink.”

Dean looked at Henry. “I’ll go back toward town. You see what you can find out.”

Henry nodded and returned to Frank.

Frank watched Dean. “He’s not wasting anytime, is he?”

“You mean looking for Ellen?”

“No getting back with her.”

Henry chuckled. “What are you talking about? You have the understanding with me.”

“Not anymore. El and I . . . it’s over,” Frank stated.

“For now.”

“For good.”

“Right.” Henry took a few steps. “This is you we’re talking about.”

“And I’m telling you Henry, no more. I’m not doing it anymore. It’s over.”

Henry paused in his walking, he saw Frank’s look. “You’re serious.’” He watched Frank nod. “You can’t do that. You can’t break up with her over something she did in a past that you didn’t even experience. That is so wrong. How can you judge that fairly? How do you know what you were like?” Henry asked with an edge.

“Henry, this is only the icing on the cake. It’s coupled with everything else. We keep hurting each other. It has to stop. If it doesn’t, we’ll never even be able to face each other as friends again.”

“And if you do this Frank, you won’t be able to face each other as a couple again. Your relationship cannot withstand one more break up. It can’t.”

“I know this.”

“Then why are you doing it?” Henry asked with passion.

“It has to be done. It’s over.”

Henry shook his head. “Don’t do this Frank. Don’t. Go get your drink. I have to go.” Quickly, and with no further words, Henry walked away.

^^^^

It sounded quiet, no voices came from the garage when he arrived there. Dean had gone to the social hall again, listened to the story of the fight, and how Ellen left with Robbie. That was something to go on. He kept going back home in between stops, hoping she was there. She wasn’t. Finally the night guard said that he saw them go into the garage. Having that, that’s where Dean went.

A light was on; they had to still be there. Opening the door without knocking, Dean walked in. He saw them facing each other, a conversation between them stopped when he was spotted “El.” He called her name, hoping she’d turn around. “El.” He walked closer. Her head was down.

“Hey, Dean.” Robbie cleared his throat then finished off the last of the bottle.

“What’s going on?” Dean asked, still not getting acknowledgment.

“Birds of a feather flock together.” Robbie said. “Moping together I suppose.” He sniffed. “Kind of like the outcasts.”

“I see. Are you going to stay here all night, you two?” Dean watched Robbie shrug. “El? Will you even answer me?”

“What’s there to say?” Ellen lifted her head, but kept her view on Robbie. “I’ve done a lot of thinking. I can’t really face you. What me and Robbie did, we did to you too. And to make matters worse. I . . . I did it to you again, Dean. With Frank. I chose him and he kicked me out two days later.” She shrugged. “I suppose I deserved it. That along with how everyone is treating us.”

“So, after a night of locking yourself away in containment, getting into bar room brawls, and hiding with Robbie, you decided what?” Dean asked. “I’m trying to figure this out. El, what are you going to do, stay in here all night. Be the black sheep of the community? Yeah, what you did was wrong. Medically and ethically wrong. But . . .” Dean squatted down to beside her. “I don’t know the circumstances. I don’t know what drove you two to extreme measures. So . . . I’m not gonna judge you. How can I? I’m just gonna stand beside you, if nothing else but your friend.” Dean stood up and extended his hand down to her. “Come on, El. Let’s go home. No one there judges you at all.”

Slowly her hand reached up, gripped his fingers, then as leverage, Ellen used his hand to stand. Immediately she embraced Dean.

A kiss to her cheek then Dean slid his lips near her ear. “Let’s go. Ready?”

Ellen nodded.

Pulling back, Dean grabbed hold of Ellen’s hand.

“Uh, Dean,” Robbie called out, sloppily bringing himself to a stand, “My Dad is kind of pissed at me. Can I come home with you too?”

Dean smiled slightly, “Sure Robbie.”

“Cool.” Robbie picked up speed to catch up to them. “Dean, can you hold my hand too.” He held it out.

With a snicker, Dean shook his head and swiped Robbie’s hand away.

^^^^

It had to be a Beatles song Jason hummed in his mind when he pulled up to the quantum lab. The Beatles were the only band he even slightly remembered from the old world. And he didn’t know why that was. He didn’t really know them, and what he heard he found particularly annoying. But there he was humming one of their tunes.

Stepping from the jeep, a night of clinic rounds behind him, Jason prepared to do what he loved to do. Work on his time machine. Even if it was just to power it up with gasoline sending himself rabbits and notes, Jason enjoyed it.

Cigarette in mouth, Jason walked into the lab. On went the lab light, and down went his box of lunch. He laid his cigarette in the ashtray and went about his sequence of event. Bend down, turn on computer one. Move a step, bend down, boot up computer two. Move another step, power up the last.

Another step and anxiously preparing to sit down, Jason stopped cold. His eyes moved first and then his body spun to the final computer, the one that generated the power. He had to have mispressed the button.

Chuckling at his paranoid manner, Jason bent down. He didn’t even need to touch the power strip to see he had turned it on. But despite that, the screen was black.

Speechless and knowing there had to be an explanation, Jason shut everything down and tried again. Nothing. He tried once more. Still nothing. One of the most important computers in the triple computer relay process, one that was specially designed, was dead. No third computer. No power supply. No power . . . no more time trips.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

December 19

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

“Scheduled for release today,” Steward said walking around the board table. He dropped the folder of notes before George.

“And the quantum whatever?” George asked.

“Still out of commission. The suggestion from Hathaway to descramble the computer component sequence worked. Godrichson can’t find it,” Steward answered.

“But for how long?” George questioned.

“Remains to be seen.” Steward took his seat at the table that included Sgt. Doyle and four others. “But at least when Caceres gets out of the clinic today they can’t do a thing with what he tells them.”

Running his finger over his top lip, George leaned back. “Why was he in the clinic for so long? Was he ill? This could actually work in our favor of eliminating him.”

“No.” Steward shook his head. “Our source said…frightened to leave.”

“Anything on the virus?” George asked lifting sheets of paper.

“Nothing known.”

Across the table, Sgt. Doyle lifted his hand to get attention.

“Yes, Sgt. Doyle,” George said.

Sgt. Doyle stood. “It seems to me, sir, this Beginnings person doesn’t pull through with the whole information. Not that this person isn’t trying, but the information is unattainable.”

“No shit,” George said.

“Yes, well.” Sgt. Doyle cleared his throat. “I think it’s time to start preparing an infiltrator.”

Inquisitively George looked at Sgt. Doyle. “A brigade of sorts?” He received a shake of a head. “Then explain what you mean.”

Sgt. Doyle continued. “We may already have a spy inside, but keep in mind our spy is also a Beginnings resident. I want to send an elite man in, only after proper conditioning, no one not even the men he is with will know he will defect to Beginnings. He lives amongst them, and how he gains their trusts is showing his betrayal of us. We may never need his services, but if we do, he’s in. Who is going to even suspect a man who continues to betray his own side as being the biggest betrayer of them all?”

“I’ll give it some thought. In fact we may need to do that because . . .” George tossed the folder. “We need help on the virus. Our new flunky bio team, who have the scientific mentality of an orderly, aren’t making progression the antidote, which means no progress, no use of the virus. We’re going to have to come up with another nondestructive means to get into Beginnings and get what we need. This infiltrator could be the man. But he has to be a cut above.”

“Nothing less,” Sgt. Doyle assured.

“Let me know when you have someone and I’ll make my final decision. Good call.”

“Thank you, sir.” Sgt. Doyle nodded then returned to his seat. The continuing meeting would slip to the back of his mind. He knew his plan conveyed to George was good, and Sgt. Doyle was proud. But he had one problem. An elite man. And even with the thousands of men that had passed into the society, Sgt. Doyle was nearly certain that not one of them was even anywhere near elite.

^^^^

Ten Miles South - Knoxville Tennessee

So frightened she ran, feeling secure her small framed body was hidden within the high weeds of the field. No sounds came from her. Unheard, unseen. She struggled to make an escape. Little did she know, her heavy breaths mixed with the frigid air forming puffs of steam that were like a smoke signal to those who pursued her.

The Society.

Over her shoulder, she continued to look in her charging run. The four soldiers raced behind her, weapons high. She could hear the shifting of gears from the truck that was not far to her right. And the jeep to her left was just as loud.

So engrossed in her fleeing and monitoring of her chasers, that when she leaped into what she thought was a thicker brush, she leaped over the edge of a small hill. Her footing was lost, right foot over left, her body twisted, and with a buckle of her legs, and a slam of her knees, the woman rolled down the twenty foot hill.

The cold ground smacked painfully against her cheek, but it wouldn’t stop her determination to get away. Using her hands to bring herself up, the woman froze, when she lifted to see a pair of boots.

Her scared eyes cased up the legs of the tall society soldier. Her view met with the barrel of the shotgun he held and her head dropped. “Please.” She sobbed her shoulders bouncing.” Please don’t let them get me.”

His short blonde hair dangled some in his blue eyes as he stared down to her. The expression on the ‘out of the ordinary’ handsome face was stone cold.

“Please,” she begged, weakened trying to stand.

The Soldier’s jaw twitched.

“Boyens!” Sgt. Hemsley’s voice called in the distance. “If you see her, stop her!”

“No,” the woman cried. “Help me.”

With a swing of his shotgun over his shoulder, Jess Boyens reached his hand down to the woman, helped her to her feet, and stepped aside.

“Thank you.” She gave a quick glance then began to run again.

Jess watched her run for her freedom, but when he turned around he knew trouble was had. The shifting of the chamber was too close to his ear. And before he knew it he felt the pressing of the cold metal to his temple. Jess Boyens didn’t flinch.

Sgt. Hemsley held the gun tight to Jess as his men joined closer. “Get her. She’s not that far.” He ordered to his men. “And you . . .” with a short rev back and an angry glare, Sgt. Hemsley reamed Jess in the side of the head with the revolver.

The skin tore like paper on his face, and as the blood shot out, Jess’ eyes rolled and he fell face forward to the ground.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Frank J. Slagel, his signature on the bottom of the annulment papers blared at Ellen as she leaned forward to sign them. Taking a deep breath, she brought the pen to the paper’s surface. And for the last time ever, on that line next to his name, she signed, Ellen L. Slagel. Dropping the pen from her hand, she lifted the final paper and handed it to Reverend Bob,  She then shifted her eyes to Frank who stood by him. Frank’s head hung low. “I have to get out of here.” Running the back of her hand across her eye, Ellen darted from Reverend Bob’s home.

“El!” Frank chased her. “El wait.”

Closing her eyes tightly Ellen stopped walking.

“Are you all right?”

“No Frank I’m not.” She turned and faced him. “I’m not.”

“I’m sorry.” He brought his hand to her cheek.

“So am I.” Ellen saw as he pulled away his hand. His left hand, he had taken off his ring already. She grabbed his hand. “This, this is more of a reality than signing those papers.” She rubbed the spot where the ring used to be. “I guess I should do this too.” She watched Frank’s eyes close as she slipped her rings from her hand. “Here.”

“I don’t want it.”

“Here!” She opened his hand and placed it in.

“El, please. We promised each other yesterday we would not be angry or bitter about this. That we were going to just . . .”

“I didn’t think you would do it.”

“I told you I would.”

“I guess I just was hoping you wouldn’t be able to.” Ellen ran her hand through her hair. “I’m sorry. I’m not mad at you. I’m mad at myself. I did this. And you’re right. We can do this Frank. We can stay close and not be married.”

“I know we can.” He hunched down some and kissed her on the cheek. “Can you please keep your rings? I’d really like you to keep them.” He grabbed her hand opening it. “Please.”

“I’ll keep the band.” She stared at the ring then placed it in her pocket. “I have to go. I have to stop by the lab.”

“The clinic?”

“No, I’ve been banned from there. The cryo-lab, Dean and I are working on things there. There are some notes I can review while I’m working in containment. I’ll see you later.” She started to walk.

“El.” Frank trotted up to her. “Can I walk with you?”

Ellen smiled at him. “I would really like that.” She felt his leading hand rest gently on her back as they walked. And something told her at that moment, married to Frank or not, things were going to be just fine.

^^^^

Jason Godrichson pulled the door to Forrest’s room closed as he exited. He tucked his folder under his arm as he glanced up and saw an awaiting Joe. “Almost.”

“What in Christ’s name is taking him so long?” Joe asked agitated.

“Walk with me.” Jason turned Joe from facing the door and moved him down the hall some. “He is very nervous about this. As far as his health goes, he’s doing great. Though he fully understands why he is here, he’s still having a hard time with it.”

“How about the time travel issue? I know you explained that to him yesterday. Any feedback, any non-belief?”

Jason shook his head. “Took it well.”

“Speaking of time travel, how’s the . . .”

“Slowly making progress. I believe it’s my alternate power source that caused the crash. I’m rebuilding my data. Shouldn’t take too long.”

“Good.” Joe nodded. “Now for him. I have that meeting scheduled. Do you think he has information for us, or are we just kidding ourselves?”

“No, Joe I truly believe he has information for us. In fact I think it’s in that briefcase he brought with him.”

“How do you know?” Joe asked.

“Because the man holds it like a five year old with his teddy bear.”

“Does he even know we need information from him?”

“Yes,” Jason answered, “And I think that it has put some pressure on him. Along with this party for him you have planned, he feels that you have far too much expectation of him. He doesn’t want to let you down.”

“He won’t.” Joe stated. “That’s Dr. Forrest Caceres. Creator of this community. Christ, Jason, he’s our George Washington. Unless he’s a babbling idiot, he won’t let us down.”

Jason snickered. “A very brilliant man Joe. Very brilliant.”

“When I do this meeting, am I going to need you to interpret?”

“No. He reads, writes, and understands English very well. Speaking it is just a slow thing for him.” Jason looked at his watch. “But I have the time to attend if you’d like.”

“That might not be a bad idea. Just in case he gets lost. Plus, he likes you.”

“And speaking of my admirer.” Jason gave a point to behind Joe.

Smiling so friendly-like, Joe turned and faced Forrest then approached the little man who was no taller than Ellen. “Forrest. Are you ready to take on Beginnings?”

“I hoop so.” Forrest tried to give a good smile clutching tight to the briefcase.

“Good.” Joe laid a guiding hand on Forrest’s back. “Thought I’d give you a little tour before the meeting. This way. I’ll try to keep you away from some of the louder, scarier people in town. You’ll get enough of them at the meeting.”

Sandwiched in a walk between Joe and Jason, Forrest moved slowly and with fright.

The moment they turned the bend into the main hall, Joe stopped. He looked at Jason then cringed. “Forrest. Don’t be frightened.”

Jenny Matoose, arms folded, moved in a hostile walk to Joe. “Joe,” she said with edge, “I need to speak . . .”

“Jenny.” Joe interrupted. “I would like you to meet Forrest. Forrest this is Jenny Matoose. Jenny is our school mistress. She shapes these young lives. Jenny is a very well-known woman in the community and liked. Just don’t discuss her with my daughter.”

“Ah.” Forrest widened a grin at Jenny. “Jennifer.”

Taken, Jenny tilted her head to the side, flipping her red hair. She clasped Forrest’s hand. “Oh Dr. Caceres it is so, so great to meet you.”

“Such beauty.” Forrest brought her hand to his lips. “Such a beautiful woo-man to tuck on de honor of shipping young lives.”

Jenny lowered her head, trying to blush. “You flatter me.”

“Your part in dis new world flutters me.” Forrest smiled again at her.

Joe had enough mush. “Let’s move on. Jenny, bullshit with him tonight.” Joe grabbed hold of Forrest and began to walk out. He stopped when he heard the calling of his name by Jenny. “Yes Jenny, what is it. I complimented you, now  let me leave with the man in peace.”

“No, Joe.” Jenny hurried to him. “What about that problem?”

“Not now Jenny,” Joe scolded.

“No, Joe now. There’s a social event. Ellen . . . she wants to dance with me. Talk to her Joe, we can’t have lesbians running around Beginnings. Tell her to go straight. The men won’t like it.”

Smacking Jason who snickered, Joe hunched. “Yeah, yeah, I’ll talk to her.”

“Thank you,” Jenny said in relief.

Hurriedly and hoping for no more interruptions, Joe led Forrest from the clinic. The last thing he wanted was for Forrest to be thrown into a Beginnings frenzy before he even stepped foot outside. “About what Jenny said . . .” Joe tried to chuckle it off as they passed through the clinic doors. “My daughter has a sick sense of humor.”

“When wheel I gut to meet your daughter Josef? You specked of her often when I wuss in de clinic.”

“Soon Forrest.” Joe walked with him.

“I luck forward to it. I will bet she is a very chumming woo-man like Jennifer, no?”

Ignoring Jason’s laughing, Joe sputtered some in his words, “Charming. Um, uh . . . no.”

^^^^

Probably it was something Ellen really needed…a laugh. Unsuccessfully she tried to get into the skills room, but it was locked. She could have worried, but the assured calls from Diane that they were only trying to ‘right a wrong’, made Ellen feel like they were planning some sort of annulment party for her to cheer her up.

Ear to the door, trying to hear, Ellen snickered at the shuffling and the muffled voices. She felt the tap to her should then looked to her right to see Oscar standing beside her. “Hey Os-Oscar.”

“El-Ellen, I have a fav-favor to ask,” The little man stuttered. “Sin-since you and F-Frank broke up. Would you li-like to g-go on a d-date with me-me?”

“Oh.” A fake smile replaced the real one. “Oh, Oscar I’d love to, really I would but I can’t. Maybe some other time. I have to go.” Hurrying into a get-a-way before he asked again, Ellen turned and saw Dean right behind her. “Hi.” She moved by him.

Dean followed, one hand in the front pocket of his baggy jeans, the other on the back of his neck. “El.” He shook his head. “You broke his heart. Sorry I wasn’t around when you got to the lab.”

“I understand. Come to my office with me?”

“Yep.” Dean walked with her. “So, how are you? Did you sign the papers?”

“Yep.”

“And did Frank?” Dean asked.

“Yep. It’s over.”

Dean stopped walking, he smiled, he smiled big-time.

Ellen realizing he wasn’t with her, looked back before she walked into her office. “I cannot believe you’re smiling about this.”

“Sorry.” He fought to look serious. “I’m heartbroken.” He let the smile back out when she disappeared into her office. He walked in, she was plopped in a chair, her feet extended, her eyes closed. “You’re upset about this. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have . . .”

“No.” She shook her head. “I have the worst tension headache right now. Plus my stomach is upset. It’s been a hell of a day.” She sat up some leaning forward.

“Here. Sit up.” Dean walked behind her, and moved her hair off to the side. Gently he placed his hands to her neck and with a firmness, moved his thumbs in a circular motion at the base of her skull. “How’s this?”

Ellen moaned slightly closing her eyes. “Don’t stop.”

“I love when you say that to me.”

“Dean,” She smiled.

“So, besides me coming to see how you are, I came for another reason.” He took a breath. “I have the kids tonight. I’d like it very much if you’d have dinner with us. I know you were coming over, but I’d like to make an evening of it. A family thing. What do you say?”

“I don’t know, Dean. Seems awfully convenient you asking me when I just signed them annulment papers with Frank.”

“Purely coincidental El. Purely.” Dean leaned closer to her ear. “I’ll give it two more weeks before it isn’t.”

“You’re giving me a grieving period?”

“Who you?” Dean whispered. “It’s not like you and he were living in wedded bliss when you broke up.” He kissed her cheek. “Dinner with me tonight?”

Before Ellen answered, Frank’s huge voice barreled in the room. “I don’t fuckin believe it. Two hours and seventeen minutes. Two hours and seventeen minutes we’re broke up and already you’re hitting on her.”

Dean stood up some looking back at Frank. “My God! I waited that long?”

“Ha, ha, ha.” Frank walked in the room. “You could at least give her some mourning time over the loss of our marriage.”

Dean snickered in sarcasm. “What do you want Frank?”

Ellen turned to look at him. “Yes Frank, why are you here?”

“I came to get lover boy and bring him to my Dad’s office. It’s that Forrest meeting. And we all know how absent minded Dean is. So I am here as his reminder.”

Dean continued rubbing Ellen’s neck. “Now Frank?”

“Dean.” Frank brought his hands to his temple. “I’m not going to speak to you while you molesting her. Now, are you coming? I’ll ride you up.”

“Yes.” Dean followed. “I’ll talk to you later El.”

Ellen nodded and slowly moved her head side to side. She chuckled when she heard Frank’s post-annulment time announcement as he buzzed him and Dean out. Then Ellen stood. Headache or not, that surprise in the skills room was what she need.

Walking from her office she saw Diane. “Oh, is it done?” Ellen asked.

Diane nodded. “Just know Ellen,” her voice quivered. “We tried to revert it.”

Ellen’s expression dropped in confusion. Her eyes shifted totally lost. “Revert it? Revert what?”

Diane only pointed,

Realizing that no gift or party was to be had to cheer her up, Ellen anxiousness to see in the skills room turned to fear. Having to face it she walked in. The moment she stepped into the skills room, Ellen let out a blood curdling scream. She spun and flew back. Breathing heavily she stopped in the hall with a scolding face to Diane and a point backwards. Her voice graveled so deep it was as if Ellen were possessed. “Who . . .” She huffed out a breath. “Who made my dog into a man!”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

“Fourteen injuries.” Sgt. Hemsley slammed a folder down on a long table. His voice was hard as he spoke to Jess Boyens who sat in a chair. “Fourteen physical injuries that will prohibit her farming for one week.”

Jess kept his stare forward, the blood that had poured down his face was still there, dry and cracking. “That wasn’t my doing. She was running from what she saw.”

“You let her get away.”

“I stepped aside.” Jess kept his voice firm.

“She gave a struggle.”

“You shouldn’t have chased her.”

Sgt. Hemsley blasted, “And since when is it your decision?! It is not.”

“It’s wrong!” Jess blasted back making brief eye contact. “It’s wrong! Can’t you people see that?”

“You didn’t. How many times have you gathered women for farming and breeding?” Sgt. Hemsley opened the folder. “How about I refresh your memory. Thirty two captures. Our highest accredited soldier.”

“And I was just as wrong,” Jess spoke strongly. “After today, after that massacre, I don’t want to do it anymore.”

“It’s your job.”

“I don’t want that job. Put me somewhere else.”

“Can’t do that.” Sgt. Hemsley walked around the chair. “It is what you do. There are no changing jobs within the society.”

Slowly Jess looked at Sgt. Hemsley. “Then I want out of the society.”

Sgt. Hemsley lifted the folder from the table. “Can’t do that either.” Saying no more, Sgt. Hemsley walked from the room, instructing the two guards to stay in the room with Jess.

Seated behind his desk, Sgt. Doyle looked up to the knock on his office door. “Come in.”

“Have a minute?” Sgt. Hemsley walked in.

“Sherman. Yes.” Sgt. Doyle sat back.

“My name isn’t Sherman.”

“I know. It’s a joke.”

“I don’t get it.”

“Sherman Hemsley? Get it?” Sgt. Doyle gave up. “What do you need?”

“To sign these.” Sgt. Hemsley dropped the folder before Sgt. Doyle. “I need your approval to move an insubordination to immediate cyborg enhancement.”

“Lange gets these.” Sgt. Doyle pushed the folder forward.

“Not in this case. Special subject.” Sgt. Hemsley pushed the folder back. “He’s a . . . what do you call them in those handbooks you wrote, Class ‘A’ recruit. So you see I can’t let it get passed you until you acknowledge that you are surrendering his old world skills to the cyborg enhancement..”

Immediately Sgt. Doyle snatched the folder up. “Jess Boyens?”

“Yes, sir.”

Sgt. Doyle opened the folder, sat back and smiled. Lifting the folder to his eye level he nodded. “Jess Boyens.”

^^^^

“Jess Boyens.” Sgt. Doyle dropped the folder before George. “I believe it was a sign that we talked about the infiltrator this morning, especially since he was brought to our attention. Take a look.”

George swiped up the folder. “Go on.”

“Thirty-seven year old male more fit than a twenty-one year old. Look at his specifications. We found him in a small farming town in Canada. He was living there with, get this, his two brothers. And . . . his father had recently passed away. That was the first I heard of that many of one family surviving the plague.”

“Yeah, well, the Slagel clan proved that even death, plague, and the end of the world can’t destroy even the most arrogant and testosterone filled families. Continue.”

“Eleven years in the Canadian Army. Highly skilled, trained, infiltration specialist. With flight time qualification. Captain Jess Boyens was part of the special forces.”

George reviewed the file. “Why is this man in the farming division if he is so highly qualified to be elsewhere? You said yourself you need men to help you train.”

“Yes, I do. I’m working on that. Jess Boyens was an early willing joiner. He was put where most needed. Training divisions weren’t fully established at that time.”

“So how did you rediscover this Mr. Boyens?” George asked.

“He wants out of farming. He nearly let a woman escape.”

“Well.” George rubbed his chin in thought. “Reprimand him then move him to training.” He handed the folder back.

“No, sir you’re missing my point.” Sgt. Doyle said. “I don’t want to move him into training. I want to prep him then move him to . . . Beginnings. This is our man.”

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

If Elliott had to sing and play, “Hail Holy Queen’ one more time he swore, to aggravate Fr. O’Brien, he was going to break out into the Sister Act rendition of it. Lifting his hand from the last chord, Elliott sat up some, ignoring the pain in his backside from the hard bench and peered up to Fr. O’Brien. He felt so much like that same ten year old altar boy who used to wait for the approval of Fr. David at St. Joan of Arc.

“Well?” Elliott asked.

A look of drastic debate was on Fr. O’Brien’s face, then finally he shook his head. “No. You can do better Elliott. Keep practicing.” He gave a firm swat on Elliott’s back, genuflected before the altar, then moved down the aisle. “Oh and Elliott. Try something else. We wouldn’t want to annoy our Blessed Mother anymore by vocally souring a good song about her.”

Elliott’s mouth opened. Fr. O’Brien had to be joking. Vocally souring? Shaking his head and thinking for sure it was a sick ploy of the Captain’s to get him to break, Elliott stood up and reached into the box of sheet music. There had to be something in there really annoying. He debated on the sheet music to The Wizard of Oz, but passed it up. Then he saw it and Elliott smiled. There was nothing more annoying,--at least in his mind--than that. Smiling at the thick Best of Barbara Streisand Collection, Elliott lifted the book from the box. As he did a single folded piece of sheet music fell to the floor. With a grunt Elliott bent over and picked it up. When he saw what it was, when he grasped it in his hands, Elliott sat back down at the piano. He didn’t know what it was that inspired him to play it. But he started with a single chord, simple, unlike what he had played before.

The flap of the flag brought about a huge grin to the Captain. “Don’t let it touch the ground. This is our first colors.” He looked to a group of four men. “Good job on this.”

Young, naïve, and sometimes sarcastic, Craig pointed to the flag. “Why does it only have one star? It’s supposed to be an American flag.”

“That’s correct,” the Captain said. “This star represents North Dakota. When we’re strong, when we start securing states, then we will keep adding a star. As for now . . . Let’s raise it.”

Hand prepared to connect the flag to the rope that dangled from the flagpole, the Captain along with everyone else, stopped.

They had listened for hours to Elliott sing. So much so that he faded like elevator music to the rear of their attention. But with the strike of that one chord, with that one line, upon the song, all activity froze.

Oh, Beautiful, for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain.

The Captain’s eyes shifted down to the flag then to his men. A simple nod without words was his order to raise it high. Elliott’s singing was the sign that it was meant to be.

So simply Elliott sang, differently than all the other songs he had played during the day. The Captain focused, and walked through the gathering men toward the church.

They halted what they did and silenced entailed. The town became captured by the tones not only of the piano but of Elliott’s singing. Graveling with guts, his intensity increased with each verse he ensued.

Oh, beautiful for heroes prove, in liberating strife. Who more than self their country loved. And mercy more than life.

Heart pounding with each step he took, the Captain opened the door to the church and slipped unnoticed into the back. He was mesmerized, and taken. If asked, the Captain wouldn’t have been able to speak. Elliott didn’t sit behind the piano. He stood. If his singing didn’t tell the Captain enough, Elliott’s face did. Eyes closed, seeming lost in the song, Elliott belted out so emotionally that the song seared through the soul deeper and mightier than any weapon could.

Oh Beautiful for patriot dream, that sees beyond the years. Thine alabaster cities gleam, undimmed by human tears.

Up the aisle the Captain moved, eyes focused and heart locked into Elliott’s performance. It was a song not heard in years, nor sung, or thought of. And appropriately it should have been. It struck the Captain that the one man who seemed to lack the patriotism that everyone else had, right then and there reminded everyone what patriotism was.

Elliott finished. His head jolted up to the steady clapping, but it didn’t make him spin in surprise as much as the applause and cheers that seeped through the church from outside. Elliott hunched in embarrassment and covered his face. “I guess they were glad I stopped playing Hail Holy Queen.” He widened his eyes and turned to the piano to gather the music. “I didn’t realize I was that loud.”

He swallowed first then the Captain took another step, He spoke nearly in a daze. “In a world without sound, you can’t sing and not be heard. But I have a feeling, Elliott, you could have whispered that and everyone would have tuned in.” Breathless he walked to Elliott. “My God. I knew you could sing. But . . .”

“Captain stop.” Elliott chuckled, his back still to the Captain.

“No. Any singer can sing from their diaphragm but it takes someone with heart to sing from the soul. Why . . . why did you sing it like that?”

His hand released the music and Elliot peered out before turning around. “Honestly?”

“Honestly.”

“It didn’t start out that way. I started . . . I started playing it because it just seemed right. But Captain . . . the more I sang, the more I heard the words. And I knew why that song was written. For the first time since it was composed, the first time, this country is in the same parallel. And as I sang I realized . . . what am I doing?” Elliott shook his head. “I believe I called it an impossible dream. I . . .believe I . . .”

“Elliot.” The Captain stopped him. “You don’t have to explain anything. You feel the way you feel. And I was wrong for even getting angry with you over it. I owe you an apology.”

“No.” Elliott shook his head. “I owe you an apology my friend. I called it an impossible dream. I called it your fight. I was wrong. Our forefathers, mere farmers, dreamers, they fought the exact same fight you want to fight now. And look what they made of this country. I want it back too.” He spoke with passion. “And even if it is the hardest fight I ever embark on, Captain, I would rather die trying to get it back than watch with envy what I didn’t have the guts to try.”

With a slight snicker the Captain tilted his head. “Oh my god, Elliott. That was nice.”

Elliott rolled his eyes. “See. I’m trying to be serious. I’m trying to ask if I can be a part.”

The Captain gave a squeeze to Elliott’s arm. “You don’t have to ask.”

“No, I do.” Elliott stepped back. “In tradition of what you want to be.” He snapped to attention, arms tight at his side, eyes forward. “Captain I would consider it an honor if you would let me stand beside you again in this fight.”

The Captain held up a finger getting ready to joke with Elliott, but he didn’t. High with pride he lifted his chin. “I would be honored to have you stand by my side as my right hand man. Sgt. Ryder.” Firm and straight, the Captain raised a salute.

Elliott smiled and returned the salute.

“Son of bitch, come here.” With a chuckle, the Captain tightly embraced Elliott. “Good to have you back. Might as well put you to work right now.” He released the embrace. “You ready?”

“More than you think.” Elliott smiled and started to walk with the Captain. “Um, one thing. If I am your right hand man. Am I second in charge?”

“Absolutely.”

“Then if we’re reestablishing ranking of sorts, what’s mine.”

“Seeing how I think it would be odd for everyone to start calling me General, Captain will be the highest ranking,. You will be Sgt. Ryder.”

Elliott stopped walking. “Sergeant? I’m second in command. Sergeant? Not lieutenant?”

“Elliott, Elliott, Elliott. You abandoned me.”

Elliott grunted, shook his head and started to walk again. “Figures. Next thing I know you’re going to tell me you had Fr. O’Brien make me sing Hail Holy Queen twenty times.”

“Actually . . .” The Captain paused before opening the church door. “Twenty-two. But who’s counting.” Smiling, and glad to be joined again with his friend, the Captain walked out with Elliott.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

“I mooch enjoyed de tour,” Forrest told Joe walking to Joe’s office.

“Good. I tried to avoid the crackpots. So, you’ll get to go to containment later.” Joe shut the door. “We’ll begin as soon as everyone gets here. Well, the ones very vital to the time trip. Have a seat.” Joe pointed to a chair.

Attached to the briefcase he held, Forrest sat down.

As Joe walked around his desk, he paused when the door opened and Henry walked in.

“Badly.” Henry griped to Jason who walked in behind him.

“I was merely driving with caution,” Jason said with a slight snicker. “Can I help it you get motion sickness. Hey, Joe.”

Henry paid attention. “Oh, Hey Joe. Dr. Caceres.” Henry extended his hand. “Glad you are well.”

“An-ray. Please call me Forrest.” He shook Henry’s. “I luck foe-word to us beck coming frunds.”

A crocked smile graced Henry’s face with a tilt of his head. “Um, yeah sure.” He stood a seat at one of the set up chair.

“Arrived!” Robbie announced his entrance as he bolted in. “In record time. Ran all the way from . . .hi.” He stopped when he saw Forrest. “Hey, I’m Robbie. Are you him?”

Joe bobbed his head side to side, “Forrest, my son Robbie.”

“Robert.” Forrest nodded. “Josef, you did note men-shoon a son.”

“That was on purpose,” Joe said. “There’s also Frank.”

“What about me?” Frank asked as he walked in.

Behind Frank, with a griping tone, Dean walked. “Not every conversation is about you. How do you know they aren’t discussing other words for short?”

“Now, see.” Frank waved a finger. “If they were doing that they would be using the name Dean. Not Frank. Fuck, Dean, learn some vocabulary. Good thing I’m the literary guy.”

“Frank,” Joe interjected, “we have a newcomer.” He nodded his head to Forrest.

“Oh.” Frank noticed Forrest. “Hey… Frank Slagel.”

“Ah, Frunk.” Forrest nodded. “I huff heard mooch about a Frunk who pro-tucks de community. Is dat you?”

Frank snickered. “Oh, my God. That’s so funny. What did you say?”

“Frank!” Joe yelled. “Be polite. Forrest, yes this is the Frank you heard about, my other son.”

Forrest clapped his hands together once. “Ah, Josef, you are mooch blessed to huff two sons.”

“I got that.” Frank snapped his finger. “And four, he had four. Of course we never counted Hal did we, Robbie.”

“Not if we didn’t have to.” Robbie said.

Joe rolled his eyes. “Forrest, you remember Dean.”

Dean gave his acknowledgment in the form of a smile and a nod.

Moving to find his chair, Frank nudged into Dean with a whisper, “See Forrest? You in twenty years.”

Joe shook his head. “Can we just maybe get started on this?”

“Dean,” Robbie whispered leaning into him. “Hey, did you think about it?”

“Robbie, I’m not the primary,” Dean replied. “I can’t give you an understanding.”

“Whoa! Hold up!” Frank yelled out. “Two hours and twenty-seven minutes post annulment and my brother is asking for an understanding. Oh, way to respect my grief.”

Henry was offended. “Robbie gets an understanding. Oh that isn’t nice Dean. I have the understanding.”

Robbie smiled arrogantly. “That was with Frank. Frank’s no more. Dean’s the man.”

“I’m not the man,” Dean defended. “El’s merely living at the house. Nothing is happening . . . yet.”

“Oh my God!” Frank blasted. Two hours and twenty . . .”

“Frank,” Dean snapped, “stop with the divorce time announcements.”

Joe whistled loudly. “Stop with everything. Can we get on with this goddamn meeting or what!”

The door banged against the file cabinet as it was blasted open. “All right.” Ellen barged in. “Who made my dog into a man again.” When she saw all fingers pointing to Joe, she moved to his desk. “Joe! How could you do that? He was my pet.”

“He was a man for crying out loud.” Joe gave an apologetic shift of his eyes to Forrest who seemed to be enjoying the pandemonium.

“He was my . . .” Ellen stopped, smiled, tucked her hair behind her ear, and extended her hand down to Forrest with a complete change of demeanor. “Hello. I’m Ellen, you must be Forrest.”

Amidst the moans the erupted from Ellen’s fake pleasantries, Joe slammed his hand on the desk. “Ellen. Out.”

Grasping Ellen’s hand with both of his, Forrest stood and smiled widely. “Ah, El-loon. And Josef sud you were nut chumming.”

Ellen gasped. “Joe? How could you say that I’m charming?”

Joe rubbed his temples. “Ellen, leave. This is a meeting.”

“Can’t I stay Joe, please, I’ll be good. You owe me,” Ellen pleaded. “You made Mike a man again. And Forrest likes me, see.” She held up her hand still clasped by Forrest.

Forrest grinned. “Such a sput fire. And you muck me laugh.”

Ellen giggled. “See, Joe. See?”

“All right,” Joe snapped, “sit down and don’t say anything. Christ.” He tried to control his blood pressure he felt rise. “Now, to begin.” Calmly he sunk into his chair. “Jason, anything new on the time machine.”

Jason’s eyes lit up. “Nothing’s changed, Henry and I are drawing blanks.”

“Keep trying.” Joe encouraged then saw Forrest’s hand raise. “Yes, Forrest.”

“Woot is de purpose of your use of de time machine?” Forrest asked.

“As a matter of fact Forrest . . .” Joe ran his hand down his own face. “One of the reasons for this meeting, to save Beginnings. We have reason to believe that another plague will be released on us by the society.”

“De so-sigh-et-tee. Oui.” Forrest shook his head. “Day are de ones dat half done dis to our world. I knew of dear plan. I knew of it well. When were day released?”

“This summer,” Joe answered.

“And you let dem go?”

“We didn’t want them here. There was some trouble and we just didn’t want them here.”

Forrest swallowed. “Day are now out dear, somewhere?”

“Yes. There could be more, we don’t know. They are building an army.”

“From woot I know. An army is an understatement.” Forrest closed his eyes and shook his head. “But Josef, you con not stoop the plague. It is mooch too big.”

“We know this,” Joe explained. “We want to stop them. We were hoping that you may have known something. Anything. What we in Beginnings may have that they want so bad.”

“I huff information. Oui.” Forrest lifted the briefcase and laid it on Joe’s desk. “I do note know how mooch dis con help you.” Forrest lifted papers from the briefcase. “It wuss not long after de conference started. I wuss asked to join dem in a private meeting. It wuss dear, I found out dear plun.” He searched through the stack of papers he handed a sheet to Dean. “Don, you might know woot dis is. Maybe, you con share?”

Dean read over the paper. “It seems as if they had three plagues? Was any of this, Forrest, ever presented at the conference?”

“No.” Forrest shook his head. “For de societies only. At de conference, day spoke of mun kind, and how day con stop extinction from hung-gear, from happening. De nuts you hold are from behind de scenes.”

Dean questioned more, “So this was the plan? To actually cause an extinction?”

“No,” Forrest explained, “day needed  so mooch off de population left to much dear plun work. But, someting went wrong. Maybe, de plague day chose wuss de wrong one.”

Joe rummaged through the papers. “There is so much here Forrest. How did you learn of all this?”

“I listen to dem speck. I take it all in. I let dem trust me. And den, I needed my proof. So, I snick onto a Dock-tear Thomas Hanson’s room. And I tuck his nuts. Dat Josef, is his nuts you hold in your hand.”

Joe expected as much from Frank and Robbie, but not from Henry too. Their snickering irked him. “Children please.”

Frank snorted to end his laughing. “Sorry.” He took a breath. “Forrest, we didn’t know this Hanson guy. Did you know Joanna Holmes? She was the head honcho here.”

Forrest shook his head. “Oui, Frunk. She is cold. It shoo-dears ta muck me dink, dat she is ut dear somewhere.”

Frank scratched his head with a slight snicker. “What?”

Forrest tried again. “It shoo-dears ta muck de dink dat she is ut dear somewhere.”

A raise in the corner of Frank’s mouth appeared. “Again.”

Joe, annoyed, smacked Frank with the papers. “It shudders to make him think that she’s still out there somewhere!”

“Oh.” Frank nodded as he rocked in his chair. “Don’t worry about it. She’s dead. Dean killed her.”

“I did not!” Dean yelled.

“Yes you did. You dissolved her.” Frank saw Dean’s mouth open. “Shut up. You did too.” Frank pointed. “Quiet.”

With a face of frustration, Dean breathed slowly through his nostrils and faced Joe. “I can’t take him.”

“Join the club.” Joe sifted through the paper. “This was all the evidence you were taking to meet that man?”

“Oui,” Forrest answered. “But I dink he set me up.”

“I think so.” Joe read through the documentation, documents that contained the cryogenics process, the virus, the release date and cities of the virus, but no mention of other labs in the United States. Just as Joe was about to give up, his hand slowed in the turning of the next page. There written on the top of a page with information regarding infection of livestock, was a date  in bright red lettering, August 29th. “Forrest, what is this date you have circled.”

“Ah!” Forrest looked. “Dat Josef, is de date, day were to start working in the Garfield project. Moving dear stuff in. Supplies and sooch.”

“All of their supplies for the lab? And so forth?” Joe asked.

“Oui. And I um sure. I wuss hopping de authorities would be able to stoop dem on dat day. But . . .” Forrest lifted his hands. “I wuss de one who wuss stooped.”

Joe crinkled the paper with excitement. “Yeah, but in this history Forrest, we got you. And it may be post-plague, but you are the one who helps to stop them. As soon as Henry gets our Regressionator running, we are going back and hopefully find out what the hell is so important about this piece of farmland. Because, Gentlemen . . .” Grinning, Joe showed the paper, the red lettering to them all. “We have our date.”

THE ANSWERS

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

January 17

The east division tunnel, the finger of the Beginnings tunnel system that extends eastward from the main tunnels that runs underneath center town, the only finger of the tunnel system that could be used as an escape hatch for the people of Beginnings if needed.

There were three ways to get into the east division tunnel. One, from the main tunnel under center town, two, from outside, and three, from the small southeast tunnel which ran under the quantum lab and mobile, its entrance, a mere quarter mile from the quantum lab. And that was the entrance that Frank and Henry used to get to the eastern division tunnel.

Actually . . . Frank used. Henry just happened to be there.

Examining the power supply that ran under the quantum lab was what Henry was doing when Frank told him ‘let’s take a walk.’ How far he had to walk surprised Henry. Where he was going surprised him more. Leaving Beginnings. Robbie was there checking the motion detectors and he called for Frank. So Frank made his way there, Henry at his side.

“Frank.” Henry shivered. “It is really cold and damp under here.”

“Quit whining Henry. You act like such a woman.”

“Why did you ask me to come, Frank?”

“To spend time with you,” Frank said. “I trust you Henry. Have I told you how much I like that you’re my friend? You’re my friend.”

“Yes Frank, I know. You tell me every day. It’s some sort of sick guilt trip you keep putting on me.”

“Guilt trip over what?” Frank asked with fake naivety. “Henry? Did you realize that it has been four weeks . . .”

“Frank! I know this. And will you knock off keeping track of time.”

“I just want you to know the mourning process is still fresh in Ellen’s . . .”

“Frank!” Henry shuddered in annoyance. “Stop. Please. It’s not a real understanding I’m having with Ellen.”

“Dean never ended it.”

Henry stopped walking. “Dean doesn’t have an official relationship with El. Ask her. So he can’t un-understand me or re-understand me, understand?”

“Yeah.” Frank smiled. “I do. Thanks.”

Henry grunted and moved a little faster.

“Wait!” Only the sound of Robbie’s voice was heard as Frank and Henry approached the end of the tunnel. “Just stop! You’ll screw it all up.”

Frank peered to the opening and the heavy brush that covered it. He knew Robbie was beyond it because that’s where his voice came from. “Robbie?”

The left of the brush parted and Robbie slid in, back against the tunnel. “We may have trouble.”

Frank looked at Henry, then his brother. “What’s wrong?”

“Follow me, but take the route I walk. I don’t want it to get messed up.”

Frank and Henry, backs against the tunnel wall, slid through the edge of the brush with Robbie to outside of Beginnings.

“Over here.” Robbie held a long stick and took them further to the right. “Here.” He indicated past a large bush to a semi-muddy clearing. “Look.”

“Shit.” Frank peered out then moved in closer. “Foot prints.”

“Yep.” Robbie pointed with the stick. “From what I could tell, five sets. They go off to the north. They had gathered here.” He showed how the footsteps muddled together. “Now, here’s the odd part. Four of them.” Robbie indicated the four. “Check out the prints. Smooth, not too deep. Men of average size built.”

Frank nodded. “Survivors. The shoes are worn. Really worn.”

“Exactly. But . . .” Robbie drew a circle in the mud around two other footprints. “These two. These two monstrous prints belong to the same person. He’s big too. Look how deep. And . . . what else do you notice?”

“The treading is not worn. Newer shoes.” Frank squatted. “Beginnings shoes?”

Robbie looked up. “Appears that way. Seems someone in Beginnings has a group of pals outside.”

Frank immediately looked to Henry. “Moses.”

^^^^

The big whiff that Johnny took brought a grin to his face. “Smell that Dr. Dean? Smells like a neighbor’s barbeque. I remember that smell well.”

Dean shook his head with a chuckle as he glance at his notes in his pace around the mobile lab. “Don’t let Jason hear you say that. All right, before I go. What do we have? Anything?”

“Nope.” Johnny clicked away. “Nothing.”

“Which batch was that?”

“Number seventeen.” John spun his stool to watch Dean pace. “You wanna try the next batch of anti-serum?”

Dean lifted his wrist to check the time. “How long did we work on that batch?”

“Only two hours.”

“I have that test. Maybe if you . . .”

There was a soft bang, then a dragging noise, almost like metal being scratched. It came from outside.

“What the hell?” Dean peered out the window. “Maybe Jason is letting out his frustration a . . .” Dean let out a jumping shriek when he turned back to the window and saw the mean face of Moses staring back at him. “Shit.” Dean grabbed his chest.

Moses raised his fist and pounded on the glass. “I need to speak with you.” He pointed to Dean.

Dean thought about ignoring him but changed his mind. Perhaps it would add the touch of humor his day needed. “What?” Dean opened the door. “We are busy.”

Moses raised his lip. “The Lord has sent you a message for this work you do on the death air!”

“Well tell Him to leave it on my desk. I’m too busy right now.” He started to close the door but Moses held out his hand stopping him.

“You do not take me serious Doctor. It is against God’s will that you work on this death. And God says you shall fall before him. You the anti-Christ and your disciples. Starting with the weakest one first. You all shall fall!”

“Yeah, yeah.” Dean closed the door, locked it and turned around facing a expressionless Johnny.

“What do you suppose he means by that?” Johnny asked. “Is he just rambling?”

“I don’t know. I have to head down to that test.” Dean started to walk to the door. “And I haven’t a clue what he meant by . . .” He stopped in his leaving when Ellen walked in. “Shit.”

“What?” Ellen looked shocked. “What did I do? I did the dishes this morning. What?”

Dean’s mouth moved a little. “The weakest one first.”

Johnny immediately looked up and his eyes met Dean’s.

Ellen let out a pity moan. “Did Lester die?” She saw the puzzled looks she got .”Lester the little rabbit. You said the weakest one first.”

“Um . . .” Dean stammered some in his words. “Yeah. And I have to go. Johnny . . .” When he knew Ellen was looking away, Dean mouthed the words, ‘watch her’ before he left.

The lab door closed at the same time Ellen opened the door to the special lab. “Hey.” She said then walked back out. “Is Dean stressed? Lester’s not dead.”

“Really?” Johnny mustered up a look of fake surprise. “Maybe he confused them.” He started to return to his work. “He wants us to work on . . .” He peered up. “El? Speaking of dead rabbits? Have you talked to Jason yet?”

Saying nothing, Ellen made a quick escape back into the special lab.

^^^^

The sizzle, the puff of smoke, the rattle and bang was wound up by a finale ‘goddamn it’ of disgust by Jason.

“No luck?” Joe asked, stepping into the quantum lab knowing full well it was stupid question.

“No luck.” Jason shook his head. “The computer runs now, it accepts the program, but I feel like I’m back at square seven hundred and forty-three.”

“You mean square one.”

“No.” Jason shook his head. “If I was back at square one, surely I won’t even have the three computers linked up. I’m correct at which step in my process I have reverted back to.” Jason scratched his hand then walked across the room with a broom.

Joe watched. “How uh, many today?”

“Only six.” After sweeping up the still smoldering black heap into a dust pan, Jason lifted it and carried the remains to a special trash can dumping them in. “I liked that rabbit too.”

“So what now?” Joe asked. “Should we postpone these time trip tests?”

“No, no.” Jason shook his head with certainty. “I’ll get it.”

“Good.”

“Just one problem though.”

“What’s that?” Joe questioned.

“We need this to work now if not yesterday, right?” Jason looked humbled. “Put it this way. Originally from step seven hundred and forty-three until the quantum Regressionator actually worked, it took cheating from the future along with three years.”

“That could be a problem.” Joe exhaled.

^^^^

Washington, DC

It was pathetic, and George could honestly say it made him sick. His gut turned as he stood next to Dr. Walker peering through a long glass window. He wished it were sound proof. That may have helped.

There was supposed to be ten, but George only counted eight. They were supposed to be infants, but instead, they were monstrosities of scientifically manifested nature. Still covered in the slimy residue of their mother’s womb, they moaned and whimpered a saddened, hungry cry. Fresh blood was splattered about the near globs of malformed flesh, the human body turned inside out. Partial limbs protruded from some of the infants, if they even had any. Their eyes bulged from their sockets, no lids to allow them to blink a protection from the elements. Helplessly they squirmed, mouths pressed against the floor gnawing in a hungry search for food.

“We thought it went smoothly,” Dr. Walker explained. “Ultra sound did not show this. We followed the specifications for prenatal care of the mother. Rotation, hydro emergence therapy. So the mothers are fine now, they’ll be ready for re-implantation in two months.”

George swallowed. “When were they born?”

“We did the caesarean sections early last night.”

“And you haven’t cleaned them up? Fed them?”

“We thought they would have died. We placed them in here last night. They barely moved or breathed. I . . .” Dr. Walked shook his head. “…didn’t expect this.”

“Then how did they live this long? You haven’t fed them.”

“They’re . . . they’re feeding off each other.”

A grunt of nausea made George turn from the window. “This is not what was produced in Beginnings. I’ve seen their baby. The genetic altering works. Their baby Marcus is what is intended to protect, and also withstand the elements. Not . . . not this.” George couldn’t even look in the window again.

“They have the old world produced embryos. We need those to copy the gene sequence. If not the embryos, we definitely the original gene splicing program.”

“What about the one from Colorado?” George asked

Dr. Walker pointed backwards into the pen. “This is the sequence from Colorado. The original and working sequence is in Beginnings.”

George huffed out, “Along with everything else.” He started to walk away.

“Sir, what should I do with them?”

George paused and shook his head. “Get rid of them. Just . . . get rid of them.” Wanting to be subjected no more, George kept leaving. The embryos, genetic sequence, time machine, and other items were part of the things Beginnings had that the society didn’t just want, they needed. George would have never thought one small community could hold so much in the palm of their hand over the huge and still growing Society’s head. They were a growing pain. George was just so grateful that at least he didn’t have the pesky defectors to deal with anymore.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

It was reminiscent of Elliott’s childhood, the way his father would stand out on the porch continuously calling his name loudly to get him to come home. But it wasn’t reminiscent in a good way. Those memories were being re-lived by the Captain. Only the Captain stood on the town hall rooftop, six blocks away with a megaphone.

“Elliott!” The Captain shouted through the megaphone. “Elliott Ryder. Sgt. Elliott Ryder we have a meeting. Elliott!”

Elliott winced. “We must devise a new means of communication.” Horror befell Elliott and his mouth dropped open. “Oh, my God did I just talk like that. He’s brainwashing us all.”

Despite the annoying bellowing of his name in the distant, Elliott finished what he was taking so long to do. He dreaded it. Prior to no one partook, no one was allowed. All at the same time, the same day, with the same style. Everyone had three and more were being sought or made . . . uniforms. It was being implemented. The way they talked, walked, and dressed. It was the first full official day of the new order.

Choking, Elliott placed his two fingers in the tightly buttoned high collar shirt. He twisted his neck and cringed at the buttons that weren’t center. Grey in color the uniform was definitely something from the civil war, from the shirt to the pants along with the belt and boots. The only added touches were the sword Elliott would wear in battle, and the fingerless gloves that matched the bandana. Elliott, the Captain, and ten other men wore red. The rest, gold. Elliott recalled wearing the bandana to keep his head warm. He never meant to be a trend setter.

He was ready, uncomfortable, and prepared to leave his house. Walking fast toward town, hunching in a hide, Elliott could feel the stares upon him for being dressed as he was. A part of him was certain that it was a big practical joke the Captain was playing and no one would be wearing their uniforms for another week.

Turning the bend that led to town, Ellen’s stride slowed down. His eyes widened as eight horse trotted passed him. A mesmerized look happened upon his face and then something else. The moment he saw every single man dressed as he was, the second he received his first salute, a sense of unity fell upon Elliott, and the rest of the way to the town hall, Elliott walked tall.

“It’s about time.” The Captain shut the meeting room door behind Elliott. “My God, Elliott do you look . . . dashing.” The Captain grinned.

Elliott grumbled a ‘hmm.’

“What about me? Look I have bars.” The Captain pointed to his own lapel.

“I’d have bars too,” Elliott said when he sat down, “but I’m only a sergeant.”

“Highest ranking sergeant though,” the Captain indicated. “You’ll get there to the lieutenant spot.”

“And what will that take?” Elliott asked.

“Certainly better polishing of these buttons, I can tell you. “the Captain smiled. “Did you see Dawson?” He looked around the group of men, “Did you all see Dawson. That man shines. Anyhow . . .” The Captain leaned back. “We started the meeting without you, Elliot, since you took too long. I’ll fill you in later. Classes start in an hour. Corporal Lewis, you were saying about food.”

“Yes,” Danny Lewis sat up some. “Dehydration is going very well. We are utilizing everything we can. Rations should be good. However I am stockpiling for our scouts, so when spring comes and we send them out to look for society bases, there will be no reason to touch community rations.”

“Good. Are we doing well enough to seek out a few more to join us?” the Captain asked.

“Yes,” Lewis answered. “I even estimate with the greenhouse we should be in good shape.”

“Excellent.” The Captain tapped his pencil. “I want to be an open invitation if we can. Food, warmth, protection. Anything on our medical end.”

Elliott raised his hand. “Blue, you know the elderly gentleman, He was a corpsman in the navy. He is doing good brushing up on his skills. He needs stocked though.”

The Captain nodded. “We’ll do that when we send out winter scouts. I know we discussed not doing that, but I just want to be sure no society activity is moving closer than it should. Sgt. Owens, how is the scout training coming.”

“Very well,” Sgt. Owens answered. “I’ve done numerous trips into the field. They need more training but are doing good. And from what I can tell, our indoor training sessions are going good as well. And, sir, I wanted to mention, the extra homes were completed some time ago. Still no go on the women moving into them.”

“Grace has stated she, like us, wants the women to have unity,” the Captain said. “So if they want to live all together as the Waltons, let them. Let’s just be grateful their maintenance and pampering is minimal with the exception of us having to clear the streets for their safety when they want to take a walk.” He held up his hand to stop any complaints. “Gentlemen, when I fibbed to them of the unsafe conditions, it was only so we could work in peace. Never did I expect it to backfire. Let’s move on. Elliott.” The Captain pointed to him. “How are all those training classes you are handling? And I haven’t seen you as often up at the stables for riding lessons. We picked up nine more horses.”

“I’ll get there” Elliott said. “As far as my classes, they’re fine. Not too much to handle. Keeps me busy and . . . I have a complaint about our little order we have going.” Elliott careened off course. “Can I voice it?”

“Absolutely,” the Captain responded. “Keep in mind. I’m prepared. Just tell me, are you going to shatter me with your words and proceed to rip my heart out with one of those Elliott monologues?”

Elliott rolled his eyes. “I’m never living that down. No, this is minor. Today is our first official day, and I don’t like our name. It’s like, stupid.”

Holding back his sarcastic tone, the Captain couldn’t hold back his half smile. “It’s like stupid. Elliott. Is this the proper form of speaking coming from our main communications instructor?”

“Captain.”

“No try again. Come on, we’re all doing it.”

After a grunt, Elliott exhaled. “Captain, pertaining to our name, I am not quite sure that I am comfortable with it.”

“A ha!” The Captain laughed. “Excellent. Ok, what’s wrong with it?”

“It sucks.”

“Sucks?”

“Stop it. Yeah, it sucks,” Elliott stated. “You have us wearing these uniforms, speaking like something from Gone with the Wind, and we call ourselves the freedom fighters.” He shook his head.

“What do you suggest?” the Captain asked.

“What are our plans? We want to defend this area, circle out, and eliminate all society threats. You yourself, Captain, said that the society is building on the east first. What are we doing building and protecting the west? So why not have that be our name? We want to be the USA, so while we strive for that, let’s call ourselves what we are. The UWA.”

The Captain had to snicker. “I like the initials Elliott, But the United Western America.”

“No,” Elliott stated calmly amongst the chuckling at the table. “The United Western Alliance. Because that . . . is what we are.”

The room went quiet. The Captain jokingly prepared to have his heart ripped out by Elliott but he wasn’t prepared to have his heart stopped. He liked the name suggestion. He really liked it.

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

The sealed room of solitaire was so dark for so long, that the dim light that crept in with the opening door burned Jess Boyens’ eyes. On the single metal bed, hands folded, Jess didn’t move. He merely raised his eyes to Sgt. Doyle.

The double click of the combat boots against the concrete floor brought Sgt. Doyle in. “I have a proposition for you. You want out of the society. I will let you out . . . sort of.”

Jess turned away.

“I know this solitaire is not for you. And I know your skills qualify you for more than the farming area. Wouldn’t you want a job within the society that utilizes those skills? A job that takes you away from it all?”

“What kind of job?” Jess asked his voice cracking from dry throat.

“There is a community that needs secretly infiltrated. They have a lot that the society needs. We need someone in there as a backup. You’ll live there, work there, and be a part of there.”

“A spy,” Jess nodded.

“Of sorts. We may or may not call upon you. But before you go in, you’ll have to be trained. You’ll have a lot to learn especially how to use and play these people.”

“And if I don’t take this job?” Jess asked.

“Cyborg enhancement lever 23. Full frontal lobotomy replacement.”

Jess sighed out heavily. “Or death.”

“No. You’re a body. No death for you.” Sgt. Doyle replied. “You have one more day to think about it.” Sgt. Doyle moved to the door.

“What if . . . what if I agree? How do you know I just won’t turn on you?” Jess asked. “Are you going to implant me or what?”

“Don’t need to,” Sgt. Doyle answered. “You still have two brothers working within the society. Do you know where they are?” Sgt. Doyle smiled. “We do.”

Jess eyes closed at the same time the door did and solitaire, once again, went black.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

It was exhilarating, a moment in a sunny, not-too-cold January day, for Frank, Robbie, and Greg. Joe, standing with his stop watch outside of the quantum lab, yelling ‘go’ was the start of it. Speeding the quarter of a mile low and in a hunching position, the three of them hit the tunnels. Climbing down without a sound. Prepared. Rifles, loaded belts and pre-arranged hand signals.

They moved with swiftness and silence, backs against the walls of the tunnels for the four and one third mile hike to the cryo-lab. Hesitating, stopping, placing their backs in the crevice of the wall twenty-feet from the lab. Catching their breath, they waited.

Frank assessed his brother and Greg, assessed them visually for strength and fatigue. He saw all signals clear. Holding up his hand, he whispered. “Now.” The three of them responded, placing on gas masks, lifting a small can from their belts, joining in a line formation across the tunnel and tossing the cans outward at the same time.

“Clink,” Frank spoke. “Robbie, sound effect.”

Robbie began making a hissing sound with his mouth.

Frank watched his watch. “Ready and . . .”

Greg tried to stop him. “Frank it’s not . . .”

Frank grinned. “Now!” Charging forward, rifles held outward, they stormed in such perfect synch, their footsteps sounded as one. “In here!” Frank motioned his head to the cryo-lab door, kicking it open and seeing Dean, and about eight others. “Uh-oh, Trouble gentlemen. Shoot to kill.”

With a popping and firing sound, Frank, Robbie and Greg unloaded on Dean and the others, bombarding them with red pellet paint. “Time,” Frank called out. “Check for info.”

“Stop!” Dean, totally disgusted and holding out his red, damp shirt, shouted, “I said stop!”

Frank slammed his hand down and took off his mask. “You are dead! You cannot speak!”

“You’re an idiot Frank!” Dean grabbed the radio. “Joe, pause the timing. Frank is messing around again.”

Frank gave a clueless, hidden snickered look to Robbie and Greg, then to Dean. “What?”

“You know what!” Dean scolded. “You aren’t supposed to shoot to kill. If you charge in you can’t shoot the scientists. Rippling effect asshole! And if the gas failed to work, you were supposed to retreat. You’re only supposed to use your weapons in case of emergency.”

“I know that,” Frank said. “We were having fun.”

“Fun? Fun?” Dean stormed to him. “Look at my lab Frank. You three will clean this up. How many times in the past week that we’ve been practicing this drill have you done this to me? Huh?” Dean shook his head and stormed to the door. “I’m tired of being a guinea pig and tired of having to wash red paint off my clothes. When you’re going to do this right, let me know.”

“Sorry Dean.” Frank nudged Robbie.

Robbie cleared his throat. “Yeah, sorry Dean.”

Motioning his head to Robbie, Frank led the way into the tunnel as Dean marched off. “Hey Dean?”

“What?” He spun around to face him, only to be greeted with two more blasts of red pain, stinging him in the chest. Grunting loudly he turned back around and kept moving despite the loud laughter.

Frank tossed his weapon behind his shoulder. “Successful mission or not?”

Robbie thought about it. “Let’s say it was successful.”

“Excellent.” Frank adjusted his headset. “Dad, start timing again. We got what we want, we’re heading up.”

^^^^

Ellen listened to Henry’s voice over the radio and chuckled as she responded. “Hourly radio check complete.” She re-hooked it to her belt.

Joe heard this as he looked down to his stopwatch then back up. He pulled on his ear thinking he was hearing things. Hearing a reconfirming response from Henry to Ellen, he turned around. “What in Christ’s name are you two doing?” He yelled at Henry and Ellen as they stood facing each other outside of the quantum lab just about four feet from him.

Ellen looked at Joe as if he was getting senile. “Joe . . .” She tsked. “We’re doing our hourly radio check. We do that. Henry likes to check on me and Dean while we’re way out here alone. To make sure we’re safe and all right.”

Joe nodded. “Henry, excellent idea.”

Henry grinned. “Thanks Joe.”

“But not when you’re standing right next to each other!” Joe scolded. “It’s unnecessary, it’s a waste and most of all, it’s annoying .If I hear one more word out of either of you, I swear to God I’m getting a cloth and gag your mouths shut. Now stand there and be quiet. No wait, don’t stand there. Ellen, go away.” Joe saw Robbie, Frank and Greg running. “Henry, take your position.” Joe ran to the door of the quantum lab that was posing as the fake archway to the time machine. He tried to get past Ellen who played around, going left when he did and right when he did. “Ellen.” Joe picked her up, moved her aside and ran into the lab. “Jason they’re coming.”

Jason stood by the open door, holding it and staring at the secondhand of his watch. “Henry count the numbers out loud.”

Holding up the pendant, he waited until Frank and they approached. He pressed the buttons. “Zero, one, zero, nine.”

Jason called out, “Ready and . . . illuminated.”

Henry walked through first, Robbie was behind him, followed by Frank, then . . . Slam. Jason shut the door.

“Time.” Jason said. “If four of you must go, you have to be faster. I know you’re all big guys but you have to move faster. We can’t chance this . . .” He opened the lab door to a pissed off Greg. “…chance one of you being left behind.”

Joe threw his hands in the air. “You heard the man. Let’s do this again.” Laughing at the four man crew whining, Joe took great pleasure in shooing them back out that quarter a mile and making them do it again. Though there was some fun in it, the mission was serious. And like everything else it had to be perfect and the timing . . . just right.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Beginnings, Montana

The loud shrill screams of Alexandra were bone chilling and nearly drowned out Ellen’s call for help.

“Dean!” Ellen cried out from the bathroom floor, hands in the tub, “Dean!”

“What!” Dean flew panicked into the bathroom.

Ellen stood up at the same time Alexandra stopped screaming. She handed Dean the shampoo. “You wash her hair, She says I don’t do it right.”

“You don’t.” Dean took the shampoo and knelt down to the tub.

Alexandra wiped her tears. “Thank you, Daddy.”

Ellen rolled her eyes. “Just get it done, Dean. We don’t have time for games. As soon as Frank . . .” Ellen nodded when she heard the doorbell. “Speak of the devil.”

“To be polite,” Dean mumbled.

Ellen shook her head. “I’ll get it.” Leaving the bathroom happily, Ellen walked over Billy and Joey who played in the upstairs hall and trotted down the steps. Frank was walking in. “Hey.”

“I’m here.” Frank carried a box and set it on the sofa table.

“What’s that?” Ellen peeked at the box.

“Knowing you two, you’ll be up at that lab all night. You have to eat. I had leftovers from me and Robbie’s dinner.”

“Ah, thanks Frank,” Ellen smiled. “And we might be. So thanks for coming here to watch them.”

“Not a problem.” Frank unzipped his coat. “Robbie, Henry, and my Dad are coming later to play cards. So . . .” Frank opened the closet and was immediately pummeled by a pillow, blanket and sheet.

“Sorry,” Ellen snickered and bent down to the items, “neither Dean or myself are tall enough to put it deep enough on the shelf.”

“Here I’ll do it.” Frank grabbed them.

“Not too deep or I’ll never get it down tonight.”

Frank smiled. “Why do you need a pillow and blanket down here . . .” His smile widened. “El? Are you sleeping on the couch?”

“Yes.” Ellen snatched the pillow from him shoved it in the closet and shut the door. “This week. Last week was Dean’s turn.”

“Oh yeah, trouble in paradise.”

“There’s no trouble, Frank.” Ellen smacked him in the gut. “There’s just no paradise either.” She saw his gloating look. “Stop that. We aren’t married anymore. And . . . I’ll have you know. I decided to play the field.” Ellen folded her arms. “Be single. Enjoy the carefree life.”

“Dean shot you down.”

“No!” Ellen snapped. “It’s just . . . it’s not fair to him. I told him I was breaking all connections to him when I went back with you. Three days later, you dump me. I just want to make sure I’m not going to play any head games. I kind of like the arrangement. There’s no pressure of any relationships with anyone.”

“Glad you like it. Cause I miss it.” Frank flashed a quick sad smile. “But . . . no pressure has its perks,” he let out a breath. “Where are the kids?”

Ellen pointed ‘up’.

“I’ll be back.” Frank took the steps two at a time in a loud charge.

Hearing Frank cause the chain reaction of noise that included Billy and Joey fighting, Alexandra screaming, and Dean yelling, Ellen made her way to the goodie box. She wanted to see what all Frank had packed. Even though she said otherwise, Ellen knew it was going to be a long night at the lab, especially with the small, but nevertheless progress, they had made earlier.

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

“Minimal. But still progress made,” Steward informed George.

George rubbed his tired eyes. “Doesn’t matter, Stew. If we don’t make progress any progress they make is moot.”

“I spoke to Burke . . .”

“Burke’s an imbecile.”

“Be that as it may,” Steward continued. “Our biggest hold up is the antiserum. We have to create a viable antiserum to inoculate, just in case this thing ends up spreading. Now, we have the recipe but . . . did you ever make Chinese pot stickers?”

“What?” So confused George looked up to him. “What in the world does that have to do with anything?”

“It’s an analogy. If you ever made a recipe out of a cook book, a difficult recipe, it always helps to have tried it or at least see a picture to know whether or not you are doing it right. If we had a small taste of the original antiserum, we could successfully copy it.”

“Yeah, well how are we going to get that?” George asked. “Beginnings has it. We take it, then the fact that we have an inside source is blown.”

“Not . . . entirely true.” Steward held up a finger. “If we do this right, not only can we secure a sample that isn’t noticed at first, but we can create enough mayhem that it will set them back while giving us progress.”

“What are you suggesting?”

“Move up the plan to set them back. It’s been in the works do it now. Our person says tonight is good. Things are ready enough, and we have a group close enough to get the sample for us by dawn.”

“It’s a backup plan.”

“Make it a main plan.” Steward moved the phone to George. “Give the order. I know it will cost us a valuable person but . . .”

George smiled. “In the long run . . . Beginnings will pay.” George began to dial.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

“Dean?” Ellen tapped him lightly over the shoulder as he examined a near motionless rabbit. “I’m getting hungry.”

Not letting her see him, Dean rolled his eyes. “Then eat Ellen. But first hand me my clipboard.” He held out his hand. “What’s happening on agent fourteen?”

“Same thing. Slows the virus, but then the virus prevails. Can you eat with me?” Ellen handed him the clipboard. “I don’t want to eat by myself.” She persisted. “If I wanted to eat by myself, I would have eaten two hours ago. Can you eat with me? Dean? Huh? Dean?”

“Ellen!”

Ellen jumped back. “Don’t snap at me.”

“Sorry, it’s just that I’m busy.”

“And I’m not?”

“No not really.” Dean made a notation in the chart, as he did he saw her standing with her arms folded. “All right, I’ll eat with you. Let me just finish taking notes on this subject.”

“Rabbit, Dean,” Ellen corrected, “and are you noting his remission time.”

“Yep. Two days, that was it. That’s all he was in remission.”

“That’s because he’s a direct exposed victim. Contact victims have a remission of three days. Agents fourteen and fifteen give a six day remission. Hey, you should give him a dose now Dean, just to see if he goes back into remission.”

“Ellen, I’m impressed.” Dean looked at her with a smile. “I really didn’t thing you paid that much attention to this end of our work.”

“How can I not? I have to touch them. I am the bunny babe?” She giggled. “Can we eat now?”

“Yes we can eat now. Let’s wash up.”

Grinning and perky, Ellen took off her coat in the special lab and hesitated briefly, waiting for Dean to join her at the sink. They scrubbed and exited into the other lab.

Dean peered over Ellen’s shoulder at the counter, watching her remove dinner from the box. “You think you brought enough?” Dean asked sarcastically. “We don’t have any extra plates unless we left some at the other mobile.”

“Why don’t you check? If not, we can share.” She reached in the crate. “I’ll get the little pull table and chairs and we can sit by the window.”

“Sounds good. I’ll be right back. Oh . . .” He stopped with a snap to his finger. “Remind me to pull that Jenny Matoose sample. I have a theory on it.” Leaving the mobile lab, Dean walked quickly over to the other mobile. He flicked on lights as he made his way to the kitchen at the other end. Opening the cupboards, he felt like a nursery rhyme when he saw that they were bare. Giving it his best shot, he checked the drawers. A fork rolled as he opened it. Excited over the eating utensil, he closed the drawer. As he did, he heard what sounded like a crack or dull thump. He looked out the little kitchen window, parting the blinds. Not seeing anything, Dean shrugged, and shut off the same lights he turned on as he went back to Ellen in the other lab.

“Fork.” Dean held it up as he entered the lab mobile. He saw how Ellen had set everything up in front of the window. “That’s nice.” He smiled and sat across from her. “El, you don’t have to share your food.”

“Dean please, there’s enough of it.”

“Thanks.” Dean sat down and prepared to eat. “El?” His eyes shifted to a folded piece of paper. “What’s this?” He lifted it.

“Oh.” Ellen wiped her mouth. “I found it on the floor by the door. I think someone dropped it.”

“Who El? You and I are the only ones here.” A small sheet of paper folded in half. Dean looked at the words written on the front. “It’s a bible reference. Deuteronomy 22:24.”

“You know all that stuff. What is it?” Ellen ate a bite of her food.

“I’m not that good that I know it off my head. I know that Deuteronomy deals with waiting to go to the promised land and God’s word. I wonder who . . .” Dean’s thumb flipped open the paper and he read the words inside. “Shit. Who would have . . .?”

The slam! It made Ellen shriek and Dean jump nearly from his chair. From the window they sat before, a loud bang was heard. They looked. They saw. They jumped back in horror as the watched a face slam into the window and slide down, the cheek sticking some, the head of the man leaving a long bloody smear as he dropped to the ground.

“Dean oh my God, was that Bill?”

“Yeah, our guard. Shit!” Dean stepped back and as he did it started, banging, continuous loud banging on the side of the mobile, crashing against the aluminum.

“Dean,” Ellen’s voice shook., “what’s going on?”

“I don’t know.” He raced to the cabinet a foot away, opened it, bent down, and grabbed the revolver. He checked it for ammunition and pulled back the hammer. “We have to get out of here.” The banging grew louder.

“Which way?” Ellen covered her ears to the close bangs.

“The other mobile. Shit the door.” Racing to lock the door to the lab, Dean reached out, Ellen behind him. His hand barely extended when the lab door flew open, slamming loudly as it did and Reverend Thomas--Moses, stood in the doorway. His long gorilla style arms extended in a lunging manner, his hair was wet and stuck to his face. His gleaming eyes pierced at them as he charged forth.

“El, run!” Dean shouted, extending the gun and firing over Ellen’s scream. The bullet seared into Moses’ left shoulder, but it didn’t stop the strong giant man. He leaped forth, grabbing the gun from Dean and clutching it in his hand. Swinging forward and down, he struck Dean in the side of the head, sending him spinning and immediately to the floor.

“Dean!” Ellen raced to him.

Slowly in a daze, Dean lifted to his feet. Blood flowed from his temple.

“No!” Ellen screamed out when she saw Moses extend his gun. Without hesitating, she leaped on his back and grabbed his arm in a struggle with a man three times her size. So big, that all it took was one good Moses shrug and Ellen lost her grip, sending her to the floor.

In an aim on a barely standing Dean, Moses fired. Dean jolted sharply to his left, grabbed for the counter and fell helpless to the floor.

Another cry out from Ellen instinctively sent her to a fallen Dean, But Moses charged toward her. “No!”  Quickly, she ran for the door that would bring her to the other mobile. Trying to think as she made her escape, she turned the lab lock on the door as she flung it open in hopes that Moses would follow her. He did.

The three foot corridor was not long enough. She made it to the other side waiting that split second for Moses to step into the corridor, and the lab door shutting behind him. In that instance, panicked filled, Ellen slammed the door to the other mobile. And against Moses’ desperate turning of the knob, she locked it. Trapped! Trapped, she thought. Backing up, breathing heavily, she raced for the other door. The crashing and loud bang of Moses breaking in went through her as if it were a jolt of electricity. Screaming, Ellen grabbed the front doorknob of the mobile, pulling, pulling and trying to unlock the door that was stuck.

She could hear him, she could smell him. She could feel him so near. Just as the door became free, Moses reached for her and Ellen flung the door open, taking Moses by surprise, and hitting him sharply in the hand. Knowing from his grunt that she injured him, Ellen sped out screaming for the jeep. But as she closed in, she remembered, the keys weren’t there. They were in the mobile lab with Dean and with . . . a radio. Knowing where she was safe, she headed full speed to the mobile lab. Maybe beat Moses, lock herself in the lab, and pull Dean with her to the special lab. That lab had bullet proof and shatter proof glass. She’d be safe with Dean until help arrived. Just as she reached for the door, just as she felt her safety net growing nearer, her hair was clutched abruptly and air was all that Ellen felt beneath her dangling feet. Letting out one more scream, a hand covered her mouth. And any control that Ellen had, any chance for help that she hoped for was gone. She was trapped within the arms of a man bigger and stronger than she. There was no escape.

^^^^

Henry would be the first to admit it was jealousy that made him leave the Slagel poker game at Dean’s house. He used worry as an excuse to spy on Dean and Ellen who hadn’t responded to a single one of his check in calls to them. And Henry had to wonder if maybe it wasn’t jealousy, or worry, but some sort of intuition. The vision of what his headlights caught as he pulled near the mobile said it all. Reflecting first against the window, showing a long thick smudge of some sort, the lights then illuminated the outline of a body which lay just below that window. “No.” Henry grabbed the flashlight from the seat and jumped from the jeep. He charged forth to the body, skidding down to a kneel as he reached him. A man on his side, bigger too--Bill. Rolling him over and sliding his hand to feel for a pulse, Henry knew. The brown hair of Bill was sopping wet from the blood that poured from the open wound on the side of his skull told him it all. Grabbing Bill’s shotgun, Henry stood up, pumped the chamber and headed to the mobile. His insides pulled and tugged and his stomach dropped when he saw the lab door open. Running in, it got worse. Blood was everywhere and Dean lay still in a small pool of it, center room. “Dean.” Henry flew to him. Reaching for him, touching him, Henry heard a soft moan. Knowing he was still alive, he had someone else he had to find. “Ellen!” He cried out “El!” Knowing she wasn’t in the lab he charged toward the other mobile, hoping against hope she had barricaded herself in there. The mobile door was locked. As soon as he opened it he knew his hopes were in vain. The other mobile’s door was broken down. “El!” He called her name for if she was hiding, maybe she’d know she was safe. “El!” He called out louder, turning on the lights, holding the shotgun and flashlight, and seeing a trail of blood as he ran through. Running through the living room and back outside, Henry stood in the cold dead silent grass. “Ellen!” He called out as loud and long as he could--nothing. Knowing Dean needed help, and so did Ellen somewhere, Henry, though failing at keeping his cool, ran back to the mobile lab.

Once inside he bent down to Dean and grabbed his radio, preparing to call for help. And then he saw it. It caught his eye lying on the floor, the neatly printed bible reference on the folded sheet of paper. Opening it, Henry’s heart sunk even further when he read the message inside. ‘You must take both of them to the gates of the town and stone them to death’. Fear struck Henry, fear like he had never known. Knowing it was a bible passage, and knowing who it had to be, Henry also realized where he had taken Ellen. With a trembling hand he depressed the radio’s button. “Frank! Frank! I’m at the mobile. Bill is dead. Dean is shot bad and Ellen . . . Ellen is gone. Frank. Moses got her. He left a note. I’m going. I think he took her out the tunnels.” Henry took a deep emotional breath as he wiped his head with the back of his hand. “I’m going after her.” Hooking the radio to his belt he stood up. “Help is coming Dean, I have to get Ellen.” Picking up his flashlight, Henry charged out. He stopped at Bill’s body to grab an extra ammo clip and without hesitation he raced for the jeep.

The chairs at the dining room table all fell over as the three Slagel men jumped to their feet when Henry’s call came over Frank’s hand held radio.

Frank flew toward the door, his heart racing. “Josh!” He yelled up the steps, “watch your sister and brothers, there’s been an emergency.” He grabbed for his coat and pulled his revolver from his shoulder harness.

Joe, holding his own radio, charged at him. “Frank, hold up.”

“Dad, I can’t.” Frank’s eyes shifted as Robbie now stood with him. “I . . . we have to go find her.”

“I know this.” Joe held his hands up. “But we can’t do it half ass. I’ll grab Godrichson and we’ll head up to the mobile for Dean. You and Robbie take ten minutes to get some gear together. While Godrichson is driving, I’ll dispatch your men to ammo. Arm them. We’ll send out five groups to scout all night. They couldn’t have gotten that far. It hasn’t been that long and they’re on foot. Then after you get everyone suited up, I want you and Robbie to take the bikes and head out to where Henry is going. He’s alone. And if whoever this Moses is, has her, Henry may be heading in the right direction. He may need help.”

Frank and Robbie agreed, and with frightful enthusiasm they raced to put Joe’s plan in motion.

Henry shut off the jeep and stumbled in confusion. He felt he had lost all sense of direction, all sense of thought. Securing his shotgun, he grabbed the flashlight, the emergency pack, and a blanket from the back of the jeep. He was right above the entrance to the tunnels. His inner feelings told him that was where they went, the blood by the ladder confirmed it.

Loaded up, but not too heavy, Henry climbed down and turned on his flashlight. He ran, without getting tired the whole four miles to the tunnels end only slowing enough to see another one of Beginnings guards dead. Slipping through the brush, Henry paused to think. The footsteps Robbie had found in the morning. Remembering Robbie saying that they headed north, that’s the direction Henry decided to take--north.

With Ellen so strong on his mind, Henry trudged forth; praying the whole way that the blood that led him there was not hers. Henry did not walk. Though dark and dense and the terrain rough, he ran. He ran without stopping or losing his breath. Determination kept him going. Calling out gave him hope. Ellen was out there somewhere and Henry had to find her.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

January 18

Beginnings, Montana

It was so damp, thick and cold, it burned against the skin of Ellen’s fingers as if it were hot. That was what awakened her. On her stomach, she lay confused. Opening her eyes and shivering from the cold, she peered her focus--so blurred to her hand above her head. A right hand, fingers buried into the mud. Moaning so softly, she lifted her head slowly, taking in the fact that she wasn’t in Beginnings anymore. The brown color of the winter spun around her in a fuzzy focus while the leaves crinkled beneath her knees as she weakly raised herself to a kneel.

So cold, so weak, Ellen tried to stand up, stumbling back down to the ground with each futile attempt. She felt so in a fog as she made yet another try at standing. Taking a deep breath, she coughed and she found herself in a stand. Immediately with her first step, everything spun again and Ellen’s knees buckled, sending her back down. Grasping the ground in frustration with herself, Ellen took a moment to get her head together, readying herself to try it again. She wanted to go home.

“Henry calm down!” Frank bit his lip as he pulled the radio from his mouth. “He’s losing it Robbie. Losing it.”

“Let me try Frank.” Robbie held out his hand for the radio. “You’re upset too. And you yelling isn’t helping.” He pressed in the button. “Henry. Henry?”

“What?” Henry sounded so sad on the other end.

“Henry, listen to me. We’re on our way over to you. Just hold tight. Don’t wander off too far. We’ll join you to look for her. And Henry, stay focused.” Robbie handed the radio back to Frank who had his head down as he straddled his motorcycle. “Frank?”

Frank gazed his eyes up taking the radio. “What if we don’t find her, Robbie.”

“We will.” Robbie started his bike again. “We will.”

Henry’s feet kicked up leaves as he stammered to a stop in frustration. Three shorts breaths came from him as his head dropped forward. Taking one more long breath, he lifted his head high, crying out long and with his heart in one more desperation attempted. “ELLEN!” Hearing the echo of nothing, Henry legs grew weak and he lowered himself to the ground in near defeat.

Henry? Ellen’s head lifted from her stare at the ground. Did she just hear him? Or was it her imagination. “Oh God.” Giving it all she had, her chest feeling heavy, her body weak, Ellen brought herself to a stand calling out in hope and for help. “Henry!”

Henry’s head sprang up and he jumped to his feet. The rush he felt drove from his ears to his heart. “El!” Emotionally he smiled when he heard his name being called in response. “El! I’m coming!” Grabbing his radio, he began to run to the voice. “Frank., I heard her. She’s calling me. She’s near.” With excitement he kept going.

Ellen’s body swayed as she walked. “Henry!” The ground felt as if it were slanted, so hard for her balance, so difficult to move and see. Listening in relief to Henry calling back, his voice soon was lost as another overshadowed his. One she recognized, but she couldn’t see the man behind the strong voice.

“You have sinned against God!” Moses called out. “And according to the law of Moses your punishment is death! By stone!”

With one more step, Ellen heard it coming, it made its way through the trees, catching the air and landing hard just before her foot. She looked down at the large stone and fear, at that moment, struck her. And then . . . so did a stone. Hitting her hard in the back, Ellen fell forward, covering her head and picking herself back up. Another one sailed down, crashing into her hand, then her arm. The wooded area began to turn around her, spinning, and spinning and she didn’t know which way to turn.

Henry felt horrified when he saw Ellen desperately try to run from the objects that sailed through the air at her, and around her. “No!” Henry called out from his gut, racing forth to her through the hail of hardened earth.

Reaching her, Henry picked her up and tried to run from the semi-clearing with her. Not far into his run, he heard Moses call out.

“Halt the stones!”

Silence, dead silence, as Henry stopped running, looking around, not knowing what to do when he saw Moses walking to him then not just Moses but soon a small army. Ten or twelve men, all holding striking objects in their hands, walked with haste to Henry and Ellen.

Henry set Ellen down, stepping before her. He raised his rifle at the wall of men who charged them with growing speed. Pumping the chamber he fired, down went one man. Henry fired again, and another went down. He wasn’t fast enough to take them all down before they reached them with their blunt weapons. Before Henry knew it, he and Ellen were surrounded closely, the men and Moses held the clubs high.

Then it happened. Like rain during a drought, a waited on relief, starting out slowly and building--the sound of motorcycle engines. Henry, like everyone else, looked to where they came from. Over the small grade, three feet in the air sailed Frank and Robbie on their bikes. He picked up Ellen into his arms knowing an escape would be imminent. Just as he lifted her, he heard the loud snarl of Moses, and saw through the corner of his eye--seemingly in slow motion--Moses swinging down his large heavy object toward them. And then . . . he saw Frank.

Leaping from the moving bike, Frank hurled his body at Moses, crashing him to the ground in a roll at the same time his motorcycle did.

A single gunshot from Robbie as he rode and Robbie’s call was Henry’s sign. “Get her out!”

Raging forward, Henry, carrying Ellen, took her off into the nearby brush, He set her down and positioned his weapon. Stepping out, but not too far from her, Henry proceeded to help out Robbie in taking out the ten remaining men who ran, scattered about like chickens in a coop.

The gunfire went unnoticed to Frank who fought his own war. He had the advantage against Moses. Frank had anger, hurt, and the frustration of his all night search behind every single blow he delivered to Moses. “I killed you once, you fuck.” Frank grabbed Moses by the hair, careening him face forward to meet his knee that rose with twice the force. Moses’ eyes rolled behind his head and he fell backwards to the ground. Placing his heavy boot upon Moses’ chest, Frank pulled out his revolver, clicking back the hammer, and extending it downward to Moses’ face.

“Frank stop!” Robbie called out. No more gun fire was happening. There was quiet and twelve dead men. “Just stop.”

“What the fuck!” Frank looked at him, securing Moses with the weight behind his leg.

“There may be more men. Before you kill him, we should find out.”

“He’s not going to tell us Robbie!” Frank yelled keeping his eyes on Moses.

“Let me try,” Robbie pleaded. “Let me try. But wait . . .”

Frank tossed his hands up, still securing Moses, watching Robbie run over and speak to Henry and Ellen. “He’s conversing.”

“O.K.” Robbie trotted back. “Henry’s taking her home. Now . . .” Robbie clapped his hands together, “let’s try this.”

“Can I put my gun away?”

“Um . . . yeah sure.” Robbie answered and looked down at Moses. “Hey Reverend Thomas.” He knelt down to Moses’ level. “Do you happen to have any more men running around out here that we should know about?”

First he grunted then Moses answered, “Burn in hell.”

“Thanks.” Robbie stood up. “I guess we’ll have to try something else.” He took a few steps toward the legs of Moses. “Make sure he doesn’t move Frank.” Robbie reached his hand to his own thigh and the strap there. He pulled out his hunting knife, gripping it firmly with point down. “Moses, I need some information. You will help. See . . . we need . . .” With a power grunt and all his strength Robbie drove the hunting knife directly and center into Moses’ kneecap. He smiled at the shrill scream of pain that immediately happened when the knife cracked its way through. “. . . to know if you have any more men.” Holding the knife, Robbie leaned to Moses’ face. “Huh? I can’t hear you.” Moses didn’t answer he only clenched his jaws. “Not helping?” Robbie gripped the knife. “Do you have . . .” He twisted the knife, another scream. “…any more men . . .” Another turn of the knife. “…running around . . .” Though tough, he made another turn. “…out here?” On his final word, with everything he had, like a stake into the ground, Robbie rammed the hunting knife through.

He let out a long scream of pain, his face and neck so red. “Yes!”

“Thanks!” Robbie smiled then grabbed the knife strapped to Frank’s leg. Gripping the same as he did with the other, he held it above Moses’ knee. “Now, where are they?”

“No.”

“Where!” Robbie nailed it, like a twin, identically in the same spot on his other knee. “Where?!”

“No!”

“Where!” Robbie yelled louder as he turned the knife.

He cried loudly in pain. “We have a camp . . .” Moses screamed, it gurgled deeply as it came out. “…four miles north of here.”

Another grin laced Robbie’s face as he stood up. “Four miles out.”

In a whisper, as if it mattered to Moses, Frank leaned toward his brother. “You think he’s being honest?”

Robbie shrugged. “Might as well check it out. But, we shouldn’t kill him in case he’s lying. Not yet. So, what should we do with him?”

After a moment’s thought, Frank nudged the one leg of Moses, saw it didn’t move, and then nodded to Robbie. “He’s pretty secure. Let’s go check out that camp.”

That sounded good to Robbie and Moses really wasn’t going anywhere, so if the camp wasn’t there and they needed more information, they knew where to find him.

^^^^

“Robbie!” Frank yelled over the helicopter noise as they flew outward to where Moses had directed them. “I think he lied.” Frank held tight to the machine gun, staring out the open side door as his footing braced him.

“No way!” Robbie yelled back. “Check out at one o’clock.”

Laughing loudly, Frank readied the machine gun as he saw below the camp. The men scattered about as they ran from their homes, homes that consisted of old trailers and tents. A huge bon fire--probably their heat--was Robbie’s guiding signal. “You ready Robbie?”

“I’m getting you there!” Bringing the bird down some, Robbie positioned it for Frank.

With a wide grin, the rumbling of shots began, sending the thirty or so men below scurrying about as Frank aimed on purpose to the ground around them. Dirt sailed upwards as he chased them back into the camp with his bullets, being careful not to take out too many.

Robbie pulled the helicopter back turning away from the camp and circling back in. Then depressing a button, two small missiles launched from the helicopter. They whistled as they flew, sailing to their target below.

Turning the helicopter just enough, but not too far that they couldn’t see, Frank and Robbie watched as the once campsite below them, set in a large cleared area, shook from the delivered explosives, and erupted into one huge roaring fireball below.

With the helicopter filled with brotherly cheers, Robbie and Frank headed back to Beginnings, not more than a five minute flight away.

^^^^

Like a spring, Ellen bounced up, but not without a moan of pain. The spinning room slowly came into focus, but she smelled it long before she saw it and she knew she was safe within the clinic.

Gently, Jason Godrichson laid a hand on her shoulder. “Just relax.”

“Dean?” Ellen looked around. “Is Dean all right?”

Jason nodded. “Dean will be fine. The stomach wound will keep him down for a while, but the head injury seems fine.”

“Head injury? Jason, can he see?”

Jason snickered. “Of course, Ellen, where in the world did that come from.”

Still feeling rattled, Ellen shook her head. “What about Frank, Robbie, Henry?”

“Fine,” Jason answered. “I need to speak to you, but I feel it may not be my place. So . . .” Jason looked behind him, Joe walked in. “I called your father.”

Ellen’s eyes shifted. “What did I do?”

Joe smiled and closed the examining room door. “How are you, sweetheart? Jason, how is she?”

“Aside from what we need to discuss, she’s fine,” Jason answered.

“Good.” Joe walked over to Ellen, kissed her on the cheek, and grabbed her hand. “Now, my question right now is why? Why are you hiding it? What’s wrong?” Joe asked and saw Ellen’s confusion. “Jason, could you?”

“Sure.” Jason stepped forward. “Let’s just say Ellen, it’s fortunate for you I did standard blood tests before I did any x-rays.”

Ellen’s head sunk deep into the pillow.

Joe intervened. “Jason suggests you’re a couple months along. Is there a reason you didn’t let this out. Is it because you want to work on the virus?”

“No.” Ellen slowly shook her head. “It’s because I don’t know who the father is.”

“Christ.” Joe covered his eyes. “Ellen, there really shouldn’t be a question considering you finally reunited with my son a month ago. You’re further along than that.”

“In this time frame,” Ellen said. “Remember Joe I went back with Henry to save Dean. This body, in that time frame slept with Dean on November 1st, but in my grief, I slept with Frank not a week later, both still falling in my fertile period.”

“May I?” Jason interjected. “She has a problem.”

Joe grunted, “Thank you Einstein.”

“No, Joe. She’s correct.” Jason said. “It doesn’t matter who she did or didn’t sleep with in this time frame. Whoever impregnated her in that time frame is still the father.”

“Joe.” Ellen looked to him. “So what do I do? We can’t have a repeat of Joey.”

“And . . . and we won’t.” Joe assured. “We’ll handle this. When Frank gets back, we’ll . . . we’ll handle.” Plopping down to the chair next to Ellen’s bedside, Joe exhaled. “Oh, Boy.”

^^^^

Positioned and quiet, that was how Joe had Frank, Dean and Ellen.

Frank was next to Dean’s bed, Dean sitting up, and Ellen facing them like they were her jury.

Joe paced around. “Dean, I apologize for doing this when you are still recovering, but it’s at the same time or not at all. O.K.” He saw Dean hadn’t a clue what he meant. “You’ll understand after I say this. Before we get into the reason for this gathering, I want to explain something so emotions don’t get out of hand.” Joe cringed when he saw Frank’s hand rise. “Yes, Frank.”

“O.K., maybe it’s because I’ve recently become literary and all, but . . . you’re not making sense.”

“Speaking of that,” Dean adjusted in the bed, “I gave you more time. What’s going on with the Frank novel?”

“Dean, please.” Frank closed his eyes. “I’m getting there. And soon, your little ass will be saying, ‘Frank, you literary guy, you...’”

Joe just rolled his eyes. “Can we just move on with this? Thank you. Let’s see how I can start. Once upon a time . . .”

“Dad, If you’re sharing your creative work, could you not? I don’t want it to mess up my writing night tonight.”

“Frank,” Joe winced, “I’m not being creative. Just try to follow me.”

“Where?”

“Frank,” Joe snapped. “Listen. Once upon a time, there was a time that you two don’t remember. It was the time frame when Dean was dead.” Joe spoke slowly. “Now Ellen remembers that time frame. And given that it was about two months ago, we’ve deducted that the ‘Dean is dead’ time frame is when Ellen . . . is when Ellen conceived the baby she’s carrying.”

Ellen sunk into her chair.

“Oh, yeah.” Frank clenched his fist. “I’m good with this time frame shit. You, El, were pregnant already when you brought Dean back.”

Ellen nodded.

“And!” Frank held up a finger. “In that time did you sleep with me? I mean, Dean was dead, so did you?”

“Yes,” Ellen nodded.

“But,” Joe interrupted, “before you claim victory here, Frank, Ellen, also slept with Dean in that time frame.”

“Ellen slept with Dean in the Dean is dead time frame?” Frank said.

“Yes,” Joe responded.

“Oh, my God.” Frank gasped. “She slept with Dean when he was dead?’

“No!” Joe yelled, “before he died. Right before he died.”

“Oh.” Frank said relief. “El? You cheated on me?’

“He died Frank so it didn’t count,” Ellen defended.

Frank nodded. “Still no argument. The kid is mine.”

Dean, who was a bit out of it, snapped his attention to Frank. “How do you figure that?”

“You were dead,” Frank told him.

“Not when I deposited my sperm,” Dean snapped, “and the odds are in my favor that the kid is mine. You’ve only fathered one in six years.”

“No way. Two. Are you forgetting about the one El lost?” Frank asked.

“No, that’s the one I counted,” Dean said.

“Yeah,” Frank came back, “so two. Brian as well.”

“Three!” Joe yelled out. “Joey, remember.”

“Yeah,” Frank snapped, “that’s right. See, three. I’m winning. So it’s mine. Doesn’t matter. This time frame, that time frame.” He shrugged. “That stupid Beginnings relationship law went into effect, signed by council, last year. Whoever is the primary, or in our case, the husband.” Frank pointed to his own chest. “They are the father. Period. So you’re out. Green eyes and blonde hair like Brian. Like Brian the kid is mine.” Frank looked proud of himself.

Cringing and fearing--though a slim possibility--that Frank could figure out his last statement, Joe decided to change the subject. “O.K. There will be no arguments. None. When this child is born then it will be determined whose it is. Until then, it’s a Slagel by default of name.” Joe clapped once to finalize the discussion. “And speaking of Slagels, good job today Frank. And you didn’t tell me which one of you finished off Moses?”

“Well we . . . I . . .” Frank’s eyes widened in revelation. “Shit!” Jumping from his chair, Frank flew from the room.

CHAPTER THIRTY

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

George’s fingers were an immediate substitution for a comb at the moment, running them through his tossed grey hair to push it down from his slumber on the sofa. “And?” He asked Steward.

“They’ll make another attempt to reach the back gate,” Steward replied.

“What happened to them the first time? Our contact said they were there but our troops weren’t.”

“They had to retreat. They reported on route they saw a very big Beginnings soldier shoot a big red haired man who was nailed to the ground through his kneecaps.”

“Frank.” George shook his head. “But they are returning to the gate tonight?”

“Yes,” Steward said., “so I’m taking it our contact got what we need.?”

“And more.”

“Will they know it’s missing?”

George shrugged, “Hard to tell. A lot of damage was done at the mobile lab. They could think it was just destroyed. But, even if they deduct it was taken by us, which I doubt, they’re going to look at Rev. Thomas. And by doing so, they’ll look at a dead man.”

“You don’t think they’ll suspect someone else on the inside?” Steward asked.

“Nope,” George said with certainty. “After the Rev. Thomas fiasco, I highly doubt that they’ll even suspect another bad seed running around Beginnings. If they do, our contact said it was a pretty clean job. No evidence to point to other than Rev. Thomas. And even if there is minor evidence, who in Beginnings is going to look that close to find it?”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

If little Brian’s face was food, he would have been gone for the amount of times Robbie’s lips pressed against him. He held Brian tightly, the little full face of the baby close to his own, smiling and brushing his nose against Brian’s. “Uncle Robbie has to go now.” He kissed the baby again. “Jenny, are you sure you’re all right with all these kids. I can take them.”

“No.” Jenny waved her hand. “John is going to be in and out of the house all night. I can use the company.” She ran her hand down Brian’s head. “Besides Robbie, you look really exhausted.”

“To be honest with you, I am.” Robbie hugged Brian and handed him to Jenny. “Thanks for letting me stop by.”

“No problem.” She cradled the baby. “But I can tell this one is your favorite.”

Robbie grabbed his coat and slipped it on. He adjusted the collar as he moved to the front door. As his hand reached for it, it opened, and John walked in. “John.”

“Robbie.” At first John’s stares were cold. “Stopping by to see the kids?”

“Yeah.” Robbie waved to Jenny. “Thanks again.”

John stopped him. “Oh Robbie, I just wanted to say, good job today. Though Ellen and us haven’t seen eye to eye, really it was a shame what happened. We were both very worried. Could you pass that on to her?”

Robbie nodded. “Sure . . . I’ll uh, pass it on.”

John extended his hand to Robbie. “Good job again, and tell her she is in our prayers.”

“I will.” Robbie gripped John’s hand and shook it, looking down as he did. Before releasing it, he turned it over. “What uh, what happened to your fingers?” Robbie motioned his head and referred to the three scratches across the tops of his index and middle finger.

“Oh that?” John pulled his hand away. “Check this odd thing out. I was working on that generator room door again and my hand got caught again. I pulled it out. Third time that’s happened.”

Robbie pointed then zipped his jacket. “Ought to tell you something, John.” It was difficult for Robbie to be pleasant, but he acted the part well. “I’ll give Ellen your best.” He moved to the open door, took one more look back at John, letting his eyes examine the scratches once again, and then he left.

Robbie wanted to stop by and hang with Ellen. But seeing that he had to pass his and his father’s home anyhow on the way to Dean’s, Robbie figured he might as well grab something to eat.

Mistake. He knew going home was a mistake when he walked in the door. The first thought hitting him, ‘God, why don’t I have my own place?’ when he saw his father, Forrest, and Jason sitting at the table having dinner. “Hey.” He shut the door as he walked in.

Joe lowered his napkin. “Wanna eat with us? Forrest brought dinner over.”

Following the aroma to the table, Robbie peered to the brownish, gravy looking mixture on the table. “Cooked huh, Forrest? What is it?”

Forrest swallowed his food first. “I dot I wooed muck a famous dish of mun.”

“Really?” Robbie went into the kitchen and grabbed a small plate and fork. He came back in. “It smells interesting, what is it?” He dished some for himself bringing it close to his nose and sniffing it.

“Chic-coon bulls.” Forrest smiled.

Robbie looked down at Joe. “What is this called?”

“He made chicken balls.”

Robbie lifted his fork. “Chicken balls? Wasn’t it a little difficult getting them?” Letting out a grunt as Joe back handed him in his gut, Robbie tried them. “Taste like chicken.”

“It is chic-coon. I mush it up und muck unto bulls.”

“Oh.” Robbie made a face as he mashed the food around in his mouth. “Hmm, interesting.” He set the plate on the table. “See ya guys.” He moved to the door.

“Hey,” Joe called him “where you going? We’re heading down to the social hall after dinner. Did you wanna come?”

“Nah, I’m going to head over and see Ellen then got to bed.”

“Why did you come home first then?” Joe asked.

“To eat.”

Jason indicated to the amount of food. “Then eat Robbie.”

“Uh . . .” Robbie smiled. “Nah.” He shook his head. “I think I’ll just raid El’s fridge. See ya.” Making a quick escape from the three men and their chicken balls, Robbie stepped outside pulling the door closed behind him. Before he started to walk, he pulled out a cigarette and lit it, blowing the smoke from his mouth long and slow. Raising his shoulders to adjust his jacket, he began to head to Ellen’s. He walked at a good pace, fast but not too fast, taking in the briskness of the air, smelling the aroma of winter and the scent that filled the air just before it snowed.

Robbie tossed his still burning cigarette when he got to Dean’s house and knocked once. He heard Ellen yell ‘come in’. Sticking his head in first to make sure, he called out. “El?”

Ellen tilted back her head from the couch with a smile. “Come in. Look who’s here.” She pointed to Denny and Josh who stood before her. “Just in time.”

“Just in time for what?” Robbie unzipped his coat. “Can I visit for a while?”

“Please.” She patted the cushion next to her. “Sit and watch this.”

Tossing his coat on the chair, Robbie pushed up his sleeves as he sat down next to Ellen. “Sit and watch what? Are they singing for you?”

“No,” Ellen answered. “They stopped by because Andrea sent me brownies. Brownies mind you, and the boys were just about to perform for me.”

Denny nodded with excitement. “Yeah Robbie, we learned to speak French. And good too. Forrest taught us. We’re gonna speak French for Ellen. Tell us El. Tell us something to say.”

“O.K. let’s see.” Ellen felt Robbie get up. “Where are you going, Robbie?”

“I’m starved.” Robbie pointed to the kitchen. “I’m raiding your fridge.”

Ellen waved him off then re-faced the boys. “Sorry. All right, let’s see. Something simple. Tell me your names.”

Denny stood up straight. “Ma numb es don-nee.”

Josh smiled “Good.” He cleared his throat. “En ma numb es Joe-Shh.

Ellen opened her mouth to speak, but didn’t when she heard the high pitch laughing coming from Robbie in the kitchen. Trying to stay serious she smiled at the boys. “Good job. Sounds like you speak it fluently.”

Denny nodded. “Whatever that means. Forrest didn’t even teach us. We learned it from him.”

Josh added to his sentiment, “And we learned it like this.” He snapped his finger. “Go on Denny, tell her why we are here. And tell her in French.”

“Way comb here ta bring El-loon brown-nays,” Denny said proudly. “See? Anyway we should go. My mom said get right home.”

“Yeah.” Josh bent down and kissed Ellen on the cheek. “God-nut El-loon.”

Denny nudged Josh playfully as they headed to the door. “Man, you do that so much better than me. You have to teach me.”

Robbie waited until he knew it was safe, and then he came from the kitchen. a smile on his face, a bowl in his hand. “How did you not laugh at them El?”

“Years of living with your brother was good practice.” She waited for Robbie to sit. “What did you find?”

Robbie showed her. “Some white stuff and vegetables.”

“Rice, Robbie.” Ellen touched the bowl. “Oh that’s cold. Heat it up.”

“Nah, I’m fine.” He shoveled some in his mouth.

“So what do I owe this visit? You look tired.” She touched his face.

“I am, but I wanted to talk to you. Do you feel like talking? Seriously talking?”

“Sure.” Ellen faced him, bringing her one leg up to the sofa. She rested her elbow on the back of the couch and propped her head on her hand. “Shoot.”

“First off.” Robbie kissed her on the cheek. “Thanks for rebuilding the population. I heard I’m going to be an uncle again. Of course, my biological father bet is on Dean.”

“Henry thinks it’s Frank,” Ellen said. “Of course, I think he’s just saying that because Frank told him he can experience this pregnancy since Henry may never get that.”

Robbie chuckled. “Awfully big of my brother sharing a woman who’s no longer his wife. Speaking of my brother, isn’t he staying here tonight?”

“Yes, but he’s down stairs in the basement with Henry. They’re hooking up that one microchip to an old computer.” Ellen laid her finger over Robbie’s lips. “Before you ask, Frank knows nothing about microchips. But he thinks since he is writing a novel, he acquired instant knowledge to things he hasn’t a clue on. So . . .” She tapped his knee. “…the reason for the visit.”

“Aside to check on you?” Setting down his bowl of food, Robbie faced Ellen. “I need to talk to you El.” He laid his hand on hers. “A lot of things aren’t sitting well with me. So, I need you to tell me everything you remember about . . . last night.”

^^^^

Forrest seemed so angry as he sat next to Jason at the bar in the social hall. He slammed his drink down with a bang, and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “No. Tell him Josef. Tell Jay-soon dat he is wrung.”

Joe, who poised himself behind the bar facing them like a bartender, just raised his hands. “I’m just the third party here Forrest, I can’t say either way.”

Jason shook his head. “I’m telling you Forrest. It is the computer.”

“No, no, no. It is note. I dink dat you should look at it from my punt of view. I believe it is a sun. Lot me try my idea.”

“I tried it Forrest, I really did.”

“Boot Jay-soon, dat is you. You are note me. Woot do you dink I study all my life? I knew woot I am tucking a-butt.”

“Aren’t you just being the arrogant little scientist?” Jason argued. “You want to try, you go on and try. It’s not the power supply. It’s the computer and if you think that by coming up with a new power supply is the answer, by all means do it.” Jason finished his drink. “Right Joe? But I bet you anything, you are wrong.”

“Oh you want ta butt me huh? All-rut I well butt you. I butt you any ding.”

“Deal.” Jason extended his hand. “You start tomorrow working on it and we’ll come up with a bet. Joe’s our witness.”

Joe poured himself a drink. “I’m your witness.”

“And I well win. Coos Jay-soon.” Forrest crossed his arms. “I well show you. I well fax de machine with a new power sue-ply. You watch.”

Joe watched Jason snicker in a taunting manner agitating even more the irritated little scientist. But Joe didn’t mind too much. Anything, anything that could move the project along, was better than what they were doing. Anything that would get the time machine back up and running properly was just fine with Joe.

^^^^

Frank heard the laughter as he reached, arms full, for his front door. A duffle bag was over his shoulder, a box in his arms. He smiled when he stepped inside, an odd smile, the aroma of alcohol blasting him. He had a houseful. When he walked out not twenty minutes earlier, only Robbie and Henry were there. But his not only did his father decide to visit; he brought with him the two eccentric scientist. “What’s going on?” Frank kicked the door closed with his foot.

Surrounded by company, Ellen looked up from the couch. “Joe was tired of mediating a fight at the hall, so he brought it here. Now it’s a party.”

Joe, who was seated next to Ellen, moved over a spot. “Come on, join us Frank. Talk with us.”

Frank nodded. “Yeah, I will. Let me take this upstairs.”

“Frank?” Ellen asked with curiosity. “What do you have?”

“Oh, it’s your things. I thought I’d start bringing them over from Dean’s since you’re back home for good. I’ll be right down.” Belongings in arm, Frank trotted up the stairs.

Silence hit the living room and Ellen felt as though all eyes were upon her. And they were. She looked at the staircase then back to her company. “Excuse me.”

“Frank?” Ellen spoke softly walking into the bedroom.

“Hey El.” Frank stood before an open closet. “I really thought you had more clothes than this. I grabbed . . .”

“Frank stop.” Ellen walked to the bed grabbing a shirt of hers from his hand. “I’m not staying here with you for good. Just until Dean gets out of the clinic.”

“El, I know you’re confused on whose baby this is. I know it. But we were married when it was conceived. Dean signed that stupid petition too. Laws were established to stop any of this. Under that new paternity law, it’s my baby. I like that.”

Ellen nodded. “Frank. I don’t want to view this baby as anyone’s but yours. I believe with all of my heart this baby isn’t Dean’s.”

Frank smiled. “See? So you have to stay here. We have a baby coming and we . . .”

“And we are no longer married.”

“That can be changed.”

“No Frank.” Ellen stopped him from doing anymore. She spoke with reason. “We had the chance to change that. We tried. We failed. You broke up the marriage to me for a reason. It has to be stuck to. I wouldn’t have broken up, Frank. I wouldn’t have. But it’s done. Now just because I’m having a baby doesn’t mean you can change your mind. It isn’t right.”

“It isn’t right that were not together on this El.”

“Married together Frank. We can do this together. You can be there though the pregnancy. You can hear the heartbeat, make sure I eat right, touch and feel the baby kick and be there when he’s born. After he’s born you will be a father. But . . . we won’t be doing this as a married couple. We will do it in the way we planned. As friends.”

Frank closed his eyes, sitting on the bed. “I don’t understand why you can’t still live with me. All right, I said I’d stick to my guns. I will. I’ll let you go. But . . . it’s my kid El. Can’t you live with me as a friend? You live with Dean as a friend. Or is that not true?”

“It’s very platonic right now between me and Dean. But in all fairness of the situation, I won’t stay with Dean either. After he’s on his feet, I’m getting housing issued.”

“Are you taking all the kids?”

“I’m not uprooting them, no. I’ll see them like I do now.”

Frank laughed. “El, council won’t issue you a house for yourself. Unless you have a roommate . . .” All expression dropped from Frank’s face. “Who?”

“It’s strictly as friends. I’m moving in with . . . Robbie. We spoke to Joe . . .”

“Enough.” Frank immediately stood up. “Please I don’t . . .” Through his breath he spoke in a whisper. “My brother.” Frank covered his face with his hand then slid if off his face with a change of attitude. “You know what? I . . .I’m . . .You’re right. We are supposed to go back to being friends. We can’t do that El if we live together. We’d end up fighting. There would be stress, and it can’t be good for the baby. You know, maybe, maybe staying with, with Robbie is a good idea.”

“Frank, listen to me.” Ellen grabbed his hand. “We have to do this.”

“We can do this.” Frank embraced Ellen. “I’ll be by you too, through this whole thing. I want to.” Taking a controlling breath, Frank closed his eyes and pulled away. He kissed Ellen softly. “I’ll uh, finish putting your things away . . . not for good but for wrinkle purposes.” Kissing her cheek then touching it, Frank walked back to the closet.

There was a lot of laughter at the house. The kids ran around, everyone talked and Frank, Frank stood off to the back alone. He had found a bottle of moonshine, and he poured himself a glass. Sipping it, Frank took in the night. Laughing when he thought he should, never knowing what he was laughing or smiling about because his mind was elsewhere. Elsewhere on Ellen.

A lot of reality hit Frank that night while listening to stories he hadn’t heard in years, stories about Robbie’s teenage infatuation with Ellen. One, Frank was certain, grew into an adult infatuation. All stories stemmed from the new housing situation that would entail. What a chord that struck., a painful chord.

As the evening wore on, along with the numbing effects of the alcohol he consumed, a truth hit Frank. He knew he had his reasons to end his marriage with Ellen. But did he take the steps too fast, and in too center of his hurt over Joey? Frank wasn’t lonely. He’d never be lonely. He had his children and he did have a strong friendship with Ellen, one he knew would never fade. But what he didn’t have, was Ellen. Staring at her he realized that he didn’t just set her free, he set her to be with someone else.

Frank finished his drink and poured another. It was easier with that drink in his hand to face the fact that Ellen may have been in his house, but she wasn’t in his home. A part of him felt it would have been easier knowing Ellen would be living with Dean. He had become accustomed, in a sense, to the Dean and Ellen relationship. But Ellen living with Robbie was different. Even though it would be strictly friends, Robbie and Ellen had an underlying bond that was deeper since time was rippled. Robbie himself was different. Unlike any other man in Ellen’s life, Robbie had no expectations. That was exactly what Ellen needed. And with that hard core fear running in his mind, Frank downed another drink.

^^^^

Robbie’s ears hurt so badly from the frigid wind that whipped against them as he rode his motorcycle with speed out to the mobile lab. The single spotlight outside the quantum lab gave some light to the very dark area, an area almost spooky. Pulling on his leather gloves, Robbie shut off the bike and grabbed a flashlight. He reached for the keys Ellen had given him that he placed in his jacket pocket. Walking in a long outward circle, he made his way to the lab door and unlocked it.

He flicked on the lights to the mess that lay untouched. A scene of the night before stared back at him. Remembering Ellen’s mentioning of a note, Robbie walked to the turned over table by the window. “A note. What note?” Robbie looked around the floor and he saw it, the small note. He bent down, picked it up and read the words that Ellen told him, the words that foretold of her stoning.

In the lab, with the exception of the total disarray of equipment, the scene fit Ellen’s story. The blood by the door where Dean shot Moses. The pool of blood on the floor where Dean had laid. Red tainted fingertip smears on the counter where Dean had gripped before falling.

Robbie followed the trail of blood and the details of Ellen’s story. They led him into the other mobile. He turned on the lights as he walked in. The trail consisting of blood droplets and bloody footprints led to the living room. Ellen claimed to have struggled with the door before hitting Moses with it. The blood by the door and the splattering of it onto the coffee table confirmed that.

‘I thought if I made it to the lab,” He heard Ellen explaining, “I could lock him out and pull Dean into the special lab until help arrived. But just as I got to the door, he grabbed me by my hair. And he held me there. And . . . I, I don’t remember what happened next. I guess I passed out.’

Looking at the collection on the floor, then looking outside, Robbie’s mind began to spin in confusion and he raced back to his bike. He grabbed the knapsack he had strapped there, in a dart through the cold, he brought it into the lab and opened it up. Ellen’s dirty clothes from the night before. Evidence he just wanted to piece all together. Robbie didn’t know why at first, but as he stared at her clothes. He did.

It was obvious that Dean shot Moses and that Moses chased Ellen. A constant trail of blood, steady, showed signs of an oozing man. But Ellen’s insistence that Moses caught her just before she stepped inside the mobile lab brought the most important and puzzling question to Robbie’s mind as he stared down at Ellen’s dirty clothes. If Moses was the one who grabbed her and lifted her then why wasn’t there any blood anywhere on Ellen’s clothes?

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

January 26

Bowman, North Dakota

A mere speck Elliott was as he walked through the barren blizzard tainted streets. He looked more like a lone survivor making his way through a nuclear winter than second in command on a mission to find the Captain in a growing small town.

The school building that used to house grades kindergarten through eight sat on the road about a half mile out of town. He could see the steam generated from the horses’ mouths, as it seeped out of the recently erected metal barn next to the school. Even though the howling wind he could hear the animals and it made Elliott cringe.

He stomped the snow from his boots and flicked the flakes from his head when he walked inside. It was eerie, the lit school with classroom doors closed and the mumbling of voices seeping through.

Elliot could have thought it a bit strange that classes were being held, but he found it an uniquely intelligent approach diverting something he had seen a lot of through the years . . . cabin fever. Winter was a time when the world shut down. Activity diminished. People hibernated. And in Bowman, scouting parties were pulled in because of the weather. The same men who could have been just sitting around, eating ration, trying to bide their time while going crazy, were not only learning physical skills indoors, but intellectual ones as well. Of course Elliott argued that the ‘etiquette class’ that he himself taught, should have been obsolete.

He made his way down the corridors listening to the escaping sounds of the instructors teaching classes such as, algebra, American history, and Latin. And then he reached the last room, the largest one, the class the Captain taught.

Elliott had to chuckle. The Captain posted the suggestion of the class as a joke. But when the men found out--via Elliott--that the Captain himself would be teaching the class, everyone thought it was a brilliant idea for a winter diversion and signed up. The Captain was stuck.

Elliott hated to interrupt. It was amusing listening to the Captain conduct his Shakespearean literature class, reading the works with pose and eloquence, when not the night before he was trying to bribe Elliott to teach the class. A class on the works of a man the Captain described as being, ‘an eccentric little cross dresser who was probably on a crack equivalent when he wrote Hamlet.’

It was time to be a savior. After hearing one more Shakespearean line, Elliott knocked and stepped inside.

The Captain smiled. “Sgt. Ryder, are you joining us? We need a Juliet.”

Withholding any sarcasm, Elliott shook his head. “Hate to disturb you sir, but I need to pull you away momentarily. There seems to be a problem that needs your attention at the House of Women.”

It was a huge scale of debate for the Captain, Shakespeare or Grace? Choosing the lesser of the evils, he set down his book, appointed a classroom substitute, and walked out into the hall with Elliott.

“What’s going on?” The Captain asked.

Elliott raised his eyebrows. “They have another request. They would like it now.”

“Now? Right now? Two feet of snow in the ground and they have a request.” The Captain tried to remain calm. “I know, I know. I started this. Shut up.” Pulling his bandana from the back of his pants, the Captain placed it on as he walked down the hall. “But, I’ll tell you Elliot,.” He spoke as he moved, “they can’t do it. I don’t believe there’s an item they can name that we haven’t, over the past month, thought ahead on. All of us men, placing our heads together, came up with one heck of an obscure women’s supply list. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“Yes. And we’ve kept up very well with it.” Elliott opened the main doors for the Captain. “And I plan to keep it that way.” The Captain spoke as he walked toward the barn, ignoring the pelting snow, “We as gentlemen, aim to please. And beastly spoiled women or not, as gentlemen . . .” the Captain winked, “we are prepared for anything they ask for..”

Elliott knew it was bad by the expression on the Captains face when he emerged from the House of Women. “Well?” He asked the Captain.

After a heavy, very heavy breath, the Captain nodded once. “It’s a war game to them Elliott. And I will not be defeated. I will not.” Eyes ahead on his awaiting horse, the Captain handed Elliott s very small slip of paper and stepped off the porch.

Elliott, lost, watched the Captain mount the animal and he peeked at the request. Immediately he looked back up to see the Captain trotting away. “Chai tea?”

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

It was a small private room located on the third floor of the medical facility. George stepped from it pulling the door closed as he moved into the hall. “He’s thin.”

“That was the month in solitaire,” Sgt. Doyle stated. “We plan on working on that.”

“Are you sure we can trust his choice?” George asked as they began to walk at a slow conversing pace.

“Absolutely,” Sgt. Doyle assured. “It’s not the society he wants to turn his back on; it’s what he was doing. He fully understands that we have to harness the women for the best interest of the future. He just doesn’t want to be a part of that anymore. Also . . . the two brothers help.”

“The insurance. You’ve located them?” George asked.

“Yes. One is outside of Norfolk, the other up near Minnesota. Actually, Allan Boyens is part of the special teams that were placed near Beginnings. I sent word to both Boyens brothers to correspond via inner Society mail to Jess. Their CO’s are making them aware of Jess’ depressed nature,” Sgt. Doyle spoke snidely. “The letters will work to our advantage, allowing Jess to see the realism that his brothers are alive and out there. Also, with winter, and survival sweeps basically geared toward the underground societies, I’ll have more time on my hand to personally oversee his behavioral manipulation and training. I’d like to have him prepped to go with or before the virus.”

“A back up of sorts?” George liked that idea. “Of course, we have to get the antiserum and things ready first. We can’t have inside people not immune to what we’re hitting Beginnings with. But then again at the rate we’re going, we may not have to worry about any virus. Inside infiltration may have to be our answer.” At that moment George saw Steward step from the elevator.

Steward smiled when he saw George. “Just who I was looking for.” He made his way to George and Sgt. Doyle. “Just heard from Dr. Burke and his team.”

George grumbled, “Trust me when I tell you I dread that.”

“Well, you may not,” Steward said, upbeat. “Burke and his team have been reviewing what we got from Beginnings. He said they have a few more tests to confirm then he personally is coming in to see you.”

“Did he saw why?” George questioned.

“Not specifically but . . .” Steward gave a pleased raise to his eyebrows. “He did say, be believes he brings the good news you’ll want to hear.”

With a subtle clench of his fist and a quiet ‘yes’ in an assumption of what that news was, George gave a little skip of excitement and started walking again. His day was getting better.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

The ground crunched as Frank walked beyond the back gate. The temperature dropping so low the night before, any snow that remained out there was hard, slippery and, sometimes, fun. He canvassed the area for footprints, not that he expected to find any. Never in the history of Beginnings had anyone wandered near in the dead of winter. The terrain and snow made it impossible. That thought also gave Beginnings their safety net against the SUTs, knowing fully that even they would have to hold up somewhere until mother nature lessened her fury.

Carrying his clipboard, a small map of the area was attached. A hand drawn map with lines through it, was divided up into sections, each section was scratched off if it was clear. All of them so far on that morning were. Making his way in, zigzagging through each section, Frank stepped into S-8. It lay just adjacent to the road that was barely seen through the snow. He was cautiously looking only at the ground, keeping his ears open and radio on. But his senses were in full alert, perhaps that’s why Frank knew it the moment it happened. A crack, a whistle and then . . . an arrow. Frank let out a painful grunt as it connected with him. It pierced his flesh on his upper thigh, burning, aching, and feeling as if it had hit bone. Blood seeped out around the dark metal head of it. “Fuck.” He spoke lowly then looked down at the arrow again, the second time speaking louder. “Fuck!” He broke off the arrow just below the head. His eyes shifted to the clipboard, and he snarled, slamming his bloody hand against the paper, shouting his frustrations and pain from his gut. “FUCK!” His one word echoed through the trees, repeating itself over and over. Frank stopped to listen to his own voice as it faded in a special effect through the wilderness. Taking a minute to amuse himself at that, he returned to being pissed off and headed to his bike.

^^^^

Henry was wearing a coat? Joe had to close his eyes and look again. That tall lanky body, clad in a dark brown leather jacket couldn’t be Henry. If it wasn’t for the longish hair, Joe would have thought it someone else sealing the doorway to storage building five. “Henry? What are you doing?”

Borderline agitated, Henry moved about his arms, bringing them back up to the archway he worked on. “Hey Joe, seal is coming off. I didn’t expect it to last this long, guess we’re lucky. So what’s up?”

“I’m looking for Robbie. I checked the mechanical schedule he’s not on it. Where is he?”

“At the mobile.”

“Still?” Joe shook his head. “Why? Don’t you need him in mechanics?”

“Sure.” Henry worked as he talked. “But, since I’m not at the quantum lab anymore--which by the way no one gets in there since Jason and Forrest started their project--I have more time for mechanics. He says he’s doing something up there. He explained. I agreed.”

“It was pretty messy. He’s probably still putting it back together and helping to clean.”

“He’s not cleaning it,” Henry stated.

“He’s not? What is Christ’s name is he doing?” He watched Henry look at him then turn away. “Henry?”

“Ask your son.”

“I’m asking you. He’s been up there for days. What is he doing?”

“You should ask your son.”

“Fine,” Joe huffed. “Be that way.” He hopped back in his jeep to where he would find the answer to that question, since he obviously wasn’t getting it from Henry.

Joe pulled up to the area where the mobile lab and quantum lab were set. He parked on the road’s end just beside the quantum lab. Joe chuckled as he stepped from the jeep and saw the big sign on the quantum lab door, the one that read ‘Do not disturb’. Shaking his head in amusement at the sounds of arguing and banging that came from the quantum lab, Joe headed straight to the mobile.

The lab door was locked so he jiggled the handle then knocked. “Robbie.”

A click-click and the door opened. Robbie peeked out first then opened the door wider. “Hey Dad, come on in. But walk between the lines please so you don’t mess anything up.”

“Walk between the . . .” Joe stepped in carefully. Everything looked worse than when he was there a week earlier. “You and Ellen are supposed to be cleaning this place.”

“We are, sort of. El’s handling the contagious stuff and working on it. I’m doing the rest.”

“Robert, what is going on? This place isn’t clean. It looks . . .” Joe peered around. “It looks like a major investigation. Samples Robbie.” He picked up an envelope and peeked inside. “Is this a hair?”

Robbie took it from him and set it in a box. “One of sixty I found.”

“Sixty? What for? Why are you collecting evidence so to speak? And why wasn’t I notified of this?”

“First, we really never had an investigation in Beginnings so I figured it was security. Frank heads that, I told him I wanted to look further into it and he gave his O.K.. Second Dad, second . . . I feel that there is more than meets the eye with this Reverend Thomas gone bad thing. We know he’s been communicating with men outside. What happens if there are more in Beginnings. I know for a fact that there was someone else here besides Reverend Thomas that night.” Robbie motioned with his hand. “This way . . . walk between my lines.” He pointed as he explained. “First he broke the door then Dean shot him. Reverend Thomas then struck Dean, shot him, and went after Ellen. Here’s where it gets interesting. Dad, all over this place there’s blood. A trail. The man bled badly.”

Joe looked around at the blood on the lab floor carefully taped off. “I see that.”

“And . . . it goes all the way through the other trailer confirming Ellen’s story. But Ellen said from the living trailer, he chased her outside and grabbed her. That’s where I had my biggest problem. . I was beginning to think that she may have remembered wrong because there was a larger amount of blood right by the living room door over there.”

“As if he stood still. So what made you change your way of thinking?” Joe asked.

“I went over the area outside, no trail of blood. And there isn’t any at the lab door where Ellen says he grabbed her. No sense because . . .” Robbie led his father across the lab. “Between the lines, please. Here.” From a box he lifted Ellen’s clothes. “Look at these. For a man who was bleeding, for a man who grabbed her and took her out of Beginnings, what is missing?”

Joe examined the articles. “Blood. There is no blood.”

“Right. Meaning, she didn’t fly out of Beginnings and she certainly didn’t go on her own. Someone else grabbed her and took her out. Someone right here in Beginnings.”

“O.K .Robbie I will congratulate you on your keen insight, however, you’re missing one very important piece of this story. The motions were dismantled. The guard down below was shot. He could have had a man come up.”

“Oh.” Robbie shrugged. “O.K., I’ll give you that. But can’t I double check to make sure? I just want to be sure another party isn’t walking around in our home.”

Joe thought about it, running his hand down his face as he breathed heavily. “I’ll allow it, but collect what you have to collect quickly. We need this lab. And I’ll let you do this investigation on one condition. It isn’t a John Matoose lynching mob . . .”

“But Dad, I wouldn’t . . .”

“Don’t ‘but Dad’ me. I know you. Keep it fair Robbie and keep it open minded.”

“All right, I’ll keep it fair.” He placed some things in his box. “And I’ll clear out what I have collected . . .”

“Robbie!” Frank’s voice va-voomed into the small lab as he flung open the door and slammed it.

Cringing first, Robbie turned to him. “Between the lines please.”

“Oh.” Frank jumped into the lines and started yelling again. “Robbie, Look!” He undid his pants and dropped them right there. “Look at my thigh! Seventeen stitches! Seventeen! Would you like to know why? I’ll tell you why.” He tossed from his clenched hand the arrow head and it landed on the counter. “That’s why!  I’m checking out the back gate area, like I always do. I’m carrying my map. I look at my map as I go into S-8. I see it’s a clean area. Wrong! As soon as I step there wham! A Robbie trap. And do you want to know why I got hit with a Robbie trap? It’s not marked on the fuckin map!” Frank threw his clipboard. “Someone isn’t thinking right, Robbie! Who could that be?!”

Robbie leaned into the counter, not looking at Frank. “Me?”

“Yes you!” Frank pointed. “You aren’t thinking! What’s wrong with this picture Robbie?!”

Closing his eyes briefly, Robbie looked at Frank. “Aside from the fact that you aren’t really intimidating yelling at me with your pants down.” He saw Frank wasn’t amused. “All right, all right. I forgot to mark it down, that’s what is wrong.”

Frank made a buzzing sound. “Wrong. No.”

At the same time, a little shocked, Joe and Robbie responded, “No?”

“No!” Frank shook his head. “Look at where I was hit. In the leg Robbie. Your aim is way off. You can’t kill shit at that level. If you did it right. I’d be dead. Am I dead? No.”

Joe, smacking himself lightly in this face, ran his hand over his mouth. “I’m out of here. And Frank? Pull your pants up.”

Frank lifted up his trousers and fastened them. “All right, now that I’m calm, how are things going, Robbie, with this investigation?”

Robbie smiled with a nod. “Good. Very Good. Getting lots of stuff.”

Joe intervened, “I think he’s made a very good case. But it’s a waste. The other person isn’t in here but he can still check it out.”

Frank looked back at Robbie. “Did you go check the tunnels?”

“Why?” Robbie asked.

“A start. It was pretty muddy that night. If they live here, they had to come back in that way. We were all on bikes so there has to be at least one set coming in.”

“Excellent Frank. I’ll do that. Thanks,” Robbie grinned.

Frank pointed to his temple before he walked out. “One of us has to have the brains in the family especially since Dad is getting so old.”

Joe gave Frank a shove toward the door. “Get out of here.” He looked back to Robbie. “Clean up in here Robbie. This place has to be fully usable. Clean up.”

“Got it.” Robbie bounced from heel to toe. He peeked out the window waiting for Frank and his dad to drive away. When he saw they were gone, Robbie glanced around the lab. “Clean up in here . . .” He grabbed his coat. “Later. First . . . the tunnels.”

Robbie followed his brother’s suggestion and a good one it was. Still it yielded only more questions in his mind, more questions that would have to be answered. As Frank had pegged, there was a set of footprints coming into the tunnels. One set, smudged some, but still clear. Robbie knew as soon as he brought that to his father’s attention, Joe would say investigation over. But to Robbie it wasn’t. And that one set of tracks did far from make him believe it was a survivor from outside. If it was someone from Beginnings, there still would be a single set, the set of tracks when they returned from taking Ellen out. As he squatted down in the mouth of the tunnels, his finger tracing the outline of the foot, the smeared but distinctive treading, Robbie wondered even more. If it was a survivor like Joe thought, then what was the survivor doing wearing such good shoes?

^^^^

The dream. The vivid dream Dean was beginning to have every time he closed his eyes and slept. Was it his guilt over being unable to do anything? What could he do? Though his logical side told him to not dwell on it, his human side could not help but to find blame within himself for letting it get so far.

“El, run to the other mobile!” Dean instinctively felt his forefinger depress the trigger of the revolver as he stared into Moses’ eyes. He saw it hit him so he didn’t expect for him to reach outward and steal the gun from him. He felt it so abruptly being pulled from his hand it stung. Before he could step back, before he could move, he saw the large arm swing down and felt the striking blow to the side of his head. A headache like he had never felt and the room went immediately out of focus. The window, to Ellen, to the counter, and the floor was his spinning view. So weak, he lifted himself up. He couldn’t see, everything was blurry and the figures were dark. ‘Where was Ellen?’ Dean squinted to try to see her and he saw the figures before him shuffle about. That was all he saw and he heard the gunfire. One shot and Ellen screamed. It burned him and sent him back into the counter and onto the floor. He could feel his blood seep from him. He could hear the banging and crashing and Dean couldn’t move. His eyes closed.

“Oh God help me! NO!”

His eyes opened to Ellen’s scream, so close. Too close. He opened his eyes some as he lay on the floor trying to see, trying to move. “El?” He tried to speak but the words wouldn’t come out. If they did she wouldn’t have heard him through her screams. Shifting his head just a little, he saw her dangling legs in the door way. So helpless he felt as he knew she was grabbed. His blurry focus moved up and he saw Ellen’s head drop, the arm clutching her around the waist and tossing her over his shoulder. As he spun to carry her out Dean saw his blurred vision of Moses turn into someone else . . . John Matoose?

“Dean?” He felt the poke on his shoulder. “Dean!” Another poke.

Dean’s eyes popped open. “El.” He rubbed them.

“Are you all right?” Ellen asked then kissed him on the cheek.

“I was just having a weird dream.” He lifted himself up to sit in the bed.

“How are you feeling? I hear you are getting out tomorrow.”

“Yep. My blood count is finally up.” Dean straightened the covers. “Now you can bring the work home to review. It won’t be long before I’m back up there with you. How is that going?”

“You don’t want to know.”

“Confirmed?” Dean asked.

“Yep. And you’re the one who tells Joe. And . . . he should be here shortly. So let’s deal with a little good news shall we?”

“Lay it on me.”

“You got it.” She lifted a stack of folders and dropped them on the bed to his legs. “Working around Robbie is tough. But, I’m doing what I can. From what I was able to scrounge up from what remained intact. I was able to remix some of our agents including ten through sixteen our highest effectiveness ration group.”

“Good and these are the results?” Dean asked of the folders.

“Yep. Take a look. Not too bad,” Ellen stated, waiting and watching Dean fumble for his glasses. “I upped ingredient ten in serum A-14. And . . ..I got a response. Not a big on mind you, but more so than we have been getting.” She flipped open the folder. “I definitely saw signs that the virus struggled. For forty-five minutes it lay dormant.”

“Any shrinkage in size?”

“Some shriveling. But . . . as soon as it started moving again, it gained its strength. I do think we’re on to something, but I don’t think we should toss all our eggs in the basket on A-14. Maybe just one isn’t what we need but possibly a combination of two serums.” She raised her eyebrow. “Look.” She opened a folder for him.

Dean grabbed the folder and immediately the words grew blurry. He rubbed his eyes, tried to read again, but everything went grey. He handed Ellen the folder.

“Something wrong?” She asked.

“My eyes are just tried I guess.”

“Nothing so important that it can’t wait.” She set it aside. “Bad news time? Like you asked, a few night ago I did contact exposure on some rabbits. Well, the two underweight ones and the baby one . . . died last night.”

“They died? Already? From our virus?”

“In an essence.” Ellen gathered up the folders. “An angle we haven’t taken. I think, now this is me, not a scientist talking, I think our symptoms killed them. We’ve only been using healthy rabbits, meaning . . . a strong person, if they can wage the war, can beat the virus possibly with the weaker anti-serum. But a young person, a child, may not even make it long enough to let the anti-serum work. We’re talking what? Fevers of a hundred and six, a hundred and eight in children. That’s what the future notes showed.”

“Plus the dehydration.” Dean clenched his fist. “Let’s go with that El. Good thinking. Can you give another batch of rabbits our virus? Weaker ones.”

“We don’t have any more weaker rabbits. I’ll ask Robbie to look for some. He’s good at that. If not, give me a day. I’ll starve a few and make them weak.”

Just as Dean shook his head with a chuckle at Ellen’s suggestion, he saw Joe walk in.

“What’s this I hear about bad news?” Joe said. “Now I’m not expecting progress mind you since our entire scientific community is out of whack. Mobile lab in disarray, the quantum lab seized by two eccentric betting mad men,” Joe smiled. “What’s up?”

Dean hesitated only momentarily. “We have reason to believe that the society may have been working with Rev. Thomas on our lab hit.”

Joe immediately looked to Ellen. “You do? Why?”

Ellen answered. “We were there when things went down. Portions of the lab, samples and such were crushed. Some of which were in the special lab. None of the attack went down there.”

Joe nodded. “But you both know it was well established that Rev. Thomas was against this virus work.”

Ellen agreed, “Yes, but a lot of slide work was destroyed. Granted it was nothing we don’t have scanned into the computers. But where our concern lies is the broken vials of agents. I’m not able to find all the missing bottoms. Which makes me thinks some of our antiserums are missing.”

“Ellen.” Joe shook his head. “Broken glass bits. Come on that’s not concrete.”

“But this is,” Dean interjected with seriousness. “The lock on our specimen freezer was crushed. It was, shall we say, sealed closed. Robbie finally broke into it for us. We had in there isolated virus samples, four from each strain. Joe . . .” Dean took a breath. “A vial of each strain is missing.”

Joe kept his eyes on Dean. All sarcasm, scoffing was gone. “So what you’re saying is, if by some chance, last week the society didn’t have the virus they’re supposed to hit us with . . . they do now?”

“Yes.” Dean said solemnly.

With a slow breath that echoed through his nostrils, Joe placed his hands in his pockets. He nodded his head, opened his mouth, raised a finger to speak, but said nothing. Merely releasing a soft chuckle of ‘it figures’, Joe shook his head, turned and walked out. It wasn’t a time to be amused, but the time machine produced such a comedy of errors, Joe couldn’t help but laugh . . . all the way out.

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Beginnings, Montana

Slamming of hands. Raised voices. It was an argument over the point to ‘connect the dots’ that sent Frank into a heated frenzy with the tiny Dean prodigy Billy. But even though the hour of bedtime was the ending point, Frank felt strongly that he won the debate. He stared at the picture for a moment and laid it back on the dining room table.

“You really should argue with him. He’s only six,” Ellen said as she walked by him. “Wanna sit with me until Henry gets here?”

“I’d love to. We haven’t talked all day.” Frank followed her into the living room. “Henry’s not really going to try that contraption on you, is he?”

“Test it, yes.” Ellen sat down. “He thinks he can make the baby hear us.” She saw Frank roll his eyes. “No, Frank. He’s doing it for you too. You got him so excited about this. He’s acting like a new parent.”

“I just wanted him to take the midnight cravings and afternoon snack duty. That’s all.” Frank joined her on the couch. “But him getting all neurotic makes me relive that. It’s kind of fun. It’s a feeling you lose after the first baby. And him running around has given some of that back to me. I hear Dean’s not real happy about it.”

“Dean and Henry aren’t the best of friends. Of course, Dean’s reaction is that you two are forgetting it’s his baby and . . . change of subject. How’s the leg?”

“Sore but fine. Fuckin Robbie and his investigation.”

Ellen snickered, “He’s driving me nuts up at the lab too. Walk between the lines and such. But he does look really cute when he’s all serious. I watch him through the glass. He’s cute.”

“Swell.” Frank faced her. “Guess what I was thinking about today?” He smiled. “

“Another change of subject? Wow, Frank, you’re Mr. Conversationalist tonight.”

“I am,” Frank said proudly. “Valentine’s Day. I looked at the date and thought, hey, we don’t have Valentine’s Day in Beginnings. And I started thinking about the first one we had. Remember?”

Ellen nodded in remembrance. “You gave me that card you bought for someone else but chickened out of giving to her.”

“I bought that card for you El. I needed a reason. I was so crazy about you back then. Did you know that?” Frank asked.

“Yeah, I did.”

“Nothing’s changed. You still drive me nuts,” Frank spoke softly, “only now it’s worse.”

“What do you mean?”

“I know what it’s like to have you and now I know what it’s like not to.” Frank moved closer to her. “I miss being with you.” He slid his hand to her face. “I’m still so crazy about you.” Slowly he parted his lips bringing them down to her.

“Frank.” Ellen moved her head back with a slight giggle. “What are you doing?”

“I’m trying to kiss you.” Frank moved closer.

“Why?”

“I just felt like kissing you. But . . . I won’t.” Frank moved back. “I’ll be nice even though I don’t want to.” He smiled. “Now, getting back to our talk. How’s . . .” His head jolted to a knock at the door. “I guess that would be Henry.” Titling his head backwards, Frank yelled at the door. “Come in.”

Henry stepped in, “Ready to go? We’ll stop and see Dean, then head to my house for the fetal communicator,” Henry said proudly. “How’s the leg Frank?”

“Sore. But usable.” Frank stood up. “I’ll get your coat El.”

Ellen looked surprised. “Are we done talking? I thought we were in the middle of . . .”

“No.” Frank handed her the jacket. “We’ll talk later. Henry, not too late.”

“Oh, no Frank.” Henry shook his head. “She’s expecting. She needs her rest. Dean first, then my house. Besides I have to work on that chip. I’ve been ignoring it lately.”

Ellen slipped on her coat. “I shouldn’t be long, Frank. Unless, Henry, can we do it here?”

“Sure,” Henry shrugged, “I don’t see why not. Want us to come back, Frank?”

“No.” Frank shook his head as he walked them to the door. “I’m probably going to head up to bed after I work on my novel.” He stared unnoticed at Ellen as she walked by him. He subtly cleared his throat “Um . . . have fun. And Henry, no speaking Chinese to my kid through that communicator. I want him to understand me when he’s born.”

“I’m Japanese, Frank. Let’s go El.” Henry lifted a waving hand then took Ellen by the arm to lead her out.

Frank quietly stood there with a smile, and watched them leave.

Moving bubbly along, they made it to the edge of the row of houses before Ellen abruptly stopped. “Oh shit,” Ellen said, “I forgot the picture Billy made for Dean. I have to run back and get it. If he wakes up and sees it there, he’ll have a fit. Wait right here. I’ll be right back.” Flashing a quick smile and holding up one finger to him, Ellen turned around and ran back the four house length to Frank’s. Without knocking she opened the door running in. She remembered it was still on the dining room table and she hurried in there. Fearing Frank may think she was an intruder, she called out. “Frank, I forgot the picture that . . .” Her words slowed as she hit the dining room and saw Frank in the kitchen. He turned almost surprised to see her. On the counter sat a bottle of whiskey, and he lowered an empty glass from his lips. “What . . .” Ellen neared him with a curious smile. “What are you doing?”

“What do you mean?” Frank grabbed her hand that held the picture. “Good thing you came back for this. Billy would have fit if he woke up and saw it still here.”

“Frank? Why are you drinking? You have the kids.”

“Oh.” Frank held up the empty glass. “Just a small one. My leg is really killing me.”

“You should have said something. I would have gotten you something for the pain.”

“Nah.” Frank waved his hand at her. “I’m fine. You’d better go.”

“Yeah.” She reached up and ran her hand down his face. “Are you all right? Really?”

“Yep, just sore. That’s it.”

“O.K.” Apprehensively and feeling like she shouldn’t leave Ellen began to back up. “Frank are you . . .”

“El, I’m fine. Go.” He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. “Go.” He winked and nodded his head.

“If you need me for anything, you know where I’m at. Radio for me. I mean it.” Clutching her picture Ellen moved to the dining room. She started to leave but stopped and peeked her head back in. “No more drinking. Booze will only make that feel worse.” She pointed to his leg.

“No more drinking.” Frank held up his hand forcing a smile. “I’m going to bed.”

“Night Frank.” Ellen walked away.

The sound of the front door shutting was a lever to him, a pull lever that released his tension. Hearing that, he let out the breath he held, and lost the smile from his face. Lowering his head, Frank rubbed his eyes with his forefinger and thumb, then dragged his hand slowly across his nose, down his goatee, and around to the back of his neck where he clutched the tension that formed there. Knowing it was time to call it a night, Frank faced the counter grabbing the cap to his whiskey bottle, readying to recap it. Pausing in his actions, Frank thought of Ellen. He closed his eyes and immediately thought of his embarrassing attempt at making a ‘move’ on her. Then Frank--figuring he was just going to bed anyway--hesitated before recapping the bottle and poured himself another drink.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

“Dead. The world is dead, Elliott.” Without his uniform shirt, the Captain sat, legs propped up, facing the window. A bottle of whiskey was perched between his legs and, reaching down, with the use of his forefinger and thumb, he flicked the ash from his cigarette into the ashtray. “Dead. Every winter I wonder if, when spring comes, will anyone be left.” He brought the bottle to his mouth and then showed Elliott.

With a chuckle Elliott shook his head. His glass was still partially full. “Why do you drink and smoke so much?”

“Why do you bitch like a wife?”

“Again,” Ellen cleared his throat, “why do you drink and smoke so much?”

“It’s a family thing.” The Captain took another sip. “We all drank and smoke. Sometimes, Elliott, I am convinced that alcohol and nicotine were nutritional requirements for my family. Blame my father. Besides it’s one of my few enjoyments. Sex certainly isn’t an option. Sex . . .” the Captain shook his head. “Do you remember it at all?”

“The act, yes. The feelings, no.” Elliott shook his head. “Sometimes I think there is something wrong with me. I don’t think about it much anymore. When I do, it doesn’t drive me nuts. I just feel kind of numb about it.”

“Funny.” The Captain lowered his legs and sat up. “I think we’ve conditioned ourselves well. When we realized that women were no longer an option, we were strong enough to put that in our mind set. Plus, it’s not like the old world, No television, magazines . . .” he looked at Elliott, “…internet.”

“No, no. Don’t go there,” Elliott laughed. “You were as bad with that as I was.”

With a chuckle, the Captain took another drink. “Now look at the women that remain of the world. So few. So very few. What did Steward Lange’s log book estimate? Less than ten percent of the surviving population are female. They must be taken care of. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t agree with making mommy zombies. But . . . The society has a point.”

Elliott nodded. “Instead of allowing the women to get used up and die, they are using them to ensure there will be a tomorrow. The reasoning is good, the method is vulgar.”

“And speaking of vulgar.” The Captain reached into his back pocket and pulled out a small slip of paper. He snickered at Elliott’s grumble. “Yes, the reason for my alcoholism tonight. How, Elliott, how do we tell these men they must face such a battle?”

“And it isn’t even a situation that you and I, as leaders, can step in for.”

“Nor would we want,” the Captain sighed. “There must be some sort of reward for the bravery they have to show.”

“Credit toward promotion. A day off of training or work.”

“And we must present the reward as incentive for them to strive forth, take hold of the challenge, and return to their homes, normal.” The Captain let out a heavy breath and stared at the paper. “It will tough tomorrow, but it has to be done. I have vowed to meet every request they gave. But how Elliott?” The Captain looked at him. “How do I tell these, innocent, eight young men that tomorrow they are to service our women.”

“Carefully, very carefully.” Elliott reached for the bottle, topped off his drink, and handed it back to the Captain. “However, you must, the whole entire time that you had out this task, keep gratefulness in your heart . . .” Elliott lifted his glass to the Captain. “…that we weren’t picked.”

With a grin and a ‘cheers’, the Captain clinked his bottle to Elliott’s glass and they toasted their good fortune.

^^^^

Quantico Marine Headquarters

As leader of a growing and large society, there were things that George liked to be, punctual, ready, neat in appearance, and never awakened from a deep sleep. Especially for a low level scientist who was nearly ten hours late.

“Oh” George chuckled as he came down the stairs, “this better be so worth the loss of sleep. It’s three in the morning.”

Dr. Burke hurried and looked at his watch. “My goodness, it is three in the morning. No wonder the soldier looked at me weird when I asked for a lift. I’ll come back.” He darted for the door.

“Hold it!” George yelled out. “I’m up. I’m mad. Tell me what you need to tell me then get the hell out of my house.”

“I have good news.”

“It better be.”

“I examined the evidence that was given to me, specimens, samples, and such. The stuff from Beginnings.”

“I know that,” Georg said perturbed.

“Well, I have good news.” Burke stood his lanky body tall. “The antiserum was in the things given to me. I’ll be able to match it up, perfect it, and then begin testing it. After everything matches up and, as you requested, after tests show our using it will be safe, I should have the virus and inoculations prepared by early summer, beating your January deadline by months.”

“Excellent. That is good news. And I want anyone, anyone even remotely near the virus to be inoculated. Because an inoculation against it is all we have, correct?”

“Correct. However there is more good news. Better news.”

“Better.” George smiled. “What?”

“Beginnings has cured the virus.”

“What!” It was like a dance George did, a twitching of his body in frustration to hold back the scream. “That is not good news.”

“Yes it is. They cured it but they don’t know.”

George cringed again. “But they will!”

“No, they won’t,” Burke said.

“How . . . how in God’s name can they have a cure to the virus, and never know.”

“Because their cure only works on the host strain of the virus. Once it mutates, the cure will not work. That is why they aren’t getting any success. Nor will they on the path they are taking. And . . .from the data copied and samples I have, Beginnings not only doesn’t have a sample of the host, they haven’t a clue of its existence.”

Calm. Immediately calm hit George and his body swung in a stare to Burke. His attention was grabbed.

Burke continued. “If you want to win a silent war with Beginnings, view it as a game of chess. Think ahead in your strategy. You both want the king. But if you keep their focus on the ‘big’ picture, or the current cure they are working on, they’ll never see the pawn slip right in there. In other words, avoid using the host virus, hit them with the mutated strain and . . .”

George smiled at the man who wasn’t so dumb after all. “Check mate.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

February 5

Beginnings, Montana

The continuous bang-bang-bang of the baby bottle against the high chair tray, mixed intermittently with giggles, was the backdrop noise for the morning mayhem. A wet rag in hand, Dean ferociously wiped Joey’s face to remove what seemed like year old jam from his cheek.

“Joey, hold still,” Dean instructed then lifted his eye to see Brian being creative about making the noise. Nipple of the bottle in his mouth, Brian thrashed his head. “Quit that.” Reaching up, Dean pulled the bottle from his mouth with a suctioning ‘pop’. Upon the horrendous scream that entailed from the baby, Dean replaced the bottle. “El.”

“Here.” Ellen came into the dining room and smiled at her family at the table. “Billy, you don’t match.” She moved to the kitchen. “We’d better move. God, I’m not fitting into any of my pants.”

“El, this is stupid.” Dean stood up. “This is my first day back, first day without pain, and I have to do this?”

“Yes.” Ellen emerged from the kitchen with coffee. “It’s important and will take a moment. Besides, he waited. It’s your bet. Do you have it?”

“Yes,” Dean said with no enthusiasm, “and watch your caffeine intake.” He walked to her and took the coffee cup.

“Right.” Ellen took it back. “Alex.” Ellen saw her daughter wiggling in the chair. “Go to the bathroom.”

“I don’t have to.” Alexandra ate her toast. “It’s my tarantism again.”

Ellen gigged. “She’s cute.”

“No she’s not.” Dean tried to gather items from the table. “And you aren’t eating. Why? You have to eat.”

“No time. Later.” Ellen sipped from her cup. “Alex, Billy, Joey, coats. Now.”

“Eat, El,” Dean said moving out of the way for his twins.

“No. I’m fine. Joey,” Ellen raised her voice some, “now! Move it. Go.” She watched him sloppily and like a tank hurry from his seat. “And watch out for the . . . Dean, the high chair.

As if he had done it before, Dean extended his entire body to the right and grabbed a hold of the high chair mid tip. His balance was lost, but he caught himself before careening knee first to the floor. A little hunched down, Dean let out a breath, and he gazed up to Brian, only to be greeted by the hollowing ‘clunk’ of the empty bottle to his head. “Thanks.” He smiled at the giggling baby.

“Ba.” Brian pointed to the floor and to his bottle.

“Ba,” Dean repeated, and reached down. With a piercing pain that shot through his temple the entire focus before him went black and Dean buckled and fell to the floor.

“Dean?” Ellen rushed over. “What is it? Are you all right?’

He blinked, long and many times, grasping the return of his focus with each opening of his eyes.

“Dean?” Ellen helped him to his feet.

“I’m fine. I . . .” He handed the bottle to Brian. “…lost my balance. I’m fine. We should get going.”

Ellen stared at him for a moment taking in the lost look on his face. “If you’re not feeling up to work.”

“I’m fine.” Dean shooed her away. “Go get them ready. I’ll get Brian,” Turning away from Ellen, Dean rubbed his eyes and took a second to try to figure out what had happened.

^^^^

“Help yourself to refreshments. Coffee’s fresh,” Frank instructed as he hosted a small group in the library that included, Joe, Andrea, Jenny, Robbie, and Henry. “As soon as they get here...”

Joe, walking with Robbie, grabbed a cup of coffee. “This better be good.”

Frank winked. “You’ll be amazed. Have a seat.” He noticed Ellen and Dean walk in. “Oh, just in time. Do you have it?”

Dean handed Frank a box. “Here. Now where do you want us?”

“Get some coffee,” Frank said pleasantly. “Have a seat at one of the tables. “Henry!” Frank yelled causing Dean to cringe. “Hook, El, up!” He saw the glance Dean gave him. “Dean! I meant to the fuckin fetal communicator, pervert. I want my baby to hear.”

“My baby.” Dean walked off.

Ellen planted a kiss to Frank’s cheek. “I’m proud of you. And nervous.”

So was Frank. But it was time to prove not only to Dean, but to the community, that he was indeed what he had been preaching, the literary guy.

Frank held a stack of papers. “This . . .This is a big day,” he said, with everyone seated behind the library tables. “And you’re here, Jenny, because I need you to give the OK to have our young read this. You’re the teacher. I think you’ll be impressed.”

Dean leaned into Ellen. “What did I tell you? A children’s book.”

With a loud ‘shh’, Jenny gave a teacher’s scold to Dean. “Go on, Frank. We need new materials.”

Frank ignored his father’s moans, his brother’s giggles, and focused more on the attentiveness of Ellen and Henry. “Henry, are you sure my baby can hear me?”

“My baby,” Dean corrected.

“Frank’s baby,” Henry insisted. “And yes, he can hear. Speak clearly Frank.”

“Always.” Frank cleared his throat. “My novel . . . it’s a kid action thriller book called, Frank’s Day Out.” He gave a scoffing face to Robbie who laughed. “I’m dedicating this story to little man Dean for bringing out the literary guy in me,.”

Despite the applause and ‘ahs’, Dean rolled his eyes.

Frank began to read. He read slowly and dramatically like a teacher reading a child’s book to her class. “My Day out. I woke up. I was cold. I got dressed. I got warm. It was time to get a SUT.” Frank looked at Jenny. “See, I’m keeping simple words, building the suspense.” He nodded and continued, “I went out. I saw Dean. Dean said, ‘Hi, Frank. ‘Hi, Dean.’ I said. ‘Frank you are cool,’ Dean said. ‘Thanks’ I said. ‘But I have to go. It is time to get a SUT.’ And off I went. Dean was in awe.” Frank lowered the pages. “Jenny, do you think the word ‘awe’ is too big?”

Robbie snorted a laugh and stopped when his father nudged him.

“Um.” Jenny shook her head. “No. A new word is always good to teach. Broadens the vocabulary.”

Frank moved on. “I went to my office. I got my gear. I went to my desk. I gasped. Greg did not do his reports again. It is OK. No time to get mad. Just time to get a SUT.” Frank stopped. “OK, now see here is where I show the importance of controlling your ...”

“Frank!” Joe yelled. “Read the goddamn story!”

“All right!” Frank yelled back. “This is the good part anyhow.” He gave a twitch to his head. “I went to the back gate. SUTs lurk there. I stopped. I heard a shot. A bullet flies by my head. ‘Fuck!’ I said . . .” A crash, rattle, bang, splash, and scream caused Frank to stop reading. “What?”

Joe looked sharply at Ellen. “Why are you screaming?”

Ellen held her stomach. “Henry ripped the suction things from me.”

“He shouldn’t hear that, Joe,” Henry defended.

“Frank.” Joe slapped his hand on the table. “You can’t say ‘fuck’ in a kid’s book.”

“Why?” Frank asked. “It’s a word.”

Joe winced at the laughter. “Robert. Knock it off. Frank, you can’t say fuck. It’s too strong.”

“Shit then?”

“No!” Joe yelled.

“Joe, if I may?” Jenny raised her hand and stood up. She walked to Frank. “I think the story concept is good. The children need to know about this. And…with some editing, this will be a fine addition to our school’s collection.”

Amongst the moans, Frank grinned with a clenched fist. “Oh, yeah. I’m an author. And you, little man Dean. are typing...” Frank stopped talking. The chair where Dean sat was empty. “Where did he go.” Frank waved his hand. “Jealous.”

^^^^

Work. That was the main focus on Dean’s mind. Getting back to work. The mobile lab was back in order and samples needed reviewed again. He had to see how much progress they lost on through the attack on the lab. At the very least it would help him forget all that was happening with his body. He wanted to believe it was stress, but he knew better.

From the stack that needed to go to the mobile lab, Dean flipped open the first folder. He adjusted his glasses and began to read. Taking the pencil he had in his tee shirt pocket he began to lower it to make a notation. As the tip of the lead touched down, a burning throb hit Dean’s left eye, an instant headache which spread like a fire across the bridge of his nose to the other eye. Immediately his words went out of focus and the pencil dropped for his hand. Lifting his glasses up with his hand he rubbed his eyes fiercely wishing he could rub away the pain.

“Dean?” Ellen called his name softly.

Dean sprang up. “El.’ He nervously tried to continue what he was doing.

“You left the reading. The school is going to use . . .” She slowed down when her eyes caught glimpse of his hand shaking. She laid her hand over his. “What’s wrong?”

Helpless, Dean peered up to her. His eyes were bloodshot form the recent quick episode of pain. “El,” His voice cracked through his breathlessness, “remember how we planned to . . . to do tests. Glucose, diabetes. Precaution. Look ahead because we didn’t know . . . we didn’t know when or how it would happen. Now, El. Now, too soon, it’s happening . . .” Dean raged with confused emotions. “It’s happening too soon.”

“What’s happening? You’re scaring me. You’re not making any sense.”

“Yeah, I am. It’s not an illness.” Dean’s shaking hand lifted the hair slightly from his left temple. “It was the knock on the head. And I’m scared El . . .” he swallowed his fear. “My blindness of the future . . . It’s starting to happen now.”

Ellen’s heart sunk, no words could come from her, only her arms that reached out and embraced Dean.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

Rolled oats. Mother’s oats. Oatmeal. Whatever name society had given them, the Captain still didn’t like them as food. But they were plentiful and filling enough to sustain him until evening meal.

‘The Mess’ as they called it, or mess hall, was where he sat and finished his breakfast. Usually an early riser, the Captain pulled a late night watch, making him the last to enter for breakfast. The mess hall worked well with the rationing of food, but the last one to enter the mess was faced with one of two situations. There was either no food left, or their tardiness was reprimanded with the task of finishing everything off.

Mid fourth bowl of oatmeal, the Captain had enough. It was about the same time he discovered the note from Elliott in Steward Lange’s log book, a mere scribble of a response to the Captain request to ‘read the following pages’. Elliott’s note of, ‘I haven’t a clue what I’m looking for. Misspelled words?’, made the Captain rise up from his chair, inform the kitchen crew that during his gluttony he forgot that Sgt Ryder requested the left over oatmeal, then the Captain, with a point to be made, searched out Elliott.

Elliott was the only one in grey. He was in charge. The twenty men who lined up cross wore the signature blue uniforms. Two feet spread between them, Elliott paced behind them. In the gymnasium they faced forward, arms at sides.

“Prepare,” Elliott ordered out.

At the same time, all twenty men with their left foot, pivoted their right shoulder forward while reaching across their waist with their right arm.

“Stay in synch.” Elliott kept authority to his voice, yet calm. “Draw.”

The ‘whoosh’ of the twenty swords sounded as one.

“Attack.”

A unison cheer of the single word ‘rah’ accompanied the projection of the sword and the swift glide forward of the men toward the bales of hay.

“Retract . . .” Elliott paced. “Attack.”

The men took two steps back, then a fast charge forward with an even louder cheer.

“Retract . . . pull back in formation to . . .” Elliott shifted his eyes, and then snapped straight with a salute. “Attention!”

As if they had practiced it-and they did--the twenty men in synch, turned to face the back of the gymnasium, and snapped to attention when the Captain walked in.

The Captain gave a sharp salute. “At ease.” He looked to Elliott as he moved his hands behind his back. “Sgt. Ryder is it possible for you to find a replacement for this exercise. I need to speak to you in private.”

“Yes, sir.” Turning from the Captain, Elliott faced his men. “Townsend, take over please.”

The Captain gave Elliott a nod of gratitude, then pivoted in a stern stride, walking ahead of Elliott, and leading him into the hall.

Almost at an antsy formal stance, the Captain waited in the hall for Elliott. When the gym door banged, it was like a lever to the Captain. His body dropped the tension, and dramatically, he lifted Steward Lange’s log book and whacked Elliott on the head with it. “Misspelled words. What is wrong with you?”

“What?” Elliott laughed.

“Come here.” Tugging his sleeve, the Captain pulled Elliott into a room. “Didn’t you read what I asked you to?”

“Yes. But what am I looking for?” Elliott asked. “You seem to think some big revelation was going to hit me.”

“Yes. Yes. It should have.”

“No, no. It shouldn’t.” Elliott shook his head. “If you didn’t pick it up after months of living with the log book how am I supposed to find it after one reading?”

“True. O.K.” The Captain opened up the log book. “Here Steward Lange mentions that the president returned but failed to secure the Garfield Project. How could Hadley fail to get something unless . . .”

Elliott’s eyes lifted. “Someone else has it.”

“Exactly!” The Captain smiled. “If he failed to get something off of someone else then that someone else is? Is what, Elliott?”

“A pretty strong enemy of the society.”

“We are not alone.”

“True but . . .” Elliott held up a finger. “Are they going to end up being our enemy as well?”

The Captain moaned, “You had to dampen it, didn’t you? Now getting back to my enthusiastic thoughts, we need to find out about this Garfield Project. What it is, where it is. I’m thinking it’s a weapon of sorts.”

Elliott nodded. “I have to agree.”

“Good. We also now have to find out about these people that have this invention. If they are friend, when we are strong enough to approach them, we help them in their cause. If they are an enemy, when we are strong enough to face them . . .we borrow this Garfield project, barring it’s not too big for us to carry out.”

“I would think this project is small,” Elliott said. “It would have to be in order to be hidden. We get it. We bring it here. We have an ace in our hand.”

“Not that we would use this secret weapon. But . . . it could be a powerful tool.

“I like what you’re thinking. But how are we going to not only find this enemy of the society, but this Garfield Project as well.”

“Investigate,” the Captain said with certainty. “If we can learn a little more about the society maybe we can learn about this project they want. The enemy of the society will fall in place.”

“Short of going east again to infiltrate Quantico, short of waiting until spring until we start scouting out society camps, what can we do? We’re at a loss over here in the west.”

“Not completely.” The Captain flipped a few pages in the log book. “Lange mentions early on about the President’s stay in a former site in Colorado. If it’s a former society site, cleaned out or not, there may be clues left behind. Maybe about the project, maybe about other things we don’t know.”

“Colorado really isn’t that far.”

“Nope,” the Captain smiled, “but it’s not as close as the nearest major bookstore. Check out this . . .” The Captain began to read. “So eerie like. When I first read, ‘Man’s last Stand’ I laughed at the sci-fi picture painted of surviving the plague ridden world. How true his book ended up being . . .” The Captain showed Elliott the page. “How true? Elliott, if want to find out about the Garfield project and secrets of the Caceres Society, why not read a surviving book written by the namesake . . .” His finger pointed to the name.

“Forrest Caceres,” Elliott smiled.

“Let’s go.” Snatching the log book from Elliott’s view, the Captain began a quick movement down the hall. “Elliott?”

“Where are we going?”

“I just told you. Barnes and Noble.” With a smile and tuck of the log book under his arm, the Captain picked up his pace.

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

“Jess Anthony Boyens,” Jess stated staring out.

“Your age?” Sgt. Doyle asked.

“Thirty-seven years old as of two days ago, sir.” Jess kept his eyes forward.

“What is the creed of the Caceres Society, Soldier?”

“To be called upon to protect and serve in any military actions. To enforce the right of the new world. To defend against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”

“Define domestic enemies.” Sgt. Doyle walked to behind Jess’ chair.

“Upon the soil of the former United States of America, an enemy is defined as any one person or group of persons challenging the way of the society, sir.”

“Do you consider yourself an enemy?” Sgt. Doyle questioned.

“No sir.”

“Your actions can be defined as one of an enemy,” Sgt. Doyle stated.

“I understand. But my actions were purely out of weakness of the moment and from undo physical exhaustion I had been experiencing from three weeks straight of unrelieved duty.”

“How can you be trusted with the position? How do we know you will fulfill.”

Jess fidgeted some in his chair. “I believe in the rule of the society and the enforcing of it, sir. I believe in what the society eventually wants to accomplish . . . I . . .” Jess peered down quickly then back up. “I value the life of my family . . . sir.” His last word went cold.

“Do you know what your particular call of duty is?”

“To infiltrate such an enemy. Live amongst them. Be trusted, and when call upon by the society . . . betray even at the cost of my identity and position within the society, sir. Even . . . at the cost of my life.”

Sgt. Doyle nodded. “Are you prepared to do this undertaking?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Your training will be long. You will barely see the sun between this training and your normal soldier routine. Is that understood?” Sgt. Doyle asked.

“Yes, sir.”

“Before you undertake this, you will not only know what the society expects from you, you will learn the Garfield Project and its key residents, inside and out. You will know who to befriend and how. You will know the Garfield project, the land. There will not be a square inch you are not familiar with. You will be tested of this knowledge. Is that understood?” Receiving an agreeing nod, Sgt. Doyle walked across the room and turned on a television monitor wheeling it to in front of Jess. He handed Jess a remote control. “Your first lesson. Meet what will be your new home. The Garfield Project, A.K.A., Beginnings, Montana.” He stepped away.

Once Sgt. Doyle was from the room, Jess pointed the remote control and turned on the monitor. Another press of the button began the rolling of a tape. The white static of the screen adjusted and no sooner did the picture turn into an aerial view of a very green Beginnings, Jess’ finger hit pause. The picture freeze framed and he stood up. Almost in awe he stepped closer to the screen. It had been so long since Jess had seen a place so lush and alive. Right then and there, as Jess’ fingers reached to touch the image, he knew he made the right decision.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

Beginnings, Montana

It had reached a point’s end. Joe had to see for himself. Feeling like the idiot for giving his O.K. he headed to the quantum lab to do something he should have done earlier. He stepped from the jeep, closing his jacket to block out the wind that whipped around. Even though it was dark out, he saw what Dean had told him about earlier, the giant hole that was like a trench on the right side of the quantum lab. What was it? Most importantly he had to find out why the two men Beginnings hadn’t seen in two weeks were digging holes in the middle of the night like grave diggers.

Reaching out, Joe tried for the door knob--locked. “Christ.” He knocked on the door.

“We do note want ta be dust-airbed!” Forrest yelled out.

“Like I care. I have to see if you two are all right.”

“We are all-rut.”

“Yeah, well let me hear from Jason.” Joe knocked. “Jason, are you alive in there.”

The door opened and Forrest popped his head out. His hair was tossed and he sported a facial growth that could be a beard but spread about his face too much. “Woot?”

“Begging your pardon, Forrest, but as leader, and to make sure you didn’t kill our Jason, I need to see him.”

Suddenly, as if pulled away abruptly, Forrest disappeared from the door and Jason, looking so similar to Forrest, poked his head out. “I’m alive, Joe, and we’re close. We are really close.”

“To what? China? What in Christ’s name is that huge hole out there? If you’re trying to get to the power supply, you go from under the lab in the tunnels.”

Jason closed his mouth and nodded, “Yes I know, but Forrest didn’t believe me. He said I was full of shit. He dug the hole last night for eight hours, Joe, before he listened to me. He thought I was trying to win the bet.”

Again Forrest yelled from the background, “Boot you did do a-zear dings to me. Do note deny it, Jay-soon. Ha!”

Joe, getting even more perturbed by having to stand in the cold, became persistent. “Is everything all right in there? No one has seen you. Just let me come in to make sure . . .”

“No!” Jason shook his head. “No. We uh . . . we’ll let you know when we’re done. It is vital no one bothers us. Thanks for your concern Joe. Night.” The door shut.

“Fine.” Joe faced the closed door. “Stay in there and smell. I don’t give a shit.” He stared back to his jeep. “As long as you fix that damn machine soon.”

^^^^

Denny was so perky as he bobbed his way through the nearly crowded social hall. His hair was combed neatly and drastically to the side--courtesy of Andrea. His clothes fresh, crisp, and clean the way she always made him look when he had a gig at the hall, as if he were going to Sunday services. He carried the papers with him as he approached Robbie, Paul, and James, his fellow members of The Starters. Hitting James first, he passed out the papers. “Hi Guys. I wrote up the set list for you, just like you asked, Paul.” He handed Paul his sheet then one to Robbie. “Here Robbie.”

“Thanks Denny. And what did I tell you about the hair?” Robbie reached his hand out and messed his hair up.

“No!” Denny hit Robbie away and then tried to straighten it back up. “I get those girl curls and my mom is coming to see me tonight. Don’t,” He whined. “I’ll tell.”

Paul laughed as he took off his guitar he was tuning, but the smile left him when he read over Denny’s list. “Den? What the hell does it say?”

Denny nodded. “Impressed huh? It’s in French. Don’t worry, I’ll fill you in.”

Robbie remained so in control of his laughter. “It’s like a puzzle, Paul. See . . . this one, it says El-loon’s sung.”

“How about this one?” Paul pointed. “De old guy sung. Or. . . De sung dat Josef huts.”

“This ought to be . . .” Robbie saw Frank walk into the social hall. “Let me talk to my brother for a second. I’ll be right back.” He set down his bass and stepped from the small stage area walking over to the bar where Frank was at. “Hey,” Robbie nudged him.

“What’s up? Why aren’t you guys playing?”

“In a minute. We’re doing the French rendition of our songs tonight, Frank. You’ll like it. Anyhow, I just wanted to tell you if you want to schedule that extra time-machine-run-through tomorrow, go ahead. I’m up for it.”

“I will. But . . . with Dean still not well, who are we going to get to play head scientist?”

“Um . . . how about Reverend Bob. We haven’t hit him in a while.”

“Good thinking. I’ll get him.” Frank grabbed a glass and a bottle, pouring himself a drink. “I take it you’re finally taking a day off your investigation? Getting frustrated Robbie?”

“The shoe thing is finally over with. Man, did that send me through a loop. Pissed me off more. Here I was thinking I narrowed it down to a size ten shoe and do you know what?”

“Over half the men in Beginnings where a size ten boot.”

“Why is that, Frank?” Robbie asked with annoyance. “Isn’t that odd?”

“No, not really. The last run I picked up a lot of size ten boots. So no matter what size they wear, ten and under, they wear a size ten. Unless their Beginnings made, or your Dean, then you wear tiny Converse High tops.”

“Why didn’t you tell me this sooner? I wasted so much time on it.”

“Nah,” Frank snickered and took a drink. “You were having fun. What’s next?”

“Finger prints. I dusted and sampled the entire lab and other mobile.”

“And where are you getting the comparison finger prints from?” Frank finished his drink and set down his glass.

Cautiously Robbie picked the glass up by the rim. “See ya Frank.” He took it with him to the stage.

“Hey!” Shaking his head, Frank reached over the bar for another glass.

^^^^

Elbows on knees, hands folded, Dean stared at the coffee table. He was able to let down the front he had placed on all night in front of the kids. He looked up when he felt the presence and smelled the coffee. “Hey.” He smiled at Ellen.

“Did you want some?” She showed him the cup.

“Nah. I’m going to bed soon.”

“Dean.” Ellen set down her mug and laid her hands over his. “Please listen to me. Maybe this isn’t it?”

“We’re kidding ourselves if we think it isn’t El.” Dean rubbed his eyes.

“But did you have any more episodes today? No,” Ellen said. “Maybe we’re just over reacting. What did the CT scan say?”

“You know as well as I do the injury is still fresh.”

“Exactly.” She gave a firm squeeze to his hand. “Blood pressure rises. You get an episode. But in reality, Dean, if this is it, we have to face it. Your eyes are not what is going to beat the virus. Your mind is. I can be your eyes. You have to control that mind. All right?”

Dean nodded , pulled his hands back, and slowly stood up. “I’m heading to bed.” He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. “I promise, we won’t waste another day tomorrow.” As he walked around the couch, there was a knock at the door. “Want me to get that?”

“No, you go up.” Ellen stood and walked around the couch. She watched Dean ascend the stairs and then opened the door. Frank stood there, leaning in the archway. “Frank.”

“Hey.” He lifted a bottle of Henry’s wine. “I thought if you guys wanted company, you may want to celebrate my publishing deal.”

Ellen giggled. “Want to rub the bet into Dean?”

“Absolutely. Can I come in?”

“Absolutely.” She opened the door wider. “I’ll get some glasses. One small one for me shouldn’t hurt.”

Frank stepped into the living room. “Where’s Dean?”

“He went to bed.” Ellen headed to the kitchen.

“Too bad. I have his autographed copy of my novel.” Frank pulled out rolled up pages from his back pocket. “I just need someone to do the art . . .” His words slowed down as he set the pages down on the sofa table and saw it. “Work. Oh, wow.” He whispered in awe, lifting a sketch of Ellen. It was a profile of her, her hair a bit longer in the sketch.

“Good huh?” Ellen returned with the glasses. She took the bottle and poured the wine. “Forrest did that. He sent it to me this afternoon when Denny brought them food to the quantum lab. A nice surprise.”

“It’s beautiful.” Frank took the wine she handed him. “Could I have this?”

“The sketch? I already told Dean . . . I told him he could . . .”

“Don’t worry about it.” Frank lifted the bottle. “Let’s sit down.” He took a long drink from his glass as he walked around the couch. He refreshed it from the bottle and sat.

Ellen fingers trailed in debate across the sketch. She looked at Frank who stared into his glass. “You know what? Forrest can make Dean another.”

“El, it’s O.K.”

“No it’s not.” Ellen lifted the sketch. “I look much too young in this picture. Dean didn’t know me when I looked this young. Don’t forget to take this when you leave.” She returned a smile when Frank gave her one. “Oh, I have a surprise for you.” She hurried into the dining room, talking as she did. “I was getting things ready for my move with Robbie, which I haven’t a clue when that will be, and I found this.” She walked back into the living room. “I showed Alex this morning.” She held a card in front of him. “The first Valentine’s Day Card you ever gave me.”

Excitedly, Frank grabbed it. “You still have it? Wow.”

Ellen sat next to him. “I have everything you ever gave me. Letters, notes, cards.”

Frank laughed as he read the card. “My handwriting was better.” He opened the card then closed it, shaking his head. “This was nice seeing this. It means a lot.”

“No Frank. All the years we had mean a lot to me. We had more years as friends than we did as anything else. I just want that in my life, and I think you need that too.”

Frank looked once more at the card then laid it down on the coffee table, as he brought his hand back he rested it on her leg. “Let me tell you something El. All those years we have behind us, no one can touch them, no one. Not Dean, not . . . “He stopped and stood up. “I’m sorry.”

“No Frank, that’s all right. Talk to me.”

“No.” He shook his head. “I’d rather not ruin a pretty good night.” His back faced her as he looked about the living room filled with all her home decorations and pictures. Things that were once in his home.

“Frank.” She ran her hand up his back. She didn’t know what to do or say for him. She sensed so much how badly he really was feeling.

“How come you’re so happy without me?”

“No Frank, how can you say that?”

“You don’t miss any of it. Not the marriage, not the closeness.” Frank turned and faced her. “Not even this.” He grabbed her face pulling Ellen into him. Parting her lips with his, Frank moved his mouth across Ellen’s and he released his emotions into that kiss. He kissed her firmly and deeply, extending his fingers to the back of her head, keeping her to him. As he pulled from the kiss, he let his thumbs slowly brush against her cheeks then run down her still parted mouth as he whispered close to her. “Or do you?”

“Frank . . .”

“Don’t answer that.” He released her completely, stepped back, stopped, stepped forward to her, and kissed her quickly. “Downer moment over.” He spun from her, spotted his glass of wine, and picked it up. “You have to give those to me once in a while.” He laid his finger over her lips and shook his head when he saw her about to talk. “Now . . . do you know what I would like? I’d like to see, if you’ll let me, all those letters and stuff you have. Could I?”

“I’ll be right back.” Smiling, Ellen raced over to the steps. “Have a seat Frank. We’ll be looking through the box for a while.”

Smiling back at Ellen the best he could, Frank slowly made his way back to the couch. And he sat there, head down, rolling the glass between his hands waiting for her return.

^^^^

“Robert,” Joe called out.

Robbie winced as he placed his bass away. “Why does he call me that?” he asked Paul as if Paul knew.

“Robert,” Joe called again.

Robbie looked down at his watch. “Hey Dad. It’s, like, late. Why are you up.?”

“I’ve been working.”

Though Robbie thought it was nice of his father to share the events of the day, he lacked enthusiasm over it. “Gee. Wow. Swell. Working on what?”

“What did you give me to work on?” Joe placed his hands on his hips.

“Oh shit.” Robbie, acting like it was a big secret, took hold of Joe’s arm and pulled him aside. “And?”

“And . . . I’ve gone through about eighty percent of those two hundred prints.”

“Very good, Dad,” Robbie smiled. “How many were different. Five, six?”

“Thirty-two. There were thirty-two different forefingers.”

“No way. Thirty-two? You have to be wrong. Maybe some of those are middle fingers and some are pinkies. You made a mistake.”

“Robbie, I did this for how many years?” Joe scolded. “I don’t make mistakes on prints. Thirty-two so far.”

“Shit. Why in the world are there so many?”

“Um . . .” Joe grew sarcastic. “Maybe because the goddamn mobile was outside of Beginnings for so long? Maybe because it took ten men to settle it in one place. Start collecting your prints and I’ll match them.”

“I have one already.” Robbie walked over to the stage and handed Joe a cloth covered glass. “Here’s Frank’s. Got it tonight so you can eliminate him once you match his.”

“Thanks.” Joe held up the glass. “This will bring you down to thirty-one.” He stared to leave but stopped. “Robbie?”

“Yeah.” Robbie hesitated in his return to his bass.

“Was Frank drinking much when he was here?”

“I couldn’t tell you. He left after a while to see Ellen, but I was busy. Sorry. Why?”

“No reason. It’s just . . . does he seem to you to be drinking a bit more than usual?”

“Yeah, but Frank’s just hit a rough spot. He’ll get past it.”

“I guess you’re right. Night Robbie.” Joe looked once more to the cloth covered glass. He clutched it with fatherly concern and walked from the social hall.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

Against the Captain’s better judgment, he had to admit he like Chai tea. It didn’t hold the same soothing effects as alcohol, but it did warm the chest some, and knowing Elliott would stop by, it wouldn’t get him yelled at.

He rubbed his tried eyes, sipped his mug of Chai tea and closed the book. Staring off, sitting in his chair, he heard the knock on the door. “Come in.”

“Hey.” Elliott covered in the dust of snow walked in. He took off his coat. “I have good news.” He held up the log book and walked further into the living room. “Is that Chai tea?”

“Yes. Do you want some?”

“Right,” Elliott snickered and sat down. “How was the Caceres novel?”

“Stupid. O.K., well, not stupid.” The Captain said. “It was a good novel, but I’m afraid, Elliott, the society merely borrowed his name. I don’t think this Caceres has anything to do with it.”

“Why? What’s the novel about?”

“Don’t get me wrong, it’s a pretty good vision of our post-apocalyptic world. However the story is about survivors and how they make this one community a starting point to rebuild the world. I thought at first that was it, but . . .” the Captain tossed up his hands. “A small community starting with fifty is hardly our society. Plus, the people in the story had no desire to do lobotomies or make mommy zombies. They wanted to live. That’s it.” He clapped once. “Nothing that could even give us a clue to the Garfield Project weapon. Now . . . what good news do you have?”

Dropping the log book, Elliott smiled. “I believe the Colorado site, even if it breeds nothing about the society, I’m pretty sure it can tell us about the Garfield project.”

“How do you know?”

“Seventeenth entry.” Elliot opened the log book. “Steward states, and this is straight from the book . . . our inside person tells us, that after the successful rescue from the Colorado site, enough info was gained to go back.” Elliott held up a finger and turned a page. “Three days later. Simply says, and there is pencil dots all around this meaning he sat in thought.” Elliott winked then read. “Colorado versus the Garfield Project. Colorado is ill prepared. I wish they had communication so I could warn them of their pending attack. I hope they have moved out by now.” Elliott closed the book. “Hostage situation must have entailed. Perhaps a few of their people for the weapon, only the enemy of the society, got their people and returned. I believe they used the weapon on the Colorado site.”

“So the site is gone?”

Elliott tilted his head. “Not really, entry, one week later . . .The president informs me that a return trip to Colorado could be made. But he feels that nothing vital remains at the site.”

“Nothing vital to the society, but could be very vital to us.” The Captain snapped his finger. “This is Beautiful, Elliott. We skimmed those early entries because they didn’t give us inside information to the society. They still don’t, however . . . even just to go to Colorado to see what this Garfield weapon did would give us a clue to what we’re looking for.”

“Plus, the society cleaned out, but they wouldn’t clean up evidence of their enemy.”

The Captain smiled. “The people with the Garfield project. We need to know about them.”

“Now all we need is to find it.”

“I have a good guess.” The Captain sprang up and moved to a desk. He opened the drawer and flipped through several maps pull-in one out. “Colorado may be a big state . . .” He spread it on the coffee table. “But by the size of the site, knowing the government had something to do with it, and the security of the site . . .there’s only one facility big enough that fits that description,” his finger landed. “Mountain Springs Colorado.”

Elliott grinned. “Three day trip, we could do that ourselves.”

“And I trust no one’s eyes but our own. We have to do this. So . . . just when the weather breaks, before winter’s end, while the world still slumbers, we seize our safety frame . . .” The Captain rolled up the map. “. . . and we go.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

March 1

Beginnings, Montana

Joe could smell it through the slightly open window of his office, the smell of creeping spring as it made its early approach into Beginnings. A short, painless winter was rearing its last hurrah and this pleased Joe. Spring usually pleased Joe, but its sooner-than-anticipated arrival not only brought the prospect of hard work that would begin in the fields, but the scary thought that the battle against the SUT army could be approaching as fast as the new leaves on the trees.

The fact that they sat in a stalemate bothered Joe. He had an alternate plan, preparing to send Robbie and a small crew out for military trucks and supplies that they would use for assassin squads to clear out and secure a circumference around Beginnings from any and all society soldiers. He had to come up with some sort of physical protection. The hopes of advancing through information learned in the time machine, faded as the second month of the stagnate Regressionator hit.

Sifting through the imminent work load, the refreshing breeze that came through the window changed. It carried instead of pre-spring, a light stench that made Joe twitch his head. And then . . . he knew why.

“Josef?” Forrest popped his head through the office door following a simple knock.

“Holy mother of God.” Joe lifted his head. “I thought for sure you were dead.” Joe watched Jason walk in also. “And you too.” He leaned back in his chair.

“Ah.” Forrest waved his finger about. “Boot we are note.” He smiled. “May we sit?”

Feeling them approach along with smelling them, Joe held his hand up. “No. Stay by the door and Jason . . . open it will ya?”

“Sure thing Joe.” Jason, whose hair had grown and beard now extended straggly past his chin, opened the door. “We’re ready. Do you want to witness it?”

“You’re kidding?” Joe asked. “The machine is working?”

Fanning his hand, Jason shook his head. “We don’t know. It has taken us two months to channel the power supply. We did channel it, however, and now we are ready to test it to see if it actually will work and not sizzle our timer travelers.”

“I’ll be a son of a bitch,” Joe nodded. “So do you think you have it?” He watched Jason shake his head ‘no’ while Forrest nodded with certainty.

“Josef. We wooed luck you to come to de lab and witness de weaning off ma butt. And  I wooed luck An-ray to be deer as well.”

Joe chuckled, “O.K., sure. We’ll come up. Um . . .” He looked at his watch. “Can you give us an hour or so?”

Jason nodded. “Sure, it’ll give us a chance to clean up some.”

Forrest disagreed, “No Jay-soon. We must use de time ta prepare foe de bug demon-stray-shun.”

“You’re right.” Jason pointed to Joe. “We’ll meet you up there. We have test subject to get.”

Shooing his hand at them and instructing them to keep the door open after they left., Joe felt a little better. Perhaps they did it. Though Jason didn’t believe that they had done it, a part of Joe did. He stood up from behind his desk, grabbing his paper work and began to head out also. He paused before he left to open his window all the way, hoping that mother nature would blow some of her fresh breath in while dissipating the old stench left by Forrest and Jason.

^^^^

Mountain Springs, Colorado

The steady clank was the only sound in the dead wilderness. Clank-clank-clank, as the front opening gate, knocked off the hinges, swung in the spring breeze.

The Captain’s hand reached for the blackened and burned out circuit box of the gate. What looked like a charcoal thin stick protrude from it.

“Careful, there’s still power in the region,” Elliott warned.

The Captain nodded, then with his gloved hand, yanked the stick out. A simple, tiny spark emerged from the box. “An arrow.”

“Indian wanna-be’s?” Elliott asked.

“We really need to come up with a better name for them. No.” The Captain wiped the arrow head on his pants. “Metal. They don’t use military issued metal arrows. This came from a crossbow. It . . .” He paused and looked at the head. “Odd.”

“What is?” Elliott waited for a response. “Captain?”

The Captain blinked several times out of his thought. “Oh. Sadistic bastard who sailed this,” he said as he handed the arrow to Elliott, “etched his initials in the head.”

Elliott snickered and looked at the engraved ‘FS’. Taking the arrow, Elliott reached behind him and slipped it in the knapsack. He followed the Captain through the gate. Five bodies, decomposed, all slain with arrows, lay just inside the gate.

“A well thought out attack,” the Captain said. “See these tires tracks? My guess is the few they had to bring the Garfield Project in here, so they pulled a sneak hit, wiped out the place, and then drove in for whatever they needed.” He reached down for an arrow that protruded from the chest of one of the Society soldiers. He withdrew it with ease. Bits of dried blood formed a dust cloud. The Captain examined the arrow head. “Same type of arrow. No initials.”

Elliott laughed as he took that one as well. “Wasn’t the same sadistic bastard then.”

“No.” The Captain peered ahead to the tunnel opening. “Flashlights,” he said as they headed that way. Once at the entrance, he flicked his on at the same time as Elliott and they began their decent down the tunnel. “How many floors?”

“Twenty-seven.”

“Top floors or bottom.”

“Top.”

“I want top,” the Captain said.

“So do I. All the good stuff should be up top.”

“All right,” the Captain huffed. “Odd or even.”

“Odd.” Elliott paused in his walking when the Captain did. He clenched his fist shaking it downward with each word he spoke. “Once, twice, three, shake . . .” He whined. “You win.”

“Remember to gather anything you feel is important to this enemy, the Garfield project, or the society. Examine every slip of paper no matter how tiny.”

“I know. I know. I won’t . . .” Whoa!” Elliott halted when the Captain’s arm swung out like a father’s protective arm in a stopping car. “What?”

The Captain’s eyes widened as his flashlight shined upon a thick and texturized pink ooze that seemingly seeped downward toward a drain. Its path of origin was the small brownish dehydrated mounds with recognizable bones and a society soldier uniform that lay on top of it.

With excitement, the Captain snapped his fingers several times and pointed. His words peeped his enthusiasm. “This is it! Elliott this is what the Garfield Project does. It disintegrates the human body.”

“It’s frightening.”

“It’s powerful. No wonder the society wants it so badly.” The beam of the Captain’s flashlight lifted. “Wait.” He jumped over the remains and trotted down. Against the wall was a small silver gas can. He lifted it. “This is how it was delivered.”

“There’s another,” Elliott pointed then shifted his flashlight quickly, “and another.”

The Captain hurried to gather the three cans. He placed them in his own knapsack.

“Oh you’re just taking them as your find, aren’t you?” Elliott joked a gripe. “Fine. Be that way. There’s the elevator.” He pointed and walked over to the steel doors. Two more body piles laid there.

The Captain pressed the still illuminated button. “Amazing there is still power. I’ll start on floor two. You start floor twenty-seven, whenever we meet up, we meet up.”

“Sounds good.” Elliot could hear the humming of the arriving carriage.

“Bet me they slipped The Garfield Project through the ventilation system. This place is too big to keep tossing gas cans.”

The doors to the elevator opened and Elliott looked at the Captain when they were greeted with more carnage, those ones smeared across the floor of the elevator as if swept out of the way. “You may be right. After you?” Elliott held out his hand through the open door.

The Captain, with a smile stepped inside. He looked down to the smeared pile, shuddered a second, then chuckled. As Elliott stepped in with a cringe and the doors closed, the Captain began to hum elevator music.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Dean and Ellen’s faces were lit up by the blue hue cast off from the light board they stood before. A line of brain scan shots were on the board.

“Nearest I can figure . . .” Dean indicated to one of the pictures. “This is the problem area.”

“I’m not seeing anything. Some clouding.” Ellen peered closer.

“Exactly. Which had we not previously known of my pending blindness, we would dismiss the clouding,” Dean said. “It’s not my eyes. It’s not the optic nerve. It’s my brain. This area here,” Dean showed another picture, “is healing which means, the more it heals, the more scar tissue  forms.”

Ellen finished the statement, “The more scar tissue, the harder it is for the brain to receive the message from the optic nerve.”

“If the brain doesn’t receive the message that I see . . . basically, I don’t see.” Dean shut off the board. “My guess, a few months tops. Gradual, maybe some episodes, until it finally goes.”

“What about surgery to repair the scar tissue, remove it?”

Dean shook his head. “It was delicate surgery in the old world for experts. I’d rather have my mind, then my sight. It’s real. It’s basically inevitable. So we have to start training you. While, non-the-less, we fight this virus.” He let out a breath. “Enough of me. Let’s get you ready. Did you drink your water?”

“Yes.” Ellen walked over to the table in the examining room, “I feel like doing that wiggle tarantism dance.”

“Unfortunately I can’t tell you to go to the bathroom. Why don’t you lay down and we’ll do this as soon as Frank and Henry get here.”

Ellen lay down an begin to undo her pants. She lifted her shirt. “I think we should do it before Pete and Repeat arrive.”

“Too late,” Frank announced as he walked in. Henry followed right behind.

Dean covered Ellen to just below her stomach with a sheet. “Just in time.” He moved to the other side of the table where the ultrasound machine was. “We can start this now.” He squirted the gel substance on Ellen’s stomach.

Henry walked to right beside Ellen’s head. “I’m excited about this.”

Perturbed, Frank moved closer. “Henry you have to move. I can’t see. I want to see my baby first.”

Dean looked up, “My baby.”

“Fuck you Dean, my baby,” Frank said.

“Our baby, Frank,” Henry corrected. “You said it was our baby.”

“Yeah, see. I’m being generous,” Frank stated. “So move your body so I can see.”

Dean stopped before he lowered the wand to Ellen’s stomach. “I’ll tell you what. Both of you pull up a chair . . . now please.” He watched them scurry like it was a game, and fight for a position to see the ultrasound machine. Henry stayed by Ellen’s head. Frank, pouting, sat at her legs. “Thank you. Now just to stop any arguments . . .”  He turned the machine away from them and snickered at both of their ‘Hey’s!’. “I’ll see the baby first and show you both when I’m done.”

Robbie’s ‘hey, am I too late’ was accompanied by his usual grin.

“Robbie,” Frank snapped, “what the fuck?”’

“El invited me. We’re roommates, you know. Hey, El.” He paused to kiss her on the cheek. “Did any of you guys realize we move in today?” He walked around the table. To the floor he plopped, crossing his legs, and peering up to the ultrasound machine like a kid watching television. “Yeah, today’s the day I officially steal her from Dean.”

Henry shook his head. “He thinks he’s funny, Frank. He’s not. Go on Dean.”

Frank scooted his chair closer and placed both his hands on Ellen’s legs. His fingers moved some and hand glided slightly, maybe out of nervousness, maybe out of habit.

Dean moved the wand across Ellen’s stomach and Robbie’s ‘oh wow’ was the announcement that the baby was in view.

Frank flung his head back. “Why does he get to see it first? It’s my baby.”

“My baby,” Dean stated and clicked the wand. “And the baby looks good. Measuring normal, El. I’m still going to go with my first due date of August 18th. The baby looks great, the heart is great and the . . . hey!” He smiled. “It’s another boy.”

Happy and surprised, Frank stood up. “No way.”

“Yep.” Dean nodded. “It’s a boy. Another boy El.”

Robbie sprang to his feet. “A boy. Cool.”

Though Henry was happier that the baby was fine, he was curious about the gender information. “Dean? How can you tell?” He felt Frank backhand him. “Ow, Frank, what?”

“What do you mean how can he tell? Henry?” Frank motioned his head downward. “It shows.”

“What shows?” Henry asks.

Frank flung his head back. “And they call me stupid. It shows, the difference between boys and girls.”

“Oh.” It dawned on Henry. “How can you see it, isn’t the baby only like five inches big.”

Frank had the answer to that. “It’s a Slagel.”

Ellen started to laugh and wiggled. “No Frank, stop. I said I have to go.”

Frank scoffed at her. “Anyway Henry, Dean saw the difference.”

“No way?” Henry looked at Dean. “Really, you can see it?”

“Yep.” Dean turned the ultrasound and made the arrow indicator on the screen point to the correct area. “Let me close in on it.”

Henry walked around with Frank, closer to the screen. They, along with Robbie, peered over Dean’s shoulder.

“Can we hurry this please?” Ellen beckoned but was ignored. “I have to go.”

Henry shook his head looking at the monitor. “That’s a penis? That doesn’t look like a penis, Dean. Are you sure?”

Robbie nodded, “Looks like a penis to me.”

“I’m not seeing it.” Henry turned again. “It looks like a blur or something. It certainly doesn’t look like a penis. I think it’s a girl.”

Frank nudged Henry. “Henry, it’s a penis. Dean can see these things through his doctor vision. It doesn’t look like one because it’s still forming--I guess.”

Henry watched Dean zoom out to bring the baby in full view. “It doesn’t even look like a baby to . . .” Henry paused when the call of his name from Joe over the radio was heard. He picked it up. “Yeah, Joe.”

“Henry,” Joe said, “can I get you to meet me up at the quantum lab now? It’s important.”

“Sure, Joe. I’m on my way.” Hooking the radio on his belt, Henry stepped back. “I have to go. This . . . this was really nice.” He took a second to kiss Ellen on the cheek and pat Frank on the back. “This means so much to me, it really does. I don’t know how to thank you guys.”

Frank smiled a peaceful smile. “No thanks needed, Henry. In fact, I’ll get Dean to snap you off a picture to keep. How’s that?”

“That would be so great. Ultrasound. The pregnancy. The delivery. Frank . . . you’re the best friend a guy could have.” Looking emotionally choked up, Henry turned and left the room.

Robbie shook his head when Henry left. “Bet me he pukes during the birth.”

Dean gazed to his right, meeting up with the dark eyes that peered so closely over his shoulder. “Frank? You really want me to snap off a picture for Henry?”

“Yeah,” Frank nodded, “but you know what you should do, Dean? You should find something else inside of Ellen, take a picture of that and give to Henry. Bet me he never knows.”

Frank and Robbie’s sadistic brother laughter, along with Dean’s look of debate, made Ellen plop her head back deep into the pillow. She just wanted to go.

^^^^

“Oh my God!” Henry exclaimed as the door to the quantum lab opened and he and Joe stepped inside. “Oh my God!”

“Henry pipe down,” Joe scolded, “and pull your shirt down. It’s not that bad in here.”

“It’s awful, Joe.” Henry had the collar of his shirt over his nose. “I think I’m going to throw up. You know my stomach. You said they cleaned up in here.”

“So it smells.” Joe looked for Jason and Forrest. “Now where in the hell are they?”

“Probably running from this odor.” Henry’s eyes watered. “I hope they make this fast.”

Jason and Forrest emerged from the back room. They looked shaved and fresh.

Waving his hand in front of his nose, Jason walked closer. “My goodness does it smell bad in here. Hard to tell when we weren’t as clean.”

Forrest agreed, pinching his nose. “It is hud to believe dat we lived luck dis. An-ray?”

“Um yeah Forrest. Hurry up.” Henry paced antsy.

“Are you ruddy ta watch wooed you could note do?”

“Um . . . yeah sure.” Henry moved to a window and opened it. “I’ll just stand over here.”

Joe snickered at Henry and watched Jason prepare the computer. “So this is the big test Jason? This is to see if Forrest actually fixed the machine.”

“No Joe,” Henry gagged as he argued from the window. “I fixed it. Forrest is working on a new power supply that works with it.”

Forrest held up one finger. “It is true. An-ray, dud fax the computer. Boot, with my new power supply it will run always. No mo chancing running out of power. Oui Jay-soon?”

“No.” Jason typed. “I don’t think the harnessing of power is going to make a difference. However if it does, we’re hooked up for whenever we do need the machine. And on that, let’s settle this bet. First test of system. Hand me . . . Bunny fu-fu,” Jason spoke to Forrest.

Forrest laid the rabbit in place. “Are you ruddy to loose de butt Jay-soon?”

“Yeah, yeah.” Jason typed. “Blow it out your ass Forrest.”

“Blew it ut my es? What es dis, some suck American humor.” Forrest nodded. “Do it.”

Jason placed the program. “We have really simplified this. Working or not, even Josephine could run this now.” With the final stroke of the keyboard, Jason took a deep breath. The archway illuminated and the rabbit disappeared. Silence, not cheers, at the moment filled the room for a few seconds  The doorway lit back up and the rabbit hopped out. Still skeptical, Jason walked to the rabbit, picking him up. A note hung around his neck. Laying the rabbit on the counter, Jason smacked away Forrest’s reaching hand and read the note. “It says two words and it’s from myself.” Jason looked around. “It works.”

Forrest began jumping his little body up and down. “I wean de butt. I wean de butt. Ha! Jay-soon, I wean de butt.”

Jason flipped Forrest off.

With an excited ‘yes!’ Joe also did a little jump. “We’re back on track. Jason, can we do this trip we’ve been practicing for? I mean right away?”

“I don’t see why not,” Jason shrugged. “A few more tests to confirm our repairs and we can go tomorrow.”

Henry would have been ecstatic like Joe and everyone else, but he gagged his last gag. “Uh this is great. I have to get out.”

Joe snapped his finger stopping Henry before he left. “Head to my office tonight. I’m getting everyone together.”

With a nod and his shirt still over his nose, Henry made a dash for the door. “I’ll be there. But first . . .” He didn’t make it far outside before he lost everything he had consumed that day on the grassy area outside the lab.

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

“I want you to name them,” George requested of Jess Boyens who sat straight, like a perfect soldier before him, “first and last names of those who are vital to befriend. Start at the top.”

“Joe Slagel. Leader of Beginnings Montana.”

“Tell me about Joe.”

“Fifty nine year old Caucasian male. Before the plague worked for the United States Central Intelligence for twenty years. Prior to that he served twelve years, active duty officer, a Captain, in the United States Army. Eight years Military intelligence. Four sons, Frank, Robbie, Hal and James. All Military men. All Army, with the exception of James. He was Navy, stationed in Norfolk at the time of the plague. Frank and Robbie survived the virus and reside in Beginnings.”

“Who are you forgetting? You named Joe’s children. You forgot one.”

Jess was confused. “He had a child that died at birth but . . .”

“Nope.” George shook his head. “Ellen.”

“She’s not his child.”

George laughed, “And Joe Slagel would kick your ass for saying that. She’s as much his kid as the others. Now, see. You got all cocky. Screwed up. View the information tape again.” George looked up to the single knock on his door. “I am not to be disturbed!” he shouted. Again, another knock. George slammed his hand on the desk. “I am not to be . . .” He huffed and stood when Steward walked in. “Stew, didn’t you hear me? I am not to be disturbed.”

Steward breathed heavily when he stepped inside. “Sorry. But we have problems. The Regressionator works again. Tomorrow is the trip.”

George froze. Slowly he swiped his hand down his face and sighed heavily. “Get me our person . . . now.”

^^^^

Mountain Springs, Colorado

So much of nothing remained that Elliott had to wonder if the Captain was having as hard a time as he. Labs had been cleaned out that even scrap paper failed to remain. All that seemed to be consistently found were the mounds of disintegrated flesh. A product, Elliott knew, of the obvious Garfield Project weapon.

It was also evident that the society had cleaned out more than their attacking enemy. The location of the remains seemed to be only in areas where furniture, lab equipment, and such still lingered. Only paper evidence was gone from those areas. The enemy of the society took only what they needed.

It was a hunch that sent Elliott from the sixteenth floor back outside. A hunch obtained through a search of a small office. Two body piles laid there, both wearing lab coats along with a desk with the empty drawers open. He stopped mid search of that floor when he began to think. The society insisted through the log book, they left nothing vital. Yet, in a set up as big as the Colorado site, they couldn’t have taken it all. Why take minuscule papers that would take up valuable space? Knowing they couldn’t leave them, Elliott’s mind came up with no other deduction than the society destroyed them.

Elliott searched the area surrounding the site for nearly an hour before giving up. It was in his walk away that the flap of a birds wing made him turn and, in the distance he spotted it, a blackened spot. He rushed to it, hunching through the brush to a small pit where the ground surrounding it was burned.

Elliott peered into the pit three feet deep. Burnt remains of paper and other articles were in there. The rush of putting out the flames, or possibly a good rain, stopped some things from being totally destroyed. And seeing that, Elliott jumped in.

His hand carefully rummaged through, the touch of his fingers turned so much into ash. The more he looked, the more useless it became. Anything partially whole had nothing pertinent on it. He saw the corner of what looked like a manila folder and that filled Elliott with some hope. Reaching to it, he pulled it from the pile of ashes only to see most of it was destroyed. A single paper floated out at him, the top and entire left half burned away. Still, enough remained for Elliott to see it was a woman’s handwriting, Notes of sorts. Sketchy information he would have to piece together by the words that were barely visible, messages in part. One he would have to work on. Holding that find gently in his hand, Elliott turned to climb out of the pit and his boot clinked against it. He stopped. Leaving his foot stationary, he bent down and reached. It was metal, buried in debris. Elliott’s fingers pulled it free.

A watch. Grey from being scorched, but not destroyed. Elliott wiped the watch on his leg to clear some of the soot. Holding it at eye level, he turned the flexible band inside out and looked on the back of the watch. A name was engraved there. Elliott immediately looked to the paper he had just found. Just under the words ‘sixteenth floor’ the name, the only visible name on the paper was the same as on the watch. And with that Elliott headed back to the sixteenth floor. The person who owned the watch and the person on the notes had to be one in the same. The name ‘Miguel’ was just too unique for it not to be.

Two people. There had to have been at least two people the society had that the enemy wanted back. Miguel was one of them, the other, Elliott figured, a woman. Bit notes on that paper stated ‘she’ a few times. And the dates, along with the word ‘escaped’ clearly at the bottom of the page, coincided with the dates in Steward Lange’s log book. Miguel and the woman were the object of the mentioned rescue operation. And since Lange implied the rescue operation was successful enough to give the society’s enemy information, one of the two were saved. Since Miguel’s watch was found burned, Elliott knew it had to be the woman. Though he didn’t know her, Elliott felt a sense of relief that she had not become what he and the Captain witnessed of the women in the spoiling camp.

A broken down door and blood on the floor confirmed to Elliott the small room was the one that someone was freed from. Bits of what looked like rice cakes, and sunflower seeds sprawled about the floor. The beds were unmade and one of the pillow cases had blood on it. Not a lot, but enough to tell Elliott someone was injured.

He checked the closet, the bathroom, the only dresser. Everything was gone. Not expecting to find anything in the night stand, Elliott tried. He heard the crinkling of paper the moment he started opening the drawer. Carefully, Elliott pulled it out slowly from its hiding place, and folded, it fell out and to the floor. He could see the bloody finger prints on it, and Elliott bent down for it.

“There you are.” The Captain came into the room. “Man, are you behind. What do you have?”

Elliott lifted the paper. “A letter of sorts.” He started to unfold it.

“Save it for later. It’s getting dark. We need to make distance while it’s still light.”

Still in a squat on the floor, Elliott nodded. “I’m done with my search. I found a few things.”

“I did too, nothing very valuable though.” The Captain stepped back. “Ready?”

“Um, yeah. Let me give this room a once over again. I think this is the room that the society held the enemies people.”

“Excellent. I’ll look around once more on this floor to see if you missed anything.” The Captain stepped out then popped his head back in, “And Elliott, just take things you know are of some value. I know the type of pack rat you are.”

With a snicker Elliott nodded. He wanted to read the letter, but like the Captain suggested, it really could wait. He placed it in his pocket and started to get up. No sooner did his knees straighten than Elliott banged his head into the open drawer and dropped back down.

Rubbing his head while laughing at his own stupidity, Elliott’s eyes froze. The light from the hall reflected off of it and the only reason it probably remained was because the blood from the center of the floor had flowed onto it, gluing it to the floor like an adhesive. It was an instant photograph under the bed. Blood had destroyed part of it. On his hands and knees, Elliott moved the bed some, lifted the picture, and tore what he could salvage from the linoleum.

Elliott stared amazed. Was it her, the woman who was rescued? Careful when he stood, Elliott’s focus stayed on the woman in the picture. Her long blonde hair fell forward, a man’s hand laid on her shoulder. And even though she smiled, her eyes were sad as they stared at the camera. Elliott locked into them. The wording ‘me and Henry’ was above a date that indicated the picture was less than a year old. It looked like a lab of sorts behind the woman. So natural she was, and to Elliott, not only was she more beautiful, but she just looked so different than any woman he had encountered since the plague.

“Elliott!” The Captain’s voice called from the hall. “I’m ready.”

“I’m coming,” Elliott responded. He imagined the ridicule he would receive from the Captain over his ‘awe’ of the picture. But he didn’t want to leave it. Not knowing if it was considered an item of value or not, Elliot slipped the picture into his pocket. He’d make mention of the photo to the Captain later on. If the Captain showed an interest, Elliott would share it. If not, Elliott would save himself the harassment and just keep that picture tucked away.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

Beginnings, Montana

Chuckling at himself and shaking his head, Frank set his empty glass on the coffee table. He ran his forefinger and thumb over the corner of his mouth and smiled again just before he brought his hands together in a single clap. “So . . .” Another short chuckle. “That is how it was our sophomore year in college.” He looked at Ellen, who looked amused, then at Robbie. “Shall I move on to the summer before our junior year?”

Robbie shook his head. “See this is what I don’t get.” He held his hands out. “You went to college. Why were you never an officer?”

“I never finished college.”

“Still, you were in the service for how many years? You obviously expressed interest in being an officer when you were younger.”

“That was Hal,” Frank corrected.

“No, you too. You were in the ROTC. Why didn’t you go for officer.”

“I made Master Sergeant.”

“Yeah I know Frank, but you aren’t answering my question,” Robbie said with frustration.

“I’ll answer that,” Ellen said as she stood up. “Look at your brother Robbie. Is he officer material?” She slid her hand over Frank’s shoulder as she walked to the steps. “I’ll be right back.”

Robbie watched her leave. “Where is she going?”

“She’s pregnant.” Frank reached for his glass. “The bathroom is her best friend when she is.” He stared at the empty glass. “And where did you put that bottle?”

“I’m not telling,” Robbie told him.

“Funny. Where is it?” Frank stood up.

“I told you, I’m not telling you.” Robbie stood up also. “Why are you drinking so much lately Frank?”

“Excuse me?” Frank seemed stunned by that question, almost amused. “Where is this coming from?”

“Probably the same place the drinking is coming from. I’m not understanding it. You’re always drinking.”

“So what. I’ve been drinking more. Am I getting drunk?”

“No.” Robbie followed Frank as he searched for the hidden bottle. “But just because you don’t get drunk, doesn’t make it all right to drink more or more often.”

“Robbie, knock it off.” Frank opened the cabinet in the kitchen above the refrigerator. “Found it.”

“That makes your third drink.”

“Oh you’re counting?” Frank shook his head and poured some moonshine in a glass.

“If you’re doing it because you feel bad about Ellen, you should sit down and . . .”

“Oh listen to you sounding like the poster boy for AA. Robbie, I drink when I socialize. I’m socializing now. Social drinking is a Slagel family trait.”

“Yeah but how is this really socializing? We’re hanging out bull shitting. I think . . .”

“Oh my God,” Frank laughed at him. “Knock it off.” He turned his head to the sound of Ellen’s voice calling out for him and Robbie. With that he finished the little bit of moonshine he poured himself and placed the glass in the sink. “I really ought to get going anyhow.” He walked into the living room, Robbie behind him. “Hey El? You wanna go home? I’ll walk you.”

Ellen paused before sitting on the couch. “Frank?” She giggled. “I am home. You came to see me and Robbie, remember?”

“Oh, yeah. O.K.” Frank walked to the door.

“You know what? Wait.” Ellen grabbed her coat and followed him. “I want to go to the lab and help Dean. Give me a lift?”

“Absolutely.” Frank opened the door for Ellen. “Night Robbie.”

Ellen waved as she followed Frank out. “Night.”

Robbie sat down as soon as the door closed. “Ah.” He gasped out comfortable on his sofa. “My own place. All by myself. Finally.” In the silence, he tapped his fingers on the arm of the sofa. After a few seconds he sprang up. “I’m going to the hall.”

^^^^

Limon, Colorado

“If, or when ,or how . . .” Elliott read from the letter as he sat with the Captain by the fire. “I just need you to know I am trying. Know that Miguel did everything he could to get me home. I only wish I could watch you grow up. If I am not . . .” Elliot lowered the letter. “And that’s as far as she wrote. She must have been injured. There are small bloody fingerprints on the letter.”

“She obviously got rescued though. Good.” The Captain chomped on an equivalent of beef jerky.

“Are you sure you don’t want to see the picture?” Elliott asked then reached into his pocket.

“Nope,” the Captain said adamantly.

“She’s different than the women we have encountered.” Elliott tried to show the picture.

“Nope. It’s yours.”

“Why?” Elliott tried to extend it. “She’s very beautiful.”

“Exactly.” The Captain pointed his beef jerky at Elliott. “Years, Elliott. years I have resolved myself to a woman-less life. You as well. You can’t show me a picture of a beautiful woman, let alone one that is alive running about this country. I’ve trained myself to live without it and suppress what I need. That picture will just toss it to hell, and I refuse to become like a dog in heat.”

Elliott looked horrified. “Are you implying I’m acting like that?”

“Whose staring at that damn picture for hours.” The Captain reached for his duffle bag.

“I’m not staring at it with that in mind,” Elliott said offended. “I’m just . . . I like the picture. There’s something about her.”

“She’s a woman Elliott. And where the hell is my goddamn bottle? Yes.” The Captain pulled out this whiskey. “Better. And . . .” He uncapped the bottle. “We’re training for battle Elliott. You have to have that on your mind. I don’t want to have to keep tracking you down in your bathroom.”

“Oh, my God.” Elliott put the picture in his pocket again. “And this is coming from a man who is preaching respect.”

“Yes, and this is also coming from a man who knows you.” He showed Elliott the bottle then took a drink. “All right,” the Captain gasped in his after drink and recapped the bottle. “What did we get today? Let’s review again.”

Elliott, legs stretched out, pulled forth his notes. “Definite Society location. Finished off approximately five, six months ago.”

“Wiped out by the Garfield Project, none the less.” The Captain pointed a pencil. “But, we found evidence, not only through Lange’s book, but notes, they started packing up weeks before they were finally wiped out.”

“Cryogenics, fertilization, agriculture labs. All of these, starting points?” Elliott questioned.

“One of many,” the Captain said, “then when they got started, they moved East. And shall we stay rooted. Sort of like constructing a home. Wood from here, siding from there, all items come together to make a complete picture. But what did we know of the society that we didn’t when we went there?”

“Nothing,” Elliott replied.

“We may have to wait until we are strong enough and start raiding the society camps to get all the information pieced together like a puzzle,” the Captain said. “Hating to admit it, Elliott. We may have a direction, but today we received no more answers.”

“Not true,” Elliott corrected. “We received a very valuable answer. We confirmed that the society has an enemy, an enemy with a very powerful weapon that the society wants. The Garfield project. Whether this enemy is friend or foe of ours, there is definitely a war of sorts between them and the society. They are focused on each other. But Captain, here’s some food for thought. When we emerge with our freedom fight battle, we may very well dangerously become the new focus of both.”

“Well, then . . .” The Captain cleared his throat and grabbed his bottle. “Won’t they be surprised, not to mention a little embarrassed, when we the UWA . . .” He grinned arrogantly, “kick both their asses.” He took a drink and showed Elliott the bottle.

With a shake of his head and a snicker, Elliott grabbed the bottle and obliged.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Leaning against the bar, eyes raised, as Joe sipped his drink, he gave a disgruntled look to ‘Sam’ the bartender. He lowered his lips to the rim of the glass and grumbled, “Quit that.” He tried to sip again. “Quit that.” He shook his head and jolted. “I said . . .” he slammed down his drink, spun around, looked down and pointed to eighty-eight year old Josephine, “quit that. Leave my butt alone. Go home, you’re drunk.”

No bigger than five feet tall, Josephine’s fragile hand ran up Joe’s button down shirt. “Joey. We can have fun.”

Joe removed her hand. “I don’t have fun. Go bother Jason. He just said to me this afternoon he likes you.”

“All right.” Josephine with a loud hiccup focally sought out Jason. When she spotted him playing darts with Forrest, she finished off her drink with a gulp, wiped the back of her hand, licked her lip,s and staggered in a slant his way.

Joe smiled and returned to his drink.

“Joe.” Henry tapped him on the shoulder. “I really need to talk to you.”

Joe turned to face him. “Sure Henry, what’s the . . .” He back up when he felt the wind of a running Jason.

“Help me, Joe.” Jason beckoned in his race to barrel out the door. In hot pursuit, Josephine flew out behind him, keeping up well.

So disgusted, Henry shook his head. “I hate when it’s that time of the month for her.” Waiting for Joe to stop choking Henry continued, “About tomorrow and this time trip, Joe. I . . I don’t want to go. I don’t.”

“Henry, you’re the logisticalizer. You have to go.”

“No, Joe. I don’t want to,” Henry said with an almost pleading look. “Don’t make me go. What if something goes wrong? What if everything changes? I can’t put myself through that. I can’t not with my baby coming and all.”

“Frank’s baby.”

A mummer from Greg having a drink, interjected, “Dean’s baby.”

“Who asked you?” Joe snapped. “Henry, this is important.”

“So is this baby, Joe. It’s the closest thing I have to having my own. It means a lot.”

“Henry, you ran around all day showing off a goddamn picture of Ellen’s left ovary.”

“Oh that wasn’t very nice. I didn’t know. And that was mean to Frank. See. See how he is. And you trust him to go back in time again. I can’t. I can’t. I’ll do anything. Don’t make me . . .”

“Henry.” Joe held up his hand. “All right. I’ll get Jason to fill in for you.”

Henry’s shoulder first dripped in relief with a sigh then he reached out and embraced Joe. “Thank you.”

“Yeah. Yeah.” Joe gave a pat to Henry’s back and stepped from the embrace. “Relax, will ya.” Grabbing his own drink, Joe watched Henry reach across the bar for one. Through the corner of his eye, Joe looked at Henry. And at that moment Joe was grateful that Henry didn’t have a history of having psychic premonitions come true. Because if he did, with the way that Henry acted and looked, Joe would have been really worried that the next day’s time trip was headed for disaster.

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

The official eight by ten portrait of the first family sat on the corner of George’s desk. He stared at it, his wife, and daughter as he waited for news from Steward. The single knock made George’s heart drop. “Come in.”

After a slow open of the door, Steward walked in. “Breath in relief,” he said. “I just spoke to our Beginnings person. It’s a go. They’ll take care of it. They said it would be easy.”

Hands first to his desk, George’s head dropped. “Thank God.” He shook his head as he lifted it. “It doesn’t seem right, does it Stew?”

“What, sir?”

“That Beginnings has this time machine with the ability to go back in time. Yet they won’t use it to change anything for the better. Now if I had that pow . . .”George’s words slowed down. “…power.” His last word dropped to a near whisper and his eyes shifted to the photograph. Snatching it up, George looked quickly at Steward. “Get me our person on the phone.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

“Dean?” Ellen tossed a pencil and rubbed her eyes. “It is getting really late. Can we stop?”

“In a second.” Dean clicked on the computer watching the screen and taking notes. “Besides it’s only eleven . . .” He looked at his watch. “Shit, I’m sorry. It’s almost two in the morning.”

“See.” Ellen moved to behind him. “You said an hour. That was four hours ago.”

“Again, I’m sorry. But this was important and it is the thirty-six hour test.” Dean’s hand tapped the counter with excitement. “Yes. Look El . . .” He tilted his head back and she was gone. “El?” He turned his stool around. Ellen was staring out the door. “What’s wrong?”

“Did you hear that?” She pointed.

“What?” He stood up. “You aren’t getting paranoid on me are you?”

“No, listen . . .” There was quiet and then a few soft bangs, followed by a power surge sound. “Is that them this late?”

“Yeah it is El.” Dean shut the door. “You know they’ll be testing the hell out of the Regressionator to make sure it works.”

“I thought they left.”

“Apparently not.” Dean walked to his computer. “Now come over and look at this before we leave. We have some virus resistance.”

“All right.” Ellen shrugged, took one more peek out the window, and followed Dean over to the computer, forgetting about the odd hour testing that Jason and Forrest seemed to be pulling.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

March 2

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

Silence over a cup of coffee, only George wished he could douse his java with whiskey. The importance of the pending Beginnings’ time trip couldn’t be dismissed. The notion of what they could discover going into that particular time frame was frightening to George, especially since that one discovery could slow down his entire operation.

Hand hanging up the phone, George peered up to Steward as he walked din the office. “Well?”

“Checked and double checked,” Steward said. “I couldn’t find a single record kept that indicates trouble on that day.”

George breathed out heavily. “Stew if this works in their favor, that phone call to Beginnings could very well be the last phone call we make to Beginnings in a long time. In fact, it could be the last means of free communication we ever do.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

“Ellen quit being nosey,” Dean ordered as he sat working on paper work and became irritated as Ellen kept peeking out of the window.

“They won’t let us over there. Do you think they’ve gone yet?”

“No, not yet. And if you’re quiet you’ll hear them. Now work.”

“All right.” She folded her arms with a stomp and walked over to him. “I had the weirdest dream last night. I dreamt about that night up here.”

“You too?” Dean set down his paper work.

“Yeah, and you?” Ellen shook her head. “I have to blame it on Robbie and all his investigating. He must ask me ten times a week about someone else being up here. Now that has gone and imbedded it in my subconscious. Now when I dream about the night, there’s someone else here, but I don’t know who it is.”

“That is really odd El,” Dean spoke in a soft manner. “I had the same dream. He must be doing it to me, because I dreamt there was someone else here too. And we both know better. Only I know who it is in my dream and that’s how I know it’s a dream.”

“Who Dean? Who is it that you see.”

“Get this El.” He faced her. “I see . . .” Like a spring action, Dean’s hand immediately went to his temple and a painful, cringing look took over him.

“Dean?”

He flung off his glass then pressed his fingers tightly to his eyes.

“Dean, are you all right?”

“Yeah.” Still feeling the burning searing pain, Dean stood up from his stool, losing his balance when he opened his eyes. Everything was a thick blur.

“Dean.” Ellen grabbed his hand from his face. “Is it the headaches? This is not good, it isn’t good at all. Something has to be  . . .”

“No.” Dean stopped her as she pulled him. “I’m fine. Really I am.” He shook his head, the pain started to dull, and his vision came back. “I’m fine.”

“You’re scaring me.” She stepped into him, laying her hand on his face. “I’m worried.”

“Don’t be.” Without warning he pulled her into him. “Don’t be.” Dean closed his eyes tightly as he held on to her, not wanting her to see the concern or worry he himself was having a hard time controlling.

^^^^

Henry handed Jason the black leather pouch. “Now I want this back. Remember, I am the keeper of these.”

Jason took them. “And I am the key master,” he spoke deeply and standing tall.

Joe walked up to each of them, checking for their weapons and gas cans. “Jason, you have the pendant?”

“Right here Joe.” Jason took his place, last behind Frank, Robbie, and Greg. “Forrest, you know how to do this, right?”

Forrest shook his head in disgust as he stood at the time machine. “You muck me suck Jay-soon. Da way you do note trust me.” He waved his hand at him then selected the program and typed on the keyboard. “And . . . here way go!” A dramatic final strike and the doorway illuminated.

With arms folded, Joe watched the four of them disappear and the archway become normal. “Three seconds. One . . two . . .” On three the archway lit back up, this time, bringing not only the bright flash of light but rapid gun fire instead. A bullet sailed through fast, so close, Joe heard it by his ear. “Hit the deck!”

Henry felt it as he dropped to the floor, seeing there a small section of his coal black hair. “Oh my God, my hair!” He lifted his head to see Jason darting in, Robbie next, running in backwards, and then Frank. Frank did not come in alone. He flew in holding onto a man and landing inches in a struggle by Henry’s head. Henry jumped up. Jumped up to be pulled back down by Joe when three more men in gas masks came in firing. “Shit!”

Total pandemonium spewed about the lab. Frank jumped to his feet, holding the man he was pummeling as a shield. Immediately as he stood up, the man he held felt the bullet as it aimed for Frank and went into him. Lifting the man’s body, Frank tossed him into another; the force of the dead man’s body sent the uniformed guard careening through an archway that was no longer illuminated.

Snatching the rifle from his assailant, Robbie swung it like a baseball bat, smashing him on the face, and sending him to the ground. As he stepped for the third, he watched that man drop from a single shot, fired from Joe who aimed upwards from his floor position. Needing to finish off the man he nailed with the rifle, Robbie lifted him from the floor, braced his arm around his forehead and shoulder then simply and with ease, he snapped the man’s neck.

Frank picked the dead body from a uniformed assailant who lay past the archway covered in another’s blood. Furious and outraged, Frank grabbed him by the gas mask, ripping it off. “Breath our air you fuck.” Grasping the man by the back of the head, Frank careened him forward into the wall. Not letting him drop, he repeated his actions with feeling of angry happiness.

Breathing heavily, Frank spun to take in the now quiet room. Henry and Joe stood up, looking in total shock, standing among the four dead intruders. He looked at Jason who held on to his bleeding leg, then at Robbie who breathed heavily as he gripped his side where blood seeped through his fingertips. And then at himself, he was just then--after the lowering of the adrenaline moment--starting to feel the effects of the gunshot wound he received to his own shoulder. Feeling even angrier, Frank blindly reached down to the floor gripping one of the motionless bodies. With speed and all of his strength, he grunted as he headed to the door of the quantum lab.

“Dean?” Ellen sprang up. “I heard shots!”

“Shit!” He saw Ellen run to the door. “Ellen you can’t go . . .” Slamming his hand down and worried, he followed her out as she ran straight to the quantum lab. “Ellen, wait.”

“Something happened in there. They may need our . . .” She stopped talking and screamed when the quantum door opened and out flew a dead body landing at her and Dean’s feet. “What . . .” Then out came another, and another, then finally as the door opened the last time, she saw Frank. “Oh my God.” She noticed him bleeding. “Are you all right?”

“No El, I’ve been shot.” Frank spun and went back in.

Dean reached to Ellen’s arm. “I’ll go get the emergency kit at the lab.”

Ellen nodded and followed Frank into the quantum lab. “Dean’s getting medical supplies.” She stared at the silent faces. “What happened?” She moved to Frank looking at his shoulder, then to Robbie. “You’re shot too. What happened? Henry, all you all right too?” She moved to him.

“Aside that I almost got shot in the head and my hair is uneven, I’m fine.” He shifted his eyes to Joe.

Joe was so silent as he stood from his lean against the table. “It could have been worse, I take it.” He looked at the saddened face. He saw Dean walk into the lab with a case.

Dean felt the air of tension as he reached to shut the door. He didn’t know what to say. He walked to Ellen so they could start to assess the injuries.

Joe began to pace. The disappointment that filled the room was so strong he hated to say anything, but he had to. “I need to know what happened in there. But most importantly . . . . I need to know what happened to Greg.”

“We were set up,” Frank said with a nasty tone.

“Impossible,” Jason ridiculed.

“I’m telling you . . .” Frank calmed down. “We . . . had to have been set up.” He closed his eyes reliving what happened before sharing it with his father.

“Keep low.” Frank instructed when they stepped through the time machine on that ill-fated time trip. “Jason . . . you stay low and by the door, hidden in this grass,. You cannot be seen. Get it?” Frank got agreement then looked at Robbie and Greg. “We can do this gentleman. We have before. Our time may be slower because we have to be cautious, but we know this like the back of our hand. Now let’s go down there, get what we need, and get back home.”

“And then we headed down.” Frank winced some in pain while Ellen bandaged him. “It went smooth. Just like the drills.” Frank looked up to explain. “We hit the tunnel, tossed the gas cans, and then . . .”

“Time,” Frank called out when enough time was allotted for the gas to work.

Raising their weapons, the three stepped into the fog. As it cleared they did not see what they had expected. Standing facing them was a wall. Not a wall of stone, but a wall of defense. Ten soldiers lined across, also wearing gas masks, held their weapons at them.

“Retreat!” Frank backed up in a hast with his brother and Greg as the first shots began to fire at them

They ran fast back to the starting point. They could chance tuning back to fire in defense but they couldn’t chance losing any of them.

The ten soldiers followed them diligently but had a hard time keeping up with them. As they made it to the hatch, Frank waited for Robbie and Greg to climb up first and he brought in the rear.

“O.K., you booked out,” Joe said trying to understand. “That was the plan.”

“Not entirely,” Jason intervened. “Book, yeah. Get chased . . . no. I saw them coming. Running. Being chased . . .”

“Get ready!” Robbie called to Jason. “Get it ready!”

Running in a hunching line, side by side they picked up even more speed feeling confident they had the edge over the soldiers that chased them in the tunnels. They . . . were wrong.

Up from the high grass, along the grade the led up to the site, rose another squadron of men. The gunfire grew rapid. Frank waved his hand at Jason knowing they were seconds from him. “Fire her up.”

Jason, confused and hand shaking, be began to depress Henry’s birthday into the pendant. The third number into it, he felt the burning pain into his thigh as a bullet had nailed him. Hitting the last number, the doorway lit up and he heard another close shot. As it flew passed his head, he felt his body being shoved by Robbie thorough the time machine door.

“You’re leaving out the most important factor. What happened to Greg?” Joe asked then looked to Frank. “Frank?’

Frank peered up.

“Greg!” Frank was ready to step through when he saw Greg go down. “Greg!” Stepping back to get him, Frank was sidelined by a soldier who dared to physically accost him. Trying to spin the soldier from him in his race against the seconds to get Greg, three more dove forward and in Frank’s struggle, he stumbled through the archway.

“End of story,” Frank said then checked out his bandaged arm. “Thanks El.” He gave her a smile. “So you see, Dad? I swear we were set up.”

“No.” Joe shook his head. “Impossible. They were heavily guarded and we just didn’t know that. But you tried, you boys did a good job and you tried.” He walked up to Robbie patting his son on the cheek. “Cheer up. So we can’t go this route. After you heal, Robbie, you get motivated go get the supplies and we’ll begin the assassin squads. Only you’ll have to do it without that map we so much wanted.”

Robbie raised his eyes. “We lost Greg, Dad. We lost Greg.”

Saddened, Joe took in the silent lab. He turned to Henry who also had his head down. “You sensed this.”

Henry shook his head. “Not this Joe. Not this. Something is just not right about what happened. And now . . . and now . . .” He lowered his head again. “And now my hair is crooked Joe.”

A sudden outbreak of moans occurred, yet they weren’t all bad, something about Henry’s emotional vanity sparked the tension reliever they needed, even if briefly. But over the moans an oddity occurred. The radio hissed and Frank’s name was called.

“Frank, come in. Frank, are you there? This is Steve at Tower.”

Frank looked around for his radio that he had left in the lab, he spotted it on the counter and he walked to it picking it up. “Yeah tower. What’s up?” Frank was dreading it being bad news.

“Something odd is happening . . . Frank . . .” Steve paused. “There is a man and a child at the front tunnel gate. He says . . . he says he’s Greg, Frank. But isn’t Greg with you?”

Frank’s eyes widened as he lifted his head to everyone that suddenly sprang up. “Tower, keep him there. We’re on our way.” Bolting without hesitation for the door, Frank only paused to grab a set of jeep keys. Looking at the number on it, he jumped in the correct jeep and started to drive before Robbie and Joe barely made it in the jeep with him. He pulled away with a screech, not noticing or waiting for everyone else who followed in another jeep right behind him.

^^^^

The twenty-something man had surpassed the age of forty. Stockier than he was when he walked through the time machine, Greg was in good shape. And it was definitely Greg. His hands shook as he brought the mug of coffee to his lips. He sipped it then took bite of the biscuit Joe had given him. “This is very strange for me.” He spoke, his voice sounding different, worn, unlike it had been. “It was only a little bit ago that you saw me. It’s been too many years since I saw any of you.” His eyes shifted to the floor where Ellen was helping the little boy eat. “That’s Devon. I found him during the plague. We’ve been living in Canada. I went there to a very remote spot. I didn’t want to relive the plague again, so I thought it best to relive it somewhere secluded. I couldn’t come back here earlier. If I did, you wouldn’t believe me, so we waited until this day and the right time. Actually . . .” Greg sipped his coffee again. “Actually we’ve been camping out for about three days just outside in the woods. Luckily I know where Robbie sets his traps.”

Joe edged closer. “Greg. What happened? Frank, Robbie, they thought you were dead. You didn’t make it back through.”

“Yeah I know. Imagine my horror when I saw the archway close and I watched them all go through. But the thing was, I got shot in the leg and fell into the grass.” Greg rubbed his leg. “The other soldiers never saw me. They withdrew and went back. My leg wasn’t that bad. I hung out up in the fields until it started to get dark. Then I remembered, you know, after I started feeling sorry for myself. I remembered I can come back to Beginnings. It was just going to take a long time. So knowing I was there and knowing I was stuck, I thought I’d make the best of it because I had one thing working in my favor.”

Frank folded his arms as he listened intently. “What is that?”

“I know Beginnings like the back of my hand. Even if they had guards running about, I knew how to get about. And I did. I started thinking, even though it would be years to me, if I could get you the information and return to Beginnings on this day with it. There would been no time lost, for you of course. So knowing the tunnels as well as I do, I took the round about way, to make my way down to the cryo lab. I had it all planned. I would set off a can of gas, run in there and grab the information, and head my ass out of there. But I never went to the cryo-lab. I never went in there.”

Joe understood. “It was a good try though Greg. We appreciate your efforts. I suppose they caught you.”

“No Joe.” Greg shook his head. “The whole point of the time trip was to get information that not only could lead us to the scientists and their whereabouts, but why they want us so badly. Right?” He saw them all shake their heads. “Well I have that for you Joe. I got that for you.”

Joe sprang up from his lean. “You what? Where? Is it in your bag?”

“No.” Greg stood up, and walked to the door. “I need you guys to come with me. It’s too big.” He opened Joe’s office door. “And Henry, bring your tools.”

Greg’s voice echoed in the damp dripping tunnels. He was the only who spoke as they walked. “I knew that I would have a hard time remembering after all the years so I marked it.” He shined his flashlight. “Let’s hope it’s still here, if not, I know it’s around here.”

Thinking Greg may have spent too much time outside the walls, Frank followed with apprehension. “Why are we at this end of the tunnels Greg? There is nothing here.”

“Oh I beg to differ, Frank.” Greg stopped and smiled widely as he faced the six men who stopped with him. “Look.” He shined the flashlight on the concrete wall. The beam stopped center and it shone on a brown ‘X’. A small arrow pointing right was beside it. “This is it.”

Hating a repeat of the year before Joe ran his hand on the ‘X’. “A wall.”

“Yep,” Greg nodded. “Henry, do you remember how you opened the last wall?”

“Yeah I do.” Henry set his tool bag down. “Is there something behind this wall Greg?” He grabbed the proper tool and moved to the wall. “Another lab?”

“Let’s say your answers...”

Henry, knowing everyone was waiting with anticipation felt for the creases between the concrete. “If this opens . . .” He grunted placing the large screwdriver high and into the crease. “This should trigger the . . .” The floor shook and sounding like a stampede, the rumbling started. Dropping the screw driver, Henry stepped back, arms extended, and he joined the other men who watched. Watched as the wall slowly not only slid open to the right, but another section slid open to the left exposing a deep, dark room.

Joe stepped forward. “Holy mother of God. What is this place?”

Greg, flashlight in hand, stepped into the room. “As I told you before, Joe, this is your answer. I saw it when I was heading down to the cryo-lab. I knew as soon as I saw it, this was it. This is what you needed.” He disappeared into the dark room. With a loud click, a humming occurred, and one by one, rows of ceiling lights came on brightening the once dark room. A large room, deep. Set in the center were three tables of electronics, monitors of some sort, unlit intricate panels next to each one. They lay there like video games waiting to be turned on and played.

Robbie knew exactly what it was when he stepped in. “This is it Dad.”

Joe’s head dropped and he let out a breath of relief. “Thank God. Greg, . . .” He lifted his head. “What can we say? Thank you?”

“Eh.” Greg waved his hand and moved about excitedly. “Joe, in this room.” He pointed to a door. “Boxes, Joe, Boxes and boxes of cellular phones. That’s why we have fiber optics in Beginnings. We were designed for phone communication.”

Frank was just as stunned. “Dad, is this what I think it is?”

“Yep.” Joe took it all in. “This, gentleman, is a communication center. Remember these panels from the service, Frank?” Joe pointed. “These can be used to pick up any signals being sent, via phone line, satellite, radio etcetera. And that.” Joe pointed to the blacken wall length board. “I am willing to bet any money that it lights up and indicates also.”

“It needs linked up,” Greg said then pointed to a door in the back. “That door leads to a storage room. The means to build the link up dish is in there.”

With a smile, Joe looked to Henry. “Can you do it? Can you mantle the dish?”

Henry scratched his head. “Yeah, it may take time but Joe . . . call me stupid.’

“Stupid,” Robbie snickered.

Henry glared. “What’s the big deal? We have phones. Whippy. Really, this can’t be what the society wants so badly? Phones? How hard would it be to start that up again?”

“You really don’t get it, do you?” Joe said, as he held out his hand in an indication of the room. “The Garfield Project wasn’t the center of the food industry for them. It wasn’t the center of their cryogenics process. It is the heart of their whole plan. This is supposed to be the center of their operations, the main communications link,” Joe spoke with much arrogance. “And they never expected for us to discover it. This is what George protected and wanted so badly, his eyes to the world. He would be able to see it all. Yeah, yeah, he’s growing, but so what? We don’t need massive forces to bring the society down. We can do it little by little, bit by bit. Surgical strikes. Because they have to communicate. All these troops they send out. They aren’t out there blind. They’re out there, and so will we. And the moment we get this place up and running, the moment anyone, a single soldier to an entire brigade sends out a signal, we will receive it, we will locate them, find, and then . . we will take them out.”

A RACE AGAINST TIME

HENRY’S JOURNAL

March 29

The satellite dish is complete, the lines are hooked up, and tomorrow we see if what I have done works with the programming Forrest completed the computer network in the communications center. If it does, then Robbie’s return from getting equipment will signify his leaving soon. Only it will be to stop anything that is near or comes close to us. I’ve always prided myself as being the master of tools. But today too much hinges on the fact that even the slightest incorrect insertion of a screw will spell failure. Fingers crossed.

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

March 30

Beginnings, Montana

“The master of the nomads has returned,” Robbie made his announcement as stepped into his father’s office.

“Christ.” Joe shook his head and stood up from behind his desk. “Just in time too.” Joe embraced his son. “Glad to have you back.”

“Just in time for?” Robbie asked.

“Henry finished everything. Right now he’s running the final connections up to the satellite. You didn’t see it when you came in? It’s right by the front tunnel on that hill.”

“No, we came in the back gate. And I am ripe. How much time do I have?”

Joe looked at his watch. “About an hour. But you may want to allot time to stop by the clinic. You’re an uncle again.”

“No shit?” Robbie grinned. “Denice had the baby? How are Frank and Johnny being?”

“Frank’s ecstatic. Johnny, well, he’s about as excited as he can be. It’s being considered Curt’s blessed event. He’s married to Denice. Who the hell knows? I’ll never understand these issues.”

“You should. You signed that law.”

Joe chuckled at his son, reached back, and grabbed his clipboard. “That I did. I’ll walk with you. I want to go down this list and see what you got and didn’t get.”

“Everything.” Robbie opened the door. “Dad we are hooked up. We’re ready. Has Frank been working with my squad?”

“Daily. Run into anything out there?” Joe pulled the door closed.

“Nope.” Robbie walked with his father. “And it kind of makes me wonder.”

“About what?” Joe asked.

“Are they really out there?”

“Oh they’re out there Robbie.” Joe laid his hand on Robbie’s back. “They just aren’t expecting us.”

^^^^

Frank knocked once on the mobile lab door. He didn’t get an answer and figuring he couldn’t possibly be considered an intrusion, he just walked in. “Dean.” He called out to Dean whose back had faced him. Frank stepped closer to him and as he did, he noticed that Dean had headphones on. His head moved some in a nod as he wrote something on a clipboard. Wanting to peek and see what song Dean was writing the words to, Frank opted to disturb him first instead. With a Frank-style flick, he beamed Dean in the back of the head at the same time he called his name loudly. “Dean!”

Dean jumped removing the headphones, and spinning as he stood from his stool. “Frank. Shit, you scared me.”

“Where’s Ellen?”

Dean was about to answer, but he stopped with an inconspicuous sniff. “Were you drinking?”

“No,” Frank scoffed, “it’s eight in the morning. Where’s Ellen?”

“Oh. Henry picked her up a few minutes ago. You just missed her. He’s showing her the satellite and they’re heading down to the test.”

“Not that I want to. You want a lift?”

Dean shook his head. “No. Johnny’s on his way up, I’ll take his jeep.”

“All right. I’ll see you there. Oh . . .” Frank stopped in his walk to the door. “What were you listening to?”

“Myself.”

“Since when did you start singing?”

“What?” Dean laughed. “I wasn’t listening to myself singing you goof. I was listening to myself talk.”

“I guess someone has to.” He grabbed the door, laughing at his own wit. Frank started to leave but stopped when he heard the sound of something falling and crashing. He quickly turned around. “Shit . . . Dean!” He ran over to him.

Dean held on to the counter, his head down, and he gripped the edges as if trying to get his stand.

Seeing him, Frank grabbed hold of him, trying to steady Dean. “What’s wrong?” Frank looked at him. “Dean?” He saw the far off look in his eyes. “Dean?” He snapped his fingers.

“I’m . . . I’m all right.” Dean gripped the counter harder. He mumbled softly.

“What happened?” Frank asked.

“The . . . pain.” A focus began to return to his vision and Dean saw the serious look Frank was giving. “I got hit with a bad pain. It was something I ate.” He grabbed for the stool and sat down, breathing slowly and through his mouth.

“Man. Must be bad to knock you over. And since you mentioned that . . .I’m making an escape.” Frank gave a hard pat to Dean’s back and stepped away. “If you ate something that gave you gas pains that bad, I don’t want to be trapped in a small metal tube with you. See you at the test.”

Grabbing his bearings and wishing he felt slightly well enough to chuckle at Frank’s comments, Dean turned around. “Oh and Frank?” Frank was gone. “Thanks.” Starting to feel better, Dean clenched his fist. He opened his hand, staring down into the palm of it. Seeing the evidence of how he gripped the counter so fiercely in his pain, he nearly drew blood.

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

It was huge, a painting of a window with a spring landscape. George sat in his office, rocking some in his chair, with a curl to his lip as he stared at it hanging on his wall. “Pathetic. What the hell is that?”

“You mentioned you wanted a window with a view,” Steward said. “Until we refurbish the oval office. that’s for you.”

“Well take it down.” George spun his chair around. “It’s stupid.”

Steward spoke as his head was down to his notes. “You’re irritable because of the situation.”

“I have every right.”

“Yes, but not to take it out on the hard work of a very talented man.”

George scoffed, “Give me the news.”

“All calls have been placed out. Should they not hear back from us, our men are to assume Beginnings has successfully linked up the communications center. Radio and telephone silence. No one is to use the phone. From here on in, unless notified otherwise, messenger and Morse code.”

“We’ve regressed,”

Steward shrugged, “For the time being until they realize how big we really are. Good news though. Sgt. Doyle reports Jess Boyens has moved into the brigade in which he will defect from.”

George mumbled a ‘whatever’

“You’re sulking.”

“And with every right,” George snapped. “A little piss ant dot on the map is about to cripple us more than they even realize. And I’m supposed to . . . UH!” George shirked when the phone rang. “I thought you gave the order for no one to use the phone.” With a hard snatch up of the receiver, George spun his chair and barked, “What! No calls!” An immediate ringing silence hit the office which was broken by the slight creak of George’s chair when he leaned forward. “Say that again.” He nodded and turned his chair around again to face Steward. “When?” He spoke softly, then closed his eyes. “Thank you. Keep me posted.” Slowly his hand extended and hung up the phone. His eyes met the questioning ones of Steward’s. “That was Burke. The virus and antiserum match up. They work. He’s starting production on the inoculations and the two virus strains. He said about four weeks it will be ready.” George sighed softly in relief. “We have our means of getting Beginnings . . . now . . .” He ran his hand over his mouth. “How do we get it there?”

^^^^

“There you are.” Joe stood up from the seat he had next to Forrest and Jason. He presented a great mood to Frank, Henry, Robbie, and Ellen when they walked in the communications room. “We’re anxious to test this thing.”

Forrest stood up also, extending his hand to Henry. “An-ray. Good jobe. You must be very happy dat it is don. Boot, after all dis. I butt you luck to tuck a brick. Oui?”

“Um . . . yeah Forrest sure.” Jittery, Henry stepped back, biting his nails in anticipation.

Joe picked up a box and laid it on the counter table. “All right, here’s where we stand. While Henry has been working diligently on the satellite we learned this system again. There were three manuals and between Jason, Forrest, and I, we think we have the system programmed to react . . .” He slowed in his speech when Dean, dragging-like walked in. “Dean.”

Raising one hand in sluggish wave Dean moved into the room. “Am I too late?”

“No.” Joe shook his head. “Not at all.”

Ellen noticed Dean’s demeanor right away. She quietly scooted to him. “What’s wrong?” She whispered.

“Nothing.” He grabbed her hand, squeezed it then released it. “We’ll talk later.”

Joe cleared his throat and continued. “As I was saying. I think we have this programmed correctly. The only problem is, we’re unable to go too far beyond the US. But the US is our main concern right now. We’ll work the bug out that’s holding us back. Anyhow . . .” Joe’s mood stayed ‘up. “When any phones or numerous radios are used, we should get a signal on the big map.” He pointed to the board behind him that lit up the United States. “Since we don’t have the man power, we only hooked up one table of monitors. That’s all we’ll need. We can pin point the type of signal and a close proximity where it is coming from. For the time being, Jason, Forrest, and I will monitor down here around the clock until we train someone. Now in this box.” Joe’s hand tapped on the box he leaned against. “We have sixty of the phones programmed and ready to use . . . Ellen.” He smacked her hand away. “Hands off. Henry worked really hard on these. So let’s use these to run a test. Henry power up that satellite. It’s your baby.” Joe pointed to the circuit box on the wall.

“Um.” Henry shook his head. “No, Joe, I’d rather not.”

“Henry!” Joe scolded. “Turn on the goddamn satellite.”

Nodding, Henry took a breath and moved slowly to the box. Just as his hand reached for the switch, an annoying buzzing sound from Robbie made him stop.

“Sorry,” Robbie snickered. “Go on.”

Shaking his head, Henry, with another breath turned on the switch. A beep through the speakers of the system indicated it was on. “All right. Now let’s test it.”

Joe pulled out a phone and handed it to Henry. “This is all charged up.” He then saw Ellen’s hand waving fanatically about. “Yes Ellen?”

“Please Joe. Oh please can I call Henry on the phone. Please?” She begged like a child. “Please?”

“Oh all right.” Joe gave her the other phone. “Power it up and dial . . .”

“Joe?” Ellen looked at the phone. “Is this little number pasted her, my phone’s number?”

“Oh, Joe.” Ellen powered it up. “I love these things. I used to love my cell phone. Boy did I use to rack up the monthly charge on that . . .”

“Ellen. Dial!” Joe calmed himself. “Dial . . . 390-7766.”

Ellen giggled with every beep of the phone. She pressed send and placed it to her ear. “Oh my gosh it’s ringing.” Immediately Henry’s phone rang. “Come on Henry answer.” She lifted her eyes to Joe. “I hope he’s home.”

Hesitantly Henry answered, “Hello.”

“Oh hi Henry it’s me, Ellen,” she spoke chipper. “What are you doing?”

Ignoring Ellen’s annoying phone mannerism, Joe waited with bated breath and fingers to his mouth in the room that only held Ellen’s chattering. He along with everyone but Ellen stared at the big board. “Come on. Come on.” Joe beckoned. Then suddenly, like the startle of an alarm clock a loud beeping pattern began and a red light blinked on the United States map. “Yes!” Joe shouted along with every else. “Jason.” He turned around. “Pull it up.”

Frank looked down at his watch. “Not bad. Forty-five seconds for the signal.”

Jason moved his fingers quickly. He too was nervous for the first real test. “Got it Joe. This is telling me it is a fiber optic communication. It says single signal.” A few more taps. “Coming from Montana.”

“Can you get it closer Jason?” Joe asked.

“I’m trying. Yes . . . Garfield County Montana. Nearest listed location approximately . . .” Jason clapped his hands. “…forty-five miles west of Rock Springs.”

Relieved to hear that, Henry dropped his head. “It worked.”

“Oh Henry,” Ellen spoke in the phone, “you did so good. Let me talk to Frank.”

Henry smiled and walked the phone over to Frank. He tapped him on the shoulder. “For you.”

Frank took it and placed it to his ear. “Hello? Hey El.” He looked at his father covering the receiver. “It’s El.”

“Give me the goddamn phone,” Joe snatched it up. “The test is over Ellen. Hang up.” He switched it off and down went the signal.

Ellen whined, “Joe. I was having fun.” She ignored Joe as he reached for her phone. “Just let me try one more call.”

“Ellen!” Joe yelled. “Who the hell are you going to call? No one else has a phone. We’re giving them out tomorrow. Just give it back. Now!”

“O.K.” With a slam to his hand, Ellen laid it hard on Joe’s palm.

“Jesus Christ.” Joe folded up the phone. “Someone get her out of here.” As he walked by Henry, he patted him on the back. “Good job. Very good job Henry. I’m proud.” Joe placed the phone back in the box with the others. “Now Robbie, from here on in you are on call. As soon as we get a signal, you and your crew have a direction and are off.” Joe smiled. “People I have a feeling it is going to be one hell of a spring.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

Bowman, North Dakota

The warming spring breeze carried a silence and solemnest to it. There were two noises for the moment in Bowman. The flap of the flag in the wind and the sound of Taps being played slowly on the bugle. Hands at sides, knees ever so slightly bent, and look of pride upon their faces, the men of Bowman stared at the lowering flag. All activity froze. Evening colors.

The last note played, the flag was brought down, and the men dispersed for dinner at the mess.

It was long and brown and it ran down to the plate like a combination of molasses and chocolate syrup. The Captain’s eyes stayed adhered to it. “Something went amiss in the reconstitution of that gravy.”

“I’m sure it tastes fine,” Elliott said, waiting for his helping.

The Captain moved his tray down the line. “Ah, the fruit looks . . .” He tilted his head. “…semi better.” With a chuckle he grabbed the mystery fruit and placed it on his tray. At the end of the line he filled his coffee mug and walked over to the table where the officers sat.

The men at the table rose when the Captain approached the head.

“Be seated.” The Captain nodded and took his place. “Elliott.” The Captain pulled forth a fork. “You’re walking funny. The buttocks giving you trouble?”

Elliott rolled his eyes. “My rear is not accustomed to being bounced for fourteen hours upon the back of a horse.”

“You need to learn,” The Captain said. “I saw you with drills, impressive maneuvering of the sword while riding. And don’t worry about the rear, Elliott. It will stop hurting as soon as the callous form. Like me.”

Elliott paused in the breaking of his bread. “You have callous on your backside?”

“Yes.” The Captain reached for his bread.

“And you admit this?” Elliott asked.

“Sure, why not. And . . . who cares. It’s not like anyone wants to see them. Unless you do . . .” The Captain stood up.

“No.” Elliott shook his head when the men at the table laughed. “You’re in a good mood.”

“I am,” The Captain said. “Two more days, Elliott and we implement the scouting parties for the society and more survivors. You’re just in a sore mood because I changed your orders.”

“Upset, yes,” Elliott nodded. “I worked them out down to the mathematics with the rations.”

“You had them out too long.” The Captain took a bite of his brown food and tried not to cringe. “I don’t want them worn down. It’s a big country, we still are training, and we have time. One week out, one week home.”

Disgruntled Elliott nodded. “Did you stop by the Women’s house to prepare them for possible surviving women?”

The Captain nodded. “And I sneezed, thank you very much Owens for giving them the perfume.”

“Guilty.” Owens raised his hand. “Call it a bribe to not have to service Grace this month. I hear, Captain, she has taken an interest in you.”

The Captain glared up. “That isn’t even funny.”

Elliott intervened, “Perhaps if we mentioned your calloused buttocks she may back away.”

The men at the table laughed and the Captain had to joined them, even if it was at his own expense. “Speaking of women.”

The laughter stopped. In fact the entire mess hall drew silent.

The Captain looked around. “No, no.” He spoke to assure the men. “They aren’t requesting yet.” The clanking forks continued and so did the conversing. The Captain looked at Elliott. “I heard a rumor. I need you to tell me it isn’t true.”

“It isn’t true.” Elliott continued to eat.

“I didn’t say what it was.”

“Rumors are never true.”

“I see.” The Captain leaned back in his chair with a snide look. “So it’s merely a fallacy that you are offering a reward of sorts for the man who locates that woman in the picture you carry.”

Elliott snickered. “That is absurd. Who told you that?” Seeing that the Captain was pointing, Elliott turned his head to where the point aimed. “Sgt Owens. . . .”

“Nope.” Owens held up his hand. “That isn’t what I told him. Begging the Captain’s pardon, but . . . he’s starting trouble. I merely said that you mentioned her to one of my men who were going out for survivors.”

Elliott cringed, bringing his hand to his face. “A mention does not a reward make.”

The Captain laughed and stood up. “We’re having fun with you Elliott. We know you’re obsessed.” He gave a pat to Elliott’s back.

“I am not. I haven’t even looked at the picture in . . .” Elliott fluttered his lips. “I couldn’t tell you.”

“And defensive as well.” The Captain stepped back. “I need more bread. Anyone else?” He asked then headed to the food line.

Elliott just shook his head and returned to his food. He wasn’t obsessed by no means with the picture. There was just something comforting about it he enjoyed. If the Captain’s little tease at the table was a taste of the juvenile harassment he would receive, Elliott was grateful he kept that promise to himself not to mention that photo ever again to the Captain.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

The duffle bag was small, but packed enough to be solid. It landed by Robbie’s front door with a thump that went through Ellen.

She crossed her arms tight to her body, she felt herself shiver, not from cold, but from fright as she watched Robbie geared up to go.

“Man,” He grinned with excitement looking at Frank, “I can’t believe we got a signal this early.”

“Well, we knew that would happen. “Frank visually checked out his brother. “Should be at the location by dawn. As soon as you finish, you call us.”

“Got it,” Robbie nodded.

“And don’t forget to plug the damn charger into the lighter. We don’t want to lose phone contact.”

“Yep. I am so excited about this. El . . .” Robbie saw her turn away. “El.” Ready to go Robbie stepped from the door to her. “What is it?”

“Why do you have to do this?” Ellen turned to face him, as she did she wiped a tear that rolled down her face. “Why you?”

“El, come on,” Robbie tried to give a scoff.

“How long will you be gone? Robbie, you’re leaving me alone.”

“You’re not alone.” Robbie looked at a silent Frank then to Ellen. “You’re not alone. Enjoy having a home to yourself. And El . . .” He softened his voice. “I’m not going to be gone that long. I could be back in two days.”

“And what if you aren’t?” Ellen asked.

“Can I be blunt?” Robbie raised his eyebrows. “Then I’m not. We’re stocked up and I’ll be out there with my men as long as needed. I’ll come home, but if signals call, I’ll go back out. It’s a tour of duty, El . . . . one I miss. This is what I want to do. I don’t want to spend my life behind these walls. None of us do. Think of it as my way to freeing the way. O.K.?” He asked then moved into her.

“I am so worried about you.” Ellen embraced him,

“Thanks.” Robbie kissed her cheek. “I’ll call you all the time. I promise. We’re buddies. He stepped back. “And don’t have that baby without me. I want to see the outcome myself.” He winked. “I better go.”

“Be careful,” She grabbed his hand.

“I . . .” Robbie shifted his eyes to his brother. “In Slagel tradition I will answer that as . . . always.” He smiled. “Frank?”

Frank only gave his brother an embrace, a tight one he really didn’t want to let go. Take care and check in all the time, little brother.”

“You got it.” Robbie inhaled deeply. “I’m up for this.”

Frank gave a subtle nod and proud look as he opened the door. “You’ll be just fine. You’ll do great.”

Robbie lifted his gear. “I’ll miss you both.”

So engrossed in watching Robbie leave, Ellen stepped to the door. A soldier going off to war, duffle bag in hand, a slight slant to his proud walk, she kept her eyes on him  until he was no longer seen. Closing the door with so much sadness, Ellen turned around. Frank was gone. “Frank?” She heard the clinking in the kitchen. “Frank? “She walked in. “Hey.” She said softly as he finished off a drink. “Putting on a big front out there.”

Adding a splash of whiskey to his empty glass, Frank set down the bottle. His heavy breathing was heard as he stared at the alcohol, after one more breath, he downed the drink, and put the glass on the counter.

Ellen moved closer to him. “Please don’t tell me you’re worried something will happen to him.”

“Nah. I’m just . . .” Frank’s voice graveled with concern. “I’m just worried about him. He’s my brother, El. The only one I have left.” Reaching out, Frank first grabbed hold of Ellen’s arm then he pulled her into him. “The society hasn’t a clue that we’re coming. So really, what could go wrong?”

Head against his chest, Ellen listened to the strong thumping of Frank’s heart. She felt his worry, and only hoped that through his words he spoke what he felt, not what he wanted to make himself believe.

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

It was part of Sgt. Doyle’s job, one he hated, but he stood there, stern and tall, waiting for George to finish his tantrum so he could speak.

“They were given orders!” George blasted.

“Yes, sir. I know.”

“No one! No one was supposed to communicate or use any means of communications! You did make that clear?”

“Yes, sir.”Sgt. Doyle nodded.

“But they did. Good thing we didn’t pick up! Those idiots deserve exactly what Beginnings is going out to give them.” George with fury walked around his desk. “And that’s where Beginnings is headed, to take out that squad. These are men under your command. You are responsible for their error! Do you know that!”

“Yes, sir.”

“No you tell me, what do you suppose we do?”

“Send more men out.”

“For what! To take out an assassin squad we may never find?” George shaking his head turned to go back to his desk.

“No, sir . . .” Sgt. Doyle swallowed preparing himself for the backlash. “To die.”

George froze. The first thing that went through his mind was how in the world did he acquire so many morons working for him. Figuring, what the hell, he’d play along with it before shooting Doyle himself. George appeared calmer and turned back around. “Sure. Why not? How many do you suggest we send out to die. What seems appropriate, another twenty, thirty?”

“No more than fifteen squads.”

“A hundred and thirty men.” George nodded then if his eyes could have turned demon red they would have. “What are you? An asshole.”

“No, sir. I believe I am a highly gifted military strategist and if you would give me one moment, I’ll explain.”

Knowing Doyle had to be frozen for a reason, and not just to write those stupid ‘how to’ Society military manuals, George leaned against his desk. “Go on.”

“There is no ultimate gain without sacrifice and loss. What, sir, is your ultimate gain?”

“Getting Beginnings back.”

“And you want to use the virus to do that. That is in motion, When will it be done? A couple months?” Sgt. Doyle received the annoyed nod of George. “I say we sacrifice. Beginnings gets signals, they send their assassin squad out, and they hit our troops. I say we let them get arrogant; let them think they have the upper hand. We not only send our squads out, but we send them out with orders to be at specific locations and specific times to send a radio signal.”

George gave his attention. “A goose chase.”

“Exactly,” Sgt. Doyle said. “They think they are coming after us, when in actuality, we are leading them on a well-timed path to our virus via a route home.”

A slight smile hit George face. “The last troop they encounter has the virus. They send the signal. Robbie and his men go to that signal.”

“Only we’re waiting,” Sgt. Doyle said.

“My God. I never thought of that . . .” George said in awe. “What better way to deliver the virus to Beginnings than to send it through the front gates . . . with their very own men.”

CHAPTER FORTY

June 27

Vale, Oregon

Vale, Oregon. Robbie wrote the word across his journal as he sat by the smoldering campfire. A campfire he kept going all night. As he wrote, the amber color that glowed against his face with each hit of his cigarette, became less predominant with the early morning light that was beginning to shine. Robbie reflected as this trip neared its end. The sixth squadron run since the communication center was operational. As he wrote and thought of the sixteen SUTs they took out, Robbie couldn’t help but let his mind drift off to how much more was ahead.

Would he and his men always have such an easy time? Told where to go, heading to that city, taking out the small camp, and then heading home. No injuries, no resistance, no problems. Were the men of Beginnings trained that well? Were the SUTs just that uninformed? Or were they, what Robbie feared, off to a lucky start?

It was hard to tell as he scribbled a body count down, along with a detailed account of what happened. Another sneak attack in the night. Another raid where the SUTs stood not one single chance. Too easily it was all done and that made Robbie’s gut scream. Would the simplicity of the runs vanish once the men started to wear after hitting three or four cities in a row? Or worse yet, what would happen once word got around through their communication that the SUT camps were being targeted. Robbie had a certain fear with the answer to that.

The camps would soon be waiting and ready for them, anticipating Beginnings arrival. And when that happened, there would be no more sneak attacks. No more hit and run raids. All hell could break lose with every hit on each camp. The chances of injuries or death to the Beginnings men would increase. There would be resistance, there would be fighting. And Robbie knew well, that before long, it would be nothing more than a hand to hand combat war in a post-apocalyptic world.

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

It was a communications center of their own, but the one not far from where George based his office in Quantico looked more like something from a pre-World War II era. The beeping of Morse code filled the room and George stood behind Sgt. Doyle patiently waiting and watching him write.

The dot of the lead pencil to to the paper was loud and Sgt. Doyle stood straight. “Sir . . .” He paused to smile and hand George the paper. “Signal received . . . Mr. Slagel and his men were just given the orders.”

George took the paper and read the barbaric means of communication. But no matter how raw the form of the message came, they were words that George needed to see.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

Chaos. Elliott wondered why chaos had to be so loud. It was too early in the morning to be dealing with it, but it was becoming a daily occurrence in the growing town of Bowman. In his office, next to the Captain’s, Elliott could hear the pandemonium on the street. The Captain’s voice was loud as he administered orders. Elliott swore as he worked on ration and work order sheets, that it was the worst it had ever been and he dreaded going outside to help. Scouting troops and ‘Hope’ runners, the ones who looked for survivors, were due in. But Elliott didn’t recall in all his scheduling having them all due in at the same day and same time such as they were doing that morning.

Elliott expected the scouts that were looking for society camps and the Hope runners to bring willing joiners back. But never did Elliott expect the numbers they received so fast. In the few short months since they had begun sending men out, the little town of Bowman, the UWA, had grown to nearly five hundred strong. Almost all were men, wanting badly to join a cause that would help put an end to the days of their running from death squads that randomly hit their homes.

The UWA accepted them and Elliott grew concerned. Feeding them, clothing them, finding uniforms weapons and training would be overwhelming. Especially with the strategically planned attacks on the stationary Society camps not that far in the future. But with every ounce of worry Elliott had, the Captain countered that with calm. He wasn’t the least bit concerned at all. The Captain fully believed that things would work themselves out. Their cause was too good.

“Sgt. Ryder, sir.” A young corporal entered his office.

“Yes.” Elliott looked up.

“Sir.” The corporal seemed a bit nervous. “You may want to know this. Sgt. Owens said to tell you that a woman was picked up. She has long blonde hair and looks like the one in the photo . . .” Before the young corporal could finish, Elliott had stood up and walked from his office.

Where was she? Where was she? Elliott wondered as he started, focused, walking out into the filled streets. He knew he would confirm if it was her the moment he saw her. How could he not? He had stared at that picture so much. He knew ever scar and line on her face.

Elliott’ heart dropped. He spotted the back of her long blonde hair as it wisped some in the wind. She stood with Dr. Blue and two soldiers. Every voice around him, every call of his name, became like a tunnel hearing. They faded as Elliott stayed transfixed on the woman walking tall and with determination to her.

Pounding in his chest, his breath thinning the nearer he stepped to her. Her head was down and from behind Elliott reached out his hand, laid it upon her shoulder and gently turned her to him, “Excuse . . .”

The woman didn’t just scream. She cried out in terror stepping back from Elliott with her arms up and thrashing about. “Don’t touch me. Don’t touch me! It wasn’t her, Elliott’s lips moved slightly in a stutter. “I’m sorry, ma’am. I’m very sorry. He winced at the screaming that continued despite Dr. Blue’s trying to calmer. He watched them lead her off, perhaps to where she would feel comfortable, the House of women. But Elliot just stared until a slap to his back snapped him out.

The Captain chuckled. “Ought to confirm to you, Elliott that you are not an attractive man.”

“But I am a foolish man.”

“Nah.” The Captain nudged him and smiled. “Not at all.” The Captain stepped back. “It’s a glorious day, isn’t it?”

“It’s an insane day,” Elliott responded. “Where do you want me to be?”

“Uniform distribution will work,” the Captain said as he started to walk away. “When you finish, find me. Owens says there are four survivors we need to talk to.”

Curious, Elliott looked at him. “Did he say why?”

The captain tossed his hands up. “Nope. But meet me in town hall when you’re done.” After a thumbs up, the Captain turned and walked away.

If Elliott didn’t know the Captain as well as he did he would have a hard time understanding the Captains exhilaration over the chaotic nature of the street. After taking a moment to cringe, Elliot began to embark on the duties requested.

^^^^

Vale, Oregon

Robbie blew the last of his cigarette smoke from his mouth tossing his cigarette out to the side of the camp. “All right gentleman! Rise and shine. Let’s go. We’ve added yet one more stop to our long trip home.” He looked upon the sleeping men, fourteen of them, two of which were survivors. He shook his head, bent down to where he sat before, and grabbed his notebook. Walking more upbeat then he should be at the crack of dawn, Robbie moved to Greg who sat at a table with a map. “What’s up?” Robbie patted him on the back as he joined him at the small table.

“Not much. Just planning where we are going to fuel up.”

Robbie glanced over the map of Idaho. “How about near Boise? That’s what, thirty miles. That’ll keep us fueled for the sighting fifty miles further.”

“Should we be doing this sighting Robbie? I’m worried about it. The men are wearing down. This adds another three days to our trip, swinging all the way around like this.”

“We’re good on food, right?”

Greg nodded, “Yes. But that’s if we don’t pick up anymore survivors. Robbie, the mood has dropped since our last hit. We hit them hard and good, but we lost two men.”

“Yeah I know.” Robbie hung his head down. “But the Seattle site was a big one. How many scientists did we find? Three? All these runs we’ve done . . .” Robbie opened his notebook. “Fourteen, not including what we’ll hit today. And that was the first site we actually saw a lab. And what are we going to do? Head home, rest up, and head out again?”

“Yes. We could have done that. Come on, the site is perched out of a small town. What are the odds of it being another lab site? Zero. We could have gone straight home and came back.”

“Greg.” Robbie’s finger went down to the map. “Look at where it is. Idaho is here, Montana is right next to it. I don’t want to chance them moving more. Do you?”

“No, I guess you’re right.” Greg closed up the map. “And it is a moving site so they won’t be ready. It should be easy for us.”

“Good boy.” Robbie stood up. “Time to pack up and head on out.” He paused in his stride to the camp’s center. “Greg, cheer up. We’ll be home and back to that kid of yours soon, I promise.”

“Yeah.” Greg nearly mumbled as Robbie walked off. “You said that last week. Why do I get the feeling I’m never going home.”

^^^^

Beginnings. Montana

Frank could hear the whistling as he approached his father’s office. It wasn’t anything he recognized, an erratic tune that made him wince as he opened up the door. Getting ready to plaster his father for not whistling anything good, Frank stopped stunned to see Forrest standing by the file cabinet. “Hey.”

“Ah Frunk. How are you dis fun moaning.”

“Uh, yeah it is isn’t it?” Frank shut the door. “What are you doing here, Forrest?”

“I um hopping out you far-their. He asked if I cooed use my organ-ny-zay-shun skills. I said what da huck. Oui?”

“We what?”

“Oui, what da huck, I hop out.”

“What the fuck?” Frank scratched his head.

“No, what da huck uh said. I hop out Josef. What da huck.”

“You mean hop out and scare him?” Frank titled his head clueless with his hands on his hips.

“Aw!” Forrest waved his hand at him. “Never mund Frunk. I wheel go buck to what I was doing, oui?”

“We what?”

“Forget It.” Forrest went to the file cabinet.

“You do that.” Frank turned around spinning on the heel of his boot when his father walked in. “Hey Dad, you’re late.”

“I was down at the communications center. They were going a little crazy. I told everyone not to use the phones. But there’s something about Saturday mornings and telephones that make women go crazy. I had to shut them all down and start the phone back up to send my message.” He shook his head in disgust. “I thought you were setting traps?”

“I will be.” Frank set his phone and clipboard on his desk. “I thought you told me you wanted a couple placed in special spots. You are supposed to have those mapped out. That’s why I’m here.”

“Oh yeah.” Joe opened his desk drawer. “Here.”

“Thanks.” Frank took the clipboard. “I saw El this morning. Have you seen her? She looks . . . she looks pale.”

“I didn’t see her.” Joe walked around to his desk and sat down. “So you stopped by for breakfast again.”

“Yeah.” Frank smiled. “Things are going good. She’s still not back fully with Dean, which surprises me. So I think, I’m thinking once this baby is born it may be time to move her out of Robbie’s place.” Frank cringed at Forrest’s bad note. “Forrest stop that.”

“It bothers you Frunk, oui?’

“We, yes. It bothers, we.” Frank rubbed his forehead. “Good thing I speak fluent French.” He pointed to Forrest. “He’s tough to interpret. And I have to get going on these traps. Oh.” He stopped before leaving. “Did you talk to Robbie?”

“Yes. They should be hitting the last site in a few hours. They’ll be home in a couple days.”

“Bringing any survivors with them?” Frank asked.

“Two. You know it just amazes me that there are actually survivors who were willingly joined up with the society.” Joe shook his head. “Don’t they know?”

“They don’t care. They see food, clothing and such, and they just don’t care what the cost is. And by the time they find out, ‘pop’ their brains are removed and they don’t know anyhow.”

Joe winced. “You have a keen way of putting things.”

“I’m the literary guy. And I’m the out of here, guy. Keep me posted.” Frank opened the door and walked out.

Joe began to sift through his paperwork and paused when he saw it. “Shit.” He lifted up the one. Frank forgot this.”

Forrest turned from the filing cabinet. “You want me to tuck it to him?”

“Nah.” Joe pushed the phone aside. “He has his radio on if I need him.” Putting the phone down, Joe returned to his work.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

The Captain had to nearly ream his boot into Elliott’s shin to stop the impolite snicker that came from him. After a warning shift of his views to Elliott, the captain, with a nice smile, looked at Harry, a survivor they had picked up. “Utopia?” he swiped his hand down his face to remove a smile. “You’ve found it.”

“No.” Harry’s voice was rough. “We are looking for Utopia. It exists. It really does.”

“Sir,” The captain folded his hands. “What constitutes Utopia?”

“Food. Fresh water. Medical attention. People.”

“There you have it.” The Captain lifted his hand. “Us. You heard about us.”

“We heard about Utopia from people who have been there and then thrown out. They have fields that flow for miles. Hospitals. They are civilized. We hear it’s the old world secured behind a wall.”

The Captain’s eyes shifted to Elliott. Immediately he knew they were on the same wave length. The man must have heard about the society. “Harry.” The Captain took on a soothing voice, “This Utopia. They have ... they have what are called peace ambassadors. They spread the word that this place is good to go to. Join. But it isn’t. They are the ones we are fighting.”

Harry shook his head and lifted a small blue knapsack. “Your men said we are fighting the ones with the ‘CS’ on their uniform. The people of Utopia are not the same. See.” He dumped the contents out on the table. Items included, jars, cigarettes, canteens, and shells. “We’ve been collecting evidence. Following a trail. And then we found this.” Harry lifted a white tee shirt with what looked like grease on it. “Captain, what is the name of your town?”

“Bowman. Bowman North Dakota,” the Captain answered.

“Then you are not Utopia. The people who made this are.” Harry handed the shirt to the Captain, making sure the little homemade tag showed.

The Captain looked at the tag and the hand stitching on it. “Property of . . .” He showed it to Elliott with a curious look. “Beginnings, Montana?”

^^^^

Nothing. Absolutely nothing but a busted radio was all Robbie and the men had found in what appeared to be a former campsite. The tracks indicated they were heading east. It was a start. Awaiting the return of his scout, Robbie rested against a tree. He wiped the sweat that formed on his brow from the heating up sun, enjoying the shade of the tree that protected him from a day that was on its way to being a scorcher.

He unzipped his bag pulling out a new box of cigarettes and that’s when he saw it. It made him smile. Pulling out the square case, he read the label on it. “C.L.B.” Robbie spoke softly and opened the case. “Cyborg-genic Lobal Programming.” With a snicker, he removed the round disk object, placing his index finger in the center hole and letting the sun reflect of its smooth shininess. “Are you what Henry has been waiting for to help him with that chip?” Robbie smiled. “I’m willing to bet you are.” Staring in awe at his discovery, he spun it by its edges around his finger as if it were a top.

“Robbie!” Greg called to him.

“Yeah?” Robbie replaced the disk in the case and closed the lid. “What’s up?” He looked up at Greg squinting.

“We have smoke. We saw some darkening of clouds and the scout confirmed that it is smoke, possibly a campfire.”

Robbie jumped up. “Where?”

“Ten or fifteen miles northeast of here we’re guessing,. We didn’t want to get too close without your go ahead. It has to be them.”

“It has to be.” Robbie grabbed his bag. “Let’s get the men geared up and ready. We’ll take the trucks that way. Close in within four miles. Sound good?”

“Yes.” Greg followed him as he walked. “From what we can tell, it’s over the hill in a deeply wooded area.”

“Even better.” Robbie made it to the truck tossing his bag in. “They won’t be waiting for us. Gather up the men. Let’s go finish this trip off.” Excited and feeling motivated, Robbie wanted to get it done. He, like everyone else wanted to just head home.

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

Beginnings, Montana

“You’re making me worried, really worried Dean.” Ellen ran her hand down Dean’s arched back as he leaned so upset into the counter. “Please.”

“El.” He shook his head. “Just read me what it says.”

“Dean.” Ellen moved closer to him. “What is happening?”

“Right now El, everything is blurry and I want to finish the tests.”

Ellen rested her head against his, sensing how upset he was, wanting so much to help him. “I wish I could help you more than just reading what you need to see.”

“At least the headaches aren’t as bad. They’re still bad, but not as bad.”

“And it makes it all right?” She turned his face to her. “What are you going to do when Johnny gets here? No one knows but you and me.”

“That’s why I want to finish this test now. Just in case it happens again. I don’t think it will though. It’s starting to subside.” He blinked several times. “And rarely do the episodes happen that close to one another.”

Shaking her head, Ellen ran her hand down his face. “I am so worried. This has me so upset. There has to be something …”

“Just let it go El.”

“I’m not letting it go Dean. No.” She watched him stand upright and breathe slowly. “It is killing me watching you go through this and there’s nothing I can do. I can’t tell anyone. For six months this has been going on. We ran all those tests. Isn’t there anymore? Maybe it’s time that we bring in . . .”

“El.” Dean laid his hands on her shoulders as he faced her. “No. No more tests. We know all there is to know about this, especially that it now, just a matter of time.” He walked away from her. “A matter of time.” He chuckled at that thought and shook his head. “Come on, let’s finish these up.”

“Hey Doctor Dean.” Johnny walked in. “El.”

Ellen kept her stare on Dean, seeing so much fear in his face. “Johnny, could you give us a minute please?”

“Sure, I’ll go back . . .”

“No,” Dean stopped him, “I want to finish this test right now.” Dean kissed Ellen on the cheek and whispered in her ear. “I’m fine. You’re not. You aren’t feeling well. Go home.” He kissed her again sliding his hand down her face. “All right?”

Ellen nodded.

“Doctor Dean, you want me to start on these samples?” Johnny asked.

“Yeah, please John. I’m finishing this and then I’m reviewing. El?” Dean spun to face her. “There’s a stack of new tests over there. If you feel up to it, you think you can go through them at home?”

“Sure,” Ellen agreed. “I don’t think I’m . . .” She smiled widely when the lab door opened. “Hi, Henry.”

“El.” Henry grinning, walked up to her. His lips went to her cheek and his hand to her stomach. “You ready to go home?”

“Yep,” Ellen answered. “Let me grab these folders Dean wants me to review and we’ll head out.”

“Folders?” Henry turned to Dean. “Dean, that isn’t very nice. You aren’t making her work are you?”

“I’m a slave driver.” Dean threw his hands in the air.

Ellen, smiling, walked past Dean, slid her hand over his back and whispered. “Now where are the folders?”

“On the first shelf.” Dean pointed without looking.

“Oh, I see them.” Ellen tipped toed and raised her arm. “There isn’t that . . .” Wide went her eyes and her arm dropped down. “Dean!” Her face turned red and her knees buckled as a knife stabbing pain through her abdomen hit her and she fell some grabbing the counter for support. “Oh God.” She grunted.

Henry ran over to Ellen, grabbing her from behind. “El?”

Dean hunched down to her level. “El, what’s wrong.”

Ellen grabbed her stomach. “Something . . . Oh God.” She shrieked horribly in pain.

Dean shook his head laying his hand on Ellen’s stomach. “It isn’t labor pains. El?”

Clinging tightly to Henry’s arm that held her, Ellen let out a breath and stared at Dean. “It hurts so . . .” She grunted loudly. “Help me.”

“Henry, carry her to the jeep.” Dean ordered. “Johnny . . .” He looked up to Johnny who stood horrified behind Henry. “Call your father.”

As Ellen felt Henry start to lift her, her one hand grabbed the counter and the other grabbed Dean. Her eyes slowly looked at him and they watered up. “Oh no.” She started to cry.

“What?” Dean asked in a panic. “What is . . .” He saw where her eyes had shifted down to. On the floor by her feet was a pool of blood and more poured down her legs. “Shit! Henry, get her to the jeep now!”

Henry swept her up into his arms and frightened he looked at Dean as he bolted to the door. “Dean, she’s bleeding badly. What’s happening?”

“Get her to the jeep!” Dean ran with him. “Johnny, call your dad. Tell him . . . tell him to get to the clinic. It’s . . . it’s bad.” With a slam of the door Dean was gone.

“Shit.” Johnny spun around looking for the cell phone. Quickly remembering his father’s number, he nervously dialed. It rang and rang and finally Forrest answered. “Forrest? Where is my father?” Johnny’s head dropped. “Is my pap there?” The short momentary pause seemed like a lifetime. “Come on come on . . . Pap! Pap where’s my Dad?”

“He’s outside the walls setting traps. Why?” Joe replied.

“Get him on the radio Pap. Ellen’s bad. She’s hemorrhaging and they took her to the clinic.” Before Joe could respond, Johnny hung up the phone and headed out. He figured he’d take the other jeep and try to find his father also just in case they couldn’t reach him by radio.

Henry held Ellen’s trembling body tight as he stepped into the jeep with her. “Dean, you drive.”

“Got it.” As Dean climbed in the driver’s side he saw Jason running out.

Jason jumped in the back. “I saw Henry carrying Ellen. What happened?” He reached up to her and noticed the blood all on Henry and her. “Abruptio placentae?”

Dean nodded as he started the jeep. “My fears exactly Jason.” He sped off.

Ellen clung to Henry. “No!” She screamed tearfully. “Henry. No. Not the baby.”

Holding Ellen, Henry moved his eyes to Dean as the jeep bumped and banged in his journey. “What is that?”

Dean silently shook his head. “Jason? Do you have your phone?”

“Yes.” He pulled it from his pocket.

“Call the clinic. Tell them to prepare a room for an emergency cesarean.” He looked back at Henry, then straight ahead banging his hand on the steering wheel emotionally.

^^^^

John Matoose walked into the communications room sipping his coffee as he did. “Hey Mark, take a break.”

“Already?” Mark turned from the monitor. “I thought I had another half hour.”

“Nah.” John walked up to behind him. “I had time, take the break now.”

“Thanks,” Mark smiled. “It’s so boring anyhow. Well, all except when the people in this town keep calling each other. Then it’s a pain in the ass because you have to pull it up to check and make sure it’s no one nearby.”

“Joe said he’s working on that.” John took the seat that Mark freed up.

“O.K., well I’m ought of here for some fresh air. See you in an hour.”

“Take your time.” John raised his hand in a wave as Mark left. He leaned back in his chair, stared at the monitor, and sipped his coffee more.

^^^^

Like a dare devil on a stunt run, Frank sped through the back gate recklessly and quickly, screeching the bike to a sliding sideways stop when he saw Johnny in the jeep. “John. What’s going on?”

“Dad.” Johnny was out of breath. “She doubled over in pain. She . . . she started bleeding really bad Dad. It’s . . .” With a loud rev up of the engine and a screech, Frank sped off again, leaving nothing but dust and Johnny behind him.

^^^^

“Get her on the table now!” Dean charged out as they burst through the glass doors of the clinic. “Where is Andrea?”

Patrick stood by the Gurney. “She’s in an appendectomy.” He watched Henry lay Ellen down. He handed Dean a fetal scope as Dean neared.

Dean lifted Ellen’s shirt, holding his hand up to silence everyone. “Get her to a room. Get her ready! Stat!”

Henry, holding Ellen’s hand, ran with the Gurney. “Dean, please, tell me it . . .”

“Dean!” Joe flung open the doors racing down the hall after them. His hand barely touched Ellen’s leg as the cart was wheeled faster and away. “Dear God. Dean.” He grabbed him. “What’s happening?”

“Joe.” Dean walked backwards. “I can’t . . .”

“Dean, please.”

Taking a breath through his nostrils Dean stopped walking. “I believe her placenta has detached. It’s not good Joe. Though the baby is early, that isn’t what the problem is. We’re losing her and . . . the baby’s heart rate is weak.” Dean spun around.

“Dean, please.” Joe grabbed his arm. “Do everything you can. You hear me. Everything you can to help Ellen. I lost my wife this way. Don’t let me lose a daughter too.”

“I’ll give it my life Joe.” Knowing what he had to face would be the hardest thing he ever had to do, Dean flew into the operating room. “Jason, you preparing for a spinal? I need her awake.”

“I’m on it Dean.” Jason held a syringe.

“Good.” He looked as Patrick and Henry undressed Ellen. “Patrick, hook her up.”

“Doing it.”

Dean ran over to the sink and began to scrub his hands. “Henry when you’re done, you’ll have to go.”

“No.” Henry dropped Ellen’s clothes to the floor and helped Patrick cover her.

“Henry. You can’t stay!” Dean moved to the table.

“I’m not leaving her Dean.” Henry kept his stares on Ellen. “I’m not. She’s my friend. I’m staying.”

It was not a moment to argue and Dean knew it. He moved to the operating table. “Fine, then stay. But you’ll help. Roll her on her side Henry. Jason . . .” Dean held out his hand. “The needle.” He received it. “Patrick, I need you to go out into the hall and let them know what’s going on. Then find Andrea.” Dean checked out the syringe and then Ellen’s bare back counting up the lumbar region to his spot. “Hold her tight Henry, this will be painful.”

Henry wrapped himself around a shaking Ellen. “Hold tight.”

“Henry.” She whimpered. “I’m so sacred. I’m so scared.”

“El, you’ll be fine. I’m right here.” Henry closed his eyes as Dean injected the anesthesia into her spine.

“Done.” Dean tossed the syringe. He helped Henry roll Ellen on her back. “Jason, bring over the tray.” He adjusted the blankets to expose only Ellen’s stomach. While Jason brought over the cart, Dean lifted the fetal monitor to Ellen’s stomach. He moved it around. “Shit!” He dropped it harshly. “We have to go in and we have to go in now. I lost the baby’s heartbeat.”

The sound of his heavy boots preceded him as Frank raced with his heart down the hall of the clinic. He saw his father standing outside of the operating room. “Dad.”

“Frank.” Joe looked so distraught.

“Tell me. Tell me everything is O.K.”

Joe shook his head. “It’s not good Frank. They’re in there now. They’re taking the baby.”

“Oh God.” Frank’s head dropped. “How is she? How is Ellen?” He saw his father shake his head slowly and Frank’s heart dropped. He walked over by the operating room door running his hand across it. “Please let her be all right.” Frank leaned into the wall resting his head there. And silently and to himself he prayed.

“Henry, how is Ellen?” Dean asked, shifting his eyes up. “Henry?”

Henry wiped the back of his hand across his eyes. “She’s holding in there Dean.”

“Jason, her vitals.”

“Stable Dean.” Jason watched the monitor.

“I’m in.” Dean spoke as the he set the scalpel down. “Jason I need more suction, there’s lots of blood. The placenta did detach.” Avoiding Jason’s hand that brought in the tube, Dean reached for the scalpel again. “It’s clearing, I see . . .” His eyes lifted to Jason and his voice lowered. “I see the baby.” Poking a small hole in the amniotic sac, Dean set the scalpel down again. His hands reached inside Ellen’s womb, he took hold of the umbilical cord, clamping it, and cutting it. Then cautiously reaching in, he dislodged the baby boy who was curled up so tightly inside the warmth of his mother. “I have him.” Dean, grasping the baby in both of his hands lifted the newborn from Ellen. The moment he raised him above her open abdomen, Dean’s heart sunk to the pits of his soul when the little baby boy’s body, so lifelessly just flopped over his hands. Holding back his emotions that seeped into his eyes, Dean laid the baby in the awaiting blanket Jason held sadly out. “Just . . .” Dean made eye contact with Jason. “Just try.”

Henry knew, and so did Ellen. Not wanting to see Jason take the baby across the room, he closed his eyes again, hiding his pain. “Dean, how’s Ellen doing.”

I’m working on her. She’ll be fine, Henry. That’s what’s important right now. She’ll be fine.” Dean, heart racing, completed his operation on Ellen. For the first time ever in his entire career, his hands felt as if they were shaking and out of control. He wished with all of his heart he wasn’t the one in that room working on her, but a part of him wanted no one else to be.

The tears fell down Ellen’s cheek fast. “Henry, the baby.”

“No, El.” He whispered. “We can’t worry about the baby now.”

“Henry, he died.” Ellen’s eyes closed tightly.

“No El.” Henry’s voice cracked. “We can’t . . . we have to worry about you.”

Ellen began to sob, pulling at Henry for comfort, trying to drown her hurt somewhere. “I’m sorry Dean.”

Dean’s hands froze. Literally froze. Ellen was sorry? He just didn’t know what to say. If he could take away her hurt at that moment he would. But it was a world of hurt delivered in that operating room. Hurt that no one could take away. Hurt that was coupled by the silence of the room. Holding back his own emotions, Dean silently worked. He knew then and there nothing would make it better, nothing except . . . the one long baby’s wail that suddenly and startling broke the deafening quiet of the room.

Dean’s hands dropped the instrument he held. Every emotion he held in, released. He could breathe. He raised his eyes to the ceiling and softly spoke. “Thank you.”

Both Ellen and Henry looked up and from their tears came an emotional laughter. They held on, both breathing heavily.

Ellen’s chest was warm, she could barely speak. “Jason, Jason, tell me?”

“He’s fine Ellen. I have him breathing normally.”

Loudly and emotionally, Henry let out the breath he held. He clenched Ellen’s face kissing her. “Yes.”

Continuing in his work, Dean worked with more enthusiasm. The entire air of the room had suddenly changed with that one simple cry, the one cry that now turned into several. “Apgar reading Jason.”

“Slow.” Jason answered. “But within normal range now. Tiny kid. Tiny, tiny kid.” Jason chuckled. “Four pounds seven ounces. But alive. This little boy is alive.”

Frank’s head lifted when he heard it, it rang through him like a shot. “Dad?” He turned around and faced Joe. “Dad?”

“Music to our ears, Frank.” Slowly Joe walked to his son, embracing him tightly. “That is a good sign.”

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

Steward, holding a phone, nodded and handed it to George. “The call is safe.”

Perturbed at the chance the Beginnings person took, George grabbed the phone. “Yes?”

“It’s me.” The whispering voice spoke from the other line. “I wanted to let you know they are on their way.”

“Good. This is perfect.” George looked at his watch. “And be secure in the fact that, if our calculations are right, in a week’s time, whether they win or lose today or not, Robbie Slagel and his band of merry men will be no more.” Ending the conversation, George hung up the phone. He looked up “Stew. The next time John Matoose calls, double check he’s controlling that communications room. I want to take advantage of our opportunity to communicate.” Cupping his hands behind his head, George sat back in his chair . . . and he smiled.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

The Captain chewed on the end of his pencil like it was the cigarette he didn’t want to end. Over his desk he leaned, a map spread upon it. Something was not right. Something was screaming to him to make sense out of it. “Beginnings, Montana.” He repeated staring at the map. It wasn’t listed. Was it that small? Was it renamed? Figuring that had to be it, the Captain moved his thoughts to ‘natural resources’. Like they had in Bowman, he looked for a dam or nearby lake that they were near. Finger gliding across the paper surface looking for where this Utopia could be, the Captain stopped.

His eyes looked up and he turned his head to the right. Like a sign it sat there, the Forrest Caceres novel. With a rush, the Captain grabbed the book and the map, and flew out of the office.

“Ready?” Hands behind his back, the Captain stood before Elliott’s desk.

“Yes,” Elliott nodded. “What?”

“We, you and I, Elliott, are . . . stupid!” He dropped the map and book onto Elliott’s desk. “Completely utterly, dumb. Wait. Wait until you hear how dumb we are. Oh and how we went on and on about a weapon.” The Captain chuckled.

“I am lost.” Elliott tossed his hands up. “What are you talking about?”

After opening the map and securing the rolled up edges with whatever Elliott had on his barren desk, the Captain pushed the book forward. “We missed it again. Remember we dismissed the Caceres book? We said he was name sake only? Well . . .” the Captain hit Elliott on top of the head with the book. “We’re stupid.”

‘So you’ve said. Where is this coming from?”

“I was looking for this Utopia out of curiosity. Then when I saw it, it came crashing to me like I was hit with a wall. Forrest Caceres did indeed come up with the whole basic idea. His book is about building a small community. A conceptual community designed to be self-sufficient. Food water medical, with room for growth. Communications. All secured behind a protective . . . wall.”

Elliott’s eyes lit up. “Utopia.”

“Sounds strangely similar, Elliott . . . Utopia is the enemy of the society we have been searching for.”

“How do you figure?” Elliott asked.

“Everything that survivor told us about Utopia is what Forrest Caceres described to a tee in the book. The enemy didn’t steal a weapon from the society. They stole the vital starting point. What the whole society was originally based on. . . .look.” The Captain’s finger landed on the map.

“Oh my God.” Elliott peered. “Garfield County.”

“Yes.” The Captain snapped his finger. “It makes sense, the Garfield Project isn’t a means of mass destruction it’s a place. Utopia.” With a wide smile the Captain looked at Elliott. “Guess what we immediately start looking for?”

Elliott grinned in return. “Beginnings, Montana.”

^^^^

It broke the silence of the woods like a scene from an old cowboys and Indians movie. Like hooting animals, seven of them, savages, jumped from the trees, arrows and spears in hand.

Robbie felt the first blow to his back as the loin cloth covered man leaped upon him. Flipping him over with a grunt, Robbie broke the man’s neck in the process. “Fire at will!” Robbie called out, charging forth and pulling another scavenger from Greg. He decked him, sent him to the ground, and pulled out his revolver, delivering a single blow center the scavenger’s forehead. Blood splattered upward and out, mostly covering Greg, who had rolled out of the way.

Running out to another, Robbie dodged a flying arrow, diving himself on another attacking scavenger. He picked him up, tossed him into a tree, catching the bouncing back body with a bullet, and dropping him also. Seeing that he had taken out another, Robbie held out his revolver aiming as he watched the other four go down at the hands of his men. Savages. They raped the land and took what they wanted. Why were they facing them now? This was not something they expected. This could not be what the signal led them to.

After it had ended and the wooded area became silent, Robbie and two other men began to search east while the others moved about cautiously.

“Robbie!” A voice called him from the woods, it echoed. It was Neal. “Robbie this way!”

Stopping his search, Robbie and his two men joined up with Greg as they followed the calling voice. He stopped cold when he saw Neal. Neal bent over, holding on to his knees, vomit regurgitating from his mouth. “Fuck!” Robbie looked up at what sickened Neal and another man. Hanging from the trees were eight SUTS. They hung, dried pools of blood at their feet. Dead. And by the appearance there was no doubt in Robbie’s mind that not only were they skinned alive, but half eaten as well.

“Robbie,” Greg called out, sounding so panic stricken. “There’s . . .” He emerged from behind a tree. “Our men found more. This way.”

With his men Robbie raced to what else it could possibly be. He didn’t have to see it before it hit him. The smell, the foul smell of rotting flesh filled the hot stagnant air. Covering his mouth, he moved closer to where the odor came from and he saw more savages, only these ones were not alive and running rampant. These ones were dead, dead and scattered about, lying on dirty blankets covered with dried vomit and remnants of their own waste.

By the look of the scene and the smell, Robbie knew. By the color of their faces, the sores on their bodies, the evident violent sickness they experienced. It could only be one thing. The one thing Robbie and Beginnings feared. It was without a doubt . . .the new plague.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

“Sweet Jesus, wait!” Andrea’s blasting voice was heard before she stepped inside the operating room with a whew. “I am so sorry. How is everything?”

“Finished.” Dean covered up Ellen all the way and rolled the cart off to the side.. He grabbed another blanket and handed it to Henry. “Keep her warm Henry. She’ll be just fine.”

Andrea smiled pleasantly, “How’s the baby.” She walked over to where Jason worked on the child.

“Good.” Jason covered him and picked the blanket bundle up. “Before you examine him, why don’t we let Ellen see the baby first?”

Andrea peeked. “Oh.” She giggled. “Cute. Jason, you can get the warming bed ready and tell Joe and Frank to give us a minute then they can come in.”

“I’ll do that.” Slowly and with a smile Jason handed down the baby to Ellen. “All yours. You did good.”

Henry extended his hand. “No, Jason, thank you.”

Giving one more smile, Jason left the room. As he walked into the hall, he was immediately accosted by Frank and Joe. “Hold it, hold it.” Jason held up his hand. “Mother and son are fine. Give us a few minutes and you can go in there. The baby is early but nothing we can’t handle.”

Wanting to hug Jason but deciding against it, Frank looked at his watch to time a few minutes.

Humming a few bars of some show tune, Andrea smiled. “Time’s up.” She took the baby from Ellen’s arms. “He is so cute.” She covered him up again.

Ellen’s hands still extended in a stunned manner. She said nothing.

“El.” Henry tapped her on the arm. “El? What’s wrong.”

Ellen only looked at Henry.

Scrubbed up and clean, Dean clapped his hands together and walked over to Andrea. “Can I see?”

“Nope.” Andrea shook her head. “We’ll wait for Frank. Shouldn’t we wait for Frank, Ellen?”

Ellen shook her head, her mouth still open.

Henry pushed up on her chin. “Not a becoming look, El,” He stood up. “Andrea, can I see him. No matter who’s the father, I get to help.”

“Well, I suppose you can,” Andrea said.

“Let me see.” Henry opened up some of the blanket and looked down at the baby.. His eyes moved to Ellen, to the baby then to Ellen again.

“Henry?” Ellen looked up at him.

Henry scratched his head. “I don’t think he was done. That’s it.”

“Henry,” Ellen spoke in almost a whisper.

Dean dried his hands. “I hate to do this to you guys, but I’d like to take a look at the baby before Frank comes in and steals him.” He reached for the bundle from Andrea.

Andrea backed up. “We’ll just wait.”

Dean chuckled. “I don’t understand what . . .”

“Time’s up!” Frank flew into the room. “El!” He ran over to her immediately throwing his arms around her. “I was so worried about you. So worried” He kissed her over and over. “I thought I was losing you. I would have died if that happened.”

“I’m fine Frank.” Ellen ran her hand down his face. “But . . . right now there’s . . . Henry?” She saw him leaving. “Stay here.”

“Yeah, Henry.” Frank looked at him then he sat down with Ellen. “Check out Henry El. He’s all frazzled.” Frank made fun of Henry’s nervousness. “Besides Henry, you were the one being all fuckin persistent about being here. Stay here and see the baby.”

“I uh… “ Henry stuck his hands in his pockets again. “I saw the baby Frank. You see the baby.”

“Stay, Henry. Stay to see me announced as official biological father of my baby.”

“My baby,” Dean corrected.

Frank looked at Andrea. “Is it?”

“Let me just say . . .” Andrea smiled when she saw Joe walk in the room and Henry staring to leave. “Henry stay put. Joe . . .”

“Is that my grandson?” Joe said proudly.

“Yes. Would you like to see him before I let the fighting fathers?” Andrea asked.

“Love to,” Joe said with a clap of his hand. He snickered as he reached to the blanket’s edge. “What’s up with . . .” He lifted the cover. “Oh, Jesus Christ.”  He covered the baby back up.

“All right. Enough.” Dean yelled out. “Can we get this over with? I want to do the blood test and see my baby.”

“My baby,” Frank said.

Andrea stepped in toward the two men. “First, no blood test is needed. The paternity of this child’s father is evident the moment you lay eyes on him. So there will be no arguments. None. You hear me?”

Frank looked at Dean. “He has to look like me.” He reached for the baby. “Can I?”

“Sure.” Andrea handed Frank the bundle.

Dean edged in closer.

Frank grinned and nodded when peaks of black hair poked out. “Oh, yeah. Check out his mane. Prepare to cry little man.” Frank adjusted the baby so small in his arms. “Man is he tiny. Weighs nothing.” Frank so proudly spoke, his eyes gleaming as he cradled the baby. “Shit, Andrea, you got him all covered with this blanket. Gonna suffocate my kid and all.” He lifted the blanket. “There now you can breathe . . .”  There was what Frank believed to be a choking sound that came from Dean and it made for an eerie backdrop as it mixed with the sounds of Joe’s moans and Andrea’s giggles.

Andrea nodded as she stuck her head in between Dean and Frank who just stared at the baby. “Hmm.” She smiled. “He certainly does look just like his father. Wouldn’t you two boys agree?”

Lifting his eyes and head suddenly, Frank looked at a cringing Ellen. Quickly his eyes went back down to the baby, then to Ellen, to Joe, and finally to Dean. Reddened face and biting his bottom lip, Frank heard the slam of the operating room door. “Where?” His head turned about the room. “Where is he?” Huffing, he handed the baby to Dean. “Hold this kid.” He bolted to the door. “I’m gonna fuckin kill him.” Charging out and flinging the double doors so hard that they slammed back and forth loudly against the wall, Frank raced with speed down the corridor of the clinic. “HENRY!”

<><><><>

THE INNER STRUGGLE

Book 7

From the Author about Beginnings

First and foremost … thank you. If you have made it this far into the series, I owe you a great deal of gratitude. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

I also know if you are this far in the series, then there are things you love, like, hate, and want to change. I get feedback from many readers and I listen and welcome it, good and bad. But I hope the things you love are what keep you coming back.

As you are probably are well aware, Beginnings is a long series. Over twenty books are already written and being tweaked and changed now. It has gone and does go through many changes, including introduction of new characters that add dimension and new storylines. The only way for me to keep the series alive and entertaining is through growth and change. Ending storylines and starting new ones.

Beginnings is my soul, my baby, the reason for my writing. While I do write other stuff, I always go back to Beginnings, it is like coming home.

When I got to Book Nine in the series, there were characters I wanted to add, changes I wanted to make and storylines I wished I never wrote. If only I could go back … A ha! I could. The series had not yet been widely available. So, I wrote what I wanted and after penning Book Nine, The Freedom Fight (Which is my favorite in the entire series) I went back into the series and started axing and changing. But, I stopped on Book Six. I had every intention of getting to books seven and eight. But I forgot, or at least I thought I did. Then I remembered how big of a job it was. When I sent Inner Struggle to the proofreader, I was shocked at all the stuff in there that shouldn’t have been. Sort of like gristle left on a good steak. Ug! Trim the fat. It was a task.

I did and of course, I added some things.

The series, in my opinion, does change for the better as it goes on. The characters change with circumstances and there are new ones that I absolutely love. Including, The Captain.

I hope each and every Beginnings book has and continues to bring out every emotion you can experience. I hope you laugh, cry, get angry, scared and hey, even at times, you get so irritated with me, you want to call me on the phone and yell. That’s cool. That’s fine. I love it. As long as I make you feel … as long as I can entertain you most of the time, I am very happy.

Again, thank you and welcome to my world of Beginnings. I love having you here.

Jacqueline

HOPE AND GLORY

So that with our strength we may fight . . .

We may conquer . . .

We may go on . . .

We may face . . . our inner struggles

NEAR BUT FAR

CHAPTER ONE

JUNE 27

Beginnings, Montana

“Son of a bitch!” Joe Slagel made a growling face, curling his top lip in such utter disgust as he marched across center town in Beginnings. He stopped to pull the radio closer to his mouth. “Did you spot him?”

A hiss of the radio and John Matoose came over. “Yeah, Joe. Team Three said they saw him moving fast by the back gate.”

“He’s not on his way back out is he? Keep that perimeter up, you hear me? This is a potentially dangerous situation which I have to get under control.”

“Gotcha’ Joe. What do you need from me?” John asked. “I can grab the tranquilizer gun and head to the back gate.”

“No, the son of a bitch is strong and big too. I don’t want to take a chance of making things worse. Just stay put down at the command center and I’ll have Team Three keep him in their focus while waiting on Team Four, then both can bring him in.” Joe switched channels as he kept moving. “Dan, come in.”

“Yes, Joe.”

“Get your team up to the back gate. When you got him, secure him. Secure him good. Radio me an all clear when it happens. This could possibly turn into a code eight and we don’t need general population getting worried or scared about it. Get back to me.” With a slam of the radio to his hand, Joe stormed towards the social hall. He moved quickly. In fact Joe prided himself on moving faster than most of the men half his age. His hands shook as he reached for the handle of the social hall. One drink, that’s all Joe wanted was one drink. His blood pressure was up and with all of the commotion that erupted, he himself had to stay calm or else how would he keep the security staff from panicking. Calm. Joe took a deep breath as he walked into the empty social hall and grabbed a cigarette from the front pocket of his white button down shirt. He stuck it in his mouth and lit it as he walked behind the bar. He gave a firm pat to ‘Sam’, the bartender mannequin, as he poured himself a shot of moonshine.

As he downed it, Joe wished at that moment he was ‘Sam’. Not a care in the world, not a worry. What Joe wouldn’t give for a peaceful uneventful strand of time in Beginnings but he knew that wasn’t going to happen, especially on this day. They hadn’t heard from Robbie, who was out making another raid on a SUT camp. They almost lost Ellen and the baby and now . . . and now this. This unexpected tribulation was not something Joe wanted to deal with but had to, and he had his security staff full force trying with diligence to get it under control.

With a rattle, he laid down his glass on the bar and headed back out of the social hall. He felt thirty percent better and more able to cope with the battle that he and his security teams were now dealing with.

<><><><>

The smell of it burned Robbie Slagel’s nose so badly he could have sworn it was starting to bleed. He ran the back of his forefinger against his nostrils to check as he stepped away from the death scene he and his men stood before. The partially decomposing bodies that baked in the hot sun was the minimal of what made Robbie’s stomach turn. He walked his tall body further from the scene and ran his fingers through his blonde hair. Knowing he had to contact Beginnings, Robbie signaled his men to fall in and further themselves away from the bodies he and his men happened upon in the middle of a raid against the SUTs--he thought. A raid that turned out to be against something that wasn’t created by science--like the SUTs. A raid against something the cold hard world they lived in now created, savages. How victorious the savages must have felt in their defeat of a SUT troop. They hung their bodies as if they were trophies. But Robbie knew the savages weren’t the winners at all. They were actually the losers and they could very well be on their way--even though dead--to making Robbie and his men the losers as well.

Robbie moved even more away from the camp of death. He didn’t want to look back and he didn’t have to. What he stumbled upon was a frightening foreboding of what he would see again if he, and Beginnings, failed in their mission to stop the virus that some of the savages themselves had died from.

He found a spot on the grass, plopped down, and readied himself to call home. He stopped mid attempt and placed the phone to his lips. How was he going to do it? How was he going to call home and tell them about this? Robbie’s job, along with his men, was to stop those who could bring the new plague to Beginnings. After what Robbie just witnessed, he had the frightening realization that he and his men may have just become those Beginnings was trying to stop.

<><><><>

Dr. Dean Hayes peered through the heavy plastic of the infant incubator to the tiny newborn who slept inside. The baby boy took deep breaths, his abundance of black hair laid softly across his forehead. A tiny intravenous was in his splinted arm which was raised above his head. He was so small, yet every feature seemed perfect. Dean laid down the chart he held on the cart next to the incubator. He lifted the legs of his baggy Levis and squatted down closer to the infant’s level and looked at the closed eyes and the puttering little mouth. He placed his hands in the protective gloves and brought them into the incubator. He gently ran his hand down the head of the baby to his back. He lifted the fragile looking arm examining and making sure that the needle for the IV was placed correctly. Then Dean just stared some more.

With a subtle clearing of her throat and folded arms, Dr. Andrea Winters approached Dean from behind. “Precious, isn’t he?”

First Dean raised his eyes in the plastic, looked at Andrea and then removed his hands and stood up. He ran his fingers through his hair and rested his hand behind his neck. “Honestly?” Dean tilted his head. “This has got to be the cutest kid I have ever seen born in Beginnings and that is saying a lot coming from me.”

“He looks a lot like his father, I mean biological father, don’t you think?” Andrea smiled as she bent down some looking in the incubator.

Dean raised his eyebrows a few times. “Uh, let’s not touch that one shall we.”

“How are you with that?” Andrea asked.

“Let’s just say the reality of it is starting to hit me right now that everything has settled and I really don’t want to talk about that. I want to talk about him.” Dean handed her the chart. “What do you think?”

“Early as we thought. Eight or nine weeks is my guess. He still has the downing hair.” Andrea opened the chart. “As you know, four pounds seven ounces. Went into respiratory distress about an hour ago. He’s stabilized now. Which is consistent with premature births. Seeing the trauma that this little one suffered, the fact that his APGAR readings were low, and he wasn’t breathing when he was born, he’s doing well. His weight will drop.” Andrea nodded as she talked. “Chancing a smart comment, he’s jaundiced right now. His bilirubin reading is way up. We’re gonna put him under the lights.”

With a closed mouth and lowered head, Dean raised his eyes. “You’ve dealt with this for many years in the old world. Your professional opinion, because I’m too close to it, Andrea.”

“Professional opinion?” Andrea breathed heavily through her nostrils then a smile hit her face. “He is going to be just fine. He has a little bit of a fight, but look at his mother. He comes from tough genes.”

“Thanks, Andrea. Speaking of his mother.” Dean looked at his watch. “I promised Ellen I wouldn’t be gone too long. I just wanted to check on him.”

“How is she doing?”

“Amazingly well,” Dean smiled.

“Good. And good job today.”

He let out a quick relief breath. “Scary job. I’ll talk to you later.” Dean backed up.

“Oh Dean, one thing?” Andrea stopped him. “Right now he doesn’t have a name, first or last. What should we call him, chart him under?”

“Your guess is as good as mine. I’ll get back to you on that one, Andrea.” Lifting his hand in a wave, Dean turned and left the nursery. He placed his hands in the front pockets of his jeans and slowed down to look at the other two babies in there. So big they looked next to Ellen’s son. Of course in every instance that Ellen gave birth, every baby always would have looked bigger. Dean guessed the exception to that was Joey. Then again, Joey’s birth was not something Dean would ever know about, courtesy of that little--rather big--ripple in time.

He walked down the corridor at a quicker pace to Ellen’s room. He didn’t mean to be gone so long. He probably wasn’t, but he got caught up with the baby. He needed the moment to do so, to take in all that had happened and all that he learned in the past few hours. “Sorry,” he spoke softly as he walked into Ellen’s room.

Ellen grunted some as she lifted her body to sit more. She gave a subtle smile to him. “That’s all right. You weren’t gone long. How is he?”

Dean nodded. “Good. Cute, El. Really cute. I’ll wheel you down in a little bit. I just want you in bed for a few more hours. Deal?”

“Deal. You aren’t lying to me are you, Dean? He really is fine. Right?” She pulled her dark blonde hair from her face then rested her head back against her raised pillows.

“Really fine. His breathing is back on track. But you know El, you’re a nurse, that all this was to be expected. He was really early.” He reached for his chair that he had sat in before going to check on Ellen’s newborn son.

“Dean.” She extended out her hand. “You don’t have to stay with me. You don’t. I don’t want to put that on you. You probably have other things you’d rather be doing now.”

“Yeah I do. Sitting.” He plopped in the chair and scooted it as close to the bed as he could get it. “Sitting with you.” He grabbed her hand, cupped the other one over it and brought it to his lips and gently kissed her. “I thought I was going to lose you today.” He brought his face closer to hers. “You couldn’t imagine what was going through my mind. I was scared, El, really scared. And now that the excitement of everything is over.” He blinked several times. “I’ll tell you, it’s hitting me.”

“I’m sorry Dean, I am really sorry for all that’s happened. I mean everything. The baby, Frank, us ...”

“Sorry? Ellen, where is this coming from?”

“Everywhere. I guess maybe, really facing death can do that.”

“Sometimes.”

“Dean, tell me something. Maybe it was all that was going on … but the baby. Does he look …”

Before Ellen could finish, Dena answered. “Yes.”

With an exhale, Ellen plopped her head back deeper into the pillow. “I don’t understand how …” She paused when saw through the corner of her eye, Dean lower his head and, with his free hand, he roughly rubbed his eyes. “Dean?”

“Huh?” He slid his hand down his face. His eyes had become bloodshot.

“Are you all right?”

“Tired.”

“You know what you promised me in the lab this morning don’t you? You promised me you would talk to me about what was going on with you.”

“Now’s not a good time El. Later, please?”

“I want to know. I’m in this with you.”

“I’m glad.” His fingers squeezed around her hand. “But I’d rather wait until things calm down some so we aren’t interrupted.”

“I’ll wait, but don’t think you’re getting out of it.” She pointed with her head. “There is something I need to know right now and I’m a little nervous about it. It might not be a good time to bring this up, but I need to know. Did you change your mind about what we decided on?”

His fingers traced a small circle on her hand as he stared down at it with a solemn face then, as he raised his eyes to Ellen, Dean smiled. “No. I didn’t change my mind.” He watched Ellen smile in relief. “You and I have been talking about this for over a month. Aside from the fact with all that’s going on with me, I need to do this with you. I want to do this with you.” He brought his lips closer to her cheek and kissed her. “I need to do this with you.”

<><><><>

Joe had listened to it intently on the radio. The news that everything was under control brought a sense of relief to him, even though his security team had informed him it was more of a struggle than originally anticipated.

He tossed his finished cigarette from his hand and slowed down as he approached his office at the utility buildings. He could see three of the security guys out front, one of which was Dan, and none of the three looked good. “What the hell happened to you three?” Joe cased them over. Even Dan’s long hair which was always pulled back neatly into a ponytail, had dangling strands.

“It was tough Joe. Really tough.” Dan shook his head and ran the back of his hand across his mouth which bled some. “Four men were injured in the pursuit, unintentionally, but injured.”

“You knew what we were dealing with,” Joe told him. “Is he in there?” Joe seriously motioned his head to the door.

“And secured, Joe. I’ll go in with you.”

“Nah, I can handle it.” Joe reached for the door.

“I’d rather be in there with you, Joe. He’s agitated and not very happy with being captured. It might not be safe.”

“Well, I can handle him, but if you want to amuse yourself, come on in.” Joe opened the door wider and waltzed into his office with dramatic flair and intimidation. He was greeted by the noise of continuous banging of wood against the linoleum. It was accompanied with muffled grunts of a struggle. Joe snickered some, gained his composure, and walked further into the office. “Frank, calm down.”

One long deep growl came from Frank Slagel as he raised his mean dark eyes and peered at his father. He grunted again, unable to speak from the gag placed over his mouth. His big shoulders tossed back in forth as he tried to free himself from the chair in which he was tied.

“Now if you promise to not yell, I’ll take this tape from your mouth.” Joe bent down to him. He listened to the heavy hard breath Frank released from his nose. “Frank? Deal?”

Frank nodded.

“Good.” Joe reached for the end of the tape slowly lifting it and then paused before ripping it off his son’s mouth harder than he should have. He pulled the small cloth from Frank’s mouth. “Better?”

Frank screamed first. It rumbled from his chest. “What the fuck is this all . . .” He muffled a ‘hmpf’ when Joe replaced the tape.

“Frank,” Joe spoke pacifying to him, “we can do this my way or you can stay like this until your big ass calms down. Now, can I take off this tape or what?” He saw Frank nod again. “Now scream at me again and I’ll smack the hell out of you while you’re tied to that chair. And guess what? You can’t do shit about it. Ready?” Joe raised his eyebrows once and ripped the tape roughly from his mouth again.

“Uh!” Frank twitched his head. “My fuckin goatee better still be there.”

“Frank!”

“Dad! You got me fuckin tied up in a chair and you don’t want me to be pissed?” His face turned red. “Don’t . . .” He saw the tape coming. “Put that thing over my mouth. I can’t believe you had eight of my guys chasing my ass around . . . ow . . . hey you hit me.”

“What did I tell you?”

“Knock it off!!” Frank screamed. “Why were my men tracking me down like I was Bigfoot or something?”

“Because you’re out of control.”

“Yeah I’m out of control and wait until I get my hands on Henry. Wait.”

“Speaking of which.” Joe lifted his radio to his mouth. “Henry, Henry all is clear. You can stop running now.”

“Oh he’d better fuckin run. Three hours I chased him, most of which has been avoiding my own men. Tell him to run because he’s a dead man.”

“No he’s not, Frank.”

“Yes, he is.”

“No, he’s not.” Joe backed up, placed down the radio, and leaned against his desk. “I had your men grab your ass because you had to be stopped. You can’t be chasing Henry around Beginnings like you were sixteen years old. What were you gonna do when you caught him? Beat the hell out of him?”

“Well . . . yeah.”

“Well . . . no,” Joe mocked him. “I told you that I wouldn’t stand for this behavior if you ever found out that he and Ellen were together. Tough, Frank, deal with it. You started it, you pushed it, and now you have to live with it. Henry can’t be running from you for three hours. He should be at the clinic where his baby is.”

“Oh no!” Frank shook his head.

“What do you mean oh no. It’s his baby.”

“Oh no, my baby,” Frank spoke with insistence.

“Frank, did you look at the kid? Really look at the kid?”

“Yeah. He has dark hair like me.”

“He also is very Asian like Henry. You’re not Asian Frank, at least the last I checked you weren’t.”

“But it’s my baby.”

Joe grunted and ran his hand over his own face to calm himself. “How in Christ’s name do you figure that?”

“He’s my kid. Ask Dan.”

Joe looked over to Dan. “You’re not going to tell me that baby is Frank’s, are you?”

“Well Joe.” Dan lifted his shoulders. “It is.”

“The goddamn kid looks just like Henry,” Joe blasted. “How can you say that?”

Dan scratched his head. “According to understanding rules, whichever man is the primary relationship when the kid is conceived, that’s whose kid it is. Ellen was married to Frank when the kid was conceived. He had the understanding with Henry. So technically, the baby is Frank’s.”

“Yeah, I own the kid,” Frank stated.

Joe waved his hand in an ignoring fashion to Frank as he spoke to Dan. “That rule cannot hold true in cases such as this.”

Dan disagreed, “Oh, sure, Joe, it can and it does. The baby rule was established first. It had to be in order to keep peace. Any man that enters into an understanding knows full well that if the woman gets pregnant the child is not his. It’s up to the primary relationship to make the decision on whether he shares the kid or not,”

Joe closed his eyes. “How do you keep track of all these rules?”

“Eh,” Dan shrugged, “there’s not that many. Besides, Trish in history has a copy of them she keeps for reference purposes.”

Ignoring Frank’s ‘Come on Dad . . . Dad . . . Dad let me go . . . Dad?’, Joe continued speaking to Dan. “You people actually wrote down rules? How come I didn’t know this?”

“You did,” Dan stated. “We thought you did. You gave the final decision on a lot of problems.”

“Christ.” Joe picked up the phone. “When you people came to me and said it’s a rule, I merely agreed with the rule. I didn’t think there actually were any.” He began to dial, whining ahead of time, knowing full well how Trish was going to answer the phone.

“Dad!” Frank yelled.

“Shut up Frank.” Joe put the phone to his ear.

“Good afternoon,” Trish spoke pleasantly. “This is Trish in History. How can I help you?”

Joe closed one eye and took a breath before he said anything. “You can start by not answering the damn phone so old world professionally.”

Trish giggled as if Joe was joking. “You’re funny, Joe.”

“No Trish, I’m not. I want you to have a copy of the understanding rules ready for me in about . . .” Joe glanced at his watch. “Fifteen minutes. I’ll be by to pick them up.”

“But you have a copy, Joe.”

“I have a copy?”

“Yeah, I brought them up to you last year.”

“Christ Trish, that was last year, I probably tossed them out thinking it was a joke. Get me another set. Thanks.” Grunting, Joe hung up the phone and laid it down. “Now.” He walked to Frank. “About you.”

“Yeah.” Frank struggled. “Untie me.”

“Not just yet.”

“What?”

“I need to have your word that you are not going to be giving the Frank attitude to Ellen. I won’t stand for it. She’s just as much my daughter as you are my son. Your word.”

“You have my word.” Frank sounded so agitated. “We have another kid now and we’re going to work it out between us. Without Henry.” He saw his father laugh. “What?”

“I don’t think that’ll be such an easy thing to do Frank, unless you plan on being the secondary relationship.”

“Fuck that.”

“No Frank, I don’t think so.” With a look of enjoyment on his face, Joe leaned again against his desk. “You see, a birdie whispered in my ear just a couple hours ago … Henry and Ellen . . . got married.”

Very calmly Frank tilted his head. “Repeat that one more time.”

“Henry and Ellen got married. That’s what Henry told me.”

“That’s what I thought you said.” With flaring nostrils, Frank let out a bellowing grunt, stood to his feet and brought the attached chair with him. With all his strength, he raced full speed backwards, crashed into the wall, and smashed the chair apart. Raising his arms out, he flung the ropes from him, whipped open the door, and charged out in typical heated Frank-fashion.

Joe saw Dan racing after him and he reached out and stopped him. “Let him go.”

“But Joe.” Nervously Dan pointed to the door. “He’ll kill Henry.”

“Nah, he won’t.” Joe walked behind his desk and sat down.

“Should we forewarn Henry? After all, he thinks it’s safe.”

Joe thought about it for a second. “Let it go. I gave Henry the advantage long enough. After all, if this marriage thing is real, well … there has to be some loyalty to my son. Right?” Joe pulled out a cigarette and lit it as he reached for the phone.

Dan looked at the door ad visions of Frank pulverizing an unsuspecting Henry raced through his mind. He looked at Joe calmly. “Who you calling?”

“Oh, Godrichson. He’ll enjoy this.”

Throwing his hands in the air, Dan moved to the door. “I’m heading back to work. Let me know when you hear from Robbie.” He walked out.

Robbie. Joe stopped dialing. With all the antics that he was enjoying with his other son, he let the worry of Robbie slip from his mind and at that moment, it returned full force. Switching his demeanor, Joe set aside calling Godrichson and began to dial again. This time he called Robbie, hoping he was in close enough range that Joe could speak to him. He needed to speak to him.

<><><><>

In the west division of the fields, Henry emerged from the tall corn stalks. He clenched his radio with excitement and hooked it back on his belt. Raising his head up, he spoke softly. “Thank you,” and in Henry fashion, he took off quickly back to town. Rounding by the field house, he lifted his hand in a wave to Cole then, as he looked back, he saw it. It perched out from under the wooden structure used as an office and tool building. Henry stopped cold in his tracks, turned around and went to it, It was a wild flower, so long, and blue. So perfect for something, Henry thought, as an item nature merely spit out by accident. Smiling widely, Henry bent down and picked it up. He brought the strong stemmed object closer to his face. Grinning even more, he continued in his speed off to town.

<><><><>

Frank merely made a grunting noise to everyone he passed in his storm to the clinic. That’s where he pegged Henry to be going. Strong and tall, he walked his big body, his arms swinging back and forth as he moved in long strides.

“Hey, Dad.” Johnny Slagel had stepped from the steps of the clinic. “Going to see Ellen?”

He didn’t want to stop, but seeing how Johnny was his kid, Frank had to. “Henry.”

“He’s not in there.” Johnny pointed back. “At least I didn’t see him when I looked in.”

“You didn’t go in?”

“Not yet. I only wanted to see how she was. Later, I will.”

“So I take it you saw your brother?” Frank asked with a raised eyebrow. “What do you think?”

“Cute, really cute.”

“That’s all?”

“And little?”

“And?” Frank tilted his head.

“Um naked except for a diaper?”

Snarling at his son, Frank made a spin in the direction of the clinic and took the steps in one extension of his legs. As he barreled up the steps, he thought how much he hated to do it to Denny and Josh who were cleaning the doors. But if Frank didn’t do it, then it would ruin his entrance into the clinic, his mean ‘stay out of my way’ entrance. So without saying anything, Frank grabbed the handle of the door, threw it open, and let it smack, first off of Josh and then off the wall. Frank knew which direction he had to go.

The rage Frank was feeling boiled his blood and hardened his footsteps so much that he caught the attention of Jenny Matoose who stood by the nursery window. Hunching and hoping she wouldn’t talk to him, Frank was out of luck.

“Hi Frank.” Jenny bounced in her walk to him, tossing her thick red hair over one shoulder. “Congratulations. Your son is beautiful.”

His lip curled and his eyebrow rose. He tried not to, but a growl came out of him.

“What’s his name?” Jenny said to him as Frank, looking ahead, walked by the nursery. “They don’t have his name up?”

The high squeal of his boots from his sudden stop not only made a noise but a black scuff mark, long and dark, as well. “What do you mean they don’t have his name up?” He turned back and marched to the nursery window,. He looked at the bassinets set close together. “Where is he? Does Ellen have him?”

“No.” Jenny shook her head. “He’s way back there.” Her index finger pointed against the glass.

Frank’s eyes widened when he saw the incubator huddled in the corner of the room. “Why’s he way back there?”

“They had him up front until he went into respiratory arrest . . . Frank?” Jenny felt the brush by her of Frank and she turned back to the window.

Frank’s heart beat heavier when he walked directly back to the incubator, his complete focus forward. It was the first time since the baby was born that Frank had seen him,. How different he looked outside of that blanket. “Oh my God.” He stepped to the incubator, closing his eyes briefly as his hand ran over it. He felt a lump form in his throat when he peered down to the tiny boy, so small, and looking more helpless than Frank had seen any of his children ever look. Frank felt as helpless as the baby looked. “Hey,” Frank spoke softly, placing his hand in the protective glove opening. He flashed back to when Brian was in a warming bed. Brain didn’t look so frail and he definitely didn’t have the intravenous, oxygen, or monitors that this baby had. His huge hand trembled some as it reached for the baby’s stomach. The moment it touched down, he felt the rise and fall of the body that was buried beneath his palm. “Hey little guy.” Frank tapped on top of the incubator plastic. He smiled when the baby jolted some. “Did you hear me? Yeah.”

“Of course he heard you,” Andrea spoke behind him.

Frank tilted his head in disgust when he heard Andrea’s voice. “I hope to God there isn’t a smart comment following that like he heard me because I have a big mouth.”

“No, not today.” She moved closer to look with Frank. “He’s doing better.”

“What happened to him?” Frank asked.

“Besides being very early, he stopped breathing about an hour and a half ago.”

“Shit.”

“Normal, Frank,” Andrea calmly told him. “We expect normal lung functioning in a few days. We checked the ratio, it’s good. We’re giving him a steroid equivalent to make him stronger.”

“So sad.” Frank brought his face closer to the plastic. “He looks so defenseless. So helpless.”

“He is right now,” Andrea told him. “But with time and prayer, I’m certain he will be fine. You’ll see a difference in a few days.”

“Look at his little arm, Andrea. You have it strapped down.”

“We have to keep the IV in there. He’s a wiry little guy,” Andrea smiled.

“Why isn’t his name anywhere?” Frank looked at the sign that stated. ‘Ellen’s baby boy’

“I didn’t put anything up because, well, to be honest with the way you have been acting the past few hours, no one knew what you were going to do.”

“What do you mean?” Frank asked.

“There was some talk that you would disown this child because of . . . you know.” Andrea smiled again and ran her hand down Frank’s back. “I know we don’t see eye to eye Frank, but let me just say to you, you coming to the clinic and being in here so calm is the best thing to do. Not raging to kill Henry is even better. I know you want Ellen back, and you handling this so unlike yourself, so mature . . .” She snickered when Frank gave her a look of disgust. “You’re going about it the right way. Everyone said you wouldn’t. I kind of thought you’d be like this. You know as well as I do, if you go in there tearing Henry apart, you can forget about Ellen.”

Frank smiled and touched the baby one more time. He retracted his hand from the glove. “You know what Andrea? You’re right. Thanks. I know exactly what I’m going to do now.” He tapped her on the cheek and gave a smirk.

This surprised Andrea. “Did you change your mind about something?”

“You can say that.” Frank stared down at the baby.

“I hope I didn’t make things worse.”

“Nope, better.”

“Good. I’ll let you visit with . . .” She stopped talking as she stepped back. “What is his name?”

“Nick,” Frank nodded so assuredly. “Nicholas Robert Slagel.”

<><><><>

Henry kept up his pace all the way to the clinic. He even ran down the hall so quickly by Jenny Matoose that she didn’t see him. Or at least Henry hoped she didn’t. With his hands behind his back, and an excited look of a kid upon his face, he bolted into Ellen’s room. “Hey El.”

“Henry,” Ellen grinned.

Dean released the grip he held on Ellen’s hand and sat back. “Passing by again Henry?”

“No, it’s safe now. Everything is under control.” He caught his breath and walked over to the bed. “I’m sorry for not being here.”

“That’s O.K. Henry, your life is so much more important. Dean kept me company.”

“Thanks Dean.” Henry grabbed a chair and pulled it to the other side of her bed. “Here, El. I got this for you.” He handed her the wildflower.

“Oh, Henry,” Ellen sniffed it. “That is so sweet. Dean, isn’t he sweet?”

“He’s a pip.” Dean rested his elbow on his knee and his chin on his palm.

Henry sat down and grabbed Ellen’s hand. “I’m so glad you’re O.K. El.”

“Dean saved my life, Henry.”

Henry smiled at Dean, “I owe you.”

“You’ll pay too,” Dean pointed his finger.

“Hey El,” Henry spoke upbeat, “guess who I saw when I was running down the hall?”

“Who?”

“Jenny Matoose.”

“Aw Henry, what is she doing here?”

“Staring at the babies.”

“Henry.” Ellen squeezed his hand. “Have you seen the baby?”

“Not since he was born. I’m kind of afraid.”

“You should be. He still looks the same. He still looks like you.”

“No.”

“Yes, he does.”

“Now see.” Henry lifted his hand. “I don’t get it. How did that happen?”

Dean trying hard to contain his laughter or sarcasm couldn’t. “Seeing how I’m the most qualified medically to answer that question, I will. You see, Henry, I’ll tell you how it happened. You two were having sex back when you weren’t supposed to be.”

Henry shook his head. “No, Dean, we didn’t. We never had sex.”

Dean laughed. “Henry, come on, you are the only Asian man in this community.”

Ellen added. “But we didn’t have sex. We never slept together. Ever. We’re very platonic.”

“It wouldn’t feel right,” Henry said. “We were alone one time and that would be the closest we got. It was outside Beginnings after she and Frank broke up over her affair.”

“We were drinking,” Ellen added. “I think we kissed, but I passed out drunk.”

“No sex,” Henry said.

Dean’s mouth dropped open. “Both of you were drunk?”

“I was,” Ellen said. “The whole night is a blur. I was upset, crying. A mess.”

Dean stared hard at Henry. “What about you, Henry? What did you do after she passed out.”

“Went to sleep.” Henry said. “Like she said, we kissed, but in the middle … she was out.”

Ellen laughed. “That had to be a blow for you, Henry, me passing out in the middle of kissing you.”

“It wasn’t meant to be,” Henry said. “It didn’t feel right anyhow, El. Frank is my best friend.” His eyes shifted and he paused. “Why are you staring at me like that Dean?”

“Nothing. No reason.” Dean inhaled deeply. “But the baby is yours, Henry. There’s a reason and that reason is sex.”

Henry shrugged. “Maybe it was one of those time machine ripple things. Maybe in the time frame me and El changed, we fooled around.”

Dean shook his head slowly back and forth. “That’s a Jason question. Something is not right.”

Ellen asked. “I’m not lying, Dean. I would be honest, why lie now.”

“I’m not saying you’re lying, El,” Dean told her.

“So you’re saying I am?” Henry asked.

“No.” Dean shook his head. “I’m saying something isn’t right.”

Ellen opened her mouth to speak, but gasped. Her face drained of color. “Henry, hide. Frank is coming.”

“No.” Henry shushed her. “He’s not coming. Joe has him.”

“I’m telling you, Henry, he’s coming.”

Dean nodded. “Listen to her Henry she has Frank sensors. That radar is going off. Beep--beep.”

“For you information Mr. Smartie pants,” Henry took on edge, “A radar doesn’t make noise.”

Dean indicated to the door. “Yeah, but Frank does.” “Shit.” Henry sprung up backing up. “Frank. Frank, I thought . . .”

Frank ignored him, and moved to Ellen. “Hey.” He sat on the bed next to her. “How are you?”

Ellen apprehensively accepted the kiss he gave her. “Scared at this moment you’re going to yell or hate me.”

“Never,” Frank shook his head.

“Are you going to beat up Henry?” Ellen asked.

“No, I’m not going to beat up . . .” Frank swallowed. “…Henry.” He turned his head to the side and gave a hard to give smile to Henry. “I’ve calmed down a lot and done a lot of thinking.”

“Frank.” Ellen took his hand. “There’s something you should know. Henry and I . . .”

“Got married. I know.” Frank held up his hand.

“What!” Dean blasted. “Married? When? What the hell, Henry?

“Dean.” Henry remained calm. “It isn’t why you think. We thought it would just put an end to everything if she was married to me. It would end the you and Frank bickering and fighting and solve it with me. Don’t turn a blind eye, Dean. Think about it. And … the marriage …it’s platonic.”

Dean shook his head. “You’re a real piece of work, Henry. Platonic before or after you got her pregnant.”

“He didn’t get me pregnant, Dean,” Ellen said. “I told you, I never slept with him,” She looked at Frank. “We don’t know how this happened, Frank. Time machine? I don’t know. I swear.”

Dean interjected. “I believe that’s what you believe, El.”

“What are you saying, Dean?” Ellen asked. “Are you saying I’m lying?”

“Nope.” Dean shook his head and stared at Henry.

“You think I am?” Henry said.

“Yeah, Henry, I do. I think this whole chivalrous act you have going is just that, an act.”

“Stop.” Frank held up his hand and stayed calm. “If they say they don’t know how Ellen got pregnant with the baby, then we have no choice to believe them. And the marriage, well, we need to respect that. Whatever their reasons for being married, they are married now.”

It started out as a simple hard breath of laughing air that escaped Dean, then it turned to several, and Dean started to laugh. “Oh shit. Henry and Ellen, you aren’t buying this act, are you?”

Frank turned sharply to Dean. “Shut the fuck up, Dean. This isn’t an act.”

“Yeah right.” Dean stood up. “I also believe you buy this marriage of convenience while, mind you, you buy the story that neither one of them remember conceiving a baby that looks just like Henry.”

“It could happen,” Frank said.

“No, it can’t.” Dean wildly threw out his arms. “I’m out of here. This is really disappointing. I expected much more of a reaction out of you, Frank. I’m going to work on a virus to give Henry and solve all our problems. You’ll thank me later, Frank.” With another shake of his head , Dean started to leave.

Frank snapped his fingers. “Dean, can you stay here for another minute with her. I want to talk to Henry.”

This made Dean smile and he sat back down. “I knew it. Sure I’ll stay Frank.”

“Thanks. Henry?”

Henry looked at Frank. “We can talk here.”

“Henry. I need to speak to you alone in the hall. Now.”

“Frank, can it just . . .” Henry shrieked as he was being led out. “Ow Frank, let go of my ear.”

Still tugging on Henry’s lobe, Frank brought him in the hall and shut Ellen’s door. Less than gently, he released Henry.

Henry rubbed his ear. “You could have found another way.” He shook off the pain. “I guess if you aren’t beating me up, I can’t complain.” He watched as Frank just stared at him. “Why do I get the feeling that this isn’t a friendly talk?”

“Because you’re a smart man, Henry.” Frank stepped closer. “As of right now, resolve yourself to the fact that you will pick me as the understanding partner in this so called marriage that you and Ellen have.”

“But Frank, that is Ellen’s choice. I don’t have a say so.”

“Then get one,” Frank told him strongly. “You get one in it. You hear me?”

“I didn’t think you wanted to be the secondary relationship.”

“I don’t but just like you, I’m going to take it and then, just like you, I will be everything she wants and I will take her from you. You hear me? I will take her from you. I have loved her for over twenty years and don’t think I can’t do it. You doubt me? Ask Dean.” Frank grabbed a hold of his arm pulling Henry with him. “See the baby, Henry.”

“Frank I don’t . . .”

“Look.” With force Frank pulled Henry to the window. “Look at his name.”

Henry swallowed. “Nicholas Robert Slagel? You gave him Robbie’s name? I hate Robbie, Frank. I hate him.”

“He’s my brother, Henry.”

“But it’s our baby Frank. you really shouldn’t have named our . . .”

“Stop.” Frank held his hand up. “My baby. Didn’t you just say you and Ellen don’t know how that happened.”

“Well, yeah but …” Henry lowered his voice. “Look at him.”

“I did. Maybe somewhere in my genes I have an Asian uncle. Who knows. ” Frank blew slowly. “Trust me, he’s my baby Henry. I don’t care what you and El say about not knowing how it happened. It happened while I was married to her, so … there are rules about that. Right? What’s the rule on kids being born to a married woman?” Frank asked. “Do you know?”

Henry stuttered as he saw the look in Frank’s eyes. He was so serious, is eyes were glazed over.. “It says whoever is the primary relationship, when the kid is conceived, is the father.”

“Conceived, Henry. I was married to her when you and her conceived this kid. Time machine or lie, it doesn’t matter. The baby is mine, Henry, not yours.”

“What are you getting at, Frank?” Henry asked nervously.

“What am I getting at?” Frank leaned his face close to Henry and spoke in mean whisper. “You fucked me, Henry. You fucked me over big time. You took my life from me. People may think I’m dumb, but I’m not stupid. I don’t buy this ‘I wanna help you out, El, so let’s get married’. You did it for selfish reasons. All this is an act. I see it. Dean sees it. El will too. See that baby boy in there. Nick Slagel? Mine, Henry, mine and under the understanding rules, I have the say so to dictate who raises the kid. Isn’t that right?”

Apprehensively Henry swallowed and answered, “Yes.”

“So I dictate this. I will raise my son, me and Ellen alone.”

“But that’s not fair, Frank.”

“Fair!” Though Frank’s volume level was low, his words were hard enough to go through Henry. “You wanna talk fair to me. Look at all that has happened and then we’ll talk fair. So listen to me. You will not be a part of that kid’s life. You will not raise him, I will. He will not call you Dad. He will not look up to you. You will not see his first step. You won’t hear his first words. You won’t have a thing to do with him. Got that? Enjoy him while he’s here because once he’s with me, Henry Kusakari will be nothing more to him than the fuckin maintenance man in Beginnings.”

Henry’s eyes closed tightly when he felt Frank harshly brush by him. Tilting his head as it laid pressed to the glass, Henry watched Frank walk into Ellen’s room and then stared at the incubator. The name ‘Nicholas Robert Slagel’ burned a painful reality through him.

CHAPTER TWO

In need of a good oiling is what George Hadley thought when he hit the third sub-basement level of the lab were the scientists worked. The sound of squeaking wheels and mice filled the long room that looked more like a greenhouse than anything else. “How’s it going?” He approached a worker who watched one cage. Six or seven mice ran rampant inside.

“Good.” He set down his clipboard, took off his black rimmed glasses, and placed them in the pocket of his lab coat. “Almost ready to move on to phase two with these. Should we go ahead?”

“Not yet.” George shook his head. “Can you hold off for a while?”

“Sure.” He shrugged. “I don’t see why not.”

“Good. Walk with me.” George began to lead the shorter, balding man out of the lab. “My contact in Beginnings said they hadn’t heard from Robbie and his merry men. I’m going to assume that Mr. Slagel walked into our little set up, which is good. My contact should let me know as soon as he starts his shift what they heard. My guess is Robbie will tell them what they saw and, knowing Beginnings as well as I do, they won’t let Robbie and the men in until they show no signs of the virus.” He continued to talk as he walked. “Since our squirmy Dr. Hayes has figured out one strain and pin pointed a four or five day incubation period, he’ll safely recommend six days to Mr. Slagel for his men to stay out. Six days will pass with no signs of the virus and once they are in Beginnings, it should hit them.”

“Say something goes wrong?” The doctor asked, “and they get sick perhaps beforehand. Do we move on them then?”

“We have to. They’re a smart bunch.” George shrugged. “But I don’t think they are gonna be smart enough to see this coming. We have to get Beginnings back. We need that communications room and quickly. Too much time has passed and there is a whole another world on the other side of the ocean that is gonna catch up to us technology wise. They’ll be here before we can get to them. We have to start tracking what they’re doing.”

“It’s a scary thought.”

“Not yet. Like us, I don’t think they quite have what it takes to get over here. They’ll get there, but hopefully not before we can gain the technology back and manpower to do so.”

“Maybe if you told Beginnings the reason you need the communication center...”

George scoffed loudly, “They won’t give up their land and they certainly won’t want any part in rebuilding the world that brought them down. They’re happy and content peons in there. Nah, I’d rather wipe it clean and have a fresh start. What the hell, it’s only a hundred or so people, maybe more now. We have more than that being created in biology for workers and that’s not to mention the nice little community building and changing down at Quantico.” He glanced down at the time. “Speaking of those two divisions, I’m heading out to Biology then we’re taking a vehicle down to visit the C.L.B. lab and Dr. Gafsky in Behavioral. They’re making progress. It seems we don’t have the zombies like we used to.”

The little scientist smiled at George. “I did enjoy when they didn’t have thought process.”

“Yeah, I kind of did too.” George moved to the door. “Thanks for your help, Stan.” George nodded. “Don’t forget the department head meeting this evening after dinner.” He started to leave again and stopped, snapping his fingers. “Get Dr. Heinz in Agriculture. I forgot to tell him the change in time. He’s been so wrapped up in the growth formula he knows nothing but seeing how fast he can grow a string bean...” Chuckling some, George moved down the lab. He peered up to the ceiling and the lights that seemingly were brighter by the day. Power. It took what he had--personnel wise--to get the power back up and it was building now. Just like the bulbs above his head in the tunnels that ran below the former White House, George and his world were growing stronger by the day.

CHAPTER THREE

In Beginnings uniform--US military stockpile--Greg looked so official as he barked his orders to the men who loaded up the trucks just outside of Boise, Idaho. “Don’t start the vehicles yet.” He marched from the two trucks. “Conservation of gasoline, gentlemen.” Shaking his head at the anxious group, he walked to Robbie who sat on the ground just over the hillside. Greg knew upon his approach to Robbie that his demeanor said more than any words could. Robbie sat against the tree, a knapsack beside him, and the tote bag for the cellular phone in front of him. The radio was nearby. “Robbie. The men are waiting.”

With his knees brought close to his chest, Robbie dropped his arms and let them dangle over his legs. “They’ll have to wait a bit more. I’m uh . . . waiting on a call.” He lifted the phone some.

“What’s wrong?” Greg lowered his body and his voice.

“You saw it, Greg.”

“Yeah, so what’s that got to do with us?”

“That’s the future all those time trips were trying to avoid.”

“I thought of that but Robbie, it’s way out here.”

Robbie gave an emotional chuckle. “Yep, and so are we.”

<><><><>

Called to the communication center for a meeting? Dean thought it odd. Why Joe would need to see him? Actually he would have rather not made the long trip down through the tunnels, but he had to go to the cryo-lab to get some of the files he and Ellen stored there. He needed to start working with her, sick or not and there was a special file he had hidden there that he was bringing to her attention later that evening. There wasn’t much more Dean could do on this day. He needed to be close to Ellen and the baby in case there were any problems. He had Johnny working on anti-serums of the virus at the mobile lab and he had all the kids on this evening. Dean headed to the communication center. Joe was the only one there. “Hey Joe.” Dean walked in and set his files down on the counter. “What did you need to show me?” He looked around the center. “Not that I understand this place much.”

“Talk, Dean.” Joe swiveled his chair from the monitor slightly. “I need to talk to you. We’re waiting for Frank and . . .”

“Frank’s here,” Frank announced himself as he walked into the center with heavy steps and a heavier voice. “What’s up?” He saw Dean. “Aw Dad, don’t tell me we’re gonna have to listen to boring Dean stuff?”

“Well, Frank.” Dean sat down. “What I usually have to say is only boring to those who have failed to get past the play dough creativity stage of their lives.”

“Now see.” Frank held out his hand. “You always have to have something smart to say.”

“And you didn’t start it?”

“No,” Frank quipped. “I was observing the situation.”

Dean rolled his eyes. “How can you take him, Joe?”

“A strong imagination, Dean,” Joe told him. “It starts when your children are young. You make them out to be more than they are and, unfortunately, you still find yourself doing it even when they’re old men with gray hair.”

“Hey.” Frank ran his hand over his short black hair. “I’ll have you know I’m not gray or old.”

“Sit down, Frank,” Joe instructed. “We’re waiting for one more. And we wait no more.” Joe smiled. “Henry’s here.”

Henry slowed down as he peered at those in the room. “Hi Joe. Dean.” Henry closed the door to the center. “Frank.” He slowed down his pace and stopped at Frank.

Frank merely crossed his arms, and looked away from Henry. “Start this, Dad.”

Henry lowered his head, moved over by Dean, and sat down then stared blankly at the floor.

Joe stood up. “We have a situation, gentlemen. I brought each of you here to get your expert opinions on how to deal with it.” He swallowed harshly. “It’s eating at me, because my own flesh and blood is involved in this. He’s smack dab in the middle of a major problem.”

Frank’s attention was grasped. “What happened with Robbie?”

“As you know,” Joe said, “we received a communication signal right outside of Boise. Robbie and his men, on their way back from the latest series of runs stopped by to investigate the signal. They encountered an attack. Not a SUT attack but they were hit by savages. Not a problem, a little different than what they were dealing with, but they took them out. Unfortunately, that’s not our problem. Robbie found the basis for the communication signal. A busted radio and . . . eight dead SUTs all hanging from a tree, all half eaten. Typical savage pillaging.” Joe’s voice took a saddened effect. “Then they found more savages. Those ones were dead, not by the hands of the SUTs but by an illness Robbie could only describe as . . .” He took a deep breath. “Plague like symptoms.” Like a well-rehearsed move, Joe watched all three men close their eyes and lean back. “Problem. Robbie believes that some of his men may have been exposed, not only to the bodies but perhaps infected savages as well. That’s where you three come in. What do we do? They have to stay out there till it’s an all clear, I suppose. Dean, how long?”

“Why?” Dean questioned, “do they have to stay out there? Let them come home. They’re our men.”

“Yes, I agree,” Joe said, “and I’ll answer that. Two reasons. One, they could very well be the future you went into and two, we have to keep this under wraps from general population. It will cause a panic and you know it. If they make it through the plague stages, are they safe to come back?”

“Yes,” Dean nodded, “but bring them in anyhow for research purposes to stop this thing . . .”

“Aren’t you listening?” Joe walked closer to Dean. “Research to stop this? How in Christ name do you know that they aren’t what starts this? You don’t. You don’t know that in that future you went into, Robbie and our men weren't the one who brought it in. We can’t take that chance and you know it. Besides, can you safely quarantine sixteen men with a guarantee that what they may or may not have, will not spread?”

Dean shook his head. “Not with a hundred percent certainty. We can try.”

“Trying isn’t good enough. We have a community to worry about. Unless you can absolutely guarantee me that sixteen men can be quarantined, I don’t want to hear about it. Dean, I’d love to know my son will walk through those gates, but I have an entire community to concern myself with. How does it go? The needs of many outweigh the needs of one?” Joe took on a thinking look. “What Bible reference is that?”

Henry raised his head some. “Uh Joe? I believe that was Star Trek, Mr. Spock.”

“You’re shitting me?” Joe shrugged. “You would know, Henry. Anyhow, back to what I was saying. Dean, you know what I mean. You understand don’t you?”

“I understand.” Dean dropped his head. “No, sixteen is way too many to handle. We don’t have the facilities at the mobile lab.”

“That’s what I thought,” Joe continued. “How long should they stay away from Beginnings?”

Dean thought about it. “There’s a four to five day incubation period. Day six, if they aren’t exhibiting signs of the plague, they’ll be safe. But Joe, they could be out there a while. The plague symptoms we have data on, if it’s the same one, run for two weeks. Others may avoid exposure for that long, but they still may get it. If only a few come down with it at a time, we can be looking at up to eight weeks.”

“This I know,” Joe agreed, “but it’s a chance we have to take. Frank, you’ve been speaking to Robbie regularly on what he and his men have used as far as ammo goes. How do they stand right now protection wise? Did you bring that info?”

“Yeah.” Frank checked out his clipboard. “Estimating what they probably used to take out the savages, I’ll say they have some, but are probably running low. Enough to take out one more attack, but if they encounter more than that out there, they may be screwed. If memory serves me right, there’s an Air Force base right outside of Boise. I think.”

Dean snapped his finger. “There is. Mountain Home.”

Frank nodded. “That’s the one. Robbie can probably surplus there. Hit the armory and such. Get some things. Maybe even dig up some M.R.E.’s if they’re running low on food.”

“Good thinking.” Joe made a notation on his own clipboard. “Henry, gas, radio, phone, anything you can think of?”

“The phone batteries aren’t going to last long, Joe.  He’s probably on his last one and the radios could be out of range with all the mountains. I think you should keep them moving, have them stop at the Air Force base like Frank suggested, but have them head as close to home as you’d allow them. That way if they need supplies, we can drop it to them.”

“Also,” Dean added, “if they’re close enough and they get the new plague, we’re close enough to them to bring me out there, in protective , to get samples and give them medical attention.”

Joe pointed the pencil he held. “That’s a bridge we’ll cross when we get there. As for now, Robbie’s waiting for the decision.” Setting down his clipboard, Joe picked up the center’s phone knowing that it wouldn’t beep annoyingly when he used it. He called Robbie and connected the call to the speaker system.

“Yeah,” Robbie answered a half a ring into the call.

“Robert,” Joe spoke up, “I have Frank, Dean and Henry here”

Robbie laughed, “Frankie, Cranky, and Spanky. You have me on a speaker phone, Dad. I hate speaker phones.”

“Deal with it.” Joe lit a cigarette. “Robbie, we've decided on what you and I discussed.” There was a long silent pause. “Robbie.”

“I hear you. Are we staying put?”

“No.” Joe told him. “Take the old main road toward home and stop off at Mountain Home Air Force Base. It’s close to you now.” Joe began to flip through the computer map. “It’s about twenty miles from Boise. Then I need you guys to halt up somewhere around Rock Springs. It’s close to home and we’ll be able to get to you if you need anything.”

“Got that,” Robbie sounded even sadder. “Dean, it was bad.”

Dean swallowed the news. “I can only imagine.”

“Frank,” Robbie called out, “hey, I hear you’re a dad again. Good Job. Dad says the baby is cute.”

“Yeah he is,” Frank responded. “I named him Nicholas Robert.”

A short laugh came from Robbie. “Thanks, Frank. I bet Henry was bitching like a woman naming the kid after me.”

“No,” Frank spoke harshly. “Henry doesn’t mind. Do you, Henry?”

Slowly Henry lifted his head, his voice cracking as he talked, “No, I don’t mind.”

A momentary gloating moment that was unseen came from Robbie. “Oh, Henry, how’s that microchip going?”

“Not,” Henry answered. “Thanks for reminding me.”

“Henry.” Robbie’s voice turned to a serious one. “I have something for you. I got it in Seattle. Check this name out...Cyborg-genic Lobel Programming. I have the program, Henry.”

Henry’s eyes lit up. “You have it?”

“I think,” Robbie said. “You’ll have to check it out when I . . .” Robbie became silent for a second. “Henry, if I don’t make it back, you have to get this. I think this is it.”

Henry closed his eyes. “You’ll make it back, Robbie.”

Joe blew the cigarette smoke loudly from his mouth and took over the conversation. “Robbie, you guys better get started before it gets dark. You call me tomorrow or earlier if you run into problems. You hear me?”

“I hear. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

“Good luck, son. I’m proud of you.” He took an emotional breath and disconnected the call. He slowly faced the three men in the room. “I need an uplift. I think I’ll let my daughter annoy me for a bit while I visit her. Is it going to be an alone visit or are any of you three bozos going to intrude?” He didn’t get an answer. “Henry, wanna walk me over and show me the baby?”

Henry stood up. “Oh sure, Joe I’ll . . .” He shifted his eyes to Frank. “You know what Joe, I have some work in Mechanics to do. I can’t.” He walked to the door. “I’ll walk to the clinic with you though.”

“Sounds good.” Joe followed him. “Frank, Dean, thanks for your help.”

Dean lifted his hand in acknowledgment as he watched Joe and Henry leave. Seeing Frank follow behind, he stood up. “Frank, wait up.”

Frank stopped and flung his head back. “What, Dean?”

“What’s going on? Earlier you were fine with Henry and now the guy seems petrified of you and you’re acting . . .”

“Hold it.” Frank halted him. “I acted this afternoon. What you saw here is not acting. If Henry is petrified of me, let him. He should be and he’s lucky he’s walking right now.”

“Frank. You divorced Ellen. You can’t be upset about them being married.”

Frank laughed. “Married? Something is up with that shit. Personally, that’s the least of my worries. Their marriage means shit to me. Shit. As far as how that baby came to be … I’m not buying it. One or both are lying. Henry fathered that kid. Fake understanding or not, he broke the rules. Unforgivable.”

Dean lowered his head and nodded. “You’re right.”

“I am.”

Dean was going to say more, but before he could, he heard the door close. Frank was gone. “Hey!” He jumped to the door. “Hey!” He called out echoing down the hall. “Shit.” He threw his hands in the air and went back in. Alone, he looked around and searched out a radio. “Left me alone in here.” Dean found one, turned it on, and listened for the hiss. “They just better not say anything if something happens and I miss it. It is not my fault.” Switching around the channels, Dean sought out Joe or someone from security to fill in. While he sat down to wait, he pulled his folders closer to review them. Through the tops of his eyes he noticed a volume adjustment and turned it all the way down. He figured Beginnings was already screwed if something should happen while he was on watch. He didn’t want to hear it coming.

<><><><>

Frank grumbled in his walk back to his office. He grumbled and whistled some old song he barely remembered the melody and tried to keep his mind from worrying about Robbie. He did that until Joe yelled through  his radio that Frank had his headset on and not only was he annoying Joe, but the community as well. Frank’s mood could have been better. He knew it would start to get there as soon as he finished off some things in his office so he could take advantage of the couple of days off Joe always gave the fathers when they had a baby born.

He passed the nursery, ignoring the call of Hap. Figuring it was a nursery and what kind of security problem could they have, Frank moved faster. He never thought that a man pushing eighty could run so fast. Spinning around in hurried annoyance, Frank controlled himself while looking at the wrinkled man with the abundance of white hair. Control. Patience. “What!” Frank barked.

“No, no.” Hap shook his old finger. “Let’s try this again.”

“I don’t have time.”

“Everyone has time for politeness.”

“What do you want?” Frank asked harshly.

“I said we’ll try this again.”

Grunting and realizing that Hap had just been hanging out with Trish too much, Frank turned back around.

“Excuse me, Frank.” Hap tapped him on the shoulder.

“What!” Frank spun around. “Spit it out or I’m out of here.”

“I give up on you. Here.” Hap handed him a piece of paper. “Could you drop this requisition off at Mechanics for me, please? The air conditioning isn’t kicking on in the infant room.”

“Are you fuckin kidding me?” Frank snatched up the paper. “Your old ass chases me all the way to the edge of town and you couldn’t run this up yourself?”

“No.” Hap gave a swift pat to Frank’s arm. “Thanks.” He smiled once more, turned around, and headed back to the nursery.

“Now I’m a fuckin messenger boy.” Gripping the paper tightly, Frank marched back toward the utility buildings. Yes, he had to pass Mechanics and Hap probably knew that, but what Hap didn’t know was Frank didn’t want to go into Mechanics and see Henry. With one hard Frank-knock on the door, he opened it up. Peeking his head in, he saw Scott sitting at the bench working on something that looked like a radio. “Scott.” Frank walked in. “Hap wanted me to drop off this req. Where’s the box?” Frank looked around for the familiar bin that always sat right inside Mechanics.

“Henry has it,” Scott answered, his eyes glued to what he worked on.

“Can you give this to him?”

“You. I’m busy. He’s in his office.”

“What’s the big deal if you to give it to him?”

Scott merely shifted his eyes. “Letting go of this wire I’ve been trying to get back into place. It’ll take you three steps.”

“Man.” Frank tossed his head. “I get no respect.” He took three hard steps towards Henry’s office but stopped when Henry walked out with his tool bag.

“Hey, Frank. How come you’re here?” Henry asked in a usual Henry manner.

“Not by choice.” Raising his hand that held the requisition, Frank laid it less-than-gently into Henry’s chest. “Hap asked me to drop that off. Have your fuckin req box where it should be for now on so people don’t have to go looking for your skinny ass.” Frank spun and headed back to the door.

“Frank, do you have a minute?” Henry followed him. “Can we talk?”

“No.” Frank threw open the door.

“Frank.” Henry walked outside, pulling the door closed.

“Henry.” Frank faced him. “I have nothing more to say to you. Nothing.” He spit forth his angry words. “You’re picking the wrong fuckin day to even try to talk to me.” Frank bit his bottom lip. “Back off.” He held up his hand. “Just back off.” He turned back around and headed to his office. He just wanted to finish off his day, go to the clinic, spend some time with his kids, and then head back to the clinic for the night. Keeping his mind on those thoughts, he thought nothing else could go wrong. Frank was surprised, not pleasantly, when he opened up his office door. “John? What the hell are you doing?”

John Matoose stood before Frank’s office’s open closet. His hands laid flat on a box that was tilted out some. “Hi Frank,” John grunted, shoving the box back on the shelf. “I thought I was filling in for you already. Aren’t you taking the rest of the day off?”

“Yeah.” Frank shut his office door. “Why are you going through my stuff?” He took off his shoulder harness, tossing it on his desk.

“Oh.” John shut the cupboard. “I was looking for those loose maps you have. Mechanics is making a techno run in about a month and I wanted to put it together. You know, zoom in on areas we haven’t touched.”

“All the maps we hardly use are on the bottom. You know that.” Frank plopped in his desk chair.

“Yeah I do. But you’re missing a ton of county maps for the surrounding states. You have so much shit in that closet that I don’t know where to look.”

Frank leaned in toward his desk. “County maps are next to the military installation maps.”

“Yep, they are, but you’re missing some I know you had.”

“Fuck.” Frank stood up. “You need these now?”

“No.” John shook his head. “It was something I wanted to work on tonight. Jenny and the women are meeting so . . . not important.” John headed to the door. “Give me a call on the radio when you’re done for the day. I have to get out of the house and I’m gonna work on those rounds schedules and communication center schedules I see you didn’t finish.” John pointed as he opened up the door.

“Sounds good.” Frank looked at the two clipboards that still sat on his desk. Training schedules were done and  everything else was almost there. “I’ll give you a call.”

“Thanks.”

Picking up his pencil when he heard the door shut, Frank pulled the rounds schedule closer. “Let’s see, Mark, you haven’t done perimeter . . . hmm.” Frank laid down his pencil and turned his head to his closet. “I know those maps are in there. Nah.” He shook his head and reached for the pencil. “No.” He stood up. “This will bother me the rest of the day. Fuckin John Matoose probably was looking right at them. He just doesn’t know what he’s looking at.” He reached for his closet door, and opened it. “Holy shit! Where did all these boxes come from? Shit.” Frank winced and remembered not only did he have his office stuff in there, but things that he had to take from his closet because Ellen needed the room. “Aw.” He bent down to the boxes on the floor. “I might as well dig up that map of the region Robbie’s in while I’m in here.” He pulled out a box. “Fuckin John Matoose. Why am I in here?” He opened the first box and rummaged through it. He knew exactly what that box was. It was his ‘hide me’ box. There was an old shoulder harness and a broken radio he forgot to take to Mechanics--Frank took that out. He’d hide it in Mechanics and bitch about it not being fixed. There were reports he never turned into Joe because they were too wrinkled or dirty. A tube of lipstick? Frank held it up and smiled. He remembered it well. Ellen had taken so many tubes when they were beyond the wall and she insisted on liking and wearing the most hideous one so Frank hid it. Frank stuck that tube immediately in his back pocket. He’d surprise her later with it and tell her he found it. Tossing that box aside, Frank walked into the closet. Going on the old theory that it’s always the last place you look, Frank reached for the box furthest in the back. Frank knew the second he lifted the small box that it wasn’t his maps, but he knew for certain what it was. In an essence it was his own memorabilia box. Not full of stupid shit like Ellen had, but dresser drawer shit he unloaded and brought to Beginnings. It was stuff he brought from base and left home in Ashtonville.

He opened that box and laughed at the deodorant and the aftershave that set on top. Junk, that was all it was. Junk that found itself on the top of his dresser and it order to make it look neat, he tossed it into an old shaving kit. Frank lifted that shaving kit and unzipped it, wanting only to peek inside. When he did he saw it, a beverage napkin, folded and yellow, the blue ink still vivid. Written on the napkin was a telephone number and the name ‘Bill Nelson’.

Frank dropped from the squat on the floor to a sitting position and leaned against his closet door. He remembered Bill Nelson, a man he met briefly once and never saw again but he didn’t keep that napkin for Bill’s number. He kept it for the memory of that night, one of Ellen’s drunken flirt nights with a random stranger. Bill was that random stranger. Frank had to intervene. After all, she wasn’t allowed to cheat on Pete with anyone but him. It surprised Frank that after all these years, she still hadn’t changed. But, yet, like in the past, he dealt with her antics.

Frank stared one more time at that name on the napkin as he still sat on his floor. Adjusting the headset microphone, he called out, “Dad.”

“Yeah Frank,” Joe answered.

“Hey, are you with Ellen?”

“She’s right here.”

“Can I talk to her?” Frank’s fingers fiddled with the edge of the napkin.

“What’s wrong, Frank?” Ellen came over the radio.

“Hey, El. I have a name for you. See if it rings a bell. Bill Nelson.”

There was silence. “Nope.”

“Bill Nelson. It doesn’t ring a bell?”

“No, it doesn’t. Sorry. Bill, Bill. Nope.”

“It doesn’t ring a bell? Think about it.”

“I am. It doesn’t.”

“Come on, El,” Frank beckoned.

Instead of Ellen’s voice, it was Joe’s. “It doesn’t ring a damn bell. Now knock the shit off and quit wasting the airwaves, Frank.”

“All right.” Frank refolded the napkin, only this time he placed it in his back pocket. “Dad, just tell Ellen I’ll be right there. I’ll make it ring a bell.”

“I’ll tell her,” Joe said so annoyed because he knew damn well Frank should have realized Ellen could hear his big mouth through the speaker of Joe’s radio.

Chuckling some and taking off his headset, Frank stood up and grabbed that small box. He tossed everything back in and closed the flaps. “Where were you again? Eh, I’ll put you on top.” Reaching up with the box, Frank moved to shove it further back and the box that teetered on the edge of the shelf fell forward and conked him in the head. “Fuck.” Frank rubbed the top of his head and bent down for the box. It wasn’t heavy and it was sealed. Written across the top was ‘Robbie’s stuff. Do not touch! Do not open!’ Thinking screw that, Frank brought the box to his desk.

Pulling the flaps that Frank was sure were glued with a special secret Robbie glue, he opened the box. “What is this shit?” Frank began to pull out envelopes. When he lifted the stack of papers, he could see a sweatshirt, one he recognized as Ellen’s. He lifted the papers and knew right away what it was. It was everything Robbie had collected in his investigation when Moses had attacked Ellen and Dean. He knew it to be fact when he read the last notes on the top sheet of paper. In Robbie’s handwriting, ‘Dad says evidence is inconclusive. Investigation is over. Dad sucks.’

Getting ready to replace those papers back in the box and seal it like Joe did the investigation, Frank saw them. How odd. He lifted them out and looked at them. The Beginnings equivalent to a photographer, Forrest Caceres, name was scribbled on the bottom of each sketch that Frank held in his hand.

Slowly he looked at them one by one. They weren’t of anyone in particular, just scenes. There was a drawing of a man accosting a woman in some doorway, a man who looked like Moses and another that confused Frank. It was a picture of a hand, a hand with scratches. Then Frank saw something else besides Forrest’s name on the bottom. One word written right by the fingertips of that drawing, one word, ‘John’

Placing the sketches back in the box, Frank knew at that instant he would take it and do with the investigation like he did with that box--open it. He had to. He had no other choice. It was clear to Frank at that moment on why he felt so strongly about it now. Frank could have reasoned against it because the evidence was minimal. But it wasn’t. The truth was, the meaning of the investigation hit him when the realization that he wouldn’t have had that box to peek into had it not been for John Matoose standing in Frank’s closet. And right there and then as Frank grabbed the box to take with him, another question hit Frank’s mind. ‘What was John Matoose really looking for in that closet?’

CHAPTER FOUR

The peaceful serenity and quiet lasted as long as his shower. The noise that came from downstairs in Dean’s house pummeled him the moment he turned off the water. He knew he had to move quickly. Just because Andrea’s son Denny was downstairs with his kids was no guarantee total mayhem wasn’t going to erupt. It sounded like it already had to Dean,. Before venturing out into the cold hallway, he checked his reflection in the bathroom mirror to the small bump on his forehead which was already beginning to bruise, a bump brought on by another blurred vision episode. It wouldn’t have been that bad had Dean only been around his children, but Denny had to be there when Dean walked right into that wall. Not only was Dean pummeled with pain at that moment, but also with the annoying laughter of a teenage boy as well. Forgoing the bump, he opened the bathroom door, only to be nearly knocked off his balance when his tiny daughter, Alexandra, sped by him so fast she was a blur. Holding tightly to his towel, Dean hurried into his room to change.

Grabbing the pair of cut off shorts he had out and a tee shirt, Dean got dressed. After speedily placing on his socks and running a brush though his hair, Dean searched out his shoes. “Where are my high tops?” He knelt down checking under the bed. “I just had them on.” He stood back up looked around his floor and lifted the clothes he had taken off. “Where are they? Shit.” Opening his bedroom door he saw his answer. “Alex.”

Doing her ‘I have to go to the bathroom’ wiggle, she shuffled down the hall in Dean’s high top tennis shoes

“Alex, give me my shoes.”

She giggled. “Look Daddy they fit.”

“No, they don’t.” He marched up to her. “You go to the bathroom.”

“No.” She tried to get away.

“Alex, Daddy isn’t playing around. He has to go talk to Mommy at the hospital and Frank will be here.” He reached for her and she swung her arms moving away. “Alex.” He scolded, placed his hands under her arms, and lifted her. Seeing his shoes still attached to her feet, he swayed her back and forth until the shoes fell to the floor followed seconds later by a long stream of wetness. “Alex,” Dean whined, holding her out.

Alex started to cry. “I’m telling Mommy you made me pee my pants.”

“I didn’t make you . . .”

“Hey, Dr. Dean.” Out of breath Denny raced up the steps. “I heard her crying. Is she all right? What’s the matter, Alex?”

“Daddy made me pee my pants.”

“Oh man. Dr. Dean, that’s just not right.”

Grunting and tilting his head, Dean extended Alexandra to Denny. “Here, help her change because I have to go.”

“But Dr. Dean,” Denny cringed as Alex was placed in his arms, “she’s all wet. Yuck.”

Joining the sentiment, Dean also cringed, “And so are my shoes. Shit.” Picking them up with two fingers he carried them into his bedroom and sought out his work boats. He didn't really care about being a fashion statement. He only wanted to get to the clinic and talk to Ellen before Henry settled in with her for the evening. Not lacing his boots all the way, Dean flew from the bedroom, holding his folders. “Denny, Frank will be by to get them any second. He’ll feed them. Just ask him what time he’s bringing them back so you can be here. Thanks.” Dean patted him on the arm and darted down the steps. He bent down to Brian in the baby walker and kissed him. As he made his run to the front door, he brushed his lips on Joey and Billy as well. “I need a bigger house.” Taking a breath, he opened the door. Frank stood there. “Hi Frank. Bye Frank.”

Frank snickered. “Cute legs, Dean. The boots add that special touch.”

Slowing down his pace only to shudder at Frank, Dean continued to the clinic in his fast manner.

She looked better health wise to Dean that early evening, but other than that, Ellen looked as if she struggled. Sitting on the bed, the back raised up, she wore a long white tee shirt and her arms kept lifting and falling. Dean watched her from the doorway for a moment as he held on to his folders and Ellen’s chart. Staring down at her hands that held a brush, her hair dangling down, Dean felt it when she raised her eyes and smiled when she saw him.

“Dean.” She reached over setting the brush on the night stand then she tucked her hair behind her ear. “I thought you were standing me up.”

“Who me?” He walked into the room. “Never.” He set the folders on the foot of her bed and held up her chart. He noticed she giggled. “What?”

“Look how cute you are with your little cut off shorts and all. And the boots.” She gave a thumbs up. “The boots add the special touch.”

“Somehow I’ve heard that line before.” He flipped open the chart.

“Why are you playing doctor with me? Not that I mind but why?”

Dean felt her pulse. “I’d like to get this out of the way and then we can talk. Besides, I am your doctor and the only one, lately, you let touch you.” He set down her hand. “Sit back.” When she did he noticed she was wearing boxer shorts under her long shirt. “El, those shorts aren’t rubbing the incision, are they?”

“No. They’re loose and I have them pulled way up here.” She lifted the shirt to show him the waist band nearly to her breasts. “See. They’re Frank’s.”

“Don’t lower the shirt. I want to see” He pulled the waist band out of the shorts and examined her. “Are they tender?”

“A little and there’s some pulling. I’m tough though.”

“Yeah you are.” Dean smiled, and fixed her shirt. “Any dizziness?”

“Nope.”

“How’s the bleeding?”

“Less than I had with my other children and I’d like to say those two pints you guys pumped into me right away made me feel like a new person.”

“I have news for you, Ellen. Guess whose blood we pumped in you.”

“No, Dean. Don’t tell me.” Her mouth dropped open.

“O.K. I won’t. But it was.”

“Oh my God. Wait till Henry hears.”

Dean set down her chart. “I see Melissa had you ambulating.”

“Yes and I did well. I even took a shower. I feel good.”

“Good. Then are you ready to ambulate yourself down to that nursery to see your son?” He watched her head drop “El?”

“I’d rather not, Dean.”

“Have you seen him since he was born?”

“No.” She shook her head. “I’d rather wait until he’s not so weak. I can still see it when you lifted him out and he just . . . he just was so lifeless. I’d rather wait. Not yet. For the first time I don’t think I’m strong enough to handle it. Of course I’m not even strong enough to put a ponytail in my hair. It hurts when I raise my arms.”

“Well, I can’t help you get the strength to see Nick. But . . .” Dean lowered the back to her bed, leaving Ellen without support to sit. “I can help you with the ponytail.” He grabbed the brush and sat behind her on the bed. “I am the ponytail king. Ask Alex. Speaking of Alex, you know how you noticed the boots?” Dean asked as he brushed her hair. “Alex peed in my high tops. She was wearing them and she was doing that stupid dance.” He heard Ellen giggle. “So suffice to say, they’re soaked.”

“Was she crying?”

“Yep. She said she was telling on me. Frank was there when I left, so, he can deal with it. High ponytail or low?”

“High please. It gives that face lift effect.” Ellen smiled and tilted her head back. “Thanks for this, Dean. Thank you. This is nice.”

“Yeah it is.” He reached for the band and maneuvered it in her hair. “You are all done.”

Ellen felt Dean ready to get up and she stopped him. “Stay here.” She leaned back into him. “You have kept me in suspense all day. What’s going on with you?”

“You really want to know this.”

“Give it to me.”

A heavy sigh escaped Dean and he wrapped his arm around her chest and rested his face close to hers. “It's not good.”

Ellen swallowed harshly. “Maybe you can’t be sure. Maybe you’re too close to the situation.”

“I’m sure. I did another CAT scan. It confirmed what I thought.”

“Which is?”

“Scar tissue is building up. Once the healing is done and the scar tissue is complete, my sight may just be gone.”

Like they weighed a hundred pounds, Ellen’s eyes closed. “Is there time to prepare for surgery? Maybe you, Jason, and Andrea can work a way to remove the scar tissue from the optic nerve.”

“See that’s where the problem lies, El. It’s not the optic nerve. It’s the brain. It’s the part of the brain that is sending signals to my eyes to see. It’s being blocked. And . . . it eventually will stay fully blocked. Right now, my glasses barely work and unlike yesterday or the day before, I had another episode this evening. Two in one day. That’s never happened. I suspect it will only increase.”

Ellen’s lips closed tightly as she grazed her hand down the arm that braced her. “Have you told Andrea about this?”

“No, you and Henry are the only ones who know. It has to stay that way. If they know I’m going blind, that’s it for me. What are they going to do for me? If I can’t see, I can’t work. If I can’t work, how do I justify staying in Beginnings. What am I gonna do, El? How can I live like that?”

“My God, Dean, I have told you before. It’s not your eyes that heal things. It’s your brain. You know how to do it so you are just going to have to learn how to do it without your eyes.”

“Who’s going to let me learn?”

“That’s why I’m here. They don’t have to know until you can prove how well you’ll do without your eyes. I’ll be your eyes, Dean. I’ll be your guide. It’ll be tough if it happens, but I know you. You’re so smart. You’ll learn. You told me you’d teach me everything and you will. Every day that you can see, you will teach me how to see what you do.”

“I’m scared, El.”

“I’m right here.”

Dean held her tighter. “I’m glad.”

“There’s still a chance Dean, that you won’t lose your sight.”

“We can hold on to that. We can. I’m just grateful that I know that you’ll be here every step of the way.”

“That’s what we decided. It’ll make it easier for me to be around. I’m just glad you still want me.”

“Are you kidding?” Dean slid off the bed and faced her. “I love you. The only thing is a part of me wishes you were going into this understanding with me because you want to, not because I need you.”

Ellen grabbed his hand as he backed up. “We’ll take our time. We’ll do this right. I’ll be here to help you and this … could work between us this time. I really want to change, Dean.”

“I’ve given some thought to how this will work.” Dean slipped his hand from hers.

“It will.”

“No it won’t,” Dean backed up. “It won’t, Frank won’t let it. Right now Frank will make it impossible and you know it. He sees us together all the time, he’s gonna think we’re working on a relationship and he’ll exercise that control over you. I need you a hundred percent to learn it all.”

“Maybe it would help if we tell him. I am positive he won’t interfere if he knows.”

Dean’s head lowered and he lifted only his eyes. “For the time being, I’d rather not tell him at all. For now?” Dean stared at her for a moment. “All right, serious relationship stuff and Dean blind stuff is now over.” He stood up, picked up a stack of folders, and dropped them before her.

“What is this?” She asked with such a gasp. “I’m sick here, Dean.”

“And we’re on borrowed time. So . . ., He grinned as he handed her a folder, “Mrs. ‘whatever your last name happens to be this month’, it’s time to learn.”

Henry glided in his steps to Joe’s office. He led Scott, the fourth mechanic division worker in Beginnings. He was a lot like Henry, tall and thin. His hair was long as well, only it was blonde and always pulled back. “In here, you’ll have to stop first thing in the morning. Well, first thing in Joe’s morning, which starts about seven. We usually start, as you know, about five.” Henry opened the door. “Joe has the other mechanical request box. You have to pick them up here first thing. These requests are the ones that people put in their division or drop them off here personally.” Henry walked to the third filing cabinet and to the small box on top. “Empty.” He tilted it. “It’s probably because Josh is still out collecting them. That’s his and Denny’s job. When you sift through them, make sure that you pay no attention to the ones that are really bad. Josh and Denny think they’re real funny putting in fake requests. I can pick them out. What was the one last week? Fix Forrest’s waddle?” Henry shook his head with a smile. “Anyhow, just take them to Mechanics and do the ones you know are important first. Common sense.”

“Henry, we get so many requests.”

“Yeah I know. Forrest will be helping out. I just need to confirm that with Joe. Forrest is very mechanically incline. You just can’t understand him sometimes. Just nod your head and tell him, ‘um . . .yeah, sure.’” Henry winked as he leaned into Scott. “Works every time. If you run into something you can’t fix, I’m around. Just look for me or ask John . . .” Henry saw the door open and John Matoose walked into Joe’s office. “John Matoose.” Henry held his hand out to John. “Speak of the devil. No pun intended John.”

“Yeah right.” John dropped a copy of schedules off on Joe’s desk. “What are you guys doing in here?”

“I was explaining to Scott the Mechanics Division procedure on requisitions.”

“Why?” John asked.

“Because he’ll be filling in as head of mechanics while you’re filling in for Frank and I’m gone. He and Forrest will be alone. You’ll help him though, right?”

“Where are you going? We’re not making any runs.”

“John.” Henry laughed as if he thought John couldn’t possibly be serious. Surely he knew. “Ellen had the baby. I’m taking my three days Joe always gives for paternity leave.” Henry turned to Scott. “Isn’t that a cool thing, Scott? You know the United States was the only country that didn’t do that? Now Beginnings does. I think it’s great.”

John scoffed, “Henry, Joe doesn’t know you’re taking this time off, does he?”

“I assume he does,” Henry said.

“You’re assuming wrong. You don’t get the time off.”

“Yes I do. Ellen had the baby.”

“And Frank’s the father, Henry,” John told him roughly. “Not you. Frank was primary relationship when that child was conceived. You were secondary. Therefore, it’s Frank’s kid. Therefore, Frank gets the time off.” John shook his head as if Henry was stupid. “Plus, Henry, everyone around here knows, Frank doesn’t share. Frank was sharing time with his wife, not his wife’s bed. You broke the trust and then broke it again when you ran around telling people you married her. You’re a piece of work. One day you’ll realize that and stop looking at me all the time like the bad guy.” With another shake of his head John walked out.

Henry didn’t want to hear John’s words, but he did, not just through his ears, but through his body and soul. Even though they were painful, they held a lot of truth.

<><><><>

It was not something Dean wanted to hear when he returned to his house. Noise and an abundance of it was screaming at him before he even opened his front door. Little Brian scooted quickly by like a miniature Speed Racer in his walker, his arms waving in the air as he squealed his baby squeal. Alex and Joey dove from the back of the couch onto to Denny’s back. And Denny, he screamed as loudly as everyone. All were making noise but Billy. He sat on the couch, looking through a book,  one finger closing off his ear. “God!” Dean exclaimed as he stepped over the wrestling match. “I need a bigger house. You can tell you guys were with Frank. What did he do, feed you guys sugar?”

Denny, jumping up with Alex and Joey still hanging from him, ran his hand through his curly hair. “Yeah.”

“Yeah what?” Dean looked back trying to make it to the kitchen.

“Yeah.” Denny set down the two kids who hung from him. “He gave them sugar.”

“Frank gave them sugar?” Dean nodded. “Not even Frank would feed them plain sugar.”

“No.” Denny laughed at Dean. “Those stick powder things Josephine makes. You know the ones with flavored sugar.”

“Pixie Sticks,” Dean said.

“What?”

“Pixie Sticks. That’s what we called them when I was a kid.”

“Well we don’t call them that here. We call them sticks with the powder stuff in it. Anyway,” Denny let out a long breath, “Frank had a contest. He made us put the powder on our tongues.” Denny stuck out his tongue. “Then he made us hold it there until we folded. It burned our tongues, Dean.”

“Frank is a sick man and I’m a hungry man.” Dean headed to the kitchen. “Hey, who baked the cookies?” Hearing Denny’s ‘my mom’, Dean knew it was safe to grab one. Sticking it in his mouth and pouring a glass of milk, he headed back to the mass confusion of the living room. He stopped at the dining room table. “What’s this?” He lifted a folder.

“Oh.” Huffing Denny walked to the dining room. “Frank left that here when he picked up the kids. He was too busy changing Alex’s pants to notice. I’ll take it to him.”

“What’s in it?” Dean asked.

“I don’t know. I’m afraid to look. Frank might pull my ear.”

Dean rolled his eyes and opened the folder. Figuring since it was Frank’s, it was worth pissing him off and looking. “Sketches.”

“I saw those.” Denny looked over his shoulder.

“I thought you said you didn’t look in here.”

“I didn’t. I saw when Forrest drew them for Robbie.”

“Forrest drew these for Robbie?” Dean asked.

“That’s what I said. See, Robbie said he was writing a children’s book and needed Forrest to draw it. I kind of think it’s too scary for little kids don’t you think, Dean? Especially . . .” Denny leafed through them, “this one.” He lifted the picture of a woman being accosted and he gave it to Dean.

The moment Dean looked at it he dropped it. “Shit.”

“See, even you’re scared.”

“Um, yeah.” Dean gathered up the sketches and placed them in the folder. “Do you know where Frank is now?”

“He said he wanted a drink before he went back to see Ellen.”

“Thanks.” Dean lifted the folder. “Denny, watch the kids for me for a few more minutes, please?”

“Sure. Are you taking those back to Frank? Maybe he’s going to finish Robbie’s book.”

Dean reached the front door, stopped and smiled at Denny. “I think you’re right, Denny. I think Frank is finishing Robbie’s book. I’ll be back.”

Dean walked at a quick pace, feeling the chill of the evening summer air against his short wearing legs. A lot of people walked around and that told Dean that the social hall probably wasn’t too crowded.

As soon as he walked in, he spotted Joe, Jason, and Forrest seated at the end of the bar near the door. “Hey Joe.”

Joe spun around on his stool and he nudged Jason. “Uh Hi Dean, nice legs you got there.” Snickering Joe returned into the bar.

Jason peered down also. “The gams and the boots.” Jason gave a thumbs up.

Shaking his head, Dean looked at Forrest. “Would you like to comment on my legs too, Forrest?”

“Ah new Done. Uh um newt a log mun. Uh um a boost mun. Boot of you wooed newt mind.” Forrest reached out and laid his hand on Dean’s chest. “Aw, smell boot fem,” chuckling, Forrest returned to Joe, Jason, and his drink.

“Cute.” Dean nodded. “Now if you three old guys . . .” He hunched at their unison ‘hey’ “If you three wise gentlemen are done, have you seen Frank?”

Joe slammed his hand. “Christ, Dean. He’s right over there.” He pointed to Frank who sat in a chair all the way across the social hall. His back faced the rest of the room while Frank stared at the stage where the band usually played. “How can you miss his big ass?”

Clutching the folder closed, Dean walked to Frank. He watched Frank’s head tilt back, finishing off what he had in his glass, and then reach down to the bottle set by his right boot. Seeing him pour and bring the glass to his lips, Dean from behind, extended the folder down in front of Frank, interrupting him. “Lose this?”

“Shit.” Frank stood immediately up taking the folder and spinning to Dean. “Where do you get this?”

“You left it on my dining room table when you picked the kids up.”

“Oh that’s right.” Frank winced at himself. “Shit, I got so caught up in cleaning Alex up since you made her pee her pants that, I forgot I brought this with me. Thanks.” He held the folder up and took a drink from his glass.

Dean stepped back. “Frank, may I ask you something about those?”

“Nope.”

“Sorry. It’s just . . . never mind,” Dean shrugged and turned around.

“It’s just what?” Frank called out to him. “What?”

Slowly Dean turned back and walked to Frank. “This is gonna sound crazy, but it’s just that those sketches are illustrations of what Robbie thinks happened that night right? I mean that’s what I gathered from them. Me on the floor, Ellen being grabbed by the door, and Moses chasing her.”

“Yeah. Get to your point.”

“It’s just the one seems wrong.” Dean raised his hand and dropped it. “I don’t know. I’m nuts, forget I said anything.”

Frank moved to a table and dropped the folder down on it. “Dean.” He called and waved him back with the hand that held the glass. “Which one?”

Dean walked to the table. “This one.” He lifted the picture of Ellen bring grabbed by the lab door.

“Oh. That one. I thought maybe another one. You were passed out when this happened.”

“Yeah I was. But . . .” He watched Frank finish off the drink. “Frank, I thought you were going back to see Ellen at the clinic?”

“I am.” Frank reached for his bottle.

“Then why are you drinking?”

“Why do you care?”

“I care about Ellen and you know how she’s been about your drinking lately. I don’t want her upset.”

“Neither do I.” Frank set the bottle and the glass down then moved them away. “So, the rest of these sketches look fine though?”

“Yeah. Why do you have all these out?”

“It was Robbie’s investigation stuff. My reason is pretty silly. Let’s just say, and keep it quiet, that I’m looking back into it for my own silly reason.” He saw Dean accepted that. “So tell me, why do you suppose the one sketch that happened while you were passed out is the only one that looks wrong?”

“My silly reason too, I guess. Taking the risk of having you laugh at me, but I dreamt this.” Dean pointed at the sketch. “I dreamt this very incident.”

“Whoa.” Frank held up his hands. “Nowhere in any of Robbie’s notes did it mention you having a dream about this.”

“Plural Frank. Dreams. Why would I tell Robbie that?”

“Because you may have actually saw it and because you were hurt, your mind stuck it deep away. It happens to men in combat all the time. Memories come out in their dreams. What’s different about it?” Frank slid the sketch closer to Dean.

“Frank.”

“Come on. What’s different?”

“Well for starters. See how the right arm is around her waist lifting her and the left arm is around her shoulders?”

“Yes?” Frank looked.

“In my dream, the left arm is under her arms, across her breast, like this.” Dean wrapped his left arm around his own chest demonstrating. “And the right hand covered her mouth.”

Frank’s eyes slowly rose. “What was El doing in your dream?”

“She kicked and fought and then passed out.” Dean lifted his shoulders. “It’s a dream, Frank.”

“How can you be so sure it isn’t a memory?”

“Because in my dream, this,” his index finger came down on the sketch to Moses, “this wasn’t Moses.”

“Another survivor.”

“No, that’s how I can confirm it’s only a dream. This man here,” Dean pointed again, “was John Matoose.” With a raise of his eyebrow, he stepped back.

Frank’s nostrils flared and his face turned immediately red. “Oh, I’ll kill him if I prove this.”

“What?” Dean laughed in ridicule. “You can’t believe my dream Frank.”

“What hand was covering Ellen’s mouth?” Frank asked again.

“The right.”

“You said she kicked and fought.” Frank pulled out a sketch and tossed it down. “A right hand with scratches, Dean. Look, Robbie wrote John’s name on this and in Robbie’s notes he had written that John had three long scratches across his right hand.”

“Shit.”

“Exactly.” Placing his hands on his hips, Frank took a thinking break.

“As scary as it seems, you look in thought.”

“I am. I’m thinking about how to do this right. I have to do this right.”

“Unfortunately, you have only a few scratches on John’s hand, and my dream of course. You can’t back up a dream.”

“But I can if it’s a memory,” Frank snapped. “The only thing is we have to find out for sure if it is.”

“What? A dream or a memory? How do you suppose you do that?” Dean asked.

“I don’t know but I’ll figure out a way.” With a closed mouth, Frank bobbled his head slowly. He reached for his bottle and stopped. Clenching his hand, he pulled it back from the moonshine and laid it on the sketch. As far as Frank was concerned, he knew for certain two people were aware who grabbed Ellen that night, Dean and John. He had two ways to confirm his suspicion. One was to get John to admit it. The other was to get Dean’s memory to the forefront. Unfortunately for Frank, both possibilities would be nearly impossible to accomplish.

<><><><>

Horrified, Henry charged into Ellen’s clinic room. He stood in the doorway and his arms dropped to the side. “I’m sorry, El.” He walked slowly into her room.

“There has to be a mistake. There has to be.” Ellen dragged out her words as she sat on her bed.

“No, El. I’m sorry. Melissa confirmed it. They . . . “Henry’s eyes closed as he sat on the bed. “They gave you Jenny Matoose blood.”

“But how can that be? You and I have the same type blood. Why didn’t they give me your blood?”

“I asked Melissa that. She said because we have rare blood they needed to have it around.”

“But how can they give me Jenny’s blood? I didn’t think they could.”

Henry, looking so down, lifted his shoulders in a shrug. “She said they crossed their fingers and hoped it worked and it did.”

“What am I gonna do, Henry? You don’t think I’ll start acting like her do you?”

“I don’t know.” Henry sounded so worried. “I saw this movie once where they gave this guy another guys hand and the recipient received all the bad things about this guy.”

“Her blood is running through my veins. I didn’t think it was possible for me to even get her blood. But if Dean said, I guess he’s the one who would know.”

“Well he should have known better than to give you her blood. He knows how you feel about her.”

“So true Henry. If they were going to cross their fingers at least they could have crossed it with someone else’s.”

“Good thing they didn’t give you Os-Oscar’s blood. Then you might stutter.”

Ellen let out a long breath. “Imagine if they gave me both, Then I’d have red hair, freckles and st-stutter,” She smiled. “How was work tonight, Henry? Did you catch up so you can be off tomorrow?”

“No,” Henry said, “I’m not taking off until you get out of the clinic. Then I can be home to take care of you unless you don’t want me to.”

“Of course I do, Henry.” She laid her hand on his. “Don’t be silly. Who else would I want to take care of me, Henry? You’re not tired of me now that I’m not pregnant are you? You really liked me when I was pregnant.”

“El, I really like you no matter what.”

Ellen smiled pleasingly to Henry. “Are you staying for a while?”

“Sure I can visit.”

“You know, we really need to sit down and try to figure out where in the Time Ripple, I got pregnant with you.”

“I don’t think we can.”

“Sure, we can.”

“It’s a little late now, don’t you think?” Henry asked. “I mean, why is it important now.”

“Because we look like liars, Henry. I have lied enough and I’m trying to change that.”

“That’s great, El, but people are gonna believe what they want to believe. Us finding an explanation isn’t going to change anyone’s minds.”

Ellen stared at him. “This is very different of you. Have you …. have you visited the baby yet?”

“No, not yet. I looked at him but I didn’t visit.” Henry spoke softly. “Maybe it would be best if I kept my distance some from him.”

“So this is why you don’t want to figure out how he was conceived. He’s your son.”

“But he’s more Frank’s and you know Frank’s will make the baby live with . . .” Henry paused in his speech and his eyes took a far off look.

“What is it?”

“Nothing. El, I was thinking about something. Just listen to this. I know you want to help Dean. But maybe …. if I am going to give an understanding maybe you should consider having it with Frank.”

“What? The whole reason we go married was so you could control the understanding and let me be with and help Dean. No.”

“But listen to me, El. If the three of us are gonna raise this baby, I mean if Frank is gonna raise this baby, shouldn’t we all be in this together? Wouldn’t that be the right thing to do?”

“No,” she shook her head, “Not with Frank. Come on Henry, he wouldn’t be a good one to have an understanding with. Besides, I’m going to be with Dean. We talked about this.” She brought her face closer to his. “You agreed. He needs me. End of story.”

“What about after he done needing you?”

“Henry,” she whined pressing her head back against the pillow, “I can’t with Frank. I just can’t. Let’s not talk about that again.”

“You still love him.”

“And you know that.” Ellen took on a subtle look. “I will never stop loving Frank. I’ve loved him all my life. But as far as being with him, I can’t.”

“What about when the baby lives with him. Will you want to live there, El?”

“Why are you going on about this? I don’t want to talk about this.”

Henry opened his mouth to speak, but didn’t. He just stared in what was probably a rare tense moment between him and Ellen.

“Whoa.” Frank’s deep voice broke the silence. “This is an odd thing. Quiet in a room where Henry and Ellen are.” He walked to the bed.

“Which was short lived when you walked in,” Ellen said. “Why are you back?”

“I told you I would be.” He neared the bed and glanced at Henry as he did. “I stopped by to see our son. Patrick told me you haven’t been there yet today.”

“No I haven’t,” Ellen said.

“Why?”

“Because I don’t want to see him like that. Maybe tomorrow.”

“Nope.” Frank held out his hand. “Maybe right now you’ll go and see him. You have to see him. It’s not right. Come on. I brought a wheel chair. I’ll take you down.”

“Frank, no.”

“El, yes,” Frank was insistent. “I’ll be with you.” He wiggled his fingers at her. “Let’s go.”

Ellen reached up to them. “Just for a moment. I’m very tired.”

“I know.” Feeling Ellen’s hand grab his, Frank braced her arm, moved to the bed, and helped her up. “You all right?” He saw her cringe.

“Just a little pain.” She caught her balance leaning on Frank then she turned her head to Henry. “Henry, are you coming?”

Before Henry could answer, Frank jumped in. “He doesn’t mind if we go alone, do you, Henry?”

Henry sat up and slid from the bed. “I don’t mind. I’ll wait right here.”

Ellen glanced at him then nodded. With Frank’s help she sat in the wheel chair. He whisked her away so fast, she barely had time to wave to Henry.

“See,” Frank’s voice was a near whisper as he placed on the brake of the wheel chair. He had wheeled Ellen as close to the incubator as he could get her. “Look at him.” He saw the quiet look on her face, almost scared.

“Oh Frank, he looks so sad.”

“Are you kidding? He’s happy.” Frank helped her from the wheel chair.

“It’s hard to look at him.”

“That’s because you’re only seeing the bad things, his size, the IV. But look El.” He held on to her waist and brought her directly to the incubator. “Look how cute he is. Tough too. He’s life, El. Give me your hand.” Frank took her hand and, with his, placed them in the same glove. He led her hand to Nick. “Check out this. His body is smaller than my hand and that means more time to watch him grow.” He smiled trying to bring it from Ellen. “He’ll be all right. I promise you.”

CHAPTER FIVE

JUNE 29

At what in the old world was known as Quantico Marine Corps Combat Development Command, George Hadley walked alone in pride. He listened to the training sessions of the army he was building. It consisted of  Cyborg Microchip Enhanced or CMEs and  Survivors who just wanted to join the cause.

George found them and took them in. Unlike when he was in Beginnings, he was not selective. If they were bad seeds, they became a CME. Period. He heard the chanting, reminding him of his old military days, and the gunfire in the back ground. The gunfire was something George didn’t think he’d hear since the weaponry division of Quantico was long ago cleaned out pretty well by Frank on the very first run to pick up supplies.

But he knew as he strolled things were looking better. It wouldn’t be long until things were ready. He also knew that if all went well, the training that his men were doing wouldn’t be needed as hoped against Beginnings. Not just yet anyhow and if that was the case, then ‘the drop’ he was getting ready to prepare for Beginnings would be unnecessary as well.

It all hinged on what Robbie and his men, the ones that sat just a mere ten miles from their home, were hopefully holding within their own bodies . . . Beginnings’ downfall.

CHAPTER SIX

JUNE 30

It was the Rolling Stones in Robbie’s ear as he lay sprawled out on that grass he hand-picked to make short. Lying on his back, bare chested, and wearing only shorts, a slight glimmer of sweat formed on his hair filled chest as he baked. He had a huge grin as he listened to the music coming from the speaker of the player Ellen loaned him to keep him company. All Robbie kept thinking as he listened to the song ‘Satisfaction’ was about Linda Blair and how Mick Jagger, at that moment, sounded more like the demon from the movie the Exorcist than he did a rock star. Though the batteries played the song extremely slow, Robbie enjoyed it. Everyone else did not.

The music stopped.

Greg, with his hand on the player looked down at Robbie. “We gave you a half an hour of this annoying shit. Now we are asking you politely to stop. Just please stop.”

“Aw Greg.” Robbie propped himself up on his elbows squinting from the hot sun. “I’m rekindling my teenage years here, listening to music and tanning in the sun.”

“Driving everybody nuts?”

“I did that too.”

“I bet.” Greg sat down to join Robbie on the grass. “You can listen to that again when you have batteries.”

“Which shouldn’t be long. Frank should be here with a small supply drop. I asked for batteries. Let’s just hope Henry gave him enough batteries.” Robbie pulled out the waist to his shorts. “Yep I definitely got tan lines. I know for sure with all this hanging out, I’ll beat Ellen this year on who will get darker.”

“Why does it matter?”

“It does, Greg. It’s just something you have to understand,” Robbie explained. “When I was a teenager, I use to hang out with Ellen. We would lay out together and see who could get darker. Then as the years went and we’d keep in touch, she would always be ahead of me.”

“Because you were in the military?”

“No, because she cheated. The best thing that ever happened to Ellen was tanning salons or so she said,” Robbie shrugged. “However, she had the baby, so I doubt she’ll be out in the sun and by the time we head home in two days, I’ll have kicked her ass. What the hell else do I have to do?”

“You got me there.” Greg threw his hands up in the air.

“I do. I’m going to finish just laying here without my Rolling Stones.” Robbie grinned and sat straight up. “Maybe not.” His head lifted to view the sky when he heard it. “The sweet sound of motor noise. Do you hear it?”

Greg smiled also. “A chopper.”

“Not just a chopper but a Beginnings Chopper.” Robbie stood to his feet whistling to catch his men’s attention before the flutter of the helicopter came too close and drowned him out. “Frank’s here!” Walking out into the openness of the grassy area where he hung out, Robbie looked up to the sky waiting for his brother. Even though the chopper would only hover enough to make a drop. Robbie would be grateful for the moment when he saw his brother. Frank was family and family was home. Home was Beginnings, a place he had been away from for so long, and a place he couldn’t wait until he returned to.

<><><><>

Dean moved around his clinic lab so fast his lab coat flapped behind him like a cape as if he were Batman. He moved better now that he had his high top tennis shoes back. There was just something that stopped him screeching to a halt in his boots. Unlike the slide he got with his high tops, he received whiplash with his work boats.

He had so much to get done, clinic lab work to be completed along with virus work at the mobile lab and Ellen-the-seeing-eye-dog Class 101. One worker short--Ellen--meant hours a day they lost. Knowing this, Dean also knew that he and Johnny had their work cut out for them, especially until Ellen returned. Which by Ellen cabin fever standards, as soon as she can go, she will.

In his last round through snatching the clinic things he knew he could work on at the mobile lab, Dean’s dash to the counter became interrupted when, like a tunnel vision, everything went into a blur. Immediately he tried to stop. He stumbled some and felt for the counter, so within his reach yet so far from his focus. The haze of it disappeared into a blackness and Dean’s breath escaped him. Blackness? Always blurry, sometimes gray, never black. No, Dean thought. Not now. Seeing in his mind the lab he knew like the back of his hand, Dean reached outward in a feel to make his way to the counter in front of him.

As he gripped for support, he closed his eyes tightly. He could feel the sweat from under his shaking hands. Slowly and with hope he opened his eyes. Gray and blurry, the room soon spun into focus. Dean couldn’t move, not yet. He had to calm himself. He had to get his composure back. Frightened was what Dean felt at that moment. Frightened that what he had just experienced was truly a taste of his future.

<><><><>

There was something about Frank’s expression that was familiar to Joe as he watched his tall son step from the helicopter. Frank smiled, a huge grin shining across his face. As he stepped closer to Joe, he recognized that look. It was the same one Frank always had every time, when he was a kid, he stepped from an amusement park ride…total enjoyment.

“Did you get a glimpse of him?” Joe asked, approaching Frank with an extended hand.

“Getting tan Dad, laying there and getting tan.”

“How was the flight?” Joe asked.

“I’m getting good. Dan said he barely got sick.”

“Spot anything in the woods or surrounding areas?”

“Nope, clean and safe.” Frank leaned closer to his father as they walked. “I think you would have heard the gunfire if we did.”

“Thanks for that little tip, smart ass. Now’s here’s another one.” Joe handed him his headset. “Head your security division leader ass up to Perimeter Twelve. It’s down. Seems a deer tried to play beat the heat and he got fried. It flipped his body up into the perimeter and smashed part of the fence too.”

“Fuck.” Frank’s hand cut down through the air and he placed his headset on. “We need that covered, especially this time of the year with survivors sneaking in.”

“You got it.” They reached the hanger and once inside, Joe handed him the clipboard. “I hate to throw this at you now but you need to get up there. Henry wants to leave early today and we need to let him know where and how to set those beams.”

“Henry can’t go home early until he finishes that. There’s no one else in Mechanics that can fix those beams.”

“I know this. So head up there stat so he can finish up.”

“Like I care,” Frank mumbled as he took the clipboard.

“Excuse me?”

“Nothing.” Frank walked to the motorcycle that awaited him. “I’ll see if it looks like we’ll need a guard up there too tonight, just in case Henry can’t fix it.”

“Henry can fix it,” Joe stated. “It’s just a matter of getting it done before he takes Ellen home from the clinic.”

Frank straddled his bike, tucking the clipboard in the pouch that was strapped on it. “Well, if that’s all he wants to finish up for, then he can take his time. I’ll take care of Ellen until he’s done.” Not wanting to hear what it looked like his father was going to say, Frank jump started his motorcycle and sped from the hanger and toward Perimeter Twelve.

<><><><>

Henry only raised his head some when he heard the sound of the stopping motorcycle behind him. He knew who it was so he didn’t have to look. He did, however, have to look at his work and his watch, because he didn’t want to be up at that perimeter too long. He could hear the shuffle of feet behind him as he sat Indian style, working on the beam he had to reattach once the fence was put back up. He shifted his eyes downward and saw the tip of Frank’s black boot. “How was Robbie?” Henry asked as he worked.

“Robbie. It’s not like I fuckin spoke to him,” Frank cleared his throat. “That is going to need fixing before sundown.”

“I know this.” Henry didn’t look up, his words less the emotion, the same as Frank’s. “As soon as I replace this broken piece, I’ll have some men come and put up the fence again. Then I’ll get the beam on and working.”

“It could take a while.”

“I know this.”

“Then just know this, while you’re working on that, don’t worry about Ellen. I plan on having her at the house tonight.”

Henry immediately set down the beam and stood up. “I plan on being home this evening.”

“No, Henry, you should be planning on fixing that beam.” Frank stared coldly at him.

“I’ll get it to the point. Joe or Scott can finish it up.”

“And then what? Have them screw it up. It’s your job, Henry, finish your fuckin work first.”

“I’ll finish, so don’t worry about Ellen. She doesn’t need to go over to your house.”

“Oh she doesn’t?” Frank stepped even closer. “I have the kids until eight. If she doesn’t need to go to my house, when will she see her children, Henry? She had a life before you entered the picture, a life she can’t ignore. It’s hard enough as it is to get her to pay attention to the kids without you stopping it.”

“She can see the children at our home.”

“Yeah she can. But . . . she won’t.” Frank raised his eyebrows. “It’s easier for her to be at my house with them all. As a matter of fact, I’m going to suggest that she stay there until she’s well.”

“She has her own home, Frank.” Henry watched Frank back up. “She’s my wife.”

Frank stopped cold, he spun around. “Don’t.” His one word rang sharp, as his hand cut through the air. “Don’t throw that at me. Don’t. Not you. Not ever. What were you thinking? I’ll tell you what I thought. I thought we were friends. I trusted you. Trusted … you. You not only got her pregnant, you married her behind my back? What a piece of work you are and not worth my time.”

“There are reasons we got married. I wish I could tell you. I can’t. But trust me …”

“I don’t.” Frank cut him off. “No reason was good enough for this betrayal. None.” He turned again and walked away.

Henry clenched tightly to the tool, turning only his head to see Frank leave. When Frank was gone, Henry released a long breath and with a lot on his mind, returned to work.

<><><><>

Ellen sadly lowered the cellular phone to her lips. She closed her eyes, pressing the phone she just hung up against her mouth. Opening her eyes, she raised them to Johnny who sat on the end of her bed facing her. “Thank you.” She handed the phone back to him.

“I thought you’d want to talk to Uncle Robbie since he got his batteries.”

“I did.” She shook her head slowly. “I really did.”

“Was he down? Is that what he said?”

“No.” Ellen gave a half smile. “He made jokes. I just miss him and I’m worried. I’m really worried about him.”

“Uncle Robbie’s tough. Hey, he’s a Slagel.” Johnny saw he didn’t get a reaction. He took a loud breath and put the phone in his coat. “I just wanted to let you talk to him. I’ll leave you alone.”

“Johnny,” Ellen called to him softly as she felt the bounce of him getting off of the bed, “thank you.”

“Not a problem.”

“Johnny, I need you to know, I am really gonna make an effort to make a change. I’ve been … I’ve done …” Ellen shook her head. “Just know, I’ll eventually make things right with your dad for everything that’s happened.”

“I know. And …” Johnny exhaled. “I really should go. Dr. Dean has a ton of shit for me to do.”

“Then you’d better do it. Dean needs all the help he can get.”

“Yeah, especially with you out of commission. I’ll stop by and see you tonight. O.K.?”

“I’d love that,” Ellen smiled.

Johnny walked to the door, and as he left, Andrea walked in.

Ellen jilted some in shock. “Aren’t I popular today?”

Andrea walked in to the room slowly. “Want some good news?”

“Love some.”

“Nick’s bilirubin count is down and dropping. Three times in a row.”

Ellen’s head went back some in relief. “Thank God. How’s his weight?”

“Down to four-three but that’s normal. And . . . lung ratio is good. Very good. It looks like that little boy of yours is doing well.”

“Sit down.” Ellen patted the bed. “How long do you think he’ll have to be in here?”

“Let’s see how he does off of the oxygen. We’re taking him off the lights tomorrow.” Andrea sat down. “When his weight is up a little more, we’ll let him go. Maybe a week?”

“Oh good,” Ellen plopped backwards onto her pillow.

“I really have to go. I just wanted to let you know that. I’ll stop back. Right now . . .” Andrea stood up and looked at her watch. “Trish is due for a checkup and you know how long I’m in there with her. All those damn questions that girl asks. She is fast becoming the most annoying pregnant woman in Beginnings.”

Ellen laughed. “She’s just excited that’s all. She was here twice yesterday to tell me how cute Nick is. No, Andrea, annoying was Jenny in her first pregnancy when her breasts got milk early, remember? She worried that every time those big things leaked that the baby was losing nourishment. It took all of us to convince her that what came from her breasts was for after the baby was born.”

“Now, if I recall . . .” Andrea held up one finger. “You started that little panic episode. Weren’t you the one who told her, ‘oh my God Jenny, that’s not right. Something is wrong with you?’”

“Guilty.”

“I’m running late.” Andrea moved to the door. “One more thing, I put in for five work hours in that little betting pool going around.”

“How’s it looking?”

“Let’s put it this way. You and Henry are still the only two who believe Hap is Trish’s baby’s father. If Jeff is the dad, you and Henry will be winning lots of work hours.”

“Or if Hap is, Henry and I will become very lazy.”

“Valid point. I’ll see you.”

“Bye, Andrea,” Ellen said with a smile and stretched out her legs. She still had to wait for Dean to examine her one more time then Ellen was going home. She thought about Trish and her baby. How she envied Trish because the only thing hinging on the baby’s paternity was a few folks making a fun bet. She wished it were that simple with Nick. The whole situation was screwed up. She brought Henry into the equation so she could freely help Dean. Never did she imagine that Henry would enter the equation as the father. She was still trying to figure that out and hoped that Jason Godrichson would be able to shed some light on it. He said he’d try to figure out the ripple and, more than she let on, Ellen needed to know how it happened.

<><><><>

“Frank?” Joe said surprised as he approached Jason Godrichson’s lab. “What are you doing here?”

“Me?” Frank pulled the door closed. “Um, visiting.”

“Visiting?”

“Yeah, that Jason,” Frank snickered, “he’s funny. Bye Dad.” Frank rushed by him.

Joe saw it on Frank’s face, his looking up to the sky he could care less about as he tried to make an obvious escape. “Frank, what are you up to?”

“Who Me?”

“Yes you.”

Frank snickered, bit his lip, and bobbed his head back and forth. “Couldn’t be me. Then who? Dad! Dad stole the cookie from . . .”

“Frank!”

“Dad!”

“You know I really have to wonder sometimes if you and my real son weren’t switched at birth.”

“Now why would you say that?”

“You’re singing children’s rhythms to me and you have to ask me that? Have you ever seen me singing children’s rhythms when someone is speaking to me seriously?”

“No, but maybe you should try it.”

“Good bye Frank.”

“See ya.” Frank lifted his shoulders in a shrug and walked away.

Joe, trying so hard to control his grunting, walked into the quantum lab. “Hi Jason.” Joe shut the door. “Why was my son here?”

“He was rambling on about something.”

“What?”

“I don’t know. I don’t pay too much attention to Frank. He makes my head spin. I thought it had something to do with Ellen.”

“Ellen?” Joe asked. “What about her?”

“The baby. Nick?”

Joe pulled up a stool next to Jason who stood by his computers. “I’m lost.”

“Oh, about the baby’s paternity? The possibility of a time machine ripple causing it or something, but he didn’t mention it.”

“Why would he? That’s the most ridiculous thing I ever heard. He doesn’t think that, does he?”

Jason shrugged. “Doubt it.”

“So why would you think he’d be up here asking you?”

“Because Ellen did and this is between us.”

“Why would Ellen ask about a time machine ripple? Henry is the father. They had an understanding.”

Jason breathed out heavily. “She doesn’t know how she got pregnant by Henry. She claims they are and always have been completely platonic.”

“They’re married,” Joe said.

“She told me this morning it was for other reasons. They are still platonic. She even said Henry doesn’t know.”

“Oh, that’s complete and utter horseshit,” Joe scoffed. “They’re lying. They came to you …”

“Ellen,” Jason stopped Joe. “Ellen came to me. Not Henry, Ellen.”

Joe leaned back a little, grabbed a cigarette from his pocket, and lit it. “You really believe her.”

“You know her better than I do. When has she ever gone to extremes to cover a lie?”

“Joey and the paternity test.”

“OK, true.” Jason nodded. “I’ll put no more thought into it.” He turned to his computer. “I want to test the machine to keep her running.”

Joe reached out and laid his hand on Jason’s wrists. “You actually do believe she’s not lying.”

“Joe, I honestly think she hasn’t a clue how Henry is the father.”

“Wow.” He paused and took a hit of his cigarette. “Then maybe the question should be, if Ellen isn’t lying.” Joe exhaled heavily, blowing out the smoke. “Is Henry?”

<><><><>

Henry thought it odd, when he passed Dean’s lab earlier, he saw Ben from fabrics in Dean’s lab talking to him. Both Dean and he faced each other, Dean with more of a look of concern than anything else. That was odd to Henry, but not as odd as the fact that as he stood in the empty nursery--empty but for Nick--he watched Ben run down the hall and race into Ellen’s room. Thinking Ben must really want to visit Ellen, Henry returned to just staring at Nick.

“Hey, Henry,” Dean’s call to Henry was close and  unexpected that it made Henry jump from his bassinet stare.

“Hi Dean.”

“Nick is doing good. Huh?”

“That’s what Andrea told me.”

“You ready to see Ellen leave this place?”

“Yeah I am,” Henry said. “I have to work on that downed beam, so I just want to get her settled before heading back to that.”

“You know she’s heading over to Frank’s tonight, right?”

“I figured as much, yeah. Since, you know, I’m working and she shouldn’t be alone …” He paused and looked down to Nick. “I feel bad leaving this guy behind.”

“It’s not like you won’t see him. Let’s go.” Dean started to leave.

“Dean,” Henry called to him, “I need to talk to you for a second.”

“Sure what’s up?”

“It’s about this understanding or whatever it is that you and Ellen will be having.”

“What about it?” Dean gave his full attention.

“I was wondering if you thought it was all that good of an idea.”

Dean laughed out a “What? Not a good idea? It’s the only option you know that. Isn’t …” Dean brought his finger to his temple. “Correct me if I am wrong, but didn’t you and Ellen both say that you sneaked off and got married so she could freely spend time with me and learn all she needs to learn. This community needs her to learn. I need her.”

“I know you do. Trust me Dean. I was just thinking . . .” He looked back at the baby. “I was thinking that with the baby, and this is no reflection on you Dean, I was thinking that maybe it would only be right if I have the understanding with Frank.”

“Frank?” Dean started to laugh. “Henry, you don’t want to have an understanding with Frank. He’ll take all the time and, not wanting to sound like a selfish prick, I will sound like one anyway. Again, I need her. This isn’t about an understanding. The understanding is a front for the time I need to have with her. She needs the time to learn to be my eyes before I lose my sight. It’s crucial.”

“You .. you can have my time with her. Ellen said you didn't want to tell Frank anyhow, right? Just take my time.”

“Your time?” Dean shook his head. “Did I do or say something?”

“No, no. Who it is isn’t the issue. Nick is.”

“No he is not. Nick doesn’t know. Henry, why did you change your mind?”

Henry lowered his head. “I owe Frank.”

“You don’t owe Frank.”

“Yes Dean, I owe him everything. If he hadn’t let me be with Ellen in the first place, I wouldn’t be with her now. I broke every promise I made to Frank about that. Every one.”

“Henry.” Dean stepped closer. “Are you feeling guilty? This is not worth your guilt.”

“You don’t think?” Henry lifted his eyes.

“About the baby? You can’t feel guilty about something that you had no control over. Isn’t that what you said? You and Ellen think it was a ripple thing.”

“Yes, but, it … the baby, the marriage. Again, my promises were broken to Frank.”

“Yeah, well, Frank broke a lot of promises too. So … do whatever, Henry. I’m not gonna beg you or fight with you. Just don’t make choices out of guilt. There’s no reason for it.” Dean turned and walked away.

Again, Henry’s head lowered. He looked to the ground and then after a breath, lifted his eyes. He stood there before seeing Ellen and took in all that Dean had said.

CHAPTER SEVEN

“Shut up!” Frank loudly blasted across the commotion in his house. “Your mother is trying to rest here. Be quiet!”

Ellen winced as she lay on the couch. “Frank, you’re just as bad.”

“No I’m not.” He had reached that point as he made it to her from the dining room. The extremely loud game of Twister had to end. “Josh, you and Denny take the game up stairs. Please?”

Josh stomped in a pout. “All right. Come on guys. Denny, untwist yourself.”

Relief hit Frank and so did Brian's walker as he careened full speed into Frank’s leg. He huffed as he grabbed his shin and stepped over the walker only to have Brian wheel himself some more, nearly tripping Frank. “Whose fuckin brilliant idea was this to make this kid mobile?” Picking up the walker, he handed it to Josh. “Take him up with you too and put the gate up. I don’t want him wheeling down the steps again.”

“Got him.” Josh set the walker down, shoved the board to Twister in the seat with Brain, and gave the timer to Brian to hold--it went directly in his mouth--as he carried him up the steps.

“Better.” Frank took in the silence then sat on the edge of the couch next to Ellen’s legs.

“Frank, you’re so tense.”

“I’m sorry. It’s just that I wanted you to rest after dinner and you haven’t been able to.”

“They’re being kids. And . . .” She folded her hands on her legs. “Dean will be here soon so why don’t you take me home while Josh has them upstairs.”

“No, El.” Frank laid his hand on her leg.

“Frank, I have to go home.”

“Why don’t you stay here? Come on. I can take care of you.” In a grip, his hand moved up and down her thigh as he spoke to her so softly with so much depth. “Stay here with me. Please.”

“Frank . . .”

“No, listen. It’ll just be me and you. That’s it. I’ll take care of you. I can do this. You should be here.”

“Frank, I live with Henry..”

“I don’t fuckin care.”

This took Ellen aback. “Frank?”

“Forget it.” Tossing his hand down, Frank clenched the muscles in his jaw and stood from the couch. He walked toward the kitchen.

“Frank?” As well as she could--but slowly--Ellen stood from the couch and walked into the kitchen. She rounded the archway and saw Frank as he finished off a drink and poured himself another. “What are you doing?” She edged her way to him. “Give me that.” She reached for the glass.

“After...” He stopped her hand, “I finish this.” He downed what looked like a shot’s worth of moonshine and handed her the empty glass. “Here.” He raised his eyebrows and walked by her. “Let’s go. I’ll drive you home. I have the Jeep out front.”

“Why are you drinking?” Ellen followed him.

“Why do you care?” Frank snatched up the keys. “Dean will take the kids. Who the hell do I have to be sober for?” He walked to the living room.

“Wait for me. I can’t move that fast,” Ellen hobbled.

“Sorry.” Frank stopped walking. “Do you need help?”

“No.” Shaking her head, she made it to him. “You shouldn’t be drinking so much. You drink all the time now.”

“Well, thank you for your concern but don’t bother.” He held the door open for her. “Need help getting into the Jeep?”

“Fuck you.” Holding back her anger, Ellen got in the Jeep.

“Fuck me?” Frank fluttered his lips. “No, fuck you, El.”

“What?” Ellen gasped her words. “You’re kidding me? What in the world did I do to deserve this sudden Dr. Jeckle and Mr. Hyde treatment?”

Frank said nothing. He just started driving.

“Fine, be that way.”

“I am.” Frank shifted gears.

Ellen was grateful for incision purposes that Frank didn’t do his normal screeching stop in front of Henry’s house. With a painful groan she tried to hide, Ellen opened the Jeep door, ignoring Frank’s hand as she headed up the four steps into her house.

Frank followed her in. “You need anything?”

“No.” Ellen folded her arms and watched him start to leave. “What did I do, Frank?” She saw him stop and his head dropped forward. “Tell me what I did.”

“You’re here.”

“I live here.”

“I wanted you with me.” Frank turned and faced her.

“And you’re upset because I didn’t stay with you?”

“No, I’m upset because you’re here.” Frank reached back and closed the door then stepped to her. “It’s in the way of us.”

“There is no more us.”

“There should be.”

“No.” Ellen shook her head. “You ended it a long time ago. You, Frank.”

“And you wasted no time, none.” His hand shot back and forth. “No wait, that’s wrong. There was no time to waste because you were with him the whole entire time.”

“No, Frank, you’re wrong. I told you.”

“I know what you said and I know there’s a baby, a baby that looks just like Henry.”

“You don’t believe me, fine. It doesn’t matter but I knew it. I knew you were angry. You hid it well Frank, but you couldn’t hide it for long.”

“You don’t think I should be angry?” Frank laughed emotionally. “Do you have any idea how it feels to have loved someone your whole entire life, only to live in a fucked up world and them not want to be with you? Do you know what it’s like? No. I’ll tell you why. Because you have a choice. You have a choice who you want to be with and you don’t need me. Let me let you in on a little secret here. I don’t have a choice. And more so, even if there were more women in this world than men, I still wouldn’t have a choice because it’s one of two ways. I have you in my life or I live alone. I don’t want a choice. You are all I ever wanted or want in my life. No one else. Raising a family is one thing I wanted to do with you and I can’t even have that anymore. You won’t do that with me anymore. Next week, when Nick comes home, he’ll come home with me and you’ll be here.” Frank swallowed and stepped back. “With your newest choice in life.”

“Stop,” she called out softly. “just stop this. Things are different, I know. Things aren’t the way you want them to be. I know that too. Just tell me, Frank, what can I do?”

“Be there when Nick comes home?” Frank asked.

“Why do you want that responsibility? Nick is just a newborn. I want to be there when he comes home. I want to be there those first couple weeks.”

“You can be.”

“Yes I can,” Ellen nodded, “if he lives here with me.”

“No,” Frank said strongly, “I don’t care. Nick is my son. He will be raised as my son and, like all my children, he will be with me. You wanna be a part of the crucial first couple weeks of his life then you be there with me.”

“Why are you putting me in this position?”

“A position?” Frank asked. “What position? This is your child Ellen. I’m not asking you to come to the house and be my lover. I’m asking you to come to the house and help me with that baby you and I sat for hours and talked about raising together.” Frank stepped to her, placing his hands on her arms. “I’m asking you just to stay at the house for a while with me and the kids and with Nick. Will you? El?”

Ellen was silent and she closed her eyes.

“Forget I asked.” Frank let go of her.

“Frank, wait.” Ellen stopped him from leaving. “I’ll . . . I’ll do it.” She closed her eyes again. “I haven’t been the type of mother I should be lately. Maybe now is the time I start to do that again.”

“Thank you.” He walked from the door, kissing her on the cheek. “I’m sorry we fought.” He backed up again to leave.

“Frank, just so you know,” Ellen called to him, “I’ll be working on this virus in the clinic. I’m going to be there a lot..”

“I know that.” Frank lifted his shoulders in a shrug. “As long as you are at the house more, that’s what counts.” With a change in demeanor toward Ellen, Frank stepped outside, pulling the door closed.

Henry saw him leave his house and he knew. He waited for Frank to be from sight then Henry went home. Ellen was on the couch.

“How was Frank’s and dinner?” Henry asked.

“It was good. I’m tired. Though … Henry?” She patted the spot next to her. “I need to talk to you about something.”

“Sounds serious.”

“It is, sort of.”

Henry sat down. Ellen seemed nervous. Why was that?

What exactly were the details of what Ellen told him, Henry didn’t know. She mentioned Frank’s house, spending time with Nick there, and Henry zoned out. His insides steamed, but he didn’t show it. He knew he cut her off, was passive, told her, ‘sure, spend all the time you need’. He didn’t’ mean it. It was fast becoming a pissing contest with Frank over Nick and Ellen, one Henry didn’t want to enter but found himself wanting to win.

Henry just needed to get out, take a walk. He grabbed Ellen a blanket and glass of wine and told her he wouldn’t be long. Did she even care that he was leaving? Probably not. He said his goodbyes, acted as if all were fine, and walked out of the house.

The social hall wasn’t that far away and he just wanted to go to the stockroom to get a bottle of his homemade wine he had dropped off there. Walking inside, Henry knew he didn’t want to be there. Six people were in there, one of which was Frank. It was in Henry’s favor that Frank finished off his drink and rolled up his map as soon as Henry walked in. Hoping for nothing to be said, Henry lucked out. Frank merely left the social hall, giving a quick look and raise of the eyebrows to Henry as he passed him.

Henry’s heart slowed in beating when he realized there wasn’t going to be any confrontation. Deciding to see if anything was behind the bar, Henry walked behind ‘Sam’ the mannequin and hunched down. His hands sorted through the bottles that rested in a crate until he found one. Extending his reach with it first to the bar, Henry was greeted by John Matoose standing across from him as he rose to his feet.

“Henry.” John gave a smile to him. “I wanted to apologize to you.”

“For what?” Henry asked, just wanting to leave.

“For getting on you like I did at Joe’s office the other day.”

“Thank you, John.” Not that Henry cared what John thought, he was only being polite.

“Frank told me and I want you to know that’s really big of you.”

“Thanks.” Henry stopped in his stride to the door. “Frank told you what?” He turned and asked John.

“About you letting Ellen live with him after the baby comes home. He told me Ellen told him that after they had dinner.”

Henry’s heart beat once strongly then dropped in a nose dive. He remembered right then what Ellen was trying to tell him about spending time with Nick. He also didn’t realize the Pandora’s Box he had opened by telling her she should spend time with Nick. It made perfect sense to Henry why Ellen had a hard time telling him that. Maybe he should have let her finish. The truth was, Henry finished it. How could he go back to Ellen and tell her she couldn’t spend time with her son if it meant living with Frank? Henry couldn’t tell her that. “Will you excuse me, John?”

“Henry, can I give you some free advice.”

Henry nodded slowly.

“I don’t know if you know this, but I kind of get the feeling that Frank doesn't want you to have much to do with the baby. He hasn’t said anything to me. It’s just a feeling I get.” John didn’t speak like his usual know-it-all self. He actually sounded sincere. “It may not last long, then again it may. Seeing how you always stop by the nursery, maybe for your sake, you may want to consider hanging around that baby less. It won’t hurt as much if Frank decides to have this one all on his own. From a father’s point of view, it’s the best thing to do. Distance is best.”

“Distance?” Henry had to laugh at that. “How do you propose I distance myself from Nick? I live with his mother.”

“Yeah, but for how long?”

“Excuse me?” Henry asked.

“How long? If she’s moving back in with Frank for a while, how long will it be before it’s for good?”

Cold words? Deliberate words? Or truthful words? Whatever it was that John Matoose was trying to tell Henry, the fact remained that he delivered words to Henry that would ring through his mind. While it bothered Henry and would stay with him, he also wondered if he even had a right to let it bother him. A part of him felt he deserved everything he got. But that was just Henry, and he knew there was more to the situation than anyone knew.

CHAPTER EIGHT

JULY 1

He had braided his hair, and done it well. Joe supposed it was to keep it out of his face. Out beyond the walls of Beginnings, unless you have the means, you can’t just cut it off. Though Joe pegged this new survivor as a little old to be wearing dread locks, he seemed nice enough, friendly, and quiet.

Joe watched as the thin black man fiddled with his hands nervously, tapping forefinger to forefinger in a slow rhythm as they drove to receiving. Joe didn’t need a guard with him to escort this one. Three people in Beginnings had the unmistakable instinct when it came to survivors, Robbie, Ellen, and Joe. Joe’s instinct told him this man who wandered through the field of the underdeveloped section, was not a threat.

The survivor perked up. His head went back and forth as he rode through town and past the people that wandered the streets. He merely mumbled two words as he sat back again after it was from his view. “So clean.”

“Beginnings.” Joe stated as he tossed his cigarette out.

“Where are you taking me?”

“To receiving. There’s a process all newcomers have to go through. If you want to stay, you have to go through it too.”

“Civilization again.”

Joe watched the man reach down to the bag he brought. “What are you getting?” Joe asked, knowing there was nothing dangerous in that bag. There couldn’t be. The two guards had checked that thoroughly before returning it to the man.

“My glasses. I want to see this place better.” They were kind of bent and scratched as the man put them on.

“Your only pair, I take?”

“Yes.” He sniffled and looked around. “Beautiful.”

“As I said, Beginnings. After we get you through processing and cleaned up, I’ll have Jason give you an eye test. We can make you a new pair of glasses, you know but only two styles here.” Joe pulled up to his office in the line of utility buildings. “Half square and round. Better than none.”

“Who’s Jason?” He asked as if he expected to know someone there.

“One of the doctors here. He’s working in containment, the place you’ll go after processing.” Joe led him to his office and opened the door. “Right now we have some paper work to complete on you. The physical will have to wait until you get to containment since I haven’t a physician to spare to come up here.” Joe unhooked the radio from his belt. “We weren’t expecting you. You came in through an area that stopped being popular for stragglers. What’s your name?” Joe walked to the file cabinet.

“Malcolm. I can be called Mel.” He sat down.

“Mind if I ask your age, Mel?” He pulled out the paper work taking it to his desk.

“Forty-eight I think.” He closed one eye while answering.

Joe wrote this down, setting the radio on his desk. “What did you do, if you recall, in the world before it ended.”

“I was a…um… cable installer.”

“No shit?” Joe smiled. “Good with communications are you?”

“Yes, I worked for the phone company before I got laid off.”

“Even better. Mel, tell me, how did you find the area you walked into?

“I could see your community from the mountain I was on.”

“Really? Did you live there?”

“For a while. It seemed safe. It seems safer here.”

“Yeah well it’s a hard world out there now. Excuse me.” Joe picked up the radio, bringing it to his mouth. “Frank, I have the new one in my office. Feel like swinging by to take him to containment on your way to town.”

“No,” Frank quipped back, a hiss followed.

“Tough. Get your ass over here.”

“Aw. Fuck. All right. I have to talk to Godrichson anyhow.”

Joe shook his head. “Then again, it’s a hard world in here as well.”

“Yes, but safer than out there. I watched for a while. You don’t have a problem with them. In fact the whole area is free of them.”

“Who?” Joe asked.

“Those soldiers. They show up everywhere.”

“Describe them.”

Mel shook his head. “Soldiers, armed. They wear a patch on their arm. It’s red and gold.”

“A ‘C’ and ‘S’ intertwined?”

“That’s them.”

“SUTs,” Joe whispered. “They were where you come from?”

“Yes. I pretty much ran from them after they took out the town I lived in, a small town such as this.”

“And . . .that happens to be the next question. Where is or was home?”

“A small town called Willow Creek.”

Joe thought about that as he wrote it down. “Never heard of it, what state is that in?”

“State? Providence. I’m from Canada.”

The pencil dropped from Joe’s hand. It was one thing that Malcolm said he ran from the SUTs he claimed were all over the place, it was another when he said this happened in Canada. “Dear God.” Joe leaned back in his chair. “How far are they now?”

<><><><>

Robbie’s shadow cast over Greg who read a book he had found while he, like everyone else, picked through what was left of the small town they stopped in. “Check this out, Greg.”

Greg peered up. “What it is?”

“A diamond bracelet. Nice too.”

“Why do you care about a diamond bracelet? It isn’t any use for metals to melt down.”

“Of course not. It’s for Ellen.” Robbie sat next to Greg. “I always bring her something back.”

“And you have, Robbie, from just about every place we stopped.”

“I can’t help it. It’s the guy thing in me to spoil a woman.” He reached for the book. “Gone With the Wind?” He laughed. “Romance, Greg?”

“No, a good book Robbie.”

“For a woman. Of course, I hate to admit this but I liked the movie. El and I sat and watched it as a marathon one night.”

“Why didn’t you ever end up with her?” Greg asked.

“I’m not Frank.” Robbie shrugged. “However, we did sleep together before we got to Beginnings. Pissed Frank off big time.”

“I bet.”

“So anyway, I get her something. If I don’t, she’ll ask.” Arching up some, he tossed the bracelet in his pocket. “And tomorrow, after twelve, we can head on home.”

“Home.” Greg closed his book. “I really miss my son.”

“He misses you too and you’ll see him tomorrow. Dean says if no one is sick, we can come home.” He stood up. “And you know what, Greg? No one will be sick at all.”

“I agree, Robbie.” Greg smiled and watched Robbie bop along back to the others, possibly to show off that annoyingly shiny bracelet. But at that moment, Greg couldn’t return to his reading. His thoughts drifted off and instead of basking in the sun, Greg was basking in the thought of going home.

<><><><>

Johnny chuckled as he pulled out slides from the stand. “Dr. Dean, this is really stupid.”

“No it’s not.” Dean flipped the switch on a microscope. “Does this one work Johnny?”

“I don’t know, check.” He handed Dean a slide.

Dean took it and placed it on the stand. He adjusted the focus, squinting and lifting his head. It took a while but then he saw the sample. “Works.” Dean handed the slide back to Johnny. “You are making sure you check those off my list?”

“This is really dumb, Dr. Dean. Why am I gathering slide samples from our collection?”

“Ellen needs to learn.” Dean walked to the computer and lifted a stack of papers.

“Ellen does know these, Dean. She knows what a red blood cell looks like. You’re gonna insult her taking over this stuff and teaching her like she was a student.”

“She is.” Dean grabbed a folder opening it. “Johnny the tests you ran yesterday aren’t marked down in here.”

“Yes, they are.” Johnny walked to him and peered over Dean’s shoulder. “Right there.” He pointed. “Geez, Dr. Dean., what, are you blind?” Johnny laughed and stepped back.

Dean said nothing. He just tossed the folder into the box he was preparing to take over Ellen’s.

“This is really stupid.” Johnny checked out a slide then placed it in the rack Dean had waiting.

“So you’ve said. Please make sure there are no repeat samples.”

“She’s gonna get pissed. I’m telling you. You go over there to work with her and you pull these out to test her, she’ll hit you.”

“John,” Dean stopped him, “Ellen asked to do this.”

“She did?”

“Yes.” Dean told him.

“Why?”

“Why? Um . . . If I tell you, you can’t tell anyone.”

“Sure, I promise.”

“Ellen is suffering from major postpartum psychosis. It’s inhibiting her ability to remember certain aspects of her life and she gets delusional as well.”

“You’re joking.” Johnny laughed. “You not joking? Can that happen?”

“Oh sure. It’s very common and wears off in a few days. I discovered it when I happened to say ‘hemoglobin’ and she said ‘what’s that?’”

“Shit.”

Dean nodded, and turned away from Johnny. “She even thinks, get this, that she is starting to look like Jenny Matoose.”

“I didn’t notice anything odd about her yesterday.”

“What can I say? It comes and goes so to pacify her, we’re doing a refresher course this afternoon.”

“Can I help?”

“Yes,” Dean said, “by finishing off those slides and stop saying every fifteen seconds that it’s stupid.”

“You got it.”

Dean watched Johnny--more serious this time--return to work. It dawned on him as he did that Johnny may just have more of his father’s qualities than Dean had originally thought. With all that was going on with Dean, that would work in his favor.

<><><><>

It was so quiet in the nursery when Henry walked in. Little Nick’s incubator wasn’t as predominant without the fluorescent light shining down upon it. The door shutting echoed across the room and Henry swore at that moment Nick heard it. His little arms jolted up. Looking around first and seeing Melissa sitting in the other room, Henry slowly pulled up a chair next to the incubator.

“Hey.” He tapped his forefinger on the side. “It’s me again. I know, you’re probably thinking I was just here and I’m being the pest but that was with Mommy and I wanted to see you alone. Look.” Henry pulled from his back pocket what looked like a tiny teddy bear, brown fabric sewn together in a bear shape. “I made this for you. It can keep you company when you’re by yourself. I’ll give it to Melissa to put in there with you.” Henry set it on top of the incubator then scooted the chair as close as he could.

“I wanted to tell you something,” He spoke, whispering. “I know you don’t understand, but at least I know I said it. I just wanted to explain to you why you won’t be seeing me around anymore. I’m sort of not allowed and with the way things are, it’s probably for the best I don’t get in the way. Not that I don’t want to be around you, I do. I really do. And I will be around, just not like I want to be. You see there are these things called laws
and you have to have them in order to keep everything civil. You’ll learn this when you get older. But according to stupid Beginnings’ law, I’m not your father. Hell, I never thought I’d be staring down at something I helped to create. That was a surprise. Trust me. So Frank, you know that big mean looking guy that’s always here, he’s gonna be raising you. He’s not a bad guy. He’s a good dad, Nick. Just . . . just when he raises you, try not to act like him too much. Try not to swear as much and definitely don’t spit like he does.” Henry cringed and shook his head. “If you don’t like when he throws you in camouflage pants like he does with Joey, you tell him. O.K.? Nick, know that just because I’m not forefront, it doesn’t mean I don’t love you. I do love you. I’m just gonna be kinda in the background, watching out for you. I’ll always watch out for you.” Henry winked and stood up. “I’ll see you, Nick.”

Sadly, Henry picked up the tiny teddy bear he made and looked one more time down to the baby. He walked from that incubator and to the other room where Melissa was. He hoped when he handed her his gift to his child that she would put it in with him. Henry needed it to be there. If he wasn’t going to be around Nick, he just wanted something of him to be there instead.

<><><><>

“Dean!”

Startled and at loss of all motor control., Dean dropped the folders when Frank blasted his name across the lab. “God, Frank.” He turned his head to look at him, “must you make an entrance every single time?”

“Yes. But . . .” Frank stepped back. “I’ll try it again, because I’m in a good mood.”

“This ought to be good.” Dean shook his head and began to pick up his folders.

“Dean!”

Again they fell and Dean spun to Frank who stood there laughing. “What is it, Frank?”

“One word. Listen to this.” Frank cleared his throat. “Hypnosis.”

“Good one, Frank, and a big word too. My, you are expanding that vocabulary of yours.”

“Shut the fuck up, Dean. It’s my newest brilliant idea.”

“I have news for you, Frank.” Dean picked up his papers. “Someone thought of that concept years ago. Nice try.”

“Now why do you have to be all sarcastic and shit? I come in here, being civilized and trying to help you so you can help me.”

“Whoa,” Dean said with a laugh, “back up. Help me?”

“Yep. Help you to remember what you saw that night that you say you keep dreaming about.”

Dean scratched his head taking a second to figure out what Frank meant. “You mean the Moses attack?”

“Bingo.”

“How are you gonna help me help you.”

“Fuck, Dean. Weren’t you listening? Hypnosis.”

“Hypnosis.”

“Yeah, it works in the movies all the time. We get someone to hypnotize you to jar that weak memory of yours. I mean if it wasn’t weak you wouldn’t be so afraid to remember what you only want to dream about.”

“What if it isn’t a memory Frank? What if it is just a dream?”

“It’s not,” Frank stated with such assurance.

“So you think hypnotizing me will do it?” Dean hid his sarcasm.

“Oh sure.”

“Who Frank? Who is going to hypnotize me?”

“At first I thought I would . . .”

Dean shrieked in laughter. “Sorry, go on.”

“So fuckin rude. But then I thought, hey there are other intelligent people in this community. So I went to Godrichson. He’s gonna do it.”

“Godrichson helps to screw up time. No way is he messing with my subconscious. No way.”

“Dean, don’t be such a wuss.” Frank moved closer. “It has to be done.”

“Does he know what he’s doing?” Dean asked.

“He said he’ll learn. I think he said that. I’m not sure if he said he knows or he’ll learn.”

“No.” Dean stated strongly. “Forget it”

“Dean, you have to.”

“No.” Dean walked to his box. “I’m leaving, I have to go. Forget it Frank. I’m not being hypnotized.”

“Pansy.”

Dean, carrying his box, stopped midway across the lab. “What is wrong with you? If he succeeds in hypnotizing me, that could be dangerous.”

“Why are you being such a baby about this? I need you to remember what you saw that night.”

“It’s not safe Frank. It’s the mind you’re messing with,” Dean told him. “If you think it’s so safe, you do it first.”

“I don’t have anything I need to remember. But if it will make you do it, sure I’ll do it.”

Dean tilted his head. “You don’t have a problem being hypnotized by someone who might not know what they’re doing?”

Frank raised his hands and let them drop. “Nope.”

“No, of course you don’t. You have nothing to lose if Godrichson screws up your mind.” Dean started walking again.

“Dean.” Frank hurried to him speaking very seriously. “Will you think about it? I need this information and I’ll be the guinea pig if it will make you feel better. I will.”

“I’ll tell you what, Frank, I’ll think about it. But right now I have to go. I have a tight schedule. All right? I’ll think about it.”

“That’s all I wanted to hear. Thanks.” Letting Dean continue on, Frank figured since he was at the clinic, he might as well go and see Nick.

He headed to the nursery, opened the door, and stopped when he saw Melissa reaching into the incubator.

She titled her head with a smile, halting in her reach. “Frank, perfect timing.”

“That’s me.” Frank shut the door and moved closer. “Why?”

“Andrea says it’s time to take Nick out of the incubator a few times a day to be held. Want the honors?”

“Are you serious?” Frank grinned. “Yeah.” He took his revolver out of the harness and set it down on a table as he watched Melissa  wrap the baby in a blanket and pick him up.

“I know I don’t have to tell you how to hold him.”

“No.” Frank awaited the moment and then he felt the smallness of Nick in his arms. “Oh my God.” He grinned as he gasped with excitement. “Oh my God, is he tiny.” Frank cradled the baby closer to his chest and placed his lips on Nick’s forehead. “Look how small, Melissa.”

“But beautiful.”

“Isn’t he though.” Frank brought his lips to the baby again being careful not to let is goatee brush against the tender infant skin. “How long can I hold him?”

“Andrea says he can be out one of every three hours. Would you like to sit?” She unfolded her arms and pulled a chair closer to Frank. “Just let me know when you have to go.”

“Thanks.” As Frank lowered himself, baby in his arms, his eyes peered at the incubator. “Melissa.”

“Yes?” She stopped and looked back.

“Where did he get the toy?” Frank motioned his head to the teddy bear in the incubator.

“Henry made that for him. Isn’t it cute?” She smiled and headed back to her work in the other room.

Frank looked once more at the teddy bear then at Nick as he settled into the chair to hold him.

<><><><>

“Now remember, Ellen,” Dean told her as he sat in the dining room of her home, “Describe it to me as detailed as you can. Detailed.” He raised his eyes in a thank you to Henry who set a cup of tea in front of him.

Ellen peered in the microscope. “You don’t know what slide I have?”

“No.”

“But if I know what I’m looking at, why don’t I just tell you.”

“Because I want to train you to see it.”

“I do.”

“No.” Dean shook his head. “See it. Every detail of it. If there are abnormalities I want to know by your description. So think of it as a Dean quiz game.”

“O.K.” She shrugged and looked in. “Ready? Round top. It has a tail and . . .”

“A sperm.”

“Can I finish?” Ellen asked him. “It’s not a sperm.”

“You said tail.”

“You said to describe it.”

“You did.”

“Not completely,” Ellen argued. “I’m giving fine details.”

“A tail is fine details.”

“If you would have let me finish.”

“Go on.” Dean held up his hand.

Ellen looked at Henry. “He thinks he’s on Jeopardy or something, buzzing in first.”

Henry snickered. “He should have known it wasn’t a sperm. Why would you describe a sperm?”

Dean answered, “Because there is one in the samples.”

Henry’s eyes widened. “Oh shit Dean, you brought sperm into my house and it’s on my dining room table.”

“It’s encased in glass, Henry.” Dean tried not to laugh.

“Still Dean,” Henry cringed and stood up, “can you get it off my table.”

“Henry.” Dean tried to calm him.

“Who’s sperm is it Dean?” Henry asked.

“Does it matter?”

“Yeah it matters,” Henry stated. “If I don’t like the person I certainly don’t want his sperm in my house.”

Ellen chuckled. “Henry, lighten up. It’s just a sample and it’s dead now anyhow.”

“And you,” Henry pointed at her, “how can you be so calm about working with someone’s sperm. There’s something sick about that.”

“Please Henry, I’ve handled lots of sperm in my life.” She shifted her eyes to Dean. “No smart comments.”

Dean shook his head. “I’m silent.”

Ellen smiled. “Henry just . . .” She gave a sneaky look, reached into the sample box, and pulled out a slide. “Look Henry.” She touched it to him. “Sperm.”

“Uh!” Henry stepped back. “That isn’t nice, Ellen. That isn’t. I just know I’m going to have bad dreams tonight.”

Dean couldn’t hide his laughter. “Ellen, this man actually had sex with you.”

Ellen raised her eyebrows and looked into the microscope. “I often wondered what it was like, since I missed it.”

“Clinical,” Dean said.

Henry scoffed. “I told you that it didn’t count since we don’t remember it.” His head jolted to a knock at the door. “I’m saved. Go on with your sick game you two.” Shuddering, Henry moved from the dining room toward the door. He wasn’t the least amused at their laughter. Shaking his head, he opened the front door. “Frank.”

“He doesn’t need your gifts, Henry.” With a firm extension of his hand, Frank shoved the tiny teddy bear into Henry’s chest, turned, and walked away.

An immediate knot formed in Henry’s stomach as his heart suck as low as it could go. His hands gripped the toy as he stepped back and shut the door.

“Who was at the door?” Ellen asked.

“Um . . . no one.” Henry looked down at the toy. “Probably just . . .” He swallowed emotionally. “…Denny messing around again.” Briefly he closed his eyes.

“Henry.” Ellen’s voice seemed so distant. “I’m just about to describe mucus. Come on over.”

“In a minute.” He shifted his eyes to the table then sadly walked to the steps to take the toy upstairs. He’d hide it away, hoping at another time he could give it to Nick. But right then, it was much too painful to have in his view.

<><><><>

It was a repeated action. Frank became more and more annoyed with while he did his dishes. There was a soft rumble coming closer, then a jolt. It crashed into him and ricocheted his knees into the cabinet under the sink. “Brian.” Frank turned around, hands wet, and pushed the walker from the kitchen into the dining room.

It was a game to the boy a few weeks over one. Laughing so hard, then charging his little bare feet forward, and careening his walker as he came full speed into Frank’s legs again.

“That’s it.” Frank shut off the water, grabbed a dishtowel, and dried his hands. “Need to be mobile or not, your little ass is banned from this contraption.” Frank picked up Brian who seemed to hold on to the walker with his feet. “Let go.” Frank struggled with the baby, lifting him and the walker high. “Let go.” Frank gave a soft shake and the walker tumbled down with a bang to his foot. “Fuck.’ He kicked it out of the way. “In the living room.” Under his arm, he carried Brian and set him on the floor next to Alex who drew. “Watch him while I finish dishes.”

“He’ll eat my color sticks.”

“So, it won’t hurt him. Eh.” Frank waved his hand at her. “Forget it. And go to the bathroom.” He marched to the steps. “Josh,” he yelled up. “Come down and watch Brian while I do the dishes.” Frank looked at the baby who picked himself up and stood at the couch. “Now please.” Hearing the confirming footsteps above his head, Frank moved to the couch and towered over the baby who looked up to him. He pointed down. “Stay put.”

“Da.” The baby spoke the only word he knew.

“Yeah that’s right,” Frank told him. “And who’s the coolest.”

“Da.”

Frank smiled and stepped back. As he did, he watched Brian let go of the couch. Thinking his son was about to take a serious nose dive, Frank hurried back and to his surprise, he watched Brian step awkwardly--without holding on--to him. He shrieked about the boy’s third step causing Brian to fall down. “Alex, did you see that?”

“No.” She colored.

“Ha, Brian, you walked.” Frank glowed and picked his son up. “Try again.” He helped him to his feet. “Stand up.” Brian tried to sit. “No, stand.” Frank steadied the baby and moved back. “Come on.” He held out his hands and Frank laughed loudly when Brian walked to him. “Oh, this is so great!” He picked up the baby. “I have to show, El.” Excitedly he raced to the door, stopping when Josh came down the steps. “Watch the kids. I’ll be right back. Brian walked.”

“Where are you taking him? To practice it?” Josh asked.

“Yes. For Ellen.” Holding the baby, Frank flew from the house.

<><><><>

Dean saw Frank as he stepped from his house, walking at an extremely quick pace, and holding Brian like a sack of potatoes. The baby flopped about as Frank carried him. “Frank,” Dean called out. “Bringing one back?”

“No, I’m taking him to . . . Where are you going?”

“To pick the kids up.”

“Wait.” Frank raced into Dean’s house through the door Dean was trying to close.

“Frank, what are you doing?” He watched Frank sit on the floor.

“Sit down, Dean. Come on.”

“Why?”

“Just sit down.” He saw Dean begin to sit. “Not there, closer, man. He’s not that good yet. Soon.” He waited until Dean sat down and Frank lifted Brian and set him firmly on his feet. He brought his lips close to Brian’s ear. “Go to Dean. Go on.”

Dean’s mouth opened, his eyebrows raised, and his eyes widened when he watched Brain step forward. Repeating Frank’s actions, Dean shrieked, scaring Brian into falling.

“Aw Dean, you made him fall like a drunk. Try this again.” He lifted Brian up and smiled as Brian took the four steps to Dean.

“Hey,” Dean spoke with enthusiasm lifting Brian into his arms and kissing him. “Good job!” Dean laughed as Brian kissed him in that wide baby biting manner.

“O.K.” Frank snatched him up. “I have to show Ellen this before he forgets.” He carried Brian to the door. “I’ll meet you back here.”

“Frank.” Dean called to him stopping him as he walked out. “Thanks. Thanks for sharing that with me.”

Frank smiled, snuggled Brian with a kiss, and raced the few doors down to Henry and Ellen’s. He knocked once and became impatient. “El!” He opened the door then stepped in. “El.” He saw her on the couch. “El you have to see this.” He saw Henry walk in from the dining room. “El, check out Brian.”

Ellen swung her legs over the couch. “What am I watching?”

“Can you sit on the floor or will it be too much for you?”

“I can sit on the floor.” She lowered herself down. “Now what?”

“Watch this.” Frank’s eyes lit up.

Henry stepped closer to see what was going on. He watched Ellen’s excitement as Brian stepped to her. He listened to both of them laugh in such excitement, leaning to each other and making Brain do it over again.

Frank clapped his hands as Ellen hugged Brain. “Make him come back to me.”

Ellen set him down. “When did he do this, Frank?”

“Just a few minutes ago. I had to rush and let you see. You would have seen it second but fuckin Dean stopped me and made me show him. Man.” Frank tilted his head. “I saw it, El. I saw his first steps. Brian is the first one of my kids I ever saw do that. I saw his first step. There’s just something to be said about seeing your kid do something for the first time.” He gushed. “Let him go so he can walk to me. Come on, Brain.” As Frank extended his hands out, he looked up at the same time as Ellen when they heard the front door close. Henry was gone.

<><><><>

It seemed that his own house was the only house with a light still on. Henry knew he had been gone a long time, but he didn’t realize how long until he wandered back onto his street. With his hands in his pockets, Henry approached his house, not wanting to see who he did when he got there… Frank.

Frank stepped out onto the porch. “Where have you been?”

“Excuse me, I’d like to go into my house now.” Henry tried to get by him.

“Really? Do you realize that fifteen minutes after you left, El was worried and wanted to go look for you herself. She sent me out to find you, Henry. Three times I went out.”

“Did you really look?” Henry asked with an edge.

“Yeah, I looked. I was worried.”

“Yeah, right.” Henry took a breath and reached for his door again.

“Six o’clock you walked out. It’s two in the fuckin morning. You were this close.” Frank’s words were sharp as his hand cut outward. “This close to me closing down the perimeters and going beyond the wall to find you. Security searched this entire community. We thought something happened to you.”

“That would have worked out just perfect for you, wouldn’t it.”

“Henry, I don’t think you realize . . .”

“No Frank, I don’t think you realize. I don’t want to stand here and talk to you. I owe you no explanation on where I was and I think you know why. You won, Frank. You won. If you wanted to break me, you did it. My heart is broken right now and I give up. It’s a losing battle because you have to keep pushing and pushing the point, just like you did when you brought Brian over. You got what you wanted. You got Nick and your family and I know damn well you aren’t stopping until you get Ellen back too. Just keep in mind, Frank, right now she is still my wife and until you succeed in taking that away from me too,” Henry swallowed, “stay away from her.” He brushed by Frank and walked into his house, closed the door and locked it. He stood there, trying to control his breathing.

<><><><>

Frank stood a long time outside on the street facing Henry’s house, wanting to go back in. He felt a need to talk to Henry. But when he watched the lights in the house go out, Frank knew it was time to go home. Sometime in the journey back to his own house, he took the long way, the real long way, through town and to the clinic. Nick was strong on his mind as well as Henry. Letting the night nurse know he was there, Frank walked into the dimly lit nursery and directly to a sleeping Nick.

He was quiet as he pulled up the chair close to the baby. Frank rested his elbows on his knees, bringing his cupped hands to his chin, flicking the roughness of his goatee back and forth across the tops of his fingers. Frank stared upon Nick. The more he looked at Nick, the more he saw Henry.

Henry.

What had happened in the past five days? One week earlier, he and Henry were discussing who would do what with the baby. Now Frank couldn’t walk by him without striking out verbally against him. One thing was for sure, Frank knew that he couldn’t possibly have that much contempt or hatred for Henry if he was so worried about him when he didn’t come home. The discovery of that certainty hit Frank as he looked at Nick. No matter how much wrong he felt Henry did to him, Nick was the recipient of the most wrong.

Despite how it happened and how Frank felt about the paternity, it was clear Nick was Henry’s son. Frank, more than anything prided himself on being a good father. He loved being a father. As angry as he was at Henry, he felt badly for using the child as punishment.

He spotted that right hand corner of the incubator, the one that held that toy that very afternoon. That toy stayed strongly on Frank’s mind after he had made his first sweep of town looking for Henry. The same toy Frank searched the house up and down for while Ellen was taking a shower. Something so small, but it meant so much, in a good way and in a hurtful way.

Looking like a sneak, Frank lifted some from the chair and peered into the next room to Glen who read a book. Seeing the occupied clinic worker, Frank reached forward and lifted the top to the incubator. Reaching into his back pocket he pulled out the small teddy bear Henry had made. He looked at it once, gripped and almost buried in his hands, then Frank sat that toy in the corner of the incubator where it belonged. Pressing his lips to the tips of his own fingers, he gently touched them to Nick’s cheek, closed the top to the incubator, and sat back down to watch the baby some more.

CHAPTER NINE

JULY 2

“Any signs of illness at all?” Dean asked, looking up to the speaker in the wall of the communication center as if he were looking at Robbie.

“None,” Robbie answered. “We all feel fine. I did a check of everyone about ten minutes ago.”

“Excellent.” Dean smiled. “All right. It’s ten o’clock now. Two more hours, if still the same, pack up and come home, Robbie.”

“Yes. Thank you, Dean. Dad?” Robbie called out. “You still there?”

“I’m here.”

“See in about three hours.” As Robbie hung up the phone, his faded voice yelling to his men, ‘we’re heading home’ was heard before the call was disconnected.

Dean ran his hands through his hair. “O.K., I have to head out. Let me know when they get here, Joe, I still want to check every single one of them for infection before we let them inside.”

“Got that.” Joe stood from his seat next to Mark who was monitoring. He looked at the signal which still flashed from Robbie’s location. “He is so close. Soon he’ll be back.”

With a pat to Joe’s back, Dean walked by him. “Talk to you in a little bit.” He hurried past Frank who stood there.

“Dean, wait up.” Frank chased him.

“I’m busy, Frank.” Dean walked faster down the tunnel.

“Wait.” With four long steps, Frank caught up to him. “Did you think about it?”

“Yes,” Dean said.

“So you’ll do it.”

“No. I thought about it. No.”

“Dean, come on. You have to do this. What will it take to get you to do this?”

“What will it take to get you to see I don’t want to be hypnotized.”

“What are you afraid of?” Frank asked as they walked.

“Being an idiot maybe. Forgetting things I should know.”

“Remembering things you put away in your mind?”

“Why are you so convinced it’s not a dream?”

“Why are you so convinced it is?”

“Why are we going back and forth like this? It drives me crazy.” Dean stopped walking. “Look, I don’t want to do it but let me speak to Godrichson about it and then I’ll give you a definite answer. O.K.?”

“I’ll settle for that.”

“Good. Now go to work or something.” Dean shooed his hand as he went into the cryo-lab.

“Man, he has such attitude.” Frank looked down at his watch. “Maybe I’ll head to the clinic before I do my rounds. Yeah.” Tapping on the open cryo-lab door, Frank gave a gesture to Dean to let him know just because Frank was being nice to him lately, he still didn’t like him. For no reason at all Frank flipped Dean off and headed up to the street level.

````````

Was Henry really hearing a baby crying, or was it just his imagination? He stopped to listen while picking up a folder for Ellen from the clinic lab. He knew there was no way he could hear a baby. Nick was the only one in the nursery and that was pretty much a ways from the lab.

Walking with the folder, Henry thought he heard it again. Turning in the hall, he followed it. It ceased the closer to the nursery he got. It was his imagination. Ten or so feet from that long window, Henry felt pulled to do something he said he wouldn’t do. Go back and see Nick just one more time. It really wouldn’t hurt. Would it?

Tucking his folder under his arm, he pushed open the nursery door. Patrick was walking in from the other side.

“Hey, Henry.” Patrick smiled and approached the incubator.

“The lid’s up.” Henry pointed and walked closer.

“Yep, I was getting ready to change him and take him out. But . . . you’re here.”

“Patrick, I don’t . . .”

“Here.” He handed him a diaper. “You know how to do this.”

“No, really I don’t.”

Patrick laughed. “If you have any trouble, I’ll be in the room doing Joe reports for clinic supplies.” He stepped backwards. “Make sure you keep him in the blanket when you hold him.”

Henry’s hand that held the diaper dropped when Patrick was gone. “Shit.” He looked down at Nick whose little legs kicked about. After setting the folder on the floor, Henry stuck his hand under Nick’s bottom and lifted him some. “Great. Sorry Nick.” Henry took a deep breath and opened the new diaper. He laid it in the incubator then reached for the pin on Nick’s diaper. Struggling some, and afraid of moving the baby, Henry opened it. “Remind me immediately to reinvent Velcro.” Taking the pin from the diaper, Henry saw it, the teddy bear that he had made, the one Frank took from Nick the day before. In the midst of his wondering and shock about it, Henry pricked himself. With an ‘ow’ he brought his finger to his mouth, still staring at that toy.

“Henry.”

His voice shot threw Henry like a knife. Taking his finger from his mouth, Henry shifted his eyes to Frank, who walked in.

“I was watching you. What are you doing?”

“They had the lid off this thing and Patrick asked me to . . .” He lifted the new diaper and dropped it. “Sorry, I was changing him.” Henry pointed to the teddy bear. “Frank, did you or did Ellen . . .”

“Changing him?” Frank moved closer. He looked in the incubator to Nick, his diaper was half off. “Henry he’s gonna piss all over the place if you leave his diaper off.”

“Sorry. I’m lost. Frank, where did the . . .”

“Here.” Frank stepped in Henry’s place and grabbed the new diaper. “The trick is, you have to do it fast.” Frank grabbed the baby’s legs and lifted them. “This is my own little secret. You have to put the fresh diaper under his butt so you can do that quick action thing of switching the diaper. You have to, or else he’ll pee on you.”

“Ellen, uh, told me about that.”

“Happens all the time.” Frank put the new diaper under the baby and removed the old one. “Their little legs stiffen up like rigor mortis, but you can’t be afraid to bend them. They won’t break. You have to show them who's boss.”

“He’s a week old, Frank.”

“Never too early to start. There.” Frank secured the pin. “All done.”

“Frank, I’m sorry I was in here with him and seeing how I was with such a simple thing as changing a diaper, maybe you’re right about the whole thing.”

“A diaper is not an easy task Henry. It takes practice.”

“Practice.” Henry shook his head. “Then I guess I don’t have to worry about that do I?”

Frank stared silently at him.

“It’s a good thing you showed up or I’d have to hold him. The only baby I ever held was Brian and I didn’t do that well.” Henry stepped back.

“Henry, wait.” Frank wrapped the baby in a blanket. “Come here.”

“I have to get this folder back to Ellen.” He bent down to retrieve it.

“Forget that.” Frank lifted Nick from the incubator. “Here.”

“I can’t, Frank.”

“Here.” Frank stepped closer with the baby.

“I don’t want to hold him Frank. If I do, I won’t let him go.”

Frank moved as close as he could to Henry. “Take him.” Waiting for Henry’s arms to hesitantly extend, Frank gently laid Nick into them. He positioned Henry’s arms the way they should go. “Hold him close to your chest. They need to feel the heart beat.”

Henry closed his eyes as he brought the small bundle closer to him. He let out a shivering breath as he felt the tiny body of the baby next to his.

“Last night, after you came home,” Frank spoke softly, “I came back here. I sat for two hours and I stared at Nick, just stared at him and as much as I love him, as much as I want him to be my kid, he’s not. He’s yours. Stupid understanding laws or not, there’s no denying it.” Frank ran his hand over the baby’s head. “I’m not going to stand in your way anymore. He’s your son.” Frank pressed his lips to Nick’s head and stepped back.

“Our son, Frank,” Henry spoke up.

Frank stopped walking.

“I always assumed he would be ours. I always assumed that you would be primary father. I just never assumed you’d want to push me out.”

“I am pissed, Henry.” Frank faced him, “really pissed. How could I not be? This baby was the only way I could strike back at you and really get to you. I realized last night that was wrong. Nick will be the loser in all this. Not you, not me. Him.”

“He’ll still be the loser if we don’t do this the way it’s supposed to be. You and I can’t tear each other apart.”

“Henry, I’m not happy with you. The only reason I haven’t killed you is because you and Ellen say you don’t know how this kid happened and because I am well aware of how the time machine has fucked things up, I’m willing to accept that. But marrying, her … I can’t. We’ll never be what we were.”

Head slightly lowered, Henry nodded.

“But I’m not gonna be a dick about this baby anymore. You’ll be a part of his life, Beginnings rules or not.”

“Thank you, Frank.”

“But not until you learn how to care for him.”

Henry exhaled. “I’ll tell you. I’m not very good.”

“Yeah, I know. I saw by the diaper changing thing. And … I have to tell you, this baby is the cutest baby I have ever seen in my life. Everyone is talking about him.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. He’s gonna be the only Asian kid I know with blue eyes.”

“Blue eyes?” Henry smiled. “How can you tell?”

“Simple. The shade of gray says it all. Blue eyes. The gray of his eyes is too pale to be brown.”

“See Frank, all this little stuff you know. You’ll teach it to me, right?”

“Yeah, I will. First things first though.” Frank moved around front of Henry. “You have held this kid way too long. Give him up.”

“No Frank.”

“Henry hand him over,” Frank reached.

“All right.” Henry gently handed over the baby. “Careful Frank, don’t break him.”

“Henry.” Frank took him in his arms then quickly pretended he was dropping the baby. “Whoops.”

“Frank!”

Frank laughed, “Just kidding.” Frank placed his face close to Nick’s. “Yeah, we’ll drive Henry nuts yet, won’t we?”

<><><><>

It was the moment of truth and debate. Dean had to make up his mind or he knew he’d never get Frank off his back about the hypnotizing thing. He walked over to containment on a break from his clinic lab work to see Jason who was working for Ellen until she returned. Jason looked comfortable sitting at Ellen’s desk, fiddling with something in his hands. Mel, the new survivor was seated, as if waiting, across from him. “Jason.” Dean knocked on the archway. “Can I speak to you?”

“Yes.” He still kept his eyes down to what he made.

“What are you working on?” Dean asked him.

“A miniature log cabin. Ellen had this for hand therapy and I want to accomplish it first before I teach the others.”

“Are you showing um . . .” Dean looked at Mel, “him, the new guy?” Dean snapped. “Hey you look different than yesterday. Your hair is gone.”

Mel ran his hand across his now cropped hair. “Yes, that big mean guy gave me clippers and told me I’m not twenty-one and to lose the hair.”

“Looks good.” Dean gave a thumbs up. “That was a lot of hair to lose.”

“Yes, well, Joe took it and said it was needed elsewhere.”

“What?” Dean chuckled then remembered this was Beginnings and everything was either done differently or weird around here. “Anyhow, Jason, I need to talk to you about what you and Frank have been discussing.”

“Enlighten me,” Jason said. “But before you do, when is Ellen returning to work? This is quite boring.”

“Another week or so. Getting back to what Frank and you talked about. You know hypnosis.”

“Hypnosis?” Jason didn’t move his eyes from his house. “No, what are you talking about?”

“Frank didn’t come in here talking to you about hypnosis?”

“He may have.”

“Don’t you know?” Dean asked.

“Nope, I don’t listen to Frank.”

“Forget it then.” Dean moved back to the door. “See you, Mel.” Trying to get out of the office at that second became a physical impossibility for Dean. Frank stood in the doorway. “Frank, I just came to see Jason. He said he doesn’t remember talking to you about hypnosis.”

“Get the fuck out of here. Jason,” Frank yelled in the office. “Didn’t you and I talk about hypnosis?”

“Yep,” Jason answered.

“Don’t you know it?”

“Yep,” he answered again.

“See Dean.”

Dean’s head turned from Frank to Jason. “Jason, did you hear anything he just said?”

“Nope.”

Dean threw his hands in the air. “Talk to me, Frank, when you get a real answer from him.” Giving up, Dean began to walk down the hall. About five or six steps into his quick pace everything went blurry, very blurry. Shit. Knowing that Frank was there, Dean had to keep going. He could still see the door, and then, it was gone. All went black. Shit. No, I can do this. I know this place. I’ll just go to the door. When I get through, I’ll wait until I can see again. Hopefully it will . . . BAM! Dean felt the searing pain to his face as he lost his balance and almost fell backwards to the ground. With his vision coming back, he could hear Frank laughing behind him.

“This isn’t fuckin K-Mart, Dean. The doors don’t open for you. Man.”

Of all people to see him do that, Dean turned his head back to see a blurry Frank. He gave a half smile, hoped he wasn’t bleeding, and left containment.

<><><><>

“This isn’t good, Dean.” Ellen’s hands trembled as she placed the small bandage on his head. “It could have been worse.”

“I know.” Dean closed his eyes as he sat on that chair in her kitchen.

“I put a closure on this. You don’t need stitches.”

“El.” He reached up and grabbed her hand. “I didn’t come here to be bandaged. I came here for support. I’m getting worse.”

Ellen let out a breath. “There has to be something we can do.”

“There’s nothing we can do.” He watched her kneel down before him. “El.” He laid his hand on her face.” What am I gonna do? How am I supposed to take care of my kids if my sight goes?”

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. I’ll help you, Dean. I’ll be there.”

“I know.” He looked softly in her eyes. “I can’t ask on you to be there all the time. That’s too much.”

“Would you do the same for me?”

“Yes, I would.”

“Then why would you think it’s asking too much? I want to be there for you. I want to help you.”

“I know you do. Do you know what makes this situation really frightening? How am I supposed to help this community? We have Robbie and his men out there who saw the plague. It’s coming, El. It’s coming and we’re nowhere near beating it. With my sight going, we’re in a race against time. There’s a clock ticking here. It’s moving fast. I’m scared.”

Ellen closed her eyes. “I’m sorry this is happening to you.”

Dean felt her head lower and press tightly to his gut. Her hands gripped his legs. “I am too.” His hand stroked her hair.

“What the fuck is this shit?” Frank bellowed into the kitchen seeing Ellen before Dean. “El, what the hell are you doing?”

Ellen raised her head, looking at Dean. “I’m uh, I was bandaging him Frank.”

“Where? And my dad is sending containment people here for home therapy. Where the fuck is Henry? I bet he snuck. . .” He felt Ellen brush by him with an ‘excuse me’. He watched her run into the living room. With his thumb pointed back, he faced Dean. “Was she crying?” He saw the demeanor on Dean’s face. “Is everything all right?”

Dean stood up, ran his hand down his face then straightened his hair over the bandage. “Yeah. Excuse me.” He moved by Frank.

Frank stood there, watching Dean leave and wondering if he should care that Dean was upset too. Deciding on ‘no’, he went into the living room and readied himself for what he thought was going to end up being an adult version of Romper Room.

<><><><>

“All right ladies, let’s go,” Robbie shouted to his men. “It’s ten minutes after twelve and it’s time to go home.” There was a small amounting of cheering then the men began to excitedly toss everything into the awaiting trucks. Smiling, Robbie yelled for Greg. “Greg!” He saw him lying down by the tree. “Let’s go. Nap time is over. Move.” He stepped back, watching Greg slowly get up. Robbie lifted his arm, waving Greg close, and hurrying him. Then Robbie watched Greg sway, his bigger body stumbled, his knees buckled, and Greg fell face first back down to the grass. “Greg!” Robbie raced to him sliding down in the grass as he reached Greg’s toppled body. “Greg.” Robbie shook him and received no answer. “Greg.” Almost frightened, Robbie braced Greg’s arms to roll him over. Upon the grip of Greg’s skin, Robbie knew. The burning he felt, the hot dry feeling. Seeing Greg’s face confirmed it. It was so pale and splotched, with dark circles formed under his eyes. Robbie’s breath escaped. He tried to control it, a hyperventilation that sneaked up on him as he viewed his friend. Squinting his eyes, he looked back to his men who were packing up. He thought of how to do it. There was no easy way but he had to tell them, for sure now, they couldn’t go back home.

<><><><>

Usually Joe never showed if anything bothered him but this did. Sitting in Frank’s living room, the cigarette burning more than he smoked it, he was silent. Occasionally he’d lift his eyes to a pacing Frank to tell him to stop, but other than that he listened.

“I need samples, Joe.” Dean pleaded. “I have to go out there. I have to find out if this is our virus. Because I’ll tell you, the incubation period is definitely longer.”

“You can’t go out there,” Joe told him. “I can’t risk it and you know it.”

“I’ll wear a bio suit. Tell him, El.”

“He can do that, Joe, but . . .” She stopped for a second when she heard Frank step harshly and huff. “But, we also can drop a box in and have Marty do the same. He’s the unit medic, right Frank. Frank?”

“Huh?” Frank folded his arms. “Um yeah, El.”

“There,” Ellen nodded. “Dean trained him. Have him do it if you don’t want to take chance of one of us getting exposed.”

Joe finished his cigarette. “That’s not a bad idea. We dropped some supplies off to them. Dean, what else can you think off that we can drop the next time in a few days?”

“We haven’t any idea what their symptoms are so we can’t treat them yet. Hopefully, by the next drop, we’ll know that,” Dean spoke. “Anything we send out cannot come back. I’m going to prepare documentation for Robbie to keep track of the progress of the illness. Also, did you send gloves out to those men? They have to have gloves, Joe, because those who are not symptomatic by tomorrow probably weren’t exposed the first time around. But . . . they are now.”

Henry listened to Dean ramble, but he had a hard time staying with Dean because he kept looking at Frank. Frank looked disturbed, probably upset about Robbie. He kept walking then sitting, and then walking, all while holding his arms close and seemingly wiping a chill from himself. “El,” Henry moved to her whispering, “is Frank O.K.?”

“I don’t know Henry. Upset maybe?”

“He doesn’t look good. Maybe he’s sick.”

“I’ll ask him.” Ellen walked to Frank who had just sat down again. “Frank?”

Frank jumped a little and turned his head to her. “Yeah?”

“Are you all right?”

“Fine.” He ran his hand down his face then brought his hands together in a wringing fashion.

“Frank, you don’t look all right.”

“I’m fine.”

“Frank.” She laid her hand on his. “You’re shaking.”

“I said I’m fine!” He pulled from her and stood up. “I’m upset about Robbie. I need a drink.”

“Frank.” Ellen started to follow him, glancing at the faces whose attention was grasped by Frank’s outburst. “Frank.” She went into the kitchen as he pulled his bottle down from the top cabinet. “Frank, stop it.”

“Stop what?” He grabbed for a glass.

“You don’t need to drink.”

“Drop it, El.”

“No, Frank.”

“Drop it, El.” Frank’s voice raised some more as he poured his moonshine.

“Give me that.”

“Drop it El!” Frank downed it. “Just . . . drop it. O.K.?” He poured another shots worth.

“No I will not drop it. This is ridiculous. I worry about you.”

“Don’t.”

Ellen fluttered her lips. “I wish to God it was that easy. I wish I didn’t have to worry about you. But like it or not Frank, I love you and I care. I’m worried. You drink all the time now, especially when things are rough or don’t go your way.”

“Oh, so you see me so much you can make this conclusion? Well I’m sick of you saying something every time you see me with a drink in my hand.”

“I’m sick of seeing you drink,” Ellen came back. “I think . . .” She saw Frank turn his back to her. “No Frank, listen.” She spun him to face her. “I think you many have a problem.”

Frank laughed an ignoring laugh at her, turning away again.

“Fine.” She released his arm. “Be that way. But if you don’t do something now it’s gonna catch up to you and for the first time in your life, Frank, you won’t be able to control something.”

“Since when does one drink mean a problem?”

“That may be true, but when was the last time you had just one drink?” Tired of waiting for an answer and staring at his back, Ellen tossed her hands in the air. “I’m done. You know where I am.” She backed up and then turned, walking out.

“El.” Frank turned around and she was gone. He stared down at the glass, the moonshine still settling in there. He brought it to his lips then lowered it. He closed his eyes in thought, clenched the glass, and heard Ellen’s not-so-subtle words racing in his mind. Though they may have been words that held a scariness to them, they were words Frank argued with in his head. Then as he went to place his glass down Frank stopped, finished off what was in there, set the glass on the counter, and went out to rejoin the meeting.

CHAPTER TEN

JULY 5

Like a two year old, George Hadley had a temper tantrum in his office of the compound. He tossed plans and maps about. Papers flew every which way. It was not what he wanted. His scientists had failed him. In an attempt to create a strain of the new virus that would walk right into Beginnings, they failed. Two more hours, that was all the virus needed to hold off. Two more hours and those infected would have started the chain of infection that would lead to the downfall of Beginnings. George knew they were nowhere near the cure but with the time he had to use to build his second plan of attack, Beginnings could very well beat his best offensive. Perhaps George should not have put so much stock or hope in Robbie and his men bringing in the virus to Beginnings. George should have known better. Joe Slagel had a horseshoe when it came to luck. If it was the last thing he did, he would snatch up that horseshoe, leaving Beginnings defenseless, and hopefully, with a deadly virus as well.

<><><><>

“Wait.” Robbie called out leaning toward Marty who was taking blood. “You know better.”

“I know I have to get this done.” Marty knelt over a man, a survivor they had picked up. “Dr. Dean needs this blood to check.”

“That’s not why I stopped you. Did you see what you were about to do?” Robbie asked.

“Yes, I was getting ready to fill a tube of blood.”

“No, you were getting ready to rub your eyes.”

“The sweat is dripping in them Robbie.”

“Yeah well if you rub your eyes something else will get into them too. This is a highly contagious virus. You heard, Dean. Your eyes are an open door way for it.”

Marty took a moment to catch his breath before he continued on. “Thanks.”

“Sorry, I yelled.” Robbie stood up, holding a clipboard. He looked at his watch knowing that in a few hours he would have to have everything ready for Beginnings when they came to make a drop and pick up supplies. He didn’t know why he had to document everything . He spoke to Dean on a daily basis. Maybe Dean needed it as something to have on file and maybe just bury if Robbie could help to contain the virus outside of the walls.

Could this virus be it? Could this really be the one that started it all in the future? When Dean and Ellen made that future trip, it was made prior to finding the communication center and since they found the communication center, maybe with Robbie going out, he sped things a little. Robbie hoped in a way that in the other future, the virus had made its way in through them, because if that was the case, staying outside of Beginnings just changed the future.

Robbie walked from Marty and the other man that lay next to him. He moved to Greg who lay on the ground, two blankets covering him. “Hey, Greg.” Robbie squatted down next to him.

“Robbie.” Greg shivered, fighting the fever.

“How are you?”

“Not bad. This thing is not bad.” He looked at Robbie with glossy eyes. “I’ll beat this.”

Robbie watched him shake, a big man such as Greg trembling beneath the blankets for warmth that surrounded him but he did not feel. “How’s the headache?”

“Make, make, making me sick to my stomach.”

Robbie stared at Greg, paler than he had seen since the original plague back in Ashtonville. Only this one was different. With the old plague, Greg would have been dead already. The suffering of that plague was fast, furious and deadly. But this one, it moved slowly, taking its time in devouring the body in such a torturous way.

Slowly and with a silent nod, Robbie left Greg to rest. He had that report to finish for Dean and it wouldn’t be too long until they arrived to pick it up. The only thing was it really did seem like a long time, because the hours seemed to drag on. Sitting, writing, and taking care of the ill. That’s all there was to do, that and wait.

ROBBIE’S REPORT

Date: JULY 5

Patients Name: GREG HENSON

Date of first symptoms: July 2nd Time of Onset: 12:15 p.m.

Body Temp: 103 Headache: Yes Mild Swollen Glands: Yes

Appearance of skin: Pale Touch of skin: Dry, hot

Is patient conscious? Yes Is patient alert? Yes

Any discoloring of skin? Some Describe: Lt purple under eyes

Blistering of skin? No Body cavity bleeding: No

Convulsions: No Nausea: Some Congestion: None

Vomiting: No Dizziness: No Can patient talk: yes

NOTES:

Dean, As you can see Greg and the other two are running neck and neck with the symptoms. I don’t know what else to do but sit and watch them. How long will they be sick? Will they get better? Or will they only get worse? You have to let us know. As for now, for the rest of us, it’s day three and counting.

Think of us. Robbie

CHAPTER TEN

Henry didn’t mind working. Of course he spent so much of his time sewing and perfecting what he called ‘The Henrys, the newest rage in Beginnings diapers. Then again, Ben and the others in fabrics looked at him like he was nuts when he asked them to mass produce it. Ben’s idea wasn’t bad. He merely suggested that Henry have those who wished to have the new diapers, bring their old ones up to be redone therefore saving on supplies. Henry agreed to that. After all, Beginnings wasted nothing, not even all those dread locks that were cut off from the new guy, Mel. Henry enjoyed what Beginnings did with them. He enjoyed it even more when Alexandra came home excited from school showing Dean her artwork of a horse. And there dangling from the back end of the animal as the tail was a dread lock. For the first time ever, Henry could have sworn he saw Dean cringe.

This day wasn’t so bad. Even though it was a Sunday, Henry didn’t care about working. It did seem more and more to him that as the years went on in Beginnings so did Joe’s policy that Sunday was a day of rest. Henry wasn’t resting. Joe made sure of it. He told him he had to fix the things that only he could fix. Then he drove home the point to Henry that he got time off when no one else did.

Henry would mind if he thought he was missing something, but he wasn’t. He had a few more items to take care of then he thought he’d go help Frank stock up for the drop to Robbie and his men. Hopefully that would eat enough time to allow Ellen and Dean to work on that guessing game that Henry hated to admit, but found rather dull. Everything Ellen described sounded the same to Henry. Dean had to be cheating. That would be so like him. There were no kids to help with, well, except Brian. Joe had the others at his house while he prepared for the weekly Slagel Sunday dinner. And as far as Brian went, Henry was still working on the baby aspect in his life. One step at a time he told himself over and over. The true test would come in a few days, as Andrea said, when Nick gets out of the clinic. Then Henry would see where his paternal instincts lie. He had high hopes, confident that he would do well. Ellen was going to stay with Frank for the first week and Henry would be there a lot to learn.. How that was going to work out, Henry still didn’t know. Henry only wished Frank would get a move on with his fatherly tips. Yes, he spit them out so fast and out of the blue but Henry was having a hard time grasping Frank’s method to being a Dad. Deciphering what Frank told him borderlined as difficult as deciphering Alexandra’s phonetic spelling of everything she wrote.

He finished fixing the catch lock on the outer door of the monitoring room of security. How that qualified as something no one else could fix baffled Henry. He set down his tools and opened the door. “All fixed, Mark. She won’t stick and you shouldn’t get stuck in here for hours again.”

“Wouldn’t have been so bad, Henry,” Mark explained, “but for three hours Frank kept saying he was coming to get me.”

“Speaking of Frank, I’m heading to the hanger. Have a good day.”

“Henry,” Mark called out.

“Yes.”

“Could you do me a favor?” He lifted the stack of papers next to his blue mug of coffee. “I finished the weekly perimeter reports. Could you drop them off to Joe’s office on your way there? I want to head on home and catch a nap before the game tonight.”

Henry had to stop and think of what game. Then he remembered Frank’s new game he invented. Frank was always coming up with new team sports aside from the obvious baseball, hockey, and football. He called them strategic games and he got away with it too. Like the paint ball they played once a month, this game helped build maneuver intelligence. To ensure that it was categorized as a military game, only the men who were security and or reserve security could play. Henry actually was thinking about filling his evening with the game himself. “Is it still the same time. After dinner?”

“Yep.”

“Good.” Henry took the papers. “I’ll run this up to the hanger. Oh Mark, Melissa does know about the game right? She was pretty pissed off last time.”

“Marcus is my kid, too, Henry. I told her and she’s all right with it. Besides now she sees it as a form of exercise Marcus just doesn’t get anymore.”

“Yes, well running around a field from a bunch of grown men will do that to you.” Henry looked at his papers. “All right, I’m out of here. There’s a lot of activity this week huh?” Henry noticed the size of the stack.

“Most of that came from the communications room.”

“The communications room?” Henry was surprised.

“Yeah, tons of activity going on there.”

“Why?” Henry saw Mark shrug and figured Mark didn’t put any stock into it. Leaving the monitoring room and latching the door that was now fixed, Henry’s curiosity peeked. He searched out the communications report weekly activity and pulled it forefront of the pile. “This can’t be right.” Henry looked at it as he walked with his eyes staring down. “Look at all this activity for one week?” He flipped through the first page, stepped aside when he heard the motorcycle and Frank yelling ‘Henry watch out’ and continued reading. Feeling slightly nauseous from moving and looking at the reports, Henry waited until he was in Joe’s office to read them better.

Once there, he hoped what he saw was wrong, but it wasn’t. Why was there so much activity on a day to day basis in the communication center? It should be limited and done only at shift change. Henry read the activity from two days prior. “Eight a.m. enter, six after eight exit. Change of shift. But what’s this? Nine-forty-two a.m. enter. Nine-forty-three a.m. exit. Ten-twelve enter. Ten-fifteen exit. And this goes on.” Henry flipped a page. “Who the hell is bothering these guys down in communications?” Scratching his head, Henry set the reports on Joe’s desk. He grabbed a piece of paper, scribbling a note to lie on top. ‘Joe, take a look at all the activity in the communications room. Would like to add a keypad in communications to see who keeps going in and out of there? There shouldn’t be this much activity. Four general codes, Security. Council, Monitors, and General Population. Maybe we can break it down. Henry’

Thinking the note was long winded and he’d hear about it from Joe, Henry was certain he got his point across. Wives, friends, whatever, should not be bothering the men monitoring the communications room. And obviously these guys were being bothered.

Leaving Joe’s office, Henry wanted to stop at his office before heading up to the hanger. He wanted to see how many keypads they had left they didn’t need rebuilt. If he had them ready, he’d bring it up to Frank as well, get his opinion. And then Henry decided he would bitch at Frank for nearly killing him with the motorcycle.

<><><><>

“We’re doing really well with these.” Dean tossed some notes on the coffee table as he sat on the couch with Ellen. “It’s quiet here.”

“Joe has the kids.” She reached forward for her tea. “You’re coming to dinner tonight, right?”

“Don’t I always.”

“No.”

“No, you’re right. I’ll be there.”

“Are you playing the game this evening?” Ellen asked.

“I’m not security. Besides, I want to take a look at Marcus when they finish with him. You know, for signs of fatigue.”

“How did he do two weeks ago?” Ellen set her cup down.

“Better than the men who were chasing him. Of course, Melissa stopped the game early,” Dean shrugged. “Anyhow, I was thinking of something.” He leaned his one arm on the back of the couch.

“Uh-oh.”

“What?”

“You have this look in your eyes. I’m still healing, Dr. Hayes.”

“No.” He shook his head. “Frank has the kids tonight and I thought maybe you and I could just sit for a while.”

“We’re sitting for a while now.”

“Yeah but it’s work related. I’d just like to sit with you for a couple hours. We’ll talk about the kids, whatever, just not about my sight or this damn . . .” Dean reached forward to the folder on her lap, “virus.”

“Oh Dean, there you go swearing and being forceful again.” She snickered. “Sure, I’ll come over.”

“Without, Henry?”

“Sure. Henry doesn’t have a problem with me seeing you alone. In fact, I’ll send him to help Frank with the kids. Put him in good practice for when Nick comes home. Henry really doesn’t mingle that much with the kids.”

“There’s a reason for that, El,” Dean said.

“Yeah, Frank says two fathers are enough.”

“Not that. Henry is not . . . never mind.” He laid the folder on the coffee table. “I think I’ll check on Brian. He’s been sleeping up there an awful long time.”

“I’ll go with you.” She followed him as he stood from the couch.

“No, stay down here. I’ll be right back.”

“Dean?” Ellen stepped closer to him. “Can I ask you something? Are we having the understanding yet?”

“I don’t know.” He shrugged. “I’m not real good at understanding understandings. Why?”

“Well, it’s just that you haven’t kissed me yet.”

“Would you like me to kiss you?”

“Only if you want to. I mean, I don’t want to force you into something that you don’t want to do,” She rambled. “After all, this understanding is primarily companionship based and I . . .” Ellen knew she was talking too much when she felt Dean pull her closer and press his lips to hers. Softly he kissed her. Then as he pulled back, just slightly, he bit his bottom lip, placed both hands on her face, and pulled Ellen to him for more of a kiss.

“Whoa.” Ellen giggled after he was finished. “I just realized how long it has been since I kissed you. Oh Dean, I remember I really liked kissing you.”

Dean stepped back,  shook his head, looked at her, then kissed her quickly. “I’m going to check on Brain.”

“But Dean.”

“El.” He ran his hand down his face, stepped to her and kissed her,. “I have to check Brian. “

Ellen watched him walk up the stairs then she glanced at her watch. Whistling badly--she never was very good at that--she walked to the dining room and to the cabinet in there. She opened up the drawer and pulled out a notebook and a pen. Henry knew of the notebook, but as far as Ellen knew, he never looked in there. That was all right with her. If he wanted to, he could. It was her Dean notebook. And though the kiss had nothing to do with what was happening to Dean sight wise, it had everything to do with where they were emotionally when and if the time came that he would lose his sight. Ellen had to build that, besides wanting to, she had to. Dean trusted her already, but she needed him to trust that whatever happened to him, she would not leave his side. And she wouldn’t.

<><><><>

“Man.” Frank shook his head once, looked at his hand and then picked up a sack to place in the helicopter. “Man.” He looked at his hand again.

John Matoose, who was packing a crate, glanced up at Frank.

“Man.” Frank stared at his hand and walked over to the bench where more supplies sat. “Man.”

“What!” John snapped unable to take it anymore, unable to take another ‘man.’ “What Frank?”

“Oh.” Frank walked to him. “Look at my hands. For as good as my body looks, my hands look old. Don’t they?”

“This is what you’re walking around in shock about?”

“Yeah. Look at them.” Frank placed them under John’s face.

“Frank.” John stood up. “They look like the hands of a hardworking man who’s about to turn forty.”

“Whoa!” Frank held those hands up. “I said nothing about turning forty. Where are you getting that from?”

“Everyone know this, Frank.”

“I’m not turning forty.”

“Yes you are. In August.”

“No I’m not.”

“Frank.”

“John. I’m turning, thirty-uh-five.”

“Bullshit.”

Frank gasped loudly. “The nerve of you saying I’m forty.” He shook his head. “You’re just jealous because you don’t look as good as I do and you’re turning thirty-three.”

“I am not thirty-three. I’m not even thirty yet.”

“Yes you are. Look at your hands. Now they look old. In fact they look older than mine. Let me see.”

“Will it shut you up?”

“Respect, John.” Frank looked at his right hand. “You have more scars than me. Look at these ones on your . . .” Frank started to laugh.

“What now?”

“It’s just that.” Frank laughed again. “You’re gonna think this is funny. But . . .” Frank held up is hand and laughed harder. “Remember when Robbie was doing that investigation into the Moses attack on Ellen and Dean?”

“Yeah.”

“Anyhow.” Frank snickered. “Sorry.” He caught his breath. “He had written in there that you had scratches on your hand and that maybe you,” Frank pointed with a smile, “were in on it. Isn’t that funny?” He shook his head and backed up. “Man, my brother and his imagination. Anyhow, I plan on proving that wrong. Just so you know.” Frank winked at John. “I may be dumb about some things but when I want to find something out . . .” He made a clicking sound. “I do. O.K. enough fun, back to work.”

John stood silently breathing in what Frank had just said. What did he just insinuate? Did he just imply he was reopening the investigation? Surely Joe wouldn’t allow it. If Robbie found nothing out through his badgering, Frank couldn’t. Or could he? Frank had a method of getting violent if his gut told him something he couldn’t prove otherwise. What was Frank’s gut telling him? John saw through it, the act, the happy act Frank gave. It was either Frank’s forewarning to John or was he being paranoid. He could be paranoid. Wondering how he got himself so tangled in the mess, John’s mind snapped back to when he first got involved . . .

“Hold it George!” John held his revolver steady as George began to jump in a Jeep, readying to make his escape from Beginnings. “Get out of the Jeep! Now!”

“What are you doing, John?” George almost laughed at him and continued in his escape.

“I said stop!” John walked closer to George holding his aim on him steady. “I just heard Ellen to Henry on the radio. The shit you have done . . .”

“And you want to be the big hero and bring me in.”

“Not the big hero George. I’m just bringing you in.”

“Then if that’s the way you want it.” George stepped from the Jeep. “If Beginnings takes me down, and they will, you will go down with me.”

“What?” John never released his aim.

“You knew…you knew about the scientists. I let you in on that one.”

“That is all I knew George.” John yelled. “You said they’d never be freed.”

“But they were.”

“You killed . . .” John took a breath. “You killed Miguel. You had me lock Frank up. You gave Joe a paralyzing drug.”

“Blah, blah, blah. You knew I knew more than I let on. Guilty by association.”

“I’ll just tell them the truth.”

“And they’ll believe you?” George stepped closer to him. “Right now, John, they will be looking to bring down any and all parties involved. Who are they gonna believe? Me or you? I’m the bad guy here, John. I can say you were involved. Now you will let me leave before they find out the whole truth from Joe since he’s awake now. You have to let me go.”

“I’ll shoot you right here.” John clicked back the hammer. “I’ll shoot you before I do that.”

“Do you think I’m alone in this? I’m not. I’ve been communicating with the outside world. If I don’t show up, and I just called them, then this place is done. Done, John. Now you will let me walk out of here or have the death of these pitiful people on your conscious. My people can do it. We have the means. Means you can’t stop.”

John lowered his weapon.

“That’s what I thought.” George hopped in the jeep and started it. “I’ll be in touch.”

John’s head sprung up. In touch? John thought George couldn’t be serious. He didn’t realize how serious George was until one week later, when George came back and handed John a phone with a base to recharge it and then told John what he had to do. It was simple. For John’s family, for those he loved in Beginnings, for their lives, John had to be the inside man. He told John of the impending virus, how George and his people would use that to clean out Beginnings, unless of course, John helped to get those who could stop George out of the way. If he failed, George would see that John watched his family pay. to John, his family had no price tag. No matter what the cost, he would protect them.

<><><><>

“It’s that little bitch’s fault, that’s who.” George tried to gain his calm as he spoke with John Matoose on the cell phone. “You hear me, John. She’s putting this shit in his mind.”

“You think?”

“I’m telling you. Why else would he reopen the investigation? I hate that big stupid mother fucker. I hate him. You have to get Ellen to stop. You should have killed her months ago instead of allowing that eccentric preacher to do his dramatic stoning of her.”

“I know.”

“Well get things moving, John. I need Beginnings.”

“George.” John sat down in the chair in the communications room. “Are you absolutely sure you’re not sending the virus?”

“I told you I won’t if you can bring the Slagel’s down and that Henry too. Leave Dean, he’s an asset.”

“But Robbie and the men almost brought it in.”

“Yeah, well almost doesn’t count.” George rolled his eyes. “You lucked out.”

“What about the future trip that showed the virus?”

“Obviously in that future you screwed up somewhere. Hold up your end and I’ll hold up my end.” Abruptly George ended that call, wiping his hand across his brow. “Sure I will.”

<><><><>

“Look how tan my legs are getting, Dean.” Ellen spoke perkily and quickly, lifting the edge to her shorts as she and Dean sat on her front porch. “Of course I can’t share any tan lines. My body is still kind of frumpy from giving birth, not on the lines of Jenny Matoose frumpy, but frumpy none-the-less. What do you think, Dean?”

“I think there is nothing frumpy about you. Hell, Ellen, you never gain any weight with your pregnancies. How can you be frumpy?”

“That isn’t what you said about me after Joey was born. You said I was frumpy.”

“Oh I did not,” Dean snapped back.

“How do you know? You don’t remember that past.”

“Sort of on the lines like you don’t remember the past when you got pregnant with Nick.”

“There you go. You just proved my point.” Ellen held out her hand. “Why don’t you believe that? Isn’t Joey proof that things could happen? Maybe in the time frame when I brought you back, Henry and I had an incident.”

“It doesn’t work that way, Ellen. You heard Jason. You went through the time machine. Whoever the father was, is still the father no matter what you did or didn’t do in the changed time.”

“Makes no sense and I don’t buy it. I’m proof of that. It hurts my feeling that you have this air of disbelief. Why would I lie to you or Frank about it? Isn’t the fact that the baby is Asian a lie buster, but I swear I don’t know how it happened.”

“I never said that I didn’t believe you, I said it’s hard to believe. I’m a doctor, El. Ok, you said the one time you were even remotely not platonic was outside the walls of Beginnings.”

“When I ran away after Frank was mean. Yes. But … it was a kiss. I was drunk.”

“You think maybe you were so drunk\that it was more and you don’t remember?”

Ellen stared. “I told you I blacked out. Henry said I passed out.”

“Maybe you didn’t pass out, but just blacked out.”

“Henry said nothing happened,” Ellen defended. “If that’s not the case, then Henry is lying.”

“Maybe he is.”

Very seriously, Ellen looked at Dean. “Then that would be rape and I don’t buy it. I also don’t like this because Henry married me to help you.”

Dean scoffed a laugh.

“What?” Ellen asked.

“You give Henry far too much credit for being unselfish. And … let’s change the subject.”

“You know what? Yes,” Ellen nodded, “let’s. I’m in a good mood and we just started this understanding. We don’t need to go off course.”

“I’m sorry.”

Ellen leaned to him. “Don’t be. It’s the way you feel. I just disagree.”

“Then we agree to disagree.”

“Seal it with a kiss?” Ellen leaned to him and kissed him quickly.

“Like last night,” Dean smiled. “El, when was the last time we were together? I mean, that we both know about.”

“What do you mean, both know about?”

“Well for example, I’d say the examining room. Wouldn’t you?”

“No, I slept with you after that.” Ellen closed her eyes. “That’s right. You don’t remember that because in your history that didn’t happen. Jason and his time machine. We slept together right before you died. But you didn’t die, so we didn’t get stuck in that hole to fool around in. Was the examining table the last incident you remember?”

“No.” Dean shook his head peering out. “After.”

“As in after the examining table and before the death lay.”

“Ellen,” Dean shook his head, “after the tunnel.”

“After?” Ellen brought her finger to her mouth. “I don’t remember us being together after.”

“That’s because it happened in the past where you were married to Robbie and Robbie had an understanding with me.”

“Oh Dean, you dog. You slept with me even though you knew it wasn’t the Ellen that you knew.”

Dean shrugged and nodded.

“Did I make love to you the same?” She saw him shake his head. “I didn’t?”

“Nope. You were . . . tame.”

“I was tame? I was married to Robbie and I still was tame? How did that happened? You would think that if I was married to Robbie, I certainly would make love like him. Robbie takes control. He’s like Mr. Stamina.”

“El?” With a tilted head Dean looked at her. “You talk like you’ve slept with him more than that one time in Ashtonville.”

“I do? Oh.” Ellen folded her hands and stared out. “I guess one time with Robbie was enough to judge.”

“Why am I not believing that?”

“You have a problem with believing things I tell you.”

“I wonder why.”

Ellen’s mouth dropped open with a gasp. “You are so wrong.”

“I’m also so hungry.” Dean stood up from the step. He grunted and straightened out his knee, the one that always caused him pain. He wished when the incident of Frank shooting him was wiped from existence from the time travel ripple, the pain had also been wiped. No such luck. “You want a sandwich?”

“Yes that’ll be nice. A jam sandwich please. Josephine sent over some fresh strawberry jam.”

“A jam sandwich it is.” Dean opened the screen door.

“Could you check on Brian while you’re in there, I don’t know what Frank did to him last night, but the kid is still out.”

“I’ll check on Brian.” Dean slipped into the house.

Sitting there, Ellen saw John Matoose storming to her. She smiled and waved.

“Ellen.”

“Oh hi, John,” she said pleasantly then rolled her eyes.

“What are you up to?”

“Who me?” Ellen pointed to her chest. “I’m hanging out getting a suntan. How about you?”

“Enough of the fake niceties. I’m not in the mood.”

“Well I’m in a good mood and I’d appreciate it if you’d leave before you ruin that.”

“Like you ruined my day.”

Ellen laughed. She didn’t plan on ruining his day, but if she did it unintentionally that was a bonus for her. “Sure, if you say so.”

“I know what you’re up to.”

“You do? What?”

“Don’t be cute.”

“I can’t help it John, I am. You should get out once in a while and look at what women really look like. You’re disillusioned by your wife.”

“Ellen!” John yelled. “I'm sick of this. Knock it off.”

“I’d be glad to if I knew what I was doing, but I haven’t the foggiest. And since I want a jam sandwich, I’m going in my house.” She started to stand up only to have her arm grabbed and her body yanked right back down into a sitting position. She looked at the fingers that gripped her tightly.

John placed his face close to hers. “Listen you little bitch. I've had enough of Robbie going after me. Don’t you know how hard it is day to day without someone breathing down your neck? You started this. You stop this. I’m warning you.” He saw her smile brightly. “What is wrong with you?”

“Hi Frank,” she said perkily.

“I’m not buying that.”

“Don’t.” She leaned her head to the side to look past John. “Hi, Frank.”

Something told John that perhaps Ellen wasn’t lying at that moment. Maybe it was the presence he felt so close to his back. Slowly releasing Ellen’s arm, he turned around only to see Frank briefly. That vision was shattered and blacked out by one of the hardest punches John had ever taken. He spun back around, careening into the railing of the porch.

Ellen stepped out of John’s falling body with a loud ‘Yes!’ She moved up a step so as to not get in Frank’s way.

Frank charged forward, picking John up. “I can’t believe not only did you talk to her like that, but you fuckin touched her as well?” His words were angry but not as angry as the shove Frank delivered when he tossed John into the side of the house. Shaking his head in disgust, Frank charged for him again.

Just about the time Dean lowered the knife of jam to the bread, he dropped it when he heard Ellen’s cheerleader style chanting.

“Go, Frank. Hit him again. Yes!”

“What the hell is she doing?” Dean turned and jolted when he heard a banging and another excited comment from Ellen. Walking from the kitchen into the dining room, it didn’t take Dean long to see what was going on. On his approach he could see Frank spinning John away from the house and hitting him. John flew backwards and Frank went after his defenseless body. “Shit.” Dean raced for the door, smacking Ellen with the screen door when he ran out on the porch.

“Do it Frank!” Ellen shouted, feeling Dean brush by her. “Hey!” She yelled at Dean. “Dean, you can’t stop them. You’re too little.”

“Frank!” Dean charged to the two men. Frank was getting ready to pummel John as he picked him up. John was swinging at the air, trying to catch his balance. “Frank stop!” Dean grabbed Frank’s hand as it revved back.

“Back off, Dean.”

“You’ll kill him.”

“So what.”

It took all that Dean had to hold on to that fist. It was obvious to him that Frank wasn’t tugging too hard or else Dean would have gone into John as well. “Don’t do this. Do this right.”

“Dean, I’m telling you just . . .” WHAP! Unexpectedly, Frank felt the blow to the side of his chin. Though the hit was not hard, it took him by surprise, taking Frank back a step and knocking Dean off of him. “Now see, Dean, I’ve been hit.”

Dean felt the jolt of his body hit the ground. As he stumbled to his feet, he fell back down when everything around him spun and went out of focus.

She could see it in his face. Something was wrong. Moving as fast as she could, Ellen ran to Dean who lay on the grass. He hadn’t fallen that hard, but he didn’t look right to her. “Dean.” She crouched down to him, bracing his arm. “Dean.” She whispered and noticed the blank look on his face. His eyes stared outward with a look of loss and confusion all over him.

“I can’t see, El.” He grabbed for her arm.

Moving right in front of him, Ellen laid her hand on his face. “I’m right here.” She slid it down to his arm. “Let me help you.”

Dean blinked, still looking so bewildered.

She couldn’t get him to move. Ellen wanted to wait until he was ready. She had never seen Dean like that. He actually started to look scared. “It’ll come back.” She moved closer to him as he knelt on the ground. Staying with Dean in her focus, Ellen blocked out everything around her until she was forced to remember what was happening when Dean went down. Two gunshots fired in the air, She snapped her head up and her attention away from Dean. Henry stood there with a gun, reaching down for Frank and pulling him off of John. Joe ran in quickly behind, moving to John, maybe as a sense of protection.

Henry pulled Frank back further. “Calm down.”

Frank closed his eyes and breathed heavily. He brought his hand to the corner of his mouth. “Fuck, I’m bleeding.”

“Not bad.” Henry nodded to John. “Not as bad as him.” He watched as Joe helped John up. “At least he can stand.” He then saw Dean on the ground with Ellen. He moved a few feet to them. “What did you do, Dean? Did you try to break it up? I’m not even that dumb. I fired a gun.” He didn’t get a response only panic filled eyes from Ellen. “El?”

Ellen shook her head and returned to Dean, speaking in a barely audible voice. “How’s it going?”

“It’s coming back.” He let out a loud breath and took the embrace fully that Ellen gave to him.

Frank’s mouth dropped open. “What the fuck is this shit?” He indicated to Ellen and Dean. “I get beat up and she’s all over him?”

Henry shook his head. “Oh sure, Frank. You’re beat up.”

“I am. I’m bleeding. Look.” He showed Henry the blood on his hand and watched Henry cringe. Quickly Frank wiped the still damp blood on Henry’s arm.

“Frank!” Henry stepped back, wiping his arm on his own pants. “You’re an asshole.”

As Frank started to laugh, he forgot about his anger. He was reminded of it when he heard his father’s stern yell. He spun to Joe who was balancing John. “What?”

Making sure John wouldn’t fall again; Joe released him and walked to Frank. “What was this shit?!”

“Dad, he deserved it.”

“He what!?”

“He was . . .”

“I don’t want to hear it right now. I’m taking John to the clinic. You, clean your ass up and meet me at my office in twenty minutes. You hear me.” He didn’t get a response “You hear me!?” Joe yelled louder.

“Yeah I hear. I’ll be there.” Frank placed his hands on his hips.

“You better have a damn good reason for beating this man like that. You got that? Damn good.” With a pointing finger, Joe stepped back and went to John to escort him for medical attention.

Henry watched Frank as he stared at his father leaving. “Frank? Do you have a good reason?”

“Yeah,” Frank sniffed, wiped his mouth and motioned his head to Ellen who was helping Dean in the house. “Ask her.”

“Ellen?” Henry took a breath. “Oh boy.”

“What?”

“Well Frank.” He stepped back when he saw the snapping look on Frank’s face. “For as much as I care, her word about John around here doesn’t mean much and you were part of discrediting her.”

“Shit.” Frank ran his hand down his face.

“Exactly.”

“No-no.” Frank held up his hands. “I had reason. Good reason.”

The door to Joe’s office slammed so fiercely it would have rattled just about anyone. Anyone that is, except for Frank. He sat in the chair waiting, biting his nails, looking at his fingertips, being cool and calm even though Joe projected everything but that.

“Don’t get up, Frank.”

“I’m not.”

“I was being sarcastic.” Joe walked behind his desk with a storm to his stride.

“So was I.”

“You beat the man Frank. Eight stitches in his right eye. Nine in his left. Six on his top lip.”

“He’s still alive?”

“Yes, goddamn it, he’s alive.” Joe seemed agitated.

“Then I failed somewhere.”

“What!” Joe’s voice raised. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

“With me? What the hell is wrong with you coming down on me for beating up the guy? First off, you never come down on any two men for fighting.”

“You’re right. I let whoever it is work it out. But you aren’t just any man.” He saw his son scoff. “You are the strongest man I have ever met in my entire life. You are driven by emotions. Your rage fuels your strength. You can kill a man with your bare hands and that gives you a big responsibility to control what it is that drives you. You have to. If you ever let lose it on someone, you can kill them.”

“I have.”

Joe rolled his eyes and ran his hand down his face. “You’re missing my point. You can’t just get into scuffs for no reason around here.”

“No reason?” Frank leaned into the desk. “The man should be dead. He should be made to pay for everything he did. What I gave to him was just the beginning. When he admits to what he’s done and what he’s been a part of, I will take great pleasure in tearing him limb from limb. And I will get him to admit it.”

“Admit what?” Joe threw his hands in the air. “That he had a confrontation with Ellen. He admitted that.”

“Did he tell you he called her a little bitch? Did he tell you he warned her all while grabbing her?”

Joe nodded. “He said he was harsh with her and he owes her an apology.”

“Did he tell you he tried to kill her?”

“What?” Joe laughed. “Where is this coming from? One argument does not . . .”

“No Dad. He tried to kill her when Moses went up to that mobile after her and Dean. John was there. He was the one who grabbed Ellen. Those scars on his hands are Ellen’s mark of trying to fight whoever it was that held onto her. No blood on Ellen’s clothes? Of course there was no blood. John wasn’t bleeding.”

“Frank, where are you getting this from?”

“Robbie’s investigation box. He had it noted about the scratches and the blood.”

Joe started to laugh. “None of that was conclusive.”

“And then there’s Dean.”

“What about him?”

“Dean remembers, after he was shot, seeing someone grab Ellen, seeing this person as they carried her away. That person was John.”

“Jesus Christ.” Joe’s expression dropped. “Why is this only coming to my attention now? This happened how long ago? Why didn’t Dean say anything?”

“Well because . . .” Frank slumped in his chair. “He thinks it’s just a dream. He doesn’t know it’s a memory yet.”

“Frank.”

“Here me out. We’re working on that. Jason is going to hypnotize him to see if it’s a dream or a memory. Either way, I have to do this first.”

“Frank.” Joe tried to remain reasonable. “Listen to me. Robbie went through this, all but the dream thing. None of this is conclusive.”

“I know this, Dad, and I’ve just got to get John to own up to it.” Frank spoke with passion. “Listen to me. Robbie had it noted in his notes that every single time John is provoked or threatened, he strikes out and something else happens. He gets into a fight with Ellen, someone breaks into Henry’s house. Robbie fights with him, the circuit box is rigged. There are a lot of incidents. Me, I went about it a sneaky way, but I let John know today I was on to him. In a joking way, what happens? He goes directly to Ellen, as planned. I followed him because I knew that was what he was going to do, just like Robbie’s notes said. He’s guilty Dad. Guilty and I have a feeling he’s the inside man for George. He's not doing a very good job, but  he's the inside man none-the-less. He’s communicating with George somehow.”

“I just don’t . . .” Joe’s eyes shifted down to the stack of papers on his desk. He saw the note from Henry on top and took a second to look at the activity reports. “You think he’s communicating with George?”

“Yep.”

“What do you think he’s telling him? There’s not much to tell him.”

“I’ve been thinking about this.”

“Oh boy.” Joe kept staring at the reports.

“What if he’s telling George about our Robbie attacks and where Robbie is going to go? George knows what we’re up to. What if Robbie didn’t just happen upon this virus with his men, but it was a set up. Dean says the virus’s incubation is different. George set them up with a virus. George knows through John that Dean pegged the five day incubation period. Knowing this, George hits them with a virus with a longer incubation period. They supposedly are virus free,  walk into Beginnings, and then bam . . . they get sick, therefore starting our plague. He infiltrates us with our own men.”

Joe slowly stood up from his desk. “You amaze me sometimes.”

“I amaze myself all the time.”

Shaking his head in disbelief, Joe moved to the filing cabinet.

“Dad, I may not be the brightest man in Beginnings, I know that. But my gut is usually right. Right now, my gut is screaming at me and I just can’t shut it up. The only thing I can’t peg is how John is talking to George.” He watched Joe rummage through the filing cabinet. “I mean, we have the communications room. We should have gotten the signal, our monitors that is.”

“Not if John’s making the call from the communications room.” Joe dropped reports in front of Frank. “Not if he's going in there and calling from there.”

“We should have a record of any indicators going off.”

“Not if he turns the tracking off.”

“How’s he doing that? We have a monitor in there?”

“He sends the monitor on a break, shuts of the tracking, makes his call, turns the tracking back on, and then monitor comes back. It’s all here. Look at all this activity. I didn’t pay it much attention until Henry brought it to my attention. This past week had a lot of activity. My guess is they were talking about Robbie and the virus.”

“So what we should do is catch him in the act.”

“So to speak, yes.” Joe handed him all the reports. “Review this tonight after your game and let me know if you can come up with a pattern here. I’m going to install a keypad down there like Henry suggested and just so John doesn’t know we’re on to him, the number we give him will be a different number than everyone else. Only he’ll think it’s the same as, let’s say, security and councils. We’ll tell him it is, he’ll use it, we set it up through the system and bingo, we know when and how much he’s going in there.”

“We can bug that room.”

“Yes we can.” Joe situated himself behind the desk. “But first thing is first. You have to go to that clinic and apologize to him for pulverizing him.”

“What?!”

“Listen to me, Frank.” Joe held up his hands. “You tell him you were upset the way he treated Ellen and you are having a bad day. You are sorry for beating him up.”

“I’m not sorry.”

Joe winced. “I know that, hard head, but you’ll make it seem that way. I’ll go and lecture him on treating Ellen with respect and get him to apologize to her. We want him to think that the beating you gave had nothing to do with his connection to George. If we are going to bring him down, we are going to do this right.”

“So let him think he’s off the hook and bust him?” Frank saw his father shake his head. “No? We’re not busting him. We’re not killing him or throwing him out?”

“Sure we will, but we’re at war right now, Frank. John is on the inside working for the enemy. I say, let him stay. Let him work for the enemy. Give him false information once we confirm he truly is talking to George. Let him give us what we need. Have him work for us, then when we have won, we deal with John Matoose.”

“Sort of like a double agent and he doesn’t know it.”

“Exactly, but let me tell you something Frank. You have to know your enemy. You have to get into his house. You have to find out his secrets. Who knows John probably better than anyone. Who’s closest to him?”

“I’d say his wife.”

Joe nodded. “Jenny. Get close to Jenny. Let her let you into their lives and once you’re in and trusted, you have pretty much cart blanc of their house. Right now, if he thinks you’re on to him, he’s not letting you anywhere near him. That’s why we have to go through Jenny.”

“Get close to Jenny?” Frank drastically shook his head. “No way. I’m not getting close to Jenny. I’m not sleeping with her, Dad.”

“I wasn’t thinking about you Frank. I was thinking about Ellen.”

“You want Ellen to sleep with Jenny?”

“Christ no.” Joe slammed his hand down. “Befriend her . . . don’t laugh. Jenny is a very strong female ally in this community. She keeps the females all together. She coordinates them, has group meetings or something like that. She comes to me with problems they have. If Ellen befriends her, through let’s say her need for female companionship, cause let’s face it, Ellen has none, she just might pull the right chord in Jenny.”

“Ellen will never do it,” Frank stated.

“Yes, she would.”

“Nope,” he disagreed strongly, “I’m telling you. She won’t.”

“And I’m telling you she will. Talk to her tonight.”

“All right.” Frank threw his hands up. “Am I done? I want to go see the kids before the game. I still have the field to set up.”

“You’re done.”

Frank stood up. “You still refereeing?”

“Yes. You boys can’t play nice without me. Don’t forget your clinic stop to John Matoose.”

“I won’t.” Frank moved to the door.

“Frank,” Joe tapped the activity reports, “you forgot these.” He waited until Frank picked them up. “One other thing. Remember what I told you about controlling those fists of yours. You’re usually really good about that.”

“I know.” Frank headed back to the door. “I don’t know what came over me. I lost it.”

“Even if you feel you have good cause, try not to lose it again on some poor unsuspecting soul, especially people you have to live with.”

“I will.” Frank opened the door. “Thanks.” He pulled the door closed, wiggled his jaw, and spoke out loud. “He didn’t say anything about John nailing me. Fuckin Dean.”

“I heard that.” Joe called from his office.

Frank looked puzzled at the door and lowered his voice to a whisper as he walked away. “He heard that? Man, I thought the hearing was the first to go when they get that old.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

“Let’s go. You’re out.” Joe tapped Henry on the shoulder as he held the clipboard and pointed backwards to the sidelines of the field.

“No, Joe.”

“Henry you’ve been hit. You took a shot center chest. That’s a deadly hit. You’re dead. You’re out.”

“Joe, that’s not right.”

“Why do you argue with me every game we play?”

“Because Joe, I’m the only one you always send out no matter if they get hit by a corpse or not. Dan shot me. Dan’s been dead for ten minutes, therefore I’m not dead.”

“So therefore you’re out. Get out Henry or you won’t play next game.”

“Aw.” Henry stomped off the field plopping down next to Dan who was covered with red paint. “I hate you.”

Joe stood watching the game. Four men remained and one of them was Frank. He could see Frank darting in and out rolling around acting like such a big kid. Soon he heard the popping gunfire and saw Frank, red paint on his thigh holding Marcus in the air. “We won! I caught him.”

Joe lifted his whistled and blew three times loudly. “Game’s over. Fall in for scores.” He moved across the field to Frank. “Good job.”

“Sixty fuckin miles an hour and I got him.” Frank held out Marcus who looked almost six but was barely one. The pudgy kid with a square head and no hair kicked his legs out and laughed a grunting laugh. “Marcus,” Frank spoke to him, “if I put you down will you go with Joe?”

Marcus grunted and nodded his head.

Frank set him down and bent down to Marcus level. “Good job. Rest up and we’ll do it again.” Frank held out his hand and quickly retracted it. “What did I tell you about that biting shit? Take him, Dad.” Frank stood back up.

Joe reached down for Marcus but stopped. “What is this? Who shot the kid?” Joe indicated to the red paint on his back. “Who killed the trophy?”

From the field, weeds high, Cole held up his hand. “Sorry Joe. I was trying to get Frank.”

“Well that takes fifty points off your score. Come on Marcus, let’s go let Andrea check you out to see if you can play another round.” He held tightly to the little boy’s hand and brought him over to Andrea who sat reading a book. An umbrella shaded her from the evening’s sun. “Check him out, Andrea.”

Andrea set down her book. “Come here, Marcus. Let me look at you.”

“Why are you here today instead of Dean? Marcus is his study.” He watched Andrea examine Marcus.

“Dean’s not feeling well. I think it’s stress.”

“Stress?”

“Joe, you know he has an awful big load to carry on his shoulders with this virus.”

“So do the rest of us, Andrea. I’m trying to keep it out so he doesn’t have to deal with it. I’m not stressed. Do I look stressed?”

“Old. You look old, Joe.”

“Eh.” Joe waved his hand at her. “Where’s he at now?”

“Home. He and Johnny confirmed it today. Robbie’s men have our new virus. They just injected rabbits or something like that to get a grip on it. They said it’s mutated so they don’t know how well the agent they had reaction from will work on it.”

A huffing Frank joined them. “How is he? Is he ready? My men await.”

“He’s fine.” Andrea gave Marcus to him. “Just make sure your men are careful with those paint pellets. He has a small welt on his back.”

Frank stopped walking with Marcus. “No shit?”

“Those things hurt, Frank.”

“Yeah I know but this kid has special skin. Wait until I tell Dean. That’s something he might want to know. He may be able to use that in our defense against them.”

Joe shook his head at his son. “Yeah sure, Frank. When the Army of Marcuses show up, we’ll paint ball them to death.” He laughed in ridicule at his son as he walked away with Marcus. He stopped laughing when the scary fact hit him that Frank may just have had a point.  They’ve burned skin samples of Marcus and froze them, but received no reaction so why did something as simple as a paint ball hurt him?

<><><><>

“You’re sure?” Ellen asked Henry, standing outside of Frank’s house.

“Yes, I don’t understand why you are making such a big deal, El. Really. It was a small drink after the game.”

“Maybe I am overreacting but I’m worried. I just want to stop in and talk to him.”

“I understand.”

Ellen walked to the front door and paused as she grabbed the handle. “You aren’t coming?”

“No, you go on. Call when you’re ready to come home. I want to make some food.”

“Don’t get too engrossed in cooking. I won’t be long. Come and get me in a half an hour.” Ellen smiled and walked into the house. She saw Josh lying on the couch, tossing a ball up into the air. “Hey Josh.”

“Hey El.”

“Finding constructive things to do with your spare time?”

“Um yeah. I’m counting see. Ninety-six . . .” Thump. “ . . . ninety-seven . . .” Thump. “Ninety-eight.”

“I get the point. Where’s Dad?”

“Upstairs folding laundry.”

“You don’t think I’ll get stuck into helping if I go up there do you?”

“Nah.”

“Good.” Taking a breath, Ellen slowly walked up the steps. The upstairs bedroom doors were closed which told her Frank had the kids in bed early. But Frank's bedroom door and the light was on. “Frank?”

“El?” Frank said so surprised as he folded a small shirt. “I was gonna come over to see you after I was done.”

“You were?”

“Yeah.” Frank held up a small green tee shirt. “Check this out. For Brian. Gemma in fabrics made Bri a pair of cammies too, just like Joey's. I figured since he was walking I might as well train him young.”

“He’s one.” Ellen sat on the bed.

“Yeah, but he’s already exhibiting signs of a true Slagel with all that daredevil shit, jumping down the steps.”

“Like I said, he’s one.” Ellen grabbed the tee shirt. “It’s cute though. Did you pull out the other plastic gun?”

Embarrassed like, Frank titled his head, “Yeah, but like everything else it went into his mouth,. So that has to wait. Now Joey,” Frank grinned, “that kid is a natural. He looks the part.”

“He looks just like you, exactly like you.” Ellen lay down sideways on the bed watching Frank. “So, what were you coming over for?”

“You first.” Frank folded the last item, removed the basket from the bed and lay on the bed on his side facing her. “Why are you here?”

“To see how you are.”

“What do you mean?”

“After today, with your lopsided fight with John.” She touched his small red spot on his lip.

“Ow El, war wound.”

Ellen laughed at him. She propped her head up with her hand.

“Can you stay a while?”

“Sounds serious. What’s up?”

“You and I have to talk. We need to talk.”

“Did I do something?” Ellen asked.

“Nope. But I’d like you too.”

“Frank no. I can’t. No. Besides the fact that I physically can’t make love to you, I . . .”

“Whoa.” Frank covered her mouth. “As much as I would like to be close to you and God knows it’s been forever, that’s not what I want you to do.”

“Uh-oh.”

“Now see. I didn’t even ask.” Frank took on a serious look. “First off, let me tell you I’m sorry. I’m sorry for doubting you about John Matoose being in with George.”

Ellen immediately got excited. “You know? You have proof. Yes! Are you gonna beat him up again, Frank? You’re gonna kill him aren’t you. No wait, better yet, drop him off somewhere so he’s stuck outside the walls.” She nodded with a huge grin.

“No, John is going to stay in Beginnings.”

“How can that be? That sucks.”

“But, it’s the only way we can get to George. If he’s working for George on the inside, it is a sure fire way to mislead George and eventually find out all we can about him.”

“I guess in a way that’s smart. What do you need me for? To testify against him? Of course I don’t know where I’m going to . . .”

“El.” Frank halted her. “God, how does Henry deal with the rambling? O.K., John isn’t just going to volunteer his George info. He may have a lot. We don’t know. We have to get close to him. I already apologized for beating him up so he doesn’t think I beat him up because he’s in with George. We have to find out what he does, when he does it, and everything we can about his twelve hours he doesn’t work. Got that? We know he’s communicating with George. We don’t need to prove it. We need to get information on how he’s bringing us down. How he’s planning it. What he’s doing. Are you listening?” He waited for her to nod. “If we bust him and let him know it, George’s plan of action could change. This way if we find out through John, we can beat George for certain at his own game.”

“Frank, you made a rhyme. That’s cute.”

Frank winced. “Thanks. Anyhow, getting close to John is part of the plan. That’s where you come in.”

“Oh this is secret spy stuff. I get to be a spy for you, don’t I, Frank?”

“Yes. You will report anything and everything to me.” Frank told her.

“Everything?”

“No matter how minuscule.”

“Even if it’s he doesn’t wear underwear?”

“El.” Frank closed his eyes. “You know what I mean. Patterns. Hiding places he could have. I’ll check that out.”

“Oh I love this.” Ellen rambled again fast and furiously. “I love playing a spy. Remember when me and Henry were the spies finding that wall. I still remember you called us the misfits of mystery. Boy, were you mean. But who was right Frank? Is that why you’re asking for my help? Is it?”

Frank nodded. “You were right about the wall. And I’m asking you because both my Dad and me think you’re the one who can do it.”

“Yes, Joe’s in on it. It has to be big.”

“El . . .”

Ellen smiled. “I get to follow him around huh?”

“No.”

“Harass him again?”

“No.” Frank shook his head. “I need you to get close to the man, not cause him to kill you.”

“Oh.” Ellen brought her fingers to her lips. “Let me think. Close.” Her hand lowered and a horrified look came over her face. “Oh my God! You want me to sleep with John to get close to him.”

“No!” Frank snapped back.

“Thank God.” Ellen let out a breath. “What other way is there to get close.”

“Not John, Jenny.”

“Oh my God! You want me to sleep with Jenny!”

“El, fuck. No. Not sleep with Jenny, get close to her. Christ I can’t believe you’d even say that. Anyhow.” Frank changed his demeanor. “We think through Jenny, we can inadvertently find out a lot about John. Be Jenny’s friend. Her confidant. Can you do that?”

“I think I’m going to be sick.”

“So you won’t do it.”

“Actually . . .” Ellen smiled. “This can be fun. But how? We hate each other.”

“My dad thought of that. He said go to her for guidance.” He heard Ellen laugh loudly. “El, she’s the female ring leader around here. That’s probably why most of the women don’t like you. In fact, if you get close to Jenny, you'll get close to the other women. Who knows what you’ll find out?”

“I don’t have to type stupid reports do I? Joe gives me enough of those.”

“No, but you do have to report to me on a daily basis. We’ll review progress and anything you learned. So will you?”

Ellen grinned. “Yeah I’ll do it.”

“Thanks.” Frank leaned to her and kissed her quickly. “Wait a day or two until the John getting beat up thing has calmed own, all right.”

“Yes.” She held up her hand. “Can I tell Henry? It would be fun to watch him cringe when he sees me and Jenny being friends. But it wouldn’t be very nice to do. Can I or am I not allowed?”

“You can tell Henry. He has a role to play in this too. I’ll talk to him tomorrow about it.”

“O.K. but let me be the one to tell him about Jenny. Promise.”

“You got it.” Frank let out a long breath as if the burden of the conversation was over.

“Frank?”

Frank looked at her in the silence.

“Thanks.”

“For what?”

“Letting me work with you. I’ve never worked with you before. I’m glad you letting me be a part of it and if it means talking like this all the time, I’d like that. I like when we talk.”

“I do too, El.”

“You know.” Her hand reached to his and her finger tips grazed across his rough ones. “You know, if you ever need to talk to me, about anything, day or night, I’m here.”

“I know this.”

“Do you?” She questioned. “Do you know that if you’re upset you can knock on my door? If things are hard for you, you can come to me to help you? Do you know this? I’d do anything for you, Frank.”

“Why . . . Why are you being all serious all of the sudden? You went from Chatty Kathy to Suzy Serious. What’s up?”

“I’m worried about you.”

“Worried about me? El, why?” Frank spoke softly. “I’ve got my life together. I have my kids. I have a great new son. I have you in my life.” He covered her mouth. “Not as much as I’d like, but I’m working on that.” He let his hand go. “Don’t worry. O.K.?”

“No, it’s not O.K.. A couple days ago you said to me that I don’t know what it’s like to have someone you’ve known most of your life not want to be with you. Well you Frank, don’t know what it’s like when the person you’ve known most of your life chooses not to come to you when they’re down and unload on you.”

“I come to you. I come to you about everything.”

“No you don’t.”

“How can you say that?”

“Because Frank, and you might get mad at me for saying this, but you don’t let it out. You drink instead.”

“Ellen.” Frank covered his face. “Are we talking about my drinking again? I don’t have a problem.”

“Maybe not.”

“I have a few drinks at night, so what?”

“So what?” Ellen’s pitch of her voice rose. “Frank, are you gonna tell me you haven’t been drinking more lately? A lot more lately?” Frank was silent. “You have. I saw it the other night. You were upset. You had to have that drink. Hon, that’s not good.”

“You’re right.”

“I’m right?” Ellen was stunned.

“You’re right. I do drink more lately. And when I’m upset I have a drink to calm me. That’s it. I don’t have a problem. But . . .”

“Frank.”

“Hear me out. But . . .” He held up his hand. “If you think it could turn into a problem. I’ll cut back. How’s that? I love having a drink, El. But I won’t drink as much anymore.”

“Not every day?”

“Is that what you want?”

Ellen thought about it. “You can’t drink every day. You can drink like you used to, a few drinks a week. But not every day, a few times a day. Will you do that for me?”

“Yes.” Frank nodded his head at her.

“Why are you being so agreeable about this? I expected more of a fight.”

“Because you weren’t fighting with me on it.” Frank ran his hand down her face. “You came to me calmly, as my friend, and I heard you.” He kissed her quickly. “If someone that’s known you for over twenty years makes a serious suggestion, you have to put stock in it. I know the difference between Ellen bitching and Ellen concern and you aren’t bitching tonight.”

“Thank you Frank.” Ellen closed her eyes and smiled. “Thank you for this. You doing this means a lot to me. I was getting worried.”

“I know and just to show you it’s not a problem, I will follow your rules. O.K.?”

“Not rules Frank, requests.”

“Requests.” Frank gave a sneaky grin. “Besides, it’s the least I can do. If I can’t give up my drinking, how can I expect you to give up your dignity by hanging around Jenny Matoose?”

Ellen cringed some. “I would be doing that wouldn’t I? But hey! At least I’ll look really good when I’m standing next to her.” Ellen looked down at her watch. “All right, we have forty-five minutes left. What do you want to do?”

Frank raised his eyebrows a few times.

“Right.”

“You know, you could help me put your children’s laundry away.”

“I knew I’d get roped into that if I came upstairs.” Ellen slowly lifted herself from the bed and looked at the overflowing basket. “When’s the last time you did laundry, Frank?”

“A few days ago. They’re kids El. They get dirty.” He stood up and grabbed the top of the stack. “Help?”

“Yeah I’ll help. You put the kids’ stuff away, I’ll put yours away.”

“Deal.” Frank lifted the basket to the bed and removed the kids clothing. “Be right back.”

Ellen lifted Frank’s tee shirts. “Are your drawers still the same?”

“Sort of. I kind of spread things out since I have more room.” He walked to her laying his hand on her face. “But I’d gladly give it all up again.” He smiled and stepped back. “Thanks for tonight. I’ll be right back.”

Ellen waited until he left and grabbed his small stack of shirts. She took them to his dresser and opened the drawer she where she remembered them being. “Socks.” She moved to the next drawer. “Underwear. Man, Frank, you aren’t kidding you spread out.” Opening the next she saw it was the correct one, but she paused before laying in the shirts. There, staring up at her, was a half empty bottle of moonshine. Ellen laid the other shirts in there and took the bottle from the drawer. She closed the drawer with her knees, all while holding up the bottle and staring at it with concern. Nothing frightened her more about Frank’s drinking than finding that bottle. After shifting her eyes several times from the bedroom door to the moonshine, Ellen left the bedroom. She walked to the bathroom and without hesitating, dumped the moonshine in the sink, hoping the whole time that Frank’s new promise to her didn’t spin down that drain right along with it.

CHAPTER TWELVE

JULY 7

Robbie was filled with a sense of sadness, perhaps more emptiness as he watched the Beginning’s helicopter hover near, but not too near, the ground to drop off supplies. Robbie stood there while the three remaining healthy men, besides him, grabbed the two crates. He didn’t smile nor did he flinch from the whipping chopper blades. He stood tall, watching Frank. His brother hunched down some staring back at Robbie through the open side door of that helicopter. Frank’s back pressed tightly to the edge of the door to secure himself from falling when the helicopter began to lift.

Robbie watched Frank smile, and give a closed fighting fist to his brother that rang out ‘proud’, a look only a big brother could give. It made Robbie’s stomach twitch, and he kept eye contact with Frank as the chopper raised up. Then Frank did something he didn’t expect. How long had it been? Certainly Frank had never done that to Robbie ever and certainly not since the onset of the plague but in essence it made a sort of sense to Robbie. Robbie and his men were the warriors battling a war they so desperately wanted to keep far from Beginnings. Did it still mean anything? It was always a form of respect but to Robbie it meant more at that moment than any words Frank could ever say to him. The firm salute that Frank gave him went right through him. With a shaking hand, Robbie returned it, keeping the fear from his face as he did. Fear that his last moments with his family would be spent watching them in a distance, if he saw them at all.

The helicopter left, and Robbie breathed deeply turning around to the men unpacking the crates. “Keep the medical supplies separate. Marty is down now and Dean was supposed to leave directions,” he mumbled as he moved passed the food and supply crate, “or something like that.”

“Robbie,” One of the men called to him, “is this it? The directions?”

Robbie retracted his steps, moving to the man who held out an envelope. A part of him shook when he saw the handwriting across the front. “No. It should be in there though.” He took the letter holding it and closing his eyes briefly before walking away with it. Why was it there? It wasn’t something he thought would arrive, but it was something he needed.

“Robbie, this is for Greg. Can you give it to him?”

“Sure.” Robbie took the second envelop chuckling at the badly written word ‘Dad’ on it. He walked with the envelopes to be alone and far from the others. He stopped at Greg who sat up on a blanket drinking a cup of water. “How’s it going Greg?”

“I told you I would beat this, didn’t I?” Greg’s words were breathy.

“Yep, you did. Glad you’re feeling better, Greg. This is for you.”

Greg smiled as he took the letter from his son. “Thanks Robbie. I see you got one too.”

“Yeah.” Robbie grinned. “Ellen.” He tapped the envelope on his lips. “I’m gonna uh, go over there to read it. Maybe she wrote something dirty in here. Keep getting better,” Robbie spoke in a mock order to him and started to walk again.

“I will,” Greg said and then he coughed.

The cough made Robbie stop walking. When did that start? He was so in tune with what was happening to his men. The cough didn’t sound like the typical summer cough people get. It was deep, rumbling and thick, and lasted longer than it should have. Catching himself looking back at Greg, who was red from his coughing spell, Robbie gave Greg one more smile and moved more away.

He took a seat on the grass, leaning against what used to be a park bench but now was turned on its side, completely grown over and part of the ground itself. He leaned against its firmness and opened the envelope. Reaching into his pocket, Robbie grabbed a cigarette and lit it. Taking in a long first hit, Robbie read Ellen’s letter. ‘Robbie, I just wanted to let you know I’m thinking of you. I’m always thinking of you. Please be careful out there and come home to us. I need you. I know right now you’re probably scared. So am I. But know something, no matter what, no matter what you think, you will not be alone. I will not let you be alone out there. I promise you with everything I am. My little mind is already working. Take care of yourself. I will see you soon. I miss you and I love you. Ellen.’

Robbie lowered the letter then he lowered his head letting her words sink in, believing her when she said he wouldn’t be alone. Even if that was an impossibility, Robbie believed her, because at that moment, it gave him something to believe in. Flicking the ash from his burning cigarette, Robbie brought the letter back up and he read it again.

ROBBIE’S REPORT

Date: JULY 7

Patients Name: GREG HENSON

Date of first symptoms: July 2nd Time of Onset: 12:15 p.m.

Body Temp: 98 Headache: No Swollen Glands: No

Appearance of skin: norm Touch of skin: Norm

Is patient conscious? Yes Is patient alert? Yes

Any discoloring of skin? None Describe: Na

Blistering of skin? No Body cavity bleeding: No

Convulsions: No Nausea: No Congestion: None

Vomiting: No Dizziness: No Can patient talk: yes

NOTES:

Dean, what were you thinking? I can’t write it all here. See attached.

ROBBIE’S LETTER

July 7

Dean,

Greg and the other first wave two seem as if they are getting better. Is this the remission you mentioned in the last letter? Yesterday they felt better while seven others fell sick. There are four of us who aren’t sick but I watched everyone and it won’t be long before the other three go. They are showing signs of fatigue. (You might want to write that down.) The other seven were like that the day before they became fevered. I’ve been careful, almost too careful. But I guess that can’t happen in a situation like this. These guys are suffering Dean. Is there anything you can do?

Thanks,

Robbie

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

George’s face was pressed so firmly to the thick plastic wall, it was deformed and he looked like a child peering through window. “Where the hell is he? I don’t see him?” He looked into the observing room.

“Please.” Dr. Colter Stevens pulled George back. “You’re smudging.” He reached to the table by the window, picked up a spray bottle, damped the area George pressed against, and then wiped it clean with a rag. “Now we can talk. He’ll be out shortly.”

“Will he be safe to talk to?”

“Now, yes, seven days ago. No.”

“So the new program was a success?”

“Yes.” Colter nodded. “Speaking of programs, I’m going to assume, because I have heard, that you did too, about the Seattle lab.”

“I know, I know we lost it.”

“Our scouting crews didn’t find it.”

“I know, I know. That arrogant Slagel probably has it.” George folded his arms. “No threat. Why are you worried about it? Which cyborg-genic program did they get? Obviously not the new one. You just created it. Seattle was creating old CMEs. You, Dr. Stevens, are creating the better ones. So what if Beginnings gets their hands on the program? What are they gonna do about it? They only have two microchips. The best they can do is reprogram the CME they have. That CME will still be an idiot. Though Henry is a smart man, he’s not smart enough to rebuild another microchip and recreate the same program. He’s not you. Christ I hope not. If Henry does do it, I’ll be pissed.” George’s expression changed. “Is that him? What’s he got? A book?”

“Yes, he still reads. He probably was using the restroom. Anyhow, Evan, as he likes to call himself, was a strong willed survivor we picked up in Tucson. He ran with the savages, as you call them. We brought Evan in and operated on him, tampering with the section of the brain that controls mobility. We hindered the signals, so to speak, so his brain couldn’t tell his arms and legs to move, similar to a stroke victim. I have to tell you, Evan was not happy. He had a fit. Fortunately for us, he couldn’t move. The only thing he could do was complain loudly and toss his head back and forth.”

George began to laugh. “When are you people reinventing video? Now that I would have liked to see.”

“I don't want to  ask why so I’ll continue,” Dr. Stevens went on. “After allowing him to heal for two weeks, we went in yesterday with the new chip and new program. Not only is Evan moving now, but he’s happy as well. Through the program we increased the pounds per pressure his grip delivers.”

“Can you do that?” George asked. “Isn’t strength contingent on the person?”

“Ever hear the phrase, mind over matter. We have a female we’re going to implant next.”

“Whoa, wait a second. A female? They are few and far between. You can’t waste a female.”

“She’s far surpassed the fertile years and she is frail and unattractive. We can spare her.”

“Oh. All right,” George shrugged.

Dr. Stevens opened the observation room door. “This way, President Hadley.”

“Thank you.” George walked in and stood back some from Evan.

“Evan.” Dr. Stevens called him forward. “Evan, pick up a demonstration brick and show President Hadley what you can do.”

Evan smiled and walked over to a table where a stack of red bricks lay. Some of them were broken, all of them dirty. He picked one up, clenched it in the palm of his hand, and flashed his broken and missing tooth smile at George. Evan squeezed the brick causing it to shatter, crumble, and fall to the floor like dust.

“Holy shit,” George said with enthusiasm. “That’s . . . wait a second.” He walked over to Evan and reached for his hand. “Give me your hand.”

Evan handed it out.

“Dr. Stevens, this man is bleeding.” George held onto the hand. “Badly too. What good is the strength if it hurts the CME in the process? Truthful, Evan, does it hurt?”

“Yes,” Evan said but didn’t show pain.

George released the hand. “Problem with the program. You can’t have an indestructible army if they are as easy to destroy as the average man.”

“Biology is working on that,” Dr. Stevens explained. “They’re coming up with a protein that Evan has agreed to try. What they hope to accomplish with treatment is to get the same skin effect as we get with the accelerated creations.”

“I see.” George backed up. “Get this man a towel or something.” He walked to the door and left the observation room. He stood outside, watching for a while, and feeling pretty good about what he just saw. The experiments are not only working but getting better as time went on. George was confident that no matter what Beginnings got their hands on, he was one step ahead of them. He knew this for sure. He knew Beginnings wasn’t as bright as they thought they were because they had inadvertently helped George to get where he was at that point in his technology. According to his inside source, John, Beginnings had yet to ponder the question on where all the scientists were coming from, an important question they should have been asking.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Frank’s mood certainly wasn’t up after seeing his brother Robbie. He wanted so badly to step off that helicopter and stand with him, yet he knew he couldn’t do that. He dropped off the box Robbie sent at the mobile, leaving it with Johnny. He returned his bike to the garage then trudged into town, speaking really to no one. Frank wasn’t really in the mood to talk, let alone face who he was going into to town to face. John Matoose.

Grateful that he didn’t have to chase him down, his timing was perfect as he spotted John stepping from the clinic the moment he rounded the bend. Silently, Frank approached him.

It was awkward as expected it would be. Tension surrounded them both and ahead of time they knew not too many words would be spoken. It would be awhile before Frank would feel comfortable pretending to be John’s friend again. John wasn’t that stupid and if Frank tried too soon, he would know Frank was doing just that...pretending.

“John.” Frank raised his head in a hello gesture.

“Frank.”

“Ready?”

“I’m behind you.”

Leading the way and dreading what he led John into, Frank brought him to containment. They went through the small office, past Dan--they didn’t say much to him--and into the hallway. As they passed Ellen’s office, Frank saw her door was closed. Knowing that never meant anything, he decided to try there instead of looking in the skills room first and having to be exposed to the survivors who lingered there. He told John to wait, knocked once, and opened the door and stepped in. Ellen was sitting at her desk as she worked on her reports. “You have company. Try to control yourself right now.”

He took a step back and opened the door wider. Frank lowered his head, running his hand down his goatee and staring at Ellen through the tops of his eyes when John walked in. He watched her try to be serious but he saw that top lip of hers twitch. “El., John has something to say to you.”

“Ellen.” John stepped before her with folded hands “First, I want you to know that this is sincere. The other day when we had our confrontation, I did something . . .”

Seeming a little despondent, John continued on, “Anyhow, some things were said, and some things were done. I was wrong. I’m sorry.”

Ellen was quiet, shifting her eyes from John who awaited something from her, to Frank who shook his head at her. “Oh.” Ellen let out a breath. “O.K. Thanks.”

“Then we can put this behind us?” John extended out his hand.

Ellen waited for the ‘O.K.’ nod from Frank and she shook his hand. “It's behind us.” She raised her eyebrows.

“All right.” John stepped back. “Thanks. Bye Ellen.” He walked to the door. “Frank.”

“John.” Frank held the door opened for him, the whole time biting his lip in disgust. When John was through, he closed it and turned to Ellen. “Quiet.”

“But Frank I have to . . .”

“Quiet.” He walked up to her and placed one hand behind her head and the other over her mouth, whispering to her, “He could be waiting in the hall.” Frank felt the slight shaking of her body. “Quit it.”

Ellen tried not to laugh.

Frank held her like that until he heard the buzz of the containment door. “Now you can laugh.” He took his hand from her and saw the perplexed look on her face. “What’s wrong?

“It’s gone. The laughing moment is gone. Thanks Frank.” She folded her arms and leaned against her desk.

“Sorry.” He pulled her to him and kissed her on the forehead. “Good job.”

“See Frank see. I can act really well. Wait until I get a hold of Jenny today.”

“Today?”

“Yep.”

“You don’t think it’s too soon.”

“Now I’ve thought about this, when will it ever be the right time for Jenny’s mortal enemy to want to be friends? Never. So I might as well start this thing right?”

“I guess you’re right,” Frank said. “I should be going.”

“Did you see Robbie? How was he? How did he look?”

Frank raised his eyebrows and hesitated, his entire mood dropped. “He tried to hide it but I know my brother.” He exhaled. “He’s scared.”

<><><><>

The three of them stood in Andrea’s small office at the clinic. Joe was behind Andrea’s desk, Andrea in a chair next to him, and Dean standing before them like an attorney pleading his case.

Dean looked upset. He was holding onto a letter he had just received from Robbie. His usually messy hair was even more messy from running his fingers through it so many times. He argued with one hand on his hip, holding back his lab coat. “Joe, listen to me.”

“Dean. I’ve listened. What do you want me to do? They can’t come in. If I put it to a community vote, you know how it will get out. Rumors are flying about anyhow. I didn’t want general population to know our men were sick, but somehow a lot of people do. Tell him Andrea, what you’ve been hearing.”

Andrea crossed her legs as she went into the explanation. “Dean, people are worried. They’re worried we’re gonna let this in. I have assured them, as a council member, we are not.”

“Fine.” Dean slammed the letter onto the desk. “Read your son’s words. Your son, Joe. He needs help. I don’t see why we can’t try to accommodate them.”

“Listen to you for Christ’s sake.” Joe shoved the letter back. “Try to accommodate them? What, do they have a cold or something? No. They have a highly deadly virus that you have confirmed as the same on that wipes us out in the future. Accommodate them.” Joe shook his head. “There is nothing more I would want than to have my son in here with me. I can’t. You know that. Robbie knows that.”

“Then let me go out there, Joe.”

“No.” Joe shook his head.

“I’ll go.”

“You won’t get back in,” Joe stated strongly. “You won’t until you know the danger has passed.

“I’m immune. Ellen is immune. Henry, Frank, and Johnny are too. Let two of us go out there. Me and Ellen. Let us try to give them medical attention.”

“What are you nuts?” Joe’s face turned a shade of red. “First, as a leader of this community, I say no. Second, you think as a father I am going to not fight you tooth and nail about wanting to take my daughter with you. I have one kid out there.  I will not let another one go.”

“Joe.” Dean took a second to calm himself down. “We are immune. Maybe you aren’t grasping what I mean by that. That means we can’t catch it. I have confirmed that we can’t carry it. What residue of it that remains on our clothes will be dead and non-viable in twelve hours. Whoever would go out there with me, and I prefer that be Ellen because she knows this better than anyone, would stay in isolation for a day. We will not be a threat. Don’t you understand that?”

“Don’t talk down to me like I’m an idiot,” Joe scolded.

“Then don’t treat what I’m saying to you as if I am guessing. This is fact, Joe. I know what I do. This is what I do. I will give you the fact that bringing them in here can be a risk, a minimum risk but sending me out there will not be. I know this. I will stake my life on it.”

“I can’t allow it, Dean. I can’t take a chance of any contact whatsoever. Please understand that. Please see my point. We don’t know if they are the start of it all in the future we were warned about. We don’t.”

“You’re scared,” Dean stared coldly at Joe.

“Hell yeah I’m scared. I have a hundred and twenty-six people in here. Twenty-nine are children. Twenty-nine. That’s one quarter of our population Dean. I can’t take a chance no matter how small. We knew this going in. We have to prevent that future from happening and we will. I realize you have run your tests on the samples Robbie sent.”

“I have to get out there, Joe.”

“Tell me why,” Joe asked. “Tell me what you can do out there that Robbie isn’t doing now. What will it do?”

Ellen's voice was not one they expected to enter into the conversation. “It will show them we haven’t forgotten about them, Joe.” Ellen entered Andrea’s office. “It’ll show them we care. I care. I worry about Robbie. If he sees Dean, and maybe me, he’ll see we haven’t left them out in the cold and that is so important.”

Dean swung his head around to her with a closed mouth and a ‘thank you’ nod. He reached out his hand and pulled her in, whispering to her, “Where did you come from?”

“I heard you in the hall.” She faced Joe. “Joe, listen, if you send Dean and me out there, or even Johnny and Dean, we won’t be a threat to anyone when we come back in. We won’t carry it and to ensure it, put us in isolation for a day or so.”

“Ellen.” Joe stood up. “I listened to this argument from Dean. I understand all that. I do.”

“Then understand this.” Ellen walked to him. “I heard you say we have a hundred and twenty-six lives in here. How many of them are your family? You don’t want to see them at risk? I know what your argument is for keeping Robbie and them away and any of us far away from them, but here’s some food for thought for you. If Robbie and his men aren’t the ones who brought this into our home in that future, then it’s still coming.” Ellen softened her voice. She spoke in a hypnotizing passion with her fist clenched tightly to her chest as she nearly stood toe to toe with Joe. “We aren’t ready for it. Let Dean and I go out there and just check them and see it face to face so we can know exactly what we’re really up against. Letting us do that and giving them some of the prototypes we have, is another way you can protect the people of this community. Joe, we are making progress, but if we were put up against the real thing right now, all the practice in the lab may just mean shit. Like Robbie and his men and Beginnings are at war with George and whatever he has running around out there, Dean and I are at war with this virus. Take us out of the simulator, Joe. Let us go up against it and see what we really can do. We want to be ready. We need to be ready when and if it comes.”

Joe stared at his daughter’s face, so close, and her eyes that never left his. He took a breath through his nostrils and shifted his eyes to Dean. “You said twelve hours and anything you have left on your clothes will be non-viable?”

Dean closed his eyes. “Yes.”

“What about those bio-hazard suits? How much of risk will you be if you wore those in there?” Joe asked.

“Joe.” Andrea stood up. “You aren’t . . .”

Joe held out his hand. “If I fly you two in there and you wear those suits, how much of a risk am I looking at?”

Dean shook his head, “Even less.”

“All right.” Joe looked at his watch letting out a breath. “Johnny, since he is immune, will fly you in there wearing those suits. Johnny will not leave the helicopter. We park the bird for twelve hours. You three disinfect and stay at the mobile for twelve hours. Can you do that?”

Dean clenched his fist with a smile. “Yes Joe, we can. Thank you.”

Andrea was still at a loss. “Joe, you’re giving them permission to go out there?”

“Yes.” Joe turned and faced her. “No one is going to know about this. The only ones outside of this room who will know are Frank and Johnny.” He faced Dean. “Can you have your prototype or whatever, ready by tomorrow morning?”

“Yes,” Dean said. “What time tomorrow?”

“Let’s say about eight or nine in the morning.” Joe saw Andrea’s mouth open. “Quiet Andrea. You and I will talk. Dean, if I send you out then, figure an hour for  the whole trip, I can have you three back in town and out of that mobile by ten, eleven at night at the latest. Sound good?”

“Sounds great.” Dean held out his hand to Joe. “Thanks Joe.”

Joe shook it. “Don’t thank me. Thank her.” He looked at Ellen laying his hand on her face. “You, like Frank, really have your moments.”

Ellen smiled at him. “Thanks Joe.”

Joe kissed her on the cheek then gave a pat to her face. “Too bad, like Frank, they’re few and far between. Let’s go, Andrea.” Joe took hold of her arm. “It’s time for that talk.”

“Oh you better talk, Joe Slagel since you are diminishing my authority as a council member,” Andrea bitched at him as they left the office. Her voice faded as they moved down the hall. “Making me out to be the bad guy and you the good guy. Look at you right now. Dean and Ellen thinking you’re all that.”

Dean laughed and faced Ellen as soon as he couldn’t hear Andrea anymore. “What can I say?”

“Well, Dr. Hayes.” Ellen took his arm and led him from the office. “You can say you’ll do my share of preparations for this trip tomorrow.”

“I can, can’t I?” Dean gave her a grateful look and stopped walking. “I can. I will. Thank you. He wasn’t hearing me.”

“I have news for you Dean. Joe has never heard you,” Ellen snickered. “I have to go see Nick. I guess I won’t be seeing you later than?”

“Oh you will. I’m heading to the lab right now. I can get it ready. I’ll have Johnny help me since he’s there.” Dean started walking backwards. “I’ll see you at the house tonight as planned.” He hurried back to her and kissed her on the cheek. “Thanks again for your help.” He spun around to walk forward and stopped cold.

Ellen noticed. “What’s wrong?” She moved to him.

“Nothing I’ll be all right.” He held up his hand.

Ellen rested her cheek against his shoulder. She could feel the vibration of his fast beating heart. “It’ll come back. Take a breath.”

“It already is.”

“Maybe I will come up there with you. How’s that? Keep you company and out of trouble with Johnny. Just for a couple hours till it’s time to get the kids.”

“Maybe that wouldn’t be a bad idea. Are you sure you’re feeling up to it?”

“Who me?” Ellen scoffed. “Please. Let me take care of what I have to do and I’ll see you there.” She laid her lips on his cheek. “You all right?”

“I’m fine.” His hand reached up to her face and he turned only his eyes to her. “I’m fine.”

Ellen stepped back from him and watched him move a little slower in his stride down the hall. She knew he was really fine when his pace picked back up. Wondering if it was a good idea to let Dean drive there by himself, Ellen concluded that he pretty much had to drive through an open field so she put that thought from her mind and went off to see Nick.

<><><><>

“Frank, are you there?” Henry asked through the radio as he positioned himself in front of the newly installed keypad down at the communications room door.

“I’m here,” Frank responded.

“All right, I’m going to test this. Let me know what you see?”

“I won’t see anything, Henry I’m not at monitoring yet.”

“I just asked if you were there.”

“Yeah, but I thought you were asking if I was here. You know, on the radio, and I am. I’m here, but I’m not there.”

“When you will be there, Frank?” Henry stood with little patience wanting to get it over with.

“Just about . . .” The sound of a squeaking door came through the airwaves. “Hey Mark. I’m here now, Henry.”

“God, Frank.” Henry shook his head. “Let me know what you get.”

“O.K. Let me steal one of these monitors. Move, Curt.” Frank positioned himself in front of the computer monitor. “Now what will I be seeing?”

“You should be seeing . . . wait, ask Mark if he reprogrammed this division on his end.”

“Mark.” Frank looked over to him. “Henry asked if you reprogrammed it on this end.”

“Tell Henry to quit being so anal. Yeah I reprogrammed it, Shit, he asked me ten times already.”

Frank snickered, “Henry, even Mark thinks you’re gay. Anyhow, yeah he reprogrammed it. What am I looking for?”

“O.K. I put new codes in. Normally it would come up 'communications room enter'. It should now add user definition. Ready.”

“Fire away.”

“O.K. what’s the first number?” Henry paused to think.

“Four, three, seven, six, five . . .”

“Frank.”

“Nine, two, five . . .”

“Frank knock it off. All right I have it. Eight, six, seven, five.”

“Three, oh, Ni-e-eye-een,” Frank sang loudly. “I got it. I got your number on the . . .”

“Frank.”

“Sorry, I can’t believe I remembered that song and it isn’t even in the jukebox collection. Wait, got it. Enter by user eight. Is that what you wanted to hear?”

“That’s it, Frank. Thanks, it works.”

“That’s it? You made me come all the way here and that’s it? Fuck, Henry. Henry? Henry?” Hearing the dead air silence, Frank pulled his headset off and tapped his hand on the counter, watching the monitor. He watched as it flashed, ‘distribution center open’. A few seconds later, ‘mobile lab opened’. “Man.” Frank stood up. “Is this what you people do all day? Sit here and watch everyone go in and out of buildings around here. This has got to be the easiest fuckin job in Beginnings.” He walked to the door. “Denny and Josh are getting trained for this one and you guys are going full time back out on a beat,” Frank pointed, “at least until winter when they need you at the green house.”

“Oh Frank,” Mark called to him before he walked out, “keep in mind before you put Denny and Josh up here that we’re the ones who shut down the perimeters for you when you need to go through them. Do you really want to leave that responsibility in the hands of those two?”

Frank’s eyes widened. “You’re right. Forget I said anything. They’d fry me. All right, I’m out of here.”

Waiting until he knew when was gone, Curt swiveled his chair to Mark. “Good thinking about that Denny and Josh point.”

“Yeah it was. It's too important of a job to let two teenagers have anyhow. Besides, it’s not all that easy. We work.”

“We work.”

Mark rocked back and forth in his chair. “Cards?”

“Sure why not.” Curt stood up and walked across the room to get one of their many decks.

<><><><>

How perfect! Ellen thought. Such perfect timing! Jenny Matoose was on her lunch break from teaching the kids at the school. Of course, the thought of Forrest Caceres teaching them at the moment made Ellen shudder, but there Jenny was, sitting in the make-shift park area Joe had built around that flagpole center town. She sat there eating a sandwich perched upon her lap. From behind, Ellen moved to her, taking long, quiet, sneaky steps. Faster and faster she paced, the theme song from the movie Jaws playing in her mind the closer she got. “Jenny!” Ellen said her name so loudly Jenny’s lunch nearly toppled from her lap.

“I’m leaving.” Jenny started to get up.

“No don’t. I have to talk to you.” Ellen sat on that wall next to Jenny.

“You aren’t going to hit on me are you?”

“Do you want me to?”

“I’m leaving.”

“Jenny.” Ellen grabbed hold of her arm and pulled her back down. When Jenny sat, Ellen sneakily wiped her hands on the side of her own shorts. “I want to talk to you about something.”

“So you said. It’s not about my husband is it?”

“Sort of. But not bad.”

“What is it?”

“I need your help with something.”

Jenny started to laugh. “What are you up to? You never want my help.”

“This is a very serious request Jenny.” Ellen cleared her throat. “I was thinking about something. Something that I think caused the confrontation between me and John.”

“You tortured the man for months that’s why.”

“Maybe so,” Ellen waved her hand, “but it just dawned on me while I was talking to Dean. I said something to him and he snapped at me. Snapped at me mind you. And it hit me that maybe I’m the blame. Maybe it is me who makes people lose control.”

“It I,s Ellen. You’re annoying.”

“So are you and you don’t get people mad. Well, except me. Why is that?”

Jenny puckered a sour look on her wide face. “I’m nice, you’re not.”

“I’m nice.”

“No you aren’t.”

“I am too, ask anyone.”

“They’ll say you aren’t nice.” Jenny stated and took a bite of her sandwich.

Ellen watched her chew ad bits of red strawberry jam seeped from the corner of Jenny’s mouth. Ellen gagged a bit, visually showing her disgust as she watched Jenny eat and wondered if Jenny couldn’t have gone without that high calorie sandwich. Just about the point where Ellen was going to say that, she stopped herself. “So I’m not nice. Am I the only woman who isn’t?”

“Yes.”

“Jenny, you’re like the goddess around here.”

“Oh now I know you’re up to something.”

“I am not,” Ellen said with such a fake offense. “See, it’s Joe’s idea. My father said you sort of know how things are around here and that’s why your life is least complicated. He suggested I talk to you.”

“And you’re taking his advice?” Jenny asked.

“Yeah. So will you help me be less annoying? Will you help me be more . . .” Ellen swallowed. “... like you?” She quickly turned her head and pretended to sneeze when actually it was a slight release of the snicker that crept out.

“Right, Ellen.” Jenny wrapped the remainder of her sandwich. “I don’t know what you’re up to, but I’m not going to be part of an Ellen joke. Bye.” She stood up.

“Jenny, you have jam on your mouth.” Ellen held her hand out. “I’m very serious!” She yelled but Jenny ignored her and kept on walking. “Oh well.” Ellen shrugged and stood up. “I’ll try again tomorrow.” As she was going to walk away, Ellen noticed something wrapped and lying on the wall. Seeing what part of Jenny’s lunch she forgot, Ellen unwrapped it. It was an uneaten piece of chocolate cake and it looked like a Josephine cake too. Ellen stuck her finger in the icing, shifted her eyes around, tasted it, and smiled. Ellen re-wrapped the cake and took it with her to Frank’s office.

<><><><>

“Now John.” Joe stood in an explaining manner in Frank’s office talking to Frank and John Matoose and so unlike Joe, he wasn’t behind Frank’s desk. He was leaning against the front, but not sitting behind it. “The way things are gonna go now is . . .”

“Frank!” Ellen burst the door open and flew in. “Guess what I just . . . just . . .” She slid to a stop, closing the door when she saw John Matoose. “Just didn’t do? Knock!” She smiled and shifted her eyes about. “So what’s going on?”

Joe rolled his eyes. “We’re having a meeting. Leave.”

“I have to talk to Frank.”

“Talk to him later,” Joe ordered “Leave.”

“But I can’t leave. I walked all the way up here and I need a ride to the mobile lab. Can I have a Jeep?”

“No. Frank will drive you. Wait outside.”

“It’s hot out there. Can’t I stay?” She asked.

“No,” Joe told her. “You’ll interrupt.”

“No I won’t. I promise.” She held up her free hand, the other still held tightly to that wrapped cake.

“All right but grab a chair and pull it to the corner. I don’t want to hear a word, Ellen.”

“Not a peep.” Ellen slid the chair, hunching as it screeched when she moved it to the corner. Like a scolded child, she sat in the chair and set her wrapped cake on her lap.

Joe waited until he saw she was situated. “As I was saying John, we’ve had some situations in communications and we need to make a few changes. We added a numeric keypad to the door to open it. There will be two codes, a general population code and a security and council code.”

“Can I ask why?” John questioned. “What’s been happening down there?”

“Well for example.” Joe prepared himself to lie. “We busted Lloyd down there with his partner, you know, kind of in a heated moment.” Joe drew up an utter look of aggravation when he heard Ellen huff. “Ellen.”

“Sorry Joe. Just listening.” She unwrapped her cake. “He’s gay, you know.”

“I don’t give a shit and don’t listen. Just stay quiet.” Joe returned to John. “Back to what I was saying. I wrote down both codes for you.” He handed John a sheet of paper. “Don’t give the security code out to anyone in General population. Got that?”

“Got it.” John looked down at the two numbers listed there.

Watching John observe the numbers, Joe’s mind quickly went to Henry and how he programmed in four codes. One for security and council, one for population,. and the two left over went to John. All the bases covered in case he decided he would use a general population code, but from that moment on, it didn’t matter what code John used. The ones he held in his hands no one else knew. Joe turned to explain some more to him, despite seeing his son creep over to Ellen.

Frank couldn’t be more obvious as he made his way to Ellen. He whispered. “What do you have?”

“Cake.” Ellen licked her finger. “Good too.”

“Where did you get cake?”

Ellen looked at John who talked to Joe. “Jenny left it behind and I took it. It’s a Josephine cake.”

“It looks good. Let me have some.”

“No.”

“Come on El, Please. One bite.”

“All right but a small one.” She picked up the cake and held it out for him to bite. “Don’t take a huge . . . Frank!” She yelled. “God, you ate half my cake with your one big bite. Now look at you. You have to be a pig. Now you have chocolate on your face and we have no towels.”

“Really.” Frank leaned down, gripped the back of her head, pulled her face close to his, and in a kiss, smeared what chocolate he had on him, onto Ellen. “Thanks El.” He stepped back. “That was good.” Giving a thumbs up to her, he bumped into his father. “Dad.”

“Are you two done?” Joe asked.

Frank looked at the empty office. “Where’s John?”

“He left,” Joe said and walked to Ellen. “Give me that.”

“Joe my . . .” Ellen’s hands followed as Joe took her cake. “Joe,” she whined.

“Too bad.” He sat down behind Frank’s desk and smiled at the cake. “That’s what you get for bursting in here and being annoying while I was trying to talk to John.”

Ellen pouted as she stood up. “I’ll have you know I had to sit next to Jenny for that cake.” She moved to the door, wiping the chocolate off her face. “Frank, will you drive me to the lab?”

“Sure, El.” Following Ellen to the door, Frank stopped and bent down to the last drawer of the second filing cabinet. He pulled out an old tee shirt and tossed it to her. “Here, for your mouth.”

“Thanks.” Ellen took it and wiped. “I can’t believe I’m wiping cake off my face that I didn’t even get to eat. Feel bad, Joe?” She asked as she opened the door.

“Nope.” Joe shook his head.

“I didn’t think so.” Ellen stood in the doorway waiting for Frank’s leading hand to touch her back and she walked out with him.

Joe looked down at that chocolate cake after Ellen had left. He debated if he should feel guilty at that moment. He could have felt guilty if that cake didn’t look so good, but it did. So foregoing the guilt like a cheating dieter, Joe indulged in Ellen’s cake, enjoying every bite of it that Frank left behind.

<><><><>

Ellen immediately turned off the water in the kitchen sink at Dean’s house. She did so quickly when she thought she heard her name the called. Hearing the last of the dripping water, Ellen heard silence. There was no one calling for her, only silence. She turned the faucet back on and continued to wash the dishes, a task she set aside because she hated it. But it was either that or bathing the kids and that task bothered her more. Why Dean insisted on never using the dishwasher was beyond her. Under Beginnings’ conservation water rules, there were enough occupants in the house to run that dishwasher once a day, but Dean, like most people in Beginnings, found it more of a bother than a help. But Ellen and Henry found it a great place to hide the dirty dishes when there wasn’t time to do them by hand.

“Ellen!”

She stopped clanking dishes when she thought she heard Dean’s call.

“Ellen!”

She turned off the water, grabbing the towel and drying her hands as she walked to the steps. “Dean, are you calling me?”

“Please . . . please come here.”

She could hear the desperation in his voice. What had happened? Hurrying up the steps and stepping over Billy and Joey who argued in the hall, she walked to the bathroom where she knew Dean could be found. She could hear Brian’s whimpering cry when she got there. “Dean?” Stepping inside, she saw Dean sitting on the floor by the partially filled tub. His hands clenched tightly to Brian who fought him. Dean just stared out. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m afraid to let him go. I can’t see him.”

“It’s all right, Dean.” Ellen grabbed the towel and moved to the tub. “Let him go.” She looked at Dean’s hands that held onto to the baby for dear life. “Dean.” She knelt by him. “Relax. It’s not going to come back if your pressure is up. Relax.” Her hands touched upon his to help him release the baby. She wrapped Brian in a towel and picked him up and released the water in the tub. Her voice changed to that ‘parent talking to a baby’ tone. “What did he do Bri? Huh? Was he making you take a bath longer than you wanted to?” Ellen turned her view to Dean who had brought his knees up close to his chest as he sat on the bathroom floor. “I’ll get him dressed.”

“I’m sorry, El.” Dean covered his face with his hand.

“Why are you apologizing?” She stopped in the bathroom doorway.

“I couldn’t handle the situation. I got scared.”

“Seeing, then not seeing is something frightening, Dean. It’s all right.”

“No, it’s not. How can I take care of these kids, El?” He lifted his head up to her. “How much longer am I going to be able to take care of them?”

“You’ll adjust Dean. It’ll take time.”

“Adjust?” Dean stood slowly up. “What would have happened, Ellen, if Brian would have fallen backwards? What if he got hurt? How would I have been able to help him if I couldn’t see him?”

“Close your eyes, Dean. Close them.”

“Why?”

“Just close them.” She waited until he did. “Now reach out your hand and find Brain.” She moved quietly over.

Dean reached out to where he thought they were. His hand hit emptiness. “El?”

“Find him.”

Using her voice as a guide, Dean shifted his body. His hand reached out and touched the bare skin of the baby, half wrapped in a blanket.

“Where is your hand on him, Dean?”

Dean’s fingers spread. “His shoulder.”

“Keep your eyes closed and place your hand on his head.”

“This is stupid, El.”

“Do it.” She stayed calm.

Dean’s hand moved up to the wetness of the baby’s hair. “Hand on head. Point?”

“Seems to me Dr. Hayes, eyes opened or closed, you had no problem finding him.”

Dean opened his eyes. “I’m sorry I panicked. This was actually the first time my sight left me when I was doing something I couldn’t sit back and wait for it to return. Doing that would have left Brian unattended.”

“You’re thinking wrong there, Dean. You were with Brian. How would that have been leaving him unattended?”

Dean stuttered some in his answer, “You’re right.”

“You’re a very good father, Dean. If need be, your instincts will kick in.” Ellen leaned forward and kissed Dean on the cheek. “We’ll get through this. Whatever ends up happening, we’ll get through.” Ellen stepped back. “But for now, we have more preparations. Let’s get these kids to bed so we can work a little on my lessons before I have to head home.”

“Sounds good. Still want me to do bed detail and you do dishes?”

“Most definitely. I hate doing the bedtime thing. We’ve been standing here talking in this bathroom long enough. You’d better hurry and take this little guy before he . . . .” Ellen closed one eye and let out a soft throaty whine. “Too late.” She handed him to Dean. “He just peed on me.”

“El . . .” Dean cringed when the even wetter baby was placed into his chest and she walked away. He followed her. “What are you doing?”

“Stealing a shirt.” She went into his bedroom and opened a drawer.

“Not that one El. I like that one I’ll . . .” He watched her lift off the wet shirt she wore. “Never get that back.”

“Sure you will, Dean.” Ellen put on the fresh shirt. “Stop staring at me. You still do that.”

“Sorry. I know I won’t get it back.”

“Sure you will.” She paused in walking out of the room. “Of course,” She smiled. “If you end up really losing your sight, you’ll never know, will you?”

“Oh that’s wrong.” He walked behind her. “That’s really wrong. That is such an Ellen thing to say. I can’t believe . . .”

“Dean.” Ellen stopped on the top steps. “Deal with the kids.”

Still holding the wet baby, Dean watched Ellen go down the steps. A sense of gratefulness towards her hit him at that moment and then . . . something else. “God, Brain.” Dean balked and held the baby at an extended state as he carried him to the other room to dress him.

<><><><>

“And then we’re sitting there . . .” Frank paused in his story, took a drink from his glass of wine and set down another plate on the table. “We’re not eating with those sticks, Henry.”

“Finish your story, Frank.” Henry continued cooking in the kitchen.

“Where was I?”

“You were sitting in the restaurant. Both of you had just had a fight with the people you were married to. Right there.”

“That’s right.” Frank set down the final plate and picked up his glass of wine. “We’re in the restaurant and this waitress sets down our coffees and turns to the next table. Anyhow, she bumps into something, I don’t know what and she fuckin dumps her tray on the floor. No big deal. A little interruption in my story I’m telling but no biggie. Then this woman stands up and starts to scream at this waitress, calling her dumb and so forth, really laying into the woman.”

“Poor waitress.”

“Yeah whatever. That’s not the point of the story. So, Ellen feels bad for her.”

“Ellen feels bad?”

“Go figure.” Frank shrugged and sipped his wine again. “So El is real nice to this waitress, trying to cheer her up, so the waitress cheers up.”

“Oh.” Henry removed the food from the pan. “As much as I’d like to tell you, Frank, that the story was funny, it isn’t. What was the funny part?”

“Fuck, Henry, I didn’t get there yet. I’m setting it up. So the waitress is hovering over the table and I’m asking about gravy. Legitimate question, we’re in a restaurant right? El says I’m rude, like other people. So the waitress softens her voice and says.” Frank softened his voice and took a female tone to it, “I don’t pay any attention to men.” Frank started to snicker. “Then El, not really hearing what the waitress said, tells the waitress, ‘neither do I’. I started laughing, telling Ellen that the waitress liked her. Next thing you know the waitress lays the bill on the table, runs her hand over Ellen’s and winks.” Frank laughed and sipped more of his wine.

“Wait. For visual purposes Frank, was she an attractive waitress?”

“No.”

“Too bad.”

“My sentiments exactly. Now if she was attractive, it would have really made for an interesting evening.” Frank raised his eyebrows. “Unfortunately she wasn’t. Kind of looked like a female version of, no not even female, she looked like Todd from Fabrics.” Frank enjoyed the open mouth disappointment look on Henry’s face. “So there went . . .” Frank turned to the sound of the front door opening. He immediately walked into the kitchen and dumped the remainder of his wine out and rinsed the glass. “Don’t tell her I was drinking.”

“Frank, why are you hiding . . . hey El,” Henry smiled when he saw her walk in.

“Hi guys.” Ellen kissed Henry on the cheek.

“What about me?” Frank asked. He grunted when she smacked him in the gut. “Thanks El. Why are you wearing Dean’s shirt?”

Ellen stopped walking from the kitchen. “How do you know I’m wearing Dean’s shirt?”

“I’m perceptive. Why are you wearing his shirt?”

“Your son pissed on me,” Ellen answered him.

“Which son? I have many.”

“What?” Ellen laughed her words. “Which one do you think, Frank? O.K. if you must know, Johnny was walking down the street and he thought it would be a fun thing to do.”

“Seriously. Which son?” Frank followed her into the dining room.

“Which one do you think? Brian.”

“What did you do, leave him without a diaper for too long?”

“Yes, Robert Young.” Ellen rolled her eyes trying to ignore him. “Henry, are we going to eat soon?”

“All done now, El. Did you want to wash up or did you already wash up at Dean’s, because we can wait for you.”

“It’ll only take a second to wash my hands.” She snickered and moved to the sink. “See Henry.” She turned it on and washed her hands while he put the bowls on the table. “All done.” She walked into the dining room, drying her hands.

“No El.” Henry shook his head. “I mean because Brian went to the bathroom on you. Did you need to wash up? We’ll wait.”

“I changed my shirt.” Ellen held it out. “What?” She noticed the stunned look on Henry’s face.

“El.” Henry looked offended. “El, that’s disgusting. Tell her Frank.”

“What?” Frank was confused. “Henry it’s baby pee. There’s nothing in it. Wait until you see what comes from a baby. Huh El?”

“Yep,” Ellen agreed.

Henry walked up to Ellen and sniffed her. “El, I can smell it on you.”

“Oh you cannot.” She pulled the shirt to her nose. “You’re crazy. Frank? Can you smell it?”

Frank grabbed hold of the shirt and smelled. “Nope. Henry’s nuts. Smells like a clean shirt.”

“Both of you are immune to the smell.” Henry’s hand waved about and he backed up and sat down. “Don’t be mad if I stay a distance from you until you’re clean, because I’ll gag. I will.”

“Henry, you always gag.” Ellen giggled and sat down. “So what did you guys talk about?”

Henry dished out the food for her. “Frank was telling me about what happened with you two in a Bob Evan’s Restaurant one time.”

“Oh Frank.” Ellen shook her head. “Are you telling the lesbian waitress story again? What brought this up?”

“I was digging through some stuff at the house and came across all those pictures Robbie stuck on the window while you guys were quarantined last year.” Frank helped himself to Henry’s food. “So El, how was Dean? And why was Brian running around without a diaper for so long?”

“Dean’s fine. Why you care I don’t know.” Ellen started to eat. “Henry this is good.” Then she started to ramble. “Brian wasn’t running around without a diaper. I was holding him after his bath and talking to Dean because he just had another one of his ep . . ep . . .ep.” She shut her mouth and continued to eat.

“Ep what, El?” Frank asked and noticed the eye contact between her and Henry. “What’s going on? What did Dean have another one of? He’s been acting weird lately. Is something wrong with him?”

Ellen wiped her mouth. “If you must know.”

“El,” Henry tried to stop her. “Don’t.”

Ellen ignored him. “I’ll tell you Frank. Dean has been suffering from a nervous condition. He has these paranoid episodes and he gets real jittery. They last only a few moments but sometimes I’m afraid he’ll go over the edge.”

Frank couldn’t eat. For fear of choking, he had to stop. First his shoulders started to bounce and then his whole body moved with the laughter that he left out. “Sorry.” He held up his hand as he leaned to the side of the stable and stood up. He paced toward the living room, laughed loudly, and returned a different and serious person. “For real?”

“Oh sure,” Ellen told him. “We think it’s the virus thing. We can’t be . . .” A knock at the door interrupted Ellen. “Is someone coming over?”

Frank pointed back. “I’ll get it. I’m already standing.”

Henry leaned into Ellen when Frank left. “You shouldn’t have said anything.”

“So what, Henry. Frank will forget about it.” She looked up when she saw Frank standing at the table. “What’s wrong?”

“You have a visitor, El.” Frank obviously tried to hide his snicker.

“A visitor?” Ellen slowly stood up and apprehensively peeked around the bend of the dining room to see Jenny standing by the living room door. “Sit down Frank. I’ll be back.” Planting on a fake smile, Ellen walked to the living room. “Jenny.”

“Ellen.” Jenny folded her arms and did that flip of her hair thing she always did.

“How come your here? You’re not mad because I took your cake are you?”

“No, Joe told me how you gave it to him to soften the blow of your failing to get my help.”

“Repeat that?” Ellen stopped paying attention somewhere in her long explanation.

“I spoke to Joe and if you’re really interested in being a part and like every other woman in Beginnings, you can prove it.”

“Sure.” Ellen threw her hands up. “How?”

“You can come to our weekly Moon Lodge meeting.”

Ellen’s eyes shifted in confusion. “Moon Lodge? What is a weekly Moon Lodge meeting?”

“All of us adult women get together once a week, usually on Fridays.”

“So it’s a weekly bitch about men session huh?” Ellen smiled. “Oh I think I would like . . .”

“No.” Jenny coldly stopped her, rolling her eyes at Ellen. “We don’t call them bitch sessions. We call them support meetings. We discuss problems in the relationships that we juggle. We share remedies, solutions . . .”

“Recipes?”

“Ellen.”

“Sorry.” Ellen snickered. “Are these new?”

“No, we’ve been doing them for over a year. I think now probably close to two years, ever since understanding started.”

“And every woman attends?”

“Everyone one but you.”

“Why is that? Was I busy?”

“No Ellen. We didn’t tell you and frankly, no one wanted you to come.”

“Oh I find that hard to believe. Some women like me. Trish and Melissa like me. Josephine likes me. Andrea . . .”

“Short list.”

Ellen tried to ignore the Jenny sarcasm. After all, if she lashed back out at Jenny then she would defeat her purpose of being close to her. “O.K. it is a short list. I’m honored to be invited. I can’t wait. Is it this Friday?”

“Yes,” Jenny told her.

“So seeing how it’s called the Moon Lodge meeting, do I show up when the moon is out?”

“No, it’s called Moon Lodge because that is what Native American Indian women called their menstrual cycle and they had a special house for when they did that.”

“Menstrual cycle.” Ellen tried not to giggle. “Do we have on be on our period to attend? Because I’m not on my period right now.”

“Ellen.” With such annoyance Jenny said Ellen’s name. “Just be there at seven if you want to come.” She walked to the door. “And bring a finger food but not rice cakes.”

“Got it.” Ellen followed her to the door. “I’m very excited about this. You should try to be nicer to me, Jenny.

“Ellen, the only reason you know about this is because Joe came to me. I trust Joe. I wouldn’t let you into these meetings if I was putting my trust in you because a part of me still feels you’re up to something.”

“Never.” Ellen held the door open for her. “Bye, Jenny.” Once Jenny was safely out, Ellen shut the door and let her body shudder a few times. “Yuck.” She shuddered as she went back into the dining room. “Hey, you guys are done eating? How rude.” She sat down at the table. “Guess what, Frank? The women in this community have a weekly women’s support meeting and I’ve been invited to attend this Friday’s.”

“No kidding?” Frank patted her hand. “Good job. Are these new?”

“No.” Ellen shook her head. “They’ve had them for two years. No one wanted me to come.” She shrugged and ate.

Henry’s mouth dropped open. “Aw El, that’s terrible. I feel really bad. That isn’t nice of them. See, no wonder I don’t like many women in this community. They are so mean.”

“They are ,Henry. Jenny says no one likes me.”

“I like you, El.”

“Thank you, Henry.”

“Enough.” Frank halted them before they could go into a Henry and Ellen babble frenzy. “So you’re gonna go?”

“Oh sure, if I want to get close to Jenny I will. Get this Frank, they’re called Moon Lodge meetings.”

“Moon Lodge?” Frank titled his head in question. “Do they start until the moon comes out?”

“No, Moon Lodge is a native American Indian thing. The Indian women called their periods Moon cycles.”

“Periods? El, do you have to be on your period to go? Are you gonna lie?”

Ellen giggled. “Don’t be silly Frank. They only call the meetings that. I have to bring a finger food. Henry, can you make me some rice cakes?”

“Sure El.” Henry picked up his plate and Frank’s. “El, I’m gonna have some wine. Do you want some?”

“I’ll have some, thanks Henry.”

“Frank?” Henry stuck his head out of the kitchen doorway. “Wine?”

“Um.” Frank shifted his eyes to Ellen. “You know what Henry, no I’m fine thanks.”

Ellen smiled widely and laid her hand on his. “Frank, I’m proud of you.” She leaned over to him and kissed him. “Very proud.”

“See, I told you I could be good. You be a Jenny friend. I don’t drink.” He stood up and ran his hand over the back of her head as he went into the kitchen. He saw Henry just staring at him.

“Frank,” Henry said his name with such scold. “You’ve been drinking all night.”

“Shut up Henry,” Frank said in a whisper as he grabbed a glass for some water. “Just, just do this for me and don’t say anything. O.K.?” He took Ellen’s glass of wine that Henry had just poured. “Thanks.” Holding his water, Frank took a sip from Ellen’s wine, placed a smile back on his face, and rejoined Ellen at the table.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

JULY 9

It was starting off to be one of the longest days of Dean’s life and it wasn’t even eight o’clock yet. Packing up everything they would be taking to Robbie, getting it to the hanger, grabbing the bio-suits and gear from the mobile lab, and getting that there as well. He was glad Ellen showed up to help Johnny with everything by the helicopter or else they would be running late. Dean had to have one more meeting with Joe--which he did--and two more stops in town, one for more note material to take to the mobile lab, and a short stop at history to insert the trip into the computers. Dean didn’t plan on that. He thought the trip out was highly secretive. It was but Joe said it had to be documented somewhere, even if coded. So he and Dean decided that it would be worded ‘virus prototype experiment visit. See Dean’s files.’ Good enough.

For as much as he had to do for a simple one hour visit out to Robbie and his men, Dean was getting it done and staying calm. Of course he still was baffled by why Frank kept jumping out at him from around every corner and yelling ‘boo’ trying to startle him. Dean just chalked that up to another Frank immature behavioral tactic and ignored him.

Dean made it to history, his last stop. He was happy that Trish was there. She tended to sleep in too much during her pregnancy. He went inside. “Morning Trish.”

“Hi Dean,” Trish sat up and smiled at him, “what brings you to history this morning?”

“I have to make an entry.”

“Oh. Hmm.” Trish pulled out what looked like an appointment book and flipped a page. “You’re not mentioned.”

“It was a last minute thing.”

“Joe usually lets me know.”

“I just spoke to Joe. He said to come down and make the entry.”

“I see.” Trish picked up her glasses and put them on as if she wasn’t wearing them the first time, she may have missed it. She looked through the book again.

“It’s not going to be in there, Trish. He just told me about it. And . . .” Dean walked closer to the desk, “where did you get this? We don’t make these.”

“Isn’t this pretty?” She closed the purple vinyl book. “Cole brought it back the last metals run two weeks ago. I think he likes me.” She giggled.

“Swell. Can I just tell you the entry?”

“Do you know today’s password? I can’t make the entry without today’s password.”

“Yes.” Dean slowed in his words. “I know today’s password. Joe told me.”

“Good.” Trish spoke perkily and very slowly took a form from the drawer. She picked up a pen. “Let’s see if this writes.” She scribbled, nothing. She grabbed another pen . . . slowly.

“Trish, I’m in a hurry.”

“Patience, Dean.” She tried her pen. “There, it works. Now before I fill out the request, what’s the password?”

Dean cleared his throat. “Yabba-Dabba-Doo.”

“Very good. I thought of that myself.” She readied to write. “What is it?”

“Virus prototype experiment visit. See Dean’s files. Put it in at eight-thirty a.m. today.”

Trish wrote and spoke it as she did. “See . . . Dean’s . . . files.” She made a hard period sound with her pen. “What’s this supposed to mean.”

“I can’t tell you.”

“Well, I can’t make the entry. I have to clear it with Joe, just so you know.”

“That’s fine. Thanks.” Dean started to leave and he stopped. “Oh hey, by the way, someone told me you control the understanding rule book.”

“I do. I have the original one with the amendments handwritten in it. Then I have the one I worked on myself to make it really look neat.”

“Can I borrow one until tomorrow?”

“You mean like a library book?” Trish asked.

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Why?”

“They don’t leave history,” Trish stated.

“I need to read them. I’m interested and I’m gonna have some time in my lab. Come on, Trish, no one will know. Be nice.”

“If I lend you one, you aren’t going to try to make changes in it like Frank did when he came by to see one.”

“No,” Dean laughed. “Frank came by to see one?”

“Oh sure,” she said, “about two weeks ago. He was being funny.”

“Frank, funny?”

“Yep. He wanted to say that I forgot to add the amendment that it is all right to kill the secondary relationship male at any time during the understanding or after.” She laughed. “But I knew he was fibbing. So what do you need the understanding rules for? Need to brush up for your understanding with Henry?”

“You can say so, but no one is supposed to know about it.”

“That’s nice of you to have the understanding with Henry. I’ll let you borrow the book.” Trish stood from her desk, grunting and then waddled her pregnant body to the file cabinet. “He’ll be a good secondary relationship for Ellen.”

“Secondary?” Dean shook his head. “No primary.”

“Secondary, right? Aren’t you going to be the primary? I hope.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “I’ve always wanted you and Ellen back together.”

“Let me let you in on a secret, me too. But being the primary relationship will be a little impossible seeing how she’s married to Henry.”

Trish handed him the rule book. “What do you mean?”

“Henry and Ellen are married.”

“No they aren’t.”

“Yes they are.”

“No, they aren’t Dean,” Trish was insistent. “I mean I would know. I am the warden of history. If someone gets married, I get the paper work. Reverend Bob always files it with me in a timely manner. I even make a special trip in on Saturdays if anyone gets married. It’s not a marriage if Reverend Bob doesn’t give me the official papers and trust me, I never got any papers on Ellen and Henry.”

“There has to be some mistake. They said they got married April first.”

“There you have it. But we can go check just in case my memory is messed up. I doubt it though.” Scooting to the back history room, Trish led Dean in there. She moaned as she sat down at the computer and quickly pulled up marriages. “Let’s see, this is all the marriages and dedications done this year. You say April first?”

“Yes.” Dean peered over her shoulder.

“Nothing.” Trish clicked on the keyboard. “Let’s go ahead a few days to see if Bob forgot to file. The second . . . nope. Third, no. Fourth . . .” More clicks. “Not in here. See Dean. Not married.” She spun the tall stool to face him and saw the wide grin on his face.

“This is great.” Dean folded his arms and nodded. “Oh I’m gonna kill her for lying to me.” He smiled wider then it dropped. “Shit. Trish, do me a favor. Whatever you do.” He laid his hands on her shoulder, “don’t, I repeat, don’t tell Frank what you just told me.”

“Why?”

“Just don’t. Please. Not yet.” Dean backed up holding that understanding rule book. “I’ll let you know when it’s safe.” He darted out and ran back in. “Thanks. You made my day.” He gave her a wink and took off running from history.

Dean knew the first thing he was going to do. As soon as he had Ellen alone in quarantine, he was going to let her have it. A part of Dean wasn’t mad at all but he should have been. The whole deceit thing was overshadowed by the fact that Ellen and Henry were not really married. Then again, the fear of what Frank would do if he found out crept into his thoughts as well. With his head down in the Dean ‘don’t talk to me I’m in a rush’ mode, he paced himself quickly through town.

“Morning, Dean.”

Just to be cordial Dean replied back, “Morning.” His head rose to see who it was and he stopped cold. “Reverend Bob.” Another huge grin ripped across Dean’s face. “Just the man I wanted to see this morning. You have a second?”

“Sure.” Reverend Bob looked at his watch. “just a second. Just kidding, what is it?”

“To be on the safe side.”

“Huh?”

Dean waved his hand. “I’m talking to myself. But, did you by chance marry Ellen and Henry?”

“No, I didn’t.”

“Thanks.” Dean started walking again and again he stopped cold when he heard an ‘uh-oh’ from behind him. Afraid, Dean turned back to Reverend Bob. “What’s uh-oh?”

“Well . . . Nah.” He closed his eyes and shook his head.

“What?”

“Well, they did come to me and asked me to marry them. It was April Fool’s Day and I thought it was a joke. Especially when they said they wanted the super-duper speedo wedding. Yeah, that’s what they called it.”

“And what did you do?” Dean asked him.

“Well I said, ‘do you both?’ They both said ‘yes’. Then I said ‘done.’” He shrugged. “They couldn’t have possibly thought they got married could they? I mean, it was April Fool’s Day. This was Henry and Ellen and . . . oh no.”

Dean closed his eyes with a slow nodding head. “They actually believe you married them.”

“Now they can’t be that dumb. Can they?” He saw Dean still nodding his head. “Damn.”

“Since they thought it, are they?”

“No.” Reverend Bob shook his head. “No, we have procedures, marriage classes to follow and papers to file with history. We try to keep it very legal so there is a sense of seriousness about it. If we don’t, people will think they can get married as much as they want, whenever they want. I have to talk to them.”

“Wait.” Dean held up his hand. “Ellen and I are busy in the lab until tonight. Don’t say anything, not yet. Let me talk to her first. Can you do that? Keep it from Henry and most of all, from Frank.”

“Frank,” Reverend Bob shuddered. “If he thinks they’re married, he’s just going to start all kinds of trouble when he finds out they aren’t.”

“Exactly.”

“I feel awful, I really do.”

“We’ll work something out.” Dean checked out the time and saw how much he had spent of it talking. “I have to run.” He darted back. “Remember, nothing to Henry or Frank yet. Thanks.” Holding up his hand to wave, Dean turned quickly to run. Just as he rounded the last building on his way to the hanger, Frank jumped out again with another loud ‘boo’. Flipping off a laughing Frank, Dean ignored him and continued on, grateful for two things. One, he wouldn’t have to deal with Frank for twelve hours, and two, he knew something Frank didn’t know.

<><><><>

Robbie heard the Beginnings’ helicopter hovering but there wasn’t anything he could do about it. He didn’t have anyone who could run over the grade for whatever they were dropping off. Even Greg and the two others that were in remission were weak and the remaining men, all ten had fallen victims to the new plague.

The silence captured Robbie’s attention. There was no sound of a helicopter at all. The engines stopped. Was he that wrapped up in wiping down the fevered body of Marty to not even hear? A ‘no’ answer came to him. When through the corner of his eyes, he saw them, two people looking more like spacemen in the blue suits they wore, the people from Beginnings. But somehow from the size of them both, Robbie knew who it was.

Dropping the cloth into the pail of water, Robbie rose up to his feet, facing Ellen and Dean as they walked closer to him. “Ellen.” He set down the pail and took off in a trot their way. “El!”

Placing the case she held on the ground, Ellen hurried to him. Through the head set in the suit she wore she heard Dean tell her. ‘Leave the suit on, El.’ He knew her too well. “Robbie.” Ellen switched on the external speaker. “Robbie.” She reached him, her hands gripping tightly to his arms, wanting so bad to embrace him but knowing it would be an awkward hold with the suit.

“El.” He hunched down to her level peering into her face mask. “What are you doing?”

“I told you that you wouldn’t be alone. You’re not.”

“God, it’s so good to see you.” Robbie smiled “Thank you guys for coming. Why are you here though?”

Dean held up the case he brought. “We came with a prototype we need to give those who are sick.”

“That’s everyone but me plus Greg and them who are in remission. Everyone has it now, Dean.”

Dean motioned his head up the hill. “Are they up there?”

“Yeah.” Robbie watched Dean head up that way and then Robbie grabbed Ellen’s gloved hand.

“How are you handling this, Robbie?”

“I’m doing all right.” He took a shivering breath. “I’m tough.”

“That you are.” She walked with him.

“El? Before you go, remind me to give you all the souvenirs I found for you. They’re small, but I got you a few.”

“No.”

“No?”

“No.” Ellen stopped walking and stood before him. “You always bring me gifts whenever you come home. You’re not home, Robbie. I want you to give them to me when you come home.” She smiled at him. “Now I’ll talk to you later. Rest. We’re here.” She released his hand, took a few steps backwards, and then went to join Dean.

“When I come home,” Robbie spoke softly to himself, shaking his head. He ran his hand across his sweaty and dirty forehead then watched Dean and Ellen as they approached each man who lay ill, not far from where Robbie stood. Standing there watching them for a short while was rest enough. When Robbie stopped, he started to think and Robbie didn’t want to think. He had to stay busy to keep his mind focused on helping his men. Even though he was weary and worn out and in need of the break he could have had, Robbie trudged forward to help Dean and Ellen.

<><><><>

“Bob, you don’t smoke,” Joe said calmly to Reverend Bob who sat across from Joe in his office.

“I would like to now. I used to.”

“You may get sick.” Joe held out a cigarette to him, then a lighter. He pushed the ashtray forward.

“Thank you.” Reverend Bob looked at the cigarette. “Wow, you guys are still smoking Camel filters. One hell of a supply you must have picked up.” Shaking, he lit the cigarette.

“Tell me, usually when you’re like this it's because Frank did something to you.”

“No,” Reverend Bob said and then coughed out the hit he took of the cigarette. “I did something. We have a situation and I need your advice. Confidentially.”

“I like this.” Joe cupped his hands behind his head and rocked back in his chair. “A religious man is confessing to me. Go on. Shoot. I’m all ears.”

“O.K. Here it goes.” Reverend Bob scooted his chair closer to the desk. “I don’t pay much attention to some people in this community, especially those who really don’t frequent my services. Not on purpose mind you, but I really don’t pay much attention to their lives.”

“That’s about five people in this community. So what’s going on with one of them?”

“Two.”

“Two?” Joe raised his eyebrows with a closed mouth look. “Which two?”

“Henry and Ellen.”

“Christ . . . sorry Reverend. What did they do?”

“They didn’t do anything. I did and it could mean mayhem for you, Joe.”

“Shit.” Joe stopped rocking and folded his hands on his desk. “Go on. Give it to me.”

“One day, nearly four months ago, they came to me and asked me to marry them. It was April Fool’s Day. They wanted the quick ceremony.” Reverend Bob watched Joe’s face drop as if Joe knew where he was going already. “I said hardly anything. Honest. But . . . they took me seriously. They think, Joe, that they’re married. They aren’t. No papers have been filed with history. No real nuptials were performed. Nothing.”

“So what’s the problem?”

“They aren’t married and they think they are.”

“Marry them again.”

“So you’re saying to tell them?” Reverend Bob asked. “Telling them is chancing Frank finding out. Frank finding out could mean trouble.”

“Christ.” Joe shook his head. “You aren’t kidding. He’ll do everything in his power to stop it. They think they’re married. Then . . . make it official. Just file the paper work.”

“Joe we have rules. You and I know we can’t go insert things into history that aren’t there.”

“Don’t insert. Just put it in for today.” Joe gave a ‘so there’ attitude.

“We have procedures, Joe, procedures that we worked hard to make a marriage legal here. I would have to file the papers and the papers would need Henry and Ellen’s signature. In order to get their signatures, I’d have to tell them.”

“Reverend Bob you are really making much too much out of this. Look, who knows? Me, you, possibly Trish . . .”

“And Dean.”

“Dean can be clueless at times. File the paper work, forge Ellen and Henry’s signature, and no one is the wiser. They believe they’re married, so nothing changes. So what if Ellen and Henry aren’t married. You thought it was a joke. They think they are. Why change it? We’ll make their marriage legal without anyone knowing. As long as no one knows we aren’t following the rules, no big deal.”

A strong buzzing sound rang through Joe’s office. It echoed like a wrong answer on a game show. “Wrong!” Frank stepped inside of his father’s office. “Now.” Frank shut the door. “Now is the time you remember to keep the office door closed.” He walked further in. “Let’s go back a little bit. I walked in here on the part where you, Dad, said, Henry and Ellen aren’t married.”

“Frank.” Joe looked up at him. “Listen.”

“No-no-no.” Frank held up his hand and shook his head. “Are they or aren’t they really married?” He waited for an answer. “Reverend Bob?”

Reverend Bob cleared his throat then nervously grabbed his cigarette. “See, it was April Fool’s day. I thought it was a joke. They thought it was real. There was no paper work. No license, nothing. It was a mix up. They believe they are married.”

“But they aren’t?” Frank asked and saw Reverend Bob shake his head. “Oh yes!’ He clenched his fist. “This is fuckin great. Yes. Oh wait until I tell them.” He turned around and grabbed for the door.

“Frank,” Joe yelled out ads he stood up, “Hold it. Be a little mature for crying out loud. Just wait a second and listen to me.”

“O.K. I can listen.” Frank folded his arms.

“All right. They think they’re married. They aren’t, so what. What difference does it make? If no one knows, Reverend Bob here can make it legal and no one is the wiser.”

“I am and we have rules Dad. Nope. Follow the rules. Sorry. They aren’t married. I’m telling.” He raced for the door again.

“Frank!”

“What!” Frank stopped again in total annoyance.

“They married each other once, so they think they’ll marry each other again.” He saw Frank shake his head ‘no. “No? Why are you saying no, Frank?”

“Because the little ‘sneak off and not tell anyone’ marriage failed. They are the two most superstitious people I know. Serves them right. Good job, Bob.” He gave a thumbs up to Reverend Bob. “I haven’t yet told Ellen how much her marriage to Henry bothers me. I will now. They won’t get married. They may plan on it, but they won’t, mark my words. I have to go, I’m excited. I have to tell Henry.”

“Frank.”

“Oh you just have to stop me every time I make an exit.” Frank turned around again. “Yes, Dad. What now?”

“Tell him maturely. Break it to him nicely.”

“I will. I won’t even gloat, even though that will be hard,” Frank nodded. “Anything else?”

“No, go on.” Joe waved his hand at him. “Just one more thing.”

A squeak, a stop, a huff, and then a turn. “Yes.”

“Do you really think you can stop them from getting married?” Joe asked in doubt of Frank’s ability.

“Oh I’m not going to be the . . .” Frank paused and  held up his hand to halt his father from saying anything. Frank looked at Reverend Bob, then at Joe, and then he opened the door. “This is my big dramatic exit.” Frank cleared his throat. “I’m not going to be the one to stop them, Dad. One of them will back down, guaranteed. Finish and . . .” he stepped out and poked his head back in. “Goodbye.” The door closed.

With a smack, Joe ran his hand down his face and reached for a cigarette of his own. “Don’t blame me for him, Reverend Bob. I’m still not convinced he’s really my son.”

<><><><>

With a single click on the keyboard of the computer in the mobile lab, the monitor before Johnny switched pictures. What looked like a sea creature of some sorts filled with multiple colors flashed before him, Dean, and Ellen. He grabbed his sandwich which was next to him. “Same.” He took a bite and clicked again. “Same.” Another click as he spoke monotone. “Same.”

“Wait.” Ellen grabbed his hand as she leaned over his shoulder. “Go back two.”

“They’re the same, El.”

“No, they aren’t. Go back.” She glanced closer when Johnny pulled it back. “Look.” Her finger touched the screen. “Look Dean, the tail of the virus. It’s different. It curves slightly at the bottom and to the right, and look at the follicles.” Her fingers traced. “Zoom in John.”

Dean adjusted his glasses. “El, you’re right. More of them.”

“We’ve seen this one before.” Ellen snapped her fingers and moved to the next monitor. Her fingers worked the keyboard. “Come on.” She beckoned the computer. “I know where we’ve seen it or something similar.”

Johnny looked over at her. “What are you pulling up?”

“Slides of the future samples we took.”

“Weren’t all those samples the same?” Johnny asked.

“Not all.” Ellen stepped back with folded arms. “I knew it. The first wave, the small wave, that’s the same strain Robbie’s men have, but look at Jenny Matoose’s sample. Look closely. It’s so different than both of them.”

Dean rushed over. “Whoa.” He looked in awe. “And here we thought she just contracted it at a different time.” He ran over to the files. “I remember distinctively talking about this, El. Jenny, Jenny. Got her.” He grabbed the file and went back to the counter with it. “Remember we discussed this? She came down with the symptoms at a totally different time than when the other plague waves hit.”

Ellen nodded. “And we thought that may have been the reason for it being slightly different.”

“Which tells me . . .” Dean viewed both samples, “we’re not looking at a mutated form. We’re looking at a totally different strain of our virus.”

Ellen agreed. “Same virus, different strain. That explains the different stages of symptoms that are hitting Robbie’s men and the longer incubation period. If I recall, wasn’t Jenny’s remission shorter?”

“Yes,” Dean said. “Instead of dying four days after coming out of remission, Jenny died in two.” He closed the folder. “Here I was blaming it in my records or the fact that she had run herself down helping out with the plague. She couldn’t fight it.”

Johnny’s ‘uh-oh’ captured both Dean and Ellen’s attention.

“Uh-oh what?” Dean asked. “Uh-oh isn’t science here, Johnny.”

“And neither is what I’m saying uh-oh about.” Johnny spun his stool to face them. “What we actually have is three strains of the virus in the future. If everyone in the future plague has, let’s call it Strains ‘A’ and ‘B’. Jenny has Strain ‘C’ Robbie’s men in the present have strain ‘B’. Then how in the world did Jenny Matoose seem to be the only one who got a totally different strain in the future and from the present? One person, out of a hundred and some, doesn’t get a totally different strain of a virus. That’s not typically plague, Dr. Dean, and you know it. That’s . . .”

“Murder.” Dean spoke softly.

“Exactly.” Johnny grabbed his sandwich and took another bite. “It’s some pretty cool stuff if you think about it. Like, who would give Jenny the virus deliberately?”

Dean’s eyes shifted to Ellen. “John Matoose?”

Johnny nodded. “Possibly, if he is working for George like Ellen has been saying. If he is on the inside, then he would have been able to get access to the strain if say, Jenny wasn’t getting exposed.”

“Good thinking, John,” Dean said. “But John Matoose loves Jenny. There’s no doubt about that. Why would he give her the virus, unless someone else is on the inside for George as well?”

“Not exactly,” Ellen interjected. “John’s a weasel. If Jenny found out about him, to protect his ass, he’d get rid of her in a heartbeat. You know Jenny. If she did find out, she would go to Joe or Frank. Watching her community die and knowing that John was responsible, she wouldn’t hesitate to turn him in. She’s too self-righteous. Which means . . .” Ellen smiled and spoke softly to herself. “Jenny does know a lot about John and Joe is right. So maybe . . .” She noticed they were watching her wondering what she rambled on about. “Sorry.” She shrugged. “Unfortunately for Jenny, we can’t worry about this right now. We have to worry about this.” She pointed to the screen. “Our virus or viruses.”

Johnny returned to his computer. “Strain ‘B’ is getting an even slower reaction to any of our prototypes than virus ‘A’.”

Dean knew the reason for it. “That’s because Strain ‘B’ is more violent and deadly. Let’s up the ingredients in all twenty-two agents we have. Let’s see if that works now that we realize we’re working with a mightier sword. Sound good?”

Johnny stood up. “I’ll start mixing the first five.” He looked at his watch. “We should have at least enough time to mix them and see if they work while we’re in here.” He grabbed his sandwich and walked to the other counter.

Ellen let out a long breath. “Wow, I feel like I’m in a Sherlock Holmes novel or something, piecing all of it together and such. Thinking it’s one way and finding out it’s another. It’s exhilarating.”

“Really?” Dean asked. “Mysteries are exhilarating to you?”

“Oh sure. I think.” Ellen looked up. “I guess they are. Why?”

Dean grabbed her arm and pulled her with him. “I have a mystery for you to solve.”

“Really Dean? Oh that sounds exciting. I’m a very good detective.”

“You think.” Dean looked at Johnny as he took her to the other mobile. “We’ll be right back. I have to talk to Ellen.” Getting an acknowledging motion of Johnny’s head, Dean led Ellen out.

“Must be good,” Ellen said as they walked to the living room.

“It is. Sit down.” He held his hand out to the couch.

“Give it to me, Dean.”

“All right.” Dean clapped his hands together. “Which couple in Beginnings says they are married, and think they are married? They joke around with everyone, but the joke is on them, because they aren’t really married after all.”

“Geez, Dean, it sounds like a riddle or a joke, not a mystery. Who?”

“Guess.”

“Um . . . Jenny and John.”

“Nope.”

“Who?”

“You and Henry.”

Ellen laughed. “Good one, Dean. But who?”

“El.” He sat down next to her. “You and Henry aren’t married.”

“Sure we are, Dean. Reverend Bob married us.”

“Let’s see how I can say this.” Dean took a moment to think. “I went to history this morning. Which by the way, do you know Trish has a purple appointment book?”

“Yes I do, It’s pretty.”

“Why does she have an appointment book, El?” Dean asked.

“To keep track of who wants to come to history, why else? Plus new history rules state you have to have an appointment to view. Joe approved that one last week.”

“Don’t you think it’s a little odd?” Dean commented. “I mean, doesn’t Trish seem like she’s stuck in the old world?”

“Oh sure, but that’s fine. It keeps things very professional in history. She likes to be business like. The only thing I can’t make her understand is that she is never really gonna get a fax on that fax machine Cole brought her back. She keeps waiting and waiting.” Ellen snickered. “I told Cole to get me one so I can fax. . . wait a second, what’s Trish’s fax machine have to do with my marriage to Henry.”

“Nothing.”

“Then why are we talking about it?”

Dean stopped to cringe and catch his calm. “Because it proves she is a stickler. El, listen to me. I went to history.”

“You’re not going to go off the subject again are you?”

“No.” He shook his head. “While I was there I asked to see the understanding rule book. She asked if it was for my understanding with Henry.”

“Oh she’s perceptive that Trish is. How did she know?”

“She didn’t. She thinks you and I are back together. I told her I couldn’t be primary because Henry was your husband. At that time, she proceeded to show me that Reverend Bob never filed the paper work or license.”

“Maybe he forgot.”

“True.” Dean held up his finger. “Then I ran into Reverend Bob who told me he never married you. It was April Fool’s Day. He thought you were kidding him so he played an April Fool’s joke right back. He said he never really married you. You aren’t married”

Ellen shrieked and stood up. “Oh my God! I’ve been living in sin?”

“What?”

“Just kidding.” She sat back down. “This is funny. Wait, no it’s not. Shit.” She covered her mouth with her hand. “Does Henry know? I bet he knows now.”

“No. Trish isn’t saying anything and neither is Reverend Bob. I thought I’d tell you first so you could figure out how to break it to Henry before Frank finds out.”

“Frank.” Ellen plopped backwards on the couch. “We have to keep this from Frank for a while. He will have a field day.”

“Let me tell you something, El. What were the reasons you two didn’t say anything when you thought you got married? You didn’t want to be stopped? Guess what? If Frank finds out, he’ll be watching you like a hawk this time because he will not let it happen again.”

Ellen took a long breath and sat up looking so calm. “Yes true. But we’re good right? I mean Frank doesn’t know so we’re all right.” She stood up from the couch. “Let’s get back to work. I don’t want to think about this right now.”

“You have to think about it before we leave here.”

“I know.” Ellen moved to the other mobile. “Frank doesn’t know right? You’re sure?”

“Positive.”

<><><><>

There was a certain silent snicker that crept within Frank as he watched Henry working on the cooling unit in Fabrics. He snickered because Henry swore as he lay on his stomach and reached under the unit for something that rolled there. He snickered because Ben and Todd watched every wiry move Henry made and he snickered, well, because he was about to be the bearer of good news…or bad news to Henry, depending on who looked at it. “Henry.” Frank crouched down beside him.

“Hey Frank,” Henry grunted. “Almost . . . got…it.”

“Henry,” Frank lowered his voice to a whisper, “you have an audience watching you wiggle under here.”

A loud ‘bang’ and then an ‘ow’ came from Henry and he quickly scooted out holding his tool. “Got it.” He rolled over and then quickly stood up, shifting his eyes to Ben and Todd who went their separate ways back to work. “What’s up?”

Frank snickered.

“Oh you are sick.” Henry dusted himself off.

“You’re a very attractive man, Henry. It’s bound to happen.”

“Frank.” Before Henry bitched, he saw that Frank’s comment had drawn the attention of Ben and Todd. “Uh, look.” Henry motioned his head to them.

Frank slowly turned his head and received a bright smile from both Ben and Todd. “What? You don’t think he’s attractive?”

“Frank!” Henry tossed his tool in his bag.

“Henry, take a walk with me.”

“Frank.” Henry leaned to him whispering in a cringe. “You know how that’s gonna look after that comment.”

“Oh so what?” Frank grabbed his arm. “You should be proud to be seen with me. Walk.”

“Where are we going?” Henry pulled his arm away, grabbed his tool bag, and followed him out.

“We have to talk.”

“What’s wrong?”

“You’re not going to like this Henry.” Frank turned his head, smiled then looked again at Henry with a serious look. “I’ll try to tell you this as good as I can without shocking you. O.K.?”

“O.K.”

“You and Ellen aren’t really legally married. Reverend Bob didn’t perform a legitimate service. He thought it was a joke and guess who’s laughing now.” Frank smiled then wiped it from his face. “Of course, it’s not me.”

“Where in the world do you come up with these bad jokes, Frank?”

“It’s not a joke, Henry.”

“And I’m supposed to believe you?” Henry asked. “Why would you know this anyhow, Frank ?”

“Because I overheard my Dad and Reverend Bob trying to break the law and legally marry you guys without you two ever knowing that you weren’t legally married.” Frank took a breath. “So there.”

“Right.” Henry started walking. “This isn’t funny, Frank.”

“I’m not joking. But . . .” Frank ran up to him. “Reverend Bob was . . . on April Fool’s Day.”

“Shit.” Henry stopped cold. “This can’t be.”

“It’s true, Henry.”

“El and I aren’t married?”

“Nope, which means . . .” Frank poked him in the chest. “You’ve been living in sin. You ought to be ashamed of yourself.”

“Oh you’re full of shit Frank. I actually believed you for a second.” Henry shook his head.

“Henry, ask my Dad if you don’t believe me.” Frank pestered behind him.

“You know what, Frank. I will.”

“Let’s go.” Frank pointed to his Jeep. “I’ll drive.”

Reluctantly Henry stepped in and took the short ride to where Joe was fixing something at the bakery. Henry and Frank stepped inside, stopped at the same time to take a deep smell, smile, and then  found Joe in the back, under a sink.

Frank leaned over the sink and peered into the drain. “Hey, Dad. What would happen if I turned the faucet on right now?”

Joe looked up as he lay on his back. “My foot would go straight up your ass.”

“Oh.” Frank stepped back. “Henry needs to talk to you.”

“What is it. Henry? I’m busy helping you.”

“Joe.” Henry looked down through the drain peering through the hole at Joe. “Frank told me that El . . .”

“Yes.” Joe answered.

“I didn’t ask you anything.

“If you’re asking me if what Frank told you is true. Yes, it’s true.”

“Joe, you mean to tell me Ellen and I aren’t married?”

“Nope,” Joe grunted. “Who the hell put these washers on last? Christ, they’re tight.”

Henry scratched his head and stepped back. “It’s a Slagel thing isn’t it? Both of you are in this together.”

With a deep echo from yelling back up the drain to them, Joe spoke, “Frank, he needs proof. Go get Reverend Bob and all three of you go to history.”

Frank faced Henry. “You heard my Dad? Do you want proof?”

“Yeah, I want proof.” Henry walked ahead of him. “I know you’re joking. But if you’re not… you’re just loving this aren’t you, Frank?”

“Who me?” Frank laid his hand on his chest happily. He walked behind him so Henry couldn’t see his smile. “I’m torn up that this has happened to my two closest friends.”

“So you see, Henry,” Reverend Bob spoke with compassion as they hit the door to history, “that is how it went down. I am so sorry.”

Henry’s head swayed. “I can’t believe this.”

“Sorry.” Reverend Bob opened the history door. “This should be your final proof.”

Trish looked up from her book with a wide smile as Frank, Henry, and Reverend Bob walked into her domain. “Afternoon. What brings you to history?”

Reverend Bob approached the desk. “We need to show Henry the list of marriages filed here.”

Trish pulled the purple appointment book front of her. She opened it. “You don’t have an appointment. Would you like to make one?”

All three of them looked at each other.

Trish flipped another page. “You know the new rules. You can’t view history without an appointment.”

Reverend Bob tried to reason. “Trish dear, it’ll only take a second. Henry needs to see.”

“Please Trish?” Henry asked.

Trish looked like she thought about it then quickly shook her head. “I’m sorry. I need to prepare and if I break the rules for you, everyone who wants to review history will think they don’t have to have an appointment. I’ll have mass confusion in here.”

Frank threw his hands up. “Who the fuck ever wants to view history?”

Trish gasped, “I’ll have you know, lots of people find it interesting reading especially the event files.”

“Well, we have an appointment,” Frank said.

“Where?” Trish asked.

“Right there.” Frank pointed and shut her book. “So there.”

“Hey!” She reopened it. “I’ll make an appointment if you like.”

“Then make it for now,” Frank tried not to argue.

“How about . . .” Trish picked up her pen, “tomorrow at two?”

“How about now?” Frank insisted then he leaned into Reverend Bob and Henry. “We’re going in.” Frank cleared his throat and motioned his head to behind Trish. “Hey, Trish. You uh . . . got a fax.”

“I do?” She turned her head and quickly turned back when she saw them rushing the back room door. “Stop!” She stood up. “I’ll call security.”

Frank stepped to her. “I am security!”

“Then you know rules are rules.” She waved her finger at him. “Why do you want to see the marriages Henry? Just ask Dean. I showed him the whole list this morning.”

Henry slid in a stop and turned around as she sat calmly back behind her desk. “You showed Dean?”

“Yeah,” Frank pointed, “why’s that? Did he have an appointment?”

Henry stopped Frank from saying anymore. “Trish, did you know Ellen and I aren’t really married?”

“Oh sure, Henry,” Trish said. “The paper work was never filed with me. Reverend Bob always does that timely. He’s so good about it.” She giggled.

“But Trish,” Henry continued, “you heard me and Ellen call each other husband and wife for how long? Why didn’t you say anything sooner?”

“Well I thought that’s what you called each other. You seem dedicated and . . . you live together.” She shrugged. “Lots of people did that in the old world.”

“So you told this to Dean?”

“Yes,” Trish answered.

Henry faced Reverend Bob. “Dean told you this?” He saw Reverend Bob nod. “And you told Joe then Frank overheard. Dean started this all?” He turned back to Trish again. “All because you opened your mouth to Dean. Aw man, Trish. Dean?” Henry stomped and whined. “Dean?” He stepped back. “I can’t believe you told him first instead of me.” He saw she really didn’t pay attention to him. “You know what Trish? You . . . you . . . you suck!”

“Hey!” Trish immediately stood up when Henry stormed out. “I’m telling Joe!”

Frank watched as Reverend Bob, looking so guilty as he followed Henry out. Trying not to laugh and looking understanding, Frank laid his hand on Trish’s shoulder, guiding her totally upset being back into the chair. “You know what Trish? You don’t suck. In fact, you’re one of my favorite people in Beginnings today.”

“Thanks, Frank.” Trish still looked sad.

“Keep up the good work.” He moved to the door. “You did the right thing. This needed to come out. Don’t let Henry make you feel bad.” He opened the door. “I appreciate what you did.” Walking out, Frank clenched his fist with a ‘Yes!’ and trudged off to find Henry and Reverend Bob.

<><><><>

It was late, as expected, when Ellen and Dean left quarantine. They walked slowly to the row of houses where they both lived. Their pace was not as fast as when they first dropped off the Jeep at the garage.

Ellen stopped walking a house before her own. “He’s still awake.”

“Henry’s an insomniac. What did you think?”

“Should I tell him tonight, Dean?”

“As soon as possible. El.” He placed his hands on her shoulders. “This isn’t really that big a deal. So you aren’t married, so what.”

“I guess you’re right. Hey,” she smiled. “At least I have this to cheer him up if he gets upset.” She held up a disk case. “The program to those SUTs.”

“Let’s hope that Henry doesn’t get pissed since he has been working on that for eight months.”

“He’ll be relieved.” Ellen moved toward her steps. “Goodnight, Dean. Thanks for today.”

“Night El.” Slowly he learned forward and kissed her softly, “Good luck.”

“Thanks.” She stepped up one step. “Dean?”

“Yes.” He turned to face her.

“Are you happy that Henry and I aren’t really married?”

“Yes and no. No, because if Frank finds out he’s gonna screw up everything we have going. And yes, I love you El. I don’t want you married to anyone else.”

“Not even Henry?”

“Not even Henry.”

Ellen reached for the door. “What about Frank?”

“Night, El.” Dean smiled and kept walking.

Something told Ellen when she stepped into her home that it wasn’t going to go as planned. That something was Frank who stood up from the couch the second she walked in the door. “What’s going on?” She asked.

Henry slowly stood also. “Hey, El.” He walked to her. “How was quarantine?”

“Boring. How come no one came to visit me up there?” She asked. “Did you forget about me?”

“No.” Henry shook his head and led her to the couch. “El, there’s something I have to tell you.”

Ellen sat down. “Did someone die?”

“No.” Henry sat next to her. “El, remember how we got married on April Fool’s Day?”

“Henry.” Ellen tried to stop him to tell him she knew, but Henry kept talking.

“Well, we were fooled El. Reverend Bob never really married us. It was a joke. We aren’t married.”

Ellen gasped dramatically loud. “Oh no!”

“Yes.” Henry lowered his head.

“Oh no.”

Frank rolled his eyes at her reaction. “Enough.” He walked around the couch. “She knows Henry. This surprise thing is an act.”

Henry lifted his head. “You knew?”

“Yes, Henry. Dean told me.”

“Dean?” Henry sprang up. “Dean has a big mouth. He’s gone and told everyone in this community, I swear.” Henry stated to pace.

“Henry, calm down.” Ellen tried not to laugh. “It’s all right.”

“No it’s not all right, El. It sucks. It really sucks and to top it all off, Joe yelled at me.” Henry nodded once. “He yelled at me for yelling at Trish for opening her mouth.”

“Henry.” Ellen grabbed his arm to stop his circle walk. “It’s O.K. If you think about it, it’s really kind of funny.”

“Funny?!” Henry’s voice rose. “It’s not funny, El! I thought I was married to you. I’m not. There’s not one single thing funny about it.. Nothing.” With a turn of his heels, Henry stormed up the stairs, leaving the essence of his anger behind.

Frank whistled. “I think I’m out of here.”

“What did you do Frank?” Ellen asked him. “Torment him all day?”

“Who me?” Frank laid his hand on his chest. “El, I’m crushed. I’ve been very supportive of his moods.”

“You supportive?”

“Yeah. I’ve been a fuckin godsend. But . . .” Frank backed up to the door. “I’m tired of his menstrual moods so I’ll let you deal with him now.”

“Frank.” Ellen walked to him. “We found something out today.”

“What’s that?”

“Robbie and his men have one of the two strains from the future and while checking, we realized there was a third. Only one person in the future, oddly enough, had that isolated strain of the virus. One person.”

“Who was that?”

“Get this.” Ellen folded her arms. “Jenny Matoose.”

“I’m not real good with viruses and such, but that can’t happen, can it? One person have something different.”

“Nope.” Ellen shook her head.

“Well then, could someone have given it to her?” Frank asked.

“We think.”

Frank’s eyes widened in thought and then shifted to the steps when Henry appeared. “We’ll talk tomorrow El. Thanks for letting me know that.” He slid his hand across her face then he reached for the doorknob. “Let me know what else you come up with. Night, Henry.”

Ellen didn’t even know he was there. She turned around quickly after Frank left. “Henry?”

“I stormed up the steps, El. It was your clue to follow me.” He walked by her and sat on the couch.

“Henry.” Ellen joined him. “Please don’t be upset about this. We’re not married. So what?”

“But what if it’s a sign, El? Maybe we ended up not being married because we weren’t supposed to get married.”

“True.” Ellen thought about it. “Or . . . maybe we ended up not being married because we’re not supposed to be married now.”

“Whatever the reason, it sucks.” Henry tossed his hand outward. “I took our vows very seriously.”

Ellen went silent. “Henry, we didn’t take any vows.”

“We didn’t?” Henry gave an odd look. “I thought we did. You’re right.” He snapped his finger. “So then we should get married and you know what, El? Let’s get married for real. I mean instead of in Reverend Bob’s living room.”

“Henry, listen …”

“We should have known right there when he waived those stupid marriage classes. When do you want to do this?”

“Henry …”

“You want to wait until the Robbie crisis is over, don’t you?” He stared at her. “You … you don’t want to get married again for real?”

Ellen lowered her head. “It was a spontaneous decision to get married in the first place, a way for me to help Dean without Frank getting in the way. But, Henry, Dean doesn’t want Frank to know that and now Frank is in the way so the whole point of it is moot anyhow.”

“I thought you wanted to marry me.”

“Henry … I love you as my friend. We did this to help Dean. It wasn’t for real.” She stepped to him. “You know this right?”

“We have a child, El.”

“We didn’t know that when we made the choice to sneak off. It’s a sign, Henry. It wasn’t going to be a marriage forever.”

Henry drew silent. His jaw twitched back and forth.

“You’re upset.”

“No, I just … yes. I don’t know why. It’s me. I have a headache. I’m going to bed.” He turned and walked to the stairs.

“Henry …”

Henry said no more. He just ascended the stairs.

Ellen, like before, stayed in the living room. She didn’t follow Henry up the stairs. She just let him be.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

JULY 10

Why he didn’t see it his first pass through to the kitchen, Henry didn’t know. Maybe it was because the house was so dark and his focus was on making a cup of coffee. But he saw it as he walked from the kitchen. The steam from the coffee nearly burnt his nostrils as he paused to see it on the dining room table.

Wrapped in a cloth, its five inch by five inch size sat there staring at him. Henry’s name was placed on a piece of paper in front of it. For as badly as he wanted to unwrap it, Henry unfolded the note with his name on. ‘From Ellen’, it read, ‘Henry, you were pretty down last night. I thought you’d like to start this day off better.’ When did Ellen place the gift there? Was it there all night? Ellen must have seriously napped in quarantine if she stayed up past him.

His heart told him what it was, but Henry couldn’t wait to see it. And there it was, the Cyborg-genic Lobel Programming written on the front of the plastic case. Flipping it open to see the round disk for himself--not that staring at the shiny object would tell him anything--another note fell out. A small one, merely saying ‘Hank, I think this is it. Robbie.’

Henry stared at that disk for the longest time, his mind wandering to how long it would take him to learn the program and what all it entailed. Would the program work with the way Henry hooked up the microchip? All of the answers to those questions and any he ever had on what exactly they could program the SUT to do lay in the palm of his hand. But unfortunately, those answers would have to wait. He had a full schedule in Mechanics. Henry knew if he sat at that computer and played with that program, no one would find him.

After he took a long drink of his hot coffee, Henry flipped over the note Ellen gave him, grabbed a pen, and wrote ‘thank you’ on the blank side. He shut the cover to the disk, picked up Robbie’s little note, and placed them both in his utility bag. Carrying that bag, his tool bag, and his coffee, Henry left his house that morning, as usual, before the rising sun. Like Ellen had hoped, he did have a better start to this day.

<><><><>

The moans, possibly cries of pain woke Robbie from the sleep that was long overdue. How long did he sleep? One hour? Two? Not much because, like the long night that rested behind him, the day was starting out the same. The sounds of the day surrounded him, drowned out by the cries of those who suffered at the hands of an illness Robbie was at a loss to ease.

Rubbing his eyes, he stood up and let the fogginess clear from his mind. He thought of his new routine, wiping down of the fevered, administering of pain reliever, along with the compassion and patience he felt himself losing. Everything he did was another painful step in a battle he wasn’t ready to face. As Robbie moved to his men, he saw yet another stumbling block that took him back. Though he expected it, like the virus, he wasn’t ready for it. It became even more of a scary sight as Robbie stood in the just breaking day. He stood now the only healthy remaining man. Greg and the original two exposed had slipped from their remission back to the plague they had thought they beat. At that moment Robbie realized what remission really meant. Though it gave Greg and the two men time to rest and rebuild their strength, it also gave the virus time to do that as well. The virus was proving to be the strongest of them all, because it shook Greg’s body, and now was ravaging it far more violently than it had done in the first round of the fight.

<><><><>

“You know, Henry, I think this is actually a good idea.” Frank walked quickly down the row of houses. “Don’t you?”

“Most definitely. I had my doubts when we first talked about it.”

“Me too.” Frank toted a duffel bag and adjusted it. “But I think this is for the best.”

“It is Frank and I’m glad Ellen is going to be staying with you and the kids, especially Nick’s first week home.”

“How did she seem to you about it?”

“Fine. We talked about it before, you know, we found out about the marriage. So … it was the plan.” Henry told him. “But you know when Nick is with me, you are more than welcome to be over.”

“And vice versa.”

“Thanks Frank.”

“No, Henry.” Frank stopped walking. “Thank you.” Frank took on a serious look. “You could have put up a fuss about her moving in for a little bit, but you didn’t. Thanks for letting her.”

“It’s not that I’m letting her, Frank. I don’t really have a choice, if you think about it. Especially now.”

“I’m sorry about that. You seem really down.”

“Nah, I’m fine. It’s all good.”

Frank reached for his front door, and walked in. “El, is he sleeping?”

Ellen quickly looked back from the couch. “I don’t know.” She looked over at the small cradle a few feet from her. “Out.”

“El.” Frank laid the duffel bag down. “Aren’t you holding him?”

“No, Frank. Look at all this work. I’m recalculating formulas and going over future history files. He’s sleeping. Why would I hold him?” She turned her head to see Henry move toward her, stepping over the duffel bag center living room. “Hi, Henry. Is that my bag?”

“Yep.” Henry walked to her and then went to the cradle with Frank. “What’s he doing Frank?”

“Sleeping again.” Frank looked back at Ellen. “When did he eat last?”

Ellen let out an annoyance breath. “About ten minutes after your last visit an hour ago. Why are you guys back?”

Frank held his hand out. “To bring you your clothes and see Nick because he’s not in the clinic anymore.” Frank leaned down into the cradle. “I think he needs exercise, Henry.”

“Exercise, Frank?”

“Oh sure. When you hold a baby this small, it works their muscles just as much as you and I would running.”

“No shit. Maybe we should hold him.”

Ellen watched them linger over the cradle. “I’m gonna take my bag up. Frank, which room has room for my clothes?”

“Uh . . .” Frank looked at her than quickly to the baby. “My room.”

“Well I’ll just . . .” Ellen backed up to the steps with her bag. “Take this heavy bag . . .” She was ignored. Henry and Frank took the baby from the cradle. “Take this upstairs. Fuck it.” Giving up and admitting defeat at the hands of the tiny new addition, Ellen took the bag upstairs and into Frank’s bedroom.

She slowed down the moment she stepped inside. Frank had cleaned it up well. She took her bag and laid it on the bed. The second her hand released the handle, Ellen found herself staring down at that bed in a daze of familiarity. She smiled and ran her hand lightly across the pillow in a warmth of remembrance.

Breathing outward her reminiscence, she unzipped the bag and looked at the clothes Frank had packed for her, so neatly, tightly folded too. She reached down for the four shirts he had placed on top so as not to wrinkle and she carried them over to the dresser. “Now let’s see how much room you left me, Frank.” She opened the top drawer to the right expecting to see it half empty, and it wasn’t. It was filled to the top like it had been when Ellen lived there before. Wondering if he had done so, Ellen reached to the drawer next to it and discovered Frank had. He rearranged the drawers like they used to be when Ellen lived there.

Placing the tee-shirts in the drawer neatly, Ellen closed it and turned to walk to her bag again. A step or two into it, it dawned on her that the last time she was in that dresser was also the time she found that hidden bottle of moonshine.

It hadn’t been that long ago that she found it and that Frank had promised to control his drinking. Shrugging off her curiosity, Ellen finished going to the duffel bag and she pulled out the small stack of shorts. Thinking how well Frank packed for her, she took them to the dresser and laid them on top. Reaching for the second drawer, Ellen’s hands hesitated. A part of her wondered and had to know if Frank was keeping his word. Ellen moved her hand to the second drawer on the left. Gripping the handles she pulled it open and as she did, she jumped at the soft call of her name.

“El?” Frank stepped into the bedroom. “You all right?”

“Just putting my clothes away. What are you doing here?”

“I have to go back to work. I wanted to say good bye. Henry’s alone down there so don’t be too long.”

“I won’t.” She smiled “See you tonight?”

“See you tonight.” Frank backed up to the door and then he stopped. “Oh El, just in case I forget to tell you, and even though it’s short term, it’s good to have you back.” He moved to her laying his hand on her face. “Thanks El. I promise you, you won’t regret this.”

“I know I won’t, Frank.” Before Ellen could say anymore, Frank had wrapped his arms around her and embraced her tightly and she returned it.

“I’d better go.” Stepping back, Frank kissed Ellen on the cheek. “See you tonight.” He walked to the door. “Please pay attention to Nick.”

Just as she was about to say ‘I will’, Frank winked and then left.

Ellen stood there before that dresser with Frank’s drawer still half opened. She knew Frank was gone and she knew where she was just seconds before he walked in. Right there and then, she was grateful for the interruption. “What was I thinking? I trust Frank. I trust him.” Grabbing her shorts that were stacked on the dresser, she opened her own drawer. Even if it was something so minor as checking out his drawer, Ellen felt guilty, because she was checking up on Frank and she had never done that before. Without hesitation she shut Frank’s partially open drawer. But had she looked down, she would have seen that the bottle that she dumped and threw out not long ago, was simply replaced by another and tucked in the side of that drawer.

<><><><>

‘Where was Dean?’ Joe questioned in his mind as he looked at his watch while he waited for him in his office. Could Dean ever be on time for anything? They were to call Robbie from the office close to twenty minutes earlier. Joe would have called himself, but Dean was supposed to give Robbie instructions on some medical procedure or something. Rubbing his eyes which felt strained from looking at food projections and preliminary work ups for a metal run in two weeks, Joe felt his elbow hit his ashtray. It toppled to the floor. “Shit.” Bending down sideways from his chair to pick it up, Joe heard the door to his office open. “Bout goddamn time you . . .” He sat up and shut up when he saw it wasn’t Dean who walked in. “Yes?”

Ben from fabrics walked in first, Todd, a much bigger man, was behind him. Both of them stood before Joe’s desk a foot apart with arms crossed.

“What?” Joe barked. “Are you gonna stare down at me or say something?”

Ben let out a sighing sound, “Joe, you have to do something about us working together.” He spoke so femininely, his hand flying about.

“Like what?” Joe asked.

“We can’t work together, Joe,” Ben continued. “I can’t work with this man.”

“You can’t work with me?” Todd stomped his foot with an open mouth gasp. “Me? You can’t work with me?

“That’s what I said.”

“Who’s the one who’s being a baby about all of this?” Todd pointed. “You.”

“Me?”

“Yes you. Big baby, crying because you don’t have your way. Oh the grass is always greener now, isn’t it?” Todd nodded his head. “But when you see you can’t pasture that field what do you do? You come running home. Well I don’t want you and because of that, you don’t want to work with me.”

“I could work with you, Todd, but you stopped treating me with the respect I deserve. Like today when I mixed up that new shade of blue dye, what did you do? You criticized.”

“I did not!” Todd strongly objected. “I merely stated it was a weak color.”

“Criticized.” Ben faced Joe. “He criticized.”

“Why are you bringing Mr. Slagel into this? You think he can put you somewhere else? What can you do? I can field, but I’m not fielding. No-no.”

“Joe, do you hear how he talks to me? Lack of respect. I can’t take it, Joe. I cannot work with this beast anymore.”

“Beast? I’ll have you know for two years I treated you pretty damn good. I was . . .” Todd stopped yelling when the door opened and Dean walked in. With an extended hand, he pointed at him. “YOU!” He scolded toward Dean. “This is all your fault. We wouldn’t be standing here if it wasn’t for you.”

Dean looked at them and at Joe, then he turned around and walked back out the door.

Joe stood up from his desk. “No. Request denied. I am not putting either of you anywhere else but in fabrics. Tough. You aren’t together anymore. Tough, deal with it, work around it.” He walked to them and led them to his door. “If I didn’t give new work to my daughter and Dean when they broke up, I’m not giving it to you. Out.” He opened the door. “Don’t bother me with this again. Go . . . go to Henry. He’s on council and he’ll listen.” As they stepped out, Joe shut the door. “Christ. And they scared away Dean too.” Shaking his head, he went back to his desk, looked at the ashes on the floor, and sat back down. As he did, the door opened back up and Dean came in.

“Is it safe, Joe?” He shut the door in a sneaky manner.

“What kind of trouble did you start between them two?” Joe grabbed a cigarette and lit it.

“Must you smoke?” Dean fake coughed and sat down. “It wasn’t me. It was Ellen. She told… never mind. Are we going to call Robbie now?”

“I’ve talked to him twice.” Joe pushed his work aside and pulled out his phone. “He’s going a little crazy. He hasn’t a clue how to take this blood right, especially when they’re convulsing.”

“It’s not easy to do.” Dean listened to Joe dial.

“Robbie,” Joe spoke loudly through the noise of the reception, “how’s it going.”

“It’s going? Is Dean there yet?” Robbie asked.

“Right here.” Joe handed him the phone.

“Robbie?” Dean called his name. “Listen, it’s not important that you get the sample if they are convulsing too much. Don’t try it.”

“But you said you needed a sample of the blood when they come out of remission,” Robbie said.

“True but you’re working hard enough. Just let it go,” Dean told him.

“Dean, I have all the stuff right here. Just tell me.”

“O.K. how bad is he shaking?”

Robbie looked down at Greg whose body trembled so badly it could have moved from his sleeping bag. “Bad.”

“Robbie, after you’ve placed on the tourniquet, I need you to secure his arm between your arm and body. Got that? Arm extended but make sure all of your supplies are handy.”

Robbie positioned himself to do that. He placed on the tourniquet and followed Dean’s instructions. “Got it.”

“Do you have the tube partially in the hub? The hub is the plastic thing with the needle sticking from it.”

“It’s ready.”

“Do you see the vein?”

“Yes.”

“Brace the vein between your forefinger and thumb with your one hand then insert the hub into the vein with the other, slowly, but not too slow.”

Robbie grunted some as he struggled with Greg. “He’s really moving, Dean.”

“Then don’t do it. Because you don’t want to stick your . . .”

“Ow.” Robbie exclaimed.

“Robbie?” Such panic filled Dean’s voice. “Drop what you’re doing and clean that out. Right now. Do you hear me?”

“I’m joking, Dean. I’m joking. I got the blood. The tube is filling.”

Dean let out a breath and looked at Joe who looked just as frazzled. “God, Robbie, don’t do that to us. We thought you stuck yourself with a contaminated needle.”

“I’m fine and I have the blood. Just tell Frank or whoever it’ll be ready tomorrow.”

“Thanks, Robbie. Good job.”

“Thanks,” Robbie said. “I have to go. I’ll talk to you later. Tell my Dad I’ll be in touch.”

“I will.” Closing his eyes briefly, Dean disconnected the call. “He had to go. By the background noise, things don’t sound good.”

“It didn’t sound good for a second when it sounded like he stuck himself. That would have been bad, Dean. Right?”

“Right Joe.” Dean shook his head. “Good thing your son has a sick sense of humor. He’s been lucky so far, but a stick with a dirty needle is a sure fire way to get it. He was lucky.” Dean handed Joe back the phone then leaned in the chair, letting his racing heart calm down and telling himself Robbie was only joking.

Robbie covered Greg fully then stood up, still holding that tube of blood in his hand. He walked it to the case that Beginnings would pick up the next day. After setting it inside, Robbie took a second to sit down. He plopped hard on the grass and ran his hand over his face. He had a hard time catching his breath and his heart beat strongly within his chest. It beat even stronger when he brought his hand up to the focus of his eyes and viewed the bead of blood that formed on the inside portion of his thumb. Blood from the very spot that the needle he had just used on Greg had slipped from his control and jabbed deep into his skin.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Ellen cringed one more time at the noise factor in Frank’s house then smiled and moved to the door. “Frank, you sure you’ll be all right with all of these guys and the baby until Dean picks them up?”

“El, please.” Frank scoffed at her while he held Nick. “Henry’s here.”

“Speaking of which, where is . . .” She smiled when Henry came from the kitchen. “What were you doing?”

“You forgot your rice cakes, El.” Henry handed her the plate. “You can’t show up empty handed if all the other women are bringing something. That will just give them something that they can gossip about you.”

“Do you think they talk about me, Henry?” Ellen took the rice cakes. “You don’t think they’ll be mean to me, do you?”

“Anything is possible, El. But you know the age old saying…kill them with kindness.”

Frank shook his head. “Fuck that. Just kill Jenny Matoose with kindness. Don’t worry about the rest of them. Why are you wearing lipstick?” Frank extended his hand to her mouth. “Maybe if you just rubbed a little . . .”

“Frank.” Ellen smacked his hand away. “I want to look good. Leave my makeup alone. Do I look all right, Henry?”

“Beautiful, El.” Henry kissed her on the cheek.

“Thanks, Henry. I should be going.”

Henry opened the door for her. “I’ll wait up for you, El.”

“Thanks Henry. If this gets too much for you, why don’t you go work on that program Robbie sent? You haven’t done that too much today.”

“Oh No!” Frank said loudly. “Henry stays right here. He has to learn, El. He was real good when Nick was in the clinic, but now’s the reality check. He stays put at least until Nick is asleep for the night. I’ll wait up for you too.” He kissed her on her cheek then hurried and wiped some of her lipstick off. “Better.”

“Frank!!” Ellen yelled. “See what you did? I look pale now.”

“You look better. Go.”

“I’m going.” Ellen breathed in a nervous breath and stepped through the door “Wish me luck with the wolves.” Holding her rice cakes with confidence, she trotted off to Jenny’s house.

Frank closed the door and walked to Henry, nearly tripping over Alex who flew by him. He laughed when he saw Henry panic. “We’re fine, Henry. In fact,” Frank moved closer, “Hold Nick for a while. I have to do dishes.”

“No, that’s O.K. Frank.” Henry stuck his hands in his pockets. “You can hold him.”

“Henry, hold the baby.”

“Maybe if I sit down.”

“You don’t need to sit down. He’s not that heavy.” Frank held Nick to him. “Hold him.”

“I’d rather not. I might drop him or break him.”

“Break him.” Frank laughed in ridicule. “You aren’t going to break him, Henry. What is it? Don’t you like him?”

“Oh I love him.” Henry backed away. “But he scares me. He scares me even more out of the clinic. In that contained space he looked much larger. I’ll wait until he’s bigger. But you hold him, Frank.” Henry sat on the couch. “He likes you.”

“He likes me because I’m the only one who holds him. God, Henry, when you and Ellen have this kid, he’s gonna feel abandoned.”

“That isn’t a very nice thing to say, Frank. I’ll take care of him. I’ll learn, but I’ll wait right now. Why isn’t he lying down anyhow? He’s sleeping.”

“Babies always sleep, Henry. I’ll lay him down.” Frank moved to the bassinet. “But when he wakes up, you’re on preemie detail.” Gently laying the baby down, Frank covered him, ignored Henry’s whistling, and went to the kitchen to finish cleaning up.

<><><><>

The laughter, the chattering, the clanking of glasses stopped to a dead silence the moment Ellen stepped inside Jenny’s living room.

Jenny closed her door. “Your presence is known.” She took the plate from Ellen. “Rice cakes?”

“It’s all I can make.” Ellen stared at the faces that stared back. Sixteen other women huddled in folding chairs, on the floor, and on the furniture in Jenny’s living room. She wiggled her fingers in a wave at them. “Kind of reminds me of the old Tupperware parties. Are you our hostess, Jenny?”

“Are we gonna have to ask you to leave?”

“No, I’ll be good.”

“Go have a seat. We’re ready to start.”

“Just one thing.” Ellen held up her hand. “How long are we usually in these meetings?”

“Ready to go already?”

“No,” Ellen snapped sarcastically, “I want to know how long I get out of my house?”

“It depends. Usually three hours. Maybe.”

“Great. I’ll have a seat.” She walked further into the living room, stepped over Melissa, who sat on the floor, and hit her in the head with her leg as she did. “Sorry.” Ellen moved to the couch. “May I?” She looked down at Trish who sat on the couch and Susan who sat next to her. “Can I squeeze in here?” Ellen waited for Susan to move some. She sat down, knowing she had the good seat because the coffee table was filled with the finger foods everyone brought. She leaned to Trish who sat perkily and ready for things to start. “Trish,” Ellen whispered, “am I allowed to eat?”

“Oh sure. Help yourself.”

“Thanks.”

Jenny took her position before the women in the living room. “If everyone’s ready, we’ll get started.” She noticed that Cindy, a thin woman with extremely short hair raised her hand. “Yes Cindy?”

“Should we be watching what we say tonight?” She pointed to Ellen.

Ellen looked up as she stuck the piece of celery in her mouth. “What?”

Jenny shook her head. “No, we’re not walking on eggshells. Ellen wants to join our group. After all, she is in the same boat as all of us. The only difference is, she isn’t as advanced in handling the situations as we are. Perhaps we can help her. Right, Ellen?”

Ellen chewed. “Right. I want to learn. My God, who made this dip? This is excellent.” She grabbed another piece of celery and dipped it thoroughly.

Jenny continued on. “We’ll get the women’s progress portion done first. Yes Ellen?”

Ellen swallowed her food. “Just curious, Jenny. You guys aren’t starting the next women’s lib movement are you?”

“No,” Jenny said.

“Good, because I like not having to do as much as the men.”

“We all do, Ellen. We all like being treated special. We are because they aren’t that many of us left in this world. The men need us. We know it and they know it too. The whole purpose of these meetings is to hash out problems we have dealing with being a necessity at times more than an asset,” Jenny explained. “Problems, everyday mind you, that we all have juggling more than one man ad spreading ourselves around because it’s the right thing to do. Smiling about it can wear thin. This is our outlet. This is where we try to make it tolerable when it’s not. Understand?”

“Completely.” Ellen held up her hand. “Go on.”

“Continuing.” Jenny looked at a sheet of paper. “I thought after women’s progress portion and after we discuss what needs to be brought to attention to the community, we could do something a little different. Instead of our typical problem and solution time, we could incorporate that into the open forum discussion before our activity, but let’s focus on Ellen today. Let’s allow her to ask us questions and show her how we work. In agreement?” She waited for a nod from everyone. “Ellen? Is that all right with you?”

“Oh sure, I need all the help I can get. What’s this red dip?” Ellen looked closely at the bowl. “It looks good. Is it made with ketchup? Trish, I bet you made this.” Ellen reached to try it.

Jenny moved on with the meeting. “Progress time. I wanted to let you know I spoke with Joe and he’s giving consideration to our request to make the first menstrual day for all of us a work free day.” Jenny stopped when she heard Ellen choke. “Problem,, Ellen?”

“No.” Ellen shook her head. “Joe’s actually considering that?”

“Yes as a special favor to the women who do special favors for the men. We deserve it.”

“Sure we do,” Ellen shrugged. “It’s just funny. You know, of course he was being sarcastic, but that was also a Frank . . .” She heard a soft rumble of moans. “. . . idea.” Her eyes shifted around. “Sorry.”

“Getting back. If Joe agrees, I know some of you said you’d rather have it be your second day. I’m sure he’ll be fine with that. We’ll have to register your menstrual cycles with Andrea for verification. Ladies, I’m going to discuss with Joe that even though it’s our day off, we don’t have to deal with any children if we have them. We still get nursery privileges.”

Ellen laughed loudly grabbing everyone’s attention. “Don’t get me wrong. I like this idea I do. I just can’t visualize my father sitting seriously with you and discussing menstrual cycles. You know one time I tried to talk to him and Frank . . .” She looked oddly at another humming of moans. “. . . about it and they shut me up. Like now. Sorry. I’ll eat my dip.”

Jenny continued to read down her notes. “Here’s what I have to bring to Joe’s attention during this upcoming week. I want to discuss when Beginnings makes shoes they need think of us more and give us at least one more style to choose from. Flats perhaps? Instead of those dime store sneaker things we are made.” She received a room full of applause. “I spoke to Ben from fabrics. He has designed a new pair of slacks for us, something that will flatter us fuller figure gals. He said he can make them right away and in a nice shade of blue as soon as Joe O.K.’s it. I’ll move Joe along on that.”

Ellen listened to Jenny ramble on about clothing items, ladies day at the social hall, and such. The whole time while she listened, Ellen couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of Jenny discussing such trivial things with Joe. She knew Joe would hear about it from her the second she saw him.

“And finally before we move on to open forum and questions, I have picked the two who will bless our monthly dart game that will be tonight’s creative activity. I have to tell you, all of you gave good reasons, but the two men who will be the targets tonight will be…” Jenny walked to the dining room table and help up two large sheets of paper, “Cole from the fields.” She showed a sketch of Cole with a target on his face. “And Richard ‘the Dick’ Hartford from plastics.” She held up another sketch with a target on it. “Let’s remember to thank Forrest for our dart boards. He did a great job as always.”

This whole thing grabbed Ellen’s attention. “We throw darts at pictures of the men?”

“Yes, once a month. The men we throw darts at are chosen from entries I was given. You write down a reason and I chose the best two.”

“I like this,” Ellen smiled. “So let’s say next month I want us to throw darts at Frank . . .” A rumble of moans. “ . . . all I would have to do is write down why?”

“Yes,” Jenny stated, “easy enough. Now, before we begin open forum, Meredith, how was the helpful tips we gave you on dumping the extension partner you picked up?”

Meredith, a tall, big and brawny woman, held her hand up with a smile. “Wonderful. I followed the advice you gave. I was direct with him. I told him I was with him only to help him through that lonely period and he understood. He and Kevin are speaking again.”

“Good,” Jenny nodded. “Anyone else have anything they may need answers to that we can help? Yes, Ellen?”

Ellen raised her hand. “You said you’d let me ask questions. I have one now if I can ask.”

“Sure.” Jenny folded her arms.

“What is up with old men in this community? Why are the seven old guys all snatched up? And snatched up not as extension partners as you call them. They’re secondary relationships.”

Jenny lifted her shoulders. “Ellen, they’re taken right away. Maybe if you want an older gentleman you might want to let Joe know for the next survivor run. We told him to keep his eye out for some.”

“What?” Ellen was shocked. “No, I don’t want an older gentleman. I want to know why you women do.” There was a silence in the room. “Am I missing something?”

Melissa nodded slowly with a smile and closed eyes. “Obviously you are if you have to ask.”

Ellen giggled. “This is a joke right? You just feel sorry for them?”

Melissa shook her head. “No Ellen, not at all. Those of us who are fortunate enough to have secured an older gentleman do not feel sorry for them. We enjoy them.”

“Enjoy them?” Ellen looked around. “You mean like stimulating conversation?”

“Stimulating yes,” Melissa said. “Conversation, maybe.”

Ellen’s mouth dripped open. “Oh my God. You’re joking. You actually have sex with them?”

Melissa looked oddly at her. “Of course we do. That’s the only sex I find totally enjoyable and fulfilling.” She saw more shock coming from Ellen. “They are gentle partners. Something happened to the young men in this world. They became rough, but not the older men. They are gentle and caressing.”

Ellen could feel her top lip start to curl. “But . . . but . . . their bodies. Doesn’t that take away from it?”

Trish decided to answer that one. “Ellen.” She laid her hand on Ellen’s leg. “We all look the same when the lights go out.”

“No we do not!” Ellen exclaimed. “We definitely do not. You could put me in a black room with a naked Dean, Frank . . .” She slowed at the moans that erupted. “. . .I’d know their bodies to touch them. Touch them mind you. Those two do not feel the same. I’m a rear-end gal myself and let me tell you, I’ll bet my life that Hap's butt in the dark feels nothing like Frank’s . . .” The moans happened again. “Wait a second!” Ellen held up her hand. “Why do you women moan every single time I mention Frank’s . . .” Moans again, “name?”

Jenny crossed her arms as she answered. “Well to be blunt, none of us like Frank very much.”

“None of you like Frank? None of you?” Ellen looked around. “What is wrong with Frank?” She heard the moans. “Stop that.”

Andrea, who had been silent, spoke up. “You need to ask that? He’s rude, he’s rough, and he’s obnoxious. He isn’t nice to anyone. Like you can’t figure out what these women see in the older males, none of us can figure out what you see in Frank.”

“I love Frank. I’ve known him all my life. And . . . I like him.”

Andrea continued, “Would you still like him if you hadn’t know him all your life?”

“Yes!” Ellen began to get defensive. “Frank’s a great guy . . .” Moans that were louder rang out. “He is and I find him very attractive. He’s got the best body of all . . .” She cringed at the grumbling. “Not one of you women find him attractive?”

“Ellen,” Jenny said, “have you looked at Frank? He’s . . . he’s apocalyptically worn.”

Ellen gasped loudly. “I can’t believe you talk about him like that. Any of you. I feel bad. I feel really bad. He’s my best friend and none of you appreciate him when you should. You ought to be ashamed of yourselves, grumbling and moaning when his name is mentioned. What is wrong with you?” Ellen grew hyper, standing up as she spoke. “Every single one of you can lay your heads on your pillows at night and sleep at ease knowing the animals of the world are kept outside our walls. Wanna know why? Because Frank trained our men to protect us like he does. Frank runs security. Frank is security. In my book, the only thing that stops him from earning a big fuckin ‘S’ on his chest, is the fact that he can’t fly.” A pause. “Yet.”  She stormed from the circle. “I’m going.” She moved to the door.

“Ellen.” Jenny stopped her. “Why are you leaving? Because we are talking about Frank?”

“Yes,” Ellen snapped. “I get very defensive about him and for good reason. I’ll admit that he’s not the nicest man in the community, and I’m not saying you have to like him. I’m saying he should at least have your respect for what he has done and does.”

“Ellen, we’ve always grumbled about Frank. But . . .” Jenny stopped her from leaving. “Frank has never had someone here to defend him. I defend John. Andrea has defended Joe. Melissa has defended Mark. No one thinks you’re wrong for speaking your mind and no one wants you to leave over it. That’s why this is an open forum. We enlighten each other and maybe you can enlighten us with some good Frank qualities so we can stop moaning about him all the time.”

“Well.” Ellen retracted her steps from the door. “I just spewed out most of his good qualities so we’re gonna have to rely on that list.”

Jenny smiled. “Come back to the meeting, Ellen.” She motioned her hand to the room. “What you did, we all have done. You brought up a valid point about Frank.” Jenny gave a silencing look to the room for the women not to moan. “I think you’re right. Frank does protect this community well and, I for one will thank him as soon as I see him tomorrow. Anyone else?” She looked to the women and saw a raise of hands. “Good.”

Ellen smiled. “I like that idea.” She walked back to the living room, sitting again between Trish and Susan reaching for more finger food. “Sorry for the outburst,” Ellen said, knowing she would have to make up for roaring like she did if she was to continue on her ‘be a Jenny friend’ plan.

“Quite all right.” Jenny held up her hand “We vent here and maybe the reason for this venting has something to do with your newest problem.”

Ellen had to stop eating. Newest problem? Did she have a problem she didn’t know about? “Yeah, that’s probably it.”

“It must have been a shock,” Jenny commented, “to think you were married and to find out you weren’t. What are you and Henry going to do?”

“Well.” Ellen dusted of her hands. “I don’t know. Henry wants to get married for real, have a wedding. But I ….”

Cindy’s enthusiasm cut off Ellen. “You mean like a wedding? Oh, I can make a wedding cake. It’s been forever since I got to do that.”

Andrea scooted closer into the conversation. “Ellen, you are going to have Joe give you away, aren’t you?”

“I didn’t consider it because . . .” Ellen couldn’t get a word out.

“A wedding,” Trish said excited. “A real wedding? Have we had a real wedding in Beginnings at all?”

“You mean with food and dancing and all?” Melissa asked. “I don’t think we have.”

Ellen held up her hand. “Actually, I told Henry that I wasn’t . . .”

Jenny snapped her finger. “You know we haven’t had a real wedding here. Nothing big and certainly nothing like we had in the old world. Ellen, you’ll need a dress. I could talk to Ben from fabrics. He’s so tasteful and talented. We’re very close.”

“Thanks but . . .” Again Ellen was interrupted.

“And if they’re taking time to plan,” Melissa said. “You should talk to Ben about a couple bridesmaids’ dresses. He could do that Jenny, couldn’t he?”

“Oh I think he’d love to.” Jenny looked down at Ellen. “How about that? There have never been bridesmaids in Beginnings.”

Ellen opened her mouth to talk and nothing had a chance to come out.

“Oh!” Trish bounced her pregnant self in the seat. “Cole is making a metals run in a couple weeks. How big of a deal would it be for him to stop by a good men’s store or tux shop? I could talk to him. He likes me you know.”

“Men’s store?” Ellen questioned. “Tux? What would . . .”

“Andrea could sing,” Melissa injected. “Andrea sings so well. You’ll sing won’t you, Andrea?”

“I’d be honored.” Andrea reached out and took Ellen’s hand. “Thank you for asking.”

Jenny clapped her hands together amidst the excited chattering that filled the room. “Ladies, I think we found our next group effort project. We’re planning Ellen’s wedding. This definitely beats the quilt we were going to work on.”

‘Oh boy.’ was the only thing that could come to Ellen’s mind. Figuring she had lost control somewhere, she choose another snack, sat back, and listened to the planning. The women in the room had a new project that outshone the sewing thing. Her head spun as they spoke around her about clothing, food, entertainment, and so forth, a real old fashion wedding equipped with polkas. Ellen pegged it typical behavior in Beginnings. They always did find any reason for a part and Ellen and Henry’s wedding seemed to be the next reason. Giving up, she let them plan. She’d figure a way out of it and, at the very least, she was gaining Jenny’s trust. That was her mission.

<><><><>

Frank watched Alexandra’s tiny little fingers run across the forehead of Nick while Frank held the baby in his arms, while he sat at the dining room table. He enjoyed watching her as she looked in such awe, staring at her new brother, her hair wet from her bath and dangling in her eyes.

“He’s pretty,” she said. “Can I hold him?”

“Sure.” Frank smiled and teasingly tried to bite her fingers as they came close to his chin. “Then bed, all right?”

“O.K.”

“On the couch. Go on.” Frank motioned his head toward the living room. “Now you don’t tell Billy or Joey. I’m letting you because you stayed here with me tonight.”

“I want to help.” Alexandra scooted herself on the couch. “I like helping.”

Holding the baby, Frank knelt before her. “Now hold your arms right.” He laid Nick in her arms and supported them. “There, watch his head.”

“He’s not heavy.”

“No. Remember when Brian was almost this small?”

“Yes.” She smiled as she held the baby.

“Now don’t move him around too much. He just ate.” Frank instructed then looked up when he heard the footsteps and saw Henry coming down the steps. “There you are. What took you so long?”

“I had to clean up the bathroom after her bath, Frank. Do you know she brings toys in the tub?”

“So do I, Henry.” Frank smiled then looked back at Alexandra. “Time for bed.” He kissed her. “Go on up, I’ll be up in a minute.” He slowly took the baby back.

“Night.” She slid from the couch and darted to Henry. “Night, Henry. Thanks for playing with me.” Quickly, her hair flipping about, she ran up the steps. Her bare feet made the tiniest of thumps as she did.

Frank stood up and looked at Henry who plopped so exhausted like in the chair. “What’s wrong with you?”

“I feel really tired.”

“Why?”

“You had me playing with children, Frank. I swear you told Alexandra to wear me out.”

“I told you, Henry, her or him. Now I have to deal with Alexandra and you have to deal with . . .” He held the baby to him.

“No, Frank. I deal with Alex.”

“Henry, this is your son. And to think I was about to have history make his name Kusakari. What the fuck? Hold him. I have to tuck Alex in.”

“You won’t be long, will you?” Henry stood up.

“Why are you so afraid of this child? I changed him. I fed him. You hold him for five minutes. All right?”

“All right.”

“I swear Henry, I’m keeping track of all this and when the kid is older, you’re doing make up time.” Frank took a step to Henry extending out the baby into Henry’s awaiting arms. “He doesn’t bite, Henry. Not yet.”

“He’s just too small, Frank. Too small.”

“But he’s cute.” Frank laid the baby in Henry’s arms. “There.” He watched Henry fiddle with the baby to hold him against his chest. “Good, you got it.”

“I do?” Henry smiled. “I like holding him like this better. I don’t feel like I’m going to drop him as much.”

“You won’t drop him” Frank moved to the steps and stopped. “Oh Henry?”

“Yeah Frank?”

“Remember how I was telling you about seeing a kid’s first, experiencing your kid’s first, and how there’s nothing like it?”

“I remember that.”

“Good.” Frank smiled. “Because you just experienced a first. You’re the first person Nick has thrown up on.”

Henry let out such a sound of disgust it made even Nick jump. “Uh Frank.” He held out the baby. “Hold him.” Henry’s eyes shifted down to his shirt and to the small amount of white substance on his chest. “Oh my God.” He sniffed. “Oh it smells.”

Frank laughed. “It does not.” He took the baby. “Get a towel. The baby has it on his face.”

“I can’t Frank.” Henry stepped back.

Shrugging, Frank took his two fingers, wiped the little bit of regurgitation from Nick’s chin, and then wiped those remnants on the leg of his pants. As he did that, Henry grunted even louder. “What?”

“That’s . . . that’s sick. Excuse me.” He barreled toward the steps.

“Man, Nick. Whatever you do, don’t you dare act like that when you get older.” Frank cuddled the baby again and sat with him on the couch.

Ellen? Dean picked up his pace down the street of center Beginnings when he saw her walk from the social hall. He watched Ellen stick her head back in and step back out. She stopped on the walk, bent down, and tied her shoe. Dean made it to her the moment she stood up. “Hey,” he spoke softly.

Ellen shrieked, jumped, and spun around with her hand on her chest. “You scared me.”

“What are you doing here alone?”

“I should be asking you the same thing, Dr. Hayes. Who is with the children?”

“Check this out. I have a live in babysitter this week.” He looked at Ellen’s ‘what?’ expression. “Yeah. Frank’s nomad kid wants to stay with me this week while you are staying with Frank so, I thought I’d take advantage of him, like Frank, and take some of my work back to the clinic. The kids were in bed anyhow.”

“All of them?”

“Well, except for Alex. She stayed to help Frank. So she said. Are you going home? Or rather to Frank’s?” Dean asked.

“Yes. Walk with me?”

“I’d love to.” Placing his hands in his pockets, Dean walked with her. “So you didn’t answer me. What were you doing at the social hall? Did you have a fight with Frank or Henry?”

“No.” Ellen shook her head and folded her arms. “The meeting moved to the hall. They told me it always does. But that was after we went and all took our drinks and had Blake entertain us for a while.”

“Blake the soap opera guy?”

“Soap opera god, Dean.”

“Sorry.” He chuckled. “Entertain? What did he do, recite lines for you?”

“Uh . . . we sort of watched him rehearse and critiqued his progress.”

“His progress? You guys critiqued his acting.”

“Not exactly acting.”

“If he wasn’t acting, what was he rehearsing? Is he learning to play an instrument?” He saw Ellen shake her head. “What else can the guy do? He has a hard enough time in inventory. You probably made the guy flex or something.” He saw her expression. “You did?”

“Not exactly flex. Dean, don’t worry about it.” She grabbed his arm and held it while she walked.

“No, you have my curiosity piqued. What is he rehearsing?”

“You can’t say anything. Blake is learning how to dance.”

“Dance? Why is he . . .Ellen!” Dean walked to in front of her. “Don’t tell me you have the man stripping for you women.”

“It’s a fine art, Dean. He’s so cute. Besides, the other women really appreciate it. He is my gift from Robbie you know.”

“I can’t believe that.” He started to laugh. “Is he any good?”

“Why, you wanna watch?”

“No.”

“Jealous maybe?” Ellen tilted her head and made them continue in their walking. “Anyhow, let’s just say he’s not as good as you were Dean that one time you . . .”

“Don’t!” Dean stopped her. “Don’t. You keep bringing that up.”

“You were the one dancing around like Tom Cruise in your underwear.”

“El, I was getting dressed and I had that stupid music player of yours going.”

“Dancing,” Ellen stated, “and Frank thought it was funny.”

“You told Frank?” Dean closed his eyes and shook his head. “Changing the subject.”

“How did I know that was coming?” Ellen leaned her head on his arm as they walked.

“How was your meeting?”

“It was fun.”

“No way. Fun?” Dean seemed surprised.

“Yeah, it wasn’t bad. I’m glad I went, and I’m having a wedding you know. A big giant celebration”

Dean stopped walking. “A wedding? You’re having a wedding.  Last I spoke to you this afternoon you were burying the marriage to Henry thing.”

“Yep. That’s the plan.” Ellen stopped walking when she got to Frank’s house. She stood before Dean. “And now it’s a party, complete with everything.”

“When did you decide this?”

“I didn’t. The women wanted to do it as their next group effort.”

“So you’re getting peer pressured into marrying Henry?”

“Jenny is leading it. Frank wants me close to her. This is perfect. Of course with the way they’re talking and what they want to do, it might take months.” She shrugged.

“So … let me guess. You’ll let them plan because them taking months is giving Frank months to stop this thing,” Dean said.

“Or you. Either way, I’ll handle it. I’d better get in. Thanks for walking me home.”

“Anytime. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Dean laid his hand on her face and leaned into her to kiss her. He almost made it there when he felt Ellen slip from his fingers and heard her ‘hey’. He opened his eyes to see Frank.

“Night Dean,” Frank said strongly and wiggled his fingers as Ellen tried to get from behind him. When she moved to her right, so did Frank, blocking her from getting to Dean.

Dean threw his hands up, realizing at that moment why he didn’t want Frank to know about his and Ellen’s understanding. Because just like Frank blocked his simple kiss goodnight, Frank would find a way to block them completely. “Night El. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Ellen tried again to get to him--unsuccessfully. “Dean . . .oh.” She slammed her hands into Frank’s back.

Frank felt the nudge and turned around to face her. “Hey. Why are you pushing me?”

“Why did you do that?”

“Why? Because I didn’t want you kissing him, that’s why.” He listened to Ellen grunt at him. “And don’t . . .” He grunted back at her. “. . . at me. I’m protecting Henry’s interest. He’s crushed over this marriage thing.”

“Frank, please.”

“He is. He wouldn’t want you making out with Dean when he’s sleeping on the couch.”

“Right, Frank. Making out with . . .” Ellen looked at the door. “Henry’s sleeping on the couch?”

“Yeah, why?”

Ellen hurried inside and giggled when she saw him in the dark room lit only by the light cast from the kitchen. Henry lay on his stomach, his cheek flush against the couch cushion. His hair was flung about and his arm dangled off the couch. “What did you do to him Frank?” She whispered as she moved to the sofa. “As long as I’ve known Henry he’s never been asleep before midnight.”

“I didn’t do anything to him. I made him do the parent thing tonight. Don’t...” Frank grabbed her hand. “Don’t tuck his hair behind his ear. You make him look like girl.” He helped her to her feet. “We don’t need another thing for him to whine about.”

“What was he whining about tonight?”

“Oh everything. Holding the baby. Playing with Alex. He kept saying he sucks at the father stuff. I kept tell him, ‘Henry if you would just do it’.” Frank shrugged. “So.” Frank pulled her away from the couch. “Are you tired?”

“No, not at all. Why? Aren’t you?”

“No. I have an idea. You game?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Sure.” Ellen followed Frank as he went into the kitchen. “What are we doing?”

“Stay here.” He opened the basement door. “I’ll be back.”

Smiling as she listened in wonder to Frank going down the basement steps, she turned to go in the dining room when she saw it on the counter, an empty shot glass. She picked it up, brought it to her nose, and sniffed. She could smell the moonshine and it made her heart drop. She set it down when she heard Frank come back up.

“Ready?” He held something behind his back.

“Yes. Frank? Were you drinking tonight?”

The smile left Frank’s face and he turned stone serious. “Why are you doing this?”

“Doing what?”

“Asking me if I had a drink. Yeah, I had one. You said I could have one once in a while. If you didn’t mean I could do that why did . . .”

“No.” Ellen held up her hand shaking her head. “I’m sorry. You’re right.” She tip toed up to him and kissed him on the cheek. “You’ve been so good. I’m proud of you.”

Frank swallowed and closed his eyes. There was silence for a second and then he broke it and stepped away from her. “All right. Ready?” He pulled out what he had from behind his back.

“Scrabble?” Ellen covered her mouth and laughed.

“How long has it been since we had a little bit of friendly competition?” Frank asked. “You up to it?”

“It’s so unfair when I play you, Frank.” She walked behind him in the dining room.

“Why is that?” He turned on the dining room light. The flick of the switch caused Henry to moan loudly about the brightness. “Shut the fuck up, Henry, and go back to sleep.” Frank set the board game down. “Why is it unfair?”

“Well, pegging me against you is like pegging you against Hap in a physical competition. There is no comparison. Do I have to spot you points?”

Frank shook his head and sat down. “You think you’re really funny. You’ve been hanging around with Dean too much.” He lifted the lid and began to remove the game. “Care to make a little wager?”

Ellen took her seat. “Frank, I’m gonna win. I always win.”

“Bet me.” Frank began to choose his tiles.

“All right, you’re on. What do you want to bet?”

“If I win, you have to sleep in bed with me tonight. Just sleep, nothing sexual.”

“Frank.” Ellen looked back at Henry sleeping on the couch. “I can’t do that.”

“Yeah you can. You’re no longer a married woman, What’s the reason.”

Ellen laughed. “Oh my God, you just love this null and void marriage thing.”

“El, please …I’m shocked and dismayed.” Frank set his pieces up on his holder.

“Dismayed? Hmm. You are practicing big words.” Ellen looked at her pieces. “All right and if I win, you have to do something nice for Dean tomorrow.”

“Like what?”

“Be his chauffeur. Drive him from the clinic to the lab when he needs it.”

“Fuck that.”

“Forget the bet them,” Ellen said calmly. “Ready to play?”

“No-no.” Frank shook his head. “I’ll take that bet. You wanna go first?”

“No, you. I already have the unfair advantage of being smarter.”

“I’m ignoring that comment.” Frank stared at his letters. “I’ll go first. Thank you.” His fingers swirled around the tiles. “How was the period meeting?”

“Good. You came up in discussion.” She saw him look at her. “The women don’t like you, Frank. I felt really badly about that.”

“Why?” Frank asked.

“You mean why don’t they like you?”

“No, why do you feel bad? I couldn’t give a fuck whether the women of this community like me or not. Do you like me?”

“Yeah, I like you.”

“Then that’s all that counts 'cause you’re the only woman that matters.” He leaned over to her, kissed her on her cheek, sat back again, and gave a quiet smile. “O.K. let’s play.” He clapped his hands together. “Will you look at this?” He spoke so fake. “I have a word. ‘Protein’.” He laid the letters down. “Double score and . . . I used all my letters. Fifty point bonus, El.” He slid a paper and pen to her. “Keep score, baby.”

Ellen’s mouth dropped open. “You’re cheating.”

“It’s Scrabble. How can you fuckin cheat in Scrabble?”

“I don’t know.” She marked down his score. “But I know you are.” She picked up her tiles and laid them down.

“Trip?” Frank snickered. “That’s the best you can do?”

“Shut up, Frank.” Ellen wrote down her pitiful score, slumped down in her chair, and debated if she should have made that bet after all.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

JULY 11

The cryo-genic portion of the cryo-lab, where fifty-three preserved scientists hung, had been many things in Beginnings since it was discovered a little over a year prior. An autopsy room, a storage room, a hiding files room, but now it was Henry’s room. It was his own little personal computer lab used to work on that microchip. It was private. It had a secured door and though there were glass windows on one side of his little lab, they were sound proof and bullet proof so no one heard him and he heard no one, especially Dean and Ellen if they were working the same time as he. That was always detrimental to Henry, because he would listen to them instead of doing his work.

Henry was so excited about the program Robbie had found. He still was figuring it out but was having fun doing so.

Joe rubbed his tired eyes as he sat with Henry. “This is why I had to be here at five-thirty this morning? It couldn’t have waited until eight.”

“Oh sure Joe, it could have waited, but I couldn’t wait until then. I have a full day in Mechanics. Speaking of which,” Henry picked up his radio, “Scott, come in.”

“Yeah, Henry?”

“O.K. just checking if you’re there. I’ll be there shortly.” He set down his radio and returned to Joe. “As I was saying, this thing will program the chip to enable the SUT to do what the chip tells it. The chip actually translates the messages to the body. For example, say I choose . .” Henry’s hand moved the mouse, “assassin.” Henry clicked on the program. “To you and me this looks like nothing but numbers and sequences, but once it is fed into the microchip, the brain of the SUT will tell him to kill and kill only. The only fault I can come up with is that you have to train him what to kill.” Henry shrugged. “How that’s done, I don’t know.”

“So all of these programs are different types of soldiers?”

“Yes and no. Most are. There’s one it says domestication. I’m thinking we could reprogram the chip and teach the SUT how to farm for the field, because we really don’t know if he’s functioning normally enough to give him a weapon and put him in security.”

“When do you think the chip will be ready to implant again?”

“Soon.” Henry pulled his notes closer. “As soon as I figure out which program I’m going to make him. Unless . . . Joe you don’t suppose, since we have two chips, that maybe Dean can leave the brain exposed and we can implant, try a program, take out the chip, and put in the other one.”

“I’m out of here.” Joe stood up.

“What did I say?”

“That’s sick, Henry, especially for you.”

“Where you going Joe?”

“Home to catch a nap.” Joe looked at his watch. “I can get an hour. Good work…I think.” Joe reached for the door and pulled. The door wouldn’t budge. He punched in his code and the door buzzed. Joe pulled again, nothing. “Christ.”

“Just try again. It stuck on me this morning. It took like five tries.”

Grunting, Joe tried again and succeeded. “Fix this thing, Henry. You’re down here all the time anyhow.”

“No, I’m not. Just when I should be sleeping, that’s all.”

“That doesn’t matter. Fix it. You don’t want to get stuck and have to have someone come down and get you out.”

“I’ll fix it, Joe.”

“Good. Talk to you later.” Joe smiled at him and left the small back lab.

As soon as Henry heard the safety latching of the door, he spun his stool back to his computer and finished up what he had to look at before starting his day in Mechanics.

<><><><>

It was typical of Frank’s house. It was the middle of July and Ellen was freezing. Double blankets were pulled up to her chin as she lay on her side in a fetal position. As the cold of the room woke her up, she knew it was early. She didn’t even have to open her eyes to feel that but then Ellen felt something else. Fear. “Shit.” She flung the covers off and sprang out of bed. Her eyes caught the alarm clock and the time of five-thirty a.m. Her heart raced. What had happened? Why didn’t Nick wake up? With shaking hands, she moved to the door and then stopped. Her views turned back to the bed she just left and her heart stopped racing so fast. Where was Frank? Did he leave for work all ready? Nick probably did wake up and he or Henry fed him. Just to be on the safe side, Ellen wanted to check on the baby.

She grabbed a pair of sweat pants and walked from the dark, blind drawn bedroom into the hall. She moved to Alex’s room and peeked inside. Alex was sound asleep, and in that room was the crib. Ellen didn’t have to walk into the room to see the crib was empty.

Running her fingers through her tossed about hair, and keeping her arms folded tight to her, Ellen walked down stairs. As soon as she hit the bottom, she saw Frank on the couch. She could see his bare shoulders as he sat there in his boxer shorts. He had the coffee table pulled close to the couch and his feet rested upon it. His long legs were bent up and close together, and there sleeping comfortable in the grove of his legs was Nick.

“Frank?” Ellen whispered his name as she walked around and sat down with him.

“Hey El.” He smiled at her. “There’s coffee if you want some.”

Ellen reached to the table and felt the mug he had sitting there “I’ll drink yours. It’s still warm.” She held it up. “Do you mind?”

“Help yourself. What are you doing up?”

“I was cold and then I realized I wasn’t woke up at all by a newborn. Odd occurrence.” She pulled her legs up curling some to Frank to steal his body heat. Her knees brushed against his side as she sat there sipping his coffee. “Why didn’t you wake me?”

Frank shrugged as he stared at the baby.

“I didn’t hear him cry.”

“He doesn’t cry yet. He sort of whimpers,” he snickered, “like his dad. Anyhow, I heard him. I didn’t mind getting up.” Frank grabbed Nick’s hand. “Look at how small his fingers are, El. His whole hand doesn’t fit around my pinky. Look at this.”

Ellen smiled and rested her head on his shoulder “Did Henry help out this morning?”

“Henry was up and out by four. You didn’t hear him bumping into shit?”

“No. Obviously you did. You were the light sleeper last night.”

“I had my reasons.” Frank reached to her hands, grabbed the coffee, took a drink, and returned it. “I didn’t want to miss it.”

“Miss what?”

Frank turned his head slightly with a somber look. “Sleeping next to you. Sleeping near you. I only wish I didn’t have to win that privilege in a game of Scrabble.”

“Frank . . .”

“Cause I’ve missed it. I’ve really missed it.” Frank swallowed predominantly. “I miss you.” He looked back at the baby. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be like this. I promised myself I wouldn’t say anything mushy to you and . . . I did.”

“That’s all right.” Ellen grabbed his arm snuggling next to him. “It makes me feel good that you miss me.”

“Thanks.” Frank closed his eyes, kissed her forehead, and then rubbed his cheek against the top of her head.

“Frank?” Ellen raised her head and Frank raised his, their faces were close. “I have to tell you something, a little confession. Last night, when I over reacted about having to sleep in bed with you, I put a little, no, a lot more into that. It really didn’t bother me at all.”

“I have a confession to make too.” His eyes cased hers as he spoke soft “The first six words I laid down the tiles to last night, I set them up in the box hours earlier. I cheated to get a jump on the game.”

“You what?” Ellen’s eyes widened. “I can’t believe you cheated. How does anyone cheat in Scrabble?”

“Like I said, I set the box up. I know you. You only pick the tiles closest to you.”

“I can’t believe you cheated, Frank. I can’t believe you.” She started to get up.

“No.” Frank laughed as he reached out to her. “Don’t please.” He smiled widely. “It’s funny.”

“You cheated.” She sat back in her position.

“I think you knew.” His hand rested on the side of her face. “Was it all that bad?”

“No it wasn’t.”

Frank stared at her for a moment in the silence. Ellen didn’t pull back from him. Seeing that and feeling her so close, his fingers slipped behind her head and he pulled her face even closer to his. Closing his eyes and parting his lips, Frank lowered his head down to her then he stooped and pulled back. “Sorry.” His thumb brushed against her bottom lip. “I uh, better go.” He kissed her quickly. “Can you put him back to bed?”

“Sure.” Ellen reached down for the sleeping newborn. She hesitated in her reach to glance her eyes up at Frank who stared at her. “I’ll take him. Going to work early today?”

“Yeah. I want to get done early and . . .” He leaned down and kissed the baby, then stood up. “I want to go find Henry. I want to talk to him and check on him. Why he has to run about at four o’clock in the morning is beyond me. He is so damn preoccupied with that program. I know that’s what he’s doing. He just better not be doing that to get out of the middle of the night feedings. You have to talk to him, El. He’s too scared of this baby.”

“I’ll talk to him. He’s just so nervous about this. It’s so new to him. He never had exposure to any babies. Be patient. You’re doing great helping him. Thank you.”

“I guess. It’s fun.” Pulling up his boxer shorts more, he moved from the couch. “I’ll be back down.” He headed from the steps, back tracked, leaned over the back of the couch and kissed Ellen on the cheek. He left his mouth close to her ear and whispered, “More than you know, I appreciate how you’re being with me now.” With another kiss to her cheek, he went upstairs to get ready for work.

Smiling, Ellen cuddled the baby and stood up. “Hey, you’re asleep so I can go back to bed myself.” She walked to the steps then heard that sound that Frank had described. Not a cry, not a wail, but a whimper. “Maybe not.” She pulled the baby out from her chest to see him. He was wide awake and looked like he was ready to bitch. “My goodness, you do look like my Henry when you make that face.” She kissed the baby, smiled at him, and then carried him back to the couch.

<><><><>

“Done.” Henry struck one last key firmly. “Now to my other work.” He ran his hand through his hair, picked up his tea, and sipped it while ejecting the round disk from the computer. He grabbed his case and debated on whether to leave the computer running. Henry knew it would be a while before he returned to his special lab so he exited his computer, picked up his tool and utility bags, cup of tea, and moved to the door. After three attempts, the door finally buzzed open and Henry walked out, but not too far. He realized he forgot to power down. Knowing Joe would have a fit if he left that on for eighteen hours, Henry set down his bags, cup, and case and returned to the door which had already shut. “Damn it.” He pressed in his code . . . nothing. “Come on.” Twice, three times, annoyed and borderline angry, the door opened on the fourth attempt.

Was he nimble enough? Was his tall body long enough to try? Holding the door open with his foot, Henry extended himself as far as he could to get to that power strip. His fingers reached as he teetered in a bad balance. Just as his middle finger neared the red button, Henry fell forward and the door shut. “Shit!” In a near stomp, Henry shook his head and stood up. “All that for nothing. I don’t care. This door jumps to top of the priority.” Grunting a little, Henry walked to the power strip and reached down his hand. The moment his finger partially depressed the red switch, a loud power surge rang out. It zapped forth with a large bright blue spark that illuminated the room even more and the force of it threw Henry’s body up two feet in the air and backwards. He landed hard on the floor. His motionless body bounced with such a force against the linoleum that he literally rolled onto his stomach.

The sparks continued to fly out, cracking loudly as they shot upward like rockets, causing a smoldering on any surface they landed upon, and a thick black smoke to follow. The ceiling light popped out, but the room wasn’t completely dark. It was lit by the white and blue igniting sparks and the simmering orange flames that began to erupt all while Henry lay on the floor. Henry didn’t move.

“Henry, come on. What the fuck?” Frank shook his head in disgust as he walked toward the edge of town. “Answer me. I know your radio is on. Are you mad?” He shook his head again. “Henry.” He switched channels. “Mechanics, Scott you there?” Frank nodded as he listened to Scott in his earpiece. “Is Henry there?” Frank stopped walking. “You talked to him. Shit. Thanks.” Frank turned the channel back to Henry’s. “Henry.” Grunting, Frank gave up for a minute. “He’s blowing me off. I’ll find his wiry ass.”

“Hey, Frank,” Joe caught his attention by calling out, otherwise his son would not have even saw him walk by him.

“Dad?” Frank spun to him. “What are you doing up this early, especially on a Saturday?”

“Henry and that SUT program. He had me down in Henry World at the crack of dawn. I was going to go home but I thought I‘d get things ready in distribution today for our guys.”

“When did you leave him last?”

“Bout twenty minutes ago. Why?”

“He’s radio isn’t working or he’s ignoring my call.”

“Why would he do that?”

Frank shrugged. “He might be mad. That’s why I wanted to talk to him.”

“He didn’t say anything about being mad at you. And trust me, usually he does. What did you do?”

“Nothing really. I slept with Ellen. Anyhow, I’m heading to find him. You said he’s in Henry World?” Frank walked backwards.

“Wait a minute!” Joe trotted back to him. “You just don’t say something like that and walk away. You slept with Ellen?”

“Last night.” Frank continued to walk.

“Are you two having an understanding? I thought he was having the understanding with . . . never mind. So why would he be mad?”

“Because even though he won’t admit it, he’s upset about the marriage thing.”

“So why did you sleep with Ellen then if you’re that concerned. What’s wrong with her giving in?”

“She didn’t have a choice. I beat her.”

“What!” Joe reached out and grabbed his son back. “You beat Ellen?”

“Bad too. But I had too or how else was I gonna get her to sleep with me.”

“You son of a bitch, Frank. How can you stand here and talk like this is nothing. I have to do something about this. You realize this.”

“Not now. I have to find Henry.” Frank found the topside entrance to the underground tunnels. He lowered himself and looked up while his father followed. “Why are you trailing me?”

“Because, you asshole, I’m making sure Henry kicks your ass and when he’s done, I am!”

“Why? All because I beat Ellen?”

“Oh you just have attitude. If you weren’t my son, I’d shoot you right now! Right now!” Joe stormed in his walk with Frank.

“Fuck Dad, she deserved to lose once. She’s been fuckin beating me in Scrabble since we were kids.”

“Scrabble? You’re talking about a game?”

“Yeah, what else was I gonna beat her …oh my God.” Frank started to laugh. “You thought?” He laughed again. “And they call me dumb.”

“Call it a momentary lapse of my senses, Frank.” Joe watched Frank put in his code to the cryo-lab. “And since there isn’t going to be a fight. I’m . . .”

“Fuck!” Frank saw it as soon as he walked into the lab. The sparks and smoke behind the glass of the special Henry lab. “Find a fire extinguisher!” Frank raced to the door. “And please, please don’t let him be in here.”

Joe scurried for a fire extinguisher, trying to reason where Dean may have put it, when he spotted Henry’s things. His heart dropped. “Frank.” Panic filled Joe’s voice.

“The fuckin door won’t open.”

“Frank he’s in there. We have to get him out,” Joe spoke rapidly.

“Come on!” Frank tried the code again . . . nothing. “Son of a bitch.” Frank switched on his radio. “Security! I need a team at the cryo-lab. A fire squad . . . STAT!” He raced to the window. “And get me . . .” His fist hit against the glass when he saw Henry laying on the floor. “Henry!” He banged again. “Henry!” He stepped back. “Get me a medical team down here. Henry’s down! Henry’s down!” Out of control, Frank felt his emotions boiling as he grabbed a free table, lifted it up, and hurled it at the glass. The table bounced back.

“It’s bullet proof and shatter proof, Frank.” Joe pressed himself flush against the window. “He’s not moving.”

Breathing deeply through his nostrils, Frank pulled out his revolver and charged back to the door. Extending it out, he unloaded his entire clip into the metal door and at the handle. Dropping his revolver he pushed on the door. It didn’t budge. Clenching his fist, Frank’s head flung back. He let out an emotional frustrated growl and charged back.

“Frank, the flames!”

With his heart, Frank dug deep inside of him and pulled at his every emotion as he used all that he had in racing forth, full speed at the door. The weight and strength behind Frank made the loudest of crashes as he plowed shoulder first into the metal object, cracked it from the hinges, and sent himself into a spin into the back lab. A blast of heat caught Frank as he raised his left arm upward. It was so powerful that Frank flew back off his balance and out of that lab. Picking himself up off the floor and shaking off the pain that should have brought him down, Frank plowed himself into the lab, slid in on the floor, and landed next to Henry. Just as he lifted him, he could hear the sound of a fire extinguisher and Frank carried Henry from the lab, leaving Joe to battle the electrical fire that began to flourish from all the oxygen that poured into the room.

As Frank laid Henry’s motionless body on the floor, the cryo-lab door burst open and six men raced in but Frank paid them no mind. “Henry.” His hand felt his neck. “Henry. Oh God.”

“Frank!” Joe came from the back lab. “How is he?”

“He’s . . . he’s dead, Dad.” Frank’s hand ran across Henry’s face and as he looked down at his friend, his jaw began to twitch. “No!” He shook his head. Positioning himself better, Frank tilted back Henry’s head and listened for breath sounds. None came out. Covering Henry’s mouth with his, Frank began to breathe into him, four breaths to start and then he listened again. Still nothing. “You got a new kid, Henry and I will not let you die on him.” Cupping his hands over Henry’s chest, Frank began to do compressions, counting them out loud as he did, and breathing into Henry’s mouth at the end of each cardiopulmonary cycle. “Henry, come on!” Frank moved back to his chest, delivering the compressions with every ounce of hope he had. “Henry!” It was like a race against time for Frank, a mission and a fight he wasn’t going to lose and a fight he wasn't going to let Henry wasn’t going lose. If it was the last thing Frank did, he would make sure of that.

A choking cough stopped Frank from administering any more air into Henry. Frank’s body shook and he gave a simple laugh of relief as he lifted Henry’s head up. “We have to get him to the clinic.”

Joe closed his eyes and reached his hand over to his son. “Unbelievable.” He felt his son’s shoulders rise and fall from his heavy breaths. “Good . . .” Joe opened his eyes and saw the painful look on his son’s face as Frank began to lift Henry,. The white tee shirt he wore was completely black and parts of it burned. Joe’s eyes skimmed upward to his son’s face to the deep red mark that went from part of his left cheek, across his chin, and to his neck. The same injury was on his arm. “You’re burnt, Frank.”

“I’m fine.” With a grunt, he stood with Henry in his arms.

“Let one of the other men take him.” Joe gave support under Henry’s back to help ease the weight for Frank.

“I’ve got him.” Frank walked to the door.

“He’s too heavy, Frank. You’re injured.” Joe looked back at the men who finished putting out the fire. “One of you . . .”

“I got him!” Frank said strongly. “Just let me take him up.”

Joe ran his hand across his sweaty face and smeared the blackness that laid there. He watched his son move ahead of him, carrying the weight of his friend. Joe could see each step Frank took was a painful one, but he also knew his son was determined. Frank was determined to be the one to bring Henry up to the clinic, just as he was determined to be the one to bring Henry back to this earth.

<><><><>

“Finally.” With Nick fast asleep again and Alex still out, Ellen knew she could catch a little nap before she would have to do another round of newborn motherhood. She thought she’d get a nap earlier. Perhaps she shouldn’t have taken that shower after Frank left, but she wanted to get one in during the day and who knew when Nick would go back to sleep. Even though this was only Nick’s second day at home, he was fast proving himself to be a pure Henry off-spring with his lack of a need for slumber.

After laying Nick in the cradle in the living room, Ellen walked to the closet to get the quilt they kept in there so she could lay on the couch. Reaching in the closet, the oddity of a knock on the front door startled her. Checking first to see if it woke the baby, she turned and opened the front door. “Jenny?”

Jenny Matoose, holding her daughter, walked into Frank’s living room. “Check your cell phone, Ellen. Your father’s been trying to reach you.”

“Reach me?” She chuckled. “He could have walked over if it was important.” She went to the dining room and picked the phone up from the table. “Shit, it needs charged. You came all the way over here to tell me my phone isn’t working? Gee, Jenny, that’s awfully nice but it’s awfully early.”

“I came here to watch the kids. Ellen, you have to get to the clinic.”

Ellen felt her heart drop. “What’s wrong?”

“There was some sort of electrical problem in the cryo-lab. Henry got hurt bad and Frank, he’s hurt too.”

“Shit.” She flew to the door picking up her shoes that sat there. “Jenny, do you mind staying here?”

“No, that’s why I came.”

“Nick, he just fell asleep, he shouldn’t need to . . .”

“Ellen, go. I can handle them. Go.”

With little information, and not wanting to take the time to find out more, Ellen sped off for the clinic.

“Joe!” Ellen raced to him the second she walked in. “Where are they?”

“In the back.” He reached to stop her when she flew down the hall. “They want you to stay here until they know more.”

“What happened, Joe? What?” Ellen sounded so desperate.

“Come with me.” Wrapping his arm around her, Joe led Ellen into the waiting room. “As near as we can figure right now, there was a problem with the electric in the lab. There was an electrical explosion and Henry got shocked, and then the fire started when he was out.”

“Was Frank with him? Is that how Frank got hurt too?”

“No. Frank got hurt when he broke into the lab to get Henry out of there. Henry, Ellen, Henry had . . . he was dead.” He heard Ellen gasp. “Frank brought him back.” Joe gave a proud smile. “But” With a twitch of his head he returned to a serious mode> “We don’t know how Henry is. He’s alive, I can tell you that and Frank got burned. I’m hoping it looked a lot worse than it actually was.”

“Is Henry burned too?”

“From what I saw, no.” Joe led her to the couch. “But he hasn’t regained consciousness yet.”

Sitting down with Joe’s arm still around her, Ellen leaned into him. “And we have to wait?”

“That’s all we can do. Wait.”

The age old saying, ‘no news is good news’ didn’t feel like it held true for Ellen. She sat there with Joe, taking comfort in his hold. She kept trying to convince herself that all that mattered was that Henry was alive and Frank was fine. But the fact remained, no amount of convincing herself or hoping for the best would make her feel better. Seeing Henry and Frank for herself and hearing for certain that they were fine was what she needed.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Robbie’s tired and exhausted body carried the last man into the small church he had spent all of the night cleaning out. Though there wasn’t any power, it was shelter from the hot weather that teetered between rainy and dry causing the insects to feed on the helpless bodies of his fallen ill men.

Though most of them had slipped into remission, they still needed help. They still couldn’t control their bodies as well as a two-year-old. The weakness brought on by dehydration and lack of eating the food sent to them, hindered any possible fight they could have had in them.

How long had it been since he had spoken, really spoken to any of them? None were talking. Greg and the other first two exposed were dazed said things that made no sense. They talked about events and called out people’s names that Robbie hadn’t a clue who they were but he answered them. He tried to take care of them the best he could, but he could feel his body weakening too. It wasn't from any virus but just from giving all that he had. Every second of his day was spent taking care of them but Robbie had no choice. He was alone and each passing day that went by, he felt more and more alone. The only thing that made it tolerable was when he spoke to home on the phone. More so than that was seeing his brother when supplies were dropped off. Even from a distance, watching Frank standing in the helicopter door told Robbie one thing. He wasn’t forgotten. Something so simple as that, meant so much. The grueling day he had to face ahead of him would be a little less grueling because he would see his brother in a few hours and a little bit of home would come floating down from the sky, bringing him the little bit of hope amidst the madness that surrounded him.

<><><><>

“This will serve just fine. You can leave,” George instructed a man who had walked him into a living room of a home located in the town that was once known as Quantico City. He dropped his body down on the sofa to relax and rest before he had to continue his work. His day has started early as he waited at the gates of their training center for the troops that were about to come in. Twenty-two squads arrived back at Quantico as expected. They brought with them, between the squads, sixty-three survivors, survivors that were being processed and readied to be sent to different division. Some were viable; some would have to be made viable. All of them believed they were somehow saved from the cruel world and they would be fed, cared for, and given jobs to do. George chucked when he thought of that. How much like Beginnings his world sounded only his world wasn’t secluded to a secured perimeter. It spread out, further than Beginnings realized.

But George was at a loss. His communications with his men had to be kept at a minimum and only at the times that he was instructed by John Matoose that were safe and unable to be detected by the monitors in the newly found communications room of Beginnings. That wasn’t very often, so George’s information had to be sketchy until his people arrived back to base.

He knew ten more squads were due back on this day and another fifteen the next. Aside from his troops returning, George had to send out his rested warriors. They were ready to go north, well into Canada and south as far as deep Mexico. A shipment of food was due at Quantico from the farms not far away, farms that reported a flourishing crop. For George it was a busy day as he waited for all to arrive, sent out what he had to send out and, not to mention settle into his new home. To George, it wasn’t going badly at all. All he waited for now, to top off his day, was to hear that the program for the CMEs was destroyed along with the man who tried to figure it out . . . Henry. George rested his head back, closed his eyes, and waited for that good news because he was certain the good news was coming.

<><><><>

“Frank, hold still,” Dean spoke so annoyed as he finished bandaging Frank’s burns.

“Dean, come on. I’ve been here long enough.” Frank’s head tilted to the side so Dean could finish up on his neck. “Why are you bandaging me up?”

“I want these burns kept clean. I don’t want them to get infected, especially . . .” Dean finished up and stepped back, “the ones on the face. If they get infected, they’ll scar worse.”

Frank’s eyes caught Dean’s. “You think I’m worried about that?”

“No, but I am.” He walked over to the sink to wash his hands. “I want you on light duty for a week.”

“What?” Frank laughed. “No way. I can’t right now, not right now. We’re in the middle of training the next batch of guys to go out. We have a run in a couple weeks. We have tactical maneuvers. I can’t spare a week.” Frank looked down at his watch. “How about a couple hours?”

“How about not?” Dean dried his hands. “You dislocated your shoulder, Frank. It was a bitch to pop back in.”

“I do have to say that impressed me when you did that.”

“Gee thanks, but getting back to that shoulder. It needs time to heal. Do you mean to tell me you can’t train your men without lifting or being Superman?”

“I guess I could.”

“Good, then you will. Since you won’t let me brace that shoulder, you have to not use it. Got that?” Dean instructed. “And refrain from doing things will keep those burns from getting infected too. Walk your perimeters, train your guys, but physical participation has to be limited.”

“All right, all right.” Frank shook his head. “Anything else?”

“I mixed you up some medication for the pain. The topical I put on will wear off in a few hours and they’ll hurt.” He walked over to the tray and picked up the small bottle. He handed it to Frank. “No drinking when you take this.”

“Yes, Ellen,” Frank said sarcastically.

“I’m serious, Frank. No drinking if you take this. I’ll instruct Ellen about it.” Dean picked up Frank’s chart and a pencil. “I also wanted to tell you, you did a good job today with Henry.”

“Thanks.” Frank slid off the table and looked around for his shirt. When he found it, he saw he couldn’t wear it because Dean had cut most of it off of him. He tossed the remnants over his shoulder as if it could be some use to him and began to leave.

“Frank?” Dean called out to him. “What happened in that lab today?”

Frank stopped just at the door. “Problem with the electric.”

“Do you really think that?”

“Nope, I think it was set up. I think . . . let’s just say I don’t think Henry’s accident was an accident.”

“Can you prove that?”

“Me personally? No. I don’t know enough about electronics and I don’t trust anyone else’s opinion. Henry can tell me. That’s why I have a guard on the door down there with strict instructions not to let a soul in there until either me or my Dad can go down there and reprogram a code no one knows. That way everything will be untouched and the same until Henry is well enough to look it over.”

“Henry was working on the SUT program. Is that gone, do you know?” Dean asked.

“No my dad has it. It was outside the lab when the fire started. At least Henry will be glad about that. Hey Dean, when do you think he’ll be up and about?”

“Hard to say, Frank,” Dean said. “The thing in Henry’s favor is he’s not one to be down for too long. So a good guess would be few days or so in the clinic and another few days rest at home, but we wouldn’t be talking about him being up and about at all if it wasn’t for you.”

Frank quietly nodded once and reached for the door handle of the examining room.

Finishing writing in the chart, Dean walked across the examining room to begin to clean it up. “Frank, tell Ellen when she gets a chance I want to talk to her. I want to instruct her on the follow up care for those burns.”

“I’ll tell her.”

“I mean she might as well do it. She is still staying with you this week right?”

“Right.” Frank started to leave. “And . . . hopefully, with the way things are with me and her, she won’t leave after this week at all. See ya’ Dean.”

The few items that Dean held in his hand toppled with Frank’s words the moment he left. If Frank saw things going well between him and Ellen now, how much better would he insure them to be while Ellen lived there? If Dean didn’t feel threatened before in his new understanding with Ellen, he certainly was feeling a twinge of it right there.

<><><><>

Ellen ran her fingers across the glove styled bandage placed on Henry’s hand. The tips of his nails were the only portion poking through. Even the area surrounding them were red. “Look at his hand Joe. He’s burnt.” She stared down at a sleeping Henry, lifting his hand gently. “How badly is he burned? His hands are so nice. He gets manicures from Cindy.”

“Oh my God. They’ll be nice again, Ellen. You heard Andrea. They’ll heal.  Henry is going to be fine. He’ll get those manicures.”

“I can’t believe he almost died.”

“Ellen.” Joe rested his hand on her shoulder. “He did die.” He could feel the tension fill her body with his words . “It was scary. The look on my son’s face when he pulled Henry out . . . panic. When do you know Frank to panic?”

“Never, and speaking of Frank . . .” Ellen turned from the bed. “I think we should find out what’s taking him so long.”

“They had to clean his burns.”

“Is it bad, Joe?” Ellen asked.

“He could have been worse.”

Looking back at Henry, Ellen bent down and kissed him on the cheek rand ran her hand across his face after she did. “I’ll be back, Henry.” Holding on to Joe’s arm, she let him escort her out of the room. When she stepped out she saw Frank walking down the hall. He didn’t wear a shirt and his bandages showed predominantly because of it. “Frank.”

Frank smiled when he saw her release Joe and walk toward him in a quick pace. Before he could say any words, Ellen had thrown her arms around him and he returned the embrace.

“Thank you for saving him.”

“El . . .”

“I’m sorry. I’m probably hurting you.” She pulled back. “Look at you. How bad are the burns?”

“Bad enough for you to have to be my nurse. Dean says they’ll need cleaned out or something like that. You have to check with him.”

“Are you in pain?”

“Not much. Dean gave me some medication.”

“No drinking with that, Frank.” Ellen pointed her finger.

“No drinking.” He raised his right hand.

“What took you so long?”

“Oh fuckin Dean. He used every excuse in the book so he could keep looking at my chest.” Frank snickered. “So how’s Henry?”

“Sleeping. Andrea says he’ll be fine. He’ll wake up soon enough.” Ellen saw him peeking in the room. “Are you going to go in there and see him?”

“I will, but not now. I want to take care of something down in the lab. Dad? Can you come with me?”

“Sure Frank,” Joe answered.

“Good.” Frank leaned down to Ellen and kissed her on the cheek “I’ll be right back.”

“Frank?” Ellen grabbed his arm as he began to walk away. “Why are you going down to the lab?”

“To take a look. I was so consumed this morning I didn’t look at the lab.”

“But why are you going to look at it? To assess damage?” Ellen asked.

“No El, to try to find out what happened this morning. What really happened. I’ll be back.”

Ellen watched Frank leave with Joe as she stood in the corridor right outside of Henry’s room. She knew exactly what Frank meant by his tone and what he insinuated with his words. She thought for sure they knew what happened, a faulty electrical system. She had sat for two hours with Joe and he said nothing about it being anything else but an accident. Obviously, with Frank’s demeanor and insistence at that moment, it was more than they let on. It was bad enough that Frank was injured and Henry lay in a bed unconscious and lucky to be alive. But now it was worse, scarier, because now something she didn’t think of had popped into her mind, the possibility that someone had done it on purpose.

<><><><>

For the first time since he was a kid, Robbie felt like a child. He stared up into the blue sky watching the Beginnings’ helicopter pull away and felt that lost aching pull in his chest. Where was Frank? Since the whole thing began, Frank had been the one who dropped off the supplies. Even just his presence, had given Robbie the push to go on.

Robbie felt like the kid who longed to tag along with his big brother. But now, with Frank not showing up, Robbie felt much more left behind than he had. Perhaps it was the exhaustion he was feeling that exaggerated what was going through his heart, but Robbie felt down. What could Frank have to do that was more important than taking the twenty minutes out of his day it took to drop off supplies? Robbie spoke to his father and he hadn’t said there was trouble. Hoping that he was overreacting, Robbie moved with his supplies back to the church where all of the men were.

Stepping into that church with his bags across his shoulders, Robbie’s mind flashed back years earlier. The church reminded him so much of the one that sat on the street corner in downtown Ashtonville. He remembered walking into that church, St. Michael’s, three days before they were to begin the runs to pick up supplies for Beginnings. Maybe it was the reality back then that made him seek out the feel of God and maybe it was the reality of what was happening to Robbie now that made him think of that. But whether it was God’s doing or not, it was his brother back then that made him feel better...

Robbie sat in the last pew of that church in Ashtonville. The reason for the silence in that church was painful when it dawned on Robbie that he wasn’t just sitting in an empty God’s house, but an empty God’s world as well. It surprised Robbie when he heard the doors to the church open. It was darker in there. The only light was what shone through the stained glass windows and Robbie knew he wasn’t seen. Maybe Frank wasn’t looking when he walked in. Frank walked straight to the altar, genuflected and blessed himself before kneeling on the kneeler in the first pew. His hands were folded and his head down. Frank praying? In Robbie’s mind the only remembrance he had of Frank talking of God was when Frank swore.

“Frank,” Robbie’s whispered--as if he’d disturb someone if he didn’t. He stood up and walked to the front with his brother.

“Robbie?” Frank turned his head over his cupped hands.

“What are you doing?” Robbie slid in the pew.

“I’m fuckin praying. What do you think I’m doing? Man.”

Robbie snickered and knelt down next to Frank. “Since when did you start praying?”

“I guess I always did.” Frank shrugged. “Maybe now I’m just a little worried about these trips we’re making. You?”

“Yeah.”

“This was my church you know.”

“I do. I remember coming to Johnny’s christening here. I used to think, I bet these are the only times Frank walks through the doors of this church.”

“They were,” Frank smiled. “I never was the big religious guy.”

“That’s because Dad used to shove it down our throats growing up. Making us get up early, get dressed, look neat, and sit in church.”

“So what happened to Jimmy and Hal? They still go to church . . . or did.” Frank’s head dropped.

“Frank? Let me ask you something. Do you blame God for all of this?”

“Not at all. I blame man for all of this. God gave us all the choice to do what we want in our lives and somewhere we fucked up.”

“That’s pretty deep coming from you.”

“Nah.” Frank shook his head. “I just reworded it. I heard Dad say something like that to Andrea last night.”

“So you think He . . .” Robbie motioned his head up to the crucifix. “You think He has the answers?”

“I think He’s giving them to us in His own way. He kept us alive. Right now, to me, that doesn’t seem like such a good thing, but I’m sure there’s a reason for it. He’s got his reasons. I have to believe that somewhere down the road, they’ll be some good again in our lives. A second chance. And I’m gonna fight real hard not to fuck it up again.”

“Dad’s words?”

“My words.” Frank gave a closed mouth smile to Robbie. “You asked me. Let me ask you. Why are you in church? You’re not the religious guy either.”

“A little peace maybe.”

“Peace? Robbie there’s not a soul around. You can get peace by walking in the supermarket down the street.”

“Inner peace, Frank.”

“Whoa.” Frank’s eye widened. “Now who’s being deep?”

“I don’t want to spend the rest of my life as angry as I feel right now. I’m pissed. You know I worked really hard in my life to get where I was and now it means nothing. I started dating this girl and she was pretty nice. Gone. Do you realize that since I was a teenager I had wanted to be with Ellen? Talk about having to go through some drastic measures to do so . . .” He saw the corner of the eye look he got from Frank. “Sorry.”

Frank let out a slow huffing breath. “Let’s not touch that subject again. Please. We’re in the house of God. I don’t want to get pissed at you again.”

Robbie tried not to laugh. “Subject changed.”

“Good. So are you finding your inner peace?”

“No, and my back is starting to hurt. Can we sit now?”

“Yeah, mine’s hurting too.” With a grunt and a slight moan they both brought themselves into the pew to sit. “Better.” Frank twisted himself to the left. “Remember Dad used to hit us on the back of the head with the hymnals if our asses hit the pew when we knelt.”

“I remember him telling us that was the reason they made them hard backed.” Robbie brought his one leg up and close to his chest. “I watched a lot of people die, Frank. A lot. You on the other hand slept through the plague . . .”

“Hey.”

“I never want to go through that again.”

“Hopefully, Robbie, you won’t.”

A loud bang of the church door echoed in and so did Ellen’s voice. “Hey. What are you two doing in here?” She walked up.

Frank held his finger to his mouth. “Quiet El.”

“Why?” She asked.

Frank looked at Robbie then at Ellen. “Um . . . respect. What are you doing here? Are you here to pray too?”

“Who me?” Ellen held her hand to her chest. “Hell no. I’m here to get some candles.” She walked straight up to the altar. “Best place. Isn’t that why you two are here?” She looked at them and didn’t get an answer. “Wait a second.” She started to snicker. “Frank and Robbie Slagel praying? Oh wait until I tell Joe.”

Frank sprang up. “No-no. We were taking a break. We came to get candles.”

“Yeah.” Robbie stood also.

“Right,” Ellen scoffed. “You probably were having some deep, sappy conversation too, weren’t you?” She began to grab candles. “Big tough Slagels. Joe is gonna die.” She shook her head while shoving more candles in a bag.

Frank nodded his head up to Ellen. “Robbie, I think we should chase her skinny ass down and tie her hair in knots like we used to when she threatened to tell Dad.”

Ellen dropped her candle bag and looked at them, she fake snickered. “Sure.” She saw them staring at her. “Guys, that was fourteen years ago.”

Robbie motioned his head at her. “How much of a head start?”

Frank thought about it. “Ten second? Sound fair?”

“Sounds fair.” Robbie smiled. “One . ..”

“Guys.” Ellen backed off the altar and passed them. “You’re joking, right?”

Robbie continued counting. “Five, six . . .” He stopped counting when he heard a panicked ‘Shit!’ come from Ellen and she ran from the church, letting the door slam loudly as it did when she entered.

Frank walked up to the altar. “Look Robbie, she left the candles. Let’s go bitch at her for not finishing her work.”

Robbie’s mind snapped from that memory when he heard the slam of the church door where he stood. He turned around, startled to see Marty slumping in his walk in. “Where were you?” Robbie asked the ill man.

“I had to get some fresh air.” He spoke weakly. “Do you need any help?”

“No. You just rest. I need you to get strong.”

“You looked deep in thought.” Marty held on to the pew and he helped himself to sit.

“I was,” Robbie smiled.

“I take it that was a good thought?”

“It was.”

“Had to be hard to do with all that’s happening.”

Robbie wanted to tell him it wasn’t. How odd it was that such a bad situation caused and bred a good memory. How it was horrible back then, and somehow he found himself smiling on a bad day. Robbie hoped at that moment, as he returned to his work, that this horrible situation so similar to the last, would somehow, in the future, end with a smile too. For that--how ironically--Robbie actually prayed.

<><><><>

It was Frank’s turn that evening and he returned to the clinic to do it. He had fed the kids, all of them, settled them down, and got them situated for Denny and Josh who would watch them until Ellen got home. That’s what they had done all day, every two hours switching duty on who would sit with Henry. Though they both wanted to, they knew they both couldn’t. Since both Frank and Ellen felt one of them should be there when he woke up, they switched turns, promising to call the other the moment Henry regained consciousness. Denny and Josh were prepared for that too.

Whistling softly, not loudly because he got bitched at the last time he did that in the corridors of the clinic, Frank made it to Henry’s room. He stopped cold when he heard voices, whispering voices. “Hey.” He smiled. “Shit, Henry.” A wider grin and Frank rushed to the bed. “You’re up. Oh my God you’re up.” His hand rested on Henry’s.

Ellen held the other hand. “Ten seconds earlier, Frank, and you would have been here. He just woke up.” She picked up his water for him and helped Henry take a drink.

Frank slid the chair closer to the bed. “How you feeling?”

Henry cleared his throat. “Sore. Really sore. I know my hand is burnt.” He held it up. “Is it bad, El?”

“Nothing that won’t heal.” She smiled and ran her hand down his face. She felt Frank’s hand stop her. “What’s wrong?”

“Don’t tuck his hair. Henry, she tucks your hair behind your ear when you’re sleeping.”

Though seemingly groggy, Henry smiled. It dropped when Frank came into focus. “Frank, your face is bandaged. What happened?”

Frank fluttered his lips. “Ellen.” He waved his hand at her. “She got vicious and clawed me like a cat.” Frank clawed his hand and made a ‘hissing’ sound at Ellen.

“Don’t let him kid you Henry.” Ellen spoke to him. “Frank got hurt when he . . .”

“El,” Frank interrupted her, “no, don’t. O.K.?”

Ellen shifted her eyes from Frank to Henry. “Frank had a run in with Marcus. He got bit.”

“No shit?” Henry asked. He then tried to lift himself more to sit and moaned in pain. “God, my chest hurts. I know I got shocked. I must have fallen on my chest.” With squinting eyes he pulled out the shirt he wore and saw the bruises center his chest. Immediately his eyes rose up and over to Frank. “What happened to my chest? This is no fall.”

“They uh . . .” Frank paused in answering, “they had to do CPR on you, Henry.”

“Oh my God.” Henry looked horrified. “I got shocked that bad? I thought I only passed out.”

Frank shook his head. “Your heart stopped beating.”

“Remind me to thank Andrea or Dean or Jason when I see them.” Henry faced Ellen.

Ellen shook her head. “Don’t you dare thank them.” Ignoring Frank’s ‘El’ she continued. “Turn your head back to Frank and thank him if you want to thank anyone.”

“Frank.” Henry closed his eyes and swallowed, listening to Ellen speak.

“Henry, he went in there while the room was on fire. He broke down that door to get to you. Frank brought you back to us Henry. Frank did.”

“Frank.” Henry opened his eyes to him. “I owe you my life.”

“No you don’t.” Frank waved him off. “I’m just glad you didn’t die on me. You know I know nothing about raising an Asian kid.”

“No jokes Frank.” Henry was serious. “Thank you.”

“Just don’t try to kiss me right now.” Frank smiled. “Though I found your lips incredibly soft.”

Henry laughed and grabbed his chest. “Don’t tell Ben that. Tell me something, Frank. Why were you down at the lab? Did you get a bad feeling or something?”

“No.” Frank shook his head. “Actually I thought you were blowing off my radio call. I was chasing your ass down.”

“Why would I blow off your call?” Henry asked.

“I thought you were pissed at me for sleeping with Ellen.”

Ellen’s eyes widened. “Frank, you make it sound like . . .”

Henry stopped her. “I know what Frank meant. And no, I wasn’t mad at all that you slept with her Frank. If I was, I certainly wouldn’t be now.”

Ellen stood. “That’s too gracious of you Henry, but he cheated in a game of scrabble to do so.” She moved to the door. “And Frank, leave him alone. I know you.”

“What?” Frank tossed his hands in the air with an innocent look. “I just want to sleep with you like last night. It’s cold in my house.”

“Turn the air conditioner down. I’m not sleeping with you two nights in a row.” She walked from the room and walked directly into Dean. “Hi Dean.” She smiled but didn’t get one in return. “What’s wrong?”

He shook his head at her and walked harshly away.

“Dean?” She followed him. “Wait. What’s wrong?”

Dean spun around to face her in the hall. “I walk in to see Henry while I’m at the clinic. I’m standing in the door, ready to walk in and what do I hear?”

“What? What did you hear?”

“Ellen, did you sleep with Frank last night?”

Ellen started to laugh, waving her hand at him. “We didn’t have sex, Dean. We slept in bed together.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Excuse me?” Ellen was taken aback by his tone.

“The closeness was there.”

“Dean, why are you being like this?”

“How do you want me to be Ellen?” He started walking again. “Happy to know you’re not only living at Frank’s house but sleeping in his bed as well.” He stopped again. “Tell me something. I don’t stand a fighting chance do I? I never did. How can I, when the man you married so we could be together is rooting for the man who controls you most in your life.”

“Dean.” Ellen snatched him back by his arm when he moved onward. “Don’t you think the timing is a little bad to be discussing this? I didn’t do anything with Frank. I didn’t touch him, kiss him . . .”

“Stop!” Dean pulled away. “It doesn’t matter. Did you hear me? I’m glad I’m seeing this now instead of when I really thought we had something.”

“But Dean, we do. We’re together.”

“Bullshit,” he argued. “And if we were, we’re not anymore.”

“No.” She argued with passion as she followed him out of the clinic. “You need me. You need me to be there for you. How are you going to get through this in your life if I don’t help you?”

“So that’s it?” Dean walked backwards in a rush talking to her. “You’re only with me out of pity?”

“No, Dean I’m not with you because I . . .”

“Save it. Save it. I’ll admit I need your eyes. I’ll admit I need your help. But don’t think you have to give yourself to me Ellen to do so. Don’t do that to me. If I’m going to depend on you, I’d rather it be for your help only, not for you. Because letting myself go, letting myself be with you, thinking we have something, is only setting myself up for a hurt I can very well avoid. To think it never crossed my mind that you were with me because you felt sorry for me. I guess I was blind in more ways than one.” Wanting to say no more, Dean turned his back to her and moved quickly to the living section.

“Dean.” Ellen raised her hand and let it fall as she watched him walk away. Her heart dropped like her hand and she immediately felt at a loss. Dean never looked back at her. He just kept moving.

CHAPTER TWENTY

JULY 13

Henry’s breathing was easier. Though his chest still hurt, his deep breaths weren’t as crushing as they had been the previous two days. Allowed by Andrea to get up and get cleaned, Henry was moving on this day. He wasn’t allowed before because he was being monitored too closely. But they granted him some leeway, not enough so as he could go home, but enough to take that shower he needed and put on something other than that shallow hospital garment they gave him.

Ellen made him smile when he emerged from the bathroom. She was wearing her white clinic lab coat. How long had it been since she wore that? Ellen hadn’t worked in the clinic since she and Andrea had their falling out some seven months earlier. Was Ellen working again or was she just in the mood to wear that coat and fix his bed? “Hey, El.”

She spun around, dropping the sheet with a smile. “Look at you walking around.”

“When can I go home?”

“A couple of days. They just want to make sure there isn’t any after effects, Henry.” She moved to him. “You should put a shirt on. It’s chilly in here.”

“I’m fine. Can’t you talk them into letting me go home?”

“I can’t Henry and I don’t want to do that. I need you to be better.” She laid her hand on his face. “And look.” She pulled on her lab coat. “I’m working the clinic and containment for a couple days.”

“Really?” Henry titled his head with a smile. “Aren’t you on maternity leave with Nick?”

“Check this out. Since Frank is injured and on light duty, Joe decided to let me work for a couple days and let him stay with Nick.” She let out a long breath. “I don’t need to tell you I’m enjoying it. So clinic work or not, it’s work. It’s nothing against Nick, but everything against staying home. Now back in bed.” Ellen grabbed his arm, helping him into bed. She fixed the covers, leaning over Henry and tucking him in.

“Thanks, El.”

“Knock-knock.” Jenny Matoose spoke so chipper as she opened up Henry’s door.. “Henry, I’m glad to see you’re feeling better.”

Henry’s eyes rolled slightly and pulled Ellen closer to whisper in her ear, “Why is she in here?”

Ellen turned her head to the door where Jenny stood. “Hi Jenny.”

“Being a special private nurse, Ellen?” Jenny walked in.

“You can say that. It’s called ‘getting them up faster’ therapy. You ought to try it.”

“I would, but fortunately none of my men live as dangerously as yours. Anyhow, getting to my reasons for being here.”

Wanting to laugh at Henry’s ‘Thank God’ in her ear, but she didn’t. She turned and gave Jenny her full attention. “Reasons?”

“Two of them. One, you have yet to register your menstrual cycle with Andrea. You can’t reap the benefits if you don’t.”

“I’ll do that once I figure out what it’s going to be.”

“That’ll be fine,” Jenny said. “Can you make a meeting at my house tonight, say seven? I spoke to most of the women, they can.”

“I guess I can. Why?”

“We want to have a wedding meeting. We want to pick a committee since this is a group project, and start the ball rolling on things. You know, actually sit down and write up what we need to do, who gets involved and such. We need to pick the bridesmaids and decide who the groomsmen are going to be. All of this is so important when it comes to clothing sizes. Once we know what we want to do, we can proceed with the preparations. All basic stuff. So you’ll be there?”

“Sure, I’ll come.”

“Good. See you then.” Jenny moved back to the door. “I’ll leave you two alone.”

Henry waited until Jenny had left before he raised his head up. “Wedding meeting?”

“Oh yeah. There’s going to be a big wedding in Beginnings in a couple of months, Henry. Now what’s going to actually happen isn’t set in stone, but by the talk, it’s going to be big. Complete with bridesmaids, groomsmen, cake, music, the whole thing. Old fashion. It’s the Moon lodge’s big group project.”

“A big wedding.”

“Like in the old world.”

“Who’s having it?”

“Me and you.”

“What?” Henry was shocked.

“Me and you Henry.”

“But, El, you said we weren’t.”

“I know. I know.” She waved out her hand. “I was trying to tell them, but they kept interrupting, they were so excited about a wedding and we were the target. I couldn’t get a word in edgewise.. They were having fun and it helps my Frank-cause with Jenny so I let it go.”

“Frank knows about it?”

“Oh sure,” Ellen said. “He thinks doing this with Jenny is a great idea.”

“He thinks us getting married for real is a great idea?”

“Well, no. He didn’t really say anything about the us getting married part. I’m assuming he’ll figure a way to stop it. But he thinks the preparations for it are good.”

“So you already agreed for us to be the showcase wedding?”

“Yes, well, I didn’t have a choice. What’s wrong?”

“El, don’t you think you should have spoken to me first?”

Ellen looked oddly at him. “I’m sorry, Henry. I didn’t think you would mind. You know how important it is that I get close to Jenny.” She watched him get up from the bed. “Henry? Henry what is it?”

“El.” Henry ran his hand through his hair. “I don’t know if it’s such a good idea.”

“What? The wedding?” Ellen giggled at him. “Oh Henry, don’t worry about it.  Frank will figure something out. It’s a party. Trust me, if we don’t tie the knot, they’ll find someone who will. They want this. We’re just an excuse..”

“El, I need you to know I feel really awkward about . . .about . . .” He saw she waited for an answer. “I feel . . .” He watched the smile slowly leave her face. “Never mind. Forget I said anything. Jenny involved or not, in a way it’s lying. It makes me feel awkward.”

“Then I promise I won’t let her pester you about it. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, but you were electrocuted. Thank you.” Ellen giggled and stepped back. “I really have to get back to work. I don’t have many work days before I’m back at home with Nick until he’s old enough to go to the nursery.”

“Will you stop by tonight?” Henry asked as he moved back to the bed.

“No Henry, I’ll stop by in an hour.” She smiled at him as she walked through the door.

After adjusting the back of the bed up, Henry spoke softly as he climbed back into it. “Planning a wedding.” He blew slowly from his mouth. “Just a ploy to get close to Jenny. A wedding.” He spoke to himself then stared at the door as he lay back in bed. “Thanks for considering my feelings in all this.” He grabbed one of his two pillows, brought it to his chest, and held it close. He closed his eyes and rested his cheek against the top edge of the pillow. He laid there in a lot more thought than he wanted to be in at that moment.

<><><><>

The sound of heavy artillery aggravated the headache that George had as he inspected the training of his men. It should have been a better day. Having just heard from John Matoose, it was certain now that Beginnings no longer had the CME program. That, according to John Matoose, was lost in the lab fire, along with part of Henry’s memory, so Beginnings was set back. Even though Henry wasn’t dead, it still, in an essence, was a victory to George. Trying to concentrate on good thoughts, he held one ear shut with his finger while he read over notes and watched, with a half eye, the pitiful marksmanship.

The military was building in a replica of what was once in the old world. It was similar to what Beginnings was trying to accomplish only on a bigger scale. Ranking and structure of the military had to remain the same. It was a matter of respect and pride, George thought.

George approached the thin, blonde, and balding man, slightly similar to John Matoose. He stood behind, marking down and keeping track of what the twenty men shot. “Sergeant.”

“Sir.” He spun to George, concentrating eyes forward and saluting him. His fingertips nearly pointed in his salute to the small half inch scar that garnished his temple a remnant of the implantation of the new chip this Sergeant received.

“At ease, Sergeant. How are our men?”

“Learning sir, but their percentages leave a lot to be desired, “so matter-of-factual he spoke.

“I see.” George twitched his eyebrow in thought about how it didn’t matter how much you programmed them to think and behave a certain way, only true training would get them to achieve what George had hoped for. George didn’t have a teacher with that caliber. “Keep working on them.” Rolling his eyes slightly, George moved on. He was tired of becoming annoyed at how poorly his soldiers were trained. He knew they were but there was nothing he could do about it at the moment. The proof in their training was evident when twenty of them couldn’t take out one of Robbie’s Slagel’s men. Of course Robbie’s men were trained in Beginnings and that, to George, was another thing Beginnings had in their favor. George firmly believed that one top trained man could take out an entire platoon, and an entire platoon should not be able to take out one top trained man. Unfortunately George had none of those. If he did, he certainly wouldn’t be cringing at every shot his men fired.

George stopped walking. What, was he stupid? He actually smacked himself in the forehead mid stride. What was he thinking? He had the technology now to wipe out a part of a memory while keeping the knowledge intact. So why wasn’t he using that part of his technology?

He wanted to pick up his phone but knew it wasn’t safe so he hurried down the hill toward the old CIA building where one of his biology laboratories were now located. He rushed through the first floor to search out the man he hoped would be in his office but wasn’t. He was behind a safety wall of glass working. George caught his attention, calling him out into the corridor to join him.

It took a few minutes, but Dr. Raynes joined George. “Yes Mr. President.”

“The immunization to the viral strain we issued on the Beginnings men...how effective is it once the man has been exposed or affected?”

“So-so, why?” Dr. Raynes asked. “You do know that it is not a full antidote. It has to be given prior to exposure.”

“I know this. Will it counteract the effects?”

“It can slowly and not with a hundred percent certainty. Why?”

“Get it ready.” George snapped his finger. “I need a dosage that could be considered an antidote for a man about six foot two, two hundred or so pounds. Got that? He doesn’t have it yet, but chances are he will. And I need it fast.”

“How fast?”

“I’m shipping out two squads with it tomorrow. Two squads to ensure it arrives.” George began to leave. “Pack it up so it doesn’t go bad. It may take them two or three days to get to their destination.”

“I can do that. I’ll include four vials just to be sure. We have enough.”

“Good, get on that. I have to get things situated. I’ll be sending you the men of the two squads going out. They’ll need inoculated as well.”

“Sir,” Dr. Raynes followed him, “May I ask who it was that was accidentally exposed?”

“It wasn't an accident. It was deliberate and a mistake on my part. A stupid mistake. All along I’m thinking getting rid of him is best, when it never dawned on me to bring him to us and make him work in our favor.”

“Who?”

“Robbie Slagel,” George said his name for the first time in a long time, with a smile.

<><><><>

Ellen squeezed her hands as she held them in the pockets of her lab coat, squeezing the nervousness out as she watched Dean from the clinic lab door while he worked.  The day before he had pretty much avoided her like the plague he worked on. Since some time had passed, Ellen figured it safe to talk to him. With a deep breath, a wide smile, and a chipper voice, she walked in. “Morning Dean.” She approached him and he moved aside.

“Ellen.”

“How about me returning to work at the clinic?”

“I see.” He walked around the counter.

“Did you see the samples I did bright and early?”

“Yep.” He slid to her another sheet of orders. “You didn’t do these.”

“I was coming back for them.” She kept her tone upbeat. “I went to see Henry. He’s up and about.”

“Good for Henry.” Dean returned to his work.

“He’s doing pretty good for a man who supposedly has partial amnesia.” She giggled. “Isn’t that funny? I’ve been testing him for two days and he’s answered everything right. Joe thinks I’m dumb. I know what he’s up to.”

“And I know what you’re not up to.”

“Excuse me?” Ellen asked with a smile.

“Your work.” He pushed the orders closer to her. “These need to be done.”

“Dean, I’m trying to talk to you.”

“Ellen.” He finally faced her. “I don’t care. I don’t want to have idle conversation with you. Now, do what you are here to do . . . work.”

Ellen’s mouth opened in a gasp. “I thought you’d be a lot better with me today.”

“Why would you think that?”

“Because it’s stupid why you’re mad.”

“You would think that.” Dean turned away from her.

“You know what, Dean?” Ellen stepped back. “Fuck you.”

“Fuck me? No Ellen.” He snapped at her. “Fuck you!”

“I can’t believe you just said that to me.”

“Why not? Oh wait, yeah, that’s right, Ellen double standards again. You can do what you want and no one is allowed to say anything.”

“Why are you being such an asshole?”

“Because I’m tired of being the nice guy.”

Ellen laughed in a taunting manner. “I have news for you. You were never really that nice.”

“Come on Ellen, you can’t come up with anything better than that?”

“I’m trying to stay calm here, Dean.”

“Don’t.”

Ellen stormed to him. “Boy, you are just looking for a fight aren’t you? Let me tell you something, you don’t know what you just started.”

Up from his work, Dean raised his eyes. “Ellen.”

“You and your fuckin attitude.”

“Ellen.” Not only his voice, but Dean’s eyes scolded as well.

“Holier than thou stupid shit.”

“You would think you would have got the hint when you walked in here that I didn’t want to deal with you. Stupid shit is thinking you can try egg me on more.”

“I don’t need to try to egg you on more, Dean, I’m the master of pissing people off.”

“Well Master, there is nothing you can do to piss me off anymore.”

“You don’t think?” Ellen raised her eyes.

“I don’t think.”

“Watch me.” With a sweep of her arm in a dramatic move, Ellen cleared the counter of the thirty or so folders Dean had spread out there, spraying papers in the air and all around.

Letting out a loud, shrieking grunt of anger, Dean threw his hand up. “What the hell was that about!”

“Pissing you off.”

“You’ll pick every single one of those up!”

“And you’ll kiss my ass!”

The whistle and the semi-clapping stopped their fight right there and then when Frank stood in the lab door, holding Nick. “It warms my heart to see you two getting along like this.”

Dean curled his top lip as he began to pick up papers that were everywhere. “Shut up, Frank.”

Frank snickered, “Quite the mess you have here, Dean.”

Dean snarled as he bent down and then looked at Ellen who stood with her arms folded amongst the mess. “You’re just gonna stand there?”

“What? You think I’m helping you?” she snapped at him.

“If you aren’t, then leave.”

“No!” She yelled and bent down some to him, “because it’s pissing you off me standing here.”

“You started this.” He looked up at her.

“Bull shit Dean, you started this when you gave me your shit.”

Frank held his hand over Nick’s ear. “Language please.”

Dean shook his head. “It’s about time someone gave you shit.” He picked up more papers. “You know what, El? You deserve it.”

“Oh yeah?” Ellen raised her eyebrow. “Well you deserve this.” She gave a short swift kick with her foot  and sent the papers even further.

“Ellen!” Dean stormed in a stand.

“Dean!”

“Guys!” Frank intruded with an enjoyable laugh.

A screaming ‘Frank!’ emerged from both of them.

Getting out his last laugh, Frank held his hand up. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m enjoying this immensely . . .” He cringed when they yelled his name again. “But . . . but mind you, I have never seen you two fight like this in all the years we’ve been here and that includes when Ellen cheated on you, Dean.”

Dean saw red, his faced showed it too. If steam could protrude from him it would have. He marched to Frank. “You would just bring that up at this moment wouldn’t you?”

Frank shook his head, “No, you can’t be getting mad about that now. There’s a statute of limitations or something like that.” He grinned widely. “This is so great.”

Dean’s hand pointed outward. “Tell me something, Frank. I need you to prove something for me.”

“You mean that I’m strong? Or how about that I’m sexy? I’ll pose, Dean.” He heard Dean growl in anger. “Dean, chill.” Frank contained his laughter. “Man, are you pissed. What did you do, El? Good job.”

Ellen shuffled her way through the papers, making more of a mess. “Let’s go, Frank.”

“No.” Dean stopped him. “I need to know something simple, Frank. Did you sleep in bed with Ellen last night?”

Ellen spun around and faced Dean. “That is none of your goddamn business.”

Dean lowered his voice to a whisper as he faced Ellen closely, “Maybe not, but it would prove my point.”

“A-bout what?” Ellen said so sarcastically.

“That everything you said to me in the hall the other night was just another Ellen tale.” He turned to face Frank, trying to hide his irritation at the arrogant happy look on Frank’s face. “So did you?”

“Well.” Frank cleared his throat.

“Don’t answer him, Frank,” Ellen instructed.

“Well . . .” Frank continued, “seeing how it really isn’t any of your business but more irritation hinges on my answer so I’ll answer you.” Putting his face close to Dean’s, Frank smiled. “Yes.”

“Frank!” Ellen yelled.

Dean’s head spun to Ellen then back to Frank who laughed a single ‘ha’. “Thanks Frank.”

“No problem.” He watched Dean began to leave. “Oh Dean . . . she was naked too.” Dean kept walking and Frank stuck his head out the lab door. “And Dean? I touched her breasts.” Laughing he refaced the lab and Ellen too. She did not look happy. “What?”

“You’re an asshole too.”

“Yeah, so. I know this. Can we take Nick to see Henry now?”

“In a minute.” Ellen stormed by him to catch glimpse of Dean leaving the clinic. “Dean!”

Dean flung open the doors more in Frank fashion than in his own and walked to the street.

“Stop it right now!”

Dean stopped walking. Holding his hair back he faced Ellen. “What is it?”

“This fighting is really stupid.”

“I’m really mad, El.”

“And now so am I. Where does that get us?”

Dean was silent as he stared at her.

“Look I’m not going to argue with you anymore. I’m not going to try to convince you of anything about us. After the other night and especially after today, I don’t want to.”

“If you’re not going to argue, Ellen, why are you saying this?”

“I need to and you need to hear me.”

“I’d really rather not hear you unless it has something to do with medicine.”

“Fine.” Ellen held her hands up. “That’s fine.” She stepped back. “If that’s the way you want us to be, then that is the way you got it. From this moment on Dean, no more. I will work with you but that’s as far as it goes. But let me let you in on a little secret, Dr. Hayes. You didn’t need to get so possessive and jealous over me. Whether you choose to believe it or not, I would have been there for you every step of the way, not because I had to, because I wanted to. I wanted to be with you but not anymore.” She backed up. “And just to show you I’m a better person then you give me credit for, I’ll clean up that mess I made in your lab.” She started walking back to the clinic.

“Ellen.” Dean followed her and took hold of her arm. “I needed you this time not to be with Frank, especially this time. But you just couldn’t do it, could you?”

Ellen’s jaw twitched slightly as she looked in Dean’s eyes. “I guess not.” She pulled from his grip, turned her back to him and headed into the clinic.

<><><><>

It should have been something Robbie expected when the other two went. In actuality, he did. But it was something he didn’t want to face…the quiet. No breath sounds, no movement, no shivering, or calling out for help. A still Greg, laid in his make shift bed. His face held a look of peace that had long been gone during his agony and suffering.

So unlike the plague that ended the world, there was no convulsions at the end, no out of control illness, just quiet, peaceful, death. It happened so fast, Robbie wasn’t ready. The last he had checked on Greg was an hour before and when he returned to him to wipe him down and give him something, Greg was gone.

Greg was the first survivor to enter Beginnings’ gate. He was the first to make it through the newly instituted containment process. He was the first to gain the complete trust of the originals and be treated as if he were one himself. And now Greg was one of the first to die from the plague that seemed to threaten the existence of the home he fought to protect.

The irony of it all baffled Robbie. When Greg left Beginnings, not long before, to go out and take on George’s men, he never expected to return home. No good warrior ever does. Greg expected to face his battles, and if need be, die fighting for what he believed in. But he died in a battle he wasn’t prepared for. Had it been a gun that faced him off, Greg could have stood tall. But there was no amount of defense that would have guarded him from what brought him down. In an essence, Greg did stand tall against his defeater.

Covering Greg’s body before Robbie would take him outside to bury him, he remembered the words Greg spoke to him when he first got ill, ‘even if this thing takes me Robbie, I’m doing what I set out to do. As long as I die outside of Beginnings with this illness still inside of me, then I am protecting my home with my life.’

And Greg did.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

“Dean’s just scared, El,” Henry told her while he lay in his bed.

“I know Henry, but he’s being really mean to me. And I threw his papers all over the lab.”

Henry snickered. “Sorry.”

“It’s not funny.”

“I know. Frank thought it was.”

“Frank basked in it. He didn’t ask why we were fighting like that, he just smiled about it.”

“Just understand,” Henry tried to get Ellen to see reason, “Dean was depending on you. He needed to count on you being there when the time came. And with Frank in the picture, all he could see is the way Frank is. And that is, Frank won’t let you near Dean.”

“I wouldn’t have let that happen.”

“I know that and you know that. But Dean is, like I said, too scared to see that. Would you like to hear my theory on it?”

“Oh you know I do Henry.” Ellen sat up. “I love your theories. You have good theories.”

“Dean’s overreacting because he’s scared. We all do that. Remember the kid in kindergarten who held on to his mother and screamed and cried because he didn’t want her to leave. Well, just like the kid, Dean screamed and shouted in hopes that you wouldn’t leave. And again like the kid, Dean’s just gonna have to see that no matter if you’re in the next room or down the street, you’re there and you’ll be back.”

“But I’m not, Henry.”

“Aren’t you gonna help him when he needs you El?” Henry asked.

“I will. How can I not? But I won’t be there for him in any other way.”

“Maybe that’s for the best,” He spoke softly.

“Henry? Why do you say that?”

“El, why was Dean upset? Because of how you and Frank are? Let’s face it El, you and Frank are getting closer.”

“We’ve worked very hard to be good friends again, Henry. I’m not giving up that with Frank, just like I wouldn’t give my friendship up with Dean.”

“I know that. But right now Dean only sees that you’re gonna pull him along, and pull him along until you’re back somehow with Frank. At this point in his life, with all that’s going on, he’s afraid of that happening and he’s getting defensive. Just give him time, El. He’ll be nice to you again.”

“Thanks Henry.” Ellen lowered her lips to his hand and kissed him. “I’d better go. I have the big wedding planning meeting tonight.” She stood up. “I have to change Frank’s bandages too. I’ll stop by before my meeting. How’s that?”

“I’d like that.”

“Good. I’ll stop by afterward too, unless you don’t want to hear what was discussed. You do want to hear don’t you Henry?”

“Sure El,” He smiled sadly.

“Good, for a second there I thought you were chickening out of playing along.” She started to leave. “You’re not going to chicken out on me,  are you?”

“Chicken out?” Henry shook his head. “Trust me no. I wouldn’t chicken out, El. Just know, everyone is going to be convinced that I want to be married to you.”

Ellen waved her hand at Henry as if he were being silly. “I know that. And . . . I’d better go.”

“See you in a little bit.”

Ellen walked to the door then paused to look at Henry who seemed down. Figuring it was just his health, she winked and smiled, hoping to pass her spirits on to him as she started to walk from the clinic room.

She debated in her mind on whether to stop in and see Dean. Wondering if he was impressed by the fine organizational skills she used to put the folders back together, Ellen used that as an excuse to talk to him so she stopped in the lab.

“Dean?” Slowly, apprehensively she walked in.

“Thanks for putting the folders back together,” Dean said, little emotion, if any, to his tone.

“I can’t guarantee I did them right.” She smiled and moved closer.

“What’s up?” Sitting down, Dean turned his stool to face her.

Ellen let out a breath. “Thanks.”

“For what?”

“You’re not being as mean.”

Dean shrugged and raised his eyebrows. “So what did you need?”

“I was uh . . . I was wondering if you were busy and you want me to pick the kids up from school then you can get them when you get Brian at the house.”

“I can get them. I’m leaving soon.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah.” Dean stood up. “Anything else?”

“I guess not.” Folding her arms, Ellen started to leave the lab but stopped. “Dean, I’m not understanding this. I’m really not. I know you’re scared . . .”

“Scared? You don’t know how scared I am. You don’t know what I go through each day, getting up twenty minutes earlier because that’s how long it takes for my sight to come back in the morning. You don’t know what it’s like knowing that our men are outside of our walls dying of something I have to fight. How can I fight it without my eyes? They’re going El. They’re going fast.”

“So why are you pushing me away? I want to help you.”

“I’ll let you help me, but not the way you’ve been. We’ve been close, El. We work together, we touch, we kiss . . .” He stepped to her. “But I can’t figure out why you’re doing that, or were. You came back to me because you knew I needed you. I’m mad at you and I’m mad at myself for getting caught up in what was going on. It’s one thing to need you for your eyes, but it’s another to need you for you. I was reaching the point where I depended on both. I can’t do that because when it’s all said and done, and I become self-sufficient, then not only will my sight be gone, but so will you too.”

“You can’t say that. You don’t know.”

“I do know. Look how easy it was for Frank to get you to sleep in bed with him.” He backed away. “Can’t you see what you’re doing or why I’m mad? Ellen, right now in my life I needed to know that you’ll be there. I can’t take a chance of having to wait my turn in line. I can’t. Maybe I overreacted. Yes, I did overreact but just see my point. You’re telling me you’ll be there whenever. But that’s not true, it can’t be true. Frank is in the picture again, not that he hasn’t always been. But he’s back again and you’re letting him be there.”

“Dean.” She walked to him. “Remember when Frank and I got back together? Remember how I promised you I would never walk away from you. I’d be there for you as long as you wanted me to. I meant that. I did that. Frank didn’t like it, but I did it anyway. And now you, you have to take the same attitude Dean. I’m not going to walk away from Frank.”

“Have you ever?”

Ellen grunted slightly. “You’re missing my point. I know you needed me. Just because Frank is in the picture doesn’t take me away from you. It’s a different world now, Dean, and you’ve said it before. You can’t have someone all to yourself. ”

“Don’t.”

“Excuse me?”

“Don’t do that. Don’t justify being with Frank while you have an understanding with me as it being a different world now. Don’t do that, because you know damn well it will always be that way. You’re using the male-female ratio as an excuse because you can’t make up your mind. And it’s perfect for you Ellen.” Dean started working.

“How can you say that? There are so many more men than women in this community, in this world. All of us women are like this. Dean, I can’t let those I care about be alone. I can’t. As a friend, it’s my duty.”

“No Ellen,” Dean snapped his view to her, “it’s your fantasy.”

Ellen brought her hand up and slammed it down hard on the counter. “I will not forgive you for that remark. I won’t.” She backed away. “You’re the last one I expected to hear that from. I come in here trying Dean, trying to make things right with you. With all the shit that we’ve gone through, you have never treated me like this. Ever. This is not you. If you losing your sight is making you get like this, then I don’t want you.” She began to leave. “Contrary to what you think, I don’t deserve this. Never in my life did I expect for you to be this way with me.” She turned and walked to the door.

“And never in my life did I ever expect to need you so much.” Dean watched Ellen stop, turn around and walk back in. “I don’t want to be like that. Being dependent on someone is not me. I’m so scared that there will be a time that I’ll need you and you will turn around and walk out because Frank beckons.”

“Dean,” Ellen spoke softly, “you have to believe . . .”

“Ellen.” Joe’s sudden entrance in the lab halted their conversation. He didn’t sound his annoying self. He sounded upset.

Ellen looked at him. “Joe, what’s wrong?”

He shook his head as he stepped further in. “Are you headed home, I mean, to Frank’s?”

“I was, why?”

“Could you go there now so you can be there for a while before your little meeting tonight? Frank needs you.”

“Is it real important, Joe? Dean and I are talking,” Ellen said.

“I think so. He’s not handling this well. He’s . . . he’s drinking, Ellen.”

“Shit.” Ellen closed her eyes and twitched her head.

Dean gave her a ‘it figures’ look and stood up. “Go on Ellen. Frank needs you.”

“Joe.” Ellen turned back to him. “Can’t he handle the baby? Is he in pain? Why is he drinking?”

Joe looked at her confused. “What do you mean? I think you know why. It’s got him down.”

“What?” Ellen tossed her hands up.

“Didn’t Dean tell you? He was supposed to tell you.” Joe asked. “Three of our men died an hour ago. Greg . . .” Joe’s voice dropped. “Greg was one of them.”

Immediately Ellen’s eyes seared Dean’s way. “If you want to shut me out of your life Dean, you do that. But don’t you dare shut me out of our work.” Her hand moved about. “I’m fighting this virus right along with you. I’m not your flunky. I needed to know our men died, not just because it affected my work, but because it affected me. If it was your responsibility to tell me, you failed me. Like you think I failed you. If you wanted to prove your point that I’d walk away from you, you just did.” She stepped from her closeness to him. “Because I am walking away from you. Frank needs me.” She grabbed the door to the lab. “Joe, I really think you should consider putting me somewhere else in this community. From this moment on, I refuse to work with him.”

Joe hunched some when the lab door slammed violently upon Ellen’s exit. “Oh boy.”

Dean slid his hand down his face as he watched that door. “I can think of a less ‘G’ rated comment to say at this moment.”

“I could too, but I was being polite.” Joe began to leave also. “Dean, let me tell you something. You and Ellen are part of a team. You have to work together as a team. You not telling her about Greg is not the way to do that. Now what you’re working on isn’t simple shit. It’s vital, very vital. If you can’t put your personal feelings aside and work together, then I will go against everything I believe and I will separate the two of you. Because you can only beat this as a team, and if you aren’t going to work that way, then you will never beat this thing. For two days I have ignored this shit, but that is two days of progress you have lost. If it isn’t settled by tomorrow, then I suggest you figure out who suits you better to work with because this community is at stake and it doesn’t deserve to have its life hinging on whether or not you’re getting along with Ellen at the moment. Got that?”

Dean closed his eyes. “I got that.”

“Good.” Joe pulled on the door which was actually stuck after Ellen’s brutal exit.

“Oh Joe?”

“Yeah Dean?” He paused in his leaving.

“Maybe you should talk to Godrichson about putting aside his Regressionator work so we can use his skills as a scientist in . . . in my lab. He’s not immune so I’ll have to have him work with it on the computers but I’ll need him.”

Sadly Joe placed his hands in his pockets and looked upon Dean “If that’s how you feel.”

“That’s how I feel.”

“I’ll speak to Godrichson. You can start training him tomorrow.” Joe walked from the lab but didn’t get too far before he walked back in. “This is a mistake on your part. I only hope it’s not a mistake this entire community has to pay for.”

Dean felt Joe’s words still lingering around even after he had left. Dean knew so much was happening to him, the virus, his sight, and he felt so out of control. He didn’t want to be out of control, but he just didn’t know what to do about it or handle it and that didn’t help him, it only made matters worse.

<><><><>

“Frank?” Ellen called out his name softly as she walked into the house. “Frank?”

“In the kitchen.”

Taking a breath first, Ellen shut the door. Joe’s word’s that Frank was drinking raced in her mind. She visualized him with a bottle of moonshine half gone in his hand. She paused briefly in her stride to the kitchen to check on a sleeping Nick and Brian. “Frank?”

“Hey, El.” So down Frank sounded as he stopped what he was doing and took a second to kiss her on the cheek. “You’re back early.”

“I’m sorry about Greg.” She couldn’t help it, her eyes shifted for the bottle. “I’m sorry about your men.” She moved to him.

“I . . . I don’t want to talk about it. O.K.?” He looked at her gently then moved by her. “I’ll get the chair so you can do your thing to my burns.”

“Sure Frank I’ll . . .” She saw it the glass. It was partially full and she knew it wasn’t water. Was it on its first fill or had he refilled it more than once. “Frank, it’s a little early in the day to be drinking.”

SLAM! The chair smacked the linoleum. “Drop it, El.”

Ellen huffed and turned to the bandages and supplies that he had on the counter waiting. “Man, the fuckin men in my life and the way they talk to me.” She shook her head and turned on the water to fill up the basin.

“I’m sorry.” Frank walked up behind her. “I really am. Go ahead.” He laid his hand on his shoulder while talking to her back. “Yell at me. Yell at me for snapping and yell at me for drinking too early.”

Ellen reached up her hand to his. “Let’s just change these bandages.” She faced him. “Sit.”

“You’re mad.”

“Frank just sit. O.K.?”

“All right.” Not taking his eyes off of her he sat down in the chair and removed his shirt.

“Where are the bandages?”

“I took them off.”

“Frank, you know they aren’t supposed to come off until tomorrow.”

“One day. What difference does it make? They got on my nerves.”

Ellen shook her head with a slight smile as she began to clean the area around his neck. “These are healing nicely.” She leaned in closer. As she did, she felt him moving. “What are you doing?” She kept working.

“Reaching for my drink.”

“Don’t reach for your drink, Frank.” Extending her arm out, she blindly dropped the cloth in the sink and grabbed the ointment.

“Can I reach for something else?”

Occupied with applying the ointment, Ellen spoke as such. “What else are you going to reach for?”

“Considering right now what’s really close.”

Ellen shook her head slightly as she moved her fingertips to his chin. “Yeah, this is really looking good.”

“El,” So softly he spoke her name.

Why? Why did her stomach twitch when she felt his warm breath brush against her cheek while she leaned into him. She swallowed the lump that formed in her throat. “I uh . . I’ll say it again. What your poor body doesn’t go through.”

“It’s not that bad, is it?” More whispering, he talked to her.

“No.” Another swallow and she closed her eyes as his nose lightly touched her. “There’s nothing bad about your body at all, Frank.” Her eyes instinctively opened when she felt him getting up. Her views went from his face to his neck, to his chest as he stood to his feet staying so close.

“El.” Frank slid his hand from her arm to her neck, then cupped her face between both of his hands and tilted her head back. His fingers spread out pushing away her hair and pulling her closer to him. Then instead of kissing her at that moment like he wanted to, Frank brought Ellen to his chest and held her in an embrace, resting his head on top of hers, as he slowly let his body feel against hers.

Ellen brought in the scent of him, the warmth of Frank as she breathed in. There was something different about this embrace, more different than any one he had given to her in a long time. That became evident when she felt his cheek slide down her hair to her cheek and against her face as his lips moved to hers. So caught up in the fear she had of that moment of letting Frank kiss her, that the split second before their lips met, when Joe walked in with his ‘sorry to interrupt’ Ellen jolted back, not just a little but a whole body width worth of space. “Joe,” she spoke, surprised.

“Sorry Ellen. Sorry Frank” he said with a tilted head and with an embarrassed look, he stepped back out of the kitchen. “I’ll just wait in the living room. I don’t want to spoil this for you.”

Taking a long blink, Frank looked once more at Ellen then stepped back when his father left. “Did you want to try that again?”

“Frank, I don’t think we . . .”

“Nope, forget I asked.” Frank held up his hand with a smile then reached back for his drink he knew was there. “Moment’s gone anyhow.” His breath was heard loudly. He brought his glass to his lips and took a drink.

“Frank.”

“El.” He winked and gave her a peck on the cheek. “Let’s go hear what my father says will spoil what uh . . . what we shouldn’t have been doing in the first place.” Raising his eyebrows a few times he placed his hand on Ellen’s back and, holding his drink, led her out of the kitchen to the living room. “Dad, what’s going on?”

Joe stood up from the couch. “That was fast.”

“What?” Frank finished his drink and laid it on the end table. “You thought we’d have sex while you were in the next room? Please, we only do that when you’re in your office and Ellen’s in her little processing . . .ow.” He grunted as her hand back slapped him in the gut. “Room.” He cleared his throat. “What’s going on?”

“I just left Dean.”

“You’re right.” Frank crossed his arms. “The mention of Dean’s name would have spoiled it.”

“This is serious Frank.” Joe looked at Ellen. “Dean . . . Dean . . . he no longer wants to work with you, Ellen. So starting tomorrow, Jason Godrichson will be assisting Dean in the lab.”

Ellen felt pummeled. The news of it nearly made her fall over. “He said this to you, Joe?”

“I’m afraid so. I’m sorry, Ellen, I am but I can’t take a chance. With both of you fighting, it could get in the way. Maybe in a few days or so things will calm down and he’ll see you should be working with him.”

“No.” Ellen shook her head. “I have to sit.” Gliding her hand downward to the couch, she used it as support as she sat. “He really meant that?”

Joe nodded solemnly.

“I can’t believe it. I’m not a part of it anymore.” Her eyes told the truth of how upset she was. “I worked so hard, Joe, I really worked hard. He doesn’t want me there anymore?” she said in shock.

“I’m sorry sweetheart.” Joe sat next to her and rested his hand on her knee. “Maybe he’ll see, in a little bit, how much he needs you and he . . .”

“No!” Ellen stood up and ranted so unexpectedly and so bitterly. “I don’t care if he needs me. He can do it without me. All of it. Every aspect of his miserable life.” She stormed to the steps. “I refuse to ever help him again. How can he do this? How can he be like this?” She took the stairs. “We’ll see who needs who and who comes begging. I guarantee I won’t be the beggar.” She stopped mid steps. “Guarantee, Joe. He can kiss my ass for all I care!” Ellen let out a soft, high pitch growl and stomped the rest of the way up the stairs.

Joe shook his head in disgust as he stood up. “This is ridiculous, really ridiculous.

“Yes it is,” Frank agreed. “She acted like Alex stomping up the steps like that.”

“No Frank, not that. This Dean and Ellen situation. Out of the blue they are at each other’s throat.”

“Bound to happen,” Franks stated with fact.

“Bound to happen? Why do you say that? They divorced and didn’t fight like that.”

“What have I been saying all along? He’s got that little-man attitude,. She has that little-woman attitude and, just like the two toughest kids on the block are always bound to end up tangling, so are the smallest as well.” Frank picked up his glass and stared at its emptiness in disappointment.

“None of this bothers you?”

“Nope. Happiest day of my life them not working together anymore. Hell, I’m so fuckin happy I feel like singing.”

“Good, I’m glad this makes you happy, Frank. Just don’t be so happy you feel like drinking.”

“Nah.” Frank tilted his empty glass more knowing he was trying to hide the truth from his father and the truth was, for as much as he wanted to jump up and down in a gloating Frank manner, he wanted that drink even more. The fact that he couldn’t, made his desire for it even worse.

<><><><>

Henry made a crinkling face as his lips swished from one side of his face to the other. He looked at Ellen while he did this face, over and over.

“You don’t like it?” she asked, sitting in the chair next to his bed.

Henry held up one finger and placed another spoon full of the red substance into his mouth. Again he made the swishing face. “No.” He handed the bowl back. “It tastes like hot ketchup.”

“It’s supposed to be tomato soup,” Ellen stated. “Trish made it.”

“There you have it, El. Ever since they recreated ketchup, everything she makes is based with ketchup. Ask Jeff. All he does is complain.”

“Well, what should I tell her, Henry? She wants to contribute that as the soup for the wedding.”

“Let her. Don’t hurt her feelings.”

“Oh, O.K.” Ellen set the bowl on the night stand. “It was a fun meeting tonight, Henry. The women went on and on about what they are going to do. In fact, Trish and Jenny said that Cole can stop by Miles City after his run and pick up the tuxes.”

Henry coughed. “Tuxes?”

“Oh sure. I have to wear a dress. You guys have to wear tuxes. I picked the wedding party since you kept changing the subject on me before the meeting.”

“El, stop. Okay? This is all fun, but it’s fun and games. Each day that goes by this thing gets real. It’s real to them. How are they gonna feel when all their work is for naught?’

“I told you, Henry, if it’s not us, it’ll be someone else. And … and I was thinking. I ran this by Frank. What if I spoke to Reverend Bob about secretly making it a mock ceremony.”

“Sort of like what happened before only not an accident?”

“Yes.”

“No.” Henry shook his head. “Plan the wedding then we’ll have Frank run interference. The planning seems fun and you are getting close to Jenny.”

“I am. It feels nice to be a part.”

“Ok, back to the wedding. I’m afraid to ask. Who are your bridesmaids?” Henry asked.

“Only two. I thought we’d go with an ‘original’ scheme. Jenny liked that. So, Andrea is one of them, and . . .” Ellen snickered. “Jenny is my, get this Frank will love it, my matron of honor.”

“What?”

“Yeah, yeah.” Ellen nodded with a smile. “Wait, it gets better. Frank is her partner because he’s best man. Joe is the other guy in your wedding party.”

“Frank, the best man? No El, you can’t do that,” Henry said with concern. “That is so wrong.”

“Why is that wrong? Is he not your best friend?”

“Well sure he is but . . .”

“Then he should be your best man,” Ellen spoke quickly. “Ben told Jenny that he’ll measure you guys and, as long as Cole picks sizes in the vicinity, he can tailor them to fit. I hope you’re not mad about Joe being in the wedding party.”

“I’m still stuck on Frank.” Henry closed his eyes tightly. “It’s wrong to have him be the best man in our wedding. That is so wrong to do to him. It’s like rubbing it in his face even if it doesn’t happen.”

The smile dropped from Ellen’s face. “I’m sorry. You’re right.” She was quiet for a second. “Oh well, I’ll talk to him. Getting back,” she smiled again.

Henry raised his hand and let it drop with a slap. “I give up. Next thing you know you’re going to tell me Dean is in the wedding.”

“I don’t want Dean anywhere near the wedding whether it be mock for us or real for someone else.” Ellen was very serious.

“Another fight?”

“The last fight,” Ellen stated. “In fact, I’m not even working with him anymore. I’ve been replaced with Jason.”

“No. That is so wrong, El.”

“I know and he’s so mad at me for no really good reason. I’ve done worse to him. Believe me, I’ve done worse.” She shrugged. “But he shut me out and now I’m shutting him out as well.”

“Until he needs you when his sight goes.”

“Not even then, Henry.”

“El.” Henry turned on his side to look closer at her. “You two have been working on this so you can help him. Work with him. Be his eyes.”

“He’s gonna have to find another Seeing Eye dog because I won’t do it. I won’t. In my book Dean Hayes means as much to me, no, less than any survivor we pick up.”

This made Henry feel badly. With all that was going on, he didn’t know who to feel worse for. As far as he was concerned, they were acting like babies and both Dean and Ellen were feeding off of each other in some sort of competition to see who could make who feel worse. At that moment, if Dean was winning in his score card, Ellen’s words just evened it up, because neither Henry or Ellen realized that Dean was standing right outside of Henry’s door when she said that

Dean turned away. He stopped by to see Henry after helping Andrea with an emergency at the clinic because he needed little help. But he didn’t get his help, because Dean never went into that room. He had suddenly needed Henry’s eyes for a chart, but he merely took it to his lab and hoped the next day his eyes wouldn’t be so tired and he’d be able to focus in more on the spaces he couldn’t see to fill in.

<><><><>

Frank’s loud ‘uh!’ startled Ellen to scream just as loudly as him the second she turned on the light in the bedroom.

“El!” Frank raised up his body some, rubbing his eyes. “The light!”

“God you scared me.” She held her chest. “What are you doing in bed?”

“Fuckin trying to sleep. What else would I be doing in bed?”

“But I thought that was you sleeping on the couch.”

“No, that was Johnny. His air conditioner is broken.”

“Johnny?” Ellen giggled. “I thought that was you. He looks just like you. Wow.” The smiled slightly dropped from her face. “I did see you ended up with all the kids. How did that happen?”

“Dean had to go to the clinic with Andrea. One of Cole’s kids, I don’t know which one, broke their leg. Andrea had to do surgery.”

“Dean was at the clinic? Funny, I didn’t see the prick.”

Frank grinned. “Little people are often hard to spot.”

“We have a house full then.”

“That we do.” Frank reached back, adjusted his pillows then plopped backwards onto the backboard pile. “You getting ready for bed?”

“Yeah, I’m tired.” She opened her drawer and pulled out a shirt and shorts. “It’s later than I thought. I stopped by to talk to Henry at the clinic then, on my way here, I saw Joe and we talked for a little. Joe was doing that lecture thing to me, you know. Then he changed the subject to the meeting, because he knew he was getting nowhere with me talking about Dean. I nominated him for king of the dartboard next month” She yawned. “Oh, man. I’m more tired than I thought. We should sleep.” She walked over to the bed and pulled down the other side of the covers.

Frank sat straight up. “What are you doing?”

“Getting in. What’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing. Why are you sleeping in bed with me?”

“Where else am I going to sleep?” Ellen started to lift her leg into bed but stopped. “I’m sorry. I’ll go sleep with Alex.”

“No, you can sleep here.” Frank moved over more.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.” He laid back then rolled on his side to face her as she climbed in. He watched as her leg crept out further from that shirt she wore as she slid in. “Shit.”

“What?”

“Was that Nick?” Frank sat up again. “I think that was Nick.”

“I didn’t hear anything.”

“No, that was Nick.”

“Frank.” Ellen adjusted the covers over herself. “It wasn’t Nick. Lay down and go to sleep.”

“All right.” He swallowed and looked at her, then lay back down. “Night El.”

“Night Frank.” She laid on her side. “Turn out the light.”

“Shit.”

“What’s wrong now?”

“My radio is next to you.”

“I’ll get it.”

“No, I can get it.” Reaching for the radio, he extended his long reach across her body to the night stand. “Night, El.”

“Night, Frank.” In the darkness there was silence, and then she felt him shuffling, the covers moved about, the bed bounced and then Ellen heard him snicker. “What?”

“I can’t sleep.” He sat up and turned on her light. “Can you?”

“Yes.”

“Come on El.”

“What do you have in mind? And don’t say sex.”

“Scrabble?”

“Frank,” she whined his name.

“No, I know I can beat you.”

“You’re not going to cheat?”

“Nope.” He flung the covers from him. “Maybe we can talk. You can tell me all about your meeting.” He moved to the door.

“Really? You really want to hear?”

“No not really, but if Henry can listen, why can’t I?” He opened the door.

“Gee Frank thanks.” She fluffed her pillow. “Bring me something to drink.”

Frank popped his head back in the door. “I will.” In his boxer shorts, he headed to his steps. He kept his arms folded closely to him to block out the coldness in his home. Of course that was the way Frank liked it. He was quiet as he made it through the first floor and to the kitchen, being careful not to wake up Johnny. He turned on the kitchen light and grabbed the board game that had fast become Ellen and Frank’s new nightly routine while she stayed there. He set it on the counter and opened up the cupboard for glasses. He took them out then opened the fridge to get Ellen and him some of that tea she had made. Pouring the glass near full, he put back the tea, tucked the game under his arm, and grabbed the two glasses. As he reached to flick off the light with his elbow, he stopped. He stood for a few seconds in the doorway and then he turned back in. Setting the glasses down along with the game, he went back to the cupboard. Without a second thought, like it was something so natural, he pulled out his bottle and added a shots worth of moonshine to his glass of tea.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

JULY 15

Robbie could barely lift his arms another inch. He had carried the last body he could outside to the graves he had taken all night to dig. Eight men total were now gone and seven more remained, himself included. As the days moved on, all had gone out of remission and relapsed. Robbie was bombarded. He was encircled with illness in every direction he looked. He tried to keep up appearances when the helicopter lowered the supplies and picked up the crate Robbie had waiting. He thought he did well. Perhaps Frank didn’t see it on his face as he kept a further distance than usual. He had to. He didn’t want them to see his weakness, his longing to be out of the situation he was in. He was a Slagel and he had to be strong, no matter what. But the truth was Robbie Slagel’s dreams of going home became like that helicopter that flew away. They faded more and more with each passing minute.

<><><><>

His fingers rapped with enthusiasm and excitement on the yellowing paper he held. Impressed was the smiling look George gave the doctor who sat at the table before him, a radio in one hand, a pen in the other. “Brilliant, absolutely brilliant.”

“It’s only Morse code.”

“Yes, but it is a way to communicate with all of our men in the field.” George read the message again. “This seems like it’s missing something,”

“It is,” Dr. Philips told him. “We came in mid message, but according to what we planned, they’ll repeat the message every fifteen minutes for an hour. I’ll just monitor the radio until then.”

“What about my other guards?”

“Only two have CME’s that can transmit Morse code. They’re due in three hours with their transmission.”

“This makes me very happy.” George laid the paper down, grinning ear to ear. “Totally barbaric and less the technology we have, but smart. Now we can communicate with our men without Beginnings being able to pick it up, or be any the wiser that it is happening.”

<><><><>

“Yes! I fuckin’ knew it!” Frank slammed his hand on his father’s desk with a wide smile and such excitement. “Yes!”

“That’s what it is?” Joe asked, putting out the cigarette he puffed on frantically.

“Yep. I knew there wasn’t anything wrong with my headset. I kept hearing that beeping in my ear when I made my rounds. Beep, beep-beep.” Frank rocked back and forth as he sat in Joe’s chair.

“So who’s sending it?” Joe asked.

“Obviously it’s George. It has to be right? Who else would know the communications room wasn’t picking up that signal… him. Only the dumb mother fucker didn’t think my radio would pick it up. Ha! I got it. We got it, and as long as we’re smart and not say a word to anyone about this, we can find out exactly what they’re up to, not just where they are.”

“An upper hand.”

“Finally! Since the little fuckin virus set up they tossed at our men, we haven’t had a signal. The longer we go without finding them, the more I feel they’re getting closer.”

“Speaking of which,” Joe pulled up a chair and sat down, “how are we set up for that?”

“Them arriving here?” Frank shrugged. “Getting there. We need a first response system, something besides our reconnaissance that will see them coming. If we do that, I don’t care how big they are. We’ll kick their asses.”

“But, this could be a first response, right, this Morse code they’re sending?”

“Could be. Only . . .”

“Only what?”

“Only, it doesn’t make sense.” Frank picked up the paper he had written his translation on. “I think they’re speaking in code.”

“Yeah, Morse code.”

“No code. Or German, something like that.”

“German?” Joe questioned and held his hand out. “Let me see that.” He took the paper from Frank. “What is this? You have written here, ‘Ta esa yluzogt og ta toll na baes nazobbobtz’ what the hell is this shit?” Joe jumped to his feet.

“I told you, it’s written in code.”

“Written in code my ass, Frank. You don’t remember Morse code, do you?”

“Yeah I do.” Frank stood up.

“No, you don’t you moron.”

“Hey!”

“Don’t hey me. You don’t remember it, do you?”

“Give me a fuckin break. It’s been forever since I decoded it. All right, so I’m a little rusty.”

“Rusty.” Joe viewed the paper. “Now are you sure these dashes and dots are what they’re supposed to be.”

“I’m sure about that.”

“O.K., then I’ll get someone to decode this.”

“Who?” Frank asked. “You have to be careful on who you get to do this.”

“Well I think I know who I can give this to. Cole. We trust him and he won’t say anything to Matoose about it.”

“Does he know how to decode?”

“Well I’m sure he’ll do a lot better than you. Besides, we’ll find him something that will help him. Where, I don’t know.”

Before Frank could make any more comments, there was a light knock at the door. “Must be Dean. Watch, I’ll ask him how he and Ellen are.” Frank motioned his head to the door. “Yeah!”

The door opened and as predicted by Frank, it was Dean. “Joe, Frank, glad you’re both here.”

Joe saw it, the look on Dean’s face, it was fright. And Joe knew Frank saw it too, because his son didn’t say anything snide. “What’s wrong Dean? Did something happen at the lab, you were there.”

“You could say that.” Dean shut the door and took a deep breath, his one hand held back his growing hair. “I have to tell you something, both of you. Sit down.” He motioned his hand to the chairs. “Please, because this isn’t going to be good.”

<><><><>

Henry walked as if he were never ill. The bandages on his hand had been removed and the purple healing burn was the only remnant of his accident. He wanted to be home in his own bed, his own house, his own room. He thought they’d be going back to Frank’s to be with the baby, but instead he got his wish when he was released from the clinic. He went home.

“Hap is dropping off Nick in a few minutes, Henry.” Ellen set his bag down by the front door as she shut it. “Are you tired? Did you want to lie down?”

“No.” He shook his head with a smile. “This is great. I feel really good, El. Thank you for staying here with me.” He turned to face her as she stepped near where he stood behind the couch.

“I don’t want you being alone.”

“How was staying with Frank?”

“Weird.” Ellen took hold of his arm and led him to the couch. “It was so much like . . . never mind.” She sat down at the same time as him.

“What?”

“Forget I said anything.”

“It was like when you were married huh?” Henry’s head lowered and his eyes rose.

“No!” Ellen waved her hand at him. “That’s not what I was going to say. It was like when he and I were more buddies than anything else. No pressure, just friends. Except for the other night when there was nowhere to sleep and I had to sleep in bed with him, of course I told you about that little incident.”

“Hey at least you kicked his ass in Scrabble.”

“I did.”

“El, is Nick staying here tonight with us?”

“No.” She shook her head. “We’ll take care of him for most of the evening. But let’s face it, Henry, I’m not a get up and get the baby person in the middle of the night, and neither are you. Frank doesn’t mind. He loves Nick.”

“That’s good. With me getting hurt the day after Nick got came home, I’m not in good practice. I need to practice, El.”

“And you shall, when Hap brings him over. Personally Henry, I saw the look in Hap’s eye when he was staring at our tiny baby. You know what he was thinking of?”

“Being a new father himself.”

“Or old.” Ellen giggled. “Poor Trish.”

“Will Frank be coming over tonight? Did he say anything to you about it?”

“I don’t know. I would assume he would. He doesn’t trust us with the baby yet.” She leaned into him. “I can’t say I blame him. Why? Do you need to talk to him? Can’t you do it when you two do your secret thing this afternoon?”

“I don’t need to talk to him. Actually, I need to talk to you. Can I talk to you about Frank before he gets here?” Henry turned his body on the couch to face her.

“Sure. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Henry shook his head then rested his hand on hers. “I just wanted to let you know, it’s O.K.” He nodded slowly.

“O.K.?”

“Yes. I actually am happy it’s going that way.”

“What are you talking about, Henry?”

“Well the fact that you and Dean are no more and you and Frank are getting there again.”

“Stop.” Ellen covered his mouth. “You’re talking about an understanding with Frank again. Aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“No? Why?”

“Because we haven’t even talked about that and I like the way Frank and I are right now. You think an understanding between the three of us is the best way to go? You, me and Frank? Henry, think about it.”

“I have. I’ve thought about it a lot. I know I told you I’d never influence you, but that’s how I want it, El. I really feel that it’s the right way to be. It’s how we started out and we share a child together. I get you as a companion, he gets you …”

“Henry.”

“I don’t understand El. You love him. He’s been your best friend forever. What’s the problem?”

“Why are you doing this to me?”

“Doing what? I want you to be happy.”

“I am happy, Henry,” she laid her hand on his face. “I don’t know if I want a real relationship to complicate things.” She heard the knock at the door. “And that would be Hap. I’ll get it.”

“El.” He grabbed her hand as she stood up.

“I know.” Her head dropped. “And can we not talk about sharing me.” She moved to the door. “I swear sometimes you just don’t want to have the responsibility of having me to yourself the way you wanna push me off. And to Frank too.” She reached for the door and stopped. She waved her hand when she heard the other knock. “Henry, do you realize it wouldn’t be giving him twelve hours with me? You know that. He’d never settle for that. He’d want more.”

“I know. Things can be worked out.”

“Oh stop. They cannot.” She ignored yet another knock at the door. She reached again for the door knob. “And we’ll talk about this later.” She took a breath, opened the door and saw Dean. Without hesitation, she slammed the door shut on him.

“Who was that?” Henry turned around as she walked back to the couch.

“Dean.”

“Ellen, stop that.” Henry got up.

“No, Henry, don’t let him in.”

“El!” Shaking his head he opened the door. “Come on in, Dean.” He held the door open. “What’s up?”

“I need to speak to Ellen.”

Henry motioned his hand to Ellen who was on the couch.

“El.” Dean walked to her.

“Though Henry is now a traitor and letting you in, I just want to let you know you’re not welcome here.”

“El, listen.” He sat down on the couch. He held a small green canvass bag.

“How’s Jason working out? He and his shaking hands,” she said with sarcasm.

“El,” Dean tried to talk.

“I hope he smokes you out.” She folded her arms.

“El, shut up and listen,” Dean scolded.

“Henry!” Ellen gasped. “Don’t let him talk to me like that.”

“Dean.” Henry moved to the couch. “Be nice.”

Dean held up his hand and calmed himself. “You’re pissing me off, Ellen, this is important and I wanted to be the one to come to you.” He handed her the green bag. “Jason and I . . .” He paused when he heard her tsk. “Jason and I opened the crate Robbie sent. This was in it for you.”

Ellen looked oddly at the green bag. “This?”

“Yes.” Dean handed her a folded note. “This note was pinned to the bag.”

Ellen took the note reading it out loud. “Ellen, I really wanted you to have this stuff now. I really did. I guess all of it is my way to let you know you are always on my mind, no matter what. I miss you El. I love you. Robbie.” Ellen set the note down. “I don’t like the tone.” She unzipped the bag. It was filled with small items. “What is this?”

“As near as I can tell, it’s all the things he picked you up while he was out there running around.” Dean reached his hand in. “The nail polish gave it away. He always gets you that.”

“But why?” Ellen took the bottle from Dean’s hand, as she did her eyes caught his. “Why, Dean?”

Dean swallowed harshly. “El.” He took his eyes from Ellen’s only to look up at Henry who stood behind the couch. “I wanted to be the one to tell you this.”

“Tell me what?” Her voice took on concern as she saw his hesitation and his shifting eyes. “Quit stalling. What is it?”

Dean’s jaw twitched as he reached into his back pocket and pulled out a sheet up paper rolled up. “El, I’m sorry.” He handed it to her. “Read this.”

Slowly Ellen took the paper and unrolled it. “Robbie’s report.” The second her eyes laid upon it reading it, her hands began to shake and her heart dropped. “Oh my God.”

ROBBIE’S REPORT

Date: JULY 15

Patients Name: Robbie Slagel

Date of first symptoms: July 15th Time of Onset: 9:15 a.m.

Body Temp: 104 Headache: Yes Swollen Glands: Yes

Appearance of skin: Pale Touch of skin: Dry, hot

Is patient conscious? Yes Is patient alert? Yes

Any discoloring of skin? Some Describe: purple under eyes

Blistering of skin? No Body cavity bleeding: No

Convulsions: No Nausea: Yes Congestion: None

Vomiting: No Dizziness: Yes Can patient talk: yes

NOTES:

Dean, I’m sorry. I thought I was careful, I guess I wasn’t. I’ll try to keep these reports going but I don’t know for how long. I don’t know how much I can do or how much longer I can help my men. They’re bad now Dean, and, I’ll be like them before long. Good luck, we kept it out. Huh? Robbie

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

A hush took over the filled social hall as Joe stepped before every single adult in Beginnings that night. It was quiet, a few sniffles were heard. Not a child was present; it wasn’t good for them to be there. All of the children at that moment were in the care of Denny, Josh, and the only teenage girl in the community. A lot for them to handle, but Joe would join them soon at the school. Andrea and he were removing themselves from the meeting. Joe would go, but not without saying what he had to say first.

“I want to uh . . . thank you all for showing up here on such short notice. We won’t keep you long. I’m sure you’ve heard through the gossip what this meeting is about. So I don’t have to tell you. Just so all of you know, this is not a council decision, it is a community decision. All of you live, work, and raise your families here and that is why it is in your hands. As a leader of the community, I have to follow what the people I lead want. If I didn’t do what was in their best interest, that wouldn’t make me much of a leader. This decision you will make tonight, is yours. I know council takes your opinion on issues, and votes accordingly but not this time. This is much more than whether or not distribution should be open later on Thursdays. This is life or death. This . . . is your decision. In all fairness, because of why we asked you here, not only council, but the remaining originals as well will not vote on this. There is too much of a personal stake in it. Andrea and I are leaving.” He motioned his hand to Andrea. “We trust you’ll make the decision you see fit for the place you live. We hold no grudges on any decision that is made. And I, as head council assure you we will uphold what you decide. Because of the nature of this vote, majority will not rule. It must be unanimous for or we go against. Henry will be here to legitimize the vote. Andrea.”

Andrea stood up sadly and took Joe’s hand. Led out, she stopped through the aisle of chairs. “Just let me say something to you all before you make a decision. Listen to Dean. Look into your hearts and before you refuse to raise your hand, ask yourself why you are here in the first place. In Beginnings.” Gripping her other hand over Joe’s as well, she walked out of the social hall with him.

All eyes looked at Dean as he slowly stood from his folding chair. He was nervous and his insides shook. He knew what he wanted to say and he was wishing at that moment that he had written it all down, because a part of him was drawing a blank. “As a scientist I think the best way to say this to you all is to be factual. So, I think that’s how I’ll have to be.” He looked down at the floor then back up to the faces. “Nearly three weeks ago, fourteen of our men plus two survivors that they had picked up were exposed to a virus. All of you know this. It was a general consensus that they not be permitted into Beginnings with this virus for fear of it. Understandable. That’s sixteen men. Where would we keep them with a virus we knew nothing about? Right?” Dean shrugged. “I know for a fact, that we would need more care givers then we could quarantine. Because of that, the chance of the virus spreading, no matter how careful, increased. So they did not come in. They stayed outside our walls, ten miles or so away with this virus. Let me tell you about this virus. It hits the immune and digestive systems both. Total body breakdown within two weeks of exposure. It is not airborne like the plague that wiped out our world. It is a blood borne pathogen spread through contact. It isn’t as easy to catch as the common cold, but it’s deadly. I’m not gonna kid you. How you catch it is to come in close contact with an infected individual. Sharing a glass, a kiss, touching this person too much without washing your hands afterward. Coming in contact with any and all body secretions. Blood borne.” Dean talked slowly as he paced about. “We’ve worked with this virus, Ellen and I, for months. This is the same virus that we are trying right now to stop from invading us in our future. There is only two ways to stop this future virus. One is to send our men out to stop those who will release it on us. Or two, cure it. We’re not close, we need to be close. We need to know if what we have is working or failing. Because of our search for the cure we have a basis for what we ask you. Sixteen men came down with the virus. As of two hours ago, five men remain. All of which are ill. We can contain five men, safely and assuredly without any risk to any of you of exposure. I’m not gonna lie to you, one of those men is Robbie. Robbie is an original and to us originals, he is our brother. I want him in this community and I want the other four with him . . . in this community. Besides the fact that we can learn from them, we can try to beat this thing through them. There are so few of them left, safety can no longer be an issue for bringing them in. Let’s open our gate to them, let’s bring them home.”

Pete, one of the survivors stood up. “How can you say for certain that Robbie and his men aren’t the ones that started the plague in the future?”

“I can’t,” Dean answered.

“Then how can you justify asking us to let them in? It isn’t safe.”

“It is safe,” Dean told him. “I can stake my life on it. I know. For months Ellen and I have been working with this. Have any of you gotten ill? How about the other viruses I work on? We practice safe handling and I can tell you we are a hundred times more cautious then what they were in the old world.”

“Excuse me Dr. Hayes,” Pete continued, “but this is bull shit. This has nothing to do with science, does it? This has everything to do with Robbie Slagel.”

Before Dean could comment, Ellen did. She had been standing off to the side with Frank and she stepped forward. “It does. At least for me it does. It’s no holds-barred here. I want Robbie in this community. That is why I am here. That is my soul purpose for trying to get all of you to raise your hands to let him and the others in.”

She was a silent woman, never saying much, but Sara wanted to speak her peace. “You don’t care about the others do you, Ellen?”

“To be honest, caring about Robbie has nothing to do with it. Robbie has a virus that can kill him. If he dies, he of all people doesn’t deserve to die outside of his home.”

“And the others did,” Sara said. “I lost one of my partners to this virus out there. He didn’t deserve to die outside his home either. What makes Robbie Slagel so special that we should take a chance and let him in?”

“What?” Ellen shook her head with shock at her. “How can you, of all people ask that, Sara? You, Pete, every single one of you have a home because of Robbie. I know what all of you were like when you arrived. I worked with you. I saw first-hand and I knew what you lived like out there. Food? Did you have it at your beck and call? Medical attention. Clothes on your back. Heat when the weather got bitter? No. And I don’t want to hear it, because most of you, plain and simple and cold, waited outside, in that world, for it to be handed back to you. Well it wasn’t gonna be handed to you. You learned you have to work for it. And by God, all of you work for it, all of us. But let it be known, when it came to you, those who came to Beginnings after we built it, Robbie worked a little harder for you than any of us. He let you in. He fought for you, and taught you how to live in a civilized world again. For a lot of you, you wouldn’t still be here if it wasn’t for Robbie. You’d be starving or dead outside and that’s the harsh truth. Take it.” Ellen held her head up. “Pete, you’re arguing. You were one of the biggest trouble makers we had come into containment. Who didn’t you fight with in there? You showed such violent tendencies that even the survivors in there wanted you out. What happened? Robbie fought for you, he worked with you. Why? He liked you. He saw something in you no one else saw. And he was right. Sara, you have attitude about it. Why? You had reason to be thrown out also. You stabbed Robbie remember? During a social skills class when you first got here, you stabbed him when he looked over your shoulder at what you were cutting. I remember him fighting with council over it, telling them about what you went through before you came here and to give you one more chance. They did. Here you are.” Ellen stared about the faces of the survivors in the room. “I took a poll of the originals. We stood unanimous in our vote to let Robbie back in. I’m asking all of you, every one of you, to take the same stand. It’s only right. It’s Robbie. Robbie.” She said his name with passion. “You know him well. If you let him die outside of these walls then trust me it is a sin on all of you for turning your backs on the man who helped you the most in here. I’m not Joe. Trust me, I’m not Joe. I do hold grudges. Raise your hands, all of you. Cole, Ben, Dan, they will. The rest of you should too.” Knowing there was no more to be said Ellen began to walk back to Frank. She ignored Dean’s reaching hand and walked straight into Frank’s arms that extended to her the moment she met him.

Frank held her tight whispering close to her ear. “No matter what, know that you did good up there. You tried better than anyone.”

Ellen closed her eyes and buried her head in his chest.

Henry stood up “I . . . I need a show of hands. Please raise them of you think we should let Robbie and the others in.”

Ellen didn’t want to look, but she knew by the loosening of Frank’s grip and the soft spoken, ‘no, please’ he mumbled, that things were not good. She pulled from the embrace and looked around at the room. Aside from Cole, Dan, and Ben only about twenty others raised their hands up. “No.” Ellen looked at them. She heard Henry get ready to speak, she spun to him. “No Henry, don’t finalize it.”

“El.” Henry threw his hands up. “The vote was cast.”

“No.” She shook her head. “Raise your hands!” She shouted to them. “Now!”

Frank reached forward to pull back an upset Ellen. “El, come on.”

“No.” She swatted away his hand. “Dan, Ben, Cole and the rest of you who said ‘yes’. Thank you. Thank you so much for that. But the rest of you . . .” In her anger she spat fire through her eyes at them. “The rest of you who failed to raise your hands, you better lower your heads, because you just delivered a slap in the face to us originals. If this plague does end up crossing our soil, I hope to God I personally watch each and every one of you suffer.”

“El!” With a scold, Frank said her name as she stormed quickly by him from the social hall. She slammed her little body past and into everyone she moved by on her loud and known exit. He took a second to take a breath and then he followed her out. “Ellen!” He called to her as she moved up the street. “El.” He caught up to her.

“Leave me alone, Frank.”

“No. Look, the vote didn’t go your way. I’m crushed too, but talking like that isn’t going to help.”

“I don’t give shit, Frank.”

“Well give a shit, El. We live with these people. We stand with these people and we’re gonna have to fight our enemy side by side with these people.”

“It’s Robbie, Frank.”

“I know it’s Robbie.” His hand rested on her face. “He’s my brother El. My heart is broken. But don’t think for one second Robbie wouldn’t vote no to keep him out. He would. If he thought there was a chance, no matter how small, that what he had could spread, he wouldn’t want in. I know him.”

“I do too. And that’s why I want him back home.” Ellen turned her back and continued her march off.

“El.”

“Just leave me alone Frank.” Her voice faded as she moved down the street. “Just leave me alone.”

<><><><>

Henry watched the drink in Frank’s hand more then he paid attention to anything else. He watched as the glass would empty and then refill. How many times? How many drinks? He looked at his watch when he heard the knock at Frank’s front door. He hesitated getting up when he saw Frank reach for the bottle again. Though he had seen Frank drink before, this was the first time he really saw that he was drinking heavily. “I’ll get it.” Henry moved to the door and away from a silent Frank. “Dean?” Henry said his name in surprise when he opened it.

“Hi Henry.” Dean walked in. “Can I speak to Ellen?”

Quickly, Henry looked back at Frank who stood up. “She’s not here, Dean. She said she went to find you.”

Curiously Dean looked around. “I’ve been home. How long ago did she leave here?”

Henry checked the time again. “Half hour. Shit.”

Frank walked over to them. “I’ll find her.”

“Frank,” Dean stopped him. “Do you mind if I do? I think I know where she probably went to look for me.”

“Dean.” Frank sounded ready to argue. “I think I should . . .”

“Come on,” Dean spoke with reason. “If she’s not there, I promise I’ll radio you. O.K.? But I’m certain she is there.”

Frank, who had his hand raised in an argument mode, lowered it. “Radio me. I mean it!” He pointed and stepped back to sit on the couch.

“Thanks.” Dean watched him then turned to Henry. “I’ll let you guys know.”

Henry held the door open for Dean as he left. After shutting it he saw Frank get up. “Where you going?”

“Following him.”

“Frank, no.” Henry stopped him. “You’ve been drinking heavily. Don’t. O.K.? Besides the fact that you get mad easier when you drink, Ellen will kill you.”

“I want to know if she’s O.K. Henry. And I’m not drunk.”

“I know you’re not. But you’re upset, and she’s upset. I don’t want you upset with each other,” Henry reasoned. “Just wait here. I’ll . . . I’ll follow Dean.”

“All right.” Frank’s shoulders dropped and he walked over and plopped on the couch. “Let me know as soon as possible. Please.”

“I will.” Henry walked to the door he paused before he left. “Frank, are you all right to be alone with the baby if he needs you?”

“I’m fine.” Frank brought his drink to his lips. “Just go.”

Wondering if he should, Henry justified leaving to the fact he wouldn’t be gone long. He hesitated just once more and then he left to catch up to Dean who was well down the street ahead of him.

<><><><>

Ellen was exactly where he thought she’d be. Only she wasn’t doing what Dean thought she would be doing--looking for him. She scurried so fast around the mobile lab, she didn’t even notice she left the door open. She had a small duffel bag, it was laid open on the counter and she’d walk to it, drop something and then move to another part in the lab. “What are you doing Ellen?

Ellen jumped when she heard the startle of Dean’s voice. “I’m busy.”

“You’re packing up meds. What are you doing?” Dean walked into the lab.

“I’m leaving.”

“Beginnings?”

“Yep.” She stated and returned to get another vial. “I’ll be back, but I won’t be back until I make Robbie well.

“You can’t do that.”

“Then I’ll try. I’ll try with everything I have. But I’ll try.”

“Ellen, look you . . .”

“Dean!” Her hand slammed on the counter. “Leave me alone.”

“What are you going to do? Go out there by yourself?”

“Yes. I have to.”

“How?”

“I have it all figured out. The Jeep will be charged by dawn. Dan is working the back gate. Frank doesn’t hit the back gate until after seven. Dan said he’d let me out. I’m going to be with Robbie. I have to.”

“Ellen, I know why you want to do this.”

“Do you?” She faced him her expression was so desperate. “I can’t leave him alone out there Dean. I can’t. He stood by me and helped me when this fucked up world ended. Now I’m going to stand by him and help him now. And there’s nothing you can do about it.” She zipped up the bag.

“Yes there is.” Dean unzipped the bag. “I can go with you.” He began to examine what she put in there.

“What?”

“I’ll go with you, El. I want to help him too. And you don’t have the new anti-serum in here at all. I’ll get it.”

“Dean.” She grabbed his hand as he walked by her. “You don’t have to.”

“Like you . . . yeah I do.” He nodded.

She watched him move about the lab looking for things. “It’s a shame. We work out here, or at least I used to and we worked with the virus. They said nothing about it. What would be the difference if we worked on Robbie out here? It’s the same thing and they wouldn’t even know he was here.” Her face suddenly lit up at the same time Dean stopped moving and he faced her.

“You’re not thinking . . .”

“I am.”

“So am I.” Dean rushed to her. “Can we?”

“We’d have to do it early, really early before Frank or Joe could figure it out. We’d have to stock this place and do it tonight. We’ll need food and supplies for the mobile. Because once we’re in, we’re in until we prove it’s safe for us to leave.”

“We’ll have consequences to face.”

“Maybe not.” Ellen said. “Besides, all we have to do is get him into the lab. Any punishment we face will wait. Because you know and I know they won’t touch us or throw us out, at least for a few days.”

Dean ran his fingers through his hair. “Can we? Should we?”

“We can. We should,” Ellen stated.

“You can’t and you shouldn’t.” The third voice entered the room and spoke… Henry. “What are you guys doing?” He asked as he joined them. “I heard you. You can’t do that. You can’t. It’s wrong. What were you going to do, bring Robbie in here and disappear into quarantine for a week? Didn’t you think I would notice? Or Frank? You can’t do this. I can’t let you do this.”

“Henry.” Ellen looked at him. “We are doing this. Either we bring him in here or we stay outside the walls with him. Either or, I go to Robbie. I have to go to him.” Ellen, with Dean’s help unpacked the bag she had stuffed. “We’ll need a gun, Dean, if we’re going out there. Or do you think we can just use one of the ones Robbie has.”

“We’ll need one.”

“Stop!” Henry yelled. “Aren’t you hearing me? I’m on council, El. I can’t let you do this.”

“Then don’t.” Ellen told him. “Don’t let us. We have it all set up.”

“But I know about it. I have to do something,” Henry said.

“You can.” Ellen walked to him. “You can turn the other cheek.”

Henry closed his eyes and let out a breath. He knew he was being ignored. He listened and watched Dean and Ellen get things ready and make up a list of items they would need to pull off that they were about to embark on. A part of him knew why they were doing it, a big part of him. Henry had a choice. He could let them go or he could try to stop them. Telling Joe would only ensure that Ellen and Dean would just go and stay outside the walls with Robbie. To Henry, that was a worse move than bringing Robbie in. It was at that moment Henry discovered he had a third choice and that choice was not to stand in their way but to help them. Help them to do it right and safe. As Dean and Ellen began to prepare the lab, Henry weighed his choices.

<><><><>

Henry wasn’t gone long, half hour tops. There was a nervous feeling that crept inside Henry as he walked into Frank’s home. Perhaps it was because he knew something that Frank did not. Something Frank should have known, but couldn’t, not yet.

“Did you find her?” Frank asked Henry the moment he stepped in and he was trying to be quiet too.

“Uh . . . yeah.” Henry shut the door and stepped further in the house. “It’s cold in here, Frank.”

“Where was she?”

“At the lab.”

Frank nodded “Which one? There’s fuckin three of them.”

“Mobile.” Henry walked around the couch to where he sat.

“Is she coming home soon?

What he wanted to tell Frank was, ‘probably not. Not until late because see, Frank, they’re taking all the food from Dean’s house to the mobile... from my house too. Also they have a secret meeting with one of your trusted security guys to break out without notice and break Robbie back in.’

“Henry!” Frank barked. “Is she coming home soon?”

“Soon. She said not to wait up.”

“I need to wait up. I need to see her.”

“How about I leave her a note and tell her to wake you.” Henry though that was a good suggestion, and that would satisfy him.

“I’ll wait up. I mean how long could she be?”

“A week maybe?”

“What?”

Henry gave a fake laugh. “Joking.” He sat down on the couch. Suddenly and with a soft tone of shock, Henry spoke his name. “Frank.”

“What?”

“This bottle was half filled when I left here.” Henry picked it up. “It’s almost gone.”

“No Henry.” Frank took the bottle and poured the rest in his glass. “It is gone.”

“Frank, I know you’re upset, I do.”

“Henry.”

“No listen to me.” Henry reached for the glass before Frank could take it. “You’re drinking way too much and you have been lately despite what Ellen thinks.”

“Be my friend, Henry, and just let me alone about it.”

“I am being your friend. That’s why I’m saying this to you.”

Frank leaned forward resting his elbows on his knees. He cupped his hands and placed them under his chin.

“Drinking isn’t going to make it any better. You know that. Everything will still be there when you sober up.”

“I know that.” Frank ran the back of his fingers over his lips as he rocked back and forth in a nervous motion.

“So why do it?”

Frank nearly bit his fingers as he stared forward like a child being chastised. “I can tell you why I started.”

“Why is that?”

“When things were rough, it was just a little more accessible than what I needed to pull me through the rough times.”

“Ellen.”

Frank sadly raised his eyebrows with a quiet single nod.

“She’s here for you now, whenever you need her. You know all it will take is for the three of us to establish an understanding and it’s set in stone forever. I’ll make sure if it. You won’t lose her again.”

“I know. I wished it would happen.”

“When it does, not if, Frank, you have to give this up.” Henry held up the bottle. “In fact, you promised Ellen you’d cut back.”

“I know I did.”

“But you haven’t. I know that, you know that, but she doesn’t know that.”

Frank nodded again.

“You have keep that promise, Frank. I won’t tell her you broke it, but you have to keep it.”

“I want to.”

“Then try.”

“I have tried.” Frank stood up.

“Try harder.”

Frank placed his hands on his hips with his back to Henry. He closed his eyes tightly then turned around to face him. “See . . .” He held his hand out. “I want to. I am trying. I try.” He shook his head. “It’s just a little harder right now than I thought it would be.”

“Frank.” Henry stood up and walked to him. “You know what you’re saying.”

“No, that is not what I’m saying.”

“Yes it is.”

“No!” Frank snapped. “It’s not. Things aren’t easy right now Henry. They aren’t. My brother, the plague, this battle with George and the SUTs. Things are nuts. There’s a lot going on and I just, I guess I put the drinking as low priority.”

“You have to rank it with everything else that affects your life, because it will soon affect your life just as much, if it already hasn’t.”

“It hasn’t. I’ll control it. Just, just don’t say anything to El about it.”

“I’ll help you if you need it.”

“I know that. But I’m tough. It won’t be a problem, trust me. I’ll put my mind to it this time.”

Henry nodded. “Good.”

“To show you I’m serious.” Frank took the drink from Henry’s hand and carried into the kitchen. “I’m pouring this out. And . . .” He saw Henry stood in the doorway. Frank opened the cabinet. “This too.” He grabbed a bottle and took that to the sink.

Henry observed him pour out his stash. It was a step Frank was taking and the right step. But it was also the first of many. As Henry watched him he couldn’t help but wonder. If Frank was drinking when thinks got rough, how drunk would Frank want to get when he found out that Ellen was sneaking from Beginnings, going beyond the walls, getting Robbie, sneaking him in, and staying away in quarantine with him. And to make matters worse, Henry, his best friend, knew all about it and didn’t say a word.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

JULY 16

Hoping that Nick didn’t wake up, Henry sat with his tea on the sofa in Frank’s living room. He felt nervous and filled with guilt, knowing that his day started out with lies by Showing up at Frank’s to take care of Nick while Frank went to work and telling Frank that Ellen would be late because she needed to sleep. He hoped that Frank hurried and left before Ellen and Dean arrived with all of the other children as well as Henry’s bags for staying with Frank once she and Dean became unavailable for a week. So many times, he debated on just picking up his radio and aborting the whole thing. He sat wondering what phase of the plan they were on. Wondering if Ellen and Dean would be safe, and waiting for all hell to break lose if Frank happened to go to the back gate too early. And to know anything, Henry would have to just sit back, wonder and wait.

<><><><>

‘Just stay on the back road here until it comes out on a main road’ Dan instructed to Dean and Ellen went he had let them through the back gate, telling security to down the perimeter for an animal that was too close. ‘Go left, and a quarter mile up will be the exit to the main highway. We have the road where you’re going kept pretty clear so you shouldn’t run into trouble. Stay center of the highway and watch out for deer, they’re all over the place. And though you don’t want to, radio if you run into trouble. You’re only fifteen minutes or so away . . .’

“It’s so dark,” Ellen stated as they drove. “There’s the sign. Did you see it?”

“Yeah barely.” Dean leaned close to the steering wheel.

“Why is it so dark?”

“It’s like driving through a paved forest Ellen. The trees will block off the sun.” He turned the wheel to the right to take the ramp that brought them to the small town where Robbie was located.

“I recognize this area. Look, the tents.” Ellen pointed.

“I do too.” Dean pulled the Jeep over to the small grade that used to be a park at one time. He could see where Robbie had set up camp, and he remembered being there. Shutting off the Jeep, he stepped out with Ellen. He walked around to the back of the Jeep and opened it staring at the supplies “Do you think we really need any of this? We were only grabbing them and bringing them with us.”

Ellen looked around, “I don’t think. It’s pretty quiet.”

“Let’s just grab the medical case just . . . in case?”

“Sounds good.” Ellen waited for him to get it and she closed the jeep. “It seems just a little too quiet.”

“Yeah it does.” They walked up the grade. “El?” Dean caught his breath on the hill. “Where is everyone?”

“Shit.” Ellen’s eyes widened, and in a panic, began to spin around in search. Looking down the side of the hill she could see the fresh grave and a small light coming from the church. “Down there.”

“Let’s go.”

They picked up their pace, running to the church, hurrying to get Robbie and the others, needing to do it quickly so they could get back to Beginnings unnoticed. They had to get to the back gate before Frank did at seven a.m., and that time was only a half hour away.

Dean stopped walking as they hit the used-to-be walk of the church. Four bodies lay out front and the odor from the decomposition smacked them harder than the vision. “Shit.” Dean covered his mouth.

“Dean.” Ellen looked at the bodies. “Don’t tell me these were the four men left with Robbie.”

“It can’t be.” Stepping over them, Dean opened up the church doors. It was lit by a lantern placed by the altar, not a sound came from that church. Not a soul was seen.

Ellen filled with fear from the silence. She opened her mouth in a jittery stuttering movement to call out. “Rob . . . Robbie?” She felt her face get hot and her eyes well up as she walked slowly up the aisle. “Robbie?”

It was weak, but it was a call. “El?”

She gasped with emotions, handed her bag to Dean, and raced to the front of the church where the voice came from. “Robbie.” He lay in the first pew and she slid on her knees to him. “Oh God.”

“El.” He tried to sit up, and his eyes rolled some. His face was so pale and splotched with purple marks. He had dark circles so deep under his eyes, and his neck was swollen.

“Oh my God.” Her arms went around his neck and she embraced tightly, so tightly she actually held him up. “Robbie.” His body was so hot against hers.

Robbie thought he was dreaming until he gathered the strength to hold onto her. He let his face slide back and forth against hers, cheek against cheek, feeling the softness and coolness of her skin. The last time he had seen her or touched her it was through a suit. But this time he held Ellen and he held her with gratefulness. “You . . . you like my gifts huh?” He tried to joke.

“I like you.”

“What are you doing here El?” Robbie asked.

“We’re taking you home Robbie.” She pulled back to look at him. “We’re taking you home.”

“Home?” His eyes closed and he leaned back into Dean who had slid behind him.

“We’ll get you well.”

“Will you stay with me?” Robbie asked.

“I won’t leave your side Robbie.” Ellen laid her hand on his face. “Now let’s get you ready.”

“I can walk.” His words were breathy.

“You can, can you?” Ellen smiled a she laced up his boots. She grabbed his blanket.

“You kept your promise.”

“What promise is that? I make many. I keep few.”

Robbie tried to smile. “I wouldn’t be alone to face this.” He could barely open his eyes. “I’m not alone.”

“No you’re not. I’m just sorry it took me so long. I am really sorry I didn’t do this sooner.” She stood up. “Now, Dean and I will get you out of here.”

“Dean?” Robbie tilted his head back to see him. “You weren’t moving in on my woman while I was gone were you?”

“Actually Robbie” Dean helped him to stand. “We hate each other now.”

“Too bad.” Robbie swayed as he was lifted to his feet, then he smiled. “Oh well.” He leaned on both of them for support. “See, even on my death bed I have a sense of humor.” He felt Ellen’s hand slip. “El? What’s wrong?”

“You aren’t on your death bed, Robbie.” She faced him. “You’ll beat this.”

“El.” His head wobbled as he lowered it to her. “Look around sweetheart. I’m good but I’m not good enough to beat this.”

“You’re a Slagel, Robbie. You’ll beat this.” She returned to helping Dean support him. “And I’ll make damn sure you do nothing less.”

<><><><>

Why Frank had that particular episode of the Simpson’s on his mind at that moment was beyond him. He chuckled about it as he did his rounds near the utility buildings. As he laughed out loud, he was glad--for sanity purposes--that no one was around to hear. It just wasn’t the episode but the thought of how the people in Beginnings were like the Simpson’s. As much as he wanted to be Bart--because Bart was the best--he was Homer. Ellen was Marge with better hair. Joe was Mr. Burns. But who would be Bart? It had to be Robbie. Robbie was a much better Bart. In fact, he remembered Robbie doing the same stupid crank phone calls, calling the bar where he knew Joe was located, just to annoy their father. That was until Joe threatened to call Robbie’s C.O. and tell him Robbie was using government phones for illegal purposes. Robbie stopped--against his will--but he stopped. And Henry, who was Henry? Frank snickered when he came up with his answer. Henry was definitely Lisa. Such an odd mind comparison Frank did, and never once did it cross his mind that he wasn’t thinking in a security mode.

“Frank.”

Snapping from his cartoon world, Frank turned to see Cole making his approach. “Cole. You’re up early.”

“I have to talk to you. Where’s Joe?”

“Home I guess. Hey Cole, doesn’t Henry remind you of Lisa from the Simpson’s?”

“Who?”

“Never mind. What’s up?”

“We have to find, Joe. We have to find him now. We have a situation, Frank, and it’s not good.”

Seriousness. Frank switched to that mode. “What’s going on?”

“I decoded that message. I just finished. Read it for yourself.”

Frank’s eyes lowered to the paper Cole handed him and he read it. “Fuck.” He adjusted his headset microphone. “Dad, pick up.”

<><><><>

He moved in a charge as he walked toward center town to meet Frank. Eight minutes so far had been used up getting things together. Joe held his radio tightly in one hand, a cigarette in the other. “No, we cannot have a second gunner on the chopper, Johnny. No one else is immune. We have to do this with just you and your dad,” he told Johnny who was at the hanger awaiting his grandfather and Frank. “So have her fired up and ready, John. Fired up and ready. I have an ETA of four minutes till lift off and nine to get there, top speed.”

“Got it, Pap.”

“Have rope already secured from the bird in case there is trouble.”

“Got it.”

Joe switched channels. “Cole, have those supplies up at the mobile. Anything that Robbie and his men have with them will have to wait until later. Right now top priority is to lift them out and bring them home.”

“But Joe . . .” Cole called back, “the community decision.”

“I’ll deal with the community decision. It’s one thing when our men are protecting us. It’s another when we fail to protect them.” Joe stopped in his stride when he saw Frank coming out of armory. “Everything ready?” he asked Frank.

“Guns are loaded on the chopper. So is mine.” He tossed an M-16 over his shoulder.

“Good. Keep in mind, Frank, even though you are now immune, you keep that distance, no contact. I can’t lose you to quarantine for more than twelve hours. All right, we’re ready.”

“No we aren’t,” Frank shook his head.

“What? You’ve had time.”

“No shit.” Frank looked at his watch. “I can’t find Dean. I went to his house to suit him up to take him with us and he’s not there.”

“The lab.”

“All three have been checked by my men. No Dean. He's not at the clinic either.”

“Henry’s house.”

“Henry is at my house.”

“Where’s Ellen?”

Frank tossed his hands up. “Supposed to be at Henry’s . . . Not.”

Joe took a breath. “Maybe they’re together.”

“That’s what I was thinking. I’m heading to my house now.”

“Good, you do that.” Joe backed up. “I’ll make a sweep one more time at the clinic. Maybe he’s sleeping somewhere. I’ll meet you at the hanger.” He moved further away. “If you find Ellen, just ship her to the mobile to get things ready. I need only my immune people on this.”

“Got it. What if we can’t find Dean?”

“We go without him. But we go.” Joe pointed as he moved on faster.

Frank picked up his pace to a run and headed straight to his house. They were wasting time and he needed to get moving, because time was something he hadn’t any idea how much of he had

<><><><>

It was still early when he barreled in the house. Not a sound was heard, not a child was up. He saw Henry reading something as he sat at the dining room table. “Henry.”

“Hey Frank, what are you doing here?”

“We have a situation. Tell me Ellen is here.”

“No, she isn’t.” Henry stood up and walked to Frank. “What’s wrong?”

“Tell me you know where she is.”

“I do. She’s with Dean, working.”

Frank let out a breath of relief. “Thank God, now where the fuck are they working? I need Dean and I can’t find his skinny ass anywhere.” Frank turned on his radio. “Dad, Henry knows where they are.” Frank covered his mouth piece. “Where are they, Henry?”

Henry didn’t answer he only raised his eyebrows.

“Henry!” Frank shouted. “Where?”

Henry swallowed. “You aren’t going to like this.”

Frank stared for a moment and uncovered the mouth piece. “Dad, I’ll meet you at the hanger.” He looked at Henry again. “Where?”

“They aren’t in Beginnings Frank,” Henry hunched.

“What!”

“They left about an hour ago. They . . . they went to get Robbie.” Henry backed up suddenly when he saw the dropped mouth, red faced expression on Frank’s face

“No,” he spoke softly. “Fuck no. Tell me Henry. Tell me they aren’t out there.”

“They are Frank. I know Robbie isn’t allowed back in but they felt . . .”

“Fuck!” Frank cut his hand in the air. “God!” Frank brought his hands up. Huffing, heavy huffing began to come from him as he stepped back.

“Frank what’s wrong?” Henry followed him to the door.

“This!” Slamming into Henry’s chest came the paper that Cole had written the decoded message on. “I have to go.” Yelling into the headpiece that the situation was now worse, Frank flung open the front door and raced out, leaving behind the essence of his desperation as he charged forth to the hanger as fast as he could go.

Henry was frightened as he looked down at the paper. What was it all about? Across the top of the paper were a bunch of scribbled letters. Under that, in Cole’s handwriting, ‘7/15, intercepted message.’ The moment Henry read it was the moment he lost his balance and fell into the door that he had blindly closed. “No.” He shook his head. “What did I send her in to?” He banged his head back once against the wood then read the reality of the words again.

. . . decoded--Have arrived. Ten miles west. We are near Beginnings men. Antiserum is ready. Will have secured Robbie Slagel and have him in possession by 07:00. Returning back immediately.

<><><><>

Robbie was heavy, and even though he walked, Dean and Ellen’s lack of body weight and height caused them to struggle as they brought him over the grade toward the Jeep. Not only did Robbie weigh them down as they supported him but so did the four M-16 203's that Robbie--even though ill--insisted they couldn’t leave behind because of Frank.

“Dean, I’m wearing down and we have to hurry.” Ellen told him, holding on to Robbie’s waist.

Dean stooped to catch his breath. “Let’s leave the gear here and then it may be easier to walk him down.”

“I agree. Hold him.” Ellen released her grip and set down the weapons and single duffel bag she held. She walked to Dean, pulling the two M-16's from him as well. “All right. Better?” She went to Robbie’s other side.

“I think so,” Dean grunted. “A little bit further, Robbie.”

It was easier bringing him down the grade to the awaiting Jeep, not as tiresome and not so much as a struggle. Of course, if Robbie didn’t help as much as he did, they would have never been able to place him in the front seat.

Ellen stepped away. “We’ll hide him in the back of the Jeep when we get closer to home.”

“Good idea.”

Robbie heard this. “Hide?” His words sounded foggy. “Hide?”

Ellen smiled. “Get him strapped in, Dean. I’ll go grab the stuff.”

Dean agreed and watched Ellen go up over the hill. He held his hand on Robbie’s chest to steady him up right in the seat then he hurried to the driver’s side of the open vehicle. “The belts aren’t real good, Robbie. You’re going to have to try to keep yourself up.”

Robbie snickered even in illness. “Not a problem.”

Shaking his head, Dean bent down, reaching around Robbie’s waist for the belt. “Such a Slagel.”

“Dean.”

“No smart comment, Robbie. I’m finding the belt.”

Robbie coughed, his body shook. “Dean.”

Feeling Robbie fuss in the seat, Dean backed up. “What is it?” He asked then saw Robbie reach for the revolver between the two front seats. “Robbie what . . .”

“Ellen.” Robbie’s weak and unsteady arm held out the weapon.

Afraid to turn around but having to, Dean’s head--like a clock--turned back. “Shit!” His eyes widened and his body went numb when he saw the line of them--more than he could count at that moment--standing before him, weapons high… SUTs. Then he heard it, the pumping of chambers coming from the weapons raised and aimed towards them. “Shit!” With a pounding heart and a stolen chance, Dean leaped his small body outward toward Robbie, slamming into him and knocking them both to the ground in a roll. The second their bodies bounced, a gunshot rang out.

Dean climbed from Robbie pulling him closer to the Jeep’s protection. He heard more shots, the oddity of one in the distance. Lowering his head, Dean looked under the jeep, a blur. He couldn’t see or focus enough to know what was going on. But he did know one thing, the firing stopped.

The unexpected kick from the firing of the weapon sent Ellen back and she landed on her backside. Still holding the weapon, she held it up to the wall--fourteen strong--of SUTs that had turned from Robbie and Dean and now headed her way. It frightened her more than she thought it would. She remembered her last encounter with two of the SUTS when she was beyond the wall of her home. Even though they were programmed to think one way, they still were male. The thought of what fourteen of them would do to her made her depress the trigger on the M-16, only to panic when she found out the clip was jammed. “No.” She tossed the weapon and brought herself to her feet in a sloppy stumble.

Down the grade? No. They blocked her. Behind her to the town? Ellen shifted her views. Two more. Doing the only thing she could do, she shot herself sideways and began to run. As fast as her legs could carry her, she ran toward the road below which look more like an overgrown field. Though there was nowhere to hide, it gave her hope that if she could keep ahead of them somehow Dean could follow in the Jeep and get her. “Dean!” She screamed as she ran, the SUTs running behind her. “Help me!”

Dean’s hand slammed on the metal of the Jeep as he felt his way around it. How could he find her? How could he help her when he couldn’t even see where she was? The more she called, the more her voice went through him with a pain that was worse than if had he taken a bullet.

With the mouth piece of his radio lowered below his bottom lip and sunglasses shielding his eyes, Johnny peered out the windshield of the chopper into the sunny day in front of them. “The town’s up ahead. We came in west, Dad. I’m not seeing them!” He spoke loud over the chopper noise.

“They have to be out here!” Frank, standing in a ready mode, looked out the windshield also.

“Wait! Over the trees. The Jeep.”

“Dean and Robbie. Where’s Ellen!” He watched them stumble to jeep and Dean look up.

“Dad, ahead.”

“Fuck!” With a tight closed fist and horror filled eyes, Frank pounded his hand into the door of the chopper when he saw the line of men chasing after a running Ellen. “Get me in front of them!”

“Dad, they’re all moving.”

Not paying attention to his son, Frank hurried his big body into the back of the chopper and picked up his weapon as he hit the door. He lifted his mouth piece to speak to Johnny and in one motion, he flung open the side door, adjusted himself to the blast of wind, raised his weapon in an aiming motion, and braced himself in the doorway of the chopper. “See me, Ellen, see me.”

“Can you get a clear shot?”

Frank twisted his head and aimed again watching Ellen zig-zag about in her run from the SUTs. “Ellen move,” he beckoned.

It was more than the helicopter noise that captured Ellen’s attention. She could actually feel his approach, feel it within her, stirring that extra charge of energy that gave her the push to keep going. Raising her eyes up in her stride, she could see the chopper hovering and then she saw him . . . Frank.

The reasoning came back and the fright left her. She would be fine. Seeing Frank aim forward told her she had to get away from his shot. As soon as this realization hit her and she shifted her run, so did something else. A gunshot, and then a burning seared into the side of her thigh. Ellen dropped hard to the ground and slammed her knees against the concrete buried beneath the high grass.

“Ellen!” Frank cried out seeing her fall into a disappearance and watching the SUTs move closer and faster. “Bring me in full speed from the side! Now, John!”

“Dad, what are you doing?”

Frank harnessed his weapon over his shoulder and behind him. He grabbed the rope that was secure and dropped it out of the door.

“Dad!”

“Full speed and steady, John. It’s our only chance. Now!”

Johnny looked back as he turned the helicopter in a tilt, picking up the speed and watching his father. Johnny smiled. “I know what you’re doing.” He spoke in the radio. “I’m bringing you in.”

“Your aim better be good.” Frank grabbed onto the rope and began to lower himself down.

“I’m the best.”

Frank laughed as he hurried to the rope’s edge, placing his foot loosely in the loop. “Prove it!” With whipping wind crashing into his face, sharp and hard like particles of sand being thrown full speed at him, Frank kept his eyes open as he held on to the rope with one hand. He was totally within Johnny’s control as his body sailed with speed holding onto that rope toward Ellen.

The helicopter noise and the tromping of feet all prompted Ellen to ignore whatever pain she felt and get back on to her feet. Grunting and giving it everything she had, she stood and lost her balance only for a second before she saw the SUTs almost within reach of her. Turning and hoping that she could out run them more, her corner peripheral vision saw them stop to aim at her. “No!” She called out as she heard the most paralyzing of sounds, the simultaneous pumping of chambers in a long line of automatic weapons. She couldn’t move any faster. She just had to keep running because she didn’t want to see it coming. And she didn’t.

Slam!

Every ounce of her breath escaped her when she felt the wall of a body slam into hers, the grip of a safe haven arm, and the rise of her body from the ground to safety, all within the hold of Frank. Even the rush of the air that blasted her in her face couldn’t make her inhale enough to set her breathing straight. So tightly she felt him hold onto her and instinctively she clung back, her arms around his neck and her legs up and around his waist. She began to shake. Her whole body trembled as she held on to Frank with the life he had just saved and they flew backwards on that rope from the SUTs that stood stunned below.

Frank bit his bottom lip and pressed her face close to hers as he held onto the rope. “Johnny.” He called out. “Slow down and bring me out a little further. I’m dropping off and finishing this thing.”

“Got it, Dad. Be ready.”

“El,” Frank spoke to her, “hold on. Don’t let go of me.”

She shook her head unable to speak.

Something at that moment made Frank laugh. Maybe it was the relief he felt from having Ellen in his arms, but he also knew it was not over yet. “Ready, El?” The chopper slowed down and Frank released his foot. He held on to Ellen with all his strength and slid down to the very end of the rope. “It’ll be a jolt.” Frank watched the ground below as he readied to release his fingers. “Ready and . . . now.”

Ten feet from the grounds surface was as close as they could dangle. The moment he released his hold on the rope, Frank held Ellen with both arms and loosened his legs as they landed hard to the ground in a stumble and rolled a good twenty feet before they stopped.

Frank could hear Ellen’s heavy, frightened breathing, as he tried to get up from her. His back ached from rolling so hard on his weapon. “I have to get up.” He pulled from her arms. “Stay put!” Rolling onto his knees and standing in a run, Frank prayed his weapon wouldn’t fail him as he lifted it high in an aim to the barrage of SUTs that stormed his way.

Though the SUTs kept moving, Frank did not. With his feet planted firmly, weapon high and a view of their heads in the grass that was not quite grown enough to hide them, Frank began to fire. His sharp shooter marksmanship did not fail him.

Never did he flinch in his mission, or become unraveled. Even though there was only one of him, Frank had the upper hand. As he fired his shots--wasting not a single one--it became Frank’s real life video game just like the zombie one that he loved. because the SUTs, in a sense, were like zombies. With each shot he fired, he watched them drop, one at a time, lifeless into the field in which they ran. One at a time until there were no more.

There was no more running sounds. No more shuffling of heavy boots through the high weeds. Only distant chopper noises and Frank lowered his weapon. He spun around letting the excitement of what had happened finally hit him when he knew it was over. “Ellen!” He called out into the weeds, weapon dangling and his body moving emotionally drained in his search for her.

Ellen lifted herself to a stand and screamed with enthusiasm when she saw him coming toward her. In a limp she ran. Then ignoring the pain, she charged forth to Frank, leaping herself at him and plowing her weight at him with such a force, she knocked them both off their feet and backwards into the grass. Still unable to form words and exhaling only sounds brought on by her accelerated adrenaline, Ellen clung to Frank as she lay on top of him on the ground.

Frank laughed, his chest bouncing her body as he did. He slid his hands from her back to her face, grasping it, lifting it, and staring at. So widely he grinned as he looked into her eyes, breathing so heavily in a synchronized inhalation rhythm with hers. He huffed, and so did his words. “How’s . . . how’s your leg?”

Ellen’s out-of-breath words matched his. “Fi . . . fine. Just . . . just a scratch.”

“Any pain?”

“Not much.”

“Sure?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” He smiled again, held her tightly with one arm, and rolled them together, placing Ellen on her back. His body weighed pressed to her, but not completely. His large hand ran across her face, feeling it in a moment of silence. Biting his bottom lip with a grin, Frank took three slow breaths through his nostrils to put his breathing back in sync. Then gripping her face more, he parted his lips, still smiling and lowered them to Ellen.

“Don’t kiss her!” Dean’s voice shot out stopping them just before they touched. “Don’t!” He ran to them.

“Fuck!” Frank looked at him. “Why not?”

“Because if you do Frank . . .” Dean caught his breath. “Then you’ll be stuck in quarantine with us for the whole time.”

“Oh yeah?” Frank smiled. “Good. Thanks Dean.” He moved to kiss Ellen again.

“Frank!” Dean yelled again, stopping them. “Beginnings cannot afford to have you out of commission for that long. Not now, not with the SUTs so close.”

A soft frustration growl rumbled from Frank’s throat. He closed his eyes and lifted his body some from Ellen. “So close.” He shuddered then whined. Sliding back, he brought himself to his knees and held his hand to Ellen. “Can I at least hold her?”

“You can hold her,” Dean held his hair back, “but don’t kiss her!”

Standing up, Frank lifted Ellen to her feet, letting his eyes shift to the blood that poured down her leg. “You get into more trouble than any woman I have ever met.”

“And you’re always around to pull me out of it.” Ellen gripped his hand tighter. “Thank you, Frank Slagel . . . again.”

“You’re welcome, Ellen . . .” Frank grinned because he knew what her last name still was “Slagel.” He gave a ‘ha’ laugh. “Again.” With his words, he felt her arms go around him and he return the embrace, lifting her from her feet as he did. Holding Ellen, he could hear the stopping of the helicopter engines as it landed. “Now that the excitement is over with.” Frank pulled back and his whole demeanor changed. “What the fuck is wrong with you two?” He scolded at her and Dean. “Sneaking out? Going against the rules. Didn’t it ever occur to you that . . .” He stopped talking when he heard what sounded like singing, badly, but weak. Releasing Ellen’s hand, his views followed that voice that sang a hero song. Past Dean, sitting in the jeep, he saw his brother. So ill, looking so unlike himself. “Oh my God!” Frank began to run to him and he was blocked by Dean. “Let me get to him.”

“Not too close Frank.” Dean held him back. “Just keep a distance.”

“Robbie.” Frank slowed in his pace as he approached the jeep. “Hey.” Two feet from him, Frank lowered himself to one knee and his voice to his brother who could barely sit up straight.

“I saw, Frank.” Robbie tried to smile and his hand raised with a thumbs up then dropped harshly.

“They were coming for you, Robbie. George wants you for some reason.”

Robbie’s eyes rolled and his head fell to the side. “I’m cool, that’s why. They . . . they probably need me to help them reproduce the superior males. So they can . . . can take your big ass out.”

Frank shook his head back and forth as he dropped it. His hand, which dangled over his leg, longed to reach up to touch Robbie who despite it all, still had his spirit. “Never would happen.”

“Yeah.” Robbie’s eyes blinked slowly, it was so hard to keep them open, but he tried. “I shoot blanks.” He rested his head back and slid his body down. His body shook as he coughed.

Frank shifted his eyes downward unable to look at Robbie without feeling the pain. “You’re gonna be fine Robbie. We’re here. Whatever you need.”

“I know.” Robbie closed his eyes. “Take me home big brother. I’m so sick. Just take me home.”

BLIND SIDED

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Frank was so hungry even Henry’s rice cakes tasted good to him as he paced about the mobile lab. He took a bite and crunched loudly as he looked down to Johnny who finalized the bandage on Ellen’s leg. “Good job on that, John.”

Johnny lifted his head with a smile. “Thanks.”

Frank nodded then looked at his watch. “Man, ten and a half more hours in this place. Fuck.” He walked over to the special lab window that Dean was working behind. He knocked firmly on the glass, startling Dean. Frank wiggled his fingers in a wave and Dean merely flipped him off. “The little man attitude he projects.” He shook his head, moving back over toward Ellen.

Johnny stood up to his feet. “All done. I’m going to go see Uncle Robbie.”

Ellen stood also. “Not too close,” she instructed.

“I know, I know.” Johnny stepped back. “I’ll leave you two alone for a little while.”

Frank shifted his eyes to the glass wall Dean was behind. “Yeah, real alone.”

Ellen waited until Johnny had left and she took a step toward Frank. “We have a minute to ourselves here.”

“That we do until the boy in the plastic bubble emerges.” Frank pointed to Dean. “How long do you think that’ll be?”

Ellen shrugged. “I don’t know. He’s checking out those four vials that you found with the SUTs. You know to see if it is actually an antidote. If it is . . .” She crossed her fingers. “We’ll give it to Robbie.”

“It is. I know it is. Why else would they have vials if they were coming to get a sick Robbie?”

“I think you’re right.” She stepped even closer to him. “Frank.”

Frank stepped back.

“What’s wrong?”

Frank moved to the window to look out. “So this is quarantine. Pretty boring huh?”

“If you’re not working it can be.” She moved next to him. “Why did you back away?”

“I had to.”

“I understand. The virus?”

“No.” Frank shook his head.

“You think I’m repulsive?”

Frank laughed. “No.”

“What is it.”

“El.” Frank spoke so soft his voice was raspy. “I don’t think you have a clue how I feel right now.”

“I think I do.” She stared out the window.

“Do you?” Frank moved to behind her to whisper in her ear. “Today, out there, when I had you in my arms.” His hand slid to hers and his fingers slipped to join hers as he moved his body to right against Ellen’s. “It felt right. For the first time in so long, it felt so right. It took everything I had not to kiss you, when I wanted to. I really wanted to.” To Frank’s surprise Ellen turned and faced him. Giving a shivering breath at the closeness, he put his arms around her and pulled her to him. He spoke to her face to face, his lips moving in a hover over hers while he did. “And it’s difficult, El. You don’t know how bad I want to say ‘fuck it’ and . . .” His hand slid up under her hair. “Kiss you and stay in here with you.”

“We can’t do that and . . . we shouldn’t be like this.” She tried to pull back but he wouldn’t let her. “Frank.”

“Why shouldn’t we be like this?”

“It scares me. It really scares me for us to be so close.”

Frank felt her pull back and again he pulled her into him. “I think . . . I think I know you pretty well.” Frank winked. “And if you’re scared Ellen, then I know why you’re scared and I have one thing to say to you. Good.” Wanting to hug her, Frank stopped when he heard the pounding on the glass behind him. “Fuck.” He turned around to see Dean pointing and mouthing the words ‘no kissing’ “All right!” Frank shook his head and backed away. “He’s on my nerves and he’s getting beat up when he comes out.”

“Frank,” Ellen snickered his name.

“I don’t know how you’re gonna take it in here for a week with him. You guys aren’t talking even though you were doing stupid shit like sneaking out.”

“I had to get Robbie.”

“And you ended up getting shot.” His hand pointed to her thigh then he smiled.

“What’s so funny?”

“You do realize that not only do we talk the same, now we now have the same wound?”

Ellen looked puzzled at him. “We do?”

“Oh sure. Remember last year when we were chasing baby Marcus and he headed to the gate where the SUTs were? I got shot in the thigh when I went to get him. You stitched me.”

“That’s right. It’s the same scar?”

“Oh sure.”

“No it isn’t.”

“Yeah it is. Look . . .” Frank undid the belt on his pant and let them drop down.

Ellen chuckled. “What are you doing?”

“Right, you’re offended? Look.” He pointed to his right thigh. “Right there.”

Ellen bent down to look. “Oh yeah, I see. It is the same.”

Frank looked down to view the top of her head. “El.”

“What happened here, Frank.” Ellen’s hand moved up his other leg and rested on another scar.

“El I uh . . . arrow. Robbie’s trap.” He cleared his throat. “El.”

“What about this little one right . . . here, Frank?” Ellen grazed her hand to another one. “Wow, your poor legs. For as much as I’ve seen them . . .”

“El.”

“. . . I’ve never noticed how banged up they were.” She continued. “Here’s one and another one and over here this long one is . . .”

“El, get up. I have to pull up my pants right now.”

“But I’m seeing all the neat scars on your legs. Geez, Frank. Don’t be so modest.”

“El, it’s not modesty, trust me. Trust me. Just know right now I really should be pulling my pants up.” He reached his hand down to her to help her stand.

The second Johnny came back and saw his father reaching for his pants he cleared his throat and laughed. “Dad, why are you standing in the middle of the room with your pants down?”

“Modeling. What the fuck do you think I’m doing? I’m showing Ellen something.” Frank finished pulling his pants up.

“I bet.” Johnny snickered.

“John! Wounds, war wounds.”

“Oh I thought maybe you were into voyeurism.” He walked further in.

“Now see.” Frank tucked in his tee shirt. “You think you’re real funny with a comment like that. Well it can’t be voyeurism if no one can see and fuckin Dean don’t count.”

“Oh yeah?” Johnny pointed to the window that faced outside. “What about them?”

Buttoning his pants, Frank spun to see Henry and Joe standing at the window. “Shit.”

Joe pointed to his own radio and waited for Frank to place on his headset and for Ellen to pick up the radio. Joe brought his radio to his mouth. “Done? Are you making the best out of quarantine, Frank?”

“What? I was showing Ellen something.”

“I bet,” Joe said sarcastically. “How’s Robbie?”

Ellen pulled up a chair to answer him. “He’s sick, Joe. Right now he’s resting and Dean has him hooked up to an intravenous to re-hydrate him.”

“What about the antiserum that the message talked about?” Joe asked.

Ellen looked back to Dean in the special portion of the lab. “Four vials were found in a coolant activated case with the SUTs. Dean is working with those vials right now to see if that is what it is.” She crossed her fingers. “Keep praying, Joe.” She looked back at Dean again. “Right now, from what I can tell, he’s waiting on results. He usually gets that impatient look on his face. Johnny?” Ellen turned to Johnny. “Go stand by the window and hurry him up.” She snickered. “Oh Joe, look!” She stood up on the chair and placed her newly injured thigh close to the window. “I was shot.”

“So I’ve heard.”

Ellen stepped down. “Guess what? Frank saved me. He saved my life Joe. Came flying down in on a . . .”

“Ellen,” Joe interrupted her, “it’s getting boring.”

Ellen was aghast. “What?”

“The whole Frank and Ellen rescue thing. It happens so often it’s getting old. You get into trouble then my son has to do some dramatic daring rescue to bail your ass out. And . . . and mind you.” His finger pointed. “Most of the situations you get yourself into should have been avoided. Right? What the hell were you and Dean doing going out beyond the walls anyhow? Don’t think for one second when you get out of here you aren’t paying some sort of apology debt to the community. You’re just lucky that most of them haven’t a clue you two went out there first. It was bad enough dealing with them when I sent out for Robbie.”

“Oh my God, Joe,” Ellen spoke shocked, “I can’t believe your bitching at me when I’ve been shot. You should show more gratitude to your son. He’s a hero, you know.”

“Ellen,” Joe said with annoyance, “Frank is always your hero. To everyone else he does his job. Sometimes I think you put yourself in those dangerous situations just to see how far he’ll go for you.”

Ellen’s mouth dropped open. “You’re being so mean. Are you mad at me Joe?”

“Damn right I’m mad at you!” Joe screamed.

At the same time Frank pulled his earpiece from his ear, he saw Ellen pull the radio away from hers. He leaned to her whispering. “A little hint from me, El. Shut off the volume.”

Joe’s voice came through their radios. “A little hint from me, Frank. Shut off your microphone.”

Ellen rolled her eyes. “He’s just pissy, that’s all.”

“Pissy?” Joe was irate. “Pissy is when someone forgets it’s their turn to stock the bar at the social hall when I’m ready for a drink. Pissy cannot be used to describe how I feel when I find out my daughter deliberately goes . . .” BANG! Joe hit his hand against the glass. “Turn the radio back on. I saw that!”

Ellen turned the volume back on. “Joe, yell at me later O.K.? I’m in pain.” She made a cringing face.

“You’re in pain?” Joe shook his head. “And another thing,” he ignored her ‘here he goes again’ look, “why haven’t you even acknowledged Henry. He’s standing right here.”

“Who?” Ellen asked.

“Henry,” Joe stated.

“Who’s that?”

“Ellen!”

Ellen nearly dropped the radio. “I’m mad at Henry.” She finally shifted her eyes at Henry. “I’m mad at you, Henry. Go away.”

Henry’s eyes widened and he grabbed the radio from Joe. “What? Why are you mad at me?”

“You told Frank where Dean and I went.”

“I had to.”

“No you didn’t. Frank didn’t even torture you for the information. He said ‘where are they?’ and you ran at the mouth.”

“It was a dangerous situation.”

“No it wasn’t, you hadn’t a clue.” She flung her head back. “Blabber mouth.”

“I am not.”

“Are too.”

“Am not.”

“Are too!” Ellen shouted, “and I don’t want to talk to you anymore.”

Henry grunted loudly. “You know what El., I was only trying to help you. I should have spoiled it for you in the first place. I should have opened my mouth sooner and let Joe lay into you. I can’t believe you’re mad at me.”

“I’m not listening and if you keep talking, look . . .” She held up the radio and turned the volume up and down quickly. “I’ll make you stutter and now you’re silent.” She shut the radio down.

“Ellen!” Henry yelled and watched her stand there staring at her nails. He then saw the snicker on Frank’s face. “And you!” Henry’s hand hit hard into the glass. “You’re just loving this, aren’t you? You’re in there, I’m out here, and you’re probably brainwashing her.”

“Henry!” Frank snapped. “Shut the fuck up! What did I do to you?”

“That snide look on your face Frank. I can’t tell. I’ve seen it before. Mr. ‘Save-her-life’. I know.”

“Oh you two are just a world of fun,” Frank told them. “Henry, why don’t you and my dad go off somewhere and be premenstrual together. Leave us alone. We’re in a good mood.”

“Keep in mind, Frank,” Henry said, “she’s my wife.”

“No, she’s not.”

“You know what I mean. Hands off.”

“She’s not your wife, Henry. What’s her name?”

“Frank . . .”

“What’s her name?” Frank asked again.

“Ellen.”

“Ellen what?”

A soft grunt came through the radio. “Slagel.”

“Ha!” Frank snickered. “And what’s my name?”

“Stop it.” Henry got annoyed.

“You started this, Henry. What’s my name? Frank what? Slagel. Slagel. Seems like a match. Need I say more?” He grinned, especially when he saw Henry’s facial frustration. “Oh stop it, I’m messing with you. In fact, I’m being good, aren’t I El?” He pointed to Ellen who nodded. “See, Henry, I’m not touching. I’m not allowed anyhow. I have to be able to get out of quarantine. No exchange of body fluids here.”

Henry closed his mouth and slowly nodded his head, “Would you if you could?”

“Oh sure, but that’s beside the point. Good. I’m being very good. And we have more important things to talk about like who is with the baby?”

“Hap is watching him at the nursery. He likes Nick since, well, you know, Trish is expecting but don’t piss around after you leave here, Frank. All those kids are just too much for me to . . .” Henry stopped talking.

Frank raised his eyebrows and placed his hands on his hips. “What? What? Too much for you to what?”

Henry motioned his head behind Frank to Dean who had emerged from the other lab.

Dean probably could have looked more like the scientist he was instead of the confused mess he appeared b the way he stepped to them, stopped, opened his mouth, held up his hand, flung back his head, and finished off the routine by running his fingers through his hair.

Frank’s head swayed back in forth. “What is it with him and building the suspense? Dean! What?!”

“O.K.” Dean placed one hand on his hip holding back the lab jacket. “May I?” He held his hand out to Ellen for the radio. “Thanks.” He depressed the button. “What is in those vials is definitely not a virus. It is an antiserum, not an antidote. My guess is they have no antidote because they’ve been inoculated. Anyhow, I got a slow reaction when I tested the substance on a viral sample. A good reaction, a hopeful reaction, but slow. Whatever it is, it definitely was made to be given prior to infection.”

Joe listened to his explanation but his heart still searched for an answer to the question on whether or not it would help his son. That’s what was forefront on Joe’s mind most. “What does this mean for Robbie? And give it to me straight, Dean.”

“Straight.” Dean’s eyes moved around to those who watched him. “Robbie had entered fully into the virus stage of deterioration. With the right antiserum it can be reversed. This will reverse it but I don’t know how quickly, and that’s where the problem lies. The symptoms of this virus are as deadly as the disease itself. We have to hope that with care, Robbie does not succumb to the symptoms before the agent I’m going to give him takes effect.”

“So basically,” Joe said, “It’s like cutting off the cancerous limb and hoping it didn’t spread?”

“Basically, yes.”

“Then I suggest you do what you have to do, Dean.”

Dean clenched the already prepared syringe he held in his hand. “Wish me luck.”

Luck wasn’t the only thing they wanted to happen when all of them watched Dean leave with the syringe. Results were what they needed and wanted most. An air of silence took over the room as a hush, replacing the silliness of the arguments and joking around that had happened moments earlier. Though they stood with a glass window separating them, Frank, Ellen, and Johnny in the mobile, Joe and Henry outside, they all stood in thought for the same thing. With all of their hearts they wanted what Dean had to work on Robbie.

<><><><>

It was time for Frank to leave. Ellen stood in the doorway of Robbie’s room watching him for a few more minutes as he stared helplessly at his brother lying in that bed. She could tell and she could feel the pull how much Frank wanted to reach out and nurse him, wipe him down like Ellen had done so many times while he held his bedside vigil with Robbie. But he couldn’t. All he could do was keep his distance, hands folded over his goatee and watch.

“Frank.” Ellen spoke so soft that her voice cracked a little. “It’s time to go. You have to leave now.”

“I know.” He nodded. “He is so sick, El. It’s been ten hours since Dean gave him that drug. The only thing that has happened is he has gotten worse.”

“We have to wait, Frank.” Ellen walked up behind him laying her hand on his shoulder. “Dean said it moves slowly.”

“But this virus doesn’t. Why is he so sick already? None of the other men were this sick in this stage, were they?”

Ellen shook her head. “No. As near as we can tell, Robbie may have come down with it a day earlier than he admitted. He’s strong, Frank. He wouldn’t give in to it. He wouldn’t let it get him down.”

“But it did.”

“I’m sorry.”

“He’s my baby brother, El.” Frank slowly stood up. “It’s hard to watch this.”

“I know.”

“Tell me this isn’t going to be the last time I see my brother alive.”

“I can tell you I will do everything I can to make sure the next time you see him, he’s better. I’ll try, Frank. I’ll try as hard as I can.”

“I know you will.” Frank took one more look back at Robbie. “I’d better go. Johnny’s waiting isn’t he?”

“Yes he is.” She held out her hand. “I’ll walk with you.”

“You’ll stay with him, right?” Frank asked as they left the trailer and moved to the mobile lab.

“I won’t leave his side.”

“Give him a kiss for me, El.”

“I will.” She closed her eyes as they reached the door.

“Take care of my brother.”

“You don’t even have to say that to me. You know I will.” She reached her hand up and laid it on his face. “Stop by and see me tomorrow and I’ll let you know everything.”

“I will.” Frank leaned down to her but stopped before he instinctively kissed her. He stepped back, placed his lips to his fingers and laid his fingers to her lips. “I’ll see you.” He reached for the door. “Be good in here.”

“I will.” Ellen sadly folded her arms. “Frank?” She stopped him as he opened the door. “Thank you for everything you did for me today. Even though Joe down plays it, I don’t.”

“You’re welcome,” Frank smiled. “Just so you know, my father only down plays it because it pisses you off.”

“I knew that but I didn’t think you did.”

“Please, I’m the smart one here.” He paused in his leaving when he heard her snicker. He shook his head at her. “Good night.”

Holding the edge of the door, Ellen stepped to him. “Goodnight, Frank.” After he stepped out, she closed the lab door, refolded her arms, and walked toward the trailer to join Dean. A few steps into her walk, she heard the lab door reopen. Ellen turned around to see Frank who had only stuck his head in.

“El . . . I love you.”

Before she could say anything, the lab door had closed and she heard the starting of the Jeep’s engine. The only thing she could do was go to the window. She watched, fingers pressed to the glass leaving smudge marks, as Frank and Johnny drove back into town. She waited until the tail lights were no longer seen and she headed to the trailer to do what she had told Frank she’d do. Take care of Robbie.

<><><><>

Frank knew the moment he walked into his home, just before ten p.m. and a little over the actual fourteen hours he had to put into quarantine, that Henry had a hell night. Henry’s head was flopped over the arm of the couch. His arm hung to the floor and his long hair draped like a disguise over him so much his face wasn’t seen. What had he done, sat down to take a break and just passed out? That was how it looked to Frank. Worried that his closest friend would end up with either a headache or one hell of a stiff neck, Frank decided to help him out. He slammed the door to the house loudly it caused Henry to spring up to a sitting position and his hair to flop forward onto his face. “Sorry, Henry. Did I wake you?”

“I wasn’t sleeping.”

“Right.” Frank stepped into the living room. “Nice hair.”

Henry grunted and ran his finger through it to straighten it. “How was Robbie?”

“Worse.”

“Sorry to hear that.”

“How were the kids?”

“Difficult.” Henry plopped backwards. “Good thing Joe stayed until they fell asleep. Actually it was good thing Josh and Denny were here to wear them out only I think their antics wore me out. I’m beat.”

“Eh.” Frank waved his hand at him. “It just takes practice and then you’ll be a pro. You don’t always get this worn out. Is Josh home now?”

“No, he’s staying at Andrea’s.”

“Oh.” Frank raised his head in an acknowledging nod. “Well, I’ll let you get to sleep. I’m gonna head to bed myself. Goodnight Henry.” He walked to the steps and stopped. “Henry? You aren’t really mad that I spent all that time with Ellen in quarantine, are you?”

“No.” Henry shook his head. “Sorry I was like that. I was just upset that she was mad at me. You know how I get.”

“Yeah I do.”

“Is she still mad at me Frank?”

“Nah,” Frank said dramatically stepping toward the stairs. “She’s over it. Goodnight.”

“Frank.”

Frank’s hand slid on the railing stopping on the second step. “Yeah?”

“Are you all right? Do you need to talk?”

“No. I’m fine. I just need to sleep that’s all.” He let out a long breath. “It’s been a hell of a day. A long day.” Gripping the stair railing tighter, Frank motioned his head in his final goodnight wave and walked up the steps. He felt a certain nervousness about him, an uneasy feel about the whole day. He felt so down after spending the entire evening sitting in a room with a brother who stopped talking and failed to wake from his deep sleep.. Needing to have that touch of good, Frank stopped in both bedrooms on the journey to his own room. One at a time, he kissed each child, touched them, and took a moment over each and every one to say a little prayer of gratefulness, thanking God for bringing them into his life. The healthy look that each one of them possessed took a tiny bit of the hurt away from Frank, but not enough.

Walking into his bedroom he closed the door, undid his shoulder harness, and draped it over the headboard of the bed. Sitting on the side of the bed, he took his keys and unlocked the night stand next to him. He grabbed his revolver, reached down, and swung out the night stand door. Placing the revolver inside, he saw it in there and he needed it. After the bad day he had, he really needed it. He pulled out the small bottle of moonshine he kept in there and replaced it with his revolver. Kicking the night stand door closed with his foot, Frank swung his body around to rest against the headboard and brought his legs to his bed. Bringing his knees up and resting his wrists upon them, Frank stared at the bottle that he held with both hands. He told himself before he uncapped the moonshine that he needed a good reason to do so. After staring for a while in thought, he justified his doing so in one word . . . Robbie.

To forget the day, to forget the pain, Frank brought the bottle to his mouth as he lay on his bed and he broke the promise he made to Ellen, to Henry, and more importantly, to himself. Frank began to drink.

<><><><>

“Dean!” Such emotions filled Ellen’s cry over the low humming motor sound of the suction machine. “Please! I can’t hold him much longer!” Her legs were extended as far as they could possibly stretch. One leg was off the double bed, the tip of her toes touching the base of the suction machine to hold it steady in its vibration and other was behind Robbie’s back, holding him up as she secured him with one arm, while suctioning the thick fluid from his lungs. The fluid had backed up to the point that Robbie went into pulmonary arrest, turning blue and gasping for air he could not get.

His back burned against her bare leg. The high fever brought on convulsions that Ellen was surprised she handled. Perhaps she found the strength within her to do so. To fight with him as he fought with what had him.

Robbie’s arm flung up, trying to swat away the tube that extended into his mouth, through his airway, and deep into his lungs. “No, Robbie. Don’t fight me. Please don’t fight me.” Ellen braced him more, turning away her head from his moving hand. “Dean!” She felt Robbie’s head bang back onto her shoulder over and over. “Robbie, hold on. Just hold on. Come on.”

The running thumps of his feet brought Dean charging into the bedroom. “It’s ready.”

“It’s now or never, Dean.”

“We can do this, El. We can do this. Brace him with everything you got.” Dean grabbed hold of the suctioning tube as he watched Ellen wrap not only her arms around him, but her legs as well. Dean brought his body to the bed, leaning the majority of his weight on Robbie’s legs as he controlled the suctioning. “Almost there.” He held Robbie’s chin. “Almost done, Robbie.” He listened for the sounds of the moisture that ran through the tube to slow in consistency. “Hold tight, just hold tight.”

“Dean, why is he like this? Why is he so bad?”

“I don’t know.” Dean shook his head as he worked, watching Robbie’s eyes roll totally to the back of his head.

“It’s out of control.”

“I know.” Dean reached over and shut off the suction. “Keep him steady.” Securing Robbie’s throat, Dean removed the suctioning tube. When it emerged, Robbie gasped loudly. Grabbing his stethoscope, Dean placed it in his ears and then to Robbie’s chest. He slid it over his shoulder, slipping the diaphragm in between Robbie and Ellen’s body. He listened. “Better. Much better.” He took off the stethoscope and tossed it. “Ready, El? We have to lower his body temp now.”

“I’m ready.”

Dean stepped from the bed and on to the floor. He braced Robbie under the arms so Ellen could slide out. Together, after a three count, they lifted him to his feet. Dean stood on one side, Ellen on the other, and they dragged a slumping Robbie, who wore only a thin pair of boxer shorts, to the waiting bath tub Dean had already filled.

“Dean? How are we going to do this?” Ellen asked, standing before the tub.

“Carefully. I’ll hold him while you finish undressing him.”

Ellen released her hold once she knew Dean was secure, and she took the remainder of Robbie’s clothes from him. “We’ll never lift him Dean. He’s out.”

“Never say never.” Ellen's arms were behind Robbie’s back where Dean’s arm spanned across. Dean’s hand locked on to Ellen’s wrist. “Lock our arms.”

Ellen braced his wrist. “Got it.”

“Grab hold under his leg. Get your grip.” He waited until she did. “Now on three, using your legs, lift him with me. Ready?”

“I can do this.”

“I know you can. One . . . two . . . three.” So loudly they grunted. Red faced and struggling, they lifted Robbie and lowered him to the water, not two feet away.

Upon Robbie’s connection to the water, he somehow woke up and he began to thrash from the warm water that felt so cold against him. Both Ellen and Dean maintained a hold that grew harder with each thrash Robbie did.

“Dean, this is impossible. How are we going to keep him in here?”

“I’ll hold him. You wipe down.”

Ellen let go of her hold. “I have a better idea. He has to stay in there right?” She stood to her feet and hurriedly took off her shirt.

“El, what are you doing?”

Ellen stepped into the tub and sat down. She spread out her legs, one to each side of Robbie and with Dean’s help they lowered him, back first, onto Ellen.

“You have him?”

“Yes.” Ellen nodded when Robbie stopped convulsing and he only trembled. Her arms wrapped tightly around him as his head rested back to just under her chin. “I have him now. Hand me the cloth.”

Dean did. And he watched Ellen proceed to carefully wipe him down. “El.”

“I think he’s calmed down now, Dean. We’re fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. Go clean up his room and change the sheets so it’s fresh when we put him back in bed. I just want to hold him and help him.”

“All right.” Dean stepped back. “But call me if you need me. Remember, just because he’s calm now doesn’t mean he won’t start again.”

“I know. Go.” She waited for Dean to leave and Ellen picked up the wash cloth, drenched it, and wrung it out letting the stream pour across Robbie’s chest. Once Dean was gone, Ellen held Robbie tighter. “Fight, Robbie. You fight. Please.”

“El.” He weakly said her name.

“I’m right here.” Ellen pressed Robbie’s face close to her own. “Just hold on.” She softly kissed Robbie on the cheek. The moment she did so, she felt an aching growing in her throat that tightened up the words she tried to get out. “Hold on.”

Feeling the slight shake of his body, the rumbling of his chest, and his shallow breathing, Ellen clung to him even more. She pulled his back into her and held his whole body with all of hers. “Just hold on and beat this thing, Robbie.” Seeing Robbie’s hand reach out for something that wasn’t there and hearing the mumbling of words that made no sense, Ellen planted her cheek to his. “I’ll help you if you need me to. Hold on.” Closing her eyes, she laid her lips to his face and tasted the saltiness of her own tears as they rolled down between the connection of her and him. Such a sadness filled her while she held Robbie, such a hurt. Though she longed to give Robbie the strength she had, or the fortitude, she couldn’t. At that moment, the strength would have to wait. She had none left herself. All Ellen could do was hold him tightly, her body trembling with his, and cry.

<><><><>

“I know you’re doing all that you can for my son, Dean. Just let him know that we love him very much.”

“I will, Joe.”

The final words of Dean’s conversation with Joe stayed with him as he gathered the things he would take back into the bathroom with him. Having to call Joe and tell him was so hard for Dean. How do you tell a father that his son had unexpectedly taken such a turn for the worse, that it made even Dean’s head spin? The virus had turned more violent than any of the reports of the illness Robbie had sent.

Dean heard no sounds as he approached the bathroom door. No splashing, no movement. It was almost too quiet and that scared Dean.

He held out a robe and laid it on the commode for Ellen who turned her head away from him when he walked in. She stared at the wall, her cupped hand brought to her mouth. Grabbing two towels, Dean set them on the floor, then knelt upon another at the tub’s side. He pulled his stethoscope from around his neck and listened to Robbie’s chest.

Ellen sniffled then wiped her hand across her face. She spoke nasally, almost as if her voice had disappeared somewhere deep in her. “I’m holding him and he’s not moving. I’m so afraid. I think I feel him breathe. I think I feel a pulse but he’s not moving. I’m so afraid what I feel is my imagination that I’m not feeling a heartbeat or a breath. Please tell me, Dean. Please tell me he’s still alive.”

Slowly Dean lowered the stethoscope and set it on the floor. He swallowed, “Barely.”

Ellen whimpered and held Robbie again.

“El.” Dean grabbed the blood pressure cuff and wrapped it around his arm. “I can tell his fever is down some. It's enough to get him out of the tub. We have to get him out.” He began to take his pressure.

Ellen listened to the ripping Velcro sound. “How low is it?”

“Too low.”

“He’s dying on me, Dean. He’s dying.” Ellen let out a single sob then with tightly closed eyes, she buried her head into Robbie’s.

Dean listened to Ellen cry like he hadn’t heard her do in so long. “El.” He laid his hand on her shoulder. “Strength. You have to be strong.”

“I can’t.”

“Bullshit. I watched a hundred pound woman help lift a man twice her weight and then support him. That’s strong. That’s not just coming from your body, that is coming from within you. Use that, feed on that, because we’re not done yet.” Dean slowly shook his head. “We are not done yet.”

A long sniffle from Ellen echoed in the quiet bathroom. She looked at Dean who stared at her. “Take hold of him, Dean. We’ll get him back to bed.”

Dean slipped his hands under Robbie’s arms and pulled his limp body forward so Ellen could get out. As the splash of the water occurred when Ellen stood up, Dean whispered to Robbie as he held him. “Don’t give up on us yet, Robbie, not yet.”

<><><><>

Supporting Robbie up in bed, Dean watched Ellen’s trembling hands as she worked placing in the catheter of the intravenous into Robbie's arm that dangled down to let gravity fill his weakened veins with blood to fill them enough to take the IV. “You all right?”

“Can you reach to hold up my sleeve?”

“Yeah.” Dean moved his hand down to hold back the robe that reached her fingers.

“I have it.” Ellen laid a piece of tape across the catheter then connected the tubing from the bag that hung from the stand at his bedside.

“Here, you want to hold him while I administer the meds.”

“What are you giving him?” She walked over to the bed, slipping behind Robbie in a synchronized move with Dean as he slid out the other side. “Are his lungs clear enough for him to lay down yet?”

“Somewhat.” Dean grabbed the first syringe he had prepared.

“Dean? The rabbits you injected with this so called antidote...how are they?”

Dean only raised his eyes.

“Dean, come on.”

“The second died twenty minutes ago.”

Ellen gasped. “But they weren’t even close to that stage of the virus.”

“I know. I’m still standing on the premises that the virus isn’t killing them. Once again, the symptoms did. For some reason this antiserum is magnifying or speeding up the process. That’s why I’m giving Robbie all we have. I’m just dumping it in him.”

“What?” She watched him inject the first syringe in.

“Well, from what I could come up with, our A-17 actually worked with the antidote to speed up its reaction. I’ve given it to the third rabbit and he’s still hanging in there. I’m giving it to Robbie now. We need both to work faster, so I’m giving him an epinephrine syntheses to speed up the reaction and it will also open his bronchi for his breathing. I’m also giving him steroid equivalent to strengthen his lungs.” Dean picked up another syringe. “And a fever reducer at a higher dose.”

“All those together?”

“El, it’s our best chance. Fight it with everything all at once.”

Ellen sniffled again and ran the back of her hand under her nose. “I’m sorry to doubt you. I’m just upset.”

“I know.” Dean tossed out the last syringe. “Why don’t you lay him back down again. There should be enough pillows there and we’ll keep checking on him.”

Kissing Robbie softly on the cheek, then running her hand over his wet hair, Ellen slowly began to slide out from behind him. She tried to keep the transition from her to the pillow smooth and without his notice.

Robbie’s eyes opened slightly. “El,” he called out.

“I’m right here, Robbie.” She spoke softly, still sliding out completely as she rested him back on his pillows.

His hand blindly reached out to the voice he heard. Robbie felt the softness of the robe she wore as his hand landed on the belt.

She wanted Robbie to know she was there so Ellen hesitated before she stood and got out of the bed completely. She figured she would stay there until he fell back to sleep and stopped stirring, then she would take her place in the chair next to him.

Robbie moaned barely audibly, a painful moan and his other arm came to her as he rolled on his side. He slipped his hand, almost in a search, across her stomach and gripped tightly to her waist. With all of his strength he raised his head, eyes closed, and dropped it weakly onto her chest, feeling his face against her skin as he pulled at her, moving closer. “Thank you.”

Ellen looked up to Dean, so lost and confused and with eyes that conveyed her fears. She brought her hands to Robbie’s head, slowly brushing her chin against the top of his wet hair.

Stepping to them, Dean adjusted the pillows under Robbie. He brought the covers up over him and grazed his hand over Ellen’s. “I’ll check back.” He received a closed eye nod in response and he walked to the door. He paused before leaving to take one more look back at Robbie who clung to Ellen like a sick, lost child. Clinging in hopes of something. Clinging maybe in fear. Dean realized, for as much as Robbie needed the medication, Robbie needed Ellen as well.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

JULY 17

There was something unnerving about calling George at that time in the day. Anyone could walk in. But seeing how John Matoose hadn’t had contact with him in two days, he had to call, like George wanted, within a certain time frame. It couldn’t be before a certain time of the morning. George was out and about running things on his side of the world. And if it was later, he could be napping and George hated to have his naps disturbed. “As near as I can figure George, Frank went out to get Ellen and Dean.”

“At that particular moment he went out at exactly the same time our CME’s hit?”

“The way I got the story was Henry broke down and told Frank.”

“What about what you heard over the radio?” George asked. “You said it sounded like they knew Robbie was in danger.”

“I asked about that,” John continued. “Dan said that they were concerned about Dean and Ellen.” He leaned back further in his chair in the communications room, his index finger trailed around the rim of his mug.

“Dean and Ellen. What the hell were they up to? If I was the leader, their asses would have just stayed out there. It’s Ellen, the little trouble maker. I hate that bitch.” George sounded so angry in his telephone conversation.

“Yeah, well, join the club. To make matter worse, her and Jenny have been speaking lately.”

“Stop it. Stop it now. The last thing you want is for that impressionable wife of yours to get Ellen attitude.” George let out a loud huff over the line. “All right, how’s Robbie?”

“I haven’t heard, but I don’t think he’s good, not by Frank’s demeanor this morning. They have him in the mobile lab.”

“Keep me posted. I had a secondary plan of action in case we failed. If Robbie pulls through, we’ll get him. When is that run of Cole’s coming up? The second plan hinges on that.”

“It’s been pushed back another week or so. Why is that so important?”

“See if you can get me some exacts on where he’s off to. It’s a simple metal run. One day right? We’ll set him up and if Robbie is well, you know for a fact he and a team will head out there immediately. We’ll grab him.”

“George, I have to say getting Robbie out of Beginnings is not going to make me sad one bit. But you do know he just might die and then you’re out of luck with this new plan.”

“I’ve got another,” George said so arrogantly. “Don’t worry about it. I’m disconnecting this call now. We’ve been on too long.”

“George, wait. What about the virus? You still aren’t using it, right?”

“Knock it off about the virus, John. I told you what I’m doing.”

John pulled the phone from his ear when he heard the abrupt disconnection. Shaking his head, he placed the phone away and to his surprise, just in time. The buzz of the door opened and Jenny walked in. John sprang up. “What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same.” She carried a small box with her.

“I’m working, filling in for Steve’s break. You?”

“John, you and I have to talk. It’s Friday. You know Mary and Forrest teach for me while I do supplies and replenishing.” She walked across the room. “Right now, I’m replenishing coffee supplies. You men sure drink it down here.”

“That’s right. I’m sorry I forgot that you do that. I don’t know where my mind is at.”

“How are the office supplies, pencils, and such?” Jenny lifted a clipboard from the box she set down.

“I don’t know.”

“Why? You’re always here filling in, John. Pay more attention.”

“Why do I need to pay attention to what’s here? I’m only down here for fifteen minutes at a time. Besides, they use no supplies so don’t worry about it.”

“All right. But if Joe yells at me… You know he won’t distribute supplies unless it’s an emergency.” Jenny pulled out a canister and removed the lid. It contained coffee and she poured the grinds into the communications room’s container that was nearly empty. She sniffed loudly. “These grinds smell bitter. Do they smell bitter to you?” She looked back to ask only to see John wiping his hand across his head. “What’s wrong? Are you sick?”

“No.” He shook his head.

“You seem nervous.”

“I’m just upset about Robbie.”

“We all are. I spoke to Joe a little bit ago and Robbie is not good. Speaking of Robbie, I need you to go to distribution this afternoon in our time slot. I need bread and cream. I’m going up to the mobile lab and I might not make it back.  You know how far out of the way that is.”

“Why?” John asked.

“Boy, aren’t you absent minded today?” Jenny gathered her supplies. “I have a meeting at the house tonight. I need cream.”

“Not cream, Jenny!” John snapped. “The mobile! Why are you going to the mobile.”

“Apologize for that tone, John.”

“Sorry.”

“Thank you. You don’t want me to start calling you Frank now do you?” She heard her husband grunt and she giggled. “Anyway, I wanted to speak to Ellen. I want to go over . . .”

“No,” he said strongly.

“No?”

“Don’t go to the lab. I don’t want you going up there.”

“Sweet.” Jenny grabbed her box, walked to John, and laid her hand on his face. “Don’t worry, I won’t catch anything. I’m going to stand outside.” She tapped his face a couple times. “I’m off to the next place.” She kissed him quickly. “See you. Don’t forget . . . distribution.”

John let out a breath and placed his hand on his hip when Jenny walked out. He had hoped that sometime during the course of his day, he would have a conversation with someone where he was the one in control.

<><><><>

The slight fluttering movement of a rabbit’s paw twitching against the bottom of the cage where he laid was the only sound in the special lab at the mobile. Dean’s stared silently into a microscope, a notebook next to him, a pen in his hand. He was starting another journal on the virus. The same as the last, he had his hopes that this would be the last journal, that sometime during the course of all his note taking and work, the answer and cure would come.

He pulled back from the lens. He had to pause again rubbing his eyes and the blurriness. It was the third time since he started viewing slides that his eyes went blurry. He wanted to go get Ellen to help, but like Dean, her sleep was limited the night before with worry and care for Robbie. She slept now and Dean was certain that it was the first time during the whole night she had fallen asleep, so he let her rest.

What had happened? What caused Robbie to take such a critical turn for the worse? Dean reviewed his notes over and over. Did he make a mistake by giving Robbie that antiserum? His preliminary tests showed that the antidote fought the virus, so why didn’t it fight it in Robbie? In every blood sample he took from Robbie, the virus increased, not decreased like it should have. Robbie had shot from a second day victim to a tenth day victim in less than ten hours. Had Robbie been anyone else, Dean was sure he wouldn’t had made it through the night. He shouldn’t have made it through the night. Not with his vital signs as low as they were. Not with his heart rate barely beating enough to circulate blood to the brain in order to function. His lungs were so bad, Dean was ready for when they collapsed but they didn’t. Since he gave Robbie the antidote, everything Robbie experienced was now different than any future notes or any notes Robbie sent him during it all. Such a fighter Robbie had to be to hold on through all that.

Because of the differences, Dean wanted to be uncertain on what would happen next, but he wasn’t. Making a notation into his journal before turning back to his microscope, Dean wrote down his views of Robbie’s next stage, adding a last sentence to a paragraph entry already written. After he finished, he dropped his pen, plopped his elbows to the counter, and covered his face with his hands. He prayed that the words he just wrote, the words he hesitated to write all night, were wrong.

July 17 - 7:45 a.m.- After viewing the samples of Robbie’s blood again, a specimen taken at 1:00 a.m., it is apparent that the virus has grown even stronger. At this point, with the rate of deterioration that Robbie Slagel has achieved, it is no longer relevant to do any further samples. We have done all that we could and we gave it our best shot. Sadly, Robbie is not responding and it is becoming more evident that he isn’t going to make it.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

“Next on the agenda . . .” Joe, who was leaning forward onto his desk, raised his eyes to a loud Henry yawn. “Henry, what the hell?”

“Sorry, Joe.” Henry held up his hand. “It’s not you.”

“It better not be.”

“The baby was up all night.”

“Like father like son.” Joe sat back and pulled out a cigarette. “Now you know how we used to feel, before you had anyone in your life, with the way you’d wake us all up.”

“Oh I was not that bad.” Henry waved his hand at him then quickly turned his head to Andrea who gave a ‘hmm’. “I wasn’t. Not like the baby.”

“Wouldn’t he go back to sleep for you at all, Henry?” Joe asked.

“Frank. He wouldn’t go back to sleep for Frank. Frank, he plays with him. I told him if he would ignore the baby then the baby . . .”

“Henry,” Joe interrupted him, “why were both you and Frank up with that kid?”

“Frank made me get up. He said if he was going to get up with him, so was I,” Henry sulked.

“Then why didn’t you just let Frank go back to sleep if you have to be up anyhow?” Joe continued in is questioning.

“Oh no, Joe. Not me. I don’t do the baby thing well.” Henry shook his head. “I’m learning.”

Joe grunted and looked back down at his notes. “Back to our council meeting. Let’s finish off old business. Recycling. So, let me get this straight. We’re telling Stuart that he can only burn trash twice a month every other month?” He saw he had their agreement. “He wanted to switch it to twice a month every month. But . . . survivor smoke signals. I’ll tell him in the winter we’ll do it twice a month.” Joe made a notation. “We’re all in agreement that the seven in containment will work fields until we have divisions that they can be trained properly in. None of our division head want to train new people until this crisis is over.” Joe said. “Let’s face it, most of them can be called to security at any time. We’ll grant them that.” He shifted the sheet of paper. “New business. Andrea, did all the women register their menstrual cycles with you yet?”

Andrea nodded. “Well, all except for Ellen. She . . .” Andrea’s eyes went mean when she heard Henry snickering. “Mr. Kusakari, may I ask what is so funny?”

“Sorry.” Henry held up his hand. “I just keep picturing Joe trying to be serious when Jenny brought him this request. He probably just agreed to shut her up.”

Joe grunted. “Tell the women tonight at your meeting that council approved the request. Yes, Henry?” Joe acknowledged his waving hand.

“I didn’t vote on it, Joe. I don’t remember. Did I?”

“No,” Joe told him.

“I’m on council. I should vote on it.” He heard Andrea huff then saw her slide down in her chair. “Don’t breathe at me, Andrea. It’s not fair. I think my opinion should be heard about this.”

.Joe raised his hand and lowered it with a slap. “All right, Henry. Do we let the women have a day off their first day or not?”

“Oh I don’t see a problem with it, Joe, sure,” Henry said.

Another grunt from Joe. “Duly noted.” He shook his head and continued. “I spoke to Clothing and Shoes and they are trying to come up with a way to make the new shoes for the women. Ben said he has a great new color, they may all be blue at first, but we should have the first pair of . . .” Joe cleared his throat, “flats in about three weeks.”

Henry snickered loudly again. “Sorry. Flats? Why are we making the women flats? Seems like a waste of materials if you ask me.”

Andrea tsked, “You would think that, Henry. You men get whatever you want around here. We women have to . . .”

Joe held up his hand, stopping her. “Andrea, let me explain it to him.” Joe folded his hands and faced Henry. “Son, the women are tired of wearing those little tennis shoes we make them. They want a choice.”

“They have a choice, Joe,” Henry stated. “They could wear boots.”

“Boots?” Joe tilted his head. “Combat boots? Christ, Henry, I don’t know about you, but if the women in this community want to stay feminine, I’m for it. They want to feel good about themselves and why not? Just because your . . . whatever she is to you now . . . isn’t feminine, doesn’t mean the rest of the women shouldn’t be. Combat boots.”

“Joe, that is totally untrue,” Henry argued. “Ellen is very feminine and I’m telling her you said that.”

Joe rolled his eyes slightly. “You think she’s feminine. Female maybe. Yeah, I’ll admit she’s very female about things. But feminine? Henry, how many other women in this community have been shot more than once if at all? Stabbed? Beat up on a regular basis? Not to mention the fact that everything she wears hangs off of her.”

“In Ellen’s defense,” Henry held one finger up, “everything is too big on her.”

“Yeah Henry,” Joe snapped, “but Ben from fabrics has told her over and over he’d take them in for her. Does she take him up on it? No. Sometimes I think my daughter leaves her clothes loose and baggy so they’re more easily removed.”

Henry gasped. “I cannot believe you’re speaking about your daughter like that.” He turned his head to Andrea. “Can you believe he’s talking about Ellen like that?”

“Yes,” Andrea answered. “Next line of business Joe.”

Joe couldn’t agree with that suggestion more. He shifted his paper. “Finally, trivial stuff.” A flutter of lips came from Henry. “What now?”

“Trivial stuff?” Henry smirked. “Like flat shoes and days off for periods isn’t trivial.”

“To some people isn’t, Henry. Now shut up,” Joe ordered. “Get some sleep, goddamn it. You’re getting on my nerves and you look bad too.”

“I look bad?” Henry was surprised. “No I don’t. Do I?”

“Yes,” Joe answered, “and you’re having a bad hair day too.”

“My hair is bad? Oh my God.” Henry ran his hand through his hair. “Better?”

“No.” Joe shook his head. “Want it to look neat? Shave it.”

“Oh no Joe, I couldn’t do that. I like my hair.”

“Henry!” Joe had enough. “Moving on to the trivial stuff.” He pointed at him. “And not another word. You’ve been hanging around my daughter too much.” Joe shifted his eyes down. “Something for you two to think about. The guys want to use the extra spot lights to set up at the field for night games when they start playing softball again. Blake, our soap guy, wants to have a theatrical performance every other week on Sundays instead of once a month. I think we can let him do it. What else do we have to entertain us around here? Speaking of entertaining. Andrea, what happened last night at the social hall and why did they bother you?”

“They bothered me, Joe, because you have a lot on your mind,” she told him. “What happened was...it was karaoke night. Stew got mad because Edwin sang the song he wanted to sing and they started fighting. Dan broke it up and tossed them both in holding for three hours to cool down. It worked. All is fine.”

“Joe?” Henry interjected. “I want to say, I like the idea of holding being used for cool down purposes. It works.”

“You may like it, Henry but I don’t,” Joe told him. “It's too much like a jail and that’s something we don’t want to get in to.”

“True,” Henry added. “But . . . really, what wrongs do people commit around here? If they commit a really bad wrong, they get tossed out. Fighting, Joe, you and I both know you can’t stop men from fighting. But if they get out of hand, like Dan obviously thought the fight was last night, then you throw them into holding in order to stop them from tearing each other up. In the old world if two men cause a disruption by fighting they were tossed in jail. Same premises.”

“Jail.” Joe shook his head. “All right, that’s it.” He pushed his papers aside. “I’ll give the notes to Trish to type up for us. She has nothing better to do then stare at her date book. And I’ll . . .” He stopped when there was a knock at the door. “Come in.”

Cole opened up the door and stepped inside. “I’m here for our meeting, Joe.”

Joe’s expression dropped. “I totally forgot with Robbie on my mind, I’m sorry.”

Cole pointed back with his hand that held the chipboard. “We can reschedule. No big deal.”

“No.” Joe shook his head. “Who knows what’s going to come up and we’d might as well get the details out of the way. Have a seat. We just finished up.”

Andrea stood. “Joe? Can’t Henry handle this meeting with Cole? I mean, your heart isn’t into it. Why don’t you and I take a walk and talk about things.”

Joe thought about it for a minute. “You know what, Andrea, that wouldn’t be a bad idea. Henry has to practice anyhow for when I retire. Right, Henry?”

“Practice for what Joe?” Henry asked.

“Community leader. You are next in line.”

Henry’s eyes shifted in horror. “I wouldn’t have a clue.”

“Then it’s time you learned.” Joe smiled and patted Cole on the back as he grabbed Andrea’s hand. “I’ll leave you two to your meeting. Henry, update me later.” He walked to the door. “Sit behind my desk Henry. Do it. Get used to it.”

An apprehensive Henry stood up when Joe and Andrea left. He moved to Joe’s desk and sat in the chair. He shifted to his left then to his right, made a cringing face, stood back up, and repeated his actions. “Oh this isn’t right.” Henry swiveled from one side to another, pulled the chair closer to the desk, then out. He bounced a little, causing a squeak.

“Henry, what are you doing?” Cole asked.

“Huh?” Henry remembered Cole was there. “Oh, this isn’t right. I’ll never get used to this.”

“Being a community leader?”

“No this chair. God . . . it sucks.” Smiling as Cole slumped sideways in his own chair, Henry folded his hands on Joe’s desk. “Now all I need to do is smoke. O.K., let’s start.”

<><><><>

Andrea held tightly to Joe’s arm as they walked from the line of utility buildings. She rested her head against him while they moved. “You frightened that boy, Joseph.”

“Henry? Everything frightens him.”

“You aren’t thinking of retiring soon are you? Don’t tell me you’re going to do that to us.”

“No, not yet.” Joe looked ahead as he walked. “But it would be nice to just have my own little division to run, spend more free time with my family, and not have to worry about filling in at a different division every day because someone calls off. And . . . I could be the emeritus and help Henry from the shadows. Not to mention I’ll soon become one of those older gentlemen the ladies all enjoy.”

Andrea chuckled. “You’ll never really be old, Joe Slagel. Trust me.”

“So I’ll never be enjoyed?”

“I doubt that.” Andrea laid her head on his arm. “I’ve got an idea that will help you and take your mind off of things for a little while and help you feel better.”

“What do you have in mind, Andrea? I’m a busy man but I’m sure we can squeeze it in. Just keep in mind, my son is ill and I’m thinking about that, so there are no guarantees.”

“Joe Slagel.” She scolded then tsked. “Get your mind out of the gutter. I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about prayer. I thought you and I could stop by the chapel for a moment or two and pray for your son together. You know what the book of Matthew says, ‘when two or more gather in my name.’”

“One of my favorites.” Joe smiled. “I like your idea Andrea. I really do. My son needs all the help he can get.”

<><><><>

Ellen really wanted to speak to Joe in her dream. She really did, but how annoying that he didn’t take her seriously. Of course he wouldn’t. Not when she kept rubbing her nose and scratching her body. Everywhere on her tickled in an irritating itch with a crawling of her skin. ‘God!’ she thought in her dream. ‘Why am I so itchy? Hey, why am I so itchy?’ Suddenly while she dreamt, reality crept into her dream state, and as she laid--eyes still unable to open--she felt that tickling, from her knee to her thigh, then trailing to the inside of her leg. It felt like . . . a bug. ‘Shit! A bug!’ She freaked. As her hand frantically swiped that insect from her leg, she opened her eyes, heard the slight snickering, and her breath escaped her. With a gasp, she spoke, “Robbie.”

He lay on his side , grinning that smile only he could grin, wide and bright. “Hey. This . . .” His hand rested on her bent knee. “…is so great.”

So rapidly she spoke, almost stuttering, “This is a dream because you’re sick. I know this is a dream.”

“Nope. I feel great. I have to tell you this is one hell of a get well gift.”

She was so shocked she was speechless.

“And you’re naked too. I think.” He flipped her robe open a little. He gave a ‘ha’ when she closed it again. “You are. Nice scar.”

“Oh my God. You’re better.” She raised her hand up to his face. “You’re better.”

“Yep.” His hand slid down her thigh again and she abruptly pushed it back.

“How are you feeling? Really?” Ellen asked as she stared upon his arrogant Robbie look.

“Really? Not a hundred percent, but compared to the past two days, I could run a marathon.”

<><><><>

“What?” Dean spun quickly when he heard the shuffling in the rabbit cage behind him as he washed his hands. The sick rabbit, the one who was on his deathbed not an hour earlier, sprang up from his lifeless position and headed to the cup of water. “What the . . .”

“Dean!”

“Shit, Ellen.” Quickly rinsing his hands then drying them, Dean flew from the special lab and toward the mobile where Ellen’s cries for help were coming from.

“Dean!”

“El.” He barreled to Robbie’s room, heart racing, fearing what he would see. He felt for sure that Ellen had awoken and found Robbie dead. “El . . .” He slid to a stop holding on the archway as he raced into the room “Robbie. Oh shit.” Dean held back his hair. “You’re alive. I thought you were dead. How are you feeling?”

“Honest? Not as strong as I’d like to be.” He smiled. “But strong enough to not miss the opportunity when there’s a naked woman in bed with me.”

Ellen placed her hands on her hips and bent down, leaning forward to the bed. “For your information mister, I was not naked.”

“El, you were. Lying in bed, no covers and . . .” Robbie pulled on the robe separating it. “Naked underneath.”

Ellen shrieked and jumped back behind Dean. “I’m telling Frank you copped a feel. Out of the goodness of my heart, I take care of you because I thought you were dying and I get molested? Better yet, wait until I tell Joe.” She gave a ‘so there’ look to him.

Dean merely mumbled one word, ‘Joe’ and he dashed from the room, brushing by Ellen, as fast as he could.

Ellen pointed back to the door. “See, he’s telling first.”

Robbie smiled, laughed slightly and plopped backwards on the bed, he pulled the covers all the way up, and closed his eyes with a peaceful look.

“Robbie?” Ellen spoke soft. “You all right?”

“All the excitement.” He opened one eye. “I’m a little dizzy.”

“Well is it any wonder?” Ellen tightened the belt to her robe and moved to the bed. “You nearly died last.” She proceeded to tuck the covers in around him tightly. “You still have to rest, Robbie. You do.” She reached down and touched his forehead. “You’re still a little warm.” She grabbed the stethoscope off the night stand and sat on the other side of the bed. “Roll on your side for me.” When he did, she listened to his back. “Cough.”

“Aren’t you gonna grab my . . .”

“Robbie. Cough.”

He did. It was thick, barely rumbling, and tight. “You’re still filled up.” She took the stethoscope off, set it down, and then fluffed the pillows up behind his head. “I need you to rest. O.K.? Please? I’ll get you something to drink and eat.”

“El.” Robbie grabbed her hand as she started to leave. He pulled her gently to sit back down. “I know I was joking around this morning.” His fingers trailed around hers and to the palm of hers hand. “I was just so happy when I woke up.  I felt good and I was alive. I thought I was dying for sure last night. I know what you did for me.” He cupped her hand between both if his and he brought it to his mouth, kissing it with closed eyes. “ I am so grateful.” His warm breath brushed against her fingers tips. “Thank you. I’ll never forget it.”

“I would have never of left your side.” Ellen extended out her fingers and touched his lips. “Never.” She saw his eyes rise to her. “I’m so glad you didn’t die on me. I don’t know what I would have done without you in my life, Robbie.” She leaned forward as he sat up some, hugged him, and kissed him on the cheek. She pulled back, looked at him, and realized that the joking around was gone and now replaced with a solemn seriousness. Knowing that, she embraced him with gratitude again.

<><><><>

His hands were on his hips as Frank stood side by side with his father. He tapped his fingers in an impatient arpeggio manner across the bottom edge of his belt. He stared ahead with those Frank-intimidation eyes. “So what do you think, Dad?” He titled his head in his question.

“Don’t know,” Joe answered.

“Is he just going to stand there?”

“Looks like it,” Joe said.

“And not speak?”

“Looks like that too.”

“Fuck.” Frank shook his head and huffed. “If he’s gonna deliver bad news, why is he making us stare at him for so long?”

“He said it wasn’t bad.”

“You don’t think he’s going to take off his clothes and flash us do you. I mean that’s a scary thought. He’s a little guy.”

“Not according to Ellen.” Joe raised his eyebrows a few times.

“Don’t even go there.” Frank ran his hand harshly down his goatee. “What the fuck?”

As he looked out the window, Dean wondered why Frank and Joe kept staring at him. He knew they were talking about him as well. They waited with Dean, but did they have to stare like he was some sort of entertainment? They didn’t even try to speak to him over the radio. They just kept looking at him as if he was a fish in a bowl, or they were waiting for him to do a trick or something. “El, come on!” He yelled irritated. “Frank and Joe are plotting out there. I know it.”

“In a second. We’re getting ready.” She yelled back.

“Ready?” Dean spun his head curiously.

Frank threw his hands in the air. “What the fuck? Where did he go?”

“Gone,” Joe stated.

“You don’t think that was it, do you? You don’t think he called us up here just to display himself.”

“No, Frank, I don’t.”

“Then where did he go?” Frank peered closer to the window. “That’s it.” Frank raised his fist to pound on the glass. Just as it almost touched, he stopped, and his arm dropped. “Oh shit.”

Wearing a crisp white tee shirt and his military pants, hair combed, and freshly shaven, Robbie stood at the window. He used Ellen as support, trying to make it appear that he just stood close to her rather than needed her. He pulled up a chair and sat down.

Joe’s heart pounded nearly from his chest when he saw his son sitting there. Was this the same man that Dean had called him the night before and told him was dying? Was this the same man who Dean was certain would not make it through the next day? “Robbie.” Joe lifted his radio to his mouth.

“Hey Dad. Frank.”

Frank blinked several times in awe. “Robbie, you were so bad last night. Look at you walking around. How are you?”

“Better.” Robbie watched Frank’s hand lift to the glass. “Watch those smudge marks, Frank. We don’t want people thinking you and Ellen gave an encore performance of her last time in quarantine.”

Frank snickered especially when he saw Ellen smack Robbie’s leg.

Joe looked at Frank. “What the hell is he talking about?”

“Must be the fever.” Frank returned to looking at his brother. Though he still looked pale, he looked better than he did before. “I’m glad you’re better. I am really glad you’re better.”

Robbie scooted his chair closer to the window. “Last night Ellen was really there for me, Frank.”

Frank smiled at Ellen, a grateful smile.

“She bathed me, Frank,” Robbie told him.

“I told her to take care of you.”

“She did.” Although Frank did not, Robbie saw it on his father’s face… Joe’s squeamishness on where his youngest son’s story was going. “She . . . she got in the tub.”

The look changed on Frank’s face, but not too drastic.

Robbie grinned. “We took a bath together last night.”

Frank’s mouth closed tightly and his eyes shifted to Ellen.

Robbie went on. “She washed me, touched me, got aroused, and took advantage of . . .”

“Robbie!” Frank shouted. “Enough! Fuck.”

Robbie laughed. “I’m kidding. But we did bathe together.”

Frank turned off his microphone and whispered to his father. “Why do I get this feeling I am never going to hear the last of the bath thing?”

“You won’t,” Joe told him.

Frank put his radio back on. “El,” he called her, “even though you took a bath with my brother, thank you for being there with him.”

“I told you I would be Frank. I had to. It’s Robbie.” She reached her hand up to the glass, ignoring Robbie’s ‘here they go again’ comment.

Frank brought his up as well, placing it over where hers was. “I owe you.”

“No you don’t.”

Frank softened his voice, “Then I guess I don’t get to show you my gratitude.”

“Depends. What do you have in mind?”

Frank held up his finger, reached to his father, took Joe’s radio and shut it off. He then brought his mouthpiece close to his mouth and whispered. “Put it to your ear and I’ll tell you.”

Ellen giggled with an ornery smile, paying no mind to the rolling eyes of Robbie and Joe. She turned down the volume and brought it close to her ear. Just as she did, she felt a tap on the shoulder and Dean reached down for the radio.

Frank’s jaw tightened and he twitched his head to one side when Dean took the radio. If he could have reached through the window and strangled him at that moment he would have. “Dean. Give it back.”

“I want to say something, Frank.”

“Right now? Right at this moment. It couldn’t wait five fuckin seconds until I talked to Ellen.”

“Nope.” Dean jumped back with a laugh at the loud bang against the window Frank delivered. He indicated to Joe to pick up his radio, and when he did, Dean began to talk to them. “I’m sorry for interrupting dirty-talk-time between you and Ellen, Frank, but I wanted you guys to know that Robbie shouldn’t be alive right now. He certainly shouldn’t be sitting in this chair. His vitals, his breathing, and blood pressure were so low, he was a heartbeat from death. I’m running tests right now to make sure he’s not just in remission. My gut tells me something worked on him. He’s still sick and weak. Don’t let him kid you. But he’s better. Last night was one of the hardest nights Ellen and I ever faced with anything we fought in a long time. I also realized something, Joe.”

“What’s that, Dean?”

Frank nudged his father with a whisper. “Dad, don’t encourage him to keep talking.”

Joe snarled at Frank. “Go on, Dean.”

“Thanks.” Dean took a deep breath and looked at Ellen who sat next to Robbie. “We originals have a bond. But you, Joe, your family has such a bond . . . I can’t even describe to you what I saw last night. I know you’ve always treated Ellen as a daughter but I don’t think I realized, until last night, how much she really is your daughter. Blood or no blood, she is a Slagel with the way she was with your son. I really believe Robbie would have given in if she hadn’t been there and been his strength. I just wanted to let you know that.”

“Thank you, Dean,” Joe said to him.

“You’re welcome.” Dean smiled and handed the radio back to Ellen who held Robbie’s hand. “Talk dirty to Frank.”

Ellen raised her eyes with a ‘thank you’, and took the radio.

Joe watched Dean return to the lab. The airwaves were silent. He turned to Frank. “That was really nice of him to say. Don’t you think, Frank?”

Frank scoffed with a flutter of his lips, “Right, he wants something.”

Joe tossed his hands in the air. “I give up. Talk to Ellen.”

Just as Ellen was about to speak, she noticed Robbie’s stature had worn down more. “Frank, Joe, I’m gonna take Robbie back to bed.”

Robbie stopped her. “No, El, I’m fine.”

“Robbie.” She faced him. “If you want to be strong you have to rest. You still have to fight this thing.”

Robbie nodded. “All right.”

Ellen stood up at the same time as Robbie. “Frank, will you stop by later and see me?”

“You know I will.”

“Will you tell Henry to stop by also? He hasn’t even tried to call on the radio or phone.”

Frank nodded. “I’ll tell him. But in Henry’s defense, he’s a walking zombie from being up all night with the baby.”

Ellen looked happy about this. “He got up with the baby? Did you have to help him at all?”

“Help him?” Frank snickered. “El, I asked him to heat the bottle and he burned it. But I made him stay up to watch and learn. He’ll learn.” Frank winked.

“Thanks. And we’d . . .” She motioned her head to Robbie. “We’d better get some rest.” She grabbed hold of Robbie’s arm. “Bye Frank. Bye Joe.”

Frank stood there watching Ellen and Robbie until they were no longer in his view. He stepped back from his close peer through the window. “You think he’ll be all right, Dad?”

“Fine, Frank,” Joe stated with so much confidence. “I think he’ll be just fine.” Hearing Dean’s words about Ellen running through his mind were only a confirmation of what he already felt to be true. Joe breathed a little easier now. Robbie was home. Robbie was better. One crisis, one of many in Beginnings, was finally over.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

“The virus is still present, but definitely decreasing,” Dean told Ellen as he stared at the computer shots of his slides. “Robbie’s not in remission.”

“What happened, Dean?” She asked. “Did that antiserum finally kick in?”

“I don’t think so,” Dean shrugged. “If you ask me, it has to be a combination of what we used. I mean, rabbit three and Robbie both had the exact same things given to them. Rabbits one and two only had the antiserum.”

“That just doesn’t make any sense,” Ellen stated as she stared at the screen with him. “What was in those vials was an antiserum. Not an antidote. The results we are seeing here are the results of an antidote. Correct?”

“Correct.”

“So where did the antidote come in?”

“It has to be the serum we got from the SUTs.”

“No.” Ellen shook her head.

“No? Ellen, yes.” Dean spun around to face her. “Where else is it coming from then?”

“Us. Our agent seventeen. We had good results with that.”

Dean fluttered some in his words. “Granted yes. But . . .” He spun back to the computer and started showing slide after slide to her. “None, not this one, or this one, or this one shows the defeat of the virus. What we are witnessing with Robbie, is the defeat of the virus. We aren’t doing that. If we were, then we would have done it earlier. And . . . and mind you,” Dean spoke so corrective to her. “A-17 would have worked on Greg and the others. We gave them that with the steroids and all. It has to be their antiserum. It finally kicked in. It sped up the virus to the point it burned itself out.”

Ellen waved her hand in a scoffing motion. “Oh that is the stupidest theory you have had yet.”

“Stupid?” Dean stood up speaking dramatically. “Stupid is thinking that somehow an agent that we’ve used before, somehow miraculously, without change mind you, started to work.”

“Oh listen to the way you talk to me. You’re an asshole Dean.”

“Asshole.” Dean swayed his head and sat down.

“Combination, it has to be it. A combination of the two.”

“That’s what it has to be. Now, if that proves true, which we will check, then we’ve beaten this thing as long as we can recreate what they have in their antiserum. Otherwise we’re out of luck. Unless of course, according to your theory A-17 actually works. Which it wouldn’t . . .” Dean got a bright look on his face. “Unless.”

“Unless?” Ellen hurried to his side. “Unless what?”

“Ellen, what is an antiserum or inoculation?”

“It’s giving someone an immunity to whatever.”

“Yeah but, how is that done?” Dean quizzed. “Think about it.”

“Giving a small dose of the virus, small enough not to harm, but large enough to make the body think it has it.”

“Small pox, polio. Remember those vaccines. How were they done?”

Ellen wondered where he was going. “Synthesized versions. The most effective vaccines were the ones made with the live . . . the live . . .” she smiled, “virus.”

“Exactly.” Dean smiled also. “What if our agent seventeen actually does work, but it works on the original strain, not the mutated form. That would mean that the antiserum is created with the virus taken directly from the host, whether the host be an animal or test tube. The antiserum is the virus, original virus, in a milder form.”

“So when you injected Robbie, that antiserum virus took over the mutated one and our agent seventeen beat the original virus, therefore beating the illness all together.”

Dean nodded. “So in essence, if we want to beat this thing, right now, if A-17 works against the original strain, we give our victims the original strain, taken directly from the host and then give them A-17.”

“Dean, even though we’re further ahead than we were three days ago, we still are out of luck. We don’t have the original strain.”

“Good point.” Dean slumped on the counter.

“And . . . this Henry style theory game we have going, is good. But, we’re wrong. If the antiserum was taken from the host, and that host virus took over Robbie’s virus, we would have seen the difference. Just like the future samples were different than the ones Robbie had. So should the host sample too, right?”

“You’re right. We would have seen the change in the virus itself. Obviously it didn’t happen.” Dean returned to the computer screen. “Robbie samples. Robbie at eight a.m., Robbie at ten a.m., Robbie at . . .”

“Holy shit!” Ellen commented loudly as she moved to the screen. “Look Dean, it changed.”

“Where?”

“Right there. Minor, but change. You probably weren’t looking for a change in the virus, that’s why you didn’t see it.”

“I wasn’t,” Dean said. “I was only looking for diminishing.”

“Well you missed it then. Check out the right top portion.”

“I can’t Ellen, not right now. My eyes are pretty bad. Could you describe it for me? What is the change?”

Ellen was silent.

“El?”

“I’m sorry, Dean.” She backed up.

“What?” Dean in a spin stood up and followed her. “You’re kidding me right? What was all that work we did El? I trained you to see the way I would, so you could tell me, so I could work. My eyes are blurry right now so things aren’t crystal clear. This is one of those times we trained for.”

“Yeah it is.”

“O.K., so why won’t you help me now? What’s the problem?” Dean spoke to her back.

“The problem is, Dean,” she turned and faced him, “All those plans, all that training went out the window the second you chose Jason to work with you. Since you’re working with him, then I suggest you train him to be your eyes because I refuse to be.”

“This is bullshit. We are working together now. That ought to tell you something.”

“That tells me you’re stuck and you have no choice right now.”

“Wrong. That is wrong.” Dean told her “I was mad at you. We’re getting along fine right now.” He saw her turn away. “We’re not getting along fine?”

“Do you think just because we made it through a crisis that everything that transpired between us is swept under the carpet?”

“I thought so.”

“And everything you said, all the mean things, and the way you are, I should just forget about?” Ellen asked with an edge.

“You haven’t?”

“No.”

Dean laughed angrily. “We haven’t fought in days Ellen. Why in the world would you . . .” He grunted in frustration. “Never mind. This is so typically female of you. It’s just like a woman to throw it back in your face when you least expect it.”

“Am I throwing it in your face, Dean?”

“As a matter of fact . . .” He followed her as she paced. “You are.”

“Good.”

“That’s wrong,” Dean pointed, “and it’s wrong that you won’t help me.”

“No Dean, it’s wrong that you assume I would. I’m not. Find someone else to be your seeing eye pet because I’m not. My suggestion to you, if you want to see the changes in the virus, then you should wait until your sight becomes clearer.”

“That’s pitiful.”

“Excuse me?” Ellen crossed her arms with attitude.

“It’s pitiful how you’ve sunk to the depth where you have to be so callous and so mean.”

“And you weren’t?” Ellen’s arms waved about with her every loud emotional word. “You weren’t callous and mean to me for no reason? Yet you want me to forget about how you started this whole thing. When you have yet to apologize for how you overreacted.”

“Is that what you’re waiting for an apology? I’m sorry! I’m sorry I was like that to you.”

“Thank you.”

Dean breathed outward and dropped his head forward. “Now . . . now can we get past this and work together?”

“Nope.” Ellen raised her eyes.

“What!?” Dean was so shocked that his one word reached a high pitch. He graveled in anger when he received an ‘I don’t care’ expression from her and she turned her back to him. “You know what Ellen, forget what I said about you being typically female. You’re not. You’re being typically Ellen. But if I were Frank, I could say, do, act, treat you any way I wanted to and all I would have to do is give you some half ass, lame, pathetic apology and you would run to me at the snap of my fingers. Why are you like that with him and not me?”

Ellen spun to him. “Because you’re not Frank! And you will never be Frank! Don’t even flatter yourself by putting your name in the same sentence as his.”

Dean’s breath escaped him as fast as his heart beat from her words. Through his anger and frustration, his hand slammed down hard upon the counter. “I can’t believe you would even talk to me like that. Me of all people.”

“This argument with you is over, Dean. Drop it.”

“I will not drop it.” He charged to her. “I was ready to end this shit and put it behind us.”

“You’re ready to end it only because you need me.”

“Well I don’t need you anymore! I don’t want your help. If you were the last person on this earth I wouldn’t come to you.”

“It’s funny how you can say this all now, like I’m the bad guy, when you were the one who started this war without any basis for confrontation.” Ellen backed up from him, “This is over. I’m not arguing anymore.”

“It’s not over.” He stepped to her. “What you said . . .”

“Over!” She threw her hands up.

“It’s not . . .” Stepping forward Dean swayed some, his hand reached to the side for support of the counter when he felt the blood rushing, filling his head, and everything went immediately black. “El.”

Ellen saw the expression and demeanor totally change from angry to scared. Instinctively she stepped to him, but stopped. In silence and debate she stood for a second, her jaws twitching. She swallowed so harshly the lump in her throat barely moved. “You were saying it’s not over. I think it is.” She stepped back even further watching as Dean swayed his head back and forth, gripping one hand so tightly to the counter’s edge his knuckles were red. He reached to his side, trying to find his stool, trying to find something to sit on. Ellen closed her eyes tightly then stepped to him. “Dean.” She spoke softly and grabbed hold of his arm. “Here.” She led him to sit.

With his eyes still forward, Dean sat down. “Thank you.”

Ellen leaned closer to behind him. “This isn’t getting us anywhere Dean. Nowhere. I don’t want to fight with you. I don’t.” She stood upright.

“El . . .”

“Jenny?” Ellen said the name with an odd tone.

“What?”

“Jenny Matoose is here.”

“Where?”

Ellen moved to the window. “Aren’t you the lucky one right now, Dean. She’s wearing an awful shade of blue. She looks like something out of a comic book. Where is Henry now?” She pulled up a chair and picked up the radio.

Despite Ellen’s off-the-wall reference to Dean’s blindness, he wished he could see what she was talking about. But then something hit him, a thought as he heard Ellen talk in the radio. Where was Henry?

<><><><>

“I feel really awful, Joe.” Henry walked with Joe part way toward the mobile lab. “I don’t mean to be like this, but I am.”

“Is it like you have a break from her and you are going to seize the opportunity.”

“Oh no Joe, I don’t think.”

“So what’s the problem?”

Henry stopped walking, placed his hands in the pockets of is blue work pants and looked up to the sky.

“Henry? Are you trying to pull back from her?”

“Not intentionally.”

“But you are.”

“I know,” Henry said sadly.

“Why?”

“I don’t know.”

Joe was wise. He had been around the block once too many times. By the look of him, Joe knew Henry wasn’t as confused about things as he appeared to be. All Joe had to do was get him to start talking and he knew Henry would open up like a bad wound. “I think you do. You thought you two were married, you aren’t. You’re upset maybe because she doesn’t want to make it legit now?”

“A little, yeah.”

“But Henry, you both told me there were reasons other than to end the Frank and Dean thing.”

“True.”

“So the reasons weren’t ‘real’ marriage reasons.”

“No, Joe, they weren’t.”

Joe nodded. “So how can you be upset if she doesn’t want to continue the facade?”

“Because she doesn’t want to end the façade,” Henry said. “She wants me to play this whole wedding thing out, if need be, all the way to the altar. It’s a mock wedding that is making a mockery of all that we were.”

“Your marriage was a mockery.”

Henry gasped. “That’s not true, Joe. We still were friends. We still got along. We were great companions.”

“Were?”

“Were.” Henry stated. “I can’t explain, Joe, but even though we weren’t husband and wife in the physical sense, we were in all other ways.”

Joe nodded. “Makes sense. Maybe you need to tell her this. Maybe you need to explain how you feel instead of avoiding her until she forgets about you all together.”

“And she will.”

“Yep.” Joe pulled out a cigarette. “Not that she doesn’t have a child to remind her, but … she’ll move on, that’s Ellen.”

“I know.”

“If it makes you feel any better, Henry, I like the way you two get along.”

“Really?”

“Yep, you’re annoying as shit, but she’s happy and doesn’t fight.”

Henry’s head lowered.

“What is it, Henry? What is it you aren’t saying?”

“I wish I could say.”

“Then if you can’t say it to me, say it to Ellen.”

“I can’t. Just like I can’t tell her I really want to be married to her the way we were, I can’t tell her that because more I think about it, the more I don’t deserve it.”

Joe almost laughed. “Don’t deserve it? What the hell are you talking about?”

“Things, Joe … just things. I didn’t do things right, I know it. I …” Henry tossed out his hand. “I know it.”

“If I didn’t know any better, I would swear you feel guilty.”

Henry went from looking down to making eye contact with Joe.

“What do you feel guilty about, Henry?”

“I deceived my best friend, and despite how he acts now, the deception is there. It’ll never be the same. I Deceived him Joe and I still am by wanting Ellen.”

“They broke up long before you and Ellen snuck off and thought you got married.”

“I deceived him before that,” Henry said.

“Are you talking about Nick?” Joe stepped to him. “Henry? Are you talking about Nick’s conception. My daughter swears up and down that she hasn’t a clue how that happened? Is she lying?”

“No, Joe, she’s not.”

Joe hit his cigarette and slowly released the smoke as he nodded. “Then how can you feel guilty? How can you feel as if you deceived Frank if the conception is a mystery or a product of a ripple you haven’t figured out?”

On that, Henry only shrugged.

“I see. Well, I feel like I can’t help you. You know what you want to do. I can only advise you. If you don’t want to help Ellen get close to Jenny by doing this mock wedding … and it won’t make it to the altar, then don’t do it. Tell her. If it’s something else … you tell her.” Joe started to walk away, but stopped. “And Henry, let me advise you of one other thing. I believe Ellen doesn’t know how Nick was conceived. But please, do not let me find out … that you do.”

Joe only looked at Henry one more time and, with cigarette still in hand, he parted ways, leaving Henry facing the direction of the mobile lab.

<><><><>

“Jenny, I must say that I am touched you stopped by for this.” Ellen huddled toward the window in her talk with Jenny.

“It wouldn’t be very fair Ellen. You’re part of our meetings now. If you have something that needs brought up, then it will be brought up.”

“Tell me, Jenny.” Ellen spoke in a whisper. “You aren’t going to do that special craft tonight, are you?”

Jenny giggled. “Now I remembered that you wanted to do that. No, two weeks Ellen. We’ll wait two or three weeks. You know what you have to bring, right?”

“Oh sure.”

“Good. So you haven’t any ideas you need told?” Jenny watched Ellen shake her head. “Anything for the forum, problems, or such?”

Ellen’s eyes lifted and her head motioned back. “How about something about him?” She indicated to Dean.

“Oh.” Jenny nodded. “I read your entry for the game. Is he still being like that?”

“Terrible Jenny, just terrible.” Ellen heard Dean’s gasp, but she was sure Jenny didn’t. “Throw that in your open forum.”

“Well, I can give you my opinion right now. Dean needs to grow up.” A loud ‘hey!’ came through Jenny’s radio. “Yes, grow up, Dean. Be a big boy and share your toys.”

Dean had enough of Ellen’s snickering at Jenny’s comment. He stood from his seat, marched with intimidation over to the window, and reached for the radio. “Give me that and get back to work.”

“Hey.” Ellen smacked his hand. “I’m speaking to my new friend. See Jenny, see how he is with me. You’re seeing first hand. All because I slept, slept mind you, in the same bed as Frank. How immature.”

“And childish,” Jenny added. “You should have had sex with him and that would have shown Dean.”

Ellen, still struggling with the radio, depressed the button. “I would have Jenny, but I had that after-baby thing happening with my body.”

Dean grunted and let go of the radio. “Fine, go talk to Jenny.” He took a step back. “Faker.”

Ellen giggled. “What was that? Faker. Oh Dean, bad word. I’m telling Henry how mean you’re being to me.”

Dean stopped walking and moved to her. “Oh yeah. Well tell him, if you ever see him again.”

“What’s that supposed to mean.”

Jenny tried to interject. “Ignore him. He’s playing mind games with you because he knows you’re stuck here.”

Ellen held out her hand. “Explain Dean. What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Where is he El? Your extra limb? I think he’s avoiding you. Where is he, El?”

Ellen grinned widely and stood up. “Right there. Henry!” She waved like an excited child.

Dean tossed his hands in the air. “I spoke too soon.” He went back to his work, bitching under his breath at the ‘gang up on Dean’ hour that wasn’t going to end now.

Jenny turned around to see Henry stepping from the jeep. “I’ll let you two alone. I’ll stop by tomorrow to let you know about the meeting.”

“Thanks, Jenny. Sorry I’m missing it. I really am. I liked it last week.” She watched Henry near. “Great shade of blue you’re wearing.”

Jenny smiled and turned her radio off. She stopped at Henry before walking by him. “Here’s our groom.”

“Your what?”

“Groom.” She tapped him on the cheek then kissed him there. “Cute.”

Henry’s mouth dropped open in disgust and he immediately ran his hand over the spot she touched. “God.”

“Bye Henry.”

“Uh!” Henry raised his shirt up to wipe the water from his eyes. “Where did you get that color?”

“Ben.” She wiggled her fingers, knowing she irked him and kept on walking.

Still open mouthed, Henry walked in a cringing hunch to the mobile window. He looked back one more time at Jenny, shuddered then turned to Ellen. “She kissed me, El.”

“She knows you don’t like her.”

“God, it was sweaty.” He wiped his face again. “Tell her not to do it again or I’ll have to be rude.”

“I’ll tell her, Henry.” She stood close to the window. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“I’m sorry that I’ve been so busy. I was wrong.”

“That’s O.K.”

“No, it’s not. I want you to know I wish I could be in there with you.”

“You can Henry.” Ellen grinned. “Come on in. Stay with me.”

“I can’t, El.”

“I know.” She sulked. “But you’re here now. I’m glad.”

“You know what? I promise you’re gonna see me all the time now. Every spare moment I have, I’ll be here. O.K.?”

Ellen smiled at him. “O.K. Thank you. I was beginning to think you didn’t like me anymore or didn’t want to be my friend.”

“Never El.” Henry shook his head. “But if you keep letting Jenny kiss me, I’m going to have to do something drastic. I’ll . . . I’ll . . . kiss her back . . .”

“No!”

“Yes El. And then . . . .”

“No Henry, don’t say it.” She pulled the radio away.

“ . . . I’ll kiss you.”

Ellen let out a loud shriek of disgust. After laughing, she pulled her chair up to sit and talk to Henry. She missed that. She smiled as she talked to him, joked with him, and she more glad he was there than Henry could ever realize.

<><><><>

He was hungry and the evening was setting in. Robbie knew, the way Dean and Ellen worked, if he waited for them to eat, then he could actually be waiting well into the next day. He felt a bit rested but he could have been more. But their arguing during the course of the day while he tried to rest interrupted his sleep. He never knew two people could have so much to argue about.

He got up from bed, feeling stronger, yet still feeling slightly in the fog. He walked down the back hall of the trailer to the kitchen. He could smell food cooking and knowing that either Dean or Ellen cooked, frightened Robbie a little. He was well aware of their culinary capabilities. He moved to the stove and lifted the lid on the pot, a brown substance. It didn’t smell half bad and looked as if it were trying to be a stew. Grabbing a bowl and figuring done or not, it wouldn’t matter when it came to taste. Robbie ladled himself some and went into the living room.

Ellen’s TV/move player unit was there, and movies too. Rummaging through them, he saw that a lot were his favorites, all apocalyptic movies. The people in Beginnings loved apocalyptic movies. They always were a source of entertainment, not to mention ridicule at how badly the post-apocalyptic future was portrayed by Hollywood.

Holding his bowl, Robbie popped in a video. They were there for a purpose so he might as well watch them. He plopped down on the couch. His rear-end hit upon something and he flung up. Looking down he saw he sat on a notebook, a Beginnings notebook. Reading the words across the cover ‘Ellen’s do not touch’ Robbie knew it was something private so he opened it up.

Mean things Dean said?

Mean things Ellen said?

Things that couldn’t be taken back?

All of them were categories in a list Ellen had begun to compile. He laughed as he read the lists that Ellen had made but it confused him. In all the years he had known Dean and Ellen, never had he known them fight or say enough mean things to each other that could take up even one line in a notebook. Yet Robbie sat there reading, not one line, but two whole pages worth. Had things gotten that bad between Dean and Ellen? Were they that badly at each other’s throats? They had to be and with that thought came the one that if they had slipped that far from each other, then the chances of them ever being a couple again grew slim. Smiling at that thought, Robbie returned to reading Ellen’s notes. He wanted to get them all read before she came back. Not that he cared what she thought about him looking in her notebook when she wasn’t there, but because he just didn’t want to hear Ellen bitch.

<><><><>

“No see, here’s where you’re wrong.” Frank spoke as he sat at his dining room table that evening. His tone was borderline argumentative, as if he were waiting for a fight. “I’m bigger, much bigger.” His huge finger pointed down to the color sketch that Alexandra had made. “Your dad is a little man. Little Alex, you have to get your perception right if you want people to take you serious as an artist.”

“But he’s big to me.” She looked so perplexed, holding on to the side of her face, while resting on her elbow.

“Of course he is. You’re like three feet tall.” Frank sat back. “But otherwise it’s good. Very good.”

“Did I draw Mommy good?”

“Uh . . .” Frank looked closer. “Mommy’s good. Her boobs aren’t that big.”

“Mommy’s boobs look big to me.”

“Again, you’re little. Everything looks big to you.” Frank stated so scholarly.

Alexandra’s eyes shifted to the living room to Henry. She leaned forward in a ‘big secret’ mode to Frank. “Pop.”

Frank leaned in closer, whispering also. “What?”

“Uncle Henry’s hand. I didn’t make it purple. Should I?”

“No. It won’t be purple for long.” Frank kept his voice down.

“Why is it purple? Did he color it?”

“No, he got burned.”

“How?”

Frank grinned. “Your dad.” He tried not to laugh at the horrified look on her face. “Oh yeah, Henry had to get a shot and he wasn’t being good, so your dad burned him.”

“Will he burn my friends if they’re bad when they get a shot?”

“Probably,” Frank told her. “You never know about it.”

Henry had heard enough. “Frank, don’t lie to her. That isn’t very nice.”

Frank scoffed, “Henry what do you know?”

“I know Dean didn’t burn me.” Henry looked at Alex. “Your dad didn’t burn me, Alex.”

“I know.” Her little legs kicked as she sat in the big chair. “Uncle Frank is funny.”

“See Henry.” Frank stood up from the table. “I’m funny. How is feeding Nick going?” He walked toward the living room.

“I think he’s done.”

“Already?” ”

“Oh sure.” Henry stood up awkwardly holding the child. “He’s overflowing.”

“What?” Frank snickered in his words. “He doesn’t overflow.”

“Yes he does look. This white stuff is coming out of his mouth. I give him some bottle, I pull it out . . . he overflows. Done.” Henry set the bottle on the coffee table.

“You’ve burped him right?” Frank saw Henry’s expression. “You didn’t burp him. Tell me Henry, you burped him.”

“When was I supposed to do that?”

“Certainly before he finished most of the bottle,” Frank snapped.

Henry leaned in. “Well I didn’t know that, Frank. No one told me that.”

“Henry, anyone with half a goddamn brain knows you have to burp a baby.”

“Why? Why do I have to burp him? He’s a person. Can’t he do that on his own? It seems rather disgusting me making him burp when he doesn’t want to.”

“Henry,” Frank took a calming breath, “it’s something you have to do. They can’t do it. You sat and watched me feed him. You saw me patting him on the back. What the hell did you think I was doing?”

“Making him tough?” Henry shrugged.

“Fuck.” Frank shook his head in irritation. “So he hasn’t burped yet.”

“Not that I know of.”

With a grunt, Frank held out his hands. “Give him to me.”

“All right.” Henry turned Nick around and, securing his head, extended him to Frank.

The moment Frank took hold of the baby, a loud rumbling, along with something else, came from the small child who faced Henry,. Nearly the entire contents of the bottle Henry gave him projected from Nick’s mouth in the same form it entered and landed directly on Henry’s leg. “There.” Frank smiled at the baby. “Now you feel better huh? I bet your hungry now.” He reached down and picked up the bottle. “Henry?”

“I’m gonna throw up.”

“No you aren’t.” Frank waved his hand at him as he sat on the couch to feed Nick.

“I am Frank. I know I am. It smells.”

Frank leaned forward sniffing at the leg of Henry so near to him. “Like milk. It’s baby puke Henry. Baby puke doesn’t smell.”

“Uh,” Henry grunted in further disgust at Frank’s lax attitude toward infant regurgitation. “I’ll be back.” Henry took off darting toward the stairs.

“See,” Frank spoke softly to Nick, “I don’t know who throws up more, you or your dad.” He sat there for a while feeding the baby, letting Alexandra hold him, yelling at Billy and Josh, and wondering what the hell was taking Henry so long just to change his pants.

Fifteen minutes, it took fifteen minutes for Henry to come back down and when he did, Frank knew what the holdup was. Wet head and all, Henry had showered and he wore a pair of shorts as he sat next to Frank on the couch.

“Why?” Frank asked. “Why did you feel the need to clean up like that?”

“It was disgusting, Frank.”

“But it’s your kid.”

“Our kid, and right now you handle the disgusting things, not me,” Henry stated with a shaking of his head. “He looks asleep.”

“Infants do that you know.” Frank stood up carrying Nick to the cradle. “You have to learn Henry. I can’t keep doing it all. The kid is going to be confused enough.”

“He’s not going to be confused, Frank. We’ll share him like everyone does with the kids.”

“Point taken.” Frank laid Nick down. “Confused.”

Henry looked for Alexandra. “They’re not confused Frank. I’ll show you. Alex. What’s your dad’s name?”

“Which one? I have two,” she said.

Frank bobbed his head as if to say, ‘need more be said?’

Henry continued, “Alex, would you like to only have one dad?”

“One dad? That’s silly, Uncle Henry.” Like Ellen, she waved him off. “No one has one Dad.”

“But if you could, would you like to?”

“No. You need two dads. One to teach you smart things and one to teach you fun things.”

Henry smiled at Frank who looked pleased with the answer. “There you have it, Frank.”

“There I have it.” He sat down next to Henry. “The only thing I can’t figure out is what fun things Dean teaches. I think she’s confused.”

“So are you,” Henry said.

“No, I know who the fun parent is and it isn’t Dean or Ellen. They get too annoyed too easily with these kids.”

“You’re a good father, Frank.”

“I haven’t always been. Ask Johnny. Maybe that’s why I try so hard to be . . . to be . . .”

“To be the father to every available kid in Beginning?”

“Not every kid. Just the ones closely connected to Ellen.” His eyes shifted back toward the cradle.

“You’re going to be a big part of Nick’s life, Frank.”

“I know.”

“For as much as you share responsibility with Dean, that is how much you’ll share with me, if not more, Frank. I’m not good with this kid thing. At least not yet.”

“You’ll get there, Henry.”

“I’m sure I will. But for now, you’ll have the reigns. Nick needs to be where his mother is. I have a feeling,” Henry paused and looked down to Nick, “before long, she’ll be here all the time with you.”

Frank liked the sound of that and he felt it in his heart. But knowing Ellen, he’d believe it, when it actually happened.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

JULY 20

Frank grunted. He huffed and he grew more irritated by the second during his training on what seemed to be a really hot morning. “No. No. No!” He blasted. “What did I tell you? Don’t lock your knees. If you lock your knees you’ll pass out. Face forward too. I won’t stop you either because you have been warned. Got that?”

Little Joey, looking so much like Frank with his nearly shaved head, nodded. “Yes, Dad.”

“Good and Marcus,” Frank pointed at him, “I know you understand me. No locking them knees.”

Marcus sort of growled a friendly growl that let Frank know he understood him.

“All right.” Frank stepped back. “Enough for today. Good job. Go ahead back in the house.” Frank pointed ahead to his front door.

“Training them early?” Joe sneaked up behind him.

“Trying. They’re tough. Can’t start too soon.”

“What about Billy?”

“Billy is Dean and like Dean, if the old military was back, when Billy grew up he’d sap out and be an officer or something.”

“You know some people didn’t think of officers as people who sapped out.”

“Obviously those people weren’t enlisted men, were they?”

“You have a point.”

“So what’s up?” Frank asked as they headed to the house.

“Two things. One, why aren’t you working?”

“I’m going to work, just later. Dan is doing my rounds. I wanted to get them off to school today. With Henry, who knows what they’ll look like? Besides, I was tired. Fuckin Henry talked my ear off all night.”

“He’ll do that. He wonders why that baby doesn’t sleep. A small payback from all of us, I guess.”

“Pay back to Henry?” Frank laughed as he walked into the house. “Well if it’s a Henry payback, I’m paying the debt.”

“Second reason.” Joe followed him into the house. “Can you spare an hour this afternoon? Jason needs to see you over at containment.”

“He hates me.”

“Yeah, well, we all can’t be part of the Frank fan club, can we?”

“I guess not,” Frank shrugged. “His loss.” Frank walked to the kitchen. “I’ll come over, say around one after I finish my mid-morning rounds.”

“Sounds good.” Joe checked out his watch. “Now I’d better find Henry. There’s something he needs to fix and I didn’t want to put the req in the requisition box.”

“Why?” Frank asked as he poured a cup of coffee.

“Because of where he has to fix it…the mobile.”

“What the hell can they possibly break at the mobile?” Frank wondered as he set down his pot of coffee.

“Something in the trailer which works in Henry’s favor, except he can have no contact with Dean, Ellen, or Robbie. I can’t say he’d want to contact them. Robbie said this morning he’s going nuts. Ellen and Dean bicker constantly. And quit smiling about that.”

“Sorry.” Frank raised his mug to his lips. “So why are we hiding the fact that Henry has to go to the mobile?”

“I just don’t want people to panic, that’s all.” Joe began to leave. “Don’t forget about this afternoon.”

“What about it?” Frank asked as he followed Joe out.

“One o’clock.”

“O.K.” He moved to the door with Joe. “One o’clock for what?”

“Frank!” Joe barked. “Containment. Be there. It’s important.”

“Got it.” Frank held the door open for Joe. “Even though he hates me.”

“Well go there just to irk him.” Joe saw a smile hit Frank. “I thought you’d like that.” Joe stepped from the home. “Oh and by the way. You wanted to get the kids off to school. What makes you think you know more than Henry?”

“I do. I’ve been doing it longer.”

“Really. Then why aren’t they there when school started an hour ago.”

“Fuck.” Frank heard his father snicker as the door shut. Hurriedly, he headed up the steps to wake all the kids up. He slowed mid stairs when a part of his mind flashed to his and his father’s conversation. “What the hell do I have to go to containment for?” Scratching his head, Frank shrugged and headed the rest of the way up the stairs. He figured he’d find out when he got there at the time that they decided. But some reason, Frank forgot what that was.

<><><><>

Ellen’s hands stayed firmly on her hips, her head went side to side, and her body moved as much as her words did in her raised tone she threw at Dean. “It’s no wonder your ass was never promoted past First Lieutenant. They probably figured you would never know if they did anyhow, so why waste the promotion.”

Dean shook his head trying not to laugh in anger at her. “Where the hell is that insult coming from?”

“Your lack of knowledge.”

“My lack of knowledge about what?”

“Office products.”

“Oh there it is.” He held his hand out. “Thank you Ellen. Thank you very much for explaining that to me. Here I always wondered why I never made captain. What is it that I don’t know?”

“This.” She held up a small stack of reports. “You paper clipped them wrong.”

“I did what!?” His questioned reflected how ridiculous he though she was.

“Clipped them wrong.” She slammed the papers. “Any moron knows that the big side of the clip goes in the back, not the front.”

“And any moron knows that it doesn’t make a damn bit of difference.”

Somewhere, maybe it was the constant turning of his head, maybe it was the remnants of his illness, but somewhere Robbie began to get dizzy. “You guys have me confused.” He held up his pencil. “By saying, ‘any moron’ does that constitute mean things said. I need to know if I’m going to complete Ellen’s list properly.” He saw them both turn their heads to him. “I’ll mark that down as a ‘yes’. I’ll stick it under ‘mean things Dean said’ right under where it states Dean insulted my penis.”

Dean’s mouth dropped open. “I never said anything to you about . . . forget it. Slagel mentality.”

Robbie held his pencil up. “Dean . . . insulted . . . . Robbie’s . . . intelligence.” He marked the end of the sentence with a hard dot. “Wow, this is fun. El, I hate to interrupt this ping pong match of insults that’s been going on for . . .” He looked at his watch. “Fifteen minutes. But I would have at least thought you’d put it on hold to talk to Henry.”

Taking her stares from Dean, Ellen looked to the window. “He’s not there.”

“No.” Robbie said. “He’s in the trailer fixing that bad outlet that sparked on you twice.”

“Henry’s here?” Ellen smiled. “Why didn’t he come over? Why didn’t he tell me?”

“He's probably not allowed?” Robbie guessed. “Ask Dean. He knew.”

Ellen saw red. “You knew!? Why didn’t you tell me?!”

“First of all,” Dean spoke defensively, “I don’t have to explain myself. Second, I didn’t want you to know because I didn’t want you two to get close or touch because God knows if you did that, he’d be here in quarantine with us for twelve hours. It’s bad enough I put up with you. I don’t need to put up with that constant, rambling, female-style, old lady gossiping you two do.”

“Oh really?”

“Really.” He laid his hand on the counter leaning close.

“Watch this.” With speed, and before Dean knew it, Ellen flew from the mobile lab. “Henry!” She raced, hearing Dean chase after her. His tennis shoes thumping against the floor at the same speed as hers. “Henry.”

“Hey El.” Henry stood by the sink, the outlet exposed. “Don’t come too close or else . . .” He knew exactly why Dean screamed loudly ‘no!’ when Ellen threw her arms around his neck, and cut off his words when she placed her lips directly to his. “Oh my God, El.” Henry stepped back. “Why did you do that? Now I’m . . . I’m . . . .” He grinned. “I’m in here with you for twelve hours.”

Ellen smiled too. “Isn’t that great Henry?”

“Yeah I missed you.” He looked at Dean who folded his arms. “Isn’t that great Dean? We’ll have fun.”

“Swell.” Ready to kill Ellen, Dean tossed his hands in the air in a give-up fashion and spun to leave the kitchen nearly walking into Robbie who still held the notebook. “What are you doing, Robbie?”

“Keeping score.” He closed the notebook. “Dean, she’s winning now.”

<><><><>

Dean tried to work, he really did. He kept trying to block out the conversation that went on and on, but despite his head being buried in the computer, their voices kept intruding. No matter how many times he let out that huffing breath, slammed his hands, or even turned around to tell them to shut up, Ellen and Henry kept going. To make matters worse, Robbie would egg them on. A form of Robbie entertainment, Dean deducted. How anyone one could derive that much pleasure out of irritating people was beyond Dean. At least Henry and Ellen sort of did it unintentionally, but Robbie actually planned sometimes on ways to do it.

Dean had to stop working. This time it had nothing to do with the chattering. It had everything to do with his eyes. He sat staring forward pretending to work, while sitting in total darkness. Did they notice? Would they? It was the first time in three hours Dean actually wanted them to keep talking because as long as Ellen and Henry kept their conversation up, they didn’t notice what went on around them. If they didn’t notice, surely Robbie wouldn’t. Robbie--like everyone else--was to be like Dean was at that moment . . . in the dark.

With the ceasing of chattering, there was total silence. Dean began to panic. Either they figured out what was happening and they were staring at him like some freak or he just went deaf as well. Why did they stop talking? Are my eyes rolling funny? Shit. Dean tried to figure out what was going on without asking. Then he heard the simultaneous whines from Robbie, Ellen, and Henry. Dean wanted more than anything to ask what was going on but he couldn’t do that.

“Aw El,” Henry griped. “No. Stay here.”

“I have to Henry.” Ellen spoke perkily, squeaking her chair as she stood up.

“Please, please, please don’t.”

“Henry, I have to.” Tapping him on the cheek, she moved to the window. “I’ll be back.”

Hard, Henry plopped his elbows on the table, and like a child, covered his ears with his hands causing his hair to stand up and out on the sides of his head. “Let me know when it’s over with.”

Ellen picked up her radio. “Jenny.” She stood closer hoping to block Henry’s view of her.

“Hi Ellen.” Jenny shifted to her right. “Why is Henry in there?”

“Oh.” Ellen spoke so annoyed-like. “Dean’s fault. He was so happy to see Henry, he kissed him.”

“You’re kidding?” Jenny seemed shocked.

“No. And he’s supposed to be the big scientist. To think, he was just asking me today why I thought he never got promoted past lieutenant.”

“He really should have known better.”

“Call it reaching for affection, Jenny.” Ellen looked back at Dean to get a charge out of his irritation, but he kept his back to her. “Anyhow, Jenny, how come you came up?”

“Ben finished his preliminary sketches of the bridesmaid dresses.” She held them up. “What do you think? We need your approval.”

Ellen peered through the window to closely check out the drawings of the dresses. “Not bad. What color?”

“Blue.”

“Figures. Good. I like . . . Except . . . can we lose the bow on the backside.”

“My sentiments exactly.” Jenny tucked the sketches under her arm. “Nothing worse than having a large rear-end with a large bow on it to match.”

“Couldn’t have said it better.”

“I should be going. Ben said he’ll have the shell of the dresses done in a week so we can start the fittings. If you hear from John, I wasn’t up here.”

This grasped Ellen attention. “Why? Aren’t you supposed to be here?”

“He just gets a little weird when I mention I’m going to be here, so I’d rather him not know. He isn’t happy about us talking now, Ellen. He also isn’t happy about you joining the women’s group.”

“So neither is Henry. That makes it even. But now . . . “ Ellen held her hand back. “I should go talk to him because he’s here and it really drives Dean nuts.”

“You do that then. But don’t drive him too nuts. You still have a few days left in quarantine.”

“True. Bye Jenny.” Waiting for Jenny to leave and for her to yell across her radio a long goodbye to Henry, Ellen walked back over to the section of the lab where Robbie, Henry, and Dean were. Dean’s back was still to them. “Sorry Henry.”

“Just promise me, El, promise me you won’t stay friends with her when this whole thing is said and done.”

“I promise you, Henry.”

“I bet Frank is going crazy. I have to get back there to help him with the kids.”

“Oh Henry.” Ellen pulled up a stool and sat next to him. “I bet you’re a wonderful help.”

“I am, El. Guess what I learned how to do?”

“What’s that?”

“Burp a baby,” Henry said with a nod. “Yeah. Only I can’t figure out if the child really needs help in burping or if it is some sort of secret sick parent thing to torture your children when they keep you up all night.”

“They do look tortured when you burp them.”

“And they leak badly if you don’t.”

“It’s a no win situation like being here with Dean.” She hid her giggle when Henry snickered. “See.”

“I see.” Henry spun around to look at Dean. “And why is he being so snippy today?”

“He always is anymore. He’s being very mean. Remember how he was when we were in quarantine before? Nasty.”

“Oh you aren’t kidding. And he was jealous too, El. Don’t forget jealous,” Henry told her then looked to Robbie. “Robbie, you’re lucky that he’s not being that way with you. Or is he?”

“He is.” Robbie said. “In fact Henry, he sunk as low as to include me in one of his and Ellen’s arguments and he insulted me. No, wait, he insulted my penis.”

Dean wanted to spin around in his own defense but his eyes weren’t fully back yet so unfortunately, he had to stay with his back facing them. It was driving Dean nuts and he was counting down the minutes until Henry left. He held high hopes when Henry failed to come to the lab that he was actually avoiding Ellen. But if that was the case, it was a short lived phase. One Dean wished would return. There was too much work to do and Henry wasn’t making it easy.

<><><><>

Seven people weren’t many to be in containment, but even seven people made noise. They moved, they breathed, and they acted like human beings, not zombies. So why, when Joe walked into the skills room of containment, did he find those seven people like that, sitting straight up in a circle of chairs? None of them moved. None of them spoke and nor did they even acknowledged Joe when he walked into the room. Jason was the only one who moved. He stood walking slowly around the men. His one arm draped across his waist, the other hand rubbed his chin. There was a weird enjoyment look on Godrichson’s face, one that Joe couldn’t understand. Yes, he too enjoyed the quiet moment that was rare in containment but seeing the vision before Joe actually gave him the creeps. What had Jason done to them? “Jason,” Joe whispered

“Oh hi Joe.” Jason was taken from his deep staring thought. “Just on time.”

“I’m frightened, Jason. What the hell did you give these people? Some new drug?”

“Who them?” Jason pointed. “No. I did it, Joe.”

“Did what?”

“I learned the art of hypnosis and rather well if I might add.”

“Well, that certainly is a useful skill to have in Beginnings,” Joe said with sarcasm.

“It is when you need to jar someone’s memory like your ape-like son has been asking me to do for Dean.”

“Oh shit,” Joe remembered. “It’s been so long I had forgotten about it.”

“Sorry, but even I need time to acquire mastery in an area. So I took the spare time I had, which isn’t much, and I mastered it.”

“All these people are hypnotized?”

“Yep,” Jason nodded. “They can’t hear you or see you. They are in their own limbo worlds right now waiting for the post hypnotic suggestion I am about to give them. It’s my little gift to Ellen.”

“A post hypnotic suggestion is a gift?”

“Oh sure Joe, especially in containment. These people knew they were being hypnotized. They agreed to help me out. I am going to tell them whenever they hear the word ‘Molotov’ they will respond with immediately ceasing whatever they are doing and finding the nearest place to sit. I picked a word not often used. That way if Ellen needs to get order in here, she just needs to say that word.”

“That’s not exactly right, is it Jason? A good idea, but not the right thing to do.”

Jason let out a breath. “I guess you’re right.” He took on a thinking look. “But I need to convince Dean it works. Frank said he won’t do it unless he’s convinced. I figured doing a post hypnotic suggestion would do it as proof.”

“Yes, but you know Dean. He’ll argue it. He’ll say they really aren’t doing it under a suggestion. They are helping you out. You’ll have to try something else if you want to get him to be hypnotized.”

“I got Os-Oscar to stop stuttering.” Jason held up his pencil making his point.

“No shit?” Joe nodded with a closed mouth approval look. “Still, hate to be the damper here, but Diane can get him to not stutter by rehearsing what he has to say.” Joe shook his head. “Now if it was Frank you had to convince, and speaking of which, is that why you want him here?”

“Yes to show him that I learned it.”

“Good thing all it will take is your word. He’s dumb enough to believe you even if you lie. What does he know? And . . . isn’t he supposed to get hypnotized as proof to Dean that it’s safe. Wasn’t that the contingency on Dean’s doing it or not.”

“If I recall.” Suddenly a bright smile hit Jason. “You know, we can hypnotize Frank and while he is under . . . Nah.”

“No, no. I know where you’re going. Convince Dean to do it by suggesting to Frank he do something completely out of character for him, or something he wouldn’t do.”

“Exactly.”

Joe grinned wide. “You know, it would have to be something funny. A payback to him from me.”

“Of course we’d have to remove it quickly after Dean is convinced.”

“Of course,” Joe said.

“We could have the key word make Frank speak intelligently.”

“No.” Joe shook his head. “Not funny enough. How about making him sing Julie Andrews tunes?”

Jason started to laugh. “Or dance a ballet. How about something completely out of character? We could make the key word trigger him to think he’s best friends with Dean.”

“I can do you one better.” Joe held up his finger. “And this is good.” He proceeded to tell Jason his brilliant idea on what to do with Frank. The thought of it actually had them laughing so loudly, that it nearly brought tears to their eyes.

“Joe, we’re mean.”

“True, but for only what?” He shrugged. “Twenty-four hours?”

“Should we really?” Jason took that after-laugh breath.

Just as Joe was about to answer, the buzz of the containment door was heard followed by a heavy stomping of boots. If that wasn’t a tell-tale sign of who was there, the loud booming voice definitely was.

“All right!” Frank shouted as he walked. “Where the fuck is everyone! I’m here.”

Joe turned to Jason. “What was it you were just asking me?”

<><><><>

John Matoose took off his headset. The earpiece was irritating his earache that had been creeping up on him for the past two days. It hung around his neck as he flew the helicopter, wide circles moving in closer to home in his reconnaissance afternoon flight. He thought about George as he flew. His flying time was his only time lately to have silence and think. If he even looked in deep thought in Beginnings, someone would always ask him what was wrong. Then again, in Beginnings, everyone seemed to do that. He thought it annoying. He guessed that was one thing he and Frank had in common.

Circling in his mission, John hoped he would not see what he was checking for afoot, George troops, Caceres Society soldiers, CME’s, or SUTs as Beginnings called them. They were so close a few days earlier when Robbie was brought in that now Beginnings flew three reconnaissance flights a day instead of one, taking no chance. Despite John’s help with George and despite what he told George, when it came to Beginnings as a whole, he really didn’t want to take a chance either. Perhaps that was why it bothered him so much. He loved his home. A part of him, though he knew much, still feared for the safety of his home because John’s insides were calling him, telling him there was something he just wasn’t being told.

He had that feeling the entire time when George lived in Beginnings, especially when he found out about the cryogenics that lay beneath the town, the same lab George insisted no one needed to know about. It was stupid on John’s part back then for even believing George. He should have said something to Joe about it but he didn’t. Because of what he knew, he was as guilty as George was even if he was kept in the dark.

So what was George’s next move? After the failed Robbie attempt, George said he had a backup. What was it? He failed to mention to John exactly what it was and that worried John. Maybe that was why he checked so closely for ground troops moving in. Not just a squad or two, Beginnings could handle them, but with an entire movement, Beginnings would suffer loss. Knowing exactly what George had was sometimes worse than not knowing at all. He feared George pulling an attack. He feared George releasing a plague. John didn’t trust George. He didn’t like him. He knew the reasons he worked on the inside for him. John also knew Frank suspected him now. The way Frank looked at him said it all especially since Henry’s accident. John knew with the way Frank sealed off that room, changed the code and everything else, he was planning and working on a major investigation into it. A waste of time John thought, an accident was all it was and he knew that if he was found out about his part with George, that accident would be pegged somehow on him. John remembered telling George about Henry’s lab exploding and he remembered the advice that George gave. He told John that no matter what--even though it was an accident that was dropped favorably in George’s lap--it was going to point any already suspicious fingers John’s way. Though nothing had been said yet--he gathered that was due to the side tracking with the Robbie situation--John knew it wouldn’t be long before something was mentioned to him. He was ready to defend himself on it.

But at that moment, he was ready to defend his family. That’s what he was doing. Perhaps that was why John’s heart dropped so drastically when he saw movement in the thick forest that lay on the hillside at the underdeveloped section of Beginnings, the only section not secured by a perimeter beam. It was a section George knew well. Were all these thoughts of George a premonition of sorts? Did George finally break his word and decide to hit physically instead of waiting for the surrender of Beginnings in intimidation of his size? John hurriedly and sloppily placed on his headset. Like a snake in the grass was what the movement seemed  from his overhead view. The movement drew closer to the hillside that would lead whatever it was into Beginnings’ land.

<><><><>

Frank laughed loudly in hyena mode as he walked around to all seven men sitting in the hypnotic trance. “Nothing.” He’d touch them, poke them, flick them. “Oh this is so great. We can create our own SUTs without operating.”

“No we can’t, Frank,” Joe snapped. “They’re human beings. Christ.” He shook his head. “So you see now why we called you here.”

“Oh yeah. Wait until Dean sees. Can we leave them like this until they get out in a couple days?”

Before Joe could snap at him again, he turned his back on Frank and faced Jason. “You tell him.”

Jason shook his head. “No Frank, we can’t. But . . . we need to know if you are still going to go under first to ensure Dean that you aren’t asking him to do anything you wouldn’t.”

“Oh sure,” Frank said. “As long as you guys don’t poke me in my head or put me in a dress while I’m under.” He saw his father and Jason look at each other with a snicker. “Don’t even try anything funny. I’ll know. I’ll use my strong mind to fight whatever it . . .”

With a hiss, a helicopter roar, a panicked John Matoose called out, “Frank, Frank come in.”

With his hands on his hips, Frank’s head slowly rose up with serious eyes as he adjusted his mouth piece. “What’s up?”

“I got movement, Frank,” John spoke, “coming in through the foliage ascending the U.D. section. Fast and hard. Looks big.”

“SUTs?” Frank asked and snapped his finger to his father.

“I can’t tell. But they’re moving Frank. It’s either a large group or something from a goddamn horror movie,” John’s words picked up speed.

“Hold on.” Frank covered his mouth piece as he moved toward the skills room door. “Dad, I need you at armory STAT . . . Hold on, John.” Frank switched channels moving with Joe quickly from containment. “Units seven and eight, this is an all call. I have a code five coming in from the U.D. Section. All men report pronto to armory.” Frank flung open the containment door, moving in a near running pace. “How’s it looking, John?”

“They're closer, Frank.”

Frank looked to Joe who moved as quickly as he. “We need preparative weapons for unit eight. They’ll man town. I’m moving out unit seven to the section. Fuck.”

Another hiss. “Frank. Frank!”

“Yeah John. We’re on our way.”

“Frank, they’re not SUTs. Dear God, they’re . . . . they’re . . .savages!”

Frank stopped walking the news barreled him. His head swayed in is disgust. “Fuck!” He returned to his radio. “Situation moved to a code seven. I repeat a code seven. Tower! Hit the goddamn horn now!” His face was reddened as he punched in his security code at armory and unlocked the door. Joe ran past him inside and at that instant the horn set up center town, their warning system, started blaring. Three short blasts, a pause and three more. It repeated itself until the people of Beginnings  were aware of it. The signal told them to take cover and to stay inside. “John! John! You need to fire at will. I repeat, fire at will upon them. I’ll get my man out of there. We’re on our way.” Franks saw four of his twenty run in.

“I’m on it, Frank.” John readied to fire.

“Dad, we’ll need grenades. Let’s arm half with 203's.” Pulling out weapons, in a hurried move ready to distribute, Frank switched channels. “David!” Frank called to his guard in the underdeveloped section. “David, come in. David.”

There was no answer.

“David, are you there!” Frank called out again.

<><><><>

Ellen nearly dropped the beaker from her hand when the distant sound of Beginnings sirens started to ring. “Dean?” She looked at him.

Dean shook his head, looking as shocked as she did.

Ellen turned quickly to Robbie, then Henry raced into the lab.  They all had a look of needing to leave upon their faces. “Robbie, Robbie what’s going on?”

Robbie moved to the window. “The perimeters been broken.” He faced them. “And by the sirens, it’s not just one man.”

<><><><>

David rolled Sara over on to her back and kissed her in their final stages of lovemaking amongst the high over grown grass in the under developed section.

She giggled and reached to kiss him. She stopped and turned her head to the side. “Is that your radio?”

David listened. “I think.” He heard the call of his name. “That’s Frank probably wanting something or other.” He scooted from Sara, a smile on his face, and reached for his radio a few feet away. “Yeah, Frank.”

“David, pull back. Get the hell out of there Now! Pull back. We’re on our way.” Frank shouted as he raced from armory, waving his arms about, gathering his men.

David was confused. “What . . .” His head sprang up when he heard what sounded like a charge of hooting “Indian war calls’ coming from the distance. “Shit!” He stood up slowly and heard the firing of a helicopter gun. As he raised above the hiding grass, the whistle of it sailing through the air was heard seconds before the long arrow seared into his gut.

Sara screamed.

<><><><>

Frank’s eyes filled with horror when he heard the second voice, a woman’s voice, screaming. “David. Shit . . . who’s out there with him?” Frank asked, spinning around through the living section. “I need you and you.” He pointed to two men for unit seven “I need you on the rooftop of containment and the bakery. Two of you I want positioned backing us up, positioned by my house. Mark, I need you to pull the kids from the nursery to containment. Cole, get the kids from school. Get them in containment and locked in then both of you secure the area. Let’s move!” He charged out, leading his unit of men with him, instructing them what to do then calling another unit to armory as back up in town.

<><><><>

There were at least twenty-five, maybe thirty. A pack, as Beginnings would categorize them because that was how the savages ran. Sara still screamed and made the fatal mistake of running to David’s side after she saw him drop. The moment she reached him--still holding her shirt she picked up as she ran to him--the savages jumped up from the grass and screamed back at her in a mocking, smiling manner.

They were dirty and dressed barbarically in tattered clothes, half of which they did not wear. Sara backed up and they charged for her. She spun to race toward town, only to feel her long black hair grabbed and her body snatched back. Hands, lots of them, touched her. They touched her breasts, groping, pulling, grabbing harshly. Hands moved about her, feeling her. Fingers dug between her legs with force as she felt her body being pulled against her will.

,Bleeding, in pain, and weak, David heard her horrified cries. He tried to stumble to his feet in hopes to locate his gun. He had no idea how many there were. Had he known, he would have expected it but he didn’t. He too was grabbed, dragged by his hair, pulled twenty more feet into the field, and then harshly tossed face down. He felt the burning of the arrow going the rest of its way through and he was certain his death was seconds away. David was wrong. What happened next was worse than death to him. He was lifted to his knees, head held back, and he was  forced to watch as eight men gathered around Sara.

<><><><>

John Matoose felt so at a loss, not able to pinpoint his shots at those who gathered around Sara and David, and only able to fire at those who moved toward town. He did his part to help out his men that rushed there yet failed to help David and Sara. He saw Beginnings men moving quickly to the under developed section, but in John’s heart, they weren’t moving fast enough. He banged his hand on the wheel of the chopper and continued to swoop down and fire, hoping to divert what he witnessed happening.

“No!” Sara screamed, feeling her slacks being sliced from her, along with her skin, and then ripped from her body with such magnitude it flipped her over, causing the back of her head to bang. She didn’t pass out. She wished she would have. Kicking her feet as hard as she could, she spun herself over and, in a get-a-way attempt, lifted to her knees in an attempt to run.

The rough hands grabbed hold of her hips, sliding her knees over the ground. She felt the back of her body, along with her knees, lifted upward and pulled back. The hard pain she experienced as her body was slammed into the savage that had her shot into her stomach. It was a deep pain as if her insides were being ripped from her and it was repeated over and over as the savage slammed himself harder, with total control of her body, again and again. When he finished, he threw her from him, laughing as he did.

Sara didn’t realize how far she had been lifted from the ground. Her hands that had dug into the soil in her fight, cracked and broke as her body landed on them. Still she was not giving up. Again she tried to stand. Blood flowed from her, not only from the cuts, but also from the violent invasion of her body that just happened. It was not over yet.

Just as her toes made a standing connection with the ground, the hard-breaking hit to her back sent her forward and smashed her face to the earth. Her legs were grabbed and she was flipped to her back. She couldn’t even scream because the foot that landed on her throat secured her down and blocked her airway.

They fought over who would have her next, each of them grabbing at her legs, spreading, lifting them as they knelt, placing themselves in between her.

Sara lost even more of her breath when the savage  fell forward on to her from a hit he had taken from another. A bigger man took his place, ripped her legs open more and punished her while pleasuring himself.

Her body went numb as he took her like an animal, pounding himself into her with such a disgusted look of satisfaction. All she could do was let it happen, ignoring him along with the ones who found great pleasure in urinating upon her while she was being abused.

Maybe it was the loud sounds of gunfire that snapped her from the protective world she placed herself in. It had to be. They drew closer and she closed her eyes She felt a sense of saving as her body dropped to the ground. They let her go. Beginnings men were there. She started to cry. Her salty tears ran down her face and burned her open wounds. She opened her eyes, to see those who encircled her starting to flee and she knew she was safe. Ignoring the pain that swept up her back and her legs, she reached outward to roll over and crawl for safety. Just as she landed on her stomach and reached out her hands, her hair was grabbed again and her head titled back. With all the pain her body was in, she didn’t feel anything but a pinch. When they released her head, she thought she was fine until she felt the blood that poured from the large gouge sliced into her throat. Sara’s body plopped back down in the deep thick grass that hid what happened to her from the Beginnings men that transcended in defense upon the savages.

<><><><>

Frank broke the arrow off just below the head from his own leg it where it stuck out and raised his M-16, fired across in a straight line, and took out two savages. “No!” He screamed to one of his men. “Don’t pull that out!” He rolled down on the ground, keeping low and made it to Barry. An arrow was protruding from Barry’s leg. “Don’t pull it out. Break it.” Frank snapped it off. “Now stay put, stay ready, and stay low!”

Though he only had eight men out there, Frank refrained from bringing in any more. The savages were not like the SUTs. They crept through the field, each of them trying to make a pass by Frank’s men, and failing as they tried. Yet the others stayed behind, hiding in the nature’s brush that inhibited good shots at them.

Frank made it to each one of his men, whispering and telling them the same thing. He pulled them back and lined them up low in the grass in a straight row across, and let them fire. He pulled his mouth piece closer. “John.” He whispered, hiding his voice within the firing. “They aren’t moving, are they?”

“They’re idle, Frank.”

“Pull back some. Let me know when they move.”

“Gotcha.”

Frank waited with his eyes staring ahead as he listened to the fading chopper. He held up his hands in a cease fire to his men. The gun fire slowed and then . . . silence. “On my call,” Frank mouthed the words as he positioned himself one leg up, the same as he had his men do.

There was silence for a while as if nothing was happening out there at all.

“They’re getting ready, Frank,” John told him.

“I hear it,” Frank listened to the ruffling. The minutes seemed like hours in the anticipation of the next move.

“Now, Frank!”

Frank listened, snapped his fingers to his men, raised his weapon, and so did they. “On my call,” He mouthed the words again then brought his fingers to his lips to keep them silent. He swore he could hear his heartbeat.

Then he heard what he was waiting for. His timing had to be right or his entire plan would be flushed.. Upon hearing the ‘war cry’ out that the savages always made in the run attacks, Frank charged to his feet,. “Now gentlemen!” The running savages finally opened themselves up in their charge. In the savage’s mistake laid Beginnings advantage. The twenty-two savages that remained met with the continuous and fatal gun fire of the eight Beginnings men, some injured, who stood up before them in a surprising synchronization from the grass.

At that point, the gunfire needed was minimal and the time wasted was nil. “Hold your fire!” Frank ordered when he knew he had witnessed most of them fall and he heard no more sounds of movement. “Check for any alive! If you find them, shoot them.” Frank tossed his M-16 over his shoulder and pulled out his revolver, extending it. “Look for our two people.” Frank moved through the grass, nudging his boot at every savage he came across. If he even thought they moaned or moved, Frank would shoot one single bullet into their heads. “Dad,” Frank called over the radio, “have the clinic ready. We have a few injuries and we have two people we’re searching for in this grass.”

“No signs of them, Frank?” Joe asked.

Frank took a deep breath. “Not yet. What the fuck happened, Dad? They didn’t just appear in the woods. They had to have been there.”

“I don’t know, Frank. How are you doing? Are you O.K.”

“I got arrowed. Big deal.” He looked down at his bleeding leg and saw a savage. Frank kicked him. “Hold on, Dad.” A single shot was fired. “All right, we’ll be in. Send me some more men out to help search this field. It’s huge.”

“Got it.”

Wiping the sweat from his head, Frank peered out, looked again, and listened to the voices of his men as they called out for David and Sara.

“Frank!”

Frank’s head jolted to the panic call of Jeff. He rushed over where Jeff stood alone. “What.”

Jeff stepped back. “David.”

Frank knelt down to the bloodied and shirtless body. He placed his hand on David’s shoulder and rolled him over. He saw the blood on the stomach and the sliced throat. “Fuck.” He closed his eyes and spoke into the radio. “David’s dead.” In disgust he bit his lip and, just as he stood to his feet, he heard another cry coming only from twenty feet away. “No.” He knew by the sound of that call out what the two men found was not good. A part of him didn’t want to look, but he knew he had to. Frank could see as he approached, the two men that called were stepping away. His quick run slowed when he saw what they had uncovered.

If Frank didn’t know who Sara was he wouldn’t have even recognized her. Her nude body was covered in mud and blood. Her hair was wet, sprawled across and stuck to her face. Below her neck a large puddle of blood formed. There wasn’t an inch of her skin not bruised or cut. He couldn’t even bring himself to reach down and see if she were alive. By looking at her, Frank knew that she was dead and, to Frank, she was better off., Death was probably better than Sara facing the rest of her life living with what she had just gone through.  By her body, it was obvious what that was. He stepped back with his head down. He thought how what happened in that field could have gotten so out of control and that the savages may have made it into town before Frank and his men were even ready. With that thought, the vision of Sara’s body became every woman in Beginnings and then Ellen. Frank’s mind and heart raced with an overwhelming sickening feeling, and for the first time ever, and from something he seen, Frank walked a few feet into the field and threw up.

CHAPTER THIRTY

In the lab, Dean and Ellen watched. That’s all they could do. Robbie wanted to do something more. He stood by Henry, listening to the phone conversation or at least Henry’s end of it. The ‘I sees’ told the three of them less than the expression on Henry’s face when he turned off the phone and set it on the counter. He stared at it for a few seconds, trying to think of how to start. Joe had just bombarded him with information. It was information that would make them want to go scurrying into town to check on things, but like Henry, neither Robbie, Ellen, or Dean could do anything but stay where they were. “Like we thought it was a break in the underdeveloped section. It could have been worse, much worse. We prevailed. But what I was told isn’t good.” Henry spoke so sad. “Beginnings, we uh . . . we just had a first.”

<><><><>

The liquid swished as it returned back into the bottle after being pulled from Frank’s mouth. He slammed it hard on the containment desk then wiped the back of his hand across his mouth.

“Frank.” Joe reached for the bottle and Frank pulled it back.

“Dad . . . not now.” Briefly he closed his eyes and he shuddered at the images of Sara and David that popped into his mind and, with that, he took another drink. “Here.” He handed Joe the bottle. “I’m done.” He looked at his watch. “Now where the hell is he?”

“Take it easy Frank. He’ll be here. I know this is going to be hard, but staying calm will work best.” Joe placed the bottle on top of the filing cabinet.

Frank leaned back in the chair rocking some. “I’m far from calm.”

“I know but you guys all did a good job out there.”

His lip rose a little in disgust and before he spoke, Frank ran his hand harshly down his face and across his goatee before slamming it on the desktop. “Not good enough.”

“Yes Frank. No matter what . . . good enough.” Joe heard Frank grunt. “What’s wrong? Is that leg of yours bothering you?”

“No, not at all. It was an arrow. I swear to God I’ve been hit with more arrows than the entire fuckin US Cavalry combined.”

Joe wanted to say more, especially when the door to containment opened and Johnny walked into the front office.

“Hey Dad.” Johnny shut the door. “You wanted to see me?”

Joe saw the look on his son’s face as he stood from the chair. “Easy, Frank.”

Frank held his hand up to Joe. “Johnny, I’m sure you know what has happened here this afternoon.”

Johnny nodded his head slowly and somberly. “I do. It’s sucks.”

“It sucks?” Frank walked around the desk. “You aren’t fuckin shittin it suck. Sucks. Twenty-nine savages poured in from the forest behind the underdeveloped section. They poured in down that steep hillside, well on their way to hitting town. Do you know how much damage they could have caused before we got them all? They’re animals, John.”

“I know,” Johnny agreed. “I heard David and Sara are dead.”

“They’re not just dead, John. David, he had a three foot arrow shot straight through his gut and his throat was sliced. He was dragged. And Sara, she isn’t just dead either. They not only raped her, God knows how many did that, but they beat her, cut her, pulled her, and pissed on her, John. She was one of ours, our people and they treated her like she was nothing.” Frank spoke with an edge. “My job is security, protecting these people. I failed my job today, John. Do you know that? I failed because part of my job . . .”

“Dad, where are you going with this?”

Frank bit his bottom lip. “Shut up and listen! I failed my job because it is part of my job to assign the right people to the right job. They are all links in a chain and when one link fails to do their job, the whole fuckin chain breaks and I fail. The people of this community lose.”

“Dad, I don’t think David failed you.”

“David?!” Frank’s voice rose even more. “I’m not talking about David, I’m talking about you!”

“Me?” Johnny said with almost a laugh. “What the hell did I do?”

“You flew the reconnaissance flight last night and this morning, did you not?”

“Yeah,” Johnny answered.

“I know for a fact, John, because I did it myself. That region at seven p.m. was clear when we walked a foot perimeter.”

“So. What are you getting at?”

“Two things.” Frank held out his hand. “One, if they came in during the night, you should have seen them. If they didn’t and they came in this morning, you should have seen them. What they were would not have been made out, but you should have seen something was in those woods. Even without moving you would have seen them. Are you not looking, John? Do you know what you’re supposed to be looking for when you fly these things? Because if you don’t, I’m training someone else. Laziness, especially with the flights cannot be tolerated. It was pure laziness that you didn’t see these things in the first place! You should have spotted them. An hour ago, I put two of my men, without shirts, in that area and told them to stay low. I went up in the bird and I saw them. I saw them, John.”

“You were looking for them,” Johnny spoke with defense.

“And you should be too. That is your job to look for them. To assume that they are there. To spot them. How in the fuck did you miss twenty-nine men?!” Frank blasted him.

Feeling the heat of his father’s words, breath and presence, Johnny grew angry. “You know what, Dad.” He stepped back. “Fuck you.”

Just as Frank dove forward for Johnny, Joe flung himself in-between, stopping him. “Frank. No.”

With a tilted head, Frank’s facial muscles twitched. “You better walk away, John, right now! Cause I’m this close . . .” He cut his hand through the air over his father. “I’m this close to fuckin killing you right now!”

Joe pressed his back up against Frank to keep his distance from Johnny. “John,” Joe spoke with scold, “you will apologize to your father.”

“I will not!”

“John . . .”

“No Pap.” Johnny shook his head. “He’s pissed because I’m not him. Well we all can’t be the big super hero.  Just because you didn’t get there on time to save Sara and David, you can’t put that on me. You can’t save everyone! Too bad Dad, we all fail.” Johnny’s face turned red. “But we all don’t find blame somewhere else. It’s fucked up that you’re putting this on my head. Fucked up.”

Joe felt the pressure of Frank. What he really wanted to do was just let his son go and let Johnny have it. But Joe couldn’t do that. Joe was angry and his words and tone conveyed it. “Talk like that to your father again and I’ll deck you myself. You hear me, you little son of a bitch! Just like you said, we all fail and we shouldn’t find blame elsewhere. Well you failed, John. You failed to see those savages. You were asked ahead of time if you wanted to fly these missions. No one made you do it. You wanted to. So don’t act like you’re doing us a big favor! As far as your father goes, you should treat him and give him more respect than you are giving him right now!”

“Respect him? He’s putting this shit on me, his son. And so are you for that matter. I didn’t see them! Like I said, we all can’t be my father. Lord knows he does very little wrong.”

“How can you talk like this?” Joe argued back. “Instead of belittling him because he is coming down on you for not doing your job right, you should be thanking him for training his men good enough to take out three times as many men.”

“Next you’ll tell me, pap, I should be like him.” Johnny turned and moved to the door opening it.

“You should,” Joe told him.

“Why is that, Pap? Because he protects us? Yeah, I’ll give him that, he does his does his job better than anyone can. But I have also seen some of the shit my father’s done. Shit that was unnecessary during his course of ‘protecting us’. What it all boils down to in the end is that my father is nothing but a cold-hearted killer so forgive me for not wanting to be that.” On his final words, Johnny walked out of the containment office, slamming the door.

Joe expected when Frank moved quickly to the door, that he would open it and fly out after Johnny. He didn’t. Joe merely jolted when Frank slammed his hand into the side of the filing cabinet then grabbed the bottle from on top. “Frank. Let it go. He’s angry and saying things he doesn’t mean.”

Frank was eerily calm as he finished his drink and set the bottle back on the file cabinet. “That’s what I hope, Dad. But I’ll tell you what. You better talk to him. Because the next time I see him, I’m killing him. I’m a cold-hearted killer, you know.” Frank opened the door to the small office.

“Frank, where are you going?”

“Dan is gathering the women of this community for me. They and I are having a long talk.” He pulled the door closed.

“Oh boy.” Joe picked up that bottle of moonshine. He took a long swig, gasping afterward. “God help the women of this community right now.”

<><><><>

On a Frank-rampage, ignoring the pain in his leg that should have caused him to limp, Frank made his way to the social hall where Dan was bringing the women. Frank slammed the door firmly to shut up what he thought was an instant headache--the chattering and crying--and he stood before them, hands on hips, looking meaner than any of them probably ever saw him.

Perhaps it wasn’t a good idea for Jenny to speak up at that moment, but when was Jenny ever known to be silent. “Frank, what is this all about? We’re all upset and . . .”

“One thing,” He spoke deeply, his voice raspy. “One thing to all of you. Anything could happen in this world now. Anything. If I ever fuckin catch a single one of you with one of my men when they are on watch, he will have to deal with me. I will kick his ass. Our watches are serious. They are not meant for any of you to be there. Go on and try it. I guarantee when I finish with the man you visited, he won’t want you back.” With a hard turn of his body and no time for any comments, he left a silent social hall, slamming the door again upon his exit.

How long did it take for them to remove the bodies and clean up Beginnings? Longer than Frank wanted it to. History and details of the attack had to be documented. By the time Frank got home from that and the meeting with Andrea and Jason, Henry was already there, released from quarantine.

No amount of water was going to make Frank feel better. In fact, Frank was feeling worse as he stood in that shower. The events of the day were now coupled with thoughts he had long buried deep into the back of his mind, thoughts of Ellen. For the first time in his life, Frank realized what rape meant. He knew the word, he knew the crime, yet he never truly understood the violence of it until he saw Sara. With that understanding, came the remembrance of what happened to Ellen not even a year earlier. He remembered when he found out how sick he felt over it. But as he stood in that shower with thoughts and visions of Ellen he did not want to have, he felt even sicker. Before, he only could guess what she had gone through, but now he knew what she had gone through. Frank’s heart broke for Ellen all over again.

He headed downstairs after his shower, still feeling so down. He was going to congratulate Henry on a good job putting the kids to bed, but that was a short congratulation when he saw Josh coming from the kitchen with a covered plate of food. Frank knew Henry did not do it alone

“Night, Dad.” Josh showed him the plate. “I’m stealing chicken. Dean’s out of food.”

“You aren’t staying here?” Frank asked him as he walked toward the door.

“No way.” Josh shook his head. “I have Dean’s house all to myself with Denny. But here, everyone is here. Night, Dad. Night, Henry!” Josh raised his hand to Henry who sat on the couch.

Frank gave a firm pat to Josh’s back as he opened the door for him. “Night, Josh. Thanks for all your help with Henry.”

“You’re welcome.” Josh stepped out and stopped. “Oh and Dad, good job today.” He gave a thumbs up then turned and kept on walking.

A slight smile of appreciation was all that Frank could muster up as he closed that front door. He turned around to Henry, who sipped from a tall glass. “Hey.” Frank walked over and grabbed it, smelling it. “Wine? Why are you drinking, Henry?”

“Oh, bad day in quarantine.”

“I bet.” Frank set the wine down then sat down next to Henry on the couch. His eyes seemed to not want to leave that glass. He wanted so badly just to pick it up. His fingers tapped against each other for a little. Then he sat back, ran his hand down his face, and turned to Henry. “So it was bad then?”

“Yes. Dean and Ellen, all they do is bicker. Bicker, bicker, bicker.”

This made Frank smile, probably the first real smile all day. “Do they know what happened?”

“I told them.”

“And how is Ellen?”

“She seemed down, really down after hearing about Sara.”

“I figured as much.” Frank leaned forward. “I’m worried, Henry. I’m worried right now about her.”

“Why’s that, Frank?”

“Well, maybe it’s silly of me. No . . . no, it’s not. I guess as you know, she had a hard time facing it, and didn’t let any of us really know. I thought, because it stirred it in me, it stirred the memory in her.” Frank shrugged. “It’s making me feel down about it all over again. I guess I’m worried it will make Ellen feel down now too.”

“What?” Henry asked. “Down about what again?”

“You aren’t paying attention are you? Sara’s rape. Don’t think that’s gonna hit Ellen hard? Or am I thinking wrong. Maybe I’m thinking wrong.”

“You probably aren’t. “

“Right now I feel really bad. I feel like I’m living it all over again, finding out all over again. That pain is back, and I can only imagine what El is feeling. I’ll tell you, when I saw Sara, I got sick. I got sick because of what they did to her. And then, it was worse because I remembered what happened to Ellen. I don’t know, somehow, it became more real to me.”

“Frank?” Henry’s voice dropped. “What are you talking about? What happened to Ellen?”

Frank didn’t answer. He just stared at Henry’s clueless eyes. ‘Shit, he doesn’t know. He really doesn’t know.’. Frank cleared his throat. “Nothing, Henry.”

“No, Frank. Don’t say ‘nothing’. No. You can’t just start saying something and then shut up. What happened to her?”

“Henry . . .”

“No, Frank.” Henry’s voice rose emotionally and he closed his eyes, talking his thoughts out loud. “We were talking about Sara and what happened to . . . Frank.” Henry opened his eyes. “Oh my God, was Ellen raped?”

Frank only raised his eyes. “Henry, if she didn’t tell you, she probably doesn’t want anyone to know.”

“Oh my God.” Henry blinked in surprise. “She never mentioned it to me. Never. No wonder you feel so badly, Frank. No wonder you keep thinking of her.”

“You cannot tell her you know. You can’t.”

“I promise, I won’t. When did it happen? When you were kids?”

Frank shook his head, hesitating at first before answering. “It happened last year when she was in Colorado. Two SUTs were . . .”

“Two?” Henry was horrified. “It makes sense. She always talked about it as if she were trying to cover some kind of pain. She passed over it, if that makes sense.”

Frank nodded. “Pain that can easily come back.”

“Oh my God.” Henry spun from Frank and faced the other way.

“Henry, are you okay?”

“Yeah. Yeah. I will be. It’s just that …” Henry shook his head. “This is a shock.”

“If you don’t mind. I’m gonna take a walk, I may or may not go up to the mobile.”

“Go on, Frank. I have things here.”

“Thanks.”

Henry watched his friend sadly and hurriedly head to the door. He hoped a walk would make Frank feel better. Henry was pretty certain, after learning the news about Ellen, there was pretty much nothing that would help him. Knowing that Frank was gone, and knowing that he no longer had to be sober, Henry went to the kitchen to get his wine, because even though he didn’t show it to Frank, his just learned news about Ellen . . . pummeled him. It pummeled him in more ways than he could tell anyone.

<><><><>

Robbie was at wit’s end. He had all he could take and he couldn’t take it anymore. He was at the point where his blood nearly boiled and his ears felt hot. It no longer was amusing, it was Valium justified. On his last straw, he flung the covers off of him, charged from his room down the hall, threw open the trailer door, flung opened the lab door and bellowed out his announcement, “Shut the fuck up! Shut up! Both of you.”

Dean and Ellen ceased their argument as soon as he shouted. They both looked at him.

“I’m supposed to be getting well. You’re driving me nuts!” Robbie grabbed his head. “Work, damn it. You’re a team. I am sick and tired of hearing the yelling. It is getting old and it’s childish. No one cares, El, which side goes up on a paper clip. Who cares, Dean, if Ellen hands aren’t on the home keys? Ellen, if he likes his hair parted on the left side, fuckin let it be. Why? Why are you two fighting over stupid fuckin shit like this? Why?”

Ellen began to answer, “Robbie, see we. . . .”

“I’ll tell you why!” Robbie shouted. “There’s something wrong with you two. Something really wrong! Now end it now. Separate or do your work quietly. Either way. Shut Up!”

After the initial shock wore off of Ellen, she faced Dean so snidely. “He’s right. We’ll separate. I’m going in the other trailer.”

“Oh no you don’t.” Dean raced out from behind the counter. “You have work to do.”

“No I don’t. I’m leaving.” She began to run for the mobile door. “Besides, I don’t want to be around you anymore. You suck!”

“Hey!” Dean dove at her, throwing his arm around her waist and dragging her back to him. “You’re staying put!”

“Robbie!” Ellen screamed. “He’s physically accosting me.” She struggled. “Beat him up.”

Robbie shook his head and moved to the door. “No way El, you guys are the same size. Fair fight. See ya.”

Ellen grunted in her struggle when Robbie left. “Let . . . me . . . go!”

“No.” Dean tried to pull her back. “I’m sick of this shit. Work.”

“Let me go . . . you prick.” With her last word, she kicked her foot back, nailing Dean in the shin then gave him an elbow shot to the gut. “Ha!” She fled for the door.

He caught his breath then jumped at the door too, getting there the same time as Ellen and blocking and latching the door. “Don’t try it. This is stupid. You’re here to work and fight or not fight. You’ll stay here!”

“I’m leaving. I’ll stand outside. It’s safe.” She spun around and ran toward the other door.

Before she could get too far, Dean reached out, grabbed the edge of her pants, and pulled at her.

“No.” She pulled away in a spin, facing him. “What is the matter with you?” Leaping out with both hands she landed them open on Dean’s chest, shoving him back. “Huh?”

Dean closed his mouth tightly growling. “Don’t hit me again, Ellen.”

“You hit me first.” She shoved him again.

“I said . . . don’t hit me again.”

“Tough. You hit me first.”

“El!”

“You.” Again, two hands out, she tossed them into him. “Hit me.” Before she could pull away, Dean grabbed hold of her hand, pulled Ellen forward to him, gripped behind her neck, and kissed her unexpectedly.

With a smack of his lips and an outward breath, Dean released her.

“You dick.” Ellen raised her hand in a slapping motion in such dramatic twenties movie fashion, only to have it halted as it launched for Dean. He held it tightly in his. “Dean, let go of my hand. I’m defending my honor.”

“Right, Ellen,” Dean spoke with sarcasm, letting go of her hand, placing both hands on her face, then kissing her again. He felt her lips tense at first, but then widen with his, parting for more intensity, and moving fast with speed of anticipation.

Ellen let out a slight moan when Dean’s hands slipped under her hair, pulling her up and into him more as he kissed her. She had two choices at that moment, get even angrier, pull away, and chew his ass out, or continue to kiss him.

Her choice was partly taken away when her cell phone rang. It caused her to jump and back up.

Dean swiped his finger over his top lip and nodded at her.

After clearing her throat, Ellen answered. “Hello.”

“Hey,” Frank said soft.

“Frank?”

Dean rolled his eyes.

Ellen waved her hand at him and turned her back. “Frank, what’s going on?”

“You busy?”

“Um …” Hesitating, Ellen looked at Dean. “Am I busy? Uh, we’re about to start bunny blood taking.”

“Can Dean manage that alone, I really need to talk.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Just today. Everything on my mind. You know.”

“Yeah, I do. Where are you now?”

“I’m on my way to the social hall, but I’d rather come talk to you.”

“I would too. Come on up. Meet ya at the window.” Ellen disconnected the call.

“El.” Dean stated her name.

“He sounds bad, Dean. He doesn’t take losing people well. Henry told me earlier that Johnny was really mean to Frank.”

“Why is that?” Dean asked. “He’s been like that a lot lately with Frank.”

“I don’t know.” Ellen shrugged. “Maybe it’s an identity thing? He wants to be his own person and everyone compares him to Frank. Hell, even I do.”

“That makes sense. So he’s coming up to talk.”

“Through the window. It was either that or the social hall.”

“Ah.” Dean nodded with an exhale. “Well talking to you is better. I’ll go start the blind bunny venipuncture. Don’t be too long, I don’t want to miss and kill too many bunnies.”

Ellen held up her hand with a smile. “I promise. And thank you for understanding.”

“Hey who am I to say anything about someone needing you.”

“We have a few minutes until he gets here. Want me to get you started and help?”

“You know what?” Dean held out his hand. “I’d love for you to do that.”

After a wink then a quick kiss, Dean led Ellen to the back lab.

Ellen placed her hands under his lab coat and onto Dean’s back, sliding her fingers up in a digging grip as they kissed and their bodies pressed closer.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

JULY 23

Ellen knew someone had to be there when she arrived back at Frank’s house. Though most of the house was dark, a light from the dining room let her know before she even walked into the house that someone was up an about. At least she hoped. She thought she would be expected. She never imagined that she wouldn’t be heard when she walked into the house. Nor did she even imagine both Henry and Frank were still there. Even though it was still minutes before six am, she thought for sure one of them would have left for their job. But they hadn’t. They stood at the dining room table, and as Ellen watched quietly, unnoticed, she saw little Nick laying on the table before them.

Frank shook his head. “No, Henry, what did you do to him?” He picked up Nick.

“I fixed his hair,” Henry said with a smile.

“You can’t do this with his hair, and why did you bathe him anyhow. I bathed him last night.”

“He threw up, Frank,” Henry stated. “I didn’t want him to smell. Besides, look how good I bathed him.”

Frank breathed slowly through his nostrils, looking at the abundance of black hair not only parted in the middle, but lying flat and combed back too. “God, Henry.” Frank picked the baby comb. “You can’t make a baby look like this. He looks ridiculous.”

“Oh no, Frank. He looks cute.”

With a grunt, Frank lifted the comb. “Look at all this hair. What the fuck do you have in your genes anyhow? Fuck. I thought I was hairy.” He reached over and pulled out Henry’s tee shirt. “You don’t have any body hair. What the hell, Henry? Did all your hair genes go to the baby’s head.”

“That isn’t very nice, Frank. He just has lots of hair.”

“You just have to comb softly, not fuckin stylish like. He’s a baby.” Frank placed the comb in Nick’s hair and tried to comb it. The moment the comb entered the black hair, it stuck and wouldn’t move. It was as if the comb hit a brick wall. “What . . .” Frank made a struggling face and tried to comb the hair some more. “What is in his hair?”

“Hair Hold.”

“Hair Hold?” Frank tossed the comb on the table. “What is Hair Hold?”

“You know, it’s that stuff we make, that woman use to hold their hair styles in place. It’s made from fruit. It’s like the old-world hair styling gels.”

“It’s like fuckin glue.” Frank tried to lift the hair. “It won’t move. How much did you put on him?”

“A lot, Frank. He has terrible hair. You can’t do anything with it.”

“He’s a baby!” Frank tried not to yell. “You’re not supposed to worry if he has good or bad hair days.”

“Now see, I have to disagree. It’s never too early to start worrying about your hair. Maybe if we train it now it won’t get out of control when he gets older.”

“Maybe if we train you now… Besides, I’m shaving this kid’s head as soon as he gets older. He isn’t walking around with a big black rag mop on his head. Of course now, thanks to you, it’s a fuckin helmet. Here, wash it out.” As Frank went to hand Henry the baby, he smiled when he saw Ellen. “El.”

Ellen took a step closer. “I thought for sure someone would have been outside of quarantine waiting for my release.”

Before Frank could fully hand him the baby, Henry made his escape and hurried to Ellen. “You’re out early. You weren’t supposed to get out until this afternoon.”

“Dean finished the test. Robbie’s fine. The virus is completely gone and his blood samples show he is now immune so we waited the twelve hours and came home.”

Henry put his arms around her in a quick hug. “This is so great. You’re home. Look Frank, Ellen’s home.”

Frank tried to act cool about it. “I see. And look Henry, here’s your kid with the hard hair.”

“I see,” Henry said and looked back to Ellen. “I’m glad you’re out. I’ll stop back here today and move my stuff back home.”

“Are you leaving, Henry? I just got here.” Ellen asked.

“I know but if I go now, El, I can get my stuff done. Otherwise, if I start late, I’ll finish late.”

“O.K.” Ellen said with some disappointment. “You go on. I’ll get the kids off.”

“Thanks.” Henry kissed her on the cheek. “Bye Frank.”

“Henry!” Frank held up Nick. “His hair.”

Henry gave a thumbs up.

Ellen called out to him before he left. “Henry? Joe said since we’re out the meeting is moved to eleven. He said Frank will be in that area at that time.”

“Got it.” Henry started to leave again.

“Henry?” Ellen called to him again. “One more thing.” She waited for him to look back. “Jenny called me last night. She said you haven’t been to see Ben. Cole leaves in five days. You have to let Ben measure you.”

“Tomorrow El, I promise. O.K.?” Henry smiled. “I’ll stop at the mobile or containment to see you later.”

“Henry I . . .” The door closed and Ellen threw her hands up in the air. “Frank? Why is he in such a hurry?”

Frank walked to Ellen. “Probably to avoid getting out of fixing Nick’s hair back. Besides he’s always in a hurry. Check out Nick.”

Ellen tried not to laugh when she looked at the ‘Alfalfa from the Rascals’ looking baby. “Oh shit.” She reached her hand to Nick's hair, felt the hardness of it, and then laughed. “Oh shit.”

“See what I’ve been dealing with. Bad El, he’s bad.” Frank started to hand her the baby but stopped. He looked at her. “Glad you’re out.” He winked and leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. “I’m really glad you’re out. Because now . . .” Frank gave her Nick. “He’s yours.” Before Ellen could return him, Frank stepped back.

“Look at him Frank,” Ellen whined. “How much stuff did he put in his hair?” Ellen knocked on the solid hair. “What made Henry think of putting this stuff in his hair?”

“Probably the same thing that made Henry think that if he put three diapers on Nick at one time he wouldn’t have to change him so often.”

Ellen’s eyes immediately shifted up. “He didn’t.”

“Yesterday.”

“Shit.”

“It gets better.”

“Oh no.”

“Oh yeah.” Frank nodded. “At least he put a diaper on Nick. I get home last night and Brian is without one.”

“Why wouldn’t he put a diaper on Brian? He knows Brian’s still a baby.”

“True.” Frank held up his finger. “But according to Henry, or Henry thinking, Brian’s wearing a diaper was more of a choice than a necessity. So Henry figured it was getting disgusting and it was time for Brian to stop being so lazy. I guess somehow Henry thought Brian just didn’t want to use the toilet and he decided to force him along.”

“Henry decided to toilet train Brian?”

“Now see, that’s was my first reaction.” Frank told her. “I came home and said, ‘wow, Henry, he’s a little young, but a good thought trying to toilet train him’ and guess what Henry said. He said. ‘Toilet train? You mean you have to train them to use the toilet?’”

“Oh no.”

“Oh yes.”

“You think he’ll ever learn?” Ellen asked.

“At first I did,” Frank answered. “But now . . . Nah. He’s too busy to learn. He never wanted to have full responsibility in the first place and you know it. That’s just not Henry and you can’t hold it against him either.”

“I don’t.” Ellen adjusted Nick. “I can’t hold the baby against me either. His hair hurts my chin.”

“Well according to Henry, he just wanted the baby to have a good hair day.” Frank smiled, kissed Ellen on the cheek then Nick. “It’s getting late. I’d better run.”

“You’re leaving me too.”

Frank slowed in his stride to the door. “I have to start my rounds El.”

“I know, go on, go. I’m sorry. It’s just that . . . never mind, go. I’ll see you later.”

Frank hesitated. “El . . .” He stared at her. “Hold on.” He placed on his headset, and turned on the radio. “Scott, this if Frank. You think you can do my perimeter one and two checks? I’ll get you earlier tomorrow in exchange. Thanks.” He took off his radio, walked back in the living room and tossed the headset on the coffee table. “I’m home for an hour.”

Ellen smiled widely. “Thanks Frank. So does this mean you’ll wash this baby’s hair?”

“Nope. You’ll wash his hair. I’ll make breakfast.”

“That’s fair. Can we eat before we wake up the kids?”

“I’d like that.” Frank ran his handover Nick’s head as she held him. “Not as much as I would like this kid’s hair to be soft and bushy again.”

“I can do that.” Ellen received a smile from Frank and watched him step away. “Frank? Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.” He came back to them.

“Why do you think Henry is put off getting measured for his tux?”

“Because it’s fuckin stupid to have a tux,” Frank told her.

“But you got measured.”

“How do you like that? But this you and Jenny thing was my idea. I’m going along with it.” Frank sensed the overwhelming, immediately awkward silence that happened. “Aside from that, he probably just doesn’t want Ben measuring his inseam.”

“Frank.” Ellen shook her head.

“No El. It might bother him. I, on the other hand . . .” Frank sniffed quick and loud. “I like to impress people.”

“All kidding aside, is he just that busy?”

“Sure he is. He said he finished the SUT programming and I’ll tell you El, he’s been working on that day and night while you were in quarantine. We have him set up here.”

“Good.” Ellen let out a silent breath of relief. “Thanks for telling me, Frank. I like this planning thing, it really is fun for me and I am getting close to Jenny.”

“Speaking of which … I’m hearing John doesn’t want you two to be friends.”

“That’s what Jenny says.”

Frank grinned. “Excellent. You must be doing really good. I’m sorry for this. I am. It won’t be long. Then the wedding plans will be over and you won’t have to force being friends with Jenny.”

Ellen smiled shyly. “Can I tell you something.”

“Sure.”

“One, I kind of hope that this wedding isn’t all for nothing. The women are working really hard and I am feeling really guilty.”

“Don’t. I told you. I’ll talk to Reverend Bob. I’ll tell him the same thing you just said to me and we’ll make the wedding a mock one … again. What’s the other thing? You said that was one.”

“I …”

“You aren’t really gonna marry Henry are you?”

“I did it once.”

Frank grumbled.

“I’m not. He wants to Frank, but I’m not. I think that’s why he is avoiding all the arrangements because it is hard for him because it isn’t real. But … don’t laugh. I may stay friends with Jenny.”

Frank’s eye grew wide. “Say again.”

“You’re gonna laugh.”

“Nope. Just … Frank tugged his ear. “Say that again.”

“I may stay friends with Jenny.”

“That’s what I thought you said.”

“You are going to laugh.”

“No. Never. I am, however, gonna make breakfast while you wash that kid’s hair.”

“Deal. Frank … thanks for not making funny.”

With a tightly closed mouth, Frank shook his head and walked into the kitchen.

Ellen was happy about her talk with Frank. She really thought she was going to face ridicule and even was proud of Frank for being so mature, until that was she heard him laugh in the kitchen. Not just laugh, but laugh uncontrollably. On that, Ellen, didn’t just get pissed, she decided against washing the Hair Hold from Nick’s hair.

<><><><>

Joe stretched out his arms as he leaned back in his desk chair. So loudly it came across, as if he were throwing out every ounce of tiredness in his body. “So Jason, we’re done.”

“Tired Joe?” Jason asked.

“Old,” Joe answered, “sometimes I think too old for this shit. Gene got sick during his shift last night at the clinic. I had to fill in there then I figured, hey, I’m up so I go see Cole to finalize the metals run he’s doing. Oh yeah, A.K.A. tux run.” He and Jason both snickered at the same time. “I ended up helping him fix that damn tire on the tractor and this, mind you, is all before six. Now that doesn’t include me having to go to the nursery and work for Raz--until Hap got there--because his shingles flared up.”

“Busy morning.”

“Yep and it’s not even eleven. You know what happens at eleven?” Joe raised his eyebrows with a single nod. “The wayward testosterone Ellen fan club will be here for a meeting. Oh joy.” Joe ran his hand over his forehead. “Sorry, don’t mean to bitch your ear off.”

“No, no. That’s fine. Hey at least there is a bright spot to this day huh? Frank’s test of my hypnotic skills?”

Joe smiled widely. “That’s right. Right after the meeting too. Hey at least if Frank, Dean, Henry, and Robbie drive me nuts, I have something to look forward to.”

“Cole’s not coming to the meeting? I thought you said the metal run would be coming up.”

“I’ll have a private meeting with him later. You know as well as I do, if we throw one more person into a Beginnings meeting and we'll have chaos.”

“I was wondering,” Jason spoke, “how does Cole feel about picking up the tuxedos?”

“He laughed but he’s pretty busy on the run so he’s taking one of the older gentlemen to put in charge of that.”

“Is that safe?” Jason asked. “It could be dangerous out there.”

“Yeah I know, but when Cole spread the word about needing one of them, they all volunteered. Let’s face it Jason, they may be getting older but not one of them is a weak man.”

Jason agreed. “Something about this world now just doesn’t let one get old. Like you.”

“Yeah, well I wished I would get there. Sometimes I think I’m ready to retire and do a single job like the other men.”

Jason began to laugh.

“What’s so funny?”

“Well, that just means if you retire, Henry’s the man. Scary thought Joe. Henry is so high strung.”

“He’d learn. He’s a good guy. The best one we have to take my place. The only downfall is the fact that my daughter can easily influence him. Therefore getting her way on stupid requests like . . .” Joe held his hand out. “The one they presented to me a couple weeks ago. The women want one night a week at the social hall to be ladies night and they want to have Blake strip.”

“He’s been training.”

Joe added. “I had to have Cole yell at him. Cole said Blake wouldn’t lift the other day because he didn’t want to mark his body.”

“Now how did that happen?” Jason asked perplexed. “How did he live in the unscathed world and still look so good?”

“Vanity, Jason. That’s what it is. Vanity.”

“But why do the women want him? There are plenty of guys that could do it. This Blake guy, he’s not bright.”

“That’s probably the reason,” Joe said. “Beside you can’t take away from the fact that he’s a good looking guy.”

His ‘Thank you’ was his introduction to his entrance into Joe’s office. Frank shut the door with a smile. “I love to hear you guys talking about me so highly when I’m not around.”

Joe rolled his eyes “Sit down, Frank. We were talking about Blake.”

“Oh man.” Frank pulled out a chair. “Are you guys wanting to watch him strip too.” He snickered at his own humor.

Jason stood immediately up. “I’m gone Joe. See you at containment, Frank.” He looked down to Frank. “I look forward to hypnotizing you.” He laid his hand on Frank’s shoulder

“Uh Jason?” Frank’s eyes shifted to Jason’s hand. “Why? You aren’t gonna put something in my mind to make me like you are you? Since you and my dad have this thing for good looking guys.”

Jason gave a gentle squeeze to Frank’s shoulder, stepped back to the door and winked with a smile. “You never know, big boy. You never know.”

Frank’s eyes widened. “Dad! Don’t let him make me gay. I swear to God if I wake up from being hypnotized and I’m gay, I’ll fuckin kill him.”

“Pipe down Frank. You won’t be gay.”

Henry’s immediate snicker as he walked into the office, overshadowed Frank’s outward breath of relief. “You thinking of turning gay, Frank?”

“Don’t get any ideas, Henry.” Frank held up his hand. “Especially since I know you used to have that crush on me. I’m not turning gay. Man . . .” He shook his head. “What is it about me that the gay men in this community are attracted to me?”

Joe tossed his hands in the air. “What can I say, Frank? When you’re blessed, you’re blessed.”

Frank ran his hand down his own chest as he took a long breath in. “Yep.” He saw Henry just staring at him. “What!?”

“There’s something wrong with you, Frank.” Henry sat down. “Sometimes I wonder about you.”

“Me?” Frank said with a huge smile knowing he had irritated Henry. “Why?”

“You get the biggest kick out of making yourself out to be the gay men in this community’s sex symbol. You should hear him, Joe. I think he likes it. With you being such a Neanderthal, Frank, I thought for sure you’d be bothered most by it.”

“Henry,” Frank spoke with arrogance, “why let it bother me? I’m very secure in my sexuality. You on the other hand aren’t. That’s why it bothers you every time Ben checks out your butt.”

“Frank, I am secure with my sexuality,” Henry spoke defensively.

“That’s not what he people in this community think. Everyone thinks you got Ellen pregnant as a secret cover up for the fact that you’re gay.”

“Oh they do not think like that.”

“They do too, ask them.”

“You’re an asshole, Frank.” Henry slumped in his chair. “Joe, aren’t we having our meeting?”

“As soon as Robbie and Dean get here,” Joe answered.

“Can I tell you about what I did?” Henry asked.

“Nope. Save it.”

“But it’s important, Joe. I finished the SUT program. I have the chip ready.”

“Henry.” Joe brought his hand to his temple. “I told you to save it. Why did you just blurt it out?”

Waving his hand at Frank who gave his typical agitating ‘yeah’ Henry explained, “I need to have brought up today the fact that we need to have that chip implanted right away. In fact, as soon as possible.”

“What’s the rush?” Joe inquired. “We’ve been working on it for months. It can’t wait now?”

“No.” Henry shook his head. “It’s brain surgery, Joe. I think we should do it before Dean loses his . . . loses his . . .” Henry caught himself and he tried to think fast. “Loses his . . .”

Joe stared at Henry with a tilted head. He waited, watching Henry’s open mouth. And then Joe had enough. “Loses what!”

Henry jumped back. “Uh . . . his uh…his mind Joe. Dean is headed toward a nervous breakdown.”

Frank scoffed, “He isn’t that fuckin close. Trust me I know. I’ve jumped out at him enough times to try to break him.”

Joe was a little shocked. To hear Frank say it was one thing. To hear Henry comment on Dean’s mental state was another. “Are you serious, Henry. Dean is breaking?”

“Um . . . yeah Joe.” Henry hated lying but he couldn’t tell Joe the truth. “But whatever you do, don’t say anything. When Dean gets here, don’t let him know that I told you.”

“Told Joe what?” Dean asked when he walked in. “What did you tell Joe, Henry?”

Frank snickered. “About the fact that you like to wear women’s underwear.”

Dean’s mouth dropped open. “Shut up, Frank.”

Frank laughed again. “Whoa, Dean, you scare me.”

Giving a scoffing face, Dean pulled up a chair and sat down. “What did Henry tell you that he shouldn’t have, Joe?”

“Well . . .” Joe took a second to think. If Dean was going over the edge he certainly didn’t want to be a Frank and help him out. So with quick Joe thinking, he gave his best answer. “Henry was complaining that the lab up at the mobile isn’t as clean as he’d like it.”

“Oh Henry is full of shit,” Dean commented. “It’s fine.”

Joe looked at Henry. “Is that the reason you didn’t want Dean to know? Because it really is fine? What the hell kind of trouble are you starting, Henry?” Joe looked back at Dean. He looked upon him with concern and spoke so pacifying to him. “Don’t worry about him, Dean. You have much too much to worry about. In fact, I was thinking that after this virus scare is over, you might want to take some time off. Lord knows you need it and you earned it more than anyone.”

“Hey!” Frank interrupted them. “What about me? I need a vacation.”

Dean took in Joe’s tone, ignoring Frank--again. “Maybe I’ll take you up on that, Joe. Some time off with my kids . . .”

“Our kids,” Frank interrupted.

“My kids,” Dean stated again, “It will do me some good.”

“Dean!” Frank yelled.

“Frank! God, are you annoying today.” Dean looked at him. “What?”

“Now see, I’m trying to be nice to you and you just go on and on giving me that Dean little-man-attitude.”

“Why do you say that?” Dean asked with edge. “Why do you say . . . little-man-attitude?”

“What? I’m gonna say big man attitude? Look at you Dean, you’re little.”

Dean grunted and adjusted his chair further from Frank.

Frank scooted his chair even closer to Dean, and Dean moved his further, Frank followed.

Joe took all he could. “Boys! Knock it off! Christ what is this? Musical goddamn chairs. This isn’t first grade. It’s a meeting for crying out loud. As soon as Robbie gets here . . .” Joe needed to say no more. The final member of the meeting walked in. His appearance took Joe aback. Robbie had lost weight, lots of it. His face was pale and dark circles still colored under his eyes. Joe immediately turned to Dean. “Should he be working?” Joe stood up to his son. “When I saw you this morning it was still dark. Are you feeling all right?”

Robbie shrugged, “Fine.”

Joe moved closer to him laying his hand on Robbie’s shoulder and squeezing it, feeling bone. “Dean?” Joe faced Dean. “How much weight did he lose?” Joe pulled at Robbie’s clothes and the looseness of them.

Dean blinked several times. He guessed he had just been with Robbie so much he really didn’t notice how much weight Robbie had lost. He knew he lost some. “Um . . . we weighed him in at one . . . wait a second.” Dean reached down to the folders he brought in. Robbie’s virus was one of the things being discussed at the meeting. He flipped open the folder. “Ellen weighed him in a . . . no, this can’t be right.”

“I knew it.” Joe told him as he grabbed a chair for his son then returned behind his desk. “He lost a lot didn’t he?”

Dean shook his head. “Not according to this. Ellen has him weighed in at two-hundred and three pounds.” A sudden thinking look hit him and he started speaking softly to himself. “Which means all medication and treatments given would have been given according to that weight. Not the new . . .” Dean reached out without taking his eyes off the folder, he grabbed a pencil from the top of Joe’s desk and he began to take notes. “I’ll have to recalculate.” He lifted his head, adjusted his glasses and turned to Robbie. “Robbie, when we’re done, can you come down to the clinic with me. I want to weigh you. I need to know how much you did lose because us over medicating you could have had something to do with what cured you.”

This shocked Joe. “You mean the antiserum we found didn’t do it?”

Dean closed the folder. “Not alone it didn’t. It ended up being a combination of occurrences that caused Robbie’s getting well. But I gave a dose of one of our agents according to what Ellen had here. Obviously I gave a bigger dose. I have to recalculate, in connection to his weight now, what the dose I actually gave him was. It probably won’t make a difference, but it never hurts to be sure.”

Frank laughed in a ridicule way. “You know, Dean, for a big shot little scientist, you sure are stupid. How could you not know he didn’t weight two hundred pounds?”

“And you would?” Dean asked back.

“Fuck yeah. I can tell you exactly what he weighs.”

“Right Frank.”

“I’m telling you.” Frank stood up. “Robbie, stand up for a second.” He waited until Robbie did. Frank ran his hand over Robbie’s back, across his arms then he lifted him briefly. “Thanks.” Frank clapped his hands and sat back down. “One seventy-two.”

Dean snickered at him. “Just like that. So accurate. You’re gonna tell me not only are you He-man, Superman, but now your Scaleman as well.”

“One seventy-two.”

“On the nose?” Dean edged on.

“Exactly.”

“Right.” Dean spoke sarcastically.

“Bet me.”

“That he’s exactly one seventy-two?”

“Yep,” Frank nodded.

“I’ll bet you. What do you want to bet?”

Frank thought about. “O.K., no matter what time, day or night, no matter what the other one is doing, they have to change Brian’s diaper when it’s needed.”

“So what you’re saying is if I win and at ten o’clock at night, I can come down to the social with Brian, when I have him, and make you change him?”

“Yep,” Frank nodded, “and I get to do the same. The winner gets to interrupt the loser for one week no matter what they’re doing and the loser has to stop.”

“What if the loser is having sex?” Dean asked.

“Yep. So when I come knocking on that bathroom door of yours, Dean, the fantasy must stop for diaper duty.”

Dean grumbled some. “You’re on.” He stood up too. “Come on, Robbie. Ellen has a scale back here in the examining room.” Dean walked to the door behind Joe’s desk, not paying any attention to the fact that Joe had tossed his pencil in the air in meeting time defeat. “In here.” He opened the door.

Robbie followed Dean in. “Dean, you’re gonna lose.”

Joe leaned further back in his chair. He stared at Henry when Robbie, Dean, and Frank disappeared into the other room. “Why do I even bother, Henry? You and I will have our meeting as soon as I get rid of these three.” He jolted forward when he heard Dean whined loudly, then Frank laugh after. “Dean lost.”

Dean stomped from the back examining room. “Shut up, Frank.”

“Day and night. Ha!” Frank plopped in his chair next to Dean.

Sulking, Dean leaned. “How did you that? How did you guess his weight so exactly.”

“Easy.” Frank told him. “I weighed him in here about two hours ago. I saw him and I said, ‘man Robbie are you skinny,’ so we weighed him.”

“You what!” Dean sat up. “What the hell was all that dramatic feeling him and picking him up?”

Frank shrugged. “I don’t know. You bought it though, didn’t you?”

“You cheated Frank,” Dean pointed. “All bets are off.”

“Shut the fuck up, Dean. They are not. You did not make it contingent on whether I had weighed him already or not. Too bad . . . “He saw Dean’s mouth open. “Shut up . . . you lose.” He stopped Dean again. “Baby.”

Like a tattle tale, Dean turned to Joe. “Joe!”

“Dean. Enough.” Joe picked up his notes. “Now we’ll start, get you three out of here and then Henry and I can have a real meeting. First.” He cleared his throat shutting up Dean or Frank before anymore can be said. “Dean, I need you to meet with Jason and me at the clinic tomorrow morning for that little experiment you agreed to participate in.” He held up his hand. “Before you say anything, Frank is doing it after my meeting with Henry.” He shifted to the next item. “Virus update, Dean. What do you have on it?”

“We’re getting close. We think that we can, without a doubt, cure the original strain of the virus.”

Joe nodded but hadn’t a clue what he was talking about. “So you beat it?”

“No, not at all. The original strain we beat . . .” Dean saw he was losing them. “All right. We have witnessed three forms of the virus. There is the one we brought back from the future trip, the one which infected Robbie’s men, and then the host virus. The original virus.”

“Which you’ve seen when?” Joe asked. “When did you see the host virus?”

“When we gave Robbie the antiserum.”

Joe’s eyes widened. “So it wasn’t an antiserum? It was actually the virus. Was this a set up?”

“No.” Dean shook his head. “It was definitely an antiserum. The only thing, it just didn’t work on those already infected. George, for some reason wanted it to work on Robbie but it wouldn’t have. See, an antiserum, a good one, is done by injecting a small amount of the original strain or host virus into the person to build up immunities. When we injected Robbie with the antiserum it had a negative effect. Instead of curing him, it actually gave him the host virus. The host virus therefore took over the virus in Robbie’s blood. And by a shot in the dark, one of our agents, combined with other little things, kicked its ass.”

Joe looked pleased. “So we’re out of the woods here?” He smiled. “When they release the virus on us, we’ll beat it with the combination and that agent of yours.”

“No.” Dean hated to tell him. “Unless they inject each and every one with the host virus, it will mutate and we won’t get it.”

“But you’ll be able to cure those who have the host virus?” Joe asked. “To infect us they have to drop it on us, right?”

“Right,” Dean said. “But those who catch it, say second wave, we will not be able to cure. So in an essence, we’re still at a loss unless we get the host virus. Then what we would do is inject those second or third wave people with it and repeat the process that happened to Robbie. Which brings us to another problem.”

Hating to hear, Joe tortured himself. “What problem is that?”

“As I said before, the symptoms are as deadly as the virus. We still stand a lot of risk losing lives to the symptoms. But I guarantee we save a lot more lives than we lost in that future I went into.”

Robbie raised his hand in question, “What if they don’t drop it on us, what then? What if they send a few infected people in here. Those people wouldn’t have the original strain would they? If that was the case, no one would be cured.”

Dean shook his head in disagreement. “I’m going to say no on a couple points, Robbie. One, George would have to send at least twenty people in here with it. It’s not airborne. They’d come down with it while in containment. How many people would they physically come in contact with? Ellen? She’s not a carrier. You? You no longer are a carrier. And as far as Joe and Jason go or Dan, how much physical contact will they have with these survivors? Not much. George knows this. He knows it won’t get out of hand that way.”

Frank decided to go further on Robbie’s question. “What about if he injected these people with the original strain?”

“Then we’d have a bunch of the host in which we could use to infect others in order to cure them. But . . . it won’t happen. When you directly inject someone with the host sample of the virus, they almost immediately become ill, therefore doing away with any incubation period. If George say . . air drops it in, we will immediately have everyone infected, which won’t be so bad because we can beat it. Ellen and I are gonna start producing our agent for the masses. However, like I said before, we don’t know how he’s gonna do it, if he does it. And then there’s our worst case scenario. Everyone comes down with it all at once and they don’t have the original strain, which is nearly impossible. Because the only way everyone is going to come down with it at the same time, is if they are all exposed to the same source, a source with the original strain.”

Joe understood. “But if that happens, the masses would fall ill after the source with the original strain and by that point, you would know who had the original strain and you would be able to use their blood?”

Dean nodded. “Yes as part of our cure. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Joe. I know all of this sounds good, like we have beaten this but there’s something I can’t beat. That is the symptoms. Only the person infected can do that. Example, Robbie . . .” Dean pointed to him. “Look at the toll the virus took on him.”

Robbie ran his hand down his own chest. “I’m still the best looking man in Beginnings.”

Frank rolled his eyes. “And the skinniest man now too.”

Dean reached down to his pile of folders. “There is something I’d like to say.” He grabbed one and set it on Joe’s desk. “This goes no further than this room. It can’t. The only reason I’m letting Ellen know this is because she helped figure it out. But for security, Andrea, Jason, Johnny, no one is to know we’ve beaten the original strain. As far as Ellen and I mass producing agent 17, we’re doing that in the cryo-lab after hours. We have to. As much as I trust Andrea and Johnny and Jason, I can’t take a chance, even minor, that it gets to John Matoose. If John Matoose leaks to George that we’ve beaten the original strain, he may change the virus or just as easy hit us with a second wave. We don’t want that. We need him to hit us with the original strain or have someone among us with it so we can use their blood.”

Though Joe understood, he still saw problems, security leaks or not. “But he still could hit us with the second strain whether he knows about the cure or not and then we’re screwed.”

“Not entirely.” Dean opened the folder. “As long as George is clueless, then we still have our, ‘fingers crossed’ ace in the hole host.” He saw their lost looks. “In the future we brought back samples. In the future there were three forms of the virus. The ones who came down with it first. The ones that come down with it second and . . . the original host. We confirmed that sample with the antiserum. The original host was in the Beginnings future.”

Amongst the ruffling chairs, Joe spoke up. “You know which people infect us? You know the carriers?”

“Carrier,” Dean spoke. “This person did not start the plague. They were the only one with the host virus. This person came down with it in the middle.”

This confused Joe even more. “How can be, Dean? How can one person come down with the original strain in the middle of a plague? That would be nearly impossible . . . unless.” Joe let out a breath and sat back. “They were injected with it.”

Dean raised his eyebrows. “That’s what we think. That’s the only way it could have happened. So, we let George think we have no cure. His person injects this person. When they get sick, we have our host to cure the others in Beginnings.”

“Who?” Joe asked. “Who is it?”

Dean pushed him the folder. “Jenny Matoose. I think she finds out about John and he hits her with it. Which means he’s gonna have the original strain on him. If we can possibly divert him from hitting her with it, then we can find it on him. Keeping Ellen on Jenny is good. The closer Ellen is to the situation, the more we can monitor what Jenny finds out,. They talk. I didn’t think it was possible, but this wedding thing is making them act like friends. With Ellen right there, we’re one step ahead than we were in the future. We watch and see what happens with Jenny. She can be the key, if the future holds true, to beating this thing if they don’t hit us with the original strain.”

Joe brought the folder closer, peering down to it as he spoke. “So behind the scenes, you guys have the original strain beat. To everyone outside this room, you are working on a cure, which you still will,” Joe instructed. “And we watch Jenny, because obviously she finds something out that causes her death. But she won’t die in this history, will she Dean?”

“Nope. Not as long as she has the original strain she won’t.” He looked at the pleased faces. “Unless the symptoms kill her. We still have those to consider.” He hunched at the moans that emanated because he had to add that damper to his hopeful answer. “Sorry.”

“All right. That’s done,” Joe continued.

Dean stood up. “Can I go, Joe. I have so much to do.”

“Yeah sure go ahead,” Joe told him.

“Thanks.” Gathering his folders from the floor, Dean smiled at everyone but Frank, then hurriedly left before he could be pulled into anymore discussions.

“Dean?” Joe called out but it was too late. “Eh.” He pushed the folder aside. “He forgot this. I’ll give it to him later. O.K., Frank, your turn. Tell Robbie why he is here.”

Frank turned to Robbie. “Starting tomorrow, you fly reconnaissance morning and evenings.”

Robbie was shocked about that. “What about Johnny.”

Frank looked at his father first. “Johnny won’t be flying them anymore. He chose not to.” He tossed his hands up. “You all right with that? Besides, you aren’t strong enough yet to really work.”

“I am too,” Robbie spoke defensively, “but no problem. I’ll fly them. But not tonight. Tonight I was going to hang out with Ellen.” He saw his father shake his head no. “Dad, come on I need that time. Or are you in this big thing to get Frank back together with Ellen. I’m not a threat, honestly, I just like to hang with her.”

Henry huffed. “You just hung out with her in quarantine for seven days.”

“And we bathed together,” Robbie grinned. “Did I tell you that Henry.”

“Robert,” Joe scolded.

“Joe your son.”

“Is awesome.” Robbie smiled. “Thanks Henry.”

But paper thin.” Frank added.

“Please, I can kick still kick your ass,” Robbie taunted.

“Still. Never.” Frank scoffed, “Even on your best days you couldn’t take me. Right now, all I have to do is blow on you and you’ll fall over.”

“Frank.” Robbie laughed at him. “You’re getting old, Bro. I can take you even now.”

“Could not.”

“Could too.”

“Prove it.”

“Let’s go.” Robbie stood up.

“You’re on.” Frank stood also. He saw Joe staring up from the desk at them. “Dad, do you mind?”

“No, go on have fun.”

Frank smiled. “Thanks. Let’s go Robbie. Let me kick your ass.” He motioned his hand to the door.

“Don’t have a heart attack on me, Frank. You know how you old guys get.” He opened the door.

“Don’t break, Robbie, You know how you skinny guys get” Frank followed him out.

“Frank,” Joe called to him waving his hand for him to step in.

“Yeah Dad?” Frank poked his head through the door.

“He’s still sick. Take it easy on him.”

“Not a problem,” Frank agreed. “I’ll let him beat on me for a while. Coming home with a black eye should breed a little sympathy from Ellen.” He backed up and shut the door.

<><><><>

It was a tedious task to George, standing there acting so impressed while bored to the point he nearly fell over twice when he started to doze standing up. But it was his project and he had to watch those mice experiments. It reminded him of the days when Dean used to bore everyone with once a week medical updates. How glad George was back in those early Beginnings days when Dean finally got the hint and only shared his knowledge when anyone asked. George often wondered did anyone ever ask? He for one never did. But perhaps, maybe if he did, he may have some bases of knowledge when listening to his own scientist. But he didn’t. The reason his scientists didn’t grasp the concept of why they had to hand in reports in layman’s terms was beyond George.

After an hour the mice experiment was over so George excused himself from the lab and hoped to make an exit to hide out for an hour, and catch his afternoon nap. He had his own plan to get ready. He had men to get out. It was only five more days until the Robbie-plan-two was going into effect. Robbie was better. He wasn’t sick anymore and he was strong. George knew when he finished with him,. Robbie would be much stronger.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

“Oh my God! Frank!” Ellen leaped up from her chair in her office and ran from her desk when she saw Frank holding the side of his face and stumbling through the door. “Oh my God!” The closer she got she saw how dirty he was and the blood that formed at the edge of his nostril. “What happened to you?”

“El,” he spoke weakly, wobbling.

“Here.” She grabbed his arm and helped him in. “We should get you to the clinic.”

“No. I just need you.”

“Frank.” She said his name with such concern, helping him to sit down in the chair. “What happened to you?” She walked to in front of him pulling down the hand that covered his face. She gasped at the bruise and small cut on his eye brow. “How did this happen? Did a bunch of men attack you? What?”

Frank moaned in pain.

“I’ve never seen you like this.” She ran her hand down his face. “Let me go get you some ice, sweetie.” She ran her hand gently down his face again and darted from the room.

Frank turned his head to the door. He grinned widely, clenched his fist and pulled it close to him with a silent ‘yes’.

“Here.” Ellen ran back in.

Frank’s happy demeanor switched back.

“Now tell me what happened.” Ellen began to wash off his face. “How did you get beat up?”

“Robbie.”

Ellen’s hand lowered. “Robbie? But he’s never been able to beat you, and now he’s sick.”

“I know El. Why do you think I look like this? I couldn’t . . .” He gave a fake flinch of pain when she touched him. “I couldn’t . . . hit him. He’s not strong. He got mad at me and hit me and kept hitting me.” Frank’s head dropped. “What was I supposed to do? Beat him up? I couldn’t do that.”

“You did the right thing.” Ellen handed him the ice to hold on him. “Wait until I bitch him out.”

“Please do.” His head dropped again. “I feel so bad.”

“Ah Frank.” Ellen hunched down closer to him. “It’s all right.”

“El.” He raised his eyes. “Could you just . . . hold me?”

Ellen’s expression dropped and she stood straight up. “Frank, you’re an asshole.”

“What?” His head sprang up. “What did I do?”

“You had me. You had me up until you said ‘hold me’ When do you ever say that?” She grabbed the wet towel and tossed it at him. “What is wrong with you? I should have known. When do you whine? Now, what really happened? Tell me the truth.”

“Robbie and I were fooling around, having fun.”

She gasped outward. “I knew it.” As she tried to step back, Frank reached for her, pulled her to him and she landed on his lap. “Frank.”

“This will make me feel better, El.” He swung her legs over his.

“Frank.” She struggled to get from his lap.

“Shh.” Frank watched his own hand as it moved to her leg and slowly up it. He grinned then shifted his views to Ellen who stared. He softened his voice. “You’re not trying to get away.” Frank swallowed “Why?”

“I like . . .” She watched his hand creep to her thigh. “I like . . .” It slid around to the side and her eyes moved to meet Frank’s. “I like this.”

“Good.” His other hand moved up her back and his fingers gripped behind her neck. “I like this too.” Moving his body up and Ellen into him, Frank brought his hand from her leg to Ellen’s face and softly spread his fingers across her cheek. “I like this a lot.” Tilting his head sideways, he brushed the tip of his nose against hers as he playfully moved his parted lips in for a tease kiss. He pulled back, snickered, closed his eyes, and brought his face closer to Ellen’s.

“Frank!” Joe called out.

“Uh!” Frank’s head pulled back immediately from being startled. “Fuck, Dad. Thanks a lot.”

“Sorry.” Joe stepped in with Jason. “We’re ready.”

So excited, Ellen jumped from Frank’s lap. “Oh I’ve been waiting for this. Jason told me all about it.”

Joe hurried and looked at Jason. “You did, did you?”

Ellen held her hands in a prayer fashion. “Can I stay Joe, please, please, please? Oh can I stay. I won’t make a sound. I won’t make a noise. Please, please, please can I . . .”

“Ellen!” Joe hollered. “Christ. Stay. Sit at your desk now!”

“Thanks.” Ellen smiled and moved to behind her desk. “Not a word.” She pretended to lock her lips closed.

“All right. Frank stay seated. Jason . . .” Joe instructed. “Shut that door. We’ll do this in here.” He heard Ellen giggle. “Ellen.”

“Sorry, Joe.” She held up her hand. “I’m excited.”

Frank looked up at Jason. “Now remember, this might not be easy. I have a very strong mind. Don’t try anything funny.”

Joe’s head snapped back to Ellen who laughed again. “Last warning, Ellen.”

“Sorry Joe.” She hunched in her chair. “I’ll be good. I promise.”

<><><><>

Ellen still laughed. Despite the fact that she was verbally chastised and nearly bodily thrown from her very own office, she still laughed. She didn’t think Jason would be able to do it. Actually it took Jason several attempts to put Frank under, but he did. When Jason started talking to Frank, Ellen couldn’t hold back and that’s when Joe tossed her out. It should have bothered Ellen but it didn’t. She headed to the clinic to share the funny story with Dean, amusing herself the whole way, stopping in the street to laugh, then to do that little dance she does to stop herself from having to go to the bathroom

She giggled like a mad woman as she walked up the steps to the clinic and stopped to smudge her finger prints on the just cleaned glass doors. She knew Dean would be there. They had decided to stay away from the mobile on this day and do what they could of their work in town. But right now Dean was working on clinic stuff and Ellen knew that. He probably was bored and needed a time out. What better way to break his monotony than to tell him something about Frank that he’d really enjoy?

She stood in the doorway watching him. He worked at the far back counter, his lab coat doing that Batman thing as he moved back and forth. Finally when he stopped, Ellen sneaked up to him. She wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her chin on his shoulder. “Guess who?” She kissed him on the cheek.

Dean removed her arms. “I’m busy.”

Ellen looked down at her hands, hands that a second earlier were flush against his chest. “What’s wrong?”

Dean turned only his head back, looked at her for a second, and returned to his work.

The look in his eyes said it all to Ellen. “All right.” She held up her hand. “Now I know I didn’t do anything. At least I don’t think I did. Geez, for the past few hours I’ve been in containment.” She received no response. “Let me think. What did I do today? What does Dean get mad at Ellen about?”

“This is not a joke. I’m pissed.”

“When aren’t you anymore?”

“Why are you here?”

“Obviously it’s to fight now. What did I do?”

“One word.” Dean faced her. “Frank.”

“That’s an awful big word. What about Frank? What did I do today with Frank . . .” She snapped her fingers. “I know. You’re mad that I had breakfast with him.”

Dean shook his head totally annoyed with her.

“You’re not mad that I had breakfast with him?” She watched him turn his back again to her. “You didn’t know.” She saw his eyes shift back at her. “O.K., I’m getting somewhere. You’re mad now that I had breakfast with him? You’re mad that I . . .” She shut up when he turned his head and gave a scolding stare. “Dean, are you sure you’re going blind and not mute because I’m not getting anywhere with you.”

“Ellen, knock it off. Just leave. Go find Frank. You are having the understanding with him now. I’m temporary, so do me a favor and leave me alone.”

“Why don’t you do me a favor, Dean? Why don’t you flag the fuckin door when you’re mad at me so I can avoid walking in here unarmed. Hell . . .” She tossed her hands up. “Where you get this shit from is beyond me. And you know what? I’m not even justifying anything you just said with a comment, because you are ridiculous. I come in here with every intention of lightening your day, to make you laugh and you yell at me.” He stood silent looking at her. “And now, now you stare at me! What’s the matter Dean? Can’t you focus?”

“See!” Dean finally spoke up again--loud. “See how you get so low and throw my sight in my face? And you wonder why I don’t trust you.”

“No Dean, I never wonder why you don’t trust me. I’ve fucked you over once too many times and you think I’m doing that now.” She lifted her shoulders. “I thought I wasn’t. I guess I am. But could you do me a favor? Could you give me the exact details so I can actually do it. If I’m going to be accused of dogging you, I’d like to at least enjoy fucking you over like I did when I was with Frank.”

Dean clenched his fist and rumbled a growl of frustration before slamming his hand. “Do you enjoy that? Do you enjoy being that much of a bitch?”

Ellen stormed to him. “Not as much as you enjoy being that much of a dick. You know what Dean? You make Frank look like a saint.”

“Ellen, who the hell are you kidding? Jesus Christ himself could walk in this lab and you’d tell him he looks bad compared to Frank.”

“I can’t believe you just said something like that. That is really blasphemous.”

Dean laughed loudly at her remark. “That comment is coming from the woman who is personally seeing that Beginnings becomes another Sodom and Gomorrah?”

Ellen shrieked, “I’m leaving.”

“Go.”

“I’m going.”

“Good.”

His loud, long clearing of his throat, followed by a snicker was all Frank had to do. But then of course he wouldn’t be Frank if he didn’t have something smart to say. “Is it my imagination or are the love sparks just flying about in this room.”

Ellen turned to look at Frank. “Hi, Frank.” She smiled, her demeanor changing, and then, as her top lip quivered from hiding her laughter she ran to the other counter.

Dean saw her do this. “I thought you were leaving.”

“Nope.” Ellen shook her head. “I have to stay, especially now. Say hello to Frank. Say Hi to Frank, Dean.”

“No I’m not saying ‘hi’ to him.” Dean looked at Frank. “Why are you here?”

“To see El, like it’s any of your business.” Frank walked in. “We’re having lunch today together?”

“Not today.” Ellen pretended to work. “I’m having lunch with Henry. I won’t see him until later. Remember he works late in Mechanics on Thursdays.”

“That’s right. Robbie’s coming over after his flight for dinner. We have to fatten him up you know. So you’ll be at the house with the kids tonight with me?”

“Until Dean picks them up then I’ll stay with you and Nick. Huh Dean, tell Frank you’ll pick the kids up.”

“He knows I’m picking him up,” Dean commented.

“Tell him again.”

“No Ellen. He knows.” Dean grew irritated.

Ellen huffed in frustration. “Who knows?”

“Ellen.” Dean snapped. “You’ve been hanging around him too much. Can you two take this conversation somewhere else? I’m busy.”

“Dean.” Ellen shifted her eyes to Frank. “Tell Frank about why . . .”

“No.” Dean turned to him. “I’m not telling him anything, Just go.”

“Not tell who anything?” Ellen quizzed.

Dean’s eyes widened. “What is wrong with you? This is a payback for our fight isn’t it?”

“What were we fighting about? Better yet. Who were we fighting about?”

“El,” Frank called her, “I’m heading out. I’ll see you at home tonight and don’t cook,” he instructed. “Robbie’s eating with us. And . . . Dean, I want you to know, I did that hypnotizing shit. It worked. I’m fine. Tomorrow is your turn.”

“Swell.” Dean shook his head.

“Frank.” Ellen raced out. “Don’t go, stay.”

“I have to go El,” Frank smiled. “Robbie has an appointment with Andrea to get on this protein stuff and I want to be there to go over an exercise and build up program for him with her. Unless . . . .” He leaned down to her ear. “You tell me you want to go back over to containment in your office and pick up where my Dad interrupted.” He laughed when he heard Dean slam something. “What’s the matter, Dean?”

“Go away,” Dean said “Bother someone else.”

Ellen held on to Frank’s arm. “Frank, don’t go. I . . . . I uh need your help, Dean’s too. Dean?” She let go of Frank. “I’m gonna play a word association game with my survivors. Can you help? Frank, stay.” She hurried and grabbed a notebook. “O.K.” She held her pencil ready and looked sneaky. “What is another word for hotdog?”

“Wiener,” Dean answered and rolled his eyes at Frank’s snickering. “What? You know another one?”

“Yeah.” He said. “A Frank. Ha, see how good I am at this?”

“Aw,” Ellen whined. “Let’s try it again. Dean, what is a one syllable word for when you are short with someone . . .”

“Dick,” Frank yelled out.

“No.” Ellen told him. “Let me finish. It’s when you try to explain something and you explain it in a short way.”

Dean shrugged his shoulders even though he wasn’t up for her word game. “I don’t know.”

“Come on Dean.” Ellen beckoned. “Think, one syllable. All right, finish this sentence. ‘I need to be honest with you, can I be quite . . .’”

Frank snapped his fingers. “I know. Straight forward.”

Dean gasped, “What is wrong with you? She said one syllable you idiot.”

“Dean!” Frank yelled.

“Frank!” Dean snapped back.

“I love you, Dean.”

Dean’s mouth dropped open and Ellen’s shriek of laughter was followed by a ‘thump’ when her head hit the counter. Stunned, Dean stepped to Frank. “W . . . what?”

“Huh?” Frank asked back.

“What did you just say to me?”

“When?”

“Just now,” Dean said.

“I didn’t say anything.”

“You did too,” Dean argued.

“I did not,” Frank shifted.

“Frank . . .”

“I love you, Dean.”

Again Ellen shrieked and laughed. Dean spun to her then back to Frank. “You did it again.”

“What?”

“Frank, you just . . .”

“I love you, Dean.”

“See!” Dean held out his hand. “You said it again.”

“Said what?” Frank began to get annoyed.

“What you just said.”

“I didn’t say anything! Man, are you fuckin gone. No wonder everyone is talking about your nervous condition. Wait until they hear that you’re hearing voices now, too.” Frank shook his head and walked over to a laughing Ellen. “See Dean, even Ellen can’t take you serious. I’ll see you later, El.” He bent down to kiss her.

Ellen could barely speak, barely catch her breath. Holding her stomach, she turned her cheek for Frank to kiss. “Bye, Frank.”

Shaking his head, Frank backed up. He started to leave, stopped, looked once more at Dean, shook his head, and then finally left.

Dean’s mouth still hung open. “What the hell was that all about? I know you heard that.”

“We’re fighting, remember. I don’t know what I heard.” Ellen walked to the door.

“El . . .”

“Bye, Dean.”

“El.”

“I came to see what I wanted to see and now I must leave. I’ll see--no pun intended--you later.” She let out a ‘whew’ from her laughter and halted at the door holding up her hand. “I will leave you with this to ponder until you pick up the kids tonight at Frank’s. What did Frank do today? What was I trying to get you to do? When you finally inadvertently did what I was trying to get you to do, what happened when you finally did it? Figure it out.” With a wiggle of her fingers, another snicker, Ellen left the lab.

Dean ran his hands through his hair and then tossed his hands up. “She forgot to say ‘riddle me this’.” Backing up, Dean reached for a stool and grabbed a piece of paper. “Now what did she just say?” Thinking about it, Dean wrote down Ellen’s clues so he could try to make heads or tails out of what she said so he could make heads or tails out of what just transpired with Frank in his lab. While writing down and thinking back, Dean began to laugh.

<><><><>

Dinner was nearly done. Robbie would be there shortly. Dean was going to be late picking up the kids. Everything was ready for a family dinner. So where was Ellen? Frank wondered. What in the world was taking her so long to bathe Alexandra? He knew Alex was fighting taking a bath, but did Ellen need to be up there that long? Frank knew what he did when Alex started her whining. Fill the tub, take off her clothes, toss her in, and get her out. Five minutes tops. Of course doing it Frank-style meant getting wet.

Since he wanted to have everyone together, Frank finished the drink he was sneaking in before Ellen came down, and went up to find her. Outside the bathroom door, he heard the reason for the delay. The bathtub water wasn’t running but the shower was. The water-muffled two voices told him what was happening. Frank wanted to hear what they could possibly have to ramble on about so he walked into the bathroom silently. Closing the door, he crept through and sat down, using the commode as a seat. He placed his elbows on his knees, leaning toward the shower curtain and listened to Ellen and Alex--mother and daughter--cackling like little girls and obviously taking a shower together. That must have been the only way Ellen could convince Alexandra to get clean. Frank enjoyed the moment, really enjoyed it, especially when Ellen would give her ‘Ellen’ tips to her daughter. Keeping in his snicker of enjoyment, he closed his eyes and took in the moment listening.

“See Alex, you put your leg on the edge of the tub like this.” Ellen showed her daughter. “Watch Mommy shave her leg and do the same. Only yours isn’t a real razor. You have to live with those hairy things still for a while.” Ellen shaved and her daughter mocked with her own fake razor.

“The water is dripping in my eyes.” Alexandra spoke of her wet hair.

“Mine too. Usually I save the hair washing for last but you jumped the gun. Here, give me your razor. Final washing time.” Ellen took her daughter’s razor and her own then set them down. “Little tip Alex, always use the guy’s razor. They bitch every time.” Ellen giggled and so did Alex. “Now we are gonna wash every part of our body. It’s important to stay clean. The secret to living a successful life in a post-apocalyptic world is to . . . never mind. You’re a woman, all woman are successful. There really isn’t that many of us. Hell, look at Jenny Matoose. Men love her. Go figure.”

“Mommy, where did you get that scar.” Alex pointed to Ellen’s stomach where she had her cesarean section.

“This one?” Ellen handed Alex the soap. “Your father knifed me. Yep, got real mad at me and stuck a knife in my stomach.”

“Did it hurt?” Alex asked as she washed up.

“Really badly, especially when he tried to remove my stomach.” Ellen nodded. “Boy was he mad.”

“Did Uncle Frank ever try to take out your stomach?”

“No, Uncle Frank does worse. He just steals my heart instead.” The sudden flinging open of the shower curtain made both Alexandra and Ellen shriek. “Frank!” Ellen scolded. “Quick Alex, cover your private parts. Frank, go away!”

Frank grinned as he shifted his eyes down to Ellen, rubbing his fingers over the bottom of his goatee. “Dinner is done.”

Alexandra peeked out from behind Ellen’s back. “Uncle Frank? Are you staring at Mommy’s scar?”

“Oh yeah,” Frank said then looked at Alex. “Let’s go Alex.” He grabbed a towel. “Let’s get your little naked butt out of this shower and dressed for dinner.”

“O.K.” She edged her way to Frank letting him wrap the towel around her and lift her from the tub.

“Go get dressed.” He ran his hand down her hair. “Hurry.” He listened as Alex left, to the water stopping. “Need a towel El?”

“Please.” Ellen stood in there waiting for the reaching arm. Nothing. She poked her head out. “Frank?”

Frank held the towel, but waited for her.

“Be nice.” She held out her hand, covering herself with the shower curtain.

“You know El.” Frank stepped to her. “You bathed with my brother. You could shower with me.”

“I could, could I?”

“Yep.” Frank lifted the shower curtain. “Make cleanliness a Slagel thing.”

“Stop that.” She smacked his hand away. “Behave. Go down stairs.”

“I’m being good.” He handed her the towel. “See you down stairs.” He winked at her, touched her face gently and moved to the door. “Oh and El? Thanks.”

“For what?”

“Just . . . . thanks.” Giving her a closed mouth look he opened the bathroom door and left.

Ellen shook her head, tossing the towel around her. “Only Frank would say ‘thanks’ after being a peeping tom.” She stepped from the shower with that thought on her mind. Little did she know Frank seeing her naked was far from what he thanked her for.

<><><><>

Robbie was walking in the door when Frank reached the bottom of the steps. He peeked around then smiled to Frank. “Why is it so quiet?”

“Shh.” Frank held up his hands. “You’ll set off the jinx factor. The kids are upstairs. Come on in.”

“What smells good?”

“Dinner.” Frank was less than descriptive.

“Wow, really?”

Shaking his head at his brother Frank moved to the dining room. “Let me just finish putting out the plates...” He stopped when he walked by the cradle. He spun around to Robbie, a slight worried look upon his face. “You haven’t seen Nick yet have you?”

“No.” Robbie grinned. “Is he awake? Can I hold him?”

“Yeah but don’t say anything about the way he looks.”

“What? Is he ugly?”

“No!” Frank snapped. “Just don’t say anything.”

With his hands in his pockets, Robbie walked to the cradle and peeked in at the baby whose back faced him. “Look at all the hair he has. Man . . . not even Joey had that much hair.”

“Yeah well, that’s a gripe of mine. . . .OK.” Frank tugged at his arm. “You’ve seen enough.”

“Wait, I want to . . .” Robbie screamed, loudly too, and it was followed by probably the most belly sustained laugh that he had in quite long time. “Oh my God Frank.”

“Enough.” Frank covered his own face with his hand.

“Oh my God Frank.” Robbie reached into the cradle and lifted Nick. “He’s . . . he’s . . .”

“He’s what!?”

“He’s Japanese!” Laughing one more single loud laugh, Robbie held Nick. “What did I tell you? I told you and told you those two were banging. But no, you didn’t believe me when I said that, did you? Now who’s the one who’s . . .”

“They say they don’t know.”

“Don’t know what?” Robbie asked.

“Don’t know how it happened.”

Robbie laughed again. “You believe them?”

“I didn’t at first.” Frank shrugged, “But with all the freaking time trips it’s possible.”

“Unlikely. More likely they are lying.”

“Why would Ellen lie?”

“Uh .. she’s done it before.” Robbie looked down at the baby.

“She said the closest she came was a single kiss to Henry when they were drunk and her and I broke up.”

“Maybe it was more and they don’t remember.” Robbie suggested. “How’s Henry been about Ellen lately?”

“There’s a long story to tell you. A lot happened while you were gone. Why do you ask?”

“Just … what if …” Robbie shook his head. “Just thinking the worst of Henry.”

Frank stared. “Don’t let Ellen hear that?”

“Why? Did you say something to that affect?”

“No.”

“But you thought it?” Robbie questioned.

“No. Give me my kid.” Frank snatched Nick away from him.

“Your kid? Frank? Look at him.”

“Yeah well his name is Nick Slagel.”

“But his genealogy is Kusakari.”

“But the genealogy part of him can’t fuckin even burp him let alone have him for more than three hours.” Frank laid his lips to the baby’s head. “So there.”

“Henry’s all right with this? He lets you play Dad to his kid?”

“What do you mean ‘play Dad’? I am being a Dad to this kid,” Frank said defensively. “I look at him as if he’s mine.”

“And you don’t see Henry?” Robbie snickered. “Sorry.” He held up his hand.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Frank laid Nick back down.

“So when will Henry want him back? You know so he can be the Dad.”

“Never. It’s a share thing. Only right now, Henry prefers to let me have control until he gets older, than he says he’ll participate more.”

Robbie nodded, as he saw the reason in that. “Understandable. He wants to wait until he sleeps through the night.”

“Nick better sleep through the night by the time Henry wants to raise him because I have a feeling Nick will be pushing eighteen by the time that happens.” As he covered Nick, his raised eyes saw Ellen standing behind Robbie. “Hey El.” Frank smiled. “Robbie was making fun of our kid.”

“Dick.” Ellen shoved Robbie. “He’s cute isn’t he?”

“He looks like Henry,” Robbie commented, “exactly like Henry. I hope to God he doesn’t whine and stomp and pout like Henry when he gets older.”

Frank shook his head with a huff. “You think I’ll let him get like that? El, will I let him . . .” His question to Ellen stopped when he heard the knock at the door a light knock. Frank flung back his head and moaned. “Dean.”

Ellen giggled. “I’ll get it. You get dinner.”

“No.” Frank stopped her. “Don’t answer it. We’re all having dinner. I’ll get it and send him away. He’s early.”

Shrugging, Ellen let Frank go past then she and Robbie watched as he opened the door.

“Go away,” Frank said as he opened it then shut it. As he turned from the door there was another knock. “Dean!”

“Fra . . . um.” Dean held up his finger. “Why are you being so rude?”

“You’re early. We didn’t eat yet. Go away. I’ll bring them to you later,” Frank told him.

“I’m not here to get them. I need to speak to you. Can I come in?” Dean peeked his head in.

“Aw.” Frank stomped. “For a second.” He held the door wider.

“Thanks.” Dean smiled and stepped in. “Robbie. Ellen.”

After Robbie’s hello, Ellen placed on a bitch face. “Dick.”

Dean’s smile dropped. “What was that?”

Robbie answered for her. “She said dick, as in a short name for Richard, another name for a penis, or you. Or me, for that matter. It’s her word of the day. Don’t feel bad, Dean. I was just called it too.” He grunted when he received his nudge from Ellen.

With a ‘hmm’ Dean stepped further into the living room. “I won’t take up too much of your time Fra . .I . . uh . . .” Dean cleared his throat after stumbling in his words. “Anyhow. You came to the lab this afternoon.”

Frank nodded. “Yeah. Is that what you wanted? Bye.” He reached for the door.

“Not so fast.” Dean stopped him. “You said I heard things today.”

“You did.”

“I don’t know about that Fra . . . um, I don’t know.”

“Dean. You’re the one who’s fuckin going nuts, not me. You heard things.”

About that point in the conversation, Robbie edged his way to the kitchen and whispered to Ellen as he passed her. “I’m finishing setting the table. I can tell this is going to be a nowhere conversation.”

“Robbie wait, you’ll . . .” Ellen pouted then shrugged, “miss it.” She grinned, crossed her arms, and stepped closer to Frank and Dean.

Dean continued. “You said you were hypnotized this afternoon?”

“Yep,” Frank answered.

“Do you remember anything about it?”

“I remember it all. He put me under then woke me up. Hell, I didn’t even think I was hypnotized but they said I was.” Frank lifted his shoulders then dropped them. “Is that all? You’re interrupting my family time.”

“One more thing. I have to know. I think I have it.”

“Have what?”

“This . . .” Dean held up his hand to an impatient Frank. “Ready . . .” A slight silent pause and Dean said the next word with such clarity and pronunciation. “Frank.”

“I love you, Dean.”

Dean shrieked, Ellen roared, and Robbie’s broke a glass when he heard that from the kitchen.

Frank looked at Dean then Ellen. “What? Ready for what? Robbie, what the fuck did you break in there?”

Dean clapped his hands together. “I knew it.”

“Knew what?”

Dean snickered. “One more time . . . Frank.”

“I love you, Dean.”

Robbie raced into the living room. “What the hell is that?”

Frank spun to him. “What?”

“You,” Robbie told him. “Why are you saying that to Dean?”

“Saying what?”

Robbie looked at Ellen who laughed so hard he knew he wasn’t getting an answer out of her then he looked to Dean for one. “Dean?”

“O.K.” Dean caught his breath. “Your brother was hypnotized. I think they put a post hypnotic suggestion into his brain. I knew they did. El, did they?” They all watched Ellen walk from the room. “Anyhow, when I say . . . Frank.”

“I love you, Dean.”

Dean joined Robbie in laughing. “See Robbie.”

Frank tossed his hands in the air. “See what? They didn’t put any post whatever in my brain. No way. I’d know.”

Dean raised his eyebrows. “Frank.”

“I love you, Dean.”

Robbie gave a high squeal laugh then shoved Dean playfully. “You have to knock it off. It is way too much.”

Frank had listened to all he wanted to. “Enough! What is going on . . . Ellen!” He called into the kitchen for her.

Robbie decided--because he knew Frank would believe him--to be the one to tell him. “Jason must have put a suggestion into you so that every time…what is it, Dean? When you say his name?” Robbie got an agreement from Dean. “When Dean says your name, you, Frank,  tell Dean . . .” Robbie laughed. “You tell him you love him.”

“I do not . . . Ellen!”

“Say his name, Dean,” Robbie requested.

Just as Dean opened his mouth, Frank’s hand pummeled down and covered it. “Ellen!” He looked horrified. “El!”

Finally calming herself enough to come out of the kitchen, Ellen walked into the living room. “Oh what now Frank?”

“Is . . . is this true. Do I tell Dean that I love him when he says my name?”

“Afraid so, Frank. But it’s only . . .”

“Fuck!” Frank shouted as loud as he could. “Fuck! I fuckin knew he’d make me gay. How did I know he was going to do that?” Frank walked in fast circles. “Not only am I gay, but I’m in love with Dean! Uh!”

Ellen tried to calm him. “It’s a joke, Frank. They’ll remove it tomorrow.”

“No. They’ll remove it now! I am not spending the rest of my night gay. Robbie . . . get Dean out of here. I don’t want to have him say something else that triggers me kissing him.”

Ellen edged on more. “Oh, he already said that you kissed him twice already.”

Frank’s eyes widened. “When?”

“Just now.” Ellen answered. “Don’t you remember?”

Looking even worse, Frank ran to the dining room , picked up the phone, and began to dial.

Dean had his enjoyment for the evening. “I’d better go. Now for sure I feel safe in letting them mess with my mind. Thanks Robbie and Ellen.” He walked to the door. “I’ll get the kids in an hour or so when I finish at the lab.” He turned around listening to Frank bitch at Godrichson on the phone. “Uh Frank?”

Frank lowered the phone. “I love you, Dean.”

With a snicker, Dean walked through the door. “Thanks.” Shaking his head, he left.

With a beep of the cellular phone, Frank walked over to Robbie and Ellen who tried to look as if they weren’t enjoying the moment. “He’s coming over in an hour.” He checked out their faces. “What?”

Robbie lifted his hand. “Don’t look at me. I’m offended by all this. El?”

“Me too. To think, this really throws a monkey wrench into the Dean, Frank, and Ellen triangle.”

“Ha, ha, ha” Frank said snidely. “Very funny. Well it’s over in an hour. I’m not letting Dean in the door. Also, you lied, El. There was nothing put in my head to make me kiss Dean.”

“Oh Frank.” She sounded so somber. “I am so sorry.” She shrugged and smiled. “Oh well. Can we eat? I’ll get the kids.” Quickly, before she could get in anymore trouble, she dashed in between Frank and Robbie and to the steps.

Frank pointed to the kitchen. “I’ll just put dinner on the table.”

“In case I don’t tell you...” Robbie grinned. “Thanks Frank.”

“For what?”

“This is turning out to be a great evening. I sort of get my understanding time with Ellen. I get a meal. I find out my new nephew is Japanese and to top it all off… I find out my brother is in love with his ex-wife’s ex-husband.” Robbie snickered. “You gotta love Beginnings.”

<><><><>

“Damn it,” Henry cursed when the tiniest of screws slipped from his fingers and rolled down to the floor. He set the soldering iron on its stand and bent down to the floor in search of an object he thought for sure he wouldn’t find. He had better find it too. Metals told him making those tiny screws were a pain in the ass and they weren’t going to do it if Henry kept on dropping them.

Henry didn’t see it nor did he expect to. He had to do it. He had to break down and pull it out. He walked over to his closet in Mechanics and pulled out the metal detector. How many times had that instrument came in handy when he would lose a screw outside? He thought how every time he put the detector on he would think back to the old world when he wouldn’t think twice if he lost a screw. Now everything, no matter what, was never was wasted in Beginnings. If it was of no more use in one way, it was either conformed or made to be used in another way.

‘Beep’. It went off in Henry’s ear and he bent back down to the floor where his metal detector hovered. There it was and not only did he find that tiny screw but another one as well. Thinking that the screws were probably on their way to that special place where all lost objects go and are never found again, Henry scooted out from under his work bench ad banged his head on it as he jumped to his feet when his Mechanics door burst open and Jenny Matoose yelled.

“There he is!” She belted out.

Holding his head and whining from the pain, Henry thought he had lost consciousness and slipped into some dream state. Was there a raid? Why was Jenny Matoose raiding his Mechanics office? Slowly he turned around.

“Let’s get him!” Jenny yelled pointing at Henry.

Henry screamed when she and Ben came racing to him. “What?”

“Hold still, Henry,” Jenny told him. “Ben, get out that measuring tape now. We have him.”

“Wait a second.” Henry stepped back as Ben held the tape to him. “Go away. I told Ellen I would do this tomorrow.”

“I’m not Ellen and I don’t believe you. For some reason you keep putting this off and putting this off. It takes ten seconds. Hold still.” Jenny held on to a wiry Henry.

Ben tsked as he knelt before Henry. “You are gonna have to hold him a little stiller. Henry.” Ben raised his eyes to him. “I’m going in for the inseam now. Are you sure you want to jiggle around.”

Henry stopped moving.

“Good boy,” Ben told him. “Now is this all that painful?” Ben took a measurement and wrote down. He then stood up, grabbed Henry’s arm, and extended it.

“Jenny can you let me go now?” Henry demanded. “Thank you. I’m getting measured. All right. Why you had to accost me is beyond me.”

“You were putting it off,” Jenny told him.

“I would have done it tomorrow,” Henry said back.

“Done.” Ben stopped measuring. “We can leave the nervous groom alone.”

“Love to.” Jenny walked toward the door with Ben. “Henry, there isn’t much time. Reverend Bob says you didn’t even schedule a marriage class yet.”

“Not much time?” Henry scoffed. “Jenny, we have months.”

“No we don’t. We thought we would, but things are coming along nicely. Right Ben?”

“So true,” Ben added.

“See Henry, everyone one is excited and they want to push this thing through.” Jenny opened the door, allowed Ben to walk through first then turned back to say an annoying goodbye to Henry. When she did, she noticed he had turned toward his work bench, laid his hand upon it, and stared down. Jenny’s voice dropped the enthusiastic, sarcastic tone. “Everyone is excited, Henry. Are you?”

Henry turned his head to her. “Yeah . . . I am.”

“Please act it. This is the first event like this in Beginnings and we’re all working so hard. Ellen, whether she wants to admit it or not, is excited. I can tell. It’s just that so much work is going into it.”

“Where are you going with this, Jenny?” Henry asked.

“If you aren’t going to go through with this Henry, say so soon. Please say so soon.” Jenny received silence back and then walked through the door of mechanics.

Henry clenched his knuckles even harder against the surface of that table. He could see the white on his fingers as he clenched them. “Why can’t I be more excited about this Why?” he asked himself in total frustration. His mind spun on how everything became so different so quickly. A month earlier he thought he was married to Ellen and he was happy. He loved calling her his wife but now Henry stood there on total debate of ever calling her that again. His mind and his heart were full of the reasons for it, but they flew around him so fast that he couldn’t grasp a single one of those reasons. Knowing right there that all thoughts and concentration for his work were gone for the night, Henry decided to pack it up and just go get Ellen because that’s what he really needed to do.

Henry noticed there was something old-world about the night as he walked to Frank’s house. At almost every house he passed, someone was sitting out on the porch and talking to the person sitting next to them. It was an epidemic that spread that night. It was hot. Henry, himself, preferred to stay in where the air conditioning was but that was Henry. He always wanted to be cold.

He heard the laughing as he rounded the last row of houses. That unmistakable deep laugh of Frank's told Henry that he too had jumped on the band wagon and sat outside.

“There he is.” Ellen’s excited voice carried to him.

Henry looked at her with a smile as he saw Ellen walking quickly his way. “Hey El.” He gave her an embrace as soon as he met up with her. His embrace took her a little by surprise. “How was your night?”

“Fine.” Ellen kissed him on the cheek. “I’m ready to go home.”

“Good.” Henry broke from the embrace and took her hand walking over to where Frank sat on the porch. “Hey. How’s the baby?

“Sleeping.” Frank lifted a glass to his lips. “Why, you wanna take him home tonight?”

“Oh no, not tonight Frank,” Henry explained. “I have him tomorrow night, remember? Anyhow, why is everyone sitting outside?”

Ellen grew excited as she gripped Henry’s hand. “Jason said there is going to be a meteor shower tonight. We’re all waiting but nothing has happened yet.”

Henry looked oddly at her. “How does Jason know that? He’s kidding all of you.”

“I told you, El,” Frank spoke loudly. “There’s fuckin something wrong with the guy. Henry, he made me gay tonight. Gay. I loved Dean for a little bit,” Frank shuddered. “Did you know about that?”

“That you were gay for a while?” Henry asked. “Oh sure, Frank. Everyone knew.”

“Man, the power of hypnosis.” Frank shook his head. “You know it has to be strong if it got me.”

Ellen released Henry’s hand. “I’m going to say goodbye to the baby. I’ll be right back out.”

Henry nodded, watching her walk into the ,hen watching Frank lift his glass again. “What are you drinking Frank?”

“Why?”

“Frank.”

“I’m having a drink, Henry. El knows. One drink.”

“Has it been, or is it going to be, your only drink tonight, Frank?”

Frank closed his eyes and let out a breath as he started to talk. The screen door opened and Ellen walked back out.

“I’m ready.” She ran her hand over Frank’s head as she stepped by him. “Ready, Henry?”

“Um . . .” Henry looked down to Frank. “El, do you wanna hang out here for a while and wait to see if Jason is right?”

“No, I’m pretty tired. Can we go?” Ellen looked back at Frank. “You really don’t want us hanging around anyhow, do you, Frank?”

“Nope.” Frank shook his head. “To be honest, I need a Henry-break. He’s so hyper. How do you live with the guy?” He stood up. “I’m heading in anyhow. Night, El.” He leaned forward and kissed Ellen on the cheek. “Thanks for tonight. I had a great night.” Closing his mouth tightly with a smile, Frank raised his eyebrows in a goodnight gestures and with his glass in hand, turned and went back into his house.

“Ready, Henry?” Ellen asked him as he just stared at Frank’s door. “Henry?” She snapped her finger in front of him.

“Should we leave, El?”

“Of course we should,” she told him pulling his hand and pulling at him. “Let’s go home. Henry, I just got out of quarantine.”

“You’re right.”

“What’s wrong, Henry?”

Henry’s head dropped as they walked.

“Did something happen tonight?”

“Aside from the fact that Jenny accosted me and made Ben measure me in my office?”

Ellen giggled. “She didn’t.”

“She did. I felt so violated, El.”

“Aw Henry, I’m sorry. You should have been at Frank’s tonight. It would have made you happy. You should have seen Frank telling Dean he loved him.”

“I’m sorry I missed it.” Henry smiled. “I bet it was funny.”

“It really was.” Ellen noticed the less-than-genuine smile. “Henry, what is it?”

“It’s Frank, El.”

“What, what happened?” She stopped walking. “Were you two fighting? Did something happen this past week when you were living together? He didn’t make a pass at you, Henry, did he? I mean he was gay for a while.”

“No,” Henry said with a chuckle, “that’s not it.”

“Well what is it?”

“He . . . .he’s drinking, El.”

Ellen waved him off. “He always drinks.” She started them walking again. “It’s O.K. to have one. I told him that. Don’t be silly, Henry. He’s doing so good with it. Right?”

“El . . .”

“Henry.” Ellen stopped walking. “He is doing good with it, right? Don’t tell me he broke his promise to me.”

Henry opened his mouth to speak but stopped. Telling Ellen that Frank did indeed break his promise, not mildly but majorly, wasn’t going to help matters at that moment. If he wanted to help Frank, making Ellen mad at him wouldn’t do it. It would only make matters worse. “You’re right, El. Maybe I’m overreacting.”

“Of course you are, Henry. You’re just concerned for your friend. So am I.”

Ellen wasn’t kidding when she told Henry that. He threw his arm around her neck and pulled her to him. Henry closed his eyes  as they walked. If Ellen realized how much concern Henry had over every aspect of Frank’s life, she would realize how much it was taking over every aspect of Henry’s.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

JULY 24

“Take a deep breath,” Jason spoke in his soft voice. Its hypnotic factor rang through as they sat in Andrea’s little office. Joe was behind Andrea’s desk, Frank to the back with his arms folded, and Jason standing before a sitting Dean. “Where are you now, Dean?”

“I’m . . . at the window with Ellen.” He spoke slowly, his eyes closed.

“What are you two doing?”

“Ellen’s bitching.” Dean smiled. “She’s hungry. We’re getting ready to eat Frank’s stew.” His head twitched.

“What is it?” Jason asked.

“A note. A note. El? Where did this come from?”

Joe stood up quietly and leaned toward Jason. “I thought you said you were tapping into his memory. You said nothing about sending him back there,” he spoke in a whisper.

“I didn’t send him back there, Joe. You heard me.” Jason held his hand up. “Dean?”

Dean jumped in his chair.

“Dean.” Jason called to him. “What do you see?”

“Bill’s dead. El, we have to get out.” His head turned from side to side. “The banging, the banging. Who’s banging?”

Jason took notes. “Dean, watch it from a third party. Step back. You’re watching your . . .” Jason watched Dean jolt again then hold out his hand. “Dean.” Jason used a firmer voice. “Step back. What’s happening?”

“I just . . . I just shot Moses. No!” Dean’s head flung to the side.

Joe grew with concern. “He’s slipping into that. Is this safe?”

“It happens,” Jason answered. “The books said it was safe but we have to pull him out if it gets dangerous. I don’t think it is.”

For the first time, Frank spoke, “Pull him out. We’ll try another time.”

“Ellen,” Dean called out weakly. His body shuddered in the chair and his head dropped forward.

Jason shook his head and moved closer to Dean. “Dean., answer me. Dean, remove yourself.”

A long breath came from Dean. “I’m on the floor. I can’t move. My eyes, my eyes are blurry. I can feel the blood.”

“Where is Ellen?”

“I hear her. Oh God I hear her screaming. I can’t do anything about it. I can’t move. Someone help her! Help her!” He let out a short breath. “El.”

“Is she there Dean? So you see her?”

“In the door way,” Dean said. “El . . . I see her. No! No! He got her. Fight El.

“Who has her, Dean?” Jason questioned. “Focus in. Who has Ellen?”

Frank paid even more attention. “Come on.”

“It’s not . . . I can’t make out his face. He’s behind Ellen. Moses.”

Frank tossed his head downward. “Son of a bitch. It was Moses.” He felt so defeated until he heard Dean say, ‘Moses is there too.’ Frank snapped his attention to Jason. “Ask him if Moses is the one that has her?”

“Dean.” Jason called out. “Does Moses have Ellen? Is Moses the one that has Ellen?”

“No, Moses is the one next to him . . . No, bring her back. They’re leaving.”

“Who are they? Moses and who?”

“I can’t make out who it . . .” A deep grunt, loud and strong, came from Dean and his head fell forcefully forward. After a silent second, Dean frightened the three of them into a jolt when he loudly gasped inward, his head flung back, and his eyes rolled behind his head. Dean’s hands gripped the arms of the chair and he struggled with all of his breath.

“Pull him out of there,” Frank spoke strongly. “Pull him out! Now!” He raced over to Dean who held on to the chair while his body convulsed. “Dean!” Frank tossed his view to Jason. “Get him out of this thing!”

“Watch out.” Jason stepped forward. “Dean. Dean, listen to me. Dean!” Jason kept calling despite Dean’s struggling. “Dean! Listen to me. When I count to three you will be out of it and back here in Andrea’s office. One . . . two . . . Three.”

Dean stopped shaking. His head returned to a normal position and he looked around the room at the three faces who stared at him. “I’m sorry.” He stood up, swayed, and grabbed his head.

Frank grasped him in support thinking Dean had some repercussion of being hypnotized. “Are you all right?”

Dean’s still looked fogged. He rubbed his eyes and tried to focus. His head felt like it was going to explode. “I’m sorry I couldn’t help.” Still off balance, Dean hurried from the office because running from the office was running from the nightmare he felt he had just had.

Joe walked from behind Andrea’s desk and took in the stunned looks of Frank and Jason. “What happened to him?”

Jason shrugged “I don’t know. Maybe at that point in time, Dean was in traumatic pain and he relived it. It’s hard to say. We can try again. He definitely saw whoever it was with Moses but right now his mind just doesn’t want to focus in on him.”

Frank had his own questions. “Could something else have happened? Something else up there that he just doesn’t want to remember? Because it certainly looked to me like Dean was experiencing a piece of a puzzle we didn’t know we were missing.”

Both Joe and Jason faced Frank and their interest became piqued with the validity of Frank’s suggestion.

Ellen assumed when she heard Dean walking into the clinic lab so soon after he left, that the hypnosis session was a bust. Knowing how strong Dean’s mind was, Ellen did have her doubts on whether it would actually be successful. Instead of talking about it and making Dean feel badly for being unable to do something Frank did, she continued in her gathering of things, rambling on as she did. “I have your notes all ready for you to take to the lab.” She tossed a file in a box. “Beakers are in here, enough for you to do a mock up mass production of our agent 17. Let’s see.” She tapped her finger to her lips. “You should have plenty of work time at the mobile. The twins are playing with Katie. Denny is watching them They’re staying at Andrea’s tonight. You know that. Good weekend, Dean, huh? No kids at all for either of us.” Ellen shrugged. “Of course how often do I have the twins? Isn’t Joe a glutton for wanting to play super Pap tomorrow? Anyhow, Josh has Brian for you, Johnny is taking Joey . . . you’re free and clear.” Finally, she faced him and saw the reason for his silence. Dean slumped forward both hands held on to his head. “Dean?” She walked over to him. “I’m sorry you couldn’t be hypnotized.”

“I was.”

“What happened?”

He raised his bloodshot eyes to her. “Not now, El. My head is killing me.”

“Dean, are you all right?”

“No.” Dean shook his head. “No I’m not.”

“You went under, right?”

“Yes.”

“Did you go back to that night?”

“Yes and I’d rather not talk about it.”

“Why?” Ellen asked.

“Because it doesn’t make sense. None of it makes any sense.”

“What doesn’t make sense, Dean?” Ellen wanted to understand. “Did something happen when they brought you back there?”

When he shut the door, Frank’s entrance into the lab made Ellen and Dean both turn to him. “That’s what I want to know. Are you all right, Dean?”

Frank's concern surprised Ellen because if he was concerned, she knew something out of the ordinary had transpired in that office. “He has a bad headache, Frank.”

“Dean.” Frank moved to him. “You flipped out. You looked like you were struggling, This was after you said Moses and the other man took her away. Did you see the other man?”

“Yeah I did.” Dean ran his hand down his face. “But Frank, I couldn’t focus on his face. I’m sorry.”

“No, that’s all right. We can do this again if you want but tell me what you meant when you said ‘it doesn’t make sense’, What doesn’t?”

“You’re gonna think I’m nuts.”

Frank fluttered his lips. “Doubtful. Especially after what I saw you do. Tell me.”

Dean shook his head. “Nothing indicated it. Nothing. I have to be wrong.”

“Dean.” Frank spoke calm and with reason looking at the pale face of Dean. “Tell me what you’re talking about.”

“It can’t leave this room. Not yet. Not until go under again and see if it really happened.”

“What?” Frank asked again.

“You won’t believe me.”

“Try me.” Frank put his hands on his hips.

Dean took a breath first, looked at Ellen then Frank. “When I was under, I felt like I was lying on the floor. I could feel my gunshot wound. I watched Ellen being taken away but after she was gone is when the strange part happened. I felt like I had another blow to my head,. I felt like my hair was being pulled and my head was being lifted.” Dean looked so confused when he talked. “It could have been a dream I was having at that moment. But if the hypnosis jarred my memory, then we just learned something we didn’t know. Right before I blacked out I saw . . . I saw a tip of a boot.” Dean lifted his head to Frank. “Someone else was in that mobile.”

Frank’s breath escaped him, but only for a second. What Dean said made a lot of sense. It confirmed a part of the incident and the theory his father had on there being a survivor from outside. How much easier it would have been for John Matoose if that was the case. A third party helping Moses out with Ellen allowed John to stay in Beginnings and never be missed. The only thing that didn’t make sense to Frank was why this third party kicked and tried to take out a downed man. Did this person think they finished off Dean? What did he have to gain by doing it? For fun? Why waste the time to do so? Why take the chance on being caught unless the third party totally understood the importance and the relevance of Dean seeing more than he should have? If that was the case, Frank was certain that Dean knew more--a lot more--than his mind was letting escape.

<><><><>

Dean couldn’t believe the time when he actually arrived back at the mobile. As he set up for his mass production of agent 17, he thought for sure after dinner with his kids he would be able to get right back up to the lab and begin to work. It would have been the case had Henry not caught him on the way out the door. Had it been any other person the interruption would have been fine but Dean had to waste twenty minutes convincing Henry that the baby was not hurt, that he didn’t need to examine him, and that Henry would cry too if he was sitting in a wet diaper. Why Henry couldn’t understand that just because Ellen recently changed him didn’t mean that the baby wouldn’t need to be changed again. Finally after directing Henry in someone else’s direction, Dean managed to get to the lab. His head was still hurting from the afternoon trip into his subconscious mind. Pounding was more like it. It didn’t seem to matter what he took, the headache was not going away. Feeling that twinge of nausea begin to hit him from the pain, Dean pushed through his work, reading over his clipboard notes and mixing up his mass batch of agent 17 to test that evening.

<><><><>

“Thanks Josh.” Henry handed Nick to him as soon as he walked into Frank’s house. “I really appreciate you helping me out. Hap kicked me out.”

“No problem, Henry.”

Henry ran his fingers threw his hair, looking so frazzled. “I just don’t know what to do. I can’t get the air to escape him.”

“You mean, like, get him to burp?” Josh asked.

“Oh.” Henry cringed. “That term just doesn’t sound right. Anyhow, I tapped and tapped his back. I think he did but I’m not sure. I don’t want to beat the child unnecessarily.”

“Of course not.”

“So thank you. I don’t think he needs to eat. Hap changed his diaper and . . . ow!” Henry’s eyes gazed down to his leg where the sudden pain emanated. Little Brian looked up with a wide smile and a baby laugh. “Why is he in the walker? Doesn’t he walk now?”

“Yep.” Josh sat down on the couch with Nick.

“Should he be in the walker? I mean should we really encourage him to be so dependent on a mechanical device to get around?” Henry pointed at him

“Go on and take him out but I’m not chasing his little butt around here. He’s safe in there.”

Henry bent down and rubbed his shin. “For you maybe. Hey, Bri.” Henry rubbed his head. “Why does Frank insist on dressing this one year old child like a militant soldier.”

Josh rolled his eyes. “It’s cute.”

“I really hope he doesn’t make Nick into one.” Henry placed his hands in his pockets. “It looks like the tray to this walker is dirty. Maybe I should . . .”

“Henry?” Josh interrupted him nicely. “You know what? If, like, you need something to do while I take care of the babies, which by the way my dad said I rule at, I need to finish the laundry.”

“Oh my God!” Henry sounded so upset. “He expected to you to do laundry while you were taking care of the baby? Was he nuts? You can’t do that? How can you . . .”

“Henry?” Josh stood up. “Would you kind of, like, help me out and, like, do that for me? I am taking care of Nick for you.”

“Oh sure, Josh. Wait until I tell Frank about this. He really expects too much out of you.” Henry walked to the kitchen and didn't see the sigh of relief Josh gave as he did so. He walked down the basement steps and saw the small load of laundry in its pile on the floor. Dark colors . . . easy enough

Checking the washer, Henry removed the clothes that were in there and placed them in the dryer. He picked up the pile of dirty clothes, one article at a time, holding each piece by two fingers and at arm’s length as he dropped them into the washer. Henry looked up to the shelf for the bottle of soap. When he lifted it,  he saw it was empty. “Great.” Turning his head, he saw the white cabinet. Remembering that’s where Frank stored the extras, he walked to it, opened it up, and lifted the refill bag of soap. As he did, he saw something that he really shouldn’t have. Hidden that refill bag was a bottle of moonshine. Surprised by this and thinking it was old, Henry took it out and held it up to the light. There were no particles floating about in the half empty bottle which told Henry it wasn’t as old as he thought. He replaced the soap but not the moonshine and  wondered why it was there. Most of all he wondered why it was hidden. Knowing alcohol problem that Frank had been having lately, Henry realized the answers to his questions.

Maybe he shouldn’t have left Frank’s house immediately with, the hidden bottle of booze  predominantly on his mind but Henry was bothered by it. Frank was hiding it now? For what purpose? From whom? The bottle was another warning flag to Henry that Frank was much worse than he had thought. He went to the social hall where the metals run meeting was taking place. When Henry walked in there, he saw Frank standing before a map. His hand was spread out on it and a table of men were before him. Henry’s eyes shifted to the table and to the empty seat. A drink glass was there. As he raised his eyes, he saw Robbie. Robbie listened as he fiddled with his guitar, a cigarette dangling from his mouth. They made eyes contact only briefly. Not wanting to interrupt, and feeling the silliness of his searching out Frank, Henry turned and left the social hall.

“Did you want to see me, Henry?” Robbie asked.

Henry turned around in his walk. Robbie followed him out? “No, Frank.”

“Is everything O.K.? I’ll go get him.”

“No. Don’t bother him. I . . . I was just . . . never mind.” Henry shook his head and started to walk again.

“Henry.” Robbie chased him “Something is wrong. What is it?”

“It’s stupid why I’m here. It can wait. I’ll talk to Frank about it later.”

“O.K.” Robbie tossed his hands up.

“Robbie,” Henry called to him as he walked away, “you’re his brother. Can I tell you something?”

“Sure.”

“I’m worried about Frank and his drinking. Should I be?”

Robbie took a serious look. “I noticed him drinking more but what makes you worry about it? Is there a reason to worry more?”

Henry lifted his shoulder and lowered them with a slow drop. “I don’t know. I think there is. Maybe I am over reacting. But . . . I was doing laundry at his house and I found a bottle of moonshine hidden behind the soap. He has one in the kitchen. Why is he hiding a bottle in the basement?”

Robbie let out a slow deep breath. “He’s not just hiding a bottle in the basement, Henry.”

“But I . . .”

“Trust me. If he has one in the basement, he has them everywhere. And if that’s the case . . .” Robbie motioned his head toward the living section. “Let’s go.”

<><><><>

Dean clicked his fingers on the keyboard of his computer. “No.” He shook his head as he looked at the image on the screen. “This can’t be right.” He lifted the clipboard and reviewed his notes. “This can’t be right.” He leaned his aching head on his hand, staring at the screen and the picture of the virus untouched by his agent 17. “This is the original strain. It worked on it before.” He picked up the clipboard again, looked and slammed it down. “What the hell happened?”

<><><><>

They felt sending Josh with both babies over to Henry’s house was the right thing to do,  Seven bottles, all different sizes, all with different amounts of moonshine in them, sprawled out on Frank’s table. Henry and Robbie sat at the table staring at them.

Robbie closed his eyes briefly. “This is bad. All this hidden? This is bad.”

“I know.” Henry folded his hands and lowered his head.

“Who would have thought? Frank?”

“I saw it coming, Robbie.”

“We all did.” Robbie noticed the look on Henry’s face, so sad, so down. “Henry, what is it?”

“It’s all my fault. All of this.” He pointed to the bottles. “I caused this.”

Robbie had to laugh at such the ridiculous notion. “Right, Henry. You put the bottle to my brother’s mouth and told him to drink? I don’t think so.”

“I pushed him to it.”

“How do you figure that?” Robbie was shocked.

“I know when Frank started drinking regularly and heavier and that was when I started being Ellen’s primary relationship.”

“So why do you blame yourself? My brother gave her up. You didn’t take her from him, Henry.”

“Didn’t I?” Henry finally looked up at Robbie. “I know those two. Break up, back together. I did nothing when they broke up the last time to help them out. I made your brother a promise. I promised him I would never make Ellen mine. I promised him I would always do whatever I could to keep them together. Do you know why I promised him these things? Not because he’s my best friend, but because I was alone. I was very alone. Your brother went against everything he believed in and he shared what he had with me. Because of that, my life meant something again. Having Ellen in my life made me smile again. Frank gave that to me. In my gratefulness I gave him my word. In my selfishness, I broke that word.”

“They weren’t together, Henry.”

“Who was to say that they wouldn’t have worked this out?”

Robbie shook his head. “I can’t agree with you. I have to argue with you. Life got hard for Frank, too bad. He needed Ellen, too bad. He turned to the bottle because of that. That is not your fault.”

“Don’t you think I could have helped matters by recognizing he needed her?  She bore my child when Frank assumed it was his. We thought we were married. Whether or not it turned out to be invalid or our reasons behind it, we did it behind Frank’s back.”

“Then Ellen’s to blame too.”

“And now Ellen is the key to stopping it.” Henry closed his eyes and sat back.

“No Henry. Frank is the key.”

“Frank is the key to recognizing his problem. Ellen is the key to helping him through it. If Frank doesn’t have her, he will have no incentive to quit. If she is in his life he can do it, Robbie.” Henry leaned forward. “You know and I know alcohol is a weakness. The addiction is a weakness. Giving it up is a fight that will wear you down and make you weak. Who is it that Frank can be like that in front of? Ellen. Ellen is the only one he will let his defenses down in front of. He will not fight it if he has no one to tell him it’s all right to struggle. It’s all right to feel like you’re losing. He’s not going to listen to us. He’s not. It is my responsibility, my love for my friend, and my indebtedness to him, that I have to be the one to get her to help him. At any risk. At any cost.”

“Then talk to her.”

“That’s easier said than done,” Henry replied.

“Why is that?”

“Because all this …” Henry pointed to the bottles. “She hasn’t a clue how bad it is.”

“Well, Maybe it’s time she does. but remember, we can’t help Frank until he wants to help himself.” He exhaled heavily. “That may be the hardest part yet.” Robbie closed his eyes. The corners of his mouth lowered as if gravity itself were pulling at them. He opened his eyes and shifted his views from Henry to the bottles. He let out a slow breath of disappointment. “Frank.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

“No, this isn’t right.” Dean pulled up the ‘recipe’ of agent 17 on his computer. “I mixed it right, I didn’t miss anything.” He shook his head. “Why aren’t you working? It’s right here.” He flicked his finger on the screen. “And this matches this.” He picked up the clipboard. “Unless . . .” He stood quickly from the stood. When he did, a rush of blood hit him and his head filled with an enormous pain. Dean tilted in a sway, latched onto the counter for support, and waited for the pain to subside. It didn’t. He closed his eyes and tried to ignore it. With the help of the counter as support, he made his way to the filing cabinet. He bent down to the second drawer, his head throbbing as he did, and pulled out his journal, the latest one with his notes. He flipped to the section where he knew he could find the information and focused in on his notes. Though they were blurry he could see enough to confirm what he believed. “Son of a bitch. Ellen. Damn it,” He tossed the journal to the counter and while he pressed his fingers tightly to his temple, he went back over to the computer. “Damn it. You cost me a whole night’s work,” he bitched to himself. “I said make a change to the dose per weight, not a change to the weight of the agent. Damn it, it was too weak.” Frustrated and feeling worse physically, Dean corrected Ellen’s error in the computer, getting angrier with each key stroke he hit.

<><><><>

When the Moon Lodge women’s group entered into the social hall, they were greeted with hooting, an unusual occurrence. Ellen knew a security meeting was the cause. How many of them were actually drunk by that point? Cole was. He could barely stand. In fact Ellen laughed when he fell to a chair because of his drunkenness and held on to Trish for support. He laid his head on her pregnant stomach and looked as if he were about to nap.

The women immediately mingled as soon as they walked in. They were the big celebrities. Jenny danced with Patrick. Andrea sat next to Jason at the bar. As Ellen skimmed the large room, she saw Frank as he played darts and laughed. She smiled when she saw him. Did he not see her? He probably didn’t even notice. She stood way to the back of the large--not only in numbers but in size as well--group of women.

Frank rubbed in his game victory to Mark and turned his head to see the women. His cringing face smiled when he saw Ellen. Finishing off his drink, he lifted his head, set down his glass, and walked over to her. “Hey, what are you doing here?”

“I’d like to ask you the same but seeing all your security guys, I figured this is where the big metal run meeting was.”

“It was. I’m glad you’re here. Wanna hang out?”

“Nah, go hang out with the guys. You don’t do that very often.”

“El, come on.” Frank shook his head then hunched to her level. “I’d rather be with you.”

Ellen stared up at him then smiled. “All right.”

“Can we sneak off in a corner somewhere?”

“We can do that. We can sneak off.”

Frank bit his bottom lip with the orneriest of grins. “You’re kidding?”

“Nope.”

He laughed. “This is great. All right. What do you want to drink?”

“Um . . . nothing. Let’s just go to a table.”

“Let me grab my drink.” He backed up.

“Frank.” Ellen grabbed his hand. “You don’t need to that.”

“El, one drink.”

“Frank, I watched you finish one when I walked in here. Was that your first one?”

“El, I’m out having a good time. One more, please?”

Ellen folded. “One more then that’s it. You’re shut off.”

“One more.” Frank made his way through the gathering maze of people over to the bar. He didn’t see Ellen when he grabbed his glass and his bottle. Checking once more for her, he poured a drink, downed it then poured another. As he lifted his glass to carry with him, he felt his arm pulled so roughly that the glass slammed to the bar, splashing up the moonshine. “El?”

“Why did you do that?” she asked with such anger.

“Do what?”

“Sneak in an extra drink?”

Frank didn’t have an answer, his facial muscles twitched as he turned his views from her to think.

“Frank. Why?”

“El . . . please, enough. All right?”

“No it is not all right.” She finally released his arm with firm point to him. “You . . . you have a problem. You promised me you’d stop this drinking. You didn’t, did you?”

“El . ..”

“You didn’t. Did you?!” She nearly screamed over the noise.

Frank took a deep breath. “No.”

“Fuck, Frank. You promised me. You gave me your word. I see what’s more important.” She backed up.

“El, wait.” He chased her, grabbing hold of her arm.

“No, Frank.” She swatted him away. “You disappoint me and it’s not often I say that to you. I give up on you.” She shook her head, turned harshly from him, and raced out of the social hall.

“Ellen!” Frank chased her. “El, please wait.” He caught up to her, placing his hands on her arms. “Look at me.” He placed his face close to hers. “Please listen.”

“What.”

“I’m sorry.” He watched her turn her head. “No, El. I’m sorry.” His index finger turned her chin to make her look at him. “I am. I broke my word to you. I won’t break it again. I promise.”

“Can you make that promise, Frank?”

“I swear to you I’ll make the promise. Give me one more chance. Don’t give up on me.”

“Frank, I’m angry because I’m worried about you, worried that you can’t quit.”

“I can quit.”

“You didn’t.”

“I didn’t really try. I’ll try now. Please.” He leaned closer to her. “This is the first time I have ever broken my word to you. Let me make it up to you.”

Ellen closed her eyes. “You have to keep your word this time. You have to show me you do not have a problem, because Frank, I believe you do.”

“No, I don’t. I’ll prove it to you. Please.”

“O.K.” Upon her words she felt the embrace of Frank as he held her tightly. “Now I’m . . .” She heard her name being called in the distance. She knew the voice and knew by Frank’s disgusted look who it was. “He sounds mad.”

Frank looked behind Ellen. “He looks mad.”

“Shit.” Ellen closed her eyes.

“Want me to beat him up?”

“No.” Ellen shook her head with a laugh. “I’ll deal with him. Why don’t you go home and I’ll meet you there.”

“I thought we were hanging out.”

“I’ll tell you what. We’ll go off somewhere and hang out when I get to your house. Sound good?”

“Sounds great.” He kissed her quickly. “See you there.” Backing up, Frank wiggled his fingers. “Bye, Dean.”

Dean ignored Frank as he watched him leave, he wasn’t in the mood. “El.”

“Yes, Dean.” Ellen tried to smile but saw it coming on his face. “What did I do now?”

“You screwed up.” Dean poked his finger at her. “You screwed up big time. You cost us time. You could have cost lives.”

“Ow.” She hit his hand. “You poked me, you asshole. Physical abuse.”

“El! This is serious.”

“What the hell could I possibly have done, Dean?” She threw her hands up.

“Remember when I gave you the notes and told you to make the changes in the computer for agent 17. Well you did it wrong. The whole entire batch was wasted because it didn’t work.”

“I screwed up?” Ellen fluttered her lips at him. “How do you know it was me and not you? You are the one who can’t see Dean.”

His nostrils flared and his heavy breaths let her know she had crossed the line. “Fuck you.” With no more words, Dean left Ellen on the street and stormed off to his home not far away.

<><><><>

Frank was upbeat as he approached the front door of his house. Ellen would be there shortly. Josh was probably asleep. He and Ellen wouldn’t even have to sneak off. They’d have the house pretty much to themselves. Whistling, Frank stopped when he walked in and was surprised to see Robbie and Henry rise and stand before the dining room table. “What’s uh . . .” Frank shut the door. “What’s going on?”

Robbie’s face turned red. He had been waiting for Frank. “What the hell are you doing, Frank?”

“What?” Frank walked closer, then his whole expression dropped when Robbie stepped aside and exposed the dining room table full of bottles.

“What is this shit?”

“You don’t know?” Robbie closed in on him. “Look at it, Frank! You don’t know what this is? I’ll tell you what this is. This is your downfall.”

Frank huffed and his face felt hot. He glared at Henry then Robbie. “What the fuck were you guys doing going through my stuff!? Huh? None of this is any of your business!” Frank moved to the table.

Robbie stopped him harshly. “It’s not our business?!” He spoke so roughly. “Fuck you Frank. This is our business. You are our business. You are screwing around. You have a problem.”

“I don’t have a problem.”

Henry was calmer, perhaps because he was more down than angry. “Frank, you have a problem. Why are you hiding bottles in every room and closet except where the kids sleep?”

Frank placed his hands on his hips and raised his eyes to the ceiling, closing his mouth tightly. He stood in silence for a moment then with a loud growl of frustration, he swung his arm outward toward the table, smashed it down into the bottles, and cleared the table with a thunderous crash. His hand that began to bleed came harshly to his face and ran down it as he blindly reached for a chair and emotionally sat down.

Henry and Robbie stared at him. He looked so lost as he sat with elbows on the table, face buried in his hands, sitting amongst the mess he had just made of his table and, ironically, the mess of his life.

Robbie walked to him. “This . . . this has to stop. This secret can stay between us, but it has to stop big brother. I swear to you.”

Frank nodded. “I know.”

Henry closed his eyes with some relief to hear Frank say that. Of course it wasn’t the first time he heard Frank say that. “Frank, we’re here for you. We’ll help you but you got to want to help yourself first.”

“I know.” Frank’s hand cleared from his face and slammed on to the table. Suddenly a look of panic hit him. “Fuck.”

Henry’s eyes shifted around. “What’s wrong?”

“El . . . El is coming over. You can’t let her see this.” Frank stood up. “She’s coming over now. She can’t know. Promise me you won’t tell her anything about this.”

Henry looked in debate. “Frank . . .”

“Promise me.”

Henry looked at Robbie then Frank. “We promise.”

“Good.” Frank bent down to the floor. “I have to get this cleaned up.” He hurriedly began to pick up glass.

Henry started to bend down also. “I’ll help you.”

Frank stopped his reaching hand. “No, this is my mess. Believe me, this is my mess. I’ll clean it up. Robbie . . .” Frank raised his head to his brother. “Cut El off. Tell her, tell her I need a rain check. I’ll see her later or something. Please?”

Robbie slowly nodded “Sure Frank,. I need to talk to her anyhow.”

“And don’t say anything,” Frank ordered.

“No, I won’t.” Robbie sadly took one more look at his brother and Henry then walked slowly to the door to wait outside for Ellen.

The moment Frank heard the door closed, he dropped to a sitting position on the floor and stared at the wet carpet and the broken glass.

Quietly, Henry sat down and joined him on the floor. “I know you don’t want my help Frank. I don’t care. I’ll help you get this place in order.” Henry started to help Frank clean up. So symbolic it was. Not only was it Henry’s first step in helping Frank clean up his house, but it would also be Henry’s first step in helping his friend clean up his life as well.

<><><><>

Henry.

Ellen felt a little nervous when she heard the shower water stop. She lay on her bed, on her stomach, flipping through an old tabloid magazine she dug out of her memorabilia box. She stopped reading when the water stopped. It would be the first time all night she faced Henry since she had left for her meeting. He wasn’t there when she got home or when she got out of the shower. While she was in the kitchen, somehow Henry slipped quickly in the house and into the shower before he even said hello. She smelled the moonshine scent that trailed him as she followed him up the stairs. She remembered him saying he didn’t think she’d be home. He had spilled on himself. Ellen had to end the conversation through the bathroom door and water noise, explaining to Henry that her throat hurt too much to yell. Though it did, Ellen didn’t know what to say to him, or how to act when she saw him.

“Hey El.”

Ellen slammed the magazine shut. “Hi Henry.”

“Did you say your throat hurt?”

“Um . . .” Ellen rolled onto her side and watched Henry, standing with his back facing her as he dug through his drawers for a tee shirt. “Yes. My stomach too.”

“You aren’t getting sick are you, El?” He faced her as he put on his shirt then turned back to face the mirror to comb his hair.

“Henry. How do you feel about Frank?”

Henry chuckled. “He’s my best friend. I love him.” So stunned by Ellen’s reaction he walked to the bed. “El?” He removed the pillow from her face. “Why are you laughing?”

“Have you always . . . .loved him?”

“Ellen?”

“Henry, be honest with me for a second because I know. O.K. No more hiding the truth. I know.”

“O.K.” Henry sat down on the bed with her.

“When did you stop, you know, loving Frank, or haven’t you.”

“I just told you . . . El. Why are me asking me this?”

“Because Henry, I know.” She laid her hand to his knee. “I have to tell you though, I was a little nervous about facing you after I found out. I was afraid of how I’d feel but I guess it’s funny. Sorry, it is. But I’m all right with it. I understand why.”

“Understand why, what?”

“Henry. I know all about it.”

“Know about what?”

“Do I have to spell it out?”

“Yes, because I haven’t a clue what you’re talking about.”

“O.K.” Ellen took a second to be serious. “I know.”

“What do you know?”

“Why didn’t you tell me Henry? Didn’t you think I’d understand?”

At that point Henry had given up. “Understand what?”

“The fact that you were gay.”

“What?! I was never gay.”

“Oh sorry. You’re right. The fact that you had relations with another man, Henry, I found out about it tonight at our moon meeting. I was a little shocked.”

“Oh my God.”

“No, no.” Ellen sat up “Don’t worry. I’m O.K. with it.”

“El, I never . . .”

“I was a bit surprised to find out you were once in love with Frank.”

“Oh my God!” Henry stood up quickly. “The women told you this? Why?”

“Because it’s true.”

“No it is not!” Henry’s hand went immediately through his hair. “They all think this?” He began to pace in circles. “They thought I was in love with Frank? El, I love Frank . . . stop laughing, but not like that. Trust me, if I were ever to be intimate with any man, the thought of it being Frank would never cross my mind. That’s, that’s . . . that’s really scary.” Henry fell down in shock to the bed. “And you believed this?”

“Oh sure Henry, why wouldn’t I?”

Stunned, Henry’s wide eyes shifted to Ellen. “Well, you, I, uh . . . you should know me better.” Henry seemed so offended at her.

“But you’re so sensitive, Henry.”

“El!”

She giggled and edged her way to him. “I’m glad that was untrue. I really am. Of course when they told me, I was eating, and I started to choke.”

“Really choke?”

“Oh sure and my face turned blue. I looked like something from Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory. What was her name?”

“The spoiled rich girl?” Henry looked up to the ceiling, a thinking face perched upon his face. “Pamela.”

“No Henry, wasn’t it Amanda?”

“Come to think of it El, was it a normal name?”

“No it wasn’t. I can still see her wearing that fur coat. Didn’t it begin with a ‘P’?”

“I think so.” Henry moved even closer to Ellen. “I just know this is going to bother me all night.”

“We’ll figure it out Henry. Oh . . .” She snapped her fingers. “I know, I have that movie in a box over at Frank’s.” She swept her legs over the side of the bed. “Let’s go over there and watch it and really drive Frank’s nuts.” She nodded. “Want to?”

“El I don’t think . . .”

“Come on Henry, you don’t have to even get dressed.” She hurried to the door. “What’s wrong?”

Henry raced quickly through his mind what Frank was doing when he left. He didn’t need for Ellen to catch him still scrubbing that carpet. “El, um, go on down, I’ll be right there.”

“Don’t change, Henry. It’ll be funny watching Frank’s expression when you show up in your underwear to watch that movie.” She reached out and grabbed Henry’s hand “Come on unless you don’t think he wants to be bothered.”

“Come to think of it, El, us going over there might be just what Frank needs.” Henry pulled his hand from hers and went to his dresser. Not to throw on pants, he really didn’t care if he wore those, but to check his hair. He could go out of his house without pants, but with messy hair . . . never.

Walking to Frank’s house, Ellen and Henry had to pass by Dean’s. Holding Ellen’s hand, Henry felt her slow down and then stop. “What is it?”

Ellen looked up to the second floor of Dean’s house. “He’s still up.”

“Is that wrong?”

“It’s just late for Dean that’s all.” Ellen shrugged, and continued walking to Frank’s.

<><><><>

His bent legs were brought directly to his chest as Dean sat on his bed. His arms around his legs, his forehead pressed tightly to his knees as he rocked back and forth.

The pain, the pain would not go away or even let up. He could feel the sweat that came from his face drip down across his legs. Nothing he had taken had even put a dent in the suffering he was experiencing nor did Dean think it would. The sharp searing pain spun around his head, encircling it with a pressure that felt like a band tightening with each passing second. In a sitting fetal position, he stayed atop his bed, knowing that sleep would not come for him on this night. A part of Dean was afraid to sleep even though he knew it was going to end up being the longest night of his life. Dean felt so sick. He wondered if he’d even make it through the night. He felt for certain . . . he was dying.

<><><><>

Blink of an Eye

Book 8

TRIUMPH AND LOSS

Reaching into the darkness ...

Pulling from inside, the strength to succeed ...

The strength to overcome all obstacles ...

To find our victories ...

And to battle the losses we may have to face ...

within the inner struggles

INTRINSIC BATTLES

CHAPTER ONE

JULY 25

Out of a dead, deep sleep Henry sprang up to a sitting position calling out in a panic, “Violet!” He breathed heavily, his heart racing from the horrible nightmare which was a repeat of the night before. But Henry smiled. He remembered the name of the little girl in the Willy Wonka movie who turned blue. That’s what mattered. Minutes before five in the morning and he finally remembered. He knew it was going to bother him but he didn’t think it would invade his sleep. Then again, how could it not? They went over to Frank’s to watch the movie and he still didn’t get the name. Every single time Violet would come on or someone was about to say her name Frank would either speak really loud, turn down the television set, or just press fast-forward. But Henry showed him. It came to him anyhow.

He slipped down under the covers again and prepared to make himself comfortable, again. Just as Henry’s head touched the pillow, the loud ringing of the phone, right next to his ear, made him jump back up. He grabbed it and still groggy, Henry cleared his throat and answered the phone before the second ring finished. “Hello,” he said in a whisper. “Dean? Dean, what is it.” Henry closed his eyes. Though Dean said nothing, he knew something was wrong. “Hold on.” Henry got out of bed and hurried to the next room where Ellen was sound asleep. He covered the phone with his hand. “El? El?”

Ellen moaned.

“El.” Henry brought his mouth to her ear. “Wake up.”

“What time is it?”

“Five. El, Dean is on the phone.”

Ellen immediately rolled over to her back and lifted herself up with her elbows. “Dean?”

“He doesn’t sound good, El.” Henry handed her the phone.

Removing her hair from her face, Ellen placed the phone to her ear. “Dean?”

There was a long pause of silence then Dean’s soft cracking voice spoke, “El ... El, I ... I need you, El.”

That was all Dean needed to say. She felt it, the hard flutter of her stomach when the pain of his sound went through her. “I’ll be right there.” She shut off the phone and handed it to Henry, flinging the covers off of her.

“El, what’s wrong?” Henry watched her race out of bed and from the bedroom. He heard the water run in the bathroom. “El?” He got out of bed and followed her. “What happened?”

Ellen quickly brushed her teeth. After she rinsed her mouth, she splashed water on her face and took the towel that Henry handed her. “Oh God.”

“Ellen, what happened?”

“Please.” She looked up at the ceiling as she ran past Henry. “Please don’t let my gut be right. Please God.” She bent down to the floor and picked up her shorts, tossing them on. “Look at my hands, Henry.” She held them out before buttoning her shorts. “I’m shaking.” In a run she slipped on her shoes. “I have to go.” She darted by him. “I’ll call you.”

“El.” Henry reached out grabbing her arm before she left the bedroom. “Do you need me to come with you?”

“I think he needs me alone, Henry. I’ll call you.” With a worried look glued to her face, Ellen took a deep breath and flew down the stairs, opening the front door, and not even shutting it as she ran out.

Her footsteps were the only sound on the quiet street, echoing as she charged the four houses down. She stopped before she went inside. Briefly she looked up. His bedroom light was still on. Feeling her heartbeat in her ears Ellen opened the front door calling out, “Dean!” He didn’t answer her and she followed her gut which told her to go up stairs. She did. “Dean!” Her breathing burned her lungs from the rushing and the excitement to get to him. Her entire body halted in a freeze when she stepped to the bedroom doorway and saw Dean sitting on the side of the bed.

His head was down, hanging down, his hair forward as he sat there in just his boxer shorts. His elbows rested on his knees and he looked as if he watched something on the floor.

The lump, the lump in her throat grew when Ellen looked upon him. She shivered in her breath and took a step into the room. “Dean.” Another step to him, her hand reaching out. “Dean.”

“It’s gone, El.”

His words throbbed in her head, causing her already quickly beating heart to literally pound. She closed her eyes, moving closer to him, and laid her hand upon his face. “When?”

Dean’s head moved into that hand. “About three hours ago,” he spoke in a monotone. “I waited and I waited and it ... it never came back.”

“Why didn’t you call me when this happened? Why?” Her fingers slipped into his hair as she lowered closer to him.

Dean raised his head, his eyes were open and they just stared forward, not moving, just forward. “I’m sorry I called you. I didn’t know what else to do. I didn’t know who I could call.”

“No matter what we have said to each other lately, no matter what, know that I am here for you. Know that.” Moving her hand to behind his head, she brought her other arm up and brought Dean closer to her.

“I’m scared, El.” His hands slowly reached out and lay upon her legs. They moved up to her hips and when Dean knew where they were, he leaned forward and dropped to the floor on his knees so emotionally. “I’m so scared.” His desperate arms grabbed on to her and he buried his head in her stomach. “What am I going to do? I can’t see, El. I can’t see.”

Ellen felt and heard the soft emotional sound of sadness that Dean released. Her hands held onto his head, keeping him to her then she too lowered herself to that floor with him and held him. With everything he had, so scared, so confused, Dean gripped tightly to Ellen and he just clung to her.

<><><><>

“OK. Thanks, Joe.” Ellen held her fingernails close to her mouth in debate of biting them as she spoke on the phone. She watched Dean, sitting still on his bed throughout her whole entire conversation. “Yeah, no problem. I’ll stop by. Thanks again.” She shut off the phone, set it on the nightstand, looking into the mug and at the plate that sat there also. “You didn’t touch your tea or toast.”

“My head is still killing me.”

“I’m stopping by the clinic.”

“There’s nothing that will work. I tried it all.”

“Did you try the Apenetheral?”

Dean shook his head. “That’s the strongest stuff we have.”

“Then you’ll take it. If nothing else works, you’ll take it.”

“It’s IV only. It’s too strong to give it alone.”

“Then I’ll start an IV.” Ellen picked up the piece of toast. “When is the last time you ate?”

“Yesterday morning.”

“Lack of food isn’t helping your headache and I can’t give you the Apenetheral if you don’t eat.” She grabbed his hand and laid the toast in it. “I spoke to Joe. I told him how sick you were. He wanted to know if he should send Andrea ... eat that please ... over here.”

Dean lifted his head up. “She can’t come over.”

“Well I told Joe that you are a doctor and I’ll be here. He said you must really be sick if you aren’t working. Eat that please.”

A small bite was all Dean took. “Sick is an understatement.”

“He also said Frank is only working a half day today and he’ll make sure that Frank picks up the kids for us. As far as tonight goes, we’ll deal with that later. I’ll stay. Henry will want to also. He’s concerned.”

“I know.”

“What I’ll do now is run home, change, head up to the mobile, and get Johnny situated with some batch tests on the mutated specimens. I’ll pick up our notes and we’ll review the combinations of agents and medications we haven’t tried.”

“You’re leaving me?”

“Dean, I have to,” Ellen tried to explain. “I have to but I won’t be gone long.”

“I can’t be alone right now. I don’t know how to be alone right now.”

“You have to, Dean. Half hour tops. We have to work and I have to get things in the lab in order for Johnny.”

“I don’t feel like working today.” Dean reached out his hand feeling for the table to drop his toast.

Ellen stopped him and brought his hand back to his mouth. “Eat. Do you not feel like doing it because you’re sick, or because you’re down?”

“I’m sick.”

“OK.” Ellen nodded. “But you know, if you are better tomorrow, we have to move on. We have to work. Especially if we don’t want anyone to know you lost your sight yet.”

“How?” Dean asked with desperation. “How do we do it?”

“Like we have been preparing for. We can do this, Dean. We can really do this. We’ve worked together to be able to work through this.”

“How am I going to make it through a day, when I can’t even make it to the bathroom?”

“Like now.” Ellen leaned into him. “I’ll help you. Do you have to go?”

“What? You’re gonna help me do that too?”

“Sure. Why not? You need help getting there and hitting the target, so-to-speak, don’t you?”

“Right now I do. I’m clueless.”

Ellen took hold of his arm. “Then I’ll help you. Stand up.”

“Something just isn’t right about this.” Dean let her guide him out of the bedroom. His hand felt outward as they moved, trying to feel where he was at.

“What’s not right about it?”

“Until I get the hang of it, you’re gonna have to ...”

“Take control?” Ellen opened the bathroom door. “Be your guide? I can do that.”

“You won’t feel funny about it?”

“Who me? Please, Dean.” Ellen helped him into the bathroom. “Now it’s not like it’s never been in my hand before, right?”

“Not in this capacity.”

“No, you’re right. But there’s a first time for everything. Hell, I’m always up for new experiences. You know me. I’m Ellen.”

“And I’m really, really glad you’re here right now.” Dean tried to feel where she was.

Ellen grabbed his hand and laid it on her face. She slid it from her cheek to her mouth kissing the back of his fingers. “I’m glad you want me. And ... let’s do this.”

Dean slowly shook his head. “You sound almost too excited about this.”

“I am.”

“Swell.” He heard her giggle, felt her turn his body some and felt her head rest against his arm for a moment. Though Ellen looked forward to helping him out, Dean did not look forward to being helped. Something so simple, something so instinctive, was now another obstacle Dean had to face in the long road ahead. It was one of many minor tasks that he could never take for granted again.

<><><><>

Joe watched Henry fidget in the chair during the whole entire meeting. Shift to his left, then right. Run his fingers through his hair, fuss some more. Joe tried to play it off, thinking it typical Henry antics, wanting to be somewhere else, and having to sit in a meeting. “Continuing.” A shift of Joe’s eyes to Henry then to Cole. “The metal run will definitely be moved up as I told you, Cole. You and your crew will leave tomorrow morning, puts you at the first site by noon. That’ll give you eight good daylight hours to scrap there at Winnet, move to Mosley, then bunk at Jordan for the night, and scrap there in the morning before heading home. And of course ...” Joe’s voice dropped to a mumble, “Get those tuxedos.” He ran his hand down his face. “Any questions?”

Cole nodded. “Why are we moving it up so fast?”

“To be on the safe side,” Joe answered. “The reconnaissance flights are showing a clear area. You’ll only be an hour away and we can easily get to you if there is trouble. But right now there is nothing in the area so we feel you’re safe. Which in times like these, I’m glad we scrapped out farther from home first.” Joe picked up his pen. “Can I have you and your team meet with me tonight to go over the specific types of metals we have to locate for Armory?”

Cole nodded. “Tonight? Eight?” He saw an agreement from Joe. “Good. All right, I have to head back now.” He looked at his watch. “I have to pass the buck, so-to-speak, to the man in charge tomorrow.”

“Who is that?” Joe asked.

“Haven’t a clue yet.” Cole stood up. “See ya later, Joe.” As he turned to the door, it opened and Frank walked in. “Hi, Frank.”

“Hey, Cole.”

“Bye, Frank.” Cole walked out.

Shrugging, Frank shut the door. “I guess I missed the meeting. Sorry I was late.” He walked to his father’s desk. “I was rushing around to get everything done so I could pick up the kids.” Frank plopped in a chair and caught his breath. “Why am I picking up the kids instead of Dean?”

“The same reason I’m working in Containment,” Joe said.

“Oh.” Frank nodded.

“Which by the way ...” Joe faced Henry. “Have you spoken to Ellen lately?”

Henry lowered his mug of tea from his lips. “About twenty minutes ago, Joe. She was at the mobile getting things together.”

Joe glanced at his watch. “Which means she’ll be here soon. I’ll let her know I want to stop by and check on Dean.”

Henry stopped again in his attempt to take a drink. “Oh no, Joe. You can’t do that. He’s sick.”

“That’s why I’m stopping by.”

Frank raised his hand in a wave to get attention. “What’s wrong with Dean?”

Joe looked at him so annoyed. “Weren’t you paying attention? He’s sick. He called off of work.”

“You’re kidding?” Frank was surprised. “He must be sick. I don’t think I ever remember him calling off of work. Is it his uh ...” Frank closed one eye and twitched his head several times. “Nervous condition?”

“What is wrong with you?” Joe asked perturbed. “No, it’s not his nervous condition. It’s a headache. By what I gathered from Ellen, a bad one too. I spoke to Jason and he thinks it probably is a repercussion of the tension from the hypnosis. A migraine. You know how bad them migraines can get Frank. Sometimes so bad you can’t even see.” Joe turned his head quickly to Henry who had started choking. “Having trouble drinking that tea. Henry?” Joe looked at Frank again. “So that’s what’s wrong with him. He’s so bad, Ellen is staying with him to monitor him.”

“Fuck.” So shocked Frank acted. “Hey, Dad, you don’t think he’s gonna have a stroke do you?”

“What?”

“A stroke. You know, when a blood clot hits the brain and you can’t walk, or talk.” Frank explained, as if Joe were clueless.

“I know what a stroke is. Why in the world would you say that?”

“A severe headache and all ...”

“Frank.”

“Always a warning to a stroke.”

“Frank.”

“A man his age ...”

“Frank!” Joe shouted his name. “No! And what’s this shit … a man his age? He’s not that much older than you.”

“Yeah, but I’m not the one with the headache.” Frank tapped his fingers on the chair a few times. “What about a brain tumor.” He heard his father grunt. “Maybe his brain is bleeding.”

“Frank, Christ,” Joe snapped. “What is this, wishful thinking?”

“Concern.”

“Sounds it to me.” Joe shook his head. “Let me think if there is anything I need ...” His head lifted to the knock on the door. “Come in.”

Ellen poked her head in. “Hi, Joe.” She saw Frank turn around in the chair. “Hi, Frank. Joe, can I speak to Henry for a second?”

“Sure,” Joe told her. “How’s Dean? I was thinking of stopping by if he’s that bad. Give a hand with the kids.”

Ellen shook her head. “No, I’m hoping the medication I’m putting him on today will kick its butt. It’s strong so that’s why I have to be around him.”

“Ellen.” Joe’s voice took on concern, “Are you sure everything is all right with him?”

“Yeah, Joe, positive. I just need a favor from Henry.”

Henry stood up. “Do you need me to come outside?”

“No.” Ellen waved her hand and walked in. She wasn’t her normal self, so down she seemed. “Henry, I just need you to stop at the mobile lab on your way home, and make sure Johnny shuts everything down. And make sure the small, dim light is left on for the rabbits in the special lab. Last time Johnny forgot to leave that warming light on and two of them died.” Ellen shrugged. “Can you?”

“Sure, El.” Henry stepped closer to her. “How’s Dean?”

Ellen’s eyes shifted to Joe then Frank. She didn’t answer as she raised her eyebrows.

“I’ll be by later.” Henry laid his hands on her. “I’ll help out.”

Frank stood slowly from his chair. “Are you feeling all right, El?”

“Yeah sure, Frank. Why?” She ran her fingers through her hair.

“You look tired.”

“I’m not.”

“Are you sure?” He pointed. “You have those dark circles under ...”

“Frank!” Ellen swiped his hand away. “God! I can always count of you to make me feel good!” snapping out her words, she turned around and stormed off.

Frank tossed his hands in the air. “What? What did I do?”

Not paying any attention to Frank, Henry moved to the door. “Excuse me, Frank, Joe.” He ran out and spotted Ellen. “El.”

Ellen turned around and stopped walking, waiting for Henry to catch up. “Sorry about that.”

“No, that’s all right.”

“I’m just upset.”

“I understand. How are things going with Dean?”

Ellen blew out slowly. “He’s so down, Henry.”

“He’s gonna be, especially today, El. This is the first day without his sight. It doesn’t matter how prepared he thought he was for it. The reality has hit him.”

“I know. I thought I was ready for it too. But when I saw him, when I looked into his eyes that seemed to have lost his soul, it killed me. He’s afraid, Henry. He’s so afraid. He couldn’t walk across the room without panicking today. He called me three times and I’ve only been gone a half hour. I have never felt so needed, yet so helpless to do anything. I’m trying, I have been with him for the past seven hours and I’m trying to be upbeat and optimistic for him but my heart is broken. This is my friend, Henry, and there is nothing I can do for him.”

Henry had no words to say to Ellen. He wished he did. The only thing he could do at that moment was take her in his arms, try to give her some of the strength he had, and hope that the day that was seemingly so bad for her, would somehow get better.

<><><><>

George looked as amused as a child with an Easter basket when he received the news. Cole and his crew were moving out three days earlier? How easily George had Joe pegged to do that. Did Joe honestly believe that if he moved his crew out ahead of schedule, all would go well because his reconnaissance flights were showing an all clear? Joe wanted to take advantage of that clear situation. But didn’t he learn that just because his pilot didn’t see anything, it didn’t mean nothing was there. Beginnings' recent invasion proved even the best Beginnings pilots are fallible.

Now there was something more out there for them. George had twelve CMEs posted not far from where Cole and his crew were headed. It was a plan in motion George had ready since Robbie exhibited signs of getting well. Twelve men waiting, close but far enough out of reconnaissance flight surveillance. Cole and his men would hit their sites, the first two, problem free. They’d halt for the night thinking all was well. Then Communications would get a signal in the morning close to where Cole was. Minor situation Cole could take care of. Knowing the way Beginnings thought, they would send, as a safe guard, Robbie. It is his job. He’ll get there and get cocky when he discovered it only was two CMEs. Get comfortable then ... Robbie would get hit with the ten remaining men. Of course Robbie would emerge unscathed. But to Beginnings ... he would be missing when it was all said and done.

<><><><>

The sound of Robbie and his band practicing acoustically in Joe’s backyard that evening seemed to carry all through Beginnings. Ellen listened to them as she did the dishes, keeping the window open, trying to bury herself into what they played instead of what had been happening all day and evening at Dean’s. Henry was there now. He was a big help with the kids. And Robbie, though a few houses up, he made her smile. He’d play the song from that spoof of a spy movie where the rock-and-roll star went to Moscow. Robbie played it, sounding so much like the actor, claiming the song, “How Silly Can You Get” was actually his theme song. It was a stupid song, but it made Ellen smile. The same song that Robbie had played numerous times before and made her cringe, had become on that evening, a song she longed to hear over and over. It seemed to be the only song they played that somewhere in the song there wasn’t something that reminded her of Dean’s troubles. Like the jilted lover listening to soft rock radio, everything Robbie and they played had something in there that struck a chord within Ellen.

The kids were being kids in the living room, loud and having fun. Ellen was glad Dean’s headache had finally left. He still was down, but at least he wasn’t ill. As she rinsed the last of the dinner’s dishes, Ellen wondered whether she took a long time because there were so many, or because she had escaped the situation for a little while and wasn’t ready to go back. But now she had to. She had no choice.

Drying her hands, she shut off the kitchen light as she walked into the living room. Henry had Joey and Billy in some sort of card game. Alexandra, as usual, drew pictures. Dean, he tried so hard to appear to his children as if nothing was wrong. So much in his usual every evening fashion, he sat on the couch, Brian on his lap, and papers spread out all around him like he was working.

Why this vision bothered Ellen, she didn’t know. Kids were bright and sometimes they saw things adults didn’t see. They also accepted things a lot better. Of all people on the earth, during this troubled moment in his life, Dean’s children were the ones who would be the least judgmental of him.

Ellen reached her hands to Brian, catching herself in the expectance of Dean handing him to her. “Dean.” She made her announcement before him. “I can take Brian.”

“I can hold him.” Dean buried his lips to Brian’s head.

“I’ll clean up these papers for you.”

“Thanks.”

Gathering up the papers, Ellen heard Alexandra chuckle in amusement to herself. “What is it, Alex?” Ellen asked as she set the papers on the coffee table and sat down next to Dean.

“Look what I drew, Mommy.” Alexandra held up her drawing. “I drew you and Daddy, but I made Daddy’s feet too big.” She snickered and stood up rushing to Dean. “Look, Daddy, at your feet.”

Ellen watched Dean swallow predominantly and lift his head. His eyes didn’t move.

“Daddy? Look.” Alexandra held it higher.

“I ... I see, sweetie,” Dean told her.

Alexandra giggled again. “No, you don’t. You aren’t even looking. Daddy, look.”

Ellen saw the pain on Dean’s face as he desperately tried to find direction looking for where Alexandra’s voice came from. She heard him tell his daughter ‘that’s great’ and upon those words something inside of Ellen just snapped. She jumped from the couch. “I’ll be back.” She looked at Henry as she ran her hand across Dean’s back. “I have to go. I’ll be back.” Running out without anymore words, Ellen stopped on the sidewalk and took a deep breath of the evening air. Robbie’s music was louder out there and the song he played seemed to be the perfect backdrop to her life that seemed so much like a bad ‘Monday Night’ movie.

She ran quickly the four houses up to her own, wanting so much just to get inside and stop the rush of madness she was feeling. When she got inside, Ellen just plopped on the couch, burying her face in her hands. She knew Dean was losing his sight. She’d known for a while too. When she saw him at the crack of dawn, she knew his sight was gone, but she never realized the impact of it until that moment. Was the same thing going through Dean’s mind that was going through Ellen’s? Did he regret all those times he sat on the couch working and he only lifted his head to Alexandra and pretended to see her drawing? How many times had he done that? How many times, as a parent, had Ellen done that? Now, ironically, Dean did the same thing moments earlier only this time his face showed how much he wanted with all of his heart not to be pretending.

A single knock on the door brought into the room the voice of the person she couldn’t face. “El,” Frank called out. “I was going to my Dad’s and I saw you run in here.”

Ellen wiped the tears that seemed to fall from out of her control. She wiped them quickly and folded her arms closer to her body.

“Are you all right?”

“Yeah.”

“I mean you were real quiet when I dropped the kids off. And Dean, Dean was fuckin rude. He wouldn’t even acknowledge my presence or look at me. I was only trying to ask him how he was.”

Ellen stood immediately up, keeping her back to him, wanting him to go away. Not because she didn’t want him there, but because she needed him there.

“You’re quiet. Did I do something? I know I did. What was it?”

Ellen shook her head. “Nothing, Frank. Really.”

Frank heard it in her voice. She spoke differently. She spoke sadly. “Talk to me.” He laid his hand on her shoulder and immediately he watched her head go to it. As she brushed her cheek against it, Frank felt the dampness. “El?”

Ellen spun around to him, said nothing, and threw her arms around his neck, grasping so tightly to Frank.

“El. What is it?”

“I’m just having a really bad day. Could you ... could you just hold me, Frank?”

Frank’s response was his answer. His huge arms wrapped around her almost twice as he pulled Ellen up and into him, cradling her with his whole being. He felt, as he held her in his arms, he was giving her the strength she needed. But what Frank didn’t realize was, he was giving Ellen the strength that only he could give.

<><><><>

“I promise you, El,” Henry said as they sat in Dean’s living room that night. “I promise you it will be better tomorrow.”

“Dean still won’t be able to see tomorrow, Henry.”

“No he won’t but it will be another day. With every day that passes, he will get better with it. He’ll adjust. He has to.”

“Will he?”

“Yes.” Henry wanted to give her the answers. “Dean doesn’t adjust well to change, El, you know that. This is a big change, but you and I both know when he does adjust to something, he does it well. He will do this well. He’ll learn to live with this. He just needs time to know he has no choice but to learn. And when he does, you watch him.”

“What about his state of mind, Henry?” Ellen held on to him, nuzzling more. “I’m worried about that.”

“That will take time too.”

“I have to help him.”

“I know you do. Dean needs you. I saw that tonight. He was lost when you weren’t around.”

“He has so much to learn now. With him being so down, I’m afraid he won’t learn. If he doesn’t learn, we’re in so much trouble if this virus hits.” Ellen closed her eyes. “Was that selfish of me to say that?”

“No.” Henry’s hand ran down her head. “Answer this question. Dean would be traumatically affected by the loss of his sight under normal circumstances; don’t you think with this virus heavy on his mind, things are worse?”

“I do.” Ellen raised her head to look at Henry. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I’m a part of this too. And we better get some rest. It’s getting late and project Dean ...” Henry looked at his watch. “Starts in four hours.”

CHAPTER TWO

JULY 26

The theme song to Mission Impossible played in Henry’s head as he slithered his way to Dean’s front door. The morning silence filled the street. Henry, back against the archway, leaned his head out first then slipped his body out from the house. Like the big spy, he checked up and down, darted a house forward, looked around the bend then hurriedly returned into Dean’s house. “All clear,” he told Ellen and Dean.

“Thanks, Henry,” Ellen said. “You’re sure no one is around.”

“Positive,” Henry answered. “Keep in mind that it is Sunday, so you shouldn’t run into anyone on your way to the clinic. Just avoid being center town between ten fifteen and ten thirty. Services let out.”

Ellen gave a wink and a thumbs-up. “You’ll stop by and see us at the clinic?”

“Yep.” Henry nodded. “Joe and Andrea are supposed to pick up the kids, so as soon as they do that, I’ll be by. Are you sure you can make it there all right?”

“Oh sure,” Ellen told him with such confidence. “Dean?” She looked to the couch were he sat. “You ready.”

“I don’t know, El.” Dean shook his head with fright. “People are gonna know. We should go straight to the mobile lab.”

“I’d love to,” Ellen told him, walking to the couch. “But unfortunately Andrea says there is a lot of clinic work to do. Annual physicals took place this week, remember?”

Dean nodded. “I do. But what happens if someone walks in? What do I do?”

“What we talked about. You pick up that pen and bury your face into the notebook.” Ellen reached for his arm and helped him to stand. “Ready?”

“I guess.”

Walking with Dean, Ellen waved goodbye to Henry and walked out of the house. So as not to look like she was guiding him, she leaned against him as they walked, like two lovers on a stroll.

Dean felt the openness and the warmness of the air. The sounds and smell of outside immediately hit him and he stopped walking.

“Dean? What is it?”

“It’s just a little frightening, that’s all.” Dean started walking again, only this time a little slower and depending on Ellen more to lead the way. “I guess you never realize how small you really are until you can only feel how big things are around you.”

<><><><>

“Baby exchange.” Frank handed Nick to Joe and took Brian, laying him down on the couch, getting ready to change his diaper. “So what are you exactly doing with the entire brood today?”

“Andrea and I are taking the kids out to the field. We’re gonna spend the day out there with them. We’ll pick up Nick after lunch.”

“Man, are you a glutton,” Frank commented as he changed Brian’s diaper.

“I’ve been a busy man, Frank, and I haven’t had time to spend with my grandkids.”

“But to take all of them in one shot.”

“You do it,” Joe commented, “and you’re putting the diaper too tight on that kid.”

“No-no. Don’t even tell me how to change diapers. I am the master. I fuckin have two of them in diapers right now.” Frank pulled up Brian’s pants and held him. “What is taking Alexandra and Henry so long up there? Henry? What the fuck? Come on!”

“We’re right here, Frank.” Henry came down the steps. “I was fixing Alex’s hair. It was a mess you know.”

Frank rolled his eyes. “What the hell is it with you and your obsession over fixing the kid’s hair?” He stood up and looked at Alex’s perfect braid, shaking his head. “You shouldn’t be able to fix her hair like that, Henry. Something’s just not right about that.”

“She looks pretty.” Henry ran his hand down the back of Alexandra’s hair.

“Yeah, well in about an hour she’ll look dirty. She’s gonna be running around the baseball field.”

“At least she started her day off looking good.” Henry checked out the time. “Joe, should we still be at your house for dinner at the normal time?”

“No,” Joe told him, “make it six tonight. By the time we get back, we won’t have time to get it ready.”

“OK, I’ll see you then. Bye.” Henry hurried to the door.

Frank called out, stopping him, “Wait a second.”

Henry hunched and turned to face him. “Yeah, Frank?”

“Where the hell are you going?”

“To the clinic.” Henry watched Frank shake his head. “No? Why?”

Setting Brian down on the floor, Frank took Nick from Joe’s arms. “Your turn, Henry.”

“But, Frank ...”

“Henry, take your kid.”

“But, Frank, I have things I have to do.”

“So do I.” Frank moved to him, extending the baby. “Take the baby.”

“Frank, I promised El I’d stop by before she went to the mobile. I can’t watch the baby until Joe picks him up. I have to go to the clinic. It’s really important. How about I get him after I stop at the clinic and then I’ll take him to Mechanics with me.” Henry widened his eyes, smiled and nodded his head. “Good?”

Frank grunted and pulled Nick into him. “One hour. You be back here to get him in one hour or I’ll chase your skinny ass down. If I chase your skinny ass down, I’m beating it.”

“Deal.” Before Frank could change his mind, Henry was out the door.

Joe couldn’t believe it. “You really let him get away with pushing off that baby. I thought he’d want to be more a part of that kid’s life.”

“Oh he does. He wants to be a big part of this kid’s life.” Frank kissed Nick. “Just as long as he doesn’t have to feed him, walk him, change him, or bathe him.”

“I’ll pick up Nick from him after we’re done at the field. Is Ellen coming to dinner tonight, her and Dean? Did you talk to her?”

“I talked to her this morning. She says they have a lot of work to catch up on.”

“So Dean is better.”

All Frank did was shrug.

“Something is up.”

Frank raised his head. “You think so too?”

“My gut tells me, Frank, we don’t know something. Both of their demeanors were bad yesterday.”

“How about this? I’m on my way into your house last night, right? I see Ellen book into Henry’s. I go in. She’s crying. Crying, Dad. I held her for at least twenty minutes, just held her. She wouldn’t let me go. All night long I kept on thinking about that. Why was she crying ... And don’t light that up in my house.” Frank saw him pull out a cigarette. “Not in front of Nick.”

Joe grew perturbed as Frank waved his hand about. “Christ, Frank, I haven’t even lit it yet.” Joe put the cigarette back. “I’ll be nice. I won’t smoke.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Joe ran his hand down his own face. “Ellen, our Ellen was crying?”

“Yep.”

“Something’s wrong with Dean. Something is really wrong with him.”

“You mean like sick?”

Joe’s eyes rolled slightly. “Yes, Frank. What the hell else do you think I mean? Come on, do you honestly think Ellen would be crying over nothing.”

“She said she had a bad day.”

“Ellen’s had a bad life. She still doesn’t cry over it.”

There was a pause of silence then Frank’s big mouth broke it so loudly that it made Nick jolt in his arms. “Oh! This is good. What if he’s dying?”

“Frank!”

“Not that it would be a good thing. But say that’s what’s wrong with Ellen. What if Dean has this horrible disease?”

“You just really want to get rid of the man, don’t you?”

“Not really.” Frank handed Nick over to Joe. “But I’m gonna find out.”

“How? You’re just gonna walk right up to him and ask him.”

“No.” Frank was offended that Joe would think he would be that callous. “No, I’m not gonna just walk up to him and say, ‘Dean are you fuckin dying’. I’ll find out. From Ellen.”

“Frank, if there’s something wrong with Dean, it’s really none of our business.”

“Bullshit. It’s all of our business. Like him or not, if Dean is dying or if there is something wrong with him, then we’re screwed. And we all have the right to know because that virus is coming, Dad. It’s already crossed our soil and we were lucky enough to keep it contained. How lucky are we gonna be the next time? Or worse, how lucky will we be if something hinders Dean from stopping it.”

It was at that moment Joe received a slap of reality. If a hundred SUTs came barreling through Beginnings’ back gate, Beginnings had a plan, and if that failed, they had a backup. But if a little, tiny virus crept into Beginnings’ air, Beginnings had Dean. If he went down, so did their first and only line of defense against that virus. That, right there, was the scariest of thoughts. What would they do if something actually happened to Dean?

<><><><>

“And Joe says he’s gonna have them until tonight.” Henry rolled up surgical instruments in a green cloth as he and Ellen sat at the counter. “What time do you think you’ll be done?”

“Most of the experiments, Henry, take hours. We’re almost finished here. I ran the test.” Ellen, who rolled up instruments to prepare for sterilization, looked back to Dean who sat at the computer. “How’s it going, Dean?”

“Good.” Dean typed slowly.

Henry leaned forward to Ellen whispering, “Should he be typing in the results?” He raised his eyebrows.

“I heard that!” Dean yelled.

Ellen waved her hand at Henry. “Oh, he’ll be fine. He does that home-row-key thing. Anyhow, I’ll check it when he’s done for errors.”

“Did you check to see if his hands were on the home row?”

“Um ...” Ellen turned back again to check. “They are, I think. Are they, Dean?”

“Yes, Ellen, now please I’m listening to your tape, I can’t listen to both of you.”

Ellen giggled. “Look at Dean doing dictation, Henry. And did you see his hair? I parted it on the right side today.” She turned when she heard the click of the stopping of the tape player. “What is it, Dean?”

“You parted my hair on the right?”

“Um ...” Ellen hunched. “No, Dean. No I didn’t do that. Left, I meant left.”

Dean’s hands rose to his head and he felt around. “Aw, Ellen. Stop laughing.”

Henry tried not to laugh. “That isn’t very nice. Dean likes his hair parted on the left.” Henry peered at Dean. “I do like it better like that, but he needs to shave. Dean? Dean?” Henry stood up and walked over to Dean. “Dean?” He lifted the headset from his ear. “Dean?”

“What, Henry!” Dean’s hand slammed on the counter. “What?”

“You need to shave. You never go without shaving. If you don’t want people to know that you can’t see, you have to shave.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Dean felt the keyboard to reposition his hands.

“Did you need me to come over tonight and help you shave?”

Dean paused before he answered Henry, his head dropped slightly. “No, Henry. I’ll figure it out.”

“Good boy.” Henry gave him a pat on the back, sending Dean forward some and knocking his positioned hands off the keyboard. “Sorry.” Henry grabbed his hands and put them back. “You’re doing really good, Dean. You can’t even tell you can’t see.”

“Thanks, Henry.”

“Your eyes have stopped bouncing around. They did that yesterday, you know. Bouncing and bouncing.” Henry walked back to Ellen. “They stopped though.” He sat back down next to Ellen. “Kind of reminded me of this woman I knew when I was a kid. She was cock-eyed. I never knew what eye to look at when I talked to her. I always felt I was being rude.”

“Henry, I know exactly what you’re talking about,” Ellen said. “You kept thinking, what if you were looking at the wrong eye. Do you suppose people with crossed eyes know that people have a hard time knowing which eye is the correct eye to look at?”

“I suppose they do.” Henry continued, helping her get the instruments ready. “I mean, they really couldn’t go their whole entire life without someone telling them that. Could they?”

“They could. Because wouldn’t it be impolite to tell a person with crossed eyes, something about their eyes.”

“But people can be rude, El.”

“So true, Henry. I remember when I was in the second grade, I used to walk pigeon-toed. Like this.” Ellen stood up and pointed her toes inward.

“I never knew that.” Henry laughed. “Dean, did you know that?”

“She still walks like that, Henry.”

“No way?” Henry was shocked. “El, walk across the room and let me look, but don’t try to walk normal.”

“I can’t do that, Henry. Even if I try to walk normal, I’m gonna subconsciously walk straight. Understand?”

“Yeah,” Henry said, disappointed. “I’ll wait until you don’t know I’m looking. How about that? I learned something new. See, Dean ... whoops sorry ... you taught me something new about Ellen.”

Dean mumbled as he worked, trying to listen to Ellen’s rambling dictation and key in the results. “Why do I torture myself being around you two?”

Henry thought he heard Dean talk. “Did you say something, Dean?”

“No, Henry.” Dean shook his head. “And aren’t you supposed to be back to get the baby. You said one hour.”

Henry leaned into Ellen. “How does he know how long I’ve been here?”

Dean grumbled. “My watch beeps every hour. It has beeped twice since you’ve been here, Henry. Go.”

“I’d rather wait until Frank seeks me out. You don’t mind me staying do you, El?”

“No,” Ellen told him, “but you may want to leave.” She lifted her head to the door.

Dean heard Henry moan. He wanted to turn around. He wanted to ask who was there, but by the moan it could only be one of two people. Frank with the baby, or ...

“Hi, Ellen.” Jenny Matoose walked into the clinic. “Henry.” She shuffled to the counter. “Hello, Dean. I heard you were sick yesterday. Feeling better?”

“Yes,” Dean answered curtly and continued to work. He suddenly felt nervous when Jenny walked in, like he was being watched. Dean knew he was just being paranoid.

“I won’t keep you long,” Jenny said. She grunted at Henry’s ‘good’. “We’re all going out to the field with the kids today. Ellen, I need to know where you’ll be later. Ben is dropping off the swatches of colors for the bridesmaid dresses and you have to pick. He’s going to dye them this week. And ...” Jenny smiled widely. “He finished with your flats,” she spoke with excitement. “I’d like to drop them off as well but he won’t have them until later.”

“I’ll be at the mobile,” Ellen told her.

“Oh.” Jenny folded her arms. “John hates when I go up there. How long will you be up there?”

Ellen lifted her shoulders and dropped them. “I don’t know. Hours, maybe. Why?”

“Well, Patrick has the baby tonight and John and I are going to the Social Hall. Can I drop them off with Hen ...” Jenny shook her head. “Scratch that. Can I drop them off at Fra ... Nah. Call me when you get home. I’ll leave John to drop them off to you.”

“When do you need the color answer by?” Ellen asked.

“Tomorrow.”

“You know what. Just drop them off at Dean’s,” Ellen told her. “If I’m not there, I will be there and I’ll get them. Make sure you bring my shoes.”

“I will. The door will be open then?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” Jenny smiled and stepped back. “As soon as I get them I’ll bring them over. That way I don’t have to listen to John bitch about me leaving him on our date.” She moved to the door. “Let me know about the color, first thing.”

“I will.” Ellen raised her hand, noticing how red Henry’s face was getting.

“Bye, Dean ... Henry.” Jenny giggled and left.

It rumbled. It was loud and Henry’s color returned when he exhaled loudly. “God! I thought she’d never leave. How long can one person hold their breath?”

Ellen laughed at him. “You held your breath the whole time she was here?”

“Oh sure, El. I didn’t want her to drop off your stuff with me. I’m looking forward to having the house alone for an hour or so tonight. She would just ...” Henry hunched when he heard his name being called. “Shit. Frank.” He jumped up. “I gotta go. Talk to you later. Bye, Dean.”

Dean listened as Henry ran out. He chuckled when he heard Henry ramble off excuses from the hall to Frank on what took him so long. He only wished he could make out the words better.

<><><><>

“No, El.” Dean resisted her forceful pull. “What, are you crazy?”

“Dean, you have to.”

“I cannot.”

“Dean, when have I ever driven to the mobile lab? Hmm?”

“When have I ever driven blind? How am I supposed to drive, El?” Dean tossed his hands in the air. “I can’t see!”

“Shh.” Ellen covered his mouth. “You never know who’s around. Just get in. I’ll direct you from the passenger’s seat.”

“El, you can’t even drive from the driver’s seat.”

“Get in, Dean.” Ellen gave him a shove and then she walked to the other side. She stepped in the jeep and watched Dean feel his way around as he climbed in.

“Ready,” he told her, gripping the steering wheel.

“OK. Now the jeep is faced the right way. Just turn it over and go. I’ll tell you how to steer by saying numbers on a clock.”

Nervously, Dean reached for the key. “This is so dangerous.”

“Good. You have to live life dangerously or you really don’t live life.”

“Aren’t you being Miss Philosophical?” He didn’t see it, but Ellen smiled with arrogance. “Pretty cocky for someone who is in a moving vehicle with a blind man driving.”

“Just drive, Dean.”

Dean turned over the engine then shifted gears.

“Pull out slowly keeping it steady at twelve. You’re good. Just go straight.”

“Oh God.” Dean’s heart pounded as the jeep began to move.

“Good, Dean. Good.”

“How’s my speed?”

“Excellent.” Ellen giggled.

“What?”

“Nothing, one o’clock, Dean. Good.” Her giggle transformed into a laugh.

“What is it?”

“Nothing.” She laughed harder. “Oh!” Another laugh. “Two o’clock, three, back to twelve.” She held on as the jeep swerved. “Great!”

“Ellen, what hell?”

“You’re good.” A deep sigh came from her. “Oh that was fun.”

“What was? Ellen, am I going in the right direction?”

“You are now.” She wiped her hand down her face, looked back at Beginnings, then smiled. “Watch out for that tree ...” She felt the jerk of the breaks. “Just kidding.”

“What the fuck was that shit all about?” Frank blasted out his question as he stormed into the mobile lab. “Ellen?”

Ellen immediately ran by Dean. “Bury your head, Dean,” she whispered.

“What is he doing, El?”

“Hello!” Frank called out. “Answer me. Why am I walking through town, at casual pace mind you, and then ... and then fuckin Dean tries to run me over with the jeep. You think you’re being funny, Dean?”

Dean kept his back to him. At first he didn’t think it was funny, but then the visual of Frank running from a zigzagging jeep hit Dean and at that moment he started to laugh. “Sorry, Frank.”

“Yeah, real funny. I have to talk to you.”

“Oh shit,” Dean said softly. “El, get him out.”

“Frank.” Ellen faced him. “You have to go.”

“Nope. I have to talk to Dean. In fact, can you leave us alone for a second?”

“Nope.” Ellen returned to her work. “We’re busy. Go, Frank.”

“No, El.” Frank walked closer to Dean. “I have to talk to him.”

“Can I ... uh ...” Dean fiddled with his notebook that Ellen placed right in front of him. “Can I work while you talk?”

“I don’t give a shit. Just make sure you listen.”

“El,” Dean called her, “it’s all right. Just go in the special lab. All right?”

“Are you sure?” She laid her hand on his back. “I can stay.”

“Go.” Dean lifted his head. He heard her footsteps and then the special lab door opened and closed. “Frank, now what is ...”

“El!” Frank yelled at her. “What are you doing? Go!”

Dean couldn’t believe it. Ellen pretended to leave? She thought she’d get away with that with Frank, but Frank wasn’t the one blind. “Go, El.”

“All right,” Ellen whined and opened the door. “I’m gone.”

Again, Dean heard the door shut. “Is she gone?”

“You don’t know?” Frank asked.

“I don’t feel like looking.”

“Man, are you lazy. Anyhow.” Frank stood right behind him. “She’s gone and we need to talk. I do have a purpose for being here.”

“Then talk.”

“Now something is going on and I need to know. It’s a dead giveaway, Dean, the time you two are spending together.”

“Frank.” Dean could hear it coming, Frank thinking he was with Ellen. Trouble and interference is what would happen, if Frank felt strongly that he was. Dean couldn’t have that. “Frank, I know where you’re going with it. I do. I want you to know there is nothing going on between me and El. Nothing. I have no interest in her.”

“Really?” Frank smiled with a closed mouth and nod. “Bonus, I didn’t even ask about that.”

“Bonus?”

“Yeah. That isn’t what I wanted to ask you about ... And, Dean, Alex writes better than you.” Frank pointed to the notebook. “She at least writes in the lines.”

Dean tried to ignore Frank’s bad wit. “If that wasn’t what you wanted to know, what is it then?”

“Oh.” Frank cleared his throat. “Are you fuckin dying?”

“No!” Dean snapped. “Why would you ask that?”

“Just thinking about it.” Frank shrugged. “Oh well. I’ll see you guys later.”

That’s it? That was the big Frank question. That was the other reason—aside from almost being run over—Frank came to the lab? It was perfect. It was short, sweet, and almost painless.

“What did Frank want?” Ellen asked as she returned.

“He wanted to know if I was dying.”

“I hope you told him no.”

“I did ... now can we get back to work?”

“Oh sure, Dean,” Ellen said, “but one thing ... while I was in the special lab, I noticed three rabbits had died. Numbers 16, 19, and 23.”

“Shit.” Dean brought his hand to his forehead. “They weren’t supposed to die yet. They weren’t.”

“They folded under pressure, Dean. They couldn’t take it anymore.”

“You know what this means, El?”

“No.” Ellen shook her head.

“It means we no longer can put in the background, the things we have been.”

“Such as?” Ellen asked.

“Such as, we have been swamped trying to beat this virus. When I’m starting to believe the virus may not kill us after all.”

“That’s good news,” Ellen stated and smiled.

“No, El. That’s bad news. Because if this virus gets here and it doesn’t kill us, the symptoms will. It’s time to get to work on that.”

<><><><>

Robbie would look at her through the corner of his eye, look away, and then look back again. What was up with Andrea, smiling and buzzing around his father’s house? His head jolted up to a loud thump above his head. Robbie walked over to the stairs. “Frank! I hope you don’t have those kids in my room.” He shook his head at Frank’s ‘shut up’ and walked back into the living room. “Henry.” He spoke to Henry who sat on the couch, a notebook open on his lap, “It’s Sunday. What are you doing?”

“Working, Robbie.”

“On what?” Robbie looked over his shoulder.

“If you really want to know ...”

“Not really.”

Henry grunted.

“Just kidding. What is it?”

“Well I am learning the SUT programming and I am going to reprogram the second chip to be something totally not on the program list.”

“No way?” Robbie asked. “You can do that?”

“I’m hoping. What you do to the SUT depends on where you implant the chip. See?”

“I get it. So while the SUT has the one chip implanted in him, you’re gonna reprogram the other and when that’s done, reopen his brain and stick that one in?”

“Uh ...” Henry gave a cringing face. “I was kind of hoping for another SUT.”

Robbie folded his arms and rubbed his chin. “We can do that. The next time we spot one, I’ll get him for you.”

“Thanks.” Henry smiled.

“Get what?” Joe asked, when he walked into the living room.

“Henry wants another SUT.”

Joe gave that disbelief look to Henry. “They’re humans, Henry. You do know that.”

“Yeah, Joe, sure.” Henry read his notes. “But I need another one to implant with the chip I’m working on reprogramming.”

“Then we have time.” Joe sat on the couch. “Another year, maybe, for you to do that?”

“Ha, ha, ha. Ye of little faith.”

“No.” Joe pointed at him. “Ye of little time.”

If Frank could have barreled down the steps any louder at that moment, he would have annoyed the people in the next row of houses as well as those in the living room. “Hey,” he spoke upbeat, smacking Robbie on the back of the head as he walked behind him. “What’s up with you yelling at me?”

“What’s up with you hitting me?” Robbie nudged into him.

“Ow!” Frank faked whined and grabbed his shoulder. “Your bones are hard.”

Robbie wanted to lash out again in a fun, fighting mannerism but he stopped when Andrea waltzed into the room. He looked oddly at her and so did Frank.

Andrea smiled, shaking her head. “You boys.”

Robbie mouthed the word ‘boys’ in question to Frank.

Andrea set down a coffee for Joe. “Would any of you like some? No?” She shrugged. “Henry, I brought that planner over for you to look at.” She reached for the notebook he held.

Like a greedy child, Henry protected it. “No. What planner?”

“The wedding planner. It’s on the table by the door. It’s all the details we women have come up with.”

“Swell,” Henry mumbled.

“What was that?” Andrea, with folded arms asked. “Anyhow it’s over there. You’ll like it.” She lifted her arms and raised them with a drop. “Robbie?” she spoke so chipper. “You’ll play for us, won’t you?”

Robbie gave an odd look. “Play what?”

Andrea giggled. “Guitar, silly. And sing. Oh when we were back in the old world, we used to sit on the porch and listen to the boy downstairs play and sing. When you guys were practicing the other night, I thought of that. I enjoyed it. You’ll play, right?”

“Andrea, I’m like old. I’m not twelve. No one cares.”

Andrea tapped him on the cheek. “Sweet. I’m going get some strudel and you can grab your guitar.” She moved to the kitchen. “Oh, and I want to hear that ‘Silly’ song.”

Robbie tossed his hands up. “What is up with her? Is she going through a change of life or something? The ‘Silly’ song. That’s a joke.” Robbie looked at his father. “Dad?”

“Grab your guitar, Robbie.”

“All right.” He pouted. “When I was eleven you used to make me play that stupid song, the only song I knew. What was it?”

“Proud Mary,” Frank answered, sounding so distant.

“Yeah that was it.”

“You sucked,” Frank commented.

“Thanks. Dad, do I have to ...”

“Be nice.” Joe sipped on his coffee giving a ‘blow off’ attitude to Robbie, speaking to him like he indeed was a child. “We have company and we’re doing a family night.”

“Aw,” Robbie started to whine, then stopped. “Shit, I sounded like Henry.” Robbie laughed when he saw Henry’s raised hand extend the middle finger and then Robbie walked over to the closet. As he did he saw Frank staring down at the table. “Frank.” Robbie stood right next to him and he saw his big brother staring, so sadly, down at the planner. “What is it?”

Frank closed his eyes and titled his head. “They’re really gonna do this thing, aren’t they? My best friend is going to marry Ellen.” With a subtle slam of the planner, Frank ran his hand across his short black hair and grabbed the back of his neck. His eyes shifted to Henry.

“Frank, none of this is gonna happen.”

“It looks so real.”

“Yeah, well, my only concern is Ellen getting so wrapped up in it, she may forget it’s not supposed to happen.”

“Yeah ...” Frank nodded slowly. “The details are so ... particular. The whole situation is bothering me. It’s hitting me.”

“The baby, the first fake marriage?”

Frank nodded. “I’ll be back. Tell Dad I had something to take care of.”

“He’s right there, tell him your ...” Robbie didn’t get to finish, Frank had left, “... self.”

Joe immediately spun around at the close of his door. “Did Frank leave? Where did he go?”

“Um.” Robbie scratched his head. “He went to the Social Hall to get the tambourine. He doesn’t want to feel left out.”

“Good.” Joe stood up. “I’ll go help Andrea with that strudel.”

“Good?” Robbie chuckled. “I bet he didn’t even hear what I said.” Shaking his head he walked to the couch. “Henry? You have to go after Frank.”

“No.” Henry closed his notebook. “I’m not playing tambourine, Robbie. I’m not Tracy Partridge.”

“Sure you are, Henry. You have the long hair.” Robbie held up his hand when he saw Henry’s facial muscles clench. “Seriously, go after Frank. He’s upset and I’m afraid he’ll drink. I’d go after him myself but I’ll flip on him and you’re the one who needs to talk to him.”

“Me?” Henry asked. “Why me?”

“Seems my brother got a reality check.” Robbie pointed back with his thumb. “He was looking at that wedding planner and he got upset. Not so much about the wedding plans, but everything ... everything.”

“Shit.” Henry nearly stomped. “Thanks, Robbie. I’ll find him.” He tucked his notebook under his arm.

“Henry, what are you going to tell him? What can you tell him?”

“I don’t know, Robbie” Henry opened the door. “But I can’t let him feel bad about it. I just can’t. I knew this would happen. Shit.”

With a raise of his eyebrows, Robbie watched Henry leave. Then it hit him, the kids were upstairs. His Dad and Andrea were doing the strudel thing in the kitchen. Robbie could make his escape. Just as his hand reached for the door he knew that was an impossibility.

“Robert,” Joe called out sternly, walking into the living room with Andrea who held her strudel. “Wrong door for that guitar.”

“Right.” Robbie shook his head and faced the closet. He opened it and pulled out his acoustic. “Got it.”

“Good.” Joe sat down with Andrea on the couch.

Really wanting to let go and whine and pout like Henry, Robbie thought of one better. He placed on his guitar and walked before Joe and Andrea. He’d let them hear him play. As best as he could, he would play and sing loudly the most annoying songs he knew. And he’d start with the Brady Bunch collection.

<><><><>

“Point two five percent,” Ellen spoke softly, raising her eyes above the clipboard then watching as Dean held a dropper in his hand and held it over a beaker. “Good. Next, acid content. One percent.” She watched him pick up the next dropper and add the ingredient. “Hydration. Forty percent.” Ellen, with her eyes peered to Dean, stopped walking. “No.” She hurried over to him grabbing his hand. “Wrong one.” Trying to remain calm, she lowered her eyes just to read, and she heard the thunderous crashing of breaking glass. She lifted her head to see Dean’s arm in a final sweep of the counter. “What are you doing?”

“Not this!” Dean stood pushing his hands at the counter.

“Sit back down.”

“I’m screwing up.”

“So what? It’s a cough formula, big deal. That’s why you’re learning.”

“I can’t do this, El.”

“It’ll take practice.”

“No! Now is not the time to be practicing and you know it,” Dean argued strongly. “How can I be trusted to mix medication that people will ingest into their bodies?”

“That’s why we’re ...”

“El!” His hand shot in the air. He turned to try to face her. “I can’t even see where you are, and I’m supposed to see what I am mixing into a medication? And to think I am being counted on to cure a virus. I’m useless.”

“You’re not useless, Dean.” Ellen walked over to him trying to be comforting ...

“Useless, El. I’ll never be able to be left alone without a babysitter in my own lab. Do you know how that makes me feel? I can’t take it.”

“Dean, that’s not true. Come here.” Ellen reached for his jacket that not only was wet, but had blood that dripped from his hand. “Take this off. And your hand is bleeding, let me ...”

“No!” Dean moved back. “Stop treating me like a child. You have me up here treating me and teaching me like a three-year-old. Talking down to me, scolding me when I make a mistake. I can’t help it, El. I just lost my sight. You don’t seem to comprehend what that is doing to me.”

“I do, Dean.” Ellen’s voice stayed soothing.

“No, you don’t. All day long I have to listen to you and Henry make bad reference jokes trying to cheer me up. It’s wrong. You have me driving. Wrong. You have me mixing chemicals that could inadvertently kill someone. How can I try to save a life, if I can’t even shave my own face? A face that is so itchy!” Dean ran his hand harshly across his chin. “It’s driving me nuts! I shouldn’t be here.”

“You have every right to be here. This is your research.” Ellen laid her hand on his back.

Dean’s hands reached out for the counter and he felt his way into it. “I feel horrible.”

“I know.”

“I just feel so lost. So lost.” His head dropped down.

“Dean.” Ellen moved closer to him. “Let’s call it a night. Let’s just go home. Let me take you home.” Dean didn’t answer her. “Dean?” She placed her face closer to his. “I’ll even drive.” She watched his head sway from her with his eyes closed. “Dean, please.” Ellen listened as Dean let out a long breath of sadness and frustration then covered his face with his hands, so unresponsive to her.

Leaving the lab was what they had to do. Taking a break and going home was for the best. Dean had worked so hard, but he just didn’t know that. The giant steps he was taking on this day would have seemed to him years earlier like baby steps and that made things worse for Dean ... knowing what he had the capabilities to do and feeling so powerless in expending them. But Ellen knew that before they slid backwards in any progress, she had to get Dean to care enough to take further steps to go on. And right then, she couldn’t even get him to care enough to take that first step from the lab and go home.

<><><><>

Henry spotted him, just where Robbie said he would be, doing exactly what Robbie said he would be doing. Frank stood against the bar, leaning into it, a drink in his hand. “Frank?” Henry walked up to behind him. “You didn’t stay for strudel.”

Frank brought his drink to his mouth, dumping some of the liquor in.

“Robbie is singing.”

“I don’t care.”

“You’re drinking, Frank.”

“I don’t care.”

Henry held back his frustration. “Go back to your dad’s with the kids.”

“Where are you gonna be?”

“Me? I’m uh ... I was going home unless you want me to go to Joe’s with you.”

“No.” Frank finished off his drink and reached over the bar for the bottle.

“Frank, you said you weren’t gonna ...”

“Henry.” Frank slammed the bottle. “Leave. Right now, I don’t want to be around you.”

“Tough, Frank, I’m here.” Henry moved closer beside him. “Robbie told me you got upset.”

“Yeah I did.”

“Why? Why all of a sudden are you getting upset?”

“Sudden, Henry? You really think this is sudden?” Frank asked with an edge. “Let me tell you where I am and what I see. I see a wedding planner. Now real or not, it is a wedding plan for you and Ellen. I love her with everything I am and if there was gonna be a wedding why not be ours. I’ll tell you, because we broke up and you two snuck off to get married. Whether it was legit or not the intention was there.”

“We discussed this already.”

“Yeah, and I keep going back to it. I’m the bad guy most of the time and Ellen views you as the fucking saint. Are you a saint, Henry?”

Henry lowered his head. “No, Frank, I’m not.”

“Then why do you have it all?”

“I don’t have it all.”

“Bullshit. What you did, was wrong. I gave you an understanding. You said you didn’t sleep with Ellen. Yet, there’s a baby. I gave you the understanding and when I wasn’t primary, you just raced off and married her. And you know what …” Frank brought his face closer to Henry. “You still want to marry her. Even though all you did was underhanded and wrong. You have the chance or had the chance to make it up to me and you still choose not to?”

“How can you say that?” Henry asked. “I am going through this wedding plan so Ellen can get close to Jenny. I let you take control of Nick. I support you and Ellen being together one hundred percent. We got married, Frank, because you and Dean were always at each other’s throats. It was a way to end it.”

“Are you being honest?”

“Yes.”

“You didn’t marry her for any other reason, not because you were in love with her, wanted or, any reason but to stop our stupid triangle.”

“That’s it.”

“As primary, Henry, who were you going to give the understanding to?” Frank asked. “You know since you and Ellen took it upon yourselves to end me and Dean’s fighting over her.”

“Robbie.”

“My own brother.” Frank took another drink. “What about now.”

“I told you, Frank. I want you and Ellen back together. I told you this the other night.”

“Make it official.”

“I’m sorry, what?” Henry asked.

“Make me the understanding.”

“Frank, you are. In my mind and my heart you are. You’re the only one.”

“Make it official.”

“I can’t do that, I’m …”

“Ellen’s primary relationship. To everyone in this community, you are the primary. Make it official. Make me the understanding. The official understanding.”

“Will that stop this?” Henry questioned. “Stop this up and down behavior?”

“Yes.

“Then consider it done.”

“What about Ellen?” Frank asked.

“Ellen is fine with it. She loves you. She’s fine with it. She knows.” Henry paused. “She knows already.”

“Good.” Frank poured, yet, another drink.

“Frank.” Henry reached for the glass. “Why don’t you slow down.”

“I will. After tonight. After I know, Ellen is back in my life. Then I will. Until then …” Frank downed it. “I’m in a mood to drink until I forget. Ever have one of those nights?”

Henry swallowed and didn’t answer.

“One of those nights, where you just don’t remember.” Frank sat down his glass. “But maybe darts first. Wanna play?”

“No, Frank … I think I’ll just head home.”

“Suit yourself.” Frank looked around the bar.

Henry stepped back. As he did, he saw Forrest approach Frank. “Ah, Frunk,” Forrest said. “You uh a loon? Wooed mund de comb-pa-nee?”

“Huh?”

“De comb-pa-nee? Ma Uh john you?”

“Um sure. Hey, Forrest. You feel like playing darts?” Frank smiled.

“I woo love to plea dots.”

“Great.” Frank clapped his hands together. “Let’s go. I have to warn you, Forrest, I’m still a beginner. Don’t kick my ass,” Frank said sarcastically as he stepped toward the dart machine.

“Uh woo try newt to. Ma-bay Uh con hep you. I wuss de Iowa stat mun’s da-vison-nil chum-peon for sex years strut.”

“Fuck.”

Forrest chuckled. “Uh um ruddy, Frunk.” Forrest grabbed his darts.

“Great.” Frank huffed and shook his head.

Henry saw that Frank was occupied and took that as his sign to leave.

He thought about going back to Joe’s, but then as he stepped outside, he thought about something else.

Everything Frank said.

Not really everything, but a few things stuck out strong in his mind.

He stood there, outside the Social Hall, and Frank’s words raced through him.

“Are you a saint, Henry?” Frank had asked.

Henry answered ‘no’, but the truth was, he was far from a saint. Henry portrayed himself to be the good guy and he thought he was. But lately, Henry had been seeing what he was.

He wasn’t a good friend. Not at all. He was a selfish friend.

What he did to Frank was wrong, because Frank was his best friend. And right there and then, outside the Social Hall, Henry wanted to make it right.

He had to. He had to make up for marrying Ellen. He had to make up for that night.

That night.

It was right after Frank found out about Ellen and Dean’s affair. They fought, he was mean, Ellen ran away. She ran outside of Beginnings and camped out. Henry found her.

She had been drinking heavily and wasn’t ready to return to Beginnings. Joe was sick. Under the Salicain. So Henry stayed with her. They drank, they talked, they laughed, they kissed.

Then kissed some more.

He could still feel the inner turmoil of that night. Guilt for kissing his best friend’s wife. Guilt for needing the touch of a woman and forgetting it was Ellen.

Guilt … for letting it happen when Ellen was far too intoxicated.

The night, beyond the wall, flashed in his mind.

The kiss. The touch. The laugh and leading her to the blanket.

When did Ellen black out? By the time Henry realized Ellen was ‘out of it’, it was too late.

A sickening and sinking feeling grappled at Henry’s gut and he snapped his mind out of the thoughts of that evening.

Moments before Frank asked him, “I’m in a mood to drink until I forget. Ever have one of those nights where you just don’t remember.”

Henry didn’t answer. Had he replied, he could have said ‘no’. He never had an evening where he drank so much he didn’t remember. But, he could say for certainty, on one such occasion, Ellen did.

Henry knew it, never said a word and never would.

She questioned him the next morning. She asked him what had happened. It was then he knew, she really didn’t have a clue. She honestly blacked out.

In his demented logic, if he didn’t tell her, then it was all right. It never really happened.

But it did. He was certain the truth would never come out. Then Nick was born.

So easily Henry jumped on the ‘conception questioning’ and ‘It had to be a time ripple’ bandwagon right along with Ellen. Jason’s invention offered him an excuse for a mistake he should have owned up to. But too much time had passed and he couldn’t. He just couldn’t.

Admitting what he did not only meant his friendship with Ellen and Frank, it could have very easily meant his residency in Beginnings.

How long had Henry carried it? How long did Henry try to bury it as if it didn’t happen, that it was all a bad dream.

But it wasn’t. And even though he would keep it tucked deep inside, Henry vowed right there, even though in his mind it was unintentional, he wronged both Frank and Ellen and he was going to make it up to them.

He would make it right somehow. But that somehow would be without the truth ever coming out ...

CHAPTER THREE

Ellen had floated away in a moment of memory. Thinking back to the early days of Beginnings and the day her and Dean got married. What brought it on? The simple flash back careened at her after she hung up from a brief phone call. Henry telephoned, said he was not stopping by and he apologized.

“For what?” Ellen asked.

“Just all the trouble and chaos.”

She thought he was joking and playing a depressed card, until he brought up the mock wedding. How they needed to stop the plans, sooner rather than later.

“Frank is upset.”

“Frank has to deal. It’s over between him and I.”

“But he’s my friend.”

“And not to sound callous, but maybe you should have thought of that before we snuck off and got married. Henry, is this bothering you because the mock wedding isn’t real.”

“Why would you say that?” Henry asked.

“Because you wanted to make it real.”

Ellen heard his sigh on the phone, and then she heard Dean call her name in the distance.

“Frank will never allow it. He wants to be in control.”

“Then maybe …” She peered over her shoulder, down the hall and to Dean in the bathroom. “Maybe we should take any chance of control away from him. I can’t have him interfere now. Not now. Maybe it’s time for me to decide where I need to be. Quit involving everyone’s emotions.”

“That’s a good idea, but how.”

“Maybe have Jenny’s wedding plans not be in vain.” Again, she looked at Dean. “Maybe I need to marry someone.”

“El, that may be the only solution. Solidify a bond. Legally. Are you sure, I mean, I …”

“Ellen,” Dean called her.

“Henry, we’ll talk more later. I have to go.”

She hung up before she or Henry said goodbye. Dean was her priority. It was that call that made her think of the day she married Dean when she was seven months pregnant. How strong he was, adamant, and focused. Not the quite the same man who sat waiting on her in the bathroom.

Both Deans of the past and present needed her but in different ways.

Back then, though, she made a promise to Dean and she broke it. The trust Dean placed in her and she had betrayed him. Now Dean needed to trust her and Ellen felt a part of him didn’t. He had every right. Now more than ever, Ellen wanted to help Dean. More than the day she had married him, she wanted to prove to him she could be there for him. With Dean as low as he could get, Ellen had her chance to make it all up. Her feelings for him had grown deep enough that she could be what he needed and not let him down. And she wouldn’t. Not this time.

“I’m back,” she said as she walked into the bathroom. “Sorry. That was Henry.”

“I figured. Everything okay?”

“Actually, yeah. It’s great. I have an idea, but I’ll share it later.” Ellen lifted the basin to the counter then dipped a small brush in the cup of soap, swishing it around building it to a lather. “Towel or no towel, Dean.”

“How bad are you going to be?” He kept his eyes closed as he sat in a chair center kitchen.

“I’m a pro.” Ellen tossed a towel over her shoulder and brought the brush to his face, soaping him up. “Ready?”

“I guess.”

She set down the cup and picked up the razor, lifting Dean’s chin to start at his neck. Humming as she shaved him.

“What are singing?”

“You’ll laugh.”

“Then tell me.”

She dipped and rinsed the razor and then continued, “I was singing the ‘Silly’ song Robbie played all night last night.”

“Why?”

“I can’t get it out of my head. I could have sworn I heard him playing it when we were walking home.”

“I thought I heard that too.”

Ellen released a sigh of relief. “Good. I thought I was hearing things. I wonder why he was playing it?”

“To annoy everyone.”

“That’s Robbie.” Ellen shaved his other cheek. “Almost finished.” She wiped the soap that dripped.

“El,” he spoke so soft. “I usually shave first then shower.”

“So we did it backwards.”

“You combed my hair on the right, didn’t you?”

“Dean, you seem to be bitching a lot at someone who has a lethal object so close to your throat.”

“Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize.” She set down the razor then wiped his face clean. “Yell at me, do something. Show me emotions … We’re finished.”

“It’s hard to show emotions when you just feel so numb.”

“I wish I could help you with that.” She turned and reached for his shirt that set nearer to the stove.

“You could have.”

“I could have? Did I miss my opportunity?”

“No. I did.” Dean reached his arm out to the side, feeling for the counter and then standing.

“How did you do that?”

“Not fifteen minutes ago, El, I was standing with you naked in a hot shower. Instead of thinking about where the situation could lead, I was thinking if you would tell me if I washed all the soap out of my hair.” He sensed Ellen’s silence. “It won’t always be like this, El. I’ll do all these things eventually without help. Hopefully soon.”

“I know you will.” Ellen grabbed his hand. “Let’s go in the living room. You can wait there until I go put some clothes on.” She led him from the kitchen, guiding him to sit on the couch. She grabbed his hands and placed his shirt in them. “I’ll be right down and then I’ll make you dinner.”

Dean’s mind raced. Ellen was going to cook for him. What else? She had done everything for him so far. It was borderline humiliating to him.

Ellen noticed Dean’s head lower as she stepped away. He brought the shirt he held to his mouth as he crumpled it within his hands. “Dean,” she softened her voice, moving back close to him, “I know you’re down. You have every right to be. But I feel down now too. I feel like I’m not doing anything. Tell what I can do to help you. I want to help you.”

“You do. You are. I just wish I could see you. Your face.”

“It’s not very attractive right now, Dean. I just got out of the shower.”

“That’s not what I mean. No matter how nuts you drive me, no matter what, when I saw your face, it made me smile.”

“You can still see me, Dean, but only in different way. Come here.” She reached out to him. “Give me your hand.” She took his hand leading him to his feet and then she laid his hand upon her face. “See me.”

His fingers parted as his palm lay just upon her lips. He felt every curve of her face, every scar, her damp hair running over the back of his fingers. Slowly his hand moved down, his fingertips brushing lightly against her lips as he made his way to her neck and trailing to center of her chest through the slight openness of her robe. He actually felt his body tremble some in nervousness as he felt the rise and fall of her every deep breath. Dean shifted his hands just a little to the left. Tighter he closed his eyes when he felt the vibration of her heartbeat through her skin. How many times in his life had he touched Ellen in desire? But now he touched her differently. He touched her with discovery, seeing her for the first time in a different way. He wasn’t just seeing her anymore with his eyes. Dean swore at that moment he could actually see into her soul.

The silence, the deafening silence, was filled only with the ringing of their breathing.

Rigid and tense in their movement, his fingers spread outward slower than he had ever moved his hand before. Dean’s little finger extended. It touched lightly, then traced over—barely touching—the contour of her breast.

Ellen shivered and an ache filled the back of her throat at his slightest of touch, his hand opening more over her, feeling her. She lowered her head sliding it against his, her cheek against his cheek, bringing her mouth to his ear. Her parted lips reached to kiss him there as they touched and moved to his neck, Ellen’s hand slid down his bare chest.

Dean’s breathing was off. Near hyperventilation he felt, when her hands moved from his back, across the rim of his jeans, then sliding over the front of him with a sensual firmness as she pressed her body against his. Not only on his body, but in him, he felt Ellen kissing him. The warmness inside built, yet Dean froze. He literally could not move when, like a lightning rod, fear hit him. Darkness. He was engulfed in a darkness that would not leave him even when he opened his eyes. He couldn’t see Ellen. He could only feel her and that frightened him. Instead of giving in to what was building, Dean found himself fighting against the vulnerability he was feeling toward Ellen, so at her mercy, so at her control, so out of his hands. His one moment of intimacy, his long awaited moment with Ellen was turning into what had happened in his life. It was becoming another thing he feared he couldn’t do, now that he was trapped in his darkened world. Dean didn’t want to fear it. He wanted it. So badly, he needed it but he felt it slipping from his fingers like her body he held gently in the palm of his hand just underneath her robe.

“Dean ...” Her whisper shot into him with the effect of an echo chamber, ringing through his head to his heart, shivering every nerve of his body.

Ellen touched her lips lightly to his ear calling out his name again. Just as she slipped her hands slightly under the waist of his jeans, she felt her wrist abruptly grabbed and removed. She shook her head, closing her eyes tighter wanting him not to pull back and Dean didn’t.

With his step to her, he pulled Ellen into him, pressing his hand firmly to the side of her face and holding her cheek against his. So close they were that even the slightest movement of their eyes could be felt against the others. It was almost a forceful hold, keeping Ellen to him. His forefinger pressed to her temple, his thumb rested on the corner of her mouth, and Dean’s voice was soft and raspy as he spoke with emotion into her ear, “Let me be the one to do this.” He swallowed the thickness of what he felt that had formed in his throat. “I have to be the one to do this. Let me ... lead you.”

Slow moving and intensely, he kissed her, the sweep of his mouth so in control of hers, not letting Ellen stop or pull back, not even for a second, not even to breathe. His hands moved to the collar of her robe. His fingernails scratched faintly as he pulled the garment just below her shoulders, bracing Ellen to him, feeling the skin of her bare chest against his. At that moment, eyes open or closed, he realized, being with Ellen was the one thing in which he didn’t need his sight. His heart and emotions would be his eyes. They would guide him further than his vision ever could.

<><><><>

Perky and bubbly, Jenny Matoose walked down the street on her way to Dean’s house. Dressed for her ‘date’ with her husband, excited about being the distributor to all of the women, giving to each of them, their very own pair of Beginnings’ first women’s flat shoe.

Ellen was the last to get them as she was the only one not around. In one hand she held that pair of shoes and in the other, the color swatch samples of the bridesmaids’ gowns. She swung the shoes back and forth so happily, feeling so pretty as she walked. Dressed in a long shirt that Jenny felt hid her extra weight and a short skirt that showed what she felt was her best asset. Jenny walked predominantly too. Why wouldn’t she? She was proud of her new shoes, walking strong and clicking the hard soles against the concrete in an echoing beat on the quiet street. ‘Clickity-clack, clickity-clack’ she bounced in her loud stride like a showing-off schoolgirl. She hoped that Ellen would pick the second shade of blue, that was the one Jenny liked most. Attached to the swatch was a cute little note. Jenny giggled as she read it one more time, moving closer to Dean’s. Clickity-clack, clickity-clack, Jenny walked on.

Ellen’s grunt and struggle made Dean laugh. “I think ...” She grunted again. “I think I have it.”

“Just get up.”

“No.” Her face cringed as she extended a reach to the couch for a blanket. “I think ... ha!” She smiled. “Got it.”

“Cramp, cramp, ow, cramp in my toe.”

Dean’s hand met the blanket and he did his best to adjust it over him and Ellen as they sat on the floor.

“Should we get dressed?”

“No. Not yet. Please?”

“OK.” She ran her hand down his face then kissed him. “Can I ask you a question? You can’t get upset with me for asking because I want to know.”

“What’s that?”

“They say ... they say when you can’t see your other senses take over. Was making love to me different?”

“Actually ... yeah. Yeah it was.” Dean had a peaceful look on his face. “Instead of just feeling it, I felt it. I really felt it.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

Ellen was quiet for second then she huffed. “Boy, I feel cheated.”

“I cannot believe you just said that to me.” Dean’s mouth opened in shock. “I can’t ...” He was silenced by Ellen’s kiss.

Ellen watched as he propped his head up with his hand, elbow balancing on the cushion of the couch. He faced her yet his eyes remained closed. “Dean?”

“Hmm?” Dean responded as he ran his fingers over her face then to her neck, taking it all in, photographing it with his fingers.

“Do you do that on purpose or can’t you help it?”

“Touch you?”

“No. Keep your eyes closed.”

“I ... I guess I keep them closed on purpose. Embarrassed, I think.”

“Why?” Ellen said. “You have the best eyes in Beginnings. They’re so green. Why hide them just because you can’t see?”

“Because they bounce.”

“What?” Ellen laughed.

“They bounce. Henry said they bounce. I don’t want you to be looking at bouncing eyes.”

Ellen laughed even harder. “They do not. Henry exaggerates. They moved more yesterday because you were more lost. Understand? They don’t move now. Open them, Dean, please.”

Dean opened his eyes. “Better?”

“Much. Dean ... I’m smiling at you.”

Dean felt her mouth. “Thank you.”

“You seem different. You seem better.”

“I think making love to you did something to me.” He heard her snicker. “That too. But ...” He paused to smile. “It showed me that I wasn’t a helpless person, that I’m still me. Just like I had to make love to you differently, I’m gonna have to do other things differently. And just because I’m doing them differently won’t mean I’m not doing them right.”

Ellen giggled and spoke upbeat, “Oh, Dean. Good line. Good answer. I’m impressed.”

“Yeah, well don’t be yet. Making love was a natural instinct. Walking blindly down the street is not. It’ll take some work. But maybe ...” He leaned down and kissed her. “I can build my confidence back up?”

“Right.”

“What?” Dean detected the sarcasm in her voice.

“Dean, you’re like getting a little old to be able to go round after round.”

“I don’t get it enough, El, not to.”

“Good point.”

Just as Dean began to kiss her again, the opening of the front door and the shriek of surprise stopped him. “Shit. Who’s here?” he whispered.

Jenny turned her back suddenly, covered her eyes, and rambled in a fast nervousness, “Oh, Ellen, Dean, I’m sorry. I thought you weren’t home. You said you wouldn’t be home. You said to just walk in. I wouldn’t have walked right in if I knew you were in here. I’m sorry.”

Ellen laughed. “It’s all right, Jenny.”

“I’ll just uh ...” Jenny, fidgeting, headed to the door. “I’ll stop back later. Sorry.” So embarrassed for just walking in, Jenny flung open the door and raced out.

“Jenny ...” Ellen called, lifting up then plopping down. “Fuck, she took my shoes with her. I wanted them.”

“Tell me, El.” Dean’s head emerged more from the covers, flinging his hair forward and onto his face. “What do you think she saw?”

“For starters, your butt. It wasn’t covered by the blanket.”

“Shit.”

“Just kidding.”

“Don’t do that.” Dean ran his fingers through his hair. “She did see us.”

“Considering we’re in plain sight, yeah. We were covered though.”

“That’s a good thing.”

“There is another good thing, Dean.”

“What’s that?” he asked, almost afraid to.

“It’s a good thing you’re blind, because Jenny Matoose was wearing a miniskirt.”

<><><><>

Clickity-clack, clickity-clack. Slam! Frank’s hand hit hard on the bar when he heard it. “What the fuck is that noise?” He listened again, still angry and irritated from losing six straight dart games. It continued, getting louder and louder in the near empty Social Hall. It also got to the point that Frank had to turn around and investigate this new noise. When he did he saw the reason for it—Jenny walking in a skip across the Social Hall. “Jenny! What the fuck. Am I gonna have to start calling you Rhoda?”

“I hope you aren’t making a shoe reference.”

“Well it certainly isn’t a Mary-Tyler-Moore reference.” He reached for his drink and cringed when she walked to him. “What?”

“You are one nasty man.”

“And you are ...” Frank couldn’t stop himself. He noticed what she wore and the man in him took over. His eyes skimmed down, looking at the little skirt she wore and her dimpling legs. Frank shuddered. “What the fuck are you wearing?”

“Quit it about the shoes, Frank. Are you going to make fun of Ellen when she wears hers as well?” Jenny asked.

“Ellen won’t wear them. I won’t let her.”

Jenny laughed at him. “Oh yeah?” She held up the shoes and slammed them on the bar. “Here are Ellen’s.”

“No way.” Frank slid them down.

“Hers. Are you seeing her tonight?”

“Yeah.”

“Can you give her them?”

“No,” Frank answered abruptly. “You give her them. Weren’t you supposed to drop them off at Dean’s?”

“I went to Dean’s but they were kind of busy.”

Frank scoffed. “They were too busy to let you drop off hideous shoes? It was an excuse. Ellen just doesn’t want them. They were lying to you.”

“I hardly think two people lying on the floor naked is a ...” She saw Frank look up suddenly from his drink. “A uh ... uh ... I have to go.” She spun way. “John?”

“Jenny.” Frank jumped in her path. “What ... what did you just say?”

“Nothing.”

“No. What did you just say?” He didn’t get an answer. “Fuck it. I know what you said.” He started to leave.

“Frank.” Jenny grabbed his arm. “Where are you going?”

“What are they doing, Jenny?”

“Why do you care? So what? Let it go and talk to her later.”

“Let it ...” Frank let out a shocking breath. “Let it go? Oh, I don’t think so.” He pulled from her reach and charged out of the door.

“Shit.” Jenny spun around confused, spotted John, and ran to him.

“Hey, Jen, what ...” John stopped speaking when Jenny stole his phone from his belt. “What are you doing?”

“Warning someone.” Jenny began to dial.

<><><><>

Laughing and wearing Dean’s shirt, Ellen bent down to the floor and picked up the swatch of color that Jenny must have dropped in her rush out. “Blue.”

“What is?” Dean stood up zippering his pants.

“This, see?”

“El.”

“Sorry. It’s a swatch of fabric so I can see the color for the bridesmaids’ dresses. It’s blue, very blue.” Her head turned to the phone ringing. “Where is the phone? Did you see it?”

“El.”

“Sorry. I mean ...” She moved to toward the dining room, following the sound. “Here it is.” She picked it up off the cabinet that sat between the living room and dining room. “Hello?”

“Ellen,” Jenny said her name, grateful that she answered.

“Jenny, you took my shoes.”

“Ellen, listen to me. I’m sorry ...”

“Jenny, let it go.”

“No, listen. Frank’s on his way over. I didn’t mean to but I mentioned you and Dean were together.”

“Oh.” Ellen spun to face Dean who stood, not knowing what expression was on her face.

“Ellen, get dressed. Whatever you do, don’t let him catch you. He’s roused up.”

“Jenny I ...” BOOM! The front door to Dean’s house burst open. “Shit.” Ellen hung up the phone, dropping it.

Frank stood in the wide-open door looking around, assessing a situation that screamed answers to him. “What the fuck, El.”

“Frank.” Ellen flew over to him as he charged forth.

Dean felt lost. He didn’t know what way to turn. “Frank?” He took a deep breath.

Ellen pressed her hands to Frank’s chest holding him back. “You have to leave.”

“Fuck that. Fuck that!” His words were strong as he blared them out, “How can you do this, El? How? I thought things were happening between us. Things were happening. And you!” He spun and faced Dean. “You can’t even face me can you? I ought to nail your ass right now! You lied to me!” Frank charged toward Dean. “You lied! What was this shit you aren’t with her? What was this shit you gave me that you have no interest in her.”

Dean turned his body as close to the point where he knew Frank’s voice was coming from. “What the hell did you expect me to tell you, Frank? Huh? The truth? No. Because you’d screw it up for me. You always screw it up for me.”

“So you lied?”

“And I’d lie again,” Dean huffed his words. “If you didn’t walk in here, you would never know. I wouldn’t tell you. I can’t take the chance of you trying to take her from me. I can’t. And you would, whether you want Ellen or not, you would try your hardest because you can’t accept the fact, Frank, that you are no longer a part of her life. Face it.”

Ellen saw it. She watched the red on Frank’s face growing as Dean gave his short speech. Now was not the time for Dean to take his stand. Seeing Frank charge toward an unsuspecting Dean, Ellen dove forward, intercepting Frank’s reach, and stood before Dean. “Don’t, Frank!”

“Move, El!”

“I won’t let you touch him.”

“I see.” Frank lifted his hands up in surrender.

“No you don’t see,” Ellen snapped back.

“I see! I see you jumping in the middle, nearly getting nailed, all to defend him.”

“No I jumped in the middle because he can’t see you to defend himself!”

“What?” Frank’s head twitched suddenly.

“You heard me.”

Frank looked past her at Dean who still didn’t look his way. “Oh bullshit!”

“No it’s not bullshit.”

“You’re telling me he can’t see? Bullshit. Another lie, El, another lie to cover up that what you did was wrong.”

“It was not wrong,” Ellen argued. “You can’t come in here and pass judgment on me. You can’t.”

“How can you stand here, half dressed, and tell me you’re not wrong? What about Henry?”

“What about him?”

Frank ran his hand down his face. “You live with him. He’s your primary relationship. You sleeping with Dean is not wrong?”

“How can it be wrong when Henry knows?”

Crushed! Frank felt that more so than if he had gotten hit. “Henry doesn’t know.”

“Henry knows,” Ellen told him. “Henry’s known for a while. I wouldn’t be here. I wouldn’t have crossed the line with Dean, if Henry didn’t know. The whole reason Henry and I got married was so I could freely be with Dean.”

Fire raged through Frank upon hearing her tell him that. He stepped back, breathing short breaths through his nostrils. “Sorry I bothered you. Sorry I bothered your little understanding.”

Ellen saw it in his face. She sensed it in his words, his anger, the hostility. “What are you doing, Frank?”

Frank pointed to Dean. “He may not be able to see to defend himself but Henry sure as hell can.” Slamming his fist against the archway of the door, Frank stormed out.

Ellen knew she didn’t have much time. Four houses down the street was all Frank had to go. “Oh my God.” She rushed around looking for something to put on.

“El,” Dean called out to her, “what’s happening?” He listened to the sound of her footsteps as they ran up the stairs, shuffled on the floor above his head and thumped back down, Dean even thought he heard her stumble. “El? What’s going on?”

Ellen pulled up her shorts. “I have to stop him. Oh shit, I have to stop him.”

The panic was so predominant in Ellen’s voice that Dean felt it. “What?”

“You heard him, Dean,” she spoke rapidly as she ran to the door. “And that look. That look, that look ... oh God, he’s going after Henry.”

<><><><>

Henry had just about reached that point in his work where he was starting to get bored. He set down his book on the coffee table and began to sit. He expected Ellen to call him back soon. He did not expect the loud, single bang at his front door. Wondering who was joking around—loudly—Henry walked to the front door, opening it. “Frank?”

“Just so you know,” Frank spoke graveled, “just so you were warned, and just so you can see it coming ... I’m gonna nail you right now.” Before Henry could respond, Frank did something he seldom did. He gave Henry everything he had and he sailed it to him in that one hit. A single hit that spun Henry and sent him flying back, knocking him into the end table, then rolling him onto the floor.

Henry’s eyes rolled from the hit. He found himself face-first in his carpet, staring at blood that dropped swiftly onto it from his cheek.

“Get up!”

Henry blinked slowly. He watched the floor move in a blur, so foggy he felt.

“I said get up!”

Henry braced his hands upon the carpet, lifting his chest from the floor then bringing himself to his knees. “Frank ...”

“I will not fight with you, Henry, and I will not argue with you until you get up!”

His balance was lost and Henry was confused, not only from the hit but from what caused it. Stumbling, he reached for the already fallen end table and stood up. His wobbly legs caused him to tip then Henry stumbled forward, catching himself seconds before he hit the wall. Using it as a means of support, Henry faced Frank and leaned back swaying. “What is going on?” He wiped the blood from his cheek.

“I cannot believe you have to ask me that.”

“What, Frank?”

“You were supposed to be my best friend. You are supposed to be the one person in Beginnings I can count on.”

“I am!”

“That’s bullshit, Henry. You killed me the worst. You know that? You have a child with Ellen, you sneak off and marry her and then, then I asked you, I asked you to be honest with me. I asked you to tell me if you stood behind Ellen and I. I asked if you supported us being together. YOU said yes. You said you would make sure of it and the whole time you lied!”

“What are you talking about, Frank?”

“Don’t!” Frank held his hand out pointing. “Knock it off! Answer me honestly, Henry. Do you have an understanding with Dean?”

Henry waited before answering, “It’s not an understanding.”

“Really.”

“No, it’s not. It’s not supposed to be a understanding.”

“Then you tell me why I had to walk in his house and see both of them half naked. Why?”

“He ... he needs her, Frank.” Again, Henry wiped the blood that poured down his face.

“So, it’s true. You married Ellen so they could be together. The whole you and me working together thing is bullshit. You did it so she could be with Dean.”

“He needs her. It was temporary. That’s why I didn’t say anything to you.”

“Temporary? He needs her?” Frank’s words held so much of an angry edge. “So you loan her out because he needs her? She’s not a fuckin lawn mower, Henry. She’s a person. You don’t loan her out until the next person needs to borrow her. You married her like a pimp. She’s not a fuckin whore and that is exactly what you’re making her.”

Stupid or not, weak or not, Frank had crossed Henry’s line. Stepping to him with all of his strength, Henry swung out his tightly closed fist, connecting hard with Frank’s jaw.

A sideways toss of Frank’s head then it snapped right back up. When it did, Frank grabbed hold of Henry’s shirt, tossing him back-first, hard into the wall.

Henry bounced forward, falling to the floor. He saw Frank coming. What did he start? Hurrying to his feet and grabbing the lamp that laid there, Henry stood. In a turning spin, in his best defense, he smashed that lamp into the side of Frank’s head, trying to stop the maddening force of Frank he saw rippling his way.

It was a blow that Frank felt. The pain of it knocked him off his balance and onto the floor. Losing his perception for only a second, Frank shook his head and felt his anger build even more. Facing the front door, Frank, with a growl, stood up ready to charge Henry. As he turned to face him, he saw Henry racing at him, but what Henry did not expect was for Frank to be so ready for him.

Leaping his thin body at Frank, Henry felt himself being lifted farther than his physical capabilities allowed him to jump. Frank had hold of him and Henry’s charged-run only fed a strengthening fuel to Frank’s fire. Feeling himself going, Henry wasn’t going to go alone. With every bit of strength he had, he held on to Frank and in that instant both men crashed with a vengeance through the porch screen door, bouncing once off the steps and rolling out into the grassy area before them. So enthralled in their emotional battle, they failed to hear Ellen’s scream when they nearly knocked her over as she made her approach.

Ellen, shaking, knew she was at a loss. Watching Frank stand up first and literally lifting Henry to his feet by his neck, told her Frank was out of control and Ellen raced off to go get help.

“Robbie!” Ellen burst through Joe’s front door. “Joe!”

Robbie sprang up from the couch. “El, hey did you come to get the kids or did you come to get me?” The smiled dropped from his face. “What’s wrong?”

“Frank.” She caught her breath and then saw Joe walk in the room. “Joe!” She ran to him. “Frank ... Frank and Henry are fighting. They’re fighting bad, Joe. You have to stop them. Frank will kill him.”

Joe barreled by Ellen without saying anything, following Robbie, who was already out the door.

Robbie ran, bare feet and all, toward the vision of Frank and Henry not far down the street. From what Robbie could see, Henry was losing any fighting chance he ever had.

Slam! Frank pummeled his fist into Henry, and Henry stepped back, leg over leg, catching himself before he fell. In a weakened run toward Frank, Henry swung out hitting Frank in the corner of his mouth. It was in that after-hit instant, with Frank blurry, and everything spinning around him, that Henry felt the tight grip to his throat. One huge hand of Frank’s had reached out snatched him forward. Henry couldn’t breathe. He felt the choke of Frank’s palm pressing with firmness against his neck. In a gasp for air, eyes somehow losing their steadiness, Henry found himself face to face with Frank, under Frank’s control. “Frank.” Henry tried to speak, his hands trying to free himself. “Frank, stop this.”

“I’ll stop it.” Frank clenched his free hand into a fist, raising it in a torturous suspense to Henry. “For every lie you ever told me, Henry. For all the pain you caused me ...” Frank gripped tighter to a defenseless Henry. “Right here and now, I’m gonna finish this. It’s over!” Just as he was about to deliver what would have been his final devastating blow, Frank heard his brother call out.

“Frank, no!” Robbie raced forward leaping at them and diving on Frank’s back. “Get off of him!”

Frank struggled with his brother who held tightly to his fist. His choke hold on Henry slipped and Frank’s fingers reached out, grabbing Henry’s shirt. “No!” he growled, struggling more when Joe pulled at Henry trying to free him from his son’s grip. His emotions had built so strongly that all it took was one hard jolt of his body and he knocked Robbie off of him, jerked Henry towards him from Joe, and with both hands, he hurled Henry hard to the ground another five feet away. Frank then assailed forth at him, grabbing him, lifting him, and readying to hit him again.

Joe saw it. Robbie saw it too. Frank wasn’t going to stop. He had reached his out-of-control point and it was going to take everything they had to bring him down. Both of them, Robbie and Joe, could not give up. They dove back into Frank’s battle trying to separate Frank and a now powerless Henry.

Robbie was pulling at Frank, and Joe was pulling at Henry. Frank was grunting out a call of frustration, trying to swing his arm forward at Henry, trying to stand on his feet against the powers that fought to bring him down. Robbie and Joe, despite their best efforts, were losing. How much more could Henry take?

Suddenly, in the madness of the fight, a lone, single shot rang out, closely and loudly. One shot. In that one shot, Frank fell to the ground, bringing with him, not only Henry but also Robbie and Joe, who were holding on so tightly they had no choice but to fall right along with him.

Like a commercial break at the height of an action scene, everything stopped and all movement ceased.

Breathing heavily, Frank released Henry and swung his arm out to push off his brother. In doing so, Frank had cleared a visual path for himself. He saw the reason for the gunshot and the person who fired it. Ellen, holding a revolver out, walked toward the four men on the ground who all stared up at her. The gun shook from her trembling hand that embraced it.

“I had to stop you,” she spoke coldly, pointing the gun at Frank the closer she stepped. “I had to.” Her words were emotional and the gun closed in on him. “If you touch him again, Frank, I swear to God, I won’t shoot you in the leg again. The next time I’ll kill you.”

Frank took a long breath to slow his hyper breathing. He looked at Robbie, then Joe, and then at Henry. Then Frank found himself staring at the barrel of the revolver that was inches from his face. “Sounds good, El, but you see, there’s only one problem.” Frank huffed, shook his head in disbelief then raised his voice to a high level as he screamed in annoyance at her, “You didn’t shoot me!” He reached up, snatching the gun from her hand. “Gimme that! You aimed? You fuckin aimed at us? What the fuck is wrong with you shooting into a group of men? A shot in the air wouldn’t cut it. You had to fuckin aim! Your aim isn’t that good! What the hell, El?”

Ellen’s hands covered her ears. “Stop it, Frank! Stop it! You could have killed Henry. You could have killed him.”

“I could have killed Henry? No, El, you stood more of a chance of killing Henry.” Frank twitched his head to Henry. “I was fighting with him, holding on to him. And you shot at me? Where the hell are your brains?”

“Fighting. You were fighting?” Ellen asked. “You two weren’t fighting. No offense, Henry, but it was a slaughter.”

A reality check hit Henry and then fear plastered his bleeding face. Henry shuddered some, shaking his head, and he rolled with a painful grunt onto his back. “El, I know what you were trying to do.” He coughed and grabbed his side. “But ... but.” Henry’s eyes widened and he stared out in shock. “Oh my God.” He took a second to wipe the blood from his face.

Frank tossed his hand up in the air then looked at the revolver. “Is this yours, Henry?”

“Yeah.” Henry took it from Frank. “Thanks.”

“No problem.” Frank looked up at Ellen who surprised him when he saw a tear roll down her cheek. “What are you doing, El? Shut up, Robbie. This isn’t funny” He elbowed his brother who laughed. “Huh? Why are you crying?”

“Leave me alone, Frank. You’re an asshole!” Ellen held her hand to Henry. “Come on, Henry, let’s get you to the clinic. Look ... look what he did to you.” Hard she swung her leg out to Frank.

“Ow!” Frank grabbed his shin and stood up. “You fucking kicked me.”

“You’re yelling at me! You beat up Henry!” Another kick at Frank.

“OW!” Frank hopped then grabbed his leg. “You shot at me!”

Ellen sniffled, holding tightly to Henry and trying to back up, crying as she did. “I was only trying to help. Joe ... Joe and Rob ... Robbie. They couldn’t stop you. I was scared. Henry, I’m sorry. I was only sacred.”

Frank rolled his eyes. “But you shot into a group of men. You don’t fuckin shoot into a group of men. It’s a good thing your aim just sucks. It’s a good thing you didn’t hit anyone.”

Joe cleared his throat and grunted as he picked himself up a little from the ground. “I wouldn’t exactly say that, Frank,” he spoke with such an agitated tone. “Because!” Joe yelled as he gave scolding eyes at Ellen, “she shot me in my goddamn ass!”

<><><><>

“So you understand?” Joe asked Robbie, who stood in the examining room with his father. “You know what needs to be done.”

“Yes.” Robbie nodded once, looking at his father who lay on his stomach on the table.

“Assess the damage over at Henry’s and give me a report. Those two are going to be the ones to clean up the mess.”

“Got it.” Robbie looked at Andrea who gathered her supplies on a tray near the table. She whistled while she worked. “Will my dad be OK?”

Andrea snickered. “Oh just fine. May have limp for a week or so.” She smiled widely and pulled down the sheet some from Joe. “Ready, Joe Slagel?”

“Christ.” He ran his hand down his face. “Go on. And, Robbie.” He pointed at his son who was leaving. “Make it dramatic. You know what you have to do.”

“Yes. I know just who to get to do it too.”

“Good.” Joe’s head plopped down when Robbie left and he felt the chill of the air against his burning backside. His head sprang back up when he heard Robbie say, ‘hey, El’ and then heard the examining room open. “No.” He looked at Ellen who walked in. “Andrea, make her leave. Get her out of here.”

“Oh hold still, Joe.” Andrea tapped his rear-end with a snicker and worked some more.

“Joe.” Ellen walked closer slowly.

“Out!”

“Joe ...” Ellen ignored his dismay. “I’m sorry I shot you in the butt, Joe. I didn’t mean to do it.”

“You never mean to do anything that you ... Ow! Goddamn it, Andrea, use something to numb the area. Ellen, get out.”

“No.” Ellen shook her head. “I’m sorry. I’m really sorry ... Andrea?” Ellen smiled. “Is that the ‘Silly’ song you’re humming? Nice rendition.”

“Thank you.” Andrea’s hands kept busy. “I like it. I also found if I slow it down just a tad it’s so emotional.”

“You should see if Robbie would let you sing that with his band,” Ellen told her. “It would be such a change of pace to hear a woman ...”

“Hello!” Joe called out. “I’m lying here with my ass exposed and you are the last person I want to see right now, Ellen. I’m pissed at you. Really pissed. You shouldn’t have grabbed that gun and you shouldn’t have fired at us. You understand me?”

“Yes, Joe,” Ellen said with fright. “But I ...”

“No ‘but I’. Getting Henry’s gun was one thing. Firing it into the air was another. Shooting at one of us ... that’s, that’s a whole other ball game, Ellen. And you hit one of us. What in Christ’s name would make you shoot Frank?”

“He was killing Henry. He was beating him up.”

“Do you really think Frank would have killed Henry?” Joe asked her, so upset. “Son of a bitch bastard, Andrea, take it easy!”

Ellen fiddled with her hands, “Yes, Joe, I think he would have. Frank is strong. I know what Frank can do. Henry, Henry isn’t as strong as Frank. No one is and Frank being as upset as he was ...”

“Stop!” Joe held up his hand. “First of all, Ellen, I was there. Robbie was there. We wouldn’t have let Frank kill Henry.”

“Not meaning any disrespect, Joe,” Ellen spoke, “but you guys weren’t doing a very good job.”

“At least we didn’t shoot anyone! I’m shot, Ellen. You shot your father for crying out loud.”

“I’m sorry.”

Andrea’s excited ‘oh’ caught Joe and Ellen’s attention. Andrea held up the bullet with the tweezers. “Got it! Buried nicely just in the flesh.” The bullet clanked when it dropped in the basin.

After giving a thumbs-up to Andrea, Ellen resumed looking at Joe. “You are the last person I would shoot, Joe. I feel really bad. I do.”

“Tell me something, Ellen. Tell me what started this whole thing,” Joe said. “Why was my son going after Henry with such a vengeance? I know no one is going to tell me any differently. It had to do with you. Ninety-nine percent of the fights in this community are over our women. What the hell happened?”

“It did have to do with me, Joe.” Ellen hung her head down. “But it was Frank’s fault. He shouldn’t have gotten so out of control. He had no right.”

“What did you do?” Joe asked.

“Some things have been going on with Dean in his life. He’s ... he’s having problems, bad problems and I’ve been helping him. Well Frank, he, he walked in on something tonight that he probably didn’t want to walk in on. And he got mad. I told him that I was allowed and that Henry knew about me and Dean.”

Andrea let out a sweet ‘ah’. “That’s nice, Ellen, you and Dean are back together. That is really ...”

“Andrea!” Joe scolded in his yell. “Finish, Ellen.”

Ellen took a breath. “Anyhow, Frank immediately got mad at Henry at that point. He stormed out of Dean’s house and beat up Henry.”

“Tell me, Ellen, if I’m getting this right. If Frank walked in on you and Dean, how in the world did Dean get off so easy?”

“Well, Joe, that’s kind of personal don’t you think?”

“That’s not what I’m talking about!” Joe yelled. “I would think that Frank would have given his wrath to Dean as well.”

“No, Joe.” Ellen waved her finger about. “Frank shouldn’t have given his wrath to anyone. Dean and I are together. We’re allowed to be together. I’m sorry that Frank doesn’t like it.”

“There’s a little more to it than that, Ellen. Do you have any idea why Frank got so mad about it?”

“He was jealous.”

Joe imitated Ellen. “He was Jealous ... No! Granted my son would get jealous, but do you honestly believe, in his jealousy over you and Dean, he would have beaten up his best friend?”

“Come to think of it.” Ellen tapped her finger on her lips. “No. So why did Frank beat up poor Henry?”

“You don’t know? You really don’t know?”

“No, I don’t. What did Frank tell you?” Ellen asked.

“Frank didn’t tell me anything.”

“Then how do you know why he beat up Henry?”

“I’m gonna make a pretty good guess here, Ellen. Now I’m not defending my son’s actions. I’m defending his reasons for his anger, understand?” He waited for Ellen to nod. “Frank went after ‘poor’ Henry because Henry has been lying to him for quite some time.”

“What?” Ellen was shocked. “Henry doesn’t lie.”

“Not intentionally and I truly believe Henry believed every word of it. You said you are with Dean. Henry knows?”

“Of course he knows, Joe.”

“Well I didn’t know. Frank didn’t know. If Henry knew, why on earth would he set up an understanding arrangement with my son? And he did.” Despite Ellen’s shocked expression, Joe continued, “I even thought at first that you and Dean were gonna have that understanding or whatever you want to call it. But I was quickly corrected by your poor Henry about that one. Ellen, not once in any of the conversations that I had with Henry or Frank was it mentioned to me about you and Dean.”

“But, Joe, I never ... I never told Henry that.”

“He thinks you did. From what I gathered, it happened or you said something during your quarantine time. I don’t know. Whatever the case was, Henry believed that you were going to be with Frank. Your poor Henry rolled with that. Here my son is be-bopping along Beginnings thinking he’s getting the love of his life back, when all along you’re with Dean and his best friend, the same one who was stringing him along like a puppet, knew about it the whole time. Pissed? I’d sure as hell be pissed at Henry if he led me on like that too. Maybe he just didn’t want to hurt Frank, but he hurt him more by not telling him the truth. Frank hurt back the best way he knew how. If I were Frank, right now I’d be mad at Henry, you, and though he’s an innocent in this, Dean ... just because he has attitude.”

Andrea had to get her two cents’ in also. “I heard you were getting back with Frank too, Ellen. That’s probably why I’m shocked that you were with Dean. I’m glad, but shocked, especially the way you jump to Frank’s defense all the time. Hang around him all the time.” Andrea shrugged. “You can see where ideas are had. And ... I’m done.” Upon hearing Joe’s ‘Good’ Andrea covered Joe’s freshly bandaged backside with a sheet, swatted down with a slap to his rear-end, and stepped back with the tray to the sink.

Joe grunted, “Andrea.”

Andrea snickered and washed up. “Oh, Joe.” She took a breath and dried her hands. “I’ll let you two talk. Don’t sit on that rear tonight. It’ll be a little sore. Stop by my office for some medication. Right now, I have to go help Patrick with Henry.” She rubbed Joe’s head, messing up his hair as she passed him and laid an understanding hand on Ellen’s shoulder. “It’ll all work out. It could have been worse. Joe, Ellen.” With a wiggle-of-her-finger wave, Andrea left.

Ellen stood so shocked, staring blankly as Joe slid from the table, holding the sheet around his waist. “Frank thought we were getting back together?”

“Yes.” Joe grabbed the fresh clothes that had been dropped off for him. “Turn around. I can’t speak seriously to you anymore without my pants.”

Ellen turned her back to him. “Even though Henry told him this, why would he believe this? We never discussed this.”

“When, in the whole entire ‘Frank and Ellen’ history, has it ever been vocalized between the two of you, that you would be a couple aside from when you got married. It was always just assumed.” Joe finished placing on his pants, quietly whining and cringing as he did. “It was assumed now. What have you done to discourage his thinking?”

“What have I done to encourage his thinking?”

“Think about it, sweetheart.” Joe laid his hand on her shoulder. “You hang around him and the kids, you and Henry. When Henry was in the hospital, where did you sleep? At Frank’s house, in Frank’s bed nonetheless. Right then and there, whether it was innocent or not, you crossed the friendship lines. You led him on, Ellen, inadvertently, but you led him on.”

Ellen turned around, facing Joe. “Because of my situation with Dean, Henry got hurt, Frank got hurt, and you ... got shot.”

“It’s not all your fault, Ellen. It really isn’t. I’m not blaming you. I’m blaming all of you. It appears that everyone was communicating, just not everyone together.” Joe placed his hand on her cheek. “Now that I have you feeling guilty about shooting me, what is going on with Dean? You said he has a problem. You’re with him because of it. What’s the problem?”

“I can’t tell you, Joe.”

“Can’t or won’t.”

“Can’t. I promised Dean.”

“It’s his health, isn’t it?” Joe asked.

“Yes.”

“Dean’s health affects this community, especially if this virus hits. Ellen, I have a right to know. I run this community. ”

“I know. Because you lead us, Joe, that’s why I can’t tell you. If I do, you could pull Dean entirely and if that happens then we don’t stand a shot in hell of beating this virus.”

“Ellen, please. Why in the world would I pull Dean because he’s sick? There isn’t anything that could be so wrong with him that I would pull him before he’s ready.”

“How about if he can’t see?”

Joe’s words stumbled out as he lost his balance. “What? I know he had some trouble with his vision after that attack on the two of you. Is Dean losing his sight?”

“Lost it, Joe. It’s gone.”

“Dear God.” Joe’s hand immediately covered his mouth. “When? When did this ... wait a second.” He stepped back. “When did this happen?”

“Not last night, the night before.”

“Almost two days ago? Ellen, I saw him driving today.”

“True.” Ellen nodded. “He was driving.”

“If he can’t see, why in the world was he driving?”

“Because we were trying to keep up appearances. He knows and I know, Joe. When it was mentioned about his problems with his vision, you and Andrea acted like it was good thing he wasn’t blind. Dean and I have been preparing for this. We saw it coming. We learned how to work together if his sight went. We planned on how we would do this so our fight with the virus could continue even if he lost sight.”

“Ellen, the man can’t see,” Joe spoke with concern. “He can’t possibly beat this virus with the efficiency that he could with his sight. We are going to have to put someone else on this immediately. This is way too important.”

“No, Joe,” Ellen argued. “See, this is why we didn’t tell you. Dean’s eyes don’t cure this community, his mind does. We’re using his mind with my eyes. He can still mix meds. He can still figure out what’s wrong with people. He can still figure out what is needed to beat this virus, but he has to be able to do it. He is the greatest mind we’ve ever had in Beginnings, no, wait, that this world has ever had. Mind, Joe. Not eyes. Your attitude will be everyone’s attitude. Let Dean and I prove he can do it before you pull him. I know he can still work in his field. Let him. But I’m asking you to not let anyone know yet. Not yet. It’s bad enough he lost his sight, please don’t let him lose the faith of the people that trust him as well.”

Joe was silent, staring at Ellen in thought. He took a long, deep breath before answering. “All right. Maybe I’m being closed-minded. I’ll try to open it. I won’t say anything to Andrea until you can show her what you can do. You two can do this, right?”

“Yes, Joe.” Ellen smiled.

“I’ll talk to Dean myself, you hear. He’ll know that I’m aware.”

“Yes, Joe.” Ellen kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you. We won’t let you down. We’re already on the way to beating this.”

“I know you are. I’ll help you out. I’ll take him off of patient duty and devote him only to research. It’s a valid move, especially with this virus thing.”

“Thanks, Joe, and once again, I’m sorry I shot you in the butt.”

Joe grunted, “Yes well, your ass is gonna be searching a mighty soft pillow for me. You hear?” He pointed at her.

“I’ll get right on it. But first, I want to go see Henry. He looked bad and I suppose he’s feeling just as badly too.”

“You go while you still have time,” Joe told her.

“Time? Oh yeah, I have to get back home and relieve Denny with the kids. You’re right.” She reached for the door.

“Ellen before you go,” Joe walked to her, “let me ask you something.”

“Sure, Joe, what?”

“If after all these years, it’s finally gone, why haven’t you told Frank?”

“What are you talking about, Joe? Told Frank what?” Ellen asked.

“That you don’t love him.”

“Oh my God, Joe, that’s not true. I love Frank. I love him with everything I am.”

“Yet you still don’t want to be with him.”

Ellen’s head lowered. “Joe, sometimes I want to be with Frank so badly my heart hurts but I can’t. I can’t be with him. I can’t. We pull each other apart when we’re together.”

“Ellen, if you feel that strongly about him, you should be with him. Or at the very least, have the understanding with him.”

“No, Joe. If I had the understanding with him, he’d end up taking me from Henry and the time I give him. He’s my friend, my companion, and he’s the one and only person I have ever known in my entire life that doesn’t judge me. He accepts me for who I am. I’ll stand by Henry because he has always stood by me.”

“But, sweetheart, what about love? Huh?” Joe spoke fatherly to her, dropping his voice to a whisper, “What about love?”

Ellen closed her eyes with a slight smile upon her face. “Yeah, Joe, but it doesn’t matter how great of a love I have for Frank or Dean. There’s a good reason why neither of them are my primary. Henry gives me something Dean or Frank could never give me. Peace. Henry would never hurt me or make me sad. I believe with all of my heart, Henry will never hurt me ...”

“Your commitment to Henry is commendable, Ellen, it really is but keep in mind you can’t guarantee that it will always be like that. No matter how peaceful Henry makes you now, there are no guarantees that he won’t make you sad. Or maybe … you find something out.”

“Like he’s gay? Joe, if …”

“No.” Joe held up his hand. “Like anything. I really hope that day never comes because you, little lady, have so much stock and trust in Henry that he won’t hurt you, that God forbid he does, you will be crushed. Right now you are keeping at arm’s length, the only person I believe that can pick up those pieces correctly.”

“Please, Joe, don’t tell me your saying I should be with Frank as an insurance policy in case Henry betrays me.”

“No, Ellen, I’m saying you should be with Frank because you love him and he loves you.”

“No way, Joe.” Ellen smiled and waved him off. “I can’t do it.” She tried to make an exit before anymore was said.

“Ellen.”

Too late. Ellen turned back around. “Yes, Joe?”

“What about you making Henry happy? Just like you feel this underlying obligation to Henry, he feels an underlying obligation to Frank. Maybe him making his best friend happy is a way for him to be happy too.”

“Joe.” Ellen leaned in to him. “Henry’s getting fixed because his best friend just beat him up. If he felt like that, he certainly doesn’t anymore.”

“Ellen.”

“Have to go.” She opened up the door, but stopped. “Joe,” she softened her voice. “Just between you, me and these four walls ... if circumstances were different, I would be with Frank.”

“Circumstances, meaning Dean?”

“Bye, Joe.”

“Ellen ...”

“Bye, Joe.” She hurried out the door.

Joe mumbled and flung his hand in frustration then, as he turned to get his button down shirt, he grumbled some more in pain.

What was it about Ellen’s timing? Was she meant to walk out of Joe’s room and into Frank as he walked from the other examining room? “Frank.” His name rolled from her mouth.

Frank stared at her, said nothing, then walked away.

“Frank, wait. I want to talk to you.”

“Leave me alone, Ellen.” He held up his hand.

“We need to talk.”

“I have nothing to say to you.” He turned around and walked backwards. “You slept with Dean.”

“Frank.” She followed him.

“You kicked me in the shin.” He still walked backwards. “Not once but twice!”

“Frank.”

“You pointed a fuckin gun at my head, Ellen.”

“Frank ...”

“You shot my father. Go away.” He spun to no longer look at her and as he did, he stopped cold when he heard the clicking of chambers and saw a wall of his Security guys holding their guns aimed at him. “Fuck. What! I have a fuckin headache. This better be good, gentleman.”

Robbie emerged from the back of them. “You’re being taken to Holding, Frank. You can go easy or we’ll drag you there.”

“You gotta be fuckin shitting me. For what?”

“Community disruption.” Robbie motioned his head to Dan and Cole. “They’re taking you to Holding.” Robbie pulled out handcuffs.

Frank was shocked. “Handcuffs? We never used handcuffs before.”

“New rule, Frank. Where have you been?” Robbie walked behind his brother, grabbing his arms. He felt Frank pull. “Don’t fight me on this, Frank. We have orders to shoot you.” Robbie handcuffed him. “You are to go to Holding until the decision is made on whether you are to be ousted or not.”

“What!” Frank shouted. “We’ve never ousted anyone for fighting.”

“There’s always a first time.” Robbie handed Frank over to Cole and Dan. “Take him away.”

Ellen would have panicked at that moment, at the thought of Frank being ousted, but she saw the look on Robbie’s face. He was too calm. If it wasn’t a scare tactic—one she knew wouldn’t work on Frank only piss him off—then Joe wouldn’t have been so insistent that she get together with Frank. So Ellen decided to help out and play along. “Thank God someone is doing something about him. Let me know where to cast my vote, Robbie.” She folded her arms and watched them lead Frank out. Snickering, she turned around to go see Henry and see Henry she did. He was walking down the hall. “Henry!” She ran to him, reaching him and throwing her arms around him. “Oh you’re all right. Look at your poor face. What did he do to you?” She laid her hand on his cheek.

“He beat me up, El. Real bad.” Henry touched his cheekbone. “Now I have a Frank-scar.”

“Aw, Henry.”

Robbie stepped in between them. “Excuse me, El.” He pulled out another pair of handcuffs.

Ellen grabbed Robbie’s arm. “What are you doing?”

“Henry has to go to Holding too.” He walked behind a shocked Henry, bringing Henry’s arms back.

Henry shook his head. “No. What’s going on? Handcuffs?”

Robbie clicked them closed. “New rule, Henry. Where you been?”

“But I’m the one who go beat up.”

Ellen stepped in closer. “Yeah, Robbie, Henry got beat up.”

Robbie just shook his head, leading Henry to Scott and Mark, who waited. “My brother got smashed in the head with a lamp, El. I wouldn’t exactly say Henry was the total victim in all this. Excuse us.” He handed Henry over.

Ellen chased behind as they took Henry. “Wait.” She caught up, laid her hand on Henry’s face. “It’ll be all right, Henry. Right, Robbie? You’re not ousting Henry, are you?”

“Nah.” Robbie shook his head. “Just cooling him down. Fighting rules. He’ll be out by morning.”

Henry looked back at Robbie as they led him out. “But I’m not angry anymore. I’ve cooled down.”

“Too bad.” Robbie waved to him as he watched them take Henry out. He turned and faced a stunned Ellen. “You know, if you weren’t such the busy little woman tonight we could’ve hung out. But, after all this ‘shooting my dad’ and getting everyone in fights ... man you must be exhausted.” He laughed at Ellen’s open-mouthed expression. Under her chin he placed his index finger and closed her mouth. “See ya.”

Ellen tossed her hands in the air and let them drop with a slap as Robbie waltzed away in his usual cockiness. Ellen decided right then and there to get her tail out of the clinic before she got anymore shocks or talks thrown at her.

<><><><>

“Thank you again, Denny.” Ellen smiled and closed the front door to Dean’s house, leaning briefly against it for a moment. “Oh boy.” She stood straight and walked to Dean who sat on the couch.

“He has got to be the easiest person in the world to be able to hide the fact that I am blind from.”

“It’s Denny. He’s naive.” She sat down on the couch next to him, watching Dean as he leaned forward rubbing his hands together slowly. “What’s wrong?”

“How’s Henry?”

“Beat up.”

“Badly?”

“He could have been worse,” Ellen told him. “He’s walking.”

“I’m sorry.” Dean brought his hands to his face.

“Why are you apologizing?” Ellen removed his hands. “You didn’t beat him up.”

“But I feel responsible somehow. I pissed Frank off while he was here, making him worse, as if he wasn’t bad enough just seeing us.”

“There are other reasons for Frank’s anger. Just know that.” Ellen grabbed his hand. “Next you’re gonna tell me you feel bad because I shot Joe.”

“What!” Dean’s head sprung up. “You shot Joe?”

“You didn’t know? Oh, yeah I shot him. I was trying to break up the fight and when I tried to shoot Frank, I missed and hit Joe.”

“You tried to shoot Frank?”

“Yes. He was killing Henry, contrary to what Joe said. But Joe’s fine. I hit him in the butt.” There was silence then both Ellen and Dean started to snicker. “We shouldn’t laugh, Dean.”

“No.” Dean ran his hand down his face, again his smile left.

“What else is it?”

“I’m feeling bad, El. Guilty. When I was with you tonight, it was so great, El. It was so much what I needed.” He gripped her hand tighter as he leaned back on the couch. “I need to tell you thank you for tonight. Thank you for what happened. You gave me back a strength I thought I lost for good.”

“Wow. I must be one hell of a lay.” Ellen smiled.

“No, you’re one hell of a friend.”

“Dean? Since you’re feeling better and stronger, can I ask a favor?”

“Sure, El.”

“Can I just fold right now? I’m having a really hard time. Frank and Henry are both in Holding. Henry got beat up. I shot Joe. You’re blind.” She heard him chuckle. “No, it’s not funny.”

“That’s one hell of a weekend you had, El.”

“I know and I’m tired. I just don’t want to be strong the rest of this night.”

“Then don’t be. What did you have in mind? Did you feel like crying?”

Ellen fluttered her lips. “No. I cried twice tonight. I think I reached my quota for the year. I just ... I just want to not have to worry about anything, at least for a little while.”

“Then don’t. However I can help, let me know.” At the completion of his words to her, he felt Ellen slide down and drop to his lap, laying her head on his legs and holding on to them in her cuddle. Dean ran his hand across her face, closing his eyes and feeling her. He smiled, though it would be brief—Ellen never was less than strong for very long—it was the first time in a long time instead of Dean depending on Ellen, Ellen depended on him.

<><><><>

A slight gasp and a cringe was what Frank did following his drink of the moonshine. He placed his finger to the corner of his mouth and the small cut there that burned when the whiskey hit it. “Thanks, Dan.” He handed the moonshine back to him.

“The handy-dandy flask.” Dan held it up. “Never leave home without it. Why don’t you hold on to it. It’s gonna be a long night.”

Frank took back the flask. “Thanks. I appreciate it and I appreciate you letting me in on my father and Robbie’s little ‘oust me’ plan. I owe you.” Frank pointed. “Name what duty you want for a week and it’s yours.”

“Thanks, Frank. But right now ...” Dan held up his keys.

“I know. Go on.” Frank motioned his head.

“See you in a few.” Dan backed up, hating to do it, but under orders he had to. He left the Holding room, locking the door as he did.

Frank closed his eyes at the throbbing of his head. He walked to the bed, bringing the flask to his lips, and taking another drink. Slowly he brought his body down to that bed. Every single move pounded in his head. Just as he was about to lie back, he heard the door unlocking and when it opened, Henry walked in. “What the hell?”

“Hey!” Henry yelled at the door as it closed. “Shit.”

“Oh great, just fuckin great.” Frank set down the flask and stood up.

“You think I like the idea of being in Holding with you, Frank?” Henry asked him. “I don’t. You beat me up.”

“You hit me in the head with a lamp, Henry.”

“You started it.”

“No you started it.”

“How can you say that, Frank?” Henry tossed his hands up. “You hit me first. Now I’ll look like you, thank you very much.”

“Oh quit bitching like a woman. You held your own with me.”

“Oh sure, Frank. You choked me. Look.” Henry tilted his head. “A bruise. You could have broken my neck.”

“You shouldn’t have started this thing.”

“I didn’t!”

“You did. You pretty much owned up to marrying her to give her to Dean. You failed to mention that little detail when we just talked about the understanding with me.”

“I failed to mention it because I didn’t think you needed to know. I didn’t think it would actually happen.” Henry stepped back. “I should have told you about it. That was wrong of me. I’m sorry. I knew there was a chance that they were going to sleep together, but I guess a part of me was hoping that she could help him through it without reaching that point and get him through it enough for him to stand on his own so she could be with you.”

“So you’re not angry that she slept with Dean?”

“No I’m not angry, because he needs her. If finding comfort with Ellen is the way to his healing then so be it. He has to heal. He has to get better, Frank. That is so important right now, for himself and for this community.”

Such a shock took over Frank’s voice. “He really is blind?”

“Yeah, he really is blind. He’s been dealing with the loss of his sight for months now. They tried to prepare but when it happened, I guess the shock hit him harder than he thought it would.”

“Shit.” Frank turned around.

“Ellen is helping him. I can’t get mad at her for doing that and neither should you. How would you feel, Frank, if you found yourself suddenly without your sight? I know how I would feel. If I couldn’t see, I swear I’d rather be dead. My eyes are my ability to do what I do.”

“Oh that’s such bullshit.”

“No it isn’t.”

“Yes it is.” Frank faced Henry. “Your eyes are a guide; they have nothing to do with what you can or cannot do. I knew a blind man once who would nail your ass harder than I did if he heard you say what you just did. You have to just learn how to do things over again. I remember Sam. That was his name. It was during practice maneuvers when he lost his sight. He was down for a while, real down, but he learned and learned fast to do things all over again. When he did, there wasn’t anything he couldn’t do after he lost his sight that he could do before.”

“He could still shoot a gun?” Henry asked in non-belief.

“Eh, that’s a hard one to judge. He was always a lousy shot. OK, there is one thing. He couldn’t drive a car ... fuck!” Frank’s hand cut through the air. “No wonder Dean almost hit me today. He was trying to drive blind. Someone should have told him he shouldn’t drive. Well ...” Frank tilted his head to think. “Maybe he can. This is Beginnings. How much traffic is there driving around a field?”

“Not much.” Henry shook his head smiling. “Are you still mad at me, Frank?”

“Nah. I understand where your thinking was at. You still should have told me. But I have to tell you something.” Frank’s head lowered. “I was uh ... I was drinking tonight, heavily. It made things worse than they needed to be.”

“I figured as much.”

“It’s no excuse and it makes it clearer why I have to quit, Henry ...” Frank placed his hands on his hips. “I feel really bad. I’m sorry I went after you. I should have never done that.” He held out his hand to Henry.

“You hit me hard, Frank.” Henry shook his hand.

“I know.”

“Knocked me on the floor.”

“I know.”

“Broke my wall ...”

“Henry! Fuck.” Frank watched Henry smile. “We’re OK?”

“We’re OK.”

Frank’s shoulders dropped. “Thank you.” With a grin, he stepped forward, placed his hand behind Henry’s head and yanked Henry to him, smacking a kiss on his forehead.

“Aw, Frank, did you have to kiss me.” Henry wiped off his head.

Frank bit his bottom lip. “Don’t think I won’t spread that around.”

“Aw, Frank,” Henry whined.

“Lighten up.” Frank swatted his arm. “I’m messing with you. Now that we’re all made up, we have to talk about this Dean thing.”

“What about it?”

Frank grabbed the flask. “Drink?” He showed Henry.

“No.” Henry snatched it from Frank. “And neither are you.”

“OK.” Frank held his hands up. “We have to help Dean. We have to help him learn how to do things right. Because if I know Ellen, aside from her comfort tactics, her idea of help will be just to do everything for him so she doesn’t get frustrated.”

“You’re right. But I don’t understand why you ... oh, I get it. You want to get Dean on his feet because of Ellen.”

“No, Henry,” Frank turned more serious, “and if this ever gets out of this room, I’ll kill you. I want to help Dean get on his feet because ... because it’s Dean.”

CHAPTER FOUR

JULY 27

That cellular phone, waiting with anticipation, seemed to smile at George. Finishing off his coffee, George walked to it, looked down at his watch, then at the phone which sat upon his office desk. How badly he wanted to pick that phone up and dial, sending the signal to Beginnings, but it had only been a few minutes since he heard that Cole and the crew had settled into Jordan. And if it was only a few minutes, then the monitor hadn’t returned yet to the Communications room and George calling his awaiting CMEs would be a futile attempt. He needed that monitor to be near. He needed that monitor to inform Frank or Joe who would then prepare—George hoped—Robbie to join, protect, or escort Cole back to Beginnings. It was almost ready and if all went as planned more Beginnings men would be dead and Robbie Slagel would be on his way to Former Quantico to be a Society Legion Soldier. How exciting that thought was to George. He rubbed his hands together in an antsy fashion and stared again that cellular phone. A few more minutes. A few more minutes.

<><><><>

The edge of Frank’s desk touched against his body as he leaned far into it, reading from a folder, his hands rested on the sides of it as he peered down. “Reports … reports.” He pushed out his chair, stood up, and walked over to the file cabinet. He took a second to pull the nearly finished cigarette from his mouth and blow out the smoke before checking his ‘in’ bin on top. “Here you are. Let’s see.” Frank spoke to himself, putting his cigarette back in his mouth and heading back to his desk. “Oh yeah.” He flipped a page of the report. “Yesterday alone, John, you were down in Communications one, two, three ... five times?” Frank shook his head with a smile, sat down and immediately wrote on one of many sheets of paper that occupied that folder. Frank went through it each day and its history, counting up how many times a John-number was used to open or close the Communications room. Reviewing his notes, reviewing the weeks history, Frank felt so close, so confident that he had just about all he needed to present it to Council and they could present it to the community to get a full vote on ousting John Matoose. Really all Frank needed, and he knew it, was Dean’s remembering for certain John was there that night at the mobile. That would clinch it. This was a delicate situation and Frank knew it. It wasn’t any normal ousting, it was John Matoose. A lot of people would get in an uproar about him being tossed out if there wasn’t enough proof or John himself didn’t confess.

Quickly, Frank’s mind went immediately back to Dean. No longer was Frank outraged about Ellen and Dean, but Frank felt bad, because he almost hit Dean. He felt bad because Dean was important to the community’s health, and most of all, because he knew Dean so well. Dean was an Original. Like Dean or not, enemy or not, finding out what had happened to Dean was like Frank finding out something had happened to his own brother.

Frank stared at the burning cigarette that was squeezed between his middle finger and thumb. He remembered the first time he had smoked in his life. How many years ago was that? Vividly, Frank recalled boot camp and how he smoked heavily up until he made the rank of Staff Sgt. and was tapped to be a drill sergeant, he then swore off it for life. Bound and determined to never smoke again, judgmental of all those who smoke, yet there he was, smoking. He justified it. It wasn’t like he smoked all the time like Joe, Jason, or Robbie. And it wasn’t like Frank wanted anyone to know he smoked. He didn’t.

He thought about when he started smoking again, a few months earlier, one or two during the day to calm his nerves. When he realized that they worked, Frank began smoking more as time moved on, especially when he found himself wanting a drink and knew he couldn’t have one. The more Frank wanted a drink, the more Frank would smoke, replacing one evil for another. They helped but not as much as Frank wanted. They got him through the day. Frank wished, as he stared at the trail of smoke, he wished with everything he had, that they worked at night when he was at his worst. But they didn’t.

Not wanting to think about it any further, he had more important things on his mind than his own problems. He had Cole and a small group of men outside the walls—that always weighed heavy on Frank. He had SUT troops out there. He had a band of Savages east of Beginnings about seventy-five miles, a camp large in numbers. A camp they would watch. The camp had moved two more miles east since they first appeared, seemingly coming from the north. Their moving east was in Beginnings’ favor, away from Beginnings and to the other side of the country that Beginnings rarely bothered with. Then Frank’s mind went back ... to Dean.

Just as Frank replaced his cigarette in his mouth for that final hit, a single knock occurred at his door and Robbie walked in. With Robbie’s ‘hey, Frank’ Frank turned his chair to the right, opened his mouth wide and using his tongue, flipped that cigarette inside his mouth to hide it. With tightly closed lips, he faced his brother and pretended to be engrossed in paper work.

“I wanted to stop by and tell you that I was doing the UD Perimeter. All is fine,” Robbie told him. “There was a problem, slight though, with the perimeter in the Industrial Division. I thought it was a problem, in fact I knew it was a problem. Are you listening to me?” Robbie waited for a nod from Frank. “Anyhow, it looked like wire was just hanging out of the beam’s box, just hanging there. So I called up Henry who I knew was there in that division at Clothing, fixing that fuckin cotton machine that ... Frank? You OK?”

Frank nodded.

“OK, so Henry comes up. Why was he working today Frank? I thought he was beat up. Obviously, big brother, you’re losing your touch. So Henry comes up and starts bitching at me because the wire isn’t hanging there. I told him it was. He yelled at me again. He said if I would do my rounds up there more often or pay more attention to how things work, I would know that the beam box I was looking at has that wire dangling as a trip. A trip. How the fuck would I know we rigged our boxes in case someone tried to cut the connection. How do you like ... Frank.”

Frank held up his hand to Robbie and stood from behind his desk.

“Frank?”

One finger, one single finger was all Frank showed Robbie as he walked to his closet, opened it up and disappeared into it.

“Frank, what the ...” Robbie stopped talking when he heard Frank cough loudly and long. “Frank?” He chuckled. “Are you all right?”

Frank stepped from the closet, shutting the door. “Man, can you ramble like a woman. You fuckin knew those beam boxes were rigged. You helped make them.”

“Was that the beam boxes? Shit, I thought we were just making explosives. Where the hell was my mind? So, Frank, how come you went into your closet to cough?”

“What?”

“You. You went into your closet to cough.”

“When?” Frank asked.

“Just now.”

“What are you talking about, Robbie?”

“Never mind,” Robbie grunted. “I need a jeep req. Dad’s out of them and he said you have some.”

“I do.” Frank walked to his filing cabinet. “Who needs a jeep?”

“Dean and Ellen need to get to their mobile lab. They let theirs run right out and it’s gonna take twenty-four hours to recharge it. Go figure. Hey, Frank?” Robbie watched Frank dig in the filing cabinet. “Have you seen Dad walk? Better yet, have you seen Dad sit?”

Frank paused in his searching and looked very seriously at his brother. “Robbie, it isn’t ...” Frank started to laugh. “I’ve been avoiding him so I don’t make fun of him.”

“It’s pretty funny. So was our scare tactic on you last night. Did you think you were getting ousted?”

Frank slammed the drawer shut. “Robbie. Fuck. Can you not run at the mouth so much today? What is up with you?” Frank started to hand the requisition to Robbie and just as it hit his hand, Frank snatched it back up.

“Ow, Frank, you paper cut me.” Robbie looked at his hand. “Give me the req.”

“Are you taking this jeep to them?”

“Yeah now.” Robbie shook his head. “And I’m bleeding. Here.” He wiped his hand on his brother’s arm. “Give me the req.”

“I think I’ll take the jeep to them.” Frank rolled his eyes at the blood smear on him.

“Why? You gonna beat Dean up today for sleeping with ...”

“Robbie! Enough! I have to head into town anyhow.” Frank rolled up the requisition and placed it in his back pocket.

“All right, but what am I supposed to do?”

“Work maybe.” Frank opened his door and stood there. “Go to Mechanics early and help out Henry.”

Robbie shuddered. “I’m not in Mechanics today. Today is Monday. On Mondays I’m at Containment. I suppose I could go to Containment and relieve Jason. I guess I can do that since Ellen isn’t in Containment today until two. How about ...”

“Robbie.”

“What?”

“Can I leave?”

“Oh yeah. Go on.”

“Thank you.”

“Don’t forget to get Dean to sign that req. He always blows it off and Dad gets pissed.”

Frank grunted and walked out.

Snickering and knowing he irked his brother for the day, Robbie walked to Frank’s desk with full intentions of kicking back and falling asleep. But the moment he sat down, was the moment he saw all the investigation material on John Matoose just spread across Frank’s desk. Not a good thing. Smiling and thinking he had something he could bitch at his brother about, Robbie decided to hide it all and teach Frank a lesson. He began to gather the material when Frank’s door opened. Robbie looked up. Frank just walked in with his index finger to his lips in a shush manner to Robbie. He quickly went to his desk, pulled up the material into one pile, took it to the file cabinet, dropped it in the last drawer, locked the last drawer, and smiled right before he left again.

“There goes that.” Robbie tossed his hands in the air, cupped them behind his head, leaned back in the chair, and closed his eyes.

<><><><>

Dean raised his head up from his work when he heard the oddness of the single click in the clinic lab. He heard shuffling and his hand froze above the petri dish. “Ellen? What are you doing?”

“Um ... nothing.” Ellen quickly placed her hands in her lab coat, pulling the long garment closed as she walked to Dean. “So did I tell you that Robbie was over this morning helping me with the kids?”

“I was there, Ellen, remember? I waited upstairs.”

“Oh that’s right. Wasn’t that nice of him though?”

“He’s a peach. What did he want?”

“What do you mean,” Ellen asked.

“He doesn’t just do that to be nice. He had to ask you something he was curious about.”

“Oh, Dean, you are so perceptive since you’ve become blind. How did you know.”

Dean closed his eyes briefly. “It’s Robbie, Ellen.”

“He was just asking more details about the big fight last night. Speaking of the big fight ...”

“Ellen, how is that new batch of anti-infection agents working?”

“Don’t know.” She shrugged. “Getting back to my story. Did you ...”

“You don’t know?” Dean asked her. “I mixed up the new batch. Ellen, I’d like to know if they are working so I can start the two strep throat cases on them.”

“OK,” Ellen said. “Anyhow, did you ...”

“Ellen,” Dean interrupted her again. “Check them.”

“In a second.”

“Ellen.”

“All right.” Ellen saw the disgruntled look on Dean’s face and she walked over to the computer. “Oh, I can’t do this,” she talked to herself, “I didn’t hook up the microscope. I’ll have to view it manually.” She walked to the counter by Dean. “So as I was saying, did you see Henry this morning when he left for work?”

Dean merely turned his head her way.

“Sorry. I mean, boy was he limping. I thought for sure he’d call off, you know, since Frank almost killed him. Dean, are you listening to me?”

“I really don’t have a choice now do I, Ellen.” He placed down a petri dish. “How are those results?”

“Um ...” Ellen peered into the microscope. “Working fine. Mix up more. Getting back, did you hear Henry come in last night after Holding. I know you can hear, Dean. Did you hear him?”

“No, I was sleeping.”

“He was actually in a good mood. We talked and talked. Not like that is much of a surprise.” Ellen moved closer to Dean. “Isn’t that a little shocking that he was in a good mood last night?” She reached her hand out to him.

Sitting there listening to Ellen and concentrating on what his hands were doing, Dean felt the sudden touch to his hair. It startled him so much that he jumped back.

“I’m sorry.” Ellen retracted her hand and lowered her voice when she realized she scared him. “I uh ... I was just touching you.”

“Just let me know when you’re gonna do that. OK?”

“OK,” Ellen sighed, “Dean?”

“Yes.”

“Henry!” Ellen called out his name with excitement. “Dean, Henry’s here.”

“What?” Dean immediately stopped what he was doing when he felt his stomach drop, Ellen’s sudden switch was like jumping out at him and saying boo ...

“Henry.” Ellen rushed to him, making a clicking sound as she moved. “I’m glad you stopped by.”

“Hey, El.” Henry laid his hand on her shoulder. “I was on my way to the bakery. I wanted to see you guys. How are you doing?”

“We’re fine.” Ellen kissed him. “Look at me, Henry. Look at my feet. I have flat shoes on.”

“They’re ... they’re blue.” Henry looked down at her legs which protruded slightly from the long lab coat.

“Everything new is blue for a while. Check this out, Henry.” Ellen flung open her coat. “What do you think?”

“Turn around.” Henry snickered. “That is great. I love it.”

“Thanks, Henry.”

Dean listened to this, wondering what the hell they were doing.

Ellen ran her hands from her shirt then across her hips. “I had this skirt in my box in Dean’s basement. When Jenny brought over the shoes this morning and I saw that she could wear a skirt, I figured I would. Ben from Fabrics said he would try to make a few for those of us who want to wear them? You like?”

Dean blinked. A skirt? Ellen’s wearing a skirt? I’m missing this. Is it short? It has to be short. She wouldn’t wear anything that was long. Dean’s mind raced and he envisioned what he thought Ellen was wearing.

Henry liked what he saw. He kept his views to just under the hemline of her skirt. Staring at her legs because for the first time ever, he was looking at feminine legs. There seemed to be a different shape to them. The tiny little heel on those so-called flat shoes was adding that look to Ellen’s legs that the women in Beginnings stopped showing the moment they started wearing only tennis shoes and combat boots. “I like, El.”

Ellen giggled. “You should have seen me dancing in here just before you walked in. You know, twirling in my shoes. But Dean yelled at me.” She moved to the counter by Dean.

Henry grinned “The skirt is really tight, Dean, and short.”

Dean wanted slam his hand in frustration. I’m missing this? Why am I missing this?

Henry walked up to Dean and Ellen, and stood between them. “Hey, Dean, how are you feeling? I wanted to talk to you last night when I came by but you were sleeping,” Henry said. “There’s something I need to talk to you about.”

Dean swallowed. “Henry. There’s something I need to talk to you about too.”

“Sure, Dean. What is it?”

“I’m sorry that Frank … I’m sorry you took the brunt of Frank’s anger.”

“I appreciate that, Dean, I do. Thank you. And that’s what I want to talk to you about.”

“Frank?” Dean asked. “I’d rather not.”

“It’s important,” Henry said. “Frank and I were discussing you in Holding last night.”

“Oh no.” Dean’s head dropped.

“Shh.” Henry smiled. “We were seriously discussing you. We talked about what has happened to you. We also talked about how each of us would feel if we found ourselves in your shoes. Dean, we’d feel just as badly as you do. Everything you’re feeling and going through is understandable. But you see, the thing is, for as understandable as it is, you being down and lost can’t happen for long. You are too vital to this community. Just because you can’t see what’s in front of you doesn’t mean you can’t see what’s up here.” Henry pointed to his own temple as if Dean could see him. He noticed Ellen shaking her head. “Whoops sorry, Dean, I was pointing to myself. Getting back to what I was saying. Like you and Ellen are doing, you have to learn to do things all over again differently. In order to fully do that, your spirit has to heal.”

“Henry,” Dean had an edge of disbelief, “all of this you’re talking about, you and Frank discussed. My spirit? Healing? Come on, what does that mean? I really can’t picture Frank sitting back and talking about healing my spirit.”

“Actually,” Henry continued, “the spirit part was my line. Frank talked about you learning to do everything again, learning how not to depend on Ellen for anything but what you absolutely need her for. Example, her eyes to tell you what she sees in that microscope. Other than that, there should be no reason why you can’t feel confident enough to take care of your children. No reason why you can’t get from here to there, fix things, part your hair on the left side, shave, and so forth.”

“That’s all well and fine, I want to do these things. I will do these things. It’s just gonna take time.”

“We know,” Henry said, “and ... Frank and I are going to help you.”

Dean nearly choked. “Frank? Frank and you? How? By aggravating me into doing things? Henry, Frank drives me nuts.”

“True but then you’ll learn much faster so you can get away from him.” Henry smiled. “Dean, we’re serious. Frank wants to help you.”

“Help me? Henry, Frank isn’t going to help me now that he knows about me and Ellen. He’s going to do nothing but interfere and that’s a hinder.”

“No, Dean, look. He was mad last night, he really was. But he knows you have to feel better in order to start doing things on your own.”

“But why does Frank want to help me? I would think he wouldn’t.”

Henry shrugged. “Don’t know for sure. Maybe it has to do with this virus. I know for a fact, Frank wants you full force when and if this virus hits. So do you, Dean. A part of me thinks it has to do with Ellen. If he gets you on your feet, you won’t need Ellen as much.” Henry watched Dean nod so in agreement to that one. “But whatever the reason, be forewarned, no matter what Frank says, he hates the idea of you two together. He won’t interfere now, make lots of comments maybe, but not get in the way. Mark my words, Dean, the second, the second he sees you being self-sufficient and not so dependent, that will be the second Frank will interfere. And big time. That’s just Frank.”

“I would expect no less,” Dean commented and tossed his hands up. “So, when does this help from you two start?”

“I think tonight. I don’t know. Frank has a plan.”

Hearing Dean’s ‘oh boy’ Ellen giggled. “This is great.”

A typical, ‘I am’ and a high, squealing, squeak of his boot introduced Frank’s entrance into the room, and then, so did his mouth. “Oh ... my ... God.” Just as he saw Dean, Henry and Ellen got ready to turn around, he held his hand out. “No! El! Don’t move. Stay like that.” He walked closer. “Oh my God.” A wide grin hit his face as he stared at her. “Henry, did you see this skirt.”

“It’s great isn’t it, Frank?”

“Oh my God. El ... you look ... you look so ... so ... female.”

Ellen rolled her eyes. “Gee, Frank, thanks.” She moved to the counter’s side and stood there leaning.

“Henry, this is ... Dean, do you ... never mind.” Frank laughed once loud. “Dean, you are missing this.”

Ellen spun her head to face him. “Frank! Will you quit gawking?”

“I can’t help it, El. When’s the last time you dressed like a woman? Man.” He shook his head. “You know, I was starting to think I was walking around in a nightmare or something. Everywhere I went, where there was a woman, I was hearing that clicking sound. Getting on my fuckin nerves like it was Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Only instead of aliens the shoes were transforming the women into prisses today.” Frank shuddered. “But ...” His hand motioned out. “There is something to be said about those shoes if they make Ellen get dressed up.”

“I’ll have you know, Frank,” Ellen spoke snippy. “I did it for Dean, not you.”

Frank laughed. “El, he can’t see you to appreciate it.”

“Asshole.” Ellen folded her arms. “Why are you here, Frank?”

“Oh.” Frank reached into his back pocket. “I brought your jeep and ...” He unrolled the paper and slammed it down in front of Dean. “I need you to sign this, Dean.”

Dean tossed his hands up in disbelief. “Sign what, Frank?”

Frank snickered. “Sorry, you can’t see it.” He nudged Henry. “El, you sign this req. You’re the queen of forgery.” His extended paper was snatched from his hand. “Easy, El.”

Dean covered his face. “And he says he wants to help me.”

Frank snapped his finger. “Speaking of which.” He spun to Dean with a squeak of his boot. “El is at Containment at two today. What are you doing between two and four?”

“Um ... I am at the mobile probably trying to figure out how I’m getting back. I’ll be keying in dictation.”

“OK, then Henry will pick you up at four and you’ll go to the house. He’ll stay there with you until I get there. I will be no later than five and we’ll start. El should be home by ... what, seven?”

“Uh ...” Ellen looked up from signing the requisition. “I guess, unless something happens.” She shrugged.

“Good,” Frank continued. “We’ll start as soon as I get there, Dean.”

“Start what?” Dean asked. “Frank, I’m not one of your guys you set up for training.”

“Now you are and ... Henry, help him pack.”

“Got it, Frank,” Henry said.

“Pack?” Dean questioned. “Pack what?”

“Dean,” Frank spoke sharply, “because you can’t see, I’m telling you the look on my face says I’m annoyed with you. We have to get you fully functional, which means you have to be worked with day and night. This also means Henry and I will be around you at night and El has you during the day. You want to be around the kids but you can’t take care of them yet. Three or four days, yeah. Until then, I have the bigger house. Guess what, Dean?”

“No.” Dean shook his head.

“Yeah.” Frank laughed. “Think of it as one big fuckin slumber party so don’t forget your pajamas.”

Dean closed his eyes. “There is something demented about you.”

“Me? Well, let me tell you something, Dean.” Frank leaned in closer to him. “Between this demented person and Henry, one week and I guarantee you’ll be glad we got a hold of ...” Frank’s head snapped up. “Hold on.” He grabbed hold of his headset microphone and adjusted. “Yeah, go on.” He stepped back.

Ellen saw the lost look on Dean’s face as if he was trying to decode what Frank was trying to say to him. She whispered in his ear, “Frank is on his radio.” She gave him a tap to his back.

Dean wouldn’t have to wait long to find out had Ellen not told him. Frank’s sudden ‘Exorcist’ turn in demeanor told him it all.

“Fuck! When? Fuck. Where? Fuck! All right. Get a hold of Robbie have him head to the hangar. Get Team Three suited up. I’m on my way to Armory. I’m heading up and then we’ll head on out. Fuck.” Frank pulled his headset off and looked at the silent faces in the room. “I have to go.”

Henry stood up. “Frank, what’s wrong?”

“We got a signal coming in. Radio transmission slash phone. I don’t know but it’s coming from the west, not far from here and close to where Cole is. He only has three men with him and not one is Security. I’m heading out.” Frank charged from the room.

Ellen’s head jolted from Henry to Dean. She too ran from the lab chasing Frank. “Frank!” She followed him through the glass doors.

Frank stopped in his run and turned around with oddity at Ellen’s call to him. “El, what is it? I have to go.”

“What are you doing, Frank?” Ellen asked as she ran up to him.

“You heard me, El, I have to go.”

“You said you’re going out there.”

“Yeah, that’s my job.” He backed up.

“No, Frank. It isn’t.”

“El ... I have to go.”

“Frank, no.” Ellen chased him and then she saw Joe. “Joe, tell him,” she spoke as she followed as fast as she could behind them.

“Tell him what?” Joe asked

“Tell Frank it’s his job to protect the community. It is Robbie’s job to go out there unless Frank has no other choice. Tell him, Joe.”

Frank was past perturbed at that point when he rounded the buildings to Armory. “El, enough.”

“Don’t go.” Ellen grabbed hold of his arm. “Please don’t go out there. Robbie can handle it.”

Fumbling with his keys in a complete confusion spin on what was wrong with Ellen, Frank handed the keys to his father and faced her. “El, why are you being like this?”

“Because I don’t want you to go out there.” There was a deep raspiness to Ellen’s voice as if it came from her soul. She looked up to Frank, her hand clinging to his arm.

Frank blew out slowly and yelled into Armory at his father who already was in there. “Pull out for a basic drop-in. I’ll be right in to help.” He took hold of Ellen’s arm and led her aside from the door. “El, come on, sweetie.”

“Frank.” Ellen closed her eyes. “I don’t care how dangerous you think it is or isn’t, right now, to me, any chance you take with your life is a chance too big. You are the strongest thing in my life, Frank. Don’t go. For once stay here.”

“El,” he emotionally said her name. “I’ll be fine.”

“I don’t care!” Ellen screamed. Then she brought her voice back down, “Not now. I can’t take any chances of anything happening to you. Not now. Please.” She closed her eyes tighter, her voice dropping with each word, “Please. Please.”

He didn’t understand. Running his hand slowly down his face, Frank watched Ellen. How scared she looked. How so much in her life had to be getting to her, for her to be so emotional about him going. “OK.” No sooner did he say that, Ellen’s arms were tightly wrapped around his neck.

“Thank you.” She buried her face at the base of his neck. “Thank you.”

“I still have to move.” He set her down. “And I will be on standby if Robbie radios in that it’s not good. OK?” He watched her nod and he heard his father call for him. “I have to go.” He backed up. “We will talk later about this.” He pointed as he went into Armory. “We will.”

Ellen knew as he walked away from her and as she headed back to the clinic that Frank hadn’t a clue on why she felt the way she did. That was fine with her, all that mattered was he didn’t go. If Frank took a look at all that had been happening with the men around her, first Henry almost dying, then Robbie, then Dean’s blindness, he would see why she feared so much for him, and why she worried. Maybe if he saw it, he wouldn’t have pointed that finger at her.

CHAPTER FIVE

His dark Asian eyes peered over the scope of the rifle. Since his black baseball cap was worn backwards to keep his coal-black hair out of his eyes, his eyes were the only visible portion of him on that rooftop. On one knee he perched his tall body, a body that was thin yet defined. A body, hair that came just past his collar, and a handsome face that hid his age, to Danny Hoi that had always been just fine. His forefinger rested on the trigger, so ready to shoot, watching the street below and the four men who had just arrived. He raised his free hand, lifted his cap, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and replaced it. “What are they doing?” he asked the man next to him. “Bentley?”

“Walking?” Bentley answered. He too was in the same stance as Danny, but not having as easy of a time. His body was much rounder, yet solid. One thing about Bentley that made him look so much more different than any other Survivor who wandered about was his hair, dark, almost black, and clipped short in a man’s clipper cut. He crinkled his nose, causing his glasses to slide slightly across his sweaty nose. “Uh I uh don’t know, Danny.” Bentley shook his head and spoke with a nervous voice, “You’re wrong.”

“No way. I’m telling you. Bent, it’s them. It has to be. Why else would we get the ...”

“Error maybe. You’re wrong.” Bentley lowered his weapon.

“What are you doing?” Danny asked, shifting his eyes back from Bentley to the men afoot.

“Danny. Look. Look at the way they are dressed.”

“So. They’re wearing military.”

“Not typical. And there’s an old guy out there. And ... and mind you. He just went into a tuxedo shop.”

“Huh?” Danny looked down below. “Shit.” He pulled back some but did not lower his rifle. “What the hell is going on?”

“Cole. Cole, come in.” Joe walked into the hangar, radio in hand. “Cole, damn it. Come in!” He released the button. “Where the hell is he for crying out loud?” he asked Frank, who loaded up the chopper.

“He’s not in trouble or he would have radioed at the first sign.”

“What if he didn’t have time?”

“There’s always time.” Frank looked up to see Robbie, suited up and ready. “Let’s go, Robbie. Dad, try him again.”

Joe placed the radio back to his mouth. “Cole. Cole, come in.”

Cole heard the static and the call. He was laughing when he heard it, talking to his two men about maybe bringing home blue tuxedos just to get the woman roused up. Then he thought about it and remembered they were women. The odds of them making their life a miserable hell until they went back out and got the correct tuxes were good. “Hold on.” He took that after-laugh breath, rubbed his eyes, tossed his rifle over his shoulder, and walked to the jeep to get the radio. Still laughing, he picked it up. “Yeah, Joe.”

“Cole, are you all right? Any trouble?”

“No, Joe. Why what’s up?” Cole asked.

“We have news.”

“Bentley.” Danny nudged him with excitement. “Pick up your weapon. Pick it up.”

“Oh shit.” Bentley nervously fiddled with his rifle.

Danny positioned himself better on that roof, leaning more into the ledge. “Ha-ha. I got you this time you son of a bitch. Time to tally up the card.” With his words and a bright smile, Danny began to fire down to below.

Horror shot through Joe with a feeling of being too late when he heard the gunfire through the airwaves, then silence. “Shit. Move it out!” He hurried Robbie into the helicopter and just as Robbie and the last of the team stepped in, Joe got another call on the radio.

“Joe ...” Static. “Joe.” It was Cole.

Relief, a released breath. Joe picked up the radio. “Cole, what’s going on?”

“We’re OK.” Cole closed his eyes for a second to the quiet around him. He picked himself off of the ground. “We uh ...” He shifted his eyes around, checking on his men. “We’re all fine.” Just as Cole bent down to pick up his weapon, he saw them lying not fifteen feet away. “Joe, we have three dead SUTs.”

“Dead?” Joe asked. “Any more trouble?”

“None that I can see. Let me get back to you.”

“Do that. I’m still sending Robbie and another man out with you to at least to escort you back in case there’s any more trouble. We’ll be there in twenty.”

“Thanks, Joe.”

Joe hooked his radio to his belt. “Frank, you heard.”

“Yeah, I did. Robbie and Dan.”

“Sounds good.” Joe motioned his hand to the other two men waiting to go out. He sent them on their way. “Good quick action on Cole and his men. Don’t you think?”

“Too quick.” Frank shook his head. “Maybe we should send all four out. Yeah, I think we will.”

Robbie heard this as he stepped from the chopper. “Frank, you don’t need to.”

“Why?” Frank asked.

“I’ve been out there. They travel in groups of eight to ten. If there are any more there are only seven of them. We hit them with the gas first, then take out the remaining who aren’t affected by it.”

“I don’t know, Robbie. Just to be safe, let’s send a whole team out.”

“Frank, come on. I can take them out alone,” Robbie said with arrogance. “Ye of little faith, bro. Let me have some fun.”

Frank breathed heavily out, looked at his father and then back to Robbie. “All right, you and Dan. But you canvass the area before you drop out and stay with them. And ... and you don’t help them scrap, you stay ready, find a rooftop or something. Got that?”

Robbie rolled his eyes. “Yeah, Frank, whatever, I’m not a pup in this, you know.”

“Sorry. I know. All right.” Frank waved his hand. “Move it out.”

<><><><>

Congratulations were in order or at least that’s what Cole thought. Congratulations to whichever one of his men had the quick insight and quick thinking to take out the SUTs so close to them. He approached his two men who stood stunned, passing Gene who took a seat in the jeep to catch his breath after the excitement. “You all right, Gene.”

Gene placed his hand on his chest. “Will be. Give me a second.” He snatched Cole back as he walked by him. “Cole, is it safe to go back into the tux shop?”

“Um ... give us a few minutes to check out the area. Hang tight.” He moved to his men. “Good job. Who did it?”

“Did what?” Mark asked.

“Shot the ...” Cheering caught Cole’s attention. Cheering and laughing, and he spun his head to see the two men moving quickly down the street. Hurriedly Cole raised his rifle at the tall, thin man and the shorter, heavier man. “Hold it.”

Danny scoffed as he carried his dangling weapon. “Put it down. We aren’t the bad guys here. We just saved your life.” He ran past Cole to the SUTs that were lying there. Danny, using his boot, lifted the pant leg of his baggy Levis—so as not to get blood on them—and he rolled the SUT from its stomach over to its back. “There, Bentley, I told you.” Taking the barrel of the rifle, Danny nudged the SUT. “Check the other two.” He ran the barrel down the arm of the dead SUT and found the patch, pointing it out to Bentley. “There. Look. CS. I was right. Bent?”

“Dead.” Bentley sniffed and tossed his rifle over his shoulder.

Danny laughed loudly. “Was I right? Was I? Who’s the man? Who is the man?”

Bentley rolled his eyes. “You are, Danny.”

“What I tell you? I told you it wouldn’t fail. I told you. No, you had to insist it was going off for no reason. It’s perfected, Bentley. Perfected why would it ...”

“Excuse me?” Cole made an apprehensive approach to the two. “You shot them?”

Danny faced Cole with a grin. “Yeah. We did. We saw them from the roof. Good thing for you we were up there or you wouldn’t be standing here. Man, they are sneaky.” Danny looked back down at the SUT.

“Let me ask you a question?” Cole slowly reached for his weapon. “How do I know you aren’t one of them?”

A snicker, a snort, and both Danny and Bentley laughed. Danny held up his hand as if Cole had just told the funniest of jokes. “Look at us. Look at me.” He leaned in some to Cole. “I’m wearing jeans. My pal here is wearing jeans. Those things ...” Danny’s voice dropped to a whisper, “They’re wearing uniforms. The number one reason you should know I’m not one of them is the same reason I know you’re not one of them.”

“Which is?” Cole asked.

“You talk. I talk. They don’t. Well ... they do, but they don’t, do they, Bentley?”

“Some do,” Bentley answered. “But never in whole sentences and never with reason.”

“Not true.” Danny held up his finger. “Remember the one?”

“Oh yeah.” Bentley nodded. “Though you have to admit he reasoned, but not about anything we quizzed him on.”

“He knew why we had to shoot him.”

“Oh sure, definitely.”

Cole’s head spun. “Who ... who are you two?”

Danny adjusted his rifle over his arm. “Oh hey, sorry.” He extended his hand with a firm shake to Cole and spoke rapidly which was something he did often. “Danny, Danny Hoi. Excuse the hair. And this is George Bentley. I call him Bentley or Bent for short. You?”

“Cole St. John.” Cole retracted his hand in shock after the handshake at the rambling pair.

“No way?” Danny snickered. “Is that really your name?”

“Yeah.”

“No way?” He laughed again. “It sounds like something out of a James Bond movie. You gave it to yourself, didn’t you?”

“No,” Cole told him.

“It’s OK, you can tell us. Changed your name because you figured everyone was dead and who would know anyhow.”

“No!” Cole got defensive.

“Your mother really named you Cole St. John? I guess it’s better than John St. John.” Danny shrugged. “So are you guys looking for that place?”

“What place?” Cole asked.

“You know, that place everyone says exists but only those who have gotten thrown out know it exists.” Danny looked at him, waiting for a reply.

Cole was confused. “What are you talking about?”

Bentley saw the lost look. “Here let me explain. Sometimes my friend gets a little excited. He’s eccentric. We’re looking for a place we heard is in Montana. We ran into some men a while ago, a long while, and they told us about it. One of them said they couldn’t get in and the other said he had gotten tossed out years ago. It’s supposed to be a city?” Bentley titled his head. “Have you heard of it?”

“I think I have,” Cole said cautiously. “Is that what you guys are doing? You’re searching this place out?”

Danny nodded. “What the hell else do we have to do? No, scratch that. We could be sitting in our own city, but they ...” He pointed to the dead SUTs. “They are making it impossible to settle anywhere nowadays. Wait a second.” Danny stepped forward to Cole. “I should have known.” He touched Cole’s arm. “Bentley, feel his skin. He’s much too clean to be living out here. Feel his skin.”

Cole smacked away the reaching hands. “Hey.”

Danny ignored him. “Most of the men we have come across smell and don’t clean up regularly.” Danny sniffed. “You don’t smell, well, not of being unkempt and your skin isn’t gritty. He doesn’t have that sandy feel. I personally have avoided it. Bentley too. With the world at your hands, it’s hard to believe people let themselves get like animals. Don’t you agree? So are you from this place? You are aren’t you?”

“Oh boy.” Cole widened his eyes.

“You are,” Danny said with excitement. “Bent, he is! Hey can we go there?”

“Oh Boy.” Cole stepped back.

“Where you going?” Danny asked.

“I need a drink.” Cole walked to the jeep.

Danny snickered and nudged Bentley. “He needs a ... he needs a drink? Tell me he’s not from a civilized world saying something like that?”

Bentley agreed, “He wouldn’t say it if he hasn’t been saying it.”

“True.” Danny turned to Cole and yelled to him, “Hey, so can we go?” He watched Cole hold up his hand then bring a flask to his mouth. “Can we?”

Again, Cole held up his hand to him and took another drink, a long one.

Danny shrugged. “I guess that’s a yes. Feels good, don’t it. All those nights we were hanging out talking about getting back into civilization and wondering if it was just a pipe dream finding this place. Now we know it’s not. Look at the guy, drinking booze from a flask. You have to love that concept. Hey, Bent. You don’t think I came off too strong do you?”

“Nah. You have to be personable, Danny, and you’re a personable guy.”

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. You don’t want to be too quiet. People tend to not trust quiet people and you know a lot of the people in this world are quiet.” Bentley raised a thinking finger. “You came off Danny-like. We did decide if we found this place we were going to be ourselves so they would know we were civilized.”

“Shit,” Danny spoke in shock.

“What’s wrong?”

“Look at us. We weren’t supposed to find them looking like this.”

“We’re prepared.”

“We’re prepared,” Danny said. “Should we get moving on it now?”

“Yeah, we don’t want them to leave without us.”

Danny looked back at Cole. “Hey James Bond, we’re uh ... we’re gonna go get our stuff and get ready. Don’t leave without us.”

Cole gave an acknowledging wave—a half-ass acknowledging wave—and lifted his flask closer to his mouth again. “You want healthy men, Joe. I bring you healthy Survivor men. Oh boy.” He watched Danny and Bentley dart off into a building. “Oh boy.” What Cole wanted to do was pass the new pair off as crazy, giving him the perfect excuse to leave them behind. But they did save his life and the lives of his men. The more Cole thought about it and remembered listening to them ramble, it only made him realize how much they were already like the people of Beginnings. With that, Cole took another drink.

<><><><>

If George were a young man, he would have used the word ‘cool’ to describe himself. He grinned as he walked around his George-world, leaving his home with the best news ever, the news that he was right. The news that confirmed that not only did George know Beginnings and their way of thinking so well, that he pegged exactly what they would do. Robbie Slagel was en route to meet Cole. In flight. It was only a matter of time.

<><><><>

He was eating a sunflower seed as he sat on the steps to the mobile. Ellen paused in the open door, watching Frank. His long legs bent as he sat on that too-small-for-Frank step. His elbows on his thighs, eating each sunflower seed with precision.

A single click of her hard sole on the wooden step and the close of the mobile door let Frank know Ellen had come back out. He was in his own world and she knew it. Deep in thought she supposed. “Frank?” She sat down next to him. “Sorry.”

“No, that’s all right.” He spit out the seed. “How is he? Does he need you back in there?”

“No. He’s fine.” She reached into the cloth sack and pulled out a seed. “I’m glad you came up.”

“Me too.” Frank turned his head to face her and he smiled at her. “Sorry about being the bearer of bad news.”

“Someone had to do it.” She got rid of the seed in her mouth and grabbed another. “What exactly did Cole say?”

“About finding Survivors?”

“Yes. I hate when Cole brings back Survivors. You know they’re always trouble and there is always something wrong with them. It’s like he’s the animal magnet or something.”

Frank snickered. “I know, but he was rambling on and on.” Frank shrugged as he placed another sunflower seed in his mouth. “He sounded upset, saying something or other about you, about you and these Survivors. Then he went off talking about rambling. I don’t know. I shut him off and told him to tell Robbie to radio me.”

“Cole knows,” Ellen said with certainty. “He knows I’m gonna hate these two, doesn’t he? Trouble.”

“They could be. I’ll radio you when they get here.”

“Swell. You know what two new Survivors means don’t you? It means I’m not getting out of Containment at seven tonight. Well, Frank, I’m telling your dad, sore butt or no sore butt, he’s staying with them.”

Frank chuckled. “You tell him, El.”

“So was the whole purpose for the visit to tell me about Cole?”

“No.” Frank shook his head and peered out toward the sun with squinted eyes “I want to talk about today.”

“What about it?”

“El, you confuse me. You really confuse me.” He looked at her. “What happened? Why were you so emotional about me not going? Let me tell you, you’ve asked me not to go before. You’ve gotten upset before, but never have you been like that.”

“I know.” Seeing Frank eat a seed, she grabbed one. “So much has happened, Frank. I think you know that I’m having a hard time. More than I want is happening in my life or has happened.”

“Can I help?”

“You did.” Ellen held her hair back as it blew forward. “You didn’t go. You stayed behind and let me have a piece of mind, at least about something. There’s so much on my mind, Frank. I just didn’t want to worry about you. I worry about you even when you walk your perimeters. Sending you out there, even for something routine, was just too much for me to handle. I wanted you here and safe. I just needed you here.”

“See, that’s what confuses me. You act one way toward me but yet you’re with Dean.”

“Frank,” Ellen said his name softly. “Dean is very special to me. When he’s hurt, I’m hurt. He needs me. Right now, Dean needs all the help he can get, more than you realize. I think you will realize once you work with him that Dean is not having an easy time with his loss of sight. He tries, he tries to do all that we worked on previously, but I see the look on his face. He’s not letting instinct take over and it shows. It’s all because he’s scared. He’s scared because he has to learn to do things over again and scared because he’s afraid he won’t do things right, or that he will fail. He’s also reaching, Frank. He’s reaching, reaching for something, anything to help him. I have to be within his reach whenever he needs me.”

“I understand.” Frank let out a breath. “I understand why you are with him now. Now, El, not before.”

“What do you mean?”

“I know this whole Dean togetherness is new. Contrary to what you might think, if you and I had been together when he lost his sight, you could have come to me about it. You could have told me that you had to be there for him. I really, really believe that I would have let you. I’m not—uh—real sure about the sleeping with him part. I would have let you be there for him.”

“You know, Frank. I believe you would have.”

“Thank you for that.”

“You’re welcome for that.”

Frank returned the gentle smile that Ellen gave him. “But getting back to what I was saying.” He cleared his throat. “I’m going out on a limb here. Before this Dean thing came to a head, I thought ... I thought you and I were getting somewhere. We were getting so close I could actually feel it in here.” Frank brought his hand to his chest. “You know, when we were together, like a tension. Now I know you’ll always love me, that’s not cockiness, mind you. We’ve known each other for so long we’ll always love each other. But I thought you loved me again, really loved me again. Today, even though I know you’re with Dean, when I looked at you ...” Frank shook his head slowly. “When you were asking me not to go, I looked at you and I swore I wasn’t looking at just my friend. I swore I was looking at a woman who was in love with me.” Frank watched Ellen slowly close her eyes and bring her folded hands to her face. “What’s wrong?”

Ellen shook her head.

“El?” Frank saw her head drop. “Oh God I’m sorry. I was wrong. I was really wrong, wasn’t I? I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”

“Frank.”

“I didn’t, El. I swear. I was just ... just confused. You confused me.”

“Frank,” her voice was low.

“No.” He shook his head. “Don’t worry about it. I was confused, only I confused myself.”

“Frank, stop it.” She lowered her hands in frustration to his rambling and snapped, “Stop. You weren’t wrong, OK?”

“What?”

Ellen’s eyes widened and she lifted her head in panic. “I mean ...”

“El? What are you saying?”

“Nothing. I mean, you uh ... you were wrong, but ... you uh.”

“El, too late. You said it.”

“Said what?”

“That I wasn’t wrong.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Yes it was.” Frank nudged his shoulder into her.

“No.”

“Yes it was.” Frank drew a smirk upon his face as he stared forward. He was silent for a second and then he turned his head to her with a smile. “El? You still love me, don’t you?”

“Frank.”

“Tell me.”

“No.”

“Come on tell me.”

“No.”

“I still love you.”

“Frank.”

“All right.” He chuckled and picked up his cloth sack. “Sunflower seed?”

“Yes.” She let out a silent breath and grabbed a few. “Frank, can I tell you something.”

“What’s that?”

“I am sorry I aimed at you last night. I was thinking about it and I’m sorry.”

“I was thinking about it too.” Frank ate a seed. “And don’t apologize. You had every right to aim at me. Not to shoot the gun, but to aim and try to scare me. Which ... which you did.”

“You didn’t show it.”

“You think I would?” Frank took a breath. “I should not have gone after my friend like that. I shouldn’t have. I was wrong, really wrong.” Frank tossed out the seeds and his head dropped as he folded his hands. “I still feel really bad about it. In fact, more than you realize, I feel guilt over it.”

Ellen slid her hand, first down his forearm then to his joined hands, slipping her fingers in between them. “You’ll get through this.” She leaned to him then rested her head against his arm. “If you need to talk ...”

“I know.” He released her fingers and brought his hand to her face, holding her against him for a second, then tilted his head in to her and kissed Ellen on the forehead. He smiled after. He saw, through the corner of his eyes, Ellen looking up at him and he lowered his head. As he did, Ellen raised hers and he just stared at her. Opening his mouth to say something, anything at that moment, Frank’s entire view shifted from Ellen when Dean’s call for her came from the lab. “You uh ... you’d better get back to him.”

“You wanna come in?”

“No. That shit is boring. I’ll see you at Receiving when the new Survivors get here.” Frank chuckled when he heard her whine. He squeezed her hand. “I gotta go.” He stood up, holding Ellen’s hand. “Thanks for the talk.”

Ellen looked up as she still sat on the step. “Thank you too.”

“Anytime.” Frank gave that cool appearance then stepped back, ready to release her hand. Before he did, he stepped into her, raised her fingers to his mouth and kissed them. “Friend.”

Ellen smiled at him. “Friend.” She stood up clutching his hand once more and feeling every bit of his skin as he slipped his hand slowly from hers. “Bye, Frank.”

Frank watched her start to go into the lab. “Hey, El?”

“Yeah?” She turned to look back, opening the door.

“If you run into Andrea in town, can you tell her I’m really busy?”

“Sure. I know Dean’s vision is a secret. I won’t tell her you’re helping him.”

“No, that’s not it. She wants to measure me.”

“Measure you? For the wedding?”

“No. Get this. For a sweater.” He heard Ellen laugh. “Yeah. She says I’m in need of a good sweater for the winter. Me, a sweater. What is up with her lately? She is all fuckin loopy and shit.” Frank dramatically shuddered. “Anyhow, cover for me.”

“I will, only because I can’t envision you in a sweater.”

Raising his eyebrows high, Frank waved. “See you at Receiving.”

She watched him briefly while holding the door open, then Ellen went into the mobile lab and chuckled as she did. “A sweater.” She pulled the door closed and stopped cold. “What is up with Andrea lately?”

<><><><>

The moment Robbie stepped off the helicopter, he could see the distress across Cole’s face. Not that Robbie cared whether Cole was upset or not, but he could see it. Unloading the extra ammunition, Robbie instructed Johnny to power down the chopper and hang out for a few minutes while Gene got everything together. There was no reason, if there was going to be trouble, to pull a seventy-year-old man with tuxedos into it. It didn’t take long for Gene to be ready. He was more than willing to take the short route home. Loaded down with his tuxes, shoes, and shirts in plastic bags, Gene anxiously awaited Johnny to take him home. Johnny’s reputation for causing airsickness wasn’t even on Gene’s mind.

Johnny slid the side door closed. “So, Uncle Robbie, you want me to hang out a few minutes more.”

“Nah, go on. But make a sweep around and keep in radio contact with me. Got it?”

“Yep.” Johnny put on his sunglasses. “Be careful.”

“Got it.” Backing away, Robbie gave a thumbs-up as he watched his nephew get into the helicopter, then he himself walked over to Cole as the noisy bird lifted. “Cole.”

“Robbie.”

“How’s the metal run going?”

“Good. Another hour and we’ll be ready to head out.”

“So I see our dead SUTs. Where are our hero Survivors?”

“Get this.” Cole raised his eyebrows. “Getting ready.”

“Getting ready? Getting ready for what?”

“To go to Beginnings. They want to make a good impression. They heard we’re picky.”

“We are.”

“They’re weird.”

“No kidding?” Robbie grinned. “When aren’t Survivors weird? Pretty whacked-out then?”

“Did you ever sit in a room with Ellen and Henry for about, say ... two minutes?” Cole asked.

“Unfortunately, yes.”

“They are worse. Ten times worse. Only one problem though, Robbie. They’re civilized, completely civilized. You can tell by looking at them they had lived in a civilization for a while, among people. They just don’t have that look.”

“And now they’re getting ready.”

Cole nodded, looking so annoyed. “I think the one is getting a haircut.”

This shocked Robbie. “A haircut?”

“Oh sure. One of them was a barber.”

A grin, a wide grin. “You do know, Cole, we don’t have a barber in Beginnings.”

“It never fazed me, Robbie. I just shave my head when my hair gets to me.”

“Yeah, but you’re not attractive.” Robbie playfully elbowed him.

“Ha, ha, ha. According to Danny, the new guy, I don’t smell very nice either.”

Robbie leaned to him and sniffed. “Come to think about it you ...” Across the street, the figure of the thin man backing up caught Robbie’s attention. Robbie squinted, focusing against the bright sun. “That looks an awful lot like ...” He watched Danny, no shirt, wearing only his jeans, back up and look to the sky, watching the helicopter. As his head tilted back, his black hair looked even longer. “It looks like Henry.”

“That’s because he has that long-ass hair,” Cole snipped. “Wait until he turns around.”

When Danny did, Robbie agreed. “I see. Hey!” Robbie called to him, then motioned his hand for Danny to come over. “What’s he doing?” Robbie asked Cole, when he saw Danny go back into the building and come out with Bentley. “Look at these two.”

Danny was bright and upbeat when he walked over to Robbie. “Hey.” He held out his hand. “Danny Hoi. Nice to meet you.”

“Robbie. Robbie Slagel.” Robbie shook his hand then shook Bentley’s. “You’re coming with us?”

Danny nodded with a raise of his hand. “If you’ll have us.”

“We’ll have you, especially since you helped out our men. I’m in Security in Beginnings.”

“Security? So this place is pretty safe?” Danny asked.

“More so than anywhere in this country,” Robbie spoke with certainty.

“Let me ask you this,” Danny said, “are there, are there women in your town?”

“Oh yeah.” Robbie saw Danny grin wide. “But ... unfortunately they’re all taken. Some have two or three men.”

“Can we talk to them?” Danny asked. “I mean strike up a conversation, sit with them, or do we run the risk of getting killed.”

“Not many of our women show violent tendencies.” Robbie smiled at the same time Danny did. “Of course you can talk to them. Some you may not want to but you’ll weed the weird ones out.”

“Excellent. It has been forever since I spoke to a woman.” Danny shook his head. “Over a year since I’ve seen one and the ones before, that I did see, you couldn’t even look at them.”

“It’s not that way in Beginnings. And ... you picked a good day to arrive. Our women are on a feminine kick today. Clothing Division just made them all these little flat shoes, only they aren’t flat. They have a heel. All of them are dressed up today. They look good.”

“Clothing Division? Whoa. I can’t wait until I get there.” Danny started backing up and grabbed Bentley’s arm. “In fact with women there, I’d better cut this hair. I hope you guys can find a use for me in there. I can be useful.”

“What exactly did you do in the old world?” Robbie called out asking as Danny walked away. Expecting for certain Danny would say waiter, actor, something like that.

“Oh.” Danny stepped closer. “I was an ...” A beeping sound stopped Danny from speaking and immediately a panicked look took over him. “Shit. Bent, our guns.” The beeping grew louder as Danny reached behind him to the back waist of his pants.

“What ...” Robbie looked around. “What is that beeping?”

Danny pulled out what used to be a handheld video game. “Shit.” He looked at the display. “They’re close.” He looked up at Robbie. “You guys have guns, right? Get them ready.” Danny looked down again.

“What? What are you rambling about?” Robbie tried to remain calm.

“Those things.” Danny pointed to the SUTs. “They’re coming. Twenty ... twenty-two of them.”

“Twenty-two?” Robbie was stunned. “How do you know?”

“I know.” Danny looked at his contraption. “And close. Shit.” He spun around. “Get your guns. North, south ... west ... seventy-five feet, seventy feet ...” The beeping grew faster and Danny hurried back. “Bent, we’ll hit the roof.”

“Hold it.” Robbie positioned his M-16. “Cole, you and your men follow them. Danny,” Robbie called to him. “Can you really tell when they’re closing in?”

“They are.”

“Can you stay here? I guarantee you’ll be safe. I need you to let me know when they are right here.”

Danny looked at Bentley and then motioned his head to him to show Cole and his guys the roof. “All right.”

“Thanks.” Robbie loaded up his M-16 203 with a small gas can. “Tell me when they are within fifteen feet and give me an approximate. I need to get close.”

“I can point you right at them.”

Robbie grinned widely. “If you can do that and I take them out with little problem, I’ll get you hooked up with a woman in Beginnings.”

“Just don’t get me killed right now. All right?”

“All right. Give me a direction.”

“Over by the bank.” Danny held out his hand. “Over there.” He pointed in another direction. “By the park.” He turned Robbie again. “And masses over by the old McDonald’s.”

“How far?”

“Thirty feet.”

Robbie rotated. “Too far. Anything closer?” He asked as he readied three more cans of gas.

“No. It’s like they’re all in synch.”

“No problem. Hold these.” Robbie handed him the gas cans.

“Twenty-five feet. What are these?”

“Called Phase Out.” Robbie lifted his radio. “Johnny, Johnny, come in. We have SUTs. Twenty-two. Head back and get ready to fire on them. You copy?”

“Got it, Uncle Robbie.”

Robbie hooked his radio on his belt. “How far now, Danny?”

“Fifteen feet.” He saw Robbie smile. “You see them?”

“I see them. When I tell you, you hand me the cans. And be fast. Ready ...” Robbie aimed upward. “Say goodbye.” A soft pop and a whistle emanated from the M-16. “Gas.” Robbie held out his hand, loaded the gun, shifted in a turn, and fired. “Gas!” Click, clank, shift, pop. And another turn. “Gas!” Again Robbie loaded and again Robbie fired. Whistles filled the air, then the sound of the gas cans letting loose. He grabbed hold of Danny’s arm and ran with him to the buildings, grabbing his radio as he did. “John. John, you read me?”

“Got you, Uncle Robbie. I see the gas working. I also see eleven of them not going down, unaffected.”

Boom! Robbie kicked forth the door of the building. “Can you get them?”

“Negative, they’re covered.”

“Can you see them now?” Robbie placed an ammunition clip in his weapon and lowered the radio. “Danny, go to the roof.”

Johnny came over the airwaves. “They’re hitting center town. They’re coming to that building you ran in. They saw you.”

“Danny hit the roof!” Robbie held up his M-16 and peered out the window seeing the SUTs moving toward him. “Fuck it.” Taking a deep breath, Robbie flung open the door to the building, held up the weapon in its automatic state, and ran out firing his weapon in a spraying motion, letting the searing, rapid bullets of the gun take out the SUTs loudly and with a slicing action.

Standing in the street amongst his single-man massacre of SUTs, Robbie, slightly out of breath, heard laughing. Wiping the back of his hand across his forehead he turned to the laughing to see Danny coming out of the building.

“That was great!” Danny came out. “That was really great. You must really be in practice or up against those things a lot. I’m up against those things a lot and I can’t take them out like that. Of course, I don’t have an M-16 either. Or that shit you fired in the air.” Danny ran out toward the bank. He saw a reddish-brown bubbling substance by the building. “Is that what’s left of them? What was that shit you fired at them? Holy hell.”

Robbie chuckled at Danny’s enthusiasm. His slight show of dementia told Robbie that Danny would get along just fine with him and Frank in Beginnings. Though Danny stood amazed, looking at what Robbie had done, he was clueless to the fact that Robbie stood amazed looking at Danny. Yes, Beginnings had the weapons, the gas, and the practice that Danny may not have had. But Danny had something Beginnings was nowhere near having. What they had been looking for, a possible first line of defense against the SUTs. Danny held that literally in the palm of his hand.

<><><><>

Ellen closed the last rabbit cage. “Ready to break for lunch, Dean? If I see any more rabbit puke, I’m not going to want to eat and you know how I get cranky when I don’t eat.”

“Yes, I know.” Dean felt his way to stand and made his way over to the sink to wash up with Ellen.

“All I had was a few sunflower seeds when Frank was up here.”

“Yes I know, Ellen, and I had to hear you bitch about how your lips are numb.”

“They aren’t numb now, Dean. Want to kiss me?” She didn’t get an answer. “Maybe not.” She flicked her wet hands at him, watched his annoyed look on his face, giggled, and walked to the door. “I’ll see you there. I brought us ...”

“El, you wanna wait? I still need you to guide me over there. I fell twice today on those steps between the mobiles. Stop laughing, it isn’t funny.”

“Sorry.” She grabbed his arm. “I’ll lead the way.”

“So what did Andrea want? She never comes up here.”

“Actually she wanted to measure you.” Ellen led him from the mobile “Step. She has learned a new ... step ... trade. Knitting.”

“Knitting?” Dean said with shock.

“She says she’s going to make every man ... step ... a new sweater. I told her ... step ... that’s a lot of sweaters.” She opened the trailer door. “I do see you in a sweater though, Dean. We’re in the hall of the trailer.”

“I gathered.” He reached his hand out feeling the wall to learn it. “Ellen, I just counted two steps down and two steps up.”

“Yes.”

“So why this afternoon, when I went to use the bathroom, did you tell me there were three steps.”

Ellen laughed. “Sorry.”

“It’s not funny.”

“I know. Sorry.” She brought him into the living area and then into the kitchen. “Chicken sandwich or jam?”

“Which one do you want?”

“I can’t decide. You decide.”

“I’ll have the chicken.” He heard Ellen whine. “Then I’ll have the jam. If you wanted the chicken why didn’t you say so?”

“I was being nice.” Ellen opened the refrigerator. “Frank made the sandwiches.”

“Swell.”

“You know what he said, Dean?” Ellen pulled out the lunches. “He said that if he and I were together when you lost your sight, he would let me help you.”

“And you believed him?”

“Oh sure I did. Milk or water?”

“Water. El ... Don’t get me wrong. I’m glad that Frank wants to help me, but he’s gonna really get in the way of us when I start to become self-sufficient.”

“I guess that’s something you’ll have to deal with.”

“Like him going on and on about you wearing a ...” Dean paused. “Are you really wearing a skirt today?”

“Sure I am, Dean.” Ellen replaced the milk back in the refrigerator. “You don’t believe me?”

“Well ...”

“Give me your hand.” She took it and laid it on her thigh. “Feel. Leg.” She moved it up an inch. “Feel it. A skirt.”

Dean stepped closer to her. “You are.”

“Sure I am. Dean?” Ellen paused. “Dean? Dean!”

“Huh?”

“The skirt stays down.”

“Sorry.” Dean pulled his hands away and backed up. “I thought you were lying to me.”

“Now why would I do that?” Ellen pulled out some plates.

“For starters I’ve had to deal with a ton of bad blind jokes today.”

“I’m just trying to lighten the mood.”

“Don’t.”

Ellen turned around and faced him. “I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”

“Just ... just not yet. OK?”

“All right,” Ellen’s voice dropped and she turned back to preparing the lunch.

Dean sensed the change in her mood. “I made you feel badly, didn’t I?”

“No,” Ellen answered shortly.

“I did. I didn’t mean to.”

“I know.” Ellen gripped the counter. “I’m just trying to help your mood, Dean. I thought I did last night, but every time I try to be nice or touch you, you pull back … with the exception of the skirt. But that’s a problem I won’t have again. This is the last day I wear a skirt.”

“You did help last night, El.”

“So if I did, why do I feel so ...” She grabbed the plates. “Lunch is done.” She brushed by Dean and brought the plates to the table.

“So what, Ellen? You feel so ... so what?”

“Never mind.” She took hold of his arm. “We’ll eat.”

“No.” He stopped her. “What is it?”

Ellen let out a loud breath. “It’s just that, I thought we kind of clicked last night. I wasn’t really looking at it like a stepping-stone over a hurdle. You understand? I looked at it differently than just something you needed.”

Dean was silent for a second. “You think I used you.”

“No.” Ellen’s voice took on that high pitch fake sound, “No. I didn’t say that.”

“Yeah you did, El.” Dean stepped closer to her. “I didn’t use you. I loved last night. I want last night all the time, but I know the moment I get used to it, it will be taken away from me.”

“You can’t say that for sure.”

“No, I can’t. But I know our history and I know our pattern.” He laid his hand on her face. “I love you. Right now, just knowing I have you here for me, is all I need.”

“So you don’t want to take a chance?” Ellen asked. “That sucks. You know that? Every single time we get close, one of us always stops it. I thought this time we could take that chance.”

“I can’t take that chance. Right now, I am really vulnerable. I know that. If I sleep with you again, it’s gonna make it that much worse when it’s taken away from me. I work with you, El. I’m with you more than anyone. I’d rather want you and know that I can’t have you, than have you and wait for it to be taken away.”

“I understand,” Ellen said softly. “I wouldn’t trust me either. I have a pretty ... uh ... strong reputation.” She watched Dean’s awkward smile. “It’s OK. We’ll work together. We had a great time last night, a great time.” She leaned to him. “I’m kissing you right now, so don’t back away.” She kissed him, softly and quickly. “There, painless.”

Dean’s hand immediately went to the lips that just kissed him. He moved in to kiss them again and stopped. “Last night was not only what I needed, know it was what I wanted.”

“Then why give it up?” Ellen asked softly.

“I don’t want to give it up. I just don’t want my heart to get broken again.” Dean stepped back. “Just once, just once I’d like to be the one who’s in the way rather than the one who gets stepped on with you. Just once, I’d like to be that other man. Because you and I both know, you never give up that other man.”

Ellen huffed slightly. “I can’t believe you just said that to me.”

“OK, that was wrong.”

“It was.”

“But there is something appealing about being the one you sneak off with, the one you fool around with.”

“Appealing meaning exciting? Or meaning the sex?”

Dean raised his head. “Both.”

“Oh,” Ellen gasped with shock. “You of all people, Dr. Hayes, are not one to say that. You’re the sensitive guy. You’re the romantic. You’re not the guy who sleeps with someone without his heart getting involved. Besides, you just don’t have it in you. I for one would never do that with you. Ever. Sex? Sex only?” Ellen fluttered her lips at him. “Let’s have lunch.”

<><><><>

“Robert!” Joe scolded as he opened the door to his office. “Get the hell out of my chair.”

“Sorry, Dad.”

“What the hell were you doing sitting there anyhow?” Joe hobbled his way to the desk.

“Waiting for you. What took you so long?”

“Eh. Andrea.” Joe lowered himself to sit, paused, lifted back up, then slowly and gently, with a scrunched up face, sat down.

Robbie ran the back of his hand across his mouth to hide his snicker. “So uh ...” He cleared his throat. “What about Andrea?”

Joe gasped a slight moan and shifted in his seat. “She was measuring me.”

Robbie tossed his head back. “You too? Man, I saw her coming with that tape and I ran. I ran, Dad. She is gone. Really gone. Walking around singing that stupid song. Whistling like the fuckin seven dwarfs.”

“Robbie.” Joe’s hand slammed on the desk. “Enough about Andrea. Where are our two Survivors?”

“In the extra room, waiting. Waiting for you because you took too long.”

Leaning, Joe opened his drawer and pulled out his ashtray and put it on his desk. “What are they like? Forewarn me.”

“Considering that Cole came across ...”

“Aw!” Joe interrupted his son with a loud vocal complaint. “What the hell is wrong with Cole? Does he not realize he doesn’t do well with Survivors? He picks up the worst of them out there.”

“Well this time they ...”

“Where are they now? Cleaning up?”

“No. They’re already cleaned up.”

“That fast? They can’t be cleaned up that fast. They have to shower and sanitize. You know that. We don’t need another outbreak of lice around here.”

“Actually, Dad, if you would let me finish.”

Joe looked up at Robbie, curious about his tone. “Go on.”

“They were clean when I got there. They had cleaned up. And wait, just wait until you see them. They are different than any other Survivors we have picked up and I have been doing this Survivor shit since we started it.”

“They aren’t sick?”

“No, not at all. In fact I predict Ellen, when she gets here, will give the OK immediately to go to Containment. If not past.”

“What?” Joe asked. He started to lean back, stopped, grunted, shifted, and then finished leaning in his chair. “These are the two that saved Cole and his men?”

“No. These are the two that also saved my ass.”

“You didn’t mention this. How did this happen?”

“What, saving my life? The one saw it coming. He saw the SUTs sneaking in before I did.”

“You think maybe he’s a set up?” Joe asked.

“Nope, not at all.”

“Then how did he see them coming before you? You’re trained in that shit.”

“Because of this.” Robbie laid in front of Joe the video game that Danny had.

“You were playing games when it happened?”

“No.” Robbie reached down. “Let me see what Danny said ... oh yeah.” He pressed the circle button and the instrument beeped. “It’s on.”

“OK, but right now I don’t want to play a game.”

“Dad, it’s impressive.”

“The man knows how to make batteries, so what?” Joe slid the game back.

“No, Dad, you have it all wrong. Danny calls this the TT for Terminator Tracker, but he said he’d easily rename it the SUT finder.”

“The SUT finder?” Joe laughed. “The SUT finder.”

“Yeah. OK, we’ll come up with a better name.”

“Robert, why name it that at all?”

“Because this little thing, see this attachment on the end.” Robbie pointed to the small red square on the edge. “It’s like radar. It picks up our SUTs and it picks them up not only in distance, but in direction, and in numbers. It beeps. For each SUT, a red dot appears. Soldiers who aren’t SUTs, their dots are black.”

“Black and red dots?” Joe spoke with sarcasm and lack of belief. “And it beeps. Robbie, you were duped. There is no way this will ...” A beep shut Joe up.

Robbie looked down at the tracker. “See, one red dot.”

“See, it’s wrong. I don’t think a SUT is walking in Beginnings.”

“Fifty feet. Bet me it’s Henry.”

“Why do you say that?” Joe asked, watching it indicate a closer range.

“I told Henry to come up here and bring the microchips. Here he comes.” Robbie faced the door. “And ... Henry.” The door opened. “Frank?”

At the point where the thing beeped loudly and out of control, Joe had enough. “Shut this thing off. It’s Frank and he’s no SUT.”

“But, Dad.” Robbie grabbed the tracker. “I’m telling you this works.”

“I’m telling you it doesn’t.”

Frank stepped forward. “Can I interrupt?” Before he could take a chance on waiting for them to tell him he will anyhow, Frank reached his hand out and laid down a white cloth. “Here’s those microchips. Henry said to be careful with them.”

Joe’s wide eyes immediately went to the cloth then to the game. “Robbie, get me this Survivor.”

Robbie smiled and walked over to the far door, opening it. “Danny. I need you first.” He stepped back.

The door opened a little wider and his black hair peeked through first, then his head with a wide smile. Danny slid in then closed the door behind him. He ran his fingers through his now short and neat hair, then extended his hand out, confused on who to greet first. “Danny Hoi.” Danny walked to Joe only because he sat behind a desk.

“Joe Slagel.”

“Really?” Danny asked. “You’re Robbie’s father? I see the resemblance.” He faced Frank. “Danny.”

“Frank ... Slagel.”

Danny laughed once loud. “Another one? Oh man that is wild.” Though already neatly dressed in a tee shirt and clean jeans, Danny tucked his shirt in more. “Thanks for letting us come in. We were a little worried that you wouldn’t let us in.”

“Dan.” Joe held up the tracker. “Did you make this?”

“Oh yeah.” Danny began to look around Joe’s office. “Is this your office, Mr. Slagel?”

“Joe. And yes it is.”

“Wow.” Danny smiled. “Clean.”

“Thank you.” Joe continued, “Danny, how did you make this?”

“Simple.” Danny walked up to the filing cabinet next to where Frank stood. He smiled at Frank then ran his hand over it. “Really clean. Amazing.”

Joe looked at Robbie, then Frank, then Danny. “Danny? Explain simple.”

“It’s like baking cookies. It’s just a matter of this and a matter of that.” He opened a file drawer. “Wow, files.” He pointed in with such childlike excitement. “Are they real?”

Frank shut the drawer. “No we call them Copperfield files. They’re a fuckin illusion.”

Danny laughed at Frank. “That’s funny.” He walked from the filing cabinet, pointing to the door behind Joe. “Is that another room?”

“Yes,” Joe answered. “Now getting back to ...” He watched Danny open the examining room door.

“Oh my God,” Danny exclaimed. “It’s like a doctor’s office. Oh my God.”

“Danny, would you mind sitting down?” Joe requested.

“Would you mind if I didn’t. I’m finding this place really interesting and I haven’t even seen it all.”

“Danny, please.” Joe held out his hand to the chair. “You can look around when we’re done.”

“OK.” Danny shrugged and walked to the chair, and sat down.

“Danny.” Joe held up the tracker. “Do you realize what you brought in here?”

“Yeah.” The smile dropped from Danny’s face. “Is it not allowed? I can take it apart ...” As his hand reached for it, he pulled it back when Robbie and Joe both shouted ‘No!’ “Or I won’t ...”

“Can you tell me about this?” Joe asked.

“Oh sure. It tracks the Terminator up to a hundred feet away. It detects in distance, you know, direction.” Danny acted nonchalant.

“How did you come up with this?”

“It was easy. OK. I’m lying, at first it wasn’t. At first it worked then it didn’t. I made the first type years ago when we ... the people I lived with ... when we were dealing with the, I call them Warriors because they remind me of something from Mad Max. They run around in loincloths and such, screaming.”

Joe knew who he talked of. “We call them Savages.”

“Yeah, sounds like them.” Danny bit his nails, leaned forward, and then back. “I made a tracker to detect when there were a large group approaching. It worked because when we lived in that town, man those things would hit us once a week, I swear. It was a game to them. We actually ended up moving twice.”

“Where are you from?” Joe inquired, watching Danny fuss about. “Are you always so hyper?”

“Always. Always.” Danny shifted. “Nervous energy. I’m from California, Sacramento.”

“Is that where this town is that you were at?”

“At first. I lived in the mountains at my house there for a while. I went there at the onset of the plague with my parents and brother and his family. I thought if we were far enough from it, we would be safe. We weren’t. I guess I lived alone for ...” Danny closed one eye and thought. “A year and a half and then I moved on. I traveled a couple months when I reached the town where I met Bentley, the guy I’m with. He and about six men were farming this town. I stayed. The Savages hit. We moved on. We found another town with about ten more men and two women. But the women you couldn’t touch, look at, or speak to, or you’d get shot.” He turned his head back to Frank who snickered. “Anyhow, that place is where I made the first tracker. It worked, each one I made worked for years. No matter where we moved. But it failed about a year ago. We were in our town in Nevada and we got hit by these soldiers. Six of us escaped with our lives. They took the two women and killed the other men. Bentley was OK with me. The other men blamed me for my tracker failing. I couldn’t figure it out. It seemed everywhere we went, we ran into these things and had to run. We couldn’t get ahead of them because we couldn’t see them coming.”

“But you see them coming now,” Joe said. “This does work, right? Robbie said it works.”

“Oh yeah it works. Now.” Danny blew from his mouth. “How stupid I was. I, of all people, should have figured it out sooner. It dawned on me. What would cause my electronic instrument to fail? Why wouldn’t it pick them up? Interference right? What interference could there be unless these soldiers had either something on them or in them. So when we killed one we checked out its clothes. Nothing. We did an autopsy at first. Nothing. It was human, blood, guts, and such.” Danny tossed his hands up. “Then I realized what it was about them that made me think that perhaps they were robots. Their eyes, they had no soul. Being the big Planet of the Apes fan that I am, I checked the head of the next one we found. There was a laser scar right at the temple.” Danny pointed to his own temple. “We busted its head open and, you’re not gonna believe this, we found a microchip. These soldiers had a microchip in their brain.”

Joe nodded. “We know about the chip.”

“Oh good. I thought you weren’t going to believe me.” Danny grabbed his chest. “So I took some time, a day or so, and figured the chip was what had to be causing the interference. So I took the chip and used that in conjunction with my tracker, sort of implanting it within the electronics and using it as a magnet. Now instead of just picking up humans, I pick up the chip and how many there are of them. Works quite nicely too. Depending on how many there are, we have enough time to run or fight them. But they are so heavily armed at times, we just kept running.”

Frank snapped his finger loudly. “Wait a second!” He stepped away from the filing cabinet. “You mean to tell me this game thing tracks the SUTs before you can see them. Picks them up?”

Joe rolled his eyes slightly at his son’s Einstein-quick way of picking things up. “Yeah, Frank, what the hell have we been talking about for ten minutes?”

“That is so fuckin great!” Frank said with excitement, snatching the object from Joe’s hand. “This is great. Danny, can you make more?”

“Oh sure. I need another microchip to make another one though. The game units we can get at any toy store. The circuit board, the rest, I can piece together with just about anything you have lying around.”

“Whoa.” Frank looked at it. “Like the thing the Ghostbusters used.”

“Exactly.” Danny nodded.

“You said you have a range of a hundred feet?”

“Yes.”

“What’s the chance of you building one on a larger scale?” Frank asked

“You mean like furthering the range?” Danny tried to clarify. “I don’t know. It works like radar and the radar part of it failed. I have it good with one chip. Furthering the range ...”

“No,” Frank interrupted him. “Radar, yes, but large scale radar, connecting a bunch of these things together to make an entire tracking system.”

Danny went silent and shifted his eyes around. “I guess. Sure, I’d have to design it and I’d need a lot more chips. Perhaps with an entire system like you’re talking about, we can actually pick up signals father out.” Danny shrugged. “I’d have to work on it.”

Frank’s face lit up. “I have been trying to establish a first warning system and I was at a loss. This could save lives here, and manpower if we see them coming. Fuck, we’ll air-drop on them.”

Joe liked Frank’s idea and the fact that Danny was nearly certain he could do it. The certain part was what made Joe curious. “Danny, tell us, how do you know so much about this? How were you able to create this so easily?”

“It’s what I do, or did,” Danny said. “Actually putting things together is a hobby of mine. You know, take things apart, put them back together. Fixing things, I like to fix things. I think I do well at it. But electronics, now that was pretty much my specialty. OK, I’m lying, designing, building, and creating electrical systems is what I did. You know, for buildings. I actually went to school to be an architect. I was always buildings things as a kid, but it was boring, so I went back to school to get my degree in electrical engineering. But I’ll tell you Mr. Slagel. Making that ...” He pointed to his tracker. “I didn’t learn in any college. I learned more in trade school when I went for electronics than I did at UCLA.”

Joe’s mouth dropped. “You went to trade school too.”

“Oh sure.” Danny lifted his shoulders “You can’t design something to make it work if you yourself can’t build it and make it work. You can’t do that unless you understand how it works. Understand?” He saw the slant expression of Joe’s face. “Oh no. You don’t believe me. I don’t blame you. I know people probably come knocking on your door, giving you a bunch of shit so they can get in. But you can test me. I’ll take a test.” Danny raised his eyebrow. “Give me something to fix. I’ll do it. Anything.” He leaned into the desk. “Just let us stay. We’re tired of running. We’re tired of living out there. We want to live with people again.”

“Danny ...” Joe gently held the tracker.

“Mr. Slagel, Bentley, he’s a barber. Look, he cut my hair. Robbie says you don’t have a barber. We’re useful.”

“Danny.” Joe smiled and shook his head at the rambling young man. Here, sitting before Joe, was someone that wanted in so badly and little did he know he walked in with his own key and handed it to Joe. “Danny, you and your friend are welcome to stay with us. There are channels, which I’ll explain later, but you can stay.”

Danny clenched his fist with a silent ‘yes’.

Robbie expected the reaction Danny would give. He saw his brother’s expression. If Frank didn’t like Danny before, Danny certainly jumped over typical Survivor status with his tracker. And Joe, Robbie saw that his father recognized an asset to Beginnings more than anything. “Dad? What do you think?”

“I think.” Gently holding the tracker, Joe sat back, not without trouble, but he sat back. “I think we’re gonna have some really amusing times ahead of us.”

This made Robbie curious. “Really? Amusing? Why do you say that?”

Joe grinned devilishly at the tracker. “Because of Henry.” Joe looked at Frank and he knew Frank knew exactly where he was going. “Henry is going to be so jealous. I love it.”

<><><><>

Annoyed would be the understatement to describe Ellen’s mood as she toted herself from town to the line of utility buildings to greet and examine the two new Survivors. All the way up there, box in her arms, courtesy of Henry and everyone else that stopped her and said, ‘Hey, are you going to Joe’s? Can you take this for me?’ Being the kindhearted person that Ellen believed she was, she shrugged and they tossed whatever it was in the box. She would have thought that they would have avoided her. If she could feel the hideous mood showing on her face, she could only imagine what the others saw. Maybe that’s why they bothered her, to irritate her. Just like Frank. He thought he was really funny, calling her on the radio and telling her that she had to come to Receiving. She had to meet the new Survivors. She was going to love the one. Ellen knew exactly what Frank was up to. In his own way, he was telling her how bad they were and he was just digging that fact into her with every chuckle he let out over that radio. She’d see who was laughing when he would want her to come help out that evening with the kids and she was stuck with the new Survivors from hell. Cole-Survivors. Ellen shuddered at that thought as she neared Joe’s office, walking so slowly—not like she was in a hurry to get there. And Cole-Survivors were the worst.

It was like a game of chance. Different people always brought back different types of Survivors. When Miguel used to go out, he would bring in decent Survivors. But like Ellen was the Survivor-Queen, Robbie was the Survivor-King. He always brought back the best. After all, he did bring her back Blake, the Soap Opera God.

She saw the cigarette smoke first as she rounded the bend to the utility building. When she heard that unmistakable single cough, she knew Joe was outside. She peeked first then put on a smile—fake. “Hi, Joe, why are you hanging outside?”

“I couldn’t sit any longer, Ellen. I was tired of waiting on you.”

“I’ve been very busy, Joe. Look, I’m holding a box for you. Everybody is giving me their work to do.” She chuckled at Joe’s grunt. “Who’s with the new Survivors?”

“Frank and Robbie.”

“Are they torturing them?”

“No!” Joe snapped. “What the hell are you wearing?”

“A skirt.”

“A second layer of skin. Don’t you think that’s a little short? Don’t you think it’s a little tight? Don’t you think you’re a little old to be dressing like that?”

“And don’t you think you’re being a little pissy with me.”

“Ellen, I’m being pissy with you because you shot me in the ass.”

“Oh get over it, Joe.”

“What?”

“Just kidding. I have to do blood samples.”

“No you don’t.”

“I don’t?”

“No, Andrea was up here measuring Robbie, and she took the samples for you.”

Ellen sang out a ‘hmm’. “What is wrong with her? I saw her when I was walking up here. You would think she would have told me so I didn’t have to trot my ass all the way here from the clinic, carrying other people’s things too.”

“She didn’t tell you because she wanted you to meet the Survivors. She said you’ll love them.”

Ellen let out a loud sound of disgust. “God! How bad are they? They’re animals aren’t they? They have to be if everyone who has met them rubs it in. For sure I’m heading back to the mobile.” Ellen turned and started to walk. “Here’s your box.”

“Take it inside then head to Containment.”

“But, Joe, I don’t have to be there until two.”

“It’s twenty minutes till, Ellen. By the time you get all the way back out to the mobile it’ll be two o’clock, then you’ll have to turn your skinny ass around and head back. That means you’ll be late.”

“Better late than early, Joe. Take your box.”

“You take my box.” Joe reached back and opened his office door. “Inside for me. You owe me.” He tossed his cigarette and limped in before Ellen. “She’s here,” he spoke out.

Ellen closed the door, griping as she walked in. “Just announce me like a door prize, Joe. Bitching at me from the second you see me. Hey, Frank.” She smiled at Frank who stood by the file cabinet.

“Hey, Babe, wanna meet one of the new Survivors?”

Ellen crinkled her nose to Frank and turned into the office. The moment Joe stepped aside and went behind his desk, was the moment she saw Danny Hoi stand up. Upon seeing the shocking sight of a well-kept Survivor, Ellen’s hands loosened and she dropped the box. It toppled onto the floor and its contents spilled out. “Shit.” She bent down to it.

“Here.” Danny rushed over with a smile, bending down to the floor with her. “Let me help.” He grinned widely at her. “Oh my God.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” He shook his head and picked up some of the papers, his eyes shifting down to her folded legs. When he heard Frank yell ‘eyes’, he lifted his views to Ellen’s face.

Ellen giggled. “Shut up, Frank.” She waved her hand and whispered to Danny, “Don’t mind him.”

Frank rolled his eyes and ran his hand over his head. “Oh great, she’s flirting already.”

“I’m Danny Hoi.” He placed a paper in the box and shook Ellen’s hand.

“Ellen Slagel.”

“No way?” Danny smiled a crocked smile. “Another Slagel?”

“I inherited the name through marriage.”

“No way?” Danny turned his head back. “Robbie, is this your wife?”

“Nope. Sex partner, not wife.”

Danny snickered at Ellen’s gasp. “He’s funny.” He looked at Joe. “Joe, is she your wife?”

“No!” Joe snapped so offended. “Christ, she shot me. If I didn’t think of her as a daughter, she would be the last person I’d marry.”

Danny closed into Ellen, motioning his head up to Frank. “Him? The big guy? That’s your husband?”

“Hey!” Frank yelled. “What’s wrong with me?”

Ellen snickered. “Used to be. We’re split up.”

“Oh yeah?” Danny smiled at that.

“He wanted his name back. He was really mean.”

“El!” Frank yelled. “I think you’re done picking up that shit. You can get up from your private floor party.”

Ellen lifted the box and stood at the same time as Danny. “I guess I’ll show you around Containment. I work there. I run it.”

“Great.” Danny moved his head into Ellen and sniffed. “You smell like a woman.”

“Wait a second.” She grabbed his shirt and pulled him back. “You smell good too.”

“Cologne. I always wear cologne.”

“Oh, that is so great.” Ellen side-handed the box to Frank and he grunted. “No man here wears cologne. And ... great hair.”

“Thanks.” Danny stepped back. “Wow, a woman.”

“Haven’t you seen a woman in a while?”

“No. Over a year.”

“I must look pretty good to you.” She snickered. “I bet Jenny Matoose would look good to you. So you haven’t seen a woman in over a year?”

“No, and the last time I was around one, I wasn’t allowed to speak or look at her. There aren’t many women so it’s been years since I even spoke to a woman.”

“Oh, you can talk to me anytime.”

“Really?”

Ellen waved her hand. “Oh sure. I drive everyone nuts though. Be forewarned. And ...” She looked at those in the room. “Shall I walk him to Containment or are one of you three driving us there?”

Frank jingled the keys. “I’ll drive you. Then Robbie or my Dad will come by later to do the containment explanation thing to him.”

“I can do that.” Ellen looked at Joe. “I can do that, Joe.”

Joe shook his head. “You don’t do it right, Ellen. You lie to the people. Me or Robbie will be there. I thought you wanted to be late today.”

“Me?” Ellen placed her hand to her own chest. “When did I say that?”

Joe was ready to verbally strike out at her but instead he let her go. She was being an ‘Ellen’. He lowered himself to his seat, paused, lifted up with a cringing face, and lowered himself completely. He snarled at Ellen, Robbie, and Frank who laughed. “Knock it off, you three. Robbie, go get Bentley, and Frank can take them and Ellen down.”

“Got it, Dad.” Robbie walked by Ellen and Danny. “Dan, I’ll see you in a little while. Frank, meet you at the jeep.”

Frank reached out for the office door, opening it. “Let’s go, El.”

“OK, come on, Danny.” She walked ahead of him. “Is Bentley like you?”

“I think he is.”

“Oh good.” She paused in the door. “I have to say, I am impressed. Your clothes, your shirt, hair. You are so clean.”

“Thanks. I think clean is important.”

“Oh me too and you’re proof. Look at you. You wouldn’t believe the condition some people come into Beginnings in.”

“Isn’t that wrong? Why let yourself go like that? Just because the world ended, it doesn’t mean personal hygiene should too.”

“My thoughts exactly.” Ellen nodded.

“El!” Frank scolded. “Today!”

With her finger closing off her ear that rang, Ellen jolted and started walking again. “We’ll talk at Containment.”

Frank grumbled some as they walked out. He looked at his father to say goodbye and saw the oddity of happy on his face. “Why are you smiling?”

“Just thinking.” Joe folded his hands on his desk. “I love to get Henry. Henry is going to be so upset for a few days, not just about Danny’s ability, but all the way around.”

Frank grinned. “He does get himself worked up.” He gave a sneaky laugh.

“Hey, Frank. How about you finding Henry and bringing him to Containment to meet Danny? You personally find him.”

Frank bit his bottom lip with an ornery look. “You know what, I think I will. It has been a long time since Henry was all hyper. I miss that.” Laughing, Frank walked from the office and pulled the door closed.

Sitting at his desk, Joe knew that some would wonder why he would do that to Henry. But those same people who would wonder that, would have to realize that Joe found there was very little that amused him in Beginnings. When he saw an opportunity to be amused, Joe being the man that he was, had to seize it.

CHAPTER SIX

It was like a children’s game to Frank. But instead of chasing around some guy in a red-and-white striped sweater, he was chasing around a tall, lanky, long-haired Japanese man wearing tan pants and a white tee shirt. It was the ‘Where’s Henry’ game to Frank and about twenty minutes into his search, he started getting annoyed. He went to the field house. No Henry. He went to the generator building. No Henry again. He wasn’t supposed to be in town still, but Scott informed him that he had an entire list of things to do. So after listening to Scott ramble on in such a slow fashion, Frank headed into center town. Three stops was what Scott told him and Frank went to all three, saving History for last because that was where Henry had the longest task to accomplish.

He pulled the jeep up to History, wishing it was his motorcycle. But as Frank found out during his search for Henry, his ‘out of commission’ bike hadn’t even been touched.

He clomped his boots on the two steps, opening the door to History, and seeing Trish at her desk in her normal fashion, her nose in a book. Frank could have said ‘hello’ when she looked up, but he was already getting in a bad mood. “Why are you always reading?”

“Why not?”

“It’s stupid.”

Trish slammed her book shut. “Do you have an appointment, Frank?”

“No, I don’t have an appointment.” He saw Trish ready to talk. “I’m not here for a history lesson either. I’m looking for Henry. He’s supposed to fix your back printer.”

“Oh yes.” Trish smiled. “It’s broken. It makes this noise when it prints up. Eek, Eek, Eek.”

“Trish! Is he fixing it?”

“Yes, right in the middle.”

“Good.” Frank began to move to the back room.

“Wait!” Trish hobbled up and stopped him. “You can’t go back there.”

“Why not?”

“You don’t have an appointment. Rules, you know.”

“I don’t care about rules. I need to see Henry.”

“Well he’s not back there,” Trish stated.

“He’s not in the back? You said he was in the back.”

“No I didn’t.”

“Yes you did. You said he was fixing the printer.”

“He is.”

“Then he’s back there.” Frank reached for the doorknob.

“No he isn’t, he’s gone.”

“How can he be gone if he’s fixing your printer?”

“He left.”

Frank took a second and caught his breath. “You said he was right in the middle of fixing the printer.”

“He is.”

“Then he’s back there!”

“No. He left in the middle of fixing the printer. He said he’d be back. He needed a part to stop it from going Eek, Eek, Eek.”

“Then he went to Mechanics.”

“No.” Trish shook her head.

“You just said he needed a part.”

“But that’s not why he left. He left because the shredder wasn’t working at Paper Division.”

Frank grunted loudly. “Why didn’t you tell me this is the first place?”

“You never asked.” Trish pointed and moved back to her desk. “Plus you weren’t being very nice.”

“Like I care.” Frank stormed to the door.

“Oh, Frank?” Trish called out to him. “Could you remind Henry that he has to look at my fax machine when he comes back?”

“Why does he have to look at your fax machine, Trish?”

“It’s broken. I’m not getting any faxes, you know.”

“Oh. OK I’ll tell him.” Figuring he’d be nice and make mention of that to Henry, Frank left before Trish confused him anymore. He got back in the jeep and began to drive from town. So irritated at that moment, as soon as he cleared town, Frank reached into his pocket and lit up a cigarette. He stopped the jeep about a mile into the five-mile trip to the Industrial Section and figured he wasn’t going to waste his time pulling a surprise visit on Henry. Obviously, trying to show up unexpectedly where Henry was, only made Frank run around in circles. So he did what he avoided doing all along, he radioed out to ensure he was headed in the right direction. When Paper told him that Henry was there, Frank bluntly told them to keep Henry’s skinny ass there because if he walks in and Henry is gone, he will start shooting.

<><><><>

Henry was excited that the problem with the paper shredder ended up being a minor problem instead of something major. He debated on whether or not—though he did make the mess—to let Paper pick up the shredded mess all over the floor. After all, he did fix their machine. Seeing how he had his tools to pick up, he would leave the mess for the people who ran the division.

Somewhere around Henry’s placing the last of his tools in his sack, guilt hit him. He couldn’t do it. For as much as he wanted to chuck his mess, the nice person in him couldn’t. So Henry, on his hands and knees, started to gather up the paper.

He heard him enter. He knew who it was. No one in Beginnings walks that heavy except for Frank but why was he being so quiet? Henry, realizing he was up to something, and really not in the mood for Frank-games, ignored him and kept cleaning.

A heavy sigh. A footstep toward Henry.

Henry paused, shook his head, and swept with his hands.

Another huff. Another sigh. A step of his boot.

What is he up to? Henry wondered and kept cleaning.

A very heavy huff, a ‘tsk’, a loud clearing of the throat, a sigh, and a stomp of his big foot.

“What, Frank, what? What!” Henry turned around and stood up. “Why are you being like that?”

“Like what?”

“That clicking-of-your-mouth thing you’re doing and breathing.”

“I have to breathe, Henry. We’re all human. I was just ...” Frank let out another sigh. “Watching you.”

“Why?”

“Feeling sorry for you.”

“You should, Frank. I’m very busy. Robbie is running around being the protector. I’m sore, really sore, Frank, because some big ape beat me up last night. And now I’m on my hands and knees cleaning up a floor.”

“Why don’t you get a broom?”

“Why don’t you tell me why you’re here?”

“To see if you want to come and meet the new Survivors. My dad is doing his orientation thing and we thought you’d like to be there.”

“I can’t, Frank. I’m busy.”

“Oh.” Frank nodded. “OK, I just thought that maybe you’d really want to be there.”

“Why? I’ll bite.”

“It’s just that ... well ... Nah.” Frank shook his head. “Never mind. My imagination. Go back and pick up your paper.” Frank began to back out.

“What?” Henry rushed to him. “Don’t do that shit. What?” Henry leaned closer to him and sniffed loudly. “And why do you smell so strongly of cigarette smoke?”

“Me? Fuckin Robbie was blowing in my face again. See ya.”

“Frank. Finish.”

“I did. I told you he was blowing the smoke in ...”

“Frank. About me visiting the Survivors.”

“Oh yeah.” Frank snapped his finger. “It’s just that the one is kind of attached to Ellen already. Like immediately.”

“So, they always attach themselves to Ellen.”

“Yeah, but this one is different. His name is uh ... Danny Boy. No, wait. Danny Joy? No, that’s not it. Oh yeah, yeah, Danny Hoi. That’s it. He’s Chinese like you.”

“I’m Japanese, Frank.”

“Whatever. Anyhow, this guy was different. He was really clean and together when he came in. And he, uh, he just has this talent for making things.”

“Like what?”

“Like a tracking device that uses the microchip to find the SUTs before they reach you. Something simple like that, no big deal.”

Henry’s mouth dropped open. “Oh he did not make something like that.”

“He did too. It went off before the SUT attack on Robbie, and they were able to divert the sneak attack.” Frank shrugged. “But you know that’s only one thing he makes. Probably can’t do much of anything else even though he says he has a degree in architecture and electrical engineering.”

“He does not.” Henry got defensive. “He’s lying. All Survivors lie at first to get in.”

“You know what? You’re probably right. We probably just believed him because he reminded us so much of you, tall, skinny, Chinese.”

“I’m Japanese.”

“Whatever. Hopefully Ellen will be able to see before it gets too late.”

“Too late for what?”

“See, she ... never mind.” Frank flung his hand. “You know me. I get jealous so easy. It’s probably just my imagination because she smelled the guy.”

“What do you mean, ‘smelled him’?”

“You know.” Frank leaned into Henry and sniffed. “Like that.”

“Did he stink?”

“Like cologne or something. At least that’s what Ellen said before, or was it after, yeah after, she told him he had great hair. No wait-wait-wait before.”

“You’re lying, Frank,” Henry spoke so irritated.

“I’m not, but then again, maybe it was my imagination, but after talking to you, I see I was probably wrong. But just in case, I’m heading to Containment to double check myself. That way, in case I’m not wrong, I can be there when they expose this Danny guy for who he really is. But I have to say that contraption he made looked real.”

“Anyone can make anything look real, Frank.”

“You’re right.” Frank backed up. “But then again, how do we know? We can’t tell that shit. We only know what he tells us. Ellen doesn’t know what he says he can do yet. She should be able to sift through the bullshit. That is if she can sift through the fact that she was impressed how clean he was. That’s what she told him when she went to Containment ... early.” Shrugging, Frank opened the door to Paper. “See ya.”

With his mouth tightly closed and his jaw going back and forth in a shifting debate, Henry looked at the mess on the floor, looked at his tool bag, and then the just closed door. After a few seconds, Henry grabbed his tool bag and ran from Paper. “Frank, wait up.”

Frank smiled.

<><><><>

“This room is our skills room.” Ellen walked with Danny into the large room. “Here’s where we do most of our testing and evaluating, our social skills classes and such, to prepare people for civilization again.”

“I see.” Danny walked with his hands behind his back. “Big room.”

“It needs to be because sometimes we have to divide up. Diane comes in and does speech therapy because a lot of people forget exactly how to speak. They sort of started their own language. Unfortunately there are only a few of us here that can understand them.”

“You’re one of them.”

“I work with them. I’d be pretty lost if I didn’t.”

“So you’re close to every new person that comes in here?”

“You can say that,” Ellen told him. “I’m the primary judge of when they get out of Containment and move into general population. We have to be careful because if we let someone out too soon, we have problems. We’ve had problems.”

“Have you ever gotten close to someone that they have thrown out?” Danny asked.

“Twice, but you can’t let it get to you. You have to keep thinking, ‘good of the community’. I distance myself quite a bit from the Survivors. That is, at first.”

“Oh.” Danny dropped his head some. “So this is just a job. You really don’t take special interest?”

“Of course I do. I love working with Survivors. Between you and me,” Ellen nudged him, “I find it rewarding and fun. But don’t spread that around. I have a reputation of being a bitch.”

“But wouldn’t you have to have that reputation in here?” Danny quizzed. “If you came off soft, it could be dangerous. I know what’s out there.”

“Very good.” Ellen smiled.

“So did you work with people in the world before the plague?”

“I was a nurse.”

“How come you don’t work at the clinic?”

“I do,” Ellen said, “but not much with patients. Usually just taking their blood. I have a pretty bad bedside manner. I tend to bitch when people whine. For example, we have woman named Trish who is expecting. Don’t get me wrong, Trish likes me, I think, but she specifically requested that I be nowhere near her when she is in labor or gives birth.”

“So you’ll kind of hang in the wings?”

“Oh hell no. I’m going to be in there every step of the way. Annoy that kid right out of her.”

Danny laughed. “This is very nice having a conversation with someone other than Bentley.”

“Bentley is a very bright man,” Ellen stated. “I picked something up about him, much common sense.” Ellen turned Danny from the skills room. “Shall we go back to my office and finish?”

“Sure.” Danny followed. “So you pick things up about people?”

“Yes, Survivors especially. I’ve worked with them so much, I can tell all about them without them telling me a thing.”

“No way.”

“Yes way and I’m good at it too. I ought to be. I’ve been working with these people for years.”

“Tell me about me.” Danny stopped walking.

“Give me your hands.”

“A palm reader.”

“No.” Ellen giggled and took his hands in hers. “Now keep in mind, I didn’t read Joe’s stupid report on you, and you haven’t told me anything.” She ran her fingers over Danny’s hand and snickered at his dramatic shiver. She bent his fingers back and forth. “You lived civilized for a very long time post-plague. You work hard, very hard and take pride in everything you do because you take pride in yourself. Um ... the work you do is difficult and tedious but it’s not your typical laborer work. You work with your hands, quite a bit. Intricate work because the muscles in your fingers are firm. That tells me you use your fingers more than your hands. Someone that uses their fingers tend to have strong muscles in them. Someone who doesn’t has soft hands, calloused but soft.” She gave him back his hands. “How did I do?”

“Amazing.”

“Thank you.” Ellen smiled.

“You are totally wrong.”

“Shit. I’m never wrong.”

Danny laughed loudly. “Just kidding. You’re pretty much right on the nose. I work with electronics and fixing things.”

“Really?” Ellen held the door to her office open for him. “Henry will be glad to hear that. He runs Mechanics and he does so much on his own because he’s the only one who really knows how to fix the big things that break. Trust me, things break around here. You’ll like Henry. Everyone likes Henry.” Ellen motioned her hand to a chair for Danny then she sat down behind her desk. “Any questions so far?”

“Explain social skills classes. What exactly are they?”

“Oh gees. Um ... like I said, we teach Survivors how to be civilized again, from eating with a fork and using a toilet again to trusting people and giving them stressful situations to handle. Checking them under pressure. Trusting one another is a big problem with Survivors. I think we’ll use Bentley to help in a class. He’s a barber, right? I think we’ll make Bentley give some haircuts. Even though our Survivors do need it done, it will be good to see their reaction when some stranger is over them with a pair of scissors. Then again, we’ll have to bring Frank in just in case there is trouble.”

“Why Frank?” Danny asked.

“Frank runs Security. He is Security. Everyone’s afraid of Frank.”

“Frank? The big guy with the black eye? Everyone is afraid of him?”

“Oh sure. He’s the meanest, toughest, strongest man in Beginnings.”

“This is your ex-husband you’re praising here.”

“Oh sure, I always praise Frank. I’ve known him all my life. He’s my best friend.”

Danny looked curiously at her. “And people fear him? You’re kidding? He doesn’t look that tough.”

“Ask anyone. They’ll tell you. Watch out for Frank. Ask anyone.” At that second Robbie walked into Ellen’s office.

“Hey, El.” Robbie grinned. “Hey, Danny. My Dad will be here soon to talk. In fact, he’s on his way.”

“Thanks.” Danny looked up to him. “Hey, Robbie, is Frank the meanest, toughest, strongest man in Beginnings?”

“Nah.” Robbie waved his hand at him. “Frank’s a pansy.”

Ellen gasped loud. “I cannot believe you are talking about your brother like that. No, I believe it, but who was the one last night that couldn’t control Frank when he was beating up poor Henry? You.”

“Yeah well, who was the one dying here not long ago? Me.”

“I’ll give you that.” Ellen lifted her shoulders with a drop.

Danny was confused. “Frank was beating up Henry? I thought you said everyone likes Henry.”

“They do. Frank was being a jerk.”

“You said ‘poor Henry’.” Danny tilted his head. “You’re with Henry?”

“Well sort of, not really. We thought we were married but we weren’t, so around here, Henry is considered my primary relationship even though we’re just friends. Although we are planning a wedding, but if that happens remains to be seen.”

“Oh.” Danny nodded with agreement. “I see, so Frank was beating Henry out of jealousy?”

“No. Henry and Frank are best friends. It’s a long story. Like I said, Frank was being a jerk. I was pissed at him. I shot at him to break up the fight.”

“You shot at Frank?” Danny asked with shock.

“Yeah, but I hit my father instead.”

“You shot Joe?”

“Not seriously. I shot him in the ...” Ellen snickered and so did Robbie, “in the ass.”

“I see,” Danny said. “And here I thought he had hemorrhoids. So let me get this straight. You shot your father inadvertently in the rear-end when you were shooting at your ex-husband who was beating up your friend who is your primary relationship and may or may not be a husband one day.” He saw he was on track. “Why were they fighting?”

“Because of Dean,” Ellen stated.

“Who’s Dean?”

“My other ex-husband. Actually, he’s my first ex-husband. Frank is my second. I was with Dean last night.”

“OK.” Danny blinked several times. “If you were Dean, why weren’t Henry and Dean fighting?”

“Because Henry knew, he became my primary so I could be with Dean and have a say so about it, it’s called an understanding.”

“So if you’re allowed, why did Frank and Henry fight?”

“Because he wanted to have the understanding with Henry. He thought he was going to be with me, and he was mad that I was with Dean.”

“So why didn’t Frank beat up Dean?” Danny asked.

“He wanted to, but he opted to beat up Henry. Somehow Frank thought it was understood that he and Henry were going to have the understanding. Understand?”

Danny tossed his hands in the air. “It doesn’t happen much to me, but I’m lost.”

Ellen grinned at him and folded her hands on her desk. “Then welcome to Beginnings.”

<><><><>

“Frank! You’re an asshole. Will you shut up?” Henry requested loudly as they entered into the entrance office of Containment.

“Just curious, Henry.”

“I’m not listening to you.” Henry covered his ears and motioned his head to Dan to buzz them in.

“But what if she does that, Henry?” Frank talked to fast-walking Henry who still held his hands on the side of his head. “What if this guy fixes things, invents things, and Ellen gets confused and thinks he’s you. You guys do look alike.”

“I can’t believe you’re saying that. God, you are such a racist!” Henry peeked in the sleeping quarters then in the dining room.

“I thought you weren’t listening,” said Frank, agitated.

Henry stopped walking. “How can we even remotely look alike? We won’t, especially if he’s Chinese. I’m Japanese.” He moved to Ellen’s office and looked in there.

“Henry, I’m Caucasian. And it is a well-known fact that us Caucasians are racially ill-informed.”

“Frank, you’re just intellectually ill-informed.”

“Hey ... George Washington,” Frank called out to Henry as he approached the skills room.

With a curled up face, Henry spun to him. “What? What did you call me?”

“George Washington.”

“Now why on earth would you call me George Washington?”

“Because ... you’re history, pal.”

“Oh I am not.” Henry faced the skills room. “You’re such an ...” He stopped cold in the archway. Immediately he saw Joe and Robbie sitting at a table with the two new guys. But that wasn’t what made Henry stop from going in. Ellen was. She sat next to one, very next to one, and she smiled brightly.

Frank walked up to behind Henry, leaning in toward his ear. “What were you going to say I was, George?” With a nudge to Henry’s back, Frank bodily moved Henry inside while motioning his head in toward the group.

“Henry!” Ellen called out his name the moment she saw him. She stood up. “I’m glad you’re here.” She ran over to him. “Come here, Henry, you have to meet the two new men.” She grabbed his hand and led him to the table.

Henry walked slowly and he grew even more annoyed at Frank who trailed so closely behind him.

Ellen pointed. “This is Bentley. He’s a barber.”

As Henry extended his hand he felt the nudge of Frank to his arm. “Ow, Frank ... Nice to meet you.”

Frank nudged him again. “He’s a barber, Henry. Maybe you can get him to cut off some of that long fuckin hair.”

Reaching back, Ellen smacked Frank. “Leave his hair alone, Frank. Some men look good with hair. And this, Henry, this is Danny Hoi.”

“Henry.” Danny stood up shaking Henry’s hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you. All good.”

“Thanks.” Henry retracted his hand.

“I hear we have a lot in common. I have to say I was shocked when you walked in the room and Ellen called your name. Somehow with the way she’s been talking about you, I thought you’d look more like Tom Bosley. You know, the dad from Happy Days.”

Henry hurried and looked at Ellen. “What did you tell him?”

Ellen giggled. “Danny’s teasing. He teases, Henry.”

Henry grabbed hold of the back of his arm when he felt the nudge to it again. “Ow, Frank, knock it off. Don’t you think you’ve bruised my poor body enough?”

Seeing the annoyance of Henry’s face, Joe knew that Frank had been working on him. But he also knew Frank was far from subtle about it, so Joe took over. “Danny, Henry here is on Council as well, next in line for the leadership position. Anyhow, Henry, you’ll be happy to know that it looks like Mechanics is finally gonna get that steady person you need.”

“Really.” Henry kept his views on Danny, especially when he watched Ellen sit back down next to him.

“Really,” Joe continued. “Seems he has a degree in architecture and electrical engineering.”

“Really.” Henry raised his eyebrows at Danny. “Where did you go to school?”

“UCLA.”

“Frank said you made some sort of tracking device.”

“Oh yeah.” Danny nodded. “Against the um ... SUTs, that’s what you guys call them.”

Henry looked down as Joe handed him the tracker. “This is it?” Henry asked looking at the video game. “How is this it?”

“I gutted it and redid the inside,” Danny answered. “I just thought using the game gave it a neat appearance.”

Henry laid it on the table and turned it over. “May I?”

“Sure,” Danny said.

Henry reached into his back pocket and pulled out a screw driver and began to undo the back.

Frank had to get his comments in. “Careful, Henry, don’t break it. Danny worked real hard on that.”

Danny snickered. “Don’t worry about it, Henry. I’m sure you know how to put it back together.”

“No he doesn’t,” Frank said and received a sour look from Henry.

Henry removed the back of the unit. “Fuck.” he spoke softly, slowly sitting down as he looked. “Where did you get these parts?”

Danny leaned in closer. “The board here I got from one of those radar trackers people used to use to detect the cops. Here ...” Danny’s finger pointed in the unit. “Here’s the microchip I got from one of those SUTs.”

“You’re using it as a conduit.”

“Exactly.”

“Impressive.” Henry began to replace the cover. “And you actually made this?”

“Yes. It was fairly simple, as you can see. But it took the idea first and that was difficult. As you know, Henry, putting it together, finding the right parts, that takes time.”

“Of course.” Henry handed the unit back.

Frank gladly took it. “Yeah, these little things are gonna be part of a grand scale beef-up to our security system.”

Henry faced Frank. “How do you mean?”

“Danny here is gonna work on making these things large scale. You know, stick some trackers in the trees. Pick up the SUTs miles away. Man, those things won’t have a chance.”

“The whole entire perimeter?” Henry asked. “Frank, that is gonna take a power supply to run it. We could make the battery units but that could take time. You’re talking one hell of a system.”

Joe stood up—slowly. “That’s where you come in, Henry. You’ll help out, won’t you?”

“It’s a big project, Joe.” Henry looked at Danny. “Do you realize how big of a project it is?”

“Yeah I do,” Danny stated, “but putting the project together won’t be as difficult as finding the parts to do it. By the way you’re talking, that’s a lot of microchips and detectors.”

“Not to mention,” Henry interrupted, “the reception unit. Right? It would have to be built larger scale then the handheld unit.”

“Yes and then like you said, there would be the power supply. We could use the battery units.”

“But you run the risk of having them fail or die,” Henry stated.

“True. What about channeling the power supply that powers the perimeters now?”

Henry shrugged. “Possible. Again, a lot of work.”

“I don’t mind.” Danny looked at the faces. “Really, I don’t. I mean I can start designing it now while I’m in here. Correct me if I’m wrong, but by what I saw when I came in here, you guys run off of hydro and primarily solar energy. That’s the only problem I will have when I design the system. I have some knowledge about those energy sources, but hardly enough to work with it.”

Joe gave a pat to Henry’s back. “Henry knows all about it. He’ll teach you. Won’t you, Henry? Henry is the king of solar energy.”

“You’re kidding?” Danny’s eyes widened brightly. “Wow. Is that what your degree is in? Where did you go to school for it?”

“I didn’t.” Henry looked crossly at Danny. “I taught myself.”

“Man, that is impressive.” Danny nodded. “Do you have blueprints of the power system here? I’d like to look at them if I could while I’m designing the new system.”

“Yes we do,” Henry told him, “but I can’t give them to you to view.” He saw the stares from everyone over that, especially from Joe. “No, Joe. Sorry. We go to great lengths to protect this community. We go to great length to ensure that those who walk amongst are a part of us. I’m sorry, Danny, you just arrived here. In my opinion, though you gave us something that possibly works, you still just got here. We don’t know you. I for one, will not be responsible for showing where we can be vulnerable to someone who has yet to prove themselves.”

Everyone was silent. Danny felt the awkwardness in the room. He lowered himself back down to sit, holding his hands up. “I completely understand. I would be the same way. Really I would. But I’ll still work in the design of that system and possible things we can use to create it. I’ll do that while I’m here.”

Joe was glad to hear that and glad that Henry’s blunt tactlessness didn’t frighten him off. “Good, Danny. I’ll get you some things to start. But Henry has one point. You do have to prove yourself fully. To me, proving yourself mentally is where my concerns lie most. Not with trust. I’m pretty good at the trust part. My gut instinct never fails me. Nor does Frank’s, and Frank’s gut is not in doubt of you. So ...” Joe clapped his hands together once. “I’ll let you get settled into Containment and I’ll see you this evening for our skills class for which you’ll be here, right, Ellen?”

Ellen smiled. “Oh without a doubt.”

“Good.” Joe backed up. “Danny, we’ll work on the tests and get you and Bentley where you’re needed, out there with us. Hopefully no longer than a week. Ellen, opinion?”

Ellen shifted her eyes to Danny. “No offense, Danny, but I’ve been burned, so I’ll hold off judgment or opinion at least for another day.”

“No offense taken.” Danny laid his hand on Ellen’s with a pat. “Joe, there’s no problem with me staying here in Containment. I understand your rules. I’ll abide by them because I want to stay. And ...” He smiled at Ellen. “Ellen’s here with me, right, so how bad will this place be?”

Frank snickered, stepping into Henry and whispering into his ear as low as he could get, “He touched her, Henry. Ellen let a Survivor touch her on the first day.”

Henry didn’t need for Frank to tell him that. He saw it and his eyes never left Danny.

Frank watched Henry and the expression on his face. He thought that maybe it wasn’t a good idea at first to egg Henry on, that his instigating only caused Henry to not give Danny the chance he should have been given. But after Frank thought about it, he chucked that thought right out of his mind. The look on Henry’s face made it all worthwhile, and not to mention, brightened his spirits. Frank knew he’d needed his spirits to be up, especially if within an hour, he was going to begin living with Dean.

<><><><>

“Here we are, Dean ...” Frank opened the front door to his house. “Home sweet home.”

Dean stood there in the doorway, hesitating, really hesitating before going in. “I’m not too sure about this, Frank.”

“Sure you are, Dean.” Frank gave him a pat to his back and carried Dean’s small bag in for him. “Come on in. Don’t just stand there, and watch that step.”

“OK.” Dean stepped forward ready to take that first step as Frank put it, and his foot hit hard on the carpet. He stumbled a little. “Frank, there isn’t any step there.”

“You should know that.”

“I’m going home.” Dean began to turn around, but stopped. “Where’s Henry?”

“I thought you were going home.”

“I can’t get there alone, Frank.”

“Sure you can.” Frank set the bag down.

“No I can’t. I’m blind or did you forget.”

“Now how can I forget that? But there should be no reason you shouldn’t be able to make it home. You’ve lived in this place for almost seven years. Just like there should be no reason that you didn’t know there wasn’t a step in my house. These houses are all alike. Blind or not blind, eyes open or closed you, Dean, you should have no problem getting around because you should know this place like the palm of your hand.”

“The back of my hand, Frank, that’s how the saying goes.”

“Dean, knowing how long it was that you were without Ellen, I’m willing to bet you know the palm of your hand better than the back.”

Dean grunted. “Why did I agree to torture myself like this?”

“I don’t know. You tell me.” Frank smiled widely when the front door to his house opened. “Look who’s here. Sorry. The troops.”

Henry looked tired as he toted, not only Nick in his arms, but Brian dangling from his hip. Alexandra and Billy ran in past Henry, and Joey came in through his legs. All of the ones who were self-mobile were also loud. “Help, Frank.”

“Henry.” Frank shook his head. “I do this shit every day.”

“It’s a well-known fact that you’re Superman, Frank. Help.”

Shrugging Frank walked up to him. “Look at this shit. You got my kid dangling from your fuckin leg like a Christmas ornament.” Frank placed his arm around Brian’s waist and lifted him then smiled at Brian’s ‘Da-da’ and then he reached for Nick. “You have this newborn all bent back. Look at his head, Henry. All the blood is rushing there. He’s gonna end up stupid.” Frank backed up, kissed Brian, and extended him out to Dean. “Dean, can you hold him.”

Dean felt the touching little hands of Brian, and he reached for the baby, taking him into his arms. He hugged him tightly.

“Very good, Dean,” Frank commented as he set Nick in a baby seat. “Henry, where are you going?”

Henry was trying to make an escape, but failed. “I have work to do.”

“No, you don’t. You left it for Scott, remember? Besides, you agreed to help out this first day. Why don’t you want to?”

“It’s not helping out Dean. It’s not you, Dean,” Henry told him. “It’s the kids. I just carried them all the way back here to your house, Frank. It was difficult. I have a headache, and I’m still sore from you beating me up.”

“Knock it off about that shit.” Frank walked to the door and closed it. “Hang tight. If you don’t want to be around the kids, start dinner or something.”

Henry pouted then whined, “All right.” He stomped his foot and went to the kitchen. For starters, that was the lesser of the two evils.

“Henry’s gone. And ... hand over my kid.” Frank took Brian from Dean and immediately tickled the baby with his chin causing Brian to squeal. “Hey, Bri.” Frank kissed him. “How was Henry? Was he mean to you? Fuckin Henry.” Frank kissed the baby again, over and over. “I missed you. Yeah.” Brian grabbed hold of Frank’s nose. “Wanna go in your walker and hit everyone in the legs?” He took Brian over to the awaiting baby walker. “OK, Dean, I’m putting Brian in his mobile thing. Watch out for him when you’re wandering around the house for the next hour.”

“Explain wandering around the house.”

“You, Dean, are going to try to walk around the house and learn it. I’ll be with you. Hell, I’ll be nice and let you know if you’re gonna run over Brian or something like that.”

“You want me just to walk around your house.”

“Yeah. It’s like yours, only I have three bedrooms. No biggie, you should still have no problem. In fact this house should be your comfortable turf. The place that you’re secure with. You’ll know the setup, where everything is.”

“You keep making it out like it’s so easy, Frank. Well it’s not.”

“Then I’ll find out and you can shut me up. Right?”

“What?” Dean asked.

“Tomorrow after my morning rounds, you and I are spending the day together, or at least a few hours. I call it the BBB Day. Blind Buddy Bonding Day.”

“I’m afraid to ask.”

“Then don’t. Your first task on this first day together is taking your bag upstairs.” Frank handed Dean his bag. “I’m even being nice, Dean. I’m giving you my room while you’re here. Aren’t I nice?”

“Swell.”

“Just so you have pleasant thoughts,” Frank leaned closer whispering, “Ellen and I had sex in that bed you’re sleeping in.” Frank stepped back. “Oh, Dean, I’m smiling. You can take your stuff up. You know where my room is, don’t you? Top of the steps, to your right. If you follow the wall you’ll walk right into it. Of course don’t get to used to that wall. You should be able to get there without its guidance.” Frank turned Dean to face the steps. “You’re facing the staircase. Go about three feet and you’ll hit the railing.”

“Will you come with me?”

“To my room?” Frank asked. “Dean, I didn’t know you felt that way.”

“You’re an ass, Frank.”

“Yep.”

“Help me up there. OK.”

“You really think you need help?”

“Yes, Frank, I need help. You keep forgetting that,” Dean snapped.

“OK, I’ll help. How?”

“What do you mean?”

“You want me to hold your hand, Dean. Sure I’ll hold your hand.” Frank reached for Dean’s hand.

Dean felt his touch and pulled away. “That’s not what I mean.”

“Sorry. How about I place a reassuring grip on your shoulder like this?” Frank stood behind him and gripped Dean’s shoulder.

“Frank.” Dean grew more annoyed.

“Or you can hang on my arm like my prom date.”

“Frank!”

“Wait, I got it.” Frank snapped his finger. “I can carry you. Yeah, hell you’re little.”

Just as Dean felt Frank’s hands touch for him, he jolted away. “Frank! Knock it off! Fine. You don’t want to help. Fine. Asshole!” Lifting his bag harshly, it swung out hitting Frank in the leg, and Dean walked forward.

Frank folded his arms and chuckled as he watched Dean so mad, so upset. But no matter how mad Dean was at Frank, hitting him in the leg or not, Dean was walking up the steps and he was doing it alone.

<><><><>

Robbie didn’t expect to see his father when he walked into his home that early evening. “Hey, Dad.”

“Robert.” Joe leaned forward, reports spread out on the coffee table as he read them. A cigarette burned in the ashtray, and Joe looked up at Robbie over the rims of his half-square glasses. “Are you done?”

“Yep. Finished early. I came home to eat and ... don’t you have a social skills class tonight?”

“Yep.” Joe shifted a paper.

“Well I’m done with my work. Want me to take it?”

“Nope.”

“OK.” Robbie walked farther in. He sniffed loudly. “Dad.” He smiled. “What are you cooking? Man, that smells good.”

“I’m not.”

“Who is?”

“Robbie!” Andrea’s cheerful voice called to him as she perkily walked from the kitchen. “Oh, sweetie, you are just in time.”

Looking at his father, his mouth moving to the word ‘sweetie’, Robbie felt the sudden pinching on his cheek.

“You’re staying to have dinner with us aren’t you?” Andrea asked. “Please tell me you’re staying. We have plenty.”

“I uh ...”

“I won’t take no for an answer.” She shook her finger at him.

“I uh ... Dad, uh ...”

Joe looked up. “Robert. You’ll eat.”

Andrea smiled brightly. “Ah, Joe, isn’t this nice. We didn’t even expect Robbie home for dinner. Isn’t this nice? Robbie, you run along and wash up. Dinner will be ready in about fifteen minutes so we can feed your hungry father and shuffle him off to his social skills class he has in an hour.”

Robbie’s mouth opened with a silent laugh. He swung his head to look down at his father. “A late social class? Is it because you previously had dinner plans?”

“Robert.” Joe ignored him and kept reading.

“Dad, I will be really glad to take over that class tonight so you can hang out after dinner.”

“Robert. No.” Joe’s eyes rose again. “No.”

Andrea giggled. “Isn’t your son sweet, Joe, offering to help you out, knowing how long of a day he had shooting people and everything. Robbie, you are so sweet.”

“Um ... thanks. But, Andrea, don’t ask me to play tonight. OK?”

Andrea waved her hand, then covering her mouth she laughed. “Sunday I will. Anyhow, did Paul speak to you? He said you two would record that ‘Silly’ song for me. Isn’t that nice of Paul? Oh!” Andrea stepped back. “I have to get back to my dinner. You go get ready.” She stepped back, then stepped forward. “And ... I made brownies.”

“Really, Andrea?” Robbie spoke so chipper. “Wow. Gosh. Gee thanks.”

“Sweet.” She winked at him, and with a bright smile Andrea darted off to the kitchen.

“Brownies? Dad?”

“Don’t ask.”

“Man.” Robbie looked down at his watch. “I’ll be back.” He headed to the door.

“Robbie, dinner is in fifteen minutes. Where are you going?”

“I have to share this with Frank while it’s still fresh on my mind. I’ll be back.”

Joe gave a grunting goodbye to Robbie and returned to his work. His head lifted again when he heard Andrea humming that ‘Silly’ song, slow and blues-like, in the kitchen. Joe dropped his pencil, rubbed his eyes, and grabbed his cigarette. He wanted to politely tell her to knock it off, but he didn’t. That dinner smelled much too good to chance losing, all over Andrea’s singing. Doing something Joe was quite accustomed to in Beginnings, he blocked her out completely.

<><><><>

Clapping his hands together once loudly, Frank led Dean into a sitting position at the dining room table. “OK, Josh has Alex, Billy, and Joey at the playground. We can proceed.” Frank moved Dean’s chair closer to the table.

Dean grunted when the table slammed into his gut.

“Sorry. Too Close?”

“Yes.”

Frank moved him out again. “How’s that?”

Dean extended his hands. Feeling air, he lowered them and felt more air. “Where’s the table, Frank?”

Snickering, Frank put his chair closer again. “Sorry.”

“All right, I’ve been walking around your house for over an hour. Tell me why we’re doing this? Why are you helping me eat? I can eat, Frank.”

“Really? Then why wouldn’t you eat with your children. You told me and Henry you’d prefer to wait. Right?”

“Right.”

“Then that tells me you feel awkward about eating in front of them like this.”

“I do. I get lost and drop my food.”

“You’ll learn not to.”

“Yes I will, eventually. You don’t have to show me.”

“Ah, but I do.” Frank held up his hand. “Henry, hurry with heating that food. You, Dean, aren’t confident enough to eat with your own kids. That is just a minor thing too. The whole premise to overcoming any obstacle is confidence, which you lack. Contrary to what your hormones are telling you, sleeping with Ellen isn’t the way to build your confidence. Starting from scratch and learning how to do each task over again is the key.”

“I get it.”

“Get what?”

“Why you’re having me move in here. You brought up me sleeping with Ellen. This is a ploy, Frank, isn’t it, to keep me away from Ellen at night.”

“I don’t need to.” Frank looked at his watch. “Seems our new guy has taken that responsibility. But that’s a good idea, Dean. Thanks.” Frank’s eyes lifted to Henry who walked in the dining room holding a plate. “Henry’s in the room.”

“Thanks.” Dean heard his plate being set down. “So Ellen is with the new guy now?”

“Well, Ellen is at Containment so I guess she’s with the new guy.”

“What’s he like?” Dean asked.

“Different. Very nice and friendly guy. Don’t you think, Henry?”

Henry stood on the other side of Dean. “I don’t trust him.”

Dean was curious. “Why?”

“I just don’t. He’s too nice, Dean. Too nice. I bet he’s some psycho in disguise.”

“Frank?” Dean called to him. “What do you think?”

“I told you, Dean, he’s a nice guy. Wait until you meet him. He’s smart, builds things, invents things, fixes things. I think Henry’s problem is he’s just jealous.”

“Rightfully so,” Dean said. “I think I would be too.”

“Guys!” Henry called out. “I am not jealous. Can we let Dean eat? He’s probably hungry.”

Frank adjusted the plate in front of Dean. “All right, Dean. Now it’s one thing to eat your food, it’s another to know what you are eating. You want to be prepared to eat a soft food, because if you think you’re gonna eat something hard and you eat something soft, man, that can kill your jaw. Get it.” He waited for the nod. “Basic and simple. You set up your plate like it’s a face of a clock. Unless you’re eating pasta then you say piss on it. Anyhow, we have set your plate like a clock. You should always set it up the same way. Twelve o’clock is the bread, three is the vegetables, six is the meat, and nine is the potato. Got that?”

“Twelve bread, three veggie, six meat, nine potato. Got it.”

“Good. Go on and get the meat.”

Dean reached to the side of the plate and grabbed his fork, he lifted it to the plate and dove in at six o’clock. He brought the full fork to his mouth and placed the contents in. “Aw, Frank.” Dean cringed. “You said six was meat. That was a green bean, not chicken.”

“Yeah I know.” Frank snickered. “I was kidding.” He rotated the plate. “Go on, it’s fixed.” He saw the hesitation in Dean. “No, I’m serious, it’s fixed.”

“You have a warped sense of humor.” Dean started to eat.

Henry watched Dean’s slow indulgence and then he looked to Frank. “What’s next to work on tonight, Frank?”

“Hide and go seek,” Frank answered. “I’m gonna test Dean on how well he’s learning the house. I’ll send him after things, work on his perception. El gave me something she wants him to work on. She said she might be here when he’s ready, but I doubt it. I think she’s hanging out for a while with the new guy. Dean.” Frank tapped him on the shoulder. “Ellen was doing that tossing of her head and flipping her hair thing.”

“Already?” Dean stated as he ate. “With a Survivor?”

Henry folded his arms. “Funny, Frank. I’m not letting you get to me. So ... go on.”

“Oh yeah. That’s about it. Of course we have to work on Dean’s shaving.” Frank grabbed Dean’s chin and swayed Dean’s head back and forth. “Yeah, he’s in need of a good shave.”

Henry was a little shocked by this. “You’re gonna give a blind man a sharp object.”

“Oh sure. I’ll be there, Henry, to make sure nothing goes wrong. But then again, I want to be there first and see it if it does.” Frank winked. “How’s it going down there, Dean?”

Feeling like a child being watched by his parents, Dean ate. He was way too hungry to stop eating just because Frank got on his last nerve. He listened to Frank and Henry ramble on. He chuckled at how dense Henry was being about what Frank was doing to him with Danny. Dean could have opened his mouth to Henry and enlightened him, but instead he opted to open his mouth for food.

Without knocking, and bitching loudly as he did, Robbie walked into Frank’s house. “Frank, whatever you do, don’t go over to Dad’s. It’s like the fuckin Twilight Zone over there. Andrea, she’s possessed by something or other, making dinner, baking brownies. I swear, Frank.” Robbie walked into the dining room. “I swear if she’s gonna be hanging around all the time, I’ll have to make Dad give me my own place. I should have my own place. I’m thirty-three years old, right? Why are you guys watching Dean eat? Hasn’t he been a good boy? Dean, are you not eating all your vegetables?” He saw Dean drop his head down to the plate. “Oh I get it. You’re finally both mad at Dean for last night and now you’re punishing him by making him eat Ellen’s cooking.”

“Robbie.” Frank interrupted Robbie’s rambling. “How come you’re here?”

“To bitch. I had to bitch and tell you about Andrea. Why? You want me to leave?”

“Yes.” Frank nodded.

“Why?” Robbie asked.

“None of your business.”

“Is there something I don’t know about you three?” He didn’t get an answer. “OK, I see that I’m not welcome. Just know you were warned out of the goodness of my heart about not going over to Dad’s. But I’ll tell you, Dad’s, even with Andrea bopping along, singing, cooking, and baking, I’m thinking it’s a lot less weird than this house. Three grown men huddled at the dining room table, one of them eats while the others watch closely. People talk about things that I do. I’m out of here. At least my entrance was more received at Dad’s.” Robbie started to walk to the door. “Even if it was by whacked-out Andrea.” He stopped midstride. “Oh, Dean?”

Worried and not wanting to make Robbie think he was blowing him off, Dean raised his head.

“Dean, I fixed the disposal in the mobile lab.”

“Good. Thanks.”

“Yeah found your problem.” Robbie reached into his back pocket. “Did you lose a penlight? It must have fallen down there. Here, Catch.” Robbie tossed Dean the pen and it sailed across the room beaming Dean in the forehead. “Dean, you were supposed to catch it, or make an attempt at it, not sit there and be a target.” He noticed Dean still stared forward and the snicker on Robbie’s face left him. “What’s going on? I know something is going on. Never do you three hang out together unless you did something and you’re trying to figure out a way to cover it up.” Robbie had to wonder at that moment if they really thought he was that stupid that he couldn’t see through the fact that something was going on. “That’s it, isn’t it?” He walked back into the dining room. “You guys are way too quiet right now not to know something you want no one else to know. What is it? What did you do?”

Frank looked at Henry’s face, so at a loss. Then he looked down at Dean. “Dean?”

Dean lifted his head up. He knew and he felt what Frank wanted. “Go on. Tell him.”

Just as Robbie was about to ask ‘tell me what?’, he saw Frank move from Dean. At that moment, quietly, and seriously, Frank told Robbie everything.

<><><><>

In just enough time so as not to be too late for Andrea’s dinner and hear her complain or possibly make him sit on the couch for holding things up, Robbie returned home. His mood had changed from his upbeat one to a somber one. He was in shock over what Frank had told him about Dean and a little upset that he wasn’t included in the big ‘help Dean and cover up’ plan. After all, he was good at keeping secrets. He could keep the truth from the community for their best interest. Opening his door quietly, he saw his father still in the same place he was when he left, probably because Joe couldn’t move around too much at that point. “Hey, Dad.”

“Just in time.” Joe looked at Robbie, returned to his work, then looked quickly back at him. “What’s wrong with you?”

“I can’t believe it.” Robbie slowly shook his head, walking around the couch to the arm of the sofa.

“Can’t believe what?”

“I didn’t even see it coming. I didn’t know. I don’t pay much attention to him. But how did I miss it. I lived with him for a week straight. Was I the one who was blind? I consider myself a perceptive guy.”

“Robert? Where are you going with this?” Joe asked, not wanting to come straight out with it.

“Dean.” Robbie tilted his head. “I understand why you are keeping it from the community, but me too? I could help like Frank, but I still can’t believe it.”

“Robbie. This is not to be mentioned to anyone. Got that?”

“I got it. Frank told me. He wouldn’t have, had I not hit Dean in the head with something I tossed at him. Then again, Dad, people are gonna know something is up if Dean and Frank are hanging out together.” With his hands on his hips, Robbie looked so much in disbelief.

Joe looked up at his son, and just under Robbie’s arm he saw the vision of Andrea walk into the room. “Robbie.”

“I can’t believe Dean is ...”

“Robbie.” Joe tried to halt him.

“Blind.”

Joe’s hands immediately covered his face when Andrea zipped around and into the living room.

“Robbie?” she questioned. “What did you just say?”

Joe shook his head. “Robbie.”

Robbie looked at Andrea. “Oh I know, Andrea. I found out, don’t worry about it. It’s safe with me.”

“What is?”

“Oh you’re good acting all dumb. I was just over Frank’s. Dean’s blindness.” At that point Robbie didn’t even notice that Joe was hunching more.

“His ... his what?” Andrea’s mouth dropped open. “Dean’s what?”

Robbie spun to Joe. “She doesn’t know?”

Joe peeked through his spread fingers. “She does now.”

“Dad, she is Council. How can she not know?”

“Robert,” Joe scolded, “enough. Thanks for adding more fuel to her fire.” Joe looked up to Andrea and he waited for the Andrea-blast at him for holding back the truth. “Andrea.” Joe held up his hand in a calming fashion. “Dean didn’t want you to know. He was afraid you’d pull him from everything when he is perfectly capable of doing things, just differently. He is working really hard.” Joe wondered if that did it. Did it do it? He didn’t think it did when Andrea’s mouth dropped open even wider. Joe hunched and cringed in preparation for what he wasn’t in the mood to hear.

Andrea let out a strong gasp. “Sweet Jesus. Sweet Jesus. Sweet Jesus.” Her hand covered her mouth. “Oh ... my ... Sweet Jesus.” She heaved out with emotional dramatics. “Oh.” Her other hand fanned herself. “Dean is blind? He has lost his sight?” Faster she fanned herself. “Oh that poor man. That poor, poor man.” With her trembling hands out, Andrea made a painful squeezed up face, shaking her head back and forth. “Oh Dean!” In such fifties-movie-fashion, Andrea covered her mouth with the back of her hand, let out a single short sob, raced from that living room, and out the door.

“Damn it.” Joe turned as fast as he could. “Where is she going?”

“One guess.” Robbie walked to the door. “I’ll go chase her. I know you’re crippled.”

“Stop her before she gets us both is deep shit.”

“Got it.” Robbie flew out.

<><><><>

“Dean!” With her loud blast out, the front door to Frank’s house opened and Andrea charged in.

Frank let out a surprising shriek at the sight of Andrea racing forward.

Dean whispered up to Frank and Henry, “What, what is going on ... Uh!” Suddenly he felt the tight embrace of someone and felt himself being pulled into a body. He knew it was a woman because he could feel his head pressed between the breasts.

“Oh, Dean. Oh, Dean! Sweet Jesus.” Andrea grasped him tightly to her. Her hands ran through is hair over and over. “What has happened to you? You poor man. You poor, poor man.”

Dean’s arms flopped about. He was in Andrea’s control as she cradled him. Muffled and from within her grip, Dean called out, “Frank ...” In such struggle he sounded. “I’m ... suffocating.”

Frank winced and stomped his foot. “Andrea!” He reached out to pull her away. “What the fuck?”

“No.” She smacked at Frank’s reaching hand, then held Dean again. “I’m here for you, Dean. I am here for you.” She laid her lips to the top of his head, tears flowing down her cheeks. “Don’t you worry your little self one bit about me. Lord knows you have lost enough. I will not take any more from you. You poor soul.” Andrea’s head jerked up when she heard Henry’s laughing. Quickly she spun to face Henry, bringing Dean with her, bouncing Dean like a little girl holding a rag doll close to her chest. “You find humor in this?” she asked with a scold.

Henry’s top lip quivered and he stepped farther back. “No, Ma’am.” Using long strides, Henry sneaked from that dining room, grabbing the towel from Frank’s shoulder. He walked into the kitchen, covered his mouth with that towel, and released the laughter that he had fought hard to contain.

“I’ll pray for you, Dean.” Andrea gripped his head into her bosom more. “I will pray for you. What are these men doing to you now? Probably misguiding you. You know Frank does not like you.”

Dean’s hand reached out like a quicksand victim reaching for shore, his fingers reached for Frank. “Frank!” So mumbled his words were. “Help.”

“Andrea!” Frank yelled. “Let the man go. What are you, fuckin gone? He’s not a child!” Frank reached for Dean. “Let ... him ...” He pulled and struggled. “Go!”

“No!” Andrea whipped Dean away from Frank.

Frank brought his hand to his own face in a frustrated smack. Just as he ran it across the bridge of his nose he saw, over his fingers, Robbie walking into the room. “Robbie!’

Out of breath, Robbie stepped forward. “Andrea, do you ever run fast for an old woman. Shit.”

With his jaw twitching, Frank stepped to Robbie. “What did you do?”

“I uh ...”

“You told her, didn’t you?”

“Well I thought she knew.”

Grunting loudly through clenched jaws, Frank brought his hands to his head. “You’re killing me! You are fuckin killing me!”

“Frank.” Robbie nervously tried to cover up. “Look, it was innocent.”

“Look at Dean!” Frank pointed, his face so red. “He is clenched in the jaws of fuckin hell, and I can’t pull him out!”

“He’s being nurtured, Frank. Maybe that’s what he needs right now.”

“He needs to breathe!”

“Don’t you think you’re overreacting?” Robbie asked. “So she found out.”

“She wouldn’t have found out nothing, had you not been the stupid asshole who opened his mouth!”

“Well you’re the stupid asshole who thought you could hide the fact that the man is blind!”

“Oh I ought to nail your ass right now! I should have known better than to trust you with anything!”

“No, Frank, Dean should have known better than to trust you!”

“Fuck you!”

“Fuck you!”

“Boys!” Andrea screamed out so close to them. “Stop this bickering. Dean does not need this!”

From staring at each other in a heated brother argument, both Frank and Robbie, at the same time, switched their views to Andrea. Not only had she made her way to them, but she brought along Dean, still held tightly in her embrace.

Frank’s eyes went down to see Dean who was struggling not only to break free but also to stand up. His knees were against the carpet. “Will you let the man up! God!” Finally, knowing he had to get firm, Frank walked behind Andrea, took hold of her arms and pulled them outward and away from Dean.

Dean dropped to the floor, and let out a loud gasp for air.

Robbie reached down for him, knowing full well that Dean’s perception was off. “Let me help you up.” He led to Dean to his feet. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to tell her.”

Dean shook his head. “Maybe it’s better that she knows.”

“Thanks,” Robbie told him. “Oh and, Dean, your hair is messed up.”

Frank saw Andrea stepping to Dean again and he blocked the way with his body. “Don’t.” He held out a finger at her. “Don’t. Back off.”

“You back off!” She smacked at Frank’s finger. “Just who do you think you are pointing that Slagel finger at me? Dean needs me! He needs comfort.”

“Dean needs to be treated like there is nothing wrong with him! He doesn’t need to be treated like an invalid, because he’s not! You hear me?” Frank blared at her. “Now settle your ass down right now or I will tell my father how you’re acting!”

Andrea’s bottom lip moved up to meet her top lip. She crossed her arms tightly to her body. “Well I’m ...” She shivered a sob. “I’m telling your father how you’re talking to me.”

“Oh tell my father. I don’t care,” Frank scoffed at her.

“Joe!” Andrea saw Joe standing in the door. She ran over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck.

Frank moved to Dean. “You’re safe. She found someone else to molest.”

“God.” Dean caught his breath and ran his fingers through his tossed hair. “I felt like I was on Space Mountain.”

“I bet.” Frank shook his head and looked back to his father who comforted Andrea by the door. Joe didn’t look like he wanted the task, but he did it anyhow. “What is up with her?” Frank asked, then walked to the door and tried to be calm. “Andrea. You think you’re calm enough to sit your ass down and talk about this without stuffing Dean’s face into your breasts.”

Joe winced. “Tact, Frank. She’s just concerned.”

“Concerned? Not often do I feel sorry for Dean, but you should have seen what she did to him.”

Andrea pulled from Joe’s hold. She wiped her hand down her face. “I am just very upset by all of this. I feel very sorry for him.”

“Don’t,” Frank instructed. “Don’t. Dean is fine. Dean will do just fine without anyone feeling sorry for him. Of course now, because of the scene you made, the man’s dinner is cold.” Frank saw Henry sneaking back into the room. “Not to mention you frightened away Henry.”

“I’m sorry,” Andrea spoke and walked to Dean. “Dean, I’m sorry I overreacted like that.”

Just to be on the safe side, Dean stepped back in fear of getting pummeled again. “That’s fine, Andrea.”

“Just to make it up to you,” Andrea sniffled, “I am going to send you some of my spaghetti. We’ll talk about everything tomorrow. Deal?”

Dean nodded.

“Good.” Andrea walked back over to Joe. “We’ll leave. Robbie? Robbie, dinner. Come now.”

Robbie closed his eyes and silently whined, “All right.” He looked at Frank and Henry who raised their eyebrows at him.

Andrea paused in the door before leaving. “Henry, do you mind walking up and getting the food?”

“No, not at all.” Henry walked forward only to have his arm snatched back by Frank. “What, Frank?”

Frank pulled Henry close cupping his hand over Henry’s ear and whispering to him.

Henry gave a thumbs-up. “Got it, Frank.” He grinned and walked to the door and out with Andrea, Joe, and Robbie. Henry was ready to seize the opportunity and take advantage of her guilt like Frank wanted; so he asked what he thought would be the most important question of the evening. “Hey, Andrea? Do you think we can have some of those brownies?”

<><><><>

“All in bed.” Frank stepped down the last step of his stairs. “And early too. How about that? Dean, good job on washing Joey’s hair. I told you all you had to do was the squeak test and you’d know the soap was out.” He walked over to the couch. “How’s that sewing going?”

“Good.” Dean held on to a stuffed animal, sutures in his hand as he repaired small gashes. “Only Ellen would think it enjoyable to slash a teddy bear.”

Henry, who was sitting on the arm of the couch with his feet on the cushions, looked to Frank who stood behind the couch. “Ellen had a good idea. She’s always said she likes the way Dean stitches.” Henry looked down to what Dean did. “Good Job. I think El will have to judge.”

Frank sighed, “If she ever comes home.”

Henry ignored Frank’s comment and returned to Dean. “So, Dean, will it be the same way when you stitch someone?”

“They won’t be fuzzy,” Dean commented. “But I guess I’ll still have to feel the gashes and follow it with ...” Dean sniffed. He raised his head and sniffed again. “Do you smell cigarette smoke?”

Henry inhaled. “As a matter of fact, I do.” He swung his legs over the couch and stood up sniffing ... He followed the scent to Frank. “Frank?”

“What?”

“You smell like cigarettes.”

“Ow!” Dean screamed, when he pricked himself with a needle. “Is that Frank who smells like smoke? Frank, were you smoking?”

“Fuck no. I hate that shit.”

Henry shook his head as he smelled him. “No, Frank, you really smell like it.”

“Henry.” Frank palmed his hand over Henry’s head and moved him. “Get your nose off of me. It was Robbie. He was here, upstairs with me smoking that shit when I was putting the kids to bed.”

Henry laughed. “Robbie wasn’t here.”

“Yes he was.” Frank got defensive. “How would you know? Where were you fifteen minutes ago?”

“Frank,” Henry sounded so annoyed, “I ran to my house for five minutes.”

“That’s when he was here.”

“In the five minutes that I was gone? Right. Dean, was Robbie here?”

Dean shook his head. “No.”

Frank scoffed, “Dean, how the hell would you know? You’re blind.”

“I would think Robbie would say something to me, Frank.”

“Well.” Frank fluttered his lips. “He doesn’t like you, so there.”

Henry chuckled as he sat back down on the couch. “Right, Frank. If you’re smoking, why aren’t you admitting it. You smell like it. What’s the big deal? Own up to it. Just because it would be admitting a weakness, not to mention, it would really make you look like a hypocrite for getting on the people who do ...”

“Enough!” Frank shouted. “Drop the shit. Robbie came in, ignored Dean, walked up stairs, annoyed me by smoking, and left. All right? Fuck. You people are on my nerves.” He took a deep breath. “Now ... the kids are asleep. It’s just us guys. You know what time it is. We’d better do this before Ellen gets home and intrudes.”

Henry nodded. “We’d better. She might walk in any second.”

Dean shrugged. “Then again, she might not. But do it, Frank. Do it now.” He set down the teddy bear. “I’m ready.”

“Yeah me too.” Frank backed up. “Time to break out the adult stuff.”

Henry started to stand up. “I’ll get it, Frank.”

“No.” Frank held his hand up. “I’ll get it. Stay put and sit with Betsy Ross.” He walked to the kitchen, stopping inside and peeking into the living room first. He moved to the sink and opened the last drawer, reaching far in the back and pulling out a small bottle. Peeking out into the living room again, Frank took a drink, a long one, and then another. He replaced the bottle and ignored Henry who called out to hurry him along. “I’m coming,” Frank hollered back. He grabbed three glasses, holding them between his fingers then he picked up the plate of brownies. Smiling at them, he carried them into the living room and set them down on the table.

Henry, like a kid, lowered himself to the floor by the coffee table. “Milk, Frank.”

“I’m getting it. I only have two hands.”

“And napkins. Andrea’s brownies are gooey.” Henry uncovered the plate. “Dean, we’ll make sure we tell you if you get chocolate on your face.”

“Gee thanks, Henry.”

“No problem.”

“Milk, plates, and napkins.” Frank set them down on the coffee table and sat on the couch. He grabbed a glass, filled it with milk, and set it on the table in front of Dean. “Coffee table, twelve o’clock is your milk, Dean.”

“Thanks, Frank.”

Frank watched Henry serve up a brownie. “Give Dean two, Henry. He was the one stuck in Andrea’s boobs.” Frank took the plate and handed it to Dean. “These look good, Dean. Messy. Hey, I bet that was a scary thing being smothered by Andrea like that.”

Dean shrugged. “I guess. It was more frightening not being in control.”

Henry waved his hand at them. “That was nothing. I had a high price to pay for these brownies too. I had to sit with Andrea and have coffee and ... and listen to her stories about her teenage years.” Henry gave Frank his brownies. “And not to mention, I had to hear about how old she was, Frank, when she lost her virginity.”

Frank cringed. “Ouch. Sorry, Henry, but does anyone know what is up with Andrea lately? Dean, is she going through a change of life or something?”

“Possibly,” Dean answered, “but I’ve never known a woman to get so happy when it’s a change of life. Wow, these are good.”

“She’s gone,” Frank commented and ate a brownie. “Whoa, she did a good job on these.”

Henry sat up perkily. “I know why she’s like she is.” He saw he had their attention. “Andrea is in ... these brownies are good.”

“Henry!” Frank yelled. “Andrea is in what?”

“Love,” Henry answered, “with your father.”

“Oh she is not in love with my father,” Frank said.

“Is too,” Henry insisted. “Head over heels.”

“They aren’t even together,” Frank argued.

“Yes they are,” Henry insisted.

“No they aren’t. Did she tell you this?” Frank asked.

“No.” Henry shook his head. “But I can tell. I guess they’re hiding it like you hiding your smoking. But I’ll bet they are. Frank, she waits on him hand and foot. She’s all giddy when she’s around him. Love. Bows down to him, in so many words but not literally, I don’t think. That’s really none of my business.”

“Please. No woman waits on a man hand and foot.”

Dean laughed loudly once. “Frank, have you see Ellen with Henry? She’s bad with him.”

“You’re kidding?” Frank asked. “No way.”

“Yes.” Dean nodded as he chewed. “Frank, everyone talks about how much control you and I have over her. Nothing. It’s nothing compared to what Henry has over her.”

“Henry.” Frank looked at him. “Knock the shit off.”

“I don’t control her, Frank,” Henry stated. “Did it ever dawn on the two of you that I am nicer than the two of you? Or maybe she just likes me better.”

“Oh really, Henry?” Frank said with arrogance. “A little cocky are you? Well, maybe you’re not the nicest one anymore.”

“I am too.”

“Nope.” Frank shook his head. “I’m telling you that guy Danny is nicer. Dean, this guy is really nice, and he’s not all high strung like Henry either.”

“You don’t say.” Dean knew what Frank was up to.

Henry tried to ignore them. “Danny is not nicer than me.”

“He is too. I bet El knows,” Frank told him. “Henry, it’s after nine. Where is Ellen?”

“At Containment,” Henry answered.

“Where’s the new guy?” Frank continued.

“At ... at Containment.” Henry reached for his milk. “But I’ll have you know, Mr. Smarty Pants, she has a social skills class tonight.”

Dean cleared his throat. “Frank, correct me if I’m wrong. I might be wrong but when you and Ellen were together and she was cheating on me, didn’t she use that excuse? That she had a social skills class? And that they ran over?”

“I’m pleading the fifth, Dean.”

“I thought so,” Dean said. “You’re saying that she was taken by this new guy? I’m a little worried, Frank. If I were Henry, I wouldn’t be so sure. She’s been around us for how long? We know Ellen. Someone new. Someone nice. Someone clean and ...”

“Dean,” Frank interrupted, “you can stop now.” He snickered. “Henry left.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

JULY 28

It was as if he could actually see the files he pulled from the filing cabinet. Henry watched Dean, thumbing through, his mouth murmuring as if he were counting or something then Dean would pull out a file.

“Dean? How are you doing that?”

“I’m remembering the names of everyone in Beginnings and counting files. Here. Who’s this?” Dean held the file out to his side.

“Gerry Sanders.”

“That’s one of who I need.”

“Wow, Dean, this is really amazing.”

“Who’s this?” Dean handed him another file.

“Bill Trobino.” Henry looked at the name.

“Good. Need him too.” Feeling the file cabinet, Dean closed it. “That’s everyone. Walk back to my lab and wait with me. Henry?”

“That’s why I’m here, to wait for Frank with you.”

“What am I in for today, Henry?” Dean grabbed his files and moved slowly to the door. He paused and then turned right.

“Um ... you’re in for an interesting day.”

“Thanks.”

“Are you counting paces, Dean?”

“Yes.”

“Was Frank right? Or was I? Was it twenty-five Dean-paces or Frank-paces to the lab?”

“Frank-paces. Wanna know how I know? I came here last night with him and followed his stupid chart. I walked twenty-five paces, turned left, and bam, I hit a wall. So we recalculated. I stayed up most of the night memorizing the steps from the lab to the file room and so forth.”

“Do you think Frank’s pace map will actually help you then?” Henry asked.

“Yeah I do. Hey.” Dean stopped and turned left. “I’m at the lab right?” He didn’t get an answer. “Tell me I’m at the lab, Henry, so I don’t walk into a wall.”

“You’re at the lab, Dean.”

Dean smiled and walked inside. “Too bad you didn’t come back to the house last night. You could have come with us. Josh watched the kids and Frank and I were here working. Actually ...” Dean shrugged. “Actually, I thought he was being stupid and I yelled at him, but it ended up being fun. We went to the Social Hall last night and threw darts.”

“That couldn’t have been much fun, Dean.” Henry sat down on a stool. “It had to be a pretty lopsided game, especially seeing how Frank can see the dart board and you can’t.”

“He made it fair, Henry. He put on a blindfold. Well. we both had blindfolds on to cover up for me throwing badly too. It took an hour to play a countdown game that should have taken five minutes. But, aside from hitting old lady Josephine a few times with the darts, all went smoothly.”

“Who won?”

“Who do you think?”

“Frank.”

“Exactly.” Dean walked to the refrigerator, felt the clipboard that hung there, grabbed the third sheet, and opened the fridge. He pulled out a rack and walked to the counter, setting down the rack of blood tubes carefully. “Here, Henry, could you compare the names on this sheet to these tubes. I think I grabbed the right rack.”

Henry took the sheet of paper and started to compare.

“So why didn’t you come back to the house?”

“That’s one of the things I came here early to talk to you about. I need to talk to someone and I thought you could help.”

“Sure.” Dean felt to his side, found a stool, and sat. “What’s up?”

“Last night ... oh by the way, you grabbed the right rack.” Henry set down the paper. “Last night I went to Containment. I snatched Ellen out of there, Dean. I kind of fought with her and made her feel guilty.”

“How was Ellen with that?” Dean asked.

“Sad that I made her feel badly.”

“Why did you snatch her out of there, Henry?”

“See ... whoops, sorry, Dean. When I got to Containment, they were laughing and joking around, everyone listening to that Danny guy rattle on and use Ellen as a visual aid. I don’t know why I got like I did.”

“Henry, simple, you were jealous.”

“No.” Henry shook his head. “I’m not a jealous person.”

“Henry, you are.”

“No I’m not, Dean.”

“You are a very territorial guy, Henry. How much more blunt can I be?”

“Dean, you’re wrong,” Henry stated. “How can I be a jealous person when you and her don’t upset me?”

“Can I be perfectly honest with you?” Dean asked.

“Please.”

“OK. Henry, you are territorial. Now you are only well and fine when the situation falls within the realm of your Henry comfort zone. Anything that happens out of bounds from that drives you insane. It’s in everything you do. Mechanics, friends, life. That’s when your territorial tendencies come in. Last night was a prime example. Had she been with me, you wouldn’t have thought twice about it. But she stayed late at Containment and all over another guy, a guy who isn’t in your Henry rules. Therefore you got upset.”

Henry grumbled a little. “I was a little upset last night, I was. But you know what, Dean? I refuse to let myself get like that anymore. I won’t.”

“Can you though, Henry. You seem awfully threatened by the new guy. Ellen works at Containment.”

“I’m just gonna have to trust the fact that he is just a Survivor right now. I have to trust Ellen.” He heard Dean snicker. “I trust her, Dean, and I won’t do that again. Mark my words, I won’t show my jealously again.”

Ellen’s bright chipper entrance happened upon that lab as she shuffled in. “Morning! Or almost afternoon!” She giggled and set her phlebotomy tray on the counter. “Hi, Henry. Are you waiting for Frank with Dean?”

“Yes. I’m helping them out today,” Henry replied.

“Boy, I’ll tell you,” Ellen spoke loudly, “what a weight I feel was lifted off my shoulders, especially with people beginning to know you’re blind, Dean. They only have nice things to say.” She moved to the counter and saw the stack of folders. “Are these for me to work on?”

“Yes,” Dean said. “I also have the rack out for you. Remember their virus strained blood is on the second shelf at the mobile fridge.”

“Got it.” Ellen gave a thumbs-up. “Oh! Can I tell you guys a joke? I have a really cool joke. I laughed and laughed.” She snickered. “Can I?”

Henry grinned. “A joke? Wow, it has been forever since I heard a funny joke. Dean, how about you?”

Dean lifted his hand and let it fall with a slap. “At least one that hasn’t been told a million and one times. Shoot, Ellen, tell us your joke.”

“Really?” She shifted her smiling eyes. “Good. Thanks. Oh gees, the pressure. I hope I don’t screw it up.” She rubbed her hands together. “Here it is. These two whales, Mr. and Mrs. Whale, were swimming in the ocean. The guy whale says to his wife, ‘Hey I hear a fishing boat and I know it’s the sailors that tried to stab me last year.’ Well the wife, being a wife mind you, says, ‘Oh how do you know?’” Ellen heard Henry snicker. “It’s funny, huh? So the husband insists that it’s the boat and he begs his wife, like a good husband should, to help him out. Against her will she says, ‘Oh, all right ...’ So the husband tells her, ‘When the boat comes near, I’ll go under it and rock it like mad. Then you, you snort at them blasting them with your water and when they fall out of the boat, you eat them.’” Ellen paused to laugh. “Here’s where it gets funny. So the wife ... the wife goes, ‘Fine, but get this straight, I have no problem snorting at them but I refuse, refuse to eat the fishermen!’” At the end of her joke, Ellen burst into laughter and so did Henry.

Henry smiled brightly. “That was really funny, El. Really funny.”

Dean was lost. “I’m blind, not dense. What? I don’t get it.”

Ellen gasped. “I can’t believe you don’t get it, Dean. She’ll snort, but won’t eat the fishermen. Get it?”

“No.” Dean shook his head. “Ellen, there is absolutely nothing funny about that joke. Henry, are you insane, why are you laughing?”

“It’s funny.”

“No it’s not.”

“See, Dean, that’s because you weren’t listening.” Henry took a breath and stood up. “You have to decipher Ellen’s punch line. What she meant to say was that the wife whale would blow, but she refused to swallow the seamen.”

Ellen quickly looked at Henry. “That’s what I meant to say.” She laughed. “Wasn’t that funny? Dean, wasn’t it funny?”

“Yeah. Ha, ha, ha.” Dean shook his head. “And where in the world are you hearing jokes from anyhow?”

“Oh.” Ellen slid in a stool next to Dean. “Danny. He told me. He has a million. He’s so funny.”

Dean wished with everything he had that he could see the expression on Henry’s face, but Dean really didn’t need to. He heard the breath that Henry tried to hide and just sensed the immediate tension. “Henry,” he called out in a warn.

“El.” Henry moved to her. “When did Danny tell you this joke?”

“This morning. I stopped over to get some papers.”

“El,” Henry spoke her name so strongly. “Did nothing we talked about ...” Henry’s head jolted when he heard the loud slam coming from where Dean stood. He looked to see Dean picking up a clipboard.

“Sorry.” Dean set the clipboard down. “Clumsy. So, Henry, uh ... gosh, Ellen came in and interrupted us. What were we talking about right before she came in? I can’t remember, can you? Do you remember? It’s only been a few minutes.”

“I don’t know, Dean,” Henry snapped off so annoyed. “Right now I’m too ... too ... cars. We were talking about cars. Wow, great conversation.”

“Wasn’t it though,” Dean said.

Ellen looked at them oddly. “Excuse me, Dean.” She stepped in between them. “Henry, you were going to yell at me. I would appreciate if you finish so you don’t stew about it all day.”

“I was going to yell at you? When?” Henry played dumb.

“Just now. About Danny. Yell.”

“I wasn’t going to yell at you, El.”

“Oh.” Ellen smiled. “Good.”

Henry looked down at his watch. “I’ll be back. I want to see what’s taking Frank so long.”

Waiting until he knew Henry was gone, Dean slammed his hand on the counter and held back his lab coat with one hand while leaning forward. “God!” Dean exclaimed loudly. “You really irritate me when you do that, El.”

“Do what?”

“Get scared of him. Why?”

“Oh, please, it isn’t scared, I just don’t want to hear him whine. He’s jealous about Danny.” Ellen walked up to him. “I’m going to touch you.” She grabbed him harshly by the collar of his lab coat, leaned her back against the counter, and pulled him into her. “I’m scared of you ...”

With a sarcastic laugh, Dean nodded. “Right, El. What a ...” His eyelids flickered when he felt her hand move up his chest and her lips hit his neck.

“Enough!” Frank’s loud mouth blasted in the room. “Knock the shit off! What did I tell you last night about your hormones, Dean?” He laid his hand on Dean’s shoulder. “Henry just said to me outside that he is really close to nailing your blind ass for touching her so much. Now, see, I have couth. Henry, he could care less. He’ll nail you, and I haven’t even taught you yet how to fight without sight.” Frank chuckled and snapped his finger. “Hey that was pretty good huh? Fight without sight.”

“Frank!” Dean yelled out as he moved farther from Ellen. “Stop the stupid shit. I know Henry isn’t planning on hitting me.”

“Was too,” Frank argued.

“He was not.”

“Dean.”

“Frank!” Dean reached up running his hand across his forehead. “God, you annoy me.”

“Trust me when I tell you you’re not my fuckin Prince Charming either, but let’s go lover boy.” Frank grabbed hold of his arm. “Say goodbye to, El.” Being helpful, Frank waved Dean’s hand for him and spoke female-sounding and high. “Bye, El. Bye.”

Angry, Dean pulled from Frank’s hold. “I can do this, Frank.”

“Dean ...”

“No.” Dean started walking from the lab ... “You’re the one who preaches ‘do it yourself’, right? Well ...”

“Dean.”

“I don’t need your help, or for you to ...” WHAP! Dean was close, but not close enough to miss the archway of the lab door.

Ellen cringed, Henry hunched, and Frank laughed loudly and annoyingly.

Dean rubbed his head, shook it off, and like a cat, acted as if he meant to do that. Feeling around first, he walked out of the lab with Frank and Henry trailing closely behind.

<><><><>

“How’s that head, Dean?” Frank asked as he slid in the driver’s side of the awaiting jeep.

Dean grunted and slid down in the front passenger’s seat. “Just drive to wherever you’re taking me, Frank.”

Henry, sitting in the back, reached between the seats and laid his hand on Dean’s shoulder. “Don’t worry about it, Dean. It matches the one on the other side of your head.”

“Swell.” Dean rubbed his head. “I swear to God not only am I gonna be blind for the rest of my life, but if I keep hitting my head, I’m going to be stupid as ...” Dean jumped a foot in the air when Henry’s high pitch scream startled him. “What!”

“No!” Henry yelled. “No, Frank.”

“Shut the fuck up, Henry. I have the jeep pointed in the right direction.”

“I’m getting out,” Henry stated in a panic.

“What?” Dean screamed. “What am I missing?”

“Fr ... Frank.” Henry pointed. “He’s wearing a blindfold, Dean.”

Dean laughed. “Yeah, I’m buying that. You two think you’re real funny.”

“Frank,” Henry pleaded. “Don’t do this.”

“Shut up, Henry.” Frank gripped the wheel. “I have to follow sounds. Don’t tell me where to turn unless I’m gonna hit something. Got that?”

“Oh my God.” Henry covered his eyes. “I’m sitting in the backseat of a jeep that has a blind man riding front passenger and a blindfolded man driving. I’m dead, I know I’m dead.”

Immediately Dean perked up. “You’re not kidding?” He reached for the door when he heard the jeep turnover. “Shit, I’m getting ...” His body jerked back when he felt the jeep move. “Henry? Henry? Henry! How’s he doing Henry? Oh Shit.” Dean held on.

“I don’t know, Dean. I’m not looking.”

Dean shrieked, “Look! Look! You’re the only one who can see. What are you crazy?”

“No, Frank is.”

Frank chuckled, bouncing some in the seat as he drove. “This is fun. How am I doing, Henry?”

“Oh.” Henry moaned then moaned again. “Well ... you just missed Josephine.” Henry turned around in the seat of the jeep, looking back. “She’s fine though, Frank. She’s getting up. You just frightened her.”

“Should I stop?” Frank asked.

“No,” Henry told him, then turned back around. “She’s walking.”

“What the fuck was she doing running around a field anyhow? She’s like what? Ninety?”

“You know she wanders, Frank. She’s senile,” Henry argued. “Joe said let her go as long as she doesn’t ... watch out for Denny, one o’clock.” Henry swerved when the jeep did and, at the same time, Dean grunted loudly. “As long as she doesn’t wander into any perimeters, it’s fine. Hey are we going up to the training area?”

“Yeah. Am I headed in the right direction?”

“Surprisingly ... yes. Are you wanting to be on the road, Frank, because we’re not on the road.”

“Obviously, Henry, if we’re fuckin bouncing all over the place we aren’t on the road. How far am I from it?”

“It’s about uh ... ten yards east of ... bush at eleven o’clock ...” Another hard swerve to the right. “Oh, Frank, a little more and you’re on the road.” Henry smiled. “You’re doing good.”

Frank felt the bounce of the jeep. “Hey we’re on the road.” He felt another bounce. “We’re off the road. Shit.”

“You just missed it, Frank.” Henry tapped him on the shoulder. “Hold the wheel left. Keep going ... keep going ...” The jeep bounced on the road. “Now turn right.” As the jeep jolted, so did Henry. He flopped completely over, and his legs went up in the air. Afraid to look, he sat back up. “You’re good.” He leaned forward between the two seats. “Hey, Dean? Why are you covering your eyes? You can’t see anyhow.”

Dean lowered his hand slowly. “I’m going to kill both of you guys. Both of you. What are you doing to me?”

Henry grinned. “It’s a male bonding thing, Dean. Frank, watch out for your guard.”

“Where?”

“Never mind. He ran.” Henry shrugged. “This is fun.”

“OK.” Frank led the way to the top of the hill at the Security training field. “Part one of today.”

Dean shook his head as he was led by the hand of Henry. “Why are we up here, Frank? I’m not Security. There are other things you could work on with me.”

“No, Dean, there aren’t. Right now, what should be happening is your other five senses should take over. You’re not letting your other five senses take over and they should be your eyes.”

“Four senses, Frank,” Dean corrected.

“Five.”

“Four senses, Frank. Everybody has five senses. If I lost one, I have four left. Basic math. Oh yeah, I forgot. You don’t know that.”

“Ha, ha, ha. Asshole,” Frank snapped. “For your information, little-man, you have five remaining senses, taste, touch, smell, hearing, and instinct, gut instinct. And on that one, you need work. That’s why we’re up on the firing range.”

“Oh my God.” Dean stepped back, but was stopped by Henry. “Just tell me you don’t have your blindfold on.”

“No,” Frank said. “I’ll put it back on though. Don’t worry.” He walked behind Dean. “Excuse me, Henry. All right, Dean.” Frank laid his hands on his shoulder and turned him a few inches to the right. “Now, right now you are facing our ‘Henry range’. I call it that because Henry fixed this place for me. Fifty yards straight ahead and spanning fifty to your right and fifty to your left are our row of snipers. You can’t see them, not because you’re blind, but because they’re snipers. Get it?” Frank laughed. “OK. They work on a timer. There are ten of them. I’m going to set it up for only five to jump up randomly at three seconds apart. If you listen, and listen good, you’ll hear the click. You have about a half a second and then you’ll hear them pop up. Listen, I’ll show you.” Frank trotted over to the jeep and ran back. He held the remote in his hand. A few beeps and then there was a buzzing. “Dean, listen to it. It’s warming up.” The first click went off. “Hear that? First one.” Frank turned Dean to the sound. “Second one.” He turned him again. “Third.” Another turn. “Fourth.” A final spin. “Fifth. Understand.”

Dean nodded. “I think I do. You want me to see if I can locate them by sound?”

“Uh yeah, then shoot them,” Frank told him.

Dean had to laugh. “Shoot them? Right, Frank. Not even you could do that.”

“Bet me.”

“Bet you that you can’t shoot them?”

“Yeah,” Frank said.

“You have to shoot them all, all five.”

“No problem,” Frank stated with certainty.

“Deadly shots.”

“The only kind.”

“You’re on,” Dean spoke cockily. “What’s the bet?”

Frank pulled out his revolver and clicked the chamber. “Name your win.”

“OK. If I win ...” Dean smiled as he raced through his mind what he could make Frank do. He smiled wider. “If I win, for one week, you have to come to the clinic and wash out all my specimen cups and clean my equipment. This gets done nightly.”

“You’re on. But if I win you don’t touch Ellen for a week.” He handed Henry the remote.

“What do you mean don’t touch her?” Dean asked.

“Nothing past the friendly stage. One week, if you welsh, I kill you. I’m allowed under cowboy law.”

“What the hell is cowboy law?” Dean snipped.

“You don’t know cowboy law? Henry tell him what ... oh you wouldn’t know either. You’re not from America.”

Henry gasped, “I am too, Frank, you asshole. I’m American.”

“Sorry, Henry, you just don’t strike me as the ‘Cowboy and Indian’ type of guy.” Frank took an explaining breath. “The cowboy law is you can shoot someone if they break their word. It’s an honor thing. That’s why two men were allowed to shoot each other back then. Law. We on?”

“Cowboy law.” Dean shook his head with a snicker. “Only you would say something stupid like that.”

“Dean!”

“Yes. We’re on. I won’t touch her for one week but only because I know you can’t do this.”

“Hold this, Henry.” Frank held out his revolver then placed on his blindfold. “I’ll take it back.” Frank gripped the revolver when it was returned to his hand. “Step back.”

Henry pulled Dean back with him and readied the remote. “Whenever you’re ready, Frank.”

Frank ran the back of his hand over his forehead and held up the revolver cupped between his two hands. “Now don’t talk ... Ready.” Frank listened to the machine reset itself and the warm up begin. It was like a metronome. The click of the contraption, the clank as the sniper popped up, and the bang of Frank’s weapon three times, steady as the speed it was set. Click ... clank ... bang-bang-bang, and Frank would turn and repeat it.

A quiet and smell of gunpowder filled the air as the buzzing of the machine stopped. Frank lowered his weapon. “How did I do?” He took off his blindfold.

“Shit,” Henry stated. “You hit them.” He ran up to the targets. “Oh my God, Frank, you hit them all!”

Dean’s shoulders dropped and the word ‘no’ rang through his head. “Deadly shots, Henry?”

Henry checked them out. “I’d say!” he yelled back.

Frank called out to him, “Any head shots?”

“No,” Henry answered, “all chest.”

“Fuck.” Frank reloaded his weapon. “But ... all deadly, Dean. No Ellen for one week. By that time she would have broken the Dean-little-man habit.”

“You’re really funny. You did this before, didn’t you? You shot with a blindfold on before.”

“Oh yeah.” Frank prepared to hand Dean the revolver. “But you didn’t ask that, Dean. I was a sharpshooter, champion shooter in the fuckin Army, asshole. You think there hasn’t been a challenge thrown my way?” Frank fluttered his lips. “I’ve been doing shooting shit since I was eighteen years old. I was the wrong person to make the bet with.” Frank grabbed Dean’s hand. “Your turn.”

“No.” Dean tried to hand back the gun. “Here, Frank. Frank?”

“I’m back here.” Frank was ten feet behind him. “Go on, Dean. You can do this. Move out of the way, Henry. A blind man has my gun.”

Henry, who was making his way to Frank, quickly changed his mind and ran to the jeep—on the other side—to wait out Dean’s turn.

Frank watched Dean just stand there so he ran up to him. “Here.” He grabbed Dean’s hands and put them on the gun then raised his arms. “Now you are at the perfect height. I can’t do any more for you. Feel the force. Feel it.”

Dean mumbled, listening to Frank step back. “He thinks this is Star Wars.”

“You ready?” Frank asked.

Mumbling, Dean answered, “Oh yeah. I should turn around and start shooting your way.”

“What was that?”

“Nothing. Go on,” Dean sounded so perturbed. He listened to the foreign sound of the machine warming up. He really listened to the clanking and the clicking, and he tried with everything he had to pull a Frank. The weapon seemed like it weighed fifty pounds when Dean finally lowered it with relief that the drill was over. “How did I do?”

Frank clapped as he returned to Dean. “Good job.”

“Did I hit them?” A twinge of excitement came over him.

“I don’t think, but good job. Henry!” Frank looked out to Henry who checked the target. “Any hits?”

Henry checked out the fake snipers. “Frank! He hit one! In the leg but he hit one!”

“See, Dean.” Frank gave a firm pat to his back. “You did good. You fired ten shots and got one hit.”

“It sucks.”

“No it doesn’t. You’re blind and ... you’ve never done this before. One out of ten is good. Hell, I have men who their first time up here without blindfold didn’t do that.”

“Really?”

“No.” He snickered at Dean’s moan. “But ... you still did good. Ready to try again?”

“You know what?” Dean smiled and raised the gun. “Point me in the right direction again, Frank. I’m ready.”

<><><><>

If anger was lava spewing forth from a volcano, then Quantico would have been Pompeii with the amount that George was putting out. He stormed, not wanting to speak to anyone. Having just received, through Morse code, the word they had failed in yet another attempt at Robbie the day before. What had made matters worse for George is that he didn’t hear a word of it from John Matoose. It had been days since he had personally spoken to John Matoose and it fueled any fire already breeding in George. John knew George couldn’t contact him. It would give away George’s location if he did. George figured something had to be going on with John, something that prohibited him from making his daily call. Perhaps he was found out, but George knew if that was the case, he would somehow know about it. Tightened security around the Communications room would stop John, but it wouldn’t stop George because he was certain, without a doubt, that he could get his message through on the first of the month when the system regenerated itself for thirty minutes and received no signals. That was when George would contact John, three p.m. that day. Unlike his typical transmissions on the first of every month where George would send information to John, this time, if he hadn’t heard from John, he would send him something else.

Irritated and in no mood for any excuses, George went to where he knew he could always hear what he wanted to hear, his labs. George did hear what he wanted to hear, that in no time, part one of two could be launched with success. It was what George was building for, his final attempt at the elimination of Beginnings. Final because he was certain that this plan would work with maximum loss of lives to Beginnings, and minimum loss of lives to George. Even though Beginnings was a hangnail in size compared to the hand George had on the East. They were untouchable, protected by the walls of security around them, and the gold mine they had beneath of them, a gold mine that their ignorance hadn’t even tapped the surface of.

But he would break them eventually. He was positive of that. Then Beginnings could become one more stop of George’s in his ‘bring them in, train them, spread them out’ large world he was creating. Growing by the day in size, though large in numbers, George was still at a loss because he knew an army of a thousand strong—without hope and without fight inside of them—could not defeat an army of a hundred with spirit. Perhaps that was another reason, a big reason, George had so much difficulty defeating Beginnings.

<><><><>

They sat in a field two miles south of the Living Section and three miles north of the mobile lab. Frank and Dean, amongst the high grass, were finishing off the lunch that Frank had brought out there for them to eat before continuing on.

“Will Henry be back?” Dean asked, finishing off his sandwich.

“Nope.” Frank took a hit of his cigarette.

“We’re all the way out here, Frank.”

“We’ll walk back, it’s not that far.”

Dean listened to Frank as he blew out his smoke loudly. “You know, Frank, I can’t believe you of all people are smoking.”

“And you won’t say shit, Dean.”

“No, I won’t.” Dean brought his knees up to his chest, dusted off his hands, and wrapped his arms around his legs. “You do know, Frank, health-wise ...”

“Dean.”

“But as a doctor ...”

“Dean.”

“It’s just that you’re so fit and so healthy ...”

“Dean!” Frank snapped. “Please.”

“If I’m gonna keep this secret, can I at least know why you started smoking?”

“It’s just that ... it’s ... things are stressful, Dean. You know that. You have this virus to contend with. Me, I have this place to protect. There are so many outside forces I deal with on a day-to-day basis that a lot of people don’t know about. I deal with it, it’s my job, but ... I’m allowed to worry. Smoking kind of calms me. Three things calm me, sex, which I’m not getting, smoking, which I’m doing, and drinking, which I’d prefer not to do.”

“So you’ve quit drinking?” Dean waited for an answer. He only received silence. “OK.” He paused again. “Answer me this. Did you start smoking to stop the drinking?”

“No ... well, sort of. I guess.”

“It’s not working, is it?”

“Dean, I’d rather not talk about this with you.”

“OK, OK, It’s just ... it’s very typical in the old world standards. People who quit drinking, or who have a drinking problem ...”

“I don’t have a problem.”

Dean raised his hand. “I’m not saying you do. I’m saying that it’s a typical switch, one for the other. Sometimes it helps but it doesn’t work. Get it?”

“Yep.” Frank took another hit of his cigarette.

“People say that you have to want to quit drinking in order to quit. Medically, I don’t buy it.”

“Dean. Where are you going with this?”

“Nowhere,” Dean stated. “But know, it’s OK to smoke if you’re using it to give up drinking. It’s OK to go that route. It’s proven medically that smoking will help. Just remember, if you can’t ... if you find yourself unable to quit the drinking all together, there are other ways we can go, aside from just your willpower. Because some people, no matter how strong they are, may need a little more help.”

“That’s not me,” Frank spoke defensively. “I like having a drink. I can quit altogether. I just don’t want to.”

“Good. But if you would ever find yourself in that position, and I know that’s not you, but if you do ... let me know. Medically speaking, there are ways I can help and no one has to know.”

“If I would find myself in that position, which I won’t, I appreciate the thought.”

“Yes well, just like I’m not saying anything about the smoking, you can’t say anything about that offer I just made. People could talk.”

Frank smiled. “People will talk. Shit, we were throwing darts last night.”

Dean began laughing. “Last night we hit Josephine with the darts and today we nearly hit her with the car.”

“Yeah but she’s senile. Who’s gonna believe her?”

“Frank?” Dean softened his words and became serious, “Can I ask you something? I need you to answer me honestly. Why are you helping me? Why are you putting so much time into helping me? You are really putting a lot of time into it.”

“I’m not done.”

“Why?” Dean asked with passion. “We are always at each other’s throats. Even with good times between us, we’ll revert back to that. You hate me. You’ve always hated me.”

Frank was quiet as he tossed out his cigarette. “There’s a fine line ... and this goes no further than this field or I’ll fuckin kill you. There’s a fine line, Dean. Just know, I don’t hate you. This, you being blind, it killed me. It’s wrong and like everything else, I want to make it right. As far as always hating you goes, I think it was the fact that you have always threatened me. Not your size, mind you, because you’re like two feet tall.” Frank reached into his pocket and pulled out another cigarette. “But you were everything I wasn’t. You had Ellen right away, and I always wanted her. You’re smart, really smart. You save lives. And people, they like you.”

“Well know, Frank, you’ve always been a threat to me too. You’re everything I wanted to be too. And I am talking about your size. You’re big, strong, and you just go in and do it. Without thought and with your heart, you do things. I may save lives, but so do you. Let me tell you, the way you save lives deserves a lot more credit than you get.”

There was awkwardness between the two of them at that moment, one never there before. A sense of respect that Dean had for Frank, and Frank had for Dean, was known for the first time ever in all the years they had known each other. Both of them, at that second, didn’t want to admit ... they wanted out of that moment.

Frank stood up, brushed himself off, and grabbed the small sack. “Enough mush. Put it behind us and never bring it up again. Deal?”

“Deal.” Dean felt Frank’s hand on his arm and with its guidance, he stood up. “Now what? Are we walking home?”

“Yep.” Frank tossed the sack over his shoulder. “Now.” Frank walked behind Dean and turned him. “You are facing town. Do you hear the noise coming from there?”

“Yes.”

“Good. So do I. Don’t move.” Frank placed on his blindfold.

“What are you doing?”

“Walking blind like you.”

“This ought to be interesting. So, do we just follow the sounds?”

“Yep.” Frank walked to next to Dean. “Like I said, we’re facing town. It’s straight ahead two miles. Follow the noise. See you there.” Frank started walking.

“See me ... Frank?” Dean reached his hand out to his side where Frank spoke to him last. “Frank?” He turned around. “Frank!” All he got was a distant ‘bye, Dean’. “Shit” Dean brought his hand to his head. “He left me here.”

<><><><>

“What do I do, what do I do?” Ellen spoke to herself, looking at the computer screen, waiting for her analysis of her recent batch results that she had mixed together. “Lie? Probably.” With her feet on the counter, she brought the pocket tape recorder she used for Dean’s dictation close to her mouth. She pressed record and spoke into it, “Results are taking an awfully long time, Dean. Of course if I didn’t do this dictation, you wouldn’t know. I can press the button to pause. Like now.” She stopped recording ... “Oh he is just going got kill me. But what does he need to know? I won’t tell him I screwed it up. I’ll lie. Yeah.” She cleared her throat and pressed record again. “I’m still waiting on those results, Dean. Of course, you and I both know what they are gonna be, the same old, same old. How can it not be when it’s the same old thing right? Hey, have I told you recently that I loved you.” Ellen watched the screen, glad at that second, even though it wasn’t right, that Dean was blind. He wouldn’t see her screwed up results in the analysis history of Agent Seventeen. “Dean, I was thinking we ought to give this thing Agent Seventeen a name. What do you think? It works, not without some side effects, but it works. We have to give it a name, because I am tired of calling it Agent Seventeen. Speaking of agents, I almost spilled that rack of shit we got from George. Boy, would we have been screwed if I did that. Not only would we have not any more strand one virus to work on, but we wouldn’t have those two extra does either. Sorry, my hand hit the rack when I was reaching in the fridge. And speaking of those two doses, Dean ...” Ellen lowered her feet to the floor and sat forward. “What are we going to do with them?”

There was a long moment of silence as Ellen heard the beep of her completed results. Just as she was about to do her big lie, she did something else. She screamed. Ellen screamed so loudly, so shrilly, it could have broken the microphone of the tape player right next to her mouth. “DEAN!” Another scream. “DEAN! Oh my God! Hold on.” She turned off the tape player. “Shit. This can’t be right,” she spoke excitedly, then shrieked and smiled as her fingers clicked the keyboard. “It is!” She grabbed the player again, speaking in to it rapidly, “OK, here it goes, I was thinking about something else when I was mixing the batch of Agent Seventeen, Dean, and I inadvertently put in two percent of hydrochloride instead of two percent of Hydrometholide. Wait, don’t yell. I caught myself during the mix and I added the Hydrometholide also, knowing full well that it wouldn’t work but I didn’t want to waste the batch. I figured I’d run the test anyhow, waste the rabbits, and lie to you about why the batch didn’t work on them. I ran the preliminary test and, Dean ... Dean ... guess what? We have tried the hydrochloride before instead of the Hydrometholide but we never tried the combination of the two. And ... instead of our slow conquering of the virus sample with the initial saturation being forty percent, I had an initial saturation of eighty-three percent. No shit. Eighty-three percent! Ten minutes, Dean. Ten minutes and the host virus was completely saturated by our agent. WHEW!” She shrieked. “OK, testing the bunny time. I’ll inject one-half a cc into our day-three rabbits, seeing how they are the farthest along, and I’ll get back to you. If these results are right, we should see a drop in body temperature in a few hours instead of twelve. OK, bye.” She shut off the player then turned it back on. “I’m so brilliant.” Stashing the tape player in her lab coat pocket, Ellen flew into the special lab. She immediately grabbed the sample batch and, in her excitement, began to fill three syringes to test on the rabbits.

Singing that ‘Silly’ song, Ellen injected the last syringe into the bunny’s IV. As she was doing that, she heard a knock on the glass of the special lab window. She looked up from the cage to see Jenny Matoose standing there. Titling her head with an odd look, Ellen held up a ‘wait a second’ hand to Jenny, finished her task, took off her lab coat, and cleaned up.

“Jenny?” Ellen came out of the special lab. “I thought you weren’t allowed up here.”

“Oh.” She flung her hand. “This was important. I had to come up.” She looked into the window. “What are you doing to those rabbits?”

“Trying to cure them.”

“Of the new virus?”

“Yep.”

“Any luck?”

“We are so there. The host virus is hardly a threat any ...” Ellen caught herself in her excitement. Opening her mouth about something she was given strict instructions not to do. “Um, Jenny, I didn’t say that, OK?”

Jenny pretended to lock her mouth shut and throw away the key. “Not a peep, Ellen. Besides, with all the work you and Dean are doing up here, how could you guys not beat this thing? Right? Speaking of Dean ...”

Ellen let out a breath. Jenny was changing the subject. “What about him?”

“Why is Dean walking circles in the field a couple miles from here? Is it a new experiment?”

“You could say that. Frank is working with him on something. I’ve been told not to give him a ride, even if he begs.”

“So I take it I shouldn’t.”

“No. Frank will kill you. So, what’s up?”

Jenny took a seat on a stool. “Guess where I’m going in two hours?”

“Where?”

“Ben has the dresses done. Well, almost.”

“No shit?” Ellen smiled and pulled up a stool next to Jenny. “I thought he said another week.”

“That’s what he said but he has them done. This means we can move this wedding up to August 15th. What do you think?”

“Oh Henry will be glad. I know he just can’t wait until this whole thing is over with.”

“Good.” Jenny smiled. “Andrea and I will come over to your house with the dresses. Can you meet us there in two hours?”

“Sure. Why?” Ellen asked.

“A couple reasons. Andrea is going to pin the hem on you for Ben and we’re all gonna try the dresses on. It’ll be fun. A bridesmaids’ afternoon.” Jenny giggled. “And guess what? William said he found that old calligraphy kit he knew was around, so starting at the woman’s meeting Friday, we’ll do the invitations. I’m working on few now. I’ll bring three to your house and you and Henry can pick which one. Once you do, we can handwrite them out and Paper said they’d give us the nice stuff to do it on.”

“Invitations?” Ellen asked with surprise. “I didn’t know we were gonna do that.”

“Well, it was sort of a surprise I was keeping until I knew I could pull it off. I mean, why not? We have food. Paul is going to Miles City tomorrow with Cole to get some music for the reception. We have a hell of a buffet planned. Cindy has designed a cake that kills. Why not have invitations? I figured we’d have to write out about seventy. I’d like to get them out and hand delivered by Friday of next week. Of course, it’s not like no one knows or they have other plans. It’ll just be ceremonial and nice.”

“Jenny, this is starting to really get exciting, isn’t it?”

“I’d say.” Jenny looked down at her watch. “I’d better head out before John misses the jeep and Forrest has my kids speaking Forrest-ese. Did I tell you he’s the guest at our meeting? Even though he’s a guy, he’s so worldly and he knows all about the ancient rituals behind our project we’re doing.”

“Are we finally doing the one I have been waiting for?”

“Yep, so don’t forget to bring your supplies.” Jenny moved to the door. “See you in a couple hours. I’ll wave ‘hi’ to Dean for you.”

“Thanks.” Ellen tapped her fingers on the counter a few times after Jenny had left. Dresses. Hems. Invitations. Ellen’s head popped up in thought. She immediately sprang to her feet. “Shit, I’d better clean up if I want to be home in a couple hours.” Foregoing what she was working on, actually forgetting about what she was working on, Ellen prepared for the final clean-up phase of the day.

<><><><>

With a slight limp and his hands behind his back as he walked, Joe moved side by side with Danny down the hall of Containment toward the entrance door. “You and Bentley did great on the tests, Danny.”

“Not to sound arrogant, Joe, but I knew we would.”

“So did I. We’re looking at letting you two out Saturday. We’ll have you guys share a house and that’ll be your first day in Mechanics.”

“So I definitely am going there?” Danny asked.

“Without a doubt. You have to start working on that tracking system.”

“I understand. What about this Security Force? I’d be interested in helping out there.”

“Yeah?” Joe nodded. “I’ll talk to Frank. I don’t see why he can’t fit you in on the reserve squad.”

“Good. What about Bentley, Joe? Where will he go?”

“I have special plans for Bentley. In fact, we have a store that is vacant, being done up like a barbershop. Cole is running into Miles City tomorrow for the supplies. That’s why I stopped in actually. I had to speak to Bentley, and he told me what he required. I also needed to know how long he needs between each haircut appointment. Seems the word has spread around here and everyone is anxious. So I have one of our girls, Trish, setting appointments for everyone.”

Danny chuckled. “Bentley will love that idea.”

“He already does.” Joe stopped at the door. “Danny, I wanted to ask you something, if I may.”

“Sure.”

“You said you went to school to be an architect. We had a man here, he left, who redesigned our housing units, using the supplies to make some three bedrooms instead of two. Seems like something has happened to those prints. Everything is prefab. Do you suppose you can do that?”

“Redesign them? Sure, why not?” Danny shrugged. “Why not just design newer housing?”

“Like I said, it’s prefab and we have all the supplies already.”

“Joe, you have a world of supplies out there, and a world of prefab houses.”

“Danny?” Joe was a bit confused.

“Simple. You need wood to build new homes. Just like you would go to Miles City to get a barber chair, you go to Miles City to get a house or stuff to build one. The possibilities are endless, Joe.”

“Well, you think about that. We have growing families and some are just smashed into two bedroom homes. I’d like to give them more room.”

“Then we will. When I get out, I’d like to look at the prints for the prefab houses and the supplies for them.”

“Deal.” Joe reached up his hand to the keypad. “Oh, Danny.” Joe winked and shook Danny’s hand. “I have a good feeling about you. It’s good to have you aboard.”

“Thanks, Joe.”

With a swat to Danny’s shoulder, Joe punched in his code. He walked through the small office, saying his goodbyes to the guard, and then out into the hot sunny day that waited for him. As soon as he stepped out he saw Frank, just the man he was looking for. “Frank?”

Frank stopped in a skid in his hurry move to the Living Section. “Oh hey, Dad.”

“What’s the rush?”

“Heading back home. Josh is with the kids, and I needed to get to Distribution for milk before they closed.” He held up the container. “See ya.”

“Frank. Wait.”

“I need to get back.”

“Just one second.” Joe hobbled to him. “Care to tell me why I got a call on my radio from Jason that Dean is wandering around in circles out in the field by his lab?”

“Nope. See ya.” Laughing, Frank quickly took off.

<><><><>

The slam of the front door rattled the archway and Dean, dirty, sweaty, and hot, stormed into the house. “Frank!” he screamed out into the darkness of the home he guessed was correct. “Frank! Oh I’d better be in Frank’s house.”

Frank came from the kitchen drying his hands. “Whoa, hey, Dean, you’re here.”

“I hate you!” Dean bellowed at him. “I really hate you, Frank.”

“Why?”

“Why? Four hours. Four hours I wandered around in circles, mind you, trying to get home.”

“I made it.”

“You’re an asshole! I didn’t make it. Did you stop to wonder if I was all right? Did you stop to think I might need help? No! All I got was every half hour, Robbie driving by saying, ‘You OK, Dean?’ And forget telling him ‘no’ because he’d just drive off anyhow!”

“How’d you get back?” Frank asked.

“I walked! Walked! It took the kids getting out of school for me to hear enough noise to follow!” Knowing Frank’s house well from walking it for an hour, Dean moved into the living room. “I’m hot, Frank, I’m tired, and I hate you. I just don’t want to be bothered by you right now.”

“What are you doing, Dean?”

“Sitting on your couch. Am I allowed?”

“Oh sure.” Frank tossed his hand up. “Go on. But just remember, never take anything for granted.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Dean lowered himself to sit and instead of his body plopping on the couch he expected to be there, his body plopped down to the floor.

“That,” Frank answered.

“Where is the couch, Frank?”

“I moved it.”

“You moved it?” Dean picked himself up. “I’m blind! I learned this house inside and out last night. Why would you move the couch on me?”

“To show you things are never what you think they are.”

Dean grunted loudly. “You keep throwing these Frank-tests at me and I keep failing them! When are you going to learn they don’t work?”

“Bullshit,” Frank snapped. “They work. Your blind ass made it two miles to my house, alone. It may have taken you hours, but you made it. You made it. The next time you’re stuck somewhere, you’ll pull upon what you learned today and you’ll make it through that situation too.” Frank backed up and went into the kitchen. “Don’t try to jump on the bed either,” Frank yelled from the other room. “I moved that too.”

Annoyed and with a sore rear-end, Dean knew one thing. Frank was right.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Andrea ran a dab of Hair Hold in between her fingers and touched her fingers to the strands of hair that hung down onto Ellen’s neck. Spirals, Andrea had curled them, adding the hair product to the soft curls to hold them in place as they dangled from the perfect test hair-do that Andrea and Jenny did to Ellen before she tried on the dress that nearly fit her perfectly. Ellen’s dark blond hair was pulled up and back loosely, twisted and tucked, with the ends curled about. It was so fancy, so unlike her, but Ellen didn’t mind the half hour it took for Andrea and Jenny to do her hair. She actually liked being fussed over. ‘Practice preparations’ Jenny called them. Standing in front of her bedroom dresser mirror in the off-white dress Ben worked so hard to redo, so lacey, so turn of the century. It was hard to believe, as Ellen looked at herself, that Josephine had actually worn the dress sixty years earlier. It wasn’t just Josephine’s dress; it was also Josephine’s mother’s as well.

She was the woman they labeled senile, who four years earlier they found sitting on her front porch like a Caucasian version of a Stephen King character. She brought that dress with her along with so much that those in Beginnings always found interesting. And like those trinkets Josephine shared with the community, she now shared that dress, telling Ellen and the women that anyone who could wear it, should.

“Girl.” Andrea ran her hand down the front of the dress, a closed-mouth proud look on her face. “Look at you in this dress. I feel like your mom.”

“It’s beautiful.” Ellen stared in awe.

“You don’t need but an inch taken up. Ben won’t even need to cut this dress,” Andrea commented.

“Maybe you can wear it next.” Ellen giggled. “We are the same size.”

“Sweet Jesus, Ellen.” Andrea waved her hand with a ‘tsk’. “Who in God’s world will I marry? No-no. I’m fine wearing this.” Andrea touched the straight, long blue dress she wore. A simple large pearl decorated the gathered front.

“Those turned out nice.” Ellen turned from the mirror. “Jenny, you took yours off?”

Jenny tossed on her tee shirt. “I have to be getting home. This was fun but I have to leave. John gets nervous if he is stuck making dinner.” Jenny slipped into her shorts. “I’ll leave the invitations here for Henry to look at, Ellen.” She grabbed her dress and stuck it on the hanger. “You look great in that dress. Henry will be so pleased when he sees you walking down the aisle.”

“You think?” Ellen asked, almost uncertain.

“Oh sure.”

Andrea unzipped her own dress. “I’d better be going too. We’ve been here for two hours. Goodness. Henry will be home soon so get out of that dress.” She slipped from her own, grabbed her clothes and put them on.

“Another minute or two.” Ellen looked at her reflection. “I’ve never worn a wedding dress before.”

Jenny walked up behind Ellen, straightening the shoulders on the dress. “Maybe the reason for that is you were waiting for the right man to wear one for.”

“I think you’re right.” Ellen smiled. “Jenny.” She stopped Jenny as she started to leave the bedroom. “Your hairpins, I can take them out now.”

“Just give them to me tomorrow, so I can put them away for the wedding.”

“OK.” Ellen fussed with her hair. “I can’t leave it this like this. Henry will see. I want him to be surprised.”

Andrea, dressed, and her bridesmaid gown draped over her arm, walked to Ellen. “He will be. Now make sure you put that in the dark sack. We don’t need Henry seeing it before the wedding.”

“I’ll be sure.” Ellen accepted the kiss on the cheek from Andrea. “Thanks.”

“See you tomorrow.” Andrea took one more look at Ellen then walked from the bedroom.

Knowing it was time to slip back into a pair of shorts and a tee shirt, Ellen reached her hands to her hair to feel for the pins that Jenny had placed in her hair. As her arms rose, she heard Andrea saying ‘Hi, Frank’. Ellen’s arms dropped. “Frank?” She closed her eyes and jumped back when the single knock at the door startled her.

“El.” Frank walked in, and the moment he saw her turn to look at him, Frank’s heart dropped. “Oh my God.”

“Frank,” Ellen spoke nervously, “what are you doing here?”

“I uh ... I took a walk. Dean is spending time ... God, El, you’re beautiful.”

Ellen’s head dropped in a blush. “Frank.”

Frank walked up to her. “Look at you.” His hand reached out and touched lightly to her face.

Ellen closed her eyes and tiled her head unconsciously into his touch. She caught herself and her head sprang up. “But this isn’t me.” She turned from him. “I have to get out of this, Frank. Oh I hate this dress up stuff.” Her hands rose to her hair again. “So you left Dean alone?”

“Yep. Fifteen-minute test. I figured I’d come here and bother you.”

“Care to help. I have a million hairpins in this hair.”

“Sure.” Frank walked up behind her. His huge hands dug in her hair along with Ellen’s hands, pulling out pins and setting them on the dresser. “This reminds me of the time you had your hair pulled up for that dinner. Remember?” Frank dropped some pins. He separated her hair. “I’ll do this.” He removed her hands. “I swore we dug pins from your hair for fifteen minutes.”

“I remember that, not to mention all the hair spray.”

“This feels soft though.” Frank tried to run his fingers through her hair and they got stuck. He laughed. “Maybe not. What did you do? Tease you hair?”

“Andrea did.”

“Last pin.” He handed it to her then reached around for the brush. “You or me?”

“I can do it. Thanks.” Ellen smiled. “Step back.” She bent over flinging her hair forward and brushed it, talking to Frank’s boots, “Thanks for your help.”

“No problem. I needed to waste fifteen minutes, which with walking time included, is almost up. You’ll see him soon though. I’m sending him down here to try walking alone again. He did good today, El. Made it home all by himself.”

“I heard it took him forever.”

“But at least he made it.” He watched Ellen straighten up and fling her hair back as she stood. It was full and Frank shrieked in a joke at her.

“Frank.” She hit him lightly with the brush then brushed her hair flat. She turned her back to him. “Could you undo the zipper for me?”

“Sure.” Frank hesitated in his reach then grabbed the zipper, pulling it down slowly, looking at her bare back as he exposed it. He swallowed and separated the open garment. “All ... I have to go.” He stepped back quickly.

“Frank?”

“Fifteen minutes is up, El. Dean will panic.” He opened the door. “I’ll see you.”

“Frank?” Ellen was at a loss when Frank darted out.

Frank paused on the top step before going down. He looked back at the partially opened bedroom door, wanting so badly to go back in there, but he couldn’t. The best thing for him at that moment was to go home. He hurried down the steps. As he reached for the front door, it opened, and Henry walked in.

“Frank?” Henry said on his entrance. “How come you’re here?”

“Eating up time. Dean’s home alone for the first time with the kids. Trial thing. You know.”

“You leaving?”

“Yeah, El’s upstairs. Uh, Henry, don’t go up there.”

“Why?” Henry asked, afraid of the answer.

“She has her wedding dress on. Bad luck.” Frank laughed then turned somber. “Even though I know and you know this will be as real as it is right now, it’s still … still hard to see her getting ready to marry someone else. You got her, legally married or not. Sometimes that just sucks. And I feel bad because I always think you don’t deserve it. But I guess that’s just me.”

“Frank.”

“I’ll see you, Henry.” Frank tapped once on the edge of the door then pulled it closed as he left.

Henry closed his eyes tightly and leaned in toward that closed door. “I’m sorry,” he spoke softly, laying his palm flush against it. “It isn’t you. I don’t deserve it.” He stayed there for a minute like that, thinking about the look on his friend’s face. As he turned from the door, he saw Ellen standing on the next to last step. “El.”

“Attached to that door, Henry?” she asked, then walked all the way down. “Look at my fluffy hair. They had me teased and pulled up, fussed over. How was your day?”

“Good.” Henry kept a quiet demeanor.

Ellen was a little surprised and her face showed it. “What’s wrong?”

“El, we have to talk.”

“What’s going on?”

“I can’t … I can’t do this, El. Any of this.”

Ellen squinted her eyes. “I’m sorry. I guess I was getting caught up in a wedding I never had. Forgetting it wasn’t real.” She stood. “I’ll talk to Frank, get him to cause a scene and …”

“No, I’ll just take the heat and call it off.”

“Henry, what’s going on?” Ellen asked.

“All this. The wedding. Us. How we got married and …”

“You’re upset because this isn’t real.”

“I’m upset because I don’t deserve any of it.”

Ellen forced a smile. “What are you talking about?”

“I haven’t been honest with you. I haven’t been.” Henry spoke nearly in a whisper, “Before we continue on with this friendship, living here half the time, fake wedding … there’s something you need to know.”

“Do I want to know this?”

“You need to know this.” Henry reached back and closed the bedroom door.

<><><><>

“Man,” Frank commented when Dean walked in. “You just went over there. Didn’t they want you either? Or didn’t you go?”

“I went.” Dean shut the door. “Frank ...”

“What did they do? Kick you out?” Frank laughed.

“You can say that, Frank.” Dean walked farther into the house. “Henry’s calling off the wedding.”

“No he’s not. I was just there.” Frank snickered. “Dean, you lost your sight not your mind. I just came back from there, right before you left. Remember? It’s been like what ... two fuckin minutes?”

“No, Frank. When I got there, Ellen was storming out. I knocked, asked Henry. He wouldn’t let me in. All he said was he called off the wedding.”

“Wow.” Frank placed his hands on his hips and dropped his head. “This is and isn’t a shock.” Frank paused, fluttering his lips. “Do you know why? I mean, why call off something that isn’t real? Unless they planned to tell us it wasn’t real when it actually was.”

“Would they do that again?”

“It’s Ellen.”

“True, but ...” Dean breathed out heavily. “Something does not feel right.”

“Nope. It don’t.” Frank walked over and sat on the couch. “But I’m not getting involved in that. A deal is a deal. I’m just gonna hang out with you.”

“Do you think that’s the best option?”

“Dean, whether you or I like it or not. This is not our concern.”

“You’re enjoying this aren’t you?”

“Trouble in paradise?”

“Yes.”

Frank smiled. “Absolutely.”

<><><><>

The invitations to the wedding. They sat on the table and Henry supposed Ellen was going to show him. But then he told her. Ellen ended up showing him the invitations another way ...

“You needed to tell me ...” She ripped up the three invitations. “…before this!” She tossed the pieces harshly at him. They sprayed like rain into his face then onto the floor. “It doesn’t matter what you say, Henry, nothing, nothing is gonna make up for the hurt your cowardliness just caused me.” She brushed harshly by him, smacking her shoulder into Henry as she passed him, flung open the door, and ran out.

Now Henry’s fingers trembled as he sat at the dining room table. So sad, his fingers worked on piecing back together the ripped up wedding invitations. Diligently and with such determination, he tore small strips of tape and carefully rebuilt the invitations to what they were. There was no reason for it, maybe it was symbolic for him vowing to try to put together what he tore between him and Ellen.

The clicking of the front door handle went through Henry like a shock. The last he spoke to Frank, he hadn’t found Ellen, yet when Henry looked up, Ellen was walking into his home. “El.” He stood, dropping the invitation to the table and racing to the door. “Where have you been?”

“Not here.” She walked to the steps.

“El, can we talk? Please can we talk?”

“No,” she said somberly and began to walk up the steps.

Henry followed her, determined to speak with her. “El, listen I’ve been ...”

“Henry.” Ellen spun to him when she reached the top step. “I’m not in the mood to talk.” She walked to their bedroom.

“You can’t go to bed mad at me, El.”

“Mad? No, Henry, I’m not mad.” Ellen walked around to the bottom of the bed and reached under it. She pulled out a duffel bag.

“What are you doing?”

“I no longer live here, Henry.”

“No, El.” He pulled the bag from her. “You live here.”

“I’m leaving.”

“You can’t do that.”

“Did you think I’d stay? Did you?” Ellen flung open the closet. “You hid the truth from me.”

“I was afraid to talk to you. I was afraid of this.”

“Guess what, Henry, your fears have come true.”

“No.” Henry pulled her from the closet. “I won’t let you do this. We need to resolve this matter.”

Ellen laughed. “Resolve? Do you actually think there can be a resolve? I walked around Beginnings like an idiot, professing that I had no idea how Nick was conceived. You … you backed it right up.” Her hands flew about. “Do you know how stupid that feels? When all along, you knew. You knew exactly how and when I got pregnant with Nick.”

“I told you I was scared.”

“I thought you knew me.”

“I do.”

“Apparently not, Henry. Because if you would have just told me the next day when I asked if anything happened between us …” She stepped to Henry. “I asked you if anything happened. You said no. If you would have said yes. Told me the truth, it wouldn’t have been an issue.”

“Then, why is it an issue now!”

“Because you lied to me. You didn’t just lie to me then, you did it all the way up until now. You lied about Nick. You had a chance then, too. Why aren’t you getting this?”

“Is the Nick paternity why you are so mad?”

Ellen blasted, “What! No! It’s everything. The lies, everything.”

“At least I told you, Ellen. Give me credit for that.”

“Oh my God. In what reality does that make it OK?” Ellen walked to her drawers and grabbed clothes. “Now I have to live in the old reality and keep pretending I haven’t a clue how Nick came about. Because if I say I do, then I look like a bigger liar than everyone thinks I am. If I tell the truth, you’ll be ousted as a rapist.”

As she turned, Henry grabbed her arm. “Rapist? How dare you throw that word at me? I told you I didn’t know. You remembered kissing me.”

“I was drunk, Henry.”

“You kept kissing me.”

“I blacked out.”

“But you responded when we started having sex.”

“And that makes it okay?”

“Yes.”

“Fuck you!” Ellen grabbed her bag, swung it outward, smacking Henry in her exit of the bedroom.

“We have a son.”

“Apparently that was a huge mistake.”

“El, listen to me.” He chased her down the stairs. “I didn’t tell you. I was wrong. I’m sorry. I am so sorry for lying to you. But how was I supposed to know. You responded, you reacted when we …”

“Stop.” Ellen held out her hand. “Did you know how drunk I was?”

“Yes.” Henry lowered his head.

“Then you should have never taken advantage of me.”

“No one takes advantage of you.”

Ellen stared him down. Her eyes glaring, then she grabbed for the door.

“I guess you’re gonna go tell everyone now.”

Ellen turned back around. “No. No I’m not. I’ll make up an excuse about the wedding, about us, whatever. Because I am so embarrassed by it all. But I swear to God, Henry, if you ever imply that I let you take advantage of me. If you ever imply that you weren’t wrong and I was. If you ever imply that again. I’m going straight to Dean with the truth.”

“Dean?” Henry nearly laughed. “Not Frank.”

“Dean. Frank will just beat your ass. Throw you out. Dean will kill you.” She opened the door. “And you’ll never see it coming.”

CHAPTER NINE

JULY 29

Barely daylight and barely awake, Robbie found himself having to think and recount what had happened the night before. He sat up, propping his pillow behind his back against the headboard and straightening the sheet across his waist. He folded his hands, tapping fingers together. He wasn’t drinking heavily the night before. He remembered that. One drink, that was it and he went to bed early. His thoughts were interrupted when the snooze alarm went off on his alarm for the fourth time. Quickly he reached his hand over and shut it off. He lifted the covers, looking down under them at himself. He wasn’t naked. He was wearing shorts. It was just as he remembered the night before. He wouldn’t have given any thought to the previous evening at all. Until he hit the snooze for the third time and heard the slight moan next to him in bed.

Did he accidently put something in his own drink? Perhaps he had a brain tumor. Because he missed the fact on how Ellen ended up in bed with him.

He looked at the time knowing he had to get out of bed, and figuring so did Ellen, he decided to wake her.

“El,” he called out to her, looking down as she curled close to the other side of the bed. He could see she wore a tee shirt and Robbie wanted so badly to lift the covers to see if that was all she wore. “El,” he called out again.

Ellen grumbled something and lifted her head. Her hair flopped all over her face. She plopped over on her back.

Robbie smiled. “El, do you need to get up?”

“What time is it?” She groaned.

“Six thirty.”

Ellen whined, “My poor head.” She lifted herself to her elbows then rolled onto her side, removing her hair from her eyes. “I can’t even lift my head.”

Robbie grinned. “Considering you smell like Josephine after a long night at the hall. I’d say you were drunk.”

“Oh, God, did I drink.”

“Hey, El. How exactly did you ...” One knock, one firm knock and Robbie looked to his bedroom door.

“Robert,” Joe called and opened the door walking in. “Time to get ... Oh Jesus Christ.” Quickly Joe retreated and left, shutting the door with a loud bang.

Ellen sat up all the way. “What was all that about?”

Robbie shrugged. “Don’t know.”

“Why would Joe ... oh shit!” Ellen flung the covers from herself jumping out of bed. “He saw us in bed.”

“Yeah, so.”

Robbie got out of bed too. “You’re wearing shorts.”

“Of course I’m wearing shorts.” Ellen looked for her shoes.

“El, did we have sex last night?”

“No!” Ellen answered sharply. “Where are my shoes? Oh I know Joe is just gonna yell at me. My head.” She grabbed her forehead. “Why would you think we had sex?”

“Because you were in my bed. I don’t remember how you got there. Last I recall I was alone. Now, I’m thinking I have a brain tumor or I drank more than I thought ...”

“Robbie.” She sat on the bed. “The reason you don’t remember is because when I got into bed last night, you were crashed. I ended up here because I couldn’t get into Dean’s. I knew his house was empty, but it was also locked. I couldn’t go to Frank’s because it’s crowded enough there. So I came here. But when I snuck in, Katie was sleeping on the couch and Denny was on the floor. I guess Andrea had an emergency.” Ellen stood up.

“No, Andrea is sick. She came down with something last night.” Robbie shrugged. “I don’t know what but we watched the kids for her then I went to bed. Is that why you were in my bed?”

“Yeah. You have a double bed. There was room and I remembered you are not a bed hog so I slept here.”

“Hey, El, can I tell everyone I woke up in bed with you?”

“No,” she said annoyed, walking to the door. “It’s bad enough Joe thinks we slept together. How I’m getting out of that one, I don’t know.” She opened the bedroom door.

“El.” Robbie waited for her to stop. “Can I at least tell Henry?”

Ellen was silent. “Yeah, go on. You can tell Henry but that’s it.” Waving her hand and knowing she had to be going, Ellen left.

<><><><>

Over the railing of the lookout tower Frank leaned his body into his elbows that rested on the thick wooden beam. He took the tower watch while Steve took a break. Frank never minded it much doing that. There was something really peaceful about the view that was seen from the tower, not that Frank would share that feeling with anyone. Watching out into the wilderness, where barely an animal moved, Frank smoked his cigarette, thinking back to the night before.

Ellen was in the Social Hall when he found her, one of three people there. Forrest sat with Josephine at the bar, and Ellen sat at a table using two chairs, one for her body and the other for her extended legs. Her head was back and her hair looked longer than it was as she rested her side against the table and her hand played blindly with her drink.

“Hey,” Frank spoke to her, gently tugging her hair and making her head pull back more. “Can I join you?”

“Not right now. OK, Frank?”

“OK.” Frank stood for about ten seconds then walked to in front of her, removing her legs from the chair and sat down there. “How about now?”

“Frank.” Ellen turned her body into the table. “I just want to sit alone. OK?”

“Nope.” Frank shook his head. “Dean said he went to the house. You stormed out. Henry told him the wedding was off. Is it?”

“Are you going to gloat?”

“Nope.”

“No, I told you so’s ?”

“Nope.”

“What’s up with that?” Ellen asked him, holding back her bangs as she leaned for support on her elbow.

“Let’s just say as your friend for over half your life,” Frank rested his hand on her hand that held her drink, “I’m concerned about you.”

“I probably look really stupid right now, don’t I?”

“I don’t know how to respond to that because I don’t know why the fake wedding was called off.”

“I’m just tired of the lies. I want to change, Frank, and a mock wedding isn’t the way to do it. Plus, Henry ... I don’t know. He ... let’s just say, he’s not always what he appears.”

“I’ll accept that and let this go. If you wanna make a change, why did you keep going on with the wedding stuff?”

“First it was for Joe. Then I kinda got all caught up in it. Then, and don’t laugh, I liked being part of the women. I liked ... no, I like Jenny Matoose.”

Frank nearly choked.

“You’re making fun.”

“I’m shocked.”

Ellen sipped her drink. “You know what hurts the most, Frank. It’s Henry.” Ellen turned her head to look at Frank. “I never expected anything less than the truth from him. I trusted him so much. He doesn’t even realize what I put aside, what I gave up for my obligation to him. No matter how much it hurt, I put aside everything I felt for you so ... so ... I could ... finish my drink.” She held up her glass, widening her eyes as she drank, and looking away from Frank. “I didn’t say that.”

Frank smiled. He lowered her drink from her mouth. “I didn’t hear anything. El, am I missing something here? Did Henry do something? I mean ... it sounds to me like he did something and you aren’t saying.”

“He did. And, I’m not going to say what. Please respect that.”

Frank held up his hand. “Promise. Wanna come back to the house with me. Hang out. I have to be getting back anyhow. Walk with me. Come on, Blind Dean is there.” He tilted his head with a smile. “We can play blind jokes on him. What do you say?”

“No.” She shook her head with a slight laugh. “I wanna stay here, at least for a little while. Rain check though on the blind jokes?”

“Most definitely. Will you be all right?”

Ellen grunted and moaned, “Don’t make fun of me but ... I feel so bad.”

Frank put his arm around the back of her chair and scooted closer. “I’m sorry.”

Ellen leaned into his chest.

“Will you be all right?”

“I’ll be fine.”

Frank leaned into her and kissed her on the cheek. “If you need me for anything, you call me or come and get me. I want to help.”

“You can.”

“Good.” Frank began to back away but Ellen pulled him back.

“Frank.” She slipped her arms around his neck and brought her lips lightly across his neck and to his ear, whispering, “Take me somewhere. Make love to me. Do what only you can do and make it all go away. Please.” She brushed her lips against his ear.

“El.”

“Frank.”

“El.” He pulled Ellen away from him then firmly ran his hands up her arms then to her face. He placed his hands to her cheeks and lowered his lips close to her. Then Frank stopped. “I can’t.” He backed up and removed her arms. “I can’t, sorry.”

“What? I won’t ever, ever, ever offer it to you again.”

“Yes, you will.”

Ellen’s mouth dropped open in shock. “I will not.”

“Yes, you will.” Frank walked to beside her. “And trust me when you do, you won’t be on your fourth drink. I don’t want you to do something you’ll regret and not remember in the morning.” He kissed her on the cheek before he left, but felt bad. Because there was an expression on her face that told him, he probably shouldn’t have left her with Forrest and Josephine, the town barflies.

He missed something in their conversation. He felt it.

Frank reminded himself right then and there, as he finished his cigarette on the tower, that he would try to talk to Ellen about it. Or at least get Robbie on it ...

Looking at the cigarette that had nearly burned itself out, Frank, using his middle finger and thumb, flicked the butt over the rail. It sailed through the air spinning. For as much as Frank didn’t expect to hear it hitting the ground fifty feet below, that was how much he didn’t expect to hear the high-pitched shriek beneath him. Knowing that the cigarette probably hit someone, Frank snickering, peeked over the railing. It took everything he had not to laugh out loud when he saw Henry rubbing his arm and looking up at the tower to try to see who had just burned him.

<><><><>

It wasn’t turning out to be a very good day for Henry at all. Not like he actually thought it would be, but since the moment he woke up alone, the day had gone downhill. It was bad enough that everybody in town knew, by eight a.m., that the wedding was called off, but what made matters worse was that he couldn’t walk past a single woman in Beginnings without them calling him a prick. Every single one he walked by called him that. Henry kept his head low. It would have hung like that on its own from his sadness but now he dealt with name-calling. He tried to get by Jenny, but she called him a prick and told him she wished she could spit on him. Trish went into her own version of a riot act, telling Henry he was sending her into premature labor, that they still would have a gala and he would eat his heart out at it. Of course, Trish screamed that single slang term for the male anatomy at him at the end of her speech. Even Josephine jumped on that bandwagon adding the word ‘fuckin’ in her sentiments to Henry. Bad day. He would have thought Ellen told the women the truth, but since he was still alive and still in Beginnings he knew no one knew.

As Henry walked to the Mechanics Division building, he was in pain and ready to kill Steve the guard for that cigarette burn. Henry guessed that red welt was now the cherry that topped the whipped cream that topped his bad day.

It had to get better. It would get better, when he tried to speak to Ellen ... again. Hopefully on his next round at it, she wouldn’t walk by him. If he could only get her where she couldn’t leave, then he’d be sure to get her to listen to him. To Henry, getting her to listen would be half the battle.

Walking into Mechanics, Henry tossed his bag on the bench. “Hey, Scott, back already?”

“Yep, and I’m going back out.”

“Good.”

“Henry, Forrest is in your office waiting for you. He radioed and asked where he could find you, and when I told him you were heading back here before your meeting with Joe, he showed up.”

“Forrest?” Henry tilted his head in question. “What’s he want?”

Scott shrugged. “Don’t know.” He picked up his things. “See you later.”

“Scott, did Robbie ever show up this morning?” Henry asked.

Scott didn’t need to answer. Robbie did. “Yes, Henry, I did.” He came from the stockroom, holding wires.

Henry turned from Scott who left and faced Robbie. “Why are you here and not out working?”

“Uh ...” Robbie looked up at the ceiling in a thinking mode, his middle finger pressed to his bottom lip. “Supplies maybe.”

“You were late.”

“So what? I’ll work late.”

“You can’t be late, Robbie.”

“I slept in, don’t start on me.”

Henry grunted. “I don’t care. You can’t be sleeping late all the time. You have to learn to pull yourself from that bed.”

“Normally I would, Henry.” Robbie gave a shitty grin as he walked to the door. “But why pull myself out of bed this morning when Ellen was still there.” He gave swift pat to Henry’s back as he walked out. “Bye.”

Henry spun fiercely to the just shut door. “No. He didn’t ... shit.”

“An-ray,” Forrest called out chipper, stepping from Henry’s office.

A squeak of Henry soles occurred when he spun back around to see Forrest. “Hey, Forrest.” Henry took a second to let his heart stop racing at the vision of Robbie with Ellen.

“An-ray, uh woo luck ta speck with you if uh cooed.”

“Um sure, Forrest. What is it?” Henry placed his hands on his hips and looked down to the much smaller man.

“Uh woos specking ta Trash un shay tod may dat you un El-loon half cod ef de wadding. Oui?”

“Um ...” Henry quickly deciphered what Forrest had said. He really wanted to rush him along; he had to get his notes and head to Joe’s office. “Yeah.”

“Uh um saw-ray, An-ray. Trash has tod may dat El-loon es don with you. Shay hes mud de sue-gestion dat ma-bay uh cooed stop en un hop El-loon. I luck El-loon and uh ned ta knew ef you wooed mund, An-ray, ef uh wooed tuck El-loon on a det.”

“Uh, what was that, Forrest?”

“Woo you mund ef uh tuck El-loon on a det?”

“One more time.”

“Tuck a on a det. A det. A det.” Forrest was a bit frustrated.

“Um ... uh yeah, sure.” Henry nodded.

“Tank you, An-ray.” Forrest blew out of his mouth and moved to the door. “An-ray, ef I mut? Ma-bay, de pro-blem woos dat you dud net lis-soon e-niff.” He opened the door giving his final advice before he left. “De woo-mun, day ned ta bay heard.”

Henry scratched his head after the smiling Forrest left. He was certain that whatever Forrest was saying was important. It probably was some worldly advice from a father figure, but Henry just didn’t have the time to take to make out his messages. So, shrugging, Henry hurried and gathered his stuff he needed for his meeting.

<><><><>

Joe rubbed that spot above his eyebrows so harshly that if Dean could see, he would know about the huge red spot the action was causing as Joe masochistically placed it upon himself. “It’s not that funny, Dean,” Joe told him.

“Sorry.” Dean caught his breath. He stood side by side with Joe in the clinic lab. “Those are my choices? What about I finish these tests in this lab then I run to the mobile as planned?”

“What about not,” Joe stated. “Dean.” Wanting to rub the irritation away some more, Joe stopped. “Andrea has a flu bug or something. She can’t wander two feet from the commode. Now, you wanted to be treated no differently than if you hadn’t lost your sight, and I’m not. If you could see, you wouldn’t be laughing.”

“Yeah, Joe, but I can’t see. So explain to me why you can’t just have Jason work the clinic and you run Containment when Ellen’s done there.”

“I can’t run Containment, Dean. After my meeting I have to run out to Metal. They’re shorthanded for the melting. I’ll be there until night.”

“What about Dan?” Dean asked.

“Dan is working Perimeter Nine for Huey who broke his ankle.”

“Robbie.”

Joe grunted. “Robbie is in Mechanics today, all day. He got a late start and he has to fill in for Dan tonight on Perimeter Seven because Dan is filling in for Huey today.”

“Why not just leave Ellen in Containment all day then? And I’ll go up to the mobile lab and work with Johnny up there.”

“Dean! Johnny is up there now running experimental batches. Didn’t we decide he’d do that in the morning, and you and Ellen would do the Agent Seventeen testing afternoon and evenings so no one else knows? How do you propose we keep up the Agent Seventeen facade if you go up there and work with Johnny on it? Though I trust my grandson explicitly, he is his father’s son and I can’t trust what will escape his mouth when a female questions him, trust me. He tells me that Denise is constantly asking him if they are close to curing it. It’s getting on his nerves just like you’re getting on mine now! Now your ass either works this clinic or you’re Ellen’s relief at Containment. Which will it be?”

“Forrest. Why can’t Forrest ...”

“Dean!”

“All right, all right.” Dean held up his hands. “Containment. I’ll work Containment for the next couple days.”

Joe let out a long audible breath. “Good.” He turned his views from Dean and to the door. “Thank ... Hey! Hey you!”

Dean jumped from Joe’s yell. “What, what did I do?”

“Hold up Missy! Stop!”

“Joe?” Dean asked with such a hesitation. “Why are you calling me Missy?”

“Not you. Sorry, Dean.” Joe walked away from the counter and he held out his finger to the door, curling it in a call to Ellen. “Now, come here.”

Ellen whined, “Aw, Joe, I’m busy, I have to get back over to Containment.”

“Not so fast.”

Dean snickered at Ellen’s stomp as she entered the lab. “Hi, El.”

“Hi, Dean.” She walked in. “Can I kiss you yet?”

“Nope. Cowboy law. I don’t want to get killed.”

“Aw,” she whined again. “It’s a Slagel thing, this cowboy law. It’s not real.”

Joe cleared his throat. “I beg to differ. Clint would beg to differ ... the Duke would beg to differ with ...”

“Oh, Joe, the Duke is dead and we should assume so is Clint. I have to get back to Containment. The animals are left unattended.” She turned to leave. “Bye, Dean.”

“Not so fast,” Joe called out.

Dean was curious. “El? What did you do?”

“Nothing,” she answered. “Joe, I have to go.”

“Ellen,” Joe spoke firmly. “I know, no wait, the whole goddamn town knows you and Henry broke up last night, but do you think it helped matters by getting drunk ...” He saw Ellen open her mouth and he held his hand up. “Don’t deny it. Josephine told me.”

“Oh Josephine could barely stand last night. She was offering herself to Forrest.”

“Still,” Joe continued. “Do you think ...”

“Joe, my head hurts.”

“Ellen it’s bad enough you got drunk beyond walking straight, but do you mind telling me why in God’s name I had to walk into my son’s bedroom and see you in bed with Robbie?”

A thump, a rattle, and a bang.

Ellen hurried to Dean’s aid. “See, Joe, you knocked a blind man off his balance. Here, Dean.” She helped him to his feet. “How did you fall?”

“Frank!” Dean yelled.

Ellen looked at Joe then back to Dean. She spoke to him like he was three, “Sweetheart, Frank isn’t here. Did you think he pushed you?”

“No.” Dean felt out for the stool. “He keeps moving my things on me. I always have that stool at the end of the counter.”

Ellen giggled. “Sorry.” She bent down and picked up the stool. “Here.” She led his hand to it. “Joe, for your information, I didn’t have sex with Robbie last night.” She looked at Dean. “I didn’t have sex with Robbie, Dean, honest. I wanted to sleep at your house and ... never mind, long story. I told you most of it. I just slept in the same bed as Robbie. He was so sound asleep, he didn’t even know I was there.”

“Sex or no sex,” Joe said, “it’s the same thing.”

Ellen laughed at him. “Oh I beg to differ, Joe. Really I do. Has it been that long for you?” She snickered and nudged Dean. “Anyhow, why are you preaching morals to me?”

“This has nothing to do with morals, Ellen. This has everything to do with my goofy-ass son. He woke up in bed with you this morning and you know as well as I do, there is nothing he loves more than to get people started. I have spoken my peace.” Joe stepped back. “Since you were in such a hurry to leave, I’ll walk your ass to Containment so you can prepare a day for Dean in there.” He heard Ellen snicker. “Yeah you heard me, Dean in Containment.”

“But, Joe, he’s blind. How will he control them?” Ellen tried not to laugh.

“Get your new buddy to help. Let’s go.” He reached out and snatched her by her arm. “Say good-bye to Dean.”

“Bye, Dean.” Ellen tried to kiss him but Joe pulled her back. “Hey!”

“Cowboy law.”

<><><><>

Joe remembered well in the old world how, whenever he used to enter a store, a slight buzzing would occur to let the clerk know someone had entered. It was a great idea, Joe thought. He didn’t know they had one in Beginnings, but found out his office did when he opened the door and heard the moan.

Alarm system or stupidity? Knowing that deep voice well, Joe shut the door and opened it, again another moan. “Frank?” Joe walked into his office. “What is wrong with you?”

“You keep hitting me with that door.” Frank stood to the side of the open drawer of the file cabinet. “Here I am, putting away your stupid reports, and you hit me with the door.”

“I wouldn’t hit you with the door if you would stand in front of the file cabinet.” Joe walked behind his desk. “Sorry I was late.”

“That’s OK.” Frank shut the top drawer. “Henry isn’t here yet. So, where were you?”

“Fighting with Ellen. Arguing. Seems from what I heard, she was quite wasted last night. Then I tried to tell her she can’t live with me. Nothing against Ellen, Frank, but I don’t want her with me. Christ, she has your house and Dean’s. Lord knows I don’t want to open Robbie’s bedroom door again and see her in his bed.”

“What!”

“Now don’t get yourself all worked up. She was in his bed and ... and ... you’d better have a talk with that brother of yours, taking advantage of her in that state.”

“Oh, I’ll talk to Robbie all right, after I beat his fuckin ass.” Frank pounded his fist once into the side of the filing cabinet, adding yet another Frank-dent.

“Yeah it’s a real shame. I go walking in there. Imagine my shock.”

“Fuck. I should have known. I know what she gets like when she gets drunk. I should have just slept with her like she asked me to.”

“Frank.”

“What?”

Joe motioned his head to his office door that had just opened and Henry entered.

“Hey.” Frank cleared his throat, placed the stack of reports he held on top of the file cabinet, and closed the drawer. “Let’s uh, start this meeting.”

Henry watched Frank walk away from that cabinet and to a chair by his father’s desk. “She asked you to sleep with her?”

“Did I say that?” Frank looked at his father. “I didn’t say that, did I?”

Henry sat down. “Yeah, you did. What made you turn her down, Frank?”

“Well, you know, she was drunk, she was on the rebound.” Frank looked at Henry. “What the hell happened to your arm? You have a huge welt.”

Henry rolled his eyes. “Steve, your guard, flicked a cigarette off the tower and burned me.”

“He’s an asshole,” Frank commented. “Anyhow, as I was saying before Henry rudely interrupted, Danny is working on this tracking system. He said it will take a week or two to get it up and running once he gets out of Containment and gets his supplies. Now I have a security plan. In fact, I’d like to put it into motion as soon as possible. It goes along with our new First Defense System.”

“Which is?” Joe asked.

“More choppers,” Frank stated. “Two more birds.” He heard Henry moan. “What?”

“We went through this before, Frank,” Henry said. “We’d have to take a truck to wherever they are, repair them, charge the battery, and gas them. It’s too much of a risk.”

“Dad.”

“We did discuss this before, Frank.”

“I know,” Frank nodded, “but things are different now. We haven’t any idea how many of those SUTs, or even people working for George, are out there now. Dad, you know as well as I do, if a hundred are at that back gate perimeter, four can be the suicide squad and hold back the beams while the others storm us. It’s a fear I have, and what will we do? We’re done. With Danny’s tracking system, we get them by air and we take them out beforehand.”

“And you don’t think two is enough?” Joe asked.

“Two is enough,” Frank said, “but we depend on both of them. We should have backup, like everything else here. We should be prepared for something to happen. We have four pilots. I’d like to start training four more, and I have the four picked out. Look, I have the route all planned.” Frank lifted up and pulled a wrinkled piece of paper from his back pocket. He laid it on the table. “We pack up a small tanker, four men. We send them out to Minot Air Force Base, a six hour trip tops from here and you know it. Seven if they piss around. We send them out at five a.m. they get there by noon. We spot out two birds. Come on, last time we did a spot-check of the place, no one had touched it. No one even attempted to take the padlocks off the gates we set up. It’s buried under five feet of jungle. Dirt, bugs, yeah, but we’ve done it before. We’ve picked up a second chopper. How long did it take you, Henry? Four hours. What did we do? We brought the battery from the chopper we had running and used that to help power the new one home. Then we took it out and gave it its own battery. We can do the same here. Take two batteries with us from our birds and take them back out once we land them.” Frank looked at his father. “Dad, we can have our men back home by ten p.m. that night. Hell, let’s do one better. Let’s take one of the spare tankers, a little one, and just leave it there. We can pick up another tanker a hell of a lot easier than we can pick up a bird. Our men will fly home. Home by five, dinner time.” Frank was so certain.

“Who’s the crew?” Joe questioned.

“Bart will drive. He won’t be missed in Security. Robbie and Johnny to fly. Robbie especially because he’s canvassing for missiles, while ... while Henry fixes the choppers.”

“No,” Henry stated. “No, Frank. I can’t go.”

“One day.”

“My life is in shambles right now. No I can’t.”

“Yes you can,” Frank argued. “Don’t be such a wuss.”

Henry gasped, “Why don’t you go?”

“Because I can’t fix the fuckin choppers, that’s why. I don’t claim to be the ‘Head Mechanic’ around here. I’m not the one who boasts and brags that I put together an entire helicopter engine when it lay in pieces last year. Am I? No.” Frank pointed at him. “You will go.”

“Joe.” Henry looked to Joe.

Joe tossed his hands up. “I wish you would go, Henry. But, Frank, you know our established rules. We can’t make a man go if he has children.”

“Yeah.” Henry folded his arms.

“Oh that’s bullshit. Henry wouldn’t have even of thought about that. Look at Greg. He went out for weeks and he had a child.”

Joe shook his head with so much sarcasm on his face. “Greg’s dead, Frank. Good example.”

“Yeah,” Henry pointed out, “his son is an orphan now.”

Frank grunted and stood up. “Dad, can I have this trip if I find someone who can fix the choppers?”

Joe nodded. “Sure, Frank. Lay it out. I’ll authorize it as soon as you’re ready.”

“Good.” Frank walked to the door. “We’ll leave Thursday.”

“Where are you going?” Joe called out.

“To get the person that can fix the choppers. Obviously it’s not Henry ...” Frank flung open the door.

“Who, Frank?” Joe yelled.

“Danny.” He slammed the door angrily and stood outside trying to calm down before heading into town. He patted his chest pocket and twitched his head in disgust. “Fuck.” Spinning around he opened his father’s office door, walked in, walked up to Joe, reached in Joe’s chest pocket, and grabbed a cigarette. “Thanks.” He placed it in his mouth and lit it as he walked back out.

With his mouth hanging open, Joe pointed to the door. “Did he just ...”

“No.” Henry shook his head.

“But I just saw him.”

“No you didn’t.”

“No I didn’t?”

“Oh no, Joe. That wasn’t Frank,” Henry told him. “It’s never Frank who smells like cigarette smoke or is smoking. Didn’t you know that? It’s Robbie, so just keep in mind when you get really frustrated while asking him about it, that he’s gonna tell you that wasn’t him that walked in here, stole a cigarette, and lit it. It was Robbie.”

<><><><>

“Come on, Dean. Relax.” Ellen held on to his arm as they walked slowly down the hall of Containment. “You’re so tense I can feel it shooting from you.”

“I can’t do this.”

“Sure you can.” Ellen brushed into him. “Bentley and Danny and the cable guy are all gonna help you with the rough six.”

“Rough six?”

“Yeah, they’re a little rough. They fight all the time so just ignore them. Danny said he’ll handle them for you.”

Dean sniffed predominantly. “Why am I smelling an overabundance of Hair Hold in this place?” Dean stopped, grazed his hand up to Ellen’s head and felt. “Your hair is soft.”

“Thanks.” She messed up his. “So is yours. Bentley is practicing women’s hairstyles in the skills room. I gave him some old magazines. Oh, Dean, he said he’ll cut your hair.”

“Swell.” He started walking again with her. “Are there women here now?”

“Don’t be silly. Women aren’t safe here. Well, I am.”

“Then who is Bentley practicing on?”

“Who else? The men. They look really funny, Dean, with their hair in rollers. Too bad you can’t see them.”

“El.”

“Sorry.” She brought him into the skills room. “You should see Os-Oscar, Dean. He is wearing a flip.” Ellen giggled. “Of course he isn’t Os-Oscar anymore. Jason cured him, the dick.” Ellen smiled. “Oh, here’s Danny. He’s approaching you with an extended hand, Dean. He’s about six foot tall.” Ellen guided Dean’s arm up. “Danny, this is Dean.”

“The first ex-husband.” Danny shook his hand. “I’m Danny Hoi. Nice to meet you. So you’re ... you’re ... you’re blind.”

Dean raised his head. “You didn’t know?”

“Holy shit, no,” Danny said. “Ellen failed to mention the man she bragged about being the brilliant scientist was blind. Whoa. She should have bragged more.”

Dean was curious. “Danny, if you didn’t know I was blind, why did you think Ellen asked you to help me out in here?”

“To be honest?” Danny chuckled. “I just thought maybe you were ... you were a pansy?”

Dean’s mouth dropped open.

Frank’s loud ‘he is’ bellowed at them.

Ellen hunched. “Oh shit, it’s Frank. I’m out of here. Danny, you know what I told you? Dean, is all the stuff at the clinic?”

“El ...” Dean tried to talk.

“Good. Danny will help you read the schedule. See ya.” Quickly she kissed Dean on the cheek and faced the end of the hall to see Frank walking her way. Debating on whether to run, or face him, Ellen decided to run. She charged forward down the hall to make her escape but Frank blocked her. “I have to go.” She moved to her right.

“Nope.” Frank moved again to stop her.

“Frank.” She moved to her left.

“El.”

“Watch out.” She shoved by him only to be snatched back and picked up. “Frank!”

Frank laughed as he set her back down a few feet down the hall. “Why are you running away from me?”

“I have to get to the mobile and relieve your son before he has a fit. He has to work for you now, Frank.” She walked backwards. “Why are you here?”

“I have to talk to your boy.” Frank pointed to Danny. He saw Ellen hesitate before going out, and then he saw Ellen step closer the more he backed up to Danny.

Danny saw Frank pointing to him. “Hi, Frank, what’s up?”

“Danny. Do you ...” Frank looked to his left to Ellen who had snuck back and peeked her head into the circle of Frank, Dean, and Danny. “Danny, do you ...” Frank placed his hand on top of Ellen’s head and shoved her out. “Do you know anything about fixing helicopter motors?”

Danny fluttered his lips. “You’re kidding right? You’re not kidding?”

“Nope.”

“Shit. I’ve never even seen a chopper motor. Why?”

“I need someone to leave the walls with a small crew to go pick up two helicopters. The batteries will have to be put in them, and the engines we’ll need fixed up, hopefully only cleaned and such. Robbie and my son can assist, but the mechanical aspect they may need some help. I thought maybe you knew.”

Danny lifted his shoulders and dropped them. “I’m sure if I spent a good eight hours with a motor, looking at it, and learning it, I could be of use. I’m pretty good with motors.”

“Good,” Frank said, “then I’ll get you out of here to ...”

Henry’s ‘no’ shut them all up and surprised them all, except Dean, who actually heard the Henry-shuffling of steps before he spoke.

“No.” Henry walked to the group, pausing to look at Ellen. “He doesn’t need to go. I’ll go. It’s only for a day.” He stepped into the circle of men. “I know what I’m doing. I’ll go.”

Frank nodded pleased. “Even better. You still want me to get Danny out of here to give you a hand with ...”

“No,” Henry said strongly. “I can do it. I’ve done it. That’s OK. Thanks, Danny, for offering.” Henry stepped from the group and turned around, hoping to see Ellen, hoping to pull her aside, but he didn’t see her.

Danny saw that he was looking for her. “She went in her office.”

“Thanks.” Henry walked a few feet down the hall and looked in Ellen’s office. He saw her standing by her desk. He knocked on the archway. “El? Can I talk to you?”

Ellen turned around and looked at him. She walked to him. “No.” And with her word, she slammed the door shut in Henry’s face.

Henry’s head dropped and his hands immediately gripped the outer doorway. “Shit.” He shook his head. When he swayed it to his right, he saw he had an audience. Not wanting to make any more of a spectacle of himself, he decided to try later, when no one would see him. Henry gave a half wave and walked slowly down the hall. He was surprised to see, as he went to buzz himself through, that Forrest walked in at the same time. “Hey, Forrest, Bye, Forrest.”

“An-ray.” Forrest moved perky down the hall. “Ah, Frunk and Don. Have you sun El-loon?”

“Uh Yep.” Frank moved to Ellen’s office door. “Why you need her?”

“Un woo luck very mooch ta speck with her.”

“Sure.” Back-knuckling the door in a knock, Frank called out, “El.”

“What!” she blasted as she opened the door and sent everyone back a step. “What, Frank?”

“Forrest wants you.”

Ellen let out a breath and decided Forrest did nothing to deserve her bad mood. So, she placed on a smile and walked out of her office. “Hi, Forrest.”

“El-loon, Uh um hop-pay dat uh hef fund you. Uh woo luck ta speck with you.”

“Sure, Forrest. What’s up?” Ellen crossed her arms.

Forrest looked a bit nervous, but he was also full of confidence in himself. “El-loon, Uh wuss wondering ef you wooed bay in-trees-dead en huffing a det with may.”

Ellen heard Dean’s snicker. She knew he understood but, unfortunately, she didn’t. “Could you repeat that?”

“Oui.” Forrest tried to stand taller as he looked slightly up to Ellen. “Wooed you luck ta huff a det with may?”

Ellen really didn’t want to be rude. Obviously Frank did, because he burst into laughter right then and there. “Frank,” she scolded. “Stop it.”

“Answer the man, El. He wants to have a date with you,” Frank informed her. “Go on.” He raised his eyebrows so sarcastically.

“A date?” Ellen asked Forrest, and saw him nod.

“Oui. An-ray tod may et es ah-rut.”

“He did, did he?” Ellen folded her arms tighter. “Sure, Forrest, I’d love too. When?” She hid her snicker at the synchronized gasps of Dean, Danny, and Frank.

“Woo you luck ta do et Friday?”

“Sure, Friday after my meeting.”

“Ah-rut, et es a det.” Forrest reached forward and tapped Ellen on the cheek. “Uh woo speck ta you latter a-butt tit? Oui?”

“Yes.” Ellen nodded and watched Forrest, so bubbly, walk back down the hall. She spun her body to face Frank and Dean, who laughed. “What?”

Frank laughed the hardest. “How can you be so mean, leading the man on like that?”

“I’m not leading him on, Frank. I’d like to go out with him. I have to go. Bye, Dean, good luck.”

“No-No.” Frank chased her. “Why would you want to go out with Forrest?”

“Perhaps I want to see what the other women are talking about with the older gentlemen, a kinder, gentler lover.”

“We aren’t talking George Bush here, El. We’re talking about a four-foot French guy.”

“Frank.” Ellen shook her head and moved to the door.

“El.” He followed her out. “You really aren’t doing this, are you?”

“Yes, Frank, I am. Quit following me.”

“El.” He grabbed her arm and stopped her before she left the building entirely. “What are you going to do when he touches you for real? Huh? When he makes a pass at you?”

“Frank, stop.” Her hands lay on the Containment door, pushing it open slightly.

“Reaches his old hands for your ...” Frank stepped behind her, “... your breast. What if, El? What are you gonna do if he ... gets naked?” Frank shuddered. “Then what? You’ll be stuck.”

“Then,” Ellen turned just a little to face him, readying to make an exit, “then I’ll imagine he’s you, and I’ll ... I’ll screw the hell out of him. Bye, Frank.” She darted out the door.

Frank smiled with a wide-mouth grin, staring at that closed door. He turned back to go into Containment and saw Huey, the guard with the broken ankle, staring at him. “What?”

“Getting back together with Ellen, Frank?” Huey lifted his eyes from the book he read. “You got that little ‘Frank and Ellen’ flirtatious thing back.”

“Yeah.” Frank smiled. “Yeah we do. Buzz me in. I’m going back with Dean for a while, if anyone is looking for me.”

“Helping him out in there?” Huey asked.

“Fuck no.” Frank listened for the buzz and opened the door. “Blind jokes.”

<><><><>

Contrary to what Dean said he had done, Ellen knew better. It was a good thing she checked the box at the clinic before she took it with her to the mobile, or she would have been missing several files she needed. Dean chalked it up to the fact that he couldn’t see. Ellen, she chalked up anything missing to the fact that Dean got lazy. Because as far as the blindness went, Dean was doing pretty good at handling things.

She pulled up the jeep, parking it at the end of the make shift road right outside of Jason’s quantum lab. Ellen did what she did every day. She got out of the jeep, debated on going in to say hello to Jason, reminded herself that he stopped Os-Oscar from stuttering, and then flipped off his quantum lab building. It didn’t feel quite as rewarding on this day because it just didn’t hold the same effect when she knew Jason wasn’t in there.

She carried the box of supplies close to her as she walked to the mobile. Ellen knew she was in trouble when she saw Johnny walking out. “Sorry, Johnny.”

“No problem, El. I finished the new agents.”

“How are they working?” she asked.

“Results are still cooking. I felt it was safe to leave.”

“I would have been here sooner but your father held me up. He’s such a jerk.”

“That’s my dad,” Johnny commented. “Sorry to hear about you and Henry.”

“That’s OK. You know me. I move on, just like I’m going to move on to the mobile.”

“El,” Johnny tried to talk to her, “do you think you and Henry will get back together?”

“No, Johnny. There isn’t a chance.”

“You’ve given my dad many second chances.”

“Johnny.” Ellen winked subtly. “That’s your Dad.”

“Are you getting back with my dad?”

“Probably not.”

“Dean?”

“I honestly think I’m giving up on all three.”

“Be Ellen, the free spirit.”

“Maybe.”

Johnny began to walk away. “Oh hey, El? Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Why aren’t we working with our agents on the host virus sample we have? We’re trying our agents on everything else, strands two and three. Why not one?”

“One word. Dean,” Ellen stated. “He doesn’t think we should. You know him. Just because he used to be one of the top minds in his field, he thinks he knows everything. Go figure. I have argued with him.”

“Keep arguing because I think it’s a mistake ignoring that host virus.” Johnny stepped back. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See ya, Johnny. Thanks for helping today.”

Trotting the rest of the way to the mobile, Ellen hoped that Johnny didn’t lock the door. The last thing she wanted to do was balance a box and reach for a keypad, but Johnny didn’t. The door was open.

Taking a second to enjoy the cool air-conditioned air, Ellen felt the heat of the day leave her, and she laid the box on the counter to her left. When she did, she saw it, a single wild flower. She lifted it up and brought it to her nose.

“It’s from me.”

Ellen’s head quickly turned to Henry who stood by the trailer door. She turned away.

“I knew you were coming, so I came up.”

Ellen set down the flower and proceeded to unpack her box. “I’m very busy, Henry, so unless you came up here to fix something, please leave.”

“I did come up here to fix something.” He walked to her. “Us.”

“We can’t be fixed.”

“Anything can be fixed.”

“Not if enough damage is done, it can’t.” She continued reaching into the box. “Trust me, there’s been damage done.”

“Ellen.” Henry grabbed her hand and pulled it out of the box. “Listen, if I had told you that next morning about what happened, would you have been mad at me?”

“I would have been surprised that you took advantage of me.”

“But would you have believed me when I said I didn’t know you blacked out.”

“I believe you now, Henry, if I didn’t. You wouldn’t be standing here.”

“So all we need to get over is the fact that I didn’t tell you.”

Ellen’s voice squeaked with emotions, “Why aren’t you getting this? I have a valid reason, Henry, for being mad. For not trusting you. For never wanting to deal with you again. Do you not get that?”

“I don’t want to lose you.”

“You have, and should have thought of that a long time ago when you chose to not tell me the truth.”

“I’m human, El. I make mistakes.”

“This was a doozy.”

“Any bigger than Frank mentally abusing you? Any bigger than him using you for sex and telling you that you can go.”

“It’s all bad, Henry.”

“But you forgave Frank. What about me?”

“You’re not Frank.”

“No one is.” Somberly he began to walk away. He paused at the work counter and looked at the wild flower he had stopped and picked for her. His peace offering. So simple, so natural, just like he thought he and Ellen were. Henry grabbed the flower and walked to the mobile lab door. Before he left, he stared down at it then turned slowly back around to face Ellen who watched him. “Can’t we try to work on this? Can’t we at least try to be friends again, and get beyond this?”

Ellen swallowed. “One day, Henry, maybe, but that one day won’t be soon.”

Henry closed his eyes momentarily, took a step back while clutching the flower, and moved quickly from the lab. But before he left, he crushed the wildflower and tossed it in the trash, not looking back as he walked out the door.

<><><><>

If there was one thing George truly missed about Beginnings and vowed to keep the same when he returned, was the alcohol. The moonshine recipe brought to Beginnings by a farmer named Stan, an Original, when they arrived, was kept up even after Stan’s death. Unlike any moonshine George had ever tried in his entire life, Stan’s batch was sweet and tasted more like bourbon than anything else. Stan said it was his secret ingredient that he would take to his grave. Fortunately for Beginnings, Stan got entirely too drunk one evening and he boasted that secret ingredient. Not one person thought twice about taking advantage of his drunkenness. They quickly questioned him all about making it and wrote it down.

George sipped his chemist’s equivalent to moonshine. George said it had to be sweeter and with a hard kick. But the more George sipped it, the more he felt like one of those women in the old world who wanted to be one of the guys and do a shot, but only did schnapps.

But if he drank enough, it usually would have a soothing effect. In fact, as George sat upon the front porch of his home, sipping his alcoholic beverage, he actually became giddy. Giggling and chuckling to himself, he made those who passed him on the street wonder if he was in control of his own faculties. To some people, the moonshine he drank had a drunken effect. George could hear the hooting and chanting coming from the bar down the street from his home, in that small town located in the center of Former Quantico. With all the people moving about Quantico, it sometimes took a second for George to realize the old world wasn’t back, at least not yet. It wouldn’t be long either, contrary to what Beginnings thought. Thinking of Beginnings’ newest move made George laugh even more.

Every time their so-called tracking system popped into George’s head, he laughed. Beginnings hadn’t a clue that the new radar equivalent system they were going to create would be useless. George thought ahead about that one. When trying to create the perfect army, he knew one way to do it would be to make them radar-invincible. A Stealth Soldier. George did it. The microchip in the CMEs made it impossible for them to be detected at all, and the soldiers he had that weren’t CMEs could benefit by it too. All they had to do was carry a microchip and they too could not be seen. That was exactly what George was going to have them do when he sent his wave of invasion Beginnings’ way. He had his labs working to create more.

It almost seemed to George like an unfair advantage over Beginnings. But it brought George enjoyment, sitting on his front porch, thinking of his preparations, picturing Beginnings thinking that they’re so high-and-mighty with a brand new radar system. A radar system that would fail them before they would realize it never would have worked. Like a child, George kept thinking to himself that he knew something Beginnings didn’t know, and he laughed when he thought about that. But what George was unaware of was that Beginnings knew something he didn’t know, and for that, they could very easily have the last laugh.

CHAPTER TEN

JULY 31

So chipper and perky, Ellen called out as she walked into the bedroom, holding a mug of coffee, “Let’s go, Dean!” She walked over to his side of the bed. “Get up.” She set the mug on the nightstand next to him. “Boy, are you lazy today.”

Dean grunted, “Go away. What time is it?”

“Seven. Let’s go,” she spoke annoyingly high pitched and chipper. “Dean, get out of bed.”

“El, I will.”

“Dean.” She flung off his covers.

“El!” He pulled them back up then rolled onto his stomach.

“You’re missing the day, Dean.” She walked to the window.

“It’s seven in the morning, Ellen. How much of the day can I be missing?”

“A lot. I made breakfast, Dean. I’ll hold it until you get out of the shower. Kids are dressed. Let’s go.”

“El ...” Dean started to lift his head but stopped, he listened. “Do not tell me you’re opening the blinds.”

“I am.”

“Why?”

“For you. It’s a beautiful day.”

“El, it’s dark to me. Why are you so perky.”

“I’ve been up since five.” She walked over to the bed and sat on the edge next to him. “I brought you up coffee.”

“Is that mine? I smelt it.”

“Yep, on your nightstand.” She stood up. “You need me to pick out your clothes?”

“No. Frank has my drawers all arranged by ...” Dean sat up. “Could you just look to see if he lied to me?”

“Sure.” Ellen walked to the dresser. “How are they supposed to be?”

“Jeans on the bottom, the more faded they are the more on the right they are.”

“Check.”

“Third drawer should have my sweats on the right and tan pants on left.”

“Check.”

“Second drawer should have my tee shirts arranged by ...”

“Dean, I just thought of something.” Ellen said as she peered into the drawer.

“What’s that?”

“What does it matter? Jeans go with everything and so do tan pants.”

“I’d like to know what I’m wearing. El, can you check my closet for me? He’s supposed to have them tagged in a Frank-system.”

“This is silly. You’ll match, that’s all that matters.” Ellen walked to the closet. “God, he has these things pinned to them, shapes, circles, triangles ...”

“Are the circles on black?”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

“Dean?” Ellen watched him get out of bed and easily walk to the dresser. “We had a good first night living together again, didn’t we?”

“Oh sure, El, you kept me up half the night talking.”

“Oh please, Dean. You were out by one. I fell asleep early, two a.m.”

“Two a.m. is not early, El. Not by my standards. Ten o’clock is a good bedtime.” Dean proceeded to pull out clothing from his dresser.

“I’d die if I missed as much of my life as you, Dean, sleeping. However, I was very glad you got up to talk to me last night when I came home from Frank’s.”

“What happened with that? I thought when you left here that you said you were going over to talk to him for a few hours.”

“It’s sounds almost as if you’re disappointed I came home,” Ellen sighed, “anyhow, Frank asked me to leave. He said I was rambling too much. He wanted to go to bed.”

“So I got the honors?”

“Dean, I wanted to talk.”

“I told you today is my first day back at the lab after Andrea’s little flu,” Dean huffed and shook his head. “I wanted to go to bed early. You said fine and you went to talk to Frank.”

“Frank didn’t want to talk. He wanted to sleep.”

“So did I.”

“But I live with you, Dean. You have to talk to me at night. I love talking at night.”

“I love sleeping at night, El.” Dean grabbed his clothes. “Staying up to midnight is one thing, hearing you still telling Jenny Matoose stories as it pushes one is another. I don’t even want to hear about what you go into around three.” He walked backwards to his door.

“Should you be walking blindly like that, Dean?”

“What other way is there to walk for me, El?” Dean stopped walking.

“Forwards, perhaps?”

“I know this room, El, and I’m going to take a shower.”

“OK, I’ll wait down ... Dean? Watch out for that ...” Ellen cringed at the soft ‘thump’ that sounded off when Dean rammed into the archway. “Wall.”

Dean grumbled in disgust then rubbed his head. “I have to stop doing that.”

“You know you can’t blame Frank on that one. That wall has always been there. Frank couldn’t have come ...”

“El.” Dean held up his hand as he slowly felt his way from the room. “I’m taking a shower now. I can’t talk.”

“OK.”

Dean mumbled to himself as he walked from his bedroom, holding his clothes, and heading to the bathroom. If Ellen kept up talking all the time, he wasn’t going to survive her living with him.

<><><><>

Joe couldn’t figure out exactly why everyone was saying it to him. Perhaps it was because he had been shot in the rear-end, or maybe because he tried to run to Mechanics. Whatever the reason, he didn’t think it one bit amusing when everyone would yell, ‘Run Forrest Run’.

Joe was trying to help Henry out since he undertook the large task of getting the two new helicopters back in order. They were sort-of fine, but they needed a good Beginnings once-over and cleanup. With Henry engrossed in that portion, Joe headed off to Mechanics. He slowed his pace down, because his fast, bouncy stride kept hurting the injury site that didn’t want to heal.

Separate the requisitions, write up work orders, and then move about to his own work in Beginnings. The last thing Joe wanted to do was run into anyone. He thought he was safe from that, seeing how it was in the middle of the work morning. Just as he lifted the requisitions from the ‘in’ bin, the door to Mechanics opened and in walked Trish.

“Joe,” she spoke as if she was just so perplexed, “I have a problem.”

“What is it, Trish? I’m a busy man.”

“But I have something that needs fixed.”

“Fill out a requisition.”

“Joe, I really need this fixed now.”

“Christ, Trish, do I look like Henry? No. What is it?”

“Did someone get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, Joe?” Trish asked with a tilted head.

“Trish. No. Now what is it?”

“My phone, Joe. Look.” She held up her cellular phone. “It won’t work.”

“Is it charged?”

“Oh very much so, Joe,” Trish stated. “Did you honestly think I would let it go? It just won’t work.”

“Then just leave it here. Scott has been the phone guy. I’ll make him look at it.”

“Thanks, Joe,” Trish spoke with such relief. “The sooner the better too. You never know when you are going to get bombarded with calls. I’d hate to miss any of them.”

“Trish, who is going to call you?”

“Just about anyone.”

“Just give me the phone.” Joe all but snatched the phone from Trish’s hand. “Go.”

“Thanks.” Trish moved back to the door. “And, Joe? Just so you know, I wasn’t any of those people who were making Forrest Gump references to you, even if you were shot in the buttocks.”

“Go.”

As Trish left Mechanics, she felt so lost, so lonely without her phone. She put high hopes in Joe that he would see to it that her phone got fixed, even if he did remind her of Forrest Gump, and she absolutely hated that movie.

<><><><>

The hard clanking of the tool was a sure signal that Henry was getting frustrated. Frank couldn’t help but snicker at him. He dropped the tool like something was extremely wrong with the helicopter, and Henry couldn’t do anything about it. “Henry, what the fuck? You keep throwing things. I know the helicopter cannot possibly be that bad if they flew all the way here from Minot.”

“I’m having a bad day, Frank. I’m backed-up in Mechanics. The last thing I wanted to do today is fix these helicopters. They almost crashed on us two times, and then your asshole brother made matters worse by screaming and nose-diving the thing.”

“Henry. If you could sound any more like a woman, I’m gonna suggest you marry yourself.”

Henry bent down to pick up his wrench. He saw the boots as he lifted his tool. He tried to ignore them hoping that they would go away, but if he knew Henry was in a bad mood then Robbie Slagel definitely would egg him on. So Henry pretended. He placed on a big smile and stood up, giving it to Robbie. “How are you, Robbie?”

Robbie returned the grin. “Hey, Henry. I hear you’re in a bad mood.”

“You heard wrong.” Henry lifted his tool to the helicopter’s engine. “I’m in great mood.”

“Oh yeah? Even with Ellen living with Dean again.”

“What is up with that?” Henry asked, slamming the tool down.

“You’re not helping matters, Robbie,” Frank stated.

“Speaking of not helping matters.” Robbie smiled arrogantly. “How about that Bentley guy getting out of Containment before Danny? Hey, Henry, wanna hear a rumor.”

“No!” Henry snapped.

“Come on.”

“No.”

“Just a little bit,” Robbie begged.

“I said no.”

“Come on,” Robbie put it all on the line, “come on. Please?”

“All right, what is the rumor?” Henry gave in.

Like a little kid, Robbie rubbed his hands together. “All right. Rumor has it that Danny doesn’t want to leave.”

“Why wouldn’t Danny want to leave Containment?”

“One word.” With his hands on his hips, Robbie looked as if he was waiting to release the biggest news of the century. “Ellen.”

“What? Because he has a thing for her, he’s gonna stay in there?”

Robbie fluttered his lips. “Thing for her? Henry, I busted them having ... well let’s just say they were quite intimate at the moment that I walked into the women’s ... shower.”

Even though he intended on handling it with the highest amount of maturity, Henry still held the slight look of disbelief. “Liar-liar.”

“I am not. Frank, am I lying?”

“Yes,” Frank answered. “Henry, he’s lying. And, Robbie, no more, you suck at it.”

“I suck? You suck.”

“At what?” Frank quipped back with sarcasm.

“A lot.”

“Name something.” Frank folded his arms, moving an irritated Henry aside as he met up face-to-face with his brother, in what was building to be an intelligent verbal challenge. “Anything.”

“OK, I’ll name something. You ... you suck at softball.”

“Bullshit.”

“You do. Your old ass can’t even hit the ball.”

“You wanna put a wager on that, pal?” Frank stepped to his little brother. “Prepared to backup that statement? We’re playing softball tomorrow.”

“No, Frank. I’m not going to bet. Gambling is a man’s weak addiction to achievement of power.”

“You’re scared.” Frank nearly laughed at him. “Henry, he’s scared.”

“No, Frank,” Henry snapped. “He’s not scared. He’s trying to piss you off and Robbie does that well with everyone, including me. But this time it isn’t entirely Robbie. It’s you too. Now could you both get out of this hangar so I can work? I have you, Frank, looking over my shoulder like the ‘big helicopter engine teacher’ trying to catch my mistakes. I have you, Robbie, trying to piss me of by making shit up that isn’t true.”

Robbie laughed. “It worked, didn’t it?”

Laughing at Henry’s grunt, Frank pulled Robbie out of the way. “There he goes again, bitching like a woman. Come on, Robbie, let him go. And you and I can work on ways together to get him at tomorrow’s game.”

“You mean like every time I pitch to him, I hit him?” Robbie suggested.

“Um ... yeah, that’ll work ... again. But, Robbie ...” Frank walked with him from the hangar. “Not too hard. We don’t need him whining about anything else.”

To Henry there was definitely something about those Slagel brothers. They talked loud and rough and, for some reason, they failed to comprehend that the loudness and roughness of their voices carried. The best part of it, to Henry as he worked again on that helicopter, was Frank and Robbie actually believed that as they boasted their plan to get Henry back. They actually believed, as they stood four feet away from him, that Henry would not hear them. What irked Henry even more was he really wanted to have a conversation with someone. Unfortunately, his choices seemed to be minimal and only included the Slagels.

<><><><>

Ellen laughed at their tales, but she especially enjoyed the laughter rush she got from Os-Oscar as he proceeded to tell his story to everyone on how he came to Beginnings. She enjoyed it immensely because it seemed the more upbeat Os-Oscar became, the more his stutter wanted to return. So she egged him on, straining the enthusiasm to her voice to get him going, all the while snickering to herself at his perfectly done hair. She knew it would be a sight she wouldn’t see for much longer. Os-Oscar had already made himself an appointment with Bentley to get that stylish new-do. As the thought of the stylish new-do popped into Ellen’s mind, so did Danny. Her smiled left her. Danny hadn’t returned to the meeting.

Standing up, she handed her clipboard to Tony, a Survivor who was quite versed at the observers report, and she headed back to where she knew she’d find Danny. It was one or two places. Either Danny was eating—something Danny liked to do—or he was in the men’s quarters. Her instincts told her he was there and she was right. She peeked in the door first. Danny was quietly packing his things into the duffle bag. He looked as if he had just showered because his hair was still wet. “Hey,” she called out, knocking once on the door. “What are you doing?”

“Getting ready.” Danny slipped a shirt in the bag.

“You aren’t upset with me that Bentley left first, are you?”

“No, not at all.”

“It was out of my hands, Danny. They had today filled with appointments for his barbershop.

“Ellen.” Danny smiled at her. “I understand.”

“You don’t seem like yourself though. Almost down.”

“I guess you can say that.”

“Wanna talk?” Ellen sat on the bed next to his bag.

“If you don’t mind.”

“Really?” Ellen smiled. “You really want to talk?”

“You asked.”

“Oh sure but no one ever takes me up on that.”

Danny snickered. “Why? Are you boring, El?”

“I could very well be,” Ellen answered him, “but let me just tell you I know for a fact that I wasn’t boring in the old world.”

Danny sat next to her on the bed. “I bet you weren’t. You aren’t boring now, El. Well, OK, maybe during your skills class.”

Ellen gasped, “I’m boring during skills class? That’s an awful thing to say to me. I work very hard on these skills classes. I try to be creative, funny. Say I’m boring in bed, yeah, I might have to agree. But say I’m boring in my skills class and you’re gonna get an argument.”

“I’m kidding, Ellen.” Danny tried not to laugh, and he laid his hand on hers. “Want me to be honest with you?”

“Always, I ask that of everyone. Not that I always give it back to everyone, mind you.” She saw the oddity of seriousness on Danny’s face. “Honesty, please”

“I have to say, I’m a little bit frightened of Beginnings. I don’t have doubts that I’ll get along. I will. Civilization doesn’t scare me but Beginnings does. I remember what civilization was before the world ended, and I have this feeling that Beginnings is the next best thing. It’s a feeling I have, but I’m not so sure. The question is ringing through my mind, what is Beginnings, Montana? What does it consist of? I know what you tell me when I am in here, but a part of me doesn’t believe it’s all true. Maybe that’s the fear of wanting back that world so badly that if you aren’t all that you tell me you are, then I won’t be so disappointed. I rambled. I tend to ramble.”

“No, not at all. I’m not really a good judge of that, am I? I’m the rambling queen and ... I can answer that question for you if you’d like.”

“I’d like.”

“Follow me.” Ellen stood from the bed and walked to the door. “Now, I’m only doing this because you’re getting out and I like you, Danny Hoi.” Ellen walked from the men’s quarters with Danny following closely behind. Ellen surprised him when she buzzed them out and stopped at the guard desk. “Dan, I’ll be back. I’m taking Danny out back with me.

Danny had to snicker as they walked out. “Back? Wow, that sounds so seedy.”

Ellen shook her head, leading Danny to the back of the building and to the ladder that awaited there. She grabbed the rung. “Come on up.”

“Where are we going?”

“To get that answer to your question.” Ellen began to climb. Danny trudged up with a smile on his face, behind her. Slightly out of breath, Ellen hit the roof and climbed over the small ledge. “This way.” She stood up facing north.

Danny’s breath was taken away when he viewed the fields. “Wow. All I hear right now is ‘America the Beautiful’.”

“Well substitute ‘Beginnings the Beautiful’ because this is your new home.” She turned his body to the east. “This is where you’ll live.” She pointed to the houses then turned him again. “This is where you’ll work.” She made him view the center town and the part of Mechanics that was seen. “All of this, Danny, is Beginnings, and all of this is your new home.”

“This is unbelievable.” Danny held back his well-styled hair and moved even closer next to Ellen. “I’m really glad I told you what was bothering me.”

“I am too, Danny. It was nice having someone talk to me.”

“Well, since you helped me out so much,” Danny said, “any time you want to talk, you come see me. I’m nocturnal by nature, you know. Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“What happened with you and Henry? It was really sudden.”

Ellen shrugged then sighed. “It’s a long story and it was a long time coming. Unfortunately, I didn’t know some things. When I found out ... that was it.”

“I’m sorry. But I got a way for you to take your mind off of things. An idea.”

“What’s that?” Ellen asked as she tucked her hair behind her ear.

“Blake Steward.”

Ellen snickered. “Blake? Oh, he’s dumb. He would irritate me. Why? Do you think I should be with him?”

“No.” Danny waved his hand. “OK, what is as good as money in Beginnings? What do you guys ever bet?”

“Work hours and such, but what does the have to do with me being with Blake. I really don’t like him.”

“Yeah, but every woman in this town loves him and wants him. He is what their men aren’t physically and you have him.”

“Where are you going with this?” she asked him.

“Sell him off to the highest bidder. Imagine what these women in Beginnings will put out for him.”

“They’d never go for it. They have enough men.”

“Trust me. I’m never wrong,” Danny stated with certainty. “Never when it comes to making money, or in this case, money equivalent. I won’t be wrong. They’ll bite.”

“No.”

“Yes.” Danny nodded. “And massively too.”

“No way.”

“Ellen, you are the envy of all you’re near-friends. They want him. They’ll buy him and at a really high price too.”

Ellen smiled brightly. “What happens if Joe finds out? He could get mad. We never auctioned off a person before.”

“Don’t tell Joe. Just keep it between the women. Like at that meeting tonight.”

Ellen tapped her finger on her chin. “Maybe ... what happens if they start beating me up, over an obscure idea?” She watched Danny shake his head. “No?”

“Nope.”

Another, wider grin hit Ellen. “You know what I think? I think I might actually mention it tonight.”

“Then stand back and watch what happens.”

“Thanks, Danny.” Ellen extended her hand to him. “I needed to just chat with someone and you helped me there. And here I was the one who was supposed to help you.”

“Yeah, but as you so often point out,” before Danny released her hand, he kissed it, “we’re in Beginnings now. Isn’t that what people in Beginnings do, help each other out? Of course now since I’ve stepped in, we can add—help people to appreciate the fact that the business world can still exist in a plague ravaged society.”

Ellen laughed at Danny. “You’re funny.”

“I try.”

“No you don’t. It’s natural to you.”

“Yeah it is. But I do it well.”

“I’ll give you that.”

“Thanks.” Danny took one more look out below him. “Ready to go back down?”

“Making you bored already?” Ellen asked.

“No.” Danny smiled. “Anxious.” Danny gave a slight shiver of a breath. “Very anxious.”

<><><><>

Dean’s finger felt for small raised dot on the ‘J’ key of his keyboard so he could place his hands on the home row. Just as he prepared to lay his foot on the pedal to start his tape to do his dictation of Ellen notes, he paused and lifted his hands. He felt all the keys again, just to be sure, and so as not to get ahead of himself. He remembered doing the day before notes, getting comfortable on the home keys, only to start and realize that he felt more than one raised dot. There was an explanation for it, one word. Frank.

So he felt around, felt only the one dot, and replaced his hands on the home-row keys. He took a second to shake his head at the thought of all that Frank had done to him lately, a sick series of blind jokes on him that Dean found far from amusing. He moved his computer to a totally different location, making Dean feel around for it. And placed Johnny’s lab coat where Dean usually found his; so when he placed it on, the sleeves would dangle way past his hands. Anything Frank could do to make it more annoying for Dean, he did. He still could hear the hysterical laughter of Frank when he came up and told Dean that he put him on the roster for the next day’s softball game. Dean was scheduled to be the pitcher. How funny Frank thought himself, how childish Dean thought he was. Of course, Dean hated to admit that Frank’s little practical jokes kept him on his toes and taught him more than anything else.

After dwelling in the ‘Frank world of dementia’, Dean returned to his own world and to the tiny tape of dictation that awaited him. He couldn’t figure out how Ellen had done all that she did to warrant two tapes. She didn’t say she had done that much work. But she had to have, so Dean had the first tape, one of the two he found in her lab coat pocket. Ellen couldn’t leave them on the counter or in the dictation machine. She had to make it complicated for him every day by making it a hide-and-go-seek game, radioing her and asking where the tape was. And hearing every day, Ellen say the same thing. ‘Uh ... I uh ... I think it’s in the drawer, no wait, the special ... no ... check my lab coat.’ Shuddering at Ellen-conversation flashbacks, Dean’s foot depressed down on the Dictaphone.

He listened to the usual clearing of her throat, her good mornings or afternoons, her stupid thought for the day, and then, after two minutes of nonsense rambling, he placed his hands on the keyboard and prepared himself.

“July 28th,” Ellen spoke.

“What?” Dean said out loud. “El, this is three days ago. Why am I finding this tape now?” He grunted and waited, listening to her talk about how she was waiting, and still waiting. Dean wanted to fast-forward but was afraid he’d miss something so he listened some more.

“So what are we going to do about the two doses of antiserum?”

Dean lifted his foot from the pedal and rewound the tape a second, listening to Ellen’s comment again. He stopped the tape completely and froze. “Shit, Ellen. Good point.” He backed it up and listened one more time. Making a mental note to put some thought into that, a bright smile hit Dean’s face when he heard her tell him she loved him. After letting the nice moment pass, Dean immediately went to thinking about what she could possibly want or was trying to cover up.

Then it hit him. It made Dean jump up. It made him shudder and pull the earphone from his head. Ellen’s shriek. Dean stomped and placed his finger to his ringing ear. “Aw God, Ellen.” He pressed harder to his ear. “You’re gonna make me deaf as well. What the hell are you screaming about?”

Apprehensively, he placed the headset back on and tapped the fast forward pedal, listening as he did to what sounded like the end of the screaming. Then he heard her ramble off her excited explanation. “You did what?” he asked the tape, rewound it—too far—jumped at the shrieks again and heard her again. “No way.” Again, he played it. “Oh my God.” He breathed heavily. “It has to be an error.” He commented on Ellen’s break through on the host virus. “Ellen, you couldn’t have done this. This is too big, you had to find a mistake in here or why else didn’t you mention this to me.” Dean moved the tape ahead hoping she explained more, but the tape was blank. “What is going on?” He took off the headphones and reached outward to his right for the phone he had placed there. He pressed the number three button for the speed dial to Containment.

Danny answered. “Containment, this is Danny.”

“Danny? Why are you answering the phone?” Dean asked.

“It was ringing.”

“Yeah, but you’re a Survivor.”

“And a mighty good one too, Dean.”

“You’re not allowed to answer the phone.”

“Why?” Danny asked.

“Because it’s the rules.”

“Kind of a dumb rule, don’t you think? I mean, especially when in less than twenty-four hours, I will be an official Beginnings-ite. Right?”

“Yes, but we have to follow rules.”

“Even about answering the phone?” Danny quizzed.

“Danny ...”

“Dean, you have to admit, it’s really funny that you’re asking me about this,” Danny laughed, “this rule thing and you getting upset about me answering the phone. Does it have anything to do with those anal-retentive qualities that Frank has been telling me annoys him, or are you just going off about rules because I answered the phone and I wasn’t the person you wanted to talk to.”

“Yes.”

“Which one?”

“Which one what?”

“Which one are you saying ‘yes’ to?”

“Danny,” Dean spoke his name so annoyed, “are you related to Henry?”

“No, not really. It would have been brought up, don’t you think? I mean, he’s Japanese and I’m Chinese and unless we are Manchurian then that’s out of the question. Actually, remember in the old world there was a clash of interest between the Japanese and Chinese? Do you suppose that has anything to do with Henry not liking me much? It would be kind of dumb if it did. After all the world did ...”

“Danny.”

“Yes?”

“May I speak to Ellen?”

“No.”

“Why?” Dean asked.

“She’s not here,” Danny stated.

“Then why didn’t you tell me that earlier.”

“You didn’t ask about Ellen earlier, Dean. Hey, Jason is here, do you want to talk to him instead?”

“No. I needed to speak to ...” Dean stopped talking when he heard the door to the lab open and Ellen’s cheerful greeting. “Never mind, she’s here.”

“So does this mean were done with our telephone conversation?”

“Yes.”

“Why?” Danny asked him.

“Goodbye, Danny.” Just as Dean pressed the button to end the call, he felt the kiss to his cheek. “Just the person I wanted to see.”

Ellen smiled. “Ah, Dean, that is so sweet. With everything there is that you could want to look at if you still had your vision, you still wish it were me.” She kissed him again.

“No, El, that’s not what meant.”

“That’s what you said.”

“God.” Dean cringed. “I was ...”

“Don’t you want to see me, if you could see?”

“Yes, but I wanted to talk to you now.”

“I’m here.”

“Thank you.”

“What’s up?”

Dean let out a short breath. “Did you ... were you ... damn it.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Between yours and Danny’s rambling. I forgot.”

“Well think about it ... oh shit.”

“What?”

“Um ... nothing.” Ellen closed one eye and looked at the computer screen to what Dean started to type. “Dean, this July 28th.”

“Uh ha!” Dean called out loudly, causing Ellen to scream.

“What!” She grabbed her chest. “You scared me.”

“What the hell, El!” he yelled at her. “You didn’t give me the tape.”

“Sorry.”

“I’m listening to this and it’s driving me nuts. You ramble, you scream ... and what did it end up being that caused you to think you came up with the combination that effectively reigns over our host virus?”

“Huh?”

“It was an error right? I mean you misread the results.”

“No I didn’t,” Ellen said

“You didn’t misread them?” Dean questioned.

“Nope.”

“You got it up to eighty-three percent?”

Ellen hesitated before answering, “Yes.”

Dean was quiet for a second, then his voice rose to the highest of levels, “Ellen!”

“What?” She jumped back.

“Why am I only hearing about this now, if you did this three days ago?”

“Well ... I uh ... Dean.” Ellen cleared her throat. “I had a lot of problems in my personal life. See … Henry, he broke up with me, well not actually him breaking up with me. I broke up with him because he broke off the ...”

“Stop!” Dean stood up. “Before I go on, tell me if I’m facing you.”

“Um ...” Ellen moved a little to her right. “OK, now you are.”

“Thank you. Ellen, you single-handedly came up with a more effective antidote?”

“I guess. It was a mistake. See I was singing the ‘Silly’ song while I was mixing up the batch, and I screwed up, which was very easy to do, Dean. The names were so similar. So I ...”

“Why didn’t you tell me this? This is great news.”

“It is isn’t it?” Ellen grinned. “I was going to tell you.”

“Did you forget about it? You had to have forgotten about it. How, I don’t know, it’s a really big thing.”

“I kind of did and I kind of didn’t. See I had a plan.”

“Which was?”

Ellen hem-hawed about, “I was gonna have you mix the batch, you know, tell you it was a lesson and then tell you that you put in the wrong ingredient which was actually the right ingredient and let you be the one to have the credit.”

“W-why would you do that?” Dean was stunned.

“I love you, Dean. I’d rather everyone think you did it on purpose rather than me doing it by accident. Besides, this batch will deserve a lot of credit and if it gets out that I was the one, it wouldn’t get the credit it deserves. Trust me.”

“Well, you will get the credit. I’m proud of you.” Dean reached out his hand and hit air. “I thought you said I was facing you?”

“I lied. I didn’t want you mad at me and flicking me or anything.”

“Ellen.” Dean shook his head and felt around slowly until he touched her. “Excellent job.” He stepped to her and kissed her. “Now ... let’s talk about this.”

“OK, let me get my lab coat.”

“Why do you need your lab coat? We’re only talking.”

“So I can feel like a scientist.”

“No.” Dean shook his head. “We’re just gonna talk. I need to be updated.”

“OK.”

Dean stepped back, feeling for his chair, and sat down. “Wanna sit?”

“Yeah, sure.” Ellen pulled up a chair.

Dean waited until he heard the silence of her shuffling about. “All right, you tested the new batch on the rabbits?”

“Yes.”

“And?” Dean waited for more. “I need an ‘and’ because there is nothing further about it on the tape. Is it on the next day’s?”

“No.”

“OK.” Dean tried to remain calm. “So I’m taking it that it really didn’t work.”

“Oh it worked.”

“On the rabbits?” Dean spoke as if he were speaking to a child, or explaining something to Frank.

“Yes.”

“And?”

“You know how our Agent Seventeen made them worse before it started working? Well, that didn’t happen with the new batch. Nothing adverse happened at all within the first two hours.”

“What happened after the first two hours?”

Ellen shrugged.

“El?”

“I answered you.”

“No you didn’t.”

“Yes I did. I shrugged.”

“I’m blind, El. You have to be verbal. So you don’t know?”

“No.”

“Why don’t you know?”

“See I uh ... I uh ...”

“We’ll try something different, El. When did the rabbits show signs of improvement?”

“I don’t know.” Ellen held up her finger. “But they were better the next day.”

“Why don’t you know any of this, El? You created a new batch, you injected it into the rabbits. Where did you get lost?”

“I didn’t. I left.”

“You left?” Dean asked.

“Yes.”

“Why would you leave in the middle of a new batch?”

“Dean,” Ellen gasped. “I had to try on my wedding dress. Of course now that was an obsolete move. Prick Henry.”

Dean grunted. “Ellen, now I am going to assume you mixed up more, right.”

“Wrong. I really couldn’t do that. It would defeat the whole purpose of making it out to look like you did it instead of me if I created an entire batch. Geez, Dean, think about that.”

“Ellen, if you didn’t mix up more, then how do you know that you pinpointed where your error was and that you could actually recreate it?”

“I don’t.”

Dean closed his eyes and brought his hands to his head.

“What’s wrong? Do you have a headache? I wonder if it’s your sinuses because my head has been bothering ...” She slowed her words when she watched Dean lower his hands and sway his head her way. “Sorry, I just have all this talking that needs to get out.”

“Let’s go.” Dean’s hands fell to the tops of his thighs with a slap.

“Where?”

“We’re gonna make another batch. Then you’re going to describe to me everything you’re doing while you’re doing it. We’ll run the analysis, you’ll describe that, then we’ll inject the rabbits and you’ll describe that.”

“Dean, that’s gonna take an awfully long time. We have to pick the kids up at four, and I have to get dinner ready because I have that meeting tonight that I don’t want to miss.”

“Tough. We’ll call Joe to get the kids.”

“It’ll take eight hours to do all of this, Dean. If we start right now, I won’t get home until seven. I have to shower and do my hair. I have a date with Forrest after my meeting.”

“Go dirty, I don’t care. We have work.” Dean moved to the cabinet where they kept the ingredients.

“We can do it tomorrow.”

“No.”

“We’ll have all day.”

“No.”

“We needed to start sooner.”

“So we’ll start now.” He opened the cabinet.

“Please, Dean?”

“No!”

“Dick.”

“Ellen.” He flung open the right side of the cabinet. “This is important. The more you whine, the longer it’ll take for us to get started. Let’s go.”

Ellen rolled her eyes and joined him at the cabinet. “You know Frank was right yesterday when he was talking about you and your work.”

“Yeah well, Frank is always right. He’s a God.”

Ellen snickered as she pulled two bottles out of the cabinet. “Glad to hear you finally recognized that, Dean.” She laughed harder at his grunt. “Just ... no, Dean, wrong bottle.”

Dean released the bottle he gripped. “Sorry. Where is it?”

“Oh you had it. I was kidding you.”

“Ellen.” He re-grabbed the bottle. “Keep it up and I’m calling Henry to be here while we work.”

Silence.

“Ellen?”

“Oh, I’m not saying a word. I don’t want Henry here.”

Dean smiled. “That’s what I thought.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Ellen really hoped that all the dip wasn’t gone by the time she got to the meeting. Trotting off at a quick pace to Jenny’s, carrying a little pouch in her hand, she arrived, hungry from the lack of dinner, and a half an hour late. She knocked on the door to announce her arrival then walked in. “Sorry I’m late. Dean had me working.”

All the women in the room turned upon her entrance.

Jenny stood from her seat next to Trish on the couch. “We were waiting, no problem.” She walked toward Ellen. “Have a seat.”

“I brought my supplies.” Ellen held up her bag. “I didn’t get a chance to make a finger food. Don’t be mad.”

“Oh.” Jenny waved her hand. “We all know what you’re working on up there is important.”

Ellen stepped over the extended legs of Bev and took the spot on the couch between her and Trish. Ellen shuffled in her seat. She looked to see if Bev was taking too much room, maybe not as close to the arm of the sofa as she should be, but Bev was pressed against it. “Am I getting fat? How did Jenny fit here?” Ellen asked, trying to fit in the spot. “What’s wrong with this ...” She looked to see if Trish was against the arm, but she couldn’t see the arm of the sofa over Trish’s pregnant stomach. “God, Trish, you’re getting huge.”

Trish opened her mouth in a gasp.

“Aren’t you overdue?” Ellen asked her as she reached for some dip. “Drop that kid so we can get the betting ...”

“Ellen.” Trish quickly removed the dip from Ellen’s reach when she saw Ellen was eating the dip she had made. “I’m having a large child and it will be born when it’s ready. I’m not even due yet.”

“Not yet?” Ellen’s cheeks puffed out when she filled them with the air she slowly let out. “God, you’ll explode if you carry it any longer. You should talk to Dean about taking it out. Wait, maybe not Dean right now. Andrea will do it.”

Jenny cleared her throat to get everyone’s attention. “We should be starting, Ellen.” She held her index finger to her own lips. “OK. We’ll get the meeting portion over with because our activity will take some time tonight. First.” Jenny took on a somber look. “I speak for all of us, Ellen, when I say how sorry we are that Henry did this to you. I also speak for all of us when I say it was a dick move.” Applause filled the room. “We’re all pissed at him, Ellen, all of us. We all put in stupid requisitions this week, lots of them, just to annoy him.”

This pleased Ellen and the smile on her face showed it. “Thank you for that.”

“Oh sure.” Jenny waved her hand. “Now I’ve been talking to a few of you and I’d like a show of hands on this one. I think since we have worked so hard on the food list, got the OK from Distribution for supplies, been creating decorations, I think that we should still have our party. But instead of it being a celebration of love, it will be a celebration of life. Reverend Bob said he’ll have a special service at the church, and then we’ll go over to the Social Hall for refreshments and entertainment. Paul will still D.J. and we’ll have a great party. We’ll save the gowns for another wedding. I’m sure they can be taken in and such. They’ll be used ... someday whenever an unattached female gets here or Ellen decides to marry someone else. Show of hands.” It was a unanimous vote. “Good. A little bit of advice please; those who think they may have problems with their partners for who they’ll be with for the party, you might want to consider time slots.”

The women in the room nodded at each other at such the brilliancy of Jenny’s suggestion.

“Continuing. Is there anyone who has anything they need to bring up tonight?” Jenny announced and saw Ellen raise her hand. “Yes, Ellen?”

“OK.” Ellen stood up—something she knew she’d regret doing when it came time to sit back down. “As you know, Robbie Slagel gave me Blake Steward as a gift last year. I’ve made no bones about the fact that he’s mine, even though Joe insists it’s not right to claim people as their own. Blake likes it though. He’s not really that smart. Anyhow ... I feel that it’s time to give him up and seeing how Blake likes the ownership factor ...” Ellen hesitated and then spoke rapidly, “I’m putting him on the auction block. He goes to the highest bidder.” Silence, dead silence. ‘Oh God, they’re gonna start throwing things at me,’ Ellen thought.

Cindy raised her hand. “What do you mean—highest bidder. You’ll take bribes?”

Hunching her shoulders and thinking of ways to kill Danny, Ellen hesitated. “Yes.”

Another woman lifted her hand to ask a question. “Then he’s ours to do with what we want? That gorgeous guy would be ours?”

Before Ellen answered, Jenny put in a comment, “Do work hours and such count? Babysitting and so forth?”

Ellen nodded.

Jenny clapped her hands. “Oh, this could be fun.” She ran over and got some paper. “We have to establish rules.”

A sigh of relief is what Ellen let out. “Really? You guys want to do this?”

“Oh sure,” Jenny said. “I want Blake,” she snickered. “I’ll keep him on the side for viewing purposes.” She shivered. “I love his body. OK, Ellen, we need time. Ladies, why don’t we put a bid date on for Wednesday, August fifth?” She waited for agreement. “Then Ellen can announce her winner on that Friday. Ellen, is that all right?”

“Um ... yes ... that’ll work.”

Jenny held up her pen. “We have to write the bids down. It’ll secure it so we don’t fail to pay up. And it will lessen the confusion on what we bid. Ellen, can we change our bids if we want?”

Trish shook her head. “That’s not really fair. What if I bid something good and you find out, Jenny. I think it should go the same as construction bids go, sealed. And Ellen can’t say who bid what.”

Jenny hesitated in disagreement. “But don’t you think it’ll make it more of a competition game? After all, when there used to be auctions everyone had a chance to outbid the other.” She waited for Trish’s nod. “All right, is there anyone here who doesn’t want to participate?” No one raised their hands. “Then let the auction begin.”

Ellen sat pleased—uncomfortable, but pleased—she would have to tell Danny how well things went.

Jenny continued on, “Next up, we have ...” Jenny stopped talking when there was a knock on the door. “That should be Forrest.” She walked over to the door and opened it. “Forrest!” She led him in. “We’re just about finished. You can have a seat in the dining room while we finish up.”

“Uh woo do that, Jen-nay.” As he moved through the living room, he winked at Ellen.

Ellen’s eyes widened, and she slid in to hide closer to Trish’s pregnant body. “Oh my God.”

Jenny looked at her. “What was that?”

“Nothing.” Ellen shook her head. “Finish up. I want to start our project.”

“I’ll do that. OK, I will announce the winners for next week’s dartboard competition game.” She saw the enthusiastic anticipation on the faces of the women who awaited her announcement. “Bill from Armory wins for telling Bev she looked absolutely stupid in her flat shoes. And ... Dean for being so mean to Ellen. Ellen, you can change your mind now if you want.”

“Nah.” Ellen shook her head. “Even though he’s blind now, he wasn’t when he was mean. Keep him on the board.”

“Good.” Jenny set down her paper and pencil. “Then we can begin. Did everyone bring their stuff?” There was a unison of excited ‘yeses’. “Then let’s begin. I’ll let Forrest take it while I go get the softening wax. Forrest? Forrest.”

Forrest waddled his way into the living room. “Uh wuss en-joy-yang de dup. Et wuss good.” He smiled, aiming it at Ellen. When Jenny slipped from the room, he continued, “Uh um going ta enjoy shoe-ing ma no-ledge wit all ef you. Uh will start bay hopping you un-da-stund where et all begun.” Forrest seemed so excited as he was about to tell his tale. “Et es a rit-u-el ef de tribes ef Africa. De Voodoo doll wuss yessed a-gins de en-a-me to bring hem don. Woot you will use de voodoo for es for fin. Et well newt wok Sue donut dink et well.” Forrest chuckled at the disappointment on the women’s faces. “Et es de be-lif dat de personnel items on de doll es what mucks et magic. You well ned three items from de object of your voodoo. You well ned hair, cloth of dem, und a item dat day tooch quit a bit. Do we huff dis items?” He raised his eyebrows to everyone to see them nod. “Ah-rut.” Forrest clapped his hands together once. “Uh see dat Jen-nay hes de wicks on de ta-bell. We well shup et onto de firm of de mall dat you want to voodoo and a-touch de personnel items to et. Shall we?” He pointed his hand toward the dining room, and the line of enthusiastic women headed there. “Donut war-re, uh well hop you wit de firming of de wicks. Uh em quit goo dat et.” He pulled Ellen back as she passed him. “El-loon, uh em quit goo dat o-there dings es well,” he whispered in her ear.

Ellen swallowed. Not only did a twinge of nervousness hit her but so did a twinge of nausea too. She shuffled quickly with a fake chuckle, from Forrest. She stared into the wax, holding her little pouch.

“Henry?” Trish whispered at Ellen.

“Huh?” Ellen looked back at her. “What about him?”

“Is that who your voodoo doll is going to be?”

“Oh no, that wouldn’t be fun,” Ellen told her. “Mine is going to be Frank. Hell, I spent yesterday sewing an old tee shirt of his into Frank-clothes. And ... I was so glad that he trimmed his goatee last night. I have a bunch of little hairs that I’m going to use too.” She opened her pouch and showed Trish. “I really hope he gives us that spell that goes on the dolls. I really want this to work.” Through the corner of her eyes, during her conversation, Ellen saw Forrest heading her way. With quick thinking, and dreading making that date, she stood closer to Trish, trying her hardest to hide behind her protruding pregnant stomach.

<><><><>

Total body exhaustion, is what Henry looked like he was suffering from when he plopped into the chair next to the couch in Frank’s house. He held a bottle of his homemade wine from which he proceeded to drink. “What a night.”

Frank, who sat on the couch, leaning into the coffee table, merely shifted his eyes at him. “What the hell are you whining about?”

“Nick,” Henry answered. “He’s tough, Frank.”

“Aw,” Frank drastically whined, “let’s have a pity party.”

“A pity party?” Henry snapped. “Oh grow up, Frank. No one past the third grade uses that saying.”

Sitting in the other chair, Dean snickered. “Henry, look who said it. And that comment surprises you?”

“Shut the fuck up, Dean,” Frank told him. “I let you into my house all evening. What? You don’t have nothing better to do than to hang out here?”

“Actually no,” Dean said. “You have the kids. I’m done with whatever I can do. What else am I going to do? I’m blind, Frank.”

“Yeah, so we’ve been told a million fuckin times, Dean. Take your turn.”

“I’m thinking. And ...” He heard Frank whine. “What?”

“Why are you talking? Move. It’s your turn.” Frank held out his hand and saw as he did, Henry taking another drink. “Why are you drinking, Henry? Give me that.” Frank snatched the bottle from Henry’s lips. “You’re drinking way too much, too fast. You’re gonna get plastered.” Frank brought the bottle to his own lips.

Dean heard the close swishing. “Don’t drink, Frank.”

“Don’t bitch, Dean,” Frank quipped back.

“I’m trying to help. Do your other thing,” Dean told him.

“I could do my other thing, Dean.” Frank set the bottle on the coffee table, and it was quickly snatched back up by Henry. “But my nerves are shot. Here it is after nine, the kids are asleep, I should have my house to myself, but no ... I have Ethel and Lucy sitting right along with me.”

Henry took another long drink. “Which one am I, Frank?”

Frank looked at him. “Which one are you, what?”

“Ethel or Lucy?” Henry asked. “Which one am I?”

“What does it matter?”

“It matters quite a bit, Frank. I don’t want to be Ethel. I don’t think there’s a person on the face of the earth that wants to be Ethel. She was weird.”

“Henry,” Frank yelled at him. “Quiet. Dean’s trying to concentrate. If he doesn’t concentrate, he’ll never take his fuckin turn! God! There should be a time limit. Dean!”

“It’s difficult, Frank.” Dean held up his hand.

Henry shook his head. “Dean, I thought you were a lot smarter than that. Why are you playing Scrabble with Frank?”

“Call it me giving Frank a handicap,” Dean answered.

“But still, Dean, he’ll cheat.”

“So what? He’s helping out. It’s a game, Henry.” Dean became perturbed. “It’s something to do other than getting drunk. Want us to start over and you can play?”

“No,” Henry answered quickly. “I don’t want to play Scrabble with you and Frank. No way. I want to be with Ellen, but she’s on a date with Forrest right now. Did you see her? Not you, Dean, I mean Frank. She was really pretty and she’s being with Forrest.”

Frank snickered. “So.”

“So?” Henry leaned forward, drinking some more. “It’s a date. You don’t care? Both of you don’t care?”

“Henry.” Frank looked at him. “Why would we care? She doesn’t like Forrest that way. He’s old. He’s little. He’s wrinkled. Ellen is the most superficial person I know. If there’s something about your appearance she doesn’t like, she’ll gag.” Frank stole the bottle from Henry and took a drink. “Now that Danny Hoi, he’s the one I’d worry about. He gets out tomorrow. I like the guy and everything, but I will kill him if he moves in on her. He’s stands a good chance. He has that hair-thing going for him.”

Henry breathed heavily outward. “How does he do that? How does he have such good hair? I try, I mean I think I ...” He stopped talking when he saw Frank’s glare and even Dean lifted his head his way. “Never mind.”

“Henry.” Dean fiddled with his tiles. “If you’re so worried about her date, why don’t you go to the Social Hall and intrude?”

“You think I could?” Henry asked, taking another drink.

Both Dean and Frank shouted ‘YES!’ at him.

Henry jumped back in the chair. “OK, OK.” He stood up. “Whoa.” He grabbed his head. “I’m a little dizzy.”

Frank shook his head. “Well float on out of here. Dean! Take your turn!”

“I would, Frank, but Henry had me confused. He broke my concentration.”

“See, Henry.” Frank pointed. “Go, and bring her back here so she can walk home with Dean.”

“I don’t need her to walk home, Frank,” Dean commented.

“No, but it’ll be fun, riding her about Forrest.”

Henry moved to the front door, still holding his bottle. He swayed a little. “I’m leaving. I think, I think I’ll leave my wine here.”

“You do that,” Frank said as he anxiously and impatiently waited for his turn. “Go.” He heard the open and shut of the front door. Henry was gone. “Thank God.” Frank pulled a cigarette out of his pocket and lit it. “I’m getting an ashtray. When I get back, you’d better have your tiles down, Dean, or I’m kicking your ass.”

“I got it now. I got it.” Dean felt the board carefully, remembering the words that Frank told him were there. He felt for the letters he needed, then placed down his tiles in the order he had them on his rack. “Done.”

“Good.” Frank laid the ashtray on the table, his cigarette dangled from his mouth. “What the hell is that?”

“Glaze.”

“No it is not. You have ‘gyrza’. That’s not a word, Dean.”

“Frank, you told me what letters I had. I made a mistake. Do I not have the letters to make the word glaze using your ‘Z’?”

Frank pulled at Dean’s rack. “Yeah.”

“So I messed up. Give me a break. I’ll put the right tiles down.”

“No way.”

“No way?”

“Nope.” Frank grabbed a pencil. “You’ll remove the tiles, and then you lose a turn because ‘gyrza’ is not a word. Therefore, I challenge it. Therefore, I get fifty extra points.” Frank made a buzzing sound, then snickered.

“Give me a break, Frank, I’m ...”

“Don’t,” Frank stopped him. “Don’t say it. I’m tired of hearing it. My turn.” Frank grinned widely at him. “Oh, Dean? By the way, in case you’re wondering, I have this gloating look on my face.”

Dean sulked. “The one I hate?”

“That’s the one.” With another short laugh, Frank placed down his tiles to his words, instigating Dean with every wooden piece he put down.

<><><><>

‘This is so neat!’ Ellen thought as she stared at her Frank-voodoo-doll. The little black hairs she collected from the sink plunged nicely into the wax on top of the doll’s head to form black hair and his perfect goatee. Green clothes completed the look. Her Frank-doll was bigger than any other woman’s. Ellen made it that way. It had to be, all except the crouch area. She made that extremely small on purpose just to irk Frank if he ever found it. ‘Neat, really neat.’ She kept thinking as she walked, then she’d respond to Forrest. “A-huh.”

“Uh wuss married foe ... foe-tee years.” Forrest walked side by side with her, his hands behind his back. “Uh em sure you hef felt dat way.”

“A-huh.” Ellen smiled. ‘Wow did I do a good job.’

“Sometimes loon-lay-ness guts to you und you hef ta rich et ta a nether. Oui?”

“A-huh.” Ellen carefully began to wrap her Frank-doll in a cloth. ‘I have to show this to him. It’s too good.’

“Un you do newt see de person dat you shoe see. Day are rut dear wit you und when you see dem, you know. Do you agree?”

‘I really think I did the best job.’ Ellen smiled again. “A-huh.”

“Uh dink, El-loon, dat you und Uh coo bay a good cup-pal. Do you newt?’

‘No one, no one else’s is this good.’ Ellen proudly finished covering the doll.

“El-loon? You und uh muck a good cup-pal. Oui?”

“A-huh.” With a giggle, Ellen tucked the wrapped doll carefully in the pouch. “Great evening, Forrest.” She rolled her eyes and then fake yawned. “But ...” She stretched out. “I am really beat. Dean is a slave driver you know.”

“Ah oui. Don con bay de wok-a-hell-lick.”

Ellen looked to where they were. Grateful, she saw they were at the edge of the Living Section. “Well, thanks for walking me home. I can make it the rest of the way.”

“Uh woo luck to wok you to you home. Uh woo luck ta comb in. Oui?”

“Uh ... no.” Ellen shook her head. “Not tonight. God.” She pressed her finger to her temple. “I have this pain. I wonder if Frank is sticking a pin in a voodoo doll he made of me?”

“Bay-foe we de-put. May we muv a sum to woot we booth a-grued to?”

“Um ...” Ellen fluttered her lips, clueless. “Sure, Forrest.”

“Ah, El-loon.” His hand reached to her hair as he stepped closer to her. Ellen shrieked loudly, jumping back. “Woot es et?”

“A bug.” She faked shuddered. “I swore I saw a bug.”

“Uh well pro-tucked you.” Another inch to her and Forrest puckered his lips her way.

Trapped! Ellen felt the grip of what he thought was a romantic hold. Was it happening in slow motion? What the hell was she saying ‘A-huh’ to the whole time? What did she agree to? ‘Oh God!’ She squinted, moving back, but Forrest just chased her with those lips. ‘Oh God. Trish put him up to this. I know it.’

“Forrest.” Henry’s calling of his name caused Forrest to move away from Ellen. “I’ve been uh, thinking about what you asked me.”

“An-ray.” Forrest held up his hand to Ellen as if he were going to take care of it so they could have their moment. “Ef you donut mund. El-loon und uh are fin-ness-ing our det.”

“I kind of do mind, Forrest.” Henry moved closer to them. His eyes could barely focus, and he rattled with words to say in his mind. “I really do mind. See, we’re still, still dedicated. And ... I wasn’t thinking when I said it was all right for you to take her out. I’d really rather you not touch Ellen.”

“El-loon.” Forrest took on a chivalrous look. “Oon-loss you want me to stay. Uh moos buck away. An-Ray es my frund. Uh donut want to hut dat.”

What Ellen really wanted to do was chew Henry’s ass out for interfering in her life. But swallowing her hostility toward Henry, Ellen decided to take his saving grace. “I completely understand, Forrest, completely. I’m with you, though I hate it.” She gave glaring eyes to Henry. “We’re still legal. Thanks for the date.” She extended her hand to the little old man.

“Et hes ben ma pleasure.” Forrest took her hand and brought it to his mouth and kissed it.

Ellen felt the feel of his too-soft lips.

“An-Ray.” Forrest released Ellen’s hand. “El-loon. Goodnight.” Like a gentlemen, Forrest stepped back, turned, and walked slowly away.

Henry stammered a step to Ellen. “El ...”

“You’re drunk.” She brushed by him.

“No.” Henry reached out to her quickly pulling her back. “Ellen.”

“Henry, let me go.” She placed her hand over his and pulled his fingers from her wrist. “What do you want?”

“I want to talk to you.”

“I want to go home.” She moved by him.

“Dean’s not there. He’s hanging out with Frank.”

Though Ellen thought that odd, she didn’t make mention of it. “Then I’ll go to Frank’s. Excuse me.”

“Why don’t you want to talk to me?” Henry asked as he followed her.

“What is there to talk about? I don’t want to stand here and discuss us, with you. We’ve done that. That is not an option.”

“I don’t want to do that either.”

“Then why are you chasing me, Henry?”

“Because I just want to talk to you.” His head dropped down. “Just talk. About anything,” he spoke with desperation. “I just want to talk to you. You, El.”

“No.”

“Come on,” Henry called out in a near sluggish whine. “I helped you with Forrest.”

Ellen stopped walking and turned around to face him. “So you want paid back?”

“Don’t you think you owe me?”

“I can’t believe this is you talking.”

“I don’t care how I sound.” Henry tossed his hands up. “If that’s what it takes to get you to come home and just talk to me, then I’ll be a dick to do it. Please, El, let’s go and talk. I promise I won’t bring up us. Fifteen minutes.”

“I don’t think so, Henry. Fifteen minutes is fifteen minutes too much. You’re drunk go talk to someone else.”

Ellen walked off, and Henry turned in the direction of the Social Hall.

The Social Hall was its usual rowdy-loud for a Friday night when Henry stormed in there. The first thing he did was go to the bar, pouring himself something stiffer to drink than just his wine. He downed it then poured another. He turned from facing ‘Sam’ the mannequin to the women who had gathered in their typical circle after their Friday meeting. A part of Henry was hoping that Ellen would return to her ‘moon tribe’. In fact, in his angry march to the hall, he had convinced himself of it. And he became angrier when he saw she wasn’t returning.

Henry stood there for at least ten minutes, finally bringing himself to a sip when he hit his third drink. Thinking about Ellen as he stared out at those laughing and having fun, he ran her final words to him though his mind, growing more frustrated. His eyes felt heavy, almost too heavy, and his focus was at its worst. Running his hand down his warm face, Henry took a long drink of his moonshine and set down his glass when he spotted her. With his hands in his pockets and his body feeling as if it weighed three hundred pounds, he walked over to Jenny Matoose who stood laughing with another woman.

“Jenny.” Henry cleared his thickened throat.

“Henry.” Jenny raised her eyebrow.

Henry swallowed, shifting his eyes around, standing in total hesitation.

“Henry? Did you want something?”

“I know ...” Henry closed his eyes, his voice was so graveled, “I know you can help me. Not you personally, but I know ... I know you’re close to these women.”

“Yeah so.”

“I need to be with someone.”

“Sorry.” Jenny turned from him.

“I’m serious, Jenny.”

Jenny faced him again. “I am too.”

“She told me she hates me ... she ...”

“She is hurt. Do you think asking me this is going to help your case?”

“I’m hurt too.” Henry lifted his shoulders so arrogantly.

“You’re also very drunk right now. I can see it in your face. The way you’re standing, acting. Go home, Henry, and sleep it off. I won’t be a part of another mistake of yours.” Making what she felt would be her final turn away from Henry, Jenny felt the burning knot hit her the moment she picked her drink back up, In that moment, she heard a female voice behind her saying ‘then I will, Henry’. Widening her eyes, Jenny slammed down her drink, and spun around seeing Bev move from the Social Hall with Henry. “No.” She charged over to the two. “Henry.” She jumped in front of him. “Come back and sit with me and we’ll talk.”

Henry ignored her and tried to get by her.

“Bev.” Jenny blocked Bev’s way. “If you do this, if you break our bond of women, I will not be responsible when Ellen beats the fuck out of you. In fact, I’ll encourage it. This man is drunk, angry, and he doesn’t need to make a mistake right now.”

Bev blinked long and hard with thought. She stepped back from Henry, moving Jenny with her. “You may have a point, but this man is also very down right now. Jenny, aren’t you the one who preaches to us that it is our responsibility to help them out. I’m not starting a relationship with him. I’m merely helping him through a rough time.” Bev began to move from her.

“Bev, I swear to God if you do this, I will never stand by you through anything. There aren’t that many of us women for us to be stabbing each other in the back. I learned that the hard way.”

“And I learned what someone doesn’t know, won’t hurt them.” With a semi-wave, Bev walked to Henry, placed her arm on his, and walked from the Social Hall with him.

Jenny grunted, her whole body literally moved in that grunt. “Ellen.” As she went to charge for the door, she felt her arm being pulled back.

“Let it go,” John Matoose told her.

“I can’t, John. I have to…”

“Let ... just let it go, Jen.” John brought his hand to his forehead.

“How can I do that?” Jenny asked. “Ellen and I are rebuilding that trust. If I don’t step in right now, what does it do to that trust?”

“You tried. You gave it your best shot. You didn’t fail. Henry failed. Bev failed. If you run to Ellen with this, with her still hurt over this wedding shit, it’s gonna make matters worse. I’m gonna tell you what will happen. One of two things, either Henry will do it, or Henry will chicken out. Either way he’s gonna feel like shit over it, a real piece of shit, no matter what he ends up doing. You know that as well as I do. He won’t give a squat about Bev. It’ll start between them and be over with just as fast. If you go running to Ellen now and she heads over to stop it, she could very well walk into the middle of it. Let it go.” John raised his eyebrows as a slight stern warning to his wife.

Jenny closed her eyes and let out an emotional breath. Her hands actually shook from frustration, anger, and lack of being able to control what was happening. Jenny knew well that the relationships in Beginnings, between the very few women and multitudes of men, were all intricately woven into their own little groups. That was all well and fine that way, but if someone crosses the boundaries of the threads, Jenny was very much aware at how easily the seams would rip.

<><><><>

Henry’s shirt was the second piece of clothing off, Bev’s top was the first as he had her on his couch. His hand gripped under her short black hair holding her head to him keeping his mouth wide and hard as he moved it across hers. Her back was pressed against the arm of the sofa, and Henry’s other hand grasped her thigh pushing her shorts up and her leg outward making more room for his body as he pressed his waist in a near-rough anger against her. He could feel her one hand holding firm against the back pocket of his jeans. He felt the fingers of her other hand digging into the skin of his back, causing almost a pain, as she moaned with his preluding hard, rigid motions. It added to the surrealism he felt, the dream like state he felt he was in, his feeling of out-of-control.

<><><><>

Frank stopped just one more time as he tried to make his escape from Dean’s house. His hands fell, slapping the sides of his thighs as he turned around and faced Ellen who stood with Dean. “Fine, for the love of God, to get you to shut up and quit bitching, I’ll go over there and tell him to leave you alone. Are you gonna ever tell us what happened?”

“No, but ...” Ellen stared down at her fingers. “He has to stop telling me how much he cares, how much he misses me. It’s not easy because I love Henry as a friend, but I have to get over something first before I can even start that friendship again. If ever. You have to reiterate that.”

Frank grunted.

Dean, without seeing, could tell Frank was getting as frustrated as he was. “Ellen, go with Frank, that way you can make sure things are said that you need said. Okay?”

After a ‘hmm’ of debate, Ellen agreed and walked past Frank, out of the house.

“Dean,” Frank said before leaving. “You can’t see my face, but right now I’m irritated.” He closed the door.

Dean laughed.

Henry’s house wasn’t far, only a few houses, and Frank could see the lights were on. “He’s still up.”

“You sure?” Ellen asked.

At Henry’s house, because he was tall enough, Frank said he’d check and looked in the window. “Fuck. Um ... he’s sleeping.”

“Sleeping?” Ellen giggled. “With the lights on.”

“Yeah, let’s go, I’ll talk to him tomorrow.”

Ellen saw it, something on Frank’s face. “You okay?”

“Yes.” Frank cleared his throat. “Let’s go.” He grabbed her hand.

Ellen was reluctant and tugged her hand from him. “You ... you can’t lie to me, Frank Slagel. When you do, you look away. Look at me.”

Frank didn’t.

“Is he dead in there?”

“What? No. He’s not dead. He’s on the couch.”

Immediately, Ellen started to jump up to see if she could peek in the window.

“Stop.”

“No, I want to see what’s going on.”

“No you don’t.”

Ellen continued to jump. “Yes, I do.”

“No, you don’t. He’s with someone.”

Ellen stopped jumping. “With? You mean like ... with?”

Frank peeked again. “I’d say almost. Both are not really dressed. We knock, they stop. We go ... they ... probably ... will.”

Ellen sighed out heavily. “Who?”

Frank looked again and winced. “Um, Bev.”

“Fuck.”

Frank tilted his head.

Another heavy exhale. “Wow, shows how much he was worried about me. Huh?”

“El, you run around saying you’re platonic. A man has needs.”

“And you have needs, Frank. It’s been awhile. Have you been with someone else.”

“Nah, I have needs for you.” Frank winked.

“OK.” Ellen turned, walked by Frank, and headed to Dean’s.

“You don’t wanna knock?”

“No. I’m done.” She grabbed hold of Frank’s hand. He didn’t budge. “What are you doing?”

“Nothing.” He shook his head and walked with Ellen. “Nothing.”

She walked a few steps, paused, and looked at Frank. “Do you know this actually hurts? I don’t know why, yeah, I do. I trusted him. I really trusted Henry. And it isn’t the fact that he’s with someone else right now, that’s just one of many things. Telling you one thing and me another. Deceiving Dean about an understanding. Then the final thing that drove a wedge in our friendship. How was I so wrong?” After a shake of her head, Ellen just walked again, this time right to Dean’s house.

<><><><>

Frank had a plan. He needed to see for himself what Henry’s reaction would be. He knew Henry was drunk, and he wanted to see the massive amount of guilt.

Dean had no tolerance for the situation and merely commented, “What an idiot,” after being told.

Frank stayed with them a little longer, then informed Dean he’d be sitting on his front step ... just for a little bit.

He lit up a cigarette and waited. If Frank was right, and he knew he was, Henry would be taking a walk.

Henry did.

Quietly on Dean’s front step, Frank heard the screen door and leaning forward, peeked. Bev walked out of the house and the opposite way down the street.

Then ten minutes later, Henry walked out.

Frank figured, Henry would probably head toward Dean’s, see if Ellen was up, stare at Dean’s house, and wallow in self-regret.

Henry walked toward Dean’s and stopped when he saw Frank on the step.

“Frank, you’re smoking.”

“I am.” He hit the cigarette. “You know I smoke. Why the shock?”

“You usually just hide it.”

“Yeah, well, sometimes we think we can hide things but it comes out, so why hide.”

Henry raised the corner of his mouth in a crooked smile.

“You look like you sobered up some.”

“A little. Still feel drunk. But more in control.”

“Ah, well it’s been a hell of a night.” Frank nodded, staring at Henry. Did he miss something? He knew what he saw in that window. With that in mind, and deciding to push the envelope, Frank stood, cigarette dangling from his lips, and he extended his hand to Henry.

With a quirky look, Henry asked, “What’s that for?”

“Thanking you.”

“For?”

“Ending this shit with you and Ellen. For once, for all, for good. No more Henry-comparisons, no more ‘poor’ Henry.”

“Frank, what are you talking about?”

“One word.” Frank sat back down. “Bev.”

“What ... what are you talking about?”

“Are you being coy? I know,” Frank said strongly.

“Know what?” Henry asked and when Frank just stared, Henry tossed out his hand in frustration. “Did she walk down here and say something? Because she’s lying, Frank. She’s a little liar.”

“Henry, enough!” Frank barked. “She said nothing. I saw.”

“What do you mean, you saw?”

Frank huffed out. “Unbelievable. Henry, let me tell you how this night went. Ellen hates that you play on her guilt. That you keep pushing and pushing to make up, be friends again. So she asked me to talk to you. We went to you, your house.”

Frank saw it. Henry swallowed so hard, his Adam’s apple danced.

“The lights were on, she asked if you were sleeping. I only had to lift my head to check. I know what I saw on that couch.”

“Then you saw wrong, Frank. We were talking.”

“That’s an age-old-way to communicate, pal. I know what I saw. Stop this shit.”

Henry closed his eyes. “Did Ellen see?”

“No. I told her you were on the couch sleeping.”

Henry heaved out a breath. “Thank you. Thank you, Frank, so much. So, she doesn’t know.”

“Oh, she knows. Because I can’t lie to her. I told her.”

Immediately, Henry’s face turned a different shade, and his hand cut through the air. “What the fuck, Frank. You told her? You couldn’t let it go, you couldn’t ...”

“This is your reaction,” the words squeaked from Frank’s mouth as he stood again. “I expected you to beat yourself up. I expected more of a reaction from your mistake.”

“I didn’t do anything wrong, Frank.”

Frank was so stunned he laughed out an ‘Oh my God’. Then he turned. “You run around this place telling her and everyone that you love her, you push the fucking child card, you praised your marriage, platonic or not, and then you are with Bev and that’s not sending a mixed signal.”

“I ... I was drunk, I wasn’t thinking.”

“No you weren’t.”

“What can I do to fix this.”

“Are you kidding me? Are you fucking kidding me?”

“Why are you so mad at me?”

Frank ran his hand across the top of his head and took a long puff from his cigarette. “You know what kills me? I have known her my entire life and I have never seen her trust her heart to anyone like she trusted her heart to you. Never! Not even me, Henry. Not even me and I deserve that more than anyone. I would never do what you did tonight! Don’t you think I haven’t been given the opportunity more than once, I have. Lots, when Ellen and I weren’t together. Did I take it? No! Did I even think about it? No!”

Frank squinted in anger, his words taking on that high pitch with his hard accent, “It didn’t even cross my mind to consider it! Wanna know why? It’s not just because you don’t screw up what you got, it’s because I love Ellen. I have absolutely no desire to be with anyone else. None. Seven years ago I would have told you the same thing, and I can be certain with my life, that I will feel the same way seventy years from now. It makes me sick to think, that with the way I feel, you’re the one who got her complete trust.” Frank pointed again. “And that’s pitiful. You’re pitiful to me right now.”

“Are you done?” Henry said, words shaking. “Can ... can we talk? Please. I screwed up. I did. I was angry, hurt, and I screwed up. And ...”

“I don’t care. I really ...” Frank tossed his cigarette and walked by Henry. “Just don’t care.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

AUGUST 1

Her anticipation for the return of her telephone was borderline greater than the impending arrival of her first child. Singing the ‘Silly’ song in her own country-music mode, Trish made her way to Mechanics. It was eight a.m. Saturday, so where was her phone? After she had dropped it off the day before, she informed Mechanics seven times that she needed her phone back. It wasn’t even one of those silly requisitions she put in either. It was a real one.

Figuring one of two things would happen, Trish went to Mechanics. Either she would get her phone back or she would hurry them along by frightening Scott into fixing that problem.

“Hello?” Trish called out, opening the door to Mechanics. “Scott? John? Henry? Robbie?” Shrugging, she stepped inside. No one was around. Wanting to leave them a note with a piece of her mind, demanding the return of her phone, Trish searched for paper to write it on. As her hand reached across the bench table, she spotted three phones in the ‘return’ box in Scott’s work area. Three requisitions lay on top.

Peeking at the requisitions, she saw one of the phones was indeed hers, fixed and ready to go. But which one? They all looked alike. Using what she deducted as reasonable thinking, Trish chanted her way through ‘eeny-meany-miney-mo’ and grabbed the last one her finger landed on.

Happy with the return of her communication ability, Trish carried the phone with her and headed back down to History before the rush, she waited for every morning, hit.

<><><><>

Golf.

George was more grateful than anything to find out that not only was it a perfect sunny day, but his people had also finished with the first nine holes on the Former Quantico golf course. How long he had waited to play a round and he would get his chance, but business was first.

“Five minutes after three.” He slammed down a paper in front of his Communications leader in command room. “Contact John Matoose starting at five minutes after three and repeat it until he picks up. Understand?”

“Yes, sir.”

“What do you have for me?”

Turning from his Morse code area, Steward handed a stack of papers to George. “We decoded these this morning, sir.”

“Give me a briefing on them.” George removed his glasses from his pocket, placed them on, and skimmed the reports from his outside areas.

“Basically, sir, weather is getting bad in North Carolina. They’re expecting a hurricane to hit there within the next few days. One of our larger outdoor camps is there. What should they do?”

“How many live there? Refresh my memory.”

Steward gave a guessing face. “That’s not my area, sir, probably six, six-hundred fifty.”

“Hmm.” George looked over the report. “Signal back to them to send out a scouting party farther east. Find a safer area, bolt down the camp as tight as they can get it, take supplies, and move out until the danger passes.”

“Will do.” Steward wrote it down. “Got word from Charlotte. They have repaired the old steam engines. They’re ready when we are.”

“Signal them back.” George grabbed a pen and began to write. “Let them know that the messenger should be arriving with our mail today. The reports on the mining crews in West Virginia, we’ll fill them in on that. Until the mining begins, we’ll go on and run a shipment of what they had in reserve coal down to them.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Anything else pressing?”

“No, sir.”

“All right.” George pulled a piece of paper from his pocket. “Between three and three thirty Montana time, you make these calls, you and your men. I need Farming Areas Three, Seventeen, and Twenty-Two, on the line with answers about where their weekly crop reports are. This is our first real harvest, and I have a load of men ready to go to that canning facility. I have to let them know what to expect in preparations for fall and winter.”

“I’ll take care of that.” Steward took the paper George handed him.

“What time does your shift end?” George asked.

“Seven p.m., sir.”

“So you’ll still be around when the answers come in.” George looked at his watch. “All right, I’m off to the golf course. Stop by my house when you’re done, with some answers for me. But one thing, Stew.”

“What’s that, sir?” Steward started to return to his work.

“Find me the instant you get through to John Matoose, hear?” Getting his agreement from Steward, George, glad that his business for the day was on hold, headed off to the golf course he had waited so long to play. It would feel good to get out there and not think about Beginnings, John Matoose, or anything that had to deal with the western part of the country, at least not for nine holes worth of time.

<><><><>

It was an unusual sight for John Matoose when he walked into his home for his Saturday morning break for breakfast with his family. Jenny, in the kitchen, was wearing a robe as she cooked. Jenny had never—not been fully dressed when they shared his break. Was she sick? Stopping to kiss his baby daughter, who sat patiently in her highchair in the dining room awaiting her breakfast as she drank from a bottle, John walked up to behind Jenny, kissing her on the cheek. “Not feeling well?” he asked as he wrapped his arms around her.

“I’m fine.” Jenny tucked her hair behind her ear as she scrambled the eggs. “I’m a little behind today, sorry.”

“No problem. Did you sleep in?”

“You could say that. I think I finally fell asleep around five this morning.”

“Why were you up so late?”

Jenny shrugged.

“Jen?”

She turned off the burner, removing the pan from the hot element. “John, I just feel so bad about last night. I feel so responsible.”

“Don’t.” John reached for the plates in the cupboard. “You tried, Jenny. You gave it your best shot to stop the situation.”

“What went wrong? How did it get to that point?”

“I’ll tell you how. Henry was drunk and angry. And Bev, you know the way she is.”

“She totally took out of context what we as women have been trying to accomplish.”

“There’s always one.” John saw how down his wife looked. “You cannot let this get to you.”

“I can’t help it. I feel as if I were the one Henry betrayed. Maybe because I held out hope that at the last minutes they would make up.”

“Not now they won’t, especially now that Ellen knows.”

“Oh no.”

“Jenny.”

“No, John.” Jenny began to dish out breakfast. “It wasn’t right. I will apologize to her for being there and not stopping it. She’ll hate me again, I know she will.”

“Why do you care if she hates you?”

“But we’ve been trying,” Jenny spoke emotionally. “We have really been trying. Ellen and I were making progress. With her being someone I have known since I was six years old, I wanted to work it out with her. I really did.” She lifted the plates. “And now, I can forget about that.”

John watched Jenny carry the plates slowly to the dining room, sit down at the table, and wipe her hands down her face. Jenny looked as if she had just lost her best friend. As weird as it seemed to John, he had to wonder if perhaps Jenny was worried about losing someone she actually wanted to be that best friend.

<><><><>

There was a lump in Henry’s throat that hesitated his swallowing as he walked into Warehouse Seven. Slowly he walked, with that frightened feeling he hadn’t had since he was a child who got a bad grade and his mother sent him to speak to his father. In an essence, it was nearly the same thing at that moment walking through the warehouse, looking for Joe who had summoned him. He didn’t exactly know why. Henry could only assume it had to do with his behavior the night before. It was no longer a secret, if it had been, Bev made sure everyone knew. She acted to Henry like a schoolgirl, and they were now this ‘new’ couple.

When Henry walked in, Joe was counting blankets on the bottom shelf. A clipboard in his hand, pencil in his mouth, he spoke to Henry without facing him, “Is that you, Henry?”

“Uh ... yeah, Joe.” Henry took an apprehensive step to him. “You wanted to see me?”

“Yep.”

Henry was so nervous. He placed his hands in his pockets while his heart beat faster and faster.

“I need you to figure out sometime today when we can have a mechanical meeting. I’m gonna be in here for another hour or so then I have to take Danny around Beginnings,” Joe told him.

“A mechanical meeting? For what?” Henry asked.

“I want to see what we can do and who we can get to ease that load you have backed up in there.” Joe set down the clipboard and stood with a grunt. “I was there this morning. And I counted seventy-two reqs sitting in the in box, waiting to be looked at.”

“I know, Joe, we got hit this week really bad,” Henry told him.

“I figured as much. So pull the meeting together, maybe before we all head off to the field for the game. We’ll sit down together, divide them up, and read through them to see what is important, trivial, and so forth. We’ll see what Mechanics can do or if we need to put on someone else. Sound good?”

“Sounds good.”

“Thanks.” Joe picked his clipboard back up and returned to bending down at the bottom shelf. “Henry? Why are you still here?”

“Is that all, Joe?”

“Yep.” Joe cleared his throat and counted.

“There’s nothing else you want to talk to me about?”

“Nope.”

“Not even about last night?” Henry was certain Joe knew.

“Nope.”

“Can I ask why?”

“Were you expecting me to?” Joe continued in his counting.

“Yeah I was.”

“Well you’re not getting it from me.”

“Do you hate me?”

Joe lifted his head from his clipboard. “No I don’t hate you, Henry. I’m disappointed in you but I don’t hate you.”

“Thanks, Joe.” Henry backed up and turned around. “Joe? Can you ... can you tell me anything I can do?”

“There’s not much you can do.” Joe stopped counting and stood. “What’s done is done, Henry. You weren’t married to her. I think the reason other people are so up-in-arms is because they didn’t know that you two weren’t going to really marry. They thought this was a rough spot and then you went with Bev. That’s why people see this as wrong. Ellen, sees it as wrong because you puppy-dog her to be her friend and her companion, proclaim your love, and then in a drunken binge, you easily ... well, you know. In the scheme of things, you’re a single man, you did nothing wrong. How you went about it, was where you made your mistake. No one has the right to get mad at you about this. Really, if you think about it. In my eyes, and from what you both told me, you and Ellen weren’t a real couple. Why my daughter is so angry with you, and this goes before the incident, I don’t know.” Joe paused. “Is there something I should know?”

Henry stared at Joe. There was a lot that Joe didn’t know, one big thing, but Henry wasn’t going to tell Joe. Not him. Not ever. He simply shook his head.

“Then just move on with it. It’ll get better.” Joe returned to his position on the floor and started counting as if Henry wasn’t there.

To Henry, Joe made a lot of sense. But if he really did nothing wrong, then why did he feel so poorly.

<><><><>

“Twelve,” Ellen stated, counting the chalk in the supply closet of the skills room.

“Twelve?” Robbie questioned that. “That’s it?”

“That’s it. God, I hate the first of the month.”

“El, we had twenty-five pieces of chalk last month.”

“And now we have twelve. I’m telling you, Os-Oscar has been eating them.”

“Did you tell Dean this?” Robbie questioned.

“Why would I tell Dean that?”

“Because if Os-Oscar is eating the chalk, he obviously has a deficiency somewhere in his body.”

Ellen swayed her head to Robbie. “His brain, Robbie. Can we stop now? I’m tired of counting. We have until Tuesday.”

Robbie looked down at his watch. “Yeah. I have to get to Mechanics. We are swamped in there.”

“You aren’t taking Danny out of here and showing him around?” Ellen asked as she locked up the supply closet, followed Robbie out of the skills room, and down the hall.

“That’s my Dad’s duty today. He’ll be here shortly, I’m guessing. Good luck with that.” He moved to the door and stopped before pressing in the security code. “See you later.” He winked and then left.

Placing her hands behind her back, Ellen started to stroll to her office to finish her stupid reports and bide the rest of her shift time in Containment. It was quiet and she didn’t want it to be that way. Quiet times always made her think. So she retracted her steps and went to the men’s quarters. “Hey.” She knocked on the archway.

Danny stood up from the bed, so neat, so clean. “Is it time?”

“No, we have to wait for slow-poke Joe. I was just wondering if you wanted to hang out with me in my office until I end my shift or Joe gets here, whichever is first.”

“I’d like that.” Danny walked to her. “I have my stuff all packed up.”

“I see that.” Ellen walked down the hall with him. “Great hair.”

“Thanks.” Danny ran his hand over the back of his hair. “So what’s it like outside?”

“You mean Beginnings?” Ellen walked into her office first.

“No, I mean the weather.”

“Oh it’s hot. It’s August you know. Have a seat.” She pulled the chair closer to her desk and walked behind to take her own seat. Just as she lowered herself completely, she stopped. “Shit.”

“What?” Danny looked at the door to where she stared. John Matoose stood there.

“Ellen.” John walked in. “Can I talk to you?”

“No. I don’t like you, John.”

“And I don’t like you, but this isn’t about our difficulties. This is about my wife.”

“What about her?” Ellen spoke with attitude. “I didn’t say anything about her or to her.”

“Just make sure it stays that way.”

“Oh, John, go away.”

“I’m serious, Ellen,” he spoke strongly.

“I am too. Leave.”

“Not before you hear me out.” He pointed. “I have my wife at home right now crying her eyes out, sick to her stomach because she thought she failed last night.”

“What are you talking about?”

“She feels bad, Ellen, really bad about what happened with Henry. She was there and she blames herself for not being able to stop it. I just don’t want you making her feel any worse when she approaches you about it.”

“I won’t say anything but thank you.”

“I appreciate it. Henry ... Henry was out of control.” John stepped back. “That’s all.”

Danny watched Ellen just staring at the door that John left through. “You can tell me it’s none of my business, but ... what happened last night?”

“I guess it won’t be a secret if John knows.” Ellen turned her view finally from that door, back to Danny.

“Henry was with somebody else?”

Ellen’s eyes widened. “Boy, news travels fast.”

“No.” Danny shook his head with a laugh. “Good guess on my part. Typical male move. Can I ask a really stupid question?”

“Sure.”

“I thought there weren’t that many women here. I thought they were all taken. How did Henry get one?”

“That’s a really easy question to answer. He was with Bev. Bev uses it as a tool, and Henry is on Council. There is a certain power-thing with that. I suppose if he wanted to, he could have been with someone else a while ago. He just didn’t want anything to do with Survivor women. In fact, the only Original here that even touches Survivors is Jenny.”

“Why is that?” Danny asked, a tone of offence took over his voice.

“I guess we just have our certain little click.” Ellen shrugged. “We don’t let anyone in.”

“Oh, I see.” Danny nodded.

“But I really want to make an exception to my personal rules with you. I like you. I can see us being friends outside of these Containment walls. I want to be friends outside of Containment with you.”

“I’m glad to hear you say that, El. Some of the others in here were talking about how bad I’m gonna feel when I get out because I spend a lot of time in here with you. They said that they heard you really don’t bother much with us once we’re out.”

“Honestly? No, I don’t. And they don’t bother much with me after the first few weeks of adjustment are over with. But that’s OK. But it won’t be that way with you, Danny Hoi.”

“Good. I’m glad to hear that. Can I say one thing about the ‘Henry’ situation?”

“Sure.”

“I only know the relationship from what you have told me and what I have seen. It was, and I stress was, a great friendship. You were holding on to Henry so you wouldn’t have to choose, and you could freely help Dean. Now that’s done with, you need to be with the right man.”

Frank stood outside that office door, listening before he walked in, really knowing where Danny was going. His presence was unknown to either of them in the office.

Ellen snickered and folded her hands. “OK, who is right?”

“You want my honest opinion?”

“Most definitely.”

“Frank.”

“Frank?” Ellen was shocked. “You said Frank.”

“You seem surprised.”

“I am. I thought you were going to say you.”

“I wanted to, but then you said to be honest. It’s Frank. My God, you have known the man most of your life. You were together for years off and on, and then for years here. Why in the world aren’t you with him? You love him. No wait ... you, Ellen, idolize the man.”

“Danny.” Ellen took a look of embarrassment upon her. “It’s not that simple. I wish it were, but it isn’t.”

“It’s the share thing that has to happen, huh? Well tell me why the three-way relationship isn’t with you, Frank, and Dean.”

“More than you know it was.” Ellen fluttered her lips. “Beside the fact that Frank and Dean hate each other, I have my reasons that I just can’t be ...”

“I knew ...” Frank walked in interrupting, not wanting Ellen to finish what she was saying, “I knew there was a reason I liked this guy. “Hey, Danny.” Frank hit him in the shoulder, then smiled at Ellen. “El, listen to this man. He’s right, but we won’t get into that.”

“Frank!” Ellen stood up. “Were you listening? You were. You are such an ass.”

Frank laughed. “Yep. Hey, Danny, we’re playing softball at five thirty today. You wanna play?”

“I don’t have a glove,” Danny answered.

“We’ll get you one. I’ll put you on the roster.” Frank looked back at Ellen. “I came to get you.”

“Get me?” Ellen looked at him. “Why?”

Frank lifted her phone from the desk. “Just as I thought. See.” He showed it to her. “Your power is off, as usual. Anyhow, I was checking the keypad at the clinic and Stevie Wonder asked, if I ran into you, could I send you over there. He needs help with some tests. It seems he couldn’t reach you by phone.”

“Now?” Ellen asked.

“Now.”

Ellen looked at Danny. “I’m sorry.”

“No go on.” Danny stood up. “I will anxiously await Joe.”

“I’ll hurry him along when I see him,” Ellen said. “I’ll see you during the day, probably at the softball game. If not, how about I stop by late tonight? Will you be up?”

“I’ll wait up.”

“Good.” Ellen moved to the door with Frank and stopped. “Oh, Danny? It’s gonna be good to have you out of here. Don’t be surprised if they work you today. I hear Mechanics is swamped with reqs.”

“I can’t wait.”

Ellen, seeing Frank bobbing his head to hurry her along, walked from the office with him. “Does Dean really need me now?”

“Who said Dean?”

“You said Stevie Wonder.”

“Oh, El. Oh.” Frank was so dramatic. “That is really wrong that you would assume that I would use that as a nickname for our poor disabled Dean.”

“Well ... oh shit.” She snapped her finger as she saw Frank reaching for the buzzer. “Wait right here. I have to get something from my desk to show you.”

“Hurry up.” Frank watched Ellen run all the way down the hall. He watched her go into her office, heard her rummaging and saying something to Danny, then he opened the door when he saw her running back down toward him. “What do you have to show me? Is it wrapped in that cloth?”

“Yep.” Ellen waved to the guard who sat at the front desk, and then she left Containment with Frank. “Ready?”

“Yep.” Frank placed his hands on his hips.

“OK, now you can’t make fun of it or I’ll feel really badly. I made this myself you know, last night at the meeting.” She shielded it as she unwrapped it. “Here it goes.” Ellen held up the doll and closed her eyes.

“Oh shit,” Frank said with a grin. “Is that me?”

“Yes.”

“Whoa.” He took the doll. “El, this is cool. Look at the hair.”

“It’s your hair. I took it from the sink when you trimmed your goatee.”

“I wondered what happened to that when I got out of the shower.” Frank ran his hand over the doll’s black hair. “You got the little beard thing happening. Good job.”

“Frank.” Ellen blushed. “I’m not a six-year-old who made an art project in school.”

“No, this is really neat. One thing ...” Frank pulled out the pants of the Frank-doll and peeked down under them. “Aw, El. That is really wrong.”

Ellen snickered. “My personal touch.”

“Wow it’s the Frank action hero.”

“Frank ...”

Frank held up the doll and deepened his voice speaking for the doll, “Hey I’m Frank. Where’s Dean?” He made the doll look around. “Hey, you.”

“Frank.” Ellen laughed again.

“El, can you make me a Dean-doll. That way I can have my doll beat him up. Thanks for this. I’ll put this on my desk so I can play ... I mean look at it.”

“No.” Ellen snatched the doll back.

“Hey!” Frank reached for it. “Oh I get it. You need a little of me around so that’s why you made it.”

“No, Frank, you goof. It’s not the Frank action hero doll. It’s a voodoo doll.”

“A voodoo doll? You made a voodoo doll of me?”

“Yeah.”

“Why?” Frank asked insistently.

“So when I get mad at you, I can do this.” She flicked the doll in the head.

“Ow!” Frank grabbed the side of his head.

“Oh stop that, Frank. You didn’t feel that.”

“Yeah I did.” Frank rubbed his head. “Man, El, I have a lump.”

“You do not.” She flicked it again.

“Ow! Knock it off.”

Ellen laughed and began flicking the doll, watching Frank be a goof and shudder his body as she did so.

“El!” He reached for the doll. “You’re killing me.”

“Don’t touch it.” As Ellen pulled the doll from Frank in a grip, she watched Frank grab his chest and his face turned red. “Frank?” She stepped before him as he doubled over. “Frank, quit playing around.”

“I’m ... not ...” He grunted loudly. “I think I’m having ... a heart attack.”

“Oh my God.” Ellen panicked.

One more loud moan and Frank, grabbing his chest, buckled over and fell to the ground.

“You’re such an ass, Frank.” Ellen looked down at him. “Get up.” She didn’t get any response. “I said get up.” Nothing. “Frank?” her voice lowered and she reached down and touched him, “oh shit, I killed him.” Spinning around, first in confusion on where she should turn, Ellen held her hair back and began to scream, “Help. Someone help ...” Her words were muffled when a hand covered her mouth.

“You really thought that doll worked?” Frank whispered in her ear as he held her from behind.

“Frank.” She swung back her leg, kicking him in the shin.

Frank laughed hysterically and pulled Ellen back as she tried to walk away. “El.” He brought her to him. “It was funny.”

“You’re a big goof.”

“Yeah, but you love me.”

“Oh, I do not.” Ellen fought—but not too much—to get out of his arms. She moved her head that Frank followed with his smiling face. Giving up, Ellen giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck.

Frank was taken by surprise. “Whoa, what’s the hug for?”

“You make me smile.” Ellen pulled back from him slightly, feeling his hand slide up her back and support her head. She kept her face close to his. “After all these years, Frank Slagel, you still make me smile.”

“I feel like ...” Frank took a deep breath and whispered as his hands spread across her face, “I feel like we’re headed to this really awesome moment right now. Want it to be ruined?”

“No.”

“Too bad.” Frank set her down and released her from his embrace.

“Frank?”

He stepped back, running his hand over the top of his head then letting it rest on the back of his neck as he looked at her through the tops of his eyes. He cleared his throat then twitched his head to the right.

Ellen turned only her head to see where Frank was motioning to. Walking up to them was Henry. “You set me down for him?”

Frank raised his eyebrows and looked at Henry.

Henry blinked long, then through half-closed eyes looked at Frank. “Can I talk ... can I talk to Ellen now?”

Ellen answered before Frank could say anything. “No, Henry.” She started to walk away. “I have to get to the clinic.”

Frank grabbed hold of Ellen and pulled her back. “Talk to him. This needs to be resolved. I need it resolved.”

“Dean needs me at the clinic.”

“Five minutes,” Frank told her.

Ellen looked at Frank, then Henry. “All right.” Folding her arms, she walked to Henry. “I’ll listen to you.”

Henry closed his eyes. “Thank you.” He opened them and looked at Frank. “Thank you, Frank.” He turned back to Ellen. “Can we go somewhere private? The Social Hall is closed right now so we can go there.”

Ellen nodded and followed Henry. She kept looking back at Frank as she walked. He stood on the street watching them the whole entire time.

How big the Social Hall seemed when it was empty like it was that morning. Ellen stepped inside first, Henry waited until she was far enough inside and closed the door, locking it. Slowly he walked to Ellen whose back faced him. “El.”

Ellen spun to him, her arms close to her body and tightly crossed. She wanted to lash out at him, her mouth opened to do so, but as soon as she looked at him, Ellen turned her head.

“You can’t even ... you can’t even look at me, can you?” He walked to in front of her.

Ellen didn’t answer.

“I don’t blame you. I can’t even look at myself.”

“You shouldn’t feel that way, Henry,” Ellen spoke sadly. “You and I are no longer together. I told you ... I am still processing everything ...”

“I’m sorry.”

“Henry, I don’t want your apology.”

“I need to give it to you. I need you to know how sorry I am for everything that happened last night and for everything that’s happened between us. We weren’t supposed to get like this, El ... not you and me.” He stepped closer to her, trying to look at her, only to have her eyes turn from him. “I betrayed you.”

“It’s only betrayal if we were together. We weren’t.”

“Bullshit, El. In my heart we were.” He reached for her hand but she moved. “Do you know how much it hurts me that you can’t even look at me? Do you?” Henry’s voice cracked with emotion. “I never wanted this. Never. Not when I woke up every single morning wanting and needing to see you. Needing you every ...”

“Henry!” Ellen moved farther from him. “You said your apologies. I want to go. I don’t want to be here with you.”

“Can I just say one more thing?” He watched her hesitate in her walk out. “Just one more thing.” He moved to her, standing before her, staring at Ellen who gazed at the floor. “It probably means nothing right now, but a part of me needs to tell you this. I need you to know that I ... I stopped. I couldn’t go through with it, so we stopped.”

“The same way you stopped with me?”

Henry lowered his head. “I was drunk. She was drunk.”

“Yeah, well, so was I. And if you really did stop for those reasons, then that makes it all the worse, because you were supposed to be my friend. You didn’t with me. This is just not working, Henry. I trusted you in every way. I need time to even get over things. Can’t you see this. Quit adding to things.” She began to leave.

“Ellen, tell me what I can do. Please tell me what I can do to make this up to you.”

She stopped in her reach for the Social Hall lock. Turning around very serious, without the look of ‘mean’, Ellen faced him. “Let me go. Just let what we had go. Don’t make it any harder than it is. Just let it be and maybe I won’t turn away the next time you say hello. Just don’t be a part of my life anymore. That’s what you can do.”

“What about Nick?” Henry walked closer. “He’s our son, El. We have to be ...”

“No.” Ellen shook her head. “Nick’s name is Slagel. Frank takes care of him. Frank lives with him. If you want to be a part of Nick’s life, you deal with Frank on that issue. As far as I am concerned, he is Frank’s child, not yours.” She unlocked the door. “Not yours, Henry.”

Tightly Henry’s eyes shut the moment Ellen left. Both of his hands went immediately to his face, running straight through his hair, and in a spin, he turned from the door. Trying his hardest to control any emotions that tried to escape him at that second, his hands came down and gripped tightly to the back of the chair before him. So tense he was, standing there, holding on to that chair, his head down and his hair flung forward. He fought hard to not let the emptiness he was feeling take over him. He stayed there, in the Social Hall, until he felt he could go back out. Hurting for himself, hurting over what he did, but most of all hurting for Ellen and the loss of the friendship they had.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Joe recognized the sound of the thumping, in fact, it flashed his mind back and brought a smile to his face. He placed the sound to many years before when Frank was only five. It was the day they moved into the house in Gaithersburg. Frank ran around that house, checking out every room, every closet and he did it all with enthusiasm. As Joe listened to the pitter-patter of the feet above his head, he figured Danny, in his excitement, was doing the same thing that Frank did all those years ago. “Having fun, Danny?” Joe yelled up the steps.

“Oh, Joe, this is great!” Danny came flying down the steps. “I bet Bentley loves it here. Has Bentley seen this place yet? I saw that line of people outside his barbershop. Wow.” Danny charged into the kitchen, and he squealed loudly. “A fridge. Food! HA!” He flew back out. “Am I going to work now? What do I do after work? Is there anything to do around here or do most people just ...”

“Hold up.” Joe stopped him before Danny caused his head to spin any more. “I might put you to work today. I haven’t decided yet. You have that softball game in a couple hours and you make up that man they need. Since I can’t umpire, Jason has to. And you’ll take Jason’s place. As far as having something to do, we have the Social Hall open seven days a week. It’s like a bar. It’s open now but no one really goes there on a weekend night until late. In fact, Robbie’s band is playing there tonight starting at nine.”

“I can go?” Danny asked. “I’m allowed?”

“Sure, but you get put on the cleanup schedule like everyone else.”

“Can I get drunk?”

“If you want to.”

“I don’t want to. I was just wondering. OK.” Danny clapped his hands in a ready fashion. “What’s next? My stuff is upstairs.”

“Maybe you should consider alcohol. You are way too hyper.”

“Oh no, Joe, I like being this way. I go constantly.” He snapped his finger several times. “Hell, I hate to sleep.”

“And you aren’t friends with Henry?” Joe shook his head as he led Danny to the door.

“Like to be, but Henry hates me. It’s that ‘I’m Chinese, he’s Japanese’ thing. You know, goes back to the old world.” Danny took a breath. “Racism, who would think it would still be around?”

“Danny, did it occur to you that it isn’t racism, that perhaps Henry is a bit threatened by you.”

Danny laughed. “By me? Now why in the world would Henry be threatened by me? If anything, I should be threatened by him. He helps run this place. He’s the fix-it guy. From what I heard, he’s ‘the man’. There is only one thing that Henry is, that I’m not, that I don’t want to be.”

“What’s that?” Joe asked, after deciphering Danny’s statement. He walked from the house with Danny.

“Stupid when it comes to relationships.”

“I take it my daughter told you about what’s been going on.”

“Oh yeah. Ellen and I are friends.” Danny smiled as he walked, looking around and taking everything in.

“Danny, in all seriousness, my daughter is a very busy lady, and confused sometimes. You aren’t ... you aren’t planning on confusing her any more, are you?”

“Who me? Not me, Joe. I’m gay.”

Joe stopped walking. “Really?”

“Nah, just kidding.” Danny laughed when Joe grunted. “But all kidding aside, there’s one very good reason why I won’t try to go after Ellen.”

“What is that?”

“You know that big mean looking guy you call your son? The one that used to be married to Ellen, not the one who only fooled around with her?”

“You mean Frank?”

“Yep. He’s the reason.” Danny nodded and started walking again. “That man wants her back, badly.”

“And you don’t want to get in the way.”

“Hell no I don’t. He scares me.” Danny shuddered. “He’d kill me. I’m pretty good at some things, Joe, but fighting and defending myself against a Neanderthal is not one of them.”

Joe laughed at Danny. He sensed there was probably more to what Danny was saying. Then again, maybe he was just frightened of Frank, or he could really be gay. But Joe figured Danny’s reason was probably because Danny was a ‘go with the flow’ kind of guy, and rippling already troubled waters was just not Danny’s forte.

<><><><>

The ringing of her History telephone sent chills of excitement through Trish, causing her baby to kick harshly. With a giggle, she ran her hand over where the baby’s foot poked. And she grabbed the phone, clearing her throat. “Good afternoon, History. Trish speaking, how can I help you?” Odd, extremely odd. There was a long squealing beep coming over the line. Then Trish’s eyes brightened and she flung herself up from the chair. “A fax! I’m getting a fax.” Jumping about and racing to that fax machine she knew would come in handy. Trish hooked up the cellular phone with the attachments Cole gave her, made sure there was paper in the machine, and watched excitedly as the fax came through.

It could have been faster Trish thought, but seeing it was her first fax ever in Beginnings, she lifted it up with joy when it was finished. The smile dropped from her face and she scratched her head as she read it. “Oh no.” Sadness took over her voice, “Who could have sent me this? This is mean. I’m telling Joe.”

Upset at what the words said, Trish took her fax, switched the sign on the door to ‘be back in ten minutes’, and waddled off out of History looking for Joe.

<><><><>

Something had to be done about the situation and Robbie knew it. Contrary to what his father wished, Robbie couldn’t sit back anymore and let it happen. Denny was a band member so there was a certain bond with that. Denny was fifteen years old. He was a big kid for his age. There was absolutely no reason whatsoever that, not only did Andrea have to escort him to the barbershop, but she had to hold his hand as well when they were walking out.

Did she know he was not a child?

“Andrea,” Robbie called out, approaching the two. He glanced at Denny who did not look pleased. His hair was cut and greased down, parted drastically as if he were seven years old. “Andrea, what are you doing to my drummer?”

Andrea held tight to Denny’s hand. “Making him look sweet for tonight. I’m coming to see my boy play, aren’t I, Denny?”

“Mom.” Denny winced as she fixed his hair.

“Andrea.” Robbie separated their hands. “You’re embarrassing him. Quit holding his hand in public.”

“I’m embarrassing him? Oh, I think not. He has to look good. I hear you are playing the ‘Silly’ song tonight.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Robbie moved Andrea’s hand again as it reached for Denny. “In fact, I’d like to steal Denny right now and go over it with him.”

“OK.” Andrea smiled. “Dennis, you be good for Robbie. Don’t you go and get messed up. There won’t be time after dinner for you to take a bath again. And ...” She gasped. “You got something on your cheek.”

Robbie’s mouth dropped open in disgust when Andrea did that mother-thing to him by licking her fingers and wiping off the smudge on Denny’s face. Robbie nearly gagged watching it. “Oh my God.” Just as he was about to say more, he heard Trish call his name. He looked to see her holding up a piece of paper as she waddled his way. Being the nice guy that he was, he didn’t want her to strain herself making it all the way to him, so he moved a foot or two from Andrea and waited for Trish there.

“Rob ... Rob ...” She grabbed her chest. “Robbie.” She took a long breath.

Robbie snickered. “Having a little trouble being mobile there, Trish?”

Trish smacked him with the paper. “Where is Joe? I’m getting threatening faxes.”

“You’re what?” Robbie laughed harder, then stopped laughing when he took the paper. “Trish, don’t make mention of this to anyone. You hear? National Security. Get it?”

“Scouts honor.” She held up her two fingers. “Can you inform Joe that I don’t like it? You know what Henry says, don’t you? He says if I’m upset, my baby will be born with a frown. Of course, who listens to Henry anymore? He hasn’t been very nice.”

“Yeah whatever.” Robbie read the fax. “Thanks, Trish. Go back to History. We’ll be right there.” Waiting for Trish to agree, then Robbie took off looking for his father.

<><><><>

The exploding opening of the History door caused Trish to shriek when Frank, Joe, Henry, and Robbie marched in. “What did I do?” She held up her hands as if she were under arrest.

Frank looked at his cohorts then back to Trish. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“You stormed in here.”

Frank grumbled then regained his composure. “Trish, did the fax come over your phone line?”

“Yes,” she answered.

“Can I have your phone?”

“No.” She shook her head.

“Trish, give me your phone.” Frank held out his hand.

“Frank, you’re just jealous that your phone doesn’t get faxes. Tough. No.”

“Trish!”

“No.” She hid her phone in her arms.

“Dad.”

Joe stepped forward. “Trish, just let me see the phone, please.”

“All right.” Trish hesitantly handed it to Joe. “But I need that back. I just got it back from Mechanics.”

Joe immediately turned over the phone and reviewed the serial number. “Henry.” Joe handed the phone to him.

Henry looked down at it, then up. “Trish, this was at Mechanics, right? Who gave this to you?”

“No one,” she answered. “I took it. I was tired of waiting.”

Robbie’s voice dropped to a whisper, “It’s not her phone, is it?”

Henry shook his head.

Frank, needing to talk, pulled everyone closer to History’s door and spoke in a near whisper, “Whose phone is it, Henry?”

“I think we know that,” Henry told him. “She must have grabbed the wrong phone. You know what this means.”

Joe interjected in his soft voice, “We know what it means and who it is coming from, but we don’t know ...” He stopped talking when he saw Trish had poked her head into the circle of four men. “Trish, if you don’t mind.”

“As a matter of fact, I do mind, Joe. You really shouldn’t be telling secrets in here. It isn’t polite.”

Not wanting to snap at a woman who was in such a delicate condition, Joe pulled the men outside, despite Trish’s whining for her phone. Before he finished speaking to them, he stuck his head back in History. “Trish, we’ll give you your phone right back, ten minutes tops.” Pulling the door to History closed, Joe rubbed his head. “All right. He blackened out where the return fax came from. Obviously he is well aware that the system regenerates itself on the first of every month or he wouldn’t have faxed something, so we’re out of luck on George’s location.”

Frank snapped his finger. “Maybe not. Not yet. This fax is telling John he has to call George, if that’s who sent the fax. Now, Robbie, you have that bug system all ready to go, right? Head down to Communications now and put it in. Henry, deliver this phone to John, but deliver it minutes before the system has finished regenerating. Me and my Dad will use Trish’s fax machine and fax this back to John. Since the return number is blackened out, he won’t know we re-sent it. He won’t be able to call George now. But if this fax does what it’s intended to do, it will force his hand in calling George, which means we’ll at least get half the conversation, depending on what Robbie gets done. Got that?”

Robbie looked at his watch. “Henry, give me ten minutes. We have twenty till the system is back on.”

Henry nodded. “I’ll deliver John his phone as if I’m cleaning up the ‘out’ box in Mechanics.”

Joe looked to Frank. “How soon do you think it’ll be before John calls George?”

Frank shrugged. “Don’t know. I’m betting soon.”

“What if he doesn’t?” Joe headed back toward History with Frank while Robbie and Henry took off in different directions.

“Then we’re no further behind then we were before, but we do know one thing.” Frank reached for History’s door. “Trish may not be real bright, but if she hadn’t grabbed the wrong phone, we would have never gotten the proof we needed that George and John have been communicating.”

“But is it enough to oust John?”

“Oust him?” Frank shook his head. “Dad, I am more convinced now, that we have to keep him in Beginnings. As long as we keep close tabs on him, we’re fine. Right now, John is our only definite link to George and what he is doing.”

“That we know of.”

Frank hesitated in the scariness of that thought. It was something he didn’t want to think of or consider as a slight possibility. To Frank, there wasn’t anyone else who could be a part of it. Though he would keep his mind open to that possibility, Frank wanted to keep his focus on John. At that moment, that meant, going back into History and resending that message to John in hopes it would push him into contacting George.

<><><><>

“Excellent.” George read over the news as he sat at his dining room table, a chicken dinner before him. “Excellent, Steward.” He held his hand over his coffee cup when his houseman tried to pour him more. He shook his head and sent the houseman back to the kitchen. “Steward, we only have ten minutes left. Get back to me if John contacts us.” He handed Steward the information.

“What if he doesn’t make contact today?”

“I’m not worried about it.” George dug into his dinner again. “He will. I’m certain of that. He will.”

<><><><>

In the basement of his home, crying baby and all, John watched as the paper fed through the fax machine. With a look as if he wished it would hurry, as he held his daughter, John looked up at the ceiling. He cringed when the front door opened. “Shit. Come on.” He placed his lips to the baby’s face to try to calm her.

“John?” Jenny called out.

“Down here.” John grabbed the paper from the fax machine, didn’t read it, unhooked the phone, and unplugged the machine. “I’ll be right up.”

“Is the baby with you?” Jenny yelled down the steps.

“Uh yeah.” John fussed to the storage cabinet, pulled out the awaiting box on the bottom shelf, and set the machine awkwardly in there, while holding the baby.

“You need me to come down and get her?”

“No!” John yelled up. “We’re fine.” He covered the fax machine with cloths, shoved it in the box on the bottom shelf again, and placed it way in the back. “I’m getting my clothes for the game. I’ll be right up.” Walking over to the dryer where he laid down his fax, he could hear Jenny walking above him. He picked it up, bouncing the baby on his hips as he read. “Are we getting a little panicked, George?” He looked at the words. ‘Contact us now! This is not a game. This is your warning!’ John shook his head. “Yeah, well what are you gonna do about it? I think you’re at a loss or you would have done something by now.” Smirking at the note, he nearly dropped the baby and the paper when Jenny’s voice was far too close.

“John?”

John looked up immediately. Jenny was on the bottom basement step. “Jen.”

“Are your clothes done?”

“As a matter of fact,” John turned the dryer on, “they were still damp.”

“What are you reading?”

John looked down to the paper. “A Frank-roster.” He crumbled it up.

“Don’t you need that?” Jenny asked.

“No.” John threw it in the wastebasket by the washer. “Nope, not at all. It’s not important.” He walked to the steps and handed Jenny the baby. He followed her up the stairs, looking back to the trash. “Not important at all.”

<><><><>

Dean felt the warmness of the late afternoon sun beating down upon the bridge of his nose. The heat that generated from the homemade bleachers he sat upon made him just a little uncomfortable. So many sounds surrounded him, children screaming and laughing to his right, adults chattering to his left. The deadened sound of ‘thumps’ followed by yells which were as distinctive to Dean as the ball players playing on the field. Dean never played, but what he wouldn’t give to be out there playing now. It felt like a great day. He only wished he knew. “El?”

“Yes?” Ellen sat next to him on the fourth bleacher. She held Nick.

“What color is the sky?”

“The same color it’s been all my life. Blue.”

“No, I mean now. Is it overcast? Is it light blue, dark, what?”

“I don’t know.”

“Can you look?”

Ellen gasped, perturbed.

“I can’t believe you just gasped at me.”

“Light blue, Dean.”

“Any clouds?”

“Dean!”

“El, be nice.”

Ellen looked up. “Very few, and don’t ask if they’re white and fluffy.”

“I won’t. You know ...” Dean leaned forward. “It’s days like this, when so much is going on, that I wish I could see.”

Ellen got somber and she reached out her hand to his face. “I’m sorry. I wish with all my heart you could see too, Dean.”

“I know.” Dean touched her hand as it slid from his face. “Are they starting yet?”

“Nope. The star is not here.”

“Frank?”

“Who else?’

“El? You got awfully quiet. First you were rambling, then you got quiet.”

“You hate when I ramble, Dean,” Ellen stated.

“But I also hate when you’re quiet.”

“Well make up your mind,” Ellen snapped.

“Get out of the mood. I didn’t do anything to you.”

“You’re right. Sorry. I was just staring at Nick. He looks so much like Henry. So much. Why does he have to look so much like Henry?”

“That’s very simple, El. The Asian characteristics are very dominant traits. Basic genealogy will dictate that to ...”

“Dean, I wasn’t asking for an explanation.”

“Yes you were.”

“No I wasn’t. I was merely stating a question, not looking for an answer.” She adjusted the baby. “Then you go off being all scientific on me.”

“Ellen, come on. Knock off the attitude with me.”

“Sorry. Dean? Do you think it’s too hot for the baby out here?”

“No.”

“Too cold?”

“No.”

“Should I have him in the ...”

“Ellen.” Dean reached out sideways to touch her. “You know how it goes, however you feel then that’s pretty much how the baby feels.”

“I’m comfortable, a little hot here and there.”

“Then so is the baby.”

“I take it I should remove the blankets.”

“Blankets?” Dean asked. “Yeah, take off the blankets unless you want to give the baby heatstroke.”

“But he’s so tiny.”

“Ellen.”

“They’re coming off right ... hey, looks like they’re gonna start. No, they’re switching warm up ... Oh my God.”

“What?”

“Frank. He looks so hot when he dresses like that. He has on these long shorts, this tee shirt, a backwards ball cap, and ...”

“El, I really could care less how hot Frank looks.”

“He does look ...” Ellen’s voice dropped, “Oh.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Henry’s there. Maybe he’ll get hit with the ball like he did last time.”

“Knock some sense into him, huh?”

Ellen smiled. “You’re cute, Dean.”

“But not as cute as Frank.”

“Not at this moment. No.”

“Thanks.”

Ellen waved to Frank who was catching. He tossed the ball back to Robbie then signaled to Ellen to come down. “Dean? Will you be all right for a second?”

“Sure. Where are you going?”

“Frank wants me. I’ll be back. I’ll grab you a cold drink while I’m there.”

“Want me to hold Nick?” Dean asked.

“Do you mind?”

“Nope. Hey, I have to practice, right? Tonight is the big ‘try it alone’ night.” Dean felt his hands being maneuvered and Nick set in them. “Is he sleeping or awake?”

“Sleeping. What does it matter?”

“I’ll feel real dumb talking to a sleeping baby, El.” Dean made the infant more comfortable in his arms. “Go on. I’ll be fine,” Dean told her, not even realizing Ellen was already gone.

She walked to the fence that the men had proudly erected a few months earlier. As she walked to it, so did Frank. She saw Henry look over to her and miss the ball thrown to him because he was so preoccupied with staring at her. Ellen snickered and met Frank at the fence. “Hey, Frank, you guys gonna start soon. It’s five thirty.”

“In a minute or two.” He adjusted his cap and looked to the bleachers at Dean. “You don’t have the baby in blankets, do you?”

“No. Do you think I’m nuts?” Ellen fluttered her lips. “You look good, Frank.”

“Thanks.” He smiled. “Hey, what are you doing later?”

“Why?”

“Answer the question.” He poked his finger through the fence and touched the tip of her nose. “What are you doing later? Wanna go out?”

“As in a date?”

“Yeah.”

“Don’t ask me on a date, Frank. I have to say no.”

“All right, you wanna hang out then?”

“I don’t know.” Ellen looked back at Dean. “He’s trying to be alone with the kids later, but I still want to hang out there.”

“I can get Josh to go over.”

“Frank ...”

“Will you think about it?” he asked.

“Will you let me touch your chest?”

With an ornery grin, Frank walked to the edge of the fence and lifted his shirt.

Ellen followed him then smiled as she ran the palm of her hand up his hairy flat stomach and to his hair-filled chest.

“Not that I’m complaining, but can I ask why you asked for this?”

“Call it a fix. You look really good and I haven’t touched a hairy chest in a while.” She continued to touch him with a peaceful look on her face.

“Almost done?”

“Not yet.”

“Can I make a suggestion? Unless you want to embarrass both you and me, you’d better stop.”

Ellen quickly pulled back her hand and laughed. “I’ll head back up, with Dean.”

“Think about tonight. I have some perimeter work to do and we can go, I mean hang out after.”

“I’ll think about it.” Ellen flashed flirtatious smile at him, walked to the lemonade cooler, got Dean a drink, carried it back up to the bleachers, and stopped once more to wave to Frank.

Frank walked back to the fence and leaned on it. While he watched Ellen, his fingers gripped tightly to it. He watched her demeanor and really worried about it. Though she smiled, she didn’t smile one-tenth as much as she looked lost.

“She hates me.” Henry walked up behind him.

“Nah. She’s pissed at you.”

“Well at least you are benefitting from this.”

“Not really.” Frank dropped his voice to a murmur, “Not yet.”

“I heard that. Don’t be a dick, Frank, or at least don’t rub it in. I’m depressed.”

“Well, I can’t rub anything in yet. Not with Dean like he is.” Frank motioned his head up to the bleachers to Dean and Ellen. “Look at her with him. It’s sick. She gets him his drink, lives with him. God, I have to get him self-sufficient or I’m not getting her away from him.”

“He’s getting there, Frank. You did good.”

“Not good enough.” Frank nudged Henry. “Hey, you’re the fix-it guy. Why don’t you make him some new eyes so he can see?”

“Easier said than done, Frank,” Henry stated, taking Frank’s joking request so seriously. “If I could make him new eyes I would. Unfortunately, his blindness has nothing to do with his eyes. It’s all in his brain signals. Now if I could ... If I could ...”

“If you could what?”

“Oh shit!” Henry’s eyes grew wide.

“What?” Frank looked next to him and Henry was backing up. “Henry, where are you going?”

A huge grin hit Henry as he held his hand up. “You have to play without me, Frank,” he spoke rapidly and excitedly. “I have to take care of something. Tell everyone not to bother me.” He got farther away. “This is important. Yes!” He took off running.

“Henry, what the ...” Frank grunted and turned to the field. “Fuck. Now I’m short a player.” He faced the fence again and whistled loudly. He had no choice and he wasn’t taking ‘no’ for an answer. “Hey, Dean! Come on, we need you!”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Dean chuckled, lying on his couch, his back against the arm of the sofa, headphones on, and Nick on his chest. His eyes were closed, and his knees were bent up to allow room for Ellen who sat on the opposite end of the couch, reviewing notes.

Ellen would read, make a notation, look up to the noise above her, then smile and shake her head at Dean, who continuously chuckled. It was nearing the end of an uneventful evening at home. Working and relaxing on the couch, her leg catching Dean’s for some contact. She was so comfortable that she hated the thought of getting up when she heard the knock at the door. She debated, then yelled out, “Come in!”

Dean slid his headphones off slightly. “Huh?”

“Not you,” Ellen told him and watched him close his eyes again and listen. She looked up to the opening door to see Frank peek his head in.

“Hey, El. I brought Brian home.” Frank stepped in. “Ready? I got him haircut. Actually, I cut it myself.”

Ellen screamed when she saw Frank lift the baby and walk in with him. “Oh my God! What did you do to him? He’s bald!”

Dean flung off the headphones. “What are you screaming, El?”

“Brain’s bald. Frank gave him a crew cut.”

Dean’s eyes widened. “No, tell me he did not cut off that kid’s curly hair.”

“Uh ...” Ellen shifted her eyes to Frank who held his finger over his lips and shook his head at her. “No, Dean, it was uh ... blind joke. Go back to listening to your reading.”

Dean nodded, rewound his tape, and listened again.

Frank walked to the arm of the sofa behind Ellen and kissed her on the cheek. “What are you doing?”

“Going over some notes. Can you put Brian in his walker? It’s in the dining room.”

“Sure.” Frank carried the now shaven-head child to the dining room and set him down. “Kids upstairs?”

“Playing,” Ellen told him.

“I’ll let them go. Hey, I’m going to do that perimeter. Smell me, El. I smell good.” He leaned into her.

“You were hanging around Robbie, weren’t you? I smell cigarettes.”

Frank sniffed and shrugged. “Anyhow, you gonna come out with me tonight?”

“No.” She shook her head. “I’ll stay here in case Dean needs me.”

“Come on, El. Josh will come over. He already said so.” Frank knelt down behind her. “Please.”

“I’m not in a good mood, Frank.”

“I’ll put you in one.” He saw Dean laughing. “What the hell is he listening to?”

“Oh, Jason has been recording Dean’s favorite books. You remember Dean loves to read. So, right now he’s reading The Albertine Experiments, or rather listening to that research. Boring.”

“Doesn’t sound it.” Frank reached over Ellen’s shoulder and hit Dean’s foot and kept hitting Dean’s foot until Dean stopped the tape.

Again, Dean lowered the headphones. “What, El?”

“Not me. Frank.”

“Frank? What do you want, Frank?”

“Enjoying your book, Dean?” Frank asked with sarcasm.

“As a matter of fact, yes.” Dean tried to put on his headphones.

“Any good sex scenes?”

“It’s research, Frank,” Dean snapped.

“So, any good sex scenes?” Frank snickered when Dean groaned. “Hey, Dean, are you still pissy about losing the game for your team?”

“I didn’t lose the game for my team, Frank. I can’t believe you guys had me playing ball.”

“You did good,” Frank told him, “even though you lost the game. One run, one run was all you guys needed.”

“I hit the ball.”

“Very impressive too, but you also got thrown out at first, because you ran the wrong way.”

Dean gasped in shock. “What do you expect? First you guys yell because I miss the two fly balls that came out to right field. Then your team throws me out on a base I can’t see. I should have been cut a break, Frank. I can’t see.”

“Yeah well let me tell you, Dean, the blind shit is starting to get old.”

“Go away, Frank.”

“I’m leaving.” Frank stood up. “El, I’ll be at the hall. Please stop by.”

“I don’t know,” Ellen said. “Dean might need me.”

“Dean,” Frank called him, getting in response a very annoyed look. “You don’t need Ellen tonight, do you? I’ll get Josh to come over and lend a hand. She can come hang with me right? Tell her to.”

“No I’m not telling her to.” Dean started to put on his headphones, but stopped. “I might send her there if she doesn’t let me sleep again, so don’t be surprised if she does show up.” He laughed and put his headphones on.

“See, El.” Frank kissed her again as he moved from the couch. “Finish your work and meet me there.”

“I’ll think about it, really I will. But ... Henry won’t be there will he?”

“No.” Frank shook his head. “I haven’t a clue where Henry is. He went to do something, said not to bother him, and zipped away.” Frank lifted his hands. “If he’s there I’ll send him here. Sound good?”

“We’ll see.”

“El, you’re giving me a complex here.” Frank reached for the door.

“It’s not you, Frank, really it’s not.”

“All right, I’ll see you.” Just as Frank started to leave, he stopped, ran to the back of the couch where Dean’s tape player sat, turned up the volume full blast, and took off out of the house laughing.

Dean flung off the headphones, holding his ear. “El!”

“Not me.” She pointed to the door then returned to her notes. “Frank.”

“God is he an asshole.” Readjusting the volume, Dean listened again, happy that he only had to deal with two blind jokes on Frank’s visit. The headphones, and fortunately, Brian’s haircut was a blind joke also, but unknown to Dean, it wasn’t.

<><><><>

It was about the fastest Henry’s fingers ever moved against the computer keyboard. A cup of tea, a soldering iron, a workbench scattered with papers, and a circuit board sat in front of him. Henry would type, read, write, solder, and sip. But there was one thing Henry was doing as he worked at his computer. It was the one thing that Henry barely did all week and if he did it wasn’t sincere. Henry worked and Henry smiled.

<><><><>

“One dart.” Frank shouted loudly over the noise at the Social Hall to Danny. He closed one eye and twitched his head. “Man, doesn’t Robbie’s band ever take a break. God!” He held up his hand. “One dart, the bull’s-eye, and game over.”

“You think,” Danny said, nearly instigating.

“I know.”

“Awfully sure of yourself, aren’t you?”

Frank lowered his throwing arm. “Danny, you haven’t been in Beginnings that long. I can do this.”

“With one dart? Frank, it took you eight rounds to get the other two bull’s-eyes.”

“Yeah, but I wasn’t trying. I didn’t want to embarrass you by kicking your butt your first night in the hall.” Frank reached over to the side of the bar and grabbed his drink then his cigarette that was setting in the ashtray.

“Care to bet?”

“Yeah, I’ll bet you.” Frank took a long hit from his cigarette and put it down again. “If I get this, you have to do my cleanup tonight. I’m on cleanup.”

“OK. But if you miss, you have to ...” Danny closed his eyes thinking. When he opened them he had a bright smile upon his face. “You have to ...” He started to snicker. “You have to shave your chest.”

Frank’s mouth dropped open. “Now what the fuck would even make you bet something like that. That is really off.”

“Ah, but it isn’t.” Danny held up his finger. “There is no money, so therefore we must bet something of value that we can take from the other. You must feel that it is a waste of time to do cleanup. My time, anyone’s time, is valuable so you bet me cleanup. I know how valuable your chest hair is to you, or rather to Ellen. I was at the field and seeing that your chest is the only thing she was rubbing, I’m going to say she feels that is your best asset. Of course I saw your voodoo doll too.”

“Hey.”

“We on?”

“What do you have to gain by me shaving my chest?”

“Nothing really. I just think it would be really funny. Frank? Afraid.”

“Fuck no.” Frank took another sip of his drink and walked to the line. “Watch.” He tilted his head to the left, then the right, rolling it around. He extended his arm, toe near the line, and concentrated.

“Frank.”

Frank’s arm dropped. “Danny. Shh.”

Danny watched and as soon as he saw Frank ready to throw, he called out again, “Frank.”

“Danny!”

Danny laughed. “Go on. I don’t need to cheat.” He folded his arms, envisioning in his mind Frank with a bald chest and Ellen’s shock when she saw it. Then that vision swept from his mind when he heard the bull’s-eye music play, and he looked up to see Frank’s dart sticking out from it. “Shit.”

“Cleanup tonight, pal. It’s Saturday night too.” Frank handed his darts to the next guy who was waiting for Frank and Danny’s game to be over. He walked to the bar with Danny. “And the band,” Frank used his head to point to Robbie’s band that had just stopped to take a break, “you’ll have to throw their asses out of here, all but Denny. His mom comes for him.” Frank leaned into the bar, smoking and drinking.

“This place is really great.” Danny looked around. “It reminds me so much of the old world. A band, the juke box coming on when they take their break, people laughing, drinking, and Ellen just walked in.”

Frank’s head sprang up and he quickly blew out the smoke he held in his mouth. “Shit.” He hurriedly put out his cigarette.

“I take it you don’t smoke in front of Ellen?” Danny asked, then watched Frank finish his drink and put the glass far from him. “Or drink in front of her.”

Frank shook his head. “She doesn’t ... hey, where is she going?” He watched Ellen walk from the bar with a glass in her hand, through the crowded Social Hall, and sit at a small table nearer to the band. She sat alone there, staring at the stage.

“I thought you asked her to meet you here.”

“I did.” Frank kept watching her.

“I’d like to say she didn’t see you, but how can she miss you?” Danny moved closer to Frank. “She looks really down.”

“Yeah she does. Fuckin Henry.” Frank twitched his head in disgust.

“You going over there?”

“Yep.” Frank looked around the bar, grabbed his glass back, poured a small amount in there, and downed it. He slammed down his glass. “I don’t want to see her like this anymore.”

“Think you can help her?”

“I know I can help her.” Frank flashed a quick closed-mouth smile and walked across the hall to the table Ellen sat at. Still staring forward, a glass of water in her hand, she seemed oblivious to anything but that stage. “Hey,” Frank whispered in her ear, “they just took their break.”

“I’ll wait,” Ellen spoke so down. “Just tell me I didn’t miss the ‘Silly’ song.”

“You missed the ‘Silly’ song.”

“Shit.”

“Can I sit down?” Frank pulled out a chair.

“What if I said no?”

“I’d still sit.” Frank sat next to her. “I’m feeling really bad here, El.”

“Why is that?” She looked at him.

“I asked you out. You turned me down. Then I ask you to hang out, you turn me down. You show up and ignore me. Do you really want me to leave you alone?”

“If I told you ‘yes’ would you leave?”

“If you really wanted me to ...”

Ellen stared at him for a second. “I don’t want you to.”

“Good.” Frank smiled. “Can you tell me something though? Can you tell me why you wouldn’t let me ask you out for date purposes?”

“I just like to give you a hard time, Frank.”

“I would just like to give you a good time, El.”

“As appealing as that sounds right now, I don’t think that’s possible. I don’t think anyone can make me feel good.”

Frank smirked and threw his head back. “You don’t think?”

“No, I don’t.” Ellen stayed solemn.

“El, babe,” Frank took on a tone of cockiness, “you just so happen to be sitting, right now, with the only guy who can make you forget about everything and put a smile on that face.” He touched her cheek.

“Is this coming from the man who has the most arrogance Beginnings?”

“Nope, it’s coming from the man who loves you the most in Beginnings.”

Ellen smiled slightly. “That’s really nice.”

“See.” He pointed to her mouth. “A beginning.” Frank tapped his fingers on the table, looking around. “You know what I haven’t done with you in awhile.”

Ellen only turned her head with raised eyebrows.

“Besides that.” Frank returned the raising eyebrows. “I haven’t danced with you.”

“The band is not playing, Frank, or haven’t you noticed.”

“We have the jukebox.”

Ellen twitched her head to it. “It stopped too.”

“Easily remedied.” Frank began to stand up.

“No, Frank, I don’t feel like dancing.”

“I do.” He walked backwards to the jukebox. “I’ll play our song.”

“No I ...” Ellen watched him walk to the jukebox, grab the stock dollar and press the selection quickly. Walking back to the table, Ellen saw by the way Frank stopped and the way his smile dropped from his face that he screwed up. “Frank, that’s not our song.”

“Shit. I hit ‘E-7’. Damn it.”

“Oh well.”

Frank moved to the table. “We’ll make this our song. We’ll just say it’s our song.”

“This is ‘Tears on My Pillow’, Frank. It’s far from our song.”

“So dance.”

“No. We’ll just sit.”

“I’ll make you.” Frank tilted his head.

“How can you make me dance?”

“El, if you don’t dance.” Frank held out his hand. “I will ... I will sing until you get up with me.”

“Frank, I’d rather ... Whoa.” Ellen grabbed the sides of the chair as it was slid to the edge of the dance floor. “Frank ...”

Loudly, and capturing the attention of everyone—first, causing moans, then silence—Frank began to sing. “You don’t remember me ... Come on, El, dance ... but I remember you.”

“Oh my God.” Ellen stared speechless at Frank standing before her with his arms out.

“Was not so long ago ... everyone’s watching ... you broke my heart in two.”

“Frank ...”

“Tears on my pillow.”

“Frank ...”

“Pain in my heart. Caused by you ...” He pointed at her. “You-u-u-u-u.”

“Frank, please.” Ellen tried to get up, but he made her sit down. “Please quit it.” She looked around as everyone stepped closer. “Oh God.” She covered her face.

“Dance with me, El.” He pulled her hands from her face, and she struggled to put them back up. He kept pulling and kept singing. “Love is not a something or other ... I’m good huh ... love is not a toy. I have found the one I love, you fill my heart with joy ... whoa-oh-oh-oh. Here is the really big part!”

“No!”

Frank dropped to one knee, holding his hands out, and singing even louder, “If we could start anew! I wouldn’t hesitate ... El, please ... I’d gladly take you back ... I mean that ... and tempt the hand of fate.” Just as he gave one more pleading look, Ellen’s hands plopped down into his and she stood up.

“Stop singing.” She fake smiled and joined him on the dance floor.

“Tears on my pillow ...”

“Frank.”

“Pain in my heart.” He pulled her into his chest, holding her right hand as he swayed upbeat to the faster-tempo slow song, smiling the whole time, keeping his grinning face so close to hers. “Told you I’d make you smile.”

“Only you, Frank.”

“I can sing that next.” He continued to dance with her.

“No, don’t.” As Ellen hugged Frank at the end of the song, the room filled with the applause of those who clapped for Frank’s valiant efforts. “Oh shit.” She pulled back to see those who watched them.

“I hope I don’t get mobbed for autographs.”

“Frank.” She laughed and shook her head. “Can we sit down now?”

“I’d rather not. Not right now ... listen.” He pointed with his head to the jukebox and the next song playing.

“You did play our song. Did you play that first one on purpose?”

“You think I was gonna waste our entire song getting you up to dance?” Frank fluttered his lips. “Please.”

Ellen stepped closer to him, placing her face near to his, and they slowed down in that dance to a point where they barely moved. “Thank you for this, Frank.”

“The night is not over yet,” Frank whispered sensuously. “I’d like to take you from here and do what I had planned to do with you.”

“What is that?” Ellen asked, feeling his warm breath as he spoke so closely to her ear.

“It’s the one thing I know we used to do all the time, since we were kids, that we had fun doing. It always took our minds off of everything, because we did it together.”

“You were planning this?”

“Oh yeah.” Frank pulled her closer. “Do you know where I’m going with this?”

“I think so.”

“How many times did we occupy our boring summer nights with it?”

“Winter too.”

“Even though it was too cold to do it outside.”

“We still did,” Ellen finished his sentence. “You want to do this now? Or is it too early? We can make it seem like the old days.”

“It’s never too early. I’ll take you far from here.”

“Let’s do it, Frank.” Ellen stepped back and looked up to him.

“El, you realize you are the only person on the face of the earth that knows what I’m thinking without me saying anything.”

“I’ve known you forever, Frank ... the music stopped.”

“Then let’s get out of here. Are you ready to have some fun?”

“More than you know.” Ellen let Frank take her hand and he led her off the floor and through the tables.

Frank stopped before he left. “Danny!” he yelled over. “Have fun cleaning up.”

Ellen looked oddly at him while following his lead out. “What was that all about? Why does Danny have cleanup?”

“He bet me I couldn’t hit the bull’s-eye and he lost.”

“What did you bet?”

“My chest hair.”

Ellen stopped cold, mouth open, in the Social Hall doorway. “I would have killed you if you lost.”

Still holding the door open for her, Frank lowered the collar of his tee shirt. “Yeah, but it’s still there.” He smiled at her softly, motioned his head, and brought her from the Social Hall.

<><><><>

It was a good thing that Frank had taken Ellen to the garages because her scream would have ricocheted through the Living Section. “God, Frank!” She bent down to pick up the sopping-wet cloth that flew across the garage, smacked her in the face, and dropped to the floor. She re-saturated it and tossed it back at him smacking him in the already wet chest. “You cheat.” She turned to dump out her bucket of water again.

“Hey, El?”

“What ...” Smack! It hit her again. “Frank!” She held out her arms. She was soaking wet. “I can’t believe I agreed to torture myself like this with you.”

“Yeah, but how many jeeps did we wash?” He carried his bucket over with her to dump it out.

“Three.”

“Productive night.”

“It always worked when we were younger. Of course people always thought we were whacked, washing cars after midnight.” She tilted her bucket. “But it always took my mind off ...” Another shriek came from her when Frank dumped his bucket out, not on the ground, but over her head. “I hate you.” With quick thinking, she tossed the entire contents of her bucket at him. Frank jumped back but not fast enough to avoid the splatter of water that came his way.

“El.” With an ornery look, he picked up the hose.

“Frank, no.” She held her hands up and squinted, trying to backup. As she bumped into the doorway, the stream from the hose came at her and her blocking hands only caused it to spray outward and into her face. “Stop!”

“All right.” He turned off the hose and dropped it. “Feeling better?”

“Yes, but I’m feeling cold.”

“It’s hot out, so what.” He ran his hand over his wet head. “The jeeps look good.”

“We always did a good job, but I don’t ever remember getting this wet.”

“Oh, we got this wet.” Frank walked closer to her. “In fact, I can really remember ...” He bent down.

“No.” She saw him pick up the rag, but she had nowhere to go.

“Shh.” He stepped closer. “I can remember when you’d wear white shirts like this.” Another step closer. “And I remember thinking how hot ... you ... you would look,” he softened his voice, “when you were wet.”

Ellen swallowed, watching him bring the cloth right up to her chest level. So slowly he moved that rag, squeezing it in a teasing manner, letting the water trickle across her chest and down her shirt.

Frank kept his eyes on her chest, watching it rise and fall, the dampness of it exposing the skin that stuck to her shirt. “El.” He saw her breathing get heavier.

Ellen’s eyes stayed fixed on his fingers that lightly touched the low collar of her shirt. They trailed over her skin and up to her neck. Letting her eyes follow his hand, they led her to his eyes and she couldn’t pull them away. She felt his body step closer to her. “You did ...” She took a heavy breath. “You did what you said you’d do.” She heard the wet cloth hit the pavement. “You took my mind off of things. Are you gonna ... are you gonna stop here.”

Frank was so silent, almost a painful look was upon his face as both of his hands went to her face then slid back to her hair. His fingers gripped the wet strands, pulling back her head and tilting her face towards his. He brought his nose to hers, brushing it against hers, and breathing with an ache as his body pressed into hers. “Ellen,” he whispered her name, touching her lips so softly with his in a tease then pulling back. “More than anything, right now, I want to kiss you.”

“What’s stopping you?” She brought her mouth to his but Frank pulled back.

“The fact that nothing will be able to stop me is what is stopping me,” he spoke through heavy, breathy words, “I can’t do this. This isn’t what tonight is about.”

“Frank ...”

“No. It’s not what tonight is about.” Touching her face one more time, he kissed her quickly then pulled back. “Tonight was about making you smile and I did that.”

“Yes you did, Frank.” Ellen watched him proceed to clean up like the moment that just was, never happened. She smiled at him, really smiled. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. And ... you know what?” Frank bent down and picked up the buckets. “Everything will work out for you. I’m sure of it. How you’re feeling right now will get better.”

“I don’t want it to.”

“You want to stay sad?”

“No. You said how I’m feeling right now. Right now, Frank, I’m happy that I have you in my life to make it all go away.”

Frank had nothing to say to that. He just wanted to enjoy her words, and he basked in them while he finished putting things away. “You ready to go home, or you think you might want to go back to my house and talk?”

“Talk? It’s pretty late, Frank. I might start to ramble. You know how I am at night.”

“Then we’ll stay up and talk as late as you want. All right?”

“I’d like that.” She watched Frank pick up his boots and set them on the workbench. He then proceeded to undo his pants. “What are you doing?”

“I can’t walk home in these pants. I can’t move.” He dropped them. “Wanna walk back half dressed?” He winked. “Come on it’ll be fun, me in my boxers and you in that wet tee shirt.”

“If I do this with you, will you make me a sandwich? I’m kind of hungry.”

Frank, wearing only his boxers, picked up all his clothes, his boots, and his shoulder harness. “I’ll make you a sandwich.” So simple it seemed with Ellen, just being them. Frank placed his arm around her, holding his clothes and hers, and walked slowly with her back home.

They fought over the front door and who would get in first. Ellen being smaller and wetter, slipped herself between Frank and the door, stumbled into his living room, and laughed. “I won.”

“I let you.”

“Right.” Ellen saw him ready to drop the wet clothes. “Leave them outside.”

“Shit, you’re right.” Frank opened the front door and set the clothes on the porch. He carried his shoulder harness inside, tossing it over the back of the couch. He saw Ellen standing with her arms crossed tightly. “What’s wrong?”

“What the hell temperature do you have the air conditioner on? It’s freezing in here.”

“Sixty-five.”

“Sixty-five? Christ, Frank.” She began to jump up and down to warm up.

“Want one of my shirts?” Frank pointed to the steps. “I’ll go get one.”

“Please.”

“Be right back down.” Hurrying, Frank charged up the steps and into his room. He took a moment to remove his damp boxers and toss on a pair of shorts. He grabbed a tee shirt from his top drawer for Ellen and ran back down the steps, fully intending on turning down the air. “Here’s the ...” he stopped when Ellen turned to face him, she stood without her top, “... shirt.” He slowly walked to her, extending out the shirt, staring.

“You really want me to put this on?” Ellen laid her hand on Frank’s.

“Yeah. No. Yeah ... no.” He moved into her. “What are you doing?”

“Wanting to warm up.”

“You know, all I wanted to do was spend some time with you. This is an added bonus.”

“So I take it you aren’t turning me down?”

“You are making it very ...” Frank slipped his hands on her waist then brought Ellen close to him. “Very ... difficult.” Just as he lowered his head to kiss her, he heard three banging thumps coming from below, and Frank jolted back. “Did you hear that?”

“Yes. What was that?”

“Stay here.” Frank reached for his revolver in the harness over the couch and turned to the kitchen when he heard the basement door open. “Shit.” In one motion, he tossed Ellen her shirt, took a step to the kitchen, raised his revolver, and clicked back the hammer. “Freeze!”

Henry shrieked and jumped when he saw the gun pointing at him. “Frank!”

“Henry, what the fuck?” Frank placed back the hammer and lowered the revolver. He set the gun on the dining room table. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“I’ve been here working. Why is Ellen half dressed? That is wrong, Frank.” Henry looked past Frank to Ellen who tossed on her shirt. “I can’t believe you’re doing this already with her.”

“I’m not doing anything with her, Henry. We got wet washing jeeps. Now what the hell were you doing in my basement?”

“Ellen’s leaving.”

“Answer the question.”

“Ellen’s gone.”

“Shit.” Spinning around, Frank saw the open front door, and he took off after Ellen. “El.”

“I’m going home, Frank.”

“No wait.” He pulled her back. “We were gonna talk. I was going to make you a sandwich, remember. Not to mention you were standing almost naked in my living room.”

“I’m sorry about that. I feel embarrassed. I shouldn’t have hit on you.”

“No!” Frank’s eyes widened. “Hit on me. Hit on me any time. El, I ...”

“Frank, I’m going home. This isn’t going to work. It was a great night, but it’s not going to work.”

“What isn’t going to work? Fine, leave your clothes on. Hitting on me isn’t important. Just don’t go, please.”

“And what? Go back to your house while Henry is there?”

“I’ll make him leave.”

“Then what?” Ellen asked.

“Then he’ll leave.”

“Then what?” Ellen asked again.

“He’ll go home?” Frank shrugged and Ellen began to walk away. “Wait. What?”

“Then he’ll be back. He’ll always be back, because you’ll always hang around him. You get mad, like last night, and then you forget.”

“Henry’s my friend.”

“So am I.”

“What? I can’t be friends with both of you?” Frank questioned with edge.

“You shouldn’t be.”

Frank released the grip he had on her. “I can be friends with both of you.”

“I don’t want you being friends with both of us, Frank. Because if you only knew.”

“Knew what? What should I know.”

Ellen shook her head. “Nothing. Forget I said anything. Go back to your friend.”

“Fine. I will.”

“Go.”

“I am.”

Ellen turned from him, arms folded across her body.

“El.” Frank tossed out his hand in frustration, then stormed back inside his house. “Henry, you being in my basement better be fuckin good ... what are all these papers?” Frank looked down at his coffee table. “Why are you smiling? You’ve been miserable all day.”

“I got it, Frank.”

“Got what?”

“I think I can do it.”

“Do what?”

Henry picked up all of his notes. “I think I can make Dean see again.”

“Re ... repeat that?”

“All of this,” Henry showed Frank the papers, “my notes from the SUT program. I have created a program for the microchip for optical enhancement.”

“Explain that.”

“Dean’s eyes are fine. It’s his brain that is failing to send signals to his optic nerves. If we implant Dean with a microchip, that microchip will replace the signal the brain is failing to send, therefore, Dean will be able to see again.”

“Holy shit.” Frank plopped in shock to the couch. “Will this work?”

“I think so. In fact, I will make it work. I have to. Day and night if need be. There’s only one problem.”

“What’s that?”

“We can’t take a chance on lobotomizing Dean, and lobotomy is normally done to make room for the chip.”

“So we can’t implant it then.”

“Oh we could, if the chip was smaller.”

“Make a smaller one.”

Henry slowly sat down next to Frank. “I’ve been trying. I can’t. I don’t even know where to begin, to make one that small that will take the program without overloading it.”

“It has to be able to be done,” Frank stated.

“Oh sure. But right now, I can’t do it. I’ll figure it out though.”

“Henry, you know who can probably do this?”

“No, Frank.” Henry shook his head. “No, I won’t ask him.”

“Why?”

“I want to do this alone.”

“Why?”

“I don’t want him to help. No. This has to be mine,” Henry said defensively. “This has to be all my doing.”

“That is stupid. You came up with the idea, right?”

“Yes.”

“Then it is all yours only he’ll help you achieve it faster, if he can. Ask him.”

“Aw, Frank,” Henry whined.

“Ask him. If you can get Dean back his sight, then you do it. That is what is most important.”

“I guess you’re right.” Henry stood up. “I’ll talk to him in the morning. He’s probably sleeping now. It’s almost two.”

“No he’s not.”

“How do you know?” Henry asked.

“He lost a bet. He’s at the Social Hall now. Go.”

“Against my better judgment, I’ll go.” Henry pouted and walked to the door. “But ... if it works, it’ll really be great huh?”

“Yeah it will be.” Frank stood from the couch.

“Don’t say anything to Dean until we know it works.”

“No problem.”

Henry opened the door. “Do you think Ellen will think it’s great that I can make Dean see again?”

“I think she’ll be very happy, Henry.”

“Good.” Henry grinned. “I’ll be back, I think. Night, Frank.” He shut the door.

“Happy but still pissed,” Frank said to the closed door. He turned around to see Ellen’s wet shirt on his floor. “At you ... and now me. Shit.” He picked it up and clenched it.

<><><><>

Not much ever surprised Danny Hoi. Not the amount of glasses he had to wash, not the number of tables still left to wipe off. Not even the fact that Robbie Slagel, while taking down some of his equipment, kept getting thirsty and grabbing a clean glass. None of that surprised him. Henry walking into the Social Hall, still dressed like he was at the softball game, did. Danny looked up from behind the bar then returned to doing his glasses. He figured Henry had to speak to Robbie. Why else would he be there? He realized what Henry wanted when a stack of papers hit the bar.

“Danny.” Henry sat on a stool. “I need to speak to you.”

“Are you going to be all mean to me because I’m in a good mood, Henry. I’m not in the mood to have you being mean.”

“No. I have to ... I have to ask for your help. I need to know if you can help me.”

“I don’t know. With what?”

“Recognize this?” Henry stood slightly, and pulled something from his pocket, and laid it on the bar.

“A microchip, but it’s blue.”

“Yes.”

“It’s not from a SUT.” Danny examined it.

“No. I made that.”

“Does it work?” Danny asked.

“I guess. It’s accepts the data.”

“The data?” Danny asked. “You know how to program these things.”

“I used to use the prefab programs on the disk that Robbie found, but I also learned how to create new programs.”

“Excellent.”

“In fact, Danny, I know quite a bit about the chips.”

“So what do you need me for?”

“See the chip? To implant that in the brain, a portion of the brain has to be removed to make room.”

“That explains the zombie look.”

“Exactly,” Henry stated. “I want to be able to implant a chip without having to perform a lobotomy on the patient.”

“Make a smaller chip.” Danny handed it back. “That should work. One about a quarter of the size of this one and the base has to be plastic.”

“I know, the electronic portion mainly has to be encased in plastic.”

“Yep.”

“So here’s the problem. Can it hold the data if it’s that small?” Henry leaned closer.

“Yeah. I saw one time at a convention, a microchip so small it was nearly the size of pencil point. They said it could hold enough data to store all the social security numbers in the state of California.”

“I need a small chip, Danny, and I need one soon. I can make one this size,” Henry held his chip, “but I’m lost making one smaller. Can you ... do you think you could do it?”

“I can’t have it done tonight.”

“Can you have it done this year?”

“Hell, I can have it done this week. What’s the rush? You guys creating a new SUT?”

“No.” Henry shook his head. “I created a program for optical enhancement. I did this today. I think I have it.”

“Optical enhancement?” Danny stood up straight. “Enhancement enough to correct imperfect vision?”

“Or to make ... to make a bind man see.”

“Whoa.” Danny grabbed back the chip. “Dean.”

“Exactly. When can you start working on it?”

“Leave me your notes and your chip, and I’ll start working on it as soon as I finish with these glasses.”

“Thank you.” Henry closed his eyes in gratitude. “Get back to me as soon as you make any progress.”

“I will.” Danny set the things aside. “Henry? Thanks for coming to me with this.”

“You’re really my only option, Danny.”

“I see.” Danny gave a slight smile. “I hope I can help you out.”

“For Dean’s sake and the sake of the community, let’s hope you can make this work.”

“No, Henry, let’s hope we can make this work.”

Henry gave a slight smile as he moved slowly to the door. “Danny, keep this under wraps, OK, at least until we get this going.”

Danny held up his right hand, still holding the chip. “Your secret is safe with me.”

Just as Henry began to nod he heard another voice call out ‘me too’. Surprised that someone else was there, Henry looked. “Robbie.”

Robbie walked out from behind the amps, a shitty grin on his face. He was glad to know something that he wasn’t supposed to know, but most of all, he was glad to know what it was.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

AUGUST 2

Ellen fussed with Brian. He was so hard to control. He wouldn’t just sit there, he’d kick his legs outward wanting so badly to get off Ellen’s lap. “Dean,” she whispered to him, “I can’t believe you’re making me do this.”

“Shh.” He tilted his head into her. “Want me to take the baby?”

“I want you to tell me I can go home.”

“Ellen, please, quiet.”

“No, Dean, you drag my ass out of bed, make me ...”

“El.”

“Not just me, mind you, but all the children, except for little Nick. You know this is something I just don’t do.”

“Ellen.” Dean gritted his teeth and spoke through them, “Quiet.”

“And everyone keeps fuckin ...”

“El,” his voice rose to a louder whisper, “will you knock it off. We’re in church.”

“I don’t care.”

“Well, I’m not letting you leave.” Cringing one more time at the thumping of Brian’s struggles, Dean gave up. “Give me Brian.”

“No.”

“Give him to me, El. You can’t control him.”

“I’ll just take him out.”

“No. I bring these kids to church all the time. Give him up.” Dean reached out and lifted Brian. He made a slight grunt as he transferred the rowdy one-year-old from Ellen’s lap to his. “Shh, Brian, be good,” Dean spoke soothingly. “That’s it.” He felt Brian start to settle and brought his lips to the baby’s head to kiss him. Sharp! Dean’s head sprung up immediately at the pain he felt to his lips. It was a sharp, prickling pain. He brought his hands up and felt the baby’s head. Upon doing so, Dean let out a shrill-sounding gasp of shock.

Everyone looked back at him.

“Dean!” Ellen scolded quietly. She slid down in the pew, knowing what had happened. He’d found out what she had been trying to avoid him finding out, the reason, pure and simple, that she withheld Brian from him all the night before and this morning.

“El,” Dean spoke in a grunt, “what the hell happened to his hair!”

<><><><>

It the corner of Frank’s basement, Henry had his things set up. Since his portion of the cryo-lab accidently caught fire, it was secretive and safe at Frank’s. Originally only a corner, a small petition wall he had made blocked his computer equipment from anyone’s view. Set on a long workbench, a simple stool always sat in front of it. Henry’s logbooks were in a neat stack, and never was there much of a mess left around while, or after, Henry worked.

That was less than twenty-four hours ago. Now the partition had been moved outward from the wall to make more working room and to add the second workbench. Henry’s little work-corner of the world in Frank’s basement now extended pretty close to mid basement.

The neat workbench was scattered with papers, wires, tools, cups, plates, and remnants of food. The computer was running, and a cassette player played songs to fill the air along with the conversation. Henry and Danny stood at the longer workbench. Though the basement was well lit, Henry utilized the bendable table spotlights. A single one was arched in, causing a small golden circle over the area he and Danny huddled. Jason sat in a chair against the partition wall, an old metal folding table next to him held his ashtray and coffee. With his legs crossed, he read from notes printed from the computer, ones brought from Dean’s work at the clinic, and notes he added himself. He’d read, drop them, and read some more.

As his hands worked with Danny’s, Henry lifted his eyes slightly when he heard Jason yawn. “I’m still waiting for an answer, Jason.”

“I’m still working on one for you, Henry,” Jason said back.

Henry shook his head slightly, eyes peering through the magnifying glass he shared with Danny. “This looks good, Danny.”

Danny adjusted his glasses and maneuvered a wire. “I think we should have a successful test after this adjustment.”

“Let’s hope. We’ve been at it how long now?”

“Too long,” Danny said. “Do you think I can sleep soon, Henry? I have this bed Beginnings gave me in this nice little house, and I haven’t been in it yet.”

“I thought you wanted to work on this with me.”

“I do... hold that still ... but I thought when I brought the chip design over to you, you’d at least wait.”

“Wait until when ... no you’re missing the connection, right ... there, you got it.” Henry watched Danny work.

“My eyes are losing their focus, Henry.”

“Try harder. If you didn’t want to work on it right away, you shouldn’t have brought over the design two hours after I talked to you.”

“You seemed restless. I thought you wanted to have it.”

“I was restless, and I did. Thank you.”

“Yeah, who would have thought that making this tiny chip would have been the easiest of details,” Danny stated. “Of course, I don’t think that William guy from Plastics was pleased with us when we woke him up at four thirty in the ... shit.” Danny pulled his hand out from the magnifying glass, bent his fingers a few times and returned them to the wires they worked on. “My hands are cramping.”

“Almost there. Damn it, it’s not staying connected.” Henry grunted.

“We’ll get it. As soon as we do and we encase this bad boy in its plastic shield, it should never lose connection again.”

“Good. William did well on that, didn’t he?” Henry asked Danny.

“Superb job, but you, Henry, you shaped it.” Danny looked up at him. “Just about ... hand me the chip portion. Any chance I can get some more coffee?”

“Sure.” Using tweezers, Henry removed the chip from a case. “Don’t touch it with your fingers, remember.” Henry turned his head back to Jason. “Jason, can you get Danny some coffee?”

“When?” Jason asked.

“Now.”

“No.” Jason flipped page. “Ten more minutes.”

Shrugging and unable to move his hands, Henry returned to looking under the magnifying glass. “Once we get this thing together, what are the odds that the sterilization process will affect it?”

“The chip? Not much. I read some of that program. All of these chips are sterilized before implantation. My biggest concern lies in the receptor you made me put in it.”

“All of them have a receptor, Danny. They have to or how else are we gonna program it once it’s implanted.”

Danny’s hands stopped working. “You’re serious about that. I thought you were kidding.”

“No, not at all. I guess I wouldn’t have believed it myself, had I not read it. For the longest time, I was hooking up the microchips to the circuit board to reprogram them, and well, it can be done that way. I have this problem, though I do real well at reading manuals and such, I hate to.”

“Who doesn’t?”

“No one, I guess. But all the ‘read me’ files on the program, I merely skimmed through.”

“I’m the same way.” Danny took a second to rub his eyes. “So what happened? You saw it by accident?”

“Yep. Boy, was I surprised. So as soon as we replant Harold, the SUT we grabbed last year, I’ll bring him down here and reprogram him.”

“Or bring the program to him.”

“How’s that?” Henry asked.

“Laptop.”

“We don’t have any.”

“You have a city a half hour from here. I’m positive if we made a run out there we could find one. Between you and me, we’ll get it fixed up. Are you going to run it through the internal speaker system?”

“Yes,” Henry answered. “Nearest I can figure is that the speaker, a single earphone, will run the data sequence thought the ear. It works the same way as hooking it up to the circuit board, only it’s done audibly instead of directly. You know, unscrambling the current program then running the new one.”

“Without harming the base program needed to make the chip function?” Danny questioned.

“From my tests, no, it won’t harm it.”

“Interesting and ... cover please.”

Henry moved his hands about, bringing the cover to the chip, allowing Danny to secure it. “Looks good ... again.”

“It will work this time. I’m almost positive. If not, we’ll start over again. But we rest first. Deal?”

“Deal.”

“Henry, answer me this. Can the base program that makes the chip function be transmitted audibly too?”

“We’re not doing it that way, Danny. We install the base program, implant the chip in Dean, and then install the optical enhancement.”

“That’s not what I’m asking. I’m asking you, can the base program be audibly installed?”

“Yes ... it’s not secure on the left.”

“I’m getting there.” Danny made an adjustment.

“Why are you asking?”

“I have an idea. Let me run it past you.”

“Shoot.”

“OK, what makes a SUT, a SUT?”

“The microchip.”

“Not exactly, it goes a little further than that. Think about it.”

Henry took a moment to contemplate. “The lobotomy?”

“That and what else? What is the most important thing that makes it function the way it does, merely kill because ...”

“Because it’s programmed to kill.” Henry nodded. “So, where are you going with this?”

“How are you planning to make this Harold SUT normal?”

“Implant him with the chip and run a new program, which I have about three new ones I created. How they’ll work, I don’t know.”

“So in order to make a SUT less deadly, you change the program, right?”

“Right.” Henry kept thinking how basic this was, so he wondered why Danny was recanting it.

“Now, you mentioned a few hours ago that Frank would love to get these things in here and reprogram them for us.”

“Yes, which is easy to do once we get them. Boy, I’ll tell you, Danny, we were going by the misleading information that we had. We thought we would have to remove the chip and reprogram it. I am so grateful Robbie found the program or I’d still be looking at number sequences.”

“So how do we get the SUTs to reprogram?”

“That’s the tricky part. They’re tough to get. Knock them out, wound them, I suppose.”

“Or disable them?” Danny asked, lifting his head.

“That’s usually what happens when you wound them, Danny,” Henry stated, thinking perhaps he should let Danny get some sleep.

“I’m not talking physically, Henry. I’m talking ... mentally.” Danny raised his eyebrows. “If you can create an optical enhancement program, you can create a de-scrambling program. A program that when played audibly can take out not only the program they use to function but the base program as well.”

Henry knew exactly what Danny meant. “Causing them to drop or stop, then all we’d have to do is redo the program.”

“Exactly. Think about how many we can eliminate that way?”

“Any in their army that has a microchip but ... problem.” Henry stood upright when he saw Danny had finished. “Anything that will cause the descrambling will have to be played audibly and loudly. And if it’s that loud, we take a chance of it screwing up any data we have elsewhere here in Beginnings. That is, if the SUTs are close.”

“What about in the field?” Carefully Danny lifted the microchip and carried it to the board.

“It would work, but what kind of equipment would our men have to carry in order to transmit the signal loud enough?” Henry raised his eyebrows.

“You’re killing me, Henry.”

“I’m being realistic. It’s a good idea, a really good idea. It would really help if we disabled them then captured them. It definitely would be easier on our men we send out.”

“What if we armed our men with something on an individual basis?” Danny began hooking up the chip for the test.

“Like a pocket tape player?”

“Possibly. Is there anything else? I mean, what else could descramble that program if not all the data in the chip.”

Henry shrugged in thought. “Demagnification.”

“A blast.”

“A vibration.”

“A shock ...”

At that same instant, both of them looked at each other with the same thought, and they spoke it at the same time. “A stun gun.”

“Good idea, but—” Henry quickly shook his head. “Outer body contact will not do it.”

“But inner ear will.”

A bright smile hit Henry. “It would have to be strong and direct.”

“Easy enough,” Danny spoke like it was a piece of cake, “a matter of taking one thing from another to create it.”

“It could cause the inner ear to rupture.”

“So they’re deaf in one ear, big deal.”

Henry chuckled. “I like this idea. We can arm our men with a new line of defense out there. They’d have to use the sneak-attack approach.”

“Only for a second, then the SUT is down.”

Henry nodded. “Robbie Slagel would die for that opportunity.”

“We should give it to him.”

“You mean make a prototype?” Henry asked.

“Oh sure, we can do that. In fact, if this test is successful, I don’t see why we can’t start on that later.”

“But you have this tracking system to work on.”

Danny fluttered his lips. “This thing will be easy. We need a shell and insides. Hell. I’ll bet you guys have all we need right here in Beginnings.”

“I know we do.”

“It won’t take long. Between you and me, we’ll have it done and in Robbie’s hands quickly. I can work on more than one thing at a time, except walking and chewing gum. I never grasped that.”

“We should run the program test on this.” Henry took a step back then brought the magnifying glass closer to the chip that lay on the circuit board. “Good job, Danny.”

“Yeah, we did well.”

Jason’s single word, along with the cup of coffee he set down in front of Danny, brought their attention from that chip. “Amazing.”

Henry looked at him. “What is?”

“You two.” Jason shook his head. “It’s also a scary thought. If you two actually set your minds to working together, think about what your two minds could build for this community. The Wright Brothers could very easily look like Abbott and Costello. And ... I’m leaving now.” He moved to the steps, papers in hand. “I wish I had sunglasses, because I know my eyes will hurt when I leave this basement.”

“Wait,” Henry called out to him. “My answer.”

“Oh.” Jason looked back. “Yes, I can do it. I’ve been reviewing Dean’s notes. Seems the laser program does all the work for you. I, as a doctor, only need to guide it. If we play our cards right, the risk should be minimal to Dean and his healing should barely be noticed. I just have to work on the program for the surgery. You know, pinpointing exactly where to go in, and doing it with very little exposure of the brain.”

With a clench of his fist, Henry smiled excitedly. “Thank you, Jason. Will I see you tonight?”

Jason grumbled a ‘yes’ and walked up the stairs.

“Work on that ...” Henry shut up when he heard the door above him shut, “... program.” Henry shrugged. “Ready to run our test, Danny?”

“I’m ready to sleep, Henry. Can we just sleep?”

“Can you sleep after the test? I promise you can sleep then but not for too long.”

“All right.” Danny walked to the computer. “I swear you are one driven man.”

“I don’t want to stop until we know it will and can be done.”

“Dean’s sight is important yes, but there’s something else to it, isn’t there?” Danny watched Henry shrug instead of responding. “There is. What is it? You don’t seem like the glory-guy, wanting recognition from everyone.” Danny opened his mouth, then smiled. “But you’d die for recognition from one person, wouldn’t you?”

Henry raised his head. “I need her recognition.”

“You’re driving yourself like this for Ellen?” Danny was shocked.

“Danny, Dean’s sight is so important, yes. The whole community needs him to have it. Dean needs have it himself. But if I could use this as an opportunity to make a change in my life I will. If I can help Ellen’s friend see again, the maybe, just maybe, she won’t hate me anymore.”

“Holy shit,” Danny exclaimed as he began to run the test program. “You must really love this woman.”

“I do. I love her very much.”

“Oh yeah?” Danny clicked on the last key. “Then why did you turn to someone else?”

Henry wanted to say something in his defense, anything ,as Danny looked at him for an answer. But Henry couldn’t give a defense because he had none. He just gave Danny that ‘I don’t know’ look, then tried to move on to more hopeful thoughts as the test program began to run.

<><><><>

It could have been one of the best Sunday family dinners at Joe’s house. It had the makings, at least in Ellen’s mind. Dean wasn’t sulking. He got over the fact that Brian had no hair. Alexandra wasn’t screaming every ten minutes. Billy wasn’t complaining about being bored. Nick slept. And Henry wasn’t there. Not to mention, the finger food Andrea had set out as appetizers—something Joe never did. Yes, to Ellen it could have been a great Sunday. Could have been, if it wasn’t for Frank.

“El.”

“Frank, leave me alone.” She tried to block him out as he followed her from the dining room table to the living room and all around. “The noise level in here is annoying enough without you adding to it.”

“I don’t want you mad at me.”

“I am.” Ellen grabbed for a piece of bread and then dipped it and brought it to her mouth.

“Get over it.” Frank took the bread from her hand and ate it.

“Frank!”

“El. We had a great evening last night.”

“Yet you killed it by yelling at me on the street. Dean ... Dean.” Ellen looked at Dean who was occupied playing some sort of string game with Katie. “Tell Frank to leave me alone.”

“Leave her alone, Frank.”

Frank fake shuddered. “Now I’m scared. El ...” He followed her back to the table.

“Frank, leave me alone.”

“Why don’t we put aside what happened at the end of last night and go to what happened during.” He stepped closer to her. “No one is home at my house.”

Ellen gasped at him. “I can’t believe you are making that insinuation.”

“Oh please,” Frank said loudly, “you act all offended, yet, who was the one throwing themselves at me last night?”

“I did not.”

“You did too! You stood in my living room half naked.”

Silence, complete silence, took over the house.

Ellen cringed and twitched her head to Dean. “Frank.”

“You think Dean doesn’t know how you lose control around me?” Frank yelled over to him, “Dean, you know how she is around me?”

Dean lifted his head, hands still tied up. “Unfortunately.”

“See, El,” Frank told her, “you threw yourself at me.”

“Asshole.” She stormed from him.

“Half naked in my living room. Feeling me up at the field.”

“Frank!”

“Not to mention that little doll you made of me. Lord knows what you do with that.”

“Oh my God.” Ellen dropped the dipped bread and moved from him.

“Where are you going?” Frank followed her to the door.

“Away from you.” She opened it. “I’ll be back.”

“El, come on, I’m only teasing you. I’m trying to get you to be nice to me.”

“Guess what, Frank, you blew it.”

“What do you mean?”

“I felt really badly for arguing with you last night.”

“Right.”

“I did.” Ellen lifted her head high. “And ... and ... I was going to ...” She grabbed his tee shirt and yanked him down to her level whispering in his ear. When she was done saying what she wanted to say, she let him go. “So there!” She stormed out.

“Hey!” Frank laughed when the door slammed. He waved his hand at the door and spun around to see Katie and Dean on the couch. With his finger in a hush-hush manner to Katie, Frank sneaked up to the couch, grabbed the string Katie twirled gently around Dean’s hands in a game and pulled it hard and fast, causing the immediate and harsh joining of Dean’s hands. Silently he laughed and moved away.

Dean let out only a squeak of a scream so as not to scare Katie. “Easy, Katie, it’s only a game,” he spoke to the bewildered child while hiding his wince of pain. “Boy, you’re strong for a little girl.”

<><><><>

Ellen heard The ‘Silly’ song played slowly, picked on the guitar when she stopped into Joe’s backyard. “Hey,” she called out to Robbie, who sat on a chair just off the back steps. “What are you doing?”

“Hiding.”

“From who?” Ellen sat down across from him.

“Andrea the June-Cleaver wannabe.”

Ellen laughed at him. “She isn’t that bad.”

“Oh yeah she is, especially with me. She acts like I’m Denny. You know, she told me to comb my hair.” He shook his head at Ellen’s laughing. “No, El. It’s not funny. I always wear my hair tossed like this and sticking up. It makes me look ...”

“Sexy.”

Robbie grinned. “Thanks.”

“I’ve never hid that fact from you. So ...” Ellen brought her hands to her legs. “Can I hide with you?”

“Depends. Who are you hiding from?”

“Your goofball brother. We’re fighting.”

“Well don’t fight too much with him please. He tends to drink heavily when you do that. In wartimes like this, you never know when there will be a sneak attack. I’m not Frank. No one is and the last thing we need is him drunk if that happens.”

Ellen waved him off. “Frank doesn’t get drunk.”

“Yeah he does, El.” Robbie looked up from his guitar. “You know that.”

“Drunk?” Ellen shook her head. “Not Frank. He was drinking for a while, but he never got drunk.”

“Where were you?” Robbie asked with sarcasm. “Maybe not in the falling down, slobbering sense, but he consumed enough to knock his senses off. I know.”

“So do I. He had a hard time. Why are we arguing? You’re annoyed at me.”

“I’m annoyed at Andrea. Sorry.” Robbie stopped playing. “El, can I ask you something?” His chin rested on the curve of the guitar.

“Sure.”

“Is Frank having a drink right now?”

“He’s nursing one. He had cut back for a while and now he’s back to drinking one a day, if that, Robbie.” Ellen reached out to him. “I know we talked about this before but he’s good now.”

“El, my brother has gone from drinking to help him get through the rough times, to drinking because he has to.”

Ellen turned silent. “Robbie, a month ago I would have agreed with you, but we all brought it to his attention, and Frank made the turn around.”

“El, Frank isn’t better at drinking. He’s just better at hiding it.”

“Did he even try?” Ellen asked, with a hint of anger.

“Oh he tried. In fact, he’s still trying. He has that one in public that he makes out to seem like his social drink then he fights not to have the others. I watch him. When he’s at home, he doesn’t have the big facade of the Social Hall to hide behind. That’s when he has his problems.”

“You haven’t said anything.”

“Nope, because I know he’s trying to quit, a lot more than we see. He’ll ask for help one day. Unfortunately that’s what I’m worried about. Unfortunately it may just take something big to force him into it.”

“That scares you.”

“Yeah, that’s why I keep watching him. I don’t like leaving him alone. I don’t like you two fighting. It throws him over the edge. He needs you.”

“I know he does.”

“I think you’re the key to helping him, one, because he loves you, and two, because you are the closest one to him.”

“How can I help? Tell me.”

“Frank has to tell you that. You can’t go after him for it. He has to come to you.” Robbie started playing again.

“Is that why he started smoking, to help with his urges?”

Robbie’s hand dropped with a hard strum of the guitar. “You know?”

Ellen blew harshly from her lips. “How can I not. The house smells of it. He smells of it. I think it’s funny how when I bust him he always says it’s you.” Ellen laughed. “I just think that ...” She saw Robbie’s expression change. “What’s wrong?”

Robbie lifted his head. “Hi, Frank.”

Hoping Frank didn’t hear what they talked about, Ellen turned slowly to him. “Frank?”

“What are you guys talking about?” Frank pulled up a chair.

“Uh ...” Robbie shifted his eyes to Ellen. “We were talking about psycho Andrea.”

Frank pointed. “That is why I came out.” He hid a snicker. “Andrea wants you to wash up for dinner, Robbie.”

Robbie winced. “Aw, Frank. What is wrong with her?”

Frank lifted his shoulders. “She wants to baby you. I think she finally broke.”

Ellen shook her head. “You’re wrong. Andrea is just in love.”

Both Frank and Robbie looked at her and asked at the same time, “With who?”

“Who do you think?” Ellen asked them. “Joe.”

A unison ‘no’ came from both brothers.

“Yes.” Ellen nodded, lifting herself from the chair to peek toward the kitchen window. Andrea’s head bobbing along in the kitchen could be seen. “She’s in love with Joe.”

Frank laughed. “I’d better forewarn my dad.”

“We both ought to,” Robbie added.

Ellen just rolled her eyes at them. “Are you two that dense? Joe doesn’t need forewarning. He knows. Why else are they sleeping together?”

“Uh!” Frank shrieked and nearly fell from the chair when he sprang up. “My dad is not sleeping with that woman.”

“Yes he is, all the time,” Ellen stated.

Robbie stood and peeked toward the house. “Frank, tell her to quit lying.”

“I’m not lying,” Ellen said. “You two would swim in jealousy if you knew how much sex your father ...”

“No.” Frank held up his hands, holding back his head and closing his eyes. “Stop. Just ... just stop.”

Ellen didn’t. “Andrea tells me about all sorts of things.”

Robbie began to play his guitar louder. “I’m not listening.”

Ellen spoke louder, “She is buzzing with feelings. And she goes on and on about what they do.”

Frank’s eyes widened. “My father can’t.”

“Your father does.” Ellen pointed with a smile. “According to Andrea, not only in the bed ...”

Robbie stopped playing and ran past Ellen. “I’m out of here.”

“Me too.”

Ellen blocked Frank, instigating him. “But in the tub ...”

“Stop.”

“On the couch.”

“I’m not sitting there again.”

“On the dining room table.”

“Forget dinner.” Frank held up his hands.

“Frank.” Ellen pulled his arms down. “I’m kidding you.”

“Oh thank God.” Frank ran his hand down his face. “I was starting to think that she was acting all weird because she was trying to be a mother to all of us. So she really is whacked?”

“No.” Ellen shook her head. “She really is sleeping with your father.”

“But you just said you were kidding.”

“I was kidding about the dining room table, Frank.” Ellen snickered and opened the back door. “See you inside.”

“Fuck.” Frank shook his head when Ellen left. “Andrea and my dad, man.” He reached to his chest pocket for a cigarette and stopped when Ellen poked her head back out the screen door.

“Oh, Frank? Before you light that up, Robbie’s in the house.” She winked and went back in.

Slowly Frank’s hand moved from that pocket as he stared at the back door. “Shit.” He took a moment to think, then reached to his pocket again for that cigarette. He figured since he couldn’t get away with blaming Robbie on this night, he’d smoke anyhow and use the time to figure out who else to blame when Ellen asked him about it.

<><><><>

There was something so great about the way Dean looked sitting on his bed. Ellen just had to take a moment to stare at him. Maybe it was the jeans he wore, those really faded ones. They fit him too, loose enough to hang just right. Barefoot, bare-chested, he sat on his bed, one leg brought up, his arm dangled over it, so deep in thought.

“Ellen,” Dean called out, not raising his head at all, “what are you doing?”

“What do you mean?”

“You started to come into the room and then you stopped.”

“Wow, are you getting good at this blind thing.” Ellen walked into the bedroom and around to her side of the bed. “I was staring at you.”

“Why?”

“You really look cute, Dean.” She climbed on the bed. “Wanna fool around?”

“Yes.”

With a giggle, Ellen moved closer to Dean, running her hand down his stomach and to the button of his jeans.

Dean grabbed her hand, stopping her. “But we can’t.”

“Why?”

“We have one more day of cowboy law. I value my life.”

“He won’t know.” Ellen moved to kiss his neck.

“I’ll know.”

“Like you care.”

“I kind of do,” Dean backed up some, “despite how much as I want to be with you.” He ran his hand down her face then spread his fingers to see her. “Can we just wait?”

“OK.” Ellen moved away from him, fixed her pillow, and plopped back in a sitting position. “Quiet, huh?”

“Usually is when there aren’t any kids.”

“What were you thinking about? I know you were thinking. You get that ‘Dean look’ on your face.”

“A ‘Dean look’?” He shook his head with snicker. “I was thinking about our work.”

“Really? So was I.” Ellen rolled on her side. “All of our work. I was thinking just a little bit ago how much I miss working on all that stuff we put aside. Marcus, the cryo-babies, not to mention all the neat diseases we used to give the rabbits. All that work in the cryo-lab. I miss working down there too, Dean.”

“I do too. When this virus scare is over, we will get right back to all of our research. Unfortunately, you still have a long wait.”

“Why do you say that?”

“We have to dedicate all of our time on this virus for when and if they hit us with it. But by the date on that future note, we still have to January.” Dean sensed Ellen’s silence at that second. “What’s wrong?”

“Well it’s just that ... it’s just that you know about the ripple thing. You read the note so you know how bringing you back, rippled everything.”

“Yeah.”

“Well your death wasn’t the only one short lived.”

“I know this. George’s was too, so you said.”

“Yes.” Ellen nodded. “So the note that came from the future … came from a future without you and without George, right?”

“Right.”

“So the scientists, not George, released the virus on us.”

“Correct.”

“But George is around now, so how much of an impact or rush will that put on it all. It could very easily happen sooner. You know how impatient George is.”

“I didn’t even think of that.” Dean’s head fell some. “On those lines, the lines of the virus, is where my thinking is tonight.”

“What about it?” Ellen asked.

“What if it hits? What if it hits our children? What can we do about it? My mind went racing to something you said on the dictation tape. You asked what we were going to do with the antiserum. Right now we have two doses,” Dean paused for a long time, “two adult doses. I can make four children’s doses out of them.”

“And give them to four children.”

“Not just four children, El.” Dean lifted his head. “Our four children.”

“Dean ...”

“No, hear me out. I know it’s wrong. I know it’s unethical. And I know that antiserum belongs to the community, but I swear to you, El, more important to me than anything are the kids. I love them. Our children. We know I’m immune and you are and so is Frank. Our four kids, not including Nick because he is immune too, can be made immune. We can give them what we have extra and we wouldn’t have to worry about them getting sick.”

“But is it right?”

“In which way?” Dean faced her to ask her, “Is it the right thing to do, using the antiserum for selfish reasons? No it isn’t. But, is it the right thing to do for us? Let’s face it, I’m not you. If something happens to one of my children, I won’t be able to handle it.”

“Yes you could, Dean. God forbid something happens, you will find the strength.” Ellen closed her eyes tightly. “I have been there. I watched my children die, and it is a pain that I would never want to go through again. That is why I am working so hard on this virus with you so we don’t have to face that. And we won’t, Dean. I believe in you, and I believe in us as a team.” She clenched her fist. “For as much as I am a selfish person, I can’t do this with you. I can’t. It is not right that we cheat someone else merely because we hold the upper hand.”

“Is this Ellen speaking?”

“Unbelievably, yes it is. I love our children. God, do I love them. But like the last time, I will hold onto to faith that it will work. I have more confidence this time. I have more faith, because this time I have you.”

“Ellen.” Dean reached out emotionally and pulled Ellen tightly to him, burying his face close to hers. He gripped her head to hold her to him, his fingers intertwined within her hair. “I get so scared.” His voice dropped to a rapid whisper, “So scared. So scared. We work with this thing so much that it has lost its impact on us. When I let myself think of the consequences, I freak. We’ve taken this as far as we can take it. We need to take it further. What if we can’t?”

“We can.”

“We’re so limited.”

Dean’s hold on her was so desperate, so clenching, that he wouldn’t let go. “Do you think giving our children the antiserum will make it all better for you? For me? It will take one thing off our minds but it won’t make what may happen go away.”

“But it will make it tolerable if something does happen.”

“Oh, Dean.” Ellen pulled back from him, laying her hands on his face. “I wish I had the answers for you, I really do. Maybe I’m not seeing what you’re seeing. Maybe you and I shouldn’t be discussing this.”

“Who else will we discuss it with?” Dean asked. “This affects both you and me. Who else?”

Ellen kissed him softly. “Get a shirt on.”

“Why?”

“We’re walking to talk to the third person this decision will affect.”

“Frank?”

“Yes, Frank. I feel how much you want to do this. I feel it when you hold me that you’re scared, but if we talk to Frank, maybe he can help us. They are his kids too.”

A certain amount of relief came to Dean with Ellen’s suggestion. Frank was hardheaded and sometimes the biggest asshole in Beginnings, but to Dean he was one other thing, a man who loved his children more than life. If Dean needed someone to side with him, whether Ellen knew it or not, she just picked the right person.

<><><><>

Cradled so comfortably in his father’s arms, Brian slept. As Frank swayed him, as he held him, Frank also watched Brian. His head secured under Frank’s huge hand, Brian’s face was pressed to Frank’s chest so tightly his mouth puckered. Both of Brian’s arms hung down and his legs no longer clenched securely to Frank like they had ten minutes earlier.

There was something so peaceful—which Frank loved—about holding his sleeping child. How perfect Brian always looked to him. As Frank rocked him in the living room, looking at how big Brian was getting, he made that wish that every parent makes. He wished that he could give Brian that magic drug that could just keep him small forever, small enough to always look up to Frank, to be held, and to need Frank’s protection. Frank also wished at that moment for a less popular house. One knock and Danny walked in, something Henry told him he could do.

Danny brought his finger to his lips whispering, “Sorry.”

Frank shook his head. “You could scream right now and this kid won’t hear you. What’s up?”

“Just heading back down stairs. Anyone there?”

“Jason.”

“Good.” Danny stopped in his walk across the living room. “Henry is not here?”

“He was. He went to get some music or something for you guys to listen to. You aren’t going to be down there all night again, are you?”

“If it’s up to Henry we will be,” Danny told him. “He’s wanting this badly.

“I guess he wants Dean to see, really bad.”

“No, he wants Ellen to see.”

Frank laughed. “Danny.” He leaned a foot into him. “Ellen is not the one who’s blind.” Frank winked, just letting making Danny aware of that little fact.

“I know that, Frank,” Danny laughed, “but he wants Ellen to see what he’s doing and he wants it so badly that he won’t even tell her what he’s doing for fear she’ll care less.”

“El will care,” Frank told him. “I think Henry should give her a little more credit than that.”

“Maybe you should tell him that.”

“Maybe I will.” Frank kissed Brian.

“Thanks.” Danny started to head to the kitchen.

“Oh, Danny, make sure you guys sleep. All of you look bad.”

“This I know.” Danny smiled and with the small box he held in his hand, he went to the basement.

“Just me and you, Bri, and ...” Frank looked up at the door opening, “Henry.”

Out of breath, Henry hurried and closed the door. “Hey, Frank. Is everyone here?”

“Yep and why are you out of breath.”

“I ran all the way here from the Social Hall.”

“Why?”

“I went there to get the music. Bev was there, she tried to talk to me.”

“And you ran?” Frank asked.

“I didn’t even speak to her, Frank. I ran out of there so quickly.” Henry took a deep breath to get his breathing back in synch. Running his hand over Brian’s head, Henry hurried by Frank. “I have lots of work to do. I won’t bother you.”

“Henry, you bother me even when you’re across the street.”

Henry, looking so upbeat, grinned at Frank. “That’s funny.”

“It’s good to see you smile, Henry.”

“Thanks, Frank.”

“Oh and, Henry, it’ll be good not to see you at all too. Make sure you guys get the hell out of my basement sometime tomorrow, at least for fresh air. You’re looking all pale, all three of you, and I don’t want to start calling you the People Under the Stairs.”

“Funny, Frank.” Henry waved and quickly ran into the kitchen.

“I guess I’ll put you in bed, Bri.” Deciding to take Brian upstairs, then fill his evening with pestering the working crew on the floor under him, Frank carried Brian to bed.

Gently he laid the baby in his crib and covered him with the sheet. He ran his hand down Brian’s face and leaned down to kiss him. “Love you.” Another kiss and Frank moved to the next crib kissing Nick. He made his way to Alexandra next, taking a second to laugh at how she slept, legs spread out, head back, and mouth open. Chuckling and kissing her, Frank covered her and made his way to the next bedroom to check on Joey and Billy.

His nightly routine, one he did not only once but twice, of kissing the kids. As Frank pulled the covers over Joey before he left the bedroom—he clenched his fist when he felt it hit his hand. It bothered Frank, and he knew the reason for it.

Staring at his own fingers, Frank watched them do what they did every night at the same time—shake. Never in his entire life had his hands shook. He could easily stop them from shaking, but the way to make them stop was actually why they shook. “Just a little longer,” Frank spoke to himself, going downstairs. He could feel it hit him in his gut, the trembling there. He had fought it for two hours while he got the kids settled for the night. He had held Brian extra long, as a sense of support. But it was quiet now and there wasn’t anything more he could do about it.

Walking to the kitchen, Frank grabbed a mug to pour himself some of the coffee he had just brewed. Grabbing the sugar, he saw his bottle of whiskey. Frank’s hand reached up to it then stopped. Just as he went to close the cupboard, he reopened it and grabbed that bottle pouring a shot’s worth into his coffee. Guilt hit Frank as he brought the mug to his lips to sip, closing his eyes as he brought the hot whiskey-laced beverage to his mouth.

“Frank?” Ellen’s call echoed to him.

“In here.” Frank leaned against the counter, reaching his foot out to shut the basement door. The last thing he wanted was for Ellen to leave because she knew Henry was there. “Hey.” He smiled when he saw her then lost the smile when Dean walked in behind her. “Aw, man, can’t you leave me alone, Dean. I know I’m your big hero and such.”

“It’s not you, Frank,” Dean snapped back. “It’s El. I can’t leave her alone. You know that this week is coming to an end. I’ll be able to touch her tomorrow.”

“Oh, Dean?” Frank held up his hand. “I’m flipping you off.”

“El, why does he announce things that he is doing?”

Ellen giggled. “Don’t be silly, Dean. It’s because you can’t see.” She ‘tsked’ and noticed the coffee. “Is that fresh, Frank?”

“Yeah, coffee’s fresh. Want some?”

“Yes. We need to talk to you. It’s important.”

“OK, go in the living room, I’ll be right there. I’ll get it for you.”

“Thanks.” Ellen smiled. “Come on, Dean.” Ellen grabbed his arm.

“In a minute.”

Waiting for Ellen to leave, Frank opened a cupboard for a mug. “Want some, Dean?”

“Yeah, but I wish you wouldn’t give her any. She’s hyper enough at night.”

Frank snickered. “Deal with it.” He set both mugs on the counter and poured coffee into them. “Why are you waiting in here with me?” Frank turned to look at him.

“I smelt something.”

“Probably Henry, Danny, and Jason in the basement.” He took a drink of his own coffee.

“No.” Dean shook his head and stepped closer to Frank’s voice.

“Why are you walking toward me? You aren’t gonna try and kiss me are you?”

“No!” Dean reached his hand out.

“You are!”

“Frank! Knock it off.” Feeling around, his hand connected with the back of Frank’s.

“Dean, I swear if you ...”

“Frank.” Dean took the mug from his hand, stepped back, reached for the counter, and then made his way to the sink.

“What are you doing?”

“Getting you some coffee.” Dean sniffed the cup then poured out its contents.

“Dean, I had some coffee but you’re fuckin pouring it out.”

“Have some fresh stuff, Frank.” Using the counter against his stomach as a guide, Dean felt his way to the coffee pot. He let his finger rest just inside the rim as he poured the coffee into the mug. When the heat drew near to his finger he stopped. “Here.” He picked the mug up and held it out. “Am I facing you?”

“Yeah,” Frank’s voice dropped, “Dean, I ...”

“Take it. This cup will be better.” Dean felt Frank reach for the mug.

“I wish it would be.”

“It will be.” Dean could feel, as Frank took the mug from him, the trembling that conveyed from Frank’s fingers. Reassuringly, Dean laid his hands over Frank’s to clench the mug tighter. “It will be.”

The kitchen was silent, but only for a second. Ellen’s snickering startled them both. “Frank? Dean? Why are you guys holding hands?”

“Fuckin Dean.” Frank stepped back. “He was hitting on me. I’ll tell you, El, I don’t know what I’m gonna do with you two ... here’s your coffee.” He handed her the mug and started to leave the kitchen. “First you last night, now Dean. You guys are weird. I’m actually starting to get a little frightened that next you’ll approach me with a kinky offer about all three of us together ...” He stopped in the archway, and turned back when he heard Ellen gasp then Dean snicker. Knowing how offended Ellen looked, and knowing Dean didn’t need to see to know it, Frank snickered also. “Dean?”

“Frank.”

“What do you think?”

“I don’t know.”

Ellen’s mouth dropped open. “Oh my God. Sick, both of you are sick. Can we get to our serious discussion now?” She brushed by Dean, then Frank. “Thank you.”

Laughing, Frank began to follow Ellen out. “You coming, Dean?”

“Yes.” Dean took a sip from his coffee and slowly began to turn to walk out. Heading to the living room on his own, it was back to the reason he and Ellen came there. As much as he hated the thought of doing it, Dean was about to change Frank’s whole laughing demeanor with the seriousness of what he had to talk to him about.

<><><><>

Jenny jiggled in a sway, making her entrance into the Social Hall for her typical Sunday evening date with her husband, John. It was the only night of the week that they could go out because it was the only night that Patrick took their baby, Caroline. Dressed in a tight, little skirt that form-fit her large hips, she smiled at the whistles she got, let them boost her ego, and then made her way to John who stood up when she approached the table.

She tucked her hair behind her ear as John pulled out a chair for her. “Sorry I’m late, John.”

“No, I just got here from my rounds. I’ll tell you, Jenny,” John stepped closer to her, “you look great.”

Jenny tossed her head back in a flattered motion. As she brought it forward, she saw Bev at the bar. It had been the first time she had seen her since the night Bev left with Henry. The smile was erased from Jenny’s face. She stared at Bev, whose one leg extended off the stool, wearing black shorts—too short and too tight for her, even though she was thin. Her short black hair was wild and curled.

“Jen?” John waited for her to sit. “What do you want to drink?”

“You know what, John? I’ll get it.” She turned her head with a fake smile.

John saw Jenny eyes immediately go back to Bev. “Blow her off, Jen. She’s just under your skin.”

“She’s under my nails to be more precise.”

“I will tell you what I heard today. I ran into Kenny. Seems, uh ... Bev has had a major change of heart when it comes to him and Kyle.”

“What do you mean?”

“Bev has ended the relationships. She did so yesterday.”

Jenny’s mouth opened wide. “You don’t think Henry and her ...”

“No.” John shook his head. “Grapevine has it—no.”

Jenny cringed. “Oh, I hate Sundays. I never hear any gossip.” She stomped her feet. “I’ll get the drinks.”

“Jen ...”

“Oh, John, sit.” She pointed her finger. “I’ll be right back.” Jenny walked, or rather strutted, to the bar. She fully intending on just getting her drinks, give a glare or so to Bev, and head back to her husband. That was unless Bev said something to her, then it would only be right if Jenny responded. Perhaps Jenny lingered at the bar longer than she had to in beverage debate. Perhaps she gave a few more glances then she needed to, but as she poured the second drink, Bev spoke.

“Problem, Jenny?” Bev asked her and smiled, letting Paul who sat next to her light her cigarette.

“Nope, not at all.” Jenny flipped her hair and moved around the other side of the bar stopping at Bev. “I heard you and Kenny split up.”

“Yes, it was time to move on, to start anew with someone else.”

“Unmarked territory I hope,” Jenny said.

“Now he is,” Bev waited until Jenny started to walk again, “oh, Jenny, your promise to let Ellen beat the fuck out of me fizzled. She didn’t say a word.”

Jenny spun around. “Then Ellen missed her opportunity.”

“You were wrong for getting on to me about going off with Henry.”

“You were wrong for going off with Henry.” Jenny walked back to her, placing the drinks back on the bar. “You know the way it is. We cannot have one woman breaking the bond that we other women have built. You could have very easily done that.”

“Henry is a free man.”

“Not for long.”

“Exactly.” Bev picked up her drink. “If I have my way, Henry will be mine.” She nodded.

“Leave Henry alone.”

“No.” Bev shook her head. “I gave up Kenny and Kyle for him. I’m a newer woman here. I haven’t earned the respect I need.”

“You think going after Henry is the way to do it?”

“Most definitely. Henry is second in lead of this community. There is a certain prestige that goes along with that. He will be leader someday.”

“Oh give it up, Bev. This isn’t Payton Place. This is Beginnings. Forget about line of leaders, this isn’t a democracy. This is a monarchy and next in line for the throne is Frank.” Jenny saw the lighting-up-fact on Bev’s face, and all Jenny could do was laugh. “That would be funny if you tried that. Now I know for a fact Ellen wouldn’t beat you up, she’d kill you. Not to mention the fact of how much of a fool you’d feel when you went after Frank.” Jenny laughed harder. “I’ve been there. I’ve tried that. Frank has one single focus ... Ellen, for many, many years.”

Bev fluttered her lips. “Stop. If Frank rejected you, you need to look at why. Look at you, Jenny.” Bev raised her eyebrows.

“I’ll ignore that comment.”

“Henry was with me.”

“He won’t even touch you,” Jenny stated. “Henry won’t be that stupid again.”

“Ha.” Bev shook her head. “He will in time. After all, why not? Ellen doesn’t want him and ... and I am prettier than Ellen, built better, nicer, and younger. Henry will see there really isn’t anything that Ellen is that I’m not.”

“Oh, I beg to differ, Bev. I can think of one very important thing.”

“And what is that, Jenny?”

“Ellen is an Original.”

“That’s not a very good attitude, Jenny.” Bev stood up from her stool. “Wait until I tell the other women, the ones who aren’t Originals, about your attitude.”

“Wait until I tell the other women about yours. I can do a lot more damage to you around here than you can to me. Watch your step.”

Bev merely laughed at Jenny. “Are you threatening me? What are you gonna do, Jenny, throw me out of your little women’s group?”

“As a matter of fact, you’re already voted out.”

This made Bev laugh harder. “Then you can tell the women who voted me out to just watch their backs and their men. Payback is a real bitch, Jenny.”

“Guess what, Bev.” Jenny folded her arms. “So am I.”

<><><><>

“No more, Frank,” Dean instructed. “You hear me?”

“I hear.” Frank returned the bottle to the cabinet above the stove.

“I can’t believe I let you take a drink.”

“I did real good all night.” Frank finished off what was in his glass. “It’s just a shot. That’s all I need.”

“Well if didn’t know the adverse effects of a deprived alcohol-dependent bloodstream ...”

“Dean, knock it off.” Frank looked up to the kitchen ceiling. “Ellen’s coming down.”

“Thanks for helping us out tonight.”

“Thanks for coming to me about it. I appreciate ...” Frank’s head jolted back to the cellar door and the shriek that came from below. “What the hell are they doing now?” He walked to the basement door and opened it. “Are you guys all right down there?”

Henry yelled up, “Fine, Frank. I burned Danny by accident. We’ll be quiet.”

With rolled eyes, Frank shook his head. “Let’s go in the living room, Dean. If they keep on making noise like that, Ellen’s going to find out they’re down there.” As he made his way to the living room, he was stopped by Ellen who held his radio. Frank could hear all kinds of noise coming from the speaker. “What’s going on?”

Ellen handed it to him. “You left this upstairs, Dan is calling you.”

Frank pressed the button. “Dan ... Dan, come in. What’s going on?”

“Frank, we need you at the Social Hall. Big ...” Dan shrieked. “Big fight. We can’t control it. Lots of damage. Hurry ... shit ... duck!” A loud crash replaced Dan’s voice.

An utter look of being perturbed took over Frank. “What the hell? Can’t they control anything?” Grabbing his shoulder harness off the back of the chair and his headset off the table in the entranceway, in his stride through the living room, Frank placed them on. “I’ll be back.”

Ellen chased him to the door. “Oh, can I come with you and see the fight? Dean can wait here. He won’t be able to appreciate it.”

“No, El, stay,” Frank told her.

“Please, I love when you rush in and do that macho thing.”

Frank looked at her, his mind racing with thoughts of how Ellen could possibly get. “Come on. Dean, do you mind staying here?”

“Nope, not at all.” Dean walked to the couch and plopped down. “Don’t take advantage of her, Frank.”

“Yeah right.” Frank grabbed Ellen’s arm and brought her out. “Keep up with me.”

“I am.” Ellen nearly ran to keep up with Frank’s fast pace.

Hustling through the Living Section, Frank radioed Robbie for backup for the out-of-control situation, monitoring the crashes and screams of the Social Hall all the way there.

It was perfect timing. Just as Frank hit the last row of houses, not far from the Social Hall, Robbie ran around the bend, harnessing his revolver. “Frank, what’s the situation?”

“Sounds like all hell is breaking lose at the hall.” Frank neared the hall.

“What’s Ellen doing here?”

Frank shrugged. “She wants to see.” As he approached the Social Hall door, he could hear even more noise. “El, stay back. It could get dangerous. Robbie, if they are that out of control, knock ’em out, deck them. OK?”

“Got it.” Robbie grinned.

Frank opened the door to the Social Hall—prepared—but then stopped in his storm in when he saw the ruckus and the cheering crowd. “Fuck.”

Robbie walked up next to his brother. “You still want me to deck them.”

Ellen shrieked with excitement when she watched Jenny, hand on the back of Bev’s hair, ram her face-first onto the rail of the bar as if Bev was a wrestler going face-first into the turnbuckle.

Bev bounced backwards and fell to the floor. Just as she tried to get up, Jenny pounced on her and straddled her legs. Her skirt was now raised above her green underpants, with her knees on both sides of Bev. As Jenny grabbed hold of Bev’s throat—banging Bev’s head repeatedly on the floor—Bev’s hands reached up to Jenny in a defensive, clawing motion.

Ellen clapped and moved into the cheering circle of men. “Get her, Jenny, get her. Jenny, your underwear is showing.”

Jenny grunted and banged Bev’s head, again.

Frank had seen enough. “Knock the shit off!” he screamed loudly. “Robbie, let’s go.”

“I’m not decking them, Frank,” Robbie stated.

“We aren’t decking them. El?” Frank looked at her. “Wanna help?”

“No,” she said. “Don’t break them up, Frank, let them ... Frank!” Ellen yelled as Frank charged in, “Frank, no!” Ellen raced toward the two barreling women.

Reaching his hands in, Frank repeatedly was hit and scratched. “Knock it the fuck off!” He placed one hand on Jenny, the other toward Bev, knowing he couldn’t pull a usual Frank-break-up of the fight. “Ladies!”

Ellen, watching Bev’s hands grab the skin of Jenny’s face, figured it was time to help Frank out. She ran up behind Jenny, bracing her under her arms. “Jen ... nee.” Ellen grunted. “Stop it. You’ll ... kill.” She gave a hard tug. “Her!” As Ellen gave another hard tug, Jenny released Bev and with the force of Ellen’s pull, coupled with Jenny’s strength—both women flew backwards. Jenny ended up back-first on top of Ellen.

Ellen’s arms flung about helplessly under the heavy weight of Jenny. Trapped! “Frank,” her voice was muffled. “Help.”

Bev got up from the ground and saw that Jenny was down. She dove for her, but as she did, Frank reached out his arm, bringing it around the front of Bev and snatched back the fighting, kicking woman. “Settle your ass down!” Less then gently Frank set her back. “Now!” Almost with a smack of disgust, Frank ran his hand down his face. “Robbie, take this woman to Holding. Jenny ...” Frank saw Jenny. How odd she looked with that extra set of arms and legs beneath her. Then he realized that Ellen was trapped beneath the flesh of a woman twice her size. “El, quit fooling around. Get up.”

John Matoose reached out for Jenny, lifting his wife to her feet then straightening her skirt.

Watching Robbie remove the wiry Bev, Frank turned to John. “What the hell, John? Why didn’t you break it up? This is your wife.”

“She wasn’t losing, Frank,” John said. “I would have, if she was.”

“Get her to the clinic to clean up those scratches. God!”

“Come on, Jenny.” John put his arm around Jenny who at that instant started to cry. “What’s wrong?”

“I-I-I am-am just-just worked up,” Jenny sobbed.

One more time Frank called out, “John, she has to go to Holding for three hours. You know the rules.” Seeing John’s ‘yeah-yeah’ wave back, Frank covered his eyes with his hands. As he slid his fingers down across his nose, he saw Ellen was still on the ground. “El?” He rushed over to her and dropped down to one knee. “El.”

“I think I’m part of the floor now, Frank.”

Frank chuckled then slid his arms under Ellen, lifting her up as he stood to his feet. He smiled at her as he placed her back down on her feet, sliding her against him when he did. “Thanks for the help.”

“Anytime.”

Giving a ‘hmm’ while biting his bottom lip, Frank took a step to her, cupped his hands on her face and kissed her quickly. “Let’s go home.”

“That’s it?”

“That’s it, what?” Frank grabbed her hand and started walking out with her.

“That’s my kiss?”

“That’s it.”

“My God, Frank, I pulled Jenny off that person. I got pinned under her and it wasn’t fun, Frank,” Ellen bitched as they walked. “It really wasn’t fun, Frank. I could barely breathe and I get a simple peck of a kiss like you’re my dad.”

Frank still walked, smiling the whole time.

Ellen was ready to bitch more, but she stopped when Frank slowed his pace down, and the hand that held hers went from leading to joining, when his fingers slipped between hers. Ellen smiled, looking down at their locked hands. Walking back home with Frank, she took in the peacefulness of the evening. “That was pretty great though, Jenny beating Bev up. Huh?”

“Funny stuff but aggravating. I think that was the first fight we had between two women. I mean an all-and-out fight.”

“I think so. It was worth being suffocated. How about that underwear Jenny had on?”

“I didn’t notice.”

“It was green, Frank. Now where do you suppose she got green underwear?”

“Don’t know.”

“You did good. You didn’t punch either of them.”

Frank only turned his head to look at her.

“You did good helping Dean and I out, too. Thank you very much.”

“Like I told Dean, I’m glad you came to me.”

“I owe you.” Ellen held tighter to his hand as they approached his house.

“You really mean that?” Frank asked as he reached for the door.

“I mean that.”

“Then there is something you can do for me.”

“Anything.”

Frank cleared his throat, let go of her hand, and stepped to face her. “You have to do this for me.”

“I promise.” Ellen held up her hand only to have it grabbed and kissed by Frank.

Frank returned her hand. “Tomorrow when you see Henry, I want you to say ‘hi’ to him, just ‘hi’.” Frank flashed a smile. “It would mean a lot. Thanks.” He kissed her on the cheek and opened his front door. “You coming, El?”

“Yeah.” Ellen stood there in oddity for a second, pondering Frank’s request. Of all the things he could have had, he asked for a simple greeting to his friend. To Ellen that said a lot, and she promised herself right there if the opportunity arose the next day, she would oblige Frank’s request. What would it hurt?

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

AUGUST 3

The chopper engine noise, the static, and the calm of Robbie Slagel’s voice filled the radio. “Home Base, this is Eagle One. Do you copy?” Robbie leaned toward the side window of his helicopter as he flew and peered out below through his dark sunglasses. “Home Base, this is Eagle One. Do you copy? Over.”

“Yeah, Robbie,” Frank responded.

“Frank,” Robbie spoke in a whine, “come on. You promised.”

“All right,” Frank paused, “Eagle One, this is Home Base. We copy. What’s your position?”

“Heading in southeast towards Home Base. We’ve got a small ground troop thirty miles northwest of Home Base.”

“Fuck, you’re shitting me. How many?”

“Uh ...” Robbie counted. “Twelve no wait, one just came out from taking a leak, thirteen. Odd.”

“Can you identify them?”

“Most likely. Hold on.” Robbie lifted his binoculars. “Got the big ‘C’, Frankie-boy. We got ourselves some SUTs.”

“What’s it look like, Robbie? Are they mobile?”

“Could be. Two trucks. Pretty settled right now. They’ve spotted me. I’m flying outward and away. They may move but they don’t look like they are with tents and such.”

“Can you take them out now?”

“Negative on that, Frank. If I start firing on them, I’m alone up here and they’ll scatter into the trees.”

“Ground maneuvers.”

“Could do that.” Robbie tilted the helicopter as he flew taking his last look back. “We’ll let that be your call, big brother, ground or air. Either way, I’m heading home to head out. Get the Big Cheese on it will ya?”

Frank snickered over the airwaves. “Yeah, I’ll get Dad to Armory to suit up a team for ya. See ya in a few, Robbie.”

“Call me ... Eagle One.”

“Yeah, yeah, Eagle One, this is Home Base, over.”

“Love ya too, Frank.” Robbie grinned, thinking of the excitement ahead and flew onward, back to Beginnings.

<><><><>

“Henry, hurry up!” Danny yelled up Henry’s steps. He fumbled with a box, tossing things in it.

“I knew it.” Henry flew down the stairs putting on a shirt and running his fingers through his wet hair. “I knew I shouldn’t have taken time to get a shower.”

“You have to get clean, Henry. Besides ...” Danny looked down at his watch. “We have time. How long once he gets back.”

“Ten minutes, maybe.”

“Got the papers?”

Henry gathered the stack. “Got them.”

“Will he do it?”

“Oh yeah, but it’s not Robbie who gives the go-ahead, it’s Frank and Joe.”

“It’s for the good of the community. Could mean ... how many did he say there were?”

“Thirteen?”

“Yep. Thirteen more soldiers for Beginnings.” Danny rushed to the door. “Let’s go.”

Hurrying and dropping things, running back and picking them up, Henry raced with Danny toward town then to the hangar.

<><><><>

Ellen would have made a mad rush to the clinic, but what was the point? The injections would still need to be given. The blood would still need to be taken, no matter how carefree she walked from Containment. She took her time, knowing full well she promised Andrea she would be there fifteen minutes earlier.

Walking slowly, thinking about how she was the displaced worker, always going from one place to the next, she was nearly barreled over by Danny who ran by her.

“Hi, Ellen, bye, Ellen. Henry, hurry up!” Danny yelled back to Henry who had stopped twenty feet back to pick up the papers that blew from his hand.

“Hi, Danny.” Ellen smiled at Danny’s rushing, then walked again.

“Excuse me.” Henry walked by her.

“Hi, Henry,” Ellen said as he passed her.

Henry’s heart dropped at the same second his feet stopped. He quickly spun, to look back at her. “Hi, El.” Henry wanted to smile but feared it.

Danny tugged at Henry’s shirt. “Henry, come on.”

Spinning quickly back to Danny, Henry stuck all his papers into Danny’s chest. “Go on up without me. I’ll be right there.”

“Henry, the helicopter is ...”

“Please,” Henry whispered. “I’ll be right there.”

“Hurry up.” Clutching the papers and his box, Danny took off running.

Henry took a second to run his fingers through the grain of his wind-blown hair as he walked to Ellen. “How are you today?” Henry asked, begging in his mind that Ellen would answer him.

“Good. How are you?”

Henry hid his shocking gasp well. “I’m ... I’m good.”

“Where are you running to?”

“We have this invention we need Robbie to try. It’s pretty neat.”

“That’s nice.” Ellen began to walk away.

“You?”

“Me what?” Ellen stopped walking.

“Where are you headed?”

Ellen’s eyes shifted to the clinic. “Here. I have blood to take and it’s beginning of the month so we have the Birth Control Hormones to inject. Boring stuff. I ... I really have to go.” She pointed with her thumb.

“OK, so do I.”

“Bye, Henry.”

“El?” he called out to her. “Thank you. Thank you for saying ‘hi’.”

“Thank Frank, Henry.”

“Frank?”

“Yeah. It was his doing.” She gave a half smile and walked to the clinic, not looking back.

“Frank,” Henry spoke with a grin. “I have to really thank ... shit. Robbie.” With that thought, hearing the helicopter, he picked up speed and raced to catch up to Danny.

<><><><>

Henry saw the helicopter landing as he made it to the hangar building. With enthusiasm and a bit of nervousness, he ran inside. Danny was already there waiting. Frank and Joe stood with weapons and a team of four men, waiting for Robbie to come in. “Frank.” Henry smiled as soon as he saw him. “Frank.”

“Yeah.” Frank looked up only in enough time to see the vision of Henry racing at him. Before Frank could say anything, he was greeted with a hug and a kiss to his cheek. “Uh! Henry, what the fuck?” He wiped off his cheek. “Why are you kissing me?” He heard the snickers of his men. “I don’t know what is up with the men in this community. First, Dean holds my hand last night, and now you kiss me this morning ... You guys want all that from me but both of you get mad when I’m near Ellen.”

“Frank, thank you.”

“For what?” Frank asked.

“Ellen said ‘hi’ to me.”

“No big deal, Henry.” Frank tried to walk by him.

“No, Frank, it is a big deal. It is. Thank you.”

“So did you come up here to kiss me or is there another reason for your and Danny’s visit?”

“Oh yeah.” Henry grew even more excited. “We have this invention. In fact it will help you build the Beginnings Army.”

“Great.” Frank nodded. “Share it with me later. I have an attack about to happen.”

“No!” Henry stopped him. “I have to share it with you now. Now, Frank. Joe!”

Joe, who had been eavesdropping and avoiding getting involved, was forced to when he was called. “What, Henry, and don’t kiss me.”

Henry snickered then started to explain, but before he could, Danny’s summon to him that Robbie was there, made him stop and run over to Robbie.

Robbie expected to be pummeled when he walked in. He expected to hear Frank rambling on about the plan of action. He didn’t expect to be approached by two fast-rambling—talking at the same time—mechanically-inclined men, who really didn’t look alike when they stood side by side.

“Hold it!” Joe shouted out, unable to take the un-interpretable chattering. “What the hell are you two up to?”

Henry, out of breath, turned to him. “We have this thing, Joe, an invention of Danny’s and mine. We were working on the Dean thing. You know, and we came up with this. It’s amazing. It’s taken us longer than the Dean thing but it works, huh, Danny?”

“We think so,” Danny added. “We need Robbie to try it. What it is, Joe ...” Danny pulled it out.

Joe looked at it. “An aural thermometer.”

“No. It’s called the Auralnator.” Danny laughed. “Great name. Anyhow, we just used the shell. It’s a stunning, descrambling device for the SUTs. You place it in the ear, press this button and it deprograms the SUT immediately, makes them drop like that.” Danny snapped.

“You’re shitting me?” Joe looked closer at it. “We’ll have to try it someday, but now is not the time to be ...”

“No.” Henry stopped him. “Now is the time. Frank needs more men, we can get them.”

“Henry.” Joe didn’t want to argue. “We’d have to use the sneak-attack approach to make this work. They’re too close.”

Robbie disagreed, “No way, it’s perfect. They’re relaxing. Come on, Dad. Let me try the thing.”

“What happens if it doesn’t work?” Joe asked. “What happens if you sneak up behind one and zap them, and it doesn’t work?”

“I’ll break their neck, so what. Let me at least get one. One,” Robbie pleaded. “Then we’ll pullback and take the rest out. Please.” He took the Auralnator. “It would be so cool.”

Joe took a second. “Fine, one. We have everything ready for a ground move. And ...” Joe looked curiously at Henry. “If you’re running about inventing things, who the hell is running Mechanics?”

“Uh ...” Henry pointed to Robbie. “Him, well he was.”

“Robbie?” Joe asked with a raise to his voice. “Robbie is busy now. Last I heard, Mechanics was swamped.”

Robbie shook his head. “Not anymore, I caught us up.”

Though there wasn’t really time, everyone was shocked by this and looked, with silent faces, at Robbie.

Joe spoke up, “You took care of it. Yesterday there were sixty-eight reqs left. You did sixty-eight repairs.”

“Fuck no,” Robbie said. “I went to the source. They were all bogus. The women put them in to get Henry.” Robbie lifted his shoulder. “Anyhow this thing.” He looked at the Auralnator. “In the ear and press the button?”

Henry nodded. “That’s it. It should drop them right there so we can reprogram them to what we need.”

“Excellent.” Robbie gripped it tighter. “Wish me luck. See you in a few.” He stepped back. “Frank, escort us to the back, big bro, since you have to miss this one.”

“Yeah.” Frank started walking out. “Henry, Danny, good job.”

Joe, annoyed with the pleased faces of Danny and Henry, called out to Frank as he, Robbie, and the four men headed out, “Frank, make sure you tell them again, One SUT, then take them out with heavy artillery and Dean’s gas.”

Danny nudged Henry with a snicker. “They’re using Dean’s gas as a weapon?”

Henry started to laugh too. “That’s funny.”

Both of them lost their smiles when Joe turned, with annoyance, at them.

Joe shook his head, so disgusted, as he walked from the hangar. “Christ, what are we now? Twelve? Dean’s gas.” Another grunt and Joe left.

Henry was quiet and then he started to laugh again at the same time as Danny. “I think it went good.”

“Me too. They’re gonna use it,” Danny said proudly.

“Shit, what if it doesn’t work?”

“It will.”

“It has to.”

“Most definitely.” Henry bounced from heel to toe. “Wanna head to the basement and get the program ready.”

“Might as well.”

“Let’s go.” Making a sweep by the hangar table to gather the stack of notes that weren’t even viewed, Henry led Danny out, and back on track to the basement.

<><><><>

Between checkups, hormonal injections, and replacement of cervical covers, Andrea was a busy woman. Birth Control Days were always that way. Whether it was one woman coming for her every third-month shot, or the annual-August distribution of the Beginnings Diaphragm, it was hectic. What really bothered Andrea the most was that Josephine insisted on showing up on Birth Control Days. She always added pandemonium to the schedule and would fight with Andrea when Andrea refused her. Josephine insisted that if she was having sex, she could get pregnant. Arguing that point with Josephine wasn’t what bothered Andrea the most—it was the fact that she wanted to kill whoever was taking advantage of an eighty-some-year-old senile woman’s sexual promiscuity. To top off the hectic craziness of the day, the fuel-pump line-rupture on the corn-shucking machine, sprayed fuel into some of the workers’ eyes. Jason was busy handling those six men who needed their eyes flushed, and Andrea handled the clinic aspect alone. Where was Ellen?

Andrea couldn’t wait. Ellen was already nearly a half-hour late. There were four women left to inject and one diaphragm fitting. Andrea supposed she could pull Dean in for the injections, filling the syringes for him. But he was busy creating the eyedrops for the injured men, not to mention, awaiting the results of the two throat cultures on the allergies-turned-strep cases. They had to be run and if positive, the strep cases, as usual, had to be handled immediately.

So, Ellen was it. Andrea had to help Jason, and Ellen would just have to finish up. The checkups were completed, and all Ellen would have to do is give the injections according to the doses Andrea had indicated on their charts. Though Ellen hated to do it, she was quite capable of doing the internal examination on Catherine to measure her for the cervical cap. Settled.

Figuring Ellen just got held up at Containment, Andrea grabbed the five charts and brought them with her to Dean’s lab. “Dean, I need you to ...” She stopped in the empty lab. Where was he? “Dean?” Her head turned to the hallway when she thought she heard a giggle. “Dean?” She called out, thinking he was doing his typical under the counter adjustments of something. “Dean-Dean.” As she went to leave, she heard a shuffling sound from the back of the lab. Taking a step toward it, the shuffling became a banging, then a thump, and finally had become the flinging-open of the back closet door. “Dean?”

Looking so surprised and so hurried, Dean stepped out and pulled the door half closed. He stood there, fussing with his shoe, banging it and pressing it in small circles on the ground as if he were adjusting his foot better in the high top. His one hand tucked in his tee shirt, while the other ran frantically through his hair. “Andrea?”

“Right here.”

Dean moved his head to where the sound of her voice came from. “Hi.”

“What in the world are you doing in there? Are you all right?”

“Who me? Fine.” He cleared his throat and shifted his weight from one leg to the other. “I was uh ... uh ... looking for ... shit.” Dean banged his other foot and lifted his head with a smile. “Looking for something in there and damned if I couldn’t see it.”

“Dean, you’re blind.”

“Yeah and that made it pretty tricky.”

“Need some help?”

“No, no.” Dean shook his head. “I felt my way through it ... I’m uh good.”

“Good.” Andrea smiled. “I’ve got to go help Jason. Dean, I have five more women left, four injections and one internal. Ellen is just gonna have to finish it up.”

Surprising Andrea, Dean let out a loud, long grunting moan.

“Something wrong?”

“Cramp ... in my uh foot.”

“Oh those get nasty. Anyhow, I’m leaving the folders for her on the counter by your computer.” Andrea’s voice faded as she started to walk out. “I know she got held up at Containment. Can you try to call her there to get her here pronto?”

“Will do.” Dean leaned on the archway.

“Thanks, Dean.”

Listening to the clicking of her hard flat soles fade from the room, Dean let out a breath of relief when he heard the lab door close. “She’s gone, I think.”

Ellen peeked her head out from the closet. After seeing that Andrea was gone, she laughed. “Close huh?”

“Nah.” Feeling Ellen start to leave, Dean put his arm out on the doorway, stopping her, finding her, feeling her. Dean leaned into Ellen and kissed her.

Pulling from the soft, long kiss, Ellen touched Dean’s face. “We’d better work and you’d better fix that hair.”

“It’s not that bad, is it?”

“Yeah.”

“How bad?”

“Bad.” Ellen tried to straighten it with her fingers, kissed him quickly, and then walked by him. “I have a brush in a drawer here.” She walked across the lab, slowing down when she saw the file folders Andrea left there. “I guess I should go see these patients.” She opened up the drawer and pulled out the brush. “I can’t believe she’s making me do an internal on someone.”

“Yeah and I thought for sure Andrea was going to hear you moan about that.”

“Thanks for making that noise to cover up.” Ellen finished brushing her hair and set down the brush. “I’m leaving the brush for you by the computer.”

“Thanks.” Dean made his way there. “Do you want help?”

“No, finish up what you’re doing so we can have that meeting with Joe.” Ellen looked through the folders. “Besides, there’s only ...” Her voice dropped. “Four.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Well ... all right. Bev.” Ellen tossed the folder harshly. “She’s waiting in examining room one. I heard she was flirting with Mark to get out of Holding early. Pisses me off.”

“She’s the injection right?”

“Yeah.”

“I’ll do it.”

“No!” Ellen snapped.

Dean laughed. “What? Why?”

“I don’t want you near her OK? Please. Jenny told me this morning to watch my back. She thinks Bev has this vendetta against me. I just don’t want her throwing herself at you.”

“Ellen come on, it’s me.” Dean stepped to her. “Don’t worry about me with her.” Dean brushed his nose against her cheek then kissed her softly.

“I don’t. I just don’t like the thought of her coming on to you.”

“I don’t like the thought of you dealing with her right now. It’ll bother you plus I don’t trust her either. She isn’t that nice of a person.”

“But you know what, Dean?” Ellen gathered up the folders. “I’ll be fine with it. Besides I am the one with the needle, right.” She kissed him on the cheek and backed up. “See ya.”

“Ellen, what are you ...”

“See ya in a little bit.” Taking a deep breath and deciding to get the worst over with first, Ellen headed down to the examining room where Bev waited.

A single knock and holding Bev’s folder, Ellen walked in. Not saying anything, Ellen set the folder on the tray.

“I thought someone would never come.” Bev sat on the table, her legs swinging back and forth.

“We’re busy,” Ellen said as she reviewed the amount of hormone she was to give Bev. Looking at her stats, Ellen couldn’t help but think at twenty-two years old, Bev was so young there was so much she could have going for her but Bev was so stupid.

“These shots are so convenient. I was too young to know about them in the old world. Whose idea was it to bring them back?”

“Dean’s.” Ellen grabbed the hormone vial.

“Did he recreate it?”

“Yes.”

“Dean is so smart. There’s just something about him I find ...”

“Fatherly?” Ellen asked as she filled the syringe.

“Excuse me?” Bev asked.

“Do you find something fatherly about Dean? He is old enough to be your father.”

Bev giggled. “I don’t pay attention to that. Kyle is the same age. Besides, Dean looks so young, don’t you think? I find something very attractive about older men. Don’t you? Of course, the men Dean and Frank’s ...” She jolted at a slam of the tray, “... age aren’t that old to you.”

Ellen flicked her finger to get the bubbles out of the needle, wishing in her mind that there were enough in that syringe to kill Bev, and walked over to the table Bev where sat.

“I don’t know why I’m getting these. I don’t need them. I did break up with Kenny and Kyle ...”

Ellen rubbed her arm with alcohol.

“... maybe for Henry.” Bev turned her eyes to Ellen who raised hers. Their eyes met. “There’s just something about him. Ow, you’re pinching my arm.”

A twinge immediately hit Ellen’s stomach and she instinctively closed her eyes, releasing Bev’s arm and stepping back.

Andrea stepped in. “Oh, I see I’m not too late.” She looked at Ellen. “Ellen, you okay?”

“Yeah.” Ellen nodded.

Andrea turned to Bev. “What did you say to her?”

“Nothing. And ...” She slid from the table. “I’m gonna go.” She walked to the already open door. “I think I’ll pass on that injection. Maybe I just might decide to get pregnant by ... Henry.”

Ellen saw Andrea ready to charge after the leaving Bev so she grabbed her. “No, Andrea, let it go.”

“No, I will not let it go.” Leaving the examining room, Andrea stormed down the hall. “Beverly.” Being ignored, Andrea kept up the pace, following Bev right out into the street. “Beverly, you best stop right now!”

Bev turned around. “What?”

“I want to have a few word with you, little girl.”

“I don’t want to listen.”

“Oh well you will and you will hear what I am saying. There is no room in the community for trouble, you hear me? I won’t tolerate it. I won’t tolerate the behavior.”

“Or what,” Bev came back so snidely, “you’ll move to have me ousted? For what? Hitting on someone else’s man? Andrea, you think because you’re on Council you can move to have me ousted? I don’t fear that. I don’t even sweat the fact that you’re sleeping with the leader of this community.” Bev stepped closer Andrea. “Don’t think I can’t remedy that.”

Andrea laughed loudly and folded her arms. “Look at you.”

“What?”

“You just think you’re all that, don’t you?” Andrea’s hands waved about and her head bobbed back and forth. “Strutting your little skinny, pretty ass around here. Well, let me tell you something. You aren’t all that, baby doll. I’ll let you in on a little wisdom my years of living have taught me. When it comes to any of the Original men in this community, they’ll keep their distance, sweetheart, because they just don’t know who’s been using you.” Andrea moved closer to her. “Let me give you a little advice. This attitude, this behavior and that mouth ... there are certain people in this community I view as my family. So heed this warning. Don’t fuck with my family or you’ll have to fuck with me and I’m the wrong bitch to be taking on.” Andrea stared hard and cold at Bev, watching the young woman clench her jaw, spin the other way, and leave.

Closing her eyes, catching her breath, Andrea turned back to the clinic only to see Frank standing there. “Frank.”

Frank looked stunned. “Oh my God. That was great! What caused that?”

“Oh.” Andrea shuddered. “I was helping Jason and I remembered one of the patients I left for Ellen was ... was that.” Andrea pointed back. “But I was too late. When I walked in the room she was already there alone with Ellen.”

“Did El deck her?”

“No.”

“Why?”

Andrea shrugged. “Don’t know.”

“Should I talk to her?”

“No I want to unless you were going to see her.”

“Actually I was looking for Henry. Let me know if she’s OK.”

“I will.” Andrea stepped away. “Oh, Frank ...”

“Yeah.” Frank turned before he left.

“You got a little smudge of something on your cheek, right ...” Andrea licked her fingers and wiped it off. “Got it.” She smiled, tapped his cheek, and headed off to the clinic.

Frank’s wide eyes couldn’t bulge out anymore. “No, she didn’t just do that to me.” He rubbed his cheek. “No.” He stormed off, grabbing his headset. “Well I’m telling.” He spoke into the microphone. “Dad.”

<><><><>

“Henry, this is really great.” Frank viewed the workbench in Danny’s basement. “So you guys are working on the tracking here, together?”

“We figured it would be easier and faster if we joined forces.”

“Excellent.” Frank looked over the plans.

“We hope to have the first prototype available by the end of the week and be running tests on it over the weekend.”

“No shit?” Frank nodded with approval. “Test meaning?”

“Maybe have someone place some of the microchips in an area to see if we pick them up. Plus it would really be helpful if Robbie brings back a SUT.”

“If that creation of yours works, he will.”

Henry showed Frank his crossed fingers.

“I’ll radio and let you know as soon as I hear anything from him.”

“Yeah, I’d better be getting back to Mechanics.” Henry began to gather his things. “Oh, Frank, thanks a lot for today again. It meant so much to be talking to her, even briefly.” Henry noticed the smile on Frank’s face, subtle but there. “What?”

“I was thinking after you told me she spoke to you. I was thinking about the other night when she and I were hanging out. Ellen was talking, doing that rambling thing. Anyway, did you know Ellen always rambled? From the first time I met her, she rambled. Fast, mindless, whether she was excited or bitching.” Frank snickered. “It dawned on me, thinking back, that after the plague, Ellen stopped rambling.” Frank raised his eyebrows. “No matter how much she moved on, she just didn’t go back to being Ellen until ... until you and her clicked.”

Henry gave a smile of gratitude to Frank for that compliment. “Thanks. You got her to say ‘hi’ to me. Any chance you can get her to have a conversation with me?” Henry finished getting his things.

“I could.”

“I doubt it.”

“No seriously, you don’t think I could?”

“Frank, she hates me. Things happened. Things transpired. Some can’t be taken back.”

“True,” Frank said. “But sometimes, all you need is time and me. I got an idea. Step one.”

“I’m afraid to ask.”

“It’ll cost you.”

“I’m afraid to ask.”

“It’s simple Henry. I get you two to be friends again, you follow my advice, you are buddies. No more, Henry, I am the primary and you support that.”

Henry grumbled. “Fine. Deal.”

Frank stepped to him. “It’s time to tell her what you created, not the Auralnator but the optical enhancer.”

“Frank, if she shoots it down, or couldn’t care less, I would ...”

“Have faith in her, Henry. I know El. Tell her, and tell her today. If you think I have this spot in her heart, you haven’t realized what torch she carries for Dean. And with him being blind, fuck, no one stands a chance.” Frank looked at his watch. “In fact, she’ll be ready for lunch soon. The ‘hello’ was the first step, this will be the second.”

Henry placed his hands in his pocket. “Should I really tell her?” He saw Frank nod so assuredly. “If she burns me, Frank ...”

“She won’t. I’ll test the water for you first before sending you to the shark.”

“Ha, ha, ha.” Henry shook his head. Apprehensively he then agreed. Though making a deal with Frank was bad, and following Frank-advice could be worse, Henry knew he was at a low, and not much at that point was going to make things worse. Of that Henry was sure.

<><><><>

Peering over the hill, laying stomach down, Curt held the binoculars. “What the hell is he doing?” he asked Neal, the other guard.

Neal shook his head. “Looks like he’s crawling to the SUT on post.”

“Should he be doing that?” Curt asked. “Why isn’t Robbie following Joe’s advice? We’re supposed to aim down, miss one, and grab one. No, instead we have Robbie two feet from an armed thing, Steve in the bush waiting for God knows what, and us up here watching.”

“Yep,” Neal said, “he’s giving a thumbs-up.”

“He’s just not right.” Curt shook his head, positioned his rifle better and waited.

Forearm over forearm, on his stomach, rifle over his back, Robbie crawled with a grunt on his face. So quiet, he was gripping the Auralnator in his hand, keeping his faith in Henry and Danny. One foot from the SUT and Robbie was still unnoticed. The SUT stared out watching and waiting. Grateful for their stupidity, Robbie counted to three in his head, jumped up at the SUT from behind, secured his arm around his neck, and placed the Auralnator in his ear, depressing the button. Robbie felt the slight vibration of the silent weapon then he felt the SUT drop lifeless into him. Closing his eyes tightly with a wide open mouth and a quiet ‘oh yes!’, Robbie pulled the SUT backwards into the trees.

Though tough, he dropped him fifteen feet away at the feet of Steve. “Fuckin brilliant,” he told Steve in a whisper.

“It worked?”

“Hell yeah.” Robbie clenched the Auralnator.

“Can we take the rest out now?”

“Um ... no.” Robbie walked away.

“Robbie, where are you going?”

“Just one more,” Robbie said. “I saw one taking a nap. Just one more, this is way too cool.” As soon as he drew closer to the camp, Robbie circled to where a few SUTs slept. He dropped to his stomach, crawling in his entrance, and sneaking up on the next one.

So easy it was, all except for dragging their motionless, limp bodies to Steve.

“Good job,” Steve said. “Now let’s get ... Robbie?”

Robbie held his finger to his lips in a ‘shush’ manner. He mouthed the words ‘one more’ and headed into the trees. Robbie spotted a third one, sitting and cleaning his rifle off by himself. How brainless Robbie thought them to just be so lax to the fact they could be attacked.

The sneak approach to the SUT who sat on the rock, a grab to his neck, a buzz to his ear ... and Robbie felt the struggle. “Shit.” Getting a fight from the man he braced from behind, Robbie noticed the left temple. No marks. Not a SUT. So with that, Robbie broke his neck easily, pulled him into the woods and figured since he told Steve he was getting one more, Robbie hit the camp again.

<><><><>

Did she smell tea? Ellen knew she did when she raised her head to the opening of her Containment office door and saw the cup first, then its presenter, Henry. “What ...”

“I thought you would like to have lunch with me.” Henry walked in and set the cup down. “I brought you a sandwich.”

Ellen turned her head from him and collated the papers on her desk. “Thanks, but I’m not eating, I have a meeting with Joe.”

“El, that’s not for twenty more minutes. I can walk you there.”

Ellen just shook her head, looking down.

Henry sat down in the chair across from her. He nervously folded his hands watching Ellen stay busy and not look at him. “I came here to talk to you. Can I talk to you? It is really important and I promise you, it won’t be about us. It has nothing to do with ... with ...” As painful as it was to admit, Henry was being ignored. “I’m sorry. You spoke to me today. I thought I could come to you with this. Did something happen?”

“Let’s just say I uh ...” Ellen slammed the papers down. “I had a little talk with your new girlfriend.”

“What? Who are you talking about?”

“Bev, you know the one that left Kenny and Kyle for you.”

“Ellen I ...”

“The one who says she will have your baby.”

“Oh my God. No, El.” He saw her look away again. “I told you I didn’t sleep with her ...”

“Stop it, Henry,” Ellen snapped. “Just stop OK?”

“I threw up.”

“I’m ... I’m sorry? What?” Ellen asked.

“I got sick and threw up before we finished.”

“You were drunk.”

“Yeah, no excuse, but I was.”

“And,” Ellen said. “She’s foul.”

Henry laughed.

Ellen gathered her things. “Thank you for the tea.” She took a sip.

“Will you eat the sandwich I brought you?”

“On my way to Joe’s.”

Henry smiled gently. “Thank you, El.” He saw her stand. “Are you going there now?”

“Yes.” Ellen grabbed the cup and wrapped sandwich.

“Can I walk you?” Henry asked as she moved by him.

“Henry, no.”

“But there’s something I need to tell you, something very important.”

“It’ll have to wait.” She moved to open the door. “It can’t be that important.”

Henry shuddered in a breath, getting up his nerve, and chanced it by blurting it out. “I’m going to make Dean see again.”

“What?” Ellen stopped and spun to him. “Henry, you can’t do ...”

“Yes, yes I can. I have ...” Breathing heavily, he stepped to her. “Danny and I have reinvented the microchip. I created a program that will enhance his vision and the chip will send the signals to Dean’s eyes that his brain is unable to do now. We have worked day and night. We have it now. As soon as Jason completes his tests, we’ll do it. Dean will see again. I’m sure of it.”

The tea cup dropped from Ellen’s hand, shattering on the floor by her feet. Not knowing what to say or do, Ellen, with shaking hands, bent down to the floor to pick up the pieces. As she did, Henry joined in helping her. “He’ll see?”

“He’ll see. But we don’t want to tell him until we know all tests have been completed successfully. They will be, I’m certain.”

“You did this? You came up with the program?”

“Yes, and the chip idea, I just couldn’t make it. But it’s made.”

“Oh, Henry.” Ellen was so shocked. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Say you’re happy, El. Say I did something that didn’t hurt you this time, but made you happy.”

Holding the broken glass in her hand, Ellen stuttered, “You made me happy with this one, Henry. Thank you.” She moved to him, dropping the glass to the floor again and laying her hand on his face. “Is this what you came to tell me?”

“Yes. I was scared to. I didn’t think you’d care.”

“I care.” She took her hand back and looked one more time at Henry’s smiling face. “Wow.” She shuddered then smiled too. “This is great.” She finished picking up the pieces of the cup. “And ... and I’d better hurry to Joe’s. I’ll get one of my guys to clean this up.”

“Can I walk with you now, El?” Henry stood to his feet the same time as Ellen.

“Walk with me now?” Ellen opened the door. “Henry, I’m sorry. This was a great, great thing you shared with me. So great. I’m proud of what you did, but it doesn’t make me see you any different right now. It doesn’t erase what happened. OK? I ... I still want to walk alone.” Giving Henry a peaceful look, Ellen walked over the spilled tea and slowly from her office.

Failed. Henry’s heart fell so hard at that moment and the glorification of what he accomplished in helping Dean, faded to the background. It meant nothing to him because Henry felt like he failed. How could he bask in what he created if he couldn’t fully bask in it with the person he cared most about? Until he could achieve that, what he did for Dean would never mean to Henry what it should.

<><><><>

“A lottery.” Joe sat at his desk with folded hands watching Frank, Ellen, and Dean so seriously look back at him. “You think this is best.”

Dean nodded. “It’s the best choice we have.”

Running his hand down his face, Joe reached for a cigarette. “I have to be honest with you. I knew of the antiserum, but I thought it was gone. Not used in some experiment, but used by you two,” he pointed to Ellen and Dean, “injected into the kids.”

Dean quickly looked at Ellen. “We thought ... we thought for as much as we’d like to do that, it wasn’t fair.”

“No it’s not,” Joe stated. “Calling an emergency meeting and not letting anyone know ahead of time is best. I’ll start tomorrow writing down the names. We’ll pull the four names before the entire community. This is a hard thing to do, to pick only four children to be definite survivors if the new plague hits. It’s even harder knowing that they could very easily, without saying anything, be all of my grandchildren.” Slowly, Joe lifted his eyes. “I need to know whose idea this was. Ellen, you said you and Dean went to talk to Frank about it. Which one of you came up with this?”

Frank answered for the three of them. “Let’s just say it was a joint effort.”

“Good enough,” Joe said. “We’ll just ...”

The door to Joe’s office burst open and in walked Robbie, smiling, standing tall, arms extended outward, and ... singing. It was a song from the sixties by the Rascals, ‘People Got To Be Free’, with Robbie’s own words. “Shout it from the mountain tops all over town. Beginnings should be grateful that Robbie’s around. Ba-ba-ba-ba.”

“Robbie!” Joe shouted. “What the hell is this?”

“I’m back.” He walked in and kissed Ellen on the cheek. “In one piece, and in victory mode. Wanna fool around, El? I’m in a good ...” Frank’s loud ‘Hey’ stopped Robbie’s line of questioning to her. “Kidding. Anyhow, like I radioed, we were successful and I need Frank to come to the garage. I have a surprise.”

Frank stood up. “You got our SUT?”

“You could say that, yeah.” Robbie grinned. “I have to head back there. Grab Henry when you come.”

“Got it.” Frank turned to Joe. “You coming?”

“Yes.” Joe stood up. “You get Henry. I’ll meet you there.”

“Sounds good.” Excited, Frank raced to the door, stopped, ran back to Ellen, rubbed her head, and kissed her cheek. He chuckled and ran out of the office with Joe right behind him.

Ellen looked to Dean in Joe’s empty office. “I guess our meeting is over.”

“I guess so.”

“Wanna sneak and see what they’re up to?”

“Sure, why not. Lead the way.” Dean stood, holding out his arm, letting Ellen take it, and foolishly lead him out.

<><><><>

The banging, slamming, and grumbling all came from behind the Mechanics door when Frank approached. “What the hell?” He opened it up to see Henry. Henry banged the file cabinet drawer. Mumbled something, stomped about, and made just about as much noise as one person could make on their own. “Henry? What the fuck?”

“Hey, Frank.” Henry sounded so down.

“What’s wrong?”

“Everything.”

“Did something happen?”

“You could say that. I told Ellen about my Dean invention.”

“And?” Frank asked.

“She killed me, Frank. Shot me down, burned me, crucified me, and hung me out to dry.”

“Whoa.” Frank looked and sounded shocked. “I’m sorry, Henry. I thought she would have been receptive.”

“She hates me.”

“Tell me what she said.” Frank walked closer to him. “Did she say, ‘Henry you suck. That’s a stupid idea.’ or what?”

“No.”

“No? Did she say she couldn’t care less?”

“No.”

“Well, what the hell did she say, Henry? Let’s take what she said apart. Maybe each statement individually may not look that bad.”

“I doubt it,” Henry said.

“Let’s try. What all did she say? Start by her first reaction.”

“She dropped the cup she was holding.”

“Good. Stunned. Not bad. What next?”

“She said ... she said it was a good thing. I didn’t make her feel badly for once.”

“Another good occurrence, Henry.” Frank nodded with approval. “And then she blasted you right?”

“No. She did say that it was a great thing and she was proud of me.”

“My God, Henry, could she have gotten any meaner with you.” Frank was sarcastic. “Now where exactly in the conversation did she kill you with words?”

“When ... when ... she wouldn’t walk with me, Frank.”

Another dramatic gasp came from Frank. “She tells you it was great and she’s proud of you, and you’re pouting because she wouldn’t walk with you? Henry! That’s stupid.”

Henry raised his head and his hand dropped from the filing cabinet. “I guess you’re right.”

“A step, Henry. We’re taking this one step at a time. This method is not an express elevator to the Peaches and Herb floor of being reunited. Got that?”

With a snicker, Henry nodded. “You’re right. That Peaches and Herb comment was funny.”

“I’m a funny guy. And ...” Frank walked to the door. “... the good news guy. Robbie got you your SUT. It’s at the garage.”

Henry shrieked. “The Auralnator worked!”

“I guess.”

“Yes!” Henry paced to the door then backed to his desk where he grabbed his radio. “Danny, Danny, come in. Meet me at the garage and hurry. It worked, Robbie got a ...” not wanting to say it over the airwaves, Henry coded it, “... a recipient of the Auralnator. Hurry.” Hooking his radio on his belt, Henry hurried from Mechanics so fast Frank couldn’t catch him right away.

<><><><>

Proudly, Robbie stood before the closed garage door, occasionally banging his fist against it with a smile, yelling at Neal, Curt, and Steve inside, who wanted out. “Wait until everyone’s here.”

Joe was his usual perturbed self, standing in front of the closed garage doors. What was the big deal? Why did
he have to wait? His annoyance was coupled by Ellen who whispered her commentating to Dean, truly believing she was not being heard.

Robbie could see Frank and Henry coming up over the hill. They stopped to wait for Danny then all three walked to the garage.

“First off.” Robbie held out his hands. “Henry, Danny, I have to tell you that thing was so cool. Man, the SUTs drop like flies, buzz and down.” Robbie grinned. “So, knowing this and feeling like I was in a Lays potato chip mood ...” Robbie lifted the garage door, “I came home the victor.”

Neal ran out first, stopping at Joe. “There is something not right about your son.”

“Yeah, I know,” Joe commented.

Henry and Danny stepped in first, the shrieks of laughter prompted Joe to race in.

Joe stood shocked. “Twelve? What in God’s name, Robbie? I told you one.”

“I know, I know. But, Dad, it was so easy and now we have our fist squad.” Robbie pointed to them. “What do you think, Frank?”

“You did this with that thing they made?” Frank whistled. “Henry, I want every single one of my men to have one. Can you make them?”

Henry, who was bending down in a squat to a SUT, looked back at Frank. “We need the supplies and we’ll do it.” His hand reached to the SUT who just stared outward. “Danny?” Henry whispered. “Do you think we messed him up?”

“No way. I think the thing was lobotomized and the chip told him how to function. You know, program CME-IS-2: Replacement of Normal Function, Infantry Soldier Directed. And ...” Danny sniffed. “That would explain the really bad smell.”

Henry inhaled and made a gagging face. “What is that?” He covered his nose.

“He doesn’t know how to control his bodily functions.” Danny’s back of his hand covered his nose. “Man, rank.” He blew out. “We’ll have to clean these guys up before we take them to the basement to reprogram.”

“You mean they all will just go ...”

“Where ever they feel like it,” Danny said as he watched Henry stand up. “Watch that puddle Henry your gonna ...”

Henry let out a loud ‘uh’.

“... step in it.”

With his eyes watering from the smell and the thought, Henry took off running with his hand over his mouth. He raced from the garage, his stomach pulling and turning. The second he stepped outside, he released his hand, turned to the side of the building and vomited.

Ellen saw this as she led Dean to the garage. “Must be good in there, Dean. Henry just puked.” As she walked by Henry, she tapped him on the back. “You OK?”

Henry badly wanted to answer. Ellen was speaking to him and nicely too, but he couldn’t. All he could do was let her go see the SUTs for herself while Henry finished releasing the remnants of the contents of his stomach.

<><><><>

A cool breeze blew in through the bedroom window, lifting the curtains. It was a great breeze and odd for an August night, Ellen thought. She stood by the window, a brush in her hand, staring out to the empty street below. Her hair was still slightly damp from the shower, and she looked down to her watch. How peaceful and quiet the house was and Dean wasn’t even around to enjoy it. What he could possibly be working on at the clinic was beyond her. Maybe it had something to do with the twelve new members of the community. Ellen certainly hoped that they weren’t going to come into Containment, especially when none of them were toilet trained.

Though there were times when a person truly enjoyed being alone, this was not one of them for Ellen. She could wait for Dean, but seeing that it was nearly eleven at night, he probably would just go to sleep when he returned. She could do what she used to do in the old world. Many of summer nights were spent just sitting on her front porch. More times than not, someone would also have the same urge and they would walk out to sit outside also, so would start that endless summer night conversation. A part of her missed that feeling, sipping a drink, talking away, looking at her watch, and seeing it had crept closer to morning than she thought.

But there was one thing certain about Beginnings. It wasn’t filled with the night owls. Frank was pulling extra rounds. Robbie was beat and Henry ... she didn’t even want to consider him. Then she remembered, she had another friend, a new one, and that was who Ellen decided she would go see. Danny invited her by many times. Hoping that maybe she could entice Danny into a summer walk and one of those long conversations about nothing, Ellen set down her brush, slipped on her shoes, and headed over to Danny Hoi’s.

<><><><>

“Danny, we’re getting ahead of ourselves,” Henry spoke as he reviewed the papers scattered about Danny’s coffee table. He sat in the chair, elbows on his knees as he leaned forward. “One thing at a time.”

“Sorry.” Danny plopped down the couch. “But I think we should do the first reprogram tomorrow.”

“I’m not going near them when they smell.”

“Robbie said he’d hose them down. He’ll be fine. You need to get over it, it’s body functions.”

“Danny.” Henry rose is head very seriously. “I have stomach problems.”

Danny laughed. “You do not. OK, back to the tracking.” Danny’s hand slammed down. “Preliminary tests I did this evening show that the chip you made works as well as the one taken from Harold the SUT ...” Danny started to snicker again.

“What’s so funny about that?”

“Harold the SUT. It makes me feel like singing. Remember that movie Howard the Duck? Get it? Harold the SUT, Howard the ...” He saw Henry was not amused. “Maybe not.” Danny shrugged. “What program are we gonna put into the first test one? I think we should do one of the ones you made. If it’s screwed up, we can just erase it. What do you think?”

“Sounds good, however I am curious about the one pre-made program. We’ll talk about it tomorrow.” Henry’s hand smoothed across the paper. “I’m looking at this, Danny. Can what you have planned to use, actually sustain what you have planned in size?”

“Let’s hope. We’re doing what, five of these instead of one big one? Connecting them should be ...” Danny’s head lifted. “Was that a knock?”

“It was light. Could be Dean.”

At the second knock, this time a little harder, both Henry and Danny looked at each other in unison. ‘Nah.’

Danny stood up. “I’ll be right back.” He walked to the door. He was so surprised when Ellen was standing there. “Ellen.”

“Hi.” She smiled. “What are you doing?”

“Working on the tracking system.”

“Oh.” She folded her hands. “Are you really busy?”

“Not for you. What’s up?” He opened the door wider for her to step in.

“It’s a great night, Danny. I was hoping you and I could take a walk and ...” Ellen stopped cold when she saw Henry sitting in the chair. “Never mind.”

Henry, who was taking a drink, lowered his glass as he stood up. “Hi, El.”

“Henry.” A flash of a brief smile and Ellen turned back to Danny. “I’ll just leave.”

“No wait.” Danny stopped her. “What’s going on? You said something about a walk and ...”

“No. Forget it now. Work on the tracking. I didn’t know Henry was helping you.”

“We’re working together on a lot of things.”

“I see.” Ellen nodded her head. “Goodnight.” She started to leave. Again Danny stopped her.

“El, I’ll uh ...” Danny looked back at Henry. “I’ll walk. Henry can review these alone.”

“No. Night.” She waved to Henry. “Night, Henry.” She walked from Danny’s house.

Danny shook his head so confused at Henry, then held up his hand to him and followed Ellen out. “Ellen, wait.”

“Yeah?”

“What was up with that?” Danny made it to her. “I thought you and I were gonna be buddies. I told you anytime you wanted to, I would make time to talk.”

“I changed my mind about that. You’re great guy, Danny but what really made it great for me was that you had no connection to Henry what-so-ever. It was sort of like you were my friend. You were the only one in Beginnings that was just friends with me, not Henry. Maybe it’s a little juvenile, I don’t know, but last I heard, you weren’t getting along with Henry and now you’re working with him.” She started walking again.

“Ellen, come on.” Danny stood looking like he was pleading.

“Night, Danny.” She smiled at him and continued walking.

Danny tossed his hands up in the air and let them fall with a slap. He looked at Ellen walking down the street, then at Henry who stood in his doorway. He felt for the first time like a real Beginnings resident, pulled like everyone else who knew Ellen and Henry. And in Beginnings, that was everyone. With a community as small as Beginnings, Danny felt it was a shame that a gap had widened so far between two of its people.

<><><><>

A glass of iced tea, a refreshing breeze, and a seat on the last step of Dean’s porch was Ellen’s scenario. Waiting for someone to walk by, watching—like the end to a Walton’s episode—the lights on the houses go out one at a time. Her position on the last step caused the rise of her knees. It was enough of a rise that Ellen could rest her elbows on her thighs, hold her glass of tea, and bring her mouth to it, slurping it in laziness.

Mid-third slurp, Ellen ejected the ice cube from her mouth when she heard the footsteps. They were too heavy to be Dean’s. Ellen lifted her head to wait on the poor unsuspecting soul she would pounce on for conversation. Hopefully, it wouldn’t be Henry.

The footsteps stopped. Did she imagine them? She heard the subtle clearing of a throat in the darkness, followed by a poetic whisper.

“Stranded on her front porch. Looking really down ...”

Ellen shook her head with a crocked smile. It was Frank. Was he doing that song from Grease making up his own words? No.

“... what Ellen really needs is Frank Slagel a-round.”

“Frank.”

“Ellen ... Baby ...” he sang.

“Frank.”

“I’m in misery ...”

“Knock off the Danny Zucco bit, Frank.”

Frank laughed and peeked his head around the bend of the house. “Hey.” He walked up to her. “Porch watching?”

“Yeah, but porch watching nothing.”

“Beginnings sucks like that. No old man Cramer ...”

“No late night barbecuing.”

“Hamburgers on the grill.” Frank smiled.

“No Mrs. Jargon with her spiked lemonade.”

“Lemon-icers,” Frank corrected with a point. “Did you ever have one of those things?”

“Many of times, especially when she fought with her husband.”

“Strong.”

“Very.”

“Can I join you?” Frank asked.

“Who’s with the kids?”

“Robbie is staying there. Can I?”

“Please. But you are forewarned that I will talk.”

“Then I will listen.” Instead of beside her, Frank sat behind her, a leg on each side of Ellen. “What are you drinking?”

“Tea.”

“Can I?” Frank reached down for it and took it. “Wait.” He leaned down to her. “You weren’t doing that Ellen thing of playing with the ice cubes and spitting them back in were you?”

“Yes.”

“Just curious.” Frank took a long drink and handed it back to her. He heard Ellen snicker. “What?”

“That never bothered you.”

“You mean putting something in my mouth that was in yours?” He whispered in her ear, “Sweetie, we have been far more intimate than that.” He kissed her on the cheek.

“I love you, Frank.”

Frank’s heart stopped. “What was that for?” He rested his hands on Ellen’s shoulders, gently rubbing them, not wanting her to see the huge grin on his face.

“I haven’t told you in forever.”

“See, you don’t need to. I know this.” He kissed the top of her head. “But ... I love you too.” He felt Ellen lean back into him and he basked in that, wrapping his arms around her and holding her.

“Did you ever wonder if we’ve known each other way too long?”

“Never. We haven’t known each other long enough.”

“Frank?” Ellen set down her glass. “You’ve known me since I was a teenager. Do you ... do you ever look at me now as old?”

“What?” Frank laughed. “Never. Do you look at me as old?”

“You? You’re a Slagel. Like Joe, you’ll never get old.”

“Where is this coming from?”

Ellen shrugged and leaned on his leg. “Do I look old to you?”

“Ellen.”

“Do I?”

“No.” Frank answered sharp. “You look great.”

“What about my body, is it ...”

“El.” Frank rested his chin on her head. “This body is better now than it ever was.” Frank ran his hand down her arm. “If you offered me that body of twenty years ago for the woman I hold right now, I’d laugh because every day you get better and better in my eyes. And you know what? You always will.”

“Even when I’m seventy?”

“Even when you’re seventy.” Frank’s hand slid to hold hers. “You’ll still be my girl.”

Ellen’s eyes rolled slightly with a calm peacefulness at what Frank said. It was what she needed to hear. Maybe that was why she brought it up to Frank, because he always told her what she needed to hear. Seeing that it was turning out to be an old fashion summer evening, Ellen leaned more into Frank and enjoyed the feeling.

<><><><>

Dean was blind, not deaf, and he certainly wasn’t stupid either so why at that moment did Dean feel as if he had been treated as such? Was he a china doll that would break, a guinea pig, or an uneducated mind that wouldn’t possibly comprehend what was happening, let alone be consulted?

Dean felt outraged as he stood in the storage room leaning against the wall. He went in there for more petri dishes. What he didn’t expect was to discover how much his other senses had started to kick in to compensate for his loss of vision.

As he felt around for the dishes he knew were there, he heard his name mentioned. Jason’s voice carried from Andrea’s office through the heating vent. His voice not only conveyed Dean’s name, but the fact that he was dictating information that Dean should have been told, information that Dean should have known first. Jason was dictating his latest test findings, dictating the success of them, and finally dictating that his results would soon confirm the go-ahead for the hush-hush procedure that would give Dean back his sight.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

AUGUST 4

Ellen’s mind flash back to the old days of high school, early morning dew, still damp from the night before rain, and a cloud of cigarette smoke from those who huddled outside. Of course in Beginnings, a cloud of cigarette smoke could easily be referred to as the Slagel smoke signal.

Jason joined Joe and Robbie outside Joe’s office, smoking. Ellen thought it odd how they were all hanging outside instead of in. In usual Ellen fashion, nothing went unsaid. “Morning.” She walked up to the three men. “Morning, Joe.” She kissed him on the cheek. “Why are you three hanging out here?”

Joe tossed his cigarette butt. “Enjoying the first cool morning in a while, I suppose.” Joe looked at Jason. “Remind me to ask Henry about this weather when he gets here.”

Ellen quickly shuffled her head around the men. “Henry’s coming too?”

“From what he told me,” Joe looked at his watch, “He should be here any minute with Danny.”

“Danny?” Ellen questioned. “Well what is the big meeting all a ...” Ellen felt the kiss to her cheek. She smiled and turned to familiar feel of his lips. “Morning, Frank.”

“El,” Frank said with a smile, biting his bottom lip.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“I was thinking about last night.”

Ellen grinned and spoke softly, “I was thinking about that too on the way up here.”

“I loved it.”

“Really?”

“Oh yeah,” Frank said. “It was so much like old times.”

“It was, wasn’t it?’

“Every single second of ... of ... of.” Frank clenched his mouth and tilted his head. “Robbie, what the fuck?” He palmed his hand over Robbie’s face that had intruded into their conversation and pushed him out. “Go.”

“What happened last night?” Robbie asked. “Come on tell me. Please. Did you two?”

“No!” Frank snapped at him. “We talked, Go away. It’s none of your business.” Frank shoved him.

Robbie snickered. “Right, I’m not buying it, this ‘I loved last night’ shit. You two were screwing around, weren’t you? You’re glowing.”

“Robbie.” Frank grew stern. “For your ...” His words halted when he grunted loudly, feeling the hard nudge to this gut. He looked up as Henry walked between him and Ellen.

Henry paused by Frank. “Thanks, Frank! Asshole! You’re glowing!”

“What?” Frank questioned.

“Deal’s off.” Henry pointed his finger.

Ellen stepped closer as Henry moved by. “Deal? What deal? Frank, do you have a deal with Henry over something?”

“No,” Frank answered.

“Yes,” Henry corrected. “Over you.”

“Over me?” Ellen asked shocked.

“Yes,” Henry said.

“Tattletale.” Frank shoved him lightly.

“Welcher.” Henry shoved back.

“Hold it.” Ellen stopped them and spoke slow. “What deal? Is there a deal, Frank?”

Frank’s mouth moved a little without saying any words. Then he took a second, twitched his head, and glared his angry eyes at Henry before looking back at Ellen, trying to explain his way out of it. “Yes. El, look I ...”

“Stop.” Ellen held up her hand and faced Henry. “You,” she pointed at him, “have no right what-so-ever to be making deals over me. You hear me?” Angrily she stormed off into Joe’s office.

Frank snickered at the gasping look on Henry’s face. “Back fired on ya, didn’t it, little boy?” Frank flicked Henry lightly on the nose and walked into the office.

“Such an asshole,” Henry commented and walked towards Joe’s office. He paused before going in, allowing Frank time to handle that situation.

Andrea’s cheerful voice caused Robbie to cringe and Joe wishing he had a place to hide. “Look who I found coming up here.” Andrea walked holding onto Danny’s arm. “Seems Mr. Hoi has been invited also.”

Seeing the good mood and pleasantries on Andrea’s face, Robbie, escaped into Joe’s office before Andrea could say or do anything odd to him. He was still wincing after she asked him just that morning if he’d been brushing three times a day.

With Robbie watching the slight Ellen and Frank bickering, Henry sulking, Andrea humming, Danny gloating and Jason snickering, Joe walked behind his desk. “If there’s a chair, have a seat. We might as well start this thing.” He watched as Ellen and Andrea took a chair then Frank and Henry tugging on the third, finally losing to Robbie who just sat in it. “All right, if we’re ready, Frank, start.”

“What?” Frank asked as he took his normal stance by the filing cabinet.

“Start, you called this thing,” Robbie said.

“No I didn’t,” Frank said. “I merely told you like I was supposed to. Henry called this.”

“No I didn’t. I told you, Frank.” Henry pointed at Andrea. “Andrea called it.”

“Not me, Jason did,” Andrea replied.

Jason snickered with a shake of his head. “Robbie’s the one.”

Robbie threw his hands up. “All of you are confused. Ellen called the meeting.”

“Me?” Ellen smirked. “Now why in the word would I call a meeting? I hate them.”

Joe had enough. “Christ, each one of us passed the message along. Who in God’s name called this thing?”

“I did.” Dean stepped into the room. “I called the meeting. I told Ellen and she started the ‘pass it on’. Thank you, El.”

“Sure, Dean.” Ellen, chipper as she crossed her legs, swinging them.

Walking by Ellen to Joe’s desk, Dean paused, listened, and stopped Ellen’s swinging leg. He stood before everyone. “May I, Joe?”

“You called this thing.” Joe rolled his chair out some from his desk to watch Dean.

Hoping that he actually was facing everyone, Dean began to talk. “I called all of you here for this early morning meeting because last night, each one of your names were mentioned. I overheard them mentioned by Jason. And ... and that is not all I overheard. Right now I’m pissed and I suppose that’s why I called you all here. It seems you people think so little of me that I’m not even privileged enough to know Henry has come up with a way that I can see.” He heard the merging of voices as they tried to explain. “Stop it!” Dean’s voice rose. “These are my eyes, not yours. I lost my sight. None of you know what that is like. Frank and Robbie, you knew of this because you set up the capturing of SUTs to use as practice on an invention that was spawned when Henry and Danny worked on the chip for me. Henry, you made something that could make me see? You are supposed to be my friend and you didn’t tell me? Joe, you run this community and you let these people run around with this conspiracy of sheltering me from this as if I were a child? Andrea, you gave Jason my notes. He went through my notes, read my stuff, used my equipment, and practiced it, trying to perfect a way to lobotomize me? You people sit back and make plans on cutting into my brain and I’m not allowed to know about it? That program, Jason, that laser program, I know it. I’ve run it. Don’t you think it would have been a little easier for you to come to me for help. El, did you know?”

“Dean, I ...”

“You did.” He spun to where her voice came from. “That pisses me off the most.” His voice rose. “You! You of all people knew and you kept this from me! I tell you how much I wish I could see! I slept in bed with you last night. I said goodnight to you and you laid your head down knowing that you were keeping something from me I should know.”

“Dean ...” Ellen tried to defend herself.

“No!” He shouted at her. “I don’t want to ...”

Frank stepped in. “Dean, enough,” he spoke strongly. “Don’t yell at her again. She was the last one to find out. Now settle your little ass down. Calm it. We’re all trying to help.”

“You’re right.” Dean held his hand up. “But the charade is over. El, I’m sorry I yelled at you.” Dean took a calming breath. “Now I want all of you to fill me in on every aspect of this. I will be the one to help plan the medical procedures. I will help decide how and when and where this chip gets planted. Understand? You guys may have come up with this, but it’s my life you’ve been planning on risking. I’ll be especially damned if I will be involved in a medical procedure that I know more about than all of you.”

There was silence in that room at first but as Dean leaned back against Joe’s desk, the explanations and planning began.

<><><><>

Ellen ran as fast as her feet would carry her from Containment over to the clinic. She nearly tripped several times, especially when slow-moving Josephine got in her way on the steps of the clinic. Grateful that Josephine wasn’t hurt when Ellen bumped into her, she continued on in her race.

Down the main corridor to the left then to the right into birthing room number two. “Sorry I’m late, Dean, I got here as fast as I could.” She saw Dean washing up at the sink. “Dean?”

“False.”

“Aw!” Ellen stomped and whined walking over to Dean and lowering her voice to a whisper. “Where’s Andrea?”

“Delivering a baby.”

Ellen giggled. “You didn’t have to feel around too much for the examination now did ...”

“Ellen.”

“Sorry.” Ellen covered her mouth.

“Melissa was in here, anyhow.”

“Oh. You know, you always did exams with your eyes closed anyhow.” Putting on a fake, perky smile, Ellen skipped to the examining table to where Trish was sitting. “No baby huh?”

“It was false labor.” Trish covered her body.

“Well, what were you doing? Maybe you can keep doing it and it will make the labor real.”

“Running,” Trish told her.

“Running?” Ellen turned to Dean. “Dean, did you tell her she shouldn’t be running?”

Dean tossed the towel he dried his hands on into the bin. “I think Trish should tell you why she was running.”

“Why were you running, Trish?” Ellen asked.

“I was chasing that Bev,” Trish said with such anger.

“Though I like that thought, you shouldn’t have done that, but uh ...” Ellen leaned to her. “Why were you chasing her?”

“She’s doing this testing thing, Ellen. She is testing all of us women. She was flirting with Jeff. He said she wasn’t. I said she was.”

“Even if she was, Trish, Jeff is good. He’s not Henry.” Ellen patted Trish’s knee and started to walk out. “Oh by the way, what were you going to do if you caught her?”

“Simple,” Trish explained. “Josephine told me if I caught Bev, she would beat her up for me.”

“Oh.” Trying to keep serious, Ellen nodded, opened the birthing room door , walked into the hall, and released her laughter.

<><><><>

“Perimeter reqs,” Frank’s strong voice preluded the strong hand that slammed down the requisitions in the bin at Mechanics, “for you Henry.”

Henry shook his head. “See how it is around here, Danny? They keep coming in.” He saw Robbie peeking in the bin. “Robbie, are you staying to help?”

“I have a few more things to take care of and I’ll be back.”

Henry picked up the requisitions Frank laid down. “Security and clinic are always the first repairs,” he explained to Danny.

“Yeah,” Frank added just to irritate Henry, “and don’t forget that.” He started to leave. “Oh, Henry, I fixed that little problem this afternoon. Deal is on. And ... a little womanly advice to you right now from me. Right now with Ellen your luck is bad. You’re drowning in it, pal, so before you drown, think ... think real hard before you say anything.” Frank pointed his finger to his own temple and backed up through Mechanics door. “Coming, Robbie?”

“In a sec,” Robbie answered.

Leaving, Frank could hear Henry bitch about him to Robbie, but he didn’t mind. He actually enjoyed seeing Henry so upset.

Frank moved toward his office, the place he went to everyday at that time. He was fully planning on catching up on stupid reports, rehashing reconnaissance flights with Robbie, and then hitting the perimeters again, if Robbie would only catch up. Frank looked back and saw him nearing.

With his eyes glued to his clipboard, he opened his office door, lifted his head, saw a smiling, naked Bev on his desk. He turned immediately around and walked back out, shutting the door behind him. “Robbie,” he called to his brother.

“Yeah, Frank?” Robbie trotted up to him.

Frank motioned his head backwards. “Use my jeep and take care of that problem in there.”

“Problem?”

“Yes.”

“Uh ...” Robbie, clueless, shrugged. “Sure.” He walked into Frank’s office.

Frank moved over a foot to the little bench that leaned against his outer office wall, He sat down, breathing out as he did. He listened to Robbie take care of the problem and Frank only lifted his head when he heard the jeep turn over then, drive away. Calmly, with just a hint of snicker, Frank looked at his watch and pulled a cigarette from his pocket.

He’d smoke some then look at his watch again. He sat there like he was waiting on a bus. With his final puff of his cigarette, he glanced one more time at his watch, drew a smirk upon his face, and lowered the microphone of his headset closer to his mouth. “El.”

<><><><>

It was evident at that very moment in time why Ellen earned the title ‘The Little Mouse That Roared’. Still wearing her clinic lab coat, she stormed with a vengeance, hair flying out and coat flying back, across the street of Beginnings. She was a woman on a mission and it was seen in her face. Those who saw her, those who stood in her way, parted from her path as if she was Moses and they were the Red Sea.

Her eyes held determination along with anger. Her face was stone cold as she moved quickly down to the second line of buildings. She didn’t stop, not once, she couldn’t. Flinging the door to the bakery open with a ‘bang’ Ellen flew by Cindy, who stood up from counting supplies, passed Josephine who quickly jumped from her way, and into the back of the bakery where the kitchen was located.

Ellen saw her as soon as she stepped in the kitchen. Bev. With her eyes glued upon Bev’s, Ellen with straight-ahead bulldozer determination, moved across that kitchen toward her. In her furious stride, never slowing down, never pausing, Ellen reached out and snatched Bev up by the throat. Using her anger as her strength, she pulled Bev with her across that room as if she weighed nothing, and she slammed her back-first against the huge vat of grease.

Bev let out a blood curdling scream as her hands fought to free Ellen’s from her throat. Her legs slid upon the floor in a struggle.

Ellen gripped so tightly to Bev’s throat, her fingers could have punctured through the skin. She leaned close to Bev, feeling the heat of the hot oil that boiled less than a foot from Bev’s head, which dangled in toward it over the side of the vat. Over her, in a choke grip, pressing the back of Bev’s neck hard to the vat, Ellen placed her face. She ignored Bev’s cries. “I will take a lot.” Ellen’s deep graveled voice spat at her. “I will put up with a lot. I will not put up with you when it comes to Frank.” She rammed her hard again. “Go near him again, speak to him, look at him, and I swear to God, the next time, I will drown you in this oil.” Pulling her from the vat, Ellen tossed Bev harshly to the floor, stepped over her crying, shaking body as she stormed back out of the bakery nearly as fast as she stormed in.

<><><><>

Joe’s half square glasses rested on the hand that rubbed his eyes harshly, not wanting to hear what was being told. “Go on,” he told Andrea as he stood outside a clinic room door.

“Some of them are third degree burns, Joe. Those are the ones she’s not feeling right now.”

“Christ.” Joe moved his hand looking back at the closed door. “I don’t want to deal with the shit, Andrea.”

“I know. Is there any way we can let it go? Ignore it.”

“I would.” Joe cleared his throat. “But that asshole Kenny is in there with her now, screaming for justice. What am I supposed to do?”

“I know it’s hard to not be a father right now. How about being both, the leader and her father.” Andrea laid her hand on Joe’s folded arms. “I’ll go with you, as your partner and as Council.”

“Thank you, Andrea.” Joe lifted his head, took a breath, knocked on the door, and walked in. He looked at Bev in the bed, awake. Her face was tear streaked and swollen from crying. “How she doin?” he asked Kenny.

Kenny released Bev’s hand and stood up harshly. “Look at her. She’s in pain, unbearable pain!” he shouted. “Your daughter is ...”

“Easy!” Joe shouted. “Pipe down will ya. I’m not the one who shoved her in the grease pit, am I? No. Now sit.”

“We want something down about this, Joe. Something needs to be done.” Kenny looked at Andrea.

Joe stepped closer. “You do understand this is a delicate situation.”

“Why,” Kenny asked with anger, “because it’s Ellen? I don’t care who she is. She did this, she should be treated like everyone else. I want her out.”

Joe had to try his hardest not to laugh. “Oust her? What? Are you out of your goddamn mind? One! We don’t oust women unless it’s drastic. Two! Those two are at odds. Three, she’s my daughter for crying out loud! If I throw her out, do you even comprehend how many people will follow? That is not an option.”

“I want Council to do something about this,” Kenny insisted.

“And Council will.”

Kenny scoffed at that. “Like you said, Joe, you’re her father and she’s ...” He pointed at Andrea. “She might as well be her mother. I want it to be Henry’s decision. Henry cares about my Bev.”

Immediately Joe turned from Kenny. He couldn’t face him with the fear he would laugh at him.

“Does he even know about this yet?” Kenny asked. “I bet he doesn’t. He’ll be upset. I want him to make the decision, Joe. Him. Even knowing how he feels about Bev, you know he’ll be fair. Henry is always fair.”

“Henry can’t ...” Joe shut up and faced Andrea. “Henry doesn’t know about this, does he?”

“Sweet Jesus, Joe.” Andrea shook her head. “No. He can’t make this decision.”

“What did the man say?” Joe pointed back at Kenny. “He said Henry is fair. Well, Andrea, Henry is fair. We know that.”

“Not when it comes to ...” Andrea whispered, “Ellen.” She cringed when Bev moaned.

“He doesn’t need to know it’s Ellen. How much more fair can I make it.” Joe faced Kenny. “Will you accept Henry’s decision if he bases it on fact learned only through the anonymity of Ellen ...” Joe hunched at Bev’s scream, “... and Bev.”

“You’re not going to tell him who is involved?” Kenny saw Joe nod. “I’ll accept that. I’ll accept that decision. I’m trusting you, Joe.” He pointed. “I’m trusting you to feed him the facts, no bias sides to the story.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Joe shook his head and walked to the door. “I’ll go get him now. You’ll have his decision shortly.” Joe walked out and waited in the hall for Andrea.

“Joseph, I cannot believe you are going to put Ellen’s fate in that boy’s hands without him knowing he is controlling it.”

“Fate my ass, Andrea, this is Henry we’re talking about. Ousting is out anyhow. How bad will he be? This is Henry.” Joe started to walk. “Besides, it’ll be very interesting when he does find out it was Ellen.” He stopped and faced Andrea. “Kind of like the Let’s Make a Deal version of punishment. Huh?”

“Joe.”

“I’ll radio you as soon as he makes his mind up ...” Joe kissed her cheek then tapped it. “Sweetheart.”

“No instigating it, Joe.”

“It’s Henry.” Joe held his hands up as he walked backwards.

“No allowing him to put himself in a position that will wreak him hell from Ellen.”

“Andrea, it couldn’t be more brilliant. Like I said, how bad will the punishment be?” Joe smiled. “It’s Henry.”

<><><><>

No amount of good news from his Southern Divisions was going to put a smile on George’s face during his daily briefing. Three whole days had passed and still not a word came from John Matoose. To top it all off, it had surpassed his check-in time from his observation CMEs positioned within fifty miles of Beginnings. Things weren’t going as planned and George hated when that happened. It was time to take full control of the helm and steer it his own way.

After telling his right hand man, Lawrence Gillian, also one of George’s Caceres Peace Ambassadors, ‘If John Matoose calls, put him through, smile over the phone, but tell him nothing. Fuck him.’ George left the meeting determined. He headed to his laboratories, knowing full well that they were near ready. He stopped at his Military Command, instructing his Sergeant Major to ‘intensify and prepare’.

George wanted, in his hand, written reports of a plan of action and its expected outcome from his biological and military specialist. George wanted and needed these reports in his hand by the day’s end. With their reports and George’s own intensified plan, he would put in motion his actions to proceed in what he believed to be the final strikes against Beginnings. George was going to hit them fast, furious, and at full force. Most of all, George was going to hit them sooner than Beginnings had ever anticipated.

THE INVASION

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

With a final grunt and a turn of his wrist, Henry emerged from under the counter in the Monitorings’ security room. “Done.” He stood up, brushing himself off. “Now, explain to me, Jeff, how a bolted down terminal got loose.”

“One word ... Frank.”

“Frank?” Henry questioned. “Did he move it?”

“No, he slammed his hand on the counter. He was pissed off at that Survivor who kept throwing things at Perimeter Nine because we wouldn’t let him in.”

“Was that the one he shot at?”

“That’s the one.” Jeff pointed and slumped farther into his chair.

“Not in a good mood, Jeff?” Henry closed the flap to his tool bag.

“Pissy mood to be precise. Trish thought she was in labor but it turned out to be false.”

“That could do it. Of course Nick was born early so I really didn’t have to wait on him at all.”

“The false labor isn’t what got me. It’s the reason for it. She was running after Bev so Josephine could beat her up.”

“Why was she doing that?” Henry asked.

“Trish can’t fight, Henry. She’s nine months pregnant.”

“No, I mean wanting her beat up. What did Bev do now?”

“Trish said she was flirting with me. Hell, I didn’t even pay attention to her. Now I’m going to have to hear about it even though I’m an innocent in all of this.”

“Stay that way too,” Henry advised. “Take it from me, you see that girl coming, you run. Run from her. She’s trouble, Jeff, and has been the past couple of days here in town. She really burns me.” Henry began to get upset. “A trouble maker and I ...”

“Henry.” Joe walked into the Monitoring room, interrupting. “Glad I found you. I need you.”

“Oh sure, Joe.” Henry grabbed his tool bag. “Remember what I said, Jeff.” Tossing the bag around his shoulder, he joined Joe. “What’s up?”

“To my office.” Joe waved his hand and led the way to the line of utility buildings not far from the Monitoring Station.

“Did I do something, Joe?” Henry asked as they walked into Joe’s office.

“No, but you will. Have a seat.” Joe walked behind his desk and sat.

“What’s going on?” Henry sat and he placed his tool bag on the floor.

“You’re on Council. In fact you’re second in command here in Beginnings. A situation has arisen in the community and you have to make the decision.”

“Me? Just me?”

“Yes, Henry.”

“Why?” Henry asked.

“One, the decision has to be based on anonymity. Andrea and I know the parties involved, so this one is on you.”

Henry blew slowly from his mouth. “I hate being put in that position.”

“I know, but you have to make a decision and it has to be done now. It’s on the lines of punishment.”

“Oh no, Joe, you know I hate making punishment decisions. People end up thinking I’m not very nice.”

“You have to do this one.”

Henry slid down in his chair. “All right. What’s the situation?”

“Fact, it involves two women ...”

“Stop. Women?”

“Yes, Henry, let me finish. We’ll call these women, Woman ‘A’ and Woman ‘B’. Fact. Woman ‘A’, on the word of a third party, went after Woman ‘B’, physically attacking her.”

“Did Woman ‘B’ attack back?”

“No.”

“Did Woman ‘B’ provoke it physically?”

“No.” Joe shook his head.

“Woman ‘A’ based her attack on the word of a third party? She didn’t see anything for herself?”

“No.”

“Was it a simple attack? Slap and scratch sort of thing?”

“That’s good.” Joe pointed with a chuckle. “But ... no. That’s why you have to make the decision. See, Woman ‘B’ is in the clinic now with a sprained neck and severe burns on the back of the neck, some of them third degree.”

Henry’s eyes widened. “You’re kidding me? What in the world is up with the women in this community this week? My God, is it premenstrual week or something?”

“You know how it gets the first few days after hormone injections.” Joe shrugged. “I always give leeway.”

“Well I won’t. I’m really sick of the way these women get away with things, Joe.”

“Henry.” Joe held up his hand.

“No.” Henry shook his head. “You have a woman, who didn’t strike back, who didn’t physically provoke, who wasn’t even proven guilty and she’s lying in the clinic with third degree burns.” Henry sat up. “Oust Woman ‘A’.”

“No!” Joe scolded.

“Why?”

“We don’t oust women, you asshole, unless it’s deadly.”

“You gave me the decision.”

“Well ousting can’t be one of them.”

“That sucks, Joe.”

“Tough.”

Henry tapped his hand on the arm of the chair. “Well we have to send a clear cut message to the community. Woman ‘A’ has to be made an example.”

“Henry, you think that maybe you should ...”

“Joe.” Henry held up his hand. “My decision, let me think. Severity. We can’t stick her in the Fields. She wouldn’t work out. Hmm.” Henry thought and grew annoyed at Joe’s finger tapping on his desk top. “Joe, please.”

“No. Henry, please. This isn’t a difficult thing to do. Come up with a punishment. How about an hour in Holding?”

“No way! She burned and scarred a woman.” Henry snapped his finger. “I got it. This is good.” He leaned toward Joe. “Woman ‘A’ will be placed immediately in Holding until tomorrow morning, after and only after, she delivers a personal apology to Woman ‘B’.”

“Henry, most of this day and all night in Holding? And an apology? Don’t you think that’s a little severe?”

“No, Joe. That’s my decision.”

“I don’t think ...”

“Joe.” Henry raised his voice. “It’s my decision. You gave it to me. That’s fair and severe.”

“You’re absolutely sure?” Joe asked.

“Yes,” Henry answered.

“Positive?”

“Yes,” Henry grew perturbed.

“I can’t change your mind.”

“No, Joe. That’s it. I’m really tired of these women in this community. Did you see the long scratch on Frank’s arm from the Jenny fight?”

“OK, if that’s your final word.” Joe picked up his phone. “Excuse me.” He dialed. “Robert, Henry made his decision. Woman ‘A’ is to be placed in Holding until tomorrow morning. Yes, he decided that.” Joe looked at Henry. “No, don’t take her there yet. Go get her and ... and bring her to the clinic. Part of her punishment is to apologize to Woman ‘B’.” Joe spun his chair and lowered his voice. “Knock of the laughing. Get her and bring her to the clinic. We’ll be right there. No, I’ll tell her the punishment. And uh ... call Andrea with this one for me. Thanks.” Joe hung up the phone and spun the chair to re-face Henry. “Ready?”

“For what?”

“To go to the clinic.” Joe stood up. “You decided the punishment. You hand it out.”

“With pleasure, Joe.”

Wanting to tell Henry ‘you think?’ Joe decided it was best not to let any of the anonymity out of the bag. That little surprise would be best uncovered first hand.

<><><><>

Henry walked side by side with Joe. He held his head high, ready for any argument Woman ‘A’ would give to him and battling his defenses in his head as they made their way to patient rooms.

“This way,” Joe told him. They started to turn the bend but were stopped by Andrea.

“Joe.” She grabbed him. “Stop this right now.”

“Andrea.” Joe held his hand high. “Like Henry insisted, it is his final decision. Excuse us.”

Covering her face then folding her arms, Andrea walked away. She didn’t want to witness the painful scene that would unravel.

As soon as Henry turned the bend, he slowed down when he saw Ellen stand up from a chair outside of a room. Robbie was with her. “El?” Henry walked up to her. “What are you doing here?”

Giving scolding eyes to Robbie, who snickered, Joe explained, “Ellen, you know why you are here don’t you?”

“Yes,” Ellen said calmly, “my punishment.”

Henry’s mouth dropped open. “You? You burned her?”

“Yes, Henry, I did. So what?” Ellen said sharply. “Just tell me what my punishment is. This is fuckin stupid.”

“Henry?” Joe motioned his hand. “Since the decision was announced to the other parties, please tell Ellen your final decision.”

“But, Joe ...”

“Henry,” Joe deepened his voice, “you were the adamant one. Tell her.”

Nervously Henry cleared his throat. “These are severe, El. You have to go to Holding and stay there till morning.”

Ellen nodded slowly. “Holding, like a criminal.” She closed her eyes briefly. “Thanks, Henry. So what’s the other one? You made it sound as if I have two punishments.”

“Yes.” Henry breathed out. “You have to go in and apologize to her for burning her.”

“No!” Ellen shouted.

“Yes,” Henry said. “El, listen I ...”

“No!” Ellen waved her hands about. “No, no, no!” She stepped back ranting. “I won’t! Fuck her! Fuck you, Henry! No! Joe. I’ll spend a week in Holding. Anything. No.”

Joe looked at Henry. “Care to change your mind now, Mr. Final decision?”

Henry was a little upset by this. Didn’t Ellen understand the severity of the injuries she caused and yet she was still so calloused about it. Taking a firm breath, Henry faced her. “More than anything, this is what you have to do. I made the decision. I stick by it. Apologize, El. You hurt her badly, really badly. I want you to apologize now. She deserves that.”

Ellen bit her bottom lip, stared cold eyes at Henry, pleading eyes at Joe, and then shot her middle finger to Robbie who laughed. “Fine.” She tossed her hands up. “I’ll apologize.” She tossed her head back. “You coming?” Taking a calm pause before going in, Ellen opened Bev’s door and walked inside.

The moment Henry saw who was in the bed was the moment he wanted to drop over and die. Before he could call out to stop Ellen, before he could do anything, Ellen had opened her mouth.

“Bev.” Ellen faced the bed. “I’m told by Henry to apologize. Fine.” She cleared her throat. “I’m sorry.” She faced Henry. “And, Henry?” Without warning, without saying anymore, Ellen revved back her tightly closed fist, squared it away, swung it harshly, and landed it to the side of Henry’s face. Shaking her hand, she stormed passed Henry and Joe then walked up to Robbie. “Take me to Holding.” She walked with him. “And don’t try anything kinky with those handcuffs.” Without looking back, she moved with anger from the clinic.

Joe cringed and squinted when he looked at Henry who held the back of his hand to the corner of his eye. “Geez, Henry. Uh ... I ...”

“You set me up.”

“No,” Joe hid his laugh, “I gave you every opportunity to change your mind.”

“Thanks, Joe. Thanks a lot.” Henry closed his eyes tightly.

“I swear I didn’t expect that.”

“Neither did I.” Henry twitched his head. “Can you at least tell me now why she burned Bev? Now that I know who the parties involved are.”

“Simple.” Joe started to lead Henry down the hall. “Frank radioed her and told her Bev was in his office naked.”

“What?” Henry stomped. “That’s sucks, Joe. She burns Bev because she flashes Frank, but she doesn’t go after her at all over me. That just sucks and now I have a black eye.”

“Not to mention Ellen probably is really pissed at you.”

“Thanks, Joe.” Henry stormed ahead.

“Maybe even hates you more.”

Henry spun around still holding his eye. “I don’t need to hear this!” He stormed off.

“Gonna try to fix this, Henry?” Joe picked up his pace to keep up to a near running Henry.

“Yes!” Henry shouted as he flew out the double glass doors of the clinic.

Jolting at the bang of the doors, Joe shook his head and sang his words. “I don’t think you can.” Shrugging, he turned back down the hall and went to find Andrea.

<><><><>

The day in Holding wasn’t as bad as it could have been for Ellen. It was spent with lots of paper work that Dean insisted he had to go over in person with her. Ellen figured that was his attempt to keep her in contact with someone. Dean spent a lot of time with each visit, laying on the bed with Ellen, and talking to her as if they weren’t in that cold Holding room.

They talked a lot about the virus, but most of all they talked about the microchip that was going to be implanted in his brain ... first thing the next morning. The whole entire aspect of it frightened Ellen, but she couldn’t let on to Dean that it did. So confident Dean came off to her, so comfortable with the fact that he added that needed final touch to secure the possibility of success in the procedure. In fact, Dean was more worried about the fact that Johnny was his eyes up at the mobile instead of Ellen, and how he was going to be able to work efficiently without Ellen by his side.

Ellen’s day in Holding was filled more with people stopping by than being alone, but that was during the day. When evening came, the buzz of visitors slowed down then finally ceased. The two and a half hours that Ellen had sat alone since the last time she talked to anyone seemed like an eternity.

Maybe that was why, when she heard the Holding door unlock, she became so excited, like a kid chasing an ice cream truck. She jumped from the bed when the door opened. “Frank!” she screamed out.

Frank barely set down the things he brought with him on the table to the right of the door before he was pummeled by Ellen, who jumped at him and threw her arms and legs around him tightly. “El.” He felt Ellen tightly cling to him like she was a monkey.

“Frank.” Ellen held on to him. “Take me out of here, please.”

“I can’t, El.”

“Frank, I’m scared in here. It’s spooky. Frank.”

“El. I can’t,” he snickered.

“Please, please, please, please, please.” She whispered in his ear, “Sneak me out and put me back in the morning. No one will know.”

“I can’t do that.” He peeled her legs from him. “I brought you some things though.”

“I don’t want things. I want out.”

“You’re stuck.”

“Can you at least beat up Henry for doing this?”

“No, I am not beating up Henry.”

With a whine, Ellen released her grip. “I can’t believe you’re taking his side.”

“I’m not taking his side. I’m following rules.”

“The rules suck.” She backed up and sat on the bed.

“Yeah, I agree. But it won’t be that bad. Just go to sleep. Look.” He walked over to the table. “I brought you clothes and your toothbrush, an old magazine.” He lifted it. “And ...” he grinned, “the blue underwear I like seeing you in.” He held them up.

Ellen looked up from the slump stature she held on the bed. Her face brightened. “You like seeing me in them?”

“Yeah. They’re my favorite.”

“Frank?” Ellen smiled. “You know you could stay in here with me.”

“No I can’t.”

“Yes you can. I’ll ... I’ll model the underwear for you.”

“El, for as great an offer as that is, I can’t, honey.”

“Please.”

“El.”

“Just stay all night with me. No one will know. I’m scared, Frank.”

“El.”

“Frank?” She unbuttoned her shorts. “Look.”

“No.”

“Frank?” She unzipped them and let the shorts fall then stepped out of them. “Look.”

“El.” Frank covered his eyes and peeked through his fingers.

“All night, Frank.” Ellen lifted off her shirt.

“El ...”

“All night.” She undid her bra and tossed it. “Alone up here.”

Frank grew antsy as he stood there, staring back at the partially opened Holding door.

“Frank?” Ellen softened her voice then in a seductive move, she slowly rolled off her underwear. “I will make love to you all night long. Turn around, Frank, and look at me.”

Slowly Frank turned around.

“Stay with me and I will make love to you all ... night ... long.” She backed up to the bed.

“Starting when?”

“Starting right ...” Ellen sat on the bed then laid on her side on it. “Right now.”

“Oh my God.” Quickly Frank dropped his shoulder harness, kicked his foot back to close the door, and in his stride to the bed, took off his shirt, throwing it.

As Ellen moved to her back and Frank knelt to the bed, Joe yelled through the closed door. “Let’s go, Frank. Time’s up.”

“Shit.” Frank closed his eyes. His body was so close to touching down to Ellen’s. “Uh, Dad, not now.” He felt Ellen’s hand slide to his neck and he began to lower his body down.

“Now, Frank!” Joe knocked.

With his hands on both sides of Ellen, suspending his body up, Frank looked at the door. “I’m staying here, Dad.”

“No, Frank. Move it. Let’s go. I know what you’re up to.”

“You haven’t a clue what I’m ...” Frank looked down at Ellen’s naked body just inches from his. “Oh God.” He swallowed. “... up to.”

“Frank!”

“All right!” Frank looked down at Ellen. “I’m sorry.” He slid from the bed. “I’m sorry.”

“No.” She jumped up and was greeted by her clothes that Frank tossed at her. “Don’t leave me here.”

“El, I can’t stay.”

“Frank, I swear to God if you walk out that door, you won’t ever get this opportunity again.”

“Yes I will.”

“No you won’t.”

“Yes I will.” Frank faced her and smiled. “And I guarantee it won’t be on rebound from Henry or just because you are scared to be alone.”

“Then what will be the reason?” Ellen asked tauntingly.

“It’ll be because it’s finally our time.” Frank opened the door slightly. “You know what, El? I think ... I think for that moment, I wanna wait.” He winked with a smile and walked out the door.

“Frank,” Ellen called out in a slow whine. “I can’t believe you left me here.” Stepping into her underwear, then placing on her shirt, Ellen heard the grunting and the moaning from the SUT who roomed next to her. “With zombies.” With visions in her mind of Harold the SUT crashing through the walls, arms extended ready to chomp flesh, she heard the turning of the lock on her door. “Thank God,” she breathed in relief. “You changed your ... Henry.”

“Hey, El.” Apprehensively, Henry stepped in.

“Get out.”

“El, I need to ...”

“Get out!”

“El.”

“No! You did this to me! You made me say I was sorry to that bitch.”

“I know.” Henry swayed his head. “I’m sorry about that, but look at my eye, El. It’s black.”

“So what? Why are you here? Did you want to gloat about you sticking me in here?”

“No!” Henry said defensively. “I was wrong for making you come here. I can’t let you out, but I don’t want you to be alone.”

“I want to be alone.”

“You aren’t scared?”

“No Henry, I’m not. What do you think I am? A big baby? You are the last person I want here tonight. In fact, I’m looking at this as a break. Even Frank offered to stay, seducing me and all, but I turned him down. I’d like you to get out.”

“I’m not leaving Holding.”

“Well you’re not staying in here. What are you gonna do? Sleep on the floor outside this room?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t want you there, Henry.” Ellen stepped to him. “I don’t want you anywhere around. Don’t you comprehend this? Your life would be so much easier if you did. You worry about how you hurt me. You worry about making me angry. Well you wouldn’t make me these things if you would just stay out of my life. Stay out! Get out of my room. You put me here so leave me here.”

“But, El ...”

“Leave.” She pointed to the door. “You made your decision. Stick with it. Deal with it. Leave.”

Nodding silently and less any words he could say, Henry backed up, feeling really badly, and he left the room.

<><><><>

Letting out a loud dramatic sound of exhaustion, Frank came down his stairs. “Were they out of control tonight or what?”

“Not really.” Dean shrugged, sitting on Frank’s couch.

“You think Nick will be all right? He felt a little warm.”

“He wasn’t warm, Frank.”

“He was fussy.”

“He wasn’t fussy either,” Dean corrected.

“OK. He was whiney like Henry.”

“I’ll give you that.”

“How did reading the book go when I was bathing the babies?”

“Horrible.” Dean leaned forward toward his knees. He tried to follow the sound of Frank’s voice, but only found it made him dizzy because, oddly, Frank was pacing. “Billy corrected me six times.”

“He’ll do that. You just have to tell him you’re doing your own version, like I do. Man they love when I tell The Three Little Pigs story and the wolf has ham at the end when he devours them all.”

“That’s sick.”

“That’s me.”

“Why am I here, Frank?” Dean asked.

“Helping me with the kids tonight. I told you Robbie is pulling that extra shift and Henry’s sulking at Holding. Did you want something to drink?” Frank indicated to the kitchen. “Oh, Dean? I’m pointing.”

“No thanks. No wait. Is there any coffee left?”

“Yeah.”

“I’ll have some.”

“I’ll get it.” Frank headed into the kitchen, grabbing a mug for Dean and refreshing his spiked tea for himself.

“No more alcohol, Frank.” Dean leaned in the archway.

“It’s my first drink.”

“It’s your third,” Dean corrected.

“How do you know?” Frank brought his drink to his mouth and handed Dean out his coffee. “Here. It’s directly in front of you.”

“Thanks.” Dean reached out and took it. “How did I know you just poured your third drink?” Dean stated. “I’ll tell you. Everything, Frank, from taste to sound is magnified, even sex.”

“I don’t wanna hear that.”

“I mean, it’s odd. Like sound. It’s as if everything is amplified. Not to mention I could smell it. There’s nothing else that sounds like a drink being poured from a bottle and since we use bottles for limited things in Beginnings, my guess was that it was moonshine.”

“Good guess.”

“Can you not have that drink, Frank?”

“Dean ...”

“Try.”

Frank put down the glass after a slight hesitation. “OK.” Frank walked by him.

“Thank you. One other thing ...”

“What now?” Frank stopped in his stride toward the living room.

“Don’t act all annoyed with me, Frank. You asked me to come over and that is the other thing. Why? You didn’t need my help. You’re Super Dad. I’m a blind man, Frank. Why did you ask me here?”

“To help me with the kids.”

“I told you, I don’t buy that.” Dean walked carefully following the sound of Frank’s voice.

“All right. Truth?”

“Truth.”

Frank sat down on the couch. “Have a seat, Dean.”

Feeling first in case Frank tried anything funny, Dean found the chair and sat. “Go on.”

A deep breath echoed through Frank’s fingers as he slid them down across his face. “Where’s El?”

“Holding.”

“OK,” Frank paused. “OK.”

“Frank?”

“Give me a minute, Dean. I’m not good at words.” From the coffee table, Frank grabbed a cigarette. He lit it and rubbed his hands together. “How many friends do you have aside from El?”

“Not many.”

“Me either.”

“Frank, where are you going with this conversation?”

“Dean, give me a fuckin minute or I won’t say anything at all.” Frank took a hit of his cigarette and coughed. “I was thinking. Tomorrow, first thing tomorrow someone is going to be going into your brain. And like ... if it was me ... I uh ... right now? I wouldn’t care how much I knew, the thought of that shit.” Frank blew out harshly. “Let’s just say, I’d be pretty fuckin worried about it. And uh, I wouldn’t wanna be alone because my mind would race. I was thinking, you know, with El a prisoner in Holding and me having all the kids, I was thinking maybe you wouldn’t want to be alone. You know, with this brain thing happening tomorrow.”

“Frank?” Dean was shocked at what he had just heard. “That is really nice.”

“No it isn’t.”

“Yeah, it is and you’re right. I didn’t want to be alone tonight. When you called, I couldn’t tell you how many times I started listening to those book tapes that Jason made. But I swear I didn’t hear a word he said because I kept thinking about this procedure tomorrow.”

“Dean.” Frank lowered his voice. “Do you have to do this?”

“You have to be kidding.”

“No, hear me out. You’re learning how to function, and you are doing it really good and fast. You just said sex is magnified when you’re blind. That alone should be reason enough ...”

“Frank.”

“They’re cutting into your brain, Dean.”

“It’s going to be a small site, Frank.”

“But they’re still going into your brain. I saw Planet of the Apes more than once. I read all the notes on what they’re gonna do and even though I see the good side, I keep going back to the bad side. Is it worth it? Is it really? One small slip up and you’re done. Is it really worth it?”

“I need my eyes, Frank.”

“And this community needs you.” Frank hit his cigarette hard. “You are not my favorite person in this world, Dean, but I’ll tell you what, you have been the best nemesis I have ever had. If you’re lying in a bed, some vegetable who can’t walk, talk, or think, what fun are you gonna be to me? Sure, I can shave your head and mess with you for a while, but that will wear off if you aren’t fighting back with me.”

“Frank,” Dean said his name in a chuckle, so astonished at what was being said to him. “More than you know, I appreciate what you are saying to me. Don’t think for a second your thoughts aren’t mine. I’m scared, Frank. I’m scared that tomorrow when I kiss the kids goodbye, it may be the last time I kiss them. I know this community needs me, but I need to see. If I can’t do that, I will not be at the full capacity I need to be. This virus that might hit us, it’s only one thing of many that we have to face in the years ahead. I don’t want to be frustrated five years from now knowing I could be doing more if I hadn’t been afraid to take the risk. I have to try this. If I fail then I failed trying. Like I said, yeah I’m scared of what could happen to me, but more than that, I am scared I will never see the faces of my children, their children, and Ellen.” Dean chuckled. “Even you. What I wouldn’t give at this moment to see that clueless expression you get on your face when I get you and you don’t know it. That look is priceless to me, but I don’t see that anymore.”

“You don’t get me anymore.”

“I haven’t tried. You’ve been too nice.”

“Me?” Frank laughed. “Dean, I play a blind joke on you at least once a day. At least.”

“Yeah, but you know what Frank? Those blind jokes keep me on my toes. Those jokes, whether you want to believe it or not, are your way of teaching me. And you have been the only one through this whole thing that has made me feel like a normal person. You treated me no less than if I could see. I needed that. I learned more from that than I could have ever learned through pity and compassion. You’re a good teacher and you’re a good father. That’s one thing that makes it easier for me when the thought of my kids not having me anymore hits. They’ll have you and I know you’ll take care of them and raise them to be good people. They may not read all that well ...” He started to laugh.

“What about the community. I can’t cure them.”

“Ah.” Dean nodded. “But Ellen can. Don’t let her know I said this but she ... she knows a lot more than she realizes. She knows viruses and cures and procedures. When push comes to shove, Ellen will draw upon that knowledge.”

Frank slowly raised his eyes to Dean as he put out his cigarette. He spoke with confidence. “But she won’t have to do that, will she?”

“No she won’t.” Dean words and demeanor fed off that one line of Frank’s. “Because tomorrow when I wake up and they put Henry’s program into that chip, I will see. I’ll look at everyone in that room and I know everyone will be there because everyone is nosey. I’ll look at Ellen. I’ll look at you shooting me the finger ...”

“Hey, how did you know I was planning that?”

“I know you, Frank.”

“Then I’d better change my course of action.”

“No, don’t.” Dean shook his head. “Shoot me the finger, piss me off, because nothing will change that moment when I see again. That moment will be worth more than anything, even magnified sex.”

“Well you do know that will stop.”

“What?” Dean asked. “The magnified sex?”

“No, the sex period. Who’s gonna sleep with you?”

“Ellen.”

“Right,” Frank scoffed. “Pity lays.”

“Right.” Dean chuckled in his own scoff then went silent. “Frank? If you don’t mind, I’d like to hang out for little awhile.”

“I don’t mind at all,” Frank said very seriously then quickly changed. “But ... this serious talking shit is gonna stop.”

“I’ll agree to that.”

“How about a little friendly competition?”

“Sounds good,” Dean agreed.

“Scrabble?”

“Nah, you cheat too badly at that.”

“Battleship?”

“You’re on.”

“I’ll get the boards.” Frank stood up and headed toward the kitchen.

“Frank?” Dean called out to him. “Thanks.”

Frank give Dean a nod and a smile then began to leave again. “Oh and, Dean? I’m ...”

“I know this one, Frank. You’re smiling.”

“Fuck no. I’m flipping you off.” Giving yet another unannounced smile, Frank left the room to get the game.

<><><><>

Loud cries of anguish-filled moans came from the room on Ellen’s right. They were coupled with banging, steady and heavy against the wall. One SUT, Harold, did that. He was so restless. Didn’t he ever sleep? If Harold frightened Ellen, it was nothing compared to the SUTs that were de-programmed in the room on her left. How many did Joe have in there? Why were they banging also? The last Ellen recalled, they were silent and immobile, but now they were moving about and into the wall, loudly too. Souls of the damned are what they sounded like with their crashing, steady thumping, and banging.

Ellen, shaking, sat on top of her bed in the dark, unable to go back to the sleep that the SUT noise awakened her from. Her knees were brought close to her chest, her arms held them tightly as she rocked back and forth. Feeling that the SUTs knew she was there, sensed her, visions of the movie Night of the Living Dead played in her head. That near final scene when suddenly all the walking dead crashed through the walls of the house as if it were paper, played over and over in Ellen’s mind. She feared that scene would happen soon if the SUTs hit those thin walls any harder. She saw them in her mind, going after her, hungry, stopping at nothing.

As she reached her final straw of the scared point, Ellen wondered why she sat in the dark so she reached out for the lamp on the table. With a turn of the switch came a popping sound and the light bulb flashed out. She was in darkness again. “Fuckin great.”

So afraid, Ellen jumped from the bed and raced to the door. She hesitated before bringing her fist up. “Please. Please,” she whispered to herself then knocked. “Henry? Henry, are you still out there.” There was no answer. “Shit.”

“Uh ... No, El, I’m in here.”

Startled, Ellen spun to the close voice in the room. “Henry?”

“Hey, El.” Henry turned on a flashlight. “Don’t be mad.”

“When did you come in here?”

“While you were sleeping. Please.” He stood up. “Please don’t ask me to leave.”

“Henry ...”

“No, El.” He stepped to her. “It’s scary. These things are scary. I don’t want to be out in that hall by myself.”

“They ... they are pretty frightening.” Ellen took a step to him.

“Oh my God and they are so loud too.”

“They sound like zombies.”

“I hope they’re not cannibals.”

“Henry.” Ellen’s eyes widened. “You don’t think they’ll get in here, do you?”

“I hope not.”

“Henry, you should just go home. It’s safer there.”

“What, and leave you here alone? No way.”

“You put me here.”

“I didn’t mean to. I swear to you, El, if they would have told me it was you, I wouldn’t have done anything. I swear.”

Ellen stared at him for a second then grabbed the flash light that was still in his hand and pointed it in his face. “How’s the eye?”

“Sore.”

“I’m sorry about punching you. That was wrong.”

“No, I deserved it, El.”

“Henry!”

“What!”

“Hurry! Shine the flashlight on that wall.” Ellen pointed.

Henry spun around. “There?”

“Yeah.” Ellen stood behind him. “Shit. Is that wall breaking?”

“Oh my God!”

Ellen shrieked. Henry shrieked and they both charged for the Holding door.

“Henry, hurry!” Ellen saw him fumble with the keys. “Get us out of here.”

“I’m hurrying, El. It’s this ...” Henry lowered the keys. “Wait a second. The walls are aluminum. We’re OK in here. It’ll just be loud, that’s all.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.” Henry walked to the wall and banged his fist. He hit it hard once. The pounding stopped and a single bang came back. Henry hit the wall twice. The same sound, same speed knock, repeated back to them. “We’re fine.”

“Oh thank God.” Ellen grabbed her chest. “I thought they would eat us.”

Henry walked back to the door, reaching up the keys.

“What are you doing?”

“Letting you out. This is stupid. You can’t stay here.”

“No, Henry.” Ellen pulled his hand away from the lock. “You made the decision so you have to keep it. As a person who runs this community, for respect, you can’t change it. People will never take you seriously if you back down.” Ellen walked from the door. “It’s getting quiet now. I’ll stay.”

“Then let me stay here with you.”

“Henry ...”

“No, El, listen to me.” He walked closer. “I’ll sleep on the floor. We don’t have to talk. We don’t. Just let me stay with you. See, I feel badly. None of what happened today would have ever happened if it wasn’t for me. I started the ball rolling.”

“You can say that again.”

“I started the ball rolling.”

Ellen looked up at him and cracked a smile.

“Let me stay, El. Your punishment should be my punishment too.”

Taking a slow breath, Ellen looked at the floor and then at Henry’s sleeping bag lying there. She listened to the slowing thumps around her. “Goodnight, Henry.” She turned from him, walked over to the bed, and got in.

Dropping his shoulders in relief, Henry stood watching Ellen until she pulled the covers up over her shoulder and closed her eyes. “Goodnight, El,” he whispered, smiled, and returned to his sleeping bag. He felt better since the SUTs quieted some, but most of all, he felt better because he was in the room with Ellen.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

AUGUST 5

Ellen didn’t wait for Henry to leave Holding with her. Cleaned up and waiting for that five a.m. ‘OK’, she raced from the room and out of Holding as fast as she could to the clinic. Knowing Dean was having his surgery first thing before the hecticness of the clinic day began, Ellen had to get there to see him. She had too.

The clinic was so dead that the only sound heard was the tapping of the soles of Ellen’s shoes as she ran down the hall toward the operating rooms. She could hear the whispers of Jason, Johnny, and Andrea in the OR as they prepared. How much Ellen wanted to be a part of that surgery, to be in there when it all happened. But she couldn’t. Not because she wasn’t permitted but because in her mind, God forbid something went wrong, she would lose it.

Dean looked as if he were waiting, lying on the cart waiting to be wheeled into the OR and wearing that fashionable printed hospital gown. He was prepared; an IV had already been placed in his arm and a small one-inch-square section of his hair had been shaven at the temple.

“Dean,” Ellen called his name as she ran in out of breath.

Dean gave a nervous smile. “You made it.”

“Of course I did. I had to wait to be freed.” She walked over to the cart he lay on.

“I didn’t think I’d get to talk to you before I went in there.”

“You wouldn’t wait?”

“I couldn’t, El. It’s scheduled.”

“Dean. It’s not like there’s this big surgery agenda. This is Beginnings.”

“I know.” Dean felt Ellen grab his hand. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“I had to be here and I will wait here until I know you’re gonna be fine. Then I’m heading home to get cleaned up and do my hair. I want to look good for you when you open your eyes and see me.”

“El, you can look like you did when you had that flu two years ago and I wouldn’t care.”

“Gee thanks, Dean.” She kissed him on the cheek.

“Can you uh wear that little miniskirt I missed?”

“I will wear it, Dean.” She gripped his hand tighter. “Good luck. I’ll pray for you.”

“Don’t.”

“Why?”

“El, we really don’t know how good of terms you are on with the big guy.”

“Oh you’re right.”

“Ellen.” Dean softened his voice and brought his other hand down to cover their joined hands. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”

“We are.”

“No seriously.”

“Dean, I don’t want to talk seriously.”

“I do.” He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed it. “El, if something should happen to ...”

“It’s not.”

“Listen. If something should happen to me in there, if when I come out something is wrong with me, brain damage and such, I want you to do something for me.”

“What’s that, Dean?”

Dean reached up and pulled Ellen closer whispering. “I want you to give me two cc’s of Tripolithimene.”

“Dean ...”

“Ellen, exactly two cc’s. Any less will make things worse. Anymore, if I can feel anything, I’ll suffer. Two cc’s and I’ll go into a deep sleep then finally respiratory arrest. I have a DNR. They won’t revive me.”

“Why are you asking this of me?”

“Because you ...” Dean clung to her hands speaking emotionally, “you are the strongest person I know. You are the only one I can trust to help me and stick to their word. Promise me you will. Promise me you not let me live the rest of my life a shell of a man.”

Ellen brought her lips to their joined hands. “I promise you.” She rubbed her cheek against his knuckles. “But I don’t have to worry about keeping that promise because you will be fine, I know it.”

“I feel it.”

“So do I.”

Andrea walked silently into the room, clearing her throat lightly to get their attention. “Dean, it’s time.”

Ellen shivered and clenched his hands tighter. “Oh God.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“I know you will.” She moved in closer to him when she saw Andrea near. Placing her hands on Dean’s face, Ellen brushed her lips lightly to his as she spoke to him. “I love you, Dean. I love you very much. Know that. Please, please know that.”

“I do. I love you too.” Sliding his hand up to the back of her hair, Dean gripped Ellen and pulled her to him, kissing her. For the longest time after that kiss, their closed mouths stayed together. Tenseness and fright filled that moment and then Andrea began to wheel Dean away.

Not wanting to let go, Ellen held on until Dean slid from her. “I’ll see you in a little bit.”

“No, El. I’ll see you.”

How much longer could it possibly take was not the question on Ellen’s mind. How much longer would it seem was the one that got her. Watching the dark sky turn bright, feeling tired but not giving in, Ellen paced the waiting room. Joe stayed with her the entire time. Worried also but he tried not to convey it. Like Joe, he was trying to be strong, but Ellen knew him too well.

There wasn’t a person who didn’t stop in for a progress report, staying longer than they should have, all hoping that they would hear something on their visit.

Sudden fear struck Ellen when Frank came back to the waiting room, told Ellen he had received a call from Johnny and that he was to summon everyone involved in the project. Within minutes of Frank’s arrival, Robbie, Danny, and Henry showed up as well.

Henry cautiously approached Ellen who held onto Frank. “You doing OK, El?” he asked as he laid his hand on her shoulder.

Ellen nodded, tapped his hand, and leaned more into Frank, who kept his arms around her.

Watching the two, Henry backed up and stood by Danny.

“Look.” Danny held out his hand to Henry. “Could I possibly bite my nails any lower?”

“Yeah,” Henry told him, “they could be as low as mine.”

“Ew.” Danny shuddered. “I’m glad I’m not ...” He reached up and lightly smacked Henry on the side of the head.

“Ow! What was that for?”

“Quit it,” Danny told him

“Quit what?”

“Staring and ... get that longing look off your face. Ellen doesn’t strike me as the type of woman to feel sorry for someone, just annoyed with them.”

“You’re right. Should I look mean at her?”

“Might work. Try it.”

“OK.”

Ellen lifted her eyes to Frank. “Frank? Why is Henry giving me dirty looks?”

“I don’t know.”

“Such an asshole. He’s not helping his cause in us talking, is he?”

“El, I told him to watch what he does. Obviously he doesn’t listen.”

“Something’s happened in there hasn’t it, Frank?” Ellen spoke so scared.

“No.”

“Then why did Johnny call you guys?”

“We’ll find out.” Frank turned her to the door where Andrea, Jason, and Johnny walked in. Their solemn faces conveyed more than anything at that moment.

Andrea looked at Johnny then Jason and stepped closer to the awaiting group. “We called all of you here because we thought you may want to know together. We believe ... we believe that the operation and the implantation was a success.” She smiled at the loud sigh of reliefs. “We think the chip was implanted correctly. There were no problems during surgery. Dean handled it well and we’re going to keep him sedated for a little bit. We’ll start to bring him out of it in eight hours so there really isn’t any reason to stay.”

Henry raised his hands. “Should we program the chip while he is sleeping?”

“No.” Andrea shook his head. “Let him rest in every aspect. Now if you’ll excuse us, we have some clean-up.” She gave another smile to everyone and left the room.

Squeezing Frank, Ellen was so relieved. “Frank, I was so worried.”

“I think we all were, El.”

“Will he wake up all right, Frank?”

“I believe he will.” Frank hugged her more.

Wanting to interrupt, Henry approached them. “Frank? Can you meet me and Danny at your house in two hours? We’re gonna try the first reprogramming.”

“Um ...” Frank looked at his watch, it rested on the arm he had around Ellen. “Sure, I’ll bring Robbie.”

“Thanks.”

Frank kissed Ellen on the cheek. “I’d better go. I’ll check back with you later or do you need me to walk you.”

“No, go on. I’m going to stay here for just a little bit more.” Waiting for everyone to leave the waiting room and continue on in their day, Ellen sat on the vinyl couch. She planned on staying a little while longer so she could sneak in and see Dean. But while she waited Ellen did something other than wait. Though she promised Dean she wouldn’t, Ellen prayed. She prayed that even if the program failed, she needed Dean to awaken as Dean. Praying at that moment—whether she was on good terms with The Big Guy or not—was the best option for comfort Ellen had.

<><><><>

Crunch. Crunch. Hearing this, Henry, annoyed, turned his head from the computer screen. Crunch. Crunch. Again, Henry turned his head. He ignored it. “OK. Danny, do you have the aural piece copulated with the system yet?” His eyes shifted harshly to Robbie’s snickering. “What is so funny about that?”

Robbie snickered again. “What does oral copulation have to do with what you’re doing to this SUT or are you just weird, Henry?”

“I said ‘aural’ not ‘oral’ ass.” Breathing out so as not to shout, he looked back at Danny. “Do you?”

“Ready and waiting for insertion.” With Robbie’s laugh, Danny laughed also.

Henry tossed his hands up. “I give up on you ...” Crunch. Crunch. “Robbie! Will you knock off the eating in my ear? Go stand over there if you’re gonna eat those things.”

“They are potato chips. Josephine made them. They’re actually ...”

“I don’t care!” Henry shouted. “This is a very important experiment and you’re munching in my ear.”

Robbie grinned then opened his mouth wide. Placing that mouth close to Henry’s ear, he stuck a chip in his mouth, and bit down as loudly as he could.

Henry rolled his eyes. “So immature. Where is your brother? He’s supposed to be here. I told him two hours.”

Robbie tossed his hands up. “Maybe he’s busy. I wish he would get here. He’s the only that can calm you down.”

“I don’t need Frank to calm me ...” Henry sniffed then sniffed again. “Aw! Did that thing go again?”

Robbie leaned to the SUT and smelled. “Yep.” He ate another chip.

Henry gasped in disgust, holding his nose, and speaking nasally, “I wish Frank would hurry.”

Danny just shook his head. “Henry, what is wrong with you? How do you change your kid’s diaper?”

“He doesn’t,” Robbie answered.

“You don’t?” Danny questioned.

Henry’s fingers moved across the computer program. “Not on purpose, I don’t. This is finally ready. Now where is Frank?”

“Here.” Frank walked into the basement. “Man, it stinks.”

“You’re late, Frank,” Henry griped. “I want to run this program. The SUT had another accident. He smells really bad.”

“Get over it. Now let’s work on that SUT.”

“OK, Frank.” Henry edged Frank to the table containing the computer. “Hook him up, Danny.”

“Got it.” Pulling the long wires that were attached to the ear piece, Danny placed it in the ear of the SUT. “Ready.” Danny saw the SUT struggling at the earpiece. “Robbie, can you?”

“Yeah.” Standing behind the SUT, Robbie held down the reaching arms.

“Uh, Henry?” Frank called his attention. “Can I ask you a question? I’m looking at you running that program off a laptop. Laptops are mobile so why is this thing in my basement?”

“Easy. We weren’t sure we could load the program properly. We were testing it here in case there was a problem then we could program the SUT from the main computer. But we’ll find out. We’ll take the laptop to the clinic when we program Dean’s chip.” Henry hesitated before he pressed the enter button. “We decided on Domestication Program: File 123.” Henry shrugged. “Who knows what that is as long as he uses a toilet? Fingers crossed and ...” He pressed the button.

Frank watched the SUT. “I’m not hearing anything.” All eyes looked at him. “What?” He crossed his arms and watched the SUT twitch his head.

“Thirty seconds,” Henry commented. “Twenty.”

Frank slowly pulled out his revolver just in case the SUT went mad and then he’d shoot it.

“Ten,” Henry announced.

Danny tapped from heel to toe, nervously watching Robbie hold the twitching SUT.

A slight beeping occurred and Henry turned to the faces in the basement. “Done.” He then looked at the SUT.

The SUT opened his eyes looking around, his head lifted, and tilted back to Robbie. He cleared his throat and surprisingly in an intelligent style, laced with a British accent, he spoke, “My good man. Is there reason for you holding me down?”

Robbie’s hands sprang back.

Slowly and with shock, Frank spoke, “What the fuck?”

The SUT brushed off his arms. “Thank you very much.” He looked down to his wrist then to Frank. “Sir, I seemed to have misplaced my watch. Could you inform me of the time?”

Frank checked out his watch. “Uh yeah, almost noon.”

“Then there will be only the slightest delay in the afternoon meal. A delay in which I hope you understand,” he spoke to Frank.

“Sure I understand.” Frank shrugged, clueless to the disbelieving faces in the room.

“Will your preference be a hot meal, sir , or a chilled one.”

Frank bobbed his head in thought. “It’s summer, chill it. But can you hold that thought.” He motioned his head to Robbie and walked to Danny and Henry. “What is going on?” he whispered.

Danny shook his head. “As near as we can figure, Domestication means just that ... he’s domesticated. It looks like he is programmed to be a servant of some sorts. He probably saw you first, Frank, when he opened his eyes and that’s why he asked you for the lunch order.”

Henry tossed his hands up. “I’m sorry, Frank. We’ll wipe out that chip and program him as a soldier since that ...”

“No.” Frank stopped him. “No.”

Robbie, Henry, and Danny were shocked by this. “No?” They all said.

“No.” Frank shook his head. “Let’s have some fun with him first. Hell, he said he was going to make us lunch.”

Henry’s mouth opened in shock. “He smells Frank. I don’t want him to make my lunch.”

“Oh.” Frank looked at the SUT. “Let’s just have some fun with this for an hour or so. My beds all need made anyhow.”

Henry looked at Frank in debate. “Two hours, Frank, then I’ll reprogram him correctly, but you have to do something about his smell.”

“OK.” Excited and clapping his hands once, Frank turned to the SUT. “You, I need to ...”

“Sir,” the SUT interrupted, “I firmly apologize for my rude interruption but before I facilitate my duties to you, could you possibly point me in the direction of the washing area. Seems I had a bit of a mishap and would like to rectify it and cleanse?”

“Uh ... sure.” Frank nodded. “Robbie, can you show him?”

“Yeah, Frank.” Robbie placed his hand under the SUT’s arm. “This way.”

“Thank you.” The SUT stood and walked with Robbie. The second he took the first step up stairs was the second Robbie stopped him.

“I’ll lead the way.” His voice dropped to a murmur. “I’m not walking behind you.”

Frank gave a firm pat to Henry’s back. “Good job. And ... we get lunch.”

“He’s disgusting, Frank,” Henry complained. “I still won’t eat his lunch.”

“Suit yourself.” Frank looked at Danny. “You game?”

“I’ll eat his lunch,” Danny stated.

“See, Henry.” Frank pointed. “Robbie!” he called up the steps. “Make sure he washes his hands.”

“Got it, Frank,” Robbie called back down.

“You’re not having lunch with us, Henry?” Frank asked.

“No. I’ll stay here.”

“OK.” Frank began to walk away. “Let’s go, Danny.” They moved to the steps. Frank stopped on the third one. “Oh, Henry, since you’re staying down here, you might wanna do something about that chair the SUT was sitting in.”

“Frank I ...” Henry wanted to argue but Frank just laughed and ran up the steps with Danny. Afraid to, but compelled to, Henry slowly turned his head to the chair. When he did, immediate salivation and thickening filled his mouth, his stomach tossed, and Henry ran to the sink and threw up.

<><><><>

Danny’s hand reached out and grabbed hold of Ellen’s as she passed him the folded sheet of paper. “You’re trembling.”

“I know,” she spoke in a whisper as she sat close to him on the waiting room couch. “It’s been nine hours. Nothing.”

“Patience.” Danny raised his eyebrows. “Patience. We’re supposed to be taking your mind off of things, remember?”

“Yes.”

“All right.” Danny unfolded the piece of paper.

“What does it say?”

“Twenty hours of child care time plus five meals,” Danny read.

Ellen nodded. “What do you think?”

“Personally? I think the laundry for a month is better.”

“But I don’t do laundry. The man I live with does it.”

“Oh.” Danny grabbed the next one. “This one sucks. Ten work hours.”

“Where are we at right now with the Blake bids?” Ellen asked.

“It’s still between Jenny and Josephine. You’d better make up your mind. You promised a winner on Friday.”

“I know, I know.” Ellen dropped her head. “That cake a week for a year is gonna be hard to pass up.”

“True,” Danny added, “but will she be around for a year?”

As Ellen’s head lifted to comment, Frank walked up. “Frank.”

“Nothing yet huh?” Frank reached down and snatched one of the folded papers.

“Hey.” Ellen tried to get it back.

“Aw, El.” Frank shook his head. “I can’t believe you are actually taking bids on the guy.”

“No, Frank,” Danny corrected, “you should be saying you can’t actually believe women are making bids on Blake.”

“Making bids on Blake,” his voice interrupted, tossed them all through a loop as Joe stepped into their conversation. “Do not tell me the rumors I have been hearing are true. Ellen, for Christ sake, are you raffling off a human being?”

“No, Joe,” Ellen said and pointed to Danny. “He is.”

“Yeah right.” Joe’s voice took on a scold. “You cannot be raffling off a person like they are a new car.”

“But, Joe, the women love him.”

“Let them love him.”

“But I own him,” Ellen said.

“Ellen! You cannot own a human being.”

“Ya huh, Joe.” Ellen folded her arms defensively. “Ask Robbie. He got him for me. He was my gift.”

As Joe rolled the palm of his hand down his face and turned from Ellen, he saw Andrea walk in the room.

Andrea waited for the scuffling of feet pummeling to her to cease. “OK.” She held up her hand. “He’s up. He’s ...” She grinned brightly. “He’s alert. Has a headache but otherwise Dean is fine.” Andrea accepted the immediate embrace from Ellen and the applause that filled the room. “However.” Silence drew around her. “He is anxiously awaiting his programming. Henry?”

Henry nervously held the laptop. “I’m ready, Andrea.”

“Good let’s ...” Before she could finish her sentence, Ellen had bolted passed her. “... go.”

<><><><>

Ellen held tightly to Dean’s hand as she sat on the edge of the bed. “I’m so glad you’re all right.”

“Me too.” He let out his breath, squeezing her hand tighter. “I am really nervous about this.”

“Don’t be. How are you feeling?”

“I have a headache. Otherwise I’m fine.”

“You have a little less hair.” She pointed to the bald spot. “You can cover that up.” She fiddled with his bangs.

From their quiet moment, Dean raised his head to the abundance of footsteps he heard coming into the room. “Who’s all here?”

Ellen looked around. “Everyone is here. I’ll let you see for yourself, how’s that?”

“Sounds great.”

Henry placed his laptop on the nightstand next to the bed and booted it up. “Ready, Dean?”

“Yes, Henry. Amaze me with your program.”

“I believe it will work. Especially the ear piece we’ll run it through. We had success this afternoon reprogramming the one SUT. Frank got all his beds made.”

Dean drew up an odd look on his face. “What does he mean by that?”

Ellen tapped his hand. “Frank had a butler for an hour when Henry ran the wrong program through. They did get a lunch out of it. Dean, are you sure you’re all right?”

“I’m fine. I just feel tired.” He turned his head to Henry’s sigh. “What?”

“You shouldn’t be tired, Dean.” Henry pulled the earpiece wire. “You slept a really long time.” He placed the earpiece in Dean’s ear. “In fact, you probably won’t sleep tonight.”

“It won’t be because I’m not tired.” Dean adjusted the piece better in his ear. “It’ll be because I want to see everything all over again ... I just heard a beep, Henry.”

“That was the program loading. In a second I will download it.” He placed his hands over Dean’s. “Good luck.”

“Thanks. El?” Dean called her, “tell me if I’m facing you. I want to see you first.”

Ellen turned his head slightly. “You’re facing me.”

Henry’s finger reached for the button. “Ready to ...”

“Wait,” Frank called out. “If he’s gonna see.” Frank stepped to the bed. “He needs his glasses.” He placed them in Dean’s hand. “There.”

Dean heard the grumbling. He figured that Frank’s interruption of the suspense bothered everyone. “Thanks, Frank. Go on, Henry.”

As confident as Henry was in his program, he was still filled with nerves. His stomach jumped and fluttered as he watched the screen read ‘downloading’. The fact that he lost all contents of his stomach earlier didn’t help.

Dean smiled as he listened. “It sounds really weird, a series of beeping.” His face cringed. “My headache is getting worse. Oh God.” He grabbed his head and grunted.

“Stop the program,” Ellen told Henry. “Stop it now, please, Henry, stop it now.”

“No!” Dean called out. “Let it ... light.” He gasped. “I’m seeing grey instead of black.” He smiled widely and grabbed Ellen’s hand. “Oh shit, shadows. I see shadows.” His words were rapid.

“Fifteen seconds, Dean,” Henry told him.

“Longest seconds of my life,” Dean spoke emotionally and breathy. The anticipation built. His heart pounded. “The shadows are becoming more defined. I have to be ready.” He lifted his glass and placed them on. “No.” His head dropped. “It’s black again. No!” His head dropped as far as it could get when Henry yelled ‘finished’.

Ellen reached to his lowered head. “I’m sorry, Dean. But ... try this.” She removed his glasses.

When she did, Dean saw the hand that took them off. His heart jumped and trembling took over his whole body. Shivering in his breathing, he raised his head and he saw Ellen in clear and complete focus. “I ... I see you,” he gasped out.

Ellen moved in to embrace him, but Dean stopped her. “Dean.”

“No wait, wait.” He laid his hand on her face. “I see you. Let me look at you.” He moved closer to her then, not being able to help himself, shifted his eyes down to the bed and grinned. “You wore the skirt.”

“I told you I would.” She laid her hand on his.

“Oh, El.” Dean plopped backwards onto the pillow. “This is unbelievable. Henry.” He looked at Henry. “Thank you. Thank you for this.”

“Thank Danny too.” Henry pointed across the room.

Dean looked over. “Oh my God! You look like Henry.”

Though the moment was a joyous one, Henry couldn’t help but let out an audible sound of annoyance. “See, Dean, I should have found a way to enhance the program to eliminate any racial ignorance you have. I’m Japanese, he’s Chinese.”

Frank rolled his eyes. “Henry ...”

“Don’t.” Henry held up his hand. “Don’t say ‘whatever’. Please.”

Dean bit his bottom lip and looked back at Ellen. “I don’t understand. Don’t my glasses work with this chip? Everything was ...” He looked down to his glasses. Perfectly cut out pieces of black cloth were secured to the lenses. “Frank.” Accepting the shooting of Frank’s middle finger with pleasure, Dean returned to Ellen. “I can’t help looking at you. I swear, right now ...” Suddenly something changed in Dean’s vision. “Right now I can ...” A shriek as loud as Frank’s body was big, came from Dean and he jolted back.

“What!” Ellen widened her eyes. “I don’t look that bad.”

“You’re ... you’re.” Dean screamed again. “Something went wrong! Something went wrong! All I see is ... a pupil, a big giant pupil. It’s all I see!” Dean shouted with panic.

Frank stepped closer to the bed figuring he’d add that touch of calmness and explanation needed. “Of course that’s what you’ll see, Dean. She kind of is your student. But, Dean ...” Frank whispered, “She really isn’t that big.”

Wide eyed, Dean turned his head and screamed again. All he saw was a black fur streak taking up his entire sight. “This isn’t right. This isn’t right at all. What happened?” Asking in a panic, somehow Dean knew Henry was well aware of the answer for that. A subtle whistling came from Henry.

Joe watched Henry back up, hands in his pockets and staring at the ceiling. “Henry!”

“What?” Henry looked around.

Danny knew and Danny walked up to Henry. “You didn’t?” he whispered.

“I did.”

“No.” Danny shook his head. “I told you.”

“I know.” Henry spoke his answer through his clenched jaws.

“Henry.”

“I had too.”

“No you didn’t. I told you it wouldn’t work.”

“It did work, sort of.”

Dean heard enough of the murmuring, with the nauseated feeling in his stomach from his screwed up vision, he demanded his explanation. “What did you do Henry?”

“Well see ... OK.” Henry cleared his throat. “When I created the program, I based the program on information taken from Infantry Soldier: CM 101. I copied the optical portion of that program over to mine. Now there are certain numbering sequences for clarity, focus, and peripheral. Well ... last night it dawned on me that you wore glasses and I thought, wow how constricting. So see I ... enhanced your focus and speed of focus so you wouldn’t have to wear glasses anymore. Danny told me to change it back because we couldn’t figure out what the numbers meant. I just figured the higher the number the better the vision. Since you’re a scientist, I thought since you had bad vision I upped the numbers really high.” Hunching at the ‘whats’ that were thrown at him, Henry moved back farther. “Sorry.”

Dean shook his head and rolled his eyes slightly. “Henry, I appreciate the thought, but you’re gonna have to wipe out this chip and reprogram it. When I look people in the eye, I want to see more than the eyeball. I can’t walk around looking at huge body parts that are otherwise small unless of course Frank needs me to boost his ego.”

“That isn’t very nice, Dean,” Henry told him. “You don’t have to walk around looking at small things big. According to the Infantry Soldier Program it’s in the concentration. You were just concentrating too hard on seeing.”

“I’m not now.”

“Yeah but you’re tense. Relax,” Henry told him. “Boy, am I glad I didn’t add the target to his sight. Not only would he see big things but a little cross as well.”

“Henry, you still have to change it.” As Dean talked, he noticed the largeness of everything started decreasing, with that came the nausea. “I have vertigo. I can’t walk around having things get large all of a sudden on me. I’ll throw up.”

“You’ll get used to it,” Henry said.

“It’s easy for you to say. You aren’t having that happen to you.”

“Oh sure it does, Dean, I throw up all the time. You’ll get used to it. The throwing up will cease once you learn how to control the focus. It’s all a matter of telling your eyes to focus or not. When you don’t concentrate on anything, you won’t focus in and therefore, you won’t zoom in on anything suddenly. I think I put the speed pretty high on that too. Sorry.”

“Great.” Dean watched his sight return to normal. “I don’t know, Henry. How close can I focus in on something?”

“I don’t know.”

“How far can I see?”

“I don’t know that either. I do know I made the numbers really high.”

“Dean.” Ellen grabbed his hand again. “This could be so useful. Imagine if Henry increased it so much that you obtained the ability to focus close enough to never ... need ... a microscope ... again.” She raised her eyebrows. “No smears, no waiting on it to pop up on the screen, just look at it and bam, you’ll know. You could be super scientist.”

“And ...” Danny added. “If you don’t like it, we can always erase the program and give you the plain one.”

“Not to mention,” Henry interjected. “We can increase this one when you get used to it.”

Dean asked, “Is it right to mess with nature like that?”

“Dean,” Frank’s strong voice carried. “You got a fuckin microchip in your brain. How much more of messing with nature do you want? Try it.”

Dean nodded slowly. “OK. It stays. But no one is allowed to make fun if I puke all the time like Henry.”

Ellen embraced Dean. “I’m glad. I’m so glad you can see. I’ll bring the kids by. OK?”

“Please.” Dean smiled.

Andrea hated to do it, but she had to be the doctor. “He needs his rest everyone. We can stop by later and visit but I need him to relax or else I won’t let him out when he thinks he’s ready.”

Joe agreed. “Let’s let the super vision guy alone.” He walked up to Andrea and kissed her on the cheek. “Proud of ya, good job. Dean.” Joe reached down and laid his hand on his leg. “Glad everything worked out.”

Henry closed up his laptop. “I’ll let you be too, Dean.” He looked at Ellen who didn’t look back. “I’ll see you later.”

“Thanks, Henry.” Dean smiled at him watching him follow behind Jason, Andrea, Joe, and Danny.

With his hand out, Frank laid it on Ellen’s shoulder. “You ready?”

“Yes.” She tapped his hand. “Get some rest, Dean.”

“El.” Dean stopped her. “Could you just stay for a few extra minutes? I need to be alone with you.” He looked at Frank then back to Ellen. “I want to be alone for this moment with you.”

“All right.” She smiled. “Frank, I’ll see you later.”

Frank nodded as he stepped toward the door. “Oh, Dean? Remember, pity lays.”

“Frank.” Dean snickered. “Magnified sex.”

“Gone.”

“But not forgotten.”

“Never coming back.” Frank shook his head.

“Bet me.”

“Blow me.” Frank moved toward the door. “El, talk to you later.”

Ellen pointed back with her thumb after Frank left. “What was that about?”

“Inside joke.” Dean’s hand moved to her leg. “Thanks for staying.” His hand crept up and he moved the edge of her skirt looking down. “Ow wow.”

“Dean.” Ellen pulled her skirt back down.

Dean grinned. “This may definitely have its advantages.”

Shaking her head with a slight smile, Ellen stood up. “Can I came right back? There’s something I need to do and I should do it right now.”

“Sure. Go on.”

“Thanks.” She kissed him on the cheek and walked to the door. “Dean?”

“Yeah.”

“From this moment on, with your eyes like they are, you can no longer say these ...” she pulled her shirt out some flashing one breast at him, “... aren’t huge.” Receiving Dean’s laugh at her, Ellen walked from the room.

Stepping out of Dean’s room into the hall, Ellen thought she’d see him. It hadn’t been that long since he walked out. In search of him, Ellen moved down the corridor. As she rounded the bend that would lead to the hall with the main doors, she saw him walking out of the waiting room. “Henry!” she called to him, “wait.”

Still facing the glass doors and clutching the laptop, Henry closed his eyes briefly, then turned around. “Hi, El.”

“Henry.” Ellen walked up to him, smiled, and took a deep breath. “I needed to tell you, you did a great job.”

The grin on Henry’s face was huge. “Thanks, El.”

“And ...” She stepped closer to him. “I’m proud of you.” Tiptoeing up, she kissed him on the cheek.

Henry instinctively reached to hold her. One hug, he thought, that’s what Ellen was going to do. He really thought that. She was so close to him. As his hand moved to her shoulder and he stepped in, Ellen stepped back.

“Bye, Henry.” She lifted her hand in a wave, turned and walked down toward Dean’s room.

Henry watched her, a part of him feeling empty, missing something, and a part of him grateful for the moment that just passed. But he wanted more and he grew a little excited with the thought that he could very easily have that soon. With Ellen’s pride over his work, her lack of hatred shown toward him, how could Henry go wrong?

<><><><>

“Dean,” Ellen called to him over the radio that night. “How are you?”

“I’m hanging in there. It’s quiet.”

Ellen looked around the crowded Social Hall. People sat in the chairs set up in meeting mode. “That’s because everyone is here.”

“You’ll keep the button pressed in, won’t you?”

“It’s already been taped. Nervous?”

“Praying.”

“I have faith. The odds are in our favor, Dean.”

“I know.”

“Dean? I’m gonna put the radio down now OK, Joe just walked in with Andrea.”

“Good luck.”

“You too.” Ellen took the radio and secured the tape over the button. After setting it down on the table, she walked to the wall and stood next to Frank.

As soon as Frank felt Ellen next to him, he pulled her in front of him and wrapped his arms around her from behind. “It will be fine.”

A long breath, a deep breath and Ellen settled into Frank’s hold.

In his walk to Council table, Henry stopped at Ellen and Frank. “I want to let you two know that with all of my heart, I am with you on this. I feel it too.” He nodded and began to walk away.

“Henry,” Ellen called him back. “We want you to know, that if none of our children are chosen, you as Council are not to blame.”

“I needed to hear that.” He gave a sad smile to Frank, then another to Ellen. “Good luck.” He reached down to Ellen’s hand, and gave her a reassuring squeeze. Without saying anymore, Henry walked to the front of the room where Andrea and Joe waited. “Ready.”

Joe stood up. “Do you want to do this?”

“No, Joe, I’d rather not.”

“I didn’t think so.” Looking that the large jug full of folded names, Joe walked outward toward the crowd. He really hated to bring up such a ‘down’ subject to the happy content faces he gathered in the room. “When my son Robbie was out there last on a sweep,” Joe paused, “he got very sick. For some reason, we don’t know why, The Society sent soldiers after him. The soldiers had, and a lot of you do not know this, the antiserum to what we believe is the virus The Society is going to hit us with.” Joe heard the joyful chatter, almost as if they misunderstood him and they did. “However ...” Silence drew upon the room. “Despite our best efforts, and we’re still trying, we haven’t been able to copy it. There were only four doses of the antiserum in the case. One dose was given to Robbie. One dose is still being used for experiments and replication. That leaves two doses. Now our science team,” Joe placed his hands in his pockets, his voice dropped slightly, “they’re uh ... they’re a pretty good bunch.” He winked at Ellen. “They don’t want the antiserum to go to waste. That is why all of you are here. I didn’t tell you ahead of time as there was no need to build the anxiety but two people could be made immune to the virus. Two adults. But see, let’s look at this.” Joe held up a finger. “I’d like to know for sure that I am going to survive this, but ... hell, I’m fifty-nine years old. How many years do I really have left? It would be kind of a waste,” so sadly Joe spoke. “But our young people, they are our future. Since we already know that a few of our people are immune to this thing, then we know, should our children survive and none of us do, then they will be in the best of hands. Therefore it is best that we give the antiserum to the children instead of the adults.” It was so quiet in that room he could have heard a pin dropped.

“Two doses for an adult can be made into four children’s doses and that is what we intend on doing.” He walked back over to the table. “In this bowl, I have placed every child from our extreme youngest, which is the child Trish carries that will be born any day, to our oldest child of twelve, Lance. Because of their body size and weight, I could not include our teenagers in this. Now favorable to us, I’ve been told, is the weight factor. The doses are enough for a combined weight of four hundred pounds. So basic math will tell you, if Debbie’s baby born yesterday at nine pounds gets picked, and one of our other babies at twenty pounds is picked, we’re pretty much gonna be able to pick another name. Our biggest child weighs in at ninety-three pounds, that is Walt and he’s only ten.” Joe chuckled. “Big boy. Andrea will keep track of the weight, and if after four names we still have ninety-three pounds left, we will pick another name. We will pick until we’ve reached the four hundred pound goal. For the lives of our youngest, I would like the oldest member of this community to pick. Josephine, will you do us the honors?”

Slowly Josephine stood from her chair and walked to the front, her turtle pace heightened the suspense. She stood next to Joe and he brought the large bowl toward her. Her fragile hand, trembling, reached inside, digging deep and pulling out the first name. She gave it to Joe.

Henry held tightly to his pencil, his head faced the list of children and their weight, but his mind was on Ellen.

Ellen’s fingers were locked in Frank’s as they watched Joe unfold the first name.

“We just uh ... talked about this one. Walt Jefferson.” He placed the paper down. “What’s our next heaviest, Henry?”

Henry cased the list with his finger. “That would be Lance at seventy-six pounds.”

“That’s our next weight limit. Josephine.”

She pulled out another name giving it to Joe.

Joe opened it. “Sabrina McBride.” He looked back at Henry. “Henry, weight?”

“Fifty-three pounds, Joe.”

Another name was slowly handed to Joe. Joe opened it, his heart racing as the chances decreased. “Lance Carr.”

If Ellen could back her body into Frank anymore she would have. “I can’t take this, only one more.”

“No,” he whispered in her ear. “They’ll pick another. We have a chance.”

Joe took the fourth sheet of paper, his fingers shook as he opened it, wanting so bad to see the last name Slagel or Hayes on there. A breath escaped him, a breath of disappointment. “Jimmy Reese.”

Henry looked up from his list. “Fifty-five pounds, Joe.”

Joe quickly turned to Andrea. “I know we can do one more, right? That doesn’t come nearly to four hundred pounds.”

Andrea nodded then folded her hands. “Do another, Joe.”

Joe handed the bowl to Josephine.

Josephine pulled out a slip looking at the concern on Joe’s face. “I’m trying for ya, Joey.” She winked at Joe.

Joe opened the name. He quickly spun to Andrea who had her eyes closed. He said the name slowly. “Katie ... Winters.”

Andrea’s eyes closed tighter as she silently, at that instant, thanked God.

Henry reached over his hand to Andrea, squeezing it. “Forty-eight pounds, Joe.”

Through the deafening silence, Joe looked at Andrea with pleading eyes. “Tell me.”

“One more.” Andrea grabbed her pencil again.

With everything he had, Joe prayed as he handed out the bowl to Josephine.

Josephine reached in.

On his hospital bed, knees brought up to him, Dean pressed his forehead to that radio. He listened to the quiet of the hall as he slightly rocked back and forth. “Please dear God, please let it be one of mine.”

Ellen turned around and buried her face into Frank’s chest. “Please,” she whispered. “Please.” She could feel the tense hold Frank had on her. He held her for strength as much as she held him.

“Last one.” Joe took a second, closing his eyes as he unfolded the paper. He opened them to read the name and quickly shut them laying the sheet of paper on the table. “Virginia Ryan.” With a dropped head, he raised his eyes to Andrea.

Andrea’s head swayed slowly as she mouthed the words ‘I’m so sorry.’ to Joe.

Facing Josephine, Joe placed his lips to her forehead. “Thank you.” He re-faced the room. “We’ll need these six children at the clinic tomorrow morning. They’ll have to stay a couple days so our medical team can monitor the side effects.”

Dean tossed the radio harshly on the bed next to him, so angry he was. “Why did I mention it? Why didn’t I just give it to them? Damn it!” Against his bent knees, he laid his head.

Ellen held back her tears as her shaking body gave hint that she wanted to break down. “I thought for sure, Frank. I really thought for sure.”

“I did too. Let’s just ... Let’s just go home.”

“Wait!” Henry stood up shouting out as the people started to get up. “Joe, Virginia is a baby. That only totals three-hundred and twenty-two pounds. Our next largest kid is Marcus at sixty-five. That gives an eight pound leeway for dosages. Pull another name, Joe. Pull another name.”

Grabbing the bowl in gratefulness, Joe carried it to Josephine, who was getting ready to sit. “One more, Josephine.”

Ellen didn’t want to stay. She just wanted to leave with Frank, stop by the clinic to see Dean, and go home. But she did stay, turning around, facing the front and settling into Frank’s arms.

Joe took that final name into his hand and set down the name bowl. This would be it. This had to be the last name. There wasn’t a child that weighed eight pounds or under. When he opened the sheet, a thickening filled Joe’s throat, his heart pounded, and his breath escaped him. Immediately he looked to Ellen and said the name in such relief. “Billy Hayes.”

Ellen’s head dropped and her eyes filled with tears, her shoulders bounced as she brought Frank’s hands from her waist to her mouth. So much emotion and fright filled that little time when she wanted with everything to hear one of her children’s names. When she did, her body gave way and she could barely stand.

Frank held her up. He planted his lips to the back of her head and closed his eyes tightly.

Henry’s hands dropped the pen he held and he lowered his face into his hands. As his joined hands ran down the bridge of his nose, he lifted his eyes to look out to Ellen, who was crying.

Dean lay back on the bed, his arm covered his forehead. Though he was filled with happiness that Billy’s name was chosen, Dean was also filled with sadness at the thought of the struggle his other three children may have to face.

As in any game of chance, there were more losers than there were winners in that room. What made it more painful was the fact that those who lost were the innocents of the world, the children. And worse than any other raffle or lottery where the loser fails to get the prize that fate hands them, in this pull-of-a-name, the loser failed to get the chance of life that fate should so much be waiting to hand them.

CHAPTER TWENTY

AUGUST 7

Joe followed the beeping sound. It had to be close. He checked out the connecting waiting room next to his office because the sound was louder there, but it was not from there. “Where in the world?” Joe walked through his office and into the little receiving examining room, it didn’t come from there either. Needing to find out, for curiosity and annoyance purposes, Joe left his office and sought it out. It was a high squealing beep, changing constantly in frequency and in speed. It grew louder the closer he came to the empty office next to his. The door was ajar when he walked in. Henry and Danny stood there with the internal portion of a speaker laid on the empty desk.

“Try it again,” Henry told Danny. The beeping changed. “Good. Let’s go with that one.”

“I like it better too.” Danny looked at the control in his hand. “Let’s go.” As he spun from the desk, he saw Joe standing in the door. “Joe.”

“What is that noise?” Joe asked.

Henry stepped forward. “Oh, we’re just using this office as a test base. We still have to clear out that storage room near Security Monitoring.”

“Test base for what?” Joe questioned.

“The tracking,” Henry answered. “We’re putting the first test transmitter up behind the back gate. We placed the small satellite on the roof here.” Henry pointed up. “We’re going to see if we pick up the signal. We have the receiver hooked up to the speaker, which is basically how it will work in the tracking room when it’s done. The only difference being, Danny still has to make the monitor so we can get a visual on how many, if any, are coming. We need more than just an audio but today we’re just testing the system using the audio. Have I lost you?”

“Just tell me this,” Joe said, “that damn speaker isn’t going to be in this office all the time, right?”

“No.” Danny shook his head. “Just for today. If we get a successful test, I’ll finish with the monitor, and then finish all the transmitters for the other areas.”

“Good.” Joe nodded. “Just wanna be sure. I don’t want to be sitting in my office working and having that thing go off every time a deer goes by it.” Joe headed towards the door again. “OK, good luck out there.”

After Joe left, Danny looked at Henry. “A deer?”

“I didn’t think of that.”

“Neither did I.”

“That is really going to be annoying to the monitor.”

“Tell me about it.” Danny shrugged. “Oh well, it’s not us.” He grabbed the control. “Shall we?”

“Let’s go.” Leaving the speaker hooked up, Henry grabbed his bag and followed Danny out.

<><><><>

“Here.” Frank handed Dean the bucket that he gladly took.

Holding and stepping away from Frank on the roof of the utility building, Dean up heaved once into the bucket. “God.” He caught his breath. “I am so sick.”

“It’ll pass.”

“It’s awful.”

“I told you not to eat when I worked with you on this, didn’t I?”

“Yeah, it’s like I’m on an amusement park ride that I can’t get off.” Dean began to stand up straight from his hung over his knees position. “All right, I’m ready.”

Frank brought his binoculars up. “Danny and Henry are out there placing the new tracking system up. Spot them.”

Dean looked out. “Where?”

“Straight on past the back gate.”

Taking a deep breath, Dean focused, watching the trees that were so far away get closer and closer. As he scanned the wooded area for the mechanical two, watching things get bigger and bigger, all he could hear was the theme to the Six Million Dollar Man. ‘Steve Austin, a man barely alive. We can rebuild him, make him stronger. Do-do-do ...’ “Frank! Will you knock it off!”

Laughing, Frank moved back from Dean’s ear where he whispered. “Sorry. It was funny. Do you see them?”

“Yeah, I spot them.”

“What are they doing?”

“Danny is climbing up the tree. Henry is ...” Dean looked for a closer shot of Henry. “Scratching his head. But he’s ... hold on.” Dean moved from the edge, reached for his bucket, but stopped himself before he threw up again. He raised his head back up. “All right it looks like ... oh my God.”

“What?” Frank lifted the binoculars.

“Savages.”

“Where!” Frank searched.

“Beyond them, sneaking in. Shit, Frank.”

“How many.”

“Eight, ten. Shit.”

“Stay here. Keep watch!” Frank threw his headset on, and in a run, picked up the rope they used to climb up, leaped off the roof of the utility building, repelling once off the side with a huge ‘bang’ and dropping to the ground below. He landed on his feet, hands meeting the ground shortly after, picking himself up still running, Frank jumped on his motorcycle. “Security, down the back gate ... Robbie,” he called as he rode. “Robbie, come in. We got Savages headed in the back gate region, S-14 by Danny and Henry.”

“Copy, Frank. Tower hasn’t said anything. They didn’t spot them.”

“Yeah but Dean did. Suit up, meet me there. I’m heading out. Bring my rifle.” Revving the engine and lifting to one wheel as he did, he sped to the back gate. When he got there he jumped off, hoped the perimeter was down, and unlocked the gate.

<><><><>

Henry shielded his eyes from the peaking sun as he looked up to Danny who was in the tree. “How’s it going?”

“Good.”

“Is it secure?”

“It’s just fine.” Danny, rope around his waist, also braced himself against the ‘V’ in the branch.

“How’s it going to hold up if it rains or snows?”

“Henry, if you would have paid attention to me last night, I explained that.” Danny grunted, making a turn of his tool. “But your mind was elsewhere.” Danny let out another loud grunt.

“Are you having trouble with that?” He shrugged. “Anyway, I wanted to watch the movie. I told you that.” Henry’s head turned to the sound of static on the radio and he lifted it up. “Yeah, Frank?”

“Henry, pull back. Get out of there.”

“What was that, Frank? Your motorcycle is too loud.”

“Henry!” Frank yelled as he drove out to them. “Savages are coming your way. Pull back!”

He heard Frank’s warning, and with that he knew he had to deliver his own. “Danny! We have to ...” As he raised his head to call his co-worker he watched Danny’s body, still attached to the rope, sail downwards, in a drop backwards from the tree, arms extended out, head first straight to Henry. With a spring action, the rope reached its end and Danny stopped in a snap, swinging outward to Henry, and heading back in to the tree.

Henry tried to reach out quickly, stopping Danny from hitting into the tree again. As he grabbed him, moving with the force of Danny’s swinging body, he saw the arrow protruding from his gut. “Oh my God.” Henry backed up, watching the blood that flowed from Danny’s stomach wound run quickly over his face. “Frank ...” Henry spoke into the radio. “I need help.” He turned to make a run for it and ... Slam! ... something, Henry didn’t know what, bolted him in the side of the face so hard he spun around and rammed into the tree. Seeing the blurriness of the bark, feeling the coarseness, Henry tried to straighten his weakened legs ignore any pain, and that was when the hooting and the screaming of the Savages began. He didn’t even have time to run for it when he felt himself grabbed harshly by more than one and thrown with a vengeance, face first, to the ground.

Quickly trying to lift himself from his stomach, Henry saw the multitudes of feet that surrounded him. He barely made it to his knees when another hit struck him in the back of the neck, sending him crashing back down. It was at that moment with the loud hollering around him, the most frightening turn to Henry occurred. A foot slammed down to the back of his neck, holding his face pressed to the ground. Another foot stood on his arms, and another planted firmly between his shoulder blades, all while he felt the horrifying sensation of them pulling at him, tugging at him, and ripping at his clothes. “No!” Henry grunted out trying to scream with everything he had, trying to fight despite the hits, kicks, and pulling at his jeans.

He felt the air hit the bareness of his lower body, and hands that gripped to his hips. Just as he felt himself being pulled back, he heard the sound of gunfire. Not rapid and fast, but steady and selective. With that gunfire, Henry felt the heaviness of a body fall hard upon his back, and the warmness of the blood that flowed from the head of that body across Henry’s face. Screaming as he did, Henry flipped himself over, flinging the man from him. Pulling up his clothes, Henry saw a spear plunging for him. He rolled again, out of the spear’s way, swung out his legs, taking the Savage to the ground. Henry picked himself up then dove on him, beating the Savage without control as if Henry was a Savage himself. Finally, in a kneel above the Savage, Henry grabbed the spear that protruded from the ground, lifted it high, and rammed it speedily to the center the Savage’s throat. Out of breath, Henry heard no more gunfire. He stood up, looking around. Four Savages lay dead on the ground. Where were the rest of them? Where was Frank?

His answer came with a mighty angry roar, followed by the vision of a dead Savage thrown through the trees and landing with a roll, stopping at Henry’s feet. His neck was broken so severely it was nearly severed from his body. Then Frank emerged, one Savage on his back and two others fighting to take him down. Seeing this, Henry ran to the body of the Savage he had just killed, pulled the spear from his throat, and raced Frank’s way.

Frank let out a painful enraged scream as he felt the teeth of the Savage on his back sear into his skin between his shoulder and his neck. Engulfed with outrage, Frank reached back, grabbed the hair of the Savage, gripped his head, and snatched him so harshly from the bite, that the crack of the Savage’s neck rang out as Frank flipped him over his shoulder. He used him like a baseball bat, swinging his lifeless body out, knocking over a Savage that dove at him.

Upon Henry’s run to Frank, he saw Frank’s revolver lying on the ground. “Frank!” he called out. He picked up the revolver as he raced with the spear to the Savage Frank had just knocked to the ground. Spearing the downed Savage through the throat, Henry tossed Frank his revolver.

Frank caught it, clicked back the hammer, spun around, and fired one single deadly shot into the head of the last remaining Savage who was inches from him, holding a spear. Frank lowered his weapon slowly, breathing heavy and staring at the last Savage he had killed. “Where the fuck is Robbie?” Shaking his head, Frank walked to the tree where Danny hung. He saw as the blood still flowed freely from the stomach wound. Frank lifted Danny’s upper body, bracing it against his shoulder, and feeling for a pulse. “OK,” Frank whispered, “you’re alive.” He reached down and pulled out his knife that was strapped to his thigh. With one single hard swing, he cut the rope from where Danny was attached, caught Danny’s falling body, and lowered him to the ground. As he laid him down, he heard the sound of a jeep’s engine. “It’s about time.” Frank stood up and saw Robbie running through the trees. “It’s about time you asshole! Where the fuck have you been?”

“Fuck you, Frank.” Robbie dropped down to Danny. “I had to get a jeep. Dean said Danny was hit.” Robbie pulled out a cloth and laid it on Danny’s stomach.

“So I take it they’re ready at the clinic.”

“Getting there.” Robbie looked up. “So how many did you take out?”

“There were ten. I got eight.”

Robbie fluttered his lips. “So why’d you need me? Frank, are you losing your touch?”

Waving his hand off at his brother, Frank spun around to see Henry sitting on the ground. His knees were brought close to his chest and his arms wrapped tightly around them as his head was down. “I’ll be right back.”

Robbie looked up as he prepared to lift Danny. “Hurry up, Frank. We have to get Danny in.”

“I will.” Frank walked slowly over to Henry. “Hey. You OK?”

Henry lifted his head, the gash in his face bled and smeared across his cheek. “You saved my life again, Frank.”

“Yeah well.” Frank sniffed and wiped the blood from his nose with the back of his hand, trying to joke it off. “It’s my job you know.”

Henry closed his eyes. “Do you know how close ... how close I came to being ...”

“Henry.” Frank stepped to him, squatting down and extending out his hand. “Let’s go, buddy. It’s all right.”

Henry looked at Frank’s bloodied and dirty hand, and he reached out his own, gripping to Frank’s in support and gratefulness.

Frank stood up first then, in a pull, brought Henry to his feet. Seeing how down Henry was, Frank placed his hands on Henry’s shoulder. “Let’s get that face taken care of.”

“Thanks, Frank. I can’t thank you enough.”

“You being alive is thanks enough.” He walked with Henry to the jeep.

Henry felt and heard Frank stop abruptly. “What’s wrong?”

Frank looked up at the tree before him. “Hey. Did you guys finish getting that tracking thing up there?”

<><><><>

“Get me three pints of ‘A’ positive blood in OR-3 and bring me two cc’s of the antitoxin STAT!” Dean screamed out to Patrick. With Ellen’s help, he wheeled the empty cart down the corridor, to the front doors of the clinic. “Ellen, where’s Andrea?”

“She’s still in that knee surgery. Jason is in the OR now, prepping it. Dean, tell me all three of them are OK.”

Dean stopped wheeling the cart at the door. “I can’t tell you that.”

“Dean.” Patrick ran down the hall. “The antitoxin.” He tossed it on the cart. “Jason’s having trouble with the vital monitors in that room.”

Dean shook his head peering out the door. “Shit, that has the tricky switch ... El, could you?”

“Be right back.” She took off running with Patrick down the hall.

The second she left the jeep pulled up. Grabbing the syringe, he held the door open for Frank and Robbie who carried Danny in. “Lay him on the cart.” He looked at Henry who followed behind. “You OK?” Dean gave a pat to Henry’s cheek then ran to Danny. “Frank, good job.” Dean lifted his stethoscope to his ears and placed the diaphragm to Danny’s chest. “Heartbeat’s good.” He dropped the stethoscope, flicked the bubbles from the syringe, and immediately injected it into Danny’s thigh. As he raised his eyebrows, he saw the blood on Frank’s white tee shirt. “Yours?”

“Yeah, fuckin Savage bit me.”

“Damn it, Frank,” Dean spoke in a snap.

“What, I can’t help it.”

“No. You should have radioed me about that. You have to be given an antitoxin too.”

“Fuck that. I’m fine.”

“No.” Dean, with Robbie’s help began to move Danny toward the OR. “Both of you,” he yelled to Henry and Frank. “Frank, room three, Henry, exam room two. I’ll send Ellen and Patrick to take care of you.”

“Dean.” Henry ran up after him. “I know you saw what happened from that roof. Does Ellen know?”

“Henry, I have to ...”

“Dean, don’t tell her if she doesn’t, OK? Please don’t tell her what almost happened.”

Dean paused wheeling the cart to look at Henry. “I won’t. Just get to the examining room now.”

“Thanks, Dean.”

<><><><>

“Oh my God!” Ellen cried out as she came from the OR to see Dean and Robbie approaching with Danny. “Is he gonna be all right?”

“I think,” Dean said, pushing Danny inside then rushing to the sink area in the adjoining room. He pressed the intercom to the OR. “Jason, hook him up and start his IV. Get the sutures ready. We have to do this quickly.” He raced over to the sink, Ellen behind him, and Patrick washing up. “Both of you,” he spoke to them, “I need you at the examining rooms. Jason and I can handle this. I got a bite in room three and a Henry-scar gash in room two.”

Ellen backed to the door. “I’ll take the gash. No way am I touching the bite.” She shuddered. “Savage spit. Good luck, Dean.” She took off.

Patrick headed out also. “Guess I have the bite.”

“Two cc’s of antitoxin, Patrick, followed by the Kenyan. Got it?”

“Got it.” Pushing the doors open with his back, Patrick left the washing area.

Flinging the excess water from his hands, Dean dried them, ran to the OR, grabbed a mask, tied it on, and then grabbed his gloves. “Ready?” he asked Jason.

“Ready. We’re filling him back up with blood. Vitals are good. Everything is ready.”

“Get the suction prepared.” Dean stood above the only exposed part of Danny’s body, the arrow. “God, I hate arrows.”

“Kind of barbaric.”

“So is most of the world.” Dean grasped the arrow. “Ready ...” He took a breath. “Now.” As soon as he pulled out the arrow, blood shot up as if it were a fountain. “We have bleeder.”

“Looks like it may have punctured the splenic artery.”

“It missed any vital internal organs, thank God. More suction.” Dean peered into the wound, retracted it open, and then reached into Danny’s stomach with an arterial clamp. “A little more, Jason.”

“Almost there.”

“Getting a clear view and ... got it.” Dean clamped the artery and the spurting bleeding stopped. “We’re gonna need more than three pints.”

“Nah.” Jason shook his head. “Notice the slight clotting around the artery. The arrow helped there.”

“I see that.” Dean grabbed the sutures. “Oh damn it.”

“What?”

“We have a splinter, pyloric antrum stomach region.”

“Where?” Jason looked in.

Dean, using his hand, maneuvered the stomach. “There. See it?”

“No.”

“Right ... never mind. As soon as I suture this, hand me the tweezers.”

“Dean?”

“Yeah.”

“Good thing you have those new and improved eyes huh? We’re talking major infection if you didn’t see that.”

Dean smiled as he worked. “Hey, I guess you’re right.”

<><><><>

“So I’m taking it ...” Ellen injected the needle, which contained a numbing agent, into Henry’s cheek. “I’m taking it that Frank was bit.”

Henry nodded.

“What doesn’t happen to that man, I’m telling you.” She wiped the blood from Henry’s cheek. “This isn’t that bad, Henry, really, just few stitches. I promise to do better than I did on Frank’s.”

“Thanks, El.” Henry said, so down.

“I’m getting quite good at this.” She started to stitch. “Dean taught me well.” Her fingers probed his face. “This cheek doesn’t feel broken.” She continued stitching. “Anyhow, when I’m done it will look a lot worse than it is. I filled it with the numbing agent.” She pulled the thread. “You have that high cheekbone look the models in the old world loved. Too bad it’s only one.” Ellen chuckled. “I’m not hurting you, am I?”

“No.”

“Maybe I should have asked that before I started stitching.” She pulled and stitched, tucked and cut. “Almost done, Henry.” She made her last stitch. “Bandage or no bandage?”

“None.”

“Wanna display that macho, rugged hero look, huh?”

“Yeah.” As soon as Henry knew she had finished he lowered his head.

Ellen set her supplies aside and grabbed the cloth from the basin filled with warm water. Using her index finger, she lifted Henry’s chin. “Let me just wipe you off.” She noticed as she wiped his face clean, she wasn’t wiping any of the sadness there. “Henry?” She softened her voice. “Are you all right?”

So close she was to him and so much he needed her at that second. Seeing her hand on his face, Henry reached up and grabbed it, squeezing it tight. “El.”

“What is it, Henry?” She cased her eyes across his face then to his eyes. “What’s wrong?”

Henry swallowed, still looking at her. “Nothing.” He released her hand and shook his head. “It ... it was just a bad time out there.”

“You’re very lucky, Henry. Look at Danny. Things could have been worse.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Henry slid off the table. “I’m done, right?”

“You’re finished.”

“Thanks.” Henry started walking out, stopped and turned to face her. “El? Can I just ask one favor of you?”

“What is it?”

“Just ... just for a second. Could you ... could you just ...” Before Henry could get out the words, the door to the examining room opened and in came Frank. The finish to his question, ‘hold me’ was buried with Frank’s loud ‘hey’ when he walked into the room.

Ellen grinned wide. “There he is.” She held out her hand. “Here’s the man who deserves the Mighty Mouse theme song.” She ran to him and threw her arms around him. “And who deserves to be hugged.”

“Whoa.” Frank hugged her back lifting her from her feet and swinging her around. “This is the best part. Now can you make me my own Frank doll?”

“You bet.” She kissed him on the cheek. “I’m proud of you.”

“Will it get me laid?”

“No.”

“Right.” Frank set her down. “Anyhow, I came to see how Henry is doing.”

Ellen looked around Frank. “He’s ... he’s gone.” She walked to the door. “What happened out there, Frank?”

“Henry was ...” Quickly Frank’s mind went to Henry and Dean in the hall. “Henry was jumped by a bunch of them. He had a hard time, but ... he did good.”

“Of course.” Ellen winked at him. “Look who taught him.” She put her arms around him again.

Frank looked back at the door. He would enjoy the moment of Ellen’s gratitude, but not for long. He’d have to find Henry and do what he came to the examining room to do, check on his friend and see if he was all right.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

“And ...” Jenny spoke so chipper before the group of women in her home, a group of women less Bev. “Agriculture has promised us ten chickens for our gala.” She nodded happily at the applause. “Not that we can feed a hundred people with ten chickens, but if we cook them up and cut them up, we can certainly incorporate it into that pasta dish Andrea will make.” She checked over her notes. “I spoke to everyone that I wanted to speak to and everyone looks like they’re coming, not like they have anything else to do. And, Trish?”

Trish lifted her head and wiped the ketchup dip from her mouth. “Yes?”

“If you don’t have that baby in the next few days, you won’t be able to attend, so concentrate, concentrate hard.”

“OK,” Trish said chipper. “I will.”

“Last, before we head off to the Social Hall for our monthly game of ‘Dart the Big Fart’, Ellen has an announcement to make.”

Ellen stood up and the room went silent. “Thank you, Jenny.” She cleared her throat. “First of all, I want to say all of your bids were especially great. Danny and I had a hard time with them. Which by the way, Danny is doing splendid, splendid enough to have helped me with my final decision, which I bring to you. I spoke to Blake prior to coming here. He is excited about the change of ownership. I have the papers completely drawn up, and since Andrea is Council, she can officiate them. And now ...” Dramatically Ellen spoke, “With the bid ... drum roll please.” She rolled her tongue in a drum roll then laughed. “With a bid of eight consecutive Fridays laced with her famous Beginnings’ Pizza, coupled with the clincher of one month of filing, filling out, and routing of my stupid reports, Blake is now the property of ... Jenny Matoose.”

Jenny screamed with excitement. Her fist clenched and she jumped up and down. “I got him I got him. Yes. Yes. Yes. I got him.” She ran around in circles. “Oh my God. Get those papers, Andrea, before Ellen changes her mind.” She began to sing. “I got him. I got him. Oh-oh I got him.” Suddenly her excitement stopped and she stood still. “Uh-oh, how am I gonna tell John?”

<><><><>

Dean saw it. It was so evident as he walked back to his house from a final round at the clinic. Henry was sitting on his front porch, his face buried within his hands.

His mind flashed back to the old world and he remembered a similar scene when he walked home through the base housing on his way back from the lab. Some corporal was sitting the same way as Henry, every light off in his house. Dean remembered looking at that corporal and truly seeing that something was bothering him. Dean also remembered walking right by him and going home. This was not the old world and Henry was his friend. Dean also knew what all was bothering Henry, every aspect of it, and that was probably more than anyone else did.

“Hey,” Dean called out, trying to sound as if he wasn’t there to ‘lend an ear’, which he was. “I just got done at the clinic.”

“How’s Danny?” Henry raised his head some, not much.

“Get this ... may I sit down?”

“Sure.”

“Thanks.” Dean scooted next to him. “He’s talking.”

“What?”

“Danny. He’s talking and talking and talking. Going off about how he got hit with the arrow and how he had an ancestor who died back in the Cowboy and Indian days by being hit with an abundance of arrows. He thought it was only fitting that he followed the footsteps of this ancestor.”

Henry looked at Dean with an odd smile. “Were there Chinese immigrants over here back then?”

“I don’t believe so, Henry. However, I do think we learned something about Danny Hoi. Not only does the man recover nicely, but he’s a hell of a storyteller.”

“He’s a lucky man,” Henry said.

“I’ll agree with that. So ...” Dean subtly cleared his throat. “I’m looking at you sitting here. I don’t need to be a scientist, even though I am to know something is heavy on your mind. Henry, do you want to talk about today?”

Henry laughed and shook his head with so much sadness. “Talk about it, Dean? I don’t even want to think about it but that’s all I do every second since it happened.” He closed his eyes tightly in pain. “Tell me something, Dean. He hasn’t said anything and I don’t want to bring it up, but how much does Frank know?”

“I think Frank knows enough to know what was going on but he was really too busy at that moment to see too much.”

“Thank God.” Henry’s head dropped.

“Henry, come on, this is your best friend. Maybe he wants you to talk to him. Maybe you need to talk to him.”

“I’m talking to you, Dean. Does this make you uncomfortable?”

“No!” Dean quipped. “No, Henry, it doesn’t. I want to help you, and part of helping someone is directing them to whom or where they can get the most help.”

“Ellen is where I could get the most help.”

“Then go to her,” Dean told him strongly.

“Are you crazy? I went to her today.”

“Did you tell her what happened?”

“Did you think I would? I just need her. I just need her comfort, but I want to get it without telling her what happened. I don’t want anyone to know what happened, no one, Dean,” Henry spoke as if he were on the edge.

“I’m not understanding why. Please explain to me why.”

“I cannot believe you of all people have to ask me that. You saw me, Dean. If you could see me scratching my head, then you saw everything, did you not?”

Dean ran his hand down across his mouth then peered out into the street. “Yes.”

“Then you know how close it was.” Henry’s voice dropped. “I felt him, Dean. I felt him. If Frank was a split second longer I would have felt him more than I could have lived with.”

“Henry, what happened to you is nothing to be ashamed of.”

“Yes it is.”

“No, it is not.”

“Yes, Dean, it is.” Henry’s words were strong. “I am not a small man. I’m six feet tall. I weigh nearly two hundred pounds. I can hold my own and I’m a good fighter. How did I get to that point? How did I allow myself to be placed in that position? That ... degrading, degrading ... position.”

A lump formed in Dean’s throat. He was so lost as to what to say. He could only try. “You say I saw it and I did. I also saw that there was nothing more you could have done. There were ten men, Henry, ten of them. You fought. I watched you. You fought as well as any man could have.”

“Even Frank? Would Frank have let it get to that point?”

“Now see, that is not fair. You can’t ask that. Frank is a much bigger man. And ...” Dean grew frustrated. “And yes. With ten men, I believe so. You ask Frank, because contrary to what his ego would tell him, the man in him and the friend in him would admit to you that he would have been no better off than you at that point.”

“Even so it doesn’t make it any easier knowing I got to that point. I got to that point and I will never forget what it felt like. It was so humiliating.” Slowly Henry stood up from the steps. “If you’ll excuse me, Dean, I think I would like to go to bed now.”

“Henry.” Dean stood also. “Go to Ellen. If not to tell her what happened, but just to try to get her comfort. Don’t tell her the whole truth. Tell her that you’re just upset over the attack. Tell her something, anything. You need her.”

“I need ... I need to forget about this, but I’m afraid the man in me will never let me forget it.”

Dean’s hand gripped the porch hand railing as he watched Henry go inside. He had tried, but he felt so helpless. There was nothing more he could do. He couldn’t go to Ellen. He couldn’t break that trust of Henry’s. All Dean could do is go home with Henry heavy on his mind and hope that the next day would breed something, anything that could help get him through the rough times that had him so down.

The slight breeze through Andrea’s open living room window, brought more to Joe then just a refreshing break from the August heat as he lay there, smoking the last cigarette of the day. It brought to him emotional whispers carried in the late night wind. It brought to him the painful revelation that one of his own, his family—Henry—was in need. As painful as the truth Joe should not have learned was, it was a fact there was nothing, right there, Joe could do about it.

Swinging his legs over the cushion of the couch, he put out his cigarette and leaned forward in silent, deep thought.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

AUGUST 8

“You wanted to see me, Joe?” Henry peeked his head into Joe’s office before stepping inside.

“Yes, Henry, come on in.” Joe set his things on his desk aside.

“What’s up?” Slumping a little in his walk—something Henry did not usually do—he made his way to the chair and sat down.

“Sorry to pull you away from your work. I needed to talk about a few things with you.”

“Sure, Joe.”

“First.” Joe held up his finger. “Robbie went ahead yesterday. I don’t know if you know this, but they pulled a test of that tracking system.”

“I heard they were doing that. Robbie came to me and asked if when they were finished if he should take it back down. I told him ‘no’ not if it works, it’ll stay. It will eventually be connected to the video monitor.”

“Well the test went great, picked up animals and such. I can’t wait to get that video monitor so we can actually see how it works. Excellent job.”

“Thanks, Joe.” Henry nervously fussed in his chair. “I stopped by to see Danny this morning. He said he wants to start on that monitor right away. Tonight maybe I’ll bring some parts to the clinic.”

“Shame what happened out there.” Joe shook his head. “In fact, that is another reason I asked you here. I need to talk to you about what happened for paperwork and documentation sake.”

“Joe, I’d really rather not discuss it.”

“Henry, now it’s only paperwork. I know how you hate to do that. But attacks like these need to be ...”

“I really don’t want to talk about it!” Henry snapped and stood up. “I ... got jumped, that’s all. Frank saved the day as usual. That’s all. I have work to do.”

“Henry!” Joe called out to him as Henry moved to the door, “since when have you yelled at me for no reason like that?” Joe watched Henry bounce nervously in debate before going out the door. “Son,” Joe dropped his voice, “I know this has to be bothering you.” He laid his hand on Henry’s shoulder, standing behind him.

“You don’t know, Joe. You really don’t know.”

“I do. I remember when I was overseas in deployment with the service, police patrol type of thing. There were eight of us and we were all canvassing this town. I had this one block and I heard a woman scream. I swore I heard this woman scream.” Joe’s voice was so calm and soothing as he talked. “It wouldn’t have been me to ignore it, so I went into this building. My first mistake, hey, I was twenty-two years old, and ... I was a Slagel.” He heard Henry snicker a bit and he continued on. “So I go into this building alone and I see this girl. She’s crying and crying and holding her clothes. I tossed my rifle over my shoulder so I wouldn’t frighten her. I stepped to her, you know, holding out my hand telling her it was all right. I should have known by the way she kept shifting her eyes, but all I kept thinking was what happened to this young woman? I had to help her. No sooner was I five feet from her, I was jumped, jumped and beaten by six men, I think. I don’t recall after they encircled me and started hitting me with sticks, my rifle, and whatever they could get their hands on. I was beaten so badly I was in the hospital for two weeks. I think ... I think a week of that was because of my mental state. Here I was, this big tough guy, and I couldn’t get out of this attack. I couldn’t. That was six guys, Henry. You faced ten.”

“But, Joe.” Henry’s voice was nearly a whisper as he turned around to face him. “Besides it being ten men, it’s different somehow.”

“Yeah I know it’s different, because you faced Savages. I know how Savages are. I know. I know what they do and I know what they are like. What I am trying to tell you is there are some things that no matter how many times we play it back in our minds, trying to figure out how we could have made it different, there are some things we just cannot do anything about. They are out of our control. They do not make us weak and they do not for one second diminish any of our honor. Though these things may bother us for a long time, we still should hold our heads high.” Joe spoke deeper to Henry as he laid his fatherly hand on Henry’s cheek, holding firm in a grip that spread to behind his head. “Hold your head high, Henry, because you fought. You tell yourself you are the greatest of warriors because you have seen many battles. Through them all, even this one, broken or not, you emerged victorious. Because you ... you emerged alive.” He gave a slight emotional reassuring shake to Henry as his hand still laid on his cheek. “Hold your head high.”

“Thank you, Joe.” Henry’s eyes lowered. “Thank you very much.”

“You’re welcome very much. And ...” Joe stepped back and changed his demeanor, “there is one more thing I have to talk to you about.”

“Can it wait, Joe? I really have work to do before ...”

“I think you may want to hear this.” Joe walked back to his desk.

“What’s that?”

Joe sat down. “I had a nice little breakfast with my daughter this morning. She told me that after their dart game at the Social Hall, she headed off to your house to talk to you. But ...” Joe tossed his hands up. “In an unusual occurrence you were in bed.”

“Really, Joe? She came to my house?” Henry smiled as he watched Joe nod. “Why?”

“She said she was feeling bad about all you went through yesterday and wanted to check on you.”

“You’re lying. She didn’t say that.”

“Yeah, she did and ...” Joe’s head sprang up to the loud steady beeping. “Is that?”

“The tracking system.” Henry sprang up.

“Son of a bitch!” Joe slammed his hand down, grabbed his cigarette and stood up. “It started.”

<><><><>

Racing, M-16 in hand from his back perimeter gate, Frank hurried toward town. “Tower, come in. How many do you see?”

“Got about fifty coming in east and another fifty fast approaching the front gate, not to mention what we have coming from south. There are too many to count.”

“Hit the horn!” At that second, loud and blaring the sirens went off in Beginnings, ringing through. “Robbie, come in.”

“I’m on my way to the hangar, Frank.”

“You’re in charge. Get our bird team in the air and commence to hit them from the air.” Frank jumped in his jeep and switched channels on his radio as he drove. “Cole.”

“Yeah, Frank,” Cole came back.

“Get me my back gate and northwest squads armored
up and in position. They know they should go to you for dispensary. They’re on their way.”

“Got it, Frank.”

Frank screeched around toward Armory. “Dad, are you ...”

“I’ve been in touch with the squad leaders 2 through 6. I have them heading toward the other dispensaries and I just radioed our links for every available man center town for evacuation.”

“I should be there in ...”

“I spot you, Frank.”

Frank screeched to a halt near the Armory. About thirty men were coming out, men that not only were active Security but from other divisions as well. Frank jumped from the jeep heading to them, barking out orders over the loud blasting horn. “Dan! Take your squad and hold tight in the UD Section. Squad 7, 8, and 9, I need you as back-up at the front gate. Squads 10 and 11, back gate. The rest of you spread out! We have to clean this place up then hit outpost. Now!” Frank looked down at his watch. “Come on, Robbie, lift them goddamn birds.” Frank looked up at the sky first then charged forth into Beginnings’ heart of town.

<><><><>

Charging down the empty hall of the clinic, Dean flew into the lab. “El, come on.”

“No that’s OK, I’ll stay here.” She sat on a stool, her legs crossed.

“Do you hear the sirens? Come on! The clinic’s been evacuated.”

“No, Dean. This is stupid. I’m staying here.”

“Fine!” He smacked his hand off the archway. “I’m going to our kids.”

Ellen rolled her eyes, waited until she heard the pitter-patter of his little feet fade, slid slowly from the stool, and walked out of the lab. Down the corridor, the closer to the glass doors that she got, she could see the running up and down the street. The noise level at that moment to her was unbelievable, annoying. Within a minute, as she stood at the glass doors looking out, the sirens stopped and the helicopter noise faded. She peered through the glass, up and down the street then shuddered. “Spooky.” Shrugging her shoulder she returned to the lab, re-took her stool, and picked up her nail file.

The peace and eerie quiet did not last long. Heavy stomping of boots happened only a split second before Frank’s loud. “El!”

Ellen lifted her head and went back to doing her nails.

“El!” Frank blasted into the lab. “Let’s go!”

“No, Frank, go away.”

“Ellen, what the fuck do you think you’re doing? Move your ass.”

“Don’t talk to me like that, Frank. Go away. I’m enjoying the silence.”

“Ellen.” He marched up to her. “You knew this was coming.”

“Yeah so, it’s stupid.”

“Stupid? Stupid is radioing my man in the tunnels to find out you aren’t there. Stupid is radioing my man in the Living Section to find you aren’t there either. Stupid is finding you sitting in this lab with a fuckin nail file in your hands. Now get your ass off that stool and head to the tunnels or I’ll carry you down there.”

“You will not, Frank. I’ll lock myself in the back closet. It’s hot out. It’s sticky and with all those people, it will smell down there.”

“If this was a real attack ...”

“If this were a real attack, I would be there!” Ellen yelled then calmed down. “But it’s not and I’m not.”

“Fine!” Frank backed up, speaking into the microphone. “Dad, I’m at the clinic. How much time do I have?”

“Forty seconds, Frank,” Joe told him.

“Thanks.” Frank headed to the door and looked back. “El, just so you know, the clinic is a targeted hit in this drill. Thirty seconds, if your ass isn’t out of here, you’re dead.”

“Oh so what?” She sat there. “Go do your drill.” Laughing when Frank grumbled at her, Ellen swung her leg back and forth, filing her nails. A few seconds more of that silence and her thoughts, Ellen sprang from the stool, raced from the clinic, and down to the front door. The second she got there, Dan stood blocking the doors. “Dan.” She tapped on the glass. “Let me out.”

“Can’t do that, Ellen. You’re dead. The clinic is gone.”

“Let me out.” She rattled the door and only grew irritated when Dan smirked at her. She tossed her hands up. “I’m a casualty. Wait until I lay out Frank for letting me die in here.”

<><><><>

He munched on what looked like beef jerky but in actuality it was a protein snack, created by the Caceres Society laboratories, made from soy and other vegetables. But to Private Tom Collins, instead of enjoying it, he thought of that plane load of soccer players that crashed into the Andes Mountains. He stared at it, tried to bite it then pulled it away from his mouth. “Berry, do you suppose this is really vegetables or do you think this is human flesh.”

“What are you talking about?” The other soldier sat next to him.

“This.” Tom showed the protein snack.

“There’s something wrong with you.” Berry snatched it up, stuck it in his mouth and continued to clean his rifle. “You are going to be hungry now.”

“I’ve been hungry before but I’ve never been soldier before. This is a first.”

“You should be honored.”

“Why?” Tom asked. “I didn’t ask to serve in some army. I wasn’t told that I would have to. When that peace ambassador found our camp, he told me that society has started rebuilding and in exchange for food and medical, our help was needed help build the United States of America back.”

“And you’re helping. You’re protecting. Some farm, some build, some protect.”

“Protecting what?” Tom tossed his hands up. “This morning we’re told that we’re getting shipped out. To where? We’re trying exercise ‘Eileen’ out for real. What is that shit?”

“You heard the Colonel. He said we’re hitting some militant post on the west. Suppose to be important.” Berry shrugged. “I don’t question it. If it’s for the good of the country, then it’s for the good of me.”

“Should we be fighting though? I don’t mind participating in the ‘Operation Clean Sweep’ you know, finding others and putting them in the Caceres cities, but this fighting.” Tom shook his head. “I wasn’t told I’d have to fight, not to mention fighting alongside crazy men.” Tom pointed to a large squad. Orderly and in synch, they cleaned and prepared their weapons.

“They’re just the quiet bunch.” Berry looked at the CMEs.

“They’re aliens.”

“They are not.” Berry shook his head. “Get your weapon ready. We have maneuvers.”

“You know what?” Tom stood up grabbing his rifle. “I’d rather nap.”

Berry watched Tom walk away, but he didn’t go to his sack to lie down. He stopped at another group of men, ones that Berry heard complaining similar to Tom. Making a mental note of that, Berry returned to cleaning his rifle, fully intent on bringing Tom’s attitude to the attention of the Society heads.

<><><><>

“You have just got to love Drill Day.” Frank gloated as he walked into his father’s office and set down his clipboard.

“It was exhilarating,” Joe said, sitting back. “The people seemed to have fun.”

“Yeah that they did.” Frank plopped down in the chair across from his father, reached into his pocket, and pulled out a cigarette. “But I’ll tell ...”

“Frank, why are you smoking?”

“Who me?” Frank put the cigarette away. “I wasn’t.”

“You just pulled out a cigarette.”

“No, I didn’t.”

“Frank!” Joe slammed his hand down. “I watched you.”

“You’re thinking of Robbie.” Frank grabbed his clipboard. “Are you ready to go over these results?”

“Yeah, go on.”

“All right. The whole entire drill, from start to finish, took twenty-two minutes. We have to shave some time off. From the initial spotting of the troops, we were giving them heavy artillery, tanks to storm, and missile launchers, we proceeded to armor up and evacuate to the tunnels. Within four minutes, we had a front line at the back gate. That was pretty good. Five minutes to six minutes we had every available man at either south or north dispensaries and Armory, prepping them to go. We dispersed them immediately and we had our center town team of twenty moving out and about by nine minutes. That’s where I need to shave time. Clinic reported having the patients out and into the metal structure in eleven minutes. Now I added two more minutes to that because we were moving dummies. Had they been real, it would have taken more time.”

“That’s good, where are our incoming now?”

“Eleven minutes post start at a good ground speed, two hundred yards to Beginnings.”

“Helicopters?”

“In the air.”

“Town’s people.”

“Pretty much all in the tunnels.”

“Picking up the troops at what, three miles away? Where did we stand at the end of complete evacuation?”

“Like I said, choppers were up by the time we had the town pretty much squared away. Robbie and the other choppers were in firing position, able to take them out.”

“You?”

“Fighting with Ellen.”

“Christ.” Joe leaned back. “She wouldn’t leave again?”

“Nope, so I marked her as a casualty. I said they fired ten missiles at us. Any more than that and strategically they’re destroying what they want. She was a goner.”

“How many casualties with the missile attack?”

“With the trenches at the gates now and buildings hit, I’m gonna say we were good with about twelve. We had eight people in the Living Section, they hit the basements. But you and I both know, the safest place for everyone is the tunnels, especially if they hit us with gas.”

“What did your tunnel man report?” Joe asked.

“He said everyone was organized. They all grabbed emergency supplies and were ready to hit the route out.”

“Then I say we had a very good evacuation drill. As long as everyone doesn’t mind the disruption, we should keep it up. How much less time was this one than the last?”

“Four minutes.”

“Excellent. We’ll protect this place yet, won’t we? Remind me to get Dean tomorrow to generate some of his gas. We want to be fully stocked if we ... what?” He saw Frank snicker.

“Dean’s gas.” Frank shook his head.

“What the hell is the matter with the grown men in this community?” Joe shook his head and picked up his phone when it started to ring. “Excuse me.” He pressed the button. “Yes? Oh really?” He looked at Frank. “One of us will be right there.”

“What’s up?” Frank asked as he watched his father hang up.

“That was the dead woman. She said if we want to find out the winner in Beginnings biggest betting pool, we’d better head down there right now.”

“No shit?” Frank stood up. “I have twenty hours at stake. Need a lift down?”

“Uh you know, I think I will. Someone has to be there to help keep the crowds in order.” Joe, in a good mood and excited about finding out the ‘big’ results, headed out with Frank, certain he was going to be a winner.

<><><><>

Very sneaky-like, Ellen stood to the side of the double doors, peeking in her head and jumping back. She smiled when she saw the door open and Dean poke his head through. “You got it Dean?” she whispered.

Dean looked up and down the hall then stepped out. “Got it. Here.” He handed it to her. “Now hurry.”

Ellen held it tightly, running down the hall to the examining room, nearly sliding as she made it to the table. “Shut the door.”

Dean stood by the door’s window, keeping watch. “Just hurry up before they miss him.”

“I am. I am.” Ellen uncovered the blanket exposing a tiny newborn boy. “Aw, who cut the damn cord this badly. Now this kid will have an outie.”

“Ellen, screw the cord.” Dean peeked through the shades. “Just do it.”

“OK.” She grabbed the baby’s foot. “I hate doing newborns. They squirm.”

“Ellen.”

“OK!” She pricked the needle into the heel of the baby’s foot. “Look, Dean, he didn’t cry.” She then placed the tiny tube under the bead of blood and caught it. “Come on ... bleed. He’s not bleeding enough.”

“Squeeze the foot more,” Dean told her.

“OK.” Ellen squeezed the heel tightly. “It’s working. I’ve got it.” Securing the newborn with her elbow, she capped the tiny tube of blood and tossed it in her pocket. “All done.” She wrapped the baby back up and lifted him. “Here, Dean.”

Dean took the baby, and brought his lab coat around to hide him. “Check for an all clear.”

Ellen sneaked by him and checked the hall up and down. “Go.” She moved out of his way so Dean could dart by her.

“El, start those.”

“I will.”

Keeping his pace quick, but not too quickly, Dean ran back down to the birthing room, opened the door slightly, then walked in with his back to everyone.

“Dr. Hayes!” Andrea approached him.

“Um yeah, Andrea.”

“Give him here.” She snapped her fingers. “Now.”

Dean turned around, opened his coat, and handed Andrea the baby.

“What made you think you could get away with this unnoticed?”

“You guys were busy.”

“What did Trish tell you? No blood tests. I cannot believe you did this.”

Dean lifted his shoulders. “Sorry.”

Holding the baby, Andrea walked to Trish, stopped, and went back to Dean, whispering, “Let me know the results.” She winked and headed back to Trish. “Here you go, sweetheart, your baby boy.”

Trish sniffled as she took the baby in her arms for the first time. “I can’t believe he took my baby, Andrea.”

“I know, sweetheart.” Andrea tapped her leg. “He’s a bad man.”

<><><><>

“I hear there’s a lot,” Dean whispered to Ellen as they left the lab.

“How many can there be?”

“Ellen, there are three hundred and fifty-six work hours bet here. That’s a lot of people.”

“Yeah, Dean, but Robbie bet forty himself.”

“I can’t believe you and Henry agreed to match every hour.” Dean moved to the waiting room and stopped. “Holy shit.”

“Is this the whole town?” Ellen asked.

“Just about.” Dean smiled and walked in. “We’ve got the results.” Dean held them up into the crowded waiting room. “Now breaking clinic rules, mother’s wishes, and ...”

“Dean!” Frank yelled out, “just tell us the fuckin results. Who’s the father?”

“Easy, easy.” Dean held up his hand. “Now since I didn’t bet, I get to announce. Not even Ellen knows. So, all those for it being Jeff’s baby stand to my right. All those for it being Hap’s baby stand to my left.” Dean watched everybody move around, amusing himself by the way that every listened as if it were one giant game of Simon Says. To the right of him, thirty people stood, to the left, Ellen and Henry. “Now the way I am going to ...”

“Dean!” Frank yelled out. “Today.”

“All right.” Dean opened the folder. “The way I understood this is you people who think the baby is Jeff’s bet work hours. Ellen and Henry matched them. Meaning, if it’s Jeff’s, they have to work those hours, if it’s Haps, you work that amount for them.” Dean heard the grumbling. “OK, OK.” He snickered. “After carefully running the results, not once but twice, you people.” He pointed to the Jeff side. “You people get ...” Dean laughed, “to make Ellen and Henry’s life a little easier. The baby is Hap’s. You owe them three hundred and fifty-six work hours. Thank you.” Before the rush of anger and the painful stampeding of Henry and Ellen began, Dean took off.

Ellen moved closer to Henry when she saw the angry stares. “Something tells me this isn’t good.”

“I have to agree, El. People can be such sore losers.”

“Wanna make a run for it?”

“OK.”

Grabbing Henry’s hand, Ellen ran with him from the waiting room, down the hall, and to the lab. She shut the door, locking it behind her. “Where’s Dean?” She looked around.

Henry peeked out the blind. “At least they didn’t mob us.”

“Good thing.” Ellen let out a breath. “Wow, three hundred and fifty-six hours. That’s a lot of work people have to do for us.”

“We’ll be lazy, El.” There was a sudden, long moment of silence, awkward and needing to be filled.

Ellen moved to the door. “It’s probably safe to leave. I have work.”

“So do I.” Henry paused before going out. “Thanks, El.”

“Henry?” Ellen stopped him. “You seem a little down today. Is everything all right?”

Henry really wanted to open his mouth and tell her, ‘No, El, I need you’ but he didn’t. He smiled sadly and held on to the door before he left. “Yes. Thank you though for asking.” He had it. He had the opportunity right there as he stared at her and Henry let it go, because flashing through his mind he saw himself letting go, and in their closeness, telling Ellen all that happened. And Ellen calling it, ‘Karma’. How could Henry expect any pity from Ellen, after the circumstances of Nick’s conception had come to light. So he quietly walked away, hoping Ellen would show him the niceties and concern again but do it when he wasn’t so vulnerable.

<><><><>

“I’ve gathered you all together here,” George walked around the conference table in the huge office he had, “to tell you that I heard from Santa Monica. They have commenced per the go ahead of our biological team. Attack number one has now begun. However ...” George held up his finger with a sneaky smile, “it ends up being attack number two, tricky but smart.”

Steward raised his hand. “Why aren’t we going about this straight forward? We have the manpower.”

“Stew, we need our manpower for bigger things and you know it. Though we can afford the loss of lives now, in the long run, in the big picture, we cannot. Beginnings is a step to the big picture. We need that land, but we have to do it right. If we obtain that land through massive losses, then we’ve defeated the entire purpose of needing that place.”

“So why not build what they have, another Communications Division? We have the technology.”

“We could.” George nodded. “But what they have someone else could very easily get their hands on and that we cannot chance. It’s in the interest of our country to seize our assets and we will. But Beginnings is smart. They also have a budding Air Division which we do not have. We have to hit them differently and differently we will. Everyone knows how to count to three. You know two comes after one, and three comes after two, but what happens if you’re expecting, one, two, three and you get, three, one, two? Confusion. When Beginnings gets confused, we get a victory.” George smiled and he knew he had lost his specialty team that sat at the conference table. They hadn’t a clue, no matter how well informed they were, to what he meant about number sequences, but George did. Soon so would Beginnings and that was all that mattered.

<><><><>

“Rolling Stones,” Frank stated with assurance as he sat next to Henry on Henry’s porch.

“Very good, Frank.” He showed Frank a bag of sunflower seeds. “Want one.”

“Nah. I’m telling you, Henry, I’m the seventies guy. There’s not much I don’t know about the seventies.”

“Frank?” Henry looked up to the darkened sky. “I heard you’re pulling an extra training session tomorrow.”

“Yeah, a couple of the guys want it. Why?”

“Could I ... Could I come?”

It was an odd request, and the oddity of it showed on Frank’s face. “Yeah, sure.”

“In fact. I’d like to ask you to teach me more, more hand to hand, more ...”

“Henry, does this have anything to do with what happened yesterday?”

“Of course it does.” Henry folded his hands.

“You’re a good fighter, Henry.”

“Not good enough.”

Frank took a second, trying to come up with words to say. He saw the hurt and the pain on his friend’s face. “You think if you were a better fighter, you could have done things differently?”

“Yes.”

“No,” Frank told him. “No. There were ten men.”

“You took them on.”

“Henry, I dropped my bike and snuck up on them when they were ... when they ... I snuck up on them.”

“But what if you were in my position? Answer me honestly. Would you have ...” Henry paused to catch his emotional breath. “Would you have been brought down? Would they have gotten to that point with you that they got with me?”

“You mean at the point when I arrived?”

“What did you see at that point, Frank?”

“I saw my friend in trouble.”

“Oh God.” Henry covered his face.

“Henry.” Frank grabbed his hands and lowered them. “Come on.”

“You didn’t answer my question. Would you have been in my position or would you have gotten out of it?”

Despite what Frank believed, despite what he himself was confident of, he was being asked—in a roundabout way—to make his friend feel better. “Honestly?”

“Please.”

“I would have been in the same position as you with ten men taking me by surprise. I’m good, Henry. I’m not that good.”

“Really, Frank?”

“Fuck yeah. There’s only one thing that may have stopped them from taking it too far.”

“What’s that, your anger?”

“No way.” Frank shook his head. “One look at my big hairy ass and I would have been dropped.” Frank started laughing when he heard Henry laugh.

“You’re a good friend, Frank.”

“Yeah I know.” He snickered then drew Henry’s attention to his left. “Look.”

Henry shifted his eyes, saw Ellen, then looked straight ahead again.

“Hi, Henry.” Ellen approached them. “Frank, what the hell are you doing?”

“What?”

“You left the house over an hour ago to check on something. I got the kids in bed. I can’t believe you left me there doing the mother-thing. Go home.”

“Who’s with them now?” Frank asked.

“Josh, but he’s going out with Denny.”

“To do what?”

“Hang out,” Ellen snapped. “Go home.” She waved her hand but Frank didn’t budge. Ellen shifted her eyes toward Henry. “Frank, do I need to be direct about this?”

“Yeah.”

“Asshole.” She shook her head. “Could you let me speak to Henry?”

“Sure.”

“Alone.”

“Oh.” Frank stood up immediately. “Sure. I’ll call you in a little bit. Wanna come back over.”

Ellen shrugged. “I don’t know. We’ll see.”

“Don’t play hard to get, El ... I may have to take you seriously and never hit on you again.”

“Oh that’s a threat.” She rolled her eyes and twitched her head.

“I’m going.” Frank gave a pat to Henry as he walked by.

Ellen watched Frank disappear down the street, waited that extra second to make sure he wasn’t hiding around the building eavesdropping, then she looked down to a very silent Henry. “Dean’s not home. He’s working late on the virus. Geez, Henry, he’s so engrossed in this seeing thing since you gave him back his sight.” She took a breath. “Anyhow, wanna go to the house and we can divide up our work hour winnings?”

“No, you can have them.”

“Henry, can I be honest? You’re not yourself and I was wondering if you needed to talk.”

“No, El. Right now, I just need some time alone.”

“Are you sure?”

Henry nodded and stood. “Thank you though. I just ... I just need to distance myself from everyone for a little ...”

“I understand. Thought I’d offer.” Ellen nodded, gave a sad smile and turned.

Henry watched her go into her house and he heard the shutting of her door. He knew there was no way he could truly face Ellen until he faced his problems fully himself. When he did that, he promised himself he would try again to get in her good graces. Until then, Henry would be as he was for a very long time ... alone.

<><><><>

No sooner had Frank walked into his house when his cellular phone began to ring. First listening for it then searching out the ring, he found the phone on the dining room table. “Yeah.” He answered it in his suave Frank-way.

“What are you doing?”

“El?” Frank walked into the living room, holding the phone wedged between his shoulder and his ear. “I thought you’d be talking to Henry.”

“He didn’t want to talk, he just wanted to be alone.”

“OK.” Frank undid his shoulder harness and draped it over the chair. “Is he alright?” He sat down.

“Apparently not, Frank. What are you doing right now?”

“Talking to you.”

“I was wondering if ...”

“Yes.”

Ellen’s giggled carried over the phone. “I didn’t say it.”

“You want to come over. Please.” Frank leaned forward. “Come over. Josh ran out as soon as I walked in.” He smiled. “I’d like very much if you hung out.”

“I’ll be over as soon as I take my shower.”

“Thanks, El.” Hearing her hang up, Frank bit his bottom lip and tapped the phone to his chin. Realizing he didn’t shut the phone off, he reached down for the button. It was then Frank’s finger shook so badly he could barely press it.

He stared in debate at his hands, at that phone, and then he looked at his watch. Wringing his hands together as he sat in the chair, Frank decided one drink would not hurt. Setting down the phone on the coffee table, he stood up and went into the kitchen.

He opened the cabinet above the stove, staring at his bottle, reaching for it, pulling back, and then finally bringing it down. Grabbing a glass, he poured a small amount into the glass and opened the fridge for some ice. He swished the ice around, cooling the moonshine.

As he brought the glass to his lips, ready to take that first drink, he paused when he heard the tiny voice in the living room.

“Da-da. Da-da.”

Frank smiled in amazement at how Brian was climbing from his crib already. “OK. Bri.” Pulling the glass from his mouth to set it down, his hand gripped it so hard it shattered in his hand when he heard Brian again.

“Da-da. Gun.”

Bang! ... Silence.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

With her head bent down toward her knees as she brushed out her towel dried hair, Ellen screamed when suddenly a set of feet appeared right in her vision. She jumped back, flinging her hair back and grabbed her chest. “Henry.”

“El ...”

“What are you doing here?”

“I came to get you.” He stepped to her. “We couldn’t reach you on the phone. Come with me. We have to get to the clinic, El.”

“What happened?”

“Brian crawled from bed. He ... he got a hold of Frank’s gun. It went off.” Henry swallowed. “Brian’s been shot.”

Ellen’s hand sprang to her mouth in an out of breath gasp and raced toward the door, slipping on her shoes as she did. “How is he?”

“I don’t know anything yet.” Henry followed her.

“Did someone call Dean?”

“He’s on his way.”

With her entire insides shaking, Ellen felt like she had just slipped into a nightmare and she ran as fast as she could to the clinic.

She barreled through the front doors of the clinic at full speed with Henry right behind her. As soon as Ellen made it into the hall, she saw Joe. “Joe!” She raced up to him. “How is he?”

“He’s in the operating room now.”

“Oh my God.”

“Ellen.” Joe pulled her into him. “He’s alive. That’s what counts right now. He’s alive.”

“Dean!” Ellen stepped back when Dean came charging into the clinic. “Dean.” She ran up to him.

“Where is he?” Dean asked, laying his hands on Ellen’s shoulders.

“He’s in the back. I’m scared, Dean. You have to find out what’s going on. Please,” she said through her anguish.

“I will. I will.” He started to move. “Stay here, I’ll be right back.” Placing both hands on her face, Dean kissed her. “He’ll be all right.” Before running down the hall he gave her a quick embrace then took off.

Ellen folded her arms tightly to her body, holding back the tears that were coming anyway, and she turned back to Joe. When she did, she saw Frank in the waiting room. He sat on the sofa, leaned forward, face buried in his hands, Robbie on one side, and Johnny standing on the other. Slowly she walked into the waiting room and up to him. “Frank,” she called his name out softly.

Through his rocking back and forth he lifted his head. “I’m so sorry, El.”

“What happened?”

“He got a hold of my gun.”

“How? Ellen sat on the coffee table across from him.

“It was over the chair. I thought he was in bed.”

“Why, Frank, why wasn’t the safety on?”

“I don’t know.” Frank shook his head with emotion filled words. “I just don’t know. It’s all my fault.”

“Well you’re not getting an argument from me there.”

Robbie’s strong, warning ‘El’ didn’t even faze her.

“Answer me this, Frank. Were you drinking?”

Frank slid his hands down some from his face.

“Answer me.”

His eyes only met hers

“Answer me!” Ellen screamed her loudest.

“I ... I was getting a drink when ...”

“No!” Ellen sprang up from her seat on that table so hard it flung the table on its side. “You son of a bitch!” She blasted her angry words at him. And Frank sat quietly listening, taking it all in, without any argument. “Our son is shot all because you found it more important to drink than to worry about your gun lying around? Look at you.” Her hand flung out. “Look at you! You sit here worried, you’re sick about this. You’re apologizing when you have no right. No right! To feel sorry! None! You’re pathetic, Frank. You have been asked to quit drinking. You have been told to quit. You have lied about it. And now you have proved to me where your priorities lie. Our son has been shot.” Ellen placed her face close to him as she nailed him with her sharp words. “Shot! You have just lost every right you ever had to call yourself a father. You are not fit to call yourself a father. From this moment on, the kids are with me. I don’t want you around them. I don’t want you near them.” She stood up and stepped back. “When you go home tonight, you will go home to an empty house then you can leave your gun wherever you like. You can drink your alcohol whenever you like and you don’t have to worry about putting anyone in danger but yourself. You know what, Frank? Right now, I don’t give a fuck if you even do that.”

Frank’s head began to drop into his hands but he stopped when he heard Dean.

“El.” Dean stood in the waiting room. His eyes kept shifting back to Frank.

“Dean.” Ellen stood before him. “Tell me.”

“It’s not as bad as we thought.” Dean saw her shoulders drop. “He’ll be fine. He has some burns on his fingers, and they’ll be fine. The only thing is he’s lost the top portion of his little finger.” Dean gripped on to Ellen. “This isn’t bad, really since he’s so small. It won’t make a difference to him.”

“Thank you.” She wrapped her arms tightly around Dean. “Can I see him?”

“They’ll be bringing him into recovery in a few minutes.” Dean released the embrace. “Andrea agreed that we can take him home tonight. Between you and me, we can keep a pretty good eye on him.”

“I’m heading down there.” As she moved away from Dean, she saw Frank standing up. “No!” she yelled to him. “I don’t want you anywhere near him. You did this to him. You did this.” With her last words, Ellen spun around and raced from the waiting room.

It was too quiet in the waiting room for Frank. He looked around at the faces in the room as if waiting for all of them to take their turn at him. With a heavy feeling in his chest he stepped to Dean. “Give Brian a kiss for me.”

“Frank,” Dean called to him as he started to leave, “he’s your son too. If you want to wait and see him, you wait and see him.”

“No.” Frank shook his head with closed eyes. “I’m gonna go home and uh ... I’m gonna get Robbie and Henry to help me bring the kids to your house tonight.”

“Frank.”

“No, Dean, she’s right. I don’t deserve to be around them. I don’t. What happened tonight was all my fault. I might as well have put the gun in my hand and shot him myself.”

“Just tell me this, Frank,” Dean spoke without accusation. He spoke calmly. “Were you drinking when it happened?”

“I hadn’t had a drink all night.” Frank shook his head. “I had just ... just poured one. But still, I guess that’s where my mind was.” He took another step toward Henry and Robbie. “Just know something, Dean, I would never, never do anything deliberately to put any of my kids in danger, never. They’re my life. I’m so sorry that this happened.” Before giving Dean a chance to say more, Frank walked solemnly from the waiting room, leaving behind a strong air of guilt.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

AUGUST 9

Frank stood outside of Beginnings, thirty or so feet from where the mouth of the tunnels opened up. He stood before a wooden hatch, one of four ‘Pits’ dug by Robbie and him to store supplies in the event of evacuation from Beginnings. The three of them stood close and hidden under the brush that was their camouflage. Frank stared into the fourth, the one Beginnings didn’t fill. With a silent, stony face, he slammed the hatch closed, covered it back up, and headed to the tunnel. “This is Frank. I’m coming back in.”

“You are doing nicely, Danny Hoi.” Ellen lowered his shirt over his arrow wound. “I heard they’re letting you out in a few days.”

“Yes and I can’t wait.” Danny grunted as he lifted himself more to sit. “I can only do so much in here. I started putting the insides together for the video monitor but Andrea said I am not allowed to plug it in.”

“Andrea is nuts.” Ellen sat on the edge of the bed.

“How’s Brian?”

“Acting as if nothing happened. I wish I could say the same thing. I think I’ll have a hard time getting over this one.”

“Accidents ... accidents happen, El. You know that. You can’t blame yourself.”

“Oh I don’t.” She shook her head. “I blame Frank.”

Henry’s soft, “You shouldn’t.” was his announcement into the room.

Ellen stood straight up from the bed. “I’ll see you, Danny. I have to go relieve Dean so he can get to the lab. I’ll check back.” She started to leave.

“El.” Henry stopped her. “Frank is blaming himself enough. Please just take a second to think about what you are ...”

“Don’t.” Ellen pulled from him. “Don’t talk to me. I’m pissed at you, Henry, for jumping to his defense. That was my son who was shot last night.”

“And it was my son who you took from a man who is a very good father to him. You had time to calm down, now return Nick to Frank.”

“I will do no such thing,” Ellen snapped back.

“You will. I’ll fight you on this one, El. He’s my best friend. He’s down, he’s hurting, and I won’t make that worse. He needs Nick with him.”

“You need to stay out of this.” She stormed into the hall.

“Me?” Henry followed her. “Nick is my son.” He chased her down, stopping her.

“You have no rights to Nick. You don’t raise him.”

“Neither do you.”

“There’s a fine line, Henry ...” Ellen moved from him, “and you just crossed it. Fight me on it. Go ahead. You’ll lose.”

Henry stood near Danny’s doorway and watched Ellen leave. He stayed there until Danny called for him. Waiting a moment to calm down, he went inside. “Yes, Danny?”

“You brought up some very good points.”

“Thank you.”

“Wanna know where you went wrong?”

Henry swayed his head to Danny. “You’re gonna tell me aren’t you.”

“Oh sure. One word, it’s a simple little word, Henry ... tact.”

<><><><>

“Watch Brian around the other kids,” Dean instructed Ellen as he gathered up his folders. “He keeps hitting them with his cast.”

Holding Brian, Ellen looked around the messy house. “Had a hard day, Dean?”

“You could say that, El. We now have seven people living in a house for four.”

“I spoke to Joe about that.”

“About finally moving me into a bigger house?”

“Yep, you’re next on the list.”

“But the houses won’t be ready for a while, especially at the rate they’re building them.”

“Oh I know.” Ellen followed him around. “I talked to him about kicking Frank out of the three bedroom and giving it to ...”

“That’s wrong.”

“That’s what Joe said. I thought he was just being biased towards his son. What do you think?”

“It was a wrong thing to ask. And ...” Dean kissed her on the cheek. “I have to go.”

“Dinner?”

“What about it?”

“Will you be home?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Dean,” Ellen bitched. “Come on. What the hell? You may be able to see now, but I never see you. Take an hour and come home for dinner. No wait, do what you can only do at the lab and stay home tonight.”

Dean’s mouth dropped open. “Why are you bitching at me?”

“You haven’t been home.”

“I have a virus to beat, El.”

“You have a family to be with, Dean.”

“Oh my God.” Dean checked out his folders. “Where is the DNA exchange charts?”

“Right where you left them.”

“And where’s that?” Dean asked.

“On the counter in the kitchen. You were looking at them this morning when you were making your toast. Of course, if you would have cleaned up the kitchen, you would have seen them.”

“Ellen.” Dean held up his hand. “Stop.” He moved to the kitchen when he heard the knock at the door. “Please get that.”

“Order me around, why don’t you.” Adjusting Brian in her arms, she walked to the door and opened it. “Frank.”

“Don’t.” Frank saw the door ready to shut. He kept looking at Brian. “I didn’t come here to see the kids. I just wanted to check on Brian. How is he?”

“Da-da!” Brian squealed with excitement, reaching out his arms to Frank.

Ellen said nothing. She lowered Brian’s arms, stepped away from the door, and shut it.

<><><><>

Robbie’s voice was not the one Henry wanted to hear coming from the security training area. He wanted to hear Frank’s. When he found out that Frank wasn’t pulling the extra training, Henry left the area and went on his search for Frank.

He followed the many ‘I saw him over there’ as if he were searching for Elvis. His search led him nowhere except from one spot to another then finally back to Frank’s home. All Henry kept hearing in his head was the last thing Frank said to him. ‘I screwed up everything, Henry. Everything.’ and that was right before Henry got the brilliant idea to get Nick from Ellen. Not only did he not help Frank at all, but he made matters worse for himself. Henry’s luck had been so bad, that if seclusion from everyone was possible, Henry would consider it. When Henry got to Frank’s house, he found out Frank must have been considering the same thing. Frank wasn’t there, but a small duffle bag and a knapsack, both packed tightly were, lying on the floor by this bed as if waiting for the moment to be taken.

<><><><>

“You’re mistaken,” Dean spoke to Henry as he powered down the computer program.

“No, Dean, I’m not. I saw the bags myself.”

“Henry, this is ridiculous. Frank would not leave Beginnings.”

“How can you say that? You have his kids. You have the woman he loves.”

“They’re still his family and I hardly think he would up and leave them.”

“Do you really want to take that chance?” Henry asked.

Dean took a slow deep breath. “When would he leave Henry? How can he get out without anyone knowing?”

“At twelve-fifteen a.m., one at a time, all perimeters are shut down and started up. He watches the sequence from the tunnels, waits for that time, and goes. Mark in Monitoring told me that he was out at the hatches three times today. Three. That’s where the supplies are. He’s going, Dean, I feel it. If he goes, we’re screwed. Just like this community cannot beat the plague without you, this community cannot beat The Society without Frank. I don’t feel safe if he’s not here. Do you?”

Dean took a second to think. “What can we do, short of following him around?”

“Give him a reason to stay.”

“He won’t stay for me, Henry.”

“But he’ll stay for his kids and he’ll stay for ... Ellen.”

Dean spun to Henry. “What are you saying?”

“I can’t talk to her, Dean. She won’t listen to me, but she’ll listen to you.”

“What do you want me to tell her, Henry? You want me to tell her to forgive Frank? I tried that.”

“I want you to tell her to go to Frank.”

“No,” Dean said strongly. “No.”

“She went to you when you needed her.”

“She stays with me, Henry. No.” Dean shook his head. “I will not give her up willingly to Frank. If I do that, she’s gone.”

“Listen to you.” Henry moved closer to him. “You have her. Why? Who stepped back when you were at your lowest point? Frank. He said nothing to you about being with her because he knew you needed Ellen. He saw she was the key to a part of your recovery. Ellen is a key to Frank’s recovery. He’s not going to beat this drinking if she abandons him. He’ll beat it with her by his side. We’ve said this all along. We also said it would take a dramatic turn to make him face it. Frank had his dramatic turn. He’s facing it, but he can’t do it alone. He needs Ellen. You have to get her to help him, Dean.”

“I can’t.”

“Yes, you can.”

Slowly Dean closed his eyes and sat down. “You want me to convince her to be his support? I can try to do that. To get her to get to the point where she will give him reason to stay ... I don’t know if I can do that. I don’t know if Ellen will do that.”

“You can talk to her. You can try.” Henry leaned toward Dean. “Frank is at a low point. He has to have reason to stay. He has his reason to not drink. I believe he doesn’t want to drink anymore. We can be all the support he can get, but we aren’t the support he needs. Ellen is that support. Talk to her, just talk to her.”

The single beep of computer reminding him to shut down completely was the only sound in the silent lab. Dean sat in deep thought with Henry by his side. Not in thought of what to do, but in thought of how to do it.

<><><><>

Not a hello. Not a simple kiss to Dean’s cheek. Not even a wave greeted him when he walked into his home. Ellen did greet him but not like he expected.

“Oh look who decided to come home.” Ellen walked with haste from the kitchen. “Geez, Dean, a half hour, that’s all it would have taken and you could have made dinner. Did you see your twins outside? Did you wave to them? Did they recognize you?”

Dean didn’t argue. Calmly he glanced down at his left hand and to the ring finger. He then grabbed Ellen’s left hand and looked at that.

“What are you doing?” She asked.

“Just checking to see if I missed something.” He walked by her. “Did you save me dinner?”

“Unfortunately, I did”

“Good. I’ll eat after we talk.”

“Why?” Ellen asked with curiosity, her demeanor changing slightly. “Did something happen at the lab today?”

“You could say that.” Dean led her to the couch. “Henry stopped by.”

“We’re not talking about him, are we?”

“No.”

“Good. He was mean to me today.”

“I doubt that.”

Ellen tossed her hands up. “What is it with the men in this community? Is there a secret society bond thing happening?”

“I’m beginning to wonder that myself.” Dean grabbed her hand. “I need to talk to you about Frank.”

“Nope.”

“Ellen.”

“No, Dean.”

“Yes Ellen. I need you to listen to what I am going to say to you.”

Ellen plopped back on the couch. “Go on.”

“Go on?” Dean’s head spun. “You’re kidding? No more argument?”

“I can argue. You want me to argue.”

“No.” Dean held up his hand. “Hold back the bitching for a second please.” He turned his body to face her. “Brian is doing great, isn’t he?”

“Yes.”

“This morning at services, I thanked God, really thanked God that nothing worse happened.”

“It could have.”

“Yes, it could have. Because ...because, El, accidents happen.”

“Great, just great.”

“What?”

“You’re defending Frank.”

“In a part, yes, you can say that.”

Ellen started to stand up. “I am not going to listen to you defend Frank.” She felt Dean’s hand pull at hers. “Stop it.” She snatched her hand away. “He left his gun lying around. He left the safety off. He was drinking. He has a drinking problem.”

“You knew about it and you pretended it didn’t exist.” Dean stood up following her.

“Are you blaming this on me?”

“No! No one is to blame. It was an accident. Frank wasn’t drunk last night. He hadn’t even had a drink.”

“He was getting one.”

“So are you saying that was why it happened, because he was getting a drink?”

“Yes.” Ellen folded her arms to her.

“What if it was water?”

“It wouldn’t be water, because Frank has a drinking problem.”

“You think taking the kids from him, screaming at him at the clinic, and making him feel like the worst parent in the world is gonna get him to stop?”

“Yes.”

“Well it won’t,” Dean yelled at her. “Frank has to stop and he is going to need help, your help.”

“I refuse to help him. He started drinking on his own and he can quit drinking on his own, especially if he wants anything to do with these kids.”

“Listen to you.” Dean walked to her. “Two nights ago, he was drinking just the same and where were the kids? They were with him. You’re taking a holier than thou position here, El, and it’s wrong. Frank made a mistake. An accident occurred to one of the children while they were in his care. You cannot condemn the man for that. If you want to bring his drinking problem to light then you do it. But don’t you put this accident on his drinking when he wasn’t even drinking. Bad instances happen to good parents.”

“Bullshit,” Ellen snapped defensively.

“Bullshit?” Dean questioned with edge. “You think?”

“Yes.”

“Josh.”

“What?” Ellen dropped her arms. “Josh went out with his friends.”

“Not Josh Slagel. Josh Calaway.”

“Oh my God.” Ellen moved away from him. “Oh my God. Why are you bringing up my son?”

“Because I remember you telling me what happened when he was two years old, when you fell asleep on the couch and Josh drank floor cleaner, remember? His stomach had to be pumped and you felt guilty.”

“You are throwing that in my face. Fuck you.”

“No, El. I’m just reminding you that accidents happen. Josh could have died, like Brian could have died. Why didn’t Frank put on the safety? Why didn’t you cap that bottle tighter? Why didn’t Frank put away his gun? Why didn’t you put away the cleaner? Why was Frank getting a drink? Why were you sleeping? Were you any less of a parent? Was Frank?”

“Stop.” Ellen held up her hand. “I get your point. You slapped me in my face with it, but it was delivered.”

“Good.” Dean let out his breath and calmed down. “Now here’s the part where you have to be the strong one. You have to show Frank that all those years of friendship mean something.”

“You want me to give him the kids back.”

“Yes, but that’s not it.”

“What is it?” Ellen asked. “Tell him I’m sorry?”

“No, you can even withhold that if you want. You just have to go to him and let him know that you understand now it was an accident. And ... it’s time you offered your help, any help that he needs, in quitting drinking. It’s important, El. It’s more important than you know. He’ll quit, I’m sure of it and he’ll do it if you help him. The first step is to get him out of this slump you and this accident threw him in.”

“I should go talk to him then.” Ellen walked to the couch and sat down. “I’ll ... I’ll talk to him.”

“Good,” Dean said that one word with an outward breath. “But, El, be prepared, he’s so down on himself, he may not listen.”

“Then what should I do? What should I say?”

“I don’t know.” Dean shrugged as he sat next to her. “But to be honest, you’d better take a moment and give it some thought. Think of what you’re gonna say and it better be good.” He saw Ellen look at him through the corners of her eyes. “Because if it’s not, Frank could very well end up leaving Beginnings ... tonight.”

<><><><>

What to say and how to help Frank was foremost on Ellen’s mind. Having found very little help—word wise—from Dean, Ellen was at a loss at how to handle the situation. So before going to Frank’s, she stopped at the Social Hall and found a small group of women sitting there. She sat down with them and, for the first time, she sought out their advice, and listened to what they had to say. Ellen needed their advice. If her life wasn’t complicated enough, how was she going to include helping Frank in it without making things worse. With what they told her racing through her mind, nervously she went to Frank’s.

“El,” so shocked he spoke as he opened up his front door.

“Frank.”

“El, look.” His words were low. “If you came here to blast me I ...”

“No.”

“No?”

“Can I come in?”

“Sure.” He stepped back opening the door for her.

“Thank you.” She walked in but not too far in. “Brian is doing very good.”

Frank closed his eyes. “Thank you for telling me that.”

“You’re welcome. Frank?” She waited for him to look at her. “I was wrong for making it worse than it needed to be.”

“No, El. I was wrong. It was all my fault and I deserved everything you said. I deserved it.”

“Frank, look I ...”

“No. El, you’re right. I was pathetic. I am pathetic and I don’t deserve you coming over here. I appreciate you telling me about Brian and I’ll never forgive myself for what happened.”

“Frank.” Ellen grabbed his hand. “Come with me.”

“What?” Oddly, Frank felt pulled to the steps. “What’s going on?”

Ellen said nothing; she just led him up stairs and to the bedroom.

“El?”

“Close the door, Frank.” Ellen stepped backwards towards the bed.

Frank shut the door, as he turned around he saw Ellen lifting off her shirt. “El, what’s going on?”

“You’re down Frank.” Ellen unclasped her bra. “You need something. I want to make you feel better.”

Frank watched her stand there, undressing. Ellen looked blank, almost emotionless. Instead of being filled with any stir of desire, Frank got angry. “Help me feel better?”

“Yes.”

“What? By fucking me?”

“Isn’t that what you want?”

“No!” Frank yelled strongly. “It isn’t what I want. Not like this! Who the hell are you trying to be, El? Jenny? The other woman? Thinking that you can give up your body to us men and in one lay it takes it all away, like some sort of emotional fuckin call girl?”

“I can’t believe you’re saying that to me.”

“I can’t believe you’re standing here being like this with me. Me!” Frank pointed to his chest. “Me, El.”

“Isn’t this what you need?”

“No. You are what I need. Not this. Not you like this.” His hand motioned at her. “After twenty years, this is what I get, you standing here before me like I mean nothing?” He bent down to her clothes, picked them up, and handed them to her, not even looking at her partially nude body. “I appreciate the offer. I appreciate what you told me downstairs but I would also appreciate if you took your clothes and left.” Turning from her, Frank walked to the door and opened it.

“I was just trying to help, Frank.” She held her clothes tightly to her chest. “I didn’t mean to come off so cheap.” She rushed to the door but stopped when Frank closed it slightly. “God, I feel so stupid.”

“Just tell me one thing, El,” Frank whispered in her ear as she stared at the door’s edge. “Tell me how we got to this point. Did you lose that much respect for me, that much love, that you have to withdraw in order to be with me?”

“No, Frank.” Ellen’s voice cracked. “I have to be like that.”

“Why?”

Ellen’s breath was shivering, her eyes held tight to his fingers that gripped the edge of the door. “I just do. Please let me go.”

“No.” Frank moved his head closer. “You tell me why. You tell me why you have to stand before me and act as if it is nothing. Why?”

“Because I’m afraid.”

“Afraid of what, El? Huh? Afraid of what? Of me?”

“No.”

“Then what?”

“I’m afraid of me.” She sounded so much on the verge of tears. “I’m afraid if I’m not like that ...” She lifted her eyes to his, staring deep at him. “I’m afraid I may never wanna let you go.”

So barreled over by Ellen’s words at that moment, Frank felt his entire being drop to the pits of his stomach, hard and fluttering, forming an emotional lump in his throat. With what he just heard Ellen say, and no longer holding back what he kept deep inside, Frank’s hands released the door and went immediately to Ellen’s face. He pulled her up and into him and placed his mouth wide and hard to hers, kissing Ellen like he hadn’t done in so long. His body shook as he did so, weakening with the whimper she let out as he pulled her closer to him. He closed the bedroom door. with the weight of their two bodies, so symbolic-like, almost as if they were closing a long chapter in their lives. And they were. From that second on, Frank and Ellen both knew, there was no turning back.

His voice was barely heard, graveled and whispered, deep from within his soul. Never pulling his mouth far from Ellen’s as he spoke and brushed his lips against hers with nearly every word. “This is what I need ... this.” Sadness and aching carried in his voice. “You are my heart. I love you.” He kissed her again, spreading his fingers across her face, caressing the lips that he so lightly touched. “When will you understand? When will you learn? Everything I am ... I am for you. I live for you.”

This time Ellen grabbed on to Frank, grasping him, kissing him as she leaned back into the door, not wanting to let him go, pulling him back each time he pulled away.

“Tell me, El.” He kissed her as they began to slide down. “Tell me.” He felt Ellen’s head shake, her lips reaching for his. “Tell me.” Another kiss. “Please.”

“I love you, Frank.”

Frank lost his breath, his eyes rolled slightly, and he gripped Ellen with everything he was.

“I have never stopped loving you, Frank.”

Parting her lips with his, Frank slipped his hand under Ellen’s hair, then lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed.

Locked.

Side by side their bodies were joined. Frank cradled Ellen in his arms, wanting to hold her as much as make love to her His mouth held tight to Ellen’s with kisses he did not want to stop, moving almost in perfect synch with his body. Each passing sweep and press of his lips reflected the motions his body made. Slow. So slow. Deep and intense.

Frank’s heart beat so strongly he could barely breathe. Through it all, only once did he pull his lips from Ellen’s. In their final moment, only briefly, Frank separated from that kiss.

A hesitation in their near lips, a cessation of movement with tightly closed eyes and one slow, shuddering breath ... quiet.

Frank kissed Ellen again.

<><><><>

Holding on to Ellen’s hips as she sat on the edge of the bed putting on her shirt, Frank ran his lips sensuously up from the small of her back and under shirt, feeling her. “You cold?”

“No.” She shook her head then flipped her hair from her collar. “Not at all.” She reached down and grabbed her underwear, putting them on.

“What are you doing?”

“Frank.” She smiled at him and bent down to kiss him. “I’m going home.”

“You’re what?”

“I’m going home.”

“You’re kidding me? Now?”

“Yes now, Frank.” Ellen finish getting dressed then leaned down to him. “I’ll see you ...”

“No.” Frank grabbed her arm. “Stay here.”

“I can’t stay here, Frank. I have to go home.” She pulled her arm away. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“El, come on.” Frank slid from the bed holding the sheet to him. “Did I miss something? What was all this about? I thought, no I believed this was more than just making love.”

“Frank.”

“You’re leaving me?”

“I’m not leaving you.” She tapped him on the cheek. “I’m just going home.”

“Don’t,” Frank said with passion. “Don’t go. Please? Don’t do this to me, not right now. I need you.” He grabbed hold of her. “With the way we kissed, the way we made love, I swear, I thought this was it. You told me you loved me, El.” He kissed her. “Stay with me. Come back to bed.”

“Frank, what is wrong with you? You are way too upset over this.” She kissed him back. “So much that you’re missing what’s going on.”

“That’s because I’m scared to death that you’ll go home to Dean and this will never happen again.” He saw Ellen laugh. “What is so funny?”

“You, Frank. I would have never told you I love you, never been with you like I was if I had no intentions of following up on it. We have worked so hard to get to this moment. It’s a process, Frank, one that’s led us here, and unless you’re a big jerk, it will lead us here again.”

“So we’re back?”

“Sort of.”

“Sort of.” Frank tossed his hand in the air and sat on the bed. “I put my heart on the line to you. I have waited so long for this. I was patient for this. I thought we made it. Finally. What will it take for me to get you to stop saying ‘sort of’.”

“Wanna know?”

“Yes.”

Ellen knelt before him and held his hand. “I’ll make you a deal. You have to quit drinking, Frank. Completely. You have to get dry. Do this for me. Show me that you have every intention of giving up the bottle. Show me and I will help you do it every step of the way. But I have to see that you’re sincere. If I see that, then I promise you here and now, that for the rest of our lives, you and I will always, always be more than a ‘sort of’.”

<><><><>

Dean shook his head slowly in shock and disbelief. “I said make it good. I didn’t think you would make it that good.”

“I had to tell you.” Ellen sat next to him on the porch.

“I’m glad you did.”

“You know what so funny, Dean. He wasn’t leaving Beginnings. I asked him. He was only packing his bags because Joe made the suggestion to let you have his house.”

“He needs it now, doesn’t he? We’re gonna go back to sharing the kids. Aren’t we?”

“Yes,” Ellen nodded, “but not yet. He can have his responsibilities back only after he quits drinking which we’ll see if he does.”

“So why did you come back?”

“I live here.”

“I have to tell you, Ellen, I thought you and I were back together.”

“We are.”

Dean laughed in sarcasm. “Not for long, if anymore.”

“Dean.” Ellen nudged her shoulder into him. “Who is the one who has said, more than once, that they don’t want to get completely involved? You. You’ve hurt my feelings you know.” She snickered . “Who said that they would be perfectly content being the understanding, or better yet, the ‘other man’. How was it that you put it? It was kind of insulting, yet true? You said it was because I’d never give up the other man?”

“To be honest, El, I got used to you living here. I like it.”

“Who are you kidding? You hate it. I bitch. I get in the way ...”

“But you’re here.”

“And I always will be,” Ellen said, “always for you.”

“Tell me where this leaves me.”

“Wherever you want it to.”

“What do you mean?” Dean asked.

“Just like I said, Dean, wherever you want it to leave you. Think about it. You’ve made the suggestion many times.” Ellen smiled. “Put it this way, you know how much time we spend together and how many hours a day that is. Basically, back together with Frank or not, I’m pretty much leaving it up to you on how you want to spend some of those hours.” She stood up then bent down to kiss him on the cheek. “I’m going to bed. You coming up?”

“In a minute.” Hunching in annoyance as Ellen did what she always did whenever they sat on the porch—messed up his hair—Dean stared out into the street and thought about what Ellen had said then he grinned. Dean realized, for the first time ever, he just got his guarantee that he would not end up the loser again. It was a guarantee he could have had before. But this time ... Dean was going to take it.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

AUGUST 10

Frank’s trembling fingers ran through the little ponytail of Alexandra. He stared at her with a slight smile on his face. Of her, Billy, and Joey, she was the last one Frank wanted to say ‘hello’ to at the school. “Pretty.” He twirled her hair around his finger.

“Henry did it.” She smiled. “He always does my hair.”

“When?” Frank asked her.

“Here in school.”

“How often does Henry come here and do your hair?”

“Every day. Today I wanted a big ponytail. Some days I like them little because I like when he brushes my hair. He does that here since he pissed Mommy off and we can’t see him.”

Frank laughed at her. “I’m glad you’re not pissed off at Henry.”

“No way, I like Henry. He’s funny.” Her skinny legs swung back and forth as she sat on the small wall outside the school with Frank. “I wish Mommy would like him again.”

“Soon, Alex, I think soon.”

“Daddy does too. The other day, Mommy was trying to tell him a story and Daddy kept telling her. ‘Go talk with Henry. Go. Go!’.” Alexandra giggled. “How come he didn’t tell her to go tell her story to you?”

“Because Daddy knew I’d tell Mommy the same thing.”

“Why?” Alexandra asked. “She doesn’t live with you. Daddy says you don’t have to listen to Mommy stories if you live with her.”

“Daddy’s wrong. That’s a big mistake me and him both made. I’m hoping.” He held up crossed fingers. “I’m hoping that pretty soon she’ll be living at my house and telling me her stories again.”

“I hope so too.” Alexandra kept swinging her legs. “I like when you fight with her. It’s funny.” She reached up and grabbed his fingers. “You’re shaking.” She smiled.

“I know.” Frank lifted his eyes from her. “And ... Miss Jenny is waiting to take you back inside.”

Jenny, who had stepped from the school, held her hand out to Alexandra. “Come on, Alex, we have to go back in. Say goodbye to Frank.”

Alexandra slid from the wall reaching her small hands up to Frank’s face. “I love you.”

Frank smiled at the feel of the tiny hands touching his cheeks. “I love you too.” He kissed her. “Be good.” He tapped her backside as she ran to Jenny.

Jenny paused before going back inside with Alexandra. “Frank? Are you all right? You look like you don’t feel well.”

“I’m fine.” He stood up. “Thanks. And uh thanks for letting me see the kids. I missed them yesterday.”

“Sure, Frank.” Holding Alexandra’s hand, Jenny took her into the school.

Smiling a simple smile, Frank waited outside the school, watching it. He ran his hand over his head then sniffed through his clogged nose. Folding his arms close to his body with a shiver, he began to walk away when he felt something odd on the ground as he walked. Wondering what he stepped on, Frank looked down and lifted his boot. There beneath his huge foot, lying semi-crushed, was a mouse. “Weird.” Frank bent down and picked up the lifeless creature by the tail, looked at it, shrugged, tossed it in the bush, and continued on toward the nursery.

<><><><>

Henry fluttered his lips to repel the oil that dripped across his mouth as he lay under the truck near the field house. “She’s leaking oil really ...” another flutter of his lips, “... badly. Did you know that, Cole?”

“Yep.”

“Well I’m not the truck guy. Frank and Robbie are. I can probably fix it but you should ask one of them.”

“I would,” Cole said, “but Frank is doing rounds or something and Robbie is testing that tracking system.”

“Use the other truck.” Henry cased his eyes back, looking around. He felt it on his lips again and blew out.

“This truck is bigger. I have a ton of shit to take to Distribution.”

“Well I have ...” Henry wondered why the oil felt so heavy on his lips then it moved. Slowly he lowered his eyes. They nearly crossed over the bridge of his nose only to be greeted by two beady, tiny eyes connected to a grey furry body. Henry shrieked.

“Henry, what ...” Cole heard the scream coupled with the bang. “Are you all right?” As he bent down to check out Henry, he jumped from the way of the scurrying mouse. “Shit.” Reaching under the truck, Cole pulled out the cart Henry laid on. “Henry?” He shook him. Henry was out cold.

<><><><>

Frank plastered him with kisses. Holding little Brian so tightly, he just didn’t want to let him go but Brian seemed concerned with getting out of Frank’s arms and running off elsewhere in the nursery. Frank lifted Brian’s little cast arm and pointed at it to where he had written ‘Dad’. “Look Bri, Daddy. Where’s Daddy’s name? Show me.”

Brian pointed where Frank did.

“Good boy. Dad.” Frank rubbed the boy’s shaved head. It already was starting to grow back. “I love you.” In baby talk, Brian responded and Frank grinned while setting him down. In the awkward baby-tilt walk, Brian darted off. Having visited his last child, Frank moved on.

He found Dean in Andrea’s office. Dean was so unsuspecting to the fact that Frank lingered in the doorway watching him rummage through Andrea’s desk. Frank kept thinking how much easier it would be for Dean to find what he was looking for if, instead of leaning over the desk looking, he just walked around and opened the drawer. “Dean.”

Dean’s hand moved about the drawer, slowing down at Frank’s call to him. It wasn’t the usual loud and annoying one. “Here to gloat about being with Ellen?”

“No.”

“Then why ...” Dean sat up from his lean over the desk and looked at Frank. “My God, Frank, you look like shit.”

Frank stepped into the office, his head was low and he looked at Dean’s through the tops of his eyes. “I need ... I need your help, Dean. Can you help me?”

Dean said nothing. He slid from the desk, walked past Frank, and shut the office door.

<><><><>

It seemed to Frank like a well-deserved prison sentence as he stepped into a Holding room and set down his small bag. He let out a breath, looking around the room.

Dean walked in behind him, placing a box on the dresser. “This will hold you until tomorrow. I’ll check tomorrow to see what you need.”

Frank looked in the box. “Supplies.” He pulled out another box. “What’s this?” He opened it. “Fuck, Dean, are there enough cigarettes in here?”

“Honestly? Probably not. You’ll smoke a lot in here.” He walked to Frank. “I need your gun.”

“What?”

“Give me your gun, Frank. I need it.” Dean held out his hand.

Frank removed it from the harness and laid it into Dean’s palm. He watched Dean look around the room. “What are you doing?”

“Checking to see if there’s any other way you could hurt yourself.”

“Hurt myself?”

“You’re not heading on a picnic here, Frank. Things are gonna get bad. Look at you now. You’re pale and you’re sweating because you haven’t had a drink in nearly two days. You’re headed right now into the roughest time.” Dean motioned his hand to the bed. “Have a seat.”

Slowly Frank walked over to the bed. “Dean, I know I’m gonna be up here for a few days. I don’t want anyone to know why.”

“They won’t. As far as everyone will be concerned, you are quarantined for suspicion of tuberculosis. We’ll tell them it was just the flu and that will explain why you’ll look pale and have a little weight loss.” Dean found the chair and scooted it to the bed then sat on it. “OK, Frank.” He leaned forward. “You are here to dry up. This is your detox. This will be the worst few days of your life. I can guarantee it. I want you to drink as much water as possible while you’re here. I’ll continue to check on you as if you were any of my other patients. I’ll bring you food, but to be honest, you probably won’t eat. You may ... what’s today? Monday?” Dean took a second to think. “You may eat something on Wednesday. I don’t know. By what I figure, tonight things are gonna hit their worst. You will ...” Dean began to spew forth his words as if he were reading from a list. “You will get the shakes, worse then you have right now, much worse. You will sweat. You will vomit. The pain you will feel in your stomach will be unbearable, but that should subside by tomorrow or tomorrow night. The vomiting and the shakes will continue for about two days. You may hear voices. You may hallucinate. Your skin will feel like it’s crawling, sometimes on fire. You’ll feel like you’re reaching your breaking point. This is normal and it’s is all part of cleaning out your system. It’s an addiction that your body has learned to live with and you just have to show it, during these next few days, how to live without the alcohol again. When you get out of here, you cannot ever drink again. You’ll have the urge which will never leave you, but all it will take is one drink and you’re right back to square one. Got that?”

“Yes.” Frank nodded his head, listening to Dean.

“I can help a little with the urges. If you need it, I can give you something that we can wean you off in a week or so. I can also give you an Antabuse, which will cause extreme nausea if you do drink alcohol. Those are last resorts and, preferably, you should do this without any help from drugs. My advice for the next rough spots is keep busy. Smoking will help. Talking to someone will also help. Come to me if you like. I’ll talk to you. I’ll help you.”

“When do you think I’ll get out of here?”

“Considering you haven’t had a drink since Brian’s accident, I’m going with Wednesday night or Thursday. It depends on your progress. I want you to not be physically ill anymore when I let you out.”

“Well then, I guess ...” Frank reached to his belt and pulled off his keys. “I guess I’d better start this thing then.” He handed the keys to Dean. “Lock me in.”

Dean held the humongous set of keys in his hand as he stood up. “There are plenty of blankets but you’re gonna go from hot to cold very easily.”

“OK.” Frank followed him to the door. There was a lot of nervousness in his voice.

“Frank?” Dean turned around before he left. “What you’re gonna go through is not going to be easy. It’ll be very, very hard. But when you walk out this door, you’ll be dry. You’ll be clean and sober and I have every faith in you that you will stay that way.”

“Thank you for that.” He extended his hand to Dean. “Thank you for everything.”

“You’re welcome.” Dean shook his hand and stepped back. “Good luck to you.”

Frank let out a sigh when Dean left the room. He stayed by the door and listened to it lock. He turned around and faced the room before him and with that, he prepared to face the inner struggle he was about to embark upon.

<><><><>

“Good you’re here,” Joe spoke to Henry as he shut his door and walked to behind his desk. “You know why I asked you here. Where the hell did they come from? Why now? You’re the goddamn theory man. Can you ...” Joe halted in his lowering to the chair. “Henry, your head is bleeding.”

“Yes, I know, Joe.” He brought a cloth to his forehead.

“Don’t you think you ought to do something about that?” Joe sat down.

“No I don’t.”

“How did it happen?”

“I got hit with another extreme case of bad luck. It knocked me out Joe. I was out for a whole five minutes.”

“Maybe you ought to ...”

“No.” Henry held up his cloth. “No. Let’s talk about the mice situation.”

“OK, I have reports that we have them in town but not many. We’ve also spotted them in the fields. Me alone, I’ve killed four of them. Anyway, can we get Mechanics to start building some traps until I speak to Dean about creating something?”

“No, Joe, Mechanics is swamped, especially with the tracking system going up. We do have twelve extra hands being trained in the Security area. Maybe we can have Robbie or Frank tell them it’s a drill and have them make them.”

“Good idea. If they can’t, perhaps you can reprogram them.”

“I could do that.”

“Easy enough. Please wipe the blood. It’s dripping.”

“Sorry, Joe.” Henry brought the cloth to his head.

“Give me your theory on this, Henry. Why all of a sudden are they here?”

“Me, Joe, it’s all my fault. I have this bad luck thing happening and the fates know I hate mice. I hate them, Joe and ...”

“Henry, seriously, with no whining and wipe that blood.”

“Sorry, Joe.” Henry wiped. “I spoke to Jason about this. He says that the mice are probably following the scent of us and our fields. The population of them has finally grown enough to move in small herds or whatever you call mice packs. He says they’ve diminished their food supply out there and are just coming in here.”

“Well I don’t want them and wipe that damn blood, Henry.”

“Sorry, Joe.”

“It makes no sense. Why now?” He tossed his hands up. “I mean, I haven’t seen a mouse since we got here. No wait, since that one single lone mouse you found and chased last year. You know the one you and Frank played with. I kind of forgot about that with all the time travel and ...”

“Aw!” Henry whined loudly and stood up with a stomp. “Aw geez. Aw geez ... Ow!” Henry cringed loudly when he smacked himself in the forehead. “I can’t believe how dumb I am. Aw!”

“Care to share, Henry?” Joe asked watching Henry pace. Henry ... the blood.”

“Sorry.” Henry paced some more. “The time stuff. That’s it. I should have known that’s where the one mouse came from.”

“What are you talking about, Henry? Where did it come from?”

“Here and now.”

“What?”

“We have the mouse problem, Joe.” Henry walked back to his chair. “That’s where it came from.”

“Henry, you’re sounding like my son. Maybe that bump on the head made you stupid.”

“That would be par for course but that’s not it. In the time frame, I remember, I found that mouse the day after Jason got the note from himself from the future. With the seven second delay, that mouse probably came through with the rabbit.”

“That’s all well and fine, Henry, but in this time frame, Jason never sent himself a note from the future.”

“But it’s the same premise, Joe. How often was Jason fiddling with that damn time machine? That mouse could have come through in a possible experiment his future self was running. I’m surprised we haven’t seen more, especially if in the future, which is now, we have the mouse problem.”

“Well then we have another aspect of the future I plan on changing. We’re getting rid of the goddamn mice. And do something about that head of yours. Christ! It’s bleeding, Henry. Go to the clinic.”

“No, Joe. It’ll stop.”

“Henry, you need a stitch.”

“It’ll stop.” Henry covered the wound with his cloth.

“Why in God’s name won’t you go get that stitched?”

“Because my luck is bad and it would be my luck to go there, have them do an x-ray, and find a brain tumor in my head. Then I’d die because I knew about it, when otherwise had I not gone to the clinic to get stitched, I wouldn’t have found out about it and I wouldn’t have died.”

“Christ.” Just as Joe was about to plop his own head down on the desk, he heard the light tap at the door. “Come in, Dean.”

Dean smiled when he entered. “How did you know it was me?”

Wanting to tell Dean his tell-tale knock gave him away, Joe decided not to. “I asked you here and while I got you, will you look at Henry’s head.”

Dean moved to Henry. “What about ...”

“No.” Henry jumped up. “Stay away.” He backed away from Dean. “I don’t want to die.” He hurried to the door. “I’ll be fine. Bye, Joe. Bye, Dean.” Making a cross with his fingers, he held them up to Dean and ran from Joe’s office.

Dean pointed back to where Henry was with his thumb, actually considered questioning it, then shrugged and remembered it was Henry. “What’s going on, Joe? Why’d you need to see me?” Dean sat down.

“Have you heard about the mice?”

“What mice?” Dean asked.

“It seems we have a bit of a sudden mouse problem.”

“A lot?”

“We’re not blanketed or over run by no means, but their little asses are scurrying about. We’re seeing them here and there today and in the fields, mostly in the fields.”

Dean nodded. “They must have run out their food supply beyond our walls and now they’re coming in.”

“That’s what I’ve been told which brings me to why you’re here. Remember that poison you created when we first got here? We had a few rats and you wiped them out?”

“Oh sure I remember. We actually thought it got rid of the species.”

“That’s the batch. Can you recreate it?”

“No.” Dean shook his head.

“No?”

“Not that I can’t. I won’t. When we used that stuff we had only seventeen people in this community. We didn’t have the amount of children, nor did we have the fields. There is just way too much of a chance of that poison getting into the wrong hands. Their little feet will carry it everywhere. Not to mention it will be laced in their saliva, vomit, blood, and feces.”

Joe cringed. “Thanks for sharing, Dean. So we’re at a loss?”

“No, I can create something that will make their stomachs explode.”

“Excellent.” Joe smiled. “Can you get on that?”

“I can, but not for about a week. I’m gonna be swamped here the next few days or so.”

“A week?” Joe questioned loudly. “Well, I guess they won’t reproduce that quickly now will they?”

“Nope.”

“Is there any chance we can dump more work on Ellen if I remove her from Containment and put her more with you?”

“No.” Dean shook his head. “That’s something I need to talk to you about, that and the delay on working on your mouse killer.”

Joe saw the sudden look of serious on Dean’s face and he sat back and waded through Dean’s silence. Then finally he listened to Dean explain.

<><><><>

Danny grabbed onto his stomach as he slid in a chair at his dining room table. A television style monitor sat there. A huge receiver, a quarter of the size of his dining room table, sat next to it. Danny’s house was now test headquarters for the tracking system. “Ready, Robbie,” Danny spoke into the radio, then flicked the switch. The lights flickered in his house and Danny quickly made a notation that the entire tracking system would need a huge power source. Within seconds the system started to beep loudly. His eyes moved to the monitor. “I have ... twelve no, fifteen, nine SUTs and six others. I’m guessing people because the signal is so strong. What’s the verdict?”

“Danny, my man.” Robbie came back. “You are absolutely right.” He imitated applause. “Good job. All right, shut down and we’ll do this again.”

Danny smiled at the success of his test. He reached for the switch to power down. “A couple more times, Robbie, and we should be good for today.”

“It sounds good, because I cannot wait to get back to training my twelve new men.”

“Easy to do?”

“No easier than my men. I just have the torture factor with them. I can do whatever I want to them and they just don’t know.”

Danny laughed at Robbie, shaking his head, and then grabbing his stomach. He powered down the system, watched the lights flicker, and waited for Robbie’s go ahead.

<><><><>

Henry finally had to do it. He finally had to break down and go to the clinic to get stitches. He tried to work the day out, but he increasingly became annoyed when the blood just wouldn’t stop trickling in his eyes. It probably didn’t bothered Henry as much as everyone yelling at him did. So he went, figuring since it bled so badly he probably needed a hundred stitches, but he didn’t. He only needed three, quick, easy, and painless. Henry wished seeing the look on Dean’s face as he walked back into the examining room was just as painless, but it wasn’t. Dean looked straight down. “Dean? What is it?”

“I have ...” Dean shook his head slow. “I have your x-ray, Henry.”

“What’s wrong?”

“It seems ...” Dean hung the x-ray on the light and turned it on. “It seems you have a brain tumor and it’s worse now that you hit your head.”

“Oh my God. Oh my God. I knew it. I knew it. I ...” He saw Dean laugh. “What’s so funny?”

“I’m kidding you. Joe asked me to do that.”

“Aw, Dean. That wasn’t ...”

“I know, I know ... very nice.” Dean smiled and walked to him. “You’re fine, Henry. Nothing is there.”

“Oh good. Can I go?” Henry started to get up.

“Not so fast.” Dean stopped him.

“But I really don’t want to run into Ellen.”

“You won’t,” Dean told him. “That’s who I want to talk to you about. Ellen. I need to ask a favor.”

Figuring anything at that moment was better than hearing he was going to die, Henry stayed and listened to Dean’s request.

<><><><>

It startled Frank, especially since he was jumpy enough at that moment. The unlocking of the Holding door made him jolt and spin to it.

“Thanks, Dan,” Ellen said. She walked into Holding, listened to the door close, and set down her small bag. “Hi.”

“El?” Frank blinked several times. “What are you doing here?”

“Check this out. I too have been quarantined for suspicion of tuberculosis.” She walked farther into the room. “Hey, it’s quiet. I heard they moved Harold.”

“El.” Frank closed his eyes. “Why are you here?”

“Why are you here, Frank?”

“You know why.”

“Then I am making good on my promise to you. I told you I would help you every step of the way and I will. I’m here for the duration with you, Frank. Not just because of my promise, but because I want to.” She stepped closer to him. “How are you doing?” She reached up and touched his pale face, staring at the dark circles that had formed under his eyes. “I am very proud of you for doing this, very proud.”

“El.” He removed her hand. “I don’t want you to be here.”

“Too bad, I’m staying.”

“No, El.” Frank stepped back. Seeing him was one thing but if she touched him anymore, she would feel him shake. “I don’t want you here.”

“I just told you too bad. You need me here for both medical and emotional reasons. Why are you arguing with me on this?”

“I don’t want you to see me like this. I don’t want you to see me get like Dean says I will. A lot of stuff ...” Frank shivered and brought his arms closer to his body. “A lot of stuff is gonna happen to me.”

“I know.” Ellen moved to him. “I’ll be a sense of support for you. I’ll say nothing if you want me to be quiet. I’ll be whatever you need to make it through this.”

“Don’t you understand, sweetie? I just don’t want you to see me get like that.”

“I would think it wouldn’t matter to you in front of me. You don’t think I’ve seen you at your worst?” She let out a chuckle. “I remember when you ate that rotten Twinkie, Frank. You were bad. And what about when you broke out in those hives when you were eighteen years old?” Ellen pulled his arms from his chest and stepped to him. “I’ve seen you pretty bad.”

“Those times were different, El.” He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, and grasping her warmth.

“I know they were and just like I was there for you then, let me be here for you now.”

“More than you know, I want you here.” Frank pulled her closer, holding her, hiding his shaking. He laid his lips to her forehead. “I know you’ve seen me at my worst. But you have never seen me weak. I just don’t want you to see me weak.”

“Weak? You think throughout this I’m going to see you as weak? Oh, Frank, I beg to differ.” She pulled back some to look at him. “You are not weak. A weak person stays with his addiction. It takes a very strong person to take on the fight to give it up.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

There was a certain hidden snicker to Dean’s voice as he broke the truth to Henry. A snicker he hid well, letting it come across as sadness instead of humor. He watched Henry just sway his head back and forth as he sat on Dean’s sofa. “So, Henry, that is why Ellen had to be quarantined for TB.”

“When ... when did all this happen?” Henry asked.

“They were together last night,” Dean explained. “They slept together.”

“They made up quickly.”

“I guess. I sent Ellen to him like you said and ...”

“Dean,” Henry snapped, “you were supposed to tell her just to talk to him and help him. You weren’t supposed to tell her to take her clothes off and sleep with him.”

“Am I sensing a bit of jealousy, Henry? I thought her being with Frank didn’t bother you.”

“It didn’t when I was with her.”

“Ah.” Dean nodded. “So I take it you’re not happy about this?”

“No. I might as well forget any chance I have with her now.”

“She hates you now, Henry.”

“Still, even if she didn’t hate me, I might as well forget it. You might as well forget it. Frank’s in control, we’re out.” Henry sighed heavily. “At least he didn’t leave Beginnings.”

“That’s where it gets better. He never was leaving Beginnings, Henry. He was only packing up to clear out his house so I could have more room.”

“Oh swell, just swell. You made her sleep with him for nothing and now she has tuberculosis.”

Dean laughed. “I didn’t make her sleep with him and she doesn’t have TB. She’s fine.”

“Oh you can laugh now, but wait until Frank gets well. Then he’ll kill you anytime you touch her.”

“If he doesn’t know, he won’t.”

Henry’s mouth dropped open in a gasp as he stood up. “Oh that is so wrong. That is wrong, Dean. I’m telling.”

“You would.”

“I will.” Henry moved to the door. “Since the kids are in bed, I’m going to fix something or other. I don’t know what.” He opened the door and in his charge through, he nearly barreled over Ben. Suddenly the expression on Henry’s face dropped. “Ben.”

“Hi, Henry.” He peeked his head in. “Dean.” He held up a pair of pants. “May I come in? I need to speak to you, Henry.”

Henry stepped back. “Sure.”

“I have these trousers I need you to try on. I just finished the alterations.” Ben pulled out a tape measure. “I’d like to do the final fitting. We have less than a week.”

“Final fitting for what?” Henry asked.

“The tux.”

“Ben, there’s no wedding or haven’t you heard? It’s been off for weeks.”

“You just never know.” Ben walked into the living room. “I love what you’ve done with the décor, Dean.”

“Excuse me.” Dean, snickering went into the kitchen.

“Henry?” Ben held up the pants. “Ready?”

“I’d rather not. There’s no reason to try them on.”

“But what if there’s a change of mind?”

“There won’t be.”

“I worked hard, Henry. It’ll only take a second.”

“No.” Henry shook his head.

“Oh don’t be so grumpy. Be nice. Take these.” He handed the pants to Henry. “Go on upstairs and take these baggy things ...” Ben’s hand reached to Henry’s belt in a friendly tug, “... off.”

Immediately Henry jumped back with a smack against Ben’s reaching arm and a hard shove to him. “Don’t!” Henry pointed at him. “Don’t ever touch me again.” He slammed the pants harshly into Ben and stormed out of Dean’s house.

<><><><>

Joe tried to understand, but he had a hard time with it. So many questions laced his mind. He even sought out the answers to his questions. Like, why did Frank and Ellen have to be in quarantine for so long? Why couldn’t they confirm it as being tuberculosis sooner? Any of the other tests took a mere hour to run. Dean just told him it was a complicated case. And Andrea, she merely spewed forth the explanation she got when she posed the same questions to Dean. Frank and Ellen had to be quarantined for three or four days because there was a chance that Frank was exposed to—according to Dean—Tuberculosis: type A-7, which Andrea quickly told Joe she had never heard of. Not only was it a bacterial neurosis, condyloma strain, but also a rare form of tuberculosis believed only to be transmitted through contact with the open warts of the rare Northern United States Yellow Toad, which Frank claimed to have been playing with. Those results, according to Andrea, who spoke according to Dean, can only be given after three days.

Disturbed at the news that his family may have contracted a rare, deadly form of tuberculosis, Joe went to Holding to check on them.

With keys in hand, he knocked once on their door. Upon receiving Ellen’s ‘yes?’ Joe called out, “Hope you’re decent.” He unlocked the door and walked in.

Ellen looked surprised when she saw him. “Joe.”

“How are you, Kiddo?” Joe asked looking at her sitting on top of the bed. One side of the bed was unmade. “Are you feeling all right?”

“I’m uh ... fine.” Her eyes kept shifting around.

“Where’s Frank?”

“He’s in the ...”

“El,” Frank called out loudly and seemingly in such pain. “El, please.”

Ellen held her hand up to Joe. “Excuse me.” She jumped from the bed and ran into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her. Frank was on the floor huddled by the commode. “Frank.”

“I can’t do this, El.” He shook his head. His words were breathy. “I can’t do this.”

“Come on, Frank.” She walked behind him, wrapping one arm around his chest and the other around his head. “You can.”

“I’m so sick.”

“I know.” She wiped his head and kissed him.

“How did I let myself get like this? How? I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

“I know you are. Shh.” She kissed him again.

“El, I ...” Frank let out an audible sound of his gut turning inside out and with that he lifted himself suddenly, throwing his head over the toilet.

Joe heard the voices and the sound of sickness coming from the bathroom. With concern, he knocked on the bathroom door and opened it. “Is everything all right?” He was stunned to see Ellen struggling to hold up his son. “Dear God.”

“Please get out, Joe.” Ellen looked at him, holding Frank’s head.

“He looks awful. Maybe we should get Dean.”

“No!” Ellen snapped. “He’ll be fine.” She kissed Frank, feeling the vibration of his body struggling to bring up contents of an empty stomach. “He’ll be fine.”

Frank spoke through his dry heaving. “Please ...” another heave, “please tell him to leave, El. Please.”

Running her hand over Frank’s head, she whispered to him, “I’ll be back.” Stepping from Frank, she grabbed Joe’s arm and pulled him from the bathroom and from his stares at Frank. “Joe.”

“What’s wrong with him?”

“He’s just sick, Joe. He’s really sick.” She leaned against the closed bathroom door.

“If he’s that sick, he should be in the clinic. He shouldn’t be up here away from everything and everybody. What if he gets worse? You got him locked ...” Joe’s eyes went to the bathroom again. “Locked in here.” He walked to the door of the holding room. “I’ll let you alone.”

“Joe.” Ellen rushed to him.

“Take care of my son.” Joe opened up the Holding door. “El, I know you can’t tell him this because I guess I’m not supposed to know, but I’ll be thinking of him. I’ll really be thinking of him.”

“I know you will.”

“Good luck.” Joe walked from the Holding room, closing his eyes as she shut the door. He was shielded from the truth, but Joe supposed if he were in Frank’s position, he too would want no one to know. Unfortunately, Joe did know, and though he left Holding, he left behind a piece of him. The part that felt for his son, feared for his son, and the struggle that his son had just taken on.

Being the head of Security, even the temporary one, had its disadvantages as well as advantages. Robbie knew that when he took on the responsibility of filling in for Frank while he was out with tuberculosis. But Robbie never imagined that the head of Security position carried over even when he was off duty, especially in the hall. Everyone looked to Robbie to take care of the most recent situation. Half-way through his first drink, Robbie himself needed to take care of it. There was nothing more irritating to Robbie then an obnoxious drunk. One that was loud, boisterous and one who just didn’t know when to stop or keep their mouth shut. So Robbie did what he had to do and what everyone requested of him. He ejected Josephine from the hall, taking her home, and informing her if she didn’t stay put she would be thrown in Holding.

Doing his job and ignoring her crying, shutting out her bitching, and spurning her drunken old lady sexual advances, Robbie headed back to the hall. He was surprised that another had come in and sat at the bar, Henry. A glass of water rested in his hand as he slumped at the bar looking like a nightmare patron from the sitcom Cheers.

“Henry.” Robbie gave him a swift pat to the back and sat next to him. “This is odd. We don’t usually see you in here unless you’re fixing things or trying to get laid.”

Henry shifted his eyes sideways.

“Sorry, bad joke but why are you here.”

“Taking a break.”

“From what?”

“Running,” Henry answered him.

“Running?” Robbie was shocked. “Why were you running?”

“To get away from the women.”

“Do they all want you now, Henry?”

Again, Henry shifted his eyes.

“Sorry.” Robbie hid his laugh. “So why were you running from the women?”

“I got a little testy with Ben and the next thing I knew, these woman are calling my name and following me. I think I lost them around the field house.”

“Why were they ...” Robbie didn’t get to finish his sentence. The screaming ‘there he is’ made him hunch and he looked at the frightened expression on Henry’s face. “Want me to get rid of them?” he whispered to Henry.

“Please.”

Just as Robbie stood up, Andrea, Jenny, and five other women approached.

“Ladies.” Robbie held up his hands. “Henry wishes to be alone.”

Jenny stepped forward. “I don’t care. We need to speak to Henry. Henry, look at me.”

“No,” Henry answered.

“Henry, I will spin that stool and make you vomit. I know how easily you do that,” Jenny insisted. “Turn around. We have a proposition for you.”

“I hope it isn’t anything kinky.” Henry turned around.

“Henry,” Jenny still continued. “We need a favor from you. You know how we’re having this big gala on Saturday? You know, the one that was supposed to be your wedding? Well, we were wondering, and we’ll pay whatever it takes, since you are the big reprogramming guy, and since you have that butler program Ellen told us about. We were wondering if perhaps, as Council and inventive guy, you could reprogram the twelve new SUTs to be our servants at the party.”

“Oh my God.” Henry stood up. “You chased me around for that? For that. That is so stupid. I can’t believe you’d chase me for that. I’m leaving. Bye, Robbie.”

“Henry,” Jenny called out to him. “Will you think about it? We’ll help you with Ellen.”

Henry paused before going out. “Oh.” He groaned. “I’ll think about and talk to Joe.” Reaching for the door and pummeled with thoughts of how grateful he was that what the women wanted had nothing to do with his bad luck, Henry was pummeled by something else ... the door to the Social Hall. Screaming, “You suck!” at Hap, the clueless culprit who hit him, Henry, rubbing his arm, charged out the door.

After Henry left, Robbie heard the pleased, excited chatter coming from the small group. When he turned to look at them, he saw they all stared at him, like a group of hungry vultures. And knowing how he had to be the secret desire of at least one of those women and how he feared being accosted by them, Robbie hurried from the bar and hid by the dart machine.

<><><><>

Ellen didn’t know what to do, or what to say. She felt at a total loss, pacing around that small Holding room, watching Frank struggle. Every time she would watch him come from the bathroom, holding tightly to himself, wanting to scream out, Ellen, wanted to cry.

He had yelled at her, telling her to leave. Frank had slammed his fist into the wall so many times Ellen feared his hand was broken. His skin on his arms was scratched and red from his pulling at it. Ellen kept her distance. She had learned over the past hours stepping too close to him was not good. He’d swing out in his move from her, yelling, saying things that Ellen would never put a thought into.

Turning out to be the longest night of their lives, Ellen hoped that the rising sun that would be rising soon beyond their closed in walls, would help bring some relief to Frank. But a part of her knew it wouldn’t. Frank had gotten worse since they had dinner. He looked worse, he sounded worse.

Five a.m. neared, Ellen knew this because she had checked her watch when Frank sprang from the sleep he finally fell into less than thirty minutes earlier, and fled to the bathroom. His pain filled cry out went right through Ellen. She jolted at his every bang he made in that bathroom. His every yell. She even jumped back when he flung open the bathroom door.

“I can’t do this.” Frank swayed, speaking weakly, crossing his arms over his stomach and falling backwards into the wall. “I can’t take it anymore, El.” His head flung back and a long, loud grunt came from his gut as his body shook and he banged his head several times. “El.” Frank stumbled to his left, rolling slowly about the wall as if for some sort of support. First his shoulder, to his face, then laying his arms and cheek against it finding a soothing effect from the coldness of it. Rolling one more time he found his back into a corner. “El.” His bare feet moved out and Frank slid slowly down the wall, bringing his knees up to him, hovering his long arms across them and burying his head. “Help me, Ellen.”

So scared to reach out for him, so scared of what his mental state could do, Ellen apprehensively walked toward Frank. Her heart pounded as he huddled there. “Frank,” she whispered and took another step to him. “I’m right here.” She held out her trembling hand close to his lowered head.

Slowly Frank lifted his head only enough to expose his eyes. Seeing her hand, he tossed out his arm, grasping tightly to her wrist and pulling at her as he pulled himself to his knees and with such desperation, tugged at her until she dropped with him to the floor.

The moment Ellen reached the floor was the moment Frank fell over into her. His head dug deep into her chest, his arms held tight around her as his legs cradled in a fold against hers.

Ellen swallowed her emotions and wrapped her arms fully around him bracing his head close to her, planting her lips to him, rubbing her cheek against his hair and becoming drenched with the sweat of his body.

“Take it away, El,” Frank spoke so raspy. “Please.”

“I wish I could. I really wish I could.”

“Talk to me, El. Talk to me. Tell ... tell me.” He sniffed loudly, his voice shaking as much as his body. “Tell me a story. Anything. Keep talking to me.”

Words of encouragement was not what Frank needed at that moment and Ellen was aware of that. His mind needed to be sent elsewhere, away from his body and what he was experiencing. He called out to be taken, maybe somewhere within the deep hypnotic effect of Ellen’s voice. Somewhere. Anywhere.

“I remember, Frank,” Ellen spoke so soft to him. “I remember the first time I danced with you. We were just kids. And we were in our apartment, it was snowing out. We couldn’t go anywhere. We were stuck. And you, Frank, you and your one track mind back then only wanted to fool around. And I kept telling you ...”

“... after we finish our anatomy.”

“That’s right.” Ellen kissed him. “And then you said that fooling around was part of anatomy. I didn’t fall for it. And my song came on the radio. I asked you to dance. You made fun of me for liking such an old song. But you danced with me. You were so tall compared to me, not as tall as you are now. But it was a reach for me to dance with you. I guess now, I’m used to dancing with you. And we laughed during that dance. You called me old because of the song. But that became our song. And do you know when that dance became one of my favorite moments with you?”

Frank shook his head ‘no’.

“It was when you bought the tape of that song and you used to play it. You didn’t think I knew. I did.”

“That’s because ...” Frank spoke breathy. “It made me feel you.”

Ellen felt his hands grip tighter to her back. “I loved you back then. Nowhere near as much as I love you now. I should never have given up on you. I should never have given you up. Never. If we had stayed together, imagine where we’d be.”

“Beginnings.”

Ellen snickered. “True.” She kissed him again. “Frank, I want you to know. There wasn’t a day in my life that went by where I didn’t regret not having you. Every single day I thought of you. Every single day I wished I hadn’t ended us. I started to fear growing old, because I didn’t want to grow old with Pete. All those times you and I, as kids, talked about how we would be the only ones who would put up with each other. All those times we said that when we were eighty we’d be stuck together and sitting on the front porch of some house, drinking coffee when it was a hundred degrees. Being the old people that the kids on the block would annoy by playing loudly in front of the house. Stepping on our perfect lawn. But you know what, Frank? We’re gonna have that. We’re gonna be eighty years old together. We may only have steps to sit on and we probably will never have a yard, but we’ll sit together, Frank. We’ll sit together.”

“Just don’t become Josephine.”

Ellen laughed and ran her hand down to his arm, pulling it some from her and grabbing his hand, she leaned more into the wall, Frank’s body weight still against her. “We did it, Frank. We stood the test of time. And we still love each other. We’ve become what use to amaze us when we were younger. Remember going to the park or to the mall and walking around? We used to get so amazed at the older couples, the old people there. We also used to gross ourselves out ...” She chuckled. “When we would talk about them having sex.” She felt Frank snicker. “But through all those stories, they still amazed us. How they still loved each other through all those years. I never thought that was possible. I thought they just got used to each other. But they held hands, and that gave it away. They still held hands. And though I firmly believed and was quite adamant about how you really didn’t love me, how if you were with me, it was out of habit, you knew. You knew, Frank, didn’t you? You knew ...”

“... I would never stop holding your hand.” Frank lifted their joined hands and smiled slightly at them, bringing her fingers to his lips and kissing them. “Never.”

Frank didn’t shake as bad, he had calmed some giving his little interjections here and there into Ellen’s stories. Long stories, some she had recanted more than a dozen times. But that was to be expected. He knew Ellen too many years not have a repeat of tales. But he didn’t mind, he wanted her to talk. It helped. And he listened.

Ellen continued talking throughout the rest of the night to Frank, and probably well into the next morning. It was difficult. It was the first time Ellen had seen someone go through this. It was hard enough for her to watch, let alone watch someone she loved battle an illness they brought upon themselves. And Frank battled it like he did with all his fights. He battled with everything he had, but only this time, he battled with Ellen by his side.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

AUGUST 14

He was moving into his day with only two hours sleep, but Frank didn’t mind. He was moving into his first full day back into Beginnings. He tucked in his white tee shirt and strapped on his shoulder harness. So early he was going to start this day, he had to. Frank had so much to catch up on, and he knew well without checking, that Robbie didn’t do one of those stupid reports. But even the stupid reports were a welcome.

Standing before his dresser mirror getting ready to go, Frank felt different. For the first time in a long time he stood in his bedroom and he didn’t dread the evening that would come. He knew it would be difficult, part of him told him it always will. But he was stronger. And there was one big difference in his life. He had Ellen back—sort of.

His eyes drifted to the photograph of Ellen he had on the corner of his mirror. A Polaroid taken in the cryo-lab when they just uncovered it. How annoyed she looked in the picture. How Ellen hated the picture. But Frank, he loved it. Though Ellen would argue, it was a perfect picture of how she always looked. He picked it up running his fingers over it missing her already even though she had just left a few hours earlier. And Ellen’s leaving was something Frank was going to work on. If Frank had his way, she would have stayed. But he had her all week and most of that day and night. Sharing the evening with the kids since Dean wouldn’t let him work. Catching up on Alexandra gossip. Both of them walking the kids back to Dean’s, putting them in bed, annoying Dean. Then going back to Frank’s, both of them saying it was to talk. But both of them knowing it was to ease Frank’s slight nervousness over being home his first night dry.

Alone was not what they got, which was good to Frank. Robbie stopped by along with Joe and the four of them, like they use to, lost track of time deep their conversation. Staying up most of the night reminiscing. An unwritten Slagel tradition that spanned decades, only this time the Slagel tradition happened less the alcohol.

Setting down the picture, Frank knew it was time for him to head to work, early but head off there. Making his way from his home to town, walking and enjoying the cool morning, Frank realized how early he was when he ran into Henry.

Henry was startled when he saw the dark shadow jump out at him. He grabbed his chest. “You scared me, Frank.”

“Why?”

“I thought you were the grim reaper or something finally coming after me.” Henry kept his pace up to Frank’s. “Heading in already?”

“Yep.” Frank looked ahead. “Where were you last night?”

“What do you mean?”

“I thought for sure you would have come over and visited. I haven’t seen you in a while.”

“Well, Frank, by the time you got out, I had already started getting engrossed in the tracking system. We’re putting it up today. And ...”

“Excuses.”

“No-no.” Henry shook his head. “I was busy.”

“I had all the kids, I thought for sure you would have stopped to see them or at least ... Ellen.”

Henry stopped walking. “No. I don’t want to see Ellen. Not yet.”

“Henry.” Frank faced him. “Stop this. You guys were such good friends. Why are you doing this?”

“I just can’t face her Frank. Not until I face what happened.”

“But what about facing it with her?” Frank gripped Henry’s arm. “Of all people. Out of anyone. Ellen is the one who knows what you’re going through. She is the one that can help you the most.”

“I thought of that. And I justified that in my mind.” Henry raised his shoulder and rubbed his ear with it. “But ... what if I bring it up. She finally told me about that after all this time. What if she thinks I’m comparing the two occurrences. Frank, by doing that I may insult her. What happened to her is far worse than what happened to me.”

“Henry, just because the final outcome isn’t the same doesn’t make what happen to you any less severe. Talk to her.”

“No.” Henry shook his head. “What if I tell her? She’ll see me like that forever. She’ll picture that in her mind and I don’t want her to look at me like that. Weak.”

Frank had to chuckle a bit at that. “El won’t see you as weak. I didn’t think it was possible, but I learned a little more about her this week.”

“You guys are back huh?” Henry’s head dropped.

“You could say that.” Frank smiled wide. “Yeah, we’re back. And that’s why I’m getting on you here, Henry. You’re messing up the trio. You’re letting Dean in. Come on.”

Henry look as if a small amount of happiness hit his face. “You still want to let me in your lives?”

“Of course I do. You’re my best friend. But you have to get off your ass here. I’ll work on it on my end.”

“Thanks, Frank.” Henry lost his smile. “But not yet.”

“We’ll work on this, Henry.” Frank started walking again. “But you know, I still think that was a lame excuse for not stopping by last night.”

“Can I be honest with you, Frank?”

“Yes.”

“With the way my luck has been, I was kind of afraid.”

Frank was puzzled. “Afraid of what?”

“Afraid of catching tuberculosis. I mean, you do have that rare strain ...”

“Henry.”

“And you really shouldn’t touch the kids yet with having it.”

“Henry.” Frank tried to interrupt.

“Of course if you weren’t playing with frogs you wouldn’t have ...”

“Henry.” Frank grabbed him and stopped him. “I don’t have tuberculosis.”

“Sure you do. Dean said you do.”

“No,” Frank corrected. “Dean said I may have it.”

“Still, Frank, You can’t be too sure and uh ... I really wish you wouldn’t touch me I know I’ll catch it. And with my luck, I’ll die right away.”

“Henry.” Frank started to laugh. “Dean only said that to cover up the truth. I didn’t want anyone to know. I was embarrassed, but most of all because I was scared I couldn’t do it. He had me in Holding because I had to dry out. I quit drinking, Henry. I did it.”

Henry’s mouth dropped open and he grinned wide. “You really quit?”

“Yep. Haven’t had a drink in a week.”

“Oh my God, Frank.” Henry jumped up hugging him. “I’m proud of you!”

“Thanks, Henry.” Stepping back from the hug, Frank ruffled Henry’s combed hair.

“Aw, Frank.” Henry tried to straighten it. “It took me fifteen minutes to get my hair right.”

“Why do you care?” Frank said as they started walking again. “Just shave it off.”

“No!” Henry snapped. “And besides, my hair has to look good. I work a lot with Danny. Have you seen his hair? Always perfect. It’s embarrassing. I look sloppy.” Henry walked a little more then stopped. “Shit. Frank? Ellen was with you up there.”

“Yeah she was,” Frank said somberly.

“Oh my God, Frank, did she have to dry out too?”

“Fuck, Henry, what do you ...” Frank looked solemn again. “Yes, yes she did. And it’s all because of you. You drove her to the bottle.”

“Oh my God.” Henry looked panicked as he walked. “I knew it. My luck again, see.” Shaking his head, he didn’t see Frank laughing in their walk to their divisions. If he had he wouldn’t have stayed so worried.

<><><><>

Dean could have set the mug of coffee down a little easier when he set it on the nightstand by Ellen’s head, but he needed to jolt her. Not just by the aroma of his nice morning offering, but by the sound as well. “Let’s go, El.” He pulled at the covers. “I’m not calling you again.”

“I’m not your child.” She brought the covers back up.

“Get up.” He pulled them back down and opened the blind.

“Dean,” she yelled out. “Cut it out and shut the damn blind.”

“Get up.”

“Go to hell.”

“Ellen.” He gasped. “Such attitude. I brought you coffee.” He sat on the edge of the bed next to her. “See how nice I am.”

“You’re the prince.” She could smell the clean of him. How long had he been up? “Dean, please, I just went to bed.”

“So. Choose.”

“Choose what?”

“Get the kids up and dressed or make breakfast. Which one?”

“Sleep.”

“Not a choice, Ellen. Come on.”

“God can you be annoying.” She sat up in bed, running her fingers through her hair and grabbed her coffee. “The kids aren’t up yet?”

“Nope. You guys didn’t bring them back until late.” Dean looked at his watch. “It’s time though.” He stood up. “And don’t forget you’re picking them up today. Bring them here, Frank will get them later.”

“Just tell me why I can’t go back to sleep.”

“Because you have to help me with these kids and we have a ton of work today. We touched nowhere near what we needed to touch yesterday.”

“You kept Frank in Holding extra long.”

“I kept Frank in Holding until he went twenty-four hours without being sick.” Dean walked to his dresser and grabbed his shirt. “And don’t complain about being tired. You went to bed late.”

“That’s because I got home late and had to clean your house. Which by the way you are getting lazy at.”

“Well you wouldn’t have gotten home so late had you not been fooling around with Frank all night.”

Ellen laughed. “You think that’s what I was doing. Ha!” She set her coffee down. “If I was fooling around with Frank then we were doing it in front of Robbie and Joe. Not much fun in that.”

“You continue to shock me, Ellen.”

“What?” She got out of bed. “That I didn’t fool around with Frank?”

“And the fact that you came home.”

“I live here!” She tossed her hands up. “You keep missing that fact, Dean.” She headed to her dresser, pulled out clothes and walked to the door. “And if you don’t start being as domesticated as you used to be, I won’t live here anymore.” She moved to the bedroom door. “And another thing.” She pointed. “You should change that shirt. It’s wrinkled.”

“So.”

“So? If you hung those up they wouldn’t get wrinkled.”

“Ellen.”

“And one more thing.”

Dean rolled his eyes. “What now?”

“I’m not making the bed. I barely slept in it.”

“Take your shower.” Dean waved his hand at her.

“You rinsed out the sink from shaving, didn’t you?”

“Yes, why would ...”

“I gag when I have to brush my teeth and I see those little hairs spewed forth all ...”

“Ellen!” Dean walked to her shoving her lightly through the door. “Go.”

“Oh my God, I can’t believe you’re pushing me like that. And you need a haircut.”

“Go.”

“You’re putting me in a bad mood, you know that don’t you,” Ellen bitched. “I didn’t get much sleep and here you are shoving me around ...”

“El.” Dean covered her mouth with his hand.

Ellen removed his hand. “You can silence me now but you have to work with me all day.” She stepped back and walked to the bathroom. “Don’t think I won’t let you hear it all day either.” Her voice faded. “And I hope to God you rinsed off the bar of soap.” The bathroom door shut. “I hate used bubbles on it.”

Dean tossed his hands in the air, his head spun. “Why did I even wake her up?”

<><><><>

“How much are we draining?” Danny asked Henry, walking with him to the new Tracking Station.

“Not much. I just think with everything else in your house it just overloaded it.”

Danny shook his head. “Good thing I got that fire out huh?”

“Good thing.” Henry pulled out his clipboard. “We should have the lines for areas two and four run out there by four o’clock. We can hook those up then. Possibly running another series of tests on those regions.”

“How often will Security run tests on the system once it’s fully operational?”

“Will they have to at all?”

“What do you mean?” Danny asked.

Henry opened the door to the new Monitoring Station. “This.” Henry pointed to Mark who sat before the high squealing, beeping monitor, holding his ears. “See what I mean?”

Danny laughed. “What’s wrong, Mark?” he asked loudly.

“I can’t take this!” Mark shouted back. “We’re picking up every squirrel and rabbit in the three mile radius.”

Danny looked at the video signal, weak, the slow blinking of the light told him that the motion signal picked up was not that big. “Maybe I should adjust the values. What do you think, Henry.”

“We can do that. Lower them a little.”

“Until then,” Danny shouted to Mark over the loud noise. “Can I give you a little advice?”

“Yes!” Mark was willing to listen, then watching a reach of Danny’s hand, the noise stopped.

Danny grinned. “It’s called volume control.” He patted Mark on the back.

Mark so frazzled, ran his hand about his own hair. “I need to get back in the Field. Between the Security room. The Tracking room and Communications room, I’ll be flipping out when my alarm clock goes off.”

Danny shook his head then checked out the time. “Frank and Robbie will be here soon to see how this place will run. We’re gonna do a full scale test on what we have, before we shut it back down to hook up the other ...” The odd feeling of being examined overwhelmed Danny, he shifted his eyes to Henry staring with a bewildered look. “Something wrong?”

“Your hair.”

Danny sprang up. “What’s wrong? Does it look bad?” he spoke rapid and with concern.

“It’s fine. How do you do that with it? How do you get that ... that look? We were just tromping through the woods.”

“It takes a few extra minutes in the morning.”

“I put a few extra minutes in the morning into my hair. I can’t get that look.” Henry shook his head and folded his arms. “Do you use our Hair Hold?”

“Just a little. In the right spots.”

“It doesn’t work for me.”

“Have you considered ... maybe cutting your hair just a little and maybe adding a few more layers.”

“Will it work for me?” Henry asked, deep in his conversation with Danny, not paying attention to Mark whose head went back in forth listening to them. “I have some layers. Andrea is timid about cutting it.”

“Go to Bentley.”

“He won’t cut it too short?”

“No way.” Danny waved his hand.

At that moment, Mark had all he could take. He stood up. “Can I take a break?”

Frank’s ‘no’ as he walked in the room, sat Mark back down. “Hey.” Frank looked around. “Check this place out. You guys worked hard.” He looked at the system. “Is this it?” He pointed. “This is great. Good job. And Mark, what is wrong with you?”

“Them.” Mark held his finger to them.

Frank looked to Danny then to Henry, and knowing the two of them, didn’t question Mark anymore. “Go take five, Mark. And search out Robbie.”

“Thanks, Frank.” Excited, Mark jumped from his chair and flew out.

“Man, what did you guys do to him?”

Danny shrugged. “Don’t know.”

Henry interjected. “We were talking about hair, Frank.”

“Hair?” Frank questioned.

“And speaking of hair,” Danny said. “Frank, have you ever considered letting your hair grow in some.”

Frank’s mouth opened, but Henry spoke. “He tried that Danny. A couple years ago, It’s too curly.”

“Maybe he didn’t have the right cut.”

“You might be right. We didn’t have a stylist.”

“And people with thick curly hair can’t just let their hair grown in without good cut. They’ll have no control.”

Henry snapped his finger. “And speaking of control. We didn’t have Hair Hold back then either.”

“Whoa.” Danny laughed. “I bet your hair was flipping all over the place huh, Frank? You have that texture.”

Frank’s eyes shifted. “I’ll uh ... I’ll be right back.” Spinning quickly, and rolling his eyes, Frank too, like Mark, made his hasty escape from that station.

<><><><>

How much longer could he go on was the not the question on Private Tom Collin’s mind. How much farther did he have to go to be free from them was the one. Running. Running without stopping, huffing fiercely out of breath and in horrendous pain. Private Collins only looked back when he thought he heard something behind him, otherwise he kept on going, despite the hurt and despite the fact that he had been shot in the back.

The Caceres Society Army arrived twenty-two miles north of Beginnings. Arriving like Minute Man missiles. Taking the long route, coming in from Canada and settling. But the Society Army had one big advantage. They knew the flight schedule of the reconnaissance flights of Beginnings. So the army knew when they could arrive in the small town. Knew when they had to stay within the structures and they knew when they could move about.

Why they were there and what they would do was the reason Tom Collins started to leave. He found out things he didn’t want to know. A plan he disagreed with. Little did he expect when he disobeyed his order to return, that he would be shot in the back. And it was only after he had taken a bullet that he started to run.

He wondered if they chased him long, if they chased him at all. He started to feel safe. And with the relief of that, Tom Collins started to get dizzy and weak. He fought to keep moving knowing full well that once he stopped, they would find and finish him off. Even the thought of that didn’t bother Tom that much. He’d rather die while on the run, then die amongst men fighting a battle they didn’t even think about.

Tom couldn’t run anymore. His steps began to stammer and the bright day around him began to spin. With the struggling last step, Tom fell harshly to the ground. With the feel of the grass clenched between his fingers he heard the sound of it. He raised his head, so weakened. As he heard the ‘nay’ of the horse again, he saw the hoof and the legs, then Tom’s head plopped down and he passed out.

<><><><>

Joe couldn’t recall when the last time he was at the cryo-lab. Yet there he was making his way down there. It seemed weird, almost uncomfortable to him, but wanted to find Ellen. They were taking a break from the virus, Dean told him, and working on a community project. What that could be, Joe wondered. His curiosity piqued even more when he heard the laughter and giggles coming from the closed door of the lab.

Buzzing himself in, Joe heard the voices, but saw no one. He heard a shriek, Ellen shriek and it came from the back. That was when he noticed it. The windows on the lab area where Henry used to work could no longer been seen through, there were smeared with something, a substance, red and brown. “What in God’s name?” Joe moved closer and jumped back when he heard another shriek, followed by a laugh. “Hey.” He peeked in. “Oh shit.” Joe stepped back.

Ellen turned from Joe, laughed, then faced him. “Hi, Joe.”

Dean peeked around the bend. “Hi, Joe. What are you doing here?”

Joe stood with his back facing them. It was strange enough that Ellen and Dean had settled into the old Henry-lab, it was even stranger the way they were dressed. Raincoats, both of them, hoods pulled up and tied tightly around their faces and goggles. But the strangest thing was the lab itself. Splattered with red, the blood of some animal, the fur of the animals stuck to the wall as well. “What are you two up to?”

“Check this out, Joe,” Dean said. “I almost have your mouse killer.”

Joe thought about it for a second. “Wait a second, I thought you were making something that would explode their stomachs ... only.”

“Uh ... I am,” Dean told him. “The only thing is I am having a bit of a problem getting it right, I keep exploding the entire creature. Give me some time, I’ll have it for you.”

“Where did you get all the mice to explode, Dean?” Joe asked.

“Mice.” Dean looked at Ellen.

Ellen looked out the door. “They aren’t mice, Joe. They’re rabbits, or were. Silly. You actually thought mice would make this much of a mess.” She turned back to Dean. “How much longer till the next uh ... test.”

“Should be happening in five minutes.”

“We really need to quicken the effect,” Ellen said. “Joe? How come you’re here. Come to check on your mice eliminator?”

“No. I came to talk to you, seriously.”

“I didn’t do it, Joe.” Ellen held up her hand.

“No, I know. But I need to speak to you about Henry.”

“Talk. I’m listening.”

Slowly Joe turned around to face her. “Dear God do you look ridiculous. Can you at least take off those stupid goggles so I can talk to you?”

“Sure.” Ellen removed her goggles. “Hey, Dean, give me a count down on those rabbits, I have my goggles off.” She looked to Joe again. “Go on.”

Feeling like he was talking to Daffy Duck, Joe spoke to her. “I need you to put your foot down and get to the root of Henry’s problem.”

“Nope.”

“Nope? Ellen, the man needs someone to help him though this. You and I discussed this.”

“I know. He doesn’t want my help. I tried.”

“So what. Help him. Put your foot down. His moods are so up and down, I can’t keep up with him. He had an incident with Ben while you were in Holding.”

“Oh shit, did Henry turn gay?”

“No!” Joe yelled at her. “He got rough, shoved him, snapped at him. Ellen. Swallow your goddamn pride and be a grown up about this.”

“A grown up? I’ll have you know, Joe ... I’ll have you know ... you ...” Ellen smiled. “I see through the corner of my eyes, the large extending belly of that one rabbit. When I yell ‘duck’ you better duck.” Ellen put on her goggles. “Ready, Dean?”

Joe caught her attention. “Ellen. Will you?”

“I’ll think about it.”

Joe could see Ellen was preoccupied, but she was thinking about it. That was good. And another good thing was, they finished their conversation at that point, because Henry walked into the lab. “Henry.”

“Hi, Joe. They said you were here. Why are you here? And why can’t I see through the windows of Henry-World.”

“They uh ...” Joe pointed. “They were fixing it up. Come take a look.”

Seeing no harm in that, Henry moved to the back lab. He was like the new kid. The one who joined the game so late into it, he was clueless about the rules. He should have paid attention to the rules, deep within him he knew them. But had he paid attention, and had he seen something in the fact that Ellen, Dean, and Joe all hit the floor when Ellen yelled ‘duck!’. Henry would have too. And if he’d done so he would have spared himself the nausea, over-turned stomach, and vomiting that hit him at the same time every internal portion of that one rabbit exploded outward and landed all over him.

<><><><>

Slow, very slow, George typed. And he only used two fingers to do so. He never was much of the typist, nor did he want to be. Looking over his work for errors—ones that he would fix by hand—George found his latest letter to one of his division heads acceptable. Capitalizing a letter that he missed, George reread it one more time.

August 14

Dear Captain Richards,

All seems to be going as planned in the Garfield Take-over. Coordination of our attacks are in motion. Please be advised that it appears back-up from your division’s army will not be necessary at this time. You may continue with Operation Clean Sweep in your region and any other training maneuvers of your men you deem necessary for future needs.

Sincerely,

President George P. Hadly

George folded the letter neat, creasing the seams tightly. On the smooth side of the letter he addressed it to ‘Captain James Richards, League of Caceres Society States, Lexington Region’. After flipping over the letter, he reached for the very tiny ladle he had sitting in the heating wax. Adding a small dot, he grabbed his presidential seal and stamped the letter closed. He stood up with his letter and left his office. His ‘Pony Express’ equivalent would be leaving at first light, and George wanted to be sure he had that letter in his hand.

<><><><>

If their voices weren’t loud enough, Frank and Robbie sounded even louder, echoing as they walked through the front tunnel to the gate area. Danny tried to block them out as he walked behind them wishing they would have brought the jeep, so much shorter the argument would have lasted.

“Frank, I am not a babysitter,” Robbie complained.

“You are today. And so am I.”

“Anyone else can sit out here with Danny when he attaches that thing. I was out here an hour ago when they ran the lines.”

“And you’ll be out here now.”

“This sucks. Why can’t I be at the other sites when they’re running the lines.”

“Cause I want you here with me.” Frank was adamant.

Robbie grunted loudly. “I have other things I can be doing, Frank. I still have to be at Containment in an hour.”

“Robbie, quit being a baby.”

“A baby? Fuck you.”

“Fuck you.”

“Oh my God.” Danny laughed. “This is too funny. Have you guys always fought like this? I bet Joe really considered an orphanage as a second home for you two when you were growing up.” Danny hid the smile when both brothers stopped cold and spun to look at him. “Maybe not.”

“He couldn’t have Danny,” Robbie said. “I didn’t grow up with Frank too much. He was older than me. Much older than me.”

“I am not.”

“You are too,” Robbie snapped. “You’re fuckin old, Frank.”

“I can kick your ass, Robbie.”

“Only because I let you.”

“Yeah right.”

“I’m telling you, bro,” Robbie spoke arrogant as they neared the front gate. “Look in the mirror. Old. Grey hair, probably hiding the fact that you can no longer get it up.”

“Oh fuck you, Robbie.”

“Getting a little on edge about it, Frank? I hear that old guys sometimes get defensive when faced with ...” Robbie stopped walking. “Shit.”

Frank lowered his microphone to his headset. “Down the front gate. Now.” He spun to Danny. “Run back and get the jeep.” He tossed him the keys. “Hurry.”

Danny set down his tracking system equipment. “Right away, Frank.” He stepped back, turned and took off running.

Waiting to hear the buzz that the gate was down, Frank rushed through with Robbie at his side.

Robbie immediately bent down to the body of a man. He lay there, back bandaged and wearing only blood stained underwear. “He’s alive, Frank.”

“That bandage looks fresh. Lift it.”

Robbie untied the thick string that wrapped around the man’s torso to hold the cloth bandage. As he peeked under the bandage, his eyes raised to Frank. “Bullet wound.”

“Shotgun?”

“Nah, rifle. Looks like he was shot from a distance. No burns.” Robbie tuned the man toward his back. “And it didn’t go through. Unless whoever bandaged him got it out. It’s still in there.”

Frank took a deep breath, slowly through his nostrils, he heard the sound of the coming jeep. “All right. Let’s get him inside.” Bending down to help Robbie lift the thin man, Frank paused to grab Robbie’s cell phone which was hooked next to Robbie’s radio.

“What are you doing, Frank, we have to get him into the clinic.”

Frank ignored him and kept dialing, he held his finger up to Robbie as he listened to the phone get answered. “Hey, Dean. It’s me. You alone?”

“Uh ... no.”

“Then don’t let on that it’s me. Listen, how fast can you run one of those tests to see if someone has the virus.”

“It’s only a matter of minutes.”

“Good. Meet me at Receiving ASAP and bring what you need.”

“I’m on my way.”

Frank hung up the phone and handed it back to Robbie. “He waited how long till we found him, he’s gonna have to wait a few more minutes for help.”

“Good thinking, Frank.” Robbie secured under the man’s head then lifted the man with Frank and carried him to the jeep. Then just to be on the safe side, made sure Danny went nowhere near him.

<><><><>

Joe sat alone in Andrea’s office, waiting for answers to come from all angles and they weren’t coming fast enough. How long had he waited, an hour, two? Though he kept doing his business about Beginnings along with everyone else, he kept checking back. And now he sat, a result of his last check in with the clinic when he was told it would only be a matter of minutes. So uncomfortably, wanting that cigarette he couldn’t have in there, Joe waited.

It wasn’t the person he expected to give him answers, but she would do. “Andrea.”

“Hello, Joe.” Andrea walked in and sat down across form Joe as he sat in her chair.

“Where’s Dean?”

“He had to get home.” She slumped some.

“You look beat.”

“I am. I’m hoping to catch me a nap before my meeting tonight.”

“You do that. So what can you tell me about our newest arrival.”

Andrea slightly rolled her eyes at Joe’s lack of concern and opened up the chart. “John is ...”

“Hold it.” Joe stopped her. “John?”

“John Doe. John is approximately twenty-eight years old, Caucasian as you know. In good health. No signs of infection, illness. Nor, according to Dean, of our future virus either. Dean’s pretty confident that he isn’t carrying it either. He isn’t in your typical Survivor shape. Body’s toned, clean, nails are even trimmed. His underwear are newer, homemade.” Andrea raised her eyebrow. “He has a single gunshot wound to the upper thoracic region. We have him stabilized and the bullet is still in him. It is embedded in near the third thoracic vertebra. Fluid is engulfing it and right now, his state is too fragile to operate and remove the bullet. We’re hoping in another day or two we can go in.”

“Does this mean when he wakes up and if he’s well he’ll be crippled.”

“Not necessarily. We don’t know. He’s still unconscious, he lost a lot of blood. The wound was cleaned and dressed when he got to Beginnings. So that’s good sign, less chance of infection in or around the spinal region.”

Slipping back in thought into Andrea’s chair, Joe sprang back up when Frank walked in. “Frank, got something for me?”

“Not much.”

“So I take it because the tracking wasn’t up in the front gate, we never got a signal that he was there?” Joe questioned.

“We would have. The way Danny designed the system is that, they kind of all overlap. There’s a very little window that someone could slip through if one of the trackers were down. But ... They weren’t up. None of them. We had them powered down while we ran the other lines.” Frank stepped farther into the office. “Robbie and I canvassed the entire front gate perimeter out for about three miles and circling in and around. Nothing. No blood, no foot prints. It’s obvious that this guy was in no shape to get here on his own. And no one carried him here. We did find some hoof prints in the mud we think are a clue.”

“Can they be ours?” Joe asked.

“Nope. We have about eight horses here, Dad, and to the best of my memory, they never leave our walls.”

“Horses.” Joe folded his hands on the desk. “Savages?”

“Highly. Highly doubtful,” Frank said. “Savages come in packs. This was one horse, or at least we believe it to be. The man’s wound was dressed and cleaned. Savages let their people die.”

“Well where did he come from then.” Joe wondered in question to Frank.

“I think a better question would be, who brought him here.” Frank began to explain his reasoning. “My first instinct was The Society, which that was quickly ruled out when Dean said he didn’t have the virus. I thought for sure this was one of the ways they were gonna hit us with it. So that was out. He’s not a Savage. He’s too clean, his hair is short and he was wearing underwear. They were clean and in good shape. We know the Savages didn’t drop him off, like I said before, one of their own, they let die ... too much of a burden. They’d kill and rape the man before they would even consider bringing him here. Rule out a Survivor out there that brought him in.”

“Why’s that?” Joe asked.

“If a Survivor brought him here, then the Survivor would have stayed.”

“Then who the hell brought him here.”

“Don’t know.” Frank raised his hands. “That to me is as big of a mystery as who this guy is. Because his arrival tells me, whoever dropped him off didn’t know him and they knew we could help him more than they could. And it appears to me, Dad, we have one more group of people out there. And I don’t like it one bit. Because the bad part is, they obviously know about us, but we haven’t a clue about them.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Plastered with a hug and a jump into his arms, Dean was grateful for Alexandra’s greeting when he came home. “Hey, honey.” He kissed his daughter holding her, then bending down to Brian in a reaching grunt to kiss him. “Where’s Billy and Joey?”

“Mommy’s says they’re being Frank and Dean.”

“Really.” Dean chuckled. “Playing a game are they?”

“No. Fighting over my Barbie.”

“Where’s Mommy?” Dean looked into the dining room. “Is she in the kitchen? I see she’s putting dinner on the table.”

“Daddy.” Alexandra placed both her hands firm to Dean’s cheeks. “Don’t go near Mommy.”

“Why?” Dean smiled.

“She’s gonna yell at you.”

“No she’s not. How do you know?”

“She’s been practicing yelling at you for a while. Saying your name, saying loud things.”

“Maybe she got it all out of her system by ...” Dean cringed when he heard Ellen’s loud sharp calling of his name. He kissed his daughter setting her down. “Go upstairs, Alex.” Putting on a smile, Dean looked up to see Ellen standing in the dining room. “Hey, El.”

“You’re so late.”

“I know.” He walked to the table. “Dinner smells good.”

“You know I have this meeting tonight. I want to do my hair.”

“El, I had that John Doe to deal with. Remember?”

“Oh yeah. And I’m still pissed at you about that.”

“Why?”

“You didn’t let me know. Acting all secretive, leaving me with the bunny guts to clean up,”

“Sorry.” Dean reached to the large bowl of salad on the table. “Did you stop at Distribution. This lettuce looks fresh.”

“Dean. Quit picking. You wouldn’t be so hungry if you were on time.”

“Ellen.”

“And another thing. Do you know you left a load of laundry in the washer. It started to stink, Dean.”

“I’ll wash it again.”

“That’s not the point.”

“What is the point, Ellen.” Dean started walking to the living room.

“The point is you can’t leave a load of laundry in the washer. You have to finish the ... where are you going?”

“We’re trying this again.” Dean walked out the front door, paused and walked back in. “Hey, El, I’m home.”

“You have to finish a load of laundry that you start Dean. I’d finish it if you would ...” She saw him hold his hand up to her again. “What now?”

“We’ll try this again.” Again, Dean walked out the door, waited and walked back in. “Hey, El, I’m home.”

“What the hell is wrong with you?”

“I’m trying to have a nice greeting when I come home. The last thing I want to hear is bitching when I walk into my own house.”

“Your own house? I live here too, Dean.”

Dean stopped in his walk by her. “Yes, Ellen. This I know.”

“Oh my God. Look at you being all mean to me.”

“I am not being mean to you.”

“Yes you are. You made that face.”

“What face?” Dean headed to the kitchen.

“This face, Dean ... look at me ... Dean, this face ... Dean ...”

“Ellen.” He spun to her. “All right, make the face.” He watched her give a mean stare. “Oh I did not make that face.”

“You did, Dean. And you’re acting all resentful that I live here.”

“Where in the world are you getting that?”

“Because you aren’t in this house ten seconds and you’re yelling at me an making faces at me.”

Dean, frustrated, ran his hand harshly down his face. “Ellen.” He stepped to her, laid his hands on her cheeks and kissed her. “Please. Just ... please no bitching.” He kissed her again. “Go get ready for your meeting, I’ll finish getting dinner on the table and I’ll feed the kids.”

“OK.” Ellen moved back from him. “But it’s late, I don’t have time to do the dishes.”

“You don’t have to do the dishes, El.”

“Well they have to be done.” She walked to the steps. “I don’t want to come home and find them in the sink again Dean. Do you know how ...”

“El.”

“What?” She paused in her walk upstairs.

“Can you send the boys down?”

“Do I have to do everything, Dean, damn it.” Ellen stomped the rest of the way up.

Dean closed one eye and winced, giving a silent apology to Joey and Billy for their receipt of Ellen’s extremely loud ‘Boys! Dinner!’. Heading to the kitchen, Dean could hear Ellen above him complaining while she got ready. It reminded him so much of years earlier when they used to live together before. And at that instance, with those vivid memories, Dean wondered briefly why he really wanted it all back.

<><><><>

Like a ten-year-old child who did not know what to do with himself, that was how Henry looked to Frank. Slumping in the chair, Nick resting conformably in the creases of Henry’s joined legs. And Frank watched Henry while he picked up the house, baffled at how much of a mess could be created in the short time since he picked up the kids. “Henry.”

Henry lifted Nick’s arm, letting it drop, lifted it again. “He really doesn’t do anything, does he, Frank.”

“He’s a baby, Henry.”

“Yeah but after ten minutes there isn’t much you can do with him. He only makes that one face.” At that point Henry proceeded to imitate it and looked oddly at Frank when he laughed loudly. “What?”

“God that baby and you look so much alike. Even the hair.”

“If he were a girl, Frank, I could do his hair. Put a little ponytail in it like I do for Alex. I should have had daughter.”

“Either way, Henry.” Frank walked over and sat on the couch. “At this point in the kid’s life, they’d still be a baby and they still wouldn’t do anything.”

“They’re so boring.”

“They’re babies.”

“There’s nothing more I can do with him but stare. How long do you suppose one can stare at a baby without getting completely bored.”

“Henry, give me him.” Frank reached out and took Nick, cradling the baby against his own chest. “What are you doing here?”

“Visiting Nick.”

“Aren’t you supposed to be working with Danny?”

“Oh no Frank. Besides the fact that we need a brain break. I saw the flowers in the kitchen.”

“Why are you changing the subject?” Frank asked.

“Are they for Ellen.”

Frank hesitated. “Yes. Robbie picked them for me to give her when she comes over tonight. Bitched about it, but picked them.”

“That’s really nice.” Henry sadly let his fingers fiddle with the fabric on the arm of the chair.

“Henry ...”

“Do you realize that it will be a year tomorrow that you started packing up to go get Ellen from Colorado?” Henry spoke slow, like in a daze. “A year, Frank, only a year. So much has happened in that year, hasn’t it? Doesn’t it seem longer. I mean, how has George built everything up so fast? I’ve been thinking about that you know. I was thinking that when we released that first group and took them to Colorado, they must have released their people in New Mexico and they had to have spread out fast.”

“That was the plan, Henry. Had we known we could have stopped them before they ever left.”

“Do you suppose John Matoose knows about everything.”

“I haven’t clue what John knows. We do know he hasn’t been in the Communications room in two weeks.”

Henry’s head swayed back and forth. “What is he up to now?”

“I thought for sure the fax would have led him straight to George. But, as far as we can tell. He hasn’t even tried.”

“Do you think it’s because something is gonna happen.”

“Yep.” Frank closed his eyes for a second and then kissed Nick. “And I have this idea. If you feel like rambling, why don’t you find Ellen. Fix this. She’s in a forgiving mood. Plus, she’s at the woman’s meeting and all of them are all for you too being girlfriends again. I think. Not sure. Maybe. Who knows. But if you go over there and pull a Jerry McGuire, El loved that movie, you’ll be a hit. Just like Tom Cruise did in that movie, walked into the woman’s meeting.”

“I can’t do that, Frank. Though there’s nothing I would like more than to talk to Ellen. Not so much about what happened, but about nothing. Just get into one of those conversations that we used to have. Going back and forth without any silence. Besides the fact that I don’t know if I can do it, I think I have burned my final bridge with her.”

“You have to try. With this virus hitting us, we all need to stand strong. Arguments aside. I’m even being nice to Dean. I’ll tell you what. I’ll make you a deal. You go over and try, just try to be that friend again and I’ll ... I’ll ... I’ll change every one of Nick’s diapers for you for one month.”

Henry’s head sprang up. “A whole month? How about bathing him too.”

“Not like I don’t do most of his baths, but yes, I’ll bathe him too.”

“Can I have the flowers?”

“Henry.” Frank gave him a smirk. “No, what are you nuts. Those flowers are my key to getting laid to ... getting ... take the damn flowers.”

“Thanks, Frank.” Henry sprang up running to the kitchen to get the flowers. “This is great.” He came back out holding them. “No diapers for a month, no baths and I get to give her flowers.” He stopped cold. “What am I doing?” His arm dropped.

“You’re going to salvage the friendship.” Frank opened the door for him.

“I can do this, right?” Henry asked.

“You can do this.” Frank hurried Henry out and closed the door. “Probably.”

<><><><>

Divided into teams of four, the women were in Jenny’s living room. Two teams remained, battling out who would be the champions of Beginnings Jeopardy. Jenny was the hostess of the event, standing before them, the rest of the women cheering on. A huge game board she had made herself, perched on the chair behind her. Jenny looked over to Josephine who sat in a chair keeping score, she doubled checked her just in case Josephine was cheating again, or made a mistake. She often did that when she had too much to drink.

“OK,” Jenny said chipper. “Cindy, it’s your team’s turn. Pick a category.”

“We’ll take Beginnings Entertainment for twenty, Jenny.”

Jenny snickered at the ‘ooh’ that filled the room when she pulled out the question. “I’m the most recent form of entertainment. Enjoyed only by the men. I can take hours to accomplish. Minutes to set up. Some say I’m even more fun when played drunk. What game am I?”

They huddled, Cindy’s group did and with a nod, Cindy stood up. “Are you ... Find the misplaced brain-dead Field workers?”

“Ding, ding, ding,” Jenny said. “Twenty points, Josephine, write that down. Two ... zero, that’s right ... Ellen, your team.”

Ellen looked pleased. “We’re going for it, Jenny, give us Dirt of the Earth for twenty-five.”

So cocky Jenny looked, taking that question from the slot. “Here it goes ... I was originally labeled Beginnings’ biggest pervert. Staring at butts, men or women from the second I came in. Now I am labeled Beginnings’ highest trusted pervert. Who am I?”

Ellen’s eyes widened and she spoke very seriously. “Henry.”

Jenny made a buzzing sound. “No, Ellen, weren’t you listening. I said, ‘when he came in’. Henry was always here.”

“And he is now,” Ellen said with a slight point.

Jenny turned around. “Oh my gosh, Henry’s here. Why are you here, Henry, and why do you have flowers?”

Henry nervously stepped in. “I feel really dumb about this. I’ll just ...” He set the flowers on the table by the door. “Set these down so I don’t look too much like a sap. But they’re for you.”

“Me?” Jenny asked.

“No, Ellen.”

“Why are you bringing Ellen, flowers? She’s back with Frank, sort of.”

“I know. But I’m not here to rekindle the understanding or primary,” Henry said. “I’m here to get my friend back. Just my friend.”

Ellen didn’t say anything.

Henry ran his hands through his hair, then dropped them. It was so apparent how nervous he was. “El, I don’t know how much more I can say. I’ve said I am sorry so many times. But if you want me to, I will say I am sorry every day for the rest of my life. I’ll say anything to you, just to be able to talk to you. I miss my friend. I really miss my friend. I miss our tea. Our gossip. I miss having lunch with you. I can’t do anything right anymore. And I know that has a lot to do with the fact that something is missing from my life. That something is ...”

“Stop.” Ellen stepped to him.

“You aren’t going to yell at me again are you?” Henry asked frightened.

“No.” Ellen shook her head. “You had me when you walked in the door.”

Jenny shirked loudly. “Oh my God, this is from Jerry McGuire, Henry, you borrowed from Jerry McGuire. I love that movie.”

Ellen said, “I hate that movie.”

“What?” Henry gasped. “Frank said.”

“There you have it, Henry.” Jenny held out her hand. “Frank said.”

“Great, just great.” Henry lowered his head and shook it. “I’m killing Frank. I’m sorry. I’ll leave.” He turned for the door.

“Wait,” Ellen called out. “I’ll be open to being forgiving, OK? I’ll try.”

Henry smiled gently. “Thank you.”

Before anymore could be said, there was a single knock at the door and Ben and Todd walked in. “Ladies,” Ben called out then shrieked when he saw Henry. “You said no men were allowed. Why is he here that ... that ... bastard.”

Jenny walked to Ben and laid a hand on his back. “I know seeing him in traumatizing. Henry is leaving.”

“Yes, yes, I am.” Henry walked to the open door, paused, said ‘thank you’ again and left.

The moment the door closed, Ben’s ‘down’ demeanor switched to an ‘up’ one ... “The dresses are nearly complete. Final alteration time!” He noticed the quiet of the room. “We’re not going to wear them. Are we?”

Andrea stood up slowly from her seat gazing at a loss at the dress Todd held. “No.” She moved to the blue garment running her hand down it, lifting the tag that said her name. “We’re not going to wear them. We decided, no wedding, no dresses. We thought we would, but we can’t. It would be a little sad, don’t you think? Sorry, Ben.”

“Wait!” Ellen held up her hands. “All of us have planed this big party. This was supposed to be a wedding. Ben and Todd worked their asses off on the dresses and the tuxes. So why can’t we have a wedding huh? So what, Henry won’t marry me,” Ellen spoke strong. “So what. But you know what? Cheer up ladies, cause tomorrow afternoon Beginnings is going to have the first and biggest wedding ever here. Complete with food, entertainment, servants and ...” She touched the wedding gown. “Dresses.” She moved to the door. “Start planning. Ben and Todd, get your sewing kits ready for the final alterations. I’m going to go talk to him now.” She started walking out the door. “Guaranteed. There will be a wedding in Beginnings tomorrow.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

AUGUST 15

A look of ‘proud’ barreled over Frank’s face as he stood at the altar by Reverend Bob watching Ellen begin her procession down the aisle. Paul’s perfect organ playing of ‘Trumpet Voluntary’ added to the feel that surrounded him in Beginnings’ small, but packed chapel. So beautiful Ellen looked to him. Perfect. More beautiful than he had ever seen her in their entire lives. She literally took his breath away. As he watched her walk nearer to him, Frank felt his heart pounding from his chest. So enamored with her at that moment he stopped noticing the choking he had felt from the bow tie he wore. All he could feel were his feelings for Ellen. And though he never thought it were possible, Frank swore right there and then, he fell in love with her all over again.

Ellen had barely reached the end of the aisle when Frank couldn’t wait anymore. He approached her holding out his hand.

Reverend Bob tapped him on the shoulder. “Frank.”

Frank ignored him and laid his hands on Ellen’s face.

“Frank.” Reverend Bob tapped him again. “You’re not supposed to be doing this.”

“Shut up, will you?” Frank snapped in a whisper at Reverend Bob then faced Ellen. “You look beautiful.” He leaned to kiss her.

“Frank!” Reverend Bob had enough. “Get back. The bride would like to make her approach.”

“All right.” Frank pointed, kissed Ellen with a smile and stepped back. As best man, he took place behind the groom. He nudged him when the ‘Bridal March’ began, looking up the aisle. “I can’t believe she’s gonna be my mom.”

Through his gritted teeth, Joe spoke to Frank, “Quiet.”

“What is this, wife number twenty-two.”

“Quiet.”

“I won’t call her, mom.”

“Shut your goddamn mouth. Sorry, Reverend.”

Joe put on his best smile, faced the aisle and watched Andrea, wearing that off-white wedding dress, walk down the aisle toward him.

At the end of the march, Joe and Andrea joined arms and stepped before Reverend Bob. He opened is bible. “We are gathered here today,” Reverend Bob spoke with passion. “In God’s house, to join in holy matrimony, this man, Joseph Anthony Slagel and this woman Andrea Gertrude ...” he shifted his eyes to Frank and Robbie’s snickering, “... Gertrude Winters.” He continued on, ignoring the childish behavior of Joe’s children. “God gave us the gift of marriage. And for that, we should cherish it. Joe, Andrea, today for the two of you this isn’t just a joining of marriage, but a joining of families.” He gave a stern scolding face to Frank who loudly moaned ‘oh my God’. “Before we begin, Jenny has a poem so fitting for this occasion, she would like to share it with you. Jenny.”

So serous Jenny stood before the congregation as she read her poem.

“Today ... Joe and Andrea get married. We hope ... that their lives don’t get hairy. Troubles so often may cause them to fight. But they will try hard, really hard not to with all their might. And all of us know their love will prevail. And they’ll live happily ever after until they get even older. Thank you.”

Giving a loving smile to Andrea and Joe, Jenny re-took her place as a bridesmaid next to Ellen.

Frank looked with a snicker to Robbie. “Hey, that didn’t rhyme at the end.”

“I know. Now see that will drive me nuts all day,” Robbie commented.

“Me too.”

“Kind of like sex without the orgasm.”

“You aren’t kidding.” Frank nudged his brother thinking he was being quiet. “Hey, Robbie? Jenny’s your partner. You have to dance with her.”

“I wouldn’t have to if Ben wouldn’t have refused to do the final fitting on Henry.”

“I heard he punched him.”

Robbie shook his head. “I heard slapped.”

“Boys!” Joe shouted. “Can I get married? Christ ... sorry, Reverend, continue.”

“As I was saying though the chitter-chatter of annoying men.” He looked at Frank and Robbie. “Joseph Anthony Slagel, do you take this woman, Andrea Gert ... Boys ... Gertrude Winters to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold ...”

“Yeah,” Joe interrupted.

“I didn’t finish.”

“Yeah but I know all of that stuff. Yeah, I’ll do it.”

Trying to remain calm, Reverend Bob faced Andrea. “Do you, Andrea, take Joe to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer till death do you part?”

So dramatic Andrea spoke with tears rolling like a waterfall down her cheeks. “I do.”

Frank covered his eyes. “Oh God. I can’t watch.”

Robbie leaned into him. “Do you suppose Dad will slip her the ...”

“Robbie.” Frank spun to him.

“Boys!” Joe yelled. “Let the man finish. Christ ... sorry, Reverend.”

Reverend Bob wiped his forehead, looking more forward to the moonshine punch than any food they would serve. “Then by the power invested in me, by the Land Of Beginnings Montana and by God. I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Slagel. What God has joined together, let no man or children put asunder. You may kiss your bride, Joe.”

Frank whined so loudly turning from the view of his father embracing then finally kissing Andrea. “Tell me when it’s over, Robbie.”

“Not yet.”

“Now?”

“Not yet.”

“What the fuck is he doing. Foreplay?”

“Now.”

As Frank turned back around, he grunted at the backhand to his gut his father gave him. “Sorry.”

Reverend Bob had one more announcement. “As a special request from the bride, she has asked that a special song be played for the recessional.” He nodded to Paul who then began to play. It was slow, deep, gospel-like.

Joe and Andrea began their decent arm and arm.

Frank walked out with his arm out to Ellen. “Ready.”

“Yep.” She took it.

“Nice ceremony.”

“Who are you kidding, you didn’t pay attention.”

“You’re right.”

Ellen stopped cold, center aisle when Paul began to sing. “He isn’t.”

“He is.” Frank began walking with her again. And he and Ellen laughed the rest of the way from the chapel. Laughing at Robbie’s ‘quit touching me’ remarks to Jenny. But most of all laughing as Paul wailed out with such emotions, his very own, soul-filled, gospel version of ... The ‘Silly’ song.

<><><><>

Paul was the disk jockey and he played typical wedding music. Elevator renditions of pop music for the pre-dinner feel, it was almost as if he were being obviously sarcastic.

Frank saw Henry, sitting at a table, he felt bad for him, because Henry was the only person there, not looking as if he were having a good time.

“So ...” Frank sat down. “How about them reprogrammed SUTs, man are they good waiters.”

“The programs is pretty cool,” Henry spoke monotone.

“What’s wrong?”

“You know, Frank. This wedding. The other day. Everything. I feel I can’t catch a break. And even though it wasn’t supposed to be real, this wedding was supposed to be mine and Ellen’s. This party was supposed to be ours. And it is such a great party.”

“They’ll be another one day.”

“Oh, sure, when Ellen gets married to you.”

“I don’t know if that will happen,” Frank said. “But I can’t promise that we won’t be back together.”

“You’ll be primary, Frank. And believe it or not, you’ll have the understanding with Dean.”

“Dean?”

“Dean.”

“What about me?” Dean sat down at the table.

Frank lifted his head looking so annoyed. “Did we ask you to sit here with us.”

“No. But I am.” Dean scooted his chair closer. “How’s it going, Henry. You OK?”

Frank’s hand raised and fell hard on the table. “Look at him just coming in and taking over the conversation. Dean. Go away.”

“Frank. Shut the hell up.”

“Ouch.” Frank shivered and proceeded to rock on the hind legs of the chair.

Dean rolled his eyes. “Anyhow. This wedding certainly turned out to be the surprise union of the century, didn’t it Frank. Your Dad and Andrea.”

“It sucks,” Frank grumbled. “Especially since Andrea’s in her fuckin flighty mode. She asked me dance with her, she said she wanted to dance with her oldest son. I’m not dancing with her, she’ll probably see a smudge of dirt on my face and do that licking her fingers thing.”

Henry cringed. “That is so gross. I’d gag if she did that to me.”

With smiling eyes, Dean looked at Frank. Then wiped the thought of calling over Andrea to clean Henry’s face, from his mind. “So.” Dean cleared his throat.

“Dean,” Frank snapped. “You think we care what you’re gonna say.”

“Frank.” Dean came back sarcastic. “Do you think I care what you think. And I’m going to talk, so just rock back in forth in your feeble minded manner and let me go. I was going to say, last night when Ellen came home all excited, telling me she would be really late because the wedding was going on. I thought for sure she was marrying you, Frank.”

“No way?” Frank snickered. “When she stopped by to tell me she wasn’t coming over for that reason, I thought for sure she was marrying you.”

Henry sulked. “When I heard there was a wedding, I thought it was Robbie and Ellen.”

“Robbie!” Frank questioned loudly. “I’d kill him. Why would she marry my brother?”

Dean answered that one. “To annoy everyone. You know Ellen would do something like that just to throw a monkey wrench into everyone’s lives.”

“Dean.” Frank snapped his chair forward. “Seriously. If she came home and asked you to be the one to marry her. Would you?”

Dean laughed, then Dean laughed harder. “For as much as I love her, for as much as I would love to have that to hold over your head, Frank. Probably not. Not now. She’s too ... I don’t know. Out there?” Dean shrugged.

Frank nodded in agreement. “Most of the time. Yeah. Hey, at least she looks good in the dress Andrea was supposed to wear.”

“It’s hard to appreciate it, Frank,” Dean said. “You weren’t there. It was a grueling, grueling process her getting to the point of what she looks like now.” He flicked his hand as he leaned to the table. “It started this morning. No wait, it started in the middle if the night. She bitched at me for hogging the bed. Then she gets up this morning bitching because she’s gonna look horrible because she didn’t get a good night sleep. Then I took too long in the shower. I used up all the hot water. I wouldn’t wear a tie. I aggravated extra wrinkles on her face. Her hair was too tight, her hair was too loose. How her hair not being right is my fault, I’ll never know.”

“Dean.” Frank smirked. “Haven’t you learned yet what to do when Ellen bitches. She has bitched about anything and everything since the day I met her. You gotta just say, ‘all right, El, whatever’ and move on.”

“No,” Dean argued. “No way. That’s giving in. I won’t give in to her bitching.”

“Yeah but learning how to pacify her is the path of least resistance, it doesn’t aggravate you as much. Trust me,” Frank explained. “Ask Henry. Henry, what did you do when Ellen bitched at you?”

Henry looked up from his sulking stature. “She never bitched at me, Frank. Not like she does to you and Dean.”

At that instant, Dean cleared his throat loudly to gather their attention to the fact that Ellen was approaching the table.

“Frank,” Ellen spoke his name with a sharp whine. “You have to tell your brother, he’s threatening to disappear before the bridal dance. Talk to him.”

“I’ll do that,” Frank said.

“And ...” Ellen continued. “You have to do the speech now. The SUTs are getting ready to call everyone to the buffet. Come on.” She held out her hand to him. “And Dean, Aw, Dean come on. What did you spill on your tie. We just got here.”

Dean looked down and lifted up his tie. “Where?”

“There.” She pointed.

“Ellen, there isn’t anything there,” Dean stated.

“Of course you wouldn’t see it, Dean, you didn’t see the fact that your tie was wrinkled. One event. I let you wear jeans you should have at least kept your tie clean.”

“Ellen,” Dean snapped. “There’s nothing on my tie.”

Ellen huffed and grabbed Frank’s hand. “And, Frank. You can’t unbutton your vest. Not yet. It’s not right.”

“OK.” Frank shrugged and buttoned his vest. “Dean said it was all right. Sorry, El.”

“Dean!” Ellen shook her head and rolled her eyes then leaned closer to him. “Why would you tell him that?”

Dean stared at her for a second, then shifted his eyes to her, and Frank, who looked back at Dean while wiggling his fingers in an arrogant wave. Dean huffed outward. “And you asked why I wouldn’t marry her. I’m a target. You. Frank, can have that side of her.”

<><><><>

Frank held the glass of water in one hand, and the microphone in the other. He debated on whether to sing just to annoy everyone, but he decided instead, to give the speech he hadn’t a clue on what to say. “All right ... so my father says to me,” Frank spoke loud. “He says last night, ‘Christ, Frank. I gotta get married.’. Not that he didn’t want to marry Andrea, I don’t know if he did, I guess he did, he was sleeping with her. Anyhow, he tells me I have to be the best man. Which I figured I would be because why would he want Robbie. But then I found out I had to give a speech ... OK, I could do that. So here it goes. Dad, I hope you make this one work. And I think you will as long as you don’t make the same mistakes you made in your other three marriages.” Frank held his glass to Andrea. “And you, Andrea, I’ve known you for a lot of years. And I know you’re this superstitious lady, so don’t think it’s a bad sign that it’s raining out. It might be, but probably not. So good luck to both of you and uh ... happy marriage or something like that.” He raised his glass. and there was silence. “Come on!” He yelled at the people. “That was the toast.” Listening to the muttering of voices as they raised their glasses in good luck, Frank checked out the evil stares he got from his father. “What? The speech was nice.” Waving his father off, Frank took his seat next to Ellen. “El? How was my speech.”

“I thought it was great, Frank.” She kissed him on the cheek. “I thought it was very Frank-like.”

“Thanks, El.” Frank smiled, not once picking up any of the sarcasm in her facial expressions or tone.

<><><><>

It was a party destined to move on through the night. Not because it was the best party ever, Beginnings had seen better, but because it was a party and in Beginnings, it also was something to do. The faces changed during the night, Security kept making post changes so everyone could be there. Everyone seemed happy. Jenny Matoose proudly danced with Blake while John was on his watch. The children that weren’t sleeping, ran amongst the adult legs, some sliding on the floor. Joey being the biggest culprit. And the older people, they found entertainment watching the children play. Especially Brian and Jenny’s baby, Caroline. The two, one-year-old children, both kept in their walkers, continued in a fevered game of bumper walkers.

With his hand held tight to Ellen’s, Dean danced with her. “You know I have to go.”

“I know. But I just really like dancing with you. My neck never hurts.”

“Gee thanks, Ellen.” Dean smiled. “And I’d love to dance with you more. But I promised Patrick I would relieve him at the clinic so he can enjoy some time here. Besides I wanna run a few more tests on our John Doe.”

“Let me know what you find?” Ellen asked.

“Of course.” Dean turned his wrist to see the time. “And I’m already late.”

“Do you need help with the kids?”

“No, Denny coming to help. Henry’s bringing Nick to the house. It’ll be crowded, but fine. I won’t be at the clinic too long. Melissa has next shift.”

“Are you coming back here?”

“Doubtful. I’m not the party person, besides it’s already pushing my bedtime.” He released her from the dance. “And ...” He kissed her quickly. “I have to go. Have fun.” He laid his hand on her cheek. “You looked great tonight.”

“Thank you.” Ellen smiled at him, watched Dean dart off to gather the kids and she went off to find Robbie. A fast song was playing and he was the only man who danced well enough—other than Henry—That didn’t embarrass her on the dance floor.

<><><><>

Frank danced with who he called ‘his favorite girl’. He held her tight in his arm, swinging her around, making her laugh. Really enjoying the dance and getting more out of her smile than any words that could be spoken. This to Frank was what it was all about. Life going on. It was a rare moment in Beginnings, an old fashion wedding, equipped with the songs from the past. And it would be a moment on the dance floor he would treasure forever.

Dean hated to interrupt, but he had to go. He had the kids rustled by the door, Denny and Henry standing there waiting. “Frank. She has to come with me.”

“We’re finishing our dance, Dean.”

“But I really have to go, Frank.”

“I’ll walk her home as soon as we’re done.”

“All right.” Dean stepped back. “But don’t play outside in the rain with her.”

“I won’t.” Frank winked at Alex and adjusted her in his arms. “Bye, Dean.”

Dean kissed his daughter, then joined Henry, Denny, and the kids who waited by the door.

“Do you spin Mommy around like this when you dance with her?” Alexandra asked.

“Nah. Let me let you in on a little secret. Mommy is in that awkward phase. She too big for me to hold up and dance with her like this. Not that I wouldn’t. But she’s too little for me to dance with for a long time.”

“Why is that?” Alexandra asked with child curiosity.

“She makes my neck hurt.”

Ellen leaned against the head table watching Frank and Alexandra, she had a very small amount of Henry’s wine in the glass she sipped from. Little sips, almost feeling guilty on Frank’s behalf for every sip she took.

“Hey, Kiddo.” Joe frightened her from her thoughts when he approached her. “Watching them?”

“Yeah.” Ellen smiled. “For the big tough guy, Frank is so, I don’t know, sappy when it comes to the kids.”

“He’ll always have a soft spot for his daughter.”

“I remember being a little girl and dancing with my father like that at my aunt Vivian’s wedding.” Ellen smiled at the memory. “I felt so important. My father wanted to dance with me. And by the look on my daughter’s face. She feels the same way right now that I did.”

“Well I wasn’t fortunate enough to have a little girl to dance with in my arms. However ...” Joe stepped back and showed Ellen his hand. “I would like to be so fortunate as to have my grown up girl in my arms.”

“Oh, Joe.” Ellen basked in that, letting Joe cup her hand, press his strong hand to her back, his cheek to her cheek, and having him dance with her in that old fashion way. Leading Ellen in steps she tried to follow in that slow dance. And Ellen giggled, like Alexandra did, in every spin Joe made with her. “Joe?” she whispered to him.

“Yes?” Joe pulled his head back to look at her.

“You know how I was saying about how I felt as a little girl, and how Alexandra is probably feeling the same way?”

“What about it?” Joe asked.

“I just wanted you to know. That no matter how old you get, having that dance with your father ... it still makes you feel important.”

Giving Ellen that smile of ‘pride’ that only a father could give, Joe kissed Ellen on the cheek and pulled her back to finish their dance.

Robbie looked up from his seat at the table in just enough time to see Joe twirl Ellen around, his mind slipped back to a wedding he remembered. Robbie was five years old. Of course Robbie chuckled right there because most of the visuals of that wedding were of people’s legs. But he remembered that wedding, whose it was, Robbie couldn’t recall. But seeing Joe and Ellen dance on that floor made Robbie think of the bride dancing with her father that night. ‘Daddy’s little girl’ played loudly, women had tears in their eyes. The father and the bride both cried. The whole hall stopped for that one dance. And Robbie remembered—though he was only five or six—he remembered making a promise to himself that night. He promised himself that if he ever had a daughter, and she got married, that he would never look so foolish as to cry in front of all his co-workers like that father did that night. And part of Robbie still felt the same way. In his adult mind he justified his thinking. The father going back to work that Monday morning. Having left Friday being the tough boss, he returned Monday being the big baby who cried his heart out all because his daughter was marrying some jerk whom she would leave in a year or so anyhow. Then that father would end up bitching because not only did he have his daughter back at his house but her baby as well, sucking him dry of all his money, sponging off of him all because the guy he cried about his daughter marrying, was refusing to pay his child support. Perhaps those tears shed during that dance weren’t tears of joy, or tears of losing a daughter, but tears of all the problems that the results of a wedding he couldn’t afford in the first place, brought.

Mid thought, Robbie was certain that somewhere in his deep world of wedding bell blues, his mind has snapped, because suddenly the song started sounding weird to him. The words became muttered, making no sense. The male voice sounded female and this snapped Robbie out of his thought and prompted him to look to his right. Andrea sat next to him humming. “What?” he asked her.

“I have a favor.”

“Oh no. What is it?” Robbie asked frightened.

“Would you be so kind as to dance with an old woman?”

“Andrea, I really don’t feel like dancing with you right now. Maybe later.”

Smack! Andrea’s hand hit hard against his.

“What?” Robbie asked.

“I’m not speaking of me. I would like you to dance with ...” Andrea twitched her head.

Leaning forward Robbie saw who she indicated to. Had she not been so little, she wouldn’t have been hidden behind Andrea. “Josephine? No way.”

“Robert,” Andrea scolded. “Dance with her. I promised her.”

“Why would you promise her I would dance with her?”

“Because you’re my son now. Dance with Josephine. No one wants to.”

“Tell her to dance with Cole, he’s sleeping with her.”

Andrea gasped. “Robert.” She stood up. “If you don’t dance with Josephine right now, I will tell your father on you. And you won’t be the little happy camper when he takes a firm stand with you tomorrow morning.”

“Like I care.”

“Be nice.”

“I’m a Slagel.”

“And so am I now.” Andrea’s head bobbed back and forth. “And let me tell you something. You will dance with her right now, mister. If you don’t I will make certain that your pretty little face blesses the monthly ‘Dart the Fart’ board. Get it.”

“Oh my God. All right.” Robbie stood up whining. “Only because I don’t want to see a sketch of myself with holes all in it. Let me take a drink and I’ll be right there.”

“I’ll go tell her.”

“And also tell her not to grab my butt again.” Robbie pointed, cringed at what he agreed to do and downed his entire drink in one gulp.

<><><><>

It turned out to be one of the most enjoyable wedding traditions that the women copied. The tossing of the bouquet. Of course there were only two women in all of Beginnings who weren’t married. Josephine and Ellen. And the evening was highlighted when Ellen caught the bouquet and Josephine in her outrage and determination to retrieve it, pummeled sideways into Ellen knocking her on the floor and then lunging at Ellen to engage in a fierce tug of war over the floppy group of flowers. I took two men to pull Josephine from her. But it wasn’t the fight that got Ellen, nor the fact that Josephine, during her pull at the flowers kept calling Ellen a ‘bitch’. It was the fact that Ellen had to go to the ladies room and fix her hair back again.

Then after Frank placed on the garter, she had to fix her dress.

Standing and talking to Joe, Frank felt the smack to the back of his head. “Ow.” He turned around Ellen stood there.

“Thanks a lot, Frank. Talk about embarrassing me.”

“I didn’t want those guys to see your legs.”

“So you stick your head between them?”

Frank laughed. “You love me.” He pulled her into him. “And I would like to dance with you.”

“I’ve been dancing all night.”

“But not with me so ... Tough, you’ll dance now.” Frank cupped her hand. “This turned out really nice. You ladies did a great job.”

“Thanks.” Ellen went silent for a second. “Frank, I have to tell you something.”

“What’s that.”

“I feel bad. I ... I had a couple sips of wine.”

“So.”

“No.” Ellen shook her head. “Not ‘so’. I’m supposed to help you. That wasn’t helping you.”

“El, I don’t expect you to change your lifestyle, just because I changed mine.”

“No, you shouldn’t.” Ellen moved into him. “But I want to. I have to. Especially if I’m going to be with you.”

“Are you?” Frank asked very seriously.

“What did I tell you?”

“Ellen.” Frank stopped moving in their dance. “What you did for me this past week, I’ll never forget it. Never. I don’t think I’ve ever felt closer to you.”

“How about now?” Ellen tugged him into her.

“See, just about now.” Frank lowered his head to her ear. “Just about right now ...” he whispered. “Is about the time I want to sneak you out of here and take you home.”

“And do what?” Ellen asked, getting lost in his soft voice.

“Make ... love ...” Frank pressed his lips teasingly to her ear. “To you.”

Ellen’s eyes rolled back. “Kiss me.”

Frank slid his lips across her cheek and to her mouth, then stopped.

“What’s wrong?”

Frank looked around. They really weren’t noticed. Everyone was doing their own thing. “I know this isn’t about us. But ... I have something to ask you.”

“What’s that?”

Frank breathed almost nervously, released her hand and then reached into his pocket. After a moment, eyes connected with Ellen, he rejoined their hands in a dance.

Ellen stopped when she felt the oddness of it. She pulled her hand from Frank, and brought it up to her view. She looked at her hand, then to Frank. “Frank,” she spoke out of breath, looking again her finger. The finger that moments earlier, was bare now wore the wedding band she had given back to Frank nearly a year before.

“El.” Frank held her hand. “All those years behind us, all those years, El, they can be nothing compared to the years we could have ahead of us. We’ve messed up. We’ve broke. But no one has ever stood by my side like you. I want you there for the rest of my life. I need you there. And if I’m gonna be holding hands with you at eighty years old, then I want the hand I hold to be my wife’s.” He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed it. “Be my wife again, El. Say you’ll be my wife again. Say we’ve learned from our mistakes.” His hand spread across her. “Say you’ll marry me again.” Frank’s nose brushed against hers, his mouth was open in a hover over hers. “Say yes.”

Before he kissed her, before Ellen answered, Frank pulled her close again in the dance, as he did, Ellen whispered in his ear, her answer of ‘yes’.

The wedding was a bright thing that Beginnings needed. It was a sign of a new start, and a new life for so many. Unfortunately, unknown to everyone, the next day would be far from the picture perfect happy world that existed for that moment in the Social Hall.

CHAPTER THIRTY

AUGUST 16

Had Frank not been so close he wouldn’t have heard it and felt it so strongly. It screamed out to him and he barreled to the noise, blasting open the door to the Tracking Station. Frank’s eyes widened, the synchronized beeping, the flashing lights from the monitor screens, the panicked look on Mark’s face, it all made his heart pound. “What’s going on?”

“The system is working, Frank.”

“They’re coming?” Frank prepared his radio.

“Moving in steady from the northwest at approximately eight miles per hour.”

“What’s the distance?”

Mark looked at the screen his voice shook. “Two point nine miles.”

“How many?”

“Frank ...”

“How many, Mark?” Frank asked stronger.

“God, Frank ...”

“Mark! How many!” Frank blasted him.

“Computer is tallying ... Four hundred and twenty-one.”

“Fuck!” Frank’s hand slammed down. “Tower this is Frank. I need a three-one signal on the horn, hit it now, this is not a drill. Keep it peered northwest we got em coming in large masses.” Frank switched to the ‘all call’ channel, waited for the horns to start then gave everyone that extra second to switch. “Mark, I need you here. Monitor this for me I’ll check back for distance. Where are we now?”

“Two point six miles.”

Frank backed out the station door. And headed toward his jeep by his office, calling out as he ran. “Robbie. I need our birds in the air now. All three get them up fast. Robbie, you have fire, Johnny has gas and John will use Dan as a gunner and lay rapid fire on them. I’ll square away perimeters and town and meet you in the air. Do not hesitate. Do not wait for me. Take them out and take them out hard. Someone give me a copy.” Frank jumped in his jeep.

“Copy, Frank.” Robbie came back. “My ETA to the hangar is about three minutes.”

“Make it in two, Robbie.” Frank turned over the jeep and screeched it. “Squads One through Six suit up near the field house hatch, squad leaders get your teams in position, stay low and ready. I’ll send back-up as soon as we clear town. Cole, copy me.”

“Copy, Frank.”

“Dad, I need you at Armory. I need every single available male. Everyone whether they are reserve or not. I need them suited up.”

Joe spoke over the radio. “I’m right at Armory now.”

“Get the town clear, make them clear the town. Get our tunnel leaders down there with them. Stress to the women that this is not a drill.” Frank turned sharp toward Armory. “Mark, what’s our distance.”

“Two point two, Frank.”

“We’re running low on time.” Frank saw Armory before him. The loud horns blasted and Frank looked at his watch counting the seconds until he had his choppers in the air. He screeched the jeep to a sideways stop and jumped from it running into help out Joe.

<><><><>

Three long sirens followed by one short one. Ellen and Dean, in the eastern wing of the clinic, the wing never used, worked in a make-shift operating room on the John Doe. Keeping him distant and contained from everyone.

Ellen raised her head to the sirens. “Dean.”

Dean’s eyes peered over his face mask as his hands worked in the back of John Doe. “It’s a three-one, Ellen. Get the hell out of here and head to the tunnels. It’s real.”

“Oh my God.” Ellen breathed heavily.

“Go.”

“No.”

“Ellen. Go,” Dean ordered strongly.

“I’m not leaving you. We can finish this up faster together than alone. I’m staying.”

Dean didn’t have time to argue. He tried to block out the horns that blasted at them and he continued to operate. “Just a little bit longer.”

<><><><>

It was a like an assembly line, the passing down of weapons and artillery down the line of waiting men ... All the way to the last one, he would take his weapon and hit his post. Frank barked out orders as they moved rapidly. “Squads Seven through Nine, scrap town, hit the front gate. Squads Ten and Eleven you are our center town patrol, the rest of you men, when town is clean, move up the back gate and support the lines.” Frank watched the line of men dwindle. “Dad, I’m headed in to move people.”

“I’ll finish here, Frank.”

“Then you head to the tunnels.” Frank pointed. “Don’t waste time!” Frank charged from Armory. “Mark, distance.”

“One point eight miles.”

“Robbie, where we at.”

“Loading up, give us another minute.”

Frank rounded the bend, he could hear through the loud horns, the confusion on the street. He saw Henry already armed, moving people about. “Henry.”

“Yeah, Frank?”

“Get your ass in the tunnel. You’re number one tunnel leader.”

“Make someone else, Frank. I’m fighting.”

“No,” Frank said strongly, trying to hurry people along. “I need you there. For the sake of the community and for my family. Do this, Henry. Don’t fight me on this.”

Henry swayed his head. “All right. But let me help a few more people.”

“Two minutes,” Frank told him then looked to the clinic and saw the wheeling out of patients. “Cole, how are our front lines?”

“Secure.”

“Jeff, front gate lines?”

“Secure,” Jeff came back.

“Robbie?”

“I’m climbing in now.”

Frank watched the clinic doors close then turned to see the last person go down the tunnel. “Tower.” Frank gave a thumbs-up to Henry as he lowered himself down. “Silence the horn. I wanna hear our birds.” The winding down of the horns brought quiet to the streets. “Gentlemen, all is clear in town, let’s move it out ... Robbie, I’ll join you shortly.” He listened as he ran back to the jeep. Just as Frank heard the chopper noise he heard something else. Whistles. High pitch, six of them, loud and fast. “We have incoming! Hit the deck!” Frank yelled, listening to them near, waiting for the explosion. And an explosion, never happened.

With the fading sounds of the helicopter came the frightening sound of something else. It caused his heart to literally stop beating and all movement on that street ceased as everyone looked up.

Pop ... Pop ... Pop.

With the slight hissing sounds erupting, so did a thin steam among the town of Beginnings. It hovered over them like a cloud of death. It was.

“Gas masks!” Frank ordered out and then called on his radio. “Henry, have them put the masks on down there.” Frank threw on his gas mask. “They hit us ...” Frank spoke gut wrenching and with pain. “They hit us with it.” Frank charged for his jeep in anger, his fist clenched in frustration. “No. No. No!” he cried out, then called his men to move out again in case the SUTs stormed the front gate. “Robbie, blast the fuck out of them. Show no mercy. Give them all we got.” Frank flung off his gas mask in his battle adrenaline and marched to his jeep. His mind raced. All of his work, all of his front line of defense preparations went out the window when the fog cloud was dropped on Beginnings. No amount of defense would have stopped the hit. “Henry. Tell me she’s there.”

“Frank,” Henry called back. “She’s not.”

“Henry, check again.”

“Frank, the kids are all here. Ellen is not.”

Frank closed his eyes, he spun to send someone back to find her and when he did, he heard another incoming whistle. With his heart pounding he realized it couldn’t be more gas they were sending in. It had to be something else. A single mortar. But to take out what? With the revelation of the mortar came the revelation that if they hit them with the virus, what would be one way to secure that Beginnings would not beat it. They could simply do that, by taking out ... the clinic. With a spinning zoom into the clinic, Frank heard the close range of the descending shell and he watched in horror as it landed with a bellowing, ground rumbling explosion and he saw the massive mushroom cloud of fire erupt behind the clinic. “Ellen.” His heart dropped.

Ellen’s body with Dean hovered in a protection and in a loss of stance when they felt the violent jolting of the ground. Plaster fell amongst their backs as they shielded the John Doe.

“Ellen, get out.” Dean’s fingers touched in the region of the delicate spinal cord.

“We’re almost done.”

“Please get out.”

“You can’t move him, Dean. I won’t leave.” Her eyes widened. The smell of it caught her attention first, then the bright sight if it. Fire. The entire wall of the makeshift operating room became engulfed in flames. “Dean, hurry.”

“I’m getting there.”

“Dean.”

“Get ready.” Dean kept working.

Ellen placed the IV bag on the cart getting ready to help Dean wheel him out. She could feel the heat of the powerful flames burning so close to her. The fire crept up the wall and to the ceiling, crawling at them, like a snake in the grass.

“Ready and ... Now!” Dean dropped his instruments and gripped the cart, pushing it with Ellen to wheel the patient through the door.

Had Ellen not stopped at the startling sound of the loud crack, she wouldn’t have had to jump back in order to avoid being hit when a beam from the ceiling came crashing down separating her from Dean. The flames shot from the portion of the ceiling that fell to the floor and Ellen stood looking so helpless at Dean on the other side trying desperately to figure out a way to get her.

She turned around to look behind her and to the small, too small, window there. Ellen could see the rushing water against the window pane. It told her that help was out there, but as Ellen stood trapped, she had to wonder if they could put the fire out that surrounded her, before it got too late.

<><><><>

“We need more water power!” Frank barked out looking toward the eastern wing of the clinic that began to engulf with flames. “Robbie, I’ve been delayed. The clinic was hit.”

Robbie’s voice was nearly buried in the sounds of gunfire and explosions. “We’re good up here, Frank.”

“Mark, how are we looking.”

“Numbers dwindling, Frank, looks as though we got a pack still moving.”

“Where are they?”

“Point nine miles.”

Frank bit his lip and twitched his head in disgust. “Cole, get ready. They’re heading your way.”

“Copy, Frank. We’re on it,” Cole yelled back.

“You, you, and you.” Frank pointed to men as he reached for a hose to help out with the fire. “Back gate move it! Cole, you got squads headed up and I’m sending more your way.” As Frank lifted the hose he saw Henry running to him. “Henry!” Frank shouted at him. “You are not to be up here. Get down there in case we have to evacuate!”

“I can’t, Frank.” Henry sounded distraught. “Andrea just told me. Ellen and Dean are in the clinic. They’re operating on John Doe and for fear of the virus they’re in ...” Henry looked at the smoke coming from the clinic. “Oh God, the east wing.”

Frank dropped the hose and ran to the back of the building where his men not only tried to put the fire out, but hold it back from spreading any farther. In his horror, through the shimmering of smoke and rippling water effects, he saw Ellen pounding on that window even too tiny for her to squeeze out. Her mouth was open as she screamed something Frank could not hear. Then her hands went flush to the glass and Frank knew she saw him. “Oh my God.” Without thought or hesitation he took off to the front of the clinic. “Henry, get a team and get them inside. Hurry.”

Blasting through the front glass doors, Frank raced down the smoke filled hallways of the empty clinic. As he turned the first bend, he could hear Dean shouting back and Ellen’s un-interpretable response. Rounding the bend to the long hall of the east wing, the smoke got thicker. “Dean!”

“Frank,” Dean spoke his name in a relief. “I can’t get to her.”

“Frank!” Ellen cried out. “Frank, help me!”

“Move that patient out of the way,” Frank ordered Dean and backed up quick and as far as he could go down the hall away from the doorway of the room which Ellen was trapped.

Dean nearly shoved the cart from the way. “What are you ... are you crazy!” he yelled at Frank when he saw Frank take a runners stance.

“Yes.” He wiped the sweat from his eyes with the back of his hand, and took a deep breath. Then like a bull freed from his reluctant captivity, Frank charged full speed down that corridor with his heart, raising his arms as a shield and leaping with everything he had through the flames that blocked Ellen’s way out.

Ellen shrieked when she saw Frank emerge from the fire. His legs high in the air and he dropped hard in his land to the floor at her feet, the momentum of his run rolled him with a crash into the wall. “Frank!” Ellen coughed.

Frank shook his head with a twitch and picked himself up. He placed his hands on her shoulders stopping Ellen’s charge for him. He quickly looked around the room assessing it.

“Frank, I can’t believe you did that. Why?”

“Ellen ...” He saw the bed that had been shoved in the other corner out of the way.

“You should have never done that, Frank. You could have been killed.”

“I had to get you.” He moved to the bed.

“You should have left me.”

“What! And leave you here to die? Fuck that.” Frank grabbed for the mattress. “Besides ...” He grunted as he lifted it. “Dying is not an option right now.” He carried it toward the fire.

“What are you doing?”

“Watch out.” Frank looked past the flames blocking the door. He could see Dean and a few other men that made it to the hall. “Dean, back up.” He secured the mattress tightly. “Get ready, El.”

“Frank ...”

With a throaty call out, Frank raised the mattress and threw it outward toward the fire. The second it landed, tossing out ash, cinder, flames, and smoke to the sides of it, Frank lifted Ellen up into his arms and raced forth towards the flames, using the unbalanced mattress as a seesaw bridge over the smoldering fire that now ceased to keep him back.

Landing in safety’s range, Frank kissed Ellen quickly and set her down to her feet right with Dean. “Watch her.” He pointed at Dean and took off running from the clinic.

Ellen didn’t even have time to thank him. Frank was gone. She turned back to face Dean. And at that moment, Dean closed his eyes in gratefulness that she was all right and grabbed Ellen into his arms, embracing her.

Frank ran up to Henry who was battling the fire. “Henry, how’s it look?”

“We’ve got it under control. How’s Ellen?”

“She’s fine. They’re getting the fire from inside. I’m heading out.” Frank looked beyond the horizon of town. In the distance large clouds of smoke sprang up, the perfect back drop for the gunfire and explosions that rang out all around. “Dad, come in.”

“Yeah, Frank.” Though Joe spoke close to his radio, he didn’t cover the cries or sniffles that filled the tunnel.

“Town’s secure. Clinic fire is under control. I’m headed where I’m needed. Robbie? Robbie, how’s it look,” Frank asked as he ran to his jeep.

“We’re doing all we can, Frank. They’re scattering like ants.”

“Need me up there?”

“No. I think we have them. I think you’re needed there. A small group broke free, headed your way.”

“Not a problem. OK, good job.” Frank jumped in his jeep starting it. “Lay enough damage to give us a safe lack of movement up there, then bring it in and we’ll send ground troops to finish them off.”

“Got it, Frank.”

“Mark. How we looking.”

“In the distance we’re good, but ... some are here Frank.”

“How many?” Frank picked up his speed.

“Sixty ... Sixty-eight.”

“Cole,” Frank called out. “What’s the situation?”

Cole’s voice screamed over the loud sounds of shots behind him. “We’re exchanging gunfire with them, Frank. They’re at the back gate. I have two down!”

“Keep behind the grade and in the trench, send four men to the roof of the utility building as snipers. I’ll be there in thirty seconds.”

Frank had sent his finest to the back gate to be front line. Though forty-four men laced the hillside not far from the back gate. Twenty-four of them Frank had trained by hand. As he jumped from the jeep he passed his four snipers in a run to the utility building. The battle rang out in an orchestrated manner. Rapid gunfire, single shots, a grunt here and there, the explosions of grenades, and an occasional scream.

In his low run to the hill and trenches, Frank could see the dirt sprawled everywhere from the badly thrown grenades. He rolled to Cole who had his back to the small grade. “How bad are our men hit?”

“Don’t know, Frank.” Cole reloaded. “They aren’t dead.”

Frank called over the radio. “Mark, what’s our back gate count.”

“Fifty-nine, Frank.”

Frank looked at Cole “There’s not that many out there.” Frank smiled gave a quick Joe-style whistle and yelled out. “Cease fire.”

“What?” Cole jolted his view to him.

“Cease fire.” Frank waited for the gunshots to slow down. “I need Squads One through Four right here. The rest of you hit safety in the trenches. Now!” Watching the men scurry to the trenches, and hearing the enemy’s gunfire, Frank looked to his fifteen men as he loaded his M-16. “Gentlemen, let’s stop pissing around and finish this thing. We’ll show these pussies what Beginnings’ Elite is made of. Let’s give them the wave. Take formation.” All sixteen of them lined up in one long row. “On my call ...” A synchronization of clicking chambers rang out. “Ready and ... now!” The first line of eight men stood up firing outward. “Now!” At the exact same time the first line lowered, the second line stood up firing. “Now.” A switch of positions, down went the second line, up went the first. “Again!” Frank stood again with his second line, staying up only in enough time to shoot in a dart and move fashion. “Down.” All men lowered “Reload and check, Mark, give me a count.”

“Twenty-six.”

“Beautiful.” Frank gripped his M-16. “Ladies, last call. Let’s do it.”

The up and down exchange took place until somewhere in the pauses, there were no more sounds of gunfire coming from the other side. A loud eruption of cheers echoed from the hillside and the trenches. Frank held his hand up. “Quiet. Mark?”

“One more, Frank. He’s not moving.”

“Dead?”

“Negative, Frank,” Mark answered. “I’m still getting other signals from out there only they’re weak. This one is strong.”

Frank closed his eyes thinking. “Tower, Do you spot anyone in the back gate region?”

“Can’t see anything, Frank.” Steve the tower guard came back.

Frank looked up to the sky at the sound of the helicopters. “Robbie, Robbie, come in.”

“We cleaned house, Frank. Get the men ready to go out.”

“We’ll do. But make a pass over the back gate region. See if you spot one out there, could be a sniper.”

“I’m on it.” Robbie revved up the chopper engines tilting the bird to the right, separating from John and Johnny. “Got him, Frank. I see him.”

“Where at, Robbie?”

“In the brush of S-12. I think one of my traps got him. I can’t be sure.”

“Only one way to find out. Head on in ... Security, down the back gate.” Frank stood up.

Cole tried to stop him. “Frank, you’ll be a walking target.”

“Then cover me,” Frank said arrogantly, walking over the small grade toward the back gate. He raised his weapon up, scope to his eye as he flung open the downed perimeter. Frank’s views shifted to the bodies, bloodied and tattered that lay all around. “What a fuckin mess.” He stepped over them. Looking as some hung from the tress, some on the dirt road, most dead in the positions they hid in. He marched ready to S-12, using his scope as a telescope and spotting him in the brush the closer he got.

The Society Soldier held on to his leg, two short dagger-type spears had seared into his calf so severely that the bone was exposed. The soldier struggled to free himself, he shook violently and breathed heavily in a panic.

A foot from him, holding is weapon in a steady aim at the soldier, Frank pumped back the chamber. The target in the scope marked his head and as Frank readied to depress his finger, the soldier raised his head to look. So scared he was, eyes filled with tears. And it was when Frank looked into those eyes that he saw they weren’t the eyes of a man. Glossed over they were, blinking rapidly. The soldier’s mouth quivered, and Frank knew by looking at him he couldn’t have been any older than seventeen. Steadying his weapon and pointing pressure on the trigger, the barrel inches from his head, Frank told himself this was the enemy. This was one of the ones who attacked his home. Shot his men. And then Frank told himself this was a kid. He lowered his weapon, tossing it over his shoulder and he bent down to the boy to free his leg. Frank had no reason not to shoot him right there, no reason for helping the boy. So he justified his actions in his mind. Beginnings needed this kid. He would be the first prisoner of war spawned from a battle that Beginnings ended quickly. A battle whose damage had yet to be determined.

<><><><>

There was silence in the Morse code room of George’s Command. Waiting, watching, hoping for something. However George did not give that antsy appearance and Jeremy Lyons noticed this.

Jeremy lifted away from his lean over the decoder. “Nothing, sir,” he told George. “No word at all. Not even a basic transmission.”

“Give it time.”

“Time?” Jeremy’s voice raised. “They were scheduled to hit over an hour ago. They were told to contact with the simple numerical codes to let us know their progress. We should have heard.”

“We may never,” George stated calmly.

“How can you be like this. Do you realize that is nearly five hundred lives?”

“I know this. But you knew as well as all of my division heads that those lives were expendable. We sent them out there never expecting their return.”

“So all this work and planning you did. A loss doesn’t matter.”

“A loss?” George laughed heartedly at that. “I beg to differ, this was no loss. Not at all. And like Beginnings, you don’t even realize it yet, do you? Four hundred and seventy, dead or not, this was still ... our victory.” And with that, George smiled.

THE BREAK OF THE HEARTS

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Robbie never realized how big of an area it was outside of the back gate region until he had to find hundreds of bodies, or at least pieces of them. Trying to determine whether an arm or a leg actually belonged to the same person was a tedious task. He had to give his best body count and he had to get near to what the computer said was out there.

Tromping through the woods with twelve other men, crunching the leaves, checking the bodies that could be alive, rolling over the ones that were, checking their wounds. If the wounds were fatal, Robbie and his men shot them in the head. If the wounds were not. He did what Frank asked him to do. He rounded them up, tagged them and readied to take them back to Beginnings. If they were adult, if they were not fatally injured, then at next morning light they would face a Beginnings firing squad.

Ellen glanced up in her walk down the clinic corridor to the overhead lights that flickered again then finally came on. So happy she was to see that, so scary it was for her to get cleaned up in the dark. At least the lights were a sign that the clinic wasn’t gone. The hammering and pounding of nails that echoed in the halls also told her that what damage done, had to be minimal. She shivered in gratefulness as she headed to the examining rooms, then smiled when she saw Henry walking up toward her.

“Hey, El.” He approached her. “How are you?”

“I’m doing fine, Henry. How are you?”

“I got you up and running.”

Ellen smiled and looked up. “I see that.”

“Danny is still splicing the wires from the area burned out.”

“How is he doing? Is he OK, his stomach and all.”

“He’s fine,” Henry told her.

“What about the kids, Henry? How are they?”

“They’re all with Jenny and the other women. Alexandra’s a little frightened. If you get a chance in all this, could you go and see her. She needs to see her mom.”

“I’ll do that.” Ellen gave a peaceful smile. “Dean is in surgery with one of our men, and Andrea is in surgery with Jason on the other. I got stuck with a leg injury and as soon as I take care of that, I’ll go.”

“Good. I’m glad you’re OK.”

“I am too. If you see Frank, can you tell him I said ‘Thanks’ he ran off and ...”

“I’ll tell him. And ... I better be going. I wanna check on the crew I have sealing off the damaged section of the clinic.”

“I’ll talk to you later, Henry.” Ellen watched him start to walk away. “Henry?” She waited for him to look back. “Tell me, tell me in a way we were lucky. That all those stupid Frank-drills paid off when they hit us with the gas. Tell me.”

Henry’s mouth opened some, then he closed it. “El, I want to tell you that. But you and I both know, right now, we’re gonna have to wait and see.” Sadly, Henry turned and walked down the hall.

Ellen closed her eyes tightly and swallowed the painful lump in her throat, she spoke softly as her hands reached on the door to examining room two. “Please don’t let it have worked. Please.” She took a deep breath and opened the door. She didn’t recognize him when she walked inside and the soldier looked up at her. But she did recognize the ‘CS’ on the sleeve of his uniform. Seeing that, Ellen turned and began to walk from the room.

“Wait,” he called out, his voice not even deep. “Please. It hurts.” he whimpered. “Please don’t walk away. Help me.”

Ellen hesitated in her reach for the door.

“Please.”

<><><><>

“They got it under control now.” Frank harnessed his revolver as he walked through the back gate of Beginnings to head into town.

“What’s up with him?” Joe motioned his head out to John Matoose who was dragging a body.

“I don’t know. I had no choice but to send him up there. So tell me why, if those were his people, he didn’t tip the bird sending Dan out. He could have done that easily saying a mortar came by him.” Frank shook his head. “It doesn’t make sense.” So angry he sounded.

“What’s the situation out there.”

“Well. We have Johnny doing another reconnaissance, a little farther out to see if there are any more troops. Robbie and his men are reporting success out there. I just sent a cleanup crew out to help gather the bodies and burn them. Also to collect the belongings and the weapons which we can use.”

“It’ll take a day or so to go through all that stuff.”

“We have time for that,” Frank said. “That’s low priority. We just need to gather up the stuff first. Looks like every available man in Beginnings is working right now, huh?”

“Looks that way,” Joe commented. “Cleanup crews in and out. We have a town full of scared people, Frank. I’m gonna have an afternoon meeting here in about two hours. That should give enough time to finish up. Don’t you think?”

“I think so,” Frank agreed as they got in the jeep. “What was the final outcome on the evacuation? How did that fair out, I haven’t checked.”

“It was Sunday,” Joe sad sadly as Frank began to drive. “We were very fortunate that a lot of the women ran to Containment to use that hatch with the kids. Henry and I had twenty-two out of twenty-eight children with us and fourteen women. When you called out about the gas, we pulled them in the cryo. It was tight, but Henry threw on the exhaust and with the masks ...” Joe kept his fingers crossed. “Our man in the Living Section said the ones that didn’t make it into center town were the ones who were in the last rows. They did make it to their basements and they did, like you’ve told everyone, have their masks on as a precaution.”

“That’s good to hear.” Frank drove into town.

“Son, I have to tell you. You did excellent. We had minimal physical damage. We have only two injured. We couldn’t have beat this, not at all, had you not been so prepared and so organized.”

“No amount of organization stopped that gas, did it?” Frank graveled his words.

“The masks may have. What did Dean say?”

“He said he’d be guessing. I told him to guess and he said what I knew. Time is gonna tell. By his injecting the rabbits directly, he guesses hours before they start getting symptoms, a few more hours until they are down.”

Joe looked at his watch. “Christ.” He shook his head. “We’re looking at the time ... how many men were in town?”

“About thirty. We had twenty-four at the back gate and eight at the front. But both of those areas reported being hit too. We got the bulk here in town.”

“What did ...” Joe stopped speaking when Frank held his hand up.

“Yeah, Johnny?” Frank called into his radio headset.

“Dad, about ten miles west I got a group of them. I’m guessing ... thirty maybe. I can’t count.”

“Take them out,” Frank ordered.

“Do you want me to do that?” Johnny asked.

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“They’re holding up white flags, Dad.”

Frank looked at his father. “Johnny says he sees a bunch and it looks like a surrender.”

Joe lifted his shoulders. “Make it your call.”

“Johnny? Any view of weapons?”

“Yeah, Dad, off to the side in a pile.”

“All right, hover nearby, I’m sending Robbie and some men out with a truck to get them, if anything maybe we can get some information off of them.” Frank switched channels. “Robbie, you there.”

“Yeah, Frank.”

“Head west, get a hold of Johnny in the bird for direction. He says he has about thirty surrendering. Take some men with you, It might trap, if it’s not, bring them in. We can always keep them in the Security training building and post some guards on them.”

“Will do, Frank.”

Frank turned down the volume of his radio, through the ear piece he could pick up Robbie’s conversation. He half listened to that while nearing the clinic. How eerie it was for Frank as he looked around town, everything looking so normal, so peaceful, yet his gut cried out to him that this was just the calm before the mighty storm.

<><><><>

Ellen finished washing her hands. She pulled her pocket of her lab coat to check for the tube of blood. It was there, and then she informed the young soldier, who now only wore a hospital gown that she would be back in. She knew Frank was waiting outside that door with Joe. Waiting impatiently for her to finish up. Ellen waited impatiently too ... to see Frank.

She opened the door and pulled it closed as she walked out. “Frank.” She tossed her arms around him.

“Hey, El. What’s going on?”

“Stop.” She hugged him tighter. “Take a second, Frank, to hold me. Please.”

With closed eyes Frank embraced, until Ellen was ready to pull back. He set her down. “How’s he doing?”

“No fracture. Massive lacerations. I sewed them up. I think he’ll be fine.”

“So why couldn’t we go in there?”

“You’d frighten him,” Ellen told him bluntly.

“So the fuck what,” Frank snapped.

“No, Frank.” Ellen shook her head. “You can’t say that.” Her eyes shifted to Joe as she explained. “I did an examination on him. Our typical entrance examination. Plus some because he was injured. We talked. He’s sixteen years old, Frank. If that. He doesn’t know. He so young he barely had pubic hair.” Ellen shook her head. “What makes matters worse is he has the mentality of a ten- or eleven-year-old. Not Denny enthusiasm type, but he really is a child. From what we talked about and from what I know about Survivors, that mentality comes from his living by himself for a very long time. He doesn’t know how long, he hasn’t a clue. But I can tell you he spent a good many years living alone, fighting for his life in our world. Never around adults, never learning how to be one. He said it was cold out, snowing, when a man came to the group he lived with. He told me they fed him, clothed him, took him to a military type base, and taught him how to shoot. He was scared to ask questions and scared to say no. We’re the bad guys he was told. Take out the bad guys. He’s scared, really scared.” Ellen breathed outward with her words. “And he kept crying in there, saying he was sorry. And he kept trying to reach to me as if I were some sort of mother to him.”

Joe was taken aback by Ellen’s speech. “You sound unlike yourself Ellen. You sound concerned.”

“I am,” she said. “I don’t know, maybe he pulled the right strings.”

“He’s still on the other side,” Frank stated strongly. “And is he well enough to take to the building up at the Security area? That’s gonna be our new prisoner camp.”

“No.” Ellen stopped him as he reached for the door. “This kid is a kid. He was doing what he was told to do. I don’t even think he comprehends the damage his people could have done with the gas. I know he doesn’t.”

Joe rubbed his own forehead, a little perturbed. “What the hell do you want us to do with him, Ellen, dress him up and stick him in school with the rest of the kids?”

“Yes.”

“What!” Frank and Joe both yelled.

“I mean, not yet. He’s a Containment case. No more. He’s a kid. Don’t treat him like a prisoner. Not him.” Ellen walked to the door. “Talk to him. Talk to him then make your decision.” She opened the door. “Bobby?” she spoke softly. “These men want to speak to you.” She lifted her eyes to Frank and Joe who followed in.

Frank saw it on Joe’s face the second they looked at him. Frank knew the same expression was on his own face. A look of what to do. And what made matters worse for Frank was he was prepared to go in there and blast the kid, frighten him a little. But looking at his fright, and seeing him out of that uniform made Frank see something else ... how young he actually was.

<><><><>

Frank’s eyes kept going to Ellen and Henry as those two sat with all the children in the crowded Social Hall. Frank bounced back and forth in a nervous manner as he stood with Robbie, waiting for the late afternoon meeting to begin.

“Their chattering, Frank,” Robbie explained. “All twenty-seven of them. Going at the mouth. Saying how they left their camp last night and kept moving. How when they found out the plan, they just wanted out.”

“Defectors.”

“That’s what they told me. I got information from them that is useless, but they’re telling me anything they can. But unfortunately, they’re grunts. They don’t know too much. I think they were sent here by The Society as an expendable army. To deliver their package and if they made it through, good, If not. Oh well.”

“I agree. And ...” Frank motioned his head. “There’s Dean.”

Dean walked so frazzled, his determination was to only get to his kids, but backtracked when he saw Frank. “Just wanted to let you guys know,” he said. “All twenty-seven. No virus. I didn’t think they would have it. And ... they are immune. My guess inoculated. And Bobby our kid, he’s immune too. So I ran a test out of curiosity on our John Doe. Guess what gentlemen.”

Frank rolled his eyes. “Immune?”

“Yep.” Dean nodded. “Society Soldier. We’ll find out more whenever he wakes up.”

“You seem, too upbeat, Dean,” Frank commented.

“In a way I am,” Dean explained. “Though this hall is divided like a grade school dance.” Dean pointed to how, by his request the men went nowhere near the women or children. Except Henry, because he was immune. Men on one side, women on the other. “I’ve checked with your guys through the course of the day. We should have had symptoms, at the very least complaints. Nothing yet, Frank. And with a direct exposure, that is a good sign.”

Frank didn’t want to buy into it, not yet. “What happens though if they do. How is this going to affect the community health wise?”

“We’ve kept them separated. And this is not an airborne virus so, no contact, no exposure. We’re good, and we’ll keep them separated for five more days to be on the safe side. The men will have to sleep in one of the empty storage buildings. But they can go about their jobs.”

Just as Frank nodded in acceptance of this, Joe walked in.

Silence entailed as Joe made his way up the segregated group and stood before his people. With seriousness and somberness he spoke, “We faced one hell of a battle today, ladies and gentleman. And our men, our men pulled us through it.” He nodded proudly at the group of men who were separated. They excluded very few men in Beginnings. “But as you know, our men may have been exposed to this virus that we have feared.” He heard some whimpering, a few sobs. “Dean tells me, the longer they go without symptoms, the better their chances that the gas masks worked. We have them separated to keep them from any physical contact. We’re doing this with the men who were at the front gate, the back gate and standing center town. The rest of the men, the ones in the tunnels, John Matoose in the air, and the one in the Living Section, Dean believes were at a low, very low risk of exposure.”

Hearing that, Jenny clenched to John’s arm, burying her head against it.

Joe continued, “We’ll keep you apart for five or six more days. Now, moving on to other aspects that we have in this bat ...” It was like it happened in slow motion to Joe. His head swayed to his right at the sound of it. It bounced through his soul, causing his heart to pound, then drop. The deadened ‘thump’. It was coupled by the immediate panic filled noise of people scurrying to their feet and chairs springing back as everyone in the hall watched the fifty-six men who were separated from everyone else. Their eyes rolled, their heads swayed, and their knees buckled. Then one at a time, like dominos, they dropped hard and motionless to the floor.

Dean sprang up, calling out his loudest, holding some of the women back who rushed to their men. “I need everyone but the people who know they’re immune to move out of here. Frank! Get them out!”

Frank and Robbie rushed through the driving crowd of women, pulling them back gently, handing them their children to move along. They were helped by John Matoose and some of the older men who tried to clear the confusion filled hall.

Dean stopped Joe who arrived to aid the fallen men the same time as Henry. He let Henry through. “No, Joe. Leave.”

“Dean, I can’t,” Joe explained. “They are my people.”

“No, Joe.” Dean shook his head. “Right now these are my people and I am telling you to stay away. Go!” Dean pointed. “Go! Ellen! I need you over here!”

Ellen handed Nick to Jenny who held her own baby. “You’ll watch them for me?”

“I will.” With the exchange of the child Jenny laid her hand over Ellen’s. “Take care of our men.” she spoke tear filled.

Ellen crossed her hand on Jenny’s. “With everything I am.” Giving a firm squeeze, Ellen kissed Nick then rushed back to help Dean.

Dean looked up to see Joe had ignored him and bent down to one of the men. “Stop.” Dean sprang out to him grabbing Joe’s hand. “I told you.”

“I have to help,” Joe scolded back.

“You wanna help. Go and get some people together, head to the clinic. Get me the east wing set up for all these men. I need beds and cots. Blankets and fluids. Andrea can help with that, so can Melissa. Get it ready stat, Joe, then move the hell out of there, we’re bringing these men in.”

Joe stood up. “I’ll get on that, Dean.”

“I need them as centralized together as you can get them. Six in a room if needed.”

“I’m on it.” Joe rushed out, laying his hand on Frank’s shoulder in his pass of him.

The first order in the hall was to pull the ill men who moaned and shook, from the piles in which they laid upon each other. Getting them comfortable enough to wait until they could carry them out. There were six to handle all of the men. Dean, Ellen, Frank, Robbie, Henry, and Johnny. And they all worked fast and together toward some sort of organization. Though everyone of the six worked diligently, everyone of the six worked with their hearts racing in fear.

Dean helped Ellen as she tried to turn over Bentley, a man too heavy for her to handle. “You doing all right?” he asked her.

“I’m fine.” She grunted, as she knelt, sliding back as Dean helped her get Bentley to his back.

“As soon as we’re done turning them, I need you to head to the clinic. Make sure everything is ready, you know what we need. I’m gonna send Henry to the cryo where we’ve stored a bunch of Agent Seventeen. We’ll administer some doses, keep our fingers crossed that they have the host strain, if not, try to buy us more time. Slow down the virus reaction.”

“We did make enough Agent Seventeen, right?”

“To help the community ten times over.”

Ellen looked to Bentley. Not ten minutes earlier he looked normal, now his face glistened with sweat, paled in color and his eyes rolled. “Tell me this isn’t happening, Dean. Please tell me this isn’t happening.”

Dean looked up at Ellen while loosening Bentley’s shirt. “I’m sorry, Ellen. It is.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

AUGUST 17

It wasn’t daylight yet. The sky cast that darkened blue, just before the sun would suddenly appear. Ellen sat on the steps of the clinic, her body drained, feeling exhaustion creeping up on it. The sound of the creaking clinic door opening , made her spin around. “Dean.”

“I thought you were going home to get a few hours rest.” He sat next to her.

“I will.”

“Go home, Ellen. You made me take a three hour rest.”

“Yeah, but I can go without sleep. Living with Henry has taught me that.” She propped her elbow on her knee and rested her cheek in her hand. “What happened, Dean? How did they get so sick all of a sudden. We’ve worked with it. We’ve given the virus to the rabbits.”

“Yeah, but we haven’t given the virus to humans.” Dean pulled at her hand holding it. “Direct exposure to humans is something we could have only predicted, not known with certainty.”

“And they don’t even have the host strain. They have a third mutation. Why? Why, Dean?” She looked at him so lost.

“Throw us off. Come on, George had to know we got hold of those SUTs that were after Robbie. Maybe he knew we got the antiserum. Maybe he figured if we had that, we had the host. I don’t know.” He shrugged then felt her fall into his arm. “I just feel at such a loss.”

“I know how you feel.”

Dean felt her head suddenly spring up. “What’s wrong, El?”

Ellen looked out to the street. She heard the loud, rumbling coughing coming closer. “Frank’s coming. Why is he coughing like that, Dean? He’s been coughing like that since this evening.”

“He doesn’t have the virus, El, I checked.”

“So why does he sound so sick. Look sick?”

“Exposure to the gas?” Dean lifted his shoulders. “Perhaps the smoke inhalation. But he’s not dying, get that out of your mind. I know what you’re thinking. You’re remembering what we saw when we went to the future.”

“Dean.” Ellen breathed slowly out. “I’m not only remembering what I saw with Frank. I’m remembering everything I saw.”

“Unfortunately.” Dean pulled her closer to him. “So am I.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

Joe’s head was killing him. It felt as if it were going to split down the middle, but he pushed on. He had to. In a empty town where no one worked, Joe had to follow up on Supplies and Distribution. There wasn’t a single division that was in full operation. Security was on a skeleton staff. Frank and Robbie helped run it in between working at the clinic. Mechanics was shut down, Henry worked the clinic. The school was closed. The nursery too. It was the biggest crisis Beginnings was ever faced with and Joe feared it was only going to get worse.

<><><><>

The sound of it burned through Ellen, gnawing at her, not in annoyance but in fear. She finished administering medication to Cole and she stormed from the small room that was packed with six men. “Frank,” she called to him as he headed into another room. “Wait.”

Frank turned around, covered his mouth and coughed. His whole body shook as he did. “What’s up, El.” His strong voice was hoarse and weak.

“You have to stop.”

“I have to help.”

“Frank, listen to me. You have to rest. Please rest.”

“Ellen, you, Henry, Dean and Johnny can not handle all the lab work and these patients. You can’t. I have to be here.”

“You have pneumonia, Frank. Dean told you an hour ago you had to stop. Your left lower lobe was filling up.” She reached her hand to his face. “You’re so warm. Please, Frank. Please.” She closed her eyes in a begging manner.

“Ellen.” He slid her hand from his face. “I’ll rest as soon as I catch you up.” He kissed her hand. “I love you.” As he leaned down to kiss her he lifted his head quickly to the sound of Henry racing down the hall.

“Frank,” Henry called out. “El, where’s Dean?” Henry ran by them looking in rooms. “Dean!”

Dean came flying out of one. “What’s wrong, Henry?”

Henry caught his breath. His eyes filled with terror. “We have problems. We have really big problems.” He shook his head slowly. “Come with me.” Waving his hand to them to follow, Henry sped back down the corridor.

Dean caught up to Henry and as soon as he turned the corner to the main hall, his pace slowed down to a crawl. Nine people sat on the floor against the walls. Johnny knelt before them trying to administer care. “Henry, tell me they aren’t sick.”

“I can’t, Dean. They are.”

Dean closed his eyes. “Nine more?”

“I wish.”

Dean’s eyes widened. “What?” He felt Henry pull his arm toward the waiting room. The moment Dean walked to the doorway was the moment he stepped away, backed up into the wall and banged his head back in frustration. His hand harshly covered his own face and his whole body trembled. “No, no. This can’t be happening.” Lowering his hand and peering through his spread fingers he looked at seven-year-old Kimmy, she curled up in a ball laying on Cindy’s lap. Looking just as ill as Cindy did. And he knew the horrifying reason why those nine people waited in the hall, when he walked back into the waiting room. Those nine had to be in the hall, because there were so many people in the waiting room, there just wasn’t any room for them.

<><><><>

Jenny spoke in the soothing mother’s voice as she held and rocked Caroline. “No, you’re not sick little one. You are not sick.” How painful it was to Jenny as her baby whimpered so close to her ear. Jenny tried to tell herself it was only the baby’s teeth. That she didn’t have what everyone else had. She couldn’t, she was never around any of the men.

Trying to go through her day so as not to think about anything, Jenny teetered holding her daughter and pulling laundry from the washer. In her awkward balance she bumped into the trash, knocking it over and spilling its contents across the floor. Whining, Jenny reached down to pick it up. Her hand secured the baby’s head, and as she lifted the can back up, the odd look of the paper caught her eyes. It was crinkled up, and it had a slight shine to it. Grabbing that ball of paper, Jenny unwrinkled it and smoothed it out on the washer. “What? What is this? It looks like ... a fax.”

<><><><>

All Ellen kept asking kept asking herself was how did the numbers go up? How did the amount of patients nearly double in less than twenty-four hours. She walked by Henry who worked so hard, she paused to grip his hand, then Ellen, emotionally and physically drained moved to the clinic lab. “Dean.”

Dean spun on his stool to face her. “Hey, El.”

“They’re all situated.” She laid a tray of blood before him. “Forty-four,” she spoke sadly, her lip quivering. “Eleven are children.”

Dean walked to retrieve the tray from her and he grabbed hold of her hand. “We’ll get through this. We will,” he spoke with confidence.

Ellen looked to Johnny who worked on the lab’s computer. “Johnny, did you need to check your daughter?”

“I just did a little bit ago. How’s she doing now, El?” Johnny asked.

Ellen shook her head.

“Maybe I better go be with her and Denise.” He walked toward the door. “I’ll be back.” He stopped before leaving. “El, Jenny called here about an hour ago, really upset. She was rambling, something about a fax. I think she’s lost it.” He shrugged with a sad look and left the lab.

“A fax?” Ellen asked looking to Dean. “What do you suppose she meant by that?”

“I don’t know,” Dean answered.

“Should I go see her?”

“No, she’ll be fine. You’re needed here.”

Ellen looked so in debate, standing there at the oddity of Jenny’s call. But like Dean had told her, she was needed at the clinic. And putting the thought of going to see Jenny out of her mind, Ellen moved on back to the patients.

<><><><>

Jenny rubbed her pain filled eyes, holding her daughter who barely moved, trying to focus better on that fax she had read a hundred times as she sat at her dining room table. Her hand gripped to the edge of it, and in a startle, she crinkled it when she heard the front door open.

“Jenny.” John walked in.

Jenny swallowed and folded the fax.

“What do you have?”

Jenny shook her head. “It’s nothing, honey. Don’t worry about it, it’s just another Ellen-trick on you.” Folding the paper, Jenny placed it in the front pocket of her jeans, it protruded slightly. “Why are you home?”

John ran his hand down Caroline’s head. “God, Jenny, she’s burning up.”

Jenny held her baby tighter and began to cry. “I know.”

“We’ll get her to the clinic, then I need to speak to you. I really need to talk to you.” John grabbed hold of Jenny’s arm and helped her to stand. “Just know, that no matter what I tell you, I love you.”

Jenny faced John, pulling from his hold. “Then maybe you should tell me now.” She stood before him and waited.

<><><><>

Ellen straightened the long intravenous tubing that led into her arm. She grabbed the cloth from the basin and wiped it slowly over Andrea’s forehead. Slowly and comforting, looking down to her. She pulled the covers farther up her, hoping it would stop her shaking. “You’ll be all right,” Ellen spoke softly.

“I remember,” Andrea said through her shaking. “You once told me you’d let me suffer.” Her hand reached up to Ellen’s. “I’m sorry we fought so bad back then. I’m sorry for that.”

“Don’t you apologize.” Ellen grabbed tightly to Andrea’s cheeks and lowered her face within an inch of Andrea’s. “Don’t you dare say you’re sorry to me. We got past that you and me. We did. And I’m sure, Andrea Slagel, you and I will get beyond many, many more fights. You hear me.”

“I’m so sick, Ellen. I’ve never been this sick.”

“Then fight,” Ellen spoke strongly, tears in her eyes. “You fight damn it. We can’t beat this alone. We need you to help us too.” She lowered her lips and kissed Andrea on the forehead. “Fight.”

As much as she wanted to stay with Andrea, Ellen knew she had to move on. With her head down some, she walked toward the lab to get more supplies. When she saw the silhouette by the sun-filled front door, Ellen raced forward.

Dean looked up as he placed a needle in Jenny’s arm. “She just got here. Her and the baby.”

“Oh my God.” Ellen grabbed Jenny’s arm.

“Ellen, four more came in too. I need you to take their blood.”

Ellen’s head swayed back and forth, she saw Jenny open her eyes. “Jenny.”

“Ellen,” Jenny spoke weak.

As Ellen lowered her head to look closer at Jenny, her eyes caught the slight shimmer of it as it hung from her pocket. The white paper. And immediately Ellen’s mind flashed to what Johnny told her. Fax. She snatched the paper from the pocket and unfolded it.

Dean looked up as the tube filled with blood. “Ellen, what the hell are you doing?”

Ellen’s eyes skimmed the words with horror. “I’ll be back!” She stormed to the door.

“Ellen!” Dean called out, pulling the filled tube from the hub and sticking it in his pocket. He pulled the needle from Jenny’s arm, calling out as he chased Ellen. “Someone finish Jenny, I need another tube.” He ran as fast as he could to catch her. “Ellen!”

“Dean, let me go.”

“Get back in there.”

“This is important. This is our lives.” She held up the fax. “Jenny found this. Read this.” She slammed it into Dean’s chest. “I have to get Joe. We have to find John. He did it to her. She found him out and he did it to her.”

<><><><>

John Matoose sobbed. He literally cried his eyes out, his face buried in his hands. “I’m sorry,” he cried to Joe. “I am. I don’t care what you do to me. You can shoot me, you can oust me, do what you want. But I am begging you, Joe. I am begging you please do not do it until I help you bring him down. Use me to get to George. Use me. He doesn’t know I told you. He promised this wouldn’t happen.” John’s head moved back and forth. “Let me help get him. Let me help you find him.”

Joe was so ill, he could barely stand. He had to lean on his desk in order to stand up. “This has to be Frank’s decision too. Do you realize what you have done to this community? Do you?” His ill tainted voice rose in anger. “Our community is dying.”

“I tried to stop it. That’s why I did what I did. Don’t you understand. He lied!”

Before Joe could say anymore, his office door burst open. “Ellen.”

“Joe.” She raced in.

“What are you doing here?”

“Looking for him.” She pointed over to John, stormed to him. Grabbed his shoulder and pushed him back. “She found you out!” Ellen screamed at him. “She found you out and you gave Jenny the virus. Didn’t you?”

“No.” John shook his head as he lifted it. He looked as sick as everyone else in Beginnings. “No.”

“You have to give it to me, John. If you even have a drop of it left. Give it to me,” Ellen pleaded in anger. “We can beat this if we have the host virus. I know you have it.”

“I don’t.” John sprang up from his chair and swayed. “If I did, don’t you think I would hand it right over. I don’t have it.” He breathed heavily. “I wish I did. But I wouldn’t give it to my wife!” He looked at Joe then Ellen. “I love my wife and I love my daughter and they have this thing too. Everything I did, I did so they would never have to face this,” he cried again, weakly stumbling to his seat. “If I did so much wrong, if I betrayed my community for them. Why ... why would I give them the virus.”

Ellen stood baffled listening to his heart wrenching reason. “He had ...” Her hand crumpled the fax as she stood so puzzled. “He had to have, right. Right, Joe?” She looked to her father for answers. “Joe. Joe!” She tried to reach out for his stumbling body, but it was too late, Joe’s head went back and he fell face forward to the floor.

<><><><>

It was a phone call Frank did not want to receive, but one he felt would come. So sick Josh sounded on the phone when he called Frank for help, telling him that he and Denny couldn’t watch the kids anymore.

Frank expected the two teenagers to be down when he walked in, he didn’t expect to see what he did when he walked in to his house. Little Katie stood with a cloth running it over Denny’s head. “Katie,” Frank called to her then coughed.

“My brother’s sick.”

Frank ran over to Josh who sat in the chair, his head forward. “Josh. Hey Guy.”

“Dad.” Josh couldn’t keep his eyes in focus. “I’m sorry, Dad.”

Frank closed his eyes and turned to the steps at the sound of Nick’s loud crying. He raced up the stairs and Billy stood at the top. “Billy.”

“Frank, we’re trying. Me and Katie tried. But they’re all sick,” Billy told him. “I’m scared.”

“I know. Go down stairs.” Frank turned to the bedroom where Nick was at, and his legs weakened when he saw Joey laying on top of the covers. Joey lifted his head slightly and plopped back down. Frank grabbed his radio. “Robbie. Robbie, I need your help at my house.”

“I’m at the clinic with Dad, Frank. He’s down.”

“Robbie, please come to my house. Please. And don’t say anything to Ellen.” Getting an agreement from Robbie, Frank moved to Nick’s crib. “Give me a second. Please,” Frank pleaded with the newborn placing the pacifier in his mouth. “Just ...” Frank’s head turned to the sound of Brian crying. “Oh God.” He hurried to crib, he wasn’t in there. “Bri!” Frank called out, following the crying. He ran into the next bedroom and he saw Brian laying on Alexandra’s bed. He curled in a ball holding on to his blanket for security. “Bri.”

“Da-da.” Brian lifted himself holding out his arms to Frank.

Frank’s eyes closed tightly when he took Brian into his arms and felt the hot, dry feel of his skin. “Oh God.” Frank started to breathe even heavier. “Alex.” Where was she? “Alex,” he called louder as he ran out into the hall still holding Brian. “Billy, where’s your ...” Frank saw her, she lay on his bed. Hurrying into his room, he ran to Alexandra who curled up with Ellen’s pillow. Her already thin, tiny body quivered. “Alex.” Frank sat down on the bed next to her, running his hand down her fevered forehead. “Sweetie.”

“Daddy.” She started to cry. “Daddy, I’m so sick, Daddy.”

Frank scooped her up into his arms as well, holding her tight. Her legs wrapped around him and she cried uncontrollably, coughing a deep echoing cough that sounded as if it should come from a man. “You’ll be OK.”

“I’m sick.”

“I know.” Frank closed his eyes tightly, and rocked her. “I’m here.” Hearing the sound of Nick crying, Joey crying, Frank wished at that moment his arms were big enough for all of his children, because at that moment, all of his children needed him. And Frank was at a loss.

<><><><>

It was the only thing that made her smile on this day, Danny Hoi telling Ellen that his luck hadn’t been so good since he arrived in Beginnings. She chuckled at how he kept his spirits up despite the fact that he was so sick. But even with the multitudes patients that now filled the clinic. Patients now spread past that east wing into the main hall, Ellen found time to go back to Joe.

She stood above Joe who was unconscious, wiping him down, reflecting on that special dance they had not two days earlier. In her sadness, she felt the comforting arms wrap around her from behind. She felt the softness of his hair brush against her cheek, and Ellen fell back into his hold. “I can’t watch him like this.”

“We know he makes it, Ellen.” Henry spoke softly in her ear. “We know Joe makes it.”

“Everything is different now, Henry.” She turned around and buried her head into his chest. “I never wanted to go through this again in my life. But here we are.”

“I wish there was more that I could do.” Henry held her.

Ellen pulled back to look at him, when she did, she saw Dean walk solemnly into the room. “Dean? Dean, what is it?”

Dean stood leaning on the door way. His hand lifted the papers he held, then dropped it. “She doesn’t have it.” He spoke with so much pain. “Jenny doesn’t have the host virus.” With another slam of his hand to his thigh, Dean left the room.

Henry looked at Ellen who just stood speechless. He kissed her forehead. “I’ll be back.” He walked with a quick pace from the room, and to the lab. Dean leaned on the counter his hand across his face, his hair sprawled through his finger tips. “Dean.”

“I’m sorry.” Dean stood up.

“How can this be?” Henry asked. “In the future she had it.”

“She doesn’t now.”

“But ...”

“She doesn’t now!” Dean called out with fierce emotions, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a tube of blood. He chuckled when he looked at it in a mad way. “When I took this tube, I had such high hopes.” He clenched it wanting to throw it. “She doesn’t have the host, Henry.” Dean looked at Henry so lost. “And if someone doesn’t come up with it.” He opened the fridge and placed the tube of Jenny’s blood in the rack. He paused in his talking to look at the eerie sight. The rack of blood labeled was like everything else that surrounded him, so much like a vision he had seen before. The future they had visited no long ago. “We’re all ...” Dean slammed the refrigerator when he heard the anguished scream of Ellen echo toward them. With Henry he raced into the hall.

“No!” Ellen screamed grabbing Alexandra from Frank’s arms. “No.” Her head flung back then forward burying it to her daughter and spinning to Dean. “Our babies are sick.” She started to cry, then weakly fell into Dean’s arms when he joined her. “Our babies are sick.”

<><><><>

Frank had finally stopped doing anything. And it wasn’t his sickness that made him stop, it was the fact that his children were sick and he wanted to be with them. He wasn’t going to leave their sides, of that Frank was certain. In that room was where he belonged, it was where he was needed most, and in the room with his children was where Frank would stay.

It was well after midnight when Ellen returned to the larger room where all of her children, even the healthy ones were and slept. Dean was there, he held Brian. Frank sat in a chair cradling a sleeping Alex, and Robbie paced with a restless Joey. They all had to be there, because there had to be enough arms to hold the children who so desperately needed comfort.

She kissed all of her children, then dropped so tired at Frank’s feet, leaning on his legs and grabbing Alexandra’s tiny hand in hers. “Henry says it’s quiet for a while.” She nuzzled to Frank’s knee.

Dean rested his head against Brian’s. “For a while.”

Frank ran his hand down Alexandra’s face, speaking to Dean and not taking his eyes off of her. “You’re gonna keep trying, Dean, right? You’re gonna keep trying to help our kids.”

“With my heart ...” Dean hesitated and took a deep breath when his emotions started to take over him, he held Brian tighter. “With my heart and soul, Frank. I’ll give it everything I have and more.”

Ellen looked up at Dean. “How are we going to do this? All of these people are sick. We have to work on a cure. We have to help these people. Medicate them. How are we going to do this?”

Robbie stopped in his pace, his head lifted in a thinking look, then saw Dean sway his head so at a loss. “We’ll figure something out,” Robbie said. “But can one of you tell me, how many, how many in Beginnings are sick? How many are we looking at caring for?”

Ellen lifted her head. “Maybe it would be easier to ask, how many in Beginnings aren’t sick?”

Dean saw them look to him for an answer and he knew it. “Not including those of us immune?” He swallowed harshly. “None.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

AUGUST 18

Henry heard the commotion at the end of the main hallway even through the early morning moans that came from those suffering from the new plague. Dropping the needle he was getting ready to inject in Danny Hoi, he headed with haste to the arguing that entailed. “What’s going on?”

Dean stood facing off with Robbie. “Tell him, Henry, get them out of my clinic.”

Henry looked to the large group of men who stood behind Robbie. “Robbie?”

“Tell him to pipe his ass down. We had a rough night. He needs to work on the virus. We need all the help we can get. Here are twenty-seven healthy and immune hands, ready and willing to help out.” Robbie pointed to the Society defectors he brought in two days earlier. “They volunteered. Let them help.”

Henry looked to Dean. “We need help. They can wipe down. They can change bedclothes. They can do the work and care so you can beat this thing, Dean.”

Dean tossed his hands up. “All right,” he said strongly then pointed to Robbie. “If anything goes wrong. If they do anything wrong. It’s on your head.”

After Dean disappeared into the lab, Robbie flipped him off. He faced the twenty-seven men. “OK, you know what to do. You know what I told you. Any questions, find the little blonde with the big mouth and she’ll tell you what needs done. Move it out.” Robbie waited until they all rushed down the hall by him and he smiled at Henry. “Thanks.”

Henry couldn’t think about what was going on, his mind was elsewhere. But now he had more help. That’s what mattered, that and the people of Beginnings. So Henry returned to doing what he had to do. And that was helping the people he lived among.

<><><><>

“Come on.” Dean beckoned with emotions as he tried with everything he had to revive little Kimmy. “Breathe.”

“Dean.” Ellen pulled him back. “She’s gone.”

“No.” He shrugged her away.

“She’s been gone for nine minutes, Dean,” Ellen spoke strongly in his ear. “She is gone. Let ...” Ellen’s voice dropped with emotions. “Let her go.”

Letting out a long grunt, Dean’s hands slammed down hard to the edge of the bed rattling it. He pulled harshly in a spin from Ellen, Held up his arm and stormed out of the room.

“Dean.” She followed him as he made an enraged dash to his lab. “Dean.” Just before she stepped inside, she heard the loud crashing and banging. She walked into see Dean clearing things from the counter. “Stop it.” She rushed to him. “Stop.”

“We’re losing.” He looked at her, his face red.

“We’re still fighting,” Ellen spoke almost afraid of the expression on his face.

“But we’re losing the battle! The symptoms are taking over, El,” Dean screamed out stepping away. “Our children. Our children, Ellen, are dying. And there is nothing we can do about it. Nothing. We had this thing.” His hand slammed on the counter. “We had this thing and we failed to do with it what we should.” With a hard swing Dean sent a stack of folders flying outward spraying their papers about the lab.

“And do you think, throwing things is gonna save them? Do you think screaming about it is gonna help.”

“No ... yes.”

“Yes?” Ellen said stunned.

“Yes.” He stormed to her. “Maybe if I shouted loud enough, maybe the powers that be will hear me!” He looked to the ceiling. “Maybe he’ll get off his ass and help us this time. God damn you.” He pointed up throwing his body with it. “God damn you for letting this happen again. This is your world. How can you let it die all over again.”

“Dean.” Ellen reached for him as he gripped the counter and dropped his head. “Come on.”

“No.” He pulled away. “No!” He ran his hand harshly through his hair. “Kimmy was the first to die. In this time and in the future we went to. You wanna know who’s gonna die next. I can tell you. Cole.” Dean picked up a folder. “And not because I’m a psychic but because it was all given to us. Every single thing that would happen was documented, Ellen.” He slammed the folder down. “Look around. Look at the cots. The number of people. We ignored it. We hoped it wouldn’t get to this. But all the hoping it the world couldn’t stop it. Did we cause it to happen faster? Look at the fridge.” Dean walked to it and opened it. “This scares me. This is the same sight I saw when we opened that fridge in the future.” He slammed it closed. “When we came to the future we saw Robbie walking around. Maybe had we pulled the notes from further back we would have seen the reason for his beating the virus. Robbie probably had it before anyone else in that future too. Look at who is not sick. You, me, Henry, and Johnny. Billy?” Dean laughed in disbelief. “Not only are the survivors the same but we played right into the future’s hand. We secured it. We gave ourselves the vaccination to ensure we’d beat it. And when I heard Billy’s name pulled ...” He swayed his head. “I should have known. Billy beat it in the future. We never were stopping this, El, we were just living what was meant to happen that’s all. The only difference is we had a big preview.”

“No!” Ellen shouted at him. “You are wrong. There are things that are not the same.”

“That is true,” Dean spoke with edge and anger. “How about the fact that instead of the virus hitting in strains two, then one, then three. The virus hit us in the strains, three then two, but no strain one. How is that? How can we have strain twos without ever having a strain one invasion? I can see if they dropped it on us like they did with the third strain. But they didn’t. These people that have strain two, they were exposed a week ago. A week. What happened, El? Did we miss it?” Dean threw his hand up walking to her. “We did, didn’t we? We had to have missed the invasion, the exposure.”

“Dean ...”

“No, El, think about it. Think.” He pointed to his temple while bracing her shoulders. “We’re missing it, we’re missing it and that is our key. How did they get exposed? Who was the host? Someone brought it in. Something brought it in here a week ago. What happened a week ago that was different than any documentation we had from the future. What is different? What is it that we’re not ...” Dean went silent, his eyes widened, “... seeing.”

“Dean?”

“No.” He closed his eyes. “It can’t be that simple. Yes it is.” He opened his eyes and turned from her. “The food supply. Lace the food supply. So unsuspecting.”

“Dean?” Ellen watched him walk to the counter. “What are you ...” A loud slam of Dean’s hand caused Ellen to shriek. “Dean!”

“Can you be it?” Dean’s eyes raised at the same time he brought into his view, wiggling in his hand, a furry grey mouse. “There’s one to find out.” In one sweeping motion, Dean slammed the mouse back down to the counter, reached into his pocket, pulled out a pen, raised it high, then stabbed it with force into the body of the mouse. The mouse squealed loudly as the pen went through him, pinning him to the counter. “El, get me a slide.” Dean held his hand out keeping his eyes peered to the mouse. The second he felt the slide touch upon his hand was the second his eyes focused in on the trickle of blood that flowed from the mouse. And unwillingly doing so, Dean’s gift from Henry kicked in with his focus. The small trickle grew closer to him. Engulfing his vision first in all red, then deeper red, then white, then circles of molecules, cells moving about, and then ... the virus. Dean concentrated harder. In his vision it was like he himself was standing inside the blood of that mouse, it swam in his peripheral vision. And the closer Dean focused in on it, the more Dean could see it. And with a huge grin and excited slam of his hand with a ‘yes’ Dean spun around to Ellen. “We got it!” He grabbed her and kissed her hard. “We got it!” He ran out of the lab racing down the halls. “Robbie! Robbie!”

Robbie came out of a patient room. “Dean, what is ...”

“Where are the twenty-seven men you brought in?” Dean asked him.

“They’re helping out. Henry said they could.”

“Get them. Get them now. You get them and you send them back out, you join them too, get Henry. All of you go out and find me every single mouse you can. Gather them up and bring them in. We got it. We got our host. We’re gonna beat this thing.” He spun from Robbie and raced down the hall. With a loud, screaming ‘whew!’ as he skipped up in a jump, Dean grabbed hold of Ellen who stood in the hall, lifted her in a hug, spun her around, kissed her excitedly and set her down. He then grabbed her hand, pulling her back into his lab to begin their work. And they would start by taking advantage of the sacrificed rodent who bled upon their counter. His blood was still fresh, it held the host virus, and most of all it was a quick start to the end of it all.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

AUGUST 19

It was early, but not too early to begin checking on the progress of the antidote that Dean had administered. After draining the host virus, creating a serum, injecting the virus into everyone, then hitting them with Agent Seventeen, It was well into the late night. But before the previous day’s end, there wasn’t a soul in Beginnings who was sick and who hadn’t been given the cure. Unfortunately, like Dean had been saying since the beginning, the virus wasn’t as deadly as the symptoms themselves. And it was evident when some who were stricken failed to respond at all. There was always a down side to every up. Beginnings may have not stopped the virus from coming, but they certainly stopped it from claiming all of the lives that the future told them it would take. And even with the loss of some lives, Beginnings could claim this as their victory. Because they were still standing when it was all said and done. They were still alive.

<><><><>

It was a different feel in the hospital, while making that first set of rounds. Dean could hear it in the noise level. Chattering instead of moaning. And it was so clear to him that his antidote worked at least on one individual. Joe. He was buttoning his white shirt when Dean walked in the room. “Joe.” Dean laughed. “What are you doing? Get back to bed.”

“I’m feeling better, Dean. And I’m sure you can use help.”

“Yeah, getting Frank to get into bed. He’s sick, Joe.”

“I’ll talk to him.” Joe sat on the bed as he finished tucking in his shirt. “How did you do it? How did you find it you son of a bitch.”

“Well your daughter is going to tell you it was divine intervention. I kinda had a shouting match at the big guy.” Dean pointed up. “But I was standing there rambling, trying to think what could have brought it in. And then I saw him, the mouse. It was so simple, yet scary. What better way to get us all then to lace our food supply. The mice go into the fields, nibble on the food, we eat the food. All of our men were probably exposed to it already. But when the gas hit them, it was such an abundance it took over immediately. George planned it all to happen. It wouldn’t surprise me if he planned it all to happen in the same day.”

“You said our food supply is laced. Is it safe now?”

“Yes. We’re all immune.” Dean nodded.

“So I’m going to take it that the antidote was a success.”

“If you want to.” Dean looked sad. “See, for the most part, people are responding well. Some are responding slower than others, and unfortunately, some aren’t responding at all.”

“How can that be?”

“The symptoms, Joe. The symptoms have them. They are not dying of our virus, they’re dying from the ravishing effects of the symptoms. It’s the weaker ones, Joe. The old and ...”

“The children.”

Dean’s head dropped. “We’ve lost ... we’ve lost kids, Joe. And I’m fearing we’re gonna lose more before it’s all done. They’re fighting with everything they have. We’re giving them everything we have. But it may not be enough.”

“How many people have we lost total, Dean?”

Dean hesitated before answering. “We lost three adults so far and six children.”

“Six.” Joe closed his eyes. “We only had thirty.”

“I don’t want to think about it.” Dean backed up. “And ... And I really should go check on patients.”

“Dean,” Joe called out to him. “I know you’re blaming yourself for the losses. But you have to know. You did all you could, you and Ellen did more than that. You stopped it. You stopped fate from being so cruel to us again.”

Dean nodded slowly in appreciation to Joe, he moved from the room. What he needed to see was good results, and for that all he would have to do is look at the numbers of people whom the day before couldn’t open their eyes. People who walked and talked now. That was his good results and that would make Dean feel better.

<><><><>

It was music to Ellen’s ears. The sound of Alexandra’s giggles flowing out into the hall as Ellen approached her children’s room. She put on a bright smile and cheerfully walked in. “Alex.”

“Mommy.” Alexandra sat up reaching out her arms.

“Hey, Sweetie.” Ellen kissed her and hugged her. “You look so much better today.”

“I feel so much better. Look, Billy drew on my hand.”

Ellen looked down to the flowery artwork. “Nice.” She turned some in her seat on the bed looking at Frank’s back as he leaned over the crib. “Frank did you see how good Alex looks to ... Frank?”

When he spoke, he barely spoke. “El.”

“Frank, what’s wrong?” She stood from the bed. “Frank.”

Frank turned his head to her, his eyes were red. “Something ... something is wrong with Brian.”

Ellen edged her way to the crib, when she looked down at her son she nearly wanted to fall over. “Oh my God.” She pulled out her stethoscope and listened to his chest.

“El.” Frank stroked Brian’s head while holding his hand. “Help him.”

Ellen began to hyperventilate, she backed up. “Billy, take Alex from this room hurry.” Her words held tears. “Frank. I’ll get Dean.” Jumping across Alexandra and Billy as she darted from the room, Ellen skid in a stop of terror at the anguish scream that came from the room down the hall.

Jenny’s scream.

Ellen had heard that scream before, she had made that scream herself. Afraid to look, Ellen turned her head toward that room and she saw Jenny. She sobbed uncontrollably, unable to stand up, John held onto her for support as she cradled her lifeless daughter in her arms. “Oh God.” Ellen breathed out and raced down the hall again, more than anything she did not want that to be her again. “Dean!” She cried out in panic. “Dean!”

“Ellen, what’s wrong?” Dean flew out of a room.

Ellen caught her breath between her words. “Bri ... Brian. There’s something wrong with Brian.”

Like the two of them were in a race together, they ran down the hall back to Brian’s room.

Frank still stood the same way. He looked so desperate at Dean when Dean walked in. “Help him, Dean. Help my son.”

The visual of Brian was more than Dean could handle when the small boy came in his full view. Brian lay upon his back, his arms spread out. As Dean placed his hand on his leg, he could feel the coolness of it, dry. It matched the pale grey hue that had cast over Brian. His green, now grey, eyes stared out blankly, he didn’t blink. And the only sign that give hint that he was still alive was the struggling breaths that the baby took. Breaths that weren’t eased by the oxygen that flowed into him. Huffing breaths, short, quick, almost gasping. And little Brian’s head twitched slightly to the right with every breath he fought to take. They were the only sound that filled that room.

Hovering close to Brian, Frank’s squeezed his hand. “Dean, come on help him.”

Dean closed his eyes tightly, he knew. No amount of medical knowledge, no amount of hope or praying was going to help.

“Dean.” Frank sounded as if he begged.

Dean’s hand widened over Brian’s leg, his head dropped and he raised only his eyes to Ellen who stood on the other side of the crib. In his grip onto Brian, Dean felt his entire being tense up as if his soul were getting ready to leave him. His chest hurt, his ears rang. The breathing, Brian’s breathing ... Huff ... huff ... huff ... huff ...

Silence.

Brain’s head stopped twitching and dropped to his right toward Ellen.

Ellen’s eyes caught Brian’s, it was if her baby stared at her. Like so many times before, but only this time without that precious life behind them. She couldn’t look, she spun from the crib and into the counter, gripping the edges of it. Breathing so hard, closing her eyes.

Dean let go of Brian’s leg. His arms folded close to his body as he stepped back. The pain wrenched through his stomach, burning up to his chest. He huddled over, digging his own elbows into his gut as he buried his face in his hands.

“Bri.” Frank shook him lightly. “Brian.” He shook him again. “Come on. It’s Dad. Brian.” Frank lowered his lips to his son. “Brian, please wake up.” He kissed him. “Breathe ... please breathe for me baby.” He stared at his baby, who did not respond. “No.” The word quivered from Frank’s throat. “No.” He spoke stronger, “NO!” Frank’s head went back and his one cry out, rang out long and hard filling the room and carrying throughout the clinic. His shoulders bounced as his hand gripped the railing to the crib.

Ellen’s entire insides trembled listening to Frank cry out. Tears streamed from her reddened face as she finally turned around. Dean had his back faced to them, leaning forward into the wall. She looked to Frank, ready to go to him when she saw him reach into the crib. “Frank.”

“Brian! Oh God!” Frank pulled the oxygen from him, and then the intravenous. He cried out even more as he lifted Brian up and his son’s arms that used to cling to him, flopped with no life as his head fell back. An angry growl emerged from Frank and he turned completely red, bringing Brian tightly to his chest, cradling his head in his huge hand, gripping Brian’s back, and planting his lips to his son’s cheeks. The wide shoulders of Frank’s bounced up and down, as his eyes closed as tight as they could get, trying to squeeze the pain from himself. Praying and hoping with all of his heart that he hadn’t just lost his son. The son he prayed for, the one he waited for, the son that taught him how to be a father again.

It was a Frank no one had seen before. Filled with deep anguish, be backed himself into a corner and slid down the wall, sitting with Brian on the floor. His long legs bent up as he wrapped his arms completely around the baby, holding him tight to his chest, wedging Brian’s little head between his broad shoulder and his tear filled cheek. Frank wept. He shook violently, sobbing from the depths of his soul. And Frank held on to Brian, embracing him with all of his love, knowing it would be the last time he would ever hold his son again.

Ellen trembled so badly her breathing was out of synch. Through her nose, and partly opened mouth, she quivered with every short breath she took. Her shaking hand reached out as she knelt down to Frank. “Fr-Frank.”

“No.” His head buried in Brian, he spoke so soft, so barely audible.

Slowly her hand touched upon Brian’s head, she gasped when she felt the lifelessness of him.

“He’s gone, El.” Frank wiped his tears over Brian. “He’s gone. My son is gone. Why, El? Why did he have die?” He pulled Brian’s hand to his mouth, gripping the pudgy fingers that used to hold his and he kissed them.

With the back of her hand Ellen wiped the tears from her cheek, but it didn’t matter, they were replaced with the fresh ones that kept falling down. Through her mother’s sorrow she leaned forward to Brian, laying her lips gently to his head, holding her hand to his face and whispering through her kiss to him. “I love you. Mommy loves you so much ...” Fighting back breaking down, Ellen’s body shook and she pulled back, shaking her head, turning and running from that room as fast as she could.

Joe was nearly barreled over by her as he approached the door. “Ellen ...” Reaching out and missing, Joe looked in the room to see why she had run out. His mouth dropped open and he felt the pain as he witnessed his son, his strong son, totally broken and holding his child in his arms on the floor. He looked to Dean who leaned face forward into the wall as if it were his only means of support. “Dear God.” Joe had to turn from the scene He couldn’t witness it, he couldn’t see the loss of his grandchild. Turning he faced Robbie who stood stunned in the doorway.

With solace Robbie walked into the room moving to Dean first and laying his hand on Dean’s shoulder. “Dean ...”

Dean turned around to the touch, his face was red as he looked up to Robbie. Dean wanted to say something, but his pain stopped him and he shook his head. “Excuse me.” Like Ellen he took off from that room.

Robbie could hear his big brother’s cries, slowly he walked over to Frank and brought himself down toward the floor. “Frank.” Robbie tried not to look at Brian. “Frank, I’m sorry. I am so sorry.”

Another burst of sadness came from Frank as he blindly reached up and grabbed for his brother, pulling at Robbie, clenching at him, bringing him to him. Then as Robbie dropped to the floor, Frank fell into him. And Robbie held his brother, trying to be a strength for him. Trying to be any type of comfort in a situation Robbie knew that there just was no comfort to be had.

<><><><>

Ellen ran hard and fast. Her feet pounded on the ground as she ran through the empty streets of Beginnings. Her hurt was her drive and she wheezed out with every step she took. She didn’t stop until she physically couldn’t run anymore. She fell, slamming knees first into the hard uneven ground in the Underdeveloped Section. Clenching her fist and pulling out the long grass, she threw her head back and Ellen screamed from her gut, loud and deep, it was filled with every ounce of pain she had. She started shaking when she began to cry, lowering her head, tossing it back and forth, digging her fingers into the dirt with every sob she released.

Ellen didn’t hear his footsteps, nor did she hear him approach at all. She merely saw his knees as he dropped them before her.

Henry removed her hair and slipped his hands upon her cheeks, raising her face to him. His hands held her firm, his thumbs moved in a brush across her tears. He didn’t saying anything, he stared at her. And no words needed to be spoken, his eyes conveyed it all. He was there for her. He was right there.

“Henry.” Ellen’s lips quivered. “This wasn’t supposed to happen again. I wasn’t supposed to lose another child. How can I live with this? It hurts so bad, Henry. It hurts so bad.”

Just as her head began to lower again, Henry stopped her, lifting her head back up, bringing his face closer to hers. “There are no words that I can say to you right now. There is nothing I can do to take this pain away from you. I wish with all of my heart I could feel this for you. Because I would take it ...” Henry swallowed. “I would take it for you. Just know, El. Whatever it is you need from me to help you through this, I will do. If you want to cry, scream, yell or hit, I will help you in any way I can. I’m here for you. Let me help you. Whatever you need.”

“Just ...” Ellen fell to him, “... hold me.”

Henry grabbed on to her, holding Ellen as close as he could, clenching her, steadying her trembling body as she cried. And Henry, closed his eyes tightly trying to stop the tears. Tears for the loss of Brian. But more so, tears for Ellen and all the pain she felt that he just couldn’t do anything about.

<><><><>

Henry pulled the jeep up directly in front of the clinic and he shut it off. Holding on to the steering wheel he looked over at Ellen who just stared at the building. “You don’t have to do this, El. You can go home.”

“No I can’t.” She shook her head. “I’ve been gone long enough. I just needed some time for me to grieve.”

“An hour is not enough time.”

“No it isn’t. But it was enough time for me to get some of it out. Out enough to face everything a little stronger. I left Frank a mess Henry. I just left him. And Dean ... I never saw that look on his face before. He was crushed as much as Frank. Now here’s my problem.” She looked at Henry. “I love them both. Who do I go to? Who is it that I comfort, because I cannot be in two places at the same time.”

“El.” Henry reached over and grabbed her hand. “You be with who needs you the most at the moment. And I will back you up. I will help you with them. But remember, you are going through this too. You are going to need help too.”

Ellen gave Henry a sad smile. “That’s where you come in, Henry. I have you.” She slid the hand of his she held across her cheek. “I am so glad for that. Thank you.” She kissed his hand and raised her head to look at the clinic. “This is a nightmare. And the worst part is, I’m going to realize soon that I’m just not waking up from it.” Releasing Henry’s hand she stepped from the jeep and walked slowly to the clinic.

For as much as Ellen loved Joe, he was the last person she wanted to see when she walked through those doors, because she knew the instant she laid her eyes upon him, she would fall apart. Just like the little girl who scraped her knee and was always fine until her father walked in the door. Just the sight of Joe, just the sight of the strength he had, the strength she needed, made her cry. He wrapped his arms around her, placing his lips firm to her forehead.

“Sweetheart.” Joe held on to her. “I am so sorry.”

“Me too, Joe.” Ellen tried not to cry. “I’m sorry for you too.”

“We’ll get through this.” Joe pulled back from her and wiped his hand under his own eye. “We will ...” He cleared his throat, trying to shun the emotions he felt so powerfully. “We’ll ... get through this.” His hands gripped hers. “As a family, you hear.” He kissed her. “As a family.”

How much Ellen’s heart broke more looking at Joe, his eyes red and glossy. And she listened to his simple words that they would get through it and she believed them because it was Joe who said them. And for as much as Ellen told herself she was going into the strong-mode, she took a few extra moments to be weak again, because with Joe she never had to be strong. Even in his pain he had enough strength for the both of them, and she just wanted to escape into his strength before she had to face her pain again.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

Frank stumbled into the kitchen after taking his shower, barely standing straight, wiping the chill from his arms as he threw on a sweatshirt. “It feels like it’s twelve o’clock at night,” he spoke to Ellen who stood at the counter. “It’s not even four yet.”

“It’s a long day.”

“The longest one of my life.” He saw her fiddling with something. “What are you doing?”

“I have some medication for you I need you to take.” Ellen walked to him holding out her hand.

“No.” He shook his head.

“Frank, please, one is for the pneumonia and the other will help you sleep, you need to sleep and rest. You won’t get well if you ...”

“No!” Frank snapped at her pushing away her hand. “I don’t care right now.”

“Well I do.” Ellen grabbed onto his arm spinning him to her. “Enough of that horrible future I saw has come true. Don’t let anymore of it happen.” She grabbed his hand slamming the pills into it. “Now take the goddamn medicine right now, or I swear to you, Frank, I will knock your ass out and shove it down your throat. Take it!” Her hand shook as she covered her eyes. “I’m sorry.”

Frank placed the pills in his mouth and grabbed the glass of water that set there, he took a long drink. “Happy?” He slammed the glass down.

“Why are you being like this with me? I know you’re hurt. But you won’t speak to me, talk to me, let me help you.”

Frank slowly swayed his head. Turned to the sink and bent down to the cabinet under it, He began to rummage.

“What are you doing?”

“I need a drink.”

“No you don’t.” Ellen reached for his arm, he pulled it away.

“I need a drink, El.”

“Frank.” She grabbed for the bottle.

“I need something to take away this pain.”

“Let me help you,” Ellen pleaded.

“You can’t do it.”

“Why!”

“Because you don’t understand the way I feel.”

“How can I not understand?” Ellen asked emotionally. “And you think taking that drink is going to make it all go away! No, it’ll only come back, Frank. It’ll come back worse. There is no reason for you to drink that.”

“Bullshit! My son died today!”

“My son died today too!”

Frank’s face grew red with anger. “And you ran away! You ran! You couldn’t face it! And right now I can’t face you! You worked hard on this fuckin virus! You saved everybody else. Why, El! Why couldn’t you just save our son!” With a vengeance, Frank swung out the hand that held the bottle smashing it against the refrigerator just above Ellen’s head. Glass and whiskey shot out everywhere.

Ellen shook as her arms reached up shielding her from the glass that flew about, she backed up into the wall, she wiped the whiskey that splattered across her face and she began to run out.

“El!” Frank chased her.

“Leave me alone.”

“Ellen, please.” Frank dove forward for her, grabbing her arm as she headed toward the door. “Please.” He grabbed onto her, dropping to his knees. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.” He laid his head against her back.

Ellen started to cry. “No, you’re right. Why couldn’t I save him, Frank? Why couldn’t I have saved Brian? Why, Frank? Why did I argue with Dean about giving our kids the antiserum? He wanted to give it to them. If we would have done that, Brian would be alive. I might as well have killed him.” She turned around and let his head fall into her stomach. “I’m sorry for taking your son from you. If I could give my life to bring him back. I would.”

“It’s not your fault, El, and I’ll never forgive myself for saying that to you. Never. I’m so angry and I’m so hurt. And I’m scared. I’m scared that I can’t live with this.” He clung to her. “I keep thinking of our son, where is he now, El. What if he knows he’s alone? What if he’s scared too? What if he’s looking for me? Cause I know I’ll spend the rest of my life looking for him. And he won’t be there.”

Ellen could feel Frank’s face rubbing back and forth across her stomach.

“It’s not fair, El. It just not fair. We went through this pain once. Why are we going through this again? Why would God make us go through this again?”

Ellen didn’t have any answers to give Frank as she held him. How could she? When she herself was asking the exact same questions.

<><><><>

It was such a switch of atmosphere for Ellen her head spun. Walking into Dean’s house, and immediately hearing the footsteps above her head. They were coupled with screams and laughs. Ellen smiled, Alexandra and Joey were getting better by the hour. So much at that moment, Ellen wanted to be a child. Because children have a way to escape everything, slip into their own words, sick or not, hurt or not, and forget about it all. She could hear sounds coming from the kitchen, water running, pans moving about. Slowly Ellen walked into there and she saw Dean moving about as if he were hurrying to get dinner on the table. “Hey,” she called out to him. “Henry told me you finally came home.”

“Yeah.” Dean ran his hand through his hair, stepped to her and kissed her on the cheek. “And I want to get the kids fed. Are you staying for dinner?”

“I’d like that. Can I help?”

“No.” Dean faced the stove.

“Dean, how ...”

“How’s Frank?” he interrupted.

“Sleeping.”

“Good, He needs to sleep to beat this pneumonia.”

“Dean,” Ellen called to him. Was he too blaming her? Why wouldn’t he turn around? “Are you all right? I came to be with you.”

“I’m ...” Dean slammed a pan. “I’m fine.”

“Are you?” Ellen asked wearily. “Because I’m not.”

Dean shut off the burners, holding on to the sides of the stove and just staring at the wall behind it. “Ellen. I can’t even think right now. I set the high chair, El.”

Ellen looked behind her to the dining room, Brian’s highchair sat at the corner of the table near Dean’s chair. Brian’s little blue plate sat on the tray.

“I wasn’t even thinking,” Dean said. “It was automatic. And now I can’t move it. I can’t bring myself to take it away.”

“Dean.” Ellen walked up to behind him laying her head on his back. “I’m sorry.”

Dean’s head dropped forward. He spoke slow, his voice deep. “I never thought I would feel this much pain in my entire life. I never thought I would want to just curl up and die somewhere. And I just want to curl up and die right now. And you know what the worst part is, El? I lost my son today. My flesh and my blood died today. My son. And nobody even knows.” Dean’s fist hit onto the counter. “Nobody knows.”

“I know, Dean.”

There was sizzle that broke the silence. The sound of Dean’s tear as it rolled down his cheek and hit onto the still hot frying pan. His knees fell forward and his body began to shake as he let go for the first time all day and cried. He turned around suddenly and without letting Ellen see his face, he took her into his arms, pressing his head to hers, and he held her. Feeling her in his arms, his hands moving around, as if reaching for something in Ellen that could take away his pain. But nothing would, and Dean could only hold on to her and cry harder.

<><><><>

He had just taken his third pill, and Frank knew that it wouldn’t be long before he fell back to sleep. That was all right to him, he was emotionally drained and sleep would help the day end. He needed the day to end. It was too quiet in his house, Ellen had left for the third time to go see the kids and Dean. Frank understood, why that was, he didn’t know. Just as he reached to turn off the living room light, he heard a knock at his front door. He closed his eyes and shook his head, wishing whoever it was would just go away. But they knocked again. Upset over the intrusion, Frank stormed to the door, flinging it open and seeing Henry standing there.

“Hi, Frank,” Henry spoke nervously. “I know ... I know this isn’t a good time. But, can I come in?”

Had Henry not been holding Nick in his arms, Frank would have said ‘no’. He didn’t answer he only opened the door wider. “What’s up, Henry?”

“It’s Nick. I can’t ... I can’t get him to calm down, Frank. Look at him, he’s fussing.. I think. I think he just wants you.”

Frank reached out his hands to the whimpering baby, lifting him from Henry and taking him into his arms. The moment Nick touched Frank’s chest was the moment Frank gasped, felt his legs weaken and he had to sit down. He held Nick so tight, the small baby got lost in his arms. He ran his lips over Nick’s head, closing his eyes. “He’s usually sleeping by now. Did you feed him, Henry?”

“What?”

From his hold of Nick, Frank raised his eyes. “Feed him. Food?”

“Um ... I think.”

“You think?”

“Well ... yeah, of course I did. I just don’t remember when.”

“It’s almost midnight, Henry. Was it dark out when you fed him last.”

“Oh no, Frank. It was still light. I wouldn’t want to feed him too close to his bedtime and have him get a stomachache.”

“Henry. He’s needs to eat. That’s why he’s still awake.”

“Oh. OK.” Henry reached for the baby.

“What are you doing?”

“I’ll take him home and feed him.”

“No.” Frank held Nick tighter. “Just ... just go home and get me a bottle. I don’t have any fresh ones. I’ll feed him. I want him fed right.”

“Are you sure, Frank? I don’t want to bother you.”

“I’m sure, Henry. Go.”

“Thanks.” Henry darted toward the door.

“And, Henry?”

“Yeah, Frank?” Henry opened the door.

“Thank you. Thank you very much.” Frank didn’t see the smile Henry gave him, he was too engrossed with getting comfortable on the couch. He brought his legs up to the cushion and he just held Nick. And more than he realized, he needed to do that.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

AUGUST 24

The mounds of dirt were still high and fresh, laying in a row in a part of Beginnings that used to be underdeveloped. Far from the Living Section, they placed it. Beginnings’ first cemetery. There were fifteen graves all together. Nine of them belonged to children. Six adults. Beginnings suffered a loss. The loss of talent and devotion that the adults gave to the community. And the loss of life and laughter that children brought to everyone. Their graves were marked with simple crosses. Wooden crosses. The names of those lost burned in an etch upon them. A fence was erected around the graves, flowers draped over them from the daily visitors that walked out there just for a moment, to feel those they lost. On the fence was a plaque. It simply read:

For those who lost their lives in the battle for Beginnings.

May they forever find a resting place within these walls they had called their home.

Frank read the words, like he did every day since Brian was buried there four days earlier. But was his timing off on this day? He was surprised to see he wasn’t the only one there visiting Brian. And it was the first time since the burial that Frank saw Dean there. Quietly Frank walked up to him as Dean sat on the ground staring at the grave, and he sat on the ground next to Dean.

Dean moved his hair from his eyes, that the wind had blown. “I’ll leave, Frank.”

“Why?”

“I know you want to be alone out here.”

“That’s OK.” Frank brought this knees up. “I’ve never seen you come out here, Dean.”

Dean gave a soft chuckle. “I’m here every day, Frank.”

“Me too.”

“I know it might make you angry to hear this. But I’m not trying to take anything away from you. I just miss him, Frank. I really miss, Brian.”

“I miss him too, Dean. And you’re not taking anything away from me.” Frank looked at him, Dean’s head hung low. “I know you loved him. And I would have to be pretty cold to think you’re not feeling this too.”

“I can’t get passed this. I keep thinking, what could I have done? What could I have changed?”

“I do the same thing.”

“I keep thinking we missed something. Something went wrong. We should have been able to save him. We should have had the antidote sooner. A piece is missing, Frank. Something is missing.”

“Do you feel that?”

Dean nodded strongly. “Yes. In my gut I feel that. And a part of me is justifying that as a way to put the blame elsewhere. Blame someone else for me not being fast enough. I don’t know.”

“Were gonna go into our minds for the rest of our lives searching for the answers to this. But maybe, Dean, maybe it was just out of our hands. Maybe those who were supposed to go on, did.”

“Thinking like that doesn’t make the pain go away.”

“Oh, I know that.” Frank’s hand reached out to the grave and he lifted the dirt.

“I’d better be going back. I have to pick up the kids. Thanks for not ... I don’t know, making me leave.”

“Dean,” Frank called out before Dean stood up. “You and I raised Brian. Don’t think for one second, that I have forgotten that he was just as much your son as he was mine. We made that agreement and I lived by that. And I’m sorry, Dean. I’m sorry you lost your son too.”

Dean’s heart dropped along with his body and he just couldn’t stand up. “You don’t know how much that means to hear you say that.”

“I think ... I think you and I have this common ground now, Dean. More than we ever had before. If you have to leave, OK, but right now, it wouldn’t bother me at all if you stayed.”

Dean stared at Frank for a moment, he reached his hand up laying it on Frank’s hand. And to his surprise Frank brought his other hand up and covered Dean’s. There was an unspoken understanding right there between the two of them, as if to say. It was their spot, their time, and their grief over the loss of their son.

<><><><>

Ellen looked up from her desk in Containment to the soft knocking on the door. Such an apprehensive knock it was, Ellen merely called out softly, “Come in.”

“This may not be a good time.” Jenny walked in. “But I wanted to see you.”

“What’s up?” Ellen asked, pointing to a chair for Jenny to sit.

So sadly Jenny took a seat. “I was going through Caroline’s things to return to storage, and I found a few things of Brian’s.”

Ellen’s head dropped.

“Those babies were always together, Ellen. And I want to give you Brian’s things back. But a part of me can’t. I can’t remove anything from my house that is a part of Caroline and Brian was a part of Caroline.”

“I know,” Ellen spoke near whisper. “I can’t even bring myself to look at his things. I can’t go into his room ... look at his toys.”

“It hurts so much. You know Jenny, it’s odd isn’t it. I was at the cemetery today. And I looked at their graves. Have you looked? Have you noticed?”

Jenny nodded. “They were born and died on the same day.”

“Both of them came into this world within minutes of each other and they left this world within minutes of each other. Why do you suppose that is?”

“I have a story in mind I keep telling myself about that. It helps. Can I share it with you?”

“Please.”

“Brian and Caroline were angels. And God knew how much that we needed them in our lives. But see, they were partners up there, little soul mates. And one said, ‘I won’t go without the other’. So God sent them both. At the same time, the same day, because they couldn’t be apart. And when they were called to come home. They couldn’t be apart then either. And maybe only one of them was destined to leave this earth. But the other one said ‘I won’t go without the other’. And they joined their little hands and they’re together again, looking down at us, knowing that they gave us life and meaning, if only for a little while.”

“And they did their jobs well, didn’t they?”

“Oh they did their jobs great. And you know what, I made myself a promise. I promised myself that I would not get angry for not having Caroline longer, I would be happy for having her at all.”

Ellen looked up at Jenny, though the sadness was there, there was a certain peacefulness upon Jenny’s face. And Ellen hoped that she could remember the words that Jenny had just told her. And for as much as Ellen didn’t want to be and feel like Jenny when she saw her in that room holding the daughter she had just lost, Ellen wanted to be and feel like her now.

<><><><>

Where was Frank? Henry wondered. If he didn’t hurry he was going to miss it. The first set-up, the finding of George. Henry held Joe off, making him wait until he could locate Frank. And Henry searched, he searched everywhere he thought Frank could be until he finally found him at home.

“Frank.” Henry walked softly into the child’s bedroom where Frank sat. “We need you in Communications.”

“I was on my way. I had to change. Oil from the truck.” Frank shrugged as he sat in a chair in front of Brian’s crib, staring in it. “I guess I just got held up.”

“I understand.” Henry moved to him.

“Do you?” Frank looked up at him. “Because I don’t even understand it myself. Sometimes I pass this crib and still see him in there. I still smell him, Henry, on his blanket. And nothing is making it go away. I’m not getting any better.”

“You need more time, Frank.” Henry laid his hand on Frank’s back. “You lost your son.” Henry stepped closer. “Maybe all of this isn’t good for you. Maybe you just need to take some time and step back.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re still hurting and you will for a while. But maybe while the hurt is still so fresh, you need not to look at everything and everywhere that reminds you of Brian.”

“How can I not. I live in this house.”

“Don’t,” Henry stated then received an odd look from Frank. “I’m not talking forever, Frank. I’m talking a few days, maybe even a week or so. But get out of this house. Go somewhere else. Take my house if you’d like. Hell, maybe even pitch a tent somewhere and hang out. Take Ellen, perhaps that’s what you both need.”

“Pitch a tent?” Frank asked.

“Oh sure. We have all this land. Seclude yourself. Heal.”

“Like a vacation.” Frank’s eyes lit up. “You may have a good idea.”

“You know I’m the idea man, Frank.”

“Yeah but ...” Frank released Brian’s blanket. “El wouldn’t go for it.”

“Tell her she has to.”

“But what about the kids?”

“They’ll be fine. How far can you take her, really.”

“Not far.”

“Exactly.” Henry nodded.

“Pitch a tent. Seclusion.” Frank stood up. “Thanks, Henry. I might just do that. What do you think about taking El and surprising her with it.”

Henry crinkled his face. “I don’t know, Frank. You should talk to her first about it.”

“We’ll see what the moment brings right? But I do know.” Frank looked around the room. “I need to get away from this house for little while. At this point in my life, it hurts too bad.”

“I know that.” Henry laid his hand on Frank’s back as they walked out. “Did you want me to find you a spot. I have some great ideas.”

“No, I think I know where I want to go. Thanks, Henry. Let’s get to that meeting.”

Henry was glad his on-the-spot suggestion was helping Frank. And where ever he took Ellen, the Underdeveloped Section, the area near the cliff, or maybe even ‘the hill’ wherever it was, Henry was certain it would help both Frank and Ellen.

<><><><>

They were in the Communications room. John Matoose sat in a chair, holding a telephone. Joe stood behind John, a earphone in his ear to eavesdrop. Frank stood watching the indicating screen, waiting for John to place the call so they could get an exact location on George. Henry stood by the computer, he turned off the signal alarms and he just waited to read where the signal would come from.

There was one more man in the room. A man by the name of Jess Boyan. He was a defector, he gained a sense of Joe’s trust during the recent virus crisis. And he was there to say whether or not, John was calling the main headquarters. A trust assurance, Joe called him. John had lost all of Joe’s trust and at that second, Joe wouldn’t put it past John to lie again.

“Make the call,” Joe told John.

John took a deep breath and dialed, bringing the phone to his ear, he looked at Frank. “It’s ringing.”

George answered the phone, and when he did, Joe looked up, snapping his finger to Henry to get ready.

“Hello,” George said gruff.

“George, it’s ...”

“Don’t you dare call me again, or my personal line, you hear. I’m finished with you. Finished.” George disconnected the call immediately.

Joe still looked at John and he took off the earphone from his ear harshly. “Did we get it?”

Frank only pointed to the flash on the board. “We got it.” He turned to Henry. “Where is it coming from, we know the east.”

“South of Washington D.C. it says.” Henry looked up with question on his face. “Quantico Marine Headquarters, Frank.”

Frank’s eyes widened. “That place is huge.” He faced Jess. “Is that where you were at?”

“I guess. I know it was near D.C., big place. But, Frank, that’s not his only site, I don’t know where the other ones are, but I know there were several divisions.”

Frank shrugged. “Yeah but if we take out Quantico, take out the heart, we dismantle the whole being.”

“How?” Joe asked. “We don’t have the air abilities to fly all the way over there. Ground troops, storm in?”

Frank nodded. “A few soldiers, scientists, right amount of men, we can do that.”

Jess had to disagree and he did it verbally. “You haven’t a clue, do you. You can’t storm the place with troops. There aren’t just a few soldiers and scientists. Hell it’s a city. You’re talking from what I have seen ... you’re talking tens of thousands.”

“Dear God,” Joe gasped when he heard what Jess had to say. Words he felt he had to believe. “How big is this thing we’re up against?” With that thought Joe sat down and another immediately crossed his mind. With the size that George had grown and all the places he supposedly had, how did Beginnings survive this long?

<><><><>

George put down the antenna on his cellular phone. More like slammed it down. It was bad timing on John Matoose’s part to call him right then and there. George stood on the street of Quantico looking at the forty-one men who stood before him. That was it. That was all that remained of is four hundred and seventy men he had sent to Beginnings. And he only had them because these were the ones that ran when they heard the helicopters coming.

Having been informed by them that twenty-eight defected, one of which they shot, George grew even more angrier. Not only did Beginnings beat his virus, but they now had some of his men. So much like the villain at the end of a Scooby-Doo episode, George felt. Wanting to say he would have gotten away with it had it not been for those pesky kids. And to him, Dean was the biggest pesky kid. But he was a pesky kid that George now wanted on his side of the country. And he knew he could only get Dean if he got Beginnings.

A battle lost. A war not over. Not by a long shot. And if George wanted Beginnings back, and the assets that it had, he would have to go back to his square one plan of thinking. That was his best chance. And probably his easiest. George’s mind immediately went back into action thinking of how he would pull it off. He was certain he could do it. There would be no chemicals. No firearms, no virus or destruction. He knew he would get back Beginnings and he was going to do it ... from within their very own walls.

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

AUGUST 26

Henry looked up from the where he lay on his living room floor when he heard Ellen coming down the steps. He rolled to his side, a little away from Nick who laid with him to look at her. “You leaving?”

“Yes. Look how cute Nick is.”

“Check this out, El. He’s doing things. Look he can lift his head.” Henry indicated to Nick. Nick turned with a strained face as he lifted his head, then it quickly plopped back down. “Maybe not.”

Ellen chuckled. “Give him time.”

“I think he was talking, El.”

“Henry, he’s two months old. He’s not talking.”

“Why do you suppose he can’t keep his head up. Is it too heavy for his body. It doesn’t look like he has a big head. But then again they say people with big heads are smarter. Does Dean have a big head?”

“No. Just unkempt hair.”

“I’ve made a suggestion to him you know.”

“So have I.” Just as Ellen lowered herself to the floor, there was a knock at the door. “Must be Frank.”

Henry looked at his watch. “He’s early.”

“I think he wants to call it an early night.” Ellen walked to the door. “He said something about getting an early start.” She opened it and smiled when she saw Frank standing there. He didn’t dress like his typical self. Instead of his usual military pants and white tee shit, he wore a black tee shirt and jeans. “My goodness, Frank. Out of uniform?”

“Yeah, they’re my date clothes.”

Ellen shook her head with a smile and opened the door wider.

Frank stepped inside. “Hey, Henry.”

Henry rolled onto his stomach and then to his knees. “Before you take her, Frank. Can I talk to her for a second?”

“Sure.” Frank shrugged.

Henry stood up. “El, can you come in the kitchen.”

Ellen, puzzled, followed.

Frank looked down at Nick. “Henry, you can’t leave a baby on the floor like this. Someone will step on him.” He lowered himself to lay next to Nick. “I let him watch you and he mistreats you. Hey ...” Frank called out to the kitchen. “He’s lifting his head.” He heard the plop of Nick hitting the carpet. “Maybe not.”

“What’s wrong, Henry?” Ellen asked as they stood in the kitchen.

“I need you to do me a favor.”

“Sure.”

“I need you to come back early tonight.”

“I told you Frank wanted to call it an early night.”

“OK.” Henry nodded. “But in case he changes his mind, can you be back early. Every night, El, it’s either you helping Dean, talking to him. Or you helping Frank, talking to him. You’re staying here to get yourself back on track. You haven’t been doing that.”

“Henry.”

“No listen to me. You have to take time yourself. OK? You have to say, ‘I’m tired of being there for everyone else, I just want someone to be there for me’. I worry about you. I see you, I watch you. Can you do this tonight?”

“I promise.” She held up her hand. “I’ll see you in a little bit.”

Henry smiled at her, watching her walk from the kitchen, meet up with Frank and then eventually leave. Henry couldn’t wait for her to return home. Wanting to pass time, make it go faster, Henry figured he’d work on something, that always helped. So he walked out of the dining room, around the couch and out his front door He thought Mechanics was a good place to start. Pulling his front door closed, Henry stood on his porch with an overwhelming feeling that he was forgetting something. Shrugging it off and figuring it would come to him later, Henry moved on to Mechanics.

<><><><>

Dean pulled the door closed to the mobile lab, he teetered a huge box which he carried with him to the jeep that parked there. There were other boxes in the keep, all virus material. And Dean was going to use this night, since Joe had the kids, to finally put the virus to bed. He took another look at the mobile lab thinking about how long it would be until he went back there. He liked that lab, but he wouldn’t miss it. Because that lab was too much of painful reminder to Dean of things that virus that took so much from him.

<><><><>

Henry paced. He paced in worry and he paced in anger. Ellen had promised him that she would be home, and there it was after four a.m. and she still wasn’t there. What made matters worse was that Henry toted Nick out of the house to check at Frank’s four times in the last five hours. And every time he went there, Josh said the same thing, they weren’t there.

Having waited long enough, Henry tried it again, Where else could they be. Josh had to be mistaken. Knocking again, Henry waited. It took a little longer for the door to answer, Josh looked so perturbed with his messy hair, scratching his head in the open door.

“What, Henry.” he whined. “And like you should you be dragging that baby out.”

“Josh, where is your dad and Ellen.”

“They’re not here.”

“Are you sure?” Henry asked. “Maybe they went upstairs.”

“No, I know they aren’t here.”

“Maybe you were sleeping when ...”

“Henry!” Josh rolled his half closed eyes. “I said, I know they aren’t here. I know this. I know this.”

“OK. But when you see them can you tell them I’m a little pissed off. And if I don’t hear from them soon, I’m going to Joe.”

“Why?” Josh asked.

“Because I don’t know where they are.”

“Maybe there’s a clue in his note.”

“What note?” Henry asked.

“The one that’s one the table for you.”

“Josh,” Henry scolded. “Why didn’t you tell me about the note sooner.” Henry walked into the house looking around.

“I wasn’t allowed. Dad said wait until morning.”

“Wait until ...” Henry saw the note. Awkwardly while juggling a sleeping Nick he opened up Frank’s note. “Aw.” Henry stomped his foot. “Shit.” Shaking his head and holding the note he moved to the door. “Wait until I tell Joe.” So upset, Henry left Frank’s house.

<><><><>

Dean kept telling himself that he was given a second chance. How he prayed all those years to be able to make up for failing to save the world the first time around. But he did this time. He pulled through. But unfortunately for Dean, it wasn’t without loss and without the breaking of his heart.

Sitting in the clinic lab, tossing out notes he no longer needed, reading over them one last time, Dean grew more frustrated by the minute. Why did his gut keep telling him he was missing something? What was the reason behind it? How did everything so similar to the future he visited, differ in the most important of ways. When he needed it to be the same.

Tossing out a large stack of papers, Dean moved to the refrigerator to begin hitting the samples. When he opened it up, his eyes went immediately to the rack of labeled tubes of blood. It sat on the second shelf, in the same angle, with the same amount of tubes, the same names. All the same as the time he opened up that refrigerator in the future. And one of those same names stared at him. Jenny Matoose. In his handwriting, looking exactly like the one he took from the future. So how did the sample end up being different? Dean paused in his reaching for the rack. “Maybe they’re not,” Dean spoke out loud, snatching Jenny’s tube from the rack. The blood he tested from the future was from that exact same rack, the exact same spot. How could the blood from the future have the host virus, and the Jenny’s blood from the present not. Not when everything else fell right into place. Jenny’s blood was the missing link, it was the piece of the puzzle that did not fit. And right there, Dean began to test it, hoping that finally he could fit that piece of the puzzle into the entire picture and close his book on the virus once and for all.

<><><><>

“Christ, Henry, it’s four thirty in the morning,” Joe snapped as he answered the door in just his checkered pajama bottoms. “And why are you dragging that baby around.”

“Joe, we have a problem.” Henry walked into his hose. “Nice PJ’s.”

Joe grumbled. “What’s our problem?”

“Your son, Joe. He’s an asshole.”

“What?” Joe closed one eye to block out the brightness when Henry turned on the light.

“He’s an asshole, Joe.” Henry laid Nick on the couch. “He left Beginnings and he took Ellen with him.”

“Oh he did not. You’re full of shit.”

“No, I’m not, Joe. Look.” He handed Joe the note.

Joe walked to the coffee table, put on his glasses and began to read the note out loud. “Henry, I left Beginnings. And whether she likes it or not, I took Ellen with me. Thanks Frank.” Joe lowered the note. “Shit.”

“See, Joe. See.”

“Calm down.” Joe held out his hand. “I really don’t think Frank left.”

“He said he did. I can’t find him, Joe.”

“First of all, how would they get out? Second, where would he go? He’s hiding somewhere in Beginnings. This is a big place. He’s doing this to throw you off.”

“He took her. I know he took. I told him to take her camping, I didn’t mean for him to do it outside of Beginnings.”

“He didn’t leave Beginnings.” Joe heard the light tapping on his front door. “And why is Dean knocking on my door at this hour.”

“Oh no.”

“What, Henry?” Joe asked annoyed as he walked to the door.

“Oh, Dean will be mad. Frank took Ellen from Beginnings.”

“He didn’t take Ellen.” Joe opened up the door. “Dean, what is it?”

“We have a problem, Joe.” Dean stormed in. “A big problem.”

“See!” Henry pointed. “See!”

Joe hunched down, holding his hands up. “Quiet, the kids are sleeping.”

Dean looked at Henry. “You know?”

“Yes I know,” Henry said. “I just found out.”

“How?” Dean was puzzled.

“I read Frank’s note.”

“How does Frank know?” Dean was puzzled.

“He would have to know, Dean.” Henry walked to him. “Wouldn’t he? Especially if he took Ellen and they left Beginnings.”

Dean rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Not that again, Henry. Frank didn’t leave Beginnings.”

“Yes he did, Dean.” Henry handed him the note. “Look.”

Dean’s head bobbed back and forth as he read it. “He’s hiding somewhere.” He handed Henry the note back. “He’s still here. And we have bigger fish to fry. Joe. We have a big problem. One that we didn’t know we even had.”

Joe tossed his hands up. “Wanna keep me in suspense, Dean, or would you like to share.”

“Ready for this, Joe,” Dean began to explain. “I’m cleaning out the mobile lab and the clinic lab, trying to file away all the virus things. And I keep getting this feeling that we missed something. Every single sequence of events, even down to Frank’s illness happened. It happened just like in the future. What was bothering me the most, was that we planned that if that happened, we always would have Jenny’s blood to fall back on as a host. But Jenny didn’t have the host. Or at least we thought.” At that instant he saw he had Joe’s full attention. “Just when I was about to get rid of the samples, I looked at that rack of blood. Same names, same position, everything, so why wouldn’t Jenny’s blood be the same. And it dawned on me that errors could be made. There were a lot of patients coming into the clinic when Jenny and the baby came in. Five or six. I took a tube of Jenny’s blood and called out for someone to finish while I chased Ellen. Someone, I don’t know who, we had five people taking blood, took her blood for me. When I ran the tests. I ran it off the tube of blood the other person took. But the tube in the rack was the one I took. I put it there from my own pocket. Just like I must have done it in the future. And had I run the tests off the tube I took, we would have had the cure a day earlier. The future wasn’t wrong. The sequence of events did not change. Jenny did have the host virus after all.”

Joe stepped back some. “How can that be? Everyone else had strains two and three.”

“Just like in the future, with Jenny being the one host strain.”

“Are you saying someone switched the tubes of blood?”

“No!” Dean answered sharply. “Not with the people I had working. I’m saying that with all the confusion, someone messed up. They put the wrong name on the wrong tube. In emergency situations, it happens.”

“But here’s the problem, Dean, how did she get it?” Joe questioned.

“Just like we thought she got it in the future. She could have only gotten it, Joe, if she was given it.”

Joe shook his head. “I’m still not buying the fact that John gave it to her.”

“Neither am I,” Dean stated. “Not with all we know now about his situation.” Dean’s eyes moved from Joe to Henry. “He didn’t want Jenny to get sick. He didn’t want his daughter to die. And this is why I came to you, Joe. Not about Jenny’s host virus. But because Jenny was given the host virus. Which means it was here in Beginnings all along. Someone gave it to her. The question is ... who?”

Joe literally lost his breath. “There’s someone else here on his side.”

Dean nodded. “And they have been for a while.”

“Damn it.” Joe’s head twitched in disgust. “Henry, what do you make of it?”

“Very frightening, Joe. Very frightening we have to look into it. But ... what about this?” Henry held up Frank’s letter.

“Henry,” Joe snapped. “Give me the goddamn letter.” He took it from Henry’s hand and smacked him with it. “I told you he did not leave. And if he did, he has to be on foot. So how far could he have gone?”

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

AUGUST 27

Frank peered out the windshield of the small pickup truck he drove to the just breaking day outside of the glass. He then looked at the gas gauge which read ‘E’. “This place will do.” He saw the small trailer set off deep in an over grown area, “Don’t you think, El? And just in time too. I didn’t want to hit our return gas supply. Sorry about all the bumps.” Frank pulled a little closer to the trailer and shut the truck off. “But the shocks are pretty bad.” He stretched out his arms. “I’m tired. Are you. Probably not, you had that long nap. Hey, isn’t this like when we were kids? We’d get into my truck and drive until half the gas was gone, stay a night and then go home? We ended up in Dairy, Ohio, no wait, that was where we found the farmers.” Frank shrugged. “Wanna unload now, or wait?” He looked over to Ellen. “I’d rather wait. We have time. Wasn’t that nice of Robbie to help us take our little trip. Are you wanting to say something?” He reached across to Ellen who leaned against the passenger’s side door. She swung out her arms at him. Arms that were bound together at the wrist. He reached to her mouth and removed the tape. “What is it?’

“Frank!” She screamed at him. “What the hell are you doing? Where are we!”

“I think Idaho. I’m not sure.”

“Idaho!” Ellen growled. “Why are we in Idaho?”

“You and I needed to get out of Beginnings for a little while. To get away from it. We need it. I needed to be alone with you.” He reached to touch her face and she turned her mouth to his hand and bit it. “Ow, why’d you do that?”

“Why am I tied up, Frank!” she shouted. “Why are my arms and legs tied up? Why did you tape my mouth?”

“First.” Frank held up his hand. “I had to tie you up, El, I didn’t want you to fight me on this. And I taped your mouth because I didn’t want to hear you bitch about it.”

“Bitch? Bitch!” Ellen went nuts screaming at him as loud as she could. “Oh you’re gonna hear me bitch, Frank. You kidnapped me you son of a bitch! You tied me up! Did it ever occur to you for one simple second you asshole, that had you asked me, I would have gone with you?”

“No.”

“Well I would have.”

“Oh.” Frank immediately looked forward and tapped his hand on the steering wheel. He closed his eyes in a cringe at Ellen’s loud mouth in the small cab of the truck.

“And don’t think for one second that I’m gonna be a happy person about this, Frank. I’m not! Prepare, Frank, prepare for me to yell at you for a very long time about this! I cannot believe you did this. Wait until you untie me! Wait! I’m gonna kill you, Frank. I am going to kill you!”

Frank’s mind buzzed and his head started to hurt, especially with Ellen yelling like she was. But Frank knew he was tired from the long drive and no sleep. And if he was too tired to unload the truck at that moment, he was too tired to hear any more bitching. Knowing Ellen, and knowing she would still have the same things to say even hours later, he figured he’d listen to her and deal with her after he had some rest. So Frank simply reached over to Ellen, took the piece of tape that dangled from her cheek, secured it again over her mouth, kissed her on the forehead, then leaned back in his driver’s seat and went to sleep.

^^^^^

FREEDOM FIGHT

Book Nine

August 26

When will it end? I’ve seen the silent victor that erased what used to exist. The rivalry of Cain and Abel between brothers ceased the moment we took on what the world has become beyond the wall of our home. We’ve faced challenges and seen the full circle of justice. The ripple of pain continues and my family faces once again, the bitterest of inner struggles. Pieces of us have broken off, yet we still stand strong. We have to. We’re family. And with all that has happened to our world, I am grateful I still have that. My family. I will fight for them and if need be, I would die for them.

Robbie Slagel

SCATTERED SOULS . . .

CHAPTER ONE

AUGUST 27

Chadron, Nebraska

With the spark of the just rising sun came the single, three-second blow of the bugle horn. A rumbling and vibration followed and then the charge. Over the crest and descending on to the camp of small, military style structures came a long line of horses, fifty in all. Mounted upon them were men wearing blue. Armed with rifles and swords, they rode down, firing out and stirring the sleeping enemies from their beds.

The soldiers stumbled out of their homes. Dazed and confused, yet ready to defend themselves, the first that tried were the first that failed. If they were not shot, they were beheaded in a sweep of the swift sword of justice delivered upon them. A victory sought by the men who charged was not a victory gained. Too many slumbered in the enemy camp, too many for them to take. The camp, though startled, was not ill prepared for what was cast to them. They revamped. They fought and a bloody battle entailed.

The men who charged rode in with a vengeance. They rode into the camp knowing that they would be out numbered, knowing a defeat would be imminent. But they rode in knowing they would not go down without making an impact.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

A loud, long, yawn came from Joe Slagel as he ran his hand over his just shaved face. He stared at his reflection in his bathroom mirror, sniffled, and rubbed his watering eyes. He was tired. He shouldn’t have been tired. In fact, Joe wouldn’t have been tired had it not been for his middle of the night visitors. Awakened at four in the morning to be told by a brilliant scientist there was a frightening possibility that a Benedict Arnold lived amongst them, was one thing, but that wasn’t what stirred Joe from his slumber. Henry Kusakari did. Not only did Henry wake him, ramble rapidly and ridiculously about something absurd, tote Joe’s three month old grandson about, but Henry also sarcastically insulted his favorite pajamas. That placed Joe in what he liked to call, a ‘piss-poor’ mood. Not to mention, that fact steered Joe’s mind off where it should be, on Dr. Dean Hayes’ a traitor amongst us theory.

The day had to get better. It wasn’t even six in the morning. Of course, that thought quickly flew from Joe’s mind the second he stepped into his living room.

“Oh boy.” Joe blew slowly from his mouth as he walked to his dining room. He could hear his wife, Andrea, humming some song in the kitchen while clanging pans. Two of his four grandchildren, Alexandra and Joey, were wake and rambunctious. Nick, his three month old grandson, screamed his loudest, and his middle of night visitors sat at his dining room table, sipping on coffee, and making themselves at home. “Christ Almighty, don’t you two have somewhere else to be?” Joe looked at Henry and Dean then walked through the dining room and into the kitchen, immediately reaching for the coffee.

“Good morning!” Andrea sang the words, kissed Joe on the cheek and resumed her cooking. “Breakfast will be ready shortly.”

Joe grumbled, grabbed his coffee, and walked to his dining room table. He plopped down in his seat, grabbed a cigarette, and lit up. It was after he slowly let out that first hit and brought his head down to his coffee that he saw Dean staring at him. “What?”

Dean’s small framed body leaned back in the chair. His dark blonde hair was messy from running his fingers through it so many times. “That is a sure sign of addiction,” Dean pointed at Joe, “Having to smoke first thing in the morning.”

After wincing at Nick’s loud wail, Joe shook his head in disgust. “Is that one of your own brilliant deductions, Dean? Or is that something you learned in college? Christ, I would think the fact that I smoke all the time ought to be indication enough of addiction.”

“Did you ever think of quitting?” Dean asked.

“No,” Joe said shortly. He tried to resume drinking his coffee but snapped his views to Henry. “Henry? Can’t you do anything about that baby? Why is he crying so much?”

“I don’t know, Joe.” Henry tried bouncing the baby. “He’s probably upset because Frank kidnapped Ellen.”

Joe and Dean both moaned and rolled their eyes at the same time.

“I’m serious,” Henry complained. “I know you don’t believe me.”

“We believe you, Henry,” Joe told him. “We just think you exaggerate. Give me that baby.” Joe reached out for Nick, toke him in his arms, and stood.

“Ow, Joe.” Henry followed with a tilted head. “Ow, hair. He’s got my hair.”

“Christ.” Joe, with a cigarette still in his mouth, joggled the baby while removing the tiny fingers that were intertwined within Henry’s long black mane.

“Oh my God!” Henry exclaimed. “You’re gonna burn my baby.”

“Well he won’t scream any worse if I do.” Joe took the cigarette from his mouth and set it down in the ashtray. “Satisfied?” He turned and he saw Dean reaching to put it out. “Don’t.” Joe pointed at Dean. “Don’t.”

Dean tossed his hands up in the air.

Andrea emerged from the kitchen holding a large plate of pancakes. “Alex, Joey!” she called the kids. “Joseph, sit down and have your breakfast before it gets cold.”

Holding Nick, Joe sat down with the crying baby. He reached for the plate of pancakes, broke off a small piece, and shoved it in Nick’s mouth. Nick shut up.

“Joe,” Dean spoke with a scold. “You really shouldn’t be feeding that baby solid food like that.”

“Dean.”

“What?”

“Shut up.”

Humming and giggling, Andrea came back out of the kitchen. She handed Joe a bottle for Nick. “Here you go.”

“Thanks.” Joe extended the baby and bottle to Henry.

“No, that’s O.K.” Henry waved his hands about. “You can feed him.”

“Henry, take your baby.”

“I’d really rather not, Joe.”

“Henry, I’d like to smoke my cigarette, drink my coffee, and eat my breakfast in my house. Now take your son!”

“Oh, all right.” Reluctantly Henry took Nick.

Joe grunted as he ran his hand down his face. “Why are you two still here anyhow?”

Dean placed a pancake on a plate and handed the plate to Alexandra. “Andrea said she’d make us breakfast.”

“Andrea!” Joe called her. “Why are you making these men breakfast? They can feed themselves.”

“Of course they can,” Andrea spoke pacifying as she walked through the dining room, holding a mug and a plate of pancakes. She stood by the front door.

Joe watched her with oddness. “What the hell is she doing?”

As soon as Joe said that, his front door opened.

Robbie Slagel walked in wearing a bright white tee shirt and dark green military style pants. He took the plate and mug from Andrea. “Thanks, Andrea.” After darting a kiss to Andrea’s cheek, he lifted his views to the dining room. “Morning, Dad. Dean. Henry.” Robbie grinned, turned, and walked back out of the house.

Andrea shut the door with a snicker. “Isn’t he just so handsome in uniform?”

Joe tossed his hands in the air. “Why is he up and about this early?”

Henry had the answer. “Probably doing Frank’s work since Frank is no longer here because he kidnapped Ellen.”

Before Joe could verbally blast Henry, Dean interjected. “Henry, Frank did not take Ellen anywhere. Quit it. You are way too paranoid.”

“Fine. Fine.” Henry gave up. “But we’ll see how paranoid you get when you find out I’m right. Not to mention how pissed off you will be.”

“Yeah, I’ll be pissed, but I’m not worrying about it Henry. Frank did not kidnap Ellen. He wouldn’t do that.” Dean paused in bringing food to his mouth, “O.K., he would do that, but he didn’t. I’m sure of it. There’s too much going on.”

Joe agreed. “Listen to Dean, Henry. He is absolutely . . .” Joe stopped talking when Andrea, so carefree, sat down at the table. In her own world she still hummed, placed a napkin over her lap, and dished herself some pancakes. “Andrea, why did you stand at the door with breakfast for my son?”

“He was hungry. He has to eat, Joe. He’s a growing boy.”

“He’s thirty-three years old, Andrea. He stopped growing fifteen years ago.”

“Still.” Andrea made herself comfortable, turned to check on Alexandra and Joey who were eating in the living room, then returned to her own plate.

“Still?” Joe questioned. “Andrea, did he say why he was up at six? I usually have to drag his ass out of bed at eight.”

“He’s filling in for Frank as head of Security,” Andrea said as she ate.

“See, Joe!” Henry stated loudly. “See.”

“No, Henry, I don’t see.” Joe spoke perturbed. “Granted my son probably is off somewhere with Ellen for the day, but he’s off somewhere in Beginnings. This is a big place. But he did not kidnap her so knock it off.”

^^^^

Fife Lake - Saskatchewan, Canada

“Knock it off!” Frank stopped cold in his walk to the small trailer house and spun around. His dark eyes glared, he dropped the bag he carried, and ran his hand down his face and across his goatee in total frustration. “Throw one more fuckin thing at me, Ellen, and I’m tying you back up!”

“I want to go home!” Ellen yelled at him.

“Well, you’re not going home. Deal with it.” Frank grunted, picked up the bag, and started walking again. Four steps into his second trip to the trailer, he felt the familiar pain hit his head when Ellen beamed him with another stone. “That’s it.” Frank dropped the bag and charged to her.

Ellen backed up, bumping into the side of the pickup truck. “Don’t you dare!” she screamed at him. “Don’t you dare even think about tying me up again. Ten hours, Frank, ten hours I spent tied up.”

“I wouldn’t have to tie you up if you would just stop fighting with me.” Frank stood toe to toe with her.

“What the hell do you want me to do? You kidnapped me!”

“I did not kidnap you.”

“Oh no?” Ellen folded her arms. “Then what the hell do you call knocking someone out, tying them up, and taking them from their home? Asshole!” She careened her foot down hard onto his.

Frank bit his bottom lip, grumbled a scream, stepped back, and slammed his hand hard on the truck. “Get in the truck.”

“What?”

“I said get in the truck!” He blasted her vocally as loudly as he could. “Now!”

Ellen stumbled as she hurried in the truck.

Frank slammed the door shut fiercely and stormed back to the cabin. He came out with three bags and a box. He stopped on his way to the truck, awkwardly hoisted the bag on the ground over his shoulder and carried everything to the pickup, and dumped it in the back. The air of angriness followed him into the cab of the truck as he started it, tossed it in gear, and screeched the vehicle backwards.

Ellen stayed near her door. “Where are we going?”

“Home!” Frank began to drive fanatically.

“You’ve lost your mind. I know it.”

“Yeah, I’ve lost my mind. I lost it when I lost my son, El. Our son. All I wanted was to take some time alone with you, time alone I don’t get at home. I wanted to get as far away from the fuckin pain as possible. just for a little bit. Just with you.” The truck bounced over the rough road, while Frank shifted gears with a grind.  “I went about it the wrong way! I’m sorry! I wasn’t thinking right! How can I when all I fuckin think about . . .” Frank pounded his hand against the steering wheel. He was silent for a second and then his loud tone dropped. “. . . is Brian.”

“Stop the truck.”

“No.”

“Stop the truck!”

Frank brought the truck to a violent halt. Ellen flopped around. “What?”

“How long?”

“How long, what?”

“How long . . . how long were you thinking of being out here?”

“Not long.” Frank’s hand dangled over the steering wheel. “I brought supplies for a week.”

Ellen let out a long breath and sat back. “Here’s the deal. You take me back, closer to home, back in our own country and I’ll be your hostage for a few days.”

“No.” Frank started to drive again.

“No?”

“No.” Frank reiterated. “You don’t want to do this so I’ll just take you home.”

“Frank, you started it out on the wrong foot. How did you expect me to react?”

“Nicer.”

“Nicer?” Ellen shook her head with a laugh. “How much nicer to you want me to be? I’m offering to stay out of Beginnings with you for a couple days. And mind you, this is after you bound and gagged me.”

Frank stared forward as he drove. His jaw twitched slightly. His voice had a calm-bitterness to it. “How close to home?”

“Close enough that if we run into trouble it wouldn’t take them long to fly to us but far enough away that there are no reminders.”

Frank shifted his eyes to her. “Can we . . . can we at least talk during the ride there? Talk without fighting?”

“Yes.”

“About anything?” Frank asked.

“Anything.”

Frank’s eyes took on a sad look. He sniffed once then sat back in a more relaxed driving position. He shifted gears, leaned over to her, and kissed Ellen on the cheek. “Thanks.”

^^^^

Chadron, Nebraska

A makeshift patch was sewn onto the left sleeve of his blue uniform. The letters, ‘UWA’ graced the patch. The twenty-some year old soldier slumped tied in the chair. He fought to keep his head up. His face showed the evidence of a beating he took. Of the fifty that charged into the camp, ten made an unscathed escape, and three were captured. He was one of the three.

“Where?” Todd Masters, tall and thin, wearing a light green military uniform, walked around him. He too wore a patch. His patch held the intertwined ‘C’ and ‘S’. Caceres Society, to those who knew. “Where?”

The prisoner mumbled as he spoke, rambling the same thing over and over. “. . . and for the alliance in which I stand. I will fight for my God, for my home, for my land, and for my brothers who have lost their lives . . .”

Todd shook his head and moved away. He picked up a radio knowing he could only call out. The place he was calling had long been since discovered. It no longer was a secret. “It’s me. I need to speak to him,” Todd spoke into the radio, looking back at the prisoner who still rambled.

“ . . . I will defend with my honor and soul, all that I believe in I will fight for the freedom under which we all should live.”

“He’s not speaking. or at least anything of value.” Todd said. “We suffered a lot of losses. We may need to know what else is out there. Should I hold off and question him later? Right now all he’s saying is nonsense.”

George Hadley was silent on the other end of the radio, but only for a moment. “No. You have two more . . . shoot him.”

Todd disconnected the call and moved closer to the man in the chair. He pulled out a revolver and aimed it directly and closely at the prisoner’s head.

The prisoner did not look at him. He merely stared forward and sat up straight. A look of bravery took over him “I pledge allegiance to my country and for the alliance in which I stand. I will fight for my God, for my home and for my . . .”

One single gunshot with a raining explosion of blood and then there was silence.

CHAPTER TWO

Beginnings, Montana

In Robbie’s choice not to use the road to its full extent, the jeep bounced high in the air as he took what he liked to call his short cut across the foliage to the security training area. One hand on the steering wheel, the other on the gear shift, he drove like Frank, fast and mindless. Then again, Robbie was filling in for him. “What was that?” Robbie closed one eye and held the ear piece to his headset tightly to his ear. “Repeat.”

Mark’s voice would not have broken up if Robbie wouldn’t have had the jeep jumping all over the place. “We . . .eve . . . gal . . .um . . . co . . .its . . .go . . .”

“Hold it. Let me get to the road.” There was a bump and silence as he drove. “Go on.”

Mark huffed and for the fourth time he repeated what he had been trying to tell Robbie. “We received a signal. It came from Quantico a few minutes ago.”

“Any idea who was contacting or where?” Robbie asked as he drove.

“Negative. Thirty second radio relay to home base.”

“O.K., keep me posted, but I don’t think they’ll radio their men back.”

“Got it.” Mark ended the call.

Robbie seemed unfazed. Calls to George’s base in Quantico had occurred frequently since their whereabouts was discovered a few days earlier. Whereabouts that George knew, along with Beginnings, were too big to be touched.

“Robbie, come in,” Joe called him. “Where are you?”

“Check my schedule. I left it on your desk, Chief.”

“I’m not at my desk. I’m filling in at the bakery.”

“Cool.”

“No it’s not cool. I’m stuck with Josephine.”

“Oh yeah? Is she grabbing your butt yet?” Robbie snickered as he drove.

“Robert,” Joe scolded. “Just tell me when you can check in with me?”

“What’s up?”

“A few things. When?”

Robbie paused to think. “I’m near training now. I wanna check on things there. After that, I have to finish rounds and then I’m off to tracking. How about when I finish tracking?”

“How about after training?”

“Whatever you say, Chief.”

The sound of Joe groaning was heard and then a hiss of the dead air.

Robbie shrugged it off as he always did. He realized as he drove that he was on what he and Frank liked to call that ‘stupid winding road’. Using the basic geometry notion that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, Robbie drove off the road. It was a Slagel thinking thing; no matter how rough a ride, shorter was always better.

^^^^

Slowly, while sipping from his coffee mug, triumphantly without spillage, Dean moved about the cryo-lab and back to his seat. Opening a huge thick folder, he heard the ‘ready’ beep of the second computer and blindly extended his arm, hit a key, and listened for the printer to begin. He winced a little at the squeaking sound of the old printer. He thought of the requisition he filled out to have it fixed when he realized that he would be working again in the cryo-lab, a requisition that still sat on the counter. Of course it was Dean’s first day back to the cryo-lab and he still hadn’t unpacked the equipment he brought from the mobile. For that, he could wait for Ellen. What he needed for work was all right there with him.

The squeak of the printer irritated him, but not as much as when he glanced down at his watch and saw the time. Why was Ellen so late? Maybe Frank did sneak her off to a secluded sector of Beginnings. Dean would definitely ream him out over that, but both Frank and Ellen should have returned to work. Again Dean looked at his watch. ‘Ellen, come on. We have work!’ He scolded in his mind.

The buzzing of the cryo-door brought a smile from Dean until he turned around and saw it wasn’t Ellen.

Johnny Slagel stopped in his swaying stride entrance to the lab. He was a mirror image of his father Frank, with the exception that he wasn’t quite as big. He raised an eyebrow and glanced behind him with an odd look when he saw the stare Dean gave him. He shrugged and continued in his walk in. “Hey, Dr. Dean. I brought you those files and samples from the lab. Check this out.” Johnny laid a specimen tray on the counter.  “Seventeen cases of viral pneumonia. I collected some sputum specimens. Jason needs you to confirm. He says remnants of the plague are wreaking their effects. Whatever.” He shuffled through the files. “He says it sounds like a TB clinic in the clinic, and he wants to know where is that last batch of expectorant you whipped up. If there isn’t any . . .”

“Where the hell is Ellen?” Dean snapped.

“I don’t know. Anyhow, he says if there isn’t any, can you please . . . and he did use the word please, make some more? Of course that’s after you’ve played with the seventeen samples of phlegm.” Johnny let out a long breath. He said what he had to say and then he stared at a quiet Dean. “What’s wrong?”

“Do you know where she is?” Dean asked.

“Who?”

“Ellen.”

“No, why? You don’t?”

“I thought I did.”

“If I see her I’ll tell her you’re looking for her. But . . . I have to go.” Johnny backed up. “Just wanted to leave those for you on my way to the . . . hey, this rec for the printer,  do you want me to drop it off at mechanics?”

“Yeah . . . Johnny?”

Johnny stopped and turned towards Dean.

“Henry thinks your father kidnapped Ellen from Beginnings. She’s not around. Do you think that’s possible? Do you think your father would do that?”

Johnny just laughed. “Henry’s half baked. No. With all the shit that’s happened, my father wouldn’t leave Beginnings. No way. If he has Ellen anywhere I’ll bet it’s up in that wooded section beyond the fields. We could look for days for them there.”

“You really think?”

“I know my dad. The last thing he would do is take Ellen outside our walls where he knows it’s nowhere near safe.”

“Thanks, Johnny.”

“No problem.” Johnny proceeded to leave the cryo lab.

Dean stood from his seat and walked to the work that Johnny left for him. He slid it closer then looked at his watch again. “Frank, you’ve got until this afternoon to bring her back,” Dean spoke to himself, “then I’m coming up there and getting her myself.”

^^^^

Their unison counting carried to Robbie and, like a familiar scent or song, it took him back to his Army days. He pulled up to the training area. A place that used to be one square mile of land used for shooting and maneuvers was now built as something more. A barrack style building had been erected quickly and another one was in the process of being built courtesy if the new building crew or rather the twenty-seven defectors from the Caceres Society Army. They lived there and now trained there with the other fifty-four Beginnings men who worked security, both full time and reserve. Right there, in the morning hours of Beginnings, not a single one of them were building. Forty men, all the new additions, lined up four rows of ten. Dan called out as he slowly paced in front of them, barking out orders like a drill sergeant, and leading them in calisthenics before they would move on to other maneuvers for the day. Training.

Robbie stepped from the jeep, walked in front of it, leaned against the hood, and lit a cigarette. He watched them perform part of the training schedule Frank had set up. Frank planned their day from sun up till sun down. Every security person in Beginnings would train. If they held other divisional jobs, a time of training would be allotted for them. Gazing out at them, Robbie’s mind moved back to just a few days earlier when they realized how massive of a force they were up against. A simple meeting was held in Joe’s office. It made Robbie laugh because when was there ever a simple meeting in Joe’s office . . .

“Total structuring,” Joe stated to Frank and Robbie who sat across from his desk. “Frank, you have twenty-seven new guys, twelve SUTs, and seven coming from containment. Start with this crew for your new structuring.”

“I structure,” Frank said defensively. “I train my guys good.”

“Yeah, I know this, but you heard what Jess said. He was there. The society runs like the old world army and that’s what I want from Beginnings. This may end up bigger than just defending Beginnings and you know it.”

“So Dad,” Robbie interjected, “we’re gonna need more men. Have you given any thought to my suggestion?”

“What suggestion?” Frank asked. “If this is security, I need to know.”

Joe waved his hand to Frank. “Robbie made a suggestion and yes, I thought about it. I’ll speak to Henry and Danny today about making more of those Auralnator things. I think that’s the best way to go. Frank, I want you and Robbie to start training our men for Robbie’s . . .” Joe cringed, “four ‘S’ Plan.”

Frank looked curiously at Robbie.

“Sneak, squeeze, and seize the SUTs,” Robbie explained.

Frank nodded with a closed mouth approval look. “Excellent. O.K., so, structuring. You want strict military like the old days?”

“Yes.” Joe nodded. “Breed some pride and respect. Not that our men don’t have it, but there was nothing like the old days when a military man defended his home.”

“Got it,” Frank said. “Are we reestablishing ranks?”

“It’s up to you,” Joe answered.

Frank looked at Robbie. “I’m game.”

“So am I,” Robbie said, “as long as you don’t make yourself a general.”

“Now why would you say that?” Frank snapped at him. “Why would I make myself a general? I hated officers.”

“O.K. then make me a general.”

“No way. Whatever I make myself, I will outrank you.”

“Why do you have to outrank me?” Robbie argued.

“Because I’m older and I run security.”

“You just want me to have to salute you.”

“You better believe it, little brother.”

“Here’s my salute.” Robbie shot Frank the middle finger.

“Oh nice, very nice.” Frank held out his hand. “See Dad.”

Joe huffed as he ran his hand down his face. “Does this have to be decided now?”

Both Frank and Robbie answered, ‘Yes.’

“Tell you what,” Joe stated with irritation. “I’ll decide who is ranked what. No officer structure. Deal? We don’t  want Dean coming in here thinking he has an ‘in’ because he outranked the both of you in the old world. It will be enlisted man ranking with . . . Frank being the highest ranked enlisted man.”

“Oh yes!” Frank clenched his fist.

“That sucks.”

“Robert,” Joe stated strongly, “experience dictates. You’re second. Frank, set it up from there on.”

“Got it,” Frank agreed. “What about you, Dad? Hey wait, I know. Robbie, he’s the Commander in Chief.”

“That’s too long to say,” Robbie argued. “We could call him. C.O.C.”

Frank looked serious then he snickered.

“What?” Robbie asked.

“You want to call Dad a cock?”

“No, that’s not what I . . .” Robbie shifted his eyes to Joe then laughed.

“Don’t even think about it. And it’s C I C you moron. Who the hell taught you to spell.” Joe pointed. “Just put this plan in motion, the both of you, and make it work. Make it work fast.”

. . . Robbie smiled one more time at that thought as he tossed his cigarette. He lifted himself from his lean on the jeep and walked closer to the training men. It was a plan still in motion, but it was moving fast, just like his father had requested.

^^^^

Scott was the inside mechanics man. He was the one, and always had been, who stayed behind and fixed the smaller things people dropped off.  Henry, John Matoose, Robbie, and now Danny Hoi were the ones who moved about the community. Not going about the community suited Scott fine. He was never a people person and still wasn’t, even though there weren’t that many people left to have to be a people person. When anyone in Beginnings would drop things off, he’d rush them out, acting all busy. Some never got his hints. Those few were always women. Jenny always had a problem that no one else could fix. Trish always had the problem that needed to be fixed right then and there, and Andrea could never leave without sharing a story. Ellen couldn’t leave without bitching and Josephine wouldn’t leave unless she made some sort of sexual advance. Scott always felt he had the built in people detector radar. Robbie kidded with him often that they should hang him from a tree instead of Danny’s tracking devices because Scott could sense someone approaching long before they got there. Of course that only applied to the time he worked in mechanics. His senses also kicked in when Henry neared mechanics but didn’t zoom in on the other person with Henry. His ears beat his senses to the punch when he heard a baby’s cry, loud, long, hysterical, and drawing closer and closer. Scott cringed.

Henry walked in, bringing a screaming Nick strapped inside a knapsack on his back. “Hey Scott.” Henry looked more frazzled then he did in the morning. He dropped his tool bag and grabbed the requisitions from the ‘In’ bin.

“Henry? Why isn’t Nick in the nursery?”

“Hap kicked him out. He hates my kid. He says he’s too fussy and I’m not to bring him back for two hours.”

“Maybe he’s sick. Did you take him to see Dean?”

Henry’s eye lit up. “You know what? I will. Good idea.”

“Sounds like he’s teething, ” Scott commented.

“So why is crying? He should be happy. I know I would want to have teeth instead of just those gums. He probably just misses his mom.”

Scott looked at Henry, laughing. “Ellen? I can’t recall ever seeing her with Nick.”

“O.K., he probably misses Frank. Frank kidnapped Ellen, you know.”

“Yeah, yeah, I heard it all from you this morning.” Scott rolled his eyes. “Can’t you shut him up?” Scott asked as he held his ear closed. “Feed him or something.”

“He won’t eat for me. I think he likes to cry to hear himself.”

At that second, the mechanics door opened and Danny Hoi walked in. He immediately started laughing. “Oh my God, Henry. I bet you were exactly like that when you were a baby, whining all the time.”

“Very funny.” Henry resumed looking at his requisitions.

Danny dropped a pile of papers on the counter. “These are done.” He walked behind Henry and grabbed Nick from the knapsack. Nick stopped crying. “There, that’s better. For as wiry as your dad is, I wouldn’t want to be strapped to his back either.”

Henry looked up and about. “Hey, Nick stopped crying.” Henry seemed surprised, especially when he looked and saw Danny was holding the baby. “Danny, good job. Thanks.”

“He needed to be held. You know what?” Danny asked.

“Huh?” Henry reviewed the orders from the work Danny did. “Excellent job getting these done so quickly.”

“Thanks. Anyway, I think you should let me have this kid,” Danny joked. “He looks more like me than you anyhow.”

“O.K.,” Henry said and set down the work orders, “but just until Frank gets back because Frank likes him.”

“Henry, I’m kidding.”

“Aw.” Henry whined. “You shouldn’t do that Danny on such serious issues.”

“Don’t you want your kid?”

“Not when he’s crying.”

Danny laughed. “Then you must never want your kid, because anytime I ever see him with you, he’s crying. What is up with your hair today?”

Henry ran his hands through it. “Oh, I’m just frazzled.”

Scott heard Henry’s response and he immediately looked at Danny, giving him a warning not question Henry any further.

Danny wasn’t paying attention. “Why are you frazzled? We did all the work.”

“Ha, ha, ha. Funny. No. In case you didn’t hear, Frank kidnapped Ellen.”

Scott’s hands slammed down on the table. “And for those of us who did hear it a million times, we now have to hear it again.”

“You’re kidding. Frank kidnapped Ellen?” Danny asked.

“Yep. He took her right from Beginnings, left a note and everything,” Henry explained.

“How is something like that dealt with around here?” Danny questioned. “I mean, when Frank gets back, do they let him back in. What?”

“They’ll let him back in, but I’m sure Joe will yell at him really badly,” Henry nodded, “And Dean is going to be so pissed off when he finds out.”

“Dean doesn’t know?”

“He doesn’t realize it’s true. I told him. He thinks I’m crazy but I know Frank took her. They all think he has her somewhere on Beginnings property. I know better because I know Frank.” Henry took a stack of orders over to the file cabinet and laid them on top.

“Since you have to watch your own kid now, does this mean I have to find someone else to help me build more Auralnators?”

“No,” Henry answered, “I’ll find someone to help out with him. In fact, I’ll speak to Joe during our meeting this afternoon.” Henry looked as his watch. “Speaking of which . . . I’d better hurry up and look at perimeter twelve ahead of time. I know Joe will ask about it.” Henry hurried and lifted his tool bag. “See you guys.” He darted out the door.

“Henry. You forgot . . .” Danny held his hand out then dropped it when he saw Henry was gone. Danny looked at Nick in his arms, “…your kid.”

Scott snickered. “He did the exact same thing to me this morning.”

“What am I supposed to do with him? I can’t just . . .” A bright smile hit Danny.

“What? What’s that look for?”

Danny nodded his head. “I’ve got a great idea.” He moved to the door with Nick. “It’s time to put Henry’s true paternal instincts to test. See ya.” Danny left with Nick.

Scott shook his head and returned to his work. “Test Henry’s paternal instinct?” Scott chuckled, “He’ll fail.”

^^^^

Opheim, Montana

Ellen huffed. Her arms were folded to her as she stood outside with Frank. He faced one way over a small hill. She faced the opposite way yet they stood close enough their arms almost touched. She peered at the truck twenty feet away and huffed once more.

“Enough,” Frank told her.

“Frank.” Ellen tapped her fingers anxiously. “Do you think you could take any longer?”

“I wouldn’t take this long if you weren’t breathing down my neck.”

“I can’t even reach your neck.” She tilted her head back and peeked at him. “You didn’t even go.”

“How can I go when you keep watching me?”

“Why did we even pull over?”

“I told you I had to go.”

“But you haven’t.”

“That’s because you keep telling me to hurry up.”

Ellen let out a disgruntled breath. “You would think after twenty years you wouldn’t have a problem peeing in front of me.”

“I don’t have a problem peeing in front of you. I have a problem starting when you keep fuckin watching.”

“Then I’ll stand by the truck.”

“Don’t stand by the truck. I want you by me in case there’s trouble.”

Ellen tossed her hands in the air. “Frank, you either have me stand here, telling you to go, or I stand by the truck to let you go in peace. Either way… GO!”

“All right! I’m going.”

“Thank God.” Ellen exhaled and shifted her weight. “You make me stand by you.” She shifted her weight to the other side. “How in the world are you supposed to protect me while you go to the bathroom?”

“Ellen, shut up.”

“What are you gonna do, Frank, hose them down?”

“El, be quiet.”

“Why are you talking to me like that?” Ellen bitched. “Would you please finish. This isn’t a marathon. I’d like to . . .”

“Ellen!” Frank zipped up.

“No, I’d like to get going.”

“I’m done! Now will you shut your fuckin mouth?”

“Fuck you, Frank. I can’t believe you are taking . . .” Ellen shut up when she saw Frank reach into his shoulder harness for his revolver and pull it out. He spun to her, stepped back, and lifted it.

“What are you gonna do. Shoot me?”

“Duck.” Frank laid his hand on her head, shoved her down, extended his revolver, and fired a shot. There was a grunt, followed by a thump.

Ellen screamed, spun to look, and saw what looked like a savage lying not three feet from her. His forehead was now missing from Frank’s shot. “Shit.”

“Where’s there’s one, there’s more.” Frank helped her to her feet and spoke calmly. He checked his clip. “Stay behind me. Hold onto my waist and whatever you do, don’t let go.” He began to move with her.

“Should we run to the truck?”

“No, move with me. With savages, I take no chance. Just stay ready. Don’t be surprised if . . .” A loud hooting, the traditional cry of war from the savages began. “. . . that happens. Fuck.”

One came from the left, two from the right, and another jumped up on the truck. Frank fired straight ahead. It hit the savage on the truck and sailed him backwards. He turned to his right and aimed. A spear came flying at him with a high pitch whistle. Like a batter waiting for his pitch, Frank swung the hand that held the gun and knocked the spear to the side. He rose up again, shot twice, and hit them both. Then he shifted to his right.

The last savage leaped forth as if he were an attack dog. Frank looked more perturbed than anything else, seeing the thin, smaller man lunge for him. Frank merely clenched his fist, grunted in anger, and delivered a hard blow to the savage, just as he neared within inches. The savage’s eyes rolled, his body spun quickly the other way, and then dropped to the ground. Frank reached down with Ellen, still holding her tightly. He lifted the still breathing savage by his hair, braced him, and with a quick jolt of his head, Frank broke the savage’s neck.

Ellen’s face was buried so deeply into Frank’s back, her nose actually hurt. Slowly she lifted her head. “Is it safe?”

“Did you think it wouldn’t be?”

“Oh listen to how cocky you are. See! See, Frank, this is why we shouldn’t be out here.”

Frank took Ellen by the arm and led her back to the truck. “No, this is exactly why we should be out here.”

“What? So we can be killed.”

“No, so we can stay busy.”

Ellen laughed in ridicule as they arrived at the truck. “You are not Indiana Jones, Frank. Life isn’t just one big adventure. You can’t swing in on a rope and save . . . O.K. maybe you can. But you can’t jump in . . . well, you do that too.” Ellen got in the truck and Frank stayed at the door. staring at her with one raised eyebrow. “What if a group of . . .eh, you could.”

“Your point?”

“My point is . . .” Ellen paused to think. “My point is we aren’t stopping any more. No more. Let’s just get going.”

Frank smiled and closed the truck door. He walked over to his side, got in, shut his door, grabbed Ellen, and kissed her hard and long. He pulled back with a slight moan, kissed her quickly again, then started the truck. He grinned at her. “Having fun yet?”

“There is just something wrong with you.”

Frank gave a chuckle, shifted gears, pulled away.

Ellen brought her hands to her lips as the truck started to move. She slowly and silently let out the frightened breath she held. She hid her fright from Frank, but the fact remained, whether Ellen was with the safest person she could be with or not, she had just been scared. Though it didn’t seem to faze Frank, they were beyond the walls of their home and Ellen wondered what else could be waiting for them out there.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

The house next to Henry’s used to be where Andrea lived, three doors up from Dean, first row of houses in the living section. Now that house, so nice and feminine, belonged to Robbie. He wanted to make a stop there after watching training and before going to see Joe. He walked from the house with Jess Boyen, a Caceres Society defector, now a full fledge Beginnings resident who sported a security uniform. Jess was the man who had led the defection. The knowledge he knew of the society and their works, he shared with Beginnings. That, along with his twelve years in the Canadian Army Special Forces division, pretty much shooed him into the security position Frank had assigned him.

Jess stood nearly as tall as Robbie but had a slightly thinner build. Though he was four years older than Robbie, he looked much younger, because he just didn’t look as rugged and worn. Short, cropped, wavy blonde hair, Jess was what the women in Beginnings described as ‘the guy who could give Blake the soap opera god a run for his money’.

“Robbie, I appreciate this,” Jess spoke in his soft and slightly Canadian accented voice.

“I needed a roommate. In Beginnings, unless you’re Josephine or you win the single dwelling structure lottery, you’re out. You have to share. Hey, I figured since we hit it off right away and you’re in security, you’d be the man.”

“I don’t think you’ll find me too difficult.”

“I don’t either. I usually know which people I click with right away and I clicked with you. Besides, Frank put you on night and evening shifts, walking the living sections so how much will we see each other? Of course, I lived with my father forever, so I can live with anyone.”

Jess laughed as they walked. “O.K. So you’re headed back to work?”

“I’m head of security now.” Robbie lifted his shoulders. “But I have to be careful I don’t show my brother up. He’s getting old and he’s starting to suck at it. Then again, man,  I do have to work a lot now.”

Jess shook his head with a smile. “I’m checking out the different distribution areas, you know, see how they run. Do we need anything at the house?”

“Like what?”

“Like food or are we good on our share this week?”

Robbie paused in his walking. He blew with a flutter of his lips, raised his eyebrows, while he scratched his head. “I don’t think I ever went to distribution for food my entire time in Beginnings. No wait, I’m lying. I got milk for El. I guess my Dad took care of that so I never thought about it.” He shrugged and started walking again.

“What about now since you lived alone?”

“Andrea feeds me.”

“Then I’ll just let distribution be one of my responsibilities in the house because I don’t think Andrea will feed me too,” Jess said.

“She might. You never know. She gets pretty loopy.” They had reached the edge of town. “This is where we part ways. I have to see my dad. I should have been there an hour . . . or more . . . ago. See ya’ later.” Robbie gave a swift pat to Jess’ arm as he moved a little faster to center town.

^^^^

In the small school yard, Dean walked hand in hand with Alexandra towards the school. Jenny Matoose was out front, gathering the kids into the building.

Jenny stepped closer to Dean. She folded her arms and tilted her head with a smile. “All better?” She asked.

“We’re better.” Dean released Alexandra’s hand.

“I’m sorry we bothered you. I was too busy with the art project.”

“Not a problem. I was getting ready to take a break anyhow. I’m just sorry this happened again.”

Jenny smiled as she looked down at Alexandra. “We’re girls, Dean. We do that sort of thing. Then, again, I blame myself. I saw her doing the wiggle dance that Ellen does and I should have known an accident would ensue.” Jenny took a deep breath. “Alex, can you go into the school. Forrest is reading. I want to speak to Daddy.”

“O.K.” Alexandra waved, smiled at Dean, and darted in.

“What’s up?” Dean asked.

“I heard a rumor and I wanted you to confirm or deny.”

“The ‘Ellen’s been kidnapped’ rumor?”

“Yes.”

“I’m really having hard time believing that Frank would take her,” Dean explained. “I mean, I know he’s having a hard time dealing with what happened with Brian. So am I. He just seemed content with the arrangement we had so why would he take her out of our walls, I just . . .”

“It sounds to me like you’re trying to convince yourself.” Jenny raised her eyebrows. “As eccentric as Henry is, I would really think about what he is saying. We know Frank. He pushes and pushes, and yes, he has this understanding with you. But if he needs Ellen more, Frank will just say . . .”

“Fuck you, Dean?”

“I was uh . . . gonna use a better word choice.” Jenny blushed.

“To say what Frank would say?” Dean gave a questioning look and Jenny agreed. “But how can I be sure, short of searching out this community?”

Jenny motioned her head to behind Dean. “It seems someone would have to know the details, especially if he is going to get up early and be the fill-in for head of security.”

Dean turned around to see Robbie waltzing across town. “Thanks, Jenny. My mind’s been so cluttered I didn’t think to ask him.” Dean hurried and raced after Robbie. “Robbie, wait up.”

Robbie slowed down and turned to Dean. “Hey, Dean, I’m on my way to see my dad. Wanna come? Josephine is there.”

“No. I need to speak to you for a minute.”

Robbie looked at his watch. “Go on.”

“Gee, thanks. Anyhow, answer me honestly. Did Frank kidnap Ellen?”

“No . . . well, not in a sense. He needed to get away from the house.”

“So do you know where they are?”

“Oh sure, at least the vicinity.”

“Great.” Dean let out a breath. “Is there any way you can get in touch with Ellen?”

“Dean, they won’t be gone long.”

“I know, I know, but she renamed the file for all of our respiratory ailment meds and I can’t find it. We have a lot of cases of pneumonia at the clinic.”

“Just for you,” Robbie laid his hands on Dean’s shoulders, “I’ll talk to them, but I have to go and your minute is up.”

“Thanks, Robbie.”

Arrogantly Robbie nodded, smiled, and moved to the bakery.

Dean watched him. “My minute was up?” He tossed his hands in the air. “He timed me?”

^^^^

There was something about visiting the bakery that made the stop for Robbie all worthwhile. Not only was the smell really great but so were the samples of the new fudge cookies. Of course Robbie had to worry since Joe was there helping out.

“It’s about goddamn time.” Joe came from the back. “I’m finished here and I’m moving on.”

“I wish you would have told me. There were other things I had to do.”

“Robert, I needed you for something. I have several meetings this afternoon and you’re the key to my preparations.”

“I know I’m great Dad, but I can’t do . . .”

“Robert.” Joe shook his head. “Don’t. Anyhow, I know you know where Frank is.”

“I do. Well, the general vicinity.”

“Good. I know he needs a little seclusion and alone time with Ellen. I understand that but I need those damn field slash security schedules for my meeting with Cole and I can’t find them. Any chance you can speak to Frank?”

“Oh yeah. I have to talk to Ellen for Dean. I’ll do that as soon as we’re done.”

“Good boy.” Joe squeezed Robbie’s arm and walked with him. “Is Frank planning on coming back tonight”

“Could be.” Robbie nodded. “But you know . . . ow!” Robbie jolted a foot in the air then stepped to his right.

Little old lady Josephine, white hair pulled tightly up, smiled and winked at Robbie as she passed between  him and Joe.

Robbie rubbed his rear end. “Did you enjoy that, Josephine?”

She snickered. “Very much,” her fragile voice answered.

“Tell me, am I still firm enough?” Robbie questioned so seriously.

“Always.” Josephine smiled and kept moving.

“Cool.”

“Robert,” Joe scolded and pulled Robbie with him.

“What? It’s important to know.”

Joe merely grumbled and walked from the bakery with Robbie.

^^^^

Dean sat in the ‘Joe park’, the area center town that was set up like a park. He ate a sandwich, and looked solemn and in thought. Henry hated to break that, but Henry had to speak to him, so as soon as Henry spotted Dean, he sped toward him. “Dean.”

Dean looked up and brushed the crumbs from his hands. “What’s up, Henry?”

“I have something very important to talk to you about.” Henry sat next to him on the small wall.

“Sure. What?”

“Um . . . I need to know if you think . . . If you . . . uh . . . shit.”

“What?”

Henry tossed his hands up. “I forgot.”

“Must have been a lie.”

“No it wasn’t. Why would you say that?” Henry asked.

“Henry, didn’t your mother ever tell you when you don’t remember what it is your supposed to tell someone then what you were going to say was a lie?”

“No. Did your mother tell you that?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, Dean, that’s terrible. Your mother shouldn’t have told you that. Imagine the complex you’ve carried around your whole entire life every time you forgot what you were going to tell someone.”

“Imagine.” Dean rolled his eyes.

“Anyhow, if I remember, I’ll stop by and ask you, but I’m sure it wasn’t a lie. Right now I have this overwhelming sensation that I’m forgetting something.”

“You are,” Dean said. “It’s what you had to ask me.”

“Nah, it’s something else. Geez, what is wrong with my memory today? I know what it is. It’s the Frank kidnapping Ellen thing.”

Dean shook his head with a smile, raised his head and peered out.

Henry noticed the smile dropped. “What’s wrong?” Henry gazed out to where Dean looked. “Oh, I’m out of here. Bye.”

Bev walked near them, waving her hand high and smiling.

Dean grabbed Henry’s arm as he stood. “You aren’t going anywhere. Sit.”

“Oh no, Dean, I can’t.”

“Face your sins, Henry. Besides, I like watching you squirm.”

Bev smiled an innocent smile as she neared the two men, an innocence she failed to have. She stopped before them as they sat. “Hot day.”

Henry just started to whistle, his feet tapped, and all he wanted to do was make his escape.

Dean was waiting for it, Bev to speak to Henry. But Dean didn’t get what he expected. Bev sat next to him. Dean’s views quickly jolted to her then to Henry who sighed and snickered. “Did you want something, Bev?” Dean tried to move when she sat so close to him her leg brushed against his, but Henry wouldn’t scoot over. Dean spoke to Henry through clenched teeth. “Move over.”

“Nope.”

“Dean,” Bev spoke softly. “I realize Frank has taken Ellen somewhere. That’s the rumor so I wanted you to know if you need any help with your family, or you just need anything at all . . .”  Bev laid her hand on his thigh, “call me. I know this is a rough time for you.” Her voice softened even more as her hand slid further up his thigh. “I can really help ease your mind.”

Dean chuckled, lifted her hand, and removed it from his leg. “No thanks. I have one rambunctious little girl at my house already. I don’t need another. What uh…what about Henry?”

“Henry knows my offer always stands.” Bev stood up. “And now, so do you.” She started to leave, stopped, looked back and smiled, then kept on walking.

Henry nudged hard into Dean. “That wasn’t very nice, Dean. I hate her. She ruined my life.”

“You ruined your life, Henry. No one made you get drunk that night and sleep with her on your couch. I wonder what she’s up to.”

“When the cats away, the mice will play. She probably just wants to get back at Ellen for burning her neck. But you know Dean, you should really consider taking her up on her offer.”

“What?” Dean spoke with such shock.

“Seriously, you could get lonely. You should let her, like she said, ease your mind.”

“What? Are you nut, Henry? She’s a child to me. Besides, why would you even suggest a thing that, especially knowing how Ellen feels? If I even let it remotely cross my mind, it could ruin what Ellen and . . . oh.” Dean started to laugh. “I get it.”

“What?”

“You want it to ruin Ellen and me. You want me to make the same mistakes you did.” Dean laughed and stood up. “Forget it.”

“No, Dean.” Henry followed. “Really, you could be very lonely and you have a chance not to be.”

“What about you, Henry?”

“I’m getting back with Ellen after her and Frank get married.”

“Henry.” Dean stopped walking. “Granted you and El live together, but you know that was only temporary during this hard time about Brian. She is moving back with me soon. Secondly, yeah, you have this special friendship back, but realistically, Ellen will never allow it to go back to where it was with you. You’ll never be that close again.”

“You think Frank is going to continue this understanding with you when he and Ellen get married?”

“Ellen won’t marry Frank.” Dean walked again. “Trust me, it will never happen.”

Dean walked off leaving Henry behind. Henry stood there watching, wondering which of them, was actually the one who wasn’t being realistic. Henry couldn’t let his mind dally there for very long. He had to finish his work and go to his meeting with Joe, but he also had to work on remembering what it was that he forgot.

^^^^

Former Quantico Marine Headquarters.

There was something fearful about George Hadley. Whenever he sat in his chair behind his desk in deep thought, it made those who worked alongside of him apprehensive about anything they had to tell him. But Jeremy Lyons couldn’t let that stop him. Although he knew he wasn’t bringing bad news, he was there at George’s request.

“You wanted to see me, sir?” Jeremy said as he entered the office.

George looked up from his thinking stare. “Yes, come in.”

Jeremy walked further in.

“What was the Chaldron loses today?”

“One ninety-two.”

“Any word from the other two prisoners they kept?”

“No sir,” Jeremy answered.

“All right, send out word when our divisions check in. I want ground troops out and about searching that side of the country. This was a planned attack and it obviously wasn’t from Beginnings.” George ran his hand down his face. “We have another force out there and it’s one I haven’t a clue about.”

“So I take it we’re searching for any leads that can tell us who this new force is?”

“Yes,” George answered. “Have our most western camps be base sights and bring in anyone who fits the standard militant description.. Question those they bring in but don’t waste time on them.”

“Sir, how will we get information from them if we don’t waste time on them?”

“Simple.” George leaned back. “You bring them in and question them. You tell them if they don’t give you any information regarding this new force, they will be shot by firing squad at sunup. If that doesn’t frighten the information from them, nothing else will.”

^^^^

Ft. Peck Lake

125 miles North - Beginnings

The second Frank stepped from the stopped truck, he knew. Ellen’s long whine carried to him. “What now, Ellen?” Frank walked to her.

“Here?” Ellen spun to him.

“You wanted to be close to home, but far away. This is perfect.” Frank said. “Secluded but near home. We have a lake.” Frank’s hand motioned to the lake in the distance.

“Yeah, but Frank. Here?”

“All right, I’ll be a masochist. What’s wrong with here?”

“This is the place,” Ellen took a step near the small log cabin, “the honey moon spot Joe used to authorize people to be allowed to leave Beginnings after they got married.”

“Yeah.” Frank moved closer to her. “It’s a great cabin. It hasn’t been  used for a couple years, but great. It won’t take much to go in there and clean it up.”

“Frank,” Ellen said his name in a whine, “You know who the last people here were, don’t you?”

“John and Jenny Matoose. So.”

“So,” She spoke long and drawn out, “They probably had sex in there. I can’t sleep in a bed that John and Jenny had sex on. I can’t.”

“We’ll put the sleeping bags over it.”

“Still, as soon as I lay there, I’ll think about it.”

“Ellen.” Frank tried to remain calm. “We won’t sleep in the bed, O.K.?”

“O.K.” Ellen took a breath. “I’ll help you carry the stuff in.”

“Thank you.” Frank walked back to the truck and Ellen followed.

“Do you suppose it’s dirty in there?”

“Yes.”

“Frank, I don’t know how much dirt that I can . . .”

“Ellen, can you try not to be such an Ellen and remember why we’re here? Please?” Frank reached into the back of the truck and handed her the sleeping bags. “Please? I’ll try to make the place as best as I can.”

“O.K.” Ellen waited for Frank to grab some things and she walked with him to the cabin. “Frank?”

Frank dropped everything and totally snapped. “What? What now, Ellen? What can you possible bitch about now? Get it out of the way. Get it over with!”

Ellen stared at him for a second. “Are you finished? Good.  I was just going to tell you I think that it’s going to end up be really nice for us.” She saw the expression drop on Frank’s face. “Feel bad now? Good, because you certainly have hurt my feelings.” Tossing her head back and throwing her nose up, Ellen walked ahead to the cabin. She was impressed with herself for turning the situation in her favor and she promised herself that the gripe she was going to say to Frank could actually wait until later.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

“Modular homes,” Danny stated to Joe with so much pride. “What do you think?”

“Modular homes?”

“Yes. They are prefabbed homes that basically come in two . . .”

“I know what modular homes are.” Joe took a moment to subside his frustration. “Why are you telling me about modular homes?”

“It’s the Beginnings wave of the future.”

“What?” Joe leaned back as he laughed.

“Sure Joe.” Danny spread out blue prints. “You wanted me to look at our prefabbed housing and to redesign and make them into more three bedroom homes. Granted it can be done, but . . .” Danny held up a thinking finger. “Time wise we can get this finished much faster and with less man power.”

“By using modular homes?” Joe questioned.

“Yes. You wanted to erect two rows of housing. We can get ten modular homes, line them up front to back instead of side by side in the same area without messing up your housing plan too much. You know, eventually we can put more up, leaving town houses for the single people.”

“How many are you talking about immediately?”

“Ten to start, the way I calculated, including the split families . . .”

“What?” Joe was lost. “Split families?”

“Yes, the ones that share kids. There are four. Including those, there are nineteen families in Beginnings with children. Now . . . nine of them are fine where they’re at. They either have one child or two of the same sex. The rest have two of the opposite sex or three or more children.”

“Those four families are already in the three bedrooms we put up last year.”

“Exactly. We need six. We can do this Joe.” Danny said.

“How long you talking and how many men?”

“One team of four. We can lay the foundation and get the houses erected in two weeks.”

“Good plan with one fault. Where do we get the modular homes and how the hell do we get them here?”

“See.” Danny grinned. “About this point you’re gonna be like, ‘Wow, that Danny Hoi’.”

“I doubt that, but go on.”

“Highway 200. There’s a modular home sales place right there. Four trucks are on the lot. Using those four trucks it will take three trips to bring the houses in with a minimal amount of gas.”

“All right. Get started on this. Pick a crew from our new batch of guys. You have the list of families who are first priority for homes and give them a time frame of when they’ll be moving. Clear a security team to go with you to pick up the trucks. Set it up. You know what is needed.”

“Thanks Joe.” Danny smiled and grabbed his blue prints. “Oh, by the way, since you married Andrea and she is on the needs housing list, you’ll be moving in two weeks.”

“Two weeks?”

“Can’t do it any faster. You guys only have two kids, so you’re at bottom of the list. Start packing.” Danny turned to leave and when he did, Dean and Henry walked in. “And there’s Mr. Top Priority.” Danny pointed to Dean.

Dean looked almost frightened at that moment when he saw Danny pointing. “What?”

“You’re moving. Start packing.” Danny started to leave.

“Wait a second.” Dean stopped him. “I’m moving. Where am I moving?”

“Oh we’re doing new housing. So . . .” Danny closed his eyes and thought. “You’re first on the list. One week tops.”

Dean gasped. “One week? How are you going to build the houses in one week?”

Joe slightly rolled his eyes when he answered for Danny. “Modular homes.”

Dean smiled. “You’re kidding. No townhouse? I get a modular home. Hey Danny, those things can be nice. Get me a nice one for Ellen. She’ll love it.”

“How about when I go to the lot, I get you the deluxe model home?”

“I’d be grateful.”

“What’s it worth to you?” Danny asked.

“What do you want?”

“Can I get back to you?”

“Yeah, sure.” Dean smiled and watched Danny leave. He turned around to see Joe staring at him “What’s wrong?”

“Are we done?” Joe asked. “Can we sit down and be ready, because I’d like to start this as soon as Robbie gets here.” Joe watched Dean give a fake look of fright, but Henry had a different, sad expression on his face. “Henry, what’s wrong? You’re not going to whine because you don’t get a modular home, are you?”

“No Joe,” Henry sulked to his seat. “I just have this feeling that I’m forgetting something.” He brought his fingers to his mouth. “I just wished I knew what it was. I bet it’s important.”

“Can’t be that important if you forgot about it,” Joe said.

“True, but still.” Henry drew up another thinking look. “I wonder what it is.”

^^^^

“According to John Matoose,” Joe paced around a listening Robbie, Dean and Henry. “He says no one else is working for George, but how much can we believe him?”

Robbie shook his head in disagreement. “No, he knows he’s on borrowed time with us. I think if he knew about someone else he’d tell us. He’d do anything right now to save his ass and stay with his family.”

Joe nodded. “You have a point. All right this ‘George insider’ is top priority. Beginning tomorrow, we try to figure out who this person is. Start from scratch. Compile a list of suspects and we’ll go through the list one person at a time. Each one of us will do a list and we’ll combine them.”

Robbie added, “Sort of fine tooth comb it and come down to the most likely.”

“Exactly,” Joe said with a point. “The most likely suspects will get our full investigation, however, each person that makes the list should be scrutinized through every scenario before they are removed from the suspect list.”

Robbie questioned again. “Do we need a list of elimination questions with motive and means?”

Joe nodded. “Yes. This goes no further than this room. Just like we’re keeping the news about John Matoose under wraps, we’ll keep this under wraps. We don’t need a community panic or a lot of finger pointing. We’ll do this slowly and carefully even if it’s putting one suspect a day under a microscope. When we’re finished I’m sure we will know which individual gets our full attention.”

Dean raised his hand slightly. “Any guidelines on compiling a list of potential suspects? I mean, we could end up with half the community if we think about it.”

Joe sat back down. “Let’s see. It’s safe to assume anyone who arrived after George’s departure is safe to eliminate, so let’s go from there. Henry, any questions? You’ve been quiet.” Joe didn’t get a response. “Henry? Henry?”

“Huh?” Henry’s attention was gained. “What was that Joe?”

“Were you paying attention?” Joe asked him.

“Yeah, sure but my mind keeps drifting.”

“To that thing you can’t remember?”

“Yeah. Isn’t that the oddest thing? The feeling is so strong.”

Joe merely sat back and gave a pacifying attitude to Henry. “Why don’t you retrace the steps of your day?”

“Excellent idea, thanks Joe.” Henry immediately stood up and flew to the door. “Catch me later to tell me what time we meet tomorrow.”

Before Joe knew it, Henry was gone. Joe ran his hand down his face then pointed to the closed door. “And that man has been voted to run the community when I retire? Oh boy.”

CHAPTER THREE

Ft. Peck Lake

Frank closed his eyes tightly in the after moments of lovemaking to Ellen. In the bed of the pickup truck, under a quiet starry sky, they lay on and under sleeping bags. Frank kissed her once more then quietly moved to his back, embracing Ellen and holding her to his chest. He stared up at the sky, saying nothing.

Ellen felt his sadness. With all that happened with Brian, it had been the first time in eight days that they had made love. So unlike Frank, who always tried to bury his hurt within intimacies, he did not turn to Ellen for that during his grief. They had touched and they had kissed, but what Frank needed most from Ellen was someone he was not afraid to break down in front of and that someone could only be Ellen. Ellen could tell Frank searched for something during their lovemaking. He was different. The act was more an act of holding on, clinging, rather than anything else. It was quiet, so quiet. Ellen wished she could read his mind because it frightened her a little. Perhaps that was why she waited for him to speak first.

Frank waited long time before speaking. He cleared his throat subtly, swallowed harshly and kissed her on her forehead before saying a word. “I’m sorry.” He kissed her again. “I know it wasn’t very . . . it wasn’t very good tonight.”

Ellen lifted herself up on her elbow and looked down at him. He kept staring. “What are you talking about, Frank? I loved making love to you.”

Frank shifted his eyes to look at her. “Tomorrow will be better. I promise.”

“Frank,” Ellen spoke softly. “You’re missing the point here.” She kissed him lightly. “Making love isn’t always about making your body feel good. It’s about making you feel good, right here.” She laid her hand over his heart. “Right now, at this point in our lives, love making isn’t a performance issue; it’s healing issue. And that, for me, you’re doing great. I wish I could help you though.”

“You have with just this.” He pulled her back down to him. “Even though we have to sleep in the truck.” He felt Ellen chuckle. “Actually . . .” He looked up at the sky. “It’s not that bad. It’s so open out here. I feel alone with you which was the whole point of this trip.”

“Kidnapping.”

“That too.” His kissed her on the top of the head then whined some when in the distance, from the cabin he heard the phone ringing. “Man, Robbie again. What’s he trying to do, get all the calls he can in before the batteries die?”

“Maybe it’s important.”

“El, the last time he called he wanted to know if he could borrow my spare shoulder harness, come on. I’ll call him back in a little bit. Right now . . .” He pulled Ellen as close as he could. “I just want to enjoy this.”

^^^^

Johnny Slagel would not have thought it odd seeing Henry pacing around Beginnings at ten o’clock at night. Henry often paced, sometimes too fast to even consider it pacing. Standing in the doorway of the social hall, watching Henry made Johnny laugh. Henry actually paced as if he were on a mission. He carried a notebook and walked backwards most of the time. He’d scratch his head, move on, and scratch his head again. Johnny knew it was time to step in.

“Henry!” Johnny called to him.

“Shh.” Henry held up his hand “Distribution . . . back to mechanics . . . . the chapel . . . wait, Dean and . . .”

“Henry, what are you doing?”

“Going nuts. I’ve been over this a million times.”

“Still trying to figure out what it is you’re forgetting?”

“Yes.” Henry nodded his head. “It’s gnawing at me like nothing ever has.”

“Can I help?” Johnny asked.

“I don’t think you can.”

“Sure I can. I think I know what it is?”

“You do? Why didn’t you say anything?”

“I wasn’t allowed.”

“What is it?” Henry asked with impatience.

“Try this . . . Nick.”

“What about him?” Henry asked, then after a second his eyes widened. “Oh my God! Oh my God!” Henry began to run in circles. “I lost my son! Where did I put him?” Henry grabbed on to his own head. “Think. Think. Think. Think.”

“Henry.” Johnny said his name with a laugh. “My Pap has him.”

Henry looked up to him. “What?”

“Actually he does now. Danny took him to the nursery this morning where Andrea picked him up. He’s been there all night.” Johnny started to laugh when Henry took off for the living section.

“Joe!” Henry bolted into Joe’s house.

“Knock.”

“Sorry.” Henry backed up, knocked and ran back in. “Joe!”

“Yes Henry?” Joe stood from the couch.

Henry took a moment to calm down. “This is . . . this is a little embarrassing. But . . . do you have Nick?”

“What if I told you I didn’t?”

“Oh, Joe, please, I’d die. Do you?”

Joe grumbled and walked to the steps yelling up. “Andrea! He remembered!” Joe looked back at Henry. “She’s giving him another bath. Seems Alex now has a hair infatuation and like someone else I know, she put a hell of a lot of Hair Hold on that kid’s hair while he slept.”

“He has bad hair, Joe.”

“He has your hair, Henry,” Joe scolded.

“Joe, please.” Henry ran his hand through his hair. “I work hard.”

“You wouldn’t have to if you’d cut the shit out.” Joe switched his views to the steps when he heard Andrea singing and coming down. “Here he is. You can hand him over, Andrea.”

“He’s such a good boy.” Andrea held him up to her eye level speaking that high pitch tone to Nick. “Aren’t you? Are you a good boy? Yes you are. You gonna go home now. Oh you sweet thing.” Andrea kissed Nick several times. “Grandmommy loves you.” She brushed her nose against Nick’s nose. “Yes, she does. She loves you. Yes she . . .”

“Andrea!” Joe snapped. “Give him his kid.”

Delivering a sequence of kisses to Nick, Andrea handed him to Henry. Immediately Nick started to cry. “Oh my.” Andrea reached, saw the glare from Joe, and then held her hand up. “I’ll just make my nightly cup of tea. Night Henry.”

Nervously Henry bounced Nick. “Well, I’d better be going. Thanks Joe.”

“Hold it.”

Henry stopped in his escape to the door. He cringed before turning around. “Joe, he’s really fussy, I should go.”

“I want to talk to you.” Joe walked to him. “But first . . . give me the goddamn kid.” Joe took Nick. Nick stopped crying. “Sit down, Henry.”

“No, I think I . . .”

“Sit!”

Henry rushed to the couch and sat down.

Holding Nick, Joe walked before him. “Now you know I’ve known you a lot of years and I like to think of you as my oddball son.”

“Thanks Joe.”

“Glad to hear you appreciate that. Anyhow right now, I’m going to talk to you as if you were my own flesh and blood. Ready?”

“Yes.” Henry swallowed.

“What in God’s name were you thinking about!” Joe yelled. “Thirteen hours! Thirteen hours! You didn’t know you lost your baby for thirteen hours?”

“But Joe . . .”

“Shut up, Henry! We all thought one hour. Two was pushing it, but when the end of the workday came and went, you pushed abandonment. Now listen to me and listen to me closely.” Joe neared him. “I know Frank looks at this kid as his own. I know he plans on raising this kid. But keep in mind one thing, your wiry ass sperm created this kid and you will learn to be a part of his life. You will learn to take care of him. You will not! Not! Push the responsibility on anyone else when you are in the position to care for him. You hear me!”

“But Joe, he doesn’t like me.”

“Make him like you, Henry.”

“I don’t know how.”

Joe handed him Nick. “Learn. Now is the perfect opportunity since Frank is away. Learn.”

Henry whined when Nick started to cry, “See.”

“No, what I see is you taking my grandson home and being a father to him.” Joe walked to the door and opened it. “Go.”

“But Joe . . .”

“Go.”

Henry slowly walked to the door. “Bye.”

Joe stopped him, kissed Nick, then let the two of them leave. He shut the door with the loudest of exhales.

Andrea came from the kitchen. She handed Joe a cup. “For you.”

“I hate tea.”

“Drink this. You’ll like this. It’s perfect for how you feel.”

Joe took a sip and gasped loudly.

“Too much whiskey?”

Joe looked back to the door and sipped again. “Perfect.”

^^^^

Ft. Peck Lake

Frank laughed a silent laugh so not to wake  Ellen. He spoke in a whisper while on the phone to Robbie, “What was Henry’s reaction?”

“Shocked,” Robbie answered.

“Who won the poll?”

“Danny Hoi. He bet three work hours that Henry wouldn’t remember for nine hours. He was the closest.”

“Oh shit, you know what this reminds me of, don’t you?”

“No. What?” Robbie asked.

“When Jimmy got married. Remember the day before he got married?” Frank heard Robbie laugh at the recall of that memory and he continued. “Yeah, he dropped off Lindsay to get her nails done and he went off running around. When he arrived home, you, me, and Hal were there waiting. We went out drinking before the dinner.”

“Jimmy totally forgot what he did with her. Man, I thought they weren’t getting married. She was so pissed.”

“He kept telling us the same thing. There was something he was forgetting.”

Robbie chuckled. “It was a good thing for Jimmy that Hal was such the word man. He talked her out of being mad.”

“Yeah, the big dick. He blamed it all on me. Lindsay hated me from that moment on.” Frank felt Ellen stir in his arms. “Hey, I gotta go. Talk to you later.”

“Be careful out there.”

“I will. Thanks Robbie.” Frank shut off the phone and extended his arm, laying it down above his and Ellen’s heads. He slowed down getting comfortable and stared at a sleeping Ellen. Frank’s mind drifted and he smiled, thinking back to his brother Jimmy’s wedding weekend. How long ago was that? Eleven, twelve years? Thinking of the length of time it had been, Frank’s mind went back . . .

“Frank.”

Frank held a bottle of beer as he sat at the bar in the restaurant the night of the rehearsal dinner. He ignored the call of his name.

“Frank,” The male voice called him again, this time tapping him on the shoulder.

“Go away, Hal. I’m still pissed at you. Fuckin Lindsay reamed my ass out for nothing.”

“Come on, Frank. I brought you a peace offering.”

Grunting and holding his beer, Frank spun around on his stool. Hal stood there with woman, a smaller built woman, with long brown hair, and a prominent chest. Frank’s eyes hit there first then moved to Hal.

Hal grinned arrogantly, looking so much like his father. “This is Jennifer.”

Frank hid his snicker and shook the woman’s hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Hal had his hand on Jennifer’s back. “She likes big guys. Stand up Frank.”

“What?”

“Stand up. Jennifer, if you think I’m tall . . . stand up Frank. Come on.”

Frank, grumbling stood from the stool. He towered over her and smiled a fake smile.

Jennifer giggled. “Whoa.”

Hal nodded. “Told ya. And . . . he’ll be wearing his uniform at the wedding.” Hal’s eyes rose. “She likes big guys in uniforms.”

“Hal says you’re a general in the Army,” Jennifer said.

Frank nearly choked on his beer. “Hal exaggerates. I’m a Lt. General. Hal . . .” Frank grabbed his brother’s arm. “Jennifer, excuse us.” He pulled Hal off to the side. “What the hell are you doing?”

“Fixing you up,” Hal said. “It’s the least I can do. She’s cute.”

“Why do I need fixed up?”

“You need a date for the wedding tomorrow. Even Dad has a date.”

“Dad always has a date. What about your date?”

“Eh, Dad says his date’s open game. I plan on hitting on her unless you want to.”

“No, you go right ahead and hit on the old broad. I don’t need a date.”

“All right.” Hal took a deep breath. “Think about it. Sit at the bar and talk to Jennifer. You might hit it off.” He leaned to Frank. “Check out her boobs, Frank.” Hal cupped his hands in front of his own chest and mouthed the word, ‘huge’, then nodded and grinned. “Go for it, big brother.” Hal gave a swift pat to his arm and moved on.

Frank walked back over to the bar where Jennifer was seated. He sat next to her and grabbed his beer. Silently he sat, listening to her ramble on about something he couldn’t recall, downing his beers quickly, and grateful when he heard his father’s voice behind him.

“Slow down.” Joe laid his hand on Frank’s back and smiled at Jennifer. His eyes immediately shifted to the hard-to-miss chest. “Who’s your friend?”

“Dad, Jennifer. Jennifer, my Dad.”

Joe extended his hand to Jennifer. “Joe Slagel.”

Jennifer smiled with a tilted head. “You’re tall too. Are you a general also like your sons?”

“Nah. I’m not a military man anymore. CIA.”

Jennifer perked up.

Joe nudged Frank and leaned to him whispering. “Is she fair game or not?”

Frank rolled his eyes lifting his beer. “What about your date?”

“Robbie and Hal are irking me. They’re all over her and she loves it.”

Thinking, What does this old broad have? Frank turned around. He jolted back in surprise, knocking his beer over. It spun on the bar, shooting out onto Jennifer.

Jennifer shrieked.

“Frank!” Joe scolded.

“Sorry.” Blindly grabbing a bunch of beverage napkins, Frank shoved some to his father, laid some on Jennifer’s chest while he kept his focus on his dad’s date the whole time. Ellen. She seemed quite content to stand and flirt with Hal and Robbie. “Excuse me.” He marched directly over to the three of them. They stopped smiling when they saw Frank. “Robbie, Hal, did you guys know she was coming?”

Hal snickered. “Uh, yeah Frank, sorry. Didn’t we tell you?”

Ellen looked past Frank. “Cute date. Hal says you’re bringing her to the wedding.”

“Hal,” Frank huffed out his name, “is an asshole.” Frank grabbed Ellen’s hand and pulled her away from the brothers.

“Hey.” Ellen smacked his hand that gripped her tightly. “Where are we going?” She looked back to Robbie and Hal. “Help.”

Frank stopped, looked back at his brothers with a point and shook his head. He then kept pulling Ellen until they were outside. He released her hand.

Ellen, smacked him on the chest with both hands. “What are you doing?”

“What the hell are you doing here?”

“You’re father asked me to come.”

“I asked you to come to this with me. I did. And you told me no. You were like . . .” Frank proceeded to imitate Ellen. “I can’t. I’d have to get my hair done. I have to do my nails. I want to enjoy my week without the kids. What would Kelly say?”

“Don’t you imitate me. You do it badly. Besides, you aren’t Joe. You can’t say ‘no’ to Joe. He came by this morning and told me, ‘pack it up Ellen. I need a date’. We stopped to buy a dress and here we are. I can’t believe you’re mad at me.”

“Yes, I’m mad.”

“Too bad. What do you care now anyhow? You have a date. I see I was easily replaced.”

“She’s not my date.”

“Oh, I beg to differ. I saw you getting all cozy with her at the . . .”

“Ellen!” Frank shouted her name.

“What!” Ellen shouted back.

“Shut up.”

Frank found himself leaning down to a sleeping Ellen, kissing her softly as he pulled from that memory. He realized that he had been with Ellen for so long, he probably could think of a different memory every day for the rest of his life and never repeat a single one. It dawned on him at that moment, making him feel really good.  That was the one thing in his life that could never be taken away.

^^^^

Dean didn’t mean to find himself doing it again, but he did, especially since Ellen wasn’t around. The kids were in bed, the house was too quiet, and Dean lay on the couch, his eyes tightly closed while he clenched a teddy bear that used to belong to Brian. His cheek brushed against it and his nose took in the scent of Brian that still lingered on it. His mind swam in deep memories over the little baby he loved so much and missed at that moment with all of his heart.

For a moment, Dean thought he had lost his mind when he heard the crying. It slipped into his thoughts, growing louder and louder until he opened his eyes and realized he wasn’t crazy. Henry stood above the couch holding Nick. Dean jumped up and laid the teddy bear down.

“Henry.”

“Help.”

Dean rubbed his eyes and stood up. “I’ve been given strict orders from Joe.”

“No, Dean. I need help. I’ll stay here with you and help with the older kids. I will. But help. He won’t eat. He won’t sleep. He won’t stop crying. I think he’s sick.”

“He’s not sick, Henry.” Dean ran his hand down Nick’s head.

“He hates me.”

“He senses your uneasiness.”

“He won’t let me put him down.” Henry followed Dean as he paced.

“That’s because Frank has him spoiled. Frank always holds the babies, always. Haven’t you noticed? He never lays them down. So when you do, he cries. Trust me, I’ve been there. I remember . . .” Dean cracked a smile. “God, it was exactly a year ago. Frank went to Colorado to get Ellen and I had Brian. He had Brian so spoiled I couldn’t put him down. Any work I had to do, I had to hold Brian close to my chest to because Frank would smother the kid in his big arms. I remember being so annoyed at first but then it felt good to . . .” Dean closed his eyes. “It felt good to have that. To have someone . . . no matter how small, need you to just . . .” Dean stepped to Henry. “Let me have, Nick.”

Henry handed the baby to Dean.

Nick squirmed a little in Dean’s arms. Dean carried him over to the couch. “Why don’t you go  home,  and get me a bottle and some diapers. I don’t think it would hurt if you guys stayed here tonight.”

“Thanks Dean,” Henry grinned with relief. “I’ll be right back.” He hurried from the house.

Slowly, Dean lowered himself to the couch. He sat down first then swung his legs up, propping his back against the arm of the sofa. He positioned Nick on his chest, letting Nick’s little legs dangle over him while Dean wrapped his arms around the baby, snuggling. He brought his lips to Nick’s head and brushed his cheek against the softness of the baby’s hair. Dean closed his eyes, felt Nick settle in contentment, and laid there, enjoying the feeling of the tiny baby needing to be in his arms. It was a feeling that Dean missed so much and needed to have at that moment just as much as Nick.

CHAPTER FOUR

August 28

Bowman, North Dakota

A highway town, six miles west of Bowman, was their primary location and headquarters. A farming area could be seen in the distance. Small buildings set center town and mobile homes lined up together as some type of housing.

The red brick building was the largest in town, four stories high and on the corner just at the edge of town. A city building at one time, but now it was the Captain’s office.

He stood near the window in his office, peering out and leaning against the frame. In his one hand he held papers, and in the other, a burning cigarette. He watched the training of his men, a look of pride upon his face. He wasn’t old, by no means, but his face was rough and rugged. Thirty-six years old, he stood a little over six feet tall, his body brawny and muscular. He wore his long, dark blonde hair pulled neatly and tightly in a ponytail that draped just passed his shoulder blades. He turned from the window, setting his papers down when he heard the knock at the door. He grabbed his grey uniform shirt that sported a patch with the letters ‘UWA’ and placed it on over his white tee shirt. He buttoned the last two buttons. “Come in,” he called out in a strong voice.

A UWA soldier, wearing a blue uniform, stepped in, closed the door, and then snapped to perfect attention.

“At ease, James.” The Captain motioned as he took a seat behind his desk. “What do you have for me on the Chadron raid?”

“Seventeen have returned sir, seven of which injured.”

“How badly?”

“Our medical man says he has it under control.”

“Still...” The captain rocked back in his chair as he looked at James. “Let’s go ahead with the plan we made when we decided to start on these raids. We need to have a team of horses ready to take any of the seriously injured to Beginnings for help. We want them to have a chance.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Any word of what we took out?” The captain asked.

“Corporal Haynes said he believes the raid took out close to two hundred.”

“Excellent. Have Corporal Haynes prep another team. We want to hit this camp every day until they either move out or die out.”

“Yes sir. What about the new Kansas camp our scout found? The men are getting geared up for that.”

“I wanna hold off one more week. I believe, like the other one in Kansas, we can take that one out with one sweep with sixty, seventy men. It’s a small camp that The Society has. I want to concentrate on Chadron right now. It’s too big, and too close. In fact . . .” The captain pulled a sheet of paper off the pile and handed it to James. “Do me a favor and run these orders to Mel. I want food rations increased for our men in the field. Tell him to take from us if needed. We need our men strong out there.”

“Yes sir.” James stepped back. As he did, another knock was heard at the door.

The captain looked up. “Come in.”

An older man smiled as he entered, He also wore a  blue uniform like James. “Captain, sir.” He stood at attention.

“At ease. What’s up?”

He smiled again. “The new guy that’s joined us, he’s done it, sir.”

“No way?” The Captain stood up, a smile crossed his face. “Was it from the radio on that farm?”

“No. He said it wasn’t strong enough. We left it there. He built a receiver from what we had in town. We’re picking them up, some static, but we definitely are picking them up.”

“Excellent.” The Captain hurried to the door. “Maybe now that we can hear what Beginnings knows, it can help our cause as well. Let’s go.”

It looked like a police station. A young man, in his twenties, sat at the old dispatch station. Wires protruded from the radio and sprawled out across the small table top.

The Captain burst in with an air of enthusiasm. “They tell me you have good news, Bobby.”

“I do.” Bobby pointed to the radio. “We’re only picking up what they say over the radio, but we have them. It’s not always clear but I’m guessing it all depends where they are in Beginnings. Listen . . .” Bobby turned up the radio and the Captain leaned in with a grin. There were male voices, rattling off back and forth.

“That’s what I heard.”

“Hey, doesn’t it kind of remind you of that old kid’s book. ‘Are you my mother?’”

“Don’t you mean father . . . oh, wait. I forgot who we’re talking about. I heard Nick is becoming community property.”

“Can you guys not discuss me, please?” Another voice joined in.

“What’s the matter, Henry.” A fourth one interrupted “Can’t take it.”

“Blow me.”

“Bite me.”

“Grow up.”

“Me? I didn’t lose my kid, no wait, you misplaced him.”

“Don’t you have a perimeter to check or something? Mr. I’m the Big Head of Security Guy.”

“I’d say, don’t you have something to fix, but I know you can’t handle it while I’m not there.”

“You’re an asshole.”

“Fuck you.”

“Robert! Henry! Knock the shit off and get your goddamn asses off this airway. And stay off unless you have something important to say. Christ.”

“Right away, Chief.”

James smiled. He noticed the long, almost pale look on The Captain’s face. “Sir, is something wrong?”

The Captain blinked several times and wiped his hand down his face. “Um . . . no. I just . . . I thought . . . it’s nothing.” He cleared his throat and regained his composure. “I want a monitor on this twenty-four hours a day. I’ll take a shift myself.” He walked to the door. “Let me know if they discuss anything important. Please.” The Captain opened the door, paused, looked back at the radio, and walked out.

^^^^

Ft. Peck Lake

Ellen’s finger kept dipping into the jar she held, despite the fact that there were two spoons emerging from it. She walked across the small clearing to Frank who sat on a fallen tree, his back to her as he cleaned and checked his M-16.

“Morning.” Ellen sat next to him. “Breakfast?” She showed him the jar. Frank shook his head. “Josephine’s peach cobbler? No?” Again Frank shook his head. “How are you?”

“O.K.”

Ellen raised her eyes. “Short answer. Wanna talk about it?”

Frank let out a long breath. “I dreamt of Brian last night. I dreamt . . . I dreamt he was crying and calling ‘da-da’ and I couldn’t find him. I just couldn’t find him.” He laid his weapon against the tree next to him. “Just when I think it’s getting easier, fate hits me with something… like a dream so real it hurts. I went through all this before when my kids died in the plague. I thought Brian was my second chance to be a good father. I really did. I swear I never would have thought God would have been so cruel as to do this again.”

The spoon dropped from Ellen’s hand and she balanced the jar next to her. She rubbed her hands and stared out into the trees with Frank.

“How do you do it?” Frank asked.

“Do what?”

“How do you go on without feeling like you want to die every single day of your life?”

“Why . . . what would make you ask me that?” Ellen asked, her voice cracking some.

“You’re just getting through this really well. You’re handling Brian really well.”

“Well no one’s really given me a choice, now have they?” Ellen stood up. There was a certain defensiveness to her tone.

“Excuse me?” Frank looked up at her.

“No one has given me a choice. I’ve had to be the strong one. I’ve had to put my grief aside every single day. Every single hour, I have been helping you or Dean. Yet . . .” Ellen tossed her hand downward as if in defeat. “Yet, neither one of you have said to me, ‘How can I help you through this?’ You guys seemed to forget he was my son too.”

“Yeah, but you seem to forget who spent all the time with him, me and Dean.”

Ellen let out a long shivering breath and nodded slowly with closed eyes. “My God how thoughtless of me. Here I was thinking I was his mother and that somewhere in this whole thing, I had a right to miss him too.” She reached down, grabbed her jar, and walked off.

Frank followed Ellen into the cabin. She sat at the table by the unlit fireplace. “El, look, I said something I shouldn’t have.”

“Yes you did, but you spoke the truth, didn’t you?” Ellen looked up at him.

“No.”

“Yes, Frank. Yes you did. I was a terrible mother. You know that, Dean knows that, and I know that.”

“I never said that.”

“You aren’t denying it right now, are you?”

Frank didn’t answer. He stood there, hands on hips, staring at her from the tops of his eyes.

Ellen gasped emotionally, “I didn’t think I’d get an argument from you. You have never once seen me as a mother to Brian. Never. I was the woman who gave birth to your son, that’s it.” Ellen stood up. “He was yours, Frank. Last year you took him from me, so easily, like he was your possession. I couldn’t see him. I couldn’t hold him. He was your kid. You were super fuckin dad to him and I was nothing.”

“El, that’s enough.” Frank reached out his hand and Ellen swiped it away. “I don’t need this shit.”

“You don’t need this shit. It’s always about you, Frank, always. Your sorrow. Your grief. Your time away. That’s what this whole thing away from Beginnings is for. For you!”

“No, you’re wrong. It’s for us.”

“Us? Didn’t you just say out there that I was dealing with this fine? Forgive me, Frank, but if that’s the case then why in the hell did I need to leave Beginnings?”

“Nothing I say right now will be the right thing, will it?” Frank moved to her. “El,” he dropped his voice as he looked at her back, “I don’t want to fight with you. We are not out here to fight.

Solemnly, Ellen turned to face him. “You’re right. We’re not out here to fight. We’re out here to help you through this, and we will. I’m out here to help you. As your friend and someone who loves you, I will be your sounding board. I will help you face this.” Ellen swallowed harshly. “But remember this. This kidnapping and your implications have crossed the line with me for the final time. The moment we step back into Beginnings is the last moment I will have anything more to do with you.” Ellen spun from him and moved to the cabin door.

“Then I will not take you back there.”

Ellen stopped before she made her exit. “You know for such a terrible parent I am, it’s kinda of funny. I’m not the one forgetting I have other children back home.” Ellen walked out.

Frank stood there.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Joe read off his clipboard as he blindly walked into Frank’s office. “O.K. Frank, help me make heads or tails out of this . . .” He looked at Robbie who grinned from Frank’s chair.

“Hey Dad.”

“This is ridiculous.” Joe walked to the desk and slammed the clipboard down. “I thought Frank would at least be back by now.”

“Nope, I’m it,” Robbie cleared his throat, “head of security. I thought you knew I was filling in.”

“I did. What do you think I am, stupid?” Joe huffed. “Isn’t he back?”

“Um . . . no. Didn’t you wonder why you haven’t seen him? Or heard from him?”

“Robert!”

“What.”

“I want your brother back. This is too much. I gave him yesterday. Not that I don’t put every faith in your keen ability to protect this community, it’s just that I want Frank on it and every day he hides away is another day we can face trouble.”

“I completely understand.”

“All right, so let’s go.” Joe motioned his hand and moved to the door.

“Where are we going?” Robbie stood up.

“To get Frank.”

“We can’t do that.”

Joe turned around and faced him. “You said you know his general vicinity, right?”

“Yes.” Robbie nodded.

“Well, let’s head there. I bet it’s sector nineteen.” Joe started moving and noticed Robbie did not. “He’s not in nineteen?”

Robbie shook his head.

“Where is he?”

“I know the general vicinity.”

“Robbie!” Joe yelled. “Where did your brother go?”

“Well uh . . . originally to Canada but he . . .”

“What!” Joe blasted.

“No, no.” Robbie held his hands up. “They’re closer than that, about a hundred or so miles away. North, I think. Yeah.”

“Oh my God. He left Beginnings? He took Ellen and left Beginnings?”

Robbie shifted his eyes around.

“Tell me this.” Joe stepped closer to Robbie. “Did Frank take Ellen from her home against her will?”

“I believe she wasn’t quite aware at the time that she was going.”

“Oh Jesus Christ.” Joe brought his hand to his own forehead. “He’s outside these walls. Why in God’s name didn’t you tell me he was out there?”

“You didn’t ask and I . . . ow, Dad, my ear.” Robbie found himself--or rather his ear--at Joe’s mercy as Joe gripped tightly to Robbie’s ear and pulled him from the office.

<><><><>

Henry spun the swivel chair in the communications room where he, Robbie, Joe, and Dean were. “Is this a secret suspect meeting, Joe?”

“No,” Joe sounded perturbed. “Henry, quit playing and fix your eyes on the screen.”

“Why?” Henry asked.

“Just do it,” Joe ordered. “Dean?”

Dean sat in the chair next to Henry. “Yes.”

“Watch the big board behind me.” Joe pointed to the huge electronic map of the United States. He moved to the control panel and typed. The large map of the United States became a map of Montana. “Keep your eyes fixed, both of you. Robbie, call your brother.” As soon as Joe saw Robbie dial, he hit the speaker phone.

There were four rings and Frank answered. “Yeah.”

At that instant, though low volume, a beeping occurred. Dean sprang from his chair when he saw the indicator light go off on the big board. “No.” His eyes widened and his face turned red. He spun to Henry. “Where?”

Henry grinned. “One hundred and twenty-nine miles north of Beginnings. Yes!” Henry clenched his fist. “I was right. I was right. I told you people that . . . Hey!” Henry was silenced when Joe lightly smacked him in the back of the head.

Mouthing the word, “Quiet” Joe nodded to Robbie.

Robbie sounded nervous, like the little snitch brother when he spoke to Frank. “Uh . . . hey Frank.”

“It’s about time you said something. What?”

“There’s something that you . . .”

“Wait.” Frank said strongly. “I hope to God you aren’t calling me up to ask me a stupid fuckin question again. Are you? What the fuck, Robbie. Can’t you people live in Beginnings without us? You call me constantly. Fuckin Dean can’t find shit without Ellen. And Dad, he’s whining about something that would have bit him in the fuckin nose if he looked.”

It was Joe’s turn. “Frank.”

“Oh uh . . . hey Dad. Am I uh, on the speaker phone?”

“Yes you are, son. Now will please tell me what in God’s name was going through that thick skull of yours when you decided to leave these walls and take Ellen with you.”

“I needed to get away. I got Robbie to fill in.”

“You took Ellen.”

“It’s a mini vacation.”

Henry watched Dean. Dean just stared with an anger filled look in his eye. Henry couldn’t recall when he saw Dean so mad that the veins actually protruded from his neck like they were now. Dean was literally red. Henry sneaked up behind him whispering. “Dean, you better lower your blood pressure. A man your age could have a stroke.”

Dean’s jaw twitched and his nostrils flared as he took a step closer to Joe. “Tell him,” Dean’s voice graveled, “tell him I want her back here now!”

Frank heard him. “Is that Dean? Tell him to shut the fuck up.”

“Bring her back, Frank!” Dean yelled.

“No.”

Dean breathed heavily. “No? What the hell is the matter with you? Huh? You took her! You took her from the safety of these walls. You took her from her kids! What kind of stupid, asshole, arrogant, selfish kind of move was that?”

“Excuse me!” Frank blasted. “I hope you aren’t talking to me like that.”

“Who the hell do you think I’m talking to? You, asshole.” Dean argued back. “You’re a dead man Frank.  man. The moment you step through these gates I’m killing you.”

Frank chuckled. “Oh, Dean, stop. I’m scared.”

“You think I’m kidding you? I’m gonna kill you. I swear to almighty God I will kill you. Put her on the phone.”

“No.”

“Put her on, Frank!”

“Fuck you!”

The loudest and strongest voice ever to emerge from Dean’s little body blasted out like a lion’s roar and Dean totally lost it. “Put her on the fuckin phone! Right now! Right now!”

Henry cringed, closed one eye, and held his ear that rang from Dean’s scream. He looked at Dean breathing so heavily. He wondered if he should prepare himself to get Andrea because Henry could have sworn at that moment Dean was sending himself into a heart attack.

Ellen’s voice seemed to immediately change the feel of the room. “Hello?”

Dean snatched the phone that was still in Robbie’s hand and switched off the speaker. “El.”

“Dean,” Ellen said his same with relief.

Dean closed his eyes and walked further from the others. “El, I swear to you I didn’t know he took you from Beginnings. I’m sorry. I am really sorry. I thought he had you somewhere here.”

“That’s all right. How are the kids?”

“They’re fine. How are you?”

“I’m O.K. Things are a little rough right now.”

“El, I know he took you to work through everything. Just tell me . . . is it helping you? I’ll be O.K. with this if it is.”

“It’s supposed to be helping Frank.”

“No, El,” Dean kept his voice soft, “is it helping you?” There was silence. “El?”

“No.”

A lump formed in Dean’s throat. He swallowed. “I want you home. You belong home. You need to be around the kids, Henry, and me. Just know that I miss you and I love you. O.K.?” Dean didn’t get a response, “El?”

Frank’s voice was not what Dean expected. “What the fuck did you say to her, Dean. Huh? She was perfectly fine and now she’s crying . . . Asshole!”

The line hung up.

Dean’s hand clenched the phone so tightly he could have broken it. With rage he handed it back to Robbie and spun around facing Joe. “This is wrong. He’s wrong. He took her Joe. Took her! I want her back here, back home where she belongs.” Dean pointed as he walked backwards. “I will give him until tomorrow to bring her home. If he’s not back tomorrow, I will go after her myself!”

“If he’s not back by tomorrow, I’ll send a chopper for her. I won’t stop you from going.”

Dean gave an angry nod and stormed out of the communications room.

Henry’s eyes shifted to Joe, to Robbie, and then to the door Dean barreled out of. “Boy, is he mad. I told you he’d be mad when he found out. Joe, you don’t really think he’s going to kill Frank, do you?”

Joe raised his eyebrows as he bounced from heel to toe. He didn’t have an answer for Henry on that one.

^^^^

Ft. Peck Lake

Frank kept his eyes on Ellen who sat on the step of the cabin’s porch. Her head rested against her knees and Frank sat next to her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do this to you. This wasn’t supposed to be something bad. I wasn’t thinking.” Frank’s hand hovered over her head in hesitation. “I’m sorry for everything I said.” His hand fell gently to her hair and he moved his lips close to her ear. “Tell me you’ll forgive me. Tell me we’ll use what time we have left out here to work through this . . . together. Please.”

Ellen raised her head slightly then let it drop onto Frank’s lap. He pulled her close and held her.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Jason Godrichson whistled a happy tune in the cryo-lab because that was all he could do while watching a totally irate Dean fly about the lab. That and do his lab work. The buzz of the cryo lab door was a welcome relief sound to Jason, Something different rather than grunting, slamming and banging.

Andrea waltzed in with a smile and a wave. Jason shook his head in warning to her. Andrea merely gave Jason a ‘don’t be silly’ look and moved to Dean.

“Morning, Dean.”

Dean looked up from the freezer case he peered into then slammed the lid.

“Joe sent me to talk to you. He said you’re upset.”

“Upset? Upset? Andrea, upset is an understatement.” Dean’s voice was loud. “He took her. He kidnapped her. All because he needed her to himself. I need her! Do you see me snatching her up in the middle of the night and making an escape with her! No!”

Andrea didn’t bat an eyelash at Dean’s ranting. She stayed calm. “Dean, take a breath.”

“No!”

“Dean.” Andrea laid her hands on his shoulder. “Breathe with me. Ready?”

“Andrea . . .”

“Dean,” her voice still soothing, “breathe with me, cleansing breaths. In and . . .”

“Andrea, I don’t . . .”

“Dean,” she scolded loudly, “knock it off and breathe with me! Sweet Jesus, get it together boy. Now!” She closed her mouth and a startled Dean took in three long breaths with her. “Better?”

“No.”

“Tough.”

Dean grunted and moved about the lab with his work.

“Two things.” She followed him. “No wait three. Stop your little ass right now and face me. I deserve more respect than to speak to your back.”

Dean stopped and looked at her.

“Thank you.” Andrea smiled again. “First, Joe needs you at his office for a meeting about something. He said it would take an hour. Second. Joe spoke to Frank again. Day after tomorrow, first light, he’s bringing Ellen home. Joe said to tell you he spoke to Ellen and she agreed to one more day. So . . .” Andrea pulled up a stool and sat down. “Are we feeling better now?”

“No,” Dean said, “I’m still killing him.” Dean walked back over to his freezer case.

“Oh Dean, I know how upset you are but I really don’t think you’re killing Frank. He’s not worth your soul burning for all eternity in hell. Keep in mind, as a Christian man, you know as well as I do that the thought is as bad as the act, so let’s wipe that . . .” Andrea stopped rambling when Jason laid a clipboard in front of her.

Jason cleared his throat and raised his eyebrows as Andrea read it.

Andrea quickly looked at Dean then back at the clipboard. “Oh my.” She handed the clipboard back to Jason. She whispered, “Perhaps we should start praying for Dean’s soul now.”

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

The Captain stared at the radio in the old police station, listening to Beginnings’ transmissions. He smoked a cigarette, listened to the meshing voices, his face serious. Occasionally he would crack a smile at the antics of a civilization that seemed to have it all together. He tapped a pencil from eraser to tip as he rocked back and forth in the chair, paying attention to every single word as if he were listening for something specific.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Dean was the last to enter Joe’s office that afternoon. Joe was in his usual spot, behind his desk. Robbie and Henry sat before it. An empty chair was waiting for Dean. He walked heavily and plopped down hard in his seat.

Henry scooted his chair over some.

“What?” Dean snapped at Henry, “do I smell?”

Henry leaned into him and sniffed. “Not that I can tell. Are you still mad, Dean?”

Dean only stared at him.

“You know, if you would have just listened to me the other night, you could have been past this pissed off phase and we . . .”

“Henry,” Dean said his name strongly, “don’t.”

“O.K.” Henry held his hands up, hesitated then leaned to Dean again. “Just merely making an observation. You do know Dean, you had me thinking you were gonna . . .”

“Henry.”

“Not another word.” Again Henry held his hand up and looked at Joe; after a few seconds he leaned to Dean again. “Just so you know., for a little guy you can get pretty frightening when you want to be.”

Dean snarled at Henry and gave a glaring look to Robbie who snickered. “Joe, can we just start this, please.”

“You have to calm yourself,” Joe told him.

“I’m calm. I’m calm.” Dean pulled out his notes.

“O.K.” Joe said, “Before we begin, I just need to know from you, Dean, what is this list of ways to kill Frank that Andrea saw in your lab?”

“Exactly what it said,” Dean spoke nonchalantly, looking at his notes. “I’m killing Frank.”

Joe’s head bobbed back and forth. “You plan on doing this . . . how?”

“Very carefully.”

“O.K.” Joe sat back and grabbed his notes. “Now that we have that out of the way, we can proceed.”

Henry’s eyes shifted. “A list of ways to kill Frank? Dean, you do know that’s against the rules here. You could get ousted.”

Dean’s hand slammed down hard on his notes.

Joe intervened, “Henry, if you don’t leave the man alone, I’m going to give him permission to make a up a list of ways to kill you. Now be quiet so we can continue.”

“Oh Joe, I can’t believe you’re condoning this. Frank’s your son. Dean is . . .”

“Henry!” Joe yelled then saw Robbie raising his hand. “What!”

“I think we should let Henry ramble. I personally would like to see Dean kill him instead of Frank.”

Joe just looked at Robbie in silence. “You done being a smart ass?”

“Um . . . yeah.” Robbie answered.

“Good.” Joe pulled out a cigarette. “Let’s start.” Joe gazed down at the paper. “Now before I begin, I’d like to clarify why Dean is invited to participate. He’s not council, nor is he security, but . . . Dean is the only person who is one hundred percent, without a doubt, not a suspect. I think we can all agree on that.” Joe noticed Henry’s disapproval. “We can’t? Why can’t we all agree on that, Henry?”

“I’m not saying Dean can’t be off the suspect list. I agree to that. I mean he was the one who cured the plague. If he worked . . .”

“Henry, stop. What are you disagreeing about?”

“Me. I’m off the suspect list one hundred percent.”

“How can you say that?” Joe asked.

“Oh my God, Joe, do you think I’m working with George?”

“I didn’t say that,” Joe argued. “But what makes you think you’re in the clear?”

“He tried to blow me up.”

Everyone moaned.

Robbie shook his head. “Henry, weren’t you the one who proved that to be an accident?”

“Yes.”

“Then he didn’t blow you up,” Robbie stated. “Henry stays on the list.”

“So do you,” Henry told him.

“What?” Robbie laughed. “He sent his SUTs after me.”

“True.” Henry held up a finger. “But he also sent what he thought was a cure, so how do we know, he wasn’t trying to save you because you worked for him?” He saw a speechless look on Robbie’s face. “See, huh? Didn’t think of that, did you? No, I did. You were top on my list of suspects.”

“Fuck you, Henry.”

“Joe,” Henry tattled.

Joe held up his hand. “Robbie, you stay on the suspect list until we go through your scenario and clear you. I stay too for that matter. Right now, we’ll go through these people we all listed one at a time and just for starters, let’s go with Ellen . . . What now, Henry!” Joe’s hand slammed down.

“I didn’t list her, Joe. You said people we all listed. I didn’t list you either.”

“No, you didn’t, Henry. We can’t even count your list because you only had two suspects, Robbie and Jason. Now let’s move on to Ellen. Start with means. Does she have the means?”

Dean nodded. “Yes. The means was the reason I put her on my suspect list, especially with this new plague. Jenny was intentionally given this plague. Ellen had complete access to it at any time. And . . . and the tubes of blood being messed up, I distinctively remember Ellen in the lab directly before I went in to test Jenny’s blood.”

“Stop.” Henry held up his hand. “Do you realize how many people were taking blood that day, let alone who was in the clinic and had access to the blood? You, me, Robbie, Johnny, and Jason were still working. John Matoose brought Joe into the clinic. Melissa was one of the last ones to get sick. Then there’s Patrick. I remember a lot of them going in and out of that lab.”

“True.” Dean held up a pencil. “But did any of them have means to the virus?”

Joe answered, “We can’t specifically say Ellen, or whoever, used the virus we had here. Whoever was working for George could have easily had that virus in their possession, but we did establish means for Ellen. Now motive.”

Henry shook his head. “She has none.”

“Not entirely,” Joe said. “If this post plague world could have a rich bitch that would be Ellen. Ellen was the most materialistic person I knew in the old world. If she had a chance to be involved with someone that would rule the world, she would. Hell, I remember her telling me she’d sleep with Ronald Reagan if it meant living in the White House.”

Robbie, Dean, and Henry cringed loudly and audibly.

Joe nodded. “See.”

Henry disagreed again, “Not a good enough motive, not with all that happened to her in Colorado.”

Robbie nodded. “I agree with Henry. Your motive isn’t good enough, Dad and she did go through a lot of shit. So . . . with that in mind, I gave it some thought and it turned out perfect. Ellen’s motive is revenge.”

All three of them said at the same time “Revenge?”

“Yep.” Robbie said. “Using what happened to his advantage, George moved in for the kill at the right time in Ellen’s life. She was trying to get over what happened to her. Frank was being a dick because she did Dean. George knew that and played on it. Listen to this . . .” Robbie proceeded to give his scenario. “It was late. It was during the time that Ellen was homeless and living from one place to another hoping to get back with Frank. She was not speaking to Dean and working all night in the lab. In comes George . . .”

“Burning the late night oil again, Ellen?” George asked as he walked in the cryo lab.

“Yeah.” Ellen said tiredly. “Dean has me trying to get to these passwords.”

“You look wore out.”

“I am.”

“I’m sorry for all that’s happening with you and Frank. He should just grow up and move on about it.”

“I was wrong, George.”

“Ellen.” George sat next to her. He turned her stool to face him. “You were going through a very difficult time. Frank denied it, but Dean didn’t.”

“But still George, it was wrong. I lost my husband, my family.”

“You went through a very tragic time. Frank of all people should have understood. After all, he did send you down to Colorado knowing full well it could be dangerous.”

“What?” Ellen looked at him in shock. “What are you talking about?”

“You didn’t know? Ellen, the only reason you went to Colorado with the scientists was because you were the most unlikely spy. Everyone knew.”

“I didn’t. That can’t be right. Joanna asked me to . . .”

“Joanna asked you to go because Joe told her to take you. Yes, I’m sorry to be the one to break this to you, but after you left there were meetings to determine how long to leave you there and whether to bring you back if you found out enough information or not. We discussed it. If it was all that safe, then you tell me why we sent a body guard like Miguel with you.”

Robbie nodded. “She fell for it. He then began pumping her mind with how happened to her was all Joe’s fault, how Beginnings caused her grief. As far as putting my Dad under the Salicain, Ellen knew it wouldn’t really harm him, just inhibit him while George gained power. She had total access to the computers in the cryo-lab. She could have loaded the destruct programs.”

Henry made a loud buzzing sound. “There’s where your story goes off. Ellen got caught in that explosion.”

Joe quickly looked at Henry. “What explosion?”

“The one that killed Dean.” Henry’s speech slowed. “In the time frame that . . . we erased when we . . . went back and saved Dean. Sorry.”

Dean interjected, “But going on Henry’s story. Even without the explosion, Ellen did one thing. She gave us the antidote that brought Joe out of the Salicain. She said her future self told her to.”

“Of course she did,” Joe said, “but George could have easily let her know which one was the antidote.”

“But why do it?” Dean questioned. “Robbie was in holding. Frank was on his way out. You were under the Salicain and Henry was clueless. Why did Ellen give up the antidote?”

Robbie had the answer. “Guilt.”

Joe snapped his views to Robbie. “Ellen?”

All four of them shook their heads.

“O.K.” Joe tossed his hands up. “Someone give me a good reason to remove her.”

“A-ha!” Henry held his hand up. “I got it! Ellen was the one who came up with the cure that beat the original strain of the virus.”

Joe quickly looked at Dean. “I thought you said you did that.”

“Ellen insisted everyone think I did. Henry knew. That’s it.”

“See Joe,” Henry said excitedly. “You took Dean off the suspect list because of the cure thing so Ellen has to be off too.”

“Ellen’s off.” Joe scratched her off happily.

“Does uh . . . does this mean Dean’s back on?” Henry questioned.

“No, Dean’s not back on,” Joe answered.

“Why, Joe? He didn’t find the cure,” Henry argued.

“But it was Dean’s bionic eye that saw the mouse that carried the virus. So . . . he’s still off.” Joe looked at his watch. “This meeting has gone on too long. We’ll meet tomorrow at the same time. Let’s give some deep thought to scenarios like Robbie did. And let’s do it for um . . .” Joe skimmed the list. “The next two that are easy to eliminate would be Frank and Andrea.”

Dean grinned big time because he knew the rest of his day wasn’t going to be all that bad. He was just given permission to think of another way to eliminate Frank.

CHAPTER FIVE

Beginnings, Montana

That evening, Dean stood before a cabinet, shuffling through papers and tossing them in a box laid on the dining room table. He thought he heard Nick crying and looked up towards the ceiling then looked at Henry, who looked at everything Dean tossed into the box. “Henry, did you hear Nick?”

“No. Why, you need me to get him for you.”

“Um . . . no. It’s probably my imagination.”

“Dad,” Billy, Dean’s six year old son, called as he sat at the dining room table, “I found a problem.”

Dean stopped packing and looked over Billy’s shoulder as he read off a clipboard. “What is it?”

“Is the insulin strong enough to cause a deadly heart attack in Uncle Frank?”

“In large quantities, yes.”

“He’s big,” Billy said. “You can’t inject him one time. You’d have to get him lots. How are you gonna hold him down?”

“Good point. Make a note of that, neatly please.” Dean returned to his box and noticed Henry staring. “What?”

“He’s six?” Henry pointed. “Boy, I hope Nick ends up that smart.”

“He will, Henry. Want to know why? Frank won’t be around to raise him. I’ll be raising him with Ellen. Between your mechanical inclinations and my teaching, that kid can be another Einstein.”

“Oh yeah?” Henry smiled. “Cool . . . he does have the hair for it.”

Dean shook his head. His mood wasn’t the greatest. Little did he know, when he went to answer the knock at his door, his evening would only get worse. He opened it, huffed some, and laid his hand on the back of his neck. “Yes Bev.”

Bev slipped in, despite the fact that Dean didn’t open the door wider for her. She waved her hand to Henry who looked the other way. “I was wondering if perhaps you’d like to go down to the social hall for a drink with me.”

“No.” Dean opened the door for her to get his hint but she didn’t.

“I heard you were upset with everyone today. I know you’re tense. I thought maybe I could help.”

“Bev,” Dean said her name with annoyance, “no, I’m not interested in hanging around with you. Your offer is noted and rejected. I don’t know why all of the sudden you’re putting this interest in me and frankly, I don’t care. Be forewarned, if starting trouble is what this is about, you have picked the wrong day to do it. Bye.”

“I’m not starting trouble, Dean,” Bev said softly. “Just to prove it, I’ll leave. But know this.” She stepped to him and whispered near his ear, “You’ll change your mind, Ellen or no Ellen, I can be that special friend. I can be . . .” Her words were breathy against his ear. Dean’s expression didn’t change. He still stared coldly forward. “…everything you need.” She smiled, stepped back, trailed her fingers down his chest, and walked out.

Dean shut the door, shook his head, and turned around. His daughter Alexandra stood before him with her little arms folded.

“Daddy. what was she doing here?”

Dean looked down to her clueless.

Henry saw Dean’s lost expression and decided to help out. “Alex, Bev is going to be your father’s special friend.”

Alexandra shrieked at the same time Dean gasped. She swiftly swung out her leg, kicking Dean hard in the shin. “You jerk. I’m telling Mommy!” She raced up the stairs.

Dean grabbed his shin, reached for the railing and spun to Henry. “Why . . . Why would you say that?”

“That’s what Bev said. You know Dean, it’s welcome relief to see her dig her venomous claws into someone else.” Henry made a claw with his hand then hissed.

“Henry,” Dean said his name through a painful grunt. He then huffed loudly, limping for the steps. “You are so lucky right now that my focus is on Frank. God! What is wrong with everyone today?” Dean charged up the steps.

Henry chuckled as he watched Dean stagger up still grabbing his shin. Henry looked down when he felt the tug to his pants.

Billy looked up at him. “You’re not funny.” He shook his head and moved to the steps to follow his father.

Henry still laughed. He didn’t care. “Such a Dean.” He shook his head and returned to the box Dean was packing. He was certain there was something in there he forgot to look at.

^^^^

Joe looked perturbed as he made his way to his dining room. He kept looking at Robbie, who stood by the front door, his hands folded in front of him. He could hear Andrea whistling in the kitchen. “Robert, do you mind telling me . . .”

“Excuse me,” Andrea sang her words as she came from the kitchen holding a long, covered baking sheet and carried it to Robbie. “Now you be careful. It’s hot. I don’t want you burning those guitar fingers of yours.”

Robbie took a whiff and grabbed the pan using the towel Andrea provided. “Thanks Andrea, you are turning out to be a really cool mom.”

“Aren’t you sweet? Isn’t he sweet, Joe?”

Joe grumbled as he sat down. “A pip.”

“We’ll enjoy this.” Robbie told her.

“I’m sure you will.” Andrea moved to the door and opened it for Robbie. “I’ll open my window.”

“And I’ll play you that song.”

“Thank you, Robbie. Be good. Play good.”

“Yep.” Robbie grinned and carried his baking sheet with him when he left.

Andrea let out a sigh as she closed the door. She walked back toward the dining room and kitchen.

“Why are you feeding him? He’s a grown man, Andrea. Let him cook for himself.”

“He’s a very busy young man. He’s Mr. Security now and he has the band coming over to his house. He can’t have company without food. Those boys can’t play on an empty stomach, they won’t be good. Besides, Denny will be there too. He has to eat.”

“Want me to call Katie to the table?”

“Joe Slagel, you really should pay more attention. She’s at Dean’s.” Andrea went into the kitchen and emerged with a large bowl of salad. She placed it on the table, dished some to Joe, then herself, and sat down. She folded her hands on the table. “You or me?”

“I’ll do it. You take too long.” Joe folded his hands and lowered his head. “Heavenly father, bless this meal and thank you for it. Amen.”

“Amen.” Andrea smiled and tapped Joe’s hand. “Touching.” She lifted her fork and noticed the annoyed look on Joe’s face. “Is something wrong?”

“No, something is missing.”

“What?”

“Dinner, I thought I smelled your pizza.”

“You did.” Andrea took a bite of her salad.

“Well where in the hell is it?”

“I made it for Robbie and the boys.”

“Robbie!” Joe lifted his fork. “What about me?”

“You have a nice salad plus, I made custard for desert. You love custard.”

“Yeah, I do love custard.”

“What’s the matter, Joe? You seem grumpier than usual.” Andrea became serious. “Is it Frank? Wanna talk?”

“It’s Frank.” Joe dropped his fork. “Andrea, I don’t know what to do about him. What the hell was he thinking?”

“He was thinking how much he needed to step away from his pain. Everything here is Brian, Joe; out there it’s not.”

“It doesn’t make it right.”

“Nor does it make it wrong, Joe. Instead of being angry with him, try to understand him.”

“Why are you defending him?”

Andrea shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe I just see where he’s coming from.”

“But he took Ellen. He didn’t just take her, he kidnapped her.”

“Again, look at it from his point of view. Frank isn’t one to think things through. He acts. Ellen has been a part of his life forever. They lost a child and in Beginnings he couldn’t grieve alone with her. He needed that. Would she have gone if he asked her? Probably not.” Andrea continued to eat.

“I’ve got Dean acting like a mad man around this community. What about that?”

“Try to understand that as well. Dean loves Ellen. He needs her. The worst part is, after all these years, the unthinkable happens. Dean and Frank began an understanding. That takes trust. Dean put his trust in Frank, put aside all the years that Frank betrayed him, and look what happened. It was fifty-fifty. Then Frank decided he wanted Dean’s fifty percent. Had Frank just said to Dean he needed Ellen for a few days, I know Dean would have agreed. But . . . he didn’t. I’ll talk to Dean. We’ll get him calm yet.”

“Thank you, Andrea.” Joe smiled at her and picked up his fork. “You’re a wise woman.” He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “I’m glad to have you in my life.”

“Thank you, Joe Slagel.”

“Not all that glad about this salad.”

“But you do get custard.” Andrea pointed her fork at him.

Joe grumbled as he looked at the lettuce on his fork. “I do get custard.”

^^^^

Jess Boyens extended a napkin down to Andrea’s son Denny as he sat on the couch eating pizza. “Try this.”

“Thanks.” Denny smiled, his face covered with sauce.

“Wipe your hands off too,” Jess ordered nicely. “You don’t want sauce on that tambourine.”

“No way do I want that. Thanks.” Denny half-ass wiped off and continued to devour his pizza.

Robbie looked up at Jess. “Are you sure we won’t bother you playing in here? We can go outside.”

“No it’s too hot out there. Play. I’ve no problems with it, looking forward to it actually. I’ll just be upstairs.” He pointed backwards then heard a knock at the door, “after I get that.” He saw Robbie standing. “Stay seated.” Jess walked to the door and saw Danny Hoi was there. “Danny.”

“Hey Jess.” Danny smiled. “Can I come in? I need to speak to Robbie.”

“Sure.” Jess motioned his hand inward for Danny. “Robbie.”

Robbie stood up. “Hey, Danny what’s up?”

Danny, so like his bubbly self, walked in. “Robbie, I need to talk to you. I’ve had this secret desire to be a backup singer. Can I join the Starters?”

“Um . . . uh . . .” Robbie looked to his band. “Are you serious?”

“No,” Danny laughed, “just kidding. Anyhow, I just spoke to Joe and he said speak to you. I found something today when I was out with Cole on the modular home search. I want to get it tomorrow but Cole can’t go. Joe says I can’t leave without a security escort. Can you hook me up with one?”

Robbie shifted his eyes to Jess. “You up for a short run?”

“Sure.” Jess nodded. “What are we running for, supplies for the foundation?”

“Nah.” Danny shook his head. “We got that ready to roll. My guys start on that tomorrow. No, it’s for entertainment purposes. There’s not much to do here in Beginnings, not like the Starters aren’t the greatest thing since the Beatles, but . . . we need more so we’re gonna have the first “walk-in” here.”

A loud “what” erupted from everyone.

With a snicker, Danny held out his hands. “O.K. let me explain. I saw this big screen TV unit and I’m getting the projection unit. We have videos and we’ll show them off the back of distribution, like a drive-in without cars. Trish is gonna be the coordinator of feature films we view.” Danny heard the moans. “What?”

Robbie laughed and shook his head. “Trish. Great, we’ll be watching Mary fuckin Poppins every night.”

“See, that’s what I thought,” Danny said, “but she fully plans to implement late Friday night as adult movie time. She said, that way the women are done with their meeting and the kids are all asleep.”

Robbie hooted with the rest of the guys. “All right, now that sounds good. Tell her we expect the first adult movie night tomorrow.”

“Without a doubt.” Danny moved to the door. “Thanks Robbie.” He opened it. “Oh, hey, I wanna test the external speaker system I set up. Feel like helping?”

Robbie shrugged. “Sure, how?”

“Give me fifteen minutes and put a radio on channel twelve. We never use that one. We’ll broadcast you guys like a radio. O.K.?”

Robbie looked to his guys for approval. “Sounds good.”

“Great. Jess, come help.” Danny waved him on. “Starters, be original and creative for the community will be listening.”

After the door shut, Robbie looked to Paul. “We can be creative, can’t we?”

Paul blinked several times in thought. “Sure, how can we not? We’re musicians . . . aren’t we?”

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

There was a special prayer service offered that night in the town’s old church. As always the captain attended. Never did he miss praying for his men who were about to embark in battle. To him, God was their protection just as much, if not more than the swords that they carried. He walked from the huge crowd that gathered, like the old days, at the entrance of the church after services. He wandered down the street, whistling one of the hymns he had just heard. His walking slowed when the sound of his whistling seem to clash with something else . . . music.

Raising his eyebrows at the oddity, he listened to hear where the guitar playing came from and followed it to the police station. He hurried inside, opened the door and moved to the dispatch center that now was his monitoring station. “Private.”

The uniformed private stood up from his seat at attention.

“Be seated. Did I just hear music?” The Captain moved closer.

“Um yes sir.” The young soldier said. “Beginnings’ channel twelve. I have all the other stations on, nothing but security checks and talk about some woman named Bev is going on, so I turned it up. Sorry sir.”

“No, it’s O.K., They designated a station to music?”

“I kind of think they’re amusing themselves with the radio.”

The captain chuckled and the instrumental song stopped. “That was good.”

“Acoustic act sir. Wait . . . listen.” The young man tuned in the radio.

It was a whispering voice, dark and deep. Soothingly he spoke close to the radio.

“Yes. This is D.J. Paul with it all. Coming to you live from Beginnings, Montana. Broadcasting for your listening pleasure, we have live and unplugged, the Starters . . .”

The young soldier chuckled. “Starters, Beginnings, get it?”

The Captain closed one eye in a bit of annoyance. “Yeah, I get it. Shh.”

“Believe it or not, joining the Starters for tonight only, is Bob Dylan.”

“Come on guys. Who’s Bob Dylan. Tell me now, please.”

Paul’s voice muffled. “Knock it off, Denny. You’re ruining the professionalism of this.” The voice returned fully. “Bob, tell us what you’ll play next.”

It sounded like Bob Dylan. “Wheel, ya’ knew paw. I lie ta play fir yew a little tune of ma own. He-he.”

The captain laughed and listened to the song as it started. The man who sang it sounded so much like the Dylan he remembered. “This is good.”

“That guy sang Dylan doing Elvis. It was hysterical.”

“I missed that?” The Captain pulled up a chair joining the private. “These guys must not have anything better to do with their time.”

“Begging your pardon sir, but we’re no better off. We’re listening to them.”

The Captain smiled, leaned back and took in the sound of Beginnings.

CHAPTER SIX

August 29

Chadron, Nebraska

Predawn. A hiss of silence upon The Society camp soon became invaded with joined voices, deep and proud, chanting out softly, and carrying through the deadness of the air.

“I pledge allegiance to my country and for the alliance in which I stand. I will fight for my God, for my home, for my land, and for my brothers who have lost their lives. I will defend with my honor and soul, all that I believe in.  I will fight for the freedom under which we all should live.”

There was a pause of silence and the chanting continued. Stirred from their slumber, The Society soldiers rose up. Upon the opening of the first camp door, came the single blow of the trumpet. The UWA soldiers were hidden within the camp rather than attacking on horseback. They had taken out the guards on post and awaited the enemy. A fierce struggle, hand to hand, began and in the midst of that, another bugle sounded and from the hillside charged an additional brigade. They joined their brothers of the UWA, hitting The Society with skill, speed, and losses The Society did not expect to suffer.

^^^^

Ft. Peck Lake

It was a long pier, extending a good twenty-five feet into the lake. Frank sat on the edge of it with Ellen next to him. He fished while Ellen watched. He kept shifting his eyes to her in that early morning.

“El, you can say it any time.”

“Nope.” She rested her elbows on her knees. “I think I’ll wait.”

“Why?”

“Because. It bothers you.”

“No, it does not.”

Ellen half smiled. “Yes, it does Frank. I know it bothers you.”

“No it doesn’t so you can say it.”

“O.K.” Ellen shrugged. “Happy Birthday.”

“Thanks.” Frank kissed her on the cheek.

“God, you’re old Frank. What are you today, forty?”

“Oh my God! No! Thirty uh . . . thirty-five.”

“See, I knew it bothered you.”

“Why would turning thirty-five bother me?” Frank asked.

“It didn’t bother you. I was there five years ago when you turned thirty five. You’re forty and may I say you’re looking every bit of it, if not more.”

Frank’s head rose. “I what? Please. I look better than most of the men in the community who are younger than me.”

“You would think that. Old, Frank, you look old. Dean says you aged without grace.”

“Dean says? Take a swim, El.” Frank gave her a gentle push and into the lake Ellen went with a shriek.

Ellen’s head emerged from the water. She shouted quickly, “Frank! Asshole . . .” She went down and came back up. “I can’t . . .” under the water and then back up, “swim.” Ellen went under.

“Oh shit, I forgot.” Frank set down the fishing rod, laughed, and jumped into the lake.

^^^^

Quantico Marine Headquarters

George’s loud voice blasted out in the board room. Six men sat at the table. “Will one of you please tell me what the hell does UWA stand for? Someone!”

There was silence.

“No one knows?” George’s hand slammed hard on the table. “Two hundred and three men yesterday, three hundred and forty-five men today, all dead! This is the fifth time these assholes have hit us. What is our total? Seven hundred and fifty-seven men. With the loss at Beginnings that is over a thousand lost. What the hell is going on?” George still received nothing but puzzled looks. “These men show up out of nowhere. Where did they come from? These pansies in blue and grey uniforms sporting a UWA patch aren’t taking out our men armed with M-16 and high tech weapons, but with fuckin swords and handguns. Someone give me an answer or at least a logical goddamn explanation of what’s happening and where they came from. You men were part of a team of fifty that went out as ambassadors. Talk to me.”

Jeremy Lyons nervously spoke up. “They have to be a new organization.”

“Well no shit. Did we see them before?”

“No.” Jeremy shook his head. “I was predominant in the west. They could have been people that have survived our raids out there. We know some of them are defectors.”

“How many are defectors?” George asked.

Jeremy opened his notes. “Knowing what we’ve lost on our raids and the ones the UWA takes as prisoners, CME’s included, they may have close to two hundred of our men.”

“That can’t be right. That has to be one hell of a large group, and we can’t find them.”

“It’s a big country. How many times did we pass that one place in Canada and they had, living in that community, close to three hundred,” Jeremy said. “If it’s any consolation, Beginnings doesn’t know they exist either.”

“Beginnings is starting to look like peanuts compared to these guys.” George shook his head with a huffing breath and sat at the table. “They now take top priority. I’ll notify our person in Beginnings that we have problems. I haven’t spoken to them in almost a week . . . O.K.” George calmed down. “Now if we can scour this continent for the four million our scientists estimate are alive, we can scour the west for them. We have to nail this resistance and we have to build a force that can take them out with the precision they are taking us out.”

Another man at the table raised his hand. “We’ve been shipping our elite to Alabama. We still need a better guidance in training there.”

“I’m working on that. Right now, this resistance takes precedence. Gentlemen, we have to find them before Beginnings does. I received word this morning our ships will be done in approximately a month, two tops. I’d like to launch them with our men, but I’d like to do that with nothing else on my mind. The last thing we need is this country going into civil war. I’m afraid . . .” George paused as he stared at the faces at the table, “if we don’t end this soon that is exactly where we’re headed.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Joe grinned as he swiveled in his desk chair, reading the papers Henry hand delivered from the communications room.

“Joe?”

“Never, ever.” Joe snapped forward laying the papers down, “since we located George, have we seen this much activity from him.”

“Twenty-two calls,” Henry indicated, “were made to Quantico in the past five hours alone.”

“He definitely knows we know his location and he know he’s too big for us to take out. That’s why he’s letting all these calls in. So . . .” Joe leaned back. “Did you tell George, Henry? Huh?”

“Oh my God, Joe. How can you say that to me?”

“Just kidding,” Joe laughed and read the papers. “But still, all these calls indicate something is up. It looks more like panic instead of check ins. My gut tells me Georgie boy may be having some problems.”

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

“No!” The Captain called out, racing into the field where his men trained on horses. “No.” He tossed his cigarette and grabbed the reigns of a horse, stopping it. A frightened young man of eighteen sat upon the animal. “Son, speed is important. Speed. Precision in the sweep is secondary. Trust me, you swing down at a man with your sword going full speed it’s not going to matter where you slice him. He’s doing down. But if you are not doing it with speed, he will see you coming, and he will take you from that horse. The most vital thing is that you returned home to us in the same shape you left. That is why you must do this correctly. Understand?”

The young man nodded slowly.

“Good boy. Now impress me because I know you can.” With a smiling nod, The Captain stepped back then walked to his observing and training position. He heard the call of his name and turned to Sgt. Ryder, one of The Captain’s most trusted men. A thin man, in his thirties, his dark hair and Mexican features made him look fierce. Sgt. Elliott Ryder was the Captain’s right hand man because he was strategically intelligent and of course, a pre plague friend.

“Captain.”

“Yes, Sergeant.” The Captain kept his view on his training men.

“We have news you may not like.”

“What is it?” The captain smiled, watching the young man speed across the field. He called out to training boy. “Yes! That’s it! Excellent!”

“Captain,” Sgt. Ryder spoke again.

“I’m sorry. What is it?” The captain faced him and was handed a sheet of paper. The smile left his face. “When did our scouts return with this?”

“Just now, sir.”

“All right.” The Captain handed the paper back. He stayed calm. “Let those scouts rest and send two of our best, one north, one south. Scout out both Society camps there. I want numbers, buildings, positions, and armory on those camps and I need them immediately. If we have The Society that close to us, we have to get rid of them.”

“Yes sir. I’m on it.”  Sgt. Ryder stepped back with a salute.

The captain returned the salute then re-engaged in watching his men.

^^^^

Jason Godrichson was walking from the line of utility buildings as Dean was nearing them. Dean was on his way to the second suspect meeting when Jason stopped him.

“Dean, glad I found you.” Jason stood in Dean’s pathway.

“What’s going on?”

Jason shook his head. “I wanted to let you know that there’s no way it can be done.”

“Are you sure?”

“I checked it with Forrest. Ever since he fixed the power supply on the time machine, it stays in control.”

“Damn it.” Dean twitched his head. “You’re sure there’s no way you can barbeque Frank in a bogus time trip?”

“Positive. However . . .”

Dean’s eyes brightened. “What?”

“I could ship him a hundred years into the future and leave him there. It would have no bearing on our time now. Of course we’ll need someone to go with him so they can come back and shut the door.”

“I’ll give it some thought. Thanks Jason.”

“You do know, Dean, you can always take the direct approach. Just walk up to Frank and shoot him”

“Nah, I don’t want to be ousted. I’d rather use that as a last resort and stick to making it either look natural or like an accident.” Dean lifted his hand in a wave and started walking again. “Thanks, Jason.”

“Not a problem.” Jason continued walking, knowing his mind would keep churning on ideas to help Dean.

All voices ceased the moment Dean entered Joe’s office. He looked at Joe, Henry, then Robbie. “What? Were you guys talking about me?”

Robbie answered. “As a matter of fact, Dean, we were. Henry was just sharing with us your new sex symbol status with the young female population of Beginnings.”

Dean closed his eyes and shook his head. “Henry’s really close to me kicking his ass.” Dean heard Henry snicker and he quickly looked at Henry.

Henry wiped the smiled from his face. “Sorry. Hey, Joe, tell him. Go on.”

“Dean, the reason we were discussing you is,” Joe took a breath, “I stopped at the school today and saw Alexandra. She told me she’s mad at you because you have a girlfriend while her Mommy is kidnapped. She said she saw Bev kissing you.”

Immediately and with surprise Dean sprang from his chair going after Henry.

Henry saw it coming. He jumped from his chair and hurried backwards, trying not to laugh. “I didn’t say anything.”

Robbie too tried not to laugh as he pulled Dean back. “Easy.”

“Dean,” Joe scolded, “You’re making me tense. Now cool it.”

Dean pulled away from Robbie and plopped in his chair. “Henry, one more thing out of you and I swear I’m cutting off your hair while you’re sleeping.”

“Oh Dean, you wouldn’t do that.”

“Watch me.” Dean stared forward. “Can we do this, Joe?”

“Can we lose the mood?” Joe asked.

“I’m sorry, Joe.” Dean held up his hand. “I feel like I’m the most miserable person in Beginnings today.”

“I have news for you, Dean,” Joe said. “You are. Now this should make you happy.” Joe pulled out his notes. “We’re gonna discuss Frank as a suspect. Everyone ready? Let’s talk means.” Joe saw Henry’s hand raised. “Henry?”

“Frank should be eliminated immediately from the suspect list with no arguments at all.”

“Why?” Joe asked.

“Because if Frank was working for George, why would he kill him?”

“What?” Joe asked. “What the hell are you talking about?”

Robbie rolled his eyes. “Bet me it’s another one of those time trip memories none of us have.”

“Yes. He killed George in the time frame that Dean died.”

Joe tilted his head. “The one that was erased when you brought Dean back to life?”

“Yes,” Henry nodded.

“Well, it doesn’t count!” Joe scolded. “And how in the hell did bringing Dean back affect bringing George back?”

Dean quickly shifted his eyes. “It’ll be a Henry explanation. Do you want to hear it.”

“Yes,” Joe answered. “Henry?”

“Easy, Joe. Ellen went back and blabbed to herself about the antidote so there wouldn’t be a lab explosion. In the original time, the explosion occurred. George was prancing around singing about Dean and Ellen being dead, thinking he was cool and surprise, you were awake and he got busted. But . . . in the rippled time frame he had that diversion of you healing so he made his escape.”

Joe stared for a moment at Henry. “O.K., Frank. Give me means. I have that he was taking blood at the clinic. He could have easily switched the Jenny tubes.”

“Dad,” Robbie scoffed. “Frank? Frank isn’t smart enough to think like that. Give him a war scenario, yes. Come on, let’s face it, if intelligence was a primary requirement for living in Beginnings, Frank would have been out years ago. Frank didn’t switch the blood. The only means Frank has is his security position. Yes, I put Frank on my list, but he shouldn’t be there. Frank hated George. George hated Frank from day one.

Henry agreed, “Especially while you were under the Salicain. They went at each other tooth and nail. Besides, when the SUTs invaded us, Frank was too prepared they . . . yeah. Frank was prepared, like maybe he knew how they were coming. It could have been all a big act to build his trust with us in Beginnings.  Boy now that I think about it, our defense was pretty good, too good for four hundred men.” Henry smiled. “Yeah.” The smiled dropped. “No. Frank likes being the hero too much.”

Dean nodded. “That’s exactly what I came up for as his motive. Frank loves to be the hero. Yet, who in Beginnings thanks him? How many times has Frank saved the day? How many times has he rushed to the rescue? Everyone takes him for granted and they have from day one. George used that. He played on that, promised him an army to train, a big one. Frank would get the glory because he would be there from the ground up.”

Joe blinked in thought. “What about Ellen? I know my son loves her.”

“Yeah, and he took her,” Dean answered. “How do we know right now he isn’t turning around and heading to home…Quantico that is.”

Robbie shook his head. “Frank is Mr. Father. He wouldn’t take a chance, no matter how small, of something happening to the kids. He already lost Brian.”

Henry’s head bobbed side to side. “Yes, but, meaning no disrespect to Frank and this is just a thought, what if his whole grief thing was an act to make his escape.”

Joe’s hand slammed down hard. “An act? He lost his son for crying out loud.”

“Not really,” Henry said, “Brian was Dean’s kid. What if . . .”

Robbie and Joe both shouted. “What!”

Dean cringed.

“I thought you . . . I thought.” Henry shifted his eyes around. “I mean . . . geez, there I go again. Forget it, my mistake.”

Joe tilted his head as he spoke to Henry but watched Dean. “Another ripple in time?”

Henry nodded. “Exactly.”

“Dean?” Joe questioned, “a ripple in time.”

“Yeah.” Dean sat up. “Oddly enough in the time frame that Frank screwed up and Ellen was married to Robbie, Brian was my son because Robbie can’t have kids.”

Robbie grinned. “Wait. You guys screwed up time? I was married to Ellen? I didn’t know this.” He looked at Henry. “Hey, do you guys have the history disks from that? Can I see?”

“No,” Henry answered, “we fixed it.”

“How did it happen?” Robbie asked.

“Robert,” Joe interrupted, “we’re getting off the subject.”

“I want to know. No one tells me this shit. Henry?” Robbie questioned.

You got to Ashtonville too late in the original time. Frank wanted you there earlier to help Ellen only when he called you he forgot to tell you how early. You took off,  hooked up with Ellen, and were married ten years when we came back through the time machine. But . . . we went back, stopped Frank from making the phone call and he mailed you a letter instead.”

Robbie looked so arrogant. “I wish I would have seen my big brother’s face. Anyhow . . . back to Frank. Dad, scratch him off the list. Nothing is feasible.”

“I agree.” Joe looked at Dean. “Dean?”

“As much as I hate to admit it, Frank isn’t working for George. Take him off.”

“Henry?” Joe looked at him for an answer.

“Sure Joe, take him off.”

Joe’s pencil moved in a line. “All right, now Andrea. I think . . .” Joe saw Henry’s hand wave fanatically. “What Henry?”

“Can I share my motive theory? Please?”

“We do means first.”

“Come on, Joe it’s good. Can I, Joe? Huh? I want to tell it before anyone else does.”

Joe pretty much gave up. “Go on.”

Henry excitedly looked at his notes. “Thanks Joe. O.K., I’ve been giving this a lot of thought, meaning no disrespect Joe.”

“None taken.”

“Thanks. I think it’s quite plausible that Andrea is working for George. Her motive simply is . . . she and George were lovers.”

Laughter erupted loudly from the group.

“No, I’m dead serious. What? We’re gonna dismiss that, why? George killed Miguel. George had no reason to kill Miguel unless it was a personal issue. He wanted to get Miguel out of the way so he could have Andrea. And . . . and . . . I asked. Yes I did. I asked everyone if they remembered where she was when Joe came out of the Salicain. Do any of you? No. I know in my history she appeared out of nowhere so I’ll tell you where she was. She was the inside man, getting things ready. She knew what had happened and she was with George. How else did he get his things together so fast and make his escape?” Henry proceeded to tell his version of what happened . . .

“Hurry.” Andrea tossed items into a duffle bag which sat on George’s bed.

“Andrea, are you absolutely positive?”

“I’m certain of it. I heard something about vial seventeen when Dean and Ellen were in the lab. They’re testing it now, George. It’s only a matter of time.”

“How did they find out? We had that rigged.”

“I don’t know.” Andrea hurried and packed his things. “You’re taking a Jeep, right.”

“Yes.”

“How long until your people pick you up?”

“Six hours.”

“Then you have to throw Frank off, because you know as much as I do they are gonna be searching for you.”

“I have a plan for that.”

Andrea let out a breath as she zipped up the bag. “I wish I could go with you.”

George moved closer to her. “I wish you could too, but you can’t. I need you in here for me.”

“I know.”

George laid his hand on the side of Andrea’s face. “I’ll be in touch as soon as I can.”

“Please, please be careful out there.”

“I will.” George kissed her on the cheek. “I have to go.”

Andrea only nodded her head with sadness.

“Andrea, I love you.”

“ I . . . love you.”

Henry gave a closed mouth proud look as he added the final dramatics to his story. “There. George escaped, because she helped him get out. We know she had the means and she has the medical knowledge.”

Robbie shook his head. “What about the switching of the tubes? She was sick when Jenny came in.”

“True. But,” Henry held up a thinking finger, “we never established for certain that the tubes were actually switched, have we? There were so many hands on the blood those days who knows if it was accidental or on purpose. We don’t. We can’t use switching of the blood as an out for someone. Andrea is perfect, the God fearing Christian woman, isn’t she. But look at her personality. One minute she’s loopy and we can’t figure out what’s wrong with her, the next she’s wacko woman. If she’s hiding her true colors, of course it’s going to emerge. Didn’t anyone ever wonder why Andrea never cares if she attends a council meeting. She only says fill me in and we do.  And . . . look who she’s with…Joe, the leader of the community, a perfect position to find out what she needs to know. What she doesn’t find out as council, she finds out as his wife. She’s a smart woman. Cunning that Andrea is. I’m surprised none of you had a field day with her either.”

Joe was speechless. “Henry gave . . . Henry gave some valid points. Can anyone give me a reason to remove her from the list?” Joe waited and received only silent stares. “Even though I know my wife and even though I know she has nothing to do with George, Henry gave some valid arguments. Although I hate to do it . . . Andrea stays.”

Henry grinned and clenched his fist in excitement. He convinced them all to consider Andrea with one of his really ‘cool’ Henry theories. Because of that, he added a little gloating to his expression as well.

^^^^

Ft. Peck Lake

The sound of Frank coughing carried to Ellen as she sat on the porch of the cabin, watching him take things to the truck. He’d walk, cough, and move again. He smiled at Ellen when he walked back to her, plopping on the wooden step beside her.

“A few more things,” he sniffled. “We’ll save those for tomorrow.”

“Frank, you look a little pale. How are you feeling?”

“I’m good.”

Ellen reached up to him and touched his face. Her hand slid to behind his neck. “Frank, you’re warm and you’re coughing. You know what Dean told you about the pneumonia. Just because you feel better doesn’t mean it’s gone. Six weeks it stays in your . . .”

“El, I’m fine.” Frank coughed again. “If I’m sick it’s your entire fault anyhow.”

“My fault? How is it my fault?”

“I had to jump in the lake to save your ass.”

“You jumped in the lake, asshole, because you shoved me in. You probably needed a Frank hero boast so you found a way to save my life.”

“Yep.” Frank smiled and kissed her.

“Oh.” Ellen touched her lips. “Frank, your lips are hot.”

“For you.”

“No I’m serious. They’re really hot. Maybe we should consider going home now to get you started on an anti-infection.”

“No El.” Frank shook his head. “I’ll be fine. Besides the sun will be going down soon and we’re leaving tomorrow. And . . .” With a smile he pointed. “It’s my thirty-fifth birthday.”

Ellen laughed and swiped his hand away. “Thirty-five. I recall five years ago how we celebrated your real thirty-fifth birthday.”

“So do I.” Frank leaned into her with a shitty grin.

“Frank, come on. I don’t think you’re up to this.” Ellen felt his lead and moved from him.

“You don’t think.” Frank neared his lips to hers.

“Besides, you’re really old now.”

“I’ll show you old.” Frank extended his arm, plowed into Ellen, causing her to shriek, and knocked her down to the wooden porch.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Beginnings, Montana

Henry sat on Alexandra’s bed that night. Her covers were turned down and he brushed her hair.

“Uncle Henry?”

“Shh. Ninety-eight, ninety-nine. One hundred, done.” He set the brush down.

“Is my mommy coming back soon?”

“Tomorrow.”

“That’s what my Daddy said. He said that if she doesn’t come back, he’s going to kill Uncle Frank. Will he really kill Uncle Frank?”

“Oh I don’t know Alex, he may. He’s not been in a very good mood lately. You know he threatened to cut off my hair.”

“That wasn’t very nice,” Alexandra said.

“No it wasn’t. That’s why we made him watch the movie tonight.” Henry helped Alexandra into bed and covered her. “Hopefully watching the adult movie will put him in a good mood.”

“Let’s hope.” Alexandra snuggled. “Goodnight, Uncle Henry.”

“Night Alex.” Henry leaned down and kissed her. He  walked to the door.

“Uncle Henry, call me if you need help with Nick.”

“Oh you know I will.” Henry smiled, pulled the door closed some, and left the room. He walked into the bathroom and pulled a plastic hood from his pocket. Hating to do it, but afraid not to, Henry secured the hood to his head, tucking his long hair underneath. He wanted to be prepared in case he fell asleep and Dean made good on his threats.

^^^^

There was nothing unusual about the way Danny Hoi walked to the grassy area behind distribution, bubbly and upbeat. He carried a bowl of popcorn and found Dean who sat further back from the rest of the men. Dean lay on his side, staring at the wall, and waiting for the movie to start.

Danny plopped down and placed the bowl in between them. “Hey Dean.

Dean raised his eyes. “Hi Danny.”

“Excited about this? Oh wait, bad question, not yet huh?”

“Why would I be excited?”

“Adult Movie night.” Danny smiled. “Isn’t that cool of Trish to start this?  I hear it’s a lesbian flick.”

Dean stopped into his reach for popcorn. “Why would you think that?”

“Trish said it was. She said it was an adult movie about women. She got it from Ellen’s video collection. I didn’t know Ellen was into lesbian flicks.”

“Danny, Ellen . . .” Dean paused. “Never mind. If I know what Ellen likes, and I do, you’ll love it.”

“Excellent.”

Dean shook his head with a smile as he reached into the bowl. Just as he opened his mouth to eat, he stopped. “Shit.”

“What? Danny asked then saw why Dean made his remark. Danny’s eyes followed the pair of very exposed legs up to their owner, Bev. Danny grinned. Bev looked at Dean.

“Hi Dean. I thought you and I could watch the movie together,” she asked softly.

Dean said nothing. He grabbed another handful of popcorn, gave a raise of his eyebrows to Danny, stood up, and walked off.

Bev turned and watched Dean walk away.

Danny looked as she rolled on her side, again he cased her. “Hey uh Bev . . . if you’re uh looking for someone to watch the movie with, I’ll watch it with you.”

Bev just gasped, rolled her eyes, got up, and stormed off.

Danny shrugged and pulled his popcorn closer to him. “Maybe not.”

It wasn’t exactly Jess’s thing, but since every other male in Beginnings was there, he figured he might as well be too. The area was packed with the men waiting for Beginnings’ first adult movie night. Finding Robbie wasn’t too difficult. He merely followed the noise to the loudest bunch, the band The Starters all sat together, Robbie on the end, Denny, blindfolded, in front of him.

“Can I join you guys?” Jess asked as he approached.

“Jess, my man.” Robbie patted the empty spot next to him. “Join away. You’re just in time. We’re waiting on Trish.”

“Thanks.” Jess sat down next to Robbie. “Why is Denny blindfolded?”

“Check this out,” Robbie said, “strict orders from our mom. He’s not allowed to see. So . . .” chuckling Robbie reached out and rubbed Denny’s hair, “he’s not watching.”

“Aw.” Denny tried to get Robbie’s hand but missed. “Come on guys, I won’t tell.”

Robbie grinned his arrogant smile. He looked when he heard the cheering. “Trish is coming. Yes.” Robbie grabbed the edges of his shirt lifted it off and tossed it forward. It landed on Denny’s head. “Have to be ready. Not like it’s not hot enough.” Robbie whistled.

Jess shook his head as he held his finger, blocking out the ear piercing noise Robbie made. He looked at Robbie and smiled, then at Trish who bravely stood before nearly the entire community of men.

Trish held her hands out in a ‘quiet down’ manner. She was upbeat and perky. “I know all of you are impatient, so I’ll get it started. It’s not my sort of thing but I’m sure you men will enjoy it. So, let’s get this started.” Trish smiled. The men clapped and she walked across the maze of them. “Hey!” she yelled. “Stop that. I’m telling Jeff.” She held her skirt closer to her body to stop the ‘peeping toms’ and she finally arrived at the projection unit.

The movie wasn’t what the men of Beginnings expected, not in the least. Prepared and ready for the first adult movie night featuring a lesbian flick, the men were a little shocked to find out the feature was less than what they anticipated. But they made the best of it, hooting and hollering like they had planned to do, with Robbie being the worst. Everything said or done in the movie was taken entirely out of context. Despite the fact that the men were stuck watching LITTLE WOMEN, in their deprived minds, they made it what they wanted it to be.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

The hours crept into late ones and the police station was quiet. The Captain sat staring at the radio as if he were in the old world watching television. He smiled at the antics of Beginnings and sifted through the boring hourly check ins from the guards. He took notes as he sat there, feeling pulled to listen and taking in all that he heard.

“So what am I supposed to do?” A male Beginnings man spoke.

“Christ, why are you calling me with this shit. Find Mr. Big Head of security,” The second one responded.

“Mr. Head of security is part of the problem.”

“Ignore it.”

“I can’t. I’m just trying to walk my beat in the living section. Gemma grabbed me three times and told me to do something about it.”

“Blow her off. They can’t be making that much noise. I can’t hear them and I’m closer than she is.”

“She says it’s interrupting her sleep.”

“What the hell are they hooting about anyhow?”

“It’s the first adult movie night. They’re watching something called Pornos.”

“Pornos.”

The Captain laughed.

“Some movie about midget lesbians.”

“What?” The second voice blasted. “Midget lesbians?”

“Yeah the guys love it too. It’s called Little Women.”

At that point a loud roaring laughter emanated from The Captain. He laughed so hard he completely missed a few of the things they had said.

“All right,” The second voice said sounding so perturbed, “Go down there tell them I said to pipe their asses down or I’m coming down. If I come down there will be no more adult movies about midget lesbians. Got that?”

“Got it.”

“And tell Mr. Security his ass better not be getting drunk or I will kick it.”

“Got it chief, right away.

The final response from the second voice did not come in the form of words. He merely grumbled in annoyance and disconnected the radio call.

There was something about the transmissions of Beginnings The Captain monitored that pulled at him. The normalcy perhaps, civilization, or the fact that they were so wrapped up in their own little world. Beginnings was more oblivious to what was going on around them than they cared to admit. Their antics, their zest for life, whatever it was, The Captain was not alone in enjoying them. Everyone in Bowman seemed to slip into the police station at least once during the day to catch some Beginnings chatter. But at that moment, the transmissions grew more fun as the one guard in Beginnings tried with diligence to settle the hooting men. The entire episode carried over the airwaves. The Captain drew a peaceful look upon his face with a partial smile. He rocked back and forth in his chair, a pen clenched between his teeth, and kept on listening.

CHAPTER EIGHT

August 30

Ft. Peck Lake

It wasn’t what Ellen wanted to hear. Frank’s coughing was worse and had become that way steadily through the night. Now it was deeper, more frequent, and the rumbling had started. She peered out the cabin door, the phone tightly to her ear, and watched Frank finish placing things in the truck. He didn’t walk in his usual manner. He slumped a bit and staggered.

“Robbie, I don’t know.” Ellen looked out the door once more then turned her back to it. “He’s not well.”

“Want me to fly on out and met you?”

“I do, but I know your brother. He’ll get pissed if we act like he can’t do this. I’m just worried about him. Can you let Dean know the pneumonia’s back?”

“I can do that,” Robbie said.

“I’m just worried about him Robbie that’s . . .” Ellen felt the phone slip from her hand. “Hey.”

Frank talked into it. “Robbie, I’m fine. See you in a few.” Frank hung up the phone and handed it back to Ellen. “Ready?”

“Are you sure . . .”

“El.”

“All right.” Ellen placed the phone in the back pack and lifted it. “Promise me when you get home you will go straight to bed.”

“I’ll promise that if you promise you will be my nurse.”

“I don’t know, Frank. I’m still mad about the drowning thing.” Ellen smiled. “I’ll be your nurse.”

“Good.” Frank smiled, kissed her quickly and took her arm. “Let’s go.” He led her from the cabin and closed the door.

He walked Ellen to her side of the truck, tossed her bag in then waited for Ellen to jump up. Frank lent a hand, boosting her by her backside. He shut the door and walked to his side, grabbed the M-16 from the bed of the truck, and got in.

Ellen watched Frank’s hand reach for the key, his other hand gripped and released the steering wheel as he blinked several times, staring out, “Frank? You want me to drive.”

“No.” He shook his head. “I’m fine.” He started the truck. “I want to make it home in one piece to rest.” He leaned over to Ellen and kissed her softly. “Thanks for these past few days,” he said, “even though you hated it.”

“You drowned me, Frank.”

Frank slipped his hand further behind her head and kissed her again. He pulled Ellen into him, intensifying the kiss. His hand slipped to the top of her head.

“Frank. . . .” Ellen tried to pull from the kiss and she felt his lips move to her neck. “Frank what . . .” She felt the pressure of his hand pushing on her head. “What are . . .” Harshly Ellen’s head was shoved and she met Frank’s groin face first. There was a screech of the tires and the truck sped forth. “Frank!”

“Stay down!” There was a loud bang on the hood of the truck as Frank careened into two Society soldiers, sending one flying on the hood and rolling off.

“Oh my God, what’s going on?” Ellen gripped tightly to Frank’s thigh as her head hit several times off the steering wheel with each bounce the truck took.

Frank, staying calmed, peered out the rearview mirror. He could see the large Military style truck close behind him and in the distance, another picking up soldiers. “Fuck. El, where’s the phone.”

“In my bag.”

“Where’s the bag,”

“Over there.” Her arm pointed to the bag on the floor.

Frank’s eyes shifted between the road, the bag, and the mirror. “Get it, but stay down. I need you to call Robbie. Tell him we had to head north and we need his help.”

“Oh my God, you’re calling for help. It must be bad.”

“Well . . . it’s been better. Call him now. Now!” Frank slammed his foot harder on the gas and shifted gears. He watched the second truck close in and the truck behind him was so close he could see the driver. “El.” Frank looked ahead. “Shit.” In the distance, drawing nearer and heading right for them, was a third truck.

Ellen scooted over, staying down. Shaking and bouncing around she reached into her bag and pulled out the phone. Her fingers fumbled in nervousness as she tried to dial.

“Hold on,” Frank told her.

“What . . .”

SLAM! Frank saw it coming. He tried to avoid it as best as he could but the third truck slammed into the side rear of the small pickup. The pickup swerved and Frank clenched the wheel, fighting it back into control.

Ellen flipped over from the hard moving pickup. She slid half from the seat backwards, banged her head off the door, and dropped the phone. She reached down and picked it up.

“Call him, El.”

“I’m trying.”

With determination, Frank shifted gears, keeping his views straight ahead. “El, I need you to take the wheel.”

“Frank.” Ellen tried to dial.

“Take the wheel.” Frank reached into his shoulder harness and pulled out his revolver. He wound down the window. “El.”

Breathing heavily and frightened, Ellen dialed the number and scooted over. “Please don’t tell me you need me to drive.”

“I need you to drive now.”

Holding the phone with one hand, Ellen reached for the wheel.

“Take the gas.”

Take the gas, drive the car, call Robbie? Ellen could barely react and think. She sat up, grabbed the wheel better, and slipped her foot to the gas.

“You got it?” Frank asked.

“Yeah.” The phone began to ring.

“Get ready?” Frank felt the pressure of the peddle go to Ellen.

“Get ready for . . . Frank!”

The door to the pickup opened bringing in a blast of air as Frank swung out on it. The pressure of the air behind him caused a loud roaring in his ears. He gripped the open window with one hand, planted his feet, one on the door, the other in the door frame, and held out his revolver, aiming and firing at the three trucks that now followed.

Robbie answered his phone. “Security.” He heard nothing but shots. “Hello?”

“Robbie,” Ellen sounded frantic. “We had to head north. Help us.” The pickup bounced hard and the phone fumbled from Ellen’s hand and onto the floor.

The military trucks moved back and forth avoiding Frank’s shots. He used them sparingly, taking only shots he knew he would be hits. Frank saw it, held tight, and ignored the bad road they drove on. He spotted the eyes of the driver of the closer truck. Frank fired then the windshield shattered at the same instance the driver’s blood spewed outward like a shower. The truck careened off the side of the road and Frank quickly slid back in.

In the transferring of feet on the gas pedal, the pickup slowed down. Frank reached out his arm to shut the door but retracted it with speed when a Society truck flew by them, taking off the driver’s door and sending it rolling off to the old overgrown highway.

“O.K.” Frank drove rapidly, seeing the truck that passed him pull sideways and block the road. “Hand me the M-16.

Ellen reached down for the weapon that had fallen to the floor. As she lifted it, she saw the truck ahead. “Frank it’s close.”

“I know.”

“We’re gonna hit it.” She handed him the weapon.

“Nah.” Frank took the gun.

Ellen’s eyes widened in horror. The truck was so close. Frank grabbed the M-16. The truck pulled closer. Frank tossed the strap over his head. “Frank . . .” Ellen jammed her foot to the floor as if she had her own brake. She could see, at their high speed, the faces of the soldiers that stood before the Society truck, aiming. “Frank!”

“Hold on!” At the same time Frank moved the weapon under his other shoulder, he jolted the truck hard to the left. The tires screamed as the pickup nearly went on two wheels, missing the society truck and  going from the road that wasn’t that great to begin with, off to the deeply over grown side. They headed toward the woods. Fast and furious Frank drove, jerking the wheel and barely squeezing between the tress.

“Oh God.” Ellen bounced high. “We’re gonna hit a tree.”

“Probably.” Frank pulled Ellen closer to him, staying almost too calm. “When I tell you to, hold on tight and don’t let go.”

“Are we getting out?”

“Yes. Ready?”

“Wait. Aren’t you stopping?”

“No, we’re on fire.”

“What . . .” Ellen turned her head back to see the bright orange blaze ripping from the bed of the pickup. “Oh shit.”

“Hold on.” Frank gripped her.

“Frank . . .” Ellen shrieked as she felt herself being pulled from the truck.

Together they hit the ground. They rolled intertwined together only briefly. Their bodies careened over a small hillside, bounced off the rugged ground, and separated. At different speeds, they slid down the hill. Frank caught himself mid fall, rolled into a semi stand and ran down the hill.

Ellen just rolled until she hit the bottom, landing face first on the ground.

“El.” Frank raced to her reaching down his hand. “You O.K.?”

“I…I think.” Ellen lifted herself by her hands, raising her chest from the ground. “I think I’m fine just . . .” Ellen never got to finish her words. Frank gripped her arm, jerked her up to her feet and brushed her off.

“Let’s book.” Without waiting for Ellen to say anything, Frank tugged her along and they began to run.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

There were very few things in life Robbie took seriously or did with any seriousness, but when he needed to take the role, he filled his big brother’s shoes without any disappointments. With a look of determination on his face, Robbie bolted from Armory with Joe and they both jumped in the Jeep. He peeled out fast and drove the quickest route to the hanger.

“Johnny,” Robbie spoke into the headset. “Just get it in the air. I want you panning north, north east, I’m headed north west. Got it?”

“Got it,” Johnny answered. “I’ll be in the air in two.”

“Excellent.” Robbie shifted gears.

“Robbie, nothing else was said?” Joe asked.

“Nothing. Just that they needed help. I heard gun shots.”

“Damn it, it has to be bad if Frank is asking for help.”

“Frank’s sick.” Robbie kept his stare straight ahead and saw the hanger come into view.

“He’s what?”

“Sick. El called me this morning. His pneumonia is back. I’m just hoping it’s not that bad. He’s just not well enough to handle it.”

“Let’s hope that the . . .” Joe stopped talking when they pulled up near the hanger. He saw Dean by the chopper. “What’s he doing here?’

“Probably making good on your offer to go.” Robbie jumped from the Jeep.

Joe grumbled as he followed. “I’ll take care of this for you.”

“Don’t bother, I’ll handle it.” Robbie approached the chopper and Dean. He slid open the side door. “So Dean, you’re my gunner and spotter.”

“Do you need me to be?”

“Yep, get in and let’s go.” Robbie saw the odd look that Joe gave him. “Dad.” Robbie grinned and pointed to his own eyes. “He has built in binoculars.” He hurried to his side, jumped in and without hesitation, started the engines.

Joe stepped back. In the distance he could see Johnny’s chopper flying off. He felt the whipping wind of the blades and squinted his eyes from the dust. He stood there watching Robbie lift off, and didn’t leave until he couldn’t see them anymore.

^^^^

Ft. Peck Lake

Frank stood behind Ellen, his hand covering her mouth. Quietly he turned slowly clockwise, looking at the trees that engulfed them. Once he gained his direction, he stopped turning. He slowly removed his hand from Ellen’s mouth.

“Frank,” she whispered. “How bad is it?”

“We’re surrounded.”

“Shit.”

“O.K. Listen.” Frank brought his lips closer to her ear. “Our only hope is to make it back to the highway. Robbie should be over head in about twenty minutes. If there’s that many down here, we stand a chance of getting one of their trucks. That’s what we have to strive for.”

“If they’re surrounding us, why haven’t they come for us?”

“They think they have us.”

“Do they?”

Frank fluttered his lips and kissed her on the cheek. He reached down and grabbed her hand. “When I say run, you have to run, stay close and stay behind me.”

Ellen nodded as Frank stepped ahead of her.

“Ready?” Frank asked.

Ellen nodded again.

“Now!” Pulling Ellen’s hand before releasing it to jump start Ellen, Frank took off running.

The footsteps over the crushing leaves and twigs were like a runner’s starting gun going off. The moment Frank and Ellen made any distance the brigade of Society soldiers moved in at them.

Frank pulled his M-16 to in front of him. He saw the line of soldiers aiming. Waiting until he and Ellen were within ten feet of the soldiers, Frank opened fired. Like a thunderstorm, blood showered outward as Frank gunned down six of them. They dropped like toy soldiers. Seeing his opening, Frank reached behind him, swept Ellen into his arms, charged forward full speed, and leaped over the downed bodies, and through the opening. He set Ellen down, grabbed her hand and they raced to the hillside not that far ahead.

Ellen looked back. The soldiers chased them and drew near.

“Get ahead of me,” Frank ordered, letting Ellen run up the hillside as he ran backwards, firing at the soldiers who came.

Ellen struggled, climbing up using her hands and feet. She could see the top getting closer and saw boots then Ellen screamed.

Frank heard the shriek and turned around. Ellen dangled inches above the ground. A soldier clenched her up by her hair, holding her as a shield. Frank fired a single shot into the foot of the soldier. His grip released and Ellen dropped to the ground. As she slid in a roll past him, Frank reached down, snatched her to her feet, and fired forward again. This time the shot was deadly into the forehead of the soldier. The soldier teetered and his body fell in a timber manner straight toward Frank and Ellen. Frank stepped forward, grabbed the falling body, and used the fall and the hillside to his advantage. With a grunt, Frank hoisted the body over his head and down to the soldiers who closed in. The dead body crashed into them and they fell like pins.

A window of opportunity opened and Frank took it. Getting in front of Ellen and to the top of the hill, he reached his hand down, and abruptly pulled Ellen up.

On the highway smoke bellowed and the pickup could been seen down in the distance, smashed against a tree, burning.

“Our truck’s fucked.” Frank scanned the situation and the three military trucks stopped on the road. Holding Ellen’s hand, he headed to the one that had an open door. “Let go.” He quickly helped Ellen inside.

Ellen slid over making room for Frank.

Frank knowing the type of truck well, found no keys. He reached down to hot wire it when he heard the pumping of shotgun chambers. At the same time, he and Ellen looked over their shoulders only to see a now open curtain and a line of shotgun barrels.

“Shit.” Frank yanked Ellen with him from the truck.

Ellen screamed and as her feet hit the ground, her ankle twisted, and her leg buckled. Just as Frank began to help her, he saw them coming. From all directions, many soldiers, too many to count, moved in to them with their weapons pointed. Pulling Ellen away from the truck, Frank shoved her behind him, and fired out. He hit as many as he could but it wasn’t enough to stop them. Faster they came charging at him. As they neared him, using the rifle as a bat, Frank swung out. Blasting a soldier in the face, he spun quickly taking out another, but the more Frank hit, the more they came after him, one, two, then three or four at a time. It was more than Frank could keep up with.

But he tried.

Fighting off one, Frank felt the crash of a rifle hitting into the side of his face, blood shot from his cheek, and a soldier jumped on his back. Frank flipped him over and he felt a weapon smashing into his spine then another to the back of his knees. As his knees weakened, a blow nailed Frank to the temple, and then another to the back of his head. Frank’s head flung to the right and his eyes rolled. He felt them pummeling him, bodies, weapons, blows, and Frank’s body wobbled. His eyes rolled back and in a drastic sway, Frank dropped.  His knees hit the ground slamming hard and then Frank’s towering body followed, falling forward--face first--to the concrete. The hits upon him stopped. Voices surrounded him, calling out, male voices deep, slow, and distorted. In his fading consciousness, Frank received his most painful blow, the sound of Ellen’s cry out ‘no’, a cry he could do nothing about.

^^^^

In the air Robbie looked from the windshield to Dean who peered with intensity out the window. His face stone serious and there wasn’t a blink of his eyes. “Dean, are you O.K.? Anything?”

Dean shook his head, but kept on looking.

Robbie lowered his headset. “Prodigy this is Eagle one, do you copy?”

“Roger that Eagle one, I copy.” Johnny spoke.

“Are you seeing anything at all?”

“That’s a negative nothing.”

“We see smoke up ahead, what’s your make on that?” Robbie asked.

“It’s too far west. Want me to turn around and check it out?”

“Negative, we’re heading that direction. We’ll keep you posted. We have the Bionic man keeping watch. This is Eagle one over.” Just as Robbie disconnected the call, he saw Dean spring forward, his hands went flush against the window, and his eyes took on a horrified look. “Dean, what is it?”

“Hurry up, Robbie. Tell Johnny to meet us. We have to get to that smoke.”

“What do you see?”

“Signs that we may just be too late.” Dean closed his eyes tightly gathering his composure then he kept looking out again.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

With his hands folded and his chin running over them, Joe watched the radio in his office, listening to the transmission of Robbie and Johnny. The door to his office flung open and a frazzled Henry ran in. He had been out checking the tracking devices.

“Joe, I just got back. Tell me . . .” Henry walked further into the office. “Tell me it isn’t true.”

“I’m sorry, Henry,” Joe said sadly.

“Any word.”

Joe shook his head.

“Frank called for help? Joe, how bad does it have to be for that to happen?”

“Frank is sick, Henry. We’re hoping that’s the reason he called. Maybe it isn’t as bad as we think.”

“Can I sit and wait with you?” Henry reached for a chair.

Joe said nothing; the simple nod he gave was his answer. He didn’t want to talk, because he didn’t want to take a chance on missing a single word said.

^^^^

Ft. Peck Lake

The smoke was black but thinning out. It had hit the smoldering phase of a fire. The helicopters landed on the highway and together Robbie, Dean, and Johnny followed the trail of blood and bodies that led them into the woods. They found nothing in their search, only bodies of society soldiers, no Frank or Ellen.

Dean emerged up the hill and onto the road ahead of Robbie and Johnny. He was solemn and looked slowly around, walking small steps in the scene before him.

Robbie watched Dean walking and saw him stop cold and stare intensely to the ground. “Dean,” Robbie called out then he and Johnny ran to him. “Did you find something?”

Dean held up his hand then brought himself to a squat nearer to the ground.

“What is it?” Robbie asked.

Dean looked up at Robbie. “You saw the tire tracks. How many trucks do you suppose were here?”

“Two possibly three,” Robbie answered. “Why?”

“That’s a lot of men. We also saw a lot of bodies. Frank was here. He fought hard so where are Frank and Ellen?” Dean spoke his thoughts out loud returning his views to the ground. “I’ll tell you where. They took them. They wanted them because Frank’s good. But he’s not good enough to take out all those men.” Dean’s hand motioned to the ground. “Look at this. See this blood.” He pointed to a small circle of blood and droplets that smeared out from it. “There’s saliva mixed in this blood.”

Robbie crouched down. “Not that I can see the saliva, but I see where you’re going with it. Saliva, blood, that’s consistent of someone passing out face first.”

“Exactly and if they wanted to take Frank, how were they gonna get him? They took him down and they took him down right here. This is where he fell.”

Johnny breathed slowly out. “Someone took down my dad? Oh my God. No one takes down my Dad.”

“Oh yeah they took him down,” Dean said, “but he took them down right along with him.” Dean indicated the bodies scattered around. “He fought. There were just too many of them.”

“All right, wait.” Robbie held up his hand. “Saliva, blood? One of those men could have fallen and gotten back up. How do we know that Frank and Ellen didn’t just do damage and are running?”

“Because this is where Frank fell, I told you that.” Dean kept looking at the ground.

“How can you be sure Dean? How?” Robbie questioned.

“Because,” Dean spoke with a calm seriousness, “what is it that you and Frank call me? The Bionic Man? Bionic eyes. Henry enhanced microscopic vision. Well if I’ve seen Slagel DNA once, I’ve seen it a million times and this blood here . . . is Frank’s.”

The reality pummeled Robbie right there and then. His breath escaped him. Frank and Ellen were gone, taken by The Society. “O.K.” Robbie stood up. “We can start a search, us three but I think we should radio home, tell them what happened, and get an organized search party going right away. Sun up till sun down. Get a direction, get a plan because we know they took them. We just have to find where.”

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

The Captain stood with Sgt. Ryder and another man in his office. They stood around the Captain’s desk, a map spread out. The Captain’s huge hand smoothed the air over the map. “This region north here is where . . .”

There was a single hard knock and the door opened. Corporal Lewis stepped in at attention. “Captain, sir.” He looked panicked.

The Captain noticed the look on the young corporal’s face. “At ease. What is it?”

“I’m sorry to bother you, sir, but we just heard over the radio that The Society has two of the Beginnings people, a man and a woman.”

The captain spun in surprise. “They what? How?”

“From what we heard, Eagle One said they were beyond their walls. Eagle One is headed home now to put together a search party.”

“Where was this?” The Captain asked.

“About a hundred miles north of Beginnings sir.”

The Captain’s eyes widened. “That’s much too far north for us to offer assistance in the search.” He paused to think. “Damn it.” The captain’s hand slammed on the desk. “What the hell were they doing that far from their walls? And with a woman?”

Sgt. Ryder grabbed the Captain’s hand that now lay on a map. He slid it down. “Sir, we may be too far too offer assistance in the search, yes. But look at where they were and look . . . at where The Society has their new camp.”

The Captain stood upright. “Corporal, that will be all. Keep manning the radio, let us know anything, absolutely anything.”

“Yes sir.” Corporal Lewis backed up and left the office.

“All right.” The Captain took a deep breath. “Here it is. We know these camps exist and we know they have to be dealt with. We’re foregoing the plan, gentleman, to wait a few days. Right now, I want two teams put together. I want them large and strong. We will lead them. I’ll take one; Sgt. Ryder will lead the other. We’re headed north and south. If The Society has these people, which I think they do, they have them at one of these two camps. Unless we hear Beginnings has found their people, we go ahead with a new plan,” The Captain spoke with passion. “As of now we hit them simultaneously. We hit them hard and we hit them . . . at dawn.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Joe’s office was so jammed packed with men he couldn’t move to his desk. All were there to sign up for the search. Two of their own were gone. No one asked them to be there but the spirit of the community called out and many answered.

Joe stood before them all, bringing them to silence with the raising of his hands. “I know every single one of you are here to help. My God, do I appreciate this. This coming together is what Beginnings is built on. I wish I could use every single one of you. The father in me wants all of you to go out and find my children but the leader in me knows better,” Joe spoke with sadness. “Sending too many out would leave us defenseless and vulnerable to The Society hands. Frank would have a fit if we let that happened. He worked too hard to build an elite force here. So right now, Robbie is putting together teams. He’s working on where they will go. We’ll have six teams, four men each. As soon as he picks them, he’ll let you know. We hope to be back in the air in one hour.” Joe gave them a closed mouth look. “Thank you.” Slumping, he walked behind his desk and sat down.

His head was down, staring at his hands. He didn’t need to lift his eyes to hear the shuffling of footsteps as they left the room but he didn’t hear someone come in. Henry.

“Joe,” Henry called out softly.

Joe looked up. Henry carried a rifle and a knapsack. “Henry, what are you doing?”

“I’m here to get your permission to take a motorcycle.”

“What for?”

“Robbie refuses to put me on a search team. I have to go. If I don’t go with Robbie, I go alone.”

“I can’t . . . I can’t with a clear conscious give you a bike and send you out there on your own, Henry.”

“And I can’t with a clear conscious, sit back and let others look. You either give me a bike or I walk.” Henry sat before Joe. “Whatever the choice, I go.”

“Henry, listen to me. I would like to go too but I can’t and you can’t. I am the leader and you are second in line. You have an obligation here.”

“I have an obligation to Frank and Ellen to search until I can search no more. If I have to look for the rest of my life, then so be it. My best friend is out there. I cannot sit here and do nothing. I cannot.” Henry spoke soft but heavy words.

Joe leaned back in his chair and stared at Henry. “All right, take your stuff back.”

“But Joe . . .”

“Take your things back,” Joe paused, “because I’m sure Robbie will have a list for you to bring. I’ll speak to him. You’ll go.”

Henry smiled in relief. “Thanks Joe.”

“I want them back, Henry.”

“I do too,” Henry said. “I promise I will do everything I can to help bring them back.”

“I know you will.” Joe leaned forward again folding his hands on the desk. “I know you will.”

^^^^

Society Camp - Williston, North Dakota

The only window in the small room was boarded up. A small kerosene lantern was the only light. Had Ellen not looked at Frank’s watch, she wouldn’t had known whether it was day or night. She really didn’t care. She just wanted Frank to wake up.

His eye needed stitched, yet all they let Ellen have was a basin of water. She used that not only to clean him off but to try to break his fever as well.

Frank coughed and his eyes opened slightly. His right eye was somewhat swollen and already turning black and blue. As soon as his moment of focus was over, Frank sprang up from a lying to sitting position, grunted then swung his legs over the bed. “Fuck.” He stood up.

“Frank.” Ellen tried to get him to sit back down as she watched him sway some.

“We have to get out of here.” Immediately Frank began to check out the room.

“Frank, you’re sick and you’re hurt.”

“And I got us in a bad situation.”

“You got us in a bad situation? How do you figure?” Ellen followed him around.

“My God, El, they got us.” Frank’s hand felt for the door. He pulled the handle and then felt the creases. “Are you wearing a belt?”

“Yes. Why.”

“Give it to me.”

“My pants will fall down.”

“Hold them up. Give me your belt.” Frank held out his hand, his eyes focused on the hinges of the door. He felt the belt hit his hand and checked out the buckle. “This should work.”

“What should work? Frank, are you all right?”

“I will be once I get us out of here,” Frank grunted as he used the buckle to pop the hinge from the door.

Ellen let out a slight shriek of excitement. “You’re getting us out.”

Frank merely turned his head to her as he crouched down to the other hinge. After he popped that out he handed Ellen back her belt. “I don’t know how far we’ll get. Any idea how many there are out there.”

“A whole bunch.”

“Explain a lot.”

“More than we have people in Beginnings.”

“Shit.”

“It looks . . .” Ellen paused to think. “It looks like they settled here.”

Frank peered under the small crease at the bottom of the door. “I see one guard out there. Stay behind me.”

“Trust me, I have no intentions on leading the way.”

Frank stood up, looked back at Ellen and kissed her. “Ready?”

“Are you sure you’re O.K.?” Ellen’s hand reached up to his face. “Look what they did to you.”

“I will worry about me when I get us out of here. Get ready.” His large fingers gripped as tightly as he could to the side of the door where the hinges used to be. He counted to three, mouthing the numbers to Ellen, and then with a strong growl, he pulled on the door, causing a crack when it broke at the lock. Stunned, the guard spun around. Frank smiled “Hey.” Then he greeted the guard with a single punch. The guard swayed, fell to the floor, and Frank grabbed his weapon.

Checking out the hall first, Frank took Ellen’s hand and led her down the corridor.

“El, do you remember any of this?”

Ellen looked around. “Frank, I was worried about you. I didn’t think . . .”

“Shit.” Frank stopped cold, the door opened, and two guards stood there. They raised their weapons at him. Frank knew he couldn’t shoot because he would alert everyone of their escape. So doing the only thing he could, he spun the rifle, slammed the butt into the face of the one guard, sending him flying to the right. As Frank spun the rifle again, he used the force of the spin to nail the other guard to the floor.

“Frank,” Ellen said his name calmly.

Frank reached down for the soldiers’ weapons.

“Frank,” Ellen said his name again.

At first Frank wondered, why Ellen would call his name in the middle of all that was happening then he heard the click of a chamber. He turned to see a soldier smiling arrogantly at him as he held a gun directly to Ellen’s temple. Behind them were two more soldiers.

“We don’t need her. One of you will do for information.” The soldier was tall and blonde but not as tall as Frank. He wore lieutenant bars on his lapel. He pressed the gun tighter to Ellen’s forehead. “Put down the weapons or I shoot her. Your choice.”

Frank closed his eyes briefly then laid down the rifle and the two hand guns he had taken.

“Hands up,” The Lieutenant ordered.

Frank raised his hands and looked at Ellen. “I’m sorry.”

Ellen just shook her head in a ‘not your fault’ fashion.

The Lieutenant smiled. “Weakness.” He motioned his head to Ellen, “Or is she your strength, Either way , we found the way to keep you calm.” The Lieutenant’s head twitched back to the two soldiers behind him. “Take him to another room.”

The two soldiers walked in front of the Lieutenant, each of them took hold of Frank’s arms and led him calmly down the hall.

Frank showed not one bit of fear. That wouldn’t be Frank. He stood before the Lieutenant. Frank’s eyes never left his. The two soldiers stood before the door while Ellen sat in a chair.

“Sit,” the Lieutenant ordered to Frank.

Frank sniffed arrogantly and didn’t speak. He shifted his eyes once to Ellen then back to the Lieutenant.

“I said sit down.”

Frank didn’t budge not even when the Lieutenant pulled his revolver. Not once did Frank flinch.

“You seem to forget who has the upper hand here.”

Frank again shifted his eyes to Ellen.

“O.K., you want it to be this way, fine.” The Lieutenant still held his gun pointed at Frank. “We want to know about your people and their whereabouts.”

Frank couldn’t help it. He tried not to, but it slipped out. He laughed.

The Lieutenant saw red, but he didn’t see it coming. In a mistake, he revved back his gun in a striking mode. Frank snatched the revolver from his hand, smashed it into the side of his face, fired two single shots, hitting both guards, grabbed hold of Ellen, and took off from the room.

They tried the other way since their first route failed them. It led them to a door and to a set of stairs. Frank ran up, still holding Ellen’s hand. He stopped, listened, and continued on. He could hear footsteps behind them.

Frank ran up the two flights of steps, carefully opened the door at the top, saw a clear path, and pulled Ellen to continue on.

It was a bank. Dusty, dirty, the teller windows broken, papers and flyers sprawled out on the floor that flew upwards into the air as Frank and Ellen sped through the mess. Frank leaned to the glass door looking out into the street. “El, I asked if anything looked familiar. You wouldn’t remember if they brought you to a bank?”

“They brought us in the other way.” She held on tightly to his arm. “Good going down there, Frank. Predictable.”

Frank looked at her and smiled. “It’s clear. You ready to run?”

“Yep.”

Just as Frank opened the door, two shots fired out, shattering the glass on the double door. While Ellen screamed, Frank just pulled her along.

“Fuck!” Frank shouted out, looking up and down, seeing the oncoming troops moving slowly in a taunting manner. They knew Frank and Ellen were trapped. They stood center street with nowhere to go or at least that’s what he thought for a second.

The large round blackness caught Frank’s attention, and dragging Ellen to it, in a race against time. Frank knelt before the manhole cover, placed his fingers in the holes and lifted the heavy object with a painful grunt. “Go down.”

“Oh my God, I . . .”

“Now!” Frank shouted as he saw them moving faster.

Ellen climbed down the hole quickly and Frank followed.

“El, jump. Hurry.”

“Shit.” Ellen let go and landed six feet below with a splash and a scream.

Frank lowered himself with her. He didn’t care like she did about the rats. He gripped her arm and ran with the flow of the small trickle of water.

They ran for a while, their feet splashing in perfect rhythm down the dark damp tunnel. They heard echoing footsteps, but they were only their own.

Finally Ellen stopped to catch her breath.

“El, come on.” Frank halted in his run ten feet ahead of her.

“They aren’t following us.” She grabbed onto her knees.

“There has to be a reason, now let’s move. This leads out somewhere.”

“Can we just . . .” Ellen saw Frank look past her. “Frank?”

“Shit.”

“What?”

She heard a loud rush, growing louder and louder, almost thunderous. As soon as Ellen turned to see, she was blasted with the tidal wave force of the rushing water that filled the tunnel. She shrieked loudly as the water picked her up and carried her. Frank quickly grabbed hold of Ellen just as she passed him. In a current they could not battle, Frank held on to Ellen, keeping her head above the water, and they rode it out fast and furiously. Ellen’s screams entailed every single time she came up for air.

The tunnel grew lighter. Hope. An escape…The Society.

As soon as Frank and Ellen emerged from the sewer system tunnel and into the small creek that wasn’t deep enough to float them away, they were greeted by thirty soldiers, all armed, smiling and pointing their weapons at them.

“Fuck.” Holding onto Ellen, Frank stood to his feet as the water rushed by them. At that instant, as they rose, their aim moved to Ellen and so did the closeness of all thirty rifles.  And for the second time only in his life, Frank raised his hands in surrender.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Henry was the last to step from the helicopter, almost as if he lingered behind on purpose. He, like all the other men, held a look of disappointment and punishment, as if they were mad at themselves for having to come back empty handed. If the sun would have only given them more time, they would have completed what they had set out to do.

Joe stood on the edge of the field, watching as one by one the teams of men, heads down, trudged by him. Robbie only looked at Joe and kept on walking. No words needed to be spoken. There was no Frank and Ellen nor was there any sign on where they had gone.

“I’m sorry, Joe.” Henry laid his hand on Joe’s shoulder.

“I’m sorry too, Henry.” Staring forward, Joe felt Henry’s hand slip from him. Joe was filled with sadness and a feeling of loss that nothing but the return of his children could change.

^^^^

Williston, North Dakota

Handcuffs secured Frank’s ankles and wrists like a hardened criminal they could not control. He sat on the floor by the bed in the small room. Ellen sat next to him. The Lieutenant, face bloody paced in front of them.

“Under orders,” he spoke coldly, “if you try to escape again, the woman will be shot immediately. No bargains. Understood?”

Frank’s jaw twitched in anger.

“I thought we’d find an agreement. Now . . .” The Lieutenant stopped walking, he hunched down fearless to Frank’s level. “There’s nothing more I would like to do than to put a gun to your head and blow your brains out. But, again under orders, you are given till sunup to save your lives. You will tell me what you know about your people’s vulnerabilities. If you don’t, you will be shot by firing squad at sunup.” The Lieutenant ignored the cold stares he got from Frank. He stood up, indicated to the guard, and the two of them left the room, leaving Frank and Ellen alone.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Dean held tightly to a sleeping Alexandra. She cuddled on his lap as he lay on the couch, her little head pressed tightly to his chest. His lips grazed through her hair over and over, taking in the softness. So many times while holding her, his hand would run over her fragile face. He touched her nose, making it crinkle while she slept, which brought forth the only smile that could come to Dean.

His heart ached. His stomach ached. Emptiness filled him and he tried to hide it away within the arms of his daughter but it didn’t help. Dean didn’t really think it would. How could it? From Alexandra’s small features, her sleeping expression, all the way to the texture of her hair, every bit of Alexandra reminded Dean of Ellen. Perhaps that was why he held his daughter so long and so tightly. Even if it was just in Dean’s heart and in his mind, a little part of him was holding on to Ellen.

^^^^

Williston, North Dakota

“El know how sorry I am that this is happening,” Frank spoke near whisper that evening.

“Don’t be,” Ellen told him as she sat next to him, leaning on his arm.

“I failed somewhere. All I’ve ever done is try to protect you and I failed. Look at us.”

“Yeah,” Ellen said with a shiver, “look at us.”

“I’m sorry.” Frank looked at her so sadly. “I don’t know what to do. If I try to get us away again, they’ll shoot you. If I don’t, they shoot me then what happens to you.”

“I don’t know.” Ellen shook her head. “What do you think? Are we pretty much screwed? Be honest, Frank.”

“O.K., well . . .” Frank huffed. “Things are tight right now. They aren’t looking as prosperous as I’d like them to be.”

“So we’re never getting out of this?”

“Never say never, who knows, but just remember I’m sorry it got to this point.”

“Will you please quit apologizing. You did all you could do and more. I know that and I want you to know something else. I’m not afraid. Of course . . .” She smiled a little at him. “I’m not the one who’s facing the firing squad tomorrow. Am I?”

“Thanks.” Frank shook his head. “This is supposed to be a solemn moment here. This could end up being our last night on this earth.”

“Yeah, and if it is, why would you and I spend it being mushy?”

“How else are we supposed to spend it?”

“Like Frank and Ellen.” Ellen lifted herself, pushed down Frank’s bent knees, and straddled over his lap. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.

“You mean go out with a bang?”

“Yeah.” Ellen nodded, slowly bringing her lips to Frank’s. He smiled after the short kiss. “Let’s go out with a bang.”

The chuckle that came from Frank was so soft when Ellen’s lips slid down his neck, How badly he wanted to hold her but was unable to with his hands behind his back. “El.” His voice cracked some as he called her name.

“Yes.” Ellen lifted her head, holding her face close to him.

“I have to tell you something.”

“What’s that?” Ellen spoke with seduction and warmth brushing her lips over his.

“If we, um, make it out of this situation, this uh . . . handcuffing could be a really cool new thing for us.”

Ellen’s lips stopped moving over him. She looked seriously at him and silently Ellen laughed.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

Sweaty, dirty and exhausted, The Captain returned to his home a small apartment that sat above a former drug store. The windows weren’t as open as he wanted them to be, but the rain that had scattered about every once in a while made the Captain close them. The night was hot and he walked slowly to his front window, opening it up, and letting the cool--after rain--breeze hit against his body.

He could see the people walking slowly down the street. He knew where they were headed. A special prayer service would entail on this evening, a service for the men about to embark on another freedom fight. But this one was different as it involved many of his men, more than the Captain had ever sent out. The Captain wanted to be a part of the service and he knew he would be. He’d forego his tired body from maneuvers, he’d get cleaned up, and he’d join the community he ran.

Afterward, though his mind was full, he would try to rest. He needed to be strong and at his best if he was going to lead his men into battle and fight alongside of them. They would do exactly what he himself had trained them to do. There was a drive in the Captain, strong and vibrant. A rush of need and urgency filled him. Was it the pull to eliminate the close Society camps? Or was it the desire to try to help Beginnings, knowing, even without certainty, that somewhere within the two new Society camps were the two people that Beginnings now searched for so diligently. Something inside of the Captain told him this fight was different. This fight held more importance than any he had been on before. Why exactly that was, Captain Hal Slagel just didn’t know.

CHAPTER NINE

August 31

Bowman, North Dakota

A quarter of a mile outside the town of Bowman, on the overgrown highway, they spread to the fields, an army of two hundred and forty strong. On horseback they manned together like a carpet of hope that spread out. They waited in silence and in uniform. The soldiers from corporals down wore the color navy blue, UWA sewn onto their sleeves. Their hands wore homemade gloves, gold in color, the fingers exposed. That gold color was the same color that they wore on their heads, no hats, caps, or covers. A golden bandana, like the sun, covered their head and came down to just above the eyebrows and tied in the back. Their rifles were strapped to their backs, and at their waists, swords so polished they reflected the moon’s light.

The horse’s gallop drew closer to them, steady and not too fast. It made some of the UWA soldier’s hearts beat faster. Captain Hal Slagel rode to them, so strong on horseback, sitting so straight. He slowed down, accepted a salute from Sgt. Ryder, and then rode around the gathered men to where he could be seen.

Wearing a gray uniform with a red bandana and gloves, Hal pulled on the reigns of the horse to stop him. The horse danced a little before settling down.

Hal waited for the faces to be on him; the silence was his signal. He spoke to them strongly, seriousness on his face. “In Corinthians, Paul tells us, I plead with you . . . to be of one mind, united, in thought and in purpose. Like Paul, I plead the same to you. Together we have seen many tragedies, but none as tragic as the oppression this great land of ours now faces. We are not in the thick of it, but only the beginning. A long hard war lies ahead of us, and if we fight hard now, we will only grow stronger. Though our camp divides in separate ways, in a few short hours we will synchronize in yet another battle for freedom. We will bring our mighty sword to those who try to change what this country was founded on. We ride together not only in unity, but in spirit and heart. We ride tall, holding our heads high. Let our voice carry out, loud and strong. Today is our call, our warning, let it be heard. We will not fall so easily to their tyranny. We will not diminish without a battle. This is the fight of our forefathers and now our fight. This is our land, our home, our freedom. We will not stop and will emerge victorious. We will . . . take it back!” With a swift motion, Hal pulled out his sword, raising it high.

There was a synchronization of metal sounds as all the men pulled forth their swords, raised them high, and with pride joined their leader in his signification motion.

Hal, his sword still held high above his head, saluted Sgt. Ryder and nodded to the soldier beside him. The soldier lifted his bugle, gave a simple blow, the men cheered, and the horses divided up. Together, yet in two separate ways, they rode off and onto their freedom fight.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Dean’s head swayed slowly back and forth as he sat on his front porch. The steam from his coffee hit against his nose. He hadn’t slept all night. He brought his lips to his mug, and as he did he heard his screen door open and close.

The large brown hiking boots were the vision Dean saw first, followed by the khaki pants. He turned his head to see Henry had joined him on his seat on the step.

Henry hesitated before saying anything. He looked out into the quiet predawn streets of Beginnings. “I heard you pacing last night, Dean. You should have come down to talk if you couldn’t sleep.”

“Henry . . .” Dean spoke so softly, “I couldn’t even think last night.”

“We’re going to find something today, Dean. I feel it in my heart that we’ll find something,”

“Does your heart tell you if it’s good or bad?”

“I know what my heart tells me,” Henry said, “but you don’t need to hear my heart. You need to hear yours. What does yours tell you?”

Dean closed his eyes. “She’s in so much trouble, Henry. I feel it. If it’s physically possible for a heart to ache, mine’s doing it.” He shook his head. “I’m so worried. She’s out there and we know Frank’s hurt. What if he can’t protect her anymore, then what?”

“We’ll find, Dean. If it’s the last thing I ever do in my life, I will find Ellen.”

“Find her soon.” Dean looked at Henry. “Find her soon because I’m just so . . . I’m just so lost right now.”

^^^^

Sitting at the dining room table with his head slumped forward, lying on his two hands was not Robbie’s normal stature Jess was used to seeing. Jess cleared his throat to alert Robbie that he was in the room. “How are you?” Jess asked him.

“Worried.”

“Need to talk?”

Robbie shook his head. “Talking won’t help.”

“It might.” Jess joined him at the table. Like Robbie, he wore his Beginnings security uniform. He was dressed and ready to go out with the search party that would leave within a half hour’s time.

Robbie breathed slowly out as he sat back in his chair. “I’m worried if I’m doing the right thing.”

“What do you mean?”

“I wonder if my leading the search is the right thing. It’s my brother, Jess, my big brother.” Robbie closed his eyes in pain. “With him and El out there, my mind is so frazzled. What if I miss something? What if I’m not thinking clearly? This isn’t something little; this is big. My screw up could be their life.”

“You won’t screw up,” Jess spoke with certainty. “I can guarantee it. Would you like to know why?” He waited for a simple nod from Robbie. “The one who will search his best is the one searching with his heart. Yeah, Beginnings sticks together, but there is nothing like family. I haven’t known any of you for very long, but I know you Slagels have this connection. All of you. When one hurts, you all hurt. When one cries out, you all hear. You’ll hear your brother, Robbie. Just listen for him and follow it.”

“I hear him all right, Jess.” Robbie shook his head. “My gut hears him. It just doesn’t like what Frank’s saying.”

^^^^

Williston, North Dakota

Ellen’s scream was long and painful. A loud “No” came from her as two guards held her back and she watched two more bring Frank to the door. She struggled and fought, trying to pull her body from the clenches that held her back.

Frank didn’t struggle but stood tall. His hands were still cuffed behind his back. He watched Ellen, making nothing but eye contact with her as he was moved backwards and near the open door.

“No!” Ellen cried. “Don’t take him. Please don’t take him. I’ll tell you anything you need to hear. Don’t take him.”

Frank shook his head once. “El,” He spoke her name calmly. “No. My life or our kids, who is more important?”

Ellen calmed herself and took one more look at Frank. Just as they started to move again, she gave it everything she had and charged forth to him as they tried to stop her.

“Let me say goodbye, please,” she begged the two guards. “Please.” When they stopped, she laid her hands on Frank’s face. “I love you.”

Softly Frank’s lips touched to hers then moved harder against Ellen’s, kissing her fully and with his heart until he was pulled from her. “El,” he swallowed as they moved him out, “I love you.”

The two guards that held Ellen released her and walked from the room, pulling the door closed. Ellen raced to the door, flung herself against it and pounding on it. “Frank!” Her head rested against the wood surface. In defeat, she slid down to the floor crying.

Sgt. Ryder looked down at the face of his watch. “Two more minutes.” He lifted his binoculars and peered to the town in the distance. He looked to his bugle boy. “Be ready. I’ll signal.”

Hal placed the pole, which held the American flag, firmly in his youngest soldier’s hand. “This is your moment,” Hal told him. “You are the deliverer. You will mark our victory and freedom. You stay back here and watch. When you see our victory in imminent, you ride down, raise that flag high, and secure it center of our battle. Understand?”

“Yes sir.”

“I’ll see you down there.” Hal gave the young soldier a proud look then rode a few feet to his leading position. He faced the town his men were about to charge then looked at his watch.

Set up toward the center town in a grassy area were two large posts. The soldiers led Frank to them and uncuffed him. Not once did Frank flinch when he passed the twenty armed soldiers who lined up twenty feet before the emerging posts.

His hands weren’t free for long. They were secured by rope, one each to a pole. Frank’s feet stayed planted firmly to the ground and his arms extended in a crucifix position. He faced what would be his firing squad.

The lieutenant walked from behind the line of twenty men. He moved to Frank. “Last chance.”

Frank shifted his eyes to him then faced the soldiers who were weapons ready.

The lieutenant stepped back. “On my call!” he ordered out. “Ready.”

A simultaneous pumping of chambers.

“Aim.”

All twenty soldiers lifted their weapons.

The lieutenant looked at his men, then to Frank. He opened his mouth to give out the order and the sound that emerged was a single trumpet blown. He quickly jolted backwards to what sounded like a stampede. His eyes filled with horror. Rapidly charging forth was a long line of horses. Riding on them were men with swords held high. They moved so swiftly the cloud of dust beneath the horses feet swirled as if a cyclone. Gun shots entailed.

Ellen stood by the boarded up window and her heart sunk to the floor when she heard the shots. She moved from the window, sobbing from the depths of her soul. It was over.

Frank pulled at the ropes that bound his hands. He was so vulnerable as firing went mad around him. He looked at his wrist, trying to figure a way to free himself. He stopped when a horse approached him. He saw the grey pant leg and he followed it up to the man with a red bandana. He held a sword high, swinging it about. Frank kept his eyes on the sword as it swooped down. With a sweep of his blade, Sgt. Ryder freed Frank then quickly cut the other rope, nodded to Frank, and ran off into battle, along with his men.

Frank sped forth, grabbing the first rifle he saw laying in the hands of a dead Society soldier. He ran towards the building he knew Ellen was in. With so much confusion, so much firing, Frank only worried about getting caught in the exchange. In his race to the bank building, Frank slowed down as he saw the Lieutenant taking cover behind a military truck. He hated to take the time, but he did not want to miss the opportunity. Frank pumped the chamber on the rifle, quietly hunched down, and ran up to the Lieutenant.

Before the Lieutenant knew it, he felt the cold steel of the weapon to the back of his head. He dropped his revolver, raised his hands, and slowly turned around. He looked at Frank.

Frank smiled, stepped back, raised the rifle, and fired a single close shot directly into the center of the Lieutenant’s forehead. Feeling complete, he took off into the bank.

At top speed, through the confusion and with a typical huge Slagel grin, Hal rode. He knew the horses had thrown the Society off and added confusion to their already staggering state. With the wind whipping in his face, he raised his sword high, seeing the aims of the Society soldiers at him. He swung down at the first soldier so fast, the head flew from the soldier, bounced off the horse, and dropped to the ground in a roll. One by one he took them out as he rode by them. In the camp he descended on, south of Bowman, the Society dropped quickly. They were too stunned to defend themselves properly and not trained well enough, even if they were prepared.

As Hal rode near the end of the camp, ready to turn around and sweep through again, he saw one of his men fall from a horse and lose his weapon. A Society soldier aimed at Hal’s man. Turning the horse around and using his body weight to guide the horse faster, Hal rode to his man and grabbed the Society soldier in his quick pass by. He carried the soldier another fifty feet before finally dropping him. Like it was instinct, Hal looked back, pulled out his revolver, and while still moving, Hal shot him dead then continued in his fight.

Ellen heard the footsteps running to her door. She slowly stepped back away from the door. Three gunshots were fired and Ellen covered her ears. She heard the bang, saw the wooden splinters, watched the door blast open, and Frank charge in. She shrieked, ran to him, grabbed him, and kissing him.

“What did I tell you?” Frank embraced her quickly then grabbed her hand. “Never say never.”

“What’s going on?” Ellen asked as he ran with her, pulling her the whole way.

“Someone attacked, saved my ass.” Frank checked out the staircase. “I was screwed.”

“Someone saved you?” Ellen asked as they barreled up the steps.

“Not just someone, a whole fuckin brigade.” They reached the main bank floor. Frank looked out first. He could see the fighting in the street. “El, it’s fuckin awesome.” Frank grinned and ran with her across the bank floor.

He stood by the broken doors, making Ellen stay off to the side. He raised his rifle and saw an opportunity. A riderless horse ran in circles a few feet away. Taking Ellen’s hand once more, Frank careened out the doors of the bank, fired at the Society for cover, and grabbed the confused animal. Frank helped Ellen to the saddle then joined her.

“Can you ride?” Ellen asked.

“We’ll find out. Hold on.” Frank snapped the reigns and the horse took off. They rode quickly through the hand to hand combat war that surrounded them and straight to the edge of town. He looked back and watched the new men on horses battle the Society soldiers and they looked like they were in trouble. Frank stopped the horse. “El, the reigns control him. Pull back when you want to stop. Ride far enough away.”

“What?”

Frank jumped from the horse. “Wait for me, but not for too long.”

“Frank, what are you doing?”

“Be careful.” With a loud ‘ha!’ Frank smacked the backside of the horse and it took off with a screaming Ellen. After seeing her ride off, Frank raced back into town. He knew what he was going to do. After stealing more ammo from a dead soldier, he would go to a rooftop and do what he did best, take a sniper’s position to help this new army. And he did.

Sgt. Ryder, in a rare occurrence, didn’t see it coming. In his attack on a soldier, another grabbed his leg and pulled him from the moving horse. He fell hard to the ground and on to his back. Before he could pick himself up, a foot slammed into his chest and a rifle aimed directly at him. He thought it was over but he thought wrong. He heard the shot but didn’t think twice about it until he saw the forehead of the soldier veer off and blood sprayed outward. As the soldier dropped, Sgt. Ryder stood up. He looked around, grabbed his weapon and as he did so, he saw another Society soldier take a head shot. Single shot precision was not something he had seen often in his life. His views went up as he lifted himself back on the horse. He saw Frank on the rooftop, aiming down. He smiled and mounted his horse to finish off the battle that neared its end.

^^^^

Amongst the large mound of dead, the UWA soldiers cheered loudly as the youngest soldier planted the flag. As the flag stood on his own, Hal raised both his arms high in the air in a victory mode.

He backed up, still on his horse, and took in the scene that his men had just created. He felt in his heart that north of them they had accomplished the same. How could they not? The UWA had something that the society lacked, spirit.

^^^^

Sgt. Ryder closed one eye and gave an odd look as he watched Frank walk up to every single Society soldier. It was something Sgt. Ryder had never seen, a man so seriously nudge a body with his foot. If he moaned or twitched, Frank fired a single shot into the head, securing their deaths, and then he’d move on.

“Is this necessary?” Sgt. Ryder approached. “Yhey aren’t zombies.”

“You never know. Never leave any stone . . .” Frank heard a moan from the soldier beneath him. He fired. “…unturned.” Frank moved on to the next.

Sgt. Ryder moved beside Frank. “The rest of my men have moved out.”

“Go on. Just send my wife back.” Frank fired, stepped over the body, and moved to the next.

“Your wife? You want your wife to see this.”

“She’s seen . . .” Frank shook his head at another moan, “worse.” He fired. “Fuck, don’t you teach your people to take them out without leaving them still alive.”

“The man you just shot had no arms. What’s the point?”

“Hey, some of these guys got fuckin microchips in their brains. How do we know the Society can’t just come by, pick up the limbless ones, and make a bionic man army out of them. We don’t.” Another shot, another step. Frank paused, retracted his footsteps, and bent down.

“What is it?”

“A really nice luger.” Frank picked up the hand gun. “Whoa.” He stood up, went to put it in his shoulder harness and missed. It wasn’t there. “Fuck.” Frank secured the weapon in the back waist of his pants.

“Do you have to do this? Don’t you feel that walking up to these men is a desecration?”

Frank snickered, reloaded the revolver, and walked on. “You people came in here swinging your swords around. Yeah, that’s a real tribute to the human body.”

“We people? I saved your life.”

Frank spun hard to the sergeant. “And I save yours, so get off my back.” Frank coughed, took a step, and coughed violently.

“You’re not well, are you?”

“Well enough to finish this off.”

“I don’t understand this hostile attitude. You could show some respect. ‘Sir’ would be nice.”

Frank laughed loudly and it bred another cough. “Sir? I call no man sir. People call me sir.” Frank fired another shot. “I’m sorry.” He faced Sgt. Ryder. “I’m usually not this much of an asshole. Frank.” He held out his hand.

“Elliott.” Sgt. Ryder shook his hand. “You’ve done this before?”

“Many times. This is how we finish it off and it looks good.” Frank nodded. “Now you’re certain Ellen is safe with your men?”

“Positive.”

“Good. Let’s go.”

“Are you two going to join us?” Sgt. Ryder walked with Frank.

“You mean go with you?”

“You’re welcome to.”

“Thank you. But . . .” Frank coughed. “We have a family, El and I. I’m sure they miss us.”

“You look pale. Where is home?”

“Where are we?”

“North Dakota.”

“Fuck!” Frank stopped cold. “Fuck! Fuckin’ North Dakota. Can I be any fuckin further from home? Son of a bitch! I’m gonna need one of your horses to get to Montana.”

“Beginnings?”

Frank looked oddly at the Sergeant. “How did you know?”

“We figured you were Beginnings people. Why don’t you come with us? We’re about seventy miles south east of Beginnings. Rest up there, get well, then we’ll escort you home.”

“Thank you but we can’t. We’ve been gone long enough.”

“I understand. Your people are worried about you.”

Frank looked at Sgt. Ryder after that comment but didn’t question it. He would, but at that moment getting out of that town and to Ellen was foremost on his mind.

A tin cup of water was extended in front of Ellen as she sat on a fallen tree. “Ma’am,” The soldier gave her water. “Drink this please.”

“Thank you.” Ellen took the cup. She saw another approach with a pan of water that he set it down before her. “What’s this for?”

“Your injuries look as if they weren’t tended to,” the other soldier said. “May I, unless you prefer I do not touch you.”

“Touch away.” Ellen shrugged. “They didn’t give me anything to clean up with.”

“You don’t want an infection.” The second soldier dipped a cloth and brought it to Ellen’s face. “Spring water, It’s fresh but cold.”

Ellen jumped back at the frigid water but it felt good. She saw yet a third soldier approach.

“We have rations, Ma’am. Are you hungry? You should eat.”

“I am hungry.”

The third soldier knelt down by her, opening a sack. “It doesn’t look appealing, but it tastes good. It’s like beef jerky and it’s the protein you need.”

Ellen reached into the bag and pulled it out. She sniffed it, shrugged, and bit it.

The third soldier stared at her. “Is there anything else we can get you? Do you need us to fetch anything for you?” A fourth soldier walked behind the third, extending down an apple. The third soldier gave it to Ellen. “Here.”

Ellen blinked in surprise. “You’re being very nice. Thank you. This is almost too nice.”

The second soldier looked at the others. “Too nice? But Ma’am, you’re a woman.”

“Yes I am.” Ellen shifted her eyes around them. “And as a woman, let me just say, great uniforms. So Civil War like.”

The second soldier snickered as he finished cleaning her off. “They are civil war. Our Captain got our uniforms from a re-enactment center.”

“No kidding?” Ellen said with a smile. “Where is he?”

“South,” the soldier answered. “He was leading another attack.”

“Oh, I thought for . . . Frank.” Ellen stood up when Frank walked with Sgt. Ryder.

Immediately, as Frank neared Ellen, a wall of soldiers stood before her and held out their weapons.

Frank rolled his eyes. “Excuse me. I’d like to see her.”

The one soldier kept his aim serious. “You can see her from there. Please keep your distance from the woman.”

Sgt. Ryder laughed. “Lower you weapons. The woman is his wife.”

Four of the ten that protected Ellen all said the same thing with such shock. “Wife?”

Ellen agreed with their questioning. “Wife? I’m not his wife.”

Sgt. Ryder looked at Frank. “You said she was your wife.”

“She was.” Frank moved to her. “And will be again.”

Ellen lost her sarcasm as she neared Frank. “How are you?”

“Better now.” Frank embraced her tightly, lifting her from her feet.

Ellen let out a breath as he set her down. “God, Frank. Can you do anything less dramatic?”

“Me?” Frank coughed. “You’re lucky I . . .” He coughed again. “Hold on.” He turned his head away from her, coughing.

Ellen closed her eyes with a shaking head. She reached down for her water and handed it to Frank. “Here. Sit for a moment, O.K.?”

Frank’s hand lay on his chest as he tried to catch his breath. He hurt with every breath he took, but he didn’t want to tell Ellen that. He just agreed to sit because, at that moment, Frank needed to more than he let on.

“The United Western Alliance,” Sgt. Ryder explained to Frank and Ellen. “You can call us Freedom Fighters. We’re fighting the Society only they’re just now realizing we’ve declared war.”

Frank sipped slowly from his water. “There’s so many of you.”

Sgt. Ryder nodded. “Now there is, yes. When I first joined back up with the Captain about nine months ago, he had some trouble with them. It’s a long story. He was already leading about two hundred men. We began search parties much like you and the Society do. We seek people who have seen the wrath of the society and enlist them to join our cause. We’ve trained for this moment and have for a little over four months. We’ve just started hitting their camps. Anything that crosses over Kansas we plan to take out.”

“Securing this half of the country,” Frank said, “until you’re big enough to take it all out?”

“Yes. We’ve gained many defectors, those who have the microchip, as you put it. We’ve found if you lock then away for two weeks then gradually expose them to our men, we become the ally and no longer the enemy.”

Ellen snickered as she enjoyed her apple. “My friends Henry and Danny can erase their microchips in a second.” Ellen snapped her finger, “then they just reprogram them.”

“Your people are much more high tech than ours,” Sgt. Ryder commented. “We like to think of ourselves as old world.”

“Like the cavalry,” Ellen commented. “They come in and save the day.”

“Yes, exactly,” Sgt. Ryder said.

“Frank is a one man cavalry.” Ellen looked at Frank and smiled.

Frank had to question. “Why haven’t you contacted Beginnings? We’re on the same side.”

“We realize this now. We’ve begun to monitor you constantly, your radio transmissions that is. Sometimes it’s entertaining. Anyhow, I believe in due time we will. Right now, we have our work cut out for us.”

“You do your work well,” Frank said. “Someone trained these men well and with style.”

Sgt. Ryder smiled proudly. “Our Captain is a good man. He inspires us and we believe in him. I’m sure he’d feel much better if you and the woman came to our home and stayed until you are well.”

Frank shook his head. “We have to go.” He shifted his eyes to Ellen.

“Then let us at least get you to the Anderson Farm. You can rest there. There’s a radio so you can contact your people in Beginnings to come and get you.”

“Where’s this at?” Frank asked.

“About fifty miles east of Beginnings and a little south. An old man and a woman lived there. They both survived the plague then the woman died about six months ago. Mr. Anderson died three months later. They used to feed our men and let them rest there. We’ve kept up their place in their memory and we use it for the purpose that they would want, a safe place pretty well hidden for the UWA.”

Ellen saw Frank’s hesitation. “We should do this. We can call Robbie so he can fly and get us. We’ll get you home and get something in you for the pneumonia.”

Frank reluctantly agreed and he looked to Sgt. Ryder. “We appreciate it. If you people ever need to retreat to Beginnings or need a place to stop, rest, eat, whatever, you just ask for me. You’re in.”

Sgt. Ryder nodded in appreciation. “We’ll remember that but there is one thing we would like to ask of you. We’re heading into dangerous battles. We’ve lost lives and have injured men. We know Beginnings is medically very versed. All we ask is if our men can’t be treated by us, that we can bring them to you to try to do your best to help them.”

Ellen was the one that responded. “Without a doubt, I’m a nurse there. You can be reassured that we have the best medical staff. In fact,” her voice became chipper, “we have this doctor that is not only the greatest mind in the world, but also very good with his hands. He has this vision and he. . .”

“El,” Frank shut her up, “can we not praise Dean?”

“Sorry.” Ellen bit her bottom lip then looked at Sgt. Ryder. “Just bring them to us.”

The UWA began to disperse, heading home while Sgt. Ryder stayed behind until Frank and Ellen were rested enough to journey to the Anderson farm. He kept men behind to escort them, though Frank insisted he could handle it. But to Sgt. Ryder, one couldn’t be too careful when it came to the Society. They were showing up everywhere. Little did he know, there was one in the trees near by them, listening to every word they said.

CHAPTER TEN

Quantico Marine Headquarters

He sounded sacred to George. He noticed the trembling in his soldier’s voice, but through the trembling, George received a message that helped ease the pain over the loss of his camp, the position of Frank and Ellen. Not only did George know where they were, but he knew where they were headed.

The soldier heard the name Beginnings. In hope to divert the anger of the President he told him about the two, describing them to George. What made it all better for George was the fact that his group in South Dakota would be checking in. As soon as they did, he knew just where to send them.

^^^^

It was something Robbie wanted to land and check out for himself. From the air it was an odd sight. He swooped down close catching as good of a glimpse as he could, then remembering where it was, he flew east thirty miles to the area where the search parties moved.

Henry looked up in oddity when he saw Robbie landing and turning off the chopper. Henry was on Jess’s team and all four of them stopped walking and faced Robbie who moved toward them. At the instant Henry saw his face, he knew something was up.

“Robbie.” Henry approached him first. “What’s going on?”

Robbie raised his head in acknowledgment and closed into Henry and Jess. “Jess, radio the other search teams in the area. Tell them to hang tight. I think I found something. Let’s go. I need you guys.”

Without hesitation and a real response, Henry followed and was the first to board the chopper. He waited for Jess, Mark, and Cole to join.

The helicopter landed not far from the town of Williston, North Dakota,  half a mile out on what used to be a highway. They turned off the chopper and unloaded.

“I saw this from the air. You guys are not gonna believe this,” Robbie said.

“What is it?” Henry asked.

“You especially, Henry,” Robbie told him. “I hope your stomach is strong today.”

The sound of many buzzing flies greeted them first. The next thing they saw was the American flag, and further into their footsteps into town, the massacre.

Henry immediately covered his mouth. “Oh shit.”

“All Society soldiers,” Robbie looked at them. “I think this is way too close to not be where they took Frank and Ellen.”

Jess breathed outward, the smell tripled in a bad effect from the heat. “But they’re all dead.” He nudged a soldier’s body with his foot. It was stiff. “Three, four hours maybe more.”

“Someone massacred these men,” Robbie said. “As hard as it’s gonna be, we have to look among all these bodies and through this town for Frank and Ellen.”

Cole’s voice sounded distant even though it was close. “I don’t think we’re finding Frank or Ellen here.”

“Why?” Robbie asked.

“Come here.” Cole raised his hand to him.

Robbie hurried over with Henry and Jess. “What?”

“Frank’s signature,” Cole pointed. “This is a Frank thing. He makes us men do this.”

Robbie took a closer look at the body with a single bullet hole in the center of the forehead. “Anyone could have done this.”

“True,” Cole said, “but there’s more than one person shot in the head with the assurance bullet. And . . .” Cole took his M-16 and nudged a body with it. “This guy doesn’t have any arms. Only Frank would shoot him in the head to make sure he’s dead.”

Robbie looked all around. More than he realized, contained that single head shot. “Henry? What do you make of it.”

“Frank’s work, but we have to think. As much damage as Frank can do, He’s only one man. He didn’t do this alone but the bullet hole in the forehead is definitely Frank’s shot.”

Jess joined the group. “The bullet to the head to make sure that they are dead is Frank’s thing. But . . . Is this?” so nonchalantly he held up a decapitated head, clenching it by the hair, and emerging it into the circle of men.

Henry shrieked and jumped back. “Put that down. Oh my God, that is gross.”

Robbie laughed. “Cute. Man, makes me miss the days when we’d whip out our phones and take a picture. That would have been a shot.””

Jess tossed the head and wiped his hands on his pants. He looked curiously at Henry who made a loud audible sound of disgust. “What, Henry?”

“I am not sitting next to you on the chopper.”

“O.K.” Robbie held up his hands. “We should comb this town but I don’t think we’ll find Frank or Ellen either. Something happened here, and if they were here, Frank did his share then he and Ellen moved on.”

Henry nodded in agreement. “Then you should put the chopper in the air and search. If they’re on foot, they can’t be that far.”

“Good idea but there’s only one problem,” Robbie stated. “Which way did they go?”

^^^^

Mildred, Montana

Hidden and tucked away was an understatement when the UWA soldiers left Frank and Ellen at the Anderson property edge. They were apprehensive while walking through the high brush and thick trees, wondering what they had gotten themselves into.

But like a light at the end of the tunnel, they emerged into a scene that could have been set twenty years before their time, a small farm, perhaps at one time bigger. The farmhouse was tall and wooden, the paint on the shingles weather-worn. The porch was long and spread out the front of the house, straight from some summertime lemonade commercial.

Frank and Ellen walked slowly toward the house. Ellen felt the effects of the hot sun but Frank did not. He moved slower than usual, his hand hot as it held tightly to Ellen’s. The house looked so old fashioned from the outside. A hand pump water well was off the back. Set further away from that were two graves where the grass had barely time to grow.

The wooden screen door squeaked when they opened it. The front door was open and they walked in. The house smelt old, dusty, but it was neat and it was evident someone had stopped by recently.

“Oh Frank,” Ellen said breathlessly as she walked into the living room. “Look at this place.” She immediately walked to the long table that was placed against the far wall, a thin table and had sprawled across it tons of photographs. “This must be them.” Ellen lifted a picture of a couple, embraced, and elderly. “This is us in thirty years.”

Frank moved closer to Ellen. “It’s amazing they had all this family. They and their kids both lived through the plague.”

“So did we.” Ellen set the picture down and smiled at him. The smile dropped when she noticed how pale he really looked. “Frank, you look bad. How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine. The one guy said the radio is in the kitchen. I’m uh . . . gonna check it out. Why don’t you open some windows for some fresh air?”

“I’ll do that.” Ellen watched Frank walk away, staggering some, slumping. She walked to the front widow, struggling at first, and then lifting it with a grunt. A warm breeze blew in, flapping the lace white curtain out at her. She moved on to the other windows, stopping and looking at the photographs many times.

Frank looked disappointed when Ellen made her way into the country kitchen.

“What’s wrong?” She asked as she walked in.

“It doesn’t work.” He laid down the microphone. “Power supply is bad.”

“O.K.” Ellen walked to the table. “So now what?”

“We can start walking home.”

Ellen laughed in ridicule. “You think? Look at you. You’re sick. You’ve put up this big front. We’re here so why don’t we stay here? I need to find you a bed and make you rest. Maybe tomorrow you’ll be strong enough and you heard Sgt. Ryder. They have search parties out for us. We can flag the house somehow, hang a bed sheet out so Robbie can see it from the air.”

Frank breathed loudly and slowly out, laying his face in his hands. “Would you be O.K. with that?”

“I suggested that.” Ellen grabbed his hands. “I’m sure Robbie will spot us. If he doesn’t, day after tomorrow we’ll start walking. Frank, if you don’t get well, you won’t be able to do what you do best. Besides, I’m in a really nosey mood right now. Do you realize how long it’s been since I’ve been in a real house? And those pictures, I love them. I’m sure I can find more.”

“They’re strangers, El.”

“Yeah, but they’re a little bit of the old world, aren’t they?” She gripped tightly to his arm. “Let’s go upstairs and find you a bed. I’m gonna try that pump thing out back.”

With no energy, Frank rose from his seat. Ellen put her arm around his waist and he immediately embraced her. As her head rested against his chest, she could hear the gurgling of his breathing. Ellen knew without saying anything to Frank that if Robbie was going to find them, he had better do it soon because for the first time ever, Frank had been worn down.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

From the roof of his apartment building Hal could see the digging of the graves for the men lost in the battle. Nineteen of his men died as a result. He held a certain sadness even though he knew he was victorious.

“Captain!”

Hal heard his name called from below. It echoed up at him and he peered over the roof’s ledge to see Sgt. Ryder. “You’re back. I’ll be right down.” Hal hurried from the rooftop, into the stairwell, and raced to the street below. “Sergeant.” Hal walked out to the street. “Where are they?”

“Who?”

“The Beginnings people? Your men that arrived before you said you found the two they’ve been searching for.”

“We did,” Sgt. Ryder said, “but they didn’t come back with us.”

“Why? I heard the man was ill.”

“He is but they wanted to go home. We secured them safe passage to the Anderson farm. They can radio for help there.”

“But we’ve been monitoring radio transmissions and heard nothing.”

Sgt. Ryder was silent. “Do you suppose the radio isn’t working?”

“That’s a possibility.” Hal ran his hand over the top of his head. “All right, I’m gonna send a team of six up with them. If he’s ill, he can’t protect the woman he’s with. Let’s have some men go there crack of dawn and watch the house.”

Sgt. Ryder nodded. “I think that’s a good idea. He’s a stubborn man. He’ll get upset if he knows they’re there.”

Hal sort of chuckled. “He’s from Beginnings. All of them hold a certain arrogance about them.”

“That they do. Has anything been said about our raid. I mean, with them searching, have they found it yet?”

“Our radio monitor said Eagle one spotted it. Let’s go to the station and see if anything else is happening.” Hal and the sergeant began to walk. “Maybe they’ll start searching for their people in the farm area.”

“If they’re as determined as the Beginnings man, they will. Do you realize he walked up to every single Society soldier and if they moaned or moved, he shot them in the head.”

Hal stopped walking. “He … what?”

“Shot them in the head. Killed them for assurance.”

“It’s uh . . . that’s kind of sadistic.”

Sgt. Ryder shook his head with a laugh as they started to walk again. “This guy was the epitome of sadistic. I might also add… mean.”

“Really?”

“Sir, I kid you not. If this man is a representation of what they are breeding in Beginnings, I could be a little apprehensive about ever visiting there.”

Hal fluttered his lips in Slagel arrogance. “Don’t you think you may be exaggerating?”

“No. Check out the lack of respect this man has. He said to me ‘Sir? I call no man sir. People call me sir’.” Sgt. Ryder heard Hal laughing as they stopped in front of the police station. “I’m telling you in both size and appearance, this big, mean looking son of a bitch, makes Mad Max look like a puppy dog.”

Hal Slagel stopped laughing.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

If it wasn’t for the air of sadness that hung over Beginnings like a rain cloud, all would look normal. In the living section, beyond the last row of houses, Joe stood with Danny Hoi. The day light hours were fading as Danny’s team worked in finishing the foundations. The helicopters flying in caught Joe’s attention. They were back a little early. Joe’s heart sunk. Something must have gone wrong.

Dean didn’t want to work, but since Andrea insisted she be home to prepare the Slagel Sunday dinner, Dean was stuck doing rounds. He stood before the John Doe that had been dropped off, wounds cleaned, at Beginnings front gate. He was a quiet man who didn’t speak much. They learned his name was Tom and that he was shot running from the Society army.

“How’s this.” Dean held a needle at his ankle. He poked him. Tom didn’t move. “Nothing?”

“No.”

“How about here?” Dean ran the needle up the sole of his foot.

“Nothing. I’m not gonna walk again, am I?”

“It’s too early to tell,” Dean explained. “You’re still healing.”

“I’m not feeling anything.”

“No,” Dean stated in his doctor mode, “but the fact that the paralysis is confined to the lower region is a good sign. With therapy, who knows?”

Tom nodded and leaned his head deeper to the pillow. It snapped back up and he looked to the window when the helicopter noises came into ear shot. “It’s still light out. They’re back?”

“Shit.” Dean closed his eyes. He knew if they had found Frank and Ellen, a radio call would have been made but there was no call. With some day hours still left, and Robbie back already, Dean feared that the old saying, ‘no news is good news’ wasn’t going to hold true.

Dean stayed behind at the clinic. His hands shook as he worked, dreading the news that he knew would soon come. It had been fifteen minutes since Robbie landed. No phone call, no radio call, nothing. Then he heard them, the unison footsteps walking down the corridor of the clinic. Combat boots. It had to be Robbie. He could hear the others with him and Dean, in the last room of his rounds, froze solid. The pounding of their footsteps went through him, aching him the closer they drew.

“Dean,” Joe called him, peeking his head in the room. “Can we talk to you?”

Every bit of Dean’s insides trembled. He knew his face was pale. “Um, yeah, Joe.” Dean grabbed his chart, took a long breath and stepped out of the room. The minute Dean stepped into the hall, something about Robbie’s look, not Henry’s, made a lot of his fears disappear. Robbie flashed him a quick smiled.

“You found them?” Dean tried to contain any premature happiness.

Joe shook his head. “Not yet. But . . . .” There was a sense of relief to Joe’s tone. “We believe they are fine and possibly on the way home.”

Dean’s eyes closed he backed up and leaned against the wall. “How do we know this?”

Henry answered “We found a camp that looked like it belonged to the Society, about a hundred miles from where Frank and Ellen disappeared. Frank and Ellen weren’t there. All that was left was about one hundred and twenty soldiers.”

“Frank?” Dean asked. “Could he have done that?”

“We know he helped. He left his signature,” Robbie said.

Dean nodded slowly. “A single shot to the forehead. So where are they now?”

Robbie raised his hands. “We think they’re on their way home. It had been a minimal of four hours since the soldiers were killed. We circled and didn’t see them. My gut tells me they got away, but how far is the question. That’s what we need to know from you. When I last spoke to Ellen she said Frank was ill, fevered, coughing. You know Frank. How far would he be able to go?”

“If his pneumonia relapsed,” Dean explained, “which is possible, and then he was, let’s say, beaten? Didn’t sleep much.” Dean thought for a moment. “He’d go a couple hours before he’d get to the point Ellen would make them stop. She knows how bad this can get without rest and treatment.”

Joe agreed. “My guess too. I’m thinking they found shelter and are letting him rest up. That’s why we didn’t see them.”

“So what happens now?” Dean asked.

“We send out choppers,” Joe said. “First light, waves of them. Robbie, Dan, Johnny in alternating shifts, circling the area. If they move, we’ll spot them.”

Dean’s hand clenched his chart tighter in gratefulness. He didn’t want to let himself get too excited, but this was the first good sign or news he had heard since Frank and Ellen disappeared the day before.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

Eight men, wearing grey uniforms, sat on the long front porch that early evening. Hal emerged from the house. He carried a tin cup filled with coffee and took a seat on a wicker rocking chair joining the circle of men who sat around for after dinner talk. They talked of the victory, the minimal losses, and their ability to save the Beginnings people. They also talked of the six men going up to the Anderson farm at sun up.

“I think it could work in our favor. It’s a good idea.” Sgt. Ryder spoke “Don’t you, Captain?”

Hal snapped from his day dream state. “I’m sorry. What’s a good idea?”

“An open door policy with Beginnings,” Sgt. Ryder said. “The man made mention if we need anything just stop by.”

“It could work in our favor,” Hal spoke, “since we do know for sure we’re on the same side, especially with winter coming. We know they produce more food than they need. Obviously they drop it to the wildcats. Maybe with all our manpower we can work a deal. They have all those fields they don’t use because they haven’t enough workers. I am thinking we could exchange workers for food. I’m working on a deal to present to them soon. At least now I feel at ease about dropping off our people if medical attention is needed.”

“The woman said she was a nurse there . . .” He saw the stunned expression from the other men including Hal. “Yes, a nurse. She works there.”

“Their women work?” a soldier questioned. “Really?”

Sgt. Ryder shrugged. “I’m guessing so. She said she works with a brilliant doctor. They would assure the best care. There was something very familiar about her though. I don’t know why.”

“She woman Elliott. You want her to look familiar. I know you’re secret.” Hal smiled, then shook his head quickly. “As far as women working, she’s probably the exception to the rule. Her skills are needed. You did mention she is the wife or will-be-wife to this Neanderthal. That’s probably why she can interact. Would he let someone near her?” He raised his eyebrows. “I’m curious now to see how many other women loan their skills to that community and how the Chief handles it.”

“Carefully,” Sgt. Ryder commented while sipping his coffee. “Of course anytime I’ve heard him on the radio, he seems to get annoyed rather quickly. What do you think Captain? You listen to the radio quite a bit. As a matter of fact, if you don’t mind me asking sir, why is that? You are so intrigued by it.”

“I don’t mind you asking. It’s a little embarrassing.” Hal smiled. “It’s just I find a little bit of familiarity in their voices. You know, your mind plays tricks on you. But I just like listening. The family-style bickering they have reminds me of my childhood.” He noticed the odd looks on the men’s faces. “My brothers and I always bickered. We fought, we beat each other up. You name it but I loved it.” He took a sip of his coffee. “I loved it.” He leaned back in his chair with a look of remembrance.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Alexandra sat on the kitchen counter. Andrea stood before her, holding the little face in one hand while wiping it with a wet towel.

“Oh just let Grandmommy clean this precious face for you.”

Dean leaned in the doorway cringing.

“So pretty,” Andrea wiped. “Maybe daddy will let you stay tonight with me and Pap, so you can play longer with Katie.”

Alexandra looked to Dean. “Can I, Daddy?”

“Um, sure.” Dean tossed his hands up. “I’ll run home and get your clothes for school.”

“I’ll go with you,” Alexandra said. “I want to get my doll.”

“I can get your doll.”

“Daddy, you never get the right one.”

Andrea lifted Alexandra from the counter and set her on the floor. “What does mommy teach you about that?”

Alexandra nodded. “He’s a man and he doesn’t know better.”

Dean rolled his eyes at Andrea. “Must you encourage Ellen style thinking in her?”

“Someone has to until Ellen’s back.” Andrea softened her voice and walked to Dean, laying her hand on his cheek. “Which will be soon. I believe it. We prayed in services for her and Frank today. God will answer those prayers.”

“I know. I have hope.” Dean felt the tug to his jeans. Alexandra looked impatient. “Let me walk her home. We’ll be right back.”

Alexandra darted through the living room, kissed Joe who sat on the couch reading reports, and shrieked when Robbie intercepted her, lifting her up. “I have to go.” She told him.

Robbie, still holding her, extended her out. “You aren’t gonna pee on me, are you.”

“No silly.” Alexandra laughed. “I’m staying with Pap tonight. I’m going with daddy to get my dolls.”

“Oh.” Robbie brought her closer and kissed her then set her down. He looked when he heard Henry whine. “Why do you sound disappointed she’s staying here Henry?”

Henry held Nick as he talked. “Andrea doesn’t do her hair well which means I’ll have to stop by the school and fix it and listen to Jenny bitch at me that I’m anal.”

“You are,” Robbie stated.

“Thanks.” Henry looked at Jess who had joined the festivities. “How do you live with this guy?”

Jess smiled. “Robbie? I love living with Robbie. He’s a great guy.”

Immediately Joe lowered the reports and his eyes lifted above his glasses. He stared outward for a second, shook his head, shrugged, and went back to reading.

Henry laughed. “Joe, what was that for?”

“Huh?” Joe looked up again. “Nothing.”

The smiled dropped from Henry’s face when he saw Dean walking out with Alexandra. “Dean, what about Nick? He’s getting fussy.”

Dean stopped before opening the door. “Hold him for a little while longer, Henry. I’ll be back.” He grabbed Alexandra’s hand and left with her.

Dean loved holding his daughter’s hand so small and lost in his. Her little arm swung happily as they walked to their home right down the street.

“Daddy, we won’t be this close to Pap when we move. Will we?”

“Nope, closer to Uncle Frank. Not that it’s a good thing.”

“I’ll have to stay longer at Pap’s when I visit then, because he’ll live so far away.”

Dean smiled at his daughter’s perception of distance. Six rows of houses was not that far. But he supposed in a world as small as Beginnings, to Alexandra it could have been miles. He slowed down walking when he got to his house. “Shit.”

Bev sat on the step then stood up. “They said you get home about this time from Sunday supper.”

“Excuse us.” Dean tried to get past her.

“Dean, if you aren’t busy tonight, I’d love to just sit outside and talk to you. How long has it been since you’ve had female company do that?”

Dean said nothing, He gripped Alexandra’s hand and moved to his door. “Come on, Alex.” Dean tried to pull the little girl who wouldn’t budge. “Alex.”

Alexandra stared hard at Bev. “You know, there was a reason my mother burned you.”

Dean’s eyes widened and he quickly spun around to look at his daughter and the shocked expression on Bev’s face. Bev just gasped and walked away. Dean hid his chuckle while he took Alexandra into the house. “There are times when that Ellen-type mouth you have comes in so handy.” He bent down and kissed his daughter in appreciation.

^^^^

Quantico Marine Headquarters

“It’s about an eight hour drive from our Sioux Falls location.” Jeremy explained to George. “They should be at that farm in the morning.”

“What about our Alabama team? That’s the bigger sight.”

“On their way to Sioux Falls. They’ll escort Frank and Ellen to Alabama. You’ll have to get the CME team there though.”

“The train returns tomorrow. I’ll get two men on that and ship them out. I’ll head out in a few days,” George said. “Medical staff, you thought ahead when you spoke to them?”

“Yes,” Jeremy answered. “Nothing is happening in Alabama so the two doctors are on their way to Sioux Falls with the escorts, just in case, we know Frank. If we need to injure Ellen, they’ll be able to help.”

“You gave the Sioux Falls troop strict orders if injury is necessary they are to shoot only to injure?”

“The sergeant in charge is sending his best two snipers.”

George grumbled, “Yeah well, sorry that’s not a reassurance to me. The best two snipers we have are the equivalent to Beginnings worst.”

“But that will change,” Jeremy said with a smile. “Isn’t that one of the reasons we’re doing this?”

“That and others. The biggest reason,” George spoke, “is leverage to get what we want. Remember what I told you. Take them down from within. Hurt them from within, and that’s exactly what we are doing.”

^^^^

Anderson Farm

It was so quiet as Ellen sat on the front porch of the farm. The loudest noise she heard was the flapping of the signal bed sheets in the wind, the ones she hung from two of the second floor windows. Occasionally Frank’s cough would carry down to her. The rocking chair creaked some as she sat holding a towel to her blistered hands. Never did she imagine pumping well water would be so difficult, but she had to do it. Frank had done nothing but sleep since she got him to bed, something he desperately needed. She stared out into the bright moonlit yard ahead of her, so peaceful and safe she felt. As she sat there, staring  out, it dawned on her, she didn’t quite understand when she met the UWA, why they were doing what they did. Why they were now fighting so hard, but she did as she enjoyed the porch. Exactly what Ellen was doing was the exact reason they fought, to live in a world without worry, without safety walls. To live in a world with freedom again, to live in a world that wasn’t just safe to move around, but safe enough to do something so simple as to sit on the front porch of a home.

CHAPTER TEN

September 1

Bowman, North Dakota

Kicked back in the early morning, Hal sat with his legs on the table, listening to the radio. A tablet rested on his lap and he switched between the pen in his mouth and the coffee he reached to. He smiled as he listened and wrote. The male voices went back and forth so much, it sometimes was hard for Hal to distinguish them.

“So what do we do?” The one voice asked.

“I’m doing stupid head of security paper work. Figure it out.” The second voice answered.

“No, I need an answer.”

“Bring them in the back gate.” The second voice said.

“Then where?”

“To the living section. You aren’t gonna prop them in the middle of fuckin town.”

“Which route?”

“Why is this important?”

“Because the trucks are too big to take through town.”

“Then take it around the fields.”

“Yeah, but that’s ten miles out of the way. What about gas?”

“Why are you using gas?” The second voice asked. “Bring the alcohol with you. It’s under forty miles round trip.”

“Yeah but Danny said it’s gonna mess up the fuel injection. We can’t do that because we have three more trips.”

“We’ll flush it out. Besides, I checked it with anal Henry and he says it’ll be fine. We do this all the time. What’s the problem?”

“Danny says . . .”

“I’m going with Henry.”

“Danny’s smarter.”

“Hey!” A third voice entered. “He is not.”

“Yes I am. And . . . and . . . I have better hair.” The fourth man snickered.

The second voice huffed. “Get off the radio. This is important. O.K., we’ll let the Chief handle it. Chief? Chief. Chief!”

“What! I’m not a goddamn Indian for crying out loud.”

“Yeah but Chief we need you to decide. Gas or alcohol?”

“Go with whatever Henry says.”

The third man came back on. “Oh yes! Ha!”

There was a loud grumble from the Chief. “Is that it? Good.” He sounded so annoyed. “Don’t bother me again for this stupid shit. That’s Henry’s division. Let his skinny ass handle it. You got it.”

“Yeah Chief, but I knew you were listening so it really wasn’t bothering you and while I have you on the line . . .”

“Does it have to do with running this community, the divisions I’m working or my division?’

“No.”

“Then either deal with it on your own or find the person it deals with.” The Chief said. “Otherwise, can you leave me alone I’m doing work schedules.”

“But . . .”

“Handle it, Robbie.”

SPLASH! The tin cup toppled from Hal’s hand, and hot coffee splattered across his tablet and lap. He sprang up, flicking the hot liquid from himself as he stared at the radio. “No.” Hal closed his eyes and shook his head. He bent down to pick up his fallen cup. “No, my mind is playing tricks. Wishful thinking, that’s all.” He let out a shuddering breath and returned to listening to the radio.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

A single knock on Joe’s door, loud and hard, brought in a peeking Johnny with Joe’s ‘come in’.

“Pap?” Johnny stepped inside. “I’m back.”

“Nothing?”

“Nope. Would have radioed.”

Joe huffed and tossed his pencil. He rubbed his eyes. “Which direction?”

“Due east from where we found them. I even scaled more south. Nothing.”

“All right, I’ll send Dan more south and if that ends up with nothing, we’ll send Robbie even further.”

“But Pap, wouldn’t they just head due east. My Dad knows direction.”

“Yeah, but your dad is sick. Anything can throw him off.” Joe sat back. “Let’s just hope that it doesn’t throw him off enough to leave him vulnerable.”

^^^^

He was wearing a baseball cap, an unusual occurrence because Danny hated to mess up his hair. He was the first thing Dean saw when he raised his head to the light knock.

“Dean?” Danny looked into the lab.

“Oh hi, Danny. What’s up?”

“Just wanted to let you know, we’re off to get it now.” Danny grinned.

“Really!” Dean excitedly stood up. “Is it the one you told me about?”

“Yep, deluxe model modular home. Joe said ‘no’ but I said they only had so many finished there and it was one of them.”

“Excellent.”

“Oh and Dean.” Danny held up four fingers. “Four bedrooms. Of course two of them are really small. And . . . there’s a small room off the kitchen. This place is decked out.”

Dean clapped his hands together once. “O.K., I have this feeling Ellen’s coming back soon, so when will it be ready?”

“We’ll have it pieced together and ready to move things in by Thursday. I should have the plumbing and power hooked up by then too, Friday at the latest.” Danny noticed the happiness Dean showed. “You really want this for Ellen, don’t you?”

“Yeah, I do.” Dean nodded. “I know, it’s so trivial, but we never had a chance in the old world. If we did, I would have given her anything. Here, I can’t do that. I can’t give her special things.”

“You can now. A big house, well, big by Beginnings standards. It’s kinda of more long than anything.”

“Yeah, but it’s something no one else can give her here. So did you figure out what you want?”

“Um, no, not yet, but I’m working on it.”

“Just let me know.”

“Oh I will.” Danny grinned and stepped back. “Take it easy, Dean.”

“Thanks.” Dean moved across his lab to his work. He felt better since a part of him told him Ellen was returning soon and being able to show her the new house made him anxious. The only problem Dean had was the fact that Danny wanted something in return, and what that was frightened Dean a bit. But he was sure it couldn’t be too drastic. After all it was Danny. He probably just wanted Dean to invent a new hair spray.

^^^^

Anderson Farm

Some distance from the farm house, in the midst of the high grass, Frank and Ellen sat on a white sheet. It was their signal to Robbie or Beginnings should they fly over.

Frank chuckled as he lifted the edge of the white, summer time, thin dress Ellen wore. “This is not you.”

“It’s so old fashion, huh?”

“And feminine.”

“Thanks.” Ellen fiddled with the dress. “I found it in the house. Do you think they would mind that I borrowed it?”

“El, they’re dead.”

“No.” Ellen shook her head with a smile. “Not the Anderson’s. The Cavalry.”

“Who? Oh them. Ellen, I think they’re a pretty whacked bunch. Look at how they dress.”

“It’s nice.”

“It’s fuckin goofy,” Frank said, his voice still raspy. “They could have gotten uniforms but they dress like civil war soldiers?”

“The one told me it was their leader’s idea.”

“Bet me their leader thinks he’s General fuckin Custard. But . . . they do their jobs.”

“Yeah, they do.” Ellen became peaceful. “You’re looking better today.”

“I feel better today.” Frank looked up to the sky. “I think Robbie will spot us. If not, we can move ahead tomorrow.”

“It’s a clear day.” Ellen took in the bright blue sky.

“I wanted to get you alone. I’m sorry it turned out like it did.”

“Hey, it’s been an adventure.” Ellen leaned to Frank and kissed him. “You don’t feel as warm. How’s your chest.”

“Massive.”

Ellen laughed and saw Frank starting to get up. “Where are you going?”

“To get something to drink?”

“I’ll get it for you.” Ellen grabbed his hand.

“Nah. I want to walk.” Frank kissed her. “I love you.”

“I know. I . . . I love you too.”

Frank winked at her and pulled his hand from hers. Slowly he rose to his feet. No sooner was he standing, a shot rang out. It hit into Frank with a deadening ‘thump’ searing into the side of his gut and spraying a rain of blood outward. Ellen shrieked and another shot was fired. Frank reached down to lower her when he was hit in the left shoulder. The force of the shot caused him to spring up. Then another came . . . into his leg, then into his arm, his right shoulder, and then Frank, amidst Ellen’s screams, teetered. His eyes rolled back in his head and he fell to the sheet below him.

It all happened so quickly. Within seconds Frank was shot and had fallen. The gun fire ceased and Ellen screamed. She couldn’t stop screaming, emotional, deep and panicked. She reached to turn him over and watched the white sheet become absorbed with Frank’s blood, saturating slowly as it flowed from him. “Oh my God,. Frank.” She grunted and rolled him partially to his back. His eyes were closed. She shook his face. “Frank. Frank.” No response. Ellen’s chest felt heavy and she couldn’t breathe. It hurt her. She began to cry as she lowered herself to him, holding on to Frank, feeling the dampness of his warm blood seep into her clothing.. “Frank.”

Then she heard it, the ruffling of the high grass. In her hover over Frank, she lifted her head and saw the Society soldiers moving in. Trembling, not only her hands but her body as well, Ellen grabbed Frank’s revolver, fumbling it and finally holding it out in an aim. They drew in closer and she fired. She hit one and he fell, but the others kept on coming. Ellen kept on firing, hitting some but not as many as she would like.

“El.” Frank called out weakly, his eyes opening a little. “Run.”

“I can’t leave you.” Her hands gripped his face

“Run.” His voice barely spoke. “Run.” His eyes closed again.

Ellen hesitated, her breaths choppy and short. Holding tightly to the gun, she kissed him quickly, raised her head to look, stood quickly, and raced into the field opposite of the soldiers. She didn’t make it far. Three shots rang out, one hitting just below her shoulder blade, one in her arm, and the other grazing against her knee causing her legs to buckle then Ellen to fell to the high grass.

She cringed in pain, lifted herself up some, clenched to the gun and to the grass and brought herself to her knees. The footsteps grew louder and faster. Just as she began to stand, her hair was grabbed. She was yanked backwards and dragged across the field.

She felt the hard ground as it scraped against her hips while she struggled. Her legs kicked as she fought against the pull. One hard tug and Ellen was tossed roughly to the ground. She rolled into a stop on her back. Frightened, yet trying to get her wits about her, Ellen lifted her head only to feel the tip of a boot careen into her face, sending her back down and her arms out. The gun flew from her hand and she quickly rolled over onto her stomach to grab it. As her fingers griped it, a boot slammed down on her hand. She brought her other hand up, giving it all she had, and dug her fingernails against the pant leg and into his shin. The Society soldier’s leg released some, enough for Ellen to pull her hand up. Just as she secured the revolver, her body was violently flung over. She felt the hands on her exposed legs, grabbing them. When Ellen saw the soldier near her, she lifted the gun and fired straight at him, erasing any face he could have had..

Scurrying herself up, the gun was taken from Ellen, tossed aside, and she was punched once hard in the face. As she started to fall she was stopped, her hair grabbed again. In caveman style, the soldier began to drag her again. Only this time Ellen was weak, couldn’t fight as hard, and the screams that came from her were barely audible.

REALMS OF SORROW AND LOSS . . .

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Bowman, North Dakota

Hal squinted in near blindness when he emerged from the police station. He had been monitoring the Beginnings transmissions since dawn and he hadn’t realized it was getting that late in the day.

“It lives,” The young voice spoke, a voice that sounded younger than his age.

Hal gave a raised eyebrow look down to the Craig, a short man about thirty. He was one of ten men in Bowman who never sported a uniform. There were four things that inhibited a man in Bowman from fighting, age, health, essential skills, or an unbreakable attitude that wouldn’t fit with infantry and was more suited for menial jobs, such as the case with Craig.

“Craig, what did I tell you about being sarcastic with me?”

“Not to do it.”

“So why did you make that comment?”

“I don’t know. It just was funny when you walked out of there.” Craig laughed a high pitched, inhaling type. “You made this face.” Craig pointed. “Like a . . .”

“Craig!” Hal blasted his name. “Bye.” Hal shook his head and started walking.

“Oh hey, Captain.”

Afraid to respond, Hal turned around, annoyed. “What is it?”

“The doc wants to see you at the hospital. He says it’s important.”

“Is it a problem with one of my men?”

“Nope, I think it’s one of our hidden.”

Hal nodded. “Thank you.” Hal started walking. Again, he stopped and looked back to Craig. “You aren’t lying to me again are you? I’m not going to go to the hospital to find out I’m not needed, am I? I’ll kick your ass so tell me now.”

Craig raised his hand. “Telling the truth.”

Hal moved on, telling himself that if Craig sent him on another goose chase, Craig was going to be used for maneuvers practice.

The medical building sat further from town, just past a huge white house where UWA soldiers stood out front as guards. Hal was saluted by them as he passed and made his way to the small facility. He spotted the only medical person in Bowman. He was a stocky older man, nearly as tall as Hal with wisdom in his eyes. He never was a doctor. A corpsman in the Navy was the most medical training he had until he had happened upon a group of people and after one of them got sick, this fifty-five year old man began to learn all that he could from books.

“Blue.” Hal called him by his nickname as he entered the facility, a nickname given to the man who had gone so prematurely grey his hair held a bluish tint to it. It was a nick name Hal gave him nine months earlier, and it was one that fit. “Tell me you called for me.”

“Yep, I did.” Blue sported a long white lab coat. “Sorry it was Craig who was the messenger.”

“I’ll recover from that,” Hal huffed. “What’s wrong?”

“The woman with child is having difficulty. She told me that the last child she had carried died because it was born prematurely.”

“Is she giving birth now?”

“No.” Blue shook his head. “I’m giving her alcohol at four hour intervals. The labor has stopped. As long as she rests, we can probably inhibit labor from happening any further. However, she is upset and I wanted to see if you could reassure her somehow.”

“What would happen if she gives birth now?”

“She’s only six months along. The child will die,” Blue stated with certainty. “Bed rest is what she needs, but with her history, chances are she’ll deliver early.”

“How early was her last child?” Hal asked.

“Eight weeks. However, she wasn’t given anything to slow it. We haven’t the medication, but grain alcohol holds the same effect so in essence we’re one step further than she was the last pregnancy. But it’s still not comforting enough to her. I think you know what I need you to tell her.”

“I do,” Hal said, “and I’ll do that for you. Which room?”

“Seven.”

“Thank you.” Hal gave a squeeze to Blue’s arm and walked to the hall where the patient rooms were. He didn’t need to see a room number. The UWA soldier posted at the door was enough to tell him that was the room he needed to go to. Hal knocked once.

“Yes?” The woman’s voice called from the other side.

“Captain Slagel, Ma’am. Permission to enter the room?”

“Yes, Captain.”

Hal opened the door and stepped inside. He closed it and stayed near the room’s door. “How are you today, Monica?”

“Better now.” Auburn haired Monica lay in bed. She had arrived in Bowman already pregnant, her partner killed in a Society attack.

“Blue tells me you’re upset.”

“I don’t want to lose this child, Captain. I fear if it’s born too soon, I will.”

“As you know, there is nothing we can do if nature decides to take control.”

She closed her eyes and nodded once.

“If I assured you that we would seek the best care for the child, would that make you feel better?”

“If you tell me that my child will be brought to the doctors in Beginnings, yes.”

“Then considered it done, if that happens to be the case.”

“Thank you, Captain. I needed to hear that.”

Hal moved back to the door.

“Captain?”

Hal stopped. “Yes.”

“I would like my companion with me while I am confined to this bed. Could you make that possible?”

“I will do that.”

“Will our privacy insured? We will not be bothered or disturbed?”

“No.” Hal gave a half smile.

“I feel open and vulnerable being in such a public place. In my condition, you understand, I should not have these fears.”

“Understandable. I’ll place a second guard on the door.”

Monica gave a snobbish smile, leaned her head back, and closed her eyes.

Seeing how Monica’s sudden resting was his clue to leave, Hal stepped from the room and pulled the door closed. He paused in the hall before going any further, rolled his eyes some in annoyance, and clenched his jaws. After shuddering the irritation he kept hidden inside, he moved down the hall.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

With a clipboard in his hands and his headset microphone on, Robbie switched his conversation between his guard and Joe who walked along side of him to the hanger.

“Perimeter nine,” Joe stated. “Did mechanics get there at all yet?”

“They were there when I left.” Robbie moved quickly. “Pretty much everything is done for the afternoon. I’ll go back through it after I get back.”

“Where you headed? Further south?” Joe asked.

“Yeah, I can’t see how that would be though, but we’ve gone over the direct route here too much. They aren’t there.”

“No obvious structures they’re hanging out in?”

Robbie shook his head and handed Joe the clipboard. “We also got to remember. Frank is not going to take the obvious route. Somehow that thought got lost in the . . . hold on Dad.” Robbie held up his hand and adjusted the headset. “Yeah Tower?”

“This is Steve. We might have a problem at the front gate.”

“The front gate?” Robbie questioned and noticed the look on Joe’s face. “Survivor?”

“Nope. It was.”

“Was?”

“Yeah, some little guy came from the woods. He was dragging what looked like a white sack then he went back into the woods without it. By the time I got my binoculars, I couldn’t see him and I can’t see what he left.”

Robbie saw the question on Joe’s face. He covered the microphone. “Tower spotted someone dropping something off at the gate. I’m gonna take a look before I fly out.”

“Want me to?” Joe asked.

“No, I’d rather handle it. We don’t know what it is.”

“Funny, tracking didn’t tell us they picked it up.” Joe said.

“Not for a single signal. I’ll handle it.” Robbie returned to talking to Steve. “I’m gonna check it out. Did you see where the man went?”

“Like I said into the woods. It was too thick.”

“O.K., I’m checking it out.” Robbie ended his call and walked over to the Jeep. “I’ll be back, Dad.”

“Be careful.”

Robbie nodded in acknowledgment and hopped in the Jeep. He drove it with a look of aggravation on his face, taking the winding road to the front tunnel entrance. So as not to alert anyone who could be standing at the gate, Robbie left the Jeep in the entrance of the tunnel and began to walk.

He could see the whiteness of the object as he walked. His pace was steady as he moved. The closer he drew, he could see something else mixed with the whiteness. He blinked several times, trying to focus at the object that was still a distance from him on the ground outside the gate. Then Robbie stopped walking. “Oh God.” His heart pounded in his chest. “Oh God.” He began to run, calling out as he did. “Down the front gate! Down the front gate now!” Robbie cried out in his race, his legs moving as fast as they could. He exhaled emotional exasperation with every step he took. He heard the buzz of the downing perimeter as he neared even closer to the front gate. Then without stopping, he charged for the fence, flung it open and barreled out. He dropped to his knees. “No.” His hands hesitated before touching down and seeing what he knew it was. The dark blonde hair peeking out of the tightly wrapped sheet was what gave it away to Robbie. He pulled the sheet some and saw the wide open blue eyes.

Ellen.

She was curled up in a fetal position, her hands clenched in a fist, close to her mouth. Robbie touched her neck, feeling around. He closed his eyes when he felt a pulse, a weak one. “Clinic, clinic, come in.” Robbie called as he picked Ellen up. “I have an emergency.” He couldn’t speak as he struggled with his emotions. “Just . . . just be ready. Dad, meet me at the clinic.” Robbie moved quickly through the front gate. “Front gate up! I’m going off air.”

Robbie looked down at Ellen in his arms. He tightly closed his eyes, adjusted her better, and ran as fast as he could, carrying her all the way toward the end of the long tunnel.

^^^^

Dean grinned as he stood by where his new home would be. Two pieces of the modular home were there waiting to be moved and placed together.

“Like it?” Danny asked. “You now have the open view.”

“It reminds me of a Barbie house,” Dean laughed.

“Yeah, you kind of open it up and get the entire feel of it. Want me to leave it like that?”

Dean started laughing. He took a breath and held up his hand to Danny when his phone rang. Unhooking it from his belt, Dean answered. “Hello?” Any and all expression dropped from his face at the same time the phone dropped from his hand.

“Dean?”

Dean didn’t even hesitate to pick up the phone. He merely spun around and raced at top speed through town to the clinic.

Her body didn’t move, except for slight twitching. She was still curled in a ball, only this time on Robbie’s lap as he drove the Jeep. One hand secured her head to his chest, the other the steering wheel, occasionally having to maneuver the wheel with his leg to switch gears. But never once did his hand move from Ellen. “Dad, did you get a hold of Dean.”

“Yeah. I’m guessing he’s on his way. Robbie, what’s wrong. What happened.?”

“I found her.” Robbie’s eye shifted down. “She’s alone. Oh God I’m scared. You should . . . you should . . . .” Robbie swallowed. “I’m almost there. Over.”

The timing could not have been better or worse for Dean. As he reached for the clinic doors, Robbie screeched up in the Jeep. Dean spun on the steps and ran down.

Robbie stepped from the Jeep with Ellen still wrapped in the bloody sheet. Dean’s hand touched her as Robbie raced to the doors with her. Her face was still pressed to Robbie’s chest.

“Dear God.” Joe gasped as he and Henry opened the door for Robbie and Dean. “Robbie, Andrea’s in room three waiting.”

Robbie just ran past and to that room. Dean ran quickly behind.

Henry reached for Dean. “Dean, what’s wrong with her.”

“Henry.” Dean pulled back, walking backwards. “I know as much as you.” He flew to examining room three. Robbie was laying Ellen on the table. “Get her out of that sheet. Andrea, what do you have ready?” Dean washed up.

“Fluids, IV ready to start, anti-infectives, surgical . . .”

Dean turned off the sink when he heard Andrea stop talking. He turned around and saw why. Robbie had uncovered Ellen. Her entire body was covered in blood, fresh and dried, from head to toe. Immediately, her body sprang back into a curled position, her legs held tightly to her chest.

Andrea’s eyes went from Ellen to Dean. “She’s in shock.”

“Robbie, find me blankets.” Dean neared Ellen. Her face was pale and her breaths so shallow her face was nearly blue. “Oxygen, Andrea start oxygen and get me vitals.”

Robbie pulled the sheet from under Ellen as Andrea administered the oxygen. Ellen’s body turned some. “We have a bullet hole, Dean. Looks like it’s still in there.”

“Where?”

Robbie pointed to her arm. “And another here.” He pointed to her back then looked at Ellen chest. “Look like it went straight out.”

Dean examined. “Up and through the shoulder, thank God.” He grabbed his pen light and turned it on. He shined it in Ellen’s dilated pupils. They didn’t change despite the light. Her eyes didn’t blink, they only stared forward. Their luster was gone. “El.” Dean called her. “Ellen, can you hear me. Andrea, what are her vitals.”

“Heart rate, 62. BP . . . BP is low Dean.”

“How low?” Dean kept shining the light in Ellen’s eyes.

“80 over 40.”

“Ellen.” Dean’s hand went to her face. “El, come on. El, it’s me, Dean. Sweetheart.” He received no response. His hand trembled as he brought it over his eyes.

Andrea approached him. “I’ll deal with her. You can’t handle . . .”

“No,” Dean stated strongly. “I’ll take care of her alone. I know what she would want. Just . . .” Dean took a breath. “Just leave us. I’m gonna do this. Robbie, find me some blankets.” Slowly Dean’s hand pointed to the back of the room. “And if you could. Run the . . . run the bath in there. Thanks. Not too hot, warm, only warm.”

“Got it, Dean.” Robbie carried the sheet and moved it to the trash.

“Wait.” Dean stopped him. “You found only her right?”

“Yes,” Robbie said. “Why.”

“Take that sheet to my lab. There’s a lot of blood on there. Can you?”

Robbie looked down at the sheet. “Yeah, I’ll start that bath too.”

“Andrea.” Dean faced her as she wheeled a surgical tray to him. “Just tell Joe and Henry, I’ll let them know what’s up as soon as I finish.”

“Dean, I’m not leaving.”

“I want to do this alone.” Dean’s hand rested on Ellen’s shoulder.

“Dean, I . . .”

“I want to do this alone!” Dean shouted at her loudly and emotionally. “Please!” he calmed down,. “Please.”

Andrea only nodded her head once, brushed her hand over Ellen then across Dean’s back as she silently walked out.

The room went quiet as Dean stood alone with Ellen. The only sounds in there were Ellen’s short huffing breaths, breaths that moved her body in a twitch as she took them. Dean could feel a wave of heat sweep up his body across his neck and to his ears. He burned with emotions as he pulled the tray closer to Ellen. His hand reached for her fists which were held to her mouth. Her arms locked, they wouldn’t budge or move. Tightly and briefly Dean closed his eyes in pain. His hands rose from Ellen and literally shook. He tried to stay calm for he had too. Dean knew getting a grip on his emotions was foremost if he was going to examine and help her. His head swayed in sadness and he lowered it to Ellen, laying his lips gently on her cheek. Her skin was cool and dry. “Oh my God.” He spoke with an emotionally cracking voice. “What happened to you?” He kissed her again. “What happened to you?”

CHAPTER TWELVE

Quantico Marine Headquarters

George’s desk went flying across his office, crashing to the floor and sending everything on it scattering about the room. His face was red, and his arms flung violently. Jeremy stood back nearly frightened at the outraged president.

“Sir,” Jeremy jolted at another smashing sound. “It was a mistake on . . .”

“A mistake! They had direct orders!” George blasted. “They screwed up! How difficult could this have been?”

“But you have to look at the other side . . .”

“There is no other side!” George yelled his loudest. “They screwed it up and I want answers why. Get them.”

“Sir . . .”

“Get them!”

Jeremy backed up and moved quickly from George’s office. There was no answer to search for and Jeremy knew it. There was no answer that would ever satisfy George.

^^^^

Joe tried to stay in control of any emotions that tried to escape him. In the waiting room with Henry, Johnny, and Robbie, Joe tried to be the leader and to take charge of the situation.

“We’ll get a full blown search in the air.” Joe explained to Johnny. “All four choppers out constantly during daylight hours. We’ll find your father.”

Robbie sat leaning forward in a chair, his hands buried in his face. He spoke muffled and through his hands. “It’s useless.”

Joe looked at his son at the same time Henry moved from the doorway to him.

Robbie looked up. His face was red. “It’s useless. We’re not finding Frank,” he spoke calmly.

“Robbie,” Henry said to him, “this is your brother. Why would you give up so easily?”

“Because I’ve had a good look at Ellen.”

Joe looked at Robbie curiously. “What do mean?” There was some hostility to his voice.

“Exactly what I said.” Robbie breathed heavily and stood up. “Take a look at Ellen, Dad and when you see her, you ask yourself something, Ask yourself would Frank allow her to get like that if he was able to do anything about it? I know Frank.” Robbie swallowed. “He’d die for Ellen.” Robbie’s eyes closed. “And when you see her, it looks a hell of a lot like he did.”

“No.” Joe shook his head. “I refuse to believe that.”

“That’s because you haven’t seen her.” Robbie raised his voice. “You haven’t looked unto the eyes that just have no life.” He saw his father’s expression drop. “Yeah, that’s exactly what I said. I believe The Society dropped her off as a message to us. Not only did they get Frank, they got her too. And I . . .I have to get out of here.” Robbie charged for the door but Andrea was walking in.

“Andrea.” Joe hurried to her. “What’s going on? How’s Ellen?”

With a solemn look, Andrea swayed her head as she walked into the waiting room. “They got our girl pretty good, Joe. Beat her, shot her. I just spoke to Dean and that’s what his examination showed. We have her in a room now. Ellen is gonna make it physically, but . . . she’s in shock right now, severe traumatic shock. She has slipped into a world within herself and she does not want to come out.”

Joe stuttered as he spoke, “Will she come out?”

“We’re hoping in time. In cases like this they have to be pulled out or want to come out on their own. We can’t just let her lay in that bed. We . . . all of us.” Andrea looked at the faces in the room. “We all have to do our part to make her want to come out. Talk to her, constantly, kind nurturing therapy, encouragement. Anything, If you must pester her, then so be it. Pester her. But we have to work together to bring her out, because the longer she stays like this, the harder it will be.”

Henry had to question. “Then we should all take turns with her. She can hear us. Is that what you’re saying?”

Andrea nodded. “She can hear you.”

Joe reached out and grabbed Andrea’s hand. “Can we see her now?”

“Yes. But…” Andrea spoke with some reservation, “listen to me carefully. What you will see when you walk in that room is not our Ellen and don’t expect it to be. She can sense our presence, hear us. If you are not strong enough to handle what you are about to see, I ask you to immediately leave that room, because she doesn’t need that. She needs us, her family, to help her.”

Dean sat in a chair closely to Ellen’s bedside. His hands rested on hers as he just stared at her. His eyes bloodshot, his expression screamed out lost. He turned his head only a little when he heard the door open.

Joe walked in first, looked at Ellen, and took in a long breath. Henry stopped cold. In the worst case scenario in his mind, seeing Ellen like she was, never entered his thoughts. Robbie felt a trembling in him, a sickening anger and sadness that combined together to make him speechless and to be one of those people Andrea didn’t want in the room. Sniffing loudly once, Robbie walked to the bed, leaned over and kissed Ellen on the cheek. His hand ran over where his lips had just laid.

“El, I’ll uh . . .” He cleared his throat. “I’ll stop back later. O.K.? I have to um, I have to do rounds.” Again he kissed her, looked at his father, and quickly walked from the room. Johnny followed.

Henry’s eyes stayed focused on Ellen. “This isn’t what I thought.”

Andrea shook her head. “It’s text book, Henry. This is reality when something happens.”

“How…how bad?” Henry asked shaking his head. “How bad is she hurt? She has to be bad to be like this.”

“I said before, physically she took a beating, but she’ll recover from that. However . . .” Andrea looked down at Dean. “We don’t feel what they did to Ellen is what sent her into this state. We believe it’s what Ellen saw that caused this.”

Loudly Joe cleared his throat and walked to the bed. “Dean,” he spoke softly, “I’m sorry to ask this, but can I spend a few moments alone with my daughter.”

“Yeah Joe.” Dean slowly stood up and walked from the bedside to Henry. They both left and Andrea followed shortly behind.

Joe moved the chair closer, laying one hand on Ellen’s clenched fist, and the other hand stroked her face. “Hey, Kiddo.” Joe kissed her. “What are you doing? Huh? What are you doing? This is your father speaking to you and I want you to listen to me. I know right now you need some rest so you rest.  We all need you out here, all of us. Do you know what I think? I think I raised a very strong daughter and you aren’t hiding like they think. I think you’re just having trouble reaching us, but don’t you worry. We didn’t give up searching for you and we still aren’t. I won’t.” Joe lowered his voice to a whisper. “We’ll find you in there Kiddo, and goddamn it, we’ll bring you out. That’s a promise.” He kissed her. “That’s a promise.”

^^^^

Maybe getting out of the room for a second was what Dean needed. He knew until Ellen woke up, he would never be far from the room at all. He walked to his lab, his head down. So many questions went through his mind. How much Ellen had gone through in her life and even recently. How much she didn’t need this. Did she see something or had she finally reached her breaking point in life and her mind said, ‘enough is enough. I’m not coming back.’ The possibility of that was so great, it frightened Dean, because he needed her back and he, like everyone else, would do all they could to get her back.

He saw the sheet and Ellen’s dress in a plastic bin on his counter. Dean closed and locked the lab door. He shut all binds to prevent others from seeing in. He was going to perform a test that only he could do and he hoped that the test would at least give him some answers.

He cleared a small table and three stools making a large exposed area on the floor. Dean reached into the bin and pulled out the sheet. He flapped it outward, laid it on the floor, and spread it out as much as he could. He laid Ellen’s dress on it. Both were now brownish in color from the blood. Ellen’s dress had grass and dirt marks as well.

Crouching down, Dean stood at the far end of the sheet, his eyes focused in concentration until he hit the first spot of blood, brought it in closer, and saw the corpuscles. Like a scanning tool, Dean, with extreme mental concentration, scanned inch by inch, left to right of the sheet. He didn’t make it too far into his scan when he stopped. He blinked, rubbed his eyes, and scanned again. He became drawn and his jaw tightened up. His face surely showed the signs of an answer to a question he didn’t want to have.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

He stood in one of the six lookout towers waiting. When Hal saw the single horseman riding into town, he raced from the tower, to the street, and straight to the edge of town. His heart didn’t want to see only one man return. He had sent six to the Anderson farm.

The horse stopped and Hal grabbed the reigns until the exhausted rider dismounted. Gary, a small man, saluted and Hal returned it.

“I’m glad you made it back, “ Hal told him. “I’m sorry to ask you right away, but I need to know what happened. Beginnings is in a frenzy and nothing certain is being said over the radio, only that it has to do with a woman left at the front gate.”

“That was me, sir.”

“What . . . what happened?” Hal asked almost painfully. Hal signaled to another man to take the horse and walking, Hal led Gary further into town.

“We were at our post monitoring the house, watching it. Never once Captain, I swear did we stop.”

“I believe you.”

“The man and the woman were sitting on a white sheet. In fact they had two sheets hanging from the window.”

“A signal for their choppers. Go on.”

“Out of nowhere, sir, five or six shots were fired. They were fired as the man stood up. He didn’t even have time to react as all of the shots hit him.”

Hal closed his eyes. “How many Society soldiers were there?”

“Twenty, twenty-five. We didn’t see them at first as the grass was high. We were on the other side.”

“And the woman?”

“She started firing, but as soon as she stood up they shot her as well. Three times but none of them life threatening.”

“When . . . when did you move in?” Hal asked.

“Sir, we moved in as soon as we saw the man go down. We mounted and rode. The woman tried to get away from The Society and they beat her, dragging her and such. It was horrible, barbaric.”

“If she would have just stayed put, she would have been fine,” Hal said.

“Exactly. Our horse jumped over the body of the man.”

“You got to the woman in time?”

“Yes. We started battling, racing the horses to avoid the gunshots. We cause a lot of confusion. Some of The Society fought us. Some were consumed with the man and the woman. Because of my size, I was to get the woman and ride out. Just leave and take her straight to Beginnings, which I did. She was bleeding badly and I grabbed the white sheet that the man was lying on, wrapped her, and rode away just like the men and I planned.”

Hal nodded., “Leaving the battle to the others. You did not stop riding then?”

“No sir.”

“You mentioned ‘where the man was’. Wasn’t he there? Did he get up?”

“No.” Gary shook his head. “It was happening so fast. I was consumed with getting her out. From what I saw, four men were carrying him.”

“I see. And how was she?” Hal asked with concern.

She cried for the first half hour of the ride, hysterically crying out a name I couldn’t understand, but then she drew silent. She wasn’t dead. She was in shock. She just stared out.”

Hal gave a proud squeeze to Gary’s shoulder. “You did well. You brought the woman to her people. Now, I’ll get a party out to go to the Anderson farm and see what . . .”

“I was there, sir,” Gary interrupted. “I stopped on the way home.”

“And?”

Gary swallowed in hesitation before answering. “No one was there. Not a Society soldier, any of our men, the man, nor a body. There was nothing, absolutely nothing.”

This struck Hal with the deepest of oddness to the point it left him speechless. Never had The Society taken bodies. Why weren’t they leaving clues? All the patterns that Hal spent time learning while forming his legion meant nothing right now, because the society just showed Hal a new one.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

The song ended and Henry turned off the player. He sat at Ellen’s bedside, near her face. Ellen was still the same way.  Dean sat near the foot of the bed. His hands were cupped upon the bed and his chin rested on them. He watched Henry, so upbeat, wishing he could be that way too for Ellen’s sake, but Dean couldn’t. He felt so lost and he swore his heart and soul were breaking as he stared at Ellen.

“O.K.” Henry chuckled. “Can you believe Josephine had that song? We were just talking about that before you left. I asked her what she was doing with it and she tsked at me, El. Then she says,” Henry snickered, “she says ‘what do you think I am, old’. I couldn’t resist. I said yeah.”

Dean’s head raised some; he shook it and rested in back down again.

“She hit me, El. Oh here.” Henry leaned into Ellen and holding the edge of his hair he brushed it across her face. “I had a feeling you were coming home so Danny and I went to Bentley and he cut my hair, not much, just a few inches. Joe said I need about six more cut off. I’d die. You’d die. You’ll probably think it’s too short, but, I didn’t have a bad hair day today. He added a few layers and it lays really nice.” Henry’s hair wasn’t that much different. Instead of reaching to his shoulder blades, it rested just over the shoulder. The layers added took a lot of the ‘long’ look from it. “O.K., so I have a notebook.” Henry lifted it and laid it down. “Since Dean kicked me out this afternoon, I’ve been keeping notes on what I want to talk to you about. Can you believe he kicked me out, El? That wasn’t very nice of him, but he has a point. But don’t think I won’t stop in and say hi. I will.” Henry flipped a page in the notebook. “Look at all these pages. I have eight. We have a lot of catching up to do. Oh before I forget, Dean has a surprise for you . . .”

“Henry.” Dean said his name. “Don’t.”

“O.K., I won’t.” Henry smiled. “Check this out, El. Danny started a drive-in again here in Beginnings, only it’s a walk-in. Trish is the movie madam. And guess what? She started porno night. I didn’t go to it but Dean did. He came home early, but I heard the guys had a lot of fun. I could hear them whistling and hooting from the house.” Henry saw Dean standing up through the corner of his eye. “What’s wrong, Dean?”

“I have to get home with the kids. It’s late. You’ll be here, right?”

“All night,” Henry said. “I plan on sleeping here.”

“Thanks Henry. I’ll stop back later.” Dean walked up to Ellen and bent over her. Softly he laid his lips to her face and held them there. He kissed her again. “I love you, El. I love you very much.” Another kiss and Dean slowly and sadly walked from the room.

Henry waited until he was gone. “So he says he loves you. Wait until you hear what I’m gonna tell you. In fact, I know you’re pretty boggled down with resting and all from getting hurt so I’ll save it.” Henry laid his hands on Ellen’s hands that, due to medication, were no longer ridged and kept at her face. “Just wait . . . boy, if you aren’t out of this thing when I open my mouth, you will come out.”

^^^^

Nothing but quiet came from Dean’s house when he made his approach. He knew it was late and his kids might be sleeping. Though he needed to see them, in a sense he didn’t wanted to deal with anything. He was surprised when he walked in, slowed down his pace, and saw Jenny Matoose pacing the floor with Nick against her chest.

“Jenny, I’m sorry. Has he been fussy for you?”

“No not at all. He was just hungry,” Jenny spoke as she walked with the baby. “I guess I kind of got caught up in holding him. Look, Dean, Jenny smiled, “he likes my breasts.”

Dean chuckled as he ran his hand down Nick’s head. Nick’s little hand was held in a grip onto Jenny’s breast. “He probably doesn’t know what they are.”

“Pillows, that’s what Caroline called them.” Jenny let out a heavy sigh. “How’s Ellen?”

“Same. The medication relaxed her body some.”

“Joe said he needs us all to talk to her. May I stop and see her tomorrow?”

“Yes, and talk to her Jenny. Talk to her very normally.”

“I will. And . . . I hope you don’t mind, but I took the liberty to finish packing your knickknacks. The kids were asleep early and I saw you were in the middle of it.”

“I don’t mind, but somehow moving into the house has lost its excitement.”

“But why?” Jenny asked. “Ellen will be so pleased with it. She really will. There will be no better place for her to recuperate both mentally and physically. Trust me.”

“Maybe you’re right. I’ll let you go.” Dean extended his hands to Nick. “I appreciate this.”

“It’s not a problem. What am I gonna do, right?” There was a tone of sadness in Jenny’s voice. She began to hand over Nick and stopped. “Dean? Would you mind if I kept this little one? I’ll gather some things. I . . . I’m not teaching tomorrow and I’m sure right now you don’t need to deal with an infant. Would you mind?”

“Not at all.” Dean shook his head and took the baby while Jenny left the room. He got lost in his thoughts while holding Nick, because he didn’t hear Jenny come back, nor did he realize how long she was gone.

“Here.” She took Nick back, a smile crossed her face. “Goodnight Dean.”

“Night Jenny.” Dean walked them both to the door and opened it for her. When she had left, the house rang with silence. He walked slowly, almost exhaustedly to the couch and sat down. Sadly he leaned against the arm of the couch, grabbed a pillow, and held it his chest. He brought his knees close to him and emotionally, Dean dropped his head forward to his legs.

^^^^

Squeak. Thump. Thump-thump. Thump. In a steady rhythm the pattern continued, mixed with heavy breaths flowing out in to the quiet just outside the garage. Jess listened first before he walked in and found Robbie. He was concerned about his new friend. With the news of all that was going on, Robbie made excuses to be busy all day and night, just like he was doing in the garage. Perhaps it helped ease his pain.

Robbie, in a firm boxer’s stance, stood before a large punching bag. He hit it hard, over and over, his face red. He wore only cloth shorts which were drenched with the sweat that poured off his bare chest. So determined, Robbie kept on hitting.

Jess knew Robbie heard him when he walked in, yet went unacknowledged, so he spoke up. “You know, I was a champion fighter in the service.” Jess walked toward the bag, keeping his voice soothing. “If you want, we can put on the gloves and we can go a few rounds. If you want to hurt yourself, that’s the way to do it.” Jess stepped within inches of him. “Not this.” He reached out and stopped Robbie’s hand from hitting the bag again. Robbie’s knuckles were raw, some bled from the lack of protection against the canvas bag. “Robbie.”

Robbie let out an emotional breath, grabbed onto the bag and rested his forehead against it. His head swayed. “My brother is gone, Jess. My big brother is gone. Do you even know how much I looked up him? What am I gonna do? God, I never thought it would hurt this bad.”

“You loved him. Do you think because you’re this big tough Slagel nothing can get to you. You’re wrong.”

“It’s getting to me.” Robbie stared at the bag. “Frank. Ellen.”

“That’s right. Ellen.” Jess moved even closer, laid his hand on Robbie’s shoulder and spoke closely to him. “What are you doing? Where have you been? I thought this woman was your friend. A close friend, and someone you care about.”

“She is. I love her.”

“Then why are you here? No one knows better than I the bond and love between two brothers. I’m telling you, if I had a family and something happened to me, I certainly would want to know that my brother was taking care of what was mine.”

Robbie raised his eyes to Jess. “It hurts to see her like that.”

“I know it does but get over it. I know my words are harsh, but listen to me. Frank loved this woman. She is family to you. If you care half as much about her as you say you do, then why in the hell are you beating this bag instead of helping her beat the obstacle she faces.”

Robbie stood straight up. His head lifted. “You’re right. You are absolutely right. I owe her an apology.” Robbie stepped back and laid his hands on Jess’ arms. “Thanks, Jess. I mean it. Thanks.” With no more said, Robbie took off, just the way he was, all the way to the clinic.

Robbie was out of breath when he arrived in Ellen’s room. He took a few short breaths before stepping in.

Henry stopped talking and looked at Robbie, then looked again. “Oh my God, El, Robbie just walked in all sweaty and showing off that Slagel fur.”

“Shut . . . shut the . . .” Robbie slowed his speech as he neared the bed, “the fuck up, Henry.” He grabbed a chair and pulled it closer to Ellen’s head. He leaned over and kissed her, keeping his mouth near her ear. “I’m sorry I wasn’t around. I promise you it won’t happen again,” he whispered, kissed her, and then sat back down.

Henry’s chair squeaked as he inched it from Robbie’s.

“What?”

“You’re sweaty.”

Robbie lifted his arm and sniffed. “I don’t stink.” He held his armpit to Henry. “Do I?”

Henry made a loud sound of disgust. “That’s gross. It’s a jungle of armpit hair. You should shave some of that.”

“No I shouldn’t. Don’t tell me you do.”

“No!” Henry snapped. “I don’t grow much hair under my arms.”

“Still in that prepubescent phase, huh Henry?”

Henry tsked. “El, he’s bothering me. I need you to stick up for me.”

Robbie cleared his throat. No matter how much he tried to joke around, there was still a sense of nervousness to him. “She looks better.”

“Yeah she does,” Henry smiled. “Her color is back. Andrea said it’s from the blood they gave her and the oxygen.”

“She’s still breathing funny,” Robbie said of the way Ellen still slightly twitched with her breaths.

“She’ll breathe that way until she comes out. They injected her muscles with this drug. See,” Henry lifted her hand, “she’s not tight anymore. You can hold it.” Henry grasped Ellen’s hand in his.

“Then may I?” Robbie asked, waited for Henry to move, and then took Ellen’s hand. “So uh, what are you doing Henry, reading to her?”

“Oh no, talking.” Henry grabbed his notebook. “You gonna join in now?”

“Yeah, I’ll join in. What are we talking about?”

Henry skimmed over his notes. “Second grade. I’ve made it through the first six year of my life.”

“Swell.” Robbie held Ellen’s hand and listened as Henry rambled. He didn’t add much to the conversation. In his mind he was taking it one step at a time. His first step was over and that was putting aside his fears and going to see Ellen.

^^^^

It was after one in the morning, From an empty bed, Andrea went to the porch after following the smell of cigarette smoke. Joe sat there with his white shirt out of his pants. His feet were bare. Andrea stepped out and joined him. “Couldn’t sleep?

“Nah.” Joe hit his cigarette. “I went to see Ellen.”

“How is she?”

“Busy.”

“Busy?” Andrea asked.

“Robbie’s there and so is Henry. Henry’s rambling on about his seventh grade dance. I don’t know. Other than that, she’s still the same.”

“It could be days, Joe, even weeks before she comes out of it. She’s made progress. Her health is improving. She’s strong.”

“I know.”

Andrea rested her hand on Joe’s back. “How are you? Been thinking about Frank, haven’t you?”

“How can I not?” Joe’s head swayed.

“I’m sorry, Joe.”

“Don’t be, not yet.” Joe looked out and tossed his cigarette. “I know everyone believes he’s dead.”

“You don’t.”

Joe shook his head. “Nope. Until Ellen tells me for sure that my son is gone, I won’t believe it. I won’t.” Joe looked at Andrea with a sad seriousness in his eyes. “Because I know if he was, I’d feel it. I’d feel it right here.” Joe clenched his fist and brought it to his chest. “But I don’t. The only thing I feel is that my son is in trouble and I just don’t know where to start to help him.” He looked out again.

“Yes you do.” Andrea spoke softly and waited for Joe to look at her. “Ellen.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

September 2

Beginnings, Montana

Sitting cross legged in a chair, Jenny held Ellen’s hand. Ellen’s fingers draped across Jenny’s palm as Jenny filed the nails. She rotated between filing, buffing, blowing, and removing cuticles. The whole time Jenny’s hands moved as fast as her lips.

“My goodness, you certainly let your nails go. These will look so nice when I’m done. You’ll be pleased. I know if it were me, I’d want to know I was presentable. You have to be presentable, Ellen because so many people keep coming in here.” Jenny had a remembrance look. “Don’t you wish we had press-on nails again? What are the odds of you talking to Henry about inventing them again? I’ll throw in some more pizzas. Gosh how I remember being little and loving your long nails. You always had them done, a great tan, and really blonde hair, and you were so thin. I wanted to look just like you.” Jenny grew sad for a moment, then became up beat. “Actually, some people say we do.” She started to laugh hoping that would get a reaction out of Ellen. Nothing. “Did I tell you, Blake does wonderful manicures and . . .” she snickered, “pedicures. Don’t tell John that Blake touches my toes. I promised John I wouldn’t sleep with Blake. He says I do too many favors already. Yeah, I guess I do, but I get nothing out of it. O.K., here’s something that might make you come out of it. I let Blake,” Jenny dropped her voice to a tiny whisper, “suck my toes.” Jenny smiled. “He doesn’t mind and I get all tingly.” Jenny stopped talking when Patrick walked in the room. “Shh, we’re invaded by a man.”

Patrick gave a smile to Jenny and Jenny flung back her hair. “What, Jenny?” He grunted in anger, checked Ellen’s IV, and moved back to the door. “Go on. I’m leaving.”

“I’m a little angry with Patrick. I told him two stories the other day and he forgot I told him one. My point is he’s lucky to have a woman to talk to him and be with him. He could at least pay attention. I’ll be mean until he begs, which most men do. Speaking of men, did you ever notice and I’m sure you did, how Nick makes that Henry face? He whines like Henry too. Really Ellen, Dean is not a whiner. You’re gonna have to get that kid to break that habit. The odds are evening up in this world for men and women of the new generation. But if he acts like that, he’ll never get laid.” Jenny smiled and grabbed the buffer. “Of course, he could be gay, not that that’s a bad thing, mind you. We have our share of closet gays here in Beginnings. I know. I have radar when it comes to homosexuals. I know which men are gonna need women and which ones aren’t.” Jenny giggled and switched to the nail file. “It’s so funny to me because the age old saying holds true you can’t judge a book by its cover. Wait until you come out of this. I’ll walk with you, wait better yet, we won’t wait until you walk, I’ll wheel you around and point out all the man I know are gay that no one else does.” Jenny kept filing. “My little present to you. Speaking of presents . . .” Jenny looked back behind her. “Dean has one for you. It’s a surprise. He can’t wait to give it to you. It’s such a big one too. You’ll love it. But I know us women hate surprises, so, just because you and I are friends . . . I’ll tell you what it is.”

Jenny checked out the door one more time, and got up and shut it for security purposes. She then took her seat again, cupped her hand over Ellen’s ear and whispered just in case Dean walked in. Jenny didn’t want to get in trouble.

^^^^

Every time John Matoose entered Joe’s office, he filled with a thick nervousness. He felt like a specimen under a microscope and rightfully so. John knew this and he expected it. He never talked right anymore around Joe, which made John feel even guiltier. He feared that it looked like he was hiding something. For the first time in a long time in Beginnings, John Matoose was totally honest and up-front about everything.

“Joe, you got a minute?” John stepped into Joe’s office. Joe was by the filing cabinet.

“Yeah, what’s up?” Joe shut the drawer and while reading, he walked to his desk.

“I have something.” John laid a folder on the desk in front if Joe.

“What is this?” Joe opened it.

“I’ve been thinking. I’ve done a lot of it since Ellen arrived yesterday. I know you think there’s someone else in Beginnings working for George. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t have asked me about it. I didn’t think there was.”

“You do now?”

“Yes.” John nervously cleared his throat and pulled up a chair. He sat down. “Every single person in Beginnings found out three days ago that Frank had Ellen beyond the wall and every single person knew they were at Ft. Peck lake. It wasn’t a secret.”

“Your point?”

“I know the way George’s soldiers run, eight in a pack, sixteen at the most. What hit Frank and Ellen at the lake was a brigade. By the talk, there were three trucks. Come on, George had to send them after Frank and Ellen. They had to come from the area where the search party found the massacre. That was close, too close. I know better than anyone the way our communication tracking works. When George calls here, it’s not easily traced. The system has to be configured to do so every time, so how often do we do it? Since Quantico was discovered, how many calls do we see go to George a day? Many, meaning his people check in. Meaning whoever worked for him in Beginnings can call him and they did. George sent his people after Frank and Ellen. It was too planned. I know the way George works.”

“That’s a good theory. I’ve thought of that.” Joe leafed through the folders. “What are these other papers?”

“Last night, I didn’t sleep. I stayed awake working on that. Those are my ideas on who it could be. Some of them are far-fetched and can’t possibly be working with him but some of them could. These are the people he liked, talked to all the time, trusted. These are the people, that in the event of his raid, are to be spared.”

“Spared?” Joe’s eyebrows rose.

“Yes, he didn’t want them harmed. There’s nine there. These are the ones that I was told. The date next to Robbie’s name,” John pointed, “is when he changed his mind about Robbie. All others, he showed a fondness. Not even my wife is on that list. He used to tell me she had a ‘buy’.”

“So you went with each person and broke it down.”

“Yes. I put down why, as far as I know, that he wanted them spared. Cole, for example, does really good with the farming and . . .they played darts and so forth. You’ll read about it.”

Joe looked at the top sheet. “Andrea?”

“Yes, I had a field day with her. Sorry, I know she’s your wife, but did you know George really liked her? I mean, liked her as in ‘relationship’ liked. I don’t know if anything ever became of that, but he really liked her.”

“I . . . I uh didn’t know that.” Quickly Joe’s mind went to Henry’s theory on why Andrea was a suspect. Joe thought it was ridiculous when Henry said George loved Andrea. Joe also saw Henry’s name on John’s list too. It wouldn’t be all that lame brain of an idea if Henry was indeed working for George, because George liking  Andrea would be knowledge to Henry. Joe canceled his thoughts and wandering mind, saving it all for later. He flipped through the sheets. “There’s not a work up sheet on Robbie.”

“That’s because Robbie was switched too late in the game. I only included him on the top sheet because George wanted him, not because he liked him, but because he wanted to make Robbie into a CME. Or to use a ‘Frank’ word, SUT. I told you this before. But . . . it got me thinking.”

Joe lowered the sheets he looked at.

“This cannot go any further from this room, just on the outside chance I’m correct.”

“Why is it?”

“He originally wanted Frank. If George had the opportunity to get him, he would. Why else wasn’t Frank shot immediately. I mean Frank’s good., but he’s not good enough to escape sixty, seventy men all aiming at him.”

“That was my thought when it all went down, but then Ellen comes in.” Joe held out his hand.

“How did they get Frank the last time? They knocked him out. If he’s sick and still injured he’s going down a lot easier. Ellen fought but Ellen lost. The Society brought her back to make us think . . . to make us believe that they killed Frank.”

“So going on Robbie’s theory that Ellen wouldn’t be as bad as she was if Frank was around to protect her?”

“Exactly, that’s why this can’t leave the room. I know George. If he even thinks we think Frank is alive, he’ll make it harder for us to find him. Otherwise, he’ll get cocky, he’ll get lazy, and he’ll screw up. He always does. If you know, you play into his hands. But if we act like we don’t suspect, George is like a little kid with a secret. It will gnaw at him that he knows something you don’t and he’ll leave clues. I’d stake anything on that.”

Joe dropped the folder and leaned back in his chair with his ‘Joe’ thinking look on his face. He rubbed his chin, his eyes going from John to the folder. He realized, if John was right, even if it was a remote possibility, Joe had to give deep thought to everything he said. If George did have Frank, then the person working for him in Beginnings knows. Any inkling that Joe had of Frank’s being alive, Joe would have to keep from that person. In order to do so, Joe’s whole plan of thinking and actions would probably have to change.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

A cup of coffee on one hand, a cigarette in the other, Hal rocked back and forth in his chair and called out at the knock on his door. “Come in!”

Sgt. Ryder entered first with a half-smile on his face. He held the door open for Gary.

Hal stood up when Gary walked in. “Please sit down.

Gary had a whining look to his face.

“What? What’s wrong?” Hal asked.

Gary shook his head. “I’m really tired. I’ve been in meetings with you before sir.”

Quickly Hal looked at Sgt. Ryder who snickered. Firmly, Hal walked up to Gary. “We need to discuss what you saw.”

“I told you.”

Sounding so much like his father, Hal spoke with that hint of annoyance. “Yes, I know you told me and you’ll tell me again.” He reached back to his desk, grabbing a pen and paper.

“Oh God,” Gary said.

“What now?” Hal asked.

“I was warned if you grab paper.”

Again Sgt. Ryder snickered.

Hal gave a closed mouth look to Sgt. Ryder. “I’m glad you’re finding so much amusement out of this. Now Gary, did you see the Beginnings man get shot.”

“Yes.”

“You said five or six times?”

“Yes.”

“Now think back, where did the shots come from? Did they come from behind, the side, or directly in front of him?”

“Um . . .” Gary paused.

“Think, which way did the blood shoot?”

“Out.”

Hal grumbled.

“I’m sorry. I’m so tired. Can I rest and then answer the questions?”

“No.” Hal wrote down. “Which way?”

“They hit him from the front.”

“Good boy.” Hal smiled. “See, this is easy. Next question, where did they hit him?”

“At the Anderson farm.”

Hal lifted his eyes to Sgt. Ryder then ran his hands down his face. “I know this, but where on his body did they hit him?”

“All over.” Gary jumped at Hal’s grunt. “I don’t know. Um . . . the leg.”

“Thigh, knee, or calf?”

“Thigh.” Gary closed his eyes. “Definitely thigh.”

“Where else was he hit?”

“His arm.” Gary saw Hal ready to ask and he held up his hands. “I don’t remember right or left but I do know it was in the upper portion and they hit him in both shoulders.”

“High?”

“Yes.”

“How are you remembering all this?” Hal asked.

“I don’t know. Maybe I’m not. It happened so fast.” Gary rubbed his eyes. “Can I go to sleep now?”

“No.” Hal leaned on his desk. “This is very important. Did the man take any head shots?”

“No.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes.”

“All right, did he take any shots what so ever in the torso area,” Hal indicated to his own chest, “other than the shoulder wounds?”

“Yes, he was hit in the stomach. That was the first hit he took.”

“Good then you should remember this. Where in the stomach, center, to the side, high low, what?”

“Uh . . .” Gary rubbed his eyes again. “Side, I think. Lower. I’m not sure.”

“Good.”

Sgt. Ryder was somewhat confused. “Sir, can I ask why all this is important?”

“Yes.” Hal nodded. “Taking bodies, both ours and theirs, is something The Society hasn’t done. You, Sgt. Ryder told me this man made Mad Max look like a puppy.”

Gary raised his hand. “Who’s Mad Max?”

Hal tossed a waving hand at him and continued. “If this man is as you say he is, then he should be able to take a lot. You said he was a big man, didn’t you?”

“About six three.”

“See, he’s about . . .” Hal looked again in shock. “He’s that big?”

“Yep, he’s not a thin man but not heavy either. Military build. Seen it a million times, probably was a career man in the military.” Sgt. Ryder saw the open mouth look on Hal’s face. “What’s wrong?”

“Um…nothing.” Hal shook his head. “O.K. my point,” Hal hesitated. “My point . . . what was my . . . oh, yes. This is a big man, twenty, twenty-five soldiers can easily shoot him down and kill him, but they didn’t. They hit him in fleshy areas, non-threatening wounds, enough to take him down but not out. They took him so they were concerned with him. The woman was shot in evasive areas. This tells me the society wanted them both. I think . . .” Hal placed down the notes. “I think they got half of what they sought.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Joe was glad, when he walked into Ellen’s room, that those he requested to be there were present. He closed Ellen’s hospital room door, flashed a brief ‘Joe’ smile, and walked in. Holding his folder, he kissed Ellen then faced Robbie, Dean, and Henry. “Glad you boys could all be here. I hope you brought your suspect notebooks. I want to have a brief meeting, just to give you some things to think about. We’ll get back on track with Motive and Means as soon as we get our thoughts back together.”

“Dad, why are we doing this right now?” Robbie asked.

“Although we have ignored this for a few days, the problem still exist. It’s still here and we have to find it, despite what is going on in our personal lives.”

Henry clenched his teeth and spoke through them, “But Joe, what about . . .” He twitched his head toward Ellen.

“O.K.” Joe gave a half chuckle. “I guess you can say this is my own therapy for Ellen. She’d love it and . . . never once has she been able to attend a meeting without getting her two cents in or interrupting. So let’s just say, I’m hoping...” Joe noticed Dean was more occupied with Ellen than anything. “Dean? Are you gonna be able to be with us on this today?”

“Yes, sorry. Go on.” Dean’s hand rested on Ellen’s, his other held a pen and his notebook rested on his crossed legs.

“All right.” Joe raised the folder. “I have here information given to me by John Matoose. Seems Benedict Arnold now believes someone else is working for George. He thinks whoever it is let George know where Frank and Ellen were, just like we had all thought. But . . . John has provided us with something today, a list of people in Beginnings George considers special. Special by staying unmarked and taken if there’s an invasion. People he wanted for his own. George was fond of these people.” Joe opened the folder. “John wrote up reports on why George liked each of these people, or at least what John knew about it.”

Dean held up his pen. “Give us the list.”

Joe took a breath and waited until they were ready. “I’m not giving any details, just names right now. You guys can read this shit if you want. Ready? All right. . . . An obvious one is Dean.” Joe stopped when he heard Henry tsk. “What is it, Henry?”

“Why is Dean always so special? That doesn’t seem fair, Joe. Not that I’m jealous, but everyone likes Dean.”

“Is that so?” Joe said with sarcasm. “Well don’t feel bad Henry just because our brilliant scientist is on George’s favorite person in Beginnings list, because . . . so are you.”

“Me!” Henry nearly shrieked. “I don’t know why that would be, Joe. Not me. Why would George like me? Oh my God, Joe.”

Joe looked at Robbie as Robbie laughed. “Think it’s funny?”

“Yeah.” Robbie grinned.

“Good, because you too are on that list.”

Henry immediately pointed to Robbie. “Ha-Ha. See, I knew it.”

Joe saw it coming with the look on Robbie’s face. “Boys, don’t. Now that we established the three of you are liked by George, may I get to the other six? Thank you . . . Next is Jason, Cole . . .” Joe closed his eyes. “What Henry?”

“Why is Cole on the list? He’s a pervert you know, Joe.”

Joe winced. “Cole is on the list for agriculture and he and George used to play darts. They drank and Cole hung out at his house a lot.”

Henry looked shocked. “I didn’t know anyone liked Cole enough to hang out with him that much. Is that why I’m on the list Joe, because I played darts with him?”

“Henry, I don’t . . .”

“I bet it is. That seems so wrong,” Henry rambled. “He probably just wants to save me because he needs someone to massacre . . .”

“Henry!” Joe shouted his name. At that instant all eyes looked at Ellen, then back to Joe. “Henry just shush. Now back to . . .”

“Dad,” Robbie interrupted, “why am I on the list?”

“Robert, we’re only discussing names right now.”

“Come on tell me. I bet it’s my skills.”

Henry made a loud sound of disgust. “You would think it’s because of that.”

Joe bobbed his head back and forth. “Well, Henry, it is.”

Henry whined, “Oh that isn’t fair. Robbie’s on the list because of his skills. Dean because of his brains and I’m on the list because of darts.”

“Henry,” Joe snapped, “I never said you were on the list because of darts. You did. Now will you shut up?”

“O.K.” Henry held up his hand. “Will you just . . .”

“No,” Joe answered, “I’ll tell you when we discuss you as a suspect. Next . . . Andrea . . .” Joe saw Henry’s mouth open. “Just so Henry can feel important, Andrea is on the list because…” Joe hated to say it, “Henry was partially right. George had a thing for Andrea.”

“Oh yes!” Henry shouted then giggled.

“Continuing . . .  Johnny is on the list.”

Dean raised his eyes and calmly spoke. “We all know why he’s there.”

Joe looked in question at Dean. “Why?”

“Easy.” Dean wrote as he spoke. “Johnny is the only Slagel that George actually liked, I mean really liked. Maybe it has to do with the fact that he knew Johnny as a kid. I’m just surprised George doesn’t have Denny on the list. Those two always hung out.”

Henry had all answers. “You know why, don’t you? He probably doesn’t know that Denny is alive again. I mean he wasn’t in Beginnings when . . .” Henry’s speech slowed he saw the weird glances. “When . . . whoops, sorry, time machine thing. Forget I said anything and scratch it if you’re taking notes.”

Joe looked at Henry. “You done?” He returned to his list. “Now this one I want to know why she’s one the list.” Joe flipped through looking for John’s notes. When he saw them, Joe laughed heartedly.

Robbie watched. Robbie waited. Then Robbie got impatient. “Dad!”

“Hey!” Joe pointed. “Don’t take that tone with me. All right, Josephine is on the favorite persons list. At first I thought it was for her baking, but I read . . .” Joe laughed. “Sorry. It seems George has a fondness for Josephine because they had, well, slept together.”

All three, Robbie Dean and Henry, loudly grunted with an ‘EW” Then they went silent and looked at Ellen for a response.

Joe snapped his fingers. “Shit, I thought that would get her attention. finally, the last person on the list is someone none of us even thought of. It’s . . .”

“Josephine can be such the slut,” Henry interrupted with his thoughts out loud. “Can’t she? I mean I heard of at least ten men in the past year that she has engaged in some sort of sexual activity with. Usually it’s not it’s not physical it’s more or . . .”

“Do we need to hear this?” Joe asked with attitude. “No. for crying out loud, it isn’t Josephine’s actions that we should be questioning, it’s the men who are taking advantage of the old woman.”

“True,” Henry stated. “That’s probably why most of them are with her only or . . .”

“Henry,” Joe yelled, “enough! Now, before I have a stroke,” Joe rubbed his forehead, “the last suspect is someone none of us guessed, yet after reading John’s notes, we should have. I want all of us to take some time and give it our best thoughts, scenarios, motives and opportunities because it’s there with this one.” Joe raised his eyebrows. “Reverend Bob.”

Dean, Robbie, and Henry all looked stunned at what Joe said, until Joe passed around John’s notes on Reverend Bob. The stunned looks turned to thinking ones and Joe knew he fed their minds. He wanted them to take more time than just another day to think about it. To Joe, it needed deep thought and the Reverend Bob discussion would wait for a few more days.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

It had been a restaurant at one time, probably the place where most people in Bowman went to get their breakfast after Sunday service. Now it was cleared out and used as an officers’ Mess Hall, but seeing that Hal was the only officer--that’s the way he preferred it--corporals and up ate there as well.

Hal took the head of the table and usually the bulk of the conversation. He sat down in his usual spot, Sgt. Ryder at his right. Hal made a face at his food. Every night at dinner he regretted making Craig one of the cooks in Bowman. Hal knew Craig burned the corn on purpose or at least saved it for him and his portion of meat was always the smallest. Hal viewed everyone’s plate and how much they had. He placed his fork in the small slice of meat, lifting it. He turned his head and looked at Craig who manned the mess line. Craig wiggled his fingers and smiled. Hal grunted and dropped his fork.

“You let him upset you,” Sgt. Ryder said. “That’s why he does it.”

“I can’t help it.” Hal tried to remain in control. “It’s probably deep seeded.”

Sgt. Ryder laughed. “What?”

“It goes back to my little brother. He would irritate me every chance he got.” Hal began to slice his meat into little pieces, hoping he could at least trick his mind into thinking he had more.

“Perhaps it’s because you are always so serious, not that it’s a bad thing.”

“I’m not serious all the time. I laugh and I say funny things.” Hal ate. “Someone has to be serious. I guess I deemed myself the serious one. I had one brother who was quiet and did his own thing, a little brother who never took anything serious, and a big brother who wanted to be serious but just wasn’t smart enough to figure out how to do it correctly.”

Sgt. Ryder laughed. “I guess you do say funny things.”

“That wasn’t meant to be funny.” Hal took a bite of his food. “Besides, when I was younger, I used to write all the time. I wrote funny stories. I thought they were funny but I’m not sure now.”

“I’m sure they were.”

“You’re pacifying me.”

“Yes I am.”

Hal grunted and ate some more. “Have you prepared a team to take out the Kansas site yet? Our scout says there are only sixty-two men.”

“Yes, I picked the team and have been speaking to them. Corporal Pollack will lead them.”

“Excellent choice, he’s always so swift and gets the job done no matter how big or small.”

“My thoughts exactly.” Sgt. Ryder leaned into Hal. “I’ve been giving some thought about what you said earlier.”

“About?” Hal asked.

“About The Society wanting and taking the man.”

“And?”

“And . . .” Sgt. Ryder hated when Hal made him come right out and say whatever it was on his mind. I think I’ll help you pick the scout teams to go to look for him.”

“Good, that’s what I want.” Hal gave a swift pat to Sgt. Ryder’s arm. “Support.” Hal ate one of his last three bites of meat. “We know if he’s injured they didn’t take him too far. We can go with that.”

“That’s what I was thinking. Let’s sit down tonight and work on the maps.”

Hal agreed.

“We could start building that connection we need to Beginnings by doing this. It would make it easier when you make your approach with the agreement you want to have with them. Let me apologize for what I said after Gary left. It won’t be a waste of time sending out that many scouts to search for the Beginnings man even if he is dead.”

“He’s not.”

“He was shot several times,” Sgt. Ryder said.

“Yes, I know, but he’s not dead.” Hal stated with certainty.

“How can you be so sure about it?”

Hal paused to think. “I don’t know, but I am. I’m very sure. My gut tells me he isn’t dead. I don’t know why I feel so strongly about it but I do.”

“Odd.”

“Yes it is,” Hal told him, “and so is that huge bird looking in at us through the window. God, it has to be the biggest bird I have ever seen.”

“Bird?” Sgt. Ryder turned to look, when he did, Hal took what was left of his meat. Sgt. Ryder returned to his plate. “I didn’t see any . . .” He saw his meatless platter. “…bird.”

Hal just grinned and chewed.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Dean pulled the sheet over Ellen’s shoulder. It felt chilly in the room and Ellen has some goose bumps on her arm. He sat back down in his chair and rested his head on the raised bed. His was face next to Ellen and his fingers softly stroked her hand. “Come on, El, please come out of this. Please.” He lifted his head when he heard the squeaking boot.

Robbie had stopped when he walked in the room. “I’m sorry. You want me to come back later?”

“No.” Dean shook his head. “Come on in.”

“You’re here late,” Robbie said as he took a chair and sat down.

“Jenny’s with the kids again. She seems to like it.”

“Jenny is lonely since Caroline died.”

“Yeah she is,” Dean spoke then winced.

“What?” Robbie asked then turned his head to see Henry walk in the room.

“Henry,” Dean called to him, “I thought I told you to spend time with your son.”

“Jenny won’t let me. She’s hogging him.” Henry shrugged, and holding his notebook, grabbed a chair, slid it noisily, and nudged it between Dean and Robbie until they made room. “Thanks.” Henry smiled and sat down. “Aw.”

Robbie slightly rolled his eyes. “What?”

“Who painted Ellen’s nails this color? It’s all wrong for her.” Henry lifted Ellen’s hands.

“Trish,” Dean said, “but look.” Dean pointed to Ellen’s face. “It matches the lipstick she put on her.”

Henry peered closer. “Oh. I see. That works.” He opened his notebook. “You guys weren’t in the middle of telling Ellen anything were you?” Henry looked at Dean and Robbie and they both shook their heads. “Good, because I left off on a really good story and I’m sure Ellen is impatient.”

Robbie and Dean both moaned softly.

“O.K.” Henry began. “Mr. Owens was my eleventh grade algebra teacher. He hated me, El, and I can’t figure out why to this day. All because I told him algebra made no sense. What does the ‘x’ equals have to do with anything life. Dean, you’re the big scientist. Do you have an answer?”

Dean paused to think of how he could explain it to Henry. “Algebra is to help you figure out problems when there are missing pieces. Using ‘X’ and ‘Y’ and such.”

“But I wasn’t going to be a scientist or a mathematician.”

“Yes, I know,” Dean explained, “but basic problem solving helps you to work things out in your life as well. It shows you that if you take your time and think, everything can be worked out.”

“Anything? Nah.”

“It’s the principal, Henry.”

“But it still makes no sense. If I have a problem deciding what shirt to wear, how is Algebra gonna help me?”

“Algebra is basic deductions. Say you stand in front of your closet and have four shirts, Red, white, blue, and green. You deduct you wore the blue on Monday and the green on Tuesday, that leaves red and white. The red has spot on it so you choose white. Basic deductions, algebra.”

Robbie nodded. “Wow, how layman. I’m impressed.”

“Thanks.” Dean smiled.

Henry fluttered his lips. “That sucks.”

Dean shook his head. “And you wonder why your teacher hated you.”

“Yeah,” Henry said, “I do. My father used to tell me I would need ‘American Therapist’ if I kept obsessing over it. He used to say that I obsessed over everything. I guess I did. Good thing I grew out of it, huh, El.”

Robbie and Dean looked to each other.

“O.K.” Henry went on. “Back to Mr. Owens and his . . .” He stopped talking when Joe came in. “Hey El, it’s your dad. I’ll save the story for him.”

Joe kissed Ellen and pulled up a chair. “So gentleman, what are we talking about to our girl?” Joe saw that Dean and Robbie pointed to Henry. “Henry, what are we talking about?” He sat down backwards on the chair.

“Oh. Joe, I’m telling Ellen about my eleventh grade algebra teacher.”

“Eleventh grade,” Joe said with sarcasm. “You’ve only gotten to the eleventh grade in your stories? Christ, Henry, I didn’t think you had that much happen in your life.”

“Me Joe?” Henry nodded with a smile. “I had a very fulfilling and adventurous childhood. We’re nearing my college years now.”

“Henry,” Joe said, “you never went to college.”

“Still Joe, I had college years.”

“I remember when Ellen was in college.” Joe folded his arms over the chair’s back and rested his chin on them. “I’m sorry, do you guys mind if I reminisce?”

Quickly and with relief both Robbie and Dean answered “No.”

Joe smiled. “Dean, did she ever tell you it took her four times to pass her state boards?” Joe shook his head. “I told her she had to study. She thought she knew all the answers. She still does. I remember we threw her a party and brought it to her. Remember Robbie? Pete wasn’t all that happy about it. She was married to him at the time.”

“Pete was a dick,” Robbie commented. “I hated him. He was always so mean to me.”

“Didn’t you used to have a crush on her?” Dean asked. “You think maybe that’s why he hated you?”

Joe laughed. “Used to? Robbie wasn’t subtle about his crush either. The kid stayed at Frank’s house every summer, yet where was he when he was done helping Kelly out for the day? At Ellen’s. Kelly said Robbie would have his chores done by eight in the morning just to go over there.”

Robbie grinned, thinking back. “I used to tell El I wanted to help her out. Then she and I would lay out while the kids were in the kiddie pool. I remember I liked it when she would splash herself with water and I’d watch . . .” Robbie cleared his throat. “I was a teenage boy.”

“Son, in many ways you still are,” Joe told him.

Henry was curious though he really wanted to tell his algebra story. “Joe, did you and Ellen always get along?”

“Yeah, pretty much so. No, wait, at first I scared the hell out of her. I remember when Frank called me. He was barely in school a month and he tells me he’s not living in the dorm. He got a roommate and they have this apartment. He was working at a book store then . . .” Joe saw the surprised glances he received. “Yes, Frank worked at a book store moving boxes. That was before Ellen did the stripper thing and he was her body guard. Anyway, he tells me the apartment is only a one bedroom and he assures me over and over that there’s two single beds and nothing is happening. I got worried. Frank went on and on too much about nothing happening but in typical Frank fashion, he failed to mention one little detail. He failed to mention that his roommate was a girl.” Joe laughed with everyone else. “I panicked. I thought, is this it. Is Frank gay? He’s reassuring me way too much so I went there, with wife two, no fiancé three, that’s it, Bambi.”

With a snicker, Dean repeated the name, “Bambi?”

“Yes, like the deer. Can I tell this?” Joe waited until he got the go ahead and he proceeded. His face reflected his happiness as he told the story of his first encounter with Ellen . . .

Slagel Flashback ….

The staircase was narrow and the neighborhood wasn’t all that great. “Look at this place,” Joe griped as he walked up the steps with Bambi.

Her voice was high and ‘Betty-Boop’ like. She wore a fake fur jacket and high heels. “Oh Joey it’s really not that bad. Frankie’s a big boy, he can handle himself.” Bambi had extreme blonde hair, done up wild and big and didn’t look many years over her age of twenty-five.

“Yeah well, he’s not your son now is he?” They reached the stop of the steps and two doors were there. A pink flowered wreath decorated one and Joe turned to the other. “This is it.”

“No-no, Joey. Frankie said apartment 2-a, this is 2-b.”

With wide eyes Joe turned back around. He cringed when he saw the pink wreath again. “Oh my God.”

“Now Joey remember.” Bambi grabbed his arm. “No yelling at him about being gay, O.K.?”

Grumbling, Joe knocked on the door. He heard Frank’s clumsy footsteps approach. At least he hoped it was Frank.

Frank, very thin and an inch shorter than his adult height, answered the door totally shocked. “Dad.” his eyes shifted.

“Frank.” Joe raised his eyebrow.

“What uh . . . what are you doing here?”

“Coming to see your new place. Should I have called?”

“No.” Frank shook his head and looked back. “This is nice. You drove all the way up here, huh?”

“It appears that way, bright boy.”

“Wow.” Frank nodded.

“Frank!” Joe snapped. “Can we come in?”

Frank looked over his shoulder again. “Um, yeah.” He opened the door wider.

Joe stepped into the living room. He saw white walls that were decorated and very clean. That scared Joe. The furniture was cheap, but new, as if Frank and his roommate pitched in at a discount store. “Frank, you remember Bambi my fiancé, don’t you?”

“Ma’am.” Frank shook her hand. “Can I take you coat?”

“Thanks Frankie.” Bambi spun from her jacket. “Oh I love the decor in here. So fem . . .” Bambi shut up when Joe nudged her. “Hey!”

“So uh Frank, did you eat?”

“Today?”

“No, dinner,” Joe said with some annoyance. “Did you? We’re starved from the drive and I wanna take you out to eat.”

“Now?” Frank asked. “Um . . .” His eyebrow rose. “I can’t.”

“You can’t?”

“How long are you in town? Maybe another day.”

Joe laughed in ridicule. “Maybe another day? No, Frank, I don’t think so. You called and said stop up anytime. I stop up this weekend because I’m off. Now your ass will go out to dinner with us.”

Bambi gave a pat to Joe’s arm. “Joey, maybe he has a date.”

“Do you have a date, Frank?”

“No.” Frank scratched his head. “It’s hard to explain but . . . O.K., my roommate hates to eat alone and we were supposed to try this new pizza place.”

“Awfully dedicated to that roommate of yours, aren’t you? You’re not liking this roommate more than you should are you?”

“Well . . . yeah. I do.” Frank nodded.

“Oh, Jesus Christ. Ow!” Joe felt Bambi’s nails sear into him when she pinched him. “What Bambi? For crying out loud!”

“What did I tell you, Joey?” She clenched her teeth as she talked.

“All right, all right. He likes his roommate more than a roommate. I can deal with this. Frank,” Joe took a breath. “Where is your roommate?”

“Getting dressed.” Frank looked behind him to the small hall.

“Go . . .” Joe cringed. “Go ask your roommate to join us. And we’re going someplace better than a pizza place. So change. Put on a nice shirt, Frank.”

“O.K.” Frank smiled and moved to the hallway.

“Tell him to look presentable too.”

Frank stopped walking. “Him?”

“Yeah, your roommate.” Joe whispered in Bambi’s ear when Frank disappeared into the hall, “I shouldn’t have to tell either of them to look nice. Gay men always have this thing about clothes.”

“Joey.” Bambi spoke his name soft and with a smile.

“What?”

“Look.”

Joe raised his eyes from his whispering hunch with Bambi. He saw Ellen standing with Frank in the living room. “Frank?”

“Dad.” Frank cleared his throat. “This is uh . . . Ellen, my roommate.”

So shy, so timid, so unlike the Ellen that became the woman, she extended her hand to Joe. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Slagel.”

“A girl?” Joe asked as he shook Ellen’s hand. He almost sounded angry. “You are living with a girl?”

“Yeah.” Frank said. “What did you think?”

Bambi giggled. “He thought you were gay.”

“You thought I was gay?” Frank snapped.

“Yes I thought you were gay. This isn’t right, Frank.” Joe sounded so fatherly.

“What do you mean this isn’t right?” Frank asked.

“It’s wrong to be living with her.”

“But being gay was O.K.?”

“At least you aren’t gonna knock up another man!” Joe scolded.

Bambi was shocked. “Joey, please.”

“Frank, I hope to God you aren’t sleeping with this little girl?”

“Dad,” Frank whined and he looked at Ellen who was turning white.

“And you, Missy Jane,” Joe pointed at Ellen. “Are you even out of high school yet?”

“Yes I . . . . yes.”

“Does your mother know your living in sin?”

Ellen bit her bottom lip.

“Does she?” Joe raised his voice louder. “Do your parents know that you are living with a boy?”

“No.” Ellen shook her head.

“Where’s the goddamn phone.” Joe looked around the apartment. “I want their number and I’m calling them to let them know what their daughter is doing with my son.”

“Dad!” Frank yelled as Joe searched the apartment.

“Eighteen goddamn years old, Frank. Eighteen!” Joe yelled, “and you’re playing house! Didn’t you learn by my life? Huh? Didn’t you. You wanna be thirty-eight years old and chasing your stupid hard headed son around? No.” Joe kept looking around the apartment. “You ought to be ashamed of yourself. I hope to God you are taking responsibility. Do you have any idea what you’re getting yourself into? Where’s the goddamn phone!”

Bambi tapped Joe on the shoulder and pointed to the phone.

Joe picked up the green phone. “What’s your parents’ number?” Joe asked Ellen.

“Please, Mr. Slagel, they live all the way in Michigan. We’re not doing . . .:”

“What’s the number?” Joe yelled at her and Ellen jumped back.

Quivering, Ellen answered, “410-887-6756. “Frank,” Ellen softened her voice, “I don’t think I want to go to dinner.” She burst into tears and ran down the hall, slamming the bedroom door.

“Dad! You scared her. See?” Frank tossed his hand in the air. “This isn’t fair. What are we doing wrong? We’re roommates. We aren’t sleeping together.”

Again Bambi tapped Joe annoyingly on the shoulder.

“What?” Joe blasted.

“Joey, even if they are sleeping together, it’s none of your business.”

“They’re kids. Mind you own business.” Joe huffed then calmed himself down, running his hand over his face. “Sorry Frank. It’s just that I was expecting . . .”

“Me to be gay?”

“Don’t get smart.” Joe pointed. “I’ll go talk to her.” Joe walked to the hall. “Down here?”

“Don’t yell at her anymore,” Frank told him. “I’ll get mad.”

Joe grumbled something inaudible and walked down the small hall and knocked on the closed door. He waited and it opened. When he walked in Ellen jumped back on the bed, face down, and buried her face in the pillow. “Christ, this is why I’m glad I have boys.” Joe shut the door. “Ellen.”

“What?” She asked muffled through her pillow and tears.

“Look at me.”

“No.”

“I wanna talk to you. Look at me.”

“No.”

“Ellen!” Joe yelled.

Immediately Ellen flipped over and sat up. She held her pillow close to her as if it were a baby doll. She sniffled.

Joe looked around the room. Two dressers, and across the room was another single bed. “Ellen, maybe I was a little harsh but look at it from a father’s point of view. You guys are kids.”

“Frank’s my friend. We’re best friends.” She hyperventilated her crying breaths.

“All right, I’m not gonna say anything else. I’m gonna take your word and Frank’s that you’re just roommates, because I think if it’s any more you’re much too young for this playing house shit. But…you have to call your parents and tell them the truth. If you don’t, I will. You got that?”

Ellen nodded.

“O.K., now get off that bed, wipe off your face, and look presentable. I’m hungry and we’re going to dinner.”

“I’m not going” Ellen said.

“Yes, you are.”

“You scare me.”

“I don’t give a shit.” Joe told her. “Let’s go.” Ellen didn’t move. “Now.” Still Ellen didn’t budge. “Ellen, move your ass. Now!”

Sniffling and shaking, Ellen jumped from the bed. “I hope Frank never turns out like you.” Ellen stormed by Joe, out the bedroom, and into the bathroom, slamming the door so loud it rattled the pictures on the wall.

Joe shook his head with a grunt, looking at the door. “Thank God this will never last.”

End of Flashback

^^^

In the hospital Joe laughed quietly. “I swear I thought one month, two at the most. My boys had very little tolerance when it came to women and she was typically female.”

“Yeah but Dad,” Robbie added, “she was Frank’s first lay. From the second she popped his cherry Ellen had him wrapped.”

Joe winced. “Do we need to discuss this?”

As expected but not as hoped, Henry had something to say. “I don’t remember being wrapped in the girl that took my virginity. Of course, I was really embarrassed that I did it with her. She was kind of large.”

Dean snickered. “I would have gotten wrapped up in my first, but she never spoke to me again. I was only sixteen, she was twenty and it was . . .” Dean laughed again exaggerating his last word, “bad. How about you, Robbie?”

“Me?” Robbie shook his head and rolled his eyes. “I was too young to even realize what I did. I don’t think I was even thirteen yet.”

Joe was shocked. “What! You were twelve years old? Could you even do anything at twelve years old?”

“I think I did.” Robbie shrugged. “I know I was closer to thirteen though.”

“She had to be older,” Henry commented. “Was she older?”

“Oh yeah.” Robbie grinned. “Man, I was lost. She had to tell me everything. I kind of thought it was neat just seeing her boobs. Boy did I get the bonus. I felt really guilty after because I felt like I was doing my mom so I never did it again with her. Of course she wasn’t around much after that.”

Dean whistled. “That much older than you that you felt like you were with your mom?”

“No. She was young, but she was engaged to my Dad.”

“What?” Joe blasted then thought back counting the years. “Lorna?”

“Yep.” Robbie nodded.

“Oh Jesus Christ, I didn’t want to hear this.” Joe stood up. “I’m leaving.” He walked to Ellen and kissed her. “Can you boys keep the conversation tame for Ellen’s sake. She’ll bitch about it when she comes out.” Joe walked to the door, stopped, and looked back. “Lorna?” He saw Robbie nod. “Jesus Christ.” Running his hand down his face, he walked out of the room.

It was silent for a moment then Henry snickered. “I can’t believe you told Joe you slept with his fiancé.”

“It was pretty funny, huh?” Robbie laughed, “and the best part is . . . none of it’s true.”

Henry and Dean both released a loud ‘Aw’, They had been had, but they thought it was funny. All three of them looked at Ellen, hoping for a reaction she didn’t give. Robbie and Dean then sat back and listened, against their will, to more Henry stories. It was better than silence.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

September 4

Quantico Marine Headquarters

A long table and a map of the United States of America was in the meeting room. George was calm as he stood before his advisors. “Look at where we took our hits gentlemen. Take a look. North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, and now, after this morning, Kansas. What does this tell you? Anyone?”

Jeremy knew he had the answer. “They’re creating a border.”

“Exactly.” George’s hand slammed down on the table. “East versus West, that’s what I think gentlemen. Now we estimate that they are only five hundred strong and growing. That’s O.K. There’s nothing more  I would like to do than to fly over and drop a single nuclear warhead on them as soon as we find out where they are. But we aren’t going to do that. I want their men. Overseas operations are going to be taking off soon and I expect difficulty. Of course, we haven’t a clue what’s going on overseas yet. We may get there and find nothing.” George began to pace. “I rescinded the firing squad order. Right now we have four of these UWA soldiers at our Alabama site. They are the key. Beginnings doesn’t know jack shit about this UWA yet. These men were there when we went after Frank and Ellen. Why? They know of Beginnings. I think it’s their intention to join forces, but right now, we have their men and I plan on breaking them. They’ll break eventually.”

One of George’s advisors had to question, “Sir, you said they are approximately five hundred strong? Beginnings is one fifty. That is nothing compared to us.”

“Small yes, but nothing. I doubt that.” George’s hand pointed to the map. “If this small group of men were nothing, then you tell me why we can’t get near the western United States anymore. Our soldiers suck gentlemen, but they don’t suck that bad. Someone is training them and someone is training them well.”

^^^^

Beginnings Montana

Dean hurried across his clinic lab and dropped folders in front of Johnny. “O.K. John, here’s what I need you to do.  I need you to run our TB-4 batch on these sputum samples. See if we can get some sort of reaction, because nothing I’m giving these patients is clearing their lungs.”

“Tough batch of pneumonia.”

“Toughest we’ve seen here.”

“Deadly?” Johnny asked.

“All pneumonia can be.”

“I mean more so than usual.”

Dean thought about it. “I just think it’s tougher. It doesn’t want to leave the body. Try the TB batch on it. Maybe we’ll get lucky.”

“I hate playing with phlegm.”

Dean grinned. “So do I, but I run the lab and you’re my assistant.”

“Hey.” Johnny shook his head. “Ellen’s your assistant and she never messes with spit.”

“See John, Ellen’s also my lover, so I have to take that into consideration when I hand out tasks.”

“Whipped.” Johnny gathered the cultures.

“Aren’t all of us men?” Dean checked through the folders one more time.

“Not me,” Johnny scoffed.

“How can you not be whipped?” Dean wondered in question to him. “There aren’t that many women and you have one. She doesn’t control you?”

“Nope.” Johnny shook his head. “I control her.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Dean laughed as he put everything back in order. “Sometimes you are too much like your father.”

“I’m nothing like my father,” Johnny said very seriously, almost with a snap.

Dean stopped cold in what he did. He looked at Johnny and finished what he was doing. “All right, I’m off. I have to meet with your grandfather.” Dean moved to the door.

“Hey Doctor Dean, why are you always meeting with my Pap?”

“Well we’re trying to figure out who . . .” Dean halted himself when he heard his own voice in his mind, ‘Johnny is the only Slagel that George actually liked, I mean really liked.’ “Trying to . . .” He heard Johnny in his mind. ‘I’m nothing like my father’ “Trying to figure out who is gonna be the test guinea pigs for this new food growth Ellen and I have been working on. We had to put it aside because of the virus, but now that it’s done with we can go back to the food growth. But we need some people. We are looking for volunteers.”

“Cool. Does this mean it could have weird side effects and cause shit to happen to them?”

“It could.” Dean cleared his throat. “I’ll let you know when we get started.” Dean left the lab and slowed down in the hall thinking to himself, “Food Growth? I couldn’t come up with something better than that? I’m a scientist for crying out loud’. Shaking his head and sort of laughing at his bad quick thinking, Dean moved down the hall toward Ellen’s room.

“Sorry I’m late,” Dean said as he walked into the room, shutting the door and kissing Ellen. Joe, Robbie, and Henry were already there. “I had to get things situated in the lab.”

Henry watched Dean get situated and take a seat. “We wouldn’t have started without you Dean. We talked about you, but we didn’t start without you.

Dean huffed. “When do we discuss him as a suspect, Joe?”

“Today.” Joe grinned. “Today is Henry, Josephine, and Cole day. Let’s go with the easily eliminated.” Joe looked at Henry when he heard Henry sigh of relief. “I don’t mean you. I’m talking about Josephine.”

Henry snickered. “That’s still so funny about her and George.”

Joe cringed. “Glad you’re still getting amusement out of that two days later.”

“Oh I am Joe, I am.”

Dean raised his hand. “I say we eliminate her on the basis of means alone. She’s not agile enough to move about. When I was under hypnosis, I remembered someone else being in the trailer following the Moses  attack. She certainly isn’t strong enough to strangle me unless she’s hiding it under that eighty-eight year old body.”

Henry shook his head. “We don’t know if it was one of Moses’s men that came into the trailer that night.”

Robbie disagreed. “No, if they came from outside I would have found another set of foot prints in the tunnel. I found two, both Beginnings shoes. Now either it was John with Moses or our other person. Either way it wasn’t someone else who came in. Their shoes just aren’t that treaded.”

“Good point,” Joe said. “I move to scratch Josephine by . . . what Henry?”

“Do you suppose she was an attractive woman when she was younger?”

“What?” Joe yelled. “What the hell does that have to do with this?”

“Nothing really,” Henry said. “I was curious because she thinks she’s hot now. Maybe she’s still stuck in the past.”

“Henry.” Joe tried to get him to shut up.

Henry kept going. “Do you think George actually was physical with her or do you . . .”

“Henry!” Joe yelled. “It’s none of our business what George was with her. They were intimate. Leave it at that. Robbie, Josephine?”

“Take her off Dad. I don’t want to waste my time when we really start investigating.”

“Henry?” Joe looked to him.

“O.K.” Henry shrugged. “Take her off.”

“She’s off. Now Cole,” Joe stated.

“Aw,” Henry whined. “Why can’t it be me? I would like to be eliminated soon.”

“Soon. Cole,” Joe said. “Motive.”

“Now see.” Dean raised his hand some. “We are getting way too wrapped up in motive.”

“What do you mean?” Joe asked. “You have to have a motive.”

“Yes, yes you do,” Dean explained, “but isn’t dedication to George enough? We should establish why they are dedicated instead of motive. If someone has little to lose in Beginnings then their dedication to George would be enough to work on the inside and bring us down. Take Andrea, for example. Her dedication to George, according to Henry’s theory, is love. Cole dedication would be friendship. They hung out together.”

Robbie added, “And he definitely had the means. He may not have had the medical knowledge needed, but he works in the fields. That’s where the first exposure to the virus was.”

Joe agreed, “And he’s trusted, almost too trusted with a lot of security secrets. I say he stays. Henry, you have anything to add.”

“He’s a pervert, Joe. That alone should keep him on the list.

Joe growled. “Dean, Robbie, any objections to looking into Cole?” He watched them both shake their heads “Then Cole stays. Next up, the one we’ve been waiting for… Henry.”

Robbie was excited. He flipped a page in his note book. “Oh yes.”

“Uh oh.” Henry looked at him. “Joe, I should be off. I’m not working for George. I have no motive.”

“Dedication to George,” Joe said, “could be motive enough. You two were always close.”

“But . . . but . . . I have something to lose. I have a son.”

Dean grinned. “Lose to what? The virus? Your son is naturally immune to the virus. Everyone in Beginnings could have died with the exception of the naturally immune. In fact, as a scientist, I have to say it’s remarkable that you and Ellen are the only two naturally immune.” Dean thought about it.

Joe saw the thinking look on Dean’s face. “What’s so remarkable?”

“Well what if . . . this is just a what if,” Dean spoke. “What if Henry was going to be living here and working for George and George had to leave, which he did. What if they used Henry’s blood to create a base for the virus? Therefore he would be naturally immune.”

“Can they do that?” Joe asked.

“Most definitely,” Dean answered.

“Oh yeah?” Henry got defensive. “Explain Ellen’s immunity then.”

Dean snickered. “They spliced it. Her blood sample could have been obtained while she was in Colorado or . . . even taken here from the clinic which you have number one access to everything, Mr. Council Member.”

Henry was aghast and his face showed it. “No.”

Robbie lifted his hand. “May I take it now?”

Joe held out his palm. “The floor is yours.”

“Thanks.” Robbie smiled. “Means. I love what you just said Dean because it goes with what I’m going to say. Henry has the means. He has access to everything, information, the virus. He worked with the virus. Say he had this thing for Ellen for a while. That would explain why they spliced her blood into the virus. Henry wanted her.  He was right there during the whole virus thing, wasn’t he? If I recall he was there for the testing, the clinic, and the plague. Right there. If the blood needed switched, Henry could have done it.” Robbie stood up. “I recall the night of the Moses attack. We were playing cards. You were awfully nervous that night, acting all insightful that something was wrong.”

“That’s because Ellen didn’t check in,” Henry defended.

“Yeah but what if you just knew what was going on up there? Say you knew the attack was happening and you were nervous about it. You flew up there awfully quickly, didn’t you? Moses was a crack pot and you feared he’d break and hurt Ellen. He did and when you got there, you saw that Dean was still alive so you tried to kill him. Didn’t you Henry?”

“No.”

“You’re always coming off as Mr. Nice Guy. Isn’t that the cover up you say Andrea uses? No one would suspect you, so trusted, so nice, but you aren’t, are you?”

“Oh my God.” Henry moved back as Robbie neared him.

“You’re a cold hearted man, Henry. You were at Frank’s house, nervous. You hadn’t heard anything and you should of. So you took off in a frenzy for the trailer . . .” Robbie told his story.

“Damn it.” Henry’s hand hit against the steering wheel as he pulled up at the mobile lab. “Something went wrong.” He stepped from the Jeep and walked to the mobile. He saw the body of Bill the guard and bent down to him. “Damn it.” Henry tossed his head. “Sloppy Moses.” Pissed off, Henry walked through the open door of the trailer. He saw the blood on the carpet and didn’t see Ellen. He walked through using the trailers’ entrance to the mobile lab. When he entered, he saw Dean lying on the floor. As he turned to walk out, he heard Dean moan. Grumbling and seeing Dean move, Henry walked over to him, bent down, and braced Dean’s neck to finish the job that Moses should have done.

Henry laughed. “O.K. Robbie. So if I did that, why didn’t I kill Dean? I had the chance.”

“Easy,” Robbie answered, “it dawned on you that I knew you were there and Ellen was gone. You love Ellen and she took first priority. Moses had insured that no suspicion would be placed elsewhere, so you radioed for help and took off looking for Ellen. Amazing how you knew what direction to look for her too.”

Dean added, “Don’t forget that Henry knew exactly where Frank and Ellen were. He was probably helping George’s men out with their little strategic hit. Frank doesn’t come back, but Ellen does, dropped off at the gate as a little present to Henry.”

Joe blinked several times in amazement, looking back and forth from Dean to Robbie. “Wow, you boys gave this an awful lot of thought. I have to admit I really didn’t put too much into it. It’s Henry. But if you feel that he could be working for George, I’ll leave him on the list. Robbie?”

“I really don’t think he’s working for George, Dad. He was just so easy to do this to.”

“Dean?” Joe questioned him.

“I don’t think he’s working for George either.” Dean watched Henry slump in relief. “However, leave him on the list because it will really bother him.”

Joe nodded, “I can do that. Robbie.”

“Leave him.”

“No!” Henry shouted. “Don’t I get to vote? I vote no.”

“Too bad.” Joe pointed his pencil at Henry. “You’ve been out voted. You are hereby on the big suspect list with Andrea.”

“Joe that is so unfair,” Henry griped. “It isn’t very nice either. You’re kidding me, right?” He didn’t get an answer. “You’re not kidding me.” Still silence. “Oh my God, I can’t believe this.” He stood up. “I can’t believe this. Me? Working for George?” Henry gasped dramatically one more time and, grabbing his notebook, flew out of Ellen’s room.

Joe stared at the door for a second then laughed. “O.K., I say we let him go until later then we tell him he’s not really on the list.” He got agreement and laughed again. “Pretty damn good story we all came up with it though.”

Robbie, who was laughing also, stopped and turned serious. “Dad? Something just dawned on me. We worked hard on that story, coming up with a scenario totally outrageous, but how farfetched is that scenario? Really? Think about it.”

Joe thought about it and the smile dropped suddenly from his face.

^^^^

Washington, DC

George made a cringing face as he walked down the corridor of the main zoological studies building in the former Washington, DC zoo. He blew outward, loudly and annoyingly, casting the smell of urine and animal from his nostrils.

Jeremy was more prepared. It had been a place he had been to many times, once or twice a week since everything really got underway seven months earlier. He carried a handkerchief under his nose.

George griped. Both verbally, facially, and in body noise. “Listen to this. Smell this. Uh.” His hand covered his mouth. “This is why I only come here once a month. Awful animals.”

The loud grunting, hooting, and bellowing noises carried to them.

“Sir.” Jeremy held his handkerchief to George.

“I think I will . . .” Just as George grabbed the handkerchief, he was nearly pummeled by a running man in his twenties, spinning George counter clockwise.

“Sorry sir.” The young man, thin and tall, yelled out as he barreled into the last door in the hallway.

“What the hell was that about?” George held out his hand, pointing to the young man. “What he just did is probably why he’s working in the zoo.”

“Probably,” Jeremy said.

The main lab was large with a wall of glass windows that extended twenty feet at the far end. The young man, who ran passed George, slammed the door as he raced in. “Dr. Stevenson.”

Dr. Stevenson was older, perhaps about seventy. He was stout and wore a long white lab coat that buttoned too tightly over his large stomach. “Harold, what’s the rush.”

Harold wheezed as he caught his breath. “Pres . . . Pres . . . President Hadley is walking down the hall. I jumped ahead of him to warn you.”

Dr. Stevenson’s white eyebrow raised in irritation. “What’s he doing here? Can’t he just stay where he belongs without coming in here wanting to know about our research? The man acts as if he knows what the hell I’m talking about, but I can . . .” During his gripe, Dr. Stevenson smiled. “President Hadley, sir.” He walked with a grin and an extended hand to George. “What brings you to our little world?”

“How can you take this smell?” George bitched. “Can’t you bathe them or something?”

“We do,” Dr. Stevenson explained, “but they have bodily functions they can’t control.”

“Oh bull shit.” George walked to the window. “There’s one of them in Beginnings and I hear he uses the toilet.” He peered down to the area below. It set about fifteen feet under the window. On a concrete floor, half eaten toys were spewed about everywhere. Dried blood and rabbit fur joined them. Running about on their hands and knees were at least fifteen genetically altered children, nicknamed the Ogres. They are the laborers and the army of the future, built to withstand the elements. The pudgy, square like, naked boys and girls, whose external sex organs could barely be distinguished, ran amuck in the large room. They made animal noises, snorting as they played violently, biting the leather like skin of each other causing loud squeals. They appeared to be around one year old, but, at the accelerated growth rate of six times the norm, they were merely two months in age.

Dr. Stevenson joined George at the window. “As you can see, we haven’t the care takers to help them. Most of the caretakers we have are with the second batch of fifty.”

“What if I get you more caretakers?” George asked. “I have the people.”

“Maybe for the next batch, but these are too far gone. These are gonna have to be released into the wild or killed. We have to place the food in the room and, well, run.”

George did not look pleased. “What the hell happened to them? They have brains. Couldn’t they be trained? They’re supposed to be trainable.”

“Yes I know,” Dr. Stevenson said, “but we discussed this. The accelerated formula used in the enhancement of their embryos was old. It could have had some effect. That’s why we only did fifteen. We’ve recreated it with what we had now. The gene splicing and such was the easy part with them.”

“But not for the mentally superior, I mean the Gems?”

“No sir.” Dr. Stevenson shook his head. “In those splicings, the accelerator causes the fetus to abort or become an abomination.”

“Where are those?” George asked.

“Floor ‘C’,” Dr. Stevenson answered. “We only have ten now, same age and same size as these ones but worse in appearance and behavior.” Dr. Stevenson looked out the window. He watched one ogre toss another across the room. That ogre got up and dove at his attacker. A battle erupted. “This is what we can achieve down here. The Norms, we haven’t tried to even accelerate those embryos. We’ve just let nature take its course on those.”

“Any idea when they will be born?”

“All twenty should be born within two months. Mothers are doing well. We’ve impregnated thirty-five more two weeks ago. It looks like all have taken but two.”

“Do you have enough caretakers for the Norms?”

George inquired.

“Yes, cyborg-genetics have enhanced the elderly women we have to serve as those caretakers.”

“But as far as the Gems, no such luck yet?” George watched Dr. Stevenson shake his head. “Damn it. Do you realize how many of the mentally superior embryos are in Beginnings? Of course they’ll say they destroyed them, but I know better. I have to get my hands on those. Those beings are the minds of the futures. These things . . .” George hit his hand against the glass. “These things right now are a waste of our resources.”

Dr. Stevenson nodded in agreement. “Shall I have them destroyed?”

“Yes.” George began to walk away but stopped. “How long do you suppose they need until they can be sent into ‘the wild’ as you put it?”

“They can be put into the wild now. But another month would be best if you wanted them to survive.”

George smiled. “Then hold on to them another month. We’re gonna ship them out.”

“Far, I hope,” Dr. Stevenson said. “They can be dangerous.”

“Pretty far. I think we’ll leave them out by Beginnings.” George chuckled and started to the door again. “Let’s go Jeremy. I want to check on the hibernators.”

Jeremy stayed calm, the way he always did. He walked with George.

“Sir,” Dr. Stevenson called out. “They run close to fifty miles per hour. We haven’t tried to catch them before. It could pose a problem.”

George shrugged. “I guess you should use this month to work that out.” He walked out.

When the door closed Dr. Stevenson look to Harold who just sat in the corner. “And people wonder why I hate him. One of these days I’m going to Beginnings and help them create an army to kick his ass.”

George and Jeremy went in a totally different building on the zoo property. They rode the elevator down to the sub-basement floor. It took them down and opened into a silent hall way. Long and clinical, it was lit by blue lights. A calming effect was the explanation for the lights. The long corridor was lined with glass windows as far as the hall extended. It was eerily quiet with the only noises being the click of computer keyboards and shuffling of papers by the four observer workers who were in the hall.

George and Jeremy walked down, stopping at the first window and looking in.

Jeremy leaned to George whispering, “They are rotating them more now. They found it helps the circulation.”

George nodded. “It’s good to see one phase of the work is going smoothly.”

“Very much so, sir.”

George smiled and placed his hands behind his back and watched through the window into a whole other room.

At the same time, shifted by the metal rods that suspended them, they all tilted forward.  Inside the room were twenty five women. They were naked and their stomachs were round from the growing embryos implanted in them. Wires monitoring their vitals sign were attached not only to their chests, but their shaved heads. Some had their eyes open, some did not, but they all held the same emotionless expression, lifeless, and blank. The only movements that they made were the occasional twitching of their fingers and toes and whatever shifting of their bodies that the society scientists deemed necessary.

Pleased at the hibernators, or what those who worked closely with them called farmers, George and Jeremy moved down the hall to the next window to observe the next group of women.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Beginnings, Montana

The carpet that spread from throughout the living room, dining room, hallway, and bedrooms was a sliver-gray, new and perfect. The walls were a shade off white with a blue print wallpaper border that trailed around the living room-dining room combo. It looked smaller on the outside than it did when Dean stepped inside his new home with Danny. They walked into the living room, complete with the model home furnishings that were there when the home was on display.

“Dean?” Danny snapped his finger in front of Dean’s face.

Dean jolted. “Sorry, this is . . . this is beautiful.”

“We beat the furniture, but still . . .” Danny hit the sofa a puff of dust came up. “You’ll have to vacuum it.”

“Not a problem.” Dean walked across the large living room. A long dining room table with six chairs was to the left. A small three foot wall separated the rooms and a breakfast counter was the separation to the kitchen.

“Check out this kitchen.” Danny walked by him. “Look at all these cabinets and accessories. Man, when they were selling these things, they decked them out.”

Dean walked in the kitchen.

“Laundry room.” Danny pointed to the set of double white wooden doors at the one end. “And…“ Danny pointed to the small other door. “Office maybe since it’s a tiny room.” Danny opened the door. “There’s a desk in here. The furniture might be a little scratched. It got shuffled around in the move.”

“So what?” Dean spoke in awe. “This is great. Are the bedrooms just as nice?”

“Yeah, but they need furnishings. We had to leave some things behind. But . . . you have that stuff.” Danny moved from the kitchen. “Nothing is hooked up. We’ve been busy today bringing in the other two homes. I know I said tomorrow, but Saturday at the latest for electric and plumbing, I promise, Dean, We had to dig under the foundation to run the pipes that were pre laid out. It took some adjusting for the new house.”

“I understand. I can bring some boxes over though?”

“Absolutely.” Danny nodded.

“Ellen’s going to love this. She is absolutely going to love this.” Dean kept looking around. “She has this box with knickknacks in it that she never put up because there wasn’t any room. I’ll open it and put them in that cabinet.” Dean indicated to the cabinet in the corner of the dining area.

Danny snickered. “That used to have a door with glass. We broke it so I took off the door.”

“I can’t figure out what part of this Ellen is going to love the most.”

“The bathroom,” Danny stated.

“Why the bathroom?”

“I’m sorry, the powder room. There’s a half bathroom in the master bedroom with sink, toilet, and shower.  I think because she’s a woman, she’ll love that closeness. From what I’ve seen at containment, she’s a last minute Nelly”

Dean laughed. “O.K. So, what’s the favor? What do you want?”

“Um . . . I don’t know yet. I’ll get back to you because I know you’re good for it.”

“You do that.” Dean looked at his watch. “I’d better be going. I have a checkup with Marcus.”

“Since when did he become the doctor?”

“What?” Dean was confused.

“Humor Dean. Ha-ha-ha. Get it?”

“Yes.” Dean shook his head with a smile. “I have to go.” He walked to the door and stopped as he opened it. “Danny, thank you. Thank you very much.”

“Don’t thank me yet, Dean. I haven’t stated my favor.”

The smile fell from Dean. “Uh-oh.”

“Kidding.” Danny waved his hand at Dean.

“Good.” Dean walked out.

“Maybe.” Danny placed his hands in his pockets and looked around the house. “Man, I have to figure out how I can persuade Joe into letting me get one of these for myself.”

^^^^

Joe and Reverend Bob walked across center town heading toward the chapel.

“Joe, I figured it would be perfect timing,” Rev. Bob said, “fixing the air conditioner when it’s not needed, easy job. The warm weather’s breaking. So after I check to see what’s taking Henry so long, I go back into my office and my old radio is in a million pieces, scattered around and Henry’s on the floor.”

“I’ll talk to him.”

“He needs it. He looks down. Perhaps it’s Ellen.”

“It might be.” Joe neared the chapel.

“While I have you, on a very serious note, I need to speak to you about something.”

“Sure,” Joe said as they walked.

“I want to have a memorial service for Frank.”

“For Frank?” Joe asked. It was something he didn’t want to hear or plan.

“Yes. I was very sorry to hear The Society had shot and killed him so I thought . . .”

Joe stopped walking.

“Something wrong?”

“No.” Joe spoke slowly. “Go on. You were saying?”

“I was just saying that we as a community should offer a service to him. Seeing how you’re a church going man, I figured it’s something you’d want.”

Joe hesitated in his answering. “I . . . I’m not ready for that.”

Rev. Bob laid his hand on Joe’s shoulder. “I understand. I know it may be too soon, but no matter what, he needs our prayers.”

Joe reached for the door of the chapel. “You’re right, Reverend. He does need our prayers. When Ellen feels better, we’ll have it, but not until then.”

Reverend Bob nodded. “I understand.”

“I better go see Henry.” Joe walked into the silent chapel, up the small aisle, and to the back where a door led to Reverend Bob’s office. As described to him, there was Henry sitting on the floor with every piece of the radio surrounding him. “Henry.”

“Hey Joe.” Henry kept his eyes on the shell of the radio.

“What are you doing?”

“Fixing this.”

“Was it broke?”

“I don’t think.”

“So why are you fixing it?”

“I needed to do something intricate. It helps ease my mind.”

“There are other things in Beginnings that need fixed.”

“Yeah I know.” Henry placed a piece of the radio back. “But this was just here and well . . . I started.”

Joe grunted as he sat with Henry on the floor. “What’s on your mind?”

“I think you know.”

“Is it about our little suspect meting.”

For the first time, Henry raised his eyes to Joe.

“All right,” Joe stayed firm. “Get over it.”

“I can’t. It’s not fair Joe. I love Beginnings. I’d die for Beginnings. I would never betray my home. This means more to me than a place to live. I helped start this place. I was here from day one.”

“I know this.”

Henry dropped his screwdriver. “So how can you even entertain the thought that I am working with George?”

“I don’t.”

“But I’m a suspect.”

“No you aren’t Henry. We aren’t keeping you on the list, all right?”

“Really?” Henry asked as if he were nine.

“Really.”

“Oh!” Henry gasped outward. “Oh.” He grabbed his chest. “Thanks Joe.” He leaned over and kissed Joe on the cheek. “Thanks.”

Joe laughed at him. “Can I tell you something?”

“Sure Joe.”

“We love you, Henry, and we trust you. We know you well and that’s why you aren’t a suspect. But son, had this been the old world and I was working with the CIA on this, you’d probably be the number one suspect.”

“Yeah I know. That’s what bothering me, Joe. If I didn’t trust myself or know myself, after what Robbie said, I’d be my number one suspect too.”

Joe snickered and rubbed Henry’s hair. “Why don’t you walk over and see my daughter. Maybe bitch to her so she can get out of this thing and yell at you.”

“O.K.,” Henry said excitedly and stood up. “See ya.”

“Henry,” Joe grunted as he stood, “what about the radio?”

“Oh.” Henry hurried over, scooped up all the parts quickly, shoved them inside of the shelled out object, placed on the back, and secured it with a screw. “Done.” He put the radio on Reverend Bob’s desk again.

“I guess that will work.” Joe waited for Henry and together they walked out.

^^^^

As if it wasn’t her normal look, Bev appeared like she were up to something as she walked slowly down the corridor of the clinic. She waved and smiled flirtatiously at Patrick as he sat at the nurse’s desk. Then Bev peeked into Ellen’s room, saw no one was there, and entered. She pulled up a chair close to Ellen’s head and sat down. “So Ellen” Bev spoke chipper “need a visitor?”

Jenny swished and swayed as she neared the front doors of the clinic, carrying flowers in one hand, and a huge book in the other. She smiled at everyone she passed on her way in and those who were in the hall. She stopped at the lab and saw Johnny. “Hey Johnny, where’s Dean?”

“In exam room three with Marcus. Why?”

“I want to ask him something. Can I bother him?”

“I don’t know.” Johnny turned around. “What do you want to ask him?”

“It’s about Ellen. A girl thing.”

Johnny nodded. “I’m sure it will be O.K., just knock.”

“O.K., thanks.” As Jenny moved down the hall, she could hear growling the closer she got to the examining rooms. She snickered as she determined it came from room three. She knocked once and opened the door. “Dean?”

Dean looked up, a syringe clenched between his teeth. A thrashing and growling Marcus was on the table. Melissa and Dean tried to hold him down.

“You busy?” Jenny asked.

“Yes!” Dean said through the syringe, trying to control Marcus.

“This will only take a second,” Jenny walked into the room. “Hi Marcus. Dean, do you think . . .”

“Jenny.” Dean bounced around as Marcus thrashed more.

Jenny ignored the scene. “Dean, do you think I can lock Ellen’s door. I’m reading Gone with the Wind to her and I want privacy because I’ve been acting it out.”

Dean grumbled.

“I know you think it’s petty, but yesterday Henry came in and made fun of me. Can I lock the door?”

“You can lock the door if you help us settle him down,” Dean said through his struggle.

“All right.” Jenny stepped closer. “Marcus?”

Dean’s face turned red. “Jenny, are you gonna help?”

“I am, Dean.” Jenny looked down at the thrashing boy. “Marcus? Ready?” Jenny cleared her throat and began to sing. “Sunrise, Sunset. Sunrise, Sunset . . .” As she sang Marcus immediately stopped thrashing. He opened his mouth wide exposing his fanged teeth and his head swayed back and forth. He tried to sing but all he made was a loud squealing sound, his attempt at carrying a tune.

Dean stepped back amazed. “Oh shit.”

Jenny stopped singing for a moment, but Marcus didn’t. “He loves show tunes. That’s how I calm him at school. Go on Dean, do your thing.” Jenny continued to sing.

“And . . .” Bev spoke in a taunting manner to Ellen. “This little thing you have going is the best thing that could have happened to you. They say you can hear everything. That’s good because it’s my intention to keep you in there. Dean and I really don’t want you to come out. Yes, you heard me, Dean and I. Seems he was a little mad at you when you left with Frank, and well, I showed up and things happened. He was lonely, sad and yes . . . we fucked.” Bev giggled. “I can seduce him in here if you’d like. That way you can listen to his every moan.” Another giggled came from Bev. “There’s talk that you shut yourself in your own world because you saw Frank die. Pity isn’t it? Did you see him die Ellen? Did you? How did they do it? Did they shoot him? I bet it was painful to watch the love of your life, a man you have known nearly as long as I’ve been alive . . . die brutally, violently, bloody and . . .

WHAM!

Bev’s words were never finished. Her face was greeted harshly with the fifth edition hardback version of Gone with the Wind. Her body flew back off the chair at the same time blood shot from her now broken nose. The moment she hit the floor, Jenny dove on her, straddled her body over Bev’s, and began to pulverize her with punch after punch.

Joe was walking with Henry and Dean when they heard the screams coming from Ellen’s room. All three of them took off running only to see Bev trying to defend herself against an outraged Jenny.

“Christ.” Joe flew to the two women, grabbing on to Jenny who braced Bev’s throat. “Dean.”

Dean raced to help Joe but the more they pulled Jenny, the more Jenny pulled Bev’s neck. “Joe.” Dean spoke quickly. “Hold tight, I’ll be right back.” He raced from the room.

Henry smiled and walked over to Ellen’s bed. “El.” He shook her. “El, wake up. You’re missing this. Please get up. You’re missing this. Jenny’s beating the hell out of Bev. I wish I had a camera.”

“Henry!” Joe yelled. “Do something here.” Joe took an elbow shot from Jenny in her attempt to get him off of her. He went flying back. “Do something.”

“I am Joe. I’m trying to wake up Ellen. I can’t believe this didn’t bring her out. El.” Henry shook her again. “Come on.”

Dean flew back into the room. He actually paused to snicker as he saw Jenny over Bev. Uncapping a syringe with his teeth, Dean aimed at Jenny’s rear-end which was high in the air. He jabbed the needle into the flesh, plunged in the sedative and stepped back. “Five, four, three, two . . .”

Jenny fell over.

“One.” Dean smiled.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

The feeling of utter annoyance upset Hal’s breathing and caused the vein in his left temple to protrude. He tried to ignore Craig who followed him as he inspected the food preparations in the kitchen. “Gentlemen, this is looking great. I want a celebration because I feel all went well in Kansas.” He lifted a pot lid and stopped. His head turned sharply to his left. “What!” He blasted at Craig.

“You do that on purpose don’t you?”

“Do what?” Hal asked.

“Flex your muscles when you do things.”

“I do not.”

“Yes you do. You try to make it look real big, don’t you?”

“Go away.” Hal put down the pot lid.

“There it is again.” Craig pointed. “Can I touch it?”

“No.” Hal walked across the kitchen.

“I bet when you were younger you were into professional wrestling.” Craig followed him. “Weren’t you?”

Hal growled at him.

“Did you pose in front of your mirror?”

“Craig! The next time I need a sparring partner, you’re it.”

“O.K.” Craig raised his fists and danced. “I’m ready for you. I must warn you, I’m tough.”

“Sure you are.” Hal moved to the door and stopped when Sgt. Ryder walked in.

“They’re approaching town” Sgt. Ryder said.

“Did you count the men?”

Sgt. Ryder smiled and held up a clenched fist. It was the signal for ‘zero’ losses.

“Oh yes!” Hal said with excitement and ran from the kitchen.

Sgt. Ryder chased after him, catching up with Hal at the edge of town. The men drew closer on their horseback. “No losses. Must have been an easy victory.”

“You know.” Hal looked proud. “Now that the Kansas site is out of the way, you know what is next.”

“Yes I do.”

“Good. Then tonight, you and I will sit down and work it out. In a day or two we go out and search for the Beginnings man along with our own. They’re together; I feel it. But for now . . .” Hal took off again this time to greet his men before they even made it to town.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Even though Bev’s nose was bandaged, her eyes blackened, and her neck red, she still held attitude as she sat in Andrea’s office. Andrea sat in a chair, humming softly and swinging her crossed legs. She seemed as if she couldn’t care less being there.  Henry paced, and Joe sat behind Andrea’s desk.

“Leader or Father?” Bev said snidely.

Joe heard Henry groan and he held up his hand to him. “Listen to me, Bev. You are this close to being ousted.”

“On what grounds? I know the rules,” Bev asked. “What did I do? I got beat up.”

“Community disruption,” Joe told her.

“Who am I disrupting?” Bev asked. “I was visiting your daughter. Jenny was the one disrupting. Since when was it against Beginnings rules to visit a sick patient in the clinic?”

“Since when do you care about Ellen?”

“I care.” Bev said. “I care about all my sisters here. There aren’t that many of us and you know it. Want the population to grow Joe? Is throwing out one of the few women the way to do it?”

Henry, who had paced himself into a corner, turned around. He had enough. “I want her out, Joe.  Kick her out of this community.”

Bev laughed arrogantly. “Listen to you the jilted lover. Don’t want one of your women with the other? Oh, I forgot, it’s your precious Ellen we’re talking about, and Joe’s precious Ellen who does no wrong. You alone can’t throw me out, Henry. You’re only a council member.”

Henry saw red and an anger swept over him that he had never shown before. He raged to Bev, slamming his hands hard on Andrea’s desk as he placed his face close to hers. “Well then you listen to me, you little bitch. When the day comes that I take over this community, rules or no rules, if you’re still around, I will see you gone. Gone! If you go near Ellen again, I swear by my soul I will personally find a way to get you out of here. Don’t test me. Don’t.”

Andrea just calmly looked up from her hands that she had been staring at.

Joe choked. “Henry?” He placed his hands on Henry’s chest moving him back. “Calm down.”

Using his grip on the desk, Henry pushed himself back and turned away. He ran his hand down his face and tried
to get his anger under control.

Joe looked at Bev. He spoke calmly. “I want you to hear what I’m saying, O.K.? This is the leader of this community talking, not Ellen’s father. Rules can be seen in many different ways as you are aware. Just like the criminal can test the law, the lawmaker can conform it. Got that? My suggestion to you, little girl, is watch your step around here,” Joe leaned back in the chair, “because you are close to reaching the point where I don’t think a single person in Beginnings would miss you if they woke up one morning to find out you decided on your own to leave in the middle of the night.” Joe reached into his pocket and grabbed a cigarette. “That’s all. Now wait in the hall until someone comes to take you to cool down. Rules are rules.” Joe smiled.

Slowly Bev stood from the chair. She looked at Joe, at Andrea who said nothing, and then to an angry Henry who had his back to her. She said no more as she left.

Joe slowly let out the breath he held. “Henry, bring Jenny in here.” When Henry moved to the door, Joe turned to Andrea. “Why in God’s name are you so quiet?”

Andrea just looked up. “I’m not wasting my breath on her. Why? Let it go. Let her stay. Say no more, because sooner or later someone is just going to kill her.”

Joe’s mouth dropped open at the same time Henry came back with Jenny and John Matoose. “John, what the hell are you doing here.”

John had one arm around a sobbing Jenny. He led her in then shut the door,. “I’m not leaving my wife’s side.”

“We need to talk to her,” Joe said.

“No Joe,” John argued as he helped Jenny sit down. “This is wrong. Jenny was defending your daughter. She shouldn’t get into any trouble at all over . . .”

“John!” Joe raised his voice. “Shut up and calm down or I’ll make you leave.” Joe looked at Jenny. Her face was red and blotched. She hyperventilated through the tears that streamed down her face. “Now Jenny . . .”

Jenny interrupted with a loud burst of sobs, “Oh Joe.” She shivered her breath. “I . . . I went in there. She was saying terrible things to Ellen. Terrible. I . . . I couldn’t help myself. I don’t know why I did it. I’m sorry, Joe. I was out of control. I was premenstrual. Check my schedule.”

Joe winced and held up his hand. “Jenny calm down.”

“I… I…I…can’t.”

Joe tried not to laugh. He looked at Andrea who had stood up and placed a comforting arm around Jenny. “Andrea, could you?” Joe pointed to her seat. Andrea sat down. “Thank you. Now Jenny, we have fighting rules here. You know they say three hours in holding to cool down.” Joe held up his hand to John before John could say anything. “As community leader you have to go to holding, But . . . I’m letting the protective instincts of a father kick in here. You’ll say you went to holding and no one will be the wiser. Go . . . go up the stables or something. Cole won’t spill his guts. Spend some time up there. You like the horses. O.K.?”

Jenny nodded.

“For the record, I cannot condone what you did. Off the record, thank you for defending my daughter. Now . . . there is a price to pay for this lack of holding thing I’m doing here.” Joe looked at Henry, Andrea, and John. “Could I just have a moment with Jenny alone, please. Thanks.” He waited until they all left the office, leaving him alone with Jenny. “I have a favor to ask.”

“What’s that?” Jenny almost looked frightened.

Joe stood up and walked around the desk. He sat on the edge of it in front of Jenny. “I want Bev out of this community. As a woman, she’s protected by rules I made and I have a feeling she’s gonna lay low for a while, so . . .” Joe clapped his hands together then rubbed them. “If she’s going to stay, she’ll stay. But you are in a position to help me silently.. Staying in the realms of Beginnings rules, while Bev is in Beginnings, I would like you to make her life a miserable living hell.”

First Jenny was silent then she smiled. “With pleasure, Joe.”

“Good girl.” Joe patted her cheek, reached out his hand, grabbed Jenny’s, and helped her to her feet. He walked her to the door and opened it. They waited in the hall “Henry,” Joe called and winked, “take our Jenny to holding.”

Henry nodded and walked up to Jenny.

Jenny stopped before leaving, kissed Joe on the cheek, then John. She moved down the hall with Henry, flipping off Bev who was still there, and happily kept on walking.

^^^^

Birmingham Alabama

The room was dark. A little of the fading day cast a small amount of light into the mid-size room. No blankets, no beds, no food, just a toilet. The floor was concrete, dirty and hard. Four UWA soldiers sat against the wall. They too were dirty, bloodied, and beaten, yet not one of them showed the signs of wearing down. Kyle, Link, Ted, and Jeff were determined to remain that way.

“Fuck with them,” Link said, a black man, whose always shaven clean head was starting to grow hair. “Fuck with them.” He touched his lip that bled.

“How?” Kyle asked then saw Ted snickering. “What’s up with you?”

“Nothing.” Ted smiled and shook his head. “Can you imagine if one of us broke . . .” He paused to laugh. “Just one of us spilled our guts?”

Jeff pointed to his own temple and twirled his finger, looking at Ted.

Link huffed heavily. “Man, what is up with you? That’s really fuckin funny, one of us breaking and spilling our guts about where we are.”

“It is if they get all their men together and head off to Tijuana.” Ted laughed and rubbed his nose.  It trickled blood. “Can you see it?” He dramatically held his hands up. “No, no, I can’t take it anymore. Please. Please. I’ll tell you where our base camp is.”

Kyle quickly looked to Link. “We’re all dead anyhow.”

Link nodded. “Yes we are, so why not go out with a laugh. Besides, the minute they move across Kansas, our border scouts will spot them and . . . chances are The Captain will head them off and take them out. They’re so weak.”

Jeff shook his head. “They got us, didn’t they?”

Kyle nodded. “True. O.K., I say we go with Ted’s crazy idea. Three of us will continue to give the pledge, name, and rank. One of us will break. Before we decide which one of us will do that, let’s decide where we’re sending them.”

The four of them gathered closer and began to discuss the goose chase they were going to send The Society on. It was thinking and thinking helped them keep their wits, anything at that moment that could do that. It was better than sitting in silence waiting for the next wave of interrogation.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

With her knitting draped across her lap, Andrea sat, her bible on Ellen’s bed. She’d knit and read to Ellen, then stare into Ellen’s blank, open eyes. Andrea spoke sweetly and motherly, trying her hardest to be comforting. She knew within her soul that Ellen needed to be pulled out, more so than come out on her own.  Andrea felt the love of her family and the love of God were the only things that would help. “Didn’t like that one?” Andrea shook her head. “You know, I remember when my father was ill. He wasn’t afraid of dying; he was scared of living. He kept on telling me that my mother was holding out her hand to him.” Andrea shook her head with a remembering tsk. “The Good Lord took him fast and brought him home. But see Ellen, the Good Lord did not take you. He spared you.  You have to keep asking yourself would Frank want you like this. Would he? You cannot be afraid to face life.” Andrea’s hands dropped to her lap as she stopped knitting. “I have a little song. Would you mind if I sang it for you?” Subtly, Andrea cleared her throat and hummed first. Slowly, softly and gospel-like, the way that Andrea always sang. “You can cross the barren desert, but you shall not die of thirst. You shall wander far in safety though you do not know the way. You can speak to men in foreign lands and all will understand. You will see the face of God and live . . . Be not afraid. I go before you always. Come follow me. And I will give you . . .” Andrea’s singing slowed down more as she looked at Ellen. “You . . . Oh Sweet Jesus.” The knitting fell from her lap and onto the ground. She sprang up and raced out of the room to get Dean when she saw--from Ellen’s open lifeless eyes--a single tear fall.

Dean barreled in the room. He was so full of hope at that second he could barely catch his breath. He dropped to his knees at Ellen’s bedside.

Robbie and Henry raced in, followed by Joe. They were all around the clinic since the recent Jenny episode.

Joe shifted his eyes. “Andrea, what’s . . .?”

Andrea held up her hand to silence the three and stop any questions they could ask. She just watched a quiet Dean.

On his knees, Dean folded his hand over Ellen’s hands. He placed his face close to hers. He looked into the eyes that didn’t blink then to the tear that had rolled down and welled on the side of her nose. “What are you trying to tell us?” he asked softly. “El, please.” Dean closed his eyes and lowered his lips to Ellen. Gently he touched them down to her and kissed where her tear had fallen. Pulling away, he brought his lips into his mouth and tasted the saltiness of Ellen’s tear. Dean clenched Ellen’s hands tighter then dropped his head forward to the bed almost in a defeat. At that moment, everyone else left the room.

^^^^

Quantico Marine Headquarters

“What do you mean she may be coming out of it?” George paced around his house as he spoke on the phone. He breathed hard. “All right. Look, don’t take a chance. O.K.? Let her come out of it. We weren’t expecting her to slip into that thing anyhow? Of course we were expecting her with us.” George was silent and listening. “We don’t need her. I have another plan. They know I have someone working for me or at least we think they do. If they don’t, someone will figure it out. No . . . no. I won’t take that chance with you. I promise. I’m going to use the fact that I have you in there as leverage. I need to call upon you again. Can I?” George nodded with a smile. “Good.” He heard a knock at his front door. He walked to it and opened it. “Look, I have to go. My assistant just walked in. I’ll call you when I get situated. Be careful. I mean it. Take care.” George disconnected the call and turned to Jeremy. “Yes.

It’s late. What’s up?”

“Sir, the men are here to load your bags.”

“Bags?” George asked clueless.

“Yes, for your trip.”

“You mean bag. One and it’s not packed yet.”

“But sir,” Jeremy said, “the train is due and they’d like to load it.”

“Tell them to load it for crying out loud. When I go tomorrow, my bag will go with me.”

“Just trying to help your trip go smoother.”

“There are other things that could have made this trip go smoother, but . . . I appreciate the thought.”

Jeremy paused in walking out. “Really?”

“No,” George said. “I was being polite.”

Jeremy said nothing further as he walked out. He wouldn’t let George bother him because he knew that the days to come would be peaceful ones--not to mention less stressful ones--while George was away on Society business.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

Hal snapped his chair forward from the back legs he teetered it on and leaned forward, extending out a notebook to Sgt. Ryder who sat on the floor of the front porch with him. “Do you suppose I’ve worded this too formally?”

“Probably.” Sgt. Ryder didn’t even look at what Hal wrote. “You do everything so formally.”

“I do not. Listen to this.” Hal sat back. “On this date . . . I left it blank . . . an agreement was reached between the leader, Chief . . . I left blank . . . of Beginnings Montana and Captain Hal Slagel of The United Western Alliance. The following terms were agreed upon by both parties and this agreement shall remain in effect for two years from the date of this agreement with an option to renew at either parties request.”

“Formal,” Sgt. Ryder said. “What are the terms?”

“O.K., here’s what I’m offering.” Hal cleared his throat. “The United Western Alliance, in exchange for food shall provide Beginnings with workers for the maintenance and cultivation of the fields, plus workers which Beginnings deems comparable for a price of food. Meaning . . .”

“Meaning.” Sgt. Ryder rolled his eyes. “We help them work the fields but they need it to compensate for the extra food they have to grow. So what is Beginnings getting? More workers. Fair exchange, we know they run a minimal staff for the industry they are building there.”

“Shall I continue?” Hal asked, didn’t get an answer, but continued anyhow. “UWA workers can be exchanged for other workers at any time at the UWA discretion.” He didn’t get a response from Sgt. Ryder. “In exchange for medical care over and above necessary treatment, the UWA shall provide Beginnings with added protection to their security walls. Pretty good huh?”

“Health care.”

“A must. Perhaps Blue can get some experience there.”

“You should put that down.” Sgt. Ryder said with sarcasm.

“I will. Thanks.” Hal made a notation. “This isn’t final yet.”

“I completely understand. Anything else?”

“I thought this would be a bonus. Beginnings can request of the UWA, ‘X’ amount of men, if needed, in their battle against The Society.” Hal flipped a page in his notes. “Elliott? Do you think we should, as a bonus, offer some assistance in training their men? They may need it.”

“They may. I’d put it in.”

“I will.” Hal wrote down. “The last thing I have so far is . . . Any UWA worker who does not abide by Beginnings rules cannot be shot.”

Sgt. Ryder quickly looked back at Hal. “Shot? Where is that coming from?”

“I’m betting they shoot people who break rules like if they steal and such.”

“Why would you say that?” Sgt. Ryder asked.

“Well, think about it. You had a Beginnings man shooting dead men in the head.” Hal held out his hand as if to say, ‘see my point’.

“You’ve worked hard on that.”

“I needed something to help take my mind off our men leaving for the search tomorrow.”

Sgt. Ryder gave a confident look. “I have good feelings about that. A few days, a week tops, we’ll hear something then you’ll have leverage to approach Beginnings. Until then . . .”

“I know, I know. We’ll come off as crack pots. They won’t take us seriously. They’re so official in Beginnings. I think that’s why I’m working on an official agreement. They’re so organized. They make their own gas, they supply their own energy. Medical help is always there. They have ample food and no violence that we have heard. They have a good time. Even The Society has their high tech scientists. They started the steam engines trains again which, by the way, I want to highjack one or whatever you would call it. You think we could?”

“I don’t see why not.”

“How would we train for something like that?” Hal shrugged. “I think it would be fun. We’d have to wait until they run the lines closer to us.”

“Won’t be for a while. Our scouts say they only extended the lines as far as Alabama.”

“Anyway, you’ve got me off the subject.”

Wanting to say ‘me?’ Sgt. Ryder refrained. “Sorry. Go on.”

“Thanks. I guess . . . I guess with Beginnings and The Society like they are, I don’t want Beginnings to think I’m unorganized or not together.”

Sgt. Ryder laughed. “You? A little eccentric at times, yes. Unorganized no. If I may, I’d like to compliment you but I don’t want to hear any typical arrogant comments.”

“From me? Never. O.K., I won’t. Go on...”

Sgt. Ryder shook his head with a smile. “The UWA may not be as high tech as they are and we may be more old world than when the plague hit, but we are every bit as organized as they are. You got us all together. You have men who trust you, listen to you, and follow you. You have a leadership quality like I have never seen before in my life.”

“I do, don’t I?”

“See!”

Hal started to laugh and he gave a swift pat to Sgt. Ryder’s back. “Joking. Thank you. I guess I owe that to my father. He taught all of us boys to stand on our own and take charge. That’s the kind of man I remember him being, a leader.”

“Then that’s a fond memory and you should keep it that way, because that’s all we have left of our families, isn’t it?”

“Yes.” Hel leaned back in his chair and picked up his notes again. “Sadly enough, it is.”

^^^^

Beginnings Montana

It was late, and Dean looked as tired and drawn as the day had been long for him. He hadn’t left Ellen’s side since she had shed her tear. Perhaps hope kept him there. That and the fact that he didn’t want to miss a single reaction she had. Not one. Even if it was a tear, Dean wanted to be there.

He sat in a chair, holding her hand, stroking her face. He held the position and never left no matter who walked in the room. He begged her in his mind and through his words, to just come out of it. He had spoken so steadily and so continuously, his voice was raspy.

“O.K.” Dean tried to clear his dry throat to make it clearer, but no matter what he did, his words were sad. Even if he smiled when he said them, so many emotions came through in his words. “I’m pulling out all stops here, Ellen. I wanted to wait until you woke up, but . . . I have to tell you now. I have a surprise for you. They got new housing for us. Yeah, no more town houses for you, El. I got a house, a modular one, but big. It’s perfect for you El. You can decorate it, show it off. The house thing, it may seem so trivial or materialistic, but I wanted to give you something that would make you happy. It’s all for you. I hope . . . I hope you still want to live with me.” Dean kissed her hand. “I know you were staying with Henry to get some time for you over Brian, but when you leave there, I’d like you to come back with me. We were uh . . . getting it down pat pretty good, even though you bitched at me about the bubbles on the soap, and for coming home late for dinner. El . . .” Dean dropped his voice to a whisper. “The bitching may get to me, but don’t let me kid you. I acted . . . I acted like it didn’t matter to me when you moved back home. It did. Oh God, did it matter. I don’t think you realize how much it means to wake up and see you there. My sun rises and sets around you. I don’t know why you won’t come back to this world with me. Maybe you don’t think I’d understand. I do. I would. And if you’d just come out, El, I swear to you I will help you though this every step of the way. I love you.” Dean brushed his cheek against her hand. “I love you so much. I know I may never be the love of your life but know that you’re mine.” He raised his eyes to her. “You’re mine. You’re that reason that I even feel. We all need you out here, El. The kids need you. I . . . I need you. Did you ever hear the saying, ‘the half that makes me whole’? You’re it for me and until you come out of this, I just . . . I just won’t be whole.” Dean kissed her softly. “Come out for me, El. Please, come out for me.”

Dean said nothing as he stared at Ellen. He hoped and prayed that his words reached her. They didn’t. He didn’t get any reaction at all and his heart sunk. Slowly he released her hand and stood up. He stretched and walked to the door, closing it. Walking over to her bed, Dean reached for the light, turning it on.  Dean moved to the other side of the bed, hesitated, then laid down next to Ellen. He scooted into her and draped his arm around her waist, laying his lips so lightly on her neck.

Upon his touch and hold, his body meeting hers, it was like every bit of tension in Ellen’s body disappeared. She gasped outward and her body backed more into Dean’s.

Dean shook when he felt her touch him, her arm clenched to his, pulling his hold more around her. “El?” Dean’s voice quivered. “Ellen.” He held her tighter, following the lead of what she wanted. When he did, Ellen cried out a heart breaking sob loud, long, and emotional. It shot through Dean painfully and he closed his eyes. His lips planted firmly to her cheek and if Dean could pull her inside of him, he would.

Ellen kept crying and sobbing. In a gentle, rocking, comforting manner, Dean clung to her. On the bed, they were intertwined, both physically and emotionally, joined in a moment that could never be taken from them. It was a gift to Dean, a release for Ellen, and a breakthrough for both of them. Dean reached out his hand. Ellen saw it, she took it, and she came back.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

September 5

Beginnings, Montana

One ring then two. Joe grumbled and Andrea sat up at the phone’s ringing.

“Joe, want me to get that?” She asked then noticed the time of four a.m.

“No.” Coughing once, Joe reached for the phone which sat charging next to his bed. He cleared his throat. “Hello.”

Softly Dean spoke. “Joe, I need you to come down to the clinic. O.K.?”

“What’s wrong?”

“Just get here.”

Joe looked at the receiver when Dean disconnected the call. “Shit.” Joe sat up and flung the covers off of him.

“What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know. Dean said to get to the clinic.”

“You think it’s Ellen.”

“I hope not.” Joe stepped into his trousers.

“Sweet Jesus.” Andrea closed her eyes. “I’ll say a prayer.”

“Please do.” Joe searched for his shirt. He just wanted to get dressed as fast as he could and get down to the clinic.

Jess had knocked on Robbie’s bedroom door at least five times and didn’t get an answer. Half asleep himself, Jess walked in. “Robbie,” he called out. “Robbie.”

“Huh?”

Jess knew he had to wake Robbie, so he turned on the light.

Robbie grunted loudly, sat up some, and rubbed his eyes. “What’s up?” he squinted.

“Glen from the clinic just called here. He said you might want to get down there right away. He didn’t say why. I asked if it had to do with Ellen and he said . . . he said yes.”

Robbie immediately sprang from the bed. “Shit. Thanks Jess.” In his boxer shorts only and his hair tossed about, Robbie, like Joe, scurried about the room for his clothes.

Jenny showed up at Dean’s house still wearing her long pink nightgown with the ribbon on the front, fuzzy bunny slippers peeked through the bottom. Her red hair pulled in a wild ponytail on top of her head and her nose still sported the sinus strip that helped keep her nostrils open while she slept.

Henry jolted in fright when he saw her then, before commenting, remembered he summoned her for a favor. “Thanks Jenny for hurrying over.” He exchanged places with her at the doorway.

“Not a problem. I’ll just crash on the couch.”

“Thanks. I’ll let you know what’s going on.” Henry flew out, pulling the door closed.

Jenny plopped on the couch, shut of the light, fell sideways, and was sleeping again before she hit the cushion.

Wearing an unbuttoned white shirt over his tee shirt, Joe walked down the dimly lit corridor of the clinic. He moved fast, but not too fast, because a part of him was still afraid of what Dean was going to tell him.

“Dad!” Robbie’s voice echoed in the empty hall.

Joe stopped walking and turned. Robbie was racing down and behind him, Henry had entered the clinic. Joe waited for them.

“Dad, what’s going on?” Robbie asked.

“I don’t know.” Joe lifted his hands. “Did Dean call you?”

“No. Jess said Glen did.”

Henry joined them, out of breath. “Glen called me too. He didn’t say anything, just that it had to do with Ellen.”

Joe shook his head. “Well that’s more than I got from Dean. Let’s go. It’s time to find out.”

Together, the three of them walked down toward Ellen’s room. When they got there, Dean was coming out and he pulled the door closed. He wasn’t expecting to see Joe and the rest in the hall so soon and it showed on Dean’s face, along with something else.

Joe took a step to him. “Dean?” Joe spoke soft looking at Dean’s face. His eyes were red, his face drawn. “My God. Were you crying? Oh my God.” Joe lost his breath.

Robbie and Henry started talking rapidly and panicked at the same time. So much so, that Dean didn’t understand them.

Dean held up his hand. “No, listen.” He took a second in thought. “Yes I was crying, but not why you think. Ellen . . . El’s come out of it.” As he thought would happen, the three rushed to her door. Dean stopped them. “Wait. Please, just wait.” He waited until they stopped. “The reason I was so vague is because I don’t want this out of control. Ellen has come out, yes, but for the next few hours her situation is delicate. She’s upset and cries easily. I’ve given her a mild sedative to help.”

Henry didn’t understand this. “A sedative. Why? She just came back to us.”

“She’s not sleeping, by no means. She hasn’t said much,” Dean said, “and that’s what I want to speak to you about. No questions, absolutely no questions to her about what happened to her or to Frank. Nothing. In this time frame right now, if by chance she doesn’t remember anything, I don’t want her to recall it and slip away from us again. When I see she’s more stable, we can ask her. Until then, nothing. Let her be the one to talk. Just be a sense of support.” Dean moved back to the door and opened it.

Joe walked in first. He wasn’t supposed to show emotions but he couldn’t help it. Ellen lying on her back, propped up, and seeing her raise her eyes to him caused Joe to rush to her side, sit on the bed, and take her into his arms. “Oh God.” Joe held her tightly and Ellen clung back.

“Joe.” She only said his name and then she stared to cry. “Oh Joe.” She cried harder.

“It’s all right.” Joe spoke soothingly, his hand cupped her head, holding Ellen’s face tightly to his. “It’s all right. I’m right here. Look whose come to see you.”

Robbie and Henry both moved apprehensively to the scene and closer to the bed.

Ellen pulled some from Joe and saw Henry first.

“Hey El.” Henry smiled. “I missed you.” He reached out his hand to her.  Ellen clenched it and pulled Henry to her. Joe moved from the way to let Henry embrace Ellen. So as not to upset Ellen anymore, he  pulled back. “I don’t want to hog this moment either.” He kissed her on the cheek then stood up.

Ellen saw Robbie. It was obvious how hard she swallowed and her eyes welled up again. Her breath shivered when Robbie sat near her on the bed.

Robbie didn’t understand her reaction. She wasn’t reaching to him like Joe or Henry. Did she remember how scared he was when he found her? How he avoided the room. At that moment, Robbie was afraid to say anything. He laid a trembling hand on Ellen’s face. “Welcome home.”

Ellen’s body began to shake and her breath quivered as she breathed. With a slight gasp, her hand shot up, laid over Robbie’s and pressed his hand firmer to her face. “You carried me. You carried me.” She titled her head and a tear ran down her face. It slipped between her cheek and Robbie’s palm. She looked up to him and saw redness building in his eyes. “You held me . . . you held me in your arms and you ran with me.” She cried as she spoke, moving closer to him. “I couldn’t talk. But when…when I heard you, when I felt you.” Ellen’s words were emotionally choppy. “I kept say-saying to myself, I’m home. I’m safe. Robbie’s got me. Robbie’s got me.”

Robbie’s eyes closed tightly and his head dropped. He felt Ellen fall forward to his chest and he wrapped his arms around her. Unlike Joe and Henry who didn’t want to get too emotional at the moment in front of Ellen, Robbie did. He held on for a very long time, for himself, for Frank, and for what had happened with Ellen.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

With the dawn’s light behind them, forty UWA soldiers stood in a long straight line, side by side. A bag was set beside their right foot, behind the each of them, their horse.

Hal walked slowly in front of them. He’d stop to adjust a bandana, a sword, rifle. He inspected each man. When he was finished with the line, he paced back and stood beside Sgt. Ryder. “All ten teams have been given a map. You know which directions you are to go. This is not a sneak attack, gentleman, remember that. It is a scouting and search mission. Should you find anything, you ride back home and tell us. You should be no more than a three day ride from us.” Hal’s voice dropped in seriousness, but not in firmness. “Listen . . . you are not out to be heroes. Don’t put yourself in any danger. I want all of you back safe and alive. Got that?” Hal cleared his throat. “May we find what we seek.”

Sgt. Ryder snapped to attention calling it out as he did and saluting. “Attention!”

All forty at the same time saluted.

Hal returned the salute. “Gentlemen, mount up!”

There was a simultaneous clicking of boots and all forty men bent down at the same time, tossed their bags over their horses, and mounted.

When their horses were lined up and the men were ready, Hal faced them. “May you who represent the UWA, be successful. Most of all may you all return home. Good luck and God speed to all of you.” He nodded to the leader of the group and with that all forty men rode off.

In the dust of the horses’ feet, Hal stood with Sgt. Ryder, watching the fading of his men. He watched with hope, wishes for their safe return, but most of all, he watched with pride.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Ellen’s hair was wet. She sat staring out the window, wearing a white robe while Henry combed her hair. He stood behind her, speaking to her, trying to get more than a simple one word answer or the partial smile she would give when he told her something funny. He probably combed her hair more than he needed to but he wanted an excuse to stare out that window and spend time with Ellen.

“Did you like the picture Alex drew for you?” Henry asked.

“Yes.” Ellen answered.

“The kids were so happy to see you. I’m sorry they asked about Frank.”

Ellen just closed her eyes.

“Do you remember when I told you about the walk-ins in Beginnings?”

“No.”

“Well they are every Friday night. Trish promised a comedy tonight. She finally clarified it to the men what she meant by adult. They thought she was showing pornos.”

Ellen chuckled once and it was soft.

“Did you want me to pull your hair back for you when it’s dry?”

“No.”

“Is there anything I can do for you?” Henry stopped combing and walked to in front of her. He knelt down. “Anything?”

“No Henry.” She shivered. “Um . . .” Her eyes stayed glued on the window. “Thanks for shaving my legs for me.” She pulled the robe open some. Her knees had healing brush burns on them and where she had been grazed by the bullet, she was stitched. “You did good.”

Henry smiled, his hand laid on her shin. “Smooth huh?”

“They were a mess.”

“Nah.” Henry shook his head. “Very European.” Henry looked up quickly when Ellen’s door opened and Dean walked in. “Hey, look who’s here?”

Ellen looked over her shoulder and smiled. She turned back to the window.

Dean walked in quickly. “Henry we have that meeting. and I wanted to check on Ellen.”

“Aw Dean, you always check on Ellen.” Henry looked back at Ellen. “He’s in here all the time.”

“I don’t mind.” Ellen reached her hand up and Dean grabbed it.

Dean kissed her, kept his face close to hers, and kissed her again. He ran his hand down the back of her hair. “I see you got a shower. You look good.” Dean winked. “Now, I want to check your responses and reflexes. It’s been eight hours. You look very clean.”

“I helped Ellen take a shower. I shaved her legs and underarms, Dean. I had to be careful that she doesn’t get razor rash.”

“Thank you, Henry. Can you leave us?”

“O.K.” Henry said disappointed. “I’ll be back later after our meeting. I plan on driving Dean crazy during it.” Henry moved to the door. “Bye El.”

“Bye Henry.” Ellen spoke with a small smile. “Thank you.”

Henry stepped out, pulling the door closed. In the hall he paused. He had hoped that staying upbeat it would maybe help Ellen, but it didn’t. Henry wasn’t giving up. He’d try later and if that didn’t work, he’d try again.

Dean turned Ellen’s chair away from the window. “It’s not good for your eyes, alright? You can’t keep staring out.”

“I know.”

“O.K.” Dean rested his hands on Ellen’s knees. “I know your legs are weak and they’re hurt, but the injuries aren’t bad. I need you to try to walk around for a little while. Can you?”

“I want to.”

“Good.” Dean stood up and held out his hand. “I’ll walk with you. Down the hall and back?”

“Dean, no.” Ellen held his hand tightly. “For right now, can we walk around the room? I’m just a little afraid to step outside.”

“We’re not going outside, hon, just down the hall.”

Ellen stood up but didn’t walk. “Please, just the room. Please.”

“O.K.” Dean locked his fingers with hers. “Just the room.”

As they moved slowly around the room, Dean could feel Ellen tremble some. He knew it wasn’t pain that caused it. It was something else. It was fright, a rare thing for Ellen.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

UWA soldier, Ted, took a hard hit to his face. It vibrated his cheeks and caused blood to shoot from his mouth as his head violently jolted left and he fell to the floor. Two Society soldiers reached for him, lifting him up harshly.

“Enough!” Ted began to cry. “All right, all right, I’ll tell you anything.” He sobbed harder. “Anything you need to know. Just stop. Just . . . stop.”

Before another hit was delivered,  Lt. Merrick held up his hand, stopping his Society soldier. “If you lie to us you die.”

Ted shook his head, holding his hands on his eyes.

“All right. How many men are in your camp at this moment?”

“Over five hundred,” Ted spoke muffled.

“Is your leader there?”

“Yes.”

“Is it secured?”

“It’s a small town in a valley.”

“Where?” Lt. Merrick asked.

Ted didn’t answer.

“Where!” Lt. Merrick shouted.

Ted hesitated and lifted his head. “In a town called . . . Kingman, Arizona.”

Lt. Merrick snapped his finger to the society soldiers. “Let’s take him back with the others.”

^^^^

Beginnings Montana

Joe had his elbow on his desk and his head tilted into the palm of his hand. The only expression on his face as he sat there listening to Henry, was the squashed appearance his cheek gave as he pressed his face harder and harder into his hand the more Henry talked. Occasionally, Joe would look at Robbie who was in deep thought, not paying any attention to Henry at all.

“You have to do something, Joe,” Henry said.

“Uh-huh.”

“Really, he’s hogging her. Acting like she’s all his. I can’t be in there five minutes with her without him coming in and checking on her.”

“Henry.” Joe’s hand slid down his face. “He’s her doctor and he’s concerned. Now can we drop this?”

“I’d really prefer you speak to him.”

“Henry, I don’t want to . . .” Joe raised his head when Dean walked in. “Thank God.”

Henry turned back, rolled his eyes and huffed. “Swell, now you’re praising him.”

Joe’s hand slammed hard on the desk. “Henry! Knock it off.”

“Tell him Joe. Tell him now.”

“Tell me what?” Dean asked as he sat down.

Henry looked smug. “To quit hogging Ellen. Others would like to spend time with her.”

“Henry,” Dean said his name calmly.

“What?”

“Shut up.” Dean looked back to Joe. “I’m ready.”

“A little hostile, Dean?” Joe asked.

“Toward Henry right now? Yes.” Dean nodded.

“Me?” Henry pointed to his own chest. “What did I do?”

“Dad,” Robbie called out. “Can we do this?”

“Yes.” Joe answered. “First, how’s Ellen doing? Did she say if she remembers anything while she was in shock?”

“Yes,” Dean shook his head, “but not much. The last thing she remembers fully is Robbie running with her. The only thing she remembers of the past few days is . . .” Dean shifted his eyes to Robbie “Hearing Robbie’s voice talking and singing to her.” Dean looked upset over that. He took a long breath and raised his eyebrows. “But…when she was coming out, she did remember me talking to her. She doesn’t know what all I said but she told me it made her cry and that’s what brought her out. She wanted to cry.”

“Any recollection what so ever of the Society dropping her off here?” Joe asked.

“If she does have any, she’s not saying it,” Dean answered. “It may be too painful to recall what she suffered at their hands and I’m not pushing it. Not yet.”

“Neither will I.” Joe pulled his notes in front of him. “All right. Today’s lucky contestants in the Beginnings game of suspects are . . . Johnny and Reverend Bob.” Joe noticed how excited Henry was. He actually smiled brightly and shuffled in his seat. “What is it?”

“Nothing.” Henry held up his hand. “Go on.”

“You have something to share.”

“Oh I’d rather wait, thank you.” Henry nodded.

Joe grumbled. “All right, let’s start with Johnny.” Joe heard a Henry whine. “Henry!”

“Sorry, I just want to do Reverend Bob.” Henry looked sharply to Robbie when Robbie snickered. “Oh my God, are you sick.” Henry scolded. “That’s not what I meant. Joe your son is sick minded.”

“Yes I know, and he has room to talk.”

Robbie quickly looked at Joe. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“You’ll find out.” Joe cleared his throat and switched back to the subject of suspects. “Johnny. All right, I feel he has definite means to do this. Dean?”

“Medically yes,” Dean said. “He has the knowledge to switch the blood, mess with batch formulas in the computer, and intentionally distribute the virus to Jenny without suspicion. Meaning, he can also find another way to medically do it without leaving evidence.”

Henry shook his head. “I’m confused, Dean.” Henry ignored Robbie’s ‘always’. “You mentioned mess up batch formulas. What does that have to do with what’s at hand?”

“Could mean a lot.” Dean shuffled in his chair. “This is just theory, Joe, O.K.? But, a while back, before I lost my sight, we were working on agent seventeen. I was mixing a test batch and I followed the formula off the computer exactly. It was wrong. It was transposed wrong.”

“Ellen could have done that,” Joe stated. “You two were the only ones working on that, remember? Her mouth starts going or her mind wanders and she could have screwed up the translation.”

“I blamed her for it. But, I’m only giving theories. That set me back and I wasted a lot of ingredients that day. As far as being the only ones working on it, no, we weren’t. All of us did. That was before we knew it could be a potential cure and our best shot. That was before Robbie came back with the virus.”

Henry drew up a thinking look. “So going on your theory that someone deliberately set you back., that also gives means to Jason. If I’m remembering correctly, you and Ellen were at each other’s throats right before Robbie came back. You were being mean to Ellen, down right nasty and unfair. You asked Jason to work with you instead. So childish.”

Robbie gasped in a joking manner. “Dean, you dick.”

“Are we done bashing me?” Dean asked. “Thanks. I thought of that and I plan on bringing up the same thing when we discuss Jason. It’s just a theory and a point.”

“Good point,” Joe commented. “All right, motive. This is where I’m stuck. What is Johnny’s motive?”

Through the silence of Henry and Robbie, Dean spoke up. He spoke as if he was saying something everyone knew. “Johnny hates Frank.”

Robbie jolted to Dean. “What? He does not.”

Dean’s eyes raised above his notes. “You’re kidding me, right?” He checked out their faces.. “You’re not. None of you think Johnny hates Frank? Am I the only one who thinks this? I am.” Dean laughed. “It’s become steadily worse through the years. He’s hostile, resentful, and jealous. His father is dead. Where’s his remorse?”

Joe was curious and he looked it. “Did Johnny tell you any of this?”

“No, I’ve thought it for a while,” Dean answered. “Maybe it’s not real hatred, but there’s something negative there. I’ve always felt it, more so the older he got.”

Robbie shook his head. “I strongly disagree, Dean. Johnny loves Frank.”

“Maybe you’re right. It’s just that…it’s…” Dean hesitated, debating whether to speak. “O.K., when my father died, a for a while, and even now if Ellen says it. If anyone says to me, ‘wow, you are just like your father’.” Dean paused to smile. “I love it. It’s a compliment because I idolized my father.”

Joe nodded in agreement. “I know what you’re saying. When my father died I was thirty. If anyone said that to me, I took as a compliment also. But what does that have to do with it?”

“I told Johnny the other day, and this is after Ellen came back. I told him he was like Frank and he snapped at me. He said he was nothing like his father.”

It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, but Robbie wasn’t letting it lay. “No. He may be hostile yes, but it might just be because his father died. He may not even realize he said that. But even if you are right, if Johnny hates Frank, He loves my Dad. Loves him, always has. His kid was sick. Denice was sick. He worked day and night fighting for a cure with you guys. Despite all the plague stuff when George put my father under the Salicain, I remember what Johnny was like when that happened. He was distraught. Had he worked for George, he wouldn’t have after the Salicain episode.”

Dean rubbed his eyes. “You’re right. You Slagels have this family thing. You fight, but you stick together.”

“Dad, Johnny is less plausible then Henry. I vote we take him off.”

Joe thought for a second. “I’ll go with the majority. Henry? You’ve been quiet.”

“Oh, I’m thinking Joe.”

“About Johnny?”

“No. About Reverend Bob.”

“Henry.” Joe was perturbed. “We’re discussing Johnny.”

Henry fluttered his lips. “Why? He isn’t working for George. If you’re going by John’s list, John is not a big Johnny fan. How do we know he didn’t put him on the list to mess around? Take him off.”

“Dean?” Joe questioned.

Dean hesitated with a breath. “Take him off.”

“Johnny’s off. But…” Joe held up his pencil. “I’m gonna keep him, like I am Josephine, off the list but minimal said to them. Next up, Reverend Bob. Means?”

“No medical knowledge,” Dean said. “None. Forget the blood, he was sick. But then again, that could have been human error.”

Joe swayed his head. “He’s so trusted in this community though. We give him access to every single building. He’s so unlikely my gut wants to look into him further.”

“And…” Robbie interjected, “using Henry’s nice and wacko theory, he’s another one of those split personalities. How about how much he hated Frank?”

Joe agreed. “Couldn’t stand him, could he? Frank irritated the reverend every time they were in the same room. But what about motive?” Noticing Henry’s antsy behavior and high waving hand, Joe called upon him. “I’m guessing you have a theory?”

“Oh yes Joe. Yes. May I? I love this part.”

“You always do,” Joe commented. “The floor is yours.”

“Really? Cool.” Henry stood up.

“Not literally!” Joe yelled.

“Yes Joe. This is so good, I have to stand. Reverend Bob’s motive is . . . dedication.”

Robbie laughed. “Oh real bright. That’s like ‘everyone who is not an original’ theory.”

“Shut up, Robbie,” Henry snapped.

“Fuck you, Henry.”

“Joe!” Henry told.

“Boys.” Joe held up his hand. “All right, Henry, dedication is being used a lot. Give me more on it.”

“With pleasure.” Henry held up his hand. “The scene: It’s evening in a dark chapel lit only by candles. Reverend Bob is praying, saying those things to God he always does. The slow, steady footsteps draw Rev. Bob’s attention away from his heaven chat. He turns around and sees a solemn George . . .”

“Reverend.” George’s voice was soft as he walked up to him.

“What is it my child? You seem troubled?” Reverend Bob stood up.

“I am. I have sinned. I have to confess.”

“Step this way.” Reverend Bob pointed to the confessionals . . . .

Robbie’s loud laughter interrupted Henry’s story. “Henry, we don’t have confessionals in the chapel.”

“Oh.” Henry took on a thinking look.

“And Reverend Bob is non-denominational,” Robbie said.

“But George can still confess. O.K., that one’s out.” Henry shrugged. “But…” He held up his finger. “Try this.” Henry nodded. “The scene: The tunnels, say three years ago. Reverend Bob is walking, taking a stroll. He sees George standing there in the tunnel, holding a map and a flash light. He’s staring at the wall that the cryo . . .”

“Stop!” Joe hollered out. “This is ridiculous, Henry. No one went in those tunnels back then except maintenance and security. No one still does with the exception of medical people. They hate them. So give me some dedication or sit down.”

“I’m trying to Joe.”

“But you’re not making any sense. You’re reaching.”

“That’s because I’m trying to get to the good part of my story and the middle part is missing.”

Joe halted Dean and Robbie’s moaning. “Henry, the good part?”

“Yes. The part where Rev. Bob is in his living room and George has a gun to his head.”

“What!” Joe, Robbie, and Dean shout it at the same time.

Joe lifted some from his seat. “Where the hell is that coming from?”

“My story.” Henry watched Joe sit down, looking so frustrated. “No, Joe, listen. Picture it. A frightened Reverend Bob. An angry George. A gun pressed tightly to the temple of the God fearing man.” Henry rambled on with his story . . .

“George.” Rev. Bob spoke shaking. “No. Please. It’s not right.”

“I don’t care.”

“They’ll know you did this. Who else will they blame?”

“I have my out and I will not chance you opening your mouth.”

“I merely said . . .”

“You merely said I should leave if I’m going to keep this up,” George spoke angrily. “I really think you may talk. You can’t talk. I can’t take that chance. I’ve worked too hard.”

“I promised you years ago. I’ve kept it.” Rev. Bob swallowed harshly.

“Yeah, but since the scientists left and Ellen and Frank told what happened, you’ve been nervous.”

“It’s your imagination.”

“Imagination or not, it’s a chance I won’t take.”

Rev. Bob heard the clicking of the hammer. “No wait!” He shouted. “You can’t! I’ll do anything. I won’t say anything. I haven’t. Please, we go back a long way you and . . .”

“Stop!” Joe held up his hand to Henry. “Very dramatic. Nice flare and facial expressions. But…they go back a long way?” Joe chuckled. “That’s reaching. Rev. Bob goes back as far as any other survivor would go, as far as the moment they walked in the gates.”

“No Joe.” Henry shook his head. “Not at all. I can prove it.”

“How?” Joe asked.

“Remember yesterday when I took Reverend Bob’s radio apart? I went back this morning to put it all together again. Guilt maybe. He is a man of the cloth. I overheard a conversation coming from the chapel. I guess Rev Bob didn’t know I was there. The other voice I couldn’t quite make out. But Reverend Bob said, ‘With all that’s going on now, I can’t take a chance. Please do not say anything about it.’ So . . .” Henry smiled and walked toward the back of Joe’s office. “I was curious. I snuck around the back of the chapel to see who was coming out. I found this person and when I saw who it was, something clicked in me. That happens, Joe. I’m that type of guy.”

Joe waved his hand to Henry to hurry him along. “Move it on, Henry.”

“O.K.” Henry walked to the waiting room door in Joe’s office. “Now Joe, I promised him what he’s going to tell you guys won’t get beyond this room” Henry dropped his voice to a whisper. “I had to blackmail him and . . . Robbie, he has two of your dirty magazines in exchange.”

“No!” Robbie stood up. “I only have ten.”

“Eight now.” Henry opened the door and peeked his head out. “Come on out. Sorry it took so long but they were giving me a hard time.”

Forrest Caceres walked from the back room. “That es ah rut An-ray. Quit ah rut.” Forrest cleared his throat in nervousness.

Dean snickered. “You hid Forrest in the back?”

Joe looked over. “Henry, what is going on? No one is to know what . . .”

“He doesn’t.” Henry stated. “He’s only going to tell you one thing and then he will leave. Go on Forrest tell them what you told me. I will keep my word.”

Forrest looked at Joe and the others. “I woos telling An-ray dat  I remember de rev-run. He woos de officiating rev-run at de lust conference for de so-sigh-et-tee. De sum one dat senator Had-ley woos ut.”

Total shock and silence took over. Henry smiled. He walked Forrest to the office door. “Thank you, Forrest. That will be all.”

“Un you woo nut tell hum uh tud you.”

“No.” Henry shook his head. “Thank you.” After Forrest had left Henry faced the room. “Dedication, maybe. Connection, definitely. Oh yes!” Henry clenched his fist and drew it into him with excitement. “George knew Rev. Bob, Rev Bob knew George. Rev Bob also knew that George was involved in the Society. Ha!”

Joe looked pleased and then he looked at Dean and Robbie. “I say Rev. Bob stays. Any objections?” Joe received no answer. “I didn’t think so.”

^^^^

For some reason, she didn’t know why, Ellen hummed a tune unfamiliar to her. She didn’t know where she had heard it before or even if she made it up. But it was peaceful and it slipped from her softly, barely heard as she sat in her chair staring out the window. She didn’t put much thought into why she hummed the song but she wouldn’t remember Andrea singing it to her just the day before. Ellen’s concentration was on the small grade that sat in the distance behind center town, a grade that could be seen on the east side of the clinic. A familiar site to Ellen, one she watched many times from the lab.

The somber look changed from her face and her mouth opened. She could see the white tee shirt and green military pants walk over the small hill. The brown shoulder harness and the straight walk he had with his arms swaying caused Ellen to stand up. She moved to the window quickly, laying her hands on the glass. It was cool and her nose pressed near it, watching him walk closer and closer. She smiled. “Frank.” She gasped his name, “Frank.” Then she saw it was Robbie. He must have spotted her in the window because he waved. Ellen smiled, but it wasn’t genuine, more like disappointed. She returned the wave to him. She stepped back, slowly sat down, her face returned to being lost and Ellen resumed her window watching while she hummed the song again.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

Kyle, Link, and Jeff, awaited their interrogations as they sat in the holding room The Society had placed them in. The door opened and Ted was harshly tossed in to the floor. They gathered around him to help their injured fellow UWA soldier. Lt. Merrick then stepped in.

He looked at the men on the floor surrounding Ted. “Two words. Kingman, Arizona.” Suddenly he watched the three of them look in horror at Ted and back away. Lt. Merrick smiled arrogantly. “That’s what I thought. Thank you, gentlemen.” Lt. Merrick stepped from the room.

When they saw the lieutenant was gone. Link, Kyle, and Jeff returned to Ted.

Link helped him up. “Good job, but man, your face is messed up.”

“Thanks.” Ted grabbed his face. He could barely speak through his swollen lips. “So you think he fell for it?”

Link smiled. “Hook, line, and sinker…don’t look like none of us are getting beat for at least a day or two. Thanks, man.” Link gave a pat to Ted’s back causing a moan and Link laughed.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

“Do you remember, Ellen?” Jenny asked as she sat next to Ellen by the window.

“No.”

“Dean says the fresh air will do you good. I have the wheelchair outside. It’s a beautiful fall day. Perfect.”

“No.” Ellen shook her head.

“But I thought you would love to see all the men in the community that I know are gay but never tell.”

“I would, just not today,” Ellen said sadly, staring. “Not yet. Can I do it another day?”

“Sure.” Jenny laid her hand on Ellen’s. “Can I watch the window with you?”

“I’d like that.”

Joe stood shaking his head as he looked into Ellen’s room. He stepped back away from the door and turned to Dean. “She’s been in the same place since early this morning.”

“Yep,” Dean told him. “She only got up to take a shower and a short walk around the room then she seemed restless and wanted to sit down again.”

“Has she eaten?” Joe asked.

“Nothing.”

“I can’t believe she’s passing up a chance to see all the closet gay men in this community. That is such an Ellen thing to do.”

“I know. Henry tried to get her to go out. If she wasn’t sitting by that window, I would push it. But she keeps staring out and…and she says she’s afraid to leave the room.”

“Well I’m not gonna push her,” Joe stated. “She’ll know when she’s ready and something is telling her she’s not ready.”

“Maybe you’re right.”

“I am.” Joe nodded. “I think I’ll go in there and talk to her, see what she says to me.”

Dean stopped Joe as he moved to the door. “Don’t ask her too much, Joe.”

“I won’t.” Joe shook his head. “I’m gonna talk to her, that’s all.” He walked into Ellen’s room and stopped by the bed, just behind the chairs. “Jenny, can I uh, see Ellen alone?”

“Sure, Joe.” Jenny stood up. “Ellen, I’ll be by tomorrow. Maybe you’ll feel up to it then.”

“Maybe.” Ellen only shifted her eyes to Jenny briefly.

“O.K.” Jenny stayed chipper and walked by Joe.

Joe grabbed her arm and whispered. “Shut the door.”

Jenny nodded and left, closing the door like Joe requested.

With his breaths precluding his approach, Joe walked up to Ellen. He moved the chair right next to her and sat down. He watched as she kept staring out the window. “Sweetheart, we have to talk.”

“Did you know this is almost the same view as from the lab? Did you?”

“I didn’t know.”

“Yeah.”

“Ellen . . .”

“I used to…I used watch out that window too. When Frank was done making his rounds and he would head into town, I could see him coming over that grade. See?”

“Yes.” Joe got up and shut the blind.

“Joe!” Ellen shrieked. “No.” She sprang from her chair, reaching for the blind. Joe stopped her. “No Joe.”

“Ellen.” Joe grabbed her hand.

“No Joe, I have to see or else.”

“Or else what?”

“Or else I’ll miss seeing him coming over the grade. Let me open the blind.”

“Ellen.” Joe grabbed her shoulders and turned her from the window. “Frank is not coming over that grade.”

“He is. He will. He’ll be back over that grade in time.” Ellen spoke emotionally, “because nothing stops Frank. Nothing.”

“Ellen, did The Society stop my son?” Joe asked in a low voice. Ellen’s eyes moved to him. “What happened to Frank out there?”

Ellen didn’t answer. Her lip quivered.

“Ellen, I shouldn’t ask you but I need to know and you’re the only one who has any answers. What happened to my son?” Joe asked with passion.

Ellen’s mouth opened no words came out. “He’ll get away.”

“Do you think they have him?”

“They have to Joe and he’ll get away from them.”

“So you saw them take him?” Joe questioned.

Ellen just stepped back and sat down.

“Ellen, you saw them take him, right? This is why you know he’s coming back.”

“When they had captured us both,” Ellen spoke sadly, “he tried every means to get us away. He was,” Ellen smiled, “he was such a Frank.”

Joe sat down next to her.

“But I held him back,” Ellen said. “I think I did. He thinks so quickly and I move slowly. Now that he’s alone, I’m sure he’ll get away. I’m sure of it.”

“How did they take him? Did you see? Was he gone maybe when you woke up?”

Ellen shook her head.

Joe watched her eyes water up. “There’s something you aren’t telling me, but I have to tell you something. I know he was hurt.”

Ellen quickly looked at him.

“Did you know that?”

Ellen looked back at the window even though the blind was down.

“You do.”

“How . . . how do you know?” Ellen asked.

“The clothes you were wearing and the sheet you came back in were covered in Frank’s blood. Dean told . . .” Joe stopped because at that moment Ellen broke down and cried. “What happened to my son, Ellen? Please?”

With her face streaked with the tears that fell so fast, Ellen sniffled and looked at Joe. “He was sick, Joe. I’ve never seen Frank so sick, so we couldn’t move any further. We were sitting outside hoping you guys would spot us and when he stood up . . . it happened so fast. When he stood up,” Ellen’s eyes closed, “they shot him.” Her words transformed into emotional ones. “And they kept on shooting him until he went down.”

Joe’s hand slid down his face slowly, his eyes raised above his fingers. “I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry too Joe.”

“I thought…I thought for sure he was alive. I felt like he was alive. Maybe it was just wishful thinking.” Joe’s breath left him, his mouth dropped open, and his eyes closed. “Dear God, Frank is dead.”

“No!” Ellen said so strongly. “No, he’s not.”

“Ellen, you just said. Sweetheart, you said he was shot. You said you didn’t see them take him.”

“Yes, I know what I said but I also know Frank. I know how much he can take and he can take more than they gave him.”

“You said they gunned him down.”

“But I know, Frank,” Ellen murmured. “I know him. I know him. I feel him.” She quickly looked at Joe. “And you’d feel it too if he were gone. He’s alive.”

“Ellen, maybe we just . . .”

“No Joe!” Ellen shouted. “If there’s a person on the face of this earth that Frank shares his soul with, that person is me. If he were dead, I’d be dead. We are not meant to live on this earth without each other. Like closely connected twins, like the old people that die within days of each other, like the Andersons, that is me and Frank. The moment he dies, I will die. There is no doubt in my mind about that. I’m still alive, so is he.” Ellen spoke calmly. “He just might need our help and we are sitting here, but he won’t wait forever for us. You know Frank.” Ellen stood up and opened the blind. “He’ll say fuck us and find his own way home and for that I am waiting.” She sat back down. “Everyone is so damn certain Frank is dead. If everyone wants me to believe that then someone better bring me his body, because until they do, I will never be convinced and I will spent the rest of my life…”

“Looking out the window for him?”

“Yes.”

“Oh that’s ridiculous,” Joe snapped. “Do you hear how ridiculous you sound?”

Ellen’s eyes widened. She looked insulted that Joe took that tone with her. “Joe, I . . .”

“You were hurt, for that I am sorry. You saw the love of your life get shot down. I’m also sorry for that. You hid from the pain until you were able to come out, until you started to heal. If you were depressed over what happened to you, or distraught over Frank’s death, or still sick, I would give you all the compassion in the world. You have my compassion for what you’ve gone through. My heart breaks for you but I will not let you sit here staring out a goddamn window looking for my son.” Joe’s tone rose as he paced in front of her. “It’s stupid and it sounds like something from a bad plotted chick flick.”

Ellen gasped. “Joe . . .”

“Here I was thinking you only were staring out the window in thought over what had happened. Mental patients are drawn to the light.”

“Mental patients?”

“Yes, so I thought you couldn’t help yourself but you can.” Joe was near yelling. “You’re waiting for Frank. Did it ever occur to you that he wouldn’t come over that stupid grade anyhow? When my son comes back, it’s gonna be because I brought him back or he came to the gate. Either way you are gonna know about it long before he comes over that hill and you’ll be waiting.”

“You just said ‘when’.”

“Damn right I said when, not if. I thought from the moment you came back that he was taken. I guess…” Joe calmed down and sat next to her. “I guess I had to get a confirmation through your adamancy, that’s all. We’ll find him. We just don’t know where to look. And who in the hell are the Andersons?”

“They were this old couple who both survived the plague. From what I could see through the pictures, they were married a lot of years. They died close to each other.”

Joe blinked. “O.K. What brought them up?”

“We stayed at their farm so Frank could get some rest. It was so beautiful, Joe. A big front porch that . . .”

“Ellen.” Joe held up his hand. “If they were dead when you got there, how do you know this stuff?”

“The cavalry told us.”

“The cavalry,” Joe blew out. “Oh boy.”

“No Joe. They saved us. They rode in on their horses and saved Frank from being shot by a firing squad. They told us about the farm. They told us you guys were looking for us. That’s why we were waiting outside. How do you think I got home?”

“We thought The Society dropped you off.”

“The Society was dragging my ass across the field. This soldier had me by my hair and the next thing I know his head is bouncing on my chest, decapitated by a sword.”

“The cavalry?”

“Yes. They look like the cavalry too except they wear bandanas like bikers instead of hats.”

“The cavalry.”

“You don’t believe me.”

“Ellen.” Joe stood up again. “The cavalry? Sweetheart, I believe someone in that camp came to your rescue but not the cavalry. And . . .” Joe drew up a thinking look.

“What?”

“The third and fourth blood,” Joe stated in thought.

“What are you talking about?”

“Dean found a third and fourth unidentifiable blood on your clothes. That must be where it came from.”

“Joe!” Ellen’s voice perked up. “I killed at least three. The cavalry killed more. There, there would be bodies right? Who’s gonna take them? If we go to the farm, we’ll know for sure and without a doubt about Frank. Because if he is dead, he’ll be there too. Joe we can prove to everyone that Frank isn’t gone and we can get everyone…”

“Stop.” Joe sat down again. “If we look for Frank, we look for him without the community knowing. It stays in a small circle of people. Because I don’t want The Society finding out we’re looking for him. Got that?”

Ellen nodded. “The other person working on the inside might let George know.”

“Ellen? How do you know about the other person?”

“You had a suspect meeting in here.”

“You remember?”

“No, Henry told me.”

“Goddamn that boy.” Joe shook his head. “What else did he tell you?”

“Nothing.” Ellen’s voice dropped. “I’d love to be part of the meetings.”

“Well you can’t. They get out of hand enough. I have Henry who rambles on and on, Robbie who instigates, and Dean who’s been nothing but miserable. Which . . .” Joe laid his hand on Ellen’s, “should change now that you’re back safe and sound. He was worried about you.”

“I know he was.”

“He went out looking for you.”

Ellen looked surprised. “He did?”

“Yes he did,” Joe told her. “When they brought you in here, he wouldn’t let a soul touch you, no one. He worked on you alone.”

“Thank you for telling me that,” Ellen said. “Joe, in your suspect meetings, did you at all bring up Henry or Andrea?”

“Why would you say those two names, Henry especially? Tell me why?”

Ellen shrugged. “I guess . . . I guess because he’s so non-suspect. If I was watching it on T.V., I’d pick him because he’s less obvious. Not that I think he’s working with George. And Andrea, well.” Ellen hesitated. “I love her, don’t get me wrong, but I was sitting here thinking when I found out about the meetings. You know, just in case I was allowed to come and I thought of her.”

“Why?”

“Something she did a while back that’s always bothered me.”

This caught Joe’s attention. “Which was?”

“You can’t yell at me.”

“Why would I yell at you?”

Ellen just looked at him.

“Go on.”

“In the history I remember, see it’s different than you remember, because I went back with Henry to bring Dean back.”

Joe slid his hand down his face. “A ripple in time.”

“Yes.”

“They don’t count Ellen. I’ve told Henry the same thing.”

“Yeah but Joe, just listen. O.K.. When Frank pulled me from the explosion, I had a one track mind. Get to the clinic, get the vial to save you, and pull you out to get George. Well I raced into the lab. Jason was there and Andrea was too. I rambled and rambled about saving you when I was getting the vial. Jason stayed. Andrea left.”

Joe sat back from his lean in the chair. “Where did she go?”

“I don’t know. The next time I saw her was when I was holding Dean’s body.”

“Ellen, you have to realize, this holds little stock with me because it really never happened.”

“I know.” Ellen’s head dropped.

“You do know, since I think I’ve convinced you not to watch for Frank, you can leave this room. Why don’t you get some air? Dean wants you to do that. Move around. Let Jenny take you out to see all the closet homosexuals. You’d like that.”

Ellen shook her head with a smile. “No, I’d rather not.”

“Why.”

“I’m just a little scared right now.”

“Christ, Ellen, I take that as an insult. I run this place. Robbie would be insulted if he heard you say that you…”

“No, don’t tell Robbie, O.K.? He’s the last person I want thinking that I don’t feel safe. He’s working so hard for Frank.”

“And speaking of Frank, do you think you can recall where this farm is? I think I’ll send Robbie that way on his reconnaissance this afternoon.”

Ellen agreed and looked to the window. “You said something, Joe. You said you would bring Frank back. Was that figuratively speaking because you always use the word ‘we’.”

“Let me let you in on a little father-daughter secret.” Joe leaned to her. “The moment we get hint of where Frank is, I’m going myself to get him,”

“But you don’t want The Society to know. You’re the leader. You can’t up and leave.”

“I’ve been thinking about retirement a lot lately. Maybe get into distribution and start making some of those runs with the men.”

Ellen looked horrified. “No, Joe, you have to lead this community. You can never retire. We’ll never make it.”

“Yes you will.” Joe patted her hand. “I have a plan. He looked at his watch. “I have to go.” He kissed her as he laid his hand on her cheek. “We’ll talk more later. I’ll be back for those directions.”

“O.K.”

Joe stood up and saw Ellen looking out. “Ellen. You’re staring again.”

“I know. But Joe, if I promise not to get neurotic about it, may I? It makes me think of him and it gives me hope. I need that. I miss him so much.” She spoke sadly. “I miss him so much.”

Joe laid his hand on her shoulder. “Watch away.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Washington DC

George held one ear closed as the train whistle blew loudly. He looked in irritation to Jeremy. “Must the conductor do that?”

Jeremy shrugged as he held the phone. “An answer. They need an answer.”

George huffed. “Are they absolutely sure this is where the camp is?”

“Lt. Merrick said the one man broke during interrogation and the other men confirmed it by their reaction.”

“All right,” George spoke with edge, “tell them load up sixty men and find the place. Hit the shit out of it with mortar, weaken them, and then storm in. I want as many of those men as I can get. One of those well trained men is worth four of ours.”

“I’ll tell him.” Jeremy stepped back and began to speak on the phone.

The train whistle blew and George cringed again.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Joe knew the moment Robbie stepped into his office that his flight to look for the farm did not turn out well. Robbie walked in, looking frazzled and hot He tossed the clipboard down in front of Joe.

“Nothing.”

Joe removed the sheet of paper from the clipboard. “Nothing at all?”

“I couldn’t spot anything that remotely looked like a well-kept farm.”

“Maybe we’re relying too much on her memory. After all she did say the cavalry rescued her.”

Robbie shook his head. “What does Dean say? Does he think she’s remembering things wrong?”

“Not wrong but possibly distorted because she was half out of it when everything was going on and the shock of seeing Frank shot. This group of men or whoever came to the rescue and she just exaggerated. But…” Joe looked at the flight sheet. “She was here before all of that went down. Let’s give her a map this time instead of relying on where she said ‘the cavalry’ told her it was. Start her out from the camp she left.”

“Good idea.” Robbie took the sheet as Joe handed it to him. “Want me to file this for you?”

“Could you? Thanks.”

Robbie stood up. “I’m not giving up, Dad.”

“I didn’t think you would.” He watched Robbie move to the file cabinet and then looked to his door. There was a knock. “Come in.” He returned to his paperwork.

Jess walked in. “Hi Joe.” He looked at Robbie. “Hey you’re back. Just the guy I wanted to see. How you doing?”

Joe raised his eyes to Jess and saw Jess hand Robbie a sheet of paper. Joe went back to his own paperwork.

Jess indicated to the sheet. “I found some foot prints outside of these perimeters. Tracking doesn’t pick up single beings, but maybe you might want to take a look.”

Robbie checked out what Jess showed him. “Yeah, I will. Thanks.”

“Need me to go with you? I will since I’m done for today.”

“Uh . . .” Robbie shut the file cabinet. “Yeah, I want to stop and see Ellen first, just to promise I’ll make time this evening.”

“Oh,” Jess said.

Joe raised his eyes. “Um Robbie. When you stop by, any chance I can get you to convince her to go outside and walk or get air? Dean wants her to do that.”

“She won’t?” Robbie asked. “That’s not like Ellen.”

“No it’s not.” Joe started to laugh. “Jenny even offered to take her in a wheel chair and point out all the men who…who…the men who…um.” Joe cleared his throat, “the men who work the fields.”

Robbie snickered. “I wouldn’t go either. Why doesn’t she want to go out?”

“I’m not supposed to tell you, but…she’s afraid.”

Robbie’s expression dropped. “Afraid to walk in the community? Oh Dad, that’s bullshit. That makes me feel bad, I’m doing…”

Joe held up his hand. “I know. That’s why I think you probably can get her to go. Besides, you and her are close. From what I’ve heard and seen from her, I think you may be the only one who she feels safe with. She’s been subtly glorifying you.”

Jess interjected, “It may be a connection to Frank so keep that in mind, Robbie. I know how you feel about her.”

Joe grumbled. “Whatever the reason, can you?”

“Most definitely,” Robbie said. “I want to help her. I’ll think of something.”

Joe smiled. “Good. Trish says it’s a comedy tonight at the walk in. Ellen loves comedies. Why don’t you ask Dean if you can steal her from the clinic for that? But keep in mind he may give you a list of do’s and don’ts.”

“That’s just Dean,” Robbie said. “I’ll talk to him. I’d like her to go and she always loved the drive in. Besides, I know he wants to get the house ready for her, so that can be his excuse for why he’s not seeing her.”

Jess walked closer to the two. “I’m heading out. How about I meet you up at perimeter ten?”

“Sounds good.” Robbie handed Joe the sheet that Jess gave him.

“By Joe, Robbie.” Jess moved to the door and left.

Robbie saw Joe staring. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Joe shook his head.

“You act weird with him. Don’t you like him?” Robbie asked. “He’s a really nice guy, Dad.”

“You don’t say. Hmm. I’m sorry. I don’t mean to act weird. I’m just . . . I guess weirded out.”

“I understand.” Robbie started to stand up. “I’d better run so I can get cleaned up in time for the movie. I want to check those perimeters with Jess.”

Joe leaned back in his chair, grabbed a cigarette, and snickered.

Robbie paused in his walk out. “What?”

“Nothing. Go on.”

“Gee thanks.” Robbie shook his head and walked out.

Joe lit his cigarette. He took a long hit then looked at it and watched the smoke for a moment. He smiled a little with a swaying head, leaned forward to his desk, and went back to finishing his work.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

Craig’s singing of the song, Home on the Range, Carried through the cool night air of Bowman. “Oh give me a home, where the buffalo roam. Where the deer and the antelope play-a-a-a . . .”

Hal stopped walking down the street with Sgt. Ryder.

“Ignore it,” Sgt. Ryder told him. “Let’s go listen to Beginnings.”

Hal walked and again he heard the singing, loud, badly and . . . close.

“Where seldom is heard, a discouraging word. Because our captain is sensitive and gay.”

Hal stopped cold.

“Captain.” Sgt. Ryder tried to warn but it was too late.

Hal had marched back and looked for Craig. “Sing some more,” Hal shouted out. “Go on so I can find you.”

Only Craig’s hyena style laughing was heard. Craig thought he was in the clear, safe between the bookstore and the old hardware store. Safe until he felt the snatching of his shirt and himself being pulled out of his hiding place. He smiled. “Hey, Captain. What’s up?”

Hal grunted long and softly. He released Craig. “Please, stop the singing. If you must, do it somewhere else.”

“But I’m singing patriotic songs, like you said. You said if I must sing, and you used the word ‘must’, you said I must sing patriotic songs.”

“That’s because I didn’t think you knew any. Since when did that song mention anything about a captain being gay?”

“The revised rap version.” Craig nodded with a smile and saw Hal did not. “O.K., patriotic songs.”

“Fine.” Hal held his hand up, stepping away from Craig. “And try to sing in key. You’re terrible.” Shaking his head, he joined Sgt. Ryder who waited outside the police station. “Sorry.”

“I feel no remorse for your irritation. You bring it on yourself.”

Hal opened the police station door. “I can’t help it. Like I said, it was bred in me. You don’t know the type of household I grew up in.” Hal walked in, patting the monitor on the back. “You can take a break. Sgt. Ryder and I are going to listen for a while. Anything happening?”

“Nope.” He shook his head and stood up. “I’m just biding my time through the check-ins. There is a woman on the radio oddly enough.”

“A woman?” Hal sat down. “What channel?”

“Seven.” The monitor pointed. “She was talking about some moon event that is happening tonight. It got boring. She said she’ll be right back.”

Hal quickly turned up channel seven. “The moon event could be important.”

“Uh . . . I don’t think so,” the monitor said. “It didn’t sound it.”

Sgt. Ryder shook his head. “You never know. The Chief seems like a bright man. He may be sending coded messages through the woman in case someone is listening. We’ll take it from here and see what we can come up with.”

“O.K.” The monitor shrugged. “I’m off on a break. I’ll check back.”

Hal quickly grabbed the pen and paper and drew it near him. “Good thinking on the codes. The Chief may be on to someone listening to their transmissions and to be on the safe side, he’s probably doing that. I would.”

“So would I and we still don’t know the condition of the woman we returned. She could have said something about us monitoring them.”

Hal nodded. “Yes, but Blue said from what Gary described, she could be in shock for weeks. Shh . . . here comes the woman.” Hal listened.

“O-Key. Dough-key. I’m back,” the woman said.

“Her voice sounds kind of annoying,” Hal commented.

Sgt. Ryder agreed. “Probably because she doesn’t speak much.”

“Probably.” Hal got ready to take notes as he listened to the Beginnings’ transmission and to the woman speaking.

“Whew!” The woman let out a long breath of relief. “Boy, did I have to pee.”

Sgt. Ryder looked at Hal.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Dean leaned with his one hand on his lab counter, the other hand on his hip holding back his lab jacket. He kept peering up to Robbie through the tops of his eyes. “I don’t know.”

“Come on, Dean. We don’t even know if she’ll do it. If she does, why not?” Robbie wanted to know.

“It’s going to be cold.”

“What, is she your child?”

“Robbie, she just came out of a deep shock not even twenty-four hours ago. All right?”

“You said she needs air. This could help. It’s probably a short movie.”

Dean ran his fingers through his hair. He thought about it.

“Besides, I know you want to get the house ready, don’t you?” Robbie said. “If you are there, how are you going to be here? Ellen is going to want to know where you are.”

Dean took a deep breath. “I do want to get it ready. All right, listen to me. If she gets tired, you bring her right back.”

“Got it.”

“Keep her warm.”

“Got it.” Robbie nodded.

“No alcohol.” Dean told him. “I know you guys got blasted last weekend.”

“I won’t get her drunk.” Robbie held up his hand in promise.

“You still have to convince her to go. This whole conversation all might be in vain.”

“I’ll get her to go. Thanks Dean.” Robbie moved to the lab door. “Oh, hey, Dean? You might want to get her some clothes. I don’t think she wants to go in her robe.”

Dean smiled. “I’ll, um, run home and get some as soon as you tell me she said yes.”

Robbie gave a thumbs up and headed out.

He walked down the hall. Ellen’s door was open. She still sat in the chair by the window. “Hey El.”

“Robbie,” Ellen said his name with a smile. “Hi.” She actually stood up and moved from the window.

“Wow, you seem like you’re glad to see me.”

“I am.” Ellen grabbed his hand. “You’re back sooner than you said. By the way you talked earlier I thought you wouldn’t be back until tonight.”

“I’m coming back tonight.”

“Good.” Ellen sat on the bed and patted a spot in front of her.

Robbie sat down on the bed facing her. “So.”

“So.” Ellen looked at him. “You didn’t tell me so I’m taking it you didn’t spot anything.”

“Nothing.” He saw the disappointed look on her face. “But, tomorrow I’m giving you a map and you’re gonna try again. O.K.? I’m not giving up.”

“I know.”

“El, Dean says you should get some air, walk around.” Robbie grabbed her hand. “I want to ask a favor of you.”

“What’s that?”

“O.K., well.” Robbie played with her fingers. “We have these walk-ins now and I remember how much you loved the drive in. I did too. When I was a kid, a teenager, you used to take me with you. Remember?”

“Yes. Pete hated the drive in and we had to go so far too. And you know me, I always had to get there early for a good spot. You hated it because I used to make you take Josh to the bathroom.”

“I never hated it. In my demented warped teenage mind, we were on a date.”

Ellen blushed a little.

“Yeah, I used to imagine on the drive home that one of those times you were gonna thank me and kiss me. You know, a date.” Robbie smiled. “I always wanted to go on a date to the drive in with you so my favor is for you to go with me to the walk in tonight.”

“No, I can’t.”

“Why? It’s really not a date, El.” Robbie placed his face close to hers. “I won’t expect a kiss. I won’t even look at it as a date. Just go with me. Get out of this room and come back to Beginnings.”

“No. I just feel…I just feel safe right now in here. Not outside.”

Robbie swallowed. “I’m security for Frank, El. I’m trying my hardest. What can I do to make you feel safer? Tell me because I’ll be damned if I’ll let anything happen to you especially in our own home, a home that Frank designed the security. El, saying you don’t feel safe in Beginnings is like saying you don’t believe in all the work that Frank did and I’m telling him as soon as I see him.”

“Are you laying a guilt trip on me?”

“Is it working?”

“Yes.” Ellen looked at their hands that were joined. “You won’t leave my side?”

“Not for a second,” Robbie told her.

“Maybe, maybe that’s what I need.”

“It is.” Robbie moved his hand from hers. “I’d better finish my checks. I’ll be back. I just wanted to ask you that.” He kissed her on the cheek. “Thanks.”

“Robbie.” Ellen grabbed his hand. “If this works and I feel better after walking outside, I have a favor to ask you.”

“Anything.”

“Good.” Ellen slid from the bed and stood up. “I want to go with you to the farm. I can help you find it.”

“No, you can’t do that.”

“I need to do that. I need to see for myself.”

“Dean won’t allow it.” Robbie told her. “He won’t. It can’t be good for you.”

“If I feel like I can do it, I’ll be fine. I’ll talk to Dean. I promise I won’t go if I’m even a little scared or nervous. But Robbie…” Ellen stepped closer to him. “If nothing else, I need to go to that farm to put closure to this because my mind took me from there before my body even left.”

Robbie looked up at the ceiling then back down to Ellen. “I’d have to clear it with my Dad.”

“I understand.”

“O.K., let’s just see how tonight goes then we’ll take the next step. All right?”

“Thank you.” Ellen squeezed his hand.

“I have to go. I’ll be back.” Robbie moved to the door. “El?” He waited until Ellen looked at him. “Look good.”

Ellen smiled, almost chuckling when Robbie left and as she did, she felt the pain of her brush burned cheek. Her fingers reached up to her injury. It felt so big and the smile fell. “Look good. Yeah, right.” Ellen shook her head slowly then went back to her chair by the window and sat down. She wanted to watch while there was still some daylight left.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

Sgt. Ryder and Hal perked with interest when they heard the woman suddenly talk about something besides new ideas for finger food.

Hal smiled. “I knew there was a reason for this.”

“Denny,” the woman said, “do you have plan one ‘A’ ready for me.”

“Roger that red headed wonder woman. Like, can I start?”

“No you have to wait until the time is right. Do you have enough?’

“Been collecting the agents since this morning. Got like, a million messengers of death to be delivered.”

The woman giggled. “Wait until nine o’clock then everyone will see.”

“Check.” Denny laughed. “O.K., big hand on the nine and the little hand where?”

Hal tossed his pencil. “I give up. Do they use their radios for anything of importance?”

Sgt. Ryder looked disappointed when he heard ‘the Chief’ get on the radio and tell the woman to clear the air. “I have to say I find it entertaining.”

“I do too. Maybe it was just the woman who irritated me.”

“You have that problem with them anymore.”

“Do you blame me?” Hal stood up and ran his hand down the back of his neck. “It’s hot. I think I’m going to grab a shower and a late bite to eat. I’ll send the monitor back.”

“No, let him take his time. I’m curious to see what the comedy is they are having at their drive in, or walk in.”

“Let me know. O.K.?” Hal moved to the door and walked. Usually he stayed and listened to Beginnings for a long time but on this night, the more he listened the more he felt let down, as if something else was supposed to be said and he didn’t know what that was. He just had a feeling and that was bothering him.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Henry raced down the street and directly into Dean’s house. Denny stood there in the semi empty living room, surrounded by boxes and holding a large old coffee can.

“Denny, the coast is clear. She’s there.”

“Thanks Henry,” Denny said excitedly. “She didn’t see you, right?”

“It doesn’t matter, Denny. You know the plan.”

Denny winked and ran to the door, cradling the can safely in his arms. “Don’t tell my mom.”

Henry gave a thumbs up as Denny ran out. He closed the door and turned back into the living room, looking at the disorganization of the move. The open boxes  were half packed, lying everywhere, and so in need of being finished. Figuring he’d help Dean out, he moved the boxes from the center of the room so no one would trip on them. He sat down on the couch and enjoyed his babysitting detail while Nick was sleeping.

^^^^

Denny’s steps were short and quick, dashing about the building like some sort of secret agent. He could hear the voices coming from distribution, waiting for the movie so he went the long way around, coming in from behind the projection unit.

Trish heard the shuffling and looked down. She saw Denny with a can, on his belly, crawling toward the crowd. “Denny, you’re gonna get dirty. Andrea will get mad.”

“Shh.” Denny held his finger up. “You don’t see me.”

Trish closed her eyes. “O.K.”

He continued in his mission, squirming through the snickering men who watched him, not realizing that they saw him. Then Denny spotted her. Bev. She sat on a blanket, her crossed legs stretched out, a bottle of wine next to her along with a plate of some food. Slowly and quietly,  Denny sneaked up behind her. When he was right there, he poked his head around and tilted it up at her.

“Hey.”

Bev jumped. “Denny, you frightened me.”

“Why?”

“I didn’t know you were there.”

“You weren’t supposed to. I did good.”

“Yes, now go away.”

“O.K.” Denny snickered shifting his eyes down and seeing how close her poking breasts were to him. Denny grinned. “Those are really big.”

“Yes.” Bev rolled her eyes.

“Do they hurt at all?”

“No!”

“Never?” Denny asked.

“Denny!”

“I would think that they would if they’re like stretching out your skin that much.” Denny pulled at his tee shirt. “See, my skin doesn’t stretch.”

“You’re a boy, your skin won’t stretch. Why are you so dumb?”

“Hey, I’m telling Robbie. He’s my big brother, you know.”

“I know. Go away.”

“I’m telling,” Denny said smugly, “and he’ll beat you up. He says I’m not dumb. I’m just sick-n-shaped, so there.” Denny stuck out his tongue then held his finger out and poked it into her breast.

“Hey!”

“Ha! Swelled. I knew it hurt.” Back on his stomach, he crawled away.

Bev looked so irritated. She reached down, scratched her leg, and shook her head. “Sick-n-shaped.” She scratched her back. “Sick-n-shaped? What the hell does that mean?” She was antsy as she scratched her arm. “Sick . . . oh.” She grumbled. “Ill-informed.” She let out an aggravated sigh and felt the awful itch grow into painful little stings. In horror she looked down as her hand reached to her leg where the itch was worse and saw multitudes of red ants crawling about her. She jumped up with a shriek and tripped over a large open can, Denny’s can. As she hit the ground she saw the ants crawling from there. Screaming and scratching and swiping the ants from her, Bev left the walk in and ran all the way home.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

Many photographs spread across Hal’s table in his apartment. He pulled his still long, wet hair into a ponytail as he sat down to look at the family pictures. The small wooden box he kept them in was open and empty near them. As his hand shuffled through pictures of him and his brothers, Hal smiled. From biggest to smallest they leaned against the long blue car of Joe’s. Frank was so tall and skinny, towering over Jimmy and Hal, and Robbie, so dirty, slumping and looking his ornery self at ten. Holding the picture, Hal looked up when he heard the knock at his door. “Come on in.”

Blue, the town doctor came in. “Captain, I need to speak to you. It’s important.”

“Come in.” Hal had a reminiscent smile on his face. “What’s up?”

“One of the men injured in the North Dakota raid with Sgt. Ryder has taken a turn for the worse. It was a minor injury”

“But you just said it was a minor injury.”

“The slice on his hand was infected when he came in. It’s much worse now. If we don’t do something about it he could die. His temperature is very high and his arm is swollen beyond belief.”

Hal dropped the picture. “That’s not good. All right…” He took a thinking breath. “Tell Sgt. Ryder to prepare an escort to take the man to Beginnings’ gate. He must be dropped off in the morning before security checks in at seven fifteen so have the man ready in a few hours.”

“Thank you. Shall I include my notes so they know what has happened?”

“That would be wise and give their doctors a head start.”

“I’ll do that. Thank you.” Before Blue left he noticed the pictures. “Are they yours?”

“Yes.” Hal held the one of him and his brothers by the car. “I’ve had these with me since I was stationed in Hawaii. I found these when I went to my dad’s house.”

Blue glanced at the picture. “Your brothers?”

“Yes, I was thirteen, my brother Frank, seventeen, Jimmy, he’s the one who looks like a nerd,” Hal chuckled, “fifteen. And Robbie . . . Robbie was ten.”

“You were the rebel then too I see.” Blue pointed. “The only one who didn’t have a shaved head?”

Hal snickered. “I had to be different. Of course, my father would have Frank sneak into my room after three hair cut warnings and shave my head.”

“That’s terrible.”

“That’s the Slagels.”

“Well, I must go prepare the man. Thank you again.”

“Not a problem.” Hal was deep in thought as he looked at the pictures again. He saw himself with the backwards baseball cap, his hair blonder and hitting to the bottom of his neck. He remembered when that picture was taken, two days before he woke up completely bald the next day. He remembered the car and, as he stared at the large vehicle, Hal’s mid flashed back to those days of being young and living with his bothers . . .

Flashback …

Frank, seventeen, looked so annoyed as he pulled the car up in the Big Giant Super Market parking lot. Jimmy sat quietly in the front seat, fiddling with his glasses that Hal kept reaching up from the back seat and knocking off of him.

“Robbie!” Frank blasted. “Knock off the spit balls.” Frank reached his hand to the windshield and cleared the paper wads stuck there. “All right.” He turned the car off. “Everyone has their list.”

Jimmy looked at his. “Frank, wouldn’t it have been easier to assign us aisles instead of tearing the list in four.”

“No. Shut up,” Frank snapped and looked in the mirror. “Hal, shut up too.”

“I didn’t say anything. Hey Frank, you’re like the coolest taking us for a ride in Dad’s car. Can we go looking for girls later?”

Robbie laughed, “If Frank’s with you, you’ll never find a girl.”

“Robbie,” Frank said his name irritated, “keep it up and you’ll shop with me and I’ll hold your hand in the store.”

“People think you’re my Dad anyhow,” Robbie said. “You look old.”

Hal gasped. “How can he look like your dad, asshole? He has pimples.”

“Hey!” Frank opened his door. “Let’s go. Don’t get in trouble or I’ll kick your asses when we get home.”

At that point, the others shivered dramatically and verbally faked their fright.

Frank rolled his eyes at them and stepped from the car.

Hal had ten items to get. He figured he could carry them all. He didn’t want to look as weird as Frank did carrying that basket around. So, with the soap smashing the bread in his arms, Hal moved to the cookie aisle. He stopped. By the cookies were the little cheap toys and by those toys was Robbie. With no groceries, Robbie stood there. Hal knew he was up to something, so Hal stepped back and watched. Sure enough after Robbie peeked around the bend, he slid a packaged racing car into his shirt and zipped up his jacket. Hal smiled and walked away. He found Customer Service at the front of the store and tapped his hand on the counter until the old woman behind the counter acknowledged him.

“Can I help you?” she said.

“Yes, I’m a concerned shopper. May I speak to a manager please?”

His name was printed bold on the name tag. Conrad. His hair was slick and his glasses as thick as Jimmy’s. He heard this. “Young man, what can I do for you?”

“Seeing how I was raised properly and how I am conscious of how theft affects prices, I want to make you aware of a shoplifter.”

Conrad shook his head. “I haven’t time for games.”

“I’m not playing,” Hal said, “really. I’ll show you. It’s a little boy alone in the store. Man, where are his parents.”

“If you make me chase around for nothing, I will call your parents.”

“O.K.” Hal agreed. “But if I’m right can I have a free Hershey bar?”

“If you’re right.” Conrad walked from behind the counter.

Hal led him around the store until he spotted Robbie. “There. See, you can see it sticking out of his coat.”

“I’ll check this out,” Conrad said.

Hal, wanting to watch, stayed from view and watched the manager approach Robbie. He saw Conrad pat Robbie’s chest and grab the toy. Just as Conrad took Robbie’s arm, Frank came around the bend. Hal laughed.

“Hey!” Frank yelled at the manager and saw Robbie crying. “Get your hands off my brother!” Frank grabbed Conrad’s hand, removed it from Robbie, and then took Robbie’s hand.

“He’s a thief.”

“Oh bullshit.” Frank started to walk with Robbie. He wasn’t a but few steps down the aisle when the manager came after him, physically stopping Frank.

“Sir.” He yanked Frank around holding tightly to Frank’s arm.

Frank didn’t mean to, but when he pulled away, he pulled Conrad with him. The manager jerked and fell into the shelf, knocking boxes to the floor. Not ten seconds into Frank’s second attempt at getting away, two security guards showed up and grabbed Frank.

“Hey!” Hal shouted when he watched them give Frank a hard time, “That’s my brother!” Hal raced down the aisle, leaping onto the back of one of the guards. “Get off!” Hal fought.

“Hey!” Jimmy’s voice was heard.

Before Hal knew it, Jimmy had joined the battle. The manager, caught underneath, screamed. Frank was still on his feet. One guard was on his back with Hal and the other pulled at Frank’s arm with Jimmy on his back. Robbie, after placing the toy back in his jacket, proceeded to continuously kick any leg that didn’t belong to his brothers.

“Dad is gonna kill us,” Jimmy said as he and his brothers sat in the manager’s office.

Robbie looked up to Frank. “Sorry.”

“What the hell were you doing stealing?” Frank snapped. “Hal! Why did you turn him in?”

“It was wrong,” Hal stated.

“You should have told me. Fuck, Dad is gonna be so mad.”

Conrad entered into the office. “I have news for you boys, bad news.”

Jimmy lifted a book from the manager’s desk. “Is this yours? I want to read this. Is it any good?”

Frank and Hal shouted. “Jimmy!”

Jimmy put the book down. “Sorry. Go on.”

Conrad huffed. “Your mother was here and then she left. She said she washed her hands of you.”

Frank looked oddly. “Our mother? Do we have a mother?”

Hal rolled his eyes. “Ruth.”

“Did Dad marry her?” Frank asked.

Jimmy spoke irritated, “Yes, three weeks ago, remember. They went to Vegas.”

“No,” Frank argued, “they didn’t get married. I don’t think they did.”

“Yes they did, asshole,” Hal yelled. “You went to that Junior ROTC shit and didn’t even ask who she was when you got back.”

“I knew who she was,” Frank said, “but I didn’t think Dad would marry her. Shit.” Frank tossed his hands up. “Do we like her?”

Jimmy shrugged. “If we did, it doesn’t matter now. I think we scared another one away.”

Frank fluttered his lips. “She wasn’t around that long anyhow, was she?”

“Frank!” Hal shouted. “She’s been around three months. God, you dumb!”

Having had enough of his head going from Slagel boy to Slagel boy like some sort of tennis match, Conrad shouted to silence them. “Boys! Are you not concerned? This woman refused to get you out of trouble. I have to call the authorities unless you give me your father’s number. Are you ready to tell me his work number yet?”

There was silence then Robbie spoke up. “Tell him, Frank. I wanna go home. Speed Racer is on.”

“Yeah,” Hal said. “Speed Racer is coming on.”

“The library closes soon,” Jimmy added.

Frank thought about it. “Is there any other way?” he asked. “Please? How about I come in here and work for free this weekend. Just don’t call our dad.”

Conrad looked at the boys. “You’ll work for free?”

“Yes, just don’t call him. All right, and Jimmy will work too,” Frank told him.

“Please mister,” Hal stated, “he’ll kill us. He really will. There was a fifth brother at one time and we still don’t know what happened to him.”

The manager stared at the boys long and hard, while running his hand over his slicked hair again and again . . .

End of Flashback …

Hal dropped the picture. He still didn’t know how they got out of that mess. Frank only had to work one day collecting carts. They also never told their father they knew the reason that Ruth suddenly disappeared. They stuck together back then. They might have fought a lot but they stuck together. There were a lot of scrapes like that, but those situations were memories Hal never wanted to lose. What Hal wouldn’t give at that moment, to live through one of those messes all over again.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Dean pulled Ellen’s hair from the collar of her sweatshirt. He smiled, closed mouthed, at her as they stood in her room. Dean saw Ellen ready to say something. “No, don’t. Stay warm. O.K.?”

“Is it cold out?”

“Nope, but you’re sitting outside and I want you to be warm. Promise me, if you get tired or cold, you’ll come in.”

“I promise you.”

Dean grabbed her hand and led her back to the bed. “Try to finish eating before you leave.” He placed his hand on her shoulder and gently pushed her down to sit. “I cooked this for you.”

Ellen smiled as she looked at the pizza. “Jenny’s recipe? Good job.”

“Yeah, I did do well.” Dean grinned and sat down with her. “I have to tell you, El, I’m a little jealous.”

“Why?” Ellen picked at the pizza.

“Because Robbie was able to convince you to go outside and I couldn’t even convince you to walk in the hall.”

“Dean, Robbie has this Slagel thing going for him. He plays on that control button that they all can push.”

“Like Frank?”

Ellen suddenly looked at Dean.

“Forget I said that.”

“He also…I made a deal with him. I said if I felt O.K., I wanted to fly to the farm with him.”

“You what?” Dean was shocked to hear her say that. “Ellen, as your doctor, I’m not sure I can allow that. I don’t know how good going back there will be for you.”

“Sitting here wondering if they got Frank or if his body is lying in the field isn’t good for me either. Besides, I know he’s not there, so there isn’t going to be anything there that will affect me.”

“What about just going there? The sight of it could trigger something in you.”

“I hope it does, because I don’t remember much about what happened in the field especially after Frank was shot. Everything is blurry.”

“You want to remember?” Dean asked.

“I’m strong enough to remember. I know I showed weakness by slipping into…”

“El,” Dean stopped her, “that wasn’t weakness. That was your body shutting down and saying enough. If you were weak, you wouldn’t have come out of it.”

“I won’t go back either. If Joe says Robbie can take me, will you, as my doctor, let me go?”

Dean didn’t say anything.

“Please?”

“Let’s see how tonight goes, O.K.?” Dean leaned forward to her then pulled back. “How are you feeling?”

“Why did you do that? I’m fine, sore but fine.”

“Do what?”

“You looked like you were going to kiss me and you stopped.”

“Yeah, I did,” Dean answered solemnly. “I’m sorry. I’m just afraid I’m crossing a line with you.”

“Crossing a line?” Ellen leaned to him. “Kiss me. I need you to, O.K.?”

Dean slipped his hand behind her neck and pulled Ellen to him. Slowly he separated her lips with his and kissed her softly. “I missed you.”

“I missed you.” Ellen kissed him again. “When can I go home? I want to go home.”

Dean blinked several times. “Um…I haven’t thought about it. Maybe in a few days?”

“Why?”

“You’re still hurt, El.”

“I’m a nurse. I know the warning signs. I want to go home.”

“O.K.” Dean laid his hand on her bent knee. “How about I talk to Henry tomorrow and…”

“What does Henry have to do with it?”

“You were living there when you left.”

“I was living there for a reason. My home is with you and the kids. I want to go home to my home. And…” her voice softened, “when I left, I left in the middle of us dealing with a very tragic time in our lives.” She watched Dean’s head drop. “How are you? How have you been with it?”

“I’m there. That’s all I can say.” Dean shrugged. “I miss Brian. I miss him so much.”

Ellen shivered “I do too.”

“It’s lonely at times because he was the one who would always get up in the middle of the night.”

“Interrupting when he shouldn’t be?”

“Or when he should.” Dean smiled. “Like when I knew you weren’t in the mood.”

“When have I ever not been in the mood?”

Dean gave a subtle smile. “How about when I would leave bubbles on the soap?”

Ellen laughed then turned serious. “We need to deal with this, Dean. We need to talk about him, laugh about him, and miss him together. I want to do that with you.”

“I’d love do that with you. We will when you come home. Every night we’ll set aside time, O.K.?”

“When will that be? Why can’t I come home tonight?”

“Tonight?”

“Tomorrow?”

“Um.” Dean was stumbling. More than anything he wanted Ellen home, but he wanted her to step into her new home. The old one was a mess and the new one wasn’t ready enough to surprise her. Since she didn’t remember his news about the house, Dean wanted it to be a surprise. “El…”

“You don’t want me home?”

“Yeah. I mean no, I mean yeah I do. You just aren’t well enough.”

“You’re a doctor, Dean. You don’t think I’m in capable hands with you?”

“Well.”

“What did I do?”

“Huh?” Dean scratched his head wondering where that came from.

“You’re stalling. Why can’t I come home?”

“Truth?”

“When do you deliver less?”

“All right.” Dean took a breath. “I want you home. I’d love to have you home, but . . . I have a surprise that has to do with the house and it isn’t ready yet.”

“You’re keeping me in the clinic because of your surprise?”

“No, you aren’t well enough yet.

“I hate the clinic, Dean.” Ellen folded her arms. “I hate it here. What could go so wrong with me that help from you is that far away?”

“Nothing. You’re right. I just wasn’t expecting you to be well enough to leave. Or ask to leave, before the surprise was done.” Dean took a moment. “If you’re doing well tomorrow, I’ll give the O.K. for you to leave tomorrow afternoon. This is the doctor talking and it has nothing to do with my surprise. I just want thirty-six hours observation and I want to see how you physically handle going out tonight. Deal?”

“Deal. Then I come home?”

“No, then you stay with Henry. He’s close enough to me and Andrea. Stay with Henry until Sunday. Do this for me because I want to do this for you.”

“All right, only because it’s a surprise for me. Will I like it, Dean?”

“I hope so.”

“Tell me what it is.”

“No, in two days you’ll know.”

“All right.” Ellen’s eyes shifted, her face lit up, and she smiled.

Dean, with oddity, noticed the look on her face. He turned his head to see where she was staring. Robbie had walked in. “Robbie.”

“Hey Dean, El.” Robbie moved further in. He winked at Ellen. “Ready? I’ve got everything all prepared.”

“Prepared?” Ellen asked.

“It’s a surprise.” Robbie told her.

“Another one? Boy, I should get kidnapped and beat up more often.”

Robbie looked in question. “Who else is surprising you?”

“Dean.”

Robbie rolled his eyes. “Oh, well you’d better find out about mine first, because it won’t mean shit after Dean’s.”

Quickly Ellen looked at Dean. “Really?”

Dean smiled and raised his eyebrows. He took a breath. “You’d better be going.”

“Yes.” Ellen stood up slowly. She took Robbie’s hand as he held it out to her. “Robbie, can I have a hint?”

“Think back is your hint.”

“Think back.” Ellen moved slowly across the room and stopped. “Dean, will I see you later?”

Thinking, Dean stood up and walked to her. “I’m gonna try. I want to, but Henry is babysitting and you know how that can get. I also have a lot of work to finish here and for the surprise.” Dean saw her expression turn to a disappointed one. “I’ll try. Besides, Robbie is gonna make you forget about everything tonight.” Dean smiled as he tried to joke with her. “Including me.” Dean kissed her. “Try to think of nothing but the movie. Just relax, O.K.?”

Ellen nodded, gave a scared look to Dean and squeezed Robbie’s hand more as she walked from her room with him.

Dean watched. He knew Ellen’s apprehension about leaving her sanctity of the room, but he also knew the determination she had and her awareness  that if she wanted to do more and leave the clinic, she had to take that first step. Dean watched her take that first step, not with him as he wanted, but with Robbie. Though Dean joked, or tried to, when he said Robbie would make her forget about him, there may have been some truth to that statement. Since Frank was gone, Robbie was an easy substitute, too easy. With Ellen as emotionally fragile as she was, she could easily, in a search for Frank, discover Robbie and the prospect of that frightened Dean more than he cared to admit.

^^^^

Even though it was called a ‘walk-in’, Robbie drove Ellen to it. It was not that far from the clinic but he wanted to capture the true effect. Of course, he had to park the Jeep behind the back of the projection unit.

Ellen stepped from the Jeep, looking at all those who gathered in the grass. “Must be the whole community.”

“Just about. But…” Robbie said, “our spot is reserved.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yep. The guys in the band claimed it last week.” Robbie grabbed her hand and walked with her to the same spot Robbie and the band took over the week before.

“Where’s the music coming from?” Ellen asked.

“Danny set up huge PA speakers.” Robbie felt Ellen slow down. “What’s wrong?”

Ellen saw the two lounge lawn chairs set up by Paul, Denny, and James. There was a small cooler and a blanket lying on the bottom of one chair. “Think back.”

“What was that?” Robbie asked.

“You told me my hint was to think back. You obviously did.”

Robbie smiled and they moved closer to the set up. He and Ellen said their hellos to the guys and laughed at Denny who sat excitedly waiting for the movie to start.

“I can’t believe you remembered.” Ellen looked at the chairs. “We used to line them up in front of the car. How did you get all this stuff ready? I thought you were busy today.”

“I was. I have to give credit where credit is due even though I’d like to give myself credit. Danny got the things for me. He is the resourceful guy. Everyone calls him that now. Especially after he got the…” Robbie hesitated. He didn’t want the word ‘houses’ to come out. “He got the… uh…the flu.”

“Danny’s called the resourceful guys ever since he had the flu? He got sick again?”

“Yep. Speaking of resourceful guys,” Robbie nodded his head to Danny who walked apprehensively to them.

Ellen grinned at him. “Danny!”

“Hey El.” He let out a ‘whew’ breath and embraced her. “I didn’t want to intrude but I wanted to say I missed you.”

“Thanks. I thought I would have seen you today.”

“I’m sorry.” Danny said. “I was so busy with the…” He saw Robbie shake his head. “With the uh…”

Robbie cleared his throat. “Flu.”

“Yeah, flu.” Danny shook his head and coughed. “Anyhow, the…flu kept me busy and then Robbie asked me to be the resourceful guy. They call me Mr. Resourceful now, El. I figured I’d see you here and I did. I’ll leave you alone now.”

“Why?” Ellen asked. “Join us. Paul and the rest are here so sit with us. There’s nothing like going to the drive in with a group of people.”

“Thanks.” Danny looked at Robbie. “Is it O.K.?”

“Knock yourself out.” Robbie pointed to the grass.

“Thanks. I’ll be right back” Danny darted off.

“Ready to take your seat, El?” Robbie motioned his hand to the chair. “Trish is kind of anal about starting on time.”

“Can we sit together?” Ellen asked. “I would like that.”

“So would I.”  Robbie sat on the lounge chair first, grabbed the blanket and set it on the ground near him so he could get it easily. Ellen sat between his legs, resting her back against his chest. “El,” he spoke near her ear, “I have to tell you.” He had a bit of a laugh to his voice. “When I was a kid, I used to want to sit like this with you but I knew there were reasons that would never happen. One, I was a kid. Two, I would never do it. I’d embarrass myself. Man, did I get erections all the time back then.”

Ellen started to laugh. “Back then?”

“Hey.” Robbie nudged her.

“Robbie, please. You’re a Slagel. I wouldn’t have noticed.”

“Hey.” He felt Ellen’s body shake in her laughing.

“Thanks for making a joke. I want you to smile because I need you to know everything is gonna be fine, especially about Frank. Trust me, I feel it.”

“I do to.”

“If you get cold . . .”

“I’ll let you know.”

Robbie laid his arm across her shoulder, pulled her back and felt her relax against him. Then he felt her tense up and sit up more. “What’s wrong? El, I swear I’m in control here.”

“No, look at Johnny.” Ellen pointed with her head at Johnny who waved and walked toward them. “Oh God, he does look like his father.”

“Yeah he does. El, do you think he’s like Frank?”

“In a lot of ways, yes, but he hasn’t developed Frank’s strength yet. That Slagel thing. Of course, if I remember correctly, you didn’t have the Slagel strength yet at his age either.”

“No, I didn’t and neither did Jimmy.” Robbie snickered. “It didn’t take me long.”

Johnny arrived and plopped down in the empty lounge chair. “Hey El. Uncle Robbie.” He got comfortable. “Thanks for the chair.” He reached over and rubbed Denny’s hair. “Do you guys mind?”

Ellen shook her head. She noticed Danny rushing back over with a huge bowl of popcorn in his arms. He sat at Ellen’s and Robbie’s feet.

Trish took her Master of Ceremony stance. “If everyone’s ready, tonight’s adult movie is a fine comedy.” She cleared her throat for the description. “In a post-apocalyptic world, ravaged by plague…”

She didn’t get a chance to finish as Danny hooted and Paul cheered.

Paul reached over Johnny and extended a ‘high five’ to Robbie. “Yes! The Stand.”

Robbie grew excited. “I laughed my ass off.”

Trish was perturbed. “It’s not The Stand.” She tsked. “It’s a comedy classic called The Omega Man. It stars Charlton Heston as the hero, Robert Neville, the last man on earth battling Mathias’ plague ravaged people who walk around like zombies. Enjoy.” She clapped her hands together and in a perky skip, hurried back to the projection unit.

Denny looked at Johnny. “What’s a zombie?”

“Walking dead,” Johnny answered.

“Whoa.” Denny scratched his head. “Dead plague people battle this hero guy?”

Robbie heard this. “They aren’t dead. I’ve seen this movie. They just look dead. It’s what the plague did to them.”

“So they aren’t dead?” Denny asked.

“No,” Johnny answered.

“So why did Trish say they were walking dead.”

“I think she was using it as a reference,” Johnny tried to explain.

“Do they feel dead?” Denny asked.

“No.” Johnny was a bit irritated. “They just…they look that way. It’s what the plague did to them, right Uncle Robbie?”

“Yes. The plague killed most people. The Neville guy is immune, like us, but some people didn’t die. They just got all disgusting looking.”

Denny looked horrified. “What if I’m not immune and I get disgusting looking.”

Johnny ran his hand across his goatee in such a Frank manner. “Denny, just watch the movie.”

There was nothing for the people of Beginnings quite like watching an end of a world movie. They always found so much pleasure in it no matter how serious the movie was in its time. The moment The Omega Man video started and its 1970's grainy, picture came on, the cheers began. They only grew louder and stronger when, in the opening scene, Neville stopped his convertible and fired his machine gun aimlessly--in a Hollywood induced high speed--at the zombies.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

The moon was bright that evening and the weather so perfect, it seemed all the men of Bowman took advantage of it. Hal walked near the small park just east of town, a place where a lot of the men went to for relaxation in the evening. A single generator, using gasoline they scavenged, powered the spot lights for evening games of basketball.

Hal stopped and sat down on the bench by the courts, watching the two teams of four play. The bouncing of the ball and laughter was so old world. Hal loved it. He had been in a reminiscing stage and didn’t know why. It was evident to him because, with each bounce of the ball against the concrete, Hal’s heart beat and brought back strong feelings of many years before.

Watching them play, he could see his big brother Frank shooting in the driveway of their house. He was so tall and so much bigger. There was something about having a big brother that Hal hated and loved. He guessed that was the feeling of every kid, but Frank was a tough big brother. He always tried to act cool when he couldn’t be, mean when he wasn’t, but he did do something Hal envied. Everything Frank did, he did well unless it had to do with actual school work. Every other Slagel had that advantage over him, no matter how young they were.

Bounce-bounce. The bang of the hoops’ back board. The metal clank of the rim, and the swish of the net.

“Come on Frank, let me and Robbie play.” Hal heard his twelve year old voice.

“Nope. You’re too little.”

“So, let us play with you.”

Then he heard Robbie’s voice in his mind, sounding so young. “We don’t want to play with him. He sucks at it.”

Hal remembered how they’d pester Frank, but Jimmy never would. Anything physical Jimmy did was strictly under protest.

“We’ll tell Dad.” Hal wouldn’t let it lie.

“Tell Dad.”

“We’ll get you in trouble.”

“For what?” Frank’s tone was sarcastic.

CRASH!

Hal laughed as he thought about it. Maybe throwing that rock wasn’t the best idea he and Robbie had. It broke the garage door window and they said Frank did it with the ball. They had to run from him for four blocks. Frank never did catch them. Their father was on his way home from work and picked them up. Frank didn’t get in the car, and that was his mistake. Hal and Robbie proceeded to tell Joe they were running from Frank because they threatened to tell on him for breaking the window. Frank got in trouble. Frank ended up being a better big brother than they gave him credit. He never argued the punishment. He just took it. He had to work off the price of the window with extra chores. Hal always thought Frank would pay him back for that but he didn’t.

Somehow in that moment, the memory suddenly left him, pummeled away, and smacked out of his head.  The loud ‘heads up, Captain’ somehow wasn’t quick enough to pull him from that flashback in enough time to react to the basketball sailing his way.

Thump!

Hal’s head jolted to the left from the mighty smack of the ball. He watched the basketball bounce and roll away and then saw the shoes of the person chasing it. Hal looked up in irritation as he rubbed his stinging head.

Craig grabbed the ball, snickering. “Sorry. We yelled.”

Hal grumbled in such a Slagel way, deciding at that moment, if Craig was playing basketball, he would certainly be a target. Hal got up and moved on, taking his memories along with him.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana.

It took longer than Dean expected to clean the dust from new couch and that Bed-in-a-Bag that Danny grabbed him from K-mart was nearly impossible to figure out. It baffled him how something so simple as a comforter, sheet, and bed skirt could be so difficult for a man of science. Dean finished a lot that night, even in the dark modular home. He used candles because he wanted to get it ready. He had too. He wanted Ellen home. Even though it was later than he told Henry he would be, Dean made a special trip to the ‘walk-in’ to check on Ellen. He could hear the laughter along with the loud comments about bad shirts and wasted shots as he neared.

Dean didn’t make it too far into the ‘walk-in’. He stopped when saw Ellen sitting comfortably with Robbie. It bothered him seeing her like that. With Ellen going through all that she was, Dean, knowing it would be hard for him to hide his feelings, decided she didn’t need his insecurities on her mind as well. Dean simply turned around, put his hands in his pockets, and feeling lost, walked back home.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

September 6

Beginnings, Montana

Henry’s head swayed slowly back to look out the window at the rain that blasted against the pane. “Damn.” He returned to the dining room table, leaning over it with Danny. A laptop computer sat on Dean’s dining room table. Wires protruded from it. The first floor was dimly lit in those early morning hours while thunder and lightning added a science fiction feel as they worked.

The thunder roared.

Danny had hooked up to the laptop what looked like a voltage detector. “This weather makes me feel like doctor Frankenstein.” He handed it to Henry. “Point away.”

“It isn’t going to work.”

“Trust me.” Danny clicked on the keyboard. “Point away.”

“Danny, your power supply isn’t channeled right. You, of all people, know this. There is much juice headed to the laptop.”

“Henry, I of all people, do know. Get ready.”

“They aren’t meant to take that much power. Didn’t you learn?”

“Yeah.” Danny nodded. “I adjusted it. I think I have it right this time.”

“All right.” Henry shrugged and grabbed the ‘on’ switch. “But as soon as I do this…” He flicked it on and when he did a loud buzzing occurred, followed by a crack. Henry dropped what he held. “…that will happen.” He waved the smoke that came from the laptop.

“Shit.”

“Told you.”

“I stand corrected.” Danny put on gloves and disconnected everything from the laptop. He grabbed the small fire extinguisher, lifted the laptop, tossed the computer in a huge box with five or six others, and blasted it with the extinguisher. “We have one more.” He pulled another laptop over. “After this we have to go to storage.”

“How many did you swipe?” Henry asked.

“Enough. They’re all over the place out there. O.K.” Danny flipped the lid to the laptop. “Let’s try this again.”

Dean smelled smoke when he reached the first floor of his house. He saw the reason for the hazy appearance in his house when he looked at Danny and Henry at his dining room table. “Are you two still working on the same thing or did Danny come back?”

Henry looked up. “Hey Dean, I don’t know. What time is it?”

“Look at your watch, Henry.” Dean told him.

“I can’t.” Henry tapped the face of his watched. “It got zapped. I have one a.m.”

Dean held up his own wrist. “I have five-forty-five a.m.”

Danny’s eyes widened. “Shit. Wow. O.K., we might as well keep going.”

“Might as well,” Henry agreed. “I’m here till ten anyhow. Is that how long you’ll be Dean? Ten? I have things I have to do.”

“So do I, Henry. Until Ellen is on her feet, you’re the babysitter on Saturdays. After all, one of the five living here is yours.”

“There’s always a price to pay,” Henry said. “Oh hey, Dean?” Henry called out to him, stopping Dean as he left. “Are you letting El come home with me tonight?”

“Let’s see how she’s doing today after her little outing.” Dean opened his front door. “Henry don’t forget to feed the kids this morning.”

“O.K.” Henry answered as he held a wire for Danny. He looked up when he heard the door close. “What did he just say?”

“Haven’t a clue,” Danny answered as he reached for a tool. “Let’s just finish this.”

“Damn it.” Dean cringed as the rain fell harder on him. He ran as fast as he could from the edge of the living section through town and to the clinic. His tennis shoes squeaked as he walked into the quiet halls. Dean shook his head, flinging his growing hair like a dog to shuck the massive amount of water that adhered to his head. He walked down the hall, flinging the wetness from his arms and shaking a forming chill.

Running his fingers through his hair to straighten it, he turned into Ellen’s room and stopped cold with a loud squeal of his shoes. The bed was made and there was no IV pole along with no Ellen. He stepped backwards to make sure in his mindless walk he didn’t wander into the wrong room. He didn’t. Shocked, he turned around and saw Patrick crossing the corridor at the other end. Dean raced up to him.

“Patrick.”

“Oh hi Dean.” Patrick carried a chart and walked to the nurses’ station. “We had a break in temperature in four of the pneumonia cases.”

“Good. Patrick, where is Ellen.”

Patrick looked up from his chart. “I thought you knew.”

“Knew what?” Dean asked.

“She didn’t return last night.”

“Where the hell is she?” Dean asked almost panicked.

“She um . . .” Patrick grabbed another chart. “She stayed with Robbie.”

Dean’s heart sunk and a twinge of anger hit him. Rain or not, Dean left the clinic. He knew where he had to go.

^^^^

Joe had the maps folded as much as he could so as not to take up most of the space on Robbie’s dining room table. He smoked a cigarette and occasionally picked up his coffee. He held a pen in his hand and jotted down figures on a piece of paper. “How long again, Ellen?”

Ellen sat catty-corner to Joe, a cup of coffee before her. “A couple hours maybe, no it was longer than that. We rode at a slow steady pace.”

Joe wrote down some more numbers. “It’s not making any sense.” He looked up when he heard a plate set down and smelled eggs. He watched Robbie place breakfast in front of Ellen. “Being awfully nice aren’t you?” He asked Robbie.

“Yep.” Robbie took another hit of the cigarette he smoked then put it out. “You want some, Dad?”

“Nah, coffee’s fine.” Joe stared at the maps.

Robbie returned with a plate of eggs and sat down. “I’m starved this morning. I hate doing rounds hungry.”

Joe took a sip of his coffee. “I need you to think for a second, Ellen. Do you remember when you traveled, about what time of day, and where the sun was?”

“When we headed to the farm it was morning, maybe late morning. I do remember about the sun.”

“You do?” Joe seemed surprised.

“Yes, because it seemed to follow us.” Ellen said. “It was hot.”

“So you came from the east.”

“That’s what the cavalry said.” Ellen took a bite of her eggs and actually moaned as she chewed. “Oh my God, are these good. Look at the tiny chopped up vegetables.” She took another bite. “Oh Joe, you should have some.”

Joe looked at her plate. “They do look good.” He reached over and grabbed the fork from her hand, took a fork-full of eggs and ate them. “They are good, really good.” He gave Ellen back her fork and returned to his maps. “Robbie, I’m impressed.”

“Thanks, but I didn’t make them,” Robbie said, “Jess did. He knew Ellen stayed here last night and he made them when he came home from his shift this morning. He said just heat them up.”

Ellen ran her fork through the food. “Look at the work. He did this after walking a beat before he went to bed.”

“No.” Robbie shook his head. “He has all kinds of things chopped up in the fridge. El…he cooks all the time. I never have to cook. He cooks good, too. He also cleans.”

Joe peered up from his map over his glasses. After briefly looking at Robbie he went back to his maps.

“I feel bad,” Robbie spoke. “Andrea isn’t feeding me as much.”

“I don’t.” Joe grumbled through his mapping.

Ellen smiled. “Joe’s happy someone else is taking care of you.”

Joe looked up again, snickered, and returned to his maps.

“Was Jess married Robbie?” Ellen asked. “I bet he was. Someone trained him well.” She ate some more. “These are so good and the house is so neat.”

“It is,” Robbie replied “He wasn’t married but he told me he lived with someone for eight years. He’s a neat freak.”

“Wow,” Ellen commented. “You guys are like Felix and Oscar of the Odd Couple.”

Robbie chuckled. “Yeah we are only we actually get along great.”

Joe laughed and stood up. “I think I’ll have some of those eggs.”

“What’s so funny Joe?” Ellen asked.

“Oh nothing, ignore me.” Joe walked to the kitchen. “The Odd Couple comment made me think back to the show, that’s all. Good show.”

Ellen watched Joe in the kitchen dishing up eggs. “Your Dad can be so…” She stopped speaking. When she turned to look back at Robbie, Ellen saw Dean, soaking wet, walking into the house. “Oh boy.”

Robbie didn’t see what the problem was. “El, it’s Dean. Please.” He stood up. “Hey Dean. Want some . . .”

“El.” Dean walked closer. “What . . . what are you doing?”

“Eating.” Ellen plunged her fork into her eggs.

“No, you know exactly what I am talking about. You’re here. Why…?”

“Morning Dean.” Joe came from the kitchen. “Eggs? Jess made them.”

Dean shook his head. He controlled himself because he felt his thoughts slipping out, thoughts of being out numbered. Thoughts of Frank or no Frank, the Slagels had Ellen and always would but he didn’t want that part of his anger to come out. “El, you promised me thirty-six hours of observation. You can’t be running around. You just came out of the shock twenty-four hours ago.”

Joe really didn’t think anything of it. “Dean, it’s all right. I wouldn’t have let her stay here if my wife didn’t give the O.K. Andrea came over three times last night to make sure she was fine.”

“Andrea O.K.’d it?” Dean asked.

“Yes,” Joe began to eat. “Ellen refused to go back. I tried to get her to go. Robbie tried also so Andrea handled it.”

“I see.” Dean nodded. “O.K.” Dean held up his hand. “As long as you’re fine El.” He turned around and moved back to the door. “I have to get to the clinic.”

Ellen stood up slowly. “Dean, wait. Please.” she moved with caution from the table, limping slightly as she walked to him. She looked back at Robbie and Joe and pulled Dean further to the door whispering. ”Don’t be mad at me.”

“I’m not mad. I was concerned. Obviously you don’t care about your health.

“I care about my health and my mental health. Being at that clinic bothers me.”

Dean scoffed facially to her. “Right.”

“You’re mad.”

“I’m not mad.”

“I know you are. I can feel it.”

Dean checked out Joe and Robbie who tried to act like they weren’t watching. He kept his voice low. “All right, I am mad but I’m not worrying about it. You’re fine. You obviously know what you need both medically and emotionally and you have it. That’s what counts. You are getting though this. I have to go. I only have four hours at the clinic.” He grabbed the door. “Bye Joe. Robbie.”

Ellen stood by the door as Dean left. She went back to her eggs acting as if nothing bothered her and as if everything were fine. The truth was, it did bother her and her gut told her all was not fine.

^^^^

Nashville, Tennessee

Eight Society soldiers stepped from the train into the station ahead of George. George hated the train ride because it was slow. They had to stop several times because the conductor got confused about everything except blowing the whistle. George looked irritated when he was approached by one of his leaders in Tennessee, Captain Anvers.

“Captain.”

“President Hadley.” Captain Anvers saluted and brought forward a man in his fifties wearing a blue workman’s outfit. “Sir, I would like you to meet Owen Wells. He is the man responsible for getting the underground phone lines up and running in this region.”

George shook his hand. “Owen, excellent job. I don’t understand why we aren’t traced up by the tracking system in Beginnings.”

“Simple, sir,” Owen explained. “We’re using the old underground lines. Nothing is bouncing off the satellite and the tracking picks up from the satellite. The old lines are safe from the tracking where cell phones and radios are not.”

“Just what I wanted to hear.” George began to walk with Captain Anvers and Owen. “Tell me, did Captain Anvers here speak to you about running the lines through other cities.”

“I’m still working on that, but I don’t see why we can’t get the lines up in running at least in the cities The Society operates. I would need the man power then I would have to train them and reprogram the phone lines. It could be months or longer.”

“I understand. I’m in town for a day. After I’ve rested I expect to see you with a full break down and report.”

“Yes sir.”

George let Captain Anvers lead the way to the awaiting Jeep that would take him to the main set up. George needed his communications back, communication that could not be detected by Beginnings. The only problem George had was that his means of communication overseas would be detected. With his overseas expedition scheduled to start soon, it looked as though he was going to have to go into that blindly and have little communication with the outgoing ship. He felt going blindly was better than not going at all.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Henry raced into the tracking room in from the rain. He shook the water from him as he set down his tool bag. He looked at Mark who monitored the SUT tracking system. “What’s up, Mark? I’m supposed to be babysitting.”

“We lost the front gate tracking.”

“We what?” Henry flung the rain off of him and moved closer to the dead screen. “How long ago?”

“Just when I called you,” Mark said. “Ten minutes maybe.”

“Could be the rain. That wind is pretty bad out there. All right, let me check in here to make sure it’s not the power or anything internal. We drain a lot of power here and the storm may have an effect on it. Do me a favor and call Danny.” Henry opened his tool bag. “This is more his baby than mine. I could waste a lot of time.”

“Danny’s working on the houses.”

Henry pulled out the table the monitors set on. “I think this is a little more important.”

“I’ll call Danny.” Mark picked up the phone.

^^^^

Bright and chipper, Andrea walked into Dean’s lab. She held the small note Dean had left her and knocked once on the archway. “Morning, Dean. You wanted to see me?”

Dean turned from his work. “Yeah, close the door.”

“Must be important.” Andrea reached back and closed the door. “What’s going on?”

“I need to know where you get off.” Dean walked to her.

“Excuse me.” Andrea blinked. She was taken aback by his hostile tone.

“Where do you get off? Ellen is my patient, not yours.”

“What did…?”

“You have no right what-so-ever to release her from the clinic without my knowledge.” Dean’s hand slammed on the counter.

“First off!” Andrea raised her voice, “do not dare take that tone with me!”

“Don’t you dare take control of my patients.”

“It was Ellen!”

“Yes it was!” Dean shouted back, “and you just assumed it was fine for her to not return.”

“I checked on her all night.” Andrea spoke loudly and defensively. “She was in capable hands. She wasn’t alone. She was with . . .” Andrea cleared her throat. “I see.”

“You see what?”

“This has nothing to do with the fact I gave the O.K. for her not to return, does it?”

“Yes it does.”

“Oh horse shit.” Andrea moved to the door and opened it. “When you calm your little ass down, we will talk. If you want to discuss this on a professional level, we will, but I will not be victim to your petty jealousy because she stayed with Robbie Slagel.” Andrea pointed with her bobbing head. “That is where your anger lies and why you are blasting my judgment. Get over it Dean. Get over it now or you’ll be in for a miserable time ahead.” Andrea stormed out.

As the door slammed loudly so did Dean’s hand again on the counter, this time sending a rack of tubes crashing over and breaking. “Shit.” Reaching for them, Dean stopped and ran his hand down his face, desperately trying to get his anger back in control.

^^^^

The rain had stopped. Robbie laughed as he spoke into his headset, walking the pathway back to his Jeep. “No way. The chief can not be involved in the Neville nominations. He’s too old.”

“Right.” Steve the tower guard came back sarcastically. “How old do you think Charlton Heston was?”

“Not that old.” Robbie laughed, “Besides, I’m Neville.”

Steve’s joking tone changed. “Whoa . . . hold up. Which way you headed?”

“Why?” Robbie asked. “To my Jeep.”

“There’s someone at the back gate.”

“One of Mathias’ men? Cause with tracking down we can’t be...”

“No,” Steve said. “This is one, no, two men and one just dropped the other off at the front gate.”

“I’m there.” Robbie took off running to his Jeep. He jumped in, lowered the microphone to his headset, and screeched the Jeep to the way of the front gate. “Frank.”

^^^^

Danny huffed and shook his head when he heard Henry laughing through the headset radio. “It’s not funny.” Danny clenched his hands as he climbed a rope up a tree. “Why aren’t you doing this? It’s internal.”

“External.”

“Internal.”

“Danny, you secured it badly. Admit it.”

“Never. I can’t believe a storm knocked this down. Hell, I secured this thing so tight fuckin’ God himself couldn’t knock it off.”

It wasn’t the intrusion voice they expected. Reverend Bob interrupted. “Must we speak the Lord’s name like that.”

Henry laughed. “Listen to you eavesdropping. That is so wrong.”

“I eavesdrop so I know who to pray for.”

Danny grunted as he climbed. “No offense Reverend, but that doesn’t work for me. Henry, almost there.”

“Down the front gate!” Robbie could see the man, wrapped in a blanket on his side. His dark hair protruding through it. “Shit, please.” Robbie beckoned in his mind as he raced over to the body and dropped to this knees. He turned him over in complete disappointed. It wasn’t Frank. Placing his revolver in his shoulder harness, Robbie saw the note attached to the man. It was addressed to the doctors in Beginnings. “O.K., let’s get you in.” Robbie reached down to the man and pulled him to the front gate.

Finally Danny made it to the top of the tree, lifting himself to the high branch where the tracker was. “Oh shit. Henry.”

“Yeah.”

“It wasn’t any storm that did this.”

“What was it?”

Danny looked at the spear that stuck from the tracker. “It was a spear.” He heard the ruffling of grass below him. “Oh shit, not again.”

“What. What’s wrong?” Henry came back.

“Gets security out here now! We have savages.” Danny’s eyes shifted and he saw Robbie by the front gate. “Damn it, Henry, get help!” Grabbing the spear and tugging it with all he had, Danny tucked it under his arms, grateful he was wearing gloves, and then slid most of the rope length down the tree.

Robbie stood quickly to his feet and dropped the man a few feet from the gate when he heard the single war cry chants. “Shit.” He grabbed his gun and moved up his microphone. “Get me a team out front, but put up that perimeter now until they get here. We have savages. Sounds like a lot.”

Steve was on the other line. “Already spotted them. They’re on their way.”

“Fuck,” Robbie said disgusted and knew he didn’t have time to get the man out of the way. He held up his revolver and tried to zoom in on the direction, but they seemed to come from all directions. Robbie prepared to fire. Louder and louder they grew. Suddenly, from the trees, they emerged like wild animals. There were more than Robbie could count and they came almost as quickly as he could shoot. He was taking them down but they plowed to him. He was only one man with one gun then Robbie felt the sear of an arrow into his leg. “Fuck!” he shouted out as he felt a savage leap to his back. He flung him over his shoulder, snapped his neck, dropped him, and swung out his gun in a punch to one that dove at him. As he swung at another, Robbie saw Danny run from the trees.

Danny made as much noise as the savages trying to divert attention from the ones who went after Robbie and it worked. Danny held the spear in both hands as the savages flew towards him. Danny spun the spear in a martial arts style, using the ends of the stick in alternation to nail each savage that came his way. He danced on his feet in a fighter’s stance, giving the savages his best shot.

There were twenty or thirty, far out-numbering the Beginnings team.

With the arrow still in his leg, Robbie felt an arm grip his neck and he was pulled backwards by more than one savage. Just when he used his every strength to pull off one, his head lifted and he saw another racing towards him with a spear aimed directly at him. He was coming fast and Robbie fought to free himself. Twenty feet, fifteen, ten, . . . and then out of nowhere came the ‘nay’ of a horse, a swing of a sword, and the attacking savage’s head flew from his body and rolled to the ground. Blood shot up like a fountain from the savage that had yet to fall. The rider on the horse barreled by the savage he had just decapitate and sent the body spinning.

The savages were just as surprised as Robbie and in their surprise, Robbie took his advantage. Breaking free, Robbie began to fight, using his fist because they came so many, so quickly. He could see Danny battling. He also saw the rider on the horse remove an arrow from the horse's backside and not miss a beat. He swooped down his sword at the savages and as he did, he kicked the ones that came after him, even helping Robbie once in his pass. In his fight with three men, Robbie watched the long silver blade quickly shoot forward into the chest of one of the savages he fought. The sword retracted and the rider moved on.

Through the small war the waged outside the front gate that Robbie, Danny and now the anonymous rider tried to protect, came steady gun fire as a team of ten Beginnings men burst through the front gate and began to pick off the targets. Precisely and quickly, just as they had been taught.

Hearing the shots, Robbie backed up. He raced to Danny and pulled him to the line of Beginnings men. Holding Danny there, Robbie aimed as well. “Don’t hit the man on the horse!”

When the savages dropped and silence entailed, Robbie saw the rider trot off in the other direction. He ran off after him. “Wait!” Robbie called out. “Wait!” The rider picked up speed and kept on going. “Shit!” Robbie tossed his hand out. “Who was that?”

Danny couldn’t miss his opportunity. He snickered. “The Lone Ranger!” He saw Robbie look at him with hostile eyes. “Zorro?” Still no Robbie response. “The cavalry?”

“Ha-ha-ha.” Robbie shook his head and turned to his men. “Nice work. Thank you.” Robbie returned to Danny. “Where did you learn to do that shit?”

“Bruce Lee taught my father and my father taught me.”

“You’re kidding?” Robbie asked, impressed.

“Yeah I am. I had you going though. Hey did you know you have a broken arrow sticking out of your leg?”

Robbie broke it at the head. He tried to not laugh at Danny and that took a lot. He moved toward the front gate.

“You shouldn’t have done that Robbie.”

“Why?”

“You lost the Neville look.”

“Shit.” Robbie looked down at his bleeding leg. He spoke in the radio. “I got hit with a uh . . . uh small spear. Give me a Neville point.”

^^^^

Dean, calmer, waited for Andrea’s approval for him to enter her office. Slowly and humbly, he walked in.

“Yes.” She looked up from the files she read.

“I’m sorry.” Dean told her as Andrea just watched him. “I was wrong and you were right. You were perfectly capable of making the decision about Ellen and I shouldn’t have done that to you. You were also right about the Robbie thing. That is what has me angry. I can’t help it. It just hurts. It doesn’t matter what I do, I’m never going to be the person Ellen needs.” Dean stepped back to the door. “But I’ll get over it again. I just got wrapped up too much in what we had before Brian died.” Shaking his head, Dean opened the door.

“Dean,” Andrea called to stop him. “I do understand and apology accepted. If you need to talk about . . .” Andrea’s phone rang, interrupted her. “Hold on.” She picked up the cell phone. “Dr. Winters.” Her face filled with worry. “Yes, Joe, we’ll get ready.” She hung up and stood up. “Let’s go Doctor.”

“What’s wrong.”

“We have incoming.”

“Wh . . .” Before Dean could say anything Andrea had flew from her office.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

After he was summoned, Hal charged into the police station, running. “Tell me.” He spoke and looked impatient.

The monitor looked up. “We were monitoring and our man was dropped off and discovered.”

“That’s a good thing. You sent word there was trouble. What was it?”

“Wildcat attack sir,” the monitor said, “or savages, as Beginnings calls them. From what we could tell, Danny was out there in a tree and Eagle one was picking up our man. Eagle one was hit with a spear, but seemed fine.”

“Are they fine? Is our man fine?” Hal questioned.

“As far as we know. We’re still waiting.”

“What about our escort?”

“No word.” The monitor shook his head.

Hal looked at his watch. “He should be returning in a few hours. I’ll keep watch. Did they say how many wildcats.”

“No sir.”

“Keep listening and keep me posted.”

“I will. But sir . . .” The monitor interrupted Hal’s departure. “There is one more thing.”

“What is that?” Hal asked.

“We were listening. I think there may be one more opposing force out there against us.”

“The wildcats.”

“No sir.” The monitor handed Hal a sheet of paper. “This is what they said. It’s not the wildcats or the society. They were looking out for these people too.”

“Damn it.” Hal harshly flicked his hand against the paper. “This is all we need.” Hal took a calming breath. “I’m going to be in the field finishing today’s training and then I’m keeping watch. Please let me know if you hear anything further about the Mathias men.” He laid the note paper down and left.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

A blue cloth draped over Robbie’s thigh with only his injury exposed. With each pull of the suture Dean made, blood seeped from the slice. “Andrea could have done this,.”

“Yeah, but my legs are my best asset, Dean. You’re the stitch guy.”

Dean shook his head with a smile and continued to stitch. “Go on, Danny, you were saying.”

“Oh.” Danny was especially upbeat. “There he was, surrounded, right. There were fifty or sixty of them and Robbie was trapped. They were on him, beating him. Robbie was at their mercy. I come flying in, and I flew Dean.”

“I’m sure.” Dean tugged the suture.

“I come flying in and I take control of the situation. I saved Robbie and made him sit down while I battled the savages.”

Dean looked up to Robbie. “Any of that story true?”

“Oh yeah. Every word. Did he fail to mention his lightening fast hands? He told that one in the Jeep.”

“Failed to mention.”

“Sweetheart!” Andrea called out so upbeat yet concerned. “Honey.” She hurried over to Robbie. “Are you all right?”

“Um . . . geez.” Robbie cringed falsely in pain. “I don’t know. Some brownies later may help.”

“Of course. Dean?” Andrea peered over his shoulder “Are you hurting my boy?”

“Very much so.” Dean snipped the sutures. “Care to dress this.”

“Certainly.” Andrea patted Dean’s hand. “Jason is cleaning up the new guy. Can you help?”

“Yep.” Dean moved his tray and walked to the sink. He smiled at Danny. “Good story.”

“Thanks.” After Dean left, Danny walked over and looked at the stitches Robbie had. “Cool injury. Very Neville like.”

“Too bad I didn’t take one to the chest, huh?” Robbie joked.

Danny snickered. “Andrea how bad would it have been if Robbie got arrowed in the chest.”

“Bad.” Andrea said as she bandaged Robbie's wound.

“Cool. Hey Robbie, we would have hung you up like Jesus just for the . . .”

“Danny!” Andrea scolded reached out and smacked his hand.

“What? I was making a Neville reference.” Danny stated. “At the end of The Omega man, when Neville was speared to death, they made him appear like he was crucified like Jesus.”

“Robbie!” Andrea spoke, so shocked. “Please don’t tell me you let my Denny see that.”

“Nope,” Robbie lied. “I covered his eyes again.”

“Thanks goodness. Our Sweet Jesus watches over us and we shouldn’t be blaspheming. I think you should come to services tomorrow with me, Danny.”

“O.K., yeah sure.” Danny rolled his eyes and waved at Robbie then made his escape to find someone else to tell his new hero story.

Dean moved into the next examining room. Jason was standing over the man whom Robbie found at the front gate. He was attaching the tube from the medication into a shunt in the man’s arm. “What do we have Jason?” Dean walked closer to the table.

“See for yourself.” Jason handed Dean the chart. “It came attached to him when Robbie found him.”

“What is this with the patients being dropped off at the gate like we’re some kind of emergency room?” Dean began to read the handwritten note. “Five days ago the patient returned home with a two inch laceration. The cut exhibited signs of infection. All attempts to control the infection with natural remedies has failed. The patient’s body temperature continues to rise and he has now become lethargic and unresponsive at times.” Dean set down the chart. “Did you clean it?”

“Yep. Everything is finished. I gave him a complete look over for you. The orders just need signed.”

“Thanks.” Dean walked to the other side of the table and pulled out his pen as he reviewed the chart. “Jason, I have a ton of blood work to catch up in the lab. Can you do me a favor?”

“Sure.”

“Andrea is busy with Robbie. Can you run over to Henry’s and check on Ellen? I think that's where she is.”

“I can do that. Should I check for weakness, headache, staring, numbness, and such?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll get back to you.” Jason looked once more at the new patient. “He looks like he’s waking.”  Jason walked out.

Dean grabbed his pen light, raised it to the eyes of the man, and shined it across the eyelids.

The man groaned. “The woman. The woman. How is the woman?”

“What woman?” Dean asked but did not receive an answer. He proceeded to return to the chart and the paper work that needed signed.

^^^^

“You’re supposed to be at Henry’s.” Jason said as he stepped into Joe’s house. “Are we playing musical homes, Ellen?”

“No.” Ellen walked into the living room. “I’m helping Joe babysit.”

Jason looked to Joe who sat on the couch,. “Is she helping.”

“Nope,” Joe answered. “How’s my son?”

“Good. Dean just finished stitching him. The new guy just has a bad infection. We should be able to control it.”

“Which new guy?” Ellen asked.

Joe answered. “The one that was dropped off at the front gate with a note asking for our help.”

“Oh my God! Proof.” Ellen hurried as best as she could to the door. “The cavalry.”

“Ellen . . .” Joe stood up but Ellen was gone. “She shouldn’t be doing that, should she?”

Jason shook his head. “I think she’ll be fine. She may find herself in a bad episode of the F-Troop but otherwise she’s fine.”

Joe plopped back down on the couch. “The F-Troop.” He snickered. “Hey that was funny.”

^^^^

Nashville Tennessee

George sat behind an old desk, rubbing his eyes as he spoke on the phone. “All of them?” He asked Jeremy.

“Just about sir. When they went into the next phase of the DNA enhancement of the embryos, they lost the whole batch.”

“Damn it!” George huffed angrily. “I want to move this along. We need to move this along.”

“The other scientist are trying to compensate.”

“I realize this but they can’t compensate for the loss of the four that were in the genetics field.”

“Perhaps they weren’t as good as you thought they were. Their own creation killed them.”

George snarled and his top lip curled as he mocked Jeremy. “Perhaps they weren’t as good.” George huffed loudly. “I’ll know when I get to Alabama tomorrow. Hopefully they’ll give me news. What’s their latest report?”

“They sent out the troops to Arizona as expected and . . . still no change.”

“O.K., I’ll check back in a few hours.” George disconnected the call and his fingers stayed on the phone. He paused for a moment then began to dial a number he called often... a Beginnings number. “Hey, it’s me.” George smiled. “Good. I’m good. And you . . . . I’m glad. Just wanted to check on you and let you know I’m thinking about you. Well yeah . . .” George leaned back. “Getting there. I’ll know more tomorrow. Of course I’ll let you know. I’m gonna get going, I’ll call you tomorrow. Be careful . . . Thanks.” With the smile still remaining, George ended his call.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Grateful to Henry for driving her to the clinic, Ellen, not wanting to get in any trouble with Dean, sneaked passed the lab, and walked slowly to the patient rooms. Even though the distance was not that far, Ellen’s body didn’t want to move. She did feel better today, but not yet herself.

“Found him,” Henry whispered and pointed into a room.

Ellen stood by the nurse’s desk. “I have his chart.” She held it up and walked to Henry. “You should go fix our tracking now, Henry. We don’t want to get attacked.”

“I’ll come back for you. How long?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll just walk home really slow.”

“I’ll check back.” Henry kissed her on the cheek. “Wish me luck.”

“Good luck fixing the tracking.”

“No, not that. I need luck working with Danny. He wants everyone to call him Neville.”

“He can’t be a Neville nominee. He’s Asian.”

“That’s what I told him.” Henry tossed up his hands. “But he said heroism has no racial boundaries then he lied and said something about the original Neville was Bruce Lee and it was switched at the last second before shooting.”

Ellen smiled. “Danny’s cute. O.K., I’m going to check on this guy. If he’s one, he may know about Frank.”

Henry opened his mouth to say something, but he didn’t. He figured if Ellen kept her spirits up by hoping Frank was alive, then who was he to dampen them. He just smiled and walked away. He was in a good mood and confident they could fix the tracker with limited problems. To ensure he didn’t have any bad luck, Henry ran as quickly as he could from the clinic the moment he saw Bev walk in.

Ellen recognized the man as soon as she walked in the room. “Hey,” she called to him softly. “Are you awake?”

His eyes opened some and he watched Ellen come into a blurry focus.

Ellen leaned closer to him. “I know you aren’t well. Remember me?”

“The woman.”

“Yes.”

“I’m glad . . .” he spoke weakly, “I’m glad you’re fine.” He closed his eyes again.

Ellen looked at his vital signs monitor and to his bandaged arm. She checked his IV which wasn’t placed in as well as she knew she could do it. Following the tubing up, Ellen tilted her head in wonder. She read the label. ‘Kenyan-2'. She then looked at his body temperature. “Level two?” she questioned out loud and then opened the chart on the bed. “Dean?” She said his name to herself and moved to the bandaged arm. Slowly she lifted the adhesive and then the bandage to examine the wound. Her eyes went from the chart, to the wound, to the IV, and finally to his temperature. “This isn’t right.”

Quietly, with her hands behind her back, Bev sneaked into the lab. She stood there watching Dean move about then settle into one place at the counter. With an ornery grin on her face, she moved closer to him and to his back. She bit her bottom lip and inched her way to Dean. Softly she laid her hands on the side of his thighs and pressed her chest to his back as she ran her hands up his legs to his chest.

Dean smiled and let out a breath of relief. It felt good to have Ellen touch him. He turned around and his eyes widened to see Bev. “What . . .”

“Hi Dean.” Bev smiled, laid her hands on his face, moved right against him, and kissed him.

It wasn’t a situation Dean wanted. Reacting quickly, he grabbed her hands and pushed them away at the same time he pulled from the kiss. “What would . . . Shit!” He moved Bev aside and raced across the lab when he saw Ellen standing at the medicine cooler. “El.”

“You made a mistake.”

“No see . . .”

Ellen’s shutting the cooler and grabbing an IV bottle shut Dean up. She moved across the lab, ignoring the gloating look Bev gave her. She picked up a empty requisition from Dean’s stack, stuck it in a phlebotomy tray, and carried the medicine and the tray from the lab.

Dean started to follow, stopped and ran back in his lab, pointing at Bev. “Get out of my lab before I kill you.” He banged his hand on the archway and took off after Ellen. “El, wait.” When Dean caught up to her, she was walking into the new man’s room.

Ellen smiled as Melissa left. “Thanks.” She checked the oxygen Melissa set up on the man and adjusted the back of the bed up more.

“What are you doing?” Dean asked as he walked in.

“Fixing a crucial error you made.”

“What are you talking about? What’s the problem?” Dean asked as he watched Ellen remove the intravenous and switch bottles. “What are you giving him?”

“A higher strength dose of Kenyan.”

Dean noticed the level of it. “He has an infection. That’s too strong.”

“No Doctor, he has chronic tetanus. Did you not fully examine this man?” She slammed the chart into Dean’s chest.

“First of all I . . .”

“You disappoint me,” Ellen spoke with edge.

“I what?” Dean ran his hand down his face.

Ellen attached the new medication then reached into her phlebotomy tray. “I promised this man’s people that if they needed medical treatment or care they would get the best from us. And he will, even if I have to give it to him. I can not believe you missed this.”

“I didn’t.”

“You did. The extremely high temperature,” Ellen said as placed the tourniquet on his arm, “and the slight twitching of the sternocleidomastoid are consistent with early slow phases of lockjaw. His left hand twitches. You didn’t notice? His wound has failed to heal,” Ellen placed a needle in the man’s arm. “Yet the chart states he was injured five days ago.” She filled up the tube and after removing it, filled another. “His mind is clear. He’s just sleepy, not lethargic. He remembered me.” She removed the needle and tossed it in the bin. “Tetanus.” She handed Dean the tubes. “I started a heavier antibiotic. Test those for tetanus and his resistance to the tetanus antitoxin we have. You’ll see I’m right then maybe you can give him a muscle relaxer so the man doesn’t asphyxiate when his neck muscles try choke him to death.” Ellen grabbed the tray and left a bewildered Dean.

“Ellen.” Dean ran from the room after her. “Stop.” He grabbed her arm. “First of all,  I don’t make mistakes like that.”

“Like that. No.” Ellen started walking again.

“Look El, I need to talk to you about what you saw when you walked in the lab.”

“I’d really rather not talk about what I saw. I don’t care what I saw.” Ellen pulled away. She spoke calmly. “I ignored what Alex told me about Bev coming to the house and her being your special friend.”

“Ellen.”

“Let me finish, O.K.? I can’t get mad at you about being with Bev. That’s your right but I can get mad at you about you blowing off that guy.”

“I didn’t blow him off.” Dean got angry. “The level of Kenyan that was given him would have been sufficient enough to subdue the tetanus until I ran tests on the blood taken. Thank you very much.”

“Oh really. What blood work was taken?”

“The blood . .” Dean opened the chart. “Ellen, I didn’t examine him. I would have noticed we didn’t have blood work. I’m backed up. You aren’t around.”

“So it’s my fault.”

“No. I’m just defending myself as a doctor here.”

“You signed the orders.” Ellen stepped back and pointed to Dean’s signature. “I’m assuming you examined him.” Ellen walked away.

“No!” Dean shouted at her. “This has nothing to do with this patient does it? You’re pissed off at what you saw, so instead of talking to me about it, you bash my ability as a doctor. Don’t walk away. Ellen.” Dean chased her. “I’m talking to you. This is bullshit. O.K.?”

“No, it’s not O.K. Dean. It’s not. I don’t want to be angry with you. I just want to say screw it.”

“Screw it. Explain screw it.”

“Screw you. Screw us. Screw everything.”

Dean started to laugh. He couldn’t help it. “This is stupid. You saw . . .”

“I saw her touch you. I saw you two kissing, did I not?” Ellen started to walk again.

“You saw her kissing me. Big difference. She’s starting trouble, Ellen. Don’t give this one to her. And . . .” Dean tossed his hands up following her once more. “I’ll say it again. This is stupid. For some ridiculous reason, she’s decided to chase after me.”

“Well guess what, Dean. She can have you.” Ellen opened the doors of the clinic and left.

Dean kept up with her. “Don’t you think that might be a problem considering I don’t want her. I want you.”

Ellen stopped walking and faced him. “I don’t care.”

“You don’t care?” Dean shook his head.

“No. See, it’s hard to find someone that really cares. It’s like, if you only have apples to eat, then you eat apples but as soon as something else comes along, you have a choice. I was your only option for awhile. Dean, you have a choice. Actually, no,” Ellen shook her head, “you don’t because I’m not in the choice category anymore.”

“I can not believe you are getting upset with me because Bev is hitting on me. I’m the innocent here. You should know I would never do that to you.”

“No I don’t. There is only one man who would never do that to me.”

“Yeah I know. Frank,” Dean spoke with edge. “Well if it was hard to compete with him before, I guess I’m gonna have one hell of a time now, aren’t I?”

“We’re finished with this conversation.” Ellen walked backwards, spun, and moved on.

“El.” Dean grunted, cutting his hand in the air in anger. “Damn it.” He bit his bottom lip. He turned to go back to the clinic, further away than he thought. He was totally disgusted but confident he would straighten out the mess. Ellen was going through a hard time, Dean kept tell himself over and over. He stopped walking and closed his eyes, holding back any words when he saw Bev walk by him.

Bev smiled, slowing down near him. “Mark my words, Dean,” she whispered. “You’ll come to me. Mark my words. A man can’t go that long.” She moved on.

What was her angle? What was her game? Dean had to wonder and he would work on it, especially since later that evening they would be discussing Bev as a suspect. The thought of that made Dean smile.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Bowman, North Dakota

“Thirty maybe.” The man who just arrived back from Beginnings told Hal in his office. “The three of us handled it until the Beginnings men came out shooting.”

“I see.” Hal rubbed his chin. “Did you speak at all to the Beginnings people.”

“No, sir, I rode off as instructed and I wasn’t in uniform, under your orders for safety reasons, so they haven’t a clue.”

“Good. I want to keep it that way at least until we make our approach to them.” Hal looked to Sgt. Ryder who was also in the room. “What do you think?”

“I think that’s an awful lot of savages and they aren’t as dumb as we thought since their tracking was hit with a spear. They obviously they knew to take it out,” Sgt. Ryder said.

“I agree.” Hal turned back to the man. “That will be all. Excellent job today.”

“Thank you sir.” He stood up, saluted, and then left.

“Elliott.” Hal sat down at his desk. “Thirty?”

“Thirty they think.”

“Something is not right. They randomly strike. They don’t plot. Spearing the tracking is plotting.”

“They obviously know it’s there,” Sgt. Ryder commented.

“I think you and I ought to sit down and discuss the possibility of a community of them somewhere, not just packs here and there.”

“You mean sit down to just discuss or sit down with the intention of finding them?” Sgt. Ryder asked.

“Finding them.”

Sgt. Ryder let out a long whistle. “Can you image if we do? Can you imagine if there is a community?”

Hal chuckled a little, but not in fun. “Could be scarier than a community of the society soldiers.”

“You know it. The society take prisoners. The wild cats just kill you and eat you.” Sgt. Ryder raised his eyebrows up. “So do we really want to send scouts out looking for them?”

Hal drew up a serious look. “If there’s that many out there, we have to.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

There were two things in Robbie’s house that could have gotten Dean’s attention when he walked in, Joe sitting with Ellen at the dining room table, looking perplexed, or the smell of warm corn flour baking. The later of the two was what got Dean when he arrived that evening for the meeting. “Whoa. What smells so good?” He sniffed and walked into the dining room. He waved to Joe, smiled at Henry, and took a chance by leaning down to kiss Ellen. She moved her head. “Still fighting with me?”

Ellen didn’t answer.

But . . . Henry did, with a loud, excited. “Yes!”

Dean shifted his eyes to Henry and sat down. “What are we talking about?”

“The cavalry,” Joe answered then faced Ellen again. “Sweetheart, I asked the new man. He hadn’t a clue what I was talking about.”

“He’s sick, Joe.”

Dean interjected and he shouldn’t have “I thought you said his mind is clear, El.”

“Shut up, Dean!” Ellen blasted him. “No one’s talking to you.”

Quickly Dean looked to Henry who snickered.

Henry controlled himself. “Sorry.”

“I’m telling you, Joe,” Ellen said. “They dress like them and act like them. Ask Robbie.” Ellen pointed to Robbie who entered the room, looking as if he had just showered. His hair was wet and his clothes a little damp.

“Ask me what and do you guys smell that?” He smiled and pointed back to the kitchen with his thumb. “Jess is making tortilla chips. Cool huh?” He sat down. “Sorry, ask me what?”

“Robert,” Joe spoke up. “The guy on the horse, the one that brought the other man to us...how was he dressed?”

“Jeans and a T-shirt, I think. No uniform. Sorry El.” Robbie raised his eyes when Jess set down some tortillas and homemade salsa.

Henry looked shocked. “Oh my God! I thought I was the inventive guy.”

Ellen immediately reached into the bowl, grabbing a chip. “We haven’t had any real chips and salsa since Miguel was around. Remember, he made us grow cilantro because he needed it?” She smiled. “I have to admit I’m jealous you guys get this.” She tried it with a loud crunch. “Jess, excellent and you used cilantro.”

“I did,” Jess answered. “Cole was working distribution and he laughed at me. Said I was the only person in two years to ask for it. They had it dried. Don’t worry Ellen, I have some for you and Jenny. Shall I walk you over there now?”

Joe answered for her. “Yes, take her. We’re done.”

Ellen stood up. “I’m telling you, Joe, I know what I saw. They came in and saved the day. There was a really hot Mexican man there man there and even he said his leader looked like a young John Wayne.”

Joe grumbled. “Ellen. Go.”

Ellen spoke so upset, “Why don’t you believe me about this? Any of you.”

“Because it’s not the cavalry,” Joe said. “I believe a group of men helped you, but the cavalry? No. Tell her, Dean.”

“El.” Dean spoke. “I believe your mind is substituting something you associate with safety and heroism for what you actually saw. It’s common in trauma cases, the past mixing with present.”

“What do you know?” Ellen snapped.

“More than you and besides, Robbie made a valid point.”

Ellen quickly looked at Robbie. “You don’t believe me either?”

“I didn’t say that,” Robbie defended himself. “I merely offered my suggestion on where you got it from, that’s all.”

“O.K. where did I get it from?” Ellen asked.

Robbie hesitated before answering. He stood up. “Look, don’t get mad, all right? But I remembered. I was a kid, so Dad confirmed this. Do you remember one weekend you and Frank came home to Gaithersburg and there was a John Wayne marathon on? You and Hal fell in love with the movie The Horse Soldiers... a John Wayne flick. Remember?”

“Oh,” Ellen scoffed.

“No, El, what did you two do? The next time you came down, you rented it and you watched it over and over until you both knew almost every word by Sunday. We got sick of watching it. You and Hal got so wrapped up in the civil war era that you made Frank go with you guys to the re-enactment. Civil war, cavalry, for the longest time that’s what Hal watched and Frank said that’s what you watched. You even called each other to inform the other when a good John Wayne movie was on.”

Ellen folded her arms and looked at the silent faces of Henry, Robbie, Dean, and Joe. She was relieved when Jess came from the kitchen with her chips. “So you guys think my mind snapped back to a point in my life when me and a fourteen year old kid liked old movies? Bullshit. That’s more unbelievable then my cavalry story. I’m going. Let’s go, Jess.” Her attitude said insulted and her body motions proved it when Ellen left with Jess.

Robbie looked at the others. “Did my theory sound that crazy?”

Joe shook his head no. “It goes along with what Dean was saying. Jason too.”

Henry reached for a chip. “It could be worse. If her mind is looking for safety and heroism, she could be running around Beginnings saying a bunch of Franks rode in and saved the day.” Henry noticed the glances he got. “What? It could happen. She could have said that.” He ate his chip. “Robbie, your roommate is way too nice. There’s something about him. Did you ever wonder if he’s . . .”

“Henry.” Joe shut him up.

“What Joe. I mean he . . .”

“Henry,” Joe silenced him again.

“Joe I just think he may actually like . . .”

“Henry.”

“Dad.” Robbie turned to Joe. “Why are you shutting up Henry? Henry, what about Jess?”

Henry noticed the looks Joe gave him. “Nothing. He’s a nice guy. I think you're taking advantage of him.”

Joe, who was sipping his coffee choked violently.

Robbie patted his father on the back. “You O.K.?”

Joe’s face was red. “Yes,” he struggled his words. “Wrong pipe.” Joe coughed loudly, glared at Henry, and then looked at Robbie. “I’m fine.”

“Good.” Robbie faced Henry. “I’m not taking advantage of him. He likes doing this shit. He doesn’t have to, but he said what else does he have to do so why should I stop him? You're jealous because no one cooks for you.”

Joe cleared his throat long and hard. “O.K.! Dean, how’s the house coming?”

“Final move-in tomorrow,” Dean answered. “Of course there’s a price to pay. Danny volunteered to help move so I guess I have to listen to made up hero stories.”

“Not to mention the favor,” Joe pointed out. “Any indication of what he wants?”

Dean shook his head. “No, but it’s Danny so how bad can it be?”

Robbie rocked in his chair as he talked. “Do you want my opinion? He wants the understanding spot with Ellen. Not that he’s all that hot for her, but she is a woman.”

Henry’s hand slammed hard on the table. “I’ll kill him if he asks for that. That’s not right.”

Dean’s head swayed. “I think that with the way things are, I’m not going to be the one who will make the understanding decision.” Dean saw Henry smile. “Not you Henry, I think Robbie should.”

Robbie grinned. “Oh yeah? Cool.” Dean gave him a dirty look. “Kidding.”

“No you aren’t,” Henry said.

“You’re right, I’m not,” Robbie stated.

“Boys.” Joe held up his hand before any more arguments could ensue. “Can we not discuss which man will bed my daughter next? Thank you. This is supposed to be a short suspect meeting. Let’s get on with it so Dean can go work on his new house. All right, let’s discuss Robbie.” Joe saw Dean’s hand raise a little. “What’s wrong?”

“I thought we were discussing Bev.”

“We can,” Joe said. “We’ll discuss Bev.”

“She stays as a suspect.” Dean gave his opinion.

“Stays,” Robbie agreed.

“Stays,” Henry added.

“What?” Joe questioned. “We haven’t even discussed her. Motive, means.”

“Means,” Robbie spoke up. “Her little ass be-bops around here. Who know what man she seduces into doing what. She was one of the last sick with the plague here. I remember her moving about the clinic and if she’s working for George, then the means to deliver the virus to Jenny could have been handed to her.”

Henry added, “And . . . she’s greedy, she’s selfish. She knew George before it all went down. She doesn’t even need dedication to George. What the hell does she care about this community? All it would take is phone call from him with promises for a better life and she’ll buy it. She's another Michelle.”

“Who?” Robbie and Joe asked.

Henry ignored the warning looks from Dean. “Michelle. Frank hated her. Dean says he didn’t, but we all think he slept with her.  She worked for Robbie and helped . . .” Henry grinned embarrassingly.

Joe’s hand rolled down his own face and rested over his mouth. “Another ripple, Henry?”

“Sorry, Joe.” Henry slid down in his chair.

Dean added to the Bev topic. “Joe, look who she’s going after...Henry, the next in line for leader. My God . . . history of the world proves what one woman can do when they have a man in power. Look at Hillary Clinton.”

Joe held up his pen. “Hillary Clinton doesn’t count. She had the balls in that household. But . . . I see where you’re going. She’s such a damn trouble maker and so obviously a trouble maker that none of us even think to consider her as an inside source for George but she’s dumb,” Joe stated. “She's young and dumb and we can use that to our advantage. Out of everyone we’ve named, she’s not smart enough or cunning enough to not slip up to someone close to her. If she’s working for George, she would be the easiest to uncover, not to mention a delight to take out if it holds true.” Joe leaned back. “What we need is someone to get close to her.” Joe looked at Henry.

“No way.” Henry pointed to Dean. “She wants him now. She grabbed his butt today and kissed him.”

Dean flipped Henry off. “Some of us wouldn’t do that to Ellen.” Dean looked at Robbie.

“Nope.” Robbie shook his head. “I know what’s been there.” Robbie turned to Joe.

“Christ.” Joe scoffed. “I’m a married man.”

“Never stopped you before,” Robbie said.

Joe reached over and smacked Robbie behind the head. “That’s enough. Anyhow, we need someone who can get her to talk. Someone she may think is powerful or connected to power around here. Someone that will give her an ‘in.” Joe tapped his pencil. “Someone we can trust.”

Henry disagreed, “We can’t tell another person we are trying to find out who’s working for George.”

“We don’t have to,” Robbie said. “We merely find someone we can trust enough to get close to her, someone that doesn’t really give a shit about where’s she’s been. We tell them with all the trouble she’s been starting with Ellen, we want to know why and what she’s up to for Ellen's protection. Family curiosity. They may help.”

“But,” Joe interrupted, “they have to be someone George would find valuable.”

At the end of Joe’s words, the sound of the opening front door carried through and so did a crying baby. Johnny walked in.

“Hey Pap.” He bounced his daughter as he walked in. “Sorry to interrupt, but she likes you. Can you help me? I’m trying to get her to sleep but . . . to no avail. Ever since Denice broke up with me, she just dumps her on me whenever she goes out with her new guy. God. Shit, I left a bottle at your house. I’ll be back.” Johnny ran back out.

Henry smiled and whispered to Joe. “When did Denice break up with him?”

“Right after the plague. She said her near death experience made her realize she loved Jordan.”

“I heard she was seeing him the whole time,” Henry said.

Joe shrugged and nodded

Dean saw where they were going. “Never did get upset over it, did he?”

Robbie smiled widely and shook his head. “Nope. He may have loved her but he’s young.  Remember his reputation? He used to be the town dog.”

The door opened again and Johnny walked back in with the baby and a bottle. “Got it.”

Joe watched his grandson. “And . . . he’s a Slagel.”

Johnny noticed them all staring happily at him. “What’s wrong?”

“Johnny my boy.” Joe stood up. “Give me my favorite great granddaughter” Joe took the baby. “Let Pap-Pap calm you down.” Holding the baby, who stopped crying, Joe laid his hand on Johnny’s back. “Johnny, come in. Sit down and have a tortilla chip.” He led Johnny to the table. “We need to talk to you.”

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

“I searched,” Sgt. Ryder said solemnly, holding a glass of lemonade while talking to Hal on his front porch. “I even went to the prison where my brother was held. I did find him. He died in his cell of the plague. My other brother, I never found.” He finished off the last of his drink. “This was good. Want some before it gets warm?”

Hal looked at his own empty glass. “Yeah, thanks.” He handed the glass to Sgt. Ryder.

He took it and walked in his house.

Hal rocked in the rocking chair. Prison. Brothers.

Flashback . . .

The four boys lined the hall of the wood paneled Gaithersburg police station, oldest to youngest,  sitting in metal chairs. They could feel the presence of their father before they even saw him. It was a scary sight as they waited. When Joe walked in, white shirt, black tie, shoulder harness and gun, he looked at his sons, all of them showing signs of a battle. Joe walked up to Robbie, rubbed his head, and kissed the nine year old. His hand laid on Hal’s face. Joe moved to Jimmy, examining the massive amounts of cuts and bruises, and then shook his head at Frank, who sported the least.

“Mr. Slagel.” An officer came from a back office door. “Back again?”

“What did they do this time, Jerry?”

“Seems one of your boys, they won’t say which one, got jumped by another group of boys and as usual, it’s all for one with your kids. They went after the boys, more joined in, and Frank . . .” Jerry shook his head. “Frank’s facing charges now.”

“Christ.” Joe knew by looking at his sons which one it was. “Charges?”

“Seems, again, someone thought Frank was older than he was. One of the kids had an older brother, twenty-five, twenty-six years old and Frank pretty much . . .”

“Kicked his ass?” Joe questioned. “Give me the man’s name. I’ll handle it.”

“Mr. Slagel these are serious charges.”

“I’m serious too. When my ass gets a hold of this man for decking my sixteen year old son, he’ll see how serious I am. Big or not, Frank’s a kid, a goddamn kid. Now give me his name and I’ll take care of the rest.”

Jerry held up his hands. “All right.” He pulled out a small note pad, wrote down the name, and handed it to Joe. “I can’t give you his number but, since you’re CIA, you can find it. Something has to be done about this. Never is it just one of them in here. It’s all of them. And now you have Jimmy, who’s never in trouble, following the pack because of family pride.”

“You’re goddamn right and I’m not changing a thing about that so don’t suggest it. My boys stick up for one another and that’s the way it will stay. Take one of us on, you will take all of us on. That’s the way I was raised and that’s the way they have been raised.”

“Twenty kids were involved. It took five squad cars to break it up.”

“Yeah, and I see my boys are the only ones in here, again and again, I will just take them home.” Joe pointed to the door. “Let’s go boys. Line 'em up and move 'em out.”

All four boys stood and walked to the door. Joe opened it.

“Have a good day, Jerry.” Joe placed the paper in his chest pocket and followed the boys to the car.

The six block ride home from the police station was silent. Hal knew by the way Joe peered  into the rear-view mirror and the way he finished his cigarette awfully fast, things didn’t look good. They knew it was coming, they waited for it, and lined up, sitting on the sofa, they got it.

“Will one of you boys care to tell me!” Joe blasted, “why in God’s name I have to get called from work to pick you up at the police station!”

An alarm went off and like a wake up call all four boys started talking.

“Dad,” Jimmy spoke up, “it was my fault. I said something . . .”

“No,” Frank interrupted, “it wasn’t your fault and you know it. We handled it.”

“Yeah!” Robbie added. “Frank handled it.”

“Dad.” Hal pointed. “I said no. I didn’t want to get involved. They made me.”

Joe whistled, shrilly and loudly. “Enough!” He reached into his pocket and pulled out his pack of Camel’s.

Uh-oh, Hal thought, Dad’s lighting another cigarette. He’ll fling the hand as he yells and ashes will fly.

Sure enough Joe did. “Couldn’t you boys have handled this correctly? Huh? How many boys jumped you Jimmy? I know it was you they jumped.”

“Four.” Jimmy looked up.

“Four? Wanna tell me how twenty got involved? What did you do, go to the park when everyone was there? You couldn’t find these boys one at a time? That’s the way it’s done, one at a time. You boys stand watch. No one else jumps in while Jimmy kicks the shit of him, one on one. But NO. It’s a free for all the way you boys are. A game. . . . You!” Joe pointed at Robbie. “Look at you! Nine years old.” Joe grabbed Robbie’s face. “One more scar on this face, I’m going to jail for child abuse. You are too young for this shit.”

“It’s fun.” Robbie smiled

“It’s crazy. Chip one of those teeth and you’ll go toothless. Hal . . .”

“Dad,” Hal tried to connive. “I was totally . . .”

“Innocent? Bullshit. Since when are you innocent? I’d bet my last dollar that you jumped in first. You always do. And Frank, goddamn it, learn to control your strength. I can’t keep paying other people’s medical bills. You think I have a money tree out in the yard? You think I just go out there and pick a few hundred dollar bills? Jimmy.”

“Dad.”

“Shut up!” Joe blasted. “This is it. You will never walk into my house with your ass beat again. You hear me. You will learn to fight and defend yourself.”

“I hate violence,” Jimmy argued.

“Tough. You’re a Slagel and you have to start sticking up for yourself. From now on, every time you come into this house with your ass beat, Frank is gonna beat your ass again. You hear me? He’ll kick your ass until you learn how to kick his.”

“Oh my God!” Jimmy exclaimed.

“Exactly!” Joe blasted. “Now everyone of you wash up. I’m hungry. Let’s uh . . .” Joe calmed down. “Let’s go grab a pizza somewhere.”

End of Flashback …

A glass of lemonade extended to Hal. “Captain.”

Hal snapped out of it. “Thanks. Sorry.”

“You looked in deep thought.”

“Oh I was.” Hal sipped the lemonade. Cool but not cold. “You talking about prison made me remember how many times me and my three brothers ended up at the police station for fighting.”

“Sticking together?” Sgt. Ryder asked.

“Always.”

“It’s so evident you were raised like that. That’s the way you treat your men.”

“Train them too. I know I pound them sometimes, but that’s the best way to learn. My father taught us how to fight and how to take care of ourselves. He had some trouble with Jimmy. He used to have my older brother kick his ass until he learned how to fight. And uh . . .” Hal smiled. “Jimmy learned. Eventually it became a game to them. Jimmy came close sometimes. My oldest brother was big, really big. Frank’s one tough guy.”

“What . . .” Sgt. Ryder shook his head. “What . . . Frank?”

“My oldest brother. Why?”

“How odd. The name of the . . .” Sgt Ryder stopped himself from saying the coincidence he was going to give. It was too outlandish of a thought. It would be more cruel of Sgt. Ryder to tell Hal that the Beginnings man was big and his name was Frank, than a coincidence the captain would find amusing especially with the Captain in such the reminiscing mood. Sgt. Ryder didn’t want to dampen it.

“Elliot, the name of what?”

“Oh nothing. My dog’s name was Frank.” Sgt. Ryder sipped his drink. “That’s all.”

“Funny.” Hal chuckled. “When Jimmy bought his first pet snake he named it Frank too. Pissed Frank off.”

Seeing The Captain smile as he thought of his brothers and talked more of their childhood, told Sgt. Ryder he made the right choice.

CHAPTER TWENTY

September 7

Beginnings Montana

Ellen sitting on the couch holding Nick was an unusual sight for Henry to see when he walked in his house.. For the most part, Ellen would hold the baby only for a short time then set him down. But now she was cradling the baby close to her chest, playing with his abundance of soft black hair.

“Hey El,” Henry said softly, joining her on the couch. “Good morning.”

“Morning. Back already?”

“Yeah, wasn’t much. Want me to take him.”

“No, you don’t like to. Besides, you can have him when Joe comes to get me.”

“Where’s Joe taking you?” Henry asked.

“Get this...to church. Joe wants me to go to church this morning before Robbie and I take off.” Ellen heard a long sigh come from Henry. “What’s the matter?”

“Do you think this trip is a good idea.”

“I feel fine.”

“Not your health. This . . . going to the farm to trigger your memory thing.”

“That’s not all I’m doing Henry.” Ellen stroked the baby’s hair. “If Frank is gone, then I need to say goodbye to him.”

“I guess I understand.” Henry’s head dropped. “It doesn’t seem real yet.”

“No it doesn’t.”

“I don’t think it’s going to be real to anyone yet. You’re a big key to that.”

“How do you mean?” Ellen asked.

“I guess, like me, everyone might think if you see him as gone, then he must be because you would know, not by seeing it, but by feeling it, that Frank was dead.”

Ellen hated the words, ‘Frank’ and ‘dead’ being used in the same sentence. It gave her the creeps and an uneasy feeling she didn’t want to have. Before she could comment to Henry, Joe knocked on the door then walked in.

“Ready Kiddo?” He asked.

“Yep.” Ellen stood up holding Nick. “Though I hate the thought of sitting through a Reverend Bob service.”

“Yeah, yeah. Hand the kid to Henry and let’s go.”

Ellen handed over Nick. “I’ll see you later, Henry.”

“Please, I want to see you before you leave.”

“O.K.” Ellen kissed Nick. “Bye.”

No sooner were Ellen and Joe out the door than Nick began to cry. “What?” Henry asked him so irritated. “Why don’t you like me?”

“Need to talk to you,” Joe told Ellen very calmly as they walked.

“I had feeling something was up. What’s going on?”

“Today at services, Reverend Bob is going to announce a special memorial service for Frank tomorrow morning.”

Ellen stopped walking. “No, Joe. You can’t do that. Frank isn’t dead. He isn’t.”

“Yeah, but what did I tell you? Huh?” Joe moved her to walk again. “If we’re gonna look for Frank, then we are going to do it without the community knowing. If the community thinks Frank is alive then the person working for George will tell him. I can’t take a chance George knows we’re looking for Frank. I can’t. If George thinks we think Frank is dead, he’ll keep him in one place. If he thinks we’re looking, he’ll move him. That’s why this trip of yours and Robbie’s is about saying goodbye. That’s why we’re having a memorial service.”

“I understand.”

“You have to grieve tomorrow, Ellen. Your grief is a big key to the community thinking Frank is dead.”

Ellen stopped walking again. “It’s so strange you said that.”

“Why is that?” Joe asked.

“Henry just said the exact same thing to me. The exact same thing.”

“Is it any wonder? You said it yourself. You and Frank are the closest thing two people can get to being one. Everyone knows that, whether you were with him or not. That’s why I believe so strongly that my son is alive out there. I believe it because you believe it and that’s all the proof I need.” Joe placed his arm around Ellen and walked her to church.

^^^^

Nashville, Tennessee

“You have to be joking me, right?” George asked with such annoyance to Captain Anvers.

“No, sir. I just received word. Your train is delayed.”

“How in God’s name can it be delayed? I’m the only one riding it?”

Captain Anvers hesitated, but knew he had to deliver the truth. “Well sir, the conductor, he um . . . the conductor . . .”

“Yes?” George waved his hand to hurry Captain Anvers along.

“Well sir, the conductor was playing around and he broke the brake handle. You haven’t any brake control on the train.”

“He what?” George blasted. “Shoot the man for crying out loud.”

“Yes sir.” Captain Anvers started to leave.

“Wait!” George cried out. “I’m not serious about that. I need him to drive the train. Just . . . just let me know when it is fixed.”

“I can do that.” Capt. Anvers saluted and walked away.

George smacked himself in the forehead. “Idiots. I have idiots working for me.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

The joined voices of those in attendance finished the hymn and Paul ended the song with his usual organ flare. Rev. Bob waded through the silence and stood up, walked closer and faced his congregation. “Before we conclude today’s service, I have an announcement. Tragically, this past week, Beginnings lost one of its own. An ‘original’, a comrade to many of you, a leader. Frank Slagel moved on from this world to a far better one.”

Joe pinched Ellen’s leg when he saw her smirk and roll her eyes. “Drop your head.” He whispered.

Ellen did.

“Tomorrow morning,” Rev. Bob continued, “all work schedules that are not community necessary will be suspended for one hour at eleven a.m. for a special memorial service for Frank. All of you are invited to attend so that as a community we can join during our loss and seek guidance together. Let us pray . . .” Rev. Bob lowered his head as did everyone else in church. “Oh Heavenly Father . . .”

^^^^

“This absolutely has to be done by two,” Robbie explained as he walked with Dan, one of Beginnings’ security men.

“Why?” Dan asked.

“Because, it does. I don’t know. Frank always said it had to be done by two. When you gonna cut that hair.” Robbie tugged on Dan’s long ponytail.

“Ow. What are you doing? Frank’s not here so you take his place.”

“Yeah,” Robbie grinned, “and you’re taking mine.” He handed Dan a clipboard. “At least for a couple hours. You’re head of security.”

“Gee thanks just what I wanted. Responsibility.”

“Oh my God.”

“What?” Dan looked up from his clipboard. “Jenny?”

Robbie snickered as he saw Jenny in her Sunday best coming over the hill. “Why is she wearing that blue dress.”

“Because she can. Jealousy over wearing a dress will get you no where. Wear one at home. That’s what Ed Wood did.”

“Ha-ha? Aren’t you funny. I’m not the one with girl hair.”

“Girl hair?” Dan laughed. “You’ve been hanging around Denny too much. Uh-oh. She’s waving.”

“God, it sucks being so hot.” Robbie rubbed his chest. “Every female wants me.”

“Robbie!” Jenny ran to him. “Do you have a minute? Hi, Dan. You have a strand of hair . . .” Jenny reached up and tucked it behind Dan’s ear. “There. You need to tighten the tail. Robbie . . .” She caught her breath. “Can I talk to you?”

“I guess. What’s up? Whoa!” Robbie was tugged away from Dan.

“I need some advice,” Jenny said.

“I’m not real good with female problems but shoot.” Robbie folded his arms.

“I need to know how to be a bully. You know, pranks kids would play on other kids to bully them.”

“Why are you asking me?”

“Weren’t you a bully in school.”

“No.”

“You used to pick on me. I distinctly remember, when I was five, you told me my freckles were a road map to hell. My destiny.”

Robbie laughed, then stopped. “Sorry but that was you. I wasn’t a bully in school. Could have been but I was afraid to be. See, Frank and Jimmy were picked on so much as kids, my Dad vowed that if we ever picked on anyone, he’d tie us up and let that person beat us up.”

“Really? I wonder if Joe has a statute of limitations on that policy. I’ll ask him.”

“No you won’t.”

“Yes I will.”

“Jenny, who are you bullying.”

“Um . . . no one in particular. I’m uh . . . I’m writing a book.”

“A book?” Robbie asked.

“Yes, we have no authors in Beginnings. Well, Danny but Danny does everything or at least says he does. He says he writing the new Moby Dick. Did he mention to you that Captain Ahab was originally Asian and they changed it at the last minute?”

“I didn’t hear that one,” Robbie said. “A book? You know, I may not have been a bully, but I have some good ideas.”

“Really? Will you share them?”

“Sure.” Robbie shrugged.

“Great.” Jenny pulled from her belt purse a piece of paper and a pen. “Shoot.”

“Now?”

“Yes, it’ll only take a minute and I feel inspired. Go on. Tell me.”

With one arm folded across his waist, Robbie thought for a moment, then rambled.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

The scent of the home was sweet. Many different perfumes joined together to create a single scent of beauty yet Hal didn’t look like he enjoyed it. He sniffed and sneezed as he stood in the foyer, two feet from the door of the huge white house.

The door at the end of the long hall opened and Hal caught a glimpse of blonde hair. Grace stepped out of the room and shut the door behind her. Her name did not fit her. She was big. She was crass and her bright silver hair made her look older than her fifty-five years. She emerged with thunderous steps as she walked to Hal and tried to project intimidation that was already present in her appearance.

Hal turned his head and sneezed once. “Excuse me.”

“You do that all the time when you enter this house.”

“It’s the . . . .” Hal turned his head and sneezed again. “...perfume.” He sniffled.

“Here.” She handed him a folded piece of paper. “The monthly list. I’m sure you will oblige us.”

Cringing,  Hal, with one eye open, slowly unfolded the paper.

“Fear not, my dear Captain.” Grace spoke smugly. “You are not on that list. I highly doubt you ever will be.” She quickly glanced at Hal’s less-than-subtle exhale. “Trust me when I tell you, the thought of you frightens and disturbs us as much as the thought of us does to you.”

With a sneeze, Hal stepped back and opened the door. “Have a good day.”

“Thank you. Take care of that with haste.”

“By this evening.” Hal pulled the door closed. He looked at the two guards on the porch then to Sgt Ryder who stood at the end of the path with two more guards. Hal walked to him. Sgt. Ryder looked nervous.

“Captain, tell me. Please . . .”

“Spared.”

Sgt. Ryder’s head dropped. “Thank God.”

“However.” Hal started to walk with Sgt. Ryder. He showed him the paper. “Others are not.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Robbie was at least an inch taller than Joe, so in order for Joe to really get that eye to eye contact going, Joe had to look up. When Joe did--standing yards from the awaiting helicopter--he saw something in his youngest son...arrogance. Robbie played annoyingly with a piece of hard tack candy in his mouth, swishing it from side to side, as he stood with his hands on his hips, nodding. All Joe could see was himself, not because Robbie acted that way, but because Robbie wore an irritating pair of sunglasses.

“What? Are you looking at me or what?” Joe reached up and lowered Robbie’s shades. “Listen to me.”

“I’m listening.” Robbie looked away over to Ellen who stood with Henry.

“No you aren’t.” Joe grasped Robbie’s chin and held his glance--physically. “It’s nearly noon now. I want you back before the sun even thinks about going down. You hear?”

“Yep.”

“You have enough fire power?”

“Yep.”

“You watch Ellen. Got that? Anything happens to her, I won’t send people out after you.”

“Dad, come on.” Robbie shook his head. “I will canvass the area by air first, O.K.? We’ll be fine.”

“Be careful.”

“That too.” Robbie looked over at Ellen. “El! Let’s go.” Robbie adjusted his M-16 over his shoulder. As he went to walk to Ellen, Joe stopped him.

“Robert. I mean it.” Joe was very serious. “You’re my kid and I love you. Be careful. I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you too.”

“Thanks. I’ll be fine and you’ll be yelling at me tonight.” Robbie walked to Ellen, took her hand and led her from her goodbye to Henry. “Let’s go. Bye, Henry.” He moved with Ellen to the helicopter and opened the door for her. He saw the look on her face that screamed scared. “Tell me now, are you O.K. to do this?”

“I’m O.K. to do this.” Ellen took a breath and stepped up into the chopper with help from Robbie. He shut the door and Ellen looked out the window, waving to Joe and Henry.

As Robbie moved from Ellen‘s door, Henry called to him. “Robbie.”

“Yeah?”

“Watch her.”

Robbie took a step closer to Henry. “I will. She needs this and I need this. Actually . . .” Robbie stepped back. “If you need to know the truth, we’re only doing this so we can go off and have . . .” Robbie grinned. “Sex. Ha!” He grinned again and walked to the chopper.

“I hate your son, Joe.”

“Yeah, well.” Joe raised his eyebrows.

As Robbie reached for his door, he heard another voice calling to him.

“Robbie! Wait!”

Robbie looked around the chopper to see Andrea. He shook his head and met the out of breath woman. “What’s wrong.”

“Whew.” Andrea grabbed her chest. “Here.” She handed him a small tan sack. “I thought . . . I thought you might get hungry. I made some lunch.”

“Are there brownies in there?” Robbie smiled.

“Of course.”

“Excellent. Thanks.” Robbie kissed her on the cheek. “You should have been our mom years ago.”

“Oh how sweet. Now you make . . .hey.” Andrea was tugged back by Joe.

Joe waved Robbie on. “Let the boy leave, Andrea.”

Robbie went back to his door, opened it, and handed Ellen the bag as he got in. “Ready?”

“What’s this?”

“Lunch.” Robbie fixed his sunglasses.

“Robbie, I’m not getting airsick, am I? Every time I flew with Johnny, I got sick.”

“Nah. Right now, you’re flying with the best.” Robbie smiled as he adjusted his controls and started the chopper.

Joe heard sniffling as he stood with Andrea and Henry watching the helicopter start and lift. He looked to beside him to see Andrea with her hand cupped to her nose and her shoulders heaving. “Christ, Andrea. What’s wrong?”

“Our boy is leaving, Joe.”

“For a couple hours, yes.”

Andrea shivered her tear filled breath. “Look at him fly. Aren’t you proud. I’m so proud.”

Joe rolled his eyes and grumbled. He’d heard enough. With little compassion, Joe turned Andrea and led her off the landing field.

^^^^

Sliding as he moved quickly around the lab, Dean set down charts in front of Johnny. “You’re sure you don’t mind doing this. I have a ton of things to get done at the house.”

“If it’s a choice between moving beds or making rounds and helping catch up on blood work. I’m here.”

“If you can’t handle any emergencies, call me. O.K.?”

“Yep.” Johnny started looking at the charts. “When are these people going to get over their pneumonia?”

“That’s what some of these tests you’re running are gonna hopefully show.”

Johnny fluttered his lips. “Doubtful. I think they’re sick forever. Hey Dr. Dean, what are you gonna do if Ellen hates the house or doesn’t even care to see it?”

“Cry,” Dean laughed as he talked.

“You’ve been working  so hard to make the house into a Barbie house.”

“How do you know that?”

“Todd from fabrics told me you sweet talked Ben into giving decorating tips.”

“Ben made curtains,” Dean said.

“Did you have to put out for them?”

“Ha-ha-ha. Spare me the Slagel humor. Speaking of putting out.” Dean leaned on the counter with one hand. “When?”

“No way. I’m not putting out for you.”

“Johnny.” Dean nudged him. “I'm talking about what your grandfather asked you.”

“I know.” Johnny snickered. “I’ve been giving it thought. I figure, tonight . . . maybe tomorrow, I’ll start ‘operation why’s Bev bothering Ellen’. I don’t want to embarrass the girl.”

“Embarrass her?” Dean asked. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, she’s been chasing after you, right? Well it would be embarrassing if all of the sudden she realizes I like her, which I don’t, and she feels foolish for even considering you.”

“You are such a Slagel.”

“Do I have to have sex with her?” Johnny asked. “Seriously, do I?”

“Probably not. Maybe you can just get close to her.”

“But if I want any real secrets, I should sleep with her. Of course then I run the risk of having her fall in love with me and never leave me alone.”

“Is that so?” Dean was enjoying their talk.

“Yeah. I’ve heard I’m pretty good. I’ve been around the block, probably more than you.”

“Probably.” Dean laughed. “But, Johnny, how can you be good? You’re a kid.”

“What’s that mean?”

“Experience doesn’t match maturity in that department. Knowing how comes with maturity.”

Johnny chuckled in amusement. “No way. You old guys get to a point that sex becomes a chore.”

“Johnny.” Dean laid his hand on Johnny’s back. “Sex never is a chore when you’re older. It becomes a fine art you have mastered.”

“Right.” Johnny laughed loudly.

“Let’s settle this. We’ll get an honest opinion from someone who knows.” Dean smiled. “Let’s ask Trish.”

“Trish?”

“Hi!” Trish waved chipper as she walked in the lab. “Busy?”

Johnny spun around on his stool. “How long has she been standing there.”

Dean whispered, “She just walked in.” He spoke normal again. “Hey, Trish. Can you help us out with something? We need an honest female opinion.”

“Oh!” Trish was excited. “Something medical. I’m honest and I’m female. Go on, shoot.”

“It has to do with sex,” Dean said.

Trish hesitated then smiled again. “I might get embarrassed, but go on.”

“If you want to have good sex, who do you get it from, a young man or an older man?” Dean asked.

“It depends what you consider good sex,” Trish commented. “What’s important, longevity or style. If you want longevity, then you go with the young man because they go and go, but they just don’t, well...know. If you want style, you go with someone older. They know how.”

Dean smiled and held his hand out to Johnny. “There you have it.”

“But!” Trish held up her hand, “If you want both, then you go with someone closer to sixty.” She shrugged at their aghast expressions. “Anything else?”

With a heavy stomp-stomp, Jenny stormed into the lab. “Trish come on. What is taking so long? Did you ask?”

“No.” Trish shook her head. “We were talking. Sorry.”

Dean interrupted what looked like a secret conversation between the two ladies. “What did you need, Trish?”

“I need something really strong for constipation. Something that will clear out the old system.”

“Like an enema?” Dean held back his snicker. “Why do you need this, Trish?”

“Not me.” Trish looked insulted as she pointed. “Jenny.”

Johnny tugged on Dean’s jacket whispering. “If Jenny needs an enema right now, I’m moving beds.”

Dean tried to keep a straight face. “Um Jenny . . . Do you uh . . . not feel well.”

Jenny tilted her head. “Why would you ask . . . oh!” Jenny waved her hand. “It isn’t for me. I need a laxative that can be put in food. Hopefully something without any taste or smell.”

“Who are you going to sneak a laxative to?” Dean asked. He didn’t get an answer from either of the ladies. They just shifted their eyes around. “Jenny?”

“Dean, I really need it and I need it right now. The cake is being iced and Bev is . . .” Jenny shut up when she realized perhaps she shouldn’t have mentioned a name.

“Bev.” Dean raised his eyes. “I ethically can not do this. I can’t distribute a medication for you to do that to someone, even if it’s Bev.”

“Ouch!” Jenny grabbed her stomach and hunched down. Her acting was so bad it was good.“Oh my God!” She held tightly. “The gas pains. Dean, please, I haven’t gone in days. I need something. Please.”

Dean looked back at Johnny who was laughing. “You’re on call. You handle this. I’m out of here.” Dean smiled at Jenny and Trish. “Moving day.”

Johnny stood up from the stool. “I’ll distribute the med. Dean, about our little plan.” Johnny stood behind him whispering, “If they’re feeding her what I’m gonna give her. I’m not going forward with the plan for at least another day.”

Shaking his head with a snicker then with a fake scold to Trish and Jenny, Dean left the lab.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

Twelve men sat in red chairs that used to be behind desks in the class room of the school. They sat there like children awaiting punishment and that feeling grew with each click of The Captain’s boots they heard draw nearer and nearer.

Hal enter room 110 of the school room. He saw Sgt Ryder prepare the men to stand at attention, but Hal halted him with a raise of a hand and a shake of a head. “No need.” Sadly Hal stood before the twelve men. He leaned dramatically against the desk and spoke distraught. “Gentlemen, I think you all know why you are here. You . . . are the chosen few.”

They knew it but they still moaned.

“They don’t ask it of us much but they do now. You all know the routine. The women have picked you. You are to be there this evening. You are to be clean and shaven. Keep conversation to a minimum. They don’t think we’re intelligent enough to speak. They hate when we speak. You know they believe our place is to protect, to work and to . . . you know. Please under no circumstances are you to make any vulgar bodily functions that you could somehow control. Last month I received three complaints. And . . . you know the preparations. Each of you know what you must do prior to going there to ensure . . . well, though I preach mighty and swift with the sword, that is not a route you can go with this.” Hal took a deep breath and saw one man, Peter, raise his hand. “Yes Peter.”

“Deliver the bad news. Which one was chosen by . . . by . . .” Peter swallowed. “Grace.”

Hal walked up to Peter and laid a firm hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry.”

“No.” Peter nearly shouted. “She picked me last month. No. This is so unfair. Why? Why do we have to subject ourselves? Can’t Blue say I’m ill? Can’t he, Captain? My God., last month I was there with Grace. It was hell. Shear hell.”

Hal looked back to Sgt. Ryder. “Elliott?”

“Captain, we never established that they couldn't pick the same man twice.”

Hal nodded. “Anyone else here on the list last month?” Hal saw no show of hands. “In fairness, I will tell them to pick someone else in Peter’s place because he is ill. I will do the same for any of you if you get picked next month but let me remind all of you why we subject ourselves to this torture. Women are slowly becoming extinct. Even The Society must genetically enhances their offspring to ensure a semi equal ratio of male to female. They will forever remain the lower gender. They are precious and should be regarded as such if we seek to preserve them. We must treat them well and protect them. We know what The Society does to them. We must give the women what they want and keep them happy because we’re fortunate to still have them around. We could be living in a world without them.” He saw the men lower their heads.

Peter raised his hand. “They know this. They know they are spoiled. I don’t mind that we spoil them and pamper them, but do they have to treat us like we’re . . . we’re beasts.”

“Probably yes.” Hal answered. “We are sub-standard to them. Look at what these women went through in our world before we protected them. Is it any wonder they regard men as beasts?”

“Do you think they’ve all become like ours?” Peter asked.

“Not all. You have the few that are just as much a male Wildcat as the ones they run with. The ones The Society has, well . . . are they human anymore? Trust me, any community that harbors women, treats them the same as we do.  If it’s any consolation, I’ll bet the men of Beginnings go through the exact same hell as we do. They have to. They are civilized and wish to preserve life as much as we do.” Hal let out another breath. “Well gentlemen, I’ll leave you with Sgt. Ryder for further instructions. I feel deeply for all of you, but . . .” Hal smiled as he walked toward the door. “I wouldn’t trade places with you under any circumstances.”

^^^^

“It’s near here.” Ellen called out over the helicopter noise. “I know it.”

“Why, do you see a landmark?” Robbie asked.

“Yes., that beat up water tower.” Ellen pointed to the water tower embedded in the trees to her right.

“Where do you remember seeing that from?” Robbie asked.

“The front porch of the house. I saw it was in the distance.”

“O.K. I’m going that way. Keep your eyes peeled.”

Ellen only turned her view away from the window to nod at Robbie, then she returned to looking out.

It was a view that by ground would not have been seen. After circling around the farm house that was so hidden, Robbie spotted it. “Oh shit.”

“What?” Ellen felt the chopper lift. “What are you doing? Where are you going?”

“Up.”

“No shit. I want to go down.”

“In a minute. I don’t want the blades blowing this. Look.” Robbie pointed and heard the heavy exhale of Ellen.

The land below looked like an abstract painting. If it was a square, set in the top right hand corner was the gray roof to the house. Fifteen yards from the house, center of the square were sporadic brown spots. Fifteen, twenty of them. Then directly center was a larger one and from that large spot of blood was a streak of brown, a thick heavy line that crossed the field and led directly from the high grass into the trees.

“El, see,” Robbie said. “See the brown spots.”

“Yes.”

“Blood. So where are the bodies?”

“They took them.”

“Exactly. They carried them, but . . . see the long line of blood.”

“Like a trail,” Ellen commented.

“That’s someone they carried out also, But it wasn't easy because when they carried him, he was too heavy.”

Ellen let out a breath. “And his body dragged against the grass, leaving a trail.”

“Care to make a wager that trail of blood is Frank’s?”

“No, because I wanna prove that blood is Frank’s. If it is it can lead us somewhere.”

“Exactly.” Robbie raised his hand and handed her a clipboard. “Go in the back. There’s a case. See what you can come up with to take samples. We’re gonna start where you think Frank dropped and go from there. Ready to do some work?”

“I’m ready.” Ellen started to get up. “Robbie? If they took him, he was alive right? They wouldn’t take him if he were dead. Right?”

“What would be the point?”

Ellen smiled. “That’s what I thought you’d say.” Ellen, still holding the clipboard, stood and went to the back of the chopper.

“You cold?” Robbie asked after seeing Ellen shiver. He stayed low in front of her.

“No. The wind just gave me a chill.”

Robbie squinted and examined the grass. “A hundred and fifty feet.”

Ellen wrote down what Robbie said. She watched him reach and pull up a handful of grass. He handed it to Ellen. She laid it on the clipboard and rolled the paper that said 150 feet all around it. She pulled a piece of string that dangled from the metal part of the clipboard and tied it around the paper that held the grass. She took that and placed it carefully in the tan sack she carried around her shoulder.

Robbie stood up. They had made it into the trees. He took the clipboard. “The blood is heavier in this area. They held him here for a few minutes while they got a truck or Jeep.”

“How do you know?” Ellen asked.

“Come here.” Robbie grabbed her hand and brought her another twenty feet deeper into the woods. “Broken branches and the brush is smashed here.” Robbie crouched down. “Tire tracks.”

“Are you sure?” Ellen looked. “It just looks like holes.”

Robbie pulled her down. “Look closely, tilt your head, and peer at the ground.”

Ellen did. “They go that way.” She pointed.

“Yep they do.” Robbie grinned. “We now have a direction. We didn’t have one before. This is good. If this blood proves to be Frank’s, this is really good.”

Ellen leaned into Robbie and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you for this.”

“You’re welcome for this.” Robbie stood up and helped Ellen to her feet. “I say let’s at least check out the roads from the air. We have enough gas. There may be lots of ways they went but this is a start. I’ve been charting our course so I pretty much have an idea where we are. You ready to go?”

“No.” Ellen shook her head and turned back to look at the farm house so far in the distance. “Could we just take a few minutes to go in there. We could have that lunch Andrea made and there’s something I want to get.”

“Did you forget something?” Robbie asked.

“No. Let’s just say there’s something in that house I need, something that gives me a future to hold on to. Can we?”

Robbie looked at his watch. “Not for long. We’ve been in this field for two hours. I want to make sure I have enough daylight to canvass the roads from above.”

“It won’t take long, I promise. Please.”

“I’m in the mood for those brownies anyway.” He smiled at her. “Let’s go in the house.” Robbie took the tan sack from Ellen and tossed it on his shoulder. He took the clipboard. “Lead the way.”

Ellen slid her hand down to his and walked with him toward the farm. Robbie saw a certain look on Ellen’s face that wasn’t there when they left Beginnings. He was sure at that moment, with what they had just found, he had the exact same look on his face. The look of hope.

^^^^

Beginnings Montana

What Henry was doing was beyond Dean. Walking up to his new home, he could see Henry standing out front holding Nick. In a long line behind Henry were all of the kids, from Joey to Josh, standing there in front of the door.

“Henry?” Dean called his name. “Are you locked out?”

“Oh no, Dean. I’m teaching the kids how to enter the house without getting yelled at.”

“What do you mean?” Dean asked.

“When I was a young kid, I used to think that ‘take off your shoes’ was a normal hello. I found out later it wasn’t so I want them to learn the technique of taking off their shoes so they don’t get yelled at. You know as well as I do, Ellen is going to be that way.”

“Henry.” Dean paused before laughing at him. “How hard can it be for these kids to take off their shoes?”

“It’s an art, Dean, especially when it snows because you don’t want to step into the wetness in your socks. Yuck.” Henry made a face to Alexandra and Billy. Alex thought it was cute. Billy looked more annoyed.

“Dad.” Billy looked at his father. “Can you please tell Uncle Henry that we don’t need to learn this. I’d like to go back to Pap’s.”

“Henry, do you mind running them down to Joe’s?”

“No not at all. I’ll be back to finish helping,” Henry said. “Come on kids.”

Dean watch them start to leave with Josh joining them. Immediately Dean held out his hand, grabbed  Josh’s shirt, and tugged him back. “Where you going, big guy?” Dean looked up to the teenager that was much taller than he.

“To Pap’s.” Josh saw Dean shake his head. “No? How come?”

“You’re helping. Let’s go. The trim in your bedroom needs to be painted and you have a bed to make in there.”

“Aw.” Josh tossed his hands down.

“Josh.” Dean laid his hand on Josh’s back. “No whining. In.”

“O.K.”

Dean followed Josh inside, smiled, and took off his shoes. Though there were boxes laying around the living room, Dean was pleased with his house and how nice it looked. He was also pleased with the sound of the doorbell, a simple chime. “Hey Josh.” Dean grinned. “Did you hear that? A doorbell. What do you think?”

“I think it means someone’s at the door. I’m going to my room.” Josh pouted and moved to the hall that led to the bedrooms.

“I’m not ready for a teenager,” Dean spoke to himself and opened the door. Jess was there. “Hey Jess.”

“Hi. I was at the clinic. Johnny said you needed to speak to me.”

“I do. Come in.” Dean held the door opened for Jess. As Jess stepped in, Dean saw Henry trotting to the house. Dean smiled and shut the door. “Jess, do you mind if we talk while I unpack?”

“No, not at all.” Jess looked around. “Great place.”

“Thanks.” Dean lifted a box to the dining room table. “I’m a little nervous about it being unfair though. You know how everyone else lives in the townhouses.”

“Not everyone. Some others will be lucky. Not this lucky but you know what Danny says.”

“No, what does Danny say?” Dean asked.

“He says you saved the life of the community and ancient Chinese secret dictates the people of Beginnings repay you.”

Dean laughed then stopped laughing when his front door opened.

Henry walked in, kicking off his shoes. “That wasn’t very nice, Dean. Hey Jess, you didn’t take off your shoes.”

“Whoops.” Jess hurried to the door to remove his.

“See Dean.” Henry nodded. “You should put a sign out front. Ellen will get mad if this carpet gets tracked.”

“Let’s just hope Ellen comes here to live.”

“What do you mean?” Henry asked. “Of course she’ll come here. Why, because she’s still mad at you?”

“That and Robbie.” Dean opened the flaps to a box. His tone changed to a serious one. “Come on, Henry. You’ve seen the way she’s been with him.”

Henry lowered his head. “O.K., granted El’s a little wrapped up in Robbie right . . .”

“A little?”

“Yes,” Henry said, “but don’t you think that’s to be expected? My God Dean, Frank’s gone. When we lose someone we love, we search and want a piece of them back so badly, that we reach for the closest thing to them.”

Dean nodded. “Robbie. Frank’s brother.”

“Exactly.”

“Henry’s right,” Jess interrupted, “if you don’t mind my opinion.”

“No.” Dean shook his head. “Not at all. An outside opinion may be what I need.”

“Then my opinion is what you’ll get. This is what I see happening, especially over the past couple days. Robbie’s being over protective of Ellen, taking on his brother’s role. That's natural. He should look out for her. That’s what Frank would want, right?” He saw Dean's agreement. “Ellen, like Henry said, is looking for a little bit of Frank. Robbie is Frank’s brother. Your fears are founded about worrying about Ellen being with Robbie.”

Dean tossed his hands up. “Here I thought I would feel better.”

“Wait.” Jess held out his hand. “Hear me out, O.K.? Ellen very easily could turn to Robbie but Robbie’s no Frank. When she sees that, she’s gonna slip back into the history she has established with you.  I haven’t been in Beginnings very long, but from what I hear, you are always a part of her life. It’s Robbie I’m worried about.” Jess saw the sudden surprise looks of Henry and Dean. “I’ve become friends with him. We’re getting close. Don’t you guys worry about his feelings at all? You should. Yeah he’s the upbeat guy, making jokes and having a good time but he’s also one of the many men in this community who does not have that closeness we all need. Here’s the problem I see. Robbie loves Ellen. Is Robbie smart enough to look past what Ellen’s doing? Look past her search for Frank? Or is he gonna get so wrapped up in it, he’s going to be crushed when it’s all said and done.”

Dean’s hands hesitated in his grip of a knickknack. “Whoa, I didn’t think of Robbie at all.”

Henry helped unpack as he talked. “Why would you? You don’t like Robbie.”

“I like Robbie,” Dean said. “You’re the one who doesn’t like him.”

“Oh.” Henry set down a knickknack. “You’re right.”

“Jess.” Dean looked to him. “Thanks for your view on things.”

“You’re welcome. I don’t want you to worry Dean. I live with Robbie. If I have to, if I see him not seeing what’s going on, I’ll speak to him about it, or to Joe.”

“Thanks.” Dean smiled slightly. “He’s really lucky to have made a friend in you.” Slowly Dean’s eyes shifted to Henry who was snickering. “What is so funny?”

“Oh nothing.” Henry caught that after-laugh breath. “I was just thinking back to something Joe said the other day. Ignore me. I get like this.” Henry giggled again.

Dean shook his head. “I can’t imagine what Joe could have said that was that funny. Anyhow . . .” Dean let out a breath and started to unpack again. “....getting back to why I needed to talk to you.”

“Shoot.” Jess said.

“O.K., when the plague first hit, I was very wrapped up in not only finding a cure, but finding a common denominator that played a factor in our all surviving.” Dean explained. “For years I tested everyone’s blood. Broke it down and did all that for years. After I found it, this was only after we started taking survivors. I stopped. Why go on? But . . .” Dean held up his finger. “Everyone I tested was different. Except for the Slagels. See they had this mutated strand and I attributed that to the fact that the immunity spanned through half the males in the family.”

Jess nodded as he listened. Henry played with the winder on the musical statue he unpacked.

“I thought it was a fluke,” Dean said, “because most cases I saw were one father, one son, never more until you Jess. How many of your brothers survived the plague.”

“Two plus my father.”

Crash! Henry dropped the statue. “Shit.” He grabbed the pieces. “You had brothers and a father that lived. Oh my God. Where are they?”

“My father died of high blood sugar. The insulin went bad. My brothers were killed by what you call savages.”

Dean looked stunned. “That’s what Robbie told me. He told me about your family. I needed to hear it from you.”

“You’re hearing it. I was in the service. When I went home to my father’s farm, they hadn’t a clue the plague was so wide spread. Why would they? They had all lived.”

“Well . . .” Dean finally noticed what Henry had broken. “Henry, you’d better put that statue back together. That’s Ellen’s Scarlet O’Hara. She’ll kill you.”

“I’ll fix it so she’ll never know.” Henry tried not to show how worried he was as he gathered all the pieces.

“Anyway,” Dean continued, “I’d like to run some tests on you. I want to see if you have a similar gene to the Slagels. It’s merely out of my curiosity and for my records. You don’t have to but, as a scientist,  I’d like to know.”

“Sure.” Jesse agreed. “Just tell me when.”

“We can start tomorrow. Simple specimens that’s all.” Dean heard Henry snicker again. “What now, Henry?”

“You’d better tell him now before he agrees fully.”

“Tell him what?” Dean asked.

“What you need.” Henry looked at Jess. “He needs sperm. He didn’t tell any of us when he first asked. Just handed us a cup and said enjoy.” Henry’s voice dropped to a whisper. “He never did have a good sense of humor. Of course he could say enjoy. Back then there were five women, two were in their sixties. One was Ellen, Andrea the other, and Jenny was jail bait. Not too mention she was Jenny. And Dean, he had Ellen. He was getting . . .”

“Henry.” Dean shut him up. “Please.”

“Just warning him, Dean. And . . . “ Henry went on. “Better drop a lot or he’ll make you give more. How embarrassing.” Henry fiddled with the broken pieces, rambling on. “He made some of us feel incompetent because we supplied too little. Do you know how much he . . .”

“Henry.” Dean stopped him. “Shut up. Jess, back then . . .”

“He’ll make Ellen play with it.” Henry kept going on, not paying any attention to Dean. “Well she’ll work on it. But still, he makes her touch it. He has turned her so cold about some things in the name of science. You should see what they do to rabbits.”

“Enough.” Dean handed Henry a cloth that had been wrapped around a knickknack. “Take those pieces somewhere and fix them now. O.K.? Before Ellen has a fit.”

“O.K.” Henry dumped the pieces in the cloth and wrapped it up. “You don’t need me to help set things up?”

“No,” Dean said. “Jess you busy?”

“Not at all,” Jess answered.

“See. Henry.” Dean pointed to Jess. “Jess will help me. Fix the statue.”

“All right.” Henry carried the cloth, walked to the door and slipped on his boots. “I’ll be back.” He opened the door. “Oh Jess. Dean’s not a nice guy. He redefines the meaning of mad scientist.”

Jess laughed as Henry left, and looked at Dean who appeared frazzled. “You know Dean, I’ve never experienced the effect of being in the same room as Henry and Danny. Is it . . .”

“It warrants an alcohol induced state.” Dean returned to unpacking. “And worse, if you ever see Ellen with those two . . . run.”

^^^^

Anderson Farm

Robbie drank a glass of water standing in the living room while he stared at the long table with the abundance of photographs.

“I loved those too,” Ellen said softly as she walked in the living room.

Robbie turned in surprise. “I didn’t hear you. Shame on me. I guess I got kind of caught up in those.”

“One of the things I want.” Ellen reached around him and picked up the photograph of the Anderson couple.

“What are you doing?”

“This,” she showed him. “I love this. These people were married before the plague and they survived the plague. They had such a long history and a long life together Robbie. Look at all their family. These two people are the meaning of soul mates.”

“Like you and Frank,” Robbie stated.

“Yeah.” Ellen looked in awe at the picture. “Lovers or not, he and I are connected and will always be that way.”

“What’s this?” Robbie reached to the cloth in her hand.

“Me being silly I guess. This was in the bedroom. This was the cloth I used to clean up Frank when he was sick.” She brought it to her nose, closed her eyes and smiled. “You can still smell him on this.”

Robbie grabbed her hand, lowered his head, and brought this nose to the cloth. “Frank.”

“Frank.” Ellen’s eyes filled with sadness. Her hand dropped. She stepped back and tuned away from Robbie.

“El.” Robbie moved to her. “We’ll find him. He’s out there somewhere and we will find him.” He laid his hands on her shoulders and brought this lips near her ear. “I promise you.”

Ellen leaned back into Robbie, letting him hold her. “Even when I went to Colorado, I wasn’t away from him this long. He’s so far away from me, Robbie. So far. I don’t know how to feel, how to act, or what to do. I miss him so much.”

“I miss him too. I never realized how big a part of my life Frank was until now.” Robbie closed his eyes tightly. “I want my big brother back too.”

“I just . . .” Ellen turned around and faced Robbie “I worry. How hurt is he? What are they doing to him? It crushes me to think of what they could do to Frank.”

Robbie swallowed in pain.

“Even though we believe he’s alive, he’s still out there somewhere, taken and lost.” Ellen saw Robbie turn his head. She laid her hand on his cheek and made him look at her. “I know you are doing all that you can do. Frank would be so proud to see you. Especially since . . .” Ellen snickered slightly.

“What?”

Ellen smiled. “He’s always worried about you being head of security.”

“Don’t I know it.” Robbie smiled too. “Man, did he pound shit into my head. I would blow him off and he’d get so pissed.”

“But look at you.”

“I remembered it all and . . . I can’t believe myself lately. When I hear some of the things I say, I sound like Frank.”

“You’re doing a great job for him.”

“Thanks.” Robbie spoke with relief, wrapped his arms around her, and held her tight. “Hearing that come from you is the closest I can get to Frank saying it.”

“And getting this hug from you is the closest thing I can get to Frank giving it.” Ellen closed her eyes. “Robbie, just . . . just tell me everything is going to be all right. I need to hear that.”

“Everything is going to be all right.” Robbie released the embrace slightly.

“Thank you,” Ellen spoke softly. She stood on tip toes and softly laid her lips to Robbie’s. “Thank you.” She pulled away only a little. Her hand touched gently to his face.

Robbie closed his eyes and tilted his head into her hand. Rubbing the roughness of his cheek against the softness of her palm, he got lost but only for a moment. He lifted his head and opened his eyes. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.”  Ellen pulled back her hand. “Maybe we should be going.”

“Yeah.” Robbie grabbed his M-16 which laid by the photograph table. “Anyhow, it turned out to be a good day, right?”

“Right.” Ellen took his hand.

“We found evidence that they took Frank or at least we think we did. And we have a lead.” Robbie walked to the door with Ellen.

“Robbie.” Ellen stopped him in the doorway. “You’re a very special part of my life. I want you to know that.”

“I do.” Robbie kissed her quickly then winked. “Come on. Let’s go home.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

90 Miles east of Binghamton, Alabama

“I know I’m never getting there.” George tossed his hands up when he felt his train start to slow down. “What the hell is going on?” He stood up and walked from his cabin and looked up and down the hall. No one was there. Heading to the front of the train, George moved with haste. Finally he saw one of his soldiers. “Soldier, why are we stopping?”

“People on the tracks ahead sir. We’re checking to see if they’re savages.”

“We’re stopping? Why would you even think about stopping?” George asked. “Christ. Back this thing up then go full speed ahead. Run them over.”

“Sir?”

“Run them over and get me to Binghamton now!”

“Yes sir.” The soldier raced off to the front of the train. As he made it to the conductor, the train slow to a near stop. “Bart.”

The conductor, gray, and tall, wearing an old fashion conductor’s uniform, turned around. “What’s up?”

“The president says back it up and hit them.”

“Hit them?”

“Hit them.”

“All right.” Moving his hands on the controls, Bart backed up the train. He could see the figures of the people standing on the tracks ahead. They faded as the train made room then with a switch of the controls, the train left out a loud whistle and the engines churned. Picking up speed, the train moved down the tracks faster and faster, closer and closer.

The soldier stood at the window with Bart as they rolled forward, moving with a charge to the people who wouldn’t budge.

“Bart, they don’t know we’re gonna hit them.”

“They think they can stop us. Little do they . . .”

At the same time, Bart and the soldier cringed, hunched, and tossed their head sideways when the train plowed into the people with a ‘thump’ against the front, a splatter of blood to the window, and a rapping as the train rolled over them.

Bart pointed his finger to the window with irritation. “I’m not cleaning that up.”

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

Hal felt like he did when he was a kid. He remembered racing to the television when he would hear the previews for a movie he wanted to see. Now he did something similar as he raced to the police station to listen the Beginnings transmission he wanted to hear. Hal would drop whatever he was doing and run when he heard his name called. Of course he started to catch on when he realized a lot of those wasted trips were Craig being facetious.

“It’s him?” Hal burst in the station out of breath.

“Yes,” the monitor said. “He just radioed for the Chief.”

“Is that what we’re waiting for?” Hal asked.

“Yep.”

Hal caught his breath, leaned on the counter, and stared at the radio. The chopper noise that followed the hiss made Hal smile.

“This is Eagle one. Anyone there?”

“I’m here.”

“Hey Chief. We’re about twenty minutes from home. Found the location.”

“Anything?”

“Nothing there. From the scene description we were given, someone cleaned up.”

Hal snapped his finger and smiled. “We were right. I’ll bet he was at the Anderson farm.”

Robbie continued, “So as soon as I land I’ll search you out. I have something to discuss but I wanted to let you know we were fine, in the air, and no sign of Mathias’s men.”

“Glad to hear. See you soon.”

“Eagle One out.”

Hal stood upright. “There’s that name again. Mathias.” Hal drew up a thinking look and laid his hand on the monitor’s back. “Let me know if that name comes up again. I’ll be with Sgt. Ryder.” Hal got agreement from the monitor, gave a light pat to his back, and walked out.

Hal walked toward the homes and to where Sgt Ryder lived. They had a meeting to discuss sending out scouts to search for the Wildcats but Hal knew that meeting would now have to include something else, the third force out there Hal knew nothing about. One Hal would make sure he found out about. If they were as big of a threat as Beginnings made them sound, Hal would definitely have to learn all that he could about Mathias and his men.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

The curio cabinet fit nicely in the corner of the dining room section of Dean and Ellen’s new home. It was quiet. The smell of dinner filled the home. The house was impeccably neat and the kids waited patiently as they played in their rooms. Like Dean, they were waiting on Ellen.

Dean stood side by side with Henry in front of the curio. Both of their heads tilted to the right as they stared at the knickknacks they worked so hard to arrange geometrically appealing.

Henry shook his head. “Try the other way.”

At the same time both of their heads tilted to the left.

“Henry, it isn’t going to work. She’ll know.”

“No she won’t. She hasn’t seen it in years. She probably forgot what it looked like and when you look at it like this, you can’t even tell.”

“Ellen is not going to look at the cabinet like Quasimodo. She’s going to notice Scarlet O’Hara’s arm is deformed and her nose is missing.” Dean reached for the statue and Henry stopped him. “We have to take this down before she gets home.”

“Dean, if we take it down then the whole thing will be off. This was the worst part. This cabinet and Ellen’s old knickknacks took us forever to make look good. It was worse than those stupid curtains Ben made for the kitchen. What was up with those?”

“They’re called valances, Henry. They just hang on top.”

“Oh.” Henry nodded. “No wonder. I thought we were short.” He shrugged. “I’d better get going. You heard Joe. They’re on their way.”

“Yeah.” Dean shuddered some in nervousness. “Thanks for all your help today.”

“No problem. It was fun doing this for El.” Henry walked to the entrance, put on his boots, and opened the door. He took one more look around the house which looked so perfect. “You did good. Good luck, Dean. She’ll love it.”

“Let’s hope.” Trying to look confident, Dean held up crossed fingers as he watched Henry leave. He walked to the door to make sure the outside light was on. As he turned around the curio, though in the far corner, caught his eye and so did the crooked Scarlet O’Hara. Dean moved to it, reached for the statue and stopped. He tilted his head to the left, looked, and then let the statue stay.

^^^^

It was dark as Robbie drove Ellen from the hanger across town and to the living section.

“El, I’ll take this bag of samples with me. We can have Dean look at it in the morning.”

“Sounds good. I’ll go too. We can do it before Frank’s service. Wait . . .”

“What.”

“Aren’t I going to Henry's because you just passed it.”

“No, you’re going home to Dean.”

“Well, you just passed that too.”

“No I didn’t.” Robbie slowed down so he could talk before the new row of houses came into view. “New housing was needed. Danny had a quick way to do it and Dean got his first. And well . . .”

“Oh my God” Ellen said in awe. “Houses.”

“Modular.” Robbie stopped the Jeep.

Ellen blinked as she looked at the long gray house on the end. The porch light lit the small wooden porch. “Is this Dean’s house?”

“Actually, it’s your house.” Robbie tapped on the steering wheel. “Yours, Dean’s, and all the kids.”

“Let him share it with Bev.”

“Oh cut it out,” Robbie told her. “You know as well as I do, Dean’s not involved with Bev. El . . .” Robbie dropped his voice to a whisper. “He has really worked hard on this. Go on.” He kissed her on the cheek. “Go on.”

As Ellen looked up to the house, she saw the front door open and Dean stood there waiting, so nervously. “Thanks Robbie.” Ellen stepped from the Jeep and waved as Robbie drove off. She turned back to the house when she heard the screen door shut. Dean stood on the porch. She couldn’t believe the house. She was speechless.

“Hey El.”

Ellen moved slowly to the porch, keeping her eyes on Dean.

Dean put his hands in his pockets. “How was the . . .” He was silenced by her kiss. Ellen’s arms went around his neck and pulled him to her. Dean’s hand immediately latched onto her and embraced Ellen as he kissed her. He let out a slight moan as the kiss ended and he held her tightly, her cheek to his. “I’m sorry about our fight.”

“I’m sorry too.”

Dean kissed her cheek and stepped back some. “Welcome um . . . welcome home, El.” He reached out and opened the screen door.

The moment Ellen stepped in with apprehension, she hesitated. “Oh Dean.” Her mouth dropped open as her feet slowly slipped from her shoes. “Oh Dean.” She stepped further into the living room. She walked to the couch and touched it. She looked at the pictures on the wall, the boarder, and the dining room table set for eight. “It’s ours?”

“Ours.” Dean walked in behind her and shut the door.

“Oh Dean” Ellen spoke, breathy. “Did the furniture come with it?”

“Some.”

Ellen shook her head and walked to the dining room area. “A breakfast counter.” She pointed. “Oh look at this.” She turned around. “Nice curtains and what happened to my Scarlet O’Hara?”

“Henry dropped her.”

“I’m killing him. But right now . . .” She went into the kitchen. “Look at all this space.”

Dean listened to her from the dining room. He could hear her open and close things.

“A laundry room. No more steps. Your office.” Ellen came quickly from the kitchen. “You have a little office there.”

“Yes. And . . . I brought up one of the computers form the cryo-lab. I figure any data entry I have to do, I can do here. That way I’m home more.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. You know how the data entry holds me up.”

Ellen walked by Dean and ran her hand across his face.

“El, I take it you like it.”

“I love it. I love it.” She kissed him. “Do the kids like it?”

“Yeah but they think they’re a little far from their friends.” Dean laughed. “They’re in their rooms.”

“How many bedrooms.”

“Four. Two small, one medium, one large.”

“Four?” Ellen spoke with excitement. “This way?” She pointed to the hall off the living room.

“Yep.”

“How many bathrooms.”

“One and a half.” Dean followed as Ellen stopped at the first room. The door was closed. “Josh’s room.”

Ellen knocked, turned the knob, and pushed. The door stopped. “It’s stuck.”

“Wait.” Dean knocked on the door. “Josh, what are you doing?”

“My room,” Josh answered.

“Let us in.”

“It’s open.”

Dean tried the door and pushed. He peeked his head in and pulled it back out. “I’m killing him.”

Ellen peeked in and waved to Josh. She cringed at the room. The floor could not be seen. She stepped back in the hall. “How long have you lived here?”

“Four hours,” Dean said. “Josh, finish that room.”

“I thought he would live with Robbie or Joe since Frank’s not here.”

“El, Josh was a big part of Frank’s life. He was part of your family with him. You’re my family and he’ll be a part of what we have too.”

“Thank you.” She pointed to the next one. “Whose room?”

“Billy, and Joey’s and . . . well, Nick’s now.” Dean knocked and opened up the door. Alex, Billy and Joey sat on the floor of the larger room, playing a game. Nick was a sleep in the crib.

Ellen walked in and kissed her children. “Look at all the room in here. Who is on the top bunk?”

“Joey.” Alexandra answered as she moved her game piece.

Ellen squatted on the floor and looked at Dean. “Should he be on the top bunk? He could fall off and get hurt.”

“Joey?” Dean laughed. “Please, he’s in Slagel training.”

Ellen smiled and stood up. “Next room.”

“Alex’s.” Dean led her there and pushed on the open door. “Henry decorated it. He made pink paint.”

Ellen smiled as she peeked into the small bedroom. The walls were a very light pink and the trim was white. “Henry did this?”

“Yeah. Henry had plans for this house. I told him you probably wouldn’t mind. It’s not quite finished. We need to add more trim.”

“This house is perfect. I’m so excited.” Ellen grinned widely. She saw the open door of the last room of the hall. She walked in. There wasn’t much furniture just a bed and two dressers. “Our room?”

“I’m hoping I don’t have to sleep on the couch. I will if that’s what you want.”

Ellen’s hand smoothed over the bedspread. “This is great, Dean.”

“I knew about this before what that all went down, went down. I didn’t know when you and Frank came back if you were still going to live with me or not. I know we had the understanding but, to be honest, I didn’t know who would be the person you lived with.”

“Were you hoping to win me over with this?”

“No.” Dean shook his head, then looked at her. “Maybe just a little.”

“You would have.” Ellen stepped to him. “I’m so materialistic.”

“I know.” Dean chuckled.

“I was in the old world too. Why do you think I stayed with Pete?”

“I knew this too. But . . . maybe that’s why I wanted to make this so different.” Dean held Ellen’s hand. “El, I have forever wanted to give you something no one else could.”

“You have.”

“What was that.”

“The Harvard Sweatshirt.”

Dean bit his bottom lip. “O.K., bigger than that. When I found out Joe was authorizing modular homes because Danny told him they erected easier and had more room than the townhouses, I had to do something special with the one I got.”

“So Danny picked you the best one?” Ellen nodded slowly. “What do you owe him?”

“Excuse me?”

“I know Danny. What’s he want?”

Dean held up his finger with an open mouth. “See there’s the problem. He hasn’t named his price. I signed a favor slip though.”

“One of many. He has a whole folder.” Ellen kissed him. “Thank you for this. I can’t tell you how this makes me feel.”

“I’m hoping you feel secure.” His fingers reached out and ran down her face. “So much as happened this past month, too much. We've had a lot of loss and heartbreak. You’ve gone through a lot. I guess for you, for me and for these kids, all of them, I wanted something stable and secure because in this world, an ‘old world’ normal life is so hard to come by.”

“So now we have a home with room where we can all live.”

“And eat.” Dean pointed back. “Dinner’s done. I invited everyone over. It’s the Slagel Sunday dinner you know. I hope you’re ready for it.”

“I’m ready for all of this.” Ellen started to follow Dean down the hall. “Dean? Can I invite the women over for a moon lodge meeting.”

Dean stopped walking. “Um . . .”

“You said ‘old world’ normal. Dean, I always had people over.”

“O.K., just forewarn me, all right.”

“I will.” She moved quickly behind Dean. “Oh, Dean, don’t get your hopes up. Bev won’t be invited.”

Dean spun around, opened his mouth to say something, shook his head, kissed Ellen, and walked to the kitchen.

^^^^

“East.” Robbie explained as he sat with Joe. A map was spread out across Joe’s dining room table. “Definitely east. The tire tracks led that way however, the road was maintained going north too. My guess is they went straight across South Dakota. But how far, I don’t know. There was a lot of blood. They had to take Frank somewhere to get help.”

“If that is Frank’s blood,” Joe said. “I guess Dean will tell us that tomorrow.”

“I want him to tell us now, but tonight is not a good night.”

“No it isn’t.  Anyhow, we can’t send anyone out until we get a cover story.”

“Are we still going with a run?”

“Yep,” Joe agreed. “We just have to come up with what kind. Sending Jess is a good idea. He can keep us posted if he sees any clues that they stopped somewhere with Frank.”

“I say we shoot for Tuesday morning.”

“Tuesday morning is good.” Joe folded the map. “It’s gonna be tough. I’d like to start them at the Anderson farm, but it’ll be a tough cover up if we do that.”

“I’ll think of something.”

Joe reached over patting Robbie on the cheek. “Good job.”

“Tell me that after Dean tells us it was Frank’s blood.”

“I’m telling you now. I’m proud of ya’.” Joe stood up, leaned down, and kissed Robbie on the head. “Speaking of Dean, let’s go. You coming to dinner?”

“Yeah. Did Andrea make desert?”

“Yes,” Joe said. “She’s over there now. I’m surprised she hasn’t called.”

Robbie rose from his seat. “You think there’s enough to invite Jess over?”

Joe stopped walking. “Why?”

“Well, I feel bad that we have this big family thing every week and he’s alone.”

“Isn’t that sensitive of you?” Joe said sarcastically.

“I’m a sensitive guy.” Robbie stood, straight and proud.

“Just don’t let me discover how sensitive you really are.”

“Huh?” Robbie asked baffled as he watched his father move to the door.

“Nothing. Go get your uh . . . buddy.”

“Thanks.” Robbie met up with Joe and walked out with him. “Meet you there.”

Joe watched his son dart the other direction and then headed to the street that led through the living section. He stopped when he saw a small hole that was dug on the corner,. “What in Christ’s name?” The hole looked as if it were drilled. Joe peered into the deep hole as he squatted down.

“If you reach real far, Bugs Bunny might pop up.”

Joe’s eyes rolled and then he looked over his shoulder and up to Danny. “Hello Danny.” Joe stood up.

“Walking to Dean’s? I am. I was invited.”

“Is it a party?’

“Yeah.” Danny walked with Joe. “Did you like the hole?”

“It’s a hole and do you know who in the hell is digging . . .” Joe stopped at the next row of house. “Another hole?”

“There’s a hole on every corner.”

“Somehow I have a feeling you know why.”

“I do. I dug them.”

“What?” Joe halted and faced Danny. “Why are you digging holes?

“O.K., I was going to ask you about it tonight.”

“It’s a little late, don’t you think?”

“Not about the holes. The meeting.”

“What meeting?”

“The one I want to have with you first thing in the morning.”

“Tomorrow is not a good day. Tomorrow is Frank’s memorial service.” Joe picked up his pace but slowed down at the next row when he saw another hole.

“Yeah, I know but I think you may like it. Can we meet?”

“Early,” Joe answered.

“Five O.K.?” Danny asked,.

“Not that early. I’m still in my pajamas at five.”

“I don’t mind.”

“Danny.” Joe rubbed his eyes. “Are you always so perky?”

“Always. They call me Mr. Perky Joe. Of course, they also call me Mr. Resourceful and now the Hero Guy. Did you know that?”

Joe just nodded and put his mind on getting to Dean and Ellen’s. He knew Danny rambled about something. As they walked he heard the name ‘Bruce Lee’ once or twice but Joe paid no mind to Danny, because he was sure he’d hear it all again, only with more detail and a different angle. That was just Danny.

^^^^

Their bedroom was lit by the light the crept through the partially closed bathroom door. Laying next to Ellen, Dean pulled her closer to him and felt her bare back pressed against his bare chest. He brought his lips to her shoulder, then slid them up to her cheek. “You O.K.?” He whispered.

“Yeah, just thinking.”

“May I ask what about?”

“I’d rather not say.”

“Why?” Dean kissed her again.

“Because it has nothing to do with what just happened here and I don’t want you to think that it was on my mind while we made love.”

“I won’t think that. I know your mind goes a mile a minute afterward. Talk to me.”

Ellen rolled onto her back and looked at Dean who propped his elbow on her pillow and rested his face in his hand. His other hand played with a strand of her hair.

“El. Talk.”

“I was thinking about Frank.”

“Oh.”

“Not in the capacity you think. See, today when we went to the farm, we found a trail of blood that led to the woods. We also found tire tracks.”

“You didn’t tell me this.”

“We were gonna wait until tomorrow. We took samples from the start of the trail until the end and tomorrow we want you to test it to see if it’s Frank’s. If it is, it’s proof that they took him and he had to be alive because why would they take him if he wasn’t.”

“This is heavy on your mind,” Dean said.

“Yeah.” Ellen nodded. “It’s an answer I guess. I don’t know.”

“And you’ll feel better once you know?”

“Yeah. So just ignore the mood, O.K.?” Ellen kissed Dean’s non-responsive lips as he stared out. “What’s wrong?”

Dean slid back from her and slipped from under the covers. He sat on the edge of the bed, grabbed his Levi’s and put them on.

“Dean. I’m sorry.”

“El.” Dean shook his head and turned on the light. He squinted as he made his way across the bedroom to his dresser. He picked up the phone and turned back to look at Ellen who sat up in bed, holding the covers to her chest. Dean dialed. He sniffled and ran his hand through his messy hair. “Hey Robbie, it’s Dean. Sorry to bother you. El, says you guys got some samples today and I can’t sleep. Would you mind if I ran down there and picked them up . . . thanks. I’ll be right there.” Dean hung up.

“Dean.” Ellen watched him toss on a shirt. “You don’t have to do this.”

“Yeah I do.” He moved to the bed and kissed her. “You need me to do this and I don’t mind at all. Besides, I’m curious too.”

“Are you going to the lab?”

“Nah. I got that bionic eye, remember?” Dean winked. “My shoes are by the door. I’ll be back in five minutes.”

“Dean?” Ellen called to him as he neared the bedroom door. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Dean tried to open the door.

“Dean?”

“Yes.” He looked back again.

“I love you.”

Dean closed his eyes and smiled. “I love you too.” He started to leave. “Get dressed. We have work. I’ll be back.”

Ellen felt so much relief when Dean left to get the samples. Though she told herself she could wait until the next day, her heart didn’t believe that for a second. It wasn’t so much proof of Frank’s being alive that she was hoping for from those samples. She didn’t need proof, Ellen knew. It was more so for the hope. Hope that the blood that looked so much like a trail of death would actually end up being a trail of life, a trail that would lead Beginnings to Frank.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

George was exhausted from his trip so he tried to get some rest when he arrived, but rest played second fiddle to the news he had been waiting to hear. When George was summoned, he went quickly.

It used to be a small clinic. Now it was used as a hospital set up for Society soldiers. The third floor corridor was lit by baseboard lighting. As George walked down the corridor, his footsteps were one of two sounds there. The other sound was the beeping of heart monitors.

George saw Dr. Morris walk from the last room. “Dr. Morris,” George called out in a whisper as the doctor stood outside the door, writing in the chart.

“President Hadley.” He shook George’s hand.

“Good news or bad?” George asked.

“Good.”

“Talk to me.”

“As you know, it was touch and go. We were waiting when the patient arrived. We stabilized him and moved him down here which was the best move because we have the means to handle it. The bullet wounds, though not in deadly areas, were enough to cause a loss of blood and the patient had pneumonia in both lungs. The pneumonia is clearing and his vitals are very strong.”

George let out a slow breath. “Is he awake?”

“No. He's still unconscious. If he’s going to awaken, it will be soon.”

“If?”

“Well, he will wake, but we can’t be sure how he will be.”

“Explain that,” George requested.

“As you know he was dead for six minutes. There could be some brain damage and he has a head injury.”

“So he could wake up a bumbling idiot, meaning he’ll need full lobal programming.”

“Yes, but we’re hopeful that won’t be the case. We’ll know more when he awakens. Which, like I said, will hopefully be soon. He is getting stronger by the hour. But I must tell you, if you want this man, alive and working, then any attempts to prep him for CME implantation will have to wait for three to four weeks.”

“Because of the head injury?” George asked.

“Yes and the fact of his illness and injuries. You want him completely healed before any more surgery is done.”

“I can wait a month,” George said “I waited this long. As long as I have him alive, that’s my ace in the hole. I’m going to get a lot of leverage and a lot of gain from this.”

“One more thing, sir. When he awakes, what if he asks about the Beginnings woman? What should we tell him?”

“Tell him nothing. It most definitely is in our best interest to keep those two as far apart from each other as possible. Whereabouts, unknown. We gain more control. Trust me.”

Dr. Morris nodded. “I’ll keep you posted.”

“Please do. Thank you, Doctor.” Before George stepped away, he had to see. Slowly he walked into the room and listened to the strong beeping monitor. He walked closer to the bed. With his hands folded behind his back, George stood at the side of the bed. He glanced at the intravenous, then to the monitor, and to the bed. He stared at the peaceful face that didn’t twitch and the eyes that were closed. George leaned down to him. “Hello, Frank. I got you.” George grinned wide. “You son of a bitch. I finally got you.”

^^^

HORSE SOLDIER

BOOK TEN

THE PLAN . . .

CHAPTER ONE

September 8

Kingman, Arizona

The sergeant that led the raid for the Society army stood off from his waiting men. He spoke on the phone to Jeremy Lyons, George’s go between while George did business. “We’ve arrived. It’s almost sunup now.”

“I trust that when I hear from you again, you will have made the raid, Sergeant?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good,” Jeremy said, “then I will inform the president when he calls that our victory over this UWA is imminent.”

“Yes Sir.” The Sergeant ended the call and turned to his corporal.

“You didn’t tell him.”

“The trip isn’t a complete failure,” The sergeant said. “Maybe we got lost somewhere.”

“The sign said Kingman.”

“I know.” The sergeant tapped the phone. “Corporal, if you were five hundred men, where exactly would you hide?”

“Hide?”

“Yes. That’s exactly what they’re doing. They’re hiding.” The Sergeant paced away from the corporal. “We just have to find them.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Joe’s hand rolled over his face as he sat at his desk staring at an upbeat Danny Hoi. His hand went from his hair, across his forehead, to his nose. His fingers pulled the skin drastically as he listened. “Danny, look . . .”

“No Joe, hear me out.” Danny held up his hand. “Frank Avenue.”

“Christ.”

“No, Frank.”

“Danny!” Joe’s hand slammed down on the desk. “Can a week not go by in this community without you coming up with ways to change it?”

“Make it better,” Danny corrected. “You people are gonna be awfully glad I arrived. I’m only trying to make it cooler here in Beginnings. I mean, if we’re all gonna live here, we might as well love it and have a good time when we’re not working.”

“True.”

“They do call me Mr. Fun.”

“I thought they called you, Mr. Resourceful, Mr. Perky, and the Hero guy.”

“Those too. Wow, am I the name guy. Anyhow, I have to keep up with the reputation I established, right? I can’t let people down.”

“That would be a tragedy,” Joe said with sarcasm.

“Yes, it would. Just wait until you see the plans I have for a public pool next summer. But don’t worry. I won’t bother you with it now. I still have details to work out.”

“A pool.” Joe sat back. “Danny, what the hell does street names have to do with making things more fun around here?”

“Oh Joe, for security alone it will be a blast.”

“Really.”

“Really. O.K. Watch.” Danny stood up.

“I get a visual?”

“And an audio.”

“It’s seven in the morning, Danny.”

Danny looked at his watch. “That it is. Ready?”

“Sure.” Joe lifted his hands then cupped them behind his head. He watched Danny grab a radio.

Danny deepened his voice. “This is Eagle One. I’m on that, you know, road that swings around to the front gate. I’m gonna head into town on that road in there. Where can I meet you, Steve?” Danny switched the radio to the other hand and scooted over, turning to face where he stood before. “This is Steve, Eagle One, I’m on that road that comes from town and I’m doing my rounds. I just finished the second and third street on the right side if you’re facing town. How about I meet you on the fourth street, three houses in?” Danny went back to his other position. “Roger that Steve-O. This is Eagle One out.” Danny held up his hand. “But . . . if we do my plan.” He did his deep Robbie voice. “This is Eagle One. I’m on Garfield heading east into Main. Where can I meet you, Steve?” Danny switched position again. “This is Steve, Eagle One, I’m on Main right now. I just finished Elm and Tennessee, two hundred block. How about I meet you on Crest? 208.” Danny grinned. “See Joe. It’s easier, not to mention all the air time saved and we don’t sound like bumbling idiots.”

“Are those the names you chose?”

“Nah. I have the names written down on the map I drew. I can start erecting the poles today when I’m done with my other work, of course.”

“Of course.”

“And we’ll paint the signs. They’ll be up by this week. Come on Joe, what do you say?”

“Give me the map.” Joe held out his hand. Danny gave it to him. “Go ahead. Do it. You do have a copy of these names so you don’t change them on me and make me nuts?”

“Yep.” Danny nodded with excitement. “Thanks, Joe. You won’t regret this. The first street is called Frank…just for you.”

“I see.” Joe looked. “I also see you named every road we have.”

“I have to. I’ve gotta run. I have a lot to do. Thanks again.” Danny hurried to the door. “Oh Joe.” He spun around. “Any thoughts to giving me that run so I can start renovating the empty storage into a Bowling Alley?”

Joe just peered up.

“Just asking. Later.”

Joe moaned some as Danny left. “Street names.” The map dropped from Joe’s hand as he looked at it. “Now how
in the hell did I know this would be a name of a street?” Joe shook his head. “Hoi Avenue.” Then he smiled.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

It looked almost as if Hal was crazy as he walked across the empty field in his uniform. He spoke loudly as he walked tall with his hands behind his back.

“Rules are rules,” he spoke strongly. “Look at this as a game. I want no man taking out his anger on his brother here. If you do, you deal with me. Sgt. Ryder, Sgt. Evens, and I will referee and will tap you when we deem you a causality. No weapons. Hands only. Ready?” Hal walked back off the field to the side where Sgt. Ryder and Sgt. Evens waited. “Begin.”

Sgt. Ryder blew a whistle and moments after its loud ear piercing sound, from both ends of the field, from beneath brushed, behind trees and dug into trenches at least a hundred men charged on foot. Fifty on each side of the field and they raced to each other. Vocally they cried out as they ran and as they met up with each other, the fighting began.

With a clipboard, like judges in a dance contest, Hal, Sgt. Ryder, and Sgt. Evens walked through the battling men. They would see one fall and they would tap him out. The fallen man would leave the field and go off to the sidelines.

Hal seemed to enjoy watching the men in their sparing attacks. He grinned widely because he knew he not only was watching the training, he was watching to see which men he would choose to scout for the Wild Cats and Mathias’ men.

The grin did not remain long on Hal’s face. When he felt the tap on his shoulder and turned around, his stomach churned. Before him was one of the guards that watched the large white house of the hidden.

“Yes?” Hal swallowed as he asked.

“Sir.” The man saluted. “Gr . . . . Gr . . .”

“Don’t say it.”

“Grace.”

“Geez!” Hal cringed. “What? Don’t tell me she needs to speak to me?”

“Oh boy.” The man shook his head as he blew out slowly, causing his cheeks to puff. “Oh boy.”

“Christ.” Hal rubbed his forehead. “I knew it. I knew it. All right. Tell Gr . . . Gr . . .”

“Grace?”

Hal cringed again. “Yes, tell her it will have to be in a few hours. I’m training the men and then I have a meeting. I’ll send for her.”

“Can I write her a note?” the man asked. “Do I have to speak to her personally?”

“Yes.”

“All right.” The man saluted and ran off the field.

Hal looked for Sgt. Ryder. “Elliott,” he called to him, summoning him over.

“Yes Captain.”

“I know the men have a day off, but I need to speak to those twelve who were chosen. Seems, Gr... . Gr . . .”

“Grace.”

“Yes.” Hal ran his hand down his face. “She wants to meet with me.”

“Oh boy.”

“Yes, so find them I need to recap their night. I have to be prepared.”

“Right away.” Sgt. Ryder trotted off the field.

“And you aren’t leaving me alone with her!” Hal shouted and received a raised hand from Sgt. Ryder. Then Hal went back to what made him feel better, watching his men train.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Ellen could hear the music playing in the lab before she even entered it. It was at a low volume and a little slower than she remembered, but nice. She leaned on the lab doorway watching Dean do his normal thing, racing about the lab, a scientist on a mission. On the long counter was the tan sack and spread out were all the grass samples she and Robbie had brought back.

Ellen walked in quietly so as not to be heard. She sneaked up behind Dean in a rare occurrence of his standing still. “Morning,” she whispered at him.

“Hey.” With a smile he turned around. “You’re not working, I hope.”

“Don’t you want to work with me?”

“I don’t want you to work yet.” Dean laid his hands on Ellen’s waist and pulled her closer. “It’s nice to see you in here.” He kissed her. “I missed you.”

“No you didn’t.”

“You don’t think? Johnny is worse than you at times.” Dean shook his head and stared at her. He blinked harshly to bring himself out of his daze, kissed her quickly, and returned back to his work.

“Something wrong?”

“I’m getting wrapped up.”

“In your work?”

“No, in you.” Dean walked to the samples. “Especially after these. I can’t afford to do that.”

“What do you mean?” Ellen asked him. “Dean?”

“Taking advantage of Frank’s absence is one thing. Having you all to myself eventually is another.”

“Why do you say that? You piss me off.” Ellen lifted a sample of grass. Dean lightly smacked her hand and she put it back down.

“El, history tends to repeat itself. I get you then Frank takes you.”

“Oh bullshit.”

Dean laughed.

“No, Dean. Besides, I was living with you, right? Well now, you gave me a really cool house.” Ellen brought her face close to Dean’s. “Even if I hate you, I’m not going anywhere. Hell, I’m the envy of all the women. I love it.”

“Well if you’re gonna stay at the house,” Dean spoke trying to hide his snicker as he worked. “there are a few conditions.”

“Conditions?”

“Yep.”

“What?” Ellen asked.

“Now this is based on the fact that you’re only staying with me for my house.”

“O.K.” Ellen leaned against the counter “What are the conditions? I can pay up. Hey, I want the house.”

“All right. You have to make all the beds.”

“Yuck.” Ellen cringed. “Doable. Go on.”

“You have to take turns with me bathing Joey.”

“Aw.” Ellen tried not to smile. “He splashes and never gets out. But . . . for the house, I can handle that. What else?”

“And . . . you have to make love to me at least once a week.”

“Now you’ve gone and crossed the line. Forget it.”

Dean raised his eyes, watched Ellen smile, and kissed her.

Robbie’s clearing of his throat preluded his speaking. “When Frank’s away, Dean does play.”

Still close to Ellen, Dean whispered, “It’s a Slagel thing isn’t it?”

Ellen nodded and moved away from Dean. She faced Robbie and Joe who just walked in. “Morning.”

Joe merely pointed and smiled. “You look different.”

Robbie slightly rolled his eyes. “She probably got laid last night. Now . . . she would be glowing had she tried to hit on me yesterday.”

“Robbie,” Ellen called his name.

“Robert,” Joe said sternly.

“What did I miss?” Dean asked. “Hmm? No, wait. He’s a Slagel and trying to fill in for Frank. I don’t want to know. But . . . I will tell Frank.”

Robbie took a step to Dean. “I’ll beat you up.”

“I’ll give you a virus.” Dean smiled.

“Hold on,” Joe interrupted. “Dean, you just said you’ll tell Frank?”

“When we find him,” Dean said.

“Does that mean?” Joe asked and saw the look on Dean’s face. “It does.”

“Yep.” Dean pointed to the samples. “It was Frank’s blood consistently on every sample. They took him Joe. Going by where Ellen said Frank was shot, I know he can probably handle a lot more than that. And . . . going on Ellen’s theory, if they took him, he must be alive. Why would they take him if he were dead unless they discovered a new thing I don’t know about, I doubt it.”

“So you think by where he was shot, he may still be alive?” Joe asked.

“Like I said, from what Ellen described, chances are good,” Dean answered.

Joe was pleased and he looked it. “Excellent. This goes no further than this room. Not even Henry is to know. Got that? The less people who know, the better. I’d like to include Henry and Andrea, but . . . Andrea is still on the suspect list and Henry is an iffy. I’m going to start making the preparations for a paper run for recycling. I went through history. We haven’t hit the area I want to search.”

“Joe, how are you going to get away with that without letting it be known you’re looking for Frank?” Dean asked.

“One man will know,” Joe said. “The others will just think it’s a run. Robbie’s um . . . roommate will be the one who knows. I’m certain, because of all he told us and how long he’s been here, he’s not on the inside.”

“Good. When he comes today for testing, I’ll speak to Jess about the sort of things he should look for,” Dean commented as he re-wrapped the samples. “You know, evidence that will indicate where they stopped with Frank.”

“Why are you testing Jess?” Ellen asked. “Is he sick?”

“No, not at all.” Dean noticed the clueless look on Joe’s face too. “You don’t know either? I thought that the Slagels had a rare mutation causing the immunity to be passed on more easily, because most cases were one parent, one child. I’ve never seen brothers. I stopped questioning and testing survivors after I found the similarities in your . . .”

“Dean!” Joe yelled. “Quit rambling. I hate when you explain something medical. You ramble. Get to the point.”

Ellen gasped. “Joe, are you rude.”

“Yeah I am. Go on, Dean.”

“Jess has you guys beat,” Dean said. “Not only did his father survive the plague but so did his two brothers. However they died of other circumstances.”

Joe was speechless.

Ellen was not. “So do you think they may be related to Joe?”

Dean snickered. “No. I think that our community is so small that all we would have seen was the Slagel occurrence because of the rarity. But there are other families out there. We just haven’t come across them until now. I’ll know more when I test Jess.”

Joe looked very seriously at Dean. “Did you tell Jess?”

“Tell Jess what?” Dean asked.

“What all he has to give up?” Joe spoke with a raised eyebrow.

“Or rather . . .” Robbie interjected. “How much he has to give up.”

“What are you guys talking about?” Dean asked.

Robbie decided to clarify. “Try this. No dirty magazines, just a cup and the words of advice ‘enjoy’.”

Dean scoffed. “All of you make too much out of it. Too much.”

“Dean,” Robbie said his name firmly. “I was a young guy. You made me feel as small as my sample.”

Dean swayed his head. “You guys whine too much. Almost every male did it. It’s no big deal.”

“Did you?” Robbie asked.

“Um . . . yeah. I gave a sample.” Dean started working again.

Robbie snickered in shock. “You had help.” He shifted his eyes to Ellen. “Did you help him?”

“I plead the fifth,” Ellen said. “Anyhow, this is going to be interesting because I’ll be involved in the Jess testing. I didn’t know when you guys gave your sample. Boy . . .” Ellen paused to think, looking so serious and tapping her lip.  “I wonder if I’ll be able to look at him with a straight face when he steps out of the back room with his cup.”

“Ellen.” Joe winced.

Ellen ignored Joe. “Dean, will you let me know if you see the classic signs on my face that I’m about to laugh.”

“Ellen,” Joe said her name stronger. “All right. Me and Robbie are out of here. We have to plan the run and get ready for the memorial service.” He took a deep breath. “Gonna be even harder knowing what we do know. So Ellen, grieve.”

Ellen gave a thumbs up as Joe and Robbie started to leave. “Joe, Jason has that video camera in his lab to document his experiments. Would people think I’m odd if I taped Frank’s memorial service.”

Joe just stopped and spun around, He back handed Robbie in the gut when Robbie laughed. “Ellen, why in God’s name would you video tape it? That’s sick, not to mention morbid.”

“Joe, we can tell Frank all about it when he gets back, but don’t you think it will be worth it watching him watch it.”

Joe took on a thinking look. “Actually, that’s not a bad idea and we can get away with it. Yeah, let’s do that for Frank.”

“Thanks Joe. I’ll get it from Jason.” Ellen smiled as she watched Joe and Robbie leave. She turned to see Dean staring at her. “What?”

“Video taping Frank’s service?”

“Oh yeah. Trust me Dean, if I knew we were going to go back in time and bring you back from the dead, I would have videotaped your service as well. It was so nice.”

Dean didn’t know what to say. “Thanks.”

“No problem.”

Still a little in disbelief, Dean returned to his work.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

“He’s twitching,” Dr. Morris explained to George as they both peered into Frank’s room. “His left hand is moving, twitching often.”

“Like a muscle reaction?” George asked.

“It’s involuntary, yes. He’s also experiencing rapid eye movement. That’s something we haven’t seen in him before. So, he’s dreaming. And . . . his heart rate has been changing.”

“He’s getting ready to wake up.”

“I’d say so,” Dr. Morris answered.

“All right, from here on in, nothing is said in his room on the outside chance he can hear it. Got that? I’ll order guards to be outside this door.”

“Yes, Mr. President.”

“Let me know as soon as he wakes up.”

“I will.”

Dr. Morris walked down the hall. George could have walked away too, but he didn’t. He couldn’t leave without looking at Frank and saying something to him. George walked into the room and close to Frank’s bed. “Soon Frank,” he spoke to him. “Soon you will wake up. I can’t wait to see your face when you see who has you.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Trish was annoying as she held Jason Godrichson’s camera. She stood outside of the chapel and took shots of the faces that entered the memorial service for Frank. She stopped recording and lowered the camera when she saw Ellen walking with Joe. She hurried to her.

“Ellen. Can I speak to you?”

Ellen released Joe’s arm and let him go in ahead if her. “What’s up?”

“Well, remembering Princess Di’s funeral, I wanted to know what you would think if I got crowd reaction for the video.”

Ellen shifted her eyes. “That might not be a bad idea. Try to get the faces of those who really didn’t like Frank.” Ellen started to walk. “Wait, scratch that. It could be very depressing if anyone rolls their eyes. Just get the sad faces.”

“Got it.”

Ellen moved from Trish, placed on her grieving face, and walked into the chapel.

Reverend Bob read the scripture like he meant it. “ . . . and yes we are fully confident that we would rather be away from these bodies. Then we will be fully home with the Lord . . . Amen.”

The congregation responded.

Reverend Bob closed his bible. “Corinthians always offers beautiful passages, comfort in times of sadness, reassurance in times of insecurity, and words of wisdom in times of happiness. Ellen shared with me this morning that Frank often read from the book of Corinthians . . .”

Ellen saw Joe and Robbie both look at her. “He asked me,” Ellen whispered.

Joe rolled his eyes and looked forward to the reverend.

“ . . . and when you know a man like Frank,” Reverend Bob spoke, “it should not be surprising to us that he lived by the Bible and often read the word of God . . .”

Joe’s jaw clenched and he looked, over Robbie, to Ellen again. Ellen sucked in her lip and stared forward.

“ . . . Frank was a rich man. Not of money, but of things that matter most in this life. He was a man rich with strength, with many friends, and with words of wisdom he shared with us all.”

Dean knew it. He didn’t have to look to know what the childish expressions of Robbie and Ellen would be. But when he looked,  his eyes glanced down to the leg nudging match that entailed between Robbie and Ellen. Dean merely reached his hand down, grabbed Ellen’s, and held it.

Ellen leaned her head on Dean’s arm. “Sorry.”

Dean wrapped his arm around her as he stared forward. He laid his hand on Ellen’s cheek, pulled her to him, and spread his fingers to cover any expression she made at that moment.

Reverend Bob paused momentarily when he saw the sadness Ellen portrayed. “I could stand before you and speak words of comfort. I could read passage after passage but that isn’t what we need. We need to feel Frank. We need to share in memories. That is why we have this memorial service. So . . . because I’ve known Frank and have been a member of the community for quite some time, I have taken the liberty to ask a few of you to share some words about Frank. Eulogize him as only you can do.” Reverend Bob stepped back and took his seat.

Ellen and Robbie’s heads immediately swayed to each other when Dan, one of Frank’s most trusted Security men, gripped emotionally to the edges of the podium, lowered his head, heaved his shoulders, and let out a single long sob.

Dan sniffled loudly and long and then raised his head. He ran his hand down his reddened face. “I’m sorry.” He held up his hand. “It’s just a very . . . it’s an emotional time for me. I guess it didn’t seem real until today.” He let out a heavy breath. “I kept hoping to see him come back.” Dan’s lip quivered. “When I first came to Beginnings, and I was one of the first survivors here, Frank . . . he saw something in me. He took me under his wing. I thought, sorry Ellen, I thought when I first met him he was one of the meanest men I had ever encountered in my entire life. But when you got to know Frank, you saw that he had a heart as big as he was. He taught me how to do things I never thought I could. He taught me how to take care of myself and anyone I’m around. I loved Frank and I’m gonna miss him. This community will never be the same without him, but I’m sure there’s always gonna be a little bit of Frank hanging around.” Closing his mouth tightly, Dan stepped from the pulpit and walked to Ellen. He extended his hand and gripped hers. As Dan looked at her, he lost it again, crying as he made his way back to his seat.

Ellen whispered into Robbie. “Frank will never let him live that down.” She felt Dean’s arm move from around her and curiously Ellen watched Dean stand up. “Shit.” She whispered and looked at Robbie. “Dean?”

Dean stood silently before everyone. “I promise not to bore you with anything medical.” He brought from everyone a light rumble of emotional chuckles. He cleared his throat. “When Reverend Bob came to me yesterday morning and asked if I would speak second today about Frank, I . . . I kind of laughed. Frank and Dean being used in the same sentence usually meant impending disaster, but then I started thinking.” Dean leaned on the podium. His wrists rested against the edge of it and he spoke relaxed. “I thought, what would I say? I thought this after the laugh and then I got serious. Someone once told me there is a fine line between love and hate and for as much as I hated him at times, I guess . . . I guess I loved him too. I never realized how much life and spirit he brought to me until now.” Dean paused. “I miss him. I miss his walking into my lab and calling out my name really loudly to make me drop things. I miss his fighting with me over Ellen. I miss his telling me I had little-man-attitude. Without Frank being around, his children will miss knowing one hell of a father. There is nothing I wouldn’t do, if I could bring him back. Beginnings is not the same without Frank. None of us are the same without Frank.” Dean straightened up. There were strong sniffles in the chapel. He walked solemnly down and sat next to Ellen.

“Oh Dean.” She kissed him on the cheek. “That was really nice.”

“I wrote it yesterday before I knew what I knew,” he whispered to Ellen. “Don’t worry. I do want him back, even if it is just to kill him for kidnapping you.” Dean patted her hand then looked up when Henry stood before the congregation.

“Frank.” Henry spoke his name. “He was my best friend. I knew him well. A lot of people really didn’t know Frank, probably because they didn’t like him.” Henry shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess if you look at it, you can see their point. He could be really mean…and loud.” Henry shook his head with a loud breath. “Boy, could he be loud. How about when he would yell over the radio? He’d yell a lot but that was just Frank.” Henry looked at Johnny who sat in the same row as Ellen. Johnny’s head was down as he stared at his hands. “Johnny, when I look at you, all I see is your father. You should take pride in that because your father was someone to be proud of.”

Johnny lifted his head and smiled a sad smile at Henry. Joe reached over and grabbed Johnny’s hand.

“Your father saved my life more times than I can count. He saved a lot of our lives and he did it with style. He did it without regards to himself or to his life. It didn’t matter who it was, Frank’s life played second to whoever he tried to help.” Henry’s hands held to the podium. “I forever will be grateful for having known him, loved him, and been his friend. I will never forget him. I will make sure, for the rest of my life, no one ever forgets Frank Slagel.”

Ellen watched Henry sadly step from the podium and back to his seat. She saw Robbie standing up through the corner of her eye. Her hand grabbed his as he slid from the pew and walked to the front of the chapel. She thought how strong he looked and handsome he was dressed in a grey shirt and black tie. His hair was combed neatly instead of spiked up and tossed about.

Robbie swallowed before he said anything. He held his hand up a little above the podium. “I remember,” Robbie closed his eyes, “when I was six, my father let me walk to the store for the first time, but I had to walk with Frank. I can still hear my father yell out the screen door. ‘Frank, hold Robbie’s hand’. I didn’t see it, but I’m sure, knowing Frank, he winced. But I didn’t. I was so little for my age, and Frank, he was so big for thirteen. My little hand was so lost in my big brother’s hand.” Robbie stared at his own hand. “And I loved it. I was so proud to be walking with my big brother. I felt like the coolest kid in the world, thinking, ‘hey, look at me. This is my brother Frank.’” Robbie snickered. “And it’s funny, isn’t it. I still feel the same way when I would walk with him, proud to be seen with him. I guess every kid who has a big brother looks to them with pride. I always looked up to Frank. He has gotten my butt out of trouble for as long as I can remember. Man, the shit he could do.” Robbie swayed his head with a smile. “To work with him, to fight side by side with him, and to even stand next him are the greatest privileges I will ever know. Yeah we had our ups and downs. We’re family. But from kids on up, I wanted to be like him.” Robbie grew very serious and his words gasped with emotion. “He’s been my hero since I was three years old.” Biting his bottom lip, Robbie looked forward, stepped away from the podium, and walked straight out of the chapel.

Through the silence of the chapel, Ellen stood up, slipped past Dean, and followed Robbie out. He stood in the quiet empty street with his back to the chapel.

“Robbie.” Ellen walked up to him and laid her hand on his back.

“I know . . . .I know he’s out there, but he still needs us, El.” He turned around. “I don’t think I can ever remember a time where Frank really needed help. He needs our help.” Robbie closed his eyes as he spoke with passion. “If I have to give my life to do it, I’m making sure he comes back. I want him back.”

Ellen, with no words to say, stepped to Robbie. Her arms went around his waist and her head fell to his chest. While the service finished inside without them, Robbie and Ellen stayed on the street in their own emotional embrace.

CHAPTER TWO

Bowman, North Dakota

Hal’s stomach grumbled in anxiousness. He just wanted to get it over with. He knew it was going to happen. It was just of matter of when. Like a bomb going off, Hal waited for doomsday to arrive.

“I like the teams you picked,” Sgt. Ryder told him as they sat in Hal’s office. “Captain?”

“Huh?” Hal looked up. “I’m sorry.”

“Deep in thought?”

“Deep in dread.” Hal took the paper Sgt. Ryder handed him. “You didn’t say what you thought of my teams I picked out?”

“I’m sorry. I like them.”

“Good, I’ll start prepping them tomorrow. We might as well send out the Mathias scouts as well as the Wild Cats scouts. We should also be hearing from someone regarding the search for our men and Beginnings man. When is he due back for supplies?”

“Tomorrow morning,” Sgt. Ryder answered. “Boy, you are in deep thought. Usually you know exactly . . .”

“Shh.” Hal held up his hand. “Listen. It nears.”

“I’m leaving.” Sgt. Ryder started to stand up.

“You’re staying. Prepare.”

There was a knock at the door, only one. It opened and Grace walked in. She looked back into the hall. “Wait there and don’t leave. I will not walk these streets alone.” She straightened her moo-moo style dress and closed the door. “Captain. Can we be alone?”

“No,” Hal answered as he sat down after playing the gentleman and standing on her entrance. “Elliott must be here. He’s learning the tricks of the reigns if I must leave.”

Grace smiled some. “Elliott, that will be a welcome change. Perhaps you can make your men behave like civilized human beings.”

Hal waited for it. He wanted it over with so he figured he might as well get it started. “I’ve spoken to my men. They said nothing out of the ordinary occurred.”

This was a mistake on Hal’s part. Like a monsoon wind, she blasted him. Hal thought--only for a second--that he saw fire spit from her mouth. “Where do you get off taking their word over mine!”

Hal leaned back.

“Do you realize, Captain, that three of those men had dirt ... dirt imbedded in the grains of their skin? Dirt! Do you believe that? Dirt!”

Dirt. Dirt. That word started to make him smile.

“Is it any wonder you find yourself in this position?” Grace asked loudly.

Upon her words, Hal seemed to leave that office and escaped the pain of that moment for the pain of another . . .

“Is it any wonder you find yourself in this position?” Lucille, Joe’s fifth fiancée yelled at a fourteen year old Hal. Lucille was older than Joe. It was his experimental phase when he was tired of the young dumb ones. Of course, Hal never remembered that phase lasting past Lucille. She could have been attractive had she not been so nasty, yet she turned on the sweet as pie act when Joe walked in. “Are you listening to me?”

“Are you listening to me?” Graces voice interfered with Hal’s memory.

Hal snapped back. “Um, yes. Go on.” But Hal didn’t listen his mind went back to that day again . . . the day Lucille found a few innocent pornographic magazines and went after Hal.

“Look at you. Is it any wonder I’m not shocked to death at this moment.” Lucille was in her bitching glory. “Do you really think I need to subject myself to this when I make a bed? Being your father’s slave? Working unappreciated for you boys? And you don’t care. Do you help? No. Look at you, Hal Slagel. You scream future rapist.”

Hal snickered at his thought. Not at Grace, though it appeared otherwise.

“Captain.” Sgt. Ryder called his name. “Any suggestions?”

“Um . . . You said the man filling in for Peter was what?”

“Pornographic.” Grace nodded.

Hal tried not to laugh. “Sorry. Let me hear it all first. Finish.”

Grace began to. She had a list. She rambled off on things such as preparatory actions not taken prior to arrival at the house. As Hal thought of how he would get his men out of this mess and forever save them from the ‘Grace’ torture again, he thought of how he got himself out of that mess with the porno magazines.

“Robbie.” Hal walked into the second bedroom. Robbie sat with Jimmy on the bed. Both of them look worried. Hal did not. He shut the door and smiled.

“Tell us,” Robbie said. “I know it’s bad.”

“Nah.” Hal joined them on the bed. “I explained everything.”

“Shit!” Jimmy freaked. “See, now Doug at the store is going to get in trouble for selling them to me. I’m only sixteen. God, it’s against the law you know. I knew I should have never have gotten those for Robbie. He was too young.”

Hal fluttered his lips. “He doesn’t know what he’s looking at anyhow. Don’t worry. I didn’t say it was you. O.K.? I explained it to Lucille and she is explaining it to dad.”

“Thanks,” Jimmy said in relief. “I’m sorry they thought they were yours.”

“Me too,” Robbie said.

“Hey, what are big brothers for, huh Robbie?” Hal rubbed his head. “If not to take the entire blame?”

“The entire blame?” Jimmy asked. “Wow.”

“Yep.” Hal exhaled. “The entire blame.”

Upon completion of Hal’s words, the door to the bedroom blasted open as if an explosion went off. The door slammed against the wall and brought in something worse. Frank stood in the door. He huffed. “Which one of you told Dad those were my fuckin magazines?” Frank asked so angrily his face was red. “You have three seconds or I start beating you up. One, two . . .”

The three boys looked at Frank.

“Three.” Frank slammed the door and dove after Jimmy. Hal, knowing what he had to do to help, took his opportunity as Robbie jumped on Frank. Hal darted from the room, screaming the entire way. “Dad! Frank’s mad because we told and now he’s beating us up! Dad! Help!”

The loud shrill long call of his name brought Hal back to the painful world of Grace. “Captain!”  Her face was so near to his. “What do you plan on doing?”

“Can I get back to you?” Hal asked.

Graces hand slammed on the desk. “I should have known. We don’t ask much. We merely ask that you handle these situations. I certainly hope you aren’t ignoring our needs.”

“Never,” Hal told her. “While I determine a suitable action, what do you have in mind? Any suggestions?”

Grace raised her head high as she moved to the door. “We can forget about this whole mess if you can get Peter to be a permanent monthly guest at the house for myself.”

Hal’s eyes widened. “I’ll uh, see what I can do.”

“It would prove beneficial and I can guarantee there will be once less complaint each month.” Grace opened the door. “I expect to hear from you within the hour.” She stepped out. “Soldiers, guard me on my way back.” The door closed.

Sgt. Ryder looked at Hal. “You cannot even consider her request,. I’ve heard what that woman does. It would be cruel to ask Peter that.”

“I know but she likes him.” Hal tapped his fingers together. “One less complaint, Elliott.” Hal smiled. “Doesn’t hurt to ask, now does it?” Hal stood up. “Isn’t he up for promotion? I think he is. Yes.” Hal paced around with a thinking, smiling face.

“It’s bribery.”

“It’s Gr . . . Gr . . .”

“Grace?”

Hal cringed. “Yes, it’s her not bitching, one less slot open per month, and another less chance of us being picked.”

Sgt. Ryder stood up. “I’ll go summons Peter.”

Hal grinned with arrogance and thought again then returned to his desk.

^^^^

Quantico Marine Headquarters

Sitting at his desk, Jeremy Lyons held the phone tightly to his ear with closed eyes. He just received the dreaded call from George and delivered the news he so much wanted to keep from him. Jeremy listened as George spoke sternly to him.

“I’ve deliberately kept you away from our soldiers for this very reason. You know what to do. Get ready. I know exactly where to put you,” George told him and hung up.

“Damn it,” Jeremy spoke to a deadened phone. He laid it down and stood up. He had things to do and preparations to make. By the way George sounded, he’d better do them quickly.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

George stared at the phone. He didn’t let his anger take him over when he heard the news that his troops failed to find the UWA camp. He would wait until they returned, listen to what they had to say, and then start interrogating the UWA men again. But George knew his men well. He also knew it was very possible that they ended up in Kingman, Texas.

George dialed the phone again and held it to his ear as it rang. “Hi. It’s me.” George smiled. “Yeah. Just wanted to let you know we’re moving ahead so get ready. I’ll keep you posted. Is it a good time? Then I’ll wait . . . I’ll let you know. Take care of yourself.” With another smile George ended the call and went back to doing whatever he did to occupy his time. At that moment, it was just a matter of waiting.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Ellen peeked into Dean’s home office. He sat with his feet on his desk, staring at the computer, the keyboard draped across his lap. His desk was a mess with papers and books all over it. “Dean?” Ellen poked her head in the door. “You need anything?”

“No. I’m fine, thanks.” Dean looked up, smiled, and returned to his work.

Ellen pulled the door closed and walked back in the living room. The house was quiet since the kids were in bed. She sat down on the floor with Henry. “So where were we?”

“He’s been in there an awfully long time, El.”

“Yeah, but he’s home, right? At least if the kids want to kiss him, they can.”

“You know what I think.” Henry said.

“What’s that?”

“I think that you guys should let me live here. I can room with Josh.”

“Oh I don’t think Dean would let you.”

“I lived with him while you were gone,” Henry nodded, “and he said his house was never cleaner. And, El . . . he took my son. Took him right away from me.”

“Tell him you want Nick back.”

“I did. He said now that you live here, so does Nick. He said I can have him a day or two a week.”

“But Henry, you don’t like caring for babies.” Ellen reached up and picked up her glass of tea.

“True but it’s the principal of it, don’t you think?”

“Most definitely. Thanks for the ‘take off your shoes’ sign.”

“Not a problem.” Henry waved his hands. “People can be such pigs. They just don’t know how to take off their shoes in a new house.”

“To me, it was habit.”

“Me too.” Henry leaned to her. “Hey El, do you think that Nick will get confused, I mean with Dean raising him now? At least with Frank he saw the dark hair. Dean’s so Caucasian.”

“I don’t think so, Henry. You’ll be around. Besides Nick shouldn’t realize he looks different. The kids around here don’t look at each other differently. Even Marcus doesn’t get a second glance and look at him. Do you suppose he looks in the mirror and realizes that he doesn’t look like Mark?”

“Actually if you saw Mark first thing in the morning when he comes to work, they do look alike.”

“Really?” Ellen laughed. “I thought Mark was cute.”

Henry made a cringing face. “His face stays puffy for hours. If I were a woman I wouldn’t want to wake up next to him.”

“Oh I have to make it a point to get up there early in the morning.”

“It has to be before nine or he looks normal again.”

Dean wondered what were they rambling about as he heard Henry and Ellen’s laughter seep through his closed door. He lifted his notes, read them, set them down, and began to type while speaking his entry out loud.. “Initial test on DNA for Jess Bowen shows mutated strand. Patient was unable to give sperm sample due to pressure.” Dean shook his head. “I’m killing those guys for scaring him.” As his fingers clicked again, his private phone rang. Dean blindly reached for it and braced it between his shoulder and ear. “Dr. Hayes.”

“Hello, Dean.”

The keyboard dropped from Dean’s lap, his notes flew, and Dean sprang up. He felt the heat hit his face when he recognized the voice.

“Miss me?”

“George.”

“Guess who I’m staring at right now? You think he’s dead, but he’s alive and well.”

“Frank?”

“That’s the one.”

Dean raced across his small office, threw open his door, and leaped over Ellen’s legs as he raced out the door of his home, bare foot.

Ellen and Henry both stood up.

“Must be an emergency,” Henry said.

“Must be.” Ellen closed the door and went back to sitting with Henry.

Trace the call. Trace the call. That’s all that ran through Dean’s mind as he headed through the living section at his top speed. He had to get to the tunnels. If George was looking at Frank, the reprogramming could tell Dean where Frank was.

“Dean, let me tell you if you’re thinking of finding out where I’m calling from, don’t. You know as well as I do, I have someone other than John in Beginnings. Do you want to take that chance with Frank?”

Dean stopped running. He caught his breath and noticed he was center town. “Why . . . why are you calling me?”

“Here’s the deal, Dean. I have something you want and you have something I want.”

“And they are?” Dean paced in circles center town.

“I have Frank. I lost my top genetics specialist in an accident. I have files and formulas people can’t figure out. I want you, Dean, to come and work for me.”

Dean laughed so hard. “Fuck you.”

“No see it’s fuck you. The way I see it, you’re the one who’s fucked.”

With so much sarcasm Dean spoke. “How do you figure?”

“You’ve already lost one child. It would be a shame if you lost another, now wouldn’t it.”

Dean’s heart sunk as he sat down on the wall in the small park.

“Accidents happen every day. You don’t know who my person is. You don’t know who to trust or who to watch, do you? It would be so easy for something to happen to Billy. I hear he’s quite the wanderer, thinking he’s more grown up than he is.”

“I’ll have them watched.”

“Make a move like that and Frank dies. I have him in my control right now, Dean. You want him back? You want your kids safe? Fair exchange. Simple. You leave Beginnings and join my side. I thought Frank would be a good weapon against Beginnings but I think you’ll be a better one. How broken Beginnings would be with Frank dead and Dean gone. You come with us.”

“You want me to just up and leave my family? I think you’ve lost it.”

“No you’ve lost it.” George stayed calm. “The way I see it, Dean, I have you by the balls. You have no choice. If you stay in Beginnings, one of your kids will die. I will guarantee that and Frank . . . he’ll become a CME or SUT as you call them. But if you leave and I feel enough time has passed and you aren’t going to try anything funny, I will have my person get your family out of there and I will return Frank to Beginnings, unscathed.”

“I’m supposed to believe this?”

“You have my word. Didn’t you say at the memorial service today that there was nothing you wouldn’t do to bring Frank back? What did you do, Dean? Lie in a church?” George tsked.

“How do I know you have Frank?”

“He has a high resistant viral strain pneumonia in both lungs. He’s been shot in both arms, his shoulder, gut, and leg. They were minor wounds that caused a lot of blood loss but not enough to kill him. He has a few more scars than the last time I saw him. I don’t know what more I can tell you. I have him. You know that.”

Dean ran his hand down his face. He thought. That’s all he could do was think. “You made sure you have your guarantees. What are mine?”

“You get none.”

“Bullshit. I want guarantees. If I’m going to up and leave to save my kids and Frank, then I want guarantees too.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“I tell one person,” Dean stated.

“No.”

“I tell Ellen. She has as much to lose as I do if she opens her mouth.”

“If you tell her, she can’t be-bop along Beginnings like Frank is alive. She’s a big key to them thinking he’s dead. Everyone knows how connected they were. She has to make it seem like he’s dead.”

“She will.”

“Why Ellen?” George asked. “Of all people, why her?”

“She’s my guarantee that if you break your word, you will die.”

“What?”

“You heard me. What did I do for the army, George? You don’t think she and I have at least three dozen different biological strains here in Beginnings. We do. I have antidotes too, easily delivered to Beginnings’ people but not to you. I leave then I call her when I see Frank. If she doesn’t hear from me in one or two days or if I tell her Frank is not fine, she is to tell Joe everything and give out the antidote. Joe can then fly over and dump the virus on you. Trust me, George, it will spread like wild fire on your people. What the hell do we care if everyone dies on your side of the country? I’ll walk out of that camp and back home. She will hear from me periodically. If something happens to one of my kids, same deal. Don’t think about taking her out, because I’m smart enough to leave a backup somewhere in the plan. I stay with Frank until he leaves. That will be my assurance that you do not make him into one of your soldiers. Frank is returned before my family joins me. If he doesn’t make it back, again, same deal.” Dean’s heart raced and his breathing was heavy as he listened to the silence come from George.

“You’re awfully confidant you can wipe me out.”

“Very easily. Do you care to test that?”

“Why haven’t you done so already if you have the means?”

“You can say I value the human life unlike you and the innocents that you’ve taken,” Dean spoke coldly. “But if it comes to between them and those I love, I really won’t give a shit who they are.” Again Dean waded nervously through the silence. A thin line of sweat formed on his brow and gathered between his hand and the phone.

“You tell no one but Ellen.”

Dean let out a breath.

“We will set up specifics of the deal when I call you back.”

“When will that be?”

“I’ll call you back when I’m ready to come and get you.”

“Which will be?” Dean questioned.

“When I’m convinced that Beginnings thinks Frank is dead. When Joe thinks Frank is dead. You want a guarantee, that’s one I want. Use your little woman to your advantage, Dean. She can do some convincing. Perhaps if you marry her again that will show the people she has moved on. Convince them. See, I’ll know. Runs to look for Frank that are listed as just runs will be a dead giveaway. Behavior will be a dead giveaway. If I even think that you guys are planning to raid us or you’re up to something to get Frank back, I’ll return him to you just so you can see how we destroyed him and I will definitely keep my threat against your child. Don’t test me either. I’ll give you two weeks to convince me. After that, deal’s off. If I’m convinced, I’ll set up when I come for you. Remember, you tell only Ellen. At least I know strategically alone there’s nothing you two can do. Until then.” George hung up.

Dean stood in the street. He looked at the timer on the phone. He had spoken to George for ten minutes. What had he agreed to? He just felt as if he signed a deal with the devil. It was a deal where not only his life but others as well depended on. Frank. His children. Never in his life did Dean think he would be such a bargaining tool, but George must want him and need him badly to agree to Dean’s terms. Dean would use  that to his advantage. With his phone still in his hand, and the deal agreed to, Dean had to think of his next step.

^^^^

With so much passion and heart Ellen’s words were near tear filled. “No Dean.” Her hand pointed out to him. “I will not let you do this.”

Joe sat on the sofa with Robbie next to him in Robbie’s living room.

“Ellen.” Dean stepped to her. “There really isn’t a choice. Now is there? I can pretty much guarantee nothing is going to happen to me. I don’t want to take a chance on my kids and I can’t just turn my back if I have a chance to help Frank.”

Joe’s hands ran across his face as he stood from the sofa. “I can’t let you do this.”

“This is Beginnings, Joe,” Dean said. “We pride ourselves on being safe here. Do I want to leave? No. But I don’t want to worry that my children aren’t safe. We don’t know who the insider is. Also, this is Frank we’re talking about. Frank. Are you going to tell me he wouldn’t do the same for me? If I were out there and he had to leave to get me, he would and so will I.” He walked to Ellen. “You have to be a part of this. You have to play your part. I’ll go and I’ll be back. But I’ll be back with Frank.”

Robbie stood up also. “Dean’s right. This is the best way to get Frank. We go with George’s plan keeping it between the four of us. We convince the community that Frank is dead through our actions. We let Dean go. We track him. We should have time. Let me talk to Danny about a tracker. I’m sure we can get it from him with no questions asked. We’ll track Dean to George’s location. Then we send a scouting party out first to scout the area. We’ll scout the camp, take pictures and such. We’ll learn it.”

“That way we pretty much have a grip on where Dean’s is if he fails to call us,” Joe said. “I think George wouldn’t underestimate Dean. I think George will think there’s a virus somewhere here he created. Dean will call and we can have the system set up to trace the call. With Robbie’s plan, we can pretty much stage our rescue of the two. Sneak attack in.”

“I can lay that out,” Robbie said with certainty. “That’s my field of specialty. That’s what I did in the service for nine years. Once we have all we need on the place they have Frank and Dean, we can get them and we can do it so carefully by the time George figures we’re getting them out of there, he won’t have his inside man take a chance because we’ll be watching Ellen and the kids like hawks. Even if we have to synchronize the rescue with getting Ellen and the kids out, we will.”

“Four man rescue team?” Joe asked Robbie.

“Depends on their man power and the size of their camp. We may have to go with six.”

“No!” Ellen shouted. “You can’t do this. Frank’s already out there. You can’t let Dean go too.” She walked up to Dean. “You can’t go. Please tell me you’re not doing this craziness.”

Dean stared at her. “I’m sorry.”

Ellen grunted and backed up with folded arms.

Joe knew it wasn’t what Ellen wanted to hear, but this was an opportunity to get Frank home. Though they had to do it minimally, they could. “Robbie you will plan the rescue, every detail? I know you can do it. But . . . I’m going to need you here when it all goes down. You leaving will throw suspicion especially since now you’re head of security. Besides, I trust you impeccably with the lives of Ellen and the kids. I want you on them, watching them when it all goes down.”

Robbie nodded. “I understand. You want to go, don’t you, Dad?”

“I will go. I promised Ellen I would bring him back myself and I will. But . . .” Joe took a breath. “I’m gonna have to retire to do so. I think now is a perfect time. I’ll step down to council position because my mind is not straight with all that has gone down with Frank. It will be more like an extended sabbatical. I’ll make a few runs in the mean time with Cole, after I retire, to make it look legit.”

Dean drew up a look of concern. “Wait a week before doing so. Try to push more on Henry since he will be . . .” Dean swallowed. “. . .the leader of this community. Throw hints his way and others that you aren’t up to it.”

Joe agreed. He walked to Ellen and laid his hands on her shoulders. “This will work. We can bring Frank back. He’s alive, Ellen, and he’s fine. You have to do your part. You can’t dwell on Dean’s leaving. You have to think about him bringing Frank back. Dean’s going is an assurance that nothing will happen to Frank in the meantime. Think about that.”

Ellen took a long breath and turned around. “I guess you’re right. Frank’s all right. He’s alive and we have to help him. If we don’t do this, we may never find him.”

Robbie spoke up. “We will eventually but it could be a long time. It’s a big country out there.”

Joe saw that Ellen was coming around. He kissed her on the cheek. “O.K., we have a direction. Inform Jess that the search for Frank is off. I do, however, still feel we can trust him so let’s train him for the scouting.”

Robbie nodded. “Jess is a good man for this. He was in the Canadian Special Forces. This is right up his alley.”

“Good,” Joe said. “Ellen, you know your part. George’s suggestion of a marriage may be something to consider. If the people in this community see you move on, they will really doubt that Frank is alive and this inside person will see this. That’s where our main concern lies. We four have to be convincing. Dean, what do you think about the marriage, even if it’s just until Frank’s back? It can be annulled after that. Of course we have to make it look real to Reverend Bob so it will have to be legit.”

“I understand,” Dean commented. “It could be a good idea.”

“It would show stabilization in Ellen’s life,” Joe explained, “especially after all she’s been through. I’ll need you two to start talking about it and letting it be over heard.”

Dean watched Ellen nod to Joe and he shook his head. “The marriage is a good plan, but it doesn’t have to happen to convince people. Scratch the marriage idea.”

“If it’s not going to hurt, why not do it?” Joe asked.

Dean looked at Ellen. “It’s not right. And I . . . I can’t do it.”

Joe was shocked. This really surprised him.

Ellen moved to Dean. “What do you mean?”

“I can’t marry you, El.” Dean looked at her. “Not for this reason. It’s not right to get married only to break up when it’s done. I won’t. I’m sorry. It doesn’t have to be done so why do it? It’s just icing on the convincing cake and we don’t always need icing.”

Ellen bit her bottom lip. She was silent for a long time, staring at Dean. As she saw Joe ready to speak she held up her hand. “Dean,” she whispered “We’ll talk about this later. O.K.?”

Dean shook his head. “No. We won’t. El, please. Let’s not talk about it at all.”

“You don’t want to marry me.”

“Not for this reason,” Dean reiterated.

“You’re really not going to do this.”

“No.” Dean said. “I’m sorry. It doesn’t need to be done.”

“I think it does. If George mentioned it, we should do it because he has Frank and right now he holds the high card. We don’t know who his person is. Dean?” When she received no response, Ellen tossed her hands up and moved toward Robbie’s front door. “Fine. This is stupid. You’ll do everything else but this. I’m going home. To my home. Joe, Robbie, let me know when we need to discuss this more. Just know this. If I’m going to go along with this plan then I’m going to do all that I can to make sure it works in our favor.” Ellen stormed out, slamming the door.

Joe wasn’t going to say anymore. Ellen had said enough and he could see by the look on Dean’s face that Dean didn’t need any more questions on the subject that left the room with Ellen. “All right.” Joe bent down to the coffee table and picked up the tablet he had there. “Let’s sit down and recap what we wrote down . I want to go over again everything that George said.” Joe moved to the sofa and sat down. Robbie did too. Dean still stared at the door. “Dean?” Joe called to him. “Join us?”

Dean, in thought, took another second of staring, as if he expected Ellen to return. “Um . . . yeah.” Slowly he turned and joined Joe and Robbie. He felt really bad at that moment for turning down Ellen, but he felt strongly in his reasons for doing so, but those feelings and thoughts would have to wait. It was time to return to the discussion of George.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

Dr. Morris made notation in Frank’s chart as he stood by Frank’s bedside. “Vitals strong. Respiration normal. Reflexes normal. Everything is normal.” Dr. Morris closed the chart. “So tell me Mr. Slagel, what is holding you up from coming back to us? Hmm?” Tucking the chart under his arm, Dr. Morris checked Frank’s intravenous once more and walked from the room.

Dr. Morris’ footsteps moved as steady as the beeping of Frank’s heart monitor. The sounds of his walking faded away until it no longer could be heard. And then Frank . . . opened his eyes.

CHAPTER THREE

September 9

Beginnings, Montana

As she did her hair, trying to get finished before she had to get the kids up for school, Ellen heard the thump coming from outside her bathroom door. She opened it up and looked into her bedroom. She saw Dean opening his dresser. “What are you doing here?”

“I live here.” Dean pulled out a pair of jeans. “I need fresh clothes.”

“How did you get in?”

“The window.”

“Well, I’m going to have to tell Henry to put an alarm system on my windows to keep out unwanted pests.”

“Ellen,” Dean said her name strongly. “Why are you being like this? Why did I have to come home to find myself locked out of my own house? A house I just moved into thank you very much.”

“You’re a dick.” Ellen walked by him and to her dresser.

“Excuse me?” Dean stopped her, taking hold of her arm.

“Did you not hear me?”

“Oh, I heard you. Can we talk?”

“Nope. You said last night we wouldn’t talk about it.”

“Ellen . . . listen.”

“No.” She pulled away. “What is it about me? I’m good enough to sleep with but I’m not good enough  for a commitment? You don’t have to even look at it as a real marriage.”

“That is exactly the reason I will not marry you.”

“What?” Ellen said with sarcasm. “What kind of reason is that Mr. ‘I’m going to save Frank but I have reservations about some parts.”?

Dean slowly took a breath, walked over and closed the bedroom door. He had an edge to his voice, his hand moved with a ridged action as he spoke. “Look. From the moment I knew I loved you, that was the moment I knew I wanted to commit to you and spend the rest of my life loving  you. Now, history shows we were married. But you see, in my mind, time was rippled, I’m not blessed with that memory and that is a memory I want. There’s is nothing more that I want than to marry you, El, but I’ll be damned if to get that I have to cheat. I don’t want our marriage to be a ploy, a front, and I certainly don’t want you to have the easy out when it’s all said and done. And you will have that. Frank comes back, marriage annulled. If circumstances were different and I didn’t love you as much, I would do it. But that’s not the case. Marrying you means far too much to me than to have my shot and it be short lived.”

“If you question the fact on whether or not I love you enough to marry you for real, then question no further. If a real marriage is what you want. I will give you a real marriage with no intentions of taking the easy way out when it’s all said and done. I love you enough to do that.”

“If you would have said that yesterday before my phone call from George, I would believe that. But you want Frank back. You’ll say or do anything to get that. You may believe what you say is true, but when Frank walks through those gates, all will change. It always does and it always will.”

“You don’t believe what I’m saying is true?” Ellen spoke with some hurt in her voice.

“I believe you believe it . . . for the time being.”

“Then the hell with you.” Ellen tossed her hands in the air. “You say you love me. I say I love you. Well you know what I think. I think you’d be afraid to take the step no matter what the reason. You say you want to marry me? Well I think you’re a coward and I think you would find an excuse not to no matter what the circumstances.” Ellen started to walk out.

“Then I’m a coward. But I’m a coward with reason because I’ve been burned one too many times by you.”

Ellen stopped in her stride out the door. Calmly she walked back in her bedroom and straight to Dean. “Fuck you.” She turned around and walked back out.

^^^^

If one were to ask Ellen to describe Johnny’s appearance she would say, though he looks like Frank, he is much better looking than Frank was at his age. Johnny knew he probably was one of the best looking guys in Beginnings. He was sneaking around with the women before he was sixteen and before understandings even began.

He needed milk and Johnny’s time was so limited since Joe ran him around in every division he could use him. Distribution always seemed like a pain to Johnny. But on this day it, fit into his plan in which he had reluctantly agreed to help his grandfather.

She stood there, leaning against the counter talking to Cole. Bev flirted, perhaps to get a little more. Since Johnny, in plan mode, he made it obvious. He stood next to her and . . . well, he stared.

It took a few minutes into Bev’s conversation with Cole. At first she thought Johnny was staring and then she knew. Annoyed, Bev swung her head to Johnny and, rolling her eyes, she spoke so snippy. “What are you looking at?”

Suave would describe him as he ran his forefinger and thumb down the sides of his goatee. He flashed his bright smile and leaned close to Bev, staring his dark eyes at her. He spoke deep and smooth. “Your legs. They’re the best pair in Beginnings.” Taking his milk from Cole along with a ‘what are you up to?’ look from him, Johnny left distribution.

Bev’s mouth dropped open and her eyes followed Johnny out.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

Every man that could, lined up in the field. Standing tall and proud, Hal walked down the long line of men. Rows deep they were. Peter stood there waiting as Hal approached him. They exchanged salutes.

“For displaying qualities of leadership, for handling pressure in extreme circumstance like no other could, and for bravery he has shown me, I hereby promote Private Peter Haskell to the ranking of Sergeant. With this promotion, he will lead his first regiment out west to scout for the camp or camps associated with the Wild Cats.” Hal extended his hand to Peter. “Congratulations, son.”

Following the shaking of hands, Sgt. Ryder edged his way to Hal and cleared his throat subtly.

Hal leaned down bringing his ear closer to Sgt. Ryder. “Yes.”

“Grace . . .”

Hal cringed.

“Grace is going to be upset. You’re sending him away. I saw his schedule.”

“Gr . . . Gr . . . she’ll just have to get over it. She never mentioned he had to be around now, did she?” Hal stood straight and grinned. He watched the new Sgt. Haskell gather up his men for a scouting expedition that would leave Bowman in a few short minutes. To Hal, everything was falling into plan.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Dropping the last child off at the nursery, Ellen headed to a place where she seldom saw the inside walls . . . the library. Not that Ellen was particularly the reader, she wasn’t but the cavalry soldier was waking and wanted something to read. Ellen wanted to do him the favors of picking out a special book. Beginnings had a great library or at least she heard.

“Boo.”

A small shriek came from Ellen then a laugh as Danny walked up behind her.

“You’re out and about early. I didn’t think you were working yet,” Danny said.

“I’m not, but why not take advantage of the free babysitting, right?”

“Right. Where you off too?” Danny asked.

“The library. God, I think I was in there once.”

“I didn’t know you read a lot,” Danny commented.

“I don’t. It’s not for me. It’s for the cavalry soldier that is ill. I’m picking him out a book only I haven’t a clue what to get him or where to start.”

“I’ll help you. I’m very averse in libraries, you know.” Danny grinned. “They call me Mr. Library.”

Ellen laughed as they neared the library. Upon entering they saw Trish who usually worked at history.

“Hi.” Trish smiled but spoke at a library whisper. “Well if it isn’t Mr. Library.”

Danny nodded. “What did I tell you?”

“Trish, why are you working in here today? Doesn’t Lynn usually work the library?” Ellen asked..

“Usually but she has a case of this terrible stomach flu. She thinks it was something Josephine baked.” Trish shrugged. “Go figure. Why are you here, Ellen? You don’t read.”

“Yes I know. It’s not for me. It’s for someone in the clinic. Danny’s helping me.”

“We have a great thriller and horror section. Go take a look-see.”

Ellen motioned her head. “Come on Mr. Library. Show me the way.”

With his hand holding onto Ellen’s arm, Danny led her in the right direction. “Is this guy going to read it or are you reading it to him?”

“I’ll read it to him if he wants.” Ellen looked around the sides of the books. “Wow, how can you tell what they’re about?”

“Open the inside or some have it on the back.” Danny answered

“Like a video box.”

“Exactly.”

Ellen reached for a book and snickered.

“What is it?” Danny moved to her.

“Look at this. It’s her picture. God, how awful.”

“True, but she wrote that good vampire series.” Danny put the book back and grabbed another. “How about him?” He showed Ellen the author’s picture.

“Oh I never liked him. And what’s up with that pose? The hand to the chin thing they all do. I would think if they want to sell books they might pose nude or get someone attractive to decorate the back cover. I would.”

“No, you wouldn’t.”

“Yes, I would.” Ellen put the book back.

“Wait. I know an author who takes great pictures. He’s in the next aisle. I’ll be right back.”

“O.K.” Ellen browsed the titles, pulled one out and put it back. In her reach for a thick book, thinking it had to be good because it was big, she heard the annoying voice of Bev. The mention of Dean’s name made Ellen’s listen. She pulled the book some and saw Bev as she talked to Todd from fabrics.

“I just felt so bad for Dean,” Bev stated. “He was wandering around last night because she kicked him out of the house.”

“The house he worked so hard on for her.” Todd commented.

“It’s his house too. Anyhow . . . he was really appreciative when I let him stay with me.”

Ellen’s heart sunk and she moved to replace the book. In her slow deliverance of it to the shelf, a hand met hers and helped her place it back. She shifted her eyes with the shocked expression still on her face. Danny was there.

“I got a good book for your friend.” He held it up. “Let’s, uh, get out of here.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” Ellen followed him up to the desk where Trish sat waiting.

Trish looked up from a book she read. “Find something for the sick person?”

Danny laid the book down. “He might like this. It’s an all-like.”

“Oh I couldn’t agree more.” Trish opened the cover. “Library card please.”

Danny looked at Ellen then back to Trish. “I don’t have a library card.”

“Then you can’t check out this book.”

“Trish.” Danny didn’t know if she was serious. “Lynn let’s me check them out without a card.”

“O.K. but if you excuse me for saying so, Lynn’s a fool. People don’t return books as it is. Imagine if you didn’t know who had it.”

“Just write down my name.” Danny told her.

“How will I find you? The library card makes it so much easier.”

“Can’t I have the book without a card?” Danny asked.

“Certainly . . . not.” Trish answered. “But . . . would you like to check it out?”

“Yes.” Danny said hearing Ellen snicker.

Licking her finger, Trish leaned down, opened a drawer, and pulled out a piece of paper. “Fill this out. This is an application for a library card. Include your address since you know what yours is. You made them up.” She handed him a pen.

Danny leaned on the desk to begin to fill it out. He looked at Ellen. “A hundred and fifty people in this town and they’re afraid they won’t be able to track us down. Where are we gonna go?” Shaking his head, Danny filled out the application.

^^^^

Andrea exercised the leg of the Society soldier, Tom Collins. She spoke to Dean as she bent the leg up and laid it back down. “Muscle tone, Good. Reflexes improving.”

Dean wrote down in the chart. “Any responses at all to touch?”

“Some,” Andrea said and smiled at Tom. “He’s not feeling it. I am. It’s a good sign.” She laid down his leg. “Anyhow . . . I’ll let you get some rest.” She covered Tom up. “We’re going to be trying you in a wheelchair today. How’s that?”

“A wheel chair?”

“Yes,” Andrea told him. “that way you can get around our little town. As soon as I see you practiced enough, we’ll move you to containment. There are a lot of people there who can assist you if you need it.”

“Doctor, what’s your opinion? Will I walk again?”

Andrea smiled at him. “I believe with a lot of hard work you will not need the use of a wheelchair forever. I believe that. But . . . are you ready to work hard, Tom?”

“I’m very ready.”

“Good.” Andrea laid a hand on his leg. “Dr. Hayes. Walk with me?”

“Yes.” Dean lifted a hand and waved to Tom then followed Andrea out. “So you really believe he’ll walk again.”

“The spinal cord is healing nicely. I see no reason for prolonged paralysis but I want to talk to you about something,”

“Oh boy.”

“What’s that mean?”

“You have this serious look on your face and . . .you’ve stopped walking.”

“You know me.” Andrea smiled. “I’m concerned. I heard a rumor that’s spreading around Beginnings. Did Ellen kick you out?”

Dean let out a breath with a laugh. “Man, one person sees you walking around in the middle of the night and things get out of hand.”

“So she did kick you out?”

“Last night. I’m back. It’s not permanent, I don’t think.” Dean shrugged. “We just had a disagreement.”

“Sorry to hear that especially with her just coming back home.”

“Well . . . if the truth be known, she’s up . . .” Dean paused. He had to remember how careful he had to be when he talked. “She’s still upset about Frank.”

“Understandable. It is still soon.”

“Yeah.” Dean nodded. “And you know, with her and this Robbie thing, she’s in this searching phase. Looking for a little of Frank. I guess I’m just not understanding enough. You warned me.”

“I did,” Andrea said, “because I’ve been there. When my Miguel died, I was the same way. Remember how I befriended Alonso?  All because he was Hispanic and he reminded me of Miguel. Right away I attached myself to him. It gives you a little of that back. You want to be around those who are most like those you’ve lost.” Andrea took a second to think and smile. “So you two made up?”

“Not yet, no. Our conversation ended this morning with ‘fuck you’.”

“Oh Dean.” Andrea tsked. “Language.”

“I didn’t say it. She did.”

“Why don’t you talk to her?”

“I will,” Dean responded, “when I see her later. Maybe by that time she’s had a chance to cool down.”

Andrea looked at her watch. “Why don’t you go home for lunch in a few hours? Spend some time with her.”

“You know what? That might not be a bad idea. We can talk then. I have a meeting with Joe this afternoon. I’ll cut out early? Thanks, Andrea.” Dean started walking again, this time toward his lab.

“Dean?” Andrea called out to him. “Why are you meeting with Joe?”

“Um . . . it’s uh . . . personal thing about Ellen. You know, he’s her Dad and you also know Joe. You have to schedule time.” Dean tossed his hand up and moved again.

Andrea looked oddly at him as Dean disappeared quickly down the hall.

^^^^

“Is there is anything else I can get for you?” Ellen asked the UWA soldier, “Just let me know.” She fluffed his pillows up.

“I’m fine.” He spoke weakly as he watched Ellen. “The book is very nice.”

“I’ll read to you and my friend Danny will read to you also.”

“Why . . . why are you being so kind to me? It’s a wonderful gesture on your part.”

Ellen spoke as she tucked in his covers. “Well saving my life was a wonderful gesture on your part as well. I will never forget that.” Ellen rested her hand on the bed. “Ever. What you guys did to help me and Frank, I am grateful.” Leaning down, she pressed her lips to his forehead. “Thank you.” She looked up when she heard the clearing of a throat. Dean was walking into the room.

“El, you’re not supposed to be working.”

“I’m not. I’m visiting Gerry.”

Dean walked closer to the bed. “Gerry, you’re doing better, I see.”

“Yes and the woman is being very kind.”

Dean’s eyes rose to Ellen.

Ellen whispered. “It’s a respect thing he has. You can call me Ellen.”

“No, that would be too much to ask,” Gerry said.

Dean opened his chart. “What was your last recorded temperature? Are you sure you’re not feeling dizzy or abnormal in any way?”

Ellen gasped. “Don’t answer that, Gerry. He’s being sarcastic because you’re being polite. He is the epitome of the word dick.”

Dean slammed the chart. “Look, I don’t want to fight with you.”

“Oh.” Ellen spoke long and drawn. “Really? Well you’re not getting a fight. You’ve secured an ending to that.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“I think you know.”

“El.” Dean stayed firm, speaking to her across Gerry. “Look, I want to talk to you. Can we go somewhere?”

“Nope.”

“El.”

“Nope.”

“Ellen, listen . . .”

“Where’d you sleep last night?” Ellen asked with edge.

“What?”

“Where did you sleep last night?”

“You kicked me out, so that is none of your concern now is it?” Dean spoke with resentment.

“I think it is. Where did you spend the night?” Ellen asked again, this time stronger.

“And I told you before it is none of your concern.”

“Fuck you, it isn’t my concern.” Ellen snapped at him.

“No El, fuck you. You kicked me out!”

After his eyes and head shifted back and forth one too many times, Gerry had heard enough, especially from the doctor. “HEY!” He shouted the loudest he could. “Don’t you dare take that tone with the woman.”

Dean’s moth dropped open and his head swung to a view of Gerry. “First off we’re arguing. Second she is my . . .”

“I don’t care what she is to you. She is a woman and should be treated with respect. Where is your leader?”

Dean blinked several times. “What?”

“Where is your leader? I want to inform him of your behavior to the woman.”

Ellen looked smug. “The leader is my father.”

Gerry stared harshly at Dean. “Apologize to the woman or I will talk your leader. I hate to rat on a fellow man but you crossed the line with her. Apologize.”

Dean was silent.

“Apologize.”

“Yeah Dean, apologize.”

“Ellen, don’t,” Dean spoke strong.

“If Frank were alive,” Gerry said. “He would kill you.”

“He would,” Ellen came back.

“Madam, whatever the relationship may be between you and this man, may I, as someone who has respect for a woman, tell you he is not even worth speaking to.”

“Thank you,” Ellen spoke calmly. “You are absolutely right. He’s not. And I’ll be back, Gerry.” Ellen walked around the bed and out of the room.

“El.” Dean chased her out. “Ellen, stop. I want to talk to you.”

“Talk to you new lover.” Ellen spun, yelled, and spun back around the other way.

“Where is this coming from? Ellen?” Dean followed her.

“I know where you spent the night last night, Dean.”

“O.K., so you know. Big deal.”

“Big deal?” Ellen said with such a shock. “I certainly hope you enjoyed it because that body can lie next to your body from here on in.”

“Why would I want to lie next to Henry? Do you think I had sex with Henry?”

“Henry?” Ellen stopped walking.

“Yeah, Henry. I stayed with Henry. Why do you think Henry and I are lovers? Is he starting trouble again?”

“Henry does not start trouble.”

Dean laughed. “Oh, I beg to differ. Did he tell you something happened between him and me last night? I can just see him doing . . .”

“No, Bev did.”

“Bev told you something about Henry and me?” Dean asked.

“No, she told Todd from Fabrics she slept with you.”

Maybe Dean could have had more tact but he didn’t. He immediately started to laugh. “And you believed her? God, Ellen what . . .El?”

Ellen had sped off.

^^^^

Binghamton Alabama

There was so much disbelief in his voice as he spoke. George would have yelled had he not been so stunned. “Hid?”

“Yes sir.” The sergeant that led the raid on Kingman answered nervously.

“They hid.”

“Yes.”

“Five hundred men hid?”

“We believe so.”

“What are you? A moron?” George’s voice rose. “Five hundred men who live and train in one place cannot hide.”

“Well sir, I couldn’t find them anywhere. They hid.” The Sergeant was so serious as he spoke. “You know how clever these UWA soldiers are. They can outsmart us at times.”

“Sergeant, Elmo from Sesame Street can out smart you at times. Did it occur to you that they just weren’t there?”

“No sir.”

“No.” George closed his eyes and ran his hand down his face, mumbling, “This is why I need men like Frank Slagel.”

“Excuse me.”

“Nothing,” George said. “You’re dismissed. Send Lt. Merrick in.”

“Right away.” The Sergeant left and was almost immediately replaced with Lt. Merrick.

“President Hadley.” Lt. Merrick stood tall.

“Lieutenant. Starting first thing tomorrow I want those UWA soldiers interrogated again for information and I will be present this time to make sure it’s done right.”

“Yes sir.”

“And the man that gave you the false information.”

“Yes.”

“Shoot him and shoot him now. Do it in front of his fellow soldiers.”

“Yes sir.” Lt. Merrick, stone faced, left George’s office.

George sat back in his chair at his desk and desperately tried to stay calm. He had other things on his mind that must be foremost. Frank and Dean. The Legion of Doom was what he planned to refer them once he had them on his side.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Jason reviewed the list of missing files Andrea had given him as he walked down through the tunnels to the cryo-lab. He didn’t quite understand how in a community as small as Beginnings, files could actually get lost. But Andrea explained it wisely. If Dean was working on the files, Dean will lose them and the risk would now run greater since he had a home office.

Andrea hated the tunnels, especially when the weather was getting cold, so Jason graciously offered to search out the missing files. He buzzed himself into the cryo-lab, turning on the lights as he walked in the door. “Files, files.” He scratched his head at the mess. Sample cups laid around. Papers were scattered about. He didn’t see any files. He saw a small warming light on in the backroom, the former cryo-wall slash Henry-world. Hoping that the files would be in there, Jason walked in. He peeked at the glass dish with a brown substance that sat under the light. It grew something, but Jason hadn’t a clue what that was. His eyes skimmed about the room seeing nothing that resembled files. As he turned to leave the quiet lab, he jumped at the sound of a starting compressor. Wondering where it was coming from, Jason listened. It was close. It was in the room. Not seeing anything, he began to leave again when his eye caught it. Had the warming light not been on, Jason wouldn’t have been so curious as to what was hidden under the black blanket. It was large and covered and set in the corner. The closer Jason stepped to it the more he heard the running compressor.

He reached and felt the solidness of the object, the metal feel and Jason slipped the cover from it enough to expose what it was. A long white freezer was hidden there. His fingers crept against the crease and he gripped the lid. It wouldn’t budge. It was locked.

“Dr. Godrichson,” Johnny’s voice called out.

Jason jolted. “Johnny.” He grabbed his chest.

“What are you doing?”

“What’s . . . what is he hiding in here? This is a weird new lab.”

“Don’t know.” Johnny walked inside and recovered the case. “Not my business. Only El and Dean know.” He laid the files in Jason’s hands. “Andrea said you were here looking for these. I knew where they were. They were Ellen filed. Which means stuffed in a drawer until she felt like getting to them.”

“Thanks.” Jason looked at the files as he felt led out. “I would have never found them,.”

“Glad to help.” Johnny waited until Jason was clear of the room and followed him. Reaching back to close the back room door, Johnny looked once more inside, then at Jason, and then shut off the back room once again.

^^^^

Robbie balanced his chair on its back legs as he sat in Joe’s office, looking so smug with his arms crossed against his chest. “Henry, you will just say or do anything to make me stay on that suspect list, won’t you?”

“See, Joe.” Henry pointed. “He’s making it out to seem like I have it out for him.”

“You do,” Joe said. “Saying he is George’s prodigal son, his golden boy, his right hand man and child by proxy is not motive or means. Dean?” Joe looked at Dean.

“I’m with you, Joe. Robbie’s not a suspect,” Dean said as he peered more at his notes, looking more like his thoughts were elsewhere.

“Then I say we scratch him off the list,” Joe stated, holding his pencil ready.

“Joe!” Henry shouted. “That’s not fair.”

“Try this. If Robbie stays so do you.” Joe looked at Henry.

“All right,” Henry pouted. “But that’s blackmail, Joe, and it isn’t very nice.”

“Well neither is telling Bev that Dean slept with you last night.” Joe raised his eyes up to Henry as he scratched out Robbie’s name.

“Oh my God, Joe. I told Bev no such thing. Granted I don’t want her near me and it could be the best thing to do to get her away from Dean as well, but to tell her Dean and I slept . . .”

“Henry!” Joe yelled. “That’s not what I meant. Someone told Bev that Dean stayed at your house. Care to clarify who that could be?” Joe raised his eyebrow at Henry.

“Haven’t a clue, Joe.” Henry tossed his hands in the air.

Grumbling a ‘hmm’ Joe returned to his notes. “All right. We have two more suspects to get to before we finalize this list. Me and Jason.” Joe cringed. “Henry, for Christ’s sake what?”

“I don’t think you should be on the list that’s all. I don’t have a motive for you.”

“Well I do,” Joe said and saw everyone looking at him. “I gave it some thought.”

“Are you confessing?” Henry asked.

“No!” Joe yelled. “I’m just giving you boys something to think about. O.K.?  We’ll discuss me after Jason.”

“Oh this must be plausible,” Henry said. “If he’s saving himself for last it has to be good. I’ll wait. Let’s talk about Jason.”

Joe looked so annoyed. “All right. Jason. I don’t even think we have to discuss his means.”

Robbie nodded in agreement. “Medical knowledge. Blood knowledge. Virus. He was working with Dean in the cryo lab too. Remember? And Dean said something about someone messing up the recipe or something.”

“Formula,” Dean corrected. “Robbie’s right. Jason has all the medical knowledge and means as far as that goes.”

“And,” Joe added, “the time machine. Especially with the new power supply, he could make trips back without notice. Here’s one thing for all of you to think about. When Robbie and Frank went to the Garfield project to get into the cryo-lab, soldiers and guards were waiting for them, almost like they were set up. Someone tipped them off. It could have been Jason.”

Henry, as usual, seemed so excited. “Oh that’s good, Joe. I lost a piece of my hair that day, remember. That bullet went and sailed right by me and nearly . . .” Henry saw the looks he was getting. “Nearly . . . it’s not a ripple in time comment, Joe.”

“I know. It’s a lame comment. O.K., Jason?”

“Stays,” Robbie answered without looking up.

“Stays,” Dean reiterated.

“Goes.” Henry snickered at the glances. “Kidding. Stays.” He took a second to laugh at himself. “O.K., Joe. Your turn. Give your theory about yourself.”

Joe prepared his notes and readied himself to speak. Just as his mouth opened, there was a knock at the office door. “Come in.”

“Aw!” Henry whined. He turned to see Ellen. “El, you put us in a commercial break.”

Ellen seemed so nervous. “I’m sorry.” Ellen rubbed her arms as she stepped in closing the door.

Joe looked up to her. “What’s wrong?”

“I uh . . . I know you guys have this meeting but I have my nerve up and I need to say something, I need to speak to Robbie. Can I?”

Dean rested his notes on his lap and watched Ellen bounce a little. He wondered why she was so nervous.

“Do you need to leave with him?” Joe asked.

“No.” Ellen shook her head drastically. “I want to do this now in front of all of you so there are no questions asked later. O.K.?” She turned to Robbie. “I have to tell you something.” She cleared her throat and looked only at him. There was a certain quiver to her voice. Ellen actually trembled. “I’ve known you since you were a kid. We’ve, uh . . . we’ve known each other a very long time. And Frank, Frank was very proud of you. He had always said that if something should happen to him, he wanted you to take care of his family, take care of me.” Again Ellen cleared her throat. “And . . . I’ve been through so much in my life, more so recently, I just want to stop. O.K.? I want to stop. I want to live a stable life. I want to just . . . stabilize. We’re really great friends and always have been. We never fight, ever. I love you. And if you would. I would be honored  if you would just end this all with me . . . and . . . will you . . . will you marry me Robbie?”

Robbie’s eyes widened and he stood up.

Dean’s heart sunk and his notebook fell from his lap as he too stood up. “El, what are you . . .”

Ellen held up her hand to Dean keeping her eyes on Robbie. “Will you.”

Henry nearly fell over. “No. Robbie you can’t do this. El! No.”

“Robert,” Joe said his name calmly.

Robbie looked around at them. He bit his lip. “Wow.” He let out a breath.

“Robert,” Joe said with a warning.

Robbie raised his eyebrows. “Sure El, I’ll marry you. Thanks.”

“No, thank you.” Ellen tip toed up and kissed him. “Sorry I interrupted.” She hurried from Joe’s office.

There would have been silence had it not been for Henry knocking over the chair he missed when he went to sit.

Joe stared at Dean’s expression, so confused and so lost. He saw Robbie move to the door. “Robbie, what are you doing?’

“Dad.” Robbie reached for the knob. “Can we finish this later or tomorrow? Thanks. I have to talk to Ellen” He opened it up, walked out, closed the door, opened it, and popped his head back it. “Um to clarify that. My fiancée” Robbie grinned, wide and shitty, and removed his head from the door, bringing it closed.

Joe tossed his papers in the air. “I give up.” He saw the ‘need answers’ looks from Henry and Dean. “Don’t look at me. I’m just as shocked as the both of you.” Joe sat down in his desk chair. He rubbed his eyes harshly. “Oh boy.”

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

Something told UWA soldiers, Kyle, Link, Jeff, and Ted, the footsteps they heard were not good ones. Sitting on the floor of the room they were held, they looked up when the door opened. Four armed Society Soldiers walked in with Lt. Merrick behind them. No words were spoken as Lt. Merrick emerged forward. He walked up to Ted, extended his revolver, pulled back the hammer, and fired a single shot into Ted’s forehead. With the splattering of blood outward like a burst water balloon, and the shocked cries of the UWA soldiers, Lt. Merrick, with a calm look, put away his revolver and walked from the room.

CHAPTER FOUR

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

It was so obvious to the four man scouting party of the UWA that they had stumbled onto something. Less one man who went back to Bowman for supplies, they rode in on their horses into what definitely looked like a temporary camp. They dismounted and searched about. There were long wooden pegs left on the ground, holes for them, remnants of several campfires long burned out, and . . . bandages. They were cloth, brown stained and hardened, and they were tossed into a brush area. Sgt. Daniel had wandered into the trees, deep in thought and deep in search. Had his foot not hit against it, he would have never spotted it. Slowly he bent down to the canvass bag. Cautiously he opened it. As he checked out the contents, he heard the call of his name.

“Sgt. Daniel. We found something!”

Grabbing the bag, Sgt. Daniel left the woods and walked to the camp where the call came from. He spotted one of his men. “What do you have?”

The soldier walked nearer to Sgt. Daniel he handed him a UWA patch. “Torn from the clothing sir, just like the Captain told us to do if ever taken.”

Sgt. Daniel took the patch. “Then they had our men here. I found something myself. Right now we need to canvass the area for clues to which direction they went.” The Sergeant spoke to his team. “Mark where we are and we head on home. Job accomplished for now.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Though they lived together, at that moment in the evening, in the huge kitchen getting dinner ready, Ellen and Dean were miles apart.

“Excuse me.” Ellen reached around him for some plates.

“I’m talking to you. Can you respond, please?” Dean cut up vegetables for a salad.

“Nope.”

“This is bullshit, El.”

“What is? You don’t want to do the vegetables? Tell you what, I’ll do that and you watch the pasta. You know the noodles that Andrea makes have to be watched.”

“That’s not what I mean.” Dean cut forcefully with the knife, slamming it against the cutting board. “Ellen.” Dean set down the knife and pulled her back. “Look, the game’s gone on long enough. O.K.? I get the point.”

“What are you talking about?”

Dean paused before saying anything. “This little charade you and Robbie set up.”

“Charade?” Ellen nodded. “You think I set up a charade with Robbie for your benefit?”

“Yes.”

“For what purpose?” Ellen questioned with a raised eyebrow.

“For the purpose of me seeing that you will marry someone for the ‘Frank’ plan, even if it’s not me.”

“Let me tell you something, Dean.” Ellen stepped to him. “I won’t marry just anyone. O.K.? I asked Robbie for the exact reasons I gave. I did not, did not set that up with him for your benefit so don’t flatter yourself.”

“So you’re really going to marry Robbie?”

“Yes.”

“You can’t do that.”

“Why?” Ellen asked.

“El.” Dean stepped to her. “Look.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “Are you doing this to get me to change my mind about marrying you? Because . . .”

“No.” Ellen stepped back. “I don’t need to change your mind. I changed mine already.”

“That quickly? You stitched your feelings that quickly?” Dean asked with edge.

“No. I switched who I’m going to have a marriage with that quickly.”

“People will see right through it, El. They’ll see it’s not real.”

Ellen grabbed the plates and walked from the kitchen. “Then I guess I’m going to have to make it real, aren’t I?”

“How serious are you?”

Ellen slammed the plates. “I’m dead serious Dean.”

“Robbie Slagel. Of all people, you’ll marry Robbie Slagel.”

“What’s wrong with Robbie?”

“For one thing, it’s Frank’s brother.”

“And of all people in this community for me to marry, if I marry anyone, who do you suppose Frank would want that to be?” Ellen didn’t get an answer. “Dean, this conversation is over. O.K.?” Ellen walked back to the kitchen

“You got me.” Dean followed her. “You win. If you want me to say it, I’ll say it. I don’t want you to marry Robbie. O.K.? I don’t.” Dean stepped closer to her. “Please El.” He brushed his lips against hers. “Can we please stop fighting? I can’t take it. It’s driving me nuts. Please.”

“We’ll stop fighting.”

Dean hugged her. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Ellen kissed him quickly. “It’s not good for the kids anyhow.”

“No it’s not. I’ll get them for dinner. How’s that?”

“Sounds good.” Ellen turned off the stove. “Oh and Dean.”

“Yeah?” Dean stopped on his way out of the kitchen.

“Thank you for saying how you feel.”

“You’re welcome.” Dean smiled.

“But uh . . . I’m still marrying Robbie.”

The smile fell from Dean’s face.

^^^^

Bowman North Dakota

Hal shouldn’t have been disappointed. His man was only returning for supplies and he was aware of that. But something in Hal wanted to hear more, like perhaps they found a clue to the whereabouts of his five missing men, but he had nothing. The only word the returning man gave was that they had made it nearly across South Dakota. Nothing was to be found. That was the second supply scout to return and the second that delivered empty news. Hal dreaded the thought of having to cross the ‘central border’ as he called it. If they did that, they were leaving safer territory. But Hal knew if it had to be done, it would be. Maybe the next day’s light would breed better news. For that, Hal could only hope and pray.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Seldom did Robbie ever show true anger and frustration but in his actions and in his voice, Robbie showed them to Joe. His face was a slight shade of red and his voice was edgy, boarding on a high tone as his hand cut through the air. “What is your problem with this, Dad? Huh?”

“You cannot do this.” Joe’s hand came down hard on Robbie’s table. “You hear me?”

“I don’t think it’s your place to say anything.” Robbie took a stand with his father. He rarely ever did that.

“Not my place? Goddamn it, Robbie. This is Ellen we’re talking about. This was your brother’s wife. Don’t you think you’re giving new meaning to the phrase keeping it in the family?”

Robbie’s top lip twitched as he bit his tongue on what he wanted to say. “Look. Drop it, Dad, O.K.? I’m marrying Ellen.”

Joe cut his eyes to Jess who was in the living room, and knowing how much Jess knew, Joe didn’t have to mince words with his son. “Look, I’m not stupid. I wasn’t born yesterday. I know you and I know Ellen. I saw through that little act in my office. Dean may question it. Henry may be fooled but I certainly was not.”

“All right.” Robbie raised his voice. “So what if that’s the case. If. But what’s the big deal about it.”

“How in the hell is Frank going to react when he finds out you married Ellen?”

“How is he going to react if he finds out she married Dean? It’s the best way and I’m doing this.”

“God, Robbie,” Joe shouted. “The whole principal of it is wrong. Wrong.”

“No, it’s right. Frank would rather have her marry me,” Robbie spoke with emotion. “I’m the best one to do this. I’m taking care of her until he returns.”

“And then what?” Joe questioned.

“Excuse me?”

“Then what?” Joe’s voice softened. “Are you graciously going to step aside when it’s all said and done? Are you going to say, ‘Here Frank, here’s Ellen.’?”

Robbie moved to the living room. “I’m leaving.”

“No you aren’t leaving!” Joe followed him. “In your mind you know damn well this is a facade you two came up with, but in your heart, you want it to be real. You always have. How are you going to be when Frank comes back and you get crushed?”

“I’m not going to get crushed. I’m too smart for that.”

“Are you?” Joe asked.

“Yes. I know what we have to do , I know how it has to be done. I know how we have to act. Trust me Dad, if I get caught up in it then that’s my own fault, isn’t it?”

“You’re going to,” Joe spoke fatherly.

“Yeah, well, probably but I’ll deal with it.” With his final words, Robbie left.

Joe stared at the closed door. “He’s going to marry her, isn’t he?” He looked to Jess.

Jess stood up from his seat on the couch. He laid down his book. “I think Robbie’s a smart man and I don’t think . . . I don’t think you should worry.”

“Why is that?”

“Because I don’t think Dean will let it get to that point.”

Joe turned his head back to the door. “Yeah, but what if Dean doesn’t have a choice. What if my son doesn’t give him a choice?”

^^^^

Dean sat in his little office at home reviewing notes from the week on the pneumonia cases that finally were showing signs of improving. The small window behind him was open a bit. It carried in the cool autumn air but it also carried in other things. Dean could have shut the window, but he didn’t. The voices that flowed through the window were informative. They were Ellen’s and Jenny’s. He worked as he eavesdropped. He shouldn’t have, but he did.

“Ellen, I’ll say it again. This is such a great porch.”

“Yeah, I’m in the rich section of town.”

“Can I ask you something about what I heard today?”

“Sure.”

“It’s about Robbie.”

There it was. It was the conversation Dean had been waiting for. His fingers moved slower and he zoomed in more. Surely Ellen would give some hint on how real this marriage was.

“What about Robbie?” Ellen asked.

“I heard . . . I heard you’re going to marry him.”

“You aren’t going to lecture are you?”

“No,” Jenny answered softly. “I’d like to know why? I mean, isn’t it sudden? I’m sorry. I’m intruding.”

“No. Maybe if I explain to you, then if you hear anyone talking, you can be my explanation to them.” Ellen took a long pause. “See I know it’s soon after what happened to Frank but so much has happened in my life. Brian. Frank. What happened to me. This house is a fresh start. It made me see I want stability. I want to change how I’ve been living as best as I can. I want to stop and just try to be as normal as possible in the screwed up world. Plus, Frank always said he wanted Robbie to take care of us.”

“Everyone is going to think that you’re just marrying Robbie because of what Frank wanted.”

“Yeah, I’m sure but I love Robbie. He’s my friend.  I’ll tell you, I’m going to try to make it work. He’ll be good to me. I know that.”

“What about Dean?” Jenny asked.

“Dean will never marry me or take that chance with me. I gladly would have given Dean the chance to make my life normal but I want a commitment. One he can’t or won’t give.”

“What is wrong with him?” Jenny snapped. “My God. Commitment? Most men would love to have a commitment with a woman. He had a chance and wouldn’t take it. Well, perhaps Robbie may be a fresh start and a new direction on a road you should take.”

“Perhaps you’re right.”

Dean lifted the keyboard from his lap and laid it on his desk. Jenny was wrong. Robbie wasn’t the right direction Ellen should take. If she would just bide her time, Dean would give her all the commitment she wanted. He walked from his office to tell Ellen that whether she liked it or not..

Out of the kitchen and into the dining room, Dean approached the open front door. As he stepped to the screen door, he saw Robbie walking.

“Hey El.” Robbie stepped to the porch railing laid his hands on it, and then rested his chin on his hands. He looked innocently through the tops of his eyes at Ellen. “Can I steal you for a while?”

Ellen looked at Jenny. “We’re kind of talking, Robbie.”

Jenny waved her hand out. “Oh, I should be going anyhow. I have a class to plan for tomorrow.” She stood up. “Great talking to you, Ellen.”

“Same here.”

“Night.” Jenny stepped by Ellen and off the porch. She waved one more time before leaving.

Ellen saw Robbie raise his head some. “What’s wrong?” Robbie stared behind her and Ellen turned to see Dean in the doorway.

“Dean?” Robbie asked. “Do you mind if I steal El for an hour. I want to take a walk with her.”

Dean couldn’t answer. He felt the words, but they were thick in his throat. He wanted to tell him,. ‘no Robbie, I’d rather you not. I need to talk to her.’ But he didn’t. Dean shook his head and so much as gave his blessing.

“Thanks.” Robbie smiled, extending his hand to Ellen and taking hers.

Ellen looked back once more to Dean as she walked hand in hand with Robbie away from the porch.  Dean still said nothing. He just watched them fade away.

^^^^

“Smaller.” Danny stated to Henry. Though every light was on in Henry’s house, they had two extra table lights on in the dining room as they worked. Electrical wires and other supplies spread out all over the place.

“Smaller?”

“Smaller.”

“How much smaller does it have to be?” Henry asked. “This is small. I can’t go much smaller, can I?” He held up something about the size of a match book.

“It has to be able to be concealed.” Danny told him of the box. “Something like that can be seen or lost and then we’re screwed.”

“What if we just put the tracking device in something else?” Henry suggested. “Like James Bond would do with a pen.”

“We could still lose it. It has to be smaller. Robbie wants these to be able to track our men when they go out in case something happens to them. I’m working on the tracker itself. You’re supposed to be working on the tracking. If you can’t do it . . .”

“I never said I can’t do it.”

“You’re acting like you can’t.”

“I can do it, I just need to think and right now I’m not thinking.” Henry scratched his head. “I guess I’m just tired and in a bad mood for some reason.”

Henry dropped the screw driver. “I need a break. You need one?”

Danny nodded. “Social hall?”

“Where else?” Henry tossed his hands up and moved to the door.

“We’ll have a bowling alley this time next year.”

“Joe won’t allow it.”

“Bet me.” Danny said.

“I’ll bet you.”

“Ten work hours.”

“You’re on.”

Danny opened his hand and motioned it out. He saw how miserable of a mood Henry was in and Danny was going to do everything in his power to get him out of that bad mood.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and annoyed if he gets awoken from it. And that was exactly how George felt at the steady thumping at his door. He grumbled, wanting to get some rest. He desperately needed to get some sleep. Though it was only nine at night, he really wanted to be slumbering. Patting down the hair that stood on edge, wearing boxer shorts and a tee shirt, George made his way to the door. “This better be good,” George said as he opened it looking at the soldier who stood there.

“Dr. Morris said to call for you. The Beginnings man is awake.”

Like a bright spotlight coming on, George’s face lit up. “Tell Dr. Morris to say nothing to him. I’m on my way.”

“Yes sir.”

George slammed the door and excitedly clapped his hands. Like a kid, George ran all the way to his room. This was a moment he had been waiting for . . . Frank’s expression when he saw George.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Sitting with a cigarette in one hand, Joe reached across the bar and lifted a bottle. He poured a drink, set it down, and winked at ‘Sam’ the mannequin. “Thanks Sam. I’ll give you a tip next time.”

Jason, who was sitting next to Joe, picked up Joe’s glass and pulled it away from him. “You’ve had one too many.”

“Give me that. Hell, that’s only my second.” Joe’s eyes shifted across the social hall. He could see Johnny shooting pool. Joe shook his head when he also saw Bev. She sat in a chair doing nothing but watching Johnny.

Jason leaned to Joe. “Looks like the little vixen has her eyes on your grandson?”

“Christ, if they could be anymore on him, he’d be wearing them.”

Johnny motioned his head to Cole, then to the ball. “Eight ball off the bank, corner pocket.” Johnny leaned over the pool table, revved back his stick, and took his shot. “My game.”

“You’re an ass. I refuse to play with you anymore,” Cole told him.

“Sore loser,” Johnny joked and turned around to see Bev standing before him.

“Johnny.” She spoke his name softly. “You have a great body.”

Johnny bit his bottom lip, raised one eyebrow, and handed her his pool stick. “Put this away for me. Thanks.” He sniffed loudly, pulled up the waist of his baggy Levi’s, turned away, and walked toward Joe. A shitty grinned graced his face. “Hey Pap.”

“Johnny.” Joe sipped his drink. “Don’t look now but your slave is running this way.”

Johnny smirked and mouthed the words. ‘Watch.’

Bev slipped up to Johnny. “Hi Johnny. I was wondering if you’re done. If you’d like to . . .”

“Bev.” Johnny stated her name while pointing to his temple. “I distinctively remember someone . . . snapping at me this morning in distribution? Was that you?”

“I really apologize for that. Can I make it up to you? Can we have a drink or something?”

With such arrogance, Johnny shook his head. “Nah.”

“But . . .”

“Bev.” Johnny laid his finger on her mouth. “If I want to deal with you, I will. I’m talking to my grandfather now.”

“But . . .”

“Bev.” Johnny motioned his head backwards. “Why don’t you sit down. If I join you, you got a deal. If not, oh well.”

“All right.” Bev smiled at Johnny and walked over to a table. She sat down, crossed her legs, and stared at Johnny.

Johnny looked quickly at her then Joe. “I’m out of here.”

“You’re leaving her?” Joe asked with a snicker. “Johnny, you are an asshole.”

“Yep, but you love me.” Johnny grinned widely, grabbed hold of Joe, and kissed him on the cheek. “Love you. Pap. Night.” He gave a swift pat to Joe’s back, nudged into Jason, and walked out the door.

Joe watched as Johnny left. He smiled and shook his head then turned serious when he saw Henry and Danny walk in. “Just the guy I wanted to see tonight.”

Jason looked. “Danny?”

“Henry.” Joe stood up. Henry didn’t look like he was in his usual mood. “Henry, my boy.”

“Hey Joe.”

“What’s wrong?” Joe asked.

“Just thinking and Danny and I have been working on something for hours. I needed a break.”

“Good because I needed to talk to you. Got a minute?”

“Sure.” Henry shrugged.

“Care to walk outside?”

“O.K.” Henry saw Danny getting their drinks. “I’ll be right back, Danny. As horrible as this sounds, why don’t you talk to Jason.”

Jason leaned down into his drink, calmly raised his hand with a shot of the middle finger, and sipped.

Henry and Joe stepped outside. Both men walked slowly up the street with their hands in their front pockets.

“Henry,” Joe spoke seriously. “Things have been bad.”

“What do you mean.”

“I try to put up this front, but . . . Frank has me down. Really down.”

“I understand that. Me too.”

“And there’s a lot to deal with lately. A bunch of runs are going out. This suspect shit. Savage attacks more frequent. The society. Distribution. Too much work and not enough people to distribute it to. I always have Frank on my mind along with a lot of everything else.”

“Well Joe, just tell me what you want me to do. O.K.? Anything you need for me to take for you, I will. You know that. Just tell me, You don’t even have to ask.”

“I know.” Joe laid his hand on Henry’s back. “I do want you to take something for me.”

“What’s that?”

“The leadership position.”

Henry stopped walking. “Joe, I can’t.”

“Why?”

“I’m no leader, Joe, and you know it.”

“Henry. You were elected by this community to take the reins. Your fairness is what decided that. You can be level headed when you need to be.  I need the break. I need to have a little pressure off of me, even for a little while.”

“So you’re not retiring fully.”

“Well from the leadership position, yes. I’m stepping down to your position. If you can’t handle it or if there’s trouble and you need me to take the wheel, I will. But for the time being, I’d rather not have full responsibility. I need some time to pass before I can think of resuming my position.”

“It’s a rash judgment, Joe, and you know it.”

“Yep.” Joe nodded. “It is. My oldest son died, Henry. My kid. The same kid that started this whole place with me. I can’t function right with him so on my mind. I’ll help you every step of the way. I will answer any questions you have and I will show you exactly how this place runs. O.K.?”

Henry reluctantly nodded his head. “You’ll be back. I’m not keeping this position for ever. I’m too young to be old right now and this position will make me old.”

“You’ll do fine.” Joe laid his hand on Henry’s cheek. “I just want you to be the first to know so you aren’t shocked when I make an announcement at the community meeting tomorrow.”

“When . . . when will it be official?” Henry asked.

“Two weeks.” Joe answered. “Now let’s . . .”

Henry saw Joe’s eyes shift. “What’s wrong?”

“Robbie and Ellen.”

Henry turned around to see Robbie and Ellen walking hand in hand toward the living section. “Aw Joe, it seems awful quick for that to be happening.”

“Yes and I’m gonna to talk to him some more about it, but first, let’s you and me have a drink.”

“Sounds good.”

“A silent celebration before your ‘Joe’ training.”

“Oh boy.”

Joe laughed as he led Henry into the social hall. “Think of how much you and I will bond over the next couple of days.”

Danny held up darts when he saw Joe and Henry return. “Henry, wanna play? Maybe it will take our mind off our work.”

“Yeah. “ Henry poured a drink and joined Danny.

Danny stopped in his move to the dart board. “Wanna take on the old guys?” He pointed to Joe and Jason who looked like two barflies at the bar.

“That’s not even a challenge.” Henry stated. “But, sure why not. Hey Joe! You guys wanna play us?”

Joe looked at Jason twitching his head at Henry and Danny. “Care to take on the challenge of our Asian community?”

“Joe, come on. That’s not even a challenge.”

“We’ll take it easy on them.” Joe grabbed his drink and stood up. “Let’s throw the first game then get them to bet something really big and kill them.”

Jason snickered. He liked that idea. He thoroughly enjoyed the arrogant laughs of Danny and Henry as he totally missed the dart board on his first throw, knowing full well his mind was thinking up things he wanted from the wiry pair.

^^^^

Very seriously, Dean stared in his cup of coffee as if answers would somehow float up to the surface of the cream he had added. His hands gripped the cup. Occasionally he would look to Jess who sat with him.

“Look at your home, Dean. Look.” Jess spoke so seriously. “My God, you have it all. A home, a woman, kids. This is the perfect Ozzie and Harriet set up. Why are you being so dumb about this?”

“I told you.”

“O.K.,” Jess said. “You told me your reasons. What makes you so sure that Ellen is going to go through with the annulment after all is said and done?”

Dean chuckled in ridicule. “Jess, you’re new here. Trust me, it’s the same old cycle. If you realized how many times I have been wrapped up in her and then lost her to Frank, you wouldn’t say that.”

“But from what I understand, that hasn’t been the case recently. I’m talking before I arrived and before all of this went down.”

“Why do you care?” Dean asked. “Why are you so concerned with this?”

“I’m concerned with Robbie. Dean, when everybody else treated me like an alien because I was once a member of the society, Robbie did not. He saw who I was and he befriended me and trusted me. That means a lot. I want to be trusted. You could say I’m indebted to him. He took me in and he shares his home with me. We’re friends. I’m seeing my friend getting involved, no matter if this marriage is real or not.”

“It doesn’t mean anything when it comes to Frank. Trust me. Ellen chooses Frank.”

“Oh, does she?” Jess asked with arrogance. “Ever heard of the third party syndrome? Ellen chooses a third party so there are no more pulls between you and Frank. And how do you know, that this so called friendship between Ellen and Robbie can’t blossom? How do you know she just may not have that third party syndrome with Robbie? Or . . . things may just actually work. There’s a chance on that. You know that.”

“I know that,” Dean said.

“Is that a chance you’re willing to take? Robbie will treat her like a queen. They never fight, them two. Ever. You may just end up losing a chance you’ve wanted for a very long time.”

“Yeah, but it’s not time for that chance, nor are the circumstances right.”

“Make them right. Make it the time. Do something about this. Whether Robbie believes it or not, it will tear him and Frank apart if he marries Ellen. Real or not. Trust me, there is nothing worse than a woman coming between two brothers. I know.”

“Been there?” Dean asked.

“You can say that. Robbie loves Frank. It will kill him if he doesn’t have Frank as his brother.. Robbie will go on if he doesn’t have Ellen as his wife.”

“I think we’re worrying too much.”

Both of them turned their heads to the window when they heard Ellen and Robbie’s voices nearing. They were laughing and talking.

Jess looked at Dean. “Worrying too much? Really?”

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

George had to prepare. He wanted to look official when he arrived at the hospital to see Frank. The last thing he wanted Frank to see was a man who just climbed out of bed, half asleep. George combed his hair and even shaved his five o’clock shadow. Fully dressed in a nice shirt and dress slacks, George walked into the hospital. Dr. Morris waited for him at the old nurses’ station.

“Doctor.”

“President Hadley.” Dr. Morris looked pleased.

“He’s awake?” George asked with some excitement.

“Yes, sir he is. He’s sitting up in bed. He feels fine and . . .” He saw George walk away. “Sir, there’s something you should . . .” George didn’t answer. “ …know.” Dr. Morris dropped his hands, shrugged his shoulders, and hurried to catch up to George.

George took a deep breath, placed on his smug face, and walked into Frank’s room.

Frank sat in bed. He looked up to George, raising his dark eyes upon George’s entrance.

George smiled. “Hello, Frank.” He stepped closer. Something was wrong. Where was that angry Slagel expression . . . that jump from the bed and want to kill George look? George slowly stepped closer.

“Oh my God,” Frank gasped.

George grinned. “That’s right.” George looked so smug.

“You’re the President. Sir, forgive me for not getting out of this bed and saluting. I’m . . . a little without clothing, sir,” Frank spoke, staring at George.

“What?” George said shocked. “What . . . what did you just say?”

“I’m without clothing, sir.” Frank lifted his sheet.

George’s body shuddered in confusion. He blinked,  spun around, and saw Dr. Morris behind him. “What’s going on?”

“Frank, we’ll be right back.” Dr. Morris spoke to Frank.

“Yes sir,” Frank responded.

Dr. Morris took George into the hall. “I see you talked to him.”

“What . . .” George pointed to Frank’s room and scratched his head. “What in the world is going on?”

“Seems someone is looking out for you. Frank’s doing well. He’s strong. A little confused. And . . . he has amnesia.”

George gasped in laughter. “He what?” He covered his mouth. “Shit.”

“Yep. We can’t determine how much he has lost in his memory. We wanted to give him another day before bombarding him with questions, but he definitely knows he was in the United States Army.”

“How long will he be like this?” George whispered as he looked into Frank’s room.

“Could be days, weeks, or forever.”

George clenched his fist with excitement. “This is great. We wanted Frank’s training, Frank’s mind, without Frank attitude.”

“Looks like you may have it,” Dr. Morris said.

“Excellent. Excellent. Excellent,” George gloated. “All right. Treat him good. Treat him with respect, but tell him nothing. Let me work on that tonight. Got it?”

“Yes sir.”

“Good job.” George gave a swift light punch to Dr. Morris’ arm. He chuckled when Dr. Morris rubbed the spot. “See you in the morning.” Grinning, George popped his head in Frank’s room. “Son, I’ll be back in the morning. We’ll talk.”

Frank nodded. “Thank you, sir.”

George snickered as he stepped back in the hall and pointed back into the room. “Did you hear that? Ha-ha!” He rubbed his hands together. “See you in the morning, Doctor.” Smiling widely, George moved with a quick pace down the hall, doing skip of excitement as he did so.

CHAPTER FIVE

September 10

Beginnings, Montana

O.K.! Joe thought, What did I do? Joe was a smart man. The slamming of his breakfast plate by Andrea was a less than subtle way to tell him she was upset. He peered through his glasses down to his eggs that scattered across his just tossed plate.

SLAM! SPLASH! Down went Joe’s coffee. Another slam brought Andrea seated, with her breakfast, at the table.

Very serious, Joe folded his hands and looked at Andrea. “Something wrong?”

Andrea spoke so high pitched as she grabbed the salt and frantically salted her eggs. “Well. If you must know.”

“Yes.”

“You.”

“What did I do?” Joe asked.

Slam! Joe groaned and watched particles of salt spill. “That’s bad luck, Andrea.”

“So is not telling your wife everything.”

“Excuse me.”

“I was not sleeping last night, Joe Slagel. I heard your little conversation with Henry.”

“So.” Joe started to eat.

“So? You’re retiring. When were you planning on telling me this?”

“This is what you’re upset about?” Joe asked.

“Yes.”

“Just wanted to know,” Joe continued.

“Joe Slagel! I am upset.”

“For no reason. Andrea, I’m retiring. So what? Why are you pissed about this?”

“This community will fall apart. Fall apart.” Her hands flew about. “If you don’t run it, Joe, what are we gonna do?”

“Andrea, I won’t let it fall apart. O.K.? I need a break. Drop it.”

“Drop it?” Andrea spoke with attitude. “I hope to high heavens you did not just tell me drop it.”

“I did.”

“Joe!”

“Andrea. Drop it!” Joe pointed his fork. “This goes no further than this house until I make my announcement tonight. Got that?” He waited for an answer. “Got it?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” Joe started to eat. “Goddamn it Andrea. all this marital arguing and now my eggs are cold”

Andrea really could care less if Joe’s eggs were cold. Her ‘so what’ attitude showed as she ate her own breakfast, ignoring the annoyed glances from Joe along with his grumbling.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

George whistled a happy tune as he walked out of his temporary home, an apartment on the first floor of an old house. It was a great early morning and what made it even greater for George was that he knew what he was going to tell Frank when he saw him. He had it all planned out in his head as he moved down the street toward the hospital. He stopped mid -street when he saw his soldiers escorting the UWA soldier out of one building and taking them to another. Interrogations. George would have to be there at them. But first, Frank. So with a smile on his face and a wave of instigation to the UWA soldiers, George moved on.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

Rinsing the soap from his face as he took a shower, Hal thought he heard the close call of his name by Sgt. Ryder. He removed his head from the water and heard it again. Faint but there. “Elliott?” Hal called out. “I’m in the shower.”

“Captain.” Sgt. Ryder’s voice came loudly into the bathroom. “Sir, our South Dakota team is back early.”

The pipes squeaked loudly as Hal turned off the water. His arm emerged from the shower curtain as he grabbed a towel. “Thanks.” He spoke as he wrapped the towel around his dripping body and flew out of the shower. Leaving a water trail, Hal fled from his apartment, sliding on his steps as he raced down them and out the door into the street.

It was true. The men were riding into town the second Hal hit the sidewalk. Holding his towel around him, Hal grinned proudly as Sgt. Daniel stopped his horse. “You have news, Sergeant.”

“We do,” Sgt. Daniel said after he saluted.

“Excellent. Let me get dressed and meet me in my office.” Hal received salutes from the trail of men that followed Sgt. Daniel into town.

Just as Hal was about to turn to enter his apartment building, he felt a coolness against his backside. Swaying his head with a look of irritation, he glared at Craig who lifted the back of his towel just slightly.

“Cute.” Craig grinned.

With a grunt and without words, prior to seeking out clothing, Hal decided in his anger to chase Craig down the street, towel and all.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

“Retrograde amnesia,” Dr. Morris explained to George before he went into Frank’s room.

“Retro what?”

“Retrograde. That’s what Mr. Slagel has. It’s a very common form of amnesia that follows blood loss or trauma. The patient experiences memory loss of events that transpired prior. This memory loss can be of a day, a year, or one’s entire life. Mr. Slagel seems not to remember anything after the plague began.”

“Is that possible?” George asked.

“Very much so. When I asked Frank what he remembered last, he told me he was guarding a post outside of Chicago. There was rioting and an explosion. He barely remembers walking up in a medical tent but nothing after that. I’m thinking one head trauma is the marking for the other in the memory department.”

George snapped his fingers. “That’s right. I forgot about that. Frank had a severe concussion or something. He slept through the plague.”

“He remembers nothing about it. He knows a plague hit and that is it.”

“Well then I guess it’s time for me to fill him in,” George said happily. “Excuse me.” He walked into Frank’s room. “Frank.”

Frank looked up from his breakfast. “President Hadley.”

George held out his hand. “Please, you and I are beyond that. You call me George.”

“Really?”

“Yes.” George pulled up a chair. “Son, Dr. Morris says you’re having difficulty remembering anything that happened over the past seven years.”

“No sir, I can’t remember.”

“Well then that’s why I’m here. See Frank, you and I are very good friends and I want you to feel free to ask away. I’ll try to fill you in the best I can.” George saw Frank thinking, getting ready to ask and George went through the scenario in his mind. He had to get the story straight and keep it straight. Though Frank wasn’t the smartest person in the world, even pre-plague Frank was smart enough to smell something foul. George was determined to keep that odor from him.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Dean saw Ellen diligently trying when he came home, mid morning, to surprise her by spending time alone with her. He smiled as he quietly walked in. He set his stack of folders down on the end table and clenched the rose Andrea allowed him to pick from the Miguel rose bush at Greenhouse Three. Ellen didn’t even hear him as Dean sneaked in. She desperately was trying to reach something placed on the top of the living room closet. Dean could help her by getting her a chair, but he decided against it.

He walked directly up behind Ellen as she reached up. He glanced over her shoulder and at the same time, he placed the rose to her nose. “Hey.” He smiled.

Ellen looked down at the rose, then shifted her eyes to Dean. “What are you doing home?”

“Taking advantage of an empty house and a big empty closet with you.” Stepping forward into the large closet, Dean moved Ellen inside and closed the door. He grinned, laid both his hands on Ellen’s face, moved her against the wall of the closet, and kissed her. He kept on kissing her.

Ellen had to pull back in order to break from his clinging lips. “Dean, stop.”

“Why?” He tried to kiss her again.

“Just stop. All right.” She slid by him, opened up the closet, and walked out.

“El.” Dean followed her. “I thought we weren’t fighting.”

“We’re not.”

“So what’s the problem?” Dean asked. “We’re alone. I left work to be with you.” He stepped to her. “When was the last time I did that?”

Ellen shifted her eyes and saw the stack of work on the table. “Yes, I see where your mind was.” She held up the rose and gave a brief smile. “Thanks for this. It’s nice.” She walked into the kitchen.

Dean’s hand went through his hair and down his face. He moved to the kitchen. “El, what’s the problem? Two nights ago you kick me out. Last night, I try . . .” He moved closer to her. “I try to scoot up next to you in bed and you moved to the edge of the bed. Come on.”

Ellen took a deep breath and walked to the sink. She placed the rose in a glass and filled it with water. “Dean, O.K., here it is. I’m marrying Robbie. Do you think it’s right that we . . . well, you know? It’s a little in appropriate. Right?” She turned off the faucet to hear Dean’s laughter. She spun around to face him.

“El. All right.” Dean caught his breath and smiled. “Enough. Games over. You’re cute.” He kissed her quickly, then shook his head with a laugh again. “You’re right. I was wrong. You’re not gonna marry Robbie. I’ll marry you.”

Ellen stared very seriously at Dean for a second. “Fuck you, Dean. Fuck you.” She barged from the kitchen and stopped. “Marry you? And you had nerve to laugh at me.” She moved to the living room.

“El!” Dean raced after her. “I’m serious.”

“So am I.” She flung open the front door. “I’m marrying Robbie. And if he changes his mind tomorrow, I’m still not marrying you.” She ran out of the house.

Dean stood baffled in his empty home. His hand raised and dropped. “What did I say?”

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

With serious and a cigarette clenched between his lips, Hal stared at the UWA patch wedged between his index and middle fingers. “How close to central border?” Hal asked.

Sgt. Daniel cleared his throat before answering. “Ten miles, sir. We went over and checked. The trucks definitely moved south.”

Hal laid down the patch. “So they were alive when they took our men. You know as well as I do they probably moved more east. What else do you have? You said you found something else?”

“I did.” Sgt. Daniel laid the canvass bag on Hal’s desk. “I found this buried in the brush of the woods.”

Hal stood up, laid his cigarette down, and opened the canvass bag. “Did you remove the things?”

“No sir. You don’t have to. Look for yourself.”

On top of the bag was a white, blood-stained tee shirt. Hal removed it some to see the bullet hole in the shoulder. He looked at the collar of the shirt. No manufacturer tag. It was a handmade tee shirt and well made too. He shuffled the shirt some to expose the huge combat boots.  He pulled one out and looked at the soles. New. He placed the boot back in the bag and then Hal saw the green color . . . Army green. Military work pants He didn’t pull those out but merely zipped up the bag. “Well,’ Hal breathed out. “I don’t think we need to ask who this clothing belongs to.” Hal sat back down. “All of this is Beginnings’ clothing and I think we know this is the Beginnings man’s.” Hal set the bag on the floor.

Sgt. Ryder looked to Hal. “Is that enough?”

“Yes.” Hal nodded. “It’s plenty. First thing tomorrow we return these clothes to the man’s home along with a note I’ll write tonight.”

“Then it’s time?” Sgt. Ryder asked.

“Yes,” Hal answered. “This should show Beginnings we are serious and that our intentions are good. It’s time that we join forces.” Hal folded his hands and brought them to his mouth. His mind immediately went to the letter he knew he would have to send by messenger along with the clothing . . . clothing that Hal did not look at fully. Clothing that he should have, because had Hal just pulled the military pants out of the bag entirely, he would have seen--like routinely done in the old world military--a name stitched above the back pocket of the pants. The name Slagel.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

At the same instant, Robbie, Joe and Dean all looked at Henry.

Henry felt the stares and looked up. “What?”

Joe held out his hand. “I just said we’re discussing me as a suspect. No comment?”

“No, Joe, go on.”

Dean noticed Henry’s unusual serious demeanor. “Henry, um . . . about this point you get irritating.”

“About this point . . .” Henry spoke very calmly, “I’m going to ask you to refrain from saying anything. I’m not in a good mood.”

Dean gave him an odd look. “And you don’t think any of us are gonna take advantage of your bad mood. Henry, you take advantage of ours.”

Again, staying calm, Henry spoke deeply and with a slight edge. “I’m asking you not to. O.K.?”

Joe interjected. “O.K. Let’s get to me as a suspect. My theory is . . .”

“Joe,” Henry interrupted. “Come on. This is stupid and a waste of time. You as a suspect?” He opened his notebook. “I think we should concentrate on the ones we have. Andrea, Rev. Bob, Jason, Bev, Cole . . .”

“And you.” Robbie pointed. “Let’s not forget you.”

“Joe,” Henry said.

Robbie laughed.

“Robert,” Joe scolded softly.

“What?” Robbie rocked in his chair. “We’re supposed to tip toe around Henry’s mood? Like I care. Every other meeting he comes in here yip yapping his mouth, driving us all insane, so now he’s not in the mood and we have to shelter his feelings. Right.”

“Robert.”

“I’m leaving.” Henry stood up.

Robbie waved his hand at him. “Sit your skinny ass down, Henry, and get out of the mood.”

“Get off my back.”

“I’m not on your fuckin back,” Robbie yelled. “If I was on your fuckin back you’d know it.”

“Robbie,” Henry said strongly. “You of all people right now are the last person I want to speak to, let alone sit in a meeting with.”

“Too bad.”

“Fuck you.”

Robbie jumped up. “Fuck me? What the fuck did I do to you?”

“Robbie!” Henry yelled sternly. “Sit down and don’t jump up at me. Your arrogance is the last thing I want to deal with.”

“I haven’t done shit to you.” Robbie bit his lip. “Don’t take that tone with me again. I’m warning you.”

“Don’t warn me.”

“Boys,” Joe called out cautiously shifting his eyes between the two standing men.

Robbie breathed deeply through his nostrils trying to calm himself. “What is your problem, Henry?”

“You wanna know? You! I’m pissed because you’re marrying Ellen. It’s wrong.”

“Like I care what you or anyone thinks.”

“Well you should,” Henry stated.

“Bite me.”

Henry snickered in disbelief at Robbie. “Can you be any more of an asshole?”

“Yeah when I come over and nail your ass.”

“Try it.”

On those instigating words, Robbie sailed forward and Henry, in a defensive anger, leaped at him too. Dean seeing the two men much bigger than him, jumped from the way of their entanglement. The second Robbie grabbed hold of Henry, Henry nailed him. Robbie’s returned the punch just as fast.

Joe sprang up. “Knock it off.” He flew to the two men and grabbed them before any more harmful fists could be thrown. Clenching tightly to Robbie’s tee shirt, he pulled him back, then Joe laid a flush hand to Henry’s chest, shoving him some too. “What is this shit? Huh? You!” Joe pointed to Henry. “Sit down. And you!” He pointed to Robbie. “Take a walk. Cool down. We’ll do this another time.”

Robbie’s face was red. “I didn’t fuckin start this shit!”

“Take a walk!” Joe ordered. “Now!”

Running the back of his hand over the corner of his mouth, Robbie glared at Henry, grunted, and stormed by the filing cabinet. pulling a Frank by slamming his fist into it as he passed it.

“Goddamn it!” Joe yelled as his office door closed. “It’s a family thing!” Taking a second to calm down, Joe returned to his desk. He looked at Henry who sat in the chair looking like a scolded child.

Since the outrage of the moment was over, Dean, so stunned, had a hint of laughter to his tone. “Well.” He cleared his throat seeing Joe stare so fatherly and angry at Henry. “I think I’ll uh . . .” He gathered up his notes that fell to the floor when he jumped up. “Leave.” Dean pointed to the door. “Joe, let me know when we are doing this again.”

Joe only lifted his hand in acknowledgment and Dean left. When he did, Joe opened up his bottom drawer, pulled out a bottle of moonshine, and slammed it on the desk. “Take a drink.”

“No Joe, I don’t . . .”

“Take a goddamn drink!”

Nervously Henry grabbed the bottle, took a drink, cringed loudly, and set it down.

“Now.” The scold tone was there in Joe’s voice. “What is wrong with you?”

“I’m sorry. I’m . . .” Henry rubbed his eyes and huffed out a breath. “I am really sorry. This Robbie and Ellen thing is on my mind but it isn’t on my mind as much as this leadership thing.”

“Is this the reason for the bad mood?”

“Yeah,” Henry told him. “I won’t be able to handle it. I know it. Two, three problems happen at the same time and I’ll lose it.”

“No you won’t.”

“Yes, Joe, I will.” Henry nodded. “I’ve done nothing but think about it since last night. What if I make a wrong decision? What if I screw up and Beginnings gets in trouble. What if . . .”

“What if. What if,” Joe mocked. “I don’t want to hear that shit. You got that? I don’t. Did I or did I not tell you I would help you.”

“Yes.”

“Then I will. I’m not letting you do this blind, Henry,” Joe explained. “And I’m certainly going to help you even after I’m retired so don’t let it stress you out. How far away will I be if there is a problem?”

“Not very?”

“Exactly.” Joe pulled out a cigarette. “Now, why don’t you and I start right now. O.K., tell me where all this pressure seems to be coming from about being a leader and I’ll see if I can help you through it.” He leaned forward  with his elbows on the desk in a listening mode.

“Thanks Joe.” Henry said with such relief and he sat up straight. “I think it all started when I was in the fourth grade. See I was chosen to be our art project group leader . . .”

Joe’s head fell forward to the desk.

^^^^

It had to be the sight of Ellen that set Dean’s mind off. More so it was the sight of Ellen talking to Reverend Bob and Dean knew what she was talking about. Ellen smiled. Not good. And Dean had failed to take her seriously. What a bad move. He rummaged through his mind what needed to be said to her, yet every time, since the disagreement hours earlier, that Dean tried to talk to her about it, she switched the subject. When he asked why she did that, Ellen told him that she wouldn’t fight with him about anything and her marriage to Robbie was off limits to him.

It bothered him, but Dean had to wonder if he had placed himself in that position. He made his own bed and he knew it. It was time to change that. Dean started to realize that had he just swallowed his pride, he wouldn’t have choked like he thought he was going to.

Robbie.

If Ellen wouldn’t listen, maybe Robbie would. This was an option Dean was going to exercise.

After making it all the way into town, Dean went all the way back up to the line of utility buildings and all the way to the end to Frank’s office, where he knew Robbie was at.

“Come in,” Robbie called out after Dean’s knock.

Dean opened the door. “Hey. Busy?”

“Nah, come on in.”

Dean walked in closing the door. “How’s the uh . . . lip?”

Robbie pulled at his lip. “Sore. Can you believe Henry?”

“No.” Dean walked up to the desk and sat down before Robbie. “You sure you aren’t busy?”

“I’m going over attack maps of where we were hit so I know where it’s safe for a run. Why? What’s up?”

“I want to talk to you.”

“Sure.” Robbie set down the map he held and grabbed a cigarette. “Shoot.”

“It’s about Ellen.”

“O.K.” He lit his cigarette. “What about her.”

“Robbie.” Dean closed his eyes. “I love her. I have loved her for a really long time. We have a family together. A history. I guess . . . I guess what I’m trying to say is, I want to marry her.”

“You had a chance. You turned her down.”

“Yes, I know. I was wrong and I’m coming to you hoping that you can help out. I want to ask you not to marry Ellen.”

Robbie stared at Dean for a long time. “I can’t do that.”

“Robbie, come on. Yes you can.”

“O.K. I can, but I won’t.” Robbie said. “I want to do this.”

“It won’t be real. You know as well as I do as soon as Frank gets home it . . .”

“It will be over yes.” Robbie stated calmly. “But at least I would have had it.”

“What?” Dean was confused.

“Dean, you’ve had Ellen a really long time. What have I had? Who have I had? No one and it doesn’t look like it will happen unless we find a colony of about a hundred women.” Robbie folded his hands and leaned on his desk. “This is my only chance to have this and I don’t want to let it go.”

“So you’ll take my chance.”

“You had your chance.”

“Robbie, I am asking you not to do this.”

“Dean, I’m telling you I am.”

Dean shook his head and stood up. “What about Frank?”

“What about him?”

“How is he going to react to you being married to Ellen?”

“A lot better than he’ll react to her being married to you.”

“You think?” Dean asked. “I don’t. You think he’ll share her with his brother? No and he’ll be pissed, really pissed. Ask yourself how are you going to be in a community this small where you’re at odds with you brother.”

“Won’t happen.”

“You are convinced of that,” Dean said. “Think about it.” Dean walked to the door and stopped. “While you’re at it, think about this. I love her. I’m leaving Beginnings and I don’t know if I’ll even make it back. You, you’ll still be in Beginnings able to pick up the pieces. You’ll be spending time with the kids and Ellen while Frank and I are gone. You’ll be here. Your chance at this? This is my chance too, Robbie. In my time frame, I was never married to her. This is my chance to have that in my memory and it could be the last chance I ever have. Don’t take that from me. I am asking you to think about it. Please. Don’t take that from me.” In the moment of Robbie’s silence, Dean left the office.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

“So you see,” George explained to Frank who was now sitting in a chair. “Your father was killed by these people in Beginnings. They killed him in cold blood because he was trying to start up this world again with me. And these Beginnings’ people are the one who shot at you while you were on your way here. They’ve . . .” George sounded so emotional. “They’ve joined forces with another group and they are stopping the freedom of this country. They are stopping us from growing and from protecting ourselves. My God, we have forces growing overseas now. How long will it be before they want to claim this land to grow food? If we’re a country divided, they walk right in.”

Frank looked so serious as he ran his hand across his goatee. “They killed my father.”

“Shot him, yes.” George nodded.

“The only surviving member of my family was shot.” Frank closed his eyes. “What . . . what exactly do I do for you?”

“You train my men because you’re the best. You train them to fight, to shoot, and to act. In this world, Frank, you’re a pretty tough guy to bring down. In fact, you’re one of the top men in my military now.”

“Really. Am I still a sergeant in this regiment?”

“Um . . . no.” George shook his head. “You’re a colonel.”

Frank whistled. “Wow.” He slowly stood up and walked to the window.

“You are one of the most dedicated men to my cause.” George stood also and walked behind Frank. “You love your country and you want with all your heart to bring it back.”

“I can see me thinking that way.” Frank stared out the window. “Where am I now?”

“In a new camp we set up. Um . . . you and I. We designed it. In fact, we’re just getting it situated now.”

“I suppose that’s why I’m here?”

“Yes.” George stood side by side with Frank. “You see, we just started building the army a little over a year ago. We have so many men to train, but not enough qualified men to train them. So the best forces move out trying to secure our country back. You train those ones. While the rest, well they are pretty pitiful.”

“I’ve never trained a man pitifully,” Frank snapped.

“Not you. Others have. So we decided these men here are going to be the elite force. Instead of you concentrating on building and training many armies, you decided to train the elite force here.”

“How many men do I have to train here?”

“Three hundred and fifty.”

“A staff? Do I have a staff?” Frank asked. “I’ll need to meet with them and train them.”

“Yes,” George spoke quickly. “And an office. It’s not situated yet, but we’re getting there.”

“Then I’d like to get started right way. No need to wait.”

“Absolutely. As soon as Dr. Morris gives his O.K., we’ll begin.”

“Excellent.” Frank turned from the window. “I’ll get these men trained right for you, George.”

“You’re the man to do it. This is going to be a major focus. We’ve started our labs here and we want this to be a major branch. You’ll be in charge here after I leave.”

“Thank you,” Frank said.

“I’ll let you rest. We’ll visit some more tonight.” George moved to the door. “And Frank, the men are very excited about meeting their new CO. You.”

Frank gave a partial smile and a nod as George left the room. Frank refaced the window, folded his arms with a stern look, and stared back out.

George smiled as he walked from the hospital room. Things were better and seemingly easier than he ever anticipated with Frank. Things were working for George and at that moment, George felt as if he held it all in the palm of his hand.

CHAPTER SIX

Beginnings, Montana

In a quiet moment, as if they were the only two in the social hall, Henry and Ellen huddled in a corner.

“El, tell me I can do this,” Henry whispered.

“You can do this.”

Slowly Henry breathed through his nostrils, looking over Ellen’s head and to the front of the room where Joe and Andrea waited. “I’m a little scared. This is a big responsibility.”

“You can handle it. I have every faith in you.” Ellen laid her hand on his chest.

“You’ll be there if I need you, right?”

“Always Henry.”

Smiling a little, Henry squeezed Ellen’s hand. “I’m glad you are talking to me like this.” He looked up when Robbie approached.

“I take it I didn’t miss anything?” Robbie asked.

Henry pulled back, closed his eyes and shook his head.

Robbie extended his hand. “Henry, I’m sorry we fought this morning.”

Henry shook his hand. “Yeah, me too. I’m sorry too. And I’d better get going up there. They’re ready to start.” He laid his hand on Ellen’s shoulder. “Wish me luck.”

“Good luck.” After he walked away, she looked at Robbie. “You guys fought? Is that where . . .” She touched his lips. “Frank will kill you if he finds out Henry nailed you.”

“Yeah, well I would have killed Henry. He was in a fucked up mood.”

Ellen looked back to see Henry sitting at the table. “He’s stressed with Joe announcing the retirement tonight.”

“Still.” Robbie touched his lip. “It’s still swollen.”

“Does it hurt.”

“Nah, I mean, yeah. But I’m tough. Let’s sit down.”

Ellen followed Robbie to the seats. Most people were already seated while others chose to stand.

Ellen wasn’t seated long when Dean sat on the other side of her.

“El,” Dean whispered.

“Hey, Dean.”

“I’d like to talk to you after the meeting. I got Jenny to watch the kids and maybe you and I can be, well, alone. Can you?”

Ellen looked to Robbie. “I don’t know. I don’t think. No.”

“El.”

“Dean. What do you want to talk about?” she asked.

“Us.”

“Then no. O.K.? No.” Ellen crossed her legs and looked away from Dean to Joe who stood at the podium.

Dean sat back in his chair. He may have missed the ball, but he hadn’t struck out.

Joe gripped the edges of the podium as silence hushed over the room. “O.K.” He sniffed once. “There’s something I need to tell all of you this evening. I’ve led this community since we founded it over seven years ago and I have loved every single minute of it. All of you are very important to me. Your lives . Your survival. I know I’m gruff. But . . .” Joe reached up and took off his glasses. He rubbed his eyes. “Right now I’m uh, I’m going through a pretty bad time. I know all of you can’t see it. I don’t let you. But if the truth be known, I’m pretty much dying here. My son . . . my son is gone and a part of me just needs to deal with that right now. So . . . in order to do so, I have to release some of my responsibility. I want to work my division of distribution and runs and . . . and serve on council. Two weeks from today, Henry will take over the leadership position of this community.”

In a room where a pin could have been heard dropping, a sudden rumble of voices erupted.

Joe held up his hand. “I know this is a shock, but I need some time. I really do. I can’t lead you properly if I can’t lead you clearly.”

Jenny raised her hand and then her voice. “Will it be permanent, Joe?”

Joe shrugged. “Let’s see how I do. I’m hoping to return.” He smiled at Henry. “If Henry gives the position back up.” Joe cringed a little as questions came flying at him. He couldn’t make heads or tails out of them. “Let’s . . . . let’s let Henry say something. But before he does, let me just tell you thank you for making my work here something I lived for. Henry?”

Filled with nervousness, Henry switched places at the podium with Joe. “I believe . . .” Henry’s words echoed and he closed his eyes. “I believe this is a sad day for Beginnings. No, in two weeks it will be even sadder. Joe is like our father. We look up to him. We trust him. We depend on him. I was reviewing some of the responsibilities that I would have.” Henry whistled. “I served on council and hadn’t a clue to what all Joe did. Crops? Recycling? Metal, paper . . . if it is a division, Joe over saw it. Now when I was in the ninth grade I had this shop teacher. His name was Mr. Dithers, like the cartoon. Anyhow, I really liked him and he kind of took me under his wing. He was this good teacher. He made me see, though I looked different then the other kids, I wasn’t. He was like a father. He was in charge of after school activities. Well, January after Christmas break, I came back. Mr. Dithers did not. His wife had died and he needed some time. The substitute, yeah, he was good and I learned how to make a lot. He was young and he had Mr. Dithers when he was in school, but he wasn’t Mr. Dithers. No one was or would be. But you know what? Two months later, Mr. Dithers came back. He used a part of his sabbatical to get his head straight. And when he did, he was better than ever. I think, no I know, I’m just the substitute teacher here. Joe won’t be far. He’ll still help me out.” Henry smiled at Joe. “It’s gonna be rough while he’s gone. Adjustment always is, but I want you to know, I’ll do the best I can until Joe comes back. I think I’ll do a good job because I learned from the best. I’ll encourage Joe to do what he needs to do in order to return as leader, because let’s face it, this place just isn’t going to be the same without Joe running us.” Henry stepped back from the podium, faced Joe, and applauded him. When he did, a loud burst of cheers began and the community stood in ovation for Joe.

To Johnny Slagel it was the coolest thing. Something no one even noticed was there, but Johnny did. Popcorn. Johnny labeled Danny Hoi ‘the man’ for bringing it back. Danny stole the dried corn chicken feed and popped it. Johnny sat in the social hall. Most of the crowd had weeded out. He had his legs propped up on the table as he tossed popcorn in the air and caught it with his mouth. He felt each burst kernel smooth against his tongue then he almost choked when it fell into his throat because something else distracted him. A hand gently glided up his upper thigh and to his groin region. Johnny coughed, set down his legs, and looked up. Bev was there. “Fuck.” Johnny stood up. ‘You almost killed me.” He smacked himself in the chest and reached down to grab his drink. He took a long sip.

“I’m sorry.” Bev moved closer to him. “Let me make it up to you. Are you busy?”

“Nope.”

“Good.” Bev smiled, trickling her hands down his chest. “Wanna go to my place?”

“Um . . .” Johnny placed his hands on his hips and looked around. “Tell you what. You go on, If I’m not there in ten minutes, start without me.” Johnny started walking away and Bev followed him. “Bev, did I start something with you by complimenting you on your legs?”

“If you want to know, yes. I think that’s the first time I really noticed you. You’re so cute Johnny, and strong.”

“Yeah.” Johnny grinned. “But I’m not really interested in you so find someone else.”

“I always get what I want. I want you.”

Johnny laughed. “Guess what? It’s not happening.” Arrogantly, Johnny walked away.

Bev folded her arms and inhaled deeply. She spoke under her breath. “Wanna bet?”

He didn’t have the kids, Jenny did, and Dean spent most of his free time at the social hall that night, talking, watching Ellen, and waiting for an opportunity that just wasn’t coming. Ellen alone. Sipping a drink, something Dean rarely did, he stood up from the table and decided to wait no more. Perhaps he got his courage from the bit of whiskey he consumed. Whatever the reason, Dean decided that the ‘getting closer’ he saw Ellen and Robbie do, and ‘marriage’ was all going to stop if it was the last thing he did.

“El,” Dean called her name softly as he approached her and Robbie.

“Hi Dean.” Ellen smiled as her hand laid on top of Robbie’s which rested on her leg. Robbie and Ellen sat closely together.

“I want to talk to you alone.”

“What do you want to talk about?”

“I think you know.” Dean answered.

“If it’s about us. We’re not. Anything else, I’d be happy to.”

“We have to discuss us.”

“No we don’t.” Ellen shook her head.

“El, I have things I want to say to you.”

“You had your chance.”

“And you’re being ridiculous.” Dean told her. “I have to say something to you. Are you going to listen to me?”

“I’m sitting with Robbie.” Ellen glanced at Robbie.

“Then I’ll say it in front of Robbie.”

“Dean. I don’t think . . .”

“El, I want you to listen to me. O.K.?”

“Dean.” Ellen took a firm stand. “Now is not the time.”

“Now is the time!”

“Bullshit! We had time!”

“So make some more now,” Dean shouted back.

“I refuse to talk to you right now.”

“Oh yeah?” Dean snapped. “I refuse to have you ignore me.”

“Watch me.” Ellen turned away from him.

“No, El. Watch me.” Crash! With a fury, Dean sailed his drink glass against the side of the bar. The crashing glass caused an immediate hush across the room. “Now you will listen to what I have to say.”

Robbie held up both hands up. “Floor’s yours”

“What is this?” Dean asked with emotions. “Huh! Some sort of game to you? What the hell, El? What the hell do I have to do to get you to talk to me? I’m not playing anymore. This shit has gone on long enough. And I am not about to stand around and let you marry Robbie out of some sort of honor to Frank. I won’t. I love you! I love you. I have loved you forever and let me tell you something, El. You either tell this man you won’t marry him or I swear to God I will do everything in my power to stop it. You hear me? If you think for one second I am going to chance losing you again, then you are thinking wrong!” Dean’s voice lowered. “I’m sorry, Robbie. I am. I like you. You’re a great guy. But El and I, we have a life. We have a family and we have a history. And damn it, the long road that we have taken is not going to be a dead end. I wished to God you would see that, Robbie. I do.” Dean moved closer to Ellen, his voice at a whisper. “I didn’t take you seriously when you said you were marrying him. I’m taking you seriously now and . . . I’m scared.”: He laid his hand on her face. “I don’t want to lose you. I want you to be my wife. I want to live the rest of my life with you. I always have. I said the time wasn’t right; the circumstances weren’t right. I was wrong. Any time to marry you is the right time. Marry me, El. Marry me.” His lips moved closer to hers. “Tell me what you need me to do and I’ll do it. If you want me to get on one knee and beg you I will. I’ll do anything it takes, just tell me you won’t marry Robbie and you’ll marry me.”

So quiet Ellen was; so heavy her breathing too. Her eyes pulled from the lock Dean’s eyes had with hers. She shifted her glances to Robbie, then back to Dean but said nothing.

How long had Dean waited in the ringing silent social hall for an answer? He waited and only received a stare. Then Dean realized he waited long enough. “Sorry.” He slid his hand from her face, stepped back, and turned around. Slowly he made his way across the hall that still had many people.

Ellen and Robbie had locked their views on each other. They’re expressions spoke the words neither one of them did. Robbie kissed Ellen on the cheek, smiled at her, and squeezed her hand.

“Dean.” Ellen stood from the bar stool.. “Wait.”

Dean stopped near the door. He turned slowly around to see Ellen walking to him.

Ellen took small steps, inching her way quietly to him through everyone that watched and waited with anticipation. “I’ll . . .” Ellen moved right to Dean. “I’ll marry you.”

At that second, every ounce of tension dropped from Dean’s body and he exhaled loudly with a grin. His knees bent down in his relief and he grabbed hold of Ellen, lifted her some from her feet and embraced her. They were the entertainment for the evening. Dean’s victory belonged the people in the social hall. They clapped and cheered loudly. Dean felt Ellen’s hands graze across his hair and to his face as he set her down. He kissed her. “Thank you.” Dean delivered another kiss and he held her again. With Ellen tightly with in his arms, their faces pressed, Dean opened his eyes and raised them to Robbie mouthing the words ‘thank you’ while his eyes smiled in gratitude to him.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

There was a little bit of static to the radio that evening as Hal listened alone in the police station. A small light lit the table where he had placed a sheet of paper . He stopped writing to listen to the transmissions, then he’d write again. He didn’t get far into the letter, only the date, the addressing to the Commander and Chief of Beginnings Montana. Just as Hal began to write the words, Dear Chief, he heard the familiar sound of the chief over the radio. Hal paused.

“Well, what is tracking showing?” the chief asked.

“Tracking is showing nothing.”

“Well then we have to go with what tracking is showing.”

“But I hear hooting.”

“Are you absolutely sure someone isn’t messing with you?”

“Positive.”

“Maybe tracking is down. I’ll get a team up there. We’ll down the perimeter get the spot lights on. And let me get Danny out of bed to double check the system.” The chief instructed.

“Wait.”

“Wait?”

“Aw . . . never mind.”

“What.”

“Listen.” There in the back ground was the faint sound of laughter. “Forget it, chief. Denny and Josh are pulling their teenage antics again.”

“Christ. Tell that little son of a bitch to get his ass home right now before I chase him down and  give him a reason to run away . . .”

Run away . . .

Dear Dad . . .

Hal’s mind went back to a time he held a pen in his twelve year old hand. He looked to Robbie, eight, who stood with a blue book bag. Tears streamed down his face.

“Robbie knock it off. Quit crying.”

“I can’t. I don’t want to leave.”

“We have to. We either leave or Dad kills us.”

“But . . . but . . .”

“But nothing. Remember when you broke Dad’s fishing rod? Huh? Was he happy? No. Did he yell? Yes. Well imagine how much he’s gonna yell when he finds out we put a baseball bat through the television. I don’t want to be around to hear it. Do you?”

“No.” Robbie sniffled.

“It’s better this way. Trust me. We’ll be fine. I’m close to being a teenager. Now let me write this before dad gets home.”

Dear Dad, I’m sorry to say but we had to leave home. Please don’t worry about us. We’ll be fine. We’ll call when we’re old in ten years. I have twenty-eight dollars and forty three cents. That should hold us over for a while. I’ll take good care of Robbie. But we just can’t live here anymore. Frank said he was going to kill us if we told on him about him breaking the television. The pressure is too much for us to live with. Goodbye. Hal and Robbie.

Hal carefully folded the note and placed it in an envelope. He set it on the key table by the door. “Let’s go.”

Gripping his blue book bag, Robbie grabbed Hal’s hand and they walked from the house.

Hal chuckled a silent laugh as he ran his hand down his face thinking back. Remembering about how after six hours of being gone, his father was so grateful to find him the television no longer was an issue. Of course, the next time Hal tried the running away bit, it really didn’t wash. Hal didn’t know why he remembered that incident as he wrote the letter. Perhaps it was the sense of familiarity that called to him from Beginnings. A sense of knowing something was there and he just couldn’t put his finger on it. He was filled with excitement and overwhelming feelings of wishful thinking as he began to the letter again, and it confused Hal, the feelings he had, because he just didn’t know why they were there.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

Looking worn out, Lt. Merrick walked from the interrogation room to George who waited in the hall. “He’s not breaking.”

“How much physical abuse are you delivering?”

“Near death. He just keeps rambling.”

“What is he rambling?”

“The same thing over and over.”

“Yes.” George held back snapping. “Yes, I know that. But what?”

“Some sort of chant. He keeps repeating it as if that’s what he is supposed to say.”

“Are you deciphering it? Maybe you’re missing something.”

“No sir.” Lt. Merrick shook his head. “Would you like to hear?”

“Yes.” George stepped through the door and into the interrogation room. He looked at the large black man tied to a chair. His face was swollen and bloodied. George moved closer to Link, listening to the muffled words the seeped through the beaten mouth.

Link kept his head up, staring outward as if right through George. “I pledge allegiance to my country and for the alliance in which I stand. I will fight for my God, for my home, and for my land. And for my brothers who have lost their lives. I will defend with my honor and soul, all that I believe in. And I will fight for the freedom under which we all should live.” Link coughed blood. “My . . . my name is Charles Link. I am a private first class in the United Western Alliance Army. I serve with pride and I serve with honor under the command of Captain Hal Slagel. I pledge allegiance . . .”

Pummeled. So struck by the name delivered, George nearly lost his balance. Link’s chanting repeated.  “No.” George shook his head. “No.”

“ . . . pride and I serve with honor under the command of Captain Hal Slagel”

‘Captain Hal Slagel . . . Captain Hal Slagel . . . Captain Hal Slagel . . .’

George turned white as a sheet.

CHAPTER SEVEN

September 11

Beginnings. Montana

The tender brush of lips against her own and the overwhelming smell of tooth paste woke Ellen from her slumber. Why she felt so tired, she didn’t know. Hoping it was a dream, she grumbled and rolled onto her side.

Dean snickered. “El, come on. Get up.”

“Oh God.” Ellen pulled the covers over her head. “It’s cold in here.”

“You left the window open all night. Wanna get up? First day back to work.”

Another grumble and Ellen pulled the covers down some from her head. She opened her eyes. The room was dark. “Dean? What time is it?”

“Five.”

“Wake me in an hour.”

“El.” He sat on the edge of the bed. “Come on, let’s have breakfast together before we get distracted with the hecticness of the morning. Let’s be alone this morning.”

“We were alone last night.”

“For all of two minutes then Jenny brings back the kids and you disappear with Robbie. Please?”

Ellen sat up. “O.K.” She ran her fingers through her morning hair. “Do I have time to take a shower?”

“No. I have breakfast ready. And we have to talk.”

Ellen hesitated in her stand from the bed. “About what?” She looked at him suspiciously.

“The marriage.”

“I knew it,” she snapped. “Fuck. You’re changing your mind.” Ellen was barely a morning person as it was and she easily got set off.

“Huh? No.”

“Oh. Well what do we have to talk about?”

“How about when we’re doing it?” Dean raised his eyebrow.

“Oh.” Ellen stumbled out of bed. “Um . . . damn it’s cold in here.” She rubbed her arms, speaking groggily. “Tomorrow?”

“What? That soon? What about the marriage classes?”

“We don’t need them.” Ellen grabbed her sweat pants. “We were married before.”

“Yeah, but I wasn’t married to you before. Remember, my time was rippled.”

“Yeah so was mine, remember, only you were dead.” Ellen seemed perturbed as she sat on the bed.. “Dean, can we not talk anymore until I had some coffee. We’ll pick a day.”

“O.K., I’ll go get breakfast on the table.” Dean kissed her quickly and hurried from the bedroom.

Ellen looked at the comforter, how cozy, warm looking it seemed. Grabbing the edge of it to warm herself, Ellen plopped sideways back down to the bed and fell asleep.

^^^^

If Robbie would have to name the single most best thing about having Jess as a roommate, it had to be that there was always coffee made in the morning. Whether Jess had to go to work or he just came back from shift, coffee was made. Robbie often wondered what he would do about his fist kick of Java if Jess ever worked a noon till midnight shift so Robbie never scheduled him for that. Just because.

“Morning Jess.” Robbie tossed on his shirt as he walked into the kitchen and immediately to the coffee pot.

“Hey Robbie, morning.” Jess read from a sheet of paper. “Want some toast?”

Robbie walked in the dining room and stole a piece of Jess’s toast. “Thanks.” Robbie sat down. “What uh, are you reading?”

Jess snickered. “Check this out.” He slid it to Robbie.

Robbie started to laugh as he read it out loud. “Beginnings’ Times, not a dinosaur reference.” What is this?”

“Danny Hoi’s attempt at starting a newspaper again. It’s an introduction looking for people to write it. Denny and Josh are gonna be paper boys. Yeah, he stole the copy machine from the modular homes sale office and has it in his house.”

“He’s bound and determined to make this the new old world.” Robbie sipped.

“So . . . how are you?” Jess asked with concern.

“I’m fine. How are you?”

“Robbie I’m talking about how you’re doing, especially after last night in the social hall. With Ellen marrying Dean.”

“Easy come. Easy go.”

“Robbie, come on.” Jess tried to get him to talk. “It has to bother you.”

“To be honest, at first it did. You know, I could have stopped El from saying yes, but . . . that would be wrong. For as much as we know, Dean is leaving. It’s just a matter of when. And her and I, we talked last night for a really, really long time. A long time and we situated some things.”

“Good. I’m glad. Now can I have my newspaper back?”

Robbie handed him the sheet, stopped and looked at it again. “I think I’m gonna talk to Danny about this position.”

“Which one?” Jess leaned in, looked, and laughed. “Story teller? Robbie, he wants shorts stories. He wants to run a segment of one every day.”

“Yeah.”

“Well, I’ve read your reports. Basically, you um . . . suck. You can’t write a simple sentence.”

“Ha, ha, ha.” Robbie laughed. “So, what’s your point?” Robbie saw Jess’s expression. “Kidding. No, I have a bunch of short stories my brother Hal wrote. He used to send them to me when I was in the service. It was with all the stuff I kept.”

“No shit. Your brother was a writer?”

“He became obsessive about it. Wrote thrillers, but was always so dramatic.” Robbie shrugged. “I think it would be nice because they’re good.”

“Could I read them some time?” Jess asked. “They say you get to know about the writer by reading their stuff. I think it would be interesting to learn about your brother.”

“Then you shall. It’s a too bad you couldn’t know him personally. Hal was one of a kind.”

“Nice guy?”

Robbie laughed. “No, Hal was pretty much . . . a dick.”

Shocked, Jess was speechless. “O.K.” He took back the piece of paper and began to read again.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

George ordered the UWA soldier, Private Charles Link, to be moved from his comrades and placed separately. A prisoner of war, but one that would not be interrogated any further. He didn’t reveal anything he wasn’t supposed to, but he revealed more valuable of information than he thought.

George wrote the name down a dozen times. Captain Hal Slagel. To George it figured. Beginnings was a pain in the ass ran by Joe Slagel. It would only prove Murphy’s Law for the UWA to be run by Hal Slagel. At this point, George wouldn’t be surprised to learn the Savages were run by Jimmy Slagel. It was the family from hell, George thought. Another Slagel to battle, only this one had to take top priority a far as bringing down. His well trained forces were making a dent in George’s, even if small, they were making a dent.

But the thought of Hal Slagel didn’t make him cringe entirely. Actually it made George smile because he was certain, at this point, he knew something Beginnings did not and that was always a bonus.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

That flutter that builds within your gut built within Hal’s as he stood on the edge of town watching his messenger ride out. In three to four hours the messenger would be arriving at Beginnings and delivering the message. Hopefully to Hal, barring any unforeseen circumstances, he would hear back before evening. The slight dust cloud rose up beneath the horse’s feet as the rider moved north. And Hal moved back to Bowman with high hopes of accomplishment.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

“Are you O.K.?” Joe asked as he sat at his desk and looked at Robbie across from him.

“Oh yeah. I’m fine.” Robbie took a sip of his coffee, gasped at the enjoyment of the gulp, and set it down on Joe’s desk. “Let’s finish this. I want to get ready for the surveillance.”

“O.K. What do you have?”

“Some old. Same old.” Robbie read off a clipboard. “No unusual phone calls. No unusual visits to communications. He works his shift, goes home. Yesterday he went to the social hall for a drink after his shift in Mechanics and he sat in the chapel for his break. John Matoose is being a good boy.” Robbie laid the clipboard down on the table. “So tell me something. How are we justifying his being here still? Why haven’t we thrown him out?”

“One, we have to show the community what he’s done wrong. Two, we do that, suspicion starts to arise about someone else working for George. Three, we haven’t drained him yet. He still knows more about George than we do. My main focus is not to start a community up roar and that will happen once people learn one person is working for George. Fingers start pointing.”

“Valid point.” Robbie stood up. “All right. I’m heading out. I’ll be going more east today and circling my way back in.”

“You feel up to it?” Joe asked. “I can get Johnny.”

“No Johnny doesn’t look. I’ll do it. No problem.” Robbie stole one of his father’s cigarettes and moved to the door. “Hey Dad, here’s something I was thinking about.”

“What’s that?”

“Well, reading about John and his knowledge of the scientists. We knew of only what, sixty or so. So where did they get all these people?”

“Do you have an answer or are you just wanting to make me more nuts with something else to ponder?”

“No.” Robbie shook his head. “Actually I have an answer if . . . if Jason is the inside person.”

“Go on.”

“What if Jason went back in time and not only warned George of our attack on the cryo-lab for information, but his warning . . .

“Made George safeguard and freeze more assets.” Joe leaned back and rocked. “Good thinking. Keep that in mind when we go full force into this investigation.”

“I will.” Robbie opened the door. “See you in a hour or two.”

“Be careful.”

“Nothing exciting ever happens. I’ll be careful.” Robbie gave a thumbs up and walked out.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

In something no one in Beginnings would ever think they would see Frank wear, Frank sported a Caceres Society uniform. Camouflage pants. Black tee shirt. He walked around the compound with George. “Big,” Frank commented.

“Yes, one of the biggest reserve centers in the country. The squad bay alone houses most of our men and the hospital is so close by in case of any injuries.”

“Seem like there’s a lot of training area.” Frank’s hand motioned about. “Are the men concentrating right now on reconditioning the property or are you wanting to move ahead with training?”

“I’d like to divide it half and half right now,” George answered. “First thing I need is well trained men to guard these perimeters.”

“I can do that.” Frank folded his arms. “I’m taking it these fences are not protected electronically.”

“No. You can say . . .”

“Frank!” A male voice called in the distance, sounding so happy. “Frank!”

Frank’s eyebrow raised in oddity as he spun to the calling voice. He saw the small man in the distance running his way. “Shit.” Frank’s eyes widened. “Oh my God!”

“Frank.” Short in a Dean way, the dark haired man in his early thirties, caught up to Frank. Out of breath, he grabbed on to Frank’s arms. “It’s you.”

“Soldier.” George was firm. “Salute your CO. This is Colonel Slagel.”

“Colonel. Oh shit.” His hand ran down his own face with a wide grin of excitement. “I can’t believe it’s you. No wait, this set up. A colonel. Hell, I can believe you’re a part of it.”

“Soldier!” George called out again. “Frank, you know this man?”

“Yes sir.” Frank said. “Sir this is Richie Martin. Richie, this is the president. Did you know that? You’re not acting like you know that.”

“Sorry.” Richie extended his hand to George. “Sir, pleasure to meet you.” Then Richie’s views went back to Frank. “You of all people. God it’s like seeing family alive.”

“Yeah it is.” Frank grinned. “It’s good to see you. Man, wait till . . . wait till we get a chance to sit down and talk. Right now I’m getting the grand tour.”

“Find me, Frank. I’m in squad bay two.”

“You got it.” Frank nodded and watch Richie dart off. He returned to George. “Sorry, it’s just weird. Have I run into anyone I’ve known before?” Frank asked George.

“This is a first. Who is that man?”

“Richie?” Frank pointed back. “Get this, an old drinking buddy of mine from when I was stationed in Indiana. We’ve kept in contact though.”

“When’s the last time you saw him, Frank?”

“Real time or my time? Because it doesn’t seem that long ago to me. But he aged.”

“We all have.”

“Tell me about it.” Frank shook his head. “When I looked in the mirror, I couldn’t believe myself. However, I like the facial hair I decided to grow.” Frank rubbed his goatee. “Makes me look mean. I take it it’s not against regulations to have it.”

“Nope. In fact you started that rule about allowing facial hair.”

“Oh yeah?” Frank nodded, impressed with himself. “So, when do I see my office?”

“Right now. It’s in the main building.” George started walking with Frank. “You’ll have to excuse all the construction noise while you train. We’re renovating a building for a lab.”

“Oh. Hey George, Richie, what does he do?”

“Why?”

“Well, I was thinking, in a world like this how often do we run into a familiar face.”

“Not very.”

“Any chance I can put him on my staff, even as my secretary or my footwork man?”

“We’ll see what we can do.” George walked through the door Frank opened. “It’s down the hall.”

“Thank you.” Staying close to George, but letting him lead, Frank followed him down the corridor taking in the view of everything as he did.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

“In every division,” Joe explained to Henry in his office, “you’re going to have your problems. Agriculture is a big concern in the late summer. Any call offs from there have to be replaced. Fields need tended to.”

“Where do we get them from?”

“Security, You will work it if needed. About now you start switching them over to food preservation. Look who did it the year before and ask Cole how they did. Fast is the name of the game in preservation. Only put the fastest workers there. Others move to the greenhouses.”

“I see. What about workers for distribution?” Henry asked.

“I’ll still be handling that. That’s my division and . . .” Joe looked up to the knock on the door. “Yeah.”

Perky as usual, Danny poked his head in the door. “Wanted to see me, Chief.”

“Um . . .” Joe shifted his eyes to Henry. “Nope. Henry did. Come in.”

“Me Joe?” Henry panicked. “I didn’t want to . . .” He shut up when Joe cleared his throat. “I did. Danny come in.”

Danny shut the door. “What’s up?”

Henry saw that Joe wanted him to deal with it. “Well Danny, with me leading the community in two weeks, Mechanics may suffer some. I’ll still work it as much as I can, but . . . well, you understand. So, what I needed to know from you is, would you be interested in heading up the mechanics division.”

“No shit?” Danny grinned. “Yeah, I’m an excellent employee motivator. In fact I used to be called Mr. Employee Motivator Guy.” Danny nodded. “Just tell me what I do.”

“Good.” Henry nodded so seriously. “I’ll start making time each day to teach you.”

“Thanks.” Danny walked back to the door. “Oh, almost forgot. Hey, Joe. Since I’m starting this newspaper again and since you’re retiring, any chance I can get you to write an editorial once a week. You have that grumpy feel about you.”

“Bye, Danny.” Joe waved.

“See you.” Danny walked out, then popped his head back in. “Oh if you guys are looking for me, I’m with the modular homes. Joe, you move in a week. Just thought you’d like to know.”

“A week? That’s fast.”

“What can I say.” Danny shrugged. “They call me Mr. Quick.” He grinned, shut the door, opened it back up and again popped his head in. “But for the record, I’m not known for that in bed.” The door closed.

Joe stood for a moment with his mouth open. “Did I need to hear that? I didn’t need to hear that. Let’s get back to work.”

^^^^

Looking and sounding bored, Robbie leaned against the door of the chopper as he flew, eyes as always, peered out. “This is Eagle One.” He did a ho-hum breath. “Flying east about sixty miles of Beginnings. I’m turning this around and bringing it back. No sign of Mathias’ men. Not-O, Nothing, zilch. No Neville nominations happening . . . . Oh shit!” Robbie sat up. “Shit.” He grinned.

Joe’s voice came over the radio. “What’s going on?”

“Shit. I have a group of Mathias’s men chasing a man across a field.” Robbie looked to the field below. The grass moved and through it Robbie could see a frightened man with a knapsack, running. Eight Society soldiers tailed close behind.

“Can you do anything about the situation?” Joe asked.

“Roger that, Chief. The bird is flying. Charge the trumpets. Eagle One to the rescue! I’ll get back to you.” Lowering his headset microphone, Robbie tilted the helicopter and picked up speed. He saw the man look up to him in a run and Robbie flew away on to circle around from the front of the man. With his hands steady on the wheel and his views focused on the Society soldiers, Robbie opened fired and, with precision, took the Society soldiers out with ease. He smiled. “Hey Chief, it’s Eagle One. Crisis over.”

“Already?”

“What can I say. I’m the man.”

“Speaking of men, what about the one that was being chased.”

Robbie looked out his window. “He um . . . he stopped running. He looks a little confused. Hard to tell. Shall I land and check him out?”

“Yeah, do that,” Joe said. “We need all the bodies we can get. If the society was chasing him he must be an able body.”

“Roger that Chief. This is Eagle One over.” Robbie began to circle around the area, looking for more Society soldiers and a decent place to land.

^^^^

Dan didn’t mind filling in for Robbie, as Robbie put it, the main security guy. Dan didn’t mind at all. He had to admit to himself that he became a little frightened when Joe announced his retirement. Somehow he thought Robbie would end up being leader and that would mean he would probably be asked to be the new head of security. Dan thought about how honored he would be, filling in the Slagel reigns, but he also was quick to think of what he would say for his decline. Honored to run security. Yes. Ready. No. For one, Dan wasn’t strategically fast. He figured that was an inborn thing that Frank and Robbie had. The second thing that played a deciding factor was Dan knew those evenings after his shift of getting high off the weed he grew in his backyard would have to end if he was constantly on call. Another deciding reason was the exact same reason Dan was thinking about it as he drove. The pesky survivors at the front and back gates showing up at odd times like vacationers. Dan hated the thought of the front gate especially. The tunnel there bothered him,. It always brought out that little bit of claustrophobia he had.

Stopping the Jeep about two tenths of a mile from the front gate, Dan could see the figure of a man standing there. He caught glimpse of a golden color coming from his head and the rich blue color clothing he wore. “Odd,” Dan spoke out loud, walking to him and also seeing a horse in the background. The closer to the front gate Dan got, the odder he thought it was especially when he saw the man up close. He looked to Dan like a cross between a biker and a soldier from an old John Wayne cowboy and Indian movie.

Dan raised his radio to his lips. “Chief, we got a live one here.”

“What’s going on?” Joe asked.

“Hold on. Let me check this out.” Dan lowered the radio.

“Sir.” The man saluted. “My Name is Private Willy Conrad from the United Western Alliance Army, sir. I’ve come in peace and I bring a note from our commander to yours. I also bring something that belongs to you, sir.” He held up the bag.

“What’s in there?” Dan asked.

“I am under orders sir to give this directly to your commander and chief . . . sir.”

“Oh brother.” Whistling out softly, Dan brought the radio to his mouth. “I think I have a friend of Ellen’s out here.”

Joe, so annoyed, swiped away Andrea’s hand as she tried to wipe his mouth with a napkin. “Andrea, please. Sit.” Joe grabbed his radio and picked at his lunch as he sat at his desk. “Dan, what the hell are you talking about?”

“O.K., well I have this guy. He says he’s a soldier with the wait . . . . thanks, United Western Alliance.”

“What?” Joe asked in shock. “What the hell is that?”

“I guess we’ll find out. He has his horse and a note from his commander. He also is dressed like Ellen described those cavalry guys.”

“You gotta be shittin me?” Joe pulled the radio from his mouth.

Andrea whispered at Joe. “Joe. Eat. Now.”

“Christ, Andrea, I’m busy. Dan?”

“Chief,” Dan said. “He has this bag he said belongs to us.”

“What’s in it?” Joe questioned.

“Says he can only give it directly to you. Chief, he seems friendly enough.”

“All right. Escort him in. Remove any and all weapons he may have on him and bring him directly to my office.”

“Got it.” There was static and Dan came back. “Uh Chief, what about his horse.”

“I don’t care what you do with the horse, damn it. Just bring me this man.”

“Got it.”

Joe set down the radio and rubbed his eyes. “Right in the middle of my lunch too.” Joe saw Andrea stand up and collect his meal, wrapping it up. “What are you doing? I’m eating.”

“Oh Joe, you can’t. You have visitors coming. If I had brought enough then I’d say eat. But, sweetheart, that would be rude.”

“Rude?” Joe’s hand followed the plate that left him, he grabbed a small piece of chicken off the plate as it was taken away by Andrea who hummed something.

It was lucky for Joe that he didn’t have any food in his mouth when Willy Conrad and Dan stepped in his office because Joe would have choked. His eyes widened the same as Andrea’s when the well dressed soldier walked in.

Willy saluted. “Sir, are you the Commander and Chief of Beginnings?”

“Yes.” Joe coughed. “Yes.”

“Private Willy Conrad. Very pleased to make your acquaintance.”

“Likewise.” Joe was still stunned as he stood up, staring at the young man.

Dan held up a sword. “Check this out, Joe.” Dan extended it in Samurai fashion and mumbled something that sounded foreign.

“Dan!” Joe scolded. “Quit that. You’ll poke someone’s eye out.” Joe looked back to the soldier. “Private, you’re with the who?”

“Untied Western Alliance Army, sir. We’re freedom fighters. Sir.” He lifted the bag and the letter. “I am under direct orders to see that you personally get these.”

“Thank you.” Joe took them and grumbled at Andrea who peeked. He set the bag and the letter on the table. Joe’s curiosity got him first. He unzipped the bag. He knew as soon as his hand pulled out the shirt. “Frank’s. Private, Where did you get this from?”

“Sir, in a search for our own men we discovered that. We have the location, sir. I for one am not aware of that, only my commander.”

Joe grabbed the letter. It was sealed with wax and he broke the seal, slowly opening the note up. Joe raised his half square glasses, holding them, and began to read to himself. ‘To the Commander and Chief of Beginnings Montana. Dear Chief. It appears that we wage war in the same battle. A fight for freedom and a fight against the Society which tries to bring us down. I believe it is time that we consider joining forces in this one cause. My messenger will await your response and then we can begin this new union if you so choose. Sincerely, Captain Hal Slagel. United Western Alliance Army’

The glasses flew from Joe’s face and out of his hand when he immediately trembled out of control and inhaled a gasp so loud it sent him flying to his chair and grabbing for his chest. Joe turned white. He breathed hard, unable to speak. The letter stayed clenched in his hand and it shook as violently as Joe did.

Andrea and Dan raced to him.

“Joe,” Dan called out.

Andrea grabbed Joe’s wrist and held it. “His pulse is out of control.” She glared at the UWA soldier. “What is in this letter?” She grabbed Joe’s hand and moved the letter into her view. “Sweet Jesus,” she gasped.

“Andrea,” Joe breathed her name heavily. “Dear God, Andrea, can it be?”

“Sir.” Willy stepped forward. “Are you all right. Sir, I’m sorry we upset you.”

“No.” Joe closed his eyes. He held up one hand, taking a few moments to control his emotions. Though he still trembled some, Joe reached for his glasses and nervously placed them on his face. With a very deep breath, he clenched Andrea’s hand and brought the letter into his focus again. Was he wrong? Did he read wrong? Did his eyes play tricks on him? Joe knew for certain they did not when he read the signature again. Captain Hal Slagel. And each time his eyes read it, Joe’s heart beat stronger and stronger.

^^^^

Johnny was never known for lacking the Slagel trait of being unabashed, and he proved that the second Henry walked into the lab where he, Dean, and Ellen worked. His high pitched uncontrollable laughter stole Dean and Ellen’s attention away from a sample they reviewed.

At first Dean raised an eyebrow and curled his top lip in oddity at Johnny’s laughter. He turned to see what Johnny was laughing at. Then Dean too, started to laugh.

Ellen tossed her hands up and spun to see also. “I give up. What’s so funny?” She saw Henry walking in the lab. “Why are you guys laughing at Henry?”

Johnny ran his hand down his face, catching his breath. “Henry, what’s up with the white button down shirt and tie?”

“Hey.” Henry ran his hand down his tie. “Joe said it’s the leader uniform. I have to dress like this. Don’t make fun of me, it’s not very nice.”

Ellen moved closer to Henry. “Well I think you look very nice.” She took off her lab coat. “Ready?”

“Whoa.” Dean called out and rushed to stop her. “Where are you going? It’s not time to leave.”

“Yeah it is.” Ellen played with the collar of Dean’s lab jacket. “You heard Robbie on the radio. He has a new survivor. Containment calls and I want Henry to walk with me. There’s so much prestige in that now.” She kissed Dean who grumbled. “I’ll check back in an hour.”

Dean watched her leave. ‘I’m bringing you files to look at. You aren’t pulling a Frank today and hiding in your office.”

Ellen’s fingers were still waving when she walked into the corridor with Henry. They saw Joe walking in. He looked straight ahead. There was a bit of sweat on his brow and he looked as if he had seen a ghost. “Hi Joe.”

“Ellen. Henry.” Joe kept walking by them.

“Joe?” Ellen called out. “What’s wrong?”

“Um . . .” He scratched his head that held the letter. “Nothing. Is Dean in there?”

“Yeah.” Ellen answered.

“Thanks.” Joe walked in the lab.

Ellen and Henry both shrugged and walked from the clinic.

“Dean.” So serious, yet calm, Joe called his name.

“Hi Joe.” Dean was still smiling over some rip on Henry remark Johnny had just made.

“Hey Pap.”

“Johnny, can I have a minute alone with Dean, please?”

“Sure.” Johnny stood up and walked to the lab’s door. “Everything O.K., Pap?”

Joe nodded and waited until Johnny left. He walked over and shut the door.

“Did I do something, Joe?” Dean asked.

“No, you’re about to.” Joe met Dean at the counter. “Dean, I need your honest, expert scientific opinion.”

“Go on.”

“You’ve studied the DNA of us. You’ve been working with Jess about his family. With all that, you know about the virus and DNA hereditary factors. Is this possible?” He laid the letter flat on the counter.

Dean’s eyes shifted as he read. Suddenly he lifted his head. “Holy shit.”

“Exactly.”

Dean read again. “Holy shit.”

“You’ve said that.”

“Oh shit.” Dean flew over to the closet and ran inside.

“Dean . . . the mad scientist strikes again.”

“One second, Joe.” Dean’s faint voice and rummaging was heard. “I know it’s here . . . yep, got it.” He came out of the closet with a large bound manuscript. “I was about to pull this out to work with Jess. It’s my notes on the survivors.” He opened it up to the Slagel family. He chuckled.

“What’s so funny?”

“Nothing. See . . . Robbie’s in here.” Dean pointed “I ran tests on Robbie.”

“Yeah so.”

“Look at the date.” Dean went to show Joe the date and stopped “Never mind. It would be right to you.”

“Is this a time machine thing?”

“Yes. See, I wrote down that because of the mutation factor in the gene, it was possible, not probable, that more Slagels could be alive.” Dean grinned then turned serious. “You don’t think it’s a trick do you?”

“No.” Joe shook his head. “This United Western Alliance. No. Not with our infection patient saying he was with the Alliance and the messenger that came today was dressed exactly like Ellen described, very cavalry like.”

“Wow.” Dean took the letter again. “So what you want to know from me is, can this be your son or is it a similar name?”

“Exactly.”

“It’s possible, Joe. It’s worth everything you are to look into it.”

“Thanks, Dean.” Joe patted him on the back and took the letter back. “I’m disappearing for a couple hours, maybe more. I need you to tell Henry there was a problem um . . . ” Joe took a second to think. “Tell everyone there was a problem in recycling. No one is there right now. I’m not to be disturbed. Tell Robbie that too when he comes back. Andrea and Dan know because they were there when I got this letter. You know now. No one else, not even Robbie is to know. No one. If this is not my son, I want no hopes to get up on Robbie or Ellen’s part. I’d rather have it be a surprise. I’ll radio you as soon as I know something. Help buy me some time, Dean.”

“Wait.” Dean tried to stop him. “Where exactly are you going Joe?

“Well, I’m taking a Jeep and me and this messenger are going on a little ride back to his home. Alone. I have to do this alone.” Joe raised the letter. “If this Captain wants a response, by God he’s gonna get one and if he ends up being my son, then he’s getting a bigger response then he ever thought he’d get. Wish me luck.”

“Good luck, Joe. My prayers are with you,” Dean said with such hope.

Joe stopped mid-walk. “Thank you.” He smiled a closed mouth smile to Dean, then Joe, clenching the letter, left.

^^^^

Leaving the horse behind, there was a mixture of expressions on Joe’s face as he drove through the front gates of Beginnings with the UWA messenger in his Jeep . . .  worry, seriousness and anxiousness. There wasn’t an emotion Joe was feeling that wasn’t justified. He kept his focus forward and listened to the directions Willy gave him. Joe’s hands kept gripping and releasing the steering wheel, trying to dry the sweat that collected there. He couldn’t help it. He was nervous. He swore if his heart beat any stronger he would have a heart attack eventually. Joe didn’t care if he dropped dead as long as he dropped dead knowing and seeing for himself that another one of his sons had lived.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

Frank jingled the keys in his hand as he sat behind a huge oak desk in the CO office of the Binghamton base. As he stood up, ready to try the unknown keys out of boredom, he heard the knock on his door. “Come in.”

“Colonel Sir.” Lt. Merrick stepped inside. “You wanted to see me, sir.”

“Uh . . .” Frank fluttered his lips. “I don’t know. Did I? Who the hell are you?”

“Lt. Merrick sir.”

Frank held out his hands. “O.K.”

“I’m the executive officer here, sir.”

“Oh.” Frank nodded. “Then I did want to see you, Lieutenant. Shouldn’t you have stood at attention until I said at ease?”

“Yes sir.”

“Then?” Frank motioned his head and watched Lt. Merrick stand at attention and Frank just stared and stared. “O.K. At ease. What I wanted you for is, I want every single man here rounded up tomorrow morning at zero five hundred hours out front on the drill deck. Got that?”

“Yes sir.”

“I will review with them what I want prior to chow. Then I need you to notify my staff that their training will begin will me at zero seven hundred.”

“Training?” Lt. Merrick asked.

“Training. When’s the last time you trained?”

“About six months ago.”

“Should do it every day,” Frank stated and walked to him. “And it should be regimented and rough. Makes a man strong.” Frank’s hand gave a slap to an unsuspecting Lt. Merrick’s back, sending him a foot forward. “Sorry. Let’s go.”

“Where to?” Lt. Merrick asked, seeing Frank walk out of his office.

“Um . . . Armory. We have an Armory division. Don’t we?”

“Yes.”

“Then I need you to take me there. Can’t train men properly without knowing what we have, can I?”

“No sir.” Lt. Merrick shook his head.

“Lead the way.”

Lt. Merrick stepped before Frank.

“Oh and Lieutenant, I got a task for you.”

“What’s that, Colonel?”

Frank tossed him the keys. “Find out what each of these unlock and label them for me please. Thanks.”

Lt. Merrick looked at the huge pile of keys. “Sir, there has to be thirty keys here.”

“Is there a problem?”

“No, sir.”

“Armory.”

“Yes sir.”

Frank gave a smirk as he closed his office door and followed Lt. Merrick to Armory.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

Hal finished eating his apple, never getting too close to the core. Perhaps it was a waste, but somehow that story his father told him when he was a child stuck with him. Even though Hal knew it was impossible to grow an apple tree in his stomach if he ate a seed, Hal never really wanted to chance it. He tossed the apple remains into his office trash can and stood up to look out his window. He was supposed to be reviewing maps and reports from the scouts, but Hal couldn’t. To him this was a landmark day and excitement over waiting to hear from Beginnings grew even though he knew it was going to be a while before his messenger returned. So he took a break, hoping to get his wandering thoughts from his mind so he could get back to his work. Hal leaned against his window and stared out at the training men in the distance.

“Up ahead, Chief.” Willy pointed then stood up in the moving Jeep.

“What are you doing?” Joe asked.

“Signaling.” Willy took off his yellow bandana and waved it high as the Jeep came closer to Bowman.

“Captain.” Sgt. Ryder, without knocking, walked into Hal’s office.

Hal turned from the window. “What is it?”

“Private Conrad has returned. Tower has spotted them.” Sgt. Ryder had a look of excitement and breathlessness about him.

“Did he run into trouble? This is way too soon.”

“Doesn’t appear so. Seems he is arriving by Jeep. We believe he brings the commander and Chief of Beginnings with him.

Immediately Hal became nervous. “Shit. Do I look presentable?”

“Yes,” Sgt. Ryder answered. “I’d button my shirt all the way.”

Hal began to button his shirt. “Tell all men to give the Beginnings’ man, whether he is the Chief or not, the utmost respect. All activity will stop as he passes. You hear me? Instruct them immediately.”

“Right away.” Sgt. Ryder opened up the door. “I’ll bring him right up.”

“Thank you.” As soon as his office door closed, Hal clenched his fist and grinned. “Yes!” He hurried about his office, cleaning it up, hiding the trash, and trying to make it look presentable.

Joe’s foot hit the brake some as he rode into town. Men who worked on a house stopped and saluted him. Men who stood on the road did the same. In the distance, Joe could see an abundance of training men. They all stopped, dropped in formation immediately, and held a salute until the Jeep rolled by. “Holy hell,” Joe commented.

“Sgt. Ryder.” Willy pointed.

“Excuse me?” Joe looked at him then followed the point. He saw Sgt. Ryder standing at attention on the side walk.

“He’ll take you to the Captain.”

Joe pulled over the Jeep and stepped from it.

Straightening his salute, Sgt. Ryder spoke deeply. “Sgt. Elliot Ryder, United Western Alliance. Welcome to Bowman, sir.” He extended a rigid hand to Joe.

Joe shook it. “Joe Slagel. Nice to meet you.”

Sgt. Ryder’s grip released. “Sir? What did you say your name was?”

“Joe Slagel.”

“The Chief of Beginnings?”

“Um . . . yeah. Is this where the Captain is?” Joe pointed to the building.

Sgt Ryder couldn’t take his eyes off of Joe. A little shorter, but the hair line was the same, and the jaw. The teeth. The nose. “Oh shit.” Sgt. Ryder’s eyes widened. “Sorry.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing sir. Um . . .” Sgt. Ryder opened the door. “Go on up, first door on your right.”

Joe entered the building slowly. The city hall was dim. He moved to the steps and Joe could feel his body shake with anticipation. His heart fluttered in his stomach and he literally felt weak. How far up the top of the steps seemed, how long of a journey. Then Joe reached the top. The door was there, closed, and the name ‘Captain Hal Slagel’ went through him like a bolt of electricity. “Please Dear God.” Joe closed his eyes as he reached for the door.

Hal was nervous, but he was bound and determined to be professional and to look the part of the leader. He heard the Jeep pull up but he couldn’t see the Chief. Standing at his window with his hands behind his back, Hal heard the single knock on the door. “Come in.” He heard the click of the door handle. Hal took a deep breath, drew up his confident, cool look, and turned around. The gasp that escaped him was nearly a scream when he saw his father, just as shocked, standing at his office door. “Oh my God.” He felt as if his insides had fallen from his being and were laying on the floor. Hal could not move.

Joe’s mouth opened, but nothing but a stutter came out as he took a step into the room. “This isn’t real.” Joe moved closer to him. “This isn’t . . . Hal.” Joe spoke his name long and whispering. He closed his eyes as his hand laid upon the cheek of his long lost son. “Hal.” With gratefulness, Joe’s eyes shut tighter and his hand gripped firmer to Hal’s face. He let out an emotional releasing breath when Hal’s hand laid on his.

A strong man, emotionally and physically, yet that one simple touch from his father nearly brought Hal to his knees. They buckled on him and Hal grabbed hold of his father. “Dad.”

The embrace at that moment was magnetic, powerful, and electric. Both Slagel men clenched tightly to the other in a hold that was seven years overdue. Joe pulled away some, laying his hands on Hal’s cheeks. “Oh my God.” His hands moved around Hal’s face and tears formed in Joe eyes. “Oh my God.”

Hal tried. He kept his lips closed tightly together, but somehow they quivered with his emotions. That quiver reddened his face and vibrated his body as he touched Joe. Hal closed his eyes, trying his hardest  to stop the crying that just wanted to come. But the reunion and the shock proved too much for the both of them. They returned to the tight embrace, inner feelings flooded to the surface, and they found themselves locked and lost in a moment that neither knew they had waited for. A moment that could never be recaptured again. Father and son, a family, reunited . . . at last.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Bowman, North Dakota

What if he was wrong? What if the Captain gets angry at him for not doing his job? Taking a chance, Sgt. Ryder walked to Hal’s office. The door was slightly opened. He knocked once. “Captain, is everything . . .” He paused in his speaking and opening of the door when he saw the two men embracing. Sgt. Ryder was right. It was like he was watching an old movie. His heart skipped a beat for Hal and his eyes even glossed with a mist. “Excuse me. I apologize.” He began to step back.

“Elliott.” Hal called to him. “Wait.” He wiped his eyes and hoped his face wasn’t too red, but it was. “Wait. I need you to meet . . . meet my father, Elliott. This is my father.” Hal proudly pointed.

“Mr. Slagel.” Sgt. Ryder gripped Joe’s hand again, this time with pride. “You have raised one fantastic son. It’s an honor to not only meet the man who runs Beginnings but meet the man who taught our leader so well.”

Hal snickered a blush and waved his hand in an embarrassing ‘go on’ fashion. “Dad, Elliot is my right hand man.  Sort of like that . . . who is your right hand man in Beginnings?”

“Supposed to be a man named Henry . . . .”

“Henry?” Hal looked to Sgt. Ryder. “Oh yes. Whiny guy.”

Joe looked at Hal oddly. “How do you know?”

“We monitor your radio transmissions. We haven’t communicated because, well, we didn’t want you to think we weren’t a serious organization.”

Joe shook his head. “You’re a serious organization all right. Goddamn, Hal. You did all this?”

“Yeah, but I don’t want to talk about that now. We will. Elliott have Craig bring us something to drink. Dad, are you still a coffee drinker.”

“You bet,” Joe said.

“Coffee, Elliott, and tell Craig to behave himself. My Father is here,” Hal said like a kid showing off his dad on parents’ day at school.

“Be right back.” Sgt. Ryder smiled.

“Elliott,” Hal called out. “Make sure you do return. We have a lot to talk about with my father.”

Sgt. Ryder smiled at the enthusiasm Hal showed. He paused in his leaving. “Mr. Slagel, I just want to tell you, since we have been monitoring your radio transmissions, we’ve been really entertained, and a little jealous of you guys. You seem to have a good time there.”

“Well you’ll have to come there, Elliott, meet some of our finest and then see how amused you are,” Joe said sarcastically and watched Sgt. Ryder leave. “Hal? If you’ve been monitoring transmissions, I’m on that radio all the time. How did you not know it was me?”

“I thought it. You know.” Hal pulled a chair out for Joe. “But then every guy who listened said someone sounded like someone they knew. I chalked it up to my imagination.” Hal slid a chair near Joe’s. “But Dad, I have to know. Don’t think I’m off my rocker, just bear with me. O.K.?”

“O.K.”

“Is this Eagle One, this Robbie or Robert . . .  is he . . . is he my baby brother?”

Joe smiled. “Unfortunately, yes.”

Hal shrieked and jumped from his seat. “Let’s go.”

“What?” Joe stood up. “Where?”

“I’m leaving Sgt. Ryder in charge. I have to see him. I have to see Robbie. God, Dad,” Hal spoke rapid and fast. “I have been thinking about you guys nonstop. Now I know why. It was you, it was really you.”

“Easy.” Joe followed him. “We’ll get there, but I need to slow down or else you won’t be seeing me much longer. My heart can’t take this. I need to just take this all in before we race around and get all emotional again.” Joe grabbed his chest. “My son is alive.” He gripped Hal’s shoulder. “And look at what you’ve done. This is a hell of a community you got going. Can you show me it before we leave?”

“Aw.” Hal cringed. “It’s no big deal. I’ll show you later.”

“Hal.”

“O.K. I’ll give you the grand tour.” Hal held the door opened for Joe.

“Thank you.”

“Then we leave.” Hal moved quickly with Joe towards the steps. “Tell me Dad, is Robbie still the same?”

“Unfortunately . . . yes.” Laying his hand on Hal’s back, Joe moved with his son, looking just as proud to be seen with him as Hal was to be seen with Joe.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Robbie sounded more like a children’s book than anything else, asking everyone, “Where’s my father? Have you seen my father.” Not out of concern, missing, or needing Joe, but out of the search for the possibility of getting away with a really long unscheduled break.

But Robbie figured he’d might as well get part of his job out of the way first, processing the new survivor he found out running about. Walking the male survivor to Joe’s office, because that was where the processing was done, Robbie slowed in his walk when he saw Dan outside Joe’s office, oddly enough, feeding a horse. “Dan?”

“Robbie. Hi.” Dan said nervously.

“Who’s horse?”

“Who’s horse?” Dan repeated.

“Yeah, who’s horse?”

“Joe’s.”

“My Dad’s?”

“Yeah, he wanted to start riding. Go figure. Must be a gas conservation idea he had for getting around the community.”

“Not for all of us, I hope,” Robbie commented.

“I think that’s where he’s steering,” Dan said.

“No way am I riding a fuckin horse.” Robbie opened Joe’s office door. “This way,” he told the thin man with dark hair. “Have a seat.” Robbie shut the door. “Let me just get some things.” He walked to the back of the office, to the examining room and came back out with a clipboard. He sat down at Joe’s desk. “O.K. you seem like a calm guy.”

“I am. I’m usually not quiet. Right now I’m still shaken up over what all went down.”

“What were you doing in the area?” Robbie questioned.

“Trying to find this mysterious community I heard about. See . . .” He fiddled with his hands. “I was traveling with this man. We’ve basically been scouting the country side looking for this place we heard others were searching for. We thought it was mythical. You know, sometimes people make up places to convince themselves that something better is out there. He and I were camping. We woke up to find the soldiers raiding our camp sight. They killed Tony and I took off. That’s when you found me. Thank you.”

“You’re lucky. I usually don’t go that far east.” Robbie grabbed a pencil. “O.K., we need this for the record before you go to containment. You remember that place I told you about?”

“Yes.” He nodded.

“Basics. What is your name?” Robbie asked.

“Jeremy. Jeremy Lyons.”

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

Joe couldn’t help it. With his coffee in one hand and a cigarette in the other, he kept looking behind him as he walked with Hal and Sgt. Ryder through town.

“Dad, something wrong?”

“Why . . .” Joe looked back again. “Why is that man following us?”

“Damn it.” Hal bit his lip, looked behind him and shouted. “Craig! Go!”

“I see you have them here as well,” Joe commented.

“He annoys me.” Hal said.

Sgt. Ryder interjected, “He lets him annoy him.”

“It’s a Slagel thing. He can’t help it,” Joe said.

Hal stopped at the police station and opened the door. “This is where we monitor your transmissions.” As he stepped in, the monitor stood up. “Corporal, meet my father.”

“Your father? For real?” The corporal extended his hand to Joe.

“Yep,” Hal stated, “and the Chief of Beginnings. You can take a break.”

“Thank you.” The corporal left the office.

Joe checked out the radio. “So you do have radio communications?”

“Yes.” Hal answered. “We just stayed silent. Now we can use them, which eases my mind if Elliott gets into trouble here.”

Sgt. Ryder looked confident. “We shouldn’t have any problems. Hell, if we do, how long would it take for Captain Slagel to get back?”

“We can fly him here in twenty minutes. Fifteen tops.” Joe told him. “Thanks Elliott for taking the reins so I can spend time with my son. We need him there for a while.”

“The Captain is good enough to be there and give orders here,” Sgt. Ryder said. “I’m very happy his family is alive. And you giving him a truck to go back and forth will help us as well. Plus sir, we do want to know more about the place where we keep sending our sick men.”

“That’s right.” Joe snapped his finger. “We have one of your men. He’s doing very well. He had tetanus. But I do have to tell you something, Hal. You think Beginnings is this big deal. We haven’t the man power you have at all. You may not be all that impressed.”

“We are impressed,” Hal corrected. “We used to watch your community. We weren’t sure if you were part of the Society or not. And . . . we may have the manpower, but you have the technology. We’re soldiers in this battle, maintaining the front lines.”

“Which is?” Joe asked.

“Basically, we drew a line. The Dakotas, Kansas straight down is the front line. We’ve been doing good. Took out five, six camps so far.”

Joe whistled. “So what do you need us for? Aside that your family is there.”

“Survival. We’re rationing now. I have the man power you need to farm your fields. You have the food we need. We can help each other in more ways than you realize. I have to concentrate on training these men to fight the Society. With Beginnings helping, I can build the army we need to eventually bring the Society down.”

“A common goal,” Joe said, “and we have more than enough food. We waste so much between what we grow in the field and greenhouse. I can use the manpower for the fields and preservation right now. The more men we have, the less we will waste. Can you give up some men within the next week or so?”

“Absolutely. Name the number.”

Sgt. Ryder leaned toward Hal whispering loud enough for Joe to hear. “Tell him about your contract.”

Hal nudged him away. “Shh.”

“Contract?” Joe asked. “What, Hal? You wrote a contract to present to Beginnings?”

“Well yeah.” Hal shrugged. “It’s pretty detailed, explaining how we can scratch each other’s back.”

“God, that is so like you.” Joe laughed as he shook his head. “You realize we don’t need a contract now.” Joe didn’t get an answer. “Hal?”

“Yeah.”

“Good.” Joe turned to Sgt. Ryder. “So tell me, is my son still over the top and dramatic.”

“Yes,” Sgt. Ryder answered. “No. Yes. Dramatic yes, But uh . . .” He snickered. “Never without flare.”

Joe grabbed on to Hal’s uniform. “The Horse Soldiers?”

Hal grinned. “You got it. And . . .” He clapped his hands together. “Let me go pack. I can’t wait to see my little brother.” Hal rushed to the door. “Elliot, keep my father company and tell him nothing bad about me.”

Sgt. Ryder gave Hal a thumbs up as he left. “I’ve never seen him so excited.”

“Well I just have a feeling that excitement is going to be nothing compared to when he sees Robbie.” Joe smiled. “Those two back together again.” The smile dropped from Joe’s face. “Oh Christ, I’m in trouble.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Ellen had a slight smile to her face as she sat in her small office at containment, alone. “I don’t know, Frank.” She shrugged. “You can’t be threatened by this. Well Hon . . . what did you expect. I know. I know. You think? Yeah right . . . ha!” Ellen turned serious. “It’s the right thing to do. For you and for me. I feel a little guilty.” She held her fingers close together. “Just a little. But I love Dean and you know that. It’ll work out. I promise.” She leaned in to her desk more. “I miss you so much. God, how I miss you. I miss fighting with you. Touching you. Telling you I love you. This is the longest we have been apart and my heart is broken. Come back to me, Frank. Come back to me soon.” Ellen reached out her hand and lifted the picture of Frank she had setting against the pencil holder. It was the picture she classified as the best one Frank had ever taken. It was a couple years old, taken when Jonas was around taking pictures still, him and Robbie. It was an odd one of Frank. He smiled, genuinely smiled. Frank always posed in each picture like he was going to kill the world. So handsome she thought Frank looked as she ran her index finger across his face.

“El.” Robbie walked in, knocked on the door, and shut it. “Where’s my father?”

“Where’s my survivor?”

“In the security office up front.”

“In that case, I haven’t a clue where Joe is.” She noticed the frazzled look on Robbie’s face. “What’s the matter? What happened?”

“O.K., get this.” Robbie held up his hands. “I lost a Jeep.”

“You what?”

“I lost a Jeep. I don’t know how. I go to get one to bring the new guy here and there’s one less Jeep charging at the garage.”

“You’re kidding?” Ellen stood up. “Did you check the new reqs?”

“Yep and the old ones. I even looked on Frank’s desk and my Dad’s. Nothing. You know my dad put me in charge of them just this morning.”

“Oh man, Robbie. Wait, this is Beginnings. How hard is it to find a Jeep? Just make a radio call for the number.”

“Yeah right.” Robbie fluttered his lips. “And then what? Have my Dad hear? You’ll know what he’ll do. Shit, and Frank isn’t even here to blame it on.”

“You know what you should do? Talk to Henry. He’s the leader in training.”

“I thought of that.” Robbie ran his hand over the top of his head. “So I talked to him. He said I’d better find the Jeep before Joe gets real mad. Some leader. Shit.”

“Calm down. Just say a prayer to St. Anthony. Your dad said your mom always said it worked.”

“I’ll do that. How’s it go? Tony, Tony please come down . . .”

Ellen nodded. “Something’s lost and can’t be found. That’s the one.”

“Got it.” Robbie snapped. “I’ll get your survivor. Thanks, El, and if you see my Dad . . .”

Ellen zipped up her mouth. “But . . . we can always blame it on Dean. You know how he never signs reqs.”

“Good idea.” Robbie grinned. “See ya.” Robbie started to whisper as he walked out. “Tony, Tony please come down. Something’s lost . . .”

Ellen snickered as she leaned in her doorway, listening to Robbie repeat the prayer over and over. She shut her office door, returned to her desk, and put on her ‘official’ containment stern face.

^^^^

Hal seemed amazed as he rode in the Jeep with Joe. He held on with a wide smile on his face. “It’s been so long since I rode in a Jeep.”

“Well get used to it. I think I can issue two trucks to you guys. It’ll make for easy back and forth access to Beginnings.” Joe grabbed his phone and started to dial.

“So that’s why we don’t know everything? You talk on phones.”

Joe showed Hal the phone. “Henry did this . . . Dean?” Joe spoke his name.

“Joe shit. I’ve been waiting,” Dean spoke with excitement. “Well?”

“I’m on my way back home.”

“Well?”

“With my son.” Joe pulled the phone away from his ear. Dean’s excitement probably had more to do with the fact he was going to get to do more research. “Dean, listen to me. I need a favor. I want this to be a surprise so . . . get Robbie up to my office have him wait there and not move. Then hold Missy Jane at the clinic in the back until I radio we are there.”

“Got it.” Dean answered. “How far away are you?”

“Half hour tops. See you soon.”

“Oh Joe,” Dean called out. “I’m happy for you. I am.”

“Thanks.”

“Could you make mention that I want to run some tests on him?”

“Bye, Dean.” Joe hung up the call.

“Dad? Who’s Missy Jane?”

“Don’t worry about it. She’s just a friend I want to introduce you to.”

“Is she . . . is she a bearable woman?”

Joe looked quickly to his son, wondering what kind of question that was. “Well, she can be a little intolerable. Sorry.”

“Typical.” Hal slouched in his seat and stared ahead.

Joe snickered at his son’s dismay and continued to drive on.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

“Sorry to pull you, Frank,” George told him as they walked into Frank’s small house on base “But Dr. Morris said one more day of rest then you can get things started.”

“I just hate doing nothing.”

“Well, you always are the do-it guy. But . . . I want you the healthy guy so give your lungs one more day to rest.”

“See I don’t get that. I was shot. How did I end up with pneumonia?”

“You laid in a stream for three days.”

“You’re kidding?” Frank asked surprised.

“Left you for dead, those Beginnings people did.”

“Bastards.”

George nodded. “Well, we have some of your clothes here. Relax and enjoy your new home. There’s food and beverages if you get hungry.”

“Thank you, George. I appreciate it.” Frank walked over and sat on his sofa. “I think I’ll just rest here.”

“You do that.” George laid a hand on Frank’s shoulder, turned around, and moved to the door. “Have a good day, Frank.”

“I will.” Frank folded his hands and tapped his fingers as he listened to George leave. “Oh this is dumb.” He tapped some more. “I need a cigarette.” Frank looked at his watch, stood up, walked to the door, and opened it. He looked out, saw George’s figure fading as it moved to the right, then Frank walked outside, shut the door, and went left.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Hal sat straight in his seat when they approached the front gate of Beginnings. “Dad, I’m nervous about entering these walls.”

“Why . . . hold on.” Joe spoke in the radio, “Down the front, Steve. Thanks.” He set the radio down. “Why are you nervous about coming to Beginnings?”

“Because in the world out there, this is utopia.”

Joe laughed loudly. “You haven’t met and mingled with the residents yet. After you do, then tell me if it’s your utopia or the equivalent of sitting in the Gong Show studio audience for two weeks straight.”

Hal laughed as the Jeep stopped. He saw a man open the gate. He let out his nervous breath slowly and quietly.

Dan approached the Jeep. “Is this him, Joe?” Dan pointed. “Hey, Dan Everett, Beginnings security.” He shook Hal’s hand. “Hal right? Wow, you look like your dad. Hey Joe?”

“Yes Dan?” Joe just wanted to drive through.

“Um, he’s a Slagel right? What’s up with . . .” Dan grabbed a hold of his own long ponytail.

Joe looked at Hal’s hair. “We’re getting the warm welcomes out of the way first. He’s staying with us. We’ll see what happens before he leaves.”

As the Jeep started to drive through the gate and into the tunnel, Hal panicked. It wasn’t about entering Beginnings; it was about his hair. Hal fiddled with his pony tail always so neat and thought in fear about how in his youth his father used to deal with his long hair.

^^^^

Ellen was the professional containment person sitting with Jeremy Lyons in her office. “It’s all part of the process. Joe usually explains this but right now he’s missing. That’s good, because so is a Jeep. Anyhow . . .” She slid him a paper. “These are some of the rules you have to follow while you’re in containment. Can you still read?”

Jeremy was about to be upset about that, but stopped. “A little. Will you help if I have problems?”

“Of course.” Ellen folded her hands and smiled. She heard the knock at her door. “Yes?”

Dean poked his head in. “Sorry to interrupt. I brought a substitute.”

“Substitute what?” Ellen asked.

“Containment worker.” Dean pulled in Jason. “Take her desk, Jason.”

“Ellen. Move.” Jason in his calm fashion walked over to Ellen, placed his hand on her arm, and helped her stand. “Thank you,” he said as he quickly took her seat.

“What?” Ellen looked at Jason then Dean. “What’s going on?”

“I need you now at the clinic.” Dean told her. “It’s something medically important I need to talk to you about.”

“O.K.” Ellen moved with hesitation to the door. “Jeremy, I’ll be back. Thanks, Jason, and don’t lie to him.”

Jason snickered as he stared at Jeremy and lifted his hand in a wave.

Ellen walked in the hall with Dean. “This better be good. I’m in the middle of processing.”

“I know. And it is good. Trust me.” Dean hurried her along. “I think you’ll find it absolutely fascinating.”

^^^^

Hal couldn’t believe it when they emerged through the front tunnel and the vision of the small town came immediately into his focus. “Whoa.” He lifted some in the seat of the moving Jeep. He could see people moving around. It was much bigger than he expected it to be. “We’re going to your office?” he asked Joe.

“Yep.” Joe turned the wheel taking Mcgruff Street--as Danny named it--to the utility building. “See that long metal structure?”

“Yes.”

“That’s where some of the offices are. I’m not going to explain a whole lot. You have all week to learn.” He pulled the Jeep up and parked it in front of his office. “Now before you walk in there, let me see if your brother has arrived as instructed.”

Hal nodded. He looked pale, worried about seeing Robbie again.

Robbie rummaged in his mind on how to explain the missing Jeep. He sat in Joe’s desk, rocking in his chair, tossing a ball up, and nearly hitting the ceiling. “I could . . . tell him Dean borrowed it and lost it,” Robbie thought, then shrugged and tossed the ball again. “Maybe he won’t notice it’s gone. Hell, he already knows it’s gone. Why else has he called me?” Robbie knew what he had to do. The moment Joe walked in the office, and that would be soon by the sound of the Jeep, Robbie would start rambling. He heard the footstep on the single step and Robbie cleared his throat.

“Robert,” Joe said his name as he walked in.

“Dad, hey. You know what? I was really thinking here lately. Do you think it’s possible that . . .”

“Robert, stop and what are you doing sitting at my desk?” Joe asked as he stood with the door partially open.

“Getting a feel for it.” Robbie rocked in the chair. “Yeah, you know I was the one that should have been picked for leader, not Henry. Hey, I’m more like you. Right? After all I’m the son that looks like you right?”

“What about Hal?”

“Dad,” Robbie scoffed and laughed. “Hal was the ugly Slagel. Man, you don’t want to say he looked like you.” Robbie was arrogant as he balanced his chair. “You want the pretty son to resemble you. Me.”

“Is that so? Hal not attractive?”

“Not from what I remember. No.”

“See what you think now.” Joe opened the door wider.

Hal stepped inside. No sooner had he walked in the door, a loud BANG rang out in the office. Robbie. in his rocking of  Joe’s chair, took one look at Hal and rocked completely backwards and onto the floor.

“I think you’ll find it absolutely fascinating.” Dean’s words, spoken to her earlier, echoed in Ellen’s mind as she sat in a chair in Andrea’s office. Her elbow on the desk, her head leaning on her hand as she stared dumbfounded at Dean pacing before her and rambling about. “I think you’ll find it absolutely fascinating.” Ellen couldn’t help but wonder what in the world would make Dean think that.

“And then there is the intracellular toxin. That is the toxin produced in the bacterial cell. Contrary and not to be confused with the extracellular toxin which is a toxin produced and excreted by microorganisms.”

“Dean.”

“Wait. This is amusing. A toxin-antitoxin. I still have to chuckle at that. You would think they could come up with a better name for an immunization against Diphtheria. What do you think?”

“I think you’ve lost it.” Ellen stood up.

“No I haven’t. Sit down. We haven’t even touched the dermonecrotic toxin . . .”

“Dean.” Ellen stood firm. “Why are we discussing toxins?”

“When’s the last time we did?”

“Uh . . .” Ellen fluttered her lips. “I don’t know.”

“Then it’s time to discuss them again. I need you to sit down and be patient.”

“No Dean. Toxins, Drosophila, spirochetes. What the hell, Dean? You’re keeping me here for a reason.”

“O.K. I am.”

“Then don’t bore me to death. Unless you tell me you plan having sex with me right now, I have to get back to containment.”

Dean grinned and took off his lab jacket.

“Dean, I’m joking.”

“I’m not.” He stepped forward to Ellen, leading her back to the desk.

“Dean, stop.”

“No. It’ll be fun.” Dean began to kiss her, ignoring her mumbling gripes through his lips. He backed her down to the desk, pressing his body to hers.

“Dean, come in.” Joe’s voice called on the radio.

Dean stopped kissing Ellen and lifted himself.

“See Dean,” Ellen commented. “He knew what we were doing in here.” She dropped her voice to a whisper. “He’s like God. Knows all, sees all.”

Dean grumbled and grabbed the radio. “Yeah, Joe.”

“We’re here, heading to the front door.”

“Thanks.” Dean grabbed Ellen’s hand. “Let’s go,”

“What’s going on?”

Dean opened Andrea’s office door for Ellen. “I had you here for a reason. We had to wait for Joe.”

“O.K.” Ellen stepped into the hall.

“El, your cavalry exists and the commander of the cavalry is with Joe now.”

“Oh shit. No way?” Ellen smiled and looked at the double glass door. She saw Joe and Robbie and another man walk in. The sun poked in brightly behind them and made them into almost shadows. “Wait a second.” Ellen took a step. Her words became breathy as she focused in on the third man.

Dean didn’t realize what his whisper would do. Seeing Ellen’s disbelief, he placed his mouth close to her ear. “Hal Slagel is alive.”

Dean’s words were an earthquake to Ellen. They trembled through her body and shook her stand. Her legs weakened. she swayed and began to drop to the floor.

Dean grabbed her, lifting her back up.

“Hal,” Ellen spoke his name, but it barely came out.

Hal saw her. He looked to Joe, then Robbie, then back down the hall. “Ellen!” he called out loudly.

“Oh my God.” Ellen recouped her strength and with the energy of his call, she raced down the corridor as fast as she could, leaping up at Hal, slamming her body into his, and wrapping her arms around him as she shrieked.

Clenching Ellen tightly, Hal lifted her feet from the floor. “Ellen. Oh my God.”

“Look at you. Hal.” Ellen’s hands grabbed his face as she still stayed in his lifting embrace. She exhaled emotionally. “God, you look at you.” She laughed and cried with excitement. “Robbie. Joe. It’s Hal.”

Hal’s head swayed back and forth. “I can’t believe this.”

“Hal!” Speaking his name quickly, Ellen held onto his cheeks as she stared at him. “Shit. Your men saved my life. They saved my life, Hal. They brought me home.”

“That was you?”

“Yes. Thank you.” Ellen kissed him. “Thank you.” She kissed him again, plastering his face with small, quick kisses over and over.

Hal laughed and then he embraced her, whole body, arms as tight as he could.

“Hal/” Joe tapped his shoulder. “Put her down. Put her down and meet . . . meet Ellen’s past and future husband.”

Hal slid Ellen to the floor. “Where?”

Joe pulled Dean into focus. “Dean Hayes, meet my son, Hal.”

Hal adjusted his views lower. “Oh.” He extended his hand to Dean. “Nice to meet you . . . El,” Hal whispered to her, “you’re marrying this guy?”

“Again. Yes.” Ellen nodded.

“But he’s so . . . so . . . little.” Hal commented.

Again Dean tossed his hands in the air. “I give up.”

Ellen snickered. “Little yes, but not where it counts.”

“Christ,” Joe griped. “Did we need that comment? No. Dean, thanks for your help. Ellen, go back to work.”

“Joe. No!” Ellen yelled “I want to hang out with Hal.” She grabbed his hand. “This is so great.”

“Yes, well, it’s not like you won’t see him again. Go. And find me Henry.” Joe shooed her away.

Ellen tgasped. “All right. Joe, where is he staying? Can he stay with Dean and me? Dean, you don’t mind, do you?” Dean opened his mouth, but Ellen kept on rambling. “Hal, Dean and I have the best house in Beginnings. And we have children. You have to meet them. You do. Joe, can he stay with us? I want him to stay with us. I can have Josh clean . . .”

“Ellen!” Joe snapped. “Christ, Yes. Go. Get me Henry.”

“You know.” Hal smiled. “I can’t wait to meet this Henry.”

“Yes you can,” Robbie said. “Trust me.”

“I can?” Hal looked confused, then wiped that look off his face. “You know I have this mental picture of him in my mind from hearing his voice. Is he like fifty, short, stocky and black?”

“Um.” Robbie thought. “Hal, that’s pretty good. You pegged him.”

“Thanks.” Hal grinned.

“Robert,” Joe scolded. “And Ellen. Go.”

“I’m leaving.” She kissed Dean then tip -toed up to Hal and kissed him on the cheek. “It’s good to have you here. Welcome back.” She moved to the glass doors and stopped. “I know for sure now, Beginnings just isn’t gonna be the same again.”

Dean chuckled softly as he looked up to the three Slagel men standing by him. All three resembled each other. And Hal, though lost for a while, proved to Dean he too had that Slagel connection with Ellen and why not? They were in a sense a family. As he stared at them once again, he knew Ellen’s last statement before she left the clinic didn’t even need to be said. With Hal’s arrival, Beginnings never being the same again was a given.

CHAPTER NINE

Binghamton Alabama

As much as the news of Hal entering Beginnings floored everyone there, it also floored George. “No,” he spoke on the phone. “When did he arrive there? Shit. I thought they wouldn’t find this out. Have you met him? I see.” George drew up a thinking look. “All right. I’m gonna have to head back to Quantico since my top man is there. If this is a joining of forces, I’m gonna have to move ahead with this plan. Are you ready?” George nodded. “Thank you. But . . . no. I take no chances with you. You’ll only do what I instruct you to do, no further. If they find you out they may kill you on the spot and then what? Huh? No. No chances. Just do what I tell you to do and no more . . . I know you want to help, but be patient, please. I have to go. I have to instruct my new CO on what needs to be done.” George snickered. “Isn’t that hysterical? I’ll call you back. Be careful. Yes. Bye.”

George’s inside person always brought a smile to his face. This person was so unknown, so brilliant on George’s part. But for as much as he wanted to smile in his aftermath of his call, he couldn’t. He had other things on his mind, the fact that Hal and Joe found each other. But that didn’t weigh as heavy as the scary portion of that thought. The UWA and Beginnings becoming one.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Hal stopped walking in awe as he, Joe, and Robbie entered the living section. “This is amazing.” He looked at all the houses. “Everyone lives here like a little town. It looks so lived in.” He looked at the street sign. “Frank Street? That’s really nice.” Hal smiled. “This is so nice.”

Joe gave him a double pat on the back. “You know, Beginnings has enough land to expand this living section to easily house your people. But I have a feeling you want to expand your people, so I have a few thoughts we’ll discuss another time”

“Sounds good,” Hal said as they moved to Joe’s house. “Dad, is this your house. Look, flowers.”

“Yeah,” Joe grumbled. “Anyhow, let’s go in.” He opened the door. Joe grunted when Robbie sneaked in first, then Hal.

Hal sniffed. “Wow, is that brownies?”

“Halberd!” Andrea shrieked his name with excitement as she darted from the kitchen.

Hal immediately looked with a weirdness at Robbie to the woman who now plastered him with kisses.

“Meet our new mom, Andrea.” Robbie snickered.

Hal whispered. “Dad’s still doing the same thing?”

“Oh Hal!” Andrea caught her breath. “You poor boy, lost out there in this world while your father lives here. Are you all right sweetheart? Look at you.” She stepped back. “So handsome. Oh Joe, he’s handsome.”

Joe sort of cringed.

Hal flashed a gloating grin. “I like this mom. No mom ever thought I was handsome.”

“That’s because you’re not,” Robbie said.

“One hour,” Hal said. “One hour I’m back and you’re starting?”

“Yeah.”

“O.K.” Hal shrugged. “Just checking. Get ready though.”

“I’m the master, Hal. I’m worse now. Wait, that’s not what I meant.”

Joe shook his head. “Can we just sit down and talk what we need to talk about? Andrea? Are you staying?”

“Oh no, sweetheart. Not me.” She laid her hand on Joe cheek. “Got to get to Gemma’s. A few of us gals are cooking a community dinner for Hal tonight. Danny’s reprogramming a few of the SUTs again for waiters.” She kissed Joe. “See you. Robbie, take my brownies out of the oven in ten minutes, sweetie.”

“Sure thing, Mom.” Robbie gave a thumbs up.

“And don’t eat them” Andrea instructed as she walked to the door. “They’re for tonight.”

Robbie responded with an innocent smile and another thumbs up as Andrea left.

Grabbing the large ashtray because he knew it was going to be a smoke fest, Joe set it on the coffee table and sat on the sofa. Robbie sat in the chair and Hal sat next to Joe.

Hal took in the view of the house. “This is great. Your wife is nice, Dad. Robbie hasn’t scared her away.”

Joe lit a cigarette. “Where’s she gonna go? Now let’s . . .”

“Joe!” Henry came barreling through the front door. “Whoops forgot to knock.” Henry walked out, knocked then barreled through again. “Joe!”

Joe held up his hand. “Hal meet Henry.”

Hal turned around on the couch and looked. “Henry?” Hal turned to Robbie. “I thought you said he was fifty, stocky, and black.”

“No that’s what you said he looked like. I merely agreed. He looks that way to me.”

Henry flipped Robbie off then shook hands with Hal. “Nice to meet you. Wow do you look like Joe.”

“Thanks. You look a lot different than I thought.”

Joe only looked up from his seat on the couch. “Henry is one half of our Asian community.”

“Joe.” Henry tsked. “I’m Japanese, so technically I’m not . . .”

“Henry, I don’t want to hear it. I’m always hearing it,” Joe bitched. “Anyhow, we’re gonna be busy for . . . Robbie? Where are you going?”

Robbie pointed backwards. “To check the brownies. I don’t want them to burn.”

Joe groaned. “Back to you, Henry. I need you to take the wheel for a while. I’m gonna be busy with Hal, catching up.”

“Sure thing, Joe. I have to get back to fixing generator two. It’s making this noise.” Henry shrugged. “I’ll just beat on it again.”

Joe winced. “You do that.”

“Worked before.” Henry raised his hand. “Hal, nice to meet you. Hope we can get along better than Robbie and I.”

“I’m positive of that, Henry.” Hal winked. “I’m the nice Slagel brother. Always have been.”

Henry snickered amongst the Joe moans. He waved once more then left.

Joe waited until Robbie returned and sat down. “All right, Hal. I’ve waited long enough. Where the hell have you been for seven years?”

Hal whistled and let out a long breath. “It’s a difficult story.”

“Try me,” Joe told him.

“Wait,” Robbie interrupted. “When I spoke to you and when Dad talked to you, you were sick.”

“Yes, I was.” Hal nodded. “I had the plague.”

A ‘what’ came from both Robbie and Joe.

“I had the plague like everyone else. I was on border patrol outside of Honolulu when I started getting worse. I dropped about eight hours after I talked to you, Dad.”

Joe closed his eyes and blinked. “Then you didn’t have the plague. No one we knew beat it.”

“Ah.” Hal held up his hand. “No one you knew. I knew thirty-seven  guys that beat it. Elliott Ryder is one of them. We lost contact when we left the Islands. We met up again. We were all at the same med station.”

“What?” Joe was lost. “We had the top scientist working on it. He didn’t beat it until last year.”

“He was using modern medicine, wasn’t he. He used the resources science gave him.”

Joe nodded. “Yes he did.”

“Well that’s why he didn’t get a reaction. He needed to go back to basics, back to nature.”

“And that’s exactly how he ended up beating it.” Robbie said. “Using all natural stuff. But how did you . . .”

“Not me,” Hal answered. “I was out of it like I said. Had all the symptoms, bad too. There was this Korean doctor who was working the med station I was at. He was a homeopathy specialist. He tried these herbs on us. He said it was his cure. It sort of  was. It took me three weeks to come around but I did. I remember reading his notes on how in his tents he had over two thousand patients, including himself. The herbs worked on fifty of us and everyone else died. Eventually thirteen more died in the next three weeks. They weren’t strong enough to fight the symptoms I guess.”

Joe was astounded. “Wait until Dean hears this. So this doctor, what happened to him?”

“Died of the plague. His medication prolonged him for a week but that was all. It didn’t work on everyone, just some. I guess it was our gene make up.”

“Dean is going to be fascinated by this,” Joe commented. “Be prepared for a lot of questions and tests.”

“And . . .” Robbie added. “Be prepared to jerk off in a cup.”

“Robert!” Joe yelled. “Then what, Hal?”

“Then . . . then . . . jerk off?” Hal shuddered in confusion. “Then we searched the islands, all of us, for survivors. They were all men. The herb didn’t work on any women at all, not even to prolong their life. We started thinking that the female species was wiped out.”

Joe raised his eyebrows. “Pretty much they were. Dean estimates one percent of the population remained, maybe less, but he estimates eighty percent of the survivors are men. The virus was gender prejudice. Males survived. Females didn’t. We’re still having an uneven ratio when it comes to births. Three to one. So go on. I’m sorry. You searched the island?”

“Yes,” Hal answered. “Four of our group were Islanders, so we searched for their families and for survivors.”

“All the islands?” Joe asked.

“No, it would have been too much, just the bigger ones. Anyhow, we were this group and we devised a plan. We grabbed a map of the mainland, charted out a course based on where all of our families were, and we were going to break down into five groups. We were going to travel the country looking. So we got a boat, stocked it with food, a lot of food, and headed to the mainland. At this point, there were close to sixty of us.”

“You arrived in the main land when?” Joe questioned.

“Let’s see,” Hal thought. “It had to be August. We devised a central meeting place and a time we would all meet. I didn’t figure for some to return. I knew I would. So we split up with each group going separate ways.”

Joe tossed his hands up. “Hal, I’m a little miffed. I spent my life beating it into your head about the contingency plan.. Why in God’s name didn’t you follow it? If you would have you would have seen we went to Ashtonville.”

“Yeah,” Robbie added, “and I made sure dad left word there where we went.”

“I did.” Hal was insistent. “I remembered the contingency plan, but when I got to Gaithersburg, I figured since there was no note, no one but me survived.”

“What the hell are you . . .” Joe saw, through the corner of his eye, Robbie standing up. “Robert.”

“Getting the brownies, Dad.” Robbie hurried into the kitchen. There was some clanking as he took the brownies from the oven. He came back feeling guilty. “All right. When I went with Miguel for a final weapons run around late July, we stopped at Gaithersburg to check on the note. I figured it had been months and Hal was sick so I uh .. . I took the note for a souvenir. I have it, Hal, if you want to see it.”

Hal’s mouth dropped open. “I wandered the country thinking my family was dead and you took the note? Dad! He wasn’t supposed to take the note! Robbie, you asshole.”

“Hey.” Robbie pointed at him. “I resent that.”

“Dad.”

“I know.” Joe held up his hand. “What’s done is done. Robbie’s done a lot of things through these years he shouldn’t have. I won’t get into it. Anyhow, you went home. No note. What then?”

“Well, we searched out the other families, picked up survivors, food and such and eventually made it to the meeting place. We were the first ones there and in another month or two, thirty five out of the original sixty had made it back, but we had all picked up people and we were about two hundred strong. Big community. Ten women I think.” Hal nodded. “So at that point we knew survival was an option. I moved us all to Mexico where there are a lot of natural rain forests. We planted, we harvested, and we lived there.”

“Then what happen?” Joe asked.

“We got hit, big time. Soldiers in these uniforms raided our town, shooting any of us who fought. I made my escape, me and about twenty other men. The rest . . .dead or taken.”

“The Society,” Joe said.

“Exactly. Which I didn’t know at the time. I thought it was another country finishing us off. I mean, what did we know? Another four months go by. It’s winter and this man told us the United States is rebuilding and they needed strong people to work and fight. He told us the President had lived. They had a truck and food for us. Why wouldn’t we believe him? So I went. I was in Tennessee with the Society.”

Robbie was shocked. “You worked for the Society?”

“Yep.” Hal nodded. “And I’m not proud of it. I started noticing that some men were like zombies, doing exactly as instructed. Those who were disruptive were never heard from again. Then one day they told us we were making a sweep, looking for survivors. When they said we were to shoot anyone who fought, I knew it was not my game. I mean the world died. Why kill anyone else? So I started to talk to men and one night we left, figuring we can feed ourselves. We don’t need them. I gathered close to fifty and we went west. That’s where the Society was least active from what I knew. And that’s where the Alliance all began. Us fifty decided we would fight what the Society was trying to do, a worldwide take over and through the next couple months, we began a Society of our own. People were joining. Defectors. Those zombie type soldier we would take and train ourselves. The more people that joined, the more regimented we became. We took on a gimmick so we could stick in their minds when we hit them. The world had been reduced to animals. Technology has been eliminated to most. We grew more so recently in the past nine months to our present size. And the bigger we got, the more difficult we knew surviving would get so we really started to pay attention to Beginnings at that point.”

“Do you have any women?” Joe asked. “We have eighteen.”

Hal whistled. “Eighteen out of a hundred and some? Wow. We have thirteen, but we weren’t concentrating on finding women for reproduction. We want the country back and we needed soldiers. When we found out through Sgt. Ryder what the Society does with women, we sheltered them.”

“What does the Society do with women?” Joe asked.

“Lobotomizes them and farms them. They are shells of women reproducing manufactured embryos. It’s like something out of a horror film as Sgt. Ryder put it.”

Joe swallowed harshly. “I didn’t know that. So you shelter your women. You mean protect them?”

“Always,” Hal said. “They’re near extinction. Our women have lived rough lives. Attacked, raped.  They have a hatred for men I cannot explain, but it is understood. They deserve to be treated special. They don’t work. They stay in this huge house and when they come out, the men stay in. They call a lot of shots on how they get treated. None of them are very nice though. But . . . I guess I’m not telling you anything you don’t know. I’m sure you have the same problem.”

Joe was surprised. “Our women for the most part are nice. You don’t require your women to pull their own weight?”

“No.” Hal shook his head. “They wouldn’t do it even if I asked them too. They’re far too spoiled.  Don’t tell me you make your women work, Dad.”

“Hell, yeah,” Joe said proudly. “Christ, if I made them stop they’d bitch. Our women are very important. But pampered?” He fluttered his lips. “They are protected by our walls. They don’t need a house to protect them from our men. Rape is against the law here. You get shot for raping a woman. We screen our people carefully before we let them in then they go through an entire processing before living in this community. Robbie, could you imagine what the men here would say if, let’s say Jenny, wanted to take a walk and we made all men go inside?”

Robbie laughed. “They’d stay out just to irritate her.”

Hal was shocked. “That isn’t right. There aren’t that many women. How can you not treat them special? That’s wrong. Anything they want, they should be given. They’re women. They’re few.”

“Yeah, and they get away with a ton around here,” Joe told him. “But I’m not making them stay in a goddamn huge house. They need their freedom.”

“I don’t make our women stay in a house,” Hal corrected. “They want it that way.”

Robbie laughed again. “Wait a second.” He held up his hand. “You have thirteen women living in the house alone. They have no contact with the male community at all?”

“No.” Hal interrupted Robbie. “Once a month, they present list to me of men they want to . . . well service them. And I’ll tell you, it’s like pulling teeth to get those men to agree to have sex, I mean, I’m sorry Dad, relations with these women.”

Robbie’s laughter increased. “Oh my God! Once a month. A selected few? Our women look like whores com . . .”

“Robert.” Joe cringed.

“Whores?” Hal questioned. “Please don’t tell me you made your women into whores?”

Joe huffed at Robbie. “See what you started. You have to start him on a righteous movement. You know all his life he argued the opposite way. No Hal, we didn’t make them into whores. The women have a share program here. They’re called understandings. They have one primary relationship and then one or two secondary. It works here. Very little competition or tension. It works.”

“Wow.” Hal blinked several times.

“Yeah.” Robbie noticed the look on his brother’s face. “Our men get it. A lot of them. You have thirteen women locked together . . . oh wait.” Robbie snickered. “Wait. Bet me they turned into lesbians.”

“Robert!” Joe yelled.

“They did!” Robbie pointed. “Look at his face. In a world with limited women, Hal has a group of lesbians.” Robbie’s high pitch laughing grew out of control. “Oh my God.”

Joe rubbed his face, watching Hal’s irritation. “Robert, knock it off!”

“O.K.” Robbie stopped laughing. “Sorry, Hal.”

Hal swayed his head. “They just hate men, Robbie. They do.”

“Well, keep them away from our women. No wait. Let’s get them together and watch them fight.”

“Robert.” Joe grew tired of yelling at him. “Enough of the women. Sorry about him, Hal.”

“No problem, Dad. I missed him.” Hal winked at Robbie. “I’m just amazed that your men all get along and share women.”

“It’s a rarity that a problem occurs,” Joe explained, “except between Frank and Dean. Them two just fight and fight over Ellen like . . .” Joe saw Hal’s expression drop. “What’s wrong?”

“Did you just say Frank?” Hal asked. “My brother Frank?”

“You don’t know.” Joe said. “Yes, Frank.”

“Wait.” Robbie again, spoke up. “You didn’t know? How can you not know? You sent his clothes back here. Didn’t you look at the pants? Geez.” Robbie stood up and aimed his rear-end at Hal as he pointed above his own back pocket. “How can you miss the name?” Robbie sat back down.

“I . . . I didn’t look at the clothes fully. They belonged here. Frank is . . . shit!” Hal yelled. “Frank’s the man we were searching for? He’s the man the Society now has?”

“Yes.” Joe nodded. “They have Frank. He’s alive and well and we’re gonna get him back.”

“Do you know where?” Hal asked.

“We will. George, he called Dean,” Joe explained. “See there’s someone else in Beginnings working for George. We don’t know who it is. George has used Dean’s kids as a bargaining tool. Either Dean leaves and joins him or something happens to one of Dean’s kids. So, Dean’s going to leave, but not without us tracking him. Dean agreed and in that agreement to go with George, it was decided he’d be at the same place as Frank.”

“So when you track Dean, you’ve found Frank,” Hal stated.

“Yes,” Joe answered.

“Then you tell me where they are and I will send every one of my men to that camp. We will ride in and get them back.”

“We can’t do that,” Joe told him. “I won’t let you do that. What? Your gonna go and send every man you have to go after your brother? Christ Hal, you said it yourself. The purpose of your army is to get our country back. It’s selfish to use that for your brother. No. I won’t let you. We’re sending a scout after Dean. He will run surveillance on the area and get as much information as he can. We will then sneak attack in and take them back, synchronizing the attack with the protection of Dean and Ellen’s children. That way, this inside person can’t touch them. If they do, we’re ready for them and we’ll get them. Otherwise, if we make a big move, George will see it coming and by not knowing who the inside person is, we may not see it coming if they go after one of the kids. It’s better this way. He has the upper hand as long as we don’t know who his person is. I’m sure you know how big the Society is.”

“I know exactly how big the Society is,” Hal said. “That’s why we only man this side of the country. We have to wait until we’re bigger to go over there. But Dad, you have to let me go with you. You have to let me be a part of this sneak attack. I want to. Please.”

Joe thought about it, but not for very long. “I would be honored if you’d go.” He heard Robbie whine. “Robbie, you have to stay here. You have Ellen and the kids to watch, and this community. Besides you get the glory of staging the whole thing.”

Robbie nodded with an arrogant smile. “Yeah I do. Hal, you have to remember, in order to keep up the plan we have to act as if we believe Frank’s dead. Aside from us, there are only two others that know . . . Dean and Ellen and they’re playing along. Not even Frank’s own son knows.”

“What?” Another shock to Hal. “Johnny? Johnny lived too. How old is he now. Twelve?”

“Nineteen,” Joe told him. “And a spitting image of Frank. Wait until you see him.”

“No.” Robbie stopped Joe. “A spitting image of how Frank used to look.”

Hal was confused. “What? Was he burned in a fire or something?”

“No.” Joe shook his head with a laugh. “Your brother has pretty much gone through a metamorphosis if a human beings can. Bigger, meaner looking, scarred. Cold. He looks scary at times.” Joe shuddered. “But don’t tell him I told you that. He thinks he’s quite handsome.” He smiled, “But I have to say, Frank is Beginnings’ hero. He is the strongest man I have ever met in my entire life. Always was, but now . . .” Joe whistled.

Robbie interjected. “I saw him toss a savage so hard the head of the savage actually severed from the body.”

“And what about . . .” Joe added. “That guy Don last year in containment? Frank rammed his face into that wall with such a force, I didn’t think a human face could make such a hole.”

Hal closed his eyes. “And he shoots each man in the head to make sure they’re dead, doesn’t he?” He saw Joe and Robbie agree. “He sounds rather sick.”

“He is.” Joe had a hint of pride to his voice. “That’s why we’re safe with him around. He fears nothing and goes after anything that’s a threat. Ask anyone. I’m sure they’ll have a story to tell you. If you want to know who your big brother is now, ask around.”

“I will.” Hal leaned back on the couch. The shock had to set in. “So many in our family lived.”

“We’re cool,” Robbie commented. “What can I say?”

Hal needed to get things straight. “O.K., so you have to get Frank back. You’re fighting the Society and savages. You are trying to find the inside person working for George. And now what about this new group of enemies. Tell me about them. I know nothing.”

Joe looked confused. “What are you talking about?”

“This . . . Mathias group. I’ve sent out . . .” Hal stopped talking when Robbie laughed. “What?”

“Mathias? You listened to our radio transmissions and you thought Mathias was real. Oh shit.”

Hal began to see red. “What are you talking about? I sent men out looking. You guys talked like they were . . . Robbie quit laughing.”

“I can’t help it.” Robbie tried to stop. “Sorry. Mathias is a code name for George. We got it from the movie Omega Man. We all want to be Neville. Did you hear that too? It’s like the big competition. Shit,” Robbie taunted. “And you sent men out looking for him. Wait until I tell . . .” Robbie saw the seriousness on Hal’s face. “No one.” Robbie held up his hand. “This goes no further than this room.” Robbie sneaked out another snicker then went silent.

“O.K.!” Joe slapped his own thighs then stood up. “Hal? Hal?” he snapped his finger in front of Hal. Hal kept staring at Robbie. “Hal, we all want to kill him at times, but right now, you have your nephew to see again.” He moved away from the sofa.

Without taking his views off of Robbie, Hal stood up. “I lied. I didn’t miss you.”

“Yes, you did.”

“No.” Hal shook his head violently. “I didn’t. I really don’t think I did, especially since you failed to grow up.”

“Yes you did. You missed me. How could you not. I’m your baby brother. Hal? I’m lovable.” Robbie tilted his head and held out his arms.

“Robbie, I didn’t miss you,” Hal insisted. “Let’s go Dad.” He walked to Joe.

“I would have missed you if I knew you were alive. I missed you, Hal. Hal? I missed you. Hal?” Robbie was ignored as Hal joined Joe. “Hal?” Robbie stood up calling as Joe and Hal walked to the door. “It’s great to have you  . . .” The door slammed. “Here.” Robbie chuckled in amusement at himself. He then decided he was in the mood for one of Andrea’s brownies, just one. He went into the kitchen to steal one, Andrea would never know.

^^^^

With Andrea busy making a dinner and Jason out at the quantum lab, Dean had no other choice. He had to be the one to exam Bev’s neck to check the final healing and conditions for skin grafting. So leaving word with Patrick that if Ellen shows up to get him for their meeting with Reverend Bob, do not tell her he’s examining Bev, Dean walked to room two.

He cringed when he stepped inside, setting the chart at the end of the table near the feet of Bev’s nude body. “I’m looking at your neck. You didn’t need to get undressed.”

“Yes I did. I heard you were examining me.”

Dean could have left, but instead of wasting the time and having to make her get dressed and return, Dean just wanted to get the examination over. So he walked to Bev who laid back some, her left leg opening and closing slightly. He grabbed hold of her shoulders and pushed her to a sitting position. Dean stood behind her and lifted her hair.

“Hey Patrick.” Ellen walked up to him as he wrote in a chart. “Where’s Dean. We have to see Reverend Bob.”

“He’s in room two with Bev.” Patrick looked up. “Shit. I mean, did I say room two . . . Ellen?” Wincing, Patrick watched Ellen storm downed the hall, and then figuring what was Dean gonna do, fire him? Patrick went back to work.

Ellen hurried to room two. She opened the door without knocking. “Dean.”

Dean walked from behind Bev. “Just finishing up and then we can go.”

“Oh really?” Ellen tilted her head.

“What’s that supposed to . . .” Dean remembered. Bev was naked. “El.” He chased her from the room. “Ellen.”

“We have to be there. Are you done playing with your toy?”

“Ellen.”

“Did you get excited, Dean?”

“No. I didn’t even notice she was naked.”

Ellen stopped walking. “We have to go.”

“El, I am really getting tired of fighting with you over this.”

“And I’m getting tired of finding you in compromising positions with her.”

“El.” Dean tossed his hands up as he followed her of out the clinic. “I was examining her.”

“Her neck, Dean. Why was she naked?”

“O.K.! Enough!” Dean rushed to Ellen and physically stopped her. “Enough, El. No more fighting over this. This is stupid and I want it to stop.”

“You want it to stop?”

“Yes.” Dean nodded.

“Is this the Dean ‘big’ stand?”

“If it needs to be.”

“Fine. Then hear the Ellen big stand.” She moved face to face with him. “Innocent or not, I catch you in one more compromising situation with her, you, Dean, will become a Eunuch.” Flinging back her head, Ellen folded her arms and stormed off to Reverend Bob’s.

^^^^

“My God.” Hal’s mouth stayed open as he looked at Johnny before him in Joe’s office. “My God, do you look like your father.”

Johnny ran his hand down his goatee. “I think it’s the facial hair.”

“Frank had a beard?” Hal turned to Joe. “Frank hated beards.”

Joe shrugged. “Says it makes him look mean. Go figure.”

“What is his obsession about looking mean?”

“He’s Frank.” Joe held out his hands. “When you talk to people, you’ll get a good picture.”

“Amazing. Do you remember me, Johnny?”

Johnny scratched his head. “Would you be mad if I told you barely?”

Hal chuckled and stood up, laying his hands on Johnny’s shoulders. “Not at all.” He had to raise his eyes some to make eye contact. “Look how tall. A nephew.”

“One of many.” Johnny nodded. “My dad was like the father of the community. Even the kids El had with Dean, Dad called his own. Pap is their pap.”

“No kidding.” Hal smiled. “I have a big family?”

“And let’s not forget Nick?” Joe pointed. “So, Uncle Hal. You have one niece. And . . . Five? Nephews. Wait. Josh, Billy, Joey, Brian and Nick.”

“Pap.” Johnny said his name slowly and sad.

Joe let out a slow breath. “It’s still not sunk in yet.”

“What?” Hal looked confused. “What hasn’t sunk in?”

Johnny’s head lowered. “The Society hit us with a plague last month. Dean cured it, but not before we lost lives. Brian died. He was only one.”

“Frank lost a son?”

Joe sadly nodded. “He was Frank’s pride and joy. How badly he and Ellen wanted him. It crushed him. That’s why Frank took Ellen beyond the wall, to get time alone to grieve.”

“Kidnapped her, Pap. Dad kidnapped Ellen. Duct taped her and everything. Ask her.”

Hal’s eyes shifted about. “And . . . you’re sure Frank was all right?” Hal pointed to his own temple.

“Eh.” Joe waved his hand out. “That was Frank. And . . . here’s Jess. Your escort for this afternoon while Robbie and I finish our work.”

Hal spun to see Jess walked in the office.

“Hal?” Jess smiled. “Wow, it is really nice to meet one of Robbie’s brother’s. I’m so happy for the both of you.” He shook Hal’s hand.

Joe sat down at his desk. “Jess, here, is Robbie’s roommate.”

“Oh yeah?” Hal grinned. “How can you stand him?”

“Oh Robbie’s great. I see him differently than others do.”

Joe grumbled as he rummaged through his desk. “I bet.”

“Huh?” Jess questioned.

“Nothing.” Joe pulled out a requisition. “Fill this out Jess before you take a Jeep. Leave it in the bin at the garage. Keys are there.”

“Got it.” Jess took the requisition. “Ready, Hal? I’m showing you the industrial section. Joe said something about you having some men to work there.”

Hal looked in question to Joe. “I did? I thought it was food preservation.”

“Plastics, metal, food. Same difference.” Joe waved his hand at him. “Get going, Andrea’s gonna want you back and that’s a long ride out there.”

Jess, who was usually more serious, was upbeat and chuckling. He opened the door for Hal. “After you. Wow, all of you Slagels are huge.”

“And handsome.” Hal added as he walked out.

“Of course.” Jess followed and shut the door.

Joe’s eyes looked above his glasses. “Oh, brother.”

“Pap.” Johnny had an odd smile as he pointed. “Is he . . .”

“Clueless. Yes, my sons are clueless.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Think about what I meant.” Joe peered up at Johnny. “And are you just gonna stand there or is your skinny ass getting back to work?”

“Man, Pap, you’re tough. I’m going.” Johnny walked to the door.

“And Johnny. Bev. Get a move on it. I mean it.”

“Patience Pap. Patience.” Johnny held up his hand, fingers spread, and shifted it side to side.

“What? Is that some sort of new retarded hand shake? Why are you waving like that?”

“It’s not a wave. Just showing you my hand.”

“All right.” Joe took his glass off and leaned back. “I’ll bite. Why Johnny, are you showing me your hand?”

“Because soon Bev will be eating right out of it. Trust me.”

“Awfully sure of yourself.”

With arrogance Johnny nodded and opened the door. “I’m a Slagel.”

The door shut and Joe placed his glasses on and leaned into his desk. “Yeah. you are, and what an arrogant, smug, cocky, egotistical bunch you all are.” Joe huffed out a breath. “Where do they get it from?”

^^^^

In Reverend Bob’s office, Dean and Ellen sat on the ‘marital’ couch as Reverend Bob called it. It was a red flowered thing given to him by Danny Hoi. Danny had found it in the office of a church. He called it ‘Godly’ and Reverend Bob called it his own.

“El.” Dean spoke to her while they waited. “I won’t repeat this again.”

“Look at you being all forceful.”

“This is stupid. Now listen to me.”

Ellen began to sing. “Just what makes that little old ant . . .”

“Ellen, I hate . . .”

“Think he could move that rubber tree plant . . .”

“I hate that song.”

“Every one knows an ANT.” She placed her face close to Dean’s. “CAN’T. Move a rubber tree plant.”

“Ellen knock it off.” Dean grew irritated.

“Frank words!” Ellen looked away and sang different words to the melody. “He’s got attitude! Little man attitude. He’s stands, four feet tall and wears geek shoes.”

“You’re not gonna listen are you.”

“So any time you’re feeling low, I want you to know, things  . . .” Ellen’s paused.

“ . . . could be worse, yes they can.” Dean shrugged as he sung the line.

Ellen giggled and looked at him. Then they both sang Frank’s made up line together.

“You could be another Dean attitude man.”

Dean laughed. “God, Frank is weird.”

Ellen sat back on the couch. “Things aren’t the same without him here.”

“No. No one picks on me. Of course I cannot wait to get him home to kill him.”

“For real?” Ellen asked. “Really kill him?”

“Yeah.” Dean nodded. “He stole you out of Beginnings.”

“It’s against the law here Dean.”

“You don’t think I can do it without it looking natural?”

“Yeah, I guess you can.” Ellen nodded. “Just forewarn him. He’d think it was fun, like a game.”

“He would, wouldn’t he?” Dean swayed his head with a smile, then looked up when the office door opened and Reverend Bob walked in.

“Look how happy we look.” Reverend Bob grabbed a folder from his desk. “Just what I want to see.”

Ellen leaned into Dean whispering. “I’m not happy with you at this moment.”

Dean whispered back. “When are you ever?”

“O.K.” Rev. Bob spoke perky and walked to the front of his desk, sitting on it. “Let’s get a relaxed feel shall we? Good. First let me say I’m glad you two decided to get married again. I didn’t perform the last ceremony, but I have an idea on this one and I see no reason why you two should wait to get married. You have children.” He opened up the folder he held.

Dean’s eyes shifted to Reverend Bob’s left hand. It was wrapped in a bandage. “What happened to your hand?”

“Oh.” He held it up, a small spot of blood came from his palm onto the bandage. “I was opening the church relic box Danny brought back and the screw driver slipped.”

“I should take a look at it. When did we last give you a tetanus shot?”

“I think that was two years ago when I stepped on that nail. Remember?”

Dean nodded. “Yes. Sorry. Just curious.”

“No big deal.” Rev. Bob waved his injured hand and began to read the wedding plans and arrangement to Dean and Ellen.

^^^^

Binghamton Alabama

“I trust your opinion, Dr. Morris.” George said to him.

“I realize that and I don’t know how much more I can convince you. I had all that information you gave me about his life. I tried tripping him up. He’s clueless. I believe this may be permanent, Mr. President. Frank may not have the mental capacity to return to normal. His brain, I’ve noticed, is a bit slow intellectually. What you see is what you get with him. His memory is gone.”

“Excellent.” George smiled and he walked to his door. “Frank, come in.”

Frank walked inside and nodded in acknowledgment to Dr. Morris. “You wanted to see me, George.”

“Yes, Frank. I was going over your condition with Dr. Morris. He thinks you’re doing just fine.”

“I am.”

“Yes, I know and the reason I was checking is because I have to leave for a couple weeks. I’ll be back, but important business further east calls me. Dr. Morris, could you . . .”

“Certainly.” Dr. Morris walked to the office door. “Frank, if you need anything, find me.”

“Thank you, sir.”

George waited until they were alone. “There’s problems with these Beginnings people again.”

“I don’t understand why you don’t let me prepare a ground troop to storm in.”

“It’s not that easy. The land is scientifically enhanced. They have a communications center we can’t chance losing. They have capabilities they aren’t aware of. We need Beginnings intact and if we storm in, we can chance losing that.”

“I should know this, huh? Forgive me I’m . . .” Frank pointed to his own head. “Not all there.”

“I completely understand. Now as I said I’m leaving so your CO position takes full effect this evening. You don’t need a memory to run a regiment. You know how to do that and you know what you have to do to rein my men into the best soldiers they can be.”

“You want them tough and skilled, right?”

“Yes.”

“Got it.” Frank closed one eye and nodded.

“And one more thing Frank. We have these men here, prisoners of war you can call them. They are part of this United Western Alliance as they call themselves. They are responsible for killing close to a thousand of our men.”

“Mercenaries? Gorilla type.”

“Exactly. Interrogations are not going smoothly. We need information. You must check on that progress daily. Can I trust you with that?”

“Absolutely,” Frank said with certainty. “I’m your man. Before long, they’ll be talking.”

“Good.” George grinned. “That’s what I wanted to hear.” George saw at the confident look in Frank’s eyes, but they were eyes that were missing something. Memory perhaps. A life he forgot he had. But that worked in George’s favor. Frank still had the qualifications George needed from him. He was skilled, obedient, strong, and strategically smart. Plus one more thing, Frank’s loyalty to the Society.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

“Part of your job Danny as head of Mechanics is being trusted doing this.” Henry led him down the tunnels to the cryo-lab. “This is your job, no one else.”

“How often.”

“Every three to four hours,” Henry answered. “I’m usually up pretty late so if I can, I do the check in the middle of the night. If I can’t, Dean does. In emergencies, when where I can’t or he can’t, security does.” Henry stopped at the cryo-lab door. “Do you have that mask I gave you?”

“Yeah, but why.”

“This is Dean and Ellen’s work and it’s very scientific down here. They’re getting worse. They do shit down here they can’t do upstairs. I wished they would do it at the mobile, but I understand that’s too far.”

“What kind of science shit?”

“Gross scientific shit I can’t figure out the meaning to.” Henry set down his tool bag and opened it. He pulled out a spray bottle.

“What’s that?”

“Smelly stuff I made. It helps. You don’t want to put on your mask?”

“Nah.” Danny shook his head. “I’m tough.”

“O.K.” Henry picked up his tool bag again and punched in his code to the cryo-lab. He opened the door and immediately started squirting. He grunted when he walked in and flipped on the light. “God, can’t they clean up in here?”

“Neat.” Danny looked around. It really was a mess with folders and papers everywhere. Danny walked more around. On a counter Petri-dishes spread out. They grew something in them. He heard the metal banging and he looked to the noise. Across the small lab were six rabbit cages. The rabbits inside bounced high and banged off the cage. They squealed also. “Henry? When, uh, did rabbits start sounding like pigs?”

“Since Dean and Ellen got a hold of them. Don’t ask me. I don’t know what they do to them.”

Danny chuckled as he followed Henry. “Where we going?”

“To a place that used to be my world. They took it over, moving more of their stuff back there. Like they need the . . . aw I told him to move that out of my view.” Henry paused in his walk to the back door. He shuddered at the large jar on the counter.

“Oh my God.” Danny neared the jar with a pink fluid inside.

“They put it there so I can see it.”

“Oh shit.” Danny peered closed to the joined small objects inside the jar. They were about three inches big each. Rabbits conjoined at the head, facing each other, fur-less. Their eyes open as they floated.

“Siamese rabbits. You would have thought Dean hit the lottery when they were born.” Henry pressed numbers into the keypad. “The mother died giving birth to them. Dean wasn’t even experimenting on her at the time. Everyone said he did something to her. Ellen says no.” The door buzzed to the back room and Henry opened it. “This way.”

Danny took one more look. “Did Dean kill them?”

“Oddly enough, no. He tried to keep them alive. He did good for two weeks and they died. They never grew much. It was a funny thing watching them try to move.” Henry shrugged. “So he kept them. That’s his version of formaldehyde.”

Danny followed Henry into the dimly lit back room. The fluorescent light gave some hint.

Henry pulled out his flashlight. “Never turn on a light in here because you never know what Dean and Ellen are growing or making. This way.”

“What are we doing here then?”

“What Dean has in this case is very important. I don’t know what’s in here, but this case gets top priority. There’s two more cases in the other room. We check those twice a day. But this one, we check all the time.” Henry walked behind the case and move it out a foot.. He removed the black cover some and squatted down. He turned on his flash light. “Temperature gauge is here. It’s marked if the temp goes up. See. Can’t go passed this line” Henry showed Danny. “It’s good. Just check the power. Make sure it’s running. It is and then . . .” Henry lifted the clipboard that hung on the back. “You mark the time, initial it and that’s it. Any power problems or temp rises let Dean know immediately. This case has a back up coolant that lasts five hours.”

“Hence the reason for the checks.”

“Exactly.” Henry stood up. “Then just move it back and cover it.”

“Henry?” Danny called as Henry grabbed for the cover. “Is this locked up?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“Who has keys?”

“Dean and Ellen.”

“Did they lose them?” Danny asked.

“No why?” Henry pushed the case back.

“Look. Someone was trying to open this lock.”

“Shit.” Henry swallowed harshly as he shined his flashlight on the case and his fingers moved against the scraped metal by the lock. “Shit.” He closed his eyes and shook his head.

CHAPTER TEN

Beginnings, Montana

Paul had to often wonder if he was chosen for the job because he was a loner or because he was good at it. He debated on it being the latter because it seemed everyone had something to complain about every time he was the disk jockey at a Beginnings occasion. But if they didn’t complain, it wouldn’t be Beginnings. Hal seemed to like it though. He waltzed around with a certain cockiness to him, bobbing his head to the beat as he bounced around, talking to everyone.

Johnny smelled the perfume first as Bev sat next to him. “Go away.” He lifted his drink and not his eyes.

“Really Johnny, you should be nicer if you want me.” Bev trickled her fingers up his arm.

“Bev.” Johnny finally looked at her. “Now see, you act like you got this thing for me.”

“I do.”

“So uh . . . why were you hitting on Dean this afternoon?”

Bev went silent.

“He’s old,” Johnny commented.

“He’s the smartest man in Beginnings.”

“He’s with Ellen.”

“I hate Ellen.”

“So this going after Dean thing is a chick thing?”

“No, there’s a prestige in being with Dean.” Bev told him. “A woman can have more than one man in these times, Johnny. I want Dean too. I’ll get him.”

“See ya.” Johnny stood up.

“Johnny.” Bev grabbed his hand. “There are lots of men in this community that want me.”

Johnny grinned in a sneaky manner. He walked behind Bev and leaned to her, placing his lips near her ear and whispering. “But I know you’re game. You only want the ones that don’t want you. Wanna know why?  We’re the only ones who really got it. Bye, Bev.” Johnny raised his eyebrows quickly, backed up, grabbed his drink, and walked away.

“Frank.” Jenny tilted her head and tucked her red hair as she talked to Hal. “Hal, do you remember me?”

“A little.”

“Because you’re looking at me like you remember me. Anyhow, Frank. Frank. What exactly is it that you want to know?”

“Tell me what I missed knowing about him. What was he like here?”

“Mean,” Jenny stated. “Rough. Loud.” Jenny whistled. “Boy, was he loud. But . . . you have to give it to him. Not all men can dangle from a rope on a flying helicopter, swing down, lift Ellen from the clutches of the SUTs, and carry her off into safety. All with one hand, mind you.”

“Frank did that.”

“And lots more.”

“Thanks, Jenny, for the story.”

“I have more.”

“Maybe another time. Thanks.” Hal moved on. He saw Dean holding a baby. “Dean?”

“Hi Hal.” Dean bounced Nick.

“Who’s kid?”

“Technically?” Dean snickered. “Sperm provided by Henry, but if you ask Frank, it’s his kid. I’m filling in for a while.”

Hal peeked at the baby. “He looks like Henry.”

“Certainly not Ellen.”

Hal’s views quickly moved to her. “Is this common practice in Beginnings to give birth to more than one man’s child?”

“No. It’s Ellen practice.” Dean told Hal. “But we’re all quite used to it by now.”

“Well. you’re getting married to her.” Hal ran his hand over Nick’s head. “I’m sure all of that will change.”

Dean snickered. “Sorry.” He snickered again. His eyes moved to the bar.

Hal checked out where Dean peered. He saw his brother Robbie in dancing with Ellen by the bar. “What is my brother doing?”

“Taking Frank’s place.”

“Excuse me.” Hal moved from Dean and to the bar. He tapped Robbie on the shoulder. “Little brother, can I speak to you?”

“Sure.” Robbie smiled. “Excuse me, El.” Robbie felt Hal’s pull. “Yes?”

“What are you doing?”

“Partying.”

“Ellen is getting married to Dean.”

“Yeah, so.”

“Should you be touching her like that?”

“Um . . . how else should I touch her?”

“Robbie, Dean has every right to get mad.”

Robbie laughed. “Why? He’s used to it. It’s not like El and I . . .” Robbie dropped his voice to a whisper. “Haven’t had sex.”

“You slept with Ellen?”

“Ask her how many times,” Robbie said smugly.

“What about Frank?”

“That would be incest. Kidding. Call it her family obligation.” Robbie saw the offended look Hal gave. “Lighten up Hal. God, I’m joking around with you. Exaggerating? Geez, you haven’t changed one bit. Get a grip. Loosen up. This is Beginnings.” Robbie swatted his brother’s arm and returned to the bar.

“I’m beginning to wonder if it’s Sodom and Gomorrah.”

“Did I hear a Bible reference?”

Hal turned to see Rev. Bob. “Sir?”

“Reverend Bob.” He shook Hal’s hand. “Nice to meet you. I hear you’re asking for Frank stories.”

“You have one?”

“Um ... no. I never liked him much.”

Hal blinked in shock to hear that coming from a man of the cloth.

“Never liked him much.” Jason blew smoke from his mouth as he grabbed his drink, talking to Hal. “Frank was the most arrogant person I knew. Loud too. I never had much tolerance for intellectually challenged individuals so you can say I never had much tolerance for Frank.”

Hal quietly slipped away.

His next stop wasn’t much better. He was warned, but he didn’t heed it. Joe stopped him before Hal approached Ellen and Henry, but Hal went anyhow.

“Oh that is so true,” Henry agreed cheerfully with Ellen. “And what about when he broke down that door and pulled me out of the flames. He brought me back to life.”

“And Hal,” Ellen commented, “Frank wanted no glory. Never does. He only wanted to get laid.” She snickered. “He was such the nick of time guy.”

“Dramatic about it too,” Henry added.

“If he could cut it any closer, he did,” Ellen went on.

“But he showed up, charged in, and saved the day.”

“Like the cavalry.” Ellen pointed to Hal. “Hey! That’s you. Are we boring you, Hal?”

“Um . . .” Hal was trying to catch up to who was saying what. Ellen and Henry talked so fast and so connected that his head spun. “No, go on.” Hal knew that was a mistake as soon as he said it.

“Henry, what about the explosion in the lab? Could he have cut it any closer?”

“I forgot about that. Isn’t that weird? He did cut it close, El. It ended tragically.”

“Yeah it did.”

“What explosion?” Hal asked.

“The one in the cryo -lab.” Ellen answered. “The floor dropped, Frank showed up, and pulled me out. But there was a second explosion.”

“Lucky for you,” Hal commented.

Henry agreed. “Yeah but not for Dean. He was killed.”

Hal looked at Dean. “Dean’s alive.”

“Yeah.” Ellen nodded.

“So he died and you were able to bring him back? He wasn’t injured that bad?” Hal asked.

Ellen shuddered. “Not injured bad? The back of his head was gone. He died all right and he was buried, out in the under developed section. It was sad, wasn’t it Henry?”

“Terrible, El. Terrible. So sad. You were bad.”

“I was out of it. God.”

“Wait.” Hal held up his hand. “I’m confused. How did Dean lose the back of his head and get buried and now he’s walking around? Are you people medically doing something weird.”

“No.” Ellen laughed. “We went back in time and stopped the explosion.”

“Actually,” Henry interjected, “we weren’t supposed to stop the explosion. We were only supposed to get Ellen out of there so she could get the vial with the antidote to save Joe, so he could get Frank, so Frank could save Dean. But Ellen blabbed it to herself.”

“I blabbed.” Ellen nodded.

“No explosion.”

“None.”

Hal’s head hurt from switching. “Time machine?”

“You don’t know?” Ellen asked. “Henry, he doesn’t know.”

“Oh my God, how could Joe not tell you?”

“A time machine.”

“Yes.” Henry nodded. “That’s how Robbie ended up here.”

“He came through the time machine?” Hal asked.

“No.” Henry snickered and nudged Ellen. “Robbie didn’t show up in time to come to Beginnings, so Frank went back in time to get information on the Society but he made a phone call and that made Robbie go to Ellen early.”

“And marry me,” Ellen finished the story.

“You were married to Robbie?” Hal was getting more lost.

“For about ten years,” Ellen said, “but I don’t remember it because it never really happened in my mind. It did in Henry’s mind though.”

“My mind,” Henry said. “See Frank hated the fact that Robbie was married to Ellen but loved the fact that Robbie was here. So, knowing he couldn’t stand being the town drunk or Ellen-less, we all went back in time and stopped him from making the phone call. He mailed a letter instead. Hence Robbie.”

“Hence Robbie.” Hal tossed his hands up. “I’m still confused. A time machine?”

“Henry, he doesn’t believe us,” Ellen said. “You don’t believe us. I know. Jason will show it to you. If it wasn’t for the time machine, we wouldn’t know about the upcoming plague that passed and we wouldn’t have brought back Dean and we probably would have all died.”

“Except for us, El,” Henry added. “We’re immune.”

“Yeah we are. What do you think, Hal?”

“I think I uh . . .” Hal pointed to the end of the bar. “I need a drink. Excuse me.”

Ellen giggled. “He’s cute, Henry.”

“And nice, El. He’s so receptive to our stories. We have to talk to him more often.”

“Oh we do.”

“I’ll be back. I want to get Jason to explain the time machine thing to Hal so he can make sense out of our story later.”

“Good idea. You do that.”

Henry walked toward Jason and Ellen, smiling, faced the bar. As she reached for her drink, she heard that annoying voice.

“For a woman who’s possessive about her man, you certainly leave him alone a lot,” Bev commented.

Ellen ignored her.

“I know you think I’m just trying to get to you but think again. Maybe one morning you should stop by the clinic and see why Dean really leaves for work that early.” Bev reached around Ellen, grabbed a bottle, and poured herself a drink. She giggled. “If you don’t believe me, how else do I know about that crooked appendix scar Dean has?”

As Ellen spun around, Bev walked away. Ellen eyes shifted to Dean across the room.

Joe saw it all as he approached a clueless Dean from behind. “Bev,” he whispered in Dean’s ear. “Perhaps we should suggest to Hal that he take her back to Bowman.”

“Perhaps we should tell her she’s going and drop her off somewhere.”

“Sounds kind of heartless of you, Dean.”

“Yeah well.” Dean turned and faced Joe. “If you think about it, it’s the compassionate thing to do. At least she has a chance at living. She keeps up her antics here, someone will end up stopping her.”

“O.K.” Joe laid a swift hand on Dean’s shoulder. “When’s that wedding of yours, Dean?”

“Five days. Why?”

“Just changing the subject.” Joe lifted Nick from Dean’s arms. “Let me steal him and take him to see Andrea.”

Dean felt empty as Joe snatched the baby and walked away quickly. Dean watched him take the baby to Andrea who handled the baby like only a grandmother could. Then Dean couldn’t help but notice Bev, walking and flaunting herself around. Dean wondered what she said to Ellen. He knew it had to be bad by the way Ellen kept flipping him off every time he looked at her. Knowing it couldn’t possibly be anything true, Dean shrugged it off and did what everyone else seemed to do, seek out Beginnings’ newest celebrate, Hal.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

“Frank, you’re the best. Thanks,” Richie praised in a happy manner.

Frank tossed his burning cigarette on to the grass beyond his front door as they sat on the step. He coughed. “You’re welcome.”

“Wow, the CO’s secretary.” Richie swayed his head in amazement at the title Frank just gave him.

“We start at five tomorrow morning.”

“I’ll be there. Just tell me what you need me to do.”

“Work with me,” Frank told him. “Let me ask you this. How is you rapport with the men here?”

“Frank.” Richie snickered. “You know me. They love me. Love me.”

“Good, I’m gonna need that during training.”

“Gonna get rough?” Richie asked.

“Somewhat, yes.” Frank peered out into the emptiness of the night.

“It’s good to see ya, Frank. It really is,” Richie spoke seriously.

“It’s good to see you too, Richie.” Frank laid his hand on Richie’s back. “Real good.” Frank’s hand slid from Richie and he listened to Richie ramble about old times. Frank didn’t mind. He liked hearing the stories. He really did. And knowing he shouldn’t, Frank lit another cigarette, leaned back on the step, and enjoyed the familiar company.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

They sat on the living room floor of Ellen’s home like the old friends they were, in the late night, after the party was over. Hal on his side, legs extended with Ellen sitting Indian style across from him. They both had coffee mugs on the coffee table and pieces of Andrea’s brownies. They talked and had been for hours.

Hal reached for his coffee, stopped mid-sentence, and raised his eyes when Dean came from his office.

“Night, El.” Dean bent down to Ellen, ran his hand over her head, and kissed her. “Love you.”

“Dream of Bev.”

Dean grunted and walked to the bedroom.

“See, El.” Hal pointed. “This is what I don’t understand.”

“What do you mean?”

“You say you love Frank.”

“I do, more than life itself.”

“But you’re marrying Dean. It’s not natural.”

Ellen smiled. “Yeah, if you think about it, it is. See Dean and I have a relationship. We work as a couple. We click, though right now we’re clashing. But for the most part, we work out. Frank and me, we’re the best of friends and great lovers, but every single time we try to make a relationship work, we fail miserably. We make a better couple when we’re not a couple? Does that make sense?”

“No.”

“It shouldn’t. But bring him home for me, Hal, and you’ll see.”

“I’ll bring him home.”

“I believe that. I wish I could see Frank’s face when he sees you.”

“I’ll tell you all about it.”

“In great detail please,” Ellen said. “You are the writer.”

“Yes I am. Thanks for opening your home to me.”

“Hal, I am so glad you decided to stay here. I have a surprise.”

“You do.” Hal sat up when Ellen did. “What?”

“Be right back.” Ellen jumped up and went down the hall

Hal listened to her thumping feet as she ran, the opening of the door, and Dean’s voice

“El, the light.”

“Shut up, Dean.”

Hal shook his head and smiled when the door closed and Ellen thumped her way back. He looked up to her. “What do you have?”

“Ready?” Ellen looked as if she were up to something. “Check it out.” From behind her back she pulled out a movie. “The Hal movie.”

“The Horse Soldiers.” He stood up, reaching for the tape.

“Yep. Wanna watch?”

“I’d love to but, El, it’s late I don’t want to keep you up.”

“Hal, please.” Ellen took the tape from him and placed it in the player. “We can only use the television for movies anyhow.” She grabbed Hal’s hand and brought him to couch. They sat down. “Let’s see how many of the words we remember.”

With the light out, they slouched down comfortably, leaning towards each other in a way they had done many years before. Somehow the movie was a bit different to them as they viewed it with adult perception. But one thing was the same, the way they mumbled through the lines, saying the words with the actors, surprising themselves on how much they actually remembered of that movie.

^^^^

Though George hated riding the train from hell, he rode it back to Quantico feeling a lot different. The conductor’s blowing of the whistle irritated him less. His mood was up. He was confident, at ease. Even though things were going his way with Frank, he knew that within a couple weeks time, things would go even better. How could they not? He would have Dean.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

September 12

Binghamton, Alabama

“Officer on deck!” Richie called out in the still dark early morning as Frank approached the rows and rows of men who stood outside waiting.

They all stood at attention.

“At ease!” Frank spoke loudly. “Listen up! If you cannot hear me, I suggest you pay attention because I have a big mouth and I will not talk any louder than this.” Frank paced in front of them. “I am your new CO. Colonel Frank Slagel The training you are about to embark on will make you into what you need to be. I can be your best friend or I can be your worst enemy. It’s your choice. Over these next couple weeks of intense physical training, I will get to know each and every one of you personally. Make no bones about it, you’ll get used to seeing this mug.” Frank paused to fix the sloppily tucked in shirt of a soldier who stood in the front line. “You will not be training alone. The extreme physical parts that you will encounter will be totally understood by those higher in rank than you. They will do it before you do it.” Frank looked at the shocked looks on his ten man officer team. “How can we expect you to respect us when you’re doing all the work? Correct?” Frank finally stopped moving about. “What I make you do, I will do. There’s not a mile you will walk or run that I haven’t or won’t. It is your right, gentlemen, if I ask something of you, to ask me to show you that I know how to do it. But let’s get one thing straight. I will know how to do it and if I have to show you . . . you’ll pay for the show. Got that. Now . . . .for the next week or so, you shall resume your duties of putting this base in order. I will assign temporary squad leader positions to replace my officers until my officers have completed the training I require of them. As for now, enjoy your chow . . . dismissed.” Frank turned on heel and walked away.

Lt. Merrick saw the questionable glances given to him by the other officers. Telling them he’d handle it, he went after Frank. “Colonel Slagel.”

Frank stopped walking. “Yes.”

“You . . . you weren’t serious about making us train were you?”

“We went over this before, you and I. Why would I lie? Now I suggest you and your buddies over there chow down and change them clothes. It’s gonna be a hot day.” Frank smiled when he saw the irritated look on Lt. Merrick’s face. “Buck up.” Frank gave a swat to his arm. “It’ll be fun. Think of your training as an adventure at an amusement park.” Frank leaned down to him. “You’re about to enter Frank’s world.” With a shitty grin, Frank turned around and left a speechless Lt. Merrick.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Hal and Josh were both at the house so there was no reason that Ellen couldn’t leave. She walked across the streets of Beginnings. The sun wasn’t up fully, yet Dean had left the house twenty minutes earlier. Perhaps Ellen shouldn’t have let Bev’s words get to her but they stayed with her all night, seeped into her dreams, and went with her to the clinic. Why did Dean go to the clinic so early? Knowing that she probably was wrong, Ellen just needed to go to the clinic and see for herself, settle her mind once and for all. Taking a chance of Dean getting angry for her checking up on him, Ellen entered the quiet clinic and then walked into Dean’s lab. The counter light was on but no Dean. As she turned to leave she heard voices, muffled but close. Zooming her eyes to follow the sound, Ellen spotted the door to the back room. With folded arms she approached the closed door and placed her ear near to it. The voices came from there. “No,” she spoke out loud, grabbed the door handle and turned.

Ellen gasped. Her shock filled voice carried into the room, shocking Dean and Bev who were in there. On the floor, on a make-shift bed, Dean laid on top of Bev. He was shirtless and so was she. Ellen felt crushed and her hurt magnified in her voice. “You asshole.” Ellen slammed the door and walked out. She stopped mid -lab to catch her breath and to slow her fast beating heart.

“El.” Dean’s voice followed the opening of the door again.

Ellen started to leave.

“El, let me explain.” Dean was putting on his shirt as he chased her.

“Explain what?” Ellen spun and faced him. “I knew it.”

“Listen. It’s . . . it’s . . .” Dean ran his fingers through his hair.

“It’s what, Dean? Exactly as I thought?” Ellen tossed her hands in the air. “I feel like such a fool for even believing you. You lied to me, Dean. You lied to me.”

“Yeah so what, El!” Dean yelled back. “How many times have you lied to me? Huh? How’s it feel El? How does it feel.”

“How does this feel, Dean?” With a tightly closed fist, Ellen pulled back, gave it everything she had and delivered a hard blow to Dean’s gut.

Dean’s painful scream and a loud ‘thump’  woke Ellen from her deep dream filled state. She sat up straight in bed, breathing heavily.

“El, you hit me.” Dean looked so confused as he picked himself up from the floor. “God, what the hell were you dreaming about?” He rubbed his shoulder. “You scared me out of bed.”

“How could you do that?”

“Do what?”

“Cheat on me in my dream.”

“What?” Dean ran his hand down his face.

“I hate you.”

“El, you can’t possibly be mad at me over something you dreamt. El?” Dean watched Ellen lay down and pull the covers over her head. “You are.” He sat on the bed.

“Appendix scar.” Ellen said from beneath the covers.

“What?”

Ellen sat up and flung the covers off. She was calmer. “She knows about your appendix scar. She told me that tonight. I guess that’s why I’m mad.”

“How does she know that?”

“I don’t know but it’s driving me nuts.” Ellen laid back down. “Sorry I hit you.”

Dean slipped in bed and laid next to her. “Sorry I cheated on you in your dream. Was I enjoying it?”

“Dean.” Ellen shook her head. “Can you uh . . . do me a favor?

“What’s that?”

“Can you not go to work early today?”

Dean inched closer to her, softening his voice. “Can you give me a good reason to stay in bed that extra hour?” He kissed her.

Ellen laughed.

“What?”

“An hour?” She laughed again. “O.K. sure, Dean. Take your hour.”

Dean smirked. He’d show her. He ignored her insinuations that his lovemaking time would be short and he kissed her. He knew he’d take his hour one way or another even if it meant irritating Ellen with an exaggerated amount of foreplay.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

There was a certain snicker on Frank’s face as he watched the struggle of the ten officers, each of them trying to take that ten foot wall. So pitiful they looked to Frank as they made their mad dash run, ram into the wall, leap and miss for the edge, and fall to the ground.

“Gentlemen. This is not a mountain here. It’s a fuckin’ wall. What’s the problem?”

Lt. Merrick huffed angry and out of breath as he approached Frank. “It’s ten feet tall.”

“Yeah, so.” Frank placed his hands on his hips, looking down to Lt. Merrick. “What’s your point?”

“It’s not that easy lifting yourself over a ten foot wall.”

Frank laughed with a toss of his head.

“Colonel, if it’s so easy, you do it.”

The smile left Frank’s face. “You don’t think I can take that wall? What are you? Fuckin stupid? I’m six foot three.”

“Not with ease.” Lt. Merrick spoke with edge.

“You don’t think. Let me tell you something, little man. I can take the wall with ease. It’s nothing. And when I show you that, you’ll pay.” Frank walked by the arrogant lieutenant and to the group of men trying at the wall. “Back it up. All of you!” Frank waited until the cleared. He stepped back from the wall, not nearly as far as the others did. He looked at it, shook his head in a scoff, and took a two step run. On his third step, he leaped. His hands gripped to the edge and his boot connected center to the wall. Frank lifted himself up without a struggle and hurled himself over the top, landing on his feet on the other side.

“That is how that’s done.” Frank told the officers then looked so perturbed as he walked back to Lt. Merrick. “Now, what is your problem with that wall?” Frank lowered his face close to his. So red, his words so strong.

“Nothing.”

“Good. Now for being an asshole, drop down and give me fifty.”

“Fifty what?”

“Push -ups.”

Lt. Merrick looked at Frank as if Frank were ridiculous. “What, are you nuts? I can’t do fifty push -ups.”

“Then you will stay out here until you learn. And you will do a hundred.”

“You said fifty.”

“I changed my mind. Do it!” Frank pointed and back up. “Now!” He turned his back and walked to the other officers, smiling as he did so.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Johnny sat on one side of the clinic lab while Dean sat on the other. Johnny was engrossed with the microscope, Dean with papers yet they spoke as they worked.

“Johnny you have to get a move on with this Bev thing. If you can’t do it, let us know.”

“Patience, Dean. Patience. Man, you and my Pap. If you want things to turn out right you have to do them right. I’m doing it the right way. But, if you must know, it isn’t gonna make a difference right now. She wants your little body so watch out.”

Dean reviewed the paper he worked on. “Johnny, what do you know about my appendix scar.”

“What do you mean?”

“Did you know I have one?’

“Yes.” Johnny hid his snicker. “And it’s crooked.”

“Thank you.” Dean began to write . “John . . . ny.”

“Why are you writing my name down.”

“If you must know, I’m making a list of everyone that I know who knows about my crooked scar,” Dean answered.

“Why?”

“Because Bev said something about it to Ellen.”

“She . . .” Johnny smiled. “Dean, if you wouldn’t go around dropping your pants in front of Bev, she wouldn’t blab about that scar.”

“What!” With shock, Dean looked up.

Johnny started to laugh. “Sorry. El. I had to see his face.”

Dean turned around on his stool to see Ellen. “God, can he be like Frank.” He stood up. “Hey El.” He brought the paper with him and handed it to her. “Here.”

“What’s this?” Ellen reviewed it.

“A list of names of those who know about my crooked scar. See any of these people could have mentioned it.”

“Why is Josephine on this list? How does she know?”

“I told her about it when I took her appendix out. Remember? You were there. So, this is for you.”

“Thanks.” she handed the list back. “You ready?”

“For what?”

“Clean up. Remember? Joe said if we don’t clean up that cryo-lab, he’s condemning it. He was there checking our case. He said he was entirely grossed out and to get our asses down there now.”

“Oh.” Dean nodded. “He was in here bitching about something. I was busy. O.K., we’ll hide the stuff.” He laid his hand on Ellen’s back as he led her out. “Bye, Johnny.”

“Have fun. And if I see Bev . . .”

Dean was going to say something, but he let it go. He pulled the lab door closed as he stopped in the hall with Ellen. “Did Joe tell you?”

“Boy, did he ever. He went off for about ten minutes, especially about Peter and Bugs, the fused bunnies. I thought . . .”

“No, about why he was really down there.”

“No.” Ellen paused by the front doors. “Why?”

“Get this, to reprogram the keypad so it no longer takes a general security code. Someone tried to break into the Zappa case.”

“Oh my God, Dean. Who?”

“They think whoever it is that’s working for George.”

“Reverend Bob had that wound.”

“Yeah I know. I told Joe.”

“Will he check it out?”

“One of us.” Dean opened the door for Ellen. “We have to watch that case, El. That’s all our special work.”

“I know. No one can know what’s in there. Dean, if they did . . .”

“I don’t want to think about it. Let’s just get down there and clean up.” Shuddering at the thought, Dean placed his hand in Ellen’s and they quickly headed to the cryo-lab.

^^^^

It fascinated Hal. Sitting on the hood of the Jeep, he watched Frank’s men train in the security training area. With his feet rested on the bumper, Hal placed his elbows on his knees and ran his cupped hands under his chin as he watched. They did some sort of technique Hal wasn’t quite familiar with but he knew he’d find out soon when the clipboard appeared under his nose. Hal looked up to Dan who presented it.

“Thought you’d like to see our schedule.”

“I would.” Hal smiled and took it. “Thanks. So you’re running training?”

“For Robbie. This is just practice.”

“What exactly are they . . .” Hal’s speech slowed down. “. . . practicing.” He checked out the schedule. “Neck snapping technique 12?”

“Yes.” Dan explained. “It’s where you have your enemy on the ground and you use your foot to turn the chin at just the right angle. It has to be done quickly or it only causes a severe sprain.”

“Technique 12?”

“One of Frank’s favorites.”

“So Frank came up with this? If this is technique 12, exactly how many neck breaking techniques did my brother come up with?”

“I believe twenty-seven.”

Hal mouthed the words, ‘twenty-seven’ and turned his head to the side in shock.

“So how long are you watching?” Dan asked.

“Well I was going to stay, but I think I’ll come back up for this one here.” Hal pointed as he handed the schedule back to Dan. “It surprises me that Frank trains that.”

“Oh that’s a Robbie addition. He thought that would be . . . how did he put it? Neat?”

“So my little brother came up with the name.”

“Oh no.” Dan shook his head. “The name ‘learn with Mr. Kung Fu’ says it all. That’s a Danny Hoi thing. He teaches it. Hal, you picked a fun day to watch training. Frank always designated Thursdays as free for all days where the training is different.”

“Fun days,” Hal stated. He thought about the activity training for the day. Neck breaking. Kung Fu. Killing with an assault weapon without using a bullet. Disemboweled in one easy movement. When he reviewed the list in his mind, it was pretty clear to him. From what he learned of Frank lately, yes, his big brother would designate these things as ‘fun’.

^^^^

“Sorry I’m late.” Dean barreled into Joe’s office, stopping cold when he saw Henry behind Joe’s desk. “Henry, what are you doing there?”

“Joe said to sit here,” Henry answered.

Dean looked at Joe who sat in Henry’s spot. “Joe, doesn’t that bother you?”

“Yes, but sit down so we can do this thing. Did you clean up that pigsty?”

“You mean the lab?” Dean sat down. “Yeah, spic and span.”

Henry let out a long sigh. “Thanks for making him do that, Joe. Did you see that jar?”

“Yes, Henry, I saw it.”

Robbie snickered. “What jar? What’s in the jar?”

Henry looked so disgusted. “Those Siamese twin rabbits.”

“I thought they died,” Robbie said.

“They did,” Henry commented. “Dean has them in formaldehyde.”

“Cool.” Robbie nodded his head. “Can I see them Dean?”

“Sure,” with a shrug, Dean answered.

Joe felt less in control than when he sat behind the desk, but he didn’t sound it. “Can we please just do this? Thank you. Now, Reverend Bob is why we’re here. Henry, you spoke to Danny?”

“Yes, Joe.” Henry nodded. “He did give Rev. Bob a relic box and it was locked. However Danny couldn’t confirm where he had it.”

“Good.” Joe jotted down on his paper. “We have to find that box and check it out. If he struggled with the lock, there has to be signs of it.”

Robbie had a look of disagreement. “Yeah, but if he’s guilty, wouldn’t he cover his ass? I mean, I would.”

“You would,” Henry interjected.

“Shut up, Henry.” Robbie continued. “Anyhow, it’s not concrete enough to eliminate him as the one going after Dean’s things.”

“Here’s the question on my mind,” Henry stated. “Why is he going after Dean’s case? What can be so important in there that he would go after it?”

Joe knew the answer to that question. It was simple and he couldn’t share it with Henry. If it was George’s person going after the case, then George’s person was going after the virus that Dean threatened him with. “Embryos.” Joe spoke up. “No one but Dean knows where those damn embryos are. After speaking to Hal and finding out how George farms his population, I’m gonna say it’s the embryos.”

“Joe.” Henry looked astonished. “Oh my God, that is really good thinking.”

“I’m smart, Henry.” Joe grumbled. “Blood. Dean?”

“Huh . . .” Dean was still stuck on Joe’s last sarcastic comment. “Sorry. No blood at the lab. El and I checked. If Reverend Bob injured his hand at the lab we thought there would be some blood. It was bleeding pretty bad. But . . . nothing. Floor’s clean.”

“When?” Joe asked sarcastically. “When is that floor clean?”

“Joe, please,” Dean scoffed.

“No, Dean, I’m dead serious here. I’m terrified of what you two are doing in that lab. Files, our files are brought down there. Blood samples. You only let people in there when you need them to do something normal for you. And it smells Dean. What in Christ’s name is that smell down there?”

“Smell?” Dean was confused. “What smell is down there?”

“Rotten. Sulfur. Dean, you name it, it stinks.” Joe rambled.

“Oh.” Dean shrugged. “Sorry. I must be used to it. Can we get back to Reverend Bob?”

Joe grunted slightly. “All right. This recent incident has only told me we need to move. So we will. Henry, you have to lay low while this transition thing is happening but the rest of us don’t. I divided up our five suspects between the three of us. Bev, now we have Johnny working on her. I’ll keep working on Johnny and the little trailing reports I get on a daily basis will keep her on check for the investigation.” Joe saw Henry raise his hand. “Yes, Henry?”

“Who’s trailing her?”

“I’d rather not reveal that to anyone. I have three little spies around here. They help out. Cole, now, I can handle Cole and even though Henry is laying low, he can help. Henry, you need to befriend him especially since you’ll now be working closely to him.

“Aw Joe,” Henry whined. “He is such a pervert. I really don’t like him.”

“Tough. Be his pal. I’m definitely going to take Andrea. I’ll pay more attention to what she says, keep my eyes out. Talk to her, probe her . . . . Robert.” Joe scolded at Robbie’s snickering. “. . . and see what I can find out. Dean, you have Jason. Medically you have reasons to be around him. If you don’t, find them.”

“Got it,” Dean agreed. “I have a feeling if he has anything, it’s in his lab.”

“I have to say you’re right,” Joe stated. “So maybe some interest in the time machine may not be a bad idea . . . Robbie, Reverend Bob is your man. You concentrate on him, check him out.”

“Dad? Um, I can do that, but uh, what is my reason for getting close to him? All of you have reasons.”

Joe grinned. “You my boy, are thinking of turning a new leaf. A Christian leaf.”

“I’m what?” Robbie was nearly shocked from his chair. “How am I supposed to explain that?”

“You’re a bright boy. You’ll figure it out. And speaking of bright boys.” Joe stood up and laid the tablet on the desk. “You boys can finish up. I have to seek out my other son and save him from the clutches of the people in this community.” He moved to the door. “With him wandering around here, it’s actually frightening to think who can corner him.” Joe shuddered as he left.

^^^^

“Oh History can be fun and exciting,” Trish told Hal so upbeat. “This is where it all begins you know.”

“You don’t say.”

“I did say.”

“Tell me how do you stop people from deleting things or adding things that aren’t true?”

“It’s password protected and write protected. We change it daily, Joe and I. I, myself, place every single entry into the computer.”

“Is it just for records then?” Hal asked.

“No, we have a viewing computer too, where you can view history. Sometimes I’ll print it up. We have a book at the library.”

“Could I see the system?”

“Oh sure.”

“Thanks.” Hal grinned and waited. He watched Trish sit back down behind her desk. “What are you doing?”

“Setting you up an appointment.” She pulled out her purple appointment book. “When’s good for you?”

Hal was speechless. “I can’t see it now?”

“Oh, no. Everyone must have an appointment.” Trish flipped open the book. “How’s tomorrow at ten sound?”

“Um . . . good.” Hal watched her write his name down. “Efficient how you run this.”

“People get so perturbed with me because I make them schedule time.”

“I don’t understand why.” Hal was serious. “This is one place you can’t let get out of control. It could if it gets too crowded with people viewing history.”

“Oh thank you. Tell that to the next person that complains.” Trish looked up when the history door reopened. “And speaking of that person, you’re late Danny Hoi. I’m going to have to reschedule.”

Danny laughed at her. “Hey, Hal. Trish, what else do you have to do today?”

“Nothing.”

“Then you’ll meet with me.”

“You are so bossy.” Trish tsked. “Hal, Danny is starting the Beginnings’ Times.”

“No to be confused with dinosaurs,” Danny added. “A newspaper. Trish has to be involved because she is history. It’s a new way to keep track. Hey!” Danny snapped his finger. “Robbie gave me some of your short stories you wrote years ago. Would you be interested in being the Bowman Correspondent for our paper?”

“Really?” Hal was honored.

“Yeah,” Danny answered. “You’ll have to write something every day and you can radio it in to me or Trish. She’s my secretary.”

Trish shook her head. “Don’t ask me how I got roped into that. As if I’m not busy enough all day around here.”

Danny looked at the empty room and at Trish’s desk. The half eaten lunch, the cookies, and the books she was reading were all signs of how busy she was. He flipped open the history appointment book. “Gosh, you make me feel guilty for doing this to you, Trish. Anyway, Hal? Will you?”

“Yes, I’d love that. Not much exciting happens in Bowman.”

“Make it up,” Danny told him. “We won’t know.”

Hal snickered. “How about I just see what I can do.”

“Sounds good.” Danny shrugged. Trish sighed in disgust when the history door opened.

“God, can people stop coming in here?”

Joe gave a stern look to her then to his son. “Hal, can I steal you? There’s a few things I want to talk to you about.”

“Sure Dad.” Hal lifted his hand, waved to Danny and Trish, and left the office with Joe.

“Sorry you were in there with Trish for so long.”

“Trish?” Hal was surprised. “She’s a delightful woman, Dad. Really, you need to come to Bowman and see our women then you’ll truly appreciate what you have here.”

“You don’t say. Well, I don’t think you want me to meet these women of yours.”

“Why is that?” Hal asked.

“Because.” Joe explained. “If they’re like you describe, I won’t be as nice as you.”

On his father’s comment, Hal smiled.

^^^^

“So you see Reverend Bob.” Robbie spoke as he and the Reverend walked around the tiny park center town, no bigger than the first floor of a home. Yet they strolled on the small path like many others did, like it was a huge park. “With my new mom so religious. I wanna make a good impression.”

“I must say, Robbie, this surprises me. I’ve seen you at service twice.”

“Really?” Robbie was shocked. “I’m sure I was there more. You may not have seen me.”

“I doubt that.”

“Anyhow, I’ll be attend . . . attending service regularly. Maybe I can be your grown up altar boy.”

“This is non-denominational Robbie.”

“Oh.” Robbie paused to think. “Assistant.”

Reverend Bob stopped walking. “If you are really serious about this, stop by tonight and we’ll set up Bible meeting times.”

“For what?” Robbie asked.

“To get you to learn the Bible.”

“Oh I know the Bible well,” Robbie lied, “so we can skip over that.”

“No we can’t. No one can read or learn the Bible too much. You agree with that, don’t you?”

“Absolutely.” Robbie nodded, turned, and winced.

“Good.” Reverend Bob grabbed hold of Robbie’s arm. “I can use a ministry assistant. No one really has ever expressed interest in that since Reverend Thomas went bad. With the town growing and this new connection with your brother’s town, it’ll be great to teach you and have you aboard. Thanks, Robbie.”

“Yeah.” Robbie was stunned as Reverend Bob walked away. “Ministry assistant. What the hell is that?” He scratched his head.

^^^^

There was a nice number in containment. Eight with two who were ready to leave, one was in transition, and three who were too new to consider leaving. The last two were what Ellen called residents, off their rocker too much to mingle, yet non-violent. Equivalent to mental patients in the old world.

Ellen sat at her desk doing her daily ‘stupid’ reports, lying to get them done quicker because she just didn’t want to think. She kept dropping her pencil and rubbing her hand that burned, a result of an experiment spillage she and Dean had when they cleaned. She knew she’d have to tell Dean their equivalent to BEN GAY that they were working on, was just was to potent. Ellen swore she could feel it hitting her bone. Waiting for it to subside, hoping it would, she returned to her reports.

“Ellen!” A survivor named Moe burst into her office.

“What’s up.”

“That new guy, Jerry.”

“Jeremy,” Ellen corrected.

“Yeah, him. He’s choking really bad. He’s blue.”

Ellen’s chair flew to the floor as she sprang up from her seat, grabbed her radio, and followed Moe to the dining area right next door.

Jeremy was turning blue. He thrashed about in a panic, stumbling and nearly falling. Handing her radio to Moe, Ellen raced to Jeremy. His tossing arms connected with the side of Ellen’s face. It stung but with all her strength she tried to get behind him.

“Someone hold down his arms!” Ellen cried out, keeping her face close to Jeremy’s back as she wrapped her arms around his front, locking her wrists into his gut.

Two men interjected, grabbing hold of Jeremy.

“Moe, press channel . . .” Ellen brought her hands inward hard. “Two . ‘. that’s Mark out front.” Again, Ellen attempted the Heimlich maneuver. Nothing. “Tell him I need him.” With a grunt Ellen tried again. “What was he eating? Someone tell me.”

“A plum,” a man answered.

Ellen felt Jeremy’s legs weaken and the weight of his body fall into hers. Quickly she moved from behind him, grabbed hold of his arm as he fell to the floor. The force of his weight and fall brought her down with him. “Damn it.” Ellen felt for a pulse. She saw no movement. No signs of breathing.. She straddled over his thighs and placed her locked hand above his belly button. She applied pressure. Nothing again. “Moe, give me the radio.”

As Moe handed it over, Mark, the guard, barreled in.

How long had Dean and Henry been in Joe’s office? They had gone off the track about suspects and onto childhood stories, but they laughed a lot and the laugher stopped when Ellen’s panic call came over the radio.

“Dean. Dean, where are you?”

Dean fumbled with Henry’s radio that set on the desk. “Right here. What’s wrong?”

“I need you at the clinic. Andrea is taking care of an emergency and Jason is too far. I have a chocking victim, Dean. We’re running to the clinic now.”

Dean jumped from his seat. “What’s his condition?” He bolted to the door.

“He’s unconscious, cyanotic, and his pulse is nearly zilch. Shit. We’ve lost him”

There was static over the radio and both Dean and Henry fled from the office.

Jeremy’s body made a crashing sound as Robbie and Mark dropped him on the already waiting Gurney by the clinic door. Melissa stood by. Ellen’s hand stayed on Jeremy’s throat. “Melissa, any luck with Andrea?”

“No.” Melissa helped Ellen and Robbie wheel the cart. “She said a few more minutes.”

“He doesn’t have a few more minutes. Do you have a room prepped?”

“O.R. Two.” Melissa answered as they raced down the hall. “IV, surgical tray, trachea tube.”

“Robbie I need you to tell Dean I am in O.R. Two,” Ellen instructed as the hit the O.R. doors. “Tell him I need him as soon as he gets here.”

“Got it, El. Good luck.”

Ellen and Melissa crashed open the OR doors, pushing the cart toward the center.

“Melissa, we don’t have time for a transfer. Wipe down his neck and drape him. Then hook him up.” Ellen flew to the sink and washed up quickly. She shook the water from her hands and took no time to put on gloves. She grabbed the surgical tray in her run to the cart, sliding to a stop when she reached Jeremy.

“Ellen, there’s no pulse.” Melissa hooked up his heart monitor.

“Prepare for defibrillation and get me one CC of P.C.R.S.” Ellen grabbed the scalpel. “We’re going in.” Ellen’s hands probed Jeremy’s neck. “I can feel the plum pit. It’s lodged in there good.” Taking a deep breath Ellen felt for the criciod and thyroid cartridge and she made small incision below where she knew the pit was lodged. The blood of the incision seeped across her fingers. “Small clamp. I see it.” Ellen blind, laid the scalpel down and reached for another clamp. “Melissa, get the tube ready. This is lodged good.” Sweating some from nervousness, Ellen braced the small pit. “His trachea is swollen, shit.” She bit her bottom lip as she dislodged the pit and tossed it on the tray. Taking the tube from Melissa, Ellen placed it in the airway opening she made in Jeremy’s neck. “Were in. Let’s bring him back.” Ellen looked up to the clock. “Four minutes. Fuck it. Give me the P.C.R.S.” Ellen held out her hand and Melissa laid the readied syringe in it.

Out of breath, Dean raced into the clinic, he saw Robbie. “Which room?”

“O.R. Two.”

“Thanks.” Dean sped in that direction. His hair and coat flapping about, his tennis shoes making that squeak against the floor. Flush both his hands were upon the door as he flung it open, only to be greeted by the looks of Ellen and Melissa as they stood over Jeremy whose heart monitor beeped strongly. Both Melissa and Ellen showed signs of performing surgery neither of them were physically prepared for. Blood covered their clothing and their hands as they wound down the procedure.

Dean moved to the sink and washed up. He dried his hands and placed on gloves. He moved closely to the table, his eyes held a look of astonishment. “Ellen,” he spoke her name softly. “You did a cricothyroidotomy.”

Ellen looked frightened. She swallowed harshly. “I’m sorry, Dean. The pit was lodged. I couldn’t get it out with the Heimlich. I may have panicked but I don’t think I did any damage to his larynx.”

“He was dead, Dean. Dead,” Melissa spoke with some defensiveness to her tone. “Ellen saved him so don’t yell at her. She did good. His throat swelled up and it was really lodged. I saw.”

“No.” Dean closed his eyes and slightly smiled. “No.” He kissed Ellen. “My God, did you do well.”

“I did?”

“She did?”

“Yes.” Dean answered.

Both women looked at each other.

Dean reviewed what Ellen had done and how she finished up Jeremy. “I’m very proud of you. I am.” He kissed her on the cheek. “I’ll just leave you to finish.”

“Dean,” Ellen called to him as he started to leave. “Where are you going?”

“This is your baby. You’re doing really well. Finish it up and start a chart.”

“Will you check him later?” Ellen asked. “What if I screwed up?”

Dean winked at her. “I doubt it, but Andrea or I will review. Find me when you’re done.” Dean opened the O.R. doors. “Ladies, good job.” He took off his gloves, tossed them in the trash, and left.

Ellen let out a loud ‘whew’ when Dean was gone. “I thought he was mad.”

“Me too,” Melissa said. “I mean, you cut into a person without a doctor here.”

“Tell me about it.”

“I wouldn’t have let you take the blame alone, Ellen.”

“Thanks.” Ellen smiled. “O.K., now that the nervousness is over, let’s finish him up. I think I need a drink.”

“You don’t drink anymore.”

“Then you’ll have one for me.”

Melissa nodded. “After this. You bet.”

^^^^

The contract was neatly handwritten. Joe expected no less from his son, Hal. Sitting at his desk, flipping through each anally laid out page of negotiation, Joe would peer up to his son who slumped in the chair across from him. “I cannot believe you wrote up a contract to present to Beginnings.”

“I told you I didn’t want to show that to you.”

Another flip of a page from Joe. “I can’t believe you wrote up a contract for Beginnings.”

“Dad. How was I supposed to know you were running the show?”

“A contract.” Joe closed his mouth and tilted his head. “I see it’s binding for two years and can be renegotiated at either party’s decision.”

“Dad.”

“Hal.” Joe laid down the contract. “Bottom line. You have the manpower and you can come up with the resources to provide and survive. But! You don’t want to expend your energy on it because you feel you should concentrate that energy elsewhere, like . . .” Joe bobbed his head in a nonchalant. “Getting back the country. Cleaning up the mess. Stopping the Society. And basically playing cowboys and Indians in a post-apocalyptic world. Correct?”

“Um . . . yes. With building of the forces to eventually make this country free again.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Joe waved his hand and put on his glasses. “Building your forces how?”

“Like I have been. Defectors, survivors, and we know how to make those Zombie type soldiers semi-normal again. We regiment them and retrain them. It takes about two weeks.”

“We can do that in about thirty seconds. How many you looking at getting?”

“As many as we can. As many as it takes to break the Society and clean up the animals like the savages.”

“In order to build forces like that, you have to feed them, cloth them, house them, etc.”

“I know.” Hal nodded. “I’ve been doing good.”

“But you can’t keep it up.”

“Not if I want to concentrate on my army, no.”

“As you know, Beginnings has the industrialization and farming capabilities to provide for more that can stay behind these walls. Right now we run it at a skeleton staff and it works. Providing for more people means I need more workers.”

“Just let me know.”

“I will,” Joe said. “I won’t take anymore than I need. Some times during the year it will be more than others. If the bulk of your people are sustaining the center line and keeping the Society as minimal over here as possible, then you got our gratitude and our help.”

“Thanks.”

“Now.”

“Uh-oh.”

Joe smiled. “No more father to son talking.”

“That was father to son talking?”

“All right smart ass. Leader to leader right here. Cards on the table.” Joe leaned into his desk. “By joining forces with Beginnings, you are saying you want to become a subsidiary of Beginnings. Correct?”

“Yes.”

“Then you shall be. But . . . just like in the old world, you may govern your little town under local law, but consequently you will have to be under Beginnings law.”

“So what you’re saying is I may run Bowman, but you run me?”

Joe sat back in his chair and smiled. “Or, you know, whoever the leader may be at the time.”

“We expected that,” Hal said. “When we discussed coming to Beginnings, we knew asking for help meant being part of Beginnings. If we didn’t want that, we wouldn’t have come to you. And Dad, you heading this place gives me that much more confidence in joining forces.”

“Thank you. Next.”

“There’s more?”

“Oh yes.” Joe smiled. “Not bad. Here’s an idea I want you to think about. O.K.? Our resident, Mr. ‘Everything’, Danny Hoi, brought something to my attention. Growth. This was before you came to me with this. Beginnings is a safe haven. We now have technology that safe guards us for miles. We spoke of eventually, with growth, of taking advantage of the small towns that are near to Beginnings. When we get too many here, we can fill the smaller towns,  expand our tracking system, and link them together so we can protect anyone that resides outside these walls.”

“Little suburbs.”

“Exactly.”

“So . . .”

“So, if you are under Beginnings rule, then officially you are going to be in our best interest. Like those who live here, we will want nothing to happen to you. If Bowman sustains a major Society attack, how are you going to see it coming? Tower guards will work, but not for miles. What if you need an air strike to help you out? Could happen, we had that here. Four hundred soldiers stormed Beginnings a month ago. We took out eighty percent before they even reached within a mile of our gates. If this happens to you, what are you gonna do? You can radio us but by the time we get Robbie and our choppers there, it could be over and a blood bath. Hence a lot of our people, your people, are gone.”

“I know this.”

“Hal.” Joe was firm. “If we work together then we have to look out for each other’s best interest. I cannot do that when you are a hundred miles away.”

“You want us to move base.”

“Can you?”

“We could.” Hal rubbed his chin. “It would be a lot of work.”

“Yes it would,” Joe told him. “Sacrifice fifty men and put them to work on a small town before winter starts. You worry about the training and running your place. We’ll help your fifty men get things going there. Clean up, communication set up, housing, security, electricity, running water, everything. When it’s situated, then you come up. It won’t take long.”

“Can I pick the town?’

“Certainly. The move will be a lot of work, Hal, but it will be worth it. We can transport what you need easily and safely and you’ll be close enough, if need be, to retreat behind these walls.”

Hal nodded. “When I return, I’ll start preparations right away.”

“Good boy.” Joe took off his glasses. “And we don’t need a damn contract either.” He moved the paper back to Hal and extended his hand to his son. “Captain Slagel, Beginnings welcomes you and your people.”

Hal smiled as he firmly shook his father’s hand. “Thanks, Dad.”

“Now before you leave Beginnings, make sure you see Danny Hoi. He has a map of several areas he has already picked out.”

“He sound like he’s on the ball.”

“Oh he drive me insane. He told me his next civilization move is recreating television. Bet me the first show is the Danny Hoi show.” As they laughed about it, there was a light tap on Joe’s door. Joe looked up. “Come in Dean.”

Dean walked in. “Joe can I speak to you a second please?”

“Sure. Is there a problem?”

“You can say that.” Dean answered. “It’s with Ellen.”

Hal began to stand. “I should leave.”

“No.” Dean held out his hand. “It’s all right. Joe, Ellen’s been doing things lately. When the UWA soldier came in, she upped his antibiotic, changing everything. Twice last week she fiddled with batch formulas on specimens. Today she performed a cricothyroidotomy. In other words, we had a choking victim and she made an incision in his throat so he could breath.”

Joe let out a breath and ran his down his face. “Oh boy. She’s over stepping her boundaries. I’ll speak to her.”

“No, you’re getting me wrong, Joe,” Dean said.

Joe looked in surprise. “What?”

“Ellen . . . Ellen deserves more than a nurse’s recognition. We’ve blown her off. We made Andrea a doctor. Why? Because she had experience and knowledge. Well Ellen has it too and she has it in more ways than Andrea could ever have it. Ellen can cure things. Beat things. Work on virus and infection strains like no one I’ve seen. I’m leaving Beginnings, Joe. You know that. I don’t know for how long and if my research is going to be placed in the hands of any doctor while I’m gone, I want it to be the doctor that I know will work on it as well as I can. Ellen.”

Joe looked in such debate. “I hear you, Dean, but let’s look at this. All right. This is Ellen. Is she gonna do those reports? What about containment? I can’t lose her there. She’s the only one that does it that well.”

“Come on, Joe.” Dean spoke with some complaining. “She can still be in charge of containment, but she doesn’t have to be in there six to eight hours every day. How about three and the rest is spent in the lab working on our stuff because we have things that will need constantly attended. We aren’t working on the needs of the immediate. Hell, we are constantly working on the needs of the future plus stupid other chemical shit I have to mix up for this community.”

“O.K.” Joe held up his hands. “I’m not meaning to argue with you, Dean. I’m just bringing up arguments. We have you, Andrea, Jason, and Johnny in training.”

“Johnny is being trained to be an all around. Ellen will be more like me. More on the biological side with a few steady patients.”

“I understand. But what about when you come back?” Joe asked. “What then? Do we need five doctors in a town with not even two hundred people?”

“No,” Hal interjected. “But you no longer have two hundred people Dad. You now have close to seven. Remember? I’m sorry, maybe I’m over stepping my boundaries, but may I make a suggestion?”

Joe held out his hands. “Be my guest.”

“Thanks. We have a doctor in Bowman. One. He never had the schooling but experience and books taught him. We don’t have a research doctor like Dean. We don’t have anyone that can try different things on our people to help them, like antibiotics, anti-infectives. Well, what about with the town eventually moving closer? What about Ellen being the traveler?”

Dean snapped his finger. “Excellent idea. Joe, it’s excellent. Not that I like the idea of Ellen traveling back and forth, but it would be good for her and Bowman. I’m sure they don’t have the technology we have or the medications.”

“We don’t,” Hal said.

“Joe, we can have Ellen set their doctor up. She can teach him about our meds. She can be his link and his answers when he needs them. Because I’m gonna tell you, Joe, if there’s an infection, Andrea and Jason will shoot from the hip, upping the medication until it works. Ellen, she’ll examine it under a microscope, run it through the programs here that she knows, test it and pin point what they need. She can do that.”

Joe leaned back in his chair. “If I do this, when you get back, he has to break from her research with you and dedicate time to helping Bowman no matter where they are. They have more people than us. That will be her job.” He saw Dean nod in his agreement. “If I get agreement from council, she will be a research doctor only with minimal patient contact. She has zero bedside manner with anyone she knows. With strangers, she’s good.” Joe paused in silence. “I’ll get a hold of Andrea and Henry and get Jason to advice on this also. Can you be here in an hour?”

“Absolutely.” Dean smiled. He laid his hand on a sitting Hal’s shoulder. “Thanks for your input.”

“Hey, we need help in Bowman too. I’d like to have some security in the fact that we may not have to send our people here for everything.”

“Dean.” Joe spoke up. “Let me ask you this. You’ve never brought this up before. Ellen did once and you laughed. Why the change?”

“Honestly?” Dean spoke softly. “I’m proud of her, Joe. I looked at her today and I realized how proud I was of her and everything she learned. And I guess another part of me want to be secure in the fact that if this town loses one Dr. Hayes, it certainly will have another Dr. Hayes standing right by.”

Joe took in Dean’s words and to Joe, no more needed to be said.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Beginnings, Montana

Ellen didn’t hear Dean coming. She wouldn’t have. Unless Dean was running in the halls of the clinic, those high top canvas tennis shoes barely made a sound. It was evening. Perhaps Ellen was too engrossed in Jeremy who was still sedated following his surgery. She checked his IV and vitals then turned when she heard the clearing of a throat. “Hey.” She smiled and saw Dean standing in the door way, leaning on it in his usual ‘one hand in the front pocket of his jean’ stance.

“El.” Dean’s hand ran slowly through his hair. “It’s almost seven. You think you might want to come home.”

“I’m sorry. Didn’t Josh tell you. I had work to finish up at containment. In the cryo I started, well, the specimens on . . . you know and, I wanted to check him.”

“He told me.” Dean walked in and up to Ellen. He kissed her on the cheek. “I just came to get you. I thought we’d walk home together.”

“That would be nice.” Ellen grabbed Jeremy’s chart.

“How’s he doing?”

Ellen handed him the chart. “Good I guess. I bet he feels neglected. Me, Patrick and Melissa have been the only ones who have checked on him.”

Dean reviewed the chart. “I see you’ve been in here three times.”

“Yeah. Sorry. I figured with Cindy having the miscarriage complications, Andrea was wrapped up in that. Wasn’t that awful? She really wanted to have that baby.”

“Yeah it was. Tell me why he was given a sedation at one and then at six.”

“Um. Sorry. No one was around and he was agitated with the tube.” Ellen indicated to her own neck. “He kept touching it and seemed uncomfortable. I thought a mild sedation would help instead of having him cause more damage than I already did. Sorry.”

“Not a problem. Ready?” Dean closed the chart.

“Ready.”

Dean carried the chart as they left the room. He laid it at the nurses’ station and walked side by side with Ellen as they left the clinic.

Once outside, Ellen felt Dean’s hand slip into hers. She smiled, thinking how teenage and nice it was. It was a little bit chilly out, but a nice evening walk home.

Dean stopped with Ellen at the front door. He faced her. “How tired are you?”

“Why?”

“Curious.”

“Why?”

“Ellen.”

“Why?”

Dean smiled. “Forget it.” He laid his hand on her cheek and kissed her.

“I knew it.”

“What?”

“It was a sex question thing, wasn’t it? It was your way of . . .”

Dean’s hand covered her mouth and he opened the front door.

Ellen slid her hand from his as she stepped inside. Joe, Robbie, Andrea, Hal, and Henry were there along with all the kids. “What’s going on? What happened?”

Dean closed the door. “You can say a family dinner.”

“Oh.” Ellen giggled. “That’s what you meant outside. Dean that’s OK, My family can be here anytime. If I don’t want them to, I’ll tell them to leave. Hey, Joe.” Ellen walked up to him and kissed him on the cheek. As she went to step back, he grabbed her hand.

“Ellen.” Both of Joe’s hands held her. “I want you to know how proud I am of what you did today.”

“Thanks. What did I do?”

Joe rolled his eyes.

Andrea spoke up. “With the survivor. Saving him and performing the emergency surgery.”

“Oh.” Ellen nodded. “Thanks.”

Joe motioned his head to Hal and Hal stood from the couch.

“El” Hal said, “you know Beginnings is so lucky to have the medical technology it has. Bowman needs that. We have a doctor, but we can use the help. Another doctor, especially with our men that we send here.”

“Dean will be happy to help. Andrea’s great too.”

“Actually.” Hal scratched the bridge of his nose. “I was hoping you would tell me you would be able to make some trips here and there down to Bowman to help out and come down with me when I go home to get us set up with the meds and such.”

“Um.” Ellen shifted her eyes. “I’d be happy to but I’m not a doctor. I can help though. What about Jason? He really doesn’t do much around here except play with his time machine and help occasionally at containment and the clinic.”

“I would like you,” Hal said. “It would be great to have my ‘sister’ visit me.”

“O.K.” Ellen shrugged. “If Joe lets me. I have to warn you, my recent trips beyond the wall have been disastrous, so I may insist Robbie escort me.” She winked at Robbie. “He makes me feel safe. No offense to you, Hal.”

“None taken.”

Ellen went to turn back to Joe to ask if it was all right and was surprised when Dean neared her with a small wrapped box. “What’s this?” She tilted her head in question.

“For you.”

Ellen held it. “Why am I getting a gift? It’s not a anniversary.” She started to shake the tiny box that fit in her hand. “I wonder what . . .”

“Ellen!” Joe yelled. “Open the goddamn gift.”

Immediately Ellen unwrapped it and exposed the small velvet box. “I’ve seen this box before. Where?” She flipped open the lid. “Now I know.” She raised her eyes to Dean. “Your medical insignia pin. Why are you giving it to me?” She held it up. “It’s yours.”

Dean shook his head. “It’s yours. I want you to have it.”

“Like an engagement ring? Oh.” She smiled. “How original.”

Joe’s moan was the loudest. “Ellen, aren’t you getting what we’re saying or implying here.”

“Yes.” Ellen said. “We’re having an engagement party.”

Everyone tossed their hands up.

“Ellen.” Dean laid his hands on her shoulders. “You have been a nurse for a really long time. You have been my research assistant since we’ve got here. Lately over the past two years you have become my research partner. I have worked with doctors with so much education that didn’t know half as much as you.”

“Aw.” Ellen smiled. “That’s sweet. Isn’t he sweet? Thanks, Dean. That’s a hell of a compliment. Thanks. Is that why I got the pin?”

“Yes,” Dean answered. “Because none of us can give you the sheet of paper that says degree in medicine. That is the symbol that you have, in a sense, a Beginnings degree in medicine.”

“What . . .” Ellen was lost and afraid to assume what they meant until she saw Dean with a small name tag.

“When I would be on leave and intern for my father, he had this made up for me because, to him, I wasn’t supposed to be an officer in his clinic. I was supposed to be a doctor. Back then I thought how generic it looked. But now I’m glad it was, because you, Ellen, can wear it . . .well in at least five more days.” The short white name tag with the black letters was placed in Ellen’s hand. Two words were etched on it. ‘Dr. Hayes.’

“Oh my God.” Ellen grinned. “This is so great. You guys are acknowledging me as a doctor now. Oh my God.” She gripped the tag. “Oh wow.”

Though the moment was supposed to be a joyous one, Joe couldn’t let it lay without adding a little bit of Joe to it. “And you have to take this seriously, Ellen. I mean it. Not like that course I dished out four thousand dollars for so you could become an acupuncture specialist.”

Dean looked more shocked than anyone. “What?”

“Yeah, ask her,” Joe said. “She was twenty-three years old. She and Pete were just starting and didn’t have any money. She swore this is what she wanted to do instead of working for Doc Breyer. She cried because she could only get two thousand on a student loan so I forked up the rest. She went to this special school and dropped out after four months. She said it wasn’t what she thought it would be. What the hell did you do with all those needles anyhow, Ellen?”

“I have them.” Ellen stared at the name tag. “They’re put away.”

“Now Missy Jane.” Joe had an instructional tone to his voice. “Bowman is yours. You’ll make frequent trips there to help their doctor out. You’ll be in charge of any Bowman residents that end up here. They are yours. And . . . so is the survivor you saved. He’s your patient.”

“Really?” Ellen smiled. “And the UWA soldier? Does he become my patient too?”

“Yes,” Joe reluctantly answered.

“Oh boy.” Ellen looked at Dean and Andrea. “You do know my patients will think I’m the coolest.” She pinned the name tag on herself. “Look, I’m Dr. Hayes or will be when Dean and I get married. And I promise Joe, unlike the acupuncture, I will take this very serious. Besides, I don’t think Dean will let me not take it serious.”

“No, he won’t,” Joe said, “because if you screw up, it’s on him. He’s the one that brought this whole thing up in the first place.”

In such a shock, Ellen looked at Dean. “Thank you.” She wrapped her arms around him tightly. “Thank you.” She whispered jokingly in his ear, “You’ll just do anything this week to get laid, won’t you.”

“Oh yeah.” Dean kissed her and broke from the embrace. “Let’s eat.”

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

There must have been thirty files stacked upon Frank’s desk. A light burned on the desk top while he read from them with a lit cigarette dangling from his mouth. He knew it was late and he expected the intrusion, but somehow he expected it earlier. Perhaps Lt. Merrick waited until his muscles started to hurt before he came. But he did and he had attitude.

“This is not right.” His voice nearly blasted Frank after his entrance into the office.

Frank only raised his eyes. “I suggest you take that tone and leave this office.”

“From sun up this morning to sundown I have been doing nothing but . . .”

“I suggest.” Frank raised his voice more. “You take that tone and leave this office.”

“You’re not listening.”

Frank sprang up. His huge hands slammed on the desk with a thunderous crash. “And you are not listening. Do not come in here and talk to me like that. Who the hell do you think you’re talking to?”

“Someone that is not doing what they are supposed to be doing.”

Frank’s facial muscles tensed up. “I’m not going to tell you again. Leave the office before I throw you out. And be forewarned, I will not be gentle with you.” As Frank lowered himself into his chair, he watched Lt. Merrick walk to the door. “Another thing, Lieutenant. The UWA soldier interrogations that you have been handling, you aren’t handling them correctly. From now on you are relieved of that duty. I will handle them. No one but me.”

Lt. Merrick turned around. “Yet another thing you’re doing.” He had such anger in his voice. “Aside from running your staff into the ground, I heard what you were saying to the men about training. That is not the way I was told to train them.”

“Perhaps that is the reason these soldiers suck. Make no bones about it, soldier, this is my detail, my battalion and I will run it and train it as I see fit without any questions asked. Is that understood?”

“I’m letting the President know what you are up to.”

“You do that. You go right ahead and do that. Now, that will be all.”

“You don’t think I . . .”

“I said!” Frank blasted. “That will be all!”

The door slammed loudly when Lt. Merrick raged out. Frank calmed himself and picked up the cigarette that was burning away. He stared at the closed door and thought of what Lt. Merrick had said and he realized Lt. Merrick was a problem, one Frank would have to deal with as soon as possible.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

September 16

Binghamton. Alabama

Frank’s lit cigarette twirled as he tossed it while waiting for the guard on the building where the UWA soldiers were held. He walked down the long hallway to the end where they were. It was cold and damp and the darkness of the place seemed to make it worse.

“Keys.” Frank held his hand out to the soldier who guarded the door.

A little nervous, he handed them to Frank. “Sir, you should wait until we have more men here to go in there with you.”

“For what?” Frank asked.

“For your protection, sir.”

Frank nearly laughed. “I need no protection against these prisoners. You just watch the door.” Frank unlocked the door and handed the soldier the keys. He opened it, stepped inside, and pulled the door closed.

Tired, thin and looking bad, Link, Kyle, and Jeff looked up to Frank upon his entrance. Frank just stared at them.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Joe walked with Robbie towards the clinic. They moved at a brisk pace.

“Just make sure you keep track of anything you can find out.” Joe instructed Robbie as the neared the clinic. “No matter how minuscule.”

“I know that. We’re gonna meet every Thursday for a Bible study.”

Joe snickered. “Sorry. Do you need to borrow Andrea’s to brush up.”

“Dad, please, it’s the Bible. How hard can it be?” Robbie opened the clinic doors for his father. “What time is this wedding today?”

“Four. I’ll tell you, it couldn’t come at a worse time no matter how small it’s supposed to be. I move in two days and my house is a disaster. Thank God Jess is helping Andrea cook. I feel bad that it’s their wedding and we have to have the dinner there but . . .”

“They have the biggest house.”

“True. Why are you here at the clinic, Robbie?”

“Helping Ellen out. Dean’s testing her today on her stitching. See, how serious those two are taking it when they’re both working the day of their wedding?”

“It’s nothing new to them,” Joe said. “They’re just making it official for a while.”

“For a while is right.” Robbie stopped in front of the examining room where he was to meet Ellen.

“Well, I’ll leave you. I want to check that new guy. They’re releasing him to containment tomorrow.  Have fun and don’t be late. It’s just our family there today and I’d like everyone to be there.”

Robbie gave a thumbs up, watched his father move down the hall, and then he knocked on the closed examining room door. “El.” He opened it. “Hey, baby, I’m all . . .” Robbie slowed his speech when Ellen turned around with a huge syringe. “ . . . yours. Shit.”

^^^^

Quantico Marine Headquarters

Stewart was a bit older then Jeremy, but was a face seen more often in the Society. Now he took Jeremy’s place as George’s right hand man. He stood as he watched George pace around the office, holding onto a phone. He watched George nod, smile, and then hang up.

George laid the phone on the desk. “Jeremy is still out of commission there. He’s being moved back to containment.”

“Even after he gets out, when will he have telephone access?”

George shrugged. “There are community phones. We’ll have to wait and see. If he needs to get a hold of me, he will. That’s why he’s there, to take chances I cannot have my inside person take.”

“Expendable?” Steward asked.

“If he needs to be. Yes and so are you for that matter.” George sat down at his desk. “Wedding goes off today. The switching of leaders is in transition. Concentration is on the joining of the UWA and Beginnings. However Hal leaves and we now know where they are located.”

“Are you thinking a full scale attack?”

George shook his head. “I can’t right now. Not with Ellen going back and forth to there. Anything happens to her all deals are gonna be off with Dean and he has something I don’t want to chance getting. Put it that way. And I want Dean.”

“So you no longer need the UWA prisoners in Binghamton.”

George shook his head. “We can dispose of them. I should be hearing from Frank late this afternoon when Marcus arrives there.”

“Why are you sending Marcus there? I thought you trusted Frank.”

“Marcus is searching for camp and farm sites for us. He was heading out that way anyhow. So I thought when they unload him and his Jeep outside of Binghamton, he could stop in for a few days and see how things are going with Frank.” George leaned back in his chair. “I trust Frank and my doctor. Dr. Morris assured me he has complete amnesia but it never hurts to have a little added insurance, does it? At least until I arrive back there in another week. And thinking about my reasons for hanging out there.” George reached for the phone. “I think I’ll call that reason now.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Henry huddled close to the wall with the phone wedged between his ear and shoulder. Leaning against the file cabinet, whispering, he would occasionally look over his shoulder to an irate Cole. “But Joe . . .”

“Handle it, Henry.”

“But Joe, he’s really . . .”

“Henry. Handle it. Make the decision.”

“Aw.” Henry whined then whined again when he heard Joe hang up.

Cole stood with folded arms, his fingers tapping. “Can’t make a decision on your own, Henry?”

Like he was six, Henry snapped back. “I’m not the real leader yet. So there.”

Cole rolled his eyes. “Can we discuss this?”

“Um . . . yeah. Let me take the leader seat.” Henry walked over to the desk and sat down. “Whoa.” He swiveled the chair. “I’m getting Joe vibes.”

“Henry, I have to . . .”

‘Shh.” Henry smiled. “I feel like Joe. O.K., go on.”

“What is this shit?” Cole slammed down a stack of papers.

“Um . . . looks like reqs.”

“For food.”

“Appears so.” Henry lifted them. “Is there a problem filling them?”

“Yeah.”

“We don’t have enough food to fill them?”

“No. Yes. Do you people even realize the chain of events you are causing with this order?”

Henry turned more serious. “Us people? Since when weren’t you part of us people?”

“Since when did we start feeding people that aren’t ours and people who don’t have to work for it?”

“I can recall last month throwing out a lot of food and dumping some on a savage camp. When did the savages start working for it?”

“You are missing my point.” Angrier, Cole stepped to Henry. “Agriculture doesn’t have the man power to farm what we have as it is. Now we have this order to ship down to Bowman in two days. In two days, I’ll have to pull it from distribution. We have to fill distribution back up, which mean rushing the food from preservation, and rushing more food to them to can. I don’t have the men to do this.”

“In two days, you will. Robbie is returning with about thirty men to start.”

“And I suppose they’ll just waltz right in our gates without going through containment. Without having . . .”

“Cole.” Henry’s voice was firm as he stood up. “About the only problem I want to hear come from your mouth right now is that we don’t have enough in our fields and greenhouses to refurbish preservation and distribution.”

“But what about those divisions? They may not . . .”

“They are not your divisions to worry about, are they?” Henry tilted his head. “Cole, does agriculture have ample growth to refurbish?”

“What about all these men I’ll have under me?”

“Cole!” Henry yelled. “I will ask you one more time. Does Agriculture have ample growth to refurbish?”

“Yes.”

“Then I suggest you prepare for your new men. Those orders for food are for when they arrive to help you collect it.” Henry picked up the requisitions and nearly tossed them at Cole. “Don’t go off on me again about shit you aren’t informed enough to argue about.”

Cole wrinkled the requisitions as he headed to the door. “These thirty new men, they’re bullshit. They get a free walk right through our doors. And I’ll tell you, Henry right now, I won’t treat them like I treat the men of Beginnings.”

“Cole.” Henry called out firmly. “You will treat them like the men of Beginnings because as of five days ago, they became the men of Beginnings. If I hear that you are being any other way to them, I take it as a sign that it’s far too much responsibility for you to handle and I will look for someone else to replace you as head of Agriculture.” Henry stared at Cole who said nothing. A few moments of angry glares exchanged between the two men and then Cole stormed out. On the slam of the door, Henry plopped down in the chair and let out a loud breath of relief. He then smiled and got excited. “Oh. I have to call Joe and tell him.” Giddy, he dialed the phone.

^^^^

In a rare occurrence, Dean was in the clinic lab alone, the blinds drawn, the door locked, and homemade note cards spread about the counter. He mumbled to himself as he read over them and he cursed at the intrusion of his thoughts when his private phone rang. “Damn it.” Dean picked it up. “Yeah.” He reached for his cards.

“Hello Dean.” George sounded cheerful.

Dean fumbled the phone and the cards. “George.”

“Just wanted to congratulate you on today and wish you good luck.”

Dean held tight to the phone. “You said you weren’t calling back until it was time.”

“It’s almost time and I’m almost convinced.”

“I’m not.”

“What?”

“It’s been over a week, George. I think I want proof that Frank’s alive or the deal is off.”

“I have my eye on your children.”

“Yeah and I have my eye on that weapon I made. Right now the only thing that will tip the scales in your favor is the fact that you have Frank. I want proof or I don’t walk from these gates. Understood?”

“Arrogance, Dean.”

“You’re the one who wants it, so deal with it. Proof George.” Dean took slow breaths to hide his nervousness and irritation.

“You’ll get your proof then I want no more threats or demands against me, you hear. Or the deal is off completely and you and I will be heading in to checkmate.” George took on a meaner tone. “A loss hurts a lot more when it hits close to home. Keep in mind no weapon will ever bring back what you can lose.”

The moment Dean heard the click of the line, he leaned to the counter to calm his racing heart. He knew he would have to be careful from now on. Without knowing who the person was working for George, Dean didn’t want to cut it so close that he’d end up cutting his own throat.

^^^^

“Ow El. Come on,” Robbie yelled loudly.

“Quit being such a baby.”

“You’re putting a needle in my skin. How do you want me to be?”

“Quiet. Now come on. It doesn’t hurt.”

“Uh . . . yeah it does. Put more of that numbing stuff on it.”

Ellen shook her head. “You know Frank never . . .”

“I’m not Frank. I don’t feed off of pain. Numb it.”

The door to the examining room opened and Dean walked in. “How’s it going?’

“Dean,” Robbie said his name in relief. “Is she done? Doesn’t she have to get married to you in a couple hours?”

“Yes she does. El, you’d better be going.” Dean walked over to examine Ellen’s work. “I can’t believe Robbie let you practice on him. Good job.”

Ellen looked up and smiled. “Thanks. See I told you I can stitch.”

“Whoa.” Dean peered closer “What happened to your leg, Robbie? How did you cut it?”

Robbie pointed to Ellen.

Dean’s eyes widened. “You cut his leg on purpose?”

“Well I was having trouble getting the real stitch effect.”

Dean looked to Robbie. “And you let her? Why in the world would you let her slice your leg?”

Robbie shrugged. “She promised me a blow job . . . ow.” Robbie jolted when Ellen jabbed him. “Kidding, Dean. I don’t know why. I didn’t think it would hurt this bad, that’s for sure.”

Dean shook his head with a whistle. “I don’t know about you two. El, I’m heading home, O.K.? Be on time for the wedding.”

“I’ll be on time.” She looked up and kissed Dean. “See you there.”

With a ‘hmm’ Dean moved to the door, waved, and left. He stepped in the hall and remembered what he had forgotten to tell them. He turned and walked back in. “Geez, I’m sorry. I knew there was another reason for me coming in here.” Dean closed the door. “George just called me.”

“Ow!” Robbie screamed in pain when Ellen’s hand slipped in surprise.

^^^^

He was communicating with Bowman. The radio broke up a little but Hal figured they would work the bugs out eventually. “So everything is going well?” Hal asked Sgt. Ryder.

“As well as they did yesterday. Getting ready to return?”

“Yes and I’m bringing someone.”

“You didn’t tell me this.”

“It was going to be a surprise. But . . . we have a doctor coming to help Blue set up.”

“Really?” Sgt. Ryder sounded impressed. “With medications and things?”

“Yes.”

“I look forward to meeting him.”

“Her.”

“Excuse me?” Sgt. Ryder asked.

“Her. The doctor is a woman.”

“Shall I alert Grace she will be having a houseguest?”

“No way.” Hal spoke up. “She’s staying with me.”

“With you, Captain?”

“Yeah with me. Seems . . . my father had more than my brother to surprise me with. I’ve known this woman for nearly forever. We were quite close.”

There was a slight snicker of surprise that came from Sgt. Ryder. “You sound as if you like this woman.”

“Oh she’s great. So much different than ours. Elliott, the moment we saw each other, we embraced, a very warm embrace.”

“You’re kidding?”

“No, really I’m not. Wait until you meet her.”

“I . . . I can’t wait.” Sgt. Ryder was stunned. “And wait until I tell the men that the Captain is returning with a woman, one he’s involved with and likes.”

Hal paused in silence before correcting Sgt. Ryder. “Yes, I certainly will be envied, won’t I? Well, I must go. I have a wedding to attend.”

“A wedding.”

“Yes, they have them quite often here, but I’ll tell you all about that when I get home. Keep me posted of anything you hear.”

“I will, sir. See you in a few days.”

“Goodbye, Elliott.” Hal ended the radio call and grinned as he still held on to it. More than the thought of the men being envious of him once they saw that Ellen was nice, he grinned at the thought of Ellen and Grace’s first meeting. And that thought actually made him snicker.

^^^^

It was a summer dress, or at least summer material. It was thin, lose in some places, tight in others. The sleeves were short with just a hint of feminine trim. So old fashioned it looked, so much like the dress Ellen had found at the Anderson Farm, yet Ellen wore it. Jess added the final hem in his bedroom, kneeling at Ellen’s feet, tucking and stitching at the dress that came nearly to Ellen’s ankles. Ellen knew as she stared at her reflection in the mirror, her hair down simply, and the dress looking so nice, that there were two things that told her Trish didn’t make the dress like she claimed to have. One, the general tailoring of the dress and two, the Sears and Roebuck tag in the back.

“I’m too dressed up. Am I too dressed up?” Ellen asked Jess nervously.

“No.” Jess spoke with the needle in his mouth.

“I think I am. You would tell me no just so I won’t talk.”

“Ellen, hold still.”

“I’ll ask Robbie.” Ellen raised her voice. “Robbie!”

“Ellen.” Jess flicked her leg.

“Ow.”

“He’s taking a shower and painfully too. You jabbed him pretty hard today.”

“Well Dean gave me a damn heart attack. He so calmly says George called. You know George said he was calling back when it was time for Dean to leave.”

“So you thought it meant Dean was leaving?” Jess asked.

“Wouldn’t you?”

“Yeah, I guess so.”

“I’m too dressed up.” Ellen shook her head. “It’s a small ceremony in a field with just my family. Do you think Dean is getting dressed up.”

“He may be.” Jess stitched. “Hold still.”

“He can’t be. Come to think about it, about as dressed up as he gets are those tan pants he has.”

“With a nice shirt and tie, that’s dressed up.”

“You have such a fashion sense. You know your uniform is never wrinkled,” Ellen commented. “I noticed that. I’m too dressed up. I’m putting jeans on . . . ow.” Ellen felt the slight pinch of the needle. “Why did you do that?”

“You are not putting jeans on, damn it. You’re the bride. Now let me finish this hem.”

“O.K., O.K., but I know I’m too dressed up.”

“Ellen. Quiet.”

“All right I . . .” Ellen stopped talking when Robbie walked in the bedroom. He wore a towel around his waist and neck. “Is that how you’re dressing for the wedding?”

Robbie snickered as he rubbed his hair dry. “Better than you. At least I’m not all dressed up.”

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

“What the fuck is this shit?” Frank held what looked like a short leather strip. He brought it to his nose and sniffed it, making a curled up face and an outward breath of disgust. He checked the flexibility of the supposedly edible object and it wouldn’t bend. After sniffing it once more, Frank tapped it on the surface of his desk, then he tapped it again. He laughed at the durability of the food and smacked it on the desk as hard as he could. There was a crack and the top piece of the food flew up. Frank lifted the piece he held in his hand then looked down to his desk with a snicker when he saw the small nick in the wood surface. Still laughing in amusement at the damage he did, Frank looked up to the knocking on the door.. “Yeah.”

“Frank, I mean Colonel.” Richie walked in.

“Richie, what the hell is . . .” The food dropped from Frank’s hand when he saw the black man walk in, wearing a grey suit and tie, none-the-less. “Who are you?”

“Marcus Hunter,” he spoke with arrogance as he walked to Frank. “Peace ambassador for the Society. You don’t remember me?”

“Should I? I have amnesia you know.” Frank pointed to his own temple. “What can I do for you Mr. . . .”

“Hunter. I’m told I can rest up here a few days before continuing on my journeys. I’m also going to observe how things are going while I’m here.”

“Observe?” Frank nodded with a closed mouth. “O.K.” He sat down in his chair. He then noticed Marcus staring. “Yes?”

“Are you going to show me to my quarters?”

“Me personally? No. Richie?”

“I’ll take care of it, Colonel.” Richie walked to the door.

“Thanks,” Frank said

“This way, Mr. Hunter.” Richie held the door open for Marcus and followed him out.

Frank rocked back in forth in his chair. He picked the food back up and fiddled with it. “Maybe I should have offered him something to eat.” Frank snickered at his bad joke, rocked in his chair, and went back to amusing himself with that piece of brown food.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

“Andrea!” Joe yelled from his cluttered and box filled bedroom. “Where in Christ’s name are my silver cufflinks? I’m flapping like a goddamn bird here with these sleeves!” He flipped open a box and grumbled.

“Blasphemy, Joe. Not in my home.” Andrea scolded as she walked in wearing a bright peach flowered dress and a wide, wide brim sun hat to match.”

“My house and what the hell are you wearing?” Joe stared at her.

“Benjamin from fabrics made this outfit for me.”

“Figures,” Joe grumbled.

“Joe, this is the first opportunity I have had to wear it.” She touched the rim of her hat. “You don’t like?”

“No. Where in the hell are my . . .” Joe saw the saddened look on Andrea’s face. “Christ. You look lovely, Andrea.”

“Thank you.” She smiled.

“Now where in the hell are my cufflinks? Damn wedding. Of all days and my shit is packed.”

“Here.” Andrea pushed him a box. “Dresser stuff. Try there and lose the attitude, mister.” She pointed her finger and walked to the door. “And hurry. We’re waiting. Denny is complaining about his hair. I’m afraid he’ll mess it up.”

Joe only raised his eyes when Andrea walked out. “Probably has the kid’s hair parted like a damn nerd and . . .” Joe moaned again as he rummaged through the box, pulling out a book. “This isn’t dresser stuff. The stupid hat is strangling her brain. Can’t she look inside the box before she writes . . .” Joe stopped when the folded piece of paper fell from the book he held. He wouldn’t have paid any attention to it had it not opened slightly and exposed a name. Looking to the door, then to the tri-folded paper, Joe opened it. It was Beginnings paper, the stuff they started making four years earlier. If possible, Joe’s face became more stern as he read it silently to himself. ‘Andrea, I am not a word person. I never was. I do better when I write what I feel and I just wanted to write you this letter. It’s going to be difficult for me at first to adjust, but know that I will get through as long as we can still remain friends. I commend your commitment to Miguel and wish the both of you all the luck in the world. I wish your decision could have been with me. I will always remember our time together and you will always hold a special place in my heart. Love always . . . George.’

Joe read the letter one more time, closed the flap on the box, folded the letter, placed it in his pocket, and then continued to search out his cufflinks.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

Frank stared with no emotion at the phone that was extended down to him courtesy of Marcus. Frank took it, spun his chair, and allowed for Marcus to only stare at his back. “Yeah.”

“Lt. Merrick has disappeared?” George asked with surprise.

Frank fluttered his lips. “How do you like that? I’m not wasting much more man power on searching for him, that’s for sure. He left in the middle of the night, one of my staff said.”

“Yes, as you know, we have problems with defectors.”

“Assholes.”

“So, I see you met Marcus.”

Frank turned his chair, looked at Marcus, then turned away. “Yeah.”

“How is he?”

“An asshole.”

George laughed. “I don’t like him much either. Three things, Frank.”

“Shoot.”

“One, take care of him and issue him three or four guards to accompany him on his camp site search. Two, I need you to do something for me tonight. Got a pen?”

“Yep.” Frank reached and fumbled for one.

“Write down this number. 916-4556.”

Frank wrote it down and stared at it. “Who am I calling?”

“Seems we need to let these people of Beginnings know that they didn’t kill you. A little mind game. I want you to do it this evening. Call that number. When the man answers, you tell him that you just wanted to warn him that you were alive.”

“Sounds stupid,” Frank commented.

“Humor me. Marcus will be there when you call if you run into any problems.”

“What’s the third thing?”

“The UWA soldiers. They no longer are needed. Have them killed. The sooner the better.”

Frank was silent for a moment as he turned his chair once more and looked at Marcus. “I’ll take care of it personally.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Joe looked at his watch as he stood in Robbie’s living room and then looked up the steps. “Ellen, for crying out loud. It’s four ten. Move it!”

With a running thump, Ellen flew down the steps. “Sorry. I was changing.”

Joe looked at the dress she wore. “You had that on when I got here twenty-five minutes ago.”

“Yeah, I changed it and put it back on. Then changed it, tried something . . .”

“Ellen.”

“Yeah.”

“Your wedding?”

“Yes, my wedding,” Ellen said nervously.

Joe opened the door for her. “After you. Good thing I radioed Dean and told him you were running late.”

“Is he mad?”

“Yep.”

“Shit.”

“Go.” Joe pointed to the Jeep and pulled the door closed.

“You look very nice, Joe, cufflinks and everything.”

“Yeah.” Joe looked at the silver cufflinks. “Had quite the informative time looking for them too.”

“Huh?” Ellen was lost.

“Get in the Jeep. And why are you so dressed up anyhow?”

Ellen tossed her hands up as she climbed in.

“Christ.” Joe stopped the Jeep as they hit the spot a mile out in the under developed section. “What the hell is this shit?”

“Joe.” Ellen stepped from the Jeep. It looked as if every person in Beginnings was there. “It was supposed to be just our family.”

“Yeah, well, you know the people in this town. They look for any excuse not to work.”

“Oh my God.” Ellen was breathless. There were so many people standing there she couldn’t see Dean despite the small opening path that divided them.

“You ready?”

“I think. Yes. Shit. This wasn’t supposed to be like this. Now I’m nervous.”

Joe smiled at her and lifted his hand in a signal wave to Robbie.

The words ‘she’s here’ went through Dean and shook his stomach so hard he thought he lost that internal organ. He lifted himself from the seat on the ground he had as Reverend Bob informed him that Ellen had arrived and was ready.

Dean took a deep breath and walked with Rev. Bob. He saw Paul sitting with the guitar where Rev. Bob was going to stand. He wasn’t supposed to be there. None of the massive amounts of people were supposed to be there. Simple, short and quiet. “Rev. Bob.” Dean whispered as he walked. “This wasn’t supposed to be like this.”

Rev. Bob simply smiled and took his place with Dean on his left.

Fixing the grey tie he wore, that Robbie lent him, Dean nervously ran his hand over his crisp white shirt that Jess ironed for him, placed his hands in the pockets of the black pants Danny lent him, and turned around to face where he knew Ellen would walk up.

Paul’s guitar picking of the simple bridal march--his own rendition--made Dean’s stomach flutter but not as much as when he saw Ellen walking up the pathway, holding on to Joe’s arm. Ellen waved with a smile to him and Dean’s heart pounded so strong. He lost his breath momentarily and cleared his throat in his nervousness. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her. The cool breeze that swept through the field wisped Ellen’s dress and hair just a little but enough to make the whole entire vision that Dean took in almost dream like. The moment was too good to be true, too long awaited, and Dean hinged in fear of the second he would wake up and it would be gone.

But the music kept playing, Dean kept watching, and Ellen and Joe drew nearer.

Joe laid his hand with a father’s pat onto Ellen’s as it gripped tighter to his white shirt. He leaned his head to her the closer they walked to the front. “It’s Dean. Come on. Calm down.”

“This is real. It didn’t seem real until this moment. I’m marrying Dean.”

“Yep. This is as real as it gets.” Joe stopped walking with Ellen when they reached Dean. He looked to Dean, one eyebrow raised a little and a quirky smile hit him. “First time I really give her away, Dean.” Joe winked. “Don’t make me kick your ass if you do her wrong.”

Dean’s head dropped with a smile.

Before Joe handed Ellen over, he faced her. His left hand laid on her face and Joe pressed his lips firmly to her check. “Love you,” he whispered.

“Love you too.” Ellen touched his hand and Joe stepped back.

Joe took his place next to Andrea, looked at her hat, and stepped a few inches from her.

“Hey.” Ellen smiled at Dean.

“Hey.” He whispered back then motioned his head to everyone behind him. “What is up with this?”

“I don’t know.” Ellen shook her head. “It’s not supposed to be like this.”

“I’m nervous.”

“Me too.”

“Can we begin?” Rev. Bob asked with a snicker to his voice.

“Sorry,” Ellen said with embarrassment.

“Sorry.”

Rev. Bob opened his Bible. “Can I ask our two witnesses to step forward?”

Robbie moved close to Dean’s side and Jenny stepped forward to Ellen’s. At the sound of a small sob, at the same time, Ellen Dean, Robbie and Rev. Bob all looked to Jenny.

“Sorry.” She dabbed her eye. “Sorry. I need a hanky.” She faced the crowd and whispered loudly “Who has a hanky!”

Andrea, holding her hat, did a feminine run to the front, handed Jenny a handkerchief, and stepped back.

Rev. Bob waited until he saw all were situated. “We’ll begin.”

Ellen swallowed and felt Dean search out her hand. They joined fingers and locked them. So tightly his hand held hers. “You look very handsome.”

Dean smiled. “Thanks.”

Rev. Bob peered once at his Bible then looked back up. “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude” Rev. Bob smiled at both of them. “We’re gathered here . . .” He paused when Jenny sobbed again. “Are you all right?”

Jenny nodded with a whimper. “That was beautiful.”

“Back to where I was.” He cleared his throat. “We’re gathered here today, amongst God’s green earth, to celebrate the greatest gift God has given us, the gift of love and expression through marriage. I’ve given them an assignment. I asked them to write their own vows today. Ellen?”

“Oh God,” she gasped in nervousness. “Sorry Reverend.” With another deep breath she faced Dean. “Here I go . . . Thank you for this. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. This step that we’re taking is . . .it tells me something. It tells me you have faith in me, which makes me feel good, Dean, because I have this humongous amount of faith in you. I want you to know that I promise, as your wife, to stand by you. I’ll love you and try my hardest with you because you’re worth it. I truly believe that I couldn’t face tomorrow if I didn’t have you there. I know this from our past. And Dean, I’m not letting you go this time.”

Dean kissed Ellen, ran his hands though his hair, and waited for the ‘go ahead’ nod from Reverend Bob. “The road’s been long, El.” He let out a loud breath. “Really long, but we made it and I’m still waiting for someone to jump out and say. ‘Hey, we’re kidding you’.” He paused in his nervousness. “El, I can’t stand here and tell you what my heart feels because I’d be standing here forever. Just know, from this moment on, I will do my best not to let you down. And I’ll stand beside you too . . .” Dean closed his eyes. “I am so grateful to God for this day. You can’t even imagine how grateful I am. I’m . . . grateful for you.”

A soft smile came across Ellen’s face and she kissed Dean. “Thank you.”

“You too.” He winked.

Rev. Bob motioned his head to Jenny then to Robbie. He held out his hand and both of them laid the thin gold bands in his palm. “Ellen, just like I told you.”

Ellen took the larger band and took Dean’s hand. “With this ring, I thee wed.” She slipped it on his finger. “I take you as my husband.”

His steady hands trembled as Dean lifted the band and took Ellen’s hand. “El, with this ring, Dean’s voice cracked a little as he placed the ring on her. “I take you, El, as my wife.” He lifted her hand, ran his thumb over the band, and gently laid his lips to her fingers.

Reverend Bob watched their joined hands. “We have witnessed the vows spoken and the exchanging of rings. Now with the power vested in me, I now pronounce you  husband and wife . . . You may kiss your bride.”

A quiver took over Dean’s top lip as he leaned down to Ellen, laying his left hand that sported the wedding band upon her cheek. So rapidly, so strongly his heart beat as he kissed her softly, then kissed her again. Pulling away slowly, they embraced.

Reverend Bob extended out his arms as Dean and Ellen ended their hold. He laid his hand on their shoulders and guided them to turn and face the people of Beginnings. “What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. Ladies and Gentlemen of Beginnings, may I proudly present to you, Mr. and Mrs. . . . Dean Michael Hayes.”

Dean and Ellen blushed some and smiled as they faced those who greeted them with applause, whistles, and cheers. The awaited union had taken place. Finally and for real . . . Dean and Ellen were married.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Binghamton, Alabama

Link, Kyle, and Jeff moved slowly because their feet were in shackles and they were linked together like a chain gang as they moved passed the gate guard and out into the deep wooded area.

“Keep moving,” Frank ordered as he stayed behind them. “Go. Go. Move. That’s it.”

The gate guard watched until he no longer saw Frank and the UWA soldiers. He turned to the soldier who held the post with him. “Are you sure one of us shouldn’t go with the Colonel.”

“Positive,” the other soldier responded.

“He’ll be all right out there with them?”

“They’re chained together. The Colonel will be fine.” At that moment, three shots, all two seconds apart rang out. “See what I mean?”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Dean’s hand intercepted the glass of wine that Robbie poured and passed to Ellen. “Don’t be getting her drunk. I made need to use that tool later.” He quickly kissed Ellen and took the glass of wine elsewhere. He looked around at the massive amount of Slagels and Slagel extensions that were still in his home. It was his wedding night and he couldn’t determine if it was his imagination or if it was taking the Slagels and everyone else too long to leave his house.

The hitting against his leg by Joey, who had way too much sugar, spun Dean in the direction of what he thought might be a solution to one of his problems for the night. Henry. Dean moved to him. “Hey Henry.”

“Dean, did you hear?”

“Hear what?”

“I yelled at Cole today, deepened my voice and everything. I sounded so leader like.”

“That’s good, Henry. I’m proud of you. Henry . . . I have this really special evening planned tonight.”

“I would expect as much, Dean.” Henry leaned down to him. “It’s your wedding night.”

“Yeah. But Joe’s house is a disaster and he can’t take the kids. Any chance I can get you to take your son with you tonight?”

“Oh I’d love to . . .”

Dean smiled.

“But I can’t.”

“Henry, he’s your son.”

“You took him, Dean, and . . . I have to be up and in Mechanics by four.”

“Henry, come on. It’s my wedding night.”

“Yeah I know.” Henry grinned. “Excuse me.”

Dean tossed his hand up. He almost felt as if there were some secret plan to hinder any quality wedding night time he and Ellen could get. Joe couldn’t take the kids because of his cluttered home. Jenny was too busy doing something she couldn’t say. Dean’s house was still full as it hit nearly nine. Henry wouldn’t take his own son. Robbie kept insisting on getting Ellen drunk. It was a good thing for Dean that Billy kept yelling at Robbie. There had to be a person that wasn’t against him and there was. Dean walked over to Danny.

“Hey, Dean,” Danny spoke up before Dean could. “I need to know if your chemically superior mind can come up with something I need for a new invention I’m creating.”

“I don’t know. What?”

“Check this out. Your wedding night made me think of this.”

“Oh no.”

“No, no, this is good.” Danny grinned. “Let’s bring back candy panties.”

Dean choked on the surprising laughter that came from him. “Candy panties? Why do we need those?”

“Novelty. Come on, Dean. I’ll name them after you. Of course ‘Dean’s candy panties’ doesn’t sound as cool as ‘Danny’s candy panties’. Does it?”

“No.”

“See.”

“Danny, I have a favor to ask you. What’s the odds of you taking my kids tonight for me?”

“Actual odds or vicinity odds?”

“Any odds,” Dean said.

“Slim to none. Dean that’s five kids.”

“Four. Josh is staying with Denny.”

“Four kids?” Danny whistled. “I don’t know. It’ll cost you.”

“I’ll pay.”

“Here’s the rate. One kid, you sign a small favor slip. Two, a medium one. Three, a big one and all four will cost you a huge favor slip.”

Dean thought about it and considered his worst two. “O.K., I’ll go with the medium favor slip.”

“Dean, Dean, it’s your wedding night. You sure you don’t want to get rid of them all?”

“Positive. I’ll keep the older two.”

“O.K.” Danny shrugged and reached into his back pocket. He pulled out a homemade tablet and pen. He circled the word ‘medium’ and handed the sheet to Dean. “Sign please.”

Dean took the pen, shook his head, and signed the favor slip. “You have this down to a science now don’t you.”

“Hell yeah. If you change your mind, let me know.”

Dean handed the favor slip and pen back. “I won’t. Thanks.” There was a certain amount of relief for Dean knowing that Joey, the hyper child, and Nick, the crying child, would not be an intrusion on his night. He looked over at Ellen who sat on the couch talking to Hal and Robbie. He looked at the two children he knew would be staying home. Alexandra snuggled close to Ellen on the couch and Billy sat on the floor, a book was on the coffee table in front of him. The two calm children. Dean smiled. His wedding night wouldn’t be so bad after all.

^^^^

There were candles lit in Dean and Ellen’s living room, not many, but enough to give that romantic feel. A bottle of wine was open on the table. Two half filled glasses sat next to it. Slow music played softly and Dean held Ellen somewhere between dancing with her and seducing her.

He smiled some as his hand moved across the long sleeved, white button shirt she wore. “This looks much better on you than it did on me.” He spoke softly, fiddling with the collar.

“I thought you’d like it.” Ellen stared at him while they danced.

“Very, very nice.” Dean kissed her. “When you said you wanted to put something comfortable on, I thought you meant jeans.”

“Usually I would have.” Ellen giggled at his teasing kisses.

Dean undid the buttons as he swayed with her. He brought his wine tainted lips to her neck, gliding them up to her ear.

“Daddy!” Alexandra called. “I’m thirsty.”

Dean closed his eyes. “Not again.” He shook his head. “Alex, I left you water on your night stand.”

“Thank you!”

Ellen snickered. “Don’t worry about it.”

“I’m not. Now . . . where were we.”

“You were.” Ellen pointed to her neck. “Right here.”

“Yeah, that’s right.” Dean, with an ornery grin, placed his lips where Ellen pointed. His hands undid a few more buttons and pulled at the collar, opening the shirt. He moaned some as his hands moved to her back, down to her thigh, and strongly up, lifting the edges of the shirt as he felt her. He traveled his lips downward, across her collar, and to the openness of the shirt. He bent his knees just a little and moved his mouth softly and gently across Ellen’s chest.

“What are you doing to my mother?” Billy’s voice called out too close.

With his head still buried in Ellen’s shirt, mouth to her breast, Dean shifted his eyes and saw Billy. He immediately removed his hand that was planted on Ellen’s backside and stood up straight with a heavy breath. “Billy.”

“Dad.”

“Billy, go to bed.”

“I can’t.” The Dean prodigy peered up. “You’re making too much noise.”

Dean blinked several times. “We’re making too much noise?”

Ellen saw it coming on Dean’s face. “Dean.”

“No, El,” he whined. “I’ve been trying to make love to you for nearly an hour and they won’t go to sleep.”

Billy looked confused. “What’s making love?”

“That’s it.” Dean tossed his hands up. “Billy, get your shoes on.”

“Dean?” Ellen questioned as she watched him grab Billy’s hand. “What are you doing?”

“What I should have done an hour ago.” He moved down the hall. “Deal with the devil or not, I’m signing that favor slip.” He poked his head back out into the living room. “I’m gonna consummate this marriage with you yet.”

Billy tugged Dean’s hand. “What’s consummate?”

It was cold out. Danny was smug as he handed Dean the ‘huge’ favor slip to sign. Dean’s big romantic wedding night was not going as planned, but at least he was going to finally have Ellen alone. He cringed when he walked into his house and took off his shoes to see the living room light on. “She fell asleep,” Dean said to himself as he walked toward the bedroom. “She was drinking too much she . . .” He stopped at the bedroom door and saw the candles lit. “She read my mind.”

Ellen finished her wine and set it on the night stand. She laid on the bed, still wearing Dean’s shirt. “Catch your breath. You were running. I heard your tennis shoes.”

Dean inhaled deeply and let it out slowly as he walked into the bedroom. He took off his tee -shirt and tossed it across the room. “The moment I have been waiting for.”

Ellen watched him near the bed. “Dean, we’ve made love before.”

“That’s not what I meant.” From the foot of the bed, Dean started his slow climb to Ellen. “What I mean is . . .”  His lips touched upon her bare calf then grazed to her thighs as he crept up to her. Dean ran his hands up the back of her legs to the front, bending her knee as he brought his body to Ellen’s. “For the first time ever, El, in my memory, and in my mind, I’m going to make love to you . . .” He kissed her. “As my wife.” Chuckling with almost a gloat to him, Dean pressed his body firmer to Ellen, bringing  her leg around his waist. And before any other circumstance could interrupt them, Dean began to kiss her in what he was hoping would be the short preliminaries to their lovemaking.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

So lost and so annoyed, Frank looked as his finger pressed up and down on the button of the old style black phone. “Nothing,” he said to Marcus as he showed him the receiver. “Dead.”

“It was working an hour ago,” Marcus said. “You have to make that phone call.”

“I know. It’s dead.”

Marcus took the receiver, listened, clicked the button, and hung up. “All right.” He reached into his coat pocket. “You can use this.”

“Thank you.” Frank took it. “Now where in the hell did I put that number?”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

There was something about the way Ellen kissed him when she had too much to drink that Dean just loved. More intense, less any inhibitions, whatever it was, he didn’t want it to stop. With his hand held under her hair and their lips still locked, Dean rolled on to his back, bringing Ellen with him.

Ellen giggled and lifted her hair from her eyes. “I’m hungry.”

“Now?”

“Yes.”

“Right now. At this moment. You’re hungry?”

“Yes.”

“Right now?”

“Dean.” She snickered. “You keep saying that. I drank too much and if I don’t eat I’ll get sick.”

“But right now? Can’t you wait?”

“Dean. We made love once already. We can’t stay in this bed all night.”

“Yeah we can. It’s our wedding night.”

“So you’ve said. It’s getting old.” Ellen looked serious at his shocked expression. “I’m kidding.” She started to laugh.

“So you don’t want something to eat?”

“No I do. Just a piece of that sandwich wrap Jess made. Please.”

“All right. Stay here.” Dean rolled over and reached down to the floor for his boxer shorts. He swung his legs out of bed, stepping in them, and pulling them up. “Don’t fall asleep.”

“I won’t. I promise.” Ellen laid her head on the pillow.

Dean stopped cold in his walk out when his phone rang. “Shit. I knew I should have shut that thing off.”

“Don’t answer it,” Ellen spoke groggily.

“Look at you. You’re falling asleep.” Dean picked up the phone. “Hello.”

The was a long moment of silence, a heavy breath, then Frank. “I’m alive.”

An excitement shudder shot through Dean and with a huge grin, he gasped a shriek of excitement when he heard Frank’s voice. High pitched and emotional, Dean’s words trembled. “Oh my God.”

“I’m alive and . . .” The was another brief silence. “And . . . Dean.” Frank spoke his name with relief. “Dean, tell everyone I’ll be home as soon as I figure . . .”

The line went dead.

“Frank. Frank!” Dean called into the phone.

Ellen sprang up. “Frank?”

Dean turned around to her showing her the phone. His breaths trembled. “Oh my God.”

“Dean?”

So stunned, yet his face shined with a happiness and relief. He ran his fingers through his hair. “That was Frank. El, that was Frank.” He sat on the bed and grabbed Ellen’s hand.

“Dean, what did he say?”

Dean swayed his head still in shock. “We got cut off. He probably said more than they wanted him to.”

“You don’t think they did something to him, do you?”

“No.” Dean grabbed her hand and looked into her eyes. She looked as happy and scared as he felt. “He’s the insurance that they get me . . . El.” He laid his hand on her face and smiled. “Frank sound fine. He sounded just fine.”

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

Frank’s eyes shifted from the pieces of the broken cell phone that laid on the floor to the barrel of the revolver that pointed at him,. Sitting in his desk chair, he then followed the gun to Marcus.

“I knew it was an act.” Marcus kept his aim on Frank. “I can’t believe the President bought it.”

“You hit the phone from my ear.”

“I have a gun pointed to your face and you’re bitching about me knocking the phone from you?”

“You think I’m scared that you’ll kill me?” Frank huffed in sarcasm.

“Quiet.”

“You broke the fuckin phone when I was trying to call home.” Frank kept eye contact with Marcus.

“And you added more than you should have. Wait until the President hears about this.”

“The President can blow me.”

A shocking disbelief hit Marcus. “You have a lot of attitude for a man who has a gun pointed at him.”

“And you have a lot of attitude for a man who’s seconds from death.”

Marcus laughed. “How do you figure?”

“Very easily.” In a fast spring from his seat, Frank swiped Marcus’ hand out of the way. He reached into his shoulder harness, pulled out his revolver, extended his hand, and fired a single shot directly into Marcus’ forehead.

The force of the close range shot sent blood and pieces of Marcus’ head spraying out and his dead body dropped to the floor exposing a shocked Richie who stood by the door.

“Frank.”

“Shut up.” Frank shook his head in disgust then bent down for the phone. “Can you believe he broke the only phone that isn’t tapped? Fuck.”

“Frank.” Richie looked at the seeping, growing pool of blood. “You can’t do this anymore, man. Someone is gonna start to notice the higher ups are no longer around.”

Frank looked so perturbed at the busted phone. “Can you believe this?”

“Are you listening to me?” Richie stepped over Marcus’ body. “I’m not cleaning this one up. I cleaned up the Lt. Merrick thing.”

“I’ll take care of it.” Frank slammed the pieces of the phone on the desk. He walked to Marcus. “God, look at the mess.”

“Yeah, well that’s what happens when you shoot someone in the head two feet from you.” Richie watched Frank stand in thought. “I don’t understand. If you hate George that much, why don’t you just shoot him, get it over with and we book?”

“It’s not that easy.” Frank looked at the blood that splattered on the walls. “I wished it was. I have to lay low. I need information. Right now, I can’t take any chances because I haven’t a clue where they have Ellen.” Frank faced Richie. “And until I find out where your sister is, we have to stay right here.”

LEAVING. . .

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

September 18

Binghamton, Alabama

It was so quiet that the only sound in the dark hall was the clinking of the keys as Frank locked the door.

Richie swayed his head. “I always thought there was something demented about you.”

“Yeah.” Frank, like he was back in Beginnings, hooked the keys on his belt. “Ready? I have men to train.”

“Why, can I ask, did you not take them out and toss them in the ditch with the other seven officers?”

“Prisoners of war.” Frank walked fast.

“Prisoners of war?” Richie had to really move to keep up with Frank. “How can that be? Isn’t this their camp?”

Frank stopped walking as soon as they stepped outside. “No Richie, this is my camp now.” With his usual arrogant smirk Frank found the men waiting in the field. “I just have to work on letting them know it.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Joe’s were the only eyes to date, with the exception of Andrea, to see the letter he held in his hand. At the early morning meeting at Robbie’s, before anyone began their day, Joe held the letter, then looked at Robbie, Henry, and Dean. “I laughed. Dean and Robbie, you laughed. I stopped laughing when I found this.” He tossed the letter on the table.

Robbie grabbed it first and with a solemn look passed it to Dean who read it and passed it to Henry who . . . snickered.

Joe raised his eyes to Henry.

“Sorry.” Henry handed it back. “I told you.”

“How the hell did you know, Henry?” Joe put the letter back.

“I didn’t. I made it up. Boy was I right. So what does this mean, Joe?”

“Well, I’m gonna ask her a few questions. Go from there. We’re moving into the house today, so perhaps after that is finished with, her and I will talk.”

“Dad, how do you feel about this?” Robbie asked.

“How am I supposed to feel?”

“Pissed,” Henry said. “Or at the very least, really, really mad.”

Joe looked oddly at Henry. “If Andrea is working for George, then I’ll get pissed. But aside from that, if it was just an affair, it happened before me and her and it’s none of my business, is it? That’s what makes it so delicate.”

Dean peered up from his notes. “So how are you going to approach her with this?”

“That I don’t know,” Joe answered. “But I do know this. The letter is a piece of evidence and it’s evidence that tells me that Andrea, my wife, the church going woman, an original, is now, without any uncertainty, a viable suspect.”

There was an air of sadness that hit that table after Joe’s words. It was a thought no one wanted to have but unless something else appeared evidence-wise, Andrea, one of the most trusted people in Beginnings, jumped to the top of the list.

^^^^

Quantico Marine Headquarters

Stewart always considered himself a lucky man. Jeremy, though he held a high position with George, was not lucky. Jeremy always had the awful luck of delivering bad news to the President. Perhaps that was why Jeremy got shipped out to Beginnings. A prestigious spy? Yes. But also a sitting expendable duck if he was found out.

Bearing good news, Stewart walked into George’s office for their daily morning briefing. “The engine repairs on the ship are working again. It’s looking good. She’ll be sea worthy for the voyage yet.” Stewart saw George smile as he took his seat across from him. “And I just took that call.”

“And?” George asked.

“Went well. No difficulties.”

George let out a long breath. “A small problem off our hands now. Thank God. Any news on the second batch? Will we have to do the same thing?”

Stewart shrugged. “You may want to take a ride to DC and see. I’m getting sketchy answers.”

“I’ll do that. Now . . . preparations.”

“Train is being loaded now.” Steward looked at his notes. “Lab equipment and such, especially the genetic material. Dr. Stevens said we must not run into any problems or we can lose what little we have.”

“I understand that,” George said. “Did he say how the train stops will affect the specimens?”

“As long as the train moves on schedule, we’re good.”

“Then talk to that damn conductor because he tends to play around.”

“I will. May I tell you something, sir?”

“Sure.”

“I think it’s a good thing that you’re staying back here during the beginning of this all.”

“Why is that?” George asked.

“Gut feeling. It has a lot to do with Marcus or our lack of speaking to him in two days.”

“Well we only told Marcus to call in if there was a problem,” George said. “Must not be a problem there.”

“Do you suppose everything is all right in Binghamton?” Stewart questioned.

“I know it is. It’s not in our full control now, yes. I know this. But once our scientists arrive out there and set up along with the other two ambassadors, it’ll be less a military control thing than it is now and more of the full service base that it’s intended to be. We need that. It’s close to the other side of the country.”

“Sgt. Haynes and his men are ready for the move there, sir.”

“That’s next. Let’s let Frank work on that training before we fill his camp up with more men,” George explained. “Then once the scientists arrive and the second half of the force out there, I’ll go. The safety factor is there. I don’t trust Dr. Hayes yet. Who knows what he’ll try with me.”

“I completely agree,” Stewart added. “Completely. Has Dr. Morris said anymore about Frank’s amnesia?”

“As a matter of fact, I spoke to him yesterday. He said that too much time has passed. It doesn’t look good. I wouldn’t believe this amnesia thing if I didn’t trust Dr. Morris so much.”

“That trust worthy?” Stewart asked.

“That and qualified. I’m eventually going to move him from general medicine into teaching once the genetically enhanced are able to learn more. I mean, that’s why Dr. Morris was chosen, to teach. After all, that’s what he did at Harvard Medical most of his life.”

“Impressive.”

“Very.” George leaned back and stared at the Society agenda for the next two weeks. “This is impressive. The ship, the elimination of our error, Binghamton. Yep, barring any screw ups, things just may be finally going our way.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Robbie was in need of a haircut. That was the first thought that hit Joe as he walked to meet Robbie near the back gate. He hoped to get a short talk in with his son as they both headed back into town. He watched Robbie with a group of four security men by the back gate. A clipboard was in Robbie’s hands as he was possibly giving out new perimeter checks while Robbie prepared for his brother’s departure.

Robbie’s blonde hair blew in the fall wind. He must have sensed Joe because before Joe could signal that he was waiting that twenty or so feet away, Robbie looked up, squinted from the sun, and smiled that smile that only Robbie had.

Joe lifted his hand in return and waited for his son, watching him proudly as he filled in better than anticipated for his older brother Frank. Better than Joe would have thought. Robbie following Frank’s footsteps was nothing new to Joe. Robbie always tried to follow Frank’s footsteps, thinking his big brother always did things the best. To Joe, that was great, the connection between his sons as they grew up. They fought like mad but all of them loved each other unconditionally. There was a certain amount of curiosity in Joe to see how the three grown up boys were going to be. There also was a certain amount of fear with that curiosity, because a part of Joe knew it probably would be worse between them.

But Joe really was proud of all of them. And he was with Robbie as he watched his son’s hands move while he explained things to his men, a knowledgeable look upon his young face. He was making decisions that were of extreme importance and Robbie always hated decisions. But he came to his decisions well. Unlike Frank, who never thought and Hal, who tended to think too much, Robbie gave half thought and half gut instincts into everything he decided to do.

“I’m just so confused Dad.”

Joe heard Robbie’s fifteen year old voice in his head. Decision making was what made Joe snap to that memory. And to Joe, that day on the baseball field in the ‘World Series’ of pony league ball, Robbie made his first ever real decision . . .

“I don’t know what to tell you, Robert.” Joe sat next to him on the bench.

“What would Frank do? I should ask Frank, huh?” Robbie sat, looking so down, his white baseball pants clean from his not playing.

Joe turned back and looked into the bleachers to his other three sons. Hal, just out of boot camp, talked to some homely girl, Jimmy read a book, and Frank looked perturbed. Both were on leave and had come home for this game. He faced Robbie again. “Don’t ask Frank. You do this on your own.”

“Is it a hard decision, Dad? Or am I over reacting?”

Joe had to think about it. He looked to the score board. The last inning,. Nothing, nothing. Then he looked out to the field at the teenage boys out there. Robbie’s big decision. The team he played against was filled with boys Robbie had played side by side with all his life and since a division of streets, Robbie was moved to another league. Having to prove himself all over again as a ball player, Robbie spent most of his time on the bench in the new league, but not this game. Luck was with Robbie. Four players were out with illness and the right fielder was beamed with a ball and he too was out. Robbie was in. But luck was against Robbie as well. The pitcher, Robbie’s best friend, was about to set a record and receive an award. Larry was about to pitch his eighth consecutive no hitter. “It’s a tough one, kid.”

“We have two outs. Maybe our guys will strike out, we’ll go into extra innings, and Larry will be done pitching. And I won’t have to hit until next inning.”

“Maybe . . . maybe not.” Joe watched the second batter get hit in the leg with a ball. “You’re gonna have to bat now, Robbie. Get in the batter’s box.” Joe stood up.

Robbie stood too. “Maybe this guy will hit a home run and the game will be over.” Robbie dropped his head.

“Robert, just do what you have to do. OK?” Joe rubbed his son’s head and left the dugout. He walked up to the bleachers, plopping down between Frank and Hal. Joe nudged Hal. “Pay attention. Your brother is gonna be up.”

Hal tuned away from the homely girl. “It’s about time they let him play. What’s he gonna do?”

Joe shrugged.

Frank huffed. “I’m not understanding the problem he has. What? Is he stupid?’

“Christ, Frank.” Joe cringed. “He doesn’t know these guys he’s playing for. He knows the ones he’s playing against. Larry and him are best friends. Robbie can hit Larry every single time. It’s a matter of team loyalty to a team that never let him play, or friendship loyalty to a kid who’s about to get a hell of an achievement award.”

Hal shook his head. “Robbie certainly is sure of himself.”

“He can hit Larry,” Joe told him, “every single time.” He watched Robbie step to the plate.

Jimmy looked up from his novel. “There’s no decision there. Robbie strikes out. He’s the third out. Larry gets his award and it’s extra innings.”

“What, are you fuckin nuts?” Frank scoffed. “Is it any wonder why you picked the Navy? Go back to reading your book. It’s competition, friendship goes out the window. He fuckin knows he can hit the ball,. Step up to the box, nail it, screw Larry, be the hero, and get the trophy.”

Joe rolled his eyes slightly. “It’s a principal, Frank. Your brother is taking this seriously.” He watched Robbie takes his batter’s stance and swing a few times. “I think he’ll make the right choice.”

CRACK!

“Oh yeah!” Frank shouted out.

All four Slagels in the bleachers stood with the rest of the crowd at Robbie’s sailing ball. They watched it fly. Going, going . . . gone.

“Dad? Dad?”

Joe snapped out of his memory.

“Where was your mind at?” Robbie snickered as he stood next to Joe.

“Lindbergh field eighteen years ago,” Joe told him.

“What happened at Lindbergh field eighteen years ago?”

“The championship. You versus Larry.”

“Oh.” Robbie remembered. “Yeah, that’s right. I won the game for our team. I was cool. What made you think of that?”

“Watching you out there. Knowing how you have to make decisions.” Joe started walking with Robbie. “I was just remembering how that was probably the first hard decision you made in your life.”

“Pretty stupid now.” Robbie laughed. “I can’t believe I was in such debate over that.”

“Hey it was trophy or your friendship. You lost a friendship over that.”

“No big deal now. He’s most likely dead.”

“Robert.” Joe shook his head. “Anyhow, I was also thinking. You’re doing this very well, heading security. How are you going to feel when Frank returns?”

“To be honest, Dad, relieved. I can’t wait to get back into mechanics. I miss it.”

“Really?” Joe was shocked. “I had no idea you liked it so much.”

“No, I hate it especially working for the prick. But . . . I could hide and sleep all the time. Dad, when Frank walks back through the gate, the moment that he does, he’s getting his clipboard, his heavy fuckin keys, and I’m telling him take his damn job back and get his lazy ass to work.”

Joe chuckled at Robbie’s comment, laying his hand on Robbie’s back for a moment while they walked. And though Frank probably would nail his little brother if Robbie actually said what he told Joe he would, Joe would enjoy it. No matter what transpired the moment Frank walked in through the gate, it didn’t matter. All that mattered was that Frank would be walking through the gate.

^^^^

Hal was amazed as he watched the amount of preserved food that was being loaded into the truck that sat in the distance from where he and Henry were. He watched it in so much awe that he stopped paying attention to Henry.

“They have to fill out the forms, Hal. Hal?”

“I’m sorry. What?”

“The men you’re sending. They have to fill out processing forms. Ellen has them.”

“O.K.” Hal folded his arms and watched the truck. “You people have all this food?”

“Yeah and we have more growing. Did Sgt. Ryder tell his men they will be utilized as field workers?”

“They’re aware and have no problem.”

“We’re getting housing ready for them and the other fifty men that are coming to get your town ready but we’re gonna have to put them four in a house.”

“O.K.”

Henry smiled, swaying his head. “This small building here is tracking. This is where we’ll eventually link you up.”

“Been here.”

“Have you? Oh.” Henry reached for the door. “I’m thinking this is where Joe is. It’s on his agenda for today. We’ll grab him and get Ellen.” As Henry opened the door, he heard the high pitch beeping.

“Is that your alarm?” Hal asked.

“Yeah.” Henry bolted in. “Mark, what’s going on?”

“Tracking is screwed up.” Mark tossed his hands up.

“How do you know?” Henry asked.

“Look and listen.” Mark pointed to the radar. “No noise. No signals. Watch the area behind the under developed.”

Henry shook his head. “O.K., nothing.”

“Wait. It’s repetitive. Happens in time. And . . .”

A long alarm beep occurred and a single light blinked on the screen shot across and back, then disappeared.

Henry blinked in amazement. “What the hell was that?”

Mark was sure of himself. “A malfunction.”

Hal leaned closer. “I don’t know about this tracking thing but maybe it’s not a malfunction. Maybe it’s an animal.”

Henry looked in debate. “I don’t know. Could be.”

Another beep, another shooting light.

Mark shook his head. “Malfunction. The signal is weak, too weak. If it is an animal, it’s no bigger than two feet long.”

“Then it could be an animal,” Hal said.

Mark picked up the clipboard with the computer sheet on it. “I’ll say it again. Malfunction. It’s been happening steady for over an hour.” Mark held his ear, cringed, and two seconds later it happened again. He handed Henry the sheet. “I ran it though the computer program.”

Henry read the results. “All right, let’s watch for another hour or so. If it keeps up, we’ll go out and check the tracking back there. Danny’s leaving so I’ll have to do it and I’m busy right now.” He set the clipboard down.

“Henry?” Hal gained his attention. “How can you be so sure it’s a malfunction and not an animal? I’m curious, it just looks like a light to me.”

The blink, flash, and beep happened again.

“Did you see that flash and shooting light?” Henry asked. “Well that’s supposed to be the life signal. Smaller, weaker signal signify a small or weaker intrusion. Animal. And that can’t be an animal darting across that area that fast.”

“That fast?” Hal was confused.

“That fast,” Henry said then lifted the clipboard to show Hal. “That area the light shot across is close to two miles. And going by the speed computer estimates, I know of no such animal, that small, that can move at sixty-four miles per hour.” Henry took the clipboard back. “Malfunction. We’ll check it out later, Mark. Keep me posted.”

Questioning in his mind about Henry’s quick dismissal of the situation, Hal took one more look at the tracking screen and hesitantly followed Henry out.

^^^^

“Mr. Hoi.” Joe called for Danny as he walked up to what would be his new home. Danny added the final touches.

Danny turned around with a grin. “All done Joe. I swear. Just making it look nice for your woman.”

“That’s not why I’m here.”

“Oh?” Danny looked to Joe and Herb, an older gentleman who worked the fields. He stood with Joe. Danny snickered. “Did you guys come to beat me up.”

“Danny.” Joe said his name sternly.

“I’m ready for ya.” Danny raised his fist and laughed. “Kidding. What’s up?”

“Danny,” Joe huffed. “You were supposed to meet me an hour ago then we were all heading to the clinic together.”

“Now see, Joe.” Danny walked from the house to him. “You didn’t tell me why I have to go to a meeting, so I got scared.”

“You?”

“Yeah. Clinic. Dean and Ellen.” Danny shuddered. “They may want to work on my brain. It is highly intelligent.”

“I’m sure. No, no experiments but . . . now you have to rush.” Joe told him.

“Rush?”

“Rush. Go pack.”

“Am I uh . . . leaving?” Danny asked.

“You can say that. You would have known an hour ago, but you blew me off.”

“I was busy, Joe, getting your house ready. Where am I going?”

“To Bowman. I need you to get the power up enough so we can have some telephone communications with them.”

“No shit. I’m going out of town on business.” Danny grinned. “Thanks. That’s cool. You know, they do call me . . .”

“Mr. Telephone Connection Guy?”

Danny laughed. “I wasn’t going to say that, but that’s good. No, Mr. Traveler. O.K., I’ll pack. See you at the clinic.” He quickly grabbed his tool box. “This is great. Not only will I be the man here, but there as well.” Danny began to dart off. He stopped. “Your house is done.” He ran again and came back. “But uh . . . watch that front door. It’s not really connected yet. See ya!” Fast Danny took off.

Herb looked at Joe, a look of pleasure was not on his wrinkled face. “How long did you say I have to be in a closed in vehicle with that guy?”

^^^^

Dean closed the large black case that set on the counter in the clinic lab. “O.K. El, the coolant pack in here should keep the meds good for five hours. The trip won’t be that long.”

“But get it put away as soon as possible.”

“Exactly.”

“What about stuff from the cryo-lab? Am I taking any experimental stuff?”

“Um . . .” Dean scratched his head.. “I don’t know. I was thinking about that.”

“Yes? No?” Ellen asked, enjoying his debating look.

“I’d like to send some down with you, but . . . you know they aren’t fully tested yet . . .on normal people, that is.”

“I can take a couple new drugs down just in case.”

“You know what? Let’s do that. Hal doesn’t have a processing, so who knows what he has. Take the new cold med down but only give it to . . .”

“I know, I know, semi-SUT-equivalents.”

“You got it.” Dean smiled, kissed Ellen quickly then kissed her again. “I’m gonna miss you.”

“No you won’t.”

“You don’t think?” Dean moved the black case to the other counter. “Think about it, El.” He walked to the lab door and closed it. The lock clicked. “How many hours in the day do I not spend with you. Not many.” He closed the blinds.

“What are you doing?”

“Saying goodbye. You leave me in a little over an hour.” Dean walked back to the counter. He placed his hands on Ellen’s waist and lifted her up to the counter.

She giggled. “Look at you impressing me with your strength.”

Dean took off his lab jacket.

“Really, Dean, what are you doing?” She felt her legs part and Dean found a spot between them. He looked so serious. “Dean.”

“El.” He smiled and kissed her.

“Anyone could walk in.”

“Oh no they can’t. It’s locked. No one is gonna get in here unless they are authorized and no one is around.” He pulled at her tee -shirt.

“Stop.”

“Nope.” He kissed her.

“Dean, I’m only going for a couple days.”

“And speaking of that, be careful. We know you’re ‘leaving Beginnings’ reputation.”

“Don’t we though.” Ellen ignored him as he manipulated her.

“Lift your arms.” Dean lifted them and then her shirt. He tossed it. He laid his hand on her cheeks and kissed her.

“You do know, if you want to attempt this counter action thing, you’re gonna need a step stool.”

“Ha, ha, ha.” Dean took off his own shirt. “Watch me.” He moved closer to her and, so softly, he caressed his lips on her neck.

Ellen’s voice soften. “Dean. No. We can’t.”

Dean’s fingers laid on her bra straps, sliding them slowly from her shoulders as he kissed her where the straps once were, then he moved his mouth down to her chest, so softly, barely touching,

“O.K., maybe we can. What the hell.”

Dean lifted his head and grinned. “Music to my ears.” His whole tone changed. He slipped his hand under her hair and despite Ellen’s giggle, he kissed her and backed her down to the counter.

Buzz . . .

Johnny’s laughter rang in the room.

Dean, stunned and still leaning on top of Ellen in his counter position, looked up.

“Dean” Ellen whispered. “You said no one was coming.”

Johnny just walked in as if nothing was going on. “Do you guys think you should be doing that in a clean sterile environment such as the clinic?”

“Christ.” Joe walked in. “I’d like to know that too.”

Dean’s eyes widened. “Can anyone else walk in here?”

And with that, a running Danny Hoi bolted in. “Whoa. Hey. Should I refrain from asking what’s up?”

Joe turned his head to Danny then back to Dean and Ellen. “Do you two mind?”

“Yeah.” Robbie entered the lab. “Unless you were planning on entertaining us.” He grunted painfully when Joe back handed him in the gut.

Dean, shaking his head, lifted himself then pulled Ellen up. “Of all moments to be grand central station.”

“It’s a goddamn clinic, Dean.” Joe scolded. “You have a home.”

“But Dad . . .” Robbie instigated. “They have that reputation of liking the clinic best. Dean, could you put on a shirt? I’m really turned on by you at this moment.” Robbie noticed the overly serious glance Joe gave him. “What? I’m kidding.”

Dean sought out Ellen’s shirt and gave it to her. He bent down and picked up his own. “Sorry El.”

Ellen tossed on her shirt. “No I think it’s pretty funny.” She slid from the counter. “Danny, what are you doing here and also Herb?”

Danny answered. “It’s the big leaving for Bowman meeting. I’m going as her protection, Dean.” Danny winked. “So fear not. No seriously, Joe wants me to hook them up. Not hook them up like Dean was about to well but . . . try to get communications semi . . .” Danny snickered. “Up. Sorry, Dean.”

Dean immediately looked down.. “You’re an ass, Danny.”

“I got you though,” Danny rambled. “Hey Joe, when are we gonna start this meeting? I’m getting excited, not Dean excited, but I want to go.”

Joe rubbed his own eyes harshly. “Danny, Christ. As soon as Henry gets here.”

“What about me.” Henry walked in. “Did I miss anything?”

Robbie looked at Hal and Henry. “Just Dean and Ellen having sex on the counter.”

Dean tossed his hands up. “We weren’t having sex.”

“Not yet,” Johnny corrected. “Had I been a minute later, perhaps.”

Robbie laughed. “Then it would have been over with.”

Hal looked mortified. “Should we be in here? They’re married and perhaps they want some time alone.”

Joe spun on his heels to his son behind him. “Not in a public place they don’t need time alone. Now can we all drop the Dean and Ellen pretending to be kids and get on with this goddamn meeting before I have a stroke?” Joe watched Henry shut the door. “Thank you.” He took in the faces in the lab, all the faces that awaited the finish off meeting before the Bowman trip. Joe knew the short briefing would be far from brief. They never were, when there were more than three people from Beginnings in the same room. He had to wonder how he ever got anything accomplished at any meeting he had. And that thought was reiterated when, in Joe’s small pause of thinking, the group took advantage of that and began chattering about things that had nothing to do with Bowman.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

Dressed out of Caceres Society uniform and in shorts, Frank cooled down in his office after taking an unscheduled break from training on what seemed to be an extremely hot day for September. “Fuck.” Frank rubbed his hand over his head as he sat in his office.

Richie snickered. “It’s not that bad.”

“You’ve been in here all day. I ought to make you train with everyone.”

“No, you shouldn’t. Anyhow, go on.”

“Oh yeah.” Frank snapped forward in his chair and grabbed his water. He gasped at the coolness, put down his glass, and looked disgusted. “He’s about four feet tall, I swear.”

“No way.”

“Yep. O.K. Maybe I’m exaggerating, but no bigger than you. Skinny like you too.”

“Yeah but you like me.”

“True. But Dean. Man.” Frank shook his head. “You know just when you think he’s a nice guy, bam, he jerks you off. Not literally.”

“I hate them type of guys, Frank. They make you think you can trust them and they stab you in the back.”

Frank held out his hand. “My point exactly. You’re a little man. But Dean, he’s a little man with attitude.”

“What does my sister see in him?”

“She says he’s well endowed, but I know she says that to bug me.”

“Women always do. So when did this all start?” Richie asked.

“Plague time.”

“O.K., just so we get this right, original plague time or post-time machine plague time.”

“Both. In the original plague, she wanted to have a baby so she asked him to get her pregnant. He knew her and I were close, but no. He had to pester her and bother her to make a relationship and you know your sister.”

“She can’t say no.”

“Exactly,” Frank said. “It was worse when time rippled.” Frank explained with seriousness. “Something happened with her and Pete because of a letter Robbie sent her. I don’t know. He was writing back and forth to her since he got my letter. Or something like that. So . . . Ellen arranges to go to Little Dean’s lecture. He sees how vulnerable she is and as soon as she tells him she’s in a bad marriage, he jumped on that.”

“Like a dog.”

“You know it. That’s when he knocked her up in that history.”

“See now here’s what I don’t understand,” Richie stated. “You and her were always close. She didn’t know this man from Adam, had a fling with him at some lecture . . .”

“After the lecture.”

“Of course. As I was saying, why didn’t you and her just raise the baby together?”

“I tried. She even said I tried in the history I don’t remember, but he made her feel guilty.”

“You’re kidding.”

“Nope.” Frank shook his head. “He’s been playing with her ever since. Seven fuckin years I had to share Ellen with this man because he uses the kid thing against her. I can’t tell you how many times he’s taken her from me. That’s what caused the strain in our marriage, you know. He took advantage of her again. She was going through a rough time, he was Mr. Understanding, and they had an affair.”

“This Dean guy, Frank, he sounds like a real asshole.”

“Wait until you meet him. You’ll hate him.”

“I already do.”

“Thanks.” Frank leaned back and rocked in his chair. “You know it’s bad enough that there are no women left and we have to share with someone else, but it should be a three way partnership.”

“This guy won’t let it be, will he?” Richie asked.

“Nope. Takes advantage of the situation every single time. But he does have one thing going for him. He’s smart.”

“Well I’m sorry, Frank, but that’s not everything. You’re smart.”

“I am.” Frank nodded.

“Wait until I see my sister. I’ll talk to her.”

“Please.” Frank ran his hand down his face. “All right.” He looked at his watch. “Breaks over.” He stood up. “Did you do that math yet for me, Richie?”

“Oh yeah. Almost forgot.” Richie pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and read it. “Using your estimate of fifty miles a day, the UWA soldiers that you let go should arrive back at their base in Bowman on October 23rd.”

“What?” Frank was shocked. “It’s only September.”

“Yep.”

“Fuck.” Frank rubbed his head.

“Now that’s barring they don’t run into trouble. They may find horses or bikes. They aren’t gonna find anything motorized. You said that yourself. Gas is not an option. So even finding a horse, I figured it still would take them two weeks because of stopping and letting the animal rest, eat and such. And the bikes, with as much time that has passed, won’t make it. They won’t. The tires will die.”

Frank let out a long breath. “O.K., so we’re looking at minimal three more weeks here. Shit. My father better send down a fuckin helicopter to lift my ass out of here.”

“What about Ellen?”

“We have time. We’ll find where she is. George will be coming back. If I have to, I’ll wait the time out, then lock him in a room and beat the hell out of him until he tells me where she is.”

“That’ll work.”

“Yeah” Frank walked to his office door. “Back to training.”

“Frank?” Richie called out. “Why . . . why are you training Society soldiers?”

Frank just grinned and walked out.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Two trucks, one long and filled with food, the other a pickup, waited, engines running at the back gate. Hal and Ellen would ride in the pickup. Danny would drive Herb in the big truck, the one that would return with half the Bowman men who were going to Beginnings. Robbie was bringing down a truck for Ellen and the other half.

Ellen stood with Henry. He held Nick and they both watched Dean standing with Hal.

“Henry, what do you suppose they are discussing. Dean looks serious.”

“Probably medical stuff, El. You know Dean. He’s always trying to impress someone with it.”

Joe cleared his throat as he approached Ellen and Henry. “O.K., little lady, say your goodbyes. And listen to Hal, you hear me?”

“Yes.” Ellen smiled and embraced Henry and kissed Nick. “Help Dean with the kids, Henry. And watch Bev around him.”

“You mean watch Dean around Bev . . . ow.” Henry rubbed the back of his head. “Ow Joe, why’d you hit me?”

“Why are you starting shit? Go away.” Joe stepped between them, facing Ellen. “Stay low if there’s trouble,. You know how it follows you out there. And make . . .” Joe felt a tap on his shoulder, he looked to Henry behind him. “What Henry?”

“That wasn’t very nice, Joe, stepping between us.”

“Like I care.” Joe returned to Ellen. “As I was saying. Be careful.”

“Yeah, but I’m good. I have a Slagel watching me and you know they are the best protectors.”

“Without a doubt.” Joe laid his hand on her cheek. “Got a favor to ask you.”

“Sure.”

“Check on . . .check on the woman situation there. See if Hal’s right about the way they are. If they really are that way, we may have some problems when we all merge.”

“Got it, but I doubt they are as bad as Hal says. Come on Joe, you know how men get. I mean, all men but you.”

With a grumble, Joe kissed Ellen again, looked at his watch, and then at Hal and Dean. “What the hell are they so engrossed in talking about?”

The expression of seriousness and thinking, along with amazement on Dean’s face was what everyone seemed to notice as they watched him and Hal speaking. Dean looked up to Hal, folding his arms, and nodding his head slowly.

So poignant Hal appeared, explaining to Dean. “And I can assure you that in our community and on the trip, nothing what-so-ever will happen to Ellen. I will stake my life on it.”

“I believe that and I appreciate it.”

“O.K., so getting back to what brought me to that, I guess, Dean, as you can see, I guess it’s a matter of uh . . .”

“Pride? What? I’m lost. What exactly is it that you’re beating around the bush to ask me?”

“All right, well women are few, very few. And well, since Ellen will be staying with me, I’d like to sort of impress my men with a nice woman beside me.”

“O.K.” Dean blinked. “That’s fine. But . . .you want to show Ellen off?” Dean hid his snicker. “Ellen?”

“Dean, please. Ellen is wonderful.”

“O.K.”

“I don’t think you’re quite getting what I’m asking you.”

“Hal, the Slagel is coming out in you. You’re not asking me anything. Ask.”

Hal took a moment to gain his composure. “Think about it. Ellen is staying with me. Staying with me I want . . .”

“You want to sleep with her?”

“Oh my God! No, that’s not where I was going. Dean, I apologize if you thought that. No. I just want to make it, well, seem that way?”

Dean looked over to Ellen. “You want to borrow my wife to impress your men by making it look like you not only have a woman, but one that isn’t like the ones in Bowman.”

“Exactly.”

“Hal, how are you going to explain the fact that she’s married to me?”

“I thought of that. See, once my men understand the understanding and share situations of Beginnings . . .”

Dean nodded. “You’ll say we had an understanding.”

“Does this sound stupid?”

“No, very Slagel like.”

“Can I?” Hal asked.

“Borrow my wife?” Dean shrugged. “Sure go on. Borrow away. But Hal . . .” Since Dean got a typical Slagel request, he wanted to see if he could get that typical Slagel reaction. Laughter. A snicker. Scoffing. So Dean took on a fake serious, bringing himself more on tip toes and looking Hal straight in the eye. “Hal, don’t touch her. I wouldn’t want to beat you up.” Setting himself back down on the soles of his feet, Dean waited.

It didn’t happen.

“I wouldn’t take advantage of your generosity that way, Dean. I would never place you in a position where you’ll have to get violent with me because I did.”

“What?” Dean was shocked.

“Hal!” Joe whistled loud and shrill. “Let’s go! Now!”

“Thanks Dean.” Hal shook a stunned Dean’s hand. “I’ll be in touch.” Hal darted off.

“Uh . . .” Dean tossed his hands up. “I was . . . where . . . God, is he a Slagel?” He scratched his head and walked over to Ellen.

Ellen felt Dean’s arms go around her from behind and his lips touch her neck. “It’s about time, Dean. I was beginning to think you were gonna miss Hal more.”

“I am.”

Ellen turned around face to face with Dean and she smiled. “See you in a couple days.”

“Yep. Be good. El? Did you know Hal wants to make everyone think you and he are well, you know, together?”

Ellen laughed. “That is so typically Slagel. The big leader of his community and now he wants to be the only man with a woman. Make all the men envious until they get to know me.”

“Yeah . . . I mean . . . I . . . you’re wonderful El.”

Ellen closed her eyes with a slight smile and swayed her head. “I have to go.” She kissed him quickly and stepped back. “I love you.”

“Love you too.” Dean winked, grabbed her hand then let it slide from his as she walked away to join Hal by the pickup truck.

Dean stepped closer to Henry and Joe to watch them leave. Hal was back in his uniform, looking so . . . cavalry, as Ellen correctly described, with the exception of the red bandana on his head. They got in the pickup truck. Ellen waved as she slid in then Hal shut the door for her. Dean still was teetering on whether Hal was actually a blood line relative of Frank’s and he stood there feeling a little lost, a little more empty as he watched them pull safely from the gate.

^^^^

“Combination.” Joe stated as he watched over Mark’s shoulder in the tracking room, watching the beep and flash of light. “Rabbits and trouble. You know we’re infested with the rabbits and squirrels in that area. Tracking probably isn’t picking them up completely. Got two or three in that little field and they’re confusing our electronics.”

“You’re probably right,” Mark said.

“We’ll find out soon.” Around Joe’s neck was the headset. He lifted it to his head. “Henry? You there?”

“Yep. Leaving the secure perimeter now.”

“How much longer until you get there?”

“I’m at the end of the road by the cliff.” Henry shut off the Jeep. “I’ll let you know what I see when I climb up there.”

“Check back.” Hating the feel of the headset in his ear, Joe lowered it again and waited.

“Danny’s job,” Henry complained to himself as he walked though the beginning of the woods that lined the cliff behind the underdeveloped section, the only section of Beginnings that had no perimeter fence. The cliff seemed to be nature’s safeguard. “Danny’s job.” Henry kept bitching, walking the fifty yards across the small grassy area and to the tree that he had to climb. “Danny’s job. Probably a wire lose or something.” He stopped at the tree and grabbed the rope ladder. As his foot stepped to the first rope rung, he heard a ripping sound and felt his foot hit the ground. “What?” Henry looked down. The rung was so frayed it broke the second Henry had stepped on it. “Swell. Looks like something chewed on this.” Hoping it was an animal and not poorly made rope, Henry began to climb.

He huffed, caught his breath and braced himself in the ‘V’ of the branch and looked at the tracking dish tightly secured to the tree. “Joe.”

“Yeah, Henry.”

“I’m up here. This is way too high. I can’t breathe.”

“How’s the dish look?”

“Good.” Henry visually examined the wire connection. “It doesn’t look like anything is wrong.”

“I think it’s a programming problem, Henry. The computer tracking is getting confused.”

“I think you may be . . .” Henry stopped talking when he heard a loud rustling sound in the grass below.

“Henry?” Joe called him.

“Wait a second.” Henry heard it again. “Joe, did you just get a beep there?”

“Yeah.”

“Shit.”

“What?”

Henry heard the movement but couldn’t see. Safely he shifted his body to get another view. He looked to his left at the larger field with an abundance of brush and high weeds. He was well above it. “Shit!”

“Christ, Henry, What?”

Henry’s eyes widened. What it was he didn’t know. He watched the grass move, a fast parting zipping across the field. It was if God himself took his huge finger, reached down, and drew a line quickly from one end of the field to the other. But what made the movement, Henry didn’t know. “Joe.” Another line,, then another, it was like watching an Etch-a-Sketch in the grass. “Joe.”

“Henry, what’s going on up there? I’m getting like ten little flashes and beeps.”

“Something is in the grass, Joe.”

“Rabbits? What?”

“I don’t know.” Henry had a frightened tone to him. He watched the grass stop moving. “I’m getting down. I don’t like this.” He fumbled as he reached for the ladder and kept his vision peered to the area. Nearly falling, Henry climbed down, missed a rung and swung on the rope ladder. He didn’t like the feeling he was getting.

“Henry, you O.K.?”

Henry’s feet planted firmly on the ground and as soon as they did his body filled with horror when he heard a long, high-pitched animal squeal in the distance. To him it sounded like a warning cry. His head swayed to it and as it did, the loud rustling of grass and weeds began.  Henry could see the tops of the stocks moving and moving toward him. Then Henry took off running. He flew as fast as he could the fifty yards to the Jeep. The moving foliage sound grew closer but Henry focused on his Jeep, his heart racing, pounding hard. He stretched his lanky legs to the limits, leaping over whatever got in his way. Something or some things were following him and he didn’t know what. He dove into the Jeep, not even taking time to toss his tool bag in the passenger’s seat. His shaking hands reached for the keys in the ignition as he heard the noise drawing near. Finally, he started the Jeep.

BANG!

Henry shrieked when he heard the crash against the rear side of the Jeep. He pressed his foot to the peddle, shifted the gears, and screeched off as fast as the Jeep would move on the rough road. He kept on driving  through the secure perimeter, ordered it back up and never looked back to see what it was that chased him.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Beginnings, Montana

There was something very red about Joe’s face as he sat in his desk looking up to a very frazzled Henry. But the red disappeared as soon as Joe released the laughter he contained. Loud and roaring it was. Joe slapped his hand hard to the desk, leaned to the side of his chair, laughed harder, and rubbed his eyes.

“It’s not funny, Joe.”

“Sorry.” Joe blurted out more laughter. “You were running from bunnies?”

“Killer bunnies, Joe.”

“They chased you, Henry?”

“Yes, fast too. That’s what’s on the screen, Joe. Killer rabbits.”

“Like Night of the Lepus?”

Henry was so frustrated, he stomped like a child. “Listen to me, Joe.”

“No Henry, listen to yourself. Do you hear how ridiculous you sound? You tell me you were in the tree. You saw the grass move but you couldn’t see what it was. And then you tell me it chased you, or rather they chased you. These rabbits. And you believe yourself. Just like you believed Frank.”

“What?”

“Remember that one Easter he was telling the kids about how Peter Rabbit forgot to take his Prozac and went hay wire Easter Eve attacking Robbie in his bed. You believed him.”

“He sounded believable, Joe. And this is true. I’m not exaggerating here. They squealed.”

“They squealed?” Joe asked with ridicule.

“Squealed like . . . like . . .” Henry slapped himself in the head. “Dean!”

“Dean squeals? Is there something you aren’t telling me, Henry?”

“Huh?” The light bulb went off in Henry’s head. “Oh Joe no.” He shook his head. “When you were in the cryo lab the last time, did you see those six rabbits on the counter, or rather hear them? Danny and I did.”

Joe stopped laughing. He stood up. “Let’s find, Dean.”

^^^^

“Oh Hal, we can have so much fun with this,” Ellen stated as she sat in the truck, riding with Hal.

“You really will do this?” Hal asked.

“Oh sure, I’ll play along. I’ll do it good too.”

“El, I appreciate this. I’m hoping that maybe if the men see how you are, perhaps we can stop fearing any woman we run into.”

“But Hal.” Ellen held up her hand. “You guys are such gentleman compared to our Beginnings men.”

“Really?” Hal was shocked. “They don’t treat you with respect?”

“Some do, but for the most part, they treat us like expectations.”

“You have got to be kidding me.” Hal was offended. “My brothers too?”

“Not Robbie. Frank does. Snaps his finger at me and expects me to run.”

“Do you?”

“Well, yeah. It’s Frank.”

“You’re gonna have to stop that, El.” Hal was disgusted. “And wait until we get my big brother back. I think I’ll sit down and have a word or two with him.”

“Won’t work.”

“It won’t?”

“No, he’s Frank and I’m Ellen. He’ll never change the way he treats me. You can try though.”

“I will,” Hal stated strongly.

“O.K. . . . Hal, this is so much fun, this ride. I want you to know I’m enjoying this immensely.”

“Thank you. Me too.”

“I feel very safe with you and I don’t feel safe with many people.”

Hal smiled. “Thanks again.”

“And . . . that uniform and bandana.” Ellen gave a thumbs up. “Kicks ass for your sex appeal.”

Hal blushed some, but he blushed with arrogance.

“I wonder if Danny and Herb are having this much fun?”

Herb tried to pretend he was sleeping, but that didn’t work, nor did it stop Danny.

“No, no , no Herb. Didn’t you hear me?”

“I’m sleeping.”

“Oh no you aren’t.”

“Danny, I am.”

Danny peered at Herb closely, swerving the truck and causing Herb to scream. “Sorry.”

“Just . . . Just drive.”

“Sing with me.”

“No,” Herb said annoyed.

“Just one song. Sing with me.”

“No.”

“O.K.” Danny tapped his hands on the steering wheel. A bright smile then hit his face. “Hey, I know.” He reached down and grabbed the radio.

^^^^

Dean had just finished checking on Jeremy in his post -release from the clinic exam and then found himself in Ellen’s office, grinning from ear to ear, laughing softly as he listened to the radio. He laughed at what he heard, but most of all he laughed at the thought of Hal’s face, Herb’s face, and just about anyone else that tuned in to listen to the nonstop duet between Danny and Ellen.

Danny’s voice led the song. “Mock . . .”

“Yeah.” Ellen sang.

“Ing.”

“Yeah.”

“Yeah.”

“Yeah.”

“Mocking Bird.” Danny went off singing like he was some sort of super star. “Now everybody have you heard . . .”

“Dean,” Henry called to him.

Dean, who was deep in listening, jolted at the call and shut the radio off. “Joe, Henry. Wasn’t that funny?”

“A killer,” Joe stated, “but we need to talk to you. We need a favor.”

“What’s wrong?” Dean stood up looking at Joe and Henry.

“Nothing really.” Joe pointed to the door. “Feel like taking a walk with us?”

“Sure,” Dean said. “To where?” he asked as he followed.

“Your little cryo -lab.”

Dean stopped walking. “Why?”

“Dean.”

“Joe.” Dean grew firm. “It’s my lab.”

“And it’s my community, Dean.” Joe snapped back. “I’m not demanding here, I’m asking. If this was the old world you wouldn’t get away with one tenth the shit you do here. Now instead of the FDA, animal rights, human rights and any other goddamn organization breathing down your neck, you have me. I barely bother with what you do there. Today there’s something I need to see. Now do you take me or do I just go check it out?”

Dean shook his head as he walked by Joe. “Fine, but let me get in there first. O.K.?”

“That’s fine. If I don’t see what I need then I’ll ask. It’s nothing that you did, Dean. It’s just something I need to see.”

Dean had a sort of pouting storm to his walk. “It isn’t right, Joe. What we do in that lab is really Ellen and mine’s business.”

“Yes it is,” Joe agreed, “until it becomes something that affects the community. Then it’s my business. You are way too defensive about this. Why is that?”

“It’s just . . . it’s my work.” Dean lead the way across the street and to the entrance if the tunnels. During the whole walk, he kept wondering to himself what it was that he was doing that actually effected the community. On that, Dean was baffled.

Joe stared at his watch, then at Henry, and then at the closed cryo-lab door. “What is he doing in there?”

“Hiding evidence.”

“Of the killer bunnies?” Joe asked.

“Joe you shouldn’t joke around like that. Really, what if they are?”

“Henry, for crying out loud,” Joe scolded and the cryo-lab door opened.

Dean ran his fingers through his hair and opened the door wider. He looked frazzled. “All yours.”

Joe’s first step into the lab was slow and with shifting, suspicious eyes. “Dean, what took you so long?”

“I was uh . . . cleaning up.” Dean tried to hide the long breath he let out.

A slight gagging sound came from Henry. He spoke muffled as he pulled his shirt over his nose. “Joe, just ask him so we can leave.”

Joe sniffed outward harshly. “What is that smell, Dean?”

“Smell?”

“You don’t smell it? It smells like rotten flesh.”

“Yes.” Dean said. “It is.”

Henry gagged. “Joe, why does he have rotten flesh down here?”

“I moved it to the back,” Dean explained. “It’s something me and El are working on.”

“Rotten flesh?” Joe questioned. “May I ask whose?”

“Um, yeah. Robbie got it for us. It’s a piece of a deer. We’re trying to work on skin surface infections and we need some big tissue samples. We can’t get any human volunteers.”

“Gee, I wonder why.” Joe looked around. “Is that what you were hiding?”

“No. I mean, yes.” Dean took another breath. “What is it that you wanted to see?”

Before Joe could answer, he heard the bang of the cage. He looked to the counter to the six cages. “Them.”

“My rabbits?” Dean smiled. “Why?”

Joe moved to the cages. “They make noise, do they not?”

“Um . . .” Dean scratched his head. “Yeah. Oddly enough, yeah.”

“Can I ask why?”

“Yeah.” Dean answered. “But I can’t tell you exactly. We’re working on that. We’re kind of working on so much we can only do so much at a time.”

Henry nudged Joe. “Tell him Joe, Tell him.”

“Shh.” Joe silenced Henry. “Dean, are you doing something to these rabbits?”

“Of course,” Dean replied. “That’s why they’re down here.”

“What?” Joe asked.

“Well, these babies . . .”

“Babies?” Joe was shocked. “How much of babies are they?”

“Three weeks.”

“Christ!” Joe exclaimed at the six of the rabbits that looked full grown. “What did you do to them?”

“While their mother carried them, I injected this serum I’ve been working on that speeds up the metabolism. It really doesn’t work well. We have a lot of bugs to work out.”

“And that’s all you’ve done to them? This is how they got this way?” Joe questioned further.

“No.” Dean shook his head. “We created this high protein feed to help their weight, make them bigger. That’s sort of working. That’s what they eat. Is this why you’re here Joe, about my rabbits?”

“Yes. How loud do they get and do they squeal all the time?”

Dean was a bit surprised by Joe’s line of questioning but he didn’t mind answering it. Obviously someone besides him and Ellen found some interest in his ‘special’ work. “They squeal loudly when they are upset. Actually, making noise isn’t new to rabbits. It’s just usually not that loud. Their vocal chords do seem to be larger. That’s what my best guess is on the sounds.” Dean tossed his hands up. “Is that it?”

Again Henry, with his nose still covered by his shirt, nudged Joe. “Go on, Joe.” A bang at the cage startled Henry. “See Joe.”

“Henry!” Joe yelled. “Dean, how big will they get if they’re that big now?”

“Not very,” Dean explained. “They probably won’t live another week.” He saw the shocked expression on Joe’s face. “See, no matter how much we change the serum, the outcome is still the same. Their hearts are huge and they are growing faster than their bodies. I’ll show you what I mean.” Dean walked to a small fridge, opened it, and pulled out a cloth covered tray. He carried it over toward Henry and Joe and set it on the counter. He lifted the cloth.

Henry screamed in disgust when he saw the large rabbit without its fur. The rabbit’s chest was open and spread apart. “Dean, put that away.” Henry began to gag.

Dean snickered as he showed Joe. “See the heart? It’s nearly the same size as his body. It gets too big and eventually it explodes from within. Too much exertion will cause premature cardiac arrest.”

Joe nodded. “I’ve seen enough.”

Dean shrugged, grabbed the cloth, and carried the tray to the fridge. He stopped to show Henry the rabbit before covering it and placing it back.

Joe rubbed his chin, peering up at Dean. “So was the serum that caused the heart condition? What about just the feed?”

“The feed makes them heavy. See, we’re trying to get more meat on the rabbits for better food consumption.”

“I see. Dean, any chance any of that feed got outside this community.”

Dean didn’t answer.

“Dean?” Joe raised his voice along with an eyebrow. “Any chance.”

“Maybe a small chance.”

“A ha!” Henry shouted. “I knew it. I knew it.”

“Knew what?” Dean wondered. “We left a little feed outside. It’s just protein, that’s it.”

“Dean, those rabbits seem awfully strong. They jump pretty high too,” Joe commented.

“Yes they do and they are strong.”

“How fast are they?” Joe asked.

“Not very,” Dean answered.

“But they jump high.”

“Oh yeah.” Dean walked over to the cage and opened it. “They do that when they see someone in the lab. El and I usually let them out to roam. Because . . .” Dean took out the large rabbit. “We can catch them easily. Watch.” Dean set the rabbit on the floor.

Joe jumped back when he watched the rabbit fling himself up higher than any rabbit Joe had ever seen. “Shit.”

“Amazing huh?” Dean smiled. “But then . . .” The rabbit tried to jump again, this time only a little, then he looked as if he rested. The rabbit began to move across the floor, only instead of hopping, he sort of rolled. “See, Joe, They’re too big and too fat. They tire easily and can’t move.”

Joe grumbled in defeat. “So I suppose there isn’t a chance that the rabbits in the wild got a hold of your super feed and now are big and move over sixty miles an hour?”

Dean laughed loudly. “No way. The feed makes them big, yeah, but way too fat to even move a half a mile an hour. What is all this about?” Dean picked up the rabbit and carried him back to his cage.

Henry explained. “Something chased me, Dean. I couldn’t see it in the field but it was up at the under developed section and it squealed like your rabbits.”

Dean hesitated before putting the rabbit away. “You ran from rabbits?”

“No, Dean.” Henry was defensive. “They, or it, was fast. Zipped too. Radar picked it up.”

“Radar?”

Joe nodded. “Clocked whatever it was over sixty miles per hour. We thought it was a malfunction, but when Henry saw something moving in the high grass, we had to question. I’m going back to my theory on the computer was confused because there are so many rabbits in that area it can’t distinguish one small signal from another. It then blurs them together as one fast moving object.”

Dean closed the rabbit cage and looked serious. “How high and thick was the grass Henry?”

“High, about five feet and thick. There was a lot of brush there.”

Dean’s hand ran over his head to his neck. “And . . this was where?”

“Behind the under developed section, up behind the cliff. Sector Thirty-two. You know, where the tracking is. The field beyond that.” Henry told him.

“It chased you.” Dean watched Henry nod. “And it squealed.” Another nod from Henry and Dean shifted his eyes to Joe. “Clocked over sixty miles an hour? And that is the area with no perimeters?”

“What are you thinking, Dean?” Joe asked.

“I’m thinking.” Dean swayed his head. “I’m thinking we’d better talk to Melissa and find out where Marcus was.”

“Marcus.” Joe stated the name of the genetically enhanced child of Beginnings. The child who was thirteen months old but looked six years old. The child, who when younger had to be caged up, but now was given almost as much freedom as the rest of the children, treated like them even though he was so different from them. It being Marcus hadn’t even crossed Joe’s mind, but the mention of his name made Joe’s mind immediately start to race. If it was Marcus out in that field, Joe hoped it was only the rambunctiousness of a child who needed the area to expel his energy and not the surfacing of some genetic instinct that could breed worry in Beginnings.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

Ellen watched, impressed as the men who lined the streets saluted Hal while he drove into the center of the small town. “Hal, this place is wonderful.” She peered out at the charm Bowman projected, it’s small town style buildings, and clean streets. “Oh Hal.”

“I live right on that corner.” Hal pointed to the vacant drug store. “We can unload your things. Are you wanting to rest before I show you to the clinic?”

“No.” Ellen shook her head. “I’ll wait if you’re busy.”

“Not at all. I’m all yours.” Hal grinned. “I had Sgt. Ryder assign men to help put the food away and help Herb set up our own distribution. Danny, well, I figured Sgt. Ryder can take him about seeing Danny and Herb are staying with him.”

“Oh so you and I are alone?”

“Works better that way don’t you think?”

“Yes, we need our privacy.” Ellen giggled as Hal stopped the truck. “Hey!”

“What?”

“I know him. I know him.” Ellen pointed to Sgt. Ryder. “Hal.” Ellen smiled as she reached for the door. “He saved Frank’s life.”

“Sgt. Ryder?”

“Yes.” Ellen excitedly jumped from the truck. “Hey!” She called to Sgt. Ryder. “Remember me?”

Sgt. Ryder grinned and stepped to Ellen. “You’re O.K.?”

“Yes. Thank you.” Shocking Sgt. Ryder, Ellen embraced him tightly, holding her arms around him for a little while. “Thank you for all that you did for me and Frank.”

“I’m sorry about what happened to him.”

“He’ll be fine.” Ellen broke from the embrace. “Did you know that you saved Hal’s brother?”

Sgt. Ryder took a double take. “Frank is your brother?”

“Yes.” Hal smiled as he answered.

“Amazing.” Sgt. Ryder shook his head. “Well, Ellen, welcome to Bowman.”

“Thank you.” Ellen looked around. “This place is very nice. Hal, help me put my things away?”

“Absolutely.” Hal walked to the back of the pickup. He saw Danny and Herb pull up. “Elliott, the young man in that truck is Danny. He’s the one who will get our communications up.” Hal lifted the bags from the truck. “Danny!” Hal called out as Danny stepped to the street. “Sgt. Ryder here will assist you.” He got an agreeing nod from Danny and lugged Ellen’s bag and medical box from the pickup. He led Ellen into his apartment building.

Sgt. Ryder saw the very upbeat Danny Hoi smile and wave to him. He grinned at Danny’s enthusiasm, and waved back. Then the smile fell from Sgt. Ryder’s face when he watched Herb step from the truck. The second Sgt. Ryder saw the frazzled, annoyed and tired looking old man, Sgt. Ryder knew he was in trouble.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

It would take some getting used to for Joe. First having to walk that far to get home, and second, the new home itself. He had lived in the same house since he arrived in Beginning. He checked out the modular home, pale blue in color. It was nice but it had its drawbacks. One of the biggest being the fact that Danny had Ellen and Dean’s home three doors up. Joe loved his grandchildren dearly but the days of peaceful after-work time would be gone. Joe could see it coming. In fact he did see it. He could see his grandchildren utilizing the large underdeveloped field behind the new modular homes as if it were one big backyard.

Stepping to his front door, Joe paused. He took another look. Did he just see Joey floating above the grass? Joe blinked and he saw the reason for it. Flying across the field was Joey but Joey was not alone. He rode on Marcus’s back. Marcus, on his hands and knees, moved at an incredibly high speed. Joe watched the grass bend and move and his mind flashed to what Henry said he saw. Joe whistled loudly to get the attention of the two boys. “Marcus! Slow it down, I don’t need Joey breaking anything.” He heard the grunt and squeal reply and Joe watched the rate of speed slow down. Marcus listened. Good sign.

Joe reached for his door. “Christ.” It teetered on the hinge. “I’m kicking his ass.”

“Whose?” Andrea asked as she unpacked.

“Danny’s.” Joe stepped in the house. “Looks good.”

“Getting there. You could have been here to help.”

“I could have, but I was working. I’m busy, Andrea. And . . . I need to talk to you.”

“Sure. Can we talk while I unpack?”

“Yep.” Joe neared her. He had it on his mind all day. How he would handle it? Would he beat around the bush? Would he be direct? Subtle? Or would he be Joe? Joe reached into his pocket. “While I was looking for my cufflinks the other day, I found this.” Joe laid the note on the table. “I was wondering if we could talk about it.”

Andrea reached for the note and opened it.

Joe watched the expression. He swore if Andrea wasn’t a black woman she would have turned white. “Andrea? Can we talk?”

Andrea folded the note back up, slammed the box she was unpacking shut, and stormed off out of the room.

Joe heard the bedroom door slam. “Maybe not.”

^^^^

Melissa was silent, hesitating before saying anything to Dean. “Why?”

“I just need to know.” Dean questioned as they stood at the nurse’s counter. “Where was he today?”

“Dean, he was in school.”

Dean nodded slowly. “Melissa, I understand the protective instincts of a parent. I do. But . . . Jenny told me . . .”

“O.K.” Melissa held up her hand. “O.K., I couldn’t get him motivated this morning. So I figured since I was on the afternoon shift, I’d keep him home from school. Dean, he played, that’s all he did.”

“Did he leave the house?”

“Yes, but not for long.”

“Melissa.” Dean stayed calm. “What did I tell you? He’s either got to be around others or he stays in. Right?”

“But he wasn’t gone for very long.”

“He runs in excess of sixty-miles an hour which means alone for twenty minutes, Marcus ran from one end of Beginnings to the other.”

“What did he do?” Melissa asked.

“Nothing.” Dean shook his head. “We think he was wandering around the underdeveloped section, maybe a little further than he should.”

“He doesn’t know sometimes, Dean. Yes he’s big but you know mentally he’s still so young. I’ll keep a better eye on him,” Melissa said.

“Better? Melissa, you do fine. O.K.? I worry about him getting hurt. He’s a kid. Just keep him around someone if he wants to play. He tends to act like they do.” Dean began to walk away and stopped. “Which isn’t always good when he and Joey are together.”

“That’s all the time.”

“I know.” Dean smiled. “All right, speaking of Joey, I’m out of here. I’m on call so just reach me at home, I’m bringing stuff with me.” He started walking down the hall, turned, and walked backwards, speaking to Melissa. “Oh and uh I won’t say anything about Marcus running around today. We’ll keep it between us.” Dean spun back around, picking up his pace to his lab. He went over what seemed to be a million things in his mind, Dean hurried into his lab and gathered up the folders he was taking home. As he reached for the one stack he saw a note sitting on top. He briefly skimmed over the message that read, ‘The cat’s away. Does the mouse want to play? Find me. Bev’ . Not paying much attention to it, not thinking, he placed it inside one of his folders, secured the stacks in his arms, and left the lab.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

“Dean has created pretty much everything we have,” Ellen explained to Blue. “There isn’t much that we can’t treat.”

“I appreciate this.” Blue stood by the small open  refrigerator.

“Here is a little booklet Dean made up. He’s so anal.” She snickered as she gave it to Blue. “It tells you by symptoms what to use. We gave you basics. Anything else you can get from us. I have reqs for you to have on hand.”

“Reqs?”

“Requisitions,” Ellen explained. “As far as I understand, there will be frequent trips between us until you guys settle closer. Just send the req with whoever is coming up. Once you guys are close, you can have it immediately. Until then, you’ll have to wait so plan ahead.”

“I understand.”

“One thing you’ll have to get used to, everything in Beginnings, with the exception of food, is requisitioned. It helps keep track of things.”

“Like a purchase order.”

Ellen smiled. “Exactly. Any questions?”

“No, but I’m sure I’ll think of some,” Blue said.

“I’m here tomorrow too.”

Hal, who had been quiet in the back, stepped forward. “Get used to working with . . . Dr. Hayes. She’ll be the other doctor here in Bowman or wherever we end up. Of course, she’ll still live in Beginnings, but we get to have her often.”

Blue seemed to like that. “Excellent. I’m so glad to have the help. There’s a lot of people here.”

“We’ll do well together,” Ellen commented. “Hal tells me you have a woman here whose pregnancy is high risk.”

“Yes.” Blue nodded. “She’s at the house now on bed rest.”

“She’s been having contractions. Any dilation?”

“Steady at two for a while. I got her drunk and was able to sustain it.”

Ellen nodded. “I want to see her. I brought some medication that should help her. She’ll have to take it regularly.”

“The Captain can take you there.”

Hal shook his head ‘no’ at Blue. When Ellen turned to him, Hal stopped and smiled. “Sure, I’ll take you. Get your things, El.”

Ellen patted the black medical bag Dean had lent her that used to be his father’s. “Right here.”

“Then let’s get this over with.” Hal laid his hand on Ellen’s back, leading her out. He stopped in the doorway, looked back at Blue, mouthed the word, ‘you’ll pay’ and then he and Ellen left.

Blue stood alone in his clinic, a relieved and happy man. He had better medical supplies and . . . there now was a chance that he no longer had to make any more trips to that house.

She was either highly attractive or an oddity. Ellen was wagering on the latter as the reason for the stares she got while walking down the streets of Bowman with Hal. No matter what they did, the men stopped and watched her as she walked by with him.

They approached the large white house, guarded with two UWA soldiers out front. They both saluted Hal as he and Ellen passed by them.

“Big.” Ellen slowed her pace on the walk and looked up at the house.

“We believe it belonged to the mayor of the town.” Hal told her as they stepped to the porch. “This is going to be an experience for me.”

“You don’t come here?” Ellen asked.

“No, I do when I have to but I’ve never come here with a woman. I’m curious to see the reaction. So . . .” Hal moved Ellen to the door side. He laid his finger on her lips. “Shh.” He knocked on the door. “And the thunder rolls.”

Ellen snickered a silent ‘what’ as the door opened.

“Captain.” Grace said his name with a hint of hatred. “This is an unscheduled visit. You know how I feel about them.”

“My apologies Gr . . . Gr . . . my apologies, but I’m sure Sgt. Ryder told you the doctor from Beginnings is here to check on Monica.”

“Yes, he did.” Grace opened the door wider. “Is he with you?”

Hal looked to his left. “Yeah, the doctor is right here.”

“Then fetch your guards. We don’t know this person and I don’t want one of my girls in the hands of an animal.”

Smiling, Ellen poked her head around. “I’ll try to be gentle.”

Grace gasped. “You’re the Beginnings doctor?”

“Yes.” Ellen held up her bag. “May I come in?”

“Oh yes!” Grace answered the door. “Please, please.”

Hal’s eyes shifted. If he didn’t see it with his own eyes, he wouldn’t have believed it. Grace smiling?

Grace held the screen door open for Ellen, letting her in. “Captain, you’ve done so well with this. Thank you. That will be all.”

Hal had to quick be to stop the front door from closing. “No, that won’t be all. I believe I will wait for her.”

“Oh.” Grace looked at Ellen. “You have other business in town?”

“I’m still helping Dr. Blue at the clinic.”

“Then I’ll show you to Monica.” Grace moved Ellen along, turning and looking back at Hal. “Captain, stay here.”

“I have no intentions of walking any further into this house.” Hal said. He felt that annoying, typical tickle in his nose when he went into that house, and he sneezed loudly. He laughed when he heard Grace’s gasp of disgust at him.

Like she just performed a difficult circus act, Ellen impressed all the resident women to the point of applause as they gathered tightly in Monica’s room. The baby’s heart beat was strong and loud through the Doppler that Ellen held on Monica’s stomach. “Sounds like a girl.”

Monica smiled. “How do you know?”

“Heart rate is relaxed. The faster the heart beat the more it tends to be a boy.”

“Have you any children?” Monica asked.

“Yes.” Ellen answered. “Many.”

“Where are they now?”

“Back in Beginnings.” Ellen put the instrument away, dancing around the words ‘my husband’ so not to ruin Hal’s new reputation. “My father has them.”

“Your father survived the plague?”

“Actually, my father died some years ago before the plague. Joe, Joe has been like my father for over twenty years. Joe is Hal’s biological father.” Ellen saw the lost look on Monica’s face. She turned and looked at the other women in the room. They all looked just as lost. “Hal. The Captain.” The woman all grumbled. Ellen snickered. “That’s funny. His brother has the same effect on women in Beginnings.”

Grace was shocked by this. “The Captain has a father and a brother who survived the plague and are in Beginnings?”

“No.” Ellen shook her head. “The captain has a father and two brothers in Beginnings.” She heard the gasp. “No, really. They’re all gruff but . . . I love them all. I’ve known them forever.”

Grace laid a soothing hand on Ellen’s shoulder. “You poor thing.”

Ellen had to laugh. What other reaction could she have? Grace was just so serious.  She set the medication down on the counter. “O.K. Monica, because there is some dilation of the cervix, I want you to take the pills twice a day like clockwork. O.K.? I also see no reason why you can’t walk around, taking it easy with it. You have to get some circulation other than going to the bathroom. You don’t want a blood clot and I noticed your legs are swollen.” Ellen looked to Grace. “Get her up and moving,. O.K.?”

“How will that affect her baby?” Grace asked.

“She hasn’t had contractions in some time, so with the med she should be fine. Hal said she has a history of premature deliveries. Can’t guarantee this baby won’t be born early, but we can try to hold it in there as long as possible.”

Monica grabbed Ellen’s hand. “What if I deliver early?”

“I can tell you this. We have excellent medical care in Beginnings. My youngest son was born seven weeks early. He’s fine. And . . . you’re a hour away, round trip. Any problems, radio communications are up. Danny is here getting some phone service going. You call and Robbie will fly down and get you.”

“Robbie?” Monica asked.

“Hal . . . I mean, the Captain’s brother.” Ellen heard the moans. “Robbie’s the nicest one.” Ellen closed the medical bag. “Well, I’ll leave you. It was very nice meeting all of you.” Ellen felt the strangest thing. Monica was touching her hair.

“Your hair is pretty. And soft.”

“Excuse me?” Ellen asked.

“Your hair is so soft. Grace feel her hair.”

Ellen shuddered when she felt Grace stroke her hair. “Um, we have a great chemist in Beginnings,” She started to get up when she felt another touch her hair and then another woman touch her arm. “Excuse me.”

“So soft.” A woman commented. “How are you so soft? We try.”

“Chemicals. Creams.” Ellen stood up feeling really uncomfortable. “Well, I should go.” She backed up. “You girls have been great.”

Grace physically stopped her. “Doctor, you should exercise extreme caution out there. Please.”

“I will. Hal will protect me personally.” Ellen hurried to the door. “Thank you.”

“Doctor.” Grace called to Ellen. “We’ll expect you not too late.”

“Um O.K.” Ellen opened the door, walked out, and popped her head back in. “Bye.” She shut the door. Ellen paused in the hall before going down, trying to shake the weirdness that still lingered after being in the room with the odd women. How strange they were to Ellen, so curious and treating her like she was a novelty or toy. After shaking a shudder once, Ellen hurried down the staircase and met up happily with Hal who was still waiting on her.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

“Oh my God. Frank . . . Frank.”

Frank could hear Ellen’s voice in his mind as if she were in that office with him. The sounds of his last day, his last moment with her were as alive in his memory as he was.

Gun shots . . .

“El . . . Run.”

“I can’t leave you.”

“Run . . . Run.”

The touch of her lips. The rustling of grass. Ellen’s scream . . .

Frank’s eyes closed tightly, his forefinger and thumb pressed tightly to his eyelids as his head flung back in the chair. He swallowed harshly. His mind was with Ellen and his heart filled more with hatred for George.

“Frank.” Richie’s voice invaded Frank’s thoughts.

Frank raised his head up, opened his eyes, and let out a long breath.

“You have to call George.” Richie slid the phone to him. “You’re a half hour late.”

Frank sniffed hard and pulled the phone to him. “I hate calling him.”

“You know what to tell him about his man Marcus, right?”

“No. I’ll wing it.” Frank began to dial the phone.

^^^^

Quantico Marine Headquarters

With one hand on the just hung up phone and the other on his chin, George stared with seriousness after finishing his evening check-in with Frank. Marcus had left Binghamton a day early. Why? Marcus never bothered to call for his check in. Why? Frank had no explanation and that was the only thing that stopped George from being totally suspicious of something going on. Surely if there was something happening in Binghamton, Frank would have had some extreme excuse or made up story to cover up but Frank had nothing. That told George perhaps he was being honest and Marcus was just being facetious. Just in case, to take no chances, George decided he would move the plans along faster, first with the scientists and the two ambassadors. Instead of leaving for Binghamton in two days, they would leave at first light. Once there, George would move ahead with part two . . . Dean.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Bowman, North Dakota

Joe snoring loudly.

That was how Ellen began to tell the tale she told to the group of men who sat with her and Hal on Sgt. Ryder’s long front porch.

Joe snored so loudly, it seemed to ricochet throughout the campsite. It caused her to laugh and Frank to get annoyed with her. They moved their sleeping bag a distance from everyone so they could fool around. They were just sophomores in college.

“El, come on, Knock it off,” Frank whispered.

“I can’t help it..”

A ripping Joe snore and Ellen giggled again.

Frank sealed off Ellen’s mouth with his own, shutting her up. Buried within that sleeping bag, Frank managed to turn things around, getting as serious as he could in the little space he had.

Zip. Zip. Zip.

“Shit.” Frank tried to move his head but it wouldn’t go up very far.

“Frank?”

“Shit. We’re zipped in here.”

“What?”

“Shit. Someone is tapping me on the shoulder.”

“Who?” Ellen asked.

“Hello?” Frank called out

Muffled giggles and coming from right outside the sleeping bag he and Ellen were inside.

“Fuck.” Frank bit his lip. “Hal!”

There was the tiniest unzipping of the bag. It was just enough for Hal to open and speak into. “Um, Frank. Seems we both are in a dilemma. Me, see, I’m fourteen and federal law prohibits me from actually holding down anymore than a paper boy position. There is this really neat bike I want. You, Frank, are stuck in the sleeping bag doing God knows what kind of obscene thing with a girl that dad believes you think of as a sister. Now . . .”

“Hal, I’m kicking your ass when I get out of here.”

“You shouldn’t make threats, Frank. See, I can wake up Dad. What would he think about this?”

“You’re dead.” Frank reached for the zipper.

“I’m in control.”

At that point Frank lost it. He bellowed out and didn’t care whether his father heard him or not, or whether Ellen was right there in that bag with him. “Hal, I swear to God, let go of the zipper or you’ll become a fuckin statistic when they find your long haired skinny ass body half buried in the woods. Let go!”

All eyes on that porch moved to Hal.

Hal tossed his hands up. “What? No. No.” He shook his head. “Don’t look at me. That is not what happened. She is telling it distorted because she was in that bag. Jimmy was the one that stood over that sleeping bag, not me El, remember? Jimmy. I was reading a really good book.”

Danny Hoi spoke into the radio. “Robbie? Did you hear that?”

Robbie’s voice was loud. “Oh my God, Hal! Can you still lie! No that’s not what happened at all. I remember.”

And even though it was over the radio, Robbie’s version came though clear . . .

“Robbie. Robbie.” Hal shook him.

“What?” Robbie woke up.

Hal snickered. “Check this out. I was trying to tape Dad snoring so I could put it on the answering machine and guess what?”

“What?”

“Frank is with Ellen in her sleeping bag.”

“What happened to Frank’s sleeping bag? Ow!” Robbie felt Hal hit him in the head.

“Come on. Let’s go make some money.”

“How?” Robbie asked.

“Frank will want to give it to us. We just have to ask him. Come on.”

Jimmy’s groggy voice emerged from his sleeping bag. “Hal, behave. Go to sleep and leave them alone.”

“Yeah right.” Hal fluttered his lips at Jimmy. “Come on, Robbie.”

“Robbie, don’t. He always gets you in trouble.”

“No, I don’t,” Hal said. “Robbie, come on.”

“Hey.” Robbie covered his eyes when Hal shined the flashlight beam close to his pupils, blinding him. “All right.”

Like they were in an episode of Mission Impossible, Robbie and Hal crawled the distance to the moving sleeping bag. Hal laughed, held up his finger, and zipped the bag closed. Robbie had to admit he thought it was funny. The trapping of Frank and Ellen and . . . the new bike he and Hal eventually got and shared.

“What!” Ellen was so shocked when she heard Robbie say that, she snatched the radio from Danny Hoi’s grip. “Robbie. You guys got the bike?”

“Oh yeah. It took about six months. Dad never did figure out where we got the money. El, Hal used that against Frank forever. Hell, ask him how long he used that against Frank?”

Ellen looked to Hal. “How long?”

Hal shook his head. “Until I got the bike.”

Ellen spoke into the radio, “Is that true, Robbie?”

“No.” Robbie said. “Years and years and years. Ask him where he got the five hundred dollar down payment for the motorcycle? Every single time Hal needed something, he went to Frank. Oh, he was sly too. Frank was the mean brother and Jimmy was the smart one. Me, I was the one always in trouble and Hal . . . Hal was the dick of the family. And he got away with it too. Fooled everyone.” Robbie rambled on. “Man, he would say, ‘Frank, I need fifty bucks’. Frank would tell him no and Hal would be like, ‘So Frank, how often do Kelly and Ellen talk? Just curious’. He used it until Frank found out Hal was having that affair with his CO’s wife.”

Hal snatched up the radio. “Goodnight,Robbie.” He shut it off and lookedatthe faces who hinged on his response.“Please, he was young and he exaggerates. Frank always helped me out of the goodness of his heart And I . . . I never had an affair with my CO’s wife.

Sgt. Ryder nodded slowly. “So why did you shut the radio off, Captain? Seems to me not only is this merger with Beginnings going to be fruitful, but awfully informative as well. And . . . damn it. What is this?”

All eyes went where Sgt. Ryder’s eyes were. Grace, escorted by two guards, neared the porch.

Hal winced. “What does she want?” With a complaining manner, Hal stood up with all the men when Grace approached.

“Doctor.” Grace spoke to Ellen. “We would like to shut the house down now. Let’s go. We’ve waited long enough.”

Ellen shifted her eyes. “Excuse me? Go where?”

“To the house.” Grace told her.

“For what?”

“You should be there.”

“Thanks for the housing offer but I’m staying with Hal.”

Grace was aghast. “Why would you do that?”

“Because I plan on having sex with him, that’s why.”

Hal pulled up a fake blush. “Ellen please, our personal lives are just that.” He tapped her hand.

Grace grew even more angry. “Do not make me come up there and physically bring you to our house.”

Ellen laughed. “Physically bring me to your house? Oh, that’s funny. Thanks but no. Now if you don’t mind, we are talking and reminiscing. Go.”

Grace took in a long breath, stared at Ellen, stomped up to the porch, lifted Ellen’s much smaller body, tossed her over her shoulder like Frank does, and stormed off with her.

Sgt. Ryder looked at a stunned Hal. “Captain?”

Hal looked lost. He looked at Danny who laughed hysterically.

Danny caught his breath. “Man I wish I brought my camera. That was funny. You know what. I’ll get her. I’m not part of this bizarre ritual you guys have going with the women here.” As Danny went to step from the porch, he stopped. “No need.”

Ellen came stomping up the front lawn . . . alone. “Wow, she’s tough.” She let out a loud ‘whew’ and took her seat again on the porch. “Where were we?”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Robbie hit his cigarette loud, pulling it from his mouth with a ‘pop’ noise as he sat in Rev. Bob’s chapel office on the marital couch. “Now . . .” Robbie blew the smoke out and up as he leaned forward with his elbows on his knees. “Let me see if I got this straight.” He squinted and looked down at the coffee table to the open Bible there.

“Try it.” Rev. Bob waved the smoke from his way.

“O.K. Now Adam and Eve were the first man and woman on earth.”

“Yes.”

“They are the father and mother of all children.”

“Yes.” Rev. Bob nodded.

“This Eve lady gave birth to Cain and Abel.”

Rev. Bob snapped his finger. “You got it.”

“No. It still makes no sense.”

Rev. Bob stayed in religious control. “How can it not?”

“Someone should have edited this better, cause check it out.” Robbie’s finger moved across the page. “Adam and Eve are the parents of all. They had Cain and Abel. Cain offed his brother and went to the next town and married some woman. Who gave birth to Cain’s wife? And who gave birth to all the people that made this place the next town. Eve? No way. There has got to be some other mother someone is forgetting about.”

Rev. Bob shut the Bible. “Well.” He slapped his own knees and stood up. “You brought up some very interesting points.”

“Thanks.”

“I bet you were just the favorite pupil in Bible school.”

“Never went to Bible school. I was Catholic. I went to Catechism when I got kicked out of St. Mary’s.”

“And it shows.” Reverend Bob checked out his watch. “My goodness, look at the time. It’s pushing nine. Let’s save the Book of Genesis for next Thursday. Shall we?”

“Yeah.” Robbie stood up. “So we’re done?”

“Yes.” Rev. Bob ran his fingers though his tousled grey hair and opened the door for Robbie.

“Can we discuss the great flood next?”

“Why yes, Robbie, we can.”

“Excellent.” Robbie stopped in the doorway. “This is great, because I think Noah was actually this really brilliant astronomer and he saw this huge meteor coming and he tracked it to fall in the ocean. Knowing the earth would flood, he built an ark.”

“Goodnight, Robbie.”

“Night.” Robbie took a step and stopped again. “Hey, do you suppose there is any connection between Noah and the dinosaurs? You know, how they say a meteor wiped them out?” He saw only the glare he got from the Reverend. “Just a thought. Goodnight.” Robbie stayed quiet until he heard the door to Rev. Bob’s office close and when he did, he snickered in amusement at his performance for the Reverend.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

“So what are you gonna do?” Richie asked Frank late that evening.

“What can I do?” Frank tossed his hands up and looked at the cloudless dark sky. “I send the trucks tomorrow.”

“Frank. Two ambassadors. Eight scientists. Lab equipment . . .”

“Richie, I know.”

“Frank.” Richie looked at him. “You’re gonna have to be careful. It looks like this is turning out to be an actually Society location. I know. I’ve lived in seven of them. This is the way it starts.”

“Why is that?” Frank questioned.

“Because, first the military sets up, then whatever they are establishing the site as. Obviously, this is going to be some sort of research facility. Two months ago I was in the coal mining . . .”

“No, Richie. What are you doing for them? Why is it that you move around with them?”

“I’m a carpenter. I fix the structures. I was in construction, Frank. I’m part of the clean-up crew. We move from site to site, clearing out the overgrowth, fixing the buildings, and getting the basics up and running. Water, power and such.”

“Didn’t you see what they do?” Frank asked.

“No.” Richie shook his head. “I didn’t. A lot of men don’t. They haven’t a clue.”

“And you weren’t suspicious? I’m not coming down on you. I’m just trying to understand why everyone is working for George, working for a killer, and working for a man who will kill anyone who won’t work for him. They are working for the man who ended our world and still wants to take over what’s left.”

“You guys in your little Beginnings world know this and the UWA knows this, but look at the numbers. The total of your two communities is one percent, maybe, of what George has so the majority isn’t aware. We heard ‘rebuild’ and we were there.”

Frank nodded silently.

“And now, Frank, they’re coming here.”

“Yeah but they won’t be for long,” Frank told him. “Once I find out where Ellen is, and once George returns, he’s a dead man and I’m out of here.”

“Beginnings.” Richie said the name with a slight smile.

“Yeah . . . Beginnings.” Frank leaned back against his porches’ step. “Home.”

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

“Really, Ellen.” Dean had a hint of sarcasm to his voice as he spoke to her that night on the radio. “Do you think it’s wise to have the other half of our female population hating you already. You have problems with this half as it is.”

“Dean, I’m serious.” Ellen sat in the police station, her feet up on the counter. Hal was there with her, but he slept in a chair, utilizing the piece of furniture to its fullest. His legs extended as far as they could go, his body leaning, the base of his head resting on the back of the chair.

“O.K., tell Blue to apply ice and that’s about it. Did you see if there was any internal damage”

“She won’t let me look. Blue says no. He doesn’t see any, but Grace says she’s having a hard time hearing.”

“Probably because the inner ear is filled with blood. That could happen when someone punches you in the ear. A rupture of the drum is easily spotted. She’ll have to use ice on the outside and wait it out. If it gets any worse, sorry hon, she’ll have to come up here for us to look at.”

“O.K. thanks.” Ellen paused. “So what are you wearing?”

“Are we having radio sex?”

“No.” Ellen laughed. “I want to get the visual of you as I’m talking to you.”

“Jeans.”

“Shirt, no shirt?”

“El, I’m laying on our bed. I am wearing a shirt.”

“What are you doing, besides talking to me, that is?”

A slight snicker from Dean came over the radio. “All right, I’ll tell you. Actually I’m lying here, thinking of you, and trying to sum up the physical feeling of you being here.” Dean waited for a response. “El?”

“I don’t get it.”

Dean started to laugh. “Never mind. I’m working, actually reading some files. I have some things to discuss with you when you get back. What are you doing?”

“Talking to you and watching Hal sleep in a chair. God, Dean.” Ellen cased him up and down. “I swear if you don’t look at his face, it’s Frank. They are built exactly alike. Everything but the face. Hal’s shorter, but still.”

“Anything else besides the Slagel resemblance?”

Ellen snickered. “Danny found the uplink for the phones. It’s at a town forty miles from here, so he’ll be gone all day tomorrow but Binghamton should have some phone service to speak to us.”

“Good.”

“Dean, quit reading while I’m talking to you. Anyhow . . . I met some of the men who are coming to Beginnings.”

“Did you process them?” Dean asked.

“Yeah, all pretty healthy. Mentally, they are a good bunch, what I’ve met so far. I’ll meet the rest tomorrow. Dean?”

“I’m not reading.”

“I miss you.”

“Thanks, El. I miss you.”

“I’d better go. I just wanted to radio you and hear your voice. Tell the kids I love them. And Dean, I love you.”

“El.” Dean spoke softly. “I want you to know something. I’m really happy with the way things are between us. I am. Just know that. OK? And I love you too.”

It was an intrusion. It was Robbie. “Ah, how sweet. Don’t buy it, El. Dean, you know she’s doing my brother right now.”

“Robbie.” Dean scolded. “I can’t believe you were listening to us.”

“Uh Dean? It’s a radio. How can you not?” Robbie asked.

“Turn the channel,” Dean told him. “It was intimate.”

Robbie laughed. “No, Dean, it wasn’t. Now, what I heard Frank and Ellen do over the radio, that was intimate.”

Ellen shrieked. “Robbie!”

Robbie just laughed.

Dean did not. “Robbie, I swear you are the only person I know who would eavesdrop on a conversation.”

“Um . . . Dean.” Henry’s voice came on. “You know me.”

“Me too,” Mark interjected.

“You know me, Dean.” Dan from security added. “You guys could have added more spice.”

“God!” Dean exclaimed disgusted. “Anyone else care to own up to the fact that they’re listening?”

“Me,” Steve from security said.

“Me,” another added.

“Me too.” And yet another.

“What is it with people in this community? Isn’t there anything better to do.” Dean questioned.

“No,” Robbie answered. “Not really. Hey El, Tell Danny not to stay there too long. Neville competition starts tomorrow.”

“I’ll tell him,” Ellen said.

“El?” Dean called her name. “You’re talking to me.”

“Sorry. We’d better say goodnight. Night, Dean.”

“Night, El,” Dean replied.

“Night, El.” Robbie did too.

“Night, Robbie,” Ellen said.

Robbie snickered loudly. “Hey look, we’re the Walton’s.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Robbie was amused with himself as he meandered around Beginnings after his visit with Reverend Bob. No one was at the social hall. Jess was on shift so he stopped and spoke to him for awhile. To Robbie, there really wasn’t too many left in Beginnings that he could actually hang around with and have a good time.

He reached into his chest pocket for a cigarette and felt the emptiness. “Shit.” He began to pat himself thinking he placed them in another pocket. “Where did I . . .” Robbie remembered he left them at the chapel office. He was so in annoying and challenging Rev. Bob into a Bible frenzy, Robbie forgot them. Looking behind him to distribution and then to his keys, Robbie weighed his options. To get cigarettes, he had to unlock one of two doors, Distribution or Rev. Bob’s office at the chapel. Fearing Joe and not Reverend Bob, Robbie moved toward the chapel.

It was never locked, ever so Robbie walked right in to Beginnings’ house of God, up the small aisle of the quiet place, and to the back office. Unlike Frank, Robbie reached for the key he had tagged for the chapel office and opened the door. He had a strange feeling of excitement as he made his unauthorized entry into the minister’s domain. It was sort of like a long awaited revenge on Fr. O’Shea for making Robbie count un-blessed communion wafers when he busted Robbie eavesdropping on confessions. Though Rev. Bob was not Fr. O’Shea, to Robbie, they all worked for the same boss.

He turned on the light as soon as he opened the office door. He could see his cigarettes, in the Beginnings’ equivalent to a pack, lying on the coffee table. Robbie walked to retrieve them. He picked up the pack, pulled one out, placed it in his mouth, and put the pack in his chest pocket. Moving back to leave, Robbie spotted them and the kid in him had to look, not so much for the pictures but to read what people actually wrote to Rev. Bob in his year books.

They were stacked on the edge of his desk, held up by two bookends. There were ten of them, four years of high school and six years of college. “Cool.” Robbie twirled his index finger. “Eenie, meanie, miny . . . Iowa State. Freshmen year.

Wanting to light his cigarette but afraid the lingering smell would give away his intrusion, Robbie chewed on the butt of it and flipped open the yearbook. “H . . . H . . .” Robbie looked through the freshmen. “Robert Haddon.” Robbie snickered. “Look at you. You have . . . fuck.” Robbie flipped a page, then through some more.  “Fuck.” The smiled left Robbie’s face and he closed the yearbook, tucked it under his arm, and left Rev. Bob’s office.

^^^^

Andrea wore a long robe. It was tied tightly across her waist and her arms were folded over her stomach as she walked into the living room of her new home.

Joe, sitting on the couch and peering at work spread out on the coffee table, looked up at her. “She lives.”

“She needs to speak to you.”

“You didn’t want to speak before, Andrea.” Joe turned a page and grabbed his cigarette. “Wasn’t meaning to fight with you.” He kept his eyes glued to his work as he talked. “I overstepped my boundaries.”

“Oh no Joe, no you didn’t.”

“Really?” Over the rim of his glasses, Joe looked at her. “Christ, Andrea, you haven’t spoken to me or looked at me all day.”

“I know,” Andrea said.

“I shouldn’t have held onto that letter. It was wrong.”

“Joe, you’re my husband. I should have showed you that letter.”

“I wasn’t your husband then, so it was none of my business.”

“But you’re my husband now and I’d like to be honest with you about it.”

Opportunity, Joe thought. “So uh . . . why didn’t you then.” Another flip of a page and Joe pretended his work was more important.

Andrea moved next to him and sat down. “I was embarrassed.”

“What?” Joe looked at her finally.

“Embarrassed.” Andrea fiddled with the edges of the robe. “See, when George first came to Ashtonville, he was still, to me, the President and he paid so much attention to me. He and I used to spend some evenings together reading the Good Book, talking about our spouses, our lives, and those we missed. Did you know he had five children, Joe? Five?”

“Yes, I did.”

“And a family, such a large family. Brothers, sisters. None of them survived which bothered him because, well you had two sons that survived. Why couldn’t he? And when Dean released his research that survival was male gene hereditary, he was lost.”

“He started the goddamn plague, Andrea. If his family died, he killed them. He gets no pity from me. None.”

Andrea nodded. “He got it from me because at the time, I didn’t know he released it. And we got close.”

“I see.”

“We shared some intimacies in our grieving while we were in Ashtonville.”

Joe tried not to show his surprise. “I see.”

“I stopped it because I just felt so bad because I didn’t have the feelings a woman should have for a man she was sleeping with. I had started to get close to Miguel. He and I were really starting a base relationship, the way it should have been. The way a man and woman should be.”

“So why did he write that letter well after you and Miguel were married?”

Andrea’s head dropped.

“That’s the reason for the embarrassment?”

Andrea nodded. “I sinned. I committed adultery. It was during the time before we knew that there were more men than women. It was just our little community. There was no excuse for betraying my Miguel. I don’t know why I did. Pressure by George. Sympathy for hurting him. I don’t know. No excuse. Rev. Bob helped . . .”

“Rev. Bob?”

“Yes.” Andrea nodded sadly. “He helped me end it with George, talking to us both. George finally accepted it and that was when he wrote me the letter.”

Joe closed his eyes and laid his hand on Andrea’s.

“Do you hate me, Joe? Do you think less of me?”

“No, not at all.” He kissed her on the cheek. “Thank you. Now, I really need to look at this distribution stuff right . . .” He looked up when there was a knock and his door opened. “Robert.”

“Dad.” Robbie poked his head in the door. He smiled at Andrea. “Mom.”

“Robbie!” Andrea grinned and walked to the door. “Come in, sweetie. Let me fix you something to eat.”

“I can’t. Thanks. Dad?” Robbie pointed outside. “Can you come out here for a second.”

“Sure.” Joe dropped his pencil and stood. “Andrea, I’ll be back.” He followed Robbie outside. “Must be important if you’re pulling me out. What’s up?”

Robbie turned on a flashlight and handed Joe the yearbook. “I left my smokes in Rev. Bob’s office. I wasn’t looking for anything in particular. Just . . .”

“Being nosy.”

“Yep and . . .” Robbie opened the yearbook and shined the flashlight down for Joe to see.

“Christ.” Joe let out a slow breath and looked back at Robbie.

“Surprise. Surprise. Huh Dad?”

“That’s an understatement.” Joe closed the yearbook.

“There’s more.”

“I bet, but this has to be returned. So . . . take this over to Danny Hoi’s. He’s not home but he has that copy machine he is using for the paper. Copy this whole thing if you can.”

“I will.”

Joe handed the yearbook back to Robbie. “And say nothing. Tomorrow I’ll call a meeting. Dean and Henry need to know this.”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

September 19

Binghamton, Alabama

On the norm, Frank’s thick black hair was usually cut and cropped so short it plastered closely to his head. But as Frank waited in his office for Richie, his fingers played with his hair in annoyance at the length. It had been too long since he cut his hair and he cringed when his hand ran down the back of his head and felt a curl. It was a tiny one, but a curl none the less. Frank knew if he didn’t cut it or shave it soon, he would have to break down and use a comb.

“You wanted to see me, Frank?” Richie opened up the door.

“Yeah, Richie, come on in.” Frank stood up.

“What’s up?”

“You’re fired.”

“What?” Richie laughed.

“I’m serious. I was thinking last night that I can’t have you working for me.”

“Why?” Richie neared the desk. “Frank, if I don’t work for you, they’ll ship me out.”

“No, you’ll work, but not as my right hand man.”

Richie looked insulted. “I thought I did good.”

“Yeah you did.” Frank leaned on his desk. “But . . . with these ambassadors and scientists coming in a few hours, I can’t take a chance with you. If they find out what I’m up to and find out that you’re involved, they’ll take you out. And I mean take you out.”

“So.”

“No, not ‘so’ Richie. I wanna go home and I’d like to give to the woman I love the news that her brother is alive. A brother she didn’t like, but a brother none-the-less. I don’t want to tell El that you were alive but they found you out and killed you.”

Richie shook his head, looking little mad. “That’s not right. What am I gonna do? Be a worker bee and hang?”

“No. You’ll be in charge of maintenance around here. We have no one to do that. And . . . you’ll also be close to the Society people when they get here.”

The expression on Richie’s face changed. “A spy.”

“Yep.” Frank nodded. “And you’ll pull a John Matoose.”

“Huh? Who?”

“We still have one of George’s people in Beginnings I guess, but he tells us about George now in exchange for his life. We wanted him to pretend that we didn’t know, you know, feed George false information and such, but that didn’t work.”

“It can work in my case.”

“Yep. Feed them false information. Volunteer it. Let it be known that you worked for me and tell them what they want to know . . . sort of. But make sure you let me know what is said. O.K.?”

“Got it.” Richie gave a thumbs up. “When do I start this new position?”

“Immediately. I’m pulling that guy Squirrel in to be my secretary slash right hand man.”

“Squirrel? You mean Scarell?”

Frank snapped his finger, “Yep that’s him. A weasel type. Him.”

“You have to watch him.”

“I know.” Frank nodded. “But that’s O.K. It’ll keep me on my toes and with you and I not working together, we stand a chance of finding out more.”

“I think you may be right. O.K., What do you need me to do now?” Richie asked.

“First is Dr. Morris. Go over to see him. Tell him that since we are getting new people, you’re maintenance around here now and if he needs anything done to let you know.” Frank waited for Richie’s agreement. “Then go see the guys that are preparing the lab. I’ll head there before you to let them know you’ll be in charge. Right now you head to the hospital.”

“I can do that.” Richie walked to the door. “I liked hanging around you again, Frank.”

“Me too, Richie, but we’ll have plenty of time to do that in Beginnings.”

“I can’t wait to see my sister especially since you caught me up on her.”

“I have a lot more to tell you.”

Richie started opening the door. “Frank, on a down note, what are we telling these new ambassadors when they ask about all the missing officers?”

“Same thing we told the men. They are on survival training.”

“Will they buy it?”

“Um . . . probably not. No.” Frank shook his head. “But how are they gonna prove it otherwise?”

“You have two of them locked up at interrogations.”

At first Frank looked serious and then Frank grinned. There was a chuckle that accompanied it.

“Frank? Um . . . that’s supposed to be something that worries you. What are we doing with them? Explaining them? What if they pull an inspection. We can’t kill the officers in the middle of the day.”

Frank kept grinning. “I have an idea. What time am I supposed to call George?”

“An hour.”

“Good. That’ll be perfect.” Frank saw the lost look on Richie’s face and he waved Richie away. “Don’t worry about. I got it under control.”

“All right.” With a shrug, Richie left.

It wasn’t long after the door closed, and Frank stood in his office, that he started to snicker. He’d stop, think and laugh again. He was enjoying a moment of self amusement because it just amazed Frank at times on how brilliant and quick thinking he could actually be.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Sleep wasn’t going to be an option for Jess Bowen when he walked into his and Robbie’s home early in the morning after his shift. Perhaps later he’d sleep. He was off on this Friday. He seemed more puzzled as he turned on the living room light and moved to the kitchen. He was puzzled on how he got himself roped into doing Danny Hoi’s work.

Was Danny that keen sensed or was Jess that dense? He wondered that as he grabbed the coffee pot and began to fill it with water, making a pot of coffee for Robbie. Jess had walked right into it. Bored while walking his living section rounds, he responded to Danny’s four in the morning radio call saying he needed to speak to someone really smart. Anyone would respond to be sarcastic, Jess did, and Danny got him. Before Jess knew it, he had volunteered to do the editing for the first ever Sunday edition of ‘The Beginnings Times’ or at least the parts that were not immediate news. Danny assured him he would handle that portion. They still had two days.

Jess’s finger flicked on the coffee pot switch and he noticed the silence. Where was the thumping about above him from an overslept Robbie who rushed to meet his start time of six am, a normal routine in the Slagel and Bowen home.

Thinking that Robbie got an early start, Jess reached to shut off the coffee pot. He stopped when he realized he would need that coffee and he walked out of the kitchen to head upstairs to shower.

Jess moved his way down the upstairs hall to the bedroom and stopped at Robbie’s door. He saw the corner of the bed. Jess never really thought them useful, with the exception of a place to corner tuck the blankets, but as Jess leaned in Robbie’s doorway with a snicker on his face, he saw that Robbie did make that corner of the bed useful.

Papers sprawled out across Robbie’s floor were the backdrop. Robbie, dressed, teetered face down over the corner of the bed. His stomach was pressed against the bed, his arms and head dangling, and his legs, one straight, the other bent to the floor. “Robbie. Don’t you have to be at work?”

Bang.

Robbie, in a startle, rolled onto the floor and to his papers. “Oh God,” he grumbled.

“What is wrong with you?”

“I haven’t been to bed yet.” Robbie stumbled to his feet and looked at the mess. “Shit. I didn’t finish this. I swore I finished it.”

“What is all this?” Jess walked in the room helping Robbie to pick up the papers.

“I had to copy a yearbook for my Dad. I did one and he calls me to ask me if I could copy three more for our suspect meeting. I didn’t think it would take so long, and I had to get it done so I could return the yearbook before Rev. Bob went to the chapel.”

“I see that you did.”

“Not entirely. I have to put them together. Fuck” Robbie stacked the papers. He looked at his watch. “I’ll have to do it later.”

“Why don’t I do it for you?”

“You have to sleep.”

“Not today.” Jess laid his stack on the bed. “Danny roped me into editing some of the new newspaper today so it’s close to being done when he gets back. I have to meet Trish in two hours at history.”

“Don’t be late. You know how she is.”

Jess grunted. “Tell me about it. But hey, at least Danny convinced her not to wear that visor while she works on the paper.”

“You still have to call her ‘Scoop’ though, don’t you?”

He winced first then Jess laughed. “Unfortunately.” He took the paper stack fanned out in Robbie’s hand and collated them. He then saw one neat pile on Robbie’s bed. “Is that the first copy of the yearbook?”

“Um, yeah.” Robbie looked at it.

“I’ll use that if I need help. Go get ready for work.”

“Jess, are you sure? This is really great of you.” Robbie walked to his door.

Jess smiled. “Robbie, for you, it’s not a problem.”

“Thanks.” Robbie grinned. “I owe you big time.”

“I’ll remember that.” Jess pointed, then after Robbie left, he looked back at all the papers. He scratched his head in bewilderment when the reality of the task set in. “Why do I do this to myself?” He spoke out loud and began to gather all the papers. “I’m too nice.”

^^^^

“Henry!”

Henry stopped in his hurried walk to tracking when he heard the call of his name. He turned around and saw one of the housing team, Luke, running to him. Luke was younger than thirty, but looked forty. He was a worker. He did anything menial, security part time, construction. He, like the other ten designated ‘workers’ were chosen for three things, focusing on work and just work when called for, their size. Though short, Luke was hefty and strong. And the clincher, a birth defect they seemed to all be born with, an inability to balance wits and common sense in everyday situations.

“Yeah Luke.”

“O.K.” Luke took a moment to think. “Have you seen Joe?”

“Have you checked distribution? He’s restocking.”

“Really?”

“Yes.” Henry turned to go back to Tracking.

“Well, since you’re gonna be the leader, can you sign these?” He handed Henry a clipboard and pen.

Henry read and lifted each sheet. “Reqs?”

“Yes.”

“Luke, these are requisitions for people. We don’t requisition people.”

“I thought we did.”

“No.” Henry handed him back the clipboard.

“But . . .” Luke closed his eyes and held his forefinger to his own temple, speaking slowly as if reading and rattling off a mental list. “We have to prep the extra housing for the new arrivals tomorrow. We have to do inventory in the furniture and housing supply warehouse. Do not take the men from plastics, metals, paper, armory, or food. Take them from the fields.” Luke opened his eyes.

Henry stared at him for a moment. “Are these things Joe instructed?”

“Yes.” Luke nodded.

“Then just go to the fields and get the men. You don’t need to requisition them.”

“I thought I did. Cole said no and when I left him, I thought.” Luke snapped his finger. “Gee whiz,  no wonder he wouldn’t give me the guys. I didn’t have a req for them. So . . .” He handed Henry back the clipboard. “Could you sign it so I can have them? I really don’t want to be running late today. Neville competition kicks off at noon.”

“Cole won’t give up the men?”

“No.”

“Tell him I said that you are to have the men and you are to have them now. If I have to go down there and get them, there’ll be hell to pay.”

Luke closed his eyes and nodded. “Hell to pay. Got it.” He opened his eyes. “So, will I be like a tattle tale if I do this? I don’t want to come across as a tattle tale.”

“No, you won’t be, I’m not fully the leader yet so it doesn’t count.”

“Thanks, Henry.” Luke tucked his clipboard and hurried off.

Easy enough, Henry thought and walked to Tracking. He didn’t need to ask Mark about it when he walked in. There it was. The flashing, the beeping, the messed up underdeveloped section of Tracking. “Shit.” Henry stomped and stood behind Mark.

“Fucked up, Henry. When’s Danny get back?”

“Tomorrow. Have you tried turning it off and on?”

“Yep. I want to just turn it off but we can’t do that.”

Henry left out a slow huffing breath as he viewed the history notes the night shift has taken. “Well, we see it works even with the glitches.”

“I saw that.” Mark said. “Leroy noted a deer-like signal running across.”

“At a normal speed none-the-less.” Henry set the notes down. “There’s nothing mechanically I can find. There has to be a ton of rabbits up there. A ton.” He tapped Mark on the shoulder. “Let me sit there.”

“What are you doing?” Mark stood up.

“No need in annoying you all day again with this shit. I’m gonna reset the preferences for a higher weight signal. Not much more.” Henry’s fingers clicked as he went into the programming section. “Just enough so it stops picking up the rabbits.”

“But I thought you guys did that originally.”

“We did.” Henry said.

“So it has to be screwy if it’s picking up the rabbits anyhow.”

“Not necessarily. Not if the rabbits are bigger than what we put in.”

Mark laughed in ridicule. “Henry, how big can rabbits be?”

Henry’s eyes shifted and looked to Mark. “Even though Dean says it was only one time, I know he’s probably been feeding our fine furry creatures his new special protein feed so we can have huge rabbits for consumption.”

“Cool.” Mark nodded. “Never is enough meat on them when you roast them.”

Henry made a couple of final clicks. “Done.” He stood up. “All right.” Henry peered at the monitor and waited. Nothing happened. “I think problem solved.”

“Looks that way.” Mark sat down. “Thank God.”

Henry snickered. “No please, even though it’s an honor, Henry will work just fine.”

“Huh?”

Henry shook his head. “Never mind. I’m out of here.”

“Hey Henry?” Mark called him. “What if these aren’t rabbits?”

“What else could they be?”

“Ever see the movie Tremors?” Mark’s tone picked up and grabbed some excitement. “What if like it’s the tentacles coming up out of the ground and snatching up its food. Whoa. And what if like it moves as fast as it did in the movie. We have that cliff. How awesome that would be if this huge creature thing came plowing out of that cliff, diving down into the under . . .”

“Mark?”

“Yeah.”

Henry shook his head ‘no’, waved goodbye, and left.

Mark shrugged. “Just a theory.”

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

Ellen’s nude body laid on Hal’s bed. A small section of the bed sheet draped over her backside exposing her bare back and bare legs. Hal, shirtless, stood at the side of the bed fixing the covers.

“Hold it.” He told her then reached for her hair.

“Like this?” Ellen asked raising her arms.

“Wait, let me look.” Hal hurried from the bedroom and into the living room. He stood there, looked at Ellen, and hurried back in. “Let me fix this.” Hal lifted up her hair, letting it drop more across her face. “Perfect.”

“Perfect?”

“Yes, stay like that. Keep your eyes closed.” Hal looked at his watch. “Now any . . .” There was a knock at his door. “Like clockwork.” He waited for another knock, grabbed his shirt, and walked to his bedroom door. “Thanks for doing this.”

“Oh you’re welcome. Anytime.”

Hal grinned and with his shirt in his hand he walked to his door and opened it. Sgt. Ryder and four other men stood there, Hal’s staff for the everyday meeting.

Sgt. Ryder watched Hal put his shirt on. “Are we early?”

“No.” Hal tied to appear groggy. “I slept in. Come on in.”

“You?” Sgt. Ryder questioned. “You never . . .” He stopped speaking when he saw into Hal’s bedroom.

Hal noticed that not only St. Ryder, but the other men in his living room stared in shock into his bedroom. Hiding his grin, Hal made his way through them. “Excuse me.” He reached forward and brought the door to the bedroom closed. “Let’s go to the table, shall we gentlemen.” Hal held out his hand in a pointing motion. Then, without letting them see his ‘so pleased it worked’ look on his face, Hal led the way to their morning meeting.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

He looked as if he could have been disgusted, but he wasn’t. He just looked that way. That was just Joe. In the clothing stock house, he walked around with a clipboard, barking orders to those who helped count and talked to Henry as he did all that.

“I don’t mind at all, Joe.” Henry took the sheet of paper Joe gave to him.

“Good, because inventory and distribution are big, too big to show you on top of everything else. I’ll handle it from now on, especially with the new people we’re getting. Should something happen to me, you pass this responsibility off to Robbie, He knows it as well as I do.”

“Got it.” Henry moved quickly to keep up with Joe.

“All right. Rough wear is running low. Clothing right now we’ll not be able to stock up fast enough for winter with all the new people. We won’t be able to make the items.”

“OK.” Henry took notes.

“We have to schedule a run. That’ll get us through until we train new people to help in making clothes and spooling cloth. I’ll go through the maps see what we haven’t hit lately.”

“O.K., just clothing. Anything else?”

“Everything else,” Joe stated. “We’re increasing population by ninety percent. Where we are good on food, we have to stockpile everything else again to meet our upcoming needs. Hal said they have items in Bowman. That’s good. We need, sorry, you need to send an inventory team down there to count up before they start to pack up.”

“O.K., when?”

“As soon as possible. Winter wear, I’m gonna assume is good for Bowman’s men, but we can’t take a chance.” Joe moved to the door with Henry and stopped. “Hold on.” He whistled out in the warehouse. “Hey Tony, when you come down from the coats, do me a favor. Get a hold of clothing and fabrics for me. Give them the numbers of what we need and get back to me on how many they estimate they need to run a crew to make the shit. And tell Ben do not exaggerate. We still have to run it skeleton.”

Tony saluted from the rafter. “Got it, Chief.”

“Let’s go, Henry.” Joe led him outside. “Now Bowman is sending us men. We know a lot are going in the fields, but we need them in other divisions as well. We can move them around as soon as the field areas get caught up but set up a meeting with Hal for some men for other divisions. Run it minimally. Tell him they can be temp workers. I’m not seeing him needing full force for the upcoming winter. But . . . who knows what his military strategy is gonna be.”

Henry reviewed his lists. He didn’t realize how much he was writing down of Joe’s rambling. “Joe, if you’re running these divisions, why are you telling me all the stuff?”

“You’re gonna be leader in this community.” Joe handed him another sheet. “It’s up to you to take the information I give you and schedule the runs.”

“Can’t you do it, Joe?”

“I could but it no longer will be part of my job. I’m doing most of the work here, Henry. This really isn’t all that difficult. I’m telling you what we need and where we are getting it from. You just need to schedule it out for me. And . . .” Joe handed him a final sheet. “That’s it for clothing, food distribution, and household.. All the needs. It’ll give you something to start on.” Joe gave him a pat to his back and moved on. “See you at my office in a little bit.”

“Start on, Joe?”

“Start on, Henry. I still have five other warehouses to look at . . .” Joe grinned. “Those sheets are only the beginning. I’ll see you later with the rest..”

Henry blinked harshly as he watched Joe move on to the supply warehouse. He looked at the large stack of ‘run’ reqs in his hands. “The beginning? Shit.” Henry struggled so much as he walked, while clipping the stack of reqs under his own notes on the clipboard, that he just wanted to keep on walking and find a place to hide out from another one of his days of ‘leader in training’.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

The part of the phone you speak into, the part of the phone you are supposed to place your mouth near, was the same part of the phone that Frank pressed his middle finger to while he smirked and spoke to George. “Yeah.” Frank lifted the phone, curled his lip in disgust, and returned to him again. “Yeah . . . Yeah.”

“And then after they have settled in I need you to go to the mess hall and . . .”

“George.”

“Yes.”

“Can I speak?”

George went silent for a second. “Um, sure Frank. What’s up?”

“I have been trying to tell you. We had a slight problem this morning.”

“Problem?”

“Slight.”

“What happened?”

“Well I was out canvassing the outer area for training and I spotted two of those UWA soldiers camping out about three miles from here.”

“What!” George’s voice raised up. “You got to be shitting me? Son of a bitch. What did you do?”

“Brought them in and scared the hell out of them.”

George let out a breath. “Good. Did you get anything from them?”

“Like?”

“Like information, Frank.”

“Um yeah,” Frank said. “They got separated from their group about a month ago and were trying to make it back. I have them at interrogation.”

“Well get rid of them before the ambassadors and scientists arrive. We don’t need any junk left around now. We’re pretty much settled.”

“Get rid of them?”

“Shoot them.”

“O.K. Thanks,” Frank said. “Talk to you next check in.”

Smiling and bobbing his head as if he sung a tune to himself, Frank hung up the phone and happily left his office.

Ten minutes hadn’t passed since his phone call with George, and Frank was leading the two remaining officers off the base. The officers were dressed in UWA uniforms--left over from the soldiers he freed--and they were blindfolded with a wide cloth around their faces. Frank led them out and, per George’s instructions, shot them both.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Even though she promised Danny she wouldn’t, Trish wore that black visor as she sat in History reviewing the articles with Jess that would be placed in the new paper of Beginnings.

“Big first paper,” Trish commented to Jess. “Here you missed a error here. Please be more careful. People will read this you know.”

“Whoops.” Jess snickered. “Sorry. I’m trying. You’re the one typing these up.”

“Hey!” Trish tsked. “I’m very busy. I typed these up in between the competition forms, going to paper and requesting larger sheets of paper for this paper, amongst editing out bad writing in this paper and paper said . . .”

“Trish.” Jess held up his hand. “With all the ‘paper’ references, you’re starting to confuse me.”

“Well get unconfused, Jess. We have work to do. Danny wants to copy these when he gets back tomorrow. Plus . . . he’ll have the Bowman update to be typed and added in. I don’t know where he’s gonna put it all.” Trish looked at the newspaper layout that was all over her desk.

“Danny is so into this, I’m surprised he hasn’t picked up a printing press somewhere.”

“He wanted to but ink was the problem. Henry makes the ink cartridges for the printers around here and that ink works for the copy machine.”

Jess wrote corrections as he talked. “Danny is so much like a business tycoon, starting a paper and delegating the work to others.”

“Are you complaining?”

Shocked, Jess snapped his head up. “Um . . . no. No. Not at all.”

“Good. Because you are gonna have to do two things., work faster, harder, and neater especially since you’ll be handling more of the editing every day. I can’t do it all. I can’t work history and be Mr. Hoi’s secretary and serve on the Neville Committee, which I do.”

“Wait a second.” Jess set his pencil down. “I’m working on the paper today.”

“Yes.”

“Not after.”

“Oh yes.”

“Oh no. Where did you get that from?”

“You volunteered,” Trish told him.

“I did?”

“Danny said you told him you were the smartest man in Beginnings and would love to help him out. You’re almost editor in chief.”

Jess had to laugh. “How do I get myself roped into these things?” He grabbed his pencil again. “Of course, what else do I have to do with my spare time.”

“I don’t know. What?” Trish asked.

“Nothing. I was uh . . . being sarcastic.”

“Why?”

“Forget it.” Jess shook his head with a smile.

“O.K.” Trish shrugged. “Don’t you ever hang out at the social hall?”

“Once and a while I do, but it’s sort of like, how can I describe it, going to a dance alone.” Jess noticed the confused look on Trish’s face. “In the old world, I was never one to go out by myself, to bars or movies or anything. It doesn’t hold the same effect. You just don’t have as much fun as when you pair off with someone and go out. And in this world now, pairing off with someone is difficult.”

“True. There are no women.”

“Yes, all men know this.” Jess nodded. “But in the old world . . . it didn’t even have to be the opposite sex that you went out and had fun with. Do you . . . do you know what I mean?”

“Oh yes.” Trish said. “A special friend.”

“Exactly.” Jess smiled.

“I was married to a man named Clyde in the old world. He died of the plague. Anyhow, Clyde he had a special friendship with this guy. They would go out, go on trips together, and sometimes them two would get so caught up in what they were doing, hell, I didn’t see them till the next day.” Trish snickered at the memory. “Clyde was cute.”

“His friendship with this guy never bothered you?”

“Oh no, why would it? I supposed some wives would be upset with sharing their husbands, but I wasn’t one. It gave me more time to do what I enjoyed, reading, movies, bowling, Tupperware parties. I was smart enough back then to know it’s a guy bonding thing. Some men really need that. You’re one of them huh?”

Jess nodded. “Trish, you seem like a worldly woman around here.”

“I am.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure. Wait. Do you need womanly advice or ‘scoop’ advice?”

“Womanly.”

“Well in that case . . .” Trish leaned to her side and bent down behind her desk. She emerged back up without the visor. “Ask away, I love to give advice.”

“I like you, Trish.”

“I like you too. And . . .” Trish winked. “You’re real cute. Ask away.”

“O.K., well as you know, I’m fairly new here in Beginnings. I hang out but don’t know anyone. I’d like to get to know someone. You know, you can have a ton of friends, but I’m one of those men who needs that one on one buddy friendship more.”

“Ahh,” Trish moaned in sadness. “You’re lonely aren’t you? No one really talks to you, do they?”

“No, I’m a talker too. I’ll talk about anything. Anyone you can think of here that can use a friend, a close friend?”

“I thought you were close friends with Robbie.”

“I . . . I am, sort of, but I don’t bother him with it. I’m looking for that type of relationship that I heard Frank and Henry had.”

“I see.”

“Yeah and Robbie is like . . . he’s everybody’s buddy, but no one’s best friend. He’s not the type of guy that needs someone dumping their problems on him just to unload. And he certainly isn’t the type of guy that needs anyone close to him.”

“Oh that is so wrong,” Trish said. “Everyone needs someone close to them. Male, female. You do. My husband Jeff needs me and so does Hap, and . . . uh I’m a special friend to a man named Forrest.” Trish dropped her voice to a whisper. “But there’s no sex there. And well, Tinker in the field division is a special friend to me. And Robbie needs Ellen, just like Dean needs Ellen, and Frank needed Ellen. He doesn’t anymore. He’s dead.” Trish noticed she had amused Jess. “I guess what I’m trying to say is everybody needs someone. Don’t let Robbie fool you. He has that rough Slagel exterior but he has a heart. I know for a fact he would love to have someone he could let down his walls with. Robbie’s lonely, Ellen sees this but . . . what is she gonna do about it. She can’t devote one hundred percent of her time to him.” Suddenly, and frightening Jess, Trish perked up. “Oh! Would you like me to speak to Robbie for you?”

“Really? I feel stupid asking him to be my friend. I mean we live together.”

“He probably assumed you would be friends and is feeling the same way.”

“You think.”

“Oh yes.” Trish waved her hand. “Robbie doesn’t get close to people and he certainly doesn’t latch on to new people. He asked you to move into his house with him. That tells me something. I’ll talk to him. You guys should start hanging out together. Maybe he can stop annoying everyone in this community when he has nothing to do.”

“Thanks.” Jess grinned.

“No problem.” Trish ducked beneath her desk again and came back up with the visor on. “Now . . . we’ve wasted enough time. Back to the press.”

Jess gladly did. He paused before continuing his reading and correcting and looked at Trish. It dawned on him that it was the first time in a very long time he had a personal conversation about himself with anyone. It felt good to have someone listen, to be a friend, even if it was briefly. In the lonely world that it had become for Jess and many men, a little closeness, a little friendship could go a long way for a better day.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Beginnings, Montana

Robbie had radio control. Robbie had the attention of everyone in Beginnings and those in Bowman who listened to him. He stood in the training area, wearing his headset radio. He stood before a large group of  security men, some field workers, and they all were seated and spread around him. The microphone of his radio was lowered so as not to blast out the diaphragm when he spoke to them.

“Listen up,” Robbie spoke. “At noon, it commences, the start of the first annual Neville Competition. The grand prize for this ongoing event has yet to be determine, but since Danny Hoi is determining the prize, I’m positive it will be worth it. But hey, just the competition is worth it. And . . . Ben from fabrics is making the trophy which is the cool seventies style ruffle shirt that Charlton Heston wore in the movie.” Robbie waited for the silence of the cheers and he gave a thumbs up to Ben from fabrics. “Now, since  Neville has become our post apocalyptic God, we all wanna be like him. For the rules . . .” Robbie pulled out the notepad. “The competition is open to anyone who registers. And it’s not just us, gentlemen. Our new brothers in Bowman are competing too. You must be registered to be a part of it.  The earlier you register, the better, because from that second on what you do starts counting towards points. You will be scored on the following. Games. We will hold events, like the Olympics, to add to scores. These will be announced later. The following are areas that you can accumulate points on a daily basis . . .” Robbie began to read. “Making it from one are of the community to another in a record speed time. These times are determined by the Neville committee. For example, it’s been decided if you make it from the fields to the utility building in six minutes on foot, you get fifty points. And so forth. A chart will be provided for you. Another scoring factor . . . escaping from dangerous situations. Elimination of viable enemies near the home front and . . . acts of heroism. But . . . in order to get points for any of the daily scoring, you must fill out one of these.” Robbie pulled four sheets from the back of the clipboard. “These are Neville competition applications. Fill them out and turn them into one of the Neville committee. They will meet, determine the level of score, and hand it out accordingly. For example, if you nearly get shot in the head.” Robbie held up a paper. “This is the ‘escaping dangerous situations’ application. Fill it out. As you’ll see, they’ll review, get witness verification, and, at the bottom, they pick a level. A near miss of a bullet in a deadly range is a level three, second highest level. In order to hit a level four, you have to be injured in some way.” Robbie handed out the applications for the men to view. “Pass them around and take a look. History has all applications in stock there. That’s where you pick them up.” Robbie saw Dan’s hand raised. He pointed at him. “Yes, Dan?”

“Who makes up the Neville committee?”

“Good question. For the radio listeners, it was asked who makes up the Neville committee. I’m gonna tell you but you are eliminated from competition if you try to sway the committee. They are as follows. In Beginnings, we have Trish, Jason, and Forrest. In Bowman, it is Elliott Ryder, Dr. Blue, and a woman with a weird name, Gergerace. Anyhow . . .” Robbie shrugged. “They’ll meet bi -weekly, either in person or on the radio. Any more questions?” He saw Dan raise his hand again. “Dan?”

“Will we all get a copy of the rules?”

“No, we won’t all get a copy of the rules. There are too many people here. The rules will be located at History, the social hall, the chapel, and with any committee member. Anyone else?” Robbie waited and looked around. He grinned widely and clapped his hands. “Good luck gentlemen and over the next few weeks let’s have fun with this. May the best man be Neville.” A loud eruption of eventful cheers echoed in the security area. Robbie gave a thumbs up to everyone then looked over his shoulder to his father who had watched.

With rolling eyes, Joe just shook his head.

^^^^

“Shit.” Dean set down his radio and ran his fingers through his growing hair. “Not there.” He paused tapping his fingers on the counter in the lab. “Hell with it.” Hooking his radio on his belt and grabbing his personal cell phone, Dean left his lab and walked down toward Andrea’s office. He knocked the door’s frame. “Hey.”

Andrea looked up from her files. “What’s up?”

“I’m out of here for a while.”

“Where are you off to?”

“Well, I was hoping to find Jason to do it or Johnny, but . . .” Dean tossed his hands up. “To no avail. Anyhow, Forrest needs my help grinding the prescription for Johnny’s glasses. If you see him, tell him I am personally finding him and making him put them on.”

Andrea smiled “I’ll tell him.”

“O.K., well I’ll see you later. I have to talk to Joe so I don’t know when I’ll be back.”

“That’s fine.” Andrea smiled again. “Bye, Dean.”

Andrea lowered her head back down to her work after Dean had waved and left. She listened to his feet hit against the floor and fade away and then Andrea dropped her pencil slowly and looked back up.

Her hand smoothed against the surface of her desk as she stared in thought. After a moment, she stood up, closed the chart she viewed, tucked it under her arm, and left her office.

She could see in her walk down the hall that the lab door was open. Looking around first, up and down the clinic corridor, Andrea turned into Dean’s lab. “Jason.”

Jason, surprised,  looked up from the computer he was reaching for. “Andrea.”

“What . . . what are you doing in here?”

^^^^

Like the tiniest of bowling balls rolling across the hard floor was the sound that made Johnny lift his head from his work in the cryo -lab. A rolling sound, soft and faint, but in the room with him, and then it clicked. Johnny looked around. Nothing. He returned to the feeding charts he reviewed as he sat at the counter and then the sound began again. Rolling, rolling, click. “What the fuck?” Johnny got his answer when he heard a giggle. Rolling his eyes, he looked to the door.

Bev stood in the open door. “Busy?”

“Yes.” Johnny wrote something down. “Why aren’t you? Don’t you hold a job during the day or something?”

“I’m on my break and I was hoping to change the bad luck I’ve been having by finding you.”

“Bev.” Johnny dropped his pencil. “Why is it that you keep tracking me down?”

“I like you.”

“Yeah well, you like Dean. Remember?” Johnny raised his eyes. “You have been making it no secret around here that’s who you have your views set on.”

“Dean is smart. So are you.”

“So the flavor of the month is intelligence?” Johnny asked.

“I don’t understand.” Bev took a step into the lab. “You started this whole thing between me and you.”

“By complimenting your legs?”

“Yes.” Bev moved slower in. “Wow, Dean works here.”

“If you’re so infatuated with Dean.” Johnny watched the look on her face. “Why do you keep chasing me?”

“I like you.”

“You shouldn’t be in this lab and you like Dean. Sorry babe, I did the share thing. I was the secondary. I don’t do the secondary. Rather go womanless than play second fiddle again.” Johnny kept his eyes on his work, staying cold and ignoring Bev as she stepped closer.

“Who said you would be second fiddle. I’m a free woman, I’m not with Kevin anymore. It’s not too often a woman in this community chases a man. Why do you insist on making me chase you?”

“Why do you insist on chasing me?” Johnny stood up and started to gather his work.

“I told you. I like you. You’re different. And . . .”

“And you want Dean.”

Bev inched her way to Johnny. “I want Dean for a different reason. I want you, for you.” She stood right next to him and softened her voice. “We can help each other out you know. We’re supposed to.”

Johnny smirked with arrogance. “Help each other out? What in the hell are you talking about?”

“You can help me get what I need and in return, Johnny, I can help you get what you need.”

“And what is that?”

“This.” On Bev’s one word answer she dropped down to the floor before him.

“Shit.” Johnny’s eyes widened when he felt her hands run down across his waist and to his zipper. His tall stance fell to a lean into the counter. He swallowed the lump in his throat and his eyes widened at the sudden sensation that began to sweep up his body. Wondering if he should take a stand with Bev or advantage of the situation, Johnny let his eyes roll slightly as he gripped the counter’s edge.

It never was warm in the lab, yet Johnny felt warm. He took off his lab coat, flinging it across the lab, and then his hands reclaimed their cling to the counter. So surreal the situation felt. So dreamlike until . . . reality set in with the closeness of voices that came into his earshot, a male and female, closer and closer. “Shit.” Johnny opened his eyes. The cryo-lab door was open. He looked down again, then back up and Andrea and Jason were entering the lab. “Stop.” Johnny called out.

Andrea and Jason stopped cold.

Andrea tilted her head in wonder. “Johnny?” She took a step to him. “Are you all right? You look flush.”

“Stop. You can’t . . . you can’t . . . come . . . any further.”

“Why?” Andrea asked.

“Dean will . . . Dean will get pissed.” Johnny closed his eyes tightly then opened them. “He’s got a . . . he has . . . he . . .”

Andrea and Jason both looked oddly at him.

“You have to leave,” Johnny said. “I’m under strict orders not to let anyone . . . in.”

Andrea looked at Jason then to Johnny. “Well, we’re looking for the Beesly file. Dean was supposed to have finished running . . .”

“In!” Johnny’s voice was high pitched. “In the fridge.”

“The fridge?” Jason questioned. “Why is the Beesly file in the fridge?”

“Think cold thoughts. I mean, in the bin next to the fridge. I put it there by . . . by mistake.”

Andrea turned to Jason. “Did you look there?”

“No. I searched the other two bins. That’s why I thought I’d go into the computer. For sure he logged the results.” Jason tossed his hands up. “Let’s go.”

“Thanks, Johnny.” Andrea waved. “Get some rest. You’re acting strange.”

“I will.” Johnny gave a strained smiled. “Can you shut the door?’

Andrea smiled. “Sure, sweetie.” She stepped through the door first and Jason followed her.

Johnny watched as Andrea and Jason seemed to leave in slow motion. He wanted to wonder why they came down the cryo-lab at all, but at that moment all he could do was wait for the door to close and when it did, with a grunt, Johnny plopped forward to the counter.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

Frank’s face was stone cold as he stood near the entrance to the base. His insides churned and soured as he watched the two truckloads of Society people roll right in. He stared, letting not one bit of his feelings out but he stared. Frank had no idea when he sent his trucks out to meet the train what he was getting. He did now, as he watched them arrive. He was getting the sense that somehow he just wouldn’t have the control anymore.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Robbie opened Joe’s office door, slid to his stop, cringed, then grunted in disgust when he saw Henry behind Joe’s desk. “Dad.” He looked to his father who sat in the chair. “Come on, you’re still leader.”

“Henry needs to get the feel,” Joe explained. “Humor me.”

“No.” Robbie shut the door. He held on to a large stack of papers. “Where’s Dean?”

Henry decided to answer. “He had to go to Glass and do something. He’s been there for a little bit.”

Robbie sat down in his seat and no sooner was his rear end in the chair that Dean walked in.

“Sorry I’m late.” Dean closed the door. “Joe, I have Johnny’s glasses. He needs them. Have you seen him?”

Before Joe could say anything, Robbie did, very calmly too as he bit his nails. “Last I heard he was at the cryo -lab getting a blow job from Bev.”

There were three things that happened after Robbie’s remark, Henry’s loud sound of disgust, the banging as Dean fumbled and nearly missed his chair as he went to sit, and Joe’s grunt.

Joe winced. “Did we need to hear that?”

“Um . . . .yeah,” Robbie said. “We asked him to get close to her. He did. Well she got close to him or would that mean they were both close.” Robbie shrugged, ignoring the looks he got. “Anyhow, that’s what Johnny told me. Took him by surprise too.” Robbie snickered. “But uh . . . not as much as surprise as when Andrea walked into the cryo -lab in the middle of it.”

“My wife walked in on him?” Joe asked.

Dean was just as shocked. “What was Andrea doing in the cryo -lab? Did Johnny say whether he kept her out or not?”

Again Robbie shrugged. “I’ll guess he kept her out because, well, they never saw Bev.”

Joe was just so confused. “Why in God’s name would Johnny volunteer the details to you?”

Henry knew the answer to that one. “It’s a guy thing, Joe. Really and Johnny still a kid so he brags.”

“No,” Robbie snapped. “God. We asked him to get close to her. He was letting us know how the plan was going. Of course he says now he has to get total control and in order to do that with her, he has to be a . . .” a snicker came from Robbie. “A dick. He’s gonna blow her off.” He saw the silent glares he got from all three. “What?” Still he got stares and then it hit him. “Oh.” And Robbie laughed.

Joe turned away from Robbie and to Henry. “Wanna get this thing moving along?”

“Joe, why don’t . . .”

“Henry.”

“OK.” Henry moved his chair closer to the desk. “I don’t know why Joe called us here. It has something to do with Robbie. So Robbie, do you want to do the honors.”

“Yeah.” Robbie’s hand tapped on the stack of papers he had. He looked so pleased. “Since I have been chosen to become the new Ministry assistant, I attended Bible class with Rev. Bob.” He stopped while everyone got their snicker out of their system. “Anyhow, we talked about some good stuff and I drove him a little crazy about Cain and Abel and the great flood.”

“Robbie,” Henry interjected. “Could you get to the point.”

Without saying what was on his mind to Henry, Robbie continued, “Well, I was smoking a cigarette and when I left, I left them in there. Now I had to go back, right. I could have stolen them from distribution but my dad would have been . . .”

“Robbie.” Again, Henry interrupted. “Please. We all have things to do.”

“Henry,” Robbie growled his name. “Quit being such a prick and get off your high horse, all right? Fuck. I swear the moment you become leader, I’m moving for your impeachment and having people vote me in.”

‘You couldn’t do that,” Henry argued.

“Could too.”

“You could not,” Henry said. “They wouldn’t do it.”

“Ha!” Robbie scoffed. “Bet me. Henry, they voted on you being leader a while ago. If given a choice they’d pick me.”

“No, they wouldn’t. Joe?”

Joe hesitated. “Well, Henry, everyone likes Robbie. They just might.”

“Oh that’s not very nice.” Henry shook his head. “Dean, do you agree?”

“What? What are we talking about?”

“Weren’t you listening?” Henry asked.

“No not really,” Dean answered. “I’m still shuddering in the fact that Johnny had oral sex in my lab.”

Robbie held up his finger. “No, Dean. Technically he received . . .”

“Robert,” Joe scolded.

“But Dad, technically . . .”

“Technically my ass,” Joe growled. “Now can you please just quit with the dramatics and tell these two what you found when you were being noisy in Rev. Bob’s office?”

Robbie let out breath that showed his shock. “I can’t believe you ruined it for me. All right.” Robbie took the first copy of the yearbook from the stack. “This one is mine.” He handed one to Joe, then to Henry and Dean..

Dean was stuck in bewilderment staring at the blank top sheet. “What is this? There’s nothing on the front.”

Robbie grinned. “I did that on purpose so you wouldn’t know until I told you to . . .” Robbie flipped over the first page. “To turn to the next page.”

“Oh!” Henry was so excited. “I love looking at other people’s year books. Is this Rev. Bob’s? Does it have autographs and messages from people. I love . . .”

“Henry!” Joe yelled. “Pipe down. That’s not why were looking at this. This is a secret gentlemen. What we have in our hands cannot be told to anyone outside this room. Clear?” He waited for the agreement. “Yes, this is Rev. Bob’s Iowa State yearbook. Robert, do the honors again.”

“It’s about time.” Robbie chuckled at his father’s displeasure grunt. “Now, this is really, really important that you listen to what I say. Everyone, turn to page twenty-seven. And!” Robbie instructed loudly, “Keep your eyes focused on the left hand corner. Henry don’t peek.”

Henry whined.

Dean’s head bobbed from side to side. “My eyes are peeled Robbie. What?

“O.K.” Robbie gave a ‘shush’ look to his father.“Dean, what is Reverend Bob’s last name?”

“Haddon,” Dean answered.

“Correct.” Robbie nodded. “Now. Everybody scan down to the fourth row and let’s find Rev. Bob’s wonderful freshman picture.” Robbie didn’t have to look for Reverend Bob. He saw the picture the night before and quiet enjoyed seeing the man of the cloth, thin and with dark thick hair. But he didn’t enjoy that pictures as much as the moment when Dean and Henry saw him. Their ‘what’s?’, shocked expressions, and slow raising eyes to Robbie was worth the wait. “Yep.”

Dean took a double take. “No. No way.” His eyes kept blinking over in over in disbelief.

Henry’s mouth was open as well. “Oh my God. It’s George’s picture next to his. He went to the same college as George? Wow. But Iowa State is a big place. Do you think they knew each . . .”

“Henry!” Joe yelled. “Is that the only thing you see?”

Henry responded with a blank look.

“I fuckin knew it,” Robbie grunted. “He had to ruin it didn’t he?”

Joe held out his hand to Robbie to halt his complaining. Calmly, Joe looked at Henry. “Henry, look again.”

Henry looked down to his paper yearbook. “O.K.”

“Look closely, Henry,” Joe instructed.

“Joe, I’m looking, I . . . “ Henry peered up to Joe. “Shit.”

Robbie tossed his hands up. “Finally.”

Joe nodded very slowly in assurance to Dean and Henry. “Looks like my immature and nosey son  discovered a pretty big secret about Reverend Bob. Now, my question to all of you is . . . at this point in the game, how long should we wait before we approach our good Reverend Bob Haddon to tell him that we know he is actually the Good Reverend Bob . . . Hadley?”

CHAPTER TWENTY

Washington, D.C.

If George could trophy his proudest accomplishment he would, the White House. So many times he wanted to waste the man power and fix up the white structure that for nearly two terms was his home. He wanted to fix up the entire D.C. area and the monumental structures, symbols of our forefathers who shaped the laws that shaped America into a great nation. Arlington cemetery laid totally overgrown. Thick and dense, in years to come it would end up being a forest instead of a tribute to those who had lost their lives in battle. George considered himself very patriotic. Just because he wanted to rule the world, along with the country, didn’t lessen his patriotism. He worked hard all his life in law school, the courts, small political positions, and all the way up to the Presidency. All he ever wanted to do was make the world a better place . . . plus, run it. But that would have been a given had his plan to cut down earth’s out of control population growth had not gone array.

He ignored the mysterious notes and letters telling him the plan would not work, that the virus was not infallible. He chuckled at the notes that said they came from ‘the future’. The phone calls he refused to take. He dismissed them all as paranoid anonymous warnings from someone in the Society who gained a conscious and just wanted to stop it. And though he did safeguard--just in case--by cryogenically freezing not only more scientist, but others as well, George moved the Society ahead with the plan. It was too perfect not to.  They had  worked on it too much, too long, for it not to be.

With a total loss of forty to fifty percent, how much easier on the food demand it would have been. And that percentage was based on averages. A twenty-five percent loss in the more industrialized nations, seventy-percent loss in the over populated and third world countries, and total annihilation in the parts of the world that just didn’t have the technology to help themselves. Pandemonium. Chaos. Breakdown of government branches all across the world. The Society would emerge from the ashes, a saving grace to a world gone bad, heroes. But the Society emerged to a dead world.

But not completely.

There still was a whole world out there, a world with people. Civilizations. Unfortunately for George, he only controlled about twenty percent. He was rebuilding. He had to. Even dead, overgrown, and filled with animals he wanted to change, he still loved his country. And with the other eighty percent out there rebuilding as well, George couldn’t take a chance on losing the land he had dedicated his whole life. Because if he was gaining enough technology to soon go over there and stop them, then the chances were, they were regaining the technology as well. As history proved, one man’s land is another man’s projected domain and George wanted to make the other man’s land his domain first. He would do everything in his power to get it.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Maura Wilson. She was young and thin with fragile features that were complemented by her shoulder length blonde hair always was worn neatly pulled back. She had a face that looked even younger than her fourteen years. Seldom, if ever seen walking the streets of Beginnings, since she turned thirteen, she left her home with Gemma only for school, church and Bible instruction

Gemma sheltered the beautiful young woman and with good cause. She didn’t shelter her from the children nor even Denny and Josh who recently were allowed to visit--chaperoned--for an hour in the evening. She sheltered Maura from the men.

Joe knew this and Joe had Gemma’s trust, one of few men in the community who did. But even with Gemma’s full trust, it took a lot for Joe to convince Gemma to let him walk Maura to Bible instruction. Gemma finally gave in.

Joe laid his hand on Maura’s shoulder as they stood outside the chapel. “I’m right out here. I’m waiting for you, but you do not tell Reverend Bob that. Correct??

“Yes, Mr. Slagel.” Maura nodded.

“You tell nobody what I asked you to do. This is very important.”

“Yes. Did Reverend Bob do something wrong?”

“No-no.” Joe shook his head and laughed. “It has to do with the Neville competition. He’s a big threat for taking it, being the religious hero and all and I just want to check on this one rule.” Joe winked. “You let me know what he says and that is that.”

“All right,” she spoke angelically.

“Now you go in there. Rev. Bob is out at the fields. You’re a little early so that gives you time.”

“You’re waiting for me, right? Mother always waits for me.”

“I’m waiting for you. But . . .”

Maura giggled. “You’re playing the game so I can’t tell.”

“Exactly.” Joe held the chapel door open for her. “Thank you.”

^^^^

She felt bad walking into Rev. Bob’s office alone, but she was asked a favor. And since Maura encountered the cheating ways of Denny and Josh in a recent game of Candy Land, she wanted to help out Joe by making sure Rev. Bob played fair.

So once in his office, she did as instructed. She grabbed the yearbook, opened it to page twenty-seven, then sat on the couch and waited.

Reverend Bob walked in. “Maura, you’re early.”

“Yes. I was bored. I was looking at your picture.”

“You were?” Reverend Bob saw what she was looking at. “Maura let me . . .”

“Why is your name different here?” Maura pointed. “Should it be?”

“Do you know that name?”

Maura shook her head. She really didn’t recognize the name.

“Well.” Rev. Bob grabbed the yearbook and closed it. “I changed my name some years ago. Many years ago.”

“Is that allowed?”

“Yes it is. But it takes a lot of money.”

“Why did you change your name?”

Rev. Bob looked at the yearbook and to an innocent Maura. “If I share with you this story, you cannot tell a soul.”

“I won’t.”

Rev. Bob sat on the couch next to her. “I’m going to tell you and I’m going to trust you. You remember, Maura, what the Book of Matthew says about trust, don’t you?”

Maura nodded. “Those who can be trusted will be given more.”

“Exactly. God expects us to be trustworthy. I expect the same from you. We wouldn’t want to disappoint God, now would we?”

The expression on Maura’s face dropped. A nervous lump formed in her throat. She swallowed it and listened to Rev. Bob speak.

^^^^

The ‘Joe’ park in the center of town was busy for midday. It seemed everyone in Beginnings was taking advantage of the extremely warm fall weather by taking a break from their work day and strolling on the winding path that wrapped around like a maze in the so small park. Even Henry took advantage of the break. He sat on the little wall, finally getting a spot after Jenny gave it up. He held Nick in his arms, staring down at his son, a son he didn’t know as much as he should.

Henry knew his reason for getting Nick out of the nursery for a break, Ellen. How much he missed her. How much Nick was a part of her. He stared into the face that seemed like his own and then he stared into the eyes that were Ellen’s. A rarity. Blue eyes. In Henry’s mind, Nick was absolutely perfect.

He remembered the high hopes he had for him and Ellen when the baby was born. And then Henry remembered all the problems that followed thereafter. Problems he started alone. And problems that eventually tore him and Ellen apart. He had his chance and he blew it. The passing of time was what Henry hoped would heal those wounds. But the wounds stayed open and though Henry didn’t want to, he knew it was time to help them along in the healing.

“Henry. God.” Dean’s frantic voice neared.

“Oh hey, Dean.”

“I got scared.” Dean sat next to Henry and immediately took Nick. “Hey you.” Dean spoke to the baby and Nick smiled. “Henry, I went to the nursery and didn’t see Nick. I panicked.”

“I wanted to spend time with him.”

“Oh.” Dean handed the baby back to Henry. “Here. Sorry.”

Henry took Nick. “That’s O.K., Why did you think I took him?”

“I don’t know. I thought something was wrong.” Dean looked at Henry. “Is something wrong?’

“I miss Ellen.”

“Yeah I do too.”

“No Dean I miss her. I really miss her. I let some time go by. I tried to be her friend again. You know.” Henry swayed his head. “Like we were when we first started out. Even though that wasn’t what I wanted. But I tried. I stayed back when you and Frank shared her after Brian died. She lived with me and I stayed back. I stayed a friend.”

“I know this.” Dean was somewhat confused by Henry’s rambling.

“I don’t want to stay back anymore.”

“Oh.”

“I know you’re married to her and all. I’m happy for you. It was a long road coming. But . . . but Dean, I would really like for you and I to sit down and talk about the understand now.”

“Henry?” Dean questioned. “Understanding?”

“Yeah. An understanding.” Henry smiled. “You know the common thing that occur in Beginnings. I’m still dedicated to her Dean.”

“Yes I know. But . . . but.”

“But what?” Henry asked.

“Henry.” Dean lowered his head. “I’m sorry. There’s not gonna be an understanding in this marriage. I’m not doing it. Plus, Ellen has expressed problems with you. She didn’t say what they were, but said she could never trust you fully.”

“I think Ellen and I can get passed them if there is an understanding.”

“Then you’re kidding yourself.” Dean said. “I know Ellen. Besides, no understandings. Not you. Not anyone. I’ve waited forever for this opportunity and I’m not sharing. Not at this time.” Dean started to get up.

Henry stopped him. “Dean. Come on. You can’t be serious. You can’t . . . you can’t in a society like this have her all to yourself. No one does.”

Dean only responded with a closed mouth and raised eyebrows.

“You’re really serious.”

“I have to go.”

“You’re not even going to consider it?”

“Henry.” Dean stood up. “If . . . if I allow an understanding. If Ellen choices to have one. I think, I think in light of all that’s gone on, I’m going to encourage her to let the understanding or secondary relationship go to a Slagel. It should be a Slagel.”

Henry was stunned. But his shock only hesitated him for a second. With Nick in his arms he jumped up and stopped Dean again. “Dean . . .”

“Henry I have to . . .”

“No.” Henry stated strongly. “No.” The wind whipped his hair around and Henry’s face was stern and angry. His voice stayed at a low volume but rasped in his emotions. “Dean this fucked up.”

“Henry, I’m not going to discuss this any further.”

“Yeah you are.” Henry strongly told him. “You are. It’s fucked up Dean.” Henry lowed his face close to Dean’s. “Do you realize that? I shared her with you.” Henry’s neck muscles clenched and every word he spoke was sharp and with angry hurt. “I shared her. I had an understanding with you when you needed her. I gave you so much freedom with her. I nearly lost my best friend over it all. There was never a doubt in my mind what was right. It wasn’t fair to have her all to myself. Don’t you think I wanted that? Huh? I did. But it wasn’t . . . it wasn’t right. This isn’t right.”

“Even if Ellen was all fine and dandy with you. I’m not obligated to share her with you.”

“I know you’re not.”

“So why are you acting as if I owe you.”

“You do.”

“What!?” Dean had a hint of laughter to his tone. “I owe you nothing.”

“Bull shit!” Henry’s voice raised. “You owe me the chance to at least try with her. You owe me the opportunity I gave you. If Ellen doesn’t want me that’s one thing. But you telling her she can’t be with me is a whole other thing. It’s wrong.”

“It’s the way it is.” Before anymore words could be said between them, Dean walked away.

The warm wind picked up some and Henry held Nick close to his chest, covering the baby’s ears as he watched Dean walk away. His heart beat so strong in his anger that he didn’t respond to the tap on his shoulder until he no longer saw Dean. Henry turned to the tap. “Bev.”

“I heard.”

“It’s none of your business.”

“I can make it my business. And you know it.” Her eyes shifted to where Dean was. “I messed it up for you Henry. I did that before I realized that Dean was a bigger asset to have. And guess what?” Bev looked at Henry again. “I’m gonna make it up to you.” She giggled. “I may need your help. But I’m gonna ruin Dean and Ellen.” She winked. “Just you wait and see. Prepare to pick up the pieces Henry.”

Henry said nothing, he stared at her, then Bev grinned, rubbed Nick’s head and walked away.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

“You are gonna have to just stop the whining,” Ellen instructed Grace. “You act like it’s the end of the world.”

“My ear is ten times bigger.”

“Than what?” Ellen leaned into Grace, examining her ear.

“Than it was before.”

“Well, you shouldn’t have carried me.”

“You should not have punched me in my ear.”

“Toughen up.” Ellen stood up straight and took off her gloves. “I’m not whining.”

“Why would you whine?”

Ellen shook her head and rolled her eyes. “I’m dealing with this stuff coming out of your ear. All done. Take the medication I prescribed and wait it out. That’s what Dean says.” Ellen walked over to the other side of the examining room and to Grace’s chart. “I’m leaving tomorrow. If it gets worse, we’ll have to bring you up to Beginnings.”

“Are all the women as crass as you?”

“Nope. I’m the top bitch.” Ellen grinned and grabbed the chart. “You’re done. I’ll check it tomorrow before I leave.”

“Doctor,” Grace called out.

“Yes?”

“Could you retrieve the guards to escort me back.”

Ellen snickered as she walked out. “No. Walk back alone. What is wrong with you?” She stepped out into the other room pulling the door closed. Ellen handed Grace’s chart to Blue. “All done.”

“I’ll call for a guard,” Blue said.

“Why is that?” Ellen asked.

“Why will I call for a guard? Women do not walk the streets alone.”

Ellen snickered “Did you see her? She has the ‘Elephant Man’s’ ear. Who’s gonna get her.”

“You think you’re funny. Laugh again.” Blue instructed and pointed. “Or do you need me to call you a guard?”

Ellen turned around and looked at Craig who stood by waiting. He waved and Ellen turned away again and faced Blue. “Why is he still here?”

“Following you. He wants to talk to you. Do you want a guard?”

Ellen looked over her shoulder back to Craig, then again to Blue. “No, he’s harmless, just annoying. He reminds me of my brother Richie.”

“So you’ve said.”

“Did I tell you my brother owed me two thousand seven hundred and thirty-six dollars? Never paid me a dime back.”

“So you’ve said.”

“I have to leave.” Ellen grabbed her bag. “I have processing to finish.” She facially winced as she stepped to the door.

“Last chance,” Blue called out. “A guard?”

Ellen shook her head and walked by Craig. She stepped out the door and he followed her. “Swell.” She walked a few steps, spun around, and barked at him. “Why do you keep on following me?”

“You do.”

“I do what?”

“Get as upset as him.”

“Who?”

“The Captain.”

Ellen fluttered her lips. “Yeah but there’s one big difference. The Captain won’t kick your ass. I will. Either that or I inject you with something really lethal.” Ellen winked and walked again.

“Hey.” Craig trotted to catch her. “Can I go to Beginnings?”

“No.”

“Come on. I hear we’re a part of it. Can I go?”

“No.”

“Why?” Craig asked.

“Because we don’t let just everyone in. And we won’t let you in.”

“Why?”

“Why?” Ellen said. “I’ll tell you why. You’re lazy.”

“How can you tell?”

“I haven’t seen you do anything remotely related to work around here. You have done nothing but follow me around since the crack of dawn and for no reason.”

“I have reason.”

“What is it?” Ellen neared Hal’s apartment building.

“I want to know about you and the Captain.”

“Why do you want to know about me and the Captain?”

“Curious.” Craig stood waiting for an answer. “Please?”

“If I tell you what you want to know, will you leave me alone?”

“Yes.”

“Ask.”

“Thanks.” Craig looked up and thought. “O.K. tell me why the Captain?”

Ellen huffed out. “Hal is sweet, sensitive, kind, and attentive. O.K.?” Ellen reached for the apartment building door.

“The Captain?”

“Yes. And.” Ellen hesitated before going in, lifted both her hands up, spread them far apart, raised her eyebrows with a smile, and left.

Craig scratched his head and curled his lip in wonder. “The Captain?”

Seldom did men ever get under Ellen’s skin, but there was something about Craig that did. She didn’t know why. He seemed nice enough. She merely chalked it up to the fact that Hal had her brainwashed about Craig before Ellen even stepped foot in Bowman.

Hoping that she got rid of Craig--at least for a little while--Ellen walked into Hal’s apartment, wanting to relax before she had to dart off to processing the men that would return with her and Danny the next day.

She shut the door to the apartment that felt cold. Seeing the reason for it, she moved to the open window and closed it. Ellen laughed to herself when she thought how typically Slagel it was for the apartment to be cold. Frank hated being warm and never did their home exceed the temperature of sixty-five degrees unless Ellen made it that way.

Wiping the chill up and down from her arms she saw what she and Hal were looking at the night before. It sat on the coffee table, the small oak box, still open, still exposing the pictures inside. Ellen moved to the sofa and sat down. She pulled the box closer to her and picked up a handful of pictures. She smiled as she shuffled through the Slagel memories and her smile stopped and fell when she reached a picture of Frank. She hadn’t seen it in there when she and Hal viewed them There were so many pictures. Setting down the stack of photos, Ellen held on to the one picture, leaning back on the sofa, and propping her legs on the coffee table.

Frank.

His eyes stared back in that picture as if he were actually looking at her. Her heart pounded looking at him and an ache filled her throat. “Oh God, Frank.” The emptiness and hurt she tried to keep buried came flooding back to her. Worry. Sadness. Missing.

She breathed slowly out through her slightly parted lips, wanting so badly for the picture she held in her hands to be Frank in her arms. Her life’s best friend was so far away from her, yet a part of her felt him calling her every minute of the day. And there wasn’t a minute of the day that Ellen’s mind didn’t drift to Frank. If wishing him back would do it, Frank would have returned long before. Wishing for him back so badly that she still found herself--though she let no one see her--staring out the window while she worked in the clinic, looking for him, waiting for him to walk over that grade.

She hid her feelings well. She had to. That was the only way to bring him back and she would do anything, no matter what, to help bring him back to her. But the truth was, no matter how much Ellen pretended to move on, acted the part for the big ‘plan’, she would never move on until Frank came home. She would never be the same.

She slowly brought the close up shot to her lips, kissed the picture gently, and stared at it again, letting her mind imagine, letting her mind feel, that somewhere, wherever Frank was, at that exact moment he was thinking and missing her.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

Frank’s frustration and hurt carried in his breath vocally from his throat as he snapped forward in his chair, ran his fingers through his hair, and stood up. “Ellen.” He closed his eyes. His face held pain. “I can’t keep doing this.” Harshly he rubbed his hands over his face as if he were trying to rub his thoughts away. His mind had to be elsewhere, focused, but at that moment, it wasn’t. Too many moments were spent with his mind in places it shouldn’t be, searching for Ellen, imagining her, hearing her voice. His inner soul told him that wherever she was, she was fine. Frank believed that. He had to. She was too much a part of him that even the distance of many miles could not hinder him from being  able to feel her. And Frank swore he did.

He was so tired of waiting. He just wanted to walk out the door of his office and straight off that base. He could make it home. He knew he could and then he would find Ellen. But his gut told him that his every action, every move with the Society somehow effected Ellen. She and his children were top on his list of priorities, protecting them. Frank now was in a position where he could do his best to help his family. Like John Matoose was for George. Frank was now the unsuspected insider. He could gain the knowledge needed to start bringing down the insurmountable force that everyday seemed to beat against his people, his home, his family. Frank’s family was his top priority. Ellen was a top priority. Frank knew what he had to do. In order to do so correctly, he would use the thoughts of his family to make him stay put, to stay in the control. He had to be. Frank would use those same thoughts of his family to go on and make each day he was away from them, though painful, more tolerable.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

“I’m exhausted.” Sgt. Ryder answered the question Hal posed to him as they stood side by side on a street corner in Bowman, looking up.

“Me too.” Hal said. “Do you suppose it’s him?”

“Most definitely. You saw him at that switch station.”

Hal nodded slightly still peering his views upward. “It doesn’t seem quite fair though. We should have him here. In Bowman.”

“I don’t know about that, but then again, we don’t have anyone like him. Beginnings has a carbon copy.”

“True. But . . . what do you think about training him?” Hal asked.

“If I wish to keep any sanity, I refuse, absolutely refuse to place that eccentric man on a horse with a long, lethal, sharp object.”

“I uh . . . I see your point.” Hal lifted his hand up in a wave. “Danny! How’s it going?”

Danny, strapped to the top of a telephone pole, looked down, grinned, and gave thumbs up to Hal and Sgt. Ryder who watched him.

^^^^

“O.K., what’s going on?” Joe asked out as he walked into a noisy tracking. He saw both Henry and Mark looking at the monitors. “Sector thirty-two again?”

Henry tossed his hands up. “Joe, I’m lost. I can’t figure it out.”

“Yes, you can, Henry,” Joe told him. “Keep trying.” Joe stepped closer to the monitor. “Christ.” He watched the tracking and the flash of light seemingly go crazy. Flashing, beeping and dots of light flew across the screen. “Looks like whatever it is isn’t taking in the whole area.”

Mark shook his head. “Instead of the one mile radius, it’s pretty much stuck to twenty square feet. That’s why it’s going nuts. Too many rabbits.”

“Or one kid.” Joe looked at Mark. “Call you wife and find out where Marcus is. Got it?”

“Joe.” Mark laughed in ridicule. “That is not my son up there. I know he’s the Bam-Bam of Beginnings, but he would definitely show a much larger life signal.”

“You have a point.” Joe patted Mark on the back. “But still, call her. Humor me. Thanks.” Joe shifted his eyes to Henry who watched the tracking signal. There was a look upon Henry’s face that Joe seldom saw, a look of confusion on what to do.

Henry saw Joe staring and he didn’t know why Joe had such a huge grin on his face. “Joe?”

“Huh.” Joe shook his head and removed the smile. He had gotten lost momentarily in the enjoyment of Henry’s confusion.

^^^^

Painfully, with one eye closed, Dean shut off his ear with his finger. “God.” He cringed at the high squeal that came from his daughter as she dove onto Josh while they had a free for all wrestling match in the living room. “Quiet!” Dean commanded as he neared the ringing phone. “Josh! Keep them quiet.”

Was Dean actually in his home? He thought he was. He felt like he was yet not one person heard him. Hoping that the noise would stop, he picked up the phone. “Hello.”

“Hey Dean!” Danny excitedly said.

“Danny?” Dean chuckled.

“Yeah, guess where I’m calling from?”

“Uh . . . Bowman. Hold on . . . .” Dean covered the mouth piece of the phone. “Knock it off!” he yelled to the screaming maniacs. “Now!” Finally silence, less a few agitating giggles from the crew. “Sorry, Danny, go on.”

“Dean, you really shouldn’t do that. Not when I’m like fifty feet from the ground on a telephone pole. You could have startled me down to my death.”

“Why are you on a telephone pole?”

“That’s where the first working phone is. Guess why I called you? Your number was the only one I remembered and I wanted to tell you Ellen’s doing great, aside from that little physical confrontation with Gergerace. I got the phones up and running here, sort of. I’m getting there, but we have a problem. No one knows their telephone numbers.” Danny started to laugh. “I have this great game planned for tonight. Imagine. A silent town. A single phone ringing out.”

“Sounds like the a scene from the Omega man.”

“Oh! Dean!” Danny shrieked with excitement. “You’re the man. Thanks. I bet I get Neville points for that.”

“Under what category?”

“Recreation of Neville moments.”

Dean laughed. “Well you may want to recreate Neville’s coming to the rescue. Call Henry on his phone. Tracking is all out of whack.”

“No way.”

“Yes way.”

“No Dean, I’m not saying that as ‘boy am I surprised’,” Danny said. “I’m saying that because I invented that and there’s no way it’s out of whack.”

“Call them.”

“I will.” Danny paused. “Uh . . . Dean. What’s the number.”

Just as Dean started to tell him he was told by Danny to hold. Dean pulled the phone away at Danny’s loud yell.

“Hey Sarge!” Danny yelled out. “Write this number down! Go on, Dean.”

Dean took a second to snicker in amusement and then gave Danny the number.

^^^^

“It’s gonna have to be done,” Joe told Henry while in tracking.

“No Joe, I can’t.”

“Well, we can’t wait until Danny gets here.”

“Joe please . . .”

“Henry, I’ll send Robbie up there with you. O.K.?” He saw the hesitation on Henry’s face. “They’re rabbits for Christ sake.”

“Killer rabbits, Joe.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Joe heard Henry’s phone ring. “Answer that.”

“It just rang!” Henry pulled out the phone. “Hello.” Henry’s eyes smiled. “Danny.” He looked at Joe. “It’s Danny. Danny, man, am I glad to hear from you. How’s it going? I see you have the phones up.”

“I’m having some problems, Henry but don’t spread that around.” Danny told him. “We can talk about it later. Anyhow, I hear you have problems.”

Henry let out a breath. “Boy, do I ever. Tracking is picking up these killer rabbits that are huge and move really fast in the field. There has to be a lot. You should see this screen Danny. It looks like . . . remember the old, old, old video game space invaders. That’s it.”

“Shit. What’s the computer reading?” Danny asked

“One object. Well now it’s saying ten, each moving at sixty-four miles an hour across a twenty-some square foot radius.”

“That’s absurd.”

“I know,” Henry said and nodded his head, listening to Danny. “I did that. A-ha, did that too. That too. That too. Yeah.” Henry started to laugh. “I can check . . . you think? Danny if this works, I owe you.” There was a cringe on Henry’s face that quickly turned to a thinking smile. “You know what. That might not be a bad idea. Tonight? I’ll speak to Robbie. I’ll get back to you on this first.” Henry hung up the phone.

“Well?” Joe asked. “What did he say?”

“He has a theory.”

“Christ.” Joe rolled his eyes.

“It’s a good one.” Henry looked down at Mark. “Mark, pull a history. Danny thinks there may be something shiny in the field that might be reflecting the sun since it’s only happening at daylight hours. Trees below, the flash of light reflects, hits the tracking. Bam.”

Joe nodded impressed. “Pretty good. That could explain why your adjustment didn’t work from this morning.”

“It could,” Henry said. “But . . . it still doesn’t explain what chased me in that field.”

Joe wanted to bark, yell at Henry, but he didn’t. He just waited for the history results. If Danny’s theory proved plausible, Joe wanted to send two men up that field to solve the problem and he knew definitely one of them would be Henry.

^^^^

Trish always prided herself on someone that kept their word and when she promised to help someone out, she did. So on her walk home, when she saw Robbie, she decided to seize the opportunity. “Robbie,” she called to him, catching up to him as he checked security keypads.

“Hey Trish.” Robbie punched in a code. It buzzed. He opened the door, shut it, and then looked at her. “What’s up? How’s that kid of yours?”

“He’s fine, looking more and more like his dad.”

Robbie snickered.

“Not funny, Anyway, may I speak to you about something?”

“Can you walk while we do?”

“Sure.” Trish followed him to the next building. “It’s about Jess.”

“What about him?”

“Well, he and I were talking this morning and he said something.”

“What?” Robbie began to check the bakery’s keypad.

“He needs a friend, Robbie.”

“I am his friend.”

“Not like what he needs.”

After the buzz and checking, Robbie wrote results and moved on. “What do you mean?”

“He wasn’t much of a crowd guy in the old world. He was a one on one guy. You know, the type that always had that best friend, like Henry and Frank were. He needs that male bonding friendship thing, Robbie. I guess, you know, without any women to turn to, who are you gonna discuss your problems with if you don’t have that one close friend?”

“I see.” Robbie walked to the next building. “Is he having problems?”

“No, but does he need to have a problem to have that friend?” Trish asked. “Someone to go to the social hall with so he doesn’t just become one of the numbers there. Most of the men pair off and you know it. Most men have a best friend. Jeff is Mark’ best friend. Joe always hangs out with Jason. Hap has Forrest.”

“Me and . . . no one. Huh?”

Trish smiled. “Maybe it’s a sign. Maybe it’s time you, Robbie Slagel, started bugging one person in this community when you’re bored instead of all of us at the same time.”

Robbie snickered as he worked. “Maybe you’re right. I like Jess. Maybe I need to start hanging out with him more often. I mean, I hang with the band but . . .”

“But . . .” Trish finished his sentence. “After practice who does Denny hang with? Josh. Paul? He hangs with James. You . . .”

“I bother everyone.” Robbie tucked his clipboard under his arm. “Perhaps I’ll start bothering Jess. I just assumed, you know, since we live together, we were friends.” Robbie shrugged.

“Well you know he’s from Canada.”

Robbie hesitated in his walk. “What does that have to do with it?”

“I don’t know exactly, but I bet it does have something to do with it. Anyway, he would like to assume you guys are friends, but he just didn’t want to cross that line. Robbie, you are an original. All of you originals, whether you mean it or not, project yourselves up here.” Trish raised her hand above her head. “When you’re new here, you guys seem untouchable.”

“Well that may be true in Henry’s case, but not mine. I always am down to earth with all the new people. But just in case you’re right on this, I’ll talk to him. At the very least I want him to see we are friends . . . hold on Trish.” Robbie adjusted his headset radio. “Yea, Dad? Shit. O.K., I’ll be right there.” Robbie looked at Trish. “I got to go. Thanks for letting me know this.”

“No problem.” Trish watched Robbie walk away. “Oh Robbie!” She called him again and waited until he stopped. “If things work out, I want the credit.” She waited for his signal of agreement then, happily and very pleased with herself, Trish moved along and headed home.

^^^^

Kramer, Kansas

Kyle and the two other UWA soldiers plopped down to the ground to rest.

Link couldn’t move. He looked at the bottom of his boots. “What the hell? Walk?”

Kyle shrugged. “He said we can do it.”

“We’re in fuckin Kansas, man. Walk to North Dakota? What the hell were we thinking and what the hell was Mr. Slagel thinking, telling us we can walk?”

“We made it to Kansas.” Ted added.

“Barely to Kansas,” Link said. “We need to find some transportation. We’re gonna die before we reach home. You men know this, don’t you?”

“Yeah.” Kyle stood back up. “But we got to try, now don’t we?”

Link stood up as well. “I guess you’re right. How long do you suppose it will take us?”

Kyle shook his head. “Frank said a few days, a week tops.”

“Man.” Link twitched his head in disbelief. “We must be moving slow. All right, let’s pick up the pace. I can do this for a few more days.”

Onward they trudged again, not taking many breaks until night fall. They walked in the direction they were supposed to and as they walked, they heard Frank tell them it wouldn’t take them long to get home. It was a good thing they didn’t know Frank’s calculations were way off or maybe they wouldn’t have had so much determination.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

“Quit being such a baby,” Robbie griped at Henry as they headed out to the sector where the signals originated.

“Me a baby? Why are you driving all the way here? Huh? If you’re not scared then why didn’t you park the Jeep at the end of the road back there?”

“Because I’m lazy and I want to finish my work day.” Robbie brought the Jeep to the end of the field and shut it off. “All right. What exactly are we looking for?”

Henry stepped from the jeep. “Danny says it has to be a piece of metal or glass, probably is no smaller than a fist.”

“Easy enough.” Robbie started to the field. “Let’s find a needle in a hay stack.”

“And killer rabbits.” Henry followed, pulling out his gun.

“There are no killer rabbits, Henry. Hey . . .” Robbie snapped his finger. “Do you suppose we get Neville points for this?”

“I would think. We are taking our lives into our own hands.”

“Where exactly are we supposed to be looking?” Robbie asked.

“This field.”

“Shit.” Robbie looked at the high grass that came to his thigh. “There is no way something buried in this is reflecting the sun.”

“Come to think of it, you’re right.”

“I am. It has to be . . .”

Henry saw Robbie stop walking. “What?”

“Shh.” Robbie held out his hand. “Do you hear that?”

“Robbie, I swear to God if you’re teasing me just to scare me, I’m gonna kill you.”

“No listen.” Robbie looked around. “And smell.”

Henry sniffed. “Smells like Dean’s lab. Aw! I knew it. He is . . . flies?”

“Exactly.” Robbie said. “Lots of them. Look.” He pointed to his left. “Could they be causing it?”

“Holy shit.” Henry exclaimed when he saw what appeared to be a black cloud hovering just above the tips of the grass. “It could if they’re flying in a swarm. I haven’t seen that many flies since . . . shit.”

Robbie looked at Henry. “The plague.” Immediately Robbie took off running toward the flies.

“Robbie!” Henry called out. “Wait, you shouldn’t do this.” Grunting and figuring he didn’t want to be too far from Robbie, Henry took off after him.

Robbie swatted the flies that pelted him in the face. He shut his eyes tightly and opened them again.

“What . . .” Henry stopped, covered his mouth, turned his head, and gagged.

“Something has been feeding up here . . . big time.” Robbie looked down to the grass. A large deer, eaten nearly to the bone, was only one reason for the flies. The other reasons scattered about the grassy field. They appeared to be remains of rabbits, but so little of the furry creatures were left, it was hard to tell. “Well Henry, if these are bunnies, there goes you killer rabbit theory.”

“Unless their cannibals.”

“Rabbits are not carnivorous.”

“Yeah, but Dean’s rabbits may be.”

Robbie swayed his head. “Is he really messing with their genes that bad?”

“I’m telling you he is,” Henry warned. “Let’s head back.

“Yeah, that might not be a bad idea seeing how we haven’t a clue what’s been dining up here.” Robbie turned from the carcasses and walked with Henry. “We’ll tell my Dad something is running around up here.”

“It’s kind of scary,” Henry said. “Can whatever it is, get into Beginnings?”

Robbie paused. “We’re gonna have to bring that up, but that is a scary thought.” Both Robbie and Henry stopped walking when they heard the ruffling of the high grass. Robbie turned his head slowly to look back. His eyes widened when he saw the grass moving and moving fast. It swayed in all different directions.

“Robbie?”

“Henry?”

A pig like squeal echoed out. It sounded as if more than one. High and loud. The ruffling grew louder and closer, sounding like a mini stampede..

“Robbie?”

“Shit.”

“Run?”

“Run!” Robbie took off and Henry followed. The Jeep wasn’t far away and they raced through the grass, hearing the cries, hearing themselves being followed, and never looking back to see what it was until they made it safely to the Jeep.

Robbie turned over the ignition and screeched the Jeep forward. Henry faced backwards, “I saw something.”

“What was it?” Robbie drove.

“Animals. Some sort of bald animals.”

“Pigs?” Robbie asked.

“It looked it,” Henry answered.

“Shit what if Dean gave that stuff to the pigs.”

“Oh my God. Pigs are carnivorous.”

“And now fast too,” Robbie commented and shifted gears. “Henry, I think if we didn’t before, you and I are getting Neville points for this.”

“Yeah.” Henry relaxed, leaned in the passenger’s seat, and grabbed his chest. He caught his breath. “And we should get a lot of points too. We almost could have been dinner for the killer pigs.”

Robbie stopped the jeep. “Henry? Listen to us . . . killer pigs?”

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Binghamton, Alabama

Frank could hear the eruption of laughter echoing in the darkness of the sector of base where only he used to live. The laughter drew closer as he rounded the bend to his home that evening. He saw them sitting in a group as he walked down the sidewalk. There were eight of them, all men. Frank gave a ‘hello’ glance only as he walked by the group gathered on the lawn.

“Colonel Slagel.” Leonard Mason, a peace ambassador, stood from his lawn chair. “Would you care to join us in a drink this evening?”

Frank stopped walking and turned back to the men. “Thank you very much for the invitation, but revelry is at zero five hundred and I’d like to get to bed. Some other time perhaps.”

“Perhaps,” Leonard said. “I look forward to seeing how things run here tomorrow.”

“I uh . . . look forward to showing you. Goodnight.” Frank nodded once and moved on. He wanted to look back, He felt their stares as he walked away. He knew they watched him because they had stopped talking. The eight new arrivals had spent so much of their time getting situated that what was happening on base was secondary. But Frank knew it wouldn’t be that way for long. For as much as they probably wanted to learn about him, that was how much Frank wanted to find out about them, especially the abundance of lab equipment he saw them move into the one building and the six scientist team that unloaded it. Something was up with that. They were moving too much in too fast for something big not to be happening soon.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Joe gasped in that after-swig of his moonshine and set down the glass, shifting his eyes to Dean. “You got to be shitting me. You believe this shit about killer pigs.”

“Yes.” Dean nodded. “Only they aren’t anything new. Maybe it’s a pack of wild boars. They’re carnivorous. They’re predators and they move fast.”

Joe lofted his hand and looked to Robbie. “There you have it. You guys were semi -right. Now, what’s the chances of them coming in?”

“Down the cliff?” Dean fluttered his lips in sarcasm. “Slim to none. The fall will kill them.”

“Good.” Joe grabbed the bottle and poured another glass. “Can you get me some tranquilizers, Dean?”

“For the gun?” Dean asked. “Sure. I can have it ready in the morning. Are you going after them? They make a good meal.”

“What is it with you and the meat product around here?” Joe questioned. “No. I just want to arm security when they start making rounds up there. I don’t want to kill them. Christ, if we have meat running around up there, we might as well capture it if we see it, right.”

Robbie made a loud buzzing sound. “Wrong. My men won’t go up there.”

“Sure they will,” Joe said. “To be on the safe side, I want morning, noon, and night rounds up there. They can take a Jeep, look at the field, turn around, and come back. They can also shoot a boar if they see one.”

“They’ll never do it,” Robbie disagreed.

“They’ll do it,” Joe said with certainty. “I talked to the Neville committee. You’re gonna end up with volunteers. It’s a ten Neville point bonus for each round made up there.”

“Fuck. I’ll do it myself,” Robbie said.

“See what I mean?” Joe held out his hand. “Volunteers.” He turned his wrist over and checked out his watch. “Where in the hell is Henry?”

Robbie answered, “Getting ready. Tell Dean about Rev. Bob. I uh . . . I see Jess and I want to talk to him.”

Joe snickered. “You go on.”

Dean watched Robbie stop at the end of the bar to get his drink. “What’s going on with Rev. Bob? What did Maura find out.”

“A lot.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah, but she isn’t talking. She said the Book of Matthew preaches trust and she can’t break Rev. Bob’s trust.”

“You’re kidding?”

“Nope.” Joe sipped his drink. “She did tell me that Rev. Bob changed his name. He even showed her a legal document.”

“Did he tell her why?” Dean asked.

“Oh sure he did” Joe answered.

“But she’s not talking,” Dean stated.

“Nope. And . . .” Joe watched Robbie move to Jess. “I’m uh gonna go get entertained and eavesdrop. I’ll be right back.”

Dean was confused by Joe’s remark and especially by Joe grabbing his drink, getting up, and walking across the social hall. He quietly and unnoticed sat at the table behind Robbie and Jess. Before Dean could figure out what was up with Joe, through the corner of his eye, Henry walk into the social hall. At first Dean thought the immediate feeling of tension that came in with Henry was his imagination, but he soon realized it wasn’t when he smiled and waved to Henry and Henry just glared, set down the knapsack he carried, and took a seat at a table.

“Hey Jess.” Robbie set down his drink, straddled a chair, and joined Jess, who sat alone.

“Hey, what’s . . .” Jess leaned to his side and peered behind Robbie. “Why is your father sitting alone. Joe!” Jess called him. “Did you wanna join us?”

Joe lifted his hand slightly. “No, no. I’m fine. You boys talk.”

Robbie inched the chair closer to the table. “I wanted to talk to you.”

“About?” Jess asked.

“I spoke to Trish this afternoon. She explained the whole entire thing to me.”

“Oh.” Jess stared down at his drink. “You’re mad.”

“Yeah I’m mad,” Robbie said. “We live together. You should have come to me with this. I assumed that’s the way things would be. I asked you to share my house with me right?”

“Yes, but . . .” Jess’ hand played with the rim of his glass.

“No buts. I’m all for it.” Robbie told him, turned around when he heard his father snicker then refaced Jess.

“Really?” Jess asked. “Well that is . . . that’s great. We’ll even ease our way into it.”

“No need. We’re half way there already. Right?”

“Right.”

“Good.” Robbie picked up his drink and stared into it. “I shouldn’t drink this. Take this from me.” He handed it to Jess.

“Why.”

“I have to fly.”

“Emergency?” Jess asked.

“You could say that.” Robbie looked back at Henry. Dean was pulling a chair out at Henry’s table.

“I wanna talk to you.” Dean sat down across from Henry.

“Sure, what’s up?”

“You seem mad.” Dean asked. “Are you? Are you mad at me?”

Henry contained himself. “Dean, come on. What do you think? You would be mad too.”

“I guess you’re right. But I want you to know something Henry. I will never forget what you did for me when I needed Ellen. I won’t.”

“But you did.”

“How can you say that?”

“I can say that because you have an outlook on a situation that just isn’t right. This afternoon you were wrong.. You were very wrong.”

“Why am I wrong for not wanting to share my wife?” Dean asked.

“Because it’s wrong in this day in age. I did it. I didn’t want to. We all do it. It is all a fact of life.” Henry tried to explain.

“I’m sorry Henry. I don’t want it to be my fact of life.”

“Yeah but it was not a problem when she was with me. Sharing her was not a problem when she was with Frank. No. I’m sorry Dean. I was patient. Things are settled now.  I need her back in my life.

“I’m not saying you can’t be her friend.”

“But you are saying if it moves towards more than that, then it would be wrong?” Henry stated nearly in question.

“It . . .it would be cheating.” Dean spoke soft. “And also an impossible dream for you. Think … think back. Ellen ended the friendship with you over something. Something so big that she couldn’t get passed it. Do you think for a second she’d get by it now. Has that much time passed? I don’t think so. Let it go before you get hurt in more ways than one.”

Henry closed his eyes painfully, and stood up.

Robbie poked his head in between the two men “Henry, ready?”

“Yes.” Henry answered.

“Good. It’s getting late. Let me grab Jess, I’m getting him to go.”

“I’ll meet you at the hanger.” Henry reached down for his knapsack and looked once more at Dean and headed to the door.

“Henry.” Dean stopped him. “Where are you going?”

“Danny ran into difficulties. He needs me.” Henry raised his eyebrows. “I’m going to Bowman.”

“Tonight?” Dean quizzed him with edge. “It’s dark out. Danny can’t wait until morning for you?”

“Oh yeah he can.”

“So why are you going to . . .” Dean nodded. “Ellen.”

“Yep.” Henry tossed his bag over his shoulder, looked once more at Dean and walked from the social hall.

“Henry!” Dean ran out after him. “Stop.”

Henry stopped but didn’t turn around.

Dean moved to him. “This isn’t right.” He walked around Henry to face him. “This is wrong. You can not be going after my wife.”

“See!” Henry’s voice raised and though he brought the volume down, the tone remained.. “This is where the problem lies Dean. Right here. Your thinking. I am not going after your wife! I just . . . I just want to be with my friend. And prove to you, we have moved beyond our problem.”

After a moment of silence between them, Henry moved on.

^^^^

“571-8776.” Danny yelled down to Hal, who stood with a clipboard at the foot of the telephone pole.

“Got it.” Hal wrote it down. “Continue.”

Danny waited until he heard no noise. He placed the pen light back in his mouth, looked down at the phone book he held, and dialed the phone.

Ring. Ring,

Danny grinned as he listened to the phone ring in the dead silent town but no one answered. He scratched it out and put an ‘N A’ next to it. He dialed another number. Static. He marked that one out of service and then he dialed again. He listened to the ringing and then finally the call was answered. Danny dropped the pen light into his hand. “What’s your name? Good. Robert, your number is 571-9087. Got that. Good. Hal!” Danny called down. “Robert’s number is 571-9087.”

Sgt. Ryder walked up to Hal. “It’s coming along nicely.”

“Yes it is.” Hal showed Sgt. Ryder the clipboard. “The ones that are working are working fine so far. We just have to be quiet so we can . . .” Hal raised his head to the sky when he heard the helicopter approaching.

“You were saying?” Sgt. Ryder asked.

Hal shook his head with a smile. “Wait it out. That’s what I was saying. Isn’t this great, Elliott? Help is arriving for something so trivial as a phone.”

“But to Beginnings, it’s not trivial,” Sgt. Ryder told him. “And we are now part of them. They only want us to have what they do.”

“Feels good, doesn’t it?” Hal asked.

“And not just to have the help or the phones,” Sgt. Ryder said. “It feels good to be a part of Beginnings.”

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

Frank closed the file folder and it barely shut. It was stuffed with notes that he took, files that he found, and information he gathered. He rubbed his eyes and stood up from his kitchen table, bringing the folder with him. He stopped in the dining area and stared at the ‘farm’ picture on the wall. How he hated that picture. Setting the folder down, he removed the picture and placed it to the floor. When he did, a square foot piece of wood teetered in the wall. Frank removed that, exposing a hole and in the hole that he and Richie made, he hid his folder and rehung the picture.

How long had he been working in his kitchen? An hour? Two? He made his way into the living room and reached for the lamp. When he did, he saw it on his coffee table. Frank had been so engrossed with his other work, he never saw it when he walked in.

A square homemade envelope lay there, Richie’s handwriting on front. ‘Frank, found this in my stuff.’

Frank missed spending the day with Richie but he knew it was for the best that they didn’t hang around much, or at least when anyone knew. He picked up the note and when he did, a picture fell from it. It landed face down on the coffee table.

The second Frank lifted it and turned it over was the second his heart dropped. “Oh wow.” It was a face he longed to see. It was a picture of Ellen. “Look how blonde.” His long finger ran down her hair. The picture was old, but it was still Ellen. The face, to Frank, never changed or never aged. The smile upon Ellen’s face stared up at him and he smiled back. A warm feeling swept up Frank, lighting his whole face with a grin and causing his emotions to gloss over his eyes.

His lips twitched some in his overwhelming of ‘missing and loving’ her at the moment and a lump formed in his throat. It was difficult, but Frank swallowed, held on to that picture, and never took his eyes off of it as he went upstairs to bed.

Once in his bedroom, Frank laid on his bed, his legs extended, the picture held tightly in his fingers and not too far from his view. He loved the picture and was so grateful to Richie for giving it to him. He needed that picture. Filled with feelings and emotions for Ellen, so over powering, held on to that picture until he fell asleep.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

His hands brought up the blanket over a sleeping Alexandra’s shoulder. Dean bent down, kissing his daughter for what seemed like the hundredth time. He walked from her bedroom and looked at his watch in the hallway’s light. Shaking his head, he moved to the living room. Why hadn’t Ellen called yet? She was supposed to have called nearly an hour before.

He sat down on the couch and picked up his phone. He checked to see if it was working. It was. Again, Dean looked at his watch. He thought about the fact that Danny had some problems. Maybe the phone lines went back down. So with that thought in his mind, he checked the radio. It was working as well. Surely Ellen would have radioed if she couldn’t call. The night before she had him on the radio forever, missing him, telling him how much she loved him, not wanting to hang up. She had radioed him so many times during the day that it hindered on driving Dean insane. But where was her call now?

“No.” Dean spoke out loud, placed the radio down, and shook his head. He picked up one of the many work folders that spread on the couch and coffee table. He told himself that he was making too much out of it. Ellen had a long day. She was tired. She fell asleep. Her not calling didn’t mean that anything was wrong.

He kept feeling his insides twitching in a sort of nervousness. He shifted his eyes from the phone, to his work, to his watch. He nearly jumped from his skin when his front door opened.

Josh kicked off his shoes with a ‘thump’ and shut the door. “Hey Dean.”

“Josh.” Dean, not like he didn’t already know the time, looked at a watch he was tired of looking at. “Where have you been?”

“Um . . .”

“It’s twelve-thirty.”

“It is?”

“Yes.”

“Wow.” Josh scratched his head. “I’m late.”

“Yeah, you are. You’re supposed to be in this house no later than twelve,” Dean told him. “Those are the rules.”

“But I thought that didn’t count if I was at Pap’s.”

“It doesn’t. Were you at Pap’s?” Dean asked.

“Yeah. It was boring walking around, so Denny and me, like, went to his room and hung up these really big paper pictures of guys with guitars and long hair. Uncle Robbie brought them back from the old music store in Miles.”

“Posters.”

“Huh?”

“That’s what they were called. Posters.”

“Did you hang posters on your wall?” Josh asked Dean. “Robbie said he did and my Dad did.”

“I think I did.” Dean laid down the folder. “Yeah, I did.”

“Did you ever hear of the Power Band? That’s the guys that are on the poster.” Josh began to chuckle. “Uncle Robbie said they were from all you guy’s era. He said they were pretty cool. And big. But they looked normal size to me.” Josh snickered again. “Paul said next music run, he’ll find one of their songs.”

Dean was lost. “The Power Band?” He shook his head. “I don’t recall them. My era?”

“Well you’re like way older than Uncle Robbie, so maybe not your era. No, he said some guy name Frank Sinatra was from your era. That’s right.”

Dean rolled his eyes. “I am not that much older than Uncle Robbie and . . . I’m sure if he listened to The Power Band, I would have heard of them. The Power Band.” Dean enjoyed the break from worrying about Ellen. His mind dazzled in trying to remember this band. Had it been that long? Was he that out of it back then? “Will you let me know when Paul finds this song. I’d love to hear it.”

“O.K., I’m going to bed. Night.”

“Night.” Dean bit his bottom lip and slowly leaned back on the couch. “The Power Band. Why am I not remembering a band that was big? The Power . . . Aw!” Dean had to laugh. He shook his head and stood up. “Josh.” He poked his head around the hall.

“Yeah?” Josh hesitated before going into his room.

“Does the poster say, ‘AC/DC’ ?”

“Yeah. The Power Band. Geez, Dean. Night.”

“Night.” Dean watched Josh struggled with opening the door to his room, pushing and pushing and slipping through a small crack. Shaking his head, he returned to the couch. As soon as he sat down, he saw the phone. “Hell with it.”

Reaching for the phone and looking at the number that Danny said would be Hal’s, Dean dialed. He listened to it ring and then instead of a hello, he was greeted with a loud bang and a thump. Then after a few seconds, a very groggy sounding Hal answered.

“Yeah?” Hal spoke.

“Hal, this is Dean. Were you sleeping?”

“Um . . . yeah.” Hal’s voice was raspy.

“I’m sorry to wake you. I really am.”

“No. No, that’s O.K., I don’t hate phones again yet. What’s uh . . .up?”

“Is Ellen all right? She was supposed to call me over an hour ago and she didn’t.”

“She’s fine. Want me to get her?”

“No, don’t wake her,” Dean said.

“No. If I don’t she may get mad. Let me just go tell her you’re on the phone.”

“Thanks.” Dean smiled as he listened to Hal walk heavily. Where he was sleeping Dean didn’t know. He could hear Hal knock on a door and call Ellen’s name out and then he listened to the footsteps get closer.

“Dean.”

“Is she sleeping?”

“You know what? She must not have gotten back from her walk with Henry. I’ll write a note to tell her you called. But don’t worry, they’re fine here in Bowman.”

“I’m uh . . . I’m not worried.” Dean swallowed hoping his ‘gulp’ was not heard over the phone. “Please tell her I called and to call me no matter what time she gets in.”

“O.K.”

“Sorry to wake you. Bye.” Dean hung up the phone then brought it to his lips. He closed his eyes, shook his head and set down the phone. Telling himself he has to be up anyhow to finish his work, Dean looked at his watch one more time and grabbed a folder.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

Ellen giggled leaning into Henry as she slumped down in the red cushion seat in the Belmont Theater in Bowman. “Even the end credits are great, Henry.”

“Everyone is watching them.” Henry looked around behind him and Ellen into the packed movie theater.

“You do know everyone is gonna think you and Danny are the coolest.”

“We are,” Henry whispered.

“This was great. I hated this movie when it was out, but it was so great.”

“Danny wants to . . .” Henry paused when the room filled with applause and the credits ended. “I’d better go shut down up there, huh?”

“Can I go with you?” Ellen asked.

“Yeah.” Henry, on the end seat, slid out into the aisle, and waited for Ellen. The men in Bowman that packed the theater all had positive comments to say as Henry walked by them.

They made it to the projection booth where Danny was. “Hey, Danny.” Henry walked in with Ellen.

“Ellen. Henry! My Man.” Danny grinned. “We are heroes now.”

“And we get Neville points,” Henry stated.

Danny stood by the spinning reels. “So like what do you think it would take to dismantle this place and bring it to Beginnings?”

“There’s a theater in Miles city. Why don’t we take that one apart,” Henry said. “You know, Danny, I could do this for you.

“You sure?” Danny asked. “I mean, you got this up and running.”

“No go on. El and I are just hanging out and talking anyhow.”

“O.K. Thanks.” Danny walked from the projection machine. “Night, El. Night, Henry.”

Ellen smiled. “Night, Danny.” She folded her hands behind her back and moved to Henry as he took over the projector. “This was the best evening I’ve had in a really long time.”

“Really?” Henry smiled at Ellen brightly as he took the movie reel. He wrapped up the end of the film and placed the reel in the large awaiting canister.

“It was so old world like.”

“El, as soon as I saw this place, I wanted to get it running. Sorry it took so long.”

“Are you kidding? You and Danny together were amazing. I was surprised all those men showed up.”

“Yeah it was packed.” Henry shut off the projector. “Ready?”

“Yes.”

Henry held out his hand, motioning to the door. “You lead the way.” He followed Ellen out and from the office to the lobby then out into the street.

“We need to go to a coffee house now, Henry.”

“I wish there was one.”

“There is,” Ellen said, “but they’ve gone out of business.”

Henry smiled as they started walking down the street. “Aren’t we walking the wrong way back to Hal’s?”

“Um . . . yeah. I’m sorry. I wanted to take a walk. You don’t mind do you?”

“No. I’d love it. This place reminds me of Ashtonville.”

“It does. And . . . this walk reminds me of the one that you and I took. Let’s go up this street.” Ellen pointed to a residential street. “I think that’s why I like Bowman.”

“Because of this street?”

“No.” Ellen snickered. “Because it reminds me of Ashtonville so much. I think . . . I think there is nothing more in this world that I would like to do than to go back there.”

“If I could get you back there, I would. Would you want to go?”

“How are you going to get me back to Ashtonville, Henry? It’s too dangerous to drive and we’d never be able to bring enough gas supply anyhow.”

“El . . .” Henry stopped walking . “If I figure out a way to get you there, will you go?”

Ellen spoke near whisper and with so much wanting. “I would love to go to Ashtonville.”

Henry smiled slightly. “Then you will. I’ll figure it out. I’ll get you there. But there’s one condition.”

“What is that?” Ellen asked as she faced him.

“You have to go with me. When I figure out how to do this for you, I want to be the one that does it with you. Deal?”

In such awe, Ellen looked at him.“Oh Henry, if you can get me back to my home, to see my children’s graves, their rooms, their things. Yes.”

“Then I’ll do it, El.” Henry smiled.

“Henry, if anyone else were standing before me telling me this, I’d have a hard time believing it.”

“El.” Henry closed his eyes. “I thought you lost all faith in me

“I did, Henry. I’m trying to forgive and forget. I am. But it keeps coming back.”

“I understand.”

“You’re . . . shit.” Ellen stepped back.

“What’s wrong?”

“I forgot to call Dean. Shit.”

Henry looked at his watch. “I can’t see what time it is.”

“Well I know it’s after eleven that’s for sure.”

“Call him” Henry unhooked his phone from his belt. “Here.”

“You think he’s awake?”

“Doesn’t matter. If he’s expecting you to call, he’ll want to talk to you.”

“Thanks.” Ellen began to dial. The phone barely rang one time and Dean answered,. “Oh! You’re awake.”

“El, what took you so long?” Dean asked.

“Oh Dean, you’re not going to believe this.” Ellen began to ramble. “Henry is here, right? Well he and I were walking the streets of Bowman, which is so much like Ashtonville. Anyhow, we were walking and he saw the old movie theater. Henry immediately found Danny and you know those two, they don’t stop until they get what they’re working on done. They got the movie theater running. Dean! I watched a movie in a theater. Not a very good one, but a movie. How do you like that?”

“Wow.” Dean spoke with little enthusiasm. “So are you back at Hal’s now?”

“No, Henry and I are walking around.”

“So Henry is with you now?” Dean asked.

“Yep right here.” Ellen smiled at Henry. “I’m using his phone. He told me to call you. He said you wouldn’t be sleeping.  We’re walking on some dark street off of the main . . .”

“El, put him on.” Dean interrupted.

“What?” Ellen questioned.

“Put him on. Please. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

Ellen drew up an odd look. “O.K.” She held the phone out to Henry. “He wants to talk to you.”

Henry had question on his face as he took the phone. “Hey Dean.”

“You made your point,” Dean said so seriously.

“Excuse me?” Henry was confused.

“I’m really pissed at you right now, Henry. I’m so pissed. I can’t believe you of all people are doing this shit.”

“Dean look, the movie, the walk, just know it has nothing to do with what you and I were talking . . .”

“Bullshit.” Dean snapped at him. “That’s bullshit and you know it. You wanna be upset about me not having an understanding with you, that’s one thing, You wanna be mad at me. You do it. But this is a dick move Henry and I’m not gonna forget it. You wanted to take the gloves off. They are off.” Dean hung up.

Henry blinked as he pulled the phone away from his ear.

“What’s wrong?” Ellen asked. “Is he mad that we are walking? I heard you say about . . .”

“No.” Henry shook his head and turned off the phone. “No. I didn’t fix something in the clinic that I was supposed to and you know Dean, he was rambling about how I can fix up a movie theater and not fix what I was supposed to back home.”

“Oh.” Ellen waved her hand. “He’ll get over it.” She started to walk and noticed Henry didn’t. “Henry, come on.”

Henry stared at the phone. “El.” He extended it to her. “Maybe you should call him back.”

“Why?”

“Just . . . . you should call him to say goodnight. I shouldn’t have been the last one he talked to, that’s all. It’s not right.”

“Henry, I’m sure . . .”

“El.”  He laid the phone in her hand. “Will you please just call him and tell him you love him.”

“He knows I . . .”

“El.”

“Ok, then can we walk?” Ellen asked.

“Then we can walk.”

“He’s gonna think there’s something wrong with me. I pestered him all day.” Ellen smiled at Henry and dialed the phone. “Hey Dean?” Ellen’s voice was chipper on the phone. “We didn’t say goodnight and I didn’t tell you I loved you.”

Henry stepped back with his hands behind his back and moved a few feet from Ellen to allow her privacy on the phone with Dean.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

September 20

Binghamton, Alabama

The tromping of boots against the asphalt was like the steady beat of a song. Frank paced before  the seventy -five men he had running in place. They held rifles in their hands. On one, they raised the rifles above their heads, two, they brought them down, on three, they extend them forward, and four, they brought them back in. So in unison, so synchronized, they were quick and moved in double time to Frank’s steps.

“Squad leaders, count it out!” Frank ordered as he walked before them.

“One.” Tromp-tromp.

“Two.” Tromp-tromp.

“Three!” Tromp-tromp.

“Four.”  Tromp-tromp.

Frank smiled. “Keep it going!” He snapped his finger on their every count out.

“One.” Tromp-tromp.

“Two.” Tromp-tromp.

“Three” Tromp-tromp.

“Four.”  Tromp-tromp.

“Let me hear it from the ranks!” Frank called out.

And then the men began, together, loudly, and in time . . .

“Ugachuga. Ugachuga. Uga. Uga. Ugachuga!”

“I can’t stop this feeling . . .” Frank talk-sang. “Deep inside of me.” Frank grinned. “Take it back, gentlemen, and with enthusiasm.”

They took two steps back in their formation, snapped to attention and called out loudly. “One, two. Yes we can. Colonel Slagel is the man! Ooh-rah!”

“Dismissed!” Frank bit his bottom lip and hid his smile, turned around, and lost the happy look when he saw Peace Ambassador Leonard standing there.

“Colonel Slagel. A little unconventional, don’t you think?”

“It’s the way I have always trained my men. You work them, break them, show them you’re human. They respect you more and they’re all yours. I did this too many years in the United States Army. How about you?” Frank raised his eyebrow and grabbed a cigarette from his chest pocket as he walked.

“I mean no disrespect to your method of training.” Leonard followed Frank. “However.”

Frank stopped walking. “However?”

“Yes. However.” Leonard held what looked like a stereo assembly manual. “This is the way the Society expects their men to be trained. Have you read this?”

“I’m sure I have. But . . .” Frank pointed to his own temple. “I have amnesia so I’m not really remembering anything post- plague. Sorry.”

“Is that possible?”

“What.” Frank moved on.

“Having selective amnesia like that.”

“Like what?”

“Like you said you have.”

“When?”

“Just now.”

“Huh?” Frank puffed his cigarette.

“Never mind.” Leonard held out the book to Frank. “Maybe you would like this.”

“For?”

“For refreshing your memory on our training regimen.”

“Why?”

“Because you forgot.”

“Forgot what?” Frank asked.

“How to train these men.”

Frank stopped walking.

Leonard was a good five feet ahead of Frank before he realized that Frank was no longer with him. “Colonel Slagel?” He saw the glare Frank gave him and though he tried not to show it, Leonard was a bit frightened. “Well, yes, um . . . perhaps not.” He rolled up the manual. “I have something else to discuss with you.”

“What?” Frank started walking again.

“We’re expecting a very important scientist to be joining us here in a week’s time. In fact, he will head up biology for the Society, but will work and live here for a while. I need you to prepare the best housing available.”

Frank laughed and stopped walking again.

“Something wrong?”

“His house is gonna look like your house, my house, and anyone else’s house that lives in a house on base.”

Leonard really wanted to scratch his head. “Uh . . . yes. So you’ll see to it then.”

“Oh yeah.” Frank nodded. “I’ll see to it.”

“Thank you. I’ll let you be.”

“Thanks.” Frank bobbed his head forward as he watched Leonard walk away, and then without Leonard seeing, Frank calmly lifted his middle finger and smirked.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Joe set down his coffee on the counter in the clinic lab, leaning into it next to Dean. “So you’ll get up to Jason’s lab soon.”

“As soon as I can, but I haven’t a clue on how to run a history on his quantum Regressionator.”

“Maybe I can get Henry to go with you.”

Dean grumbled.

Joe looked up in surprise.  “Next. Traps.”

“Regis.” Dean said.

“Excuse me?”

“Speak to Regis.” Dean suggested. “He used to hunt.”

“I’ll do that. But I’m going to need ample supply of those tranquilizer pellets.”

“You’ll have them. As soon as El gets back we can . . .”

“Did someone say my name.” Ellen’s voice carried into the lab.

Dean smiled and spun around to see her. “El. You’re early.”

Ellen embraced him. “Yeah, Me, Henry, and Danny, brought the pick up so the others will be along shortly.” She kissed Dean and laid her hand on his face. “How are you.”

“Better now.”

Henry cleared his throat. “Joe, Danny went straight to tracking. He wanted to know if you could meet him up there.”

“What about you?” Joe asked.

“He wanted to talk to you.” Henry shrugged.

“O.K.” Joe gathered up his things. “Dean, I’ll speak to you later.”

“Thanks, Joe.” Dean released Ellen from his embrace as Joe left. “We have so much to catch up on. How busy are you?”

“I have to get the new guys situated when they arrive. The field workers are coming today and those who are going to be setting up the new Bowman are coming in another day or two.”

Dean tilted his head in question. “Why is that?”

Henry stepped forward to answer. “Danny scouted the towns best suited for tracking and we have a lot to get ready, supplies and stuff, since these men are going to be living there. There isn’t any reason to make them come up until we’re ready to put them to work.”

“I see.” Dean nodded. “Who’s going to be in charge of this crew? If I may ask.”

“Construction and rebuilding, Danny is going to oversee, also he and I since it is partly mechanics,” Henry said.

“Thanks.” Dean had no emotions in his voice. “Um Henry, I’d like to talk to Ellen alone. Please.”

“Oh sure.” Henry reached out and laid his hand on Ellen’s shoulder “Thanks for the Bowman tour. I’ll talk to you later.”

“O.K. Henry.” Ellen smiled. “Bye.”

Henry took a step to kiss Ellen on the cheek but stopped. It was something so simple that he did whenever he saw her and had done for a while. Yet, Henry didn’t do it this time. He just smiled and waved and walked to the door. “Dean.”

“Henry.” Dean nodded his head once.

Ellen watched Henry leave then looked to Dean. “What’s going on?”

“Excuse me?” Dean asked.

“With you and Henry. What’s going on?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about?”

“Really?” Ellen folded her arms. “Care to tell me why the temperature dropped when you two looked at each other.”

Dean took a deep breath. “Things are a little strained between me and Henry right now. That’s all.”

“Why?”

“Why?” Dean shrugged “Personal.”

Ellen laughed. “I’m your wife.”

“Yep you are.”

There was a quirk about the look on Ellen’s face as she tilted her head to the right and raised the corner of her mouth. “Am I missing something?”

“No.” Dean shook his head. “Him and I have just been butting heads. It happens in a community this small. We’ll get through it.”

“Good.” Ellen smiled. “Now, can the work just wait a few minutes? I’d like to go see the kids.”

“Can the uh . . . kids wait a few minutes.” Dean stepped to her taking her hands.

“Why would we make the kids wait for work?”

“We’re not.” Holding Ellen’s hand, Dean walked to the back of the lab.

“Dean?”

“El.”

“What are you doing?”

Dean lead her to the room in the back.

Ellen lagged behind and moved hesitantly slow. “Why are we coming back here?” She didn’t get an answer, only a tug into the room. “Oh, I get it. Sorry, I didn’t pick it up. You should have accentuated the words, ‘a few minutes’  I would have known exactly what you were talking about.”

Dean stopped, smiled as he looked at her, kissed her quickly, pulled her further inside, and closed the back room door.

^^^^

Total chaos is what tracking looked like when Joe walked in there. Mark sat in a chair, slumped and rolled out of the way. The monitor table was pulled out from the wall with wires everywhere. Computer disks and Danny Hoi were on the floor.

“Danny.”

“Oh hi, Joe.” Danny looked up at him. “I’m not finding anything.”

“You don’t think Henry did all this already?”

“Um, probably yeah.” Danny answered.

“And?” Joe asked.

“And I’d rather do it myself. It’s my baby, so . . . I’d rather do it myself. Thanks.”

Joe looked over to Mark who lifted his hands in defeat. “Danny, did you stop to think it may be something in the field?”

“Yeah I did.” Danny picked himself up from the ground and brushed off. “But I talked to the guard who did rounds up there and he said he saw nothing. Yet . . . during the time he said he was there, we continued to receive signals which leads me to believe . . . malfunction.”

Mark let out a loud grunt. “Thank you! I have been saying this for days. But no! Henry insists that there are killer rabbits or, what is it now, pigs running around up there.”

Danny snickered. “I believe something may have been up there to help set off the malfunction but it helped exaggerate it, that’s all. No creature God created moves this fast and is this small.”

“Really?” Joe asked. “What about a creature man created.”

Before Danny could say anything, Mark held up his hand. “Unfair! No Joe. Unfair. My kid was home. Ask my wife. And . . . and . . . he hates deer meat. Robbie said that’s what was killed up there. Marcus likes his meat cooked. He hasn’t eaten anything alive since last year.”

“Good to hear.” Joe raised an eyebrow. “Danny, how long you going to be working on this?”

“Just gonna put it back together.” Danny lowered down to the floor. “I’ll go home tonight and really sit there and think about it. Why?”

“Well, you need to get me that game plan you have for the new towns. We have to get things together,” Joe said.

“O.K., I’ll do that. Let me finish up here.”

“Good. See you in a bit.” Joe moved to the door.

“Oh Joe. Before I come up, there’s something I need to discuss with Dean then I’ll be there.”

“Not a problem.” Joe opened the door. “Mark.”

“Joe.” Mark grumbled Joe’s name. “Danny, can you possibly take any longer?”

Danny looked at Mark and grinned. “I could, but seeing how I have things to do, I won’t.” Danny began to reconnect. “So, where was I? Yes. Gergerace. Man, this woman. You have to see her. I want front row seats to her and Joe’s first encounter.”

“Danny, if she’s that bad, maybe all they have to do to her is lock her in the same room with you and Henry.”

“Mark?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m messing with the electrical wiring that is attached to the equipment you’ll be touching. You may not want to insult me.”

“Oh.” Mark looked serious. “Sorry.”

“Kidding.” Danny grinned and returned to his work. “Um ... . maybe not. Where in the hell does this wire go?”

^^^^

Quantico Marine Headquarters

“Preparations are being made now,” Stewart told George as George sat behind his desk. “Research files of our recently deceased scientists are being moved to Binghamton right now. Housing is being set up for him.”

“Good.” George nodded.

“Now you’re sure that all this trouble isn’t for nothing? This Dr. Hayes will not be leaving the Society?”

“I’m positive,” George stated. “Things are well underway in Beginnings to ensuring that he will have what he wants here and. . . he’ll want to stay.”

“Good. Now I spoke to Dr. Garrison. He said that it is possible that seeing this doctor may trigger Frank’s memory.”

George was not surprised by this news. “I appreciate you looking into it, but I have it covered. Dr. Morris told me if it does, it will not only be facially evident on Frank’s face that he recognizes Dr. Hayes, but physically evident as well. His body will sway and topple as if he got hit with a wall of bricks.”

“So Leonard knows these signs to look for?”

“He does.”

Stewart let out a breath. “Good. I’ll just reiterate that to him when I talk to him.”

“You do that.”

The phone in George’s office rang. George looked at it, then at Stewart.

“Sorry.” Stewart quickly picked it up. “President Hadley’s office. Oh, just a minute.” He extended the phone to George. “For you.”

George rolled his eyes. “Of course it is. Who is it.”

“Your favorite person.”

George grinned and snatched up the phone. “Hey.” He spoke into the receiver. “How are things going there? Good. Good.” He shooed Stewart away and leaned back. “Not much longer. I was just talking about how you are getting things ready there . . . yes, we’re getting things ready on this end. Alabama is nearly ready for Dean’s arrival.” George shook his head. “Patience. Patience. Timing is everything. Now when is it that the leadership officially switches hands?” George nodded with an even bigger grin and carried on his conversation.

^^^^

With the Ugachuga song stuck in his head, Richie bounced and sang as he walked. Totally oblivious and in his own world, he moved down the housing section of the base. He looked at the clipboard he carried then to the house totally overgrown with weeds. The same house connected to Frank’s well kept one. He shrugged, took a step forward, and nearly shrieked when he felt a hand cover his mouth and his body lifted from the ground. An arm braced him tightly around the waist and carried him at a top speed directly to the back of the house.

He breathed out heavily when he was set down. Richie spun to see. “Frank.”

“Well.”

“I haven’t been in there yet.”

“Can it be done?”

“I don’t know yet, Frank. I just got your orders to make this the new guy’s house.” Richie tossed his hands up. “And . . . these places have firewalls, Frank. What is this peephole shit you want me to make? Is there something about you I don’t know about?”

“Ha, ha, ha. I need to know exactly what he’s up to. If we can’t do the bugging thing with his house . . .”

“You’re gonna watch him shower.”

“Richie!”

Richie laughed. “Sorry. Let me go see what I can do. O.K.?”

“Thanks and leave me a note or something,” Frank told him. “This guy is supposed to be a big deal. If he’s that big, he knows a lot. If he knows it, I wanna know it.”

“Then we’ll try.” Richie held up his hands, “That’s all I can do. But . . . if he’s that big, I guess you can’t easily get rid of him, huh?”

Frank fluttered his lips. “Are you kidding. Accidents happen, Richie. As soon as we find out what he knows, we’ll take him out. No problem.”

Richie didn’t say anything. He just walked to the house, swaying his head at Frank’s stock response of ‘no problem’. It never was a problem to Frank when he easily eliminated someone that knew too much. But in Richie’s mind, how much longer could an outnumbered Frank get away with it?

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

The last computer to shut down was off and Dean picked up the folders he had ready to take home. He slipped off his lab jacket and carried it to the coat tree.

“Got a second?” Danny Hoi popped his head into Dean’s lab.

“Um sure.” Dean looked at his watch. “Then I’m out of here.”

“Early day?”

“You could say that. I’ll work at home. What’s up?”

Danny grinned and walked over to the counter to meet Dean. “Did you have bills in the old world?”

“Yes. We all did.”

“Good. Then you know how to pay them, right?”

Dean snickered. “Of course I know how to . . . shit.”

“No. No. It’s not that bad.” Danny laid on the table a signed favor slip from Dean. “You signed two of these, both huge if I may add.”

“Unfortunately.” Dean picked it up and saw what Danny wrote. “Danny.” Dean turned serious. “No.” He handed it back. “Anything else but this. No.”

“But Dean . . .”

“Danny, it’s wrong. No.” Dean stayed firm.

“You got it all wrong.” Danny told him and handed the favor slip back.

“You have Ellen’s name written on here. How can I have it all wrong?”

“Because you think I’m asking for sex.”

Dean, who was about to hand the slip back, stopped. “You’re not?”

“No.” Danny shook his head. “Not at all. I’m asking for Ellen.” He snickered. “For a day.”

“A day?”

“Yes. All day. No interruptions from you. Female companionship is what I want. All day.”

“No sex?”

“Only if she wants to put out.” Danny saw that Dean didn’t like his comment. “Kidding, Dean. That’s all I want. I want to watch a movie with her, make and eat dinner with her. Talk. I’m tired of hanging out with men and the women here don’t really go for me. Henry’s ruined them on that.” He leaned to Dean and winked. “Now they think all Asian men are like him. So can I?”

“When?” Dean asked.

“Whenever is good.”

There was a certain amount of relief in Dean’s tone. “I guess. That wouldn’t be a problem. Sure Danny. But . . . really, you have to talk to Ellen. I can’t give her out.”

“O.K.” Danny nodded. “I mentioned it to her already, but I’ll talk again. She thinks it will be fun. Thanks Dean.” Danny moved to the door.

“Danny.” Dean held up the favor slip. “This?”

“Keep it.” Danny waved and moved out.

Dean continued to gather up his things. He smiled, thinking about how he sweated Danny’s ‘huge’ favor. But it dawned on him Danny still had one more. A part of Dean felt like he owed the Mafia money, a part of him feared that return favor.

“Dean.”

Dean looked up as he picked his folders up. Henry stood there. “I’m on my way out.”

“I wanted to talk to you. Can we talk.”

“Henry, no. O.K.” Dean moved to the door.

“Dean this is ridiculous. You know that. We shouldn’t be fighting.”

Dean stopped cold. “You went to Bowman. Early. You went there specifically to be with Ellen. Did you not?”

“I did. But . . .”

“But no buts Henry. That was wrong. She’s my wife. I told you no. So you went another route.”

“See Dean, maybe I did start out going to Bowman for . . .”

“Henry.” Dean silenced him. “Start out. End up. It doesn’t matter. Your intentions to start trouble were there.”

“All right. You’re right.” Henry told him. “That was wrong. I was angry with you. So now can we please just sit down and talk.”

“Sure we can Henry. But not now. I’m busy. And . . .” Dean cleared his throat. “You may want to think twice now about asking for an understanding with me. Things have changed.” Dean handed Henry a slip of paper. “Danny pulled his favor.” With a quick grin, Dean walked out.

Henry’s heart dropped when his eyes moved down to the favor slip and he saw written in the favor slot was the name Ellen. “No.” Henry crumbled the favor slip.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

Hal was getting pretty good at answering his phone quickly and within two rings. “Captain Slagel.” And then there would be nothing. Oddly, he would look at the phone and hang it up., “Sorry Elliott. Where were we?”

“Tower spotted the scouts coming over the hill.” Sgt. Ryder said in Hal’s office.

“Which group?” Hal asked then held up his hand when the phone rang again. “Captain Slagel. Hello? Hello?” Shrugging, he hung up the phone. “Sorry. Which group?”

“We believe . . .”

“Hold that thought.” Hal grabbed the ringing phone. “Captain Slagel speaking . . . hello? Shit.” He placed down the phone. “We should really contact Danny and tell him things are not working.

“Perhaps we should.” Sgt. Ryder hid his snicker. “Now, as I was . . .” He cringed. “Go on.”

Hal picked up the phone. “Captain . . . Craig! You asshole.” Hal slammed down the phone.

“Savage camps.”

“Excuse me.”

“Just thought I’d get that information out of my mouth before you fly out the door to kill him.”

“Savage camps. That’s the scouts?” Hal asked.

“Yes.”

“Thank you. Be right back.” As predicted by Sgt. Ryder, Hal flew out of his office to search out Craig.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Robbie was grateful that Auto World’s lifetime guarantee brakes didn’t deteriorate like the rest of society. Of course Robbie would be more grateful if Frank was around to replace the brakes on the Jeep. Fixing automobiles was never a chore for Frank; it was a hobby. There were others in Beginnings who could easily do it, but since Frank liked it, he made it part of the responsibility of the head of security. Robbie didn’t quite understand why that was. He guessed Frank saw some demented connection between fixing Jeeps and protecting lives. Robbie could hear Frank’s reasoning. Justifying if the Jeep doesn’t work it could die out on a hill, roll down it uncontrollably and into a tree, therefore taking the life of the driver when he was forcefully ejected from the seat. Whatever the reason Frank gave for the privilege of being Beginnings auto mechanic, Robbie was ready to kill him.

Her voice sang out into the garage. “Robbie!”

Robbie’s hands stopped working on the tire. Sarcastically and mimicking Bev’s tone, he called back. “Bev-ee.”

She giggled and stepped to the Jeep. “Robbie, have you seen Johnny?”

“Nope.” Robbie sniffed, rubbed the back of his hand under his nose and worked. “You’re wearing perfume.” He sneezed. “Shit.”

“Are you allergic?” She asked.

“Bev, every Slagel I know is allergic to perfume.” Robbie sneezed again and held out his hand. “Step back near the door and air out.”

“Johnny too?”

“I uh . . .” Robbie rubbed the tickle in his nose. “I guess. Don’t know.”

“Oh, I’ll wash it off then. Have you seen him?”

“I said no.” Robbie dropped the tool. “Fuck. I hate this shit.” He rolled his eyes when he heard her giggle.

“You’re cute.”

“Yeah I am.”

“I have to find Johnny.”

“Then look for him,” Robbie said.

“I have been.”

“Have you tried the cryo -lab? It’s feeding time.”

“I did. Andrea hadn’t seen him.”

“No.” Robbie grunted as he made an adjustment. “The cryo -lab, not the clinic lab.”

Bev tsked and gave attitude. “I did check there. Andrea said he wasn’t there.”

Robbie stopped working. “At the cryo -lab?”

“Yes.”

“Andrea was in there?”

“Yes.”

“Go uh . . . check again. I’m sure that’s where he is.”

“O.K.” Bev shrugged. “If you see him, you’ll tell him I’m looking for him. Right?”

“Yeah sure.” Robbie swayed his head after Bev’s ‘thank you’ and watch her leave. He hesitated before going back to his work, speaking to himself in wonder. “Andrea in the cryo-lab. Andrea isn’t supposed to be at the cryo-lab.”

^^^^

“Fuckin door.” Johnny punched in his code, shook the cryo -lab door and banged it with his foot. “Shit.” It wouldn’t open. “What is going on?”

“You’re just being delayed in your wait for me.”

Bev’s voice startled him and Johnny jumped a foot in the air and back. “What are you doing down here?”

“Looking for you. Having trouble?”

“It won’t take my code, not that it’s any of your business.”

“Johnny,” Bev laid her hand on his back. “Don’t be this way to me. You’re making me feel really  bad . . . and used.”

From the keypad, Johnny shifted his eyes to Bev and raised his eyebrows.

“Johnny.” Bev spoke his name softly and slipped between him and the door. Her hands went flush on his chest. “I was really, really nice to you yesterday.” Her hand ran down his chest and to the front of his jeans. “Feel like returning the favor?” She bit her bottom lip.

“I feel like feeding the rabbits.” He stepped away from her and grabbed his radio, ignoring the disappointing glare Bev gave him. Johnny placed his radio on all call. “Dean. Dean you there. Dean come in. Ellen. Dean, anyone. Hello? Dean. Ellen.”

Bev smiled and touched him again.

“Quit that.” Johnny told her. “Dean?” He released the button. Static. “Shit.”

Andrea’s voice came over. “Johnny, Dean’s home. Ellen’s processing the new guys. Try Dean’s phone. He must not have the radio on.”

“Thanks Andrea.” Johnny turned off the radio.

“Why are you looking for Dean?” Bev giggled. “Wanna bring him in too?”

“Yeah right.” Johnny said. “I need his code or the rabbits don’t get fed. And my phone’s above.”

“If I tell you how you can get a working code in less than ten seconds, will you be with me tonight?”

“You know how to get me a code in ten seconds. One that works?” Johnny asked.

“Yep.”

“You want me to call Danny. That’s it.”

“Nope.”

“Henry?” Johnny guessed at the ones he knew had codes.

“Nope.”

“Not Danny or Henry?” Johnny laughed. “There’s no one else.”

Bev gave him a snide look. “Bet me.”

“Ten seconds?”

“Yep,” Bev spoke seductively.

“You’re on. Ten seconds? I’ll do you if I can get a code in ten seconds,” Johnny said snidely.

“Radio Andrea. Use hers.” Bev said like the Miss Know-it-All she acted like.

“Ha!” Johnny scoffed in a make fun manner. “Andrea doesn’t have a code.” Johnny started to walk away. “Sorry babe.”

“No, Johnny, I’m sorry.” Bev walked by him. “If she doesn’t have a code, how else was she in here this afternoon? See you later.” Bev walked backwards, wiggled her fingers, turned around again, and walked away.

Johnny picked up the radio. There was no way Andrea had a code. No way Dean would give her one for the simple fact that he didn’t want Andrea going in the lab without his knowledge and then lecturing him on the sanctity of life. Johnny kept repeating, in his mind, the phrase ‘no way’. Bev had to be wrong. She had to be. Johnny hoped with all his might she was, mostly because he didn’t want to be faced with the possibility of welching on a bet for the first time in his life.

^^^^

Her pouting mouth was closed tightly as Maura folded her arms and tried not to look at Joe who sat in her living room with her.

“Are you listening to me?” Joe asked.

She nodded.

“Maura, it is . . .” Joe stopped when Gemma set down a cup on the coffee table for him. “Thanks Gemma.”

Gemma took a moment, worry crossed her age -filled face as she watched Joe on the couch with her adopted daughter. “Joe, please don’t badger her.”

“Badger her how, Gemma? Christ.”

“Joe!” Gemma scolded. “Do not use that tone around her. Please.”

“All right. All right. I apologize.” Joe looked back at Maura. He began to speak but stopped when he saw Gemma still standing there “Gemma, do you mind?”

“I would prefer to stay,” Gemma said.

“I would prefer you didn’t,” Joe told her.

“I don’t like you alone with her, Joe.”

“Like I’m gonna molest her. Get the hell in the other room and leave us be. Go.” Joe pointed.

Gemma looked offended, but listened. She guessed there was some safety in Joe. “No badgering.” She pointed and walked out.

“Yeah, yeah.” Joe returned to Maura. “Now, where were we?”

“What is molesting?”

“Um . . . it means uh . . . ask your mother what it means.”

“O.K.” Maura spoke so timidly. “I will.”

“You do that.” Joe told her. “Now, back to what we were discussing . . .”

“I can’t tell you. I can’t. I can’t. I can’t.”

“You can. You can. You can.” Joe insisted. “The game is so important. Please?”

“So is trust.”

“I trusted that you would tell me.”

“Reverend Bob trusted that I would keep his secret.”

“And I’m trusting you will tell me.”

Maura didn’t even look in debate. Joe’s beckoning wasn’t making a dent. “I can’t. The Bible says we should be trustworthy. Those who can be trusted will be given more. Book of Matthew.”

Joe huffed. “The Bible.” He stood up. “Well let me give you something to think about little girl. The Bible also states, ‘Those who harbor secrets that ill effect others shall be those who burn in eternal damnation . . . Proverbs.” Joe moved to the door, opening it. “Ponder on that and then talk to me.” He gave a firm, serious nod and walked out, pulling the door closed with him. Perhaps it wasn’t right to lie to Maura, to give a bogus passage, but he needed his information. And if manipulating her fear in the Bible was the way to do it, then it couldn’t have been all that wrong. Maura was young, she would get over it.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Beginnings, Montana

The brotherhood of etiquette was breached in Dean’s mind as he walked into Jason’s lab unannounced and uninvited. But yet Dean did go into Jason’s lab as requested by Joe. The first thing he did was put into motion the plan to cover his ass if Jason came into the lab. With him, he brought the Withers folder tucked with in his lab jacket. He looked around Jason’s lab for the familiar stack of folders that he always saw Jason carry about and Dean slipped that folder right in with the rest.

“There.” Dean let out a breath feeling highly uncomfortable. “Now . . .” He rubbed his hands together. “Where the hell do I begin?”

Before he could answer in his mind, the door to Jason’s lab opened and Dean’s heart dropped as he thought how it was just his luck to be busted so soon.

Henry walked in.

“Henry.” Dean ran his hand through his hair. “What . . . what are you doing here?”

“Joe sent me up to help you.”

“I don’t need help.” Dean walked, obviously clueless to the Regressionator.

“Oh really?” Henry moved to him. “You know about pulling up the history?”

“And you do?”

“I know more than you do, Dean.”

Dean scoffed in laughter.

“I know you’re a dick.” Henry stepped into Dean’s way and to the Regressionator.

“A dick?” Dean stopped laughing. “Where do you get off calling me a dick Henry?”

“Where do you get off trying to piss me off.”

“How do you figure?” Dean asked snidely.

“What? You’re gonna deny it?”

“Deny trying to piss you off? Yeah.”

“Then what do you call shoving Danny’s favor slip in my face?”

“I call it, trying to make you feel bad.”

“And you think you’re not a dick.” Henry said and faced the time machine.

“I didn’t say I wasn’t a dick Henry. I just wanted to know where you got off calling me a dick. When you started this whole ball rolling.” Dean’s tone heated.

“I asked for an understanding with Ellen!” Henry argued loudly.

“And I turned you down and you got pissed!”

“I got pissed because of your attitude about it.”

Dean tossed his hands up. “What attitude! You gave me the attitude first and then went down to Bowman to start trouble.”

“The reason I went to Bowman early and what happened when I was there, are two different things.”

“That is such bullshit and you know it. You went there to start trouble and get me worked up.” Dean pointed at Henry as they stood face to face. “You Henry went down there with every intention of being with my wife.”

“She’s my friend!”

“And you want more!” Dean’s face and loudness of his voice began to match Henry’s. “And because you can’t have more, you stomp like a child and decide you’re just going to take it!”

“I never went down there with any intentions of taking her from you! I went down there to be with her.”

“Be with her!?” Dean moved dramatically as he argued. “And you can stand here and tell me you went there without intentions of starting trouble. I told you Henry. I told you no! I have my reasons. She is my wife! If I don’t want to share her, I don’t have to. Not you. Not anyone, can make me do it. And out of respect for our marriage, you should not push the issue! But you did.”

“You wanna know what your problem is Dean?”

“Yeah, Henry tell me what my problem is.”

“I’ll tell you.”

“Tell me.”

“You have it in your little man mind . . .”

Dean’s laugh interrupted Henry. “Look at you trying to be Frank. Talk like him. Act like him. Have Ellen like him.”

“Shut up and let me finish.” Henry’s pointing finger came awfully close to Dean who had stepped closer to him. “You’re afraid!”

“Afraid of what?”

“Afraid of doing the same things you did before that caused Ellen to turn to someone else. And you know what Dean. You will. You’ll repeat your mistakes, because you’re too selfish not too.”

“Fuck you Henry.”

“Fuck you Dean.”

“And I am not here to fight with you.” Dean turned to the computer of the time machine. “I’m here to find out information and leave. So why don’t you go.”

“No, Dean. Why don’t you go. You’re way out of your league.”

“Me!” Dean reached for the keyboard. “Who’s the scientist?”

“Who’s the one that sets up everything for your scientist ass?” Henry moved into the keyboard. “Now step aside. I’ll do this.”

“I’ll do it.”

“Quit letting your pride get in the way. Let me do it. I know what I’m doing.” Henry placed his hands on the keyboard.

“And I don’t?”

“No.”

“Move Henry.” Dean moved Henry’s hands and laid his on the keyboard.

“No you move Dean.” Henry nudged Dean slightly.

“You move.” Dean stepped into Henry and laid his hand on the keys pushing Henry’s away.

“Dean.”

“Henry.”

“Move.” Henry grabbed Dean’s hands. Dean quickly retracted his hands from Henry and moved them to the keyboards again, when Henry reached for his hands, Dean smacked Henry’s.

Henry gasped and smacked Dean’s hands back, within seconds the struggle over who would get to the keyboard became a game of hostile Patty Cake between the two grown men.

It was the one word Joe always used to bring about order. Unfortunately, it wasn’t Joe who spoke it in the quantum lab. “Boys.” Jason stepped inside.

So startled Dean and Henry were, that they spun around, faced Jason, placed their hands behind their backs, and looked as guilty as two ten year old boys who were busted reading a dirty magazine in a drugstore.

Jason took a step further in, clearing his throat. “What’s going on? Why are you guys in my lab?”

Moving an inch away from Henry, Dean spoke up. “I came up to look for the Withers file.”

“You did?” Jason nodded. “Why didn’t you ask me where it was when I saw you twenty minutes ago?”

“I saw you twenty minutes ago?” Dean nudged Henry when he heard Henry tsk. “You know what? It didn’t dawn on me until I needed it which was ten minutes ago.”

Jason looked at Henry. “Henry, why are you in my lab?”

“Helping Dean.”

“Helping Dean?” Jason question. “Helping Dean look for a file?”

Dean let out one single snicker. “Good one, Henry.”

“Like you did any better.” Henry whispered.

Jason ran his fingers over his thin mustache and spoke calmly. “Now that you two proceeded to lie badly, what is going on?” He didn’t receive an answer. “How about I take a wild guess?” He walked to his main computer of the time machine. “You are trying to get in here? Why?” Still no response. “Wanna take a trip? I thought you boys learned?”

While Jason was speaking, Dean and Henry both let their minds work separately and both of them thinking they had an explanation, started talking only it was at the same time as the other.

Jason closed one eye in a wince at the meshed together voices. “Hold it.” He held up his hand. “Using logical deduction, obviously you don’t want to dismantle or vandalize my Regressionator because Henry knows this computer is not the link to do that. And Dean, you obviously aren’t looking for a file seeing how my files are over there.” Jason indicated to the stack. “Now, what is in this computer that you two want to get to. A bet? No.” Jason shook his head. “I think it’s something in here. Now seeing you aren’t planning any trips, I’m gonna gather it’s information on one of two things contained in this computer. You either wanna  see the programming or you wanna see the history. I’ll make you a deal. I’ll give you one. I’ve got nothing to hide. You tell me, history or programming. Which is it that I give you?”

Henry and Dean looked at each other and then to Jason, speaking at the same time. “History.”

“Here.” Jason laid, a homemade book down in front of a sitting Henry and Dean. “This is the log. It coincides with everything in that print up, and even though you know the history is only printed up until the safeguarding of the time machine, my notes do go further.”

The long table Dean and Henry sat at was covered with papers. Dean pulled the log book to him. “These are all you time trip notes.?”

“Yes and some that Forrest logged as well. It’s stuff I don’t put into the computer.”

“Thanks.” Dean put the log book between him and Henry as they reviewed. Test trips, real trips, trips Dean and Henry didn’t know about.

“Thank you for this,” Henry said.

“I have nothing to hide. You have any questions, just ask away,” Jason told them.

Dean raised his eyes to Jason. “You do know we can’t tell you why we need this information. We can only hope you won’t say anything to anyone.”

“I haven’t yet,” Jason stated.

Henry looked at him in wonder. “What do you mean, you haven’t yet? We’ve only been here a half hour.”

“I haven’t said anything about my thoughts which I think are the same as yours. That’s why you’re wanting to view it. I have to say, I thought Joe would be the one to finally come up here.”

“What are you talking about?” Dean asked.

“The possibility that there is someone working on the inside for the Society.” Jason said. He noticed the immediate pale expressions. “What? You don’t think that crossed my mind. It did. What makes me think it is the way that one trip back in time went. The one on March 6th, where I went as the constant. I got shot. Frank, Robbie, and Greg were chased. It was so much like a set up, I got curious.”

“And why didn’t you say anything?” Henry asked.

“Because I know the fingers would point at me,” Jason explained. “Just like now. I was frozen with the Society scientists, however, if any of you would stop to think. That trip I joined, if I was with the Society, why didn’t I just return alone, look frazzled, and act as if all went wrong?. No one would be the wiser. No one. It was after that trip that I thought someone set us up. Someone used the time machine.”

“Did they?” Dean asked. “You don’t have any trips logged.”

“See.” Jason leaned over Dean’s shoulder. “The computer history that tells of the trips is a manual history. That is what I put in. This . . .” Jason picked up a stack. “This history just shows the usage of power in the Regressionator. See.” Jason pointed to the date in the log book. “Time trip, but if you look on the power history, you have a power usage.”

Dean nodded and flipped a page. “Wait. Right here is the March 6th time trip.” He moved to the log book. “The power history shows a power usage on March 4th. But you have nothing logged.”

“That’s because I didn’t make a time trip on March 4th.”

“But the power usage says it happened,” Henry said.

“No.” Jason shook his head. “The history showed a power usage consistent with a time trip. We also get the same reading whenever there is a storm and we lose power momentarily. You can see in the history how often we have power usages and how often they don’t coincide with a trip.”

Henry checked it out. “I have to see if there was a storm March 4th. We keep track of the weather history.”

“There wasn’t,” Jason interjected. “I already checked. My opinion. Someone came in here and used the Regressionator. This same someone warned George and we got set up. I originally made the machine user friendly in the event something happened to me. Instructions were handwritten so anyone, even Josephine, could come up here and take a trip. Unfortunately I did not password protect until I discovered this particular incident and now the password is obsolete. Safeguard is there.”

“Did this suspicion play into your safeguard design?” Henry asked.

“Oh most definitely,” Jason answered. “I didn’t want to dismantle it completely, but I didn’t want us to abuse time travel.” Jason shrugged. “So with this person in mind, I decided just to make the process, as you know, extremely difficult. A crew would have to man the time machine and so forth in the present. Before, one person could come in here, set up the machine, go and come back without notice.”

Henry nodded in understanding. “Now, if they go back in time . . . one, you can’t do it alone, and two, if you go back in time and spend an hour there, you’re missing here for an hour as well. Wise move. But why didn’t you bring this particular suspicion to Joe’s attention?”

“Why would I?” Jason answered. “There isn’t any proof someone used the machine. The only proof there is,  is this,  the power usage. But how good of proof is that when we get the same reading every time the lights go out?” Jason shrugged. “Not very and going to Joe is bringing accusations against someone, anyone in the community. I don’t like to accuse. I just figured it wouldn’t be long before Joe started questioning the presence of someone else working for George.”

Dean teetered between listening to Jason and reading. “Wait. What is this. There are biweekly trips here. Logged.” Dean read from the power history, to the manual history, to the log. “It says on all of these, ‘J’ and ‘J’ Camel run. What is that?”

Jason snickered. “I kind of took the time machine for a little spin for cigarettes.”

Henry gasped, “How abusive. Oh my God! Wait . . . wait until I tell Joe.” He gasped again and looked at the log. “Jason?”

“Yes?” Jason replied.

“It states here the inclusions on your trip.” Henry kept his eyes on the log.

“Yes, Henry,” Jason explained. “It tells what the trip was and the inclusions are what we took through the machine.”

“I understand what inclusions meant but . . .” Henry read. “It states. “Money, bikes, history disk, letter?”

“Oh.” Jason nodded. “Yes.” He closed his eyes. “Blackmail.”

Both Dean and Henry looked at him. “Blackmail.”

“Yes and don’t tell Joe. He doesn’t know. Andrea busted the time trips. She was smart enough to figure out that we just kept having too many packs of Camel filters. Knowing that Joe would just blow her off and I would be a tad frightened, she blackmailed me.” Jason snickered. “It actually is kind of funny. All she wanted was to mail a letter to Jake, her husband. I thought it was nice. A little note saying that she loved him. No more. That’s all. She put nothing in it that she was from the future.”

“So you read it?” Dean asked.

“Them,” Jason corrected.

“More than one time?” Dean questioned again.

“Twice and no I didn’t read them. It was Andrea. She is one of the most honest women I know. I trust her. Why would she lie?”

Upon Jason’s answer Henry and Dean looked at each other.

After reviewing until they couldn’t review anymore, Henry and Dean left Jason’s lab, together.

“Dean? What do you think?” Henry asked as they headed to Dean’s Jeep.

“What do you mean?”

“About all that Jason said.”

“Hard to say. On one hand, he handed us everything. He was open and volunteered any information we wanted.”

“Like he had nothing to hide.”

“Exactly.” Dean climbed into the Jeep and waited for Henry. “But . . . on the other hand, he could have done that and just lied really well.”

“You mean about the letters? That’s what is sticking to me. The letters. That could have actually been a means of informing the Society of our actions,” Henry said.

“Could have been. And he could have used Andrea as a cover up story.”

“But . . .” Henry paused to think as they started to drive. “But if he had to cover up for the letters, why list them as inclusions at all. We’d be none the wiser.”

“Valid point.”

“It’s so hard to tell, Dean. He could be lying but why pick Andrea of all people, right? Andrea. I mean, don’t you think his picking Andrea is a little ironic considering she is our number one suspect right now.”

“Too ironic, but there is one thing that stops me from believing him fully.”

“What is that?” Henry asked.

“It was something Jason said. Did you pick up on it? I did.”

“And it was?”

“When he was explaining why he didn’t come to Joe with his proof. He said, ‘I just figured it wouldn’t be long before Joe started questioning the presence of someone else working for George.’ Someone else, Henry. He used the words ‘someone else’.”

“As in more than one.”

“Exactly.” Dean nodded as he drove. “And what bothers me is how is Jason supposed to know there is someone else working for George, when as far as we know, like everyone else in the community, he doesn’t even know about John Matoose.”

Henry let out a slow breath, then stared forward in silent thought as they drove.

^^^^

Danny Hoi didn’t know what made him start thinking about the old singing duo of Sonny and Cher. He guessed perhaps it had to do with Cindy and Marv. Cindy was so tall and Marv was so little. But Danny found himself singing old songs that he hated whenever he used to hear them.

In the cryo -lab tunnels, he finished reprogramming a new code into the main door. Since he gave Johnny his code for access to get into to feed the rabbits, Danny felt better having his own. That way Danny, and himself alone, could be pegged for being in there when that code as used.

He buzzed himself in and flicked on the lights. He smelt a little of that foul smell that Henry always bitched about but he ignored it. Science fascinated him and so did those huge rabbits Dean harbored in his lab. Waving to them, Danny stepped to the cage as five out of six pounced against the metal that held them in.

“Wanna get out?” Danny snickered and brought his finger closer to the cage in a swirling point. “Ha, ha, you can’t,” he tormented  the furry beasts. Quickly he pulled back his finger and jumped when he heard the snarl and saw the rabbit reach it’s pink nose and wide mouth between the cage and snap for his finger. “Holy shit.” Then Danny laughed again. He stared to the back and stopped, looking at the last rabbit who did nothing but lay there and stare. “Bored with your life?.” He asked it and took a closer look. “Oh.” Danny shrugged. “Dead. I’ll have to tell Dean.” Makin a courtesy notation in his notes, he moved to the back lab. The private lab. Danny loved going there. It was, to him, so sci -fi. He always expected legendary Vincent Price to leap from around the bed and scare the hell out of him then drop him in a vat of wax.

Laughing at his own horror classic thoughts, Danny punched in his code and walked into the secret lab. He moved to the case and pulled it from the wall. He turned on his neat little pen flashlight and placed it in his mouth as he squatted behind the freezer case. “Temperature normal.” Danny initialed the clipboard attached to the case then made his own back up notation on his clipboard. Just as he did, he saw a spider crawl up the back of the freezer. It was huge and furry. It startled Danny and he shrieked, plopping on to his rear and dropping his pen light. “Shit.” He snickered and saw the beam of the light as it came from under the case. Going all the way flush with the floor, Danny extended his arm under the freezer, grunting and feeling. As his shoulder met the case, Danny stopped reaching when he saw it on the back of the gauge.

Forgoing his penlight, Danny sat up some and bent the temperature gauge out  from his stand. On the back it was there, a magnet, tiny, black, and adhered.. “Shit.” Danny took it from the back and watched the needle fluctuate up and down from the release of the magnetic pull. The gauge stopped in normal range and Danny looked at the magnet he held in his hand.

He pushed the case out further, retrieved his pen light, straightened the metal stand of the gauge and returned the case to its normal position. Upon standing up, he checked the lock. The freezer was secure.

Tucking the clipboard under his arm, he started to leave that back room, still looking at the magnet. He was relieved to see the temperature was still normal, but puzzled at his discovery. Obviously it was placed in the back of the gauge to hinder any knowledge of fluctuation in temperature when the case was opened or closed. He made a comment in his notes and left the back lab. Danny dismissed the first question that came to his mind. The question of who all had access to the code to the back lab. In Beginnings, no code was ever secure. Someone always gives their code away, no matter how many times they had been told they shouldn’t. Danny was a culprit. After all, he gave Johnny his code that afternoon. But two questions did pop into Danny’s mind. Two questions he really wanted to know the answers to. One, how long had the magnet been in place impairing a true temperature reading. And the second, who in Beginnings would have the mechanical knowledge to know that not only placing a magnet on the gauge would stop it, but know that it only worked on certain types of gauges.

With this question on his mind, the magnet in his hand, Danny waved to the rabbits--even the dead one--and left Dean’s cryo-lab.

^^^^

Quitting time. Leaving the leadership in progress, Joe still had to do the cleanup. His desk looked straight. Files were put away and he readied to leave and go home. Or so he thought.

“Got a minute?” Danny popped his head into Joe’s office.

“Just that. What’s up?” Joe asked.

“This.” Danny laid in Joe’s hand the magnet.

“O.K.”

“I found that.”

“Good for you.” Joe gave it back.

“No, Joe. I found that on the back of the temperature gauge on the freezer in the clinic.” Danny saw Joe didn’t quite understand. “Joe, that magnet stopped a valid reading from occurring. It made the needle stick and not move. Also, Dean has a dead rabbit in his lab so if you could break the news to him, I’d appreciate it. Man are those rabbits getting so fat I . . .”

“Danny. Stop.” Joe halted him. “Halt the temperature gauge?”

“Yeah. Makes the needle stick. What do you suppose Dean is up to making those rabbits so . . .”

“Danny.” Johnny stopped his again. “Is the case working.”

“Oh yeah. Temp is good, but if it did go bad, we don’t know.”

“Do you think someone got into that case?”

“Um . . .” Danny looked in thought. “Couldn’t say. Only Dean could say by opening it up, but . . . we wouldn’t know, see, because they could have that case opened forever. The temp could drop and we wouldn’t have known because of that magnet.”

“I’ll have Dean check right away.”

“Thanks, Joe.” Danny moved to the door. “Could we possibly put some alarm contacts on that case. That’ll be just between you and me.”

“I’ll get Henry on it right away.”

“Joe, between you and me. O.K.?”

Joe looked oddly at Danny. “Why would you not want Henry involved.”

“I don’t want anyone but us involved. No one is to know that case is armed. Someone with some knowledge rigged that gauge for a reason and if you want to find out who it is, then the best way to find out is to keep the knowledge of the alarm system to a minimal.”

“I understand. Let me give that some thought.”

“Thanks, Joe.” Danny waved and opened the door. As he did, Henry and Dean stood there. Danny snickered. “Sonny and Cher.” He laughed again and walked out.

Henry gave a weird look to Danny “I hope he’s not calling me Sonny.”

“Henry,” Dean snapped at him. “I think he was making me, Sonny. I’m the shorter one.”

‘Then he’s saying I’m a woman.” Henry walked into Joe’s office.

“You have that long black hair like Cher,” Dean said.

“I don’t want to be the woman. You should be the woman. Even thought I didn’t like Sonny, it was a shame how he ran into that tree, wasn’t it,. But . . .”

Joe had enough. “Henry! Dean! I’m leaving. Is this important because I really don’t want to stand around hearing you two debate on which one of you is Sonny and which one of you is Cher.”

Henry sat down. “We got information at the quantum lab today.”

First Joe was going to get annoyed because Henry and Dean just sat and made themselves comfortable, but when he heard that bit of information, he perked up. “What did you find out?”

Dean wanted to have his say first so he spoke before the words came out of Henry’s open mouth. “Jason gave us the history print up and his . . .”

“Wait.” Joe held up his hand. “Jason gave you? Why is Jason giving you anything? You were supposed to sneak the information.”

“Dean!” Henry pointed. “He started fighting with me.”

“Me?” Dean laughed “No Henry you called me a dick. You started it first.”

“You could have let it go. I was making a mere observation.”

“I was going to let the fact that you called me a dick, go? Right.”

“Grow up Dean.”

“You grow up.”

“Boys!” Joe yelled. “Why are you two bickering so badly.”

“Him!” Henry pointed again. “He’s a . . . a . . .”

“Dick Henry?” Dean questioned. “Go on say it. It’s your favorite word for me.”

“Dick.”

“Asshole.”

“Boys!” Again, Joe yelled loudly. “Knock it off and get to the point, Jason gave you the . . .”

“Joe.” Henry held out his hand. “Dean got physical with me. Look he sprained my finger when he smacked me.”

Joe raised an eyebrow to Dean. “You smacked Henry’s hand?”

“He pushed me.”

“I see.” Joe nodded. “And then did you both stomp your feet and begin a flicking match?”

So accusing Henry sounded. “He would have Joe, he’s so immature.”

“Oh I’m immature?” Dean turned in his chair. “Who’s the one starting trouble because I won’t share Ellen?”

“I’m not starting trouble Dean. You’re just over reacting.”

“Over reacting.”

Joe cleared his throat loudly. “I’m going to leave if I have to listen to this shit for one more second.”

“He won’t share Joe.” Henry said. “And I even gave him his sight back.”

Dean’s hand slammed on the arm of the chair. “I knew it. I knew one day you would throw that in my face. That is so like you. When you had that huge nasty cold sore on your face, I helped you get rid of that. You don’t hear me throwing that back at you.”

“Ha!” Henry ridiculed. “I hardly see a comparison Dean. I gave you back your sight. I’d rather have a cold sore then be blind.”

“Oh yeah! Obviously then you didn’t see how bad you looked.”

Slam!

The loud shutting of Joe’s office door made Dean and Henry turn around and it alerted them to the fact Joe had left.

“See Dean.” Henry stood up. “You made Joe leave.” He hurried to the door. “I’m gonna catch him and tell him the news first.”

“Don’t Henry.” Dean warned. “We decided to do this together.”

“Too bad. I changed my mind. Ha!” With that as his final word, Henry flung open Joe’s office door and bolted out. Not wanting Henry to beat him to the punch, Dean quickly ensued behind.

^^^^

One main thought ran through Robbie’s mind as he made final evening rounds in the community . . . George better get his ass in gear and call Dean so they could get a move on bringing Frank back home. Robbie was really getting tired of being head of security especially when he had to do rounds like he was stuck doing at that moment. He worked all day. He didn’t want to work nights too, making sure all buildings, front and back were secure. Besides mind-bitching about Frank and George--and Henry, just because--Robbie bitched about Dan. He was supposed to be doing these rounds. He volunteered to do them when Steve called off for the knee problem Robbie thought was borderline ridiculous. There was no reason Dan couldn’t do the rounds. Just because he got hit with a sudden case of intestinal flu didn’t mean he couldn’t work. There wasn’t a bathroom anywhere in center town that would be too far for Dan to run to.

Making his final sweep was when Robbie saw it. The back door to the chapel was open. It was odd because the back door of the chapel was never used. No lighting back there made it unsafe--walking wise. It was ajar and, according to Robbie’s schedule of time, no one was to be in there. Thinking ‘finally a problem to perk things up’, Robbie walked in though the door. He passed Rev. Bob’s office. The light was on and the door was open to there as well. He peeked his head in and as he retraced it outward he noticed on the desk that the yearbooks were no longer there. ‘Bonus’ kept racing though Robbie’s mind, anticipating telling his father of the guilty move of the yearbooks. But first, Robbie had to do his job. Stepping toward the main part of the chapel, Robbie heard the voices. He would have gone further in but instead he moved back.

“I should be leaving now.” Andrea said. “I’ll go back out the back.”

“There really isn’t any need, Andrea, but let me walk you. I’ll leave that way too.” Rev. Bob told her.

“Thank you.”

‘Shit!’ Robbie heard them coming and quickly darted back into Rev. Bob’s office.

“Remember, Bob,” Andrea spoke as they passed his office, “some secrets are best kept hidden.”

“Thank you for telling me that, Andrea.” Rev. Bob blindly reached into his office, flicked off the light and pulled the door closed. He checked the lock.

In the dark office, Robbie stood cringing at what he heard. There could be a hundred explanations for what conversation transpired between Reverend Bob and Andrea and Robbie promised himself he would keep that in mind. But first he would finish his rounds and find his father to inform him of what had just transpired.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

Hal’s elbows rested on his desk and his fingers massaged his temples as he stared down at the marked maps before him. “Two.” He raised his eyes to the scout that stood before him. “This one here. Wyoming is too small but, this one in Calgary, Canada bothers me.”

“Too close to Beginnings,” The scout stated.

“That’s why they keep getting hit. How many did you say there were?” Hal pulled the scout’s notes closer and squinted his eyes, blocking out the tension headache that built.

“Too many to count. It looked like an Indian reservation. Tents. Fires. Animal hides drying out.”

“And what made you and the other scout draw the conclusion that this was a savage camp?”

“Sir?”

“Sorry. Wildcats.” Hal studied the information.

“They had found a man, sir and . . . besides the look we know well, the fact that this man was cooked on a fire like a pig gave it way. He was still partially clothed.”

Hal swallowed. “The whole town?”

“What was left of it. As you can see in our report . . .” The scout pointed. “They had pretty much wiped out the buildings outside of Calgary and set up camp.”

“Why there?” Hal thought out loud. “Why there?”

“Mountainous range. Safety. Well hidden. We wouldn’t have found them had we not followed a pack of four back there. They . . . they speak their own language, sir. All the details are in my notes.”

“And they didn’t appear to be moving?” Hal questioned.

“No sir.”

“O.K.” Hal handed the scout his notes back. “I head to Beginnings in three days. I need you to work on a very detailed report of both camps. The Calgary one and the smaller one you discovered by accident. I need your observation, approximate head counts, what you saw as weapons, and lifestyles. You hid for two days. You know this, so report as much as you can come up with. I will give you better maps to draw what you and Tom saw as well.”

“Yes sir.” The scout took his notes and nodded. “I will give you what I have daily and should you have any questions, just ask. That way I can have the completed report ready for when you leave.”

“Thank you.”

Giving Hal a departure salute, the scout left the office.

Hal looked at the map that remained in front of him. Hal was aware of Savage camps and he knew Beginnings was aware of them also, but Hal was willing to wager, like him, Beginnings had no idea of the organization and size of camp so close to the border of the state they call home.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

He remembered the melody well, but the words were a little lost. In Frank’ mind, as he lay on his bed still awake, he replaced those words. He would do anything at that moment to make the visual in his mind more real. Him and Ellen.

He held her in his arms, a memory that had happened years before. They danced slowly to a song that everyone griped was on the jukebox. A song Frank thought was annoying at first, until he started to pay attention to the words and then the song became special.

Though a tad different in his head, the words still meant the same and the memory frustrated Frank even more. He flung the covers from him and slipped out of bed, adjusting his boxer shorts. He moved across the dark room and turned on the light. Rubbing his eyes then scratching his head, Frank walked over to his dresser. He caught a glimpse of his reflection and his hair that was tossed about. “Fuckin’ hair.” As he patted it, his eyes shifted down. He saw what he wanted resting against the mirror. With the song so strong in his head Frank lifted the photograph that he sought out, needing to see. He pulled it closer to his view. His eyes closed only briefly and he let out a long heavy sigh, staring at it. “I miss you El. I miss you so much.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Ellen’s head sprang up and then her body slowly rose from her seat on the couch. How odd. She was just thinking of that song and now she heard it? Or was it her imagination? Ignoring Dean and Henry’s call of her name, in a trance-like state Ellen followed the music. It took her from the living room into the hall and to Josh’s room. She did hear it. Josh was playing that song. How did he get it?

Her hand gripped on to the archway outside of Josh’s room as she drifted into the slow song that played. Without realizing it, while thinking of Frank, her head leaned into the door frame. She closed her eyes. Thoughts of Frank hit her as she got lost in the music. The feeling of missing him was so strong at that moment her chest actually ached.

Ellen was entranced. She never heard the music stop playing or  Dean and  Henry call that it was ‘her turn’ in Monopoly. She never heard the bedroom door. If she had, perhaps Josh’s shriek of surprise when he saw her wouldn’t have started Ellen into screaming just as loudly as him.

“Mom.” Josh grabbed his chest. “What are you doing?”

“Sorry.” Ellen tried to calm her racing heart. “Josh, where did you get that song from?”

“Dad’s things. Why?”

“No reason. I just . . .” Ellen’s eyes widened in horror. “Oh my God, Josh, look at that room.”

Quickly, Josh stepped into the hall and slammed the door. “What about it?”

“Josh it’s horrible. I want that cleaned.”

“O.K.” Josh shrugged. “I’ll do it now.”

“Thank you and I’d better get back to the game.” Ellen pointed. “Clean that room before Dean sees it.”

“Yep.” Josh nodded, waited until Ellen disappeared into the living room, and went back into his room, totally forgetting about the glass of water he left his domain for in the first place.

Henry watched as Ellen took her seat on the couch and reached for the dice, rolling them. “You don’t get a double turn, El.”

“I know.” Ellen moved her piece. “I won’t last too much longer anyhow. I only have forty-six dollars left.”

Dean readied to take his turn. “That’s because Henry cheats.”

Henry was appalled. “How do you figure that?”

“You bought up all the property right way,” Dean said.

“It within the rules, Dean.” Henry scoffed. “Read them and you owe me forty dollars rent.”

“See.” Dean tossed him the money. “You bought everything you landed on. Now no one can build houses but you , because neither me or El has a grouping.”

Henry snidely took the money. He took his turn, pleasingly landing on his own property.“Too bad. If you weren’t so cheap you would have bought some property the first time around.”

“I ended up in jail,” Dean argued. He watched Ellen take her turn. “El, you OK?”

“Yeah.” Ellen rolled. “Shit. How much, Henry?”

“Only twelve, El.” Henry held out his hand happily.

“Look at you,” Dean said with disgust.

“What?” Henry responded.

“Why are you still here?” Dean questioned.

“I’m visiting, El.”

Dean rolled and moved his piece. “Ha! No Henry rent. You’ve been here since dinner. Go home.”

Henry gasped. “Oh my God, are you rude. Tell him, El. He’s rude.”

“You’re rude, Dean.”

“Don’t listen to him, El.”

“Listen to me, El.” Henry told her. “He isn’t very nice.”

“Ellen take your turn.”

“Don’t yell at me.” Ellen slowly took her turn.

Dean tossed up his hands, bewildered.

“See how you are, Dean.” Henry pointed. “That green monster called jealous is making you really mean.”

“I am not jealous, Henry. Who am I jealous of?” Dean asked.

“Me.” Henry rolled then moved his piece.

Dean laughed.

“Seriously, Dean,” Henry stated. “Next thing you know, I’m gonna have to start calling you Cindy.”

Dean hesitated in his turn. “What?”

“Cindy.” Henry said with fact. “You know instead of Marcia, Marcia, Marcia. You’ll run around going . . . . Henry, Henry, Henry.”

Dean couldn’t help it. He laughed harder. “That wasn’t Cindy who said that. It was Jan.”

“It was not,” Henry argued. “It was Cindy. She was the baby of the family and was jealous of her older sister.”

“Henry, learn your Brady Bunch. It was Jan. She had the middle child syndrome. You can relate to that. You had it.”

“I hope you aren’t insulting me, Dean. I can’t help it if I am a middle child.”

“I’m correcting you. It was Jan.”

“Cindy.”

“Jan.” Dean raised his voice.

“Cindy.” Henry saw Ellen stand up. “El, who was it.”

“Laurie.” Ellen spoke softly and walked into the kitchen.

Henry scratched his head. “Laurie?” He looked at Dean. “Was she a Brady?”

“Wasn’t she the cousin that came to live with them?”

“No that was Oliver.” Henry said. “Laurie?” Like a light lit above his head, Henry shined. “Oh no, El.” He saw he return with her coffee mug. “You’re thinking of the Partridges,. Laurie Partridge. I don’t think she even knew Marcia.” Henry finally took his turn again. “I never liked that show. You Dean?”

“No. Reuben got on my nerves.”

“Oh my God, that is so true. El isn’t that . . . El, are you sure you’re all right?” Henry asked her.

Ellen smiled. “I’m fine. I wanna quit though. My head hurts. You guys finish.” She picked her pile of money and handed what was left to Dean. “You can have this.”

Aghast, Henry’s mouth dropped open when he watched Dean take it. “Now see, that’s cheating.”

“No it isn’t, Henry.” Dean combined Ellen’s money with his. “We’re married. Read the rules. When playing with your spouse and your spouse leaves the game you can take over everything they have. Community property.”

Henry immediately grabbed the box lid.

Ellen’s mind was elsewhere and she knew exactly where that was. Not on a board game, but on Frank. Wanting to be alone with her thoughts, she leaned down to Dean on the floor to kiss him. She paused when she heard the knock. “I’ll get it.” She walked over to the front door. Upon opening it, she saw Robbie and Joe. “Hey.”

Joe stepped in and kissed Ellen on the cheek. “You look tired.”

“I am. I’m going to bed. Why are you guys here?”

Joe pointed to Dean and Henry. “I need to speak to them.”

“Good luck.” Ellen said. “They’re stuck in the seventies.” She smiled at Robbie, knelt down and kissed Dean, said goodnight to Henry, who didn’t hear her, and walked slowly off to bed.

Robbie shut the door. “Kids in bed?” He moved to the couch and sat down.

Dean looked up. “Yeah. What’s going on?”

Joe explained. “We have something to discuss with you. Henry. Henry? Henry!”

Henry looked up from his box lid. “I’m not finding that rule, Dean, anywhere. Oh hey, Joe. When did you get here?”

Joe grunted, reached out, took the box lid, and tossed it aside. He held out his finger to Henry before he could whine. “Seems we’ve had very informative night in Beginning, gentlemen. We had the Jason information. We had the revelation of the rigged temperature gauge and now . . . we have what Robbie is going to tell us. Robbie.”

Robbie usually grinned when he knew something no one else did. This time he didn’t. He looked so serious and a little sad. “Seems like the investigation may be taking more of a turn than we thought it would. Unfortunately it’s in a direction none of us want.” With solemness to his demeanor, Robbie began to inform all of his newest revelation.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

September 23

Beginnings, Montana

In the little Beginnings cemetery, Dean and Ellen sat on the grass at the foot of the tiny grave of Brian. The sun was bright and it warmed them some whenever the fall wind wouldn’t kick up.

Ellen released the strands of grass from her hand as she faced Dean. “Do you realize that it was one year ago today that Frank found out you and I had slept together?”

Dean looked shocked to hear this. “You’re kidding, right?”

Ellen shook her head. “Nope. One year.”

“Whoa.” Dean looked at the grave. “A lot has happened in that one year.”

“Yeah it has.”

“El, do you remember when you wanted to get pregnant with Brian?”

“Very well. Dean, you were so appalled that I came to you and asked you. You were funny now that I think about it.”

“No.” Dean grinned. “What is funny is how I actually agreed to it.”

“We wouldn’t have had the time with Brian if you didn’t.”

“Yeah.” The smile fell from Dean’s face. “I have to tell you, El. It was one of the hardest things I did. You know, pretending he wasn’t mine especially when we knew he was.”

“But you got to know him as your son and we didn’t even think that would happen.”

“Who would have known Frank would have let me..”

“Frank.” Ellen’s head dropped.

“I know you’ve been missing him.” Dean reached out and took her hand. “I miss him.”

Ellen raised her eyes. “You do?”

“Hell, yeah. You don’t think I miss fighting with him?”

“Is that why you fight with Henry now?”

Dean’s mouth opened some. “You uh . . . you could say that. El, since we moved to the Frank subject, I need to talk to you.”

“Sounds serious.”

“It is.” Dean nodded once and moved closer to her. “I feel . . . I feel it won’t be long before George places that call.” He watched her expression totally change. “We have to face it. I will be leaving Beginnings soon.”

Ellen closed her eyes. “I hate the thought of that. I hate the thought of you going out there. Trusting your life to him. How do we know.”

“We know because Frank called that one day. Frank’s alive out there, El. They have him and me going is the only way to get him back. You know it.”

“I know,” she spoke sadly.

“And even though I know it’s gonna be another war between the two of us over you, I really can’t wait to see him.”

“You do know I owe you for doing this.” Ellen looked deeply at him.

“You don’t owe me anything. I’m not just doing it for you. I’m doing it for the kids, for Joe, Robbie, and though I’m not allowed to tell Frank about him, Hal.”

“He’s going to be surprised,” Ellen said.

“Yeah he is.” Dean smiled. “Especially with Hal being at the break-in to the Society camp. Hal can be so dramatic.”

“Look at his uniforms. But they are cool.”

After a moment of silence, Dean spoke again. “There’s something else I need to talk to you about.”

“I don’t like the tone.”

“It’s important.” Dean’s fingers played around with Ellen’s hand. “Even though you and Robbie and Joe know why I am leaving Beginnings, the people in the community do not. They cannot. They cannot even suspect that I am up to something.”

“I know this.”

“Good. I’m glad you do because here’s what you need to do for me.” Dean’s voice softened. “You are to act like everyone thinks. You are to turn your back on my memory because you think I went to the Society.”

“Dean I can’t do . . .”

“El, no arguments, OK? Listen to me. The people in this town, they’re tough. They are not going to trust a single thing I have worked on since I am gone. If you stay dedicated to me, they won’t trust you either and  . . .” Dean moved his face close to hers. “We worked too hard on what we have to let it go to waste to not be trusted. Now maybe some of the stuff . . .” He snickered. “But for the most part, our work is for the good and you have to continue it. You have to act as if you do not want my name spoken around you. Dean who? Hurt? Not Ellen. Not you.” Dean swayed his head. “You have to get cold. You have to act cold. Do you understand?”

Ellen slowly nodded in agreement.

“You have to move on quickly as if you are saying. ‘I’ll show him’.”

“Dean, come on that is pushing it. You’ll be back.”

“I know.” He kissed her. “I will and this whole thing will be over when I am. Frank will be back, the community will know why I left, and we’ll pick up where we left off. Until then . . . you’re disowning my memory. You disowning me and moving on is the only way to secure people’s trust. They have to continue to trust you, El, in order to trust our work. You may have trouble gaining trust. You may have trouble at first, but I know you’ll show them.” He winked. “I know you won’t let it bother you.”

“Fuck them if they don’t like me.”

Dean laughed.  “See, that’s sort of the attitude I need you to take but only against me. As far as Beginnings is concerned, I betrayed them I don’t want people looking at you and thinking, ‘ok, Dean did it so when is Ellen going to turn?’ Understand.”

“Yes.” She spoke in a low whisper. “You have put so much thought into this.”

“How could I not? I’m leaving my home, my children, the woman I love all for . . .”

Ellen had to interrupt the serious moment with a snicker. “All for a man you’ve done nothing but fight with for seven years.”

The corner of Dean’s mouth raised and so did his eyebrow. “Hey, you’re right. What the hell am I doing this for?” he joked, scooted closer to Ellen, and pulled her to him.

“For normalcy again.”

Dean stared out to Brian’s grave. “With all that’s gone on, that could never happen but we can try. We can try.”

Ellen rested her head on Dean’s shoulder. They stayed there for a little bit more before returning back to their work.

^^^^

“Now see. That just don’t seem fair.” Marv, the part time security guard, drove the Jeep in toward sector thirty-two, the area located on the cliff behind the under developed section. “How can Ben from fabric have gotten Neville points?”

“I’m telling you,” Dan radioed him back. “He pricked his finger trying to free Todd’s shirt from the sewing machine and he got points for acts of heroism and getting injured.”

“Oh that is so lame,” Marv bitched.

“Why are you griping? You’re getting points for going out there. You got pulled in the lottery.”

“True. But still, Ben is right up there near Robbie and you. I’m telling you he bribes Trish.”

“No way.”

“Yes way. Did you see that new shirt she wore? It was ruffled like Neville’s. She said she made it.”

“How do you know she didn’t?” Dan asked.

“Please,” Marv scoffed. “You’ve seen Jeff’s uniform when she sewed the button on his cover. They were crooked when he fastened it up.”

“True.”

“And I’m here.” Marv turned off the Jeep. “Be back in ten.”

“Hey, when you head into that field, watch out for the killer pigs.”

Marv laughed. “Uh!” He screamed. “Joking.” He turned off his radio and hooked it onto his belt. “Here piggy, piggy.” He amused himself, heading into the field, his short body lost in the high grass “Oink. Oink.” He snorted a few times. “This little piggy went to market.” He slapped his own leg in such hysterics. “Wait, here’s one. Little pigs, little pigs let me come . . .” Marv stopped walking, stopped talking when he heard the shuffling of grass. One quick movement of the weeds and he jolted his body to the sound. “Hello?” Another sound and Marv saw the top of the grass sway. He lifted the tranquilizer rifle, turned slowly, and walked backwards to the Jeep. He hadn’t taken two or three steps when he watched the grass in the field move as if a wind picked up and touched only the brush. Faster he moved backwards reaching for his radio. The moment he reached to press in the button and bring it to his mouth was the moment he heard the squeal. “Shit. There are pigs up here. Son of a . . .”

A swishing of the grass. A single high cry squeal. Marv turned to run and then he . . . disappeared with a painful scream into the high thick grass.

^^^^

With a wide grin and a cigarette clenched between his teeth, Joe warmly shook Hal’s hand and gripped his son’s arm upon Hal’s approach to the utility buildings. “Goddamn, I hope I never lose this feeling when I see you.”

“Hey Dad.” Hal leaned down and kissed Joe on the cheek. “How’s the last day going?”

“Smooth. No problems. Let’s go into my office.” Joe pointed the way. “Did you bring those men?”

“You know it. Danny all ready?”

“He’s getting things together.” Joe opened his office door. “Supplies and such. He’s gonna set up mini tracking but it’s not going to be linked to us yet. At least they’ll see trouble coming ahead of time and they can give us a call.” Joe walked behind his desk. “Sit down.”

“Thanks.” Hal smiled and took a seat.

“Jess told me to ask you about those Bowman updates for our newspaper.”

“I have them.” Hal patted his chest. “So what is this ‘Beginnings Day’ event I was asked if I was attending?”

“Sort of like our community Thanksgiving. It’s a big party, first Monday in October.”

“And they’re all getting ready now?”

“What can I say? They’re party morons. They have nothing better to do.” Joe leaned back. “So how long am I graced with my son’s presence?”

“I’m leaving in the morning. I don’t want to uh . . . use up any reasons that I’ll need to be here for when we start prepping for the Frank rescue.”

“Valid point. So are you staying at the Comfort Inn tonight.”

“Yep. Dean and Ellen’s house. What time is the party?”

“What party?” Joe asked.

“Your retirement party?”

“Hell.” Joe waved his hand. “I’m not having a party.”

“Dad, you mean you’re going out quietly?”

“Pausing quietly. I’ll be back, trust me. I’m not allowing anyone to throw me a party. Christ, I hated in the old world when you would take a guy out to lunch for his last day, everyone pitches in gets him a gift, and he changes his mind. Nope, rather just be quiet until I come back.”

“How do you think Henry will handle the leadership position?”

“He’ll be fine,” Joe said. “I’m around and when I am not, Robbie is. It should be smooth. Now . . . enough catching up. Business. What do you have for me about the savages?”

“You aren’t gonna like it.”

‘Try me.”

“The maps and reports are with my things, but in a nutshell,” Hal began to explain, “there are two bigger ones. One in Wyoming, housing about a hundred savages. The other is about three hundred miles north west of here in Canada. It’d really big, Dad.”

“How big?”

“Three hundred maybe. My scouts said they go in and out of there so much it was hard to keep count.”

“Any signs of movement?” Joe asked Hal.

“None, but . . . how long till the warm weather sets in . . .”

“And they migrate.”

“Exactly.” Hal pointed. “Question. Will they make Beginnings their destination or Wyoming?”

“The Wyoming camp could be their scout party moving ahead on a planned trail to somewhere.” Joe shrugged.

“Are they that smart?”

Joe nodded. “Smart enough to take out our tracking. If they’re smart enough to do that, my main concern lies with then breaking through the tracking and making it to our perimeters. I can very easily see four of them dying at the beams while the others race through.”

“Is your man power is good to take them out?”

“Our man power is very good. We’ll keep an eye on them through surveillance and start watching for movement.”

“Excellent.” Hal looked at his watch. “Well I better get going to meet Danny. We’re supposed to take the men and supplies down to Miles City.”

Joe stood up. “You’ll be by for dinner, right?”

Hal grinned and his eyes closed slightly.

“What?” Joe looked at him oddly.

“Just hearing you say that makes me remember how many times you would say that to me when I was a teenager or in the service and stationed close to home. You’d say it every time you’d see me. God, you used to make me feel guilty for thinking about turning you down.”

“Do I still?”

“Hell, yeah.” Hal moved to the door. “And I will be by for dinner. Thanks, Dad.”

Joe walked around his desk, leaned on it and, with a look of pride on his face, he watched Hal leave. Momentarily Joe pondered why he felt so good when he saw Hal and why he liked his son so much. Hal was doing well. He built a strong community. Hal was strong and had qualities that Joe admired. Joe decided he was going to enjoy the feel of basking in his son’s achievements because he realized that, in time, the ‘feel good’ would fade. ‘Captain Slagel’ or not, Hal was definitely one of his sons and it wouldn’t be long until Hal annoyed Joe just as much as the other two sons he saw all the time.

^^^^

“Survival training?” There was so much doubt in Leonard’s voice as he asked Frank.

“Yeah. Survival training.” Frank rocked back in his chair.

“For this long?”

Frank laughed. “Well, you can’t call it surviving if you go out there for an afternoon.”

“Where did they go?”

Holding up a finger Frank leaned into the desk. “I gave them minimal supplies and took them uh . . . about seventy-five miles south.”

“Lt. Merrick agreed to this?” Leonard asked.

“Asked for it. He loved the idea.” Frank closed his eyes and twitched his head to the right. “Gosh, I miss him.”

“It doesn’t worry you that they haven’t returned?”

“Um . . . no. I sent a secret scout after them. They’re fine.”

“Can I speak to this scout.”

“Secret scout.”

“Yes. Can I speak to him?” Leonard questioned.

“No.”

“Why?”

“He’s the secret scout. Sorry.” Frank cupped his hands behind his head and leaned back. “You know if they aren’t back in a week, I’ll go get them.”

“And what of . . .” Leonard reviewed his papers. “Lieutenant Harris.”

“What about him?”

“Is he on survival training?”

“Absolutely.”

“Lt. Harris went on this seventy-five mile survival training mission?”

“No man is immune to it,” Frank stated with fact.

“And they must survive in the wilderness then walking back?”

“Yes.”

“What if they run into trouble?”

“Survival training.” Frank had all the answers.

“You expect Lt. Harris to keep up?”

“If he wants to be an officer he will.”

Leonard seemed a bit disturbed. “Colonel Slagel, Lieutenant Harris was given the ranking for his brains, obviously not his skills considering he has a prostheses for a right leg.”

Maybe Frank’s lip shuddered a little, but he was certain Leonard didn’t see his shock or hiding of laughter. “Lt. Harris insisted on going.”

“I see. When does the next batch of survival trainees go out?”

Frank raised one eyebrow, looking at Leonard, and imagining him in the large hole he and Richie dug for those ‘survival trainees’ . “Um soon.”

“Well hold off on them until the regiment of CME’s arrive. The president is sending a hundred, maybe two, to serve as camp guards while you train the other men for strategical purposes.” Leonard began to leave.

“Wait,” Frank called out. “I have this amnesia thing. CME’s?”

Leonard hesitated in his walk out. “Cyborg mechanically enhanced soldiers.”

“Oh!” Frank closed his eyes, snapped his fingers and smiled. “That’s right! That’s what they’re called. Whoa. Over a hundred SUT . . . such . . . . such . . . a wonderful plan.” Frank grinned again.

“Glad you agree. Good day, Colonel.” Leonard didn’t return the smile. He just left the office.

Frank snarled as Leonard left. “Asshole.” He brought his fingers to his lips and began to bite his nails. “Shit. That many SUTs?” He spit out a nail bit, rocked some more in his desk chair, and submerged himself into a ‘Frank’ thinking mode.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Shaking his head, Jess rolled the tires up the small grade to the level section. “This is ridiculous,” he complained out loud. He hoisted them up because rolling them wouldn’t be an option through the bush and crate filled wall Robbie created first instead of last. He emerged into the new clearing that a day earlier was made free of high weeds, trees, and anything that made the area remotely look like one day it could be a forest.

The clearing wasn’t that big, half the length of a football field. Located on the hill used for the security training area, the new clearing lay beyond the wooded area that lined the area behind the barrack style housing. It was quite the trip to be carrying items, but Robbie assured Jess they were there to stay. After the Neville competition was over, he was sure they would incorporate the new obstacle course into part of their security regimen.

Jess somehow didn’t buy it. Robbie was creating a nature meets plague ravished and looted street appearance. Jess couldn’t figure out how the three cars that Robbie broke the windows out and brought in off the highways could be at all useful to Frank when he returned.

Jess spotted him, actually Jess heard Robbie first. The metal banging carried up the hillside as Robbie’s foot slammed over and over into an open car door seemingly trying to free it from its hinges. He chuckled at Robbie’s determination and vain attempt to do something nearly impossible. Then Jess stopped walking when the door flew off. “Shit.”

“Hey.” Robbie ran the back of his hand over his forehead. “Man, is that all you can carry?”

“Um, yeah, Robbie. You made me carry them nearly a half a mile up a hill. You are gonna hurt yourself.”

“Nah.” Robbie shook his head and took the tires. “This is looking pretty good, huh?”

“Yeah.” Jess watched Robbie lay the tires down in that part of the obstacle course. “Robbie.”

Robbie brushed off his hands as he stacked the last two tires. “Yeah?” He moved to Jess. “Ready to head back?”

Jess walked with Robbie to the crate and bush wall. “The whole point of running through the tires is to trip you up a little but not a lot. Why are some of them stacked three high?”

Robbie shrugged. “Have to add to the challenge.”

“Not all men in this community are over six feet.”

Robbie grinned. “Yep. I know.” Robbie slipped his tall body through his homemade wall.

“What if Dean was competing? He’d never be able to do it.”

“Yeah, he is little.” Robbie snickered. “I’m surprised we actually have jeans that fit him.”

“We don’t,” Jess commented. “Any of the jeans he wears that aren’t really old are huge on him and baggy in the butt.”

“Whoa.” Robbie joked as he walked side by side with Jess. “Noticing Dean’s butt are we.”

Jess smiled. “Hey, how can I not.”

“I’m telling ya, Jess, Ben from fabrics will kick your ass if you go after his dream man.”

“Ben?” Jess spoke in such a upbeat, kidding manner. “Ben has nothing on me. Please.”

Robbie slowed down in his walk when he saw a Jeep pull up to the security training area. “Hey look, speak of the devil, it’s Dean.”

“What’s he doing up here?”

Robbie shrugged. “Don’t know. But . . .” He nudged his shoulder into Jess’ as they walked. “Now’s your chance. He has that cute butt.”

“Nah.” Jess nudged back. “I’d rather save myself for you.”

Robbie laughed and walked ahead of Jess. “Hey Dean.” He trotted up to him. “Joining the elite force?”

Dean had a snicker on his face as he walked up to Robbie, his hand in the front pocket of his baggy jeans. “Is Robbie training 101 any better than Frank training 101.”

“Hell yeah. I’m the man.” Robbie smacked himself in his own chest. “What’s up?”

“I need to talk to you,” Dean said. “I was looking for you at the same time as Joe. He needs to speak to you and when Henry said you were here, I. . .”

“Aw!” Robbie whined loudly. “Henry is such a snitch. I swear.”

“Well, we won’t discuss Henry, but . . .” Dean held up his hand. “I’d like to discuss something else so I told Joe I’d come up here to get you. I thought maybe I’d ride with you to Joe and we could talk.”

“Sure.” Robbie nodded. “Jess, the keys are in the other Jeep.”

“What Jeep?” Jess asked.

“The one I drove up,” Robbie stated.

“You drove up? I thought you walked. I walked.”

“Then you’re a glutton.” Robbie laughed. “It’s parked behind the barracks.”

Jess tossed his hands up. “Thanks, Robbie.”

“Ha.” Robbie grinned.  “Let’s go, Dean.” He stepped to the Jeep with Dean, stopped, and took a step back to Jess, winking. “Don’t be jealous. I know you want him.”

Jess, with a smirk, flipped Robbie off. He stood there shaking his head with a chuckle, as Robbie and Dean pulled away. Grateful that he at least didn’t have to walk back down to Beginnings, Jess got a second wind and energetically trotted  behind the barracks. He stopped cold. “Shit.” He tossed back his head. “That shit.” Jess shook his head. Robbie had lied. There was no Jeep.

^^^^^

There were several things that ran through Robbie’s mind as he rode with Dean back to the line of utility buildings. One, what Dean had to tell him must be serious. Dean had that look on his face and he was  silent as if he was getting it together in his mind. Two, did Robbie do something wrong? And three, Dean had to be the slowest driver Robbie ever rode with in Beginnings.

“Dean?”

“Yeah.”

“Are we pretending we’re teenagers and cruising for chicks because we just aren’t finding them up  here.”

Dean laughed but a nervousness came through. He slowed the Jeep down to a stop.

“Uh-oh..”

“What?”

“You aren’t gonna hit on me are you.”

“No, I’m . . .” The shock of what Robbie asked Dean hit him. Dean swayed his head to Robbie.

Robbie raised his eyebrows a few times.

“Robbie, stop that.”

“Kidding you. What’s up.”

“I need to talk to you very, very seriously for a minute. I need you to be serious.”

“O.K.” Robbie turned in his seat to face Dean. “Go on.”

“This conversation has to be had because I just don’t know when I am going to leave. It could be today, tomorrow, or even next week. I need to have this settled.”

“Dean, you need reassurance that I can come up with a plan that will get you back. Don’t worry. I’ll stake my life I can sneak a team in there and get you and my brother out.”

“Thank you.” Dean gave Robbie a closed mouth look. “I need reassurance, but not about that. I need reassurance about Ellen.”

“You don’t want me to touch her.”

“No! Touch her. I mean, no, I mean.”

“Huh?”

Dean grunted in frustration of himself. “Two things I need from you. I am coming to you because I think, no I know, you’re the only one to do this.”

“I’m lost.” Robbie tossed up his hands.

“When I go, things may get bad for Ellen. They may get really bad. When it gets around that I left Beginnings for the Society, the people in this community aren’t gonna take to well to that. They may not trust her. They may look at her differently. Treat her differently and not want anything to do with her as a doctor or scientist. All those meds we made, all that work, may not be taken. But even more than the work, I worry about her and my kids. You know. And . . .” Dean’s fingers tapped on the wheel in antsyness. “You are such a strong figure in this community, Robbie. Whether you believe it or not, people love you. They trust you. They really, really like you.”

“You want me to make sure people know Ellen is not part of the Society and help them to realize they can trust her. It’ll be easy, Dean. I’ll convince them she didn’t know. Jenny won’t turn her back on Ellen and that is a key to the women here. Don’t worry.”

Dean smiled slightly. “With you telling me that, I just may not worry. Now . . .”

“There’s more?”

“Yes.” Dean took a deep breath. “I told Ellen today I want her to act as if she hates me when I leave, act just as shocked as everyone else. Be convincing. Disown me. Move on.”

“Good idea.”

“Glad you think that way. I need you to do the same.”

“Be convincing? Hate you? Disown you?” Robbie fluttered his lips. “Piece of cake, I already do.” He nudged Dean’s leg. “Lighten up. I’m joking. Of course I’ll play the part.”

“And help her move on?”

“Of course. To where?”

“To you.”

Silence. Dead silence.

Robbie cleared his throat. He took a long shuddering breath in. “To uh . . . to me?”

“Can you play that part as well, Robbie?”

“Act like her new lover?” Robbie’s corner of his mouth raised in a partial grin. “Dean . . .”

“I’m serious. This has nothing to do with being lovers. This has everything to do with taking care of her while I’m gone. You can’t just pretend to be there. You have to be there. Will you be there for her?”

“Dean, you didn’t even need to ask that. I mean, I had every intention of watching out for Ellen and your family.”

“Every day.”

“Yes.” Robbie nodded. “Every day. I’ll fill in, but tell me why you are coming to me? Any other man in this community could play the part. Why me?”

Den leaned back slowly in the driver’s seat. He stared out at first then swayed his head to Robbie. “Because in the event that I don’t return or Frank doesn’t return, I want to know that Ellen is in strong hands,” Dean closed his eyes. “That someone capable is taking care of her and my family. That someone that truly cares for her will be there. Also . . .” Dean opened his eyes. “You’re a Slagel. You are part of her heritage. And even though you have no child bathing skills, and you have this weird way of showing kids how to make food fun, you’re  the only man I know that can raise Frank’s and my kids the way they should be raised. If Frank and I aren’t here, you are the only man I want raising my kids.”

Robbie didn’t know what to say. He really didn’t know what to say. He hadn’t any idea Dean thought that highly of him and it shocked Robbie to the point that no words came out of his mouth when he opened it.

“Robbie? You’ll do this for me.”

Robbie only nodded.

He sighed out a breath and then Dean reached for the gears. “Whew, that’s over with.”

“Dean, just know I will give my all and do my best to protect and watch over your family.”

“Thank you.”

“But only until you and my brother return.” Robbie paused and smiled. “Then you two can go back to fighting over them.”

An emotional chuckle came from Dean after his serious talk. He shook his head, shifted the Jeep in gear, and drove toward the utility buildings, this time a little faster.

^^^^

“Here he is,” Joe said of Robbie when he walked into Joe’s office with Dean.

“What’s going on?” Robbie asked as he shut the door. His eyes shifted to his father then to Dan who stood there nervously. “What?”

Joe raised his eyebrows and spoke seriously. “Tell him.”

Dan bounced a little. “Robbie . . . you know how Marv won the opportunity to earn Neville points.”

“Yeah.” Robbie placed his hands on his hips and nodded.

Dean took a double take. He watched Robbie listening to Dan. The stance, the facial expression. If he had a goatee and dark hair he’d be his brother.

Dan swallowed so harshly it was evident. “Well . . .” He cleared his throat.

“Go on.” Robbie motioned his head again. “Didn’t he make the rounds?”

Dan looked at Joe then back to Robbie. “Marv . . . Marv didn’t come back, Robbie. We lost radio contact with him.”

“You checked the community?” Robbie asked.

“I’ve been checking since he failed to radio me back.” Dan said.

“Which was when?” Robbie inquired.

“Three hours ago.”

From looking down to Dan who was five inches shorter than he, Robbie lifted his head slowly. He had a stone cold expression on his face as he moved his eyes to his father and back to Dan. Then Robbie, without saying anything, took the keys that were still in Dean’s hand and barreled out of Joe’s office.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

Still clenching his pain filled hands, Richie look side-eyed at Frank. “What?”

“Salicain.” Frank stated sitting with Richie in a wooded area off base. “You have to get into that lab and find a vial marked Salicain.”

“I have to seek medical attention for my hands, Frank. Look.” He showed Frank the huge blisters on his palm.

“Oh quit being a baby. Think about how all those calluses that you’ll get will protect them the next time.”

“A fire wall, Frank. I broke seven drill bits making your peep holes in this scientist’s home.”

“And the secret door?”

Richie huffed. “That was the easy part. I still don’t think your big body will fit through it.”

“Then you will.”

Richie closed his eyes. “Now what is this Salicain and why do I have to get it.”

“Salicain is this drug that paralyzes you.”

“How do you know this?” Richie asked.

“Because George used it on my father and they did it at a really bad time in my life, right after I found out Ellen and Dean had the affair.”

“Man, must have been a rough time for you.”

“Yeah, and you know Dean didn’t help matters. He moved her right into his house.”

“The man’s an asshole, Frank. I don’t even want to meet him.”

“It’ll be painful.”

“Like my hands.”

“Oh knock it off.” Frank slapped his hands down on Richie’s palms that were showed to him.

“Ow Frank. You ass.” Richie retracted his hands to protect them. “So what are we gonna do with this Salicain?”

“Get that Leonard guy under control. I can’t just shoot him.”

“Geez, Frank,. Why not?” Richie said sarcastically.

“Oh no, Richie, I can’t. I’d like to, but I can’t. Too risky.”

“And hitting him with this drug isn’t?”

“Fuck no.” Frank shook his head. “They’ll think he had a stroke. That’s what it makes it look like. You get it and I hit him with it. Easy.”

“For you to say. Do you realize what you’ve been doing? Shooting Society leaders. Officers. Freeing soldiers to make them walk seventeen hundred miles on foot.” Richie paused in amazement at Frank’s scoff. “A big scientist is supposed to be coming here and you have me drilling peep holes and making secret passages in his home. Now you have me sneaking into a lab to get a drug called Salicain.”

“Yeah.” Frank nodded. “You got it.”

“Oh, we are gonna be so busted one of these days. We’re gonna end up with a bullet hole in our heads like Lt. Merrick and everyone else that has fallen victim to the Frank rampage. Busted, Frank. We’re gonna get busted.”

“Nah, Richie.” Frank stood up from the ground. “You’ll be busted. I’m too smart.”

“That’s what you think.” Richie stood also, following a laughing Frank. “Then whose idea was it to come out here and cover up this mass grave thing you have happening?” He looked back at the mound of dirt that was covered with bushes and such.

“Mine.”

“No it wasn’t . . . Frank.”

“Mine.”

“Frank . . .” Richie huffed out and hurried to catch up to him, speaking softly under his breath as he followed Frank. “I wonder if Beginnings even wants him back. Frank!”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Robbie knew it as soon as he reached the area that Marv was supposed to be checking. The Jeep was still parked where he had left it. That was all the proof Robbie needed.

Stopping his own Jeep, Robbie grabbed the shot gun from the back and held it braced between his hands. He ignored his father’s call, only once responding to it with a very soft ‘Shh’ as Robbie headed into the field.

He wanted silence, both in his headset and around him. If something got Marv then Robbie didn’t want it to hear him. Trying his hardest not to make a sound, Robbie moved through the high grass toward the black cloud of files that he saw ahead. His heart prayed that it was the carcass of an animal and not what his gut was telling him the flies were feasting on.

His soft tromping foots steps and the buzzing of flies were the only things heard. Robbie would take a step and stop. There was a slight echo to his walk as if someone or something was moving at the same rate as him. Step. Stop. Robbie heard it again, a slight rustling of the weeds. Hearing that and moving to the flies, Robbie pumped the chamber of the shot gun, holding it ready.

Closer and closer he drew, his heart pounding the whole way. He could smell something, a rotten smell, the smell of iron predominant. Robbie let every sense he could kick in as he moved, causing a disturbance amongst the insects. His senses did kick in when he felt a slight change in the ground under his boot. Stopping cold, so close to where the flies were, he slowly lifted his boot to see what his foot had landed on. When he looked down, Robbie felt the throbbing in his throat. What appeared to be an eye, veins and muscles still attached, lay on the ground. His left hand reached out, fingers extended, and grabbed on to the high grass, separating it.

Squawk. Flap. Nailed!

Robbie was as startled as that vulture he frightened. It flew at him, pecking at his cheek in a offensive move before squawking once more and flying off.

Shaking his head, Robbie brought the back of his hand to under his eye but before he could wipe away the blood that flowed, his hand stopped. Robbie stared cold, emotionless into the field to what he saw laying there . . . Marv.

^^^^

Miles City, Montana

There was no way, Hal thought, that the town of Miles City was going to look like what he had accomplished in Bowman. No way. He looked around at the broken store fronts and the concrete in the streets that  nearly disappeared beneath the weeds that poked through it. A dead town with no life and Hal cringed in thinking that he was going to be living there.

In the midst of serious thought, as he watched the Beginnings truck unload not only his men but supplies they would need as well, Hal smiled. He knew if he pondered long enough, the powers that be would send him a sign that this move was a good one, and they did.

Hal grinned.

Looking absolutely miserable as he carried gear was Craig. If nothing else, Hal and Bowman would now be Craig-free, at least for a couple months.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

There were too many questions surrounding Robbie’s hurried return back to Beginnings and race into town. Robbie spoke no words and no emotion graced his face. He had a look of determination and that was the report that Joe got from everyone that tried to stop him. He didn’t respond to radio calls. He said nothing.

Joe was not going to be one of the numbers waiting for Robbie to speak. His gut told him something when he got word Robbie was leaving town again and Joe, following his instinct, headed up to the perimeter exit by the underdeveloped section. And Joe was right. Robbie pulled up in a Jeep. e stopped it and stepped out.

“Down the U.D,” Robbie stated into his headset.

Joe didn’t see it at first and then he did. “Robbie.” He approached his son. “What is going on?”

“Dad, get Henry and meet me right here in ten minutes.”

“Marv?” Joe questioned. “How bad is it?”

Robbie held up the black plastic. “I have a body bag, Dad. I probably would be better off with about twenty lunch sacks. I’ll be right back.”

“I’ll go with you,” Joe called out as Robbie moved through the final perimeter.

“No!” Robbie held his hand to his father. “Just get Henry and stay . . . stay right here.”

“Be careful.”

Robbie gave a single nod to Joe and walked at a quick pace, rifle in one hand, body bag in the other, through the final perimeter.

^^^^

Hillside, Nebraska

It was a late afternoon nap and one well deserved for Kyle, Link, and Ted. Not much was left of their shoes or their bodies as they found a soft place to lay and break for longer than they usually did.

Link had some trouble sleeping. Fear of what could get them kept him awake, Ted’s snoring didn’t help either. And just as he slipped into that in between world, he heard the confusing sound of it and he sprang up. Was it real? Or was the sound like one of those voices that slip into your brain and say your name just as you fall asleep.

He rolled on to his knees and scurried himself up listening. “Shit. It is.” Half out of it and exhausted, he mustered every bit of his strength to race after the horse sound. It had to be one of two things, Wildcats or . . .Link dropped to his knees. It was the later, UWA scouts.

“Hey!” Link called out waving out his hands. “Hey!”

The four horses stopped and turned around. When Link saw that he was recognized, his head and arms dropped to the ground in complete and utter gratefulness.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

The body bag made a weird sound as Robbie laid it in the back of the Jeep with Joe’s help. It didn’t plop like a dead body. It sounded more as if it were a half -filled sack of potatoes.

Joe watched as the bag conformed to the small back area of the Jeep. “Jesus Christ.” He looked at a horrified Henry.

Robbie reached for the zipper, his hands still stained with blood. “You can say that again, Dad. Have a peek.” He unzipped the bag some, not much.

Joe’s jaws clenched and twitched. His eyes widened and his face lost all expression.

Henry stumbled back covering his mouth. He spun frantically and faced the other way in his vomit frenzy.

Robbie closed the bag. “Get Dr. And Dr. Hayes out of their Ozzie and Harriet World, Dad, and get them to the morgue. Those two are handling this. I have a feeling they’re gonna know exactly what did this and if not, they’re the only two in this entire community sick enough to not let it faze them.”

Joe raised his eyes to Robbie. He didn’t say anything. He only reached for his radio to call of Dean and Ellen. Not much ever shocked Joe, but this certainly did.

^^^^

Their pace was fast and there was also something upbeat about Dean and Ellen’s walk from their home to the clinic as well.

“El, you have to stop looking so excited.”

“I know.” Ellen kept her arms close to her. “But you have room to talk.”

“You’re right. I can’t help it.”

“Me either. This is the first real autopsy on a person in so long that you and I get to perform together.”

“It must be good if Joe is calling us in. He sounded . . . weird.”

“Yeah,” Ellen agreed as they approached the clinic. She stopped as Dean held the door open for her. “He said it wasn’t pretty.”

Dean grinned. “Yeah.”

“Dean, the smile.”

Dean bit his bottom lip, thought horrid thoughts, and walked into the clinic with Ellen. Joe, Robbie, and Henry waited. “What’s going on?” Dean asked.

Joe was about to speak when his eyes shifted to Ellen. “Why do you look so happy Missy Jane?”

Ellen quickly folded her arms and widened her eyes. “Who me? Not me. I’m not happy.”

“Yeah-yeah. Robbie, tell them.”

“I took the body down to the morgue and got him on the table,” Robbie said. “It’s all is set up for you, Dean.”

“I want a complete report or . . . a complete report is needed.” Joe pointed. “As conclusive as you can get.”

“What happened to him?” Dean asked.

Joe lifted his shoulders and let them drop. “That’s what you’re gonna tell me.”

Ellen leaned into Dean. “Look how pale Henry is. It’s bad.”

Dean cleared his throat. “We’ll uh . . . get on it right away. El?” He took her arm and led her away.

Joe watched them. He saw their enthusiasm. They were terrible at hiding it. “Morons.” He shook his head. “Henry, you have to see what you can do about setting up another fence somewhere to cover the open perimeter. My God, we can’t take a chance of whatever got him getting in here.”

“Joe, we would have done that years ago, but you know how hard that is,” Henry explained,. “The perimeter is attached to the top of the cliff on both sides. The only area not covered is that cliff. They’d have to rope down or roll. Whatever animal it is would die if it rolled down.”

“I guess you’re right,” Joe said.

“And we have to be careful putting fences in the U.D. The kids play out there. The only time we could safely run a perimeter beam in that area would be at night.”

Joe let out a slow breath. “I guess we should just wait and see what Dean and Ellen say then we can inform everyone the details of Marv’s death. We also will know what kind of animal we’re dealing with and what we have to hunt down.” Joe looked down at his watch. “And . . .” He clapped his hands together. “I have one more thing to say. Henry . . .” Joe laid his hand on Henry’s shoulder. “It is officially your problem now. I’m retired. Later gentlemen.”

“Joe!” Henry called as Joe walked away. “Joe, you can’t just . . .” Henry looked at Robbie. “He left. There has to be a rule or something stating you have to deal with problems arising while you’re leader. I don’t want to deal with this.”

“Tough Henry.” Robbie raised his eyebrows. “It’s your, Mister . . . . Community Leader.” Repeating his father’s actions, Robbie laid his hand on Henry’s shoulder. “Good to have you aboard, Chief.” Like his father again, Robbie turned and left.

^^^^

“So official like.” Ellen fixed the headset that was attached to a recorder onto Dean’s head. “Look at you.”

“You too.” Dean nodded to Ellen, both of them in hospital scrubs.

Ellen stepped closer to the table and peered at the blue sheet. “Want the honors?”

“You can have them.” Dean motioned his hands out.

“Thanks.” Ellen moved closer. “Something looks odd about this.” She reached for the blue sheet, hesitating when she noticed at the bottom of the table there was a small bin covered as well. “This doesn’t look right. Does it?”

“Let’s just take a look.”

“O.K.” Ellen pulled away the sheet. “Oh wow!”

“Oh shit!”

Their shocked and excited ‘ohs’ went back in forth in an overly dramatic call in repeat manner as they both stepped away from the long table. What Ellen exposed was not the body of Marv as they remembered. What looked more like a side of beef butchered one too many times lay on that table. It was wide and stretched. The only recognizable remains that linked the body to a human, were the left side of Marv’s face, his right forearm and hand, and both feet. Bones were exposed and flesh was shredded and hanging out. The torso cavity looked as if something had exploded from within it.

Ellen let out a weak sounding whistle. “Well.”

“Well.” Dean walked to the table with her.

“This doesn’t look like your usual animal attack now does it?”,

“Could be a lion.”

“Or tiger.”

Dean snickered. “Or bear.”

“Oh my.” Ellen held in her laugh. “We should do this.”

“We should. Let’s get serious.”

“O.K.” Ellen looked at Marv. “Dean, should we be feeling really bad at this moment?”

“Um . . .” Dean cleared his throat. “As citizens of Beginnings, we should be in mourning. But as scientists, there isn’t any room for emotions.”

“You are so right. And I have to tell you, as a citizen of Beginnings, I’m gonna have a hard time mourning. I never liked him much.”

“Me either. Weird guy.”

“Bad hair.” Ellen touched with the tip of her fingers the section of hair right above the exposed brain. “He reminded me of that guy. You know . . . bad singer slash mayor.”

“Sonny Bono.” Dean peered closer to Marv. “Yeah, he did.”

“Look at his face, Dean.” Ellen folded her hands behind her back. “Kind of smashed. I wonder if Sonny had that look after his tragic accident.” She snapped her finger. “Oh! How coincidental. Sonny died in the woods and so did Marv.”

With a thinking ‘hmm’, Dean stopped looking at Marv’s face. He shook his head and snapped back to medical thoughts. “We should be getting to work.”

“Yes we should. Let’s be professionals now.” She handed Dean a pair of gloves then placed a pair on herself. “Your recorder set?”

“Hold on.” Dean pressed in the button. “Ready. What’s in the bin, El?”

“Let’s see, shall we?” She walked to it, reaching for the cloth and lifting it. “Oh. Body parts.”

Dean peeked. “Yep.”

“Who am I, Dean?”

“Ellen.” Dean looked at the body.

“No Dean, look at me . . . Dean who . . . Dean look at me, Dean. Look . . . . Dean. Dean.”

“El. All right. Go on.”

Ellen cleared her throat and lifted the cloth from the bin again. Drastically she gasped and swallowed, twitching her head to the right and closing her eyes. “The uh . . . “ She cleared her throat again. “The victim appears . . . who am I, Dean?”

“I give up.”

“Geez, Dean.” She dropped the cloth. “I’m Richard Dreyfus in the movie JAWS.” She giggled. “I feel just like him. Watch. Or how about this scene?” She grabbed Marv’s right arm and bent it up. “Remember that scene? The beach?”

“Ellen, cut it out.”

Ellen made her voice high -pitched. “Hi, Dean.” She waved the hand.

“Ellen, we have to be serious. O.K.?”

“O.K.. Let’s do this . . . Dean?”

Dean slowed in his exam. He looked at Ellen. “What?”

“This is the exact spot where you laid when you died. I can still see how pale and blue you . . .”

“El.”

“Yes?”

“No.” He shook his head. “I really don’t want to discuss my death right now.”

“O.K., just flashing back in this creepy place. Go on.”

“Thank you.” Slowly Dean let out a breath as he began to examine Marv, speaking into his recorder. “September 23rd autopsy on Marv Davidson. We have a thirty-two year old male, height five foot nine, weight, approximately 150 . . .”

“Probably close to ninety now.”

“El,” Dean silenced her. “Victim appears to be . . .”

“Richard.”

“El.” Dean reached for a pair of tweezers as his eyes zoomed in.

“What do you see?”

“Get me some specimen trays. Saliva is found predominantly across the thoracic region . . . .” Dean reached down his other hand and shut off his tape recorder. “El, look at this.”

“It’s not something I need to be the bionic woman for does it?”

“No, come here. Hit that light.”

Ellen set down the specimen trays and turned the spotlight on. “What am I looking for.”

“Look at these bite marks.” Dean pointed to the sternum.

“Straight through the bone.”

“Yeah. Jagged too.”

“Definitely an animal.”

“Looks that way. From what I’m seeing, and I’m not really giving it my all, it looks like several bite marks, several different bite marks. We should really get some shots of this,” Dean commented. “That way we can actually work for a while on it.”

“Want me to run and get the camera?” Ellen asked.

“Yeah, but first, tell me what is in that bin.”

Ellen lifted the sheet. “Looks like a large portion of the stomach, definitely the spleen, uh . . . . a portion of the small intestines, an eye, an ear and. . .” Her hand reached in, feeling. “I think this is a really, really tiny piece of the heart.” She pulled it out.

“Yeah it is,” Dean told her. “What do you notice about Marv?”

“Aside that he looks thinner and . . .” Ellen saw Dean’s scolding face. “All the fleshy areas are gone.”

“Exactly.” Dean said. “He wasn’t just torn to shreds and killed . . .”

“He was eaten.”

“Go get that camera so we can get some shots before we start removing the parts that are left.”

“Right away.” Ellen backed up and removed her gloves.

“And more specimen trays as well.” He heard Ellen say something as she left, but Dean was too engrossed in the breastbone, or what remained of it. Dean moved the shattered bone some, lifting it to peer into the empty cavity behind it. He could see the spine as well. Looking around at the gutted and cleaned out torso, Dean’s eyes saw the slight difference in shading and he stopped. He adjusted the light above his head. “What do we have here?” Without looking, he reached up for his tweezers and brought them, and his hand, into Marv’s body cavity. He pulled the item from its lodging in the third thoracic vertebrae. It was small, very small, but if Dean’s knowledge served him right, he knew exactly what he found, a piece of . . . a tooth. It wasn’t a very strong tooth or sturdy and it didn’t look as if it were a piece to a large tooth. But what baffled Dean at that moment wasn’t the tooth, but how something that possessed it could have done as much damage as it did, unless what did the damage wasn’t the teeth, but the being itself. Perhaps it torn apart with paws or hands. But seeing how Frank wasn’t in Beginnings, the theory of someone torn to shreds by hands was eliminated

Dean paused in his postmortem exam to laugh at his Frank thought. He set the piece of tooth in the specimen tray and decided, before going any further, he’d wait for Ellen to return. He wanted that camera present and he wanted to tell her about his amusing thought. So, alone in the room with a torn apart Marv, Dean waited.

^^^^

“Hey, Uncle Robbie.” Johnny was pouring a drink at the social hall when Robbie, seeming so down, walked in. “You O.K.?”

“Um . . . yeah..” Robbie blinked several times as if his eyes were hurting. He looked at how quickly Johnny downed his drink. “Easy.”

Johnny thought it odd for Robbie to tell him that. “O.K. easy. Any news on Marv?”

“Nothing yet.” Robbie spoke the line he had told everyone. How horrible it was that Marv had died. How much worse it was the way Marv had lost his life. Figuring he’d wait until Dean and Ellen told him more, confirming or denying what killed him.

“I stopped by the morgue,” Johnny told him, “before I came here.”

“Really? And?”

“They wouldn’t let me in.”

“Not at all?” Robbie asked.

“Nope. I hung outside the door . . . Uncle Robbie, they seemed like they were having a good time in there.”

“They love their work.”

“Hanging tonight? Wanna shoot some pool?”

“Um . . . .” Robbie’s hand slid down his face. “No, just grabbing a drink and heading home.”

“O.K.”

Robbie motioned his head behind Johnny. “Looks like you have company anyhow.”

Johnny looked over his shoulder. “God, she won’t leave me alone.”

“You’re supposed to be getting close to her anyhow. John. You told us you would.”

“Yeah I know. It just makes me feel really creepy thinking about being with her.”

“Why?” Robbie questioned.

“Um . . . um. Don’t know.” Johnny finished his drink. “Just thinking about it being her I guess.” He poured another. “Maybe I’ll go torture her.”

“Yeah, you do that. I’m just gonna sit here.” Robbie watched his nephew draw up an egotistical look and waltz over to his table with a semi -ignore Bev attitude. Pouring himself a drink, Robbie slid on the stool. He looked once over his shoulder to Johnny and Bev. How trivial Johnny must think he and Joe for having him find out what’s going on with Bev over the Dean and Ellen situation. How trivial it sounded to Robbie, but he had to keep reminding himself that the ‘Dean and Ellen’ reason was only the front story. The real reason being to hopefully eliminate or point a finger at her when it came to George.

“That’s it.” Johnny slammed down his drink. “Bev, if you are going to continue to stare at me, I’m leaving. You’re undressing me with your eyes. I feel so violated.”

“You owe me.”

“Owe you what?”

Bev raised her eyebrows a few times. “For the other day.”

“Oh really.” Johnny stood up and readied to leave. “Well see, that’s the problem with you.”

“Wait. What’s the problem with me . . .” Bev scooted from her chair, hurrying her way to a leaving Johnny. “Johnny.” She caught up to him. “Johnny.”

“I’m leaving.” He walked by Robbie, laying his hand on Robbie’s back. “See ya, Uncle Robbie.”

“John.” Robbie swam in his drink.

Johnny smiling and not letting Bev see, left the social hall.

“Johnny.” She ran to catch him. “Wait.”

“What?” Johnny stopped walking.

“What did you mean, that’s the problem with me?”

“You know exactly what I mean.”

“No, I don’t.”

“You don’t. Did you just tell me in there that I owe you?”

“Yes.” Bev stood before him.

“Well, that’s not the way things are run with me. I say what goes on. Who owes who. Get it?”

“But I . . .”

“No buts.” Johnny stayed firm. “I call the shots. I say what gets done. I tell you what you do, not you tell me. If you’re up to anything, I’d better damn well know ahead of time what it is and why you’re doing it.”

“But Johnny.”

“And as far as sex goes, if I want to sleep with you, I will. No deals, and trust me babe, when I want it, I’ll find you and you’ll deliver, no problem.”

Bev folded her arms. “Really? Well I don’t think I like your attitude.”

“Oh well.” Johnny tossed his hands up.

“And you are so wrong,” she spoke snidely.

“I’m wrong? Who are you to tell me I’m wrong?”

“I will tell you you’re wrong. The only way this will work is if you own me? Let me tell you something Johnny, no one owns me.”

Johnny just watched her, nodding arrogantly.

“I say who I sleep with and when, not you or anyone!” She poked him in the chest. “I don’t even know why I chased after you in the first place. You’re cold, mean, and a complete waste of my time. I wouldn’t sleep with you now if you got on your hands and knees and begged me.”

“Baby.” Johnny placed his face close to hers. “You want me so bad, it wouldn’t take anything to get you to sleep with me anytime and anywhere.”

“You think?”

“I know.”

“Right.” Bev huffed.

“Watch.” Johnny grabbed her face and pulled Bev with a slight force up and into him. Wide and sexual, he placed his mouth over hers, pressing it hard and deeply to hers. E moved his mouth and kissed in a sweeping motions over and over, holding on to her face as he stepped her backwards.

Against everything she told him. Bev responded.

Further and further into the dark alley between the social hall and the next building, Johnny led her. Moving her and moving her until he backed her up against the social hall wall. His mouth released from her as he grabbed onto the collar of her shirt and he leaned his body in a bent manner directly against hers. “What were you saying?”

Bev’s mouth reached for Johnny’s lips, but he kept pulling back from her.

“How bad do you want it, Bev?” Johnny’s waist moved into her and his hand glided with a firmness up her leg. “How bad?”

“Bad.” She breathed heavily, trying to kiss him.

Almost biting, Johnny laid his lips to under her ear, running them down hard to the nape of her neck. “How bad do you want me?”

“I want you, Johnny.”

“And what will you do for me?” he asked deeply, moistening her neck with his mouth, breathing hard into her ear.

“Anything.”

On her words, Johnny’s hands slid down both of her legs then back up, lifting the skirt she wore. He began to kiss her again, one hand secured under her skirt and the other undoing his own jeans. Bev’s hands went to his hair and to his neck. The moment she held his head and locked him in that kiss, was the moment Johnny braced his hands  behind her thighs, lifted Bev up, drew her legs around his waist and slammed her with a sexual drive into the aluminum side of the social hall,.

It was Tuesday so the social hall was nearly empty and quiet. Not even the juke box played for the men who just were there to relax. Perhaps that was why Robbie heard it, lifting his views from his drink and up to the noise. Actually Robbie heard it at the same time as the other seven men in the hall. All of them looked around at the steady dull metal banging that they heard.

Like a metronome, only picking up speed with each few seconds that passed. Bang-bang-bang-bang.

“What the hell?” Robbie stood up from his stool. Everyone had stopped what they were doing. “What is that?”

Cole set down his pool stick. “Sounds like it’s coming from outside. Maybe it’s Denny and Josh playing around.”

Robbie looked at his watch. “Probably. This is their hanging out hour.” He returned to his stool, picked up his drink, and shook his head at the increasing rate of the banging. “They think they’re funny. Ignore them.”

With Robbie’s reassurance that nothing was wrong, everyone went back to what they were doing. And to even show the annoying teenage boys, someone turned on the jukebox.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

September 24

Beginnings, Montana

“Sacrilegious,” Ellen stated as she set down both metal boxes on the cryo -lab counter.

“No way.” Dean shook his head, setting down two boxes as well.

“I’m telling you, Dean. That is what Joe’s word would be. Sacrilegious.”

“It’s science, El.”

“Yeah, but I don’t think he’d take to kindly to us keeping parts of Marv.”

“Ongoing investigation. In the old world, it sometimes took months to get autopsy results,” Dean justified. “However, Joe won’t say anything. He’s stepping back for a while remember? Henry’s leader.”

“I can handle Henry.” Ellen said. “Don’t worry about it.”

“Hmm.”

“And as far as Joe is concerned, bet me he still takes charge of us because we know the truth.”

“You may have a point. Let’s get these boxes unloaded into the spare freezer until the man of the hour shows up.”

“I know someone is talking about me.” Danny Hoi walked through the open cryo -lab door.

Dean motioned his hand to Danny. “Man of the hour.”

Ellen smiled. “Hi Danny. You are so punctual and quick showing up so soon after our request.”

Danny stood taller. “Want to make the best impression my first day as Head of Mechanics.”

“And you are,” Ellen said.

“So, what did you guys need?” Danny asked.

“Help.” Dean stated. “Care to follow us? We have to put these boxes away.”

“Sure.” Danny shrugged and trailed them. “What’s in the boxes?”

Dean looked back at him. “Body parts.”

Danny laughed. “You guys are funny.” He saw how serious they were as they walked into the freezer room. “You guys are joking, right? Right?”

Dean opened the freezer case. “Um, yeah, sure Danny.” He set his box inside and took the ones Ellen handed to him. “El, we’ll unpack these later.”

“O.K.”

Danny couldn’t take his eyes off the boxes Dean put away. “So uh . . . what kind of mechanical favor do you need?”

Dean closed the freezer lid. “Here, I’ll show you.” He pointed to the door in the smaller of the two back rooms. “This closet.”

Danny looked so serious as he raised one eyebrow and deepened his voice. “Is it giving you problems, Dean? I know how closets can be.”

Dean snickered as he opened the closet door. “See, it’s big.”

Danny peeked. “Yes it is.”

Shaking his head with a smile, Dean raised his eyes to Danny. “No, I want to know how cold you can make this closet for me.”

“Excuse me.” Danny looked into the empty closet. “How cold? Did you say how cold?”

“Yep.”

“Whoa.” Danny checked it out. “You mean like air-conditioning cold or freezer cold?”

“Freezer cold, refrigeration,” Dean explained.

Danny started to laugh then stopped. “You’re serious. Why would you two need walk -in refrigeration in this . . . never mind.” He whistled. “It could take some work. We’d have to seal it, add a new door, a lot of things including a separate compressor and coolant unit.”

“So you can’t do it?” Dean asked.

“No, no.” Danny held up his finger. “The word ‘never’  crossed my lips. Tell me exactly what you see for this closet.”

Shop talk was something Ellen didn’t want to be privileged to. She’d rather deal with the five remaining rabbits. “Dean, Danny, I’m just going to leave you two to this. I’ll be in the other room.” Getting a nod from Dean, Ellen walked from that room into the main cryo -lab. She stopped when she entered and spoke in such awe. “Oh wow.”

Henry was there and she couldn’t even recall the last time she saw him looking so handsome. He wasn’t in his usual blue work pants and white shirt uniform he typically wore during the work day. He wore a black tee shirt tucked into his baggy, but tailored, jeans. A wider black belt was around his waist, and to top it off, Henry was having a good hair day.

“Henry.” Ellen stepped further into the lab. “Look how good you look.”

Henry grinned with a tilted head. “Thanks, El. Joe said as Leader I should always look nice. I’m not one to wear those button down shirts, you know.”

“I like this much better.” She stepped closer to Henry. “Where did you get the pants?”

“Danny got them,” Henry stated. “Small favor slip. I asked him if he saw anything in Miles City that could be leader clothes to grab them and he did.”

“You can just tell Danny had the fashion sense in the old world.”

“Oh you know it. He has that hair thing happening.”

Ellen reached up and touched Henry’s hair. “And so do you today.”

Henry enjoyed the compliments. “But . . . do I look official.”

“Very much so.”

“Good, because I’m here on business. Where’s Dean?”

“In the closet with Danny. Don’t ask.”

With a grin Henry looked to the back. “Oh yeah? All right, we’ll do this without him. Autopsy. How’s it going?”

“Great. I mean . . . sad. I mean, going.”

“Anything conclusive?”

“Nope.” Ellen shook her head. “Not yet. Soon though.”

“I thought for sure you had results. You gave us the body back to bury.”

“We don’t need the body. We took what we need.”

“You what?” Henry asked shocked.

“I mean we took the test . . . . ran the tests we needed to run. Sometimes they take a long time to be final.”

“O.K. You’ll let me know when everything is done?”

“As soon as I know, you’ll know.”

“Good.” Henry said.

“Are we done with business?”

“Yes.”

Ellen heard Danny and Dean’s voice come into the lab. She looked over her shoulder. “Hey Dean, look who came to see me. Henry. Doesn’t he look handsome today.”

Dean gave a look as if to tell Ellen, ‘you actually want me to answer that?’. “So Henry, what brings you down here?”

“Ellen.” Henry answered.

“Figures.” Dean said. “Thought maybe you were here on official business considering it’s your first day and all.”

Henry smiled a little. “No way. I came to see El. Hey El, I’ve been working since five. You wanna take a break with me?”

“Oh sure Henry. I’d love to take a break with you. Can we walk around the community?”

“Yeah.”

“Bye Dean.” Ellen moved to Henry. “Be back.

“El, our work?” Dean asked.

“Of course it is Dean.” Ellen giggled and left the cryo lab with Henry.

“And she exits.” Dean’s hand raised and dropped.

Danny, who was being quiet--a rarity--snuck up behind Dean and whispered. “When I was in high school I used to date this girl. She dumped for this geek the moment he became class president.”

“Danny.”

“Nope.” Danny stepped back. “I’m seeing some similarities here Dean. If you need to talk.”

“Sorry, but I fail to see the similarities. This is hardly high school and she’s hardly my girlfriend Danny, she’s my wife.”

“True.” Danny grinned. “But this is Beginnings. The place that makes Payton Place look like an episode of Leave it to Beaver.”

Dean just grumbled a response and walked back to the smaller back room.

Danny snickered and followed Dean fully intending on irritating him more.

^^^^

“I woke up. I showered,” Joe explained as he walked with Hal towards distribution. “I had my coffee and cigarette and I even read that damn newspaper, which I have to admit, I’m liking. I looked at my watch and remembered, hey, you’re in distribution today. That opens two hours later.”

Hal smiled. “Forgot huh? So what did you do? Go back to bed?”

“Nope. I opened my front door when someone started to knock and I let Henry in my house. Christ, he was there asking me if he was dressed all right, was he having a good enough hair day, would people like him, and how should he act.”

“Don’t you worry about him?”

“Nah,” Joe shook his head. “Henry will be fine. Trust me.”

“I have to, Dad, because until you emerge from retirement . . . ” Hal let out a worried breath. “He’s our leader as well.”

Joe had a sneakiness to his chuckle as he laid a hand on Hal’s back and led him into distribution. There was an extra bright spot that made retirement worthwhile on this day. Joe didn’t have leader responsibilities to deal with and because of that, he got to spend that time with his son before Hal headed back down to Bowman.

^^^^

Robbie held the unscheduled security meeting at the training area. Solace and sadness was the air of demeanor with everyone as they sat around Robbie while he talked.

“Some sort of wild animal,” Robbie explained, “is what Dean told me this morning. As of yet, they are still trying to pin point it and . . . . if there is more than one of them. If that’s the case, we are gonna have to begin a hunt. We can’t take a chance of whatever that got Marv, getting in here. Now . . .” Robbie flipped a page of his notes. “Marv died in the line of duty. Marv also died while gathering points for . . . for the Neville competition. The Neville Committee approached me this morning and wanted me to present you with these suggestions. Either we give Marv an honorary Neville win or we make him Neville and the competition continues, handling it like the former Miss America pageant where the winner takes it from Marv. Feedback?” Robbie saw Dan’s hand raised. “Yes, Dan?”

“So he would be the first official Neville?”

“Yes,” Robbie answered.

“Hmm.” Dan swayed his head. “O.K., not like I’m being a dick or anything but . . . but, Marv was a nice guy in all, but he was no Neville. I don’t think it would be fair to you or me or anyone else who is up there in Neville points to make him a winner just because he died.”

“True,” Robbie stated. “However, wouldn’t it be the kind and brotherhood thing to do?”

Dan fluttered his lips. “Kind is one thing. Brotherhood is another. Robbie, this is competition. Come on. Do you want to go down in History as someone that was the second Neville competition winner? Or someone that lost to Marv?”

Robbie knew the answer. He knew what he wanted to say. “O.K., let’s put it to a vote. Fair is fair and it is Marv’s memory we’re talking about. O.K., all in favor of letting Marv be Neville or the reigning Neville, give me a yeah.” Robbie listened to the grumbles and clearing of throats. He watched his men lower their heads, shift their eyes, and pretend they were ashamed. “All right. All against, give me a big ‘ooh-rah’.” Robbie cringed and his ear rang when the intrusion of voices shouted out at him what they wanted. Even though they were all fond of Marv, they were more fond of being Neville. “O.K.” Robbie tossed up his hands. “Neville competition continues and, we’ll . . . we’ll uh mention Marv’s name at the ceremony. Gentlemen, you can return to work. Anyone wanting special detail to deal with this animal see me.”

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

With visions flowing through his mind of his own decaying body lying in the woods somewhere, a portion of his head missing, Richie held tightly to his tool box and hesitantly walked through the laboratory door. They wore white lab coats, worked on placing together lab equipment and the new scientist all spun on their swivel chairs to look at Richie when he entered.

Did he look like their next subject? Richie wondered staring back at the faces. “I uh . . . I got a work order for a cooler.” He didn’t receive any answer. “O.K., I’ll just uh . . . figure it out. Thanks.” No one pointed him in the right direction and no one said a word. They returned to their work as Richie waltzed through. Richie had to give it to Frank. He argued with Frank telling him that the bogus work order would be a major slip up. These were highly intelligent men. They would realize they didn’t request one. But Frank insisted that even though they would wonder about the order, they were all too pompous to question it. How embarrassing it would be for scientist ‘A’ to ask Richie in front of the others and have scientist ‘B’ stand up, humiliating him by saying there is a problem with a cooler.

As obscure as Frank’s thinking was, it got Richie through the main lab and to the back where all coolers were. The large room was filled with them and Richie cringed. How was he going to find this vial with all those long freezers? Stepping to the first one, he noticed the small glass window by the other door. Through it, he saw another lab.

“Look for a mini fridge.” Frank’s instructions repeated in Richie’s mind. “Chances are that’s where a vial is kept. The large batches may be in the long freezers.”

On the counter in the empty lab, Richie saw the short silver refrigerator, a biohazard sign on the front. No one was in that back room lit only by a dull table fluorescent lamp. So Richie peeked out the door he walked though, checked on the busy scientists in the main lab, and walked through the cooler room to the other lab. The lab smelled of newness and disinfectant and looked as if were never used. With that scenario in his mind, Richie guessed the fridge would be empty but it was worth a chance. Even if he didn’t discover the Salicain in there, he discovered something else, a lab he knew nothing about. And if that was there, how many others were too?

He set down his tool box next to the silver counter fridge. He reached for the handle, hopping it wasn’t locked. When he pulled, he found out it wasn’t.

Richie felt the cold air hit against his stomach and breeze through his tee -shirt and he bent down, peering his face through the crack. Vials upon vials were lined up in the fridge. No sooner did Richie’s eyes graze across the middle shelf and see to the left, the vial marked ‘Salicain’, the fridge door closed. Richie’s views looked up to the hand on the door. A scientist stood there.

“This isn’t the one.” Richie smiled. “She’s uh . . . . working fine.” He crinkled his nose as he grabbed his tool box and walked backwards, pointing to the cooler room with his thumb. “I’ll start on the big ones in uh . . . in there.” Richie spun around and allowed his back to face the large male scientist that busted him. He deeply the anxiety as he let out in his breathing and tried to calm his racing heart as he moved to the cooler room. Nothing helped. His hands shook, his heart pounded. And even though he found the vial of Salicain, Richie couldn’t clear his mind of the thoughts, that if he kept on listening to Frank, he really would end up a dead man.

^^^^

Quantico Marine Headquarters

“Truck is in secondary position.” Stewart laid a folder in front of George on his desk. “They’ll move into position as soon as the final surveillance flight is made.”

“Good.” George flipped open the folder. “The train is ready for the trip as well?”

“Yes sir,” Stewart answered. “We estimate five hours by truck to the train and another seven to Binghamton.”

“And is everything in Binghamton prepared?”

“Yes.” Stewart nodded. “Construction and remodeling was completed on the home.”

“CME’s?”

“Prepped and ready for your orders. Sgt. Landers says they are ready to move out.”

“Excellent, excellent. Let’s let the new arrival get settled in Binghamton first. Tell Sgt. Landers to look at a move date of September 27th or 28th.”

“President Hadley, genetics sent a note. It’s in there.”

“Where?” George adjusted his glasses then saw the yellow Post-It. “God, is he still using these?” George un-stuck it, lifted it, and read. After, he looked back to Stewart. “Tell the labs to keep a close eye out. I may not know much about this, but it seems to be too early. Contact me in another week or so, otherwise don’t bother me.”

“I think he wants Dr. Hayes’ opinion on . . .”

“Dr. Hayes has adjusting of his own to do first and then he will get to work on the virology and genetic material. Until then, tell the labs they have to wait.”

“Yes sir.” Stewart took the Post-It note from George. It stuck to his thumb and then fingers as he switched it. Finally, he gave up and wrinkled it up. He stood there waiting to engage in more conversation with his leader and when Stewart realized he was being ignored, he took that as his clue and left.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

“Dean?” Ellen called out into the cryo-lab as she walked in. “Dean?” Ellen set down the folders she carried and walked to the coat tree, grabbing her lab jacket. She put in on.

“Back here, El. I’ll be right out.”

“O.K.!” Ellen moved across the lab. She flicked on a microscope as she passed it in her walk to the smaller back room with the spare freezer. She hummed some song that she hadn’t a clue where it was from.

Dean pulled the door and secured the buzzing lock of the ‘secret’ lab. “El?” He stepped into the main lab.

“Here.” She came out holding a small specimen tray.

“Hey.” Dean moved to her. “I thought you were at containment.”

“I was. Jason is there being the leader, so I checked on Jeremy and came back here before heading up to the clinic.”

“How is Jeremy?”

“Doing well. He’s eating more food with consistency and it sounds as if his voice is coming back.”

Ellen set down the tray she handled while she talked. She uncovered it and grasped a pair of tweezers.

“And his spirits?”

“Checking up on me, doctor, or are you curious?”

“El, I’m sorry I’m not wanting to . . .”

“Kidding.” She smiled at him. “His spirits are fine.”

“You had me.” Dean kissed her on the cheek.

“So were you checking the case?”

“Yes. All is fine.”

“Good.”

“So, what uh . . . . brings you back down here?” Dean looked over her shoulder.

“This was bothering me.”

“That section of Marv’s brain?”

“No.” Ellen lifted up an even smaller piece. “This section of Marv’s brain.”

“What about it?”

“I didn’t get to look at it closely, but I think it’s regurgitated.”

“You think or you know?” Dean asked.

“Pretty sure.” Ellen brought the red object held by tweezers closer to her nostril and sniffed. “I can smell the stomach acid on it. You?”

Dean brought his nose closer. “Yeah I can. I think you’re right. Check it out under the scope and note it.”

“Planned on it.”

“I find that interesting. Why were some parts ingested and others weren’t.”

“And others tossed back out,” Ellen said. “On purpose or do you think whatever did this involuntarily rejected it?”

“Hard to say. We still don’t know what we’re dealing with.”

Ellen stopped in her look to the microscope. “Dean.”

“El.” He held up his hand. “We don’t know.”

“We think.”

“We aren’t sure.” Dean nodded then pointed. “Keep it that way until we are conclusive. Understand?”

“Is it right?”

“It’s wrong if we let it out before we know. Trust me. Remember, people can be cruel.”

Ellen agreed with a trace of sadness.

“And, El, whenever I leave, if the results are not finished, you have to work hard to prove, without a doubt, what it was that got Marv. O.K.?”

Ellen nodded slowly.

“Good. I know you have enough work as it is. I’m positive with Jeremy in containment and your UWA guy heading back home today, once I’m gone, Henry will move you full time to research. I know you don’t want that but it has to be that way.”

“I know.” Ellen’s hand touched the microscope, hesitating to do her work. “And I know it won’t be long before you come back.”

“Let’s hope.” Dean kissed her again. “But . . . .deal with everything as if I am not. Got it. You follow the priority list. Which is?”

“Are you testing me?” Ellen asked.

“Yep. Go over it one more time.”

“O.K.,.” Ellen took a breath and faced Dean. “As of this date, if you leave . . .” Another breath. “Freezer case in the special lab is always top priority. Bi -hourly checks.” She watched Dean nod. “In between, two hours a day, Marv stuff. Two hours clinic lab work. An hour patient work, unless there’s an emergency, the rest biological, genetic and viral work, including meds.”

“Good.” Dean kissed her. “I made a complete daily schedule for you. It can help you get into a routine.”

“You didn’t include bathroom breaks, did you?”

Dean paused,. “Um . . . no, El.”

“You did.” She laughed. “So anal.” She turned to go back to the microscope.

Dean grabbed her arm. “I’m just preparing. That’s all. We work too hard. You know what you can give Johnny to help on and you know what you can’t.”

“I know.” Ellen leaned into him, kissing him softly, “But can we just not talk about this anymore? Please. I just don’t want to talk about you leaving.”

“All right.” Dean spoke softly and stood side by side with her. “Hey, maybe Frank escaped and that’s why we haven’t heard from George.”

“Maybe.” Ellen smiled at that thought. “And then all this planning will be obsolete.” She held up crossed fingers. “Let’s hope.”

Dean gripped those fingers, squeezed gently then lowered them, holding on. He stared at her making deep eye contact. “Let’s hope. As for now . . .” He released her fingers and placed them on the microscope. “Let’s work on regurgitated brains. Shall we?”

Ellen giggled, shifted her eyes to Dean and then they both--not less the sarcastic intelligent jokes--began to work on Marv’s brain.

^^^^

It was just Henry and Joe in Joe’s office. Or Henry’s office now. But Joe sat in his usual behind the desk position and Henry sat across, a chair pulled close to the desk as they reviewed things together.

Joe only raised his eyes from his reading. “Henry.” He spoke his name in a scolding but soft manner.

“O.K., O.K.” Henry held up his hand. “But Joe you have to admit.”

“Admit what? Henry, it is not be a ‘GQ’ leader. It’s be a good leader.”

“My hair looks good then, huh?’

“Henry.”

“Joe, shouldn’t I be sitting in that seat.”

“Henry.”

“O.K.” Henry tapped his fingers and lifted a sheet of paper. “How often will I get a John Matoose report to review?”

“Once or twice a week,” Joe answered.

“Who will give them to me?”

“I will.”

“So you follow John?”

Joe made a snarling face. “When in Christ’s name do I have time to followed John?”

“Now, you’re retired.”

‘But the reports have been coming in for some time. No. It’s not me,” Joe said, annoyed.

“Robbie?”

“No.”

“Ellen.”

“No.”

“Dean.”

“Henry!” Joe slammed his hand. “I will not divulge my secret spies. Got that?”

“But, Joe, I’m leader and I should . . .” Henry saw Joe was not amused. “I should not know who they are. Definitely.”

“Henry.” Joe flipped a page of the computer printout he reviewed. “I’m looking and I don’t see it.”

“See what?”

“Any history past the time when the Regressionator safeguard was placed in.”

“Joe, it was safeguarded.”

“Still.” Joe reviewed. “Just in case, it should be here.”

“Nothing’s there.” Henry shook his head. “Dean and I reviewed and figured why waste the paper. If anything happened, it happened prior to the safeguard.”

Joe nodded. “I see. And gut instincts on Jason?”

“He’s weird, Joe.”

“No,” Joe huffed. “That’s not what I meant. You heard him speak. You were there. What are your gut instincts about him?”

“I told you, I think . . .”

“Henry.” Joe held up his hand. “If you say he’s weird, I’m gonna reach across the goddamn table and hit you. I’m talking about him being a suspect.”

“Oh.” Henry let out a breath. “Well, you know what he said when he slipped up to me and Dean.”

Joe shook his head. “You can’t say it’s a slip up. How do we know he doesn’t know about John and he may have been referring to Rev. Thomas too.” Joe picked up a pen and closed the Regressionator history. “I’ll review this later.”

“Did you say anything to Andrea about those letters she mailed?”

“No, not yet. I will. Before I do, I want to set it up that I have the house alone and do a complete search of her things.”

“Oh good idea. Robbie is searching Rev. Bob. You’re searching Andrea. Hey . . .” Henry scratched his head. “What am I gonna do?”

Joe slid a paper to him. “You’ll file this John Matoose report. You’ll need the silver key, Henry. That drawer is locked.”

“O.K.” Henry grabbed the report and walked to the two filing cabinets by the door. He moved to the second  and bent down to the last drawer. As he unlocked it, there was a knock at the office door.

Instinctively Joe called out as he was standing. “Come in.”

The door opened slowly and Maura walked in. “Mr. Slagel, are you alone?”

Joe shifted his eyes to Henry. “Um yeah, Maura, what can I do for you?”

Henry, without shutting the cabinet, moved to the side of it and slouched down, staying concealed.

Maura seemed nervous, wringing her hands and peering outside to her mother who waited.

“Did you want to shut the door?” Joe asked.

“Oh, no, mother said she needs to see me.”

Joe flashed a fake smile to Gemma while grumbling then smiled at Maura. “What’s up?”

“I’ve been, I’ve been thinking about what you said. You know about Rev. Bob.”

“And?”

“And he trusts me Mr. Slagel. But . . . but . . .” She sort of stomped her foot. “I could not find that passage anywhere in Proverbs.”

“Oh.” Joe nodded. “That’s because I’m Catholic and it’s in our Bible. I’ll show you.”

Maura innocently held up her hand. “No need. I thought about it and figured I’ll tell you what I can, but you have to promise me you won’t tell him I told you.”

“O.K.,” Joe said.

“Promise me, Mr. Slagel. My mother said you’re a man of your word. Promise me.”

“Yeah, yeah. You didn’t tell your mom, did you?”

“Oh no. That would be awful. I just told her it had to do with the Neville competition.”

“Good.” Joe waved his hand to her to hurry Maura. “You were saying?”

“Rev. Bob had one last name for a really long time. His whole life. Then a family member, a cousin I think, dragged him into something years and years before the plague. He didn’t know he was being drug in and he fought with his cousin.” Maura explained with passion. “He said he felt shame being associated with the name and he changed it a few years before the plague. I saw the legal document.”

“Did he tell you who his cousin was?”

“No.” She shook her head. “But he showed me the document.”

“Did he tell you why he kept the document?”

“Yes. In case anyone needed to see it. I didn’t tell him you wanted to know. He’s playing fair and square, Mr. Slagel.”

“Yes he is,” Joe said, pacifying. “Thank you, Maura. I appreciate this.”

“Whew.” She looked relived. “You’re welcome. I just didn’t want to burn in hell like that Catholic passage said I would. O.K., that’s it. Bye .” She hurried out of Joe’s office ,pulling the door closed quickly.

Moaning in pain, Henry emerged from behind the file cabinet. “Ow, my knees.” He walked sort of hunched, his knees were still bent.

Joe flicked a wave to Henry with a grunt. He lifted the history stack. “Well, I’m out of here. I’ve things to do at distribution. Henry, get back to me about those runs.” Joe walked to the office door.

“Joe.” Henry moved slowly like a crippled old man. “Wait.”

“Christ, Henry.” Tucking the stack under his arm, Joe moved behind Henry and straightened him up quickly. Henry screamed. Joe laughed and swatted him on the back. “See ya.”

“Joe. Did you really tell that little girl she would burn in hell if she didn’t tell you the truth?”

Joe chuckled as he opened the door. “Nah Henry.”

Henry let out a long relief sigh. “Thank God.”

“No.” Joe stepped out, pulled the door closed, opened it and popped his head back in with a grin. “I believe my exact words to her were, ‘burn in eternal damnation’.” Flashing another grin, Joe waved, and left.

Henry’s hand met his forehead with a slap at the same time the door closed. He firmly ran his hand down across the bridge of his nose then his mouth, and eventually dragging his bottom lip a little. Oddly, Henry pulled his hand away and stared at his palm. “I just ran my hand down my face. Joe does that all the time. I don’t think I’ve ever done that.” Again, he looked at his hand only this time looking a bit horrified. “The first official day as leader. . . . Oh my God. I’m turning into Joe.”

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

“Leonard has had a stroke.” Dr. Morris spoke to Frank and Richie as they stood at Leonard’s bedside.

“My God,” Frank gasped dramatically while he covered his mouth and stared at a still Leonard who laid on his back, arms to his side, eyes wide open and shifting. “A man so young. So virile, so . . .emf.” Frank felt the nudge of Richie. “Poor thing.”

“Yes.” Dr. Morris swayed his head. “Only forty-two.”

“He is forty?” Frank whistled. “Wouldn’t know it.”

“No. I’m surprised he survive this stroke.”

“His stress level must have been high,” Richie suggested.

“Oh yes.” Dr. Morris said. “A man in his leadership position has very high stress.”

Frank closed his mouth tightly and shook his head. “Well, I’ll have to do everything I can to help out now. I . . .” Frank’s voice cracked. “Excuse me. I’m . . .” Frank grabbed hold of his own throat. “I’m a bit choked up. We were getting rather close.”

“I see.” Dr. Morris said. “I’ll leave you to visit. Make sure you talk to him and encourage him to fight his way out of this.”

“Oh, I will. Thank you.” Frank watched Dr. Morris leave. He smiled at Richie then moved closer to the bed, leaning down to Leonard and surprising even Richie by is singing--pretty good too--a Bruce Springsteen Song. “Cause I’m Trapped. Ooh yeah, yeah, yeah. Trapped! Ooh yeah, yeah-ah.!” Frank grinned.

“Colonel Slagel,” Leonard spoke his name with a jolting edge bringing Frank out of the day dream he had slipped into during their meeting. “Colonel Slagel.”

Frank snapped forward in his chair. The huge grin was still plastered across his face. “Huh?”

“Why are you smiling at me?”

“I’m smiling?”

“Yes and staring.”

“I’m staring too?”

“Yes!”

“I was uh . . . .” Frank folded his hands and leaned into his desk. He cleared his throat loudly and drew up a serious expression. “Has anyone ever told you how attractive of a man you are.” Frank raised one eyebrow.

“Ex . . . . excuse me?” Shocked and taken aback was written all over Leonard’s face.

“That’s why I was smiling. I’m taken by you.” Frank stated. “Very taken by your . . .” He watched Leonard stand up. “Hey, where you going?”

“I think I should be leaving.” Leonard spoke nervously as he hurried to the door. “I uh . . . I have things and preparations to uh do. Good day, Colonel.”

“Yeah but I’m not done complimenting . . . .” Frank’s door shut and Frank leaned back in his chair, smiling. He cupped his hands behind his head and rocked back and forth in confidence. He knew now if the Salicain plan didn’t pan out, he knew of another way to get Leonard to stay away from him.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

“I bet you’re more than ready to go home,” Ellen stated to the UWA soldier who was sitting on his hospital bed.

“Yes.” The soldier smiled and looked at Dean and Rev. Bob who was also in the room. “Not that you don’t treat me well.”

“You must finish the final wave of medication,” Ellen instructed. “I’m informing Blue that I gave it to Hal.”

“Yes, Doctor.”

Rev. Bob spoke up. “And you’ll tell the preacher in your community that I look forward to our meeting up with him?”

“Fr. Bryce. Yes.” The soldier nodded. “He’s a Catholic priest. I’m sure he’ll love to meet you as well.”

Dean snickered. “Wait until Joe hears.” He looked at his watch. “I let you guys finish up. El, I’m uh heading to see the kids for a lunch. O.K.?”

Ellen looked up from the chart. “Kiss them for me.”

“Bye.” Dean walked to the door.

“Oh Dean?” Ellen called him.

“Yes.” He slid to a stop in the doorway.

“Tell Andrea I think she needed you to do something, I’m not sure. She had said something earlier.”

“Got it.” With another hurried wave, Dean walked away from the room and down the hall. He turned the bend to the main entrance hall and approached his lab. The door was open and Andrea, Jason, and Johnny were seated inside. “Andrea? Did you need me for anything.”

Andrea looked up from what appeared to be a fun conversation instead of business. She smiled. “Not anymore, Dean. Thanks.”

“O.K., I’ll be back. I’m heading to the school to have lunch with the kids.” He waved to Andrea, Jason, and Johnny and moved down the hall to the main door. Again, Dean waved, but this time to Henry as he pushed open the glass door. “Hey Henry, I thought you were the big leader now.” Dean looked down at the tool box. “Why are you fixing this hinge again?”

“I feel useless not fixing something so I thought I’d tighten this up again. Robbie seems to have taken Frank’s place. Where you headed?”

“Having lunch my kids. I promised Alexandra I would. I’ve been so busy.”

“Have fun.”

Dean nearly trotted in an upbeat manner to the school. He didn’t know why  his spirits were up, but if Dean realized his good day was close to going sour, he would have basked in the good mood he carried to the school with him.

^^^^

Bowman, ND

“Waverley and Brimson?” Sgt. Ryder asked Blue.

“Yes.” Blue reviewed his notes and nodded.

“I understand what Waverley did, but Brimson?”

“The horse incident,” Blue explained. “Hawk was tossed. His foot got caught and Brimson ran in, stopping the horse and freeing Hawk. He also broke his pinky finger.”

“O.K.” Sgt. Ryder signed the paper. “The witnesses attested to that? Brimson tends to exaggerate.”

‘They attested.”

“All right. Give this to Gr . . . Gr . . .”

“Grace.”

“Yes and then we’ll ship them up to Beginnings next run up.”

“Got it.” As Blue gathered his Neville documents and stood up, the door to Hal’s office opened and a private rushed in. Blue turned his head to Sgt. Ryder. “Elliot, you can certainly tell they know Captain Slagel is away.”

Sgt, Ryder stood up. “Private, is this an emergency?”

“Yes sir.” The private was out of breath. “The . . . the Nebraska scouts have returned.”

“Already?” Sgt. Ryder questioned as he walked around the desk. “They aren’t due back till next week. What’s wrong?”

“No sir.” The private smiled. “You should ask what’s right. They brought with them three of our five missing soldiers from the Anderson farm.”

The private’s words were barely finished and Sgt. Ryder rushed by him and Blue and was out the door.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Alexandra giggled as she played with her father’s bangs, sitting on his lap at the park. “Daddy, you need a haircut.” She held them back off his forehead and kissed Dean.

“You sound like Mommy.”

“Can I put your hair in a ponytail?”

“No.” Dean shook his head as her little hands laid on his cheeks. “My hair isn’t that long.”

“On top it is.”

“Alex.” Dean spoke then heard his phone ring. “Hold on, sweetie.” He unhooked his phone from his belt. “Yeah?”

“The time has come.”

Dean’s heart dropped and his eyes closed. He lifted Alexandra from him.

“You’re not speaking.”

“What do you want me to say?” Dean asked.

“I guess nothing. I’ll speak and you’ll listen to me carefully. The perimeters go down for a daily check. You are to be at the back gate at 12:47 a.m. That is when that perimeter goes down. It’ll be down for three minutes,” George explained. “You will walk out. Be there, Dean. I have people waiting.”

The lump in Dean’s throat was so large he could barely speak. “Tonight?”

“Tonight. Bring with you what you need and leave a note for your wife to show around. You left for the Society. Make it good and make sure no one follows you. No one, or say goodbye to that cozy little house and all its occupants tonight. Fires can be deadly. Trust me, I’ll know if someone is following you. I have that covered. Or . . . how else did I know you were having lunch with your children right now.”

“I’ll be there. Will I be going to see . . .”

“Frank? Yes. Goodbye, Dean. I look forward to having you aboard. I won’t be there to greet you. My people will but I’ll be along shortly.” George hung up.

Dean was so deep in thought. Slowly, Dean brought the phone away from his ear and stared at it, hanging up. He was so engrossed that the hand that laid on his back caused him to jump a foot in the air and fumble his phone. Dean bent down, quickly catching it before it crashed to the ground.

“Dean?” Joe looked at him.

Dean was breathing heavily. His face was pale and he looked confused.

“Dean, are you all right?”

“No. No Joe.” Dean blinked several times. “Could . . . could you see the kids back to school.” Running his fingers through his hair, he backed up.

“Dean?”

“I . . .. I have to find El.” He spoke in a near daze. “I have to find El.”

“Dean.” Joe grabbed a hold of Dean’s shoulder and turned him around. “What’s wrong?”

Dean held up the phone slowly. “It . . . . it was George.” Dean’s voice quivered with emotions. “I . . . I . . .” Dean swallowed and glanced his views to his happy and playing children. “I leave tonight. I leave tonight.” Without saying anything else, Dean turned back around and headed to the clinic.

“Dear God.” Joe whispered and ran his hand over his face slowly as he watched Dean. Pummeled by news he did not expect, Joe pulled himself together, placed on a ‘Pap-Pap’ smile and turned around from watching Dean and walked over to join his grandchildren.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Bowman, North Dakota

“Elliott, you missed me.” Hal grinned and joked as he stepped from his truck, spreading his arms wide to a very happy looking Sgt. Ryder. “Look, you’re glowing.”

Sgt. Ryder swatted Hal’s reach away. “I’m happy, but not about you.”

“I’m crushed.”

“I take it the trip to Beginnings was successful and fun.”

“Yes.”

“How is the new leader working out?”

Hal laughed. “We’ll have to talk about that. How were things here?”

“Great.”

“Great?” Hal questioned.

“Great. Follow me.” Sgt. Ryder led the way.

“Oh my God.” Hal spoke in awe and near whisper after peeking into the hospital room where Link, Kyle, and Ted were. “Our scouts stumbled upon them?”

“Yes.”

“Amazing.” Hal peeked back in. “They look bad.”

“Well, the Society beat them, starved them, and they walked a lot. Otherwise, Blue said they’ll be just fine.”

“What did they tell you? Where were they?” Hal questioned.

“Maybe you should hear it from them.” Sgt. Ryder pointed into the room. “You need to hear what they have to say.”

“Thank you.” Hal knocked on the archway and stepped in the room. “Gentlemen, welcome home.” Nodding his head to all three of their thank yous, Hal pulled up a chair. “I know you already told Sgt. Ryder, but . . . but can you tell me. What happened?”

Link spoke up first. “We were fighting the Society when they over took us. We didn’t even know that our man got away with the woman from Beginnings until Sgt, Ryder informed us. They took us from one camp to the final one.”

Kyle continued the story. “They wanted to know about us and our camp. They beat us in interrogations every day. Finally we lied to them and sent them on a wild goose chase. Unfortunately . . .”

Hal nodded. “Not without the risk of one of your lives. William or Jeff?”

“Jeff.” Ted answered. “William died at Anderson Farm.”

“I see. How did you escape?” Hal questioned.

“The Beginnings man freed us.”

“Frank?” Hal smiled “You saw Frank? How is he?”

“He’s fine,” Kyle said.

“I must tell you Frank is my . . .”

“Man!” Link complained loudly, not hearing Hal. “The man is an asshole, telling us we can walk home. Him and his bad ass attitude. Like he’s all that. What the hell was up with that shit?”

“Yeah.” Ted agreed. “Did he give us food? No. He took our uniforms and gave us weird clothes to wear.”

“Funky clothes,” Kyle stated. “And bad shoes. We couldn’t even keep our boots. What were you saying about him, Captain?”

“Um . . .” Hal smiled just slightly. “Um . . . I heard about him up in Beginnings.”

Link fluttered his lips loudly. “Bet they don’t like him either. The man freed us but he could have helped us.”

Hal nodded slowly as he stood up. “Well.” He cleared his throat. “I’ll let you men get some rest. We’ll talk tomorrow.” Falsely, Hal stayed chipper and left the room. He pulled the door closed as he stepped into the hall and to an awaiting and smirking Sgt. Ryder. “You knew what they were going to say, didn’t you?”

“No. No. So, why didn’t you tell them Frank was your brother?”

“Are you nuts?” Hal started walking with him. “They hate him. I need my respect. And right now for as badly as they feel about him, I don’t want that rubbing off on me.”

“Has Frank always been like that?”

“Yes.” Hal said strongly. “Always. His entire life. I should have expected no less. After all, he was the big trouble maker and instigator in the family.”

“You don’t say,” Sgt. Ryder commented with a shadow of doubt to his tone. But since he didn’t know any better, he took Hal’s word for it and continued to listen to Hal gripe about Frank for the next thirty minutes.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

Although Frank knew something could have gone wrong, he felt strongly that it didn’t, so he waited outside the building where the labs were. Hanging in the darkness like some sort of criminal, he watched the lights finally go out in the building--for the second time. When they went out the first time he was certain it was safe to send Richie inside. But no sooner had he done that, the scientist returned. How was Frank to know they only took a break for a late dinner.

Knowing it was getting late and the chances were good that it was an all clear, Frank walked into the lab building.

He made it to the main lab, unlocking the door with his own keys. “Richie.” He called out in a whisper. “Richie.” Frank saw nothing.

Remembering what Richie told him about the back lab being located off of the cooler room, he headed back there. “Richie,” he continued to call in the darkness and then Frank heard it. A light banging. It seemed to come from that lab Richie had told him about.

“Look at this shit.” Frank placed his hands on his hips and looked around. “Is this decked out or what? This has to be for the bigwig. A desk . . .” He stopped when he heard the banging again. “What is that?” Scratching his head, Frank listened in to locate it when he saw the silver fridge sitting on the counter. “Oh, the Salicain.” His hand reached for the handle when again, he heard the banging. It was close to him, under him, and Frank squatted down. There was a cabinet under there with a large door. Frank placed his ear near there, hearing the light bang. Seeing the latch on the cabinet, Frank undid it and pulled on the door. The second it opened was the second Richie rolled out of the cabinet and on to the floor.

“Frank.” Richie stood up.

“What the hell are you doing in there?”

“I was stuck.”

“How did that happen?” Frank asked.

“They came back, Frank, like two minutes after you sent me in here. I had to hide. They latched it when I was in there.”

“Did they see you?”

“No.” Richie shook his head.

“Good.” Frank patted him on the back. “Did you get the Salicain.”

“No, they came in too fast.”

“Not a problem.” Frank pointed to the fridge and pulled on the handle. Locked. “Fuck.”

“Sorry, Frank.”

“No. That’s O.K.” Frank ran his hand over the top of his head and through his hair. “If we can’t get it, I think I have a back up for getting nosey fuckin Leo off my back.”

“Well I got news for you Frank. You better set whatever that plan is in motion and set it in motion fast.”

“Oh . . .uh . . . why is that?”

“Because I overheard them talking.” Richie said frantic. “Things are gonna get tight. That big shot all the hoopla is about. He arrives tomorrow.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

“Thank you.” Joe hung up the call and turned to face those who gathered in Robbie’s living room. Robbie sat slumped on one end of the couch, Jess in the chair, and Dean and Ellen huddled so close, holding hands and leaning forward, they nearly shared a cushion. “O.K.” Joe spoke to them. “So we may not have to depend on Danny’s tracking anyhow. We’ll use it for Dean but we now know where Frank is.”

The gloom disappeared and all of them looked up at Joe.

“Binghamton, Alabama. A reserve base there.” Joe walked over and sat on the chair.

“How do you know where Frank is?” Robbie asked.

“Three of the UWA soldiers that helped him and Ellen were taken with him.” Joe explained. “He helped them escape.”

Robbie was curious. “Helped them escape. What about himself?”

Joe held up his hands. “They don’t know why he wouldn’t go. They asked him and he said nothing. Hal said they complained about him. Nothing new.” Joe reached into his pocket, grabbing a cigarette. “Dean leaves in four hours. They are going to go home and so am I. Jess and Robbie, you two head down to the social hall, mingle, do whatever. At 12:20 I want you two to leave, go the long way around to the living section, and watch the house for anyone. Got that.”

“Dad.” Robbie spoke up. “Why can’t I just follow Dean? Let me follow him to the gate. He can go but maybe I can see who will be tailing him. See George’s guy.”

“No,” Dean spoke up, clenching tightly to Ellen’s hand and looking as if he were dying inside. “I won’t take even the slightest chance with my family. Not the slightest, Robbie. It goes as planned. You and Jess watch my house while I leave.” He brought Ellen’s hand to his mouth, keeping it there, running his lips over it as he rocked back and forth.

“This is ridiculous.” Robbie stood up. “I can’t believe we’re just letting him walk out our gates. We’re handing Dean over.” Robbie’s voice was high and filled with emotion. “I know why we’re doing it, but Frank can take care of himself. We’ll watch the kids and Ellen. We’ll guard them with our lives. Let’s just send Jess to Binghamton, scout out the area, and get Frank.”

“And what?” Joe questioned. “Chance Dean not going out to that gate? Chance them shooting Frank on the spot down there? He’s the bargaining tool or one of them. If Dean doesn’t go, there are no guarantees for Frank, or worse, Ellen and the kids. Guard them, Robbie? From who?” Joe questioned. “Do you know? Do I know? No. We don’t even know who or where it would come from. Guarding blind is not smart. I don’t want Dean to walk out into George’s hands anymore than you do, but we all know he has too.” Joe stood up and paced. “We have him covered. The tracking device is hooked up to the communications room map. The bug is attached to Dean’s jeans. We’re good. We wait until the signal stops and we drop Jess near there. He scouts, takes pictures, and then we go back and get him. In a matter of a week, we have Dean and Frank back.” Joe sounded so certain. “Dean, we’ll have you back. I promise you with my life. Trust me. Just . . . trust me.”

“I do, Joe.” Dean closed his eyes briefly and held Ellen’s hand he stood up. “But right now I’d like to spend these last couple hours alone with my wife and kids.”

“I understand.” Slowly Joe nodded his head once. He laid his hand on Dean’s shoulder “We are with you out there. We’re watching you. You are not alone.” He placed his face close to Dean’s. “You are not alone.” Joe dropped his voice. “Take care of yourself for us.” As Dean passed him, Joe laid his hand on Ellen’s cheek and kissed her.

Robbie walked before Dean and extended his hand. “Be careful. I mean it,” he said with more seriousness than Dean had ever seen.

Dean shook his hand firmly. “I will. Watch my family.”

“With my life, Dean.” Robbie stepped back and out of the way.

Dean gave one more closed mouth and silent nod to everyone, then sadly he led Ellen from Robbie’s home.

^^^^

Quantico Marine Headquarters

No sooner had George placed on his favorite pair of blue checkered pajamas and turned off his bedroom light, than his phone rang. George stared at the receiver as it set on the night stand, calming himself before he picked it back up. He wanted to lash out, scream at Leonard for calling him, but seeing how it could have been important, George waited until his anger subsided.

He lifted the receiver to his ear. “Just for the record, Leonard, it’s midnight on this side of the country.”

“Yes, I know, but this is . . . is important,” Leonard told him. “It’s uh . . . . about Colonel Slagel. This Frank guy.”

“What about him.”

“Sir.” There was hesitation. “Sir, he . . .”

“Spit it out.”

“He frightens me, sir.”

“Yeah, so.”

“So he uh . . . . he uh . . . he . . .”

“Leonard!”

“He’s gay, sir.”

George rubbed his eyes. “He’s not gay.”

“Sir, he um . . . complimented my appearance.”

George hid his snicker. “It’s not a gay thing, Leonard, it’s a sexual necessity. Obviously though, with the amnesia, it must be something he had in him way before he and Henry had their thing. Now tell me how this is a risk to the Society?”

“It isn’t.” Leonard said.

“So where’s the problem?”

“I think he’s attracted to me.”

“Turn him down for crying out loud. He is not the first gay man you have run into. It’s common.”

“But uh . . . he uh is the first one that is as large as he is. What if he wants me?”

“Keep your distance. O.K. Now I’d like to hit the hay, Leonard. Don’t bother me anymore for this stupid shit. The only reason I don’t have your ass fired for this is because it amused me.”

“Yes, sir.”

George prepared to hang up but stopped. “And if it’s any consolation, I wouldn’t want him behind me either.” Leaving that as his last words, George hung up, enjoyed a moment of laughter, then finally crawled into bed.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Ellen’s eyes stayed focused on Dean’s shaking hands as he placed a photo of her and the kids into his duffel bag. She held the sheet close to her nude body, sitting in bed, her heart pounding as she watched him.  The expression on his face was so sad. His head stayed down, his growing hair falling forward. Packing slowly as if he just hesitated a moment longer, his leaving may not have to occur.

“Dean.” The ‘zip’ of the duffel bag went straight through Ellen from her stomach to her heart.

Quietly he lifted the bag and placed it on the floor by the foot of the bed. He reached for his shirt, grabbed it, and walked up to Ellen. “I have to be going soon.”

“Not yet. We still have time.”

An emotional single laugh came from Dean. “Still have time,” he spoke softly and sat on the bed.

“We still have time.” Her hand ran up his bare chest, moved to his neck, and pulled him to her. “Spend just a few more moments with me, please. I need to be close to you again.”

Dean closed his eyes and softly grazed his lips against hers. “If I crawl back in this bed with you, I won’t wanna leave.”

“You don’t wanna leave anyhow.” Ellen pulled at him. “Just one more moment.” Her lips parted his as she laid back.

Following Ellen’s lead, Dean brought his knee up to the bed and his body down to hers. Softly he kissed her. His bare chest met hers and he wrapped his arms tightly around her. It was the first time in Dean’s entire life that he could actually recall his heart hurting as he made love to Ellen. An ache filled him with each kiss, each move of his body. He made love to Ellen slowly and as if it would be his last time, holding her tight and trying to consume her in, as if he could take a piece of her with him. He needed so badly to steal something at that moment that would last, that he could carry with him and give him the strength to do what he had to do. Dean was so frightened, scared of what was going to happen to him. And he buried that, hiding it deep within him. Dean wanted nothing to ruin their final, tender goodbye.

^^^^

“Anything?” Jess asked Robbie as they sat deep in the underdeveloped section watching Dean’s house.

“Nope.” Robbie handed the infrared binoculars to Jess. “See if you can see anything.”

“I know what you’re thinking.” Jess lifted the binoculars to his eye level. “You’re thinking no one is watching Dean’s house, so no one will see me follow Dean.”

Robbie was silent.

“Robbie?”

“I have to do it.”

“You have to stay put.”

“What if . . . what if . . I follow Dean. I can do this. What if I see who it is working for George and take him or her out. Then the threat against Dean’s family is over and we go after Frank.”

“And what about what your father said?” Jess asked. “Huh? What about Frank?”

“Frank can take care of himself.”

“Not if they have a gun to his head right now waiting for the news that Dean is secure.” Jess lowered the binoculars. “This is the only way, Robbie.”

“No it’s not.” Robbie stood up.

“Sit down, Robbie,” Jess ordered.

“I have to do this.” Robbie started to walk.

“Robbie.” Jess stood up. “I am under orders from your father.”

“For what?” Robbie said with sarcasm as he moved. He stopped when he heard the clicking of a gun’s chamber. He slowly turned around to see Jess pointing a gun with a silencer on it at him. “What the hell, Jess?”

“I am under orders from your father to watch you and incapacitate you if you interfere.”

“You wouldn’t.”

Jess held the gun steady in an aim at Robbie’s leg. “Robbie, you’re my friend. I care about you. But if you come close to jeopardizing the lives of those kids in that house, I will do what I have to do to protect them first.”

“You’re fucked. You know that.”

“Yeah well, the world’s fucked. The whole situation is fucked. But that doesn’t mean we can take matters into our own hands, especially when innocent lives are at stake. Sit down, Robbie, and watch the house with me.”

Robbie closed his eyes. “Jess.”

“Sit down, Robbie.”

Letting out a long huff, Robbie tossed his hands up and moved back to where he was. “I won’t forget this, pulling a fuckin gun on me.”

Jess put the gun away into his harness. He sat down at the same time as Robbie did. He handed Robbie the binoculars.

Robbie snatched them from his hand. He was angry, he was bitter, but he would do exactly what he was supposed to do, especially after realizing Jess was dead serious. But then so was the situation that was about to go down.

^^^^

Billy was the last kid Dean kissed. His lips stayed upon Billy’s cheek for the longest of time, smelling his son, whispering to the sleeping child how much he loved him and would miss him. Dean’s heart was breaking.

Painfully Ellen watched him. She held her arms tightly to her body trying so desperately to stop herself from shaking. Her body quivered from top to bottom. She felt so cold and her heart beat strongly. Her breath escaped her when Dean laid his hand on her cheek, picked up his duffle bag outside of Billy’s bedroom then walked without saying anything to the living room.

“Dean!” Ellen raced after him. He was reaching for the door. “Oh God.” She flew forward, slamming it shut with her body. “What are you doing?”

“Ellen.” He closed his eyes. “Please. I can’t say goodbye. Please just let me walk out.”

“Don’t you leave without saying goodbye to me. Don’t you do it. Look at me.”

Dean lowered his head.

“Dean.” She reached her shaking hand for his chin. “I love you,” she spoke softly and with passion. “Don’t think a minute or second of the day isn’t going to go by without me thinking of you. My heart’s breaking. Don’t leave without looking at me and saying goodbye.” There was silence. “Please.” It was so quiet their breathing was actually heard. “Please.”

Dean swallowed. Feeling her breath and hearing her words, he dropped the duffel bag with a thump to the floor, and Dean grabbed hold of Ellen. With such force, he pulled her into him, wrapping his arms around her, exhaling an aching moan as her body touched his and his face pressed to hers. “El, I love you. I love you so much.”

A single sob came from Ellen as her fists clenched his shirt wanting to hold him there forever.

“I have to go.” He laid his lips to her cheek. “I have to go.” Dean stepped back, running his hand across her face, feeling her tear that fell across his hand.

Ellen shivered, sniffling hard as she watched Dean pick up his bag, toss it over his shoulder and reach for the door handle. “Dean. I love you.”

Dean opened the door and took one long look at Ellen. He paused before leaving, reached out his hand, clenched behind her neck, and pulled her back to him. He pressed his lips hard to hers. He kissed her long and with emotion, putting everything his heart felt into that one single goodbye kiss. Softly he released her, sliding his fingers across her cheek. “I love you. Goodbye, El.” While his strength to do it was up, Dean turned away from her and walked out the door, pulling it closed behind him.

“Dean.” The second the door closed, Ellen dropped into it. Filled with so much hurt, she laid her forehead to it and pounded her fist once against the wood. “Goodbye.”

^^^^

Quantico Marine Headquarters

George had set his alarm so as to be awake when the call came. Sitting on the edge of his bed, the light on, he jumped from his skin with excitement when the phone rang. “Yes,” he spoke rapidly. “Yes, he’s on his way to the gate?” George closed his eyes in gratefulness. “You stay back, you hear. You don’t let a soul see you at all. No, it’s too risky, trust me . . . No.” George shook his head. “I don’t care if it’s clear. You take top priority with me. I told you this before. I love you. You know that. With you, I take no chances.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Timed perfectly as instructed, Dean stood by the unlocked back gate. It set some up on a hill and he turned around, taking one more long last look at the home he was about to leave. The buzzing of the perimeter shutting down for the nightly check jolted Dean as if he touched the electricity of it. When the buzzing finished, he pushed on the gate, stepping through and closing it. So strongly his heart beat and Dean could not breath.

He stood alone. He heard nothing. He saw nothing.

Just as he began to think that something had gone wrong, plans had suddenly changed, he heard a quick shuffle of leaves behind him. Before Dean could turn around, he heard a popping sound and felt a strong painful pinch hit to the back of his neck. A burning made him cringe and an unbearable pain filled his head as he felt the hot liquid move through the veins of his neck. The dark back gate area spun around him and  grew even darker. Out of focus and blurry, Dean’s eyes felt heavy, his legs felt weak. The duffle bag slipped from Dean’s shoulder and fell to the ground. Within seconds of that . . . so did Dean.

HEROES . . .

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

September 25

Beginnings, Montana

With a gasping breath, Ellen sat straight up on the couch, suddenly awoken from her sleep. She looked at her watched and sadly moaned, closing her eyes as if the time caused her pain.

“You’re up?” Robbie walked from the hall into the living room. His hair was wet. He was dressed neatly and ready for work. “Why don’t you lay back down?”

“I can’t.” Ellen stood up from the couch. “I didn’t even mean to fall asleep. I didn’t want to, not last night.”

“I made coffee. You want some?” Robbie asked, watched Ellen nod, and moved toward the kitchen. His stride slowed when he saw the note, Dean’s note, on the breakfast counter. “When are you showing this to Henry?”

Ellen ran her fingers through her hair, walked to the breakfast counter, and sat on a stool. “Do I have to?”

“El.” Robbie poured her a cup of coffee, laying it in front of her.

“I know. I know. This morning. I’m calling him to come over.” She lifted her coffee. “What time did Jess leave last night? I fell asleep.”

Robbie snickered. “So did I. Remember I went to bed while you guys were watching that old movie.”

“How are you going to explain his leaving?” Ellen asked.

“Everyone in Beginnings knows about his family and how most of them survived. He already filed papers with my Dad asking for permission to visit a small town in Canada where other family members lived.”

“Robbie, that’s really dumb. Who’s gonna buy it?”

“Who cares.” Robbie brought the ‘traveling’ tin cup, as he called it, to his lips. “I’d better get to work. I have to start working on a security team to go with my Dad on the run.” Robbie walked from the kitchen and kissed Ellen on the forehead. “I’ll check in with you all day. O.K.?”

“O.K.” She grabbed his hand as he stepped back. “You’re bringing some things over tonight, right?”

“Yep. El,” Robbie lowered his voice. “Dean is fine.”

“I’ll feel better when I get his phone call. I know it.”

“Just don’t change the demeanor too much. And get mad.” Robbie made a growling face which caused Ellen to laugh. “Got to go. Call Henry.” He pointed as he walked to the door. “And take a shower or something. Today you seek out a new man.”

Ellen closed her eyes, swaying her head as Robbie left. Though down, she enjoyed the little smile Robbie brought to her face, but that smile soon left her when she picked up her coffee mug and, for what seemed the hundredth time, reread Dean’s letter.

^^^^

Quantico Marine Headquarters

As if he were walking in a department store of soldiers, George paced himself slowly, hands behind his back as he moved through the lines and lines of motionless, standing, and staring soldiers. They could have been statues. They did not blink or seem to breath. Nodding his head with almost an approval, George approached Sgt. Landers who stood at the front of the gymnasium style building.

“Sergeant.”

“Mr. President.” Sgt. Landers saluted him.

“You can go ahead and move these men to programming. I want them shipped down to Binghamton day after tomorrow.”

“Yes sir.”

Nothing more was said by George. He walked slowly from the CME showcase and out of the building. Dean was on his way. Binghamton was well on its way to being one of the top five sites. That’s what they had planned, the military, the technology. There would be reluctance at first. George expected that, but he was also certain that would change. As soon as Dean saw what the Society was trying to accomplish  and he realized his family would be with him by Christmas, Dean’s whole outlook would change. Because Dean was a man who stayed where his priorities laid, and it wouldn’t be long by George’s time frame, that Dean’s priorities--his family--would be right alongside with him.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

Frank wanted to think that it amazed him when actually it amused him as he watched the men training in a field before him. He could see Leonard engaged in conversation with another ambassador and a Society sergeant. Leonard, who the day before was breathing so hard down Frank’s neck that moisture formed there, now was no closer than ten feet from Frank. He didn’t think his face showed his amusement. Obviously it did.

“What’s so funny?” Richie placed a clipboard in front of Frank. “Look like your signing this.”

“What is it?”

“Just sign it.”

“No. I shouldn’t sign anything.”

“Frank, it’s orders for me to be on guard patrol at the new scientist’s home.”

“Oh.” Frank lifted the pen and signed the form. “Did I order these? Just so I know.” Frank looked at Richie.

“Yes.”

“Good thinking.”

“Thanks.” Richie tucked the clipboard under his arm. “Me being the guard will enable me to stop by your house afterwards. That way no one is suspicious why I’m in the area. I’d better give these to the security Sergeant standing with Leonard. See ya, Frank.”

“You do that. Tell Leo I said hi.” Frank laughed.

Richie shook his head, carrying the clipboard, and made an apprehensive approach to Leonard, the other ambassador, and the Sergeant. “Excuse me, Sergeant. Colonel Slagel said to give you these orders. He wants me placed on the house detail list for the new arrival.”

Leonard intercepted the orders and looked at them. “Mr. Martin, the Sergeant here was just informing me that you were Colonel Slagel’s private assistant prior to my arrival. Is that true?”

“Um . . .” Richie shifted his eyes to the sergeant. “Yes.”

“He said you two were close.”

Richie swallowed. “Yes. See, we go back before the plague sir. President Hadley is aware of . . .”

“Why are you not his assistant now. Is it because of me?” Leonard asked.

“I think. I think with me being what I am . . . . you know . . . he didn’t want that to get in the middle of any relationship you two may have.”

“I see.” Leonard looked at the Sergeant and the ambassador. “Excuse us.” He placed a firm hand on Richie’s arm, leading him back to Frank.

“Shit. What did I do?” Richie asked him.

Leonard walked up behind Frank and tapped him on the shoulder with the clipboard. “Colonel Slagel.”

Frank turned around and smiled. “Leonard.”

Leonard handed Frank the clipboard. “You’re a busy man. I think perhaps it’s best that you reinstate Private Martin here as your assistant. You two were close before. Perhaps that is the best working relationship there can be. Think about it.” Leonard didn’t wait for a response. He walked away.

“Wow.” Richie grinned. “Frank, he like just handed me over to you. Wonder why he did that? He doesn’t even care that were close. He want us to be together.”

“I guess my plan to keep him away from me worked.”

“Sure did.” Richie smiled. “What was the plan? What did you do?”

“Made him think I was gay.”

Richie’s eyes widened as he watched Frank turn back around to supervise the training men. He didn’t know what to say, but he did know now why Leonard, the sergeant, and the other ambassadors were giving him them funny looks.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Dear Ellen,

You are probably wondering right now if I am at the clinic. If you go there, you’ll see I’m not. In fact ,by the time you get this note, I will be long gone from Beginnings. I didn’t want to leave you or the kids, but my work calls for me to be where it is needed most and I could do more with it. I was made an offer by the Society and I found myself in a position that I didn’t want to turn down. That’s where I will work now. That’s where I will live. I hope that one day, both sides can see eye to eye and then maybe, you and I can live together as a family, once again. I love you always. Dean.

Henry looked as if his heart were broken as he raised his eyes from Dean’s letter. The sensitivity he was feeling for Ellen reflected in his eyes as they glossed some in sadness. He looked so upset as he sat at the breakfast counter that Ellen couldn’t look at him. She just couldn’t face him and she turned her back.

“El.” Henry’s voice cracked. “El, I am so, so sorry.”

“Henry, I just don’t want to talk . . .”

“I wondered when you called me, why you sounded so down, and why you needed me here. Does anyone else know?”

Ellen shook her head. “I came to you first. The community is going to wonder. You’re the leader, Henry.”

“I’m your friend, El. I’m your friend.”

Ellen swallowed and turned to face him. Her insides shook staring at Henry.

“El, There has to be a mistake. O.K.” Henry held the note up. “I don’t believe Dean would do this.”

Follow the plan? Lie to Henry? Ellen tried to do it but the words failed to come from her mouth. Quickly she searched her mind for truthful words that would not give it all away. “No, Henry. He left for the Society. I know it.”

“How?”

“He was talking to George yesterday.”

Horrified, Henry turned instantly pale. “El, you have to . . .”

“I can’t talk anymore. Not now. O.K.? Not now.” Biting her bottom lip, Ellen hurried from the kitchen, pausing to look at Henry as she raced out of the room.

Like Ellen did earlier, only from a leader’s stand point, Henry read Dean’s letter.

^^^^

Poplar Bluff, Missouri

It had to be the jerk of the movement that caused Dean to finally open his eyes. He was lying on his side, yet his feet were on the floor. His hand rested against a velvety softness, and moving his eyes some, Dean saw the grey color. His senses began to kick in as he awakened more. The moving had a bit of shift to it. He heard the sound of an engine, but not a motor vehicle, but nothing gave it away to Dean more than the long loud whistle that blew.

“A train?” Dean said out loud and sat straight up. When he did he get glimpse of the small private compartment he was in, he was alone. He looked out the window to see the outdoors moving quickly by him. “I’m on a train?”

His stomach flipped and his head spun. So much nausea filled Dean at that moment that his mouth salivated and it took everything he had to keep from up heaving onto the floor. He felt as if he were feeling the effects of anesthesia. When that thought hit him, he remembered the pinch and he reached his hand behind his neck. His fingers felt the dried bump of blood and how tender the area was. He had been drugged and that was the injection site. He didn’t see it coming and by the time he heard it, it was over. Dean physically felt bad at that moment, wanting only to lay back down and go to sleep again. And if his stomach wasn’t sick enough, it became ten times worse when Dean looked at his watch and saw he had been away from home for eight and a half hours. How far away from them was he? He knew for sure it was further than he ever had been or ever wanted. And he would only get further away, because that train kept moving and it was moving fast.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

“Damn it.” John Matoose reached for his belt as he and Jenny sat in the ‘Joe’ park. “I forgot my radio.”

“How can you forget your radio, John? You wear it.”

“Yeah, but I was under the counter in the communications room with Danny, fixing the connections, and I took it off.”

“Just go get it after our little breakfast break.” Jenny handed John a muffin

“I really should get it now. Do you mind?” John asked.

“Hurry up. Forrest only teaches art for a half hour.” Jenny told him

“Be right back.” John kissed Jenny on the cheek and darted away.

Joe, Robbie, and Jess watched Dean’s tracking signal move steadily in the communications room.

Joe, staring at the wall map with one arm folded across his waist, spoke up. “He definitely is going that way. Hal.”

Hal’s voice came over the speaker. “So he looks like he’s heading to Frank.”

“Looks that way,” Joe stated.

“Then, really, preparation time for Jess’ trip should be minimal. I can get as much detail as possible from my men when it comes to location,” Hal said.

“That might not be a bad idea. Get what you can, but we still won’t know anything until that signal stops steady. Right now, the most we have seen it at a standstill is ten minutes.” Joe stepped back some and stared at the wall speaker.

“Steady, still signal then send Jess out to scout. Good idea. But here’s the problem I see, Dad,” Hal spoke. “ . . . Jess.”

Immediately Robbie looked at Jess then to the speaker on the wall as if he were going to be speaking to his brother. “What the fuck ,Hal?”

“No, Robbie, not what the fuck.” Hal came back. “He’s one man, Robbie. You think it’s wise to send one man alone out there to scout this reserve base? I don’t. I think it’s foolish and I have never sent a man out alone. Ever.”

Joe swayed his head to Robbie.

Robbie, whose arms were folded, lifted a hand. “What do you want me to do? I’d go but I can’t. I have security here to run.”

“Is there someone else you can trust?” Hal asked. “If not, let me send one of my men with Jess. They are actually quite proficient in scouting Society camps. It’s only a matter of making their minds snap back to the old world and adapt to your more technical surveillance ways.”

Robbie rolled his eyes at his brother’s words. “God, are you dramatic?”

“Excuse me?” Hal came back.

“Why couldn’t you just say, ‘my guys know how to scout Society camps. One should go with Jess.”

“Because there is more to it,” Hal defended.

“Like what?” Robbie asked. “They don’t remember how to use a camera? A camera, Hal, not a technical surveillance way.”

Hal remained big-brother calm. “Robbie, you’re irritated. You’re probably tired. I’m going to forget this tone you’re handing me, but make no bones about it, if I was there, I’d nail you.”

Robbie laughed. “With or without your sword, Hal?”

“Robert!” Joe yelled. “What the hell is with you? Huh.”

“Oh no.” Robbie held out his hand to Joe. “You can’t ask me that when you gave Jess orders to shoot me in the leg if I went against the plan and tried to follow Dean?”

“Obviously you tried to go against the plan or you wouldn’t have known this.”

“Uh Dad?” Hal interrupted. “You gave someone orders to shoot your own son?”

“Hell yeah,” Joe stated. “When innocent lives are at stake, son or no son, he is not immune. And don’t think for one second I wouldn’t have you shot either for the same thing. But enough of this shit. Tension is high, I understand that. Robbie, are you going to close the attitude so we can discuss this?”

“Yeah.” Robbie nodded, stepped back, and leaned against the far wall by the open door. “I’m sorry. Hal. I’m worried about Dean, worried about Frank, and now you have me worried about Jess.”

Jess gave a closed mouth look at Robbie. “Just show up to get me when you’re supposed to and I’ll be fine. I really can do this alone.”

Joe looked at him. “But should you? Hal has a valid point.” Joe’s eyebrow raised when he heard this little voice, high tone, whiney, and murmuring, ‘Hal has a valid point’. Joe turned his head over his shoulder to look back. “Robbie! Knock it off! Christ.” Joe returned to the speaker. “O.K. Hal, pick out a man. I’ll send the chopper down there for . . .”

“No need, Joe.” The new voice entered in the room.

Joe spun from his speaker view to see a very sweaty and nervous looking John Matoose. “Shit.”

John took a step. “No need to bring someone in Joe.”

“Dad?” Hal called out. “Is everything O.K.?”

“Let me get back to you, Hal.” Joe told Hal. Then not removing his eyes from John, Joe disconnected the call. “What did you hear John.”

“I . . . was I was coming back for . . . for . . .”

“What did you hear!” Joe blasted. His hand slammed hard on the counter.

John grew even more jittery. “I . . . I heard Dean left to . . . to help . . .Frank. You’re sending Jess to scout, alone and . . .” There was a vocal shudder of fear that came from John when he felt the cold metal of a revolver barrel pressing to his temple. “Oh God.” John tried to shift his eyes.

Robbie held the gun firmly against John’s skin. He stepped closer to him. He spoke so closely his breath was hot against John. “You know too much.” He clicked back the hammer on the revolver.

“No,” John cried out.

Jess sprang forward. “Robbie no!”

“Robert,” Joe spoke calmly.

“What am I supposed to do?” Robbie asked emotionally. “Let him get away? We let him get away with too much. This piece of shit wanders freely around our community while my brother is taken by the Society. Dean had to give up his family for the Society.” He pressed the gun harder.

“Joe.” John’s body shook, his lips trembled, and beads of sweat formed like a mustache on him. “Joe, please. Please, I just want to help. I did this community wrong. Let me go with Jess. Let me go scout with him. I swear on my wife, Joe, I need to do this. I need to do this.”

Joe walked toward John Matoose. “I can’t trust you.”

“I know.” John breathed heavily. “Let me try to get that back. I have come to you with everything I know. Let me gain something back before I’m kicked out or killed. If I can help to get Frank back, or Dean, let me. Joe . . . didn’t I tell you Frank was alive. I know how George works. I told you he would contact you. I’m begging you, Joe. Begging you. Lock me up until it’s time to leave, but let me leave and do this.”

Joe ran his hand slowly down his face and took a step back. He stared at his son, so coldly holding the gun to John. “Robert.” Joe motioned his head downward. “Let him go.”

“Dad.”

“Let him go. John will hang with Jess until evening and then we’ll tell Jenny he’s on special detail to go with Jess. He’ll get locked in holding without any communication until sun up.”

Robbie did not want to put down the gun. “Dad, don’t do this.”

“Robert, put down the gun. If I was gonna let you shoot him, you think I would let you shoot him in here. Christ no. Put down the gun.”

Jess watched Robbie apprehensively lower his weapon. “You shouldn’t shoot him anyhow.” He saw the surprised looks he got from Joe and Robbie. “I mean, why would you take even the slightest chance shooting him without proving to the community he was involved with George? Hell, I’d just tell everyone he’s up doing rounds at sector thirty-two. Tie him to a tree and leave him there. Let whatever got Marv dine on him.”

Robbie grinned at Jess’ suggestion. “I knew there was a reason I liked you.”

“Thanks, Robbie.”

Joe turned slightly and grumbled. “Oh boy.” He faced Jess. “Take John and brief him.. Brief, Jess, O.K.?”

“Yes.” Jess took John’s arm. “Let’s go, John.”

John resisted so to speak to Joe. “Joe, thank you for this. I won’t let you down. I promise.”

“Yeah-yeah.” Joe nodded as Jess led John out.

“Dad.” Robbie rushed to him. “How could you do this? How can you just let John be a part of the most vital plan we have going now?”

“Don’t question it, Robbie.”

“But Dad.”

“Robbie, don’t question it.” Joe stayed firm. “If John is serious about trying to make amends, let’s get everything we can out of him. If he’s not, it’ll be easy to tell out there. John is not a smart man. If that’s the case, Jess will see it and . . . John won’t be coming back to Beginnings.”

^^^^

The physical therapy room was hardly ever used. In fact it was utilized twice in Ellen’s recollection. Once for Joe when he first came out of the Salicain and the second time was what Ellen witnessed as she peered into the room. The Society soldier, Tom Collins, who was shot in the back defecting, walked using the help of bars and Melissa as a guide. Ellen applauded him when he made it to the end. “Excellent.”

Tom smiled and so did Melissa. Not a week earlier, Tom was ninety-percent wheel chair dependant. Ellen supposed it was that crush he had on Melissa that gave him motivation because by what Ellen learned by his charts, Tom made the best progress when Melissa worked with him. Ellen thought Tom was kinda of cute in a barely pubescent militia sort-of-way and she actually encouraged Melissa to show some interest back to Tom as well. One, it would help him, hating when she told her ‘get Tom back on his feet’. And two, telling Melissa that Mark was a bore and Gene was old, at the very least, with Tom not even twenty, it could prove sexually interesting for her. One task Ellen visually learned through a medical procedure was that Tom was physically capable of performing. But Melissa laughed at her, thinking Ellen was funny when she was dead serious. But to Ellen, that secret sisterhood telekinetic-message-thing told her Melissa had the suggestion in the back of her mind. Why else would she be doing that, wide grin, flip of the hair, flirting thing all women do?

Ellen was snapped out of watching Tom and Melissa when she felt the gentle hand lay on her shoulder. She looked back. “Andrea.”

“How are you?” Andrea asked with compassion.

“Fine,” Ellen stated. “Just watching. He’s doing well.”

“Yes, he is. Melissa does wonders for him.”

Ellen snickered. “I’m heading to the lab. Wanna walk with me?”

“Yes.” Andrea began to walk with Ellen. “I didn’t get a chance to speak to you this morning. Seems you’ve been avoiding me.”

“I’ve pretty much been avoiding everyone.”

“Why is that?” Andrea asked.

Ellen just gazed at her.

“Talk about town toward you is not negative.” Andrea walked into the lab with Ellen.

“I didn’t want to take a chance of finding that out.”

“Robbie told me there was some fear of that. Trust me, no one is looking at you as a traitor, just a victim.

Ellen closed her eyes as the word ‘victim’ raced through her mind. “Andrea, I really don’t want to talk about this. I’m very . . .” Ellen paused.

“Angry? Bitter?”

“Yes.” Ellen was relieved Andrea answered her. All of her life lying was to Ellen until she really had to lie about something she didn’t want to. Lying about her husband, making him out to be a bad guy, when he actually was a hero, killed Ellen.

“You should be angry and bitter. And . . .” Andrea looked serious to Ellen. “Right now we have to talk. You and I.”

“About?”

“Dean and his leaving for the Society.” Andrea walked over to the lab door and closed it. “Now . . .”

“Ellen.” The lab door burst open and Jenny ran in. “Oh Ellen.” She sounded so distraught. “You surfaced.”

Ellen shifted her eyes from Andrea to Jenny. “I surfaced?”

“You’ve been hiding all day.”

“Jenny, Andrea and I . . .”

“Ellen,” Andrea interrupted her. “You and I will speak later, dear. O.K.? Talk to Jenny.” Andrea stepped to Ellen, kissing her on the cheek. “All will be fine. I promise you.” She gave a slight smile to Ellen and Jenny and left.

Jenny watched Andrea. “Weird,” she told Ellen after Andrea departed. “Anyway . . .”

“Jenny, I’m not wanting to talk.”

“O.K.” Jenny pulled up a stool. “But you have to listen.” She sat down. “I have been giving lots of thought to this. Lots.”

“Jenny . . .”

“No, Ellen listen. Dean didn’t leave. I mean he left, but he didn’t just leave. I read the note. Sorry. Robbie showed it to me. Henry wouldn’t. He was being a dick and said it was none of my business.”

Ellen blinked. Jenny was rambling so fast. “What are you talking about?”

“Dean’s letter. The Society made him an offer and he was in a position where he didn’t want to turn it down. Blackmail. Ellen! They blackmailed him into leaving. Threatened him with you and the kids somehow. He left to protect you, if, if, they didn’t take him. No one is gonna tell me someone isn’t in Beginnings working for George. How else does he get one step ahead of us so much? No and I’m starting a campaign to search for him. Ellen.” Jenny reached over and grabbed Ellen’s hand. “Dean is too good. There is no way he would do this. No way.”

“Jenny.” Ellen was hesitant. “Where did you get this all from?”

“The note.”

“I read the note too.”

“Yeah, but I bet you didn’t read between the lines, did you? Read between the lines, Ellen, and read it again. Not once did he mention in there he wanted to be a part of the Society. Not once.”

“Shit.” Ellen raced to the door. “Thank you, Jenny.”

“Oh sure. No problem. We’ll start right away.”

Jenny was pleased. She had gotten through to Ellen and she knew it wouldn’t be long before she got through to everyone else as well. Ellen knew that and that was why she raced out of the clinic. What had Dean done? It wasn’t intentional but somehow Dean failed to make that note believable. Knowing where Jenny’s thinking was and the power of persuasion Jenny had with everyone, it was very conceivable that the whole plan could go awry and deadly if the people of Beginnings failed to think that Dean abandoned them. Ellen had to find Robbie and they had to do something quickly before everyone started thinking that way and pushed for Jenny’s ‘let’s save Dean’ campaign.

^^^^

Andrea was at the clinic and the kids were in school. The house was perfectly empty when Joe walked in and went straight to his bedroom. In the back of the closet was Andrea’s ‘treasure box’, her private personal things that detailed her life. She let no one see it and Joe never had the urge to until now. Pulling the locked box from the closet, he set it on the bed and began to pick the lock. It wasn’t right what he was doing, this was his wife, and Joe knew it. But it also was an investigation and under circumstances like that, it was no holds bar.

Joe undid the small lock and lifted lid. An over abundance of perfume fragrance whipped at him and Joe sneezed. Despite what seemed like an allergic booby trap for Joe, he began to rummage. Looking through, with one hand and covering his nose with the other, Joe halted. Nasal and stuffy and through his sneezes, he smiled and spoke out loud to himself. “Well, well, well. What do we have here.”

^^^^

“A smear campaign?” Robbie seemed shocked that Ellen would suggest the idea to him. “El.”

“No Robbie, Jenny is right. I memorized that note. He subconsciously refused to admit he turned against us. We have to start a smear campaign.”

“Well Henry is not helping.” Robbie stated, his hand tapping on the counter of the clinic lab.

“What do you mean?” Ellen asked.

“He refuses to talk about it to anyone. The men are saying when they question him, he’s telling them there is a misunderstanding. El . . . . people just don’t want to turn their back on Dean. I’m trying.”

“I know you are.” Ellen tapped him on the cheek. “I appreciate it. All right.” She took a deep breath. “Think. We can’t take a chance of Dean or Frank being endangered because of this community’s loyalty to my husband.”

Robbie laughed.

“What?” Ellen asked.

“It has to make you feel good though, the fact that no one wants to believe it.”

Ellen smiled. “Yeah it does. Anyway . . .” She looked at her watch. “I’d better be going. I have to meet Danny in the cryo -lab in half hour and I want to stop by the school first.”

“Yeah, I have to go too. I have to meet my dad. He just radioed me.”

“See you later?”

“You bet.” Robbie kissed her on her cheek and as Ellen walked out, Johnny walked in. “Hey John.” Robbie started to leave.

“Uncle Robbie,” Johnny called out. “Can I speak to you?”

“Um . . . sure.”

Johnny peered out the door to make sure Ellen was gone. “O.K., can I stop?”

“Stop what?”

“Stop seeing Bev. Dean’s gone so there’s no threat to El. Can I stop? I had to have sex with her three times last night.”

Robbie’s mouth dropped open. “And you want to stop?”

Johnny shuddered. “She gives me the creeps. I keep thinking in a month she’s gonna tell me she’s having my kid.” Johnny shuddered dramatically again. “Please?”

“I guess now it’s O.K. I’ll talk to Pap about it for you. I’ll let you know.”

“Thanks.” Johnny grinned as Robbie walked out. “Wait a sec.” He scratched his head in confusion, speaking to himself. “That’s not fair. If I don’t want to be with her anymore, I shouldn’t have to ask my Pap.”

High and pleasantly, his name was sung out.“Johnny.”

Johnny spun around and looked. “Shit.”

Bev walked in and closed the door. She snickered and wiggled her fingers.

Johnny whined.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

That button on his Levi’s was so shiny that Dean wondered if anyone even noticed. The bright autumn sun seemed to reflect off of it as he sat in the back of the huge truck. He had just finished checking his duffle bag during the half hour trip and everything was in there. Now all that was on Dean’s mind was that button and tracking device that Danny incorporated into it. The truck slowed down to a stop. Dean prayed at that moment that the tracking device worked, because even though the ‘Binghamton Reserve Base’ sign was faded, it was clear to Dean he had reached his destination.

He had finished his personal training so Frank took his break in the office he had cooled down to nearly sixty degrees. Away from the Society workers, soldiers, and away from Leonard, Frank wanted to be alone and he wanted to hide out because he had just received word that the scientist had just arrived and Frank wanted to stay as far away from him as possible.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

“One out of three.” Joe told Robbie as he handed him a Beginnings envelope. “If Andrea had sent all three of those letters to Jake, why did she only keep one of them?”

Robbie checked out the post mark. “This date coincides with the history log. And you only found one.”

“Only one.”

“Which could very easily mean your wife mailed one to back up her story and the other two letters . . .”

“Her warning to her lover George, perhaps?” Joe raised his eyebrow.

“Perhaps.”

Joe took the letter back. “However, it’s still not conclusive enough. I got my secret spies now trailing Rev. Bob. You keep up on him. Be his buddy.”

“I’m on it.” Robbie started to walk with his father. “But I wish this investigation would wind down soon, Dad. It’s getting on my nerves. I feel like I’m sitting  in the movie ‘Titanic’ all over again.”

“Stuck in a situation that doesn’t want to end?” Joe snickered. “I’m with ya. But . . .” He laid his hand on Robbie’s back. “My gut tells me this is gonna be over soon. Real soon. And before long, we’ll know exactly what person or persons are Georgie Porgy’s helpful hands.”

^^^^

The temperature gauge to the case was bent outward at an angle for easier access. The freezer, Dean’s freezer, in the special lab was pulled out a few inches from the wall. The only light in the dark lab was the thin beam of the penlight that shined upon the numeric dial of the thermostat. Hands worked quickly and precise on the temperature gauge, replacing the back piece of it. When it was finished and put back together, the needle bobbed back and forth and then it went steady at a perfect temperature. After the gauge was straightened  back up, the freezer was rolled to its normal position. The penlight went out and Henry smiled, stuck that miniature flashlight in his pocket and walked from the special lab, securing the door behind him.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Beginnings, Montana

Though his morning reports dictated that the guard who walked perimeter thirty-two saw nothing, Robbie insisted he do the afternoon rounds. Foregoing all possible Neville points, he stopped by tracking, getting a confirmation from Mark that activity was sporadic, still rapid, and the signal growing. Yet Robbie spotted nothing as he gazed into the large field. There was a certain smell up there that seemed to linger. An odd smell that Robbie couldn’t put his finger on, but knew. And though he didn’t see anything, Robbie felt something. He felt as if he were being watched, that feeling of being stared through, sensed, and observed. He stood there for a while, waiting, and hoping something would jump out at him. His rifle was aimed high and his concentration solid, but part of Robbie knew nothing would happen or go after him. It was not out of the animal’s fear of him, but the animal’s knowledge of him. A good hunter never judges rashly, never jumps the gun, and that was why whatever it was would not attack Robbie. Because whatever it was, was actually the hunter and Robbie was the prey.

^^^^

What was that purple spot? It was tiny and perfectly round, scar -like, right behind Bev’s ear. Johnny stared wildly at it in wonder, knowing he had seen that same mark somewhere else but he just could not put his finger on it. He never noticed it before, but then again he never looked that closely at Bev. He was towering over her as she leaned on the counter in distribution, her head tilted allowing the visibility of that mark. Was it part of what Ellen did to her? Johnny kept on staring. He just knew it would bother him. He knew it.

“Johnny?” Bev snapped her finger.

“Huh?”

“You’re staring.”

“Yeah I am. What is this gross mark right here?” Johnny pointed to her neck.

Bev tsked and stood up right letting her shorter hair cover it. “It’s not a gross mar. It’s a birth mark.”

“It’s gross looking.”

Bev rolled her eyes slightly with a gasp. “So is this how you’re doing it? Insulting me to give into this break up?”

“It’s not a break up Bev. It’s a cessation of sexual activity with you.”

“Why? I like you, Johnny.”

“You bore me, Bev, and you give me the creeps, especially now since I seen this . . .” He reached his finger for the fascinating scar but she swiped his hand away.

“Johnny, look, I’ll learn new things. We have to be together.”

“We have to not. Now I have to get out of here.” He let out a long sigh. “Wow, I feel good. Take it easy, Bev.”

“What am I supposed to do now?”

“Um . . .” Johnny snapped his finger. “Go after Henry. He’s leader now. Lots of prestige.” He turned around to leave distribution, and turned around to see Henry. “Oh hey, Henry.”

“Thanks, Johnny,” Henry grumbled.

“No problem,. Thought I’d help you out.” Johnny grinned and walked out.

Henry thought he saw Bev stepping to him but he didn’t know if it was his imagination or not, so he hurried to the back of distribution. “Joe?”

“Come on back, Henry. Just getting the afternoon distribution ready.”

Henry stepped into the back room. “You wanted to see me, Joe?”

“Yeah, Henry.” Joe was hunched over a box. He stood up, reached in his back pocket, and pulled out the envelope he stole from his wife. “Wanted to let you know, Jason was telling the truth. Here.”

“You found them.” Henry stared at the letter. “It’s to Jake.”

“I found one letter. The others aren’t there.”

“Maybe we should check George’s things in storage. You know, all the stuff we took from his house.”

“We did,” Joe said.

“No.” Henry handed the letter back. “We checked for information about the Society. Not once did we look for a letter from the future to him.”

“Henry, that is an excellent suggestion. No, we didn’t, did we?” Joe smiled brightly. “I’ll get on that tonight.”

“O.K., let me know what you find.” Henry laid his hand on Joe’s shoulder. “I’d better get going. I’m behind.” Henry backed up. “Joe, I hope you find something that can clear Andrea.”

Joe watched Henry leave. He looked at the letter he held.“I do too, Henry.”

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

Carrying his own duffle bag, Dean was escorted into Leonard’s office. It was located in the same building as the labs. Dean stepped in the room and looked at the two gentlemen standing there. Dr. Morris was one of them.

“Dr. Hayes.” Leonard extended his hand.

Dean did not take it. “When do I see Frank?”

Awkwardly, Leonard withdrew his handshake. “I’m sure we’ll get to be on friendly terms.”

“I doubt it. When do I see Frank?”

Leonard cleared his throat. “This is Dr. Morris he . . .”

“When do I see Frank?” Dean asked again. “Are you listening?”

“We have labs for . . . .”

“Hello!” Dean raised his voice. “I’ll speak slowly. O.K.? When . . . do . . . I . . . see . . .Frank? A deal is a deal. Are you aware of the deal?”

“Yes, I am,” Leonard said.

“Then you are aware that I get to see Frank, then I call my wife for your safeguard as well as mine. Now when . . .”

“Do you see Frank, yes.” Leonard looked at Dr. Morris. “Would you like to?”

“Yes,” Dr. Morris answered. “Dr. Hayes, before you ask the annoying question again, let me explain something to you as a doctor. Mr. Slagel was injured when he came in here. He lost a lot of blood. He was shot, had pneumonia and so forth.”

“O.K.,” Dean said, wanting the doctor just to hurry along.

“O.K.,” Dr. Morris continued. “Now, you can check him for surgery marks and I’ll even authorize a scan of his brain to show you he has not been made into a CME.”

“O.K.” Again, Dean had attitude.

“O.K. I’m telling you this just so you are prepared,” Dr. Morris explained. “He’s a different man. He may not recognize you at all or speak to you with any knowledge of you.”

“Why is that?” Dean asked.

“Unless he knew you prior to the plague, you’ll fall into his amnesiac category.”

“O.K.”

“Mr. Slagel has amnesia.”

Dean nodded his head once. “Frank has amnesia.” Dean placed his bag over his shoulder. “O.K., now . . . when do I see Frank?”

Leonard tossed his hands up. “Right now.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

With a sneaky grin, Danny held up a gold key. “El? You’re not listening to me are you?”

“Um . . .” Ellen turned from her microscope. “Sorry. I’m engrossed. Is this mine?” She reached for it and Danny pulled it away. “Hey.”

“No, not hey. Listen to me.”

“O.K.” Ellen’s head turned slowly back to the microscope.

Danny grabbed her chin and made her look his way. “El, this will take a second. O.K.?”

“All right. Shoot.”

Danny opened her hand and laid the key in it. “This is the key to the freezer. I have the other one in case you lose this one.”

“Danny, I have a key to the freezer.”

“That’s not good anymore. I picked the lock and changed it for you.” He saw the look on Ellen’s face. “What’s wrong?”

“Did you look in the case?”

“No.”

Ellen grabbed her chest. “Whew. Why were you picking the lock?”

“I had to install two wire contacts on the ends of the seal. I merely lifted the case an inch, that’s it. I taped the wires once the case was closed. It was open a matter of seconds.”

Ellen smiled. “Thanks. Contacts, why?”

“Dean knew, but Dean’s gone. It’s your alarm system on that case.”

“Oh!” Ellen was excited.

“Ellen, you, me, and Joe are the only ones who know about this. Swear to God you won’t tell a soul. You can’t.”

Ellen held up her hand. “I promise. So if someone picks the lock and opens the case, the alarm will go off?”

“Yes, really loud too. Your key disarms the system so don’t lose it. There’s a surcharge for a replacement.”

Ellen giggled and grabbed her key chain. “Look, Danny, I’m putting it on now. Maybe we can find out who is trying to get in the case.”

“That’s the point.” Danny smiled. “Any questions?”

“Nope.”

“Good. I’ll let you get back to your . . .” Before Danny could finish his sentence, Ellen had turned back to her microscope. “Never mind. I’ll see you later.” He moved a few steps. “El, what exactly is in that case that you don’t want anyone to see?”

Ellen raised her eyes from the microscope. She peered over her shoulder to Danny. “You can say it’s my and Dean’s life’s work.”

Danny shuddered. “Knowing you two, don’t get into details.” Enjoying the snicker he got from Ellen, Danny left the cryo-lab.

“Oh.” Ellen raised her head. “Oh.” She bit her bottom lip, checked to see if she was alone, and picked up the clipboard. “Where does Dean have that tooth mentioned?” She flipped through a page. “Shit.” She read what he wrote and looked into the microscope. “This can’t be . . .” Ellen smiled. “One way to find out.” Looking at the time and figuring it was safe to leave everything the way it was, she grabbed the phlebotomy tray that was always out and ready, and left the cryo-lab.

^^^^

“Preparing early?” Joe asked Jess as he and Robbie approached him and John in the empty social hall.

Jess looked up from his map. “Just in case I want to learn the region.”

Joe nodded and looked to Robbie. “Tell him.”

“The signal stopped,” Robbie said. “Get things together, Jess. We want to fly you out as planned, first light.”

“To?” Jess asked.

Robbie’s hand came down and landed on the map. “Binghamton Alabama.”

^^^^

Like a little girl with her pet, Ellen sat with Marcus on the floor of Melissa’s home. He sat beside her, nuzzling his head in a playful manner to Ellen’s hair. He made a happy grunt, smiling, and showing his filed down teeth.

“You’re a good little boy, Marcus.” Ellen told him, rubbing his head and laughing as Marcus’s foot thumped like a dog’s on the carpet. “Aren’t you.”

Marcus squealed in delight.

Ellen looked up to Melissa who sat on the couch. “I appreciate you letting me do this.”

“Whatever I need to do, I’ll do.”

Ellen smiled. “Thanks and right now I’m taking you up on that. Right now, I need you to hold down your son.” Ellen reached into the phlebotomy tray and pulled out a syringe with a long thick needle attached. As soon as Marcus saw it, he squealed louder and began to race around the living room, jumping, leaping, and darting so quickly, Ellen and Melissa had a hard time catching him.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

Frank’s office wasn’t so far down the main corridor of the building that he couldn’t hear the double glass doors open and close. He snarled and cringed when he heard the footsteps near. He knew what it meant. He heard the truck. He avoided going and looking out. It was a matter of seconds until he was going to meet that dreaded bigwig. Already, without a face attached, Frank was determining ways to get rid of him. “Shit.” Frank looked up when there was a knock on his door. “Yeah!”

Leonard opened the office door. “I’d like you to meet the new top scientist.”

“I’m busy,” Frank griped.

Leonard just walked in.

“Hey.” Frank snapped. He saw Dr. Morris enter second. “I said . . .” And then Frank felt like his heart literally dropped from his chest when Dean walked into his office. “I’m busy.” Frank lowered his head to his papers again, trying to hide the smile.

There was silence as Leonard and Dr. Morris both watched Frank, watched him for signs of his memory coming back.

Leonard looked for an answer from Dr. Morris and got one when Dr. Morris winked. Figuring there was no memory jarred, Leonard stepped to Frank’s desk. “Colonel Slagel, I would like you to meet Dr. Dean Hayes.”

Frank laid down his pencil and stood up. He walked around his desk and extended his hand to Dean. “Nice to meet you.”

Dean just stared at Frank. “Yes. Same here.”

Leonard walked closer to Dean, speaking in a low voice. “I’ll let you see for yourself, Dr. Hayes.” He brought his voice to a normal level. “Dr. Morris and I will be back shortly. Colonel, will you give Dr. Hayes the general synopsis of our base.”

“Yes, sir. My pleasure.” Frank walked back to his desk and sat down. He watched the door and watched Leonard and Dr. Morris as they walked out. He shifted his eyes to Dean who had set down his duffle bag. Seeing Dean’s mouth open to speak, Frank held up a finger to silence him. He listened to the foots steps and then stood up again, walking to his small window. Trying to look cool and calm, yet appearing sneaky, Frank took one quick stride passed the window, glancing out as he did. Catching the needed glimpse of Leonard and Dr. Morris as they conversed outside the building, then, shocking even Dean, Frank let out a deep, chesty, enthusiastic bellow as he charged to Dean. Wide grinned and with excitement, Frank threw his arms around Dean, lifting him up off his feet, and screaming again. “Oh my God!”

Dean laughed. He couldn’t help it as Frank set him to his feet. He too was just as excited to see Frank, so much they both had matching wide grins painted on their faces.

“Dean. Dean!” Frank ran his fingers through his own hair. “Oh my God! I never thought I’d be so happy to see you.”

Dean laid his hands on Frank’s arms. “And I never thought I’d be so happy to see you either. It’s good to see you, Frank. It is so good to see you alive.”

“Man, I’m happy.” Frank bit his bottom lip. “I could kiss you.”

“Frank, let’s not . . .”

“Fuck it.” Frank’s huge hands grabbed hold of Dean’s cheeks. He yanked him forward and kissed him quickly and with a loud ‘smack’ as he released Dean and stepped back “Man, am I glad to see you.”

“Yeah.” Dean touched his just kissed lips, snickered, and shook his head. “We miss you so much at home, Frank. God, do we miss you.”

“Really?” Frank moved back and sat on the edge of his desk.

“Really. It’s not the same there. And what is with this amnesia?”

“Selective amnesia.” Frank pointed to his temple.

“Selective amnesia?”

“Yeah, can’t remember anything past the plague.”

Dean laughed. “And they bought it?”

Frank fluttered his lips. “Hook, line, and fucking sinker. George too. I should win an academy award for this shit. I still can’t believe this. Man, my heart.” Frank grabbed his chest. “I thought for sure they’d see the shock on my face . . . and, hating to admit it, happiness when you walked in this office.”

“You were good. You had me worried for a second. Just a second.” Dean, with a smile still on his face, stared at Frank.

“So Dean.” Frank held out his hand. “What the fuck are you doing . . .” Frank’s office door opened. “Pivotal and strategically placed. Easy access for our troops that are working the country side. We’re right now . . . Oh, Leonard, I was just giving Dr. Hayes the basic concept of our community.”

“You’ll have to fill him in later,” Leonard said. “Dr. Hayes and I have business to conclude first and then I take him to his lab.”

Dean was surprised by this. “But he was just . . .”

“Later this evening.” Leonard stopped Dean. “Come, Dr. Hayes.”

Dean picked up his duffle bag, took a step to the door, stopped, and faced Frank. “Thank you for the talk. We’ll speak later. It was . . .” Dean held out his hand. “Nice meeting you.”

Frank grabbed his hand, shaking it. “Same.”

There was something strong and reassuring about the grip Dean felt Frank deliver in that handshake. It made him feel good and safe. As Dean left with Leonard, he knew all those bad feelings, all the hurt he went through the night before when he left his home and family, was all worth it. He had done the right thing. His heart told him everything was going to go as planned and work out, just as Joe promised. And love or hate, worst enemy or best friend, whatever Frank meant or was to him, nothing was ever going to touch that moment, that ‘feel good’ emotion, that rushed through Dean the moment that he saw Frank.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

She was scratched from the corner of her left eye to the corner of her mouth. One long thin scratch that barely bled, but Ellen was happy because she had obtained the blood cultures she needed from Marcus. She smeared them and had them running through the analysis program in the cryo -lab. She waited impatiently, very impatiently. Actually, Ellen grew annoyed when the phone rang and it drew her attention away from watching the indicator that told her the percentage on analysis ran. Leaning on the counter, injured face point blank at the computer screen, Ellen turned on the phone. “Lab, Dr. Hayes speaking.”

“I love you,” Dean spoke softly.

Ellen shrieked, nearly dropped the phone, and spun around so much in surprise, her back was now against the counter. “Oh my God.” Ellen embraced the phone as if she were embracing Dean. “You’re all right.”

“I’m fine. I arrived safely.”

“Are you sure, Dean? Tell me they aren’t holding a gun to your head or something.”

“No El. They aren’t.”

There was something about Dean’s voice, no fear, calm, soothing, and with a tint of happiness, that told Ellen he was honest. “Oh Dean, I’m so glad you called.”

“I thought for sure you’d ask right away. You didn’t ask.”

“Because I know you’ll tell me.”

“Frank’s fine, El. He’s alive and strong.”

Ellen closed her eyes tightly. Her face tensed up as a tear ran down her face. She tried to hold back the tears of hearing the news.

“He needs a haircut. God I don’t recall seeing Frank with this much hair on his head in years.”

Ellen laughed. “It gets curly.” She sniffed. “Will you tell him I said hi?”

“You know I will.”

“Will you tell him something else?”

“Anything.”

“Are you sure?” Ellen asked.

“El, anything. Anything.”

It was soft, but heard, a small sob and then Ellen sniffled again. “Will you tell him that I miss him and that I love him?”

“You know it.”

“Dean. I am so proud of you for doing this. I love you so much. You don’t know how proudly I claim the name Hayes right now.”

Dean was quiet and emotional at first. “El, thank you for saying . . .” He stopped talking when he heard the warning siren. “What are you analyzing?”

“Oh.” Ellen wiped her eyes. “Um, you know how we were connecting the structure of that tooth you found in Marv.”

“Yes.”

“Well . . .” Ellen turned and looked at the screen and the results. Her mouth dropped open and the phone slid away from her lips.

“El? Talk to me. Is something wrong? Can I help?”

“Oh Dean,” Ellen spoke softly. “We have a problem.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Bowman, North Dakota

Hal felt like singing the song, ‘oh what a beautiful morning’ as he walked out of the mess hall after dinner. He had plenty to eat, no indigestion . . . no Craig. It was a wise decision on his part to make Craig one of the building crew. It gave him responsibility and got him out of his hair, but the happy thought of being ‘pain in the ass’ free had to be replace with more serious ones. It was time for major decisions on Hal’s part. He had talked to his father just prior to dinner and found out he was to be back in Beginnings in two days and would be gone for what could end up being a week. Now Hal had to pass out the authority in Bowman, not to just Sgt. Ryder, but to someone else as well because during that conversation with his father, Hal found out Sgt. Ryder was going to be a part of the plan as well. Hal prepared every one of his top men to be able to take the authoritarian position in Bowman. His decision would be difficult, not because he had no one qualified enough, but because he didn’t want to slight any of the men he had handpicked and trained himself. Unlike Beginnings,  the deciding factor on who would lead Bowman was not placed on a popularity vote. Hal saw enough of that in the old world and Hal was seeing it in Beginnings. Not that he didn’t like Henry, he did, everyone did, but Henry was too nice and not quite the leader material Joe was or even Robbie for that matter. Hal didn’t want all his hard work and building of a strong community to go to waste in the event something happened to him. Though Hal was confident the rescue mission to get Dean and Frank would go off without a problem, there was still that chance and because of that chance, he had to give even more thought into who he placed in the leadership line. With that heavy on his mind, along with the latest Neville Stats, Hal walked home to do some serious thinking.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Robbie grabbed a few more items, tossing them into a duffel bag. They were things he needed if he was going to be staying over Ellen’s. Just as he reached for his front door, it opened and Jess walked in.

“Robbie.”

“Hey, Jess. You get John all situated at holding?”

“Yeah.” Jess stepped into the house, slowly running his hands through his hair. “Are you leaving for El’s.”

“Yep. See ya in the morning . . .” Robbie took a step to the door and stopped. He looked back at Jess who had wandered, almost sadly, to the table. “You O.K.?”

“Yeah.” Jess waved his hand at Robbie. “Go on.”

“You sure?”

Jess looked up from his stare at the table. “Actually, I hate to admit this, I’m a little . . .”

‘Nervous about tomorrow.”

Jess only gave a closed mouth smile.

“Need to talk?” Robbie asked.

“No, that’s O.K., Go on over to El’s.”

“Jess, come on. We’re friends. If you need to talk about this, I’ll hang and talk.”

“Really?” Jess asked. “I just need to get over this anxiousness. The pressure. Not that I can’t handle it, but . . . you know what I mean?”

“Yeah I do. I can remember in the old world when I was in the Army, anytime I was getting shipped out, no matter how confident, I got that knot in my stomach.”

“Same here.”

“Hey. Why don’t I take my bag over El’s, tell her I’ll be by later and you and I can have a drink and hang.”

“Take my mind off of it?”

“Hell, we’ll have fun.” Robbie moved through the door. “I’ll be back.”

“Thanks, Robbie.”

“No problem. You’re helping my brother, Jess.” Robbie turned serious. “For that I am very grateful. Be right back.” Robbie nodded with a smile to Jess, stepped backwards out the door, and closed it.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

Debating on whether it was actually food they stuffed in his cupboards, or old unpackaged M.R.E.’s, Dean walked out of his kitchen leaving food to be an option for when he was so hungry that he didn’t have a choice. He checked out his watch again. Where was Frank? They had let him call home, talk to El about her test results, and then when he was finished with his very monitored call, he was rushed away to a lab. They placed folder upon folder in front of him. Did they actually expect he would willingly begin solving their problems? Dean knew they were smarter than that, but smart enough to figure if he wasn’t going to help them, he would still be locked in that lab until they came for him. When they did, they brought him to his house. Dean’s mind swarmed with thoughts that they had shipped Frank out and it was a onetime visit thing and no more. Seeing that it was early evening, Dean would wait a little more before making any final deductions.

He picked up his duffle bag and decided to take his things upstairs and find the bedroom that he would sleep in. No sooner did his foot hit the second from top step that Dean heard a banging and shuffling. It jarred him some and made him wonder if he should race back down the steps or investigate. Figuring what did he have to lose, he followed the noise to his bedroom.

It came from his closet. Hangers were moving and he heard grunting. As Dean set down the duffle bag, the closet door opened. Dean laughed. Frank walked into his bedroom. “You couldn’t use the front door?”

“Fuck no. Can’t let them see us talk.” Frank looked back at the closet. “Fuckin secret passage is built for someone your size.”

“Thanks. Good to see you again.”

“Yeah, I heard they had you in the lab.”

“Locked in the lab. I didn’t hear from you. I didn’t know if we’d see each other again. Frank? Why is there a secret passage in my closet?”

“Oh.” Frank smiled. “I thought you were going to be some bigwig Society scientist. Thought I’d snoop, you know. But you’re you, and . . . Dean, what are you doing here?”

“I’m here for you, Frank.”

Frank laughed. “You’re my rescue?”

“Asshole, no. It was part of a deal. George called me and offered a trade. Me for you. I join the Society, you go home.”

“Dumb.” Frank scoffed at him. “You think I’m stuck here?”

“Well, uh, yeah, Frank, since you failed to come home.”

“How can I come home, Dean?” Frank asked. “I have to find El first. As soon as I do, I’m out of here.”

Dean laughed.

“What?”

“Frank, Ellen’s home. She’s fine. The UWA rescued her and brought her home.”

Frank’s eyes widened. “You’re shitting me? Fuck this. Let’s go.” He reached for Dean’s bag.

“What are you doing?”

“We’re getting out of here.”

“We can’t go anywhere, Frank.” Dean grabbed for his bag, struggling with Frank over it.

“Yeah we can, Dean.” Frank tugged. “I’m not staying. I didn’t leave before because I was afraid for El. She’s home. Let’s go.”

“No. We can’t.” Dean pulled in a losing bag battle. “You should still be afraid for El and our kids, Frank.”

“What?” Frank stopped fighting and let go of the bag. “What do you mean?”

“George has someone else besides John Matoose working for him in Beginnings. This person lets him know everything. You’re not the only reason I came, Frank. El and the kids are. If I backed out, he said he’d kill them.”

“I’m killing him when he gets back here.”

“Well, you’re gonna have to wait until the rescue takes place. That way El and the kids are placed under protective custody. Until we synchronized it, we don’t know who it is, where it will come from, or when so we hang tight.”

“Fuck. He blackmailed you into coming?”

“Yep. With their lives and yours.”

Frank walked closer to Dean, nodding his head. “He must want you bad.”

“Yeah, he does. I think his technology has stalled. I don’t know. But he thinks the combination of my leaving, you being dead, and Joe’s retirement, Beginnings will weaken.”

“My Dad retired?”

“As a cover up.”

“Don’t even tell me fuckin Henry is leader.”

“Yep.”

“Uh!” Frank hit himself in the face. “No wonder George is confident. Fuck. When they coming?”

“A few days.”

“And they think I’m dead back home?” Frank asked.

“Convinced of it. We had to convinced them. We had a really nice funeral for you. Trish taped it.”

“Oh yeah?” Frank nodded. “Is that how you convinced them.”

“That and Ellen.”

“She grieved huh. Big time,” Frank grinned. “Was she emotionally distraught? I know she had to act, because she wouldn’t think I was dead.”

“You’re right. She didn’t think for a second you were dead. But, she grieved and . . . and for the final convincing straw, she . . . brace yourself Frank.”

“What.”

“She.”

“What!”

“She got married to someone.”

Frank lost his balance, but only for a second. “O.K.,” He held up his hand. “I can handle it. It was a plan to make the community think I was dead. She moved on. I’m the love of her life.”

Dean rolled his eyes.

“I know it’s not Henry. Robbie. She married my brother. I always said . . .” Frank saw Dean shaking his head. “No? Who?”

Dean held up his left hand.

Frank waved back. “Who?”

“Frank.” Dean stepped closer nearly shoving his hand in Frank’s face.

“Who?” As Frank lowered Dean’s hand, he saw the band. “No.”

“Yep.” Dean smiled. “Mr. and Mrs. Dean Hayes.”

“Fuck.”

“Yep.”

“O.K.” Frank held up his hands. “It was a cover up. Right.”

“Um. . . . sure Frank.”

“The plan was she gets married, and when I get back, she gets annulled from whoever she married.”

“That was the plan.”

Frank cringed. “You have no intentions what-so-ever of getting annulled. Do you?”

“Nope.”

“Fuck.”

“Married Frank.”

“Dean.” Frank pointed at him. “Don’t.”

“Mr. and Mrs. . .”

“Dean!” Frank blasted.

Dean laughed. “Had to rub it in. But uh . . . don’t worry, Frank.” Dean swatted him on his arm. “I know you guys. El says hi and she loves you and misses you. Being the swell guy I am, and knowing this, when you get back, I’m gonna give you your happy little reunion.”

“Thank you.”

“For an hour and then . . .”

“Dean.” Frank stated his name like he always had. “Shit. I want out of here. We should just say screw the plan, you and me grab a Jeep, and take off late tonight. We’ll be home by dawn, protect El and the kids before they even know we’re missing.”

With his arms folded, Dean raised an eyebrow to Frank. “How in the world do you think we’re making it home by dawn?”

“Driving.” Frank placed his hands on his hips.

“Yes, you said that. To Beginnings?”

“Yep.”

“In a few hours.”

“Yep.” Frank looked certain.

“Frank, last I heard, the speed of light has yet to be achieved by motor vehicle. How do you suppose we make it to Montana from Alabama in a few hours?”

“We’re in Alabama? No we aren’t.” Frank tossed his hand at Dean.

“Yes Frank. We are.”

“I thought we were in Colorado.”

“Binghamton, Frank.” Dean said.

“Yeah. Binghamton, Colorado.”

“No! Binghamton, Alabama.”

“Oh my God! I’m in Alabama?”

“I cannot believe you didn’t know this.”

“Shit.” Frank walked in small circles. “Oh man and I sent them UWA soldiers walking seventeen hundred miles.” Frank snickered. “And here I thought Richie was just really bad at math” Frank continued to laugh.

“Who’s uh . . . Richie?”

“Me.” Richie stepped out from the closet.

Dean’s eyes shifted and he gave a weird look to Frank then to the stranger who mysteriously appeared in his room. Dean walked behind Richie, peering into the closet then back to Frank. “Anyone else you’re expecting, Frank, or am I safe in closing this?”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

“Oh my God.” Ellen exclaimed with such disgust in her voice when she saw Josh’s room as she passed it on the way to the living room. “Did Dean or did Dean not tell you to pick up this room?”

Josh peeked from behind the door. “Huh?”

“Clean your room.”

“O.K.” Josh closed the door.

Ellen grunted and walked to the living room. “Sorry, Henry.”

“No problem.” Henry sat on the couch. “You want to have dessert now or later when Robbie gets here?”

“Let’s wait a little bit and see if he shows soon. I don’t want him to miss your Beginnings first recreation of Jell-O.”

“He’s seems like the Jell-O type of guy.”

“Actually Dean is the Jell-O guy. He told me when he was in college, he lived off cherry Jell-O.”

“Oh El, you can’t live off of Jell-O. It hasn’t any real nutritional value. I think he was lying to you.”

“Henry.” Ellen sat on the couch. “It was figuratively speaking.”

“Oh.”

“So, how was your day as leader?”

“Tough. I must have been asked a thousand times about Dean.” Henry shook his head. “El, I can’t figure out who is telling people. I wanted to keep it a secret until we figured it out . . .”

“Henry.”

“No, El. Something is not right. It just isn’t a Dean thing to do.”

“Henry.” Ellen laid her hand on his knee.

“And as leader of the community, I’m pushing to look into this. Jenny brought the content of that letter to my attention and she made valid points. And that was coming from Jenny.”

Ellen closed her eyes. “Listen . . .”

“El, I’m getting together search parties. I’m calling Hal tomorrow. He and I are sitting down. His men scout Society camps. We are going to find Dean. He’s in trouble, El. He’s there against his will. I feel it  and we’re going to go get him. He wouldn’t leave us, his home, his kids, and he wouldn’t leave you.”

“Henry.” Ellen stood up. “You can’t do that. O.K.?”

“Look, I know you’re hurt.” Henry stood up. “I also know you’re probably in denial over this but . . .” He reached out and turned Ellen to face him.. “As the leader of this community and as your friend. I cannot let this go until I feel satisfied that Dean joined the Society on his own accord.”

Ellen’s head lowered. “Please don’t do this, Henry.”

“Why El?”

Ellen looked up at Henry. She saw the concern in his eyes as he stared at her. “Henry,” she said his name painfully.

“Why, El? Why don’t you want this done.”

“Because Dean didn’t join the Society on his own accord. He went there in a blackmail trade to save my life and to bring Frank home.”

Henry’s hands slid in surprise off of Ellen and he stepped back.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

Dean’s finger swayed and pointed as he looked at Richie. “I know you. Don’t I?”

Frank answered. “Nope.”

Dean shook his head. “Yeah I do. What is your name?”

Richie saw no problem telling Dean. “Richie Mar . . .”

“Mar!” Frank interrupted abruptly. “Mar-ja-ho-its.”

Dean looked up to the ceiling with a thinking look. “Richie Marjahowitz doesn’t ring a bell, but you look so familiar to me. Really. I mean, you look really, really familiar.”

Richie smiled. “That’s because I look exactly like . . .”

“Everybody else.” Frank finished Richie’s sentence. “Doesn’t he, Dean?” Frank grasped Richie’s chin. “Doesn’t he have one of those faces everyone has. A nose, eyes, lips . . .”

“Frank,” Dean said his name. “What is wrong with you? God.”

The smile fell from Richie’s face. “Dean? Is this the Dean from Beginnings. You said someone was here from Beginnings but you failed to mention it was . . . Dean.”

Dean snapped back a little in shock at how bitter Richie said his name. “Frank, what did you tell . . .”

“Check this out, Richie,” Frank said. “Dean married Ellen.”

“Oh my God,” Richie said with disgust. “You married Ellen?” He gasped his displeasure. “How could you? Now that means you’re my . . .”

“Hero,” Frank interjected. “You’re his hero, Dean. Richie was saying any man that gets married is his hero.”

Richie never boasted himself to be the brightest of men, but he was certain after the third interruption there was a reason that Frank didn’t want that Dean guy to know he was Ellen’s brother. Richie smiled, Maybe Frank was going to use him to help break Dean and Ellen up. “So you’re Dean,” Richie said.

“Yes.”

“Dean the dick?”

Dean was shocked. “What?” He couldn’t believe this coming from someone he just met. “Who told you I was a . . . Frank.”

“What?” Frank acted clueless.

“Did you tell him I was a dick?”

“I think asshole was more the word I used.”

“What!” Dean snapped. “You told him I was an asshole. Who’s the asshole in Beginnings, Frank?”

“You.”

“Right. No, Frank. You.” Dean pointed.

Richie was offended. “Dean, how can you call Frank an asshole, when you’re the one who stole his woman?”

“Yeah,” Frank commented.

“I what?” Dean stepped back. “I stole Ellen from you? Is this what you told this man?” Dean snickered in disbelief. “Richie, he stole Ellen from me. We were married. We had children. He pushed and he pushed and he used their past to get her to do what he wanted until I left her. Isn’t that right, Frank?”

“No.”

“Uh,” Dean’s gasped out. “You’re lying! No wait, you aren’t lying because I really think in that ‘pea size, Neanderthal, one way, my way, Frank-BIG-man-attitude’ brain, you believe I stole her from you.”

“Yeah.”

Dean grunted loudly. “I cannot believe you brainwashed this man into probably hating me before he met me when whose fault is it that you’re here? Huh Frank? Whose? I’ll tell you.” Dean steadily became more emotional. “Yours because you decided to kidnap Ellen from Beginnings.”

“Oh I did not.”

“You duct taped her and tied her up, drugged her ,and took her out without permission. That is kidnapping.”

“It was a grieving vacation.”

Richie moved away from the two men, watching them like a ping pong game.

Dean started to speak but the shock of the words that came from Frank’s mouth made him speechless. He had to twitch his head and jolt back into his brain to remember who he was talking to. “Frank! Things were worked out. We had an arrangement between us. There was no reason for you to take her out of her home and away from her children to grieve.”

“In my mind there was.” Frank placed his face close to Dean’s.

“You broke our arrangement.” Dean kept his stare on Frank.

“Like I care.”

“You know, I’m glad this came up because I am still really pissed at you.”

Frank snickered and looked away.

“Go ahead, laugh,” Dean warned. “But let me tell you something. The whole reason I did this, the whole reason I came here was to bring you home and kill you.”

“Kill me?”

“Kill you.”

“Like dead?”

“What other way is there, Frank?”

“Ha!” Frank laughed hard. “You don’t have big enough balls.”

“According to Ellen, I believe you’re the one without the big enough balls.”

“Oh no, little man.” Frank shook his head. “Don’t even go there. Back to killing me. You think you can do it? How?”

“Naturally.”

“Like you’re a born killer?”

“No, Frank, you moron. Like making it look like it’s not an accident or deliberate.”

Frank bobbed his head almost like he approved. “So you’re gonna chase me around Beginnings and try to kill me?” He stepped back from Dean. “You know, this could be interesting.”

“I’m serious, Frank. I have a list.”

“Good.” Frank snapped his finger. “Don’t warn me anymore though, Dean,. O.K., I think this will be really cool.” Frank nodded. “Yeah, but wait till we’re home so I have a lot less things on my mind. O.K.?”

Dean tossed his hands up. “You wanna make it into a game, don’t you?”

“Yeah, can we?”

Dean’s hands fell to his legs with a slap. “Sure. Why not?”

“Excellent.”

“But don’t think you get Neville points for cheating death with me. O.K.? I’ll talk to the Neville committee first. You’ll already be the favorite once you get home.”

Frank was lost. “Neville Committee? Neville points?”

The whole entire expression changed on Dean’s face. “That’s right. You don’t know.”

“Know what?”

“Frank, there is a really neat game going on. You’ll love it. In fact . . .” Dean stepped closer to Frank, speaking up beat. “It’s custom made for you.”

Richie’s head spun. It literally spun. What happened to the fight? What happened to the hatred? One second they were arguing, the next rambling on about some post apocalyptic game of heroism like they were best buddies. Richie gave up waiting for the argument to continue. He just moved closer and listened more to the conversation, trying to figure out how he could get involved in it also when he arrived in Beginnings.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Henry’s bangs stood nearly on edge from his hand holding them back. He whined in a Henry manner, both vocally and physically. “Aw El, I can’t believe you kept this from me. Frank’s alive.”

“Yes Henry. Dean said he’s fine.”

“I’m community leader, I should have known this.”

“Oh but Henry we couldn’t tell you. We all wanted to. We were going to. Please don’t be mad and please don’t let on that you know. I’ll be in so much trouble.”

“They don’t trust me do they, El? That’s why no one told me, huh?” Henry questioned.

“I trust you, Henry.” Ellen laid her hand on his shoulder. “That’s why I told you now. So you see why you can’t start a campaign looking for Dean?”

“Yeah. And you know what El? I’ll help. O.K.? I’ll bash him.” Henry nodded. “I’ll talk real bad about him. O.K.?”

“Oh Henry, that’s a good idea. Oh! Make me cry tomorrow in front of people.”

“I can do that.”

“Yeah.” Ellen smiled. “Make it bad about Dean. Really go off.”

“Really make people hate him. Yeah. It’ll be fun.” Henry grinned. “Wow, and Frank’s alive. Wow.”

“He’ll be home soon, Henry.”

“I can’t wait, El. We’ll have a big party.”

“With lots of food.”

“We’ll show the funeral tape.”

“We can do it like we do the walk-ins.” Ellen spoke excitedly. “And speaking of food, where is Robbie?”

“You think he forgot?” Henry asked.

“No, him being here is part of the plan.” Ellen looked at her watch. “He’s supposed to show up when people are still walking around.”

“Wanna go get him? I’ll stay with the kids.”

“O.K. Let’s practice your Dean bashing on him tonight.”

“I’ll think of some juicy things right now, El.”

“O.K.” Ellen was perky and headed to the door. “I’ll be right back.”

After she had left, Henry placed on a serious thinking face and sat on the couch. “Dean Bashing. Dean bashing. . . . Oh!” Henry snapped his finger. “I’d better write this down.” He stood up, went into the kitchen and got some paper and a pen. He went back to the living room, sat on the couch, and leaned on the coffee table writing his thoughts down. Henry snickered like a school girl as he did so, seemingly so pleased with himself.

^^^^

“Dinner was really good Jess. Man.” Robbie rubbed his stomach as they walked from the dining room to the living room. “I didn’t expect you to cook.”

“Cooking takes my mind off of things.” Jess carried two drinks with him. “This mission is on my mind.”

“How can it not be? But . . . everything will go fine. I’ll drop you off. You guys march in there, get what you need, and meet back at the pickup point. Do you worry about running into trouble you can’t handle?”

“Nah. Not me.” Jess set down the drinks. “Robbie.”

Robbie hesitated in his sitting down. “Yeah?”

“I really appreciate this.” Jess took a step to him, so serious. “You spending this evening with me means so much.”

“I know you have a lot on your mind. I just want to be there for you. Look at what you’re doing for us.”

“I don’t want that to be the reason you’re here.”

Robbie shook his head with a slight grin. “No way. We’re friends. That’s the main reason.”

Jess took a deep breath. “Remember how we had that talk at the social hall.”

“Um . . .” Robbie moved his eyes up to think. “Um . . . yeah.”

Jess smiled. “Remember how we talked about being close friends and I suggested we take it slow and you said, what the hell, we live together.”

“Yeah.”

“Well, I think right now. I need to say, what the hell. Right?”

“Right.”

“What the hell. I need you.” Jess took a step to Robbie grabbing him, one hand on Robbie’s cheek, the other on his shoulder. Jess, with slight force, pulled Robbie to him and passionately planted his lips on Robbie’s.

It barreled Robbie over, taking him so much by surprise, he nearly lost his balance. Robbie was sent into total confusion at that moment. Everything spun around him. His body jolted in shock, not only from the sudden feel of Jess’ parted lips touching his, but also from the unexpected sound of Ellen’s voice that rang in the room at the exact moment Jess kissed him.

“Whoops. Sorry.”

Hearing Ellen and then the door close, Robbie pulled from Jess, stumbled over the table, and grabbed the arm of the couch to stop from hitting the floor. “Oh my God.” Robbie trembled, looked at Jess, then to the door. “Oh my God. El.” Robbie leaped on then over the back of the sofa and charged to the door. He stopped as he opened it, looking at Jess. “I’ll . . . I’ll be . .  .Shit.” He took off calling Ellen’s name as he did.

Ellen walked fast. She heard Robbie calling her. How she would react when she looked at him was the reason she kept moving.

“El. Please.” Robbie sounded desperate, running to catch up to her. He reached her at the last row of houses. “El.” He grabbed a hold of her.

“Robbie, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” Ellen moved away from him and walked to her house.

“Ellen. Please.” Robbie jumped ahead of her. “I need to explain.”

“It’s none of my business, Robbie. Really. it’s none of my . . .” Ellen stopped moving. “You know what? Yeah it is, come to think of it. It is my business. Don’t you think I have the right to know you’re involved with a man. I think I should have been made aware of the relationship.” Ellen raised her eyebrow in question.

“Oh God.” Robbie looked absolutely distraught. Terror lined his red, sweaty face. His hands shook as they covered his eyes. “Oh God, help me. You’re my friend. What am I supposed to do about this?”

“I’d keep it quiet if you want to stay head of security.”

“No!” Robbie squinted his eyes painfully and took hold of her shoulders. “He’s my friend, El. I had no idea he was gonna kiss me.”

“What?” Ellen looked confused.

Robbie breathed heavily. “That has never happened to me ever. I don’t know how to handle this now. I don’t know how to handle him. Help me. Tell me what to do. How do I face him again?’

“Oh man, Robbie.” Ellen spoke with compassion, laying her hand on his cheek. “This has you really upset. Wow. I never seen you thrown through a loop before.”

Robbie closed his eyes. “I didn’t even see it coming.”

Joe’s voice, distant but outside with them, carried shockingly over. “How in Christ’s name didn’t you see it coming?”

“Dad?” Robbie turned to see Joe walking off his front porch.

“Joe!” Ellen scolded. “You are so nosey.”

“Christ, you two are talking about this outside. How can I not hear you? I was sitting on my porch.” He moved closer to Ellen and Robbie. “Robert, what did you expect? You led him on.”

“What?”

“You led him on.” Joe told him. “What was that today? You told him that, no wonder you liked him.”

“Dad, that wasn’t what I meant. I had no idea he was gay.”

“That’s because you were clueless.”

“And you knew?” Robbie asked.

“Yeah, I knew,” Joe said.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Honestly?” Joe shrugged. “I really enjoyed watching you play innocently into it. I figured if you were so brainless about it, I wasn’t gonna tell you.” Joe looked at Ellen when she gasped. “Take a hike, Missy Jane. I wanna speak to my son.”

“Joe, I want to . . .”

“Go.” Joe pointed to her house. “Now!”

Ellen widened her eyes and folded her arms. “I’m going, but . . . Robbie, we’ll talk tonight.”

Robbie nodded fast and nervous.

“Night.” Ellen stepped on her porch. “Oh wait until I tell Henry you had a homosexual moment.”

“El.” Robbie reached for her hand. “I’m begging you, please don’t.”

“I’m kidding. See you tonight.” She smiled at Robbie, opened the door, and gave a mean face to Joe. “Night . . . Joe.”

Joe waved her off then faced his son. “You have a problem.”

“This doesn’t make me gay, does it?”

Joe lifted his shoulder. “Don’t know. You know your uncle Jerry came out of the closet at your age. Remember, he left his wife for that fella.”

“Uncle Jerry was gay?” Robbie asked with so much surprise. “I didn’t know. I thought he was just really good friends with his . . . roommate.”

Joe raised his eyebrows.

“Oh God.”

“Robert. Calm down.”

‘I can’t. I can’t.” I can’t.” He paced around. “What am I gonna do about this, Dad?”

“What do you wanna do about it?”

“Huh? Robbie stopped walking.

“The way I see it you have two choices. You can go back to the house, beat the hell out of him for hitting on you, kick him out of your house, and end the friendship entirely. Or . . . you go back to the house, you sit down with him and you talk to him. You set him straight . . . well, you know what I mean . . .tell him the way you are. Clear the air and forget the situation. Handle it like that time when we first got to Beginnings and you were so plastered you kissed Jenny Matoose.”

Robbie cringed in the painful memory.

“Yeah. All was forgotten. It’s up to you what choice you make. It all hinges on whether you still want him as your friend or not. He’ll find someone else to do that sort of thing with. There are plenty of men in Beginnings who are willing. But if you want to stay friends with him, you’d better damn well make it clear, you’re not one of those men, unless there’s something about you I don’t know.”

“Dad.” Robbie shook his head. “I like Jess . . . . not that way, but I like him. I want to be friends with him.”

“Then you know what to do.”

“Yeah. Thanks, Dad.” Robbie gave a smile to his father and started to walk away. He stopped and faced Joe. “Wait a second. Why am I thanking you? You could have stopped this whole thing from ever getting to this point.”

“And ruin seeing you in this state.” Joe snickered. “Never.”

Grunting like his father, Robbie waved his hand once and walked away toward his house.

^^^^

Jess stood up from the sofa the moment Robbie walked back into the house. “Everything O.K. with El?”

“Um . . . yeah.” Robbie closed the door.

“How was she with it?”

“Jess . . .”

“We should have told her. It was only right knowing the history between you two. Maybe I should be the one to talk to her tomorrow. What do you think?” Jess held Robbie’s drink to him.

“I think I need that moonshine.” Robbie took the drink and brought it to his lips, taking a long drink. “Jess. Sit down.” Robbie motioned to the couch.

“She was mad, wasn’t she?” Jess sat down at the same time as Robbie. “I’m so sorry. I’ll explain it to her.”

‘There’s no need. I did already.” Robbie set down his drink. “We have to talk.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I think . . . I think there’s been a bit of mis-communication between us.” Robbie grabbed his drink and finished it. “I like you, Jess.”

“I like you too.”

“No.” Robbie held up his hand. “I like you as a friend but not in any other way.”

Shock took over Jess’ face. “But I thought . . .”

“I know what you thought and I’m sorry you thought that way.”

“See.” Jess shook his head. “You came to me after Trish told you everything.”

“Trish left out some very important details. Some very important details.”

“Oh God.” Jess stood up. “I’ll pack up and leave. I’m sorry. I am really sorry.”

“Jess.” Robbie stood from the couch.

“I thought we were close. I thought you needed that extra closeness as much as me.”

Robbie hid his cringing. “I . . . really.” Robbie closed one eye looking at him. “I really get that extra closeness when I need it, trust me, but I can always use a good friend.”

“I have to leave this house, Robbie. There is no way we can stay friends now.”

“You don’t want to be friends with me?”

“Oh I want to, but do you know how hard it is to be friends with some you’re . . . you’re in love with.” Jess walked to the steps

Bam. Robbie didn’t expect to hear that. “Yeah, I do Jess. Yeah I do. I know exactly what it’s like to see the person you love every single day, to want them, to want to be with them, but to have to stay behind a friendship wall, because that is the way it has to be. I’m there. O.K.”

Jess nodded. “Same boats, different situations?”

“Yes,” Robbie said. “But you stay friends and the one with more feelings deals with it. You deal with it if the friendship is that important.”

“But I kissed you. Do you know how embarrassed I feel at this moment for putting you in that position?”

“Get over it,” Robbie told him. “I will and it will be forgotten.”

“Can you forget?”

Robbie fluttered his lips. “Yeah . . .” He snickered. “If Ellen lets me. Look, if you want to move out and stop being friends there’s nothing I can do to stop you. But if you wanna stay, stay. We can be friends still.. I like being your friend.”

Jess walked away from the steps. “Only if we kill Trish tomorrow.”

Robbie laughed. “Oh most definitely. We will kill Trish tomorrow.”

^^^^

Quantico Marine Headquarters

The night air was filled with only one sound. George didn’t need to see it to know what it was. The firm sound of boots marching in unison. The voice of Sgt. Landers carried in synchronization with them. George smiled as he stepped away from his window and released the curtain he held back. Things were going well. Dean was in Binghamton. Frank didn’t get his memory back. And his new brigade of CME troops were now on their way there as well.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

“Robbie.” Ellen spoke seriously, laying on her side, in bed, her back to Robbie who was reading. “I let you sleep in here because Henry is camping in the living room. Shut out the light please.”

“Thanks for the book, El.”

“Shut out the light.”

“El.” Robbie set the book down. “Can we talk?”

“We talked.”

“Please.”

Ellen rolled on to her back. “Is this another Robbie paranoia calming session.”

“Yes.” Robbie moved to his side to face her. “What if . . . what if I’m gay and I don’t know it.”

“God, Robbie.”

“Seriously, El. My Uncle Jerry turned gay at my age.”

“I remember when Uncle Jerry moved out on his wife. I knew he was gay before that. Everybody did. You are not gay.”

“O.K. But right now, I’m scared.”

“Are you having feelings for Jess.”

“No.”

“A twinge of excitement when you think of the kiss?”

“El, no. Stop.”

Ellen snickered. “Sorry. I can’t help it. You’re just being paranoid again. Let it go. You’re fine. You’re just a very attractive man that’s all.”

“Still the best looking man in Beginnings in your eyes?”

“Still the best.” Ellen leaned into him and kissed him softly. “Goodnight.”

“El, do that again.”

“What?”

“Kiss me.”

“Robbie.”

“Please?” Robbie moved to her. “Just kiss me and make me get to . . . well, the point that I know women still turn me on. Please.”

“You want me to kiss you until you’re aroused?” Ellen asked.

“Yes.”

“Well, seeing how you’re a Slagel, this should take three whole seconds.” Ellen moved to him pressing her lips softly to his.

Robbie laid his hand on her cheek, keeping the kisses soft, yet intense. He kissed her and kept kissing her. Then he grunted, pulled away and in frustration laid on his back. “Nothing.”

“Robbie.” Ellen held back her laugh.

“No, this is terrible. Nothing.”

“Maybe it’s me.”

“No, you’ve always done it before. It’s me. I’m gay.”

“Robbie.” Ellen moved to him. “Come here.” She took hold of his shoulder, rolling him her way. She moved her body, nearly touching his. She kissed his neck and grazed her fingers tips oh-so-lightly up his thigh, tickling across is boxer shorts, and to his chest. Her hand laid flush against his chest hair as her lips moved to his and began to part his with intensity. A few seconds into the kiss, she felt his lips tense up, and widen into a grin. Ellen pulled away slightly. “Feel better?”

Robbie bit his bottom lip with an ornery smile. “Yeah. Thanks, El.”

“No problem. Goodnight.” She inched away from him, rolled on her side, and pulled the blanket up. “Shut out the light now.”

Robbie reached for the lamp and turned it off. He adjusted the covers and grew comfortable in bed. “Hey El . . .”

“Night, Robbie.”

“But you know what? Now could be the perfect opportunity . . .”

“Goodnight Robbie.”

Robbie smiled, slid down further and closed his eyes. “Night, El. Thanks.”

CHAPTER THIRTY

September 26

Beginnings, Montana

There was a certain amount of awkwardness between Jess and Robbie as they lifted off, just before dawn, for their scouting mission. Robbie talked. Jess was quiet, which totally surprised John Matoose, because he had it pegged as Robbie not saying anything, especially after what Jenny told him when she came to say goodbye. How she heard Robbie chasing Ellen up the street, and how, because she was bored, she followed and eavesdropped. John Matoose found himself listening to the conversation, trying to find the hidden messages they sent to each other regarding the lovers’ quarrel. The sordid affair that Ellen busted. Actually John Matoose wanted to hear anything at that moment that didn’t have to do with the scouting mission, because hearing anything at that moment would make him less nervous. And John Matoose was nervous.

^^^^

It was early and Joe wasn’t due in Distribution just yet. Not wanting to alert anyone to his checking out George’s things in warehouse ‘A’, Joe decided to wait until daybreak to do so, instead of at night when the lights would be seen. The streets of Beginnings only had those who worked early and headed to their shift, mainly security and field workers. Joe reviewed the checklist in his mind as he made his way to the warehouse. First thing was look through George’s things. Second was to locate Henry and find out what the hell he had been doing as leader because Joe had to assign security positions while Robbie was making the flight. That was a task Henry told Dan he’d prefer not to handle and to speak to Joe.

Just about at the entrance to warehouse ‘A’, Joe heard his name being called, not seemingly for anything, more so a good morning hello. Joe, holding out his keys, turned to see Jason.

“Early start?” Jason asked.

“Yeah. You too, I see.”

“Josephine had heart palpitations all night. I stayed there till I sent her home.”

“Is she all right?” Joe asked.

“Nothing serious. She’s fine. I think, my professional opinion, she has a bit of withdrawal. She tried to quit  drinking,” Jason explained. “And, well, you and I know she can be quite the lush.”

“What made Josephine decided to give up the bottle? Her health?”

“A man.”

Joe nearly choked on the laughter that blurted out. “A man made her quit?”

“Actually she’s trying to impress him. Forrest.”

“And what was your doctor advice to her?”

“I told her to drink again. Forrest drinks as much as she does and I told her, at eighty-some years old, why quit now.”

Joe was a little surprised by Jason’s unconventional advice. Had it been Dean, Dean would have had her in his new detox program. “Awfully unorthodox advice for a doctor.”

“Yeah well, her heart won’t take the withdrawal symptoms, Joe, so let her go. Hell, her liver is still in great shape. She may still be skipping around here twenty years from now. Anyway I’m off. Wanted to say hi.”

“Where you heading, Jason?” Joe asked, taking in that Jason had approached him behind all the town’s buildings. “Odd that you’re back here.”

“Nah, I cut through this way to get to Mechanics. It’s easier. I have a req to turn in..” He started walking away then he stopped. “Oh Joe.” Jason turned back. “I wanted to ask you something. You can tell me it’s none of my business, but how’s the search for the Society insider going? I figured that’s what you were doing by asking for the history of the time machine.”

“It’s going.” Joe held up a finger slowly. “Let me ask you a question, Jason.”

“Shoot.”

“You said something to Dean and Henry. You said ‘another person’ working for George. As if you knew of one.”

“I do,. Well, I think. I’m not sure, but I’m pretty certain of it.”

“Who?” Joe asked.

“John Matoose.”

Joe tried not to let his shock be seen. “What makes you say John Matoose?”

“History. I gave it thought when things were going against us, especially when we went back March 6th and it seemed so much like a set up. I figured John had to know about this place when he met up with you guys. He was with the President. I think John knew more than he should and George used that against him. John’s whole demeanor changed when George left. It was consistent with someone who has a lot of pressure. That’s why I think George used John’s knowledge to get John to do things, held it over his head. He snapped easily and so forth but the clincher came after the new plague. John all of the sudden was removed from any security work except for flights. Straight Mechanics and you have someone tailing him.”

“Why would you say that?”

“Because I work odd hours and hardly ever sleep. John doesn’t see it. I do.”

“If it is true and he is followed, you won’t . . .”

“Say a word?” Jason held up his hand. “No. I figured the only reason John isn’t headless or out of here is because you’re probably using him for all you can get. I’d do the same thing. When the well is dry, fill it in.”

“You’ve given this a lot of thought, haven’t you?” Joe asked.

“Yes I have.”

“As much thought to whoever else you think it is in Beginnings?”

“Person or persons. I have several theories. I’ve been wanting to share them with you but a few are half baked.”

“Well,” Joe bounced from heel to toe. “Let me tell you, they can’t be as half baked as some of the ones we’re dealing with.”

“Then we’ll sit over a drink and talk about them,” Jason said. “Today, I’m gonna try to work in my lab. With Dean’s so-called disappearance, I’m pretty busy at the clinic. Maybe tonight or tomorrow.”

“I’d like that.” Joe nodded once.

“Good.” Jason stepped and stopped. “Joe, one thing. I know you’re looking at me as a insider for the Society. I don’t mind. I would too. But, with all honesty, I would like to tell you something.”

“Sure.”

“I may be guilty of some things in Beginnings, but working for George is not one of them.” Jason smiled partially and walked away.

Joe watched Jason, wondering what he had mean by the last statement, and he figured he’d find out later. But at that moment, getting into the warehouse and looking through George’s things was top priority.

Joe sat on the floor of the warehouse for maybe an hour, going through George’s things. He knew for certain his legs were going to kill him when he finally got out of the crouched down position. He looked differently than he had done before, because he looked with different knowledge. When he went through George’s books, he realized that was where he went wrong before. Like Henry had said, they were only looking for things to do with the Society. When they fine-tooth combed his things before, they were actually using a thick-tooth comb, because they merely skimmed over anything that was related to Beginnings. That was their major mistake.

The book marks called to him, scrap paper, Beginnings made, placed neatly in the parts of the books where George left off. An avid reader and a man who read more than one book at a time, it wasn’t surprising to Joe that George used a marker. Joe even remembered him and Henry reading where George had left off in the books. They had glanced at the book marks but didn’t think anything of them. They were Beginnings paper, How much were they gonna tell them? How wrong Joe and Henry were.

It was there, triple-folded long ways on page one hundred twenty-two of the book, ‘Poseidon Adventure’, with George’s handwriting on the smooth side saying ‘bookmark’ and a George drawing of a daisy. But when Joe unfolded it, he realized what it was. It was evidence they needed, but not evidence they wanted to admit.  Someone from Beginnings really did try to warn George and Joe read the proof he held in his hand. A note dated from the future to George in the past.  ‘This is a warning. Do not continue on with the Society’s plan. I urge you. The virus is not infallible. I know this because I write you from a future that has gone bad. Signed, a friend.’

Perhaps George kept the note as a reminder of his mistake for possibly scoffing at it all those years ago. There was only one problem. The note was not handwritten; it was typed. With no signature there wasn’t any way to know who wrote it. Or was there? Joe glanced down at the note again, looking at it instead of reading it and that’s when he noticed. All the capital letters were faded and cut off some at the top. A hint of blue ink, only a hint, could be seen. A typewriter fault? A Henry-made typewriter ribbon error? Whatever caused it, Joe quickly ran through his mind how many typewriters there were in Beginnings and who all had them. That was where Joe was going to start.  Placing the note in his chest pocket, Joe closed the ‘Poseidon Adventure’ and began to pack up George’s things. He had a new direction, one he would get started on as soon as he could. It was a little clue, but a clue none-the-less.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

Frank kept watching, throughout his training and whenever he was in his office, for those six scientist to leave so he could go find Dean. When they finally appeared to be taking a morning break, Frank took advantage of it. He sneaked out of his building, stayed close to the walls, edged his way to the next, darted in and out of bushes, and tried, as if someone his size could easily be concealed.

It dawned on Frank as he was making his mad dash to the doors of the lab building. Why was he hiding? He was C.O. of the base. Realizing this, he slowed down, stood straight, and walked in. He made his way to the main lab. The door was locked and he opened it with a key that Lt. Merrick had marked for him.

Frank readied himself to scold Dean for not stopping by during the course of the morning to say ‘hi’. But he figured, like he was addicted to smoking, Dean was addicted to lab equipment or something.

Frank didn’t see him when he walked into the lab, but that didn’t mean Frank didn’t know where Dean was. He remembered the special lab off of the freezer room. Frank deducted that was where they kept Dean, hidden away like a deformed child or something. And Frank was right. Walking into the freezer room, he could see Dean in the lab

. . . on the phone?

Frank opened the door, hearing Dean laugh.

Dean’s back was to Frank and he was reclining in the chair. “O.K., just keep that in mind . . . I’ll try to call you later if I can get near a phone . . . I miss you too. I love you. Bye.”

“No!” Frank cried out, running into the lab as Dean set down the receiver.

Dean jumped at Frank’s scream. “God, Frank.”

“That . . . that was El.” Frank pointed to the phone. “Wasn’t it?”

“Yeah.”

“Dean, you asshole! You can call Ellen?”

“Yes.” Dean stood up. “It was part of the arrangement.”

“Fuck.” Frank rushed to the phone and reached for it. “Where is she? I wanna talk to her.”

“No, Frank.” Dean laid his hand on the receiver.

“Dean.”

“Frank.”

“Get your hand off the phone. I’m calling El.”

“And tell her what?” Dean asked.

“Tell her I love her and miss her.”

“And divulge that you have your memory.”

“No!” Frank snapped. “I won’t say anything about that.”

“Frank, you idiot. What the hell do you think telling her you love her would be doing? The lines are tapped.”

“Oh.” Frank thought about it. “Why is George letting you call home?”

“Because he thinks El is the only who know about it and it was part of my bargain. I have to have constant check-ins with her. If she doesn’t hear from me, I told George she would go to Joe and they would drop a weapon she and I worked on that would wipe out everyone on the east coast, except me. I’m immune.”

“Is that true? Do you have a weapon like that?”

“Um . . . uh . . . no. What are you doing here, Frank?”

“Bored I guess.” He sat on the edge of Dean’s desk. “You know, Dean, I heard the end of your conversation. In all seriousness, don’t get your hopes up on keeping this marriage thing once I get home.”

Dean laughed, stopped laughing, looked at Frank, and laughed again.

“What?”

“You think you’re gonna steal her from me?”

“Yes.”

“You think?”

“I know.”

Dean laughed.

“Don’t . . .” Frank imitated Dean’s laughing. “Wanna bet on it?”

“I’ll bet you. What do you wanna bet.”

“That I can’t steal her off of you and break up the marriage?”

“Yes.”

“Let me think about it. I need a time frame though. She’ll have a certain loyalty to you for a short time for coming after me. But after that . . .” Frank fluttered his lips. “You’re little man history.”

“You think?”

“I know.”

“We’ll see.”

“We will.” Frank nodded.

“Why are you here, Frank?”

“What? Are you working on something?” Frank asked sarcastically.

“No.” Dean shook his head. “I wouldn’t work on anything for them except to screw things up.”

“So you have nothing better to do than to argue with me?”

Dean let out a long sigh. “I guess not.” Dean pointed to his desk and extra chair. “Wanna catch up some more.”

“Yeah.” Frank sat down at the same time as Dean. “Hey Dean.”

“What?”

Frank leaned into the desk. “Guess what?”

“What?”

“I know something you don’t know.”

Dean made a scoffing face, gasping in disgust. “What is this? Let’s play first grade?” Dean leaned back in his chair. “What do you know?”

“I can’t tell you.”

“Does it have something to do with the Society?”

“Nope.” Frank played with the pencil holder. “It’s more personal.”

“Then in that case . . .” Dean took the pencil holder from him. “I know something you don’t know.”

“No you don’t. You’re just saying that.”

“Nope.” Dean shook his head.

“What is it?” Frank asked.

“I can’t tell you. Joe orders.” Dean smirked thinking of Hal. “Ah. Bet it’s better than yours.”

“Doubt it. Give me a hint.”

“You give me a hint.”

“I can’t.”

Dean shrugged. “Neither can I.”

“O.K.” Frank tapped his fingers on Dean’s desk as he rested his chin on his hand. “Catch up time. How did this Neville Competition start?”

Dean smiled and leaned closer to his desk. He enjoyed arguing with Frank. In fact, he missed it so much, fighting with Frank actually put him in a good mood. They sat in his little office and talked about Beginnings until the scientist returned.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

The buzzing of the cryo-lab door opening wouldn’t have caught Ellen’s attention because she didn’t lock it. The sweet smell of cologne made her lift her head from the far counter and sniff. It drew closer. There were only two men in Beginnings who regularly wore cologne. Joe, but that wasn’t a scent for him. He was more the ‘Old Spice’ or “Brute’ guy. And Danny Hoi. But Danny consistently wore the same thing and that definitely wasn’t what Ellen smelled.

She turned around and smiled. “Robbie.”

“Hey El.”

Ellen’s head twitched, subtly looking at a clean shaven, hair combed Robbie. “What’s up with this?” She held her hand out to him and motioned it in a point.

“Oh.” He ran his hand over the top of his hair. “I didn’t get cleaned up this morning before I flew John and Jess off so I thought I’d take a shower now.”

“I see.”

“Busy?”

“Yes. Sorry.”

“I’ll come back.” Robbie pointed to the door.

“No, we can talk while I work. I’m just looking for abnormalities. Stay if you can take it.”

“O.K.” Robbie smiled and moved closer.

“Excuse my back.” She turned to the counter. “What’s up with the cologne?”

“You like it?”

“Yes.” Ellen pulled the large magnifying glass over the specimen tray she viewed. “There’s a clipboard over on the other counter. Can you hand it to me?”

“Sure.” Robbie looked and saw it. He picked it up, walked right behind Ellen and handed it over her shoulder.

Ellen felt how close he was. “Robbie.”

“So uh . . .” He stepped even closer, peering over her shoulder. “What are we looking at?”

“Marv.” She giggled when she felt Robbie lightly touch against her.

“Marv? Why are you laughing?”

“Why do I get this sneaky suspicion you’re being a little frisky right now.”

“Sorry.”

“Do you still feeling a little awkward about you manhood?”

“El,” Robbie whined her name.

“Are you?”

“What if I’m only attractive to men now?”

Ellen turned around and faced him. “Robbie, I will tell you this one time today. After that you have to wait until tomorrow. O.K.?”

“O.K.”

“You are incredibly sexy.” Her hand ran up his chest. “You are the best looking guy in Beginnings and you have awesome green eyes, a cute little butt, and a great body. O.K.?”

“All right.”

“Good. Now I have to get back to this before I go to the clinic.” She turned back to the counter.

“So you’re working on Marv. I thought we buried him.”

“Not all of him.”

“El?” Robbie looked in the specimen tray. “Those are little pieces.”

“Yes.”

“Of Marv?”

“Yes.” Ellen nodded. Using tweezers, she lifted the pieces.

“What exactly are you doing with those little pieces?”

“Identifying them and documenting.”

“What part of him was it?”

“Oh. Look.” Ellen allowed Robbie to share the magnifying glass as she pointed. “This here is the  . . . I wouldn’t expect you to know this off hand, but this is the duct of the epididymis. This here is a very small portion of the prepuce. And if you really look close you can see that this is indeed the external urethral orifice.”

“Yeah. Sure. What?”

“Let’s just say they are remains of Marv’s internal and external genitalia.”

“Uh.” Robbie shuddered vocally. “Oh my God. That’s a mess.”

“Yes.”

“It doesn’t look anything like parts of the male anatomy.”

“Sure it does, chewed up and spit out.”

“Ouch.”

Ellen giggled. “It wasn’t digested either. It never hit the stomach. Other parts . . .”

“El.” Robbie shook his head. “That’s enough.” Just as he started to step back, he heard the clearing of a throat. He looked over his shoulder to see a snickering Henry. “What?”

“Sorry.” Henry held up his hand as he took a step in the lab. “I was just wondering to myself if you are standing behind El to get a good look at what she’s looking at or maybe you just miss Jess.”

“Huh?” The it hit Robbie. His eyes widened and horror splattered across his face as if someone threw it at him. “El.”

Ellen laughed.

Henry stepped in. Only when he walked in, he walked over to El with his hands behind his back and his backside always facing away from Robbie.

“Henry,” Robbie scolded. “Why are you walking like that.”

“Don’t want to excite you. I got those jeans on that El says make my butt look good.”

Robbie bit his lip and whispered to Ellen. “I’m killing you.”

Ellen kept giggling and working.

Henry made his way to Robbie who still stood close to Ellen. “So Robbie, I heard you tried homosexuality last night.”

“Henry!”

“Kidding.” Henry laughed. “I’m sorry. So, what are you guys doing?”

Ellen looked at Henry from the magnifying glass. “I was just showing Robbie the remains of Marv’s genitalia.”

Henry snickered. “Man Robbie, you have to see it anyway you can, don’t you?”

Robbie held up one finger and readied himself to snap at Henry. But as his mouth opened, Robbie’s name was called out over his radio. Robbie opened and closed his mouth as if the voice mysteriously came from him. He chuckled and grabbed the radio from his waist. “What’s up, Dan?”

“None of us will do it, Robbie. You’re head of security. You have to go to sector thirty-two. Hank failed to come back from Neville rounds.”

“Shit.” Hooking the radio onto his belt and, without even saying goodbye, Robbie ran from the cryo-lab.

Henry took a look at Ellen then followed behind Robbie, never seeing Ellen plop her elbows on the counter and cover her face.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

“So then I said to my brother . . .” Jess told a story as he and John tromped through the thick woods nearer to the base than they thought. “ . . . he was on. I bet I was the one who could get out of the service before my tour was up.”

“And he won didn’t he?”

Jess laughed. “Yeah. I never left the service. I loved it. He hated it.”

“Hey, what’s that?” John trotted ahead of Jess.

“Be careful.” Jess hurried to catch him.

John bent down to the large mound of dirt, branches, and brush. “Someone’s been hiding and digging.”

Jess had his hand over his nose. “And by the smell of it . . .”

John lifted a large branch. “Oh man.” He stood up. “Bodies.” He sniffed outward and cleared his throat.

“How many?” Jess looked into the hole when John removed a few more branches. “I’m counting ten.”

“Eleven. Look.” John pointed.

“Oh, he’s just missing a leg. I missed that. They’re not hidden very well.”

“Not at all. I’d say this hole was dug with no intentions of hiding them.”

“And whoever it was covered them quickly.”

“Frank,” John said.

“How do you know?” Jess asked.

“All head shots . . .in the forehead. That’s a Frank trademark.” John replaced the branches and kicked his foot to cover the bodies again.

“He’s taking them out.”

“But hasn’t for a while. There are no fresh bodies.”

“Do you ever wonder if Frank worries about burning in hell?” Jess asked John.

“Frank. Nah.” John shook his head. “I think Frank has this idea that he’s already in hell and he might as well make the best of it.”

Jess snickered. “We’d better get moving. By the map, that base isn’t too far ahead and we’re gonna have to get out of sight.”

John agreed and moved onward with Jess only after taking one more look at the mass grave and shaking his head with a snicker.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Joe finally had his first opportunity. Distribution was closed for an hour and he was going to use the break to start his investigation. He deducted there were six typewriters in Beginnings. He decided to start with the typewriter closest to distribution. History’s.

He stepped inside the empty office of history and was immediately pelted with this sweet smell. He sniffed and sniffed again. It was warm and fruity. “What in Christ name . . .” He sniffed again.

“Hi Joe!” Trish spoke upbeat, walking from the back room and pulling the door closed as she held a stack of papers.

“Trish, what is that smell?”

“Oh, blueberry scented candles. You like?” She sat down at her desk and laid the stack in front of her.

“No. Where in the hell are you getting blueberry scented candles?”

“Danny Hoi. It cost a small favor slip but it was worth it.” Trish loudly whiffed inwardly with a satisfying moan. “Doesn’t it smell bakery fresh in here?”

“Whatever. Trish I need . . .” He saw her open her appointment book. “Don’t.”

“Don’t what?”

“Don’t ask me if I have an appointment.”

Trish quickly shut the book. “Oh never, Joe. I was just checking. What can I do for you?”

“Does your typewriter work?”

“Yes. Oh! Do you need me to type something for you?”

“As a matter of fact . . .” Joe smiled. “Can you?”

“Sure Joe. Are you going to dictate it to me?”

“Um, yeah. Just a line. I’m checking on something. Can you do it now.”

“Most definitely. Let me get some paper.”

Joe reached into his pocket for the note and watched Trish slowly open her bottom drawer. She fumbled then licked her finger and pulled out a sheet of paper. She swirled her chair to her typewriter and placed the paper inside. “Trish.”

She ignored Joe as she hummed a tune, turned the knob, and pulled the paper up. “Whoops.” She took out the paper and reinserted it. “Not lined up.”

“Trish!”

“What?”

“Never mind. Are you done?”

“Let me see.” Trish looked at the paper. “I’m ready. It’s lined up. Dictate.”

“O.K. ready . . .”

“I type very fast, Joe, so don’t worry about leaving me behind.”

“Good. Now type . . . This is a warning.” Joe saw Trish didn’t type. “What’s wrong?”

“Why am I threatening someone?”

“You’re not.”

“But you just said type a warning to someone.”

“Just type those words.”

“Who am I threatening?” Trish asked.

“No one.”

“Who are you threatening?”

“No one.”

“Then why am I typing, ‘this is a warning’?”

“Trish!” Joe yelled.

“Yes.”

“Just type the goddamn words.”

“O.K.” Trish’s fingers clicked on the typewrite. In seconds she was done. “Anything else?”

“No. Just let me see that.”

“Here.” Trish started to hand Joe the paper. As soon as he grabbed it, she yanked it back.

“Ow.” Joe brought his freshly paper cut finger to his mouth. “Give it back.”

“Wait. No one sees this but you..”

“Give it.” Joe snatched the paper from Trish’s hand.

“Ow!” Trish shrieked and brought her finger to her mouth also.

“Doesn’t feel good, does it?” Joe grabbed his glasses and put them on. He compared the notes and handed Trish hers back. “Here I don’t need this. Thank you anyhow.”

“No problem.” Trish began to rip the paper up in tiny little pieces.

“What are you doing that for?”

Trish spoke as she kept herself engrossed in the ripping. “Because I don’t want anyone to see the note. They’ll know I typed it and they’ll think I’m typing threatening letters.”

“How the hell is anyone gonna know you typed that?” Joe asked her with sarcasm and annoyance, cringing at every little rip she made.

“Because I have the only typewriter in Beginnings that Henry’s ribbons actually work good on. Everyone else’s clashes in some way or another. So if they see perfect type, they know it’s my typewriter.”

“How do you know this?” Joe asked.

Trish tsked. “Joe.” She rolled her eyes. “Duh. I get all the history reports, Mr. Ex-leader. I know everybody’s typewriter faults and glitches.”

Joe’s eyes lit up. “You do, don’t you. Trish.” Joe smiled. “How would you like to help me out?”

“With what?”

“Tell me about distinguishing characteristics faults of each typewriter.”

Trish gasped. “My God, Joe, that could take a while. I’m a busy women.”

Joe looked around. “Doing what?”

“History is mentally consuming but . . . I’ll do it. However, it will cost you.”

“Cost me what.”

Trish tapped her hands in thought. She held up her finger, grabbed a pad, and scribbled something down. “Paying my small favor slip to Danny Hoi.” She handed Joe a piece of paper. “Sign this and I talk.”

Joe knew Trish’s filling him in could save him a lot of time and lead him in the right direction. So figuring he’d deal with owing Danny at a later time, Joe signed the paper that stated he owed Danny instead of Trish. He grabbed his small note book from his back pocket and proceeded to take notes as Trish slowly filled him in on the every single boring and detailed glitch of every typewriter in Beginnings.

^^^^

Bowman, North Dakota

“Jenkins,” Hal stated to Sgt. Ryder as they moved down the street of Bowman. “What do you think?”

“I think it’s a good choice. And it would be less hassle since he would whine the most for not getting picked.”

“My thoughts exactly” Hal said. “So we pack up and we leave for Beginnings tomorrow.”

Sgt. Ryder let out a slow breath. “I didn’t think I would be included in this plan.”

“Actually it was Ellen’s suggestion.”

“The woman’s?”

Hal cringed. “You have to stop doing that. All of us have to stop doing that. Yes, Ellen, the woman When we stated I would bring someone up to help Robbie protect her and the kids while the plan goes down, she asked specifically for you.”

Sgt. Ryder grinned. “I’m honored.”

“And you know what, Elliott? I’m glad she did. I feel better with you there.”

“And I get to go to Beginnings.”

“It’s not all that.”

“Excuse me.”

“Sure the technology is there, but small town charm?” Hal shook his head. “No. Our new town will definitely, kick ass in the charm department over Beginnings.”

Sgt. Ryder chuckled and strolled with Hal. They discussed Beginnings further and the plan that was going down much sooner than anyone anticipated.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Joe covered Hank’s body probably faster than he uncovered it in the morgue. “Christ.” He looked up at Robbie. “Bad, but not as bad as Marv.”

“He was still as easy to carry. Did you call Ellen?” Robbie asked.

“Yeah. She’s on her way.”

“Then maybe we should go meet her.” Robbie indicated to the morgue door.

“Yeah, let’s. Even though Henry’s out in the hall, I think this may be one of those times where I’m gonna have to intercept her and be the one to talk to her. We need answers.” Joe moved to the door and looked at Hank’s covered body again. “And we need answers now.”

As soon as Ellen walked into the clinic she saw Henry standing in the hall, facing the other way. “Henry.”

Henry turned around. “Hey El.”

“I’ve been summoned. How bad?”

“There was only the one bag this time.”

Ellen let out a slow breath. “That is a relief. There is nothing worse than rummaging through a bin of very small body parts trying to distinguish . . .”

“El.” Henry shook his head and held up his hand. “Please. Just the thought makes me sick.”

“Sorry.” Ellen stepped closer to him. “So why am I not recognizing the name Hank? Who is Hank?”

“Oh, a defector.”

“Huh.”

“One of the Society’s defectors that came in right at the time of the new plague. One of Jess’s men.” Henry spoke seriously then saw the snicker on Ellen face.

“One of Jess’s men?” She raised an eyebrow.

Henry started to snicker as well then saw Joe and Robbie walking down the hall. “Here comes another one of Jess’s men.”

“Shh,” Ellen whispered. “This is a serious moment. Let’s be solemn.” She placed her hands behind her back and stood up straight and with less of a smile. “Hi Joe.”

“Hank is in the back. I want answers from you,” Joe told her.

“I’ll see what I can do.” Ellen began to walk away.

“No,” Joe called out. “If you can’t tell me what killed him then you’d better damn well have some answers about what is happening to my men and what we can do to prevent it. Got that.”

“Joe, I said I’ll see what I can do.” Ellen swayed her head.

“Do it,” Joe ordered. “You’ve been working on Marv for days. Do it.” He faced Henry after Ellen walked down the hall. “What I need from you, Henry, is for you and Danny to sit down and figure out how much fence you need and how many men you’ll need to erect a perimeter as fast as possible. Cliff or no cliff, do not want to take a chance, no matter how small, of whatever got two of our men coming into this community.”

“But Joe . . .” Henry said. “That’s a lot of area and the kids play out there.”

“Then you minimize the area by going around the base of the cliff as close as possible then you double the fence. The one on the inside of the community is the protection from the one that’s hot. We are just gonna have to teach these kids to stay the hell away from the fence. I don’t mean to step on your toes Henry . . .”

“No, Joe. That’s O.K.” Henry nodded. “I’ll get a hold of Danny right now.” Henry noticed the look on Joe’s face. “That bad, Joe?”

Joe looked at Robbie then Henry. “Put it this way, Henry. I feel like I am in a Stephen King novel.”

Ellen looked at the semi-mound that was supposed to be a body on the table in the morgue. She let out a deep tension breath as she put on her gloves and moved to the table. “Oh boy.” She cleared her throat and brought the accessories with her, tape recorder, chart, and trays. Hesitantly she grasped the of the top of the sheet and pulled it back, exposing Hank’s half -torn apart head that was barely connected to his body. Ellen dropped the sheet and slowly closed her eyes. “Oh God. Not again.”

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

On a small grade dug pretty much into the hillside, Jess and John laid on their stomachs. It was an odd thing for Jess to hear. Perhaps that was why he turned to John when he heard the snickering.

“John. What? What do you see?”

“I’ll be damned. Take a look.” John handed Jess the binoculars.

“What and where am I looking?”

“Walking into what we call building ‘A’. Look.”

“Oh shit.” Jess lowered the binoculars and smiled at John. “Frank.”

“Yep.”

Jess looked again. “Holy hell.” Jess then handed the binoculars back. “I almost didn’t recognize him. He has hair.”

^^^^

Frank didn’t think it was a poisonous apple. It didn’t look poisonous. But then again it didn’t look like an apple either. It was round and green and Frank thought maybe it was the start of some really huge plum. He held it, looked at it, and debated in his mind on whether to eat it. It had been so long since he had fresh fruit, a custom he had become used to in Beginnings.

Figuring he’d take it with him, relax after working out, and stare at it for a while, Frank walked down the corridor of the main building and to his office. He was surprised when the door was unlocked. He was more surprised when he saw Dean sitting there. “Dean.” Frank hurried and shut the door. “How did you get in here?”

Dean sat in the chair by Frank’s desk. “That guy Richie unlocked the door.”

“Richie? He, uh, didn’t say who he was, did he?”

“Richie, Frank. You know the guy who came from my closet.”

“Oh yeah. That Richie.” Frank palmed his mysterious fruit, looking at it.

“Frank? What do you have?”

“An apple, I think. Kind of small.” Frank held it up. “Maybe the start of a plum or peach. I was gonna eat it.”

“Frank, you can’t . . . go on.” Dean raised his head. “Enjoy.”

Frank opened his mouth, paused and smiled. “No-no.” He set the thing on his desk. “You’re supposed to wait until we get home. It’s poisonous, isn’t it?”

“No. Eat it.”

“No Dean. It’s poisonous, isn’t it?” Frank smiled. “Huh? Isn’t it? Huh? Isn’t it? Huh?”

“Frank!” Dean snapped. “God. Yes. It is a poisonous berry.” Dean picked it up and whistled. “And a really big one too.”

“So what are you doing here?” Frank sat down behind his desk. “Miss me?”

“No, contrary to what you’d like to believe after the initial slight happiness of seeing you, I’ve had my Frank fill.”

“Whatever. What do you want?”

“I have news.” Dean moved closer to the desk. “Guess who’s coming to Binghamton in two days?”

“Who?”

“Guess.”

“Um . . .” Frank closed his eyes. “My dad.”

“Aside from him.”

“My brother.”

Dean snickered. “Aside from him too. Guess.”

“Who?”

“George.”

“Who?”

“George!” Dean yelled. “George Hadley.”

“Oh my God. No shit?” Frank snapped forward. “How do you know?”

“Leonard just told me.”

“Oh this is so great. How long will he be here?” Frank asked.

“I don’t know.”

“Let’s just hope he stays long enough for us to safely kill him.”

“All you’ll have to do is your Frank thing to him and how long will that take? One second.” Dean told him.

“You don’t want to help?”

“What? Kill George?”

“Yeah.”

“No.” Dean shook his head. “You can have the honors. Killing is really not my cup of tea, except for you.”

“Ha!” Frank rocked in his chair. “Really ‘Mr. Wipeout Half the East Coast’? Come on, Dean. You  don’t want to take the pleasure in killing George?” Frank raised an eye brow.

“Frank. I’m saving my energy for you.”

“He killed the world, Dean. He . . . gave my dad Salicain.” Frank tossed out the list with an enticing manner. “Started the new plague. Had something to do with you going blind. Gave our kids the new plague. Brian, Dean. And . . .” Frank stopped rocking and leaned his elbows on the desk. “According to Henry and Ellen, he even killed you.”

“O.K.. Maybe you have a point. But how much help do you need to shoot him in the head?”

“Dean,” Frank smiled. “I was thinking on the lines of something sicker. Something that would make him suffer. You know, hit him with a delayed reaction. He thinks he got away and BAM, he dies a slow, painful, really disgusting, Dean-style chemical death.”

“Frank . . .”

Frank tilted his head. “You make it. I hit him with it. What do you say?”

Dean moved his lips around as he thought. “O.K., you got a deal. I’ll see what I can make here. It depends what they have.”

Frank slammed his hand on the desk. “Excellent. You’ll get on it right away.”

“Sure, why not.” Dean shrugged. “Shit.”

“What?”

“I have no test subjects. I’m gonna need test subjects. Rabbits or such.”

“When do you need them?”

“As soon as possible.”

Frank smiled arrogantly. “Don’t worry. I know just where to pick them up.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Andrea’s office.

Joe looked at the nearly shut door, facing it for what seemed to be an eternity. He checked out the note from the future and then replaced it in his chest pocket. With a hand that held a requisition, he knocked once on the door and pushed it open.

Andrea looked up from her desk, smiled, and then began to stand. “I was just leaving.”

“Oh yeah?” Joe placed his hands in his pockets. “I need to uh . . .” Joe held up the requisition. “Need to borrow your typewriter. Can I?”

“Oh sure.” Andrea piled up some folders, moving them neatly to the corner of her desk. “Are you sad about Hank?”

“Who?” Joe asked.

“The new guy that died.”

“Oh.” Joe nodded once. “Yes. Very. It’s a shame.”

“Ellen didn’t say if she needed help with the autopsy. You know, with Dean gone and all.”

“I’m sure Ellen’s fine.” Joe waited impatiently for Andrea to move from behind her desk so he could use the typewriter on the little table next to it. “She’s fine.”

“Good.” Andrea smiled. “Are we having a special council meeting regarding it?”

Joe lifted his shoulder. “Don’t know. Andrea, can I . . .”

“I guess I should be asking Henry that, huh?”

“Yes. Andrea, could I use that typewriter? I’m really can’t fit back there with you standing there.”

“Oh.” Andrea snickered. “Sorry.” She stepped from behind her desk. “Be my guest.”

“Thank you.” Joe walked over, sat in her chair, and turned it to face the typewriter. He looked at it.

“On the side.”

“What?”

“On the side. The power.”

“Andrea, I know how to turn . . . thank you.” He reached for the power button as if she guided him, even though Joe was quite aware of where the power switch was located. He pulled out his glasses and placed them on. He could see, from the corner of his eye, Andrea standing there. “Are you gonna watch me?”

Andrea closed her eyes and shook her head with a smile. “Sorry. I’m a little out of it. I’m going to go. See you at home.” She pointed to the door.

Joe watched her. Then Joe watched her stop.

“Joe.”

“Yes.”

“Can we have everyone over for dinner? I don’t mean the community.” She snickered at Joe’s grunt. “I mean, Ellen, the kids, Robbie, Henry, and Johnny. Can we? We haven’t had the family together in a while. I’m making pasta and there’s . . .”

“Yes.”

“Oh, goodie because I just think with Dean leaving and . . .”

“Yes Andrea. You can do this. You don’t need to explain.”

“Thanks.” She reached for the door. “I think it would be nice don’t . . .”

“Andrea! Christ, I’m trying to get this done.”

Andrea gasped. “Was that tone necessary Joe Slagel? Oh, I don’t think. Do you?” She crossed her arms and glared at him. “Well Mr. Attitude. We’ll just deal with this later. You’re lucky I don’t kick your ass out of my office now.” Her hand moved about. “Talking to me like that. Snapping at me. Sitting in my desk. Using my typewriter. Which by the way, I let no one use. Feel privileged, Joe.”

“Are you done?” Joe peered up at her.

“Yes.”

“Good. See you at home.” He waited and it didn’t take long. Andrea huffed and stormed from the office, slamming the door. Joe turned back to the typewriter.

He set down the requisition. He didn’t want to type on it, not wanting to waste I, so he grabbed a slip of scrap paper from Andrea’s little holder. He rolled it in the typewriter, bringing the paper up a little. He peered over his glasses, placed his hands on the keys, and then typed the words, ‘this is a warning’. After he hit the return key, and the words barely inched their way up, Joe knew. He didn’t even need to take the paper out of the typewriter. He pulled the future note from his pocket, just to double check. He compared both notes. There was no mistake about it, the faulty type, the cut off capital letters, and the blue and black ink running together. The future note’s irregular and defective print was a dead match for the irregular and defective print of Andrea’s typewriter.

Joe’s heart sunk.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Beginnings, Montana

“It doesn’t mean anything Joe.” Henry handed Joe back  the future note and the one Joe typed. “Anyone could have snuck in there and used the typewriter. To me, it’s not conclusive.”

Joe sat behind his desk, actually Henry’s desk, leaning back in the chair, and looking at the two notes that laid before him. “Robbie, what do you think?”

“I hate to do it but I have to agree with Henry. Just because it was her typewriter, doesn’t mean it was Andrea.” Robbie said. “What does your gut tell you, Dad?”

“My gut.” Joe lifted the notes and dropped them. “My gut tells me . . . she typed the note. And . . .” Joe stopped when there was a knock at the door. “We’ll discuss this later . . . Come in!” Joe sat back with an ‘I’ve been expecting you’ look on his face when Ellen, so frightened, walked in.

“Hey Joe.” Ellen was wearing Dean’s jean jacket.  She shut the door and shook her arms nervously. “Cold out there. Hi, Henry.” She looked at Robbie, who stood up. “Hi.”

Robbie inched his way to her as if Joe or Henry didn’t see him do it. He whispered, “I need to talk to you later.”

“O.K.” Ellen looked around Robbie to see an impatient Joe. She waited until Robbie sat back down and then she took center room. “I’m still inconclusive on what is doing the killing. Our analysis program . . . um, it doesn’t . . .” She cleared her throat. “Excuse me. It doesn’t recognize the uh, animal.”

Joe slowly rocked in his chair. He brought his folded hands up to his chin. “Is that so?”

“Yes.” Ellen said. “Whatever it is, uh . . . goes for the jugular vein first. Most of the body wounds thereafter are not bleeders meaning it goes for the throat, ripping and tearing until all movement stops and then it eats.”

“The victim?” Joe questioned.

“Yes,” Ellen answered.

“And this is all you have for me.”

“Well it only eats the fleshy parts. And . . .” Ellen reached into the inside jacket pocket and pulled out a pump spray bottle. “Here.” She set it on Joe’s desk.

“What is this?” Joe picked it up.

“Um, it’s this super, uh, anti-animal formula me and I conjured up.”

“Super anti-animal formula? For what?” Joe asked.

“It’s a mixture that will burn an animal’s mouth on contact. If the men spray it on their neck, the second the animal bites him, the animal will go no further. You may have an injury but probably not a devastating mangled mess of a death.”

“Thank you for the colorful commentary.” Joe looked at the bottle. “This will burn the animal’s mouth?”

“Yes. Really badly too. O.K.? That’s the best I can do now. Bye.”

“Ellen,” Joe called out to her as he held the bottle closely to his nose. “This smells like straight garlic.”

“Um . . . yeah. It is. Bye.” She hurried for the door again.

“Hold it.” Joe set the bottle down. “Since when did garlic burn an animal’s mouth.”

“It works on werewolves.” Ellen shrugged and lifted her arms.

“Vampires,” Joe corrected.

Robbie looked at Ellen. “This isn’t a joke because you said the animal rips apart the throat first. Is it?”

“No.” Ellen shook her head. “It’ll work. Trust me. I think. Not ‘think’ that you should trust me. You should trust me. But think that it will . . .”

“Ellen,” Joe stated her name harshly. “You’re saying this is an animal. Garlic won’t burn an animal’s mouth.”

“That will.” Ellen pointed.

“It’s garlic,” Joe said.

“Yes.”

“Garlic won’t do it. It’s an animal, Ellen, not vampires. We don’t have vampires in Beginnings.”

Henry held up his finger. “If I may, Joe. You did say you felt like you were in a Stephen King novel”

“Henry.” Joe looked at him.

“Yeah?”

“Don’t.” Joe grabbed the bottle. “Now, Ellen . . .”

“Bye, Joe.” Ellen waved and ran out the door.

Joe, angry, stood up. “She knows something. I know she knows something.”

Robbie turned from the closed door to his father. “What can we do though?”

“You and you.” Joe pointed to Henry and Robbie. “Can do nothing but I have two doctors and a doctor wanna be who can pretty much make heads or tails out of her autopsy reports.” Joe sat back down. “And that’s where I’m gonna start.” He picked up his phone and dialed. “Andrea. It’s me. I have something you need to do for me.”

^^^^

Binghamton. Alabama

“What are they doing?” John asked Jess who watched Frank and Dean.

“Staying out of sight while they talk.”

“They should be back inside. Someone is going to see them together out there.”

“Nah. They’re hidden. Look.” Jess handed John the binoculars.

“Does it . . .” John lowered them from his face. “Does it look to you like they’re arguing?”

“Yeah, but they wouldn’t be arguing. Catching up, maybe. I mean, they haven’t seen each other in a  while. They’re on the same side. They’re probably just discussing George really in-depth and it’s making them look like that.”

“Yeah.” John returned to watching them. “You’re probably right. What the hell could they possibly have to argue about anyhow?”

^^^^

“Henry,” Frank said the name so insistently.

“No, Frank. Robbie.”

“Henry.”

“Robbie,” Dean spoke argumentatively.

“This whole conversation is pretty fuckin stupid.”

“Go figure. You started it.”

“Hey!”

“Hey yourself, Frank.” Dean looked around to make sure they still remained behind the large storage building. He placed his hands in the front pockets of his jeans. “Robbie.”

“Henry.”

“Frank, you haven’t been there in a month. I know.”

“Don’t matter Dean. I know.”

“What do you know?”

“I know that she was living with fuckin Henry to stay neutral between us and . . . and.” Frank pointed. “You and I are gone. He’s gonna jump on it, especially since he thinks you really left Beginnings for the Society. In Henry’s eyes right now. You’re a gone man. I’m a dead man. He’s a lucky man and trust me. He’s gonna waste no time.” Frank nodded with assurance.

“O.K., O.K. you have a point. But . . .”

“No buts.”

“Yes Frank but. I’m saying with all certainty, Robbie will go after Ellen.”

“Robbie!” Frank scoffed. “Why in the world would Robbie go after Ellen in our absence if he knows your coming back and he knows me, his brother, is alive.”

“Because I told him to make it look like Ellen turned to him when I left. I . . . I told him to watch over her and take care of her.”

“Dean!” Frank blasted. “What the fuck? Oh, man.” Frank shook his head. “You gave the two most immoral people in Beginnings permission to play house. Oh, you have no one to blame if something happens. You gave the green light. You know Ellen.”

“I know your brother too. That’s why I say Robbie’s taking advantage of us being gone. Of course I didn’t think they did after I heard they did it the one time in Ashtonville.”

“They didn’t,” Frank said.

“They did.” Dean told him. “El it happened when her and I broke up and she lived with him.”

“No.”

“Yes.” Dean nodded. “And bet me it’s happened before. But we can’t really get mad because we weren’t there in that history.”

“Technically we were,” Frank said.  “We just don’t know it.” He looked at his watch. “Shit, we’d better be splitting up. We’ve been out here long enough.”

Dean checked out the time also. “Yeah. You’re right.”

“I’ll head out first.” Frank began to walk. “Hey, Dean. Thanks for the talk. And work on that chemical.”

“I will. You work on my animal.”

Frank just grinned and kept on walking.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Was Andrea home already? Joe asked himself when he walked in the house, smelled the scent of food, and heard the . . . slamming of pots? “Andrea.” Joe walked in the kitchen.

“Joe.” Andrea kept her back to him. “I pretty much have everything ready. I have to do something around dinner time at the clinic. A, uh . . . . patient. It won’t take long. Hand the salad duty over to someone, please.”

“What’s wrong?”

It was high pitched and so female. “Nothing.” She laid a lid on the pot. “I just a patient.”

“I’m not talking about the clinic. I’m talking about with you.”

“What do you mean, Joe? What’s wrong with me because I won’t make the salad?” She stirred the cooking pasta. “I hate warm lettuce and you know perfectly well if you break it too soon it turns brown. I don’t know about . . .”

“Andrea! For crying out loud.” Joe stepped to her. “You found something out, didn’t you? When you, Jason, and Johnny looked into the autopsy you found something . . .”

SLAM! The metal pasta fork banged off the counter. Andrea spun coldly to Joe. “I found nothing.”

Joe’s eyes widened at the sudden switch in demeanor. “Excuse me?”

“And don’t you ever ask me to go behind a coworker’s back again. You hear me? Leader, former leader, council member. I don’t care.” Her arms waved about. “There was nothing what so ever in those reports. None of us found anything, Joe. You!” Andrea pointed as she backed up. “Just want answers so badly that you will stoop so low as to go behind Ellen’s back to find out. There are no answers, Joe, and I feel really awful for doing your dirty work. From now out, if you want to play private investigator and find out what you think you know, then you do it. Stop asking everyone else to do it. Stop asking me!”

“Why are you so upset about this? I asked you to read her reports.”

“Without her knowledge.”

“Yeah. So.”

“It’s wrong.”

“Yeah so.”

Andrea grunted loudly. “I’ll tell you what your problem is, Joseph Slagel.”

“O.K. I’m game. Tell me,” Joe said.

“Ellen said it was inconclusive., but your problem is this isn’t the CIA. When the truth is staring you in the face, you don’t want to believe it because it’s not hidden behind anything. Well, Joseph, not all things are hidden deeply somewhere and sometimes you just have to take it for face value. Sometimes the most obvious truth really is the answer and this is just one of those cases.” Andrea stormed out.

Joe stared at the empty doorway. “In more situations than you realize, Andrea, you made a valid point.”

^^^^

Quantico Marine Headquarters

George smiled as he hung up the phone and looked at Steward who stood before his desk.

“Good news, sir, from Beginnings?” Steward asked.

“I don’t know. Could be.” George tilted his head with a smile. “Seems Beginnings has two men dead. Very violent killings.”

“And . . . does this have to do with us?”

“Aside that it’s just pleasant news to hear, it may.” George leaned back in his chair with a pleased smile. “It just may.”

^^^^

Jess and John had to stay hidden deep in the brush so that the headlights from the four huge military trucks didn’t shine upon them. They were taking pictures then they needed to be when the trucks arrived. They were so engrossed with Frank standing on the roof of the one building, posing as if he were some hyped- up wrestler in an arena full of people. It was so evident that Frank knew from Dean that John and Jess were probably out there, scouting and taking surveillance photos. John and Jess took some good shots of Frank and had some laughs before the trucks pulled through the gate and stopped just inside. The arrival of the trucks shocked them but not as much as the regimented lines and lines of shaven-head soldiers who stared blankly and coldly as they marched right in.

“Shit.” Jess exclaimed.

“What?” John asked.

“CME’s.”

“What?”

“I estimate that over two hundred of what you call SUTs, just made our chances of getting in that base a little tougher.”

^^^^

Dean kept looking at the men who started to line up at the gate. They were waiting for someone but obviously not Frank. They were in the distance, but still Dean could tell by their expressions what they were. They weren’t all human. That was a quality they lost at the hands of some cyborg surgeon.

Dean would walk, stop, look, and walk again to the lab building. He was so into the arrivals that he didn’t see Leonard walking out of the lab building. Dean nearly bumped into him.

“Dr. Hayes.”

“Leonard.” Dean tried to get passed him.

“Working late this evening, I see.”

“I found some interesting compounds we don’t have in Beginnings. I wanted to look and work with them some more. Is that a problem?”

“No, not at all. President Hadley would be pleased to know of your curiosity.”

Dean grunted and moved to the double doors.

“Dr. Hayes.” Leonard’s call caused him to stop. “In your journeys across base, did you by chance run into Lt. Murphy? He’s the black man that stays with we ambassadors.”

“Nope.” Dean shook his head. “Losing men Leonard? George won’t be pleased.”

“No he won’t. I’ll have to find our other lieutenant for the arrivals.”

“You do that.” Dean really wanted to tell Leonard he could care less. But he didn’t want to draw any attention to himself. He just kept walking. He went into the building, through the main lab, and passed the freezer room into the hideous hideaway--as Frank referred to it. Then Dean stopped. “Frank.” Dean immediately closed the door and shut the blinds. “What the hell is this?”

“Your test subject.”

Dean looked at the black man in uniform, tied and gagged to the chair. The man was sweating and his head was bleeding. “This . . . this is Lt. Murphy.”

“Yeah. Your point?”

“They’re looking for him, Frank.”

“Yeah.” Frank placed his hands on his hips. “And your point?”

“They’re gonna know he’s gone.” Dean grew excited. “You can’t just kidnap and tie up everyone, especially him. They’re gonna start to wonder what happened to him, Frank.”

“No they won’t.” Frank waved his hand. “He’s at survival training.”

“Survival training?” Dean asked. “Where the hell is that?”

“That’s the special secret place that all good Society officers go.” Frank placed his finger to his own temple, imitated an explosion sound, and let his head drop to the right only before snickering.

“You’re sick.” Dean pointed.

“Yeah, and you have a test subject.”

“What are we gonna do with him while I figure out the chemical compounds?”

“Aha.” Frank walked over to a counter, bent down, and opened the large door underneath. “Quite cozy. While he’s tied up and gagged, no one will hear him.”

“That’s cruel.”

“It’s war and he’s our prisoner.”

Dean’s hand covered his eyes as he shook his head in whining debate. “Frank. Frank. Frank.”

“Dean. Dean. Dean. You gonna make him shrivel like in Colorado? Hey, Dean. Make it take a while, O.K.”

“Frank.” Dean cringed. “Enough of the sick comments. Let’s get him situated . . .”

“You gonna use him then?”

“I have no choice. We can’t set him free. Oh, if we get busted.”

“We won’t. If you don’t want him Dean, I’ll just take him out to survival training.” Frank began to place his finger in a gun fashion to his own temple again but Dean lowered his arm.

“Stop that. All right.” Dean looked at Frank. “Let’s take care of him. Then you, as fake C.O. here, have another issue to deal with.”

“Like?”

“Like the two hundred SUTS that just marched in the front gate.”

“Fuck.” Frank took off.

“Frank!” Dean spun with his hand out but Frank was gone. “Damn it.” He turned around and looked at Lt. Murphy, who, frightened and shaken, stared at Dean as if for help. Dean shrugged, raised his eyebrows, and lifted his hands to the Lieutenant. “Sorry.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Joe recalled in his mind how angry Andrea was at the snooping issue, going behind Ellen’s back, and looking into her things. Joe even recalled how Andrea--while getting dressed for the house full of company she left--went on and on to Joe about the respecting of other people’s privacy and business. Honesty and trust. Joe whole heartedly agreed with Andrea, one hundred percent but there were times where you have to just swallow your morals and what’s right and dig at whatever cost for the truth. That was the reasoning Joe used in his mind when he followed his wife from the house in the middle of a Slagel family gathering. Telling them he wanted to walk her home because it was dark, Joe left minutes after she did.

Everything Andrea preached about honesty, trust, and respect went right out the window when Joe saw she never went to the clinic. Quietly and in the dark, she sat on a bench behind the chapel with Rev. Bob--which was convenient for Joe because he could hide and not be seen. He couldn’t hear what they whispered, only that they did. But what they said didn’t matter. He didn’t need to hear the words. What he saw was enough.  More so than Andrea’s lack of honesty was the fact that there in the dark, hidden and alone, were the two people in Beginnings who were somehow connected very personally to George. The two people in Beginnings who were Joe’s top suspects. And there they were . . . together.

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

September 28

32 Miles West of Binghamton, Alabama

It wasn’t even light yet, but Robbie spotted Jess and John right on time. There was a certain fright of a chopper  heard in such a dead world, hence the reason Robbie just wanted to get out of there as soon as possible. Jess and John wasted no time getting in and closing the door, Jess for the simple fact that he just wanted to sit, and John Matoose because he awaited the reunion glances between Robbie and Jess.

“Man, do you two reek,” Robbie commented as he lifted the chopper.

“Ha, ha.” Jess shook his head with a smile. “You try spending twenty four hours straight outside in forest filled with decaying bodies, compliments of Frank.”

“Frank?” Robbie laughed. “Taking them out is he?”

“Oh yeah. We got some good shots of him though. Didn’t we, John?” Jess looked around to the back of the chopper where John sat.

“It was amazing seeing him, Robbie,” John said. “You know, I told your Dad from the start that George wanted him and would set it up like Frank was dead. I didn’t think he was dead. But it still doesn’t hit you that Frank’s all right until you see him.”

Jess raised an eyebrow. “Robbie, your brother has hair.”

“Yeah.” Robbie nodded. “All over his body.”

“No on his head instead of that clipped short hair. It’s hair.” Jess stated. “He looks . . .”

“Weird?” Robbie asked.

“Yeah.” Jess nodded. “But enough of the good news.”

“Shit.” Robbie shifted his eyes. “What?”

“Let’s just say when we get home and we show you the pictures, all that bragging you do about being the infiltrating champ better be true,” Jess said seriously. “You have your work cut out for you.”

^^^^

He was a flowery sort of gentleman, eccentric and different. George wondered, as he stared at the conductor, what he was doing working for the Society. It was bad enough that they had to stop the train  ten miles from Binghamton, but did they have to stop it because Chuckie the conductor wanted to release all the bad feelings the train was picking up on the journey. George looked at his watch as he walked outside the train, getting some air on their unscheduled break. His views snapped to the sky.

“What’s wrong?” Chuckie asked.

“Did you hear that. It sounded like a chopper.”

“Oh that.”

“So you heard it.”

“The chopper?”

“Yes,” George said.

“No.”

“Then why did you say ‘oh that’?”

“Because I know exactly what you mean.” Chuckie tossed his hand George’s way. “Sometimes I hear the television playing or a radio station. Sometimes I think I hear a car or a plane or even Mr. Rogers singing that Tomorrow song. Or is that Annie? Oh. Annie sang about the sun coming out tomorrow, Mr. Rogers sings about starting the day tomorrow. Did you ever catch that program?”

George really could have snapped and bit Chuckie’s head off. But instead he decided, in his bewilderment, to just do his best to patronize the conductor so he would just drive the train. “Mr. Rogers?”

“Yes.”

“Yeah. I even met him.”

“Really?” Chuckie asked with excitement. “My daughters loved him.”

“Mine too. But what the hell does Mr. Rogers have to do with me hearing a chopper.”

“Everything.”

“How.”

“Because you didn’t hear it just like I didn’t hear Mr. Rogers.”

“What the hell did I hear?” George asked.

“In the back of your brain there is this little memory reserve. It has life -like memories that overflow once in a while from your subconscious to your conscious. Sort of on the lines of déjà vu.”

“You’re crocked.”

“No, actually I’m sober. And . . .” Chuckie looked at his watch. “I’m getting off schedule. There was no chopper, just memories. But enjoy them.” He moved to the train. “Take in the good air while you can.”

“What?” George curled his lip in curiosity of the man as Chuckie got on the train. He  winced when the whistle blew loudly. Then George had to start running when the train started moving without him.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

The tea cups were little, almost child size, but they were authentic. Danny found them and gave them to Henry. He and Henry sipped their morning tea in Joe’s ex-office.

The expression on Danny’s face said he was pleased with the tea as he set the cup down. “Good.”

“I appreciate you coming up here to talk about this with me,” Henry said.

“No problem. And I get tea. You’ve done good, Henry. You realize with my ideas and your hands and mind, we can recreate a better world.”

“But you’re inventive too, Danny.” Henry pointed. “Look at all the things you made.”

“True. But that’s in mechanical. Yeah, I can figure out things. I am the resourceful guy.”

“That you are.”

“So are you.”

“Thank you.” Henry smiled.

“I mean, You made tea again. Pork rinds and . . . Jell-o. Who would have thought. That was really good.”

“Thanks.”

“We should sit down and come up with a list of things we need again.”

“Let’s do that.”

“It’s a deal. Now . . . your problem.”

“My problem,” Henry stated with a heaviness. “Well?”

“My opinion?” Danny leaned into the desk. “You’re letting it get control of you.”

“You think.”

“Yeah, most definitely,” Danny told him. “The first day as leader, you took your time. You, Henry, took control. Now you’re kind of passive and it gets ahead of you and says ‘here’s the situation. I’m boss.’”

“Wow.” Henry looked at Danny. “That’s a really cool perception. So what do I do?”

“You have to say that you’re the boss now. Take control and give the situation no choice but to bow down to you.”

“How?”

“Cut it.”

“Cut it?” Henry ran his hand over his head. “I just did. A month ago.”

“Cut it again.”

“Like a trim?” Henry asked.

“No, like a cut. Come to the house tonight and have Bentley bring it just so it rests on your shoulders, no further.”

“Will that work?”

“Henry, come on. The less you have the more you can control.” Danny was so serious. “In my opinion, you can’t go short. You’ll look like a geek. Long hair suits you fine. But keep it long without being really long. You do this and watch how good your hair looks every day, without spending hours on it.”

“Like you.”

“Yeah. See?.” Danny ran his fingers though his layered perfect hair. It fell back in place. “Bentley does the best cuts. All it takes is a little dab of Hair Hold and five minutes of your time.”

“Maybe I’ll . . .” Henry looked up when the office door opened and Robbie walked in. “Hey Robbie. You’re back. How was Jess’s trip to Canada?”

“Good.” Robbie shut the door. “This is a bonus, the two of you together.”

Henry snickered. “You weren’t thinking of trying anything sexually kinky with us were you?”

Robbie nodded as he bit his lip. “I won’t hit you, Henry, because I need something from you two.”

“Uh-oh.” Henry shifted his eyes to Danny. “Watch your back. Kidding. Robbie? Should I cut my hair.”

“Yes. Can I have your attention?” Robbie asked.

Both Henry and Danny nodded.

“I need you two to make . . .” Robbie stared at them then stepped back. “Never mind. It’s too much to ask.”

“Whoa!” Danny called out. “What’s too much?”

“What I was going to ask you guys to do. It uh . . . it’s probably impossible to make especially in the time frame I need it. Forget it.” He walked to the door. “Have a good day.”

“Robbie!” Henry shouted. “Tell us what you need. Let us decide.”

“O.K.” Robbie stopped in his reach to the door. He spoke as if he were delivering impossible news. “I have a problem with a large number of SUTs in this area I have to make a run too. I can only afford to send a few guys and they can’t take them out. Basically, and I know this can’t be done, but I was sort of wondering if you do could device a de-scrambling unit like the Auralnator? Something that’s not bulky and can be taken with them. It has to be effective at a distance. Close, but not directly in the ear.”

“Played through a portable speaker system?” Danny asked and turned to Henry. “Can we pump the decimals out of something portable?”

Henry thought about it. “Frequency is what we need to shoot for. Perhaps a different de-scrambling pattern.”

“But would it have the same effect?” Danny asked.

“Probably not, because it’s not directly in the inner ear,” Henry answered. “But we could stun them.” He looked at Robbie. “Would that work?”

“Can it give them enough time to pass through the region?” Robbie asked.

Danny shrugged. “Depends. We can test a time frame, adjust the frequency, and program. You’re talking a portable system so you’re not talking too big. So you’re not talking too long of a time.”

“Half hour?” Robbie asked innocently. “Nah, that’s too much huh?”

“No.” Danny scoffed. “We can do better than that. Can’t we, Henry.”

“Yeah.”

“No way.” Robbie said. “You guys can’t”

Henry was offended. “Robbie we can. Bet we can get it to at least . . . . forty minutes. Right, Danny?”

“Right. Ha!” Danny shook his head. “Why in the world would you even think that us two great minds, great hands, mechanically inclined, resourceful handsome guys couldn’t do what you want?”

Robbie grinned with arrogance. “Because I need it done by tomorrow.”

^^^^

The phone was tight to Ellen’s ear as she stood at the back counter of the clinic lab, trying to place tubes into the centrifuge. It wasn’t an easy task considering she had to keep closing her eyes. “Josh, I don’t care. Josh . . . Josh, I know you’re babysitting. But I won’t be long. Josh!” she screamed. “Clean your room!” She grunted and laid down the phone.

“My room was never messy as a teenager.”

Ellen heard Hal’s voice behind her. She smiled. “Somehow I know better.” She turned around to see him. “It’s only been a couple of days and I missed you. I can’t wait till we’re living closer.” She stepped to him as he walked into the lab. She stood on tiptoes, placing her arms around him. She kissed him on the cheek. “Where’s the uniform?” Ellen asked as she ran her hand across his white tee shirt.

“Saving the crisp one for the, well, you know.”

“To impress Frank.”

“Annoy him will be more like it.”

“Thanks for coming to see me.” Ellen stepped a foot back, leaned against the counter, and folded her arms. “Are you staying with me while you’re in Beginnings?”

“Can I?” Hal asked.

“Oh you know it. I have the big house.” Ellen looked around Hal. “So did Sgt. Ryder come with you?”

“He went to see the two babies that were born. He said he hasn’t seen children in forever.”

Ellen laughed. “Then wait until he stays at my house.”

“Is he welcome to?”

“More the merrier. Hey, how are you gonna explain us to him. Doesn’t he think that we are a couple.”

“He knows of the way it is in Beginnings and I kind of . . .” He saw Ellen stare past him. “What’s wrong?”

“I didn’t recognize him.” Ellen smiled gently. “Sgt. Ryder.”

Sgt. Ryder stood in the lab door. He too wore jeans and a tee shirt. “Ma’am, may I come in?”

“Sure.” Ellen, still smiling. walked over to him. She surprised him by hugging him and kissing him on the cheek when he walked in. “Welcome to Beginnings.”

Sgt. Ryder blushed. He touched where she kissed. “Thank you for the welcome. I have to say, Beginnings is great, what I’ve seen of it. Captain Slagel has told me he’s taking me to a place called the social hall tonight.”

“It won’t be crowded,” Ellen said. “It’s Sunday. But it’s a nice place. Hal and you are staying at my house. Did he tell you that?”

“It’s no trouble?” Sgt. Ryder asked.

“Not for you, Sgt. Ryder,” Ellen told him.

Sgt. Ryder cleared his throat in nervousness. “Thank you so much for asking for me to help out in protecting you and your children. That means a lot to me. Will you please call me Elliott?”

“Elliott.” Ellen titled her head. “Hey, we have the same nickname. El and El.” She snickered. “Anyway, I really wanted you here. I will never forget how you saved Frank’s life and I will always be grateful for that.” Her eyes widened. “Oh Hal, you should let Sgt. Ryder be one of Frank’s men. He has that edge Frank likes in his men.”

Sgt. Ryder shook his head. “I don’t quite think I have that edge I saw Frank display. I think I’ll stick with Captain Slagel.”

Hal laid his hand on Sgt. Ryder’s shoulder. “You have no choice. You’re my right hand man. Well . . . we’d better go. We have to meet with my father and Robbie in a couple hours and I wanted to take Elliott around.”

“O.K.,” Ellen said. “Josh is home if you want to drop your things off there. Just . . . stay out of his room.” She cringed. “And stay away from Cole. He’s nasty today too. He stepped on a nail and Andrea had to give him a tetanus shoot. He cried like a baby.” She winked then laughed.

“We’ll do that.” Hal walked with Sgt. Ryder from the lab. “Anyone else?”

“Um . . .” Ellen raised her eyes to the ceiling. “Yeah, Hap. He had an argument with Trish. And um . . . Fred because Lynn is premenstrual. Also avoid Ben and Todd because they’ve been fighting for a week.”

Hal was actually being sarcastic when he asked Ellen. Never did he expect a list. “We’ll make a mental note. Thanks. Oh and El . . . any news on Hank?”

“Who?”

“The man that was killed.”

“Oh.” Ellen shook her head. “No. Haven’t figured out the animal yet. Danny’s been pestering me too. He wants it to be headlines in the paper.”

“Yet have someone else write the story,” Hal added.

“How true.”

“We’d better get going.” Hal lifted his hand in a wave as he stood by the door with Sgt. Ryder. “We’ll see ya later, El.” He and Sgt. Ryder started to walk toward the main door. As they approached it, Melissa and Marcus walked in.

Sgt. Ryder stopped cold as he stared at Marcus.

“Hi Hal,” Melissa said as she held Marcus’s hand. “Is Ellen here? she wanted to see us sometime today.”

“In the lab.” Hal pointed.

“Thanks.” Melissa smiled and kept moving.

“Captain . . .” Sgt. Ryder pointed. “What . . .”

“Don’t ask.” Hal opened the glass door. “This is Beginnings. I told you something is odd about this place. You should see what Ellen has in her and Dean’s lab.”

Sgt. Ryder took one more look back at Marcus. “I don’t think I want to.”

Hal chuckled and led Sgt. Ryder out.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

“How’s it feel?” George’s voice carried into Dean’s hide-a-way lab.

Dean only raised his eyes from the microscope to the voice that made him sick to the pit of his stomach. “How does what feel?”

“To be working for the better side?”

“I worked for the better side. Now I’m . . .” Dean turned around to see George with Frank standing behind him, looking so serious. “Now I’m biding my time.”

“Working, I see.”

“Viewing what . . . what you have.”

“I see.” George took another step into his lab. “Are you finding it interesting?”

“I’m finding agents I have . . .” Dean took a breath and cleared his throat.

“Is there a problem?” George asked.

“No.” Dean closed his eyes. He didn’t want to tell George that he was trying not to laugh as Frank kept holding up ‘rabbit ears’ behind George.

“Good.” George walked by Dean and began to examine what the lab had. “We set this up just for you.”

“I appreciate it.” Dean widened his eyes to Frank to tell him to quit it.

Frank laughed silently then switched to cold looking when George turned around. “I think you’re wasting your time with this man sir. He’s been nothing but irritating since he has arrived. I think you should let me take him out and shoot him. He’s one of those Beginnings people. He told me.”

George smiled as he faced Frank, not seeing the middle finger Dean shot Frank. “Colonel, we’ll just give him more time. He’s brilliant and has a lot to offer. Isn’t that right, Dr. Hayes.” He spun to Dean and when he did, Frank flipped Dean off.

“I have more to offer than you deserve.”

“Oh!” Frank barked loudly. “Listen to this little man and his arrogance. I really think . . .” A soft subtle thump interrupted Frank’s words. He tried to cover up by fake sneezing. “Excuse me. I think we should leave him be. Who wants to be around him anyhow.”

Another thump and Dean tried to act as if he too didn’t hear it.

Thump

“Did you hear that?” George asked.

“Hear what?” Frank asked.

Thump-thump.

“That,” George said.

“What?” Frank asked.

Thump-thump.

“That. That noise. You don’t hear that?”

“Was your trip long, sir?” Frank asked so seriously.

Thump-thump

“There it is again,” George spoke excitedly. “You are not hearing that?’

“Hearing what?” Frank lifted his hands. “All I hear is my stomach growling. Man.” He rubbed his own stomach. “I need food. Do you need food? I bet you do. Let’s go.” He grabbed George’s arm.

George blinked several times, so confused. “Maybe, maybe I just need to rest. I had to chase a moving train for close to a half a mile.”

“My God.” Frank gasped.

George began to leave the lab.“The conductor left me behind.”

“Bastard.”

George stopped in his leaving. He looked back at Dean. “I’ll be in touch, Dean.”

“I won’t hold my breath.”

“You!” Frank pointed at Dean. “Are a rude man. This is the President you know.”

Dean rolled his eyes as they left. He started to deal with the thumping that came from under the counter when he noticed Frank pop his head back in, smile ,and flip Dean off again. Dean just shook his head then laughed after Frank left. He had to give it to Frank. It was really amusing to watch Frank totally  mislead George. But Dean had to wonder how amused would George be if he found out, the whole time, he was being played for a fool. Hopefully George would be long gone and shriveled up somewhere before he realized the likes of Frank out smarted him.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Joe was supposed to be directly on his way to Robbie’s house but instead he found himself following that weird bird sound. Like a sick canary or something, the amphibian sang loudly then went sour. It irritated Joe’s inner ear and caused it to itch. It didn’t sound right. It didn’t sound normal and Joe didn’t have to follow it too far at all. It seemed to come from Henry’s house. It dawned on Joe what it was when he heard the bird sound worsen, heard a series of thumps, and then the cheers of the two eccentric, inventive mechanical men of Beginnings. They had to be working on the stun system for the SUTs.

In his mind, Joe described Robbie and Jess’s house as strategically set up, when he walked in for their secret afternoon meeting. He was the last to arrive. Robbie, Jess, Hal, and Sgt. Ryder, along with even John Matoose ,were there. Maps were on the table and a computer in the dining room. “Sorry I’m late. I was following the sound.” He stood with the others around the table. “Robert. Why is John here?”

“Well.” Robbie hesitated before answering. “I figure we have to keep an eye out for him anyhow until this all goes down so we might as well put him to work. And we will. All right.” Robbie drew everyone’s attention to the map spread out on the table. “I have given this a lot of thought. I’m not as anal as Dean so no one gets printed copies of the plan. Take notes if you want.”

All eye shifted to Hal, who pulled out a small notebook. He looked at the faces who stared at him. “What? Oh, are we making fun? Fine. Well, don’t ask me any questions if you forget.”

Robbie swayed his head. “All right. Right here, Binghamton Alabama is where Frank and Dean are. They were spotted by John and Jess.” From under the map, Robbie pulled out another. “This is a drawing of the compound that Jess drew. It’s not to scale, but it’s relative to the plan. In the main area of the base, off the training area, are four buildings. These do not include housing or the hospital. These are the buildings where John and Jess spotted Dean and Frank, which is good because there is four of you going. Buildings A, B, C, D. See the buildings? Now here is the plan . . .” Robbie raised his eyes and began to quickly spew forth the details, using a pencil as an indicator. “Each of you will be armed with a rifle, hand gun, grenades, gas and so forth. We will not carry weapons for Frank or Dean and nothing heavy. Knowing my brother, he’ll be able to get a hold of arms. Now, we’re gonna have to do this fast and in order to do it quickly and efficiently, exhaustion has to play a pivotal part. Because of that, I will fly you down, leaving here at four-thirty the morning of the thirtieth. I’ll drop you off seventeen miles north off of Binghamton. You’ll walk the distance. I’ll return to Beginnings at approximately 11:30 which should be about the same time, if you take the hike easy, that you get to the wooded area around the base. One hour. One hour’s rest is what you take. During that time you will set up the audible descrambler and position yourselves here, about thirty yards from the side gate. At 12:30 you set off the descrambler. According to Danny, it should take ten seconds for the SUTs to stop. And that’s what they will do, just stop. Which is good because they all just stand there anyhow. They will be stunned but only for forty minutes. You will go through the side gate here,” Robbie indicated. “Most of the men at this time will be training or in the field. You should have no problem on base. You will go to building ‘A’ first and scout as a team. These buildings are not big so if you hustle you shouldn’t have to spend no more than five minutes in each building looking for Frank and Dean. Now back in Beginnings, ten minutes before de-scramble time, Sgt. Ryder and myself will take Ellen and all the kids out of Beginnings and head to Miles City. There are fifty armed UWA soldiers there and with Sgt, Ryder and myself with them, El and the kids will be safe. We won’t return to Beginnings for four hours. At that time, Sgt. Ryder will stay with El. There’s no radio contact. We can’t take a chance, so timing is everything. Four hours should secure enough time for you to get in there, get them, and meet the Bowman men.”

Joe looked up. “So basically you won’t know anything until we get home.”

Robbie shook his head. “No. I figure you should arrive back home the next morning. Hal has two men leaving Bowman tomorrow afternoon. They will go to Gillian and camp out until you guys hike there from Binghamton. Then they drive you home.”

Jess lifted his hand. “Us walking in there seems easy but it all hinges on whether or not Danny and Henry’s altered Auralnator works. What happens if it doesn’t?”

“Plan B,” Robbie answered. “There’s only four of you. Fifty if you include Frank. But . . . there are two hundred SUTs and about two hundred and fifty Society soldiers. That’s a lot. You’ll be outnumbered so . . . if the invention doesn’t work, you’ll know right away. Plan B is simple. You place on the Society uniforms we kept from the defectors and you go to the side gate. There are only four guards there. Each of you will be armed with a pocket Auralnator and, being dressed like that, you should be able to at least get close enough to them to zap them.”

Joe waved out his hand. “The invention is going to work. I hear them cheering over at Henry’s. They’ll have it down pat.”

“I think so too,” Robbie said. “But they said the most they can do is forty minutes. Forty-five tops. The moment the SUTs come to and realize something is up or they see you, you not only could have those two hundred SUTs, but those other soldiers as well chasing you through those woods. The whole idea is to sneak in unnoticed and without drawing attention and to get back out, unseen. Now . . . everyone might want to have a seat because we’re gonna learn the base inside and out.” Robbie walked to the computer that was on the table. He pulled up a program. “Remind me to compliment Danny on his upgraded version of that digital camera. The pictures turned out really nice.” Robbie waited until everyone was seated. Standing next to the computer with his hand on the mouse, he began to show the pictures one at a time like a slide projector. “Here is the base.”

Click.

“This right here is a good shot of the four buildings. A, B, C, and D.” Another click of the mouse and Robbie kept explaining. “O.K., now here you see some of the SUTS. According to Jess and John, they concentrate mainly in the front, lining up like their own wall.” Robbie clicked again, only this time the picture caused moans. Robbie looked at the screen. “Oh.” He looked to Jess.

Jess shrugged. “Had to do it. Sorry.”

“Ok.” Robbie pointed. “This here is a shot of Frank’s fine work buried in a hole. Thanks, Jess, for slipping that in there.” Robbie clicked the mouse again. He smiled “Here’s Frank behind the building with Dean.” He clicked again. “And here’s Frank posing like Hulk Hogan.”

Joe grumbled and ran his hand down his face.

“Here’s Frank posing like Mr. Atlas. Frank being Elvis. And here’s Frank  . . .”

“Stop,” Hal said as he stood up slowly. “Robbie, can you zoom in. I want to see my brother.” Hal moved closer to the computer screen. His face lit up in awe. “I need to see my big brother. Please.”

Jess, seeing how computer illiterate Robbie was acting at that moment, stood up and helped out. He zoomed in as close as he could get. It was close enough to cause an emotional gasp from Hal.

Hal’s finger touched upon the screen. “Frank.” As his index finger ran down the face, Hal tilted his head. “Frank?” He turned around and looked at his father. “Dad? Did they do something to him?”

Joe placed on his glasses and looked. “His hair grew some, but nope. Why?”

“His face. It’s so . . . so . . .”

“Mean?” Sgt. Ryder tried to finish the sentence.

Robbie snickered. “No, scary.”

Again Hal looked. “What the hell happened to him?”

Very solemn and very serious, Joe answered. “Life.”

^^^^

What was the big deal with this Sgt. Ryder guy? That was the question that kept popping into his mind along with the question. Why does he keep having to hold my kid? Henry pondered those and other questions that seemed to be the center of his universal thoughts as he wandered the streets of Beginnings. He wanted to be at El’s, but oddly enough, she was at the chapel. Henry wasn’t a church goer so he just waited. But the second time he went to Ellen’s, that Sgt. Ryder guy was there. Ellen bragged about him. Henry couldn’t figure out why. She wasn’t specific, just that he made the list of her heroes. In his thoughts, Henry closely examined the situation and debated if he should start to get jealous of this newcomer. If Henry was a woman, he’d find the Spanish looking gentleman attractive, but would El?

Knowing that being alone with Ellen would be next to impossible while she was playing hotel hostess, Henry went on a search for someone to talk to. He walked into the social hall figuring if all else failed, at least Josephine would be there. She was the bar fly, attached to the second to last stool and it was still early enough that Henry could carry on a conversation with her before she lost all ability to speak clearly.

Henry knew he may be out of luck when he walked in. Four people were in there. Johnny, who really looked like he had too much to drink was slumped on his hand staring at Bev, none the less, who was across the room. Josephine was there as usual and so was Cole the pervert. He was hitting on Josephine.

It was either leave or interrupt Johnny’s stare at Bev, so Henry made his way to Johnny.

“Hey, John.” Henry pulled out a chair, awaiting the drunken conversation.

“Oh hey, Henry.” Johnny sat straight up.

Henry did a double take at Johnny. No slurring. Not glossy eyes. “You aren’t drunk.”

“No. I’m on call. Why?”

“I thought you were drunk.”

Johnny snickered. “Why would you think that?”

“You’re staring like a lost puppy dog at Bev.”

“Oh, not lost. I’m confused and grossed out.”

“Huh?” Henry asked.

“She has this thing on her neck behind her right ear, a little purple mark. Wait . . .” Johnny whistled. “Bev.” He waved his hand for her to join them.

“Johnny.” Henry hunched.

“Yes, Johnny?” Bev hurried over smiling.

“Show Henry that gross birthmark you have . . . Hey!” Johnny lifted his hand when Bev turned on her heels and walked away. “Anyhow, Henry, she has this circle mark there.”

‘O.K.”

“Have you see it?”

“No.” Henry shook his head. “Why do you care?”

“Aside from the fact that it is really gross, I have seen it before. I just can’t figure out where.”

“Oh, I saw that movie.” Henry snapped his finger. “Space Invaders. All those people had this mark on their neck.”

“Yeah!” Johnny said. “But it isn’t where Bev has it. I have seen it before. God.” He ran his hand down his face. “You have to see it.”

“That’s O.K. Hey, Johnny. Wouldn’t that be so sci -fi if Bev was an alien and that mark was her mark and . . . and she was the one eating people up in the woods?”

“Oh my God.” Johnny looked back at Bev. “What if she was attacked by something, not an alien, and she became one herself and now she is attacking others.”

“Good thing we buried Marv.”

“But we didn’t bury Hank.”

“Who?”

“The other guy that died.”

“Shit.” Henry looked horrified. “We should stop talking about this. I’m getting scared.”

“We should go to the morgue and locked the drawer Hank’s body is in.”

“It’s not locked?” Henry asked.

“Why would it be.”

“Oh, it should be locked. As leader, I think that should be a new rule.”

“Then you should go lock it,” Johnny said. “Just in case that awful mark is the mark of some sort of demonic beast. I mean, look at her, Henry. She’s like a vixen. She has that look.”

“I’m gonna go lock that drawer right now.” Henry stood up. “You wanna come?”

“Nah.”

“Come on, Johnny. Come with me.”

Johnny raised his dark eyes. “Are you scared, Henry?”

“Well, yeah. What if this Hank guy comes back to life.”

“O.K.” Johnny finished his drink. “Let’s go.” Johnny stood up. “We really should find out where Bev was when those killings happened.”

“That could be her feeding ground and if she turned into a bat or an animal, that could be the cause of the wacky signal.”

“Oh.” Johnny gasped in thought. “It just hit me.”

“What?” Henry asked as they walked to the door.

“Vampires cannot see their reflection nor can you take a picture of them. No movies were ever made about tracking devices. What if that’s why the tracking goes batty.”

Henry took one more look at Bev. “This is all making sense now. Joe is right. It is like a Stephen King novel.” They walked outside and moved to the clinic. Henry noticed Johnny had stopped. “What’s wrong, Johnny?”

“What is Rev. Bob doing?”

Henry looked across the street to where Johnny stared. Rev. Bob stood off to the side of the chapel doorway, peeking in, but seemed as if he didn’t want to be noticed. “I don’t know.”

“Is someone in the chapel?”

“Last I passed, your pap and Hal were.”

Johnny snickered. “Praying. Is something going down that we don’t know about?”

Henry quickly looked at Johnny. “I don’t know.”

“Well whatever the reason is that they’re in there praying, seems like Rev Bob is just as curious as we are.”

Henry swallowed and started walking, looking back at Rev. Bob. A preacher staring at two people praying? It made no sense. If something indeed was going down with Joe and Hal then, like Johnny commented, Rev. Bob sure looked curious. But there was a problem with it. Henry would have to tell Joe about it. Being curious was one thing. Being curious and a number one suspect was another.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

September 30

Beginnings, Montana

Ellen’s hand shook so badly she could barely measure the coffee into the basket. She had to keep stopping, staring at her shaking hand, and calming her heart that beat out of control. She hadn’t slept. She had no intentions of sleeping. How could she? In less than nine hours it all would be going down. And to Ellen, every single person she cared most about in Beginnings, had their life at stake. She could lose them all. Then what would she do?

So deep in thought, Ellen never heard him walk into the kitchen. Just the feel of a firm hand laying over hers, taking the scoop from her made her look up. Sgt. Ryder smiled at her, but it was a smile of concern.

“Here, let me,” he told her.

“Thanks.” Ellen move back, folding her arms.

“You were awake all night.”

“How did you know.”

“I slept on the couch, remember. I could hear your clicking fingers coming from that little office. You must have been working on something important.”

“Yeah, I was. I was working on keeping my mind off of everything. I am so sorry if I kept you awake.”

“No.” Sgt. Ryder swayed his head as he placed the lid on the coffee pot and then put it on the burner. “I never sleep completely when there is something like this about to happen. Any raids we have made with the UWA, I paced all night.” He turned on the burner. “It’s normal. Any person that’s worried about something they are about to embark on the next day, cannot sleep right before doing it. Their mind is in a million different places, thinking a million different things. What if this? What if that?”

“You are so right.”

“Want to know what the shame of it is?” Sgt. Ryder asked her.

“What is that?”

“The shame of it is, everyone worries. No one sleeps, yet everyone paces alone and it gets worse.”

Ellen blinked in surprise at Sgt. Ryder perception. “That is so true. Why is that?”

“You don’t want to bother another with your fears. Perhaps we don’t want to sound any less than we want other to perceive us to be.”

“If that’s such a shame, Elliott,  if you weren’t sleeping and you knew I was awake, why didn’t you talk to me? You thought I was working, huh?”

“No, not at all. I knew you were worried. I just figured the last person you needed to tell you they were restless was one of the two people who would be guarding your life.”

Ellen looked at his serious face then she watched a smile. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He watched Ellen turn somber. “It will be all right.”

“I hope so.” Ellen rubbed the chill that swept up her. “Because I have a lot to lose if anything goes wrong. No wait, I have everything to lose.”

^^^^

Joe was still sipping his coffee when Henry arrived, earlier than he should have too. Joe figured Henry hadn’t been to sleep yet either. Dressed so unlike himself in the very pre-dawn hours, Joe, wearing brown camouflage looked into the hall to make sure no one was there.

“Sit down, Henry.” Joe pointed to the couch. “Then I’ll head to El’s.” He kept his voice low and sat at the same time as Henry.

“What’s up, Joe?”

There was so much hesitation. Joe stared at his folded his hands. “A lot can happen today. You know this.”

“Joe, look . . .”

“No Henry, hear me out. A lot can happen today. You know this. I wanted to talk to you before I left. This is for real, Henry. Today, you have to take everything serious. You are on your own today and if something should go wrong . . . you can be on your own for a very long time.”

“Joe, nothing is going to go wrong.”

“I hope and I feel it won’t, but I just wanted to make sure you fully understand something. I worked my ass off for Beginnings. I helped build this place and I would die for this place. Goddamn it, Henry, don’t you screw it up. Now this past week of you being leader was all fun and games, all the big show. But come this afternoon, it may end up being real. I know you have it in you to be strong. You have to run this place strong. Promise me you will.”

“I promise, Joe.” Henry lowered his head.

“Good. And one more thing, Henry. I broke the trust of my son, Dean, and anyone who’s involved with this rescue operation by telling you what was happening. I trust you. You, as leader, need to know. It’s wrong to leave you in the dark. But . . . one person knows I told you the details of this plan. And if something goes wrong, if we get set up out there, it’s on your head. This person will inform Robbie of this and I can’t guarantee what my son will do to you.”

Henry looked nervous. “What do you mean, Joe?”

“You know you’re a viable suspect in this George thing. You know no one wanted to let you know the plan for fear of you telling George. I told you the plan. You know, Henry, others may suspect something when they see we’re gone, but only you know the full details of what’s going down today . . .where we’re going and what we’re doing. If something happens that it gets leaked to George, it will look like you were the one.” Joe stood up. “I’d better go.”

Henry stood with him and they walked to the door. “I want you to know, Joe, I understand fully. My heart and my prayers are with you guys today. And every detail is safe with me, on my life,.” He opened the door. “Just . . . just bring Frank and Dean home.”

Joe gave Henry a single slow nod and they left the house, never seeing Andrea, still in her robe, standing in the hall by the living room. She dropped her head and walked back to the bedroom.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

George stared at the short scientist who reminded him a lot of Dean with dark hair. He stared at him for a long time before speaking. “Are you sure?”

“Positive.” He adjusted his glasses. “He went for a walk last night and never returned.”

“Lt. Murphy as well?”

“Haven’t noticed him in days.”

“Any clue where they went?”

“We don’t know.”

George nodded. “All right. Go on back to work as usual. I’ll get Sgt. Landers, the sergeant that came with me,  to program a search party to look as soon as it gets light enough in the woods.”

“Thank you.” The scientist rose up from his seat.

George thought as he leaned back in his chair and tapped into his inner feelings. As much as he hated to admit it, something just wasn’t right and, unlike the chopper noises and the thumping, this wasn’t his imagination.

^^^^

Just as Dean tossed his tee -shirt over his head, he heard the familiar knocking coming from the bedroom closet door. Shaking his head and then glancing with a look of concern when he saw the time, he moved to the closet and opened it. Frank walked in. “Frank. What are you doing here? I thought this was the time of day you do whatever it is you do to make yourself look busy.”

“Something is up,” Frank told him.

“What do you mean?” Dean asked.

“O.K. I’m with them, doing the training thing, and two of the sergeants that came with George suddenly joined and started to watch.”

“Yeah, so.”

“So, they take the men off somewhere according to George’s instruction.”

“They took them from you?”

Frank shrugged. “They told me they had a training video to show them,. I was going to go watch when I saw that Landers guy. He grabbed about a dozen SUTs and took them with him.”

“Again . . . so.”

“So, this Landers guys is a programmer. He took a dozen of them to program them to do something, I think. I got a feeling, Dean, that something is going down. There’s too much movement on base today. Get that chemical ready and get it ready fast.” Frank backed into the closet. “I have to go before they see me over this way.”

“Frank, wait. It’s not ready.”

“Then get something ready because I’m not wasting any time. If I see anything suspicious happening, we hit George, take out as many of these higher ups as we can, grab Richie, get a Jeep, and get the hell out.”

Dean watched Frank vanish though the closet. He worried. If Frank’s gut was singing to him then Dean better listen because Frank had that instinct. With that, Dean hurried and got dressed. Just to safeguard anything, he had to get to the lab and find a way to get rid of his test subjects he had frozen in the freezers at the lab.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Ellen’s throat swelled and she could barely breath as she stood by her front door. They had gathered their maps and plans. Robbie called and the chopper was ready. Joe, John, Jess, and Hal slowly walked through the door.

Trying to appear brave and hopeful, Ellen gave a proud smile to Jess and Hal as they walked out then lost it totally when Joe laid his hand on her cheek. Immediately she gasped emotionally, grasping his hand, and then clenching Joe into an embrace.

“Easy Kiddo,” Joe whispered. “Everything will be all right.”

“Be safe, Joe. Please be safe out there.”

“I will be. And I’ll be back . . .” He kissed her on the cheek then stepped back. “I promise you that. I’ll be back with your husband.” Joe smiled. “And Frank.”

THE RESCUE

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

Beginnings, Montana

Robbie’s return to Beginnings was signified by the chopper noise. Hearing this alerted Sgt. Ryder to proceed with the plan to meet Robbie at the hanger and he did. He watched the chopper land and he waited by the hanger structure. Robbie looked a little tired to Sgt. Ryder as he walked from the chopper, tossing his sunglasses inside, running his hands through his hair, and walking with a slight slant to Sgt. Ryder.

But Robbie grinned. “Just dropped off the four horsemen.”

Sgt. Ryder handed Robbie his headset radio. “I’ve been monitoring this for you.”

“And?”

“There’s a buzz about town. About security.”

“What are they saying?” Robbie asked.

“Just that it was odd that you flew the three J’s and Hal to Bowman and someone spotted Joe out of his normal attire.”

“Nosey fuckin people in this town. Nothing gets past them.” Robbie placed on the headset and fixed the ear piece.

“Yes, well in about an hour it will all be going down and well on its way to being over. That’s not a lot of time. What could go wrong?”

Robbie cringed.

Sgt. Ryder looked oddly at him. “What’s wrong?”

Robbie held up a finger and spoke into his radio. “Yeah, I’m back. What’s up?” Robbie closed his eyes.. “You heard nothing. Shit. All right. I’m on my way.”

“Did I speak too soon?”

“Looks that way.” Robbie picked up the pace to the awaiting Jeep. “Sector thirty two again. Henry sent two men up there this time.” Robbie jumped in the Jeep. “They haven’t returned. I have to get up there.”

“You’ll need help. Do you have a man meeting you there?” Sgt. Ryder got in.

Robbie fluttered his lips as he started the Jeep. “Are you kidding? No one will go up there with me.”

“Don’t say no one.” Sgt. Ryder looked at his watch. “We have an hour. I’ll go.”

“I appreciate it. Two of us can check it out a lot faster. Let’s swing by my office first to get armed.” Robbie drove off in the Jeep with a screech.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

“Goddamn it, Frank.” Joe griped, covering his nose as soon as they entered the wooded area near the base. “It’s an open invitation for him to get busted with this damn smell.”

Jess pointed to his left. “It’s over there. We won’t smell it as badly where we’re setting up.”

Joe adjusted the large sack he carried and looked at his map. “Let’s hope so.” He checked out the time. “We’d better get moving on setting this thing up.” He peered up. “Lots of tree where we need to be. We have four speakers and a de-scrambler to set up. Now which two of you three are gonna be my climbers?”

Hal, Jess, and John all looked at each other. No one volunteered.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Robbie drove the Jeep faster back into town than he should have. “How much time?” he asked Sgt. Ryder.

“Thirty minutes. We’re still good.”

Robbie looked at his blood -stained hands. “You help me unload these bodies into the clinic. We’ll deal with this later. Jenny knows we’re picking up the kids. You go to the school and get them. I’ll get El at the cryo and we’ll meet at El’s to get Josh and then we’ll head out.”

“Sounds good.”

Robbie stopped the Jeep. “Shit.”

“What?”

“Henry.”

Henry looked so serious as he slowed down and looked at the two body bags in the Jeep. He didn’t say anything. He just kept walking into the clinic.

Andrea, Jason, and Johnny were in the lab when Henry knocked once on the door and then walked in. “I need two of you to go to the morgue now. We just got two more bodies from sector thirty-two.”

Andrea, who was sitting, slowly stood up. “Get Ellen.”

“Ellen is busy at the lab. Can you handle it?” Henry asked.

“I think you should get Ellen. Two more.” Andrea closed her eyes. “Sweet Jesus.”

Henry looked over his shoulder to see Robbie and Sgt. Ryder carrying in a body bag. “Look. Who’s gonna handle it?”

Johnny stood up. “I don’t know what I’m doing but I will. Jason, want to help?”

“Sure. I can use a change of pace.”

“Hold it,” Andrea called out, stopping Johnny and Jason. “Don’t you two dare?” She faced Henry. “This has gone on long enough. Four men are dead. I thought Joe was wrong. We were wrong.”

Henry was lost. “What?”

“Andrea,” Jason said her name firmly.

Johnny huffed. “Andrea, come on.”

“No.” She shook her head. “We should have said something. Two more lives were lost in our silence. Henry.” She looked at Henry. “I believe if you speak to Ellen, she has answers and these senseless killings can stop. She knows who is doing them.”

Jason stepped forward. “Andrea, I can’t believe . . .”

“Ellen knows who is doing this?” Henry stared at the three faces. “Shit.” He stormed from the clinic lab. He saw Robbie and Sgt, Ryder walking back down the hall. Henry walked at a quick pace backwards. “Robbie, stay close. I might need you.” Henry bolted from the clinic.

Johnny was red faced as he looked at Andrea. “How could you do this? We agreed . . .”

“No.” Andrea held up a scolding hand to Johnny. “We agreed to keep quiet what we found out in her reports only if no one else died. Two more lives, Johnny. Two more lives. They could have been spared had we let Joe know.”

“No, they couldn’t have,” Johnny shook his head. “You know that. We all know that. Those results were inconclusive.”

“They were conclusive enough for me!” Andrea yelled.

Johnny twitched his head in his hostility and barged from the lab.

Jason didn’t show anger. That wasn’t his style. He walked slowly to the door. “Andrea, there were a lot of variations. I pointed them out. What did you mysteriously say to me a little bit ago? Today is not a day for mayhem. You prayed it was a peaceful day. With you opening your mouth, you may have just caused the disruption you so much sought to keep away.” Without saying anymore, Jason also left the lab.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

The area was pretty thick in the thirty yards off the side gate. Joe wondered, as he stayed in the small grade assembling the de-scrambler, if all the trees would cause some sort of interference, but little did Joe realize it wouldn’t be the trees.

“Dad,” Hal whispered, keeping low and crawling his way to Joe.

Seeing how his son moved alerted Joe. “What’s wrong?”

Hal pointed up to Jess who was hidden in the tree.

Joe looked up.

Jess pointed south.

First Joe closed his eyes then peered to where Jess indicated. Four soldiers stood lifting bushes and branches from Frank’s mass grave. “Damn it.” Joe clenched his teeth and looked at his watch.

“They found the bodies, Dad,” Hal whispered. “It could mean trouble. Is this ready?”

“Just about.”

“Can we go ahead?”

“We still have twenty-five minutes. What did Robbie say? Timing is everything.”

“Yeah but . . .” Hal looked back over to the soldiers who started to walk back to camp. “Can Frank and Dean really take that chance?”

“They’re gonna have to.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Ellen knew time was short. Robbie would soon be down to the cryo -lab to get her. She had engrossed herself in her work to take her mind off of things and now she felt the rush to complete it.

She had returned her specimen trays to the back room, and was coming out she saw Henry. He didn’t look pleased. “What’s wrong?”

“Where’s the autopsy report, El.”

“Which one?” Ellen casually walked to the sink and washed her hands.

“Both.”

“They aren’t done.” Ellen shook her hands of the excess water and, as she did, she saw Henry’s eyes move to the counter where she did her work. Did she and Henry see the paperwork on the counter at the same time? Paperwork she wanted to put away. Henry saw something he wanted because he moved to the counter with seriousness and Ellen flew to beat him there.

“El.”

“Henry.”

“El, look.” Henry ran his hand through his hair. “Now is not to time to play games. I need to know what you know about the killings.”

“Not much, Henry.” Ellen spoke rapidly. “See we were running a lot of tests when Dean up and left and he is the . . .”

“El!” Henry yelled then calmed himself. “Two more men were killed. Now, if you know something, you tell me. Now please.”

“I don’t . . .”

“Ellen, I have reason to believe that you not only know what did the killings but you also know  . . . who.”

“What do you mean you have reason to believe?”

“Do you know?”

“No.”

“I’ll ask again. Do you know?”

“I’ll tell you again. No.” Ellen’s eyes moved to the counter to the reports.

Henry’s eyes moved there also. It was a race of reaches and Henry won, slamming his hand on the clipboard and lifting it.

“Henry.”

Henry didn’t think he’d understand what was written there. He thought he’d get no answers but he thought wrong. His eyes widened as he raised them above the sheet and looked at El. “How long have you known this?”

“Let me explain something . . .”

“How long, El. This is so wrong of you.”

“What is wrong? That I didn’t release findings that are inconclusive.”

“This says . . .”

“I know what it says.” Ellen snatched the clipboard back. “But it doesn’t match up completely and that is why I didn’t say anything.”

“I’m sorry, El.”

“What do you mean?”

Henry started to walk, grabbing his radio. “I mean I’m sorry.” He spoke into the radio. “Security . . .”

“I’m sorry too, Henry.

“Security, head to the school and pick up . . .”

Crash!

Ellen sailed the clipboard--hard--to the back of Henry’s head. It broke when it hit him, sending Henry to the floor and the bottom piece of the clipboard flying. Ellen dropped the piece she held, bent down, and felt for a pulse. Feeling one, and hearing the call of his name over and over the radio, Ellen bolted from the lab.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

George snapped forward with a concerned look on his face as he held the phone tightly to his ear. “What do you mean something is going down? Where . . . where did they go? When? Shit. You stay clear and out of sight and call . . .” George raised his eyes when his office door opened without a knock. Leonard walked in. “Call me back.” George hung up. “What’s wrong?”

“We just found every missing officer that used to be stationed here.”

“Where?”

“In a shallow grave outside the gates, all with a single bullet to their heads.”

George stood up. “Frank.”

“Amnesia?”

George tilted his head in confusion. “How did he get it past Dr. Morris? How did he fool a teacher from Harvard into . . .” George’s hand pounded on the desk. “Find Frank and Dean. Watch them. Surround them until I get there.” George walked around his desk to the door. “Get Chuckie on the phone and tell him to have the train ready. Call Nashville and have them send the other train.”

“What’s going on?” Leonard asked. “Why the trains?”

“Fate helped us out by finding those bodies. I just spoke to Beginnings. Some very key people left very early this morning dressed in camouflage. Something is going down and it’s going down now. We have to leave.” George stepped from the room, stopped, and looked at Leonard. “Move!”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

“Henry.” Robbie raced into the cryo-lab as Henry moaned and picked himself up from the floor. “What happened?”

Henry grabbed the back of his head and brought his fingers to his view. Blood laced his fingertips. “Ellen.”

“Ellen did this? Why?”

“Because Robbie.” Henry bent down to the autopsy results on the floor. He handed them to him and moved to the door. “She trying to cover up for him. Why, I don’t know, but we have to get to her and get him.”

Robbie read the results. “Shit! Marcus?”

“Looks that way. Come on.” Henry ran from the lab with Robbie right beside him.

It was supposed to go as planned. How much simpler could it have been? This is what Sgt. Ryder  questioned to himself as he walked out of the school, trying to figure out why Ellen showed up and snatched everyone up. Heading out into the street and to the Jeep, he saw Robbie and Henry.

“Where are they?” Robbie yelled as he ran to Sgt. Ryder.

“Jenny said Ellen took the kids.” Sgt. Ryder got in the Jeep.

Henry jumped in at the same time as Robbie. “Did Jenny say Ellen got Marcus?”

“Oddly enough, yes,” Sgt. Ryder answered.

“Where did they go?” Robbie asked.

“Jenny said they went home.” Sgt. Ryder started the Jeep and they drove toward Ellen’s house.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

Jess hunched and hurried his way to Joe. “Joe.”

“Done.” Joe brushed off his hands.

“Joe, we have movement.” He handed Joe the binoculars.

Joe peered through them into camp. “Christ.”

How convenient and easy it was for George to learn that Dr Morris was at the lab building on the second floor. There was no knocking and no hesitation. George, along with one of the sergeants he brought with him, burst into the small office.

Dr. Morris stood up.

The sergeant extended his revolver point blank at Dr Morris’s head.

George was gruff and cold when he stared at Dr. Morris. “Did you know Dr. Dean Hayes from Harvard?”

“I, uh . . .” Dr Morris stuttered.

“Answer it!”

“Yes. I taught him.”

George took a slow breath. “You have served the Society well. Because of that you have one chance and once chance only to save your pathetic life. Did you cover up Frank’s amnesia because you knew of the connection to the two?”

The fear dropped from Dr. Morris’ face. He stood tall. “Yes.”

“Shoot him”

“Dean come on.” Frank beckoned. “Is it or is it not gonna work?”

“I don’t know, Frank.” Dean shrugged as he filled the syringe. He capped it. “It worked on the rabbits and Lt. Murphy but it didn’t work on . . .” A single gunshot startled Dean and he dropped the syringe.

“Shit.” Frank looked up when he heard the shot. His hand reached down for the syringe. “We have to get out of here.”

No sooner did Frank speak those words and he and Dean moved to the lab door,  it opened. Eight armed SUTs marched in along with one Society sergeant and Leonard.

Frank’s hand reached quickly for his revolver. “Get down, Dean!” Just as he pulled it out, the SUTS swung their aim at Dean. Frank stopped.

George walked in the room. “Put it down, Frank.”

“Fuck you.” Frank aimed directly at George.

“You have one shot at me,” George said calmly, “then you and Dean will go down. Put down the weapon.”

“You won’t shoot Dean. You need him. And as for you . . .” Frank’s thumb pulled down the hammer. “If it’s between you and me. I’d rather die than see you walk.”

“Don’t test me, Frank! Don’t!” George yelled. “You wanna try it? Go ahead! Put down that gun now or I will order them to shoot him.”

Frank shifted his eyes quickly. “You won’t shoot him.”

“Test me. Take that chance.”

Dean breathed heavily, looking at the rifles all pointed at him. “Take the chance, Frank. Kill him.”

“Frank, put down the gun now!” George ordered.

Frank did not.

George snarled and looked to his SUTs. “Shoot him.”

The pumping of eight rifle chambers went through Frank.

“All right!” Frank yelled out and looked at the aim on Dean. He released the hammer and lowered his arm. Immediately the gun was snatched from his hand.

George pointed the gun at him. “Raise your arms. Now. And put your hands behind your head.”

Slowly Frank lifted his arms. “Dean, between you and El I have surrendered enough for one fuckin lifetime.”

“I didn’t tell you to surrender, Frank. You should have killed him.”

“Then what? Go home and tell El I let them shoot you. No fuckin . . .”

“Hey!” George yelled and motioned his head to a SUT. “Knock his big ass out.”

Frank twitched his head, lowered his arms and, before he could react, he felt the butt of a rifle slam against the side of his head. Frank’s eyes rolled and his towering body crashed to the floor.

George put the gun down. “Four of you men carry him and follow me.” He moved to the door. “Leonard, stay with him until Landers gets back here. Take care of that little fellow, Richie then use Lander’s escort to get to the train station and wait for the other train. We’ll meet you back home.”

“Wait.” Leonard took a step. “Why don’t we just take them together?”

“I need them both and I need to separate them now. I have more leverage with them apart.” George stormed out and the four SUTS picked up Frank’s motionless body and carried him out.

Dean still did not move. He watched the four guns aiming at him and then Leonard turned to face him after George left.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Not often did Henry get so angry that his emotions took over and he became a totally different person. “Ellen!” he barged right into her home.

“Henry.” Ellen came racing from the back hall.

“Where is he?”

“Who?”

“You took him from the school. Where is Marcus?”

“I don’t . . .” Ellen saw Robbie and Sgt. Ryder walk in.

Sgt. Ryder looked at Robbie. “We have to get them out of here. ‘T’ minus ten Robbie.”

“Henry.” Robbie took a step. “There’s something we have to handle.”

“I don’t care!” Henry blasted. “Right now, I need Marcus. Where is he, El?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Ellen stayed calm. “Now if you’ll excuse me . . .”

“No.” Henry reached out, snatching her back. “Listen to me. You cracked me in my head, knocked me out. I need Marcus. If he is responsible . . .”

‘He’s not.”

“You’re test results said . . .”

“The DNA didn’t match up completely, Henry, so the tests weren’t a hundred percent right,” Ellen argued. “Now I am sorry I hit you in your head, but what am I supposed to do? Let you send security to get a child? Let you pick him up? Then what?”

“We keep him contained until you prove otherwise,” Henry said.

“No. Bullshit. You know this community.” Ellen hands flew about. “There would be a lynch mob and you know it. I can’t take that chance.”

“And I can’t take the chance of him running around. Where is he?” Henry asked firmly.

“I don’t know.”

“El.”

“I don’t know.”

“Ellen!” Henry screamed, his face was red. “I’m not fuckin around here, El. Where is he!?”

“Don’t you take that tone with me. Who the hell do you think you are?”

Henry clenched his teeth. “Right now I am the leader of this community and the people’s welfare is my best interest. I am sorry if I offend you, but I need Marcus.”

“You don’t know for sure it’s him.”

“And you don’t know for sure it’s not! Are you willing to take that chance? Are you! How do you know, El? You know enough to suspect him yet you hide him around your flesh and blood. Four men are dead. Four, El. If I were you, no matter how small the chance, it would be too big of a chance to take around the lives of my kids and one of them is my kid.” Henry calmed down.

Sgt. Ryder shifted his eyes to Robbie. “Robbie.”

“Henry,” Robbie called out.

Henry held out his hand, keeping his stare on Ellen. “I will not let word of this get out. Just let me have him. You do what you have to do now and we will run whatever test we need when you get back. Right now . . . give me Marcus . . . please.”

Ellen with her arms folded close to her, closed her eyes. “He’s in the back with Joey.”

“Thank you.” Henry rushed by her to the hall.

Robbie let out his breath. He turned to Sgt. Ryder. “Elliott, let’s load Ellen and the kids into the Jeep.” He looked at his watch. “It’s ‘t’ minis six . . .” He stopped talking and looked when Henry came back in, holding some sort of cloth.

“Robbie.” Henry stated firmly. “I want a full scale search. Get every man available out there now! I want every inch of this community searched and covered along with sector thirty-two. We have to find Marcus. He has Joey.” Henry moved to the door in a hurry. As he passed Ellen, he less than gently laid the cloth he held into her chest and then barged out.

“O.K.” Robbie held up his hand. “Elliott, get Ellen and the kids out and to Miles City. Now! I’ll find Joey.”

“Got it. El, are the kids in the back . . .” Sgt. Ryder saw her looking at the cloth in her hands.

Ellen’s face was white and horrified. “What have I done?” She murmured. “Oh God” She closed her eyes. “What have I done?”

Robbie motioned his head to Sgt. Ryder to get the kids. He moved to Ellen. “El.” He reached down and took from her the cloth she held. When he retrieved it in his hands he saw it wasn’t a cloth at all. It was Joey’s white shirt, nearly torn to shreds. A stream of blood streaked it.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

How long had Dean stared at Leonard? A few minutes that seemed like an hour? The turning of the lab door made his heart jump.

Sgt. Landers walked in. “The Jeep is out front. Are you ready?”

“There’s something you have to take care of first. That man, Richie Martin. Find him and kill him. Take your men and make sure the job gets done. I’ll get Dr. Hayes to the Jeep.”

“Are you sure?” Sgt. Landers asked.

“Look at him.” Leonard pulled out a gun. “I can handle him. Richie’s at the gymnasium now. Go.”

Sgt. Landers indicated to the four SUTS that still aimed at Dean. They followed him out.

Dean silently listened to them leave the main lab. He could hear the fading of the boots as they marched down the hall.

“Let’s go.” Leonard moved his gun, using it as a pointer for Dean to walk ahead of him

Dean moved slowly, feeling the heat of Leonard’s body so close behind.

“Move faster. Let’s go.” He nudged Dean.

“Oh, I don’t think so.” With a tightly clenched fist, Dean stopped cold, spun around and, with everything his small body had, he nailed Leonard in the side of his face with such a force that Leonard’s head flung to the side and his nearly six foot tall body toppled. Instead of running at that second, Dean took advantage of Leonard’s weakened moment. Dean, swung his right fist out, hitting Leonard in the face again, and then swept down his left hand into Leonard’s arm, knocking the revolver loose. Before the gun could hit the floor, Dean grabbed it, straightened it in his hand, stepped back, clicked the hammer, and fired one deadly shot into Leonard.  Dean watched the blood splattered from Leonard’s head and the body drop to the floor.

Stunned, but only for a split second, Dean looked at the revolver. “God, that was such a Frank thing to do.” With Richie on his mind, Dean took off toward the gymnasium.

Five Society soldiers and then a minute later Dean? Joe watched with his hand on the de-scrambler. “Where are they going?”

“Into that building,” Hal answered.

Joe looked at his watch. “Something’s wrong. We still have three minutes. Fuck it. I’m hitting it.” Joe’s hand moved for the button and he depressed it. The loud bird whistle went off and he and Hal, along with Jess and John, moved in a low running position to the open side gate. Joe pulled out his revolver, staying back, and watched the SUTs at the side gate stop cold. “It worked.” He told them. “Jess you come with m. We’ll go to building ‘B’ where we last saw Frank. Hal, you and John follow Dean. I don’t know if the de-scrambler got the ones in that building. Take no chance. Let’s go.”

Rushing armed and ready, Joe, Hal, Jess, and John stormed through the side gate and past the stunned SUTs. But in their determination and drive to make it to the two designated buildings, they never saw the truck with Frank and George, speed through the front gate.

Richie just had stepped off the ladder from fixing the high overhead light in the deck. The high, gymnasium type building with cement floors was used for indoor drills. No sooner did his foot hit the floor than he heard the far doors open. He turned around to look. Sgt. Landers walked in through them. On either side of him were two SUTs.

“Hey,” Richie called out nervously. “What’s up?” Richie’s heart raced when, at a steady medium pace, they marched to him.

“Ready!” Sgt. Landers called out.

“Huh?” Richie wondered. “Shit.”

They took two steps and raised their rifles.

“Aim.”

Two more steps and the chambers clicked.

Richie froze. “Oh God.” His eyes closed and opened back up when he heard the slamming of the doors again.

The aims of the SUTs dropped. They and Sgt. Landers turned around at the intrusion.

Dean stood there. Ready, he lifted the revolver and fired . . . nothing. “Oh fuck.” Dean looked at the gun then at the men.

Sgt. Landers knew Dean wasn’t their target. “Repeat.”

“Shit.” Dean hurled the gun, beaming Sgt. Landers in the head. Then racing as fast as he could, Dean shot his body through the four men, barreled through as if they were bowling pins, startled them some from their firm stance, and knocked himself off his balance. Still running, Dean stumbled and rolled himself up, never missing a beat in his race toward Richie. Dean grabbed Richie’s arm and spotting the door behind them, not ten yards away.

“Ready.” Sgt. Landers ordered.

“Run.” Dean pulled at Richie, peering through the corner of his eyes to see the rifles raise.

“Aim . . . Fi . . .”

BOOM!

The clash of metal was heard as the rear doors burst open and through them came Hal and John with guns raised.

“Fire!”

Hal dove into Richie, knocking him down and, at the same time, John extended out his gun, raced in the gym, and leaped sideways in front of Dean as he fired out. Shots entailed from the SUTs and Sgt., Landers blasting into John as if he were target practice at the exact same instant he blocked Dean.

He hit one SUT but John went flying backwards with a rain of blood, knocking Dean to the floor with him.

Ignoring the bullet that grazed his left arm, Hal rolled himself up to a one-legged kneel and, still holding his gun, he fired. It took six shots but he downed the SUTs and Sgt. Landers.

From their stare at Leonard bloody body on the floor, Joe and Jess both lifted their heads to the sound of distant rapid gunfire.

Joe immediately bolted to the door. “Let’s go.”

Jess raced out after him.

In the quiet blood bath of a gymnasium, Dean counted six shots John had taken. On the deck floor, Dean knelt by John’s trembling body. He held his hand over the stomach wound that seemed to bleed the most.. John’s blood seeped over Dean’s fingers. “Hold on.”

John’s eyes were barely opened but they made contact with Dean’s. “Fr . . . Frank.”

Out of breath, Dean raised his eyes to Hal. “They . . .”

Before he could finish his sentence, Joe and Jess came racing through the back door.

“Dear God.” Joe slowed down his run, seeing what had happened, seeing John Matoose lying on the floor. “We can’t find Frank.” Joe couldn’t take his eyes off John.

Dean looked up to Joe. “They took him.”

“Where?” Joe asked.

“To the train station.”

Hal put his gun away. “Where’s that?”

Dean shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“I do,” Richie said. “I can show you.”

Hal smiled. “Good, Richie.”

Dean still held his hand on John. “You know him?”

“Of course.” Hal gave a quirky smile. “Dad, look it’s Richie.”

“Hey, Mr. Slagel.”

“Goddamn.” Joe twitched his head. “We’ll have the happy reunion later. Right now we need to get Frank. Take us, Richie.”

Dean turned his head to Richie. “There’s a Jeep right outside the lab building ready to go.”

Richie stood up. “Let’s go then.”

Hal, Jess, Joe and Richie began moving to the door.

Joe stopped. “Dean. Let’s go.”

“I’m not leaving him. I have to get him to the clinic.”

“You can’t help him, Dean,” Joe said. “Look at him.”

“I have to try,” Dean said with passion. “I have to try.”

“Dean, for crying out loud. Time is not a luxury here.”

“Yeah it is, Joe. Time is a luxury John afforded me. Every single bullet he took should have been mine and I’ll be damned if I will walk away from him when his heart is still beating, when he is still breathing. I won’t walk away until I give him the chance he gave me.”

Joe let out a slow breath. “Richie, take Hal. Dean, can you stabilize him in forty minutes.”

Dean gave an ‘you got to be kidding look’ to Joe. “I . . . I can try.”

“Try, hell. Do it. Jess and I will take you and him to this clinic. Stabilize him, get what you need so he can survive the trip back home.” Joe turned to Hal. “We’ll meet you at the side gate area and use that Jeep to get to Gillian.”

“Gotcha.” Hal backed up with Richie. “If you aren’t there, we’ll assume you’re in here. See ya in a bit.” Hal ran to the door.

“Hal,” Joe called out. “Be careful.”

Hal nodded.

“And bring your brother back!” The deck doors slammed and Joe knelt down to the floor. “Let’s go, Jess. Let’s help move him.”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

It had to be the scariest sound Henry heard as he neared the last warehouse that set with its rear entrance flush against a small wooded area. Grunting. Animal grunting. Henry broke a sweat, holding out his gun. He knew that sound well. He leaned against the wall, inching his way slowly to the vocal sound he knew belonged to Marcus.

He raised his weapon, fearing so much what he would see when he turned to the back of the building. He feared he would see Joey’s body in a sick resemblance to Hank and Marv. The corner of the building grew closer and so did the grunts and then . . . another voice. Joey’s.

“They’ll think you’re me. It will work.” Joey’s too deep voice spoke.

Every ounce of tension left Henry’s body and he lowered his gun. He peeked around the bend and saw Marcus and Joey hiding. Joey wore clothes way too big for him. Clothes--that by the giveaway horizontal stripes--belonged to Marcus. And Marcus wore ripped clothing that belonged to Joey. Clothing Joey must have squeezed on him and it ripped in doing so. That explained the shredded clothes and the blood on Joey’s nostril explained the blood on the shirt. Joey’s famous nosebleeds. Henry smiled as he listened to  Joey explain how they could get away with him living with Melissa and Marcus living with Ellen. How they really looked alike.

Henry moved back and grabbed his radio. “Robbie, stop the search. I found them. They’re fine.”

“Got it, Henry, but me and the men are gonna search the area while we’re here.”

“Why?” Henry asked.

“Tracking was picking something up past the field. It’s time to end this thing. Don’t you think?”

“Yeah. O.K., let me grab these two boys. I’ll bring them to Tracking with me and see what’s going on.”

“Henry . . . Henry. Watch Joey with your life. O.K.?”

“With my life.” Henry hooked his radio to his belt and, before he showed himself, he called out. “No one is in trouble, Don’t run away from me.”

“Shh.” Joey inched to Marcus. “Watch. It’s Uncle Henry.” He saw Henry come from around the building.

“We have to go to Tracking. Can you guys come with me? Wanna see the beeps? Joey?”

Joey deepened his voice more and graveled it. “I’m Marcus. And this is Joey.” He nudged Marcus.

Marcus squealed.

“O.K. Marcus.” Henry nodded his head to Joey. “Let’s go.”

Even at his height of six foot two, the high grass in the field came up past Robbie’s chest, hindering his movement. “Anyone? Anything? Cole?”

“Nope.”

“Dan.”

“Nothing.”

“Jeff?”

“Nada”

“Bert?”

“Ernie.”

Robbie snickered. “Asshole. Tracking come in. Mark, you seeing anything?”

“Whatever it is, is still at the end of that field. It’s at a standstill, Robbie. Well, it looks like they are at a standstill. Hold on. Henry just walked in,” Mark said.

Henry shut the door, walked to the monitor and leaned over Mark’s shoulder. “Nothing?”

Mark’s finger touched the screen. “See they’re staying . . .”

“Shit.” Henry grabbed the radio. “Robbie, come in.”

“Yeah?” Robbie answered.

“Whatever it is, is moving your way.”

Robbie heard the fast ruffling. “I hear it.” He whispered into the headset. “Gentleman, get ready.”

“Robbie,” Henry spoke rapidly. “They’re moving fast. I think you should pull back.”

“I think we should end this right . . .” A scream. Bert’s scream was heard and Robbie spun to see the movement in the grass followed by a geyser of blood. “Fuck!”

“Robbie, what’s happening?”

There was another scream, another movement of grass, and more blood.

“Pull out!” Robbie ordered “Pull out now!”

“Robbie,” Henry called out. “What’s happening?”

“Something’s up here, Henry.” Robbie waited for his men and then he saw Jack in the middle of his run disappear into the high grass, scream, and then nothing. “Henry, we lost another one.”

Henry hand slid down his face as he heard the screams and gunfire. “Robbie, get out of there! Get out now.”

Robbie couldn’t see what it was that was doing it. His aim went in circles as he shifted around watching Cole, Dan, and Jeff run his way. “Move it! Move it.!” He waved his free arm.

“Robbie, get out of there.”

“I’m seeing something!” Robbie raised his weapon as he watched the grass move at an incredibly high speed in a seemingly chase after Jeff. “Jeff run!”

Jeff moved his legs as fast as he could but he made one error. He thought he could get what it was. In a backwards run, he raised his weapon.

And then Robbie saw what it was. They leaped up from the grass and dove at Jeff. Jeff went down.

“Oh my God.” Robbie raced to Jeff as did Cole and Dan.

“Robbie, get out of there.”

“I see them, Henry.” Robbie raised his weapon. “I see . . .”

Jeff sprang up from the grass, screaming. His rifle swung out and he spun around as he desperately fought to free the sharp tooth jaws that were attached to his face. His hands gripped its body pulling at it.

Robbie had a clear shot. So did Cole and Dan, a clear shot of the one that had Jeff and the ones that now dined on the bodies of Bert and the other two. But Robbie couldn’t bring himself to shoot. None of them could. “Henry . . . Henry . . . they’re babies.”

The radio dropped from Henry’s hand.

Mark looked up. “Did he just say babies?”

Henry grabbed the radio cringing at Jeff’s scream. “Babies?”

“Marcus . . . plural. They look like baby Marcus’s. Oh God there’s . . .” Robbie shouted in the radio over Jeff’s scream, and the grunting and squealing that became the painful background noise. “There’s ten, twelve. Oh God Twenty.”

“Shot them!” Henry ordered.

“I can’t. They’re babies.” Robbie inched to Jeff.

“Robbie shoot them. They are killers.”

Robbie felt the pain in his throat. His eyes shifted to Cole and Dan. “We have to.”

Dan. looked panicked. “They’re babies.”

Robbie closed his eyes briefly as he brought the scope of the rifle to his view. “God forgive me.” His finger depressed on the trigger. The bullet sail into the rippled and thick leg of the Marcus that clenched on to Jeff. The baby squealed loudly and flew off. “Grab him and fire.”

Robbie, Cole, and Dan raced for Jeff ,firing. A Marcus leaped at Robbie. He caught glimpse of the fast moving blur coming at him. His fist raised in a fast swatting action, hitting the tough skin creature like a baseball, but not before he felt the sear of his skin as the Marcus teeth grazed against his cheek before it hit the ground.

Cole and Dan lifted Jeff with one hand while firing blankly into the field at the numerous genetically altered babies which scattered away from their prey but not without taking some with them.

Robbie fired also as they all backed up as fast as they could. “We can’t get them all.”

Henry listened with his eyes tightly closed and his hand gripped the radio so hard he could have broken it. His head was lowered as he heard the gunfire. “Just . . . just move out.”

There was silence.

Henry’s head lifted. He was filled with fear. “Robbie. Robbie, come in.”

More silence.

“Robbie.”

A hiss of static and Robbie’s emotional voice came through along with the sound of a running Jeep. “Oh God, Henry, we lost three. . . Down . . . down the gate. We’re bringing in Jeff.”

Robbie wiped the blood from his cheek as he drove then looked behind him to Cole and Dan who held on to Jeff in the back of the Jeep. Was it really Jeff? If Robbie hadn’t seen him go down, he would have never recognized him. It wasn’t the massive amount of blood that covered Jeff’s face that made him unrecognizable. It was the lack of Jeff’s face that caused it.

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

It was in the distance as Hal and Richie pulled to the train station. The locomotive was rolling down the tracks and away from them.

Hal looked over to the speedometer as Richie drove. “You can catch it.”

“What?”

‘Hit the gas. You can catch it.”

“The train?”

“Yes.”

“Then what?” Richie looked at Hal as his foot depressed the gas pedal.

“Pass it. Just do it.”

The Jeep jolted as Richie shifted gears and neared it. “I hope you don’t want me to pull on the tracks cause I have news for you, Hal This Jeep won’t stop it.” He looked over to see Hal loading a clip into a gun. “Neither will those bullets.”

Joe realized it wasn’t a time to be impatient but the insensitive side of him had to be. He looked at his watch then pushed open the operating doors a little. “Dean?’

“Joe, please,” Dean said as he operated. “A few more minutes.”

Joe whistled as he shut the door and looked at Jess. “We’re screwed.”

“Yep.” Jess looked at his watch. “Big time, cause them things are gonna wake up in fifteen minutes.”

The movement, the pain, the whistle. Whatever it was that brought Frank to consciousness, he was grateful. He groaned as he held onto his head and sat up. He looked at the crates that surrounded him and then shifted his eyes around. He could see the outside moving. “God.” As he stumbled to his feet, he felt for a gun. He had none. Swearing in his mind, he assessed the situation. He could see the back of the car he was in and there weren’t any behind him. The door at the end could be his escape but Frank couldn’t let himself do it. He knew George was on that train and he wasn’t leaving without taking him down. But first he had to get out of that car.

Frank laughed a ‘ha.’ and thought how stupid could they be. He spotted the guard’s back through the window of the door to the train. “That’s my guard.” He smirked and sneaked up to the door. Hunching down, he reached up and felt the glass. Frank smiled. He took off his shirt and wrapped it around his right fist. As he stood, his left hand crossed over and gripped onto the handle of the sliding door.

With a grin Frank sprang to his feet. He grunted loudly as he crashed his shirt-covered hand through the glass, shattered it, and gripped the head of the guard. He yanked his head through the broken window and slid the door open with a vengeance at the same time. It was a Frank-style, sideways guillotine and the head of the guard rolled to the floor.

The wind of the moving train hit Frank as he pulled the body in and took the rifle. There was some blood on his shirt but Frank didn’t care. He placed it back on and stepped from the car. It was time to find George.

Next car.

Standing off to the side, Frank peeked in. Two soldiers. Easy enough. With the butt of the rifle, Frank broke the window, spun the weapon, aimed, and fired two shots. Biting his bottom lip and nodding with arrogance, Frank slid that door open and walked in.

It must not have dawned on Frank at that instant that sound traveled, because his firing was an alarm that alerted other soldiers. “What the fuck?” Frank blurted, surprised when the far end of the car he was in opened and a brigade of soldiers plowed in. He began to fire, backing up and running out the back of the train. He slid the door shut--as if that would help--and heard the sear of a bullet as it sailed closely to his ear. His eyes caught the ladder on the side of the car and Frank clenched it, swung out, and climbed up.

“There!” Richie pointed to Frank, seeing him run over top of the car.

“He’s trying to escape. Honk the horn. Alert him.”

Richie honked. “What the hell?”

Frank disappeared when he made it to the end of the car.

“Richie, speed it up.”

It was a wide, open-mouth grin that graced Frank’s face as he looked up the car he just climbed from to see the awkwardly moving soldiers running his way. How stupid he thought they were. All they had to do was turn around and they would have had him. But instead that chased him out and over the car.

Frank looked into the window of the next car and if it was possible, his grinned widened.

George.

Frank didn’t have a clear shot, A soldier stood with him, but all he had to do was take out that soldier and he could get George. Break the window and shoot.

Crash, pump, fire. Down went the soldier. Totally enjoying the panicked look on George’s face, Frank--feeling like Jason from Friday the Thirteenth--slid open the door, looking like the homicidal maniac going after his victim.

Frank pumped the chamber and fired. Nothing.

George took that momentary opportunity and bolted toward the next door. Frank dropped the rifle, charged out with two steps, leaped forward, and sailed into George. They crashed on the floor of the moving train just as the back door of George’s car burst open and the remaining soldiers that had chased Frank before came in.

Frank jumped up, bringing George with him as a shield. He backed up to the door, holding George in a brace to his neck. “I’ll snap his neck!” Frank yelled out.

The soldiers all aimed.

“Nah.” Frank smiled. “Better yet.” Still holding George with his right arm, Frank raised his left, and in it was the syringe. With his teeth, he uncapped it. “Bye-bye, George.” Frank grunted slightly  or a dramatic effect and George screamed painfully when the needle of the syringe stabbed into his neck and Frank plunged the liquid into him. Frank slid the door behind him opened and shoved George forward to the soldiers.  Frank then raced to the next car but not without being chased.

The Jeep flew passed the train and Hal could see Frank running and looking up as he did. “He’s looking for a ceiling hatch.”

“Should I go back? We’re near the front of the train.”

“No.” Hal stood up and moved to the back of the Jeep.

“What are you doing?”

“Pull as close as you can to the train.”

“What?”

“Do it.”

“Oh God.” Richie was never one to drive with his eyes closed, but he felt like he wanted to at that moment. He neared so closely to the train that he felt the heat of the locomotive. “Hal, don’t . . .”

“Stay close by.” Hal balanced and reached out. “Ready and . . .” he leaped from the Jeep, catching the ladder of the second to first car. His body swung back and forth as the Jeep moved out and turned around. Hal stopped swinging enough to climb up.

In Frank’s run he saw the Jeep with Richie driving. He looked back then moved to the window, pounding against it.

Richie saw him and pointed up.

Frank nodded with a thumbs up. He looked at the ceiling hatch, keeping his eyes peered on Richie. He couldn’t figure out who Richie was honking and indicating to at that moment, but Frank knew he was screwed when the back door to that car slid open and the firing began.

Hal nodded to Richie as he leaped in his run to the moving car Frank was in. He spotted the open ceiling hatch and dropped to his stomach, extending his red gloved hand in. “Frank, come on.”

Frank saw the UWA glove and gripped the hand that levered him up. Another hand braced his arm and Frank scurried to the roof of the train, kicking the hatch closed with his foot.

Hal fell backwards from the force of pulling Frank up. The combination of his loss of balance and the moving train caused Hal to roll. Just as he sailed face forward off the side, the speeding ground so close, he felt a grip to his ankle and the weight of his body being snatched back up. The metal edge of the train slid against his gut as he was pulled to safety. On his stomach, he caught his balance. When he felt his ankle released, he began to roll himself over.

“Are you . . . UH!” Frank shrieked in the shock of seeing Hal.

“Frank.”

“Fuck. Hal!”

“We have to get out of here.”

“Hal!”

“Frank!” Hal’s eyes shifted.

“Hal!”

“Frank!”

“What!”

“SUTs.”

Frank looked. “Fuck.”

Both Slagels, who still weren’t standing, grabbed the roof and stood. At the end of the car, shooting and coming their way, were soldiers.

They took off running toward the front of the car.

“Climb down!” Frank ordered as he passed Hal going over the edge in a jump and gripping the ladder.

Hal repeated Frank’s actions and both brothers held on to the rungs. They could hear the tromping of the soldiers coming their way. “Now what, Frank?”

“Jump?”

Hal looked to the moving ground then up above him. “Sure, why not?”

“Ready?”

“You first.”

“Ha! Baby. Move with the train.” Frank took a breath and jumped in the same direction that the train moved. Seconds afterward, he started rolling on the ground, away from the train. Hal was rolling right along with him. They rolled for while and when they stopped, the train was moving onward.

Frank picked himself up, lifting Hal and embracing him. “Oh my God.”

Hal grinned. “I’m still moving, wait.”

“No.” Frank swung him around. “God, look at you.” Frank kissed his brother. “Man.”

As Hal was set to his feet, he saw Richie pull up. “Come on, Frank. We have to go back and help Dad.”

“Dad? Dad’s here?” Frank asked as they ran to the Jeep.

“Yeah.” Hal said, jumping in.

“Does he know you’re alive?”

Hal’s mouth opened then shut. He bit his bottom lip and looked at Richie. “Drive faster, Richie.”

“Jesus Christ, Dean, come on,” Joe yelled.

Jess looked at his watch. “Time’s up.”

Dean held a knapsack. “Let me finish getting supplies to keep him alive.”

Joe’s hand covered his face.

“SUTs.” Hal stated as he, Frank, and Richie pulled to the side gate.

Frank fluttered his lips. “If we had the weaponry, we could take them.”

“Nah.” Hal smiled. “Let’s just stun them.”

“Stun them?” Frank questioned.

“Yeah.” Hal inched his way back to the woods. “Stun them and walk right in.”

Frank nodded. “That’ll work. How?”

Hal uncovered the de-scrambler. He pressed the button.

Frank closed off his ears at the annoying bird like whistle. He leaned to a silent Richie, whispering, “When we go find my Dad, you know what to do. Right?”

Richie nodded.

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

Robbie held a cloth to his face tightly in the examining room when Henry walked in. “Henry, how’s Jeff?”

Henry shook his head. “It’s not good, Robbie. I . . . I had to call El back.”

Robbie closed his eyes. “Henry, we have to . . .”

“Sgt. Ryder is keeping the kids with the UWA soldiers in Miles City. We need her back here, Robbie. We’ll watch her.”

“How did you know about it?”

“I just did.” Henry reached out and grabbed Robbie’s hand, removed the cloth, and looked at the bite mark. Henry stepped back, hiding his gag. “Yep, we need her. For the injuries and . . . for the problem.”

“How do you mean?” Robbie asked.

“Well, if she can create them.” Henry raised his eyebrows. “Maybe she can figure out how to kill them.”

^^^^

Binghamton, Alabama

“Done.” Dean came out of a back room. “Ready?”

Joe tossed his hands up as he and Jess stood by the gurney where John Matoose lay. “It’s about time.”

“Sorry, Joe. I had to get supplies.”

Joe grabbed hold of the gurney and pushed it with Jess. “We’ll carry him once we get outside.”

“Joe?” Jess asked. “Who hit the de-scrambler again.”

“Us!” Hal said as he and Frank walked in.

“Dad!” Frank charged to his father. “Oh man. Did you see Hal?”

Joe’s gratefulness in seeing his son was overshadowed by Frank’s lack of common sense. “No, Frank, I didn’t. Hal, I’ll be damned. You’re alive.”

“Joe.” Jess pushed on the cart. “What did you say to that little guy? Family reunion later?”

“You got a point.”

Frank looked at John Matoose as they wheeled him to the front. “Shot, huh?”

Dean grumbled, “You’re an ass, Frank.”

They arrived at the front. Joe took hold of one side of John. “Now we’ll take him out as quickly as we can. I’m assuming . . . Richie?” Joe said Richie’s name in shock when Richie walked in. “I thought you’d be waiting.”

Richie held the door open for Joe and Jess who quickly carried John. “They’re out there, Frank.”

Hal and Dean looked confused. “Who?”

Joe’s loud, “Christ” carried in the clinic.

Hal hurried out along with Dean. Richie and Frank took their time, walking out last.

In front of the building was every single Society soldier on base. And they were armed.

Joe shifted his eyes around. “Any suggestions?’

“Yeah.” Frank stepped forward and ahead of Joe and Jess. He faced the Society soldiers. “Gentleman. What do you have to say?” Frank shouted out.

The boots clicked in a stomping on the ground. The large group of men joined in formation. “One, two, yes we can, Colonel Slagel is the man. Ooh-rah!”

Frank grinned and turned around to face a shocked, Dean, Jess , Hal, and Joe. “Meet Beginnings newest army members, trained by me. Now tell me who gets the Neville points. Ha!.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

October 1

Beginnings, Montana

Robbie swayed his head, handing Henry back the Beginnings paper with the huge headline, ‘KILLER BABIES SEIZE BEGINNINGS.’

Henry chuckled also as they headed into Tracking. “National Enquirer again?”

“This time it’s true,” Robbie said. “Hopefully Ellen’s poison is working.”

“And if not . . .” Henry opened the door to Tracking. “We all worked our asses off to get those fences up. We’ll keep them out until we kill them.”

“Hey, Mark,” Robbie said. “Any movement in sector thirty-two?”

“Nope. It’s been fading steadily.”

“Yes!” Robbie gave Henry a high five. “Mad scientist El.”

“She said it wouldn’t work though.”

“Hey, it kills rabbits, right?” Robbie smiled. “A stomach is a . . .”

A loud high pitch beeping began to go off.

Henry stepped to the screen. “Mark.”

“Holy shit.” Mark pushed his chair back. “We’re getting invaded.  They’re coming to the back gate.” Black blinking lights went mad. “Henry?”

“How many.”

Mark clicked on the computer screen. “Oh shit. Two hundred and seventy-three.”

Robbie raced to the door yelling into his radio. “Security hit the . . .”

Joe’s voice interrupted him. “Robert.”

“Dad, not now we have an invasion.”

“That’s why I’m calling you. We knew we hit Tracking. It’s us.”

“You.” Robbie stopped and lowered the microphone. “Henry, it’s my Dad.”

Henry looked puzzled. “He’s not that big.”

Robbie made a scoffing face. “Dad, what’s going on.”

“Here. Let him explain,” Joe said.

“Hey, baby brother,” Frank spoke. “Guess who’s back and gonna kick your ass right out of that number one Neville position?”

Robbie grinned. “Frank.”

^^^^

Ellen giggled as she nibbled on crackers and read Danny’s paper in the clinic lab. The head line that read ‘Killer babies seize Beginnings’ didn’t make her laugh as much as the sub-headline that stated, ‘Mad scientist Dean denies it all’. Engrossed and waiting for her blood to stop spinning, Ellen stopped smiling and crushed the cracker in her hand when she heard Dean’s voice in the lab.

“Miss me?”

A near silent emotional shriek escaped her as she spun around, “Dean!” She raced to him, flinging her arms around him and plastering him with kisses. “Oh . . .” She gasped out and clenched his face. “You’re alive.”

Dean very seriously looked at Ellen. “I needed this first. O.K.?” He softly placed his lips to hers and kissed her for a long time. “I love you. I love you very much.”

“I’m so proud of you, Dean.”

Dean saw her mouth open again and he laid his finger on her lips. “Go stand by the window.”

“What?”

“Just look out the window. O.K.”

“O.K.” Ellen agreed to the odd request and moved over to the small lab window.

Dean unhooked his radio from his belt and spoke into it. “Now.”

Ellen turned from the window back to Dean. “What did you say?”

“Ellen, look out that window. It’s what you waited for.”

Ellen’s head turned to the pane of glass. As soon as she did, she saw the small grade and every ounce of her breath left her when, rising over the top of it, she saw Frank. Her mouth opened and her fingers pressed the glass. She let out an joyful sob.

Frank stopped on the top of the grade and waved.

Ellen spun to look at Dean. “Frank.”

Dean motioned his head back toward the door. “Go on. Go see him.”

Ellen ran. She slid to a stop at the lab door, backed up, and kissed Dean again. “Thank you. Thank you.” She let her hand slide off his face as she ran in a excited stumbling manner out the double doors of the clinic, jumping down the steps, and charging toward the grade.

Frank just seemed too far away, standing on that hill with the sun blaring behind him. Ellen’s heart pounded out of her chest as she drew closer to him. She blasted Frank so hard with the weight of her body as she flung herself to him, Frank stumbled in his balance as he lifted her from her feet. Frank dropped carefully to his knees, then to his back, bringing Ellen on top of him in the grass.

His face pressed closely to hers then Frank kissed her, letting his hands feel her body. “El.” He breathed out her name, kissing her again. “Oh El. Let me look at you.”

Ellen pulled back but still held on. She closed her eyes when she felt his huge hand glide across her face.  His lips touched tenderly to hers and she opened her eyes to look at him. So close he was. It had been so long since she looked this closely at Frank but there he was. His dark eyes, glossed over, stared deeply into hers.

“I’m home.”

A single sob came from Ellen and her body shook. She pressed her lips hard and with gratefulness to Frank’s. And Frank kissed her like he had been waiting to do. Not caring who saw, he kept kissing her, rolling her over and laying his body on hers as he did.

^^^^

It was uncomfortable enough for Dean to walk into Joe’s house, especially knowing why Joe loaned Frank and Ellen the house, but did that Richie person have to be there.  Dean could have denied the reunion, or break his word to Frank, but he didn’t. Because if he did, he could lose all leverage he had in his marriage with Ellen. They had a happy reunion, as promised but now time was up. Dean looked at Richie, who sat on the couch. He figured Richie was new to Beginnings and probably had some sort of strange attachment to Frank. That was why he was there.

Awkwardly Dean smiled at Richie then called out. “Frank! Time’s up!”

“Fuck.” Frank laid on the bed with Ellen, fully dressed. “Don’t go.”

“I have to. Dean said one hour.” Ellen trickled her hand down his face.

“This sucks.”

“Frank . . .”

“No, El. I just got back. I just want to be with you.” Frank kissed her lightly.

“It’s not like I won’t see you.”

“I know but it sucks.”

“So you said.” Ellen stood up from the bed after kissing him once more. “But Frank, you have to lighten up.”

“Lighten up?” Frank got off the bed as well. “I don’t have you. You’re married to fuckin Dean. You won’t sleep with me. All this time apart and . . .”

“And what, Frank.” Ellen tilted her head and looked at him. “All this time apart and you’d want our first hour to be having sex? Come on. You and I are more than that. I missed you. I really missed you.”

“You’re right. We’re past that.” He kissed her. “But you’re still married to Dean and you claim you’re making the marriage work.” Frank smirked at Ellen’s gasp. “Sure you are.” He then cringed when he heard Dean yelling for him to hurry again. “All right!” Frank shouted.

Ellen closed off her ears. “God, Frank.”

“And stop that.” He swiped her arm down. “That’s a Dean thing. Come on, El. Tell him you’re staying with me.”

“I can’t. I’ll be back.”

“El, I’m having a rough homecoming adjustment here,” Frank complained.  “I don’t have you. I don’t have a house. They gave it away.”

“Well, Frank, they thought you were dead.”

“You knew I wasn’t.”

“There was nothing I could do.” Ellen walked to the bedroom door. “I’ll see you later.”

“Oh!” Frank snapped his finger. “Shit. I almost forgot. I have a surprise for you.”

Ellen smiled. “A surprise. How sweet.”

“Yeah. Come on, you’ll like it.” He took her hand.

Richie heard the bedroom door open and he stood up. “I’m nervous.”

Dean raised one eyebrow and looked over to Richie oddly. “O.K.” He, too, could hear them coming.

Frank stopped Ellen before they entered the living room. “Ready?”

“Yeah.”

Frank covered her eyes and led her blindly into the living room.

Ellen giggled. “Frank, it must be big.”

“About a hundred and thirty pounds.” Frank grinned at Richie. “Ready, El?”

“Yeah.”

Dean was so lost he tossed his hands up.

Frank removed his hand from Ellen’s eyes. “Ta da!”

Ellen screamed when she saw Richie. No sooner did Richie say her name, extend his arms, and step to her . . . Ellen had hit the floor. She passed out.

Dean rushed to her. “Shit. Frank. What the hell?”

“Oh man.” Frank chuckled. “Sorry, Richie.”

“She’s out cold.” Dean grabbed Ellen’s face. “Why did she pass out?”

“I guess it was the shock of seeing her brother,” Frank said.

“Her . . .” Dean looked at Richie then Frank. “You didn’t tell me that was her brother.”

“You didn’t tell me Hal was alive, so there. We’re even.”:

“Frank,” Dean said his name with edge as he and Frank knelt over Ellen. “What the hell is the matter with you? Her brother is alive and you sleep with her first before telling her.”

“Uh . . . yeah.” Frank said. “I missed her.”

Dean grumbled. “You’re an ass, Frank. Help me lift her up.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

October 2

Beginnings, Montana

“A brother meeting?” Hal questioned as he and Robbie walked toward the field house. “Is Frank always this odd?”

“Yep,” Robbie answered. “He said you can’t go back until we have this brother meeting.”

“For what? Does it have to do with the field workers we gave you guys?”

“Who knows? It’s Frank.”

“He hasn’t changed, has he?” Hal questioned as they neared the structure. “Before we talk to this Cole guy, is he gonna be any less a dick to me today.”

“I think,” Robbie said. “I heard Josephine hooked him up last night because of his run in with the killer babies.”

Hal stopped walking. “Does he get Neville points for that?”

^^^^

“Johnny, pay attention.” Jason instructed in the clinic lab.

“Where’s Andrea? Shouldn’t she see this new technique too?”

“Who knows,” Jason commented. “She’s probably with Ellen and Jenny. Now when you administer . . .”

“Oh my God.”

“What?” Jason saw Johnny peering closely at him.

“You have . . .” Johnny’s finger moved closely to Jason’s neck. “You have a purple mark right there. What is that?”

“Oh.” Jason’s hand covered it. It was the same mark as Bev’s. “It’s from the cryogenics process. An electrode caused . . . Johnny?” Jason looked up. Johnny was leaving the lab. “Where are you going?”

“I have to do something. Jason. Does anyone else know about that mark?”

“No.”

“Thanks.” Johnny took off running.

^^^^

A weird happy look glowed upon Cole’s face as he rocked back and forth in his office chair awaiting the dreaded three Slagel brothers in full force. He hummed an old tune that he felt was appropriate. Rocking and waiting and then he stopped. He heard the sound of cracking wood in his office. So close. Right behind him. Cole slowly swiveled his chair to the noise.

Robbie and Hal heard Cole’s loud scream  followed by a crash from his office. Both brothers pulled out their weapons and bolted in. It looked like a fountain of blood shooting up from the floor. A muffled snarling filled the room and Hal and Robbie raced to behind the desk.

“Oh shit.” Robbie aimed, watching the Marcus ignore him and Hal as he devoured Cole. Ripped flesh flew about like snowflakes.

“Shoot it,” Hal said as he aimed.

“You shoot it. I can’t,.” Robbie shook his head.

“Neither can I. It’s a baby. You shoot it.”

“You.”

“No you,” Hal insisted.

A single close range shot rang out, blasting the Marcus and sending its body flying across the room and smacking into the wall.

Frank shook his head and put his revolver away. “Neville points.” He looked over his stunned brother’s shoulder to a dead Cole. “Aw, man. I just started to like him.”

Robbie had a smart comment to make, but he saved it when he saw the broken floor boards. “Look.” He pointed

“Fuck.” Frank squatted down to the floor. “They dug their way in.” He stood up. “Robbie, get a team. We’re gonna start a quiet search of this community. Hal, cover this hole.” Without saying anymore to them, Frank left the field office, barking orders into his headset as he did.

^^^^

Jenny was saddened as she stood by John’s bedside. Ellen was checking the intravenous. “Will he ever wake up?”

“Hopefully,” Ellen told her. “We’re keeping him sedated until his body strengthens.” Ellen started to leave the room.

“Thank you for taking care of him.”

“He saved my husband’s life, Jenny. Not that I forgive him, but I owe him.”

“I understand. That’s why I helped Joe all this time by following him. I feel as if I owe this community.”

“You don’t,” Ellen told her. “What he did is not your fault. O.K.” Ellen looked at her watch. “I’d better get going. I want to help Dean out by doing Cole’s autopsy.”

“I can’t believe those things are running around Beginnings.”

“Well Frank just radioed and said it looked good. Dean thinks he has a way to kill them. That’s where he is at now.”

“Good luck.”

Ellen smiled as she left the room. “Thanks. You too.”

^^^^

The tunnels were still damp from the previous nights rainfall and Joe and Danny’s footstep tromped through the tunnels.

“Joe, I’ve seen this before,” Danny said as he shined his flashlight. “In a movie called ‘It’s Alive’.”

Joe chuckled. “Hey, I saw that too.”

“Why are we still looking. Frank gave the all clear.”

“Because my son has a million things on his mind and I just want to double check. Bare with me, Danny, and look down here with me.”

“O.K.” Danny shrugged. “But if we find one, you shoot it.”

^^^^

Quantico Marine Headquarters

From a hospital bed, a pale and coughing George took the phone that Steward handed him. He fumbled to hold it to his ear. His left hand was distorted and shriveled in toward the wrist. “Go on,” George spoke weakly into the phone. “Before we speak. Give it.”

“I hereby claim I do this against my will,” Rev. Bob stated. “I hope whatever Frank hit you with works.”

George coughed. “You’re lucky I am obligated to family. All I ask of you is to run my meetings. I’ll take care of you if anything happens. Now . . .” George coughed again, his voice was raspy. “Did you find it.”

“Not yet. The case is being checked as we speak.” Rev. Bob looked up as he sat behind his office desk when his door opened. Bev walked in.

So sad Bev looked.. “Is that him?”

Rev Bob nodded. “Hold on, George, Someone needs to speak to you.” He handed the phone to Bev.

Bev sniffled. “Hello, Daddy. How are feeling?”

^^^^

Beginnings, Montana

The black gloved hands held a screwdriver in the dark secret lab room. Near the lock of the freezer case, the hands worked at breaking the lock. Finally with a scratch of metal, the lock loosened. The hands lifted the case. A loud audible siren went off. The lid closed and the screwdriver dropped.

Joe quickly looked at Danny. “The freezer alarm”

They both took off running.

^^^^

Those very important notes regarding Marcus that Dean failed to label had to be in his private office at home. He had looked everywhere else. It was his last place to look. Walking into the house, he could hear music playing. “Josh, it’s just me!” Dean called out. “What is he doing home? Josh?” Dean walked toward the music, delaying his trip to his office. “Josh, you’re supposed to be at work. Josh.” Dean stood before the teenager’s bedroom door. “Josh.” He knocked and the music stopped. He turned the knob on the door and opened it. “Oh wow.” Dean grinned as he looked into the extremely neat and almost sparkling clean room. “Josh. Good job.”

From behind the open door, Frank poked his head. “Thanks, Dean.”

“Frank. What are you doing here?”

“Cleaning my room.”

“What?”

“Yeah. Hey, I can’t live in a pig sty. Man, how did you let Josh get away with the mess?”

“Frank,” Dean huffed. “You aren’t . . . you aren’t living here.”

“Dean, I lost my house. You took my family. Guess what, Dean . . .” Frank grinned. “I’m home.” He nodded his head. “And I really like it here too.”

“Oh my God.” Dean closed his eyes.

“Yep Dean.” Frank swatted Dean’s arm as he walked out of Josh’s room and passed him. “One big happy family.”

^^^^

Joe and Danny held high hopes of catching whoever it was, but they knew they were too far away to catch up to the running footsteps that had faded down the tunnels. They hurried to the open back lab.

“Damn it.” Joe picked up the broken lock.

“They almost got in there,” Danny said. “Good alarm system.”

“Yeah, it worked.” Joe shook his head.

“Hey Joe,” Danny spoke sneakily.

“Yeah, Danny.”

“The uh case is unlocked.”

“Yeah so.”

“We should peek.”

“No, we shouldn’t.”

Danny leaned into Joe. “You really should take a look in this case. Aren’t you curious? Huh? I mean, you are leader again, right?”

Joe shifted his eyes to the case. “I really should know what so important that someone is breaking in there.”

“Yeah, you should. Go on, Joe, look. Go on.” Danny edged on.

Joe reached for the lid. “Danny, did you see what was in here when you installed the alarm? Is that why you’re being like this?”

“Who me? No. Look, Joe. Go on.”

“This is wrong.” Joe gripped the lid. “But what the hell.” He lifted it up and a hiss of cold white steam emerged. After it had cleared, another case was exposed in the freezer. Lights blinked on the bottom of the metal lined structure.

“Hmm.” Danny held his finger to his lips. “What is that?”

“It’s an animal cryogenic case.”

“It’s frosted over.”

“Yeah it is.”

“You should clear away that frost, Joe.”

“What do you know?” Joe asked.

Danny shrugged. “Nothing.”

“You know something.” Joe pointed, then hesitantly brought his hand to the frost. “And I’m gonna find out.” His hand moved to the glass of the cryogenic case.. The body heat from the palm of his hand melted away the frost in his swipe. “Dear God.” Joe gasped and stepped back. “It’s Brian.”

^^^^

“It doesn’t look good. I didn’t get it,” Rev. Bob told George on the phone as he looked up to his open office door. “Here.” Rev. Bob extended the phone to the hand that still wore the black gloves.

George coughed again. His left hand pained him from clinging to the phone, but he needed to talk to his closest Beginnings contact. “No luck?” George closed his eyes. “No . . . .no. Don’t worry about. Don’t take another chance. Please. My doctors are working on this. Yes . . .” George closed his eyes. “Lay back for awhile. I mean it. They’re gonna be heating up the search for you. This disease is nothing. If they get you, they’ll kill you on the spot. So stay low. Because as always, your life means more to me than mine . . . Johnny.”

^^^^

NEXT BOOK IN RETROSPECT

BONUS EXTRAS

Primary Characters in the Beginnings Series

Joe Slagel

Patriarch of the story. Leader of Beginnings. Father to Frank, Jimmy, Hal and Robbie. He is strong and tough. Crass at times. He was a widower at 28 with four boys and had a slew of wives to follow. He is CIA, and good at his job. When we are introduced to Joe he is 52 years old. He and his partner Brian, chase the ‘deliverer’ of the virus into the New York Subway where it was released. Joe heads to Ashtonville when he realizes it’s the ‘big one’. He is our chief witness to man’s demise and he organizes survivors for the new dystopian society. It is often said Joe’s perfect world is a post apocalyptic society.

Frank Slagel

Oldest son. Active Duty Army, E-8, Infantry division. Prior to the plague, Frank was married but continuously cheated on his wife with Ellen. Has known and been in love with Ellen since they were eighteen. Has four children. Three of his children, the youngest three died during the plague time frame. However, it was Frank’s wife Kelly who poisoned them then took her own life. Frank is cold, strong and the hero of the story. Often times unlikeable, he is the most often redeemed character.

Jimmy Slagel

Second oldest of the Slagel clan. He is active duty Navy, we never really see him at all. But we hear of him.

Hal Slagel

Active duty career Army, Captain. Works in Hawaii is a recruiter. We only hear of Hal during the Silent Victor. Family roots are vital to the series even though we don’t see them.

Robbie Slagel

We meet and see Robbie briefly in The Silent Victor. This is the son Joe never spoke to before the plague. We know little about him in Silent Victor, only that he is the baby, in the Army and an E-6. Special Forces. The last we see Robbie in Silent Victor he is still alive and trying to find his family. Robbie was the youngest, protected his entire life by Frank. Idolized his big brother. It is often said Robbie has an air of innocence.

Johnny Slagel

Is Frank’s only surviving child. When we meet Johnny he is on the cusp of being a teenager. Young and innocent, but the world took that away from Johnny. At the end of Silent Victor we see him at sixteen and wise beyond his years.

Dean Hayes

The mind and science of it all good and bad in the post apocalypse world of Beginnings. In Silent Victor he tries to cure the plague and nearly succeeds. Dean is a boy genius, career Army, which he joined late in life. He is 36 years old when we meet him, and has been in the Army only a few years hence why he is only a lieutenant. Back ground to him, he was recruited by the Army for weaponry. Dean took the recruitment to pay off his student loans.  He is a wonder boy with viruses. In Silent Victor, he is called upon to work on he virus. He is brought to Ashtonville by his father who goes there to help. Dean finds a semi cure and takes it to Ashtonville. He nearly saves Ellen’s daughter, and sequentially falls in love with Ellen. They have an affair, start a relationship. Their brief physical encounter results in her pregnancy and birth of the twins..

William Hayes

Dean’s father. We meet him when he goes to an aid station to help his son. While there William is recruited by Dean to go to Ashtonville to help out there. William stays. He is charming and knowledgeable and down to earth. Often sarcastic, William delivers a dose of good truth like medicine. He is talked about often in the series even though he succumbs to a heart attack in Silent Victor.

Ellen Callaway

Ellen has known the Slagel clan forever. Nearly twenty years. Joe treats her like a daughter. But her roots run deep with Frank. Ellen is a nurse by profession and when we meet her she works for the town doctor. When the plague hits she opens up an aid station in Ashtonville, despite the fact her own children are sick. Her husband, Peter is the ground zero patient in town. He is the first one inflicted with the virus and passes it on. Peter is killed by Joe in an act of humanity. Ellen’s has a son, Josh who dies in the plague as does her daughter Taylor. She is the most hated woman in the series and most misunderstood. Josh and Taylor were Ellen’s life. When they died, she did as well. Ellen never recovered true life or love after they passed away. Ellen fails to recognize what is important and who she cares for. With the exception of Joe. She remains selfish and cold and protects only her own feelings.

President George Hadly

A Republican President in his late fifties when the plague breaks out. He learns before the fall of civilization about the Garfield Project. A government complex designed to house the new civilization, giving them a ready-to-go start on life if an extinction level event took place. During the plague, he is locked in an air tight room. He and another man search for life signals and find the strongest in Ashtonville. They go there to find survivors and join up with Joe and the others.  He and Joe put together the project to make it workable. Before becoming president, George worked in congress and served in the military. He is a decorated war pilot.

Andrea Winters

An attractive black woman who was a nurse in New York City. She stayed at the hospital until the very end, working with the CDC. When she left the hospital she arrived home to find her husband on the brink of death and was able to be with him in his last moments. While in New York, she finds two children. Denny and Katie. Denny is eight, Katie a baby. Her quest to get off Manhattan Island is aided by Joe who receives her call for help. Andrea never had children and takes on the two as her own.

Henry Kusakari

When Dean Hayes sets up a expedient lab at the university, he is helped by Henry, a 28 year old Asian man who is head of maintenance. Henry is a reluctant volunteer at the aid station. By Nature Henry is a mechanical genius. He can fix anything and is very creative. He is crucial to the story because Henry is crucial to inventing things for Beginnings.  While many find Henry whiny and annoying, he becomes best friends with Frank, and his methodical thinking puts him as one of the leaders of Beginnings.

Miguel Sanchez
is a Mexican American truck driver with no other family aside from his mother. Seeking help for her, Miguel pulls over to a make shift camp because his mother is too ill to travel any more. It is there, he meets Joe. Joe is recruiting help for the new aid station in Ashtonvbille. Miguel joins Joe and helps.. He is silent, but speaks when he must. A strong man with tough morals, Miguel is probably the nicest man in Beginnings. He marries Andrea between Silent Victor and Cain.

Jonas

Jonas was at the same makeshift camp as Miguel, looking for help for his ailing family members. He too was recruited by Joe. Jonas is a gay black man who serves no real storyline purpose in Silent Victor. However, it is a catalyst in Cain. Through him we learn of what became of the world. He too is very close with Frank.

John Matoose

A specialist in the Army. He was assigned to stay with the president when the president went down into the air tight bunker. He is mechanically inclined and very young when we meet him. John’s character grows in importance as the series moves on. He, along with Henry, run the mechanics division. Everyone in the community loves John except Ellen. She has no real reason.

Jenny  Matoose

When we first meet Jenny, she is seventeen years old. A happy, perky, semi clueless teenager. Even though she is slightly overweight, her self confidence as the series grows makes her a beautiful woman to many in Beginnings. She is a pioneer for the women in the Post Apocalypse world and often seeks women’s rights in Beginnings. Women want to be her, Men adore her, Joe tolerates her. Everyone loves Jenny, except for Ellen. Ellen used to like her, but somewhere between Silent Victor and Cain, Ellen lost her ‘liking’ of Jenny for no really good reason.

Robbie’s Tale: The Lost Ripples

Robbie’s Tale

Beginnings Series

By Jacqueline Druga

Copyright 2013 by Jacqueline Druga

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any person or persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Cover photo courtesy of © CURAphotography – fotolia.com

Thank you so very much to Cindy P for all your help with this book.

Author Notes:

This book, Robbie’s Tale: The Lost Ripples, is intended to be read after Book 5, The Ripple, because it contains what can be considered ‘spoilers’.

When I first wrote, The Ripple it was close to two thousand pages long. It was so long that I used to joke and sing the song, changing the words, ‘This is the book that will not end’.  After some time and after I had rewritten Silent Victor for the third time, I went back and made changes to the series.

A big change was for The Ripple. I made the decision to break the book in two and totally toss out the second half. I started from scratch and incorporated the storylines of The UWA’s humble beginnings.

The Ripple was still too long and I took the preverbal knife to the ‘ripple’ sections. Originally, every time Frank went back and messed with time, I showed ‘why’ things happened and why they were different, giving the reader a visual of how ‘Robbie’ affected the time frame of the plague by rewriting the history.

There were two ‘ripples’ that stand alone, and those are what I share with you.

I will set up each ripple for you just in case it’s been a while since you read, The Ripple and State of Time.

I’ll try to explain why Frank’s action and screw up with time caused the reaction and consequences that they did.

I hope you enjoy … the lost ripples.

The First Ripple

What Frank did

During what was only supposed to be an information run back in time, Frank thought of his baby brother, the one who didn’t show up in Beginnings for five years. The world had made him bad. When Robbie did show up, things were bad. Frank faced a nightmare of regret and never let go of the fateful day that his youngest brother was killed.

Frank’s thought process was innocent enough and so were his intentions. What if … Frank got him to Ashtonville at the time of the plague? What if he got in touch with Robbie and told him, without giving too much away, to go to Ashtonville? Really, what could happen? Robbie would live.

Frank called his brother and told Robbie he had to get to Ashtonville. His words were … Ellen would need him. What Frank didn’t realize was it was still years before the plague.

What it caused to happen

Robbie Slagel listened to his big brother and high tailed it to Ashtonville long before the plague ever hit. This is what happened four years before the plague.

FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA

April 4

FOUR YEARS PRE-PLAGUE

With a smirk that ran across his boyish face, Robbie Slagel stared at the receiver of the telephone in the small office of the garage on base.

“Slagel?” Another young soldier walked in. “Everything all right at home? I can’t ever remember your brother calling.”

Robbie grinned as he faced him. “Yeah. That was odd.” He spoke so softly it was if he was only speaking to himself.

“What was?” The private asked him.

“You know what? I’ll be right back. I have to make a phone call.”

“Use your cell outside. The Sarge will have a fit.”

“I will.” Robbie left, running out of the garage. Pulling out his phone, he lifted it and began to dial the telephone number he had embedded in his brain despite the fact that it was listed in his contacts. He listened to it ring with anxious breaths. “El?” He spoke her name with a smile. “Hey it’s me, Robbie. How are you?” He leaned against the wall. “Things all right?” He listened to her answer as his fingers played with the side of the phone. “Listen, I um ... I really was wanting to come to Ashtonville this weekend to see Kelly and the kids. Do you ... do you think I can stop by and see you. It’s been awhile.” Another smile bigger than the last. “I’d like that too. See you in two days.” Almost with arrogance, Robbie hung up the phone. “Thanks, Frank.”

ASHTONVILLE, CONNECTICUT

April 16

“Get out!” Ellen screamed in her loudest, deepest voice at her husband Peter as she stormed down the steps of her home. “I want you out!”

“This is my home, Ellen, I am not leaving!” Peter followed her, his anger matching hers as she stormed away from him in the kitchen. “You want to end this marriage over one mistake that I made then you should be the one who leaves.”

“One mistake!” Ellen shouted at him. “Well how long has this one mistake been going on, Peter?”

“It’s over, El. I’m not seeing her anymore. I swear to you.” He noticed the scoffing look upon her face. “But that’s a hell of lot more than I can say for you.”

“What the hell are you talking about, Pete?! Don’t even try to put this one on me.” Ellen just wanted to get away from him. She stormed to the hall.

“Frank.” Peter grabbed her arm. “You want to deny the Frank and you thing.”

“We are friends.”

“Bull shit! The letters, the phone calls, the three in the morning visits when he fights with Kelly? What’s that shit?”

“It isn’t an affair! I want you out of my house. I want you out now!” She tried to get past him. “Fuckin prick.”

“What …” Pete pulled her back. “… did you call me?”

“You heard me.” Ellen shoved him from her, and in his anger, Peter returned the shove. She slammed into the hallway wall. She glared her eyes at him, her upper lip twitching as she did. “I’ll tell you what, Pete. You want to concern yourself with Frank? Well if you aren’t out of this house, when he’s in town next weekend, you’re a dead man when he finds out you just pushed me like that.” Holding on to the back of her head, Ellen grabbed the hall phone. As soon as her fingers began to dial, the phone was snatched from her. “Give it back.”

“Who you calling, El? Him?” Peter held up the entire phone. “Run to a man hundreds of miles away?” He stared at her. “You know what? Go ahead.” He spoke with vengeance. “Call your hero.” Instead of handing Ellen the phone, Pete slammed it with a throw into the wall, causing plaster to spray about.

“I’m out of here. You’ve lost it.”

“No, you’ve lost it.” Peter grabbed her, clenching her face. “Where you gonna go, El? How you gonna live?”

“Better off …” Ellen grunted as she struggled to free herself from him. “Without you.” She gasped in surprise when she saw it. A blur of a motion passed her in that hall. With a wide stare she watched Robbie Slagel snatch Peter and sail one hard punch into his face. Peter flew backwards.

Robbie pointed to Peter who lay on the hallway floor. “Don’t you ever touch her again!” Restraining himself, Robbie laid his hand on Ellen’s back. “Come on, El. Where are the kids?”

“They’re at Kelly’s while this …” She felt him move her toward the door.

Robbie stopped before they stepped out, looking one more time at Peter. “You’d better be gone when I bring her back or I will remove you myself” He slammed the door and picked up his duffel bag which sat on the porch.

“Robbie, stop.” Ellen quit walking.

“El.” Robbie took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. Maybe I overreacted. I just ...”He stopped speaking when her arms wrap tightly around his neck.

“Thank you,” she spoke muffled into his shoulder. “You couldn’t have come at a better time.”

ASHTONVILLE, CONNECTICUT

June 9

THREE YEARS PRE-PLAGUE

“I’m home!” Frank blasted angrily and with an edge as he walked into his house, dropping his duffel bag on the floor by the door. “Kelly!”

“Daddy!” Johnny, nine years old, ran to Frank.

“Hey John.” Frank bent down, giving him a quick hug and a pat to the head. “Where are your sisters?”

“Over at Ellen’s.” Johnny hollered out in the other direction. “Mom, I’m going to Josh’s. Bye Dad.” As fast he could, Johnny opened up the door and bolted out, letting the screen door slam as he did.

“Kelly?” Frank walked through his dining room into the kitchen. “What? No greeting?”

“You could have come in here.” She slammed down a knife, looked up at him from behind the counter then began cutting again.

“Hello to you, too.” He kissed her on the cheek and walked to the fridge. “I hope there’s beer.”

“You didn’t say you were coming home. You should have told me.”

“One. Fuck Kelly.” He took the last beer and opened it, shutting the refrigerator with his hip. “How often do I tell you when I’m coming home?” He took a drink. “Why are you cutting all these vegetables?”

“There’s a dinner …” She saw him grab the phone and hold up one finger while he dialed.

“Hey.” Frank laughed as he talked. “What’s up? Yeah I’m in.” He took another drink of his beer. “Yeah sure. What time is it now?” Frank checked out his watch, holding the phone against his shoulder. “Almost. I’ve been driving awhile. Let me catch a nap, spend some time with the family, and I’ll meet you there at ten. Yep. See you.” He hung up and faced Kelly. “Now you can talk.”

“You’re an asshole.”

“Me? I called you twice this week and you blew me off both times.”

“Because both times you called me you were drinking. I hate when you drink. You get meaner, if that’s possible.”

“O.K. Kelly.” He walked to the sink and looked out the back window. “Hey. Is that my dad’s car parked in back?”

“Yep.”

“Is he here?”

“Joe said he called you last week and you didn’t return his call. Then he left you a message on Monday. Why didn’t you call him back?”

“Why would I?” Frank drank some more. “I got his message. It said something about coming home this weekend. I planned on it. I’m here. Where is he?”

“Over at Robbie’s.”

“Robbie’s?” Frank walked closer to her. “What do you mean Robbie’s?”

“Oh that’s right.” She set down the knife and wiped off her hands. “When is the last time you talked to your brother, Frank?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t really talked to him since he quit the service last year. Stupid move.” He set his bottle on the counter. “You gonna keep playing ‘Kelly’ games or are you gonna tell me when Robbie moved to Ashtonville?”

“About seven months ago. He got a job with the State Police. Did you know that?”

“Nope.” Frank lifted his bottle back up and finished it. “So he’s a cop now.”

“Yes, he is.” Kelly picked up the carrots and laid them on a tray. “Frank? Did you know Hal and Jimmy are coming in tomorrow morning?”

“What?” Frank asked loudly. “Why the reunion? And why wasn’t I invited.”

“You would have been had you had the decency to call your father back.”

“Enough, Kelly. What’s going on? You have this look on your face.”

“You don’t know do you? If you would keep in touch with everyone, you would know. I would have told you, but it seems every time I mentioned Robbie’s name you …”

“Kelly!”

“Exactly. You shut me up.”

“What the flick is going on?”

“O.K. Frank, let’s try it this way.” Kelly folded her arms across her body and leaned against the counter. “You know Ellen and Pete split up last year. Ellen’s divorce was finalized three months ago”

“Yeah, so. What does Ellen have to do with this?”

“There’s a dinner tomorrow, a celebration. Sort of a reception. That’s why I’m making the food. Helping out.”

“You.” Frank pointed at her. “Have lost it.”

“Not really. Seems Ellen called Joe last week, the same day he called you.”

“She always calls my father.”

“Not to call him ‘Dad’. What you don’t know, Frank, is Ellen and Robbie have been seeing each other since last year. Last week when she called Joe, she called him to say that she and Robbie came home from their little vacation as ... Mr. and Mrs. Robert Slagel.”

“What?”

“Isn’t it great, Frank?” Kelly filled with excitement. “I knew you’d be happy. Ellen and I were talking about it. It is so great now that we actually are all family in a sense. Robbie is so good for her, Frank. He came…”

“Tell me this.” Frank held his hand up to Kelly to stop her. “Did my little brother break up Ellen and Pete’s marriage?”

“Ellen and Pete’s marriage wasn’t all that good. He was cheating on her. They had that big blow out. You know they…”

“Kelly. Did he break up their marriage?”

“Ellen left Pete, for good, for him, yes.”

“He broke up her marriage.” Frank slammed his hand on the counter. “I told him not to do that!” Turning harshly, he stormed from the kitchen.

“Frank? Frank, where are you ...”Kelly heard the front door slam and Frank’s car start. Figuring he was going to Ellen and Robbie’s, Kelly finished putting things away so she could go over also.

<><><><>

Joe paused in his playing with Johnny and Josh when he heard the sudden stop of the car. He watched from Ellen and Robbie’s front yard as Frank stepped out of the car. “Hey, Frank.”

Not smiling, and nearly red faced, Frank, in a huff, approached Joe. “Where’s Robbie?”

“He’s in the back with ...”Joe stepped back when Frank rushed by him.

With heavy footsteps and heavy breathing, Frank, moving fast, walked around the side of the house. As soon as he turned the bend to the back yard he saw Robbie breaking from his embrace with Ellen.

Robbie smiled, not even noticing Frank’s demeanor. He stepped to his brother who moved quickly to him. “Hi, Frank. Glad you made it…” His words were cut short by Frank who, without warning, nailed him so hard Robbie spun to the ground.

“What the hell’s the matter with you!?” Frank pointed down to him and moved his arm from Ellen who grabbed for him. “Huh?”

Robbie lost his smile. Rubbing his jaw, he lifted himself up. “What the hell’s the matter with you? Coming to my home…”

“Yeah, your home!” Frank shouted. “How did that happen, Robbie? What the fuck is wrong with you breaking up her marriage? I told you to leave her alone.”

“And then you told me she needed me.”

“Bull shit. You’re lying.”

“You’ve lost it. You called me!” Robbie closed in on Frank. He spoke low as they stood nearly chest to chest. “What’s the matter, Frank? You can’t have your cake and eat it too anymore.” Frank shoved Robbie back as he clenched his jaw and fist. But before he could hit Robbie again, Robbie pummeled himself, shoulder first, into Frank, knocking him to the ground.

“Break it up!” Joe came from the front yard. He reached down to his sons, separating them and lifting them both to their feet as if they were two little kids. “What’s the matter with you?” He pushed Frank back. “And you!” Joe’s finger poked into Frank’s chest. “What’s up with coming over to your brother’s house with an attitude? This is a happy occasion for, Christ sake. Your brother married your oldest friend. You should be happy about that. She’s no longer married to that asshole. She’s married to someone that cares, for crying out loud. Now apologize to your brother and congratulate him.” Joe stepped back, waiting and watching his two sons huff in anger at each other. “Now, damn it.”

Frank, with a snarling lip, kept his focus on Robbie. “No. He was wrong.”

Robbie stepped closer. “Wrong? No, Frank, this shit is wrong!” Robbie scolded. “This isn’t concern over me breaking up Ellen’s marriage to Pete. This is possessiveness over Ellen and it has to stop.” Robbie leaned to him. “All of it has to stop, the phone calls, the letters, all of it.”

“Fuck you. She’s my friend.”

“No, Frank, fuck you. She’s my wife. Learn that.” Robbie saw Ellen come out from the sliding glass door. She held out ice to him. “I’m O.K.”

Ellen insisted. “No, Robbie, put it on your jaw, please?”

Robbie took the ice and pointed one more time to Frank as he backed up. “Learn that.” He kissed Ellen on the cheek and walked away.

Frank watched as he stood with his hands on his hips. He saw Joe leave the yard and Robbie walk into the house. He faced Ellen who had her head down. “We have to talk.”

“Yeah, we do.” She grabbed his arm and walked to the edge of the backyard to the swing set. “Here?”

“Yeah.” Frank stepped through the chained swing and sat down. He waited for Ellen to do the same. They sat with their backs to the house. “El.”

“Frank, you shouldn’t have done that.”

“I know. El, come on. I talked to you once a week on the phone. I wrote you at least twice a week. Never once did you mention this. Not once.”

“I didn’t think it was important enough to bother you with.”

“Not important?” Frank shook his head as he clenched the chains. “I’m losing my best friend to my brother?”

“You’re not losing your best friend.”

“Bull shit. It’s gonna be just like Pete. He’s not gonna let me stay close to you.”

“He will Frank.” Ellen swung slightly. “You just can’t run to me anymore.”

Frank closed his eyes tightly. “I thought we were closer than this. I really thought we were. I can’t believe you never told me the whole story. Why?”

“The truth? You would’ve talked me out of it.”

“Yeah, I would have tried.”

“Why, Frank?” Ellen asked. “Why would you have? Don’t you want me to be happy?”

“Didn’t you read a single one of my letters?” Frank came back emotionally.

“When you first wrote me and told me you and Pete were breaking up, what did I write you? Didn’t you read the letters?”

“I read them.” Ellen sounded sad as she stared at the grass.

“God, El. You never turned me down. I thought you were giving it thought. I wrote to you that it may have been a sign. That maybe we should give us a try. Not once did you ever mention falling in love with my little brother.”

“Frank, stop it.” Ellen looked over to him. “I couldn’t let you leave your family.”

“I didn’t want to leave my family.”

“But …” Ellen’s eyes shifted and she spoke with warning. “Frank.”

“No listen to me. I didn’t want to leave my family. I just wanted to leave Kelly.”

“Frank.”

“I thought it was our time, El. Our time. I’ve wanted you since…”

“Frank.” Ellen’s views were turned from him.

Frank turned on the swing to see what Ellen was looking at. Kelly stood there. “Fuck.” He closed his eyes and shook his head.

Kelly nodded. “You’re an asshole, Frank, a real asshole.”

Ellen stood from the swing. “Kelly, look…”

“No.” She held her hand out to her. “You married Robbie. I know you love Robbie. I know where your feelings lie. Him?” She shoved Frank. “He came over here and hit his brother. I know where his feelings lie also.”

Ellen moved closer to Kelly. “I’m sorry, Kelly. I am so sorry.”

“No. Ellen.” Kelly stepped back. “And this is not the day or weekend to discuss this. I heard all I needed to hear. Your family is coming tomorrow and so is Robbie’s. I’m not going to let Frank ruin this but let me tell you something, Frank.” She stepped to him. “Look at me.” He faced her. “After this weekend, the only time I want to see your face at my front door is when you show up to see your kids.” She shoved him back. “Whenever that will be.” Folding her arms, she backed up. “Trust me, Ellen. You married the better brother.”

Ellen watched Kelly walk away, so hurt and so angry. She leaned down to Frank who sat on the swing with his elbows on his thighs and his hands to his mouth. “You better straighten this out before you lose everything. You hear me?”

Frank raised his eyes to her. “You married my brother.”

“I’m not an issue here, Frank. I’m not important. You married Kelly. You are married to her. That is your priority. I have told you that for years.”

“And I have told you for years I am not happy.” Frank stood up.

“Tough.”

“What?”

“You heard me.” She poked him. “Tough. If you aren’t happy, you have only yourself to blame because you never tried. She has. You make it work, Frank. That is your life. You have a life with Kelly and I have a life with Robbie.” Saying no more, Ellen left Frank at the swing.

ASHTONVILLE CONNECTICUT

June 10

“How have you been Frank?” The all too familiar woman’s voice took Frank’s view away from the scene in the restaurant. He felt her slide in the chair beside him. Frank looked her way, giving a smile that was far from sincere--but he tried. “Hi, Mrs. Martin. I’ve been fine, you?” Frank fiddled with the beer bottle between his hands.

“Just fine,” Ellen’s mother said. “It was wonderful of your father to put this together for those two, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah.” Frank looked at the small dance floor and watched Robbie who held Taylor, barely two, across his hip, dancing.

“Your brother is wonderful with the children, just wonderful. Ellen is very lucky to have him in her life.”

In his mind, Frank grumbled. Wonderful. Wonderful. What’s up with that fucking word? He cleared his throat. “Robbie is lucky to have Ellen.” Despite his best efforts, Frank sounded so bitter.

“Where did Kelly go?”

“She um, wasn’t feeling well. She left early.” Frank still stared at his brother then felt a gnawing feeling when he saw Ellen walk up to Robbie. Frank thought she was so beautiful with her long blonde hair flowing as she tiptoed up to kiss Robbie and her daughter. Ellen smiled.

“Frank, I hear this is owed all to you. It must be that intuition you have when it comes to my daughter. The day you called Robbie and told him that Ellen needed him was the exact same day Ellen found out about Pete’s affair. She said you didn’t know. It was perfect timing that weekend he came into town. Thank goodness you called him.”

“Mrs. Martin, I didn’t call... “

“Frank!” He was taller but not real tall, but he was thin like his sister. His dark brown hair matched his mother’s. Richie Martin, Ellen’s youngest brother extended his hand to Frank. “How ya been?”

“Good.” Frank shook it. “You?”

“Good. I didn’t expect to be in Ashtonville this weekend, but  ... now you and Ellen really are brother and sister, aren’t you?”

Frank grabbed his beer and took a drink. “Yep.” He gave a tight, closed mouth smile.

“Mom?” Richie held out his hand to his mother. “We’re doing shots, Mr. Slagel, Hal, Jimmy, and me? You want to do one?”

Mrs. Martin giggled. “Now why would you even ask me that?” She shook her head. “He’s silly.”

“Frank? Wanna join us?”

“Yeah, sure. Why not.”

Ellen’s mom stood from her seat. “I’ll talk to you later, Frank.” She kissed him on the cheek. “Nice seeing you again.”

“Same here.” Frank grabbed his beer bottle and followed Richie to the bar.

Hal Slagel reached over, his big hand extended and patted his big brother on the back. “Why are you so miserable? It’s our brother’s wedding reception for Christ sake. Perk up.”

“I am, I am.” Frank hunched over the bar then felt his head rubbed. Smacking the hand away with a smile, Frank nudged his brother, Jimmy. “Why are you rubbing my head?”

Jimmy rubbed it again. “Do you think you could have shaved this head any closer, Frank? We’re all in the service and none of us are this bald.”

“I like shaving my head. It makes me look mean.” Frank swiped his hand away again. He motioned to the bartender to line himself and Jimmy up with a shot of whiskey.

Jimmy waved his hand to the bartender. “Not me. I’ll do schnapps.”

Frank laughed loudly. “Schnapps? Oh that’s right. You’re in the navy. The hard stuff is too much for you.”

Jimmy shoved his body into Frank’s in a joking manner then received a shove back that sent him into Hal. Laughing and horsing around, they stopped on Joe’s short whistle.

Joe snapped his fingers at the bartender. “I’ll take one. Richie, you let these guys horse around like this?”

“I’m gonna stop them?” Richie looked at the three Slagel men who all towered over him. “I think they’re funny.”

“You would.” Joe watched Richie take his shot in his hand. “Hold it.” Joe grabbed his wrist. “Are you old enough to drink?”

“I’m twenty-three,” Richie answered.

Joe let go of his arm. “You look sixteen. All right men…” with a snicker, he looked at Jimmy. “And Jimmy with the schnapps.” Joe raised his shot glass. “Hal, you’re the writer. Make a toast.”

Holding his shot glass against the others, Hal spoke. “To our brother Robbie, for being the one who officially made Ellen a part of this crew.”

Everyone clanked and drank up except for Frank. He slightly hesitated before doing so. He slammed down the glass and asked for another.

Hal gasped and grabbed his chest. “Man.” He shuddered. “Speaking of Ellen, I’m going to go snatch her away from Robbie and dance with my new sister.” He laid down his glass and walked away.

Joe lifted his hand to Hal then watched Jimmy as he and Richie walked to the video poker machines. “Frank?” Joe laid his hand on his son’s arched back. “You all right?”

“Yeah.” Frank took a drink of his whiskey. “I’ll be …” In the mirror of the bar he saw Robbie walk up. Robbie smiled widely, running his fingers through his hair.

“Dad.” Robbie laughed as he spoke. “That new wife of yours is flirting with the manager.”

“Christ.” Joe looked to the back of the restaurant. “What a ditz. I should let him take her. No.” Joe grabbed the beer the bartender set down for him. “I’ll go save him. Hell, maybe I’ll get some money off these festivities.” He noticed the silence between his sons. “I’ll leave you boys to talk.” He moved to Robbie, laying his father’s hand on his son’s face. “I’m proud of you.” Joe kissed Robbie on the cheek, then with a pat to his face, grabbed a look of disgust and headed off to find his wife.

Robbie waited and watched Frank. Nothing but seeing his brother stare into a shot glass happened. “I’ll uh, talk to you later, Frank.”

“Robbie.” Frank stood from his hunched over stance. “I’m …” Frank held out his hand. “I’m sorry about yesterday.”

“Thanks, Frank.” Robbie smiled again and shook his big brother’s hand. “I love her. I really love her.”

“You always have.” Frank spoke soft. “Just take care of her. I mean it.”

“I will.” Robbie stopped Frank as he began to walk away. “Frank.” He grabbed his arm. “I don’t want to stop you guys from being friends. Your friendship means too much to Ellen and we’re family, but understand, I know everything about you two. If you want to be her friend, fine but I can’t have you running to her like you have for the past eleven years.”

Frank merely nodded and tried to step away.

“Frank, I mean it, all right?” Robbie remained eerily calm. “You’re my brother and I love you, but she’s my wife. Let’s not make this a war for the rest of our lives.”

“I understand.” Frank moved by his brother and across the restaurant.

Robbie watched Frank as he approached Hal who was dancing with Ellen. Just as Frank took hold of Ellen, Robbie headed over, but was stopped. “Dad?”

“Let your brother dance with her. It’s fine. They’re friends.”

“Fine.” Robbie shook his head and moved back to the bar for a drink.

Frank’s hand gripped Ellen’s. He felt the tension. “I apologized to Robbie.”

“Was it sincere?” Ellen asked.

“It was.” Frank moved his hand some up her back.

“Did you apologize to Kelly?”

“No. Not yet.” He moved slowly with Ellen. “I want to stay friends with you, El. I do. I want to be able to call you up and to write you. Just because you’re married to Robbie, does that have to stop?”

“No it doesn’t, Frank.”

“You’re the only one who can calm me down, get me in control. I have to be able to come to you, Ellen, as my friend.” Frank swallowed and slid his hand to Ellen’s head. He pulled her closer, bringing his mouth closely to her ear. He closed his eyes whispering. “This is not the end to us.” He felt her try to pull away and he stopped her, keeping her close. “Listen to me. It is not the end. I won’t let it.”

<><><><>

What effect did Robbie’s early arrival and marriage to Ellen have?

By the time the plague occurred, Robbie and Ellen had been married for three years. They had built a bond. The typical, upbeat, and youthful Robbie was thrust into a grownup world of parenthood. This took the immaturity and fun from him.

Frank, holding true to his promise, never stopped. His persistence placed a strain on his and Robbie’s relationship. Ellen had been devoted and faithful to Robbie their entire marriage, but after the plague she had an affair with Frank which forever changed the dynamics.

Needing to prove her trust and love to Robbie, Ellen allowed Robbie to control the entire relationship. Robbie lived on edge, in fear and became bitter. Frank was even more bitter and drank even more.

The result was, when Frank stepped through the time machine, Robbie indeed was alive, but Robbie and Ellen were married. Ellen was meek and Frank had the reputation of being an even bigger asshole. No one liked him.

This was not the world Frank envisioned.

To him there had to be a solution.

There had to be a way to have Robbie back, the fun loving Robbie he always knew, and have Ellen once again.

So Frank went back to correct it.

Hence, the second and final ripple that made Beginnings how it is today … Sort of.

Author Notes:

The Second Ripple

What Frank did

After seeing what his time line interference had done, Frank took another approach. He went back in time … again. He stopped himself from making that fateful phone call, and believing he had it all figured out, Frank mailed a letter to Robbie. On the outside of the envelope he wrote, “DO NOT OPEN UNTIL …” and then he had the date of the plague written. The letter told how Robbie had to get to Ashtonville when their father called him and told him there was an emergency. He instructed Robbie to go AWOL and do not hesitate. It was vital.

What it caused to happen

Robbie, upon receiving the envelope, did what anyone would do when he saw ‘Do not open’. Robbie opened it. Because it had such a serious tone and Frank rarely joked back then, Robbie didn’t dismiss it. He placed the letter aside. Four years later, when the time came, Robbie was already prepared. As instructed, he went to Ashtonville at the onset of the plague.

This Ripple is what occurred with Robbie there in Ashtonville during the plague.

This is the timeframe and incidents on which Beginnings is based following Frank’s return trip.

In a sense, this is how Silent Victor would have been written … with Robbie.

The plan.

The letter.

The brand new plague...

The RIPPLE

“A ripple is a mad effect that happens when someone changes one single instant in time and it ricochets causing a chain of events that totally changes history.”

--Dr. Jason Godrichson

THE PLAGUE

Saturday, May 30- 8:55a.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

The front door was open to Kelly Slagel’s house when Ellen stepped from her Jeep. She began, in a rush, to close her car door when she saw her son asleep in the front seat. “Josh, come on.” She reached over, nudging her blonde curly-haired son. “Wake up. I have to go.” Through the windshield, she could see Kelly walk to the front door of the home. “Josh. If you don’t get up, I’ll just drag you out and leave you on Kelly’s lawn.”

Josh grunted at his mother, peering his half closed eyes at her. He undid his seatbelt and basically rolled out of the Jeep and onto the driveway.

Ellen, seeing that he was out, moved to the passenger’s side and shut the door. She waved to Kelly and quickly walked past her slow moving boy. “Hey, Kel.” Ellen greeted her with a smile.

“You think he’s tired, Ellen?” Kelly asked, holding the screen door open for her.

“I told him to go to sleep. Was Taylor good for you last night?” Ellen stepped into the home.

“As always.” Kelly looked once more at Josh who was still making it up the walk. “Coffee?”

“Can I put it in my mug?” Ellen opened her purse and pulled out her convenience store mug.

“Sure, I don’t care.” Kelly walked to the kitchen.

“Good.” Chipper, Ellen followed her, doing the transferring of the mug to Kelly as they walked to the kitchen. “Kelly, I really appreciate you doing this for me. I do.”

“No problem.” Kelly began to pour the coffee.

“Doc Breyer would have a fit if I missed this lecture. He paid a hundred and seventy- five bucks for me to go.”

“Ellen?” Kelly set the mug down before her. “Why would Doc Breyer send you to a DNA and genetics lecture today?”

Ellen giggled. “I told him I had to go. We need to know this stuff in the office. I told him technology was getting ahead of us and you know how he is. He likes to think he has that modem doctor’s office in a small town. Of course, he still doesn’t realize that women can do their pregnancy tests at home.” She sipped her coffee. “This is good. Thank you again. I don’t want to miss this. It’s a day away from the kids. I thought at least they’d be with Pete.”

“Pete’s an asshole,” Kelly commented. “I’m glad you didn’t let the fight ruin your appearance, which you usually do. You look very nice, except ...”Kelly reached out and fiddled with Ellen’s bangs. “Maybe you should put some sculpting gel on those to keep them out of your eyes. You look like Taylor when she needs a haircut.”

“Maybe I should.” Ellen reached into her purse and pulled out a pink small canister. She walked to Kelly’s toaster and bent down to her reflection. Barely dipping her fingers in, she put the substance on her hair and worked her bangs to a good state. Ellen always had to look good. “There. I left a note for Pete to pick up the kids. Make sure he does.”

“I’m not counting on it. He was pretty pissed off in the back ground this morning.”

“He didn’t want me to go. He’s been ranting like that all night. I don’t care. I knew if he found Robbie’s letter he’d get pissed.”

“How is my brother in law, El?”

“He’s so funny, Kelly.” Ellen smiled. “You know, he’s been writing to me for a while with that stupid countdown he does to when he’s moving to Ashtonville.” Ellen laughed. “But I don’t think it’s so much the letters that pissed Pete off as Robbie’s little PS.”

“Which is?” Kelly asked.

“I told you didn’t I? He always ends each letter with, ‘when are you leaving that husband of yours?’ He is so cute, Kelly.” Ellen looked at her watch. “I’d better go.” She grabbed her keys. “Speaking of cute.” She reached into her purse and pulled out the lecture pamphlet. “Check out the guy speaking.”

Kelly looked. “Lieutenant Dean Michael Hayes. He’s cute in a nerdy sort of way.”

Ellen took the pamphlet. “You’re mean.” She shoved it in her purse. “I’d better head out. I don’t want to walk into the hall in the middle of his lecture. Can you imagine? How embarrassing.” She headed to the hallway. “I owe you, Kelly. Thanks again.”

“El, easy, no problem. Have fun. I’m going to use your son anyhow. I have to go to the mall to get a dress for that wedding next week.”

“Oh.” Ellen slid to a stop and opened her purse. “Here, take my Visa.” She handed the platinum card to Kelly.

“No, Ellen.” Kelly wouldn’t take it.

“I’m serious. Charge up a storm. Have fun. Buy the kids some summer clothes. Spend, please. You deserve it.”

“I’ll pay you back.”

“Don’t you dare.” Ellen pushed open the front door. “Because there is nothing more that I want than to give Pete a large debt with his divorce. I’m sick of him. Maybe I should just leave him for Robbie. God, is he hot.”

Kelly just shook her head and followed Ellen out. “Maybe you should hurry to your lecture.”

“I’m going.” Ellen raised her hand in a wave. “Kiss my kids for me.” With a smile, she jumped in the Jeep.

May 30-9:45 a.m.

Fairfield University-Stamford, Connecticut

Dean Hayes was nearly done with the opening paragraph of his note cards as he stood at the podium in the lecture hall. Wearing a Class B uniform, his hair neatly combed, he stuttered his words down to a slur as he raised his green eyes up to her when she made her late entrance. Hearing her whispered ‘excuse me’ as she slid into the row four away from him, Dean chuckled as her purse hit two or three students as she made it to her seat. He thought he was talking, but he wasn’t. He looked back down at his notes, then to her as she crossed her legs, tucked her long blond hair behind her ears, and let out a sigh of relief.

“Done?” Dean spoke softly to her over the microphone, bringing a humming of laughter from his participants.

Ellen smiled at him. “Sony.” She was situated, she was settled, and she was ready.

Before returning to his lecture, Dean paused once more to look at Ellen. He let his eyes meet hers and he flashed her a smile. As he began to speak, something told him that she would steal his attention more than once during his entire lecture.

May 30-11:33 a.m. EST

FortLewis -Seattle, Washington

The white towel was wrapped around his waist as Robbie Slagel stepped from the bathroom of his home into his bedroom. He towel dried his short dark blonde hair then used the towel to dry his upper torso. Tossing the towel like a basketball to the hamper, he saw the blinking red light of his answering machine. “I knew I heard that phone ring.” He hit the play button, letting the machine rewind as he grabbed a pair of boxer shorts and pulled them on.

It struck an eerie chord in him and Robbie, as he stood before the mirror combing his hair, zoomed his focus to that machine when his father’s voice played through.

“Uh, Robbie, this is Dad. Look, I don’t have a lot of time and I wanted to let you know that you guys will be getting real busy soon. You’ll find out why. I wanted to talk to you in person. I’ll try later. If I don’t, remember this. Remember our contingency plan, son. You’re my last kid on my list to call. I’ll try you later.” There was a slight pause. “I love you.” The machine clicked off.

With a beating heart, Robbie ran back to the machine. “No.” He played the message again as he jumped up and opened the bottom drawer of his dresser. “Where is it?” He fumbled through. “I just made a reference to this in my.. .” He grabbed the yellowing envelope. “Here.” He stared at the address It was sent to him when he was stationed at Fort Bragg. Robbie listened to the final words of his father’s message as he slid down to the floor and sat against his bed.

He reached into the open envelope and pulled out the neatly folded letter. As he did, a folded envelope fell to the floor. Robbie picked it up. The letter had been placed inside the interior white envelope and tucked inside the manila one that was mailed to him. Staring at folded envelope, Robbie read the words. “I was supposed to read you yesterday.”

He never followed the instructions. He had previously opened it long before he was supposed to. He never took it seriously until that very moment. Laying down the envelope, Robbie looked at the letter from his brother. “God, Frank, I thought this was a joke. Then again, you never play jokes.” Robbie would still would had thought it a prank of sorts, had his father not said exactly what Frank wrote he would say. Out loud and for the first time with fear, Robbie read. “Dear Robbie. On May 30thof this year, tomorrow, somewhere aroundeight in themorning,youwillget a call from Dad.He’ll leave a message on your answering machinetelling you that you’llbegetting busy soon and to rememberthe contingency plan.Take his call seriously, Robbie,take itvery seriously. All Iask is that insteadof yougoing to Gaithersburg, you go straight to Ashtonville. Go there and do not hesitate. What happens to the world is awful and you are meant to survive it. Please go to Ashtonville when he calls you and do not hesitate. I’ll see you there. Love, Frank.”Robbie’s hands trembled as he refolded that letter. “What’s happening? What do you know, Frank?”

Placing the note in the envelope, Robbie raced into his living room and to his laptop. He pulled a ‘search’ for the airlines. He grabbed his phone and dialed.

“I need a flight as soon as possible to Connecticut. I’d like to land in New Haven, but anywhere in Connecticut is fine.” Robbie held the phone between his shoulder and ear as he lit a cigarette and searched out his wallet. “Nothing direct? Shit ... when will that...Bridgeport? No, no, Bridgeport works. That’s good. What time does that put me in Connecticut?” Robbie clenched his fist. “Seven? Excellent.” He checked out his watch. “I can make that. Sergeant Robert Slagel.” Robbie closed his eyes, breathed in relief, and pulled out his credit card. He ran through his mind what he still had to do to make that flight in two hours. His biggest concern was being stopped mid-flight due to the airports being shut down. If he was told to remember the contingency plan, then his father knew something and things were bad. His dad never overreacted or jumped the gun.

After giving the information he needed to the airlines, Robbie moved on to call for a rental car. Willing to take whatever they had, Robbie decided to try—no matter the cost--for a type of vehicle that would be useful if faced with the world’s end. According to the contingency plan, that’s what was ahead.

May 30-1:40 p.m.

Fairfield University-Stamford, Connecticut

Perhaps Ellenwasmoving slowly getting her things situated after the lecture. It ended not five minutes earlier. She grabbed her notebook that was more for doodling than notes. Her phone, all of her items, took forever to put away. But there was something about that lieutenant and she really wanted to meet him. Aside from the fact that his great smile kept hitting her through his entire speech, she did, in a sense, find it interesting. Knowing she had his attention—his glances up to her as he conversed with those around him told her that—Ellen slipped from her seat and into the aisle.

Dean saw her get up. Was she leaving? He thought for sure she was waiting around to talk to him. Politely excusing himself from the four people that bombarded him with questions about things he covered, he called out to Ellen. “Excuse me.”

Ellen stopped walking, smiled then faced him using more of a serious face. “Yes?”

Dean approached her. He smiled, a little embarrassed. He had her but what was he going to do with her? Mingling with women was not his forte. “I’m Dean.”

“Really? I didn’t know that,” she joked. “Ellen Callaway.” She shook his hand. “Nice to meet you. I really enjoyed your lecture.”

“You did?” Dean stepped back with a smile.

“It was interesting.”

“Now there are two sentiments I rarely hear about my lectures, enjoyable and interesting.”

Ellen laughed. “I’m sorry about the interruption when I came in.”

“No problem. I thought you were cute.”

“Cute?”

“Well anymore than that would be forward, wouldn’t it?” Dean kept his hands behind his back. “Are you from around here?”

“Stamford?” Ellen asked. “No.” She shook her head. “I live in a little town called Ashtonville, forty-five miles from here.”

“Well then I guess asking for a tour of Stamford would be out of the question.”

“Not out of the question, misleading, maybe. I can pretend I know what I’m showing you.”

Dean bit his bottom lip and took a second to muster up the courage he needed. “Ellen, are you in a hurry to get back to Ashtonville?”

“Not really, why?”

“Would you ...” Dean paused. “Would you have lunch withme? If you don’t want to, I’d …”

“I’d love to. I mean we did have that flirtatious thing going through the whole lecture.”

“Great.” Dean grinned. “Just let me get my things.” He backed up. “I’ll be right with you.”

Ellen watched as he seemed so nervous gathering his stuff. As he did, she wondered if he was going to stick her with the lunch bill. But that thought didn’t bother her. She’d be happy to pay for lunch. It kept her away from Pete for the day. There was a really smart man--not to mention cute--paying attention to her. And she’d have something to talk about over coffee with Kelly later on that night.

May 30-4:48 p.m.

Flight655en route to Bridgeport, Connecticut

They engines were so hypnotizing that at some point Robbie must have dozed off. He snapped forward in his seat, listening to the high pitch steady engine noise. Rubbing the corner of his eyes with his forefinger and thumb, Robbie adjusted himself to a more comfortable position and looked at his watch. In less than three hours he would land.

Robbie had his plan. He had his transportation lined up at the airport. He only packed enough clothes to fit in a duffel bag to carry on. No luggage to claim. He was going to head straight to Ashtonville in hopes that his father was there or on his way.

If it wasn’t for the gut wrenching, pulling feeling he had, Robbie would fear that he may have jumped to a decision without looking into it. But Frank’s letter and  Joe’s serious call was all Robbie needed. That was all it took to do something he thought he’d never do in his entire career. He just left. He was taking a chance on losing everything if this trip ended up being nothing but a rat chase.

But what was going to happen? Robbie tried to figure it out in his mind. Even as the gentleman next to him rambled on about how he too was a Sergeant in the service, Robbie kept thinking. War? Nuclear war? With the peaceful state the way things were, that would be a near impossibility. Act of terrorism? Did the smaller countries have the capabilities to pull off something so drastic as ending the world? And then he heard it, a simple hacking cough coming from the seat in front of him. It broke Robbie’s concentration. He listened some more. The person who coughed was joined by another behind him. The sounds of people’s basic colds rang a scary feeling through him.

Was he thinking in the wrong direction? Massive explosions, and world destruction was typical thinking of the world’s demise. But the other corner that his father had pointed out to him came creeping into Robbie’s mind. A missile wasn’t the only thing capable of killing off the world. A simple cough could do the same trick.

May 30-5:30 p.m.

Stamford Connecticut

Why was she feeling so at ease? Ellen wondered as she looked at her reflection in her pocket minor she pulled from her purse. Using her fingertip, she cleared away the mascara that smeared a little at the edge of her eyelid. Running her hands through her hair to straighten it, she tossed the mirror back into her purse, somewhat satisfied that she didn’t look like complete hell. Tossing her purse to the floor, she saw the room service tray laying there. Holding the bedding tightly against her nude body, she dangled her arm down and grabbed a cold French fry from one of the half empty plates. As she brought herself back to the bed, the phone caught her eye. She saw the time on the digital alarm clock next to the bed. Hearing the sound of running water from the sink in the bathroom, Ellen called out. “Hey. Can I use your phone? I’m not getting a signal.”

“Yeah.” He answered through the cracked bathroom door.

“Thanks.” Ellen reached over, picked up the phone and, still holding the covers to her, set it next to her on the bed. With her knees to her chest, she dialed. Watching the bathroom door for his return, she listened to the phone ring with the nervousness of a late teenager. Her eyes raised and heart pounded when the phone was answered. “Kel,” she spoke softly.

“Ellen, where in the hell are you?” Kelly sounded so frantic. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine, I’m fine. What time did Pete get the kids?”

“He didn’t. They’re still here. He said he’s really sick.”

“God, he’s such a baby.” Ellen’s eyes still held firmly on the door. “Kel, I owe you.”

“Where are you, Ellen?”

Ellen covered the mouthpiece of the phone with her hand and whispered. “I’m hanging out.”

“You’re what?”

“Hanging out having grown up time,” Ellen kept whispering. “With ... get this, him.”

“The guy from the pamphlet?” Kelly asked.

“Yeah.” Ellen’s voice held excitement. “I’ll talk about this when I get to your house.”

“O.K.” Kelly sounded so enthralled to hear to whole truth. “I want to hear everything.”

“You will.” She heard the water stop running. “He’s coming. I have to go.”

“‘What’s he like, El?”

Ellen paused. “He is really nice, Kelly. Really nice. And Kel, thanks.” She hung up the phone and grabbed the remote to the television. She flicked it on. Thinking it was the news at first, Ellen realized it was more, a special report. She turned up the volume and listened to the reporter describe what was going on at a hospital in New York . . . a quarantine involving the CDC.

“Did you make your call?” Dean asked as he came from the bathroom wearing only his boxer shorts and an opened buttoned down dress shirt.

“Yes, thank you.” Ellen looked up at him and smiled. “What do you make of this?” She showed him the television.

Dean walked to the bed and took the remote from her hand, shutting off the set. “I don’t watch T.V.”

“But it’s right up your alley.”

“It obviously has nothing to do with me or I’d know about it, right?” He smiled and sat on the bed, lifting the phone and placing it on the night stand.

“It’s weird though. There’s a quarantine.

“Ellen.” Dean kissed her. “Let’s not talk about the news.”

“O.K.” She ran her fingers through the side of his hair. “I see your getting ready to go. Maybe I should too.” She started to slide from the bed.

“Why don’t you come to dinner with me?”

“With your father?” Ellen snickered. “Oh I can see that one. You introducing the married woman you just slept with to your father.”

“So.”

Ellen looked at him. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”

“Very. I’d like it very much if you would come.”

“I’d like that too. But …” She smiled. “I can’t. I have to pick up my kids.”

“Can I ask you something?” Dean ran his hand up her bent leg. “Can I see you again? I’d like to see you again.”

“I think that might be a little difficult with you living in Nebraska.”

“No.” Dean shook his head. “I come to see my father once a month. He lives in Milord. I’d like it, when I come next month, if I could see you again.”

“Why?” Ellen asked.

“I like you. We had a great day. There’s something about you.” He leaned forward and kissed her softly. “I don’t know. It’s not just that we slept together either so don’t think that.”

“I don’t and I’d like to see you too when you come back. Can we keep in touch while you’re gone?”

“As much as you want.”

“Good.” Ellen spoke perkily. “I’ll write down my number and email.”

“What about your husband?” Dean asked.

“Oh, you don’t want his contact information.”

Reaching around her, Dean slid his hand up her back to her hair. “I really…” He kissed her. “Really liked being with you today. I don’t do this. What happened this afternoon is not something I do. I’m not this lucky.”

“I wouldn’t exactly call meeting me lucky.”

“I would,” he said so seriously.

“Dean?” Her face was so close to his. “When are you leaving to go home?”

“Monday morning.” He brushed his lips against hers.

“If I can ...would you want to meet tomorrow?”

“I’d love to meet tomorrow.”

“Good. I’ll call you tonight.” Ellen took a moment to stare at his boyish looking face. the years and the intelligence behind it. “I uh ... I’d better let you go.”

Dean stopped her. “We have time.”

“For what?”

Dean slipped off his dress shirt. He leaned back and tossed it behind him. It hit the chair and slid down but never fell to the floor. Reaching for Ellen, he began to kiss her again, pulling her to him, then down to the bed.

May 30-8:20 p.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

“Mom?” Josh ran into Kelly’s kitchen where his mother and Kelly sat at the small kitchenette table. “Can Johnny sleep over tonight?”

“It’s fine with me.” Ellen faced Kelly. “But Pete is sick. I’ll keep him away from him.”

“That’s fine,” Kelly stated.

Ellen nodded to her son. “Tell Johnny to go get his things.”

“Shit.” Kelly called out. “Joe’s coming. He’s gonna want to see Johnny.”

“So what?” Ellen waved her hand then picked up the coffee mug. “You said he’s coming for a month. He can see Johnny tomorrow. Josh, go help Johnny with his stuff. We’re leaving soon. Get Taylor ready too.” She glanced down at her watch. “Wow, we’ve been talking for an hour.”

Kelly waited until Josh had cleared the room. “So ... are you going to meet him tomorrow or what?”

“I don’t know. I can’t do that to you again.”

“Ellen, I charged five hundred dollars on your credit card. I think I can watch them for a couple hours tomorrow.”

“Then you know what? I will. I’ll call him later after I get the kids settled.” Ellen grinned. “I really feel free,Kel. I really do. And I don’t know if it’s just Dean..

“Or the fact that you hadn’t had sex in eighteen months.”

“That too,” she laughed. “But with the fight yesterday and today, and Pete . . . it’s time to move on. I’m doing this.”

“I’m glad, Ellen.” Kelly reached over and took her friend’s hand. “I want to see you happy. Even if nothing comes out of the affair this afternoon, I think it showed you what’s out there for you.”

“It did.” Ellen stood from her seat. “Of course Roger at the video store could have showed me if it wasn’t for Frank.”

Kelly covered her face. “You know it’s been two years and I still call to make sure he isn’t working when I go there. I can’t believe Frank did that to you.”

“I can.” Ellen waited for Kelly to walk with her. Just as she was about to yell up the stairs, Ellen saw and heard her daughter Taylor, plus Josh and Johnny running down. “You guys ready? Johnny, kiss your mom.”

Johnny darted to his mom and kissed her. “Tell Pap I’ll see him tomorrow.”

Ellen reached into her purse and pulled out her keys. “Go ahead and get in the car, kids, I’ll be right there. Kel, thanks again. Tell Joe I will see him tomorrow too.”

“I’ll tell him.” Kelly saw the front door open and the kids run out. “Call me later and tell me what he says if you get a chance.”

“I will.” Ellen backed up. “I am really excited about this. A doctor, Kelly. And not only is he a doctor but one of the top scientists in the country.”

“Ellen.” Kelly looked oddly at her. “That really sounds like a boring guy.”

“It does, doesn’t it?” Laughing and walking backwards, Ellen waved. “I’ll call you.”

Kelly’s face took on an odd look of surprise. “El…”

“I have to go. I don’t want to leave them in the car too long.”

“El…”

“I’ll talk to you…”As Ellen spun to the door, she barreled right into him, nearly knocking herself over. Her eyes moved from the chest up to the face.

“Robbie!” Ellen called excitedly.

“El.” Smiling, he picked her up and hugged her. He poked his head around to see Kelly. “Hey, Kel ... excuse us.” Laughing, he started to dart away with Ellen.

“Robbie.” Ellen joked and tried to break free. “Put me down. My kids will have a fit.”

Kissing her on the cheek, Robbie put her down. He picked up his duffel bag that set outside the door and tossed it inside. “Where you going? I just got here.”

“I have to go home.”

“El?” Robbie watched her walk by him. “When are you leaving that husband of yours?”

“When are you stealing me from him?”

“Tonight all right?”

“Sure.” Ellen raised her hands up in the air. “Give me time to get the kids in bed?”

“I’ll do that.”

Flinging back her head laughing, Ellen gushed. “God, are you cute, Robbie. Bye Kel.” She ran to the car. “Hey!” she yelled at the kids. “Out of the front seat.”

Robbie bit his lip with an arrogant smile, watching Ellen leave, then turned and faced Kelly. “Hey, Kel.” He gave her a quick peck on the cheek.

“Robbie, what in the world are you doing here?”

“Um ...you don’t know?” He saw her shake her head. “Visiting. Have you heard from my Dad?”

“Oddly enough, he’s on his way here. In fact …” She looked at her watch. “He should be here any minute.”

Robbie sighed in relief. At least Frank’s note wasn’t scurrying him like a mouse to Ashtonville for no reason. “Good. What about Frank? Is he coming home?”

“Not that I know of. Since when does your brother ever let me know he’s coming home?”

“True.” Robbie closed the door. He bent down, unzipped his duffel bag, and pulled out a shirt, jeans, and his tennis shoes. “I’m gonna go upstairs and change. I’ll be right back.”

“Robbie?” Kelly called to him causing him to pause mid-stairs. “Whyareyou here?”

Seeing how Kelly didn’t know anything about what was going on and seeing how telling her that the world might be about to end could be a bit much, Robbie opted for something more on the lines of kidding around. “To steal Ellen away from her husband.” He smiled at her and hurried up the stairs.

<><><><>

With the sounds of chirping crickets as the background noise, a burning cigarette in his hand, Joe read Frank’s letter to Robbie on the front porch of Frank and Kelly’s home. “When did you say you got this letter?”

“Four years ago.” Robbie brought his beer bottle to his lips and took a drink.

“The envelope said to open it yesterday. When did you open it?”

“Four years ago.” Robbie grabbed his cigarettes from the railing. He hit the pack against his palm once causing a single cigarette to emerge. He grabbed it, placed it in his mouth, and lit it. “Dad, I thought Frank was joking around. I thought he lost it. In fact, I was saving that letter to embarrass him the next time the family got together. But now, now I’m thinking he may be psychic.”

Joe snickered. “I doubt it.” He folded the letter back up. “Have you spoken to him about this at all?”

“Not really. I tried to call him this morning but he wasn’t available and I didn’t bring it up when I got it, because I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of getting me.”

“He got you all right and me too.” He handed the letter to Robbie.

“What’s goingon, Dad? I need to know. Right now, because of Frank’s letter and that call from you, I’m AWOL.”

“You and me both.” Breathing out, Joe sat back and reached down for his own beer.. “It’s bad, Robbie, really bad. Yesterday we were chasing a suspected terrorist into the subway. My partner tackled him to the ground. The guy steals my partner’s gun, rattles out the words ‘this is the end’ and shot himself in the goddamn head. Eight hours later Brian, my partner, is dead. Something ravaged his system like I have never seen. I pieced it together. This terrorist was sending faxes to the CDC telling them to get prepared. The CDC. And then Brian dies like that? This happens in New York. Now I’m driving up here and hear that the CDC has placed a quarantine on a hospital in New York. Coincidence? I stopped at a diner about fifty miles from here. A young couple, from New York no less, are sick as dogs, same symptoms as Brian.”

“And you aren’t sick,” Robbie stated so factually. “Which means…”

“I’m probably immune, yes.”

“And according to my psychic network brother’s letter, I may be too.” Robbie flicked his ash. “So what now? What do we do?”

“I figured if a hospital has been quarantined, it won’t be long before New York is shut down. And then  ... then the country. This thing moves fast, real fast.”

“Things will fall apart, Dad, and you know it. Martial law going into effect.” Robbie shook his head and took a drink. “People panicking, chaos. Not to mention what happens when the soldiers working their posts get sick. Things could get detrimental, not just health wise, but safety wise.”

“I know that. Being that this is a small town, I think it’s a pretty safe bet. But what if this thing really wipes out most of the population, then what? There will be chaotic madness, Robbie and we have to protect those we love.”

Robbie agreed, staying so serious. “And your only grandchildren are right here. They may need you.”

“That’s why I’m here, to wade it out with them. I’m glad you’re here. I really am.”

“So am I. Did you bring anything, protection wise, in case things get bad?”

“Yeah, my personal revolver and I have some hand guns in a brief case. We’re good.”

Robbie tossed his cigarette and stared down at his half empty bottle of beer. “What do you need me to do? Anything tonight?”

“Nope. It’s a watch and see. I’m pretty much going to stay glued to the set. This quarantine of the hospital in New York has taken up most of the airways. Once Kelly and the kids are asleep, I’m heading to one of the bigger towns to an all night grocer. I’m gonna stock up. If I’m right and New York shuts down soon, people will panic.”

“And rightfully so. The CDC wouldn’t shut down a major metropolis unless it was bad.” Robbie finished off his beer. “O.K. since I’m not needed tonight.” He stood up, setting the bottle on the railing. “See ya.”

“Where in the world are you going?”

“Ellen’s.” He grabbed his cigarettes.

“Ellen’s? What in God’s name for?”

“I like her. I might as well make the best of the end of the world.”

“What about her husband?”

Robbie smiled as he walked backwards. “He’s very sick in bed.” He raised his eyebrows.

“Now that is not right. That is just not right. You can’t be . . .“Joe saw his son ignore him and keep on walking. “Eh.” Giving up Joe grabbed for his Camel Filters and lit one more.

<><><><>

Ellen must have picked up and hung up the telephone twenty times. She’d take a breath, shake the nerves, look at the matchbook from the hotel, dial part of the number, then hang up and peered out to see if anyone was coming. “I can do this.” Her hand reached for the phone again when, from her view of the hall, she saw Josh and Johnny come down the steps. Quickly she pulled back her hand. “Josh, I thought you guys were upstairs for the night.”

“We want to get a movie.”

“Hurry up.” Ellen folded her arms, watching the two boys seem to take forever in the video cabinet. “Got one?”

“Yep.” Josh ran in. “Can we have something to drink?”

“Sure.” Ellen answered.

“Can we take it upstairs?” Josh asked.

“Josh, you know I don’t allow ...”She peeked at her watch, ten minutes after ten. “Yeah sure go ahead, but don’t spill. I cleaned your room really good last night.” She waited with anxiousness for the two boys to decide on their drink, open it, and go slowly upstairs. Holding off until the footsteps were above her head, Ellen looked at the matchbook. “I’m doing this.” She picked up the phone and dialed. “Twenty-three seventeen please.” With her heart racing with every ring, Ellen prepared to hang up.

“Hello.” His voice sounded soft and groggy.

“Dean?”

“Ellen.” Suddenly it perked up. “You called.”

“I told you I would. How was dinner with your father?”

“Same as it always is. He picks on me, I nod.”

“What are you doing now?” She asked.

“Getting ready to go to bed. I have to golf early in the morning.”

“You don’t strike me as a golfer.”

“I’m not. So  ... can you?” Dean asked.

Ellen closed her eyes. “You mean meet you? Yes, I can. What time?”

“This is great.” His voice smiled over the phone. “How about four? I can take you to dinner and we can have the evening.”

“Four is good. Dean? Can I ask you something? What do you think about this quarantine at that hospital in New York?”

“You aren’t worried about this, are you?” Dean asked. “Ellen, you’re a nurse. You know they do quarantines quite a bit.”

“I know. But the CDC is involved and I just thought since this is your field …”

“Exactly,” Dean stated. “And if it was something major, trust me, they would have called me in already. All right? Don’t worry about it. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Yes, tomorrow. Goodnight.” She started to hang up. “Dean? I’m really looking forward to seeing you.” With a smile and a glance at the matchbook, Ellen ended the call.

The soft whisper voice in her ear, and the feeling of a body behind her made her jump and fumble the phone.

She quickly turned around. “Robbie.”

“Hey.” He smiled as he leaned in the doorway. “You really should lock your door. You never know who could just walk in here.”

Half closing her eyes and shaking her head, Ellen set down the phone. “Obviously anything.”

“So  ... who’s Dean?”

“Urn ... nobody.”

Robbie saw her fiddle with something in her hand. “What’s this?” He snatched up the matches.

“Hey!” Ellen reached for them, but Robbie held them above her head.

He laughed. “Ha! The Stamford Marriott?” He gave them back to her. “Ellen? Are you having an affair on Pete?”

“No. Shh. Why would you say that?” She backed up. “You want something to drink?”

“Yes. And you are.” Robbie followed her to the refrigerator. “First the nervousness, then you tell someone named Dean you look forward to seeing them, and you have matches from a hotel in another town. Ellen I’m crushed. You’re supposed to have the affair with me.”

“I’m not having an affair, Robbie. I’m just ... I met him that’s all. If I have the affair, it will be with you.”

“Excellent. Let’s start tonight.”

“Let’s not.” Ellen opened the fridge. “What do you want to drink?” She bent in looking.

“What do you have?” Robbie leaned against the island counter in her kitchen.

“Milk, tea, Coke… and why am I listing the nonalcoholic beverages? You’re a Slagel.” She grabbed a beer and shut the fridge. “Here.”

“Thanks.” He twisted off the cap. “So...who’s better looking, me or him?”

“You, but he outranks you.”

“An officer? No El, don’t tell me you’re having an affair with an officer.”

“Robbie.” Ellen walked up to him. “Can we not talk about this? You’re here to visit. Let’s visit.”

“Actually, I’m here to steal you from Pete. So let’s steal you from Pete.”

“Great opportunity for you. He’s sick,” Ellen said.

“Hey El, maybe he’ll get real sick and die and then you can play the grieving widow. We’ll get all his money and live in Seattle.”

“Sure Robbie. That sounds like a plan. Hey, I’m hungry. You wanna get a pizza and watch a movie with me?”

“Sounds like a date.” Robbie drank his beer and watched her take the pizza flyer from the fridge. As he did, the reality of why he was really in Ashtonville hit him. Suddenly a movie and pizza sounded better than ever, for if what his father thought was about to happen did, this could possibly be the last time he ever had an evening like this again.

Sunday, May 31-6:00 a.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

Speaking softly to his father--so as not to wake up Ellen--Robbie set down the last of the blue plastic bags. “That’s it for this house.”

“Yeah, I’m gonna go head over and put the rest in the storage at Kelly’s.” Joe stood with Robbie in the kitchen. “You put this away. She has that huge pantry.”

“I know, I know.” Robbie lifted some of the bags.

“Robbie, what’s going on? You didn’t come back to Kelly’s at all last night. Did you tell Ellen what’s going on? Was she upset? Was that why you stayed?”

“Nah.” Robbie closed his eyes coming from out of the pantry. “I stayed because I’ve always like Ellen. And...she’s gonna need me here. Just like Kelly’s going to need you, she’ll need me. Pete is sick, Dad.”

“But when I picked you up for shopping you said you didn’t know what was wrong with him.”

“No I don’t, but don’t you think it’s far too much of a coincidence that Pete works in New York and now he’s sick? So sick he hasn’t come out of that guest room all night?”

“You’re probably right.” Joe opened the kitchen door. “I have to go to Kelly’s and get this away before she wakes up. Then I think I might tell her. How about you? When and what are you telling Ellen?”

“I’ll tell her about the virus. I’ll let the news conference fill her in on the rest. I just want her to be prepared for it. Hearing it first from the conference will be too much of a shock.”

“I think it will be a shock hearing it no matter what,” Joe stated. “When I heard that they quarantined New York, I was waiting for it, but it still was like a knife through me.” He quickly glanced at his watch. “I have to go.”

“Dad, you aren’t mad that I’m staying here instead of Kelly’s, are you?”

“No.” Joe shook his head. “You’re three streets over. I’ll see you. And...three streets over is a hell of a lot better than having you thousands of miles away.” With a patting hand, Joe tapped Robbie’s cheek. “I’m glad you’re with me.”

“Me too. Thanks for bringing my bag over for me.”

“That...” Joe pointed. “Is another issue. How are you going to explain to Ellen, let alone Pete, that you’re moving in?”

“With everything that is going to happen, Dad, I don’t think that will even be brought up.”

<><><><>

May31 - 8:50 a.m.

The shower felt good to Ellen, but not as much as the extra sleep she got. She was actually surprised that she was able to fall back to sleep, especially since Josh had awakened her to check on Pete, not to mention calling up Doc Breyer and find out there’s just something going around. But between the non-stop talking with Robbie over the two old movies, Ellen didn’t get to bed until late.

Flinging her head upright from the bent down position, Ellen turned off her blow dryer and ran the brush through her hair as she stared at her refection in her bedroom mirror. She debated on straightening her hair then or waiting. She opted for waiting. She’d have to do it again anyhow before she went to meet Dean. Opening her bedroom door, she walked in the hallway. She pushed open the first bedroom door, slowly exposing her curled up daughter lying in her bed, sleeping. The covers were down some. Five year old Taylor’s blonde hair was all over the place. Walking up to her, Ellen lifted the covers and laid her lips on her daughter’s cheek. “Oh no.” She felt behind Taylor’s ear. Her daughter was so warm. “Shit. The Tylenol didn’t work. Poor baby.” Kissing her daughter again, Ellen decided to check on Josh. He too felt warm earlier in the morning and was complaining his head hurt. Shutting the bedroom door, she moved to Josh’s room. Josh and Johnny both were sleeping in the twin beds. Quietly, so as not to wake them, Ellen leaned down to Josh. As her lips felt the very warm skin of his cheek, he moaned just a little and rolled over. Shaking her head, Ellen turned to Johnny. Just to check, she kissed him also. He felt so cool compared to her kids. Thinking that Kelly was going to kill her if Johnny came down with something, Ellen knew as soon as Johnny awoke, she’d have to get him home.

Leaving Josh’s room and stepping into the hall, Ellen heard him. Pete. His grumbling moan carried from the closed guest room door into the hall. Walking to the door, she tapped lightly. “Pete,” she whispered.

“Ellen.” His moan was worse and he sounded as if he were gagging.

“God, Pete, get a grip and quit being so loud. You’re going to wake the kids. You’re only sick for crying out loud.” Shaking her head in disgust at him and swearing under her breath about him getting the kids sick, Ellen’s thoughts moved to Dean and how she’d have to cancel their date for the evening. Maybe, she thought as she headed to the stairs, she could talk him into coming to her house. Hell, if Robbie Slagel could laugh and talk that loud and pass out on the couch, Dean certainly could come for a visit. If Pete woke up and saw him, that was easy. She would lie about who he was. Why not? Hadn’t Pete been doing that to her for years?”

Halfway down the steps, two overpowering aromas hit her, coffee and bacon. Knowing that she didn’t have a Genie in her house, it had to be one person. Robbie.

Ellen saw him standing at her stove when she walked in, and immediately went to the cupboard for a cup. “Morning.” She grabbed a cup, leaned to him to peek at what he cooked, and smiled. “Wow. Breakfast.”

“Morning, El.” Taking her by surprise, Robbie kissed her softly on the lips.

“Whoa. What was that for?”

He shrugged and returned to cooking. “I wanted to, and it’s the least I can do. You let me sleep on your couch last night.”

Pouring the coffee into her cup, Ellen watched him scramble the eggs. “What was I supposed to do? I shook you and shook you and you wouldn’t budge. You were out.”

“Guess what, El?” Robbie smiled at her.

“What?” She saw that ornery look on his face. “You weren’t sleeping were you?”

“Nope. Grab me two plates.”

“O.K.” Ellen opened the next cabinet. “This is great, Robbie. Coffee, food. I am impressed. I should let you sleep over more often. Need a job?”

Robbie laughed as she set the plates next to the stove. “You know us Slagel men. We were brought up self sufficient. We cook, we clean…”

“...and are very mean.” She sipped.

“That too.” He turned off the burner and stared at her.

“What’s wrong? I look terrible don’t I? I didn’t do my hair.”

Robbie snickered. “No not at all.” He paused in the reach for the plates. “Hey El. Let’s fool around.”

Totally shocked and laughing, Ellen nearly choked on her coffee. “What? Why would you say that?”

“I’ve always wanted to fool around with you. Let’s do it.”

Pacifying in a kidding manner, Ellen walked to the kitchen table. “Sure, Robbie. We’ll just have our breakfast and we’ll sneak into the pantry. It locks, you know. We’ll fool around in there while your nephew sleeps up stairs and my soon to be ex-husband and children are all sick in bed.” She heard the loud slam of the flying pan, as it dropped from his hand to the stove’s surface. “I was kidding, Robbie. Joking? Like you.”

He didn’t turn around.

“Robbie? What’s wrong? Did you burn yourself?”

“El?” He finally faced her. “The kids are sick?” he asked somberly.

“Yes. How do you like that?” She sat down. “Fuckin Pete brings something home. They both have fevers. I called Doc Breyer this morning and he said he was out all night on flu calls. Probably was Pete. He infected everyone in Ashtonville at that little league game last night.” She saw how serious Robbie was as he set down their plates. “What happened to that arrogant smile you always have? They have the flu, Robbie. Which… if you don’t want it, you’d better stay away. I’m worried right now about Johnny. He’s not warm and…”

“How are you feeling, El?” Robbie sat down.

“Me? I’m fine.” She picked up her fork. “This looks great. I never catch what the kids catch. I think it’s a mother thing so you can stay well enough to take care of your family.” Ellen began to eat and noticed Robbie wasn’t. “Eat before yours gets cold.”

Robbie grabbed a strip of bacon. “El? When did you have first contact with Pete?”

“A long time ago, Robbie, you know that.” She laughed as if he were being silly. “In Vegas, when Frank and Kelly got …”

“No.” Robbie snickered. “This weekend. When were you in contact with him?”

“Friday when he came home from work—late. Kelly had to take the kids to the game.”

“Did you kiss him or touch him at all?” Robbie continued asking her.

“Hell no. I haven’t kissed Pete in forever.” She saw the arrogant smile on his face. “I knew that would get you. I did steal the Coke he was drinking—bastard didn’t get me one.”

“And you aren’t sick. Not at all?”

“Robbie eat. And no, I’m not sick. You are really too worried about this.” Ellen ate her eggs. “Oh, ketchup.” She stood.

“For what?”

“My bacon.” She walked to the refrigerator. “Out. I have some in the pantry.”

“El, wait, before you go …”

“Robbie?” Ellen turned from the open pantry door. “Why is my pantry so stocked? Did you go shopping?” She stepped inside. “Ten pounds of coffee? I like coffee but not that much. Was it on sale or something, I know how you Slagels get. Spam? What’s up with the Spam?” She chuckled. “I don’t think I’ve ever eaten that in my life. Twinkles would have been nice, Robbie. And what’s …” She stopped when she saw the huge box of batteries. “Robbie?” She saw him sitting at the table. He had pushed his plate ahead of him, his hand covered his face. Quickly Ellen raced back into the pantry, checking out everything he bought. Her heart dropped when she stepped out, he still looked the same. “You’re here in Ashtonville with Joe. It’s, it’s that Slagel contingency plan, isn’t it? The food, batteries, bottled water. Robbie?” She hurried to the table.

“How do you know about the plan?”

“Frank told me years ago. Robbie, are we getting attacked? Should we head to the mountains? What?”

“Ellen.” He grabbed her hand as she sat down.

“What do you know?” She saw the hesitation on his face. “Tell me. What do you know?”

“There’s a news conference on today that will explain it all. It’s on in about fifteen minutes. I wanted to tell you before you saw it.” He scooted his chair closer to her, holding both of his hands over hers. “There’s a virus, El. It’s bad. It was released intentionally in New York. We think it’s airborne. They’ve shut down New York. They did it last night but it’s too late. So many people have left the city by now that something of this magnitude would …”

“No.” Ellen said strongly. “You’re wrong.”

“No Ellen I’m …”

“You’re wrong.” She stood. “And I’ll prove it to you. I’ll prove it to you.” She scurried around for her purse, pulled out her billfold and the matchbook she tucked in there. “This will prove you wrong.” She held them up. “He’s a virologist the top in the Army.” She searched out her phone. “If something like this is happening, he’ll know.” Grabbing the phone, she began to dial. “Room twenty-three, seventeen please.”

There was a pause and the operator came back on. “Who are you trying to reach Ma’am?”

“Lt. Dean Hayes.” She looked at Robbie with confidence.

“Dr. Hayes has checked out of the hotel. He did leave word however, if anyone is trying to reach him, we are to tell them he was pulled for medical emergency reasons.”

The phone dropped from Ellen’s hand as she backed into the wall. The continuous call from the operator saying ‘Ma’am?’ over and over was heard as she stood there stunned.

Robbie picked up the phone and ended the call. Laying his hands on Ellen’s shoulders, he said nothing. He just stared at her frightened expression and Ellen just fell into his arms.

<><><><>

May 31- 10:22 a.m.

The certainty of Dr. Catharine Donovan’s voice as she spoke at the CDC news conference was the only sound in Ellen’s silent living room. Robbie and Ellen sat alone on the sofa listening to the doctor detail facts and symptoms that were as painful to hear as they sounded like they must feel. Alone in the house with only Pete and Ellen’s children upstairs, Robbie had rushed Johnny back home to his mother and encouraged Kelly to stay away, though he knew, as did Ellen and Joe, that she and her four children had already been exposed.

Ellen sat right next to him. Robbie felt her body leaning on his as she listened against her will. Her fingers were locked so tightly in between his, her forehead resting on the cupped, intertwined security she found within his hands.

Robbie knew the reality hit Ellen hard when the news conference was finally over and she lifted her head with the uttermost look of horror anyone could have on their face.

“No” Ellen jumped up. “No. Oh God. My kids.” Stumbling, she ran from the living room to the stairs.

“Ellen.” Robbie reached back and grabbed her arm. “Ellen, listen to me.”

“My kids Robbie. My Kids. I have to check them. Go, you’d better go. They’re sick.”

“Ellen.” Robbie turned her to face him. “Don’t go up there like this. Do you hear me? Calm down when you check on them so you can see things clearly.”

Ellen’s lip quivered. “This can’t be happening.” Turning quickly, she headed up the steps. “Please dear God, let them be better.”

Robbie closed his eyes. His hand still felt the trembling arm of Ellen’s that just slid from his. He leaned back against the wall and heard her run about upstairs. He turned in surprise when the front door opened. “Dad? What are you doing here?”

“I came to check on Ellen. How is she?”

“Frantic. She’s not taking it well. How about Kelly?”

“She’s too calm.” Joe peered up the steps.

“Kelly calm?” Robbie asked. “is she in denial?”

Joe shrugged. “What about Ellen’s.. .” He didn’t have to finish the question. Ellen, walking slow and zombie-like down the steps, told him it all.

Lifting her hand as she neared the bottom of the steps, Ellen shook her head. “They’re sick. They’re fevered and tired and ...they’re sick, Joe.” She tried not to cry. “My babies are sick.” Just as her body moved to drop to the bottom step to sit, Robbie stopped her. He took her by the arm and pulled her to him.

Holding Ellen, clutching her head close to his chest, Robbie could feel as she began to cry. “We can’t be sure they have it, Ellen.” He tried to comfort her.

“I wish there was a way.” Ellen’s muffled words came through as she sought her comfort. She felt Joe’s hand run down her back. “I wish …” She lifted her head. “Pete.” She turned to Joe. “Pete, Joe. He’s been sick since yesterday. If he has, he will be the proof.” She broke from Robbie’s embrace and tried for the steps.

Joe pulled her back. “Stay here. Don’t move. Robbie, let’s go.” Joe saw Ellen trying to follow. “Ellen, stay here, If he has it, it won’t be pretty. Stay put.” Charging up the steps, Joe led the way. He knew which one was the guest room and he reached for the door. “Locked.”

Robbie stepped forward. “Want me to break it down?”

“I can…” Joe saw Josh coming from his bedroom. “Josh?” The boy looked pale.

“Mr. Slagel, is my mom all right. She was screaming.”

“Yes son. Josh, go back in your room and stay there. Please.” Waiting for the young boy to obey his orders, Joe stepped back and kicked forth, bursting the door open. He immediately covered his mouth and nose with the back of his hand when the scent of the sickness which emanated from Pete lunged at them viciously.

Robbie followed in the same manner. “Fuck.” He saw Pete on the bed lying in a puddle of any and all body fluids he could expel from his body. “I don’t see any blood.”

“Neither do I ... Pete.” Joe grabbed Ellen’s husband’s face. His eyes rolled slightly to the back of his head. His face was drawn and covered with dark purple splotches. “Pete.” He tried to get a response. “Robbie, we have to clean him up and submerge him. He’s burning up.”

“You want me to do that? And you can get this cleaned up. We have to. We can’t have it like this in here.”

“I’ll handle him. You handle this.” As Joe began to lift Pete, he heard the gasp coming from the door. He turned to face Ellen, who was holding her mouth.

“Oh God,” she gasped.

“Robbie,” Joe grunted. “Get her out of here now.”

“El.” Robbie rushed to her. “Let’s go.” He tried to pull her out.

“No Robbie, tell me this won’t happen to my babies. Tell me this isn’t going to happen to them.”

“I ... “He led her out into the hall. “I can’t. Stay here.” Backing up, he shut the door, leaving Ellen there while he helped his father with Pete.

<><><><>

May 31 - 3:05 p.m.

In the kitchen Ellen closed her eyes tightly. She grabbed a piece of paper and pen and turned her back to Robbie and Joe as she spoke on the phone. “All right. What are the dosages?”

Joe watched as she painfully wrote down what she was told. He remembered the argument she had given to the town’s only doctor and remembered, there and then, that Ellen was the town’s only known nurse.

Hanging up the phone, Ellen laid the paper on the counter. “Robbie or Joe, could either of you watch my family. I have to go get supplies. I’ll be about a half hour.”

Joe looked with curiosity at her. “People are going to come here?”

“For medication only,” Ellen answered. “I’ll leave a note on the clinic door. I have no choice, Joe. I seem to be the only one.”

“Ellen.” Joe stood up. “When people find out you are an aid station, honey, they won’t leave.”

“Yeah they will, Joe,” Ellen insisted. “I’ll kick them out.”

Joe gave a gentle smile as he grabbed her hand. “No you won’t because it’s up to us, those who aren’t sick, to do what we have to do. We have to help those who need us.”

“Joe, I’ve known you for a lot of years. When did you start to give a shit about people?”

“It’s a new thing. Don’t get too used to it. I don’t know how long it will last.” Joe reached in his pocket and handed her the keys. “Take my SUV. It holds more. And…” Joe looked at Robbie. “Take my son. You may need him.” Grabbing his revolver, Joe handed it to Robbie. “Take this. With you and her carrying pain medication, who knows what will happen. You know how quickly people panic. Robert, that is for peace purposes only. Don’t shoot anyone for Christ’s sake.”

Grinning, Robbie checked the safety and tucked the revolved behind him between his shirt and pants. “Got it. Ready, El?”

“Yeah.” Ellen stopped before going out. “Joe, could you check on them a couple times for me, please?”

Joe laid his hands on Ellen’s saddened face. “Sweetheart, how about I just go up there and sit with them until you get back.”

Ellen nodded, trying not to cry. With emotion, she hugged Joe, then pulled back and regained herself. “Let’s go Robbie.”

“Doe Breyer wants me to over-medicate them in the final stages.” Ellen drove nearer to the doctor’s office.

“Kill them? That may not be a bad…” Robbie lifted in his seat when he saw the packed parking lot of Doctor Breyer’s office. “Shit.”

“Look at this.” Ellen stopped the vehicle, throwing it in gear. “Did they think because there is plague we’d open special on Sundays?”

“Ellen.” Robbie tried not to snicker.

“I’m serious. Look how many people there are.”

“You have a point.”

“Shit.” Ellen opened the car door, found the office keys and immediately, as she and Robbie approached the building, they were bombarded. The cries, the shouting and questions rang annoyingly in their ears.

“Where’s Doe Breyer?”

“I’m sick. I need help.”

“My wife is at home. I need the doctor.”

Robbie shoved Ellen through the crowd, holding tightly to her back and clenching the revolver from sight as they made it to the front door. “El,” he whispered. “You got it?”

“I wished they’d shut up.” She fumbled with the keys.

Feeling the surge of people and anger, Robbie clicked back the hammer on the revolver, held it high in the air, and fired one shot. There was silence. “Back up now!” He shouted and refaced Ellen. “O.K.?”

“That’ll do it.” After pressing her ear from the ringing, she opened the door and immediately could see, in the reflection of the glass, the crowd of people, fifty or so strong, stampeding toward her. She turned around. “Stop,” she shouted as loudly as she could. “I am getting medication. If any of you need medication, stop by my house for it. I live at5567Elks drive.”

“We want the doctor!” An angry man shouted.

“Mr. Murphy, please. Doc Breyer is sick and I am it! If you don’t want my help, if any of you don’t want my help, then go to Stamford.” Her hands flew about. “I will not deal with anyone who will give me a hard time—period. I’m sorry that I am all this town has now, but at least it has that. I have my instructions. Give me an hour and stop by my house. I will be happy to help you as best as I can.” She looked at Robbie. “Ready?”

“Yeah.” Robbie closed the door to the clinic and locked it. He saw all the people trying to peek. Replacing his revolver behind his pants, Robbie closed the blinds.

<><><><>

May31-8:25 p.m.

Joe was astonished, nearly amazed, as he pulled his SUV down Ellen’s street. The amount of people that had turned up in the mere three hours since he had been there left him breathless and speechless. Was there a billboard somewhere? Did that simple little sign on the doctor’s office door bring about the amount of people that now camped out on Ellen’s front law and spilled into the neighboring lawns as well? At least there wasn’t the line at her front door, like there was when he left. Maybe she and Robbie had taken care of all the people and now they just awaited their second dosage.

“Ellen?” Joe called out, walking into her home. He saw her coming down the stairs. “Ellen.”

“Hi Joe.” She walked up to him.

“Where’s Robbie?”

“In the backyard finishing up,” she answered and walked into the living room.

“Finishing up? Did you two see all those people already?”

Giving an emotional laugh, Ellen shook her head. “Hardly. We’ve seen about hundred and seventy-five. The ones in the front haven’t been seen yet. The ones we’ve seen, we moved into the back yard.”

“How are the children?”

Ellen shook her head. “Not good, Joe. And Pete, he’s really bad. He and about three others. They definitely are in the final stage. We have to get him to Stamford.”

Before Joe could say anything, Robbie walked in. “Won’t do any good, El. What are they gonna do in Stamford that we can’t do here.”

“Joe, Robbie has a point.” Ellen turned to him. “But maybe if we can get them to Stamford, we can get some help. We need help, Joe, really we do. We three can’t do it alone.”

“You’re right.” Joe laid his hand on her face. “I’ll take them. You and Robbie stay here and keep things running as smoothly as possible. With aid station traffic, I should be back by dawn.”

“What about Kelly and the kids?” Ellen asked. “How are they? Will they be all right alone.”

“Yes,” Joe answered. “Kelly just doesn’t want to be bothered with anyone right now. I won’t be long. Robbie, let’s you and I get Pete and the others ready.”

<><><><>

May 31-10:00p.m.

Stamford, Connecticut Aid Station

Joe left Ashtonville with Pete and three others. When he arrived at the aid station for help, he was less one. Pete didn’t make it. It was unreal what was happening there. There were so many people, a scene of what he imagined Ashtonville would become before long.

Leaving the three at the check in line, Joe began to check every tent in the huge set up for someone that could be considered important. Mid aid station, he spotted an elongated table. Three men sat there and another man stood by. Walking up to them, hoping they were his answer, Joe spoke. “Excuse me. I need some help.”

One of the men lifted his eyes above his mask. “You have to check in. That’s the only way we can help you.”

“I’m not sick,” Joe told them. “I brought three people who are.”

‘Well then they have to check in.”

“Look.” Joe grew frustrated. “I just need to speak to a doctor, ask him some questions, and then I’m out of here.”

“I’m a doctor.” Dean, who had come to the station for more help, turned to Joe. “What do you need?”

“I’m coming from a little town called Ashtonville …”

“Ashtonville?” Dean asked.

“Yes. Now the whole town is sick. I know everyone is sick but we don’t have a doctor. We have one woman and one man right now caring for hundreds of people. And more are coming in.”

“Ashtonville?” Dean turned to the table of men. “Can we … can we get Ashtonville some help?”

All three men shook their heads ‘no’

Joe snarled at them. ‘Well, screw you people. That poor girl dealing with the patients needs help. Her own children are dying and she is making time for others.” Joe turned and walked away.

“Wait!” Dean called out to him. “Mister?”

“Slagel, Joe Slagel.”

“Mr. Slagel, I’m sorry but I’ll tell you what. I might know someone that can help. I’m not making any promises but I know he isn’t dying of the virus and he’s volunteering here. I’ll talk to him. Ashtonville’s not that far.”

“Thank you, Doctor.”

“Dean Hayes. Call me Dean.”

“Dean Hayes.” Joe stared at him.

“Do we know each other?”

“Your name … sorry … rings a bell.” Joe shook his head.

“That’s okay. Just give me the address and I’ll see what I can do.”

“Already done.” Joe reached into his chest pocket and handed it to Dean. “Thank you. Please try to help us.”

“I see what I can do. I’m not making any promises.” Seeing Joe walk away, Dean opened the slip of paper and peered at the address. A twinge hit his stomach when he saw it. Immediately Dean reached to the back pocket of his jeans and pulled out his wallet. Opening up the money section, he pulled out the folded hotel stationary. Tucking his wallet under his arm, he compared them. His views quickly went back to Joe. “Mr. Slagel”

Joe stopped walking when he saw the young doctor running to him. “Yes?”

“This woman you were talking about, is this her house?”

“Yes it is,” Joe stated.

“Is she...is she sick at all?”

“No, Ellen is fine. Why?”

Dean’s eyes closed and a race of his heart took his breath away. “Tell her, tell her that help will be there first thing tomorrow.”

“You sound very certain. You didn’t a minute ago.”

“I am certain.” Dean clenched the address. “And that’s a promise. I’ll be there tomorrow.”

“You?” Joe seemed surprised.

“Yeah,” Dean spoke with certainty. “Could you tell Ellen I’m coming? I’ll be there to help her out.”

“I’ll tell her.” Joe extended his hand and shook it. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”

“Thank you, Mr. Slagel.” Dean backed up. “I have to run.”

Joe watched the small built doctor hurry and dart his way through patients back to that elongated table. Joe knew, with confidence that this young doctor would pull through. And he knew he could go home and tell Ellen that a doctor from the aid station would be arriving in the morning.

Monday, June 1- 5:45a.m.

Ashtonville Connecticut

It was peaceful as the sun began to rise yet it was eerie as Joe made it into Ellen’s house. Sleeping and waiting ill spewed forth everywhere. Even more had arrived. Joe himself had led a group of eight in from the highway. The ticking of Ellen’s mantel clock was the only sound. Seeing the kitchen light, Joe walked through the empty downstairs. He saw Robbie seated at the table. He slumped, leaning his headon his arm. “Hey.” Joe laid his hand on his son’s back.

Robbie sprang up. “Dad.” He rubbed his eyes.

“Were you sleeping like that?”

“I guess.” Robbie stretched out. “What’s that?”

“A short wave radio.” Joe sat it down on the table. “We’ll need it just like you’re gonna need some rest.”

“I’m getting it. So is Ellen. She’s upstairs with the kids. It’s Jenny’s turn to make the rounds for two hours.”

“Jenny?” Joe asked.

“Jenny Holmes. She isn’t sick. She volunteered to help so we let her. How’d Stamford go?”

“Excellent.” Joe fiddled with the radio as he sat next to Robbie. “There’s a doctor there. He said he’s coming today.”

“No shit.” Robbie was surprised. “You think he will?”

“He sounded sincere enough. I think me telling him about Ellen working with people and her kids dying got to him.” Joe shrugged. “But, he’s coming. As soon as I see if this works, I’m heading over to check on Kelly. Have you heard from her?”

“No.” Robbie answered. “But we have been busy. There are seven hundred and fifty-three, last count.”

“Dear God.” Joe looked to his son. “I’ll head over then. Wanna come?”

“I think I will. It’ll break the bad momentum of this for me.”

“Works.” Joe switched it back off and stood up. “Ready?”

“Yep. Hey, Dad? Did you get our people situated?”

“I left them there. I didn’t have the time.” Joe jingled his keys.

“How about Pete? Did you just leave him there too?”

“No. Pete didn’t make it to Stamford. He started that convulsing shit and spitting up blood. I couldn’t control him and the truck. I pulled over.”

Robbie slid in his chair to look up to his father. “What do you mean ‘pulled over’?”

“I had to do it, Robbie and don’t tell Ellen. I had to shoot him. He was bad.”

Robbie smiled. “Thanks, Dad.”

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Joe smacked him lightly upside the head. “You think I did that for you? Now are you coming or not?”

“Yep.” Robbie stood up, rubbing his head. “Can I run up and tell Ellen I’m leaving.”

“Make it fast.”

Robbie did. Thumping his feet as he ran, he charged up the steps. “El?” He opened her bedroom door. She sat in the chair next to her double bed where her two children lay. Her hands were folded on the bed as her head rested there.

“Hi.” She lifted up and looked at Robbie.

“How are they?” Robbie asked softly, moving to her.

Ellen merely shook her head.

Running his hand down her hair, Robbie bent down to her level. “I’m going with my Dad to check on Kelly and the kids. Will you be O.K.?”

“I’ll be fine. I’ll go downstairs while you’re gone.” She started to get up.

“El, Jenny is there. She can handle it.”

“Jenny is seventeen years old. I’ll go. They’re sleeping anyhow.” She grabbed Robbie’s arm and leaned against it as they walked from the bedroom. “Did Joe say how Stamford was?”

“Pete didn’t make it there. He started convulsing in the car and when Dad pulled over ... he died.”

“Oh.” Ellen clenched tighter to Robbie. “Any news of help for us? We have so many out there.”

“Yes. A doctor from the med station will be here today.”

“Thank God.” She started walking down the steps with Robbie.

“Then you can stay with the kids, El.” Robbie laid his lips to the top of her head. “You can stay with them like you want and should be.” He saw his father waiting by the door. “I’ll be back.”

Receiving a kiss on the cheek from Robbie, Ellen felt lost when she saw them leave. As the door opened, she could see Jenny making it across the front lawn. Ellen moved to the front door to watch her walking about the people. Seeing Joe and Robbie pull away, Ellen shut the door. She wanted to go to the kitchen, make some coffee, and prepare herself for another round of what laid just outside of her house, a hell that had built so severely in less than twenty-four hours.

<><><><>

June 1-7:15 am.

“Mrs. Callaway?” Jenny Holmes, the red haired, freckle faced, seventeen year old stood at the bottom of the steps when she saw Ellen walk down. Jenny, who brought her parents to Ellen’s for help, found herself volunteering, a duty she felt she had to do. She wasn’t sick. “How are they?”

Ellen shook her head and approached Jenny. “Josh is bad. He’s definitely entered the third stage.” Ellen reached up, removing Jenny’s hair from her face. “1 have him so drugged up. I can’t, I can’t take it anymore. A part of me wants to be with them and the other part of me doesn’t want to see what’s happening to them. It’ll be a nightmare I’ll live with forever.”

“All of this is a nightmare we’ll live with forever.”

With Jenny’s words, Ellen embraced the teenager into her arms --a hug of support for both of them. A hug that broke when her front door opened with vengeance and Robbie stormed in. “Robbie?”

Johnny Slagel raced forward from his grandfather’s arms straight to Ellen’s. He buried himself there.

Ellen saw the look on Joe’s face. She heard Robbie banging things in the kitchen. “Joe?” Ellen cradled Johnny. “What happened?”

Joe held up his hand to her. “I can’t talk about it. I have to stay busy.”

Ellen noticed something odd about Joe. He had been crying. “Joe, what happened please?”

Johnny’s head lifted to Ellen. “My mom died.”

Ellen’s eyes widened and her heart dropped. She ran her hand down Johnny’s face and pulled him to her. The banging from the kitchen was like a shock wave to the already emotional turmoil she was feeling. “How?” By the time she looked up, Joe had gone outside. Ellen lowered herself to Johnny’s eye level. “Johnny, sweetie, I’ll be right back.” She stood up. “Jenny, could you?”

“Sure, Mrs. Callaway.” Jenny took Johnny’s hand and brought him into the living room.

Folding her arms, Ellen walked to the kitchen. As she stepped in, she saw Robbie’s back. He stared out the back door to the hundreds of people lying side by side in Ellen’s backyard. He stood with his weight more on one leg as his hand rested on the back of his neck. “Robbie.” She laid her hand on his back. “Please tell me what happened.”

His voice was soft and raspy as he spoke. “She was weak, Ellen. She was so fuckin weak.”

“Robbie.”

With a slamming fist to the archway, Robbie turned to her. “How could she do this to my brother?”

“What are you talking about?”

“How will he face it?” Robbie’s face was red with anger. “How? It will be bad enough if he survives and he is on his way home, knowing that his children may have died of the virus. But how hard will it be for him to find out that they didn’t even have a chance to see if they could beat it. That his wife, his weak wife, killed them and then herself.” He saw Ellen step back in a stumble and fall almost into the island counter. “El.”

“Oh my God. Oh my God,” Ellen spoke rapidly and faced the counter, leaning into it. “She didn’t do that. Tell me she didn’t do that.” She folded her arms and rested her head on them. “Frank. How’s he going to handle this? Robbie, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” She began to cry.

Closing his eyes, he stepped to Ellen. Wrapping his arms around her from behind, Robbie held her tightly. “Don’t cry,” he spoke in a monotone. “You have to be strong, El.” His hand moved to her face, bracing her chin as his lips moved to her ear. “Right now, you have to be strong. When this horror is over, then you can let go. Right now, your children need to see you strong. That will make them strong.” He felt her resistance, her shaking head, and her tears as they hit his hand. “El.”

“I can’t, Robbie.”

“Yes you can.” He gripped tighter. “I’ll help you.”

<><><><>

June 1-10:10a.m.

Stamford, Connecticut

“Dean, explain to me why you are doing this.” The tall, gray, older gentleman, wearing a blood stained white coat, looked down to Dean. He towered over him.

“I don’t expect you to understand, Dad.” Dean stood behind the back of a fully loaded military truck. “It’s impossible to explain it to you myself. She needs my help.”

“Dean.” William Hayes laid his hand on his son’s shoulder. “I came here to help you. You’re leaving me here. In this world now, Dino, a world that is moments from dying, I don’t want to lose contact with my son. It’s possible, it’s very possible, I’d never find you if that happened.”

“Exactly my point, Dad. I met her two days ago before we were aware of all this. I have never in my life felt so strongly about someone the moment I met them. And now, she’s alive. She isn’t even sick. She needs my help. I don’t want to lose contact with her. I’ll never find her in this world if I do. Besides …” Dean lowered the tarp. “Her children are dying, and she and two men are left to care for an entire town. Things are slowing down here. She needs me there.”

“Then I’ll go,” William told him. “Let me go. You can meet me there when you’re done here and …” He saw his son drastically shaking his head. “Dino, you are still on active duty. Listen to me.”

“Dad, I don’t have time.” Dean almost had to laugh. “What are they gonna do? Court martial me? I don’t think so. I checked with my assistant Molly, who’s still at the lab. I told her to shut down. I’ll return for all my stuff later. She’s too sick anyhow. I have it arranged for you to meet me in Ashtonville when it’s done here. You go directly there. I’ll wait for you.” Dean began to look around the med station where the truck was parked. He searched for him but he wasn’t hard to spot.  He was one of three remaining health care workers, the only one immune to the virus, Henry, a maintenance worker from the hospital who was drafted--whether he liked it or not—to help care for the dying. “Henry” Dean called to him

Henry looked up from the patient then walked to Dean. “Yes, Dr. Hayes.”

“Dad, I’ve spoken to Henry. He’s going to help you get things ready to come to Ashtonville. Henry is going to come with you. Right, Henry? You’re still doing that aren’t you?” Dean asked him.

“Yes I am. Good luck there,” Henry told him. “You’d better hurry. The Marine who’s going with you is starting to get ill now. You’ll need protection on the highways.”

“Thanks, Henry.” Dean extended his hand to him. “I’ll see you with my father in Ashtonville.” Dean watched Henry run back to the patients and noticed the Marine getting into the truck. He faced his father. “I have to go. I’ll see you there.”

“I’m proud of you.” William embraced his son and opened the truck door for him. “And don’t run off. Stay put.”

With a smile and a nod that told William that he had no intentions of leaving Ashtonville, Dean jumped into the truck.

<><><><>

June 1-11:35 a.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

“Secure his head now!” Ellen’s voice carried out over all the moans and the cries that were starting to fill her once quiet street. From her chest, with emotion, she hollered as her body strapped itself the mid-section of a man twice her a size, a man who was convulsing as he lay on one of the few cots that Joe had set up. “God!” She fumbled with the syringe, a syringe that would deliver a final peace to the man.

Jenny tried to help but his head flung, showering her with projectile vomiting. “I can’t hold him.”

“Try!” Uncapping the syringe, the needle flew to the ground. “Jenny, get that... Joe!” Ellen called for his help as he set up the cots across the way. “Joe!

Joe looked up seeing the confusion and the struggle, and ran over.

Ellen climbed even more over the man’s body to hold him as Jenny quickly bent down to the ground for the syringe. Just when she saw Jenny’s hand reach up, holding the needle, the man’s body violently flung up, throwing Ellen back as the cot tipped over.

Joe was just in time. Running up behind Ellen, he caught her before she fell to the ground. He used his side to stop the man from falling on the grass below him.

Throwing herself forward again, Ellen took the syringe. Seconds before she was about to inject the man, he stopped moving and died. Giving a throaty low scream of frustration, Ellen shoved the cot, nearly toppling it again, and slammed the syringe into the chest of the man.

Joe chased her. “Ellen.”

“I have to go to my kids. Robbie’s been with them long enough.”

“Ellen, wait.” Joe grabbed her arm. “Just hold on a little bit more. Just hold on.”

“I can’t handle this, Joe. I fought with him for ten minutes and he died. He died anyhow. What’s the use? I couldn’t stop those last final moments of agony. He was one of ten in the last hour. Ten. Look around. The numbers are growing. How many people will face the last painful moments without our help? Too many. We should just let them go.”

“No.” Joe stopped her again. “Help is on the way. I swear to you.”

“Then what?” Ellen tilted her head and looked at him, her eyes shifting to Jenny who had taken the syringe that went unused and used it on another patient who began to the same stage. “I have to go be with my kids.”

Joe’s head dropped and he stood there, but only for a moment. He didn’t have time to stand there. He had to set up the cots and small tents he had gathered from around town and sporting stores. Watching Ellen go into the house, Joe returned to his work, taking only another second to see his grandson, Johnny. Johnny, despite his loss, did what he could do to also help out.

<><><><>

Sniffling loudly, Ellen ran the towel over her just washed face. She dried her hands and ran her fingers through her hair. Taking a deep breath, she opened her bedroom door to where Robbie and her children were. Stepping inside quietly, she saw Robbie. He held Taylor. Her tiny legs straddled across his waist, her arms weakly around his neck, and her head on his shoulder. Robbie held her, swaying slowly back and forth with his eyes closed, humming something to the whimpering little girl. Little Taylor looked so lost against Robbie.

Hearing Ellen, he looked up. “She was calling for her dad.”

Ellen swallowed harshly. “Have you given her anything lately?”

“Yeah. It should kick in any second.”

“How about Josh?” Ellen moved to her son who lay on his side. His body trembled.

Robbie nodded his head and carried Taylor to the bed also. He laid her down, covering her with ‘her blanket’. “El …” He looked at her so saddened as she stared at Josh. “I’ll help you wipe them down now.”

“Thanks, Robbie.”

“I’ll get the cloths.” Running his hand through his hair, he looked once more at Ellen then left to get the wet clothes from the bathroom.

Holding back her tears, Ellen pulled the quilt from Josh. She laid her hand on his shoulder. His body was so tense from shaking it took all her strength to straighten out his legs. As she rolled him on his back, his blue eyes popped open in a frightening manner. His head arched back and one loud, gasping wheeze came from him. Suddenly he fought with everything he had to breathe. Scooping her arms under him in a panic, Ellen cried out. “Robbie!”

He heard her cry through the running water.

Dropping the cloth and turning off the faucet, Robbie raced into the bedroom to see Ellen struggling with all her might to hold her son in her arms, a son who fought for his breath as his body shook. Her one arm was under his head and her other fought to hold onto his legs.

“Robbie, his asthma,” she called out, dropping her arm and reaching into the night stand.

Robbie rushed to her and stood behind her. His arms became Ellen’s as he held on to Josh for her, keeping him close to his mother as she tried to get him to respond to the inhalator.

“Josh,” Ellen cried. “Come on, sweetie.” She cried over his wheezing. “Josh.”

With one more long gasp, Josh’s head fell back across her and Robbie’s arms and he became lifeless.

“No!” Ellen cried out.

Robbie felt her arms release. He tightly held Ellen up as her knees began to give away.

He saw her place her mouth to Josh’s in an attempt to revive him. “El,” he spoke nearly in a whisper. “Let him go. Don’t.” Reaching up his fingers, he closed Josh’s eyes which stared blankly out. He lifted the boy’s tilted head to rest against Ellen.

“Robbie, he’s gone.” Emotional and tearful, she cried. “He’s gone.” Her head pressed back against Robbie as she held onto Josh. “Robbie …” She called his name as if she were calling for help. Her body began to tremble as she sobbed. “My son is gone.”

Robbie closed his eyes and held tightly to Ellen, controlling his emotions. That was all he could do.

<><><><>

Joe tried to be compassionate as he attended to the helpless woman before him. As he rolled her onto her side, he heard the sound of a truck. Looking up he saw the military truck pull up and stop at the edge of the people. “It’s about time,” he sighed in relief, leaving the woman’s side. “Jenny, I’ll be right back.” Joe ran to the vehicle that stopped five houses away and saw the young doctor from the med station. His shoulders dropped in relief as Dean stepped from the driver’s seat. “You… you really did come.”

Dean looked around the street. “Holy shit, is this the whole town.”

Joe shook his head. “Not even a dent yet.”

Dean kept peering around. “I brought supplies but the Marine I came with got sick halfway here.” His eyes searched.

“I’ll start unloading it. Thank you so much for coming. But before we unload, I’d like to tell the woman, who’s been handling this, that you’re here. She’s in the house.”

Quickly Dean’s head jolted in panic. “She’s not sick is she?”

“No, she’s with her children. I’ll be back.”

“Joe.” Dean reached out and grabbed his arm. “I’d like to tell her I’m here. Can I?”

Taken somewhat aback, Joe hesitated before responding. “Sure. Her house is five up. Go in, top of the steps to your left.”

“Thank you.” Quickly Dean raced across the lawns, zig zagging through the patients, stepping over those who lay on the grass. He raced inside Ellen’s house. It was quiet when he opened the doors. With a strong beating heart he took the steps. As he reached the top and turned, he saw Robbie holding a towel and reaching for the bedroom door.

Robbie heard the footsteps and stopped before going into the bedroom. He looked at Dean who stood at the top of the steps. “Who are you?” Robbie asked.

“I’m Dr. Dean Hayes. I need to see Ellen. Can I see her?”

“It’s not a good time, Dean.” Robbie clenched the towel. “Her son just died.” He reached for the doorknob.

Dean’s head dropped. “Then could you just tell her I’m here. Just tell her Dean is here.”

“Yeah.” Robbie waited for Dean to go back down the steps and he went into the bedroom. He slowed his stride as he closed the door. Ellen was holding Josh in the rocking chair. Her lips pressed tightly to her only son. Running his hand over her hair, Robbie laid his lips on her head and moved to the bed. “The doctor from Stamford is here.” Uncovering Taylor, he took the little girl in his arms and began to wipe her down.

<><><><>

Stamford, CT – 11:46 a.m.

The soldier’s name was Carl and he was worn and hurt. He made a long trek to the aid station at Fairfield and when he arrived, the camp was almost dead.

Another volunteer, the only one he spotted, pointed Carl to the tent and he saw William.

“Can I help you?” William called out then stepped closer to Carl. “My, God, you’re hurt.”

“I need to find Dr. Hayes.”

“I’m Dr. Hayes.”

“Come with me. Hurry, we don’t have much time.”

Carl hurried from the tent.

William followed, noticing that Henry was behind him as well. Carl led him down a grade and to a Jeep parked on the side of the road.

“She’s in too much pain to move,” Carl said.

Thinking, ‘she’, William hurried to the Jeep and gasped when he saw the woman inside. She held papers on her lap and the wound in her stomach seeped.

“I have something for you,” Carl said and reached into his pocket.

He handed William a vial, tiny and brown. “What is it?”

“I believe Catherine deserves to tell you.”

William was somewhat confused and he moved closer to the Jeep. “My God, Henry, help me move her …”

“No,” Catherine lifted her hand weakly. “Get … get these to Lt. Hayes.”

Carl asked. “You said you are Dr. Hayes.”

“I am. I’m his father.” William looked at Catherine. “What is it?”

“The first step …” Catherine spoke weakly and lifted the papers to William. “Our hope. Slows … slows early stages. Combine it. Try …” She moved the papers to William and then with a gasp, her head tilted and her eyes stared out.

After a brief pause, William reached up and closed her eyes. Papers in hand, he walked away from the Jeep and to Henry who stood a few feet away.

“What is it?” Henry asked.

William looked down at the bottle. “She says it’s a part of a cure. I guess these papers say more.”

“Cure?”

“Slows early stages.”

“Should we get that to Dean … I can take the bike …”

“We can,” William whispered. “But not right now. Early stages? Maybe Dean can use this for another time, but right now the world is beyond early stages. We, my friend, are at the end.”

Henry nodded his agreement.

William looked back at Carl who was lifting Catherine from the Jeep. He placed the vial and the papers in his pocket then walked off with Henry, back to where he was needed.

<><><><>

“O.K. Dr. Dean.” Joe spread a map he drew on Ellen’s kitchen table. “Tell me how you want to set up.”

Dean set down a glass of water and moved to the table. “Excuse me.” He brushed by Robbie who stood with intimidation, folding his arms and staring coldly. Dean leaned to the map. “If we move all the stage three’s to one area, we’ll have them together for when they hit the final…”

Robbie interrupted, “You’re really a doctor?”

Dean lifted his views from the make shift map. “Yes … as I was saying, Joe. From what I saw, the stage two’s are nearly at their end. In about twenty four hours, it will be a war zone out there. Everyone in the later stage of three and …”

“You look too young to be a doctor,” Robbie commented.

“I’m probably older than you.” Dean returned to the map.

“So. Are you sure you’re a doctor?”

Joe’s hand slammed hard on the table, frightening even Dean. “Jesus Christ, Robbie, what the hell does it matter? He’s another set of hands and he has more help arriving soon. Knock it off. Go on, Dean.”

Dean did despite the stares he knew he was getting from Robbie. “You said there are roughly twenty-two hundred people in Ashtonville. Even considering some of them left, what is outside is not many of them. You mentioned making a sweep of the town for the ill. Why?”

“Sweeping the town will do two things,” Joe said. “One, it will centralize the sick, so when we clean up around here we’re not beating our heads against the wall going in and out of every building. And two, it may breed some healthy workers that can lend a hand. We need hands to set up those supplies you brought along with the ones your people will bring when they get here. Will they bring more medication?”

Dean shrugged. “I don’t know. They’ll try. Honestly Joe, there isn’t much left and you folks have been using it quickly too. From now on, unless they are in later stages of three or four, no meds. Only wipe downs and suctions like I mentioned.”

“First things first though,” Joe stated. “Sweep the town. While I do that, I’ll also pick up some generators, if I can. We can’t take a chance on the power supply running out on us. We can use the generators to run those suction machines. I’ll use the idea of the dentist’s office like you said when I look for them. I’ll hit the edge of town, and Robbie you go…” He saw Robbie’s eyes shift to the ceiling as he edged his way out of the kitchen. “Robbie?”

“Be right back, Dad.” Robbie walked from the kitchen. As he entered the hallway, he saw Ellen at the bottom of the stairs. “El, what are you doing?” He ran his hand across her face.

“I had to get away for a minute. I just had too.” She stepped from the last step and headed with Robbie to the kitchen.

Joe’s index finger pointed to a section of the map. “Here might bring easier access.” He lookedat Dean as he nodded. “We can…” Joe’s eyes lifted up. “Ellen.”

Her name went through Dean. Slowly raising his head, he saw Ellen standing in the kitchen doorway.

Ellen nearly lost her balance when she saw him lift his head. His eyes immediately connected to hers. With her heart falling to her stomach, she spoke his name in exasperation. “Dean.” She felt her throat swell. “You’re alive.”

“Ellen.” He rushed over to her, bumping into the chairs in his dash, and threw his arms around her as he reached her.

Ellen lost it. The second she felt him, the second she fell into his hold, her heart cried out and she broke down. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“So am I,” he whispered, wrapping his arms around her as far as they could go. He held her sobbing body closely to his. “I am so sorry for what you’re going through. I am so sorry.” He closed his eyes, placed his hand to the back of her head, and clutched on to her. Dean felt her sadness as he held her and let her cry in his arms.

<><><><>

Dean ran his hand over Taylor’s blonde hair as Ellen held her in her arms. “I’m sorry, Ellen.” He sat on the bed next to her. “She’s...she’s in stage four.”

Ellen’s head dropped to Taylor’s. “What am I gonna do, Dean? I can’t lose her.”

“I know.” He reached to Ellen. “When did you give her something last?”

Ellen wiped her eyes. “An hour ago. I have …” Her eyes went to the night stand where an already prepared syringe rested. “I have that for the end.”

Dean’s heart sunk. “What can I do for you?”

“You’re doing it. You’re here. Just don’t leave. Don’t leave me alone to face this. Please. It’ll be soon so don’t leave. Please let them wait outside. Stay here.” Ellen begged.

“Maybe Ellen, maybe your husband should be here with you. I’ll go get him.”

“My husband is dead.” Ellen looked oddly at him. “Why would you…”

“The big guy? He’s not your husband? I thought the way he was with you…”

“No, he’s my friend.” Ellen’s hand reached out to Dean’s. “Please tell me you’ll stay here with me.”

Dean stared into her eyes. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll pull up a chair.” He started to stand.

Ellen reached up as she held her daughter and took Dean’s hand. “No. This is the hardest thing I had ever faced in my life. It’s killing me, Dean. It’s killing me. Just-- unless you don’t want to—stay next me.”

Without saying anymore, Dean sat on the bed, holding on to Ellen as she held tightly to her now only child. Adjusting the covers over Taylor, Dean tried to give comfort to a silent Ellen. He knew as he sat there that it wouldn’t be long before Ellen would face the final and worse tragedy of her entire life.

June 1- 11:20p.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

Dirt and other people’s blood mixed with his sweat as Robbie wiped his hand across his forehead. He had loaded the last body for the round into the truck. He was one of two that had the dirty job. He and a man named Miguel his father found on the highway. Robbie and Miguel removed the dead bodies from the cots and filled the vacant cots with the next victims to dieon them.

Keeping up with the bodies that seemed to be piling up faster with each passing moment was the hard part. Taking them to a site on a far away hill was the easy part. Working with the dying was something Robbie seemed to be kept from. Perhaps it was the Slagel tradition where he lacked compassion. Perhaps it was just his years of training for the Special Forces that made him cold enough to handle the bodies without a second glance or care but Robbie couldn’t take time to care. Taking time to care was letting the tragedy and horror of what happen hinder what had to be done. Robbie would care when it was all said and done.

He did care when, hours earlier, he watched his father and Ellen take the truck to bury Kelly, his nieces, and Ellen’s kids. It bothered Robbie. It really did. He wished he could have gone with them but he was needed on the street. Dean and Jenny along with two other newcomers worked with diligence on the patients. Robbie and Miguel worked with diligence on the dead.

It was time for Robbie to rest though. Being up for nearly two days, he needed to stop. It was somewhat quiet on the street as Robbie made it to Ellen’s house. The ill were sleeping. The seriously ill were feeling the effects of the medication.

Stepping over Jenny, who slept on Ellen’s front porch like one of the plague victims, Robbie went into the house. He stopped in the living room where Miguel was asleep in the easy chair. “Miguel.” Robbie shook the large man’s leg. “I’m resting now. You’re up.”

Miguel nodded, rubbing his eyes and snapping the chair into an upright position.

Robbie moved to the steps. Though it seemed inane, he wanted to get cleaned up. Maybe if he wiped and washed away some of the dirt, he could rest easier in the short time he had to do so.

The shower did help. Appreciating the hot shower because he didn’t know how long they’d be around, Robbie stepped from the warm bathroom into the cool hallway.

“Robbie,” Ellen softly called from the bedroom.

Surprised, Robbie walked to her room. “El?” He opened the door. She sat on the bed, her knees to her chest. “Did I wake you?”

“I wasn’t sleeping. I saw you through the crack of the door. What are you doing?”

“I wanted to take a shower. I’m going to try to get some sleep.” He walked to the bed and sat down with her

“You need to.” She looked saddened. Reaching to her side, she picked up a glass. “Wanna drink?”

Robbie could smell it from where he was. “Whiskey? Why are you drinking, El?”

“Joe gave it to me. He said a couple shots will help me rest.” She sipped it. “I’m afraid to sleep. I’m afraid of what I’ll dream about.”

“You have to sleep, El. Drink that. It’ll help. Whiskey is the Slagel cure you know.”

“I wish the Slagels had a cure for what I’m going through.” She set down the glass and laid her head on her knees. “I buried my children tonight, Robbie. I’m trying not to think about it, but that’s all I see when I close my eyes. I’m scared Robbie. I’m scared because right now I’m not feeling anything but the horrible physical pain of losing them.”

Robbie edged closer to her. He laid his hand on her head. “Did you want me to stay for a little bit?”

“Could you?” She lifted her head. “You can sleep here. Just stay around?”

“I can do that.” Robbie stood up and walked to the bedroom door. He shut it and moved back to the bed. Sitting on the bed with his legs extended out, Robbie leaned against the headboard. He looked over at Ellen and she tiled her head against his shoulder. He blinked, but it was instantaneously after that he fell fast asleep.

Tuesday, June 2 - 8:45 a.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

“Ellen, get up.” Robbie set down a cup of coffee next to her. He knew she was awake and had been for a while. He had heard her earlier walking about, running the water in the bathroom. “El,” Robbie spoke with sternness, bending down to the bed where she lay on her side. “Now.” Noticing he wasn’t getting a response and noticing all she wore was a long tee shirt, he walked over to her dresser. “I hope you don’t have anything you don’t want me to see in here.” He opened up the top drawer.

Mumbling, she rolled onto her back. “What are you doing, Robbie?”

“Found them.” He tossed her a pair of socks then went to the next drawer, pulling out a pair of jeans. “Get dressed.” He dangled them over her.

“Why?”

“Because you’re needed outside. Let’s go.”

“I’m not going.” She smacked the jeans away.

“The hell you aren’t.” He handed them back to her. “If you want to barricade yourself in here, fine but you do it when you aren’t needed anymore. Right now, you’re needed so get up and get dressed. If I have to dress you myself and carry you down there to work, I will.”

Ellen snatched the jeans from his hands and swung her legs over the side of the bed, staring at the faded Levis.

“Five minutes, El.” He picked up the mug of coffee and held it out to her. When she took it, he walked out of her bedroom. Ellen threw on her jeans and socks and slipped into her shoes after she walked from her bed. Running the brush once through her hair, she tossed it in a ponytail and walked downstairs. What she saw when she opened her front door barreled her over for as far as the eye could see, up and down the street, were people. Not a spot of grass, sidewalk, or road was visible through the massive amount of ill before her. “Dear God,” she gasped. “Where did they all come from?”

“Ellen.” Joe approached her. “How are you?”

“Joe, where did they all come from? All these people?”

“They came in from the highway and town. A lot of them I brought in.”

“You‘re responsible for this?” Ellen asked.

“Yes I am.”

“Well would you mind stopping?” Ellen tried to walk by him.

“Ellen, stop. Why would you say such a thing?” He grabbed on to her.

“It was never meant to get like this, Joe. This is way too much. This is out of hand.”

“Ellen, if you don’t want to do this, then don’t,” Joe scolded.

“Then I won’t.”

Joe waved his hand at her and walked away.

Robbie, who was nearby with Dean, heard this. He abruptly ran over when he saw Ellen head back into the house. “Don’t you dare.” He held her.

“I’m not doing this, Robbie. Look at this place.”

“You are doing this, El. Tough. We need you out here. This is what you have to do.”

“No it’s not, Robbie. I couldn’t care less about these people,” Ellen snapped.

“What about me, El? Can you care less about me?” He asked her.

“No, I didn’t say that.”

“That is exactly what you are saying if you walk away because we can’t handle this. We need you. I need you.”

“I wasn’t asked to do this, Robbie. No one asked me to do this.”

“Me either, El,” Robbie told her with passion. “But this is our obligation because we are the ones who aren’t sick.”

“I didn’t ask for those honors. I don’t want them.”

“Tough.”

“What?” Ellen was taken aback by the way he spoke.

“You heard me--tough. You have them. Now cut the attitude and cut the shit. Grab something, anything, and get your ass out there like the rest of us!”

“Fuck you.” Brushing in-between him and Dean, Ellen stormed out into the battlefield of patients.

Dean’s head swung down then lifted to Robbie who began to walk away. “Don’t you think you’re being a little hard on her?”

“No, Lieutenant, I don’t.” Robbie faced him.

“She doesn’t need that right now.”

“How do you know? You don’t know her. I do. And don’t, for one second think that a one night stand in a hotel room with her qualifies you to say what she needs or doesn’t need. You hear me?” Robbie scolded him. “Because what she does need right now is someone to tell her what to do, where to be, and how to act. Trust me, if someone doesn’t--we’ll lose her right along with every other plague victim out here. I’m not about to let that happen.”

Dean’s eyes widened from the surprise ear beating and reading of the riot act he just received. Robbie stormed away.

Shaking it off, Dean decided he’d let Ellen cool down some before he found out how she was. He had a minor confrontation with Robbie and he knew how he felt. He could only imagine the state Ellen was in.

<><><><>

The woman’s hands flung about. They were nearly black from the pooling of blood. Inadvertently she hit Ellen in the face as a defense as Ellen tried with desperation to suction the fluids from her mouth, fluids that could very easily be inhaled causing drowning and death. Pinning the woman’s back against her stomach, Ellen placed the tip if the suction in the woman’s mouth to try to help her. The woman struck about and tried to turn her head despite Ellen’s hand pressing it down. “Knock it off” Ellen scolded. “I’m trying to help you. Don’t you want my help?”

“Die ...”The words crept from the young woman. “Want to die.”

Somber, Ellen pulled the suction from her mouth and shut off the machine “So do I.”

Wheeling the machine to the next patient, Ellen stopped. A hand came over hers. She followed the hand to the face. “Dean.”

“How are you?”

“Busy.” Ellen pushed the machine.

“Ellen.” Dean pulled her back. “You’ve been going for hours now. Stop. Talk to me. Just give me a moment O.K.?”

“I don’t have moment, Dean, and neither do you. Things are falling apart. Even with your father and that other guy here now, we can’t keep up. And what is the use?” She turned the next patient on his side and flipped on the machine to the suction.

“I know this is hard for you. I know you need some time.”

“You haven’t a clue how hard this is for me.”

“No I don’t,” Dean said sadly. “But just know if you need me. I’m here. You can come to me.”

“I can’t come to you.”

“Why?” he asked, holding the man so Ellen could work on him.

“Because what I’ve gone through personally is asking too much of you to handle.”

“You are why I came here, Ellen. You.” He noticed the struggle of the man and Dean held him securely for Ellen. “Not these people. I came to help you.”

“Unfortunately, Dean, I’m not the same woman you met three days ago. The same woman you came to help is not the same woman standing before you.”

“I didn’t think she would be.” His free hand moved to her face when he saw her frustration with the man. She dangerously maneuvered the suction hose. “Ellen. Stop.” Taking a chance of having her bite his head off, Dean reached down and laid his hand on hers that held the suction. “These people can’t help that they’re sick. Don’t resent them for it.”

“I do, Dean. I resent them because they’re dying. I resent them for laying here when I wish it was me at someone else’s mercy.”

“You don’t mean that.”

“I do. I do.” She pulled out the suction. “When this is all said and done with, when the help I’m forced to give is finished, I hope to God I die like the rest of these people because I don’t want to live. My life is over. It’s over.”

The cold hard truth delivered by Robbie Slagel hit Dean at that moment as he watched Ellen walk away. It wasn’t ten seconds later, when he heard the frantic sound of Jenny Holmes screaming for help, Dean looked up to see Ellen rushing to her aid.

“Someone get me some Haldol!” Ellen shouted, her hands near the convulsing woman with Jenny screaming hysterical right by them.

What was happening? Dean reached into his pocket to one of the filled syringes and barreled over.

It looked like a horror film. Jenny’s fingers were lodged tightly within the convulsing woman’s mouth. Blood seeped down the woman’s chin and Ellen struggled to slip her fingers into the woman’s mouth as well.

“Inject her!” Ellen cried out to Dean.

Dean pulled out the syringe and injected the violently convulsing woman. Nothing happened. “It’s not working.”

“Oh God, Ellen! Oh God, they’re coming off!” Jenny cried out in pain. “Robbie, help!”

Just as Robbie neared and Dean reached to help, a loud ‘snap’ rang out. Jenny flew back to the ground, her hands freed from the woman’s teeth.

Ellen, without hesitation and with all of her emotional strength, had snapped open the woman’s jaw. The woman stopped convulsing and died.

Ellen raced to Jenny and helped her up. “Her hands are bleeding badly, Dean. Can you stitch them?”

Dean ran his fingers through his hair. “You broke her jaw, Ellen. Was that necessary?”

“Yeah, Dean, it was. Now are you gonna stitch her fuckin fingers or should I ask your father.” Holding Jenny closely, Ellen stormed off pausing only as she walked by Henry to snatch the towel from his shoulder and throw it over Jenny’s hand.

Robbie looked at the motionless woman and her disfigured jaw. He pondered in thought for a second at the strength and emotions Ellen must have generated to do such damage. After clearing his throat with a ‘well’, he saw Dean just staring out. “You’d better go help her.”

“Uh… yeah.” Dean checked out the woman once more, closing his eyes and shaking his head.

“Dean,” Robbie called out as he lifted the corpse from the cot. “Welcome to the world of Ellen. It’s only going to get worse.” With a slight grunt, he tossed the lifeless woman over his shoulder and moved away.

Hearing Robbie’s words, Dean proceeded to the house, the whole time thinking ‘how much worse’? Knowing what lied ahead for them in the next twelve hours, the finalization of the plague, it frightened him to think how much worse Ellen could get and was there anything, anyone—including himself--could do?

Wednesday June 3-4:15 a.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

Ellen had just started to doze off, but the vision of Gary, the last person of them all to die, made her eyes pop back open and pull from that heaviness of the moment before falling asleep. She could visualize how they all stood around waiting for that inevitable moment and hoped that it wouldn’t come, but it did. Everyone was quiet when the time came. Everyone closed their eyes, perhaps saying a final prayer, their hearts going out full-fledged to the eighteen year old boy who held on with his last dying breath … everyone but Dean. Dean couldn’t let go. He couldn’t face the last person dying without facing a part of himself. Ellen knew that. She saw that in his eyes. She heard him speak the words while everyone cleaned up and prepared to rest before undertaking the grueling task of clearing the town. Dean said it all in two words, ‘I failed’. To Ellen, Dean proved himself a doctor. His years of work proved himself a scientist. She was certain that vial William brought, and those notes to a cure, would haunt Dean. Would he kick himself for not even trying at the end? One day, Dean would try to cure it and would, but no words could be spoken in his final moment of grief. No words could possibly convey to him, no matter how brilliant he was, no one was brilliant enough to overcome the tragedy that wiped out their world so fiercely and so quickly. No one, not even Dean, could make a miracle in a day out of a little bottle.

That last day, that last moment, would stay with her for a lifetime. When she closed her eyes to sleep, would she see her children and Gary’s face forever? It seemed like she would, especially on this early morning while everyone slept. She lay in her bed listening to the eerie quietness of her house, her street. Not too long ago, it was a madhouse. Ellen couldn’t lie there anymore. She had to get away from it all.

Swinging her legs over the bed, Ellen brought herself to a sitting position, ran her fingers through her hair and slipped her feet into her tennis shoes.

“Where you going?” Robbie asked groggily from his spot in the bed.

Ellen looked back at him as she stood up. He lay on his stomach on top of the covers, lifting his head up some. While everyone was finding a spot to rest in her big house, Robbie claimed a spot in her bed. she didn’t mind at all. He was there for her. And perhaps Robbie, by crashing with her in her bedroom, was trying to say in a nonverbal way that he needed to be close to someone, only Robbie was too strong and too proud to ever say that. “I’m, uh, getting something to drink.”

“You O.K.?” he asked.

“Yeah. Go back to sleep. I’ll be right back.” Giving him a soft smile he couldn’t see in the dark room, Ellen slipped from her bedroom and walked downstairs. People were everywhere. Maggie and Jenny had taken her children’s room. Joe claimed the den and the other men sprawled out on the floor and sofa. Knowing what she wanted to do, Ellen made her way to the kitchen. On the back of her pantry door was her favorite sweatshirt, something she’d want to put on to go outside. It would be chilly.

Stepping into the kitchen she immediately saw Henry. He sat at the kitchen table, slumped down in the chair and staring blankly into a cup. Giving him a closed mouth look, Ellen walked to her pantry.

“Couldn’t sleep?” he asked softly.

“Urn no.” Ellen took out the old black sweatshirt and tossed it on.

“It’s very difficult,” Henry spoke almost in a monotone, more to his tea than to her. “Everywhere you look it’s there even when you close your eyes.”

Still saying nothing, Ellen closed her pantry door.

“Ellen,” he called out to her as she walked across the kitchen. “In case ... in case, with all the confusion of tomorrow and today, if I don’t get a chance to thank you, thank you. Thank you for opening up your home to me and to us. It’s takes a lot.”

“I really didn’t have much of a choice now, did I?” Ellen slid to a stop, closing her eyes just before stepping from her kitchen. “Henry?” She turned around and faced him. “That was wrong. You were only being nice.”

“I understand.” He still stared down. “Some of us will be quiet and some of us will lash out. That’s how we deal with it.”

“I was going to take a walk over to the next street, away from everything. You know, where there isn’t any death to see. Would you ... would you like to walk with me?” Ellen asked him as his eyes finally lifted. “We can walk in silence but just walk away from it.”

“I would like that.” Henry pushed his cup forward and stood up from the table. Quietly they slipped unnoticed from the home. They opened up the front door and exposed themselves to the horrific nightmare that was now semi-lit by the full moon. Henry took a deep breath, viewing the motionless, silent street. The mounds of people sprawled out in no order, a scene evident of the final chaos they all faced together at the end. “Ellen, I think this walk will be exactly what we need.”

“I do too.” Pausing in her leading of the way through the maze of dead, Ellen reached out her hand to the stranger she had just met—one of the ten remaining with whom, even unwanted, she would forever have a bond. She waited for him to grasp it and they continued onward.

Thursday, June 4-7:15 p.m.

Ashtonville, Connecticut

Ellen couldn’t take the conversation about the plague and its origins any longer. She especially couldn’t take how every time she reached for the salt shaker, Robbie took it from her hand. So grabbing her plate, Ellen walked over from the table and found a spot far from the large picnic they had in the middle of the street—their reward for cleaning up the town. They cooked off of the meat that they found in people’s freezers, meat they may not have for a long time.

“So.” Dean plopped down next to her. “You think calling Robbie a fuckin’ asshole will make him stop pestering you?”

“Dean, I really want to be alone.” Ellen looked at the small amount of food on her plate.

“I really wanted to come over and see you.”

“I’ve seen you all day. I cleaned up the town with you as my partner, remember?”

“I’ll never forget.” Dean smiled. “How about that guy George actually being the President?”

“That is pretty cool. I voted for him, twice.”

“Me, too.”

“Wonder what he really wants.”

“I don’t know. We’ll find out.”

“Yeah, well, we aren’t finding out right now, especially at this moment when I want to be alone.”

Dean exhaled. “If you want me to get up and leave …”

“Yes.” Ellen snapped quickly, then tossed her napkin.

“I’m not.”

“Then why did you ask?” Ellen looked at him.

“I didn’t. I was merely stating you weren’t scaring me away. Snapping at me will not scare me away. Snapping at Robbie is only going to make him worse with you. He’s just trying to help you.”

“By stealing the salt shaker?”

“I think in Robbie’s way, he’s just trying as best as he can to get you to release that anger.”

“Dean. Please.” Ellen held up her hand. “Don’t. If you want to talk to me, talk. Don’t lecture.”

“All right.” Dean remained calm. “Joe says he’ll hand us all notebooks to work on our survival plan for a week.”

“I’m sure Joe will expect us all to have them filled to capacity or … She noticed a shadow cast over, blocking the last of the day’s sunlight. Ellen stared at it. “Seeing the size of this shadow it can only be ...”She looked up. “Robbie.”

Robbie stood with his hands on his hips. “Is that all you’re eating? You haven’t eaten in two days. Dean, you say you’re a doctor. Tell her.”

Before Dean could, Ellen stopped him. “This is all I need, Robbie. Go away.”

“Nope.” He shook his head. “You have to eat. I want you to eat.”

“And I want you out of my house. Everyone else moved out yesterday. You’re still there driving me nuts.”

“I’ll stay there too. If I recall, this country was under martial law when it ended. Which means the US government can seize what property they feel fit for their needs? I was military. I was government. Your property fits my needs.”

“Yeah, well check your laws again. That’s a violation of my third amendment right.”

“I don’t care. I don’t believe that applies in end of the world situations.”

“It’s not the end of the world. We’re still here and you’re still at my house.”

“So.”

Ellen faced Dean who had the back of his hand covering his mouth to hide his snicker. “He’s not funny Dean. He’s isn’t …” Ellen’s head jolted when she heard Johnny’s voice call out. ‘Dad!’. Her eyes shifted beyond Robbie’s legs and they widened noticeably. “Oh my God, Robbie” She jumped up, dropping her plate.

“What?” He turned around. “Oh my God.”

Grabbing tightly to Robbie’s shirt, she emotionally buried her scream in his back. “Thank God. Frank!”

Grabbing Ellen’s hand, Robbie ran with her down the street.

Frank ran full speed, dropped his gear, and swept his son into his arms.

“Frank!” Robbie called out nearly dragging Ellen. “Frank!”

Frank’s eyes lifted from his son’s shoulder and his father’s embrace, peering at his brother and Ellen running to him.

Johnny’s feet were barely on the ground when the powerful force of Robbie plunged to him, embraced him, and just about knocked him off his feet. “Robbie” Frank whispered emotionally, clinging to his brother. “You’re alive.” His eyes lifted. “El.”

“Frank.” She was speechless. “You are alive.”

Releasing his brother, Frank reached out and pulled Ellen to him. “You had me written off’? Please, I’m a Slagel.” He embraced her so tightly, her feet lifted from the ground.

“That you are.” Ellen pulled from the embrace, laid her hands on his cheeks and kissed him. Before she could tell him how happy she was that he was there, she noticed his eyes moving about. Ellen knew who he was looking for.

Frank swallowed and stepped back. “Dad?”

Joe, holding Johnny, delivered the news. “They didn’t make it, son.”

Robbie laid his hand on Frank’s shoulder with a firm grip. He gave a reassuring smile, then grabbed Ellen’s hand and stepped back away. Joe had to tell Frank and Robbie prayed with everything he had that Joe--as planned--would not tell him the whole truth.

<><><><>

Robbie took one more drink of his warm beer and set it on the mantle in Ellen’s living room. He took off his shirt, tossed it on to the easy chair, and wiped his head with his hand. Though it was warm in the house, he was so tired that even the make shift bed on the floor looked inviting. Reaching back for his beer, Robbie took notice of the photograph of Ellen’s children. Hit by flash visions of their death, Robbie rubbed his eyes and lifted his head suddenly when he heard the screen door slam.

Dean called out frantic. “Robbie!”

Retracting his reach, Robbie ran from the living room into the entrance hallway to see Dean looking for him. “What’s wrong?”

“Ellen and I were sitting on the porch and Frank came over. Robbie, something’s wrong with your brother.”

Without asking for more information, Robbie raced through the screen door. His eyes skimmed up and down and stopped with a dropping heart to see Frank on his knees, his head buried to Ellen as she cradled him fifteen feet away. “Shit.” Barefoot, Robbie jumped over the porch railing and ran to them. “Frank.” He breathed heavily when he saw his brother’s red eyes. “Frank”

Using Ellen for support, Frank lifted himself to his feet. “She killed my kids, Robbie.” He grabbed his brother’s shoulders. “She killed my kids.”

Robbie placed his hands firmly on his brother’s emotional face, his eye shifting to Ellen whose head was lowered. “Frank, listen to me. Johnny lived. Johnny lived. You have that. I know this is hard for you. We didn’t want you to find out what happened.”

Frank pushed his hands away. “Didn’t want me to find out? El? You didn’t think I should know what she did to my own flesh and blood?” Frank’s words were emotional. “I had the right to know? Were you ever going to tell me?”

Robbie closed his eyes. “Why? Why tell you? Huh? Isn’t what happened to this world isn’t bad enough without adding more to your pain? When I found them I knew …”

“Wait!” Frank held up his hand. “You found them? You were in Ashtonville when she did this?” Frank’s face turned red. “Where were you, Robbie? Why was she left alone? You know she wasn’t strong. Ellen? You knew her too. Didn’t this even cross your mind?”

“No, Frank, it didn’t!” Ellen lifted her head, her words as angry as his. “My own children were dying, Frank. They were what crossed my mind. They were what I was thinking about just like Kelly was thinking about hers!”

“Don’t you dare defend her to me!” Frank cried out. “Don’t you dare! You don’t know what it’s like to find out that your children weren’t even given a chance!”

“And you don’t know what it’s like to give them a chance and watch them die!” Ellen stepped to him. “Die Frank, horribly. Kelly made a choice a choice on behalf of her children. It may not have been the right choice but at least none of them suffered, Frank. You should be grateful for that.”

“Grateful?” Frank shouted. “How can I be grateful for her killing my kids?”

“Because I saw what the plague did to my children, that’s why! I know the pain I felt.”

“And because you seen this, your pain is worse than mine? You’re pain justifies what she did?”

“I’m not saying that.” Ellen stepped back waving her arms. “Why did you come to me, Frank. Why?”

“Because I needed my friend. I thought she could help. I was wrong!”

“Yeah, you are wrong! I can’t help you! I tried. I let you reach out to me and you get mad at me? I can’t deal with the anger of your pain when I’m dealing with mine.”

“Then don’t deal with my pain. Don’t. I thought you were my friend but if you can justify what she did to my kids like it was nothing then I don’t need a friend like you.”

“Fuck you, Frank. Fuck you!” Ellen stepped back. “Don’t you ever come to me again. The next time you feel down, the next time you’re hurting, you can find someone else or drown in your pain for all I care, because I will never let you come to me again.”

Robbie couldn’t say anything. He watched his brother swing at the air in total anger and Ellen march back off to her house. “Frank!”

“Stay the fuck away from me right now,” Frank growled as he turned away and went off.

Closing his eyes and shaking his head, Robbie went after Ellen. He wanted to get ahead of her because he saw it coming. Dean was simply standing there and Ellen stormed by him, shouting as loud as she could, ‘Stay away from me!’

Biting his lip, Robbie neared the house.

“Robbie.” Dean stopped him. “I didn’t say anything to her.”

“I know. I’ll handle it.” Trying to calm down, Robbie walked into Ellen’s house and shut the door. “El.”

“Get out!”

“Ellen.” He walked into the living room, hearing the breaking of glass. “Ellen, stop.”

“Get out, Robbie. Get out of my house!”

“I will not.” He grabbed a vase she was about to throw. “I will not get out of your house.”

“I don’t need you here.”

“The hell you don’t. What did I do to you?” Robbie asked her. “I haven’t done anything to you.”

“You won’t leave me alone.” Ellen faced him, her face tear streaked.

“I won’t leave you alone because I care.”

“I don’t want you to care about me. I don’t want anyone to care about me.”

“Tough, Ellen. People care. You have to face that. That’s why we’re all sticking together, to help each other through this. Believe it or not, you will get through this but lashing out, being spiteful and mean is not the way to do it.”

Clenching her fist, Ellen brought them close to her chest. “I have every right to be spiteful and mean.”

“Bull shit you do. You aren’t the only one in pain here, Ellen. Everyone suffered a loss. Everyone. You don’t think I’m in pain? You don’t think my heart is broken? That I don’t feel what happened to this world. I do. I’m angry too. I’m hurt too. Look around at those of us who are left. We’re all angry and hurt but we aren’t the ones who took your children from you, Ellen. We’re the ones who are left. Quit treating everyone like they were the ones who robbed you of your life.” With his words, Robbie felt the cold hard sting from Ellen’s hand across his face. “Is that what will make you feel better? Taking it out on me? Do it.” Robbie placed his face close to hers. “Hit me. I can take it. I will take it if that’s what you need. Get it out Ellen. If that’s what it takes, get it out.”

With her fist closed, Ellen struck once into his chest, then again. On the third blow, her hit slowed down and her head flung back as she let out a deep heart cry out and broke down in angry tears. “I can’t take it, Robbie. I need them back. They were my life.”

Just as she was about to strike again, Robbie grabbed her, laying his hands to her face. He pulled her to him. “I wish to God I could take away all of this. I wish to God I could, cause I’m hurting too, El.”

Her body trembled and her eyes closed. Feeling the security of his grip, Ellen reached for him. Trying to find something to cling to on his bare chest—her hands opening and closing in emotional desperation—Ellen found herself meeting him and her parted lips against his.

Robbie took that moment.

It was if Robbie’s kisses were in a search. Each moving motion—biting yet tender—of his lips looked for an answer to Ellen’s pain and his. Everything that had happened in the past few days build up in his chest. An aching hurt, crawled up, burning his throat, weighting his eyes, and blasting him in that moment. It was a battle for him against the tears that crept to the creases of his tightly closed eyes.

Ellen shook her head when she felt a pull from him. “Don’t.” She clung to him. “Hold me tighter.”

Bending his knees, Robbie brought his hands down to her and lifted Ellen up into his arms. He held her tightly where they stood, kissing her and not letting go.

It was far different than either of them had ever experienced. What brought them to that moment, what was needed at that moment, reflected in the way that they made love on the living room floor. Robbie wrapped his arms tightly under her, holding her body to him, his hand extending up, gripping her head, keeping her face to his. He never paused long in his kisses. He couldn’t. Clinging so tightly, Robbie buried himself deeply into Ellen. He barely moved, he barely breathed, nor did she. For the closeness, against the hurt ... they just held on.

<><><><>

Robbie sniffled then rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand as he sat up on the floor. He took that last hit from his cigarette and smashed it out into the ashtray. Reaching over to the coffee table to set it down, Robbie used his chin to control how he blew out the smoke—up in the air instead of straight ahead. Pulling his hand back, he looked down at Ellen who lay next to him. Her eyes were closed. She laid semi on her stomach on the make shift floor bed. Robbie slid down to try and sleep but he stopped and stared at Ellen. Using his rough forefinger, he smoothed away the hair that sprawled about her cheek, brushing the strands gently behind her ear. He leaned over her and softly placed his lips on the just cleared spot of her cheek. He slid further down to the pillow.

Ellen lifted her head then rolled to her side. “Did you want to go outside and sit? It’s pretty warm in here.”

“May not be a bad idea. I put some beers in the powder room toilet. They should be chilled.”

“Then let’s go out.” She stood and extended her hand to him. He didn’t take it. “You all right?”

“Sorry I woke you,” Robbie swallowed.

“You didn’t wake me. I just dozed. The floor would have killed my back anyhow.”

“El.” It was hard for him to speak. “I’m sorry I got emotional like that when we were together. It’s not me. I ... I was so glad to feel something besides pain.” His jaws clenched.

“Me too, Robbie.” Ellen wiggled her fingers and, finally, Robbie grabbed her hand and stood. He barely looked at her. “What’s wrong?”

“I broke.” He closed his eyes.

Ellen moved to him. “You didn’t break. You just paused long enough to let it go. We let it go together. Thank you for that.”

“Since I was a kid…” His hand stroked her hair as he stared into her eyes. “…I haven’t cried. Until tonight, no one has ever seen me cry and even though it’s you,thatbothers me.”

Ellen’s whispering words went right through him. “Don’t worry about, it Robbie. I didn’t see you cry. I promise you.”

He knew she did. He embraced her quickly, kissed her on the cheek, and then reached down for his shirt.

“Robbie, tonight was for us, okay? No one ever needs to know what we said or what we did to get through this.”

“Thank you.” Robbie darted a kiss to her lips and backed up. “I need that beer.”

“Me, too.”

After Robbie left the living room, Ellen gathered up the floor items and tossed them on the couch. Robbie would probably sleep there. It was too hot on the second floor.

She felt the cooler breeze seep in from the slightly open living room window. Outside would be better, she thought.

“Robbie, I’ll be on the porch,” she called to him and walked to the front door. When she opened it, she saw Frank walking up the street.

Ellen debated on whether or not to even say anything or to just close the door and go back inside. But she froze in her stance and Frank walked to the porch.

“Hey,” Frank said softly. “Where you heading to?”

“Porch. It’s hot in the house.” Ellen pushed open the screen door and stepped out. “What’s up?”

“I needed to talk to you.” Frank’s head lifted when Robbie stepped out.

Robbie partially smiled. “Hey, Frank. I’m glad you came by. You want a beer? They’re cold.” He extended one.

Frank took it. “They’re wet.”

“They were in the toilet.”

Frank stared at it, twisted the cap, and then nodded. “Good thinking.”

“A Dad, trick. You joining us?” Robbie asked.

Frank hesitated. “I was needing to talk to Ellen.” A pause. “Alone.”

Ellen turned and looked at Robbie.

Robbie took a drink of his beer and completely flipped his projected demeanor. “I think that is a great idea. Yes. Talk.” He cleared his throat and took another drink. “I’ll go back inside.”

“No,” Frank said. “I wanna take a walk. El?” HE held out his hand.

Ellen again looked over her shoulder at Robbie.

“Are you getting permission from my brother?” Frank asked.

“No, of course not. I’m just making sure Robbie’s ok. He’s feeling all this too, Frank.”

Robbie spoke up. “I’ll be fine. I’ll wait up. Go.”

Ellen nodded and took Frank’s hand.

Robbie watched them as they disappeared down the street. He sat on the porch with his beers. It did bother him some. He wasn’t really ‘ok’ but what choice did he have?

<><><><>

The house was way down at the end of the street, the opposite end from where everyone else lived. That was where Frank and Ellen sat, on the dark porch of the huge tan house.

Frank moved the glider back and forth, not fast. He knew how that made Ellen sick. His arm rested on the back of the glider as he faced her. “Why here? I always hated this house.”

“Me too, but they have a great porch, don’t they?”

“You have a point.” Frank brought his other hand down to her knees which were bent up, pressing against his side. “I’m sorry about our fight.”

“I am too. We said some things to one another we shouldn’t have.”

“It just seems like over the last few years you and Robbie have this weird bond and neither of you wanted to say anything about Kelly. I come home and he’s been here the whole time. It bothers me that you’re turning to him to help you out,” Frank said. “We’ve known each other a long time. We’ve always gone to each other. Right now, there’s no one else I want to help me though this but you.”

“I want to help you. I do.” She edged even closer to him. “I didn’t mean what I said to you earlier.”

“I didn’t either, El.”

“But can we help each other?” she asked with concern. “Can we? With what we both lost, do we have too much pain to help each other?”

“No.” Frank shook his head and swallowed. ‘We have the same pain. You and I are the only ones who know what each other is feeling.”

“I feel lost. I feel angry. I miss my kids so much. I loved them so much.”

“I know, El.” His arm moved from the back of the glider to her as her head fell against him. “I feel the same way and right now I’m numb. I’m so angry with myself because I wasn’t around them at the end. I never got a chance to say goodbye or tell them how much I loved them.”

“They knew. I’m sorry, Frank. I’m sorry for what you’re going through too.”

“Just promise me, El. Promise me when you miss them, when you need to talk about them you’ll come to me and let me help you. Promise me I can come to you. We can get each other through this. I know it.”

“I promise you.”

With her words, Frank lifted Ellen and placed her on his lap. She curled up like a child against him and cried. With his heart he comforted her and, in their silent moment, in their hurt, they just stayed there.

Wednesday, June 24-5:00 p.m.

Ashtonville Connecticut

Ellen knew that Doc Breyer had them stashed somewhere within his laboratory. The lab once used for urine and blood samples was now Dean’s make-shift lab. She crawled around on the floor, in and out of the cabinets, checking for them while she listened to Dean and his father ramble on about what the route of action would be for the run they would be making in two days for medical supplies that would be taken to their new home in Montana. This medical supply run, Dean and Ellen would be making alone, together.

William Hayes, with a smile, looked down to her as she grunted. “Ellen, they aren’t important.”

“Yeah they are.” Her voice sounded distant from under that cabinet. “He has a bunch.”

Dean shrugged. “Dad, she’s been accounting for everything in here since Joe got back and announced we’d be leaving. Let her go. It makes her happy.” Dean peered down in a bend over Ellen who was at his feet. “Me too.”

William shook his head at his son. “Keep your focus on where it should be, Dean.”

“I am.”

“Not there,” William scolded. “Tomorrow night we’ll ... Dean?” William snapped his fingers. “Listen to me. Tomorrow night the three of us will go over the final plans of this run. We’ll go down the list again and make sure we have enough and it all. We don’t want to get there and have to send out for something we forgot about.”

Ellen’s excited ‘yes’ came out through the cabinet. “Found them.” She reached her hand out. “Here, Dean.” She handed him a box, then another and another. Eight boxes later she scooted out.

Dean chuckled as he looked at the boxes. “Purple tongue depressors?”

“He thought they were the wave of the future.” Ellen stood up. “In a sense I guess they …” Suddenly she swayed to her right, losing her balance and catching herself.

“Ellen.” Dean grabbed hold of her. “What’s wrong?”

Blinking her eyes several times, Ellen looked like she was in a fog. She didn’t answer.

William reached out and pulled over a chair when he noticed her falling forward. He gripped Ellen’s shoulder and pulled her back. “Dean, get me a cool cloth.” He made her sit down and waited for the rag from Dean. He placed it behind her neck. “Ellen, are you all right?” He grabbed her wrist. “You’re pulse is fast.”

“I’m fine, William. I got very …” She looked up at Dean who stood before her. “Dizzy. Oh shit.”

Dean laid his hand in her face. “What’s wrong?”

“Excuse me.” She jumped up quickly and ran from the room.

“Dad, you think she’s O.K.?”

“She’s been looking a little worn lately, probably the past couple days. I noticed it when Joe got back.”

“It could be nerves, but she’s hasn’t been ...”Dean stopped talking when the faint sound of Ellen vomiting could be heard from the adjoining bathroom. “Is she throwing up?”

“Sounds that way to me, bright boy.” William walked to the door. “Stay here. I’m going to convince our little Ellen to let me take a look at her. She can’t be making the trip if she’s sick.” William walked out of the lab and stood before the closed bathroom door. He heard the water running and waited.

Ellen stepped out, her face wet. ‘William?”

Unfolding his arms, William laid his hand on her shoulder. “You and I, my dear, need to talk. Come with me.”

<><><><>

The first thing Ellen saw when she headed to Frank’s temporary house was Robbie lying on the front lawn. He lay on his back arms spread out, bare-chested. “Robbie, what are you doing?” she asked as she stepped over him on the way to the driveway.

“Getting a tan.” He lifted up some, squinting.

“It’s seven o’clock at night. How tan are you going to get?”

“Not very but it’s a lay down excuse.”

“Why do you care if you’re tan?” She asked him.

“It makes my muscles look better. Wanna feel?” He winked.

“I’ll pass. Where’s Frank?”

Robbie motioned his head to the old beat up truck in the driveway.

“Thanks.” Ellen walked over. She saw two sets of legs under that truck, one very thin, with tidy tennis shoes. The others were big with heavy work boats on. Knowing which one was Frank, she grabbed the bigger leg and shook. “Frank?”

He wheeled himself out from under the truck and looked up at her. “What’s up?”

“Are you busy?”

“No, I was showing Jonas about trucks. You know how I work on them to clear my mind.”

Jonas wheeled his thin, dark complexion body out from under the truck. “I’m learning well.” He spoke femininely.

Frank twitched his head with a smirk at Jonas. “Check him out, El. He’s not even dirty.” He wiped off his hands and stood up. “What’s going on?”

Ellen folded her arms. “I need to speak to you. I really need to speak to you as my friend.”

“No problem.” He tossed the rag down. “Where?”

“My house?” She asked.

“Let’s go.” He followed her over across the street to her house.

“Look, Frank.” Ellen opened up the small fridge that sat on her counter. “Henry hooked this up for me before he left. Cold drinks.” She pulled out a beer for him. “Here.”

“Thanks.” Frank opened it. “What’s going on? Something is to bring me over here to talk.”

“Sit down.” She pointed to the kitchen table. “Please. I need some advice.”

Scratching his head as he gulped his beer, Frank pulled out a chair and sat. “You look different.”

“I’ve been sick.” Ellen sat also.

“I know that. Aside from that., you look ... almost happy.”

“Frank.” Ellen scooted her chair closer. “Something has happened.”

“You’ve fallen in love with my brother.”

“No.” Ellen waved her hand at him then grabbed his hand. “With all that’s happened to me, with all that I lost, I never thought what happened would make me happy but it does. I feel like fate has given me a second chance. It’s like God is giving me a little of a something back that I lost.”

“What are you talking about, El?” Frank gripped her hand. “What?”

“Frank, listen to this. I’m pregnant.”

Frank’s eyes widened and he took a drink of his beer then breathed out loudly. “Whoa.”.

“Think about it, Frank. To have that special love back, that unconditional love you only get from your child. I know this isn’t the world to be bringing a child into. I didn’t plan this, I swear. But I really think there’s a reason for it, don’t you. It’s a reason for me to go on.”

“It’s life.” Frank nodded in shock. “I didn’t think you and Pete were that close anymore.”

“We weren’t” She watched Frank’s eyes shift up. “I ... I had an affair on Pete.” She felt Frank pull his hand away. “No, Frank, don’t get mad please.” She grabbed his hand back. “I had this affair. It was one time in a hotel. That’s when I got pregnant. This is good, Frank. Something good came out of it.”

“O.K., O.K.” Frank gained his directive. “A baby is good. You’re right. And ... you can’t do this alone, not in this world. Even with us all going to Montana, you still need help. I’m here, El. I’ll help you with this kid.”

“Frank …”

“No listen to me. I’ll help you raise him or her. Don’t worry about it, I’ll be right.

“Frank no. I came to ask your advice on how to tell the baby’s father.” Ellen saw it, another look of shook on his face. “What?”

“El.” Frank nudged her. “Uh, the world died. How do you propose we find him?”

“Frank, he’s here in Ashtonville. He came to Ashtonville during the plague to find me.

“The Chinese guy? You’ve always had that thing for Asian men.”

“Japanese ... and no, not Henry. Dean.”

“Dean?” Frank stood up. “Little squirmy Dean? Little Dean?” Frank rambled. “You had an affair with him in a hotel room. Fuck, Ellen, what the hell were you thinking? Dean? Dean?”

“Yes, Frank, Dean. What’s wrong with Dean?”

“A lot and you aren’t telling him you’re pregnant.”

“I am too.” Ellen stood.

“No, you aren’t. You don’t know him. How well do you know him? You can’t be strapped down to a stranger the rest of your life. And trust me, he’ll hang onto you …”

“I like Dean, Frank. I like him a lot.”

“So.” Frank paced around. “Can he protect you in this world? Can he watch out for you? Can he teach this kid how to be strong and fight for what he needs? No. You have to watch out for this baby. It’s going to be a different world now”

“I know this.” Ellen tried to stay calm. “But won’t you be around? Won’t I have you to help teach my kid the physical things they need? Or are you going to walk away from me and all our years because I let Dean know he’s going to be a father?”

“No, I’m not walking away from you. I’ll never walk away from you. That’s why I’m telling you let me raise this child with you. He’ll never know.”

“He’s not stupid Frank. He’ll know. I told him Pete and I had problems. The time frame. He’ll figure it out. What are we going to say? It’s yours? You live across the street.”

“He won’t figure it out if…” Frank saw the kitchen door open and Robbie walked in. “If we tell him it’s Robbie’s. He’s been living with you. He’s been here since the beginning.”

Robbie shut the door. “What did I do? What are you talking about?”

“El, tell him. Tell him what you just told me.” He saw her mouth open. “No wait, I will. She’s pregnant, Robbie.”

Ellen threw her hands up and let them fall with a slap to the table. “Way to come right out with it.”

Robbie, just as shocked as Frank, slowly sat down. “Dean’s?”

Frank placed his hands on his hips and looked at his brother. “You knew?”

“Yeah, I knew. Big deal, El. You’re pregnant.”

Ellen nodded her head. “I’m having a baby, a baby. It won’t replace my children, but you know what? It will give me a reason to go on.”

Robbie swallowed hard then smiled. “This is really good news. So why are you two arguing?”

Frank pulled out a chair and sat down. “Tell her she can’t tell Dean it’s his. Tell her. She doesn’t know him. She knows us. He can’t help her like we can. He can’t protect her and this kid. She shouldn’t be raising a kid with a stranger. She should be raising the kid with people she trusts, me, you, and Dad. We’ve been like her family forever. Tell her.”

Slowly, Robbie blew from his mouth. “El, he has a point. Listen to me. I like Dean. I like him a lot even though he was an officer.” He turned to Frank. “Check that out, Frank. She had a one night stand with an officer.” He returned to Ellen. “You should be with those who you can count on. It’s a different world now. It will get hard out there. Having brains is one thing, but having the skills is what the kid will need. Raising the kid with people you know is what you have to do.”

Frank lifted his hand. “I told her all this. I also told her...we’ll, we’ll say it’s yours.”

Robbie swayed his head to Frank. “Mine? I can’t …”

“He doesn’t know that.” Frank looked at Ellen. “El, do this. Just like you said you need this, I can use this in my life too. Let me help you.”

Ellen closed her eyes and slumped down. “Frank, I think emotionally this will be too much for you.”

“No.” Frank shook his head. “No, it won’t be.”

Robbie reached over and took Ellen’s hand. “You’ve known Frank since you were a teenager. He’s the one you should raise this kid with. Do this for my brother, El.” He gripped harder. “Do this.”

Ellen shifted her eyes from Robbie to Frank. “You two are making this so hard on me. We’re all going to be together in Montana anyhow. How do you know I just don’t want to be on my own? How do you know I don’t want to raise this baby on my own?”

Joe cleared his throat as he stood in the kitchen doorway. “What baby?” He stepped inside.

Robbie removed his hand from Ellen’s. “Dad, what are you doing here?”

“Looking for you two. We’re supposed to meet about this run. What baby?” He saw his son’s sitting so close to Ellen. “Frank? Robbie? What’s going on?”

Frank stood up. “Ellen … Ellen can tell you.” He reached down and ran his hand over Ellen’s head. “I’ll see you later.” Seemingly nervous, Frank walked from the kitchen.

Robbie stood up and spoke to Ellen. “I’m heading to my Dad’s.” He leaned to her ear, whispering. “Think about Frank.” He kissed her on her cheek, smiled at his father, and walked out also.

“Ellen?” Joe moved to the table. “What’s going on?”

Fiddling with a napkin Ellen stayed silent, watching Joe sit down with her.

“Ellen?”

She looked up to him and took a deep breath. She tossed the napkin and smiled. “You’re going to be a grandfather again, Joe.”

“I am?” Joe smiled whole heartedly and kissed Ellen on the cheek. “Oh Ellen.” He kissed her again. “This is great. This is really great. I bet Frank is ecstatic. You must be really early on. I mean …”

“Robbie’s.”

“Robbie’s? Not Frank’s.”

“No, Robbie’s. He’s been living here, Joe. We’ve been ... well, you know. He and I are having a baby.”

“Ellen, what in the world is going on?”

“What do you mean, Joe?”

“I mean, as much as this baby is great news, a baby is always great news.” He patted her hand reassuringly. “And as much as I would like to claim this child as my grandchild--and I will if you let me, biologically, unless you were with Frank, this kid is not my grandchild. Robbie can’t have kids.”

Ellen cringed. “Shit. You know.”

“Of course I know. Christ, Ellen, I sat through his rheumatic fever. Now you care to tell me why you are telling me I’m having a grandchild?”

“I ... I am pregnant, Joe. I had an affair on Pete right before the plague. Robbie and Frank want to raise this baby. They say they can raise him or her right in this world now.”

“And they can. I’ll help too. You aren’t alone, Ellen. We’re family.” He saw the expression on her face. “Why do I feel there is more to this story?”

“There is.” Ellen took another breath. “When you walked in, they were convincing me to let everyone believe this baby was Robbie’s and I’m going to do that. It’s the right thing to do, for Frank, for me, for everyone. So let’s just drop it and don’t spill your guts about it.”

“You seemed to have a problem with this. It won’t look like you cheated on your husband.”

“Who cares about that? Me save face?” Ellen fluttered her lips. “I don’t have a problem with it.”

“Good. I’ll be happy to say it’s my grandchild.” Joe stood up. “I have the meeting to go to with some of the men.”

“Don’t say anything yet, Joe.”

“Why?” Joe paused in his stride out.

“Let some time pass please.”

“Why?” Joe grew even more curious.

“Because the father is here in Ashtonville and I don’t want him to suspect.”

“What!” Joe’s loud voice shot right through her. “Who?”

Ellen cringed and peeped out, “Dean.”

“Jesus Christ.” Joe slapped his head. “Dean? Dean?” He returned to the table. “I should have known. I thought you two were just friends. Dean? You had an affair on Pete with Dean?”

“Yes I had an affair on Pete with Dean. So what? There’s nothing wrong with Dean. I like Dean.”

“So why are you hiding the fact that your carrying his baby from him?”

“Because Frank and Robbie said I should. They said I shouldn’t raise this kid with a stranger. That Dean isn’t, I guess, strong enough.”

“And you’re listening to those two assholes?” Joe snickered through his angry words. “It’s not right, Ellen. It’s just not right. Yeah Dean isn’t what my boys consider ‘a tough guy’ but it’s not like this child is going to be raised by only him. Hell, you have us all around to make sure this kid isn’t a squirrel. And who the hell says you have to end up with him? If you want to, do it. If you don’t, that is your choice. But don’t you think in a dead world, this man has the right to know he’s been given life?”

“But Frank and Robbie …”

“Screw Frank and Robbie.” Joe stood up. “I’ll tell you why there doing this and it has minimal to do with the baby. Robbie has had a crush on you forever. Frank, he depends on you as his best friend. They both have you right where they want you right now and they’re afraid someone else is going to step in and snatch you away. So what? It’s your life Ellen and your baby. Don’t let them two knuckleheads tell you what to do.” Joe waved his hand with an ‘eh’ as he moved to the kitchen door. “You tell Dean. You tell him he’s having a baby. And if he doesn’t know by the time you get back from this run, if you don’t tell him, guess what, Ellen ... I will.”

As she watched Joe leave, Ellen knew at that moment why she always looked to him as a father. And the fact that he just scolded her like one ensured that fact.

Friday, June 26- 8:45p.m.

30 miles north east of Buff1o, New York

They stopped for the night at what used to be a camp site. Perhaps a place where people vacationed, it had everything, recreation hail, shower area, and Bingo set-up. Dean sat on his sleeping bag. He clanked his spoon into his bowl and set it beside him, staring at Ellen who was illuminated by the small campfire. “You didn’t eat much.”

She shrugged, playing with her food. She too set her bowl down.

“I thought you liked Spaghettio’s.”

“I do. I really wasn’t that hungry.” She brought her knees up to her chest and folded her arms over them.

“Are you sick?” Dean asked.

“No, I’m just not that hungry.”

“1 wished you would have told me. I really would have preferred the beef stew in a can.” He reached out his hand. “Here, give me your bowl. I’ll take it into that kitchen and clean it up.”

“Thanks.” She handed it to him and watched him stand. He picked up the pot and his bowl along with hers and headed over to the building not far from them. She saw the beam of his flashlight disappear as he left. She rested her chin on her knees staring blankly out, in a daydream state where she lost track of time. The rattling of supplies told her she had let her mind wander off. Dean had returned. “That was fast.”

“Not really.” He sat down across from her. “Ellen ... can we talk?”

“I’d like that. You start.”

“I guess we’re thinking on the same lines here.” Dean reached down and played with the grass. “You’ve been really quiet since we left Ashtonville. Look, I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable around me. I don’t. I’m not expecting anything from you. I like you. I really do. I just don’t want you to think I’m expecting you to be with me. I wouldn’t put that pressure on you like that. I appreciate you being friends with me. That’s all I need.”

“Dean, I’ve been acting like your friend because I didn’t know how you felt. Yeah at first …” She lifted up her shoulders, searching for the words. “At first I had to pull away from you. I had to deal with what happened with my children. I did and I still am but I was so rotten for the first week, I thought it would be too much to bring up what happened with us in Stamford. I thought if I worked with you—which by the way has been a great help to me—it would make us friends and it has. I didn’t want to push you into anything with a crazy woman.”

Dean smiled. “You aren’t a crazy woman. You’re a woman on the edge, but not crazy. Wanna talk about Stamford?”

“Let me just say, I loved what happened in Stamford. And ... I had every intention of meeting you on Sunday and seeing you again if you wanted to. I even told my friend Kelly that night I was definitely leaving Pete. You gave me the freedom to make that choice. Even if you blew me off, I was doing it.”

“I wouldn’t have blown you off, Ellen. God, I wanted to see you again.” Dean scooted over and sat next to her. “All I did over dinner with my father was talk about you. I left out the details of our sleeping together and you being married but I went on and on about you. I swear I fell in love with you the moment you stepped into that lecture hall.” He saw the serious look on her face. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.” He began to get up.

“No.” She stopped him. “That was nice. That was really nice to hear. Do you ... do you still think you love me Dean?”

“Yeah I do. Crazy huh?” He tossed the grass he held in his hand. “I’ve spent a lot of time with you over these past two weeks and it’s only made me sure of it.” Dean saw her smile. “I’m glad that you weren’t being quiet with me because you didn’t like me. I thought maybe you regretted what happened.”

“Never and especially now I don’t. I was quiet because I didn’t know how to tell you something. I didn’t know what your reaction would be. I still don’t.” She rested her cheek on her arm.

“Tell me.”

“Dean …” She turned her body to face him. “Dean, I’m pregnant.” She smiled at him.

“Oh, El.” Dean blinked slowly. He sounded down, not what Ellen expected.

“What’s wrong? This is good news. At least I think it is. You don’t know what this means to me, Dean.”

“I think I do.”

“Then what’s wrong?” Ellen dropped her head. “I shouldn’t have told you.”

“No, I’m glad you did. But Ellen.” He lifted her chin with his hand. “You do know the virus is still in the air. You do know that this baby may not be immune to the virus.”

“I thought it would be. I thought two immune parents would produce an immune child.”

“They would, but Pete died of the virus. He wasn’t immune to it.”

“Pete?” Ellen laughed. “I haven’t slept with Pete in eighteen months. You, Dean, you’re the father.”

Dean stuttered. Inaudible sounds came from his mouth as he searched the right words for his response. Harshly he ran his hand down his face. “You’re kidding.”

“No.” She shook her head. “How are you with this?”

“Me?” Dean grinned then wiped it from his face. “Wait. Am I allowed to be happy about this? I mean, with all that’s happened, can I be?”

“I am. It’s my sign of hope. You gave it to me. Thank you. So are you … are you happy?”

With a short shriek of excitement, Dean placed his hands to her face and kissed her. He kissed her over and over. “Thank you.” He kissed her again. “I never thought I’d have this in my life, especially now. Are we going to do this together, El? Are we?”

“I’ve given it a lot of thought.” She saw he waited for a response. “And yes, I’d like to do this with you. I want you to be there every step of the way. I don’t know how things will turn out. I can’t make any promises right now. A lot of shit has happened to me and I don’t know how I’ll be yet, but I want to try. Try with you. That is, if you want to take a chance on doing it with someone that’s still a stranger.”

“I do, El.” Dean laid his lips to hers. “And it’s time we work on that stranger part. Don’t you think?”

“Yeah I do.” Ellen felt him move closer to her. “What are you doing?”

“I don’t think we should waste any time.” He kissed her softly. “In a sense we’re taking part in beginning this world over. You and I, Ellen, we’re starting a brand new history together.”

While they were indeed, starting a new history, in sense it was Frank who caused it.

<><><><>

Author Notes:

The entire history shifted because of Robbie’s presence. A lot of things occurred that made an impact on the later books.

Robbie was a positive in so many ways and he being there in Ashtonville caused a lot of ripples. Actually, it started from the moment he opened Frank’s ‘Do not open until’ letter.

Below are questions and answers about the major ripples and after effects. Should you, the reader, have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Ripple Questions and Explanations.

Whoa. Whoa. Whoa, Ellen went to a lecture? I don’t remember her going to a lecture in Silent Victor.

She didn’t. She was supposed to. Doc Breyer paid for it, but because Pete found a love letter from Frank, they fought and he hit Ellen. She didn’t go to the lecture because of the fight and injury.

Robbie, once he opened Frank’s mystery letter, began his path to Ashtonville. He opened up a connection with Ellen that grew into a deeper friendship. Robbie flirted a lot with Ellen, keeping her ego boosted enough that she was satisfied. Pete found Robbie’s letter, and because it wasn’t scathing, he was merely annoyed. The fight was minor and Ellen went to the lecture.

Dean doesn’t recall the affair at the lecture because he was with Frank when Frank changed time. He doesn’t recall how he actually started a relationship with Ellen out of feelings and not a need for her to get pregnant.

It seemed as if Ellen and Frank weren’t having an affair. How did Robbie change that?

By being forefront in her life, either in person or emails, there was a Frank and Ellen affair early on, but it stopped. Robbie had a positive influence on Ellen and during that time, she stopped her affair with Frank. Her innocent crush on Robbie was enough to stop her from making mistakes with Frank.

Like with Dean, Frank doesn’t recall that. He believes they were lovers the whole time.

What about the cure?

A few things happened. Robbie helped a lot. Joe wasn’t angry when he arrived in Stamford so he had a peaceful conversation. Dean, because he knew Ellen, raced to Stamford.

Because of their one night stand and his immediate attraction to Ellen, Dean left right away to go help her. He wasn’t there when Catherine dropped off the cure, so he didn’t get to work on it until it was too late. Ellen’s feeling for Dean were genuine and not based on the fact that he gave her more time with Taylor.

How much difference did Robbie make in Ashtonville?

Aside from the fact he helped stock Ellen’s house, he was there every step of the way. His being there afforded Ellen time to be with her children more as they were dying. He gathered bodies, so they were actually a day ahead in progress when George arrived.

Robbie was the one who found Kelly, not Ellen. It was one of many horrendous things she was spared from seeing.

Did Robbie’s presence have any negative impact?

Yes. He was strict with Ellen and that helped to make her numb to a lot of things. Also, since Dean didn’t get to work on the cure, he didn’t give Ellen that extra week with Taylor. That really made a difference in here. Plus, there wasn’t that gratitude and hero worship of Dean.

If I were Dean, what were some things I missed out on?

The relationship with Ellen and the fact that it was based on real feelings. There was less negativity with Frank in Ashtonville. But the biggest was the fact that his father not only didn’t die, he lived to see his grandchildren born. He lived long enough to be part of Beginnings.

The reason William survived longer is because Robbie was there. In the time frame Dean knew, Andrea was out on supply runs. William had a heart attack and no one with medical knowledge was there to help him so he passed away. Robbie made the supply runs instead and Andrea stayed back to care for the children. Because Andrea was in Ashtonville, she was able to treat William right away when he had his heart attack.

I really hope you enjoyed these ‘Lost Ripples’, I enjoyed finding them, reading them and fixing them and bringing them from the trash.

***

Table of Contents

- Copyright
- THE SILENT VICTOR Book One
- CAIN Book 2
- Beyond the Wall Book 3
- CIRCLE OF JUSTICE Book 4
- THE RIPPLE BOOK FIVE
- STATE OF TIME BOOK SIX
- THE INNER STRUGGLE Book 7
- Blink of an Eye Book 8
- FREEDOM FIGHT Book Nine
- HORSE SOLDIER BOOK TEN
- NEXT BOOK IN RETROSPECT
- BONUS EXTRAS
- Robbie’s Tale: The Lost Ripples
- Thank you so very much
- Author Notes:
- The First Ripple
- Author Notes:
- The Second Ripple